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  • Sustainable Fashion Marketplaces

    There are thousands of ethical and sustainable fashion brands out there so as a conscious consumer, how do you know which one actually do good for the environment and which ones are just greenwashing?

    The obvious answer is to do your own research.

    Take a deep dive into the brand’s website and pick everything apart.

    Do they use natural materials? Are sustainability reports transparently available? Who are their business partners?

    If there’s nothing more than a simple, “we use sustainable materials and enforce fair labor practices” on their website, they’re probably greenwashing.

    But who’s got time to sort through thousands and thousands of independent brands?

    You’re right.

    The average consumer isn’t willing to take all that additional time to research a brand and that’s where ethical and sustainable fashion marketplaces come in.

    These online retail websites vet through thousands of brands and allow only the select few that meet their guidelines to showcase their products.

    So here are the top 7 sustainable fashion marketplaces that you can use to buy ethical fashion.



    1. ourCommonplace

    2. Made Trade

    3. Rêve En Vert

    4. Wearwell

    5. IVALO.COM

    6. Earthkind

    7. Urbankissed

    1. ourCommonplace

    About: 

    ourCommonplace is an online marketplace that features ethical and sustainable fashion brands, clean beauty brands, and artisanal home decor. This marketplace offers worldwide shipping and features both US-based and international brands.

    Guidelines: 

    • Brands must meet at least two of their six standards conscious production and positive social and environmental impact

    • Six standards: woman-owned, sustainable, toxic-free, ethical, BIPOC-owned, and cruelty-free

    • Every brand is marked with an icon that correlates to the standards so consumers can see at a glance which values a certain brand holds

    Brands must meet at least two of their six standards conscious production and positive social and environmental impact

    Six standards: woman-owned, sustainable, toxic-free, ethical, BIPOC-owned, and cruelty-free

    Every brand is marked with an icon that correlates to the standards so consumers can see at a glance which values a certain brand holds

    I appreciate that the website is set up in a familiar layout that mimics that which you would see for large department stores or retailers. The marketplace also offers a range of filter options (size, color, standard, etc) which helps streamline the entire shopping process.

    Price Range: $21 – $1295 for clothes | $8 – $324 for accessories

    Availability: Global

    2. Made Trade

    About:

    Made Trade is a woman-owned sustainability marketplace that strives to empower small, locally-owned brands. They were created in 2018 and currently feature 130+ different brands, small businesses, makers, and artisan collectives. They offer not only sustainable and ethical fashion, but also sell products in the home decor and furniture categories as well.

    Guidelines:

    • All products need to meet their core values of equity, sustainability, and transparency

    • Extensive application process includes detailed assessments about each brand’s products, manufacturing processes, labor conditions, fair trade status, and review of third-party certifications

    • Additional audits are conducted to verify that the brand’s claims are true

    All products need to meet their core values of equity, sustainability, and transparency

    Extensive application process includes detailed assessments about each brand’s products, manufacturing processes, labor conditions, fair trade status, and review of third-party certifications

    Additional audits are conducted to verify that the brand’s claims are true

    Made Trade is one of my go-tos for minimal, natural-fiber garments that pack perfectly in my travel capsule wardrobe. Get started and take 10% off sitewide with my discount code: SENSIBLEFAY10!

    Price Range: $25 – $596 for clothes | $19 – $779 for accessories

    Availability: United States

    3. Rêve En Vert

    About:

    Reve Ev Vert is a multi-brand retail platform that exists between the intersections of luxury, sustainability, and ethics. They connect eco-friendly brands directly with consumers in order to create a streamlined and conscious shopping experience.

    Guidelines:

    • Holistic approach to sustainability that considers a brand’s impact on the environment, their workers, and local economies

    • Each listing includes easy-to-scan icons that outlines the values supported by that specific product

    • A brief brand summary is included with each product listing so you can see for yourself if the brand matches your standards

    Holistic approach to sustainability that considers a brand’s impact on the environment, their workers, and local economies

    Each listing includes easy-to-scan icons that outlines the values supported by that specific product

    A brief brand summary is included with each product listing so you can see for yourself if the brand matches your standards

    Price Range: $38 – $2038 for clothes | $57 – $27327 for accessories

    Availability: Global

    4. Wearwell

    About:

    Wearwell is a Philly-based sustainable fashion marketplace created by co-founders Erin Houston and Emily Kenney. They strive to simplify ethical shopping for responsible consumers hoping to make a positive impact for garment workers and the environment.

    Guidelines:

    • Partners with brands making a positive impact two distinct areas: workers’ rights and the environment.

    • Vetting process includes initial assessment, interview, and third-party validations

    • Three-step partnership process builds trust, ongoing collaboration, and growth opportunities

    • 1% of every purchase is donated to the consumer’s nonprofit of choice

    • Impact icons to easily identify values and certifications

    Partners with brands making a positive impact two distinct areas: workers’ rights and the environment.

    Vetting process includes initial assessment, interview, and third-party validations

    Three-step partnership process builds trust, ongoing collaboration, and growth opportunities

    1% of every purchase is donated to the consumer’s nonprofit of choice

    Impact icons to easily identify values and certifications

    I love that their website allows customers to sort brands by an extensive list of values and that they even have a category that features secondhand listings!

    Price Range: $18 – $130 for clothes | $8 – $175 for accessories

    Availability: United States

    5. Ivalo.com

    About:

    IVALO.COM is a sustainable fashion marketplace that offers over 130 eco-friendly brands on one central platform. They were created in 2015 by three Finnish friends and originally sought to connect the public with emerging fashion brands. In 2019, developed their Sustainability Framework, launched their online store, and have since been dedicated to developing transparency in sustainable fashion. They acquired Berlin-based Staiy earlier this year and are probably the biggest online marketplace in Europe offering sustainable fashion exclusively.

    Guidelines:

    • 360 Sustainability Validation framework curbs greenwashing and provides transparency for consumers

    • Requires brands to take part in a 5-step process to fact-check their commitment to a cleaner environment

    • Assesses how brands performs on 8 different factors: working conditions & labor, environmental impact, sustainable materials, transparent value chain, design for circularity, inclusivity & community, commitments & policies, responsible e-commerce

    • Brands are give a sustainability score based on above categories, and only if their results are satisfactory are they listed on the marketplace

    360 Sustainability Validation framework curbs greenwashing and provides transparency for consumers

    Requires brands to take part in a 5-step process to fact-check their commitment to a cleaner environment

    Assesses how brands performs on 8 different factors: working conditions & labor, environmental impact, sustainable materials, transparent value chain, design for circularity, inclusivity & community, commitments & policies, responsible e-commerce

    Brands are give a sustainability score based on above categories, and only if their results are satisfactory are they listed on the marketplace

    Price Range: €12 – €769 for clothes | €9 – €997 for accessories

    Availability: Global

    6. Earthkind

    About:

    Earthkind is a multi-brand platform that offers sustainably and ethically-made clothing and accessories. They strive to make slow fashion the norm and are one of the marketplaces that do a stunning job of blending editorial aesthetics with approachable, ready-to-wear silhouettes.

    Guidelines:

    • Accepts brands according to 7 values: transparency, fair labor, handmade by artisans, organic, vegan, synthetic-free, and circularity & waste free

    • Evaluations backed by third-party certifications and accreditations

    Accepts brands according to 7 values: transparency, fair labor, handmade by artisans, organic, vegan, synthetic-free, and circularity & waste free

    Evaluations backed by third-party certifications and accreditations

    I love that the platform offers sustainable garments for both men and women but because they’re a relatively new marketplace, I’ve noticed some inconsistencies across their website. Some items include more details than others (materials, labor, etc) so just keep that in mind when shopping!

    Price Range: $19 – $265 for clothes | $12 – $95 for accessories

    Availability: Global

    7. Urbankissed

    About:

    Urbankissed is an ethical online marketplace that curates unique, handmade treasures created by small and conscious brands. While not “sustainable” in the traditional sense of using eco-friendly materials and production methods, this platform approaches sustainability from a wider perspective of slowing down consumption.

    Guidelines:

    • While there are no specific guidelines outlined on their website for admission to their platform, each product includes transparent details about their materials and the brand that it’s listed from

    While there are no specific guidelines outlined on their website for admission to their platform, each product includes transparent details about their materials and the brand that it’s listed from

    Price Range: $16 – $713 for clothes | $5 – $385 for accessories

    Availability: Global

    While shopping sustainable fashion brands is an important part of the slow fashion conversation, it’s not the end-all-be-all. We need to pivot some of our discussion away from buying new, and consider alternatives like degrowth (consuming less), secondhand shopping, and circularity.

    That being said, I understand that everyone’s circumstances are different.

    If you do decide to go with a new eco-friendly purchase, do a deep dive into the brand you plan on supporting because where you spend your money does matter.

    For more on sustainable fashion, consider the following articles:

    Top Sustainable Swimwear Brands

    How To Pack A Two-Week Travel Capsule Wardrobe

    8 Sustainable Fashion Brands For Plus Sized Individuals

    10 Best Sustainable Fashion Brands In Singapore

    8 Sustainable Fashion Organizations To Support

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  • Ha Giang Loop Packing List

    So, you’ve decided to do the famous Ha Giang Loop: a multi-day, 217.5 mi (350 km) motorbike adventure through the northern mountains of Vietnam.

    The winding dirt roads take you on a meditative escape through quaint ethnic-minority villages and lush green valleys all the way up to the Vietnam-China border and back down. It’s the perfect way to slow travel through this country and ethically experience authentic Vietnamese living.

    However, this daunting and potentially dangerous expedition is not for the weak.

    Traveling this road by motorbike exposes you to the elements. And as luck would have it, Ha Giang weather is notoriously unpredictable. One second it’s sunny and you can see for miles into the distance, and the next you’re caught in a tropical thunderstorm but have no choice but to power through lest you miss the evening cutoff.

    During my 4-day tour last autumn, almost half of our group got sick because of constant temperature drops (and we had an exceptionally large tour of 40+ people).

    So, set yourself up for success by packing the appropriate clothes and and supplies for your trip. That way, you can comfortably and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Here’s the ultimate Ha Giang Loop packing list!

    Quick Summary Of What to Bring

    • Capsule Wardrobe: 11-piece wardrobe featuring multiple quick-dry thermal layers for fluctuating weather. You’ll want to protect yourself from the sun, wind, rain, and cold.

    • Travel Essentials: this is a multi-day trip and you’ll be able to strap a daypack onto the bike. Your travel essentials should include important documents, cash, toiletries, and electronics.

    • First Aid Kit: you’re going into the remote mountains of Vietnam with limited access to medical facilities. Travel insurance and a basic first aid kit is essential!

    Capsule Wardrobe: 11-piece wardrobe featuring multiple quick-dry thermal layers for fluctuating weather. You’ll want to protect yourself from the sun, wind, rain, and cold.

    Travel Essentials: this is a multi-day trip and you’ll be able to strap a daypack onto the bike. Your travel essentials should include important documents, cash, toiletries, and electronics.

    First Aid Kit: you’re going into the remote mountains of Vietnam with limited access to medical facilities. Travel insurance and a basic first aid kit is essential!

    What to Pack for the Ha Giang Loop

    Capsule Wardrobe

    Your clothes are going to take up the most space in your daypack so make sure to bring a capsule wardrobe with different layers that you can mix and match to adjust for different weather scenarios.

    I did the loop with QT Motorbikes and Tours last November and almost all the attendees ended up buying a jacket or sweater at some point because it was so cold. I bought a light fleece jacket at a local market for 80000 VND (roughly $3) and while it was extremely affordable, I could’ve avoided it entirely if I had just done a little bit of research on what to pack.

    So here’s what to include in your capsule wardrobe:

    • 3 Comfortable pants or leggings

    • 1 Thermal tank top

    • 1 Long-sleeve thermal

    • 1 Basic tee

    • 1 Waterproof rain jacket

    • 1 Warm fleece or hoodie

    • Sneakers or boots

    • Flip flops

    • Pajamas

    • Swimwear

    • Sunglasses

    • Undergarments and socks

    • Optional: gloves, scarf, beanie if traveling in the winter

    3 Comfortable pants or leggings

    1 Thermal tank top

    1 Long-sleeve thermal

    1 Basic tee

    1 Waterproof rain jacket

    1 Warm fleece or hoodie

    Sneakers or boots

    Flip flops

    Pajamas

    Swimwear

    Sunglasses

    Undergarments and socks

    Optional: gloves, scarf, beanie if traveling in the winter

    All of this will go in your daypack which gets wrapped in a thick plastic bag (for waterproofing) and strapped to the back of your motorbike. You’ll also want to bring a sling bag or fanny pack to put all your daily essentials (phone, cash, sunblock, etc) in.

    Travel Essentials

    If you’re a seasoned traveler like I am, packing these is second nature. But in case you needed a reminder, here’s a quick list of travel essentials to bring on the Ha Giang Loop.

    • Passport and important documents: better to keep these documents in your daypack than at the hostel in Ha Giang town. Remember, if you’re a US citizen, you need a visa to visit Vietnam! It’s not visa-free!

    • Cash: bring enough to buy snacks and coffee on your journey + enough to tip your driver!

    • Travel insurance: accidents happen. Travel insurance makes sure that you’re covered for any injuries, damages and lost belongings.

    • Towel: some homestays had them but most didn’t. Bring your own just in case.

    • Basic shower kit + toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, shampoo, conditioner

    • Sunscreen: high mountains = high uv exposure. It might feel chilly, but you’ll probably still burn.

    • Bug spray: most stays have mosquito nets around the beds but bug spray comes in handy when you’re exploring outdoors or karaoking the night away

    • Hand sanitizer: most bathrooms on the road will not have soap so bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer

    • Spare toilet paper: not every bathroom is fully restocked with toilet paper! I bring a small tissue pack that functions as toilet paper just in case.

    • Chargers: power your cell phones, cameras, laptops…whatever it is!

    • Powerbank: just in case! Taking video footage during your ride can drain the phone battery pretty quickly!

    • Emergency contact numbers: a little old-schooled, but you never know!

    Passport and important documents: better to keep these documents in your daypack than at the hostel in Ha Giang town. Remember, if you’re a US citizen, you need a visa to visit Vietnam! It’s not visa-free!

    Cash: bring enough to buy snacks and coffee on your journey + enough to tip your driver!

    Travel insurance: accidents happen. Travel insurance makes sure that you’re covered for any injuries, damages and lost belongings.

    Towel: some homestays had them but most didn’t. Bring your own just in case.

    Basic shower kit + toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, shampoo, conditioner

    Sunscreen: high mountains = high uv exposure. It might feel chilly, but you’ll probably still burn.

    Bug spray: most stays have mosquito nets around the beds but bug spray comes in handy when you’re exploring outdoors or karaoking the night away

    Hand sanitizer: most bathrooms on the road will not have soap so bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer

    Spare toilet paper: not every bathroom is fully restocked with toilet paper! I bring a small tissue pack that functions as toilet paper just in case.

    Chargers: power your cell phones, cameras, laptops…whatever it is!

    Powerbank: just in case! Taking video footage during your ride can drain the phone battery pretty quickly!

    Emergency contact numbers: a little old-schooled, but you never know!

    Optional: camera and laptop. Honestly, service and wifi was pretty spotty on the loop but if you feel like you need these electronics, feel free to bring them.

    ✨ Tip: Use Viettel for cell service in the mountains. It’s the only carrier that works. I bought both an Airalo and Holafly eSIM hoping to be able to get some work done but alas, the connection was so slow that I just ended up canceling my meetings and rescheduling. (Both of those other two providers were perfectly fine for other Vietnamese destinations though!)

    First Aid Kit

    Again, the Ha Giang Loop takes you through secluded mountains where you might not have access to standard medical facilities or pharmacies. Of course, the tour group will take care of you if anything serious happens, but for small inconveniences like ordinary colds, it’s better to to just pack a first aid kit!

    Here are some ideas for what to include:

    • Painkillers and NSAIDs

    • Antipyretics

    • Anti-diarrhea medications

    • Anti-nausea medications

    • Allergy medications

    • Motion sickness medication

    • Altitude sickness medication

    • Bandaids

    • Antiseptic ointment

    • Anti-itch insect bite creams

    • Vitamins and supplements

    Painkillers and NSAIDs

    Antipyretics

    Anti-diarrhea medications

    Anti-nausea medications

    Allergy medications

    Motion sickness medication

    Altitude sickness medication

    Bandaids

    Antiseptic ointment

    Anti-itch insect bite creams

    Vitamins and supplements

    Vietnam is one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers in the world. If this were any other country, I probably wouldn’t have taken the risk.

    Luckily, this adventure was well-organized and with appropriate packing, it made the adventure of a lifetime!

    For more on packing guides and traveling through Asia, check out the following articles:

    How To Pack A Summer Travel Capsule Wardrobe

    The Ultimate Thailand Bucketlist

    Attending The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

    Hualien, Taiwan Travel Guide

    Reasons To Visit Taiwan

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  • Maokong Gondola Itinerary

    Maokong Village is a quaint town nestled in the mountains surrounding Taipei. It’s known for teahouses and hikes, and is a really accessible way to slow down and step outside of the city for just a few hours.

    Whenever I’m feeling stressed or bogged down by work, I take a quick ride on the Maokong Gondola and spend an afternoon recharging in nature.

    Contrary to popular belief, rest isn’t the state of doing nothing.

    Rather, true and deep rest is the act of doing small things that restore your energy levels and give your working brain a break.

    So, unplug with nature therapy. Here’s a full itinerary for how to spend a day at Maokong.



    • About The Maokong Gondola
      → Getting To Maokong Gondola
      → Planning Your Trip

      How To Explore Maokong
      → Maokong On Foot
      → Maokong Tour Bus
      → Maokong By Gondola

      What To Do At Maokong
      → Riding The Maokong Gondola
      → Tea Promotion Center
      → Go For A Hike
      → Visit Apricot Grove
      → Grab Lunch At A Teahouse
      → Tea Ice Cream + Shopping Near Maokong Station
      → Zhinan Temple



    About The Maokong Gondola
    → Getting To Maokong Gondola
    → Planning Your Trip

    How To Explore Maokong
    → Maokong On Foot
    → Maokong Tour Bus
    → Maokong By Gondola

    What To Do At Maokong
    → Riding The Maokong Gondola
    → Tea Promotion Center
    → Go For A Hike
    → Visit Apricot Grove
    → Grab Lunch At A Teahouse
    → Tea Ice Cream + Shopping Near Maokong Station
    → Zhinan Temple

    About The Maokong Gondola

    The Maokong Gondola operates between Taipei Zoo MRT Station and Maokong Station. It is a 4.3 km (2.7 mi) line that has four passenger stations and offers sweeping views of Taipei from a distance. The entire ride takes approximately 25 minutes and is a peaceful start to your day in Maokong Village.

    Getting To Maokong Gondola:

    The easiest way to get to Maokong Gondola is by MRT. Take the Wenshan-Neihu Line (Brown Line) to Taipei Zoo Station and then walk 350 meters to the gondola.

    Alternatively, there are a multitude of busses that run to the station. Just check your favorite maps app to find the route that works best for you.

    Planning Your Trip:

    • Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs: 9AM – 9PM | Fri – Sun: 9AM – 10PM | Closed on Mondays except for national holidays and the first Monday of every month

    • Ticket Options: Adults: NT$70 (1 stop), NT$100 (2 stops) and NT$120 (3 stops). Discounts are available for children, seniors, and disabled people. Purchase your tickets at the counter, use your Easy Card, or pre-book your tickets on Klook. Full details on the Maokong Gondola website.

    • Crystal Cabins vs Normal Cabins: About a third of the Maokong Gondola cabins are “Crystal Cabins” with transparent floors. These carriages gives passengers the chance to look below and see all the trees and buildings that they’re floating above. I definitely recommend that you try a crystal cabin during your adventure!

    Opening Hours: Tues – Thurs: 9AM – 9PM | Fri – Sun: 9AM – 10PM | Closed on Mondays except for national holidays and the first Monday of every month

    Ticket Options: Adults: NT$70 (1 stop), NT$100 (2 stops) and NT$120 (3 stops). Discounts are available for children, seniors, and disabled people. Purchase your tickets at the counter, use your Easy Card, or pre-book your tickets on Klook. Full details on the Maokong Gondola website.

    Crystal Cabins vs Normal Cabins: About a third of the Maokong Gondola cabins are “Crystal Cabins” with transparent floors. These carriages gives passengers the chance to look below and see all the trees and buildings that they’re floating above. I definitely recommend that you try a crystal cabin during your adventure!

    ✨ Tip: Take a normal cabin to Maokong Station and a crystal cabin back down to Taipei Zoo Station. The line is much shorter!

    How To Explore Maokong

    Maokong Village is best broken down like this:

    • You have the surrounding village area located near Maokong Station (at the end of the gondola line) that’s best explored on foot or by tourist shuttle bus.

    • And then you have additional attractions near the different gondola stations (Taipei Zoo South Station and Zhinan Temple Station) to explore.

    You have the surrounding village area located near Maokong Station (at the end of the gondola line) that’s best explored on foot or by tourist shuttle bus.

    And then you have additional attractions near the different gondola stations (Taipei Zoo South Station and Zhinan Temple Station) to explore.

    I recommend taking the gondola all the way up to Maokong Station and exploring the village first, before riding back down on the gondola and taking multiple stops along the way. The itinerary described below will follow this pattern.

    But first, a quick overview of the different transport options near Maokong.

    Maokong On Foot

    Maokong Village is pretty walkable. You can get to most of the hiking trails, restaurants, and teahouses on foot but the region is pretty hilly and if you’re checking out multiple attractions, it can be pretty exhausting.

    That leads us to your second transport option…

    Maokong Tour Bus

    Taiwanese people love convenience and accessibility. So to make exploration a little easier, there’s a Maokong Tour Bus that takes people to the most popular destinations. This bus runs in a two-direction loop and can be helpful when you’re too exhausted to continue walking. You can view the full details of the tour bus on the website here.

    Maokong By Gondola

    When you’re done exploring the main Maokong area, make your way back to Maokong Station and you have the option to explore the two remaining stations.

    • Zhinan Temple Station: peaceful and photogenic area featuring a nice park, a temple, and a pagoda. One of the best spots for taking photos of cherry blossoms in the spring!

    • Taipei Zoo South Station: located near the Wetland Park at the south of Taipei Zoo. Stop here if you plan on visiting the Taipei Zoo before or after your Maokong adventure!

    Zhinan Temple Station: peaceful and photogenic area featuring a nice park, a temple, and a pagoda. One of the best spots for taking photos of cherry blossoms in the spring!

    Taipei Zoo South Station: located near the Wetland Park at the south of Taipei Zoo. Stop here if you plan on visiting the Taipei Zoo before or after your Maokong adventure!

    If you plan on taking more than two trips on the Maokong Gondola, I recommend getting the one-day pass to save some money!

    What To Do At Maokong

    Maokong is pretty far into the mountains with limited food options so start your day bright and early with breakfast in the city! Once you’re all fueled up, head to your nearest MRT station (or bus station) and make your way over to Taipei Zoo MRT!

    Riding The Maokong Gondola

    We’ll start our day by riding the Maokong Gondola (obviously). From Taipei Zoo MRT station, walk five minutes until you reach the Gondola transfer station. While it seems like a short walk on Google Maps, trust me, in the midday sun, even five minutes is draining.

    Once you arrive at the station, purchase your tickets or head directly up the stairs if you plan on using an Easy Card or Klook voucher.

    At the top of the stairs, you’ll line up to take an ordinary cabin or a crystal cabin. As I mentioned earlier, a crystal cabin features a glass-bottom car that allows you to peek down at the trees below you as you ride the gondola.

    My recommendation is to take the ordinary cabin up to Maokong Station and then a crystal cabin back down on your return trip. This will allow you to circumvent the long lines.

    I have a huge fear of heights so riding the gondola was scary at first. But after 10 minutes or so, you get used to the swaying and begin to settle into the rhythm of it all. The entire ride up takes roughly 25 minutes.

    Alight at Maokong Station and take in the views. You’re finally out of the city!

    Fill your water bottle and grab some snacks from the convenience store (if you plan on hiking) because we’ve got a long day ahead of us!

    Tea Promotion Center

    Before we head into the mountains, take a quick detour to the Tea Promotion Center.

    Maokong is located in the Wenshan District of Taipei which is famous for its Tie Guanyin and Baozhong teas. This small cultural center features exhibitions and guided tours about the tea-production process and different tea-tasting methods.

    The Tea Promotion Center is free to enter and should take about 15-30 minutes to explore. It’s a great way to learn more about the local agricultural practices and try some tea while you’re at it!

    For a deep dive into tea culture in northern Taiwan, you might want to check out this guided tour of Pinglin and Maokong! It features visits to three major tea-growing regions in Taipei and includes a ride on the Maokong Gondola.

    Go For A Hike

    The main attraction for today!

    Maokong is famous for its tranquil, shaded hikes. Most trails are accessible to the regular able-bodied individual so here are some of the most popular options to check out.

    • Yinhe Cave & Waterfall Trail: by far the most popular hike in Maokong featuring a 2.2 mile (3.54 km) moderately challenging trail to a stunning waterfall with an 1900s temple built into the cliffs.

    • Camphor Trail (Zhanghu Trail): casual 1.4 mile (2.25 km) out and back walking path with pretty views of a lake along the way. Option to extend this into a 5.4 mile (8.69 km) loop through the tea village.

    • Maokong Loop: moderately challenging 6.5 mile (10.46 km) loop that takes you through the Wenshan district.

    • Maokong Healthy Trail: relatively short simple staircase trail shaded with plenty of foliage.

    • Maokong Potholes: Maokong was named after these riverbed rocks that have holes in them. This short 10-minute walk takes you down to the rocks.

    Yinhe Cave & Waterfall Trail: by far the most popular hike in Maokong featuring a 2.2 mile (3.54 km) moderately challenging trail to a stunning waterfall with an 1900s temple built into the cliffs.

    Camphor Trail (Zhanghu Trail): casual 1.4 mile (2.25 km) out and back walking path with pretty views of a lake along the way. Option to extend this into a 5.4 mile (8.69 km) loop through the tea village.

    Maokong Loop: moderately challenging 6.5 mile (10.46 km) loop that takes you through the Wenshan district.

    Maokong Healthy Trail: relatively short simple staircase trail shaded with plenty of foliage.

    Maokong Potholes: Maokong was named after these riverbed rocks that have holes in them. This short 10-minute walk takes you down to the rocks.

    Most of the trails in the region connect to each other so you can make your outdoor session as long or as short as you’d like.

    Visit Apricot Grove

    If you happen to be visiting during apricot blossom season (Jan – Feb), I highly recommend you check out Apricot Grove Farm!

    It was originally a private tea plantation but has since opened up to the public. The farm features over two hectares of 2,000 apricot trees that put on a magnificent show of red, white, and pink flowers each year.

    We even stopped by neighboring teahouse after our quick photo session for a quick snack and some tea!

    ✨ Tip: Both the farm and teahouse are seasonal, so I recommend checking Google Maps before you visit to check the quality of the blossoms and the shop hours. Just click “reviews” and sort by “most recent.”

    Grab Lunch At A Teahouse

    After an exhausting day of hiking, it’s finally time for lunch. Refuel at one of teahouses in the area that offer delicious food, fragrant tea, and incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

    I spent my afternoon at Yao Yue Teahouse, one of the oldest establishments in the region. This multi-storied restaurant is a 25-minute walk from Maokong Station and features classic ReChao (熱炒) stir-fry options and dim sum dishes.

    It’s a little overpriced in my opinion, but still, it was nice to be able to have an entire table for myself. I ordered a beef set, tie guan yin tea, tea dango, and spend the afternoon sipping tea, reading, and enjoying the mountain breeze.

    Some other popular Maokong teahouses include:

    • Yingyue Teahouse

    • Uncle Well Tea

    • Sunyang Teahouse

    • Longya Tea House

    Yingyue Teahouse

    Uncle Well Tea

    Sunyang Teahouse

    Longya Tea House

    Tea Ice Cream + Shopping Near Maokong Station

    It’s time to head back to the station! Wrap up your meal with a delicious oolong and green tea ice cream or hot cup of tea to go. I always visit Maokong Tea House because it’s right outside the station and has the cutest soft serve ice cream with kitty cat cookies.

    Zhinan Temple

    One severely underrated attraction near Maokong is Zhinan Temple.

    Take the gondola down one stop to Zhinan Temple Station and once you step out, you’re greeted by this stunning golden pagoda. We visited during February and it was wonderfully flanked with pink cherry blossoms.

    Walk 10 minutes up the road until you hit Zhinan Temple. This Daoist temple was built in 1890 and is dedicated to Lu DongBin, one of the eight immortals of Chinese legend.

    Unfortunately, it was under construction when we visited but it was still nice to walk around the grounds and admire the architecture.

    The area also features a smaller Fude Temple which is dedicated to the local Land God.

    Wrap your day up by exploring the temple grounds and when you’re ready, take the gondola all the way back to Taipei.

    To be frank, Maokong really is a simple sleepy town with very little to do outside of hiking. If you want a more activity-packed day, I recommend stopping by the Taipei Zoo in the morning and checking out a night market in the evening. For more on Taiwan, here are further guides on Hualien, Penghu, Lanyu, and Green Island!

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  • Is The Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?

    The Ha Giang Loop winds through the untouched mountains of northern Vietnam and is one of the most stunning roads in the entire country.

    However, is it dangerous?

    Short answer: it’s relatively safe with an easy rider but can be dangerous if you attempt it on your own.

    So, let’s talk about it.

    I did a 4-day guided tour of this road late last year and here’s everything I learned about what makes the Ha Giang Loop dangerous and some first-hand safety tips and recommendations for your adventure.



    What Is The Ha Giang Loop?

    What Makes The Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?

    Have People Died On The Ha Giang Loop?

    Should I Drive The Ha Giang Loop By Myself?

    How To Stay Safe On The Ha Giang Loop

    Concluson

    What Is The Ha Giang Loop?

    The Ha Giang Loop is a 3-5 day iconic motorcycle loop that takes travelers through the remote and rugged landscapes of Northern Vietnam.

    This 350 kilometer stretch starts in Quan Ba district and winds through the stunning mountain passes of Dong Van Karst National Park (a UNESCO world heritage site), multiple vibrant ethnic minority villages, and even up to the China-Vietnam border.

    A tour of this loop offers the opportunity to experience the jaw-dropping natural landscapes of Vietnam while supporting local drivers and learning more about northern Vietnamese customs.

    What Makes The Ha Giang Loop Dangerous?

    Nature, my friend. Nature. Well, that and poorly-maintained roads.

    The Ha Giang Loop consists of vertigo-inducing narrow dirt roads that wrap around craggy mountainous cliffs. While they’re stunning to look at, the steep passes and sharp turns are hard to navigate, even for an experienced rider. Add on unpredictable weather conditions, a lack of medical facilities, and you’ve got yourself a pretty dangerous situation.

    Here’s a (non-exhaustive) list of what makes the Ha Giang Loop dangerous:

    • Rugged road conditions: most of the winding roads are made with gravel or dirt and make them extremely susceptible to the wear and tear of outdoor weather conditions.

    • Lack of traffic barriers: this loop features mountainside cliff roads with no barriers. One wrong turn and you’ll go tumbling thousands of meters into oblivion.

    • Unpredictable weather conditions: one second it’s bright and sunny, the next it’s storming and foggy. The unpredictable weather conditions make exposed riding that much more dangerous and if you’re not familiar with the roads, you can easily get lost or crash.

    • Rockslides and livestock: prepare to run into unexpected obstacles. A rockslide occurred during our adventure and they closed the road off for almost an hour. We nearly missed our bus back to Hanoi!

    • Lack of medical facilities: you’re in the secluded mountains of northern Vietnam and closest clinic or hospital could be several hours away by motorbike. This makes it so much harder to treat serious injuries and even small scrapes could potentially be dangerous.

    • Lack of mechanical facilities: your adventure is contingent on the performance of your motorbike. If it breaks down, you’ll be stranded in the mountains with nowhere for shelter. Mechanical facilities are few and far in between so it’s really important to use a quality bike.

    • Other drivers: the Ha Giang Loop is actually pretty popular with tourists so you’ll definitely come across other drivers and that inherently carries a risk of collision.

    Rugged road conditions: most of the winding roads are made with gravel or dirt and make them extremely susceptible to the wear and tear of outdoor weather conditions.

    Lack of traffic barriers: this loop features mountainside cliff roads with no barriers. One wrong turn and you’ll go tumbling thousands of meters into oblivion.

    Unpredictable weather conditions: one second it’s bright and sunny, the next it’s storming and foggy. The unpredictable weather conditions make exposed riding that much more dangerous and if you’re not familiar with the roads, you can easily get lost or crash.

    Rockslides and livestock: prepare to run into unexpected obstacles. A rockslide occurred during our adventure and they closed the road off for almost an hour. We nearly missed our bus back to Hanoi!

    Lack of medical facilities: you’re in the secluded mountains of northern Vietnam and closest clinic or hospital could be several hours away by motorbike. This makes it so much harder to treat serious injuries and even small scrapes could potentially be dangerous.

    Lack of mechanical facilities: your adventure is contingent on the performance of your motorbike. If it breaks down, you’ll be stranded in the mountains with nowhere for shelter. Mechanical facilities are few and far in between so it’s really important to use a quality bike.

    Other drivers: the Ha Giang Loop is actually pretty popular with tourists so you’ll definitely come across other drivers and that inherently carries a risk of collision.

    Have People Died On The Ha Giang Loop?

    Although it doesn’t happen, there have been a few fatal accidents on the Ha Giang loop. Some more prominent cases include:

    2017: Spanish tourist dies after 100-metre mountain pass fall

    2018: Two foreigners killed following head-on crash between truck and motorbike in Vietnam

    2023: British tourist injured trying to take photo on Vietnam’s ‘Cliff of Death’

    Accidents happen anywhere, but taking the appropriate safety precautions can minimize risk. Make sure to always ride with a helmet, drive cautiously, avoid overloading your motorcycle, purchase travel insurance, and if there’s any doubt in your mind about experience, join a guided tour.

    Should I Drive The Ha Giang Loop By Myself?

    My recommendation is no.

    I have my motorcycle license from Taiwan and regularly scoot around small islands and big cities, but even then, I found the Ha Giang Loop to be intimidating.

    Sure, there were smooth sections where the path would’ve been manageable, but there were also sections that were incredibly muddy and dangerous. I definitely would’ve lost control of the bike and it was during those stretches that I was beyond grateful to just be a passenger princess.

    If you do decide that the risks are worth it, then make sure you rent from a credible shop (manual, if you can) and always travel with a riding buddy. Additionally, I recommend using Viettel for cell service (none of the other carriers worked for me) and definitely purchase travel insurance because there’s a huge risk of injury.

    If you’re on the fence at all, I recommend going with a guided tour.

    I talked to some of the guys we were riding with, and they basically said that they do nonstop tours back-to-back. The know the route in and out and have local connections for any auto repairs or emergency situations.

    As much as it would’ve been a fun challenge to drive the route myself, I’m pretty glad that I chose the easy rider option. I found the experience to be quite meditative and it was nice to sit back and fully take in the views. I also loved the camaraderie that we built between fellow tour guests and drivers along the way.

    If you’re thinking of booking a tour, I recommend doing more research with TripAdvisor or reading my review of the experience to get additional perspectives.

    How To Stay Safe On The Ha Giang Loop

    The Ha Giang Loop can be dangerous for inexperienced riders but if you’re determined to do it on your own, here are some tips to help you stay safe.

    • Go during the right time: dry season in northern Vietnam is from November to April. When you visit during this time, the weather is more predictable and the roads are less slippery.

    • Get a reliable motorbike: make sure to rent a powerful bike from a reliable company and inspect the brakes, suspension, chains, and lights.

    • Follow traffic rules and signs: abide by the speed limit (50 kilometers per hour) and follow local courtesy of honking really loudly when going around the corners

    • Wear the right gear: always wear your helmet, wear long sleeve shirts and pants, and rent elbow/knee pads just in case.

    • Stay alert and focused: the road and weather conditions are constantly changing so stay vigilant. Avoid driving in the rain if you can; use fog lights and reduce your speed in the fog; drive slowly on dirt roads; and never drive at night.

    • Prepare for unpredictable weather: a lot of our tour members got sick because of the inconsistent weather so stay dry and comfortable by packing plenty of layers, a warm jacket, and rain gear.

    • Load your bags appropriately: balance is everything on a motorbike. Make sure to disperse the weight of your bags evenly (or strap your bag to your seat) and never overload the bike.

    • Take breaks and plan for more than three days: the Ha Giang loop is a long drive so take your time and make sure to hop of here and there to enjoy the view and stretch your legs.

    • Keep a list of motorbike repair shops: as we mentioned earlier, repair shops are few and far in between, so knowing where the next one is will help you prepare in case anything breaks down.

    Go during the right time: dry season in northern Vietnam is from November to April. When you visit during this time, the weather is more predictable and the roads are less slippery.

    Get a reliable motorbike: make sure to rent a powerful bike from a reliable company and inspect the brakes, suspension, chains, and lights.

    Follow traffic rules and signs: abide by the speed limit (50 kilometers per hour) and follow local courtesy of honking really loudly when going around the corners

    Wear the right gear: always wear your helmet, wear long sleeve shirts and pants, and rent elbow/knee pads just in case.

    Stay alert and focused: the road and weather conditions are constantly changing so stay vigilant. Avoid driving in the rain if you can; use fog lights and reduce your speed in the fog; drive slowly on dirt roads; and never drive at night.

    Prepare for unpredictable weather: a lot of our tour members got sick because of the inconsistent weather so stay dry and comfortable by packing plenty of layers, a warm jacket, and rain gear.

    Load your bags appropriately: balance is everything on a motorbike. Make sure to disperse the weight of your bags evenly (or strap your bag to your seat) and never overload the bike.

    Take breaks and plan for more than three days: the Ha Giang loop is a long drive so take your time and make sure to hop of here and there to enjoy the view and stretch your legs.

    Keep a list of motorbike repair shops: as we mentioned earlier, repair shops are few and far in between, so knowing where the next one is will help you prepare in case anything breaks down.

    The Ha Giang Loop is one of the best ways to slow travel through one of the safest countries in the world.

    This hidden gem of an adventure whisks you away from the typical tourist experience of shopping and eating your way through a country and injects you directly into the local experience. The raw untouched landscapes and chance to ethically engage with minority communities gives you an embodied understanding that not everyone lives the way we do.

    I hope that this article was helpful in addressing your concerns about the loop and if you plan on seeing more of Asia, check out this One Month Thailand Itinerary or Guide To Lanyu, Taiwan.

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  • The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List

    I recently took a one-month trip to Thailand and it sure left an impression!

    From ethically visiting an elephant sanctuary and getting to feed these gentle giants in person, to releasing floating lanterns during the Yi Peng Festival (not unlike those released during the PingXi Lantern Festival), I got to experience things that I never thought I’d get to do for myself.

    So, whether you’re taking a solo trip to the land of smiles or are visiting with a group of loved ones, here’s The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List featuring unique things to do and see to make your trip as memorable as it can be!

    1. Celebrate The Yi Peng Festival In Chiang Mai

    As I mentioned earlier, the Festival of Lights is definitely a sight to see!

    If you’re visiting the country around November of December (the exact date varies as it’s based on the Lanna lunar calendar), definitely make it a priority to book a hotel in Chiang Mai and participate in the festivities.

    This three-day event features a mass release of paper lanterns into the sky in order to honor Buddha and bring luck and prosperity for the coming year.

    2. Visit An Elephant Sanctuary

    What’s the first image that comes to mind when you think of Thailand? Elephants!

    Your trip would be incomplete without a visit to an elephant sanctuary. Just make sure to choose a responsible establishment where they’re actually taken care of and treated fairly. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is one of the top ethical establishments you can see and potentially feed these beautiful animals up-close.

    3. Attend The Legendary Full Moon Party In Koh Phangan

    Nightlife in Thailand is not a joke!

    This epic party started out as a ragtag gathering for hippies during the 80s, but now it’s blown up into a monthly beachside bonfire festival that draws in thousands. Dance the night away and then spend your next day soaking in the rays on one of the best beaches in Koh Phagan.

    4. Get Certified To Scuba In Koh Tao

    Thailand has some of the most beautiful dive spots in the world, so take advantage and get your open water certification for cheap on Koh Tao. The instructors have decades of experience and have passed thousands of students so you know you’re in good hands! I got my SSI Scuba Diver certification from Koh Tao Scuba Club! Read more about my experience here.

    5. Go Temple Hopping All Across Thailand

    From the legendary (non-traditional) White Temple in Chiang Rai to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand’s got some of the most stunning Buddhist temples in the world. Lined in gold and adorned with colorful reflective glass pieces, these temples are truly a work of art. Just make sure to abide by dress codes (no exposed shoulders and knees) and respect religious norms!

    6. Drive the Mae Hong Son Motorbike Loop

    The Mae Hong Son Loop is a 600km (373 mi) loop takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote parts of northern Thailand. If you’re confident on a motorbike, this ultimate road trip is for you! Otherwise, try your hand at safely scooting around some of Thailand’s less populated islands or opting for these off-the-beaten-path options instead.

    7. Eat Your Way Through All The Night Markets

    Thailand can get as hot as 45°C during the summertime, so a lot of the activities happen at night: including eating and shopping!

    Thai night markets are on a scale unlike any other. From vibrant satay skewers to the latest aesthetic trends, you can shop and eat, and shop and eat, and shop and eat, until you drop!

    Some of my favorite night markets include Chatuchak Friday Night Market, Bangkok, Tha Pae Sunday Walking Street in Chiang Mai, and Phuket Weekend Market!

    8. Learn About Thailand’s Diverse Cultural Ethnic Groups

    There are over 70 ethnic groups and seven major hill tribes in Thailand. Learn more about the different cultures within this country by visiting each community and engaging in meaningful and ethical ways through homestays and educational exchanges.

    9. Explore The Great Outdoors

    From pristine white beaches to winding mangrove forests, Thailand has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Here are some bucket list outdoorsy things to do:

    • Take a long tail boat tour of Khao Sok National Park

    • Go rock climbing in Railay

    • Hike Pai Canyon and catch the sunset from its soft slopes

    • Lounge on the beach at Patong Beach, Bottle Beach, and Sanom Beach

    • Soak in natural hot springs at Tha Pai Hot Spring

    • Go chasing waterfalls at Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls, Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls, or Khlong Yai Kee Waterfalls

    • Go snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving in Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang, or Koh Samui

    Take a long tail boat tour of Khao Sok National Park

    Go rock climbing in Railay

    Hike Pai Canyon and catch the sunset from its soft slopes

    Lounge on the beach at Patong Beach, Bottle Beach, and Sanom Beach

    Soak in natural hot springs at Tha Pai Hot Spring

    Go chasing waterfalls at Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls, Huay Mae Khamin Waterfalls, or Khlong Yai Kee Waterfalls

    Go snorkeling, freediving, or scuba diving in Koh Phi Phi, Koh Chang, or Koh Samui

    10. Support Local Arts And Culture

    Check out some of the local things that Thailand is known for. Here are some ideas:

    • Attend a muay Thai match! Muay thai is Thailand’s national sport and local matches give athletes a chance to showcase their training.

    • Get a Thai massage. This is one of the things I think about almost daily. So cheap! Such great quality! Remember to tip your masseuse!

    • Take a cooking class. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than through food. Take a little bit of skill and knowledge back with you!

    • Visit museums and support student-led activities. Art is one of the best ways to gain insight into cultural perspectives so get immersed by visiting the MOCA in Bangkok or attend an event on campus.

    Attend a muay Thai match! Muay thai is Thailand’s national sport and local matches give athletes a chance to showcase their training.

    Get a Thai massage. This is one of the things I think about almost daily. So cheap! Such great quality! Remember to tip your masseuse!

    Take a cooking class. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the culture than through food. Take a little bit of skill and knowledge back with you!

    Visit museums and support student-led activities. Art is one of the best ways to gain insight into cultural perspectives so get immersed by visiting the MOCA in Bangkok or attend an event on campus.

    Now, Thailand is also known for its huge backpacker and expat culture, but because that’s imported and also potentially a huge problem, I chose not to include those activities on this list.

    Thailand is perfect slow travel destination for solo female travelers. It’s relatively safe and while I did have several negative experiences (catcalling, stalking, etc) with older white expats, the locals were nothing but friendly and considerate.

    So, before you visit, make sure to read this article on safety in Bangkok and make sure to pack the perfect travel capsule wardrobe because you’ll definitely need the extra luggage space.

    For more ideas on traveling through Asia, check out this Guide to Orchid Island in Taiwan and this One Month Vietnam Itinerary!

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  • Online Thrift Stores That Sell Home Decor

    Thrifting home decor is a great way to find unique items, save money, and do good for the environment. All it takes is a little creativity and imagination to upcycle someone else’s trash into an item that sparks joy in your own life. 

    So, expand your conscious consumption journey beyond just sustainable fashion and dive into the world used home goods. Here are 5 online thrift stores where you can buy second hand furniture and home decor.



    Kaiyo

    AptDeco

    Etsy

    OfferUp

    Chairish

    Wallapop

    1stDibs

    1. Kaiyo

    Best For: Branded contemporary secondhand home goods

    Kaiyo is an online marketplace that offers white glove service for anyone looking to buy or sell used home goods. Their collections are split among furniture items and home decor with a special section highlighting affordable vintage goods that could shine with a little extra love.

    I love that their website is formatted like any other retail shop and is easy to navigate. They also plant a tree for every order completed on Kaiyo!

    Pros:

    • Easy-to-navigate website

    • Love that you can sort through according to condition or aesthetic

    • Lots of familiar contemporary brands like CB2, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and more

    Easy-to-navigate website

    Love that you can sort through according to condition or aesthetic

    Lots of familiar contemporary brands like CB2, Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and more

    Cons:

    • Expensive if you’re using their white-glove delivery service

    • No authentication for art pieces (sold as-is)

    Expensive if you’re using their white-glove delivery service

    No authentication for art pieces (sold as-is)

    2. AptDeco

    Best For: pre-loved furniture (US only)

    AptDeco is the best online thrift store for used furniture. They started with listings in the NYC metro area but have since expanded to include services all across the United States. Their platform is streamlined, easy-to-use, and eliminates the biggest problem with secondhand furniture shopping: pickup and delivery.

    AptDeco is sustainability-driven and strives to fuel a circular economy where furniture is kept in the community for longer. Most of their offerings include mid-to-high range secondhand furniture at a discounted price.

    Pros: 

    • Organized browsing and listing experience

    • “Style Quiz” portion allows you to filter down selections that match your aesthetic (heads up, this requires an email sign-up though)

    • Large selection of high quality and gently used furniture

    • Ability to narrow down selections via dimension!

    Organized browsing and listing experience

    “Style Quiz” portion allows you to filter down selections that match your aesthetic (heads up, this requires an email sign-up though)

    Large selection of high quality and gently used furniture

    Ability to narrow down selections via dimension!

    Cons:

    • Delivery only included within standard service zones. Additional feels may be required.

    • Limited decor selection with a heavier focus on furniture

    Delivery only included within standard service zones. Additional feels may be required.

    Limited decor selection with a heavier focus on furniture

    3. Etsy

    Best For: handmade, upcycled, and antique selections

    Though Etsy’s listings have definitely been flooded with cheap, factory-produced goods as of late, you can still find some quality secondhand goods if you know what to search for.

    Browse vintage, handmade, or upcycled selections to support individual creators while scavenging unique decor for your dream home. 

    Pros: 

    • Directly connects creators to consumers. When you shop Etsy, you know that you’re directly supporting an individual or a small business

    • Large selection of decor, furniture, and knick-knacks

    • Unique vintage or antique items available

    Directly connects creators to consumers. When you shop Etsy, you know that you’re directly supporting an individual or a small business

    Large selection of decor, furniture, and knick-knacks

    Unique vintage or antique items available

    Cons:

    • The shopping experience is largely dictated by the seller. There’s potentially more risk involved in coordinating shipping efforts

    • Selection can be overwhelming to sort through

    The shopping experience is largely dictated by the seller. There’s potentially more risk involved in coordinating shipping efforts

    Selection can be overwhelming to sort through

    4. OfferUp

    Best For: local shopping

    OfferUp is like a giant online yard sale where gently-used items get a second chance at life. You can use this platform on your desktop or download their app for easier browsing. Their listings feature everything from secondhand clothes and home decor to used cars. Just make sure to turn off your VPN for accurate listings!

    Pros:

    • Location-based listings to keep things circulating in the local economy

    • Haggling capability and instant messaging

    • Sellers are rated by customers so reviews count

    Location-based listings to keep things circulating in the local economy

    Haggling capability and instant messaging

    Sellers are rated by customers so reviews count

    Cons:

    • Personal safety: most sellers plan for transactions to occur in-person so make sure to always meet at a public location

    • Shipping fees: if the seller chooses to allow shipping, the cost of that might fall on the buyer

    Personal safety: most sellers plan for transactions to occur in-person so make sure to always meet at a public location

    Shipping fees: if the seller chooses to allow shipping, the cost of that might fall on the buyer

    5. Chairish

    Best For: curated high quality vintage, antique, and contemporary home decor

    Chairish is a highly curated online consignment shop. Their expert listers work with thousands of small businesses and artists to handpick and add over 2,000 home furnishing and art pieces per day.

    Their offerings are available in the US and Europe but it’s important to note that only 85% of their inventory is vintage. The rest features independent works from small businesses, artists, and creators.

    Pros:

    • High quality and beautiful listings

    • Easy-to-browse platform

    • “Staff-picks” and themed lists for an even-more curated experience

    High quality and beautiful listings

    Easy-to-browse platform

    “Staff-picks” and themed lists for an even-more curated experience

    Cons:

    • EXPENSIVE 😭

    EXPENSIVE 😭

    6. Wallapop

    Best For: European shoppers

    Wallapop is kind of like a newspaper classified section but online! This website and app allows you to exchange or sell used goods with individuals in your area. It originally started in Spain, but is now available in most European cities including London, Paris, Madrid, Lisbon, and Naples.

    Their most popular listings include secondhand home decor and garden items and pre-loved electronics. If you’re considering an extended stay abroad, this might be a great place to snag some essential items for cheap!

    Pros:

    • Location-based; this keeps exchanges within the community and limits shipping fees

    • Much more than home goods and furniture; you can find clothes, real estate, jobs, and even services on this platform

    Location-based; this keeps exchanges within the community and limits shipping fees

    Much more than home goods and furniture; you can find clothes, real estate, jobs, and even services on this platform

    Cons:

    • Limited only to certain European countries

    • Personal safety: as with OfferUp, in-person meet-ups can be risky

    Limited only to certain European countries

    Personal safety: as with OfferUp, in-person meet-ups can be risky

    7. 1stDibs

    Best For: Antique home decor, fashion, jewelry, and art

    Think The RealReal but for home goods.

    If you’re looking for high quality home goods with a specific vintage flair, 1stDibs is for you. This online luxury consignment shop has been around since 2000 and curates the most exquisite vintage, antique, and contemporary furniture, home decor, and art pieces.

    Pros:

    • Highly curated, unique, one-of-a-kind pieces

    • Somewhere between Sothebys and a high-end consignment shop

    • Luxury items are authenticated and covered with purchase protection

    Highly curated, unique, one-of-a-kind pieces

    Somewhere between Sothebys and a high-end consignment shop

    Luxury items are authenticated and covered with purchase protection

    Cons:

    • Not quite a thrift shop

    • Expensive

    Not quite a thrift shop

    Expensive

    Of course, these are just the specific online thrift stores that specialize in used home goods. You can always browse platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Ebay, Poshmark, or Goodwill for more general listings! It can get a little disorganized by with some digging, you’re bound to find some hidden gems!

    Have you ever purchased your secondhand home goods online? What’s your favorite platform to use?

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  • 3 Weeks Italy Itinerary

    Italy is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations with over 49.8 million international tourists visiting annually.

    I was there in November 2022 and it left such an impression that I’m going again in a few months!

    From fresh, handmade pastas to immaculately preserved historical sites, there’s an infinite amount to see, learn, and experience.

    The Italian Rail connects nearly every city and English is fairly commonly spoken, so it’s an easy pick for first-time solo female travelers.

    And with its recently launched nomad visa, remote workers can now stay for up to one year; making it the perfect slow travel destination.

    So from the idyllic island of Capri to the cultural center that is Rome, here’s the ultimate guide to spending 3 weeks in Italy as a first time visitor.

    Overview Of How To Spend 3 Weeks In Italy

    • 3 Days In Naples

    • 2 Days In Capri

    • 1 Day In Sorrento

    • 3 Days On The Amalfi Coast

    • 3 Days In Rome

    • 3 Days In Cinque Terre

    • 2 Days In Florence

    • 2 Days In Venice

    • 2 Days In Milan

    • Tips For Planning Your Trip

    3 Days In Naples

    Start your journey off in Naples, Italy.

    Known as the birthplace of pizza and conveniently located between major tourist hubs like Rome and the Amalfi Coast, Napoli is a great way to get acquainted with authentic Italian culture.

    How To Spend Three Days In Naples:

    • Grab an Italian coffee and a sfogliatella and enjoy people watching at the Piazza del Plebiscito

    • Wander the streets of Spaccanapoli and the Spanish Quarter

    • Take a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum (even better, go with an archeologist)

    • Hike up Mount Vesuvius

    • Go museum hopping at Palazzo Reale, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, and Museo di Capodimonte

    • Explore underground Naples with the Galleria Borbonica and Catacombs of San Gennaro

    Grab an Italian coffee and a sfogliatella and enjoy people watching at the Piazza del Plebiscito

    Wander the streets of Spaccanapoli and the Spanish Quarter

    Take a day trip to the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum (even better, go with an archeologist)

    Hike up Mount Vesuvius

    Go museum hopping at Palazzo Reale, Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Napoli, and Museo di Capodimonte

    Explore underground Naples with the Galleria Borbonica and Catacombs of San Gennaro

    Read More:

    A Full Guide To Naples, Italy

    Where To Stay In Naples, Italy

    Is Naples, Italy Safe For Solo Female Travelers?

    2 Days In Capri

    On your last day, take ferry from the Port of Naples to Capri, small resort island on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

    Known for its beaches, five-star luxury resorts, artisanal shops, and mountaintop scenery, this little island is the perfect place to unwind after the hustle and bustle of the city.

    How To Spend Two Days In Capri:

    • Go shopping for handmade genuine Italian leather sandals and wind down with a drink the Piazzetta of Capri

    • Meander through the Gardens of Augustus and the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo

    • Take a boat tour around the island and marvel at the Blue Grotto

    • Climb up Mount Solaro and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island

    • Spend your day sunbathing at Marina Grande Beach or Marina Piccola Beach

    Go shopping for handmade genuine Italian leather sandals and wind down with a drink the Piazzetta of Capri

    Meander through the Gardens of Augustus and the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo

    Take a boat tour around the island and marvel at the Blue Grotto

    Climb up Mount Solaro and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island

    Spend your day sunbathing at Marina Grande Beach or Marina Piccola Beach

    1 Day In Sorrento

    Sorrento is an underrated and intermediary stop between Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

    This sleepy little town is widely know for its ceramics, lacework, and woodwork shops. With old churches thoughtfully built every few blocks catering to an older demographic of locals, it gives you a genuine taste of slow living on the coast.

    How To Spend One Day In Sorrento:

    • Stroll through the lovely streets of Historic Old Town

    • Grab a freshly squeezed orange juice and enjoy creamy lemon pasta while watching the ships pull in at Marina Grande

    • Learn about how limoncello is made and try samples at Limonoro

    • Go for a refreshing swim at Bagni della Regina Giovanna

    • Catch the sunset over the ocean at Bellevue Syrene

    Stroll through the lovely streets of Historic Old Town

    Grab a freshly squeezed orange juice and enjoy creamy lemon pasta while watching the ships pull in at Marina Grande

    Learn about how limoncello is made and try samples at Limonoro

    Go for a refreshing swim at Bagni della Regina Giovanna

    Catch the sunset over the ocean at Bellevue Syrene

    3 Days On The Amalfi Coast

    The Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of 13 small towns.

    Visualize colorful buildings precariously perched atop steep limestone cliffs, enchanting bays scattered along the coastline, lush terraced gardens dotted with ripe citrus fruits, and artesian crafts that are hard to find anywhere else.

    Take a bus through the winding mountain roads and spend 3 days hopping from town to town to enjoy the best that this region has to offer.

    How To Spend Three Days On The Amalfi Coast:

    • Grab a sun bed and vibe out at Spiaggia Grande

    • Spend a day wandering the aesthetic (and steep) streets of Positano

    • Take a day trip to the mountaintop town of Ravello

    • Take a boat tour of Amalfi

    • Visit the the Emerald Grotto and Fiordo di Furore

    Grab a sun bed and vibe out at Spiaggia Grande

    Spend a day wandering the aesthetic (and steep) streets of Positano

    Take a day trip to the mountaintop town of Ravello

    Take a boat tour of Amalfi

    Visit the the Emerald Grotto and Fiordo di Furore

    3 Days In Rome

    Rome is the capital of Italy and trust me when I say that 3 days is definitely not enough time. But alas, we have to keep things moving, so that’s all that we can afford.

    From the ancient remnants of the Roman empire like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon to modern day culture and events, Rome has it all.

    I fell in love with this city and hope that you do as well.

    How To Spend Three Days In Rome:

    • Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and people-watch from the square

    • Learn more about the history of the city and the Roman Empire with a tour of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

    • Visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and marvel at the works of Michelangelo and Bernini at the Sistine Chapel

    • Explore the different neighborhoods of this city (begin with Trastevere, Monti, and Pigneto)

    • Stroll through the historic center and join in on local festivities

    Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain and people-watch from the square

    Learn more about the history of the city and the Roman Empire with a tour of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill

    Visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and marvel at the works of Michelangelo and Bernini at the Sistine Chapel

    Explore the different neighborhoods of this city (begin with Trastevere, Monti, and Pigneto)

    Stroll through the historic center and join in on local festivities

    3 Days In Cinque Terre

    Hands-down my favorite destination in all of Italy.

    Cinque Terre consists of five quaint and photogenic fishing villages built into the mountains of Italy’s northwest coast. It’s home to some of the country’s best hiking trails and is a dream destination for nature lovers.

    How To Spend Three Days In Cinque Terre:

    • Hike the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) from Monterosso al Mare to Corniglia for sweeping views of the Italian coast

    • Enjoy local specialties like the Cinque Terre DOC (a dry white wine), pesto genovese, and anchovy dishes

    • Catch the sunset at Nessun Dorma in Riomaggiore

    • Take a kayak tour and explore the villages from the sea

    • Go sunbathing and swimming at Monterosso Beach

    Hike the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzuro) from Monterosso al Mare to Corniglia for sweeping views of the Italian coast

    Enjoy local specialties like the Cinque Terre DOC (a dry white wine), pesto genovese, and anchovy dishes

    Catch the sunset at Nessun Dorma in Riomaggiore

    Take a kayak tour and explore the villages from the sea

    Go sunbathing and swimming at Monterosso Beach

    2 Days In Florence

    I will say that Florence was not my favorite place in Italy, but it was worth it for the art.

    Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is the capital city of Tuscany. It’s a central hub for academia and culture, and offers an abundance of churches, museums, and galleries.

    How To Spend Two Days In Florence:

    • Tour The Uffizi and admire famous artworks like Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”

    • Stop by the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David in real life

    • Watch the sunset from the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

    • Enjoy a Florentine steak and eat your way through Mercato Centrale

    • Take a stroll along the Arno River and snap photos of Ponte Vecchio

    Tour The Uffizi and admire famous artworks like Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus”

    Stop by the Galleria dell’Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David in real life

    Watch the sunset from the iconic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

    Enjoy a Florentine steak and eat your way through Mercato Centrale

    Take a stroll along the Arno River and snap photos of Ponte Vecchio

    2 Days In Venice

    The iconic city of canals needs no introduction.

    Despite Venice being terribly expensive and tourist-oriented, I still think its beautiful bridges and gondolas are worth experiencing.

    Save some money by cooking for yourself and buying souvenirs from the smaller towns of Murano and Burano instead.

    How To Spend Two Days In Venice:

    • Take a day trip to explore the colorful buildings of Burano and admire handcrafted glass pieces in Murano

    • Enjoy canal views, snack on cicchetti, and enjoy an aperitivo at any of city’s multiple bars

    • Skip the gondola ride and take rowing lessons from a local guide instead

    • Visit Doge’s Palace and take artsy photos of the Bridge of Sighs

    • Watch the sunset over the Grand Canal

    Take a day trip to explore the colorful buildings of Burano and admire handcrafted glass pieces in Murano

    Enjoy canal views, snack on cicchetti, and enjoy an aperitivo at any of city’s multiple bars

    Skip the gondola ride and take rowing lessons from a local guide instead

    Visit Doge’s Palace and take artsy photos of the Bridge of Sighs

    Watch the sunset over the Grand Canal

    2 Days In Milan

    End your trip in Italy’s second largest city.

    Milan is known as one of the world’s four fashion capitals is headquarters for several luxury fashion brands like Prada, Versace, Valentino, and Moschino.

    It’s a modern city in the north of the country and offers a smooth transition back to your everyday life.

    How To Spend Two Days In Milan:

    • Visit the Duomo and grab last-minute gifts from the surrounding outdoor market

    • Marvel at “The Last Supper” by Da Vinci

    • Take a day trip to Lake Como

    • Go thrift shopping at any of the city’s secondhand shops or buy luxury goods at the golden quadrangle

    • Rest and restore at the QC Terme Spa before your long flight home

    Visit the Duomo and grab last-minute gifts from the surrounding outdoor market

    Marvel at “The Last Supper” by Da Vinci

    Take a day trip to Lake Como

    Go thrift shopping at any of the city’s secondhand shops or buy luxury goods at the golden quadrangle

    Rest and restore at the QC Terme Spa before your long flight home

    Frequently Asked Questions When Planning Your Trip To Italy

    Is Three Weeks Enough In Italy?

    Italy is a large country but because the train system is so well built, getting around is a breeze. Three weeks is plenty of time to visit all the must-see destinations.

    If you have the time and funds, I’d recommend extending the trip to one month. That way, you can enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel. Some additional destinations to consider adding include Lake Como, the Dolomites, Bologna, and Sicily.

    How Much Should I Budget For Three Weeks In Italy?

    It’s hard to say because Italy accommodates all types of travelers and each city varies quite a bit in cost of living.

    In tourist destinations like Venice or Amalfi, you can easily spend up to $300/day. For more low-key towns like Sorrento, you can probably get by with $50/day.

    On average, I’d say budget traveler can get by on $50/day, totaling to $1740 for three weeks (not including flights). For a mid-range traveler, you can estimate $190/day or just under $4000 for three weeks.

    I will say that the cost of food, drinks, and transport are all fairly reasonable. You will spend most of your money on tours, tickets, and accommodations.

    Things are also naturally more expensive during high season, so if you’re trying to visit Italy on a budget, I’d recommend going during the spring or autumn. Just remember that certain attractions and restaurants may be closed.

    When Is The Best Time To Visit Italy?

    As I mentioned at the very beginning of the article, I visited in November. While that was great for avoiding tourists and getter cheaper accommodation, there were several recommended attractions and restaurants that were closed for the season.

    The best time to visit Italy is just before or after the summer travel season (re: April-June, September & October). Visiting during these months ensures that you get to experience the best that Italy has to offer while avoiding crowds and exorbitant prices.

    What Is The Best Way To See Italy?

    I got around mostly by train. The Italian Rail connects most major cities and tourist destinations. If you want to visit small villages or mountainside towns though, you’ll probably have to rent a car or a motorcycle. Remember that most cars in Europe are manual, so make sure that you feel comfortable driving stick before renting!

    Italy is a bucket-list destination that offers attractions for travelers from all walks of life. From ethical travelers hoping to find peace among the rivers and lakes in the Tuscan mountains, to families looking to inspire their little ones with an immersion in history and culture, Italy has everything you could ever ask for.

    Get started on planning your trip to Italy by packing your two week travel capsule wardrobe, looking into the best solo female travel groups and tours, and booking “travel sustainable” accommodations!

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  • 3 Day Itinerary In Hualien, Taiwan (三天花蓮行程)

    NOVEMBER 2024 UPDATE:

    Hualien was the epicenter of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake on 4/3/24 so some of the attractions referenced in this blog post may be closed for repair. Taroko National Park was hit the hardest and is currently closed to all visitors. The government is working on reopening in phases so check the official website for details on specific attractions.

    However, the city is mostly fine, so if you feel comfortable with visiting, it’s definitely still worth seeing. Your economic support could mean a lot to the local community right now.

    Heads up that Provincial Highway 8 is currently closed due to the impact of Typhoon Kong-rey but trains should be operating as expected!

    You can also donate to government-organized disaster relief by following the instructions outlined by Focus Taiwan.

    Hualien County (花蓮縣) located on the east coast of Taiwan, is one of the most underrated places in Asia.

    It is a mountainous region known for towering peaks, vast skies, pebbled beaches, lush vegetation, cultural diversity, and friendly people. Like Lanyu, Lyudao, and many other destinations on Taiwan’s East Coast, it often ranks a little lower on people’s travel bucket lists because planning a trip takes more effort and time.

    Taiwan’s High Speed Rail runs down the west coast of the country and makes exploration of the cities along that coast extremely accessible. In contrast, Taiwan’s east coast requires travel by local train or car. It’s time intensive and can pose a barrier for those who only have a day or two to explore the region.

    That being said, even if you are short on time, you should definitely still visit Hualien (especially if you’re a nature lover). This county is home to some of Taiwan’s most stunning views (Taroko Gorge, anyone?), cozy coffee shops, and unique indigenous culture.

    This itinerary will walk you through some of the top attractions if you want to DIY the trip yourself, but if you prefer that someone else do the planning, you can explore a plethora of guided options on Viator or Klook.



    LOGISTICS

    Weather

    Transportation

    Where to Stay

    ITINERARY

    Day 1: Traveling from Taipei, LiYu Lake, QiXingTan, Checking InTo AirBnB, DongDaMen Night Market

    Day 2: Exploring Taroko National Park & The Coast with BaiYang Trail, WenShan Natural Hot Springs, ShaKaDang Trail, and Qingshui Cliff

    Day 3: Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries, Exploring The City, LinTianShan Forestry Culture Park

    Weather:

    Taiwan’s east coast is known for turbulent weather. Rainy season runs from mid-April to mid-September, but definitely pack rain gear because the chances of rain even during the dry season are still pretty high. We visited in January (technically dry season) and it still rained the entire time. 

    Please note that this mountainous region is also prone to rockslides which are exacerbated by storms. If you plan on exploring the outdoors, keep an eye out on local weather reports and listen to the authorities when it comes to safety.

    Transportation:

    Hualien’s public transportation is pretty sparse. There are a handful of bus routes that run locally in the area and a small number of shuttles that run specifically to Taroko Gorge, but your best bet is to rent a car. I usually just book a car beforehand via Klook because it’s easy to navigate in English and streamlines the experience.

    Where To Stay in Hualien:

    Depending on what you want to do, I’d recommend that you either stay in directly in Hualien City or in Taroko National Park.

    Because of the nature of the terrain and the fact that it’s a national park, there are fewer hotel options around Taroko. However, staying close-by can give you a different experience of the park at night and make it more convenient to explore in the daytime.

    Alternatively, if you plan on spending only a few hours at Taroko, Hualien City might be the better accomodation option. It’s a 30-minute drive from the national park, offers many more options, and gives you access to other regions and townships in Hualien county.

    You can even opt to split your accommodation up with a few days in the city and a day or two in the national park.

    Here are some of my top hotel picks in Hualien City:

    Here are some of my top hotel picks around Taroko National Park:

    Day 1: Traveling from Taipei, LiYu Lake, QiXingTan, Checking InTo AirBnB, DongDaMen Night Market

    My friends and I visited the county in January 2022, and I revisited the region with my significant other this year (2024) in March. This itinerary is a compilation of the two visits!

    Traveling From Taipei:

    We decided to keep the first day’s schedule relatively simple to balance out all the travel logistics. We took a local train ride down from Taipei on a Thursday. This trip took a little over two hours (though some rides can go up to three hours depending on the route) and cost 440 NT (roughly $15 USD).

    Booking Your Train:

    To book your train ride on the Taiwan Railway, visit their website or download their app. There are multiple train lines, which can sometimes be overwhelming, but if you just enter your departure and arrival stations, their website should calculate the trips for you.

    I usually go to 711 or a convenience store to print the tickets but if you have the app, you can simply scan it when you’re ready to board. For those that prefer a more analog approach, you can also go to your departure station and buy a ticket from the ticketing booth. Please note that local trains only offer non-reserved seating, but for express and limited express trains, assigned seating is available.

    Arrival In Hualien:

    We arrived a little past noon and booked a rental car from across the train station. There were literally so many rental companies that I couldn’t find the exact one to reference again. It might be helpful to compare prices beforehand, but they should all be quite reasonable. Make sure to always get additional insurance for any damages and if you’re using your phone to navigate, you’ll want to choose an eSIM that connects to Chunghwa Telecom as they’re the provider with the most coverage in remote areas.

    After deciding on a compact, automatic car, we threw our bags in the trunk and headed off to grab a quick lunch at 龍大刈包. They’re a little roadside restaurant that offers to-go buns only. My friend’s aunt recommended them because they had vegetarian options!

    From there, we drove about 20 minutes to LiYu Lake (鯉魚潭).

    LiYu Lake 鯉魚潭:

    LiYu Lake or Carp Lake is the largest lake in eastern Taiwan. It’s said to be particularly beautiful in late spring and early summer when fireflies abound—lighting it up from above. Like most lakes in Taiwan, there is a visitor center and plenty of opportunities for water sports like kayaking, paddle boating, or light boat sailing. 

    Because it was drizzling the whole time, we only walked for about 30 minutes before heading back to the car. However, you’re visiting when the weather is nice, it’s definitely worth staying longer.

    LiYu Lake 鯉魚潭 on Google Maps

    QiXingTan 七星潭:

    QiXingTan is one of Taiwan’s most famous pebbled beaches. It’s located at the tip of a crescent-shaped bay and looks out into the Pacific ocean. 

    In general, Taiwan’s eastern coastline is pretty rugged and while it isn’t the best for swimming, it can be great for surfing. Other than the expansive shoreline, QiXingTan is also known as a popular spot for stargazing.

    We went in the dead of winter, it was a little underwhelming because of the weather, but regardless, it was still a nice change of pace from the mountains and rivers of Taroko.

    QiXingTan 七星潭 on Google Maps

    Lunch At 私雅廚:

    We decided to head back to the city for lunch and stumbled across this adorable restaurant. They were just opening for the day but the shop owner still welcomed us in.

    We honestly had no expectations but they went above and beyond in service. The restaurant uses ingredients exclusively from local farmers in Hualien area and they serve a limited menu of only three or four entree options a day. They keep everything local, in season, and fresh, and were extremely accommodating of our dietary restrictions and allergies. The portions were huge and it really felt like you were being taken care of.

    Heads up that there’s no menu and I’m not entirely sure of the shop owner’s proficiency in English, but if you can converse in Chinese, I highly recommend that you check it out!

    私雅廚 on Google Maps

    Checking In to AirBnB:

    For my first trip, I rented an entire floor of a loft in Hualien City with my friends.

    The hosts were a young couple that met us in-person to exchange keys. The process was seamless and the property was beautiful with a huge amount of space and brand new appliances! The beds were comfortable, everything was impeccably clean, and the living area was very cozy. They even had an in-unit washer and dryer which was really essential because all our clothes had gotten soaked.

    The First AirBnB That We Booked

    The second AirBnB that I booked was also spacious but just a tad smaller. It was a two bedroom, two bathroom accommodation with a full kitchen and living room right across from DongDaMen Night Market. I really appreciated that the kitchen was fully stocked with essentials like working appliances, oil, and salt. The host was really sweet and even gave us some local recommendations.

    The Second Airbnb That We Booked

    Coffee Break At Caffe Fiore

    After a long day of driving around, we decided to refuel with some coffee. I went for a trusty iced Americano and my partner grabbed one of the recommended daily brews. Caffe Fiore is located in the center of the city and features a cozy interior space with natural wood furnishings, trinkets and books, and two adorable cats. I really enjoyed the vibe of the space and their cakes were also delicious!

    Caffe Fiore on Google Maps

    DongDaMen Night Market 東大門觀光夜市:

    One of the things Taiwan is most known for is its night markets so we couldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the most popular one in Hualien. DongDaMen Night Market is pretty large and laid out in a U configuration. We found a lot of the stalls repetitive but did enjoy some of the aboriginal options and traditional candies.

    Highlights To Try:

    • Taiwanese pork sausage

    • Grilled corn

    • Grilled mochi on a stick

    • Millet wine

    • Oysters

    Taiwanese pork sausage

    Grilled corn

    Grilled mochi on a stick

    Millet wine

    Oysters

    DongDaMen Night Market 東大門觀光夜市 on Google Maps

    Day 2: Exploring Taroko National Park & The Coast with BaiYang Trail, WenShan Natural Hot Springs, ShaKaDang Trail, and Qingshui Cliff

    We decided to spend the majority of our second day in Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園 with a few pitstops along the coast on our way there and back.

    Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s nine national parks. It’s named after the Taroko Gorge, a landmark that spans 19 km in length and features walls made of marble carved out by a winding cerulean river. It showcases some of the most stunning nature that Taiwan has to offer and is home to Taiwan’s second-largest aboriginal tribe–the Atayal tribe.

    Because the national park spans over 1200 square kilometers, we decided to commit an entire day to hiking its trails and exploring its natural beauty. The trail heads in Taroko National Park are quite far apart so I recommend renting a car or scooter to travel between them. Please note that this region is prone to rockslides, so a car might be the safest option.

    NOTE: as of April 2024, Taroko National Park is closed for restoration. I will update this post when it reopens to the public.

    BaiYang Trail 白楊步道:

    BaiYang Trail is a moderate, well-maintained trail that highlights a lot of waterfalls and tunnels in the national park. It’s named after the BaiYang Waterfall at the end of the trail and along the way, you’ll have to snake your way through some dark and creep tunnels. Depending on the weather, it can get quite wet so make sure to pack a poncho and a change of shoes (or wear water resistant shoes).

    The trail took roughly two hours to complete and was well populated. There were young children walking with adults and plenty of signs that warned about regions prone to rockslides.

    BaiYang Trail 白楊步道 on Google Maps

    WenShan Natural Hot Springs 文山溫泉:

    After the hike, we decided to go for a soak. WenShan Natural Hot Springs is one of the best-known natural hot springs in the area. It’s technically still closed after a rockslide in 2005 killed one visitor, injured seven others, and destroyed several of the facilities, but the attraction is still popular amongst locals and tourists alike.

    To get to the natural hot springs, park at the WenShan parking lot and then hike downhill for approximately 15 minutes until you see a short suspension bridge. Cross it and at the end of the bridge, there is a staircase to the left. The stairs are railed off by a closed sign, warning you of dangers, but you can choose to hop the fence at your own risk and make your way down to the river. The stairs are extremely slippery so take your time and definitely use the ropes for support.

    At the bottom, you’ll find remnants of the original hot springs structure. Most of the area has been destroyed, but new visitors have created small natural pools blocked off by rocks.

    When we visited, there were a good amount of people soaking (always a good sign). There was even a tour guide and an older gentleman that seemed to just be keeping an eye on everyone.

    Take your time and enjoy the soak but please remember that doing so is entirely at your own risk. The region is extremely prone to rockslides and given the history, it’s important to stay vigilant of changing conditions during your exploration.

    WenShan Natural Hot Springs 文山溫泉 on Google Maps

    ShaKaDang Trail 砂卡礑步道:

    ShaKaDang Trail was by far my favorite experience in Taroko Gorge. This “Mysterious Valley Trail” is incredibly scenic and does a fantastic job of highlighting all the natural wonders that Hualien has to offer. This was an easy hike that took us about two hours round trip, but we thoroughly enjoyed the stunning views along the way.

    ShaKaDang Trail 砂卡礑步道 on Google Maps

    Qingshui Cliff 清水斷崖:

    Our final stop on day 2 is just a little further north to Qingshui Cliff. This scenic viewpoint gives you impressive views of the eastern coastline. Park you vehicle in the designated parking spot and then make your way down the paved path to the different wooden platforms. We even walked all the way down to the driftwood-strewn pebbled beach!

    Qingshui Cliff on Google Maps

    Day 3: Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries, Exploring The City, LinTianShan Forestry Culture Park

    For our third and last day, we decided to spend our time exploring the forests and museums a little further south and then retire early to explore the city. Our first stop on the agenda was LinTianShan Forestry Culture Park.

    LinTianShan Forestry Culture Park 林田山林業文化園區:

    LinTianShan Forestry Culture Park is a former lumber town in Hualien County. 

    One thing I love most about Taiwan is that the government’s transformed so many historically significant industrial towns into new and relevant cultural centers so that the younger generation (and tourists) can learn about Taiwan’s history experientially.

    LinTianShan Forestry Culture Park preserves some of the original architecture of the offices and residential buildings used by the loggers during the Japanese imperial era. It also showcases some of the original railroad tracks and provides historical context to all of these important structures.

    The park is free to explore and we definitely took our time with it. Halfway through our adventure, we decided to take a break to enjoy afternoon tea and simple desserts at their Japanese-style tea house.

    LinTianShan Forestry Culture Park 林田山林業文化園區 on Google Maps

    Tafalong Museum (O kakimadan no to’as no Tafalong) 太巴塱文物館:

    The Tafalong are one of the biggest indigenous Amis communities in Taiwan and the Tafalong Museum provided a great introduction into their culture with small interactive displays highlighting anthropological artifacts. They even had an interactive audio exhibit that allowed visitors to record messages for others to listen to! The exhibit that we attended is scheduled to end August 2024, but I’m sure that they’ll have plenty of other exhibitions following it.

    Tafalong Museum (O kakimadan no to’as no Tafalong) 太巴塱文物館 on Google Maps

    Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area 富源國家森林遊樂區

    We were on the hunt for hot springs and ended up at the Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area instead. They had a small outdoor bathhouse but since it was mostly aunties and uncles soaking in there, we decided to explore the hiking trails instead. We took the loop to the suspension bridge and back, and the almost 4 km trail ended up being a little more challenging than we expected! The views were definitely worth it though.

    Fuyuan National Forest Recreation Area 富源國家森林遊樂區 on Google Maps

    Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park 花蓮文創產業園區:

    After a long day of exploring, we headed back to the city.

    Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park was a wine-making factory during the Japanese imperial era. In 2011, the government changed the space into a multi-purpose public park for community-use.

    The architecture was well-preserved and I loved that they’ve done a great job of introducing new exhibits and highlighting creative endeavors from local artists. We stopped by the local crafts market (weekends only) and took some photographs.

    Hualien Cultural and Creative Industries Park 花蓮文創產業園區 on Google Maps

    Cafe Copita:

    Hualien actually has an extremely strong coffee scene with a lot of cute, photogenic cafes and Cafe Copita was no exception. The space was huge and they had several seating areas. It looked like they served alcohol in the evening and also sometimes had events in the space. The staff was kind and accommodating.

    Cafe Copita on Google Maps

    島東譯電所 (Art Cafe/Bar):

    One of my friends recommended that we check out this art cafe/bar. Their decor was really cool and the walls showcased art from local creators. We ran out of time but the cocktails looked tasty and it seemed like a great place to hang.

    島東譯電所 on Google Maps

    The Fishery 定置漁場三代目:

    Last but not least, you can’t finish a trip off without dinner, right?

    We grabbed seats at the bar counter at The Fishery—a family-owned eatery serving up ramen and seafood dishes. There was no wait when we went, but we made sure to get there early. The oyster croquettes were delicious and fried fish was also battered to perfection. The ramen noodles were cooked to your desired hardness and the broth was unlike anything I had ever experienced! 10/10 recommend that you check them out!

    The Fishery 定置漁場三代目 on Google Maps

    Overall Impressions & Thoughts:

    Hualien county was really fun to explore! Taroko National Park was definitely the highlight as the views were just so incredible. Seriously, it left me in complete awe at how beautiful this Earth truly is.

    The city itself was also surprising. I really didn’t expect there to be such an inclusive food and beverage scene. I really enjoyed the cute coffee shops and that most of the restaurants we ate at had vegetarian options. Tzu Chi University (a private university founded by a Buddhist organization) is located in the area and I think that helped to open up the vegetarian options.

    It was really great to see such an emphasis on local cuisine and supporting local farmers. I think that’s one thing that’s missing in a lot of Taiwanese cities but it’s great to see that Hualien has created such a culture.

    In the future, I’d love to spend more time exploring Taroko National Park but overall, this Hualien trip was a beautiful balance of nature, culture, and modern Taiwan.

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  • Where To Stay In Naples, Italy

    Where you stay in Naples, Italy can have a huge impact on your travel experience. We’ve already established that Napoli is not the safest of cities, but choosing a good neighborhood can take some of the stress away.

    In compiling this list, I’ve looked into the different tourist attractions, metro lines, and of course, safety concerns with the city. So, here are the top 5 best areas for first-time visitors to stay in, as well as some specific hotel and guesthouse recommendations for each area.

    Summary Of The Best Area To Stay In Naples

    • Naples Historic Center: Best for first-time visitors as you get to experience Naples in its true essence. It’s also home to multiple sightseeing attractions.

    • Piazza del Plebiscito + City Center: Safe and high-traffic area that’s perfect for solo female travelers and families. Walking distance from top attractions.

    • Chiaia: Affluent and sophisticated neighborhood with high-end shopping, cosmopolitan nightlife, and ocean views.

    • Central Station: Situates you in the center of all intra- and inter-city transportation.

    • Naples Waterfront: Relaxed vacation vibes and luxury stays for slow travelers spending more time in the city.

    Naples Historic Center: Best for first-time visitors as you get to experience Naples in its true essence. It’s also home to multiple sightseeing attractions.

    Piazza del Plebiscito + City Center: Safe and high-traffic area that’s perfect for solo female travelers and families. Walking distance from top attractions.

    Chiaia: Affluent and sophisticated neighborhood with high-end shopping, cosmopolitan nightlife, and ocean views.

    Central Station: Situates you in the center of all intra- and inter-city transportation.

    Naples Waterfront: Relaxed vacation vibes and luxury stays for slow travelers spending more time in the city.

    Naples Historic Center (Centro Storico)

    Best For: first-time visitors that don’t mind a little grime

    This is where I stayed for my 2-day trip in Naples and I couldn’t recommend it enough.

    Historic Old Town (Centro Storico) is a UNESCO world heritage site that dates back to 470 B.C.E. This neighborhood marries the old with the new and is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions like Spaccanapoli and the Duomo di Napoli.

    It’s also one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city and you can expect to come shoulder-to-shoulder with a fellow traveler when squeezing through the narrow, vendor-packed alleys. Grab a spritz and a fried pizza off the street and relish in an authentic Neapolitan atmosphere like none other.

    Heads up that the streets are quite narrow and apartments are right next to each other, so you can expect to hear your neighbors shouting at one another even deep into the night. I’m from New York though so city sounds are pretty comforting, and if you’re like me, you’ll have a great time.

    My Top Hotel Picks For Centro Storico:

    Piazza del Plebiscito + City Center

    Best For: solo travelers and families looking for more space

    On to the modern city center!

    The area around Piazza del Plebiscito and Via Toledo is my second pick for best neighborhoods to stay in. It’s a fairly populated area that’s ideal for solo (female) travelers that want a little more quiet or families looking for some space.

    It’s less crowded than the Historic Center, but still within walking distance to major attractions like the Royal Palace of Naples or Galleria Umberto I.

    This neighborhood also features several metro stations and bus stations so it’s easy for you to get around to any of the other sights that you might want to see.

    My Top Hotel Picks For City Center:

    BOOKING TIP:

    For more sustainable accommodations, sort the hotels by the “travel sustainable” filter. This ensures that the stay you’re looking at is doing all they can to move the industry in the right direction.

    Chiaia

    Best For: couples, girl trips, and romantics

    If you want to experience upscale, modern, Neapolitan culture, Chiaia is for you. This waterfront promenade is home to some of Naples’ best restaurants and prestigious art galleries (I’m talking about the Museo Pignatelli).

    Accommodations in Chiaia tend to be on the pricier side but it’s well worth it. With romantic waterfront views and clean, walkable, charming streets, this neighborhood gives you an off-the-beaten-path peek at local living.

    My Top Hotel Picks For Chiaia:

    Central Station

    Best For: budget backpackers on the move

    When I’m traveling, I tend to prioritize accommodations close to train stations. It’s so much less stressful when you know that you’re not going to be stranded after arriving at your destination.

    Central Station is the central hub for all trains going in and out of the city. Most buses also stop here so if you plan on using Naples as a base for day trips and are going to be on the move, then you might want to consider staying around Central Station.

    This neighborhood can feel a little dangerous at night but if you’re concerned about safety, pick a hotel to the west of the station (closer to the Historic Center) and you should be fine.

    My Top Hotel Picks For Central Station:

    Naples Waterfront:

    Best For: slow travelers that want to experience the city without feeling like they live in the city

    Explore the Italian coast without traveling too far south. The Naples Waterfront (Lungomare di Napoli or Lungomare Santa Lucia) offers relaxing holiday vibes that are drastically different from the edgy and grungy feel of the rest of the city.

    The thing about staying in this neighborhood is that you can still access all the typical tourist attractions, but also have the option for peace and quiet on the water. Lungomare is ideal for digital nomads trying to vacation while they work or people who enjoy a slower pace of travel.

    This is also the best place to stay in if you’re visiting Naples in the summer. Grab your sustainable swimwear and head to Villa Comunale and Mappatella Beach for a quick dip in the gulf.

    My Top Hotel Picks Naples Waterfront:

    Naples is one of the most underrated cities in the country and I’m glad that you’ve decided to visit it for a few days. This guide gives a general overview for where to stay, but as always, you should custom tailor it to your own itinerary.

    For more on Italy and slow travel, check out How To Spend Three Weeks In Italy, Best Places To Visit In Italy For First Timers and How To Pack A Two Week Travel Capsule Wardrobe.

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  • Best Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time

    Italy: known for slow food, stunning landscapes, extensive history, and generous people.

    I recently took a month-long solo trip through Italy and it took my breath away. This was my first “real” solo trip abroad (Taiwan doesn’t count) and what struck me was just how rich everything was.

    From the depth of culture to the complexity of history, there was just so much to take in…all the time.

    While almost every single destination in Italy is spectacular in its own way, some stood out more than the rest.

    So here are the top 3 cities and destinations that I felt were most memorable and three that I thought missed the mark.

    Top 3 Places To Visit In Italy

    “Top 3” is always subjective, right? So I want to clarify.

    I chose these places on account of how memorable they were on my first trip to Italy. I’m the type of traveler who prioritizes nature, beauty, and culture but could care less for nightlife and food so if your interests align with mine, then I feel pretty confident that you will also like these places.

    1. Cinque Terre

    Cute colorful residences built into the mountains, easy transportation, stunning hiking trails, sunsets for days…Cinque Terre takes the cake with this one!

    I ran into a little hiccup with my accommodation, but the locals were sweet enough to help me figure it out. Boasting a slower pace of life and total immersion in nature, this UNESCO World Heritage Site (and national park) truly lived up to its name.

    If you’re a nature-lover and want to enjoy all the picturesque benefits of the Amalfi Coast without the headache and tourist prices (we’ll talk more about this later), definitely visit Cinque Terre!

    2. Venice

    Venice just introduced a new tourist tax this year, but you know what… I’d still visit.

    Although Venice was super expensive and definitely on the touristy side of things, I found it to be worth the visit.

    There’s just something so whimsical about the city!

    I loved how walkable it was and how around every corner was another exciting view to discover. Being close to water has been proven to be therapeutic for humans and it definitely ran true for the city of canals. Snack on cicchetti, admire the colorful buildings of Burano, and layer up because the windchill on the Grand Canal is pretty serious.

    For a full itinerary, check out this 24-hour guide from my friend, Jade!

    3. Rome

    Rome: the capital of the country and the perfect blend of new and old. It would literally take me a lifetime to explore this city. 

    As a native New Yorker, it honestly shocked me how much I liked this city! At this point in my travels, I had already written off all cities as “just another city” but Rome really stood out. I loved the blend of vibrant culture, classic architecture, ancient history, and modern diversity.

    Spend your stay exploring different neighborhoods, go on a guided tour of the Vatican, and catch the sunset at the Roman Forum.

    Bonus: Capri

    Capri is the island that solidified in my mind that I was in fact, an island girl.

    The jaw dropping sunsets took my breath away and I still remember just how peaceful everything was. I visited off season when most tourists had already left, but it still left a strong impression of what life on the Italian coast could be like.

    If you’re ready to sip limoncello while sunbathing on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Capri is a must-visit spot for you.

    3 Overrated Destinations In Italy

    Let’s be honest…every country has over-hyped destinations.

    While I’m not saying that these go on a definitive “skip” list (because if you have the time and funds, they’re still worth checking out), I am saying that for my own personal tastes, I probably wouldn’t spend too much time revisiting them.

    1. Amalfi Coast

    You’ve definitely seen pictures of the Amalfi Coast: sweeping shorelines, striking mountains, fanciful colorful buildings set within limestone cliffs, and of course, the iconic lemon trees…

    What they don’t tell you about is how much of a pain it is to actually get around. Because the villages are built directly into the mountainous coast, the only way to get around is by bus.

    Tickets are notoriously difficult to find (you can only get them from specific bodegas/tobacco shops) and buses run on inconsistent schedules.

    While the views were quite pretty, the stress of potentially getting stranded overnight in a random village plus the overcrowding of tourists made it an over-hyped destination. Skip the Amalfi Coast and visit Cinque Terre instead.

    The views were similar and transportation was much more streamlined.

    2. Florence

    Ah, Firenze, birthplace of the Renaissance. Florence is a city rich in culture and art but other than the iconic works, I found the city a little lacking. It felt like a tourist trap with very little happening other than museums and specific tourist attractions.

    Weirdly enough, this was also the city that I felt the least safe in. (You’d think it’d be Naples, but nope!) Florence gave me small town vibes and not in a good way. It felt too small for anonymity but also too large for there to be a sense of community.

    It might’ve also just been my personal experience, but it felt like there was also a pretty big wealth gap among the locals.

    Visit Florence for the Uffizi, David, and other notable artworks but keep your stay as short as possible. Instead, head to the Tuscan Mountains to experience the best that this region has to offer.

    3. Milan

    Milan doesn’t really deserve to go on this list but if you’re low on time and funds, you could probably skip it.

    When I say that I’m over cities, I really do mean it.

    Milan was just another city where people were living their own lives and that’s totally cool…just something I’ve already seen and done.

    However, if you’re into fashion, then you should probably add Milan to your “visit” list. It’s home to some of the biggest names in luxury fashion and the thrifting scene is phenomenal. Other than that, it’s a pretty quiet and somewhat spread out city.

    So there you have it, the top places to see in Italy as a first-time visitor.

    These are of course my personal recommendations, so take them with a grain of salt and choose the destinations that best fit your personal interests.

    Any destination is worth seeing once, but if you’re limited on time and money, I hope that this guide was helpful in providing some insights! For more on slow travel, check out The Top 10 Communities For Solo Female Travelers and How To Pack A Two Week Travel Capsule Wardrobe!

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