After nearly 200 days of traveling around Southeast Asia, I was tired. Travel fatigue? Maybe. But two weeks After spending nearly 200 days backpacking across Southeast Asia, I finally made the decision to come home. Why? Travel fatigue? Boredom? A desperate need for a proper bed and a decent cup of tea? Probably all of the above.
In this vlog, I take you on a walk around Eastbourne Park in Darlington, reflecting on what it’s really like to return home after months of travel. From the reverse culture shock to the ridiculous cost of everything (seriously, £10 for a meal deal?!), I talk about how it feels to swap the chaos of Southeast Asia for the quiet streets of the UK.
I also dive into a bit of local history, explaining why this area was built in 1851 for railway workers—back when you couldn’t vote unless you owned a house!
And, of course, I share the real reason I came back—because my entire travel setup is falling apart. My camera? Dead. My watch? Broken. My headphones? Barely hanging on.
So while I save up for new gear and my next adventure, I’ve taken up a familiar side job—doing deliveries on a pushbike. After a year off cycling, let’s just say… it’s not going well.
If you’ve ever returned home after a long trip, let me know—how did you adjust? And if you see a guy struggling on a bike with a delivery bag, well… that’s probably me.
I am an older backpacker travelling the world proving that backpacking is not just for the younger generation.
If you would like to support my adventures: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/army057D
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olderbackpacker22
If you enjoyed this video, please like, comment and subscribe to the channel.
#LongTermTravel #BackpackingLife #ReverseCultureShock #TravelVlog #LifeAfterTravel
28 Comments
I live in Cambodia, and as beautiful as your hometown looks. It also looks incredibly mind numbingly boring. I’m from America and I won’t ever move back there to live. I don’t know you at all, but I predict you don’t last long at home. Give it a couple more weeks and see how you’re doing.
I never understood why you never settled somewhere in southeast Asia. And travel from there. That way you’re not constantly traveling. Pick your sweet spot and make a home.
You nailed what makes Malaysia – especially East Malaysia – so special. The lack of the perpetual noise.
KL is a remarkably quiet City for a town of its size.
I don't think I heard a dozen horns or ambulances were sirens in a month in Kuching.
The noises are the celebratory one; fireworks and drums.
Malaysia isn't for all. But it is definitely a different type of sound, smell, and taste cacophony. And if it's your particular flavor…
Find yours my friend. So long as ut is not Myanmar in the immediate future.
Safe travels whether for delivery or delight.
Love your comment” a proper bed and a decent cup of tea”, I have been a regular traveller to SE Aisa since 79. It all started when my mates in London were going to Sapin, I went for my summer holiday to Bangladesh then on the Bangkok. Since then I have worked in Belgium, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, now NZ is home. Always good to be home, but I am sure like me you will start thinking about the next trip.
Is that really normality because in watching your video I don’t even see any people anywhere. that is exactly what is not normal about the West anymore. People hide out all the time because they’re scared. that is exactly the life I don’t wanna live anymore. I wanna live somewhere where I see families in the street with their children.Where I see little kids outside playing and having fun. There is something extremely broken in America and in Europe.
Hey stewie..good to see you posting again..me Eddie n jo enjoyed your visit for beers and burgers xx
Good luck to you either way,
But please just remember that just because you are raised somewhere doesn’t necessarily mean that that is still your home . Because there is no part of America that feels like my home anymore. That America doesn’t exist anymore and from what I can see it doesn’t exist in Europe anymore either.
People’s definition of reality differs. If he’s happy coming home and spending time with his friends then let him. No one has the right to judge what other people are doing based on what they would do with their own life. If you’re that concerned about other people then I think you need a reality check yourself. The world is a different place now. Adapt or bugger off
It's good to see you mate…
It's been cold recently, must be a shock to the system to come from that part of the world back to this!
Some years ago I returned from 6 months travelling in SE Asia in mid-September (so the weather shock wasn't bad). However returning from an incredible 6 months of fun & adventure to unemployment, debt & living with family was something I wouldn't want to do again.
That's where my Grandma is from! My Grandmother was from Darlington and my Grandfather from Regina, Canada. 🙂
Good to see you posting again! Remember that each day is unique, will not be lived ever again by any of us, so enjoy your days, and thanks for bringing us along with you too via your videos! Good Luck mate…
I am glad to see you back home and the burden lifted. Recharge your self, replace the old tech and remember why you travel. Stay safe and wrap up warm!
Thanks for another wonderful video mate. I enjoyed googling Darlington and seeing where you were walking. I was particularly impressed with the building on the edge of the park. My search suggests it was a care home. (Was I right).
A great cure for being at home is planning your next trip.
Take good care of yourself
Love you mate, pop into one stop shop on Cleveland mate, I'd love to see ya man
I was in center of Bangkok got bus too rangsit 45 minutes journey 8 baht wow
Visit Miri again in the future. 😀😀😀 have a good rest
Glad to see you on the air again , Stu. Hope Darlo works its magic on you and that the delivery job brings in funds. The pedaling should get you ready for future expeditions . Regards to Ritchie if you see him . Good health .
Great to see you again 😊
Mind you i think give it month you will be back in South east asia 😅
Interested to know if you took a bus or train (combo) from Heathrow to Darlington? What websites or apps did you use? I'm planning my trip and weighing up time and costs etc btw I'm in Darlington so hope I see you around! I'll wave if I do 😊
Thank you for sharing! Welcome back home! ❤
Didn't mention the weather Stu! Ha ha, dont get me wrong it is nice to get a lungful of cold fresh air when youve been over there, but doesnt take me long to miss that lovely warm air. Good luck with your delivering fella
I hope you continue to show us around your neighbourhood & nearby town districts, less known to us in Southeast Asia. Show us where to go to for the most traditional Fsh&Chips in northeast of UK.
Great to see you back, the people of darlington are so friendly i was up there 10 yrs ago, good to see you planning etc
Yes yes that is so cheap , my time is approaching quickly
Youve gotta have a base that feels like home regardless of what its like, your looking refreshed
Who's the gorgeous blond ???
Travel is nice but England is still the finest country in the world – even though much of it has been destroyed. We can build Jerusalem again.