Closer Lives Travel & Lifestyle Blog

3 min read

A monk in an orange robe stands facing a large Buddha statue on a hill. Text reads, "How safe is Thailand? 5 important things to consider before you go." A map of Thailand with flag colors appears on the top left.

How Safe Is Thailand? 5 Key Things to Consider Before You Go

Get the facts on safety in Thailand. From health tips to scams and common risks, here’s what you should know before visiting this beautiful Southeast Asian destination.

6 min read

Blue Temple in Chiang Rai; white Buddha statue surrounded by intricate blue sculptures. Text reads "The Blue Temple, Chiang Rai, Thailand."

The Blue Temple, Chiang Rai: Wat Rong Suea Ten’s Dazzling Colors

Discover the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai. Striking blue-and-gold design, mesmerizing murals, and a peaceful setting make it a highlight of Northern Thailand. The sister of the White Temple.

10 min read

Burning field in Thailand with smoke and a flag. Text: "Every year burning season occurs in Thailand. Why does this happen? And how bad is it?"

Burning Season in Chiang Mai: All You Need to Know

Get the facts on Chiang Mai’s burning season. Timing, air quality, travel tips, and how to stay healthy. Essential reading for anyone visiting Northern Thailand during this smoky period.

8 min read

Crowded Doi Saket Market Festival in Thailand with people and colorful umbrellas. Text overlay announces the festival's return after 4 years. Thai flag ribbons decorate the bottom.

Doi Saket Market Festival: Chiang Mai’s Colorful Local Celebration

Join the fun at the Doi Saket Market Festival in Chiang Mai. Taste authentic food, browse crafts, and soak up the music and colors of this unforgettable local Thai event.

7 min read

Entrance of Baan Dam Black House Museum with ornate wooden carvings with a Thai flag graphic above. Two sculpted figures are on either side of the entrance.

Baan Dam (Black House Museum), Chiang Rai: A Dark & Fascinating Cultural Experience

Discover Baan Dam, Chiang Rai’s haunting Black House Museum. With dark wood architecture, symbolic art, and bone-filled displays, it’s one of Thailand’s most curious and captivating attractions.

9 min read

Golden statue of a deity at Wat Phra That in Doi Saket, with a bird-like figure in front. Text reads "Wat Phra That Doi Saket" alongside Thai national colors map. Clear blue sky in background.

Wat Phra That Doi Saket: Chiang Mai’s Hilltop Temple Gem

Visit Wat Phra That Doi Saket, Chiang Mai’s scenic temple with hilltop vistas, dazzling chedis, and beautiful murals. A tranquil spot for culture, views, and spiritual calm.

9 min read

Desert sunset scene with ATVs, a couple kissing, and a proposal silhouette. Text: "ATV Across the Desert with Alex Safari El Gouna Egypt."

ATV Desert Tour with Alex Safari in El Gouna, Egypt

Kick up dust on an ATV desert tour in El Gouna with Alex Safari. Ride across golden dunes and soak up a true taste of Egypt’s wild side.

EGYPT

10 min read

Couple kissing in a lush, floral setting. Text: "WALK THROUGH WATER AND BE AT ONE WITH NATURE AND TECHNOLOGY," "teamLab Planets TOKYO."

teamLab Planets Tokyo: The Art Museum You Can Walk Through

Dive into the world of teamLab Planets Tokyo, where digital art, water, and nature blend into one mesmerizing experience. The ultimate interactive art adventure in Japan.

17 min read

Text overlay "new year in Georgia it's not on Jan 1st!" on an image of a modern bridge illuminated at night in Tbilisi, with the Georgian flag and a lit tower in the background.

New Year’s Day in Georgia (the Country): Did You Know It’s on January 14th?

Did you know Georgia celebrates New Year’s twice? On January 14th, locals mark “Old New Year” with food, music, and unique traditions. Here’s what makes it special.

4 min read

Smiling man and woman with hat by Lake Ohrid. Background: blue water, boat, green hills, houses. Text: Lake Ohrid. Sunny, vibrant scene.

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia: A Peaceful Paradise in the Balkans

Lake Ohrid is a tranquil Balkan escape with ancient churches, serene beaches, and mountain views. Discover the magic of North Macedonia’s lakeside paradise in this inspiring travel guide.

NORTH MACEDONIA

7 min read

Tokyo Skytree illuminated in rainbow colors against a cloudy sky. Urban buildings in the foreground. Text: "TOKYO SKYTREE."

Tokyo Skytree: Why It’s Famous & If You Should Visit

Thinking about visiting Tokyo Skytree? Discover what makes it so famous, what to see and do inside, and honest tips for deciding if it’s a must for your Tokyo itinerary.

10 min read

A bus travels on a scenic road with hills in the background. Text reads "Tirana to Ohrid Bus Border Crossing" with symbols representing the flags of Albania and North Macedonia.

Tirana to Ohrid by Bus: Border Crossing Guide & Travel Tips

Planning to travel from Tirana to Ohrid by bus? This detailed guide covers everything from tickets and times to crossing the Albania–North Macedonia land border with real tips from our own journey.

ALBANIA

8 min read

Two glasses of mulled wine with jägermeister, garnished with cinnamon sticks and citrus, accompanied by spices and dried orange slices on a wooden table.

How to Make Jägermeister Mulled Wine – Our Batumi, Georgia Taste Test

Discover a bold twist on mulled wine with Jägermeister, inspired by our Batumi, Georgia adventure. Recipe, flavor review, and easy steps to bring this spiced winter drink to your home.

2 min read

Vibrant tubes in blue and pink surround a glowing tree at the Art Aquarium Museum, Tokyo. Text: Ginza, Tokyo, Art Aquarium Museum.

Art Aquarium Museum, Ginza Tokyo: An Immersive Goldfish Fantasy

Discover the Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza, Tokyo, a magical world of luminous goldfish, stunning tanks, and Japanese art. An unforgettable sensory experience in the heart of the city.

11 min read

Avatar Robot Cafe in Tokyo: Creating Remote Work for People with Disabilities

Experience Tokyo’s Avatar Robot Cafe, where technology and compassion meet. Robots serve you, but it’s all about creating real opportunities for people with disabilities. See how it’s changing lives.

9 min read

Alight at Night Festival at Upper Canada Village, Ontario

Experience the magic of Alight at Night in Ontario. This glowing winter festival at Upper Canada Village is a must-see holiday experience in Canada.

CANADA

7 min read

Photos of faces cover a bunker dome. Text: "Inside a Secret Police Nuclear Bunker," "Bunk'Art 2 Museum," "Tirana, Albania." Somber mood.

Bunk’Art 2, Tirana: Inside Albania’s Secret Nuclear Bunker Turned Museum

Descend into Bunk’Art 2, Tirana’s Cold War-era nuclear bunker. Now a gripping museum, it reveals Albania’s dark communist past through immersive, haunting exhibits in a real underground shelter.

ALBANIA

10 min read

Piano and cello set for a trio at Archaeological Museum of Durrës, Albania. Historic sculptures in the background, text overlaid.

Durrës Archaeological Museum & Galan Trio: History and Harmony on Albania’s Coast

Step into Albania’s past at the Durrës Archaeological Museum, then end your night with the Galan Trio’s moving concert—a beautiful blend of ancient heritage and modern cultural expression.

ALBANIA

7 min read

View of Uzungöl village surrounded by lush green mountains. A hand with a Turkish flag glove points to the village with text: "Day trip from Trabzon to Uzungöl, Türkiye.

Uzungöl, Turkey: A Mountain Lake Village Straight Out of a Fairytale

Uzungöl stuns with its alpine lake, forested slopes, and charming chalets. A peaceful village tucked in Turkey’s Black Sea mountains—ideal for nature lovers and slow travel souls.

TÜRKIYE

12 min read

Person exploring an abandoned ex-Soviet sanatorium in Tskaltubo. Large arches, greenery, and text overlay: exploring abandoned ex-Soviet SANATORIUMS.

Discover Tskaltubo: Georgia’s Urbex Playground of Abandoned Hotels & Sanatoriums

Venture into Tskaltubo, Georgia’s surreal landscape of abandoned hotels and sanatoriums. Discover epic urbex adventures and the mysterious beauty of these forgotten Soviet-era relics.

14 min read

Aerial view of Palenque ruins with a Mexican flag overlay. Lush greenery surrounds ancient stone structures. Text: "Ruinas de PALENQUE".

Palenque Maya Ruins – Everything You Need to Know About This Ancient Wonder

Step into the mystery of Palenque—Maya ruins deep in the Chiapas jungle. Discover how to visit this powerful ancient city filled with temples and legends.

MEXICO

9 min read

Golden statue, tower, Ferris wheel, and metallic figures in Batumi, Georgia, under a clear sky. Text reads "BATUMI, GEORGIA: 10 must see places."

10 Places to Visit in Batumi, Georgia – Black Sea’s Best Attractions

Discover Batumi’s highlights with our top 10 places to visit, from palm-lined boulevards and quirky statues to botanical gardens, beaches, and mountain views. Your ultimate guide to Georgia’s Black Sea gem.

9 min read

View of the ancient theater in Ohrid, North Macedonia, a true Balkan gem surrounded by lush greenery and traditional houses on a hillside. With Lake Ohrid nearby, the Macedonian flag is stylized in the top left corner. Text reads "Ancient Ohrid North Macedonia.

Ohrid: Discover Europe’s Oldest Lake and a Hidden Balkan Gem

Explore Lake Ohrid, a stunning UNESCO-listed spot in North Macedonia. With ancient ruins, tranquil shores, and Balkan soul, it’s one of Europe’s most underrated and historic lake destinations.

NORTH MACEDONIA