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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
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.
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.
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.
Bucket List: Skydiving At A Place That’s Had 16 Deaths
This is how my first skydive happened. Friend: So the Pho here is actually pretty good. I’ve been craving Vietnamese food lately.
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.
Falling In Love With Taylor Swift Again At The Rose Bowl
I am an unapologetic and unabashed fan of Taylor Swift and her music. Before she became a global pop icon, she was a 16-year-old country singer-songwriter that wrote about her heartbreaks and some guy named Drew.
Travel Guides & Tips
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.
Bored In Istanbul: 17 Different Things To Do In 2025
A first time visit to Istanbul would not be complete with seeing the wonders that are the Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
When Is The JR Rail Pass Still Worth Buying In 2025?
For many years, the JR Rail Pass was one way to save money and experience the efficiency of Shinkansen (bullet train travel) traveling around Japan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
26 Must-Know Tips + First Timer Guide To Santorini 2026
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 |