August 5, 2024

Where to Stay in Ninh Binh: The 30 Best Hotels in Ninh Binh

Living in Hanoi made me long for the vast quietness of the countryside. Ninh Binh was always my weekend fix during my four-year stint in Vietnam’s capital. Ninh Binh’s huge rafts of farmed white ducks wallowing in its many waterways, with the expanse of rice fields in different shades of […]
August 5, 2024

Where to Stay in Hanoi for First Timers: Some of the Coolest Hotels

Hanoi—where history meets hustle and the streets pulse with life. This what draws me and made me stay for four years, first as a digital nomad, then I went back to teaching full-time. It was the eclectic energy. The relentlessness. The restlessness that made me stay. For first-timers navigating this […]
August 5, 2024

Your Ultimate Ninh Binh Travel Guide: 17 Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam + Ninh Binh Itinerary

With my four years in Vietnam, Ninh Binh singularly took the number one spot as the most visited. I regularly visited this place on my own especially during the pandemic since it is just 1 hour and 30-min away from Hanoi by limousine—the locals’ word for spacious shared van. When […]
August 4, 2024

Where to Stay in Skiathos: Your Ultimate Guide

As an island gal based in Munich, Germany, I get the profound yearning for the sea. Skiathos, Greece, has become my cherished refuge, offering boundless beaches and the calming presence of the ocean. Fun fact: Skiathos is part of the Sporades island group, named after the Greek word for ‘the […]
August 2, 2024

One Day in Pittsburgh: The Best Things to Do + Itinerary

Welcome to Pittsburgh, a city that’s more than just steel and sports. At the confluence of three rivers, Pittsburgh is a gritty, proud town reinventing itself as a hub of culture, cuisine, and creativity. With its eclectic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and culinary gems, Pittsburgh has a lot to offer. If […]
August 1, 2024

Hanoi Travel Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Welcome to my beloved Hanoi, a city that never fails to surprise. As someone who’s called this place home for four years, I can assure you that each street, market, and hidden corner has a story waiting to unfold. This Hanoi travel itinerary is designed for first-time visitors who want to dive […]
August 1, 2024

A Pretentious Solo Backpacker Joined a Tour for the First Time in Camotes Island

I forgot to bring a jacket. The air was thick with the distinct smell of an air-conditioned vehicle. A slightly smaller yellow bus, three vans, and some private Pajeros were in front of our bus, the biggest among the rest. I took the number of vehicles as premonitions and folded […]
July 16, 2024

The Many Things to Do in Rockport MA if You Only Have One Day

Welcome to Rockport, a coastal haven where art, history, and stunning seascapes converge. If you’re a first-time traveler in this part of the United States, get ready to be captivated by the many things to do in Rockport, MA, if you only have one day to explore it. From wandering […]
July 15, 2024

One Day in Boston: Four Possible Itineraries

Welcome to Boston, where history collides with innovation. I personally believe this city is a labyrinth of colonial charm and cutting-edge culture. From the Freedom Trail’s echoing footsteps to the culinary treasures in North End, every corner tells a story. In one day in Boston itinerary, you’ll traverse centuries—grab chowder […]
July 13, 2024

One Day in New York: Four Suggested Itineraries

New York City is a mesmerizing chaos, where dreams clash and thrive amidst towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. I personally think there’s no place like it—every corner offers a story, a flavor, a glimpse into the soul of humanity. From the gritty charm of the Lower East Side to the […]
July 12, 2024

The Top 16 Independent Bookstores in NYC Worth Checking Out

I personally believe Joan Didion, Jennifer Egan, Mia Alvar, Eula Biss, and Ada Limon capture the essence of New York. These writers embody the city’s literary spirit, and its independent bookstores are a testament to this legacy. New York City’s independent bookstores are hidden gems offering an intimate dive into […]
July 8, 2024

The Best Areas to Stay in Portland Oregon for First-Time Visitors

Portland, Oregon, where untamed wilderness converges with cutting-edge creativity, is a city of contrasts. Picture yourself hiking through dense forests in the morning and savoring artisanal coffee in a cozy cafe by afternoon. It’s a place where food trucks offer gourmet surprises and indie musicians set the night on fire. […]