10 Takeaways From a Year of Travel in 2023

On August 14, 2023, we packed up our lives in Vancouver, Canada, and boarded a plane, not knowing exactly what this journey would bring. After seven years of non-stop work in the tech industry, we needed a change—a chance to slow down, see the world, and reflect on what we wanted out of life. It felt like the perfect time to go, with the city still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and life finally starting to feel normal again.

Over the past year, we visited ten amazing countries: Canada, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. The bulk of our time was spent in Taiwan and Thailand, where we lived for four months each, studying Mandarin Chinese and Thai. The rest of the year was a mix of shorter adventures: a little over a month in Singapore and Malaysia, two weeks exploring Japan, and a whirlwind month in Europe, traveling through four countries and seven cities. It’s been the longest either of us has spent in Asia in years, and the differences between life there and in North America were striking.

While we’ll dive deeper into those differences in a future post, here are ten of the biggest takeaways from our year of travel:

1. We’re Homebodies at Heart

One of the first things we realized is that we’re not the type of travelers who thrive on constantly being on the move. We much prefer long-term, slow travel over short, fast-paced trips. It takes us about two months to start settling into a new place, making friends, and feeling comfortable. Anything less than that feels more like we’re just skimming the surface, which can be fun, but doesn’t give the same sense of connection.

2. Transient vs. Stable Communities

The vibe of a city can vary so much depending on the kind of community it attracts. In Bangkok, for example, we met lots of expats, but many were only there for a few months or a year. That made it feel exciting but also fleeting, like everyone was just passing through. Taipei, on the other hand, felt much more rooted. We met locals and expats who had made it their long-term home, and that gave the city a more grounded, stable energy.

3. Rest Days Are Non-Negotiable

Living out of a suitcase can be exhausting, no matter how exciting the destinations are. We learned the importance of “do nothing days” where we could just relax and recharge. This was especially true in Europe, where we were hopping from city to city every few days. Those quiet moments of rest made a huge difference in how much we enjoyed our time.

4. Long-Term Travel Is Surprisingly Affordable

Another unexpected discovery was how much cheaper long-term travel can be. Staying in one place for a while meant we could shop in bulk, plan purchases around sales, and avoid the extra costs of constantly moving. It’s definitely one of the perks of slow travel!

5. Trust Means Different Things in Different Places

We were blown away by how safe and trusting some cities were. In Taipei and Singapore, people would leave their phones, wallets, or even purses on tables in cafes to hold their spot while they ordered. Bikes were left unlocked outside stores without a second thought. Coming from Vancouver, where theft is a very real concern, this level of trust was almost surreal. It took us a while to believe it ourselves!

6. A Smile Goes a Long Way

Even in places where we didn’t speak the language, a smile and a little bit of respect went a long way. Simple gestures—like a nod or trying to say “thank you” in the local language—often led to the warmest interactions. It reminded us that kindness really is universal.

7. Expats, English, and Cultural Perceptions

In cities with large expat populations, like Bangkok, people were generally more used to foreigners and often spoke basic English, especially in the service industry. But we also noticed how cultural perceptions play a role. For example, saying we were from Canada usually left a positive impression, with people mentioning how they imagined it as cold, beautiful, and expensive!

8. The Cost of Socializing

One thing we really noticed was how cost shapes social life. In Vancouver, eating out is expensive, and tipping adds even more to the bill. In Asia, meals are so affordable that eating out is a regular part of life. Some people don’t even have kitchens because it’s cheaper to eat out than cook at home! It creates this vibrant culture of food and gathering that we absolutely loved.

9. Observing Social Issues

Every place has its challenges. In Vancouver, homelessness and drug use are big concerns, especially in areas like the Downtown Eastside. In Taipei, we helped out with a homelessness initiative, and the people we spoke with seemed more stable overall, likely because of different government policies on hard drugs. In Singapore, these issues were almost invisible. It made us think a lot about how government decisions impact society in very tangible ways.

10. Europe’s Love for the Arts and Balance

Europe stood out for its deep appreciation of the arts and its strong emphasis on work-life balance. Locals would recommend museums with such pride, and outdoor dining was practically a way of life. Comparing continents, we’d say Europe values work-life balance the most, followed by North America, and then Asia. But of course, this is just our observation—it’s different for everyone.

In Conclusion

Looking back, we’re so grateful for everything this year has taught us. From the warm locals we met in less touristy areas to the vibrant street food culture in Asia and the artistic charm of Europe, every place left its mark. We’ve barely scratched the surface of what the world has to offer, but even this small glimpse has been enough to remind us of the beauty, complexity, and diversity that’s out there.

No country is perfect, and every place has its own challenges, but that’s what makes traveling so valuable—it gives us a chance to see the world through new eyes. As we continue this journey, we’re excited to keep learning, growing, and experiencing everything this incredible planet has to offer.