This channel is all about travel, nomadic lifestyle, backpacking, and seeking new experiences. I've traveled to 40+ countries in 9 years while mostly working overseas. As a former yacht stewardess and fitness instructor working in over 10 countries I've had my fair share of ups and downs. This is my platform to share all the good, bad and ugly with you so you can get a better idea of what this nomadic lifestyle is all about. I must say I wouldn't trade this lifestyle for ANYTHING else, I absolutely love it!
I am Vietnamese 🇻🇳 What are you nationality? Are you love Vietnam ? I hope you have an idea how much you enjoy traveling in Vietnam the most in the world
That’s a great idea! I weighted everything before I left so it would have been around 3kg of things I actually didn’t need or used that was extra in my bag 🙈🥲 my final weight on the flight home was 12kg so could have travelled with less than 10kg if I packed better 🫣
Hi Madie. I have so many questions😅! I have booked Hanoi in August specifically for Ha Giang Loop. 1) how did u get from airport to Ha Giang? Do u recommend that instead of staying a night in the Old Quarter? 2) as a solo female and in my 50’s, would I feel out of place? Can’t seem to find any vlogs or blogs re: my age demographic doing the loop. Can’t help but think if I’m way over my head sometimes. 3) I like to pack light (7kilos, no checked in bags). What essential pcs of clothing shd I bring? 4) i heard mixed reviews about Jasmine i.e, groups too big, so-so food, etc. Any other small local agency I shd look at? Happy to have watched ur ha giang vlogs. Thanks for reading this.
Hi there 👋🏼 So happy you’re going on this experience, you’ll have a great time! 1) I took a cab to Hanoi old quarters and the best way it to order one or Uber or grab since you’ll know the price, normally the cabs outside will be overpriced. If you book it with a tour company they normally offer transportation to ha Giang from Hanoi for a small price. 2) the demographic is slightly younger but I think any people at any age can and should go! It will be a bit of drinking and social time plus you’ll be sharing bigger dorms with everyone, but you’ll have a good time and get to know your group very well. 3) make sure to check the weather but bring something slightly warmer and maybe a few lighter tops/bottoms so you can layer your clothes and also take off if the weather is warmer. I would bring a wind & rain proof jacked, warmer shirt, long pants, shorts, T-shirt and a top. Also bring something you’ll be comfortable to wear at night and for dinner etc. 4) I loved going with Jasmine hostel and had a great time so they are the ones I would recommend. Buffalo hostel also offers but think it’s even more of a party vibe with them. Not sure about other small local agencies but do a google research and check reviews to find the best option for you. Let me know if you have any other questions ☺️ hope you’ll have a fantastic time!!
I am Vietnamese 🇻🇳 What are you nationality? Are you love Vietnam ? I hope you have an idea how much you enjoy traveling in Vietnam the most in the world
First time i saw her cry, i new she was dramma Same as mary when they were building the vegas homes. Those two deserve eachother. Good for those who left.
It’s cheaper than flight tickets and you get both transportation and “accommodation” in one so I would say it’s reasonable. It’s not the cheapest but it’s the best way to travel on a budget if you still want to be comfortable 😊
Yes depending on the airline that you choose there will be different weight allowance. Even with a carry on flight ticket you will in most cases have one carry on size bag and a personal item included. I've flown with both budget and more expensive airlines during my backpacking journey and was alright in all cases :) But of course it always depends!
It's an old Mountain Horse toiletry bag so not sure if it is still available, but it has been really good and I managed to fit everything that I needed into it :)
Thanks re underwear as when you change places often or it s not boiling hot undies didnt dry overnight at all, that goes for other items too, unless they re outside. Even the thinnest material. And a lot of things dont go into a machine or dryer.
When I was in Asia it was hot enough and humid enough to dry all my clothes outside overnight. I guess it depends on destination and time of the year. Maybe try to do your laundry just as you arrive to a new place so you have 1-3 days for it to dry, depending where you are. :)
You should go to Phong Nha - Ke Bang in Quang Binh province ( Central Vietnam ) to check-out the biggest and most gorgeous caves in VN and in the world .
Very handy advice about white clothing, Madeleine. I am heading to SE Asia later this year and had intended bringing quite a bit of white clothing. Definitely thinking about replacements now. Thank you!!
Worth having a think about it! If you can do some laundry for hand by yourself you should be good or at least bring clothes that you’re not worried about potentially getting damaged.. it’s a shame but we gotta work with what we have 😊
This video is SO helpful for trip planning, thank you! Question - did you use a fanny pack, purse, or other small bag for everyday items? Also, any advice on where to store valuables (leave passports/things at the hostel or always carry with you) would be great.
I’m glad you like it and can find some inspiration! Yes so I also had a small backpack for my laptop, electronics and important things as well as a small funny pack that I store in my smaller backpack to use when I’m out and about for phone, wallet etc. I’ve always had my bags locked in a locker when I stay in hostels and if I don’t feel like it’s a safe place I’ll carry them with me. It’s always hard with valuables, especially your passport, because you don’t want to loose it and carrying it around could also lead to dropping it or having it stolen. My suggestion is to either lock it up (good hostels normally has lockers and are safer) or find a good place that you can store it (in your backpack or with you) where you always know where it is and can keep an eye on it ☺️ unfortunately it’s one of the things that’s a bit tricky when you backpack but I’m sure you’ll find a good way to keep on top of it! 😃
Amazing footage! What camera are you using, and video editing software? Hope to visit Vietnam next year February and will definitely check this out. I just got back from Thailand! Greetings from the UK.
I just buy cheap clothing at my destination for a 3 day rotation and then either ship them back home or donate them before I move on to my next destination. Enables me to travel ultra lightly.
@@jordanpattee3127 I typically just go to Uniqlo as those are pretty ubiquitous in every major city in the Americas, Europe and Asia, which is where I tend to travel the most. I like to get anything with lycra as it dries the fastest. I just get 2 pairs of shorts, 2 tops that are somewhat dressy in case I want to go to a fancier place, and a few inexpensive plain t shirts. Then I typically stay at an airbnb or hotel that has a washer and dryer and just wash the whole rotation every 3 days. Once I am done at the location after a week or 2, I just go to the post office and ship the whole package back home in the States, including any shopping or souvenirs. This allows me to travel extremely lightly with only my laptop, leica Q camera, and the typical wires, chargers, battery packs and light accessories, and my toiletries. I don't even use a full cabin sized carry on bag, only a Rimowa business trolley that is only 26 liters and can fit underneath any airplane seat so it never gets rejected if the flight is full and space in the overhead bins is limited. So I am only carrying around maybe 5 lbs max everywhere I travel. It feels so liberating and agile. I consider it a travel tax to send my clothes and purchases back home to enjoy the light feeling while exploring the world. There's nothing worse than struggling with tons of weight, luggage, shopping etc while in transit on subways, climbing stairs, or just navigating around busy cities or ground that isn't paved. When I am wheeling around my light trolley with zero effort or weight, I can just see the envy of backpackers carrying massive bags and weight on their backs, LOL. They don't understand how I do it.
