Sometimes when we travel to faraway places, thrusting ourselves into uncomfortable situations, and basically regressing ourselves back into children – unable to read any signs, afraid to cross the street without triple-checking both directions – we find ourselves searching for a piece of home. Something familiar. Something that will figuratively wrap their arms around us, squeeze, and whisper assurances into our ears.
We’ve all been there. When we travel for any extended period of time, doing and eating all the things that are new and exciting, sometimes we need a break.
Think about your routine at home. How many days in a row can you eat the same sandwich for lunch, no matter how delicious it is? How many different boxes of cereal do you have in your cupboard?
When I first arrived in Europe back in 2014, I was determined to eat nothing but local foods, specifically things that I couldn’t get back in the United States. What was the point of traveling halfway across the world to only eat at popular US chains?
And for a long time, I did just that: I ordered food by pointing at words on a menu or my neighbor’s plate, visiting holes-in-the-wall and staking out which street vendors sold the best local dish.
But after a while, it got old. How many currywursts and döners could I stomach?
How many times could I mentally face ordering food that was unfamiliar and left me guessing as to what I was about to consume, praying that it wasn’t going to be something with mushrooms or olives (or some other random thing that I don’t like)?
I hear about travelers spending a significant amount of time in Asia and getting tired of chicken and rice, so I know that I’m not alone.
I was doing a lot of solo travel around my study abroad schedule, so I was free to do what I wanted. And what I wanted in Krakow, Poland…was a red velvet cupcake.
Right before I left for Europe, my mom and I were all about checking out local cupcakeries in Los Angeles and Utah.
We loved trying the more original flavors, but always came back to our favorite: red velvet.
And you know what? That little bakery in Krakow was charming.
The cupcake? Yummy. While it definitely wasn’t the best I ever had, it representing something more.
Comfort.
Are you judging me yet? Here I was, basically on the other side of the world in a beautiful location, full of history and culture, and I craved comfort. Something familiar.
It happened again when I was in Munich a few weeks later. I arrived in the town to reconnect with a friend that I had met during my study abroad program and her soon-to-be- fiancé.
We toured a few of the Bavarian castles and celebrated their engagement at Neuschwanstein. After a fairytale-worthy day, we parted ways: I stayed in Munich and they continued their tour of Europe.
After we parted, I wandered around Munich.
I took another bike tour.
I checked out the surfers at the Eisbach. Even though it wasn’t time, I visited the famous Oktoberfest tents. I reflected about the Third Reich and shed some much-needed tears at Königsplatz.
And then I got hungry…and suddenly found myself close to the Hard Rock Cafe.
As soon as I saw the iconic Hard Rock Cafe sign, a flood of memories swept over me. When I was in Copenhagen, my friends and I had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. We were in the middle of a weekend excursion to Copenhagen, already tried the traditional smoked and pickled fish, ate all the pastries ever, and were craving American cheeseburgers.
And even though the food isn’t my favorite, it hit the spot.
So what did I do in Munich?
Oh, you better believe I walked into the Hard Rock Cafe and ordered the same cheeseburger. And even though the guys weren’t around to finish the other half for me, I couldn’t help but feel comforted.
The food satisfied the hunger I had felt, and the atmosphere and memories that were associated with it gave me that reassuring hug I didn’t realize I needed.
So…what’s the point of all of this rambling?
It’s simple: there’s nothing wrong with seeking a little comfort and familiarity while on the road. We all need reassurances every now and again, whatever they look like.
Whether you’re traveling with a group, your partner, or solo, there’s nothing wrong with seeking comfort.
Sometimes the posts, comments, and feelings we get from the influencers on various social media platforms can make fellow travelers question their decisions.
Am I eating at the “most authentic” restaurant?
Am I getting the “most culturally rich” experience?
Is my trip “authentic?”
And all other sorts of garbage.
I’ve come to learn that we all have our own different travel styles and varied levels of comfort: some people like to cruise, others prefer solo travel, group trips, or just taking road trips and stay-cations.
And although our styles are different, we all have those little things that bring us comfort while we travel. You don’t have to justify your decisions (unless they’re illegal – just say no). Find your travel style and enjoy it!
Be real – how hard did you judge me for having a cupcake in Poland? Or eating at the Hard Rock in Munich? Guess what – that’s okay. I’ll do me and you do you!
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