2022 Reflection + What’s Coming In 2023

As the countdown to New Year’s Eve begins, I felt compelled to write this message before the day slips away—before time becomes irreversible once more.

If you have been following my adventures on Bel Around The World, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support.

As some of you may already know, at the end of each year, I make it a point to reflect on the past year’s experiences and share my resolutions for the upcoming year.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into what lies ahead in the next chapter of Bel Around The World!

2022: An Overview

This year has brought about quite a change for me. I have found myself becoming more at ease in front of the camera. In fact, I now prefer speaking directly to you instead of writing my blog posts—like what I’m doing right now.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a bit stuck when it comes to writing, so that’s why I tried something different and recorded myself (you can see the video on my YouTube channel).

Please excuse my appearance as my hair may be dry and tangled from being exposed to water, sea salt, and the sun. My ear has been blocked from freediving the past weekend. My arms are sore from surfing every day. So please pardon my mess once you watch my YouTube video.

Travelling Latin America

1. Being A Mum In Peru

Let’s go back a bit to January and recap some recent events. Selassie and I celebrated New Year’s in Peru with my kittens and Michi, who may not be a baby anymore, but she’s a proud mother.

It was in Peru that I realized my dream of being a cat mom, which fills me with gratitude. This experience has made me more eager to settle down and have cats of my own.

2. Getting Burglared In The Dominican Republic

In February, we took a trip to the Dominican Republic and spent a month travelling without any work obligations. Unfortunately, during our stay in an Airbnb, I experienced a burglary incident. 

3. Getting Swept Off My Feet In Costa Rica

After our time in the Dominican Republic, we returned to Costa Rica because Selassie needed to resume his studies and go back to his normal life there. So I stayed in Costa Rica for as long as possible.

To be honest, it truly feels like home to me. Perhaps it’s because of Selassie or maybe it’s due to the incredible hospitality shown by the locals known as Ticos and other Costa Ricans; they’re simply remarkable people.

Costa Rica holds a special place in my heart, but visa issues limited my stay there to just 3 months.

How It All Began

Leaving Costa Rica was incredibly challenging for me because Selassie had been by my side throughout my entire digital nomad journey. But let’s rewind a bit further.

It was all thanks to Jeff’s support and encouragement that I found the courage to leave Singapore during the pandemic in October 2020.

I bought a one-way ticket to the U.S., but it wasn’t smooth sailing from there. I encountered numerous misadventures, starting with being detained at Osaka airport due to my negligence of forgetting to update my ESTA passport number after getting a new passport.

Consequently, I had to apply for a new ESTA and ended up being held there for 24 hours, requiring me to pay a hefty sum of USD 800 for someone ensuring that I didn’t escape overnight. It felt as though everything was working against me when it came to travelling.

However, with Kate and Jeff’s RV, I managed to make it through those challenges and experienced some of the best 3 months of my life. Well, maybe not “the best” since there have been so many amazing moments on this journey.

Thanks to Jeff, I escaped Singapore and embarked on this digital nomad lifestyle without feeling alone.

Finding Selassie in Costa Rica during our trips with Jeff and Tate was truly fortunate for me. This unexpected turn of events allowed him to join me throughout Latin America in 2021.

A Fated Meeting

It was quite a crazy love story because we were never meant to be together. Despite that, we had an amazing time living together for over 400 days. It was a completely new experience for me as I had never been on such an extended trip away from home, nor had I ever lived with someone for so long.

Our bond developed quickly, even though we only knew each other for about 10 days when he was my surf instructor in Tamarindo. We spent a lot of time together and got along really well.

After Costa Rica, I invited him to Mexico, but things took another unexpected turn when I was detained at the LA airport and deported back to Costa Rica. You can catch up on the story of how I was treated like a prisoner here.

This gave us the opportunity to spend some more time together – around one and a half weeks – which now feels like it was fate.

I genuinely believe that everything that happened between us – our adventures, misadventures, downfalls, and misfortunes – all happen for a reason. Even though border control issues have left me with some anxiety about crossing borders now, this past year and a half feels like 1 chapter has come to an end.

I’ve had to transition from travelling with a partner – doing everyday tasks like grocery shopping together and speaking Spanish while also enjoying crazy adventures like surfing together – to now embarking on solo travel.

So that’s what I experienced when I left Costa Rica. Saying goodbye was such a bittersweet moment for me because I hate goodbyes. Even after being on the road and constantly crossing paths with people, saying goodbye is still difficult for me, just like it’s now in Bali.

4. Guatemala

Since leaving Latin America was inevitable, I decided to make a stop in Guatemala to spend one and a half weeks there. It was sort of my post-breakup trip before embarking on other adventures in Europe.

Reconnecting with my friends from Guatemala was incredibly heartwarming.

The trip in Guatemala was fast-paced but my friends at GuateGo were absolutely amazing. They took care of everything for me and Raphael from Journey Wonders. We had an incredible insider’s look into Guatemala, and it’s definitely a place I want to visit again.

Travelling Europe

1. Leaving Latin America for Europe

Another eventful thing happened during this time – trying to book my flight from Guatemala to Bulgaria in Europe proved challenging.

Since it involved a United Airlines flight passing through the U.S., which I no longer have access to due to certain circumstances (let’s just say), along with COVID requirements, I had no choice but to cancel last minute and book another flight only 1 week before the trip.

This caused some stress as well as tears because changing plans in Guatemala wasn’t easy. The flights ended up being quite expensive since it was a last-minute booking – costing me around USD 1000 one-way!

2. Meeting a nomad community in the Balkans Region

Bansko, Bulgaria: Bansko Nomad Fest

Despite all these challenges, I transitioned into solo travel mode heading towards Bansko Nomad Fest in Bulgaria. This festival marked the first time in 8 years of blogging that I immersed myself within a community of like-minded individuals who shared similar interests as me.

Before this experience, travelling had always been something done either alone or with friends while occasionally meeting fellow travellers along the way. It felt refreshing to connect with people who already thought alike prior to meeting them.

They value lifestyle freedom and well-being, and they enjoy travel. As a digital nomad, everyone seems to love travelling by default.

In Bansko, I was able to connect with like-minded individuals who shared similar values. We discussed topics such as the best cities for long-term living, and the cost of living, and even bounced business ideas.

Being around these entrepreneurial people was refreshing because as a solopreneur, I often find myself lacking new ideas and perspectives. The community in Bansko became very close to my heart as we spent a considerable amount of time together. Acroyoga, events, barbecues, hot springs – we did so many things collectively.

Thanks to the Bansko Nomad Fest introduction, I now have more friends who are constantly travelling. We keep in touch virtually and always know where each other is located at any given time. It’s comforting to have such a global yet tight-knit community.

Exploring the Balkans Region With My Family

After leaving Bansko, my travels around Europe became quite chaotic. I spent a month exploring the Balkans with my family – Albania, Greece, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia – moving quickly amidst hot summer weather. Although it was challenging at times, I was grateful for the experience.

3. Coliving for the first time in Switzerland

I then attended UK-based travel content creator event, Traverse, at Czech Republic, then made a brief stopover in Switzerland after being invited by a coliving company, Frilingue. This turned out to be an unexpected delight and an immersive experience in a small town in Switzerland.

Shout out Maria and Gabe! And my Argentinian friends! Our time together may have been short but it sure left an impression on me!

4. Speaking at Women In Travel Summit in Poland

Next on my itinerary was Poland where I was invited to speak at WITS, Women in Travel Summit, in Gdansk. Once again I was surrounded by fellow travellers – mostly female this time – who create content about their adventures. This felt incredibly welcoming and familiar.

We were able to talk about miles. We discussed flights, trips, and visiting Europe – all that excitement.

However, there’s a point where it becomes too much, For me, I’ve already been to 20 countries this year, which is beyond comfortable. It had become a burnout at this point.

5. Speaking at TBEX in Phuket, Thailand

It has been quite a remarkable year! I attended 3 blogging conferences for the first time, and of those, I was a speaker at 2, including TBEX that was held in Thailand in 2022. 

Attending these conferences made me realise that I’ve been in the blogging industry longer than most, and I am actually being respected in the field for being one of the early ones.

Being able to speak at these conferences and share what I’ve learned throughout my blogging journey is something I’m honoured to be able to do.

Who would’ve thought the shy, introverted girl who started Bel Around The World and hated presentations in uni would be getting paid to speak in front of real adults now?! 

6. Transitioning From Fast Travel To Slow Travel

Honestly, I miss the days back in Latin America when we would stay in one place for at least 2 to 3 months. In Peru, Colombia and Bolivia, I averaged 2 months per country. I spent 6 months in Mexico, and so on.

Spending at least a month in each country felt reasonable. However, during my recent travels through Europe, things were more hectic as I had to move around every few weeks. It threw my routine off and made it challenging to truly get to know a place.

To be honest with you, it wasn’t very productive and now I feel burnt out from travelling.

Next year I’ll definitely travel much slower if I can control myself – discipline is key here. Ideally, I want to spend a minimum of 2 months in each place; 3 months would be perfect.

2022 Highlights

1. Travelling In Latin America: 2021 VS 2022

Another thing – there was quite a difference between travelling in Latin America last year versus being back in Europe this year (2022).

In 2021, not many people were travelling due to the pandemic’s restrictions which turned out nice because it meant fewer tourists crowding the places where locals would hang out – giving me more opportunities for immersion among the locals rather than fighting through crowds.

But boy oh boy! This summer (in 2022) travelling through Europe, I noticed how Croatia suffered from major accommodation shortages everywhere! It was packed with tourists like never before.

Frankly speaking… I missed how peaceful everything was during the pandemic when we could simply blend with the locals in local grocery stores without any hassle or commotion.

Also now there’s another aspect: transitioning from having a permanent travel buddy/partner whom you can rely on for planning and executing all your adventures together, to doing everything myself.

Life right now has taken a different turn. It almost feels like losing a best friend and travel buddy all of a sudden.

I was just discussing with my friends back in Bansko about this because renting an entire place to myself without having anyone to share it with feels strange yet liberating at the same time!

While it sounds really nice to have your own privacy and space, sometimes all you want to do is come home to someone and cuddle in bed.

2. Valuing Friendship More Than Ever

Readjusting after travelling has been a bit tough. I’m incredibly grateful for people like Jeff, Kate and Stefanos who were there for me during this time. Even though we may be apart physically, their support meant the world to me.

I’ve realized how much I value friendships now more than ever before. This journey can get lonely at times, so having friends to lean on is essential.

As nomads, your friendship circle is scattered all around the world. It’s thus amazing how each in-person reunion becomes all the more sweeter when you actually get to meet.

We’re able to understand each other better and share our trials and tribulations more deeply. These experiences inadvertently bring us closer together.

3. Returning To Solo Travel

Returning to solo travelling hasn’t been easy either. Cooking on my own has become a challenge that I’m not particularly fond of tackling at the moment.

While it’s liberating in some ways because you only have yourself to rely on, it does get lonely not having someone to share the logistical burden or plan things with.

However, I must say that solo travel has also been enjoyable in many ways; being able to connect with new people whenever I want is a unique experience. For instance, after surfing at the beach in Bali, I met a guy from Cape Town, Napo, which reignited my desire to visit Cape Town again. In 2023 perhaps?

4. Searching For Places That Feels Like Home

Speaking of meeting new people, my travel style has shifted less to visiting places and more to connecting with locals as well as staying at unique accommodations that feel like home.

For example, while pet-sitting three dogs and a cat in La Paz, Bolivia, that provided an unexpected sense of belonging.

There were board games, a large screen TV and even bicycles available! It made me realize how much I miss having a proper home base. So maybe in 2023, instead of simply ticking countries off my list, I’ll be searching more for that feeling of home in different places.

5. 50 countries!

Oh, and speaking of numbers, I just reached a milestone of visiting 50 countries. That’s pretty cool!

Next year, I definitely want to add more countries to the list, but at a slower pace.

6. Experiencing An Abundance Of Generosity From Strangers And Friends

Let me tell you about all the amazing people I’ve met on this journey. There are so many stories to share.

One that stands out is when I had my belongings stolen by someone who was supposed to be a friend. My electronics simply disappeared overnight. It was devastating.

Very fortunately, my incredible friend Anthony flew all the way from the U.S. to Mexico just to bring me a replacement laptop because it was nearly impossible for me to find one there that had an English keyboard.

Apologies if this post seems long-winded, but there are just so many experiences and feelings that come up when reflecting on my travels and the people along the way.

During my time in Mexico, I had some incredible experiences that truly showcased the kindness and generosity of strangers.

One particular individual, Ian Ord, whom I coincidentally met in Oaxaca at the same time as me, selflessly lent me a couple hundred dollars when I was in dire need of cash and had no other means to support myself. It amazed me how he didn’t hesitate to help someone he had just met.

Not only was Ian there for me, but even friends from Singapore offered their assistance by offering to send me supplies while I was abroad.

These acts of kindness allowed me to persevere through challenging situations where it would’ve been easy for me to give up and return home.

7. Connections Built With People From All Walks Of Life

Despite facing sketchy moments throughout my journey, these trials and tribulations have taught me valuable lessons about human compassion. The unrequited kindness that’s been shown towards me is something truly remarkable.

Moreover, the conversations I’ve had with people from all walks of life have been deeply meaningful. Whether it’s discussing our deepest emotions or connecting on a spiritual level, these interactions have left a profound impact on my soul. 

For instance, Abraham, a physical therapist from the USI met in Bali, hasn’t only helped alleviate pain resulting from an old ACL injury, but he has also engaged in conversations that nourished the mind and spirit.

I’m grateful for these connections because they’re rare; finding someone who resonates with you on such a deep level requires being on the same wavelength. 

Without individuals like Marco or Ian who were willing to lend a hand without expectation, I wouldn’t be here sharing this story today. 

Marco has been teaching me a lot about filming since we met online. We connected on Facebook and were friends for several months before finally meeting up in Thailand last November.

Even though there’s a 30-year age gap between us, we’re able to talk about everything – I share stories about my boy dramas on the road, while he talks about the girls he met from the Philippines and Thailand. 😛

8. Business Recovery Post-Pandemic

On another note, 2022 has been a good recovery post-pandemic for my business. In fact, it’s been the best year I’ve had since pre-pandemic levels.

My blog traffic has reached an all-time high this summer thanks to re-optimizing it. I’ve also started doing more speaking engagements in front of large groups of people – which used to terrify me – but now serves as a valuable learning experience.

My travel vlogging journey has evolved over the years; from being a shy girl behind the screen, to now being comfortable speaking in front of cameras and audiences. The pandemic has really pushed me outside of my comfort zone once more – towards creating more video content rather than just writing.

I’m grateful for my virtual team who’s helped lessen my workload significantly, allowing me to work less than ever before, as well as having flexible working hours that enable me to go surfing or take weekend trips whenever I want without anything holding me back.

Though I’m not actively pursuing clients anymore, there are still a few that come seeking my services and I’m thankful for that opportunity as well as to be able to work with such an amazing team.

Regarding my course, it has gained some traction, but admittedly I haven’t given it enough attention lately.

However, earlier this year I launched a coaching program which was successful with a small group of dedicated individuals including other content creators whom I connected with during various travel events.

9. Welcoming 2023 With Open Arms

As for what 2023 holds? Well, definitely scaling up my vlog and growing my YouTube channel even more is on the agenda. I want to create even more videos and learn how to be more raw and personal.

Overall Reflection Of 2022

This year has been incredible, despite my ear being blocked from all that surfing, the scrapes on my body (also from surfing haha), and my knee that still hasn’t fully healed. It’s the people who’ve come into my life that’ve truly made this year special.

I’m extremely grateful for all of them. I consider myself incredibly lucky when I look back on this year and all the wonderful memories I’ve made.

This is the first time in a long while that I’ve ventured out on my own for an extended period of time, and it’s been met with nothing but kindness, love, and generosity from everyone I encountered.

To all those who’ve entered my life this year – thank you so much!

As excited as I am about what 2023 will bring, closing this chapter also makes me a bit sad. Goodbyes have never been easy for me; I prefer holding onto cherished memories.

That’s precisely why I started my travel blog, YouTube channel, and capture moments through pictures – they allow me to preserve these precious memories.

Travel has taught me invaluable lessons – where do I even begin?

Above all else though – through triumphs as well as misfortunes – there’s always a silver lining

Everything happens exactly when it should happen; there’s far more good in the world than bad if we’re open to receiving it and sharing it with others.

Another important lesson learned along this journey is understanding abundance – there’s plenty of it in the world! We shouldn’t fear sharing or giving too much.

And to embrace vulnerability alongside resilience. Although vulnerability can sometimes lead to pain or hurtful experiences,

I firmly believe it’s better to experience love (and its loss) than never loving at all.

Carpe Diem!

The essence of travelling lies in not taking any single day for granted. If there’s something your heart yearns for, take a chance on it – even if it seems spontaneous.

If I hadn’t invited Selassie to join me on a trip to Mexico, we would’ve missed out on the incredible 400 days spent together.

Being open to new experiences has introduced me to an Argentinian family in Tamarindo, Costa Rica and countless other heartwarming moments.

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So, thank you 2022! While I’m not entirely sure if I’m fully prepared or looking forward to what 2023 will bring, I welcome it with open arms. This may be the longest spiel I’ve ever done, but I felt compelled to as the new year approaches.

I want to express my gratitude if you’ve read it so far – thank you so much! It’s not something I’m accustomed to doing – sharing such personal details of my life with the world. So once again, thank you!

And should there ever be an opportunity to meet up in person, please reach out.

See you all in my next blog post!