How often do you make it back home?

When I was in the UK, flying back to home in France wasn't a real problem... but now that I am at 10,000 kms ... I think I won't go back home very often (maybe once or twice a year).

A cousin of mine is getting married in September. I grew up with him, and I'd really like to be here for his wedding... but I cannot go back for the wedding AND for Christmars. It will be an hard choice! (Christmars has always been an important family meeting for me)

A good start to keep in touch with your family is to start a blog that's what I am doing, this way all my family can watch my pictures and read news about me! (skype is very usefull too!)

I recently visited the US after a 2 year absence. I will try to make it back once a year from now on. Julien's suggestion is great. My family feels much more in touch with me since I started blogging and posting photos. Also, the social networking site Facebook is very useful for keeping in touch. It is easy to post notes, short messages, photos, without committing to a full on blog. I am in touch with friends from all over the world through it.

We go back to the US about 2 times a year for a couple of weeks each time.  We do have a VIOP phone so we talk to family and friends every week and I do keep a blog for them to keep up with us.

Bob K

Normally, I go back to Angola once a year but for a long period, like one to two months before heading back to France.
But I actually feel, France is my home, Angola is my family and history...

I've been an expat for about 2 years and have made it back to my home country (USA) one time.  However, family has come to visit me twice in my country of residence, for Christmas and Easter.  We're now talking of meeting for Christmas in another country.  Part of the reason I moved was to explore other parts of the world, and my family has happily been willing to go along with that.  It's probably a lot easier for me because I'm single though, and with my family mostly near Boston, it's a quick(ish) direct flight for us to see each other.

I've managed to get back every two years - I can't last much longer than that but you get torn between using your hols to visit the old country (plus family and friends=huge bonus) or exploring something new, and isn't that the point of living abroad? Not to have the same old ratrace run-of-the-mill existance, to do and experience new things and places? At some point you have to make a decision. And what's wrong with all of the tribe visiting us anyway!!!!!!

I think it will work out to about once a year for us, and generally for big events.  (Say, weddings.)  It's expensive, and we aren't some of those expats who are living with lots of money from a corporation that moved us - we moved on our own and don't make much.

We already spent a few years dealing with family trying to guilt us into making expensive trips home for holidays (worst time to travel!! please!) when we lived halfway across the country from them.  We just had to put our foot down.  "NO.  We are not coming home for Christmas this year.  End of story."  Ignore all attempts at guilt tripping.  Just don't do it.  They will get the hang of it   Good luck.

I have been living in Malta for almost 2 years now but haven't visited my country yet. I want to go when I will be able to see many good changes, hopefully.

I could actually go a couple of times a year. At least, that is now. (I'm a student.) By the time I graduate, however, I'll start working and probably won't be able to visit my parents in Germany. All of my course mates at uni go at least once a month. I, personally, think that's a bit over the top. But then, it's their choice.

I definitely go for Christmas and try to be there at Easter, too. These two holidays were always very important in my family. The fact that I'm a student actually came in quite handy because one of my cousins got married last October and another one is getting married in June.

And yes, Christmas is the worst time of the year for travel. I was stupid enough to be trying to fly out on the worst day of the entire year. I spent hours stuck on a plane at Manchester airport, while they kept closing the airport and I kept wondering if I would ever be able to make it to Dublin in time for my connecting flight. I made it in the end but only just. Getting back to England was a bit of a nightmare, too. It took me about two days.

i don't go back home that often, but nothing like talking to family and friends over the phone. Facebook, photos and messages may not be relevant for all communication back home.