TRAVEL GUIDES

I’m not an expert, but I’ve learned a few things from our trips that I wish I had known beforehand. Here are a few travel guides that I hope can benefit first-time travelers to these destinations.

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

Bangkok / THAILAND / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Jan 16, 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.

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

SOUTH KOREA / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Jan 12, 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.

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

Mountain Province / PHILIPPINES / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Jan 3, 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.

Two Weeks in Taiwan: A 14-Day Itinerary Exploring the Best of Taiwan

Hualien / Kaohsiung / Nantou County / New Taipei City / Taichung / Tainan / Taipei / TAIWAN / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Jul 11, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

Taiwan is a small country with an efficient rail system so you can easily explore the entire country on your own. If you have two weeks to spare and want to experience the best of Taiwan, then I hope this 14-day itinerary can help you plan your trip.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Ephesus in Selçuk-Izmir, Turkey

Izmir / TRAVEL GUIDES / TURKEY / WHEN WE WANDER Jul 8, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

Drawing in over two million visitors annually, it's no surprise that much of the activity in Selçuk revolves around Ephesus. But as much attention as the ruins get, we were pleased to find that there is much to love in the town of Selçuk itself.

The Day-Tripper’s Travel Guide to Macau (from Hong Kong)

MACAU / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 16, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Because of its multitude of mega hotels and casinos, Macau has been called the "Las Vegas of Asia". It's the gambling capital of the world, generating more gambling revenue than anywhere else on the planet.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Penang, Malaysia

MALAYSIA / Penang / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 16, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

We had often heard Penang described as the street food capital of Malaysia so it was only a matter of time before we travel-ate our way here. The food is reason enough to go, but if you appreciate interesting architecture and urban art, then you're going to LOVE Penang.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Pamukkale, Turkey

Denizli / TRAVEL GUIDES / TURKEY / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 6, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Pamukkale is an area in Denizli province in Southwestern Turkey. It's famous for its white terraces made of travertine, a sedimentary rock deposited by water from the seventeen naturally occurring hot springs in the area.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to La Union, Philippines

La Union / PHILIPPINES / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Jun 26, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

San Juan in La Union has been making waves lately as a hip surfing destination in Northern Luzon. Its proximity to Manila makes it a popular weekend getaway, especially for people looking to do a little more than lay around on a beach.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Singapore

SINGAPORE / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 16, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Singapore is a tiny island nation in Southeast Asia that's become one of the world's most prosperous countries. Walk around for a day and you'll see all the signs of an ultramodern society with its impressive skyline, contemporary architecture, high-end shopping malls, and highly efficient subway system.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Hong Kong

HONG KONG / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jul 6, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

For people my age or older, Hong Kong had always been a colony of the British Empire until it was handed back to China in 1997. It's been a major tourist destination for as long as I can remember and one of the most important hubs for business and trade in Asia.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Cappadocia, Turkey

Nevsehir / TRAVEL GUIDES / TURKEY / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 12, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Cappadocia is an area in Central Anatolia in Turkey. It's best known for its unique moon-like landscape and strange rock formations called fairy chimneys. For centuries, people have utilized the region’s soft volcanic rock to carve houses, cave churches, and monasteries, even underground cities going hundreds of feet deep.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul / TRAVEL GUIDES / TURKEY / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jul 8, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

Istanbul is a city steeped in history and culture so there is much to see and do there. From its Byzantine churches adorned with mosaics and frescoes to its magnificent mosques decorated by sky-high minarets, Istanbul is a city that will mesmerize you at every turn.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Taichung, Taiwan

Taichung / TAIWAN / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 19, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

According to an article from CNN, Taichung was found by locals to be Taiwan's most livable city. Many Taiwanese prefer it to Taipei for its milder weather and laid back vibe. It's regarded as an arts and cultural hub of Taiwan with its many interesting museums, art installations, and design boutiques.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Taipei, Taiwan

Taipei / TAIWAN / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 19, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

There are many things to love about Taipei like its night markets and many museums. But beyond its attractions, what makes Taipei so alluring for me, is the city itself. With conveniences like a cheap but incredibly efficient metro system, and its plethora of well-maintained public parks, it's a city that clearly puts its people first.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Kaohsiung, Taiwan

Kaohsiung / TAIWAN / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 19, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

One of the things I loved most about Kaohsiung is its vibe. It may be a big cosmopolitan city but it's more laid back than its counterparts in the north. Kaohsiung is also known for being one of the country's most bicycle-friendly cities, boasting numerous designated bike paths running through the city's many parks.

Plan Your Trip with the Will Fly for Food Travel Planner!

TRAVEL GEAR / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: May 15, 2018 JB & Renée Macatulad

With the Will Fly for Food Travel Planner, you can easily create your own vacation itinerary to any destination in the world. You can make day-by-day itineraries neatly laid out on an interactive map as well as book hotels and tours directly from the planner.

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Tainan, Taiwan

Tainan / TAIWAN / TRAVEL GUIDES / WHEN WE WANDER Last Updated: Jan 19, 2019 JB & Renée Macatulad

Truth be told, Tainan isn't as much fun as Taipei. It isn't as naturally beautiful as Hualien or as laid-back as Kaohsiung, but it has a character all its own that makes it interesting and unique. I like to think of it as the eldest sibling in the family, the one with all the stories to tell and the one you could learn the most from.