Location
Taichung, Taiwan
School
Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), Bournemouth University, University of Alberta, Simon Fraser University
Expertise
Expat Lifestyle, Culture & History in Travel, Getting Lost Running in Foreign Countries
- As a newbie expat, Kayo took a Fly Dubai flight to Baku, Azerbaijan, for a visa run and landed in the middle of an April snowstorm wearing flip-flops.
- Before becoming a professional writer, she aspired to be a dive instructor in the Philippines, always looking for thresher sharks, octopuses, and pygmy seahorses.
- She spent a year in Sri Lanka, where she and her type designer/photographer husband traveled by train to the northern city of Jaffna to document all the hand-painted signs they could find.
Experience
Kayo is a travel writer and an essayist who makes home wherever she is. Born in Japan to Taiwanese parents, she grew up on the west coast of Canada and worked as a librarian and writer in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. Her work has been published in various international lifestyle platforms and literary magazines. She is currently based in her ancestral homeland of Taiwan, where she spends her weekends temple hopping, river tracing, and hanging out in vintage markets.
Education
Kayo holds a B.A. (Hons.) in communication and sociology from Simon Fraser University, an M.A. in creative media practice from Bournemouth University, an MFA in writing from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), and an MLIS specializing in academic librarianship from the University of Alberta.
Islands content is created by a team of veteran writers and editors passionate about travel. Outside experts with deep field knowledge sometimes inform our work with additional context and perspectives by way of exclusive commentary. Our goal is to offer readers well-rounded and diverse articles that inform, entertain, and inspire.
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Kentucky
By Kayo Chang Black
Take the adventure underground and paddle through the calm waters of the abandoned limestone mines hidden beneath the strikingly beautiful Red River Gorge.
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Tennessee
By Kayo Chang Black
Looking for a laid-back place with small town charm and beauty? This Tennessee town offers gorgeous waterfalls and delicious food for after your hike.
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Europe
By Kayo Chang Black
Just outside of Rome and Naples sits an underrated city full of historic charm that will fill the days you're not busy enjoying the nearby beaches.
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Canada
By Kayo Chang Black
You don't have to cross the Pacific for top-notch Asian food. Hit up the Dumpling Trail in this vibrant Canadian city and sample a range of delicious flavors.
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Tennessee
By Kayo Chang Black
Get a taste of France without a passport in this Tennessee city that captures the charm of its namesake, complete with appropriate cuisine and attractions.
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Alabama
By Kayo Chang Black
Tucked away in Alabama sits the state's former capital city and most famous ghost town brimming with mysteries, unique sites, and relics of a bygone era.
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Hawaii
By Kayo Chang Black
This hidden gem on the north shore of Kauai is teeming with thrilling trails lined with vibrant greenery, breathtaking gardens, and unforgettable views.
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Europe
By Kayo Chang Black
Within the rolling green hills of Tuscany, you can stroll through the historic medieval streets of the town where Italy’s oldest known pasta was first created.
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Festivals
By Kayo Chang Black
This small Indiana town on the Ohio River offers a unique view into a key period of United States history and a number of fun-filled festivals.
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Indiana
By Kayo Chang Black
This Indiana city is bustling with small town charm. There's something to do here for everyone, but one of the main draws is its cinematic history.
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Kentucky
By Kayo Chang Black
One of the Bluegrass State's most important cities is also one of its best to visit, as guests can enjoy a combination of history and local creativity.
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If you're up for a challenge, hike to the top of this tall mountain in Japan for stunning views of Mount Fuji, serene nature, and the morning sunrise.
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Montana
By Kayo Chang Black
Feel as though you've stepped back in time at this gold rush-era town that was once desolate but is now home to preserved shops, a train, and other attractions.
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Wine lovers will be delighted by this Ohio vineyard's incredible offerings, which they'll enjoy while basking in its unique tasting area - a repurposed church.
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Hawaii
By Kayo Chang Black
If you're going to the Hawaiian islands and planning on a stay on Big Island, you should head to the east coast to see this UFO-focused park.
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Nevada
By Kayo Chang Black
With charming attractions, a small city in Nevada’s sprawling landscape offers the perfect base for a natural escape to the nearby valleys and canyons.
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Europe
By Kayo Chang Black
For the ultimate Nordic experience, you can enjoy views of a bustling European city from the top of a Ferris wheel while staying warm in a sauna.
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Tennessee
By Kayo Chang Black
Set within a historical site in Tennessee, Nashville’s oldest winery offers delicious tastings alongside the opportunity to learn about the state’s past.
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St. Barts is known for its beaches, including the second largest beach on the island, an extraordinary spot with secluded sands and mountain views.
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Canada
By Kayo Chang Black
Vancouver Island’s remote, wild west coast includes an island in Nootka Sound for outdoor enthusiasts seeking cold-water diving, surfing, and hiking.
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If you want to step into an enchanted garden that seems like it comes straight from a fairy tale, visit Ohio where this beautiful retreat blooms brightly.
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Texas
By Kayo Chang Black
Antique lovers and history buffs, especially those who love railroad history, will fall in love with the "Antique Capital of the West" in Texas.
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Georgia
By Kayo Chang Black
Get a taste of Atlanta's nightlife, delicious food, shopping, and fun attractions without the big-city chaos in this vibrant suburb just a short drive away.
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This northern Ohio town may be small, but it's brimming with fascinating historical sites, charming architecture, delicious food, and unique shops.
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New York
By Kayo Chang Black
Step inside one of the last print magazine shops in New York City to experience a unique, Instagram-worthy store loved by locals and celebrities alike.
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Whether you're a diving pro or new to snorkeling, this barrier reef in Turks and Caicos is a must-visit spot for rich sea life and colorful underwater scenery.
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Illinois
By Kayo Chang Black
Chicago tourists shouldn't miss the city's "Black Metropolis," a historic neighborhood on Lake Michigan with a thriving arts scene and delicious cuisine.
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