18 things I learned on my first trip to Costa Rica

Arenal volcano on a sunny day, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Costa Rica. After years of wanting to travel to this beautiful country, I finally made it. Before my trip, I read many online articles, reviews, tips, and complaints from past travelers to Costa Rica. From tipping, to car rentals, to driving, I read it all. Some good and some bad. I wasn’t sure exactly what …

Read more

Ocean views at Cafe Agua Azul in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Tuna tostadas piled high with ahi tuna, avocado, and cream sauce

After hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park, I visited Cafe Agua Azul for drinks and food without knowing much about the place. From the road, the building looked like it hung off a cliff with just air, jungle, and ocean below. After I parked out front, I walked up the stairs into a beautiful open-air …

Read more

Sights you should not miss at night in Tokyo’s Shinjuku ward

Neon lights in the maze that is Tokyo

When you dream of Tokyo and Japan, you dream of Shinjuku and its neon lights, department stores, bars, love hotels, shrines, and futuristic skyscrapers. During the day, Shinjuku is a great place to visit for its Shinto shrines, endless shopping, and art galleries. As the sun goes down, Shinjuku comes alive. The neon lights, the …

Read more

Historic core of Istanbul walking tour inspired by Rick Steves

Sultanahmet, the center of old town Istanbul

If you only have a few days in Istanbul, or even one, and are wondering what to do, the historic core walk is your best bet. Sultanahmet, the center of old Istanbul, is home to many of the city’s must-see sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Hippodrome. The walk begins …

Read more

Twisted Fork: Scallops and shredded duck confit in Vancouver

The beautiful Marinated Scallops

It was my first day in Vancouver. After a long day of traveling, I was hungry and willing to eat anything within walking distance. Near my hotel on Vancouver’s Granville Street, I discovered Twisted Fork, a French-inspired bistro offering dishes with a Canadian twist. Twisted Fork is a no-fuss, non-pretentious bistro that prides itself on …

Read more

How to get from Nagano to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

Snow monkeys hanging out at the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park near Nagano

One of the main reasons you should visit Nagano is for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, a unique onsen, or hot spring, filled with wild Japanese Macaques. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a hot spring with wild monkeys that you can visit in Japan. The park, located northeast of Nagano, requires a little …

Read more