Rich and diverse cultures. Delicious food and entertaining festivals. Friendly people and impressive history. This is just a tiny part of why Asia — especially the Southeast Asian countries, which have long been budget traveler favorite — is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Over 300 million international tourists visit annually and that number is increasing rapidly every year. (Between 2015 and 2016 tourism to Asia increased 9%!)
It is hard to describe just how many amazing opportunities and adventures await tourists in Asia. No matter what you like, you can find it here. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some of my adventures, tips and travel guides below, then hop on a plane and come witness it all for yourself!
When visiting the Batanes island chain in the far northern reaches of the Philippines, one island in particular stands out: Sabtang. This island is only home to 1,500 people but is well-known throughout the country for its white sand beaches, old stone houses, and Mission-style churches. Sabtang Island northeastern coastline Thankfully the weather was … Read more
Batan Island is the central island in the Philippines northernmost province, Batanes, and is dominated by Mount Iraya, an active volcano. Visitors of the region will land in her shadow at Basco, the main town and home to all the hotels and homestays. The southern half of the island also has a volcano, although this … Read more
Twelve hours ago I arrived in Hanoi for the start of my three months in Vietnam looking for a change of pace from life in Indonesia. Rather than travel the traditional south-north route — or vice versa — I will be using Hanoi as my home base for tons of short trips around the country. … Read more
Just as 2013 went far from expected, so too is the start of my 2014. After six weeks in Jakarta trying to focus on work but instead spending most of my time hanging out with friends or making new ones, I’ve decided to cut short my stay in Indonesia…for now. Why? I’m not making much … Read more
During 2013 I finally made it to Thailand for the first time. As far back as 2008 while thinking about my first Asian expedition the Land of Smiles crossed my mind. However I quickly dismissed it as too popular and predictable a destination. And then never really thought about it again for five years despite … Read more
Food? I like food! Especially strange, unique and obscure foods. There is not a single type of cuisine I don’t like — just some that I like less than others. And I believe that when people say they don’t like a certain region’s food its only because they haven’t had the right dish or a … Read more
All last month my fellow travel bloggers were sharing their top photos and recommended gift ideas for travelers. Never one to hop on an overcrowded bandwagon I decided to abstain from it all. Well that and most of my photographs are not that worthy of repeated sharing, although to be fair my photography skills have … Read more
Over six months ago I left Abu Dhabi and flew one way to Jakarta to begin my four-year RTW land trek. Let me just say right at the start that things are going better than I could have ever planned! Of course considering the fact that I did absolutely zero planning before starting this trip … Read more
Indonesia is an amazingly vast and impressive country. When I first arrived here I thought one month would be enough. HA! How wrong I was. Six months later and I am still exploring this diverse country. Doing almost all of it by motorcycle, as well. Many Westerns are scared or worried about navigating the wild … Read more
Life in Indonesia often goes at a slow pace, whether it be a result of bad traffic or the fact you’re relaxing on a beach. However no matter where you may be there is always a way to “chill” Indonesian style — this week’s FriFotos theme. How To Chill In Traffic Traffic can be bad … Read more
Indonesia is a vast and diverse archipelago that continues to impress and surprise longtime expats and even locals. To think that because you’ve seen Jakarta and done Bali then you “know” Indonesia is to be sorely mistaken. There are 17,508 islands here! How can I even summarize that much information and Indonesia travel advice in … Read more
Whenever I’m in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, there is only one place I stay at: Back Home Hostel, one of the most relaxing hostels I have ever encountered along my journeys. Located near Chinatown among several other prominent hostels, Back Home stands alone in terms of comfort. The entire place truly has that “back home” feel … Read more
