Have you ever returned home after travelling for a long time?

Question

I have been away for nearly 2 years and am thinking of going home. Any thoughts or has anyone done a similar thing?

I'm from Aus but living in the UK

Answer 1

Where have you been? I do suggest going home. You need to reconnect yourself every now and then.

I lived in Japan for 3 1/2 years. I did go back for short visits during that time. When I went back to live, even though I'd prepared myself for reverse culture shock, it was a real problem. America is such a different culture and no one realized how much I'd missed in terms of new slang, a different set of social rules, new music and films that I was unaware of.

Go back, but don't overschedule yourself. It's easier to add activities then to cancel. Relax as much as possible.

Answer 2

I have lived in Spain for 3 years. I went back for a visit after 2 years and couldn't believe how much things have changed. The traffic for one really did my head in. Sitting for hours in queues of traffic. I've got better things to do with my life. There are numerous other things, too many to mention here which had changed a lot. Sometimes I think you forget what "home" is really like and it can be a disappointment when you get back. I think home is where the heart is. Have you ever heard this saying "The grass is always greener on the other side"? There is a lot of truth in that saying. Anyway whatever you decide I do hope you are happy.

Answer 3

Nice to go home, but things will never be the same as what they were before you went, cos you've changed whilst travelling. I get really frustrated after a few days when I visit home. I couldn't live there again, but I visit about once a year, and that's great.

Answer 4

I've lived in a few different countries, with periods of living at home in between - the thing I learnt after my first stint living overseas is that you really don't want to start all your sentences with "when I was in ......." which is very annoying for others and awfully easy to do! You're a different person in some ways after travelling, but essentially you're still the same and your friends and family will still love you!

Answer 5

When you get home you will find that few things have changed. People will just not understand your tales of travel and adventure, and will generally dismiss them out of hand. The odd person will be genuinely interested.
It's also hard to get a job, as only a certain type of employer will consider travel as a positive thing ( so start applying now ! )
All in all I would say, keep on movin.... to the stars and beyond....

Answer 6

I've moved over here to join my hubby. We decided to give it a go over in Northern Ireland and we really love it over here. We're going back to visit in the summer, but i think we'll stay here. I miss my friends and family, but it's only my close family i saw very often anyways and now when i come home i wont be put on a back shelf so it will be enjoyable.

Answer 7

I moved away and got married to a military guy. We had to move three time in less thana year. I stuck it out for two but his drinking and my homesickness just became too much and i moved back home. I think we are comfortable at home and scared of change good for you for giving it a shot. MAybe do not next time move so far from home? good luck with your decision

Answer 8

Just try not to be too different, when I went home after 12 years my family thought I was putting on airs, I couldn't stay a scrub forever.

Answer 9

Well im sure yor relatives will miss you and stuff. When I was small I traveled came back home after 2 weeks, and started crying because I missed my relatives over there.

Answer 10

I've been away for 8 years, and don't think of going back. I visit often though.