When ‘fernweh’ meets homesickness: balancing travel and home
When you think of fernweh, it evokes a longing for faraway places — the irresistible pull of unexplored horizons, cobblestone streets, and sunsets over unknown shores. But what happens when the pull is reversed? When the open road feels less like freedom and more like a thread tying you back to where you began? That’s homesickness.
Traveling across Europe, Jaz and I often hear the question: “Don’t you ever miss home?” The truth is, we do — but maybe not in the way people expect. These days, we focus more on shorter trips, often just a week or so, especially since Jaz has a cute lil’ baby waiting for her back home. And while it’s not long enough to completely miss home, those feelings can still creep in.
Fernweh (noun) Pronunciation: [FEHRN-vey] Origin: German Definition: A deep, almost aching, longing for far-off places; a desire to travel and explore the world, often accompanied by a sense of curiosity and restlessness. Synonyms: Wanderlust, travel fever, yearning for adventure. Antonym: Homesickness (Heimweh).
Navigating the Emotional Layers of Travel
For me (Kiki), traveling has always been my biggest dream — it’s what makes me happiest. But my struggles with mental health have added a layer of complexity. Sometimes, the anticipation of a trip feels overwhelming, even scary. It’s ironic because I know how much joy the experience itself will bring. Yet, the build-up — packing, planning, leaving — can be the hardest part.
Homesickness has also felt deeply personal for me, tied to childhood memories. Growing up with divorced parents, I spent years shuffling between two homes. That early experience of missing one place while being in another left its mark, making homesickness feel like an old, unwelcome friend that still visits now and then.
What Homesickness Really Feels Like
Homesickness isn’t just an emotional ache — it can show up physically, too. It’s the heaviness in your chest when you think about home. It’s a lump in your throat when you say goodbye at the airport. It’s that low-energy, unsettled feeling that lingers even when you’re surrounded by beautiful places.
Sometimes, it’s a craving for the comfort of familiar faces or routines. Other times, it’s tied to deeper fears or past traumas. But no matter how it feels, it’s important to acknowledge it and find ways to work through it.
How We Cope With Homesickness
Homesickness is universal, whether you’re on a week-long trip or traveling for months. Over time, we’ve found strategies that help ease the ache and make the most of our adventures:
Carry Home With You
Bring small, comforting items that remind you of home. A cozy scarf, your favorite tea, or a pillow spray with a scent you associate with calm can make any place feel a little more familiar.Build a Routine
Establishing little rituals while traveling — like a morning walk, journaling, or enjoying a specific snack — creates stability. It’s a way of grounding yourself in the unfamiliar.Stay Connected
Schedule video calls with loved ones, or even send them photos or voice messages throughout your day. For Jaz, seeing her baby on FaceTime always helps.Use Products That Bring Comfort
Products designed to soothe and comfort can be lifesavers. Noise-canceling headphones for quiet moments, a weighted blanket for better sleep (though you might have to sacrifice half your luggage allowance to bring it along!), or lavender essential oils to calm your nerves are all great tools. An e-rader can make a hotel feel cozier, while travel-sized skincare or a favorite candle can create a sense of home wherever you are.Focus on the Positives
Instead of resisting homesickness, lean into the moments of joy your travels bring. Journaling or snapping photos can help you document the good times and remember why you’re there.Practice Gratitude
Reflect on the privilege of being able to explore new places. It’s okay to miss home while still appreciating the experiences travel gives you.Take Breaks When Needed
It’s okay to carve out time for yourself on a trip. Find a quiet corner of a park, retreat to your hotel room with a good book, or just indulge in some downtime scrolling through TikTok (trust us, it’s one of our favorite ways to recharge!). Sometimes, doing nothing is exactly what you need to feel refreshed and ready for the next adventure.Embrace the Shorter Trips
If long trips feel daunting, plan shorter adventures. Exploring closer to home or taking city breaks can bring all the excitement of travel without the pressure.
Turning Homesickness Into Gratitude
Rather than viewing homesickness as a burden, we are trying to learn to see it as a reminder of what’s important to us. It means there are people and places worth missing — and that’s something to be grateful for.
Homesickness doesn’t have to take away from travel; instead, it can enrich the experience by keeping us connected to where we started.
So, whether you’re on a short getaway or a months-long journey, remember that homesickness is a part of the process. It’s a sign that home will always be there, waiting, when you’re ready to return!
Have you experienced homesickness while traveling? What helps you cope? Share your tips and stories with us in the comments or on Instagram at @chapterfernweh — we’d love to hear how you balance the pull of fernweh with the comfort of home.
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