Travel Inspiration

Sophia

February 20, 2025

Culture shock and homesickness: what to do when you get it?

Whether from the first school trip or the first vacation without parents - homesickness is a feeling that is familiar to many. You suddenly feel uncomfortable, alienated and want nothing more than to return to your familiar everyday life. This so-called Culture shock and Homesickness are not just a problem for children. Travelers of all ages can be affected, no matter how experienced they are or how well they have planned their trip. This is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

But don't worry: not everyone who travels for a long time gets homesick or experiences culture shock. In fact, it only happens in the rarest of cases - especially if travelers are well prepared and deal with the cultural differences. However, if you do fall into the trap, it's important to know how to deal with it.

What is culture shock?

Before we give you advice on how to overcome culture shock, let's clarify what this phenomenon is all about. Culture shock occurs when you immerse yourself in a foreign culture and are suddenly confronted with differences that make you feel uncomfortable. Our usual social norms, values, language, food or music - all of this becomes alien, and this can lead to a feeling of disorientation.

Each of us grows up in a certain culture that shapes us. When we then travel to a country whose culture is very different from our own, we feel these differences intensely. Culture shock is the natural reaction to this.

Homesickness often goes hand in hand with this: if you don't feel comfortable in your new surroundings, you want to return to the safe haven of your home country. However, there is no need to panic - culture shock and homesickness are not insurmountable obstacles, but rather an opportunity to surpass yourself.

Prevent culture shock

Although it is not always possible to completely avoid culture shock, you can prevent it by being well prepared. The better you prepare for your destination, the less likely you are to be overwhelmed by culture shock.

Find out about your destinationRead travel blogs, look at experience reports and talk to people who have already been there. This will give you valuable insights into the cultural differences you should be prepared for.
Learn the languageA little knowledge of the language can work wonders. Even basic phrases or idioms will help you feel more confident.
Visual preparation: Look at pictures and videos of your destination to mentally prepare yourself for the new surroundings.
Recognize possible overload pointsThink in advance about which situations could overwhelm you (e.g. traffic, incomprehensible dishes, foreign traditions). Plan how you could react in such moments.

Much of this information is already part of our comprehensive preparation package, which helps our participants to quickly find their feet in their new environment.

Dealing with homesickness: Practical tips

Despite all your preparation, you may feel homesick. This feeling can feel like you're falling into a deep hole. But don't worry: it will pass. Here are some tips on how to deal with homesickness:

Short-term solution: Accept the homesickness
If homesickness overwhelms you, don't ignore it. Just as with heartbreak, it's important to allow your feelings to come through. Give yourself a break: lie down, watch a movie that gives you comfort or eat your favorite food. Take your feelings seriously, but don't let them take over for too long. After 24 hours at the latest, you should get up again and concentrate on your journey.
Talk to someone
Talk to someone who understands your situation. This could be a travel companion, other travelers or the hostel staff. Perhaps someone close to you has had similar experiences and can help you with advice. Talking to family or friends at home can also do you good, but be careful not to get too lost in the conversation.
Long-term solution: less contact at home
Even if it is tempting to stay in regular contact with friends and family, you should limit contact to a healthy level. If you think too much about home, you will have less room to engage with the new country. You won't miss out on anything at home anyway - focus on the exciting experiences that lie ahead.
Distraction is the key
Get actively involved in your new surroundings! Take a tour of the city, visit places of interest, plan activities or take part in local events. Everyday activities such as cooking, shopping or a visit to a café can also help to distract you. The important thing is that you keep yourself busy in your new surroundings and don't get bored.
Get to know new people
Interacting with other travelers is one of the best experiences on a trip. Meet new people, go to parties, attend activities or join a free city tour. Connecting with others not only helps you make new friends, but also gives you the feeling that you are not alone.
Remember your original enthusiasm for travel
Think back to the time when you were planning your trip: What were you most looking forward to? What adventures still await you? If you focus on your goals, you will be better able to overcome the challenges of culture shock and move on stronger.

Conclusion: culture shock and homesickness as an opportunity

Culture shock and homesickness are not the end of the world. Rather, they are a sign of personal growth and new experiences. You will learn how to deal with challenges and find your way in unfamiliar situations. This intercultural competence will not only help you when traveling, but also in everyday life - be it at work, when dealing with new people or when coping with difficult tasks.

Be proud of yourself if you manage to overcome the culture shock and homesickness. You are undergoing great personal development that will strengthen you for the future.