Navigating the Aftermath of an Adventure Aborad
After months full of numerous flights around the globe, immersing ourselves in vibrant cultures, and savoring unforgettable experiences, our first adventure abroad has come to an end.
Coming back home was not just a physical transition; it was a whirlwind of emotions, cultural readjustments, and a reminder of financial considerations that I figured deserved a post after a four month hiatus from blogging.
Let’s jump in!
Cultural Shifts: From Wanderlust to Homebound
Returning back to the United States after an extended adventure abroad was a bittersweet feeling. The once-familiar surroundings felt slightly foreign, and the memories of markets, ancient temples, and pristine beaches lingered constantly. I found myself reminiscing about the spicy aromas of Thai street food, the warm weather I knew was a flight away, the adventures in the Australia with new friends, and the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand that still blow my mind.
In the beginning, it was hard to adjust knowing that there was so much happening on the other side of the world that no one in my family knew about.
Don’t let me get ahead of myself though. There was no better feeling than coming home to a familiar place and more importantly to a familiar bed. We knew who slept in this bed, who cleaned the sheets, and after months of various sleeping arrangements traveling, I had not slept that hard in a long time.
We got to have home cooked meals with our families, see our friends in real life instead of through a screen, and savor in all the time that we had missed while away.
The saying 'The grass isn’t always greener on the other side' rang true in these moments.
We had wished for so long before leaving that the traveling days would come, and they did. Then, we wished for just a moment to be back home to hug family, and before we knew it, there we were. And yet, if we could go right back out there and do it all again, we would. You just can’t have it all.
And as much as I missed home, after that sweet moment wore off, I found myself missing the comfort in being uncomfortable. I missed meeting new faces, taking public transportation, navigating unfamiliar situations, trying new local dishes, and embracing all the chaos that comes with traveling.
The shifts upon returning home were subtle yet profound. Our perspectives had broadened more than ever before. Simple tasks like grocery shopping or driving ourselves around (on the right side of the road) might feel oddly routine compared to the adrenaline-fueled days of exploring new cities in an entirely different country.
Yet, amidst this readjustment, there's a newfound appreciation for it all.
Lifestyle Changes: From Nomadic to Rooted
Living out of a backpack, hopping from one place to another, and embracing a nomadic lifestyle with your partner creates a sense of freedom and spontaneity that's hard to replicate elsewhere. Now, we are beginning to settle back into a more structured routine and it has felt a little daunting. However, this transition also brings about opportunities for appreciating what surrounds us.
We began to cherish the stability of having a “home base”, relishing the simple joys of cooking a meal together in our own kitchen or unwinding on our own couch. We’ve realized that having more than 200 square foot of living space from time to time is a blessing after living in hotel rooms, hostels, or shared spaces with strangers. However, we’ve also grown to love having less surround us like big entertainment systems, kitchen cabinets that barely shut, or cluttered closets filled with miscellaneous stuff.
Being back home has been full of family time, game nights, comfort foods, and so on but I still find that we are searching for the silver lining between relaxing back into a more rooted lifestyle and feeling the excitement from travels.
One thing that we’ve been able to incorporate is cooking dishes we got to enjoy abroad. We’ve made plenty of UK roasts, tikka masala, and cacao to feed an entire neighborhood. I’ve learned how to make the perfect afternoon cuppa tea and we can pack for a weekend away in a matter of minutes due to living out of a backpack!
Importance of Budgeting: Financial Freedom for the Future
One crucial aspect of returning home after an epic adventure was financial planning. While the allure of travel is irresistible, it was essential to prepare for the financial realities of coming back to the US.
Mason and I were very strict on budgeting every single penny of our travels and had a discussion in the beginning that when our bank accounts read “X” number of dollars, we need to start making our way home. Well, when that day came, it was a rude awakening but also a very realistic part of traveling. There will be an end at some point.
Budgeting during your travels and setting aside a cushion for your return can and will ease the transition while providing a huge sense of security too!
We came back with enough to comfortably live for 2-3 months without any income. We were lucky to have parents on both sides that opened their doors for us to live at home rent-free so our expenses were slim to none. However, we arrived back to the US during the beloved tax season, we also had a car that we wanted to drive around, so we needed to add it back onto insurance, and we had both fallen off both of our parents’ health insurance plans during our travels. So, the reality of coming back home came with a few financial awakenings.
Whether it's updating your resume for future job hunting, paying off any debts incurred during travel, or planning for more adventures, financial stability plays a pivotal role. Consider creating a post-travel budget, prioritizing expenses, and saving for upcoming endeavors.
I’m happy to say that cushion of money was utilized in all the right ways to set us up for success when we returned. We were able to continue living our ‘retired’ life, visiting friends, celebrating with family, and eventually moving out and onto our next adventure.
Embracing the Journey: From Endings to New Beginnings
As we unpacked our bags and sorted through souvenirs and memories collected along the way, we realized that the end of one journey really just marks the beginning of another. The lessons we learned, the memories we made, and the bonds strengthened between each other are invaluable treasures, serving as the fuel for our next adventure ahead.
Returning home after a journey of a lifetime will come with a blend of mixed emotions – a cocktail of nostalgia, gratitude, and excitement for what lies ahead. It's a reminder that every journey, whether across continents or within oneself, leaves a lasting mark on the soul. Just typing this out makes me in awe at all Mason and I’ve been able to experience together.
As you settle back into the rhythm of everyday life, I want to remind you to carry the essence of your travels with you – the journey doesn't truly end. It merely evolves into a new chapter, filled with possibilities, growth, and the unwavering spirit of now a seasoned traveler. A badge I am so proud to wear. I have gained the courage to step into the unknown, explore the openness to diverse cultures, and easily find joy in discovering the beauty of our world.
Welcome home, adventurer. Your next journey awaits, right where you left off.
