Like many Instagram hotspots, the final product photo from Bai Tho tells a story far from the reality of getting your ass up the mountain. It’s quite a straight forward hike, but it’s also closed to the public, making it a sneaky thing to do as well as a bit dangerous.
Read MoreRight before the daylight dips behind the jungle-covered mountains of Luang Prabang, tourists sit on the banks of the Mekong to witness the end of the day that was. Basking in the golden light of the low-hanging sun, Luang Prabang steps fully into its best self. It’s because of this, its “unspeakable beauty” as the late Anthony Bourdain put it, that sunset cruises along the Mekong River has become a “must-do” for most travelers visiting this tiny UNESCO town.
Read MorePak Ou Caves are one of Luang Prabang’s most famous tourist attractions. Limestone caves sitting alongside the Mekong as a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years sounds like magic, amirite?
But, I simply wasn’t as dazzled as everyone else.
Read MoreI love exploring new cities. That being said, what I miss most when I’m hitting the pavement of a cosmopolitan locale is nature. Ya girl like her greenery! So, when I found out via Travel Dream Seekers Instagram account that there was a park where you could get aerial views of Kuala Lumpur with a dose of Mother Nature, I was more than a little eager to visit!
Read MoreBerlin is truly a city with something for everyone! History, art, beautiful outdoor spaces, delicious coffee, and affordable food— I’ve included it all in this complete guide.
Read MoreWe all get sick of seeing the same stuff repeated time and time again on blogs, Instagram, and travel T.V. shows, but Prague, a city visited by millions every year, has so many spots that get missed, works of art that never get noticed, and bars that are only regular-ed by locals— true hidden gems of the city! What you won’t find on this list: trying trdelnik, watching the Astronomical clock, and catching views at the top of the Hotel U Prince.
Read MoreAfter years of bouncing around Bangkok on self-guided visits, long layovers, and group tours…I’ve finally put together a comprehensive guide I’m proud of. While it’s no secret every trip to Bangkok has been riddled with bad luck for me, looking back at these photos also made me realize…I’ve had so many fun memories in the capital city. It might have suffered the fate of the tourist boom {i.e. a Starbucks, H&M, and McDonald’s on every corner}, but it’s also got lots to see and do, great food, and alluring temples.
Read MoreFor such a small little town in the middle of a country no one talks much about, there are a number of social enterprises doing big things in Luang Prabang. One of these important businesses is Laos Buffalo Dairy.
Read MoreAn eco-tourism haven, Nahm Dong Park is an oasis you’ve probably never even heard about right outside the city limits of Luang Prabang. Don’t worry, I knew nothing about it either! Until one day, paint fumes of a newly renovated office space dizzying my head and fingers hurting from whipping out writing work, it was suggested that I hop on the back of a motorbike and head to Nahm Dong.
Read MoreThe Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of those quintessential New Zealand treks all travelers hear about and backpackers flock to. Despite its popularity and reputation for stunning views, and the years I’ve cumulatively spent in New Zealand, I hadn’t ever made my way to hike it. Until my recent return!
Read MorePenang is located in northwest Malaysia. On Penang Island, you’ll find stunning cultural landmarks {like Kek Lok Si Temple}, delicious street food {think Indian samosas for less than USD $1}, and world famous interactive street murals. As a first-timer to Penang, I was impressed with all that the small area offers its visitors.
Read MoreStaying at an AirBnB has its perks! You can hit up your host for the best local tips and recommendations for just about everything— they are locals after all. During my most recent stay in Kuala Lumpur, I hit up my local host to give me all the best recommendations so that I could see the city like a native.
Read MoreMount Maunganui is a hike I’ve heard people talk about for ages. While I was living in Auckland particularly, people would always recommend I make the trip to Tauranga to do the walk and peep the view from the top. I simply never made the trip or had the time. It wasn’t that far up my priority list. Luckily for me, a day of good weather and no work brought together a few of my favourite humans for a trip to the Mount to mark it off all our lists!
Read MoreBagan cannot be missed on a trip to Myanmar. Its ancient pagodas and stunning sunsets are well worth the overnight bus and the expensive entry fee to see the city. Here's a guide to Bagan!
Read MoreGardens tend to be popular attractions in big cities— Auckland, Sydney, and New York City all have their respective botanic gardens, London has Kew and Sky Garden, and let’s not over look the Cloud Forest in Singapore. Kuala Lumpur, like other great cities, has gardens for its visitors and residents to enjoy— the Perdana Botanical Gardens.
Read MoreLaos is ethnically diverse and has a rich cultural heritage that truly stands out. So much can be learned about a culture through the art its people create. The 49 ethnic groups that make up Laos all have varying ways of weaving, sculpting, and cooking. I felt extremely lucky that I got to learn about Lao culture through handicraft workshops— the work it takes, the precision and the craft.
Read MoreThose visiting Penang are often there for the beaches, Malaysian seafood, and the UNESCO Heritage Site of Georgetown with its interactive street art— all worthy reasons for making a trip to the island. However, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia is also located in Penang and many visitors either aren’t sure how to get there, or don’t know it exists. Others may have heard of Kek Lok Si, but they aren’t aware of its vastness or its other attributes that make it worthy of a visit. I’m here to tell you exactly why it’s worth a visit, how to get there, and all the other details you need to know before you go.
Read MoreLet’s be honest: a large majority of travel blogs are written by first-time or one-time visitors to a place, and heaps of that information is gathered in a limited amount of time {we’re all guilty of this}— a major reason why slow, diligent travel {post coming soon about this} gets a big “thumbs up” from me, as someone who doesn’t like to get rushed. It gets a bit boring to see the same posts about what to do in Luang Prabang being written time and time again— night market, the Bowling Alley, Utopia, Mount Phousi, and Kuang Si. So here’s a post filled with insider scoop.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered where your food comes from? Maybe you make the effort to buy organic fruits and pesticide-free vegetables? But what about your rice? Do you know where it comes from? I didn’t. More than that, I didn’t know how much work it was to grow it, harvest it, and get it on my plate.
Read MoreIf you look close, you will stumble upon jewels hidden among the grimy skyscrapers and black pavement of Nanjing. History, modern art, and beautiful vantage points are around every corner if you're willing to take the time to look.
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