Vibrant Hanoi Vietnam - Even Expats Need Vacation
Hello, fellow expats, global adventurers, and those looking to make a bold for a better future. This is Joe Gilbert sharing insights from my base in the Philippines, more specifically, my adopted home in Manila. Having retired and lived in Asia for almost three years, I hope to inspire you, lesson your doubts about making bold changes, and answer questions that are important to many of us along the way.
If you're embracing life abroad, balancing remote work or just trying to fill your retirement days You still need to break free for a little R&R. Yep - even people who retire in their foreign paradise need a break. When was the last time you truly stepped away to recharge? I'm referring to a genuine vacation. A vacation free from emails, free of daily demands and (most importantly) filled with new experiences.
Let’s explore why expats like us benefit greatly from such breaks. Drawing from my recent journey to Vietnam, where I returned feeling revitalized, energized, and more content than before. We'll examine the evidence, personal experiences, and a few practical steps to get the ball rolling.
If this strikes a chord, stay with me as we delve into the science, stories, and strategies to integrate rest without compromising your pursuits. Let's begin.”
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THE EXPAT CHALLENGE
To start, why emphasize 'Even Expats Need Vacations? Simple, as global citizens, we've chosen rich paths of discovery, trading routine work or a boring retirement for cultural immersion, adventure and independence. Although a far more exciting option than sitting in Missouri, this lifestyle still presents substantial challenges.
For those working, consider these realities. Managing time-zone differences for professional commitments, dealing with often changing visa requirements, and trying to separate workhorse from leisure hours becomes difficult from the other side of the world. When you’re ready to head to the bar or restaurant for Dinner, the other half of the world is just getting up and headed to work.
For virtually everyone living overseas, there is also the balancing act of collecting personal property and trying to make your location feel like your home with the knowledge you can’t stay where you are forever.
Once the newness of the adventure wears off, you will likely find yourself feeling a bit nostalgic about the New-England winters or maybe road trips across the vast western states. There is no doubt you will even grapple with occasional homesickness and question your happiness. Expat life is invigorating, but it can lead to fatigue and unhappiness over time.
That is why Expats Need Vacations!!!
THE EVIDENCE: WHY VACATIONS ARE VITAL FOR EXPATS
For those questioning the value of time off amid busy schedules, let's turn to the research. Vacations provide a critical reset for mind and body, especially for expats facing ongoing stressors like culture shock and relocation demands.
Expedia's 2023 Vacation Deprivation Report indicates that 63% of workers (particularly digital nomads) report lacking enough rest and time off to fully relax. Not only are digital nomads foregoing vacation, they have also mingled work and play time to the point that they have virtually no time free of work spree. Nearly half of expat workers forgo earned vacation and even lose vacation days because they have not used them.
Expat Insider reveals 78% of those who engage in remote work, allow work to morph into perpetual availability.
We're constructing meaningful lives abroad, yet vulnerability to exhaustion is heightened. Again, without intentional breaks, the joy of expat life fades. If you're relating to this while managing late-night tasks, (or contemplating how you no longer enjoy where you’re at) know that vacations are essential tools for sustained happiness, not indulgent spending. Fortunately, there's a path forward.
On the mental front: Research in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shows that women vacationing twice yearly reduce depression risk by up to 30% and chronic stress by 50%, compared to less frequent travelers.
Per a 2020 Nature study: For expats, where isolation can intensify negative feelings, vacations are proven to counteract this phenomenon. Vacations have proven to create happiness through new experiences, with post-trip mood elevations of 20-30%.
It’s Not Just Mental, Physiological benefits are substantial:
The NIH's Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial, following 12,000 men over nine years, linked regular vacations to a 21% drop in overall mortality and 32% in heart disease risk. Regular Vacations reduces stress, lowers cortisol, enhances sleep, and sharpens focus.
A meta-analysis in Applied Psychology: confirmed vacation effects (like elevated mood and energy) persist around six weeks. This durability counters earlier notions of fleeting benefits.
Specifically for expats, A University of Surrey study, found travel amplifies rejuvenation, and highlights how planning trips boosts happiness via dopamine from anticipation.
Cultural immersion also fosters empathy, creativity, and resilience; a 2013 U.S. survey of 485 adults found 80% reported heightened energy and focus after international experiences.
In comments from vlogs on burnout in places like Korea or the Philippines, viewers often describe how vacations alleviated culture shock and restored balance. Ultimately, these breaks transform us from weary sojourners into resilient global contributors.
MY VIETNAM EXPERIENCE: FROM FATIGUE TO RENEWAL:
Three weeks ago, sensing my reserves depleting, I embarked on a 9-day excursion to Vietnam with my camera a phone, and my atm and credit card.
BTW - I’m one of the minority who maintain a T-mobile account on one phone as I can travel virtually world wide with free data. This gives me apple pay, and other digital access to apps like Grab without dealing with a foreign Simm card. This decision proved to be worth every dollar when after almost three years of living overseas, Charles Schwab put a fraud lock on my debit card while in Vietnam.
Arriving in Hanoi, the vibrant chaos reminded me of early 1980’s Olongapo. The streets were alive with vendors and warm smiles bringing an instant sense of connection. My original plan to take a tour to see Sapa's terraced landscapes and mist-shrouded hills was abandoned as I found exploring the many streets exciting enough for this trip.
My goal was to enjoy myself, not adhere to a schedule or to-do list. Even though there was a language barrier, My camera was a great icebreaker as almost everyone was happy to pose for a photo. Showing them the camera screen after taking the photo always brought a smile to their faces. Thank you Hasselblad for the amazing rear display that delights all those who look!
One of my favorite places to sit and relax was Train Street. It was not a street by any stretch of the imagination. Both sides of the track were filled with small bars, coffee shops and food joints where you sit at a table mere inches from the track.
Indeed, if you stumble or get stupid here, it will be your last time.
Street Photos
I also visited a design center and art gallery a few blocks from my hotel. Turns out both are owned by the same person and I received a great tour and explanation of the art by the manager.
From ornate painting with real gold, mother of pearl, egg shell and other media, to an astounding number of finely finished sculptures and other items carved from colored pencils.
Art gallery photos
The lake at night was filled with vendors, people dancing, musicians playing and children running and laughing. Highly recommended to stroll around the lake and explore the streets at night if you visit. The road circling the lake is closed to vehicles on Friday night through the weekend. In the mornings you will see people walking and participation in group exercise.
Old Quarter Streets at Night
Ancient Village..
I traveled to Duong Lam via Grab and I strongly advise you to not take an electric grab. It was more than an hour trip and because of traffic and limited range, both EV’s refrained from using AC enough to keep the vehicle cool and also drove 20kph below the limit to conserve battery range.
EV’s are far from ready yo replace IC engines. Just fact..
Coffee and food:
I spent less than 10 USD per day eating and enjoying coffee. A bahnmi sandwich (Like a New Orleans’ Po-Boy) and bottle of water was only 2 USD
When I left Vietnam, My energy was restored. Although living almost 3 years in Paradise, I still needed a change of pace and escape. I won’t wait so long next time.
PRACTICAL INSIGHTS FOR EXPAT BREAKS: MAKING IT FEASIBLE
Here are some actionable tips to make the best of it.
1. **Opt for Concise, Intentional Trips:** 7-10 days, as in my Vietnam experience. Expedia notes anticipation enhances pre-trip well-being, with effects lasting weeks. Choose affordable options like local stays in places like Da Nang.
2. **Commit to Disconnection:** Establish firm boundaries; studies show complete unplugging extends benefits. Viewers often advise airplane mode for true respite.
3. **Embrace Authentic Immersion:** Favor local experiences over tourist sites for deeper fulfillment and cost savings. This builds resilience, as per research. Comments highlight village stays for profound recharge.
4. **Connect or Go Solo:** Join expat networks via platforms like InterNations. Or travel alone for introspection; 94% report post-trip energy gains. Solo vlog comments praise this for balance restoration.
5. **Prioritize Well-Being:** Combat jet lag with hydration and movement. Expats in comments rave about beach retreats for vitality.
This isn't self-indulgence; it's strategic investment. The facts prove that integrating breaks sustains long-term expat success.
Your Help and support is Appreciated
If this resonated, subscribe to the You tube channel for more thoughtful expat discussions, like the video if you're inspired to plan time off, and please share this information with others. Also, take a peek at our merch section. The coffee mugs are awesome.
Until next time, remember, better thinking does equal a better life,
Joe out!
References for Blog:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11020089/
https://hbr.org/2007/10/manage-your-energy-not-your-time
https://www.classicjourneys.com/blog/science-of-happy-travelers/