Prologue

Here’s how a freelanceafarian adventure comes together.

Less than 48hours ago, my friend C. and I were emailing. She had recently quit her job and had been traveling around for a month. She’s currently in Vietnam.

As it so happens, I was just then receiving confirmation that my freelance engagement was definitely winding down this week.

She said, “Wish you were here!”

I said, “Me too!”

We ended our chat.

But then the freelanceafarian wheels started turning. By midnight, she and I were WhatsApp’ing. What if I did come join her? The timing was perfect. Did she really want company? She and I have traveled together several times and we know we’re compatible (not all friends are).

Cut to me the next day: researching flight options, figuring out if I could even get a visa this fast (yes), and then booking an award ticket from NYC to Hanoi. In business class. In two days.

Tomorrow I’ll share a refresher on winning the miles game.

For now, I've got to finish packing.