People Who Travel: Alex from Chicago, USA

Ever since I was kid, traveling has been a part of my life. I am very blessed to have a family that took as many opportunities as they could to travel the world growing up. As I got older, any chance I could, I seized the moment to travel for leisure and work. I am absolutely obsessed with food and the culture that surrounds it. Photography has been a passion of mine since I could press the shutter button. I enjoy adventure. Traveling allows me to mesh all of these together.

1)Number of countries visited:

18

2) Language(s) Spoken and/or want to learn:

I speak English, but would like to learn Tagalog and German.

3) Age and First International trip you took:

At four years old, my family and I visited the Philippines

4) Favorite airline:

Traveling with Korean Air has been the most pleasant flying experience I’ve had to date.

5) Your Go-To In-flight Apparel:

I typically wear slacks, long sleeve shirt, hoodie, and comfortable footwear

6) Things/Gadgets you can’t travel without:

Amidst my travel, I always have my camera, headphones, and iPhone.

7) Favorite country and why:

Thailand has been one of my overall favorite country to travel to. It had a great balance of culture, history, food, outdoor adventure, food, and more food. Traveling within the country was very affordable!

8) WTF moment:

When visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest in Bali, Indonesia, I got bit by a Balinese long-tailed Monkey.

9) Favorite city and why:

My favorite city is Amalfi, Italy. It’s a town along the southern coast of Italy and you feel this sense of ‘home’ there. Many businesses are family owned of many generations. Cobble stone roads. Old buildings. Friendly community. The food tastes so pure and flavorful.

The beautiful Amalfi Coast in Italy.

10) Most embarassing moment:

During my trip to Bali, Indonesia, I wanted to try the infamous Durian. We went to a local fruit stand off the side of the street, I purchased a durian. The lady helping us cut it open and served it to us. In front of her and many other visitors, I took a bite, immediately spit it out right by her feet, and almost threw up. Everyone around us was laughing so hard.

11) Favorite cuisine:

This is tough for me to decide, but if I had to choose one favorite cuisine, it would likely be Japanese.

12) Hotel, Hostel, or AirBnb?

Recently, I have been truly enjoying the AirBnB experience and culture.

13) Most memorable travel experience:

My most memorable travel experience was recently visiting the Philippines in 2016. I found it to be so memorable because I got to see where my parents grew up. It was so nice to see family that I haven’t visited in many years or even met!

14) Most challenging travel experience:

The most challenging travel experience of mine was when flying to Bali, Indonesia. The route of our flight was so long, very inefficient, and once we got to Bali, I got sick.

15) Best travel activity:

I love outdoor adventures, so hiking would likely be my choice for the best travel activity. It’s always fascinating to see the different terrain, weather, wildlife, and agriculture throughout the world.

16) Favorite travel souvenir:

My favorite travel souvenir is definitely the scar from the Balinese monkey bite.

17) Most Liked Instagram pic:

18) Future travel plans:

I really want to travel to Japan and Vietnam to continue my journey through the many Asian countries. One of my dreams is to see the Norther Lights in Iceland as well.

19) Bucket list:

I really want to see the Northern Lights and climb Mt. Everest.

20) Your travel influencer(s) and why:

My parents have been the number one influence on my passion for traveling. They have a very curious mind to learn and experience culture. I definitely inherited this interest from them!

22) Favorite travel quote:

“Oh, the places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuess.