The Next Somewhere Travel Blog | The Next Somewhere

TheNextSomewhere-MeetMillette-2022

A DIGITAL JOURNAL FOR THE DESTINATION PREOCCUPIED

The Next Somewhere is the travel, food, and lifestyle blog of Millette Stambaugh. Browse through my wanderlists for the top five things to do in cities around the world, cool digs for a good night’s sleep, and the best food finds for those who travel to eat.

Select a country on the interactive map to get inspired!

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Destinations and Places

〘ON THE BLOG〙

Venetian Hotels

TOWNS ON HIGHWAY 1

9 CALIFORNIA COASTAL

MyPlayaPhotographer-Tulum7

IN TULUM

BACHELORETTE PARTY

Mexico-Oaxaca

TO OAXACA

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Vietnam-SaigonStreetFood

STREET FOOD IN SAIGON

TW-HappyJumper

TO TAIPEI

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

A dimsum spread best places to eat in SF

IN SAN FRANCISCO

BEST PLACES TO EAT

YOUR WHERETONEXT AWAITS

Use these destination guides to inspire your upcoming travels. Slurp steaming bowls of pho from tiny stools in Vietnam, discover underwater paradises in The Philippines, and take a shot (or two) of soju as you party the night away in Korea.

Destination Guide Vietnam on The Next Somewhere

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Vietnam

Budget-Friendly Food History Nature

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Destination Post The Philippines

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The Philippines

Budget-Friendly History Nature Party

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Destination Guide South Korea on The Next Somewhere

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South Korea

Food History Nature Party

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WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

DIFFERENT STORIES IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES

A journey through all the places I’ve lived and loved.
Hold and drag the interactive path left to reveal the full timeline.

1992

Immigrated from the Philippines

2008

Went on Exchange in Thailand

2011

Studied abroad in Italy

2014

Taught in South Korea

2015

Backpacked Around Asia

2016

Moved to Vietnam

2017

Moved Back to the USA

2019

Got Married in Mexico

2022

First Trip Overseas with a Baby!

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【WHERE TO STAY IN PHILADELPHIA 】 Hotel chains

【WHERE TO STAY IN PHILADELPHIA 】 Hotel chains or boutique hotels? I’m a boutique girly and finally found a great one in Philly: @majhotelphl thanks to @lainflight ! We’ve been in Philadelphia for over a year and love getting to know the city + grow our local intel. With people asking for reccs on where to stay, I’m happy to report The Maj Hotel is a 10/10! ⭐️🙌🏽 Located in the prominent Fairmount neighborhood, the Maj is classy, trendy, and inviting all at once. And for those traveling with kids, you get playgrounds, spacious rooms, friendly staff, and convenience all in one stay! Other perks include:
 ➔ Hi-tech amenities like smart mirrors and digital access to your room, thermostat, curtains, and even the lobby door. Safety first!  ➔ Prime location next to tourist attractions like the Rocky Steps and City Hall and in driving distance to the Philadelphia Zoo, Liberty Bell, and Please Touch Museum ➔ Well-equipped gym ➔ Full-service brunch from Thursday to Sunday with kid-approved meals like waffles and French toast
➔ Fun events like movie nights and sound rooms  From vacations to staycations, the @majhotelphl is the perfect getaway during your Philly getaway!!! 🛌 🌙 ✌🏽   #kidfriendlyphilly #philadelphia #phillyfam #philadelphia #phillysupportphilly #boutiquehotels #hotelstays #ustravel #philadelphia_ig #philadelphia_citylife

【WHERE TO STAY IN PHILADELPHIA 】 Remember that

【WHERE TO STAY IN PHILADELPHIA 】 Remember that fun reel where I found a free movie night in Philly? Well that same boutique hotel @majhotelphl invited us for a kid-friendly staycation! Traveling with a kid is all about convenience now and the location of The Maj Hotel is unbeatable. You can check out the famous Rocky Steps, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Eastern State Penitentiary (which has a hidden playground on the grounds) nearby!

With the nights getting longer and colder, our family has been looking for more creative ways to have fun. Philly’s boutique hotel scene has been a great avenue for finding local indoor adventures and I really love @themajhotel not only for their convenient location, but also awesome amenities including:

➔ Delicious brunch at their on-site cafe from thursday to sunday (the French toast with Nutella and bananas is a must!!)
➔ Smart mirrors in the bathroom 🙌🏽
➔ Digital key access that controls the doors, lights, tv, and even curtains!
➔ A lobby with games and shop that even has a Philly guide books for traveling family and all the snacks

Boutique hotels are the way to go with kids and we loved our time with @majhotelphl !!! Tune into stories this weekend for a more detailed look at the property 🛌 🌙 ✌🏽

#kidfriendlyphilly #philadelphia #phillyfam #philadelphia #phillysupportphilly #boutiquehotels #hotelstays #ustravel #philadelphia_ig #philadelphia_citylife

【HAPPY FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH🇵🇭✌🏽】 Yesterday, I came across a reel from one of my favorite travel bloggers, @reesarei, about how being Filipino has shaped her experience in the USA. It reminded me that we don’t have to compartmentalize ourselves for an online audience. In fact, it’s challenged me to talk more openly about my heritage and culture as a Filipina American with my digital community.

🌞 To close off Filipina American History Month, here are some of my favorite Filipina American travel bloggers who are breaking the bamboo ceiling by pursuing non-traditional lives as nomads, expats, transients, entrepreneurs, and just living their best lives! This collage shows details of Filipino-ness that are important symbols to me — islands and oceans, bahay kubo (traditional house on stilts), palm trees, the sampaguita flower, and most importantly, “bayanihan” in the travel world. Bayanihan means communal unity and I love seeing women who look like me move through the world with confidence, joy, and a generosity of self, living public lives so that people can learn and be inspired by their individual journeys. Follow these awesome Filipinas across the world 👇🏽🌎

@lainflight
@reesarei
@itsdenisecas
@avagailadventures
@cherrielynn
@suzionthemove
@christinelozada
@whatsonmimismind
@racheloffduty

Are there other Filipina-American travel bloggers I should follow? Please share all the accounts in my comments! Salamat!xx
#filipina #filipinoamericanhistorymonth #filipinotravelblogger #filipinotraveller #filipinopride

《 Aura Photographs in Salem, MA 》 Salem “Wit

《 Aura Photographs in Salem, MA 》 Salem “Witch City” becomes a real-life Halloween town in October! One of the coolest things to do during the season of the supernatural is get an aura photograph with mystics at the modern metaphysical store @hauswitch .

📸 Every aura photograph is accompanied by a personalized reading for up to 2 people. @There She Goes Again and I got the aura of our friendship analyzed and the results were… interesting (in the way they HIT!) ✨🔮

📍Haus Witch @ 144 Washington Street
🕐 Hours: 10AM - 6PM (closed Wed)

#salemma #witchcity #halloween #auraphotographs #thingstodoinsalem #salemmassachusetts #salemhauntedhappenings #newengland #ustravel #massachusetts

【SOMEWHERE IN LAOS】 I’ve been going hard the

【SOMEWHERE IN LAOS】 I’ve been going hard the last few weeks and really missed just creating something for myself. So here in the quiet corners of my Friday night, away from all the noise of work and motherhood and traveling is the newest “postcard from the road” entry whisking me back one of my favorite Laos memories: breathing in all of Luang Prabang from atop Mount Phousi. 🌞🇱🇦

I have a confession to make: Luang Prabang was never on my travel list. But that all changed when I met @sillylittlekiwi on IG! Tara made a compelling case for Luang Prabang, sharing gorgeous visual stories of her Laos. It didn’t take me long for me to realize I was missing out on something special. Nestled in an idyllic valley between the mighty Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, “LPB” offers an irresistible blend of culture and serenity. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where time seems to slow down and mesmerizing temples and mystical mountains are all part of its small-town charms. Here are some tips for first-time visitors:

✱ October is the best but also busiest time to visit Luang Prabang because of the Light Festival. ✱ Bring crispy USD bills. They are very particular with the bills they take since the bank needs USD bills to be in mint condition. ✱ If you fly into Vientiane, you can easily take the high-speed China Rail to Luang Prabang. The journey takes two hours and you can book tickets in advance online through Discover Laos Today. They will even drop off your train tickets at your hotel for free. ✱ Securing a trusted driver to take you around helps with ambitious itineraries in tight timeframes. They usually communicate through WhatsApp.
 #TheNextSomewhere #PostcardsOnTheRoad #laos #laostravel #nextsomewhereinlaos

《Free movie nights in Philadelphia, PA》 It’s

《Free movie nights in Philadelphia, PA》 It’s getting darker and colder these days in Philly but I found the perfect activity for Friday nights indoors! The @majhotelphl has been transforming its lobby into an intimate movie theater complete with complimentary drinks from @peroniusa and personal popcorn. It’s a budget-friendly date night idea and they’re also hosting soundrooms featuring local artists. This Friday, check out the Friday the 13th movie night and RSVP if you’re interested : https://www.eventbrite.com/e/movie-night-at-the-maj-hotel-with-peroni-tickets-732322635717?aff=oddtdtcreator .

Thanks to my friend @lainflight for putting this staycation destination on my radar and I can’t wait to check out more of their events this fall! 🍿🎞️  📍The Maj Hotel at 2225 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA

#wheninphilly #phillyfinds #philadelphia #phillystays #phillysupportphilly #philadelphia_citylife #philadelphia_ig #staycations #ustravel

《 Textile-Themed Challenge in Luang Prabang, Lao

《 Textile-Themed Challenge in Luang Prabang, Laos 》 Growing up, I loved watching the Amazing Race and in Luang Prabang, I got to live out my Amazing Race fantasies at @ockpoptok’s Living Crafts Centre. Shout-out to @sillylittlekiwi for being the BEST LPB tour guide from afar! 🇱🇦

✱ What is Ock Pop Tok? “Ock Pop Tok” meaning “East Meets West” helps you discover Laos through textiles. At this stunning riverside complex, you can dine, shop, sleep, and learn traditional weaving, embroidery, and even natural dyeing with Master Weavers.

✱ Unique Activity
During our visit, we were invited to try out a special “adventure experience” solving puzzles related to weaving culture in Laos, all while exploring different elements of the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre. The two-hour challenge also included a chance to weave at the loom and at the end, you get to dye your own silk scarf to take home.

✱ Try it out if:
You like crafting, culturally meaningful experiences, and immersive games.

✱ More tips!
Stop by the Silk Road Cafe, the on-site restaurant featuring refreshing cocktails and beautifully presented Lao dishes. Their shop also takes USD and local KIP. Ock Pop Tok has another shop in the city center where you can take their iconic pink tuk-tuk to the living crafts centre since it’s on the outskirts of town.

📍Ban Saylom, Luang Prabang, Laos  #luangprabang #laostravel #laos #thenextsomewhereinlaos #southeastasia #travelblogger #ockpoptok #shoplocal #supportlocal

《 7 Days in Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷 》 Seou

《 7 Days in Seoul, South Korea 🇰🇷 》 Seoul, Korea’s glamorous capital, is having a moment! This is a city where modernity and tradition collide.

The question I was asked most about visiting Seoul is where to even begin!? This is part one of my South Korea travel guide, covering my one week to-do list in Korea perfect for any season. While not an exhaustive list, this one-week itinerary in Seoul sums up all the musts for first-timers… all while affording a little extra for those feeling ambitious. Armed with a good pair of walking shoes and the Citymapper app, you can go just about anywhere! Now are YOU ready to do some Seoul searching?
 📍Day 1: Dongdaemun Plaza, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Gwangjang Market, and N Seoul Tower afternoon hike 📍Day 2: Insadong and Imun Seolangtang (oldest restaurant in Seoul). If time permits, check out Ikseondong and the Ihwa Mural Village 📍Day 3: Gangnam for COEX Starfield Library, Han River bike ride to Banpo Bridge (evening rainbow fountain)
📍Day 4: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village
📍Day 5: Ingwangsan Hike, Hongdae shopping and partying
📍Day 6: Myeongdong for shopping and street food eating, more nightlife in Itaewson
📍Day 7: Check out a Koran bathhouse (called Jimjilbangs). Budget and authentic: Sparex in Dongdaemun OR luxury: Cimer Spa at Paradise City in Incheon… don’t miss out on the pool pass 
…. Stay tuned for places to eat while in Seoul 🤤

#southkorea #korea #seoul #korean #koreatravel #koreanstyle #visitkorea #seoulkorea #travelkorea #nextsomewhereinkorea

【SOMEWHERE IN LAOS】 Celebrating my 33rd birthd

【SOMEWHERE IN LAOS】 Celebrating my 33rd birthday with country #53: LAOS! 🇱🇦 Tbh, Luang Prabang was never on my list of places to visit. But I also believe in divine timing and if I never met @sillylittlekiwi on IG, whose love of LPB convinced me to book the trip, I would’ve never discovered a now favorite city.

Birthdays are a time of reflection for me and this birthday especially has been a joyful reminder that I am where I am because of the goodness of others. I am a sum of many big and small moments of kindness, of people who have believed in me and continue to support me near and far. Leo season is a season of sunshine and I feel so very ✨blessed✨ today and all days that I am living a life I love. 2023 has been one of my favorite years of adventure so far and I still have places to go! Now onto my Luang Prabang musts and 1000x credit to @sillylittlekiwi for gifting me with all her favorite places and spaces in her home away from home and my mom for these 🔥📸

◉ Secret gem 🔹 @ockpoptok Living Crafts Centre where you can discover the magic of Laos through textiles. I hand-dyed the blue scarf in this photo using natural plants as part of their treasure hunt activity that I can’t wait to share about.
 ◉ On my plate 🍽 The butterfly pea flower sticky rice and mango at Ock Pop Tok and the fried river weed and jeow tasting plate at Bouang, a French meets Lao restaurant, were *chef’s kiss!*

◉ Do Good 🙏🏽 If you’re interested in learning about Buddhism in Laos, check out @orangerobetours founded by my friend @ltavvy. They employ former monks who are your cultural guides around temples, like Wat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang (and where I took this picture!)
 ◉ Somewhere Nice 🌞 Catch the sunset from atop of Mount Phousi, a sacred hill situated right next to the Luang Prabang Night Market. Make sure get there an hour early if you want to see the sunset over the Mekong River.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ◉ Cool digs 🛏️Le Bel Air Resort near the Old Bridge is a luxurious and quiet riverside property with a lovely infinity pool, colonial-style rooms, and spacious grounds.   #TheNextSomewhere #PostcardsOnTheRoad #laos #laostravel #nextsomewhereinlaos