When you travel around to the other side of the world, and you really only know your teammates, it's good to have someone else to hang out with, someone from home you can share time with in another culture.
Traveling to a new country often involves stepping outside your comfort zone, especially when you're surrounded mainly by familiar faces like teammates. Having someone from your home environment provides comfort and support, helping to bridge cultural differences and create a sense of belonging in foreign surroundings. This shared familiarity can ease the transition, foster deeper connections, and enhance the overall experience, making travel not just about sightseeing but also about emotional connection and mutual understanding.