Summary

Tan Jit Yih, a Singaporean student studying in the UK, shares his passion for travel, nature, and cultural immersion, emphasizing the importance of authentic experiences and adaptability.

Abstract

Tan Jit Yih, affectionately known as Jit, is a globetrotter from Singapore who is currently furthering his education in the United Kingdom. He expresses a deep love for travel, viewing it as an opportunity to broaden one's horizons and experience diverse cultures and cuisines. Jit Yih's favorite travel activity is hiking, as it allows him to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty. He values the simplicity and peace of remote destinations like Bhutan, which he considers the best place he has visited. In his free time, Jit enjoys reading, cooking, and watching documentaries, particularly those related to nature and cooking. He advocates for living like a local while traveling, supporting local tour groups over commercial ones for a more genuine experience. Jit's top travel tip is to stay flexible and safe, embracing the spontaneity of travel. He is also drawn to Japanese culture and prefers traveling by train to fully take in the scenery. From his travels, Jit has learned the importance of staying charged, hydrated, and open to change.

Opinions

Jit believes that travel is not just about seeing new places but also about immersing oneself in different cultures and trying local foods.
He places a high value on nature and the importance of appreciating its beauty through activities like hiking.
Jit is a proponent of authentic travel experiences, suggesting that one should adapt to local customs and support local businesses.
He finds the lifestyle in Bhutan to be particularly peaceful and advocates for the benefits of disconnecting and relaxing in natural settings.
Jit's preference for train travel reflects his appreciation for the journey as much as the destination.
He enjoys diverse leisure activities, including reading, cooking, and watching documentaries, which indicates a curious and cultured personality.
Jit's emphasis on adaptability and safety while traveling suggests a practical approach to exploring new places.
His fondness for Japanese culture and cuisine shows his appreciation for the nuances of different societies.
Jit's travel lessons—staying charged, hydrated, and flexible—reveal a pragmatic and experienced traveler's mindset.

Globetrotters Writer Spotlight — Tan Jit Yih

Hi Globetrotters. My name is Jit Yih (or you can just call me Jit!)

Hello, I’m Jit! — Photo property of author

I love to travel because…

Travelling is one of the greatest way to expand and broaden your horizons — literally and figuratively! You get to see the different people and cultures of the world, explore different continents and of course, try out all the delicious food!

My number one travel activity is…

Hiking! I really love walking the streets/paths of the country I’m visiting, especially the nature paths because Mother Nature is so beautiful and we should take every chance to appreciate her beauty and the privilege of seeing it. I also love eating and trying out the local foods :)

I come from…

Singapore! But I’m currently studying in the UK

I work as a…

Self-employed student

The best place I’ve been is…

Wow this is tough. But if I had to choose, it would be Bhutan. Despite being really remote and hard to get to, the simplistic lifestyle was really peaceful and I really had the chance to relax amongst nature and just go with the flow.

In my spare time, I like to…

I love to read (any genre except horror) , cook (especially baking) and watch documentaries about nature, cooking etc. I especially enjoyed watching Chef’s Table, the stories are all so inspirational and heartening. I also recently started watching Parks and Recreation and am loving it (if you watch it too, who’s your favourite?)

My top travel tip is…

Go with the flow, but stay safe! When in Rome, do as the Romans do — I believe that one of the best way to enjoy the travel experience is to live it. That means doing what the locals do, and supporting local-organised tour groups etc. instead of the big commercial names as you’re more likely to get an authentic experience.

If I could live somewhere else, I’d live in…

Japan. I really love the Japanese culture, how polite and helpful they are. This is of course, in addition to their amazing food culture and the fact that I love sushi, soba and green tea.

My favourite way to travel is…

By train. I love seeing the passing scenery, and trains have always been something I loved from young.

Three lessons I’ve learned from traveling are…

Always bring a power bank and charger (photos really sap energy)
Hydration is key!
Go with the flow — plans always change in some way, so don’t overstress about it, but take it in good stride and enjoy whatever comes!

I hope this intro allows everyone to know me a little better, and I’d love to meet you all too :) Here’s to future travels!