Friends

A wide shot of a traditional Northern Thai Buddhist temple complex under a clear, vibrant blue sky. To the left stands an ancient, weathered brick chedi (stupa) with a golden spire, while the main temple building features a multi-tiered, dark wooden roof with ornate gables and intricate silver-colored carvings on its facade. The foreground is bustling with parked motorbikes and colorful bougainvillea bushes in pink and white, while a few silver pickup trucks are parked on the dirt path to the side.

My Experience with Chiang Mai Weather: Living with the Seasons and How It Shapes Your Slow Travel Journey

Alex Tan May 15, 2026

When I first visited Northern Thailand, I assumed the chiang

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 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 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 high-angle, wide-set landscape showing the Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, a white arched drawbridge, stretching across a deep blue harbor. In the background, the city of Busan climbs up a steep, green mountainside with a mix of industrial shipyards, colorful cranes, and densely packed white and yellow residential high-rises. The sky is bright blue with scattered, fluffy white clouds, and a single yellow van is visible driving across the bridge.

Busan What To See: A 7-Day Slow Travel Experience in South Korea When You’re Not in a Rush

Alex Tan April 7, 2026

The first time I went to Busan, I made the

A street-level view of a bustling commercial building in Otaru. The main shop, Kita no Ryoba, features a large semi-circular sign displaying vibrant photos of seafood bowls and crab. Below, several open-air stalls sell street food and souvenirs. Pedestrians walk along the sidewalk under a grey, overcast sky. A blue sign for Shiroi Koibito (famed Hokkaido chocolate) is visible on the right.

Otaru Food & Experiences: 10 Slow Days of Eating and Exploring Beyond the Usual Spots

Alex Tan April 4, 2026

When I first visited Otaru, a charming town known for

A clean, minimalist Japanese hotel room featuring a single bed with white linens and a light wood headboard. Integrated into the headboard is a digital clock showing "7:30" and light switches. A white climate control panel and a black power outlet are mounted on the wall above.

Why Skip the Typical Hotel Aomori Japan: Slow-Stay Guesthouses and Local Homes in Aomori City

Alex Tan March 27, 2026

The first time I visited Aomori City, I booked a