by Feeling Great | Personal Growth, Spirit
9 Priceless Tips for an Unforgettable Vietnam Adventure
A Journey Through Vietnam Adventure and Hong Kong
Vietnam Adventure! I’m back! After 17 incredible days in Vietnam and 4 exciting days in Hong Kong, I can confidently say—Vietnam stole my heart. As a nature lover, foodie, and adventure seeker, this country offered everything I could dream of and more.
From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cities and mouthwatering cuisine, Vietnam is a destination that captivates the soul. If you’re planning a trip, here are 9 priceless tips to make your adventure unforgettable.
Must-Visit Destinations – Vietnam Adventure
Ha Long Bay – A Breathtaking Cruise Experience
A 3-day, 2-night cruise through Ha Long Bay was one of the most magical experiences of the trip. Photos don’t do it justice! The longer cruise let us escape the crowds and truly soak in the stunning scenery. We enjoyed kayaking, swimming, and even a cave dinner under candlelight. Rumor has it that overnight cruises might be banned in a few years—so don’t miss out!
Hoi An – A Fairytale Town
This charming coastal town is the perfect place to explore by bike or scooter. It’s small enough to navigate easily but still buzzing with life. A highlight here was The Original Taste of Hoi An Food Tour—a must for food lovers! Find it on TripAdvisor and prepare for a delicious journey through Vietnamese flavors.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – The City That Never Sleeps
This bustling metropolis is packed with culture, history, and energy. With 25 districts, you’ll find everything from Chinatown to ultra-modern skyscrapers. One of the best ways to explore? A 3-hour night Vespa tour, where friendly locals take you on the ride of a lifetime. We also splurged on a stay at Villa Song, a riverside retreat with speedboat access to the city center—pure luxury!
Cu Chi Tunnels – A Step Back in Time
Just outside Saigon, these underground tunnels offer a fascinating look at the Vietnam War. 16,000 Viet Cong soldiers lived here for 20 years, surviving in complete secrecy. Crawling through these tight spaces is an experience you won’t forget.
Overnight Train Adventure
Vietnam’s railway runs the length of the country, offering a unique way to travel. We took an overnight soft sleeper from Hanoi to Danang—watching the countryside roll by was an adventure in itself!
Mekong Delta – A World on Water
Just 3 hours south of Saigon, the Mekong Delta is a maze of floating markets, farms, and river life. Our homestay experience here was unforgettable, especially on Sunday nights when families gather for karaoke—a quirky tradition from past Japanese influences.
Vietnamese People & Cuisine
Vietnamese people are warm, welcoming, and full of humor. Their resourcefulness and creativity are truly inspiring. And the food? Fresh, flavorful, and always a social experience. Street food and markets are the heart of daily life—don’t miss out!
Top Travel Tips for Vietnam
Stick to Local Food
Avoid Western food! My husband and son learned this the hard way after a bad milkshake left them sick for 24 hours. Local dishes have higher turnover, fresher ingredients, and authentic flavors.
Plan with TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is a lifesaver in Vietnam. Use it to research the best tours, restaurants, and must-visit spots before you go. It makes travel smoother and helps you discover hidden gems.
Final Thoughts – Vietnam, I’ll Be Back!
Vietnam is a country of resilience, beauty, and endless adventure. Despite its communist history, free trade has transformed daily life, creating an exciting blend of tradition and progress. The ingenuity and determination of the Vietnamese people are truly inspiring.
Next time, I’ll be riding the Hai Van Pass by motorbike—a route made famous by Top Gear Vietnam Adventure. If you have any Vietnam travel tips or must-visit spots, drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear about your experiences.
Goodbye, Vietnam… until next time!
You can also read my Italy travel! My Guide to Italy – the second time around or try reading this One Thing to Celebrate Life Every Day – Celebrating Life’s Simple Gifts.
There’s nothing better than a life well-lived!
by Feeling Great | Mind, Personal Growth
My Guide to Italy – The Second Time Around
Ciao! I’m back from an unforgettable three-week adventure in Italy, celebrating my friend’s 50th birthday. And yes, Italy stole my heart all over again!
I’ve had so many friends asking about my trip, so I thought I’d share my experience in this guide.
Exploring Beyond the Usual
Having visited Italy 17 years ago, we decided to skip the major tourist cities like Rome, Venice, and Florence. Instead, we explored Milan, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Sicily (Syracuse, Catania, Taormina), Padova, and Verona—each offering its own unique charm.
Cinque Terre was my absolute favorite! The breathtaking scenery, the sense of adventure, and the friendly international hikers made it an incredible experience.
A special moment? Running into fellow Australians from Langwarrin and Mt Eliza—such a small world!
Unforgettable Highlights
One of the best parts of our trip was a yacht tour from La Spezia. We planned to see Cinque Terre from the water, but rough seas changed our course. Instead, we explored La Spezia’s stunning harbor and swam in the Mediterranean near Portovenere. Bellissimo!
We also embraced the Airbnb lifestyle, booking accommodations just a few days in advance. It gave us flexibility to stay longer in places we loved. I highly recommend it! The app is easy to use, has a translation feature, and prices are in Australian dollars.
The Warmth of Italian Hospitality
Our first stop, Milan, was full of life. We stayed in the old city, where our Airbnb host cooked for us and even hosted a dinner party with friends and neighbors—a true Italian experience!
This trip reminded me how young Australia is compared to Europe. We may not have thousands of years of history, but we do have stunning beaches, open landscapes, and endless coastlines—something truly special.
And yes, as Australians, we were met with smiles and surprise wherever we went. After a 24-hour flight, I’d say they were right—we really were a long way from home!
In hindsight, I would have learnt more Italian, since English was not widely spoken. If you are planning a trip, consider taking some Italian lessons or try learning from one of these books.
I am sure the magic of Italy will call me back to its shores in years to come.
I hope you have enjoyed reading My Guide to Italy – the second time around. Have you been to Italy? What places did you visit? Get in touch and let me know!
by Feeling Great | Personal Growth
How to Change Your Life for the Better
When Was the Last Time You Took a Break?
Yes, I’m talking to you!
When was the last time you had a holiday or even a mini getaway? A short three-day break can do wonders, but ideally, a trip longer than two weeks allows for real transformation. If it has been over six months, it’s time to book one now!
After returning from my own recent trip, I’m reminded of my personal motto:
“You can’t medicate your way out of a bad lifestyle.” – Julie Smethurst
Why Taking a Holiday Can Change Your Life for the Better
Every trip, no matter how short or long, has the power to refresh your mindset. The simple act of stepping away from your daily routine offers clarity. Philosopher Alain de Botton once wrote:
“The prospect of a holiday is liable to persuade even the most downcast person that life is worth living.”
When you travel, you switch from your everyday routine to something new and exciting—stunning landscapes, unique foods, and inspiring people. Even if your holiday involves nothing more than soaking up the sunshine or dipping your toes in the ocean, it still provides a mental reset.
The Magic of Stepping Away from Routine
For me, a holiday is about running in the rain, plunging into the sea, sharing deep belly laughs, stepping out of my comfort zone, breathing fresh air, and meeting new people.
It’s essential for our overall wellbeing.
When we step away from daily life, we gain perspective. It becomes easier to see what needs to change, what habits to improve, and what small tweaks will create a healthier, happier life.
A Powerful Question to Ask Yourself
Whenever I return from a trip, I reflect on this:
“How can I lovingly improve on what already exists?”
With gratitude for life, family, nature, freedom, and myself—just as I am—I see the true value of embracing change.
Change Your Lifestyle, Change Your Life!
True transformation comes when we commit to changing our habits, not just escaping for a few days. That’s why travel and self-care must be a regular practice.
As for me? I’m putting this into action—I’m off on an Italian adventure for three weeks in October. I can’t wait!
Ready for a Fresh Start?
You can also read Naturopathic Physician – Morning Mindset Rituals or Relationship Authenticity and Cherish Every Moment and share your experience with the people you love!
Take a step toward creating a healthier, more fulfilling life. Share your travel experiences with us and book a consultation today for a brighter future!
by Feeling Great | Mental Wellbeing
The Ultimate Stress Relief Guide – Natural Ways to Find Calm
Beat Stress and Restore Balance
Life can feel overwhelming—tight deadlines, workplace tension, endless to-do lists, and never enough time to get everything done. When stress builds up, many of us instinctively retreat to the couch, binge-watch TV, or scroll mindlessly in search of relief, here’s a stress relief guide that can help you.
However, this kind of passive relaxation often leaves us feeling unfulfilled, sluggish, and still drained. Instead, consider a more effective approach: active recovery.
What is Active Recovery?
Unlike structured routines or rigid self-care schedules, active recovery is all about unwinding in a way that feels natural and enjoyable. It’s about embracing spontaneity, slowing down, and fully immersing yourself in the moment.
The Simple Rules of Active Recovery:
- No strict plans – Let the day unfold naturally.
- No rushing – Move at a comfortable pace.
- No rigid schedules – Enjoy the freedom of unplanned time.
- Plenty of good food & rest – Nourish your body and mind.
Stress Relief Guide – Create Your Own Mini Vacation Anytime
You don’t need to wait for a holiday to embrace the vacation mindset. You can carve out a few hours—or even a full day—to recharge and reset.
Try these simple ways to bring that vacation feeling into your everyday life:
🌿 Take a slow, mindful walk in nature.
☕ Savor a long, relaxed meal with friends or family.
📖 Read a book without checking the time.
🎶 Listen to music and truly immerse yourself in the rhythm.
💆 Treat yourself to a spa-like experience at home.
When you allow yourself to step away from routines and responsibilities, even briefly, you’ll feel refreshed, re-energized, and ready to take on the week ahead.
Try It and Share Your Experience!
I challenge you to try active recovery this week! How will you spend your time? Leave a comment below and let me know how you unwind. Give yourself permission to slow down and enjoy life—because true relaxation starts with you.
I have blog about Anxiety, Struggle, Overwhelm that you’re interested to read and share your thoughts with us, we love to hear from you. Click here to book a consultation with me to a better and healthy future.
by Feeling Great | Energy/Fatigue, Personal Growth
The Ridiculously Essential Annual Recovery Plan
Why You Need an Annual Recovery Plan
Not having a recovery plan is like driving without a seatbelt—it’s risky and unsustainable!
This plan helps you recharge, refresh, and perform at your best—whether in work, life, or sport. By planning your recovery time, you ensure you stay energized and ready to tackle challenges with enthusiasm.
So, take a moment today to map out your recovery plan. Then, schedule it in and get excited about the year ahead!
The Core of Your Annual Recovery Plan
A balanced recovery plan includes:
- 1 annual holiday (at least 2 weeks)
- 3 mini-breaks (long weekends spread across the year)
- 30 weeks of “fill me up” activities
- 300 nights of deep, restorative sleep
- 365 mindful moments every year
Let’s break it down further so you can make the most of your time off!
Take That Annual Holiday (At Least 2 Weeks!)
A yearly holiday isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Taking time away from work, responsibilities, and daily stress allows you to reset and refuel.
- Travel, explore, and experience something new.
- Unplug from screens and immerse yourself in the present moment.
- Use this time to rejuvenate both physically and mentally.
“It’s the ideal opportunity to get in shape and discover new experiences that can be integrated into your life back home.” – The Daily Mail
So, don’t save those vacation days for a rainy day. Use them to refresh and renew your energy!
Mini-Breaks: The Secret to Staying Energized
Mini-breaks are your reset button throughout the year. Whether it’s a long weekend or a quick getaway, these small pauses help you maintain balance.
Ideas for Mini-Breaks:
- Go camping or book a beach house.
- Escape to the mountains or visit friends in another city.
- Choose activities that are fun, relaxing, and completely unrelated to work.
Even just a few days away can shift your mindset and bring clarity to your life.
30 Weeks of ‘Fill Me Up’ Activities
Your goal? Earn 100 ‘fill me up’ points per week for at least 30 weeks. These activities are all about rest, joy, and stress relief.
Indoor Recovery Activities
- Massage (50 points)
- Yoga or stretching (40 points)
- Meditation (40 points)
- Social catch-up (25 points)
- Listening to relaxing music (15 points)
- Reading fiction (15 points)
Outdoor Recovery Activities
- Relaxing swim (25 points)
- BBQ or picnic (25 points)
- Gardening (20 points)
- Leisurely walk (20 points)
- Festival or sightseeing (20 points)
Tip: These activities should be gentle and enjoyable—this isn’t about intense workouts. It’s about giving your body and mind a chance to unwind!
300 Nights of Quality Sleep
Sleep is your ultimate recovery tool. Aim for at least six nights a week of deep, restorative sleep.
Better Sleep Tips:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Consistency helps regulate your body clock.
- Get natural daylight. Sunlight boosts serotonin, which improves mood and sleep.
- Take a warm bath before bed. It helps your body relax and signals it’s time to rest.
Even small changes to your sleep habits can dramatically improve your energy and focus.
365 Days of Mindful Moments
Every day, take at least 15 minutes to slow down, breathe, and be present.
- Meditate, pray, or simply sit in silence.
- Disconnect from distractions and focus on the now.
- Practice mindfulness before entering your home after work.
This simple habit helps reduce stress, increase clarity, and improve relationships.
Final Step: Plan It Now!
📅 Grab your planner and lock in your recovery schedule today!
- Book your annual holiday.
- Schedule mini-breaks throughout the year.
- Plan weekly recovery activities.
- Prioritize sleep and mindful moments.
Having planned recovery time prevents burnout and keeps you feeling amazing all year long.
Time to Recharge!
Life doesn’t have to be a constant grind. Taking care of yourself should be a priority, not an afterthought. So, what are your favorite ways to recharge? Drop a comment below and let’s create the ultimate recovery plan together!
Here’s another information about 8 Steps to Renovating Your Health and The Ultimate Stress Relief Guide you can read, share your thoughts with us in the comment! Need extra support? CLICK HERE to book a consultation and get a personalized health plan to feel your best.
