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My name is Kien and I’m an international photographer and filmmaker. Over the last 15 years, I’ve traveled to 80+ countries to find the most unique experiences to check off my bucket list. This is where I share my recommendations and what I’ve learned to help you do the same.
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What's On Your Bucket List
My Pilgrimage To The Birthplace Of KFC In Corbin, KY
“I’m going to Corbin, Kentucky – the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken.” As soon as those words left my mouth, there was an understanding between me and my friend, Danielle, that this was something important.
Volare! 24 Hours In Polignano A Mare: The Guide To Puglia’s Coastline Gem
Raise your hand if scrolling through your social media feed has you yearning for a beach escape to the crystal clear waters of Italy’s coastline.
Bucket List: Barcelona Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight
Once upon a time, I was asked by a client if I could fly to Barcelona to shoot a short film.
Bucket List: Sleeping In A Burmese Monastery In Hsipaw
Once upon a time, I flew to Myanmar on a whim to travel with a girl I hung out for a day on an island in Thailand.
Toyosu Fish Market: The 2026 Traveler’s Guide To The Tuna Auction
The first tuna auction of 2026 brought in a new record as a 243 kg (535 lb) bluefin told sold for ¥510 million, roughly $3.2 million.
Is It Worth It To Ride A Gondola In Venice?
One of the questions I get a lot is whether some activities are worth the cost. Case in the point is whether it’s worth visiting the Blue Lagoon thermal pools in Iceland for $90.
Travel Guides & Tips
The 2026 Complete Guide To Lago di Sorapis In The Dolomites
If you’re looking for a very manageable sunrise hike, without the crowds, while staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lago di Sorapis is an exceptional choice.
Is Iceland Blue Lagoon Still Worth Visiting 2026?
Before my trip to Iceland, I asked, in a travel forum, whether the Blue Lagoon was worth visiting. The result was a passionate but divided debate with great arguments on both sides.
Kinosaki Onsen: The 2026 Curated Guide To Japan’s Tattoo-Friendly Hot Springs Town
Most first-time visitors to Japan build their itineraries around Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, with maybe an added stop to Hiroshima or Himeji to check off the famous castle.
Kurokawa Onsen: The Complete 2026 Guide + Ryokan and Bathhouse Recommendations
To kick off my first trip to Kyushu, the southwestern most of Japan’s main islands, I did to do a back-to-back-to-back onsen-hopping trip stopping at Beppu, Yufuin, and Kurokawa –
Seville’s Most Authentic Flamenco Shows 2026 Edition
From my personal journal. I went to a flamenco show tonight by the river in a small bar with enough seats for maybe 20 people.
Conquering Angkor Wat: The Cheat Sheet Guide To Cambodia’s Ancient City
Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer Empire, and the country’s main draw for millions of visitors each year.
Tokyo Cherry Blossom: 2026 Strategy Guide + 7 Best Viewing Spots (Ranked)
For years, I always planned my visits to Tokyo and Japan outside the cherry blossom season window that happens between late March and April.
A 54-Page Guide To Better Travel Photography
You’ve booked your flight and packed your bags for that big trip. Passport. Check. Travel towel. Check. Camera. Check. That last one is important.
The First Timer’s Guide To Porto 2026 Edition
After years of having Porto as a base, it’s easy to forget some of the ‘touristy’ things that makes the city so charming for local and first time visitors alike.
Tsugaru Railways Winter Stove Train: Step-By-Step Guide From Aomori and Hirosaki 2026
For me, the Tsugaru Railways train near Aomori, Japan, is one of those beautiful relics of a bygone era whose continued operation is something any traveler can appreciate.
24 Hours In Yufuin: The 2026 Traveler’s Guide To What To Do, Eat, and See
Yufuin was stop two of my back-to-back-to-back onsen escapade in Kyushu. After taking the overnight Sunflower Ferry from Osaka to Beppu, which technically would be a 4th ‘back‘
The Foodie’s Guide To Build The Perfect Nokke-Don In Aomori
If you are a true foodie traveling to Japan, you know the best food experiences are rarely found on TikTok. Leave those long lines for the masses.
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