There's a certain romance in setting out to travel with no end date in sight. But what many don’t talk about is how homesickness can sneak up on you, even when you're living your dream.
The first time It happened to me was about the six-month mark of a year-long journey. I was staying with a friend in their charming English cottage, sobbing on the stairs with a bottle of wine in hand. I was hit with a wave of homesickness so hard that I debated cutting my trip short and wrestled with this emotion on and off for the next seven months of traveling.
To offset or combat my emotions, I journaled, ordered "flat whites" and watched the world go by in Starbucks (these became my home-away-from-home anchors when I felt unmoored), Skyped friends, and emailed updates of how exciting my adventures were... and they were, mostly. But at some point, after the previous summer whirlwind of backpacking 14 countries in 3 months, traveling indefinitely with no return date or ticket started to wear on my mind, body, and soul.
While it was exciting and I was seeing and experiencing so much, it was also just living day to day, albeit slightly unconventional by US standards. Instead of paying rent and going to work every day, I had to sort out my daily, weekly, or monthly accommodations while figuring out how to experience the most out of where I was—without spending too much—and not being legally allowed to work anywhere to help recoup funds. I had to find purpose and intention in my everyday explorations to not squander the travel experience.
At times I felt lonely and wayward, and unable to articulate my emotions to friends back home who were not able to relate to my feelings. From the outside looking in, I was traveling the world, going where the wind blew, without an itinerary or end date, at 23 years old. I was living "THE DREAM!" Sounds amazing, right? Who was I to complain? If I was sad or homesick, I could simply go home and join the "real world" like everyone else.
But of course, I couldn't. I would be a failure if I did. I believed if I returned after only six months of traveling solo around the world, I would somehow not live up to the identity that had been assigned to me as this "free-spirited" world traveler. And let me tell you, I loved when people referred to me as free-spirited—a moniker rarely used to describe me today. Except, I felt like I was the only one in on an inside joke because I never felt as free or adventurous as the other travelers I met.
Even knowing how dangerous it is to compare yourself to others, I couldn't help it. That polarization of who I was and who I wanted to be fed into the duality of emotions I was experiencing, simultaneously wanting to continue traveling and also wanting to be home and be surrounded by those I love. I almost wonder if social media would have helped me feel less isolated had Instagram been available to me then. As it was, it wasn't. And so, I continued traveling another seven months from that wine-fueled-cry-fest, determined to be the free-spirited world traveler that everyone back home assumed I was but never felt like, even while doing it. Fucking imposter syndrome.
Now here's the kicker: after 13 months of travel, when I finally did return home, I immediately wanted to leave again. Classic.
I share all this to acknowledge that homesickness can feel like a strong current, pulling you under or out to sea, and it can come at any point in your travels—whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned "slowmad." It’s important to recognize that these feelings are normal and, more importantly, temporary. With a few strategies, you can learn to navigate these emotional waters and find your footing again, no matter where you are in the world.
Finding Comfort in the Familiar
It sounds silly, but one of the things that helped me the most during my travels was finding a Starbucks in whatever city I was in. There was something comforting about the consistency of it—the smell of coffee, the familiar menu, and even the similar décor. I’d order a flat white or a cappuccino, sit down with my journal, and watch the world go by. It was a small piece of home in an unfamiliar place, and it grounded me when I felt emotionally untethered.
For first-time travelers, finding something familiar in a new place can be a lifeline. It doesn’t have to be a Starbucks; it could be a certain type of food, a routine like morning runs, or even a TV show you watch at the end of the day (for me, at the time, it was downloaded episodes of Sex & The City). These small things can create a sense of stability and help you feel connected to your life back home, even when you're thousands of miles away.
Navigating Homesickness at Different Stages of Travel
First-Time Travelers
Your first time traveling is exhilarating, but it can also be nerve-wracking. The excitement of being somewhere new can quickly turn into anxiety as you realize just how far away from home you are. If you find yourself feeling homesick, remember that it’s okay to feel this way—it’s part of the process.
Tips:
Stay Connected: Schedule regular check-ins with loved ones back home. A quick video call can do wonders for your mood.
Create a Routine: Establishing a daily routine, even when you're on vacation, can help you feel more grounded.
Bring a Piece of Home: Whether it’s a favorite snack, a book, or a personal trinket you can keep in your purse or pocket, having something that reminds you of home can be comforting.
Short-Term Travelers
When you're traveling for a few months, the initial excitement might start to wear off, and homesickness can hit harder. This is the point where you might start to crave the comfort of your own bed, the ease of familiar surroundings, and the company of people who just “get you.”
Tips:
Journal Regularly: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to process emotions. It also creates a record of your journey, which you’ll appreciate later.
Stay Active: Physical activity, whether it’s hiking, swimming, or yoga, can help release endorphins and improve your mood.
Make New Connections: Don’t hesitate to reach out to other travelers or locals. Making friends on the road can help you feel less isolated.
Long-Term or “Slowmad” Travelers
For those of us who set out with no return date, homesickness can become a constant companion. The longer you’re away, the more you might find yourself missing the small things—family dinners, weekend rituals, or just the simple act of being in a familiar place.
Tips:
Create a Home Base: Even if you're moving from place to place, try to stay in one location for an extended period. Renting an apartment or staying in a homestay can give you a sense of stability. For me - it was a specific hostel that I used as a home base in Switzerland. I would volunteer my time cleaning or assisting with traveler check-ins during my stays to offset the cost of accommodation. This is a great travel tip for slow travelers looking to meet amazing people from around the world.
Stay Grounded: Engage in activities that remind you of home. For me, it was finding a Starbucks, journaling, and cooking a shared meal with fellow travelers in a hostel. For you, it might be cooking your favorite meal or keeping up with a hobby.
Accept the Waves: Understand that homesickness comes in waves. Some days will be harder than others, but it doesn’t mean you’re not strong enough to continue your journey.
Reflections on Creating a Home Base
Perched high in the Swiss Alps, nestled among the clouds and grazing cows, you can find Gimmelwald. Despite its remote location—requiring multiple trains, a bus, and a cable car to access—this two-street mountain village felt more like home than anywhere else while I was in Europe. The hostel I stayed at, along with its owners, made me feel like family. I stayed for long stretches, so long that I eventually secured my own private accommodations. Over a combined period of nearly two years, I found myself returning to Gimmelwald repeatedly.
Years later, after a particularly difficult breakup, I returned to Switzerland (a third time) and secured a full-time job in the neighboring village of Mürren, just up the road. By then I'd managed to obtain a German passport by birthright and was legally allowed to work in Europe. But despite how much Switzerland felt like home, homesickness still crept in. Ten months into a year-long work commitment, no longer willing to endure for the sake of what others might think of or expect from me, I broke my work contract and flew home. It seems I was finally able to prioritize what was important to me without worrying about what others might think.
It’s a reminder that even the most comforting places abroad can’t always replace the pull of home, but they can provide a much-needed anchor during long-term travel.
Embrace the Journey: Even if It Leads You Back Home
Navigating homesickness is a natural part of travel. It’s a reminder of the connections we have, the people we love, and the places that have shaped us. But it’s also a sign that you’re pushing your boundaries and growing in ways you couldn’t back home. Embrace these feelings, but don’t let them hold you back. Each wave of homesickness is an opportunity to discover new ways to find comfort and make the world feel a little bit smaller and a little more like home.
In the end, travel is as much about self-discovery as it is about exploring new places. So, when you find yourself feeling homesick, take a deep breath, find something familiar, and remember that you’re not alone in this journey. You’re stronger than you think, and while sometimes all it takes is a good cup of coffee and a few pages in your journal to feel like yourself again, sometimes, there's just no place like home.
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