WHEN WE WANDER

Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. Filled with tips, pictures, and stories that will whet your wanderlust appetite (we hope), join us as we explore this big, beautiful, delicious world one life-enriching stop (and dish) at a time.

Kura Izakaya: Where to Eat in Nara, Japan

JAPAN / Nara / WHEN WE WANDER Feb 14, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

An izakaya is a type of informal Japanese pub. They're typically small and casual spaces where Japanese salarymen would get a drink and unwind after work. Jovial and relaxed in atmosphere, you can think of them as the Japanese equivalent to American taverns or Irish pubs, maybe even Spanish tapas bars.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Kyoto, Japan (2019)

JAPAN / Kyoto / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 16, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Kyoto served as Japan's capital for over a thousand years. Many today still regard Kyoto as Japan's cultural and historical center, home to over a thousand temples and gardens that have earned it a reputation for being the country's most beautiful city.

Singapore Food Tour: Go Off the Eaten Track with A Chef’s Tour

SINGAPORE / WHEN WE WANDER Feb 7, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

This tiny island nation no bigger than New York City is one of our favorite destinations for food. From its myriad hawker centers and heritage stalls to its Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants, there is so much good food to be had in Singapore.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Osaka, Japan (2019)

JAPAN / Osaka / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 16, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Osaka is Japan's third largest city by population and the central metropolis of the Kansai region. It's a food lover's paradise which is why it remains one of our favorite cities to visit in Japan. If Tokyo is Japan's most exciting city and Kyoto its center for culture and the arts, then Osaka is arguably its most delicious.

Osaka Food Guide: 18 Must-Eat Restaurants in Osaka, Japan

FOOD GUIDES / JAPAN / Osaka / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 11, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Osaka is often referred to as the "Nation's Kitchen" for one obvious reason – the food. It's one of the best places to eat in Japan. If you're visiting Osaka and looking for the best places to eat, then this list of 18 restaurants is definitely for you.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Bangkok, Thailand (2019)

Bangkok / THAILAND / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 15, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and its biggest city by far. It's a top tourist destination which is consistently ranked among the world's most visited cities. In fact, so popular and beloved is Bangkok that it was voted the "World's Best City" by Travel + Leisure magazine readers for four consecutive years.

READ! Cebu Pacific’s New Baggage Policy

WHEN WE WANDER Jan 14, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Beginning January 15, 2019, Cebu Pacific will be implementing a new baggage policy which limits the number of bags you’re allowed to check in.

Bangkok Food Guide: 12 Must-Eat Restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok / FOOD GUIDES / THAILAND / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 23, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Ren and I have been to Bangkok many times over the years and the one thing that keeps us coming back is the food. With all the things to love about Bangkok, the food is definitely the biggest draw for us. Go anywhere in Bangkok and you’re guaranteed to find good food.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Seoul, South Korea (2019)

SOUTH KOREA / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 15, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Korean brands like Samsung and Hyundai are globally recognized brands. People worldwide watch K-dramas and listen to K-pop. Myeongdong has become a hotbed for cosmetics and nearly everyone I know loves Korean food! Needless to say, South Korea is booming, and at the center of all that excitement, is Seoul.

Yangon Food Tour: Get a Taste of Burmese Cuisine and Culture with A Chef’s Tour

MYANMAR / WHEN WE WANDER / Yangon Last Updated: Feb 3, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Like many of its neighboring countries, there's a clear Indian and Chinese influence to Burmese cuisine. There seem to be strong regional identities as well. Wikipedia's list of Burmese dishes points to several dishes that are Shan-, Kachin-, or Rakhine-influenced, all of which are administrative regions within Myanmar.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Sagada, Philippines (2019)

Mountain Province / PHILIPPINES / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 15, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

As much as Sagada has changed over the last two decades, one thing remains the same – it's still the blissful mountain enclave that made me want to escape to it so many years ago. I still do.

Kuala Lumpur Food Tour: Get a Taste of the Real Malaysia with A Chef’s Tour

Kuala Lumpur / MALAYSIA / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 9, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

I've been on many of these tours from A Chef's Tour and this Kuala Lumpur food tour is one of my favorites so far. Malaysian cuisine is too broad and nuanced to encapsulate into four hours, but Chef Faris does an excellent job of giving you the best possible taste.

Experience the Magic of the Holidays at Universal Studios Japan™

JAPAN / Osaka / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Feb 11, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

As I learned today, it doesn't matter how old you are or how many times you've been to Universal Studios Japan™. This place will always, ALWAYS be fun.

Visit Hong Kong, an Ideal Holiday Getaway

HONG KONG / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 27, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

If you’re Filipino, then the holidays are a wonderful time to visit Hong Kong with friends and family. As described, its proximity to the Philippines makes it an easy trip. It’s got everything Filipinos love – shopping and eating – plus we don’t need a tourist visa to go there.

Yala National Park Safari: The Best Place to See the Elusive Leopard in Sri Lanka

Hambantota / SRI LANKA / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Nov 19, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

I didn't know this at the time but Yala National Park is home to one of the highest if not the highest concentration of leopards in the wild. It's also home to mega fauna like elephants, wild buffalo, and sloth bears, as well as a slew of bird species and smaller mammals and reptiles.

Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka, “The Most Scenic Train Ride in the World”

Badulla / Kandy / SRI LANKA / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Nov 19, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

I'm not an authority on scenic train rides but one thing's for sure, this was absolutely the most beautiful train ride that I have ever been on. If you heed Lonely Planet's advice and visit Sri Lanka for the first time in 2019, then you absolutely need to go on this train ride.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka: Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts

Colombo / Galle / Hambantota / Kalutara / SRI LANKA / WHEN WE WANDER Nov 11, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

Before TBC Asia 2018, we were sent on a 5-day press trip that had us visit multiple destinations throughout Sri Lanka. We were put up at several Cinnamon hotels and resorts, each more luxurious and astounding as the one before it.

Drinking Ginja de Óbidos in Portugal

PORTUGAL / WHEN WE WANDER Nov 10, 2018 Caroline Harsch

Ginja is a very sour, almost bitter, type of cherry. It grows particularly well in the valley region of Sobral da Lagoa in the council of Óbidos. It began to be used for liquor production in Lisbon in the 19th century, but it wasn’t until 1987 that Dário Pimpão created the recipe that is still famous in Óbidos today.