Stop chasing new destinations
Hey friends,
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.
You’ll learn:
- How to rediscover familiar places with fresh eyes
- How revisiting can highlight your personal growth
- How to balance nostalgia with new experiences
Let’s dive in.
Embracing 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.
Here’s what you learned today:
- Revisiting places helps you reflect on your personal and professional growth
- Exploring new aspects of familiar destinations keeps your experience fresh and exciting
- Slowing down and approaching your return with intention creates richer memories
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.
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
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