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CARRY-ON ESSENTIALS

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Washington DC will always be a special place to us

Washington DC will always be a special place to us as it was one of the first cities we traveled to together 👨🏾‍🤝‍👨🏻 We’ve visited countless times since, and, without fail, this city awakens the inner child in the both of us. Our love and appreciation for this beautiful, vibrant and inclusive city runs deep, as it celebrates and champions diversity and warmly embraces the LGBTQ+ community with open arms. This recent trip, we explored more of the National Mall. If you only have a few hours in DC, this is a must do! We’re always captivated by the area’s unparalleled beauty and romantic allure; from the grand steps of the Lincoln Memorial to its enchanting pathways, gracefully flanked by majestic columns, the panoramic vistas of the cityscape and the monumental expanse of the National Mall. We, also, took a stroll around the Reflecting Pool and the fountains of the World World II Memorial. All in all, this idyllic haven left us spellbound. Have you ever experienced the magic of DC? If so, what’s your bucket-list attraction or highly recommended thing to do? If you haven’t been to Washington DC, I hope that our visit lights the spark for your next unforgettable adventure in this extraordinary city of unity and acceptance. @visitwashingtondc #MyDCcool #ExperienceDC

It is Pride Month, and what better way to celebrat

Embracing Love, Celebrating Diversity 🌈✨! Was

Embracing Love, Celebrating Diversity 🌈✨! Washington, DC is a city that stands as a beacon of acceptance and unity, where love knows no boundaries. From the iconic landmarks to the bustling neighborhoods, every corner exudes an atmosphere of celebration and inclusion.

Washington, DC is a playground for art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. It’s a city that captivates and mesmerizes year-round. From the grandeur of the National Mall to the vibrant neighborhoods like Georgetown and Dupont Circle, there’s always something exciting happening.

As we continue to celebrate Pride Month and look forward to the city hosting World Pride 2025, let’s also celebrate the year-round joy that Washington, DC brings. It’s a city that embraces all, where love and diversity intertwine to create unforgettable memories. Join me in exploring this incredible city and embracing the spirit of adventure that awaits at every turn.

@visitwashingtondc #ExperienceDC #MyDCcool #LoveInDC #ProudInWashington #WorldPride2025

Last week, @teraj08 and I had the incredible oppor

Last week, @teraj08 and I had the incredible opportunity to attend one of the best LGBTQ+ travel conferences, @proud_experiences, in vibrant LA. We immersed ourselves in a whirlwind of excitement, embracing kindred spirits from around the world. Stories were shared, laughter echoed, and dreams were nurtured, fostering a powerful sense of community.

Amidst the vibrant energy, we discovered moments of serenity at the luxurious spa at the Fairmont Century Plaza’s. The calm ambiance provided a much-needed break, allowing us to rejuvenate and recharge between engaging events.

@fairmontcenturyplaza exceeded our expectations, ensuring that our stay was nothing short of perfection. The hotel’s impeccable service and attention to detail allowed us to seamlessly navigate between our room and conference meetings.

Grateful for the incredible memories created, we left Proud Experiences and Fairmont Century Plaza with hearts full of love, acceptance, and gratitude.✨🌈❤️ @discoverla #ProudExperiences #gaytravel #lgbtqtravelers #la #discoverla #LoveAndAcceptance #FairmontCenturyPlaza #fairmontmoments #gaycouple #loveislove

Happy pride month!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Happy pride month!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Embracing the vibrant colors of Pride Month, we stand together to celebrate the beauty of diversity and the power of love. 🌈❤️✨

Beyond the parades and festivities, Pride Month is a reminder of the importance of visibility and representation. By proudly sharing our love as a gay interracial couple, we hope to inspire others to embrace their true selves and love without fear or shame.

There are still over 60+ countries (or 1/3 of the world) that still have laws that criminalizes being gay. The crazy thing is that there are still new laws being signed recently!

There is clearly still a lot to be done to create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and loved, regardless of their gender, sexuality, or background.

#PrideMonth #pride #gaypride #pride🌈 #LoveAndAcceptance #VisibilityMatters #EqualityForAll #EmbraceDiversity #ProudlyUs #gay #gaycouples #intergaycial #rainbow

After bidding farewell to my corporate life, I sou

After bidding farewell to my corporate life, I sought solace and rejuvenation at a wellness retreat just two hours away from Toronto. This tranquil escape became my haven for rediscovery and a much-needed reset.

Each day, I immersed myself in transformative activities. From invigorating yoga sessions to serene nature hikes, I nurtured my body and connected with the beauty of the surrounding environment. The retreat also offered moments of stillness and introspection through meditation, allowing me to find inner peace amidst the chaos.

This experience highlighted the significance of prioritizing mental health and self-care, alongside physical well-being, a lesson I now wholeheartedly recommend to everyone.

Join me as I share my personal journey of self-discovery and inspire others to prioritize their well-being. 🌿✨ #WellnessRetreat #toronto #torontolife #grailsprings #sparetreat #wellnessjourney #selfcare #selflove #mentalhealthawareness #Rediscovery #EmbraceWellBeing @grailspringsretreat

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

And we have a WINNER! Congrats @dcmac03 🎉🎊✈️🌎
🌴 G I V E A W A Y ALERT 🌴

We're giving away the ULTIMATE travel experience with Alaska Airlines! 🛫✈️ How would you like to win 2 flight tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies? You and a +1 could jet off to your dream destination with the airline that's all about joy and adventure! 😍🌍

Our recent trip to Hawaii, we flew with @alaskaair and had an unforgettable experience! From the stunning beaches, lush landscapes, to the freshest of eats, our journey with Alaska Airlines made our trip truly special. And let's not forget about the AMAZING flight crew who made us feel at home in the skies! 🏝️🌺 #IFlyAlaska

To enter this incredible giveaway, here's what you need to do:

1️⃣ FOLLOW @alaskaair @teraj08 and @asianmapleleaf
2️⃣ LIKE and SAVE this post ❤️
3️⃣ TAG your travel buddy in the comments below 🌍

Bonus Entry: Share this post on your story and tag us for 5️⃣ extra chances to win! 📲✨

Hurry, because travel must be booked by May 30, 2023, and travel dates are valid between now and May 30, 2023. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to explore the world with Alaska Airlines! 🌎✈️ Winner will be announced on April 14th!

Good luck, y’all! 🍀🌍 #AlaskaAirlines #TravelAdventures #DreamDestinations #Wanderlust

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

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