lookingtogo

I think people move on with their lives, get used to you or others not being part of the circle of dynamics. It's both weird and saddening, but also refreshingly realistic. Thus is life. Don't be a jerk! The other thing is to consider if the shoe was on the other foot, how would that feel, be. Also people are going through their own things mostly, many people (most of us?) are occupied with our own dreams, hopes, frustrations and fears to care singularly enough about someone else. Looking in the mirror is always helpful to countering perceived injustices though. Or maybe I am just having a bad day

cresta57

Yep they normally just hitch hike.

Everyone knows you always Ppppppppppppppppppick up a Penguin

paulry

Personally I think it'll be more fun all round and we'll all get more bang for our bucks if we just meet up in another country and holiday there together - somewhere like South Africa, Thailand or Malaysia.

Dorothy

That's what I do. My husband and kids are not all that interested in travel and they couldn't care less if family visited here, so I travel somewhere nice every year and meet my sister. I also take a trip home every second year to see my very elderly mom.

paulry

That's a good plan.

NigelWaring

When I left UK I told them I was going to Burkino Faso, it worked.

Kapri

I think that's what we're going to do with my stepdaughter next year

paulry

It means everyone gets a holiday. But with so many great Asian choices, which is the best one...?

Kapri

Malaysia? Magical mystery tour

paulry

Yes Malaysia is probably the best destination for a family meet up if only because of all the things there are to do - there really is something for everyone. When we go there we usually do all the things that cost an arm and a leg here. Things like paint-balling, go-carting, eating out almost every day, shopping (though it seems more expensive there these days), going to the movies. Snorkeling at Tioman Island is a must (done that a couple of times), and so cheap. And if in Malaysia and time permitting there is always Singapore - though I have mixed feelings about that place. They have a great bird park and zoo, some great tourist attractions and standards there are high but the nightmare of getting across the causeway (expect it to take between 2 and 3 hours) between the two counties spoils it. Definitely worth visiting Singapore at least once though.

Been to Thailand a couple of times and enjoyed that on both occasions. Not sure about places like Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines

scrubbedexpat055

Always thought that meeting family somewhere where you could all be on holiday was a good idea. Would happily meet up in The USA or even somewhere in Europe. Appreciate that Australia may not be on everyone's list, but going back to Peterborough area for a vacation, isn't my idea of fun, and definitely not an experience I would want to spend 7-10k dollars on.

We were fortunate that brother in law came over twice when we were in Melbourne, but he only has himself to pay for, for those we children etc, it's a big ask.

BadgeIsBack

This business of hoping people will come out to visit - the point surely is that although you, as a migrant left, that there is some novelty for those left behind - you are somewhere new and different and they are back in the familiar.

As for old folks - remember this - at some point they will be too old to want to travel - and may not live that long. I've pointed out on these boards that grandparents have been known to die before their grandchildren have finished primary school or were even born. So really - it's your life.