After returning from any trip, I always find myself returning home thinking about how different my “vacation self” and my “home self” are. It’s almost like two distinct personalities emerge, depending on my location. But why does my best version of myself only come out when traveling?
It only takes a few minutes of pondering this question to identify why this phenomenon occurs. On vacation, we’re stress-free, relaxed, and free of burden. The vacation version of myself isn’t thinking about taking out the trash, calling to schedule an oil change, or defrosting meat for tomorrow night’s dinner.
Without cleaning, cooking, and everyday errands to worry about, a relaxed, less-anxious, and more present version of myself emerges. This “better” version of myself quickly vanishes once I return to the everyday grind at home. Yet, with active awareness and simple changes, I’ve found a way to remain the best version of myself every day — whether I’m traveling the world or not. As it turns out, traveling has taught me so much more than I ever anticipated. It has taught me to try new things, slow down, and go with the flow to enjoy every day as much as a vacation day.
Trying new things
From hiking in St. Lucia to lying on the beach in Barbados, no matter where you travel, one thing about vacation remains the same. Vacation is about experiencing new things for the first time and forming memories. My favorite memories, such as riding on a camel for the first time in the Dubai desert or seeing the Grand Canyon for the first time, took place while traveling.
But why do we have to wait for an occasional trip to experience life to the fullest? The answer is that we don’t, but you may need to remind yourself occasionally. I recently realized that the “high” I chase on vacation can be replicated at home, too. Life’s too short to spend all your time waiting to be on vacation to make the most of your life. This shift in mindset has allowed me to explore more opportunities right at home in my backyard.
Whether trying a local cooking class, going to a new restaurant, or exploring a local event, new experiences are always waiting to be explored. While it may not always be something as exhilarating as a natural wonder of the world, trying new things holds life value in every way, shape, or form. Staying active on local groups, such as your town or county’s Facebook group, can give you great ideas for new things to try out in your area. No matter where you live, I guarantee new experiences are waiting for you (that you probably didn’t even know existed).
Going with the flow and slowing down
Upholding the best version of myself while at home isn’t always easy. Despite my best efforts, I find myself falling victim to the “grind” or “routine” just days after returning from a trip. On a typical week at home, I find myself adhering to a strict schedule and moving quickly in our modern society. From the moment I wake up, I think about what’s ahead and how quickly I can get it done. From going to the gym to unloading the dishwasher, everything feels like a race to the end of the day. In contrast, the vacation version of myself spends the time to savor every moment and new experience, remaining far more present throughout each activity.
They say awareness is always the first step to initiating change, and I agree. If I find myself reverting to my old ways, I take time to reflect and make an action plan to snap out of it. If you’ve found yourself returning from a trip asking, “Why do I live here again?” It might not be your location itself that you dislike so much. Perhaps it’s the best version of yourself (the vacation one) that you want to see on an everyday basis.
Enjoying nature
For me, breaking out of the “24/7 hustle” mindset means actively spending time in nature as much as possible. I love spending time outdoors, in any capacity, while traveling. From strolling the Ocean City boardwalk to grab a morning coffee to a waterfall hike, spending time in nature grounds us. Many studies have supported the idea that walking and spending time in nature help reduce anxiety, but I’ve experienced this firsthand.
Given that spending time outdoors on vacation contributes to the relaxed, more present version of myself, I’ve tried to recreate this feeling at home. That could look like exploring new walking paths and local hikes, or enjoying my morning coffee while sitting outside on my patio. Spending time in nature helps me mentally slow down and allows me to disconnect from the world in a way similar to “the vacation bubble.”
