Whether we’re picking up and moving or taking a trip for the weekend, it can be a nerve-racking experience traveling to a new environment. Don’t lose sight of the possibilities and excitement of this foreign place, but it’s ok to bring a little bit of home with you on your journeys. Check out how YTravel Blog’s Caz Makepeace and her family feel a little more at home on their travels.
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How to Feel At Home in a Foreign City
Connection is what we search for when we arrive in a new city or destination. How can I find my space here and why should I linger longer? The answers almost always lie in our ability to feel at home so we are more comfortable and open to understanding and hence connecting.
We tend to leave the cities we can’t connect to in the dust and linger longer, or continue to return, to those we do.
Here are eight ways to feel at home in a foreign city.
1. Stay in an Apartment
There’s no easier way to feel at home in a foreign city then by renting an apartment or other short-term rental lodging. These give you space, a homely feel, and a kitchen to cook your own meals. In a space like this you can invite friends over, or enjoy a curl up on the couch with a good book before venturing into your separate room for an undisturbed sleep.
2. Ride a Bike or Walk Around
Walking never changes no matter where you go. So the use of your own two feet to explore instantly gives you that sense of home. It’s the best way to get to know the soul of a foreign city. Once you get to know something, it’s far easier to lay down your hat and get comfortable.
Up the ante a little by riding your bike everywhere. This is the best way to get to know the wider boundaries of your local area. Discover the nearby parks and gardens, cycle along the beach promenade, or discover the neighbouring suburbs.
3. Cook Your Own Meals
It’s so easy to feel at home when you can cook your favourite recipes instead of eating at a restaurant every evening. This is when you can pull out those favourite recipes that remind you of your loved ones and your own culture.
4. Establish a Routine and Nourish Your Hobbies
Just because you’re in a foreign city doesn’t mean you have to give up some of your creature comforts and hobbies. Love to start the morning with a run and meditation? Find the best running route and hit the pavement. Scope out the neighbourhood for those yoga and dance classes that have always energized your spirit and stop in to see what it’s all about on your downtime.
Enjoy the fresh perspective on your hobby that the foreign city gives you. Try gardening an exotic local plant, paint the cityscape, take a rock climbing class, or play a game of tennis at a local club.
5. Make Friends
Friends always give us that sense of home. Where are your like-minded peeps hanging out? Find out where people with similar hobbies and interests are handing out and visit. Take a salsa or tai chi class so you an make new friends as well as have some new local experiences. Don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with locals in cafes, parks, and out on the street. You can add some much needed flavor to your trips this way.
We recommend making friends with city locals, but it’s always a good idea to connect with any expats in the city as well. Kindred spirits who get your cultural vibe can be a huge source of support and give you that “back home” feeling during your time away.
6. Find Yourself a Local and Linger
By local, I mean that coffee shop or bar where they know your name. Search for that special place that ticks off all your boxes and makes you feel comfortable. For me, it’s folk music, comfy chairs, gluten-free cakes, awesome coffee, friendly staff with a chilled out vibe. Linger long and return often.
7. Shop Local
Head to the local farmer’s market or the supermarket. Steer clear of the touristy places and big international chains to shop and head to the more boutique and alternative flair. You’ll get a better taste of the city this way.
8. Find Your Hometown Connections
When we lived in the US, we discovered an Australian bakery travelling through Atlanta, Georgia. The walls were painted in Aboriginal murals and we sat for three hours devouring as many pies and sausage rolls as our poor stomach could handle. We also made an effort to go to any Aussie bar whenever a big sporting event or festival was on so we could connect and celebrate with our own.
It might not be just finding your fellow countrymen to hang out with. You might find a cafe or bar that stocks your favourite food or drink from home. Mostly, we are travelling to escape from our hometown traditions, but sometimes its nice to reconnect with your own culture in a foreign city. It really makes you appreciate and understand where you come from a lot more.
How do you feel at home in a foreign city?
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Caz Makepeace wants to live in a world where people fearlessly follow what’s in their heart and embrace travel as more than just a two week annual thing. She’s the co-founder of one of the world’s biggest travel blogs, alongside her husband Craig. They are currently road tripping around Australia with her two kids. When they’re not travelling and writing about it, you can find them swinging in a beach hammock at sunset to the tunes of Jack Johnson, or screaming in the stands of their favourite sporting match. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
All Images Courtesy of YTravelBlog.com
