DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Thailand Is More Than a Luxury Escape Posted on April 14, 2025July 31, 2026 While The White Lotus shows Thailand through a glossy, dramatic lens, my experience looked very different. From quiet trails to humble cafés, Chiang Mai offered something richer—peace, connection, and clarity. This is my personal story of Thailand, far beyond the screen, and why it keeps calling me back. Read more
SLOW TRAVEL & LIVING ABROAD Leaving America: When You’re Living a Life You Don’t Want Posted on April 1, 2025December 26, 2025 After years of staying for family, I’ve realized leaving America—at least part-time—offers the space to feel present, free, and fulfilled. Living abroad isn’t about escape. It’s about choosing a slower rhythm, deeper connection, and a version of life that feels more honest than what I’ve settled for here. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Happy Birthday Traditions from Around the World Posted on March 28, 2025December 20, 2025 I turned another year older doing what I love—traveling slow, eating well, and soaking up small joys with Steven. This birthday, we shared wine at a local vineyard, watched a movie downtown, and ended the day with Thai tea. It reminded me how birthday traditions can reflect who we are. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES How to Hike to Wat Pha Lat in Chiang Mai and What You’ll See Along the Way Posted on March 27, 2025July 31, 2026 One warm February morning in Chiang Mai, I set out alone to hike the Monk’s Trail. With each step, the noise faded. In its place—silence, birdsong, and the peaceful hush of Wat Pha Lat. That quiet temple in the forest reminded me what it feels like to arrive, not chase. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Why the Cafe Culture in Thailand Is So Popular Posted on March 6, 2025July 31, 2026 Cafes in Thailand go beyond coffee—they are immersive spaces blending nature, creativity, and community. Chiang Mai, known for its lush landscapes and artistic culture, offers some of the most stunning cafes. From jungle retreats to bold architectural wonders, each spot tells a unique story, inviting visitors to experience something extraordinary. Read more
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What I Learned About Travel in 2024 (That I’m Taking Into the New Year) Posted on January 11, 2025April 20, 2026 Looking back on 2024, I’m filled with gratitude for a year of diverse adventures. While I traveled to Italy and Spain early on, most of my trips were closer to home, exploring the Dickeyville Grotto in Wisconsin, hiking Morton Arboretum in Lisle, and savoring coffee at charming cafes in St…. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK How to See the World Through Cafes: How These Spaces Quietly Shape Travel Posted on December 20, 2024July 31, 2026 There’s nothing better than discovering a small cafe while traveling. You’re walking through a foreign city when you spot one tucked into a corner. The smell of coffee pulls you in. Inside, locals laugh and sip their drinks, swapping stories like old friends. You order a cup, and for a… Read more
FOOD AND DRINK Let’s go to the Most Beautiful Cafes in Chiang Mai Posted on December 17, 2024July 31, 2026 Discover 10 stunning cafes in Chiang Mai, perfect for coffee lovers and photographers. Each spot offers unique vibes, great coffee, and gorgeous settings, making them ideal for relaxing afternoons or capturing Instagram-worthy moments in Thailand’s northern gem. Read more