As highlighted in our previous Singapore post, this Southeast Asian city-state held many mysteries. For every discovery during our city explorations, new questions arose. To gain deeper insights, we joined a professional guided tour. Top-rated #1 on TripAdvisor, The Original Singapore Walks, we chose their Secrets of the Red Lantern Chinatown walk.This was unequivocally the most captivating walking tour weve experienced—saucy, gritty, and utterly fascinating.Crowded Living: Bathroom Buckets and

While Singapore is Southeast Asias priciest destination—think $20 Singapore Slings versus Cambodias 50-cent beers—smart planning makes a budget weekend entirely feasible. As avid travelers whove explored the region extensively, we found Singapores cosmopolitan vibe unbeatable, especially as a major hub with affordable flights from North America, Europe, and Australia.Heres our proven guide to maximizing your weekend without breaking the bank:Score Amazing Accommodation DealsAccommodation eats up

We arrived on Langkawi Island via a thrilling propeller plane under the cover of night, eager for a much-needed beach escape after months of intensive travel. The big question: Would Langkawi deliver the paradise South East Asias beaches had so often promised but failed to provide? Just 30 minutes after landing, we discovered Langkawi is far larger than anticipated. After a few days at bustling Cenang Beach, we rented a car through our hotel and set off to explore the islands reputed white-sand

Haw Par Villa stands out as one of the most unusual attractions weve explored in our travels—arguably the strangest in Singapore, if not all of Southeast Asia.Opened in 1973 by the Aw brothers, creators of the iconic Tiger Balm ointment, this villa (originally Tiger Balm Gardens) features over 1,000 vivid statues illustrating Chinese folklore, history, and mythology. The creators didnt shy away from graphic depictions to impart traditional moral lessons. Once a bustling hotspot with theater perf

Singapore was something of a mystery to us before our recent visit. Amid Southeast Asias diverse development stages, how does this city-state rival global hubs with its stunning architecture, negligible crime rates, and one of the worlds most resilient economies?The contrast struck us immediately upon arrival from Cambodia. Like Monaco or Vatican City, Singapore feels like a bustling cosmopolitan metropolis, far removed from Phnom Penhs lingering rural influences. Where Cambodia has dirt roads,

We envisioned our Asia trip filled with visits to futuristic mega-cities boasting glamorous lifestyles. Yet, none truly captivated us until Singapore. Here, we found the thrill we sought: world-class cuisine, endless exploration of vibrant neighborhoods, a fusion of Hindu, Chinese, and Malay cultures, and jaw-dropping architecture. Singapores rapid evolution over the past three decades has birthed creative designs citywide, with Marina Bay standing out as a highlight. The waterfront promenad

I couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome to New York. My first full week back in NYC exceeded my wildest dreams—outshining even last week’s scenic fall road trip. With exciting plans ahead later this November, the month is off to an incredible start. The highlights began Monday with winning two round-trip tickets from New York to Singapore on Singapore Airlines (still pinching myself!). Tuesday brought a new travel writing gig, Wednesday an invitation for an amazing housesit, Thursday an ear

If youve read my October round-up, you know Im back in New York City! Returning last week brought a rare sense of calm and peace, allowing me to finally unpack. But before settling in, I embarked on a road trip to capture Upstate New Yorks fall foliage—the colors were fading fast, so I didnt hesitate.Last years quick trip to the Seven Lakes Drive was unforgettable, fueling my excitement for several days exploring the Hudson Valley, Peekskill area, and Catskill Mountains. I rented a car seamlessl

I spent 9 weeks in Colombia—longer than anywhere else in recent years (aside from New York)—and I could have stayed even longer if not for Mexico beckoning. Reflecting on it, Im stunned I nearly canceled; I would have missed countless incredible experiences. Colombia captured my heart, and from my extensive list of highlights, Ive selected 13 standout travel moments to inspire your own journey. It ranked among my best trips ever. Though I was initially wary of safety as a solo female traveler, I

Nestled in the Colombian Andes, Villa de Leyva stole my heart at first sight. This enchanting village, founded in 1572 as one of Colombias oldest settlements, boasts cobblestone streets and pristine whitewashed houses that evoke the 16th century—minus the modern cars and motorbikes. After exploring bustling cities like Bogotá (save for serene Minca), this tranquil mountain haven was a delightful contrast.Just four hours north of Bogotá, its a favored weekend escape for locals. Stroll artisan-lin

Before starting my South America adventure this year, my preconceptions of Colombia were shaped by its legendary coffee, Pablo Escobars notorious legacy (fresh from binge-watching Narcos), whispers of the arduous jungle trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida, which I later conquered over four sweaty days), and the iconic port city of Cartagena.In my imagination, Cartagena was a postcard-perfect colonial haven where sailors docked after Caribbean voyages, dancing salsa with locals over frosty moj

After exploring Colombias stunning Caribbean beaches, we sought relief from the heat in the nearby mountain village of Minca, nestled in the Sierra Nevada. This gem promised lush coffee plantations (a must for us coffee enthusiasts), cascading waterfalls, a massive hammock with panoramic views, and milder temperatures.We were quickly persuaded to detour before heading back to the coast. While cooler temperatures were relative—still in the high 80s (around 30°C)—the village delivered on every oth

This weeks Polaroid captures my sheer delight upon arriving at the beach in Palomino, Colombia. Though not my most graceful jump, it reflects the joy of the moment. Unfortunately, shortly after, my bungalow was burglarized in broad daylight. I lost little, but the sight of my belongings scattered across the floor was unsettling. The intruder likely fled interrupted. Ill detail this in my monthly roundup, but rest assured, it didnt overshadow the trip. This week was otherwise exceptional. I tre

Ive finally arrived in Colombia after years of anticipation. Back in 2010, my journey began in the U.S., heading south through Mexico and Central America toward Tierra del Fuego. The plan included a scenic catamaran from Panama to Colombia via the stunning San Blas Islands—but after nine months in Latin America, we opted for Europe instead. Returning to South America years later, we focused on Argentina and Chiles summer, flying into Buenos Aires and reaching no farther north than Peru. Now, ne

If youre in Cartagena, youll likely spot ads for the Totumo Mud Volcano—a popular rite of passage for visitors. Curious but unsure about sharing a mud bath with strangers, I booked a tour. What followed was an unforgettable adventure in a cone-shaped mud pit, not a traditional volcano. What to Know Before Visiting Totumo Mud Volcano Here are six key things I wish Id known beforehand to help you prepare: 1. Expect Close Quarters with Fellow Visitors The mud pit is deep—more like a large, bottom

San Diego is world-famous for its pristine beaches, bolstered by near-perfect weather that invites endless days of sun, surf, and seaside relaxation. From vibrant social hubs to serene escapes, this coastal paradise offers diverse options for every beachgoer. With over 70 miles of shoreline and sunshine nearly year-round, exploring San Diegos beaches is essential for any visitor. Ocean Beach Ocean Beach embodies a laid-back bohemian vibe in a welcoming neighborhood with expansive sandy shores.

With years of global travel experience, weve explored countless destinations, but Colorado Springs stands out at the base of iconic Pikes Peak. Often overshadowed by Denver and Vail, this vibrant city offers endless indoor and outdoor adventures. Fall is especially magical with colorful foliage and mild weather—perfect for solo trips, friends, or family. Discover our top recommendations for an unforgettable visit. U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center Colorado Springs is a hub for Olympic at

One of the things I love most about New York City is its endless array of discoveries. I maintain a constantly growing Google Drive list of must-visit spots—from beaches and parks to hidden plazas, unexplored neighborhoods, top restaurants, cozy coffee shops, pizza joints, art galleries, and bars. Despite crossing off items regularly, the list only expands. During my recent NYC visit, I checked off several while adding even more, including a long-awaited trip to photograph the iconic Green-Woo

After browsing the impressive selection of English bestsellers at El Gato Negro café and bookstore, my companion Dani and I settled at a vibrant window table. We ordered a creatively named bagel breakfast and treated ourselves to a premium blueberry spirulina smoothie—pricey but invigorating. In a restaurant buzzing with American visitors, we watched six athletic blond surfers load their boards onto a truck for a day on the waves. With surfer slang like ‘gnarly’ and ‘dude’ echoing around us, the

One of my essential experiences in any city is ascending to a high vantage point for a birds-eye view. New York Citys stunning architecture and island layout make its observation decks among the top 10 attractions. But which is the best? While rooftop bars offer great ambiance, they cant match the height and panoramic scope of dedicated observatories. NYC boasts four major ones: Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, One World Observatory, and The Edge (opened March 2020). Summit One Vanderbilt