Embarking on our first coffeehouses in the Quad Cities, Steven and I chose Vibrant Coffeehouses and Kitchen as our destination. Housed in a spacious warehouse-style setting, the coffeehouse offered a delightful array of coffee, desserts, salads, and sandwiches. The reasonably priced avocado toast, priced at $4.95, stood out on the menu, and the experience of ordering in the States without breaking the bank was a pleasant surprise.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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A Scenic Thai Stop: How North Cafe Serves Good Food With Better Views
Have you ever made a lunch break on a road trip that is almost as memorable as the destination itself? That’s exactly what happened on our road trip to Chiang Dao in northern Thailand. On the way to our hotel in Chiang Dao, we pulled onto a side road in the middle of nowhere. That’s when we discovered the absolutely stunning North Cafe.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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Four Days in Beijing, China: More Than Just the Great Wall
I was a freaking kid climbing those darn stairs– an old one– but a kid nonetheless!! It was something I’d dreampt about my whole life and I’m paying for it now. I can hardly move but it was worth it a thousamd times over for the views, the bragging rights and the exercise!! Look the Mongolian horde… oh no its just the bloody Brits.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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The Premium Economy Seats That Actually Change a Long-Haul Flight
Long flights used to leave me stiff, anxious, and wishing I had made a different choice. Premium economy changed that. It gave me room to breathe, rest, and land ready for the day ahead. After years of long-haul flights, I’ve learned which airlines offer real comfort and which ones only promise it. Here’s what actually matters.
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES
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How to Spend a Perfect Day at Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan
I took my husband somewhere most travelers misunderstand completely. Shinsegae Centum City Department Store in Busan is massive, polished, and strangely calming. We expected shopping fatigue. Instead, we found art, food, quiet spaces, and surprise moments. By the end, neither of us wanted to leave. This place changed how I think about malls and travel indoors.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Tteokguk Soup and the Korean New Year Festival
But after a few words and pointing to the intercom they understood my question. But they just kept saying tteokduk. Then one of them made an eating gesture, something about traditional and asked me to follow him. So I did.
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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My Favorite New Year’s Traditions from Around the World I’d Totally Adopt Here
As the clock strikes midnight, global New Year traditions reflect hope, renewal, and connection. These symbolic practices highlight humanity’s shared desire for fresh beginnings, offering unique ways to celebrate the New Year across cultures. Explore the beauty of worldwide New Year customs and their universal meaning for starting anew.
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD
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Hosting House Guests: 10 Simple Ways to Keep Them Comfortable
Hosting house guests isn’t about perfection. It’s about offering comfort, clarity, and a genuine welcome. After years of hosting friends and family across continents, I’ve learned what people actually need—and what they don’t. This guide shares simple ways to help house guests feel at ease the moment they arrive.