Looking back - what I would have done differently before R2I ?

This is one interesting thought, actually multiple thoughts. As they say, hindsight is always 20x20 but sitting in India after close to a year of R2I, I am able to visualize how we would have done things differently while we were at US and feel good about some of the things we did while we were there. Hope this helps some of you who are procrastinating about R2I and have difficult time doing things or simply postponing things while debating about R2I. I will try to expand further on each of these points in future postings ...

• If you are certain about R2I, look for an home/apartment back in India in-advance.
• If you have school going kids, study about the schools - Decide about ICSE/CBSE, decide about international versus non-international, school location etc
• Decide about relocation with current job versus looking for a new job - If your current company doesn't have an India office, new job is the default choice. If so, shortlist possible companies and find out where they are located. With the current traffic chaos in Bangalore (which won't improve a lot any time soon), your home choice and school choice depends lot on the work location.

• If you have few years left (not the +1 year syndrome :-) but have some serious plan for relocation) before you do R2I, consider doing these things:
• Complete higher studies - do a MS or MBA(even better for techies). If you already have a MS, go for MBA - speaking by experience, it was a life changing experience for me and I thoroughly enjoyed the course and the perspective it brought. Doing study  abroad is a worth-having experience and you really see how it should be. It does take some effort but having that degree does make a difference when it comes to job searching in India(and is US as well).
• Invite your parents to visit you and make it happen, it is worth it.
• Cover major points in US: Like Niagara, Yellow Stone, Grand Canyon etc.
• Visit neighboring countries like Canada/Mexico/Europe: Even though you would be thinking that you will visit from India, it becomes harder than you think with kids school, work and school summer vacation mismatch between countries.
• Take a cruise to places like Alaska (highly recommended).
• Enjoy the snow: Take kids to snow. Once you are in India, it is is not easy to get these places.
• Enjoy the international varieties of food that is easily available in US.
• If you really have some time (like 5-10 years), buy a home and enjoy your stay: With the current real estate scenario, this would be a scary thought but note that home prices are really low and a home in good school location can sell as well (even though you wouldn't make much profit, you could at least enjoy your stay).

Will add some more as they come across to my mind ...