The Post-Travel Blues

I don’t know if this has happened to any of you, but after Jeff and I return from a trip, particularly, a long one, we experience an onset of depression. Our depression is only temporary, thank goodness, but initially upon our return, it’s like a dark cloud hovering over us, no matter where we go. The reason for the letdown is because we got such an adrenaline rush from traveling and having that feeling of uncertainty was something we got used to.

There were so many times we didn’t know where exactly we were going to be staying. At first, that can understandably be very frustrating. We ought to know; we have dealt with this situation more times than we can count. Usually, the problem is that rooms have gotten double-booked. We would stay in a room one or two nights, then have to move. Sometimes we got displaced from our hotel and found ourselves in the precarious scenario of having to search for another hotel. Still, no matter how many bad situations we have dealt with, we get to the point where we miss it—as crazy as that may sound. Jeff and I actually get used some annoyances and discomforts, and we honestly believe that the purpose is intended to make us become more acclimated travelers.

When Jeff and I get home, one of the most difficult things to do is go grocery shopping, and it’s because we have too many choices. To most people, that is considered a good thing, but when we’re traveling, and have a limited variety, that makes it easier for us. We often times don’t have a room with a refrigerator, so if we buy fruit, we have to eat it the same day we buy it, so we frequently shop at the local markets. One thing we definitely don’t miss about home is the expensive restaurant prices. When we travel, we go to a local restaurant or a hawker stall, and it’s pretty cheap to eat, and we don’t have to worry about cleaning up the kitchen. I would have to say that is undoubtedly one of the things that I miss the most.

Though Jeff and I deal with some initial depression upon returning from an overseas trip, it doesn’t last for too long, because that is when we’re in the process of planning yet another trip. Traveling for us is almost like a drug, and we can’t seem to get enough of it. I suppose that there are worse things to be addicted to. One thing we have definitely figured out is that the best way to get rid of the post-travel blues is by planning another adventure. It works every time!

Thank you for reading!