For Comedian Ronny Chieng, Traveling Offers a Chance to Reconnect with Family

Revenge travel has become a thing of the past (in truth, it never really resonated with us). This year, our focus is on reconnection travel, which is emerging as the primary motivation for traveling in the post-pandemic world. After enduring a challenging few years, people are venturing out into the world again with genuine excitement and purpose. Therefore, we spoke with 11 globetrotting celebrities to explore what “reconnection” signifies for them, whether it involves traveling alone, indulging in Italian cuisine, reuniting with old friends, honoring departed loved ones, or making meaningful visits to their parents.

Before Ronny Chieng became known for “Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.” and his Netflix success, he was known as a wandering, food-loving enthusiast, akin to Anthony Bourdain, with Google Maps filled with starred favorite eateries and bars,” shares Laura Dannen Redman from Dinogo, a longtime fan of Chieng. His website, imokwithanything.com, provided food recommendations from Melbourne, Australia, where he launched his comedy career while studying law.

Currently, Chieng is juggling numerous projects that have him back on the road—his Netflix comedy special, Doogie Kameāloha, M.D., and the upcoming Disney+ series American Born Chinese—so every moment counts. To him, reconnection travel is about the simplest joys: spending quality time with his mom and dad.

Which destination is beckoning you back? What makes it special to you?

Singapore! That's where my mom lives and where I spent my childhood.

Which place feels like home, even if it's not your origin?

Hawai‘i. I shot two seasons of Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. there, and I cherish the mana and the community. It feels like a beautiful blend of the best of America and Malaysia.

Are you organizing trips to reconnect? If yes, how will you do it?

I recently visited my dad's hometown of Sitiawan, Perak, in Malaysia for the first time in years to pay my respects at my grandparents' graves and had a wonderful reunion with my aunts, uncles, and cousins.

—Ronny Chieng, comedian and actor set to appear in the Disney+ series American Born Chinese

Discover more from our Reconnection Travel series.