BigBody, Author at Pale Ale Travel

4 Laptop Friendly Cafes & Places For Digital Nomads in Bratislava

January 3, 2020February 19, 2025Coffee & Cafés, Destinations, Europe, Slovakia BigBody 2 Comments

I’ve said this to everyone I’ve talked to about my current six-month stint in Europe – Bratislava, Slovakia is the most underrated destination of anywhere I have been. Initially, I viewed Bratislava as a one or two night stopping point on my way from Vienna to Budapest. But after my first day there, I decided to extend my Airbnb. And then, I decided to extend some more. Next thing you know, one month had passed and I could actually picture myself living there.

A large part of me posting up in Bratislava and starting to live a normal life here was due to the high quality of living and countless cafes and pivovars. Bratislava’s cafes have everything a digital nomad or freelancer needs – strong WiFi, affordable and quality food, plenty of outlets, a plethora of coffee options, and more.

Below, I’m going to take you through five laptop friendly cafes and places for digital nomads and freelancers in Bratislava, Slovakia!

Two Vegan Spots to Hit in Budapest, Hungary

January 1, 2020February 19, 2025Destinations, Europe, Food, Hungary BigBody Leave a Comment

As you can probably guess from several of my posts on this blog, such as my review of El Gaucho Steakhouse or my favorite BBQ restaurants to frequent in Ho Chi Minh, I’m a big meat eater. But I have been trying to consume less meat over the years and mix in several days per week where I am cutting back on it, in favor of branching out and trying new vegetarian/vegan foods.

So, you can only imagine my sheer excitement when I got to Budapest (where I spent over a month) and found several restaurants and cafes that just absolutely nail it and made me not really miss meat that much.

I’m no expert on vegan food by any means, but I feel like this blog post can serve as a testament to other meat eaters that you could possibly have one of the best burgers of your life, without it having any meat.

Leaving the Schengen Area: Budapest to Zagreb Bus

December 26, 2019February 19, 2025Croatia, Destinations, Europe, Hungary, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’ve read my post on my visa run from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam to Phnom Penh, Cambodia via the Giant Ibis bus, there’s a good chance you’re thinking I’m not a bus person. The truth is I didn’t think I was either. That was until I took FlixBus from Budapest, Hungary to Zagreb, Croatia.

When trying to find the best (and most efficient) route from Budapest to Zagreb, I really came up empty online. Everyone warned against the train (which I am usually quite fond of) due to its lengthy time, occasional train changes (sometimes requiring walking or having to hop on a bus), and interior conditions. I just wanted to get to Zagreb as quickly and smoothly as possible. FlixBus did the job.

If you’re curious as to why this was one of the smoothest bus rides I’ve ever taken and why I will definitely be using FlixBus again (already have), then continue on!

Visa Run: Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh Bus Ride

December 22, 2019February 19, 2025Asia, Cambodia, Destinations, Travel, Vietnam BigBody Leave a Comment

For how much I travel, I still somehow really hate flying. To skirt having to fly in a metal tube, 35,000 feet in the air for a mere 45 minutes, I somehow convinced myself that doing my Vietnam visa run to Phnom Penh, Cambodia via the Moc Bai Border should be done by bus. This wasn’t my best idea. If you’re currently in Vietnam and considering your visa run options, I recommend running a pros and cons comparison when choosing between the bus and flight.

For those who are looking to visa run within the day, meaning you are just going to the Moc Bai Border and then straight back to Ho Chi Minh, then the bus is probably your best option. I like to make a trip of things, so a short 45 minute flight will be my preferred method next time.

If you’re curious about why I’ll choose to fly the next time I need to visa run from Vietnam, continue on.

3 Cafes to Check Out in Portsmouth, NH

December 17, 2019February 19, 2025Coffee & Cafés, Destinations, New Hampshire, North America BigBody 2 Comments

I came back to my home state for the last three months (July 2019 to Oct 2019) to take a break from constant travel, work, and stress. It’s been a great feeling. There’s something comforting about working from a cafe in your home-state, knowing after a day of slogging it out online, you get to come home and drink a few beers with your mom or dad (or both).

Everytime I come back to New Hampshire, there’s always an assortment of new restaurants, breweries, bars, and cafes that have popped up, which makes for an exciting stay. This time was no different. Not only was this trip a great chance to explore several new cafes, restaurants, and breweries, but re-visit some institutions and OG spots which I missed dearly.

Below are three cafes I recommend checking out in Portsmouth, New Hampshire!

Barrio Portsmouth, NH: Worth the Hype?

December 16, 2019February 19, 2025Destinations, Food, New Hampshire, North America BigBody Leave a Comment

At the moment, the most talked about restaurant name going around the New Hampshire Seacoast is ‘Barrio’ – a taco and margarita haven located at 319 Vaughan Street in Portsmouth (aka the 3S Artspace). So, I thought I’d try it out to see what all the fuss was about.

Well…for starters, Barrio in Portsmouth, NH has lived up to the hype and praise, as I’ve been back numerous times in just a month, quickly working my way through their menu.

Let’s start with the drinks! And then I’ll work my way through their bountiful taco menu.

Best Ship Street Restaurants & Bars in Hong Kong

December 15, 2019February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Food, Hong Kong BigBody Leave a Comment

Wan Chai is a wild place, and has been for decades. I love getting nitty and gritty at the dive bars in Wan Chai as much as the next guy, but sometimes it’s needed to remove yourself from the humanity and sin, and move things up a few streets. Over the years, Wan Chai has been quickly doing that, now boasting numerous hip, social, and quality bars and restaurants just a few streets up from the likes of Amazonia and Escape. Ship Street has become an absolute favorite of mine to eat AND drink on.

In fact, it’s now my preferred area to hang out and drink at. Granted, it does not go all night like Lockhart Road and its immediate area. But, it’s just as fun – in its own way. And, you can tick off several places in a night if you’re looking for a short little pub crawl in Wan Chai.

Below are two of the best ship street restaurants and bars in Hong Kong to start (and end) your night out at. Wait, let’s make that three, with an honorable mention.

Consider this your ultimate guide to the best Hong Kong Ship Street restaurants and bars.

Big Night Out at El Gaucho Steakhouse Saigon

December 14, 2019February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Food, Vietnam BigBody Leave a Comment

Normally I’m quite skeptical of any type of chain that doesn’t include a golden arch (McDonald’s) or red-headed girl with pig-tails (Wendy’s), so you can imagine I was a bit hesitant when my friend suggested we go grab at steak at El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse. Having lived across Asia for 8+ years, the name rang a bell, as you can find it in Bangkok, Hanoi, and several other major Asian cities. Well, I went. And then, I went again, one more time after that, and then countless more times.

Located on Hai Ba Trung Street in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh, El Gaucho Steakhouse is the spot to go for any special occasion. I never need a special occasion to eat a 350GR steak and drink 8 glasses of sangria, but it feels less excessive and gluttonous when I do go on a special night.

El Gaucho Saigon is worth every penny, and one of my favorite steakhouses in all of Asia.

Let’s take a look at a few reasons why this has become a favorite spot of mine to treat myself to and enjoy a great steak (along with great atmosphere).

How Much Does a Luxury Service Apartment Cost to Rent in Ho Chi Minh?

December 9, 2019February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Travel, Vietnam BigBody Leave a Comment

Moving to Ho Chi Minh was an absolute unexpected blessing. So much so, that I signed my original lease for 3 months, and ended up extending it for over a year. I was fortunate enough to have some great friends already living in the heart of Saigon that I stayed with for my first week there while apartment hunting. And a hunt it was. I spent a week touring Ho Chi Minh’s countless serviced apartments, and ultimately settled on one that I couldn’t have been happier with – Icon 56 Apartment in District 4.

I’ve always felt it’s important to try and maintain an upward trajectory in life, and coming from Taipei, Taiwan, Icon 56 Apartment was definitely in line with that ascent. I hope this post serves as a base for those looking to rent luxury service apartments in Ho Chi Minh City, and can serve as a rubric for what you can expect price and amenities-wise.

A Day at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City

December 8, 2019February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Travel, Vietnam BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’re travelling to Vietnam or simply passing through Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum is an absolute must-see.

As Saigon served as the headquarters of U.S. military operations in Vietnam during the Second Indochina War (Vietnam War), it’s rich with history and sobering reminders of what most consider to be an unnecessary war. The War Museum can be done in just a few hours, so it makes for a great spot to check out without having to commit to a whole day of walking or tours.

Let’s take a look at how to get to Ho Chi Minh’s War Museum, several of the exhibits, and their operating hours.

5 Best Cafes in Ho Chi Minh For Digital Nomads

December 6, 2019February 19, 2025Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Destinations, Vietnam BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’re a freelancer or digital nomad and looking for the best cafes in Ho Chi Minh (also known as Saigon), look no further! I’ve got you covered. Ho Chi Minh has no shortage of incredible cafes, and is the top city I’ve ever lived in for cafe options, coffee (Vietnamese coffee is the best), and affordable brunches and lunches.

In this article, I’m taking you through five of my favorite places to work from in Saigon. So, whether you’re looking for a happening cafe to meet like-minded professionals, or searching for a quiet corner to cozy up with your favorite book, you won’t be disappointed. Below are the five best cafes in Saigon for digital nomads and freelancers!

Let’s get started!

Craft Beer Pub Crawl Saigon

December 3, 2019February 19, 2025Asia, Beer & Breweries, Destinations, Vietnam BigBody Leave a Comment

I thought this would be a relevant article as I had several buddies visit Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) wanting to do a craft beer pub crawl. So, I’ve been on several self-guided craft beer tours and pub crawls in Saigon and decided to compile some insights. The great thing about District 1 in Saigon is that a majority of the best craft beer bars, pubs, and breweries are all concentrated within walking distance of one another, making for a great pub crawl atmosphere and route.

The below craft beer bars can be “crawled” in any order, however, I’m structuring this guide to well…help give you some structure, as it might be lacking after several of Saigon’s best beers. Plus, Vietnam’s craft beer scene is absolutely huge and growing, so it can be overwhelming to navigate Yelp, TripAdvisor, and other review platforms.

Oh, and Vietnam’s coffee scene isn’t too bad either (it’s incredible).

Consider this your ultimate Saigon craft beer tour guide! Let’s get started. Keep in mind that the following craft beer bars, breweries, and haunts are located within District 1. And, I’ve omitted several great breweries and bars in District 1 due to the fact that they don’t exactly jive with a short, concentrated route.