Today is April 7, and we are headed home. I recommend using private drivers to the airport. They are reliable, and you can book ahead of time. I use Booking.com to hire my drivers; if I used AirBnb, they have that option, too. Check with the hotel or host of your place. The cost is reasonable; they know where to drop you off and typically help with luggage. We were so excited to get a text that morning that we could check bags for free due to a crowded flight. This allowed us to not pay for our souvenir bag. We pack a roll-up bag and put our items in it for the way home. Brilliant idea from Kim! Thanks Kim! We have TSA pre-check, which has proven to be worth the application and fee. We decided not to apply for Global Entry because it was recommended for individuals who travel internationally about five times a year. In hindsight, I wish we had gone ahead with the application, as re-entering the United States was significantly easier and faster for those with Global Entry. It was substantially more convenient. The same website above will help you with that application, and those under 18 were free for a while.

The travel home is mixed with anticipation of seeing your loved ones, and the sadness of saying goodbye to a well-lived adventure. You are also in situations out of your control, like gate changes, delays, overcrowded planes, and you are tired. You’ve played hard. With that in mind, the plane ride can be a way of rest and reflection. I recommend downloading the airline you used app so that you can keep abreast of gate changes and alerts. I also get alerts from my TripIt app, which is another reason I love this app so much when planning a trip.

Another app that I highly encourage folks to consider if you do not have Global Entry is the Mobile Passport Control. If you land in an airport that allows you to use the app, you will go into a shorter and faster line.

Understand the dos and don’ts for entering your country. There are specific foods, items, and total values of merchandise that you can bring back.

If you live in Virginia, which airport do you choose? We typically fly out of Dulles because it’s usually cheaper, but there’s the added travel time of about two hours, depending on traffic, to get back home. For this reason, some of my friends prefer to pay extra to fly out of Richmond. However, flying from Richmond may take longer, as flights typically connect through Dulles. I go back and forth on this every time.

I’m constantly reminded of how international travel can be, with air-buses that you are packed inside of, wait time, and, again, customs. Know that this day is about getting you home, and remind yourself of the miracle of getting to France in one day! All day, including a 6-hour difference, which is in your favor on the way home, but your body is like, go to bed, sister. Because I often use re-framing to adjust my mind to the reality of what’s going on, I’m always surprised how long it takes to re-adjust from travel when you return to work.

Some tips:

Prepare as much as you can for any personal and professional deadlines for the week you return. Don’t come back to a busy schedule with things undone.

Give yourself grace, and expect some type of physical and mental adjustment. I contracted an upper respiratory infection that took two antibiotics and a steroid shot. You are with a lot of people in crowded spaces. It happens.

If possible, take a day off after returning before work. I didn’t do this, and looking back, I realize I should have.

Write about your trip to reflect on memories and create a photo book. Don’t wait too long to do this, or it will become another task that falls to the bottom of your priorities.

Rest. Rest. Rest.

Coming home was busy for us due to our spring season and the Easter Holiday. We came home to birthdays, an Easter Sunday celebration, a family get-together, and a wonderful WOW gathering and baby shower. This is the first weekend (May 3), and I have nothing on the calendar except for the usual. I also had two work travel trips. Sometimes, it is just what it is, and you keep it moving while adjusting where you can.

We couldn’t wait to give Spencer Jr. his soccer ball! And, yes, we came home to a bike expo that weekend and decided to buy E-bikes to keep the adventure going!

Coming home is a precious experience, enveloping you in a warm embrace of cherished memories and the undeniable feeling of being loved. It’s a moment filled with gratitude, as you reflect on the wonderful people in your life who care for you deeply. Each familiar sight and sound draws you in, reminding you of the bonds that make home truly special.

I love this video of all the things we came back to! I love you, my beautiful friends and family.