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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
Tsugaru Railways Winter Stove Train: Step-By-Step Guide From Aomori and Hirosaki 2025
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.
10 Off The Beaten Path Places To Visit In 2025
There are some amazing places to visit around the world. Just from the World Heritage Site lists, you’ll find 981 of them and most Bucket Lists will have places like Stonehenge, Machu Picchu and the Pyramids of Giza on them.
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.
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.
Hiking The Narrows Bottom Up Trail + Tips 2025
The Narrows isn’t just any hike – it’s a journey through one of America’s most spectacular slot canyons. Carved over millions of years by the relentless forces of water and time, this 16-mile-long canyon offers one of the most unique hiking experiences in all the national parks.
A Virgin Guide To Surviving Your First Burning Man 2025 Tomorrow Today
It’s been over a decade since my first trip to Black Rock City and I’m pretty sure that I’m no longer carrying any playa dust on my body.
Travel Guides & Tips
Demystifying The Dolomites: A 2025 Handbook To Planning Your First Trip
For the longest time, I confused the Dolomites with the Annamites in Vietnam. I’ve forgiven myself because, truthfully, outside of Europe and the skiing community, most people didn’t know much about this picturesque mountain range in the Northeastern Alps of Italy –
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.
26 Quick Tips + First Timer Guide To Santorini 2025
Santorini was long on my bucket list. So long, that I worried I’d be disappointed when the time came, especially hearing about the crowds at sunset and the number of daily cruise visitors.
Where To Stay In Yufuin + Best Onsen and Ryokan Recommendations
Which Area Of Yufuin To Stay In The main parts of Yufuin is quite compact and getting from one end to the other takes only about 20 minutes on foot.
Deciding Between Chania and Rethymno: The Complete Guide For 2025
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.
Mabul Island: A Traveler’s Handbook to Diving In Malaysian Borneo
If you’ve only just heard of Mabul Island, you’re in for a treat. This was easily the highlight of my travels in Malaysian Borneo.
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.
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.
Kurokawa Onsen: The Complete 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 –
Istanbul Foodie Must Eats 2025: 16 Things To Try And Where To Eat Them
When you get to Istanbul, the ubiqutous kebab and decadent baklava will be waiting for you – but that should just be the start of your culinary adventure.
24 Hours In Yufuin: The 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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