DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Chiang Mai Travel Guide: Why So Many Travelers End Up Staying Longer Posted on July 18, 2026July 18, 2026 I never planned to fall in love with Chiang Mai, but it’s become one of those places I keep coming back to. Every visit feels a little different. Sometimes I’m hiking to a forest temple. Other times I’m exploring mountain villages, chasing waterfalls, relaxing at a cafe, or wandering through a market. The city has a slower pace that makes it easy to enjoy without feeling like you have to see everything. If you’re wondering why so many travelers end up staying longer, these are the experiences that keep bringing me back to Chiang Mai. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES My Favorites: Cafes With the Most Beautiful Views in Yeosu, South Korea Posted on July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 If you’re planning a trip to Yeosu, don’t stop at the beaches and cable cars. Some of my favorite moments happened with a cup of coffee and an ocean view. From peaceful garden cafes and rooftop hideaways to dramatic seaside terraces, these cafes offer some of the best scenery in the city. Whether you’re looking for a quiet morning, the perfect sunset, or your next favorite photo spot, these are the Yeosu cafes I keep recommending to friends. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Il Vecchio Maneggio: The Best Day Trip in Tuscany Posted on June 30, 2026June 30, 2026 I’m taking you along on my adventure through Tuscany, a place famous for its picture-perfect landscapes and deep history. But there’s a twist – we’re going eco-friendly. We’ll also see why their food and wine just taste different (in a good way!) and learn why picking organic and local stuff isn’t just a trend—it’s a choice that’s better for us and the planet. Spending the day at Il Vecchio Maneggio is more than just eating and drinking; it’s about making decisions that help keep our earth healthy. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 10 Breathtaking Natural Wonders to Visit in New York State Posted on June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 New York is more than a city—it’s wild, beautiful, and quiet in ways that stay with you. This guide shares 10 natural wonders that shaped my love for the state. From roaring waterfalls to peaceful lakes, each place invites you to slow down, look closer, and feel something real. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES 5 Coolest Midwest Getaways to Beat the August Heat Posted on June 28, 2026June 28, 2026 August gets hot around the Midwest, so I try to stay near the water. Lakes, rivers, shaded trails, and breezy islands help me enjoy summer without feeling miserable. I can hike, swim, or just sit by the water and relax. That’s how I make the most of August. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Beyond Seoul: Unveiling the Magic of Korea’s Small Towns Posted on June 21, 2026June 26, 2026 South Korea is much than its big cities –much more than Daegu, Busan or Seoul. And in my humble opinion, you may find the seat of power, the mighty infrastructure and the cogs of industry in the big city, but the soul of the country lies in the mountanous terrain of its much smaller cities, villages and towns. It’s in the celebrations, rice paddies, green tea terraces and traditional hanoks that we are lucky enough to experience firsthand. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Idar Oberstein: The Prettiest Little Town in Germany Posted on June 19, 2026June 19, 2026 Discover Idar-Oberstein, one of the prettiest little towns in Germany with a 600-year gem-cutting history. This charming town offers picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and a vibrant gemstone culture, making it perfect for a memorable day trip. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know Before Visiting Byukchoji Gardens in Paju, South Korea Posted on June 13, 2026July 12, 2026 It was 6:05 and the ajusshi, an elderly man at the entrance of the Byukchoji Gardens, was friendly but didn’t allow me to enter. We spent too much time cafe hopping– the botanical garden in Paju closes at 7:00 pm, and the last tickets are sold at 6:00 pm. The next day, we arrived early in the morning. As expected, the ajusshi recognized me and reached out to shake my hand. Steven stayed in the car while I packed up my camera gear and umbrella. Read more