Returning Home After Vacation

I recently returned to Canada from Ireland, and was thinking about what I’ve learnt over the years about making that transition. Taking a holiday usually means going away somewhere different, with the hope of a break, a rest, a new experience, recreation. But all holidays come to an end and that transition can be difficult. Having done my fair share of traveling, here is some of what I have learnt about getting back from the big trip…

• Before you go, try to leave your life in order - try to tidy the house and pay the bills. Coming home to a tidy house frees you to focus on making the transition home from your holiday.

• When you come back unpack your case right away Putting things away, doing your laundry and storing your suitcase helps you realize you are back.

• If you live alone ask a friend to put some fresh food in the fridge for you. After eating out a lot, it can be nice to make a home cooked meal.

• Don’t expect to get back to your normal life right away. Understand it takes a few days before you are ready to engage in your normal life.

• Get your photos developed right away. Looking at photos helps you relive your recent experiences and share them with others.

• Tell friends about your holiday experiences.Telling others helps you digest the experiences and get back. Sometime the hard part is finding people who are interested enough to listen!

• If you have brought gifts home arrange times to give them to friends once you are back.

• Write thank you letters while the experiences are fresh in your head and send a photo or two with them.

• Use the insights you may have had while on holidays, to set up your life differently before normal life takes over. Taking a break allows you to access fresh perspectives about your life.

• Coming home can bring up a lot of feelings, from anti climax, to relief to anxiety about what is ahead.

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