Being away from home for extended periods can hit you like a wave when you least expect it. Whether you’re backpacking through Europe, studying abroad, or on a long business trip, that familiar ache for home comforts can make even the most exciting adventures feel overwhelming.
The good news is that homesickness is completely normal, and there are plenty of practical ways to manage those feelings while still making the most of your journey. Here’s a list of 17 proven solutions that can help you tackle homesickness and get back to enjoying your travels.
Establish a Daily Routine
Creating structure in unfamiliar territory works like an anchor for your emotions. Start with simple habits like making your bed, having coffee at the same time, or taking a morning walk around your new neighborhood.
These small rituals give your brain something familiar to latch onto when everything else feels foreign. Think of routine as your portable comfort zone that travels with you wherever you go.
Stay Connected Through Video Calls
Technology bridges the gap between ‘here’ and ‘there’ in ways our grandparents could never imagine. Schedule regular video calls with family and friends, but don’t overdo it to the point where you’re living more in your phone than in your actual location.
The key is finding that sweet spot where you feel connected without becoming dependent on constant contact. A weekly family dinner over video call can work wonders for your emotional well-being.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Bring Familiar Scents from Home
Your nose has a direct line to your memory center, making familiar smells incredibly powerful mood boosters. Pack a small bottle of your mom’s perfume, your favorite candle, or even a pillowcase that smells like home.
These scent triggers can instantly transport you back to familiar feelings when homesickness strikes. It’s like having a little piece of home tucked away in your luggage.
Create a Comfort Corner
Designate a small space in your temporary living situation as your personal sanctuary. This could be a corner of your dorm room, hotel room, or rental apartment where you display photos, favorite books, and small mementos from home.
Having a physical space that feels uniquely yours helps combat the impersonal nature of temporary accommodations. Even in the most basic accommodations, you can create a cozy spot that feels like home base.
Cook Familiar Foods
Nothing says ‘home’ quite like the taste of your favorite comfort foods. Seek out local grocery stores and recreate dishes that remind you of family dinners or weekend treats. Even if the ingredients aren’t exactly the same, the act of cooking familiar recipes can be incredibly soothing.
Plus, sharing these foods with new friends gives you a chance to introduce them to your culture while satisfying your own cravings.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Write Letters or Keep a Journal
Putting pen to paper has a therapeutic quality that typing on a keyboard just can’t match. Write letters to family and friends, or keep a detailed journal about your experiences and feelings.
This practice helps you process emotions while creating a record of your journey that you’ll treasure later. Think of it as having a conversation with yourself or loved ones, even when they’re thousands of miles away.
Explore Local Culture Gradually
Instead of diving headfirst into completely foreign experiences, ease into local culture at your own pace. Start with small steps like trying a new local coffee shop or attending a community event.
This gradual approach prevents cultural overwhelm while still allowing you to embrace new experiences. You’re not trying to become a local overnight; you’re simply expanding your comfort zone one small step at a time.
Find Local Versions of Home Activities
Every culture has its own version of familiar activities, so seek out local equivalents of things you enjoy at home. If you love going to bookstores, find the local literary scene.
If you’re into fitness, discover nearby gyms or running groups. These activities provide continuity in your routine while introducing you to like-minded locals. It’s like finding familiar melodies played with different instruments.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Connect with Other Travelers
Fellow travelers understand homesickness in ways that locals simply can’t. Seek out other people who are also away from home, whether through hostels, social media groups, or expat communities.
Sharing experiences with others who ‘get it’ can be incredibly validating and comforting. Sometimes just knowing you’re not alone in feeling homesick makes all the difference.
Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Homesickness often stems from living too much in the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness techniques help anchor you in the present moment, where you can actually appreciate your current surroundings.
Simple breathing exercises or meditation apps can provide immediate relief when homesickness hits hard. Think of mindfulness as your mental reset button when emotions start spiraling.
Plan Regular Treats for Yourself
Schedule small rewards and treats throughout your trip to give yourself something to look forward to. This could be a special meal, a spa day, or even just buying yourself a small souvenir.
These planned moments of joy help break up longer stretches of time and give you positive experiences to anticipate. It’s like being your own best friend who knows exactly what cheers you up.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Stay Physically Active
Exercise releases endorphins that naturally combat feelings of sadness and anxiety. Find ways to stay active that work with your travel situation, whether that’s hotel room yoga, exploring cities on foot, or joining local sports activities.
Physical movement helps process emotions and gives you a healthy outlet for stress. Plus, being active often leads to better sleep, which makes everything feel more manageable.
Maintain Sleep Hygiene
Disrupted sleep patterns can make homesickness feel ten times worse than it actually is. Stick to consistent sleep and wake times as much as possible, even if you’re crossing time zones.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine that signals to your brain that it’s time to wind down. Good sleep is like emotional armor that helps you handle challenging feelings more effectively.
Limit Social Media Comparisons
Social media can be a double-edged sword when you’re feeling homesick. While it helps you stay connected, constantly seeing everyone else’s highlight reels can make you feel like you’re missing out on life back home. Set boundaries around social media use and remember that people rarely post about their mundane Tuesday afternoons.
Focus on your own adventure rather than comparing it to others’ carefully curated posts.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Embrace the Temporary Nature
Remind yourself that homesickness, like your trip itself, is temporary. This perspective can be incredibly freeing because it takes the pressure off needing to feel perfectly happy all the time. Allow yourself to feel homesick without judgment, knowing that these feelings will pass.
Sometimes the best cure for homesickness is simply accepting that it’s part of the travel experience.
Create New Traditions
Start new traditions that are unique to your travel experience. Maybe it’s watching the sunset from a particular spot, trying a new local coffee shop each week, or writing postcards to yourself.
These new rituals give you something special to look forward to and help create positive associations with your temporary location. You’re not replacing home traditions; you’re adding new ones to your collection.
Set Realistic Expectations
Accept that some days will be harder than others, and that’s completely normal. Travel isn’t a constant highlight reel of amazing experiences, and expecting it to be sets you up for disappointment.
Allow yourself to have off days without feeling guilty or like you’re wasting your trip. Even the most seasoned travelers have moments where they just want to be back in their own bed.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Finding Your Rhythm Away from Home
Homesickness doesn’t have to derail your travel plans or diminish your experiences. These strategies work best when you mix and match them based on what feels right for your situation and personality.
Some people need more connection with home, while others benefit from diving deeper into their new environment. The key is being honest with yourself about what you need and not feeling ashamed for missing home.
After all, the fact that you have a home worth missing is actually something pretty special. Your journey away from home can teach you just as much about yourself as it does about the places you visit.
More from Travel Pug
- 20 Best Beach Towns in the Carolinas
- 13 Destinations Where Tourists Regularly Regret Their Trip
- 20 Things You Actually Get in First Class
- 20 Small Airports With Aviation Museums
- 20 Places in the U.S. That Are Perfect for a Reset Trip
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.