There I was, on one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii with tears running down my face. Warm white sand under my feet, lapping waves the temperature of bathwater beckoning me into the azure waters right in front of me, and off in the distance, the majestic peak of Haleakala rising from the horizon. You couldn’t dream up a more beautiful scene! But it was Christmas, my heart was aching with homesickness, and I was crying.
Feeling homesick while traveling is a common experience, whether you’re a student studying overseas, an expat adjusting to a new country, or someone exploring the world. Homesickness can affect anyone, from those on a short vacation to those moving abroad for work or school. It’s that gnawing feeling of longing for your familiar surroundings, loved ones, or the comfort of your home country.
That Christmas day on the beach in Hawaii was over 25 years ago. We had moved our young family to the Big Island of Hawaii, and we were living the life of our dreams in one of the most stunning places in the world. Yet there were still times I was overcome with homesickness– missing our family, friends, and familiar traditions.
Since then I’ve done a lot more traveling, learned to navigate homesickness, and have even become a travel coach as a way of serving readers here at Trip Scholars. In this post, I’ll be sharing some practical strategies and homesickness remedies I share with clients to help you cope, whether you’re dealing with homesickness abroad, missing home while traveling, or simply feeling lonely in a foreign place.
What is Homesickness?
Homesickness is a form of emotional distress that comes from missing the familiar comforts of home, family, and routine. It’s common among expats, students studying abroad, travelers, and anyone away from their home. Symptoms of homesickness in adults can include sadness, anxiety, and a persistent longing for the people and places you love. It’s not just a “missing home” feeling—it’s an emotional challenge that can impact your mental health.
Causes of Homesickness
The psychological effects of moving and living overseas or away from home can be intense. Homesickness often stems from a sense of displacement, unfamiliarity, and the stress of adapting to a new environment. Feeling homesick after moving, missing your home country, or experiencing loneliness living abroad are all common triggers.
How to Cope with Homesickness: Practical Tips and Remedies
If you’re asking yourself, “How do I get over being homesick?” or “How can I stop feeling homesick?” these tips are designed to help you manage and even prevent homesickness while enjoying your time abroad.
Not all of these will be a good match for everyone. If you are reading this before you leave, take some time to find the techniques that resonate the most with you and come up with a plan in advance. If you are already on the road and feeling homesick, find a couple to start with now and add more to your well-being tool kit as time goes on.
First Steps: How to Overcome Homesickness While Abroad or Traveling
1.Stay Connected to Loved Ones
Staying in touch with friends and family is one of the most effective ways to deal with homesickness abroad. Schedule regular calls, send updates, or share your day-to-day adventures through texts, photos, and videos. These small connections help you feel anchored, even when far from home.
2. Establish a Routine
Creating new routines is key for many people to overcoming homesickness abroad. Simple habits like a morning coffee ritual, a daily walk, or setting aside time to study or work can provide structure in an unfamiliar setting. Routines help reduce homesickness by creating a sense of normalcy and control, no matter where you are.
3. Bring Comfort Items from Home
A powerful cure for homesickness can be found in the little things you bring with you. Pack a few comfort items—your favorite travel mug, photos on your phone or in a frame, or a small sentimental item. These things can help make your new surroundings feel a bit more like home, easing homesickness symptoms.
4. Make Your Space Your Own
One of the best homesickness remedies is to personalize your living space. Whether you’re in a dorm, an apartment, or a temporary rental, adding familiar touches can help you feel more at home abroad. Put up pictures of family, decorate with items that make you smile, or play music that reminds you of home.
Finding Community and Connection: Combating Loneliness Abroad
1. Connect with Fellow Travelers or Expats
Finding a community can significantly reduce homesickness while living or studying abroad. Join online expat groups, go to in-person meetups, or connect with other students if you’re abroad for school. Having a support system of people who understand what you’re going through can help you feel less homesick and being able to relax by speaking your native tongue for hours can feel tremendous.
2. Engage in Local Culture
One of the best ways to cure homesickness is to immerse yourself in your new surroundings. Join local clubs, stay in social lodgings, take language classes, or volunteer in the community. By embracing where you are, you’re less likely to feel out of place and more likely to develop a sense of belonging.
3. Visit Familiar Places
Sometimes, finding a piece of home in a new city can help cure homesickness. Whether it’s visiting a café that reminds you of home, finding a local spot that serves your favorite comfort food, or meeting up with people from your home country, these familiar experiences can make you feel at home abroad.
Mindset Shifts: How to Overcome Homesickness Abroad
1. Stay Present and Mindful
One effective strategy for dealing with homesickness is mindfulness. Focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on what you miss. Engage with your environment, explore your neighborhood, and cultivate a sense of gratitude for your new surroundings. This mindset shift can help prevent homesickness from taking over your experience.
2. Celebrate Small Wins
Coping with homesickness as an adult often means celebrating small victories. Navigated public transportation in a new city? Ordered a meal in a foreign language? Each success is a reminder of your capability and courage. By celebrating these moments, you combat homesickness and build confidence.
3. Reframe Homesickness as Growth
Remember, feeling homesick is a sign that you’re stepping outside your comfort zone, which is essential for personal growth. Each challenge you face—whether missing family while living abroad or feeling homesick while studying—is an opportunity to become more resilient and adaptable.
Self-Care Strategies: Homesickness Tips for More Peace
1. Stay Active
Physical activity can help combat homesickness by boosting your mood. Whether it’s a walk in a new park, a local fitness class, or a swim at the beach, staying active keeps your spirits up and helps you feel connected to your surroundings.
2. Eat Well and Rest
Good nutrition and plenty of rest are essential homesickness cures. Comfort foods from home are great, but exploring local cuisine can also be a fun way to feel connected to your new environment. And remember, a good night’s sleep can work wonders on your mood!
3. Journal Your Journey
Writing down your thoughts can be a powerful remedy for homesickness. Use a journal to express your feelings, document your adventures, and reflect on your growth. It’s a great way to process homesickness while creating a beautiful keepsake of your time abroad.
Try These Journal Prompts if You Are Wondering How to Overcome Homesickness
- What do you miss most about home, and why?
- Describe a favorite memory from home that brings you comfort. How can you recreate a bit of that feeling where you are now?
- What are three things you’re grateful for in your current location?
- List the qualities you admire in your new surroundings. What makes this place special?
- How have you grown since being away from home?
- What comforting routines or activities from home can you incorporate into your life abroad?
- Describe a new experience you’ve had that you couldn’t have at home. How did it make you feel?
When Homesickness Feels Overwhelming: Seek Extra Support
If homesickness starts affecting your daily life, it’s time to seek help. Severe homesickness can sometimes lead to anxiety or depression, especially in adults facing significant changes like moving abroad.
Online counseling, mental health apps, or expat support groups can provide guidance and support. You may also have access to counseling through your school or travel program. Consider contacting the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. by calling 988 or visiting the website here. It is free, confidential, and okay to call even if you are not in immediate crisis. It is crucial to reach out—taking care of your mental health is the best way to ensure you are safe and it will allow you to be sure your time abroad is fulfilling.
Overcoming Homesickness
Homesickness is a natural part of being away from home, whether you’re an expat, a student, or traveling for an extended period. With these tips, you can find comfort and connection, transforming homesickness from a burden into a bridge that connects your past to your present adventure.
Which of these tips do you find most helpful? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you cope, connect, and thrive when far from home!
