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5 Ways Japan and Thailand Changed How I See the World
By Guishard Revan, Senior Manager, Global Inclusion & Diversity
Travel has a way of reshaping perspectives, stretching the mind beyond its comfort zone, and introducing new ways of being. My recent trips to Japan and Thailand for my honeymoon with my partner Cecilia, were no different. These two cultures, steeped in history, intentionality, and balance, shifted my worldview in ways I didn’t expect.
1. Minimalism Is a More Important Value to me Than I Realized
I’ve always been drawn to minimalism—the idea that less is more and that intentional design creates harmony. But Japan’s commitment to this principle, from the sleek hotel rooms (for which I was grateful to utilize my Expedia Group employee discount) to the traditional tatami rooms, was a lesson in how space impacts well-being. The Japanese practice of fusui, similar to feng shui, is based on the idea that the arrangement of energy in an environment can affect a person’s well-being. This is deeply embedded in Japanese practice, and it taught me that how we arrange our surroundings can influence our mindset.
Seeing these principles in action made me rethink my own spaces. Do they bring me peace? Are they functional yet calming? These are questions I now ask myself when curating my home and workspace.
2. History as well as Cultural Experiences Are Essential
I’m not a traveler who just wants to check off landmarks. I need to feel a place, understand its roots, and walk away with a deeper appreciation. That’s why immersing myself in experiences tied to history was a priority. In Kyoto, taking part in a traditional tea ceremony wasn’t just about sipping matcha—it was about slowing down, respecting tradition, and recognizing the discipline behind the ceremonial act of making tea.
Thailand offered its own lessons, like visiting the MAIIAM Contemporary Art Museum focused on art that told the stories of societal issues from local artists of Thailand and other parts of Asia. Every experience was a reminder that the past is not just something we read about—it’s something that informs the future and how we navigate our present-day realities.
3. Travel Expands Your Definition of Home
One unexpected realization from my time in Japan and Thailand was how quickly a place can start to feel like home when you allow yourself to embrace its rhythm. Whether it was navigating Tokyo’s efficient train system while enjoying the solitude in the travel, finding my go-to coffee spot in Phuket, or simply recognizing familiar faces from the hotel staff at our boutique hotel in Chiang Mai, I felt a sense of belonging in places I had never been before.
This made me rethink the idea of “home.” It’s not just where you live—it’s anywhere you feel a connection, comfort, or familiarity. Travel has a way of breaking down the barriers between “here” and “there,” making the world feel more accessible, welcoming, and interconnected. Now, I see home not as a single place, but as a collection of experiences and relationships built along the way.
4. Ikigai Is a Principle That Resonates with Me Deeply
Before visiting Japan, I had not heard of Ikigai—the Japanese concept of finding purpose at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. But seeing how this principle is embedded in Japanese culture made me reflect on my own life.
How do I align my work, passions, and personal mission? How do I ensure I’m living with intention every day? These are questions I’ve started asking myself more seriously. Whether it’s in how I approach my career, relationships, or personal growth, I want to incorporate Ikigai into my decision-making.
5. Food Can Lead to Conversations That Stick with You
One of the memorable experiences from my trip was sharing a meal of yakiniku with my colleague, Mami. Yakiniku, which translates to “grilled meat,” is more than just a meal in Japan—it’s an experience rooted in tradition, togetherness, and appreciation for high-quality ingredients. Sitting at the table, cooking bite-sized pieces of perfectly marbled beef over an open flame, I realized that food isn’t just about nourishment; it’s a gateway to deeper conversations and cultural understanding.
As we grilled and ate, Mami shared stories about Japanese history, workplace culture, and the nuances of daily life in Tokyo. Hearing her perspective gave me a richer understanding of the city beyond what any travel book could offer. It made me reflect on how my career at Expedia Group has given me more than just a job—it has expanded my worldview and introduced me to colleagues-turned-friends around the world who offer insights that challenge as well as inspire me.
That night reminded me that some of the most impactful travel moments don’t happen at famous landmarks or in tourist hotspots. They happen over a shared meal, in good company, with conversations that change how you see the world.
Final Thoughts
Japan and Thailand weren’t just trips; they were lessons in balance, intention, and cultural immersion. Each experience, from understanding the importance of design and minimalism to embracing history through experiences, left me with new insights on how I want to move through the world.
If there’s anything I’ve taken away from these travels, it’s this: be intentional, stay curious, and always make space for experiences that challenge and inspire you.
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