On the flight home, you were squeezed between a wailing baby and an uninvited conversationalist. Turbulence, broken toilets, missing luggage and the inevitable culture shock add to your sleep deprived mental state. But it doesn’t matter how long you were stuck in the air, nor how you’re feeling after.
It doesn’t matter if you’re home forever or just for a few weeks. And it definitely doesn’t matter if you’re weary/lonely/confused/elated about the situation. Be warned, everyone you meet from the arrivals gate onward will have the same list of travel questions to ask you – and it helps to have a few answers ready.
- Is it good to be back? Let’s hope so. If your gut response is “Awful,” then it you might as well book another plane ticket to somewhere else. The truth is, unless your friends have spent time away from home, they won’t understand the cauldron of mixed emotions simmering inside. Don’t make them feel stupid for asking; coat the truth with sugar and say “Yes, in many ways . . . “
- How was the flight? Most folks only ask this out of conventional politeness. Few really care whether you watched all three LOTR or shared the overhead with a friendly grandmother. Save time and energy with the ever ambivalent “OK” and move on to more entertaining subjects.
- Is (insert stereotype) true? I hear . . . This is a chance to share a bit of your new world in a concise and meaningful way. Family members will be curious about the details of your work and travel abroad; gently correct any outlandish myths (“No, I was never attacked by a shark in Australia.”) and share a few fun facts that may be relevant to their wonderings. (“But I had a friend who was almost eaten by a crocodile…”) Though you may get tired of disarming international stereotypes, it’s the perfect way to introduce people to a place they may not be familiar with.
- Did you miss home? Ahh, and now we could easily sink into philosophical musings or nostalgic quotes that sound like country music lyrics. Naturally, your definition of “home” has changed. Of course, you’ll always be partial to this scrap of land, but your horizons have expanded. Try giving a few examples of the things you did miss; remind people that you still value their relationships.
- So, when are you coming back for good? Well, you know what they say about assumptions . . .
- Are you coming back? (Why not?) If you had all the answers, this entire conversation would contain a lot less “umms” and “ahhhs.” For now, it’s fine to admit that you’re not sure, or that you’re looking at many options. Feeling sympathetic? Hint toward an eventual relocation. Feeling renegade? Proudly declare that you’d rather move to Greenland.
- Would (insert boyfriend/girlfriend) ever move here? Have you met someone while abroad? Someone from another country? Then there’s a huge chance that you two have already started the debate. Be sure to let your parents and pals know that his/her parents and pals will be asking the exact same question! But no pressure. Let him/her answer dodge this one next time you bring them home.
- Is that where you want to settle, then? Again, did you mention that your suitcase is somewhere above the Atlantic, the plane dinner made you sick, and you no longer want to procreate for fear that your child will sound like the bawler in 32B? Bite your tongue and take a breath. No one’s forcing you to do anything, they’re just anxious to see how this one adventure fits into the full plot. If you can answer sincerely, do so – without fear of offending. It’s your life, and friends and family will support you wherever you end up.
What travel questions do you get asked when you return home? And how do you answer them?
Ready to work and volunteer your way around the world? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and RSS/email. Until the next adventure! ~ Kelli