Coming home for Christmas: Helpful tips for settling back in

All around the world Christmas is a time for celebrating with family, and for many expats this means taking a trip home for the holidays. Crown Relocations has put together a list of the things to think about as you plan your trips home, to make sure you have a stress-free and fun-filled time!

Check your finances

Coming home for Christmas is often exciting, but it’s easy to get carried away with the expense of making the trip. Remember to check:

Spending money

Think about when your salary will be coming in. Will you have enough money to make the trip and pay to see and do all the things you’d like? Budgeting early can help you cover this.

Bank / credit card

Check if you can use your bank or credit card whilst you’re there. You might want to get a different card and load money onto it so that you can spend whilst you’re away. A great example would be the Monzo card or, alternatively, you could take cash instead.

Your phone bill

Keep an eye out for an extravagant mobile phone bill when on your Christmas break. Check your tariff plan or speak to your provider for any travel plans you can add. This could be a major financial drain.

Be prepared

Your arrival home will be a really exciting time for everyone. No matter the time frame you’ve been away, your loved ones will have many things to ask you about and many things to share themselves. When you come home remember:

Lots of sharing

There are sure to be lots of questions for you about how your time abroad is going. Come prepared with plenty of photos to share all your adventures with your loved ones.

Giving and receiving gifts

If you are celebrating, be prepared to give and receive gifts. This means planning ahead on your suitcase allowance, so you don’t face any extra charges at the airport when it’s time to fly home. You could also try shopping online and have Christmas presents delivered to a family or friend, ready to collect when you arrive, saving you luggage space.

Check everything before you leave

When you’re back from your trip, you’ll want to settle in as quickly as possible and get back to your routine. Planning before your trip will make this easier, here are some things to remember:

Empty your fridge

Get rid of all smelly foods or items that will expire during your time away.

Make a list (and check it twice)

Make a list of everything you’ll need to do before you leave. Having it all written down will help you work through it all and give you peace of mind that nothing has been forgotten before you travel.

Don’t overpack your suitcase

When coming home for Christmas, try not to put too much in your suitcase. Remember, you may have some gifts to take home with you at the end of your trip.

Have fun!

It goes without saying that Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, so make sure to celebrate your Christmas to the fullest. At such a festive time, there is usually so much to see and do. Don't forget to take lots of photos. When you have moved abroad, seeing your family again can be really special, so capturing the moment is a great idea. Taking pictures can be a great way to look back and reminisce on all the fun new memories you've made.

Whether you are spending Christmas abroad or travelling back home, we hope you have a very merry Christmas!

Moving can be both exciting and daunting. Crown Relocations has been helping people relocate internationally for over fifty years, offering support for all the logistical and emotional needs of you and those moving with you. Download their guide to help you relocate with confidence, so you can start living as soon as you arrive.