Dealing with Homesickness & Growth

Are you feeling a pang of homesickness creeping in while you're on your exciting travel adventure? As thrilling as exploring new destinations can be, it's not uncommon to miss the comfort and familiarity of home. Many think homesickness & growth don't add up, but I'm here to tell you that they couldn't be more wrong.

There's something special in the pain of homesickness; I once heard this beautiful piece of advice, "being homesick means that you have something wonderful and worthwhile of missing waiting for you." Since hearing that, my perspective changed completely. As crazy as it sounds, I learned to lean into the feeling instead of shying away from it and knew how fortunate I was to have something worth missing.

With that being said, feeling homesick is uncomfortable and something most people want to move past. That's why I've included this guide on how to feel at home anywhere.

1. Embrace the Local Experience

One of the best ways to overcome homesickness is to immerse yourself in the local culture. Try engaging with the locals, tasting traditional cuisine, and participating in cultural activities. By connecting with the destination's essence, you'll create new memories and distractions that ease feelings of longing for home with the added benefit of personal growth.

When I was in Mexico, I spent a lot of time travelling outside of my "home base" in Mexico City. This kept my mind busy as I was planning a new trip almost every week and exploring some incredible landscapes and cities. It allowed me to connect with people across the country, try regional foods and practice speaking Spanish with a wide range of people. Ultimately, it was these experiences that helped me embrace the local experiences and manage my homesickness.

Added benefits?- Some wicked memories and killer photos 📸

2. Establish a Routine

While travelling outside your home base is a great way to keep your mind busy, the constant change and adrenaline can burn you out fast. Sometimes, it's better to take a break, sit in your feelings and build a routine that supports your mental and physical wellbeing.

Creating a daily routine while studying abroad can provide stability and normalcy. Plan your days with a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and personal time outside the classroom. A structured schedule can help you feel grounded and less disconnected from your usual home routine.

It's called "studying abroad" for a reason, so don't forget the actual studying part 😉

3. Stay Connected with Loved Ones

In this digital age, distance doesn't have to mean disconnection. Make use of technology to stay in touch with family and friends. Schedule regular video calls, send updates, and share your travel experiences with your loved ones. Their support and virtual presence can provide comfort during moments of homesickness.

I will say that it's okay to take some distance from loved ones at home while adjusting to a new environment. Constantly staying connected can sometimes intensify the feelings of homesickness, as it keeps you anchored to what you've left behind. Allowing space to explore, grow, and immerse in your current surroundings can help you build new connections and a sense of belonging. Maintaining healthy communication with loved ones is important, but giving yourself the freedom to focus on your present experience can ease homesickness and promote personal growth.

Ultimately, you know yourself best and striking a balance that fits your needs is the best way to go. When I did my first exchange to France at 13 years old, I called my family once in the four months I was there. When I did my second exchange to Germany, it was roughly once a month I called home, and in my final exchange to Mexico, I called my family about once a week. What I'm trying to say is that there's no "one size fits all" solution for homesickness. Your needs may change throughout your experience, and that's okay.

One thing I can guarantee?- Whoever's on the other side will always be happy to hear from you ❤️.

4. Bring a Piece of Home with You

Pack a few familiar items that remind you of home, such as a favourite book, a family photo, or a sentimental trinket. Having these personal mementos with you can evoke feelings of comfort and belonging, making your temporary living space feel more like home.

I brought some Polaroids of friends and family that I kept in my wallet for a quick reminder and a piece of home wherever I went.

5. Find Social Connections

Loneliness can exacerbate homesickness, so seek opportunities to meet like-minded travellers or locals. Join group tours, attend social events, or visit community spaces where you can interact with others. Building new friendships on the road can fill the void of missing your social circle back home.

Getting involved in sports teams or clubs at your host university is an excellent way to begin, as you already share common ground with fellow members: attending the same university and sharing an interest in the team/club. This shared connection will facilitate initial interactions and set the stage for more meaningful conversations. Another effective approach is to actively participate with classmates in group projects, leveraging the same shared interests.

6. Practice Self-Care

Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is crucial when combating homesickness. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as meditation, exercise, journaling, or indulging in a spa day. Prioritize self-care to nurture yourself during moments of vulnerability.

It’s perfectly okay to feel homesick, especially when you’re far from loved ones and missing out on big moments back home. When it involves grandparents, sick relatives, or close friends, the feeling of guilt can sneak in—you start thinking about how you should be there, how you're missing precious time. That fear of missing out can mix with grief and guilt, and the weight of it all feels heavy. But self-care isn’t always pretty or about fixing things right away. Sometimes, it’s doing the hard thing: letting yourself cry, sitting with the sadness and guilt, even when it feels messy and uncomfortable. Instead of bottling it up, allowing yourself to feel down is part of healing. Like standing in a storm, it’s overwhelming, but processing those tough emotions can eventually bring some lightness and peace, even though it takes time.

It’s important to recognize when you need help, whether you're struggling with homesickness, grief, guilt, or feeling overwhelmed. Reaching out—whether to friends, family, or a professional—doesn’t make you weak; it means you’re choosing to take care of yourself. And sometimes, self-care means knowing when it’s time to pull the plug on certain situations. If something is draining you beyond what you can handle, it's okay to step back or walk away. Prioritizing your well-being is never a failure—it's a form of strength.

One of the things I liked to do when I was feeling homesick was put on music I enjoyed with friends from home and cook some of my favourite meals. This builds off points 2 and 4; it can help build a routine and bring a piece of home to you. Throw on a movie or series you enjoyed with friends or family at home, and that sounds like a great self-care night to me.

7. Embrace the Adventure

Lastly, remember that homesickness is a natural part of travel, and it's okay to feel a range of emotions while on the road. Embrace the adventure with an open mind, allowing yourself to grow, learn, and evolve through the challenges of homesickness. Every moment of discomfort is an opportunity for personal growth and resilience.

"Saudade" is a Portuguese word that captures the feeling of homesickness impeccably. It refers to a place that doesn’t quite exist anymore—or maybe never fully did. It’s that deep, lingering ache for home, not just as a physical space but as a collection of memories, people, and moments that you can’t quite go back to. Saudade encompasses both the sorrow of absence and the bittersweet beauty of memories or desires. You miss not just the place but the way it felt, the version of yourself that lived there. It’s homesickness wrapped in nostalgia, longing for something that’s a bit out of reach, a home that’s more in your heart than on any map.

Whether you're halfway across the globe or exploring a neighbouring city, homesickness can strike at unexpected moments. By implementing these tips and strategies, you can navigate through feelings of loneliness and homesickness with grace and resilience. Remember, each step you take outside your comfort zone brings you closer to discovering the beauty of travel and the strength within yourself.

So, pack your bags, embrace the journey, and remember that every moment, good or bad, is a stepping stone toward unforgettable travel experiences and personal growth. Safe travels!