Stay Abroad

Author: stayabroad

  • A Spacious and Budget-Friendly Family Stay in Central Budapest

    Our review of City Home Budapest Condominium – a quiet and central apartment-style hotel perfect for families.

    Traveling with family can be both exciting and logistically complex — especially when it comes to choosing the right accommodation. During our recent trip to Budapest as a family of four (two adults and two middle schoolers), we were lucky to find City Home Budapest, a peaceful apartment-style hotel located in the heart of the city.

    1. Why It Worked So Well for Us

    Spacious Layout & Privacy
    City Home is not your typical hotel. Each unit is a fully equipped apartment — with a kitchenette, fridge, dining table, and plenty of room to spread out. This meant everyone had space to relax after a long day of walking, and we weren’t stuck in a single cramped room.

    Clean and Comfortable
    We found the rooms clean and well maintained. Bedding was fresh, bathrooms spotless, and everything functioned well. The beds were firm and supportive — a big plus after a day of sightseeing.

    Location, Location, Location
    Nestled in District 7 (Hársfa utca 51), City Home is only a short walk from major metro lines, restaurants, and convenience stores. It’s also close to hotspots like the Opera House, Andrássy Avenue, and Liszt Ferenc Square. Despite being central, the street is quiet and calm at night — perfect for families.

    Self-Catering Made Easy
    With a well-equipped kitchenette in each apartment, we were able to make simple meals and breakfasts — which helped both budget and convenience, especially with kids.

    2. What Sets City Home Apart

    According to their official site, City Home was designed with long-term guests in mind, offering weekly cleaning, laundry service options, and flexible check-in/check-out. While we stayed only for a week, the feeling was residential and welcoming — much like a second home.

    The staff were friendly and available during reception hours. While not a full-service hotel, communication was smooth, and assistance was provided when needed.

    There’s also free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and an elevator — small but important comforts.

    City Home Budapest offers a sweet spot for families: it’s more affordable than most hotels, more spacious than an Airbnb, and more convenient than renting a private flat. If you’re traveling with kids or staying for more than a few days, it makes your Budapest experience comfortable and low-stress.

    We’d gladly stay here again.

  • Top 7 Things to Buy in Paris, France

    Chic Souvenirs & Authentic Finds from the City of Light

    Paris is full of elegant, thoughtful, and delicious things to bring home. From fashion to food, here are seven must-buy items for your suitcase.

    1. French Skincare & Perfume

    Why?
    World-renowned brands like Caudalie, Nuxe, and Chanel are often cheaper in France — especially in local pharmacies.

    Where to Buy: Citypharma (Saint-Germain), Monoprix, Galeries Lafayette

    2. Macarons & Gourmet Chocolates

    Why?
    Elegant and delicious gifts from Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, and chocolatiers like Patrick Roger or Jean-Paul Hévin.

    Where: Flagship stores, department stores, CDG Airport duty-free

    3. French Fashion Accessories

    Why?
    Berets, silk scarves, and leather goods from Parisian brands never go out of style.

    Where: Le Marais, BHV Marais, small concept stores

    4. Stationery & Books

    Why?
    Elegant notebooks, literary-themed souvenirs, or even a vintage French book from Shakespeare and Company.

    Where: Independent bookstores, museum gift shops

    5. French Tableware & Kitchenware

    Why?
    From Le Creuset pans to fine linen napkins, these are both practical and beautiful.

    Where: E. Dehillerin, BHV, Maison Empereur

    6. Stylish Eco Bags

    Why?
    Reusable and fashionable totes from museums, cafés, or specialty stores like Merci or Poilâne.

    Where: Concept stores, museum boutiques, local boulangeries

    7. Angelina’s Hot Chocolate & Chestnut Spread

    Why?
    The famous Mont-Blanc dessert and hot chocolate from Angelina are Parisian icons. Their chestnut spread (crème de marrons) is luxurious and rich — perfect as a gift or breakfast treat.

    Where: Angelina tearooms (Rue de Rivoli), Galeries Lafayette Gourmet

    Many of these items are airport-security friendly (no liquids over 100ml unless checked). Specialty foods like Angelina products are best purchased near the end of your trip to keep fresh.

  • Top 5 Things to Buy in Dhaka, Bangladesh

    Authentic Local Finds That Make Perfect Souvenirs

    Dhaka is a bustling, colorful city filled with vibrant culture, skilled craftsmanship, and rich textile traditions. If you’re visiting the capital of Bangladesh, here are five must-buy items that offer both beauty and cultural value — all at traveler-friendly prices.

    1. Freshwater Pearls

    Why?
    Bangladesh is known for its affordable and high-quality freshwater pearls. These are handcrafted into elegant necklaces, bracelets, and earrings — perfect for thoughtful souvenirs or personal keepsakes.

    Best for: Gifts, accessories, wedding or event souvenirs
    Where: New Market, Gulshan DCC Market, local jewelers

    2. European OEM Ceramic Tableware

    Why?
    Surprisingly, Dhaka houses factories producing ceramics for European brands (like Wik Warsaw) under OEM agreements. You can find stylish plates, mugs, and serving dishes at significantly lower prices than in Europe.

    Top Picks: White minimalist tableware, floral teacup sets
    Where: Local ceramic outlets, Bashundhara City Mall

    3. Jamdani Saree

    Why?
    Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Jamdani sarees are handwoven masterpieces famous for their intricate patterns and feather-light cotton fabric.

    Best for: Cultural gifts, textile collectors, special occasions
    Where: Aarong, boutiques in Mirpur, Mohammadpur

    4. Handmade Leather Goods

    Why?
    Bangladesh is a global leader in leather exports. In Dhaka, you’ll find premium bags, belts, and shoes at very affordable prices — many of which are handmade.

    Top Picks: Slim wallets, shoulder bags, classic loafers
    Where: Bashundhara City Mall, New Market, shops near Banani

    5. Traditional Spices & Snacks

    Why?
    Bangladeshi cuisine is bold and flavorful. Many visitors stock up on freshly ground spices, fragrant teas, and signature snacks like chanachur or Hilsa-flavored crisps.

    Don’t Miss: Garam masala, mustard oil, Sylhet tea
    Where: Super shops (Meena Bazar, Agora), street vendors, airport duty-free

    Most of these items are compact and easy to carry, but for food items, check your country’s customs rules. Aarong is the most foreigner-friendly option, but exploring local markets offers better bargains — just don’t forget to haggle a little!

  • Top 5 Must-Buy Items from Jeju Island

    Souvenirs You Won’t Regret Bringing Home

    Jeju Island isn’t just about stunning landscapes and Hallasan hikes — it’s also full of local treasures you can take back home. If you’re wondering what to buy beyond the usual fridge magnets, here are 5 items that capture Jeju’s spirit and are worth packing.

    1. Jeju Tangerine (Hallabong) Products

    • Why?
      Jeju’s iconic citrus fruits — especially Hallabong — are transformed into delicious juices, candies, chocolates, teas, and even skincare products.
    • Top Picks: Hallabong chocolate, tangerine marmalade, face masks
    • Where: Airport duty-free shops, local markets, Olive Young

    2. Volcanic Clay Skincare

    • Why?
      The volcanic ash from Jeju’s unique geology is prized for detoxifying and pore-cleansing. Skincare brands like Innisfree use it in their best-selling masks.
    • Top Product: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
    • Where: Innisfree Jeju House, major cosmetics stores

    3. Jeju Green Tea Items

    • Why?
      Grown on the island’s rich soil, Jeju green tea has a deep, clean taste. You’ll find it in tea leaves, lattes, and skincare.
    • Also Try: Green tea cookies or face cleansers with green tea extract
    • Where: Osulloc Tea Museum or gift shops

    4. Dol Hareubang Mini Statues or Magnets

    • Why?
      These stone “grandfather” statues are Jeju’s most recognizable cultural icons. A mini version makes the perfect keepsake or gift.
    • Styles: Magnet, keychain, figurine
    • Where: Tourist shops near Seongsan Ilchulbong or Jeju airport

    5. Local Snacks & Seaweed Chips

    • Why?
      Seaweed harvested around Jeju is especially crisp and flavorful. Pair that with local tangerine or peanut snacks for a unique taste of the island.
    • Must Try: Jeju seaweed chips, peanut brittle, dried squid snacks
    • Where: Dongmun Market, airport gift shops

    Most of these items are available at Jeju Airport before departure — but you’ll get better prices and variety at local shops or markets. Keep an eye out for eco-friendly packaging and local brand labels for authenticity.

  • Top 5 Must-Buy Items When Visiting Korea

    hings I Actually Bought (and Loved)

    Traveling to Korea is exciting — the food, the culture, the energy of the cities. But once you land, a question hits you as you stroll through Daiso, Olive Young, or a local market:

    “What should I buy that I won’t regret later?”

    Here’s a practical list of 5 items I personally bought during my travels (or with visiting friends) — all things that delivered real value, either as gifts or for personal use.

    1. K-Beauty Products (Sheet Masks & Lip Tints)

    • Why?
      Korea is the global capital of skincare. Sheet masks are incredibly affordable, and K-beauty items like lip tints and serums are well-known for their quality and innovation.
    • My picks: Mediheal masks, Rom&nd lip tints
    • Where to shop: Olive Young, airport duty-free stores

    2. Hand Warmers (For Winter Travelers)

    • Why?
      Korea can get cold, especially from November to February. Disposable heat packs (called hot packs) are cheap, long-lasting, and perfect for your pockets.
    • Price: ₩500–₩1,000 each
    • Available at: Convenience stores, Daiso, pharmacies

    3. Instant Korean Food (Ramen, Bibimbap Kits, etc.)

    • Why?
      Craving Korean food after you leave is real. Instant noodles and bibimbap kits make it easy to recreate the flavors at home. They’re light, portable, and TSA-friendly.
    • Top choice: Samyang spicy ramen, CJ Bibimbap bowls
    • Tip: Check for microwavable versions at grocery chains

    4. Korean-Themed Socks or Accessories

    • Why?
      Fun, quirky socks with traditional Korean designs (like hanbok, tigers, or palace motifs) make great souvenirs. Stylish and functional, they’re conversation starters too.
    • Where to buy: Insa-dong, Gyeongbokgung area gift shops, underground shopping centers

    5. Korean Stationery (Notebooks, Stickers, Pens)

    • Why?
      Korea takes stationery to the next level. Whether you’re into journaling or just love cute design, Korean notebooks, washi tape, and pens are high-quality and affordable.
    • Shops to visit: 10×10, Artbox, Kyobo Hottracks, Daiso

    You don’t need to overpack your suitcase. These 5 items are affordable, meaningful, and light to carry — ideal for sharing a piece of Korea with your friends or keeping the memories close.

    Buy what you’ll actually use or gift. Your future self will thank you.

  • What to Do If You’re Told to Get Off a Paris Metro or Bus Before Your Stop

    If you’re traveling in Paris and suddenly hear an announcement asking all passengers to get off the metro or bus — before you reach your destination — you’re not alone.

    This kind of situation is more common than you might expect, and for first-time visitors, it can be confusing, frustrating, or even scary — especially late at night.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    1. Why Are Passengers Told to Exit Early?

    There are several common reasons this can happen:

    • Service interruption: a technical issue or signal problem ahead
    • Security alert: unattended bag or suspicious behavior
    • Strikes or labor actions: common in Paris, sometimes announced with little warning
    • Train or bus termination: some lines don’t always go to the last stop during late hours
    • Maintenance: scheduled night work on metro lines or rails

    Often, the announcement is in French only, which makes it even harder for visitors to understand what’s going on.

    2. Will You Get a Refund?

    Unfortunately, no, individual metro or bus tickets (Ticket t+) are not refundable, even if your ride is cut short.

    However:

    • Your ticket remains valid for 90 minutes after first validation (for metro or RER within Paris zones 1–2).
    • If you’re still inside the station, you can catch another train or take an alternative route without buying a new ticket.

    But:

    • If you exit the metro gates, you’ll need to use a new ticket to re-enter.

    For Navigo cards or day passes, you’re unaffected — they cover unlimited travel during the valid period.

    3. What to Do If This Happens

    a. Stay calm — this is not unusual, even for locals.

    b. Look for screens or announcements
    Often, the RATP will show messages like:

    “Trafic interrompu entre Nation et Gare de Lyon”
    This means: “Service is interrupted between Nation and Gare de Lyon.”

    c. Ask a staff member
    Look for someone in a booth with the blue RATP logo. Say:

    “Excuse me, is there another way to [your destination]?”

    d. Use the RATP App
    Download the official RATP app or use Google Maps transit option to find an alternative route.

    e. If it’s late at night
    Check the last train/bus schedule — many lines stop around 12:30 AM–1:00 AM.
    If no more public transport is available, you may need to use:

    • VTC (Uber, Bolt)
    • Night bus (Noctilien): marked with an “N” on the line number

    4. Pro Tips for First-Time Visitors

    • Buy a few spare tickets just in case you have to re-enter the metro
    • Avoid cutting it close to the last train if your destination is far
    • Carry a translation app for announcements or download RATP’s English service alerts
    • Don’t panic if lights go off in the metro — this is sometimes normal during switches or delays

    Being told to exit a Paris metro or bus early can feel jarring — especially if you don’t speak French. But in most cases, it’s not dangerous. Transit issues happen, and Parisians are used to them.

    If you’re unsure, follow the crowd, ask staff, and always have a Plan B ready (like a rideshare app). Most importantly: don’t let it ruin your night or your trip.

  • Why You Should Learn to Read Crypto Charts

    (And Who the Pioneers of Chart Analysis Are)

    Cryptocurrency prices are volatile, and that’s what makes charts so important. Whether you’re a long-term investor or a short-term trader, learning to read price charts gives you a critical edge.

    This post will explain why chart reading matters — and introduce you to some of the most influential figures who shaped modern technical analysis.

    1. Why Do Crypto Traders Read Charts?

    a. Price reflects everything

    Technical analysts believe that all known information — news, expectations, economic data — is already priced into the chart. So, instead of predicting with news, they interpret what price is doing now.

    b. History tends to repeat

    Certain chart patterns and behaviors (like support, resistance, and breakouts) repeat themselves across different assets and time periods.

    c. Market psychology is visible

    Charts reveal fear, greed, indecision, momentum — all key emotional forces that drive crypto prices. For example, sharp volume drops or panic wicks show mass behavior at scale.

    d. Helps manage risk

    Using tools like stop-loss levels, support zones, and trendlines allows you to define risk and avoid emotional decision-making. Charts help answer:

    “Where do I enter, where do I exit, and what do I risk?”

    2. Famous Figures in Chart Analysis (Based on Facts)

    Here are a few real-world pioneers whose ideas continue to influence chart reading today — even in crypto:

    Charles Dow

    • Known for: Dow Theory
    • Legacy: Co-founder of the Wall Street Journal and the Dow Jones Index
    • Dow believed the market moves in trends and that analyzing averages and volumes could predict future moves.
    • His principles laid the groundwork for modern trend analysis.

    Richard D. Wyckoff

    • Known for: Wyckoff Method
    • A pioneer in studying supply and demand, accumulation/distribution, and volume-price relationships.
    • His work is heavily used by crypto traders in spotting market cycles (e.g., accumulation before breakout).

    John Murphy

    • Known for: Author of Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets
    • A highly respected technical analyst and former CNBC analyst
    • His textbook is widely used in finance courses and by self-taught traders worldwide.

    Steve Nison

    • Known for: Introducing Japanese candlestick charting to the West
    • His book Japanese Candlestick Charting Techniques popularized patterns like Doji, Hammer, and Engulfing in English-speaking trading communities.

    3. In Crypto, Chart Analysis Is Especially Valuable

    • Crypto markets never sleep (24/7) — so price reacts constantly.
    • Many coins have no earnings reports or fundamentals — so price action is often the only clue.
    • High volatility = both opportunity and danger — and charts help manage both.

    Even long-term holders (“HODLers”) benefit from using charts to time entries or understand cycles.

    Learning to read charts isn’t about becoming a prophet. It’s about gaining context. You don’t need to predict the future — you just need to recognize what’s happening and respond with logic instead of emotion.

    As the great trader Paul Tudor Jones once said:

    “The whole world is simply nothing more than a flow chart for capital.”

  • Beginner-Friendly Crypto Chart Techniques

    After learning how to read basic candlestick charts, the next step is exploring common chart analysis techniques. These tools help traders and investors identify patterns, trends, and possible entry or exit points.

    Here are some of the most widely used methods in the crypto world — simple enough for beginners to start with.

    1. Support and Resistance

    Support is a price level where the asset tends to stop falling — buyers step in.
    Resistance is where the price often stops rising — sellers take profit.

    These levels often repeat historically. Once resistance is broken, it may turn into new support (and vice versa).

    Example: BTC bounces near $25,000 multiple times = strong support zone.

    2. Trendlines and Channels

    A trendline is a diagonal line drawn along ascending or descending price points.
    It helps identify the direction of the market:

    • Uptrend = higher highs and higher lows
    • Downtrend = lower highs and lower lows

    Price channels are formed when two parallel trendlines create a path where price moves between them.

    3. Moving Averages (MA)

    Moving averages help smooth out price movement. Common types:

    • Simple Moving Average (SMA): average price over X days
    • Exponential Moving Average (EMA): gives more weight to recent prices

    Popular MAs used in crypto:

    • MA 20 (short-term)
    • MA 50
    • MA 200 (long-term trend)

    Crossovers like Golden Cross (MA 50 crossing above MA 200) and Death Cross (reverse) are popular trend signals.

    4. Relative Strength Index (RSI)

    RSI is an oscillator that ranges from 0 to 100:

    • RSI above 70 = overbought (price may drop)
    • RSI below 30 = oversold (price may bounce)

    It’s useful for spotting possible reversals or confirming trends.

    5. MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence)

    MACD compares two EMAs (usually 12-day and 26-day):

    • MACD Line and Signal Line generate crossover signals
    • Histogram shows momentum strength

    Used to confirm trend direction and strength. A rising histogram often means bullish momentum.

    6. Candlestick Patterns (Basics)

    Even without indicators, candlestick shapes can give clues:

    • Doji: indecision in the market
    • Hammer: potential bullish reversal after a downtrend
    • Shooting Star: potential bearish reversal after an uptrend
    • Engulfing: strong reversal pattern

    These are more powerful when they appear at key support or resistance levels.

    Final Tips

    • Don’t rely on a single indicator. Use 2–3 tools together for confirmation.
    • Combine chart analysis with market context (news, sentiment, volume).
    • Always zoom out to higher timeframes before making decisions.

    Chart analysis is not magic — it’s a way to improve your probabilities, not to guarantee the future.

  • How to Read Bitcoin & Ethereum Charts: A Beginner’s Guide

    Once you’ve learned what Bitcoin and Ethereum are, the next step is understanding how to read their price charts. At first glance, these charts may look complicated — but with just a few basic tools, you’ll quickly start spotting patterns and making sense of price moves.

    1. What Is a Crypto Chart?

    A crypto chart is a graphical representation of a coin’s price over time.

    Most people use candlestick charts — a type of chart that shows:

    • Open price (when the period started)
    • Close price (when it ended)
    • High and Low during that time

    Each “candlestick” represents a period: 1 minute, 5 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, etc.

    Green candle = price went up
    Red candle = price went down

    2. Timeframes Matter

    Depending on your goal, you’ll want to look at different timeframes:

    • Short-term (5min, 15min) → good for traders
    • Mid-term (1H, 4H) → swing traders
    • Long-term (1D, 1W) → investors, trend analysis

    For beginners, I recommend starting with the 1-day (1D) chart. It helps filter out short-term noise and shows broader trends.

    3. Key Terms You’ll See

    • Support: A price level where buying interest is strong enough to stop the price from falling further.
    • Resistance: A price level where selling pressure tends to stop the price from rising.
    • Volume: Shows how much of the coin is being traded. High volume = strong interest.
    • Moving Averages (MA): Smooth out price trends over time. Popular ones are MA 20, MA 50, and MA 200.

    4. Basic Patterns to Watch For

    You don’t need to memorize every chart pattern, but here are a few helpful ones to start with:

    • Uptrend: Higher highs and higher lows → price is rising
    • Downtrend: Lower highs and lower lows → price is falling
    • Consolidation: Price moves in a tight range — may be preparing for a breakout

    Here’s a simplified chart to help you understand what these patterns look like:

    In this image:

    • Green and red candles reflect price movement.
    • Horizontal lines mark possible support/resistance zones.
    • Curved lines show moving averages (trend indicators).

    Don’t worry if it looks overwhelming at first — just focus on spotting direction and big swings.

    5. Tools You Can Use

    Here are some beginner-friendly platforms for charting crypto:

    • TradingView – industry standard, with customizable indicators
    • CoinMarketCap – great for quick price reference
    • Binance, Upbit, Bybit – built-in charts for actual trades

    You don’t need to pay for anything to get started — most features are free.

    Reading charts isn’t about predicting the future perfectly. It’s about recognizing patterns, understanding momentum, and staying calm when the market moves fast.

    Start with simple tools and long-term charts. With time and repetition, you’ll develop your own way of reading the market.

  • Getting Started with Crypto: What Are Bitcoin and Ethereum?

    If you’re new to cryptocurrency, you’ve probably heard of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). These two coins are the foundation of the digital asset world — but what exactly are they, and how do they differ?

    Here’s a simple breakdown to help you start your crypto journey with clarity.

    1. What Is Bitcoin (BTC)?

    Bitcoin is the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, created in 2009 by a mysterious figure (or group) known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It was designed as a decentralized digital currency, meaning:

    • No bank or government controls it.
    • Transactions are peer-to-peer via the internet.
    • It’s secured by blockchain technology, a kind of digital ledger that records every transaction.

    People often see Bitcoin as digital gold — a store of value and a hedge against inflation. The total supply is capped at 21 million coins, which helps protect its scarcity.

    2. What Is Ethereum (ETH)?

    Ethereum was launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others. While Bitcoin focuses on value transfer, Ethereum is more like a decentralized app platform.

    Its key features:

    • It allows developers to build smart contracts — self-executing agreements without middlemen.
    • It powers dApps (decentralized applications) in areas like finance (DeFi), gaming, NFTs, and more.
    • ETH is the native currency used to pay for operations on the Ethereum network (often called gas fees).

    You can think of Ethereum as the infrastructure that other blockchain projects are built on.

    3. How Are They Different?

    FeatureBitcoinEthereum
    Launched20092015
    PurposeDigital currency / store of valueSmart contract & dApp platform
    Supply Limit21 million BTCNo fixed supply (but deflationary trends with ETH 2.0)
    Block Time~10 minutes~12 seconds
    Use CaseTransfer value, hedgeDeFi, NFTs, contracts, dApps

    4. Is It Too Late to Start?

    Definitely not.

    The crypto space continues to evolve rapidly. Whether you’re thinking about investing, developing, or just understanding how things work — knowing the basics of BTC and ETH is a great starting point.

    Before diving in, always remember: crypto is high-risk, high-reward. Take your time, do your research, and never invest more than you can afford to lose. But don’t be afraid to learn — understanding Bitcoin and Ethereum is your first step into a powerful new financial world.