Closer Lives Travel Blog: Inspiring Cultural Discovery and Adventure

Skip the stuff—give stories instead. From weekend getaways to dream adventures, here’s why experience gifts create stronger connections and memories that last long after the moment is gone.

5 min read

Best Hotels for a Canada Road Trip – Stays Worth the Stop

Hit the road in style. These hand-picked Canadian hotels add charm, comfort, and unforgettable views to your road trip itinerary.

CANADA

9 min read

Sunset over a river with silhouetted trees. "CHINA PUDONG" and "The ideal Shanghai stay" text in foreground. Warm and serene mood.

Travel Smart in Shanghai: Why Pudong Is the Perfect Base

Staying in Pudong offers stunning skyline views, quick transport links, and easy access to Shanghai’s must-see landmarks. Here's why it’s a smart travel base, where we stayed, and things to do there.

CHINA

9 min read

Toy plane, passport, and stamp on vintage map. Text: "How to Extend Your Visa in Chiang Mai" with a Thai flag motif.

Stress-Free Visa Extensions: Why Central Chiangmai Beats the Airport for Foreigners

Discover why Central Chiangmai is the best spot for visa extensions. Easier process, fewer queues, required forms, costs, and tips included!

THAILAND

12 min read

Floating lanterns light up the night sky near a temple, with the text "Celebrating Loi Krathong, Thailand" in a colorful font.

Celebrating Loi Krathong in Thailand: A Traveler’s Guide

Loi Krathong is Thailand's most enchanting festival! Learn what it is, the best places to experience it, safety tips, and travel resources.

THAILAND

8 min read

15 Top-Rated Apps & Websites for Full-Time Travel: Tools We Actually Use

Full-time travel takes the right tools. These 15 apps and websites cover flights, stays, money, safety, and more, making life on the road smoother, smarter, and stress-free.

15 min read

Crowd at festival, hands form hearts under warm lights. Text: "Cultural Festivals Celebrating Diversity." Energetic, joyful mood.

Cultural Festivals: Celebrating Diversity Around the World

Celebrate diversity with our guide to cultural festivals around the globe. From ancient rituals to modern parades, explore how traditions unite people across continents and cultures.

AUSTRALIA

5 min read

Why GigSky eSIMs Are Essential for Every Traveler: Easy, Reliable & Affordable Data

Travel light and stay connected with GigSky eSIMs. With coverage in 190+ countries, instant setup, and no roaming charges, it’s the must-have digital travel essential for modern explorers.

4 min read

Full-Time Travel & Print-on-Demand: How We Built a Creative Business on the Road

We travel full-time and run a print-on-demand store from our laptops. This post shares how we built a creative business on the road—and how you can do it too, with no inventory or warehouse needed.

LIFESTYLE

6 min read

Collage showing a passport, a rubber stamp, a "Visa Extended" sign, a Thai flag, and a golden Buddha statue.

Thailand Extends Visa-Free Stays for Tourists to 60 DAYS as Part of Major Reforms

Thailand revamps visas for tourists, remote workers & retirees in a raft of changes aimed at turbo-charging its tourism industry.

THAILAND

6 min read

Green hand emoji with the text "Simbye eSIM" above a digital globe. Icons and symbols surround, creating a tech-themed background.

The Future of Travel: Why Simbye eSIM Is the Solution for Global Connectivity

Forget roaming charges and lost SIMs. Simbye eSIM makes travel connectivity seamless, secure, and affordable—perfect for digital nomads, remote workers, and global explorers alike.

3 min read

Why We’ve Decided to Quit Etsy: Behind the Scenes of Our Small Business Shift

After years of running an Etsy shop, we’ve made the decision to leave the platform. This honest post explains what led to the shift—and what it means for our creative business going forward.

LIFESTYLE

20 min read

Collage of top solo travel destinations features a mountain, historic building, modern architecture, and a scenic road. Text reads: "7 top SOLO TRAVEL world destinations."

World Acclaimed Solo Travel Destinations - Cherish the Unknown

Solo travel destinations around the world cater to every budget, taste, age & interest. Let these top spots inspire your travel adventure!

5 min read

A person walks towards a serene forest pond with the text "escape the ordinary, find the extraordinary" overlaid on the image.

Extraordinary Travel: 15 Romantic Destinations to Inspire Your Next Getaway

Love deserves a memorable backdrop. From fairytale towns to sun-soaked islands, explore 15 romantic destinations that offer extraordinary experiences for couples around the world.

19 min read

Hand holding "Airbnb Safety Tips" sign near a door with a keypad lock. Modern secure setting, emphasizing safety and security message.

Safety First: 6 Top Recommendations for Airbnb Guests

Stay smart and safe in your Airbnb with these 6 must-know tips. From host checks to hidden camera scans, these simple steps can give you peace of mind wherever your travels take you.

5 min read

Text overlaid on an image of a rice paddy and palm trees reads, "Traveling in Asia: 12 Months, 12 Countries," with a globe showing Asian countries' flags.

Traveling in Asia: Our Highlights from 12 Countries in 12 Months

Recapping an unforgettable year with our highlights from 12 countries in Asia! Also with handy all-you-need-to-know guides for each country!

ASIA

34 min read

YouTube Travel Channel Tips: How to Grow, Stand Out & Stay Authentic

Want to grow your YouTube travel channel? These practical tips cover filming, editing, audience growth, and staying true to your story as you share your adventures with the world.

SOCIAL MEDIA

5 min read

Red and white scooter indoors with a warning sign. Text: "Please read if renting a scooter in Bali." Indonesian flag background.

We Survived a Motorcycle Accident in Bali: New Law Could BAN All Foreigners From Driving ANY Vehicle

We were lucky to survive, walking away with cuts and bruises, and we want to raise awareness of the dangers and risks of bike rental in Bali

INDONESIA