Photo by Tanveer Badal (@tanveerbadal)
Photo by Tanveer Badal (@tanveerbadal)

Few regions of the world have as much variety as Southeast Asia, a bright amalgam of countries with unique cultures, sights, and histories. From the notched towers of Siem Reap in Cambodia to the bustling market streets of Bangkok in Thailand, the region challenges a traveler’s senses like no other. As our Passport to Asia experience with Cathay Pacific approaches, we wanted to take the time not only to get a broader portrait of the region our participants will be exploring, but also to give our community the chance to know more about this thrilling journey.

This Thursday, 1/7 at 2pm EST, we’re departing slightly from our usual chat format: we’ll delve into Southeast Asia as a region, and then focus the conversation on aspects of Passport to Asia our community might benefit from.

If you will be unavailable during the chat time but would still like to participate, please schedule your responses according to the schedule below:

PART 1: SOUTHEAST ASIA

Q1 – 2:00pm EST
Southeast Asia harbors vibrant cultures, from Cambodian to Burmese. Which would you like to explore more deeply?

Q2 – 2:05pm EST
What in SE Asia wasn’t what you expected? If you’ve yet to go, what do you think might surprise you?

Q3 – 2:10pm EST
What do you think sets SE Asia apart from other regions? Be specific!

Q4 – 2:15pm EST
From infamous durian fruit to inimitable street dishes, what standout food have you tried (or want to) in Southeast Asia?

Q5 – 2:20pm EST
Inspire us! Share a remarkable Southeast Asia travel story/photo (yours or another traveler’s).

Q6 – 2:25pm EST
Who would you want to travel through SE Asia with? Why? Tag them!

PART 2: PASSPORT TO ASIA

Q7 – 2:30pm EST
Which of the PPTA stops interests you most? What story from that stop do you want to tell?

Q8 – 2:36pm EST
PPTA is taking place in the year of the monkey. Which of this creature’s qualities (curiosity, quick wits, mischief) do you think is crucial for a traveler to have?

Q9 – 2:42pm EST
PPTA’s first phase is a creative brainstorm in Hong Kong with our mentors. What would your ideal workshop cover?

Q10 – 2:48pm EST
What question do you have for our mentors on telling the story of a trip like PPTA?

Q11 – 2:55pm EST
Beyond an understanding of the region, how do you think PPTA might inspire you in your own travels?