I don't think there's any greater feeling than sitting in the airport at your gate anxiously awaiting an adventure; your mind wandering in and out of reality somehow attempting to get you to whatever destination you're heading to faster than your plane will get you there. Only uncertainty is in your future, and there is something overwhelmingly freeing about it; I think that's what makes the travel bug so contagious - escaping a life of routine and predictability.
But like any other good fortune there is always a catch, and unfortunately with travel the distant dark cloud over all your adventures is that one day, someday, whether in a week or years time, you will have to return back into the working world and reassume your position as a functioning member of society. As all travellers know that is no easy feat for a free spirited soul.
I was never good at returning home, to be honest I was never much good at sitting idle in any place that didn't allow my heart to feel free. But with my mothers persistent encouragement for me to get an education to better my future and with travel being an expensive hobby, returning back home for longer periods of time is something I have had to accept. This summer after returning from my galavant in South and Central America I decided it was time to educate myself on adjusting to home life, and found there were five things that were especially helpful to ease the blow of post-travel blues.
1. Unpack right away
If there's something worse than having to close the chapter of an adventure it's having your packed backpack sitting in your room for weeks after your return home as a constant reminder that you're no longer having the time of your life. Don't get me wrong, I've always been a procrastinator and have a habit of leaving my bags packed for months after I get home. But trust me, it's much easier on your restless heart to have it out of sight and out of mind - not to mention on the smell and state of your wardrobe.
2. Create something to commemorate your past trip
I don't know about you, but when I return home I feel completely out of my element, so sometimes I need a reminder of my memories to readjust. Printing pictures and putting them in albums, scrapbooking (whether it's online or you like to get crafty with stickers), creating albums, journalling, or anything else you can think of will all help you after you return home. They let you create something you're proud of, make it easy to share your travel memories with friends and family, and let you relive all of your favourite moments from your trip - they're basically a time machine, but much less expensive and much less impractical.
3. Start planning your next adventure
Whether you're a solo traveller and plan all things on your own, have a single travel buddy that you collaborate over travel books with, or have a group chat on Facebook with a bunch of friends that consists mainly of you shouting (typing aggressively) travel ideas at each other until something materializes, GET PLANNING. Throw your dart at the map, crack those lonely planet books, and start jotting down your must see sights and cities because the best thing about being home and working is that you're now officially looking towards the next getaway. Day dreaming about your future adventures will get you through those long work days or early morning lectures, trust me.
4. Explore different cultural cuisines
The best thing about living in North America is that you can travel the world in the comfort of your own city simply by adventuring to new restaurants that serve the classic cuisine of countries around the globe. Don't just rotate through your go-to favourites, hop outside your comfort zone and try dishes and restaurants that you've never explored before - your travel bug and taste buds will thank you. (PRO TIP: Closing your eyes while you're eating almost makes it feel like you're actually there, key word *almost.)
5. Take mini-adventures in your hometown
Travelling has countless benefits, but I think one of the best is that it opens your eyes to beauty in everything around you. Take your new perspective for a spin and go for a hike, or even just a casual stroll, in the parks close by to you. You'll be shocked at the little gems you find in your hometown that you never noticed before leaving on your travels, and will develop a new appreciation and pride for where you come from.
DISCLAIMER: I'm going to be honest - I don't think there is any way to fully cure the travel bug once it's bitten you. No matter what I've tried I still find my mind drifting off to far away places and if you're anything like me i'm sure you'll be able to relate. Hopefully these tips will at lease keep your head up until your next adventure comes around the corner, I promise it'll arrive faster than you think. Indefinitely daydreaming, Kass
