If you’ve ever heard the phrase “You’re not ugly, you’re just poor” that doesn’t apply in South Korea, the plastic surgery capital of the world. It’s no secret procedures in the U.S. are dumb expensive, so beauty tourism in Korea has become increasingly popular. And for good reason! After my positive experience with medical tourism […]

Asia Travel, Travel

December 21, 2024

Experiencing Beauty Tourism in Korea

Getting micro-needling done with skin boosters is typical beauty tourism in Korea.

Let me share Incheon Airport’s best-kept secret: there’s a hidden spa called Spa on Air nestled in the basement level, and it’s about to become your new favorite layover spot. After traveling to Japan and Taiwan earlier in the year, I also traveled to Seoul because I wanted to experience beauty tourism in Korea. Whether […]

Asia Travel, Travel

December 14, 2024

A Hidden Oasis: Spa on Air at Incheon Airport

Entrance of Spa on Air in Incheon Airport.

As a travel photographer, Taipei is a metropolis that offers an incredible urban landscape to capture. The star attraction for cityscape photography here is undoubtedly Taipei 101 – at one point the world’s tallest building. This bamboo-inspired steel and glass skyscraper is an architectural marvel that dominates Taipei’s skyline with its distinctive design. Photographers can […]

Asia Travel, Camera Gear, Photo Locations

June 18, 2024

The Ultimate List of Free Taipei Photo Spots

Sunrise view from Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei.

If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan you must visit Tainan (臺南市). The island of Taiwan is only about the size of New Jersey but has so many things to do! While Taipei (臺北) and Kaohsiung (高雄) often steal the tourist spotlight, Taiwan’s former capital, Tainan, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. You […]

Asia Travel

June 16, 2024

First-Timer’s Guide to Traveling Tainan in 3 Days

Cruising along the mangroves of the Sicao Green Tunnel is a must do during a Tainan 3 day itinerary.

Taiwan and Taiwanese people are known for their hospitality and I got to experience that at not one, but both Shangri-La Far Eastern’s. Each visit reminds me of the deep cultural roots that tie me to this island nation. During my most recent trip back, I finally had the chance to do some solo travel […]

Asia Travel, Hotels

June 16, 2024

Staying At Both Of Taiwan’s Shangri-La Hotels

Night time view from the Shangri-La Far Eastern, Taipei Horizon Deluxe Room.

Known as the “Silicon Valley of Taiwan”, Hsinchu has a lot of things to see, eat, and do. Often overshadowed by Taiwan’s larger cities like Taipei (臺北) and Kaohsiung (高雄), Hsinchu offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and nature. However, what elevates this city on the global map is Hsinchu Science Park – […]

Asia Travel

June 15, 2024

Discover Things To Do In Hsinchu, Taiwan

Hsinchu Train Station at night with light trails in front of it.

Let me take you on my 17-hour flight from New York City to Taipei in the EVA Air Premium Economy cabin. I’ve been flying with EVA Air since I was a baby. Are you even Taiwanese if you don’t? My mom told me after she popped me out she took me on my first flight […]

Asia Travel, Travel

June 7, 2024

EVA Air Premium Economy NYC To Taiwan

Map of the flight from JFK to TPE on EVA Air Premium Economy.

This might give you meticulous travel planners a heart attack, but I completely winged traveling around Tokyo. Typically, when I visit a destination, I prefer checking out a lot of the free stuff. If it’s free, it’s for me! Before my trip, I limited taking into account the recommendations from social media since my cousin […]

Asia Travel, Hotels

May 11, 2024

Things To Do In Tokyo 4 Day Itinerary

Crystal Universe in both of Tokyo's teamLabs is a must visit during a Japan 14 day itinerary.

If you’re seeking to explore some lesser-known yet incredible parts of the country, you’ll want to steal this Fukuoka 3-Day Itinerary. I don’t know who needs to hear this, but there’s more to Japan than the popular destinations of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto! As part of my two-week trip through Japan, along with Tokyo and […]

Asia Travel

May 11, 2024

Discover Fukuoka 3 Day Itinerary

Hakata in Fukuoka is a central transportation hub on Kyushu Island.

As part of my two-week trip through Japan, along with Tokyo and Fukuoka, this Nagasaki 3-day itinerary breaks down everything to do if you plan a visit. Nagasaki is a city in Japan’s Kyushu island and is unfortunately one of the two locations the U.S. dropped an atomic bomb on during WWII. It’s a hilly […]

Asia Travel

May 11, 2024

Discover Nagasaki 3 Day Itinerary

The Meganebashi Bridge is a popular photo spot in Nagasaki because it's the only bridge that has two tunnels while the rest have one.