PLACES 3 Days/ 2 Nights on a Halong Bay Cruise: A Complete Review of Our Experience Posted on October 24, 2024November 8, 2024 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? Read more
PLACES Group Tours Offer Value for First-Time Travelers Posted on August 3, 2024August 3, 2024 If you know me, you know I’m not a fan of most group or package tours. I like the freedom to explore on my own, the excitement of discovering new places, and the opportunity to mingle with locals. However, I’ve realized that package tours can be a great option, especially… Read more
PLACES A Cruise Down the Mekong River in Luang Prabang for Two Posted on February 15, 2024November 10, 2024 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. Read more
PLACES Top Must-See Taiwan Sights with Klook Tours Posted on June 27, 2023June 23, 2024 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. Read more
TRAVEL EXPERIENCES Buying Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Souvenirs in Turkey Posted on October 11, 2018July 19, 2024 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” Read more
PLACES Night Long Layover Night Tour in Istanbul from Turkish Airlines Posted on October 7, 2018June 9, 2024 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 tour we’ll catch that’s not free. Watching Istanbul go from… Read more
PLACES Turkish Airlines Long Layover Posted on October 3, 2018June 9, 2024 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. It’s a great option if you have at least a… Read more
PLACES Catania Sicily– What to See and Do for First-Timers Posted on August 26, 2017October 31, 2024 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. Read more