It’s inevitable that at some point in your travels, you’ll feel homesick; it happens to everyone. There’s always going to be SOMETHING you miss when you leave home, but that doesn’t mean you have to let it ruin your entire trip. If you’re ever feeling homesick, try a few of these tactics to help you cope and get back to your happy place while traveling!
Get Out
Leaving your room is half the battle when it comes to homesickness. Lying in bed and watching an entire season of “Friends” on Netflix won’t help (been there, done that). Make a goal to spend some time out and about. Bring a book to the park, or your computer to a coffee shop, being out and around people can help you forget about missing home.
Bring a Little Bit of Home With You
Bringing a few things from home can be your anchor and help relieve homesickness. I brought my stuffed animal and blanket that I’ve had since I was a kid, and take them out whenever I’m missing home. (The kids that I look after love my “teddy’s” as well.)
Make Friends
Whether you’re in a hostel, cafe, or park, talk to people and make new friends! You’ll be amazed at how many other travelers you’ll run into that are also dealing with being homesick. Plan fun days visiting museums, shopping, or hanging out at the beach to keep your mind off of missing home.
Take a Break From Social Media
One word, FOMO. We’ve all been there, but when you’re the one traveling and experiencing new things, just remember your friends are doing the same old things you would always do back home. You’re really not missing out on anything, trust me.
Make a Bucket List
Create a list of things you want to see and do while traveling. Make an effort to complete everything on your list and cross them off as you go! This will give you something to focus on and keep your mind off of missing home.
Get in a Routine
While traveling, we tend to fall out of routine because everything is so different and new. When we don’t have a daily routine, we can often feel lost or anxious. Creating a daily routine and sticking to it (mostly) can help relieve homesickness!
Exercise
Exercise is a crucial coping mechanism, it helps keep a healthy mind and body. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are feel good chemicals, eliminating that feeling of homesickness!
Treat Yo’ Self
Whether it’s a new shirt, a manicure, or even just an ice cream, sometimes indulging can make you feel better and forget about missing home.
Find A Hobby
Everyone has a hobby they love doing, and just because you’re traveling, doesn’t mean it has to stop! If you love yoga, find a local yoga studio near you; if reading is your cup of tea, find a library or cute book store nearby; if you’re really into cooking, research cooking classes and sign up. Just because you’ve left home, doesn’t mean you have to leave your hobbies behind too!
Make Your New Home Your HOME
While you can’t bring your entire house with you, you can certainly find ways to make your new space feel like home! Hang up pictures of friends and family, invest in a cozy blanket, buy candles with scents that remind you of home. Just make your space feel like, well, your space!
Keep Busy
Keeping busy is the best way to keep homesickness at bay. Say yes to everything (well, almost everything). If someone invites you out, tag along. It’s the best way to meet new people and start to feel right at home.
Give It Time
Don’t be discouraged if you’re not in love with your new environment right away. It takes some time to get adjusted to a new place. Just remember it’s okay to miss home, but with patience and perseverance, you’ll be able to make it work.