How to Cope With Homesickness While Traveling

By eHow Travel Editor

Rate: (2 Ratings)

Most people experience some degree of homesickness while traveling, even when they're away for brief periods of time. Homesickness does not have to ruin your trip; it can instead offer you an opportunity for growth and an enriched travel experience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Walking Shoes
  • Address Books
  • Family Photos
  • Journals
  • Local Guidebooks
  • Photo Albums
  • E-mail Accounts
  • Stationery
  • Cameras

Step1
Carry pictures of family and friends with you when traveling, even if you don't anticipate that you will be homesick.
Step2
Bring contact information for friends and family, even if you think you will not be getting in touch with anyone on your trip.
Step3
Recognize that homesickness is a natural feeling when you are separated from loved ones and familiar surroundings. Homesickness may never completely disappear, but you will find ways to enjoy the travel experience while remaining connected to your loved ones.
Step4
Talk with your friends and loved ones before you leave about places they would be interested in seeing or gifts they would like you to bring back for them. Take photos or collect mementos during your trip that remind you of those you miss back home, and give these as gifts when you return.
Step5
Create daily rituals that are nurturing and create a safe space away from home. Consider doing daily yoga, taking morning walks, sitting in a café and writing postcards or journal entries, etc.
Step6
Establish a "home base" such as a café or restaurant. Get to know the proprietors, play with their children or pets, and find favorite items on the menu you can regularly enjoy.
Step7
Contact people that you miss via the telephone, letters or e-mail. Communicate your feelings of homesickness to them.
Step8
Keep a journal, either to yourself or to a particular person you miss from home.
Step9
Immerse yourself in your new environment as much as possible, taking advantage of the opportunity to do and see things unavailable to you at home. Physical exercise such as walking or riding a bicycle can combat feelings of depression.

Tips & Warnings

  • Be patient with yourself and appreciate the growth that will come both from expanding your horizons and from finding new ways to connect with and appreciate those you have left behind.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I came home early from a trip due to homesickness, and I will always regret it. You will get to see your friends, family and home eventually. You may never have the opportunity to see the parts of the world that you are in again!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I went on a long bus trip, and the first two days on the bus were the worst for me. When we got to our destination, I was so busy and having so much fun that I had a heck of a time finding a minute to call home. Keep yourself busy, and you'll forget about how far from home you are.

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eHow Article:  How to Cope With Homesickness While Traveling

eHow Travel Editor

eHow Travel Editor

Category: Travel

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