being
Real
What is it really like there?
Deciding where to go next? Get a candid, real take on the world, so you can decide for yourself.
Plus, a few tips along the way.
Happy Travels,
— YC
Recent Destinations
© TheRealDestinations
© TheRealDestinations
Bhutan
Feb 2022
Step back in time to a little mountain kingdom hidden high atop the Himalayas. It’s a unique window to the past, but even here, it can’t escape the present.
Spain
Sept 2021
Take a bit of Islamic North Africa, and mix in medieval Europe, wrap it in a sunny Mediterranean climate, and you’ve got Andalusia, the southern heart of Spain.
© TheRealDestinations
Lombok
Feb 2018
Most people haven't even heard of Lombok island. Overshadowed by its more famous—maybe too famous—neighbor Bali, Lombok offers a more chill perspective on Indonesia.
Hawaii
A 4 part guide to 4 very different islands that make up Hawaii. You’ll see why so many people visit this outpost in the middle of the Pacific.
Travel Tips
Staying Connected
These days, your smartphone can work just about everywhere in the world. ($3 Ubers!) But don’t fall for your provider.
The Art of Free* Travel
International travel has never been so affordable...if you know tricks. Award flights across global airline alliances can take you to just about any far corner of the globe.
Practical Travel
Tips for your health, safety, and comfort, from personal experience.
Havana
You need to visit Cuba. It's close. It's cheap. Most importantly, it won't be like this forever. US-Cuba relations has its ups and downs these days, but direct flights are still running from major US cities. Airbnb still works. It's not the most convenient place to visit for an American, but you'll be glad you did, now, before it becomes more like every other island tourist destination.
Penang
Pengang, Malaysia
The island that lent its name to your favorite local Malaysian restaurant is more than just an exotic name. It has a charming Old Quarter full of well-preserved, recently restored colonial shophouses and vibrant street art. As you’d expect, the food scene is solid and there's really not much else to it.
Rio
The iconic metropolis on the beach. Rio de Janiero has pulled in visitors with the promise of beach life, samba, and stunning landscapes that blend mountains dropping into the Atlantic. But beyond the upscale beaches of Ipanema, there are still vast sprawling slums clinging to the hills. It is truly Brazil, on all sides.
La Dolce Vita
Italy in 3 Acts
© TheRealDestinations
Part 1: The South
Covering the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, the south is traditional, old-school Italy. Stunningly beautiful, this is where the mountains of Italy meets the sea.
© TheRealDestinations
Part 2: Central
Rome, Tuscany and its countryside, along with former Renaissance rivals Florence and Siena. Like the main course, these are Italy's largest and most renowned attractions.
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Part 3: The North
Venice, a true aquatic city where the canals are the streets, is one of the most unique places you'll ever visit. Farther north, discover the serene vibes of Lake Como nestled in the Alps.
India
Rajasthan & The North
To an outsider, India can be both captivating and deeply challenging. Your perspective on the world, will be expanded. Incredible palaces and a vibrant, deeply complex culture that nothing like you’ve seen. But despite recent modernization, India’s widespread poverty and the deep divisions that contribute to it are unescapable, especially in the north. This is not a “beginner” destination. For individual travelers—be prepared.
© TheRealDestinations 2016
Referral Links
Apply through our referral links to get your next free travel, and help support this site. There’s no annoying ads here, just help out if you can.
© JPMorgan Chase
© JPMorgan Chase
The CapitalOne VentureX card is the most rewarding gateway to free flights today. The $300 travel credit on hotels booked through them cancels out most of the upfront fee. Plus you get the free lounge access, Global Entry credit, etc.
Offer: 75,000 Points after $4,000 spend in first 3 months.
A big step up from some basic debit/cash back card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred gives you a big bonus without the steep fee/spending requirement. A so many ways to use the points makes it really easy to get started with the free travel.
Offer: 60,000 points after $4,000 spend in first 3 months.
If you’re still using a debit card, or earning (slowly) on some flat 1% rewards card—you can do better. Get $200 upfront with Chase Freedom, 5% on gas/groceries, and earn 1.5% (one half more) on everything else.
Offer: 20,000 Points after $500 spend in first 3 months, 5% on gas/groceries during the first year. 3% on dining, and 1.5% on everything else. NO annual fee.
Donate
This entire site is a personal project, to help others in their travels. There are no ads, sharing buttons, or other distractions. The travel perspectives are all personal, and the photography is my own.
If you found the site to be useful, why not support this work with a small donation? It'll help with future additions to the site—there's a lot more material here—and it's a nice thing to show your support.
To make it quick and easy, send it along to:
Venmo: @TheRealDestinations
As a supporter, please drop any suggestions for future destinations or topics. It'll definitely get priority. Happy travels,
— Y.C.
Previous Destinations
© TheRealDestinations
© TheRealDestinations
Ireland
Sept 2017
It’s hard to pin down to a specific attraction, but go west, and find this misty, magical corner of the Europe. Go here for the vibes.
Singapore
Jan 2018
Ruthlessly clean, efficient—but boring? It might not be as flashy as Hong Kong or Tokyo, but this center of Southeast Asia can hold its own.
© TheRealDestinations
Fiji
July 2014
The South Pacific, but close enough to Australia to be a tropical beach getaway. More varied than Polynesia, with an entirely different culture and people.
