Why I Call My Suitcase Home (And How You Can Too)

What do you think of when you hear the word “home?” I think of home-cooked meals, but maybe that’s just because I’m hungry.

You may immediately see the town you grew up in or the apartment you share with your girlfriends. In any case, many of us think of physical things.

Recently, I have seen home in a new light and I am happier for it. Home is where you are most comfortable whether it’s thanks to people you love, or simply because it’s where you spend the most time, even alone. In fact, “home” has nothing to do with the spaces you occupy but rather the feelings you associate with them.

You don’t need to be on the move constantly to benefit from this type of thinking, but for those of you who want to get the most out of your travels, here’s how to recreate the feelings of home abroad.

Know That Your “Home” Will Change

My mother always says, “The only thing we can count on is change.” This, unfortunately, means whatever you call home right now will change.

Detaching yourself from the physical spaces you call home will simply make these changes easier to bear. In fact, when it’s your decision to change up the scene, coming back to communities that went on without you will seem natural and OK.

Still, it’s easy to forget time doesn’t stand still while we travel. Hence what sociologists call “reverse culture shock.” People cope with reverse culture shock differently but it is always due to an unexpected need to readjust to home after being abroad.

Readjustment is essential when you return to home to find that a CVS has replaced your favorite deli or your roommates repainted your room. If you are less emotionally attached to physical spaces, you will be more open to change, rediscovering comfort and love easily.

Make Yourself at Home

With your suitcase, you can make yourself at home in the world. Not only will this make you more immune to homesickness, it will make you more confident.

First, let’s think about it. Would you drop your suitcases in the middle of floor unless someone invited you to make yourself at home? I hope not. Well, that’s my point. You’re home wherever your suitcases are, so act like it!

I’m not suggesting you leave the door open while using a public restroom or raid the fridge at your host family’s house, but get comfortable because this will deter any desire to return to what you originally saw as “home.” If you spend your time wishing you were somewhere else, it’s impossible to appreciate your time away.

However, there is a technique that will make you at ease everywhere. Talk to people. Ask for directions from a stranger instead of using your smartphone. If you are staying somewhere for more than a few weeks, find a community to join like a choir or yoga studio.

It’s hard to feel at home if you’re lonely, even with your suitcase that—if you’re anything like me—weighs as much as a child.

What if I can’t speak the language? You can! This is when you pull out the smartphone. Search for some useful phrases and words and use them wherever you can. At least 1 in every 5 people will laugh depending on where you are, but who cares. You don’t. Most people will be happy to see a foreigner try to speak the local language, even if they butcher it. Do try to find someone who also speaks a language you know. This way, you’ll have some genuine company to enjoy.

Home starts with love. Love starts with friends. Friends start with talking, so don’t be shy!

Nothing Will Hold You Back

There are hundreds of reasons to stay at home, especially as you get older. The place you call home is probably where you can take care of all these things. It might be challenging but when there’s a will, there’s a way.

1. Your job: Set aside a vacation when it’s most convenient (remember it will never be completely convenient) and stick with your decision. If you’re itching to see the world and your job is making it impossible, then maybe it’s time to consider a new job.
2. Money: Traveling is only too expensive when you want it to be. The glorious internet makes programs, transportation, eating and lodging all doable. I rely on websites like SkyScanner, Air bnb , Tripadvisor  and BlablaCar to keep my voyages within a student budget. A lot of this stuff can be worked out at the last minute and will save you hundreds of dollars.
3. Family: Unless you have children, this is really not an excuse. Facebook, Snapchat, Skype, WhatsApp… I could go on and on. Promise to pick them up some gifts and no one will stop you from packing up your suitcase and hitting the road.
4. Dietary Restrictions: This one hits home—pun intended. As a francophile allergic to wheat and dairy, I understand how this could hold someone back. Stock up on whatever you need: lactose pills, granola bars, vitamins, EpiPen, etc. If I can do it, you can too.

This list just goes to show that, with an open mind, your suitcase—and maybe your smartphone—you can be at home anywhere in the world.

How do you reap the most of your travels? Share your wanderlust advise with us in the comments!