Five Rituals for Long-Term Travel

Life on the road offers a different set of opportunities and hurdles. Roughly 9% of my time is spent looking for a place to do laundry. This doesn’t include the time I spend navigating the local transit options, learning to say “thank you” in another language, packing, unpacking, determining the best spot for a WiFi signal, and, of course, finding a place to sleep for a night or a month. By definition, full-time travel is unsettling.

Since there is no “home” to go back to —no allure of sleeping in my own bed— I’ve learned to rest on the road. Specifically there are five simple rituals that I practice wherever I go.

1.) Light a Candle

There’s something magical about the flickering glow of a candle. I try to stock up on my favorite one whenever I’m in New York so that I have a consistent fragrance that feels like home regardless of my current address.

2.) Play some music

Nothing sets a mood better than music. My JBL Clip 4 goes with me everywhere, from a motorcycle ride, to a picnic date, to a workout, and even while kitesurfing. Having quality audio at my disposal is a huge mood shifter.

3.) Buy fresh flowers

I kept a bouquet in my kitchen and my bathroom when I lived in Brooklyn, so I’ve simply kept the tradition going. It takes a bit of effort to find flowers in some places, but that’s also an opportunity to connect with people outside the tourism industry. Plus, they make a great gift for my host.

4.) Keep a Gratitude journal

This isn’t my idea, but I rock it like I invented it. Gratitude has changed my life, and it will change yours too, if you do the work and let it work through you.

5.) Write Morning Pages

This journaling practice came into my life from The Artists Way. I enjoy this format especially with a cup of Earl Grey and honey, but really any version of putting your thoughts into handwriting is immensely helpful.

6.) Bonus! Keep a Travel Guestbook

I wouldn’t call this a ritual, per se, but it’s adjacent to the other ideas here. I carry a small notebook, and I ask people to sign it or write a note. These penmanship passport stamps mark their presence in my journey, and remind me of the memories we made together.

Conclusion:

The times when I have felt the most centered or grounded are the times when all of the rituals have been accessible at once. There is always an ebb and flow to it, but the more I practice these things, the more I am able to cultivate a sense of home, regardless of where I am.

That’s what works for me. Feel free to share your own rituals in the comments section!