Destinations Archives - Page 2 of 16

Visiting Hong Kong in March 2025

February 13, 2025March 16, 2025Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

March is one of the most happening months in Hong Kong. It’s when the city picks back up after the Chinese New Year holiday, ready to enter into the full swing of things once again. With no national holidays in March, cooler yet shifting temperatures, and the infamous (annual) Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, residents and tourists alike make the most of the final months before the city enters into heat and humidity lockdown mode.

It’s one of my favorite months in Hong Kong.

Unsurprisingly, March in Hong Kong is a transition month between winter and spring. In the first half of March, cooler temperatures, low humidity, and manageable rains mean that nearly every activity and inch of the city is your oyster, ripe for the picking.

It’s safe to say that March in Hong Kong is the city’s most artsy and creative month, as it plays home to numerous literary fairs, art exhibitions, music festivals, and other concerts. Most notably, the world-renowned contemporary and modern art fair, Art Basel, comes to town to highlight both international and Asia-Pacific works across a diverse range of galleries and museums.

However, the end of March in Hong Kong is a crucial time of the month to pay attention to as travel becomes slightly more unpredictable and expensive thanks to the arrival of the Hong Kong Sevens (and hundreds of thousands of spectators), sneaky hot and rising temperatures, all-consuming humidity, and increased rainfall.

As one of the busiest and most social months of the year, March is the perfect time to visit Hong Kong for those who love hiking and exploring the outdoors, enjoy world-class art, literature, and performances, and want to experience the apex of the city’s energy and joie de vivre.

P.S. The feature image is from Sun Kwai Heung BBQ Food in Chai Wan – one of my favorite Cantonese BBQ (siu mei) spots in the city.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you’re looking for a more seasonal breakdown of what you can expect when visiting Hong Kong, make sure to check out my comprehensive guide ‘When is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?’.

5 New Hampshire Breweries For Hoppy Suds Excellence

February 11, 2025February 19, 2025Beer & Breweries, Destinations BigBody Leave a Comment

Having made the trip back to my home state for a 7-week stint after nearly 5 years away, I had no idea what exactly was in store for me. I had a feeling that it would entail home-cooked food, walks with my mother and brother, and most importantly, good booze. I far underestimated and forgot just how much of a gem this state is for all three.

Great food and exceptional booze couldn’t have rung any truer at the handful of breweries I made sure to visit with both my mother and brother. These were undoubtedly some of the key highlights of this 2025 New Hampshire sojourn.

Not only were these five New Hampshire breweries some of the best beer haunts I’ve ever come across in the Granite State but they were some of the best I’ve ever imbibed and gourmandized anywhere in the world.

Now, with your mouth watering, your hands shaking, and the full moon craft beer call only a thirty-something millennial could face slowly transforming you into a carnal, rabid, boozehound version of yourself, here are 5 breweries in New Hampshire that mash some of the meanest hops in the game.

Pale Ale Travel Note: Don’t hesitate to comment or email me your favorite brewery/breweries in New Hampshire! I’d love to hear from you.

17 Unique Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Hong Kong

February 3, 2025February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

As someone who considers himself more of a ‘house cat’ than an ‘outdoors’ one, I welcome rainy days. They’re an excuse for me to justify not moving from my couch, combing my hair, or even putting on pants. You can find me in shorts on most days in Hong Kong.

However, I know there are plenty of you out there who like to carpe diem every single day. I applaud you and aspire to be you…one day. So, I know darn well that a little bit of rain ain’t gonna stop you. The word “rest” isn’t even in your vocabulary.

You’re David Goggins, reincarnated as a SoHo socialite and expat, and he isn’t even dead.

Or, maybe it’s your first time in Hong Kong and you want to ensure that no day goes to waste. After all, staying in your Hong Kong hotel cubicle all day with your partner has an 80% chance of making this your final trip together.

Fortunately, Hong Kong’s subtropical climate and frequent downpours, including ‘Typhoon Days’, means that the city and its residents know how to get down and boogie when it’s “bucketing down.” You know, when it’s “raining cats and dogs.” When it’s a real ‘frog-strangler’ out there. That last one is new to me and I now plan to make it a part of my daily (limited) vocabulary.

So, bust out those chic Le Chameau rain boots and Patagonia rain jacket you just ordered online because here are 17 things to do on a rainy day in Hong Kong.

Visiting Hong Kong in February

January 30, 2025March 16, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Visiting Hong Kong in February is the ideal time of year for tourists who might otherwise be put off by Hong Kong’s hot and humid temperatures in the summer, want to take advantage of all outdoor activities the city has to offer, and want to experience one of Hong Kong’s biggest festivals – Chinese New Year.

However, it is one of the most expensive months due to the coming of the Chinese New Year, which generally occurs anywhere from the end of January to mid-February. The Lunar New Year holiday also means ‘downtime’ on certain days, where residents spend the day and night with family, and shops, restaurants, and bars are closed.

It can be a somewhat tricky time of the year in Hong Kong to navigate but I assure you it’s well worth it – especially watching the Chinese New Year Day Parade with mesmerizing dragons, traditional Chinese dancers, and vibrant floats that weaves through Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) and the Chinese New Year fireworks in full display over Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and Victoria Harbor.

Personally, February is one of my favorite months of the year, next to October and November. I have a feeling it might just be the perfect time for you to visit Hong Kong.

Pale Ale Travel Tip: If you want a breakdown of what traveling to Hong Kong at every point in the year looks like, make sure to check out my post ‘When is the Best Time to Visit Hong Kong?’.

30+ Fun & Surprising Facts About Hong Kong

January 27, 2025March 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Having lived in Hong Kong for nearly 7 years (hint: I’m still here), I’ve “been around the block” once or twice when it comes to exploring and getting to know the city. It’s my home. It’s where I feel most comfortable. And it’s where I’m betting on for the future.

However, after all these years, I’m still discovering countless quirks, facts, and sites. It’s endless.

As I typically write more serious and practical posts, I thought I would list out some fun and surprising facts about Hong Kong. These were all (mostly) unbeknownst to me before first traveling to and moving here.

So, here is your daily dose of Hong Kong inspiration with these 33 fun facts about Hong Kong.

I have a feeling that more than a handful will have you making that shocked Pikachu face all the youngsters like to post online these days.

What Currency Does Hong Kong Use? A Complete Guide to the Hong Kong Dollar

January 11, 2025March 24, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel, Travel Tips, Tricks, & Resources BigBody Leave a Comment

Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of China that has its own currency, which is called the Hong Kong Dollar.

Below, I’ll explain what Hong Kong’s currency is called, provide an overview and brief history, its names in both English and Chinese/Cantonese, and how it’s identified in local and international transactions (denominations, symbols, abbreviations).

Taipei vs. Hong Kong For Expats: Which City is Right For You?

January 4, 2025March 24, 2025Asia, Destinations, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Hong Kong and Taipei are two popular cities that emerge as top contenders for expats considering moving to Asia thanks to a mix of thriving professional opportunities, personal and social growth, and a plethora of other practical considerations (I’m looking at you low tax rates!).

Having lived in Taipei, Taiwan for over 3 years and Hong Kong for nearly 7 years (hint: I’m currently living in HK) both cities have been incredibly formative both professionally and personally for me, with each providing distinct and unique (and memorable) experiences, vibrant cultures, and unparalleled advantages that have ultimately made my life richer and more fulfilling.

However, they differ significantly in key areas such as cost of living, professional industries, lifestyle, and overall environment. And, in my humble opinion, they cater to two very different types of expats.

Below, I’ll break down the key factors you should consider when asking yourself if Hong Kong or Taipei is the best fit for you.

So, whether you’re drawn to Hong Kong’s solidified and storied reputation as a global financial hub or Taipei’s eclectic blend of modernity, tradition, and island charm, this article will help you evaluate critical aspects that may be most important to you.

So, without further ado – Hong Kong vs. Taipei for expats – which city is best for you, your career, and your family? Let’s find out.

Factors	Hong Kong	Taipei
Cost of Living	One of the most expensive cities in the world.	Affordable across the board, specifically housing and necessities.
Professional Opportunities	A leading global financial hub that’s home to high-demand sectors like banking, law, and insurance, with no cap on professional growth.	A foreign job market underpinned by English teaching and other jobs in education, with a growing tech and entrepreneur scene.
Quality of Life	A high-pressure and demanding city that comes with long hours but surrounding nature and no shortage of activities to mitigate.	A more balanced and relaxed existence where you can clock-in and clock-out to enjoy surrounding nature and cultural events.
Education	World-class competitive international curricula that can cost a pretty penny.	An ideal destination for families seeking Mandarin immersion along with high global standards.
Expat Communities	The most eclectic expat community in Asia (and a top global city).	A small but inclusive expat community that is primarily centered around Anglophones and native English speakers.

9 Picturesque Runs in Europe That Kept Me From Looking Like Grimace

December 30, 2024February 19, 2025Destinations, Europe, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

This is not going to be a particularly targeted post. It’s somewhat of a hodgepodge collection of runs that I strapped on my ultra-wide New Balances while traveling in Europe for 3 months this past summer to avoid looking like Grimace.

This trip wouldn’t have been as memorable as it was without taking some time to stop and smell the grass (and pavement?) via a handful of scenic runs. Not only did these runs allow me to “burn some cals” before a night out, which inevitably involved slugging 12 ‘light’ European lagers, but they also helped me get to know the city (and country) I was staying in better.

If anything, I hope this post provides a launching point for all the runners (of all skill levels) who find themselves in Europe for their next adventure.

Maybe, just maybe, you’ll end up in one (or more) of the cities on this list. In that case, you at least have one run in your back pocket to get out there and experience the area in a completely underrated way.

Here are 9 runs in Europe that not only kept me in shape during my 3 months in the Old Continent but emphatically made my trip the best one of my life and made me feel a part of the social fabric of each country.

It goes without saying BUT all of these scenic running routes also make for great walks too!

Pale Ale Travel Note: For easy scannability and reference, I’ve just grouped the runs by the country that they are in. I’ve also included my personal Strava maps for each run to give you an idea of what the exact route looked like. Finally, to keep things simple, all route lengths are provided for in kilometers.

Always DTF at Din Tai Fung (DTF) With the Dawgz

December 28, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Food, Hong Kong BigBody Leave a Comment

I’m always DTF with the dawgz. Get your mind out of the gutter, ya filthy animal. I obviously mean ‘Din Tai Fung’.

You know, the beloved Taiwanese restaurant chain that has swept the world and put a smile on millions of faces thanks to its piping hot, delicate, juicy, steamed pork dumplings (aka ‘xiaolongbao’ – 小笼包).

I’m in the midst of trying to start a movement. No, not one of those move down to South America in furtherance of establishing a religious commune/utopia and have 90% of the movement drink cyanide type of movement.

Mine is a xiaolongbao empowerment (and education) movement. One where nobody ever falls victim again to their own gluttony by scorching their taste buds and damning themselves to subsequent weeks of everything tasting like rubber.

Some might say that’s more ambitious and delusional than starting a cult in Guyana.

I digress.

The point is, Din Tai Fung is the absolute cat’s pajamas of Shanghai-style dumplings, noodles, and soups. So, consider this a call to action to assemble your crew, prep your taste buds, and make your way over to your nearest Din Tai Fung to slurp back some of the most revered soup dumplings in the game.

What Tourists Need to Know About Poland’s Legal Drinking Age

December 27, 2024February 19, 2025Beer & Breweries, Destinations, Europe, Poland BigBody Leave a Comment

During my three months in Poland, I may or may not have consumed enough alcohol to kill a bull elephant. The only comparable time in my life was when I spent 3 months in Japan and tossed back nama beerus (draft beers) with the best of them…nightly.

To be fair, it was somewhat of Poland’s doing, as it was home to some of the best beer and hard liquors I’ve ever had the pleasure of tossing back. So, a Poland bacchanalian was inevitable. The boozing prophecy had been written well before my brother uttered the words ‘Poland trip’ to me just 5 months prior.

The variety of beer, liquors, wines, and other spirits across Poland is a force to be reckoned with. From the countless innovative (and quirky) craft beer bars that lined the streets of most old towns, to regional smoked beers and ever-so-drinkable lagers, clean and crisp vodkas, and even plum brandies, if you can dream it, you can drink it in Poland.

Poland has garnered particular acclaim and attention (justly so) from tourists over the past decade, becoming a Central European hotspot for living the dolce vita. Frankly, after my 3 month “hot boy summer” in Poland, I still consider it one of the most underrated travel destinations in the world. It’s an absolute gem.

And what better way to experience this vibrant, resilient country (and culture) than by tossing back some local booze over a plate of pierogi, schabowy (schnitzel), steak tartare, or other delicious Polish staples?

To ensure that you don’t miss out on Poland’s highly revered and full-bodied drinking culture, as a tourist it’s important to cross your drinking t’s while dotting your i’s by familiarizing yourself with the legal drinking age in Poland and other laws and/or potential faux pas you should be mindful of.

So, whether you’re a university student making the pilgrimage for a debaucherous weekend, a couple on their honeymoon looking to elegantly sip fine European wines at a rooftop bar, or someone in between (like me), here is everything you need to know about Poland’s drinking age and important alcohol laws everyone should know.

Pale Ale Travel Note: Get your free Poland travel itineraries delivered right to your inbox when you subscribe to my newsletter!

Get Yourself Some Siu Mei Excellence at Chukfo Taipan

December 23, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Food, Hong Kong BigBody Leave a Comment

Something washed over me when I was out of Hong Kong for three months this summer. And that was a realization that I eat far more Asian food than I thought. Since I returned home, I’ve been eating Cantonese and Chinese cuisine like it’s going out of style.

One style of Cantonese cuisine, in particular, has dominated this gastronomic reunification and reawakening – ‘siu mei’, aka ‘Cantonese BBQ’.

This has led to me revisiting classic roast goose and BBQ pork (char siu) haunts that have served me well over the years and exploring revered institutions that I’m ashamed to have never feasted on during my nearly seven-year Hong Kong tenure.

One Hong Kong-style roast meat restaurant had oddly eluded me over the years – my ‘siu mei white whale’ some might say – Wan Chai’s very own ‘Chukfo Taipan’.

So, in the lead-up to my self-imposed 1.5-month moratorium out of Hong Kong, I called up my Farjar (father) for one of our Friday lunch “constitutionals” and told him we were eating all of the meats.

He obliged.

Sometimes You Just Have to Crush a Narita Airport Ramen

December 20, 2024February 19, 2025Asia, Destinations, Food, Japan BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’re reading this, I’m already in the U.S., home for the holidays to see family, drive the icy backroads that saw me intrepidly eat Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwiches while on the way to Catholic school homeroom, and catch up with old friends.

All of this is great. However, there’s one glaring gastronomic problem in my small New England state – an egregious lack of authentic and quality Japanese cuisine.

So, on my route back from Hong Kong, stopping in Tokyo Japan at Narita International Airport for a 4-hour layover, you know I had to get one final Asian cuisine fix before touching down in the land of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, chicken tenders, and lite beer.

And, with my stomach bloated and gurgling from the previous night’s undigested gyros, I knew I had to go with old faithful – ramen.

Sometimes, you just have to crush a Narita Airport ramen – especially when that ramen is by Ginza Kagari.