Here are all of the rituals I do once I’ve returned from my travels to help make life a little easier~

I just recently came back from a big summer trip to Japan & Singapore! I thought I would share all of the things I like to do once I’ve returned from a trip. My post-travel routine focuses on two key points: (1) cleaning everything because traveling is NASTY! and (2) making everything easier for my next trip!

I travel quite a bit and these resets have proved to be really helpful habits so I hope you tackle them too after your next trip!~

My Post-Travel Routine

1. Shower. Okay I thought this was an obvious one…but I’ve travelled with people who actively decide to not shower after a flight 😳😳😳 Yo…there is so much people traffic everywhere at the airport, on the airplane, in your Uber etc. that is infested with germs. I could never not shower after a flight…

2. Load of Laundry. The next first step is to wash all of your dirty clothes! Or at the very least, take that ish OUT of your suitcase and into the laundry hamper!! You don’t want it marinating inside your suitcase.

• Pro Tip: Actually, if there’s a washing machine where I’m staying during the trip (i.e. if I get an AirBnB with an inhouse washing machine), I love to do my laundry on the last night before leaving. It’s so worth it to come home with clean clothes and not have to deal with a suitcase stuffed with stinky laundry!

3. Unpack. I know nobody wants to unpack after tiring travel, but if you don’t do it right away then that suitcase will sit there for days…or even weeks!!! (guilty 🙋‍♀️)

Some exceptions:

• When I used to travel for work, I actually did not unpack my bags at all since I knew I would be flying again within the next 3 days
• Admittedly, I take a bit longer to do this if it’s an international trip…jetlag hits me HARD
• But if it’s a regular domestic trip, do it right away. You’ll be glad you did
  

4. Prep Future Travel Items. I’m sure a lot of what’s in your suitcase are things you’ll use again on your next trip. Instead of spreading it around the house, I actually keep all of the travel-exclusive things inside the suitcase so it’s ready for the next trip (i.e. luggage weight scale, travel adapter).

And if you travel, I have loved gradually making two sets of everything needed so that I have a set for at home and a set to keep in the suitcase (i.e. cosmetics, bug spray, sunscreen). This way, packing for my next trip will be super easy – I just have to pack my clothes!

5. Sanitize Everything. During travels, everything gets so dirty from so much usage. So much touching of public transit, stair /escalator rails, elevator buttons etc…then touching everything you own. Sunscreen and bugspray gets on everything, and not to mention, those airport security bins are filthy.

Of course we should sanitize things regularly, but at the minimum it’s a great habit to do it immediately after travels. I travel so often anyways so it actually makes for frequent upkeep! Definitely clean these:

• Laptop / Mouse / Chargers / Cameras / PHONES!!!!
• I like to throw my purse, backpack, and any little pouches into the laundry as well
• I also always vacuum the inside of the suitcase and wipe down the exterior
  

6. Health Boost. Your immune system has been working in overdrive during the travels so I like to take these vitamin C packets and electrolyte packets as easy way to help stay healthy & hydrated~

7. Massage. Lastly, after all of the walking, shoulder pain from carrying heavy backpacks/purses everywhere, and an uncomfortable flight, a massage feels amazing and is a great reward for finishing all of your unpacking and post-travel responsibilities!

The one post-travel custom I need to get better at is unloading my travel photos/videos lol. I’ve gone on so many trips with nothing to show for them…I’d love to go through them one day so I can document the memories!

Anyway, I hope you all had an AMAZING summer full of family, friends, & fun~

Stay cool~,
Emily