Long term travel is often considered a roller coaster ride of emotion. There are tons of high points where you literally feel as if you are on top of the world. However, there are also low points along the where where many travelers begin to feel homesick or depressed.

Over the past 3 years I can say I have definitely hit my share of emotional low points. Days where I have just wanted to end the whole experience and head home. I remember my first solo trip abroad, I was considering going back home after just a couple of days. However, over time I have developed a number of strategies that work quite well for me in terms of maintaining a level head, and staying on the higher end of the emotional scale.

The following are all strategies that I incorporate into my budget travel life to avoid homesickness or traveler’s depression, and maintain a healthy emotional equilibrium.

1. Exercise: We’ve all heard about the benefits of exercise, both physical and mental. When I’ve had a tough or stressul day, nothing clears my head or relieves the stress faster than a good run. However, for many people, exercise seems to be the first thing they cut out of their day while on the road. While you may not find world-class gyms, there are still dozens of options you can take advantage of from your hostel room or around town to get your heart rate up and the blood flowing. Believe me, if runners can find haven in the polluted, concrete metropolis of Shanghai, you can find options anywhere in the world for exercise.

2. Family Time: Many travelers enjoy living with families during their travels. I am not one of these travelers (I much prefer the independence and freedom of living on my own), but I have found that spending time with a local family is a great way to cope with the homesickness you may feel for your own family or friends. In my experience it is remarkably easy to meet local families, both wealthy and poor, that are delighted to host you as a guest in their home. Lunch, dinner, or even just an afternoon coffee is usually enough to put a smile on my face and give me a little food for the soul.

3. Volunteer: No matter where you are in the world, I guarantee you can find both short and long term volunteer work projects to take part in. I think most people will agree that giving back and volunteering is a very satisfying experience. You may not have time to do it at home, but when traveling for an extended period of time, it should be easy to take part in a couple short-term volunteer opportunities. The experience is sure to put a smile on your face, and for many people the feeling of work and accomplishment is important to maintaining a healthy emotional balance. See my section on Volunteering Abroad For Less as well as Idealist.org for individual volunteer opportunities.

4. Make a short-term home: Hostel hopping and living out of a backpack is an amazing experience. However, it can also be extremely tiring and tough on the emotions. My recommendation is always to take some time off every month or two, and make a short-term home in an interesting town or city. Rent an apartment, even find some short-term work. Meet some locals, make some friends, hang out with a family, do some volunteer work, and just enjoy where you are. This give your mind and emotions as well as your body a chance to relax a bit, drop the stress of constant travel, and grow accustomed to one single environment again. Check out my video post on renting property abroad

5. Friends: At first glance, this is an obvious one. We all know that friends are important, and how nice it is to have people with whom you can confide or just have a coherent conversation. The problem that many long-term travelers face, however, is that you see SO many people come and go throughout your travels, that you sometimes tend to avoid meeting new people. I have found myself doing this a significant amount lately. And it can be a tough balance sometimes. My best recommendation would just be to try to find a balance that works well for you. If you prefer to be on your own most of the time, great, but be careful not to shut yourself off completely from other travelers. We all need a little human interaction occasionally, and few people are able to relate with you as well as a fellow traveler. Read more about building a traveler’s network.

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