What we learned about 'fast travel'

We have been quickly changing locations since the start of 2024 and decided to kick off the new year by 'fast traveling' across Central America (and soon South America!)

As vocal advocates of 'slow travel' (we talked about it in a past newsletter issue), this was a major change from our usual way of traveling. But it was also an opportunity to challenge ourselves and step outside our comfort zones.

The result? I won't sugarcoat it, fast travel is NOT for the faint of heart! The constant movement, relentless travel planning, expensive flights, and need to immediately adapt to new environments can be kinda exhausting.

Yet, despite the challenges, we've learned invaluable lessons from condensing years of experience into a few short weeks. We've seen more landscapes, cultures, and people in this span than we might have in years of slow travel. It's a kaleidoscope of places that has brought new perspectives and rewarded our curiosity like never before.

Volcano Fuego in Antigua, Guatemala
Spent 2 days hiking Volcán Fuego 🌋 in Guatemala, 12,000+ feet above sea level. Then hopped a red-eye to Nicaragua the same night. Rest? Who needs it when views like this exist!

At the same time, fast traveling has confirmed our love for slow travel and deep cultural connections. So, although we're grateful for the chance to challenge ourselves, we look forward to returning to a style of travel that allows complete immersion in local rhythms soon.

But until then, we will cherish every last second of this intense and exhilarating experience and hope to report back with fresh insights in the coming months.


🧑‍💻 Nomad Story of the Week

Nomad story of the week
@binibeny: “After a year of solo traveling in Southeast and East Asia, I’ve found Taiwan to be one of the more expensive destinations! Here are my top tips for backpacking through this vibrant country without breaking the bank: 🗺️ Plan ahead: Book your tickets early to snag the best deals. Google Flights is my go-to for comparing prices. 🛌 Hostels > Hotels: Save money by staying in budget-friendly hostels, which often offer clean and comfortable accommodations. Check out Booking.com and Airbnb, and be sure to read the reviews! I have no complaints so far. Feel free to switch between private rooms and dorms for variety. I’ve met too many amazing people by opting for hostels 😉 🍡 Food trip at night markets: Embrace Taiwan’s rich culinary culture by exploring its countless night markets, where you’ll find an array of delicious and affordable food options. 👩🏻‍🌾 Working holiday: Take advantage of programs that offer free home-cooked meals in exchange for light work, helping you stretch your budget further. 🚊 EasyCard for EasyLife: Load up an EasyCard for convenient transportation and budgeting. Plan your spending on both transportation and snacks to make the most of your money. 🏃🏻‍♀️ Explore on foot: Walking or running through the city not only saves money on transportation but also allows you to discover hidden gems while staying active.”

✨ Nomad Quote of the Week

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." – Lin Yutang

🔥 Our Nomad Resource of the Week

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Irene Wang
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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