Argentina – it’s survival. Money gave us a mild heart attack when some places wouldn’t take our credit cards, and ATMs weren’t as cooperative as expected. Lesson learned: always carry cash and don’t assume plastic will save you. Language-wise, our Spanish mostly worked… until it didn’t. Argentine Spanish has its own rhythm, slang, and pronunciation, and we definitely earned a few confused looks along the way. Add in cheek-kiss greetings, very late meals, and a relaxed sense of punctuality, and you quickly realize this is a country that values connection over schedules. Once we stopped rushing and leaned into the culture, everything felt easier — and a lot more fun.
Barcelona – so tapas make excellent fillers between sightseeing and dinner. And don’t even get us started on sangria and paella: locals rarely order sangria, and paella is usually a lunch dish, not dinner! We’ve learned that tipping generously is not expected (a few euros or spare change is totally fine), and that cultural norms matter — no walking around shirtless outside the beach, no matter how hot it gets! Between chasing food discoveries and laughing at our timing mishaps, Barcelona reminds us that the best travel stories come from the unexpected “hiccups” as much as the unforgettable highlights.
Bangkok – not to joke about religion or the monarchy, to avoid touching people’s heads, and to keep our feet pointed away when sitting — all things we hadn’t thought about before arriving. Bargaining at markets was fun, but our early attempts either got us laughed out of the stall or agreeing to prices higher than we should’ve paid — turns out there is a sweet spot between “too timid” and “too aggressive.” We made plenty of cash‑handling slip‑ups, too — like converting too much money at once — so now we always grab a local SIM first for quick check‑ins with currency apps. Combine all that with strong sun (don’t forget sunscreen!) and street food that sometimes outruns our spice tolerance, and Bangkok taught us that the best travel memories are a mix of dazzling highlights and a few respectful (and often funny) hiccups.
Beijing – Language can be a challenge — English isn’t widely spoken, so translation apps are your best friend. Cultural expectations matter too: lines aren’t always a thing, patience is essential, and personal space is… flexible. Food-wise, be adventurous, but know your limits — not everything on the menu will match your comfort level. Transportation is efficient and affordable, but be aware that some attractions charge higher prices for tourists. Crossing the street is not for the faint of heart; traffic lights are more of a suggestion, and drivers do not slow down. And yes, heading to the Great Wall? Watch out for sudden, aggressive winds — they have a way of turning brave travelers into butt-scooting survivors. Bonus hiccup: On a Shanghai train, two blonde women (us) were stared at by hundreds of people — we practically became the main attraction. Travel humbling, hilarious, and unforgettable all at once.
Brisbane – Australia’s size can be deceptive — don’t try to see everything in a weekend, mate. Sunscreen is a must, and keep your distance from wildlife unless you fancy a kangaroo hopping into your selfie. Coffee orders can be tricky (“flat white” is the norm, forget “regular”), and tipping is optional but appreciated. Public transport is good, but hiring a car can save time. Watch out for the blazing sun, respect Indigenous culture, and always swim between the flags at beaches. It’s pricey, so plan your budget wisely or risk munching Vegemite sandwiches in a café charging triple for a cuppa.
Hong Kong – Expect a few hiccups along the way. Public transport is a marvel, but stand right on escalators unless you enjoy blocking the locals. Eating on the MTR is a major no-no, and always respect temple etiquette — your photos may need permission. Ice water costs money, and those fake Rolex sellers in Tsim Sha Tsui will try their luck. Crowds can be overwhelming, and yes you might attract a few hundred curious stares. But grab an Octopus card, follow the locals to full restaurants, and embrace the mix of culture and modernity — Hong Kong rewards the bold, hungry, and slightly jet-lagged.
Kyoto – A few etiquette notes that matter: no tipping, no eating while walking (especially in Gion), blow your nose discreetly, and point with your whole hand, not a finger. Personal space is respected, and escalators in Kyoto mean standing on the right. The biggest mistake? Only hitting the famous spots. Kyoto really shines when you wander, get a little lost, and let the city show off quietly. Ten Tips
London – Traffic moves fast, quietly, and with confidence. Add in the Tube map (which is more art than geography), winding streets, and Google Maps having an occasional meltdown, and getting lost becomes inevitable. But that’s usually when you find a cozy pub, a hidden square, or a street you swear wasn’t there five minutes ago. Now for the good stuff. London delivers in big, bold moments and small, perfect ones. Iconic sights like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge live up to the hype, while neighborhood wandering — Notting Hill, Soho, Camden — steals your heart. Museums are world-class (and free), parks are everywhere, pubs feel like living rooms, and history shows up when you least expect it. London may confuse you, but it rewards you generously for sticking with it.
Rome – But the hiccups are nothing compared to the highlights. The Sistine Chapel will leave you slack-jawed, while wandering hidden streets and piazzas feels like uncovering Rome’s secret diary. Street food is next-level—supplì, pizza al taglio, cannoli, and fresh pastries keep your taste buds on permanent vacation. And then there’s the local energy: wherever you sit, there’s a mischievous “allora?” vibe from passersby, flirtatious glances, or friendly chatter that makes the city feel alive, playful, and impossible to resist. Rome doesn’t just invite you to explore—it dares you to fall in love with every misstep along the way.