El Nido is a town on the northern tip of Palawan in the Philippines - and is the most famous vacation destination on the island. Known for its sand white beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lagoons, the scenic island escape is buttressed by a beach town economy. Think western restaurants, clothing boutiques and bars to come back to after your day at sea. Here are the best things to do in El Nido.
Read MoreCoron is a small set of islands known for its diving and snorkeling, offering many shipwrecks, coral reefs, colorful fish and dramatic underground rock formations. Catch a boat tour by day and then settle in at a rooftop bar come night to watch a breathtaking sunset. Each day will be soul-satisfying. Here are the best things to do in Coron
Read MoreManila is the world’s most densely populated city - and one that generally lacks urban planning. For someone like me who does not thrive in crowded, noisy chaos, it is tough to enjoy. If you’re heading to the Philippines for an island vacation, I think your itinerary would benefit from only stopping in Manila as a layover. If you choose to stay longer, here are the best things to do in Man
Read MoreTainan is Taiwan’s oldest city, original capital, and sometimes thought of as it unofficial food capital. To me, what’s most memorable about wandering through the historic quarters is the atmospheric charm - narrow winding alleys bordered by historic row homes and often lined with bright lanterns. It can feel like stepping back in time.
Read MoreTaichung is the quietest major metropolis I’ve ever been to. Most tourists stop in as a gateway to Sun Moon Lake - Taiwan’s largest lake. As a destination in its own right, Taichung is known for its night markets, art, cafes, and as the birthplace of pearl milk tea (bubble tea). It’s livable and nice - but lacks destinations that wow you. Here are the best things to do in Taichung.
Read MoreKnown primarily for its public art installations, Kaohsiung offers a warmer urban home than Taipei for locals. While it feels livable, is easy to get around, and has great food - its sites aren’t memorable. One day of exploring is enough to see all the highlights as a tourist. Here are the best things to do in Kaohsiung.
Read MoreA city that I fell in love with immediately, Taipei boasts incredible food, a vibrant urban culture, and high quality infrastructure. It’s an enchanting blend of highly livable urban design, preserved local culture, and thriving small businesses. Everything I did in the city delighted me. Here are the best things to do in Taipei.
Read MoreA small city on the east coast of Taiwan, Hualien is known as the gateway to Taroko Gorge National Park (the world’s largest marble gorge). Beyond easy access to some truly stunning hikes, Hualien also offers incredible eats after your day of hiking - from Taiwan famous mochi to scallion pancakes. Here are the best things to do in Hualien. (AKA: Hike, Eat, Repeat.)
Read MoreThe South Island, widely considered New Zealand’s more beautiful island, is absolutely breathtaking from top to bottom. From day hikes with expansive mountain views, to incredible vineyards, to gorgeous (and terrifying) winding cliffside drives, you are sure to be awed and surprised every day. Here is our nine day (9 day) South Island New Zealand itinerary to help you plan your own.
Read MoreThe North Island, often considered the lesser of New Zealand’s islands for natural beauty, has some really lovely spots and offers worthwhile road trip. From the Shire to glow worms to a day hike through Mordor, you’re sure to find something to delight in every day. Here is our one week (7 day) North Island New Zealand itinerary to help you plan your own.
Read MoreTo me, a camper van road trip is the only way to explore New Zealand without making tough sacrifices. This blog offers my best advice for preparing for your campervan trip in New Zealand - with a focus on the basics, from freedom camping to public showers. It covers when to book what, what to pack, how detailed to schedule, what to mentally prepare for, and how to take care of your campervan.
Read MoreSingapore is the best example of urban planning and governance I’ve seen. Known for streets so clean you could eat off them, everything in Singapore just seems easy, on time, and pristine. Public transportation is incredible, the architecture is beautiful, and the city never feels too crowded - even though it’s the third most densely populated country. Here are the best things to do in Singapore.
Read MoreMumbai (aka Bombay) is India’s largest city and financial capital. Expensive by Indian standards, it offers a ton of chic businesses - and in many neighborhoods feels like a beautiful Victorian UK city. While I found my stay as a backpacker hot and unpleasant, I saw the clear potential for a posh, high-budget vacation. Here are the best things to do in Mumbai on a budget.
Read MoreJodhpur, known as the “Blue City” and the “Sun City,” is the second largest city in Rajasthan and the historical seat of the Rathore clan. Situated on the edge of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur offers one of the best preserved forts in India amidst some stunning backdrops. Here are the best things to do in Jodhpur.
Read MorePushkar is one of the few places in India with a temple to Brahma and by some legends the only place that he can be worshipped. Because of that, it’s a pilgrimage site for Hindus - leaving it full of temples, holy baths, and nighttime prayer rituals. It’s also become a backpacker’s haven - so it has western and fusion food and plenty of wellness centers. Here are the best things to in Pushkar.
Read MoreJaipur is the capital and largest city of Rajasthan - and the historical seat of the ruling Maharaja. Known as the “Pink City” for the color of its buildings, Jaipur is full of palaces and forts. What I think is the most cool part is that it has a preserved mountainside fortification wall (Amer Wall) - the third largest in the world.
Read MoreAgra was once the capital of the Mughul Empire and the foremost city of India. Nowadays, it is largely an industrial city that is most famous for being the home of India’s prized treasure: The Taj Mahal - a mausoleum built for the favorite empress of Shah Jahan. I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that it is the most stunning building I have ever seen. Here are the best things to do in Agra.
Read MoreI’m 9 months into my 16-month round the world trip, and I’ve found something to love everyplace I’ve been in 109 cities across 37 countries. Month nine for me was about stopping being too self-serious, embracing carefree joy and shedding ideas of what are worthy or enlightened ways of living.
Read MoreDelhi is the capital of India and the second largest metropolitan area in the world. It’s crowded, loud, chaotic, polluted, and always on the go. When you first arrive, if you haven’t been before, it will almost certainly shock your nervous system. But - once you adjust, the city is brimming with excitement, things to do and amazing street food to eat. Here are the best things to do in Delhi.
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