San Francisco: more than 80 totally FREE things to do in SF

Time didn't allow me to do ALL these... but it sure gives me a reason to be back again. Let me round it up for you: the incredible free things to do in this expensive city, as suggested by some of my friends on couchsurfing.

image via wikipedia

San Francisco: 2 days in SF

I did not have enough of San Francisco! 2 days, minus the time for Pride Parade, technically I was only left with 1 1/2 day to explore the city. "Let's just try to make full use of the little time left..." and so I thought. Why not.

Chicago: a Quick guide for you

image via wikipedia

Who would have thought : this beautiful sophisticated city is actually a “second city”, rebuilt after the devastating Chicago Fire in 1871! I have to say: this is by far the city with the most picturesque skyline.
Read more: Best places to take a perfect photo of Chicago's Skyline

Chicago: Places to go for the best Skyline photos

1. Riverfront Walk

Arguably the best way to see Chicago, is to jump on Chicago First lady cruise. On this cruise you can get an overview of the city, its history and architecture, not to forget it is one of the best ways to take in the grandeur of Chicago skyline! Another budget friendlier option is to stroll along the water.

Chicago: Foodie edition, 10 food I must try in Chi-town

@littlemisshappyfeet

You should be able to tell by now: I am a foodie,  a fairly serious one. I always think that during travels, one should never starve or rely on cup noodles brought from home-countries. For me, the true essence of travelling, is to understand the culture of a new place and one of the best way to do it is through local cuisine. Don't worry, those food I included in the list are budget friendly (I am on budget too! Cheers!)

Chicago: 3 days in Chicago

cheers to the rainy chicago.
@littlemisshappyfeet

When I was little, dad used to pronounce "Chicago" as "Cicak-go" (Cicak= lizard in Malay language). Who knew 10 years later I would fall head over heels in love, with the city of lizards... Chi-town is now "My Kind of Town". I am not sharing it with Frank Sinatra.

Chicago: 50 TOTALLY FREE Things to do

1. Riverfront Walk
The best way to a day, is to take a leisure stroll along the river: one of the best ways to take in the grandeur of Chicago skyline!

LA: Hiking up to the Hollywood Sign

courtesy of discoverylosangeles

Ever dream of climbing ONTO the Hollywood Sign (maybe the letter "O") mesmerizing the panoramic view of LA below? **snap snap, reality check! It was doable in the early days of the sign, but now not anymore! I did not know that before the hike... dream scattered but I never regretted ascending above the 45-foot-tall aluminium letters.

Quick Guide to LA

image via tripadvisor

LA, the "City of Angels".  Beautiful beaches along the Pacific Ocean, the famed Hollywood walk, spectacular hiking trails, theme parks, museums and many more…. with all these long list of to-dos and to-sees, one never get bored in LA. Knowing my priorities, I choose to walk the city one step at a time and so I did.

LA: 2 days in LA

Day 1: The Arrival

Heard so much about the Skid Row being one of the "dangerous areas" in LA, I immediately called for a Uber pool the moment I stepped out from the bus. Waiting time was short, before I realized it, I was already in the car drinking the free mineral water my driver provided. My Uber driver was an attractive young lady, very charismatic. After some chat (we drove around downtown for awhile in a failed attempt to pick up another passenger), she offered to drive us through some of the highlights before finally dropping us at Inglewood.

L.A. : My bucket list for Dessert Hunting

What is a day without sweets? This is my dessert bucket list for the City of Angels!
Join me in this sugar-rush quest as we hunt down some worthy sweet escapes in LA...

LA: What should I EAT?

Had a good run at Venice Beach, hiked up to the top of the Hollywood Sign, walked the walk of fame......  At the end of the day, as satisfactions was building up, I still felt that something went missing.... but, WHAT? And here it goes again, the most important question in the world: What to Eat?

image via yelp! courtesy of Celine L.

What to eat in LA: the Staples

When you think LA, what came to your mind first? ok, other than Hollywood... Let's talk about the food!

L.A. Food Scene: Best Fusion to die for

LA is such a diverse city. Thanks to all foreigners(now citizens) hailed to LA from all over the world, LA now have a huge variety of hybrid flavors... the food... OH THE FOOD!!!! What are you waiting for? Track down your favorites and dig in!

My list of Best Fusion:

1. Kyerito

courtesy of purewow.com

LA: A rough Guide on Transportation

Upon Arrival

courtesy of latedeparture.com 

1. Airport Transfer
Most traveler, if travel by plane, will most probably arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), due to much lower fare, more direct flight frequency if compared to other airports.
Make your way to downtown/ Hollywood:

Budget Fashion in New York City: Is this for real?!

image via www.souvenirs.nyc

Upon hopping onto the Night bus to NYC, I immediately check all my apps dedicating to the City, read some blogs on how to fully utilize my time in the city, flip through some photos of the attractions. Everything looks fantastic, finally my dream came true, finally, I am going to New York. That’s the time that I decided: I am so not going to wear those T-shirts I wore to hike Yosemite!

Quick Guide to New York City

Transportation

Transfer to and from Airport: AirTrain, MTA/Transit Buses and New York City Airporter bus/Newark Airport Express Bus (a better choice if you have big luggage and want a direct transfer.)
Public transport within city: MTA bus, PATH, Metro
Private Hire: Yellow Cab, Black Cars, Car Pool Service
For daytrips out of New York: Express buses like PeterPan, Greyhound, Boltbus and many more
For Water transport: Ferry and water taxis
Read more: How to save on transport in New York City?

NEW YORK for the first timers: Explorer Pass? New York Pass? City Pass? or Neither?

There are a few Multi-Attraction Pass available in New York City, giving you line-skipping privileges and reduced ticket price. I’ve done some research and shortlisted 3 which I feel are the best bargains.

Guide to Broadway Shows

image via theodysseyonline.com

During my last visit to New York, I was keen on catching a Broadway show. I did my research, compared prices, weighted on my preference... I had it all figured out! However, the night before arrival I opened my Time Out NY App and found out that there is an outdoor movie screening in Bryant Park. Dilemma! Eventually I choose the free movie over Broadway... it was a hard decision to make, but fear not-- I will be back!

Stay in a Hotel for FREE: 10 Golden Rule when booking a Hotel/ Hostel Room

1. FREE Hotel Stay (Promotion) 

This is your thing if you are into some FREE/Partly Free luxury. Treat yourself: Give your feet and back a good rest! Click on the Orange links below!

NEW YORK: HOW TO SAVE ON TRANSPORT? FREE Cabs?!

While Hitchhiking is illegal in the USA, there are still some good tips on how to save on transport in NYC.

NEW YORK: Foodie on a Budget

If you are a foodie on a budget, There are a few options available!

Here is my to-try-list for some cheap eats :

NEW YORK: ALTERNATIVES TO EXPENSIVE MANHATTAN HOSTEL?

image via skift.com

Accommodation in New York is expensive. Although not as expensive as San Francisco, you still have to pay at least $50 for a hostel bunk bed. While staying in one of the most famous boutique hotels in New York is something I would like to do someday, let's stick to budget travelling for now... A smarter move is to stay out of midtown Manhattan.  Here are a few great choices:

NEW YORK ON A BUDGET

I am in New York on a tight budget, I do not want to spend on a New York Pass but still want to experience New York to the fullest. Is it possible? Read on!

4 DAYS IN NEW YORK ITINERARY (Part 2)

Continue reading: from Part 1

Day 3: South of Manhattan

Savings today with the New York Pass: $67

4 DAYS IN NEW YORK ITINERARY (Part 1)

It’s undeniable: I am a girl with an American Dream. The urge to visit New York and the rest of America sprung 5 years ago when I first came to Russia. I started planning the trip in June 2014 and got my happy feet on the American land for the first time in June 2015. Why did I start so early you asked? I want my first experience in USA to be memorable! And how do I feel after my first visit? I will be back.