Travel Archives - Page 5 of 6

What’s New in Hong Kong: September 2023 Events You Should Check Out

August 31, 2023September 15, 2023Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

September is hands down my favorite month of the year. Maybe it’s because I’m a Libra and both my old man and I were born in September. Maybe it’s because I have fond memories of peacocking around my home state in my best flannel while sipping apple cider. Or maybe it’s because the killer Hong Kong heat and humidity begin gradually abating (I’m kidding, that’s not until November).

Regardless, I love this month and you should too. Don’t “wake me up when September ends,” because there’s a lot of life to be lived this fall.

Here are some hand-picked events, festivals, restaurants, and spots to check out this September 2023 in Hong Kong.

13 Tips to Choose the Right Gym For You in Hong Kong

August 13, 2023August 13, 2023Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

I’m starting to lean into a bit more of the Hong Kong lifestyle content. After all, I’m a Hong Kong resident and have been based here for a combined six-plus years. Life. Check. Style. A work in progress. One particular issue that has plagued me and countless others is finding a gym that matches their fitness needs and budgets in this beleaguered city.

During these tempestuous, formative, and electrifying years, I’ve been a member of three gyms – two of which have gone under and left me out of a sizable amount of Hamiltons (It’s all about the Hamiltons, baby). I’m not angry. Just plotting my long-term revenge like Chan-wook Park in Oldboy. Your day will come, Goji management. Your day will come.

I’d like to quote the sales associate from Goji (who was just a pawn in a chess game bigger than himself), the gym where I paid a lump sum upfront and it went under 6 months later, “Sorry, I can’t guarantee your money back because I haven’t even been paid for three months.” Don’t let this be you.

Frankly, after spending a considerable amount of time working on my laptop in the waiting area of my current gym (referred to as “my gym” from here on out) and listening to the incessant sales pitches (and experiencing them myself) made by associates to prospective members – this landscape is volatile and predatory. There’s a lot of dishonesty at play, all in the name of a quick buck.

Review: Solitaire Hotel on Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok – a Luxurious Urban Retreat to Unwind in Style

June 3, 2023June 19, 2024Asia, Thailand, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

During my self-imposed Hong Kong moratorium I decided to spend one month-plus in Bangkok, Thailand. And, the stay would not have been complete if I didn’t stay at one of my favorite hotels in all of Asia – the Solitaire Bangkok Hotel on Sukhumvit 11. This 4-star hotel, located a stone’s throw away from the nightlife and action of one of Bangkok’s most notorious nightlife districts, is always my go-to stay in Bangkok.

I spent the entire month posted up in this gem of a hotel, working, battling strep throat, and recovering after extensive ‘eating days’ in one of the best cities for food in the world. Here’s an honest review of what I loved and liked (there isn’t much I really took issue with).

Quick & Easy Process to Get a 30-Day Vietnam E-Visa Explained

February 26, 2023February 26, 2023Asia, Travel, Vietnam BigBody Leave a Comment

As you may know by now, I’m heading to Vietnam in several days (mid-January, 2022). It has been nearly 3 years since I left Ho Chi Minh to embark on a journey to Europe for a six-month stint and move back to Hong Kong (my current base). I can’t wait to be back.

A part of me was stressed about obtaining a visa for Vietnam as I barely remembered doing so when I first moved there in July 2018. However, then I remembered that it was an absolute breeze and that’s why it wasn’t even registering in my memory.

If you are looking to apply for a 30-day Vietnam E-visa, I’ve got you covered. Below, I will walk through exactly what you can expect when applying, how long a 30-day Vietnam E-visa takes to be processed (and how long mine actually took), and additional considerations to keep in mind when traveling to Vietnam.

What My Perfect Day in Hong Kong Looks Like

January 2, 2023May 15, 2024Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

I was inspired to write this post after declaring ‘Big Body’s Sacred Day’ on July 5th, 2021. I’m not sure why that date in particular but everything lined up that day and I did almost everything I could have wanted (almost) in Hong Kong in just one day. I repeated this day again on July 5th, 2022, and plan to do some sort of variation of this in 2023 (and beyond).

The beauty of Hong Kong is that you are a stone’s throw away from a challenging hike with a view, a hop skip, and a jump from a serene and secluded beach, and always within eyeshot of a cold beer, strong coffee, or bite to eat. That’s why days like ‘Big Body’s Sacred Day’ are possible in Hong Kong. While there are countless other restaurants, hikes, and things that I love in this city, I tried to remain true to exactly what I’ve done on both sacred days.

Here’s what my perfect day in Hong Kong would look like (and has looked like) should I have my druthers. Keep in mind that I am combining two of my sacred days (July 5th, 2021, and July 5th, 2022) so everything may not be achievable in just one day. Or maybe it is.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent an Apartment in Mid-Levels, Hong Kong?

December 29, 2022December 29, 2022Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Simply put, the cost to rent an apartment in Mid-Levels, let alone Hong Kong, can vary drastically. While Hong Kong is consistently ranked (and often tied for first) as one of the most expensive cities to live in, there are some reasonable rent deals you can find – it just depends on what you are willing to compromise on (ex. Location, walk-up vs. lift, furnished vs. unfurnished).

While this was by no means my favorite apartment I have ever rented or lived in, it has felt the most like home. Hong Kong has always felt like home and is the city I am planning to continue to base myself. And for me, that’s the most important.

Coworking at The Hive Sheung Wan: What I Liked, Loved, & Didn’t Care For

December 14, 2022December 14, 2022Asia, Hong Kong, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

As emphasized in my guide to laptop-friendly cafes in Hong Kong, I truly believe anyone who wants to buckle down with work and do so in the most economical way (in Hong Kong) should explore a coworking space. There are more coworking spaces in Hong Kong than you can shake a stick at, they are reasonably priced, great ways to meet others working non-traditionally in a finance-driven city, and (most) offer flexible contracts and working arrangements (ex. Hot desks, dedicated desks, offices, and more).

Working Remotely at Code Hub Mostar: a Free, First-Class Coworking Space

October 27, 2020October 27, 2020Bosnia, Europe, Travel BigBody 2 Comments

If you’ve checked out my guide on things to do in Mostar, then you know that I was blown away with just how much there is to do in Bosnia and Herzegovina and considered it THE highlight of my six month Europe stint. From the bustling Old Town and dichotomy of East meets West, to the picturesque landscapes and nature, all the way to the resilient and welcoming Bosnian people, Mostar is a city of multitudes that is sure to inspire and humble at the same time.

For Big Body (me) to seriously consider living in a city or country, I not only need great beer and coffee, but I also need a quality spot to work from. Mostar has all three. Cue Code Hub Mostar – a free (until February 2022) well equipped, sleek, hospitable coworking space located a stone’s throw away from Mostar’s Old Town.

Below, I walk you through what made my two weeks working out of Code Hub Mostar so memorable, why it is one of the best coworking spaces I’ve come across during my travels, and what you can expect when grinding out that 9 to 5 workload there.

Hilton Munich Airport Hotel Review: Luxury, Convenience, & a Biergarten

October 23, 2020May 15, 2024Europe, Germany, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

If you’ve read any of my other blog posts on Pale Ale Travel, then you definitely know I’m a big fan of Hilton chain hotels. Hilton hotels are chic, conveniently located, moderately priced (we aren’t talking the Four Seasons here), and staffed with some of the utmost professionals.

After making my way up to the Schengen Area from Croatia, where I spent a great night at the Canopy By Hilton in Zagreb after my near 3 months in Split, I found myself ready to depart Europe (flying out of Munich, Germany). As I was exhausted, wanted to slug a few beers, and wake up the next morning with absolutely no worries, I opted to book the Hilton Munich Airport Hotel at Franz Josef Strauß Airport– and I was not disappointed.

Below, I walk through why you should definitely consider booking a night at the Hilton Munich Airport Hotel before you fly out of Munich. Hint: there’s a beer garden close by.

6 Date Ideas For Couples in Taipei

June 7, 2020December 1, 2022Asia, Taiwan, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Whether you live in Taipei or are simply passing through, there are no shortage of fun date activities for couples (or even first dates) looking to spend some quality time together (or get to know one another). From incredible hiking trails and night markets, to international film houses and Japanese izakayas, all the way to rowdy arcades and quirky cultural parks, Taipei has it all, you can’t go wrong.

I’ve compiled a list of 6 of my favorite date ideas in Taipei, Taiwan, for you to choose from for your next date night (or day).

Mostar Travel Itinerary: Things to Do in Mostar

May 9, 2020December 1, 2022Bosnia, Europe, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

Look, I know what you are thinking. I’ll head to Mostar, Bosnia for one or two days, get a feel for the city, eat some great food, see the sights, and then head back to Dubrovnik or Sarajevo and continue with my trip. I can assure you that Mostar is not a one or two day trip. It truly is one of the most underrated cities I’ve been to and I would recommend anyone considering a trip to stay at least five days to one week.

I spent nearly two weeks in Mostar during my time in the Balkans (I was posted up in Split, Croatia for the bulk of it), and found myself discovering something new every day. From delicious cevapis and burek, to pristine waterfalls and monasteries, to historic Ottoman bridges, minarets and mosques, Mostar is a clash of cultures set to make you truly feel that you are at the intersection of where East meets West.

I do understand however that most people are making a short trip to Mostar from Dubrovnik or Sarajevo and likely want a concise and practical itinerary, so I have compiled a 2-3 day itinerary with my favorite things to do (and eat) in Mostar. I would recommend actually spreading everything out over three days, but I think everything can be completed in two.

Renting a Luxury Apartment in Split, Croatia

March 21, 2020December 1, 2022Croatia, Europe, Travel BigBody Leave a Comment

One of the biggest reasons I stayed in Split, Croatia for so long was because I absolutely loved my apartment. Split is hands down a seasonal city, with the bulk of visitors heading there every summer to hit the beach, check out the outlying islands, and scoot around the Adriatic Sea on a yacht – so I imagine renting a luxury apartment in Split in the summer can be extremely cutthroat, and potentially overpriced.

However, I’m going to walk you through a bit about the luxury apartment I stayed in, what made it the best apartment I’ve ever rented, and where you can look online to rent luxury apartments in Split, Croatia.

Let’s get started!