Introduction: Travel, But Make It an Experience
Some people travel to relax. I travel to roam. Some chase sunsets; I chase the unknown. If there’s a street, I’ll wander it. If there’s an alley, I’ll ponder it. If there’s a rooftop, you bet I’ll be up there watching the city unfold
I travel to experience places—not just check them off a list. My trips are built on movement, curiosity, and an obsession with capturing moments through my camera lens. I don’t always go for the iconic postcard shot. If I take a photo of Michelangelo’s David, it’s probably out of obligation rather than excitement. The real treasures are the snapshots that freeze an experience, a fleeting second that belonged entirely to me.
With that in mind, let’s get into how I travel—the pace, the planning, and all the quirks that come with it.
Fast, Packed, and Always Moving
Slow travel is a luxury I haven’t yet earned. When I go somewhere, I want to see as much as possible in the limited time I have. My itineraries are tight, but not just for the sake of being busy. Everything I do is intentional, curated to my interests.
I city-hop. Within a country, I’ll have multiple bases, staying a few nights in each before moving on. This means I cover more ground and don’t have to force myself into a single location that may or may not live up to the hype. It also helps in winter, when the days are short, and I need to make sure I can get back safely before the streets turn into a pitch-black maze.
At the same time, I don’t visit a place just because travel blogs scream, “YOU MUST SEE THIS BEFORE YOU DIE!” Some places are worth the hype, but if a spot doesn’t appeal to me, I have no qualms about skipping it. I’m not afraid of a little FOMO if it means discovering something that feels more personal to me.
Where I Stay: Comfort Over Extravagance
I’d love to say I have the budget for five-star hotels with branded French toiletries, but reality dictates otherwise. Instead, I choose accommodations that balance affordability with comfort. Security is always a factor, especially since I travel with camera gear. I also refuse to share a bathroom with strangers, so an ensuite is non-negotiable.
Location matters. If a place isn’t near public transport or within a walkable distance to where I need to be, it’s off the list. The real indulgence, though? A room with a view. A balcony is great. A rooftop terrace? Even better. That’s my version of luxury—a quiet place to take in the city from above before diving back in.
There are times when I tell myself, I’ll be out the whole day—I just need a clean, safe space to sleep in. Those are the trips where I prioritize affordability above all else, making sure my accommodation is practical and functional rather than anything extravagant.
While hostels are a great budget option, dorms aren’t for me. I value quiet after a long day, and I need space to recharge. The thought of sharing a room with multiple people, each with their own bedtime routines (or lack thereof), doesn’t appeal to me. Maybe I’ve outgrown the backpacker lifestyle before even trying it, or maybe I just like knowing I won’t have to sleep with earplugs in.
Getting Around: Public Transport with a Side of Convenience
I don’t drive. Growing up in Singapore, where the public transport system is as efficient as it gets, I never needed to. While I do plan to learn eventually, for now, I embrace buses, trains, tuk tuks, boats—whatever gets me there quickly, safely, and without the stress of navigating foreign roads.
Buses, in particular, have a special place in my heart. There’s something about watching a city unfold through a bus window, seeing the shift from bustling downtown streets to quieter neighborhoods, that makes the experience feel more immersive. It’s affordable, efficient, and gives me time to take in the surroundings without having to stare at a GPS.
That being said, I’m not opposed to the occasional private hire vehicle—especially when I need to get somewhere quickly or when public transport just isn’t practical. Sometimes, when exhaustion kicks in or I find myself stranded in an area where the next bus is an hour away, a quick ride-hailing app saves the day. I wouldn’t rely on it for every journey, but when the situation calls for it, I have no hesitation in opting for a little convenience.
Walking, Wandering, and Finding What’s Interesting
If there’s one guarantee when I travel, it’s that I will walk until my feet protest. Walking is the best way to take in the details—the small, everyday moments that make a place come alive. I turn down back alleys just to see where they lead. I squeeze between narrow streets just for the possibility of an interesting photo. If something piques my curiosity, I go after it.
Markets are my go-to for energy and people-watching, especially the ones buzzing with locals rather than tourists. Museums are a bit more selective for me—modern art always gets my attention, while Renaissance paintings are hit or miss. That said, stumbling into a random Baroque church in Palermo once completely blew me away.
Architecture fascinates me more than history itself. I’m always mentally (and literally) compiling lists of buildings to see, whether it’s Art Nouveau in Belgium and France or Art Deco in Shanghai—though time didn’t allow me to see them all.
When it comes to tours, I’m half and half between self-guided visits and leaving it in the hands of someone else. What decides this is usually budget constraints or how challenging it is to get there. Free walking tours—like those found on GuruWalk—are great for getting an introduction to a city. They aren’t technically “free” since they operate on a tip basis, but they’re an easy way to get your bearings before diving deeper on your own.
For paid tours, it helps to compare prices across different platforms because the same tour can be listed at different rates. I once saved SGD $90 on a Dolomites day trip from Venice by booking through Pelago instead of GetYourGuide, and was able to cancel my original booking without issue. I still rely on GetYourGuide, as they have a variety of offerings at different price points. A little research can go a long way.
One of My Best Travel Moments
Some of my most unforgettable travel experiences have come from last-minute changes. Plans fall apart, itineraries shift, but sometimes, that’s when the best adventures happen. Like that time in Chiang Mai when a canceled tour turned into one of the most incredible trips I’ve ever had.
Back in 2017, my friend and I had booked a tour to visit the summit of Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai, where the twin pagodas stand. The night before, we received an email saying it was canceled due to a bike race happening all day. We were gutted. Scrambling at the last minute, we found another tour that could take us in. It turned out to be a private tour—just her and me.
While our new tour was meant to take us elsewhere, our guide, upon hearing how much we had wanted to visit Doi Inthanon, was determined to make it happen—even if it meant taking a longer, less conventional route. He drove up the backroads, navigating through security checkpoints where the race was taking place. With some skillful persuasion, he managed to talk our way through, and before we knew it, we were standing at the summit, practically alone.
It was magical—no crowds, just crisp mountain air and breathtaking views.
During one of our chats, I casually mentioned that this was a birthday trip for my friend, not expecting anything in return. But after our visit to Doi Inthanon, he surprised us with an unbelievable offer—he had the next day off and wanted to take us to see the Doi Suthep sunrise tour for free, provided he could borrow the vehicle. Sure enough, it worked out.
That morning, we participated in almsgiving to the monks and witnessed the sunrise from above the clouds—an experience that felt almost surreal. Before the crowds arrived, we explored the temple in peaceful solitude. He even took us to a hidden gem, Wat Pha Lat, where we sat by a quiet stream, soaking in the stillness of the moment.
Everything about that experience was unexpected and perfect, a reminder that sometimes, the best travel moments come when plans fall apart.
Souvenirs & My Gift Shop Kryptonite
I like to think I travel light, but souvenir and gift shops are my kryptonite. I’m slowly decreasing the number of tourist magnet purchases, but I can’t resist finding something that represents the city beyond the usual mass-produced trinkets. Local art is my weakness, whether it’s a print by a local illustrator or a handmade ceramic piece.
And then there are postcards—which start as a casual purchase but somehow turn into a full-blown collection. I’ll walk into a shop with the intention of picking up just a few, but by the end of the trip, I somehow find myself buying another postcard album to fill. It’s an ongoing habit, but one I have no intention of breaking anytime soon.
Food: Functional, Not Always an Experience
I know, I know. Food is a huge part of travel for most people. To know its people is to eat its food. I won’t completely ignore it, but let me get a version of it in street food form.
I want to eat something I can hold in my hand. If I’m alone and have a packed itinerary, I grab something quick and portable. A paper bag, no utensils required—that’s my kind of meal on the go. That’s not to say I don’t enjoy memorable meals. If I’m traveling with someone, I’m happy to sit down and experience a great restaurant. Those moments, I remember, and I’ll share them here. But on a solo trip, my focus is usually elsewhere.
Conclusion: How I Travel, In a Nutshell
My travel style is fast-paced, photography-driven, and deeply immersive. I move quickly but with intention, prioritizing experience over obligation. I plan obsessively but leave room for spontaneity. And most importantly, I travel for myself, not for checklists or expectations.
This blog is where I share my journeys—the places I see, the moments I capture, and the endless exploration that keeps me moving.
Now, tell me—how do you travel? Are you a meticulous planner, a go-with-the-flow wanderer, or somewhere in between? Drop a comment, share your style, or just tell me where you’re heading next! I might just add it to my list.