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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.
Food
Tartare and Pierogies: The 2026 Ultimate Foodie’s Guide To Poznan
The Best Place To Eat Mechoui and Street Food In Jemaa El-Fna 2026
Pit To Plate: The Foodie’s Guide To Portugal’s Chefs On Fire Festival
Ostrich Tartare and Tagliatelles Pancakes: A 2026 Foodie’s Guide To Lodz
Is This The Best Food Tour In Budapest 2026?
Reviews
What's On Your Bucket List
Bucket List: Hot Air Balloon Over Inle Lake In Myanmar
From my personal journal. “Remember this moment, I tell myself. I close my eyes for a few seconds and try to etch the view into my memory.
The Complete Guide To Celebrating Holi In Pushkar 2026
The Holi Festival, also known as the Festival of Color, is celebrated throughout India, but the traditions and festivities vary from region to region.
The Complete Guide To Shibu Onsen And The Nine Bathhouses
In March, I spent two days relaxing in a small village called Shiba Onsen. There, I completed a local tradition of visiting all nine public bathhouses and getting a stamp at each one on a special towel.
Japanese Snow Monkeys: A Complete Guide To Jigokudani Monkey Park
You’ve probably seen the photograph – a fluffy monkey, half submerged in water, eyes closed like its meditating while a swirl of steam rises around its thick coat of fur.
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
Noboribetsu Onsen: The 2025 Companion Guide To Hokkaido’s Hell Valley
On my latest trip to Japan, I traveled to Hokkaido and the northernmost parts of Honshu, in search of unique onsen (“hot springs”) bathing experiences.
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‘
Is “The Fork” App A Legit Deal Or A Scam?
You might have seen The Fork pop up from time to time when trying to make a reservation for restaurants in Europe or the UK.
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.
Is It Safe To Use Klook In Japan?
There’s no doubt that you’ve come across a company called Klook when doing your research in Japan. Travel blogs recommend them and plenty of people who have returned will offer some advice on Facebook groups involving using Klook to buy Shinkansen tickets or to book DisneySea or Universal tickets.
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.
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 between late March and April.
The Complete Guide To Shibu Onsen And The Nine Bathhouses
In March, I spent two days relaxing in a small village called Shiba Onsen. There, I completed a local tradition of visiting all nine public bathhouses and getting a stamp at each one on a special towel.
Chania and Rethymno Base: The Complete Guide For 2026
When it comes to deciding between two major travel towns in a region, I usually know where I stand. But between Chania and Rethymno, I’m genuinely torn.
Bored In Antalya: 13 Activities For Friends and Family
While Istanbul is the first city that people think of in Turkey, sun seekers in the know head down to Antalya, the gateway to the country’s southern Turquoise Coast along the Mediterranean Sea.
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 –
Trastevere: Where Locals Escape The Crowds In Rome
There are few modern cities in the world that rival Rome as far as culture and history. Despite being a thriving urban capital, I find it mind-blowing that structures like the Pantheon, the Coliseum, and the Roman Forum still exist right in the middle of the city.
How You Can Help
If you’ve found the content useful, you can help support this site by using these links when you plan and book your trip. There’s no difference for you, just click on a link before you book and this site will earn a small commission that helps to keep it running. These are the trusted sites I use when I travel and to get the best prices.
| Booking | Expedia |
| Amazon | Klook |
| DiscoverCars | GetYourGuide |