Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 29 Aug 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Home sickness

Do you get it ?

If yes, how do you cope ?

As much as I am thrilled to be going away and having a long break from it all, there are many times when I love where I live. I love my friends, family and just the basic stability and security of "Home".

My last long trip left me a little home sick. I was a month into it where I was just getting fed up with everything. I was arguing with my gf, money was getting low, we couldn't agree on anything etc. We pressed on regardless and I felt way better after another week but I was almost ready to turn back for home. Only bitter determination kept me going but im sooo glad I did.

My next trip is going to be over 6 months, and I KNOW that there will be hard times when I will feel like going home too.

Some people may scour at this but I feel that I'm thinking realistically. Surely everyone has "what the f**k am I doing here moments".

Enlighten me with your thoughts on the matter !

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 110
You·ve got a problem, mate!

Hi there Ted old chum.
If You get sick of staying at home and You get homesick when You·re away from home ....there·s only one thing You can do: take out your travel guitar, play: "You·ve got a friend" and accompany this with a couple of shots of tequila and an aspirin. (it works allright on me)!
Loads of female company , calms Your emotional instability aswell, (but ends up making You craaazyyy). =
Pucker up Ted,
You·ll be allright.
Love and peace, at home and on the road.
Dan
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Aug 2007
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
ooooooh I know ill be fine mate !!

Nothing will make me turn back or give up, i was just wondering if other people get a bit home sick at times !!

I think its normal too really but I know some people who have turned back after 2 weeks because they missed their dog !!
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 110
gooood doggie....

G·day Ted,
all depending on which kind of dog You mean? . If You mean the other word You can use for a female dog, a lot, if they·ve got one at home, turn back earlier than planned I·m sure, taking into consideration the dogs we men are, when it comes to those doggish behaviours!
All the best ones and loads of them, I wish You on Your , trip.
from Dan
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Aug 2007
kevinhancock750's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: gone for a spin
Posts: 269
homesick

phone home periodically and you'll be told that nothing has changed ,weather's still crap and all is as you left! if you want to go back then turn around! did'nt think so!!
bonne route
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Aug 2007
Shells's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Travelling in Australia
Posts: 175
No turning back

I turned back once... and ended up doing the same stretch of French road 3 times, because I turned back again, thankfully, after a second 'what the f**k am I doing' moment

Just ride it out. Chances are the wobbly will sort itself out once you have given yourself a little space. Emotions are weird suggestable things. Once you open the door and let yourself be sucked in, you can build and build on it until you have turned the bike around and done the complete opposite of what you set out to do. The trick is not to open that door too widely!

Homesickness for me has been disguised in so many circumstances. It can be frustration of knowing what you need to get in a new place but not being able to get it because of not knowing where to get it from. Aaarg!
Or, moments when I find myself thinking 'My Mom/Brother/friend/insert special person would love it here!' and not being able to have them there.

But, more often than not, a short while after feeling a little bit blue, something cool will happen to perk me up, and I will be a happy traveller again.

The unsettling things are the challenges that are sometimes the best parts of travelling.

You will always have your home, your family and your mates (the good ones anyway). You won't be able to repeat the moments you experience while travelling.

Bon voyage baby!
__________________
If you don't have bugs in your teeth, you haven't been grinning enough!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Aug 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
My last long trip left me a little home sick. I was a month into it where I was just getting fed up with everything. I was arguing with my gf, money was getting low, we couldn't agree on anything etc. We pressed on regardless and I felt way better after another week but I was almost ready to turn back for home. Only bitter determination kept me going but im sooo glad I did.
I think you've answered your own question there Ted. You pushed on through the hard part. Keeping a good attitude can be tough. Especially alone.
But as you've discovered, seems the first month or so is the hardest.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum View Post
I think its normal too really but I know some people who have turned back after 2 weeks because they missed their dog !!
I always miss my dogs. Very dear to me. How could you resist Mollydog?
She's on the right...and a better "person" you will never meet.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

Last edited by mollydog; 30 Aug 2007 at 20:21.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Aug 2007
mattcbf600's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: London, England
Posts: 706
Don't know about homesickness yet (I leave on Monday) but I do know if I had those two cuties waiting for me at home I wouldn't be able to go in the first place!

It's hard enough leaving these guys behind

__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 30 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 476
homesick?

Hi Ted,

I tend to get a bit homesick after a while when I travel alone or have a girlfriend waiting at home or both. So my cure is i'm not going alone anymore and I make sure I don't have anybody waiting for me at home! Last trip was one year and didn't get homesick for second. Really not a second!!!
Got fed-up and bored with travelling after about 10 months but that has nothing to do with being homesick.

What I would do when I was travelling alone and being homesick, hook up with other people for a while and spoil yourself with good food and maybe a good hotel room orso!

Cheers,

Noel
exploreafrica.web-log.nl
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Sep 2007
kevinhancock750's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: gone for a spin
Posts: 269
4 legged fluffy things

sorry guys but if i had one of them adorable,beautiful,four legged fluffy things i could'nt leave it at home! i would go to hell and back to make room for it!
that way i'd have something to wipe my seat with on them cold damp morning's!!!!!!!! and cleans flies off visor!!!!!!!!!!!!!(joke)
i'm an animal lover so dont worry. i just could'nt resist it!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 6 Sep 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 204
If you had two they would make a marvellous pair of slippers for the evening!

On a serious note I have been afflicted by homesickness/apathy prior to planned trips over the last two years (I am not a RTW, I used to enjoy motorcycle touring for several weeks a year). It is not easy to meet up with like minded souls, organised group riding has no appeal for me and I find myself increasingly looking for (usually weak) excuses as to why I should not embark upon a journey. It would seem there is a mental hurdle that I need to get over which is easier said than done.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Oct 2007
lorraine's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Definitely Nomadic
Posts: 523
routine

This is so incredibly common that the only reason for the sarcastic comments is they don't want to admit they too have succumbed. I'm half homebody, half traveler. My solution at 43 was to take the dogs with me in a van which has all my stuff. Can't do that on a bike but, I met an older Canadian traveler many years ago iin Morocco who said it's very important that when you get into a hotel room, put out certain items, just small things, to make it your own place. I've found routine is incredibly important to me. I work on the road, so every morning I do the same thing, write in journal, drink tea, walk the dogs, and late afternoon, another routine. Doesn't matter whether it's running, a walk, having a , whatever. Routine. How do you think traditional nomads survived?? It's different for everyone, but find your own things. Guaranteed, it will ground you.

Everyone has those, what the f-ck am I doing here! Some can be ridden through.

I've also found the actual LEAVING is the hardest part. Once you're out there, you're fine.
good luck,
Lorraine
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 1 Oct 2007
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Lorraine,
You need to get on a bike....with a small dog. You know about Lew Waterman?
He took his Yorky, Punky, all over Mex. Central and S. America. I'm pretty sure with the right set up I could take Tasha, my smooth Weiner dog. She loves to travel and is well behaved everywhere. But man, what a liability. Still, I've thought about it many times and even taken her on short rides.

Patrick


Tasha wearing Sombrero, she is 13 now. Molly has cancer now, very ill,
can no longer walk.
__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 510
As I know Lorraine's dogs personally (animally?), and the two of them probably outweigh Lorraine, I can promise they aren't going anywhere on a motorcycle unless there is a sidecar involved. Hmmm, maybe not a bad idea.

A couple of years ago, a guy rode from Mexico city to the HU meet in Creel Mexico, with a Yorkie in a baby carrier on his chest.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 3 Oct 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia
Posts: 1,362
Home sick causes.. for me

the continual travel - stop and stay somewheres for a week .. just being able to spread your stuff out and not repack. And to cook - shop for more than a day or 2 ..

the OZie bush .. fortunately people like gum trees for some reason.. so I can find some of those in most parts of the world .. stop, grab a few leaves .. crush and smell home.

the people .. phone home. Talk for a while. {most will have some relative they don't like - ring them to remind yourself why you don't want to go home? And you could make a mistake with teh time zone ..

Food ,, well sweets mostly .. not found a real solution to this. I can find pleasant s frequently enough that that is not a problem.
__________________
---
Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Urgent -family problem - need to fly home and leave bike in brazil paulgthomson South America 1 27 Jul 2007 19:32
no altitude sickness on a bike ? vincent danna Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 12 19 Dec 2005 22:33
Home again - RTW ride completed liketoride2 Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 5 28 Sep 2005 00:20
Insurance for driving back home to UK from Madrid prolificbrown South America 0 19 Oct 2004 02:03
Comming Home! How do I re-import sarah Trip Paperwork 0 14 Aug 2001 12:30

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:27.