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  • World Destinations
    • Asia
      • Indonesia
      • Cambodia
      • Taiwan
      • Philippines
    • Europe
      • Greece
    • Middle East
      • United Arab Emirates
        • Dubai
  • Ocean View Travel Destination
  • Rooftop and Terrace
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Self-growth, Solo Travel

The Life-Changing Power of Solo Travel: 20+ Lessons I’ve Learned From Solo Travelling and How It Transformed My Life

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  • Solo travel benefits solo travel lessons
    Self-growth,  Solo Travel

    The Life-Changing Power of Solo Travel: 20+ Lessons I’ve Learned From Solo Travelling and How It Transformed My Life

    If you are hesitating about trying solo travel or wanting to understand why solo travel can be a life-changing experience, or you find yourself at a stage in life where you are uncertain about what’s next and want to seek…

  • Taipei massage recommendation Relax 33
    Taiwan,  Wellness

    Aesthetic & best Taipei Massage Recommendation: Relax 33 Massage SPA and Lounge Review (near Metro Zhongshan Station)

    As someone who is pretty picky about massages and has high standards for massage technique, service, and overall atmosphere, finding a great massage place in Taipei that I can fully trust and enjoy is a challenge for me. After trying…

  • Grampians Boroka Lookout rainbow
    Australia

    7 Must Visit Grampians Attractions with Ratings for Views, Trail Uniqueness & Difficulty

    Planning a trip to Grampians National Park in Australia? This guide covers 7 must-visit Grampians attractions, including Pinnacle Lookout, Reed Lookout, The Balconies (Jaws of Death), Mackenzie Falls, and Boroka Lookout. For each attraction, you will find ratings for the…

  • Pinnacle Lookout Grampians
    Australia

    Grampians Pinnacle Lookout walk guide: how difficult is it? trail photos & ratings from 5 people with different fitness levels

    Hiking to Pinnacle Lookout is one of the Grampians’ most popular trails, yet it’s also known for being challenging. So how difficult is the Pinnacle walk trail? In this guide, you will see real photos of the route, hiking duration,…

  • Mackenzie Falls photos
    Australia

    Mackenzie Falls walk in Grampians guide: trail difficulty, return trip distance and time, photos along the way.

    According to Visit Grampians, Mackenzie Falls is one of Victoria’s largest waterfalls and a popular attraction in Grampians National Park. This guide covers whether it’s worth visiting, trail difficulty, hiking distance and duration, plus photos along the way. Difficulty rating…

  • Grampians The Balconies (The Jaws of Death) photo
    Australia

    The Balconies and Reed Lookout Grampians Guide: difficulty, views, distance and duration of walk

    Planning a trip to the Grampians National Park? This guide covers The Balconies and Reed Lookout, including trail difficulty, hiking distance and duration, and the stunning views at both lookouts. Use it to plan your visit and decide if these…

  • Grampians Boroka Lookout rainbow photo
    Australia

    Boroka Lookout Grampians Guide: No Hiking Required, Actual Views & Is It Worth Visiting?

    Planning to visit Boroka Lookout in the Grampians? This guide covers actual views, photos, difficulty rating, whether it’s worth visiting, and tours that include Boroka Lookout. Difficulty rating for Boroka Lookout, Grampians Boroka Lookout is the easiest lookout to access…

  • 3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Itinerary and Honest Private Tour Review (From Melbourne)
    Australia

    3-Day Great Ocean Road and Grampians Itinerary + Honest Private Tour Review (From Melbourne)

    Traveling to Melbourne, Australia, and want to explore stunning coastal views, mountains, rainforest and wildlife without self-driving? This guide shows you how to enjoy 16 attractions on a relaxed 3-day Great Ocean Road and Grampians itinerary, plus my detailed, honest…

  • Sapa rice terrace trekking photo
    Vietnam

    Vietnam Sapa travel tips: tourist traps to avoid, how to get to Sapa from hanoi & itinerary suggestion

    Planning a trip to Northern Vietnam? If you love nature, mountain views, stunning rice terraces, and want to understand more of Vietnam’s ethnic culture, Sapa is a great destination. The best part? Traveling from Hanoi to Sapa is easier than…

  • Nguyen Van Binh Book Street in Ho Chi Minh City
    Vietnam

    11 aesthetic and cultural things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

    In this article, I will share some of the highlights I think are worth checking out, whether you are interested in Vietnamese history and culture, artistic vibes, or photogenic places, you will find Ho Chi Minh City attractions that suit…

  • Hanoi attraction
    Vietnam

    Hanoi travel guide for first-time visitors: must-try food, attractions, itinerary & currency tips

    Planning a trip to Hanoi and wondering how many days is enough, what are things to do in Hanoi, and what to know before you go? This Hanoi travel guide will share aesthetic, historical, cultural places to go in Hanoi,…

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About Author

solo travel girl

Hello! I’m Samantha, a Taiwanese shorty who unexpectedly took the first solo trip after finishing my summer job in the USA in 2012, and it greatly transformed my life and mindset. Since then, I have explored 21 countries, attained a Master’s degree in the UK, lived in Palau, Shanghai, and Dubai.

I believe that everything starts with an idea and one step. Therefore, I created this blog to share my journey and tips in exploring the world and self-growth. My hope is to connect with like-minded souls & aspiring solo travelers and provide a little help, inspirations for your next adventures.

As I’m crazy about ocean views, rooftop/outdoor bars/cafes, aesthetic vibes, and hidden gems recommended by locals. You’ll easily find information on all of these in my blog.

Let’s explore, grow and heal together! xx

Contact & Work With Me: [email protected]

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“The EARTH without ART is just EH” 😬😂 S “The EARTH without ART is just EH” 😬😂

So, here are 2 places in Dubai for people who enjoy artistic vibes👉Courtyard & Alserkal Avenue.

Courtyard is small but it’s like a little garden, really cute and has cafe, stores, restaurants & galleries. The best part is, it is so close to Alserkal Avenue where you can find more art galleries, unique vendors, cafes, vintage car store & cinema. 

Loved walking around both places, and getting surprise by what I could encounter. 

📍 @courtyarduae & @alserkalavenue 🧚🏻‍♀️ 

#streetphotography #arts #dubaitourism #courtyard #travelphotography #travelblogger #streetart #aesthetic #dubaitravel #passionpassport #spicollective #dreaminstreets #sheexplores
“Follow your dreams” 追夢去吧 With messag “Follow your dreams” 追夢去吧

With messages that inspire dreamers, Sweet Dreams Koh Rong is a picturesque and stunning beachfront resort featuring:

🌊A seafront infinity pool.
🌊Bungalows with panoramic beach views and a minimalist yet aesthetically pleasing interior design.

It offers:

💫 The perfect spot to see the sunrise.
💫A convenient location for exploring the entire Koh Rong Island.
💫Free use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUP).
💫Tasty, authentic local meals.
💫Reasonable prices.
💫Delightful bright views to wake up to.
💫A cozy, peaceful, and safe environment for a restful night’s sleep.

Some additions I would appreciate more are:

📝A separation between the toilet and shower.
📝Light breakfast options like smoothie bowls, considering the hot weather on the island.

But, overall, we had a very pleasant experience and enjoyed quality rest at Sweet Dreams Koh Rong resort.

💙As a sea view lover who appreciates a bright and comfortable environment, I would not hesitate to recommend it if you plan to visit Koh Rong Island, Cambodia. 

📍 柬埔寨高龍島 Sweet Dreams Koh Rong Resort, Koh Rong Island, Cambodia 🇰🇭 
🫶@sweetdreams_kohrong
A gentle reminder: The storm is temporary. Keep go A gentle reminder:
The storm is temporary.
Keep going, 
don’t give up
Your rainbow 🌈 
will 
appear

溫馨提醒你:
暴風雨終會過去
繼續前行
不要放棄
屬於你的彩虹 🌈
自會
出現

📸 📍 Boroka Lookout, Grampians National Park, Australia 🇦🇺 
澳洲格蘭坪國家公園 Boroka觀景台

#grampians #grampiansnationalpark #visitgrampians #visitmelbourne #australiatravel
“Habibi come to Dubai” ever since I heard this “Habibi come to Dubai” ever since I heard this in Dubai, it stuck in my head forever 🤣

If you are planning to visit Dubai, don’t miss this Dubai desert safari activity🏜  it’s one of the most iconic and interesting things to do in Dubai! 

My favourite is for sure Sandboarding part! 
With the tour I choose I even got to do it multiple times (until I got tired climbing up from sand dunes 😅). 

Check my blog post to see how to choose a perfect tour for your holiday & which is my recommended tour for Dubai red dunes desert safari tour! 

▶️My Blog: https://ashortyexplores.com/the-best-dubai-red-dunes-desert-safari-tour/ 

🏜Download the tour booking app GetYourGuide https://gyg.me/samanthavoila 

‼️And receive 10% discount by using my code: samanthavoila10

#dubai #dubaidesertsafari #desert #UAE #travelindubai 

Have you been to Dubai?
Taiwan, my home country 🇹🇼 😁 We can call Taiwan, my home country 🇹🇼 😁

We can call wherever we live in the world home.
But there is no home like the country that shows on our passport cover.

The home where👇…

🏠 we have our family, old friends who know all the stupid things we’ve done as a kid, and have the ugliest photos/videos of us saved somewhere 🫣. 

🏠 we know how to go to so many places without checking on map. 

🏠 we have certain food we call the taste of home, and we must eat them everytime we go back, just to feel “oh I am home”! (for me, it is stinky tofu🤭). 

🏠 we save all our childhood memories and travel souvenirs (even some of them are just sand, shelves & empty liquor bottles).

No matter how much I love traveling and living elsewhere to explore different cultures, views & lifestyles.

No matter how much I wish Taiwan could have been a stronger country and I criticise it sometimes. 

Taiwan is the home country and I do love it 🫰

💫 It is small, but for travellers, it has lots to offer.  

Here, you can easily find natural hot springs, ocean views, hiking trails, volcanoes, waterfalls, rice/tea terraces, rivers, temples, various choices of fruits, amazing food, and more. 

‼️As Taiwan’s border is finally open again for the world. If you are traveling to Asia one day, don’t miss it!

And definitely send me a message ☺️

#taiwantravel #bpintaiwan #naturelovers #台灣景點 #naturephotography #taiwan #tourtaiwan #asiatravel #travelblogger #travelgram #viewtaiwan #outdooradventures #dametraveler #taotaiwan #passionpassport #travelphotography #amazingtaiwan #discoverearth #discover_taiwan #iseetaiwan #backpackerintaiwan
Martin Garrix’s music has magic power to cheer u Martin Garrix’s music has magic power to cheer us up and make us incredibly happy! 🤩

Let me just save my Martin Garrix Dubai night here. 

The night that everyone went wild. 

The night that made my cheeks, jaw, neck sore because of smiling, laughing & moving too much😹

The night I understood that music has healing power. It even made me completely forgot how tired I was and washed away all my stress. 

@martingarrix fans anyone? Feel free to listen to it x100 times! 

I still feel it and have goosebump when listening and watching these raw videos.

🎵 1 & 6: High On Life
🎵 2: Poison
🎵 4: I won’t let you go
🎵 5: Lewis Capaldi - Someone you loved (Martin Garrix Remix)

📍: Coca Cola Arena, Dubai, UAE 🇦🇪
🗓: 17, Dec, 2021

#martingarrix #top100djs #dubai #cocacolaarena #artist #artheals #musicthatinspires #musiclover #musicforhope #musicforlife #art  #liveconcert #happymoment #travelmemories #travelgram
These places are still VERY WARM!!!😁🔥☀️ These places are still VERY WARM!!!😁🔥☀️ 

For many of us, summer is officially over, which means going to beaches and having a swim may not be the best things to do anymore.

BUT did you know in Dubai, UAE people are actually waiting for autumn & winter to come to be able to enjoy the outdoor activities and beach life? 

It’s not like their summer is cold or something, in fact, it’s way too hot 👉40+ degrees is considered as pretty normal, plus the humidity🫠 makes it really hard to stand outside without AC.

‼️The good thing is people may still get 35+ °C  in autumn 🍂 and 25+ °C in the winter ❄️ there!

So, if you choose to go to the UAE for your winter getaway trip, and want to enjoy beach time, here are a few beach bars/restaurants I liked and would recommend going. 

1️⃣Best beach vibe in the city with Asian food options!!! 👉 @kokobayuae 
2️⃣Most comfortable sunbed: @february30dubai 
3️⃣The most peaceful with clearest water and can snorkel: @turtle_beach_bar 
4️⃣Prettiest and has various food option: @uladxb 
5️⃣Great for seafood: @surfclubdubai
6️⃣Best atmosphere and for wave watching: @kitebeachcenter.uaq (no alcohol)
7️⃣Similar to Kite Beach Centre UAQ but with alcohol: @lumibeachuaq 
.
.

#beach #beachvibes #beachlover #beachbar#beachview #beachvacation #oceanview #oceanlover #oceanvibes #sea #summervibes #summer #bbctravel #whatsondubai #visitdubai #darlingescape #paradisefound #worldofwanderlust #prettylittletrips #igerstaiwan_wanderlust #middleeasttravel #travelreels #worldtourismday
🎶 What if I run away to Mars … by taking the 🎶 What if I run away to Mars … by taking the scariest roller coaster🎢 in the world (for me😅).

As this is almost the last post about Dubai/UAE. I’d say, this attraction is the HIGHLIGHT of all places I ticked ✅ in the country.

And since winter ❄️ is the best time to do it, I highly recommend this if you ever going to this country for your winter vacation 🔥 

❓Would you try this?

P.S. I made a reels with more informations about it a while ago, but…I accidentally removed it from the grid 😑 if you need, you can still find it on my Reels section 🥹. 

📍 Jais Sledder, Jebel Jais, Ras Al khaimah, UAE 🇦🇪 

.
#jaissledder #rollercoaster #uae #rasalkhaimahuae #rasalkhaimah #dubaiinstagram #worldplaces #travelgram #visitrasalkhaimah #travelreels #nature  #adventure #worldcaptures #cntraveler #travelinspiration #mountain #uaelife #dubaitravel #travelbloggers #femmetravel #wintervacation #wintertravel
October — my month of life and love, always hold October — my month of life and love, always holding a special place in my heart 💙

This year, we even managed a family trip to Australia 🇦🇺 
and I finally made my way back to Shanghai, five years after leaving without a proper goodbye.

Appreciated all the warm wishes & gifts I received,
all the precious moments shared with loved ones,
all the reunions with familiar faces I hadn’t seen in years,
all the long-awaited hugs and catch-ups -
my heart feels full, and I’m grateful beyond words 🥰🩵💙💚
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