About Visit Asia

Our story:beyond the tourist trail.

Visit Asia was born out of a shared frustration. We loved traveling through Southeast Asia, but we were tired of the same sanitized, cookie-cutter advice. The guidebooks told us where to take a photo — they didn't tell us how to negotiate at a Manila night market, how to rent an apartment in Ho Chi Minh City without getting scammed, or how to actually connect with locals beyond a polite smile.

We created this platform to bridge the gap between being a tourist and being a temporary local. The true magic of Asia isn't found in a resort — it's found in the conversations you have, the food you share, and the cultural nuances you learn to respect. Whether you're planning a two-week vacation, relocating on a digital nomad visa, or reconnecting with your heritage, we're here to help you navigate the beautiful chaos of the East.

The Team

Meet the writers.

Two voices, one shared belief: travel is better when it's real.

Leo Vance

The Expat Navigator

Focus — Expat Life, Digital Nomad Logistics & Housing

Leo has been living and working on and off in Southeast Asia for over seven years. After cutting his teeth in the tech hubs of Ho Chi Minh City and the startup scene of Manila, he transitioned to writing full-time. He specializes in the nitty-gritty of relocating: visa runs, cost-of-living breakdowns, long-term housing, and navigating local bureaucracy. When he isn't writing, he's hunting for the best local coffee shops with reliable Wi-Fi.

Maya Torres

The Cultural Immersionist

Focus — Cultural Etiquette, Heritage Travel & Language

As a Filipino-American travel writer, Maya's journeys through the Philippines and broader Asia are deeply personal. Her focus is on heritage travel, cultural etiquette, and the vital role language plays in breaking down barriers. Maya is a passionate advocate for sustainable, respectful tourism that gives back to local communities.

Editorial Philosophy

We write about people, not places.

Every guide, itinerary, and tip on Visit Asia is grounded in three core beliefs.

Respect the culture

We research local customs, taboos, and etiquette so you travel respectfully. We want you to be a welcomed guest, not just a passing consumer.

Connect through language

You can't truly understand a culture through a translation app. We advocate for learning the local language, the context of how people speak, and engaging in real human conversations.

Radical transparency

We tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly. If a tourist trap isn't worth your time, we'll say so. If a neighborhood is sketchy at night, we'll warn you. Everything is grounded in boots-on-the-ground experience.

Get in Touch

Drop us a line.

We love hearing from readers. Whether you have a visa question, a hidden gem we should cover, or your own expat story to share — write to us.