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CARRY-ON ESSENTIALS

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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 ✈️

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

Come with us and escape to Provincetown 🏳️‍

Come with us and escape to Provincetown 🏳️‍🌈✨ Our couple’s weekend getaway was nothing short of magical! It’s Pride Month, but PTown celebrates Pride year-round as it’s a gay paradise with so many things to do and see. Here are a few recommendations, as shown in my reel:
⁃ Walk out the PTown Causeway for the best views
⁃ See the beautiful sand dunes with @artsdunetours
⁃ Rent a bike for a scenic cruise through town
⁃ Enjoy one of the many cute cafes while taking in the vibrant street art
⁃ Visit the Provincetown Public Library (and the Rose Dorothea Schooner) @provincetownlib
⁃ Go to the tea dance @boatslipresort
⁃ Check out a fabulous drag show On top of all that, the ferry ride to PTown is a fun and scenic adventure in itself. PTown is super easy to get to from NYC (or Miami)—just hop on a train or fly to Boston and enjoy the short ferry ride to the Cape. Leave a comment and let us know your favourite thing to do while in Ptown.
@ptowntourism #Ptown #PtownPride #MyPtown #Provincetown #CouplesGetaway #WeekendAdventure #LGBTQIA #TravelGoals #BucketList

Happy Pride Month!! ❤️🌈 We are here celebr

Happy Pride Month!! ❤️🌈 We are here celebrating love, diversity, and the beautiful spectrum of identities during Pride Month and throughout the year. We do what we do to show everyone that love is possible and that being gay is nothing less than fabulous! I grew up wishing I was more like everyone else, but now I celebrate being different. I wouldn’t have it any other way because I am living my best life, and I hope you are too. ❤️ To those who may need a reminder: you are perfect just the way you are. Embrace your uniqueness, don’t let others dull your shine, and know that you are never alone. Together, we stand proud, united, and unstoppable. #Pride2024 #LoveWins #pride #happypride #loveislove #pridemonth

Happy Birthday, @teraj08 ! 🎉 I love you and can

Happy Birthday, @teraj08 ! 🎉 I love you and can’t imagine anyone else I’d rather travel the world with. ❤️ You’re always up for an adventure, and I’m so grateful you dropped everything without hesitation so I could live out my dream trip. I’m a better version of myself because of you, and I wish you the happiest birthday ever. I can’t wait to see what new adventures life brings us! 🙌 Also, I can’t wait for you to join me in the 40s club! Hehe. #gettingold 😂 Please send him some love on this special day, he deserves it! ❤️ #barryandteraj✈️🌎 #birthday #happybirthday #gaytravel #gaylove #intergaycial #travelcouple #couplegoals #loveislove #lovefirst

#Ad A Taste of Home, Sponsored by Tim Hortons 🍁

#Ad A Taste of Home, Sponsored by Tim Hortons 🍁 You may know I’m obsessed with coffee, and I am, at times, annoyingly Canadian. What better way to bring both together than to follow me on my morning routine from when I get out of bed, to brewing my cup of Tims and sharing it with Teraj. Joking aside, living in the US, my morning ritual with @timhortonsus coffee is a sweet reminder of my Canadian roots. With each sip, memories of my friends, family, and the moments from my time back in Canada flood back. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a taste of home. Home is never far with a cup of Tims! Coffee tip: For my favorite cup, I like to stir in a bit of condensed milk in place of milk and sugar. Try it and let me know what you think! Fun fact: Tim Hortons started in Canada 60 years ago, and there are almost 600 coffee shops in the US. Additionally, you can buy Tims in over 10,000 grocery stores, making it super easy to brew your own cup at home. #timhortons #timhortonsus #timscoffee #coffee #coffeelover

Hello Hong Kong!! Not only is my family from Hong

Hello Hong Kong!! Not only is my family from Hong Kong, but the city itself has ignited my passion for travel, inspiring me to explore the globe. Each time I return, it feels like a homecoming. With its plethora of activities and attractions, Hong Kong never fails to captivate me. Here are some highlights and recommendations for your visit. Take a look and let me know if you agree or let me know what your favourite spots are in the city This time we were fortunate enough to visit twice in less than 6 months and were able to stay for 2 full months. Since we were staying for so long we opted for a longer stay serviced suite at the @harbourgrandhongkong - it was perfect for us. @teraj08 and I cannot wait to make this our annual tradition! #ilovehongkong #hongkong #discoverhongkong #harbourgrandhongkong #hk #香港 #香港景點 #香港好去處 @discoverhongkong #hongkongtravel #travelblogger #gaytravel #gaycouple #travelbucketlist

Happy Valentine’s Day, @teraj08! 💕👨🏿‍

Happy Valentine’s Day, @teraj08! 💕👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏻👨🏿‍❤️‍👨🏻 Thank you for supporting my passion for travel and making my dream of an around-the-world trip come true. I still cannot believe WE made it happen!!! It was truly an epic journey, but made extra special because you were there with me, creating forever memories together. I cannot wait for our next adventure. Happy Valentine’s Day to my IG fam as well. ❤️❤️❤️ I am grateful for those who followed along with our travels and our journey together. I appreciate each and every one of you, and I wish you all the love, whether it’s self-love, couple love, or love for friends. #happyvalentinesday #valentines #love #loveislove #intergaycial #celebratelove #lovewins #couplegoals #gaylove #gaycouple #couples #lovestory #flytographer

I’m BACK! lol. Well, at least back to posting a

I’m BACK! lol. Well, at least back to posting about our trip after I took a brief break to fully savor our around-the-world adventure! ✈️ Last year, we ventured to the Maldives for the first time and indulged in an unforgettable floating breakfast in our infinity pool at our overwater villa overlooking the ocean. It had always been a dream of mine after seeing all the pictures on social media. If you were wondering, no, we did not actually eat it in the pool. Eww! We took it out and ate by the pool because ain’t nobody want pool water in our food. Haha 🤣 Our stay at the @jwmmaldives, booked through @marriottbonvoy points, was delightful. Tip: If you book 4 nights with Bonvoy points, you get the 5th night free. You also receive a bunch of welcome points from signing up for both the personal and business @americanexpress Bonvoy credit cards, along with free breakfast with status. #BarryAndTeraj✈️🌎 #maldives #maldivesislands #maldivesresorts #jwmmaldives #traveltips #gaytravel #lgbtqtravel #gaycouple #gayasia #gaypride #intergaycial #gaylove

2023 has been life-changing for me, surpassing any

2023 has been life-changing for me, surpassing anything I could have imagined. I left my finance job after over 20 years in the industry, packed my bags, and traveled to over 30 countries. I’m immensely grateful for this opportunity and for @teraj08, who supported my travel dreams. ❤️ Throughout the year, numerous special moments occurred, making it challenging to select just one per month. However, here are a few I randomly picked:
▪️Jan: New York, right after New Year’s
▪️Feb: Thailand with @oneikaraymond
▪️Mar: Quality family time
▪️Apr: Wore rainbow wigs for GPL Wigstock
▪️May: Celebrated my parents’ 50th anniversary
▪️Jun: Loved in Capital Pride in DC @visitwashingtondc
▪️Jul: Explored Iceland
▪️Aug: Visited Amsterdam
▪️Sep: Experienced Petra
▪️Oct: Hong Kong with @d3nniskong and @ddivineblackk
▪️Nov: Enjoyed a private island in Indonesia
▪️Dec: Witnessed Iguazu Falls I’m also truly grateful to all of you who followed our journey. Xoxo. Happy new year! 🎉🙌🥂 #2023 #yearinreview #happynewyear #traveltheworld #quitmyjobtotravel #firemovement #inspirational #gaytravel #gaycouplegoals #machupicchu #machupicchuperu #dreamscometrue #travelaroundtheworld

Have you heard of Sarawak in Malaysia? It’s on t

Have you heard of Sarawak in Malaysia? It’s on the island of Borneo, the world’s 3rd largest island, shared with Brunei and Indonesia. It’s a place you can add to your bucket list in Asia. ❤️ In the heart of Sarawak in Kuching, our stay at Cove 55 was the perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. Amid serene moments at the resort, we embarked on exhilarating excursions, from meeting orangutans to exploring the Malaysian countryside on bikes—we had the best time! 🌿🚴‍♂️🐵 It was honestly a great break from bustling city visits. Also, it doesn’t hurt that the food here is delicious and inexpensive, haha! 🤤 📍Sarawak Malaysia staying at @cove55 #barryandteraj✈️🌎 #malaysia #sarawak #kuching #sarawaktravel #cove55 #malaysiatravel #gaytravel #lgbtq #travelblogger #travelreels #beautifuldestination #travelideas

One year ago today, atop the Top of the Rock in NY

One year ago today, atop the Top of the Rock in NYC, we said ‘Yes’ to forever. It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since our engagement, and in just 365 days, so much has changed in our lives— from me quitting my job to our travels around the world together. Amidst all this change, one constant remains: our unwavering love for each other and our mutual passion for discovering new places. One such place is Cempedak Island (@cempedakisland) - a secluded private island adorned with stunning bamboo villas, exuding romance and offering the perfect sanctuary for us. Our time there felt like a dream as it often seemed we were the only souls on the island. From snorkeling to archery to hiking around the island, those moments allowed us to truly reconnect. Words cannot express my gratitude for you and this year of shared adventures, with the promise of countless more ahead. Here’s to us and the incredible journey awaiting us! 💖💍 #cempedakisland #privateisland #cempedakislandresort #anniversary #engagementanniversary #oneyearanniversary #gaylove #loveislove #gaytravel #OneYearOfLove #celebratelove

Totally late with posting, but Happy Pride, Taiwan

Totally late with posting, but Happy Pride, Taiwan! 🌈❤️ Congratulations on hosting another successful Pride march, and thank you for being the rainbow bastion of hope for the LGBTQ+ community in Asia. We were in Taipei (as part of our around-the-world trip) just before Pride, and we could feel the excitement of the city in anticipation of Pride. It was also heartwarming to see my Asian community being proud of who they are and embracing love. It was a beautiful sight seeing so many allies taking pictures with the rainbow crossing. ❤️ #BarryAndTeraj✈️🌎 #taiwanpride #taiwan #gaytaiwan #taipeipride #taipei #gaytaipei #pride
#gaytravel #lgbtqtravel #gaycouple #discovertaiwan #gayasia #gaypride #intergaycial

Oops, I ate too much while in Japan! Especially in

Oops, I ate too much while in Japan! Especially in Osaka, also known as the kitchen of Japan because of all the amazing food you can find. From Okonomiyaki 🥞to sushi 🍣 to Yakiniku (Japanese grill) 🍢 to strawberry mochi 🍓to melonpan with matcha ice cream, we had it all. I cannot wait to go back and do it again. No regrets. 📍Osaka #BarryAndTeraj✈️🌎 #discoverosaka #osaka #osakajapan #osakatravel #japan #osakafood #foodie #japanfood #okonomiyaki #yakiniku #melonpan #strawberrymochi #sushilovers #oopsididitagain #gaytravel #lgbtq #gaycouple

Design that defines luxury with views of the Osaka

Design that defines luxury with views of the Osaka skyline that stole our hearts. Our stay at the Conrad Osaka was an unforgettable experience that made Osaka and our trip to Japan even more memorable. @teraj08 and I really had such a great time exploring and eating our way around the city! 📍 @conradosaka #BarryAndTeraj✈️🌎 #conradosaka #discoverosaka #osaka #osakajapan #osakatravel #japan
#conradhotels #gaytravel #lgbtq #gaycouple #gaykisses

As we continued on our around-the-world adventures

As we continued on our around-the-world adventures, we were fortunate enough to journey through the beautiful city of Kyoto and stay at the Roku Kyoto, where it was like a Japanese fairytale come to life. Here are a few moments we captured during our short time there:
1-5) Our own piece of paradise at Roku Kyoto; our favorite part was the view from our room and the minimalistic design of the hotel that honestly brings out the zen in me ❤️. They also have the Kyoto’s only outdoor natural onsen pool drawing hot spring water from the nearby resort.
6) Kinkaku-ji (the golden pavilion) is only a short walk from the hotel.
7) Yasaka Shrine lit up at night with many beautiful lanterns 🏮.
8) Kennin-ji Temple - the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto; the double dragon painting commemorates the 800-year anniversary of the temple.
9) Pontocho is a narrow alley lined with restaurants and bars where you may spot some geisha.
10) Macho Bar is a bar we stumbled across, thinking it was a gay bar, but instead, it’s a macho bar with macho men making macho drinks. No complaints. Lol 💪 Like and save if you are planning a trip to Kyoto. ❤️ #BarryAndTeraj✈️🌎 #rokukyoto #hiltonhotel #kyoto #japan #kyotojapan #kinkakujitemple #yasakashrine #machoman #travelinspiration #gaytravel #lgbtq #gaycouple #traveltips #gaylove #gaykiss #worldtraveler #Wanderlust #visitjapan #visitkyoto

In the heart of Tokyo, we found our own slice of h

In the heart of Tokyo, we found our own slice of heaven at the @conrad_tokyo 🌃✨ Unbelievable views, unforgettable memories, and inspiring love – all in one unforgettable anniversary month celebration. Exploring Tokyo’s vibrant energy and culture, while coming home to luxury was truly a dream. 👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏻❤️ #BarryAndTeraj✈️🌎 #ConradTokyo #AnniversaryLove
#anniversarymonth #gaycouple #tokyo #japan #travelinspiration #gaytravel #lgbtq #gaycouple #traveltips #gaylove #aroundtheworld #worldtraveler #Wanderlust #visitjapan #visittokyo

Go to Kruger, they said. It’s beautiful, they sa

Go to Kruger, they said. It’s beautiful, they said… We clearly went at the wrong time! #barryandteraj✈️🌎 #instagramreality #safari #krugernationalpark #krugersafari #reality #visitsouthafrica #southafrica #funnystory #couplestravelgoals #instagramvsreality

Week 13 on our global escapade brings us to Cape T

Week 13 on our global escapade brings us to Cape Town! The Radisson Blu Waterfront, our home away from home, served as our launchpad for memorable experiences. We hiked Lion’s Head for the best views of Table Mountain and the city, visited the cutest African penguins, and explored the many shops and restaurants by the Waterfront. This chapter of our journey was filled with wonder and joy. 🌍🏨🏞🐧🍽️ 🏨 - @radissonblu_waterfront
🥾- Lion’s Head
🐧- Boulder’s Beach
🎡 - V&A Waterfront Save and share if you have Cape Town on your #bucketlist! @radissonblu @radissonhotels #barryandteraj✈️🌎 #capetown #visitcapetown #southafrica #visitsouthafrica #travelblogger #traveltips #capetownsouthafrica #tablemountain #boulderbeach #penguins #africanpenguin

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