CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES My Favorite New Year’s Traditions from Around the World I’d Totally Adopt Here Posted on December 30, 2025August 10, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Christmas in South Korea– 6 Amazing Places to Celebrate the Holidays Posted on December 26, 2025August 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I didn’t move to South Korea expecting Christmas to feel familiar. It’s a place shaped by Buddhist traditions, a growing Christian community, and many who don’t practice religion at all, yet the country loves lights, music, and big public displays. Over the years, I found that certain cities create a holiday atmosphere that feels bright, comforting, and surprisingly heartfelt—just different enough to make the season interesting and fun. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES The Best Fall Festivals in South Korea Posted on November 4, 2025November 4, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters South Korea’s fall and winter festivals celebrate culture, food, and light. From Chuseok’s harvest traditions to the Jinju Lantern and Andong Mask Dance Festivals, each event showcases beauty and community. With fireworks in Busan and glowing tea fields in Boseong, these festivals turn the cooler months into a vibrant celebration of Korean life. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Leaving America: Living Abroad When You Don’t Know the Language Posted on October 23, 2025October 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Living abroad without knowing the language isn’t easy, but it’s possible—and often rewarding. With patience, curiosity, and technology, you can navigate daily life, connect with locals, and grow through small wins. It’s not about fluency—it’s about finding confidence, humor, and humanity in every new interaction. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES 5 Simple European Conveniences That Would Improve Life in America Posted on August 31, 2025December 26, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters Living in Europe revealed how true convenience comes from thoughtful design, not endless highways or megastores. High-speed trains, walkable towns, reliable transit, welcoming cafes, and daily markets make life easier for everyone. They build community, conserve resources, and create equality—details I miss deeply in America’s car-driven, consumption-focused model. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES My Top 10 Most Beautiful Temples in Thailand Posted on August 28, 2025September 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Thailand is filled with temples, but these ten stood out to me the most. From Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha in Bangkok to mountaintop stupas in Lampang and the glowing tree of Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao, each temple offers beauty, history, and devotion. This personal list reflects the places that felt unforgettable in design, setting, and spirit. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Why Influencer Advice on Moving Abroad Is Often Incomplete or Dishonest Posted on August 25, 2025July 31, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters This post challenges influencer hype about moving abroad, revealing hidden costs, cultural adjustments, and daily realities. It contrasts polished travel videos with the unglamorous truth—unexpected bills, lifestyle mismatches, and logistical hurdles. Readers are urged to verify information, test locations, and build a plan based on personal needs, not edited reels. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES What You Need to Know About Wat Ban Pong Pagoda Before You Go Posted on July 31, 2025August 18, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Wat Ban Pong is a quiet hilltop temple near Chiang Mai, known for its 900-step forest climb and peaceful setting. Built over 19 years, the temple offers wide views, simple beauty, and a break from city crowds. A small café at the base makes the visit both reflective and relaxing. Read more
TRAVEL MONEY & PLANNING How to Shop Chiang Mai’s Markets—And Always Leave With Something Unexpected Posted on June 2, 2025September 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Chiang Mai’s markets aren’t about souvenirs. They’re about life moving at full speed—unfiltered, unscripted. You walk in and get swallowed by motion. A man fixes a fan with one hand and counts change with the other. A woman stacks woven baskets while yelling prices over the hum of scooters. Nothing is quiet, nothing is staged. It’s part trade, part theater, part heartbeat. And if you pay attention, if you stay long enough, you stop being a visitor. You become part of the noise. Read more