Sometimes, the most important journeys begin not on a plane, but in the decision to start again.

We’ve all been there. The excitement fades, the suitcase stays zipped, and the places that once sparked something now feel…distant. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your routines, uninspired by the ‘next trip’, or simply burnt out, these 5 easy mindset shifts will help you get out of your travel rut, and back into a rhythm of inspiration, ease, and elegant movement.

I’ve been a traveller for years. I’m always asked “are you going away again?” and I have a reputation amongst my friends and family for owning a pair of very itchy feet.

But, my recent travels have become a little similar and I need to find a way to get out of my travel rut.

Where it all began

I’ve always loved adventures but would refer to my early years as a holidaymaker rather than a traveller. That all changed in 2012.

When my gran died she left me £1,000. That may not sound like a lot to many people, it may seem like a fortune to others, but it was priceless to me. I didn’t want to spend it on fixing up the kitchen, redecorating the bathroom or putting it towards any other improvements that might increase the equity in my flat: I wanted to invest in me.

I’d had a rough year dealing with my gran’s illness, and juggling redundancy threats and job hunting in my working life. I wanted to get away, to take a break from my life and restore myself. So, I took my £1,000 into STA Travel on St Mary’s Place in Newcastle and booked myself onto a European Getaway. 20 days. 10 countries. One coach. 40 unknown travel companions. Me.

It was pretty daunting to head off on my own. This was my first solo travel experience but I felt confident that I’d be OK once I got there. I jumped on a plane to London, stayed overnight in a hostel and joined my bleary-eyed bus buddies in the lobby at 6:30 am the next morning to board our coach for Dover.

The following three weeks were unbelievable. A new country every other day, all oozing with culture, great food, art, sunshine, wine, beer, more wine and more beer. I loved it and successfully completed my evolution from holidaymaker to traveller.

Luxe Girl Tip: You don’t need a flight to feel free. Start with a weekend solo date in your own city, a new café, a walk with a fresh playlist, or a Pinterest board full of new dreams.

Travel buddy

I met my partner Stephen not long after my return and one of the things that helped us click instantly was a shared love of travel. Stephen was just starting a social work degree so money was tight and it forced me to become adept at bargain hunting.

We’ve managed to accrue a pretty impressive trip back catalogue in our three and a half years together: Berlin, Maderia, Amsterdam, Dublin, Malta, Sicily, Barcelona, Florence, Krakow, Geneva, Croatia, Prague. And, we’re heading to Paris for New Year. Ooh, la la.

Did you notice the pattern? Yep, that’s right. All of our trips have been in Europe.

We’ve seen some beautiful countries and wonderful sites but we’re getting a little bored with our Euro travels. Balancing the books with an insatiable urge to travel is tricky, though, so how are we going to break out of this travel rut?

What happens next?

So, if I’m to visit the places I want to see outside of Europe I need to change my travel habits. Australia, Cuba, Bali, New Orleans, Morocco and Canada have been on my to-do list for a while but they’re not going to come to me.

To get there, I need to keep focused, get saving and follow these five rules to stay on track:

1. Read and research:

Reading about a place is a sure-fire way of making me want to visit it. Surrounding myself with books, maps, travel guides, magazines and websites about my chosen destination will keep my eyes on it and stop them wandering onto nearby spots on the continent.

2. Save separately:

One of the main reasons I’ve been to Europe so often is that it’s relatively cheap and easy to get there. But, I need to move away from this little and often approach and save up for the long-haul trip. I’ve set up a separate savings account so my holiday funds go straight in there every payday – I’m not touching it until I book my flights (promise).

3. Staycation

The travel bug will rear its head while I’m saving, of that I’m certain. I can’t cave in and book a European mini-break if I want to explore the rest of the world. Instead, I’ll be opting for staycations and checking out the fantastic places on UK shores. I may not get great temperatures but I’ll get to explore and escape for a fraction of the price.

4. Tighten up

If I want to accelerate my savings and get to my destination quicker, I need to make savings everywhere. I’ll be looking at my household bills, clothes buying and other spending to see where I can cut down and add to my holiday fund.

You’ll also love…

• The Ultimate Old Money Elegance Amalfi Travel Guide
• How To Plan An Unforgettable Stag Do In Prague
• How to Make Business Travel Feel Like a Relaxing Getaway

5. Christmas present

Can you remember what you got for Christmas last year? Me neither. This year, I’m going to ask for contributions to my travel fund instead of gifts. I don’t need any more books, PJs or toiletries – I’d rather boost my savings and put those pennies towards my next adventure.

So, if I follow these rules, stick to my savings plan and avoid distractions, I should be able to break out of my European travel rut in no time. There’s a big world out there and I want to see it.

Ready to turn your reset into something real? The Digital Sales Engine helps you channel that fresh energy into a funnel that sells softly, built for business owners, bloggers, Pinterest creators, and women reinventing on their own terms. When the spark returns, let it fuel your freedom. Build your engine – $97

FAQs if you’re Stuck in a Rut

Q: What is a travel rut and how do I know I’m in one?

A: A travel rut happens when the spark of wanderlust fades — you feel uninspired, restless, or disconnected from the joy of exploring. If planning a trip feels like effort instead of excitement, you might be in one.

Q: How do I get out of a travel rut without spending a fortune?

A: Start small. Explore your own city, book a luxe staycation, or even create a dream itinerary — just for fun. The act of planning and visualising can reignite joy, even before you board a plane.

Q: Can a travel rut affect my creativity or content creation?

A: Absolutely. When your inner world feels flat, your output follows. Reconnecting with new environments (even locally) can help refresh your voice, vision, and energy.

Q: How can I channel travel inspiration into something productive?

A: Use that energy to create. Start a blog, map out digital products, or launch a funnel. When you link inspiration with action, your creativity becomes profitable.

Q: What’s one thing I can do today to break the rut?

A: Reconnect with your vision. Open Pinterest, create a “Next Chapter” board, and start pinning what excites you, it’s a step forward that sparks movement.

Q: Is it normal to feel disconnected from travel after a big life shift?

A: Yes, change alters the way we move, plan, and prioritise. The good news? Your travel style can evolve with you. Soft girl travel, slow adventures, and intentional escapes are all valid.