2026 Malaysia Trip Cost: Complete Budget Guide for Travel Expenses

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Malaysia Trip Cost

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Before I booked anything, I wanted to know how much it would really cost. Here's a breakdown of the main expenses, from flights and hotels to food and transportation.

How Much Does a Trip to Malaysia Cost?

How Much Does a Trip to Malaysia Cost?

The total cost depends on where you are coming from, the season, and your travel style. On average, travelers can expect the following budgets:

Travel Style

Daily Budget (USD)

7-Day Trip (USD)

Budget

$30–$60

$210–$420

Mid-Range

$80–$180

$560–$1,260

Luxury

$250+

$1,750+

Malaysia is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia. Food, transportation, and accommodation are all relatively cheap compared with other countries in the region.

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How Much Does It Cost to Fly to Malaysia?

Flights are usually the largest expense when planning a trip to Malaysia. Prices vary depending on your departure location and the time of year.

Departure Region

Average Round-Trip Cost (USD)

United States

$700–$1,500

Europe

$600–$1,300

Australia

$250–$700

Singapore

$50–$150

Thailand

$80–$250

To save money on flights, consider traveling during off-peak seasons such as March to May or September to November. You can also compare prices between Kuala Lumpur and other airports in Malaysia.

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How Much Do Hotels Cost in Malaysia?

How much does a plane ticket to Malaysia cost?

When planning a trip to Malaysia, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of accommodation. The cost of hotels in Malaysia varies depending on several factors, such as the location, season, and the type of accommodation the travelers are looking for.

Accommodation Type

Price (USD per Night)

Best For

Hostel Dorm or Budget Guesthouse

$8–$20

Backpackers, Solo Travelers, Budget Travelers

Budget Hotels

$20–$50

Solo Travelers, Couples, Small Groups

Mid-Range Hotels

$50–$150

Couples, Families, First-Time Visitors

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

$150–$500+

Luxury Travelers, Honeymooners, High-End Stays

Best Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

5 star

8/10Very Good1707 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|0.42km from city center
I first heard about Maya Hotel through TikTok, and I’m so glad I decided to give it a try! From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the beautiful atmosphere and the overall experience. The hotel is in a great location, and the room was clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The staff were also friendly and helpful, which made our stay even more enjoyable. I stayed here with my daughter, and we both had a wonderful time. The hotel has a relaxing and elegant feel, while still being convenient for exploring Kuala Lumpur. Sometimes you see recommendations on TikTok and wonder if the place is really worth it — in this case, it definitely was! Thank you, Maya Hotel, for a lovely stay. I would definitely recommend it to others and would be happy to come back again! Sharing our memories with you.. Here are some photos we captured while staying in Maya Hotel.
From€61
8.7/10Very Good1359 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|1.14km from city center
A beautiful hotel but a mediocre experience. Maybe the hotel could consider changing the ceiling light bulbs in the room to brighter ones and there are not enough of them. The TV was malfunction but I did not make any report because I only stayed for one night. However, shouldn't the responsible party check the TV first before ”opening” the room to guests? The air conditioner also took a very, very long time to cool even though it was set to the lowest temperature from the moment I got into the room. The shower water on the other hand, I had to wait a long time to get hot even though it was turned to the left (for hot water). However, the breakfast buffet was delicious and varied. The hotel decoration is also very beautiful with a classic theme.
From€52
8.7/10Very Good563 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|0.87km from city center
Our stay at The Face Suites Kuala Lumpur was truly one of the highlights of our trip. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed by the friendly staff. The suite was spacious, clean, and perfect for our family, with breathtaking views of the city that we enjoyed every day. My son especially loved the infinity pool, and it was such a joy creating special family memories together. After a full day of exploring Kuala Lumpur, coming back to a comfortable and peaceful room made all the difference. Thank you, The Face Suites, for making our stay so enjoyable. We left with wonderful memories and will definitely choose to stay here again when we return to Kuala Lumpur.
From€52
9/10Great3839 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.52km from city center
Everything about it was fantastic. Greag location in Bukit Bintang but still away from the hustle and bustle of the Pavilion area. Near convenient places like Sungei Wang which have good money Changers and cheap shopping. Alot of solid vegetarian options nearby like Blue Boy and Kusa. Grab comes quickly when booked. Lobby is really a great way to enter and the room was fabulous. Highly recommend, especially with the price point. Solid value for money!
From€73
8.9/10Very Good2606 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|0.88km from city center
You can access Pavilion from the neighboring hotel via a skybridge. There's another skybridge that takes you towards the Petronas Towers. The hotel is very clean, and the staff are professional. I highly recommend it. My only minor concern is the lack of sofas in the lobby, making it difficult to relax a bit while waiting for check-in or after check-out. Despite that, it's a wonderful hotel, and I'm considering staying here again next time. Very satisfied!
From€79
8.9/10Very Good5362 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|2.33km from city center
First time staying here. Didn't expect this hotel to be so good. It has access to a mall with lots of restaurants. Easy to take the LRT to go anywhere.. definitely a must-repeat. Recommended. The breakfast food was very delicious.
From€39
9/10Great1121 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.03km from city center
From arrival till our departure was awesome, upon arrival, we given a 1 bedroom suite on the top 30th floor as we had requested for quite corner room, the Malay gentleman and the lady at reception were so warm.and welcoming with pleasant smiles, it just made our arrival brighter after a tired journey , we were surprised with a birthday cake since it was my partner's bday which was very thoughtful of them. Everything was good and awesome till the day we departed . We were greeted again with the Malay gentleman for our pleasant journey back , ”apologies that I didn't get his name” The only small opinion I would like to share is , it will be great if they upgrade the TVs in the rooms so we can log into our netflix and other networks for leasiure. Other than this , it was a wonderful 4 nights stay at ParkRoyal residences. Thank you All of your kind hospitality
From€72
8.5/10Very Good1538 Reviews
Sri Hartamas Kuala Lumpur|6.19km from city center
Had a wonderful stay! The room was great, but the highlight was definitely the outstanding customer service. The staff were exceptionally friendly, accommodating, and understanding during check-out. Truly appreciated their flexibility and hospitality. Highly recommended!
From€33
9.3/10Great2112 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|0.58km from city center
This is essentially the Shangri-La Hotel. The location is excellent, and there's a shuttle bus to and from the Petronas Towers all day, which is super convenient. I particularly love how you can scan a QR code in the room to request room service – it's incredibly handy for those of us who aren't fluent in English.
From€140
8.6/10Very Good1637 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.26km from city center
I’ve stayed at Dorsett Kuala Lumpur a few times, and I still find myself choosing this hotel whenever I’m in Kuala Lumpur. The main reasons are the excellent amenities, convenient location, and accessibility. It’s within walking distance to Pavilion, TRX and many other shopping and dining options, which makes getting around so easy. The hotel is also comfortable and convenient, making it a great choice for both short and longer stays. Having stayed here multiple times, I can confidently say it’s a hotel I’m happy to return to. Definitely one of my go-to hotels in Kuala Lumpur! ❤️
From€53

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Business travel

8.3/10Very Good1271 Reviews
China Town Kuala Lumpur|2.15km from city center
The hotel Pacific Express Central Market prime position is its biggest selling point—it is perfectly situated within close proximity to Pasar Seni and Masjid Jamek LRT, and it so near Central Market(walking distance less than a mins. To petaling street(china town) 10mins When it comes to dining, there is absolutely no need to worry at all, even if you’re not a particularly picky eater. The area surrounding hotel is teeming with a diverse array of food stores, local eateries and cozy restaurants, offering an extensive selection of delicious cuisines to suit all tastes, you’ll find plenty of wonderful dining options just a short walk away. Overall my stay at Pacific Express Hotel Central Market was perfect.(except the water heater is not function well, water flow hot for a while then cold again rm8521), other than that the room is spacious, with small refrigerator, nothing to compare with such nice room and reasonable price. The unrivaled location, convenient dining choices combine to create a truly wonderful living experience. I would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Kuala Lumpur, and I will definitely choose to stay here again. Room is perfect clean, with a large lobby, good security. Must try!
From€17
8.4/10Very Good2770 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.62km from city center
It takes about an hour to get from the airport to the hotel, so make sure to factor that into your airport check-in plans. For domestic flights within Malaysia, allow at least an hour to get to the airport, and it's best to have your boarding pass ready beforehand. If you're flying internationally, you should really set aside 2-3 hours. The South and North hotels are very close, so don't panic if you accidentally get the wrong one on your GPS. The hotel's service is excellent; if you fly to another destination and then return, they'll store your luggage for free, which helps save on baggage fees. The cleanliness in the rooms could be improved. For example, there were small spots on the bedsheets, and the phone and its cord clearly hadn't been wiped down. In the first room, the sink was broken, but after moving to a different room, everything was fine. It's good value for money and perfectly acceptable for guests who aren't super picky. The breakfast was decent, and there was a discount for booking it with your stay; adding it on the next day costs an extra 10 RM. There aren't many breakfast options nearby, so I think it's worth getting the hotel breakfast if you're too lazy to taxi out to find food. The hotel is close to various attractions, and taxis are readily available and can drop you off right at the front desk. The one recurring annoyance for me was the elevator. The elevator logic is flawed, and I often had to wait a very long time. I suggest they review and fix the elevator system. Sometimes, it wouldn't even stop on my floor even if it was on its way (a 'convenient' stop). The elevators don't seem to be linked, which really detracts from the experience. I hope they take this seriously.
From€25
8.1/10Very Good1454 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.99km from city center
Had a really enjoyable stay here! Everything was well prepared from the moment we arrived. Check-in was quick and hassle-free, the reception staff were friendly, and the room was clean, spacious, and comfortable. The water pressure was great, and having free parking was definitely a bonus. The biggest plus is the location. There’s a covered walkway connecting to the mall, and it’s only a short walk to Zepp Kuala Lumpur, which made it super convenient for attending a concert without worrying about traffic or parking. Overall, we were very satisfied with our stay and would definitely recommend this hotel, especially if you’re planning to catch a concert at Zepp KL. We’d happily stay here again!
From€33
9/10Great1399 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.4km from city center
Over roll all is good .aricon is cool ,room very clean ,counter staff friendly and every detail of the hotel stay was explained very clearly . The location is very convenient the subway station is just a short walk and the shopping centre is very close to the hotel ! I will recommend to my friend &family. The staff members were polite and always ready to help. No need to stuff your suitcase with bottles, as hotels stock bathrooms with soap, shampoo, and conditioner for free. These essentials are always included in the room cost, and range from mini souvenirs that guests love to designer . I truly enjoyed my visit and look forward to staying here again!””Hotel is in a very good location which is within walking distant to KLCC. Next to it is a small mall. There are many food available. No need to stuff your suitcase available.
From€43
8.6/10Very Good821 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|1.97km from city center
I recommend staying at this Oakwood hotel. The breakfast so delicious and worthy to eat there. It is very clean and nice. The staff were so friendly and welcoming guests. The swimming pool is very beautiful and good size for fun. The security guard is very respectful and responsive. Easy to order grab pick up and drop off
From€47
8.2/10Very Good2338 Reviews
China Town Kuala Lumpur|2.37km from city center
The hotel has a very good location, especially as it is located right beside the LRT station. This makes it very convenient to travel around and access nearby attractions without needing to drive. However, the breakfast selection was quite limited, and I think more variety would improve the dining experience. The parking facilities could also be improved, as they were not very convenient. Overall, I had a pleasant stay, mainly because of the excellent location and easy access to public transportation.
From€25
8.4/10Very Good2342 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.64km from city center
The South and North towers have separate front desks and pricing, but many common facilities are shared. I was in the North Tower, but I could still go to the South Tower's rooftop pool to enjoy the night view, which was quite beautiful. However, Kuala Lumpur is a magical city; on one side, you have magnificent skyscrapers, and then you open a door on the other side to a slum.
From€29
8.6/10Very Good606 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|0.49km from city center
The room was clean and comfortable but the temperature control was unsatisfactory. Despite multiple attempts to adjust it, the room remained at an uncomfortably warm, room temperature. While the breakfast selection itself was adequate, the 40-minute wait to be seated was unacceptable and reflects poor crowd management. Furthermore, scheduling the café’s renovation from 1st to 5th May was a poor decision. Doing so during a long weekend and rain rave festive period significantly impacted guest experience and contributed to the delays.
From€101
8.7/10Very Good3623 Reviews
Golden Triangle Kuala Lumpur|1.6km from city center
Check-in was available from 2 PM, and the front desk didn't require a deposit. There was complimentary fruit-infused water in the lobby. The front desk staff were very friendly, and there's a restaurant on the ground floor where you can order hot room service until 10 PM. It's just a few minutes' walk to the Medan Tuanku monorail station (green line 8), and there are plenty of dining and shopping options nearby, including Sogo, 7-Eleven, and local restaurants. The bathroom only had a shower head, not a handheld shower, but the water pressure was good and the hot water was stable. The room itself was spacious with good lighting and a nice view. The bed was larger than a standard double. Overall, it was clean and tidy, and there was a water dispenser right outside the room, which was very convenient.
From€20
8.3/10Very Good746 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.22km from city center
Rooms are okay, not fancy but clean. Reception staff are helpful and efficient. Hotel is in a very central location which is good. However, due to that the area is very noisy with plenty of nearby construction and motorcycles. Noise stops around 12pm-1am. Good if you want to be walking distance from the downtown busy areas. Not so good if you want some chill & relax.
From€25

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Breakfast

9.1/10Great826 Reviews
Golden Triangle Kuala Lumpur|1.23km from city center
Great Stay at Stripes Hotel! I had a wonderful time at Stripes Hotel. The staff were very helpful ! when I arrived without cash for a taxi, the reception desk attendant kindly assisted me, which I really appreciated. The room was clean, comfortable, and the hotel is in an excellent location, surrounded by good restaurants. Overall, a very pleasant experience I’d definitely stay here again!
From€75
8.3/10Very Good461 Reviews
China Town Kuala Lumpur|1.73km from city center
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5) We stayed here for 5 nights with our children. The room itself was comfortable, and the beds, furniture, and washing machine were all in very good condition. The washing machine worked perfectly, which was especially helpful for a family with kids. However, there were some issues that affected our stay. We found many cockroaches, lizards, and other insects in the room, which was very disappointing. The room was also not cleaned regularly, and we often had to wait a long time before housekeeping came. The kitchen was functional, but the cooking area was quite small, and the cooking pots and pans provided were too small for preparing family meals. Overall, the room has good facilities and comfortable furniture, but the cleanliness, pest control, and housekeeping service need significant improvement. If these issues are addressed, it could be a much better place for families.
From€30
9.1/10Great1369 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|2km from city center
The facilities are complete and the hygiene is good. The environment is quiet, and it's right next to Shaw Parade. You can find delicious bak kut teh there. The Durian SS2 stall there is also more affordable and tastier than the ones in the city center, and they even gave us lots of mangosteens and rambutans, which were perfect to cleanse the palate. The Twin Towers are a 30-minute walk away, and along the way, there are durian stations that are more affordable and offer more varieties than the durian shops near the Twin Towers. Both durian shops, one large and one small, had Black Thorn and Red Prawn durians with 6 pods each. We were so full from the Black Thorn, and the Red Prawn, though smaller, was also very plump and just right for two people. The poolside bar had a great ambiance too.
From€44
8.3/10Very Good332 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.62km from city center
Situated in Chow Kit, WP Hotel is conveniently close to the city centre. Our room was immaculate, featuring pristine white walls and a very clean bathroom, with a wonderful view overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers. We also enjoyed our first dinner at one of the many local restaurants located just a short walk away.
From€33
9.2/10Great352 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|0.86km from city center
An amazing first stay at Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur. I was travelling with my 71-year-old mum for our first mother-and-son getaway, and the team made us feel genuinely welcomed from the moment we arrived We were pleasantly surprised with a room upgrade, and the warm, attentive service made the stay even more memorable. As someone working in hospitality, I truly appreciated the thoughtful touches throughout our stay Thank you to the entire team. We look forward to returning!
From€248
7.1/10320 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur City Centre Kuala Lumpur|1.2km from city center
The rooms were comfortable, and well maintained. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help whenever I needed anything. The location was convenient and made it easy to get around and explore the area. Overall, the hotel offered great value for money. The only downside was that my room had a connecting door. If you’re unlucky enough to have noisy neighbors, you can hear quite a bit, which made it difficult to relax at times. Other than that, I had a really nice stay and had so much fun seeing the little geckos wandering around 😂
From€15
8.8/10Very Good946 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.66km from city center
Booked the crashpad for 2 nights. It was a decent stay. Room was small but enough for a solo traveller but it definitely needed maintenance, especially the wooden platform & aircond. The aircond is noisy & the filter needs cleaning notification keep popping up. You need to ask for the dental kit or kettle at the counter if you need one & there was no tissues in the room. Parking space for hotel guests was limited too so I had to park further from the hotel. Otherwise, the location was good, walkable distance to Medan Tuanku monorail.
From€24
8.2/10Very Good158 Reviews
Mid Valley City Kuala Lumpur|6.77km from city center
Location is superb, just 2 mins walking to Kerinchi LRT Station. Reception is helpful and the service is satisfactory. Spacious room and the water pressure is strong enough. Just that the mattress is too soft, I think need to change. Overall, cleanliness is ok but there are some stains on the bedsheets.
From€29
8.7/10Very Good52 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.14km from city center
I felt safe as a woman solo traveller staying in this hotel! Especially with their lock system feature at the main entrance where it will be active after 6pm onwards & throughout the night! Nice lobby ambience & the room space is just great for me. Just that it's a bit sad they don't have any fridge in the room 🥺 But nevertheless I enjoyed my stay so much, thank u!
From€24
8.1/10Very Good42 Reviews
Kuala Lumpur|1.49km from city center
Real value for money. Fantastic location. 10 minutes walk to the famous Changkat Bt Bintang. Rooms are clean. Comfortable beds. Only complains are that the waiting time for lift is slow due the the number of guests and that the room doesn’t have curtains, only blinds. But the view is amazing
From€24

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How Much Does Food and Drink Cost in Malaysia?

How Much Does Food and Drink Cost in Malaysia?

When traveling to Malaysia, one of the most important things to consider is the cost of food and dining. The cost of food in Malaysia varies widely depending on several factors such as the type of food, the restaurant's location, and the level of formality or luxury.

  • Street food or fast food: around 6–12 MYR (approximately $1.30–$2.60 USD) per meal.
  • Casual dining or local restaurant: around 20–35 MYR (approximately $4.40–$7.60 USD) per meal.
  • Mid-range restaurants: around 30–110 MYR (approximately $6.50–$24 USD) per meal.
  • High-end or luxury restaurants: 200 MYR and above (approximately $44+ USD) per person.

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia, and the prices listed above are generally what you will pay, though some restaurants add a service charge. Prices can vary depending on location and time of year.

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How Much Does Transportation Cost in Malaysia?

How Much Does Transportation Cost in Malaysia?

Knowing how much transportation costs helps you plan your budget. Fares vary depending on the type of transport and the distance traveled.

  • Train: A one-way ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Penang costs around 60–78 MYR ($13–$17 USD). The direct overnight train to Singapore is no longer running, so buses are the main alternative.
  • Subway: Kuala Lumpur’s MRT is modern and affordable. A one-way ticket costs about 1.20–6.20 MYR ($0.25–$1.35 USD).
  • Bus: Common for intercity travel. Kuala Lumpur to Malacca costs 12–23 MYR ($2.60–$5 USD), and Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru costs 24–37 MYR ($5.30–$8.15 USD).
  • Taxi: Grab (ride-hailing app) is widely used. Kuala Lumpur to Batu Caves costs 20–40 MYR ($4.40–$8.80 USD), and to the Petronas Towers costs 10–20 MYR ($2.20–$4.40 USD).
  • Rental Car: Suitable for traveling outside cities, costing around 64–200 MYR ($14–$44 USD) per day.

If you’re exploring Kuala Lumpur, the Rapid KL Pass lets you take unlimited rides on trains and buses for 10 MYR ($2.20 USD) for one day or 25 MYR ($5.50 USD) for three days. The Touch ’n Go card works on public transport, tolls, and parking, making it easy to save time and money while getting around.

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How Much Do Attractions and Activities Cost?

How Much Do Attractions and Activities Cost?

Malaysia has plenty to see and do, from city sights and cultural spots to nature trips and adventure activities.

Attraction

Average Cost (USD)

Petronas Twin Towers

$20–$25

KL Tower

$10–$20

Langkawi SkyCab

$10–$20

Penang Hill

$7–$15

Aquaria KLCC

$12–$20

Tip: Many experiences are free. You can explore Kuala Lumpur's street markets, visit Batu Caves, relax on public beaches, or walk through heritage districts.

Tips for Traveling to Malaysia

Tips for Traveling to Malaysia

Traveling to Malaysia can be an exciting and unforgettable experience, but it is important to be prepared and informed before you go. Here are some useful tips for traveling to Malaysia:

  • Learn Some Basic Local Phrases: It is helpful to learn some basic local phrases like "hello" (apa khabar), "thank you" (terima kasih), and "excuse me" (maafkan saya). This can make it easier to communicate with locals and show your respect for the local culture.
  • Follow Local Customs: There are many customs and etiquette rules that may be different from what you are used to. For example, it is considered impolite to point with your feet or touch someone's head. Be sure to read up on local customs and etiquette before you go to avoid any cultural misunderstandings.
  • Carry Cash: Some smaller businesses may only accept cash. Be sure to carry some cash with you, especially if you plan to visit more rural areas or small towns.
  • Use Public Transportation: Public transportation is a convenient and cost-effective way to get around the country, especially in larger cities like Kuala Lumpur. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems are efficient and easy to use.
  • Purchase a Prepaid Transportation Card: Consider purchasing a prepaid transportation card like the Touch 'n Go card. These cards can be used on most public transportation systems and make it easy to pay for fares without having to purchase tickets each time.
  • Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi: Many train stations, convenience stores, and tourist attractions offer free Wi-Fi. You can also rent a pocket Wi-Fi device or purchase a SIM card for your phone to stay connected while on the go.
  • Be Mindful of the Weather: Malaysia has a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F) throughout the year. Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.

FAQs about Malaysia Trip Cost

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Jeffery

Jeffery

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Hi, I’m Jeffery. I love visiting new cities, trying local food and finding fun, off-the-beaten-path spots. I share my real travel stories, easy itineraries and honest tips from my own trips. I hope my posts can help you plan better.

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