Vietnam's beautiful and welcoming culture is one of the highlights of visiting. Still, I'll admit I didn't do enough research on local customs before my trip.

For instance, I didn't realize that pointing with your fingers is considered impolite in Vietnam and that locals often use their entire hand to gesture instead.

Additionally, although Google Translate came in handy, learning some basic Vietnamese words and phrases would have been helpful before entering the country. This would've made me feel like a more respectful traveler, too.

Even though many locals I encountered spoke some English, they seemed to appreciate when visitors were able to ask simple questions and share greetings in their native language.

Before I arrived, I thought almost three weeks would be plenty of time to see everything on my list: Hanoi, Hạ Long Bay, Hội An, Ho Chi Minh City, and a few other spots in between.

What I didn't realize is that Vietnam is deceptively big, and even though it looks like a slim strip of land on a map, it can take hours — or even days — to get from one place to the next.

I spent more time in transit than I wanted to, from a 16-hour overnight train ride to full-day bus rides, eating up a huge chunk of my time.

If I could do it over again, I would focus on a few regions and spend more time in each instead of trying to see every place on my list.

Because of unforeseen time restraints, there were many things on my wish list that I didn't get the chance to do, like riding a motorbike through the Hai Giang Loop in the north.

Vietnam's climate can vary depending on where you are, which I learned the hard way.

Unfortunately, I didn't look closely enough at the weather forecast for each city before leaving home, so I didn't pack my suitcase accordingly.

For example, I started my trip in Ho Chi Minh City in early October, which felt like a sauna due to the high heat and humidity. Two weeks later, however, I was in Hanoi, where the weather during my stay was cooler and rainy.

After trekking through jungles, exploring caves, and walking city streets, I also wished I'd packed more breathable fabrics.

Plus, I underestimated just how much I'd sweat and how often I'd want fresh clothes. Although most hotels I stayed at offered laundry services, I didn't pack enough options to keep up with my desire for an outfit change.

If you plan to visit Vietnam, I suggest packing cool, lightweight clothes, layers for changing weather, and extra outfits for when you sweat through them quicker than expected.

One of my favorite things about Vietnam was wandering through the bustling street markets. I picked up tailored silk dresses in Hội An, bought handmade leather goods in Hanoi, and tasted some of the best food I've ever had at stands on the street.

I loved visiting the markets but later realized I had overpaid for items a few times, especially early on in my trip.

Although bargaining is a common part of the market culture in Vietnam, it's not something I'm used to doing back home.

At first, I also wasn't sure how much certain things typically cost in the area, so I found it easiest to avoid negotiating and just pay whatever the vendor asked.

As my trip went on and I became more confident, I began asking for lower prices or bundled deals and realized that bargaining wasn't such a big deal at all. The vendors were used to it, and I was able to work with them to make smarter purchases.

I probably could've saved myself some money if I'd leaned into the culture sooner.

Greenville's downtown is made up of tree-lined streets dotted with boutique shops, great restaurants, and plenty of entertainment options, all connected by sidewalks.

I was immediately impressed by how walkable the city is — no rental car or ride-hailing service is needed if you're staying downtown.

What really makes the city unique is its blend of small-town charm and big-city perks. I love visiting small Southern towns, but I often miss the energy and amenities of big cities. Greenville has the best of both worlds.

One local summed it up perfectly when she told me, "Greenville has enough city to keep me busy and enough country to keep me happy."

Every corner of downtown has something to discover. I found myself sipping Butterbeer at a Harry Potter-themed pop-up speakeasy hidden inside The Press Room, laughing late into the night at The Comedy Zone, and even testing my aim at an indoor archery range right outside town.

Falls Park on the Reedy is a beautiful urban green space in the heart of downtown Greenville.

The Reedy River weaves through the city, flanked by walking paths, gardens for picnicking, and the iconic Liberty Bridge — a curved suspension bridge overlooking the waterfalls below and offering one of the best views in town.

The park is also connected to the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 28-mile walking and cycling path that stretches beyond the city.

Renting a bike and following the Swamp Rabbit is the perfect way to immerse yourself in nature without having to drive outside town.

If I could go back to Greenville for only one thing, it would be the food.

Every meal I've had in the city has been unforgettable, but the variety is what stands out most. Whether you're craving fine dining, comfort food, good beer, or anything in between, Greenville delivers.

From the mouthwatering tapas and desserts at Camp to the melt-in-your-mouth hot chicken and Southern soul food from Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack, the city is bursting with culinary creativity.

Another one of my favorite things about Greenville is its proximity to outdoor adventure. The Blue Ridge Mountains are just a short drive away, offering some of the best hiking and biking in the region.

Within an hour, you can also reach six easily accessible state parks, each with its own unique trails, waterfalls, and outdoor activities.

Greenville's charm isn't just in its scenery — it's in the people. The locals I met were friendly, welcoming, and excited to share recommendations or just say hello.

Almost everywhere I went, I found myself having wonderful conversations — which isn't always the case when you're a tourist in a new place. That warmth and friendliness made the city feel approachable in a way that's hard to find.

There's also a big focus on the arts and culture in Greenville, with galleries, live music, and community festivals everywhere you look.

The Greenville Center for Creative Arts quickly became one of my favorite places to visit, and I loved admiring the Native American art collection displayed throughout the Grand Bohemian Lodge.

Whether it's a free concert on Main Street, a jazz performance at a local venue, or a lively street market, Greenville always seems to have something going on. It's a city that feels alive without being overwhelming — the perfect balance of energy and comfort.

Salt Lake City has quite the craft-beer scene, and there's no better way to waste a winter day than to curl up with a cold glass of Utah's finest.

Local favorites include Uinta Brewing Company, known for its winter lager and commitment to environmental sustainability, and Epic Brewing Company, which offers excellent small-batch beers.

My personal pick is Fisher Brewing Company, where I like to mix the lemon sour with the cerveza for a taste of summer in the middle of winter.

Utah has a robust geothermal landscape under its jetting mountains, giving way to beautiful, natural hot springs. If you want a snowy outdoor winter activity, relaxing in a hot spring might be your thing.

In my opinion, one of the best options is Fifth Water Hot Springs (also known as Diamond Fork Hot Springs), located about an hour from Salt Lake City.

Just keep in mind that you'll have to hike a few miles to access the hot springs, where you'll find multiple steaming natural pools surrounded by snowy peaks. Make sure to bring boots and layers for the hike in, as it can be cold and icy.

Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, you can also find the Homestead Crater — a unique, 65-foot-deep hot spring inside a crater where you can snorkel, soak, or scuba all winter.

Reservations are required for this activity, so visit the Homestead Crater website ahead of time to secure your spot.

If you're looking for a magical winter experience, the Ice Castles in Midway, Utah — located about an hour outside Salt Lake City — are a must-visit.

This village of hand-sculpted ice structures is lit up at night, creating a surreal display of ice caves, slides, and frozen tunnels.

Skiing and snowboarding aren't the only winter sports celebrated in Salt Lake City. If you're looking for a different experience, try curling or bobsledding.

The Utah Olympic Park in Park City hosted events during the 2002 Winter Olympics and offers visitors a bobsledding experience, where a professional driver takes them down the Olympic track.

For curling, head to the Utah Olympic Oval in Kearns for a 2-hour class to learn the fundamentals of curling by a certified instructor.

If you happen to be staying at a ski resort but don't want to ski, I recommend enjoying the luxuries of the spa.

The Cliff Lodge and Spa at Snowbird is my personal favorite, offering stunning mountain views, a pool, and a variety of rejuvenating treatments.