How to Overcome Homesickness

Homesickness is something which we all suffer from time to time and when it hits, it’s hard to carry on with your big adventure.

I’m lucky in that I’m quite good at being away from my family, of course during every trip I do feel a little homesick but I think because I travel so often, I’m used to it.

For those heading out on their first travelling adventure, it can be especially daunting to leave loved ones at the airport and head into the unknown, especially on your own but I’m here to tell you that you will be fine!!

You Miss Home

Everyone misses their home comforts, their bed, their parents and their dog so please don’t feel alone if you’re having a moment of homesickness.

This where technology is a godsend, you can keep in regular contact with friends and family, skype your Gran and have a long, reassuring phone call with your mum. All you need is a computer, phone, laptop or tablet and a half decent Wi-Fi connection and you’ll be able to call your loved ones.

You’ll Regret Leaving

When the homesickness hits, you’ll, of course, wonder why you ever left in the first place. In this instance, I would write a list of the reasons why you went travelling in the first place, experiences you’ve had and what you hope to do in the coming weeks or months. This will remind you once again why you’re there and help you to overcome this spell of homesickness’s.
You’ve Fallen Out with Friends

Spending 24/7 with others can be a little full on, especially if you’ve never spent that much time with them before. It doesn’t matter if they’re your best friend, family, partner or travelling buddy you met a few weeks ago, there is such a thing as too much time together.

This can leave you to feel down and again question your travel experience, I would advise taking a few hours, getting some fresh air, getting some space and not arguing, I promise that is the worst thing you can do.

You Feeling Alone

If you’re travelling on your own, no matter how many people you meet, you will always feel a little lonely. Get in touch with friends and family back home for a catch-up, head to a bar or hostel and get chatting to some new friends and make plans.

Making plans will help you to focus on the future and will get you excited for what’s to come next.

You’ve Had a Bad Day

Everyone has bad days, even in paradise.

You’ve lost your money, you’re feeling under the weather or you’ve had a bad night’s sleep, it happens to everyone and what’s important is again to think of the positives. If you’re feeling under the weather rest up, drink plenty of bottled water and give your mum a Skype call, I promise this will instantly make you feel better.

Just remember, it’s a bad day, not a bad life and not a bad trip so take the day off to relax and recoup ready to get back to the big adventure tomorrow.