I really like Booking.com, Hostelworld, Agoda.
These are the main 3.
Johnny
Tulum – quick travel guide
Mexico’s premier party beach, psuedo-spiritual, over-Instagrammed overly-commercial destination.
A once quiet beautiful beach town with authentic hippie vibes, got discovered, and within 10 years became an overly-commercialized super posh fancy Mexico destination. Probably Mexico’s #1 destination in terms of “cool” factor and most popular among the sexy influencers and crypto bros type of crowd. It’s rapidly developing and now has a ton of sexy casual fancy type of accommodations with a jungle/beach oasis vibe. Fancy restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques all catering to that foreigner crowd.
Personally, I think Tulum is more hype now and too crowded with Americans and Europeans. Its best days are long behind it. But is it right for you? Let’s find it if you should stay for days, weeks, months, or forever.
Isla Mujeres vs Cozumel vs Holbox
Which is the best (Mexico) Quintana Roo island for you?
- Mexico’s prettiest white sand beaches of Isla Mujeres?
- Clear waters (diving) along the quiet beaches of Cozumel?
- Hippie town beach bum vibes of Holbox?
These 3 islands in the eastern Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo offer a unique vibe from the others. Let’s find out which one fits your best.
Cancun vs Playa del Carmen vs Tulum
What’s the best (Mexico) Quintana Roo beach city for you?
- Cancun’s hotel resort vibe?
- Playa del Carmen’s walkable dense city vibe?
- Tulum’s eco-bohemian spiritual Oasis vibe?
Finding the perfect vibe is always your best bet. The right balance between people and nature. Peace and quiet, as well as having things to do. Bars, cafes, restaurants, daily activities. And also to meet the kind of folks you’d like in your tribe.
I’ve been to all 3 numerous times and can help you sort out options.
Korea – quick travel guide
Ultra-modern, super developed Asian country. Fun, great, hyper-stimulated environment.
On paper and to a Westerner, Korea could best be describe as another Japan…or like a cheaper, less-developed, less-cool version of Japan. And despite the hate you’d get from Japanese or Korean people for saying that, you wouldn’t be so unreasonable.
Both of these countries have been battling each other for a long time. With a feud debating events back as recent as 50 years ago to 2 millennia ago. Both with their own version of historic events. Both with their take on who was the aggressor. Fueling ultra-nationalistic pride in their citizens and even corporations. Whereas Japan has Sony & Panasonic, Korea has Samsung & LG. Japan has Toyota & Honda, Korea has Hyundai & Kia. And so forth and so forth. They even argue which one evolved from the other.
And as much as they’ve hated each other the years, there’s no denying that they are ultimately more alike each other than with any other nationality in the world. Korea is super safe and modern like Japan. Things are high-tech, clean, more expensive. Public spaces are visually over-stimulated and colorful.
But that’s where it ends. Whereas Japan has stayed very collective and by-the-rules, Koreans are developed their own sub-culture. More individual and unique. They stopped copying Japan things less and less and became more unique like the west. Their own TV shows and music, dancing and arts, are now worthy of being copied (ripped-off) by even Western/American industries. Korea is more unique if you know and appreciate where to look. They have their own food, culture, vibe, their own thing. They are not just a lesser version of Japan. Korea is super cool and worth seeing on its own unique merit.
1 week for just Seoul & maybe 3-5 days Busan, and another 3 days for Jeju Island. 1-2 days here and there for smaller towns. So at a minimum, 2 weeks for main spots and 1 month for comprehensive tour. One thing is for sure…you’ll probably wish you spent more time. Korea is a cool place to live, not just to see and leave.
Hue – quick travel guide
Small city with historic places, but is also a nice vibrant modern city.
Come for the history, stay for the modern vibe. Many nice restaurants, vibrant nightlife, plenty of people and places, restaurants and bars, things to do, but not overly busy and crowded like other places. I think Hue is actually underrated. Many visitors see it only as a place to see the historic city and pagoda and then move on.
You can see the historic sites within a day. But next time, I’d definitely stay 3 or 4 days for sure.
Ha Giang (Loop Tour) – quick travel guide
Beautiful mountain region of northern Vietnam with the infamous Ha Giang Loop motorbike tour.
Imagine yourself riding around beautiful green mountains with picturesque rice fields and colorfully-clothed local mountain people, zipping through local towns and markets as the mountain kids run along the street to yell “hello” and try to high-five you. Yes…it sounds exactly like a Disney Movie.
For anyone who’s ever done the motorbike tour, many will say it sits among the most memorable travel adventures they’ve ever had in their lives. And I’d have to agree. It’s because the mountain motorbiking experience is REAL! You’re not just sitting from the outside and taking photos. It’s you living the hilly mountain world through your bike, seeing their world as they see it. Experiencing their beauty as they live it.
If you got 3 precious days to spare, I guarantee the Ha Giang Loop is one you’ll remember for the rest of your lives. I can’t think of anything like this in any other country I’ve been.
Phu Quoc – quick travel guide
More-developed touristy Vietnam island, catering to fancier travelers and numerous family activities.
Phu Quoc island is much bigger (than Con Dao island), with more things to do. Hotels, parks, fancier housing, many more restaurants and bars, and also many more foreigners.
2 days is enough to get a taste and experience the island life, but I would do 4-7 days here to explore and chill more.
Cat Ba (Ha Long Bay) – quick travel guide
How to manage the Ha Long Bay.
First off is to know there are 2 bays to choose from, and 2 city points from which to explore those bays. There is also a cruise option where you stay on a boat for 1 or 2 nights, or even more. Usually nobody does more than 2 nights.
- Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
- Cat Ba Island and Ha Long (city)
2 days is enough. I would definitely check the weather as you go, since the beaches and bay views aren’t as pretty/enjoyable when it’s cold. I went in January my first time and wouldn’t recommend that to anybody else. Other destinations like Ninh Binh can still look magical and peaceful in cold/cloudy weather whereas Ha Long Bay looks a little sad/boring.
Ninh Binh – quick travel guide
Known as “Ha Long Bay on land”. One of Vietnam’s top destinations (and my favorite tourist destination). Beautiful nature and relaxing peaceful vibes.
Beautiful, but not loud crazy crowded tourist vibes. A perfect escape from Vietnam’s noisier destinations. Although you can see Ninh Binh’s most popular highlights in a day tour, it’s a grave mistake not to put at least 2 nights here. It’s such a beautiful and spiritual escape from the rest of Vietnam’s noisier destinations. I love that it’s actually real nature beauty. I think it’s even more beautiful than Ha Long Bay, especially during bad weather (the clouds adding to the mysterious atmosphere whereas Ha Long Bay looks sad/dull with clouds).
2 days for the minimum, 3 to really relax and recharge your soul. Also know that a place like this, it definitely affects where you stay. As different properties have vastly different views of Ninh Binh. Some feel like just a cute outdoor garden. Others have a massive view of the water, trees, and surrounding mountains…basically a mini Ninh Binh right in their back (or front) yard.
Hoi An – quick travel guide
The “city of lanterns”, or as I like to say…”The Venice of Vietnam”.
Cute charmy river city with its unique lanterns all throughout the yellow bamboo town. Very touristy but also fun because it’s distinct from everything else in Vietnam.
2 days would be perfect. Extra if you really like to hang out in the bars, cafes, restaurants by the water. Or making days for the beach.
Vietnam – quick travel guide
Asia’s beautiful, cheap, and less touristy destination. Compact, easy to get around, lots of fun and amazing places to explore.
Vietnam is rich in diversity of terrain and culture. Culturally and geographically, Vietnam is closest to Thailand (maybe more Laos but I haven’t been). But still distinctly different in many ways and most certainly a unique and worthwhile place to visit. Many people do fall in love with the place and settle down here…it’s been a popular spot for expats for decades.
It’s a small country with so many amazing and unique destinations. Many different types of terrain and landscapes. Rich in culture and authentic places where people don’t speak English yet (but the most recent government wants to have everyone speaking English very soon). The way many people get around is by motorbike (and most likely so will you), leading to a very fun and adventurous experience. Don’t worry if you don’t want to ride any motobikes.
People usually say November to March is the best time since it’s off-season and less busy, less hot. But I’d say avoid Dec to Jan as yes, it’s cooler and less hot…but it’s still cloudy and photos don’t look as nice. Also, the less touristy places feel kind of dead. I feel February or March is better. However late January is nice if you want to be there for Tet Festival (their new year’s). So perhaps late Jan to late Feb would be the best time range for first timers.
Vietnam highlights can be done in 2 weeks. 4 weeks or 1 month is probably the ideal time for you to see all the different areas and visit major attractions. Most people spend one month because Vietnam is cheap, easy, organized, and also the country is already shaped in a long vertical shape so you can easily enter from one end and exit the other.
Con Dao island – quick travel guide
Calm, relaxed island. A popular alternative to the busier more touristy Phu Quoc island.
Con Dao island (east of mainland) was historically remembered for where they put prisoners. But nowadays it’s consider the quieter, calmer, more nature, more locals and easy-going alternative to the busier resort-ey Phu Quoc island (west of mainland). You’ll see very few foreigners and non-Asian people.
I’d say 2 days is enough to see major things. Add more days if you want to do nothing. I personally recommend not going during December and January. It’s really dead and empty (unless you like that) and the weather might not be as nice. Going during the right seasons, you have more things to see…also more visibility in the water and nicer-looking water colors.
Hanoi – quick travel guide
Vietnam’s main northern city…different and contrasting against Saigon (Vietnam’s main southern city).
Totally different culture from the South. As the saying goes, they don’t like each other. Different vibe, different accent, different food, and small cultural differences. Unlike Saigon’s busy, chaotic, fast-paced lifestyle…Hanoi is slightly more relaxed, chill…but still busy in its own way.
2 days is enough to feel like you saw Hanoi, but a couple extra days would be easily filled with activities. I spent a week and could still have been here longer. It’s a popular expat place for a reason.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – quick travel guide
Vietnam’s busiest most crowded city, vibrant and choatic all over.
Most native Vietnamese people, Vietnam tourists, foreigners, and expats will all tell you to pass through HCM/Saigon quickly and head to North Vietnam (where there are many more beautiful places to see). Yet…it is HCM (or still commonly called “Saigon”) where you find the biggest Vietnamese city population and also foreigner/expat population. I consider Saigon “the Buenos Aires of Vietnam”.
Why?
Saigon is lively, vibrant, many things to do and see, many things open all day and all night. Sure, it’s not a beautiful beach city or mountain terrain, but it’s packed with fun and many things to do. I recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days.
Ho Chi Minh vs Hanoi
- Fun debate. Many say HCM people are friendlier and Hanoi more arrogant or snobby. I think there’s truth in that (especially since northern Vietnamese make fun of southern dialect all the time). But foreigners won’t have issues with this since local Vietnamese generally treat foreigners well anyway.
- I’d say most foreigners find Hanoi to be more beautiful and walkable, and more “chill” (although still having its own chaos). HCM is more chaotic and to me only makes sense to be there a long time if you like big city life, big skyrise parties, or need to run a business from there.
My guide to (choosing) travel guides
Things you should do to make sure a travel blogger/writer fits you.
Sydney – quick travel guide
Australia’s largest city and pretty much every visitor’s gateway to Australia.
Beautiful big city surrounded by bodies of water and lots of natural beauty. It’s a very big city with lots to do, and also more metropolitan (more ethnically and culturally diverse). Many people may prefer its more posh big-city vibe. But others (like myself) actually prefer a smaller, chiller, hip city like Melbourne…which feels more relaxed and not like you have to run across big distances to get places.
Between Australia’s biggest cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)…Sydney is considered the better beach destination. But it’s still not comparable to Sydney’s best beach destinations. So you decide…if you really want the best beaches, or you want a mix of beach with city.
Sydney could easily fill a week of your time with activities but 3 days can be enough. 1st day in the CBD and harbour areas (Opera & Harbour bridge). 2nd day at the famous Bondi beach and hip Newtown area. 3rd day in the Blue Mountains.
Melbourne – quick travel guide
Small-middle sized hip city in Australia.
In reality, it’s Australia’s 2nd largest city only behind Sydney. But the main central areas are quite compact. At least from the POV of someone from Los Angeles. It’s the classic city with tons of bars and restaurants and shops. And some gardens. Melbourne tends to run cooler than Sydney…which I loved! (Although some Sydney people like to say Melbourne has “shit weather”, but I personally prefer not being sun-roasted all the time.)
I think Melbourne is hipper, cooler, and also a better food scene than Sydney. It’s just more compact and easier to get around and get a feel for things. I imagine also a safer choice for cool restaurants opening up as their rent would be cheaper and there’s better traffic density…whereas Sydney might have more international acclaim but the land is more expensive and people are more spread out. I don’t know for certain, just my feeling about it.
Melbourne can be easily seen in 2 days. But you’ll want an extra day to feel the vibe. It’s a cool, hip place to be.
Newcastle – quick travel guide
A small chill quiet beachside town, 115km (2hrs) north from Sydney.
Newcastle is one of those nice-to-live, maybe boring-to-visit kind of places. There isn’t so much to do and see. 1 day is probably enough to see all the highlights and even walk all over town. The usual vibe is beach or waterfront hangout during the day, and then some bar or restaurant at night. It’s similar to a small Italian town in that many places are closed during the day on weekdays.
Newcastle is around the 7th largest city in Australia (population of 500,000). So if this felt too small and uninspiring for you, keep that in mind when you think of visiting other cities. Newcastle is also undergoing lots of renovation and in a couple years will become more and more of a cool place to be.
Don’t fall for the Holafly unlimited data eSIM scam!
Don’t be naive like I was. I purchased the unlimited plan and it was fast for only 2 days.
After that, it ran super slow or seemed like the data kept cutting out. I’m very frustrated with it. Completely unusable and certainly makes me realize the cheap price isn’t worth the hassle.
UPDATE on November 23, 2022:
- After contacting their chat support, I was connected with someone who told me to decrease my speed setting from 5G to 4G, he then did something that required me to reset my phone.
- And now all is working well!
- Will leave this post up in case it helps anyone.