Who is Dat?

Hey there, I’m Dat (Đạt in Vietnamese, /ɗat˨/ in IPA). I was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States when I was seven. I’ve been interested in languages since I was a kid, which led me to major in linguistics at Dartmouth. There, I discovered my love for travel, participating in three abroad programs: two in Tokyo and one in Madrid.

After graduation, I worked as a linguistic engineer at Meta for five years until I got laid off in February 2025. It was a blessing in disguise. I was unsatisfied with my job, yet I stayed for so long because it was comfortable. Getting let go gave me the push I needed to step out of my comfort zone. Now, I’m traveling the world, figuring how to live a meaningful life (aka going through a quarter-life crisis).

For me, language and travel are intertwined; knowing the language can significantly enhance your travel experience, allowing you to connect with the local culture and people on a deeper level. I believe everyone should make an effort to learn at least the basic phrases before stepping foot in a new country.

I consider myself a mid-range traveler when it comes to budget. I tend to save money where it make sense (though I’m starting to prioritize comfort… that’s when you know you’re getting old). I’m also a points and miles nerd, so you can bet that I’ll be putting those credit card rewards to good use.

My hope with this blog is that it inspires people to travel more, whether it be solo or with their loved ones, showing that the whole process doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive.