Nomad Stories: Tatiana
The way I started travelling? I booked a ticket, packed a bag, and flew to Phuket. Simple as that. At first, I travelled with a friend for a month, which was a great way to ease into it. We eventually parted ways, and I continued on my own. Looking back, I’m glad I had that first month with a friend—it made solo travel less intimidating.
There were a few major moments that shaped me, and most of them had to do with culture shock. Living in countries so different from my own made me zoom out of my world and realize that my way of life was just one reality.
One of the most defining moments was when I volunteered in Hoi An. I lived in a house full of artists, all with completely different backgrounds and passions. Sharing a space with so many creative people taught me what it means to live in a community. Every major lesson I learned while traveling came from the people I met. A place can be stunning but if you’re with people you don’t connect with, it won’t feel like much. On the other hand, even the most random, unremarkable place can feel like magic when you’re with the right people.
I originally planned to travel for just five or six months, so I wasn’t prepared for the reality of living abroad. Legally, I was missing so many papers—things I would’ve needed to actually build a life in another country. If I had known I was going to stay longer, I would’ve planned better. But at the same time, there was something exciting about deciding in the moment that I wasn’t ready to leave.
If there’s one thing I wish I had known beforehand, it’s how exhausting constant movement can be. Backpacking sounds romantic, but packing up and relocating every two or three days drains you. And the loneliness—yeah, that can hit hard. One day you’re surrounded by people, and the next, you’re completely on your own.
My advice? Don’t over-plan. Have a rough idea, but be ready for that plan to fall apart. In my experience, every time I tried to stick to a plan, things went the opposite way—and it was always for the better. Listen to the locals. They know their shit better than you do. Don’t think you’re invincible. Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean nothing bad can happen. Be smart about your safety.
