#local tips

Local Travel Secrets: Food Spots, Hidden Corners and Smart Tips

The best parts of a trip often live beyond the obvious route. Look for food spots, quiet streets, neighborhood finds, transport shortcuts, and timing tips before you go.

If you're in Seoul and curious about local nightlife systems that don’t appear on the usual guides, this might interest you.

In Gangnam, there are lounges that work on something called a “0.5-unit” reservation system – very local, very underground.

I found this great summary that explains how it works: 👉 Check the breakdown here

It’s not a club, not a karaoke bar – something in-between. Mostly shared via word of mouth, so this helps a lot if you're new to it.

🔗 More Information & Related Sources:

Korean Tistory Blog Post

Google Site Overview

Medium Article (English)

Blogger 포스트

As someone who was brought into the world here, I’ll always be completely biased to this beautiful space! Where else can you go for a half hour drive to the Mountain and then decide - hmmm, well actually I think I’d rather be at the beach! Although you might not find snow the same day you’d be able to find a lux summer beach trip. You can certainly find a whole lot to do in this little city!

In the mention of mountains, the giant that towers this land is Mt Taranaki, also known as Egmont. Taranaki is dormant stratosvolcano, which could be word enough to keep you wary as they can be known to blow with very little warning - and with dramatic edge, similar to Mt St Helens. Growing up near Taranaki I remember whispers of eruption scares, and warnings even through the newspapers, but more than this I remember family day trips, school visits, and energizing hikes through the local bush to new places never seen! Although dangerous and potentially temperamental, Taranaki to it’s locals feels more like a warm mother watching over her children - keeping these towns together as one, beneath her. I’d recommend checking out the Pouakai Crossing, Wilkies Pools, and Dawson Falls.

Lying within the suburban walls near the city center, we have one of New Plymouth’s main attraction, and the NZ Monopoly Board’s finest estate, Pukekura Park.

What was originally as a recreational area in 1876 - has now flourished into 52 hectares of blooming life, including the main park, a FREE Zoo, a lake to row boats on, fountains to gaze upon, a cafe, even a full event venue - The Bowl of Brooklands, with the capacity to hold up to 15000 for events such as WOMAD & even artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Elton John. As well as this, New Plymouth hosts an annual Christmas in the park which brings the opening of the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS.

The festival is an installation of lights with different designs and themes. Sometimes they light the fountain so that the water changes colour. Sometimes they hung a “sleeping giant”, who you could hear snoring and farting while the fairies laughed. My favourite will always be the neon UV  lights that made you glow! There was always a wave of disappointment when you realized that you had forgotten to put on something white, as to do so would see yourself becoming apart of the exhibit. This event is usually held from mid December to Early February.

As a child I was totally in awe! You can’t wait to spend time with your family and friends among the twinkly lights and fun activities they plan for you! Of course over time they have changed and we have said goodbye to beloved characters and displays, but I still remember them! The trips to this park are implanted in my childhood, and even though as I got older I definitely took this place for granted, my love rekindled and continues to do so every time I revisit.

Another part of this park I would always recommend visiting is definitely the FREE Brooklands Zoo I mentioned earlier. I remember countless visits here including family picnics, school trips, this is where my dad used to claim he “found me”, at the monkey enclosure at the zoo! Near the zoo, you can also find some beautiful gardens and historic pieces to this park.

Just a 5 minute drive from the park, you’ll find yourself at the New Plymouth Windwand - An art piece created by NZ Artist Len Lye. Installed in 1999 as a celebration of the forthcoming millennium, this has since been an Icon for New Plymouth. The windwand has caught it’self on the stretch of land known as “The Foreshore” by locals. This piece of lands spans 12.7km, from the New Plymouth Port, and Ngamotu Beach, all the way through to the town of Bellblock on the outskirts of New Plymouth City.

Along this walkway you can find the local swimming center, the city center of town, which hosts popular places such as Centre City the mall, Puke Ariki a free museum and connected library, and the Govett Brewester Art Gallery with it’s recent renovation pictured left, really makes it a focus point of art within the city itself.

Moving on from the city back onto the path, you’ll find yourself at East End Beach,  featuring a great place to park your car and finish your takeaway lunch, or picnic as you watch the sea, located next to a playground, a skate park, and even a rollerskating rink, open to the public every friday night 7-9pm and only cost $5-$7 to hire your skates, and make most of your 2 hours! Just a little further out from this beach you can find Fitzroy Beach - a great place for surfing!!

Towards the end of this path is the ever popular Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, the connecting point from New Plymouth into the Bell Block region. A perfect spot for taking photos, to head here by car head through Lake Rotomanu!

If it’s beaches you’re after, New Plymouth is FILLED with them. Some of the notable spots include Ngamotu Beach, which is a lovely family beach connected to the port, therefore accessible from the foreshore mentioned earlier. This was a great place to spend a summers day with ocean waves not too intense like the surfing beaches north of the city, there’s a playground for children, and even the occasional visit from the local ice cream truck. Ngamotu is quite a small beach, with the exclusion of the connected port, so if open wide spaces is what you’re looking for, Back Beach is the place for you. Back Beach is on the outskirts of the city and is considered a much more secluded beach. This spot is another great place for surfing, long romantic walks, and can be used for swimming but with caution as there are no lifeguards, or surfing clubs on this beach, and caution for the sharks that can sometimes be found in the deep waters, and around the islands.  Another great thing to do while you’re in the area is climb the mighty Paritutu Rock, this can be quite a daunting climb for those who are afraid of heights, as a portion of it is climbing on rock, with your only support being a secure chain leading to the top of the Mount. It’s a great view for those who can stomach it, and with only 15-20 minutes from the ground till the top, it’s a rewarding adventure rather than an exhausting one!

A few other cool things to do in the region include berry picking, go bowling, or play glow in the dark mini golf, indulge in some historic sights, where the Maori land wars took place, see the clock tower across from the art gallery, get close and personal with the islands on Chaddy’s Charters, attend the paid zoo to see some Lions at Puakai Zoo, or even grab a bite at our favourite all you can eat restaurants Sunworld for the lighter pocket, or Marbles if you’re feeling a little more luxurious. There are some absolute gems in this city, and like I said earlier I may indeed be very biased but I think New Plymouth should definitely be on your list of things to do to find out yourself.

But there are still a few things you should know before you arrive in the Rose City – things others are unlikely to mention when trying to entice you to visit.  To ensure you have the best time possible, here are five things you should not do.

Don’t try to pump your own gasoline

Or better yet, skip the car altogether!  Depending on where you’re staying in the Portland area, a car may not be necessary.  With a well-established light rail system, bike-friendly roads, and thorough Lyft/Uber networks, a car could be overkill.

However, if you hold aspirations of wandering the surrounding areas during  your visit – a day trip to the coast or up to the mountain – a rental car might be a good idea.  Just know that all throughout Oregon (with a few exceptions), it is not permitted to pump your own gas.  Gas stations hire workers to provide this for you, so stay in your car, and wait for them to come to you.

Don’t bother with Voodoo Donuts

Ok.  If you’re looking for a kitschy tourist trap, this one’s for you.  You’re welcome to stand in the massive line for an hour and get the infamous voodoo doll donut.  But you would be hard-pressed to find many locals in that line.  They’re not bad donuts, and they’re certainly weird in an Instagram-worthy way, but they’re not great.  They’re mediocre in flavor and nowhere near worth the long wait.

Telling a local you want to visit Voodoo will elicit a derisive eye roll.  And if they’re halfway decent people, they will try to steer you to something better.  If you actually want to enjoy the donut you’re eating, take our advice and give Blue Star some love, instead.  They serve gourmet donuts that are so rich and massive that you’ll want to share a single donut with a friend.  They don’t draw the same tourist crowd, so you can actually eat something before you collapse from hunger while waiting, but they do close up shop as soon as they sell out (usually mid-afternoon).

Go ahead and visit the flagship Voodoo Donuts shop downtown and take your picture of the neon sign if you have to, but give their donuts a pass.  If you absolutely must have that voodoo doll, hit them up first thing on a weekday morning (the downtown store is open 24/7), and you’ll avoid most of the crowds.

Don’t fear the homeless population

I’m going to level with you.  Portland is a beautiful city with many things to attract visitors.  Unfortunately, with the temperate climate and liberal attitudes, it has become a Mecca for vagrants.  If you find yourself near the city (or even along some of the city trails), you will likely encounter a tent or two.  Most are quite harmless, though you might see some occasional yelling matches.  Don’t worry about walking past them, and don’t feel guilty about not acquiescing to every request for change.

Portland is an incredibly safe city – even at night.  Some areas can be a bit sketchy after the sun goes down (Chinatown, anywhere near the Burnside Bridge, a few of the light rail platforms), and much of this is due to higher homeless concentrations.  Just use common sense, and you’ll be just fine.

Don’t miss out on the local outdoor activities

This is the Pacific Northwest!  It is phenomenally beautiful here.  There are miles and miles of local trails and acres upon acres of wilderness to explore.  There are countless urban hikes right here in the city, and dozens more nearby.  Forest Park borders the northwest edge of Portland proper, and the city is sprinkled with buttes, hills, and foothills.

If you’re up for more of a day-long commitment, our wonderful outdoor playground of The Gorge is only 20 minutes away.  And Mount Hood has trails, camping, backpacking, and skiing (even in the summer).  To the west of the city, the Coastal Range has many lookouts to summit, and the coast has its own incredible oceanic wonders.

Whatever you do, don’t stay cooped up inside during your visit with so much to explore.  Even in the wintertime, there are adventures to be had close by.

Don’t get lodging in Vancouver

Sure, Vancouver, WA is basically a suburb of Portland, but it lacks all the charm of the Oregon city.  And if you’re here to visit the city, you might quickly regret the decision to reside there.  Portland area freeways are horrendous, especially during rush hour.  And no single route is worse than the bridge connecting the two cities.  This simple, 8-mile stretch should take 10 minutes.  However, rush hour will stretch that out to at least an hour or more.  If you do find yourself in the boring attic above the good party, avoid going south between 6-9am, and don’t try to go north between 3-6pm.  Check traffic reports before you set out.

If you want to avoid staying in the downtown Portland area, going south is your best bet.  Tigard and east Beaverton will allow you the quick route up I-5 and into the city – even during rush hour.  Avoid taking Hwy 26 into or out of the west side of the city during rush hour, and stay away from Hwy 84 on the east side when commuters are on the road.

If Portland is too expensive for lodging, you might also consider Couchsurfing.com.  Locals are quite friendly, and there are many willing to host visitors.  This can keep you close to the city and let you avoid the hassle of driving at all (see the first point above).  You might even find us there 😉

Above all, don’t forget to enjoy your stay!

Have you been to Portland?  What lessons did you learn while you were here?

These are some of our favorite activities to do with guests in #Portland. Hear where the #locals go! #pdxtravel

We get visitors all the time to our humble city – and who can blame them?  It’s a popular destination.  There are certain spots to which all the guides will point tourists, and those are nice… but there’s so much more to offer.  After we’ve given our guests the preliminary tour, we hit up a few of our favorite spots.  Here are some things we like to do – as locals – when visitors come to town.…

Untuk lipstik warna banyak bisa pakai purbasari. Kalau mau liptint murah, bisa DIY lip tint pakai pewarna makanan + air, aplikasi ke bibir pakai cotton bud. Jangan terlalu banyak pewarna makanannya karena bisa bikin bibir kering.

Pakai pelembab bibir sebelum/sesudah pakai diy liptint ini, untuk tampilan bibir glossy bisa pakai lip gloss bening purbasari. Saat membersihkan utamakan pakai micelar water, usap bibir perlahan, lalu aplikasikan pelembab bibir lagi biar bibir ga rusak. Bibirku dulu kering & pecah2 parah sampai berdarah, alhamdulillah sekarang baikan.

Kalau kamu merasa bibirmu kering/pecah2 bisa juga pakai micelar water taruh kapas lalu usap bibirmu. Bibirku kalau diginiin biasanya sel kulit mati pada lepas. Soalnya mager pakai scrub, biasanya sakit juga 😢

Harga & produk yang dipakai:

1. Pelembab bibir -> merk apapun. Aku pakai nivea lip butter (menjaga kelembaban bibir, -lengket) -+25k Make over lip balm orange (mencerahkan warna bibir, -kurang lembab) -+35k

2. Lip gloss bening purbasari -+21k

3. Purbasari lip mate 25-31k (aku pake no 21 nude biar bisa dibikin ombre lips)

4. Garnier micelar water pink 21-28k

5. DIY lip tint: pewarna makanan cap kopoe-kopoe (sebenernya bisa merk lain sih tapi ini enak karena manis+aromanya) -+4k