While travelling the world or moving abroad is one of the most exciting and liberating things you will probably ever do, it doesn’t come without some downsides – most notably homesickness. It can be hard when you feel like you’re missing out on whats going on back home – whether that’s a best friends wedding or just a night down the pub – and eventually it can take it’s toll on even the strongest traveller.
I’ve certainly had my fair share of the homesickness blues during my six years living abroad, but one thing I have learnt is that it’s completely normal to feel like that sometimes and eventually the feeling does pass – but if you find you can’t seem to shake the feeling of longing for home, then give these cures a go – pretty soon you’ll be wondering what all the fuss was about!
Catch Up On Some TV Viewing
The great thing about technology is that it now allows us to watch our favorite TV shows anywhere in the world, and if you’re an expat or traveller this is even better news because it means you’re never far away from being able to catch up on all your fave programs from back home. Some days you’ll find me curled up on the couch watching episodes of Australian Masterchef and Next Top Model and it takes me right back to the feeling of home in no time.
Fall In Love With Your New ‘Home’ All Over Again
Whether you’re settled abroad or slowly working your way around the world, things can feel a little stagnant after a while, so if you’re missing home then it’s time to shake things up a bit. Remember why you’re travelling and remind yourself of all the things it’s given you and the experiences you’ve had. This will help you to attach yourself once again to your adopted home and ease your feeling of restlessness.
Have A Night Out With Your Mates
Nothing is better for the soul than a night out with your friends – whether that is your expat mates or ones from your travels – grab as many as you can and head out for some drinking and dancing – and don’t come home til the sun comes up! A sure-fire way to help you live in the now and appreciate all of the friendships you have made away from home.
Have A Pig Out On Food From Home
Being a foodie, nothing transports the feeling of home to me like some good Aussie grub! I’m lucky enough to live in London where we have our very own ‘Australia Shop’ but no matter where you are in the world you should be able to get your hands on some of your favorite treats. If this isn’t an option get online and order some or get your family to send over a ‘care package’ – then sit yourself down on the couch, gorge yourself silly and let the happiness wash over you!
Skype
Some would argue that speaking with friends and family from home can make you feel more homesick, but I think it can be beneficial. Seeing the faces of your loved ones and realising that actually things are pretty much the same as when you left and that you’re not missing much can really help your feelings to subside. Sometimes we feel like there’s so much going on back home that you’re not a part of, but in reality people are just getting on with their lives just like you – so realise that the grass isn’t greener most of the time and enjoy the life you have.
Write It Out
Grabbing a notebook and penning your frustrations and worries is one of the most underrated activities in life, and it’s something we should all do more. You may not think that the simple act of writing can be therapeutic, but it’s amazing the relief you can feel when you’ve gotten everything that was running through your head to stand still on a piece of paper – a piece of paper you can then burn, keep or throw away, along with the feelings on it.
Take A Day Trip
If you can’t beat the homesickness bug, then distract yourself from it with a day trip to somewhere you’ve always been meaning to visit, or to one of your favorite spots. It will do you the world of good to get a change of scenery and help you to forget your worries. It’s always the way when we feel down to not want to leave the house, but it’s exactly the thing we need to do to feel better!
Know You’re Not Alone
At the end of the day, feeling homesick is a pretty unpleasant emotion, but realise that it’s normal and you aren’t the only one – in fact, I’ve never met anyone in my travels who doesn’t experience in at one time or another, so don’t beat yourself up over it – accept it, and try to move on. Sooner or later it will pass, so look forward to all the great things you have planned and remind yourself that home isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – it’s only your homesickness that will be!
Photo Credits – Thanks to Perfecto Insecto and Shawn Anderson (Attribution License)
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All great suggestions! I was very hungover one day and needed a taste of home. This is easier said than done while in Venice. I just wanted a good ol’ fashioned cheeseburger or bacon and eggs (not prosciutto). We had found a Hard Rock Cafe and I got the burger. It was no where near the burger that I needed. It had a harder ciabata bun and the cheese just wasn’t quite right either.
I also couldn’t catch up on TV viewing because it was ALL in Italian. But when I went out with friends to the Verona Opera or Capri Island, or even Skyped my family it was all okay afterwards and I could continue on with my exploration of the Italian country.
The Wanderfull Traveler
Great post – I’m leaving home for a year in a couple of weeks and it’s not really hit me that i’m going yet – I know it will all soon become a reality and homesickness will start to kick in!
Thanks for the tips, will deffinatly be trying them out 🙂
Becki
Homesickness sucks. I try not to look at photos of my family while traveling because it makes me sad. Inevitably I end up telling new friends about myself and show pictures of my family. Nice post.
Thanks Becki, you’ll have an amazing trip – all the best!
Thanks Matt – i agree, it does suck! Luckily travel is worth it! : ) Thanks for stopping by!
I definitely agree with your “food from home” tip. Sometimes it’s hard to come by when you’re in a really different culture, so it provides good motivation to learn how to cook the family recipes too =)
Thanks Lori – food always makes you feel better dont you think!?
This was exactly what I needed. I am currently living half way across the country at school and I am about to move half way across the world to live abroad for a year. I have never felt more homesick. The “Write It Out” one is my favourite. I tried it, and it helped. I’ve been living so far away from home to attend school for quite some time now and I do feel at home here. So, I feel especially helpless when I’m sitting here, at home, and all I want, is to go home.
Hi Alex, so glad it was helpful to you! I know how you feel – just keep busy and it does go away eventually! All the best for your move! : )
Great tips! Traveling is fun, but it’s inevitable that you’ll get homesick every once in a while. One thing I like to do is cooking one of my favorite meals for new friends. It gives them the chance to try a different type of food and I get to share home with new friends.
Great idea Colleen, I love cooking food you love from home too!