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CARRY-ON ESSENTIALS

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asianmapleleaf

Today marks the end of an incredible chapter in my

Today marks the end of an incredible chapter in my life. You may or may not know, but I actually work in Finance and come from an accounting background. 🤓 It's my last day at work, as I am retiring from Finance to embark on an exhilarating journey of a lifetime! ✈️🌍

I've decided to pursue my deepest passion for travel, and together with @teraj08, we'll be embarking on a 7+ month adventure around the world.

Looking back 8 years ago when I first moved to NYC, I could have never imagined being in this position today. The “American” dream seemed like a distant aspiration. But here I am, living proof that dreams do come true. This is also a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a little bit of planning, we can achieve what may have once felt impossible.

As I bid farewell to the daily grind 🙌, I'm ready to embrace the unknown, explore new cultures, immerse myself in breathtaking landscapes, and create unforgettable memories. Join me as I capture the world's wonders through my lens and share the joy of living life to the fullest.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey thus far. Your love, encouragement, and friendship have fueled my dreams. I can't wait to share this incredible adventure with you all! 🌟✨

#RetirementGoals #retirement #retireearly #FIREmovement #financialfreedom #WanderlustBound #LivingTheDream #NewBeginnings #pursuingpassion #newchapter #nyc #timesquare

50 golden years of love, laughter, and adventure!

50 golden years of love, laughter, and adventure! Last week we celebrated my parents’ milestone anniversary in the beautiful city of Montreal with the whole family. It was a full circle moment because they first landed in Montreal almost 50 years ago but have never had the chance to actually visit the city. They moved to Canada with almost nothing and now they are living it up and staying at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth @fairmontqueene. Both my parents were so grateful and had never ever dreamed they would ever stay in such a nice place.

It was a beautiful weekend with many new memories being together. Teraj and I are both inspired by their love. Cheers to love and happiness! ❤️🥂
📍 Montreal Canada
#montreal #fairmontmoments #oldmontreal #cntower #toronto #viarail #happyanniversary #immigrants #asiantravel #familytrip #gayfamily #intergaycial #GoldenAnniversary #FamilyTrip #MontrealMemories #travelblogger @fairmonthotels @viarailcanada @all_northamerica @montreal

Following in love all over again in Turku Finland!

Following in love all over again in Turku Finland! 🇫🇮

Going to use this post to remind myself of the romantic spots for a future date with @teraj08 ❤️👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏻😘

📍Turku castle and Aura riverside walk

@ourfinland #VisitFinland @visitturku #visitturkuarchipelago #visitturku #discoveringfinland #traveldiaries #travelinspiration #lgbtqtravelers #gaytravel #gaycouples #loveislove

Exploring Turku’s charm, one kiss at a time 💋

Exploring Turku’s charm, one kiss at a time 💋❤️

Turku, Finland is just 2 hours from Helsinki and has some incredible photos spots… Here are my top 5 picks, as shown in order in the video:
1. Turku Castle - this medieval castle provides a stunning backdrop for photos, with its towering walls and turrets.
2. Turku Cathedral and surrounding area
3. The Qwensel house - these old wooden houses date back to the 18th century
4. Monastery Avenue - a colourful alley that dates back to medieval Turku
5. Aura River - offers picturesque views along the riverbank

@visitturku #visitturkuarchipelago #visitturku @ourfinland #VisitFinland #turku #DiscoveringFinland #TravelDiaries #finlandphotospots #loveislove #gaykisses #TravelInspiration #lgbtqtraveler #gaytravel #gayfinland #gaylove

From Helsinki to Turku, Finland has stolen my hear

From Helsinki to Turku, Finland has stolen my heart! ❤️ Exploring Finland for the first time has been an amazing experience, and Teraj and I felt so welcomed traveling as a gay couple. We were literally inspired to show our love throughout our time in Helsinki, the capital and largest city of Finland.

Here are just a few moments. 🏳️‍🌈❤️
1. Kisses in-front of the Helsinki Cathedral, one of most iconic landmarks in the city
2+3. Showing rainbows by the colourful pastel houses on Huvilakatu Street
4. Enjoying the flowers and nature during our walk exploring the city
5+6. Floating sauna. The Fins are serious with their sauna and I personally think it’s the key to their happiness (and glowing youthful skin)
7. Oodi public library is a masterpiece. I love that it is more like a community center for the city.
8. The Tom of Finland exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma
9. Yoo-hoo! gay walking tour with the most amazing group of humans

@myhelsinki #MyHelsinki @ourfinland #VisitFinland #ExploringHelsinki #helsinki #finland #DiscoveringFinland #TravelDiaries #TravelInspiration#lgbtqtraveler #gaytravel

Throwing it back to an incredible weekend at the G

Throwing it back to an incredible weekend at the Gay Polo Tournament in West Palm Beach 🏇🌴🌈 It was our first time at this inclusive and high-energy event, and we couldn't have asked for a better experience. From trying out some of the amazing cars from Lexus, to cheering on the teams and meeting new friends, it was truly unforgettable. Check out this photo dump of our favorite memories from the weekend! 📸😍

@gaypololeague #gaypolo #GPL2023 #LexusIS #LexusRX #LexusGX #PASSPORTMAG #LEXUSGPL23 #WestPalmBeach #InclusivityWins #MemoriesToLastALifetime

We are still riding high on the energy and inclusi

We are still riding high on the energy and inclusivity at the Gay Polo Tournament in West Palm Beach! From thrilling matches to making new friends, our first time was an absolute treat. So grateful for the warm welcome and the shared love of the sport. Not only did we get to soak in the excitement of the games, but we also had the chance to try out some of the amazing cars from Lexus. Talk about an adrenaline rush! 🙌🌈🐎

@gaypololeague @passportmag @lexususa #gaypolo #GPL2023 #LexusIS #LexusRX #PASSPORTMAG #LEXUSGPL23. #WestPalmBeach #InclusivityWins #LexusLife

Bringing a taste of San Diego sunshine to the stre

Bringing a taste of San Diego sunshine to the streets of NYC with this incredible mural in the Lower East Side! ☀️😍🎨#sponsored. We can all use a little more happiness in our lives, and @visitsandiego in partnership with @tripadvisor is having us dreaming of warm beaches and endless blue skies and reminding us that 'Happiness is Calling'! ☎️🌟 The mural even offers an AR experience with an Instagram filter that will transport vou right to the sunny shores of San Diego where you can snorkel! 🏖️🤳

Let's spread some happiness together!

📍102 Ludlow St (corner of Ludlow and Delancey)

#HappinessisCalling #VisitSanDiego
#Tripadvisor #VisitSD #sandiego #nyc #newyorkcity #NYCmurals #ARExperience

We escaped the hustle and bustle of NYC and found

We escaped the hustle and bustle of NYC and found ourselves in the tranquil beauty of Westchester County (@WestchesterCountyTourismNY), just a short 30 drive or train ride away from Manhattan 🚂🚙🏙️. It was such a great boys weekend getaway - We indulged in some delicious food 🥩🍽️, had some great conversations, and even got up close and personal with some adorable alpacas 🦙 at Faraway Farms (@farawayfarmalpacas)… But the cherry on top was the much-needed R&R at the Opus Westchester spa (@theopuswestchester), followed by sipping on some amazing craft cocktails at a local speakeasy (@theblindpigofwestchester ). Already planning our next trip back! 🙌

#VisitWestchester #BeyondInWestchester #WestchesterWeekend #OpusSpa #newyork #thingstodonyc #grandcentralterminal #BoysWeekend #WestchesterCounty #OpusWestchester #FarawayFarms #CraftCocktails #GoodTimes #weekendgetaway

Happiness is calling with this sunshine kit from S

Happiness is calling with this sunshine kit from San Diego ☺ #sponsored

San Diego is beaming with rays of fun, positivity, and so much creativity, and this box brings a little bit of that sunshine to you! As you can see, this kit is full of fun products, from churro-inspired chocolate to @sandiegozoo tickets, I guarantee it will bring you a smile as big as mine. ☺

Visit my stories today to learn how you can enter to win your very own Sunshine Kit! See you in sunny San Diego soon xoxo.

Found in the box: @vuoriclothing @alohacollection @chuaochocolatier @sandiegozoo @coola @legolandcalifornia @1502candleco @padres

@Tripadvisor #VisitSanDiego #VisitSD #sunshine #sandiego #tripadvisor @visitsandiego

Complete Official Rules at https://tripadv.sr/SanDiegoSweepstakes. 18+ only. Ends 5/15/23.

“Haters will see you walk on water and say it’

“Haters will see you walk on water and say it’s because you can’t swim”
- this is actually why we should all do what makes you most happy because people can literally take anything and make into something negative. 🌈❤️

But also I can’t swim 😂😂😂

Or walk on water 😳😳😳

📍 @thesiamhotel (#bangkok)
👨🏿‍🤝‍👨🏻 @teraj08
#thailand #thesiamhotel #bangkokthailand #inspireothers #lgbtq #gaycouples #lovewins #gaythailand #intergaycial

A few weeks back we went to the island of Koh Samu

A few weeks back we went to the island of Koh Samui, just a hour flight from Bangkok. We only stayed for a few night but here are some of the top things we enjoyed while there…
1. Villa and pool time - the villa we stayed at was beautiful and super cheap! We only paid around $200usd for 4 nights!
2. Magic garden - a hidden garden paradise in the middle of a lush hilltop (there was a beautiful waterfall on the way too)
3. City vibes - we had the best cocktails in Central Samui. There are so many bars, restaurants and shops for you to check out.
4. Temples and statues - Koh Samui, like the rest of Thailand, has so many ornate temples and grand statues. In Samui, I recommend Wat Plai Laem and the big Buddha.
5. Beaches - Koh Samui has several cute beaches but our favourite was Choengmon because it was large and not busy when we went.
6. Natural beauty - between the ocean, beaches, and parks, they’re a lot natural beauty to see.

#thailand #amazingthailand #kohsamui #samuiisland #thailandtravel #travelinspiration #lovetravel #traveltips #traveltheworld #lgbtqtravelers #gaytravel @teraj08

Take us back to sunny Thailand and @thesiamhotel ,

Take us back to sunny Thailand and @thesiamhotel , an oasis along the Chao Phraya River right in Bangkok! ☀️🕶️❤️

🏷️ Tag someone you who you think would like to stay here!

#bangkok #thailand #amazingthailand #luxuryhotels #bangkokthailand #thailandtravel ##travelinspiration #lovetravel #traveltheworld #lgbtqtravelers #gaytravel @nickdowningsiam @teraj08

We had such a great time in Thailand! 🇹🇭 We

We had such a great time in Thailand! 🇹🇭 We started our adventures in Bangkok, the capital and busiest city in Thailand. It was @teraj08 first time to Thailand so I really wanted to show him some of the highlights! If you only have a few days in the city, here are some photos to inspire you on things to do.

1. Me enjoying the sun in the atrium of the @thesiamhotel - one of the most luxurious resorts in the city!
2. Teraj and I starting our first morning in Bangkok with a delicious breakfast at the Chon Thai restaurant at The Siam Hotel overlooking the Chao Phraya River.
3. We took the took The Siam Hotel’s private shuttle cruise boat everywhere to avoid Bangkok traffic! Tip: You can also download the ‘Grab’ app (like Uber but for Southeast Asia). 🚕
4. Our first stop was the Grand Palace, the official residence of the King of Thailand. It was OPULENT! Gold everywhere!
5. Next, we walked over to ‘Wat Pho’ - home of the Reclining Buddha, one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. Surrounding the statue were 108 bronze bowls where you drop coins to bring good fortune.
6. We also walked through the Yodpiman flower market with rows and rows of beautiful flower vendors. Across the street is super cute floral cafe hidden within a flower shop.
7. The Bangkok Chinatown was super fun to walkthrough. It was lined with so many food and street vendors. A foodie’s paradise.
8. I would be missing the mark if I didn’t mention all the delicious Thai food we ate. We never had a bad meal and the best part was that everything was so affordable.
9. Bangkok has a thriving gay scene with most of the bars around the Silom Road area of the city. Although not in the same area, our favourite was the House of Heals @houseofhealsbkk opened by @panginaheals - we were fortunate enough to go on a night when she was performing. Epic! 👠
10. Although we didn’t stop in, we boated by the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). We didn’t catch it at down but it still looks pretty cool at dusk!

Did we miss anything? Let me know in my comments so that we can visit them the next time we go! 😘
#thailand #bangkok #traveltips #gaytravel #lgbtqtravelers #gaylove #asia #gaysian #gaycouples

Beyond limits and expectations at @fairmontcentury

Beyond limits and expectations at @fairmontcenturyplaza ! We were in LA just in time to catch a special #allbeyondlimits vertical stage performance by @bandalooping on the facade of the historic hotel. It was part of ‘Beyond LIMITS’, a collection of first-of-their-kind, awe-inspiring experiences available exclusively at iconic @fairmonthotels properties. I have to say, mission accomplished because this was such a unique and touching show that made my first visit to LA extra special.

Aside from the show, we were also so fortunate to be able to stay at the Fairmont Century Plaza. It was located within walking distance from Beverly Hills and the shops on Rodeo Drive. (And yes, we were being New Yorkers and walked everywhere around LA). It was a short trip but we made the most of it, visiting friends and seeing some of the city sights. I now see the appeal of the city and we look forward to visiting again soon! Second home maybe? Haha 👀

@discoverla @all @all_northamerica #fairmonthotel fairmontmoments #centurycity #losangeles #la #beverlyhills #uniqueexperience #thingstodoinla

Happy Valentine’s @teraj08 ❤️ Thank you for

Happy Valentine’s @teraj08 ❤️ Thank you for all the wonderful memories and unconditional love over the last 7+ years! 😘. Cannot wait to for our upcoming ✈️🌎 adventures!

Also, Happy Valentine’s to all of you, whether you are in a romantic relationship or enjoying some self love. 💕

Did you know? The cover photo was taken last Nov right after @teraj08 proposed and is in the actual spot in NYC where we first met! 💍

#happyvalentinesday #valentinesday #valentines #love #loveislove #engaged #lovestory #valentine #gaycouple #gaylove #valentinestories #intergaycial #lovewins #gaykiss

All smiles when I am able to take some time to enj

All smiles when I am able to take some time to enjoy the sun and pool! ☀️😎

I haven’t posted for awhile because it has just been so busy at work and I have been feeling so drained. That said, this year is going to a year of change and you will be seeing a lot more smiles from me soon! I cannot wait to share more with you soon. 🙌 Until then, keep smiling too 😘

#miami #miamilife #pool #poolside #travel #motivation #gaysian #gaytravel #fitness #asianmen #loveyourself

Running into the new year, together. ❤️ 2023

Running into the new year, together. ❤️

2023 is going to be epic! I cannot wait to share what we have planned. Any guesses?? 🥰🌎

📍 @windjammerlanding
📸 @mr.stevenbranco

#stlucia #windjammerlanding #2023goals #newyearsgoals #newadventures #gaycouplegoals #gaycouples #lgbtqtravelers #gaytravel #gaytraveler #pursuitofhappiness #intergaycial

2022, you have been amazing!! From all the travels

2022, you have been amazing!! From all the travels, spending time with friends and family, to getting engaged, it has been a year to remember. Happy New Year to you all and thank you for all your love and support throughout the year! I cannot wait to share all the new adventures in next year. Love you all! ❤️❤️❤️

@teraj08 #newyear #happynewyear #2022
#2022recap #yearinreview #engaged #engagement #gayboyfriendcouple #gaycouples #gaylove #traveljournal #intergaycial #lovewins

Dreaming of somewhere warm… somewhere with a bea

Dreaming of somewhere warm… somewhere with a beach… dreaming of St Pete! The perfect escape from winter - we had such a great time! Here are some highlights from our recent trip! 🚫❄️ 👍🏖️

@vspc #LetsShineSPC #stpetersburg #stpetersburgflorida #stpete #clearwaterbeach #gaytravel #gaytraveler #travelblogger #lgbtqtravelers #travel #travelcouple #gaycouples #travelinspiration #travelingram #loveislove #sunset #bfadventures #bf #gaysian

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