On my 8th birthday, my family relocated from the US to Germany — launching me into a lifetime of global citizenship. Early on, I developed a deep appreciation for other cultures and learned the value of stepping out of my comfort zone.
I began my professional career teaching in the Czechia (Czech Republic) your way, empowering me to explore all corners of Europe — from backpacking the Baltics, hopping across sun-drenched Greek islands, to wandering art-draped alleys in Slovenia.
My adventures as a digital nomad halted in 2020, as the world spiralled into pandemic, and I found myself locked down in Vietnam. I had always loved Southeast Asia and suddenly found myself living there. I embraced zipping around by motorbike, developed a love for coffee, and opened a community-centric business.
I’ve since returned to the US after almost a decade abroad and am eager to share my love of travel and empower others to explore.
Q&A with Meghan
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
I will always remember the striking stalagmites and stalactites of Paradise Cave in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam. As I descended into the cave, I felt the temperature drop dramatically and the settling of heavy moisture in the air. The illumination of the sandcastle-like formations cast intricate shadows across the boardwalks. A sort of echoing silence filled the atmosphere. I couldn’t help but feeling as though I had drifted onto another planet. The whole experience was truly otherworldly.
Which book, film or artwork captures Vietnam the most?
I was first exposed to spiritual teacher and activist Thich Nhat Hanh while living in Vietnam. I’d often attend mindfulness events and see his framed quotes on the walls: “A cloud never dies” and “Smile, breathe and go slowly.” His book 'No Mud, No Lotus' highlights the idea that, while suffering is an inherent part of human experience, it can ultimately be transformed to work for us. I’ve revisited Thich Nhat Hanh’s powerful messages and philosophy often along my journey.
Your best piece of travel advice?
Use your map, but also get lost. I’ve always loved the fact that I can return to a city, even years later, and revisit places I’ve saved to my Google maps. Cozy little jazz bar down an alley in Budapest. Hole in the wall kebab spot in Tangier. It’s always fun to reminisce and return to these special places, but I always make a point of taking the ‘intuitive strolls’ too; walking out the door without a particular plan in mind and drifting towards whichever smells, sights and sounds call me. This is one of my favorite ways to weave myself into the fabric of a new place.