Whether traveling for business, school, or just to experience a new culture for a while, you’re likely to experience some bouts of homesickness. However, you can still keep in touch with home while you’re traveling to help combat missing home.
Physical distance can sometimes be mistaken for emotional distance. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to go the extra mile to show that you’ve been thinking about them. Here are some ways to keep in touch with your loved ones when you’re not physically there: 1. Technology is your friend
When it comes to traveling, long-distance calls and international plans can be very expensive. There are many plenty of messaging apps to allow you to connect with your friends and families back home. Many of these apps are able to be used through WiFi which is important for when you don’t have access to your phone service. Messaging apps like WhatsAppare popular around the world, so it doesn’t hurt to keep it on your phone to help ease communication in your travels.
When it comes to important events, you can use video chat to feel like you’re really there. Apps like FaceTime or Skype allow you to see what’s going on back home. Try to teach grandma and grandpa how to use these apps before you leave to avoid technical issues over Skype. 2. Create a communication schedule
When it comes to keeping in touch, it can often turn into one giant game of phone tag if you don’t have a plan. However, if you create a schedule that works for you and your loved ones, you can eliminate the gaps in communication. This can also help you feel more secure in your relationship if you’re in a long-distance relationship.
However, take time zones into consideration when creating your schedule. Try to find a time that works for both of you, so one of you doesn’t have to catch up in the middle of the night. 3. Special occasions can still be special
You’ve seen the movie cliche where the classy guy calls the florist after a date to send dozens of roses to his date the next morning. Maybe it’s time to borrow a move from the movies. Whether for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because, you can send flowers to show your loved ones that you’re thinking of them. It’s a special way to mark a special occasion when you can’t physically be there to celebrate. 4. Revisit snail mail
Write some letters! By putting pen to paper, you can write a heartfelt message and send it across the ocean. The recipient of your letter can even hold onto it as a memory from your travels. And if you’retraveling long enough, they can even write you back. Instant pen pals.
Postcards are an old school way of sending your friends a quick update from the road. It’s always exciting to get mail–especially from someone far away. Pick up some postcards and a few stamps while you’re on the road and send some written messages back home. It’s always exciting to get postage from far away. 5. Start a blog
You may not have time to check in with everyone individually about your travels. If you’re road-tripping or studying abroad, a blog can be an excellent way to document your travels for your friends and family. This can allow your loved ones to check in on your journey without picking up the phone every time you visit a new place. Your travel blog can also be a memento for you to look back at after your trip to remember where you had been and how you were feeling.
Traveling can be exciting. But, it can also be pretty lonelywithout your friends and family around. By figuring out a communication plan to stay in touch while you’re away, you can help avoid homesickness.
