The monotonous life of waking up and working a 9-to-5 office job every day took a lot out of me. I knew I had to get away for a while and embark on a new adventure that I’ve never considered before, which is why I wanted to travel to Asia to experience different cultures. This was my chance to truly find myself, as I stepped away from my desk and hopped on a plane to an area of the world I’d never seen before.
My excitement was through the roof as I bought a one-way ticket to Asia with no return date planned, giving me ample time for deep exploration of some of the world’s most spectacular countries. Join me in reading this guide, as I talk you through my experiences and give you insight into why Asia is the perfect continent to find your authentic self.
Finding Purpose in the Pack
Before I ever stepped onto the plane, the act of packing became an unexpected ritual of letting go of my current life and stepping into something new. Fitting quick-dry fabrics alongside a selection of women’s streetwear items. This style was a deliberate choice, as it’s practical yet aesthetically strong so it makes for the perfect travel outfit choice that made me feel free. It improved my comfort and confidence during the trip, as it helped with navigating both a rugged mountain trail and a bustling city intersection with ease.
This physical act of stripping down prepared me mentally for the emotional journey ahead. It taught me that my confidence did not come from a closet full of expensive things, but from knowing I could handle any situation with only what was on my back.
South East Asia
My first stop in Asia was the Southeast, which unlocked some senses that I never knew existed. It was so far away from ordinary life, with the humid air and busy streets making me feel like I stepped into a cauldron of madness (in the best way possible). The itinerary I created myself went completely out the window, as there was no way to plan what I was going to do with there being so much going on.
Chiang Mai was the most memorable place I visited in Southeast Asia. This city is based in mountainous northern Thailand and has some of the most surreal sights that I’ve ever seen, with everywhere you look being something completely different. There’s a small yoga retreat tucked away here, which gave me the perfect chance to get away from the loud cities and achieve some self reflection.
This is where I learned to sit with my discomfort, my fear of the unknown, and my deep-seated need for control. Thailand taught me to stop doing and start being. The armour of my old identity began to feel heavy and obsolete, as I chipped away at everything that had been bothering me in the months before my travels.
North East Asia
My bucket list destination of Japan provided an unexpected layer to my self-discovery. These countries showed precision that taught me the value of presence in detail. In Japan, the concept of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and impermanence, resonated with me and is something that I’ve taken back and implemented in my own home. Riding the bullet train, observing the beautiful gardens and participating in a quiet Kyoto tea ceremony forced me to slow down to match the external discipline.
In South Korea, I was confronted by a different kind of intensity, as it felt like I took a step into the future. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and the growing digital culture, I saw a society dedicated to both progress and deep respect for tradition. Visiting ancient palaces highlighted the powerful lesson of honouring the past while planning towards a better future. It taught me that my authentic self would be found through continuous evolution without getting rid of my core values.
My Return to the UK
After I explored Asia, I found the courage to stop looking for validation outside of myself. The journey didn’t give me a new job title or a perfect life plan, but it rather gave me an internal compass that points only to authenticity. Returning home, I now understand that my value is inherent, not acquired, so I should never feel ashamed of who I am and instead use it to further evolve myself. I now seek experiences that make me feel alive, rather than ones that look good on paper.
If you are feeling lost, remember that the things you cling to can often make you feel trapped, so it’s important to let them all loose. Sometimes, you have to travel halfway across the world and lose your familiar identity to finally find yourself.