TWU by Jeff Rehmar | January 23, 2025

YouTube Star Jayden Wong Shares His Top Travel Tips

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Jeff Rehmar
January 23, 2025

Welcome to The World Unfolding

Hey friends,

We’re now at 260+ subscribers across six countries, and it’s exciting to see this community grow! My goal for January is to reach 300 subscribers, and I’d love your help. If you enjoy this edition, please forward it to someone who might enjoy iit too.

This week, I’m really excited that I had the chance to interview Jayden Wong, an aviation YouTuber with 82k+ subscribers on YouTube and 10k+ followers on Instagram. Jayden’s take on travel, airlines, and airports offers fresh insights that might just inspire your next adventure.

Also in this issue: a book that redefines happiness and a podcast episode from The Ryen Russillo Podcast packed with lessons about success, sports, and culture.

Let’s jump in.

🎙 Interview Spotlight: Jayden Wong

Jayden Wong is an aviation YouTuber with over 82k+ subscribers on his channel, @jaydenwong. Currently based in Hong Kong, he creates engaging content about airlines, airports, and flying. Having previously lived in Adelaide, Australia, Jayden shares a unique global perspective on travel. As a fan of his channel for over three years, I’m thrilled to feature him in this interview. You can also find him on Instagram at @jaydenwong.fly, where he connects with over 10k+ followers.

Here’s what Jayden had to share in our conversation:

1. What’s the one thing an American traveler should do to truly experience Hong Kong like a local?
Don’t just stick to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. There are 18 areas in Hong Kong plus many islands for you to explore. I always suggest checking out the beaches at Sai Kung and a day trip in Lamma Island. You wouldn’t believe you’re in Hong Kong when you explore the rest. Many parts of Hong Kong is actually pure nature, no skyscrapers! Most importantly, get an Octopus card! More places accept Octopus card than cash/credit cards! You can purchase one within your Apple Wallet, and top it up with your credit card within Apple Wallet. It’s super convenient!

2. What U.S. city would you compare Adelaide to, and why?
Love this question, I’ve discussed this with my friends before. I would have to say Boston! It doesn’t snow in Adelaide nor does it get up to 110f in Boston, but the cities still share some similarities. From a traveller’s perspective, both Boston Logan Airport and Adelaide Airport are located within 5 miles to their own downtown or CBD. Downtown Boston and Adelaide CBD both have markets that attract tourists to visit— in Boston, it’s the Quincy Market. In Adelaide, it’s the Central Market.

3. What’s one flight route or destination in the U.S. that people overlook but should explore?
I would say Miami. I guess it’s already quite popular for British and European travellers, but I don’t see many travellers from Asia and Australia when I visited in 2019 and 2023. I really, really enjoyed the food that I had in Miami. It’s very different to the rest of the country, with a strong Cuban twist.

4. How does Southwest Airlines compare to budget airlines internationally?
I haven’t flown Southwest so I cannot comment much, but they’re definitely known for its free-for-all seating. It’s also a ‘budget’ airline that gives you free checked bag allowance, you don’t get that on many ‘full-service’ carriers these days!

5. What’s one U.S. airport that surprises you in a good way—and why?
LAX. I love the organised chaos at this airport. It’s one reason why I like travelling. The fact that it has nine terminals is mind boggling. Some terminals are in dire need of a renovation, but the airport also host some amazing world-class lounges and Tom Bradley International Terminal is a very pleasant terminal to exist in.

📚 Book Recommendation: The Year of Living Danishly

Author: Helen Russell

Denmark consistently ranks as the happiest country in the world, and Helen Russell spent a year uncovering why. Her book explores everything from hygge (coziness) to work-life balance, offering actionable insights on how to bring more joy into your own life.

Part memoir, part roadmap to happiness, The Year of Living Danishly is an insightful and inspiring read.

🎧 Podcast Recommendation: The Ryen Russillo Podcast

Ryen Russillo’s podcast is a mix of sports analysis, cultural commentary, and compelling storytelling. Whether you’re a sports fan or just love great conversations, this podcast has something for everyone.

Episode to Start With: The Colin Cowherd Interview at Ryen’s House!
Ryen Russillo interviews Colin Cowherd about his career journey, the future of sports media, and his plans for the years ahead, followed by a fun Live Advice segment tackling listener questions.

Help Me Plan My Next Trip

My wife and I are debating New Zealand vs. Switzerland/Northern Italy for a trip this May, and I’d love your input:

  • Have you been to either region?

  • What hidden gems should we add to our list?

  • For NZ: South or North Island?

Hit Reply to share your recommendations—I’ll feature a few in an upcoming edition.

Let’s Grow This Community

Thanks again to Jayden. If you enjoyed this edition, please share it with a friend, colleague, or fellow traveler. Every forward helps grow this community. New readers can join here: Subscribe to The World Unfolding.

*I don’t make money from the links in this newsletter—they’re included to inspire and help you explore.

Take care,
Jeff Rehmar

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