A Letter for lives in post-travel-limbo.

My previous journal entry was post-travel-blues relates, but let’s face it: the travel bug bites the hardest, and I'm still struggling with symptoms. I previously jotted down my reflections on making the most of the time spent abroad. However, here I am well after returning, still reminding myself to look through the windscreen and not the rear view.

Of course, like most things are, it's easier said than done. What else could be expected?

You set out for that long dreamed of trip, planning to tick off bucket-list destinations, sample exotic foods, and revel in the freedom of being a wandering soul. As the days abroad turn to weeks and if you're really lucky, turn into months, something unexpected happens—although completely aware of your real world, you’ve fallen in love with this current life of a perpetual traveler.

And then as quickly as it started - the love affair fades, and reality rushes back in. Your plane lands back home, and suddenly you’re washing your seventh load of clothes that smell like freedom, staring at your inbox, and wondering, “Now what?”

This post is my attempt of facing head on with words, the inevitable return to "real life" after any extended trip. Life is no longer in constant motion, we are no longer eating street food three meals a day, and no longer are our passports showing off new stories in stamps every few days or weeks. You're home, yes, but you always return a slightly different person. And because the transition back can feel like whiplash at times, I’m reflecting on some tips, tricks, and insights to make the adjustment a little smoother.

Hopefully.

Maybe adapting to life after the travel bug needs to be re-wired as part of the adventure?

Maybe. We can only try.

1. Take Your Time (And Don’t Rush the Process)

First things first: you’re not going to wake up one day, snap your fingers, and be back to “normal” (whatever that means). And that’s okay. The pace of travel is vastly different from the hustle of a nine-to-five, or even the freelance grind. After months of operating at your own speed, adjusting to deadlines and meetings can feel like trying to fit into shoes that are two sizes too small.

Tip: Don’t rush the re-entry. Give yourself permission to ease into your routines. Whether it’s taking an extra hour each morning to sip coffee and stare out the window or revisiting your favourite hobby that got lost in your suitcase, start slow. You’re not losing your wanderlust; you’re integrating it into the next chapter of your life.

2. Reframe Your Work-Life Balance

Whether being completely detached from work, or working online along the way - your time travelling has been entirely flexible. Is it "work" if its working from beachside cafes or mountain-top huts? But now that you're back home, you might find yourself struggling to get back into a rigid routine or trying to balance creative work with household chores. It’s a common issue. When you’ve been free from the traditional office grind, it’s hard to reign it back in.

Tip: Create a new type of structure that works for you—one that allows flexibility but still keeps you productive. Whether you're a list ticker, a pro-planner or an app user - explore what works best for you. It's important not to beat yourself up if you fall behind either! Maybe you need to change up your structure. Adjusting your structure doesn’t mean throwing in the towel, it just means adapting.

3. Incorporate Travel Into Your Daily Life

You’ve probably missed those spontaneous moments: grabbing an 11am Aperol from the wine window you've stumbled past, or getting lost in the maze of the old towns of Croatia. Back at home, your days may feel, well, predictable in comparison. But fear not—you can still bring the thrill of travel to your everyday life.

Tip: Small adventures can be just as satisfying as big ones. Of course, this depends on your current living situation and location. My husband and I live rurally in Australia. For us, this means trying out new recipes inspired by our travels, and making sure we're still saving and planning for smaller, local trips. It doesn’t have to be an international globe-trotting experience to reignite that spark!

4. Allow Yourself the Space to Miss Travel (Without Guilt)

It’s perfectly natural to miss your carefree travel days. The constant buzz of new experiences, the thrill of the unknown, and the freedom of being unencumbered by responsibilities. But here’s the kicker: it’s okay to miss it. Feeling nostalgic doesn’t mean you’re stuck in the past. I'm telling myself that it's just a reminder of how transformative travel always is.

Tip: Channel that nostalgia into creative output. Write about your experiences, share your photos with friends, or start playing with your favourite new-found recipes. This helps you keep the flame of wanderlust alive without getting stuck in the “I wish I were still there” trap.

5. Practice Gratitude—And Be Kind to Yourself

Finally, give yourself a little grace. The transition from endless exploration to settling back into daily life can be overwhelming, but it’s also an opportunity for growth. You’ve gained experiences, perspectives, and stories that at one point felt only possible in daydreams. When life feels a bit too ordinary, take a step back and remember how darn lucky you are.

Tip: Keep a gratitude journal where you note the things you appreciate about home, no matter how small. Whether it’s a morning walk through your local park with the dogs, or the fact that you can now wear open shoes everywhere, these moments of joy can help ground you when the post-travel blues set in.

In Conclusion: Travel Isn’t an Escape; It’s an Enhancement

I've learnt many times now how easy it is to fall into the trap of thinking that travel is the be-all, end-all. But in reality, it’s not about leaving your home or finding new places; it’s about the way it shapes how you see the world. Your journey doesn’t end when you pack your bag away—it’s an ongoing process that can enrich your everyday life if you let it.

So, the next time you feel the twinge of nostalgia for your nomadic days abroad or offline, remember this: Any adventure is as vibrant as the mindset you bring to it. You have the freedom and ability to take that attitude everywhere you go - as close as your backyard!

Home-made potato stamp included.

Adapt, breathe, and keep discovering, your stories are worth telling no matter where on the globe they come from.