New chapter, new horizons: the start of my journey into the unknown

Sometimes it takes a big step to change your life and that's exactly what I did recently. I gave up my flat, reduced my possessions to the essentials and spent the last few weeks with friends. It was an emotional rollercoaster: tears, doubts and sleepless nights accompanied me as I kept asking myself whether I could really do it. But despite all the uncertainties, there was this unstoppable desire for freedom, independence and the opportunity to discover the world. It was a departure from my comfort zone, a letting go of the familiar and at the same time the beginning of a completely new chapter.

Travelling means more than just packing your suitcase

It often seems so simple: pack your bags, book your ticket and off you go! But in reality, there is much more to travelling. Travelling, especially for an indefinite period of time, requires not only courage but also a lot of planning and organisation. Here are a few recommendations that should definitely be on your to-do list:

1. pause or adjust your mobile phone subscription - avoids unnecessary costs while travelling.

2. organise a change of address - perfect if you are travelling for longer (e.g. to visit friends or family).

3. check and plan vaccinations in good time - depending on your destination, you should find out in good time what is required.

My tip for digital nomads and long-term travellers:

Organise an eSIM card from Airalo in advance. It is easy to activate and ensures that you have reception as soon as you arrive in your new country - no stress with local SIM cards or overpriced roaming charges.

For a relaxed start, I also recommend planning your first few days:

Hostel for low-budget travellers: Cheap, sociable and perfect for making new contacts straight away.

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Hotel for more comfort: Ideal if you want to take a deep breath and arrive after a long journey. Book now

The start of my journey: From Zurich to Vietnam

After all the preparations, the time had finally come. My flight took off from Zurich with a short stopover in Bangkok and finally brought me to Hanoi, my first destination in Vietnam. With a time difference of 6 hours ahead, I felt tired from the flight and felt the jet lag, but the excitement outweighed this.

The capital of Vietnam has welcomed countless travellers in recent years and I now understand why: the hospitality of the people, the chaos of the scooters and the smell of freshly prepared ‘Pho’ (traditional noodle soup) immediately cast a spell over you. Over the next few days, I will explore Hanoi: The bustling old town, the colourful local markets and the famous Train Street, where trains whizz past the building facades by mere centimetres, a real highlight for any visitor. But Vietnam is just the beginning of my journey. I can hardly wait to experience the diversity of this country and many other places and take you with me on my journey.

It's not always easy to leave your comfort zone, but that's where the greatest growth awaits - in the unknown.

If you have any questions about Vietnam or need tips for your next trip, feel free to write them in the comments. And remember: the best stories often start with a big step into the unknown.✨