Something that affects a lot of people when travelling is feeling a bit homesick or lonely. Around the holidays it can hit a bit harder than usual too, especially if you’re away from your traditions. If you’re travelling alone, you might feel this a little more so this post just has some tips on what to do if you’re feeling a bit down whilst away from home. It’s tough, but sometimes you need a little tough love to help you pull through and really enjoy your time away!

HERE ARE OUR TOP WAYS TO COMBAT HOMESICKNESS WHILE TRAVELLING

Listen to a podcast you love!

This one helps me so much when there are days I just want to be at home, in my own bed, with my dog nearby! It feels very comforting to listen to familiar voices, even if they’re people you don’t actually know. I love listening to Keeping It Candid podcast, which is by Sophie Milner and Millie Cotton. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I love listening to two London girls talking about life, it really makes me feel like I’m back at home and not missing out on anything. Honestly, I think FOMO has a lot to do with homesickness. If you have a podcast that you usually listen to at home, try listening whilst you’re away to make you feel a bit more grounded. If you don’t listen to any at the moment, have a little look about the different categories and try listening to something new.

Do not call your family when you’re feeling down!

I read so many posts that say, call home and get some comfort when you’re feeling a little down, but honestly this just makes you feel sad when you have to hang up the phone. I have been in the position of feeling alone, everyone has, and there are probably other travellers in the same hostel, group trip, or tour group as you right now that feel the same. But I must stress, a phone call with a family member won’t help – they can only do their best to reassure you over the phone. They can’t get to you instantly and hearing their voice might even make you feel worse. I’d say a much more useful tip is to go out and chat to other people instead. You don’t want to sit alone and feel sad, you need to go out and experience the beautiful place you’re in! I’d recommend maybe calling them after, when you’re feeling a little less down.

Get off social media, lock your phone away, and go out!

Another one that is to blame for the FOMO, social media is the devils work when you’re feeling down. I try to not even look at my phone when I’m feeling a bit homesick as it’s never going to make you feel better. Everyone is having a great time on Instagram, people are checking in on facebook and people are tweeting about their weekend plans together. Ignore it all and just shut off your phone! Whether you’re on holiday, travelling long-term or on a Pangea Dreams retreat, remember that the feeling of homesickness is only temporary. This trip won’t last forever and neither will the feeling of being homesick, so you have to make the best of the time that you have! You don’t want to look back on your time away and think, “if only I’d have got out of my room and explored a bit more.” Staying in and scrolling on your phone is a horrible way to waste the chance to explore somewhere new so try your hardest to just not let yourself fall down the social media spiral.

Go for a swim, run, or yoga session!

Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing, but I don’t know anyone who has ever come back from a run, or a swim, or a yoga session, and been unhappy with themselves. The endorphins from the exercise should start to take effect, even if you really don’t feel like a big workout, I mean, who does? But a gentle walk, swim in the sea or pool, or a little bit of yoga may help for you to realign your emotions slightly enough to get some clarity.

Do something that comforts you – read your favourite book, watch your favourite film, cook and eat your favourite meal!

If, after going for a walk and throwing your phone in the room safe, you still feel like you need a little home comfort, I would allow myself a little treat. It’s hard to try and not slip into a cycle of sadness with homesickness but if you think you can manage it, I’d watch my favourite film or read one of my favourite books. It will allow your brain to switch off for a little bit and enter a state of comfort and familiarity that your body thinks it needs. Even cooking a meal that you love, might keep the homesickness at bay.

You can’t help but feel really alone sometimes, but I think you just have to embrace the situation you’re in and just keep on keeping on. If you don’t, you know you’ll regret it. You don’t want to miss out on exploring the new place you’re in but taking a day to get your head straight might be helpful. I hope you liked the tips above and just remember – there are travellers everywhere who have probably been in your situation so go and chat to someone – I guarantee you’ll find someone who can relate!

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT YOU COMBAT HOMESICKNESS? WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS 🙂

WRITTEN BY

Gabriella Tavani | @gabriellatavani |www.travelwithgabriella.com

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