Ian Hernandez
9 Nations Poised to Shut Their Doors to Visitors
China: The Great Wall of Restrictions China: The Great Wall of Restrictions (image credits: unsplash) China has noticeably ramped up its border controls in the face of ongoing geopolitical disputes and persistent public health anxieties. In 2024, official data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism showed a 30% drop in tourist visas issued compared …
Retire Early and Travel More: 10 Places to Live for Under $1K
Chiang Mai, Thailand: Southeast Asia’s Digital Nomad Paradise Chiang Mai, Thailand: Southeast Asia’s Digital Nomad Paradise (image credits: unsplash) Chiang Mai has become a magnet for retirees seeking low costs and vibrant culture. According to the 2024 Numbeo Cost of Living Index, a single person’s monthly expenses (excluding rent) average just $530. Modern one-bedroom apartments …
10 Countries Where Buying a Home Is Nearly Impossible
Hong Kong Hong Kong (image credits: unsplash) Hong Kong stands out as one of the world’s least affordable housing markets, and recent figures confirm the crisis is only worsening. According to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability report, the median house price in Hong Kong is now over 20 times the median gross annual household …
The 8 Most Joyful Countries to Live In (Plus 3 of the Saddest You Might Want to Avoid)
Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland continues to dazzle the world, having topped the World Happiness Report in 2023 with a score of 7.8 out of 10—and it remains a global leader in well-being today. Finnish society is built on a deep sense of trust, both in …
12 Bizarre Chinese Street Foods That Will Surprise You—Yes, Bugs Too
Fried Scorpions: The Crunchy Snack Turning Heads in Beijing Fried Scorpions: The Crunchy Snack Turning Heads in Beijing (image credits: unsplash) Walk down Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing and you’ll see skewered scorpions wriggling on sticks, ready for a quick fry. Fried scorpions, a staple of Chinese street food culture, have become a viral sensation …
The 8 Most Joyful Countries to Live In (Plus 3 of the Saddest You Might Skip)
Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland has become a global symbol for happiness, topping the World Happiness Report again in 2025 with a score of 7.8 out of 10. Finnish society is built on trust, transparency, and a spirit of togetherness that is rare in the modern …
10 Countries Where Homeownership Is Practically Impossible
Hong Kong: Sky-High Prices and Limited Space Hong Kong: Sky-High Prices and Limited Space (image credits: unsplash) Hong Kong has long held the grim title of the most unaffordable housing market in the world. According to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability report, the median home price in Hong Kong is over 18 times the …
Top 10 Places Where Tourists Are Less Welcome Than Before
1. Venice, Italy 1. Venice, Italy (image credits: unsplash) Venice is a city that’s practically synonymous with romance, gondolas, and dazzling canals, yet by 2025, the mood has shifted. The city has been overwhelmed by visitors, with tourist numbers up by 50% since 2010, putting immense pressure on infrastructure and daily life. In response, authorities …
10 Nations Where Buying a House Is Nearly Out of Reach
Hong Kong: The World’s Priciest Real Estate Market Hong Kong: The World’s Priciest Real Estate Market (image credits: unsplash) Hong Kong continues to be the most unaffordable city globally for homebuyers, according to the 2024 Demographia International Housing Affordability report. The median house price here is over 18 times the median household income, a staggering …
15 Spots Travelers Who Dislike Crowds Will Appreciate
1. Svalbard, Norway 1. Svalbard, Norway (image credits: unsplash) Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, sees only about 30,000 visitors annually—compared to several million in Norway’s fjord regions. This remote wilderness offers vast glaciers, polar bear sightings, and endless daylight in summer, making it a dream for solitude seekers. …
