9 Steps to Avoid Homesickness While Traveling

Published May 18, 2010 at 7:00 am |

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Long business trips have their ups and downs. I’ve already written about some of the ups here and downs here and here. I’m 20 days into a 42-day trip and a little homesick. Over the course of many long business trips over the years I’ve developed a few habits that help me feel connected to home while thousands of miles away. In no particular order here’s what I do/ have done…

Watch an American Film in the Theater - This is one of the best techniques I’ve found, for a few reasons. Movie theaters are essentially the same no matter where you are in the planet. So even though I may be in South Africa, it feels like I’m in the United States. Watching a first-run movie keeps you current on pop-culture. Finally, the actors don’t have accents! And here’s a fun South African Movie Fact: Theaters don’t have butter-flavored shortening for their popcorn, but instead have flavored salts.
Watch a movie on your computer – If you can’t get to the theater, sometimes sitting in your hotel room watching your favorite films on your computer is enough to make you forget that you’re so far from home. Download from itunes or bring your DVD collection. A guaranteed 2 hour escape into the fantasy world of your choice.
Set your homepage to your local newspaper – Every time I log on I am brought to the landing page of the Orlando Sentinel. While I’m not necessarily interested in the gossip and trash of the day, it just feels nice to know what’s going on. I’m not missing out on anything.
Listen to your favorite music – My computer and iphone are loaded with my favorite tunes so I can rock out when I need to. Singing when no one is around to hear you is a great energy release and fun.
Call Home – Talking to friends and family is always a treat. If you keep the same call schedule as you do when you’re at home it doesn’t feel like you’re missing something. I call my parents 3-4 times a week and try my best to do that when I’m away. It doesn’t always happen, but the intention is there. Sometimes it’s an online chat instead.
Video Chat – Skype and iChat are quite cool. I’m on the other side of the ocean, at the bottom of the planet, yet it feels as if I’m in the living room of my family. Once you do it the first time you’ll be hooked. It’s free too! Technology is amazing.
Read Magazines – I carry a stack of magazines with me. Time, Business Week, etc. The best part is when you are done, you can throw them away and lighten your load – and make room for all those souvenirs!
Continue a Routine from Home – Check your Facebook, go to the gym, have a walk, drink a nightcap, read the morning paper, do whatever you normally do at home. Routines bring us to our familiar place.
Have an adventure - Going out serves as a great distraction. You’ll keep yourself busy all day and tire yourself out at night. Plus you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.