Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a full-time travel writer and trip planner who has visited 38 countries across 6 continents. Based between Bangkok and Lisbon, she specializes in European destinations, budget travel in Asia, and helping readers plan unforgettable trips without overpaying. Her work focuses on practical, firsthand travel advice - from choosing the right hotel zone to booking tours that are actually worth the money. When she is not writing, she is probably on a ferry to a Greek island or hunting down the best katsu curry in Tokyo.
How many daysHow Many Days in San Francisco Do You Really Need?Plan 3 full days in San Francisco for a first visit, or 4 to 5 days if you also want Muir Woods,…
CompareKyoto vs Nara: Where to Stay and Which to SeeKyoto wins for most travelers: base there for at least 3 nights and see Nara as a day trip, because Nara’s main…
ToursSeine River Cruise Tours: Which One to Book in ParisThe best Seine river cruise for most first-time visitors is a 1-hour sightseeing trip, listed at EUR 15 to EUR 18 per…
BudgetIs Venice Expensive? Real Prices and How to SaveYes, Venice is expensive by Italian standards: a single 75-minute vaporetto ride costs USD 11 (EUR 9.50) and a 3-star hotel in…
BudgetIs Istanbul Expensive? Real Prices for American TravelersNo, Istanbul is not expensive by US standards: a metro or tram ride costs USD 0.94 and a döner sandwich USD 2–3,…
CompareBruges vs Ghent: Which Belgian City Should You Pick?Bruges wins for a first trip to Belgium, but Ghent wins if you have 2 or more nights and want a real…
ToursLouvre Museum Tickets: Prices, Timed Entry and Guided ToursA standard Louvre ticket costs EUR 32 for visitors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and EUR 22 for EEA visitors,…
Worth it?Is Hawaii Worth Visiting? An Honest Verdict on Cost and IslandsYes, Hawaii is worth visiting if you can give it at least 7 days and a budget of roughly USD 250–450 per…
Day tripsDay Trips from Santorini: 6 Boat Trips Worth Your Day, and 1 to SkipThe 2 best day trips from Santorini are Thirassia, a free 10- to 45-minute municipal boat ride from Ammoudi Bay below Oia,…
CompareTulum vs Playa del Carmen: Which Riviera Maya Base Wins?Playa del Carmen wins for most first-timers, families and budget travelers because it sits about 1 hour from Cancun airport and its…
ToursEiffel Tower Tickets: Which One to Buy, and What to SkipOfficial Eiffel Tower adult tickets run from EUR 14.80 for the stairs to the second floor to EUR 36.70 for the elevator…
How many daysHow Many Days in New York City Do You Really Need?Plan 4 full days in New York City for a first visit, because 3 days only covers Manhattan’s headline sights at a…