The Escape Journals

Coming Back Home

The strangest part of the journey: landing somewhere familiar as someone new, and learning to carry the road with you.

Featured Stories

Lost, Then Found on the Water

Anonymous

When I went traveling, I left all my problems back home in Canada. But when I got back, everything caught up with me. Returning to student life, starting the third year of a degree I wasn’t sure I even wanted to finish, was the worst. In some ways, I had an awakening: I realized I had no business being back in school, and it showed in the worst way. For the first time in my life, I started skipping classes. I dropped half of them altogether. I was lost as hell. I spent most of my waking hours drowning my emotions in pot or beer, all while somehow pretending I was a functioning member of society. The classes I still attended, I showed up dressed well and groomed. But on the inside, I was a mess. This was around the same time my broken heart was at its worst from my previous breakup too.

They say time heals everything, and I think that’s true now, but back then, it had only been six months, and I was struggling. I’ve never been someone who asks for help, and I’m not sure I ever will, but damn, if you’re ever hurting that badly, I think a therapist is probably the best place to go. Of course, I didn’t do that. All I told myself to survive was that I just had to finish that semester, and I never had to come back if I didn’t want to. I knew I had to get back to what I knew best, and that was being a fishing guide. The ocean was where I belonged, and that’s the only place I wanted to be.

Somehow, in my messed-up state, I landed an interview with one of the most prestigious adventure resorts in North America, conveniently located on Vancouver Island, where I live. I think getting that job might have saved me. I did a full 180. I was heading back to where I belonged, working out in nature, guiding people on the rugged west coast. I spent my days watching whales, bears, and flying around in helicopters, taking people to remote alpine lakes and rivers to fly fish. I felt at home. I felt like myself again. After that summer, I finally said, “Fuck academics,” and got a trade. Two years later, I’m a thriving carpenter, and life’s good.

A Fish Back in the Pond

Lauren

Coming back home, I found, was one of the craziest aspects of the traveling experience. The whole week leading up to my return, I fantasized about what it would be like... I just felt so different, so changed, and I wasn’t sure how that would impact my relationships. More than anything, I was excited. I couldn’t wait to show off the “new me.” I felt liberated; I had traveled thousands of miles from home, established my independence, and, best of all, I felt like I had proven myself.

When I did get home, everything felt familiar yet strangely foreign. It was like traveling back in a time machine. My bed was still there, all my things were in place. My family was still living their lives, continuing on as if nothing had changed. But somehow, I felt like a stranger in my own home. Everything felt luxurious, which was probably the funniest part. I finally had a proper bed (not a hostel bunk bed), a closet, and a clean, full-sized kitchen at my disposal. I wasn’t sharing a common space with loads of other travelers. It was such a heavy contrast to what I had been experiencing the past few months.

Everyone noticed a difference in me when I got back. I heard comments like “You seem so much more sure of yourself” and “It’s like night and day, you’ve changed so much.” The changes they noticed were all positive—mostly about how outgoing I had become and how confident I seemed compared to when I left. People also noticed how much happier I was and how much I was “glowing.” I also noticed that my interactions with family, relatives, and friends felt much more special, given how long we had been apart.

This “glow” didn’t last forever, though. I’d say that after about two weeks, it wore off. People stopped asking questions, everyone returned to their normal lives, and the fact that I was back home really started to hit me. I was no longer surrounded by friends 24/7, and the ones I did have back home didn’t quite seem to “get” me on the level my travel friends did. I just didn’t have much in common with them anymore. I wasn’t constantly going on adventures and exploring. I was back in the same place I was before I made any of my travel dreams a reality. I found myself slipping back into a few old habits and even started to notice old behavioral patterns resurfacing. This, quite honestly, scared me and made me realize just how eager I was to get back out there and start traveling again.

I could go on forever about my experiences being back home, but I’d honestly just say it’s a mix of emotions. The best way to sum it up is that you’re like a fish returning to a pond after you’ve experienced the ocean. Some people will be curious, others will be jealous. But you just have to remember that this experience is about YOU and nobody else. No one else can quite understand the journey you’ve just had, and there’s no way to make them. But you can hold the memories dear to your heart and keep the wanderlust burning in your soul until you can plan your next trip. :)

A Tug-of-War Inside Me

Kel

Honestly... sad, lol. Coming back from Colombia gave me a very renewed perspective on the suburb I currently live in. The contrast was stark, and I feel out of place. It’s made me re-evaluate how much this environment truly aligns with who I am.

I definitely came back different. Every interaction, conversation, and experience—every single day—changes us, for better or worse. In those nine weeks, I saw and learned so much. While they weren’t the easiest weeks of my life, they marked an incredibly important milestone for me.

During the last week of my trip, I started to feel sad. I knew my soul wasn’t ready to return home, but the practical side of me followed through with the plans anyway. I can still feel it now, like a tug-of-war inside me pulling me to head off again. So, for now, I’m focusing on managing life here, saving money, and preparing for my next adventure.

Only Forward

Alanna

Coming back home after traveling is hard to put into words. I get emotional just thinking about it! You return to the same place you’ve known your whole life, and yes, it is the same. But somehow, it’s different too. You look at the world around you and see it in a new way. While you are still the same person, you’ve gone through a shift. You no longer think the same way. You are forever changed in a way that can’t really be described. I believe traveling truly broadens your perspective. It opens up your world to a whole new “there.” And once you’ve experienced that, there’s no going back, only forward. I am always so happy to come home, but I know there is always so much more to see. The journey is never-ending.

A Flame That Wouldn’t Go Out

Josh

How is life after traveling? It’s different for everyone. Were things at home different? No. Was I different? Absolutely. And that, fundamentally, made everything feel different. The way I viewed the life I was living before had completely changed. I no longer wanted to fit the mold. I no longer wanted five days a week of waking up at 6 a.m. and working until 3:45 p.m. or later, just to look forward to a weekend that would get me through another five days of the same grind.

I fell in love with my time away—the people I met, the experiences I had—and I simply wasn’t ready to say goodbye to that. I wanted to see so much more and meet so many more people. I tried having conversations with people back home about what I had seen and experienced, but those who hadn’t traveled or ventured far themselves were mostly indifferent—more of a shrug and a “That’s nice” kind of response. On the other hand, people who had traveled could relate, and we’d have deeper, more engaging conversations about it.

The whole experience ignited a flame in me that simply wouldn’t go out. One night, that fire took over. I got white girl wasted and booked a flight to America. That has—and I cannot stress this enough—NEVER happened to me before in my life. Yet, it did. And rather than being angry at drunk Josh, that little troublemaker, I was elated.

Don’t Wait for Their Approval

Lydia

Coming back home felt really good. As much as I was sad to leave, I didn’t feel sad about returning home. That’s when I knew everything was right and that it was all going to be okay. I took all the good that the vacation had to offer and brought it back with me.

It also took that trip—and the people I met—to help me realize that what I already have is great, both within myself and in my life overall. Things aren’t necessarily different. Traveling won’t erase all your problems, but it does change how you view them.

I learned so much about myself, and most importantly, I learned to rely on myself to make the most out of any situation. Never wait for someone else, because if you do, you’ll end up waiting for what they expect of you. Before you know it, you’ll forget what you truly want.

Whether it’s your boss, your family, or your partner, don’t wait for their approval to be happy about what you do. You owe it to yourself to live authentically—you just might not realize it yet.

You Are Not Your Parents

Thomas

Ask yourself this: Do you want to live your life so tied to the image of a “successful family” that it changes how you see yourself or what you pursue for yourself? Take a moment—sit and think for five minutes. What is better: leaving for a year because you feel a strong pull to figure something out, learning what matters to you and coming back more self-aware, ready to pursue your studies with clarity and purpose? Or denying that you’re feeling lost, staying where you are, half-heartedly working on something you’re not sure about, and never really reaching your full potential?

In both cases, if you truly want it, you’ll get that degree—relax. Studies aren’t a race, and you can pick them up again even in your 30s. Not many people will tell you this because they’re projecting their own fears about what they think is best for you. Or, in some cases, they’re imposing dreams they never fulfilled for themselves—“study for 10 years” or “become a doctor.” I might exaggerate a little, but only a little.

The truth is, you are not your mother or your father. You’re from a different generation with its own unique challenges. We’ve been handed the world on a silver platter in some ways—we have phones, access to information, and the ability to see things no one before us could so easily. We can fly to the other side of the world for just 700 euros. So yes, sometimes we feel a bit lost. It’s normal.

Take a deep breath and spend a year somewhere completely different from what you know. If your parents support you, be grateful and show them love. If they don’t and you decide to go anyway, congratulations—you’re one of the strong ones. Show them love too, and try to help them see things the way you do.

Change Is the Only Constant

Carola

I’m very lucky to have a solid group of childhood friends who still live close to my hometown, so I get to see most of my close friends when I’m home. The same goes for some of my family. I’m blessed that my wandering hasn’t changed those relationships—they always welcome me with open arms.

At the same time, coming back home after a long(ish) trip is always an adjustment. I think anyone who’s ever been on a holiday knows about the “holiday blues.” It’s a bit different, though, when you’ve traveled further and for longer. While it’s exciting to see everyone and share stories from my journey, I sometimes feel like the urgency to meet up and catch up isn’t quite what it used to be. I’m very grateful for the internet and Wi-Fi everywhere—it makes staying in touch so easy. But because of that, everyone feels like they’re already up to date. They think they know everything.

For me, returning home is grounding, but it often leaves me with a sense of longing and nostalgia for the trip I just had. Of course, I changed a little—every time. And suddenly, I’m far away from the people I shared those experiences with. It’s surreal to think that I hugged them goodbye just 24 hours ago, and now I already miss them deeply, being back in what feels like a parallel universe. Home is still familiar, but it doesn’t quite fit the same anymore. Life here stays the same yet also changes, and it sometimes takes me a while to tune back in.

C’est la vie... change is the only constant.

See 20 more stories

Back With Pride, and a Tan

Emilie

This six-month sabbatical was the best decision I have ever made. One thing I hadn’t considered much beforehand was the coming back. You always think leaving is the big deal, but when you return, you realize that nothing has really changed. It’s surprisingly easy and familiar to step back into your old job or life.

Coming back went well—I was thrilled to see my friends and family again. I decided to return to Europe two weeks before going back to work so I could have quality time with loved ones and smoothly reconnect with my old life. It was a nice, sweet transition.

At work, everyone kept saying the same thing: “You’re already back?! I can’t believe it’s been six months; I thought you left three weeks ago.” Then they’d add, “Isn’t it hard to come back to reality?” I got so tired of that question. It felt too negative to me. Nobody—except non-French people—asked, “How does it feel to be back?” Instead, they assumed it was difficult, projecting a preconceived, negative idea, and I hated that. Honestly, it felt so typically French.

The truth is, I had an incredible time. I loved every moment of the experience and felt like I made the most of it. Of course, I’d rather be on a beach in Hawaii than sitting at work, but I knew I had to come back. And I was happy to return to my flat, to have more privacy (as much as I loved my five roommates, there’s something special about sleeping alone in a queen-sized bed and leaving the bathroom door open when you pee!). I was even happy to get back to work, full of energy and ready to dive back in.

I came back knowing exactly what I was leaving behind and what I was returning to, so there were no big surprises. That said, it did take me a little while to feel fully at ease in my flat again. Before I rented it out, I had packed up all my personal belongings and stored them in the basement, leaving the space minimalistic and very clean—almost feng shui. I liked that feeling, so I took my time bringing things back up from storage, only keeping what felt essential. This experience made me realize how much unnecessary stuff surrounds us.

For example, in the bathroom, I decided to use up all the products I already had before buying anything new. I’ve also become more mindful about what I purchase, especially avoiding plastic packaging whenever possible.

I returned a different person—more self-confident and positive. Taking a step back and gaining perspective was invaluable. People even seemed to look at me differently. To my surprise, I felt more respected at work, which was funny, considering I’d done everything except my job during those six months! One of the great things that happened to me was the way people looked at me when I came back—with pride and admiration. I felt like a total badass walking into the open space at my office. This experience definitely helped boost my confidence. But honestly, I think just the act of leaving and traveling alone made people hold me in higher regard.

My friends told me I looked beautifully fulfilled and happy, which I truly was. And, for the first time in my life, I was tanned!

I’m proud of the experience, which gave me so much—adventures, new friendships, and endless love from my ohana.

Travel Found My Career

Connor

Coming back after traveling, you realize that the person you were before you left is not the person you are now. Your eyes are opened to other cultures and identities, and you start to learn more about yourself in ways you never thought possible. I wasn’t the same—I finally discovered my passion for skydiving and flying! Travel helped me find my career. In conclusion, I was definitely changed, and it was the best thing that could have happened to me. The people I met and the connections I made are something I will never forget!

Happier With So Much Less

Grace

Coming home after traveling is always bittersweet. There’s joy, but also a bit of nostalgia for the experience you just had. I think travel changes us in ways that people can’t fully understand unless they experience it themselves. My favorite thing about travel is the new perspective it gives you. There are so many different ways to live. I think, especially in the U.S., we get trapped in the bubble of our own culture, and it’s hard to realize that many of the things we value or strive for don’t actually matter at all. People are often so much happier with so much less. Seeing people live off the land, living simply but with so much joy, has changed me the most. Humans are so influenced by our environment, and expanding our perspective is crucial to growing as a person and learning to be truly thankful for what we have.

Closer to My True Self

Joshua

Things were the same, but I was different. That made it hard sometimes. But if you start changing the things that bother you, you’ll realize that traveling only helped you get closer to your true self.

Growth Comes Home With You

Maguie

After returning from both Indonesia and New Zealand, I felt undeniably changed. And so had home, even if it doesn’t seem that way at first. I know from friends that adjusting to the rhythm of your home country can be challenging. But so far, every time I’ve come back, I’ve been fine. In fact, it even strengthened my relationship with my parents—being abroad gave me a fresh perspective on life. My love for travel only grew deeper too—the more you explore, the more you crave it.

I think the biggest shift at home was tied to my own personal growth. That growth made it easier for me to adapt to new situations, places, and people. And I carry that growth with me wherever I go. Often, the challenges you face stem from within. It’s all about perspective: you can return home and focus on the negatives, or you can come back and appreciate the little things you love. There’s always something positive to find.

Braver Than Before

Ludvig

Some things were the same, and some were not. I had grown as a person and had come into my own. It’s been easier for me since then to express and communicate my thoughts and feelings on different subjects in a clearer way than I could before.

Coming back home was wonderful, and I now feel more confident when facing intimidating things (and yes, they can still be scary), like moving to new places or making other big decisions.

Ready for the Next Chapter

Sian

To be honest, for me, everything felt exactly the same when I came back. I slipped right back into my routines—my friends were still my friends, and my family was still my family. However, I do think I’ve changed. I’m a lot more relaxed now; I don’t sweat the small stuff, and I’m probably more conscious about money and where it’s coming from.

I do miss the lifestyle of living in another country. It was so much more freeing, and I felt like I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted—even if that meant making a ton of mistakes along the way. (Also, I hate working 9-to-5, though I hated shift work too!)

Still, I knew I needed to “grow up” eventually. Moving home has allowed Nick and me to save money, buy a house, and settle down. And honestly? I’m excited for this next chapter.

Speedos, No Ranch, Slower Steps

Anthony

When I returned to the U.S. after two years of living in Europe, I felt different, and I viewed those around me differently. I became acutely aware of the cultural differences between Americans and Italians, especially in terms of fashion, cuisine, and personal health. I also felt the overwhelming inward and selfish worldview of Americans when compared to Southern Europeans, and I found it frustrating. In general, I’ve noticed that most Americans tend to view the rest of the world with indifference, and at best, as a cute sideshow to their clearly superior way of living.

Upon returning to the U.S., I rejected some of my more American tendencies. I refused to download Venmo for years. I stopped eating ranch dressing. I wore speedos shamelessly. I started walking more slowly. I smoked a lot more marijuana. And I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing ill-fitting clothing in public. Although many of these changes may sound pretentious and snooty, the reality is simply that I found other perspectives and adapted to those that fit me best.

Not Home Yet

Krista

I haven’t fully come home yet! However, I did spend two weeks back home over the holidays, and it was emotionally draining. It was incredibly emotional for many personal reasons, but also because I missed it so much! It felt so good to be back, but at the same time, I had to leave again.

While I missed home, I also found myself missing my space here and my routine. I missed my dog, my boyfriend, my house, and my family. Being away from them is so hard, but those visits remind me that I’ll always have these people in my life.

I’m sure that once I officially move back—or even somewhere new—I’ll look back on my time in London with pride and happiness for making the move.

Addicted to the World

Zach

Life after coming back home was not the same. My view of the world had been completely opened up, and I suddenly found myself addicted to traveling. I had only scratched the surface of what the world has to offer. So many cultures, terrains, people, and foods to explore—and only one life to experience it all. If there’s one thing I can take away from my travels, it’s the importance of being open-minded about literally EVERYTHING.

Wander, and You Won’t Regret It

Jenna

Coming back home can be difficult at times because everything can feel so different—culture, accommodation, people, etc. At the same time, it can also be exciting and a relief to see your family, friends, and something familiar. For me, things are usually different after being away for many months because I’ve changed, and I now view the world differently. Taking time to reflect on your travels by journaling can help you recognize the differences and changes in yourself and your perspectives. Wander, travel, take risks, always explore, talk to people, go with the flow, try new experiences—you won’t regret it!

Level Up, Baby

Justin

It was so nice to be back home for the holidays after seven years of being away from family at Christmas. I’m not religious, but it was all about being with my family and sharing that time together—moments I will always cherish. For the most part, the people and places were just as I remembered them when I left. It will always be there when you get back, whatever it is to you.

As for me? I’m definitely different now, and I’m proud of the lessons I’ve learned and the experiences I’ve gained. Level up, baby!

Aloha nui loa.

Find What Matters, and Happiness Follows

Katie

Finding my balance back home is something I’m currently struggling with! I truly believe that having a healthy work-life balance is everything. If you can find a job that aligns with your passions, even better! When you have the freedom to live a fulfilling life outside of work, you tend to perform better professionally.

It’s tough to have everything in life—you have to make sacrifices and weigh what truly matters to you. But when you find that balance, it brings happiness, and that’s everything. If you follow what’s truly important to you, the rest will fall into place. Seek out companies that share your values and coworkers who support and appreciate your contributions. Or, build your own job and create the schedule you want.

Everything you desire is within your power to create. Your purpose becomes clearer when you discover what really matters to you. Find that, and happiness will follow. :)

Two Months to Feel Normal Again

Mick

Coming home was actually quite hard for me. I was happy to see my family and friends again, but everything felt so normal. Going from a lifestyle where I experienced something new and exciting every single day to living the usual routine of university or work was really depressing. It took me two months to get over it and accept my “normal life” again.

Refreshed and Ready

Patricia

After moving back from Dubai, I felt very different and had to readjust to my old lifestyle. Dubai is different in every possible way. I had to adapt to the time change, the weather, and even the food. Believe it or not, I got so used to going to school from Sunday to Thursday that returning to a regular schedule felt completely new to me.

Life after vacations always leaves me with mixed feelings. On one hand, I’m sad that the vacation is over and I’m back to reality. But on the other hand, I feel refreshed and ready to conquer the world.

You Can Always Go Back

Ben

For me, going back home was difficult. I missed traveling so much, and I had to get a job and start studying. It was hard not to have the freedom to do whatever you want all the time. I think the moment you realize that you can always go back to traveling if you truly want to, that’s when all those overwhelming feelings begin to ease.

Make a Plan for the Landing

Benny

Coming home after a long time traveling has always been a bit challenging. For the first couple of weeks, I’m thrilled to be back, enjoying time with friends and family. But after a while, I start to feel a bit lost again. Everyone else seems to carry on with their daily routines, while I’m left figuring out what I want to do over the next few months or year. It’s always a bit unsettling. I think it would be helpful to create a plan before coming home to make the transition a little easier for yourself.

Still Searching for Home

Vuk

I’m not sure where home truly is yet. I’m still searching, and I’ll let you know when I find it.

Better Every Time

Mahta

Honestly, I think every time I left and came back, I was a better person. I was energized and re-focused. I didn’t feel burnt out or exhausted from returning to work or my studies. Even my family made comments that I seemed more relaxed and that “I needed to take the time or trip” for myself.

Brave, Bright, Beautiful

Meredith

Life after traveling has been hard—is hard. I have to remind myself that I’ve only been back for two months and that it’s a process. Honestly, I never really prepared myself for what coming home would feel like. Reverse culture shock has been very real for me. It felt like falling hard from Cloud 9 straight back into reality. The place I once loved and called home for my entire life didn’t feel like home anymore when I first returned. It no longer gave me the same sense of peace, comfort, warmth, or happiness.

I also had to face many changes I’d left behind when I went traveling. One of the biggest was returning to a new home I’d never seen before. While I was away, my parents moved out of my childhood home and downsized to a house in a retirement community. Now, I can laugh about it—going from living my best life in Bali, Indonesia, to living with my parents in an “old folks’ community” is a bit of a plot twist, haha. But at the time, it was a big adjustment. I couldn’t return to the comfort of the familiar.

The nearly six months I was gone weren’t just transformative for me—they were for my friends, too. Many of them were settling into full-time jobs and new post-college lives. Of course, I’m SO happy for them, seeing them thrive and fully “adulting.” But it was challenging for me to find my place in their lives again. It felt like they had all moved forward in ways I wasn’t fully a part of, and trying to figure out where I fit was incredibly overwhelming.

More than anything, the hardest part was the sense of disconnect I felt with those around me. I realized upon returning that I had grown in ways I never anticipated. My interests had shifted; the things I loved doing in Bali didn’t quite translate to suburban life outside of Washington, D.C., and vice versa. This change in how I spent my time made me feel less connected to my closest family and friends at first.

When people asked, “How was your trip?”—good god, where do I even begin? No matter how I answered, it felt impossible to convey what it was like, and understandably so. How could anyone truly grasp what I experienced when they hadn’t spent six months in a developing Asian country? This lack of understanding brought frustration, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, and a feeling of being misunderstood. My perspective on the world had changed so much that I felt worlds apart from those around me.

The first three or four weeks home were incredibly emotional. I cried almost every day. It was a lot to come back to a place that should feel like home but didn’t. The confusing mix of feelings was overwhelming. Just like I’d felt homesick in Bali and longed for the U.S., I now felt homesick for Bali—the place I’d grown accustomed to. The uneasy feelings I’d experienced while adjusting to Bali resurfaced in reverse as I tried to adjust to life back home.

It takes time to adjust. My advice to anyone navigating life after travel is to practice patience and self-love. More than ever, be kind to yourself. You are the only one who truly understands the incredible, beautiful rollercoaster of experiences you just went through. No one else was there through all the highs and lows of your journey except you. You supported yourself every step of the way then, and you can continue to do so now. Just as you adapted to a new destination and way of life while traveling, you will do the same now that you’re back.

Home isn’t necessarily a physical place—it’s a feeling.

I’ll leave you with a thought from my mom, words that carried me through: “You are brave. You are bright. You are beautiful.” You have everything within yourself to take on this next chapter. Your life is happening now—go live it!

Remarkable Escape Stories