Winging It Travel Podcast · Monday, September 14, 2026
Host James Hammond discusses the phenomenon of the 'post-trip hangover,' suggesting it's not the travel destination itself that is missed, but rather the liberated version of oneself that exists while traveling. This feeling is exacerbated by the stark contrast between the high-stimulus travel life and the routine of daily domestic life, leading to a 'dopamine crash' upon return.
“we aren't actually homesick for the place, but we're mourning the version of ourselves that existed whilst we're there. The untethered, the curious version who didn't have to answer an email, pay rent, commute, all the things you do in normal life.”
“And I miss being that version of myself. So is it this? Not the actual place that you miss, but rather the type of lifestyle and all version of yourself.”
“So the post-trip hangover, the dopamine crash. This is surely something that everybody struggles with.”