I jolted awake to the earth violently rocking back and forth. Back and forth, back and forth. Surprisingly, in what felt like such a dire moment, the first words out of my mouth were, “I knew I should have worn pants to bed last night.” It was 7:35 in the morning, and I was experiencing…
“Eat some fish soup. Do you want to sing some Taylor Swift? I think we have some of that saved on the karaoke machine.” “Yeah, I’ll sing. Can you put on You Belong With Me? But let me finish this cup of kaoliang (Taiwanese vodka) first,” I replied. It was the last day of the…
Hualien stands out as an exceptional destination for its diverse natural landscapes. From the dramatic marble canyons of Taroko Gorge to the photogenic coastal views along the Pacific, Hualien’s rich biodiversity makes it a haven for nature seekers and cultural explorers. The city’s slower pace and friendly atmosphere contrast Taiwan’s bustling Taipei, allowing travelers to…
After living in the downtown of the bustling city of Taipei for a month, I was ready to leave the city and explore Taiwan’s natural mountains and seascapes. I heard outstanding reviews about Taiwan’s dreamy township of Hualien from locals and foreigners, an outdoorsy settlement along Taiwan’s east coast. So, I packed my bags and…
What to Eat in Hualien, Taiwan (and Where!) Hualien, Taiwan, is famous far and wide, from indigenous locals to international foreigners, for its exceptional natural grandeur. Nestled along Taiwan’s east coast, Hualien is renowned for its enchanting landscapes, from lush mountains to idyllic beaches. From the foresty mountains to the calm of the dark blue…
After 2+ years on the road, I have swiveled through my fair share of travel backpacks. I have first-hand experience with what works- and what absolutely doesn’t when it comes to backpack functionalities. I want readers to enjoy their travels rather than learning the hard way. After much personal trial and error and a rotation…
Discover the ultimate travel companions: the best travel backpacks for women that blend style, comfort, and functionality! From size to weight to style and more, I’ve considered all the factors when choosing the best backpack for backpackers and listed a variety of options so you can find something perfect for your personal needs. So, why…
I was briefly living just outside of Pattaya, Thailand, when I celebrated my 22nd birthday with my Welsh friend Ryan, who I was living with at the time. He remembered me telling him how strawberry cake reminds me of home, so he bought me the best hot pink strawberry cake he could locate in our…
After traveling Asia for the past two years, I can confidently say the best beaches (and seafood…!) in the world are located among the Thai islands! Thailand is not only the land of smiles; it is also the land of endless offerings! There are abundant activities for every type of traveler. The great landmass of…
My journey from West to East has been more than a geographical shift; it’s been a profound personal transformation. Life feels so much better whenever I explore. Somewhat surprising for most people, I became a Western expat in Asia at 20 years old. As a Westerner, this lifestyle switch was an exciting decision. Many people…
