Moving to a new city is exciting but can also come with challenges. That’s why it’s important to take steps to make your new location feel like a home away from home. Without this, your mental health can begin to decline, leading to feelings of anxiety and loneliness.
However, when business travellers are supported in settling into their new environment, a change of scenery can actually boost their mental health and help them thrive. In fact, 52% of business travellers reported that having a change in scenery significantly benefits their mental health.
We asked our network what helps them to feel at home while travelling, the results were as follows:
The results revealed that 55% of corporate travellers feel more at home when they add personal touches to their space. However, there’s no universal approach, for some, it might be learning the local language, joining a nearby gym, or cooking favourite meals from home.
With that in mind, we’ve outlined a few helpful tips below to help you feel comfortable, safe, and most importantly, happy during your stay..
1. Add personal touches to your new space
When arriving in a new location, it’s important to invest time in your surroundings to make the space feel as homely as possible. This could be something as small as a framed photo of loved ones, a scented candle, or simply hanging up your clothes.
According to Paola Paganini of Acqua di Parma, people need familiar smells to calm their minds. That’s why something as small as a (travel-friendly) scented candle can help create a comforting and homely experience.
Hear how Business Development Manager Ross Knipe managed this on his secondment to our Singapore office:
“There wasn’t much I could bring physically but simply unpacking my clothes and making use of all the storage, wardrobes, drawers, bedside tables, helped me settle in and feel organised. Frasers Residence, Orchard Singapore also had a plant station where you could borrow a plant to care for during your stay. That small touch really brought some life to space.”
Ross Knipe, Business Development Manager
2. Learn the language and immerse yourself in the culture
Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Babbel can help you learn the local language, so you feel more connected to the area. You don’t need to be fluent, even basic phrases like “Hello”, “How are you?”, and “Thank you” can go a long way. In fact, 35% of business travellers believe learning the local language is incredibly valuable, as it’s much easier to converse with the locals and establish meaningful connections.
You can also embrace the culture through experiences like dining at local eateries or trying regional specialities. It’s a great way to feel less like a visitor and more like a local.
3. Join a local gym or club
Joining a gym or a club can boost your mental health by as much as 30%, and it’s a great way to socialise. Whether it’s an exercise class or a book club, these spaces offer a chance to connect with like-minded people. It’s easy to forget that your loved ones are just a phone or video call away. Make sure to schedule regular check-ins to help reduce feelings of loneliness, especially important when travelling solo.
Our Senior Account Support, Katie Dufton, shared her experience during a business trip to Dubai:
“FaceTiming my family and friends almost daily made being away from home a lot easier. Knowing they’re just a call away brought a sense of comfort and normalcy to my routine.”
Katie Dufton, Senior Account Support
4. Explore places in and around the city
Take the opportunity to discover somewhere new, it could be finding your new favourite coffee shop, a nearby park, or simply a quiet spot to unwind.
Not sure where to start? Head to our SilverDoor City Guides. These guides include everything from local currency and SIM card advice to popular cuisines and weather insights. With our expert recommendations, you’ll feel like a local in no time.
Key Account Manager, Chua Peng Han shares how he immersed himself during a recent trip to Amsterdam:
“I like to invest myself into the country’s norms when travelling for business. For example, during my recent trip to Amsterdam, known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities, I hopped on a bike and explored not just the sights but the neighbourhoods around my apartment - this helped me integrate smoothly into the city.”
Chua Peng Han, Key Account Manager - APAC
5. Bring your family or furry friend
If you don’t want to be separated from loved ones, family or your furry companion, bring them along! With a portfolio of over 130,000 pet-friendly apartments, SilverDoor can help you stay connected with your furry companion.
Gillian Greer, our Market Manager, relocated to Dubai a few years ago and shared how having her cat helped her settle in:
“The most important thing for me has to be Bruce, my Scottish Fold cat. He’s there behind the door when I get home in the evening and loves to curl up on my lap or at the end of the bed. That’s what makes a house a real home for me.”
Gillian Greer, Market Manager
6. Talk to strangers
It might sound simple, but building a support network in your new environment can help you feel grounded. Whether it’s someone from your local coffee shop or a fellow resident in your building, don’t hesitate to say hello.
Not only can this reduce loneliness, but it could also lead to lasting friendships. Research supports this, a survey by TravelPerk found that 40% said business travel helped them forge stronger professional connections.
7. Book a serviced apartment over a hotel
We might be biased, but serviced apartments really are better for business travellers! With 150% more space than a typical hotel room, a fully equipped kitchen, and amenities like gyms and social lounges, serviced apartments offer unmatched flexibility and comfort.
Plus, with layouts designed to feel more like home and cost savings of 5% to 39% compared to extended hotel stays, the benefits are clear.
Senior Partner Account Executive, Georgia Clements shared her experience during a secondment to Denver:
“Staying in a serviced apartment during my secondment to Denver made everything so much easier. The feeling of coming home after a day at work, where you can stick to your normal routine and feel totally secure, is second to none. The additional space and facilities within a serviced apartment compared to a standard hotel room just enhanced the level of comfort when closing your own door behind you.”
Georgia Clements, Senior Partner Account Executive
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We understand that moving away from home can feel overwhelming. But we hope these tips provide comfort and show you how to create a sense of normalcy and peace amidst change.
Feeling more confident about your business trip? Book with the world’s leading corporate accommodation agent today: https://www.silverdoor.com/contact
