Stop trying to ‘find yourself’ abroad

Hey Freaking Nomads,

When I first started traveling, I thought I’d come back different. More confident, more grounded, more me.

I was convinced that somewhere between a long flight and a new stamp in my passport, I’d “find myself.” But the truth is, I didn’t.

What I found instead were the same thoughts, the same habits, the same insecurities... Just in different time zones.

I didn’t become someone else just because my surroundings changed.

Travel doesn’t erase who you are. It just turns up the volume on everything you’ve been too busy to notice.

When you’re far from home, there’s nothing familiar to distract you. The noise disappears, and what’s left is you, unfiltered.

That can feel both freeing and uncomfortable.

I remember being in Chiang Mai once, sitting in a café surrounded by people who all seemed to have it figured out. Their routines, their goals, their “digital nomad lives.”

And there I was, feeling completely lost.

I kept thinking, Isn’t this the part where I’m supposed to have found myself?

It took me a while to realize that maybe I wasn’t lost. Maybe I was just seeing myself without the layers of who I thought I should be.

Travel doesn’t hand you a new identity. It just reflects the one you’ve always had, in new light, new languages, new situations.

Sometimes that’s confronting. Sometimes it’s comforting.

So no, you won’t “find yourself” abroad. But you might finally stop pretending to be someone else.

And that’s something.

Until next time,

Irene

🌍 Fresh from our Blog

• Your eyes might hate you (and your screen). Protect both with these 4 screen protectors that fight glare, blue light, and even nosy neighbors...

Best Laptop Screen Protectors for Digital Nomads

Protect your eyes and laptop with our top screen protector picks for digital nomads. Stay glare-free and work comfortably anywhere.

Freaking NomadsKiara Conaghan

• We tried opening a bank account abroad and nearly lost our minds. That’s why we gave bunq a shot. A sleek, EU-based bank that actually gets the nomad struggle. Here’s our no-BS take.

bunq Review: The Smartest Bank for Digital Nomads?

Find out if bunq is the best digital bank for nomads and remote workers. Honest review of features, plans, and real use.

Freaking NomadsPamela Leon

• Need proof of onward travel for your visa or airport check-in? Onward Ticket gives you a legit-looking flight reservation in minutes. Just pick your destination and get your “proof” emailed to you.

Onward Ticket: Best Dummy Ticket Website for Visa Applications?

Learn how Onward Ticket works, what it costs, and why travelers use it to show proof of onward travel for visa and immigration checks.

Freaking NomadsAngelina Bertoni

💼 100% remote jobs handpicked for you

Who is hiring this week? Here are some top roles to check out:

• Medical and Health Services Managers
• Middle Project Manager
• Quantitative Research Team Lead

🧑‍💻 Nomad Resource of the Week

There are moments when a simple room just doesn’t cut it. You want a proper home with a kitchen, a comfy couch, and space to actually live, not just sleep. That’s usually when I check Vrbo.

I’ve used it a few times when traveling with friends or when I wanted a quiet place to reset. It’s great for finding full apartments or houses, with no shared walls, no awkward kitchen sharing... Just your own space.

What I like most:

• You always get the entire place to yourself
• Perfect if you’re traveling with friends or a partner
• Most homes have solid Wi-Fi and real workspaces
• Tons of listings in Southeast Asia, Europe, and Latin America
• Often ends up cheaper than hotels when you split the cost

Need more resources? Check out more travel-friendly tools, websites, apps and more, in our dedicated Resources section.

🙏 Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend who might like it and help us spread the word. This would help us a lot to spread the word about it!

💖 Join our Community Hub! Discover & review digital nomad places, find workspaces, track your countries and connect with like-minded people who are nomading just like you → Create your profile for free here.

📚 Want more digital nomad guides? Read our articles on all things nomad, including travel tips, budgeting & finance, legal and taxes, community, productivity and more.

If you haven't already, you can also follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Threads for more no-BS digital nomad content (and plenty of memes!)

We'll see you there, Freaking Nomads 👋

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.

Why you can trust Freaking Nomads

Freaking Nomads is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free, helpful content. Learn more