What to do

New York City: where dreams are born… or come to get lost in the subway! It’s a city that can either energize you or leave you questioning your life choices, especially when you’re dodging tourists like a pro. So, grab a hot dog, hail a yellow cab, and get ready for an adventure! Today, I’m dishing out the juiciest secrets – 5 New York City Hidden Gems that’ll make you feel like a local, even if you’ve never hailed a cab in your life. These lesser-known but fascinating spots provide a glimpse into New York’s rich history and culture beyond the typical tourist attractions. The Grand Central Terminal Whispering Gallery Kickstart your NYC adventure with a whisper at The Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal! Ever tried having a chat with someone across the room without moving an inch? That’s the magic of this New York City hidden gem! Forget shouting across the room like a tourist in Times Square. It’s like a real-life game of telephone, only with fewer misunderstandings and more intrigue. Whisper your sweet nothings and watch them zoom across the room, captivating your friend – or hey, maybe even that mysterious stranger who’s been eyeing you from afar. So, what’s your secret weapon to make this whispered rendezvous absolutely unforgettable? A New York City Hidden Gems: The Met Cloisters Dive into history by visiting The Met Cloisters down at Fort Tryon Park. For a not-too-expensive-for-New York price, get an amazing experience. Escape the chaos of Times Square and delve into medieval history with this New York City hidden gems, part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s a unique experience that will leave you with more than just a cautionary tale of tourist traps. Discover the Middle Ages without emptying your wallet – it’s an adventure worth sharing! The Secret Garden at St. Luke Nestled in the beating heart of the Big Apple, The Garden at St. Luke’s is like stumbling upon a secret nature haven in the midst of skyscrapers and yellow taxis. Imagine this: you wander into the grounds of St. Luke’s Hospital, expecting the usual concrete jungle, but instead, you’re greeted by a lush oasis that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a botanical paradise. Picture yourself strolling through its gates, surrounded by vibrant greenery, fragrant flowers, and the gentle melody of a fountain serenading your senses. Whether you’re on a quest for zen, craving a quiet reading nook, or just desperate for some fresh air, The Garden at St. Luke’s has got you covered. With its meticulously arranged flora, meandering pathways, and cozy corners begging for a cuddle, it’s no surprise that this hidden gem has stolen the hearts of both locals and out-of-towners. So, the next time the chaos of the city threatens to overwhelm you, make a beeline for The Garden at St. Luke’s and let Mother Nature work her magic on your soul. The Financial District New York City Hidden Gems The Elevated Acre Nestled in the clamor of New York City’s Financial District lies The Elevated Acre, a supposed hidden gem amidst the chaos. This park, elevated above the concrete sprawl, promises a respite from the city’s relentless pulse. With panoramic views of the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge, it certainly boasts an impressive backdrop. Picture this: you’re soaring above the chaos, sipping your latte, and soaking in the jaw-dropping views of the neighborhood. It’s like a secret escape hatch from the hustle and bustle below. Whether you’re a local craving some peace or a tourist hungry for a fresh angle on the city, The Elevated Acre is your ticket to serenity. Come on up, take a stroll, snap a selfie, or just chill with a good book. This hidden gem promises a dose of tranquility right in the heart of the Financial District. Stone Street Also hidden within NYC’s bustling Financial District Stone Street’s a charming enclave reminiscent of old-world England. Its cobblestone streets and 19th-century townhouses evoke a nostalgic ambiance, attracting both history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. With its array of cozy cafes and mouthwatering restaurants, Stone Street offers a delightful escape from the urban hustle. Whether you’re savoring a cup of coffee or indulging in a delicious meal, the lively atmosphere invites you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage. So, the next time you’re exploring NYC, make sure to wander down Stone Street and experience a taste of its timeless charm. Bonus: An Additional New York City Hidden Gems In the heart of Soho, New York City, you’ll find a hidden gem that defies conventional artistry: The New York Earth Room. Step into this unassuming loft space, and you’ll find yourself immersed in a surreal landscape unlike any other. Created by renowned artist Walter De Maria in 1977, this captivating installation boasts an astonishing 280,000 pounds of soil spread across the floor, transforming the room into a living, breathing entity. As you navigate the space, your senses are heightened by the earthy aroma and the soft, yielding texture beneath your feet, transporting you to a realm where nature and urbanity intertwine. The Earth Room transcends traditional boundaries, inviting visitors to contemplate the intersection of man and nature in a mesmerizing and thought-provoking experience. Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or a curious passerby, a visit to The New York Earth Room promises to leave an indelible mark on your consciousness, reminding us of the beauty and wonder that can be found in the most unexpected. In conclusion, New York City is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by intrepid explorers and curious wanderers alike. From the enchanting Whispering Gallery at Grand Central Terminal to the serene oasis of The Garden at St. Luke’s, each of these lesser-known attractions offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and creativity. Whether you’re seeking tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the Financial District or yearning for a surreal artistic experience in Soho,

AH, Thailand… Known for its exotic people and because of the famous Hangover movie. Let me promise you, fellow travelers, this country is not all about partying and meeting weird people. Let’s discover together the best spots to visit in Thailand before you die. Bangkok Wat Phra Kaew Meaning The temple of the Emerald Buddha, this temple is known for being one of the best spots in Thailand to visit. This Buddha is still to this day the most important statue of Thailand. On this same campground, you’ll also find The Grand palace, which is home to the most important art and history of the country. In my opinion, both these locations are worth your time. The architecture is breathtaking and is only $15 USD per person to visit. Wat Pho This is the second most visited temple in Bangkok and also one of the most ancient. It is just south to the previous temple I mentionned. It has been constructed to represent the buddha on its death bed. This location also offers classed on how to do a traditional thai massage, if it’s something you’re interested in. The site is also protected by the UNESCO. What’s so impressive about this temple is its high towers, made of gold with a thousand other colors. I recommend visiting it in the evening because the sunsets are so incredible. Erawan National Park This is probably one of my favorite spots from all my trip, and also one of the best spots to visit in Thailand. Located just 3 hours north of Bangkok, it offers a generous hike where you can observe seven different waterfalls. Swimming is also allowed, so don’t forget to bring a swimsuit. We rented a tour bus from Bangkok, which left at 7am and came back around 10pm. You have to know that this is a trip that’ll take your whole day, but in my opinion extremely worth it. Don’t worry, this hike can also be for beginners. If you’re usually easily out of breath, I promise you this one won’t be a problem. But I also have to warn you : there are A LOT of people who want to visit this place. So, if you hate being crowded, it might not be the best idea for you. Khao San Road This has to be one of the most touristic street in all of Bangkok. I was lucky enough to spend new year’s On Khao San. Let me tell you, it was something! Once again, extremely crowded, but it’s actually reasonable when you go in the middle of the day. You can find multiple bars, local shops, restaurants, and more! We also had the chance to meet a lot of people from all around the world while walking down this exact same street. This location also has to be one of my favorite spots. Outdoors markets You probably have once heard about big, local markets where you can get food, souvenirs and all sorts of things. Well, the good thing about these markets is that they’re outdoors and you can find everything you’re looking for at a reasonable price. The most popular in Bangkok is the Wang Lang Market, located near Don Mueang International Airport. They’re mostly open from 9am to 8pm most of the days, every single day of the week. That is a good thing to do if you don’t feel like going on hikes or visiting temples. There are also evening markets, night markets, weekend markets… I could go on for a while but, you get the point. There’s one for everybody! Chiang Mai Chiang Mai Zoo Yes, I know, not everyone enjoys going to the zoo. But, in my opinion, you should try this one. You can find pandas, giraffes, koalas and elefants in their natural habitat. There are also various animation sites, such as animal shows and tours. The good news is, it will only cost you $10 USD to visit such a big zoo. Pai Village This village is just a few hours up north of Chiang Mai. It may look like a small town where there’s nothing to do, but in my opinion, it has to be one of the highlights of my trip. It is actually a very small town, and it takes up to 3 hours to get there from Chiang Mai, using serpentines roads (not gonna lie, one of us got sick while getting there). This just shows how isolated it is. But, once you get there, you’ll spend an amazing day. You’ll have to rent a scooter if you wanna make sure you get to have some time to visit everything (if you have an international permit, of course). My first recommendation would be the Pai Canyon. It kind of reminds me of the Grand Canyon, which I’ll do an article about in a few weeks. The views are breathtaking and really make you feel like you’re in the middle of the desert, while being in the jungle. If you’re clumbsy like me, be aware. It’s really easy to fall off the cliff, but it’s definitely worth some of your time. Let’s not forget about Pai Hot Springs. Isolated into the naturre, it’s the best way to experience a warm soak. There’s also a very good news : this activity will cost you less than $10 USD. Elephant sanctuaries Chiang Mai is one of the best cities for you to visit elephant sanctuaries. For my part, I went to the famous Bamboo Elephant Family Care, named after the baby elephant that was born a few years ago. If you book a tour with them, you’ll get to feed the elephants, bathe them and more! But I have to warn you : Don’t go anywhere near places where riding them is offered since it’s considered animal abuse. Surat Thani Islands Koh Tao This island is my opinion one of the best spots on the planet to experience snorkeling, which means in other words scuba diving. Personally, I had the