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Other Destinations

Boarding soon!

Other than Japan and Taiwan, I have been very lucky to have visited over 30 countries. I have so many stories to share. Here are some travel guides about destinations around the world that I have written for a variety of travel website. Enjoy! 

Istanbul

Is Istanbul Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons Why You Must!

17 Things Istanbul is Known and Famous For

Europe

6 best towns and areas to stay in Santorini

The best places to catch the Santorini sunset, plus expert tips to avoid crowds and snag that iconic sunset pic

The most beautiful places in Greece: Santorini, Crete, and more

The best time to visit France: few crowds, great deals, and blissed-out weather

8 best cities to visit in France and what you can do in each

The best day trips from Paris by train: charming towns, lush forests, and château after château

Top 10 Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris for the best dining experience

Here’s how to do Paris in a weekend: Expert tips on fitting in all the must-see—and must-eat—attractions

8 things you may not know about the catacombs in Paris and how to visit them

10 famous places in London and what makes them iconic

Getting from Athens to Santorini: stress-free routes, key pit stops, and the very best travel times

Know more, travel better

  • Travel Resources
  • Japan Guide
  • Taiwan Guide

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⁣⠀ 🎉 Less than 1 week before Expo 2025 Osak ⁣⠀
🎉 Less than 1 week before Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, comes to a close, the world’s eyes remain on Yumeshima 🇯🇵⁣⁣    ⠀
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Visitor numbers have surpassed 25 million, with over 200,000 people arriving daily since September to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event.⁣⁣    ⠀
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Expo 2025 is bringing the world together under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and explore how we can save, empower and connect lives.⁣⁣⠀
⠀
A People’s Living Lab, Expo 2025 is a place where ideas, innovations and creativity unite to imagine a brighter tomorrow for all.⁣⁣    ⠀
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Here’s a recap of the highlights before the curtains close:⁣⁣    ⠀
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🌏 This is Japan’s third World Expo after Osaka 1970 and Aichi 2005.⁣⁣    ⠀
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🗓️ The Expo runs for 184 days (April 13–October 13, 2025).⁣⁣    ⠀
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🤝 158 countries and regions, and 7 international organizations, are participating.⁣⁣    ⠀
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⭐ The Grand Ring, the world’s largest wooden structure, stretches about 2,000 meters in circumference.⁣⁣    ⠀
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🎇 The One World, One Planet drone show features 1,000+ synchronised drones, including the world’s largest aerial display of a tree using drones.⁣⁣    ⠀
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As Expo 2025 approaches its final days, it leaves behind not only record-breaking numbers but also bold visions for a shared future.⁣⁣    ⠀
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Experience the magic of Expo 2025 and be part of the closing ceremony on 13 October by joining virtually (livestream on the official Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan YouTube channel).⁣⁣    ⠀
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[With the Expo closing on 13 October, the venue is expected to be very crowded. Please note that advance reservations are required for entry. For details, visit the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Official Website.]⁣⁣    ⠀
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#EXPO2025 #大阪関西万博 #EXPO2025Forever⁣⁣    ⠀
#OsakaWorldExpo #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #VisitJapanSG #Japantrip #Japantravel #ExploreJapan #whywendywrites
Dreaming of the perfect island escape?    Peng Dreaming of the perfect island escape? 
 
Penghu 澎湖 is Taiwan’s ultimate island-hopping paradise 🏝️🐠🐢
 
This stunning archipelago of over 90 islands and islets is linked by scenic bridges and ferries - making every island hopping journey part of the adventure. 
 
I explored 6 islands in just 4 days, and it was an unforgettable island escapade.  
 
Here are some must-visit islands for your first Penghu trip: 
 
⭐️ Main islands (connected by bridges): Magong 馬公, Baisha 白沙, Xiyu 西嶼 
 
⭐️ Outlying gems: Qimei 七美, Wangan 望安, Yuanbei 員貝 
 
📌 Save this post for your Penghu travel bucket list! 
 
 
#penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 #penghuislands #whywendylovestaiwan #whywendywrites #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan #island #islandhopping #islandholiday
Eating non-stop in Penghu 🍽️🌊⁣⁣  ⁣ Eating non-stop in Penghu 🍽️🌊⁣⁣ 
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From ocean to table, Penghu is Taiwan’s best-kept secret for the freshest, sweetest seafood.⁣⁣ 
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Penghu was named the Pescadores, or “Fishermen Islands,” by Portuguese sailors who loved its rich fishing grounds.⁣⁣ 
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Penghu is a seafood lover’s dream. Every day, local fishermen bring in an abundant catch – from lobsters and squid to sea urchin and oysters. 🦐🐙🍤🦞🦑🦪⁣⁣ 
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During my Penghu trip, I indulged in a culinary feast that’s simply unmatched.⁣⁣ 
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Here’s a sneak peek at Penghu’s seafood delights and local snacks you have to try. ⁣⁣ 
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📌 Save this video for your Penghu holiday and get ready to eat your heart out!⁣⁣ 
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#penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 #penghuislands #whywendylovestaiwan #whywendywrites #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan #penghufood #澎湖美食
Snorkeling in Penghu truly feels like a dream 🐠 Snorkeling in Penghu truly feels like a dream 🐠🐢🪸    
   
With crystal-clear waters and a dazzling underwater world, it’s no wonder Penghu is one of Taiwan’s ultimate sea adventure hotspots.    
   
Swimming close to schools of fish and colorful coral reefs reminded me how alive and precious our oceans really are.    
   
I joined a snorkeling trip with Ocean Love 澎湖樂福海洋工坊, where I not only explored Shanshui Bay but also learned about their inspiring coral restoration efforts 🌊.    
   
Penghu even has a one-of-a-kind underwater post box 📭 and I mailed a postcard beneath the waves (with my instructor’s help).    
   
📌 Save this video for your next trip to Taiwan 🇹🇼    
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#penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 #penghuislands  #whywendylovestaiwan #whywendywrites   #taiwantravel #timefortaiwan #snorkel #islands
I finally visited my Taiwan’s bucket list travel I finally visited my Taiwan’s bucket list travel destination 🇹🇼⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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🏝️ Penghu 澎湖⁣ 🌊⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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Described as shining pearls scattering in the ocean, Penghu Islands are a stunning archipelago of 90 islands where turquoise waters meet volcanic rock wonders.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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Penghu Islands are located in the Taiwan Strait, west of Taiwan’s main island, and just an hour’s flight from Taipei.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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After 4 incredible days exploring Penghu, I am so excited to share the highlights of Penghu and why Penghu should be at the top of your list for your next Taiwan adventure.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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⭐️ 5 reason you must visit Penghu⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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1️⃣ Beautiful ocean and beaches: Swim, snorkel, dive, and try SUP⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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2️⃣ Island hopping: Outlying islands easily accessible via scenic bridges and ferries⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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3️⃣ Natural wonders: Breathtaking coastlines, basalt-column landscapes, and sea cliffs⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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4️⃣ Rich biodiversity: Diverse marine life and a bird-watching paradise⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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5️⃣ Culture and heritage: Cultural experiences and historical buildings⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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🎇 Bonus: Summer nights sparkle with the famous Penghu International Fireworks Festival ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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📌 Save this video to plan your next island retreat!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣   
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#penghu #penghutravel #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 #penghuislands #澎湖景點 #澎湖旅遊 #澎湖列島 #whywendywrites #whywendylovestaiwan #timefortaiwan #taiwantravel
⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Endless blue skies, pristine oc ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
Endless blue skies, pristine ocean and nature’s purest beauty⁣ 🏝️☀️🌊🐠🌵⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Thank you, Penghu 澎湖, for an unforgettable island retreat 🌊☀️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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After writing about this incredible place and even visiting it virtually during Covid, I finally experienced Taiwan’s largest island archipelago in person. And wow, it truly stole my heart ❤️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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The people, the culture and the history. It’s like stepping into a whole new world-so unique, rustic and welcoming.⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Penghu instantly took me back to Okinawa and made me miss island life so much!⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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I’m so excited to share more about this island paradise! Stay tuned! ⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites #whywendylovestaiwan  #timefortaiwan #penghu #澎湖 #澎湖旅遊 #TravelPenghu #islandescape #ocean #islandparadise #islandlife #travelwriter #travelblogger ⁣
⁣⁣ 🍓 Welcome to Miaoli, Taiwan’s Strawber ⁣⁣
🍓 Welcome to Miaoli, Taiwan’s Strawberry Kingdom!⁣⁣
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#DYK over 80% of Taiwan’s strawberries are grown in Miaoli’s Dahu Township?⁣
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Winter is the best time to enjoy fresh, juicy strawberries and the classic fun of strawberry picking!⁣⁣
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When you visit Miaoli, don’t miss the @schokolake_dahu Country House 巧克力雲莊–Taiwan’s first chocolate-themed leisure farm!⁣⁣
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Experience the perfect combo of:⁣⁣
🍫 Chocolate tours and DIY chocolate-making workshops⁣⁣
🍓 Strawberry orchard adventures with pick-your-own fun⁣⁣
☘️ Cosy accommodation surrounded by scenic nature⁣⁣
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🍧 And for a truly life-changing seasonal treat, try their famous 移山倒海 strawberry shaved ice that moves mountains and sea! It’s a mountain of fresh strawberries drizzled with rich chocolate sauce and creamy condensed milk.⁣⁣
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Miaoli in central Taiwan is home to many leisure farms where you can enjoy rejuvenating nature and experience hands-on adventures all in one place.⁣⁣
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Save this video for your next trip to Taiwan!⁣⁣
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➡️ Free Miaoli travel guide: Use it to plan your next Taiwan trip and bookmark more Taiwan leisure farms to visit — link in bio ☝️⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣
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➡️ NATAS Fair: Visit the Taiwan booth from 15 to 17 August 2025 at EXPO Hall 5, Booth 5H01. Fun performances, free activities, travel discounts and lots of free travel maps! ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites #whywendylovestaiwan #timefortaiwan #miaoli #苗栗 #飛牛牧場 #taiwanfarms #taiwanleisurefarm #台灣休閒農場 #SchokolakeCountryHouse #巧克力雲莊⁣⁣ #taiwanfruits #travelwriter
⁣⁣ 📌 Save this for your next trip to Taiwan ⁣⁣
📌 Save this for your next trip to Taiwan ⁣⁣🇹🇼!⁣⁣
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#DYK Flying Cow Ranch 飛牛農場 is an animal-themed leisure farms in Miaoli?⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Miaoli in central Taiwan is home to many leisure farms where you can enjoy rejuvenating nature and experience hands-on adventures all in one place 🐄🐐🪿⁣⁣⁣⁣
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What can you do in Flying Cow Ranch? ⁣⁣⁣⁣
🐮 Milk a cow and learn about dairy farming⁣⁣⁣⁣
🐤 Interact with friendly farm animals including sheep, goats, ducks and rabbits⁣⁣⁣⁣
🎨 Try DIY crafts like painting colourful cow figurines and making ice cream shakes⁣⁣⁣⁣
☘️ Explore ecological walking trails with grasslands and gardens⁣⁣⁣
🍦 Savour fresh dairy treats including malt milk, pudding, ice cream and even milk hot pot⁣⁣⁣⁣
🛏️ Stay overnight in cosy family suites and garden cabins for an immersive farmhouse experience⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Flying Cow Ranch is perfect for families, nature lovers and foodies! ⁣⁣⁣⁣
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➡️ Free Miaoli travel guide: Use it to plan your next Taiwan trip and bookmark more Taiwan leisure farms to visit — link in bio ☝️⁣⁣⁣⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣
➡️ NATAS Fair: Visit the Taiwan booth from 15 to 17 August 2025 at EXPO Hall 5, Booth 5H01. Fun performances, free activities, travel discounts and lots of free travel maps! ⁣⁣
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#whywendywrites #whywendylovestaiwan #timefortaiwan #miaoli #苗栗 #flyingcowranch #飛牛牧場 #taiwanfarms #taiwanleisurefarm #台灣休閒農場
⁣ 📌 Save this for your next trip to Japan!⁣ ⁣
📌 Save this for your next trip to Japan!⁣
⁣
I’ve long wanted to hike Japan’s Nakasendo trail 中山道 – the legendary “samurai road” with its historic post towns. ⁣
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When I found out my old friend Michael King wrote a book about it. That was the sign I needed!⁣
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I travelled from Tokyo to reunite with him (9 years since our Okinawa JET days) and experienced one of the best hikes in Japan ❤️
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Why is the Nakasendo so special?⁣
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The Nakasendo isn’t just a trail – it’s a journey through living history, where samurai and feudal lords once walked.⁣
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Rural Japan’s charm shines in beautifully preserved towns like Magome and Tsumago.⁣
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If you want to explore Japan beyond the usual well-trodden spots, check out @really.rural.japan
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Informative, fun, and full of heart, Michael’s guided tours are filled with local stories and secrets and will make your Nakasendo adventure unforgettable.⁣
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➡️ Read Michael’s book too – Hiking the Nakasendo: The Samurai Road of the Kiso Valley and Beyond!⁣
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#whywendywrites #Nakasendo #中山道  #馬籠宿 #妻籠  #centraljapan #chubu #JapanTravel #RuralJapan #samuraijapan ⁣#travelwriter #blogger #contentcreator
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