There’s no tired like returning home from travel tired! In the whirlwind of a recent extended trip, returning home was more than just unpacking suitcases and doing laundry; it was a reintegration into the rhythm of everyday life. Here are some practical things we do to ease the transition and make the return from our adventures as smooth as possible. Many of these are small, seemingly insignificant actions that can feel like a waste of time. However, we have found they certainly make a difference in our return to regular, day-to-day life.
1. Preemptive Home Preparation Before Returning From Travel:
Before we ever leave our home for any overnight stay, we ensure our home will be a welcoming place to return. A thorough cleaning, fresh bedding, and putting away of all dishes help set the stage for a seamless re-entry. Doing these little things can seem easy to skip when you are already swamped with packing. However, we have found that coming home to a messy house is more mentally taxing. Taking a few extra minutes really makes a difference in our anxiety when we walk back through the doors.
2. Unpack Strategically:
After many years of trial and error, we developed the routine of unpacking our suitcases promptly, separating laundry that needs immediate attention. Tackling this within the first hour or two prevents procrastination and contributes to a swift feeling of normalcy. One of my least favorite activities, it seems to be one of the most impactful for us and I now regret it when I don’t do it immediately. It usually doesn’t take that long but for some reason, it can feel like an overwhelming activity when I put it off.
3. Gradual Routine Resumption:
Rather than overwhelming ourselves with an attempt to resume all routines at once, we prioritize. Start with the most essential tasks and gradually reintroduce other aspects of daily life over the next few days. It’s nice if we happen to have free time to actually take our time with this process. Sometimes, especially before retirement, we don’t always have a few free days of ‘nothing’ and have to immediately return to work. Whenever possible, we would try to return home a day or two earlier than we had to. We always feel more mentally ready when we have been able to do so.
4. Reflect on the Ramble:
Take some time to reflect on your travel experiences. Journaling or discussing our experiences with someone else can help us process the journey and create a sense of closure before fully jumping back into our routines. This is another strategy that is easier if you have a little more free time, but can still be worked into the routine a little bit at times when time is limited.
5. Reconnect with People:
When our travels keep us away from family and friends, we make a conscious effort to reconnect. Sharing stories, and experiences, and creating shared moments bridge the gap that physical distance created. Making those connections also helps me to feel more mentally prepared to return to reality.
6. Embrace Flexibility After Returning From Travel:
We purposefully remind ourselves that readjustment takes time. Being patient with yourself as you acclimate to the familiar surroundings takes resolve. We allow the unexpected to happen. Try to leave room for flexibility in the schedule and our expectations.
7. Establish a Post-Travel Ritual For Returning From Travel:
We created a ritual specific to our returns. What we do is walk through our yard the afternoon of, or the morning after, we get home. We look to see if bird feeders need attention and check for new blossoms in our garden. There’s also a mandatory grocery store run to resupply the house. Whether enjoying a favorite meal, engaging in a relaxing activity, or simply taking a moment to appreciate being home, having a post-travel ritual is always grounding to us.
8. Tackle Jet Lag Effectively:
After we cross time zones, we face jet lag head first by gradually adjusting our sleep schedule before returning. Exposure to natural light and staying hydrated can also help regulate the body’s internal clock. Over the years we have learned to appreciate using sleep masks to help us rest better during the trip. But sleep masks also have been especially helpful when trying to change your sleep schedule, regardless of the level of sunshine.
9. Reconnect Virtually:
In the digital age, staying connected is easier than ever. Schedule virtual catch-ups with friends and family members we miss during our travels. It’s a great way to bridge the gap until we can all meet in person.
10. Plan Your Next Steps:
As we settle back into life’s routine, we start planning our next steps. This can involve setting new goals, outlining projects, or even planning the next ramble. Having future plans adds a sense of purpose and excitement to normalcy. It also helps offset the natural emotional slump that can occur after returning to the everyday grind after an exciting trip.
There’s No Tired Like Returning-From-Travel-Tired!
So while it is true that returning from travel can be especially exhausting, planning your return ahead of time can make the transition easier. By incorporating some of these practices, we navigate the intricate process of returning home after an extended trip. These turn the page from the wanderlust of travel to the comfort of our day-to-day lives.
Now we are looking for our next Ramble! As of right now, we have 3 cruises planned for the next 2 years. While cruising is not for everyone, most people seem to be like us and love the convenience and we are looking forward to more in the future.
