"Traveling isn’t about the places you go but the hearts you touch and the people who touch yours."
This has been my mantra throughout my years of solo traveling. While many see travel as a chance to escape or explore, I’ve always believed it’s about connecting—forming bonds that transcend borders and leaving with stories that stay with you forever. These connections have shaped me in ways no guidebook ever could.
One of the most memorable connections I’ve made was with Farah, a fellow traveler I met in July 2023 in Taiwan. At a hostel in Ximending, where strangers gathered around a long communal table, we ended up sitting together one evening. She was preparing to leave for her flight back to Malaysia, and I was staying for a few more days. What started as a casual chat turned into a heartfelt exchange about life, travel experiences, dreams, and passion. It felt simple at the moment, but that conversation was the beginning of something deeply special.
After returning to Manila, we stayed in touch. When I mentioned I’d be flying to Kuala Lumpur a few days later, Farah immediately offered to meet up. In KL, she didn’t just meet me—she welcomed me with open arms. Knowing I was arriving on a red-eye flight to save on fare, she insisted on fetching me from the airport, even though it meant disrupting her own sleep.
That gesture alone spoke volumes about her generosity. She treated me to local dishes, showed me around the city, and made me feel like I belonged. It was the kind of kindness that stays with you long after the trip ends.
By the time I returned for my third visit to Malaysia in January 2024, Farah and I had grown even closer. She hosted me at her home, ensuring I was comfortable as I balanced work and meetings with students. Her care went beyond hospitality—it felt like being part of her family.
She didn’t just share her home; she shared her life, and that’s a gift I’ll always cherish.
One of the most unforgettable moments of our friendship happened during a trip to Melaka. While swimming, I was stung by a jellyfish—a terrifying experience that landed me in the hospital. Farah wasn’t in Melaka at the time; she was back in KL. Yet, despite the distance, she immediately sprang into action. She sent me contacts for local hospitals, shared maps, and provided detailed directions to ensure I got the help I needed. Her concern and quick thinking made all the difference that day. Even from afar, she made me feel like I wasn’t alone.
Our bond went further as we began creating together. Farah and I started a podcast where we talked about life, dreams, and everything in between. These conversations became a source of inspiration and connection, even when we were miles apart.
Even when I wasn’t physically there, I made sure she and her family knew they were appreciated. On special occasions, I sent flowers to her mother and even ordered some for Farah before I left Malaysia. It was my way of reminding them that their kindness had left a lasting impression on me.
Farah’s story isn’t an isolated one in my travels. In Vietnam, I shared meals with locals who couldn’t speak my language but communicated through gestures and laughter. And in Indonesia, I had an entirely different but equally heartwarming story—one I’ll save for another time.
These moments remind me that traveling isn’t about luxury, Instagram-worthy spots, or meticulously planned itineraries. It’s about showing up with an open heart, embracing the unexpected, and finding beauty in human connection. Sitting at that long table in Ximending, I couldn’t have known that one conversation would shape my journey in such a profound way.
Travel is about more than just places—it’s about people. It’s about being willing to step into someone else’s world and let them into yours. Farah and countless others I’ve met along the way have shown me the power of kindness, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.
