20 Everyday Comforts Long-Term Travelers Miss from Home

Since embarking on our full-time travels in April 2010, we've embraced countless new experiences and connections daily. Yet, glimpses of friends and family on social media—savoring holiday feasts or unveiling gadgets—spark nostalgia for comforts from Europe and the United States. Drawing from our extensive journey through Central America, here's our candid list of 20 things we miss most:

1. Reliable Hot Showers – With steady pressure, consistent heat at our preferred temperature, and no sudden chills mid-shampoo.
2. Deep Bathtubs – We'd trade anything for a soothing bubble bath; our firstborn and a million dollars come to mind.
3. Genuine Whole Wheat Bread – Freshly baked, nutritious loaves perfect for pairing with fine cheese.
4. Real Cheese – From creamy Camembert and Brie to sharp Gruyère, Stilton, or herb-infused varieties—anything beyond chalky local blocks or plastic-wrapped slices.
5. Safe Tap Water – No more tallying eco-unfriendly plastic bottles; just pure, parasite-free water straight from the faucet.
6. Premium Chocolate – Rich treats like Cadbury or Ritter Sport, not just candy bars.
7. Free Coffee Refills – Quality coffee is rare enough here; spots with endless refills are mythical. We've found only two since our U.S. road trip ended in July 2010.
8. Flushable Toilet Paper – In developing regions, bins aren't as gross as feared in private spaces. But public restrooms reveal horrors: stained paper tossed face-up for all to see.
9. Contemporary Culture – Amid Mayan ruins and museums, we yearn for modern art galleries, thoughtful graffiti, plays, and musicals. True artistic expression reflecting recent histories has been scarce since Mexico.
10. Fresh Salads – Crisp greens, tomatoes, peppers, and olives—risky here unless purified, and even then, stomach woes loom.
11. Home Laundry Control – Lavanderías are cheap ($2.50/load), but we doubt the hot water and detergent strength. For pants worn days on end, we crave a thorough, germ-busting boil.
12. Moments of Silence – Thin walls, dawn fireworks, and blasting music from every shop make quiet a rare luxury.
13. Apfelschorle – Our European favorite: apple juice with sparkling water. Without it, bubbly options are limited to Coke products—especially post-Diet Coke hiatus. (Learn more here.)
14. Multitasking on Public Transport – Wild bus rides demand survival focus; no reading like on efficient trains or the Tube.
15. Books of Our Choosing – Book swaps lighten loads but force unwanted genres like murder mysteries we rarely enjoy.
16. Vegetarian Sushi – Fresh, light, and affordable in London (Wasabi pounds!), but nonexistent on our route.
17. Proper Sidewalks – No more dodging hazards on narrow, uneven paths; we miss leisurely side-by-side strolls.
18. Discreet Public Breastfeeding – Common and visible everywhere; spin in a square, and you're likely pointing at an exposed moment.
19. Well-Fitting Clothes – Local styles suit curvy figures (think Salma Hayek), but options are limited—no variety in cuts, sizes, or lengths for all builds.
20. Our Own Fully Equipped Kitchen – Hostel germs, cold-water dishwashing, sparse tools, and no spice racks mean bland meals. We miss multiple burners, ovens, and global flavors for baking and more.

Traveling long-term and feeling homesick? Share what you miss in the comments—let's commiserate!