THE DECISION OF CHANGING

It started in January 2024 in London when my UK work visa was about to expire. I faced a crucial question: Should I stay and build my future in the UK, where I have amazing friends, supportive co-workers, and a temperate oceanic climate that suits my chronic sinusitis? Or should I take the leap to explore the world before it’s too late, especially since I grew up in a traditional Vietnamese family where getting married before 30 is considered a must?

Everyone knows the decision I made, but I want to share what truly led me to take this uncommon path, especially as a traditional Vietnamese daughter. Although I was offered a work visa extension with the promise of three years of support, deep down, I knew the 9-to-5 routine wasn’t for me. I dreaded the eight months of cold, snowy, and wet London winters, and with the economic crisis doubling living expenses, I struggled to see a sustainable lifestyle. Most importantly, I found it hard to maintain a cheerful mind without the warmth and energy of the sun.

Did you notice the phrase ‘traditional Vietnamese daughter’? I realised that for the past 26 years, I had been trying to be the perfect daughter, but in doing so, I forgot that I wanted to be so much more. I didn’t just want to make my family proud, I wanted to be a traveler, an inspiration, and, above all, a better version of myself. Saying goodbye to a place where I had built a life and a community was incredibly hard, but the excitement of finally turning my long-imagined adventure into reality made it all worthwhile.

WHAT IS MY DREAM LIFE?

I spent the first three months trial-traveling domestically in Vietnam, exploring Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue while still working as a freelancer. I quickly realised how much I loved waking up next to the beach, feeling the sunshine and fresh air. I enjoyed working from coffee shops, surrounded by people who shared the same lifestyle and work rhythm. And most of all, I loved the freedom of waking up late and working across different time zones.

Long story short, my boyfriend decided to leave the UK and join me as we set out to pursue this unconventional lifestyle. Some call it 'early retirement' or a 'homeless lifestyle,' but for us, it was just the beginning of our journey as digital nomads—working from anywhere! 

With my most loved and trusted person by my side, I felt encouraged to expand my travels. Since Vietnam is our current base, G needed to do border runs every 45 days. If we stayed in other countries, I could only stay for up to 30 days, which wasn’t sustainable. But instead of seeing these as limitations, we turned them into opportunities—so we set out to explore our Vietnamese neighborhood: Southeast Asia!

Vietnam - familiar yet unfamiliar

I was born and raised in Vietnam, spending most of my 25 years in Hanoi, while G has only explored the most mainstream parts of the country. 

So, do we know Vietnam? Yes. But do we know it deeply? Not quite. 

Traveling from North to South, we encountered countless surprises and unforgettable experiences. After months on the road, I still wouldn’t call myself a Vietnam travel expert. The country is incredibly diverse as each place we visited had its own unique charm. Vietnam is the perfect blend of contrasts: tradition and modernity, mountains and beaches, chaos and serenity

Thailand - Seamless and effortless

We’ve been to Thailand many times before this trip and we know what to expect. Thailand’s well-developed tourism industry makes it one of the most welcoming destinations. Our trip to Thailand felt incredibly smooth and everything flows effortlessly. The transportation is well-connected, food is everywhere and affordable, and finding accommodations is less than a hassle. 

We’ve been to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, driving around the tranquil islands, and things just seem to work seamlessly. Language barriers are minimal, locals are warm and accommodating, and even last-minute plans fall into place naturally. It’s the kind of country where spontaneity feels rewarding, and every experience unfolds with ease. I’d happily recommend it to anyone traveling to Southeast Asia for the first time.

Pivot your view

Troubles are an inevitable part of traveling, but the good thing is, we always have a choice in how we handle them. We learn as we go, I used to complain a lot until I realised how useless it was and how much it negatively affected my partner. 

Now, before I let frustration take over, I ask myself if complaining is necessary. Instead, I try to take a more logical approach, seeing problems as challenges and turning them into experiences and stories to tell. Sometimes, emotions take control, but the best way to handle them is to stay solution-oriented and stick with logical thinking, changing perspective sometimes makes all the difference.

We’ve decided to take on our next adventure as digital nomads, but with a base this time. A place with a beach, good internet, and a healthy environment to keep us grounded while still exploring. 

I’ll be back with more stories about our one-year journey through Southeast Asia, and how we’re figuring out this digital nomad lifestyle. Hopefully, my articles help anyone looking to do something similar, or just inspire those with a restless spirit and a love for travel.

See you again!

Cheers,

Trang Luu

For any inquiries, please contact:

trangluumarketing@gmail.com