As everyone knows, traveling the world can be thrilling; just think about it; there are new sights, new people, and endless adventures. It usually doesn’t even matter how you’re traveling, like a road trip, cruise, flight, or whatever else; it’s all fun. But even the most spectacular of adventures can mean that sometimes, that creeping feeling of homesickness can hit at the most unexpected times.
Just think about it; suddenly, you’re longing for your bed, your favorite local pizza joint, or even that familiar routine of your day-to-day life. A lot of people get it, and yes, by all means, it’s completely fine and normal.
But nowadays, it’s thankfully easier to manage compared to twenty, thirty, and even forty years ago. Nowadays, there doesn’t need to be that complete detachment either. So, with all of that said, here are a few simple and clever ways to stay in touch with home while you’re out exploring the world!
Key Takeaways
- One of the best parts of travel is experiencing new traditions and customs, but there’s no rule saying you have to leave your own behind
- So no matter how long you’re away, it’s always going to be a great idea to just go ahead and start keeping up with personal traditions while you’re abroad can be an excellent way to feel grounded
Stay Tuned to Your Favorite Shows
If there’s one thing that can instantly make you feel at home no matter where you are, it’s keeping up with your favorite shows or sports teams. That comforting familiarity is like a little slice of home in your suitcase.
Basically, you can watch whatever you want, be it binge-watching your go-to series, and even nowadays, you can watch Premier League in Canada while you’re abroad, and of course, you’re still going to get that same rush (but you’ll still need to use a VPN though if you’re using a streaming service). Usually, just getting to watch something that you usually watch from home (especially in your native language) just massively helps with the homesickness.
Video Calls are Your Best Friend
Needless to say, homesickness is real, and sometimes a simple call just isn’t enough. Sure, it’s wonderful getting to hear your loved one’s voice, but obviously, being on video is always going to be best (and it truly is the best way to feel connected). Just think about it: you’re seeing the faces of your family and friends while hearing their voices, which can do wonders for your mood, especially on days when you’re feeling a little more isolated.
Besides, it’s a great idea to schedule regular video chats with your loved ones to help fend off that sense of disconnection. Even if it’s just a quick check-in, it can make a huge difference in how you’re feeling.
Plus, sharing stories about your adventures and hearing about what’s happening at home can bridge the gap between the excitement of travel and the comfort of your old routine. It usually helps, too, because homesickness and FOMO go together, so these calls usually fight that off.
Pack Small Comforts from Home
Ever noticed how the smallest things can bring the biggest sense of comfort? So that’s exactly why it’s going to be a good idea to just look into packing little reminders of home. It can work wonders when you’re feeling that homesickness kicks in. For example, you can think of cozy socks, your favorite tea, or even a small keepsake from your bedroom.
These tiny comforts can help make any hotel room, hostel, or Airbnb feel a little more like home. But in all honest, it really doesn’t take much, but having these familiar items with you can really ground you when everything around you feels so different.
Stay Updated with What’s Happening Back Home
All right, so it can definitely be agreed that feeling out of the loop can make homesickness even worse; the whole FOMO thing was already mentioned earlier. So, this can go two ways; sometimes seeing on social media that people are having a great time back home can make things worse, but at the same time sometimes scrolling on social media you feel more connected so there’s a lack of FOMO there. Just try to not get caught up in every headline, that’s the key here.
Don’t Forget to Celebrate Your Own Traditions
One of the best parts of travel is experiencing new traditions and customs, but there’s no rule saying you have to leave your own behind. So no matter how long you’re away, it’s always going to be a great idea to just go ahead and start keeping up with personal traditions while you’re abroad can be an excellent way to feel grounded.
For example, it can be something like a weekly ritual like Sunday dinner or celebrating a holiday with a small twist, you can still keep your own routines alive. Even if your family has their traditions (like eating pizzas on Fridays) then yes, this is something that you could do for yourself too if you’d like.
Final Word
In the end, travel is all about balance—immersing yourself in new cultures while still holding on to the comforts of home. Homesickness is a natural part of the journey, but with a few thoughtful habits like staying connected with loved ones, keeping up with your favorite traditions, and packing a few familiar items, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
The excitement of new adventures will always be there, but knowing you have little slices of home to lean on makes it all the more special. So go ahead, explore the world, and bring a bit of home with you!
