FOOD AND DRINK Tired of Paying $7 for Coffee: How I’m Bringing the Cafe Home Posted on September 1, 2025March 15, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters I love cafe drinks any time of day—hot coffee, iced lattes, fruity sodas, or lemonade. But paying $6 to $8 each time feels crazy. So I’ve started making my favorites at home, from caramel lattes to dirty sodas, saving money while still enjoying the flavors I crave. Read more
FOOD AND DRINK How Brazil Coffee Tariffs Threaten America’s Love Affair with Coffee Posted on August 13, 2025December 20, 2025 By Stacey A. Peters President Trump’s 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee is disrupting a supply chain that provides 30% of U.S. coffee. Prices are rising, shipments are down, and small cafes face the biggest strain. Brazil is redirecting exports to other markets, risking America’s influence in global coffee trade and reshaping coffee culture nationwide. 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
CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES What Makes Hotel Breakfast So Special While Traveling Posted on April 18, 2025July 31, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters Hotel mornings move slower. No chores. No rush. Just soft light, quiet air, and the promise of a hotel breakfast downstairs—warm, fragrant, and maybe unfamiliar. I stretch, breathe, and follow the scent. That small luxury, often overlooked, feels like a reward for all the noise I left behind. Read more
DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Why Thailand Is More Than a Luxury Escape Posted on April 14, 2025September 11, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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
FOOD AND DRINK Why the Cafe Culture in Thailand Is So Popular Posted on March 6, 2025July 31, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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
FOOD AND DRINK How to See the World Through Cafes: How These Spaces Quietly Shape Travel Posted on December 20, 2024July 31, 2026 By Stacey A. Peters 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 By Stacey A. Peters 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