|
Part of the excitement of traveling is the newness of being away from home. Everything seems like an adventure when we travel for fun. But, for those whose jobs or some unexpected circumstance keep them away from home, the new wears off quick and homesickness can set in. If you find yourself having to spend time away from home, with homesickness as your only companion, try these tips for bringing the feeling of being home with you on the road.
1.) Family Photos
A motel room, or guest room, will instantly feel more like home if you bring along some framed photos from home. If you miss your spouse, kids, or parents it helps if they are the last thing you see at night and the first thing you see in the morning. It is also nice to have the photos while you are talking to them on the phone. Not as good as being there, for sure, but seeing their smiling faces in the photos will ease some of the loneliness.
2.) Your Own Pillow
This may sound strange, but this is the best way to feel more at home while you are away. Just as a child likes to bring along their blanket or favorite stuffed animal, we adults are most comfortable with our own pillow. With a child, this is a form of security. With adults, we are more attached to the comforts of home. Something as simple as lying your head on your own pillow can make even a strange bed feel more like home.
3.) Comfort Foods
Instead of settling for whatever you find in the snack machines, you can bring your favorite foods from home. If you can bring homemade cookies, that is wonderful. If not, just bring whatever snacks you normally treat yourself to when you are home. Whether that is a quick microwave bag of popcorn, or a favorite candy bar, a familiar snack will ease the munchies in a home-away-from-home way.
4.) Postcards
Sharing your day with those back home is another way to feel connected while away. A perfect way to do that is by choosing and sending postcards. Even if your trip is all business, you can find postcards at airports, hotel lobbies and restaurants. And, even though you yourself may not get to see the sites pictured in the postcards, those back home will still be interested in the city you are in. This is especially helpful for those with children, since this teaches the children about the different areas of a state or country. Having a purpose and knowing you are doing something that will bring enjoyment to those back home helps take your mind off the bad things about being away from home.
5.) Favorite Music
If you have a favorite CD, bring it along to listen to while you are relaxing. Music has a wonderful way of taking our minds off our worries and soothing our frazzled nerves. While it may be true that music soothes the savage beast, it can also conquer even the worst case of homesickness. Just make sure you choose some upbeat tunes. Any tearjerker songs may defeat the purpose of the music.
6.) Favorite Books
Relaxing with a good book can be a perfect way to feel at home while on the road. Reading works especially well if you have started reading the book earlier at home. Once lost in the story, you may very well forget that you are not at home tucked into your own bed. Of course, that depends on the writer so make sure you choose one of your favorite authors.
7.) Personal Care Items
Things as simple as toothpaste and shampoo, as well as soap, can instantly make a hotel room feel homier if you use the ones you usually use at home. Jumping into the shower and having strange scents surround you reminds you that you are in unfamiliar territory. So, leave those things for the next person and use your own, more familiar things.
8.) Air Fresheners
Just as with shampoos and soaps, air fresheners can make a hotel room feel more like home. Bring along one that you normally use at home and this will take away the sometimes musty smell of the room. As stated earlier, familiar smells add instantly to a homier feeling.
9.) Comfortable Clothes
Too many times when we leave home on a trip, we plan only to bring the dress clothes that we will need. It is equally important to remember to bring some of your slouch clothes for the times you are in your room. Whether it's a comfortable pair of sweat pants, a favorite pair of pajamas, or even that old worn out shirt that you should have thrown away long ago, comfortable clothes just make you feel better.
10.) Your Own Alarm Clock
Being jarred awake by the unfamiliar sound of a strange hotel alarm clock can start the day off on the wrong foot. Bringing along your own clock insures that although your surroundings may not be familiar, at least those few minutes before you open your eyes you can forget that you are not waking up at home in your own bed.
These are just a few of the things that you can do to bring a little piece of home along with you when you travel. And, although they are simple and basic, they will truly help ease the pain and loneliness of homesickness.
| 
