What things or activities bring you the serenity of home when you are away?

When we are far from home, familiar objects bring us comfort. Thomas cherishes a kerosene lamp that reminds him of the one his mother used. What things or activities bring you the serenity of home when you are away?

i have lived abroad on two different continents and have had my hometown newspaper (The Los Angeles Times) mailed to me. Now in the digital age I read it abroad on my phone or reader.

I usually travel with jewelry/small mementos that loved ones gave me, or that belonged to loved ones. I can see why Thomas cherished the lamp. When something touches my life like that, I always think the dear one connected to the object in my mind, is actually touching me.

Music! It's so easy now to take "home" with me on my Kindle Fire. In the past I hauled cassettes and CDs along with a player. I also bring a scented candle with me. Sounds and scents bring me home.

I always bring photographs which help me feel connected to my family when I travel. Whenever possible, I also like to bring my own pillow from home with me. I have traveled with my pillow to Europe- it is that important to me to feel like I am in a home away from home.

Music, one carefully selected photograph and a favorite book or many favorites with an e-reader. Also, an agate found or a fossil from our land is a reminder of home.

I, too, would bring a folder of family pictures with me. I no longer travel, but remember arriving at a destination once without that folder and feeling very alone...

Photos, and always my usual body and hand lotions and and candles.

It was interesting to read all the different items people travel with. I have never really thought to bring extra items along on a trip to remind me of home. I always travel with my kindle so I suppose in a way it reminds me of home.

As long as I have books on the nightstand, photos of my family and my journal, I feel at home wherever I am.

When I lived abroad prior to the digital age, I had Time Magazine mailed to me, and had pictures of friends and family from home. Now it is much easier, since with my iPad and my Kindle, I have ready access to the pictures, books, media and music that remind me of home.

Like Kate, I too never bring any items along when I travel to remind me of home. I guess if I do get a bit homesick, I just look at my pictures on my phone.