travel blog for those who seek authentic experiences
In case you didn’t know, I have been living in Vietnam as an expat and as a teacher. I get a lot of questions regarding the process of finding a job, necessary qualifications, life in Hanoi, life in Vietnam, etc. Before I begin my Q&A, I need to have a quick rant! Ready? Okay. Life… Continue reading Living & Teaching in Vietnam: Q&A
So, you’re coming to Vietnam. There’s probably a lot you’re wondering, and I would imagine a certain number of concerns as well. Here’s what I think you need to know before coming to Vietnam! Everything covered here: Currency Toilet paper Toilets Tap water Recycling/trash Western comforts Cash/credit Scams Taxis Data WiFi Street Food Motorbikes Tipping… Continue reading Everything You Need to Know before Coming to Vietnam
If you’re getting ready to backpack anywhere in the world, you should know that your life is going to be so much easier AND cheaper if you’re traveling with a carry-on only. First and foremost, I want to tell you about the backpack I personally have used throughout 23 different countries around the world. The… Continue reading 10 Items Every Backpacker Needs
Everyone is different when they travel, but regardless of how you are as a person, long-term traveling can be extremely taxing on your mind and body. Whether you’re going for 2 months or 2 years, traveling is exhausting. If you’re considering quitting your job or taking a break and hitting the road long-term, here is… Continue reading Do’s and Don’ts for Traveling Long Term
Are you considering quitting your job? Traveling the world? Going to teach English in a place where you’re making more than the locals? Well, maybe you shouldn’t. Yeah, I said it - maybe you shouldn’t travel. You shouldn’t travel if you don’t plan on having any sort of positive impact on the place you’re going… Continue reading Here’s Why You SHOULDN’T Travel
I love exploring the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Vietnam; during my weeks wandering around this part of the city, I spent a lot of time and money drinking an unnecessary and possibly even dangerous amount of coffee. Ok, maybe not dangerous, but you get the point. Here is my roundup of some of the best… Continue reading Best Cafes in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
I remember my mom telling me about the $6,000 set aside for my college fund. That amount of money does not go far for college in most places in the United States, though it definitely does depend on where you are. Regardless, I understood from a pretty young age that if I wanted to go… Continue reading How I Graduated from University without Going into Debt
As I travel from country to country, catching hard glimpses into the lives of others, I’m set against myself as I think about how hard people work on a daily basis, as well as how much I have and how little everyone else needs in comparison. The lives here are very simple unless you’re staying… Continue reading Bare Necessities & Kindness in Myanmar
Maybe it was the end of a nearly two-week viral infection that had taken over my mind and body; maybe it was because my throat didn’t hurt anymore and I could swallow without my ears popping. But I like to think it was purely just the salty air, the palm trees that lined the coast,… Continue reading The Power of Nature
Emily Rose Wanders 