In late 2022, after a year of living together, Christina Fang, an American, and her boyfriend broke up. Christina's life revolved around her boyfriend; she had even taken a marketing job in Colorado to move in with him. Consequently, the breakup left her devastated.

Stuck in a job she didn't love, Christina knew she needed a change, but she wasn't sure what to do. Immediately after the breakup, she called her close friend Megan, an English teacher in Madrid. They had always dreamed of backpacking together but had never found the right time.

This time, Megan had summer break, and Christina was suddenly free. So, she saved every penny, quit her job, and set off for Madrid in 6/2023. Initially, the trip was everything Christina had dreamed of. She and Megan had a wonderful time exploring together. The first few months felt magical, like her own "Eat, Pray, Love" dream come true.

Megan and Christina (right) on a summer trip. Photo: Christina Fang

Megan and Christina (right) on a summer trip. Photo: Christina Fang

They spent their time enjoying tapas in Madrid, cycling through Copenhagen, and hiking the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Christina rarely thought about the breakup, but when she did, the pain was quickly buried by breathtaking scenery or the next plate of paella.

After Europe, they traveled to Asia, meditating with monks in Thailand, riding motorbikes through the mountains in Vietnam, and dancing with strangers in nightclubs in Japan. Eventually, Megan returned to Europe, while Christina stayed in Taiwan to live with her family.

She stayed for 6 more months to care for her ailing grandmother. Although motivated by a personal desire to be with her grandmother in her final days, caring for her took a toll on Christina's mental health. Her life became consumed by diapers and despair.

In 2/2024, Christina left Taiwan, ready to end her journey abroad and booked a flight from Bangkok to Chicago. She wanted to conclude her travels in Koh Phangan, a small island in Thailand, to visit a friend before returning home to the US.

However, upon arriving on the island, Christina was swept into a whirlwind of fun. Each day, she met fellow backpackers on the beach, swam in the ocean, and wrote in cafes. For the first time in a long time, she felt free, confident, and happy. Christina immersed herself in singalongs, enjoyed mango sticky rice, and danced in the jungle. She then flew home only to pack her belongings and move back to Koh Phangan.

Christina on a trip in 2023. Photo: Christina Fang

Christina on a trip in 2023. Photo: Christina Fang

The joy didn't last, however, as her money quickly dwindled. Christina picked up odd jobs like checking ballots for the Associated Press and even working as an extra for "The White Lotus". She tried to become a freelance travel writer to support herself, but she didn't know where to start. Soon, she felt exhausted and spent more time watching Netflix than going to the beach.

As her income decreased, so did Christina's mental health. She felt like a failure, unable to achieve her grand dreams of living abroad. By autumn, she fell into a depression, exacerbated by seeing tourists relaxing on their dream vacations. Christina was a shadow of her former self.

By winter, she finally accepted that her adventure was over. On Christmas Eve 2024, Christina landed at O’Hare International Airport, where her parents picked her up for a cozy night of board games and karaoke. Returning home brought Christina a sense of healing after 18 turbulent months.

She reconnected with her family, made friends worldwide, and found a new sense of independence. Coming home was a culture shock, but it gave her the space to process everything she'd been through. At times, Christina felt ashamed for returning, but as her mental health improved, she realized it was the best decision.

She found a stable job, rebuilt her support network from old and new relationships, and created a routine incorporating everything she had learned, such as meditation, writing, dancing, and yoga.

At home, Christina found joy in the comforts of everyday life: walking with her parents, picnicking with close friends, and writing daily. Christina will never stop traveling, but instead of constantly moving, she now takes shorter trips.

"It's nice to enjoy each destination without the pressure of constant travel," she said. Little by little, she is facing the pain she once tried to escape.

Hoai Anh (Business Insider)