It happens to the best of us. You are moving along, traveling to your destination, working all day, getting your stuff done….and then you get to your hotel room. You’re alone, without your spouse, kids, pets, or stuff. For some people this is a dream come true!! For the people who are glad to get away, more power to you.

For some of us, however, this is when the loneliness sets in. I know that when I am traveling a LOT (like I did during February and March) I tend to get really lonely and homesick. For some reason flying at night does it to me a lot, not a good thing when I am on a multi-destination trip! Here are a few tips that help me work through it.

• Set Skype dates. When I was in Manila in January, Home Warrior and I had Skype conversations every morning (night time for him). It was great to be able to see each other, catch up on our day, and it helped me feel less lonely. (This was especially important in a foreign country.) This way you can say goodnight to the kids! And you won’t feel so isolated. Also, don’t forget about friends and family. If you talk to your best friend or sister or mom on a regular basis, give them a call. Just because you’re not home doesn’t mean you can’t maintain your relationships.
• Keep to your home routine as much as possible. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time you normally do, or try to go to bed earlier and get extra sleep. Bring your skin and haircare items from home and maintain your beauty routine. If you read for twenty minutes before bed, or write in your journal, or watch Letterman, try to do those things.
• Pamper yourself a bit. If at all possible, I love getting rooms with a separate shower and tub. I will lay in the tub for an hour, reading and relaxing. If your hotel has a spa and you have some extra time, get a facial or a massage. Or your nails done. Something that is fun and makes you feel special.
• Books and magazines. I always bring several books or magazines with me when I travel. It gives me a chance to catch up on my reading, and of course passes time in the hotel room (and of course the airplane!).
• Get out of the hotel room. I can feel super lonely if I am cooped up in a hotel room whenever I’m not at the office. It’s so easy to do! Working, realizing it’s late, and saying, “It’s just easier to have room service bring dinner than to go out.” Make an effort whenever you can though, because even just taking a walk outside can lift your spirits.
• Bring pictures of your loved ones. Bring physical photos of your kids, pets, spouse, your vacation, whatever. Or if it’s easier, make sure there are some on your computer or phone. This way you can see their shining faces whenever you feel sad. It will remind you what you have to go home to!