How To Avoid Getting Homesick
As much as we may try to deny it, most travelers do get pangs of homesickness from time to time. Although I’ve never gone on an around the world trip, I’ve still had moments where I miss my friends and family back home.
Here are 5 Tips to Avoid Homesickness
1) Prepare in Advance
I’ve often found that whenever I’m packing for a trip, the last thing on my mind is homesickness. Missing your loved ones is nothing to feel ashamed of so knowing that this may happen is the first step in facing it head on. This way, when you start to miss your best friend back home, you will already have a mental list of how to get back on track.
2) Embrace the New
Travel is all about new experiences and a lot of times when we feel overwhelmed by a new environment our first tendency is to clam up and retreat. When we turn inwards, it makes us miss home more than usual. Recognizing this natural human behavior and making a conscious effort to excitedly welcome our new surroundings often cuts down on the change of feeling homesick.
3) Take Advantage of Technology
We live in a tech driven world, which can sometimes bring more harm than good, especially when trying to disconnect to better experience a new culture. Take thirty minutes out of your day and Skype, Facebook or google chat with your friends back home. I’ve found that evening is a good time, especially when you take time zones into account. Sometimes hearing your mom’s voice or seeing your boyfriend’s face is all you need to keep on trekking.
4) Make New Connections
It’s often the people we remember from a trip more so than the destination itself which is why making new friends is essential for avoiding homesickness. Make an effort to meet other avant-garde travelers by staying at a social hostel or chatting with locals at the nearby coffee shop. Some of the people I’ve met while traveling I still keep in touch with today. Each person has taught me something new about the world and about myself.
5) Change Your Attitude
As a psychology major in college, I always enjoyed over analyzing behavioral patterns in hopes that I would solve the puzzle of the world. It never happened but one thing that i do know is that attitude plays a huge role in how we view ourselves and those around us. Traveling to a new city or town is the perfect opportunity to get out of a funk or to see the world with open eyes. If you catch yourself being negative, do whatever it takes to turn your frown upside down.
Follow us on Facebook and Tweet us: @BohemianTrails
Sign up for our free monthly BOHO BLAST!
18 Comments
More good advice. I am lucky I don’t really get homesick even when traveling alone. I think I follow most of your tips but not necessarily for purpose of avoiding homesickness but maybe it’s been working and I didn’t know it.
Ross recently posted..Longshan Temple
Thanks Ross! I usually don’t either but figured these tips might help those who do
Megan recently posted..How To Avoid Getting Homesick
Great points! They are also great advice for people permanently moving to a different place. I know it was difficult for me when I moved. I think the most important point that helped me is the “change your attitude” one. Its all about how you think of your current circumstances.
Sherry recently posted..“Greenery at Queen Elizabeth Park”
I agree and experienced some homesickness when I moved to London for a bit. Glad it worked for you Sherry!
Megan recently posted..Orlando for the Kid at Heart
Thanks for the advice. I’ve been homesick lately!
No problem!
Megan recently posted..Orlando for the Kid at Heart
I am looking forward to the moment where I need the tips in your post.
Laura recently posted..Daytime Activities in Phuket: Local Markets
That’s great that you haven’t need them! Keep it up
Megan recently posted..Orlando for the Kid at Heart
Great tips. Especially with meeting new people. It should come as a package deal when you visit a new place.
Alexa Meisler recently posted..A Cheese Cave, Wine Tasting and French Food in Baja
That’s a great way of looking at it Alexa!
Megan recently posted..Orlando for the Kid at Heart
I think Skype is just about the greatest cure for home sickness that was ever created
I agree! It took me awhile to start using it but now I use it almost daily.
Megan recently posted..Orlando for the Kid at Heart
All great tips, Megan. When we first left, I was homesick from the beginning. But then we taught my mom how to use Facebook and she even learn to chat. LOL. She’s catching on quick – leaving me comments, “Like”ing my photos. I Skype in on family Monday dinners as often as I can get decent internet. Still miss home from time to time but that’s normal.
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted..Holi Cow.. Groped in India!
haha that’s awesome Kieu!
Megan recently posted..Historical Highlights from Galveston
Changing our attitudes is the best one I think. It is hard to keep this one in mind.
Kurt recently posted..How #OccupyWallStreet Can Teach Travel Bloggers Mobile and Streaming
That probably is the most important one – it’s hard for all of us
Megan recently posted..Going Tropical in Galvevston
All great tips. I especially agree with the one about making new friends in your destination of choice. As a solo traveller, I always end up having more fun when I meet other like minded people to experience a city with.
cheryl recently posted..A Magical Moment In Budapest.
Thanks Cheryl! I’ve found the same when I travel solo. I’m always up for making new friends
Megan recently posted..Colombia Local Food Guide