There’s a particular feeling of joy that many Africans abroad look forward to when they are visiting home after being away for a while. It starts the moment you step off the plane and inhale the familiar air. It deepens as you are welcomed by faces that look like yours, voices that speak your language, and people who know your story without explanation.
But let’s be honest, the visit always feels too short. Between trying to rest, running errands, and attending family functions, time slips away quickly. Being miles away from your family can be draining, and that little time spent together again is usually therapeutic.
For many of us, visiting home is not about sightseeing or ticking off tourist spots. It’s about reconnecting with people, reliving your culture, and reminding yourself where your story began. So you don’t get lost in the movement of time, here’s our guide to help you get the most out of visiting home.
1. Plan More Than Relaxation
It’s completely valid to want to rest. Most of us are juggling multiple shifts, side hustles, and responsibilities abroad. Saying “I just want to sleep!” is understandable. But don’t let rest be the only thing you do. Go beyond the basics and make deliberate plans that help you to reconnect with what makes home feel like home. Plan to take walks around old neighborhoods and relive your childhood memories.
2. Reconnect with People not just Places
Home is not just the house you grew up in; home is the people. Home is your cousins, neighbors, childhood friends, and even the old woman who used to sell your favourite snacks as a child. Spend quality time with your family, have heartfelt talks, and listen to their stories.
Being back in touch with people allows you to catch up on how things have changed, but also how much stays the same.
3. Eat Like You Never Left
One of the most warming parts of visiting home is the food. Food is important; you can smell the aroma from the door as your family prepares to welcome you home. This is a perfect time to take a break from sandwiches, mac and cheese, and burgers, especially if you don’t have time to make some African home-made meals. To have the best experience, you can also visit your favourite street food spot and satisfy your cravings.
4. Speak the Language
Whether Swahili, Tigrinya, Twi, or Amharic, speaking your language even if your accent is a bit rusty is staying true connection to your heritage. Don’t try to hide from conversations; bond and blend with your loved ones. Never pass on any opportunity to express yourself in your mother tongue; it will help your overall experience.
5. Document Your Experience
Most people say young people love cameras, but that is how you build memories. So yes, take photos. Make videos. Post updates on social media if you’d like to. But don’t get carried away with trying to capture moments for the camera, and then you forget to enjoy the moment.
When you return abroad, you’ll be grateful not just for the photographs and videos you captured but how they can help you with missing home.
6. Make Time for Cultural Experiences
The full experience is not complete without making a conscious effort to get yourself into the culture. You can choose to:
- Attend a traditional wedding or naming ceremony
- Visit historical or cultural attractions
- Watch local music or dance performances
- Buy handmade crafts or clothing from local artisans
Extra Tip: Share Your Story
Social media might not be a thing for you, but one more way to get the best of your visit home is to talk about it. How? That’s simple! Blog about it. Post pictures with lovely captions.
When you share your journey:
- You encourage others to reconnect
- You preserve memories for yourself
- You represent the beauty of your homeland
As an African living abroad, doing this could help correct stereotypes about your country and culture by showing its warmth, vibrance, and humanity.
Every homecoming is a chance to soak in as much quality time as possible. So the next time you’re packing your bags to travel home, make up your mind to enjoy every bit of it.
