I don’t know if its the combination of eating out all the time, airports and flights, or being outwith my normal routine but I always feel so run down when I get back from travelling. I usually travel a few weeks at a time and make the most of my holidays by packing heaps in, so I definitely stay active! How does everyone else stay healthy and well while seeing the world? Or am I just experiencing the post holiday blues ![]()
I totally relate to what you’re saying. I normally come back from a trip feeling the same way. It’s like, even though I’ve had an amazing time, my body feels a bit out of sync. What’s helped me is just being more mindful during the trip, like trying to stay hydrated, listening to my body when it’s asking for rest, and not feeling guilty if I need a slower day. And honestly, I always crave something fresh and healthy after a few days of restaurant food, so I try to squeeze that in when I can.
But also, I think part of it is just the post holiday blues. You go from these packed, exciting days full of new places and people, back to normal life, and it’s a bit of a crash. So you’re not alone in feeling this way!
I have this same problem, but I have found ways of making it a little less intense!
- HYDRATE! I have a hard time drinking enough water at home, so while travelling and having way too much fun I forget this a lot.
- I also end the trip with at least 1 full day of just relaxing. Maybe that’s just a quiet museum, enjoying any amenities the place I’m staying may offer, or just pretending to be a local for the day.
- Once I’m home, I make a point to spend at least two days “decompressing”. I look at all my photos and videos from the trip, take a long shower or bath, just love on myself a bit. Makes getting back to the daily grind much easier!
Ohhhh yes I resonate with this a lot, want to see and do it all but then ensure you are not too wiped when returning home. It could possibly be post holiday blues ![]()
My tips:
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Train yourself to sleep well on transportation - while you might not get enough sleep each night I can bet you’ve got plenty of long trains or flights where you could be getting some Zzz’s - invest in a good quality neck pillow (I hit 28 and realised how game changing this is) and then find some music which helps you to nod off. If you are tall I understand this could be a little harder.
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Hydration - ensure you are drinking enough water, especially if you love a cocktail or local wine while travelling - it’s equally important to keep up your water intake
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Shop like a local - one of the funnest things is exploring a countries super market - try the fruits and veg of that country and try not to eat out for every meal so that you can pack in the nutrients
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Treat yo self - this is more of a boujee hack but while travelling for extended periods I always look ahead to see where the most affordable place is and also most unique place is to go to a spa or massage. For example this year while in Granada we went to the famous Hammam spa there and then in the Dolomites stayed at a spa hotel. This helps me to reset while on the trip. This is much more affordable in Asia where you can get a massage at an affordable rate.
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Perspective - Returning home exhausted from travels is a luxury few get - embrace the feeling, it’ll pass and I’m sure you won’t regret all that you saw and did

Depending on where you are traveling and your own physical capability, a short run every day/second day is a great way to stay active and feel good, plus it’s a great way to see more of the place you are visiting.
I have a travel yoga mat I carry with me and find it great to do some restful stretches when Im on the road. Getting the blood flowing and having some intentinal time to relax is something I find really helpful.
One huge benefit to me of taking tours is the cognitive load it takes off your plate. I find so much of my energy on my indpendent travels is taken by organising, researching and generally having to go on my phone, check direction, opening times, food options etc etc.
When I started taking tours a few years back it felt like luxury, getting picked up from the airport, being taken to the different sights, and a guide to worry about timings and logistics and also to just ask questions/recommendations rather than having to google! It let me relax a lot more and take in the destination.
I also try to book a couple of free days at the end in one place so I can unwind before heading home!
Hope this helps ![]()