If you’re traveling for a long time, you’re likely to get homesick at some point. It usually happens around the three-month point in a new country, when the glow of being somewhere new wears off a bit but you haven’t got close friends yet. You start missing friends, familiar places, food from your home country, perhaps speaking your own language.

The first foreign country I lived in was Germany. After a few months, I felt down. It was cold, the culture was different to what I was used to and I only spoke beginner’s German. The main thing that kept me there was thinking, ‘What would I do if I went home? Would I regret it?’ I knew I would, and I’m so glad I persevered because it became one of the best times of my life!

For some, the feeling is so overwhelming that they jump on a plane back home again. I wouldn’t recommend this, as the feeling wears off. Ways to combat homesickness are:

• Stay in touch. It’s so easy now with email, texting and cheap phone rates. You’re never that far away. Ask for a ‘care package’ from home containing some local magazines, food and things you are missing.
• Keep busy. Work, socialize, join clubs. Meeting new people will help you lessen the strong ties to home, and create a new one. What were your hobbies at home? Maybe you can still do them.
• Set up your own site. A blog can help others keep track of what you’re up to and respond easily with their own news.
• Check your surroundings. Maybe the reason you are homesick is because your accommodation isn’t that great, or your location. Or try making yourself more comfortable by putting some photos up or buying some plants. Making a few small changes can make all the difference.
• Think about why you went there in the first place. What did you want to achieve? Work on your goals, it’ll keep you focused.

Have you ever experienced homesickness while traveling? How did you overcome it?

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