When talking about traveling, many people highlight how amazing it is to get out there and explore the world, and that’s an experience you should have at least once in your life. However, what many of them aren’t so quick to talk about is that there are moments when you can struggle and feel lonely. No matter how seasoned you are as a traveler, there are still times when you can find yourself saying,” Okay, I’m done! I want to book a flight home!” Homesickness is common when traveling on your own, and it can mean different things to everyone. For some, it’s missing the comforts and familiarity of their home life, for others, it’s missing their regular routines and schedules.
Whatever it is… we want you to know that this feeling is normal, and you don’t have to panic. It is possible to beat homesickness if you are equipped with the right strategies. While solo travel has its perks, it’s important to remember that there will be downs – but you can definitely cope with the challenges that arise! In this blog, we will offer 5 tips on how to deal with loneliness when traveling the world alone, so keep reading to learn more!
Take the pressure off of yourself
It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in another country – whether you’ve just arrived or you’ve been gone from your home for a few weeks (or months), your feelings are still valid. But maybe you’re experiencing thoughts such as “I shouldn’t feel this way! “I should enjoy being here!”; “Everyone is having a great time on Instagram; why can’t I do the same?” Hear us out: All these shoulds aren’t doing you any good – they are only putting immense pressure on yourself to change your feelings and enjoy the experience, which…won’t work, obviously. In fact, the more pressure you put on yourself, and the more guilty you feel, the worse it will get. We recommend avoiding scrolling social media if you feel this way, because you will end up comparing yourself with others and feeling like something’s wrong with you as you seem to be the only one who isn’t really enjoying your trip (spoiler alert: you are not). Instead, take yourself to a calm place, such as the ocean, where you can sit and take some deep breaths so you can gain clarity and remind yourself that you have things under control.
Sit with your emotions and recognize your triggers
Homesickness is often triggered by something, so it’s essential to take the time to identify the cause behind what you’re feeling. Maybe it’s the thought that you cannot share your experiences with others, or you just feel uncomfortable being in a new city where nothing is familiar. Maybe you miss the fact that you don’t have access to simple home pleasures, or you’re feeling vulnerable in some ways. Or maybe it’s just that you’re having a bad day and wish to be at home. Whatever the reason, it’s essential to recognize and sit with it. Once you do this, remember why you wanted to travel in the first place and focus on what you want to tick off of your bucket list as you’re here. Finally, write down what would make you feel better in this situation, and give yourself that thing.
Reach out to those at home
If you feel homesick when going on a solo trip, simply connecting with people at home is the best way to beat loneliness. You may think to yourself that you shouldn’t let them know that you aren’t coping, but don’t let this thought stop you from reaching out. In fact, your friends and family would be more than glad to hear from you and learn about your experiences, so give them a call. Now, it’s essential to be mindful of the different time zones and, ideally, schedule a time that works for you and your loved ones when you can video call on Skype, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger to catch up. We recommend installing an eSIM before going on your trip because this will make it easier to keep in touch with your loved ones. The advantages of eSIM don’t end here, however – since you get unlimited data, you can have as many video calls as you want and update your trip on your Instagram without worrying about significant roaming charges when you return home.
Connect with people
The best solution for loneliness is human interaction! If, for most of the time, you’ve stayed in a hotel when traveling alone, you may want to consider mixing things up and checking into a hostel for at least one night or two. If you do this, you will have a greater chance of meeting new individuals and making new friends! Another idea is to join a club or sign up for a course related to one of your passions, whether it’s photography, cooking, or a yoga class! Meeting people with the same interests as you is the easiest way to start a conversation, so consider taking this step next time you feel homesick during a trip!
Get moving
Another great way to combat homesickness when traveling solo is to get active. That’s right – science has revealed multiple times the benefits of exercise on your body, and since it helps release endorphins, it can make you feel better instead of dwelling on those negative feelings. There are different ways to get your body moving while traveling abroad, such as taking a walk in a botanical garden or around the city, going on a walking tour, or climbing a mountain (this will also get you a sense of accomplishment, and you will also be mesmerized by the stunning views. Also, if you love hiking, that’s such a great way to move your body, so do your research and find the best trails to embark on an exciting adventure – this will be a fun experience that will remind you to enjoy the moment and take in the beautiful surroundings.
The bottom line
The truth is, traveling can be such an emotional rollercoaster! And you must be ready to belt in for it and sit with all the uncomfortable feelings. Don’t forget – feeling homesick is just a part of the process when traveling, but it’s not the bigger picture, so don’t let it steal your joy!
