Retiring abroad is an exciting adventure—a chance to experience new cultures, landscapes, and lifestyles. However, no matter how thrilling your new surroundings may be, it’s normal to experience homesickness, especially after the initial excitement fades. It typically hits between 3 to 6 months after the move, once you’ve settled into a routine and the novelty wears off. Homesickness can be tough, but there are several strategies you can employ to ease the transition and make your new life abroad feel more like home.

Recognizing That Homesickness Is Normal
First, it's essential to recognize that homesickness is a common experience for most expats, including retirees. It doesn’t mean you’ve made a mistake or that you’re not adjusting well. Feeling nostalgic for familiar people, places, and routines is part of adjusting to a new environment. In fact, the 3-to-6-month mark is often when the initial euphoria of being in a new country starts to fade, and the realities of daily life set in.

Accepting these feelings as a natural part of the process can help you better cope and find healthy ways to manage them.

Taking a Trip Back Home
One of the most straightforward ways to deal with homesickness is to plan a visit back home. Sometimes a brief return can help you recharge emotionally. You get to reconnect with family, friends, and the comforts of home, and you’ll likely return to your new country with renewed energy and perspective.

When planning a trip home, give yourself enough time to see loved ones, visit your favorite places, and indulge in those simple pleasures you miss. Just knowing you have a visit planned can help ease feelings of homesickness when they crop up.

Get "Care" Packages Sent from Home
Another comforting solution is to have care packages sent from friends or family back home. These packages could include your favorite snacks, personal items, or small reminders of home that you can’t find abroad. Something as simple as a familiar candy bar, tea, or book can bring immense comfort.

If family and friends are willing, make a list of items you miss and would love to receive. This thoughtful gesture not only lifts your spirits but also strengthens your connections with loved ones.

Take a Trip to a Local Destination
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or down, consider taking a short trip to a nearby destination in your new country or region. Exploring local spots can help break the routine and remind you of the beauty and excitement of living abroad. Proximity to numerous interesting locations is likely one of the reasons you've retired in Europe in the first place.

Even a weekend getaway to a nearby town, beach, or mountain area can refresh your spirit and give you a renewed appreciation for the unique opportunity you’ve embraced by retiring abroad. Exploring local attractions helps you feel more integrated into your new environment while offering a mental break from homesick feelings.

Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
OK, this might seem a little odd, but if you're feeling isolated or longing for the company of fellow Americans, consider visiting your local U.S. embassy or consulate. These places often host events, meet-and-greets, or provide helpful resources for expats. They can offer not only a sense of familiarity but also opportunities to connect with other Americans living abroad.

Sometimes, simply speaking with someone who understands your cultural background or who is going through a similar experience can be comforting. I had been abroad for over a year when I had to get some passport pages added so I visited the U.S. embassy in Malta. I was unexpectedly moved by the delightful southern accent of the clerk who assisted me. Seriously, you don't know you're missing something until reminded sometimes.

Connect with Online Communities
Homesickness can feel less isolating when you realize you’re not alone. Many online communities cater to expats and retirees living abroad, offering a space to share experiences, advice, and support. Facebook groups, expat forums, and even Reddit threads can be excellent sources of connection. You can get started by simply doing a Google search of "expat" + the city you are in.

Engaging in these communities helps you learn how others cope with homesickness, discover tips for adapting to your new country, and even meet new friends in your area. Many expat groups organize meetups, which can be a fantastic way to build your social circle in your new country.

Stay Connected with Friends and Family
While it’s important to immerse yourself in your new life, staying connected with loved ones back home is essential. Technology makes it easier than ever to keep those ties strong. Schedule regular video calls with family and friends so you can stay updated on their lives and share your new experiences.

Apps like WhatsApp, Skype, and Zoom are excellent for maintaining close contact. Frequent communication can make you feel like you're not missing out on important moments back home and can help alleviate feelings of loneliness.

What I have found is that while I have been experiencing so many different things, most of the people I speak with "back home" are doing the same thing they always did. So, after talking for a few minutes about all the cool things I have done, I will ask, "So, what's new with you?" Invariably, the answer is, "not much." or "same old, same old."

Create New Traditions
One way to combat homesickness is to create new traditions in your new home. Whether it’s a weekly dinner at a favorite local restaurant, joining a local club or activity group, or celebrating familiar holidays in your new environment, creating routine and building a new sense of belonging will help you feel more grounded.

By mixing the old with the new, you’ll find that over time, you can blend elements of home with your current life abroad, making the transition smoother.

Embrace the Local Culture
Another effective remedy for homesickness is immersing yourself in your new surroundings. Embrace the local customs, try new foods, learn the language, and get to know the people in your community. The more you engage with your environment, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Over time, these efforts will pay off, and your new home will start to feel less foreign.

Other Popular Remedies from Expats
Beyond the strategies mentioned, expats and retirees often share other remedies that have worked for them:
• Find a local hobby: Take up a new activity, such as cooking local dishes, learning a craft, or joining a sports team. This helps you meet new people and develop a routine.
• Adopt a pet: Many expats find comfort in having a pet, as it provides companionship and structure to their day.
• Volunteer: Giving back to your new community can give you purpose and help you feel more connected.
• Decorate with familiar items: Bring some of your favorite home decor or family photos to your new home to make it feel cozier.

Final Thoughts
Homesickness is a normal part of adjusting to life as a retiree abroad, but it doesn’t have to overshadow your experience. By taking proactive steps—whether it’s visiting home, seeking familiar comforts, or engaging with your new environment—you can find balance and overcome those difficult feelings. Remember that it takes time to fully adjust, and with patience, your new home will soon feel just as comfortable as the one you left behind.