WELLNESS ON THE ROAD How to Make Friends in Korea Without Speaking the Language Posted on December 13, 2023July 24, 2026 Over the past eight years, my journey of getting to know a different culture and immersing myself in Korean traditions has proven to be an eye-opening and rewarding experience. During my time in South Korea, I’ve had the good fortune of making some wonderful Korean friends. However, amidst these connections, I’ve observed the existence of certain cultural barriers that sometimes make it challenging to forge deeper connections. It’s quite surprising that despite having a few close friendships, my exposure to Korean weddings has been limited to just one, visits to Korean homes have been infrequent, and meeting a Korean husband has been a rarity. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Best Cafes Near the End of Daegu’s Red Line Metro Posted on December 12, 2023November 15, 2025 Have you ever taken the metro to the end of the red line here in Daegu? Me neither, but I was curious. The red line is one of three metro lines in Daegu and the closest line near my house. So today, we’re going to do something a little different. We’re going to go cafe hopping using the metro—taking it to the end of the red line in both directions—Seolhwa/Myeonggok today and Ansim tomorrow—to see if we can find a couple of pretty cafes to visit without getting in the car. This journey along the red line promises not only charming cafes but also a unique exploration of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. As we embark on this adventure, let’s uncover Daegu’s hidden gems and vibrant spots, all conveniently accessible via the red line. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Most Beautiful Japanese Themed Cafe: Baristro Asian Style Cafe Posted on December 4, 2023November 28, 2025 Baristro Asian Style is a perfect example of how social media can work wonders. It proves that being creative and having a solid social media presence can make a big difference. Simply put, they can charge more for what other cafes offer at a lower price. Thanks to its popularity on social media, especially IG, the cafe gets many customers who pay 80 Baht just to come in and take pictures for their personal Instagram feeds. These posts spread the word, and the cafe gets even more attention without spending a dime on advertising, effectively turning their customers into unpaid brand ambassadors. Many cafes try to do this, but Baristro Asian Style is the first one I’ve visited with a cover charge. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES How to Spend 4 Amazing Days in Luang Prabang, Laos Posted on November 28, 2023November 15, 2025 Each itinerary is unique, but this 4-day itinerary in Luang Prabang offers a perfect introduction to one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia. From yoga in a temple with a former monk to swimming in the crystal-clear pools of the Kuang Si Waterfalls– there’s something for everyone. Ultimately, it is a condensed version of the 9-day version of our vacation to Luang Prabang that can be easily altered depending on your interests. However, with this 4-day itinerary in Luang Prabang, you will enjoy the surrounding nature, hike, get pampered, eat some good food, and more. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Korean Streets Explained: Why No One Says ‘Excuse Me’ Posted on November 26, 2023December 12, 2025 Despite its small size, the massive population shapes today’s vibrant society. Additionally, South Korea strikes a balance between preserving its cultural identity and embracing elements of Western culture. One aspect I found unexpectedly frustrating was walking in the Korean streets. When I first moved here, I had certain expectations – people forming orderly queues, using sidewalks, and politely apologizing if they accidentally bumped into me. Read more
HOTELS Experience Winter Magic in Korea at the Stunning Sono Belle Resort Posted on November 23, 2023May 25, 2026 Are you on the hunt for the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving weekend? Well, you’re in luck because I’m excited to share one of my top picks with you. Imagine this: you’re surrounded by the stunning snowy vistas of Vivaldi Park Ski Resort, and there’s a cozy room with a view of the slopes waiting just for you – that’s Sono Belle. It’s a modern ski resort nestled right at the base of the mountains, blending style and comfort seamlessly. This resort is all about offering you a winter getaway like no other. Read more
HOTELS What You Need to Know About Camp Walker Lodge in Daegu Posted on November 18, 2023November 15, 2025 I’ve encountered my fair share of mediocre hotels, but none can quite compare to our current lodgings, which happen to be at Army Lodging on Camp Walker. This place has swiftly earned the title of my least favorite. Camp Walker serves as temporary accommodation for military and Department of Defense… Read more
BLACK WOMEN WHO TRAVEL Why Authentic Stories from Black Women Travelers Matter Posted on November 14, 2023June 10, 2026 As a black female traveler, navigating the world can be daunting. From dealing with race and gender biases to expecting, but not always receiving respectful behavior. There are many factors to consider when traveling as a black woman. In this blog post, I will share some of my personal experiences and insights and offer tips and advice on how to make the most out of your travels as a black woman. Read more