About Me | Ka’s Travel Stories

About Me | Ka’s Travel Stories

Welcome to See the Big World! I’m Ka, originally from Hong Kong and now based in the UK. This travel blog documents my self-guided journeys across the UK, Europe, and beyond. I share practical travel tips and itinerary suggestions, hoping to inspire and assist you in planning your next European adventure.

When I took the photo above in Busan, I thought of this quote from The Little Prince: “what is essential is invisible to the eye.” No matter where we travel, the greatest takeaways are often not the landmarks, but those moments that move us and make us think.

Contents

Why I Created This Website

When I graduated from university, I originally wanted to be a travel journalist, naively thinking it would be the best job ever—travelling on the company’s dime, how cool! However, life had other plans, and instead, I ended up as a finance journalist. Later, with the rise of online media, I transitioned into the SEO field.

After moving to the UK, I had the chance to reconsider my passions and realised that my interest in sharing travel information had never wavered. Since I had always wanted a place to document my past travels, I decided to use my skills in organising information to create this travel website, where I can share my travel experiences and practical tips.

How Do I Fund My Travels?

Work (yes, really).

You’ll only find hotels I’ve stayed in and places I genuinely recommend here, because this website isn’t my main source of income.

My main gig is as an SEO consultant, where I help clients with everything from content creation and website optimisation to keyword research, industry analysis, and proper localisation (not simply AI-generated).

My long-term clients include media companies in Hong Kong, property investment firms in the UK, a European tech and job platform company, and clients from various other industries.

If you’ve found my article (clearly, you’re reading this, haha), and you like my style, and just happen to be in need of SEO or translation & localisation services, feel free to get in touch via email or IG. I’d be happy to share my detailed portfolio and discuss how I can provide the right solutions for your brand!

My Preferred Way of Travelling

1. Rich Itinerary Planning

Recently, there’s been a trend on social media where people label themselves as either P or J types when travelling: P-types are spontaneous, with only a few notes on their itineraries, while J-types meticulously plan every minute down to the last detail on an Excel sheet.

I’m definitely a J-type. While I don’t go as far as planning every minute, growing up in the fast-paced city of Hong Kong, “fast-paced travel” has become one of my signature styles. Efficiency is deeply embedded in my DNA, so whenever I travel, I aim to make the most out of my limited time by crafting rich itineraries.

Even now that I live in the UK, I continue this habit. I make sure to research the historical background of each place I visit, ensuring I have a solid understanding of my destinations. Otherwise, my packed schedule would risk turning into a mere tick-off-the-list experience.

In many of my posts, besides providing useful information like opening hours, transport options, and ticket prices, I also briefly introduce the historical or cultural significance of each attraction. However, I’m more of a data gatherer than an expert, so if you spot any mistakes or omissions, feel free to kindly let me know! 😀

City Guides：London｜Barcelona｜Rome｜Milan｜Paris｜Amsterdam

2. Focusing on “Experience” Rather Than Just Sightseeing

Travel isn’t just about visiting landmarks; it’s about creating unforgettable memories with those you share the journey with. I always make sure to include some fun activities in my trips, like diving in Thailand, camping in Australia, safely trying cannabis in Amsterdam, watching the Moulin Rouge in Paris, or attending an opera or football match in London (even though London doesn’t really feel like a “trip” to me). These unique experiences often become lifelong memories.

3. Road Trips

For me, a road trip offers a completely different travel experience. It’s not just about changing the mode of transport; it’s about the freedom and flexibility it brings. Whether it’s staying in a century-old manor in the countryside or witnessing a breathtaking sunrise, these are the moments I yearn for.

4. Flexible Budget Planning

I wasn’t born into a wealthy family. After graduation, every penny was hard-earned, so I understand the importance of spending wisely. But at the same time, I know that time is money, and if money can solve a problem, don’t let it become one.

In my thirties, learning how to balance time and money has become one of life’s most important lessons, and travel should be no different.

My travel budget adjusts according to the situation. If I spend lavishly on accommodation, for example, I might cut back on dining or flights. If I plan to do a Michelin-star dining tour, I might need to skip some Uber rides. It’s not about the actual amount, but the trade-offs.

My Travel Map

After graduating from university, I spent most of my early years travelling around Asia. Now that I've moved to the UK, the time and financial cost of travelling to Europe is comparable to how it used to be for me to visit Southeast Asia. In fact, travelling to Asia has become a luxury, and I'm really grateful that I had the chance to visit so many Asian countries back then.

Here is my travel map. Excluding Hong Kong, I’ve visited 22 countries and over 140 towns and cities so far. The "Orange House" icons mark cities where I’ve lived long-term, the "Blue Car" icons indicate road trips, and the rest represent city travels.

If you’re interested in knowing where I’ve been：My Detailed Travel Footptint

My Most Unforgettable Travel Moments

I believe that “travelling the world” isn’t something you have to wait to achieve once you’ve saved enough money; it should be spread out over a lifetime, allowing you to enjoy each journey at your own pace. The soul of every trip lies in its history, culture, natural beauty, and the companions you share it with (family, partner, friends). Here are some of my most unforgettable travel moments:

1. A Lifelong Friendship That Couldn’t Be Shaken

During a summer exchange programme in university, I had a big argument with classmates, but we stayed in touch after the trip. Today, those friends are still some of my closest companions.

2. A Weekend Getaway with Colleagues

I went on a spontaneous weekend trip to Singapore with my colleagues. I chose the Airbnb and booked the flight, only to realise that I had to return to Hong Kong early on Sunday morning to run a marathon! I ended up spending just one day in Singapore and returned early on Saturday night, leaving my colleagues to continue enjoying their trip.

3. A Heartwarming Decision in Solitude

While travelling solo in Taichung, I shared a short car ride with a family of four. In that moment, I felt lonely, so I quickly planned a family trip to Japan for my parents and brother to make myself feel better.

4. Cherished Family Travel Memories

The first trip I took my parents on was to Kyoto and Osaka. They didn’t speak Japanese, but their curiosity led them to buy vegetables at the market and cook for us. Even now, they often talk about that trip and ask if the hotel we stayed in is the same one near my brother’s travel home.

5. A Romantic Wish Under the Stars

On a road trip in Tasmania, my partner and I stayed in a rural guesthouse, where we could see the Milky Way from the garden. I made a wish to have a home one day where I could watch the stars from my own garden. It seemed like an impossible dream for someone from Hong Kong, but now, living in the UK, I’ve actually made it come true!

Contact Me

Lastly, thank you for visiting my website. I hope my articles inspire you on your travels.

For inquiries, collaboration opportunities, or valuable feedback, feel free to get in touch with me through any of the following methods:

 

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