Try a trial run. Before heading off for a summer at music camp or a vacation at your aunt and uncle's ranch, spend the night or weekend at a friend's house a few times to get the feel of being in a new place. That can ease you into spending time away from home and lessen the shock of sleeping in a strange bed or being around different people. And like learning anything new, you'll get better at it each time you do it.
Bring something that reminds you of home. Pack photos or letters or a favorite stuffed animal, sleep shirt, or pillow. When you start longing for familiar faces and places, you'll have a little bit of home right there with you.
Call home when you can. This probably seems obvious, but during extended stays away, a quick call to hear your dad's voice or your sister's story about bathing the dog can be comforting. You might want to arrange a time to call or even visit (if you'll be gone for a while) so you'll have something to look forward to.
Do something you enjoy. When you're having fun, you're less likely to spend time thinking about people and things you miss.
Talk to a friend, ideally someone who's going through the same experience you are. Knowing you're not the only one dealing with this can take the sting out of feeling a little lonely, and you might feel better when you cheer up someone else.
Write in a journal. Putting your feelings down on paper can help you understand them. Maybe writing about homesickness will show you what you really miss, whether it's your cat or the smell of waffles on Saturday mornings. Then you can find a way to ease that ache, like asking your parents to send a picture of your pet.
Stay active. If you sit on the sidelines, you'll have more time to think about feeling sad. Talk to people and throw yourself into activities, and before you know it, you'll be too busy to be homesick.
Review your expectations. Sometimes feelings of sadness may also be feelings of disappointment when a camp, school, or trip doesn't live up to your dreams. You may need to readjust what it is that you want to get out of your experience.
Talk to an adult. Missing your family and home is normal. But if after a couple of days away you're having trouble eating or sleeping or you're not interested in doing anything, talk to an adult you trust about your feelings. That person can help you work through this tough time.