Skydiving at 70?! An Adventure in Phetchaburi, Digital Nomads Broadening Their Horizons & Get Started Freelancing This Week!

Hello hello! It's Hannah :)

After two inspiring travel and tourism events here in Thailand, my mind is overflowing with ideas and stories I’m excited to share. From the incredible lessons of an 80-year-old woman who has visited every country in the world, to tough truths about the digital nomad lifestyle, there’s a lot to unpack. I’ll also show you how to start your freelance or VA career this week and highlight a surprising yet convenient remote work destination that needs to be on your radar!

• Phetchaburi: Just 2.5 Hours from Bangkok, Yet Worlds Apart
• Broadening Your Horizons: Practical Points & Inspiration
• Freelance Foundations: Don’t Miss Out This Weekend!

Let’s dive in! ??

Phetchaburi: Just 2.5 Hours from Bangkok, Yet Worlds Apart

I just returned to my favorite city, Bangkok, after an exhilarating couple of days in Phetchaburi, Thailand, for the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Destination Marketing Forum. What an experience! I was invited to attend as a content creator, which is cool and demonstrates that as you grow your business, more doors open, ones you might not expect. My accommodation, meals, tours, transfers, and the event were included, which was awesome.

I truly appreciated the tours, where we explored Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park, tried traditional Thai crafts and desserts, immersed in natural wonders, and connected with Old Phetchaburi Town Riverside Community members - honestly, my favorite part, and enjoyed cultural performances. As someone constantly exploring the world with my laptop in tow, I’m drawn to lesser-visited spots, not just to truly "see" places and make connections with local communities but to lead by example. Sustainable tourism calls on travelers to take co-responsibility for their impact, and diversifying destination choices is key to mitigating the pitfalls of overtourism in hotspots, take Lisbon as an example, a challenge our digital nomad community knows all too well.

This region is a hidden gem for remote workers and digital nomads seeking a peaceful escape from Bangkok, offering an alternative to popular spots like Pattaya or Phuket. Just a 2.5-hour drive from the city, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in Phetchaburi's vibrant culture, unique culinary experiences, and tranquil atmosphere. Highlights were definitely Old Phetchaburi Town's artistic charm and Cha-am's serene, breezy coastline. I see myself returning for an extended stay, especially to reconnect with the wonderful new friends I made there.

The forum discussions were equally impressive as the tours, emphasizing community-based tourism and sustainability. It reaffirmed my commitment to integrative, community-driven experiences, both in the virtual and real world. As someone who organizes group travel and events, I will not be sleeping on Phetchaburi personally! For conference organizers catering to remote workers and digital nomads, it is a refreshing, surprising, and bountiful alternative to Thailand’s usual hubs for your consideration.

The biggest takeaway, however, was identifying a pressing need for digital nomads and remote workers to bridge the gap between their communities and the broader tourism ecosystem.

Many digital nomads tend to stick to their circles, often seeing themselves as distinct from other types of tourists. This can lead to a pretty insular experience at nomad-focused events at times. But the reality is that we are tourists, too - just a unique niche within the broader spectrum.

As I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but think that my peers in the nomad community needed to be in that room - not just to learn from and connect with those who have the power to move the mountains we so often dream of moving, but also to contribute valuable insights and data about the desires and habits that define our niche of tourism. Our positive and negative impacts must be part of the larger conversation about tourism. This event showcased the importance of collaboration between governments, private sectors, and entrepreneurs whose lives revolve around travel. Together, we can help shape a community-driven, sustainable, inclusive future that reflects the needs of a world growing ever more interconnected.

I'm so glad I said yes to this experience, dipping my toes into events outside my bubble to broaden my horizons and consider different viewpoints on travel, tourism, nomadism, and remote work. I’m committed to engaging more with the PATA community and its events in the future, and I now have a wealth of highly regarded professional contacts in Thailand and beyond, which, if you know me at all, is indeed my favorite place to spend time. So grateful!

You can learn more about Phetchaburi here and PATA here.

Broadening Your Horizons: Practical Points & Inspiration

It’s easy to get comfortable in our routines and familiar spaces, even as nomads! We visit the same place and see the same people at the same events, and there's nothing wrong with that for the most part, comfort is essential when we live on the fringes of society. But true growth happens when we step beyond what we know from time to time, actively seeking experiences, perspectives, and opportunities that challenge our current way of thinking.

The benefits are enormous, whether it’s attending an event outside of your usual niche, exploring an unfamiliar destination, or connecting with people whose lives look nothing like yours. These experiences expand your worldview and sense of what’s possible, both for yourself and the communities you engage with. If you’re ready to expand your perspective and explore new opportunities, here are a few simple but effective things you can do immediately!

?? Say Yes More Often Accept invitations to events or experiences you might otherwise dismiss. A networking event in a new industry, a cultural workshop, or a meetup with people from a totally different background to you, saying yes can open doors you didn’t know existed.

?? Travel Differently Instead of sticking to popular nomad hotspots, venture into lesser-known destinations. Engage with local communities, try traditional crafts or cuisines, and seek out unique experiences that deepen your connection to the place. This is one of the (many) reasons I am a slow traveler.

???? Learn from Others Spend time with people with different life experiences, cultures, or careers - this is huge! I see many nomads curating a circle of only other remote workers. Ask thoughtful questions, listen intently, and consider their perspectives. You’ll often find unexpected wisdom and inspiration.

?? Upskill or Take on a New Challenge Enroll in a course, attend a workshop, or explore a hobby you’ve never tried before. I tried my hand at pottery last year! Stretching yourself to learn something new can introduce you to fresh ideas and new people. I recommend attending my free webinar this weekend, Freelance Foundations: Your Roadmap to Clients & Success.

?? Engage with Diverse Media Read books, watch films, or listen to podcasts about cultures or viewpoints you’re unfamiliar with. Broadening your intellectual horizons is just as powerful as physical travel. I highly recommend the Maverick Show by Matthew Bowles as a jumping-off point (I don't listen to podcasts, but this is my exception; it's that good!).

?? Volunteer or Collaborate Get involved in projects that align with your values but are outside your usual comfort zone for whatever reason. Volunteering or collaborating with others often leads to meaningful connections and insights, much like my own collaboration with MaNaBu movement.

?? Try Something New for Size It seems seemingly simple, but the next time you find yourself clothes shopping, literally try on some items you might otherwise dismiss. I have found some gems that have allowed me to see myself differently, in a new light, and in turn, expanded my sense of style and self.

Remember that when you broaden your horizons, you broaden the opportunities in your life and career, as well as the scope of your impact! (side read for impact-driven people)

...Needing a little inspiration?

Perhaps you recognize this wonderful woman in the middle of the photo below? if not, meet Luisa Yu.

At 80 years old, Luisa has achieved the extraordinary: visiting every country on Earth - a lifelong dream turned reality. But what makes her truly remarkable isn’t just the accomplishment itself but the journey she’s taken to get there. Coming from humble beginnings in the Philippines, Luisa has intentionally built a life filled with incredible experiences and meaningful connections, proving that where you start doesn’t define how far you can go.

After spending five days exploring Thailand with her, I was struck by her unwavering positivity. She never complained or uttered a negative word. Instead, she radiated joy, kindness, and optimism, greeting everyone with a warm smile and offering heartfelt praise about each person she encountered. She danced with us on nights out, told stories of skydiving at age 70, and shared that she had just returned from a trip to Somalia.

Luisa doesn’t quite understand why news stations want to interview her, why she was invited to speak on stage, or why her Instagram account exploded with followers when friends finally convinced her to make it public - but I do, and anyone who meets her does. She possesses a rare zest for life and an infectious radiance that naturally inspires kindness and goodwill from those around her. This uplifting energy smooths her path, allowing her to navigate the challenges of travel with remarkable ease and grace. Her life is a testament to the power of connection, the importance of building meaningful friendships across borders, and the magic of approaching the world with curiosity and gratitude. I'm proud to consider her a new friend.

She is a living embodiment of what it means to continually broaden one's horizons and a powerful reminder that living an extraordinary life, one that one chooses, is as much about mindset as it is about action.

Follow Luisa as she continues to travel on IG here.

Freelance Foundations: Don’t Miss Out This Weekend!

Speaking of mindset and action, you know I'm all about holistic learning experiences, and that's exactly what this weekend's webinar will provide. I'm thrilled to share that we already have over 500 of you registered! If you are one of those people, you don't need to do anything except show up ready to broaden your horizons - I will send over another reminder email on the day ??

A life by design, much like Luisa's, isn’t about waiting for the perfect job to come along or blasting our tens of resumes and sitting back and hoping; it’s about actively building the path you want to walk. Instead of relying on “who’s hiring,” ask, “How can I create my own doors to walk through?”

Becoming a freelancer or virtual assistant isn’t just about working from anywhere or doing tasks you enjoy for people you genuinely like (though that’s a massive perk). It’s about preparing for an inevitable future.

Did you know that LinkedIn’s co-founder predicts that by 2034, traditional jobs will be nearly obsolete, with freelancing and side hustles reigning supreme? Freelancing is freedom in so many ways, but it’s also common sense.

?? Ready to make the switch? Join my free webinar this Saturday: Freelance Foundations! I’ll show you exactly how to use YOUR specific skills to create in-demand digital services and reveal three beginner-friendly client landing strategies to kickstart your journey on a high. I'm demystifying the transition to a freelance or VA career in a fun, engaging, and value-packed way.

This event will take place on November 23rd at 9 a.m. EST. There will be a replay, so please sign up below even if the time isn't good for you; that way, it'll be sent to you.

Register your spot at "Freelance Foundations," taking place on November 23rd at 9am EST (Saturday)

That's a Wrap! ??

Are you inspired by something you read or learned here today? Hit reply and let me know, or feel free to forward this to a friend. I love and welcome your feedback!

Stay cool!

Hannah

Ps. See you in Madeira?

Pps. See you live on Saturday?