Some people think that globetrotters or people who travel a lot will kiss and bang strangers from around the world. Perhaps, in every country they visit. Where’s this perception comes from?? Once I had caught up with my ex-colleagues. We’re very close and brutally honest, we discuss anything. At one point, my male friend asked me, “So Clara… Do you try a lot of ‘macarons’ when you’re travelling?” “Macarons?” I asked in confusion. The first thing that popped up in my mind was Ladurée, the famous French macaron that I tried while in transit in Charles de Gaulle. “You know what I mean,” he looked at me with a naughty…
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5 Things People Got Wrong About Joining Tours
I agree that when we arrange our own trip, we’ll have total freedom. However, what’s bugging me is when some people think they’re better travellers because they arrange their own trips. They got the wrong impression about joining tours! It’s like the traveller snobs. Perhaps they forget to check the dictionary that “tourist” is the synonym of “traveller”? I have some reasons to arrange a private tour or join a tour, but the strongest reason is to help me attain the tourist visas. That’s how I got my very first Schengen Visa, even though I was in a complicated situation. This article isn’t about boosting the benefit of joining a…
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What You Can Do with Men’s Socks
This week, I want to encourage you to utilise everything when you mix ‘n match, such as men’s socks. I shared about keeping your grandma’s vintage clothes before, but what about your dad’s or brothers’ stuff? I wish I knew this before I bought the socks. Yup, a few years ago I got myself three pairs of men’s socks because they were on discount. You know, the ones that are long enough to reach your calves? At that time, I hadn’t figured out the purpose. Even though mini socks were on-trend, somehow, I thought long socks could add more style. Here are some examples of how you can wear men’s…
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Digital Detox Trip: Nature Edition in Raja Ampat, Indonesia
For this week’s blog post, I want to share an unforgettable digital detox trip experience in Raja Ampat, Indonesia 2016. Situated at the tip of The Bird’s Head Peninsula, West Papua, it’s hailed as The Mecca of Diving by divers worldwide thanks to the marine life diversity. Imagine finding 75% known corals, 1,700 species of reef fish and endangered mammals when you dive! Even better, you can go island-hopping and find yourself surrounded by gorgeous nature. Moreover, there are many beautiful white-sand beaches which you may have on your own. Talking about a much-deserved break from the city! If you love photography, Raja Ampat or the Four Kings will make…
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This is How a Low Maintenance Girl Pays for Her Trips
In the previous blog post, I shared my experience of having too many mini-retirements aka six holidays in a year. Little do people know that being low maintenance allows me to travel. Just think about it… How could I possibly have the money? Because I’m a low-maintenance girl. I’m conscious of my spending so I can save enough money to travel. Here are some habits that help me travel often: Work, Instead of Travelling, during Semester Breaks After my first internship and earning my very own money, I took another one. The boss liked my work and accepted me to work for him again in the next semester breaks. I…
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#hellostrangers: The Quirky Travel Photos
When we travel, we want to freeze that happy moment through our lenses. Be it unique, beautiful, or a quirky travel photo, it will forever be in your heart. After all, we’ve come from far far away and been waiting for the holiday! For me who often travel solo, I’m always a bit anxious if I would meet people who can handle my DSLR. Even though I always join a tour group or book private drivers and guides (which most people I meet can handle the camera), there will be times when I’ll be roaming the street alone. I used to believe that anyone can handle DSLR as long as…
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Something Strange Happened When I Was in Vatican City
A few days ago, I’ve been thinking about what to write for the next blog post. I’ve made a list of topics for the blog, but I didn’t want to force myself to publish something without the excitement burning inside while typing the article. On Sunday morning when I arrived at the church, suddenly I got an idea of what to write. The idea was so simple, yet I felt it would be useful to any of you who are planning to visit Vatican City for Christmas. It’s also for everyone, whether you’re a believer or a free thinker when you travel to sacred places. After the choir sang a few…
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Behind the Hype of Singles’ Day: The Truth of Being Single in China
What used to be a self-pampering day by single university students in Nanjing, China, has become the biggest shopping spree around the world. This year, Alibaba broke its own Singles’ Day sales record by racking up $30.8 billion in one day. That means $5.5 billion more than last year! Looking at the number of one-day sale in one country, the Chinese sure are super excited with the deals and try to grab as much as they can with lower prices. To the world, the mega-success of Singles’ Day may represent not only the effect of a brilliant business strategy but may also paint a rainbow image of how Chinese singles…
