It’s always weird coming back after a long trip. Your body’s home, but your brain’s still somewhere between the Pantanal and Patagonia. One minute you’re chasing anteaters, the next you’re back in your living room, wondering what to do with yourself.
I’ve experienced this a few times now, that weird, empty feeling of not knowing what to do with myself. I get sad, bored, and just generally out of it. Going from seeing something new every single day, constantly chasing the unknown (that little hit of travel adrenaline) to suddenly sitting at home with not much going on… it’s tough.
I know I’m still young, but honestly, I really feel like I need that travel adrenaline to stay sane. I’ve always struggled with staying in one place for too long. I need to experience new things and see new places, otherwise, my brain just starts spiraling.
And that’s exactly how I feel when I come back to Belgium. Stuck. Even though I enjoy seeing my mom, cuddling my cat, and taking a break after packed travel schedules… my head is still somewhere else, and I can’t wait to leave again.
Another part that makes it hard? Feeling disconnected from people at home. It’s not because I think I’m better than anyone, not at all. Everyone has their own life, their own version of happiness, even if that means staying home, working, doing their thing. But I can’t lie, hanging out with old friends and hearing the same stories just doesn’t hit the same anymore. Everything feels… dull. (Again, I say that with full respect for how different people live.)
And don’t even get me started on the food situation. It’s such a small thing, but wow, I miss the food after every trip. I still remember coming back from Asia and literally craving rice balls, ramen, chicken katsu, Malaysian curries packed with flavour… Even tiny daily rituals like grabbing a snack from a konbini or trying random dishes are hard to let go of.
What Helps Me Cope
Even though I still get post-travel blues every time, here are some little things that help me manage:
Shake off the jetlag: This one’s basic, but the faster you feel physically normal, the easier it is mentally. My go-to tips:
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Get sunlight as soon as possible, even if you’re tired
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Move your body, a short walk or light workout helps reset your clock
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Don’t nap for hours, even if you want to, small naps only
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Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals or alcohol on travel days
Understand it’s temporary: Feeling disconnected is normal, but it doesn’t last forever. Once you fall back into your daily routine, those feelings ease up, so don’t pressure yourself to “feel normal” right away. Give yourself time.
Get back into hobbies or creative projects: I always dive into editing my wildlife videos, sorting photos, or working on the blog. Even small projects like sharing travel pictures helps ease the transition. Prepping for my Raja Ampat dive internship and my future Taiwan visit is also giving me that future-focus I need.
Plan something to look forward to: It doesn’t have to be another huge trip. Even a small weekend away, a hike, or exploring a nearby town helps. Just having a plan makes me feel less stuck.
Cook your favourite travel food: I love recreating the meals I miss most. Is it as good as the real thing? Probably not, but it helps, and it brings back the fun memories.
Talk to fellow travellers: Sometimes, the only people who truly get it are the ones who’ve done similar trips. Staying connected with other travellers, even through social media or blogs, makes you feel less alone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling lost after an incredible trip, you’re not alone, and it doesn’t mean you’re ungrateful or “spoiled by travel.” It’s completely normal to need time to adjust. I remind myself every time:
The experiences stay with you. You’ve collected memories, funny travel fails, unbelievable wildlife encounters, and moments you’ll replay in your head for years. Every trip shapes you, and every time you come home, you’ve grown a little.
And… there’s always a next adventure to plan. Whether it’s weeks, months, or even a year away, knowing your next big experience is coming keeps that restless feeling in check.
So for now, I’ll settle back in, cuddle my cat, edit some wildlife videos… and maybe start looking at flights for the next trip.
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