Stop chasing new destinations

As I write this, I’m on the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, just like I was a few years ago when I first started my digital nomad journey.

Back then, I was filled with excitement and uncertainty. Today, I feel a deep sense of nostalgia mixed with an even deeper appreciation for this incredible country, which holds so much meaning for me—and probably for you, too, reading this newsletter.

Many nomads hesitate to return to familiar places, fearing they'll miss out on new experiences. But I've discovered that revisiting destinations offers a unique opportunity to measure personal growth and rediscover the magic of a place you thought you knew.

So today, let's explore how to make the most of revisiting places as a digital nomad.

How to Embrace the Familiar with a New Perspective

1. Reflect on your growth

When I first arrived in Chiang Mai, I had no idea what I was doing. Everything felt new and overwhelming. Revisiting now, I can see how far I’ve come—not just in work but in life. Use familiar places as a mirror. How have your skills, confidence, and worldview evolved since your last visit?

2. Seek out what’s new

Places evolve, just like people. That coworking space you loved might be gone (RIP Punspace Nimman), but maybe there’s a new café with better Wi-Fi. Keep an open mind. Don’t cling to what was; embrace what is. On this trip, for example, I discovered a new rooftop bar in Bangkok that’s now a favorite spot for sunsets!

3. Rediscover with intention

The first time you visit a place, it’s easy to rush through the “must-see” spots, ticking off experiences from a checklist. When you return, you have the luxury of slowing down. Focus on areas or activities you missed before, or approach the same experiences with a new mindset. On this trip, I made it a point to explore Chiang Mai’s lesser-known surroundings instead of sticking to the popular ones like Chiang Rai or Pai to really immerse myself in the region’s culture.

That’s it.

And before your next return visit, try this: make a list of things you wish you had done during your first stay. Use this as a starting point for your itinerary, but leave room for spontaneity and new discoveries.

More Resources for the Returning Nomad:

• App: "Been" - Track and plan your revisits
• Book: "The Art of Travel" by Alain de Botton
• Website: AtlasObscura.com for hidden gems in familiar places

✨ Nomad Quote of the Week

"The impulse to travel is one of the hopeful symptoms of life." — Agnes Repplier

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Written by Irene Wang

Digital nomad and co-founder of Freaking Nomads. She shares raw, unfiltered stories and helps nomads find resources to thrive while traveling and working remotely.

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