TripStoriess.

At a night market in Kuala Lumpur, I was invited behind a satay stall to learn a vendor's generations-old family recipes. Connecting with locals like this provides the deepest cultural immersion - a window into their traditions, values and human experiences that dissolve stereotypes and foster empathy.

Trekking through Malaysia's ancient rainforests, I witnessed tourism's impact - illegal logging, plastic pollution. It inspired me to travel more consciously by staying at eco-lodges, using public transport, and seeking ethical tour companies benefiting local communities. We must reduce our footprints to preserve the world's beauty.