The Secret Life of a “Short-Notice Traveller” — And Why I Don’t Recommend Becoming One

You’d think after years of talking about Vietnam travel, consulting on travel plans, interviewing loads of travellers smarter than me on my podcast, and generally living and breathing all things Vietnam, I’d be immune to the stresses of a last-minute trip. Surely I, of all people, should be able to pull off a short-notice dash to Vietnam with grace, glamour, and a lotus flower tucked neatly behind one ear.

Well… no.

Hanoi - Here I come!

As it turns out, even seasoned professionals can find themselves buckled into the rollercoaster that is late decision-making. And right now, as I prep for a whirlwind visit to Hanoi on 9 December to collect an award (yes, more on that later) I have been reacquainted—quite intimately—with the “joys” of short-notice travel.

Spoiler: I don’t recommend it.

What have I forgotten?

The Home-Front Hurdles

Short-notice travel doesn’t happen in a vacuum. No, it arrives with a clipboard and announces you have 48–72 hours to reorganise your entire domestic universe.

Suddenly you’re:

• Cancelling deliveries

• Putting mail on hold

• Negotiating pet-sitting

• Asking neighbours to water the plants

• Leaving notes around the house like you’re starring in a treasure hunt

• Wondering whether your house will still be standing when you return

And that’s before you address passport validity (cue the cold sweat), vaccination updates (no time), and that nagging fear you’ve forgotten something important.

Honestly, by this stage you’re practically willing your suitcase to pack itself.

The Time Management Tangle

The first thing that hits you isn’t excitement. It’s maths.Time-zone maths, logistics maths, emotional maths… the whole lot. Every minute suddenly becomes a precious commodity. You start calculating backwards from your departure day like you’re attempting an escape room challenge:

• Can I fit in an Evisa application today?

• Will it be approved in time?

• What if there’s a typo?

• What if I upload the wrong photo?

• What if the system just doesn’t like my face? (Not impossible. I’ve seen stranger things.)

The Evisa alone can spike your blood pressure. Under normal circumstances, you’d allow a cushion—time to review, recheck, correct, and breathe. But on short notice, there’s no luxury for error. One mistake and you’re suddenly starring in your own airport-lounge tragedy while everyone else boards. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!

The Insurance Scramble

Then comes the joyful scavenger hunt for travel insurance.Did you know some policies have a 72-hour waiting period before cover begins? Of course you didn’t—you learn that fun fact only when you’re standing on the edge of a departure date wondering if the universe is testing you. Does it start now, when I possible could lose my luggage?

Short notice means fewer options, higher costs, and terms that seem purpose-built to troll you. But you buy it, because you’re committed now. You’re a grown-up. You’re responsible. You can do hard things… while muttering under your breath.

Spontaneity is just stress wearing lipstick and trying to read the CVV code at midnight

The Illusion of Spontaneity

People often romanticise spontaneity.“It must be fun going last minute! You’re so free-spirited!”

Let me tell you: nothing says “free-spirited” like frantically checking accommodation prices at midnight while holding your passport under a lamp to check the expiry date.

Spontaneity is wonderful… when you’re 20, backpacking, and can sleep anywhere that doesn’t have wildlife.But when you’re a more mature adult like myself, built for comfort not speed? With responsibilities, expectations, and a desire to occasionally feel rested? Spontaneity is just stress wearing lipstick.

And btw, I haven't even touched on "what to pack" for this time of year in Vietnam and the special event I will be attending? Imagine if I was going to be doing anything adventurous and needed more diversity in my packing.

Thankfully for this short trip I am mostly indoors - Tick.

If you do need a speedy read that takes you to the Key points with no waffle, you might like to read my Ebook - Book,Pack & Stay Vietnam - HERE

And lets not forget the day to day stuff

And of course, if you have a family, kids, or a full-time job in the mix, short-notice travel becomes a whole new Olympic category. Suddenly you’re batch-cooking meals like you’re auditioning for “MasterChef: The Absence Edition,” organising school pickups, and leaving a trail of instructions that read like a NASA launch manual. Add a demanding inbox, a few meetings you now need to reshuffle, and the gentle hope that your household will, in fact, survive without you, and you’ve got yourself a muscle–mind marathon before you even reach the airport.

What Are the Pluses? Surely There Are Some?

Well, yes—and I’ll give credit where it’s due.

1. The adrenaline is real.

Your energy spikes. Your focus sharpens. You move through your to-do list like a caffeinated ninja.

2. Decision-making becomes gloriously simple.

No time for over-thinking. The mental clutter disappears because the clock rules everything.

3. You stop sweating the small stuff.

Does the hotel have the perfect view?Who cares—you’re going!

Will the flight have your preferred seat?Doesn’t matter—you’re airborne!

4. When everything finally aligns, the satisfaction is excellent.

There is something delicious about pulling off the seemingly impossible. You feel a kind of triumphant glow. (Or maybe that’s just exhaustion. Hard to tell.)

5. And perhaps the biggest plus: the reminder that Vietnam is worth it.

Every inconvenience, every minor meltdown, every frantic dash to get the final document uploaded… it all fades the moment you arrive.

Vietnam has that effect on people.Even the flustered, last-minute ones.

Would I Choose It? No. Absolutely Not. Well kinda not....

As much as I love Vietnam—and you know I do—racing to organise a trip at the eleventh hour is not my preferred travel style. Give me breathing room any day. Let me plan well, choose thoughtfully, take you with me through the journey, and guide my clients in the way I know works.

But life being life… sometimes opportunities pop up with a blazing neon sign that says, Go now. Figure the rest out later.

And sometimes, those signs lead you straight to Hanoi and into the company of dignitaries, and some of the best storytellers in the country as you collect a national award for a little podcast that grew legs.

So yes, despite the chaos, the long nights, the passport checking, the watering-plant negotiations…

It will all be worth it. Absolutely.

Would I recommend “short-notice travel” as a lifestyle? A firm, mature and professionally-endorsed no. Unless forced upon you for reasons out of your control.

Plan early. Book well. Give yourself space to enjoy the lead-up, not wrestle with it. And if you’re feeling tempted to throw a last-minute adventure together… perhaps drop me a message first.

I’ve lived the tale. You don't have to!