We arrived in at Beijing International, always an overwhelming airport based on its immense girth. But our gate was very close to immigration and we breezed through without much delay as officials kept opening new lanes as the lines swelled from the arriving flights. We discovered a small short-stay airport hotel and without hesitation spent the $40 for a two hour stay. Showers after long flights are one of the best things one can gift one's body … [Read more...]
Fresh Water Experiences in Gulf County, Florida
The Gulf waters draw many, but the rivers, lakes, lagoons and creeks offer variety for all who love the water. GULF COUNTY, FLORIDA JUNE 2026–Gulf County, Florida, located two hours southwest of Tallahassee and just an hour east of Panama City Beach, is known for its beautiful beaches amid a low-rise atmosphere perfect for disconnecting from the rest of the world while engaging with the people–and this beautiful destination–around you. This … [Read more...]
A Night in Ontario – What to Do and Where to Go
A lot of people visiting Ontario focus on daytime attractions, but really some places are even better after dark. The skyline looks better, the streets feel more alive, and even simple things like grabbing food or walking around downtown feel different. If gaming is part of your trip, Ontario has plenty going on there too, and you will find all your favourite games like what you find online at Swiper Ontario and all the top gaming sites, while … [Read more...]
Tuscany Above the Clouds: A Guide to the Glacial Lakes and Ridges of the Northern Apennines
The wind hit the ridge hard enough that I leaned forward to keep my balance. Ahead of me, a narrow path followed the crest of the mountain like a thread pulled tight between two regions of Italy. On one side lay Tuscany. On the other, Emilia-Romagna. As the clouds shifted, a deep blue circle suddenly appeared below the ridge: Lago Scaffaiolo. At that moment it was hard to believe I was still in Tuscany. Most travelers imagine Tuscany as … [Read more...]
I Thought the Wind Was the Hard Part: Riding a Bike in Chicago
The first gust hit near the lake, just as I was starting to feel confident. A rented bike, a clear morning, a flat city, and a famous trail beside the water. How hard could it be? Chicago answered with a shove. The wind came off Lake Michigan hard enough to make the handlebars twitch, then disappeared between buildings as I turned inland. Suddenly the ride changed. Buses pulled to the curb, bridges rose over the river, parked cars tightened … [Read more...]
Traveling in the Philippines: A Tourist’s Guide to Saving Time and Money
The white beaches of Boracay, the colonial architecture of Cebu, the strange green humps of the Chocolate Hills rising out of Bohol: the Philippines has the kind of scenery that makes people book return tickets before they have even left. But navigating an archipelago of over 7,000 islands is not something you can leave to chance. Without a plan, the logistics alone can eat through your budget and your schedule before you have seen half of what … [Read more...]
Malta Beyond the Postcard: Why This Tiny Island Deserves a Full Week
Malta is a small island but it has probably the highest density of things to see and do per square kilometre of anywhere I've been. I know that sounds like a brochure. It's not. You can drive across the main island in about 45 minutes. Most visitors give it a day or two, usually on a cruise ship stop — they walk around Valletta, take a photo of the harbour, and leave, which means they miss almost everything. Give Malta a week and you'll see what … [Read more...]
Where to Stay in Ubud: A Complete Guide to the Best Ubud Accommodations for a Relaxing Bali Escape
Ubud is a place of calm, serenity, spirituality and nature in the heart of Bali’s cultural district, the Ubud Highlands. While the southern beaches of Bali are a hub of activity, Ubud is a haven of tranquility where you can enjoy rice paddies, jungles, temples, and wellness spas. Selecting the ideal location for your holiday accommodation can make all the difference in the experience, whether you are travelling with a loved one, on a healing … [Read more...]
California by Car: The Only Way to Do It Right
I’ve spent an infinite amount of time navigating public transit across Europe and Asia, but when it comes to the Golden State, let me save you some hours: you need a car. No bus is going to stop, so you can watch the fog roll over Big Sur. No group tour will let you detour to a weird desert art installation or a roadside diner at 2 AM. To really understand California, you have to drive it with your own schedule. The Ultimate California … [Read more...]
Apayao: Whispers of the Northern Frontier
The morning fog clung to the emerald mountains like a lover reluctant to leave. Our jeepney lurched forward on the winding road, and I steadied myself against the metal frame, my knuckles white with anticipation. The province of Apayao had long been a blank space on my mental map of the Philippines—a remote northern frontier that even many Filipinos know little about. This obscurity is precisely what drew me here, to the northernmost reaches of … [Read more...]