The post-holiday crash landing — reclaim your baggage and your hydration

You’ve just arrived back in the UK after a week in the sun. Yesterday it was warm evenings and poolside relaxation; today it’s a dry mouth, low energy, and a stubborn headache. The glow from the South of France already feels far away, and you’re counting the days until your next break.

You’re not alone. According to our social poll, 76% of people feel like they need another holiday as soon as they get home. But experts say the reason is often simpler than you think; you might just be dehydrated.

How common is post-holiday fatigue?

Our poll data shows that more than half (53%) of travellers feel tired when they return, with 16% feeling rundown. Only 23% said they returned feeling refreshed, and just 8% felt truly relaxed.

Why holidays can leave you feeling drained

Time away should leave you recharged, but changes in diet, climate, and sleep can sometimes leave you feeling more tired than when you left.

Holiday fun

Hot weather, time in the sun, rich foods, late nights, and a few extra drinks are some of the best things about being away. However, with nearly 1 in 5 holiday-goers admitting they don’t actively focus on hydration from our social poll, it’s easy for these holiday habits to leave you feeling dehydrated and tired.

Here’s what you can do about it:

• Stay hydrated: Aim for 2–3 litres of water, and include water-rich foods like melon, cucumber, and leafy greens.
• Incorporate energy-friendly meals: Try to incorporate wholegrains, lean protein, and fresh produce to help maintain steady energy levels, alongside richer restaurant meals.
• Enjoy drinks, but maintain some balance: Alternate alcohol or coffee with water, an electrolyte drink, or coconut water to stay refreshed.

Air travel

Flying home brings its own set of challenges. Dry cabin air, lower oxygen levels, and pressure changes, combined with the occasional celebratory high-altitude drink, make planes a well-known cause of dehydration and post-flight sluggishness.

Here’s what you can do about it:

• Stay on top of water intake: 230ml per hour is ideal [1].
• Pack electrolytes: Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium help your body rehydrate faster [2].
• Move a little: Standing, stretching, or ankle rolls can boost circulation and reduce stiffness [3].

Electrolytes could be the secret to bouncing back

We’re passionate about wellbeing and are always exploring new ways in which we can help people implement it into their lives. In response to the startling revelation that 76% of people need a second holiday after their travels, we reached out to our neighbours at Liverpool Airport to offer travellers something a little more uplifting than baggage delays and grey skies.

This summer, we gifted arriving passengers our Genesis Advanced Hydration to help them reset, recharge, and reclaim their hydration (along with their luggage) so that they can continue feeling their best post-holiday.

This powerful quad-blend combines electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium) with coconut water extract, B and C vitamins, and a zero-sugar, plant-based, low-calorie formula. Specially designed to support natural hydration, fight fatigue, and sharpen focus, it’s the perfect travel companion for bouncing back after a flight. It’s a simple way to help travellers feel better, faster.

Kyle Crowley, registered nutritionist and Chief Product Officer at Protein Works, comments: “Electrolytes play a key role in keeping your body hydrated and your muscles and nerves working properly. When you sweat, especially in hot or humid climates, you lose both water and essential minerals [4]. If they’re not replaced, you can end up feeling weak, sick, and having headaches [5]. Packing electrolyte tablets, powders, or ready-mixed drinks can make rehydration quicker and more effective than water alone. They’re easy to fit in bags and suitcases, too, so can be a great helping hand for holiday wellness.”

Want to get your hands on our Genesis Advanced Hydration? You can shop for it here and rehydrate smarter with Protein Works this summer.

Sources

1. Condé Nast Traveler: This Is How Much Water You Should Drink On a Plane
2. Bupa: What are electrolytes and why do I need them?
3. Fitness First: 10 Seated Exercises to Improve Circulation in Your Legs on a Flight
4. Bupa: What are electrolytes and why do I need them?
5. Cleveland Clinic: Electrolyte Imbalance