Additional Coverage:
- I left a stressful job in Hawaii and moved to Vietnam. It’s been 6 years, and I have no plans to move back to the US. (businessinsider.com)
From Hawaiian Hues to Vietnamese Views: One Man’s Six-Year Journey
Da Nang, Vietnam – Six years ago, Travis Carrasquillo traded the high-stress, high-cost life in Hawaii for a new chapter in Vietnam. What began as a temporary work assignment has blossomed into a permanent residency, with Carrasquillo, 37, a content creator, now calling Da Nang home and having no plans to return to the U.S.
Carrasquillo’s journey began in 2019, while working as a behavior analyst in Hawaii, supporting children of military families with autism. The demanding nature of the role, coupled with Hawaii’s notoriously high cost of living, prompted him to seek a change. Having developed a fondness for Asia through previous travels to the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, the opportunity to relocate presented itself in an unexpected message.
A retired military doctor, now living in Hanoi, reached out to Carrasquillo, seeking his expertise to assist his son, who had been diagnosed with autism. The timing was serendipitous, arriving just two months after Carrasquillo’s most recent holiday in Vietnam.
“This is a sign. It’s time to go,” he recalled thinking.
Hawaii, despite its picturesque landscapes, never truly felt like home. The financial strain was significant, and Carrasquillo always knew it wouldn’t be his long-term residence. Six months after receiving the offer, he made the leap, moving to Hanoi.
For four years, Carrasquillo dedicated himself to teaching and supporting the family’s son, focusing on communication and social skills development. Immersing himself in the local culture, he prioritized learning Vietnamese, taking lessons for a year and a half to achieve a decent level of fluency. His Vietnamese girlfriend, a teacher herself, continues to help him refine his language skills.
When the work with the family naturally concluded, Carrasquillo decided to remain in Vietnam, making the strategic move to Da Nang, a more relaxed coastal city in central Vietnam. While Hanoi offered a rich tapestry of history and culture, the city’s pollution was a factor in his decision to seek a new environment.
Da Nang, two years ago, was still emerging as a destination. Carrasquillo was drawn to its beautiful beaches and favorable weather, finding it to be the “perfect balance.”
He describes it as a city with all the desired amenities – charming coffee shops, well-equipped gyms, and exceptional food – without the overwhelming bustle of larger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. He resides on the city side of Da Nang, a more affordable option, with the beach a mere ten-minute drive away.
Carrasquillo now manages his life on a budget of approximately $1,500 a month, which comfortably covers rent, food, a gym membership, and even occasional weekend excursions. He emphasizes that the affordability of Vietnam does not equate to poor quality, particularly when it comes to food.
Vietnamese cuisine, he raves, is “incredibly fresh, healthy, and delicious.” In stark contrast to his eating habits in the U.S., where dining out was a rare treat, he can now enjoy an amazing meal for around $1.50.
Beyond the financial advantages, Carrasquillo highlights the profound sense of community he has discovered in Vietnam. Living in local neighborhoods, he frequently witnesses families gathering for meals outside their homes, fostering a strong sense of connection often absent in the U.S. He recalls a recent visit to his parents in a Chicago suburb, where the quiet streets and secluded homes felt like a “ghost town,” a stark contrast to the vibrant social fabric he experiences daily in Vietnam.
While he occasionally misses small comforts like Chicago pizza and, most importantly, his family, Carrasquillo’s affection for Vietnam is clear. However, he cautions against an impulsive move.
He advises anyone considering relocating to Vietnam to first visit and spend a significant amount of time to truly experience the country and determine if it’s the right fit. “It’s important to have realistic expectations before making such a big move,” he concludes.