Should You Bother Visiting Cingjing Farm in Nantou, Taiwan?

A shepherd and sheep top face a herd of sheep on a grassy hill

After living in Taiwan for over 10 years and exploring the country inside and out, I finally decided to visit Cingjing Farm (清境農場 or Qingjing Nongchang) in the high mountains of Nantou county. It is one of the country’s most famous family-oriented tourist attractions. Honestly, my expectations were quite low. I’d already researched the hell …

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The 20 Best Hot Springs in Taiwan for a Blissful Winter Soak

20 of the best hot springs in Taiwan

The island of Taiwan sits on a collision zone between two tectonic plates. As a result, it has one of the highest concentrations of thermal hot springs in the world. In fact, there are at least 100 major hot springs in Taiwan and many smaller ones! While Taiwanese aboriginals had been aware of the springs, …

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20 Best Night Markets in Taipei (+ What To Eat at Each One!)

Best Taipei night markets

Taipei’s night markets offer the quintessential eating experience in Taiwan. In many ways, they are the embodiment of Taiwanese popular culture. Snacking and walking is truly a national pastime in this food-obsessed country! What mostly started as small collections of food stalls in front of temples or at street corners around 100 years ago have …

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Alishan High Mountain Tea: The Champagne of Taiwan Oolongs

A worker on a field where Alishan tea is grown

Taiwan’s oolong teas are so good that they have been described as the “champagne of tea.” In recent decades, Alishan High Mountain tea has stood out from the crowd as the most sought after of Taiwan’s impressive array of teas. In fact, my (Taiwanese) father-in-law, an avid tea drinker, turns his nose up at anything …

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15 Awesome Things to Do on Galiano Island, BC

Galiano Island BC things to do

Galiano Island is the closest of the Southern Gulf Islands to Vancouver city in British Columbia. That’s right – day tripping distance! Yet, this long and skinny island, with a mere population of 1400, somehow remains relatively crowd-free and far lesser known that Salt Spring Island and Vancouver Island. Galiano features crushed white shell beaches, …

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17 Stunning Waterfalls Near(ish) Edmonton

The best waterfalls near Edmonton, Alberta

I’m afraid to break the news to you. There are no waterfalls in Edmonton (unless you count that fake waterfall they used to have off the High Level Bridge on Canada Day). And it gets worse…There are no waterfalls “near” Edmonton. You are going to have to drive at least a few hours, OK? But …

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The 25 Most Impressive Waterfalls in Alberta (by a local!)

The best waterfall hikes in Alberta

While there’s no equivalent to Niagara Falls in Alberta, we do give Canada’s most famous waterfall a run for her money with our sheer number of impressive waterfalls. In this article, you’ll find 25 epic waterfalls to add to your list of places to visit in Alberta! Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of Alberta’s waterfalls are …

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40 Awesome Things to Do in Chilliwack, BC

Fun things to do in Chilliwack British Columbia

Many vacationers cruise right through Chilliwack on the Trans Canada, in a rush to get into (or out of) Vancouver. In fact, some even consider it a part of Greater Vancouver, although it is technically a city of its own. In the Halqemeylem language of the Stó:lō, the people who originated inhabited the yet unceded …

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How to Make the Best of 2 Days in Lima, Peru

How to spend two days in Peru

Lima is often an afterthought on visitors’ Peru itinerary. Most pass through the Peruvian capital’s airport en route to Cusco, or spend a night in a hotel near the airport if they have to. I’m here to tell you that you absolutely should spend two days in Lima! This sprawling city was once Pizarro’s capital …

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