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Where to stay in Siargao – catching epic waves, amazing food, and island views

Ease into the Philippines’ crazy/wonderful island culture with a trip to the chill island of Siargao. This is the place to surf epic waves, eat amazingly delicious food, and capture Instagrammable spots for days. Get ahead of the crowd and find your perfect little spot with this guide on where to stay in Siargao.

Siargao, a small island in Northern Mindanao, used to be almost exclusively a surfer’s paradise. I remember hearing about it for the first time over a decade ago from an old college classmate who happened to be a surfing enthusiast, and thought she was just saying “Surigao” with a twang.

In the last few years though, a surfer somewhere let out the secret that ultimately changed the island’s fate: there’s more to Siargao than surfing! And so the island’s tourism picked up. Despite what the island purists may claim – that its popularity has led to its ruin – I think Siargao is taking its sudden fame in stride. I’d even go so far as to propose that if you’re visiting the Philippines for the first time, Siargao is the perfect “gateway” island.

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Where to stay in Seoul – a guide to the city’s neighborhoods and best accommodations

Do you identify as: a) shopaholic? b) culture vulture? c) a creative? or d) a world citizen? No matter what your personality or tastes in travel are, there’s a neighborhood in Seoul that’s just perfect for you. This megacity caters to all kinds of travelers, and your problem won’t be the lack of choice, but the abundance of it. Don’t get overwhelmed! Take this quick and easy quiz and find out where YOU should stay in Seoul.

Planning a trip to Seoul? Chances are, you have about 5 tabs open on your browser right now and probably pulling your hair out with all of the choices and information out there. Believe me – I’ve been there. There is no shortage of guides and blogs on Seoul and you have the city itself to blame.

If you think online information on Seoul is overwhelming, you should go to, well… Seoul! From the moment you land on Incheon and venture into the heart of the city, you’ll be bombarded by all sorts of curiosities and novelties and choices, choices, choices!

If you’re on a diet, forget about it. You’ll be eating your way around the city in no time. Not really planning to shop? Friendly (albeit unfashionable) tip: wear blinders. Thinking of taking it slow and having a relaxing trip? Wear your most comfortable shoes anyway, as you’ll be drawn from one street to the next and before you know it, you’re in the middle of an art village on top of a hill and you just want to keep on going.

Seoul’s vibrancy and life is just so infectious and there’s just so much you can do that the trip-planning stage can be so overwhelming. So here’s my part in helping you plan your little holiday and making it less of an information overload: I made a fun and quick quiz (5 minutes tops!) that will help you decide where to stay in Seoul!

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Where to stay in Osaka – best places to stay in Kansai, Japan

Osaka city is right in the center of Kansai, Japan’s best destinations – you can easily reach Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara from Osaka. With city perks like an exciting night scene, sensational food culture, and stylish hotels, Osaka is certainly the best base for travelers to Kansai. Here’s where to stay in Osaka.

If you’ve only ever been to Tokyo before, you’ll find a different side of Japan in Osaka. Compared to Tokyo, Osaka’s rhythm seems to be at half-time and its mood way chipper. The streets are filled with friendly faces and booming voices… and the mouthwatering smell of hearty, savory food. Welcome to Osaka!

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Spring in South Korea – when and where to see the cherry blossoms

Join the festivities this spring as South Korea dresses in pink! See the gorgeous cherry blossoms, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and look forward to brighter and warmer days ahead.

Life in South Korea has certainly gotten faster and flashier in the last few years, but come March, everyone stops to smell the flowers. Winter melts and spring takes over, splashing the cities and the countryside with brilliant colors and fragrant scents.

The most awaited of these blooms, of course, is the cherry blossom. While we all wait with bated breath for the forecasts and the festivals, get a head start on your travel plans with these top tips for savoring spring in South Korea.

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Where to stay in Coron – 5 chic resorts to check out

When in Coron, you don’t have to choose between dingy backpacker hotels and ultra-expensive exclusive island resorts. There’s a pretty nice middle ground where you’ll find artsy, chic hotels and resorts at reasonable prices. Here where to stay in Coron.

When you think of a tropical paradise in the Philippines, you think of Palawan. And one of the gems of Palawan is Coron, a great base for exploring the Calamian Islands and reaching the whitest and finest sand beaches, most stunning karst formations, and cleanest lakes in the country. If you’re looking to quickly plan your trip, here are our best recommendations on where to stay in Coron. Continue reading “Where to stay in Coron – 5 chic resorts to check out”

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Gyeongju – a day trip to South Korea’s ancient capital

Whether you’re into ancient history or Buddhist art – or just want to get away from South Korea’s bustling cities – take a day trip to Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital. It’s a full day of art, architecture, and nature.

South Korea is mostly known for being modern – even futuristic. And when you’re in the major cities like Seoul and Busan, this is highly evident in the towering buildings, ultra-bright city lights, and high-speed Internet. Even their tourism organizations highlight the country’s dynamism and rapid progress.

Despite this, however, there remain pockets of cultural destinations where visitors can catch a glimpse of Korea’s splendid past. One such destination is Gyeongju – the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Silla, home of some of the best Buddhist art in the Far East.

If you’re into ancient cultures and traditions – or just want a break from the fast cars and bright lights of South Korea’s cities – take a day trip to Gyeongju, South Korea’s ancient capital.

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How to have a relaxing holiday in Tokyo

How to have a relaxing holiday in Tokyo

A visit to Tokyo is an endless feast for the senses. A stroll along Takeshita-dori in Harajuku indulges you to a parade of characters with outrageous hairstyles and daring outfits. Breakfast in Tsukiji treats you to the early morning bustle of the port and a burst of flavors in your mouth. And then there’s Shibuya, the world’s busiest intersection, where you get to cross the road with a hundred others, surrounded by the buzz of city traffic, billboards, and daily life.

Tokyo is certainly a mecca to all those who crave the adrenaline rush of a trip to a big city. But what if you want to have a relaxing trip instead? Is it possible?

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