Christmas and New Year celebrations give loved ones the opportunity to spend wonderful times together shopping, drinking, eating, gifting, and simply relaxing. Unfortunately, everything that has a beginning has an ending. With nothing to look forward to in mid-January, except for the pressure to achieve something new and big that year, a lot of people end up experiencing New Year's blues. Going back to the norm can be a bit challenging, especially for those living abroad.

Here's a range of tactics for avoiding homesickness when you're away from loved ones after the festive season:

Acceptance
First of all, it's quite normal to feel down after the holidays. In fact, New Year blues are part of a cycle, meaning they'll come and go. The first step to overcoming January blues is adopting an acceptance mindset, which means recognizing that things have gone back to normal. Rejecting reality is likely to lead to surges of hope followed by huge disappointments.

Make a Plan
After the high of a holiday, going back to the regular, boring routine is enough to lower anyone's spirits. Revive the excitement of anticipation by planning fun activities such as fun get-togethers with friends, a trip to take place in a few months, or start thinking of what you'll do over Easter. Use an international calling app that makes cheap international calls to include others back home in your plans. Whatever you plan, ensure the activities fit your budget, lifestyle, and will give you a thrill.

Stay Active
Staying active is another great way to avoid getting the blues when you are away from loved ones. Luckily, there are several ways to keep you occupied after the festivities, including exercising, trying a new sport, taking walks, starting a new class for a hobby or interest, etc. Getting outdoors and staying active keeps your mind occupied and helps release mood-boosting endorphins.

Get Your Finances in Order
Part of the New Year blues come from financial stress. We spend a lot of money on trips, food, and all forms of entertainment during the holidays. This leaves a lot of people with holiday debt. After the festivities, it's time to sit down and sort your financial situation. If you still have some money left, use it to settle a bill/debt right away. It's also important to set yourself a budget for the next few months until your finances are back in order.

Get a Grip on Jet Lag
People living abroad tend to travel across multiple time zones to be with loved ones during Christmas. Unfortunately, they may end up experiencing jet lag. The body clock takes time to adjust to the timing of light and darkness at the destination. This disrupted rhythm can cause certain unpleasant symptoms like a headache, poor concentration, tiredness, disorientation, and indigestion. Restoring your regular sleep pattern can help speed up the re-adjustment phase after the holidays.

Reframe the Situation
Whatever emotions you are experiencing, try making your circumstances work in your favor. For instance, think of the extra pounds you gained over Christmas as an incentive to finally start exercising and eating healthy. Some mood-boosting foods to stock up are those containing vitamin B like whole grains and those containing Omega-3 fatty acids such as oily fish. Reframing your situation will make you feel like you are in control of your life and not the other way around.

Be Sociable

Spending time with friends or even colleagues is another great mood-booster. If you just moved to a new country, it's time to perk up your social life. Fortunately, technology has made it possible to meet people from all walks of life. There are several apps for meeting new friends and keeping in touch at Christmas, including Bumble BFF, Friender, WeChat's 'shake' feature, and much more.

Laugh all the time
Laughter releases endorphins which instantly raise your spirits. When the festive season feels long gone and you have nothing exciting to look forward to, find humor in everyday things and avoid taking life too seriously. Lighten the load by making some jokes, reading a funny book, watching funny movies, going to comedy shows, or simply hanging out with friends who make you laugh. Plus, remembering memories of strange and funny moments during the festivities will surely get you giggling.

Stay Connected
Most of the New Year blues are related to having been around many people over the festive season and then suddenly finding yourself surrounded by few people or people you don't know that well. To lift your spirits, try and stay in touch with loved ones throughout the year. Luckily, keeping in touch at Christmas and after the festivities has been made easier and faster with technological advancements.

Those living or traveling abroad can now make cheap international calls with apps such as Whatsapp, Viber, Facebook Messenger, Skype, WeChat, Google Duo, and much more. Although app-to-app chats are free, they require an internet connection. In the event that your loved ones haven't installed an internet connection or the older generation don't own or even know how to operate smartphones, you can use the Yolla app. This international calling app makes cheap calls to mobiles and landlines across the globe.

Europe has always been a major travel destination for history, culture and design enthusiasts, tourists, and nomads. Visiting Europe in the warmth of summer is bound to be a thrilling experience for you, whether you are seeking adventure on your journey or looking for a simple break from your everyday routine.

If you are looking to visit Europe this summer, check out the following destinations:

Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Spain's largest cities. A city that bubbles with art and culture, fashion, sport, entertainment, leisure, and nightlife. The city is an awesome destination for people who yearn for fun and adventure as well as those seeking peace and tranquility. There is a lot to do in Barcelona during the summer; you can enjoy shopping, rollercoaster rides, sightseeing, relaxing on a balcony or tanning on the beach.

Barcelona also boasts a cool nightlife highlighted by music and entertainment from dusk till dawn. Places to visit in Barcelona include museums, Palauet Casades Palace and Library, Park Güell, L’Aquarium Barcelona, FC Barcelona Stadium (Camp Nou) and the list goes on.

Aquitaine
Aquitaine is a region located in Southwest of France. The region is made up of beautiful cities and scenic countryside, and it is known for its fresh farm produce and special cuisine. And you can find beautiful rental properties across the Aquitaine region, many in very scenic and tranquil spots which are perfect for getting some rest and relaxation. Bordeaux is the capital of Aquitaine and is the largest city in the district. It is famous for its wine, so make sure to visit some vineyards and sample some different varieties.

Aquitaine is comprised of five areas, each with features to explore like beaches, forests, villages, castles and the countryside. Places to visit include Lascaux, Garonne, Biarritz, Bayonne, Arcachon, Medoc, Biscarosse, Capbreton and other places of interest.

Prague
Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. Year on year, Prague is continuously ranked as one of the best travel destinations in Europe. The Historical Centre of the Beautiful City of Prague is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area and is fun for children and adults alike. Attractions that are in the city include palaces and castles, cathedrals, theatres and clubs. Some events that take place in Prague during the summer are the Museum Night, classical music concert and live shows. Places to visit include the Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Vltava river, Mucha Museum, and Charles Bridge.

Malta
Though Malta is a small island nation, this is one of those features that distinguish it from other popular summer holiday travel destinations. Malta is a nation bustling with warmth and culture, history and architecture. There is always an adventure waiting to happen here, and there are several places to visit and many activities to engage fun-seekers. There is plenty of public transport available here as well, but it is limited through the night, so if you have a very late or early arrival or departure then the best option may be to arrange a taxi from Malta Airport.

If you prefer a quiet holiday, you should check out the Maltese island, Gozo. The island is peaceful and tranquil with beautiful countryside views, quiet beaches, and other attractions. Other Maltese towns you should visit include Valletta, Sliema, Rabat, Victoria, Paceville, Birgu and several others. These towns have a lot in common in terms of seafood, harbors, markets, beaches, and nightlife.

Dubrovnik
The old Croatian city of Dubrovnik lies on the Adriatic coast with its neighbor - Montenegro. The old city is also known as "The Pearl of the Adriatic" and is a walled city offering a lot to see both inside and outside its walls. Dubrovnik is a popular holiday getaway location, especially for romantics. The city has a lot of attractions; cultural attractions, beaches, bays, a harbor, beautiful scene scenery, and palatable cuisine.

The city harbor is a wonderful place to catch some fresh air and a welcomed meal on your first day in the old city. You should also take in the sun and swim in the clear blue waters of the Adriatic on the rocky Buza Beach outside the walls of the old city. There is also a lot of sightseeing to be done within the city walls with its rich history and beautiful medieval structures. Stradun, Placa, is a nice place to visit. It is the main thoroughfare of the old city where you can shop, visit museums, restaurants, and cafes or just take a relaxing stroll.

You may enjoy the live entertainment in the charming old city. Walking along the city walls is a big attraction too, a leisurely walk along the city walls can take about an hour to complete. Visit Dubrovnik, an old city, with a rich history and culture and stunning sights to behold.

There are countless experiences to be had in Europe. These are only a few of the places everyone needs to experience in their lifetime.

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There’s a particular nugget of conventional wisdom that people choose the places they want to visit based on whether they want to visit that place or not. It’s really just that simple. Or they could have gotten the idea by seeing it on a commercial or on the internet, who knows?

I have always been fond of a mountainous terrain. My time in places like the Andes, Yosemite and even here in Washington state have shown me just how much I really enjoy the landscape. There’s nothing like standing at the bottom and looking up at something so monstrous that nature created. That being said, Nepal is definitely on my bucket list. I haven’t made it there yet but I certainly plan to. From the stunning views in Himalayas to the lively capital of Kathmandu. I see so many opportunities for cultural experiences and adventures unlike any other.

The first thing to come to mind for me (and I assume many others) when I think of Nepal, is Mt. Everest. Why wouldn’t it be? It’s the tallest mountain above sea level in the world! Understandably Everest is probably one of Nepal’s main tourist attractions, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Even the wildest of the family adventure holiday travelers may be put off, I know we were when I was traveling with my family as a kid. As much as I love the idea of being one of the bad ass people who conquer the giant, I think it’s a little beyond my skill set and budget for that matter! So here are my top bucket list things to do while in Nepal. (Other than climb Everest)
So maybe Everest is bit of a stretch, but I wouldn’t let that stop me from getting out and exploring the untamed beauty of the Himalayas. After all Nepal is one of the best trekking destinations in the world. Offering all varieties of trekking experiences that are much more affordable than Everest. From the diverse cultures, historical heritages to beautiful forests, mountain landscapes to cascading waterfalls, exotic wildlife to terraced farmland. If you enjoy the outdoors there is something here for everyone.

Some of the longer more intense treks include Manaslu trek, Poonhill trek, Annapurna trek, Royal trek and many more. Some of those hikes may seem a little intense for some, as they are five to ten-day hikes depending on which one you choose. But in reality, most of the treks consist of hiking during the day and staying in local villages at night which in my opinion, helps lesson the burden of walking most of the day. The places you stay along the way are called teahouses and are often included in the cost of the trek.

There are many things I want to explore in Kathmandu, but something at the top of my list is the Boudhanath stupa. Being one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Nepal definitely makes for interesting sight. Boudhanath is located about six miles from the city center on an ancient trade route from Tibet.

There is certainly some history behind Boudhanath that I would be excited to explore. Described as a very spiritual and cultural environment, I think it deserves a place on my list.


Did you know you can see wild rhinos in Nepal? Well you can, and you can find them at the Chitwan National Park. The park is three hundred and sixty square miles of  preserved area in the Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. Chitwan is home to many different species including the endangered one-horned rhinos, leopards and Bengal tigers. If those aren’t enough for you, it is also home to over fifty other species of mammals. Some of the more popular being wild elephants, the gaur, four horned antelope, sloth bears, striped hyenas and even South Asia river dolphins. Along with various species of snakes, birds and butterflies.

All of that doesn’t even come close to everything the park offers, but it’s more than enough to get me singed up. Everything I’ve seen about the park has me super excited to visit, except for one thing… They do offer elephant safaris which involve riding an elephant through the jungle. It sounds incredible when you say it like that but there is often a much darker side of what goes into elephant rides. They often train them with very harsh methods. Not to mention the weight of the saddle and passengers. I won’t go into too much detail, but I highly recommend doing some research before deciding to ride an elephant anywhere. That being said, the parks conservation and anti-poaching efforts are incredible.

Being well funded by tourist money is also what protects all of the wildlife you’ll see here, including the elephants who have a safe habitat from poachers and the developing world. But sadly of course they are not always treated well and I personally do not support the mistreatment of any animals and therefore do not recommend supporting the elephant rides. But the park offers many other safari options and ways to support the wildlife without harming it.

Just an hour outside of Kathmandu, and over the Bagmati river you’ll find the magnificent temple filled city of Patan. The ancient city is full of old brick lanes leading to breathtakingly pretty squares and courtyards. Often called a Durbar square, these courtyards usually consist of temples, idols, water fountains and more. These squares are the remnants of a time before Nepal was unified and was instead broken up into small kingdoms. The squares served as palaces for these kingdoms.

Aside from the marvelous architecture, Patan seems to have plenty of rich culture and history that I always look for while traveling. I would love to make it there during the Krishna festival in august to experience the mass celebration.


At first I was worried about how affordable these flights were, but after doing some research I found that they are much more affordable then you would think. It’s hard to put a price on a once in a lifetime opportunity like this anyway. On another note, I have heard stories of these flights being notoriously turbulent. Just adds to the fun I guess. Buckle in and hold on!

Backpacking has a pretty good shot in making it into one of your life’s most remarkable memories. However, the fun part may be sucked right out of it if you’re not prepared. With that said, we have tips for you below so that won’t be the case.



Prioritize safety
Yes, backpacking is an adventure, but you need not head to your destination “blind” and without having much knowledge about the place. It’s recommended that you familiarize yourself with the area first—
especially locations that are right in the middle of nowhere—before anything. Check if it’s safe. Is there a breakout of a virus or disease? Is there civil unrest going on? Confirm if there’s any advisory from authorities saying that tourists should stay away from the location for a while. Conduct research on safer routes, accommodations, and modes of transportation. Ask your family, friends, peers, or anyone you know for that matter for any useful information about your destination. Bringing travel books or guides (or having an app for this on your mobile device) is also of the essence. Additionally, you can seek insights from fellow travellers from backpacking forums.

Pack light and pack right
Backpacking newbies have the tendency to overdo a few things. This is most apparent in the way they pack. The rule of thumb is that you can never go wrong by packing light and packing right. But in order to do that, you first need to have the right backpack. Get one that’s comfortable, appropriate for your size, and of course, one that’s of excellent quality. Brands such as In Luggage boast of great backpack selections that have something for beginner and veteran backpackers alike. Once you have a good pack on your back, leave all non-essentials at home and only take what you really need with you. Should there be additional room in your pack, don’t feel like you have to maximize the space—you’ll just regret it later on.

Money matters
If you want to get your money’s worth when trading in your money for local currency, do your research beforehand. Look for establishments where the best rates are offered. Do the same for hostels and food establishments so that you won’t get the higher “tourist rates” from locals who want to make a quick buck. Be informed so that you won’t be taken advantage of.

The hostel: Your home away from home
As a backpacker in a foreign land, you’d most likely be spending your nights in a hostel. We’ve got a few tips for you, in that case. First, it’s best for your wallet’s well-being to cook a few meals in a hostel. This will save you a lot of cash that would otherwise be spent on restaurants or food stalls. Do remember, though, that most hostels don’t have the most sterile cooking utensils. It’s recommended that you have your own set of kitchenware and dinnerware. Aside from that, the hostel is a great way to meet new people, so take advantage of the opportunity to gain travel buddies/drinking pals for the next couple of nights.

Be smart with transportation
Should you be backpacking in a bustling city, a railway system is most likely available. If that’s the case, purchase a train pass to cut down your expenses. Also, instead of taking a cab, just opt to walk if your
destination isn’t that far. After all, you’re there to see the sights, hear the sounds, and absorb as much as you can from the experience, all of which are better done on foot rather than being cooped up inside a vehicle. On top of that, you’ll be able to save more this way, as cab rides tend to be on the expensive side for most cities.