Wish youwere here?

My name is Karen and I have a confession to make – I suffer from PTD. It usually starts when I’m on a beach staring at an azure sea, but can suddenly come on when I’m having a particularly delicious or exotic dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant abroad or fantastic spa treatment. Symptoms include feeling misty-eyed when playing withmy two children on the sand, or becoming annoyed while packing my suitcase to return home. Over the years the syndrome has eased, especially since moving to Dubai, but an attack is likely after a particularly wonderful holiday.

Yes, I can admit I have post-travel depression, which can start on the plane home, or minutes after putting the key in the lock ofmy front door. Now, though, instead of wishing I was in the Maldives, New York or Sydney, I focus on the great things I have at home: my family, my shih-tzu Rex and my career.

Being away means I have time to think of new ideas for a redesign of Friday (coming soon!); catch up on all those books I’ve been meaning to read; spend quality time with my family; and explore new countries.

But it also means I can appreciate what I have at home. Seeing my fluffy dog jumping up with pure delight because we’re back, or the view frommy Marina apartment, is enough to makeme realise how lucky I am. And it’s these little things that really matter. That’s why we’ve spoken to some local well-being experts in our feature on PTD on page 58 to see what they miss about home. And as it’s our travel special, we’re giving you the low-down on our favourite luxurious hotels on page 64, the hottest beauty products to ensure you arrive looking your best on page 54 and the capsule wardrobe you need to jet-set in style on page 48. Enjoy! Until next week,