An Easy Guide to Getting American Airlines Elite Status—And How to Optimize it Once You Do
A work trip to Egypt in January helped me earn American Airlines AAdvantage Platinum status thanks to a stopover in Dubai and flying oneworld alliance airlines. This post was originally published in April 2024 and updated in March 2026 to reflect how I earned status...
Is GigSky the Best eSIM for Southeast Asia? Honest 2026 Review
I tested GigSky’s eSIM across Southeast Asia—but how well does it actually work on the road? In this post, I share my experience in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Singapore, including setup, coverage, speeds, costs, and customer service.
15 Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) that are Actually Worth Your Time
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the sleek modern paradox to Hanoi’s ancient streets. With a population of eight million, the city is flooded with motorbike traffic—crossing the street isn’t for the faint of heart—and towering skyscrapers. While most of the main sights in District 1 are war-related, the city has an unmistakable vibe that will make it hard to leave and some of the best craft beer in Asia.
Why I go Abroad for Health Care
I go to Thailand for my annual health screenings because it’s high quality and affordable care. In this post, I explain all the details about WHY and WHERE to go in Thailand for medical care, including a cost breakdown and comparison.
I Visit Vietnam Every Year – Here are my Favorite Places (and Where to Avoid)
Like India, Vietnam can be a sensory overload of beauty, complexity and delicious food. Since I visit Vietnam every year for work, I’ve compiled a detailed guide to cover the top destinations, logistics, costs and safety.
I Traveled for 2 Months in Southern Africa—Here’s How Much It Cost
Traveling in Africa isn’t cheap, but this guide helps show where you can trim costs. Discover how to visit Southern Africa with these practical tips on tours, self-driving, eSIM cards and more!
A Guide to Visiting Khao Yai National Park in Thailand
Park rangers stop traffic for a wild elephant to cross the road at Khao Yai National Park. If you get tired of Bangkok’s noise and traffic, there’s a quiet nature escape just a few hours away—Khao Yai National Park. This 2,206 square kilometer park is famous for wild...
I Live in Chiang Mai, Thailand Every Winter—Here’s the Best Things to Do
Thailand is one of my many homes. Chiang Mai is where I normally spend my winters and where I just returned after a pandemic hiatus. Whether you’re here for two days or two months, this guide will answer all your questions about things to do, logistics and where to eat!
I Live in Thailand – Here are the Best Places to Visit (and Where to Avoid)
The hardest part of any trip to Thailand is deciding where to go. The choices are endless – the white sandy beaches of the Andaman Coast, indulging in Chiang Mai’s culinary delights, visiting Bangkok’s gleaming Buddhist temples and biking through the 13th-century ruins of ancient Sukhothai.
8 Things to do in Ninh Binh, Vietnam—Here’s What’s Worth the Time
The scenery in Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province, known as the “Halong Bay on land” is unmatched in Southeast Asia. Discover the best things to do in Ninh Binh, from iconic Trang A boat trips and the Mua Cave viewpoint to tranquil pagodas and lush rice fields, along with transport and hotel options.

