When I first started traveling to Japan in 2016, one of the best (and most underrated) perks of staying in an Airbnb was the free Pocket WiFi that came with the apartment. It saved us so much time and hassle—we didn’t need to spend extra …
Most travelers heading to China default to the big names: Beijing for the Great Wall, Shanghai for the skyline. And sure, those cities are impressive. But if you’re even slightly interested in understanding how China became what it is today, you need to add Xi’an …
Everyone knows someone who hates the idea of camping. Either that’s you yourself, or you’re trying to drag someone along who is extremely hesitant about camping. The bugs, the dirt, the lack of Wi-Fi… we get it. I’ve been there—when I first took Papu camping, …
Sensuikyo Gorge, nestled in the mountains of Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture, is one of Kyushu’s most picturesque hidden gems—especially in late spring when the rocky landscape is transformed by a sea of pink Kyushu azaleas, also known as Miyama Kirishima. Often described as “a gorge …
Experiences are some of the best gifts you can give—whether it’s for someone else or yourself! In our opinion, “experiences” sure beats “stuff”. Things get old. Things cause clutter. Experiences are what really stick with you—they’re the kind of memories you’ll be telling your grandkids …
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that next birthday, graduation, celebration, retirement, or holiday? Or maybe you just left it til the very last minute and now you’re scrambling (hey, no judgment here). One of my all-time favorite types of gifts — both to …
If you’re not familiar with China’s long and layered history, it might surprise you to find a bustling Muslim neighborhood in the middle of Xi’an. But the Muslim Quarter, also known as Huimin Jie in phonetic Chinese, has been a central part of the city …
Before I even knew much about Fukuoka, I knew I wanted to explore Kyushu’s green, rural countryside. Fukuoka just happened to be the most convenient airport to fly into—and I’d heard it had great seafood and ramen, so I figured, why not spend a few …
There’s something about the combination of forested trails and dramatic mountain backdrops that I never get tired of. Mountain towns have always held a special place in my heart—not for skiing or snowboarding (I’ll gladly skip the winter sports), but for what happens after the …
If there’s one region in the U.S. that can steal my heart without even trying, it’s the Pacific Northwest—and Washington is a huge reason why. There’s just something about those towering evergreens, the misty mornings, and that ever-present smell of wet forest that feels like …