Letting Life Unfold in Your Travels

One Serendipitous Adventure at a Time

Keith Chen
4 min readJun 19

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Photo by author. Shot in Nikko, Japan.

In a fast-paced world dominated by itineraries and meticulously planned trips, it’s easy to forget the beauty of letting go and allowing the journey to unfold naturally. In a culture obsessed with ticking off destinations on a list, there’s a profound travel philosophy that stands out from the crowd: “Get to the right place and let things unfold by themselves.” This approach embodies the essence of true exploration, encouraging us to embrace uncertainty and discover the unexpected. Join us on a transformative journey as we delve into the magic of allowing the world to guide us.

The Art of Getting to the Right Place

As travelers, we often find ourselves caught up in the chase for popular tourist spots, following well-trodden paths that have been plastered across social media and travel guides. However, the beauty of this travel philosophy lies in the pursuit of finding your own “right place.” It’s that hidden gem, the offbeat town, or the uncharted trail that truly speaks to your soul. By seeking out these authentic experiences, we open ourselves up to a world of untapped wonders and unscripted moments.

For example, imagine finding yourself in a small town in Japan, far away from the bustling tourist hubs. As you explore the countryside streets, you stumble upon a beautiful temple only known to the locals. Intrigued, you decide to enter and happened to see a hand-holding couple walking down the temple stairs. Through this experience, you gain insight into the locals’ way of life and the opportunity to freeze a romantic moment through your camera lens.

Embracing Spontaneity

Once we arrive at our chosen destination, the true adventure begins. By releasing the urge to control every minute detail, we can fully embrace the beauty of spontaneity. It’s in those unplanned encounters, chance conversations with locals, and unexpected discoveries that we find the essence of a place. These moments often lead to unforgettable memories and create a genuine connection to the culture and people we encounter along the way. With each step into the unknown, we open ourselves to life-altering experiences that cannot be found in any guidebook.

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Keith Chen

Photographer, Product Manager @ Google, Professor, Runner, Hiker, and World Traveler. Took photos from 50+ cities (and counting). Language : 中文 / EN