We’ve been fortunate enough to embrace slow travel for half a decade! Here is a quick recap
- Year 1 (2018-19) was an absolute blast! We were living our wildest dreams, exploring incredible cities and soaking up every moment of our adventure.
- Year 2 (2019-20) was all about finding our groove as seasoned nomads. We became pros at discovering hidden gems, indulging in mouthwatering meals, and embracing the beauty of nature. Along the way, we made lifelong friendships with fellow nomads who shared our love for exploration.
- Year 3 (2020-21) threw us a curveball with the pandemic, but we made the most of it by hunkering down in Taiwan. We were incredibly grateful to continue our travels and connect with amazing people while staying safe.
- Year 4 (2021-2022) was a year of hope and recovery. With the vaccine in hand, we joyfully reunited with our friends and family after what felt like an eternity apart. It was pure bliss to share laughter, hugs, and unforgettable moments with our loved ones once again.
Year 5 (2022-23) was an incredible year filled with exploration! We embarked on adventures to new and exciting destinations, such as Italy, Fiji, Australia, and Cambodia, uncovering hidden gems we had never experienced before together. We also had the opportunity to revisit familiar places (like Vietnam, Thailand and Taiwan). We also cherished precious moments spent with our respective families back home.
In this two-part series, we will dig into both what we’ve done as well as the financial aspect of our journey. In this post, let’s kick off with the thrilling part: reminiscing about the highlights of our 5th year of slow travel. Are you ready to dive in and experience those extraordinary moments with us.
Where did we go? What did we see?
In our 5th year of nomadic travelled we visited 14 cities in 10 countries for a total of 21,452 miles traveled. As you can see in the image below we had quite a journey around the globe.
We understand that the number of miles we traveled, especially by air, might seem quite high. We are conscious of it and the lifestyle decision we made is still putting us under the average American household raising kids. Take a look at the principles we’ve used to limit our CO2 emissions and let us know if there are other we can include to our list!
Year 5 Highlights
We have had so many highlights in this past year that we can’t cover every single one of them. If you want much more details, please enjoy the various blog post we’ve published:
- The Ultimate Destination Guide to Lake Como, Italy
- Destination Report: Ubud (Bali): What to do, see, eat and avoid
- Discovering Northern Thailand: A 5-Day Itinerary Through Mae Hong Son Loop
- Destination Report: Koh Samui (Thailand): What to do, see, eat and avoid
- Island Paradise: Discovering the Best of Koh Tao in Just Three Days
- Destination Report: Siem Reap (Cambodia): What to do, see, eat and avoid
- Destination Report: Hanoi (Vietnam): What to do, see, eat and avoid
- Ultimate Guide to Ha Long Bay: A 2 Day Boat Cruise Itinerary
- Ultimate Guide to Ninh Binh: A 3-Day Biking Itinerary
Here is our full itinerary:
| Destination | Dates | # of Days |
|---|---|---|
| Prato (Jun ’22) | from 2022-06-10 to 2022-07-08 | 8 |
| Cinque Terre (Jul ’22) | from 2022-07-08 to 2022-07-11 | 4 |
| Family Time – France (Jul ’22) | from 2022-07-11 to 2022-07-31 | 21 |
| Family Time – California (Aug ’22) | from 2022-07-31 to 2022-08-30 | 31 |
| Fiji (Sep ’22) | from 2022-08-30 to 2022-09-06 | 8 |
| Coolum Beach (Sep ’22) | from 2022-09-06 to 2022-10-08 | 33 |
| Road trip Central Coast (Oct ’22) | from 2022-10-08 to 2022-10-19 | 12 |
| Sydney (Oct-Nov ’22) | from 2022-10-19 to 2022-11-21 | 34 |
| Ubud (Nov-Dec ’22) | from 2022-11-21 to 2022-12-19 | 29 |
| Chiang Mai (Dec ’22 – Feb ’23) | from 2022-12-19 to 2023-02-06 | 50 |
| Mae Hong Son Loop (Feb ’23) | from 2023-01-29 to 2023-02-02 | 5 |
| Koh Samui (Feb’ 23) | from 2023-02-06 to 2023-03-06 | 29 |
| Koh Tao (Feb’ 23) | from 2023-02-13 to 2023-02-15 | 3 |
| Siem Reap (Mar’ 23) | from 2023-03-07 to 2023-04-04 | 29 |
| Hanoi (Apr’ 23) | from 2023-04-04 to 2023-04-25 | 22 |
| Ninh Binh (Apr’ 23) | from 2023-04-17 to 2023-04-19 | 3 |
| Taiwan (May’ 23) | from 2023-04-25 to 2023-10-27 | 66 |
Let’s dive into each major segment of this year
Italy (June-July)
| Destination | Dates | # of Days |
|---|---|---|
| Prato (Jun’22) | from 2022-06-10 to 2022-07-08 | 29 |
| Cinque Terre (Jul’22) | from 2022-07-08 to 2022-07-11 | 4 |
For the summer, we decided to visit Italy.
Lake Como
We got to spent 38 days in Italy with our first stop being the gorgeous Lake Como that we visited from 6/6/2022. (read: The Ultimate Destination Guide to Lake Como, Italy)
(Lake Como was technically at our 4th year of nomadic travel, but it is such a great stop during our trip to Italy that we could not skip it)
Prato
Most of our time spent in Italy was in Tuscany. We stayed a month in a lovely Airbnb in Prato that we used as our based to explore this region. We got a really nice surprise for our Airbnb host upon our arrival!
From there we drove to extensively explore the area. It was amazing! The food, the olive oil, the landscape, the history, the art…
Our culinary journey in Italy was an absolute delight and highlight, filled with an abundance of incredible food and mouthwatering gelato! What pleasantly surprised us was the remarkable gluten-friendly and dairy-free options available throughout the country. Whether it was exploring grocery stores or dining at restaurants that even offered dedicated gluten-free menus, Italy proved to be a haven for those with specific dietary needs (like Mrs. NN that follow a strict Gluten & Dairy free diet). It’s safe to say that, Italy stands out as one of the best destinations where Mrs. NN could confidently order a variety of delectable items from the menu.
Did you know? Italy is renowned for its pasta and pizza, which traditionally contain gluten. However, over the years, the demand for gluten-free options has increased significantly due to dietary restrictions and sensitivities. Italy, being a country that values culinary diversity and aims to cater to various dietary needs, has responded to this demand by offering gluten-free menus in many restaurants. The availability of gluten-free menus in Italy is primarily driven by a desire to accommodate individuals with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or those who choose to follow a gluten-free diet for personal reasons. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten can cause damage to the small intestine. It is estimated that about 1% of the global population has celiac disease, and a gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment.
Cinque Terre
To top off our amazing time in Italy, we spent our last week in the picturesque Cinque Terre! It was like stepping into a postcard. Of course, with its popularity, it was bustling with people and we knew it was time for us to head back home and leave the crowds behind.
Family Time (July-August)
| Destination | Dates | # of Days |
|---|---|---|
| Family Time – France (Jul ’22) | from 2022-07-11 to 2022-07-31 | 21 |
| Family Time – California (Aug ’22) | from 2022-08-01 to 2022-08-31 | 31 |
Each year we dedicate time to catch up with our friends and family. For this 5th year we decided to spend time with our friends and family during the summer. We dedicated approximately 3 weeks to France and 4 weeks to California (USA). Since the summer in Europe are usually busy and very crowded this option turns out to be quite a good option!
Fiji & Australia (Sept-Nov)
| Destination | Dates | # of Days |
|---|---|---|
| Fiji (Sep ’22) | from 2022-08-30 to 2022-09-06 | 8 |
| Coolum Beach (Sep ’22) | from 2022-09-06 to 2022-10-08 | 33 |
| Road trip Central Coast (Oct ’22) | from 2022-10-08 to 2022-10-19 | 12 |
| Sydney (Oct-Nov ’22) | from 2022-10-19 to 2022-11-21 | 34 |
For the fall, we decided to visit Australia by maxing out our 3 months tourist visa.
Fiji
Our journey began with a delightful week-long stopover in Fiji, taking advantage of a layover on our flight route. We had the opportunity to indulge in a luxurious 5-star resort experience for just $400, inclusive of flights! (read: How we booked 6 international one way tickets + 5 nights at a high-end resort in Fiji for $400). This allowed us to soak in the beauty of Fiji’s stunning landscapes while immersing ourselves in the comfort and lavishness of the resort. This extraordinary deal added an extra touch of magic to our travels, creating unforgettable memories without breaking the bank.
Column Beach
After this honeymoon-like experiences, we embarked on an incredible month-long adventure at Column Beach, where we were greeted by the enchanting presence of koalas, kangaroos, and the excited opportunity (at least for me) to learn how to surf (among kids! – yeah they start early there).
We also had the lovely Airbnb nest that surrounded us by the local wildlife.
Central coast (road-trip)
Rather than flying from Brisbane to Sydney, we decided to rent a car and explore both the Gold coast and the Sunshine coast. We made stops in Brisbane, Byron Bay and Cape Byron over two weeks period.
Sydney
To close our 3 months in Australia we spent our last month in Sydney. We got extremely lucky on our Airbnb which was one of the best Airbnb we probably have stayed to date. Not only the loft itself was amazing, the host was such a kind and warm soul that we got really lucky to connect with him and his entire family!
The neighborhood (Marrickville) was amazing and relatively well connected to many of the sights we wanted to access. And of course the beauty of the Australian coast could make Californians (or anyone) jealous!
South East Asia (Dec-April)
| Destination | Dates | # of Days |
|---|---|---|
| Ubud (Nov-Dec ’22) | from 2022-11-21 to 2022-12-19 | 29 |
| Chiang Mai (Dec ’22 – Feb ’23) | from 2022-12-19 to 2023-02-06 | 50 |
| Mae Hong Son Loop (Feb ’23) | from 2023-01-29 to 2023-02-02 | 5 |
| Koh Samui (Feb’ 23) | from 2023-02-06 to 2023-03-06 | 29 |
| Koh Tao (Feb’ 23) | from 2023-02-13 to 2023-02-15 | 3 |
| Siem Reap (Mar’ 23) | from 2023-03-07 to 2023-04-04 | 29 |
| Hanoi (Apr’ 23) | from 2023-04-04 to 2023-04-25 | 22 |
| Ninh Binh (Apr’ 23) | from 2023-04-17 to 2023-04-19 | 3 |
For the winter and spring, we decided to spend time in South East Asia.
Bali (Ubud)
We started with a serene and rejuvenating month in Ubud, where each day was gracefully guided by morning yoga classes.
We also had nourishing meals, a multitude of spiritual workshops and encounters. It was a blissful experience, immersing ourselves in the tranquility of this enchanting destination that we got to discover right before the pandemic. (read: Destination Report: Ubud (Bali): What to do, see, eat and avoid).
This was the villa we stayed at that has a very serene view and a great swimming pool:
Chiang Mai (Thailand)
Feeling recharged, we headed to Chiang Mai for a month. Chiang Mai is a special place for us that we absolutely love (read: Destination Report: Chiang Mai – Part One: What to do, see, eat and avoid). We always create amazing connections with like-minded people.
This time, we spent a fantastic 4 weeks with an awesome bunch of FIRE folks, including our friends Kristy & Bryce from the Millennial Revolution blog. A dozen of us actually shared the same condo which make it pretty convenient to have chat session by the pool. It was a month filled with fascinating conversations, delicious food, and incredible experiences. Chiang Mai always brings out the best in us, and this time was no exception.
Koh Samui / Koh Tao (Thailand)
We then checked out the island of Koh Samui were we stayed for a month. We got a comfortable Airbnb and rented a scooter to give us the freedom to explore the highland.
We had to take the local scooter writing exam and driving test to get ourself a driving license (read: Our Ultimate Guide to Obtaining a Thai Motorcycle License in Thailand)
The food in Koh Samui was actually surprisingly good!
We also spent a few days to the nearby island of Koh Tao that is an amazing destination for snorkling, scuba diving. Make sure to check out our detailed guide! (read: Island Paradise: Discovering the Best of Koh Tao in Just Three Days)
Siem Reap (Cambodia)
After Thailand, we spent a month in Siem Reap to slowly explore the Ankor Wat Archeological park with a 7 day pass that gave us plenty of time to explore the temples at our own pace and by bike!
We scored this great Airbnb deal and had a super friendly host that we ended up becoming friend with!
Hanoi (Vietnam)
For our last month in South East Asia we returned to Vietnam but this time to explore Hanoi and it’s surrounding. We got to spend a weekend getaway in Ninh Binh (read: Ultimate Guide to Ninh Binh: A 3-Day Biking Itinerary) and also Ha Long Bay (read: Ultimate Guide to Ha Long Bay: A 2 Day Boat Cruise Itinerary).
The highlight of Hanoi was definitely the food as we tried pretty much every possible food made there. Make sure to read out detailed destination report to find about the place we recommend (read: Destination Report: Hanoi (Vietnam): What to do, see, eat and avoid)
Taiwan (April-Oct)
For the late spring / summer, we decided to return to Taiwan!
Taipei
We returned to Taipei with an exciting (but challenging) goal in mind: applying for permanent residency.
While it’s still a work in progress at the time of writing this post, we’re actively exploring our options for our best path forward and will keep you posted if we succeed! Taiwan offers an exceptional Permanent Residency program, which presents incredible benefits (including health care, taxes, lifestyle…). If you’re considering applying too, we highly recommend starting with the Taiwan Gold Card visa, which we ourselves obtained back in 2020. This visa opens up a lot of advantages, including a faster track to permanent residency we are looking into! With only 3 years required, compared to the standard 5-year qualification period and a minimum of 183 days per year (in average over 3 years), it’s a great PR to seize if like us you like to collect multiple passports and residencies.
We also celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary in Wulai
… Before moving to a longer term lease that come with fantastic views of the neighboring mountains and that has a LOT of natural light (which can be a challenge in Taiwan).
What do we expect for Year 6 of nomadic life?
From a destination standpoint, we would like to spend more time in Europe. As we discussed earlier, we are exploring the option of finding a permanent base to spend 4-6 months a year (read: Exploring the concept of Having a Home Base). We feel that Europe would be the best continent to find such base and we expect to spend the second half (early 2024) of our 6th year of nomadic travel there to explore potential candidates.
As for the first half of the year, we will continue to enjoy our nice routine here in Taiwan, before returning to the USA to visit friends and family. As for the winter we are considering returning to South East Asia which provide great weather and also places we like to return to (like Chiang Mai and Penang)
Wait, how much did you spend?
How much do you think we spent? We planned a budget of $40,000 for this 5th year and we ended up well below it. We will dive into how much we spent this past year in the second post on this series where we will be sharing and diving into every single penny we spent during that year.
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What about you? How were your past 12 months? Were you able to get back into exploring the worlds now that the pandemic is way behind us? Let us know by leaving a comment in the comments section below!
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Year 5 Nomad Travel - Back to Slow Travel (Part II - The numbers) — Nomad Numbers · July 18, 2023 at 11:21 am
[…] We discovered new places, try new food, met new people and created wonderful memories(read: Year 5 Nomad Travel – Back to Slow Travel: Part I – The highlights). In this second part of this two-part series we are now looking into our budget and how much we […]