So here i am, sitting in my hotel room, 356 miles away from home. It's a very nice hotel room, i have ordered room service two nights in a row, and eaten it sitting on my bed, in my pyjamas. Every girls dream right?! But alas, i am not a happy bunny. Why? Because i am alone, away from my fiancé and dog, and I'm just home sick!
So, i turned to the power of the internet last night in search of some kind of solace. In search of some comforting words, or a guide of how to get through the stay. But, do you know what i found? NOTHING. The only relating search results were "how to cope when your significant other is away on business", but what if you are that significant other?! How do you cope being away from your loved ones, your home, your bed!? Well, here is what has been getting me through the few days i am here, and i thought this the perfect opportunity for a blog post, as some day, you might need a push to get through the trip too.
To this guide, there are only two steps, but i promise you that both will make the time you are away easier!
The first step to getting through this hellish time, is to pack everything you might possibly need. Aside from the obvious clothes etc, you are going to need things to pre-occupy you when you are not working/training/in meetings.
I suggest the following -
- Laptop/iPad/Tablet - make sure you have your charger, netflix and skype downloaded. Most hotels now have wifi you can buy for your stay. So taking your laptop or ipad with you, is going to keep you entertained when you are in your hotel room. Just remember to lock it away, or store it in its case during the day when you are out.
- Books - failing the internet, a good book is the best way to while away the hours. Grab a couple so you have a choice, and pick something you know will keep you interested. Or just re-read an old favourite, The Hunger Games trilogy anyone?
- Uni work - if you are a student of any type, bring some work with you! Yes, it's pretty boring sometimes, but this will be the perfect chance to get some work done. You will be away from any distractions, and you can have a couple of hours to just work through your assignment.
- Snacks! - make sure you have some goodies stashed away in your hotel room or in your travel bag, to give yourself a treat after successfully getting through another day away. I keep cans of drinks in my room too, hotel prices can be super expensive! And that's the only good thing about being away from home, and staying in a hotel is right? Ordering room service and eating yummy food in bed!
This may seem like an obvious thing, but let me tell you, when you are just on the way to your destination, sitting on the aeroplane or train, all you can think about is the going away part, the coming back part feels such a long way away. So think about it logically.
Break down the days into sections and you will get through them much quicker. For example, this is how i have been working my stay.
Fly to Glasgow on Tuesday night - fly home on Friday night.
3 nights. 3 breakfasts. 3 lunches. 3 dinners.
To go.
The first night i arrived, got settled in my room, ordered my dinner and then went to sleep. That's taken me down to,
2 nights. 3 breakfasts. 3 lunches. 2 dinners.
To go.
I wake up in the morning and have my breakfast, which takes me down to,
2 nights. 2 breakfasts. 3 lunches. 2 dinners.
To go.
And so on and so forth.
It may seem like a simple idea, but it works. It breaks the day up into four sections, that are evenly spread throughout the day, and with each one you mentally check off, you feel closer to home.
You could add more, or base them around other things to suit your stay. Count down meetings, training sessions, classes or visits.
The main thing that will make you feel better, is to keep in contact with your family or friends if its possible. Though you may get a bit tearful down the phone, its nice to hear a familiar voice when surrounded by strangers.
And just remember, it's not forever. Count down those days, put on a brave face and remember to treat yourself!
If all else fails just look up at the sky, and remind yourself you and your loved ones are sleeping under the same stars.
I hope this gives you comfort if you need it, stay strong and you will be home soon.
From one grumpy, homesick traveller to another,
xoxo
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