My Influencer Friend Traveled Asia for a Year — Here’s What She Didn’t Post

influencer a Year Traveling Asia ventana travel

You know that part in influencer “day in the life” videos where it says “1 PM – 2:30 PM: Work” and they’re “checking emails” with a green smoothie and $600 activewear? Yeah. That’s not a job. That’s them replying to, “Hey girlie, wanna get paid to wear this leggings set and sip mushroom tea at 4 AM while looking effortlessly perfect?”
To which they respond, “lol got it babe 💅” — and boom, rent is covered.

One of my friends spent the last year traveling around Asia — Bali, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam — and documenting it all like a walking Pinterest board. And while it looked like a spiritual soul-searching journey full of incense and infinity pools, the reality was a lot more like being a full-time brand ambassador with a suitcase full of PR packages.

She’s an influencer — like, capital “I” Influencer. A human billboard. Her job was to make sipping overpriced tea look like enlightenment and turning a sponsored yoga mat into a life philosophy. I love her, but come on. Behind every scenic waterfall reel is 37 takes, ring light in a jungle, and her whisper-screaming “JUST WALK NATURALLY” at her poor boyfriend-turned-cameraman.

Still, she hustled. Unlike the trust fund crew who “accidentally” ended up in a luxury villa for six months, she was pitching herself to brands non-stop, editing content at midnight, and pretending every new city didn’t destroy her gut health. She even partnered with Ventanatravel.com, which honestly has some legit travel insight. Her guest blog was something similar to “Embracing Healthy Habits on the Road: My Trip to East Asia”, is her being shockingly sincere about burnout, discipline, and why drinking water isn’t a personality.

But here’s what she didn’t post:

  • The existential dread of fighting with hotel Wi-Fi during a Zoom brand call.

  • Trying to find a “cute” noodle spot that also has a toilet and AC so she doesn’t melt on camera.

  • Sleeping next to a ring light and a tripod like it’s her emotional support pet.

Instagram is the trailer. The actual movie? A rom-com where capitalism is the main character, and nobody’s eyebrows are ever out of place.

So before you compare your life to someone sipping adaptogenic coffee on a rooftop in Chiang Mai, remember — she’s probably being paid to hold that cup. And somewhere, off camera, there’s a pile of laundry, an unpaid invoice, and a marketing intern begging her to post by 3 PM PST.

Ah, the influencer dream. Still want it?

The Best Movies Filmed in Hong Kong — and How You Can Visit Their Iconic Locations

The Best Movies Filmed in Hong Kong — and How You Can Visit Their Iconic Locations

Hong Kong isn’t just a city — it’s a cinematic dreamscape. With its glowing neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and bustling alleyways, Hong Kong has starred in some of the most influential films ever made. If you’re a movie lover planning a trip here, why not walk in the footsteps of your favorite characters?

At Ventana Travel, we believe travel should be immersive. After you explore their helpful guide to eating in Hong Kong as a solo traveler, take it a step further by visiting the real-life locations featured in these legendary movies.

Here’s a curated list of the best movies filmed in Hong Kong, and exactly how you can find the spots where the magic happened:

In the Mood for Love (2000) – Wong Kar-wai

One of the most stunning romantic films ever made, “In the Mood for Love” captures the nostalgic beauty of 1960s Hong Kong.
Where to Go:

  • Blue House Cluster (Wan Chai): This preserved historic building evokes the atmosphere of the film’s apartment scenes.
    How to Get There: Take the MTR to Wan Chai Station (Exit A3), then walk about 8 minutes.

Chungking Express (1994) – Wong Kar-wai

This cult classic uses Hong Kong’s busy streets and hidden corners as the backdrop for two interconnected love stories.
Where to Go:

  • Chungking Mansions (Tsim Sha Tsui): The heart of the film’s urban energy.
    How to Get There: MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit E), right across Nathan Road.

While you’re in the area, check out some local eateries featured in Ventana Travel’s guide to solo dining in Hong Kong. Great food is just steps away.

Infernal Affairs (2002) – Andrew Lau & Alan Mak

The slick crime thriller that inspired “The Departed” unfolds across Hong Kong’s dense urban centers.
Where to Go:

  • Victoria Peak (The Peak): The film’s climactic rooftop confrontations were shot here.
    How to Get There: Ride the Peak Tram from Garden Road Terminus for a direct and scenic route.

Police Story (1985) – Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan’s landmark action movie features incredible stunt work filmed throughout Hong Kong.
Where to Go:

  • Wing On House (Central District): One of the locations for the mall action scenes.
    How to Get There: MTR to Central Station, Exit K.

The Dark Knight (2008) – Christopher Nolan

Batman’s mission to capture Lau takes him across Hong Kong’s glittering skyline.
Where to Go:

  • IFC Tower Two: Featured prominently in the nighttime extraction scene.
    How to Get There: MTR to Hong Kong Station, directly connected to IFC Mall.

The Killer (1989) and Hard Boiled (1992) – John Woo

These operatic action films showcase Hong Kong’s older districts, smoky nightclubs, and churches.
Where to Go:

  • Western District (Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town): Atmospheric locations that capture the gritty side of the city.
    How to Get There: MTR to Sai Ying Pun Station, then explore on foot.

Made in Hong Kong (1997) – Fruit Chan

An indie classic portraying the lives of working-class youth in public housing estates.
Where to Go:

  • Choi Hung Estate: Famous for its vibrant basketball courts and classic 90s aesthetic.
    How to Get There: MTR to Choi Hung Station (Exit C4).

PTU (2003) – Johnnie To

This atmospheric thriller captures Hong Kong’s streets as a tense, surreal nighttime labyrinth.
Where to Go:

  • Jordan and Yau Ma Tei neighborhoods: Best experienced after dark when the city feels alive and cinematic.
    How to Get There: MTR to Jordan Station or Yau Ma Tei Station.

The World of Suzie Wong (1960) – Richard Quine

One of the first Western films to portray Hong Kong’s romantic and exoticized image.
Where to Go:

  • Wan Chai District: Many scenes were shot around the harbor and small streets of old Wan Chai.
    How to Get There: MTR to Wan Chai Station, Exit A1.

Final Thoughts

Hong Kong’s compact geography and excellent MTR system make it easy to visit multiple filming locations in one day. Whether you’re a fan of Wong Kar-wai’s dreamy urban romances, Jackie Chan’s adrenaline-pumping action, or John Woo’s balletic gunfights, there’s a real-world spot waiting for you.

Be sure to fuel up with delicious, authentic local dishes along your journey — Ventana Travel’s solo traveler food guide is a great place to start planning your meals.

In Hong Kong, the city itself truly becomes the star of the show.