And how long before you just want to go home?

I think it depends a bit on the situation - I mean, I'm an aussie and live in London so relatively speaking the culture gap isn't huge and what really wears me out is stuff like the weather, how awkward it is to get things done here at times etc (and I'm trying not to give the impression that I'm whinging).

I managed 4 years before going home for a visit but then about 18 months the next time around (younger brother was going home at the same time so thought I'd surprise the parents). It would have been about 18 months between trips home this time around too but my parents have just been over and I've got more family and friends over later this month so it seems a bit pointless going home. No idea when I'll go home next now.

what a question? of course there is people who stay in a different culture forever. i have been out of my country for 12 years. i visit every 1,5 years or so for family reasons. i dont miss it. and i prefer the fact that i chose where to live. it was me who wanted to come here not just the accident of birth. even so, i am very happy for my passport. what a hassle it can be if you got the "wrong" one. "home" is not the country where i was born and where i grew up.

I agree with #2, home is not necessarily the country where you were born and raise. I feel more at home than I do in Australia, but I don't fully feel at home in London, I'm only one step closer to it if you get what I mean. I hope to live overseas for years on end, eventually i want to freelance so I can make longer trips home whilst living overseas.

I think a recharge back home is a good idea, travelling isn't always for everyone but at least you tried it. That's much better than all the dreamers back home.

i find it easier to travel 3 months, then settle in a country to work where i am surrounded by people who speak the same language, and live similar lifestyles, also then i can make friends and actually have a relatively normal life for a while! but then again, i have done 2 year long working holidays (currently on the 3rd) and i have been home between each trip. i've come to the conclusion that for me travelling is a hobby and no longer a lifestyle! so i am only 3 months into this trip and although looking forward to this adventure i am also truly looking forward to going home... oz is still home for me :-)

I've been away from 'home' for the majority of the last ten years...some of it travelling, some of it working. This is the longest stint without a recharge, coming up to three years now, but circumstances have changed so much at home now, that even when I'm craving random conversations with my brother over home brew ginger beer (guess you have to have experienced it to understand how great it is, both conversation AND ginger beer) I'm almost aprehensive about going back.

Still trying to find the place that feels like home I guess. This place certainly isn't, but I'm stuck here for a while and it's seriously getting me down. 'Home' doesn't feel like home anymore either, but then it never really has, and it's lost whatever charm it once held.

Maybe it is time for a recharge.....need to get out of this 'where's home funk' and just get on with living!!

I was away from Britain for almost a year in very different cultures (mostly India and Pakistan). I didn't have any big desire to come back and still hanker to be back out there. I guess it depends what feels like 'home' to you. Of course there were certain luxuries I missed at times, and I certainly missed friends & family, but I was much happier out there and felt more alive than I ever do there.

Homes really is where the heart is regardless of whether its miles from your birth place or your childhood home. During my 40 odd years of travel running the gauntlet of working hols, staying years, and quick visits the most important factor in any equation is the people you are with. If you are happy with the company you are with - everything else falls into place including homesickness, coping with sometimes bizarre or very funny situations arising from language, culture or religious differences. Without it - the travel or experience becomes meaningless after a while. There are very few people who are naturally hermits and the people you associate with make or break your experiences - including at home. (Im not talking here of just a couple of weeks, Im talking long term months at a time).

The bigger the contrast from your old lifestyle, the more difficult the chances can be of finding true friendship. Theres nothing quite like a friend who accepts you 'warts and all'.

Ask yourself - do you want to come home for the people you left behind or the view from Mums dining room window?

Time away for me - 3 years the longest, now I only so short stints as there are other considerations.

Yes I agree the people are ultimately what matters. Well I have decided to go back for a while. Travelling is still going to be a part of my life but probably not the same way as before and I think the sheer fascination of just being in Asia has worn off. It was to be expected I guess. Well something else is that I realize now that making friends across cultures is possible but as above poster wrote I do miss the beer drinking culture back home a lot. Ok great to hear from others living abroad.

Is it a bit sad that watching Kath and Kim made me just a tiny bit nostalgic for home?