SHE loves nature and places that are untouched by commercialisation as they make her feel free.
Ms Ruth Saw, beauty-business owner and freelance e-sourcing consultant, travels to Tibet, Vietnam, Cambodia and China, among other destinations, during her vacations.
She likes to go for homestays and "places that are more rustic, which need more stamina and strength" to enjoy, adding that she gets a kick out of being on a shoestring budget.
"If budget and time permit, I'd love to travel much more though," she piped enthusiastically.
She regrets not travelling more when she was younger.
"It would have enriched my worldview a lot more and also honed my independence and critical thinking," she said.
She will not cut down on travel despite the economic downturn, and even plans to do a three- to four-week road trip to Vietnam later this year.
"I would like to take the opportunity to travel more, because air tickets are cheaper now. But it depends on how well my business does," she said.
Travelling to far-flung places makes her realise how blessed her life is.
She hopes Singaporeans will "explore with the eyes of your heart, step to places beyond your perceived boundaries, and be amazed by the glorious richness of Asia's culture and history".
Nothing like a good trek to clear the mind
EMILY KOH, 27
THOSE who think women are frail and unadventurous need only take a look at Ms Emily Koh.
The teacher is no wallflower - she goes for trekking expeditions through mountain ranges in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Nepal.
Originally, it was the scenery that drew her, but she grew attached to the simplicity of being on the trail - what she termed a "pared-down experience".
"You strip life to its bare essentials, immersing yourself in nature and talking about more fulfilling topics with your companions," she said. She felt popular destinations have too many people and distractions.
Ms Koh started trekking when she was in the former Hwa Chong Junior College, when she took mountain trekking as a co-curricular activity.
In university, she joined the outdoor-activities club, trekking once every two months. For her, trekking "is a refuge for me, where I can escape and put things into perspective away from the concrete jungle".
She is not affected by the financial crisis as she works within her budget. "Once I am in the country, the things are cheap, so it will not discourage me," she reckons.
