Managing Homesickness content provided by Mom With a Map staff writer
Sometimes, the rain never seems to want to stop. Maybe it’s just a bad trip; maybe things just weren’t going the way you planned them to be. Maybe all of this was a bad idea?
When it comes to trips, you can’t expect every destination to be incredible. Whether it’s a long trip lasting a year, or even something short like one week, sometimes you’re just going to miss things being normal.
As you’re traveling, you shouldn’t let homesickness get you down.
Homesickness happens, and it makes you miss things you never really cared about before, whether it’s the people surrounding you, the long drives, your language, the food, or even just the weather. Check out a few tips for managing homesickness while traveling.
Don’t Stay Cooped Up
Homesickness can be exacerbated by spending too much time inside your hostel, hotel room, or whatever accommodation you’re at. Instead, try to stay active, get out of your comfort zone, and experience the local culture.
FOMO is a real thing, but following your friends’ every move on social media will not help your homesickness. If you’re glued to your phone, you’ll miss out on the beauty of your new surroundings and spend time yearning for things that you don’t have.
Whether you’re with family or even temporarily moved for something like school or work, you shouldn’t let yourself stay inside. You have to get out and experience your new surroundings.
Reflect on Your Feelings
Why are you feeling this way? Is it just overwhelming that all of these changes are happening? Are you having a bad trip? Is it the people you’re surrounded with? Homesickness is a normal part of the travel experience, and it can affect people of any age and in any situation. It often sneaks up when you least expect it, whether it’s seeing photos of your friends having fun without you on social media or smelling something that reminds you of home.
Some people even keep a journal of their feelings, while others might consider some prayers to end your day. But overall, it’s okay to really think about it; what has gotten you feeling this way? Maybe you can easily fix it by changing up your schedule, going to a different hotel, or even joining a tour group.
Indulge in Self Care
Whether it’s getting a massage, taking a hot bath, or eating your favorite foods (if they’re available), you’re going to want to focus on feeling a small escape- an escape from your feelings. It can be hard to embrace changes, even as a traveler, but indulging in self-care could really help you out.
Talk with Your Loved Ones
This feeling of longing for home and family can lead to anxiety, restlessness, and irritability. It is important to talk about managing homesickness with those closest to you so that they can understand how you are feeling. This will help you to get through it, and it will also allow them to support you through your time abroad.
Keep close to them (whether you’re back at home or with you) and just talk with them to feel a connection. But if you can, try talking to others too, and maybe even consider local friends if you plan on staying where you are for a while!
Leave a comment with your tips for managing homesickness when you travel. You may also enjoy reading:
Self-care For Parents Who Travel Often
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle While Traveling
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