Five Tips to Avoid Post-Vacation Blues
Picture this, it’s September. Summer is over, and it went by in a blur. You’ve returned from your last vacation, which is now far the rear view mirror. Oh wait…
My advice for you to avoid those post-vacation blues or “Notriphobia (n.) The fear of not having any travel trips currently booked” would be:
Don’t just sit there, start dreaming up your next trip! Always have another trip lined up or considering your next one. It's brought my own spirits up if I have something else to look forward to. Even if it's a short trip, just have something on the books. Can’t argue with this stat: "97% of survey respondents report that having a trip planned makes them happier," found in a study conducted by US Travel Association during a 2020 campaign, which justifies having that trip booked in my opinion. Reference here.
When you get back, find local events or places that are reminiscent of the trip like visit a winery with similar varietals or palate as Italy or France, indulge in the cuisine from your favorite destination at a nearby restaurant, pack a bag and go on a picnic in a nearby park, or go to another area on foot to explore in your own backyard. Change up your routine by adding these activities and you'll manipulate your mindset similar to having a trip planned. It's all about that internal excitement and anticipation of something new and different. Now that we’re in September, look for Oktoberfest events near you. Prost 🍻
Organize your photos and put them in a photo book with Mixbook, Shutterfly or Social Print Studio, which can pull from your Instagram too. The activity with your travel partner will be a fun way to reminisce about the trip and memorialize it.
My walls are a visual display and reminder of my trips. I love to buy from local artists of the destination landscape or scene to frame them when I return and go to the nearby Michaels (whenever they run a sale because framing is an expensive hobby). OR surround yourself with travel magazines like Travel+Leisure, AFAR or Conde Nast Traveler, for inspiration if you’re not an art collector.
5. Always have a travel fund jar or separate bank account that you deposit money into so you can watch your travel potential grow and see where it can take you next. It's a painless way to save if you take it over time automatically. I have a travel slush fund that I'm always happy to check back in a few months or year to see what I've saved.
If you have kids, it’s can be a family activity and learning about money managing, planning and all that good stuff early on! The kids will feel more invested and feel like their input matters.
Now that travel demand is back with inflated prices, it’s smart to plan, save and be more deliberate. Look at your map and saved spots to get you started! Here’s my quick guide on how to leverage Google Maps and save all your Instagram inspiration.
