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Jess Esa

Jess is the creator and editor of Books and Bao. They're passionate about the world, its literature, food, culture, and people. She enjoys sharing her travel tips with others and capturing those perfect moments.

As someone who grew up in Swansea and has subsequently lived in some of the most beautiful parts of Wales — from the Brecon Beacons to Conwy in North Wales — I know first-hand that there is almost no end to the amount of gorgeous, often hidden, and always jaw-dropping sights and places to visit …

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Copenhagen prides itself on bikes, park life, iconic architecture, and delicious smørrebrød, but did you know they also have rich and diverse arts and culture scene just waiting to be explored? In short, there are so many unique things to do in Copenhagen. There’s a purity, a cleanliness, and a natural beauty to Copenhagen. It …

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Panglao and Bohol in the Philippines are amazing travel destinations for those who want to relax, explore, and get adventurous while reconnecting with nature and its beauties. Today we want to share with you some interesting tips for creating a unique itinerary in search of authenticity, hidden gems, and fewer tourist traps. Your Ultimate Guide …

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If you’ve managed to exhaust the cultural hub that is London and are looking for an adventure that’s easy to reach and offers you even more cultural and historic activities then look no further than these easy day trips from London. Sure to satisfy any wanderer, whether they’re looking for a stroll around a quaint …

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Wondering where to find the best bars in Tokyo? Tokyo has it all when it comes to nightlife. There are cozy whiskey bars serving pours from rare bottles, quirky gamer bars with Nintendo systems, and glitzy cocktail bars where white-jacket bartenders serve balanced cocktails in the city’s high-rises. Most have some small snacks to keep …

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Since reading Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home, I’ve been a big fan of the graphic memoir. Using drawing as a medium to deliver a message isn’t a new concept but I’m so grateful for the slew of comics in the last couple of years that deal with the more difficult concepts in life. Essential Asian Graphic …

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Parks are an integral part of life in Tokyo, a welcome break from the urban sprawl of skyscrapers and railway lines. They provide a chance to see a Tokyo of the past as you wander past shrines, explore museums, and examine statues of samurai and emperors, but also a slice of modern life where locals …

Read More about 7 Tokyo Gardens & Parks to Enjoy Japan’s Changing Seasons

Japan loves festivals more than most things. The beauty, celebration, dedication, and splendour seen at Tokyo festivals is unparalleled! And whatever weekend you happen to be in Tokyo, you’re bound to find some kind of cultural celebration igniting the streets and lighting up the skies. That being said, there are some bigger Tokyo festivals and …

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Tokyo is a foodie’s dream! It’s a city with more Michelin stars than any other city on earth, and a budget meal rarely means a bad meal. There’s a vast range of cooking styles and chefs taking great pleasure in using the finest ingredients. As many know, there’s more to Japan than just ramen, sushi, …

Read More about What to Eat in Tokyo (+ Ramen Guide)

Wondering where to stay in Copenhagen, artistic and historical capital of Denmark? Luckily, Copenhagen is pretty small, as cities go. So, whichever neighbourhood you choose to stay in, you’re usually not more than a thirty-minute walk from wherever you want to be. So the stress of nailing the perfect place to stay is nullified a …

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