travel blog, minus the bull$hit

Another random piece that popped into my mind.

In a world heavily inspired by bucket lists, travel goals, and must-see destinations determined by content, I often would find myself standing on the sidelines not really knowing where I’d go next. While many I know would find solace in meticulously planning their travels, I have come to realize that my wanderlust is driven by something far less tangible yet infinitely more enriching – the pursuit of low prices and good vibes. For me, travel is not just about ticking off boxes or snapping selfies in front of famous landmarks or remakes in the name of viral content. I don’t just chase after destinations; I chase after vibes – those intangible, indescribable feelings that linger long after the journey ends.

I often find myself drawn to the lesser-known corners of the world such as stumbling upon a hidden gem of a boba shop tucked away on San Bruno Ave. selling drinks for $1.99 but still wanting to walk down a little further for that $1.95 cash only price even if deep down I know they’re just the same sugary powdered drinks.

In my youth I held this goal of visiting 30 countries by the age of 30. I’m still a tad far from my age goal, but incredibly close to my country count goal. The only problem was, I used to approach my travels by wanting to be able to casually say that I’ve visited (for example) Vienna but in reality I only got to spend like 15 hours there and I did so little research I didn’t even know what the local language was, I just learned a few days prior about sachertortes knew I wanted to taste it from the original sachertorte (I am in fact, allergic to sachertortes) at Hotel Sacher (it wasn’t worth the allergies for me). I met someone who once suggested I may be missing the full point of traveling. It’s about seeing the world with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. I’ve discovered that the most memorable experiences that become core memories are often the ones you least expect like meeting a random girl in Taipei and traveling with her, hopping on the train to Jiufen but seeing a stop called “the Cat Village”, hopping off then shared a look realizing we had no idea what it was, and hopped back onto the train at a single glance without even sharing a word. It’s the connections, the spontaneous detours (or attempts at them), and realizing stinky tofu is not it for me that have left an indelible mark on my soul.

My firm belief that the heart and soul of a destination can be found in its culinary delights and the stories of the people who prepare them. Whether it’s savoring street food in Bangkok and choosing to suffer from food-related allergic reactions, indulging in a traditional feast with local friends in Qatar, or having the best Singaporean food on top of the Swiss Alps, food has a remarkable ability to bridge cultural divides and create lasting memories.

But beyond the culinary adventures, it’s those I have met along the way who leave the greatest impression on me. From suddenly having a large group of Hawaii locals (love you fakas) that I have developed a life-long bond with as a result of a past heartbreak trip to even becoming amazing friends with people I barely spoke to in high school. These connections remind me that no matter how far apart our paths may diverge, we are all bound together by our shared humanity.

In a world where FOMO (fear of missing out) often dictates our travel choices, I’ve learned to embrace JOMO (joy of missing out) instead. I revel in the freedom of not being tied down to a rigid itinerary, allowing myself to pleasure if simply being able to go wherever I feel. It’s a liberating feeling, knowing that the possibilities are endless and that the next great adventure could be just around the corner. Or you could also get stuck in the rain in a foreign country and get drenched to the bone while (unfortunately) wearing a white shirt.

So, while I may not have a traditional bucket list of places to visit, I have something far more valuable – a thirst for experiences, a deep appreciation for the beauty of this world and the people who inhabit it, and great friends that invite me to invade their trips. Don’t let that guy you met at 21 dictate how you decide to live your life. As long as there are places to see, people to meet, and delicious food to savor, I’ll continue to wander with an open heart for romance and friendship, with a spirit of adventure. After all, life is too short to simply exist. It’s meant to be lived – one unforgettable moment at a time. It’s time to live more life.

And that is why I will visit Japan simply when I want to, not because literally everyone is going to Japan multiple times a year. I am stubborn.