Favorites: 8 Ways to Feel at Home Abroad

Vital Tips for Long Term Travelers or Digital Nomads Like Me!

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The other day my girlfriends texted, “Where are you today? What magical things are you up to?” I laughed as I was sweating in a hot apartment hallway, swatting away aggressive flies while attempting to pick the lock of our Airbnb. We're in the far southeastern corner of Türkiye, roughly three hours by car from Iraq. A month ago, I found myself almost crying at breakfast while texting my sister, surrounded by Z’s family yet feeling immensely alone.

While traveling and living abroad offer seemingly boundless perks, it isn’t the same as a vacation. The initial excitement of a new place can quickly fade into a longing for the familiar. My first year of living abroad was a lesson in ‘things aren’t always what they seem’. I struggled to find a rhythm and schedule my time in a way that kept me balanced. I felt like I was being tossed about on someone else’s boat, after years of dictating my own schedule. This year, as I rented my home out and took off full time with Z, I swore I’d figure out a way to grow, expand, thrive, learn and stay stable, calm, regular and balanced.

Finding ways to make a new place feel like home is essential for maintaining mental well-being and enjoying the adventure. Here are eight ways to create that sense of home, no matter where your travels take you.

1. Bring It With You

I love starting my day with good coffee. Not instant powdered coffee, not bitter hotel room coffee in a waxy paper cup, and not overpriced to-go coffee. I like to wake up, ease into the living room, and enjoy a leisurely cup or two of coffee made from real coffee beans and hot water. I have several travel solutions, but for this longer trip to Türkiye, I brought a full-sized French press and we've bought local coffee along the way. Bonus? It’s great for making tea as well! I also brought a really nice boning knife from home and I have a little list of things to come back with on my next trip (I’m in love with this simple tinted moisturizer, my Shun santoku, another pair of my fave sandals, these super comfy seamless thongs and my favorite brush that doesn’t hurt my curls! (Looks like I should do a separate post soon!)

2. Establish a Routine

Develop a routine that keeps you grounded. When I’m in one place for longer (usually Greece or Ankara), I start my day with coffee (see above) while I write, complete a morning workout followed by a protein shake, and end the day with a cup of local non-caffeinated tea like chamomile or linden tea. Currently, I'm on a massive tour of Türkiye where we rarely stay in one spot for longer than two nights. Although I've been relatively active, I miss the space and time for regular workouts and can feel the toll. Keeping grounded with morning coffee and journaling has been essential.

3. Personalize Your Space

One of the first things I did was bring a few personal items from home to the island. A beautiful hand-painted Hand of Fatima by my sister, printed photographs of friends and family, and some cherished items we’ve collected along the way. Whether placed on my desk in my art studio or on the shelves at home, these items make our home abroad feel like ours. I keep a picture of my sister and me tucked inside my journal and one of my mom and me on my desk—the regular reminders of people you love keep them near.

4. Have Familiar Foods

Wait, isn’t traveling all about eating everything all the time? Yes, but keeping some consistency in your diet will make you feel better in more ways than just physical. New foods can be fun and exciting, but overeating or trying a new dish for each meal can tax your system. I try to cook one or two meals a day, and trust me, I love eating out! Not only do I save money, but I feel better if I have a healthy breakfast, follow a workout with a simple shake, and include a lunch or dinner of one of our favorite meals—Greek salad, a yogurt-based dish (ayranlı çorba or tzatziki), and beans or light protein.

5. Stay Connected

It’s hard being on the opposite side of the world when it comes to phone calls. I might be watching the sunset while my mom is just waking up. They wind down from their workday when it’s 4:00 AM and I’m fast asleep. We set up our calls on regular days to ensure our schedules are clear for that special time. They aren’t used to FaceTime or Zoom calls, so we do audio only, but I try to send pictures, share thoughts, and take videos to give them a ‘feel’ for my day-to-day life.

COMMUNITY

Traveling allows you to create a new community of friends!

6. Build a New Community

Connection and community are some of the most enjoyable parts of moving out of the United States for me! Growing up in a cosmopolitan suburb in Southern California, I wasn’t exposed to a strong sense of community. Privacy is prioritized over connection, and you may live next to people you’ve never met for years. Living abroad in a small village in Greece changes that completely. Seeking out friends, acquaintances, and getting to know both locals and other expats has been a fantastic way to broaden my community base and feel well-supported abroad and at home. Community is now one of the top three drivers for anywhere I consider living!

7. Learn the Language

Not understanding what is happening is a quick way to feel isolated and lonely. It’s easy to misread tone of voice, cultural cues, and connection. While many people in Europe speak at least two languages (especially English), there are large parts of the world where they may not speak your language. Learning to speak and read the native tongue makes everything easier and more enjoyable. I’ve found that the more effort I put into speaking the language, the warmer the welcome and it opens the door for others to practice English with me!

8. Practice Self-Care

I know, everyone thinks it’s all beaches and bliss all day long—but living abroad and traveling can be exhausting. Traveling, like the three-week road trip I’m currently on in Türkiye, is exciting but requires a lot of driving, moving, new situations, uncertainty, and less regular eating, sleeping, and routine, which can leave you feeling worn out and chaotic. Returning to the routine in Step 2 and adding self-care that ‘feels like home’ can be a great way to relax! I put my AirPods in and play music I love while I paint, make a dish I loved growing up, or get a massage—any kind of downshift into comfort can be a great way to stay in tune with yourself.

Living abroad and traveling extensively can spark personal growth, new friendships, and unforgettable moments. If you’re thinking about traveling longer than ‘vacation’ durations, living abroad or are looking for ways to feel more at home abroad - try implementing some of these tricks! I've learned that incorporating small comforts and routines can create a home away from home, allowing me to thrive without losing my sense of self. Home is truly what you make it—if I have access to locally grown food, friendly people, pleasant weather, and an affordable cost of living, I feel right at home.

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