Vacationer of the Week: Barry Hoy

You probably couldn’t tell from his introverted quiet nature that Barry Hoy is a thrill-seeker, enjoying everything from rollercoasters to ziplining to bungee jumping. And although he works in banking and finance by day, travel is his true passion in life.  

Born and raised in Toronto, the 40-something and fabulous globetrotter lives in New York City, but you’ll find him working as a travel writer, content creator, blogger, and influencer, using the handle @AsianMapleLeaf. So, we decided to catch up with Hoy to get his take on all things travel, including his favorite travel destinations, his best tip for travelers, and why LGBTQ+ travelers should add Kenya and Barbados to their travel bucket list. 

Vacationer: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?

Barry Hoy: My parents brought me to Hong Kong to visit family when I was only one.  That said, the first international trip I remember was also to Hong Kong but this time I was 15.  I went with my mom, younger brother, Calvin, and my friend, Eric, and I remember being so amazed by the whole experience.  It felt magical to be in the air flying across the world.  This trip opened my eyes to a world beyond Toronto.  

What inspires you to travel?

I enjoy learning and connecting with locals wherever I go.  I love immersing myself in the local culture and trying all the local cuisine.  I find travel keeps me grounded and constantly reminds me that there’s more to the world than my NYC bubble.  

Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Does it influence the way you travel? 

I identify as a gay man and have been in a relationship with my partner, Teraj, for 6 years.  We often travel together, and we try to avoid destinations that are unsafe for gay travelers.  It is still illegal to be gay in some countries and some are just not LGBTQIA friendly. When I was younger, I remember purposely picking hotel rooms with 2 beds to conceal the fact that two men are sharing a bed.  I no longer do that but it’s an example of something we have to consider being a queer traveler.  Another layer for us is that we are an interracial couple, and we have experienced situations where people assume we are not together or we receive different levels of service.

Which domestic or international destinations do you think will be popular places to travel to in 2022?

I think domestic destinations like Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Florida will remain popular because of the beach and sun but also because of the ability to space out in the age of COVID-19, especially for travelers from big cities like NYC. I think Alaska and national parks across the country will also be popular because of the vast outdoor space and it’s easier to travel domestically with ever-changing testing and vaccine requirements.   

Is there a travel destination that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? If so, where? What made it a memorable experience?

Both Kenya and Barbados are considered dangerous for LGBTQIA travelers and where acts of homosexuality are still illegal.  We were a bit hesitant when booking but both trips turned out to be amazing.  In Kenya, we met a group of local gays and they showed us where they partied, and we went from bar to bar for drinks.  They had group chats to figure out where to go and since there isn’t a dedicated gay bar, they end up in expat bars.  It was interesting to see how the local community survived and even thrived despite the discrimination.  

What’s the best tip you’d offer travelers?

I would say do your research beforehand so that you have an idea as to what you want to do so that you can maximize your time there.  I find time flies when you are traveling so make it count.  That said, don’t over plan because you also want to allow for those spontaneous moments to happen like being able to say yes to activities suggested by locals. They know best!

What’s are your top 3 favorite places to visit?

Hong Kong (because of memories and family), Italy (because it’s romantic and Teraj was the one who first introduced me to the country), and Canada (because it’s my home and there’s still so much more to explore).

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit?

Antarctica, Australia, and more of Africa

What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?

Other than your passport, all you need is basically your credit card. I also always pack a pen to fill out those customs forms on the plane and earplugs because you never know if it’s going to be noisy.  I need my beauty sleep!

You’re going on a road trip? What singer or band is always on your playlist?

I am totally going to plug my partner, Teraj.  He is a songwriter and pop/R&B singer and has been performing across the globe. I have him on my playlist and am his biggest fan.

What travel trend or travel industry change would you be excited to see happen? 

I would love to see the industry normalize LGBTQIA travel so that we don’t need to think about where we can go that is welcoming just because of who we love.