At The Nest, I Found My Favourite Place To Perch In Hong Kong

8/12/2024

This tiny coffee shop boasts a historic location and the power of transformative social enterprise.

My trip to Hong Kong was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Courtyard in Hong Kong showing trees and greenery, benches, a wooden cafe table with a green journal and a bright yellow cafe take out cup Picture

“They love a social enterprise in Hong Kong.”

I wasn’t much more than 12 hours into my first trip to Hong Kong and was eagerly sharing a report of my morning’s adventures to a friend who was on their umpteenth visit yet hadn’t heard of where I had been, a teeny-tiny non-profit coffee shop. Given that we were in a luxury hotel lobby, surrounded by sumptuous designer shops, I couldn’t see much evidence of her declaration. Still, I deferred to her superior knowledge of the region. In the coming days, I would soon see she was right, and with every visit I made to The Nest, I observed just how much Hong Kongers and the people who love visiting them appreciate something different that makes a difference.

How To Eat at the World’s Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurant

6/2/2019

Want to eat at the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore? All you need is a bit of information and about ten bucks.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Plate covered in noodles, sliced meat, green herbs, and brown saucePicture

Image from Trip Advisor under Creative Commons licensing

How much does it cost to eat at a Michelin-star restaurant? $100? $1000? Both are distinct possibilities at Michelin-rated properties around the world. But there’s one under-the-radar spot where phenomenal cuisine can be enjoyed for pocket change. For the price of riding the bus, you can eat at the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Singapore’s Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle (yes, that is the full name!) It has the distinction of being not only the cheapest Michelin star-rated restaurant in the world, but also the first hawker centre or street food vendor so honoured. And best of all - you don’t need a reservation!

Here’s what you need to know before you go.

Freebie Frustration: Changi Airport's Free Singapore Tour

23/1/2019

Changi Airport's free Singapore tour is famous. But is it more trouble than it's worth? Here's what you need to know before you go.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

A tour guide addresses the tour bus on the free Singapore tour from Changi airport

On the tour bus and ready to see Singapore's sights!

I love layovers and I love great deals - and everyone knows it! As such, the free Singapore tour out of Changi Airport has been on my radar for a long time. During our first visit to Singapore in 2013, our lengthy overnight layover of nearly 24 hours called for a hotel and some independent time exploring. But during our recent 2018 trip, our layover was closer to 12 hours - just the right amount of time to enjoy the free Singapore tour and explore the city a bit. What could be better?

Turns out, there's a catch to this story. Or rather, there are several. We soon learned the hard way that there are a lot of important rules that are rarely mentioned. If you're planning a layover in Singapore and keen to take in the free Singapore sightseeing tour, here's what you should know before you finalize your plans.

Bangkok's (Second) Best Pad Thai

10/12/2018

Updated in 2022! Most travelers focus on "the best". Here's why the SECOND best pad Thai in Bangkok will always be number one to me.

We were granted media passes to the The Market Experience's Thai Cooking With A Twist class at no cost and we thank them for their support. All research, writing, and opinions are our own. Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Cooking class Bangkok with pad Thai and chicken curry Picture

UPDATE! Sadly, The Market Experience and the wonderful cooking class we enjoyed had to permanently closed down as a result of COVID-19, but their parent company "Expique" still offers food tours in Bangkok

Every traveler dreams of superlatives - and I'm no exception. I've been to Death Valley National Park, the hottest place on earth, as well as Perth, Australia, the most isolated city in the world. I've also made it to Bagan, Myanmar, home to the largest concentration of religious structures in the world - and even to Nackawic, New Brunswick, site of the world's largest axe! After all, who doesn't love seeing the biggest, largest, highest, and best when they travel?

Therefore, you might be a bit surprised when I tell you that I fell in love with the SECOND best pad Thai in Bangkok - and I couldn't be happier that I did.

What exactly makes the pad Thai created by The Market Experience very nearly the finest in all of Bangkok, save but one? We'll get to that shortly! First, you need to build up to the moment, which is exactly what we did when we had the privilege of joining The Market Experience's Thai Cooking With A Twist cooking class and market tour.

As long time readers know, Ryan and I adore cooking classes and market tours. And it's not just because we're obsessed with great food! Nothing can compete with the delectable combination of culture and community, along with the chance to chat with locals, see their work- and even say hello to their cats! With Chef Kwang and company owner Simon encouraging us, we had the most immersive and delicious experience imaginable - and it was one that included the city's second-best pad Thai! Suffice it to say, there's nothing like it in all of Bangkok.

To begin, take a step into the Yodipman Flower Market with us.

15 Flights for $500: Inside Our Star Alliance Around the World Rewards Trip

18/1/2018

In 2013, we created the most incredible reward trip with Aeroplan, circling the globe with Star Alliance. And in 2018 we're doing it again!

2021 Update: Remember, rules change and Aeroplan has tweaked some of theirs since we wrote this post. So please use it as inspiration and a guide, but double check the fine print on FlyerTalk, our go-to online forum for all things Aeroplan.

Aeroplan rewards round the world flights on points. Picture

Sailing the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.

Aeroplan rewards round the world flights on points.

Hot air balloon ride in Bagan.

Landing back home in Ottawa.

Heading to New York.

In Mandalay.

In Bruges.

TurnipseedTravel debuted nearly six years ago (and does anyone else remember our very first green and grey template?). Nearly 18 months later, that debut became a fully fledged launch when Ryan and I took our readers along for the journey of a lifetime.

We cashed in all our points for what was technically a trip to Australia but instead embarked on an amazing round-the-world trip fueled entirely by Aeroplan. See, we had learned about all the reward flight loopholes needed to "hack" our travel plans and create a mini round the world trip with Star Alliance partners. With stops in Europe, Asia, North America (and, of course, Australia), we had 9 flight segments on Star Alliance flights (and visited about 15 different locations) and paid about $300 each for taxes and fees. As you can tell from our nostalgic photos, thanks to Aeroplan, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Or so we thought....

Where To Stay In Bagan: Hotels, Guesthouses, and Hostels

23/10/2017

Looking for the best hotels in Bagan? We asked top travel writers for their recommendations for the best hotels, guesthouses, inns, and hostels that Bagan has to offer.

Bagan is synonymous with magic. This small community in Myanmar was once the capital of a mighty kingdom. Between the 11th and 13th centuries, over 10,000 pagodas, temples, and monasteries were built. Today, some 2,200 structures remain, the greatest concentration of religious sites in the world. It is an absolutely essential stop for all travelers in Myanmar and you'll never regret adding an extra day or two onto your Bagan itinerary.

Since our visit in 2013, the travel industry has grown exponentially in Bagan, with hostels, hotels, and guesthouses springing up seemingly overnight. Eager for my readers to have the best possible experience in Bagan, I asked my fellow travel writers to weigh in. Here you'll find their reviews of different properties - from $20 to $200 + a night - to help you make the best possible decision based on your travel style. It's time to pack your bags!

Cruising Chao Phraya: Taking a River Tour in Bangkok

25/9/2017

Evening dinner tours of Bangkok's biggest river are popular - but do they represent good value?

Ready to set sail! Vanessa is ready to go on our river tour in Bangkok

What do you get when you mix ancient Buddhist temples, a huge pan of lasagna, and Psy? Why, a night on a Bangkok river cruise, of course! As we discovered firsthand, a Bangkok river cruise on the Chao Phraya River tour takes several classic Thai experiences, throws in a bit of contemporary fun, and leaves you thoroughly entertained - and sometimes a bit baffled too.

Where To Eat In Bagan

24/9/2017

Guest blogger Nicole shares her secrets for where to eat in Bagan, Myanmar. Get ready to eat - you're going to love this round up of the best restaurants in Bagan.

This post contains affiliate ads and links, which means we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase.

Where to eat in Bagan: Delicious stir fried noodles are a bit part of where to eat in Bagan. Picture

Heaping plates of stir-fried noodles only cost a dollar or two at the best restaurants in Bagan.

You’ll find everything you need for a fantastic meal in Bagan from French, English, Italian, Indian, Thai, Japanese, and - of course! - Burmese cuisine (you have to try the tea leaf salad)! This popular town in Myanmar has a fantastic food scene. Here are my picks for where to eat in Bagan, region by region. You will find most of the restaurants in Nyaung U, a few in New Bagan and just couple in Old Bagan. . So hop on your e-bike and get ready to explore Bagan and the cuisine.

The Best Satay in Bali and Other Must-Try Traditional Foods

21/8/2017

The most affordable and authentic way to get to know Bali? One bite at a time! Let's start with the best satay in Bali. Balinese satay is the best!

Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase

Discovering the best satay in Bali and other great traditional Bali foods. Image: Bowl of crushed chilis Picture

From satay to spices - Bali's traditional food is delicious! Photo credit: dinediscover.wordpress.com

If you're passionate about travel, then Bali, Indonesia, is definitely on your radar. The island has become one of the most visited destinations in Asia . In the early 1990s, Bali emerged as a popular tourist destination but it has maintained its position as one of the best budget friendly tourist destinations in Indonesia. And it's crazy delicious too! Have you ever had satay in Bali?

Bali is a paradise for food lovers. Foodies are embracing Balinese cuisine as never before. Restaurants and warungs (small local cafes) offer traditional Balinese dishes on their menus, whether you're hobnobbing with locals or sticking with fellow travelers in the "touristy" areas. Here are five traditional dishes that every traveler should try in Bali - including my favourite, traditional Balinese satay!

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At The Nest, I Found My Favourite Place To Perch In Hong Kong

This tiny coffee shop boasts a historic location and the power of transformative social enterprise.

My trip to Hong Kong was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

How To Eat at the World’s Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurant

Want to eat at the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore? All you need is a bit of information and about ten bucks.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Freebie Frustration: Changi Airport's Free Singapore Tour

Changi Airport's free Singapore tour is famous. But is it more trouble than it's worth? Here's what you need to know before you go.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Bangkok's (Second) Best Pad Thai

Updated in 2022! Most travelers focus on "the best". Here's why the SECOND best pad Thai in Bangkok will always be number one to me.

15 Flights for $500: Inside Our Star Alliance Around the World Rewards Trip

Where To Stay In Bagan: Hotels, Guesthouses, and Hostels

Looking for the best hotels in Bagan? We asked top travel writers for their recommendations for the best hotels, guesthouses, inns, and hostels that Bagan has to offer.

Cruising Chao Phraya: Taking a River Tour in Bangkok

Evening dinner tours of Bangkok's biggest river are popular - but do they represent good value?

Where To Eat In Bagan

Guest blogger Nicole shares her secrets for where to eat in Bagan, Myanmar. Get ready to eat - you're going to love this round up of the best restaurants in Bagan.

This post contains affiliate ads and links, which means we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase.

The Best Satay in Bali and Other Must-Try Traditional Foods

The most affordable and authentic way to get to know Bali? One bite at a time! Let's start with the best satay in Bali. Balinese satay is the best!

Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase

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This tiny coffee shop boasts a historic location and the power of transformative social enterprise.My trip to Hong Kong was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Want to eat at the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore? All you need is a bit of information and about ten bucks.​Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Changi Airport's free Singapore tour is famous. But is it more trouble than it's worth? Here's what you need to know before you go. ​Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Updated in 2022! Most travelers focus on "the best". Here's why the SECOND best pad Thai in Bangkok will always be number one to me.

Looking for the best hotels in Bagan? We asked top travel writers for their recommendations for the best hotels, guesthouses, inns, and hostels that Bagan has to offer.

Evening dinner tours of Bangkok's biggest river are popular - but do they represent good value?

Guest blogger Nicole shares her secrets for where to eat in Bagan, Myanmar. Get ready to eat - you're going to love this round up of the best restaurants in Bagan. ​This post contains affiliate ads and links, which means we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase.

The most affordable and authentic way to get to know Bali? One bite at a time! Let's start with the best satay in Bali. Balinese satay is the best!Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase ​

Post Categories

Posts by Date

This tiny coffee shop boasts a historic location and the power of transformative social enterprise.

My trip to Hong Kong was part of a press trip. This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase, we may get a small commission.

Want to eat at the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in Singapore? All you need is a bit of information and about ten bucks.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Changi Airport's free Singapore tour is famous. But is it more trouble than it's worth? Here's what you need to know before you go.

Note that some links in this post may be affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase.

Guest blogger Nicole shares her secrets for where to eat in Bagan, Myanmar. Get ready to eat - you're going to love this round up of the best restaurants in Bagan.

This post contains affiliate ads and links, which means we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase.

The most affordable and authentic way to get to know Bali? One bite at a time! Let's start with the best satay in Bali. Balinese satay is the best!

Some links within this blog post are affiliate links, which means we are paid a small commission should you make a purchase