The Belgian-born couple reveal all on their trips to Bali, London and San Francisco
How many countries have you been to?
Tom: It’s difficult to put an exact number on that question, but I can tell you it’s quite a lot. As a kid, my parents had to go quite often abroad for work and when it was the holidays I went with them. We traveled most of the time outside of Europe such as Jamaica, Senegal, Bali, and so on. Now I’m financially more independent, me and Jey are doing regularly city trips in large European cities and once a year larger long-distance travel. Together we went to the West Coast, Bali and Argentina.
Where’s been your best trip and why?
Jey: Bali. The weather is very nice and we had everything we needed: beach, mountains, nature, parties… And you can do everything, since it’s very cheap. We just booked our first day at a hostel and from there we rented two motorbikes and backpacked around the island deciding on the spot where we were going and at which place we would stay. Quite adventurous but that’s just the fun.
Where’s been your worst trip and why?
Tom: Not the entire thing, but a part of our West Coast trip by car, our stay in San Francisco was awful. We stayed in a very unsafe neighborhood where we were woken up every 10 minutes by a passing police car or screaming homeless people. Even our Uber insisted to drop us in front of our hotel and not 50 meters before it. We found the rest on the city very pleasant, though.
Where was your most romantic trip and why?
Tom: London! We went there for only three days, but everything was so intense. I planned everything in advance, which is advisable for such a trip. We were busy 100% of our time. Going to musicals, delicious restaurants, shopping, having drinks with locals and to top it all, I secretly booked tickets for my boyfriend’s favorite singer, Jessie J, on our last day in London. It was the most amazing weekend ever!
Have you ever experienced homophobia or discrimination abroad?
Jey: Never, and I hope it stays like that.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRkq2K3DDgR/?taken-by=jey_and_tom
Would you avoid a certain country because of the laws there?
Tom: It goes without saying that I would not go to a country with my boyfriend where homosexuality is considered a crime. But with friends or for work, I see no problem there. I prefer to avoid such countries with my boyfriend to avoid reprisals. Moreover, there is plenty of choice between other countries where this is not a problem, so why go looking for trouble? I have other things to do than spend my vacation in a country where the majority is small-minded.
Do you prefer traveling solo or with a partner?
Jey: Definitely with my partner! We go along so well that traveling together is really a pleasure.
Do you ever hope to get married, and if so, would you consider a destination wedding?
Tom: Yes! In a few years, but I definitely want to get married. My parents and my sisters got married abroad and this is definitely an option for me
Where would you go on your honeymoon?
Jey: Somewhere far away, to a heavenly spot.
What is your favorite thing about where you’re from?
Jey: We are from Belgium and although it sounds cliché, I do miss the beer when we go abroad.
Tom: We do not lack so much as we go on vacation. We like to adapt to local culture.
Where were you going the last time you stepped on a plane, other than home?
Tom: To Buenos Aires to join some friends who live there.
What is your top tip for surviving a long haul flight?
Jey: Try to force yourself to time-zone to the place you’re going to. Stay awake if needed and relax if you should sleep.
What do you like to travel wearing?
Jey: Basic jogging pants and t-shirt. Something that feels comfortable wearing it.
Where do you hope to visit this year and why?
Tom: This year we plan move abroad and thus have no silly holiday plans for this year. We aren’t sure where yet. We’ve thought about Barcelona, Montreal, Vancouver and even Australia! But I would love to go to Iceland for a holiday!
