Jul 3rd – 8th, 2014
Salvador, Brazil – World Cup 2014
My first real international travel experience, aside from a resort in Mexico and a brief visit across the border into Canada, ignited my passion for exploring the world. The warm hospitality I encountered and the favorable exchange rate of the US dollar made everything more affordable. By the end of that trip, I set myself a goal: to visit 35 countries or territories by the age of 35, giving me a decade to achieve it.
Jun 5th – 7th, 2015
Montreal, Canada – F1 Grand Prix
I initially joined this trip because my dad and brother were eager to see an F1 race and invited me along. I figured it would be a great opportunity to explore Montreal and make progress on my goal of visiting 35 countries by the age of 35. Little did I know that this trip would spark a deep passion for F1, which has since become a major influence on many of my future travels!
Jun 26th – Jul 2nd, 2016
Queenstown & Auckland, New Zealand
Queenstown
My longest flight ever, over 14 hours, really tested my flight anxiety. However, upon landing in New Zealand, I fell in love with the country and knew I would return someday.
Auckland
New Zealand was a land of adventure, and Auckland was where I first tried canyoning. This experience hooked me on a new adventure sport that has since become a staple in my travels whenever the opportunity arises.
Nov 3rd – 5th, 2016
Grand Canyon, USA
To count the USA on my country list, I needed to visit a new state. One of my bucket list items was the Grand Canyon, which only made the list after seeing “Visit USA” tour guide books while traveling abroad.
May 6th – 8th, 2017
Reykjavik, Iceland
This was my first trip to Europe, and I traveled with my friends Anthony and Holt, along with my grandmother. We made a stop in Iceland before heading to England and the Netherlands to save money by taking advantage of the Iceland layover on flights. However, I quickly learned that Iceland is far from cheap, and the best way to experience the country is by camping, not staying in Reykjavik. It was a valuable lesson for future adventures.
Golden Circle
I had read about the Golden Circle before the trip, so we managed to squeeze in a small Iceland adventure and saw a lot in just one day of driving.
May 9th – 11th, 2017
Amsterdam, Netherlands
With my first trip to Europe I knew I couldn’t skip Amsterdam. With it being in May we visited Keukenhof to see the famous tulips.
May 12th – 14th, 2017
London & Manchester, England
Manchester
This stop was all about going to see a Premier League game in Manchester, to see my favorite club Manchester City take on Leicester City.
London
We spent an entire day visiting the outside of all the iconic landmarks in London taking a hop on hop off Double Decker Bus.
Oct 26th – 29th, 2017
Mexico City, Mexico – F1 Grand Prix
This was my second F1 Grand Prix and another valuable learning experience. I discovered the benefits of positioning flights, booking a round-trip ticket from Chicago to Mexico City for under $300, and a round-trip from MSP to Chicago for under $200, instead of paying nearly $1,000 for a direct flight from MSP to Mexico City. During the trip, I also visited Teotihuacan and stayed in my first Airbnb..
Jun 21st – 24th, 2018
Marseille, France – F1 Grand Prix
The summer of 2018 was wild—I had three weeks of travel planned, visiting several countries with a crazy amount of flying. The first stop was Marseille, France, for the F1 Grand Prix, which ended up being the worst Grand Prix I’ve attended. To top it off, my experience with the locals in Marseille wasn’t great either.
Jun 25th – 26th, 2018
Nice, France
I stayed in Nice as a more affordable way to visit Monaco, opting to take the train to get there. The people in Nice were much friendlier, and I’d definitely go back to explore more of the city.
Jun 27th, 2018
Monte Carlo, Monaco
One day in Monaco, walked around as much of the country as possible. Bonus, small country and was easy to cross of my list of getting towards my goal of 35 countries.
Jun 28th – 29th, 2018
Rome, Italy
Next up was Rome, which wasn’t originally part of the plan. However, flying from Rome to St. Petersburg, Russia, turned out to be cheaper than from the south of France. Plus, visiting the Colosseum was a bucket list item for me. Being in Rome also gave me the chance to spend a day in Vatican City, another small country that helped me get closer to my goal of visiting 35 countries.
Jun 30th, 2018
Vatican City
I visited the Vatican Museum and marveled at the Sistine Chapel ceiling, but missed the basilica due to long lines and the scorching heat. I’ll definitely return to complete the visit. It was great to tick off a country with a straightforward walk-in, walk-out day
Jul 1st – 4th, 2018
St. Petersburg, Russia – 2018 World Cup
Looking back, I wish I had taken the opportunity to explore more of Russia. The architecture was stunning, and the people were incredibly welcoming. Part of my 35-by-35 goal includes attending every World Cup for the rest of my life—so far, I’m 2 for 2. During this trip, I saw Sweden play Switzerland in a rather uneventful match.
Jul 5th – 7th, 2018
Amsterdam, Netherlands
On the final stretch of the trip, my brother and I flew back to Amsterdam to meet up with our mother, while my dad headed back to the States. Having already been to Amsterdam before, I didn’t do anything too exciting. Instead, I let my brother and mother take the lead, exploring the city based on what they wanted to see and do.
Jul 8th – 9th, 2018
Venice, Italy
We stopped in Venice on our way to Slovenia since the nearest airport was in Venice, and we needed a shuttle to get to Slovenia. We decided to spend two days in Venice, where we explored the city and took a gondola ride through its canals. Venice pleasantly surprised me—it was beautiful and not as overcrowded as I had anticipated, even in the middle of summer.
Jul 10th – 13th, 2018
Bled & Ljubljana, Slovenia
Bled
Initially had only planned to take one day trip to Bled. It required getting on a bus at 6 in the morning and on the way up to Bled we were told that we could not do canyoning due to rain and had to raft in side. So the next day we took the bus from Ljubljana again and did the canyoning.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana was a pleasant surprise with its clean streets and stunning Gothic architecture. Although I was mainly there for Lake Bled, I thoroughly enjoyed the city and would happily return.
Jul 13th – 17th, 2018
Zagreb & Zadar, Croatia
Zagreb
Plitvice
This might be my favorite national park I’ve ever visited. I had been wanting to see it ever since I first saw it on social media, and I was truly blown away by the crystal-clear water and stunning waterfalls.
Zadar
With a few extra days in Croatia, my brother wanted to visit the sea, so we took a Flixbus there. We ended up being stuck for several hours due to a parade celebrating Croatia’s second-place World Cup victory, which blocked the road. It was an unforgettable experience.
Jul 18th – 19th, 2018
Brussels, Belgium
My last-minute plans were saved by my friend Immanuel, who lives in Brussels. Direct flights from Zagreb to Amsterdam were outrageously expensive, but flights to Brussels were much cheaper. Immanuel generously offered us a place to stay for free and drove us to the airport in Amsterdam. He also showed us around Brussels, including all the famous, cheeky water fountains.
Mar 13th – 19th, 2019
Melbourne, Australia – F1 Grand Prix
At the end of December 2018, I had just moved to Christchurch, New Zealand, to complete my master’s program. With a lot of travel ahead, the first stop was flying to Melbourne to meet my dad for the Australian Grand Prix. By the way, it was the best Grand Prix I’ve ever attended—extremely well-organized. Melbourne itself is a fantastic city and ranks among my top five cities visited.
Apr 18th – 19th, 2019
Dunedin, New Zealand
This trip was significant for me as it marked my first solo adventure. Although I had been living on my own in Christchurch for four months prior, this was my first true solo journey. The main reason for visiting Dunedin was to see my first penguin, which was a highlight of the trip. During my time in Dunedin, I met Arpine from Armenia, who was also traveling solo. She introduced me to Remi, another solo traveler from France.
Apr 20th – 22nd, 2019
Te Anau, New Zealand
I visited Te Anau to check off a bucket list attraction, Milford Sound. However, I left realizing that Doubtful Sound was actually the better experience.
Apr 23rd – 25th, 2019
Queenstown, New Zealand
This was my second visit to Queenstown, and during my last trip, I was too scared to tackle some of the more adventurous activities. Determined to conquer my fears this time, I aimed to push my limits. I wanted to go paragliding, but it was canceled twice, so instead, I went ziplining, which included a thrilling 1,250-meter (4,100-foot) drop. It was a great way to face my fear of heights, though it didn’t completely go away. I also went river rafting, where I nearly drowned, and tried canyoning again.
Jun 28th – Jul 5th, 2019
Nadi, Fiji
I met my brother and dad in Fiji to celebrate my birthday and enjoy a week of relaxation after finishing my first semester in my master’s program. While there, I tried surfing for the first time and took in the stunning turquoise waters.
Jul 5th – 12th, 2019
Auckland & Coromandel, New Zealand
Auckland & Waiheke Island
My mum came to visit me in New Zealand, and since there’s more to see in Auckland and the Coromandel, I met her on her way back from Fiji to save her from flying to Christchurch. We explored Waiheke Island, which was a new experience for me, and then took the time to check out the rest of Auckland.
Coromandel
This location had been on my list since my previous visit to New Zealand in 2016, but we didn’t have enough time back then. Now that I live here, I finally had the opportunity to explore it. I biked on a trail to old mines and visited Hot Water Beach. I also see one of my favorite screen savers on Windows, the Cathedral Cove.
Aug 24th – 27th, 2019
Perth, Australia
I visited Perth, Australia, for several reasons. First, I had planned to go to Perth at some point during my time in New Zealand, as it’s the furthest livable location from my home city, Minneapolis. Second, I wanted to see the quokka, a unique animal native to the area. Lastly, it served as a convenient stop on my way to Bali.
Aug 28th – Sep 2nd, 2019
Indonesia
Ubud
My first time in Asia was unforgettable, and Ubud was a highlight. The area was filled with stunning waterfalls, and the countryside was incredibly peaceful. The rice fields are a must-see.
Kuta
This place is on my top 5 list of places I’d never visit again. It was loud, the locals had little respect for tourists, and it was filled with global brands and expensive.
Canggu
After being incredibly frustrated in Kuta and doing some research, I discovered Canggu—a beautiful coastal town in Bali.
Sep 20th, 2019
Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand
I felt like I was neglecting New Zealand a bit with all the foreign travel to Fiji, Australia, and Indonesia lately so I decided to take a one day trip to Arthur’s Pass which beholds a large waterfall that requires a mild hike to get to.
Nov 8th, 2019
Kaikoura, New Zealand
Before finals began, I wanted to squeeze in one more day trip and check off two things on my New Zealand list. I took one of their scenic train journeys and went whale watching for the first time. Seeing a sperm whale up close was an incredible experience.
Dec 6th – 9th, 2019
Akaora, New Zealand
This weekend was a trial run in a campervan for my upcoming farewell trip in February. My good friends from university, Aditya and Brad, joined me. It also happened to be New Zealand’s famous “Crate Day,” where the tradition is to finish a crate of beer on the first Saturday of December to celebrate the start of summer. This was also the first time I was able to play Cricket!
Feb 3rd – 4th, 2020
Lake Tekapo & Mt. Cook New Zealand
I had just completed my Master’s program and was about to embark on a three-week adventure before heading back to the U.S. to restart my life and take new career steps. I invited Aditya and Brad to join me on a campervan trip through the South Island. As a bonus, Brad would return the van in Christchurch, allowing me to take the ferry to the North Island and saving a full day of travel. Our first stop was Lake Tekapo, where we hoped to hike in Mt. Cook, but persistent rain forced us to cut the trip short and make our way down to Queenstown.
Feb 5th – 6th, 2020
Queenstown & Wanaka, New Zealand
My third time in Queenstown and oddly enough each time in a different season. Stopping in Queenstown to say good bye to Remi and Nathan who I met in April through Arpine when traveling in Dunedin. No crazy adventures this time but I did meet a lot of cool people and enjoyed and outdoor concert. Plus Brad and I saw to the famous Wanaka tree which was freezing and also the water is way deeper than I would have thought.
Feb 7th – 8th, 2020
West Coast, New Zealand
This portion of the trip felt like a lot of stop-and-go. There wasn’t a specific town I had planned to stay overnight in, so each day was about checking off locations I had pre-mapped to visit. Some highlights included the Blue Pools, Franz Josef Glacier, and the Pancake Rocks. It was all about maximizing the experience and seeing as much as possible during this leg of the journey.
Feb 9th – 12th, 2020
Tasman & Marlborough, New Zealand
The last leg of my South Island campervan trip was bittersweet. I had two main goals before wrapping up this adventure: visit Wharariki Beach, known for its iconic scenery that even served as a famous Windows background, and do one final canyoning trip. After accomplishing both, I said my goodbyes to my two good mates from University, Aditya and Brad, as we each headed our separate ways. It was the perfect way to end this chapter, full of stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
Feb 13th, 2020
Wellington, New Zealand
A brief stop in Wellington to recharge for the remainder of my North Island journey. I packed in as many tourist attractions as possible in a single day.
Feb 14th – 15th, 2020
Feb 15th – 17th, 2020
Rotorua, New Zealand
I take a tour to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and end up meeting Paul on the tour who is from Switzerland. Ends up becoming a really good travel buddy that someday I’ll visit.
Feb 18th – 21st, 2020
Brisbane & Gold Coast, Australia
Brisbane
Brisbane turned out to be the most budget-friendly option for flying back to the States from Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney, and Melbourne, so I decided to spend a few days here. I visited the Koala Sanctuary and got to pet some kangaroos—an unforgettable experience!
Gold Coast
With an extra day, I took the train to the Gold Coast to check out the beaches and visit the famous Sky Tower. Pretty sure I caught COVID during this part of the trip—early pandemic, so no proof, but still an interesting thought.”
Jun 5th – 22nd, 2020
National Parks, United States
With the pandemic cancelling both my South American Backpacking Trip and my Summer Euro Trip, my Brother and I decided to do a three week road trip spanning 10 National Parks.
Voyager NP – Minnesota
Theodore Roosevelt NP – North Dakota
Yellowstone & Grand Tetons NPs – Wyoming
Zion & Bryce Canyon NPs – Utah
Arches & Canyonlands NPs – Utah
Rocky Mountain NP – Colorado
Badlands NP – South Dakota
Jul 7th – Aug 18th, 2020
Minnesota & Wisconsin, United States
With no signs of international travel reopening, I shifted my focus to exploring my own state. I set out to visit every major waterfall Minnesota has to offer and even spent time exploring my hometown as a tourist—it was a surprisingly cool experience!
Banning State Park
Jay Cooke State Park
Willow River Stat Park
Minneapolis
Minneopa State Park
Minnesota North Shore
Jul 31st – Aug 2nd, 2020
Florida, United States
Taking a break from my Minnesota adventures, my friend Jordan invited me to Florida to visit SeaWorld with his wife, Maddy. We also spent some time at the beach and explored a beautiful spring. A refreshing getaway!
Jan 6th – 12th, 2021
La Fortuna & Playa Flamingo Costa Rica
La Fortuna
After the whole world was on lockdown for the last 9 months Costa Rica bravely became the first country to significantly lower the requirements to travel. So the second I heard that news i booked a trip. Stopped at Rio Celeste for the pristine blue waterfall, visited La Fortuna for a Volcano adventure.
Playa Flamingo
My brother and I finished the trip relaxing on the ocean coastline and did some surfing.
May 25th – 26th, 2021
Minnesota, United States
Visiting a few of the top Minnesota state parks in the northern part of the state, I traveled with my friends Dominic and Austin. We started at the border and worked our way down the North Shore, stopping at several state parks along the way.
May 31st, 2021
Florida, United States
Another visit to Florida, right before I leave for a summer of back-up in Europe. Visiting Jordan and his wife Maddy again, this time we tube down Rainbow Springs State Park.
Jun 26th – Jul 13th, 2021
Crete & Main Land, Greece
As countries began easing their COVID-19 travel restrictions, my brother and I kicked off a road trip around mainland Greece and explored Crete. This marked the beginning of my backpacking journey through Europe, with no set end date in sight.
Athens
Crete
Delphi
Kalabaka
Mount Olympus
Thessaloniki
Olympia
Sparti
Jul 14th – 24th, 2021
Albania
Leaving Greece and my brother returned to the United States, I began my solo backpacking adventure. I spent a week visiting my friend Bryan in Vlore before embarking on a short solo road trip through southern Albania.
Vlorë, Berat, & Bogovës
Përmet, Gjirokaster, & Sarandë
Butrint, Ksmail, & Tirana
Jul 25th – 26th, 2021
Munich, Germany
To save on travel costs, I flew into Munich instead of Zurich from Tirana. My friend Paul drove up from Switzerland to pick me up, and we spent the day exploring Munich together
Jul 27th – Aug 7th, 2021
Switzerland
I visited my friend Paul in Switzerland, whom I met while in New Zealand. After exploring his home region of Saint Gallen, I met up with my dad, and together we toured Switzerland’s main tourist cities.
Saint Gallen
Lausanne
Geneva
Bern
Zurich
Jul 30th, 2021
Innsbruck, Austria
I took a one-day trip to Innsbruck, Austria, to visit my friend Daniel, who was a foreign exchange student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. The journey involved 8 hours on the train round-trip, but I got to spend 6 hours exploring the charming city and catching up with an old friend.
Aug 2nd – 3rd, 2021
Lyon, France
I spent a full day in Lyon to meet up with Remi, a friend I met while traveling in New Zealand. He gave me a local’s tour of his hometown, showing me around the beautiful city of Lyon and its unique charm.
Aug 8th – 16th, 2021
Italy
Back in Italy for the second time, I traveled from Como all the way down to Rome before heading out. Along the way, I met some new friends and managed to check off a few top items from my bucket list.
Como
Milan
Florence, Cinque Terre, & Pisa
Rome
Aug 15th, 2021
Vatican City
I visited the smallest country in the world, Vatican City, for a second time, hoping to finally walk through St. Peter’s Basilica. With my luck, and thanks to the reduced travel due to COVID-19, I was able to knock this experience off my bucket list.
Jul 22nd – Jul 27th, 2022
Iceland
On my second visit to Iceland, I made sure to learn from the mistakes of my 2017 trip. This time, I hired a car with my brother and friend Trace, allowing us to drive the famous Ring Road at our own pace. We camped along the way, cutting costs while soaking in all the natural beauty Iceland has to offer. It was the perfect way to experience the country’s landscapes on a budget.
Capital, South, & West Region
West & Northwest Region
Northeast Region
East Region
South Region
Jul 28th – Aug 1st, 2022
Aug 1st – 2nd, 2022
Scotland
I made a brief stop in Glasgow and Edinburgh before catching a train to London. Edinburgh had always been on my bucket list, so I seized the chance to spend two days exploring this beautiful city. Although my time was short, I can’t wait to return to Scotland one day to experience its stunning countryside and all that it has to offer.
Aug 3rd – 4th, 2022
England
My second visit to London wasn’t focused on heritage but rather on a personal journey to trace my grandfather’s history as a bomber pilot during World War II. We visited his station in Nuthampstead, a meaningful experience that connected me to my family’s past. Although I spent some time indulging in tourist attractions for my brother, who had never been to London before, our itinerary wasn’t extensive. It was a blend of remembrance and sightseeing, making this trip uniquely memorable.
Aug 5th – 10th, 2022
Norway
Norway emerged as my favorite country on our heritage trip, offering a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventures. We explored the picturesque town of Ålesund and journeyed through the stunning fjords that define this Nordic paradise. One of the highlights was experiencing canyoning and rafting—two of my favorite adventure activities. The exhilarating rush of navigating the rugged terrain and pristine waters truly made this leg of the trip unforgettable. Norway’s natural beauty and adventurous spirit left a lasting impression, making me eager to return for more exploration.
Western Norway Fjords
Oslo
May 13th – 14th, 2023
Idaho, United States
My brother and I embarked on a weekend camping trip to Idaho to witness the majestic Shoshone Falls, renowned for being larger than Niagara Falls. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, the falls offered an awe-inspiring spectacle as we explored the area. The roar of the water cascading down the cliffs created a captivating atmosphere, and we were thrilled to experience such natural beauty up close. Camping under the stars added to the adventure, making it a memorable getaway filled with breathtaking sights and quality time with my brother. Shoshone Falls is truly a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every traveler’s bucket list!
Jun 22nd – 23rd & Jul 1st – 6th, 2023
Spain
Katy and I flew business class on Iberia using points for my first significant redemption in the points game. Our journey began in Madrid before we continued on to Portugal, Gibraltar, and Andorra. We also made a stop in Barcelona, where we completed the stunning Caminito del Rey trail.
Madrid
Rhonda
Barcelona
Jun 24th – Jun 30th, 2023
Portugal
Katy and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure in Portugal, where we immersed ourselves in the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of this beautiful country. Two highlights of our trip truly stood out: canyoning in the picturesque countryside near Porto and driving through the breathtaking Algarve region.
Porto
Lisbon
Algarve
Jul 2nd, 2023
Gibraltar
Katy and I set out for a day of adventure in Gibraltar, eager to explore this unique British territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Our full-day tour promised a comprehensive look at the highlights of this fascinating destination, and we were excited to dive in.
Jul 5th, 2023
Andorra
Katy and I took the bus from Barcelona to Andorra to visit my friend Carlos from university, only for him to bail at the last minute. Despite that, we made the most of our time exploring the charming city of Andorra la Vella.
Sep 23rd – Sep 27th, 2023
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
A last-minute trip to Puerto Plata, thanks to an invite from my friend Alen, brought me closer to my goal of visiting 35 countries by 35. I stayed at my first all-inclusive resort and ventured out for a few activities to explore the Dominican Republic beyond the resort.
Oct 19th – 23rd, 2023
Jan 31st – Feb 5th, 2024
Montego Bay, Jamaica
My 35th country—and with a few months to spare! I took Katy to Montego Bay to celebrate her birthday at the Hyatt Breathless all-inclusive resort. We dedicated two days of the trip to exploring the beautiful landscapes of Jamaica and diving into some unforgettable adventures.
Aug 14th – 16th, 2024
Oregon, United States
During a recent work trip to Portland, Oregon, I seized the opportunity to explore the stunning coastline and the breathtaking waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge. After hours of meetings, I ventured out to soak in the natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Aug 28th – 30th, 2024
Bogota, Colombia
I had a quick layover in Bogotá to save on flight costs before heading to Peru. During my time in the city, I explored Bogotá and visited the famous Monserrate, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Aug 31st – Sep 7th, 2024
Peru
I initially planned to visit Peru in April 2020 after returning from New Zealand, with an exciting backpacking trip through South America all mapped out. However, that trip was canceled. I made another attempt in 2021, but it fell through again. In 2022, I tried a third time, but the strict COVID-19 rules in Peru deterred me. Finally, on my fourth attempt, I succeeded in visiting Peru and exploring Machu Picchu, which had long been a top-five bucket list item for me.
Lima & Huacachina
Arequipa & Colca Canyon
Cusco
Nov 28th – Dec 2nd, 2024
Doha, Qatar
Attending the Qatar Formula 1 Grand Prix was a bucket-list experience filled with high-speed excitement, desert vibes, and luxury hospitality. From navigating the Lusail International Circuit to soaking in the unique blend of Middle Eastern culture and motorsport adrenaline, the weekend offered unforgettable moments on and off the track. Highlights included the electric race atmosphere, convenient transport options, and insider tips to make the most of a Grand Prix weekend in Qatar.
Dec 2nd – 4th, 2024
Cairo, Egypt
This whirlwind trip to Cairo combined luxury and ancient wonders, starting with a first-class experience in Qatar Airways QSuites and a visit to the exclusive Al Safwa Lounge. Once in Egypt, the adventure continued with awe-inspiring views of the Great Pyramids of Giza, a stay at a hotel with pyramid views, and a guided tour that brought ancient history to life. With just 24 hours in Cairo, the trip proved that even a quick stopover can be packed with unforgettable experiences.
Dec 4th – 7th, 2024
Istanbul, Turkiye
In just two days, Istanbul offered a captivating blend of culture, history, and vibrant city life. From the architectural splendor of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia to the bustling Grand Bazaar and stunning Bosphorus views, every moment was rich with discovery. With helpful tips on transportation, food, and must-see sights, this quick but immersive stopover in Istanbul proves the city is perfect for both a layover and a deeper dive into Turkish heritage.
Feb 22nd, 2025
San Francisco, United States
This brief San Francisco stopover before flying Singapore Airlines was the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. With a scenic stay near the airport, a spontaneous drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, and a nostalgic return to favorite spots like the Marina and Golden Gate Park, it set the tone for a great international trip. Even with limited time, the city’s charm and iconic views delivered a memorable sendoff before heading to Asia.
Feb 24th – 27th, 2025
Singapore
Flying Singapore Airlines Business Class lived up to the hype, from the luxurious check-in and lounge access to the exceptional in-flight service and comfort. During a short stopover in Singapore, highlights included rooftop drinks at Marina Bay Sands, exploring Chinatown, and indulging in affordable Michelin-starred hawker food. This seamless blend of premium travel and efficient sightseeing made for an unforgettable 24 hours in one of Asia’s most vibrant cities.
Feb 27th – Mar 5th, 2025
Perth & Brisbane, Australia
This leg of the journey covered a scenic flight from Singapore to Perth with Singapore Airlines, followed by an immersive adventure across Australia. From wine tasting and beach hopping in Western Australia to exploring Queensland’s vibrant city life and coastal escapes, the post offers insights into must-visit spots, affordable travel tips, and unique experiences like spotting quokkas on Rottnest Island and enjoying Brisbane’s South Bank. A practical guide for blending luxury travel with down-to-earth Aussie charm.
Mar 6th – 14th, 2025
South Island, New Zealand
I kicked off my South Island road trip with a last-minute escape from Brisbane just before a cyclone hit. After a late-night arrival in Christchurch, I was grateful to have booked a hotel right at the airport. Over the next several days, I explored New Zealand’s stunning southern coast—stopping at places like the Moeraki Boulders, Nugget Point Lighthouse, and Purakaunui Falls. One of the most memorable moments was getting engaged to Katy at sunset on the rocky shores of Lake Manapouri. We also took a breathtaking tour of Doubtful Sound, raced through canyons on the Shotover Jet in Queenstown, and indulged in iconic bites like Fergburger and Fairlie Bakehouse’s famous meat pies. The trip ended with a relaxing stop in Auckland, where I reconnected with classmates and stayed at the luxurious Cordis Hotel—an unforgettable close to a road trip full of adventure, love, and spectacular scenery.
May 23rd – 26th, 2025
Nashville, United States
This trip was more of a quick getaway than a full adventure, so there wasn’t quite enough to warrant a full blog post—but it was still a memorable first visit to the American South. I spent a long weekend in Nashville visiting my friend Dominic. We did a short hike, explored the buzz of downtown and the iconic Broadway Street, and enjoyed some incredible Southern food. One of the highlights? Stopping at the famous Loveless Café to try their legendary biscuits—absolutely worth it.