Three Ways to Find Community While Traveling

Every 1-4 weeks I pack up all my belongings and hit the road for the next destination. It’s been a BLAST discovering the beauty and charm in so many parts of the country. There’s something beautiful, magical and enticing in each of the many places I’ve visited; sometimes because of the natural landscape and climate, and sometimes for personal reasons, such as the familiarity of farm land in my home state, Ohio. However, traveling this much can also be lonely and exhausting. It’s hard to feel like part of a community or experience those communal bonds when you pick up and go so quickly. Here are three tips to help you feel more engrained and connected to the places you visit:

• Build a routine:

  • Doing the same thing each morning may seem dull to some, but for me, I thrive in a routine. Personally, I find a nearby park and walk my dog each morning. By visiting the same parks regularly I end up running into the same people (and pups!) every day. Smiling and saying “hello” to familiar people help me feel connected to the local community. Maybe morning walks aren’t your thing, or you don’t have a dog, so instead choose something else. Perhaps there’s a nearby coffee shop you like to visit to work for a little or grab a coffee, or you could visit the same gym each day. Being recognized by people helps build connection.

• Find a community spot:

  • For me, this is yoga. In each city I visit I find a yoga studio to join while I’m in town. Typically I select the studio based on location and convenience, but I also check reviews and teacher bios to make sure it’s the kind of studio I prefer. So far, I’ve been extremely fortunate as all the studios I’ve found have been very special and I’ve made close connections with teachers and students. Yoga studios also have announcements related to community events and happenings that can help give you things to do (like art fairs or music festivals). If yoga isn’t your thing, maybe it’s a gym or fitness studio. Some communities also have community centers or recreation centers that could have classes and local events you can find as well!

• Engage with people:

  • Regardless of the routine you build or the location in which you submerse yourself, the trick is to engage with the local people. Smile, say something, reach out and build connections. We’re living in a time where it’s harder and harder to build genuine in-person connections with people. It seems to be more common that I see people on their phones or distracted. And, I oftentimes see people wearing ear buds or headphones while out and about. I think it can be incredibly beneficial to remove those distractions, listen to the sounds around you (urban or natural), and fully be present in your current environment. Take a deep breath. Be present. Focus on the people around you. Smile at them, and simply say “hello!” It goes a long way! You never know who you’ll meet, the types of conversations you‘ll have, or what you’ll learn when you connect with the community around you.

It's certainly easier to feel connected to a community the longer you’re there. However, I’ve still felt emotional leaving a place after only a week simply because of the connections I’ve built through the activities and tips mentioned above. You’ll only get out what you put in, so be attentive and find the communal connections where it makes sense for you. I’d love to hear other suggestions that have worked for you!