While Nepal is a mecca for hikers and nature lovers who want to get up close and personal with the imposing Himalayas, the South Asian country is also a treasure trove of rich history, elaborate religious monuments, and infinite hospitality. For those who are not ready to take up the challenge of high-altitude, long-distance trekking, … Continue reading One Day in Kathmandu Itinerary
As I don’t know how to drive, planning a snowboarding trip from Toronto was challenging. After researching online for hours, Blue Mountain seems like my best option thanks to the daily shuttle service run by AU Coach Tours between downtown and the resort. It departs from City Hall at 8:30 am (other locations and pick-up … Continue reading Snowboarding Trip to Blue Mountain (with Shuttle from Toronto)
Famed as the habitat for quokkas - the happiest animal on Earth - Rottnest Island welcomes 800,000 visitors annually. Just a 30-minute ferry ride off the coast of Perth, you would find yourself in a paradise brimming with sublime beaches, turquoise water, and an array of wildlife, which makes it a perfect day trip for … Continue reading A Day Trip on Rottnest Island
Oxford is famous for its prestigious university, but even if you have no intention to study there, it is also worth a day trip to explore its rich history and culture. Going there from London is easy and convenient. A direct train operated by Great Western Railway will take you from Paddington station to Oxford … Continue reading A Day Trip to Oxford (Visit All Top Attractions)
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Van Gogh Museum has launched a special exhibition in collaboration with Pokémon, a popular Japanese media franchise that has been a big part of many people’s childhood. The paintings showcased are inspired by some of the masterpieces of the Dutch artist. You would see Pikachu wearing the grey felt … Continue reading Van Gogh x Pokémon in Amsterdam
Tokyo is a versatile capital city. It carries a youthful, energetic persona in one area, exude a calm, relaxing vibe in another, and take center stage in fashion and pop culture in the world. This time, we are taking you to Shibuya, one of the most popular regions in the city, and show you how … Continue reading A Day Itinerary Around Shibuya Station, Tokyo
Unless you’re going to a remote region lacking basic sustenance, food is generally a crucial part of a travel experience. While I may not be a fan of Jordanian cooking styles, I found their dessert landscape worth tucking into and coffee culture an inspiration. 1. Knafeh If you’re only going to have one dessert while … Continue reading Dessert & Coffee Culture in Jordan
After a wonderful trip in Petra, we headed down to the southern tip of Jordan, toward the border with Saudi Arabia, in a bid to get a taste of Mars on Earth. With its reddish-orange dunes colored by iron oxide and gargantuan sandstone and granite rock formations created by Mother Nature, Wadi Rum, aka the … Continue reading Wadi Rum: Visit Mars on Earth in Jordan
When I heard of Petra, the only thing that came to mind was the iconic, exquisitely decorated façade carved from a cliff of rosy sandstone, namely the Treasury. But this rock-cut capital city of the Nabateans that had lost to the Western world for hundreds of years has so much more to offer for travelers … Continue reading A Day in Petra – The Lost City of Jordan
Manuel Antonio National Park is a popular destination for first-timers traveling to Costa Rica, not only because of its vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife but also its well-paved hiking trails that are both children and elderly-friendly. Matching with the surge in tourism, guided tours abound, room rates climb, and scams arise. Here are … Continue reading Things You Should Know Before Going to Manuel Antonio
Around 4,600 ft above sea level, Monteverde is famous for its ethereal cloud forests, which are not only home to rich and complex biodiversity but also a variety of fun-filled activities, from strolling on hanging bridges to ziplining above the canopy. If you only have a few days to spend in this luxuriant upland in … Continue reading Top Things to Do in Monteverde
Traveling alone is fun but also involves a lot of planning, safety concerns, and the occasional strikes of loneliness. That’s why I love integrating day tours into a long journey. This idea also came convenient while I was having a short stay in La Fortuna, a small town in the northern highland of Costa Rica. … Continue reading How to See La Fortuna in a Day?
Costa Rica is a popular vacation spot for Americans and Europeans - most of the travelers I met came from Germany or France - as this tropical gem offers natural wonders ranging from volcanoes and hot springs to cloud forests and beaches, as well as adventurous activities like white-water rafting, canyoning, and ziplining. The best … Continue reading Ten Days in Costa Rica – Arrival
February in Seoul is freezing, with an average temperature of 4°C to -5°C. Knitwear and wool jackets might give you protection from the chilly weather but nothing can beat a bowl of soup that is reminiscent of a warm hug from your grandma. That’s what brought us to Hanilkwan, a Korean restaurant that has served traditional … Continue reading A Weekend in Seoul (Day 2)
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of your life and immerse yourself in the tantalizing world of food and art, Seoul could be your perfect destination. On my excursion to the capital of Korea, we checked out the latest exhibitions at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, … Continue reading A Weekend in Seoul (Day 1)
When you are on an aircraft, it’s understandable that you would want to sit with your family, partner, and friends (unless you just fought with them), but if the situation doesn’t allow it, what can you do? First, you can ask the flight attendants if there are other available seats. Second, see if other passengers … Continue reading The Family Who Can’t Sit Apart
The first thing that comes to my mind about Bordeaux is wine. Visiting chateaux and vineyards seems like a must-do activity in this wine-producing hub, and the best time to go is from April to October when the weather is warm, especially in September during the harvest season. However, my flying schedule just allowed me … Continue reading What to do in Bordeaux during Winter?
Wherever I travel, I love going to their local markets which are always the meeting points of the city’s culture, history, and delicacies. When my colleagues and I were riding on a tram from the hotel to downtown Amsterdam, we were captivated by a bustling street filled with a variety of stalls that made us … Continue reading Street Food You Must Try in Amsterdam
Offering traditional French cuisine in the heart of Paris for over a century, Bouillon Chartier is a popular restaurant recommended by a lot of YouTubers and bloggers. Famed for its budget-friendly menus and authentic flavors, the venue was originally a beloved lunch spot for blue-collar workers, but now it’s frequented by tourists around the world. … Continue reading Bouillon Chartier – Don’t Go with Expectation
It has been a rough time for many people in the past two years. My flying career has almost pulled to a halt with only a few international flight duties which all resulted in hotel quarantine. Thankfully, although it took longer than expected, the HK government has finally lifted the quarantine restriction for all travelers … Continue reading Last Quarantine in Hong Kong (Video)
Hong Kong’s love affair with Japanese cuisine is indisputable, and its affection for omakase has grown rapidly in recent years. Authorizing the chef to do the thinking for them, discerning epicures have to trust that the veteran not only has an eye for fresh and high-quality ingredients but also possesses the knowledge and skill to … Continue reading Seasonal Sensation
When I found YVR on my roster, I was delighted even though Vancouver flights are known to be tough. Since the Hong Kong government imposed stricter Covid rules on aircrew last year, I could only fly to China and my last long-haul journey was eight months ago. With the social-distancing restrictions in other countries being … Continue reading My First Long-Haul Flight in 2022 (Video)
Built during the late 19th century and home to Hong Kong’s last four functioning street lamps powered by town gas, the historic Duddell Street Steps in Central have been an iconic backdrop for Cantonese movies and TV dramas for decades. Not only have the enduring gas lanterns played a significant part in the local filmmaking … Continue reading Steps in Italian-French Gastronomy
A majority part of the world has already lifted all the social distancing and travel restrictions. But Hong Kong still has rather strict rules in the hope of minimizing Covid cases, including hotel quarantine for seven days for all inbound flyers (for cabin crew, we are even required to submit a report tracking our activities … Continue reading A Glimpse of Art Basel HK 2022 (Video)
Flight delay is very normal in China because of the air control and restrictions. Even if all the passengers are on board, we wouldn’t be surprised if we are required to wait for an hour or two before the plane is allowed to take off. However, things have become more complicated since Covid. During transit, … Continue reading My Longest Flight Delay in Shanghai (Video)
Hong Kong’s dining scene has been battered by stringent Covid-19 restrictions amid the current wave of infections, but this hasn’t stopped chef Saito Chau, previously of John Anthony, Dim Sum Library, and Hutong, from dishing up a luxurious culinary delight at Chinesology, a modern Chinese restaurant and bar newly-opened by Mira Dining at Central’s IFC mall. Having … Continue reading Redefining a Chinese Culinary Legacy
At 5200 meters above sea level, my breath was short and shallow, and I had to make sure my movement was slow and cautious. Surrounding me was a mountain series draped in wonderful strips of colors – red, yellow, green, blue - and it’s aptly called the Rainbow Mountain, located in the Andes of Peru. … Continue reading Rainbow Mountain – A Hike of Will
Seated on a reclined business class seat, with a cup of green tea in my hand, and watching the DC superhero movie Wonder Woman, I was contented and feeling fortunate that I could fly back from New York to Hong Kong as a passenger. We have a name for this kind of duty - PX. … Continue reading What Flight Attendants Do on Cargo Flights? (Video)
If you’ve read my previous story, you would have known that I took advantage of my layover time in Mexico City, catching a glimpse of the vibrant town at night and trying their national beloved spirit, mezcal. In this recount, I would talk about how I spent my last few hours in the city around … Continue reading Explore Mexico City in 24-Hour Layover (AM)
Mexico was never in my plan when I was drafting the itinerary of my Cuban adventure. Not until I booked my return flight from Santa Clara to Hong Kong did I realize I needed to transit in Mexico City with a layover time of approximately 24 hours. As spending overnight in the airport was obviously … Continue reading Explore Mexico City in 24-Hour Layover (PM)
Days ago, I came across a National Geographic article about ten acts of kindness by strangers around the world, of which the writer collected experiences from the magazine readers and featured the most heart-warming, impressive stories. These reminded me of the compassion I received from travelers alike on the road, and I would love to … Continue reading Bolivia: Kindness in the Darkness
I like aromatherapy massage so much that it has become one of my must-do activities when I travel to Southeast Asian cities, from Bangkok, Hanoi and Bali, to Sabah and Manila. The more luxurious ones are generally performed in a beautifully decorated room that exudes the feelings of zen and bliss, while the cheaper options … Continue reading Hyderabad: Indian-Styled Massage on the Table
“When I told my friend I’m taking tourists to Dharavi, they’re shocked asking why I'd show them the slum,” Our tour guide Mohammed said. One of the largest of its kind in the world, Dharavi has been a popular attraction of Mumbai - the financial center of India - since the tremendous success of Slumdog … Continue reading Mumbai: Tour to the Slum
It’d been a while since I devoted all my energy into one thing, forgetting my worries and frustrations in the reality of life. Taking the PADI Open Water Course was a tough and exhausting experience, nevertheless, the joy and satisfaction it brought were immense and rewarding. January isn’t the perfect season to dive in Liuqiu, … Continue reading Taiwan: PADI Open Water Diver Course
Scuba diving has been on my bucket list since the day I took up the job of writing synopses for National Geographic Channel, spending hours and hours watching the amazing underwater discoveries by professional divers. I was planning to check it off my list last year in the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, Australia. However, … Continue reading First Time Scuba Diving in Okinawa
Okinawa has been known as a popular destination thanks to its tropical climate, beautiful beaches and rich marine life. However, there’s hesitation when I considered venturing into this lovely Japanese prefecture. Due to limited transportation access to attractions, driving is the most preferable means of navigation in Okinawa. However, I don't have a driving license … Continue reading How to Travel in Okinawa without a Driving License
If you have a few days in Osaka, you may like to reserve one to Nara, only 40 mins away from Osaka Namba Station by Rapid Express train on Kintetsu Nara Line. The capital of Nara prefecture is home to a couple of remarkably beautiful temples and artwork that dates back to the 8th century, … Continue reading What Nara Has to Offer Except Deer Encounter
Famed as a food and shopping paradise and a modern society with remarkable hospitality, Japan has topped the list of getaway destinations for Hong Kong people for many years. Last month, I took my mum to Osaka for a four-day trip on her hard-earned holiday. Even though curating an organized itinerary is not my style … Continue reading Where to Go with the One Day Osaka Pass
If you only have three days in Norway, would you choose to stay in Oslo or Bergen? One is a bustling capital with numerous museums and modern architecture, while the other is a quaint, historic town surrounded by seven great mountains. After a few days immersing in the vibrant vibe of Copenhagen, I decided to … Continue reading Why You Should Travel to Bergen
Denmark topped the world's happiest country in 2017 and comes into third place this year after Finland and Norway. Wondering what the title really means, I journeyed to the capital and thriving heart of Denmark, in search of a little piece of contentment. You may wonder how can an emotion be accurately measured among a … Continue reading A Simple Guide to Copenhagen
I wished I were a football fan so I’d be more excited when the Airbus touched down on Manchester Airport. I could head to Old Trafford, the largest club football stadium in the UK, or visit the National Football Museum, which houses more than 140,000 football memorabilia. But I did none of that; instead, I embarked … Continue reading A Guide to Manchester for History & Art Lovers
Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just a leisure traveler, there must be one or a few cities that are more special to you than the rest of them. It reminded you of an incredible experience or an important person. That day, it wasn’t easy to leave; you whispered to yourself that you’d come back … Continue reading Amsterdam: New Taste, New Memories
Last time in Mainz, I headed south to the college town of Heidelberg (you can read here), home to a breath-taking Renaissance castle north of the Alps. And, this time, I make a journey to the west, visiting one of the most beautiful wine regions in Germany, Rüdesheim am Rhein. To kick-start the day, I … Continue reading How to Enjoy Rüdesheim am Rhein in One Day
Dubbed as the city of love and romance, Paris sees the convergence of fashion, art, culture, and gastronomy. In this short stay, I sit down in an authentic French brasserie located close to the opera house, Palais Garnier, and immerse myself in some of the most famous impressionist masterpieces in the Musée d'Orsay. Founded in … Continue reading Paris: Pamper Your Stomach & Your Eyes
Barcelona is a charming Mediterranean city that welcomes a substantial amount of tourists every year. Apart from enjoying its delectable food, relaxing vibe and vibrant nightlife, many also travel here to see the amazing creations by internationally-renowned architect Antoni Gaudí, a highly-acclaimed practitioner of Catalan Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While … Continue reading Top Attractions You Must Visit in Barcelona
Four years ago, I threw a coin into the Trevi fountain wishing for a chance to return to Rome, a beautiful city that I didn’t have enough time to discover as I was on a crazy ten-days-six-countries tour with my mum. Thanks to my flight duty, I came back to this charming capital of Italy … Continue reading Day Trip to Tivoli, Italy
Thanks to my job, I got to come back to Zurich again. I always wanted to see the imposing Jungfrau and it was in my plan. However, according to the weather forecast and the webcam on its official website, there’s no way I could go up there without being disappointed. Pilatus and Matterhorn were also … Continue reading Tour to the Most Powerful Waterfall in Europe
Though it’s not as famous as the fairytale-like Schloss Neuschwanstein (Neuschwanstein Castle) in southwest Bavaria, Heidelburg Schloss represents one of the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. I didn’t study architecture or pay attention in history classes, but a day trip to this ancient ruin seemed more adventurous than wandering in Mainz for … Continue reading A Simple Guide to Heidelburg
When it comes to Taiwan, the most prevalent descriptions are relaxing, simple and friendly. In spite of the vibrancy in Taipei, one cannot compare the capital with our exciting yet unsettling Hong Kong. And that explains why so many Hongkongese love "escaping" to Taiwan during weekends. (the following content is in Chinese.)
Some people say our moods change according to the weather, and it was a lovely, warm and bright morning in Genève, my favorite city in Switzerland. As my schedule only allowed me one day in this adorable city, I made a beeline for the tourist center once I got off the train, and asked for … Continue reading A Day in Genève
Crystal on the journey 