Hey there, fellow explorers! I’m Jaszmin, but you can call me Jasz.

For me, travel isn’t about ticking off a checklist of tourist spots. It’s about immersing myself in local cultures, discovering hidden gems, and letting the journey take its own course.

As a proud Singaporean who thrives on solo travel, I embrace the freedom of wandering without a plan. This blog is my personal space to share stories, memories, and the lessons I’ve picked up along the way.

That One Big Step

It all began right after graduation, with an idea as bold as it was spontaneous: escape to a distant land and live on my own.

When an American family I barely knew invited me to stay with them and teach Chinese, I didn’t hesitate. I packed two bags, grabbed USD 200, and hopped on a one-way flight to America.

There were no grand plans, no safety nets, just me, a leap of faith, and an overwhelming curiosity to experience the world. Little did I know, this impulsive decision would ignite a lifelong passion for solo travel and shape the person I am today.

Discovering the World (and Myself)

My travels have been a whirlwind of awe, adventure, and personal growth. Each experience, big or small, has taught me something new—about the world and about myself.

Here are some of the unforgettable moments that have shaped my journey:

  • Living in the Forest for a Year

Who would’ve thought that a city girl like me would end up living in a remote corner of upstate New York with an American family? Trading the fast-paced buzz of urban life for the calm of the woods was transformative.

✨ Journey back in time: Memories of Living in a 19th-Century Rustic House

  • A 4-Day Road Trip with a Cambodian Clan

What started as a short trip across Cambodia quickly turned into a heartwarming adventure, thanks to the generosity of a local friend and his extended family. Traveling with 40 people in 7 cars, sharing meals, stories, and unforgettable moments, was truly a journey like no other.

  • Traveling Across India Without Gadgets

Before Google Maps and WhatsApp became everyday essentials, I traveled solo across India, relying only on a paper map and a spirit of adventure. In places like Agra, Rajasthan, and Varanasi, I immersed myself in the raw, unfiltered culture, connecting with locals in ways that technology often makes impossible.

It was an experience that reminded me how much richer travel can be when you disconnect from the digital world.

🌍 Experience the adventure: My Incredible Adventure to Incredible India!

  • Crossing South America by Land

One of my most ambitious dreams came true when I crossed South America by land over 18 months. From Colombia to Argentina, I ventured off the beaten path, uncovering hidden gems and experiencing the continent’s diverse cultures in a deeply personal way.

Whether hiking Patagonia’s rugged landscapes or sharing meals with families in rural villages, this journey taught me more about the world, and about myself than I ever imagined.

  • Joining a Women’s Rights Protest

On International Women’s Day 2020, I found myself marching alongside passionate activists in Chiapas, Mexico, raising my voice for gender equality. The solidarity of the crowd was empowering and reaffirmed that travel isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about contributing to causes that matter.

📢 Walk the March With Me: Marching for Women’s Rights in Mexico: A Transformative Experience

  • A Spontaneous 3-Month Exploration of Central Asia

Sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don’t plan. A spur-of-the-moment decision led to a three-month journey through Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities and Kyrgyzstan’s rugged mountains.

With limited information available and eight land borders to cross, the trip posed many challenges. Yet, each obstacle deepened my understanding of this underexplored part of the world and allowed me to connect with incredible people in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

  • Entering Mongolia Overland from China

Crossing into Mongolia by train from China was a surreal moment, something that had been on my bucket list for years. The vast, untamed steppe greeted me with its raw beauty, and the locals I met added to the magic of this remote land.

The journey into one of the world’s most sparsely populated regions was a humbling reminder of how diverse and captivating our planet truly is.

  • Enduring Hunger to Stretch My Budget

Travel isn’t always glamorous. There were times when I went without meals to stretch my budget, skipping food to afford a train ticket or opting for the cheapest street food. These moments of hardship taught me resilience, adaptability, and the real essence of travel: appreciating life’s simple pleasures.

Unforgettable Connections

Through all the highs and lows, one thing stands out as the greatest reward of solo travel: the incredible people I’ve met along the way. It’s the friendships I’ve forged in the most unexpected places, across different cultures and backgrounds, that have truly shaped my journey.

These connections are the real treasures, and they remind me that the best part of traveling solo is the opportunity to bond with others and build meaningful relationships that last a lifetime.

Where Jasz Explores

I’ll admit it. I’ve procrastinated for years about sharing my journey. But here it is, finally! Grab your favorite drink and dive into the stories of my adventures in some of the world’s most off-the-beaten-path destinations. You might be surprised by what you discover.

Thanks for visiting my blog. I’d love to hear your thoughts, so leave a comment, share your own travel stories, or ask any questions.

Let’s keep the adventure going!