I never considered cruising the Mekong River, but I am on a fantastic adventure. I’m exploring the Mekong’s history and its importance to Southeast Asia. It starts in Tibet and flows through six countries—China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam—and has been a crucial part of their cultures and communities for a long time.
I really dislike group tours, whether it’s in Taipei or anywhere else. The idea of being part of a group, traveling with strangers, makes me feel uneasy. However, private tours are often expensive, which adds to my frustration. So, when I found a tour on Klook that covered all the places I wanted to visit in Taipei, and it was affordable at 41,000 KRW or $31 USD per person, I had to make a compromise. Despite my dislike for group tours, I decided to book it because I didn’t want to spend more money that could be used for another trip. It wasn’t ideal, but I had to go with it. So I booked the tour to Yehliu Geopark, Jiufen, Shifen, and the Golden Waterfalls for the day after tomorrow.
If you had told me I would be paddling a kayak (with Steven) in the middle of Halong Bay in the South China Sea, I’d have told you you’re crazy. Sometimes its necessary to do something crazy every now and then, right?
There’s long standing history with aromatherapy and essential oils in Turkey– the practice of using extracted natural oils from the flowers, stems, leaves and roots of plants. Their ability to affect well-being can be both psychological and physical. Therefore, it makes perfect “scents”
We land at 4 pm— a half-hour past the free tour offered by Turkish Airlines. That sucks, I’ve taken one of those tours before, and they are pretty good. But we’re not out of luck. There is another night layover …
Free City Tour of Istanbul I love long layovers if it allows me to explore a new city. And Turkish Airlines offers a great perk if you have a long layover Istanbul. They offer ticket holders a free Istanbul tour. …
The Digital Tour Guide Bloggers are essentially online tour guides. This post outlines how both guides create itineraries, present content, and set the mood. Consequently, the more we consider ourselves Virtual Travel Guides, the more we can connect with our …
Catania was originally founded as a Greek colony in ancient times and since then has been part of numerous Empires and cultures including the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards. All it takes is a few hours to walk around the city to explore the numerous treasures left behind from the many cultures and empires that once called Sicily their home.
The tour lasted a little over 4 hours and ended with lunch in a popular dim sum restaurant. Long layovers provide a chance to see things you might otherwise never see. Walking tours with a local are the closest thing to living like a local for a few hours and may end up being a highlight of your entire trip.
Make sure you leave time in your itinerary and day-to-day schedule to wander and wonder. Giving yourself time and permission to get lost means you’ll be free to discover hidden gems and sights that aren’t on your map. Leave time to explore, strike up conversations, and lose yourself in the experience. It’s a chance to be whoever we wan to be for awhile. Use your imagination and whip out an alter ego you’ve been working on.
Chiang Mai is known to have some of the best food in Thailand. Food stalls like the Lady with the Cowboy Hat’s pulled pork are Internet sensations. Unfortunately, we don’t eat pork, so I can’t add my two cents except …
I looked into a couple different cruise operators for our trip to Halong Bay. I settled on Signature Cruise Halong Bay for several reasons. I liked the interior and exterior, the cruise line ranked high on service and the food received top marks as well.
The temple is always in a state of maintenance and construction. The artist wants Wat Rung Khun to have pilgrimagers that return to Chiang Mai not unlike those who return to Spain’s Sagrada Família or India’s Taj Mahal. And not unlike Antoni Gaudí and Shah Jahan, Ajarn Chalermchai does not expect to see his great work completed as its expected to take approximately 60 and 90 years to complete.
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7 Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors Salt Lake City, nestled in a stunning mountain-ringed valley in Utah, offers a captivating blend of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scenes. Must-see Salt Lake City attractions include the iconic Temple Square, the expansive Great Salt Lake, and many more, each telling a part of the story that makes this dynamic city uniquely captivating....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/must-see-salt-lake-city/
7 Must-See Attractions for First-Time Visitors Salt Lake City, nestled in a stunning mountain-ringed valley in Utah, offers a captivating blend of historic landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scenes. Must-see Salt Lake City attractions include the iconic Temple Square, the expansive Great Salt Lake, and many more, each telling a part of the story that makes this dynamic city uniquely captivating....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/must-see-salt-lake-city/
During my recent trip to Gwangju, I was really excited to explore the local cafe scene. Korea is famous for its unique cafes with cool themes and eye-catching designs. I had a great time checking them out and want to tell you about three of my favorites in this blog post: Plan B Cafe, Lounge OIC and Cafe, and Lieful Cafe in Gwangju.
https://duffelbagspouse.com/cafe-hopping-in-gwangju/
During my recent trip to Gwangju, I was really excited to explore the local cafe scene. Korea is famous for its unique cafes with cool themes and eye-catching designs. I had a great time checking them out and want to tell you about three of my favorites in this blog post: Plan B Cafe, Lounge OIC and Cafe, and Lieful Cafe in Gwangju.
https://duffelbagspouse.com/cafe-hopping-in-gwangju/
Salt Lake City, Utah, a city surrounded by majestic natural beauty, recently surprised me with its vibrant spirit and stunning landscapes. My visit was part of a special event—the Women in Travel Summit, and the trip to the Salt Flats was sponsored by the Visit Utah Tourism Board. This event brought together a dynamic group of women bloggers, offering us a chance to connect and share experiences. After leaving our hotel at 4:30 AM for the 90-minute journey, our group was thrilled to explore one of Utah`s many treasures, the mesmerizing Salt Flats....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/utahs-salt-flats/
Salt Lake City, Utah, a city surrounded by majestic natural beauty, recently surprised me with its vibrant spirit and stunning landscapes. My visit was part of a special event—the Women in Travel Summit, and the trip to the Salt Flats was sponsored by the Visit Utah Tourism Board. This event brought together a dynamic group of women bloggers, offering us a chance to connect and share experiences. After leaving our hotel at 4:30 AM for the 90-minute journey, our group was thrilled to explore one of Utah`s many treasures, the mesmerizing Salt Flats....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/utahs-salt-flats/
I wasn`t sure what to expect on my first trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, but it turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. I recently got to visit the High West Distillery with a group of energetic women bloggers. This fun tour was part of our schedule at the Women in Travel Summit, which took place in Salt Lake City with help from the Visit Utah Tourism Board. It was a great chance to connect and enjoy a new experience together....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/a-spirited-day-at-high-west-distillery-with-visit-utah/
I wasn`t sure what to expect on my first trip to Salt Lake City, Utah, but it turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. I recently got to visit the High West Distillery with a group of energetic women bloggers. This fun tour was part of our schedule at the Women in Travel Summit, which took place in Salt Lake City with help from the Visit Utah Tourism Board. It was a great chance to connect and enjoy a new experience together....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/a-spirited-day-at-high-west-distillery-with-visit-utah/
Our hike from Monterosso to Vernazza promised an adventure, yet it was tougher than any of us anticipated. A little research would have chave been nice, but we skipped that. We overlooked the weather forecast, adding another layer of unpredictability to our journey. "What could possibly go wrong?" You`ll have read my latest blog post to find out how a simple trek along a mountain ridge linking five quaint fishing villages turned into an unforgettable experience. The Cinque Terre, with its rugged beauty along Italy`s Riviera, etched a lasting memory in our hearts, filled with lessons, laughter, and the sheer unpredictability of travel....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/hiking-cinque-terra/
Our hike from Monterosso to Vernazza promised an adventure, yet it was tougher than any of us anticipated. A little research would have chave been nice, but we skipped that. We overlooked the weather forecast, adding another layer of unpredictability to our journey. "What could possibly go wrong?" You`ll have read my latest blog post to find out how a simple trek along a mountain ridge linking five quaint fishing villages turned into an unforgettable experience. The Cinque Terre, with its rugged beauty along Italy`s Riviera, etched a lasting memory in our hearts, filled with lessons, laughter, and the sheer unpredictability of travel....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/hiking-cinque-terra/
At the edge of the world, where the salt flats of Utah roll out like nature`s own movie screen, each step crackles with the magic of an untold story. Picture yourself in this vast, silent auditorium. All I needed was a little buttered popcorn to complete the scene.
#witssummit #Wits #witstravelcreator #travelblogger @visitutah #saltflatsutah @sheswanderful #witsnewyork #witscreator
At the edge of the world, where the salt flats of Utah roll out like nature`s own movie screen, each step crackles with the magic of an untold story. Picture yourself in this vast, silent auditorium. All I needed was a little buttered popcorn to complete the scene.
#witssummit #Wits #witstravelcreator #travelblogger @visitutah #saltflatsutah @sheswanderful #witsnewyork #witscreator
Out here by myself on the salt flats in Utah, with the sky turning orange and pink at sunset, I love making the water splash and seeing the clouds at my feet. It`s pretty amazing. It gets me thinking about where I`m headed as a content creator – there`s a lot of room to grow, but the exact way forward isn`t totally clear yet. #saltflatselfie
#bonnevillesaltflats
#SunsetMusings
#PathForward
#ContentCreationJourney
#TravelBloggerLife
#ExploringNewDirections
#NatureInspires
#VisitUtah
#WITSUtah
#WITSContentCreator
Out here by myself on the salt flats in Utah, with the sky turning orange and pink at sunset, I love making the water splash and seeing the clouds at my feet. It`s pretty amazing. It gets me thinking about where I`m headed as a content creator – there`s a lot of room to grow, but the exact way forward isn`t totally clear yet. #saltflatselfie
#bonnevillesaltflats
#SunsetMusings
#PathForward
#ContentCreationJourney
#TravelBloggerLife
#ExploringNewDirections
#NatureInspires
#VisitUtah
#WITSUtah
#WITSContentCreator
Snowbirds IRL at #WITSUtah and #empirecanyonlodge #visitutah @shegoeswithpurpose
I`m getting my bum warmed on a heated bench in Park City, Utah. #WITSUtah #visitutah #WITS #witssummit #nonamesaloon
I`m getting my bum warmed on a heated bench in Park City, Utah. #WITSUtah #visitutah #WITS #witssummit #nonamesaloon
In an era of fast-paced travel, Italy invites you to slow down and savor life`s pleasures through the art of slow travel. This blog encourages you to unwind in the Italian countryside, where time seems to stand still among the olive groves and vineyards. We`ll introduce you to agriturismos where you can participate in the local harvest, quaint towns perfect for leisurely exploration, and the Italian concept of "la dolce far niente" - the sweetness of doing nothing. Discover how to truly immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle, making every moment count....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/embracing-slow-travel-in-italy/
In an era of fast-paced travel, Italy invites you to slow down and savor life`s pleasures through the art of slow travel. This blog encourages you to unwind in the Italian countryside, where time seems to stand still among the olive groves and vineyards. We`ll introduce you to agriturismos where you can participate in the local harvest, quaint towns perfect for leisurely exploration, and the Italian concept of "la dolce far niente" - the sweetness of doing nothing. Discover how to truly immerse yourself in the Italian lifestyle, making every moment count....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/embracing-slow-travel-in-italy/
Taking in the electrifying energy at Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, I find myself wrapped in a world of color and creativity. This mural, a vivid backdrop, echoes my love for the arts. Here I am, with a smile that says it all — life is beautiful and full of surprises. #SaltLakeCityAdventures #TheaterLife #MuralMagic #JoyfulJourneys #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Taking in the electrifying energy at Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City, I find myself wrapped in a world of color and creativity. This mural, a vivid backdrop, echoes my love for the arts. Here I am, with a smile that says it all — life is beautiful and full of surprises. #SaltLakeCityAdventures #TheaterLife #MuralMagic #JoyfulJourneys #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Had the most amazing moment meeting the brilliant designer behind my go-to travel scarf! 🌟 In Salt Lake City, where inspiration meets mountain air, I discovered the story behind the secret pocket that keeps my essentials safe on every adventure. Thank you, Waypoint Goods, for merging style with savvy travel needs! ✈️🧣#WITS #Waypoint_Goods #SecretPocket #saltlakecity #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Had the most amazing moment meeting the brilliant designer behind my go-to travel scarf! 🌟 In Salt Lake City, where inspiration meets mountain air, I discovered the story behind the secret pocket that keeps my essentials safe on every adventure. Thank you, Waypoint Goods, for merging style with savvy travel needs! ✈️🧣#WITS #Waypoint_Goods #SecretPocket #saltlakecity #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Can`t beat a secret tour to a secret mural by the artist at #Wits in Salt Lake City, UTAH. #blocks #murals #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Can`t beat a secret tour to a secret mural by the artist at #Wits in Salt Lake City, UTAH. #blocks #murals #visitutah #WITSUtah @sheswanderful
Strolling through the sun-kissed alleys of Malaga, Spain, I`m wrapped in the warmth of a spring afternoon. Olive green shutters and ornate balconies tell stories above, as cobblestones whisper tales of yesteryear below.
#Wanderlust #TravelTales #CityExploration #HistoryAlive #SpringVoyage #CobblestoneChronicles
Strolling through the sun-kissed alleys of Malaga, Spain, I`m wrapped in the warmth of a spring afternoon. Olive green shutters and ornate balconies tell stories above, as cobblestones whisper tales of yesteryear below.
#Wanderlust #TravelTales #CityExploration #HistoryAlive #SpringVoyage #CobblestoneChronicles
Hanging out in San Gimignano with new friends
Driving along the Amalfi Ciat from Sorrento to Amalfi ITALY.
At Crazy Pizza in Rome zitaly for my birthday with our daughter Ashley.
Tycoga Winery & Distillery says it all with its name. While they have a line of spirits, were just driven 30 minutes to taste their award-winning winning and grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, we weren`t alone-- it was a gang of people inside and out. We were called over to the bar by the winery`s manager to start our tour around this region of Iowa....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/inside-iowas-award-winning-tycoga-winery-distillery/
Tycoga Winery & Distillery says it all with its name. While they have a line of spirits, were just driven 30 minutes to taste their award-winning winning and grab a bite to eat. Unfortunately, we weren`t alone-- it was a gang of people inside and out. We were called over to the bar by the winery`s manager to start our tour around this region of Iowa....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/inside-iowas-award-winning-tycoga-winery-distillery/
Italy is home to countless historic towns and villages that have preserved their medieval charm through the centuries. This blog invites readers to step back in time and explore Italy`s lesser-known historic havens. From the fortified walls of San Gimignano to the ancient pathways of Matera, we`ll guide you through destinations where history is alive and well-preserved....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/discovering-san-gimignano-matera-and-lucca/
Italy is home to countless historic towns and villages that have preserved their medieval charm through the centuries. This blog invites readers to step back in time and explore Italy`s lesser-known historic havens. From the fortified walls of San Gimignano to the ancient pathways of Matera, we`ll guide you through destinations where history is alive and well-preserved....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/discovering-san-gimignano-matera-and-lucca/
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....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/organic-wine-il-vecchio-maneggio/
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....
https://duffelbagspouse.com/organic-wine-il-vecchio-maneggio/