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10 Canadian Hotspots Drowning in Tourist Crowds

Ian Hernandez

1. Banff National Park, Alberta 1. Banff National Park, Alberta (image credits: unsplash) Banff National Park has become almost synonymous with Canadian wilderness, yet it’s now grappling with a tidal wave of visitors. Recent Parks Canada statistics show that Banff welcomed over 4 million visitors in 2024, a staggering 30% increase since 2019. This deluge …

The 7 Happiest Countries to Live In (And 3 of the Most Unhappy You Might Want to Avoid)

Ian Hernandez

1. Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness 1. Finland: The Pinnacle of Happiness (image credits: unsplash) Finland continues to shine as the world’s happiest country, according to the 2024 World Happiness Report. With a remarkable score of 7.8 out of 10, Finnish society benefits from a robust social welfare system, where healthcare and education are universally …

Top 10 Chinese Street Foods You Have to Try Before You Die

Ian Hernandez

Jianbing: China’s Beloved Breakfast Crepe Jianbing: China’s Beloved Breakfast Crepe (image credits: unsplash) Jianbing is widely considered the most popular breakfast street food in China, with over 1.5 billion sold annually according to a 2024 market report by the Chinese Street Food Association. This savory crepe is made fresh on a griddle, using a mixture …

The 9 Most Shocking Street Foods You’ll Only Find in China

Ian Hernandez

Stinky Tofu: The Pungent Snack that Divides Crowds Stinky Tofu: The Pungent Snack that Divides Crowds (image credits: pixabay) Stinky tofu is not just a dish—it’s an experience that hits you before you even see it. Vendors in cities like Changsha and Shanghai set up stalls with vats of this fermented tofu, which is soaked …

Inside Varanasi: What It’s Really Like in the City of Death

Ian Hernandez

The Ghats: Life and Death Along the Ganges The Ghats: Life and Death Along the Ganges (image credits: unsplash) Varanasi is home to more than 80 ghats lining the banks of the Ganges River, each with its own rituals and history. The most famous, Manikarnika Ghat, is often called the “burning ghat” and sees over …

Inside China’s Street Food Scene: Chaos, Flavor, and Pure Magic

Ian Hernandez

The Morning Rush: Breakfast on Beijing’s Boulevards The Morning Rush: Breakfast on Beijing’s Boulevards (image credits: pixabay) As dawn breaks in Beijing, the city’s street food vendors are already hard at work. According to a 2024 report by the China Cuisine Association, more than 70% of Beijing’s urban residents buy breakfast from street stalls at …

Varosha, Cyprus: Walking Through a Forbidden Ghost Town

Ian Hernandez

The Shocking Silence of Varosha’s Streets The Shocking Silence of Varosha’s Streets (image credits: unsplash) Once a thriving resort town on the southeastern coast of Cyprus, Varosha now stands frozen in time. Walking through its deserted streets, visitors are struck by the overwhelming silence, broken only by the wind rattling broken window panes. In 1974, …

Myths and Mayhem: The Truth About Living in Bangladesh

Ian Hernandez

Dhaka: Not Just Chaos, But a City of Surprises Dhaka: Not Just Chaos, But a City of Surprises (image credits: wikimedia) When people picture Dhaka, they often imagine unending traffic jams and noise, but the reality is much richer. Dhaka’s population reached nearly 23 million in 2024, making it one of the world’s most densely …

12 Bizarre Chinese Street Foods That Will Surprise You—Yes, Bugs Too

Ian Hernandez

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 …

Retire Early and Travel More: 10 Places to Live for Under $1K

Ian Hernandez

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 …