Does it feel like everyone you follow on Instagram, talk to on a night out, or email at work is going to Europe for the summer? That’s because they are.
We’re in the middle of a mass exodus. Thousands are fleeing Australian summer for the warmer climes (and Aperol spritzes) of Italy, Spain, Croatia and Greece – and honestly, we’re a bit over it already.
Whether it’s rising interest rates, work commitments or simply a lack of foresight that’s keeping you in Australia this winter, know that you’re not alone. There’s a small group of stragglers (us included) who need to hang back and hold down the fort until our friends, relatives and colleagues return – sunkissed and relaxed – with tales of wild nights in Amsterdam and blurry videos from yacht week.
Brace yourself… it’s going to be a long winter. Here are our top tips to overcome Euro FOMO.
Plan a holiday
You don’t need to go to Europe – or even that far from your house, for that matter – to experience the psychological benefits of travel. From alleviating stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression, to increasing your creativity, memory and goal-setting abilities, travel is good for more than just brightening up your camera roll. Plus, the act of planning a getaway gives you something to look forward to, adding happiness and excitement when your usual routine feels mundane. Don’t discount the benefits of a small trip to another Aussie city, or somewhere further afield like New Zealand or Bali.
Explore your hometown
If you don’t have the money or the time to travel far, consider booking a ‘staycation’ at home. When else will you get to experience your city’s best hotel? If you can, book a two-night stay and eliminate any excuses to duck home in that time – pack a suitcase, have a friend or family member look after your pets and avoid doing anything you would usually do on a regular weekend at home (gym sessions, appointments, grocery shopping). Pretend you’re a tourist in your own city. This article makes the case for planning a meaningful staycation.
Treat yourself
How often do you find yourself saying, “Oh, we should do that one time!”? Well, now’s your chance. Whether it’s an activity you’ve always wanted to try, a restaurant you’ve been meaning to check out or a day trip to a town that you’ve heard great things about, just do it. Instead of focusing on what you’re missing out on (even if what you’re missing out on is picnicking under the Eiffel Tower) think of all of the things you get to do during this time instead. Book that massage, plan that boozy brunch, buy something nice at that store you never let yourself walk into.
When all else fails… just delete Instagram
They say comparison is the thief of joy, and that’s certainly true when it comes to Euro FOMO. No matter how amazing your massage or boozy brunch was, open Instagram and it could seem to pale in comparison to the Grecian beach bar your friend is partying at. If Euro FOMO is really, really getting you down, adopt an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach and just delete your Instagram until winter is over. If a friend throws a coin into the Trevi Fountain, but no one was around to view the Instagram Story, did it really happen? Not to you, it didn’t.