Scuba diving with thresher sharks. You might think I’m crazy, or you might be a fellow “lunatic” going thresher shark diving in Malapascua. Either way, this is a rare shark encounter that I’m dying to share! From crying into my mask out of pure joy when a thresher shark swam comfortably within 2 meters of […]

If you’re a diver and a shark lover, diving with thresher sharks is probably at the top of your scuba diving bucket list! But how much is it to dive with thresher sharks in Malapascua? Here’s EXACTLY what I paid, extra costs to expect, and the breakdown of Malapascua dive pricing. I went diving with […]

Chichijima. This little island is more than just a dot on the map—it’s a place with history seared into its cliffs and jungles, where WWII ruins mingle with tropical beauty and world class scuba diving. If it sounds familiar, you might be thinking of Iwo Jima—different islands, both in the Ogasawara Archipelago over a thousand […]

I had mixed feelings about visiting Bali– it sounded nightmarishly cringe at first. An overrun, overly trendy, faux-spiritual veneer stuck over one of many gorgeous islands in a third world country. But the allure of its stunning black beaches, rice terraces, volcanoes, healthy vibes, affordable price tag, and a genuine curiosity about its popularity convinced me […]

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is best known for emerald waters and picturesque limestone seastack islands topped by rainforests, so it was at the top of my Vietnam travel list to take an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay! It’s jaw dropping. The best part? You can explore it by sea on a luxury boutique […]

Do you have 1 day in Bangkok? When most people think of Thailand, they think of: Full moon parties in the Phi Phi islands Bathing with elephants in the faux “jungle.” Spicy pad thai noodles But if you’re interested in a vibrant city that blends tradition and religion with modernity, Bangkok is a great place […]

The Japanese tea ceremony, known as “chanoyu” or “sado,” has profound cultural significance, embodying the essence of Japanese aesthetics, spirituality, and social etiquette. So when I visited Japan, experiencing an authentic, traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto was at the top of my very long Japan must-do list. Why? Because the tea ceremony goes way […]

Wondering where to stay in Hoi An, Vietnam? Picture this: You step out of your quaint, sunny bed and breakfast to the bright green countryside. You’re about to take a gentle bike ride, lazily waving wildflowers and rice fields flashing past, into the charming ancient town down the street. You may take a walk on […]