Dear Reader,
“Where are you from?” is a question that I—and probably you—have been asked plenty of times while traveling. As a U.S.-born Filipina, I find that my answer, in combination with my appearance, frequently leads to curiosity (and more questions) about my identity.
Being Asian American has colored my experiences as a traveler. It’s not only impacted where I go—from visiting family in the Philippines earlier this year to road trips to the almighty Jollibee—but also how I travel. At best, my background has facilitated deeper conversations and a greater understanding of the people I meet within the United States and beyond. But sometimes, especially throughout some trips in recent memory, it’s led to hurtful labels and assumptions solely based on my appearance.
When people shy away in fear, they miss out on experiencing the magical spaces we Asian Americans have created for ourselves and for others: Just look to the Chinatowns of San Francisco or New York, and you’ll find well-loved examples of the influence we have on our communities.
For Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, AFAR has published several stories showcasing the beauty and diversity within Asian America. Take the time to read up on our guides for areas like L.A.’s Little Tokyo, but also learn about the many places you can visit to learn about Asian American history, such as the Hmong Cultural Center Museum in St. Paul and the Wing Luke Museum in Seattle, and read about the way travel has impacted figures like comedian Ronny Chieng and musician Sasami Ashworth.
It’s not always easy being an Asian in America, but as AFAR’s assistant editor (and fellow Asian American) Mae Hamilton shares in her love letter to Texas: “Sometimes the harder something tries to push you away, the harder you should wrap your arms around it and hug back, if nothing for a lot of love and a little bit of spite.”
Look at the footprints we have left behind, and you’ll find so much to love about the United States: the Asian Garden Mall in Orange County’s Little Saigon, L.A.’s Koreatown Pavilion Garden, the bún bò huế of Houston’s Pho 54—Asian Americans have been here, and we’re leaving a bit of magic everywhere we go.
Safe travels,
Chloe Arrojado
Associate editor, destinations
