As we sit in the Singapore airport during a long layover waiting for a flight back to the U.S., it’s hard to believe that just under three months ago we were wandering through our very first shrine in Tokyo. That beginning feels like it could have been a year ago—or a lifetime.
Since then, we’ve zigzagged across nine countries. From the amazing Kyoto temples to the wild streets of Hanoi, from floating through Bai Tu Long Bay to hiking craters in Indonesia, this journey has been a whirlwind of contrasts, cultures, and amazing connection!
How Much Ground Can You Cover in 90 Days?
For anyone thinking that three months on the road means slowing down—think again. We covered some serious ground. In total, we took 18 flights, hopped on countless trains, boats, subways, tuk tuks, and hailed more Grab rides (Uber equivalent in Asia) than we could begin to count. While we did have days of relaxing, we soaked in a lot —and with just one real hiccup along the way, nearly every flight and train ran shockingly on time. Honestly, the U.S. could learn a thing or two.
And here’s the other thing: travel in Asia is pretty darn cheap. While flight prices varied, local transport was incredibly affordable. In Thailand alone, we estimate we took 15–20 Grab rides during our two weeks—and the total cost? $48. Subways cost pocket change. Tuk tuks were less than $2 and always an adventure. Of course, not every travel day was smooth. There were long stretches spent in transit, times we were tired, and just plain lost. But getting turned around usually became part of the fun.
Let’s Talk About the Heat (and the Humidity)
We started our trip in Japan and South Korea, enjoying spring days in the 60s, wandering through cherry blossoms. But the moment we stepped off the plane in Vietnam, everything changed. The heat hit us like a wall—but it wasn’t just the temperature. It was the humidity. We knew Southeast Asia would be hot, but honestly, we didn’t know it was possible to sweat this much. It wasn’t just a little sheen on your forehead kind of sweat—it was full-body, shirt-sticking, two-showers-a-day kind of sweat. The coastal areas brought some nice relief thanks to ocean breeze.
The key to surviving? Start early. We often made a point to explore in the morning. Lots and lots of water, loose clothing, and an acceptance that you’re going to be sticky 90% of the time became part of the daily routine. It’s all part of the experience—but this trip has taught me that full-time I’m not cut out for this humidity…and neither is my hair!
Communicating and Meeting People Along The Way
We came into this trip knowing exactly zero of the local languages, aside from the obligatory “hello,” and “thank you” in each new country. Luckily, English was widely spoken, especially in tourist-friendly areas across Southeast Asia. Ironically, the biggest language barrier we faced was in Japan—the very place we expected it to be easiest. While everyone was kind and helpful, English was less common so we just bowed a lot.
We were constantly blown away by the hospitality, smiles and genuine kindness of the people we met. Tourism is clearly a major part of life in many of these places, and yet service never felt forced—it felt thoughtful. Whether it was a street vendor, hotel staff, or someone pointing us in the right direction on the sidewalk, we were treated with such warmth that it honestly might be a rude awakening going home.
As for meeting people—it was easier than we expected. Joining group tours almost always led to interesting conversations, shared laughs, and more than once, spontaneous meetups for drinks, dinner, or exploring a new place together. There’s a kind of instant camaraderie among travelers that makes it easy to connect, even if it’s just for a few hours. So no, we never really felt lonely. We were with each other, but we were also surrounded by a world full of new people, stories, and energy.
What About Safety?
Aside from a few heart-pounding street crossings where scooters seemed to come from every direction (and never stop), we felt incredibly safe throughout the entire trip. Across the nine countries we visited, there was an overwhelming sense of people simply doing the right thing. We weren’t brave enough to test it ourselves, but it wasn’t unusual to see phones left unattended on café tables, or laptops charging at airport kiosks with no one nearby—something you just don’t see much in the U.S.
Before we left, we got a few key vaccinations as a precaution, and thankfully, we stayed healthy throughout the trip. In many of the countries we visited, tap water isn’t safe to drink, so we stuck to bottled or filtered water—even for brushing our teeth. As for food, we absolutely loved exploring night markets and street stalls, but we were also a bit cautious. We aimed for busy spots with high turnover, skipped anything that looked like it had been sitting out too long, and passed on the more adventurous bites when we weren’t sure. Some might call it overly careful—but we didn’t want to take chances, and it worked out just fine.
Wrapping It All Up
As we wrap up this nearly three-month journey, it’s hard to put into words just how much this experience has opened our eyes—not just to the beauty, history, and diversity of the places we visited, but to new ways of thinking, living, and seeing the world. Travel has a way of leaving its mark. We came for the adventure, and we’re leaving with so much more: perspective, humility, and a renewed curiosity about how others live. The gift of travel isn’t just what you see—it’s how it shifts something inside you. And that part, we know, will stay with us long after we get home.