Alex Was Here

This eye-level outdoor shot captures the historic Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai under a soft late-afternoon sky. To the left stands a white ornate temple building with intricate gold carvings and a tiered red-tiled roof. Dominating the center-right is the massive, weathered stone pagoda (chedi), showing its ancient brickwork and partially crumbled upper structure. Manicured green shrubs line a paved path in the foreground, while a dense, leafy green tree frames the right side of the frame against a backdrop of light blue sky scattered with wispy clouds.

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: Finding Your Perfect Home Away from Home in 10 Days

Alex Tan May 12, 2026

When I first started taking longer trips to Northern Thailand,

A dynamic, close-up shot of two young boys engaged in a joyful water fight. The boy in the foreground is seen from behind, his black shirt soaked through as he raises a hand to shield himself. Facing him, another boy with a focused expression prepares to splash or dodge. Countless crystalline water droplets are frozen in mid-air, creating a glittering, chaotic texture that fills the frame. In the blurred background, other children sit and watch the play.

Songkran in Thai: Experiencing the Songkran Festival Together at a Slower Pace

Alex Tan May 8, 2026

When I first experienced the Songkran festival, my partner and

A wide shot of a peaceful Thai temple complex under a clear blue sky. In the center stands a large, weathered stone chedi (stupa) with a base featuring ornate elephant carvings and a gleaming gold spire. To the right is a traditional white temple building with a dark tiered roof, red accents, and gold trimmings. Lush green palm trees and manicured grass fill the foreground and midground, with a stone path leading through the courtyard.

Chiang Mai, Thailand: What to See Over 5–7 Days When You Slow Down

Alex Tan May 5, 2026

When I first visited Chiang Mai, Thailand, I rushed through

A woman with messy hair sits alone on a row of airport terminal seats during the evening or night. She wears a grey hoodie and looks tired, holding a smartphone in her hand. A large olive-green backpack and a black suitcase are next to her. The terminal is mostly empty, with large windows showing a dark blue sky and airport ground equipment outside.

How to Maximize Savings and Find Best Deals with Google Flights SG

Alex Tan May 1, 2026

When I first planned a slow travel trip to Japan,

A woman with glasses and her hair in a bun sits at a weathered wooden table in a sunlit, rustic café, deeply focused on planning a trip. She is writing notes in a large open journal with a pen in her right hand while her left hand rests near a laptop displaying a flight search results page. On the table, there is a glass of iced coffee, a set of keys, and a smartphone. The background shows a lively café atmosphere with other patrons and a large window looking out onto a street with green foliage.

How to Use the Google Flight Website to Plan Smarter, Slower Trips (Not Just Cheaper Ones)

Alex Tan April 28, 2026

When I first started traveling, my only goal was to

An elevated, high-angle shot captures a busy urban pedestrian crossing, likely in a Japanese city given the street markings and signage. Numerous people in professional and casual attire are mid-stride across the zebra-striped pavement, while a cyclist on the left waits to navigate through the crowd. The lighting is cool and slightly dim, suggesting late afternoon or an overcast day, highlighting the rhythmic, everyday motion of a bustling metropolitan hub.

Travel Budget Worksheet for Slow Travel: A Format That Helps You Spend Better, Not Just Less

Alex Tan April 24, 2026

When I first planned a solo trip to Tokyo, I

A high-angle, cinematic shot capturing two backpackers from behind as they approach "HERE Hostel." The woman on the left wears a plaid shirt, short shorts, and a wide-brimmed straw hat hanging over her large dark-grey trekking pack. The man on the right wears a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and a massive blue and black hiking backpack. They are walking toward a black-framed glass door of a rustic, white-walled building adorned with climbing green vines, a minimalist oval "HERE" sign, and potted plants. The lighting is bright and natural, suggesting a warm, sunny afternoon in an urban Southeast Asian setting.

Itineraries Template: Unlock the Perfect Slow Travel Experience for Singaporean Couples Seeking Connection and Adventure

Alex Tan April 21, 2026

I made this mistake on my first major trip with

A vibrant outdoor scene of a pedestrian walkway lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The heavy clusters of pink flowers create a canopy over a brown wooden fence that separates the sidewalk from a lush green hillside. In the background, a small green bus drives down a paved road under a clear, bright blue sky. A few pedestrians are visible in the distance.

Packing for Busan in May: What to Expect from Spring Weather and Travel Experiences

Alex Tan April 17, 2026

The first time I went to Busan, I made the

A wide-angle, eye-level shot from a wooden boardwalk looking across a calm blue bay toward the Marine City skyline in Busan. To the left, a modern blue bridge spans the water. In the background, several sleek, glass-paned skyscrapers and futuristic curved high-rises stand against a clear, pale blue sky. The wooden railing of the boardwalk runs along the bottom foreground, leading the viewer's eye into the coastal scene.

Where to Stay in Busan for First Timers: Finding My Place in South Korea’s Coastal Heart

Alex Tan April 14, 2026

The first time I went to Busan, I booked a

Overlooking the blue waters of Songdo Bay in Busan. In the foreground, the metal mechanical structure of a cable car station is visible, with several yellow and blue gondolas suspended on cables stretching across the sea. In the distance, the city skyline features tall modern skyscrapers and a long bridge connecting the coastal areas under a clear, bright blue sky.

What to Do in Busan South Korea for Couples: Choosing the Right Experiences for Your Trip

Alex Tan April 10, 2026

When I first visited this coastal city in South Korea