How does one get over the post-vacation blues?
 

My husband and I just returned from our first trip to Europe. It was 4 weeks long and just amazing! Now we're back home and are longing to be back in Europe. We definitely have post-vacation blues and are feeling quite sad. How do we get over this depression?

It sure is hard to come home, isn't it? Here's what helps me: buy a large scrapbook-type album and spend some time making a great memory album of the trip, sticking in photos, ticket stubs, pamphlets, etc. and writing captions. The album takes a few weeks to make and, after it's done, flipping through it can help relive the memories. If you kept a travel journal, reading that is fun, too. Think of some of the reasons your trip was great, and see if you can come up with a way to incorporate some of those things in your normal life. True, USA is nor Europe, but there are probably places near your hometown where you can stroll around the streets, have a drink at an outdoor cafe, visit a museum, take time to pay attention to your husband. Many people don't bother to do these things at home, and making a point of giving your regular life the same effort as a vacation can make a big difference. Since you obviously love European travel, set goals (financial and time) to allow for a future trip (it may be possible sooner than you think). Make wish lists with your husband about where you'd like to go next time and what you'd like to see. Start researching. Finally, share your tidbits with all of us on Fodor's Forums; you can relive your experiences and help fellow travellers! Cheer up and enjoy your memories! kimberley

Polina: I know exactly what you mean. Last summer, my wife and I drove around southern Germany for 10 days and it seemed kind of sad to get back into the "old rat race". I think that this is a common thing after you've gotten away from it all and had fun. What I did was try to adapt our surroundings a litte to where we visited. We put out the things that we brought back and maybe did a few small decorating things inside and outside that were sort of reminders, like flower boxes on our porch and more flowers and things for the garden in general. We also had our photos developed and we took a few and had them enlarged and hung them up. Instead of missing the places we've seen, we save some money and are making plans to go back next year. We aren't going until next May, but our itinerary in almost in place. This tends to give you something to look forward to and to work for. I think that getting away makes life easier to cope with, especially if you have a stressful job and/or home life. So, keep that chin up and look ahead! We are fortunate to be able to travel, even once in a while. Here's to that next trip!

I love to look back on my photos, items I've bought, and reading my journal. But I always start thinking of my next trip (France in May? 1999)!

I am always sad to leave Europe to come home. I have filled my home with treasures from my travels, and just looking around the house brings back memories. We have also made changes in our home to remind us of Europe: two years ago an artist painted a sky and clouds on the ceiling in our dining room. This reminds me of many French and European palaces. Our guest bath is done in faux marble, completed by a wonderful artist who understands my love for Europe. For the last 6 years, I have been adding to my flower garden in back many of the blooming plants I have seen at Monet's home and in other beautiful gardens. This year we bricked our drive, walkway, and front porch. This reminds me of the cobblestone streets. I tend to care for my flowers more, and appreciate them more since I have had wonderful visits in Europe. Even my friends joke that we really live in Europe and just come back to the States to work. A true cure, though, is to plan the next trip on the airplane home. We just returned from Norway and already are planning a month in Scotland for next year.

Absolutely do your scrapbook before you forget all the wonderful details, and begin planning your next trip---even if you don't know when it will be. Also remember that part of this is jet lag after adjusting to European time. Get out in the sun! <BR>

Great topic and suggestions. Doing the pictures, album and scrapbook ASAP is right - it helps you relive the experience a bit longer. My suggestion - while I am away, starting around the last 3 days or so, I start to remember how things are at home. I don't dwell on it. Mostly I just visualize what my house looks like, the clutter that will be waiting for me at the office, sitting in my car, etc. I just picture these things for a bit but don't think about it too much. I have done this on my last few trips and I find that it really helps the transition from vacation to home. <BR>

Keeping in touch with people I've met in Europe (other travellers and natives) via e-mail or regular mail helps me over my post-vacation blues. I've also created an album of memories and put in more comments of my trip in my travel journal so it now consists of "before, during and after" impressions.

Take a trip!

When your bills start coming in, you'll have something else to be blue over!

Try these three things: 1. Plan your next trip/trips. My wife and I are going to Scotland this August, but we are already planning our trip next Spring to Eastern Europe, and I'm already planning next two trips in my mind. Already getting books and printing helpful suggestions on Fodors forum, etc. 2, Enjoy your many photos and scrapbooks 3. Share the information! I enjoy reading these posts and sharing information with others. Helps me relive my previous trips and I also get a good feeling about sharing information with others. <BR>

<BR>What a great topic! When I came back from my first trip to Europe 12/95, I resolved to change my MO and live more "Europeanly". Fortunately becoming an "empty nester" and transferring to a less stressful job have helped. In addition to the other good suggestions such as making an album, displaying collectables, planning your next trip (including prioritizing and saving for it), I'd urge resolving to: "tour" your own area, do some people-watching, look for serendipitous pleasures, let the vacation attitude linger.

Wow, that is a good question!! My family is a collection of avid readers and artistic people, and we travel often. I am quite prone to the post-vacation blues, and have found some perfect hints and tips on getting over it. <BR>Travel Collage: <BR>My mom and I discovered this cheap and easy idea after a week long trip to New York City. Use a plexiglass frame in a size that will fit a space on the wall in your home, and cover a measured piece of cardboard with souveneirs (sp.?). Using napkins, tissue paper, bags, business cards, company emblems, reciepts, ticket stubs etc. We used playbills and painted an NYC background then glazed over it at the end. It's a lot of fun to see all you have done, and creating one for each city forms a fun conversation piece too. Good Luck!! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Great question, I felt weird for over a month after I returned from my Paris trip. It really is a testament to how adaptable human beings are, that even after only a week or so in a foreign country we can assimilate so much that coming home feels funny. Anyway, for me the best way to cure the post trip blues is to begin planning another one. The planning is always half the fun anyway.

Thanks for all the great suggestions! We have developed our pictures and will start on our scrap book. We most definitely will start planning (at least dreaming) of our next trip. Thanks to all!!

I do like this topic. Upon returning you're tired physically and emotionally you're drained. Your mind would like to linger in Europe just a bit longer, but your boss frowns on sitting over a cup of coffee for an hour (plus office coffee pales in comparison to a café crème). You're back to your everyday life with deadlines and housework. You know prior to your trip you read and study, like preparing for a final exam. It's a flurry of activity that's not necessary now that your trip is over. <BR> <BR>I agree with the above ideas, look at your photos and art books, and don't hide them, leave them in plain site for an anytime mind trip back across the ocean. I took a few pictures specifically to blow up and display on a wall., but I've found that visiting this site has perked me up, plus I'm planning for another trip at an indefinite time. <BR>

I have to agree withe everyone. Coming back is the pits. Stick with this forum and you'll get through it. Another thing that got my husband and I trough the Europen Blue was our local cable TV channel sponsored by Fodors called "Inntimate Escapes" Wee find that at least three times a week the show someplace that we have visted. It's like been there done that but can't wait to go back. It is on our learning channel or maybe it may be called TLC. Anyway its great to watch and you can get new ideas on where you may want to go the next time. The hosts name is Jennifer Conby and does a great job for Fodors. Don't miss this program you'll feel like your back in Europe. <BR>

I always have my next trip in mind, so I don't really get depressed about being back. I know that within the following 2 years I will be O/S again for another 6-8 weeks so there's always something to look forward to.

Yes, looking forward to the next trip does help one get over the blues. However, my husband and I are planning to start having children in the very near future, which means that our vacation days are over for quite a while. However, I am certain that having children will be an adventure in itself. I'll start planning for our vacation when the kids are old enough to leave with grandma and grampa in about 5-7 years. In the meantime, I will vacation through the words of others on this site. Thanks to all!

Just start watching the international channel and think how stupid americans are when they act stupid here in america, and how the majority of them are very ignorant!!! Then consider your life changed and return next summer. <BR> <BR>I've been doing this for the last 4 years and don't see an end!!! <BR> <BR>ciao grazie!!!!!!

Wow, what a great topic. I, too, had serious post-travel blues. I spent nine weeks backpacking in Europe with a friend when I was twenty-one (1995) and I felt like I needed professional help for about four months after I got back. The first thing I did when I got home was overhaul my closets (luckily I still lived with my parents so I didn't have a whole house to do). I felt like I had too much stuff, and it was all weighing me down, somehow preventing me from getting out there again. I had gotten so used to living out of a backpack. I gave most of my belongings to the Salvation Army. Well, I'm glad I did it, but it wasn't really necessary, just an impulse thing. I also couldn't sleep at night. For two months I had shared a room with countless strangers, and my best friend, and now, in my comfy bed at home with no snoring or coughing or tossing and turning of others, I couldn't sleep! I drove people crazy with my stories, "When I was in Europe...". I wasn't bragging; it was just all I could think about. I even got reprimanded by my boss for being short with people and generally not easy to get along with since my return. It was a nightmare. I did my scrapbook, reread my travel journal about eighteen times, read travel books like _Neither Here, Nor There_ by Bill Bryson. I COULDN'T plan my next trip. I had already taken a semester off from college to take my first trip, and another seemed in the distant, distant future. Thing was, my boyfriend was awfully happy that I was back, and decided he could never live without me again, and proposed! So I got to plan a wedding (we eloped to Maui), and then, with our combined incomes we managed to scrape together enough for a fairly spontaneous honeymoon to Europe, just a year and a bit after I my first trip. If it weren't for the marriage part, I probably would STILL be depressed!!! Now my husband is in school and we definitely can't afford another trip for a long time, and I'm obsessed with travel. It's an itch you can never scratch to your satisfaction. But all the suggestions here will help...even if you plan a trip you can't take any time soon! And this message board sure helps. Good luck!

I understand your feelings about Europe. I go every year and I have never found it easy to readjust when I come home. Since you plan to be at home raising children for the next few years, I do have some advice on how to keep your trip alive. There are many great books (fiction, biography and travel) with European settings. I don't know where you travelled in Europe, so I can't recommend a specific book. The first time that I visited Florence, I came home and read everything that I could find on Florentine history. It made the city come alive for me. When I visited Florence again this year, I was able to see it in a completely new way. I read before I go and I read more when I come home.

I know how you feel, Jen. I have been boring everyone with my stories of "When I was in Europe..." since my return. My husband and I even considered moving to Amsterdam or Florence. I am now reading "Under the Tuscan Sun" about a couple who bought a home in the Tuscan country side. I'll start saving for my Tuscan villa now.

I know exactly what you are talking about. I took my first European trip (to Rome and Florence) this spring. I was miserable when I had to come home. I watched Roman Holiday and A Room With a View and wept for the first few days. After drying my eyes, I made a list of all the places I've ever wanted to go. I'm headed to Ireland in March. Now when I return from a trip, I can start saving and planning for the next one.

Be a tourist in your own city- read books about it, find strange restuarants that you've never been to, buy foreign foods and wines. <BR> <BR>Learn a language and practise speaking it with your husband- try thinking in it too! <BR> <BR>Listen to music in different languages, find penpals in countries you've been to, want to go to, or revisit... <BR> <BR>Sigh and dream about beautiful Europe :)

Hi Polina, Its been 2 years since you've posted your origional post. I hope you've recovered. If you have already started a family, here is what we did. As our son was growing up we traveled in the US starting with camping trips when he was 9 months old. We've managed to hit 47 states plus some trips to Mexico (Mexico city has a European flaver to it) There a log of fantistic places to visit in the US. No sight in the world matches standing in a grove of Giant Redwoods!! I still pull out my slides occasionally to re-visit places I've been, althouh I now develope to CD's and print using photo paper and put them into a 3 ring binder and can easily look at them any time. <BR>Art <BR>

interesting topic

Isn't it like a drug?? I mean, my first trip to Europe was only 8 or 10 days. So getting over it was nothing. But my subsequent trips there were all at least 3 weeks long, and every time I come home it's like trying to get over a bad relationship. Now, every time I SEE a photo of Paris (even one of those Madeline books), I get all weepy. I'm not scheduled for a EuroVacation this year since I changed jobs, so now my system is in total withdrawal mode. boo hoo

I am going to Paris in two weeks,and as far as what follows, there is not much after. However, the best way to get over the depression of returning to normaility is to change one's view of travel. Rather than seeing travel as escaping reality into another world, and then coming back into it, travel should be seen as moving from one part of the Earth to another. Coming back home, is just moving right across an ocean into an interesting region that has it's own charcteristics, just as the other place did. A traveler from that country would be just as excited going to your house as you would be going to their house.

Just having returned, I can't say this or any other time have I been depressed. Maybe because I never got to travel or think about myself and my own "choices" when I was young, as those who are young today do- maybe that has made the difference. Maybe not! I look upon every vacation as a great gift given to me and try to plan another, but realize that my greatest gift is here at home. I tell people who do not travel about my trips. Just think of all the positive good will that you can pass along from your experience with another culture. The best way of getting over any blues is to volunteer in your own community and reach out to the lonely.

to the top!

Topping for a "blue" friend :(

Thanks, Sweet Sal. This was fun to read.

Thanks, Sweet Sal. This was fun to read.

Hello, I am sitting at my desk drinking tea and eating buscuits I brought back from London AND reading this and other travel forums. I find using things I purchased, eating goodies I brought back and starting to plan my next trip help. I always love returning to my home, my pets and especially my wonderful bed even though I really enjoy my travels. I also look at real estate in France and dream of a small place there to call my own. I love to travel but at about two weeks start to get homesick. Then I am home about two weeks and want to travel again. Therefore, if I had two homes... or would it not feel like an adventure but just being at home. I still did not have the disipline to get together a travel journal. All my stuff it lumped into various drawers and when I happen across it I stop and look at it with love and longing. I really need to make an albumn. I also found that when I worked five days a week and returned from vacations I really felt down getting back into the rut but when my schedule changed to three days a week and I had more free time, it was much less of a struggle when I returned. I work longer hours but have more days off. Happy travels and just remember to be so thankful for the travel you do get to do.

Thanks, Grant.

Boy, this is coming at a time when I have been feeling the same way. I have travelled extensively throughout the US but finally had the chance to travel to europe this past summer. My son had gone to finland the year before on an interchange program with 7 other kids. We were lucky to have their son from finland here first so we grew to appreciate his interests, excitement about the us and fondness for his country so when my son went back with him to his house, he felt pretty comfortable (more so than mom). The best part of the whole story is that the finnish boys mom and I had emailed each other every week before the interchange and continued to do so long after. My son swears that we were "evil twins separated at birth" as Calvin and Hobbs would say. He could not believe how similar we were. Well we continued finding out that we had so much in common that our family decided to visit this past summer. I read this forum religiously, read every book I could, planned everything on the internet and went to denmark, sweden and finally Finland . It was truly the most wonderful experience. The family dicided to drive 2 hours to pick us up from Helsinki and as I got off of the boat from Stockholm, the other mom had the exact same clothes on that I did! We WERE "twins separated from birth!!" This continued the entire wekk. We dressed almost identically every day; it was very strange. They took us everwhere from musuems, to parks, cathedrals and even to the Savonlinna opera in a castle from the 1100's. It was so magical. We cried our eyes out when it was time to go. We agreed that they would visit us this summer but after 9/11, they are going to postpone. Coming home was very strange but we looked at our pictures over and over again, emailed very frequently and tried to also incorporate Scandinavia design/unclutteredness in our home as well as displaying all that we have bought. I am hopeful that we will return because our memories are very special. Thanks for the thread.