What to Do When You Get Home From a Holiday
Taking a holiday is an investment in your well-being, and when you’re spending your hard-earned money on a vacation, you want it to be worth it. I’ve always been pretty good at figuring out what I need from a getaway, but recently I’ve started doing an end-of-vacation debrief to reflect on what worked and what didn’t. This simple practice has helped me refine my travel habits and plan future trips that feel more aligned with what I need.
Over the years, I’ve learned a few things about myself when it comes to travel. For instance, I now know that I can only handle a couple of days packed with tours or activities before I burn out. So, I always reserve the last two days of a trip for something indulgent—staying in a really nice hotel (ideally a Park Hyatt if there’s one in the city). It’s a treat that feels like a reset before heading home.
But as it turns out, what you do when you get home is just as important as how you plan your trip. Taking the time to ease back into regular life not only helps me maintain the benefits of the holiday but also gets me excited about the next adventure.
Before You Leave Your Destination
If you’re flying home, use the downtime on your journey to reflect. This is your chance to think about the highlights and consider what you might change for next time.
Quick Holiday Debrief
What did you love? Make a note of the experiences, accommodations, or meals that stood out.
What would you do differently? Think about any tours, schedules, or travel decisions that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Did the trip serve its purpose? Whether you were looking for relaxation, adventure, or a change of scenery, reflect on whether your vacation delivered what you were hoping for.
Can you bring part of your holiday home with you? Sometimes, it’s about more than memories. Maybe there’s a habit, routine, or little indulgence you can incorporate into your everyday life. For example, I’ve noticed that the way I eat on holiday often makes me feel more energized and satisfied, so I try to replicate those habits at home.
Clean up your camera roll. If you’ve got a long flight ahead, go through your photos and delete duplicates or blurry shots. This saves time later and ensures you’ve preserved only the best memories.
When You Get Home
Stepping back into your regular routine after a holiday can feel overwhelming, but a few simple steps can make the transition smoother and even extend the benefits of your trip.
Refresh and Reset
Take a shower. This might seem obvious, but there’s nothing like washing off the travel grime to feel instantly more grounded.
Do your laundry. Even if you’re not ready to unpack completely, tackling the laundry right away keeps things from piling up and helps you start fresh.
Get outdoors or stretch at home. Travel can leave you stiff or feeling disconnected from your body. A quick walk outside or a gentle stretch at home can work wonders for re-centering yourself.
Unpack and Organize
Put away toiletries and unpack your suitcase. This is the step that often feels like a chore, but it makes such a difference. Putting everything back where it belongs keeps your space organized and prevents that lingering “half-packed” feeling.
Clean your suitcases. Wipe down the exterior and wheels, especially if your luggage has been through airports or dragged across sidewalks. It’s a small step that feels surprisingly satisfying.
Transition Back to Routine
Allow yourself some rest. Don’t rush straight back into your normal schedule. Give yourself a little downtime to reflect on your trip or simply enjoy being home before tackling your usual responsibilities.
Looking Ahead
One of my favorite parts of getting back from a holiday is the chance to think about what’s next. It doesn’t have to be a big, elaborate trip—just having something on the horizon, whether it’s a weekend away or even a local day trip, can give you something to look forward to.
By taking the time to debrief, refresh, and ease back into your routine, you can hold onto the positive effects of your holiday for longer. Vacations are about more than just the time you spend away—they’re also about the clarity and perspective you bring home with you.
What are your go-to strategies for getting back to real life after a holiday? I’d love to hear your tips or rituals in the comments.