Brazil Travel Itinerary and Expenses: 6 Days, 3 Cities, Countless Memories

If you're given a week to travel to another continent, where would you go? 

Ed and I were caught up in this situation last year. We wanted to go somewhere we have never been, preferably to a visa-free country for us Filipinos. Given the short amount of travel time, Brazil which is a long airplane ride away from our current home base - Dubai, UAE - was a crazy idea... but we felt it would be crazy fun to finally set foot in South America. 

So we went!

And now, I am happy to share three things:

1. Visiting 3 cities in less than 1 week is tiring. But it's possible!

2. We made countless memories; zero travel horror story!

3. Brazil is MARVELOUS! Go if you have the chance! 

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Sao Paulo, Brazil: A 1-Day Lazy Travel Itinerary

From OC to Lazy real quick? Ed and I laughed at ourselves while we munch on pizza in our hotel room on our first night in Sao Paulo - our first night in South America to be exact. We arrived at Guarulhos International Airport past 5 PM and reached our accommodation in Avenida Paulista three hours later. The young receptionist suggested that we go to a pub street after we check-in, but instead, we called for pizza delivery. 

Lazy Travelers or have we become such a Tito and Tita? Hahaha.

I don't know how it happened, but I have developed a love for spontaneous slow travels. I no longer spend hours jotting down a packed travel schedule in Excel. And Ed who has always loved going with the flow excitedly embraced the idea of heading to Brazil without an actual day to day itinerary for his birthday.

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Colmar Tropicale: Day Trip in a French-themed Resort in Malaysia

Two years ago, when I said I will go back to Malaysia, I truly meant it!

Ed and I traveled back to the Heart of Southeast Asia last May; this time together with my parents for my Mama's birthday trip. They haven't been to Malaysia before and I was longing to go back; hence it was an easy destination of choice.

While planning for the return trip, I asked my Instagram friends for tips on where to bring the family; preferably a special location where my Mama (who apparently has more Facebook followers than me) can take pretty photos and have a nice birthday celebration. Visiting Colmar Tropicale turned out to be the #1 recommendation!

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Fun, Free, and Cheap Things to do in Singapore

Singapore is one of my favorite cities in the world. Other than the fact that it has the bestest airport, coolest attractions, and super organized transportation system, Singapore was my very first out of the country destination, that is why it holds a place in my heart.

Whether a quick layover or a proper holiday, I wouldn't mind visiting Singapore over and over.  However, it can be costly!

It was named as the world's most expensive city to live in for several years, and probably one of the priciest holiday destinations. Hence, spending a few days in Singapore has always been a challenge for budget travelers like me.

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Chasing Cherry Blossoms in Taiwan

I came to Taiwan just to see the cherry blossoms!

Such a shallow reason, I know. But yes, that's the truth. :)

Ed and I have not traveled during springtime before, so when our vacation leaves were approved for March, I thought we should take it as an opportunity to visit a place where we can witness the true beauty of the season. And when you talk about spring, it is the cherry blossoms that first comes into my mind! 

Japan was, of course, the ultimate goal for cherry blossoms sighting but we had to keep it out of the picture because of the visa application. Taiwan, on the other hand, offers a visa-free entry for Filipinos until July 2019, and although not well-celebrated, the country also boasts a variety of sakura flowers during spring! A win-win situation right there!    

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Exploring Taiwan with OWNRIDES Customized Private Tour

If you've been following me on Instagram, you probably know that Ed and I just got back from the land of XLB and bubble tea - Taiwan! We explored some parts of the country with my parents who are still very much cool and groovy at their 60s. Although I know how "game" they are with my DIY itineraries, I always try my best to find more comfortable ways of traveling whenever we are with them.

So, for Taiwan, I opted to book a tour! Not the boring group tour kind, but a type that satiates my hunger for exploring a new place on my own; more like a do-it-yourself trip, but hassle-free and convenient! 

Here's how it went...

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20 Photos That Will Make You Feel Seychelles is a Paradise on Earth

Ed and I recently visited a paradise... aka the Seychelles!

It was a holiday trip that we spontaneously decided to take. Nevertheless, it turned out to be epic! Except for a few one-minute long rain showers and gloomy skies during sunset, everything that was instantly planned turned out well.

I don't know about you, but I bet nothing can go wrong in this dreamy tropical destination off the coast of East Africa. 

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A Repeat Stay at Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort

During the recent holiday, Ed and I ventured out to one of the most exotic places in the United Arab Emirates. We traveled to Sir Bani Yas - a natural island with a magnificent wildlife reserve situated miles away from the capital of the UAE.

Due to the distant location and the fact that we had to take two exhausting bus rides to reach Sir Bani Yas Island boat jetty terminal, we decided to rest for a while and spend a night somewhere close by. The good news is that our favorite hideaway - Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort - is the nearest accommodation we can find.

If you can remember, we have stayed at this wonderful 5-star property two years ago. Hence, I wouldn't deny that I was glad, or shall I say relieved, to see a familiar place less than 20 km away from the jetty when I looked into Google maps.

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Cairo: Itinerary, Expenses and Things To Know Before You Go

Late 2017, during a long weekend, Ed and I flew to North Africa to visit an ancient wonder! Egypt has been on our travel plans for so long... way before we created our 20 before 2020 list. So, yes, we were beyond thrilled to make that trip happen!

While sharing snippets of our #SweetEscapesinEgypt on Insta, I came to know that it is not only us who have this lifelong dream of seeing the pyramids. I have received lots of inquiries from fellow Dubai expats and travelers since our trip, so this travel guide is better late than never! :) 

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Cairo Travel Vlog #3: Do-It-Yourself Cairo Tour

On our third and last day in Cairo, Ed and I visited the places that were not included in our guided tours. We took Uber rides and explored the city on our own! Honestly speaking, we were both not comfortable with this idea before our trip as safety is always a priority whenever we travel. However, things changed when we finally saw what's beyond the headlines. I can't emphasize enough that we never felt unsafe while we were in Egypt.

Needless to say, we had a wonderful DIY tour in the city. We visited the Egyptian Museum, walked in Downtown Cairo, went to the Citadel, took lots selfies with the local kids, and watched the sunset in Nile Corniche!  

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Cairo Travel Vlog #2: Coptic and Islamic Cairo Tour

Here is the second part of our Cairo travel vlog trilogy.

Ed and I booked a Coptic and Islamic Cairo Tour for our second day in Cairo. We were planning to have a do-it-yourself trip, but since we've been hearing lots of negative news lately, we searched for a well-recommended tour online. 

Emo Tours is one of the trusted travel agencies we stumbled upon. We booked our first and second day tours with them, and they served as our security blanket while we orient ourselves with the city. Although we realized that Cairo is pretty safe and we can actually do the tours on our own, it is great to have a sightseeing guide who can share useful and interesting information about the city.     

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Cairo Travel Vlog #1: The Pyramids! Finally!

So, we finally made it happen!  

After several years of dreaming and planning, Ed and I decided that it's about time to fulfill our long time travel wish! We traveled to Cairo during the recent 3-day holiday. And yes, I was able to tick off #15 in my 20 before 2020 list.

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Bungy Jumping in Corinth Canal

This post was written by my husband, Ed. Are you a thrill-seeker like him? Read on to learn more about his extreme adventure in Greece! - Lady

As Lady mentioned in her previous blog post, our trip to Greece was mainly for rest and relaxation in the Greek islands. An extreme adventure was not in the plan. Not until I saw a challenge in Amazing Race wherein the participants must bungy jump in Corinth Canal! My adrenaline-seeking soul was stoked! It's been six years since I went bungy jumping in Macau. I long to do it again and I'm lucky to get my wife's full support on this. 

So, a couple of weeks before our trip, we contacted Zulu Bungy; the organizer of the bungy jump in Corinth. I wanted to know more about the jump, the schedule, and most of all, on how to get to the bungy jumping site by public transportation as Corinth is quite far from Athens. We received a prompt response from the staff and all my inquiries were answered in a short time.

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Our Top 10 Recommendations for Athens

Not long ago, Ed and I flew to Greece for a big fat Greek holiday! It was an 8-day vacation which commenced in the country's capital - one of the oldest cities in the world - Athens!

To be honest, I was not excited for the city stopover. My thoughts were pretty much focused on spending lazy days under the blue sky and having an endless view of the Aegean sea over the horizon. My, my! Am I getting old or what? 

But since it was our first time in Greece, and no one knows if we'll have another chance to visit, it would be a shame to miss Athens. Hence, we spent two full days in the city before heading out to the Greek islands.

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2 Days in Kuala Lumpur: Travel Itinerary and Expenses

Kuala Lumpur was not our primary destination during our trip last April. It was simply a layover city because I couldn't find affordable flights from Dubai to Hanoi or Siem Reap that time. I haven't been to KL before, and Ed's visit a decade ago was a work trip. So I said... why not make the most out of our two layovers? 

We had nearly 24 hours to explore the city on our first stopover, and 30 hours on our second. For a slow traveler (who loves to stop and smell the flowers), this quick trip is definitely not enough. But for somebody who has no time to spare, aka no vacation leave left (That's me!), you just have to do what you can do! 

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Where to get the Best View of Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

Booked a ticket to Kuala Lumpur? One way or another, you'd probably wonder where the best spots to view the city's famous twin skyscrapers. I mean, it's a travel cliche, but a visit to Malaysia's capital would be incomplete without seeing the majestic and world-famous Petronas Towers! 

When we had quick stop in KL during our Indochina trip, Ed and I wanted to view the towers both in a picture-postcard angle and in an unusual perspective. So, off we went searching for the perfect location.

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How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight on a Budget Airline

Last week, I flew to the Philippines (and back) via a budget airline for the 3rd time. Some of my friends couldn't help but ask why. Well, I say, why not? I don't really mind traveling on low-cost carriers, especially when I have to stretch our travel fund a little bit farther! But human as I am, I also have the tendency to compare.

Having experienced flying with some of the bests in the aviation industry, I know I'm missing a lot of things when I'm in a cheap flight. Yet I don't have the heart to loathe low-cost carriers because when I get to see the whole picture, what they offer is exactly what I paid for!

Instead of being disappointed, I learned how to make flying on a budget less excruciating. Here are some ways...

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Hanoi: Itinerary, Expenses and Things to Know Before You Go

Whether you love to travel on a budget, go into a culinary journey, or discover dynamic cities, I highly recommend visiting Hanoi! The bustling capital of Vietnam is guaranteed to impress you. 

Spending three to four days in Hanoi will allow you to visit the top attractions, go on a food hunt, and take a short trip to Halong Bay. But mind you, this quick visit will leave you wanting for more! It is actually one of the few cities I wouldn't mind getting lost at for a week or two!

Here are some travel tips, sample itinerary and budget guide to help you plan for your trip! 

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10 Places You Can't Miss in Hanoi

Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam -  easily became one of my favorite cities. It has a fascinating balance of old world charm and breathtaking natural scenery. I wouldn't deny, the frenzy in the streets can be overwhelming to the senses, but ironically, it is an organized chaos that adds up to the city's distinct character.

Ed and I only spent three days in Hanoi. Until now, we wish we could have stayed longer! And sometimes, we talk about going back there in the future. That's how much this dynamic city captured our hearts!

These are the 10 places we have visited in Hanoi during our short trip - places we wouldn't mind revisiting and places we definitely think you shouldn't miss!  

1. Hoan Kiem Lake

This natural lake is the focal point of Hanoi's historical district. Its name stands for "Lake of Returned Sword" based on a local legend that tells how Emperor Le Loi gave the mythical sword back to the Golden Turtle God after using it to fight off Chinese invaders.

Now, Hoan Kiem Lake provides serenity in the midst of all the madness. The green lake is surrounded by trees, flowers and benches. Locals and tourists alike go there to relax and to see the sights. The Turtle Pagoda was built in the middle of the lake as a reminder of the legend. Adjacent to it is The Huc; a red bridge which connects the shore to Ngoc Son Temple.    

• The Turtle Pagoda in  Hoan Kiem Lake

• Location: Hoan Kiem District, in between Old Quarter and French Quarter
• Entrance Fee: Free, unless you visit Ngoc Son Temple for 20,000 VND/adult
• How to get there: If you're staying at the Old Quarter or French Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake is just a few minutes stroll away. Read: Where to stay in Hanoi?

2. St. Joseph Cathedral

Soaring in Nha Tao street is St. Joseph Cathedral; a Neo-Gothic church built in the late 19th century by the French colonists. With the majestic facade and twin bell towers, it is a strong reminiscent of Notre-Dame de Paris.

• Location: Hoan Kiem District, Nha Tao Street
• Entrance Fee: Free, but entrance is only permitted during mass
• How to get there: By foot, it is about 15 minutes walk, from Hoan Kiem Lake.

3. The Streets of Old Quarter

Old Quarter is an attraction on its own. It is bustling, captivating and very interesting. It is actually a narrow maze I wouldn't mind getting lost at. I was welcomed with surprises in every turn; a cute little cafe, a shop selling trinkets, a hole in a wall restaurant! The congested streets are lined with old colonial tube houses; some are budget hostels, most are residences. 

There are more than 70 streets in the Old Quarter. We noted the important ones based on our do-it-yourself walking tour itinerary:

• Dong Xuan street  - where Dong Xuan night market is located
• Ly Quoc Su - where we had the best pho in town
• Nguyen Huu Huan - where we found the hidden Giang Cafe

4. Thang Long Water Puppet Theater

Water puppetry, a tradition which has existed for more than 1000 years, is best witnessed in Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. It is the only theater in Asia that performs water puppetry 365 days a year. The nightly performance showcases Vietnamese artistry, with segments highlighting the daily life of Vietnamese people and their historical legends.

The 1-hour show is unique and fun to watch. Ed and I giggled like little kids along with the rest of the audience. Somewhere in between the laughter, we wondered how it all works. The puppeteers took the center stage at the end of the show, but how they controlled the puppets still remains a mystery to us!

• Location: Hoan Kiem District, Dinh Tien Hoang street, near Hoan Kiem Lake
• Ticket Price: 100,000 VND/adult

5. Tran Quoc Pagoda

Located in a small island in the West Lake is Hanoi's oldest Buddist Temple - Tran Quoc Pagoda. This place of worship is famous to tourists because of its intricate ancient design which harmoniously blends with the tranquil backdrop. Visitors can go inside the courtyard, but it is best viewed along the main road as you can see the reflection of its precious stupa on the lake.

• At the courtyard of Tran Quoc Pagoda 
• Dress: Forever 21

• Location: West Lake
• Entrance Fee: Free
• How to get there: From Old Quarter, you can take a tuktuk, taxi or Uber. We took the latter because we felt it is safer and more convenient. (Uber Fare: 30,000 VND)

6. West Lake

Despite the hustle and bustle, Hanoi can also be a romantic destination. Ed and I ventured out to the West Lake in Tay Ho district one afternoon for a quiet downtime. The largest freshwater lake in the city provides a calm and refined breathing space as it is enclosed in an upscale suburb. We strolled along the lake shore and watched the sun dip below the horizon in Pan Pacific's Summit Lounge. 

• At the Summit Lounge of Pan Pacific Hotel

Location: Tay Ho dictrict

Drinks and Snack Platter at Summit Lounge: 700,000+ VND

Uber fare to/from Old Quarter: 30,000 VND 

7. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Situated in the center of Ba Dinh Square is a granite edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It stands as a memorial to the Vietnamese revolutionary leader and the country's independence. The embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh is persevered in the central hall of the building. Locals and tourists can visit the mausoleum for free, but strict regulations are implemented. 

• Location: Ba Dinh district
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Opening Hours: 8 AM to 11 AM, except Monday and Friday 
• Visiting tips: Dress modestly; no tank tops and short skirts allowed. Taking photos is prohibited inside the mausoleum.
• Uber fare from French Quarter: 40,000 VND

8. One Pillar Pagoda

One of the two iconic temples of Vietnam is the One Pillar Pagoda. The wooden Buddhist temple was built on top of a single stone pillar in the center of a lotus pond. It represents a lotus blossom; a Buddhist symbol of purity.

• Location: Ba Dinh district, behind Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Opening Hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Uber fare from French Quarter: 40,000 VND 

9. The Streets of French Quarter

Compared to the busy narrow streets of Old Quarter, the wide avenues of French Quarter is easier to navigate and more ideal for romantic strolls. The streets are lined with high-end shops and fancy hotels. The historic Trang Tien street is worth a visit; be it for luxury shopping, fine dining, or simply for a cheap treat of Kem Trang Tien ice cream!

• Location: French Quarter, southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake
• Kem Trang Tien ice cream price: 8,000 VND 

10. Hanoi Opera House

Hanoi Opera House is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Hanoi's French Quarter. It was built by the French colonists, resembling Opera Garnier de Paris, in 1901. The construction was completed in 1911. It is a grand remnant of the past which serves as a venue of world-class performances and art shows. 

• Location: French Quarter, southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake
• Entrance Fee: You need to book a seat for a performance to see the interior of the Opera.

Have you been to Hanoi? Did I miss your favorite attraction? 

Drop me a line in the comment section below.

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Highlights of Halong Bay: What to Expect on an Overnight Cruise

I'm into mystical and magical destinations! You know, those places that seem to come straight off the pages of fiction novels and fairytale books. So, when I saw photos of Halong Bay in Vietnam more than a decade ago, I had to jot it down in my seemingly unrealistic travel bucket list. 

I thought seeing the mystic of Halong Bay before my very eyes will be nothing but a dream. But when our plan to spend 9 days in Indochina was slowly taking shape, I got clear signs that I could possibly make that dream happen!

A lot of Halong Bay cruises offer 1-day, 2-day and 3-day trips with pick up in Hanoi - our pit stop in Vietnam. Hence, I thought, why not squeeze an overnight cruise while we are there!

And so it happen!

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