Who does not need a getaway from the stresses of home, work, community, and the humdrum of life?
We all need one!
We need to get out of Dodge!
For some, vacation is the super-duper, cowabunga, or fantabulous event of the year! We plan and look forward to it.
Beaches, ocean, secluded locations, night-life, dazzling places, mountains, and foreign and exotic cities are a few coveted vacation choices.
Fun! Fun! Fun! is the rallying cry.
Once the fun is done, back home we return—back to the routines and ho-hum.
Many people experience post-vacation blues and the need for an adjustment period when they return home.
Yes, after unlocking, entering your front door, and placing the luggage on the floor, you realize—YOU ARE BAAACK!
Everything is as you left it: dirty clothes in the hamper, nothing in the refrigerator to eat, and the forgotten trash is still in the trash bin. Thoughts about your daily routines resurface and taunt you like buzzing mosquitoes.
Here we go again with our to-do list: go grocery shopping, remember to pay the bills, and call to check on this or that. We know the routine.
We must acknowledge the post-vacation blues and the need for a small adjustment period.
Upon returning from our recent vacation, I told my husband, “I’m not doing anything,” just in case he had any expectations.
I pretty soon realized I had post-vacation blues and withdrawal.
No chores!
I wanted to go back to Destin, Florida! Yes, I had post-vacation blues.
Yes, our 2025 family vacation was great!
My son and his family, my daughter and her family, two sisters and a brother-in-law, and my husband and I had a great time! It was a wonderful family getaway.
I am not whining or being ungrateful. Many people who deserve and need a vacation may be unable to take one this year for various reasons. Everyone needs a vacation, a change of scenery for respite, a little self-care, and fun.
I am just recognizing that the post-vacation travel blues are real!
If we acknowledge it, we can successfully deal with it.
We have heard ‘all good things come to an end,’ and vacation is one of those good things.
Now comes the withdrawal—that is what I call it.
Call it what you want: post-vacation depression, post-vacation blues, you may even call it something else.
Vacation withdrawal or blues is real!
I miss the grandkids—the big Uno enthusiasts. Warning: There is a notorious cheater in the group!
I miss my sisters—the no-holds-barred but lovable siblings.
I miss the guilt-free Häagen-Dazs ice cream splurges!
I miss the ocean, the beach, the hustle and bustle, and many other things.
What can a vacationer do to lessen the back-at-home let-down?
Some common-sense things include the following suggestions.
Clean the house before going on vacation.
Wash bedding and clothes before going on vacation.
Plan to eat out when returning home.
Gradually move into your normal household routines.
Do something you did on vacation that is not a part of your routine.
Call family or friends and share your vacation experiences.
Plan the next vacation getaway as soon as possible.
We want to have a great vacation and return home without anxiety about our everyday routines—no post-vacation blues.
I hope you are happy and well.
Have a great summer!