Everything looked perfect...until I arrived

Hey Freaking Nomads,

A couple of weeks ago, I shared how magical Dahab was for me. The energy, the sea, the community... It all just clicked. But not every destination ends up living up to the picture in our head.

Sometimes, you land somewhere thinking it’ll be your dream base, only to realize a few days in… it’s not.

I’ve booked apartments for weeks, even a full month, only to feel out of place almost immediately. Maybe the vibe wasn’t what I expected, maybe the internet wasn’t reliable, or maybe I just couldn’t connect with the people around me.

And when that happens, it’s so easy to feel frustrated, like you made the “wrong choice.” But here’s the truth I had to remind myself of: there are no wrong choices in this lifestyle, only experiments.

Every place we pick comes with risk. Sometimes we discover hidden gems that become our favorite homes. Other times, we learn that Google Images or what we read online doesn’t tell the full story.

Both outcomes are valuable. Because every “miss” teaches you more about what you actually need to thrive in terms of energy, infrastructure, and lifestyle that make you feel good day to day.

When that happens, I’ve found a few things that help, and I wanted to share with you:

1. Don’t force it. If it’s not working, don’t guilt yourself into staying just because you prepaid or had high expectations. You’re allowed to change your mind.
2. See it as research. Take note of what exactly isn’t working. Is it the weather? The people? The pace? This will help you spot patterns and make better choices next time.
3. Create a temporary structure. Even if it’s short-term, building a mini-routine (a favorite café, coworking space, morning walk) can help you feel more grounded
4. Give yourself an exit strategy. Have a mental list of “backup” places you’re curious to explore. That way, leaving becomes exciting instead of stressful.

So if you ever find yourself stuck somewhere that isn’t clicking, know this: it’s not a failure. It’s a lesson. It’s a data point that will guide your future choices. And it’s proof that you were brave enough to take a chance in the first place, something most people never do.

So if you’re in a place right now that doesn’t feel right, give yourself permission to pivot. Shorten your stay if you can, or reframe it as an opportunity to get clearer on what truly matters to you as a nomad.

The best part is there’s always another destination waiting for you.

With you on the journey,

Irene

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🧑‍💻 Nomad Resource of the Week

In my latest travels to Africa and South America, the one thing that’s stayed with me through it all is the VENTURE 4TH travel money belt.

I didn’t think I’d use it that much, but it’s honestly been one of the most useful things I packed, especially on days when I didn’t feel like carrying a bag or just wanted to keep my essentials extra close.

Why I keep reaching for it:

• Holds my passport, cards, cash, and even my phone
• Water-resistant (yep, it survived beach days and sweaty hikes)
• Doesn’t get gross after hours of wear
• Blocks RFID, so your passport and cards can’t be scanned in crowded places
• One of the most affordable options out there!

It sits flat under my clothes, doesn’t feel bulky or annoying, and best of all... It doesn’t scream “tourist.”

Check out more travel-friendly tools in our full gear guide or browse all our recommended resources.

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We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads 👋

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