10 Reasons to Visit Asia
January 14, 2018
Hi friends! I am sorry that it has been awhile. Life has been insanely busy the past couple of months and blogging was not at the top of my list. But with that being said, I am ready to dive back in and share with you some travel goodness! With the new year starting, I thought it would be fitting to do a post about Asia. Living there was one of the biggest highlights of my life and I want all of you to experience it. So I challenge you to go this year or any year or at least start planning to go because it will change your life! So keep reading about my "10 Reasons to Visit Asia". Of course I can think of a lot more reasons to go then just 10 but I thought I would spare you the never ending details and simplify it down a little... but no promises.
P.S. All images below are linked to the original blog post that they came from. So if you want more info about the specific image just click on it and it will send you there!
P.S. All images below are linked to the original blog post that they came from. So if you want more info about the specific image just click on it and it will send you there!
1. Affordable: The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of going back to Asia is cheap. But cheap in a good way, not like your great aunt who gives you a candy bar for Christmas cheap, more like I can get a quality bowl of curry for $2 US cheap. Let's also mention how I can fly country to country for less than it costs me to get to California! When we (my husband Clint and I) were living in Asia we got airline tickets to Hong Kong for $78 US. No joke! We booked all of our flights through Kayak.com, I highly recommend booking through them.
2. People: The people are so welcoming and willing to help out. One time we were lost in a subway and although Clint speaks Chinese, they did not know that, so they were trying to help us figure out where to go and translate the signs for us. They truly care to make you feel invited into their country and will do everything they can to make you feel that way.
3. Big, Bustling Cities: The only city that I had ever visited was Washington D.C before traveling to Asia so you could say that I was throughly impressed with the buildings or should I say sky scrappers that made up Hong Kong and Taiwan. It was insane! We went up to the 55th floor of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and it had a view that I couldn't of ever dreamed of seeing. I was ready to end the trip right there because I was certain that I had seen it all. The cities have so much to offer that it is impossible to not find something to do, but it is possible to not have enough time to see them all.
4. Public Transportation: 2 minutes. Yes you read that right, 2 minutes is how long it takes for a subway to come in Hong Kong. Not to mention there are endless buses and high speed trains to get you anywhere you need to go. It is so easy and affordable to get around in Asia that transportation should never be a concern.
5. Food: So a little back story on me, I am THE most picky eater you will ever meet. I hate trying new things and I do not like anything healthy. So you could say that I was a little concerned about living in Asia for four months. But I was determined to venture out of my comfort zone and try new things! The food was so different in every country that it was so fun to try them all. Taiwan had amazing noodles and the best shaved mango ice cream. I would sell my first born for a bite of it right now, it was that good. Of course Thailand had every type of curry that you could ever think of, from red to green or yellow the spices and flavors were divine. It's safe to say that you can find every type of food out there. You may want to try them all and others you may think twice, but it is all part of the experience!
6. Night Markets: Man I wish these were popular in the U.S. because they are amazing! Just image rows and rows of vendors mazing in and out of each other selling trinkets, food and traditional souvenirs to take back home with you. I loved bargaining with the vendors to get the best deal possible and feeling so satisfied walking away with a new shirt for 32 Thai Baht ( which is $1) . So a little word of advice, never say yes to the first price, you can always talk them down.
^ picture taken from shutter stock
7. Beaches: Thailand hands down has the best beaches of all of the countries we visited. The main beach in the Phuket area is called Patong and it was beautiful but just a little crowded. But if you hop on your scooter for 5 minutes up the road, you can find a private beach with maybe two other people there. It was so incredible to have these pristine beautiful beaches to yourself. Then of course you can do excursions out to Koh Phi Phi and James Bond Island and the waters are so crystal clear. But no matter where you go, you will be able to find beautiful escapes from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
8. New Experiences: Have you ever ridden an elephant before? Tried pigs blood on a stick? What about fed wild monkeys? Or even ridden on a bamboo raft down a river in the middle of the jungle? If you answer no to any of these, that is reason enough to visit Asia. You can experience things there that you can not experience anywhere else! My bucket list got a lot of check marks after and I created some amazing memories.
9. Spiritual Architecture: With the wide range of religions in Asia, amazing architecture is all around you, from old to new. Each country that we visited, had different types of temples and Buddha statues to visit. All of these had intricate art work covering the walls, along with bright colors and marble floors. It was such a spiritual experience getting to visit other religious places of worship and learning how they worship. We could of spent all day everyday visiting them because there are so many to go to and see. I highly recommend visiting a few of them, it will help you learn about their culture and open your eyes to new religions.
10. Nature: From hikes to beaches to bamboo forests, mother nature has so much to offer you. We were constantly finding things to do outdoors. You don't even have to go very far, gorgeous parks were in the middle of giant cities offering ponds and trees to relax under. The hikes were out of this world hearing tropical birds chirp and monkeys in the distance. Let's just say if you are an outdoor enthusiast, this is the place for you. Not to mention that the Asian culture is big on health and fitness so their are always free classes you can take to help keep fit.
Overall, if these reasons didn't convince you to hop on a plane today, then I hope they at least spark your interest in visiting one day. It is an incredible place with amazing people. You will make memories that will last a lifetime! If you have any questions, feel free to email me or head over to the travel tab to see more blog posts! xoxo