Howard Hsu
When I travel, I try to find beauty in the everyday. Oftentimes, this involves creating connections with locals and allowing my itinerary and journey to evolve from there. In this way, I structure my trips to maximize the opportunity for serendipity.
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"Surfing, food tours, cooking, fruit, art and design"
How did you get involved in travel?
"Growing up, my family would always take a big trip over Christmas break; over the years we traveled all over Asia/Europe/South America. I owe a lot of my natural curiosity of other cultures to my father, who would spend much of these trips wandering and observing. Some of my favorite travel memories involve walking up and down the aisles of grocery stores in foreign countries, pointing out little differences and observations to my family as I saw them. "
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"The unfailing hospitality of the residents of CDMX left a lasting impression on me. Part of this included being pulled into a dance battle (twice) at a legendary Mexico City discotheque. "
Favorite experiences
Cooking Class
Get a taste of the Basque Country with this hands-on cooking class in Bilbao. A skilled chef will teach you how to create regional dishes, from Tolosa bean stew to baked piquillo peppers, resulting in a delicious three-course meal. Afterward, feast on your creations in the private dining room,...
Rainbow Mountain (Mount Vinicunca) Hike
It's a 3.5-hour drive from the city of Cusco to the trailhead leading up Vinicunca, known as the Rainbow Mountain. Also called the Montaña de los Siete Colors (Mountain of the Seven Colors), Vinicunca's colorful look is the result of ice melt over its surface a long time ago. The water mixed with...
Surfing or SUPing
Learn to surf or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with an experienced instructor in coastal Valencia, which features a gorgeous beach right in the city and several others nearby. Your instructor will tailor the surf or SUP lesson to your skill level, so you can have a safe and comfortable experience as...