# caseykimexplores.com ## Posts - [Budget Travel in Ravenna, Italy: How I Saved Money There](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/03/25/budget-travel-in-ravenna-italy-how-i-saved-money-there/): I’ve just come back from my 4-day mosaic vacation in Ravenna. I feel like I should have planned more days there. Why more days? My Google search suggested that a maximum of four days would be enough to see everything in Ravenna, but I felt like seven days would have been more suitable to see everything on my list. My list included not only the mosaic-decorated ancient cathedrals and mosaic workshops that Ravenna prides itself on, but also its beautiful beaches. During my 4-day stay, I managed to combine a beach visit with my mosaic sightseeing. Thanks to Trenitalia’s extensive […] - [San Lazzaro degli Armeni: A Sacred and Secluded Ground in Venice, Italy](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/03/09/san-lazzaro-degli-armeni-a-sacred-and-secluded-ground-in-venice-italy/): I own an illustrative and concise guidebook of Corto Maltese. It suggests multiple itineraries in Venice and its beautiful islands. It has taken me years to complete all of them. The guidebook has the section introducing a visit to the island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni, which is home to a secluded monastery. I am someone who wants to visit places I have never been (and I have not visited San Lazzaro degli Armeni just yet). Last year, I was back in Venice but almost forgot to visit San Lazzaro until an ad caught my eyes at San Zaccaria vaporetto […] - [Book Review: VENICE. THE OFFICIAL GUIDE OF THE gondoliers](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/02/23/book-review-venice-the-official-guide-of-the-gondoliers/): Welcome to my 2nd Book Review on my handpicked and tested travel literature. We are in the age where AI-Slop videos have been dominant in the social media scene, but we love blogs and we have time to go through them. The same goes for the books and I believe some of you out there are book lovers wanting to gather information about your travel tips. I have already written my first travel literature review about off-beaten paths in Venice and hope this one would be of your great help in navigating the Venice maze. But this official guide of […] - [Two Weeks in Finland without A Car](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/02/15/two-weeks-in-finland-without-a-car/): I managed to travel through Finland without taking a single taxi—and still experienced what a high-cost country like Finland has to offer a low-budget traveler like me. I spent the first week entirely in Helsinki, the capital. On my very first days, I was reunited with a long-lost friend in the city center. It was a bright, sunny summer day—warm but not scorching. You only needed SPF 50+ sunscreen, not heavy layers or beachwear. The weather was just perfect for exploring. We began our adventure at the Central Railway Station, then grabbed a quick lunch at a lovely little pink […] - [A First-Timer's Guide: Helsinki on a Budget](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/02/08/a-first-timers-guide-helsinki-on-a-budget/): Just a little of personal story here. Back in 2022, a friend attended a summer academic programme at Aalto University which is located in Helsinki, Finland. I have been in touch with her and we have met personally at different parts of the world: Singapore and Germany. That friend messaged me and suggested we meet in Helsinki this round. So I flew to Helsinki and met her in the center of Helsinki. Back then both of us were on tight budget, we explored Helsinki like local students would do. In this specific post, you’ll find some budget locations we ventured […] - [A Day Trip to Chioggia, Italy](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/02/01/a-day-trip-to-chioggia-italy/): I finally came back to Venice last year – but before my comeback I did some homework on my Venice vacation. A lot of blogs and publications suggest the short trip to Chioggia as a side trip from Venice. Those blog posts and publication show the multi-coloured houses and bridges over the canal in Chioggia – quite identical to those found in Venice properly. Houses and canals in Chioggia – is it another Venice? As I strolled through Venice, I felt the strong presence of Chioggia here and there. ACTV posts mention on Chioggia vaporetto connections and bus services from […] - [Pusheen's Travel to Venice, Italy](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/01/18/pusheens-travel-to-venice-italy/): This post is different in featuring Pusheen all over my photos. She travels in Venice in my universe and enjoys her adventure in Serenisima eating or sleeping publicly on Venice canals.. Pusheen and her chicks entourage inspect the gondola workshop which is the only place where the gondola gets produced in Venice. I hope they learn something from their visit. At Doge’s Palace, Pusheen proudly walks around the corridors like she was the royalty – she just needs to walk in the correct lane just so she won’t venture into staff only areas. - [Why You Need More than Three Days in Venice Italy](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/01/11/why-you-need-more-than-three-days-in-venice-italy/): Have you visited this dockyard in your three day Venice stay? This post will be a sort of my boiling pot host. By boiling, I need to express my frustration as a lot of social media posts promote nearly just a few days. Maximal three days not more. It’s all social media marketing dear, I got it. As someone who keeps coming back to spend sometime in Venice however, I always leave the Serenissima wanting to spend more days. My companion, who was with me on my latest Venice trip, shared this view. “Venice has a lot to see, a […] - [Venice's Sestieri (Districts) Guide](https://caseykimexplores.com/2026/01/05/venices-sestieri-districts-guide/): A lot of fellow tourists ask “where to stay in Venice?” as they plan their trip over to Venice, Italy. We all know the complexity. If you travel to Venice for the first time, you don’t know the way around, but you wish for the suitable place where you sleep tightly at night. As an experienced tourist in Venice, I have compiled this Districts guide in hope of assisting you as you read up on what each Sestiere has to offer in Venice. Now to the guide.. Sesti.. What? You may have heard Sestiere be said as you look for […] - [Affordable Gluten-Free Restaurants in Venice, Italy and surroundings](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/12/29/affordable-gluten-free-restaurants-in-venice-italy-and-surroundings/): Being coeliac/gluten-intolerant does not mean breaking your bank while you enjoy safe food during your holiday. It’s entirely possible for you to have just that even in Venice, which has notoriously high food prices. While Venice supermarkets have a plethora of gluten-free goods, we also would like to dine in at fancy food spots all over Venice. We only need them to serve us affordable, gluten-free dishes. We have listed some gluten-free spots here — let’s check them out. Ristorante Dallo Zio Santa Margherita Situated in Dorsoduro, Venice’s hidden hotspot that may not be on many tourists’ radar, Dallo Zio […] - [The Best Sunset Spots in Venice](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/12/21/the-best-sunset-spots-in-venice/): I am finally back to travel blogging and am excited to write about my beloved sunset photos in Venice! My recent Venice trip took place just last month, so hopefully this blog brings you some vibes from Venice (not too far ago). This time, I will write about my tried and tested recommendations for romantic sunsets in Venice! If you are someone who loves to ask for the hand of your partner, etc. — do so in one of the spots suggested by this post. If you are a seasoned sunset lover, don’t hesitate to visit one of my sunset […] - [Still taking a hiatus ..](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/11/23/still-taking-a-hiatus/): Hi there, dear reader! As my trip to Venice is still on, my blog will be still on vacation as well! But I promise, the new Venice article will be up next weekend! Please watch out this space for the update 🙂 With this picture, you got the hint with what the next post would look like 🙂 Cheers, Casey xx - [Taking a hiatus..](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/11/17/taking-a-hiatus/): Hi dear readers.. I am in Venice again and my new blog post will not be up until I am back from my trip. Please stay tuned and travel happily and safely everyone! Greetings from a secret canal in Venice xx - [Throwback for the Coronation Week](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/11/09/throwback-for-the-coronation-week/): I had a very busy week spending some days overseas and taking care of toddlers – but I managed to find some time for this blog post – and for you, dear reader. I have been writing Venice blog posts recently, but today it’s something different! In the last few weeks, the British Royal Family went through perils due to the continuous parade of (former) Prince Andrew headlines, which also caught my attention. As a monarchist at heart, I have been closely following all the developments on this matter and wish everything goes well for the Firm. In times as […] - [The Self-Guided Byzantine Venice Walking Tour](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/11/02/byzantine-venice-walk/): Disclaimer As a preparation before you hit this Byzantine trail: please buy the fast-track ticket to the Doge’s Palace and St Mark’s Basilica. a lot of people queued up at both of them early for a door-to-door ticket in the morning but to no avail – they eventually got turned away as the day tickets sold out very quickly. don’t risk that disappointment! with the fast-track ticket you get guaranteed access to the basilica and the palace 100%! Byzantine Walk in Venice?? This Venice walk is my answer to all those “I’m-in-Venice-now-but-don’t-know-what-to-sightsee” questions I’ve overheard while weaving through crowds of […] - [Venice Night Walk](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/10/26/venice-night-walk/): I’ve been a repeat tourist to Venice since I was a toddler. As an adult, I flew back to Venice just after the global pandemic subsided and the restrictions slowly got lifted. My kind of coming back to Venice happened during wintertime, just a few days after the yearly carnival. The canals and streets still bore traces of the festivities, with colourful confetti scattered all over them. During that trip, I maintained a routine of waking up around 11am in a cheap hotel room on the mainland, did some sightseeing and roaming around all afternoon, then returned to the hotel […] - [The Secret Venice of Corto Maltese (Book Review)](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/10/19/the-secret-venice-of-corto-maltese-book-review/): We live in a time when we instinctively turn to our digital devices to look up any kind of information. Many digital apps now offer travel maps that even work offline. Yet, travel books still exist — even for a place as well-documented as Venice. The Secret Venice of Corto Maltese has been in my possession since 2014, and I’ve loved every single moment spent reading it. I believe more people should get a copy. This blog post will tell you why. What makes The Secret Venice of Corto Maltese “so secret”? In a few words: serene, offbeat, and adventurous. […] - [What to Pack for a 2-Week trip Around Ireland](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/10/12/what-to-pack-for-a-2-week-trip-around-ireland/): I’m a spontaneous person — and you might wonder just how spontaneous I am. Well, I never make a structured packing list for my trips. That was exactly the case with my two-week trip to Ireland. The whole purpose of visiting Ireland was to kind of follow the Titanic trails. So I kept browsing information on Titanic heritage sites in Ireland and places of interest related to that topic — right up until my departure. I was quite unprepared when it came to packing, so much so that I had to buy extra items along the way. I was a […] - [Visit Titanic Places on Ireland's East Coast (no road trip!)](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/10/05/visit-titanic-places-on-irelands-east-coast-no-road-trip/): My roommate and I recently watched the 1997 Titanic movie. He hadn’t seen it before, so we rented it on Amazon Prime. During the three-hour film, I kept narrating every scene and showing off my Titanic trivia. He was an excellent listener and even shared stories about his own recent cruise ship experience with his parents. Titanic, in a way, was the Victorian-era equivalent of the kind of cruise he enjoyed, so he was able to connect his experiences to the film. That night I realized I had so much more to share about Titanic—especially from my own travels. I […] - [Your Ultimate Guide to Venice, Italy](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/09/28/your-ultimate-guide-to-venice-italy/): 1. Introduction Why Venice Captivates Every Traveler Maybe the name Venice consists of what we as tourists think of quintessential Europe. We say that to Vienna, Paris, London etc. But if we talk about canals, we probably think of Venice first. Can you name any other European cities that is famous for canals? Probably not. We as tourists have tendency to frame Venice as very crowded and hot (only during the summer months) – but chances are they don’t venture beyond the “obvious” Venice landmarks like St Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge and Doge’s Palace. I also eavesdropped tourists shouting “what […] - [Nine things Not to Ask/Do in Venice - locals disapproved](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/09/21/eight-things-you-definitely-shouldnt-do-in-venice-locals-disapproved/): Overtourism is unfortunately a thing in many touristic locations everywhere and Venice does not escape it either. Still, this blog post is on a mission to educate you about being a considerable tourist which does not annoy locals and the environment. It is completely doable for you to be like that. But what is all the annoyance felt by the locals whilst they observed the tourist’s behaviour? Keep reading, this blog post will introduce you to 9 of them. Don’t ask for a way to non-existent locations in Venice This week Reddit had a couple of very interesting threads started […] - [Neighbourhood Guide in Venetian Lagoon: Lido, Burano, Murano and Torcello](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/09/14/neighbourhood-guide-in-venetian-lagoon-burano-murano-and-torcello/): You just came across the mention on Burano or Murano on your social media and are wondering what is it about? I am pretty sure you have ever seen colorful homes on all major social media and left a like in there. Or are you planning a trip to Venice and deciding if you want to venture into those islands? Then stick with this guide to Venice’s little sisters, Lido, Burano, Murano and Torcello. Why should you visit there? It’s a common side trip to venture into Burano or Murano (or both of them) if you have more than 3 […] - [Venice Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Essential Tips for Your Dream Vacation](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/09/07/venice-travel-guide-for-first-time-visitors-essential-tips-for-your-dream-vacation/): Welcome to this blog post showcasing what Venice has to offer for first-timers! You have already heard of Venice in Italy (not to be confused with Venice, California), even if you live far away from Europe. You may have seen it represented in Venice-themed casinos, Italian restaurants, gelato shops, or even amusement parks. Now, you’ve managed to book your flight to Italy, and one of your stops is the magical city of Venice. Your accommodation is ready, your excitement is high, but there’s one big question: how do you actually find your way around this unique city? Don’t worry—this post […] - [Best 3 Days in Venice, Italy: Your Budget Travel Guide](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/08/31/best-3-days-in-venice-italy-your-budget-travel-guide/): I know the logistical problem – you and your partner have only a few days to spare in Venice. You’ve probably googled blog posts and video shorts to find out how best to spend your limited time in the city. Personally, I’m against spending just a couple of days in Venice. I believe it doesn’t do justice to your travel history. You’ll end up rushing through your visit, missing out on hidden gems, and dealing with long flights home (hello, jetlag). If you need recovery time from jetlag, then it’s worth extending your stay. The Internet, however, is trending against […] - [How to Eat Out Cheap in Venice, Italy: Try Too Good To Go](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/08/24/how-to-eat-out-cheap-in-venice-try-too-good-to-go/): When you look up how to eat out cheap in Venice, most blogs will suggest the same things. Either go cicchetti-hopping (the Venetian version of tapas, where you order small plates) or hunt down those hidden no-reservation restaurants tucked away in the alleys of Venice. Both are fun options, but in this post I want to share an alternative that’s even cheaper and more sustainable: using Too Good To Go. What is Too Good To Go? Too Good To Go (often shortened as TGTG) is a takeaway food app designed to fight food waste. The company was founded in Copenhagen, […] - [Hidden Photo Locations in Venice](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/08/14/hidden-photo-locations-in-venice/): Venice may be known for its iconic canals and bustling tourist spots, but beyond the gondolas and grand piazzas lies a quieter, more authentic side of the city waiting to be explored. From hidden harbours and colorful island escapes to peaceful vineyards and local canals, this guide uncovers the best off-the-beaten-path experiences in Venice. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these gems will show you a different kind of magic in the Serenissima. 📍 Biennale Headquarters at Ca’ Giustinian Located directly across from the iconic Santa Maria della Salute cathedral and near Punta della Dogana, the Biennale […] - [Venice Biennale and Surrounding Attractions Guide](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/08/09/venice-biennale-and-surrounding-attractions-guide/): Venice captured global headlines in June 2025 when Amazon founder Jeff Bezos chose the floating city for his spectacular wedding to Lauren Sanchez. With the main ceremony held at the historic Arsenale and pre-wedding celebrations at the atmospheric Madonna dell’Orto church, Bezos’s star-studded celebration showcased Venice’s unparalleled beauty to a worldwide audience. Yet beyond these headline-grabbing moments, Venice continues to enchant visitors year-round through cultural treasures like the prestigious Venice International Film Festival—coordinated from the same Ca’ Giustinian palace that serves as the Venice Biennale headquarters. This guide explores the very venues that made Bezos’s wedding unforgettable, revealing how these […] - [Solo, But Never Alone: Meeting Turkey’s Kindest Souls](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/06/22/solo-but-never-alone-meeting-turkeys-kindest-souls/): From Istanbul’s bustling ferries to the rocky valleys of Cappadocia, my solo journey across Turkey wasn’t just about beautiful landscapes — it was the countless moments of kindness from strangers that truly shaped the experience. Here’s the story of how Turkey opened its heart to me. 1. Welcomed Like a Friend in Anadolu Kavağı After multiple ferry rides from Istanbul, I finally reached Anadolu Kavağı, the gateway to Yoros Castle. With 30 minutes to spare before my return ferry, I wandered into a small souvenir shop. No sooner had I entered than three gentlemen greeted me with a heartfelt “Hoşgeldiniz!” […] - [Get around Venice: a Little Guide to Public Transport](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/06/17/1858-2/): It’s a common question: how do you get between Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Canova Airport (TSF)? This article will cover both scenarios: traveling from Venice to either airport, or from one airport to Venice. Let’s start with a quick overview of public transportation and taxis in Venice and the surrounding areas. Public Transportation One of the Treniitalia long-distance trains. Photo: juandagito of Pixabay There are two main public transport providers: Trenitalia: Italy’s national train service covers the entire rail network, including the connection between the mainland and Venice Santa Lucia Station. If you’re arriving in Venice by […] - [Discover Byzantine Constantinople: Websites That Transport You Through History](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/05/25/discover-byzantine-constantinople-websites-that-transport-you-through-history/): Istanbul—formerly known as Constantinople—has long been a focal point of world politics. Recent international conferences held in the city between Russian and Ukrainian delegations serve as a reminder of its enduring geopolitical significance. But Istanbul‘s history extends far beyond modern diplomacy—it was the capital of the Roman and later Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire for over a millennium, before becoming the heart of the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Unfortunately, frequent earthquakes and human intervention have led to the destruction of many ancient buildings from the Byzantine era, making it impossible for us to see them in their original grandeur. However, a […] - [Tour Review: The Green Tour of Cappadocia](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/05/18/tour-review-the-green-tour-of-cappadocia/): Introduction Göreme is the ideal place for first-time visitors to begin their adventure in Cappadocia. According to my Google search, it is also a great option for tourists traveling without a rental car. As a blogger who focuses on travel without personal vehicles, I didn’t hesitate to arrange everything—from accommodation to guided tours. You can do the same and use Göreme as a base camp for your travels, especially if you don’t plan on driving yourself. Cappadocian tour operators offer various guided experiences, including the well-known Green and Red tours. Some providers mix locations from both routes, while others offer […] - [My latest tips: exploring Istanbul on a budget](https://caseykimexplores.com/2025/03/16/my-latest-tips-exploring-istanbul-on-a-budget/): Having just wrapped up an unforgettable two-week adventure in Turkey, I often find myself reminiscing about those vibrant, adventurous days. It all began with a two-day stay in Istanbul—a city that left a lasting impression. With that in mind, I wanted to share some of my observations and tips to help you make the most of your own journey. #1 Hagia-Sofia Hack: Enter as a Pilgrim Looking to save a few euros while exploring the iconic Hagia Sofia? Here’s an unconventional tip: enter through the prayer area by joining the Muslim tourists’ queue. While it might feel like bending the […] ## Pages - [Latest Posts](https://caseykimexplores.com/latest-posts/) - [About](https://caseykimexplores.com/about/): Who are we? - [Contact](https://caseykimexplores.com/contact/): CONTACT US Get In Touch Talk To Us Follow Us: - [Home](https://caseykimexplores.com/) - [Privacy Policy](https://caseykimexplores.com/privacy-policy/): Who we are Suggested text: Our website address is: https://caseykimexplores.com. Comments Suggested text: When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. 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