In this episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria welcomes Melissa, an avid traveler and author, to share her insights on the art of travel and the rich experiences that come from exploring different cultures. With a lifetime of adventures under her belt, Melissa reflects on her journey as a passionate backpacker who has traversed Southeast Asia, embracing the unknown and celebrating the connections made along the way.

Melissa discusses being a traveler, emphasizing that it’s not just about the destinations but the people encountered during the journey. From humorous anecdotes about leeches during a challenging hike in Laos to the warmth of local guides, she illustrates how these interactions shape our understanding of the world.

Listeners will learn about the balance between adventure and comfort, as Melissa shares her experiences in both backpacking and luxury travel. She also touches on the impact of technology on modern travel, the importance of being present in the moment, and how cultural rituals, like the candle lighting tradition in Colombia, can inspire new habits and perspectives.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or dreaming of your next adventure, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST by leaving a five-star review or consider buying me a coffee to keep the stories coming!

Check out Melissa's book, The People You Meet, available on Amazon, and follow her on Instagram at @Fly_Travel_Media for more travel insights.

Here are some previous episodes about South East Asia:

Beyond Borders - Kevin's Journey from Korea to Koh Phangan, Thailand

Moving to Bali

Starting a Practice in Singapore - Dr. Elefant Yanni about her Therapy Approach for Expats

Keywords: Travel, Backpacking, Cultural Experiences, Southeast Asia, Personal Growth, Adventure, Community, Travel Writing, Connection, Travel Rituals, Modern Travel, Technology in Travel, Storytelling.

(00:00) This is a new episode of Worlds Collide about moving abroad

(00:53) Hey, Melissa. How are you today

(01:06) What makes a traveler, in your opinion?

(02:57) What makes a traveler? I don't know. I think we, some of us are born with curiosity

(05:24) This book is completely about your Southeast Asia adventure

(06:43) Backpacking is where the stories come from, right?

(11:39) Sometimes you put your faith into complete strangers when traveling

(17:07) The second you smiled and said hello to somebody, everything changed

(19:01) Is this also how you would say, like, you would find friends while traveling

(21:20) Do you think the...

In this episode of Worlds Collide, host Viktoria welcomes Helery, an inspiring Estonian expat who has found her home in the picturesque northern town of Bassano del Grappa, Italy. Helery's journey from Estonia, to various corners of Europe—including Finland and Spain—has been shaped by her adventurous spirit and the desire to embrace new cultures. With experience in the tourism sector, she now runs her own business helping foreigners navigate the job market in new countries.

Helery opens up about the profound personal loss she faced when her fiancé unexpectedly passed away while they were living in Spain. She shares how this life-altering event propelled her to seek professional help and ultimately inspired her to become a guiding light for others. Her business reflects her mission to support expats in finding jobs and integrating into their new communities.

Listeners will gain insight into the challenges of adjusting to life in Italy, from overcoming cultural differences to the nuances of learning the Italian language. Helery shares her thoughts on the importance of mindset in job searching, the value of genuine connections in networking, and the unique experience of living abroad—where the line between home and foreign can often blur.

Whether you're contemplating a move abroad, dealing with the complexities of loss, or seeking inspiration to pursue your dreams, this episode offers a heartfelt narrative filled with resilience and hope. Don't miss out on Helery's incredible story and the valuable lessons she imparts along the way.

Support the podcast by leaving a five-star review or consider buying me a coffee to keep the stories coming!

Here is Helery's website to help on your resume's and CV's for your job search abroad.

Here are previous episodes with similar destinations:

Moving to Spain with Astrocartographer Isabel

Moving to Spain - Meg's Journey from Cold to the Sun

From St. Luis to Sicilian Shores - Jennifer's Quest to Italian Citizenship

Grieving in a foreign country - Brigette's Story

(00:00) Worlds Collide is a podcast about moving abroad in 2026

(00:59) This episode includes a trigger warning about loss of a loved one

(01:40) Hilary is studying tourism and hospitality in Italy

(05:20) How long did you stay in Estonia until you went away again

(07:10) Ferrera Hilary helps foreigners find jobs in new countries

(14:29) You passed your Spanish language exam, and you were proud of that

(17:12) How much longer did you stay in Spain after that?

(19:24) ChatGPT helps job seekers with their CVs

(26:06) I'm specialized in helping foreigners when they are searching for a job abroad

(32:31) People say they don't feel home when living abroad, according to survey

(35:09) I asked people to name something you are most proud of during living abroad

(37:04) Sometimes people talk to me like I am a foreigner when I go abroad

(40:13) Why did you decide to move to Italy from Spain

(43:04) Tell me about your language process with Italian and Spanish

(48:02) Hillary: Future wise, do you plan or can you...

Today's episode is a re-run! I wish you all a merry Christmas and happy holidays!

If you feel generous for the season you can support this Podcast and leave a 5* rating or Buy me a Coffee.

In this heartfelt episode of Worlds Collide, I sit down with Linda, who, alongside her family, embraced the expatriate life for an incredible 26 years in Japan. With a recent return to the United States, Linda opens up about the complex emotions that come with repatriation—the good, the bad, and the deeply honest. Linda's journey is a profound exploration of home, identity, and the bittersweet nature of long-term overseas living.

Linda recounts the initial allure of Japan, where she and her husband carved out a life rich in community and culture, and the stark contrast of coming 'home' to the USA. She shares the challenges of finding her feet back in the US, where the expectation of instant community clashes with the reality of starting anew. We delve into the nuances of reverse culture shock, from the surprising aspects of American life that now feel foreign, to the things she yearns for from her life in Japan.

Listeners will also get a glimpse into Linda's passion project, her podcast "Kaidankai," where she breathes life into ghost stories and supernatural tales from modern writers around the globe. Links for the Kaidankai Podcast are here for Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Whether you're an expat grappling with the idea of going back, someone curious about life after long-term travel, or just looking for a connection to stories of profound change, this episode will resonate with you. Don't miss out on Linda's captivating narrative and be sure to check out her podcast for a dose of the eerie and enchanting.

If Linda's story has touched you or if you're eager to share your own, reach out to us at worldscollide123pod@gmail.com or join our community on Instagram @worldscollidepod. And for those who cherish this podcast, share it with friends and consider leaving a five-star review to help us grow. Stay tuned for more Worlds Collide episodes, where the stories of lives lived across borders continue to unfold.

Here are other episodes with similarities:

Navigating Culture Shock - Cecile's move back to France

Building a Life Abroad in Japan - Jo tells her story

Keywords: Repatriation, Expat Life, Japan, Reverse Culture Shock, Community Building, American Culture, Multicultural Diversity, Language Learning, Family, Overseas Living, Podcasting, Storytelling, Ghost Stories, Adaptation, Personal Growth, Returning Home, Cultural Identity, International Experience, Transition Challenges, Moving Abroad, Living Abroad, Living in Japan

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

Support Worlds Collide by leaving a five-star review and sharing with others who might find comfort and connection in these stories. Until next week, keep bridging worlds and sharing tales that unite us all.

Show notes created by https://headliner.app

---

📋 Episode Chapters

(00:00) Welcome to Worlds Collide, the podcast about moving abroad

(00:50) Victoria: Linda and her family have lived abroad for 26 years

(05:00) Your husband was teaching English in Japan when you had your first...