After researching flights, accommodations, visas, transport options inside the country, activities, etc., basically everything, I came to the conclusion that it’s too overwhelming for me. I’m taking a retired family friend with me, as he’s not bound by any schedule, so I don’t have to compromise on the length of the trip. Plus, he can drive, so we can rent a car and make the trip smoother. I’ve decided on Vietnam, by the way.
It isn’t dumb to feel overwhelmed, though many people regret the things they didn’t do.
The “overwhelming” part of travel is usually of our own making, while the valuable part of traveling is simply living in a new world.
Don’t plan any activities, don’t rent a car. Watch movies, sleep all day in your comfortable apartment and then visit the markets or cafes when you’re hungry.
Just by being somewhere new, you’ll be learning and living; I tell everybody who asks me about traveling that travel should be slow and easy and as comfortable as you want, especially in the beginning.
Vietnam is a solid pick: the people are incredibly kind and you get to eat pho every day.