Most people visiting China for the first time start with Beijing and Shanghai. And look, that’s fine, but let’s be real—Beijing in the winter? Absolutely freezing. This itinerary is based on an actual family trip we took during the winter months (late November to December). …
When I was planning my trip to Chongqing, I ran into a problem that I was really not used to—I had no idea what to actually do there. Google searches kept leading me to the same generic TripAdvisor recommendations, and none of them made the …
I used to be all about unique stays in less touristy areas. But as I’ve gotten older, I just don’t have the patience to be based far away from a train station. In Chongqing, we based ourselves in one of the most convenient districts possible: Jiafangbei. …
Honestly, I think Shibati is one of the most underrated areas in all of Chongqing. If you love repurposed buildings, perusing through little shops, and getting lost in the nooks and crannies of a historic neighborhood, Shibati is a must-visit. Once a consulate area and …
Ciqikou Ancient Town, a former trading hub dating back to the Ming Dynasty, is one of Chongqing’s best-preserved historic areas. It’s packed with tea houses, street food stalls, and traditional wooden buildings that give off a sense of old-world China. If you’re used to big, …
Osaka is packed with history—Osaka Castle, endless shrines, and temples that make it onto just about every travel guide. And look, if it’s your first time in Japan, those are definitely worth seeing. But after a few trips to Japan, you start craving something different. …
I’ve been obsessed with the idea of World Fairs for as long as I can remember. There’s something magical about how these events have shaped cities and left behind iconic landmarks that define their skylines. Take Paris, for example—home to the Eiffel Tower, which was built …
I’ve been completely and utterly obsessed with Thai food ever since my Berkeley days, when I fell in love with the dozens of amazing Thai restaurants scattered around the college campus. But nothing could have prepared me for the real deal when I finally made …
The world is changing in a way where the travel gods are now in our favor. Specifically, traveling to Japan has never been cheaper! These days, everyone is going to Japan. The country may not be considered a ‘cheap’ Asian destination by any means (compared …
There’s a lot to love about Kyoto. But let’s be real—Kyoto isn’t the hidden gem it once was. When I first created this itinerary back in 2016, most of the city felt like a peaceful escape, with the exception of hotspots like Fushimi Inari Taisha …