Blogger Tran Thu Ha: "For me, travel is a way of life."

Don't make the plan too detailed.

+ As someone who travels a lot, what are your thoughts on travel, and how do they differ from those of average travelers?

For me, travel is a way of life, a journey to return to myself in a new, more open, free, and joyful version. Those who travel frequently tend to have a certain depth of understanding; they are less judgmental, better listeners, and more empathetic. Because after traversing many lands and witnessing many different ways of life, one realizes that the world offers more than one way of existing.

Traveling extensively, I feel like a book being written. Each trip is a new chapter; I learn patience when I get lost in a strange city, how to smile at cultural differences, and how to appreciate the "enough" in the little things.

For a woman, especially in her 40s, travel is also a journey of self-affirmation. I no longer travel to seek ostentation, but to nourish my soul, to beautify my intellect and emotions.

Does your emotional state play a role in deciding which trips you take ?

I've always believed that every trip begins with an emotional impulse. Some journeys are meticulously planned down to the smallest detail, such as accommodation, photo angles, and outfits that suit the scenery, because it's a natural passion for someone who loves beauty and enjoys aesthetic arrangement. But there are also very spontaneous trips, simply because one afternoon I saw a beautiful sunset, or I needed a change of scenery, and so I packed my bags and hit the road.

Blogger Tran Thu Ha:

Emotions are my guiding principle, but experiences are something I actively pursue. I might go to a place just to find peace and quiet, or simply to sit alone in a cafe watching people go by. Each trip is a conversation between me and my own emotions.

For me, the plan is just the framework; the most beautiful things in a journey come from chance—from the smile of a stranger, the sound of rain falling on an old tiled roof, or a hot cup of tea on a chilly day. These moments cannot be planned, but they are the rewards that travel offers to those who know how to listen to their hearts.

Listen to yourself, don't just follow the trend.

+ Could you share a memorable experience from your most recent trip to help readers of Women's World better understand how you make your trips meaningful?

I've traveled quite a lot, both domestically and internationally, but if I had to choose the trip that I remember most, it would be my return to Da Lat. I had been to Da Lat before, but the trip back in 2019 was a very different experience. This time I went with a few close friends, and it was also a time when my work was piling up, my mind was racing, and I just wanted a few days to live a little differently.

That time, we didn't set a packed schedule; we just rented a small house on a slope overlooking the valley. In the morning, we went to the market to buy vegetables and cooked a simple meal. In the afternoon, we walked around the lake. In the evening, we sat on the porch drinking tea and talking until late. Everything happened very slowly, but it brought a rare feeling of peace and tranquility.

Blogger Tran Thu Ha:

"I see encouraging changes in Vietnamese tourism. Many localities have learned how to 'tell their stories' better, using local culture as an advantage instead of just showcasing beautiful scenery. The younger generation in tourism is very dynamic, creative, and willing to try new models, from community tourism to sustainable tourism and art tourism. However, for the tourism industry to truly break through, we need to invest more in 'soft experiences,' meaning the service attitude, the emotions of tourists, and how each destination creates a personal impression. A beautiful country is not only beautiful because of its scenery, but also because of its people who know how to welcome and tell that beauty with their hearts."

Ms. Tran Thu Ha

In my opinion, Da Lat has a unique charm that never gets old, no matter how many times you visit. There, you don't need to try to be happy, you don't need to take a lot of photos; just walking in the mist, listening to the sound of cars climbing the hills, or sitting quietly in a small cafe watching the rain is enough to find peace. That trip didn't have a particularly special story, but it made me realize how long it had been since I truly rested. After that trip, I realized that you don't need to travel far to find inspiration; just a place that allows you to slow down and breathe deeper is enough.

+ In your opinion, which is more interesting, adventure tourism or leisure tourism, and which is the current trend among many people?

I believe each stage of life has its own suitable type of travel. When I was young, I loved to wander, climb mountains, trek through forests, and discover the most pristine things in the world. Now, I'm drawn to tranquility and serenity in each experience. A small seaside resort, a homestay nestled in a pine forest, or a trip combining photography, reading, and chatting with locals to better understand the regional culture – for me, that's the most refreshing discovery.

Regarding current travel trends, I believe there's a strong shift towards experiential and healing tourism. After years of rushing through work, people are beginning to seek inner balance. They want to slow down, to "listen" to themselves. I find this very valuable because travel isn't just about going far away, but also about a journey back home.

Some people don't want to travel because they feel that all the money they earn after hard work will be spent in just a few days on a trip. What do you think about this?

For me, traveling is the most profitable investment, yielding returns in terms of experiences, emotions, and perspectives. Every place I visit leaves me with a new layer of memories, a lesson about people and life. People invest in tangible assets, but I invest in my experiences.

The sunsets I've watched, the people I've met, the flavors I've tasted—all of them have become part of my life's experience. And it is this experience that helps me become more creative, more confident, and calmer in my work and in life. I often jokingly tell my friends that I don't buy many designer items, but I buy beautiful memories. Because, ultimately, we can't take anything with us except the experiences that once made us happy.

Thank you!

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/blogger-tran-thu-ha-voi-toi-du-lich-la-mot-cach-song-238251217221113205.htm