Whether it’s a long vacation you have been looking forward to or a business trip where you will be abroad for months, all these long-term travelling usually tend to lead to one thing – homesickness.
While it is not the case for some, many travellers out there have to, unfortunately, struggle with it. In fact, there’s a higher chance of it occurring to solo travellers.
However, homesickness can be dealt with as long as you take action immediately. Below, we’ll be walking you through a few simple ways which you can manage it and have an enjoyable time overseas.
Foster new friendships
Missing your loved ones back home is completely normal. Especially if you’re going to be away for a long time, you will all the more be upset without having them by your side.
But instead of feeling down about it, you should take this opportunity to get familiar with the environment and meet new people. Making a friend or two will go a long way. Not only are you gaining a new companion, but you’ll also have someone to spend time with and talk about your homesickness.
Start a brand new routine
Back home, most travellers usually stick to a fixed routine. It could be waking up at the same timing every single day to go to school or work, or having a weekly dinner with your companions.
When you are not following this certain routine daily, your body is not accustomed to it and in turn, this will affect you mentally as well. If you’re going to be overseas for quite some time, you should start forming a routine. Visit a nearby cafe or local shop and make it a habit to frequent the place.
Pack up gifts for your loved ones
With technology on the move, video calling and exchanging frequent updates has been made easier. Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that you are unable to meet your friend or family in person.
Don’t fret, you are bound to be by their side once more in time to come. Instead, since you have the pleasure of being overseas at the moment, you should purchase a couple of gifts and surprise your loved ones. Shopping around and searching for presents will keep you occupied and keep the homesickness at bay.
Dive into something new
Being overseas opens up brand new opportunities that you could never try while you’re back home. Additionally, research has stated that it is common for absent-mindedness to occur in those experiencing homesickness.
Picking up something new or learning a new topic is an excellent way to keep the mind active and prevent absent-mindedness from happening. Become proficient in a language or acquire a new skill by going for a yoga class or bungee jumping. As long as you find something you’re interested and passionate in, homesickness won’t be an issue you have to deal with.
Join a group tour
It may be a little difficult to get used to the new country if it’s your first time abroad on your own. From attractions to local foods – there’s quite aplenty to keep in mind while you are travelling around.
Look for a tour online or check if your hotel offers tours for guests. It will give you a better idea of which places to visit and homesickness will be the last thing on your mind. Use this time wisely to get familiar with the place and even make a couple of new friends along the way.
Look after yourself
Culture shock and unfamiliarity in a new environment can take a toll on your mental health. In the worst case scenario, you might even fall ill.
Make sure you put aside some time to tend to your health. If making a few calls to your family members or friends will help ease the homesickness, then drop them a call and catch up with them.
Moreover, if you’re a solo traveller with a medical condition, you need to make sure your medication is with you at all times. Otherwise, medical evacuations might be necessary to make sure you do not meet with any dire health consequences. With an air ambulance service around, you can rest assured as you are in good hands.
Explore galore
If the purpose of your travel is to explore a new country, do extensive research while you’re on your flight or before you even get on it.
On the other hand, if you’re on the spontaneous side, you can put phone and maps aside and simply discover the unknown surroundings on your own. You could even put together a bucket list to help you check out the things you would like to do as you are overseas.