DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Ubud, Indonesia: Jungle Views, Rice Terraces, Cafes, and Balinese Culture Posted on May 18, 2026June 7, 2026 Ubud surprised me. One minute I sat in traffic behind scooters, then minutes later I listened to frogs beside rice fields. We spent days exploring temples, cafes, markets, and jungle views while learning why so many travelers come here searching for rest, creativity, wellness, and a different pace than home. Read more
HOTELS What You Need to Know About the Pendry Chicago: A Perfect Rainy Weekend Escape Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 Pendry Chicago blends Art Deco charm with modern luxury in the historic Carbide and Carbon Building. Located on the Magnificent Mile, it offers elegant rooms, upscale dining, and a striking lobby that draws architecture lovers. It’s a refined stay in the heart of downtown Chicago, perfect for style-conscious travelers. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Finally Exploring Tokyo: Our First Big Trip in Asia Posted on May 14, 2026June 7, 2026 Pickup a map to make sure you are buying the correct ticket or you may be blocked from boarding the train. Having access to all three will make travel easier below ground, but you can get around the city using only the metro, as long as you are diligent and plan accordingly. Like traffic above ground, the trains and the walking patterns run reverse to what you are used to. There are signs to help you if you forget. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Best Things to Do in Bali: Top 10 Destinations You’ll Love Posted on May 13, 2026June 7, 2026 Bali surprised me in ways I never expected. What started as a quiet getaway quickly turned into volcano hikes, jungle temples, monkey forests, rice terraces, and unforgettable meals. This post shares the places, food, and experiences that made Bali feel exciting, spiritual, chaotic, beautiful, and impossible to forget. Read more
WELLNESS ON THE ROAD How to Avoid Food Poisoning in Thailand Posted on May 12, 2026June 7, 2026 Thailand’s street food scene is irresistible, but staying healthy matters. This guide explains how to enjoy street food while avoiding Thai Tummy, with practical tips on choosing busy vendors, food hygiene, safe water and ice, fresh produce, refrigeration, and knowing when to seek medical help while traveling in Thailand safely. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES First Impressions of Beijing: What It’s Really Like Exploring a City This Big Posted on May 11, 2026June 7, 2026 First impressions about Beijing… it’s BIG!! Really big. More than 250 million people live in the city and its surrounding suburbs. Imagine that. There are only 50 and 322 million people living gin the entire countries of Korea and the United States respectively. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend a Rainy Day in Luang Prabang, Laos Posted on May 10, 2026June 7, 2026 Biking through Luang Prabang felt magical, especially in the rain. The drizzle turned our ride into an adventure. Riding with Steven made it even more fun. With minimal traffic and no street lights, it’s incredibly safe for cycling. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Why Rome Is the Ultimate City for Studying Abroad Posted on May 9, 2026May 10, 2026 Because I mirrored your original sentence too closely, and “long walks between ruins” stayed in the rewrite. You clearly didn’t want that detail emphasized. Here’s a cleaner version: I almost did not study abroad. I got denied twice, then applied again anyway. Rome became the place where history stopped feeling distant and started feeling personal. I dealt with declined cards, stood beneath the Sistine Chapel ceiling in complete silence, ate gelato at dusk, and learned through getting lost, waiting, watching, and staying open. My study abroad experience became less about sightseeing and more about saying yes when I felt unsure and letting a city change how I saw the world. Read more