If you've been regularly tuning into this blog, you must've tracked my journey across the globe in 2022 through my original blog post, 12 Lessons, 12 Countries, 12 Months: Everything I Learnt From Travelling The World For A Year.
It feels like just yesterday that we delved into making a memorable start in Portugal, finding beauty amidst chaos in Turkey, and ending strong by sharing a song & dance in Ireland. Those 12 countries, each with its unique flavour of wisdom, left a permanent mark on my soul.
Fast forward one year…
Now it’s 2023 and I’ve managed to traverse the globe once again to another set of 12 countries in 12 months.
So fasten your seatbelts and prepare for takeoff as I take you through 12 more lessons I learnt on the second leg of my adventures.
The first chapter was just the beginning, and I can't wait to share the tales of this new odyssey with you from the Moroccan desert to the Mexican jungle. Let's dive into the unknown once again, armed with curiosity, wanderlust, and the promise of new lessons waiting to be uncovered.
No, this isn’t the original. This isn’t a rerun. This is the sequel.
Just like with all sequels, I suggest you check out the original first here. If not, that’s okay too — let’s get going!
Here are 12 more lessons I learnt travelling to another set of 12 countries in 12 months:
1. United Kingdom 🇬🇧
“There's truly nothing like having loved ones around.”
I kicked off my second world tour right before Christmas by snagging a one-way ticket to London.
Let me spill a personal secret: the winter is not really my cup o’ tea. And as someone who lives alone in a foreign country, the holidays can dial up the loneliness. Luckily, I’m fortunate enough to have some incredible loved ones in the United Kingdom who can make these cold & dark times feel warm & light. It’s always a heartwarming reunion!
2. Morocco 🇲🇦
“You are the main character of your own movie.”
I welcomed in the new year with a bang by spending a whole month amidst Morocco’s colourful medinas, flavourful alleys, raw desert, and open ocean.
My experiences in the mystical country taught me to find that thing that makes my heart skip a beat and just go do it. It’s not worth waiting for others when you could be creating the best memories with yourself, for yourself.
You’ll feel a little more unstoppable than you did yesterday, I promise.
3. Qatar 🇶🇦
“Learn to be light on your feet and roll with the punches.”
As a traveller, unexpected curveballs are bound to grace your journey. Despite planning things to a tee, your script may be scrapped and you’ll need to act swiftly. Life as a traveler is a graceful art of adapting, being nimble, and flowing with the rhythm of the unforeseen.
4. Uzbekistan 🇺🇿
“There's beauty hidden in corners you didn’t know existed.”
“How did I end up here?” was a phrase I repeatedly said to myself during my trip to Uzbekistan because the grandeur, colours, patterns, and details of the country had me hypnotized.
A month before setting foot in Uzbekistan, it wasn't even on my travel radar. But as I started looking into it, I realized it was a hidden world of unexpected wonders that defied all expectations. Go find these corners and watch as the beauty unfolds before you!
5. Kazakhstan 🇰🇿
“Sometimes the most enchanting experiences come forth when you least expect them.”
Go with the flow. See where you end up. Life can be very surprising.
Amidst its natural snowcapped beauty and metropolitan life, Kazakhstan emerged as a classic case of a stopover destination stealing the limelight from the original destination. That's the beauty of life — it delights you with unexpected gifts, turning detours into cherished moments adding some magic to your journey.
6. Vietnam 🇻🇳
“Don’t question the good times. Enjoy them with a smile.”
My month-long exploration of Vietnam turned out to be the best blend of adventure, nature, urban life, relaxation, partying, socializing, solitude, culture, history, romance, friendship, productivity, productivity and excitement.
While I can't pinpoint the secret sauce that made it the perfect trip, I've learnt to ask fewer questions and embrace the unexplainable magic in life's good times with a smile.
Perfection is meant to be experienced, not understood.
7. Georgia 🇬🇪
“Express yourself.”
Georgia was a canvas for my unspoken complexities when I was deep in an emotional hole. The Georgian’s loud way of life, open-armed hospitality, and their eclectic artistry helped me express myself through different avenues. In the heart of Georgia, I found a safe and healthy space to start letting things go.
8. Albania 🇦🇱
“The simple things go a long way.”
In Albania, I rediscovered that simple joys — a sea breeze, the glowing sun, fresh fruit juice, good company, and positive vibes — can create lasting memories. It's a reminder that amidst all life throws our way, the simple things hold a special charm of their own.
9. Montenegro 🇲🇪
“Take a break. You deserve it.”
I’m usually one to work-hard-play-hard on my digital nomad journey. However, this time I needed a breather with less focus on work and more focus on play — and Montenegro was the perfect answer. I allowed myself to let go without a worry in the world and it was worth every moment.
10. Serbia 🇷🇸
“You will never forget how special people made you feel.”
In my native culture, there’s a saying that roughly translates to “guests are akin to god”.
I felt at the receiving end of this philosophy when I visited a completely different culture — Serbia — thanks to the friendships I forged there. My Serbian friends not only introduced me to local traditions but also welcomed me into their homes as their own. Serbia revealed a core value of life, where building meaningful connections with people shines brightly.
11. United States of America 🇺🇸
“It’s essential to reconnect.”
Sometimes, the true magic of a place isn't in its skyscrapers or bustling streets; it's in the faces of the people you haven't seen in years. Cities may change, but the bond with old friends is timeless.
12. Mexico 🇲🇽
“Life’s a party. Celebrate it.”
In the depths of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, I embraced the deep & meaningful truth: life is a party, and it's meant to be celebrated – fiesta forever!
Life’s all about having a good time and celebrating the things we hold near & dear to our hearts. In my time in Mexico, I cherished the tradition of celebration and the joy of spreading happiness. And it’s true, you get what you give and you give what you get!
And That's A Wrap
These insights from my second 12-month world tour are intentionally open-ended, inviting you to interpret them in your unique way. So, pack your bags, open your heart, and embark on your unforgettable journey. The countries you explore will share their profound lessons with you, leaving you with memories that'll last a lifetime!
Wondering how I managed all this travel? It's simple — I launched a remote business, fully embraced the digital nomad lifestyle, and stopped worrying about others' opinions. By solo adventuring, I've been checking off my dreams and ambitions. It's been an incredible journey and is shaping up beautifully. If you're considering the digital nomad or solo travel route, I wholeheartedly endorse it.
