It happens every time you step foot back on home soil after a relaxing vacation - you dream about being back on the beach, sipping a pina colada, you talk about where you want to go next and you even complain about the weather back home. You have trouble reacclimatizing back to every day life. You have, the vacation blues.
And while I may not be able to escape to a tropical destination this winter (thanks a lot hockey), I have definitely have been dreaming about it. So for those of you luckier than me experiencing the vacation blues, your problems could be worse, with a few simple steps, you can get out of the rut, be as productive as you were before your vacation and beat the dreaded vacation blues. Here's how:
1// Unpack
Unpack your bags and do the laundry as soon as possible. Take some time to put away the 80 degree weather clothes that, if you're lucky, won't again need to resurface until summer.
2// Recreate a meal
One of the best parts of traveling is trying out new foods. Is there a meal that stuck with you from your vacation? Jerk chicken? Pasta dish? What about a drink? Pina coladas anyone? Find a recipe to recreate the meal. Even invite friends over to indulge. Knowing that you can recreate the meal yourself, at home and whenever you want, is a bonus.
3// Listen to music
Does the country you visited have a traditional genre of music? Mariachi? Reggae? Why not turn on Pandora, Songza or download some songs that will remind you of your vacation.
4// Get outside
Yes, the weather may be a little different, and yes, you may need to bundle up, but getting outside will be refreshing. Even with snow on the ground, that dose of vitamin D will lift your spirits.
5// Organize your vacation photos
Download and organize your vacation photos as soon as possible and while the details are still fresh in your mind. Why not hold a viewing party with friends and family to share memories of your trip? Or create a photobook or scrapbook if you collected souvenirs like maps and brochures. Making a photo book will help your relive the memories and remind you why you love to travel.
6// Plan your next vacation
Look forward to the future. There's no better cure for the vacation blues than to grab a map, do some research and get excited for your next vacation.
Do you have vacations plans this winter?
Linking up with Bonnie for Travel Tuesday.
