After 2 layoffs and a breakup, I left my life to travel full time. 3 cities helped my anxiety — and one overwhelmed me.

After visiting crowded cities all over Italy, Vieste offered a true sense of Italian calm. For someone who travels with anxiety, that slower rhythm was something I craved.

Located in Gargano National Park in the region of Puglia, Vieste is harder to reach than other Italian destinations. My friend and I rented a car and drove for five hours from Naples, but it was worth the effort.

Vieste is perched above white limestone cliffs that overlook the Adriatic. For one week, my days were rich with strong espresso in the mornings, afternoons on the beach, and post-dinner strolls around town.

For me, the highlight of Vieste was the sunsets. Every evening, I'd watch the sun slip below the sea as pinks and purples painted the sky. There are a few places left in Italy that still offer as peaceful an escape as Vieste.

My anxious mind found refuge on the Malaysian island of Penang. Unlike many other cities across Southeast Asia that feel chaotic and overwhelming, George Town, the capital of Penang, moves at a gentler, welcoming pace.

One aspect I loved most about the city was its multiculturalism — Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures alongside British colonial influences — which gives the city its unique vibe.

Creative inspiration is tangible throughout George Town. Exploring the UNESCO-listed town for five days felt like strolling through an open-air museum, with historic temples, vibrant street art, and colorful shops on every corner.

For me, it has the perfect balance of activity and leisure. Whether it be wandering around Penang Hill, relaxing on nearby beaches, or café hopping through historic streets, George Town always has something new for me to discover without ever feeling overwhelmed.

While traveling through the Balkans for two months, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, affected me in ways I didn't expect.

I also found peaceful moments exploring the areas around Mostar. At places like Blagaj Tekke and Kravica Waterfalls, nature and spirituality feel closely intertwined.

One idea I took away from my time in Mostar — and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole — is ćejf. It's difficult to translate but easy to feel: a mindset centered on slowing down and appreciating life's simple pleasures, like lingering over coffee with close friends. At its core, it's about doing something purely for the joy it brings — something we could all use more of.

As far as calm cities go, Ho Chi Minh City is the complete opposite. With its constant stream of traffic and congested party streets, it can feel overstimulating to a fault.

At any time of day, the incessant honking of vehicles fills the air. Crossing the street feels nearly impossible, and even if you manage it, you still have to weave through a sea of scooters moving in every direction.

And the sidewalks? They're often just an extension of the street.

By night, the city's energy only intensifies. On lively stretches like Bui Vien Street, bars compete to blast the loudest music while club promoters shout at passersby, sometimes trying to usher them inside.

For visitors who enjoy nightlife and chaos, Ho Chi Minh City can be exciting. For me, though, it was difficult to manage my anxiety. I was on high alert throughout my three-day visit — even a simple walk down the street often felt like sensory overload.