Like most of my friends, or should I say, most Asians, Sri Lanka, Lonely Planet’s hottest destination in 2019, is a country that we never dream of visiting. It doesn’t even cross my mind. However, my crush tells me that he’s been to Sri Lanka four times and the country is one of travel’s best-kept secrets. Really? What are the good things in Sri Lanka? Soon after, Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the best country in the world to visit in 2019! I feel so curious. I know that I need to see and experience the country myself. “You better hurry or it’ll soon become packed with travellers, just like…
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Globetrotters and ‘Macarons’, Is It True?
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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This Christmas… Dare to Dream and Repurpose Your Life
On November 30, 2017, I made a wish: All I wanted for Christmas is fantastic trips next year. 2018 is the year when I totally surrender to my wanderlust. What’s supposed to be two trips suddenly morphed into six trips. I totally agree if you think I’m crazy, yet I love it. However, the time has come to dream and repurpose my life. I saved for a year to realise my 15 days Cuba trip, failed to step my foot in the Holy Land of Israel thus went to Spain + Portugal half-heartedly. The beauty of Chiang Mai +Chiang Rai captured my heart, and so did Da Nang + Hội An,…
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You Need to Stop Judging How Female Solo Travellers Fund Their Trips
People need to stop judging how female solo travellers fund their trips because it’s none of their business. By this time, I guess you’ve read some news about female solo travellers getting raped or killed while travelling. Some people blame the victims for travelling alone (yes, it’s not just about the funding). An article published in 2016 by The Guardian “Why is Travelling Alone Still Considered a Risky, Frivolous Pursuit for Women?” discusses a very interesting topic about double standards for female solo travellers. Besides sexual violence and gender inequality, let me add one more double standard on female solo travellers: how we fund the trips. People often praise male…
