what to do if you’re feeling homesick
If you’re travelling away from home and feeling homesick, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. It’s normal to miss the familiar things in your own home and the people you love, and it’s possible to still enjoy your travels even when you’re feeling a bit homesick. Here are a few tips for dealing with homesickness while travelling:
Reach out to friends and family. A great way to make yourself feel at home is to stay connected with your loved ones. Give them a call, send a text, or video chat with them. Just hearing their voices or seeing their faces can make you feel better.
Remind yourself why you’re travelling. Whether it’s for a job, family, or just for fun, it’s important to remember why you decided to take this trip in the first place. Remind yourself of the excitement and anticipation you felt when you were planning it, and focus on all the amazing experiences you’re having.
Make yourself at home. If you’re staying in a hotel or hostel, try to make the space feel like home. Bring some of your own personal items, such as a favourite blanket or pillow, and some photos of your loved ones.
Explore the area. Take some time to explore the area, and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells. You may find some places or activities that remind you of home and make you feel more comfortable.
Stay positive. Homesickness can make you feel down, so it’s important to focus on the positive things about your travels. Make a list of all the things you’re grateful for, and remind yourself of all the amazing experiences you’ve had.
No matter how homesick you feel, remember that it’s just a feeling and it will pass. With a little extra effort and self-care, you can make the most of your travels and enjoy all the amazing experiences you have ahead of you.
Here's some things that have helped the TSAP Travel team feel better on the days they've felt homesick...
A video call to a loved one
Finding a mars bar in supermarket
Shrimp lunch that smelt like an Indian Takeaway
Pizza night
A Netflix movie night
Reminiscent music
Remember, everyone feels homesick at least once when travelling, one benefit of volunteering abroad is that you’re almost always surrounded by a group of people who are there to support you when you’re feeling a little homesick.