Destinations

Costa Verde Express – My Experience With One of the World’s Most Beautiful Luxury Train Journeys

October 18, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

Costa Verde Express? When I told my friends that I was embarking on a luxury train journey in Europe, many were not aware that such an offering was available in Spain. During the journey itself, I was posting snippets of my trip and many were intrigued. They asked me if I was perhaps on one of those trains that served as the setting of a famous Agatha Christie novel, to which I had to repeatedly correct them.

For years, the Spanish rail company RENFE has been running the El Transcantabrico, a 9-day affair which brings one between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela by rail. Just last year, the train company launched a slightly condensed version of this offering at almost half the price while still retaining the luxurious elements of the trip.

The Costa Verde Express is a 6-day/5-night journey between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela. Passengers can choose to start from either of the two cities. It can be thought of as an all-inclusive trip as the train journey includes 3 meals per day, lodging with housekeeping done twice daily, excursions, guides and even entertainment.

When the Spanish Tourism Board wrote to me to invite me to try the Costa Verde Express, I was immediately “onboard.” I love the idea of rail travel, especially on vintage trains and Northern Spain happened to be in my travel bucket list so I thought it was hitting two birds with one stone.

…

The Perfect 3-Day Taipei Itinerary (2023 Updated Travel Guide)

October 14, 2023 by Bino 2 Comments

Taipei has long been an attractive travel destination for travelers from neighboring countries. While it has never really established itself in the backpackers’ trail, the city attracts plenty of midrange and high-end tourists looking to sample the local street food, shop in the night markets, soak in the hot springs and interact with the highly hospitable locals. Personally, Taipei is a feel-good place. I don’t go there expecting to see some mind-boggling sights. Like Tokyo, I go there time and time again for the wonderful ambiance.

If you are heading down south, also check out this Kaohsiung and Tainan itinerary.

Here is a well-balanced itinerary for Taipei that you can do in 3-days. It offers a fine mix between sights, eating and shopping and also has a few off-the-beaten path attractions thrown in.

Tip: If you are heading down to the other cities, check out this current promotion with Klook where Taiwan High Speed Rail tickets are available on a 20% off basis. Valid for Non-Taiwan residents only. Book here

…

The Most Beautiful Traditional Old Towns in Japan to Relive the Edo Period’s Samurai & Geisha Culture

October 9, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

For a country that is known for its urban jungles, modern high rises and technologically advanced gadgets; there are surprisingly plenty of corners in Japan where one can still experience the medieval atmosphere of centuries ago. While most go to Kyoto to have their fill of old-town Japan, there are plenty of other options throughout the country if you know where to look.

Without further ado, here are some traditional Japanese old towns that you can check out during your next visit.

…

7 Days South Island New Zealand Itinerary: Epic Road Trip From Christchurch to Queenstown

September 27, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

New Zealand’s South Island is a breathtaking paradise, drawing in visitors from across the globe who are enchanted by its natural splendor, diverse landscapes, and unique wildlife. While it is difficult for me to pinpoint my favorite country, New Zealand ranks near the top and South Island has a lot to do with it.

Spend an exciting seven-days in South Island, New Zealand through this easy-to-follow itinerary, exploring the best of the island from Christchurch to Milford Sound, making stops at picturesque locations such as Akaroa, Lake Tekapo, Arrowtown, and Queenstown. If you are seeking an unforgettable journey filled with outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and beautiful scenery then look no further.

If you are heading to New Zealand soon, check out these promotions with Citi Cards for extra savings:

Flight Offers

Up to 10% off Flex and Flex Plus fares on Emirates for all classes except First Class
Up to 10% off on Qatar Airways
Up to 10% off on Fiji Airways with Citi Visa Card (promo code: VISA2023)
Up to 50% off on flights on Trip.com

Hotel Offers

Up to 20% off on Agoda, capped at S$60
Up to S$120 off on Expedia with minimum spend of S$500

Tours & Experiences Offers

10% off on Klook with minimum spend of S$150
Up to 50% off on KKDay, capped at S$50 every 25^th of the month

…

The Perfect Itinerary for Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Kanazawa & Nagoya (2023 Update)

September 24, 2023 by Bino 18 Comments

One of the main touristic regions in Japan covers the central region encompassing Kanazawa down to Nagoya. In between, there are the charming towns such as the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go and Takayama. This itinerary provides a guide in how to cover these places in 4 days/3 nights – the minimum duration in my opinion if you are exploring these places. The towns stated here are covered by the JR Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass.

For suggested things to do in Tokyo, check out my Tokyo itinerary

…

The PERFECT 3-Day Itinerary For Kota Kinabalu (If You’re Not Into Mountain Climbing) – 2023 Update

September 12, 2023 by Bino 5 Comments

Kota Kinabalu has become synonymous to its namesake mountain, one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. While Mt. Kinabalu often overshadows the city, this cosmopolitan hub stands as an increasingly popular gateway to the exotic island of Borneo, the world’s 4th largest. It’s quite apparent that this destination offers plenty for those with a knack for outdoor pursuits but few realize that KK works just as well even for those not planning to climb a single step up the well-trodden peak. Every time I tell my friends that I’m going to the state capital of Sabah, they ask me if I’m climbing – leaving them with a perplexed expression when I tell them I’m not. Believe me, there are a lot of things to see and do in Kota Kinabalu whether or not you choose to spend a few days to scale Mt. Kinabalu. I have been to the city twice and still feel that there’s much more to do. Here is my suggested itinerary for a short trip to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia.

…

The Perfect Korea Itinerary With Seoul, Busan & Gyeongju (2023) – One Week Travel Guide

September 4, 2023 by Bino 14 Comments

South Korea has become somewhat of a rising star in the tourism scene in recent years owing in part to the proliferation of Korean TV shows and pop music. The cities of Seoul and Busan undoubtedly appeal to folks who like seeing pretty and cute things and it’s probably not surprising that the visitor demographics here dis-proportionally lean towards females. If you are thinking of visiting South Korea and would like to have a practical itinerary to cover both Seoul and Busan, allot at least 5 or 6 days. If you are also visiting Jeju, you’ll need to add 2 or 3 more.

The two major cities of Seoul and Busan are the most intuitive places to explore during a trip to South Korea – Seoul for its cosmopolitan vibe and traditional culture and Busan for its seaside chic. This travel guide aims to show you how these cities can be done in as little as a week.

…

The ALTERNATIVE Weekend Itinerary for Johor Bahru JB (2023 Update)

August 30, 2023 by Bino 1 Comment

Johor Bahru or JB in the southernmost state in Malaysia is just a causeway bridge away from Singapore annd as such, is heavily familiar to most Singaporeans. As a popular weekend getaway for shopping, food and leisure; Johor Bahru offers a cheaper alternative to the higher cost of living in Singapore. If like me you have been to this city several times and in need of some fresh ideas of things to do in Johor Bahru or JB, check out this easy to follow Johor Bahru itinerary that you can do during a weekend.

…

Page 2 of 34

« Previous 1 2 3 4 … 34 Next »