Right now I’m traveling through Eastern Europe and enjoying it far more than I expected. I love that every town seems to have good pizza, that leafy parks and wide avenues invite slow strolls, and that historic old towns are packed with stories and charming architecture. The pace and atmosphere here have been a pleasant surprise.
Still, something is missing for me — it just isn’t Asia.
I’ve written before about my complicated love for backpacking in Asia and how it continues to draw me back. I’ve taken holidays in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, spent time in hostels and hotels in Hong Kong, and long ago I started dreaming about visiting China and Japan. For many years the rich cultures, incredible variety, and constant surprises of Asia have been the places I most wanted to explore.
Circumstances change, so we left Asia for a while and came to Europe to dogsit for friends over the summer. Don’t get me wrong: as long as I’m on the road, I enjoy myself. Yet I haven’t found a region that sparks my curiosity and excitement quite like Asia does. I miss it, and I can’t wait to go back.
Here are some of the things I miss most about Asia and our extended time in Malaysia:
How people greet you with a ready smile and often go out of their way to help, especially when you’re struggling with directions, language, or local transport. That warmth and hospitality makes traveling feel easier and more human.
The food. I miss laksa, spicy curries, dim sum, pillowy pork buns, and tandoori chicken roti — the bold flavors, variety, and affordability of street food and local restaurants are unforgettable. Eating in Asia is an adventure every time you step outside.
The creativity and sometimes outrageous themes of food outlets, restaurants, and shopping malls. From tiny hole-in-the-wall eateries to gleaming malls that feel like mini amusement parks, the visual playfulness is part of the charm.
I also miss the local pastimes that pop up everywhere, like karaoke. I may only have sung once on this trip, but knowing that private karaoke rooms and lively karaoke bars are available around every corner made me want to join in more often. That easy access to simple pleasures adds a layer of fun to daily life.
Most of all, I miss the low prices. In much of Asia, food, clothing, and small purchases like sunglasses cost a fraction of what they do here — even compared with relatively inexpensive places in Eastern Europe. It’s surprising how quickly you adjust to one standard of living and then feel the pinch when prices rise.
Some of the charm of Asia comes from the sensory overload: the smells of spices and cooking, the bustle of markets, the layered architecture, and the friendly chaos of urban life. The region’s diversity means you can experience many different cultures, languages, and cuisines in one trip, and that variety keeps travel exciting.
At the same time, Europe has its own strengths: calm promenades, historic squares, and a different kind of culinary comfort. Both regions offer rewards, but my heart still leans toward the unpredictability and energy I associate with Asia.
I suppose it’s true what people say: you don’t always know what you’ve got until it’s gone. For now, I’m making the most of Eastern Europe, but I’m already planning future trips that will take me back to the busy streets and fragrant kitchens of Asia.