Destinations

My PERFECT 2-Day Penang Itinerary (2024 Travel Guide) 槟城自由行

January 1, 2024 by Bino 8 Comments

One of Malaysia’s most popular destinations, Penang has always beguiled travelers with its age-old shophouses, fantastic street cuisine as well as enviable beaches. I have been to Penang quite a number of times over the years and there is always something new to check out with each visit. Whether you are a history buff or a foodie, this island off the Andaman Sea will always have something to offer. For a mix of all that Penang is known for (food, history, new attractions, etc), here is a well-balanced itinerary that I had easily implemented over a weekend in Penang.

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The Easy-to-Follow Chiang Mai Itinerary + Chiang Rai (Northern Thailand Travel Guide)

December 25, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

They say you haven’t really done Thailand until you’ve checked out the highland scenery and distinctive Lanna culture of the north. With its laidback lifestyle, impressive (and unique) architecture and cooler climes (in December and January), the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have long delighted local tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

In terms of international travelers, the region has also attracted a significant number although still way below the likes of Phuket or Krabi. That is starting to change. With increasing international flights to Chiang Mai International Airport, the gateway of the north, plenty of international travelers who have already done Bangkok in the past venture to the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for something different.

This itinerary aims to show how you can do Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, the main cities of Northern Thailand, in as little as 3 or 4 days – essentially the weekend plus 1 or 2 extra weekdays.

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My Perfect Bangkok Itinerary Updated With Newer Attractions (2024 Travel Guide)

December 25, 2023 by Bino 15 Comments

As one of Asia’s best value and most popular destinations, Bangkok offers a plethora of things to see and do and there are various permutations that you can do for your Bangkok itinerary. Filled with many spectacular Buddhist temples and ornate buildings, the city is at once exotic and at the same time modern with all the creature comforts that one can imagine. Bangkok is also known as a shopping haven, with mass consumerism juxtaposing against a strong market culture.

I have been to Bangkok quite a few times and always enjoy coming here for the unbeatable value, delicious Thai food and fascinating things to see in the city’s streets. Whether you’re a first-timer, a regular or even a shopaholic, here is my suggestion for your trip with a Bangkok itinerary that you can easily break down into 2-days, 3-days or 4-days depending on the length of time you are there. I’ve made the duration flexible to make the itinerary easy to execute during weekends or during longer visits. For some other ideas, you can also check out this Bangkok travel guide.

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The Perfect Osaka and Kyoto Itinerary – Kansai Travel Guide (2024 Update)

December 4, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

One of Japan’s most iconic touristic regions is Kansai where the cities of Osaka and Kyoto are located. In contrast to other regions such as Tokyo or Central Japan, the Kansai region offers both the ultramodern comforts that Japanese big cities are known for as well as charming old towns dating back from the time of the geishas and samurai warriors. Another good thing is that traveling between Osaka and Kyoto takes less than an hour by train which makes combining these two cities in one trip highly advisable. Whether you love shopping, eating or exploring cultural attractions, check out this itinerary for your trip to Kyoto and Osaka….

6-Day Northern Spain Itinerary: From Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela by Train

November 3, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

Spain is one of the world’s most visited countries. While the usual images that travelers associate with the Southern European nation typically revolve around Andalucian white towns, paella or the unique architecture in Barcelona; there is a side to Spain that travelers often miss – and that is its northern coast.

I recently went for a trip in the northern regions, starting in the Basque Country and ending in Galicia and the contrast between that and more popular regions such as Andalucia, Valencia, Barcelona or even Madrid couldn’t be any greater. The regional variations extend to the architecture, the cuisine and the landscapes. It is just so much greener in the north that I often had to pinch myself to convince I am still in Spain.

In this guide, I aim to share my Northern Spain itinerary from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, which can be done by train or bus. I personally went on a 6-day/5-night train ride through the Costa Verde Express which allowed for excursions in these places through a combination of train or bus. The below itinerary can also be done independently using a combination of public trains, buses and car hire.

When traveling by train or at the countryside, do note that the wifi onboard can be unstable so I also had roaming mobile data during my trip. Jetpac’s Globetrotter e-sim allows for data roaming in 50 destinations through an easy installation process.

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Costa Verde Express – My Experience With One of the World’s Most Beautiful Luxury Train Journeys

October 18, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

Costa Verde Express? When I told my friends that I was embarking on a luxury train journey in Europe, many were not aware that such an offering was available in Spain. During the journey itself, I was posting snippets of my trip and many were intrigued. They asked me if I was perhaps on one of those trains that served as the setting of a famous Agatha Christie novel, to which I had to repeatedly correct them.

For years, the Spanish rail company RENFE has been running the El Transcantabrico, a 9-day affair which brings one between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela by rail. Just last year, the train company launched a slightly condensed version of this offering at almost half the price while still retaining the luxurious elements of the trip.

The Costa Verde Express is a 6-day/5-night journey between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela. Passengers can choose to start from either of the two cities. It can be thought of as an all-inclusive trip as the train journey includes 3 meals per day, lodging with housekeeping done twice daily, excursions, guides and even entertainment.

When the Spanish Tourism Board wrote to me to invite me to try the Costa Verde Express, I was immediately “onboard.” I love the idea of rail travel, especially on vintage trains and Northern Spain happened to be in my travel bucket list so I thought it was hitting two birds with one stone.

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The Perfect 3-Day Taipei Itinerary (2024 Updated Travel Guide)

October 14, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

Taipei has long been an attractive travel destination for travelers from neighboring countries. While it has never really established itself in the backpackers’ trail, the city attracts plenty of midrange and high-end tourists looking to sample the local street food, shop in the night markets, soak in the hot springs and interact with the highly hospitable locals. Personally, Taipei is a feel-good place. I don’t go there expecting to see some mind-boggling sights. Like Tokyo, I go there time and time again for the wonderful ambiance.

If you are heading down south, also check out this Kaohsiung and Tainan itinerary.

Here is a well-balanced itinerary for Taipei that you can do in 3-days. It offers a fine mix between sights, eating and shopping and also has a few off-the-beaten path attractions thrown in.

Tip: If you are heading down to the other cities, check out this current promotion with Klook where Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets are available on a 20% off basis. Valid for Non-Taiwan residents only. Book your Taiwan HSR tickets here

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The Most Beautiful Traditional Old Towns in Japan to Relive the Edo Period’s Samurai & Geisha Culture

October 9, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

For a country that is known for its urban jungles, modern high rises and technologically advanced gadgets; there are surprisingly plenty of corners in Japan where one can still experience the medieval atmosphere of centuries ago. While most go to Kyoto to have their fill of old-town Japan, there are plenty of other options throughout the country if you know where to look.

Without further ado, here are some traditional Japanese old towns that you can check out during your next visit.

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