Travel Rituals That Keep Me Grounded (Before and After Every Trip)

There’s something magical about travel the excitement of going somewhere new (or familiar), the permission to slow down or speed up, the shift in perspective. But there’s also something grounding about coming home. Over the years, I’ve built a rhythm around my travel days that helps me actually enjoy the time away and ease back in without feeling scattered or stressed.

Here’s what I do before I go and once I’m back home its the small things that make a big difference.

I love a good adventure but nothing throws off your rhythm like coming home to a messy house, an empty fridge, and a pile of laundry that rivals Mount Everest.

Over the years (and many road trips and flights), I’ve started leaning on a few simple before-and-after rituals that help me leave with ease and come home without chaos.

Before We Go

• Fresh pedicure
  One of my non-negotiables. Between sandals, beach days, and all the walking, I want to feel a little polished. My usual go-to spot knows me by name, but if you’re local to Alabama and have a recommendation, I’m always open.

• Return run-through
  Any online orders that need to be returned get handled before we go. I don’t want to come back to a punch of packages or missed return windows.

• Snack strategy
  I pack a little bag with gluten-free staples: dried fruit, beef sticks, protein bars, and electrolyte packets (I love watermelon). It helps keep moods steady from gate to gate.

• First-aid refresh
  We restock our travel first aid kit: Band-Aids, sunscreen, allergy meds, and anything else we’ve dipped into recently. It’s a tiny task that pays off big when you need it.

• Supplement stack
  Before and during travel, I stay consistent with my usual supplements—B12, omegas, enzymes, and a probiotic. Its just enough to keep my body normal.

• Deadline sweep
  I knock out any non-negotiable work items before we leave. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through a travel day and suddenly remembering a missed deadline.

Once We’re Back

• Groceries on the way home
  I’ve been known to place a grocery delivery order while still in the car (or airport). Even just the basics like berries, yogurt, granola, protein, something green. It makes coming home a little smoother.

• Unpack within 24 hours
  I try so hard to not let suitcases linger. If I can get laundry started, toiletries put away, and bags stashed, I feel like I’ve already won the day.

• Early lights-out, early alarm
  I usually keep my first day or two back as meeting-light as I can. That gives me space to reset, reply to emails, and figure out where I left off without feeling immediately buried.

• Back to basics: real meals + real rest
  I don’t do anything wild. Just try to get back to nourishing food, hydration, and early bedtimes. It’s the little things.

Travel should fill your cup not stress you out. These rituals aren’t anything fancy, but they’ve helped me hold onto the peace of a trip just a little longer (and recover faster when the real world hits again).

Got any favorite pre- or post-travel rituals? I’d love to hear what works for you.