In July, I reached out to nine expats, digital nomads, and full-time travelers for insights on their pandemic journeys. Each shared how their host countries managed COVID-19, providing a glimpse into the challenges and adaptations of living abroad. From Australia to London, here are their poignant stories of lockdowns, losses, and attempts to restore normality.

Read Part 1 of the series here!

Shanghai, China:

QR Code Tracking & Domestic Travel Adventures

Thanks to rigorous contract tracing, Jessica explored China's landmarks, which were devoid of tourists. This shot was taken at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Dumas)

Name: Jessica Dumas
Nationality: USA
Current Location: Shanghai, China
Instagram: @Jess_dumas

Life in China has largely returned to normal over the past six months. My work schedule is stable, and attractions are open, with temperature checks and masks still required. We use QR codes for payments and health tracking, which has proven effective in curbing outbreaks.

This autumn, I took advantage of the quiet tourist spots, visiting the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors without the usual crowds. However, recent local cases have led to renewed travel restrictions, especially for the upcoming Lunar New Year. I hope to travel domestically if regulations ease, but international trips remain uncertain.

Bansko, Bulgaria:
Grief and New Beginnings in a Ski Town

Camille and her boyfriend, Banke, managed trips to Turkey and family visits in Europe as restrictions eased during the summer.

Name: Camille Poiré
Nationality: French
Current Location: Bansko, Bulgaria
Websites: My Trail Co and ForTravelista
Instagram: @CamWonderlands

New Year's Eve in Bansko brought unexpected tears as I reflected on my father's passing due to COVID-19. Despite the sorrow, my boyfriend and I have been fortunate in our work and finances, enjoying life in Bulgaria.

We traveled within Bulgaria and to nearby countries, celebrating our birthdays with family and exploring beautiful locations. Bansko's expat community is growing, and we look forward to winter activities, including skiing and social gatherings, albeit with some restrictions still in place.

Da Nang, Vietnam:
 A Second Lockdown & Local Exploration

Marilyn has chosen to ride out the pandemic in Vietnam, discovering more of the country during breaks from lockdown.

Name: Marilyn Solomon
Nationality: British (Oxford, England)
Current Location: Da Nang, Vietnam
Instagram: marilyn_in_vietnam

Since my last update, life has mainly stayed the same, with recent travel to cooler areas. Vietnam faced a second wave of COVID, leading to a short lockdown. Despite this, the country is now relatively open, with our visas allowing us to remain without significant restrictions.

Singapore:
New Yorkers Weathering the Pandemic

The Kimelia family captures a moment at Singapore's tallest indoor waterfall. (Photo courtesy of the Kimelias.)

Name: The Kimelia Family (Jeanhee, Luke, Chiara, and Jemma)
Nationality: USA (New York City)
Current Location: Singapore
Instagram: @Kimelias.Eat

In Singapore, we've adapted to life during the pandemic, with schools open and a relatively normal lifestyle maintained. However, strict mask mandates and group size restrictions have been challenging, especially for our kids who miss their friends back home.

We remain hopeful as vaccination efforts begin, but uncertainties about travel and our visa situation loom large.

Queensland, Australia:
A COVID-Free Sanctuary

Nina aided a baby kangaroo orphaned by COVID. (Photo courtesy of Nina Mariana Pascha.)

Name: Nina Mariana Pascha
Nationality: Netherlands and Thailand
Current Location: Queensland, Australia
Instagram: Nina.m.pascha

Living in a remote town in Queensland, I've experienced minimal restrictions. Australia's swift response to outbreaks has kept life normal, allowing me to focus on work and explore the beautiful coast soon. I plan to return to Thailand later this year, but traveling back will require navigating various health protocols.

Lisbon, Portugal:
 Residency Application Amidst Changes

Becky applied for residency in Portugal during the pandemic, finding a new home in Lisbon. (Photo courtesy of Becky Gillespie.)

Name: Becky Gillespie
Nationality: American
Current Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Instagram: @tokyobecky

My journey has been eventful as I transitioned from Japan to Portugal during COVID. I managed to secure residency while navigating travel restrictions, and now I'm preparing for my immigration meeting.

Portugal's summer was relatively relaxed, but current lockdown measures have limited activities. Nonetheless, I've found love during this time, reconnecting with a fellow nomad.

London, England:
 Enduring Lockdowns and Changes

Jackie embraced London life while managing trips to Italy and growing her travel Instagram. (Photo courtesy of Jackie Rezk.)

Name: Jackie Rezk
Nationality: U.S.
Current Location: London, U.K.
Website: joujoutravels.com; Instagram: @joujoutravels

Despite the lockdown, I enjoyed two trips to Italy in 2020, connecting with locals and embracing the quieter atmosphere. However, back in London, uncertainty looms as I search for a new job to extend my visa.

With everything closed except essential services, I've focused on expanding my online presence and finding joy in new hobbies while longing for the freedom to travel again.

France:
 Relocating from Bali to Europe

Ashley moved from Bali to Europe with her partner, navigating travel during the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Ashley Clawson.)

Name: Ashley Clawson
Nationality: U.S.
Current Location: Bali, Indonesia
Instagram: @bearnomadic

After traveling through Indonesia, my partner and I found ourselves navigating complicated travel regulations to enter the UK and then France. With some luck, we managed to settle in France, where we're planning our future together amidst ongoing challenges.

Colorado:
 Returning Home After Global Travels

Jodie returned to Colorado after a year of travel, facing the challenges of life during the pandemic. (Photo courtesy of Jodie Mohrhardt.)

Name: Jodie Mohrhardt
Nationality: American
Current Location: Colorado
Website/Social media: @Jodiemohrhardt & thefoxandthetoad.com

Transitioning from a year of travel to home life proved to be challenging. After a long journey back, I faced the reality of resuming work amid ongoing restrictions. The experience has been bittersweet, filled with memories and new insights.

Though life feels different, I'm channeling my travel energy into my new home and art business, hoping to embrace the freedom of adventure again soon.