[MM]: I have to admit something to you all...I did something BIG...

Hello Reader,
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Heya Fit Travel Tribe!

Next up on this Monday Momentum, I want to tell you actually about 2 NEW (!!!) things I did while in Thailand 😱😱

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Let's start with the fitness-centered novelty...a confession, actually...

This might be surprising to folks who know me and how much I love fitness and group exercise classes, but...

I'd never tried CrossFit before....

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Well, that is, until last week in Bangkok! *gasp*

YEP - I tried it out in Thailand! And it was AWESOME!!! 🙌

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Talking and laughing with the instructor

That hang power snatch to overhead squat...damn...

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And let me tell you...it was humbling haha It exposed quite a few reflections for me:

1. I really need to work on my shoulder mobility (having that heavy barbell up and pulling back over my head....damn!)
2. Trying something new is hard and I also think trying something new that's super-related to something in my element/a topic in which I'm very experienced could be....harder....for my ego? 🤔 This was where it was humbling because I was trying new moves, focusing hard on different technique, and lifting lighter than I might expect (even just the 44lbs/20kg barbell itself was super heavy)
3. The great news is given my experience, I can ask a lot of intentional and intelligent questions. I do KNOW a lot about lifting technique and, even if though the hang power snatch and overhead squat are moves I had NEVER tried before, I still am very well versed in muscle recruitment and alignment principles.
4. It was actually super fun and now I'd add it to the list of classes to which I'd want to go back. Plus, I had always heard about the very supportive community in CrossFit and, though I was only there for one class and spoke English, the instructor and others were super friendly to me. It was quite lovely!

Here are some other notes as someone who has done group fitness classes abroad (sometimes taught exclusively in another language)

1. If you ever go to a new class, always go up in advance and introduce yourself to the instructor. They can keep an eye out on you during class to provide some extra support.
2. Perhaps try and make a buddy who speaks English (or a shared language) who might be able to quickly assist with any translation as the instructor explains movement throughout the class. I've even had an instructor in Estonia pair me up at the start of class for this purpose.
3. Don't rule out a new style of group fitness just because you're traveling. You'll find there are plenty of locals in the class who are also beginners!

I talk a bit more about trying group fitness classes abroad in one of my top blog posts.​

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And now onto the SERIOUSLY SIGNIFICANT novelty item...

My business is now OFFICIALLY a licensed COMPANY and shall be henceforth known as....

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Drumroll please....

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Thanks, Jimmy....

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🎉🥳🎉🥳 Heidi Runs Abroad LLC 🥳🎉🥳🎉

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This business move was most likely going to happen further down the line, but it might be a bit more personally useful for me if I just pulled the trigger and did it now (or at least it gives me peace of mind).

Either way, it's very fulfilling to have that official!

This was just step 1 so next up will be just a continuous learning process with presumably some bumps on the road.

здравейте!

Greetings from Sofia, Bulgaria! WOW - I am so happy to be home!!!

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The views flying over the Bulgarian mountains are gorgeous. Everyone was staring outside at them.

Absolutely giddy to be home with my partner! Standing in front of the very famous Nevsky Cathedral.

It was a LONG journey back home!

• 3 scheduled flights, the second of which was cancelled
• I was stuck at the Delhi airport over 24 hours, sleeping on the airport floor
• However, I bonded with 200+ strangers (most of whom were incredibly disappointed with the IndiGo airline for how they handled the situation (myself included -- it came down to lack of follow-up, causing lots of distrust and conspiracy theories)
• Thankfully, 230 people got on an airplane at 1am to leave the following day!

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All packed up! Walked from my hostel to the bus stop, connecting me to the Bangkok airport

Had a long overnight layover in Delhi and slept on the floor (I always tie up my luggage in a particular way)

In my third airport lounge when I (FINALLY) got to Istanbul. It was probably the nicest lounge I've been in!!!

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My favorite part of the being-stuck-in-Delhi experience was: Getting to teach a yoga class to some strangers in the airport!

I didn't take any photos or videos (though I'm sure the spectators did haha), but I'm sure knowing me that you believe me haha That's another cool memory to keep in my pocket.

The story is as simple as this: I had been doing some stretching before our flight was supposed to take off, but then when 40 of us (who didn't have a visa for India since it was just a layover) were separated in a moderately sized room while waiting further instructions, a couple folks got up to do a bit of stretching. Within 10 seconds, I had walked over and asked "want a yoga class?" haha They were excited and even two more folks joined in. I taught for about an hour and it made me forget about the whole situation.

That's how much I love teaching. The rest of the world just disappears.

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Speaking of which...

Quick bounce back to close out the chapter on Bangkok...

I really loved having the opportunity to stay in one place in Bangkok for 2 weeks while I taught rooftop yoga. Volunteering with Worldpackers really gives me unique chances to give my time and effort in exchange for FREE accommodation (and for here, a FREE star-worthy breakfast included).

​Worldpackers even featured me on an Instagram Live (how awesome!) and I was able to create a community of interested followers to give away a free membership. If you ever have any interested in this type of work exchange, you can sign up with the code HEIDINIC to receive $10 off.

Eating Pad Thai (my favorite) for 50 baht (about $1.50) at a cute local spot

My fabulous (& FREE!!!) breakfast from the hostel. Often afterwards, I'd lay by the pool.

Teaching rooftop yoga each morning in Bangkok (I'd often have about 3-4 people).

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Sometimes I have to do "normal" things in foreign cities - like getting a haircut!

Super cute, photogenic street in Bangkok (near the local restaurant from above).

I ate tons of street food one in night in Chinatown including mango sticky rice (also 50 baht/$1.50 and also my favorite haha)

Day off on Ko Lan island 🏝️

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I took a local bus for my day off and headed to Ko Lan island for the night!

Post-sunset stroll through Wat Suket

Final yoga class and I had a whopping 7 people show up!!

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And now I'm back in Bulgaria, teaching fitness classes with my friend most mornings of the week and I have a lot of social plans to make which is exciting.

I only have 5 weeks here before I need to take a 3 week trip out of the Schengen area. I am still determining where I'll be mid-March! But at least now with having stability back in Bulgaria, I can get my head straight and plan that out. I'm sure I'll plan it out by the end of the week hahaha

You'll definitely know in two weeks where I'll be trekking to next ✈️

Next blog post is out!!! Let's talk EQUIPMENT! 🏋️‍♂️

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Staying active while traveling doesn’t mean lugging around heavy dumbbells or hunting for a gym.

The right travel-friendly fitness gear can keep you moving—anywhere, anytime! I just dropped a new blog post with my top recommendations for lightweight, packable workout equipment that I personally swear by.
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💡 Pro tip: Stick to what you already know and love! A new destination might inspire a fresh workout, but if you already have a go-to fitness routine, you’re more likely to stay consistent.

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That said, trying something new within reason can be fun—maybe a local fitness class or an outdoor workout spot. But if group fitness isn’t your thing, don’t force it. The best workouts are the ones you’ll actually do!

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Curious about my favorite fitness gear for travel?

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⭐ I'd love to hear from you! ⭐

Email me back and let me know which ones you already use or if you have your own go-to travel workout essentials!

• ​With tourism always booming in Paris, does the Louvre need an upgrade? (Did you know the Mona Lisa painting is super small, by the way? And of course she draws the biggest crowd)
• ​How does AI impact the way we plan for travel and how does it harm the blogging community? (Very good read to understand the depth, legality, and trends especially for me as a new blogger)
• ​What even IS the Schengen area?? (Since I mention needing to leave this area, I'll say it's a large group of European countries where more or less, I can spend 90 days out of 180 in this whole area. Similar to any individual country where you can visit perhaps visa free, but then can't overstay your welcome. Except instead of one country, it's a group of 29 countries! Side note: Since I'm using all of my Schengen days in Bulgaria to be with my partner, that means the other 28 countries won't see me for quite some time haha).

• ​You've probably heard of CrossFit, but have you heard of HYROX? (I hadn't really until I saw a bunch of HYROX classes in Bangkok - I almost took one haha)
• ​Just keep sweating, just keep sweating...but is the post-workout sauna really beneficial? (I'm personally a bit hooked on sauna culture and love going most evenings to the spa with my partner. I also love it after a workout for 5-10 minutes!)
• ​How to best navigate your emotional wellness with Valentine's Day coming up (There can be a mixed bag of emotions mid-February, so do your best to prepare accordingly)

Conquer Bulgarian's Ancient "Machu Picchu" 🏛️

It's always a show-stopper when you hear THE famous places and can find some parallels to other epic spots around the world.

I stumbled across THIS ARTICLE and of course it caught my attention, especially since I have been to Machu Picchu on a group tour back before the start of the pandemic.

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Ever dreamed of hiking up to Machu Picchu but not quite ready to drop the cash on flights to Peru?

Good news—there’s a lesser-known but equally striking alternative that is much cheaper (and less touristy): Perperikon, Bulgaria.

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This ancient Thracian city sits high in the Rhodope Mountains, offering not just epic history but also a solid workout.

The hike up isn’t super intense, but it’s enough to get your heart pumping—think uneven rocky terrain, stairs, and rewarding panoramic views at the top.

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The best part? Unlike its South American counterpart, Perperikon isn’t flooded with tourists, so you can actually soak in the experience without feeling like you’re in a queue at Disneyland.

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If you’re looking for a mix of adventure, history, and movement on your travels, Perperikon deserves a spot on your list. A chance to explore ancient ruins and get your steps in?

That’s my kind of sightseeing. 🏋️‍♀️✈️

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Now excuse me as I inform my Bulgarian partner that I think I know what we'll do this summer....🤣

Let's chat briefly about credit card hacking...

Have you heard of it?

Besides free flights and free hotel stays after cashing in and using your accumulated pool of points, travel credit cards often have some extra benefits you can use.

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I've mentioned a couples times in my newsletters about me getting into airport lounges. Do I pay to go in? Absolutely the F not!!!

Believe me, as a budget traveler I do NOT like to spend extra money (honestly, sometimes I'm so cheap, I mean for goodness sake I will sleep on an airport floor to save money haha)

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This is just ONE perk of my FAVORITE travel credit card 💗💗💗

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I'll explain a bit more in subsequent newsletters, but for my thrifty travel tip specifically here, I'd recommend finding a travel credit card that offers LOUNGE ACCESS.

My favorite card gives me Priority Pass which is a network of lounges I can use.

How often do I visit lounges?? For example, when I traveled back to Bulgaria, I went to TWO lounges in the Bangkok (BKK) airport, the main one in the Delhi (DEL) airport (I was there THREE times in 24 hours), and then (my now favorite) lounge in the Istanbul (IST) airport. And that was just ONE trip -- 6 lounge visits!

Think of all of the money I saved on food!!! Let alone, I had a comfortable place to sit, relax, recharge (literally, personalized outlets at my seat).

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Curious to learn more???
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Credit card hacking has a few basic principles:

1. Focus on an easy strategy such as your goal being to meet and obtain the card's signup bonus (ex: open a card with us, put $3,000 on it in the first 3 months, and we'll give you 75,000 points)
2. Pay card off in full each month
3. Don't overspend, spend normally

Here are a few resources if you want to start glancing around right now:

• ​Paying your credit card bills immediately ​
• ​Using points to travel for free​

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If you're curious to learn more, just respond to this email
"Hey teach me more about credit card hacking" and we can chat a bit further!
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I WISH I knew these simple tips earlier so I could follow a simple strategy each year to get free flights and other benefits. So I want to help others out as much as possible. That's why I list more details on my Travel Resources page on my blog.

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Always on my mind: More money for more travel! It's often worth a little homework for those savings 💸

“ You can't grow muscle without pain. You can't find wisdom without failure. You can't build confidence without looking foolish and embarrassing yourself. ​ All growth has an inherent sacrifice to it. ​​ ​ — Mark Manson's email newsletter

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Please note that I never make referrals unless I truly believe this product or service is actually helpful 💗

If you use my affiliate links included in the email, it is at no additional cost to YOU, but it does benefit me. It's a small "thank you" and continuous motivation for me to keep sharing this helpful content.

Always know you can ask me questions since I'm a continued resource to you at all times.

Thank you again so much for your support!!

Feel free to always respond back to this email with any thoughts and questions you might have or content you'd love to see in the future.

Happy travels and healthy living,

Heidi​
​Heidirunsabroad.com​

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