The Loonie Blog

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3 Days in Can Tho: The Ultimate Mekong Delta Guide

Floating markets at sunrise, canal boat tours, Mekong food, and where to stay — a complete 3-day plan for Can Tho, Vietnam's Mekong Delta capital.

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How to Travel Vietnam on $25 a Day (2026 Budget Breakdown)

Daily budget breakdown, accommodation tiers, transport hacks, and money tips for Vietnam on a backpacker budget.

🌍 Culture

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Vietnamese Culture & Etiquette: 15 Things Every Traveler Should Know

From chopstick rules to temple dress codes — the cultural norms that will make your Vietnam trip smoother and more respectful.

💻 Digital Nomad

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Vietnam Digital Nomad Guide: Best Cities, Visa, WiFi & Cost of Living

Where to base yourself, how to stay legal, and why Vietnam might be Southeast Asia's best-kept digital nomad secret.

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The Ultimate Vietnam Street Food Guide: Eat Your Way From Hanoi to Saigon

Pho at dawn, banh mi for $0.50, and egg coffee you'll dream about. A region-by-region guide to Vietnam's legendary street food.

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How to Do Bali on $30 a Day

A full daily budget breakdown for Bali on just $30 — where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and which experiences are totally free.

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How to Find Cheap Flights: The Student Edition

Every trick, tool, and hack I've used to find absurdly cheap flights as a broke college student — from error fares to student discounts most people don't know exist.

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5 Places in Paris That Tourists Never Find

Beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre — the hidden courtyards, secret gardens, and local-only spots that make Paris feel like a completely different city.

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Hostel vs Airbnb: Which Is Actually Better for Students?

An honest, data-backed comparison of hostels and Airbnbs for student travelers — costs, social life, safety, and when each one actually makes sense.

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48 Hours in Kyoto: The Itinerary That Won't Make You Feel Like a Tourist

Ditch the Rick Steves. Here's how to actually experience Japan's most magical city without standing in line for 2 hours.

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How I Flew Business Class to Bali for $340 (Not a Mistake Fare)

Credit card points, mistake fares, and one very specific Tuesday strategy that nobody talks about. This is the full breakdown.

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The Taco Trail Through Oaxaca: A Totally Biased, Completely Delicious Guide

We ate tacos for 11 days straight so you don't have to waste a single meal. Here's where to eat, what to order, and which stands are worth the 2-hour wait.

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Why Everyone's Moving to Lisbon (And Whether You Should Too)

It's not just hype. The light is different there. The pastéis are real. But before you book that one-way ticket, here's what nobody tells you about actually living in Lisbon.

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The $50/Day Southeast Asia Challenge: Week One Recap

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam — all on a $50 daily budget including accommodation, food, transport, and the occasional beer. Here's how it's going so far (spoiler: better than expected).

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Ordering Food in Japan When You Can't Read a Single Character

Point, smile, and pray? We've been there. Here's the actual survival guide for eating in Japan when you can't read hiragana, katakana, or kanji — and why it's not as scary as you think.

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The Minimalist Backpacker's Packing List

Everything you need for a 2-week trip in a 40L bag — and nothing you don't. This is the packing list I wish someone had given me before my first backpacking trip.

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5 Days in Kyoto — The Student Edition

A day-by-day Kyoto itinerary that won't destroy your bank account. Temples, street food, hidden spots, and how to do it all for under $50 a day.

📖 Story

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Solo Female Travel: The Honest Safety Guide

Not a list of fears — a practical toolkit from someone who's traveled solo through 30+ countries. Real safety tips, real talk, and why you should absolutely do it anyway.