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Today’s PrideNomad™ Quiz:

In Today’s Email:

Safety Check: The U.S. Is Now Two Different Countries

Spotlight: Vietnam — Be a Millionaire by Dinner

Nomad Hack: 3 Phrases That Get You Smiles Everywhere

🛑 SAFETY CHECK:

The U.S. Just Split Into Safe and Danger Zones for Queer People

I need to tell you something you probably don't want to hear.

But ignoring it won't make it go away.

So here it is:

The United States just became two different countries for queer people.

And if you're planning to travel… move… or just exist peacefully…

You need to know which one you're standing in.

I'm not here to sugarcoat this.

I'm not here to fearmonger either.

I'm here to give you the REAL map.

Because in 2025, the queer safety landscape didn't just "shift."

It fractured.

And if you're still planning trips based on 2019 vibes…

You're navigating with an outdated map.

Which isn't just risky.

It's unnecessary.

So let's talk about what actually happened.

The U.S. Split Into Safe Zones and Danger Zones

Hundreds of anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced this year.

Not a handful.

Not a spike.

A tidal wave.

These bills target gender-affirming healthcare… school speech… drag restrictions… even your right to update an ID.

The result?

A country that looks like it can't decide whether you deserve to exist.

Some states will actively protect you.

Some states will actively question your right to be there.

And if you're slow-mading domestically… retiring somewhere sunnier… or just planning your next seasonal escape…

You deserve to know the difference.

Federal Changes Are Creating Real-World Travel Confusion

Early 2025 brought a new executive order that narrows federal recognition of gender identity.

It's already in court.

But the fallout is happening NOW.

For trans and nonbinary travelers, this affects airport screening… document consistency… access to federal services… and healthcare protections.

It's not about fear.

It's about preparation.

Travel is freedom.

But freedom works better when your documents aren't arguing with TSA.

Globally, Anti-Trans Violence Is Rising

Trackers report over 1,000+ anti-trans or anti-gender-diverse bills proposed worldwide in 2025.

More than 5,000 trans and gender-diverse murders since 2008.

This is why queer travel advice can't be generic anymore.

This is why PrideNomad matters.

Here's What We Want You to Know

You're allowed to know this without spiraling.

You're allowed to be informed and still joyful.

You're allowed to travel boldly without pretending the world is safer than it is.

Because you're not fragile.

The world is volatile.

And we navigate it together.

Next Tuesday, you’ll receive Part 2:

The safest U.S. states... the safest global regions... the red-flag zones... and a practical travel checklist.

Especially for trans and gender-diverse nomads.

If you're planning ANY domestic travel in 2025...

You're gonna want to read it.

Until then... take a breath.

You got this.

Up Next: After we talk about the reality of queer safety in the U.S., I want to give you something lighter — a little joy, a little wanderlust. Keep reading!

Let Love Explode: Win a Free 2-Night Stay at Axel Valencia

Valencia combines everything we love about Spain and throws it together to create something as deliciously fresh as its signature paella dish. Oranges, cathedrals, a sci-fi-looking museum complex, horchata, gay-friendly bars, authentically Spanish cuisine, gorgeous beaches, and even more gorgeous men — that’s Valencia. This is why Axel Hotels — the very first gay hotel chain in the world — is adding a brand-new venue in Valencia to their already extensive repertoire. What’s more, you can win a 2-night stay for two absolutely FREE!  

Axel Hotel Valencia is right in the heart of the action, in a majestic 17th-century building that was once a dance club in the ’70s. Inside, you’ll find a baroque-style café, a luxurious wellness club, and rooms that blend crisp elegance with homely comfort. “Let Love Explode” is the hotel’s slogan — and you’ll definitely feel the love and passion put into the brand-new hotel from the moment you enter.

Enter now to throw your hat in the ring and your beach towel in your suitcase!

SPOTLIGHT:

🇻🇳 How to Become an Instant Millionaire

I almost moved to Vietnam (#28 on the PrideNomad Index).

Packed my bags. Found an apartment. Started learning the language.

And even though I ended up in Bangkok instead...

Vietnam is still the place I think about when I need to remember what PEACE feels like.

If you're craving warmth... color... food that could heal a broken heart... and a place that just FEELS good...

I promise you:

Vietnam is that place.

Also...

This is one of the only countries on earth where you can become a millionaire the moment you land.

1 USD ≈ 25,000+ Vietnamese đồng.

Withdraw $100 and you're suddenly holding 2.5 million dong.

Congrats. You're rich now.

You're welcome.

Now let's talk about the magic.

🌊 Hạ Long Bay — Take the 3-Day, Not the 2-Day. Trust Me.

Every travel blogger mentions Hạ Long Bay.

But most of them shortchange it.

Do NOT book the 2-day / 1-night boat.

You'll regret it.

The 3-day / 2-night cruise is where the real magic happens.

Day 1 is orientation + awe.
Day 2 is when you actually EXPERIENCE it.
Day 3 is the dreamy farewell.

Kayaking into hidden grottoes... waking up on misty water surrounded by limestone pillars that look like they're from another planet...

It's the kind of breathtaking that makes you cry and you're not sure why.

If you skip the extra day, you're cheating yourself.

100% worth it.

🏯 Huế — Quiet Beauty + The Best "Pancakes" in Vietnam

Huế has this imperial calm.

Gentler. Slower. Almost meditative.

But let's talk about the food.

Huế's famous bánh khoái and bánh xèo (crispy "Vietnamese pancakes") are legendary.

Partly because of French influence... partly because the former imperial chefs took recipes SERIOUSLY.

Here's my tip:

Take the overnight sleeper bus from Hanoi to Huế.

You lie flat. Save a day of travel.

And it feels like queer Hogwarts on wheels.

A weirdly fun, memory-making experience.

🧡 Hoi An — The Town I Almost Moved To

Hoi An is lantern-lit magic.

Beaches. Cafés. Tailors. Warm-hearted locals.

All wrapped in a soft, golden glow.

True story:

I seriously considered moving here instead of Bangkok.

Hoi An just has that "come rest, come breathe" energy.

It's adorable. Safe. Easy. And deeply human.

Even after 10+ years away...

I still remember those beaches.

🏙️ Hanoi — Culture, Coffee, Chaos (In the Best Way)

Hanoi has CHARACTER.

It's poetic. Misty. Soulful.

And the coffee culture is unmatched.

Egg coffee?

It sounds insane.

It IS insane.

But it's also creamy, sweet, and somehow the most comforting thing you'll drink all year.

Just say yes.

Train Street? Absurd and thrilling.

Old Quarter nights? Pure atmosphere.

This is a city that wraps around you.

🌆 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) — Big Energy, Mixed Feelings

Full honesty?

I didn't resonate with Saigon the same way I did with Hanoi or Hoi An.

The Vietnam War museums carry a heavy anti-American tone.

And while I understand WHY...

It didn't land warmly for me as a visitor.

It felt disorienting.

But here's what matters:

I still loved Vietnam as a whole.

Deeply.

Saigon has incredible food. Lively nightlife. A pulse you can't deny.

It just didn't hit for me the way other cities did.

You may feel differently.

And that's the beautiful thing about travel.

The map is never the same for two people.

Perhaps I’ll feel differently when I return next year…

🍜 Food That Could Heal a Broken Heart

Phở in Hanoi.

Bún bò Huế in Huế.

Bánh mì anywhere.

Bún chả. Fresh spring rolls.

And the coffee... lord.

Vietnamese food is emotional repair disguised as noodles.

And honestly?

That's not even an exaggeration.

💸 Cost of Living — Shockingly Good

Hanoi / Da Nang / Hoi An: $900–$1,300/month (comfortable + joyful)

Ho Chi Minh City: $1,200–$1,600/month (big-city living)

Your dollars go far.

Your joy goes up.

Your stress goes down.

🌈 Final Word

Vietnam is alive, warm, and welcoming.

It's queer-friendly in that quiet, effortless Southeast Asian way.

It offers peace. Flavor. Kindness. And perspective.

Even when parts feel complicated or emotionally heavy.

If you're craving a place that will hold you... lift you... and feed you well?

Vietnam is calling.

So here's my question:

Where are YOU going next?

Because if Vietnam isn't on your list yet...

It should be.

Reply and tell me where you're headed.

I'll help you map it.

(Or stick with the same 5 cities everyone else goes to. No judgment. But you're missing out.)

NOMAD HACK:

💬 Learn Three Magic Phrases

No matter the language, memorize (and pronounce correctly!):

1. “Thank you.”

2. “Delicious.”

3. “Beautiful.”

   You’ll get smiles, extra servings, and better karma in every country.

I’ve had so many Thai people think that I’m fluent in their language just because I can pronounce a few words properly—and in the local slang!

Answer to Today’s Quiz

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