Tran Huyen Trang, born in 1993 in Phu Tho province, has set foot in 101 countries, fulfilling a childhood dream of exploring the world. Today, she continues her journey in a more meaningful way: traveling slowly, savoring each destination, and sharing the experience with her parents.

Reaching 100 countries and beyond

On August 31, 2024, Trang flew to Bahrain, marking her 100th country visited. Bahrain is just a 40-minute flight from Dubai, where she currently lives and works.

“I landed in Bahrain in the morning and flew back to Dubai that same evening to complete my ‘travel KPI’,” she said. “In my younger years, I took many whirlwind trips, often staying in a new country for just one or two days.”

In 2025, Trang added Croatia to her list, bringing her total to 101 countries.
Trang in Bahrain, her 100th country. Photo: NVCC

Her passion for traveling the world began when she was a child. At 19, she ventured abroad for the first time on a student exchange program in Macau (China). The fresh experiences there motivated her to improve her language skills and seek opportunities to explore more countries.

Two years later, after a rigorous selection process, she became a flight attendant for Emirates in the UAE. The job gave her the chance to visit numerous destinations. With around 30 days of annual leave, she carefully planned each break to either visit family or go on new adventures.

“The more I travel, the more I realize how vast the world is and how small I am in it,” she reflected.

“When I was younger, I preferred immersive travel, experiencing local life - even if it meant more effort than work itself. Later, when I’m more financially secure, I plan to return to my favorite places for true relaxation,” she added.
Trang’s role as a flight attendant helps her pursue her dream of exploring the world. Photo: NVCC

Typically, Trang spends 4–5 days in each destination. Some trips, however, are incredibly brief - like a 1.5-day visit to Egypt.

That spontaneous journey began just after she returned from a nearly 20-hour flight from New Zealand to Dubai. Two close colleagues suggested a quick escape, and within days, they had secured visas and were off to Egypt - just a 3-hour flight away.

“Due to limited time, I booked a one-day tour to see the pyramids and museums and stayed overnight. The trip was short, but Egypt’s mystique and ancient beauty captivated me. I’ll definitely go back,” she said.

Her explorations aren’t limited to well-developed countries. She has also traveled to lesser-known destinations in Africa like Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Accra (Ghana) to understand local culture and lifestyles.

468324557_18471137305052900_1723755925580993777_n.jpg
Trang celebrated her 30th birthday in Cuba. Photo: NVCC

Slow travel with family

After reaching 101 countries, Trang shifted her approach from rushing to new places to exploring each destination more deeply and meaningfully.

Most importantly, she now prioritizes spending time with her parents and taking them on trips. With her extensive travel experience, Trang has become a personal tour guide for her mom and dad.

Over the past three years, she’s taken them to various provinces across Vietnam and 10 other countries. “My parents divorced 15 years ago. When I first moved to Dubai for work, they visited separately,” she shared.

“Over time, they grew more comfortable around each other and now consider themselves friends. When I invited them to travel together, perhaps out of love for me and not wanting me to feel alone, they agreed. Now, joint trips are a norm, and my parents genuinely enjoy them,” Trang said.
Trang with her parents during trips to Japan (left) and Europe (right). Photo: NVCC

totnghiep.jpg
Trang’s parents attend her Emirates vice purser graduation in Dubai. Photo: NVCC

Each journey with her parents is a cherished memory for Trang.

Earlier this April, she welcomed them to Dubai. During the trip, they attended her promotion ceremony to vice purser at Emirates.

“At my first graduation ceremony 11 years ago, I was alone. This time, having my parents beside me made the moment so much more meaningful,” she shared emotionally.

In late August, Trang took her parents on a European tour through Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, France, and the Czech Republic. She celebrated her birthday in Paris, surrounded by loved ones - a rare, heartwarming experience after many years of spending birthdays alone or working abroad.

“I’ve come to realize that the most memorable and joyful journeys are the ones spent with family. I’ll continue bringing my parents along to explore this incredible world together,” she said.

Linh Trang