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About me

My name is Barry and I am an Asian-Canadian living in New York. I fell in love with traveling the first time I flew to Hong Kong when I was a kid, and since then I have been exploring new destinations each year. Read more…

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asianmapleleaf

Gay traveler, writer, host & creator
Quit 9-5 to travel the world w/ @teraj08 ❤️👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏻🌎
Inspiring discovery through our love of travel ✈️

We did it!!! 💍💫 We’re MARRIED!!! Still flo

We did it!!! 💍💫 We’re MARRIED!!!
Still floating from the most unforgettable weekend in Washington, DC. We chose DC not just because it’s the nation’s capital, but because it’s home to such a vibrant and powerful LGBTQ+ community. And what better way to kick off WorldPride than by saying “I do” surrounded by love, freedom, and Pride? What makes this even more special is that it’s also 10 years since marriage equality became the law of the land in the U.S., 20 years in Canada… and this year marks 10 incredible years together for us. Wow. ❤️🌈 Huge thanks to @them and @destinationdc for throwing the wildest, most joyful wedding party we could’ve dreamed of. And thank you @sashacolby for officiating and being such a radiant part of our celebration. We’ll be sharing more soon, but just had to get this out there: WE’RE MARRIED!!! To my husband @teraj08, my love, my heart, my home… here’s to forever. 💕
@worldpridedc @capitalpridedc #Only1DC #destinationdc #washingtondc #WorldPrideDC #gaymarriage #gaywedding #gaycouple #gaylove #JustMarried #LoveWins #10YearsStrong #FabricOfFreedom
(Outfit 🥼 by @geoffreymac)

Happy birthday @teraj08! Wishing you the most incr

Happy birthday @teraj08! Wishing you the most incredible day filled with all the love, joy, and celebration you deserve. I still can’t believe we’ve already celebrated a decade of birthdays together—what an amazing journey it’s been. So grateful for every moment with you. ❤️🫶 Here’s a little look back at some of our favorite memories so far. 🥳
(And for those watching until the end—the final clip is the very first photo we ever took together. 🥹❤️)
#gaycouple #birthday #happybirthdaytoyou #intergaycial #bf #gaylove

Pride is more than a parade. It’s the fabric of

Pride is more than a parade. It’s the fabric of freedom, woven with love, community, history, joy… and YOU. 🌈❤️ This year, WorldPride 2025 is coming to DC, a city that demonstrates how liberty and freedom require continual effort and dedication. And for us, it’s deeply personal. We’ll be hand in hand, standing tall, celebrating our love and saying “I do” in a place that is the epicenter of the ongoing fight for equality and the right to unapologetically be our authentic selves. Now is the time to be seen, heard, and proud. Join us in DC, because this Pride will be historic and unforgettable. What does Pride mean to YOU? Share a word, a memory, or simply how you’re feeling in this pivotal moment. Let’s celebrate every thread and every one of us that comprises this fabric of freedom. #Only1DC #WorldPrideDC #DCPride #ExperienceDC #WorldPride2025 #FabricOfFreedom #LoveUnstoppable #CapitalPrideDC #loveunites #lovewins

What if the journey… was the destination? For

What if the journey… was the destination? For 4 days and 4,466 kilometers, we traveled through Canada’s winter wonderland — from snowy forests to frozen prairies and into the breathtaking peaks of the Rockies. The entire experience felt magical, and the views from the dome car? Absolutely unreal. But we didn’t just ride The Canadian — we experienced it in Prestige Class, the most luxurious way to cross the country by train. A private suite with panoramic windows, an ensuite bathroom with a heated shower (yes, on a train!), and unlimited drinks and daily canapés served by our personal concierge. More than just a train ride, this was a cross-country adventure that made me fall in love with Canada all over again. ❤️🇨🇦 Would you take this winter journey from Toronto to Vancouver? On Via Rail’s the Canadian. Let us know below! ⬇️ #VIArail #TheCanadian #viarailcanada #prestigeclass #TrainTravel #ExploreCanada #Canada #train #railtravel #WinterWanderlust #LuxuryTravel #travelideas #travelinspo #travelblog #buycanadian

Back to one of our favorite cities… Hong Kong! 🇭🇰 My family is from here, but being born in Canada, I never had the chance to truly live in Hong Kong… until recently. And while it’s always felt like a part of me, having Teraj love it just as much makes it feel even more like home. ❤️ This city keeps calling us back, and we’re more than happy to answer. Because the journey should be as good as the destination, we were fortunate to fly on @cathaypacific business class, turning a long-haul flight into an experience in itself. Spacious seats, incredible food, entertainment for days, and the best part? Waking up rested and ready to dive back into the city we love. Hong Kong, we’ve missed you. Let’s do this. ✈️🏙️ #CathayPacific #MoveBeyond #hellohongkong #discoverhongkong #hongkong #travel #HongKongBound #FeelsLikeHome #flight #gaytravel #travelcouple #travelblog

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️💌 We went for a

Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️💌 We went for a hike today and had Valentine’s dinners both last night and tonight—because one just isn’t enough! Haha. Hope your day was filled with love (and plenty of self-love if you’re single and ready to mingle). Sending love to you all! 🫶 #happyvalentinesday #valentinesday #love

This trip to @bluemtnresort was unforgettable for

This trip to @bluemtnresort was unforgettable for so many reasons. My niece absolutely stole the show with her excitement! She wanted to follow Teraj and me everywhere, even down a bunch of blue runs while skiing, and stayed perfectly behind me like a pro. Her nonstop giggles on the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster and endless enthusiasm for tubing made the trip so special. She’s growing up so fast, so it meant so much to share these fun bonding moments with her! As a couple, one of our favorite moments was skating along the stunning, lit-up 1.1km trail at the top of the mountain—it felt so romantic and magical. And, of course, we couldn’t skip the Canadian tradition of après-ski Caesar’s (basically the better version of a Bloody Mary). Teraj was so excited to try one, and it didn’t disappoint with all the decked-out toppings! 🍹 Located just two hours north of Toronto, Blue Mountain is super easy to get to. If you’re ready to make your own winter memories, check out the link in my stories and highlights (last story) for 20% off your next adventure! #BlueMtnResort #DreamBiggerBlueMtn #ontariotravel #discoverON #explorecanada #familytravel #familytrip #kidstravel #torontolife #skiresort #guncle #gayfamily #gaycouple

That’s a wrap on 2024 ✨ A year filled with unf

That’s a wrap on 2024 ✨ A year filled with unforgettable adventures, family moments, and milestones: Jan: Wrapping up our around-the-world adventure in Costa Rica 🌎
Feb: Celebrating Lunar New Year with family 🧧
March: Starting an extended stay in Hong Kong 🏙️
April: Learning to play mahjong with my family in HK 🀄️
May: Back to sunny Miami ☀️
June: Pride Month magic—seeing ourselves in Times Square 🌈
July: Supporting my dad through his cancer treatment ❤️‍🩹
Aug (a): Celebrating my dad’s 80th birthday 🎉
Aug (b): Living my princess dreams in France (with a sabrage fail 🍾😂)
Sept: Falling for the charm of the Baltics 🧡
Oct: Apple picking with friends in NY 🍎
Nov: Thanksgiving warmth with Teraj’s family 🦃
Dec: Saying bye to Miami and gearing up for 2025 👋 Grateful for every moment—here’s to 2025 and all it has in store! #2024Recap #YearInReview #TravelHighlights #AroundTheWorld #Wanderlust #FamilyFirst #LunarNewYear #CelebratingLife #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #LGBTQTravel #gaytravel #intergaycial #gaysian #gaytraveler #travelblogger #GratefulHeart #MakingMemories

We saw this on Instagram and couldn’t resist…

We saw this on Instagram and couldn’t resist… but of course, we had to do it our way. 💁‍♂️💃🌈 LOL Last year, during our around-the-world trip, we visited Bali and the famous rice terraces with the swings I’d always seen on social media. At first, we just walked through the terraces and even hopped back in the car to head back to the hotel. But mid-ride, Teraj and I couldn’t stop thinking: Should we have done the swing? We were right there! So we asked the driver to turn around. There are so many swing options in that area, but we chose one without a line in a quieter spot—and it was the best decision ever. The swing was run by a sweet and super-friendly Indonesian family who completely understood the assignment (and honestly, exceeded it). They were so excited to help us bring our vision to life, cheering us on, dressing us up, and making us feel right at home. Their warmth and joy made the whole experience even more special, reminding us how universal kindness and connection can be. Every time I see this video, I can’t help but smile. It’s such a reminder that sometimes travel is about trying new things—and other times, it’s about owning the moment and making it unforgettable. 📍 Bali #bali #baliindonesia #travelblogger #CoupleGoals #LGBTQTravel #TravelWithStyle #BaliVibes #RomanticGetaway #funny #couples #relatable #couplecomedy #gaytravel #intergaycial

Miami Art Week, where art meets adventure, is happ

Miami Art Week, where art meets adventure, is happening right now! 🎨✨ From strolling alongside giant wooden elephants on South Beach 🐘 to exploring the vibrant @UntitledArtFairs, every moment was a masterpiece. And let’s talk about our ride—testing out the sleek, all-new 2025 @Infinitiusa QX60 and QX80 🚘💨 was pure luxury in motion. A car as stylish as the art itself, perfect for cruising Miami’s palm-lined streets and soaking in all the creativity. Swipe through for all the Miami vibes and let me know what you liked best. Carousel Highlights:
1️⃣ ‘The Great Elephant Migration’ found on Miami Beach between 36th & 37th St
2️⃣ It’s a breathtaking herd of 100 life-size wooden elephant sculptures🐘
3️⃣ Day out in our Infiniti QX60 & QX80: Spacious, sleek, and equipped with massage seats. Travel goals, unlocked! 🚘💆🏽‍♂️
4️⃣ Teraj and I at the Untitled Art Fair with @infinitiusa
5️⃣ Featuring 176 exhibitors on the beach at 12th Street: A vibrant, creative hub for art enthusiasts. 🎨
6️⃣ ‘Art of the Senses’ by @amormunozm: An incredible sensory experience blending art and innovation in collaboration with Infiniti. ✨
7️⃣ Sunrise at The Miami Beach EDITION: Nothing beats golden light and ocean views to kick off a day of exploring. 🌅
8️⃣ Driving at the Montgomery Botanical Center: Lush greenery and serene vibes—the perfect escape. 🌿 #MiamiArtWeek #UntitledArt #untitledartfair #infiniti #LuxuryInMotion #ArtInMotion #miami #miamibeach #artweek #miamiart #infinitiQX80 #infinitiQX60 #gaycouples #miamicontentcreator

I’ve partnered with @liquidiv to share how essen

I’ve partnered with @liquidiv to share how essential it is for my travels! On our recent trip around the world—36 countries and nearly 60 flights!—I quickly realized how dehydrating air travel can be. Also, early mornings were sometimes difficult for me as I’d often feel anxious the night before, struggling to fall asleep and worrying about waking up exhausted even before taking off. That’s why I started packing Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier® +Energy as part of my travel essentials. It kept me hydrated and gave me that energy boost I needed to tackle each day. For anyone who’s always on the move (or dreads those early flights), trust me—this makes a world of difference. 💼💧✈️ Let me know what you think!

#LiquidIVPartner #TravelEssentials #StayFueled #liquidiv #packingtips #travelsmart #travelhack #traveladvice #stayhydrated

Happy 9 years to my forever love, my greatest adve

Happy 9 years to my forever love, my greatest adventure.
❤️❤️❤️ #happyanniversary #loveislove #couples #gaycouple #intergaycial #love

Coming out is a personal journey of self-discovery

Coming out is a personal journey of self-discovery, courage, and living authentically. Today, I’m out and proud, but it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when I was terrified of people finding out, feeling like I had to live behind a fake persona. I was so scared and stressed each time I had to tell someone, and I had to go through that process over and over. But with every step, it got easier, and I’m so much happier because of it. Whether you’re out, on your way, or supporting someone, today we celebrate the power of sharing your truth. Happy #NationalComingOutDay 🌈❤️ #nationalcomingoutday🌈 #comingout #comingoutday #outandproud #gayandproud #gay #itgetsbetter #gaysian #intergaycial #gaycouple #gaylove

You know what they say, everything’s bigger in T

You know what they say, everything’s bigger in Texas! 🎡🤠 From trying wild fair food like cotton candy bacon (definitely interesting) to the surprisingly tasty hot cheetos Korean corn dog, and our favorite—the deep-fried Reese’s ’n Cream, Texas knows how to go big! We spent the day exploring the one and only State Fair of Texas (@statefairoftx), and it lived up to all that I imagined. After all the fun at the fair, we explored the Dallas Arboretum decked out in pumpkins, sailed on a sunset catamaran that made us feel miles from the city, enjoyed cocktails by a romantic rooftop pool, and of course we couldn’t miss a night of line dancing at a local gay club! 🕺🕺🏾 Dallas was more than I ever expected. Have you been or are you planning to go?! @visit_dallas #VisitDallas #dallastaxas #gaytravel #StateFairOfTexas #fairfood #dallas #texas #gaycouple #EverythingIsBigger #LGBTQTravel

Searching for a romantic, off-the-beaten-path dest

Searching for a romantic, off-the-beaten-path destination in Europe? 💫 Search no more - Teraj and I were completely taken aback by the unexpected beauty and charm of the Baltics. We didn’t know what to expect, but each city was a delightful surprise—from wandering Tallinn’s medieval streets to marveling at Riga’s Art Nouveau gems, and soaking up the vibrant energy of Vilnius. The Baltics are full of hidden treasures waiting to be explored! Come with us and @intrepidtravel on this unforgettable #OnlyIntrepid journey! 🌍✨ Ready to fall in love with Europe’s best-kept secret? Let’s go! #IntrepidTravel #baltic #estonia #latvia #Lithuania #VisitTheBaltics #RomanticEscape #TravelWithLove #coupletravel #gaytravel #lgbtqiatravel #gaycouple #grouptravel #travelinspiration

Celebrating my incredible dad on his 80th birthday

Celebrating my incredible dad on his 80th birthday today—a man who immigrated to Canada over 50 years ago with nothing but determination and a dream. Through hard work and dedication, he built a life for our family, raising me and my two brothers so that we can live the lives we have today. A couple of weeks ago, we were able to surprise him with a celebration on our annual family trip, a moment I’ll cherish forever. Now, as he continues his battle with cancer, his courage and resilience shine brighter than ever. I’m grateful for every moment, every lesson, and the legacy of love he continues to share. #80thbirthday #dadsbirthday #family #familylife #intergaycial #gaycouple

This is 45! 🥳 I sure don’t feel like I’m i

This is 45! 🥳 I sure don’t feel like I’m in my 40s, nor do I act like it – just ask @teraj08, who calls me ‘man child’ all the time! Swipe over to see me as a child, all young and full of collagen haha. Anyway, I’m living proof you’re never too old to be fabulous! I’m grateful for my health, amazing friends and family, and my loving partner. And of course, for all of you for following along on my life’s journey. Cheers to another year of staying young at heart! #birthday #over40andfabulous #itsmybirthday #youngatheart #gaysian #gaycouple #loveislove

OMG, we made it onto a billboard in Times Square!!

OMG, we made it onto a billboard in Times Square!! 😱🗽 I moved to NYC 9 years ago and used to walk through Times Square daily on my way to work… I never imagined I would one day see myself on one of those iconic billboards. Seeing a gay interracial couple sharing their love, like any other couple, was a surreal and deeply touching moment. And to top it off, it was us! What?! 👀 One of my driving passions is to represent and normalize LGBTQ+ love and relationships, whether boldly on a big screen like this or more subtly through social media. It is so amazing that this was viewed by hundreds of thousands of visitors to Times Square each day, displayed continuously 24/7 for over a month. This kind of visibility is huge—hopefully it helps challenge stereotypes, promote acceptance, and show countless people that love is love, regardless of gender or race. Thank you, @visitwashingtondc, for sharing and taking a bold stand on inclusivity. Your support helps change lives and perceptions, making a real difference. 📸 @connaynay
#timessquare #nyc #newyork #lgbtq #gaycouple #interracialcouple #gaylove #loveislove #diversity #blasiancouple #asianrepresentation #ExperienceDC #Only1DC

One year ago, I quit my corporate banking job, and

One year ago, I quit my corporate banking job, and Teraj and I embarked on an adventure around the world to celebrate my retirement and our engagement. ✈️ How did I do it? I’ve always been a saver, valuing experiences over expensive material things. I also invested my money to generate passive income, which I believe is the best income. I delved into the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement and knew it was what I wanted. I didn’t want to wait until my 60s to enjoy life, so I decided to start enjoying it NOW! For this trip, we traveled for over 200 days spending $34K each, which covered flights, accommodations, and activities. Most of the trip was funded out of pocket, but we used points for some flights. We also collaborated with a few hotels and a tour company. I opened three reward credit cards to use the welcome bonus points for free stays and to achieve elite status at both Hilton (Diamond) and Marriott (Platinum), which provided free room upgrades and breakfast, significantly helping our food budget. Did you know if you book four nights with points, you get the fifth night free?!? We did this and stayed for free in the Maldives and Rio over new years (both normally ~$1k a night). Through planning and a willingness to take risks, I made my dream come true, and so can you. Thank you for your support and for following our journey. We’re so grateful for you all. ❤️ Let us know where you want to see us go next 🙂 #travel #aroundtheworld #worldtraveler #traveltips #gaytravel #retireearly #firemovement #9tothrive #retirementplanning #travelblogger #rewardpoints #travelbudget

From the red carpet to the rainbow carpet, we can

From the red carpet to the rainbow carpet, we can do it all! 🙌❤️ It may not look like it, but at these events, I often struggle with imposter syndrome. I rarely feel like I belong or that I am as worthy of the stage, the carpet, or the space as everyone else. I often put myself at the bottom of the list, attributing everything I experience or achieve to luck or random chance. Starting this Pride Month, I will see myself more as Teraj sees me—with love and an unstoppable light that shines brightly. I belong just like everyone else, and I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey, wherever it may lead. And if you feel the same way, know that you are not alone. Now, let’s celebrate Pride with joy, love, and a touch of fabulousness! We are here to celebrate LGBTQ+ excellence! 🌈 🌈 @criticschoice Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & TV
📍 @fairmontcenturyplaza
#criticschoiceawards #fairmontmoments #gaycouple #pride #pridemonth #rainbow #selflove #redcarpet #intergaycial #gaysian

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