The grass is always greener elsewhere. “not bad” is actually good imo.

Personally, I moved to JPN from the US because of a job opportunity over 20 years ago.
But if given the opportunity to move back, I don’t think I would move back. the US has turned into something I don’t recognize as well as I thought I did.

I do feel like the perpetual foreigner, but alas.
I’ve been to Europe on business and enjoy every trip, but that’s because I’m not really living the local life, in a hotel, taking taxis, dining out every night…

24 and in college, were you military or doctorate? if the former, hopefully you don’t have student debt, the latter, don’t you want to be in the field?

You’re young, you don’t have much cash or savings, but you sound like you want that YouTuber lifestyle. Maybe that might be a way to finance your trip, but that’s a helluva gamble. But Turkey in March, how are you going to finish your classes, even if its online, I don’t see you doing them if your vacationing.

I don’t remember gap years being the norm in the US, but if you can take one, and can pay for it, give it a try. but if you have no means of paying for it, you might want to check your priorities. btw $3,000 will disappear in hotels alone, really quick

Tell them the truth. they are family. you shouldn’t lie to family. tell them your buddy is moving to town and rather than have them spend it alone in a new country, you want to show them around. just leave out the miserable stuff out of your explanation.

I haven’t been home for the holidays in more than 20 years.