Tag Archives: short term review

24 to 48 Hours in Kyoto, Japan: How a Day Trip Became an Unforgettable Overnight Adventure

What began as a simple day trip from Osaka transformed into an impromptu overnight adventure in the heart of Kyoto. After immersing myself in a day filled with ancient temples, serene shrines, and savoring some of the best gyoza I’ve ever tasted, I realized one day wasn’t enough to capture the essence of this historic […]

3-Day Paris Layover Adventure with Air France: A Whirlwind Tour of Parisian Food, French Rap, and Iconic Film Locations

Paris is my love, second home, and so much more. This iconic city has shaped my life in many ways, from its beautiful architecture to the smells of baguettes in the morning and rotisserie chickens from Ed l’Epicier (now closed) on the way to school, to the scent of cigarette smoke wafting through the air, […]

Live Like James Bond for 3 Days in Estoril, Portugal

Estoril, Portugal, is a hidden gem just off the beaten path along the Portuguese Riviera, offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, luxurious experiences, and a touch of James Bond allure.  Unlike the bustling streets of Lisbon, I found Estoril to be a much more quiet escape with its clean beaches, historic sites, and of […]

Lisbon in 4 Days: A Perfect Blend of History, Fado, and Flavor

Bem-vindo a Lisboa! Maybe you’ve stumbled here because you’re planning a trip, or you just want to see how people like me have traveled to Portugal’s most populous city and one of the oldest cities in Western Europe.  This city is one of the most important in Europe, leaving its mark on history during the […]

Booking European Train Tickets? Avoid Rail Ninja’s Rip-Offs & Use Omio Instead

Don’t Get Railroaded by Rail Ninja: Use Omio Instead Hey fellow travelers! Are you booking travel this summer? Maybe you’re planning for travel around the 2024 Paris Olympics. Either way, at some point, you must have booked a train ticket only to realize you’ve been completely ripped off? Yeah, that’s exactly what happened to me […]

Turkish Airlines Touristanbul Scam: Don’t Get Stranded and Starved

Why You SHOULD NOT USE Turkish Air’s Touristanbul Layover Program The main reason I booked Turkish Airlines was their Touristanbul program, which promised a guided tour of the city. This was the end of a graduation trip for my brother, and we hadn’t traveled together as a family for over 20 years.  We envisioned a […]

Navigating Taipei: Metro (MRT), Taxis, Uber & Airport Tips

Arriving in Taipei for the first time can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. I remember stepping off my early EVA Air flight at Taoyuan Airport and facing the big question: taxi or MRT? Through my own experiences navigating this vibrant city, I’ve gathered insights and tips to help you make the best transportation […]

Liaoning Night Market (Taipei): Insider Tips for Foodies & First-Timers (遼寧街夜市)

Liaoning Street Night Market (遼寧街夜市) Taiwan, and Taipei in particular, are known for their night markets. You’ll see them all over social media, blogs, and YouTube. However, I’m going to place extra emphasis on my favorite one so far – Liaoning. This night market is one of my favorite street markets in Taipei due to […]

Top 5 Must-Visit Food and Drink Spots in Taipei (Pt. 1)

Taipei, a city bursting with culinary delights, is a food lover’s paradise. During my visit, I’ve discovered some amazing spots that I can’t wait to share with you. This is not an exhaustive list, but a collection of my personal favorites that I find myself returning to time and again. Whether you’re in town for […]

Remote Work Paradise: 4 Days in Guam (with a Layover in Korea)

Originally published in 202. Updated: May 17, 2024 Guam? Where’s Guam? Guam is probably not the first place you think of when you imagine a Pacific island. However, Guam, a U.S. territory nestled in the heart of the Pacific, isn’t just a picturesque island escape. Guam tends to get overlooked as a destination (compared to […]