What do we do when life changes something we once loved? For many of us, travelling is more than just going somewhere new. It gives us something to look forward to, helps us reconnect with ourselves, and reminds us there’s still so much of the world to experience. That’s why losing the desire to travel can feel so unexpected.

Whether we’re grieving the loss of a loved one or simply moving through a difficult season of life, our relationship with travel can change, too. The good news is that it doesn’t have to stay that way. Here’s what we’ve found helpful in rediscovering our love for travel, one trip at a time.

Go away for fewer days than usual

woman sitting quietly on a windowsill looking inwards, portraying the fatigue and hesitation that often accompany grief before taking a trip.
When grief leaves us feeling emotionally exhausted, even the thought of packing a bag can feel overwhelming; taking a short weekend getaway allows us to test the waters without pressure. (Image by magnific)

Much of the hesitation with travelling after experiencing a loss can be due to exhaustion. Grief can manifest as overwhelming fatigue, making the process of planning a trip challenging. It is okay to take a step back from travelling for a little while. When you are ready to travel again, test the waters with a short getaway. Consider a weekend road trip to a forest retreat or spend a few days at your favourite beach town not too far from home. Allow yourself to enjoy going somewhere without the pressure of a full itinerary and long travel days.

Maintain familiar routines while travelling

A young woman enjoying a quiet morning breakfast with fresh juice at a local cafe, representing simple, anchoring daily routines while travelling.
Anchoring our days with small, familiar comforts—like stepping out for a morning coffee or enjoying a calm breakfast—gives us a gentle sense of control in a new setting. (Image by senivpetro)

Having a routine while you are away is a good way to keep your mental and emotional health in check. No matter how you are feeling, resolve to do a few simple tasks each day – wake up, take a shower, eat breakfast, and get ready for the day. Even if you plan on staying inside all day, getting dressed gives you a good head start to the day. Having some easy but familiar practices each day helps you stay focused on what you can control, especially when you are in a new environment. Walk to a cafe and have your usual cup of coffee, continue reading the book you’re currently reading, journal, call a friend or family member in the evenings and tell them about your day.

Spend time outdoors to support your wellbeing

A young woman sitting peacefully under a tree in a green park reading a book, demonstrating the grounding effect of spending time in nature.
Stepping outside for fresh air, sunlight, and a quiet moment under the trees can work wonders to calm an anxious mind and help us stay present on hard days. (Image by benzoix)

Travelling after loss can bring about varying emotions. Some days might be better than others. Set an achievable goal of stepping outside and getting some fresh air every day during your trip. Even a little sunlight in the open air can do wonders for the mind and body. On days when you find yourself anxiously replaying negative events in your mind, go on walks, drive with the windows down or eat a meal outside. Even simple physical movement and spending time in nature can help calm our thoughts and help us be present.

Choose a season that feels comfortable to you

A smiling young Asian woman wrapped up in warm winter clothes enjoying a snowy travel landscape, showing how choosing a favourite season enhances travel comfort.
Choosing a destination and season that truly align with what makes us feel comfortable—whether crisp winter snow or soft coastal sunshine—helps protect our peace while away. (Image by lifeforstock)

The weather plays a big role in a lot of our travel enjoyment. Aside from the practical and safety factors, bad weather can wreak havoc on our minds. The last thing you want is to be rained in on a beach trip when you were hoping to spend a bit of time swimming in the sea or deal with a heatwave when your body and mind are already overwhelmed with emotions. Consider the time and season of your travel destination before booking a trip. Different seasons offer their own set of things we can look forward to and enjoy, so there is no bad time to travel, only seasons we might prefer more than others.

Travel with people who make you feel safe

Three female friends sitting together at the front of a traditional boat exploring Khao Sok National Park, illustrating the comfort of travelling with supportive companions.
Surrounding ourselves with empathetic friends who understand our journey makes all the difference, offering shared strength, warmth, and laughter when we need it most. (Image by kroshka__nastya)

Loving and thoughtful travel companions make any trip a memorable one. When deciding whom to travel with, pick those who are close to you and understand what you are going through. Friends, siblings, cousins, a partner, or a parent can help you navigate the logistics of the trip and offer emotional strength on the days when you need it.

Rest as often as you need

A woman resting peacefully in an outdoor hammock with a sun hat resting over her face, representing low-pressure travel and permitting oneself to rest.
We do not have to earn our rest; giving ourselves full permission to slow down, skip the busy sightseeing itineraries, and simply lounge is an essential part of healing. (Image by Florian Siedl)

We often joke about exceeding our daily 10k steps when travelling because when you’ve put a lot of money into a trip, there is absolutely no time to waste. However, in seasons of heartache, priorities must shift. There will be days when all you’ll want to do is stay inside. Keep your itinerary light and flexible and rest as much as you need to. It’s okay if you want to spend a few days in your hotel without going out to explore. We do not earn rest; we need it. So absolve yourself from the guilt that you might be wasting a trip if you don’t go out and do as much as you had planned to.

Create new travel memories without letting go of old ones

A mother smiling happily while taking a casual beach selfie with her children, capturing meaningful family moments and making gentle new travel memories.
Opening our hearts to new travel memories does not mean letting go of the past; it means allowing grief and joy to exist hand in hand as our relationship with travel evolves. (Image by pch.vector)

Travel bears great meaning for so many of us because it teaches us that life is so much more than we imagine. It is not about owning a passport and hopping on a plane to a foreign destination as often as possible. At its best, travel encourages us to try new things, learn about people and explore parts of the world different to where we grew up. Travelling invites us to understand the people we love better and gives them a chance to understand us too.

Losing your love for travel, especially when it is tied to memories of someone you loved, is entirely understandable. There are streets in foreign cities, views, smells and foods that forever remind us of them. Loss has a way of making us feel like our best days are behind us and that we will never experience joy in the same way again. But the truth is that joy and sorrow are often experienced hand in hand. Grief is not a dead end but rather a testament to a life that’s been filled with love. In time, we hope that you will open yourself to making new memories with people through travel again.