Ian Hernandez
Confessions of a Budget Traveler: 10 Mistakes I’ll Never Make Again
Overlooking Flight Comparison Tools and Missing Out on Cheaper Fares Overlooking Flight Comparison Tools and Missing Out on Cheaper Fares (image credits: unsplash) Relying solely on one airline’s website or a single booking platform is a surefire way to overspend on airfare. According to a 2024 Skyscanner report, travelers who compared prices across multiple platforms …
Inside AlUla: Saudi Arabia’s Hidden Desert Wonderland
The Echoes of Ancient Civilizations The Echoes of Ancient Civilizations (image credits: wikimedia) Imagine standing before a sandstone cliff carved with mysterious tombs, each bearing silent witness to a civilization lost to time. AlUla’s historical roots run deep, tracing back more than 2,000 years. It was once a vital crossroads for caravans journeying along the …
Inside the City of Death: 7 Myths That Keep Varanasi Shrouded in Mystery
The Eternal City: A Place of Death or Life? The Eternal City: A Place of Death or Life? (image credits: pixabay) Varanasi, sometimes called the “Eternal City,” is wrapped in the belief that it is more than just a place to die—it’s where the journey of the soul finds its final rest. People from all …
Inside Varanasi: What It’s Like to Visit the City of Death
The Spiritual Heartbeat of Varanasi The Spiritual Heartbeat of Varanasi (image credits: wikimedia) Varanasi, known as Kashi or the City of Light, pulses with an energy that many describe as otherworldly. It is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with roots stretching back more than 3,000 years. For Hindus, Varanasi is the holiest …
The 8 Happiest Countries to Live In (And What Life Feels Like There)
Switzerland: Prosperity Surrounded by Majestic Views Switzerland: Prosperity Surrounded by Majestic Views (image credits: unsplash) Switzerland’s happiness feels like standing on a mountain peak, breathing in fresh alpine air, and knowing you’re safe and cared for. With high salaries, low unemployment, and a famously efficient healthcare system, stress about daily needs is rare. Swiss citizens …
China’s Street Food Gets Wild: From Insects to Organs and Everything Between
The Surge of Insect Street Foods in 2024 The Surge of Insect Street Foods in 2024 (image credits: wikimedia) In 2024, China’s urban night markets have seen a 30% increase in vendors selling insect-based snacks, according to a March 2024 survey published by the Chinese Culinary Association. Dishes featuring silkworm pupae, grasshoppers, and bamboo worms …
The Best Times of Year to Travel Cheap in 2025
1. January: Post-Holiday Price Slump 1. January: Post-Holiday Price Slump (image credits: wikimedia) After the December holiday rush, January consistently offers some of the lowest airfare and hotel prices worldwide. According to Hopper’s 2025 Travel Pricing Outlook, average international flight prices fall by up to 27% in the first three weeks of January compared to …
What Chernobyl Looks Like Today: A Chilling Glimpse Inside the Exclusion Zone
The Exclusion Zone: A Land Frozen in Time The Exclusion Zone: A Land Frozen in Time (image credits: unsplash) Stepping into the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is like walking into a world where time stopped in April 1986. The zone covers about 1,000 square miles, stretching across northern Ukraine and even into neighboring Belarus. The Ukrainian …
How to Maximize Your Vacation Days in 2025
Strategically Aligning Paid Holidays with Weekends Strategically Aligning Paid Holidays with Weekends (image credits: rawpixel) In 2025, U.S. federal employees receive 11 paid holidays, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. A smart approach is to line up your vacation around these dates to extend your time off. For example, July 4th, 2025, falls …
Silkworms to Starfish: 10 Outrageous Street Foods You’ll Find in China
Silkworms: A Crunchy, Nutritious Bite Silkworms: A Crunchy, Nutritious Bite (image credits: wikimedia) Wandering through the bustling street markets of China, it’s impossible to miss the sizzling aroma of grilled silkworms. Skewered and roasted over open flames, these tiny larvae are served hot and seasoned, offering a protein-packed snack that is both surprising and sustainable. …
