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Original poster

I hate our holiday and want to go home

841 replies

Backwoods57 · 30/03/2024 11:10

I need to rant.

Day 10 of a 13 day visit to the UK. We moved to the USA in 2014 and have to come back every year because MIL can't afford to visit us, and is scared of flying. We are in Aldershot/Farnham area. There is nothing to do apart from walk up and down dead high streets. Traffic is terrible, I smell the pollution and cigarette smoke everywhere.

If we don't come we get a massive guilt trip about MIL not seeing grandkids etc.

This trip cost $4000, we have done very little apart from visit family and sit in my SiL's cramped dirty messy house.

2 weeks of my 3 week vacation allowance has been thrown away. I have start working remotely for A. Something to do, and B so I can claim some vacation days back.

I miss my home, our dogs, I miss countryside and wildlife, I want my space back.....and tap water that doesn't taste like bleach.

OP posts:
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TeaPotPetPig · 30/03/2024 11:22

CurlyhairedAssassin · 30/03/2024 11:14

Oh I'd definitely be arranging to go somewhere nicer with MIL each time you come over. Rent a cottage somewhere nice.

This is a good idea. Make it a holiday for her too? Rent a cottage in the Lake District, somewhere on the coast or all get on the train together to France next time? It isn't her fault you live so far away. But I would only make it every other year for a visit from now on. Every year is too much of a commitment and doesn't give you chance to explore your own country.

crackofdoom · 30/03/2024 11:21

Within a couple of hours you could be in London, the Cotswolds, the South Coast and/or New Forest, see Stonehenge or Avebury....go on, get up- what are you waiting for?!

NuffSaidSam · 30/03/2024 11:21

It's really on you to plan your holidays better!

There's plenty to do in the UK or close by in Europe. You've chosen to spend it in your SIL's house. Don't blame MIL/SIL for the choices you've made.

MaryFuckingFerguson · 30/03/2024 11:18

I’m sure it’s dull, but fgs, go out and do something.

Btw, we have a holiday house in the USA and our tap water there is vile and bleachy. We never drink it and love the tap water at home in England!

SBHon · 30/03/2024 11:17

we have done very little apart from visit family and sit in my SiL's cramped dirty messy house.
Any destination is awful if you spend it like this. Why didn’t you make plans? Get out and do something!!

Heatherbell1978 · 30/03/2024 11:17

Surely there are nicer places around you that you can visit while you're here? Why are you spending your days stuck in your SIL house?

HyggeTygge · 30/03/2024 11:17

So did you plan to do anything other than stay in their house for 13 days?

I do feel for you, that's bad enough after 2 days but using all your PTO is so painful. Get out on a trip!

Crispsandcola · 30/03/2024 11:16

Oh honey I am so sorry you're that position. It's so horrible to spend your hard earned money on pleasing everyone but yourself. I totally feel for you - duty visits are never fun at the best of times. I haven't got any advice but I wanted to let you know you've been heard and seen.

Lurkingandlearning · 30/03/2024 11:16

I realise you’ve already spent a lot of money but could you get MIL to pack a bag so you can all go to a tourist place for a few days?

BoobyDazzler · 30/03/2024 11:16

Come to the uk and spend it in aldershot - what did you expect?

msbevvy · 30/03/2024 11:15

My uncle emigrated to the Southern USA. He used to pay for my grandmother to go and visit every few years via a transatlantic liner and Greyhound bus. Is such a thing possible these days?

CurlyhairedAssassin · 30/03/2024 11:14

Oh I'd definitely be arranging to go somewhere nicer with MIL each time you come over. Rent a cottage somewhere nice.

RJnomore1 · 30/03/2024 11:14

Why not get out and do something for the last 3 days then?

PickledPurplePickle · 30/03/2024 11:14

There are loads of lovely areas to visit round there - get yourself out to Alice Holt Forest, Frensham Ponds or the New Forest

mjf981 · 30/03/2024 11:13

Come back for a week next time. Maybe spend another week in France - would your MIL drive there with you and rent a house in the countryside?

Rubyroo73 · 30/03/2024 11:13

Maybe next time you can spend a few days with MIL and then move on to do more of what you want to do?

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