Travel is a great way to discover new things about the world and yourself. That said, what you discover can come as a shock at first.  If you’re traveling somewhere very different from your home and staying abroad for an extended period, it will be an adjustment. Thankfully, for as much of a surprise as culture shock can be, there are plenty of ways to handle it.

Manage Expectations

While it’s great to be excited about your journey, you need to be realistic. Perhaps the most famous example of tourist expectations run amok is the “Paris Syndrome.” This is when visitors to the City of Lights build up such impossible expectations, that it’s going to be the romantic metropolis of their dreams that they can’t help but be disappointed. This isn’t a mere letdown, either. Sufferers can experience dizziness, headaches, and vomiting. Furthermore, the Japanese embassy in Paris has a 24-hour hotline for struggling tourists. The lesson here? Do your research before you leave. Find out where you’re headed, learn what to expect, and be realistic.

Accept Your Feelings

Denial never solved anything (just ask Freud). If you’re feeling culture shock or homesickness, it’s best to be honest about it. Talk to others about how you feel and why. You might discover that others feel the same or they can help alleviate some of your uneasiness. The process of talking, itself, might prove therapeutic and help you get over your culture shock.

Stay Connected to Your Home

Bring something from home with you on your trip, like a family photo or special tea. Watch TV shows from your home country, or Zoom chat with friends and family. All these strategies can be a great way of staying connected. Home is the place with the people you care about. Therefore, bring along a reminder of home. Being someplace new can be exciting, but it’s healthy to remember your roots.

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