TravelTown

Washington DC Tourist Attractions Like a Local

Fri, 22 May 2026 19:15:00 -0400

To truly experience DC like a local, it’s essential to navigate the city strategically, know where to stay, and plan your itinerary wisely. Beyond the major tourist attractions, DC offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. From the historic charm of Dupont Circle to the newly developed Navy Yard, visitors can explore a variety of experiences beyond the monuments. With efficient public transportation, walkable streets, and countless dining and nightlife options, Washington DC is a fantastic city to explore—whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.

1. Washington Monument

Located on the National Mall (another awesome spot to stop), the Washington Monument stands at 555 feet to commemorate George Washington. This an iconic site of the city and one of the top Washington DC tourist attractions. Make sure to check out the Reflecting Pool while you’re there. To tick off all the monuments and memorials in one fell swoop.

2. White House

No trip to DC is complete without a stop at the White House. As the home of every U.S. president since John Adams, it’s one of the most famous residences in the world. While public tours require advance reservations, you can still get a great view from outside the gates along Pennsylvania Avenue. The White House Visitor Center is located nearby and offers historical insights into the building.

16 Best Marrakech Instagram Spots for Photos

Thu, 21 May 2026 23:36:00 -0400

1. Bab Agnou

Bab Agnou was one of our first stops early in the morning during our Marrakech adventure. Built in the 12th century, this gate once marked the ceremonial entrance to the Kasbah. We arrived before the city fully woke up, which was relatively calm. After spending some time in Marrakech, I can confirm that peace and calm is nearly unheard of in Marrakech! The scale of it really surprised me in person; it’s massive, but also incredibly detailed up close.

Framing: Have your photographer stand (safely) across the street or in the median and then zoom in slightly to cut out the street in the foreground. You’ll want a straight-on shot to embrace the symmetry.

When to Visit: Go at sunrise if you want a photo with no people, otherwise it gets very busy and is challenging to shoot between traffic.

2. Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is a must if you’re chasing the best Marrakech Instagram spots. The entire palace is stunning, but the courtyard was my favorite with its symmetry, tilework, and picturesque fountain. We also spent time photographing doorways and garden paths, which ended up being some of my favorite shots.

This is a ticketed attraction, and it shows in how well maintained everything is. Even when it’s busy, there are still quiet corners if you’re patient. However, if you’re looking to get an iconic courtyard shot, I’d recommend snapping it right away since that area gets busier by the minute after opening time.

Framing: Grab a photo in the courtyard first that captures both the fountain and palace in the background. Second, head out the door to the gardens, turn around, and snap a photo with the ornate doorway framing your photo. Lastly, explore the gardens at your leisure.

When to Visit: Go early, right when it opens.

3. Koutoubia Mosque

Koutoubia Mosque is one of those landmarks you keep spotting as you walk around the city. Since non-Muslims can’t go inside, we focused on walking the perimeter and finding the most picturesque angles. The early morning light was absolutely perfect, and it ended up being one of my favorite Marrakech Instagram spots.

Framing: Shoot at an angle from the back corner to capture both the minaret and the sunrise.

When to Visit: Sunrise for the best light and fewer people.

Bangkok on a Budget: The Complete Backpacker's Guide

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Bangkok is one of those cities that grabs you instantly. It’s loud, hot, chaotic, and completely addictive — and it’s one of the best value destinations on the planet for backpackers.

I’ve been to Bangkok four times now. The first time I landed with $600 and a terrifying amount of optimism. I’m still here (metaphorically), so it worked out.

Getting there

From the airport: Don’t take a taxi from the arrivals hall — they’ll quote you 600–800 THB. Instead:

Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai station: 45 THB (~$1.30). Takes 30 minutes, runs every 10 minutes.
From Don Mueang (budget airlines): take bus A1 or A2 to BTS Mo Chit for 30 THB.

Flights: AirAsia, Nok Air and Lion Air fly domestically for next to nothing. Internationally, look for deals on Skyscanner 6–8 weeks out.

Where to stay

Bangkok has some of Southeast Asia’s best hostels. Budget for $8–15/night in a dorm, $20–35 for a private room.

Best areas for budget travellers:

Banglamphu / Khao San Road — backpacker central, walkable to the old city temples
Silom — slightly more local feel, great food, well-connected by BTS
Ekkamai / On Nut — residential neighbourhood, cheaper than central, on the BTS line

I stayed at Lubd Siam* on my first trip — great rooftop, strong AC, easy BTS access. Around $12/night for a dorm.

What to do

The temples (mostly free or very cheap)

Wat Pho — Home of the massive reclining Buddha. Entry is 200 THB (~$6). Worth every baht — the complex is huge, beautiful, and you get a free traditional massage voucher (well, you did when I went).

Wat Arun — Cross the river on the 5 THB ferry, then 100 THB entry. The porcelain mosaic is stunning at sunrise and sunset.

Wat Saket (Golden Mount) — 20 THB entry, great views over the old city. Far fewer tourists than the famous temples.

Lumphini Park — Free. Go early morning to see locals doing tai chi, or at dusk for the monitor lizards. Yes, monitor lizards.

Markets

Chatuchak Weekend Market — Saturday and Sunday only. 15,000 stalls. Budget 4–5 hours minimum. Take the BTS to Mo Chit. Free entry.

Or Tor Kor Market — The posh produce market next to Chatuchak. Free to browse, incredible tropical fruit for almost nothing.

Talad Rot Fai (Train Market) — Two locations (Ratchada and Srinakarin). Night market with vintage goods, street food and a great atmosphere. Free entry.

Where to eat

This is the easy part. Bangkok street food is world-class and costs almost nothing.

Pad Thai at a street cart: 50–80 THB Khao man gai (poached chicken rice): 50–60 THB Som tum (green papaya salad): 40–60 THB Mango sticky rice: 60–80 THB

Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) is where I go when I want to eat everything. Go from about 6pm onwards. The seafood barbecue spots are pricey, but the smaller stalls lining the street are incredible and cheap.

Pro tip: Eat where locals eat. If the menu only has English and pictures, prices will be 2–3x higher.

Getting around

BTS Skytrain — Fast, AC, 17–59 THB per journey depending on distance. Buy a Rabbit Card (stored value) to avoid queuing for tickets.

MRT — Covers different routes than BTS, interchangeable with BRT and river ferry.

Chao Phraya River Ferry — 15 THB per hop. One of the nicest ways to move between the old city and Silom/Sathorn.

Grab (taxi app) — Like Uber. Always cheaper and more transparent than hailing a tuk-tuk. A 20-minute ride rarely costs more than 80–120 THB.

Tuk-tuks — Fun for a single ride experience, but negotiate firmly and don’t expect to go anywhere quickly.

Money-saving tips

Eat from 7-Eleven for breakfast — Thailand’s 7-Elevens are genuinely good. Toasted sandwiches, fresh coffee, sticky rice, onigiri. Total cost: 60–80 THB.
Avoid the Grand Palace tours — hire a cheap audio guide or just follow the free signage. The touts outside offering “Buddha is closed today” are lying.
Get a DTAC or AIS SIM at the airport — 299 THB for 30 days with data. Don’t pay hotel WiFi fees.
Happy hours are everywhere — most rooftop bars do 5–7pm deals. Cheap Singha, good views.
Walk the canals in Thonburi — hire a longtail boat for about 1,500 THB split between a group, or catch the local canal ferry for 10–14 THB per stop.

Practical info

Visa: Most nationalities get 30 days visa-on-arrival free. Check your country’s current status.

Safety: Bangkok is very safe for travellers. Watch out for gem scams (they’re everywhere near the Grand Palace) and anyone who approaches you unsolicited offering to take you somewhere “amazing.”

Power: Type A/B plugs (same as US). 220V. Bring a universal adapter.

Language: Very little English outside tourist areas, but Google Translate’s camera feature works brilliantly on menus.

Have a Bangkok tip I missed? Drop it in the comments below or get in touch.

Lisbon for Less: Europe's Best Value Capital

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Lisbon is one of those cities that surprises you. You arrive expecting a nice European city, and you leave having accidentally planned your return trip.

It’s hilly, colourful, slightly crumbling in the best possible way, and compared to Paris, Barcelona or Amsterdam — genuinely affordable.

Getting there

From the airport: The Metro (green line) runs direct to Baixa-Chiado in 35 minutes for €1.85. Aero Bus costs €4. A taxi to the centre is around €15–20.

By train: Lisbon is well-connected by Renfe/CP from Spain. Night trains from Madrid are affordable and save a night’s accommodation.

Where to stay

Aim for €20–30/night in a hostel dorm, €50–80 for a budget private room.

Best areas:

Alfama — the historic heart, beautiful but hilly. Perfect if you don’t mind stairs.
Mouraria — multicultural, local feel, great food, slightly cheaper than Alfama
Intendente — up-and-coming, best value, 10 mins walk to everywhere

Lost Inn Lisbon and Home Lisbon Hostel consistently get strong reviews and sit in the €22–28 dorm range.

What to do

Free viewpoints (Miradouros)

The best thing about Lisbon is free — the views. Every neighbourhood has a miradouro and they’re all stunning.

Miradouro da Graça — best panoramic view, fewer tourists than most
Miradouro de Santa Catarina — bohemian crowd, buskers, iconic statue
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte — highest point, views over the castle

Go at golden hour. Bring a beer from a nearby minimarket (€1–1.50) and you’ve got the best evening in Europe for the price of a coffee elsewhere.

Belém

A 20-minute tram (or €0.80 ferry from Cais do Sodré) takes you to Belém. Home to:

Pastéis de Belém — the original custard tart bakery since 1837. A pastel costs €1.40. Eat four.
Jerónimos Monastery — stunning Manueline architecture, free on Sunday mornings
Torre de Belém — €6 entry, iconic but you can photograph it perfectly for free from the riverfront

Sintra day trip

Take the Sintra train from Rossio station — €2.30 each way, runs every 40 minutes. Sintra is a fairy-tale hilltop town packed with palaces. Budget €15–25 for entrance fees if you want to go inside several palaces.

Where to eat

Pastel de nata — 90 cents to €1.40 from any pastelaria. Eat them warm.

Prego — a steak sandwich. About €5–8. Essential.

Bacalhau (salt cod) — Portugal’s national obsession, 365 ways to cook it. A full restaurant meal with bacalhau runs €9–14.

Tascas — small neighbourhood taverns, usually a chalked board menu. Prato do dia (dish of the day) is typically €7–9 with bread, salad and a drink included.

Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré brings together the city’s best food stalls. Dishes run €8–14 — not the cheapest option, but exceptional quality and a brilliant atmosphere.

Getting around

Metro — Clean, fast, €1.85 per journey or €6.70 for a day pass. Covers most of the city.

Tram 28 — The famous yellow tram that climbs through Alfama. Beautiful but packed with tourists and pickpockets. Take it once for the experience, then use the metro.

Walking — Lisbon is surprisingly walkable once you accept that it’s very hilly. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable.

Ferry — €1.30 across the Tagus to Almada or Cacilhas. Worth it for the views alone.

Money-saving tips

Lunch is the main meal in Portugal. Restaurant almoço menus are €9–12 for two courses, bread and a drink. Dinner at the same restaurant might cost double.
Minimarket wine is excellent. A perfectly decent bottle of Portuguese red costs €3–5 at a minimarket. Drink it on a miradouro.
Viva Viagem card — buy a reusable card (€0.50) and load it with credit rather than buying single tickets.
Avoid the Baixa tourist restaurants. Walk 10 minutes uphill into Alfama or Mouraria and prices drop immediately.
The LX Factory Sunday market is free to browse and great for a morning wander.

Practical info

Visa: Schengen zone. 90-day visa-free for most nationalities.

Safety: Very safe city. Watch for pickpockets on Tram 28 and in Alfama.

Power: Type F (European two-pin), 230V.

Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up or leaving €1–2 is appreciated in sit-down restaurants.

Lisbon keeps pulling me back. Three visits and I still have a list. Send me your Lisbon tips — I’m always looking for what I missed.

2 Weeks in Southeast Asia: The Classic Budget Route

Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Two weeks. Southeast Asia. A budget. Where do you start?

After a lot of trial and error (and one very bad overnight bus decision I’ll tell you about), here’s the route I’d recommend to anyone doing their first Southeast Asia trip.

Approximate total cost: $900–1,200 USD including flights, accommodation, food, activities and internal transport. Not including your international flight to Bangkok.

The Route Overview

Bangkok (3 nights)
 → Chiang Mai (2 nights)
 → Luang Prabang, Laos (2 nights)
 → Hanoi, Vietnam (2 nights)
 → Hoi An (2 nights)
 → Bali, Indonesia (3 nights)

Yes, it’s fast. This is an introduction, not an immersion. If you have more time, slow down anywhere along the route — Chiang Mai and Hoi An in particular deserve longer.

Days 1–3: Bangkok, Thailand

Arrive Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport. Take the Airport Rail Link to the city (45 THB).

Check into a hostel in Banglamphu — you want to be walking distance from the old city temples.

Day 1: Jet lag day. Walk Khao San Road (chaotic but worth seeing once), find a pad thai street cart, get an early night.

Day 2: Temples. Wat Pho in the morning (200 THB entry), walk to the Grand Palace (500 THB — yes it’s expensive, yes it’s worth it), Wat Arun across the river (100 THB + 5 THB ferry). Eat everything you see on the street.

Day 3: Chatuchak Market if it’s a weekend. Otherwise Lumphini Park in the morning, afternoon boat along the canals in Thonburi, Chinatown (Yaowarat) for dinner.

Budget: ~$35–45/day

Days 4–5: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Travel: Overnight train from Hua Lamphong station. Second class sleeper costs about 600–800 THB (~$18–23). Saves a night’s accommodation and it’s actually comfortable.

Chiang Mai is slower, cooler and cheaper than Bangkok. It’s surrounded by mountains and temples and has one of the best food scenes in Southeast Asia.

Day 4: Old City temples — Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh are free or minimal entry. Rent a bicycle (60–80 THB/day) and explore the moat area.

Day 5: Half-day Thai cooking class (~600–900 THB, includes market visit and you eat everything you make). Afternoon: Doi Suthep temple above the city — songthaew (shared truck taxi) up for 60 THB each way.

Budget: ~$25–35/day

Days 6–7: Luang Prabang, Laos

Travel: Slow boat from Chiang Khong to Luang Prabang — 2 days, but worth it for the scenery. Or fly direct (often under $50 on AirAsia). I’d fly on a 2-week trip.

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO heritage town on the Mekong. Extraordinarily beautiful, very easy to like. Slightly more expensive than the rest of Laos but still budget-friendly.

Day 6: Walk the main street, browse the night market (buy nothing, just look), watch sunset from Mount Phousi (20,000 LAK entry, ~$1).

Day 7: Wake up at 5:30am for the alms-giving ceremony (monks collecting food from locals at dawn — deeply moving, be respectful, keep your distance). Afternoon: Kuang Si Falls (25,000 LAK entry) — turquoise water, rope swings, and a bear rescue centre.

Budget: ~$30–40/day

Days 8–9: Hanoi, Vietnam

Travel: Fly Luang Prabang to Hanoi (Vietnam Airlines or Lao Airlines, ~$60–90).

Hanoi is chaotic, loud, and completely brilliant. The Old Quarter is a maze of streets each historically dedicated to one trade (the Silk Street, the Paper Street, the Tin Street) and the food is outstanding.

Day 8: Get lost in the Old Quarter. Hoan Kiem Lake. Eat bún chả for lunch (grilled pork and noodles, ~35,000 VND/$1.40). Bia Hoi corner in the evening — street beer for 5,000–10,000 VND (20–40 cents).

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex (free, but closed Monday and Friday), Temple of Literature (30,000 VND entry), afternoon cooking class or street food tour.

Budget: ~$25–35/day

Days 10–11: Hoi An, Vietnam

Travel: Overnight sleeper bus from Hanoi to Hoi An (~$15–18, about 12 hours). Or fly for $25–40.

Hoi An is the most photogenic town in Vietnam. Yellow walls, lanterns over the river, exceptional food. Slow down here — it’s the best reason to wish you had more time.

Day 10: Old Town (combine ticket for ancient houses ~120,000 VND), walk the An Bang beach (free, 4km from town by bicycle), evening lantern release if you’re there for a full moon.

Day 11: Have something made. Hoi An is famous for tailoring — a custom shirt can be made in 24 hours for $15–25. White Rose dumplings and Cao Lau noodles for lunch — both are Hoi An specialities you can’t get anywhere else.

Budget: ~$30–40/day

Days 12–14: Bali, Indonesia

Travel: Fly Danang (nearest airport to Hoi An) to Bali via AirAsia. Often $40–70.

Bali is the end of the road — warm, beautiful, and endlessly photogenic. It’s more expensive than mainland Southeast Asia but still very affordable.

Day 12: Ubud. Rice terraces at Tegallalang (entry donation ~50,000 IDR), Ubud Monkey Forest (80,000 IDR), Campuhan Ridge Walk (free).

Day 13: Temple day. Tanah Lot at sunset (60,000 IDR entry), Uluwatu for the sunset Kecak fire dance (150,000 IDR — absolutely worth it).

Day 14: Beach. Seminyak or Canggu for the final afternoon. Get a massage on the beach ($10–12 for an hour). Eat one last nasi goreng. Catch your flight home.

Budget: ~$45–60/day

Total Cost Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost
Internal flights + transport	$200–280
Accommodation (mix of dorms/privates)	$200–280
Food (eating mostly local)	$180–240
Activities + entrance fees	$100–150
Miscellaneous	$80–120
Total	$760–1,070

Add $150–200 for comfort (private rooms more often, nicer meals occasionally) and you’re looking at $900–1,200.

What I’d change

If I did this route again with 2 weeks, I’d cut Hanoi and go straight to Hoi An, then spend an extra day in both Luang Prabang and Bali. Hanoi is brilliant but the transit time there and back eats into a short trip.

And I would absolutely not take the overnight bus from Hanoi to Hoi An. Just fly.

Questions about any part of this route? Drop me a message — this is one I know well.

The Backpacker's Packing List: What I Actually Carry (After 3 Years on the Road)

Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

I packed a 70-litre hiking bag for my first trip. I came home with most of it unworn and a serious back problem.

Three years later, I carry a 36-litre pack and nothing else. No checked luggage. No storage fees. No waiting at baggage carousels. I walk off every plane and straight through the airport.

Here’s exactly what’s in it.

The bag

Osprey Farpoint 36 — the standard by which all travel bags are measured. Lockable zip, clamshell opening (like a suitcase), laptop sleeve, detachable daypack. About $160 USD new, regularly on sale.

The 36-litre size is the sweet spot: fits in almost every airline’s overhead bin, including budget carriers, but holds enough for months of travel.

Clothes (the whole list)

I travel in warm-to-temperate climates most of the time. Adjust for your destination.

Item	Qty	Notes
T-shirts (merino wool)	3	Merino doesn’t smell after a day. Worth the price.
Lightweight trousers	2	One smart-ish, one for hiking/walking
Shorts	1	Doubles as a swimsuit for me
Underwear (merino)	4	Wash 2, wear 2
Socks (merino)	4 pairs	Same logic
Lightweight hoodie	1	Planes, cold temples, chilly evenings
Rain jacket	1	Packable. Takes up almost no space. Essential.
Sandals	1 pair	Worn on travel days, used as hostel shoes
Walking shoes	1 pair	Whatever I’m wearing at the airport

Total: 14 items of clothing. You do not need more.

The merino wool is genuinely a game-changer. Yes, it costs more. Yes, it’s worth it.

Tech

Laptop (13" — fits in the bag’s sleeve)
Phone + charger
Universal travel adapter — the small cube-shaped ones, not the giant brick
USB-C power bank (20,000mAh) — survives a full day of heavy use
Earbuds — the best airport/bus investment
Kindle — lighter than one book, holds thousands
Camera — only if you’re serious about photography. My phone does the job most of the time.

Toiletries

The rule: solid over liquid, always.

Solid shampoo bar (no liquids rules headache gone)
Solid conditioner bar
Solid soap
Deodorant stick (not liquid)
SPF 50 stick (face)
Toothbrush + toothpaste
Small microfibre towel (hostels rarely have these)
Razor
Basic first aid: ibuprofen, antihistamine, rehydration sachets, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes

Anything I run out of, I buy locally. This is not a survival situation.

Documents + money

Passport — kept in a slim under-clothes money belt when in crowded areas
Travel card (Wise or Revolut) — low fees, real exchange rates. Essential.
Physical backup of important documents — one printed copy in the bag, one emailed to myself
Small padlock — for hostel lockers

What I cut (and don’t miss)

Hair dryer — every hostel has one
Full toiletry bag — buy a small bottle of shampoo locally
Multiple pairs of jeans — too heavy, too slow to dry
Guidebooks — my phone has everything
“Just in case” items — if I haven’t needed it in three trips, it doesn’t come

The one-bag philosophy

The goal isn’t minimalism for its own sake. It’s freedom. When your whole life fits in one bag:

You move faster
You pay less (no checked luggage fees)
You lose less (nothing goes in the hold to be stolen or lost)
You stress less (no logistics, no waiting)

The first trip you do with a massive bag will be your last.

What’s your non-negotiable packing item? Tell me — I’m always looking to refine the list.