Destinations Archives - Page 15 of 16

Best Budapest Cafes For Digital Nomads & Freelancers

January 11, 2020February 19, 2025Coffee & Cafés, Destinations, Europe, Hungary BigBody Leave a Comment

When I first arrived in Budapest, Hungary, I had some trouble locating good cafes to work out of. A good portion were coffee-bar cafes that really aren’t spots to sit down, open up your laptop, and get a full day’s worth of work in. But, as I began to explore the city more, I found that Budapest’s work-friendly cafe scene was actually more bustling than I thought. In fact, Budapest was filled with trendy, hip, and even cozy cafes to get your hours in at.

I’ve compiled a list of some of the best Budapest cafes for digital nomads and freelancers that I found during my month-plus stint in the Pearl of the Danube.

Lado Café Budapest: For All Your Chicken Paprikash Needs

January 10, 2020February 19, 2025Destinations, Europe, Food, Hungary BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’ve checked my articles on The Wrap Shack in Portsmouth, New Hampshire or London Coffee Society (also in Budapest, Hungary), then you are well-aware that sometimes I eat a meal that is so divine, that I can’t help but write about it immediately after. Well, I’m back at it again, and this time with a write-up on Lado Cafe – located in Budapest, Hungary over at 50 Dohány utca.

So, what makes Lado Cafe and worth taking a Frodo Baggins-esque trip across Middle-Earth to get yourself a plate of their chicken paprikash? Let’s take a look.

6 Cafes For Digital Nomads & Freelancers to Work From in Taipei, Taiwan

January 8, 2020February 19, 2025Asia, Coffee & Cafés, Destinations, Taiwan BigBody Leave a Comment

Ranked as the best city in the world to live in for expats, there’s no surprise as to why digital nomads and freelancers are flocking to Taipei (and Taiwan in general) by the dozen (thousands? Tens of thousands?). And, with Taiwan’s introduction of their new ‘Entrepreneur Visa’ in 2018, I don’t foresee this mass migration to Taiwan stopping anytime soon. Aiding this push and solidification at the forefront of best cities to live in the world is Taipei’s bustling and diverse cafe culture.

Below are 6 of my favorite cafes and what I consider some of the best cafes for digital nomads and freelancers to work from in Taipei, Taiwan.

How Much I Spent Per Week in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

January 5, 2020February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Travel, Vietnam BigBody 2 Comments

When I moved to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, my work was going quite well and beginning to scale significantly, so that will be reflected in my budget. Keep in mind that this budget may not be reflective of other expats or foreigners living in Saigon, and it can be done on a lot less. Also, I’m writing this now several months out of being in Ho Chi Minh, where I spent just over a year.

I moved over to Saigon from Taipei, Taiwan, which was much needed for personal and professional reasons. If you’re curious how much I spent per month while living in Taipei or how much a luxury serviced apartment there costs, check out my past articles!

I figure this type of article is important to include what I spent per month for rent in Ho Chi Minh, as it is probably the largest base cost, so let’s get started.

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!

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.