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Kelly Today

Blog, Books · May 19, 2026

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You’ll Want to Read in One Sitting

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There’s something about Christmas that makes love stories feel even more magical. Maybe it’s the glow of twinkling lights, the comfort of familiar traditions, or the way the world seems to slow down just enough for hearts to find their way back to each other. Whatever it is, Christmas romance books have a way of wrapping you in warmth, nostalgia, and a little bit of festive escapism.

From small-town second chances and snowy meet-cutes to cozy holiday escapes filled with unexpected chemistry, these stories capture everything we love about the season—hope, connection, and the belief that love can show up when you least expect it.

If you’re looking to curl up with a blanket, a hot drink, and a story that feels like a Hallmark movie in book form, here are 13 of the best Christmas romance books to add to your reading list this festive season.

💌 Subscribe to my Substack newsletter to get handpicked book recommendations delivered to your inbox every month!

Contents hide
1 13 Best Christmas Romance Books You’ll Want to Read in One Sitting
1.1 Good Spirits by B.K Borison
1.2 In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
1.3 Lovelight Farms by B.K Borison
1.4 One Day in December by Josie Silver
1.5 Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood
1.6 And Now, Back To You by B.K Borison
1.7 My December Darling by Lauren Asher
1.8 The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score
1.9 Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey
1.10 Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh
1.11 Snowed In by Catherine Walsh
1.12 A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
1.13 The Winter of Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free resources and guides for my readers. Thank you for your support! Refer to the Disclosure Policy for more details.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You’ll Want to Read in One Sitting

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

Good Spirits by B.K Borison

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Nolan Callahan is the Ghost of Christmas Past, used to quietly completing his haunting assignments before returning to his aimless afterlife. But when he’s assigned to Harriet York, a kind-hearted people pleaser with more depth than she realises, something shifts.

As Nolan begins guiding Harriet through her past, the two uncover hidden emotional threads that connect them in unexpected ways. What begins as a routine haunting turns into something far more complicated as Nolan starts wishing for a future beyond his role, and Harriet begins questioning everything she thought she knew about herself.

With Christmas Eve approaching, both must decide whether their connection is something fleeting—or something worth holding onto beyond time itself.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Maelyn Jones is stuck in a rut—living at home, unhappy in her job, and heartbroken after a holiday mistake. After a disastrous final Christmas at her favourite cabin, she makes a desperate wish to the universe to find happiness.

Soon after, she wakes up reliving the same holiday trip, caught in a confusing time loop that forces her to re-experience Christmas over and over again. As she tries to break free, Mae begins to notice the small choices, relationships, and missed moments that might finally lead her to the life—and love—she’s been searching for.

What follows is a chaotic, emotional, and festive journey through love, timing, and second chances wrapped in holiday magic.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

Lovelight Farms by B.K Borison

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Stella Bloom is determined to save her beloved Christmas tree farm, Lovelight Farms, after it falls into financial trouble and unexpected chaos threatens its future.

To help secure funding, she enters a contest and falsely claims she co-owns the farm with her boyfriend—despite not actually having one. Desperate to keep up appearances, she turns to her best friend Luka Peters, who unexpectedly steps into the role.

As they fake a relationship for the sake of the farm, the line between pretend and real begins to blur, especially when long-held feelings start to surface.

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13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting
13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

One Day in December by Josie Silver

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Laurie experiences love at first sight when she locks eyes with a stranger through a bus window one snowy December day. Convinced fate will bring them back together, she spends a year searching for him across London.

When they finally reunite at a Christmas party, Laurie discovers the man she’s been searching for is now her best friend’s boyfriend, Jack. What follows is a decade-long story of missed timing, emotional complexity, and enduring connection as their lives continue to intersect in unexpected ways.

It’s a sweeping, emotional romance about destiny, friendship, and the paths love can take when timing is never quite right.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Jamie Malek is only home for the holidays and looking for something simple—like borrowing a roasting pan. Instead, she finds herself face-to-face with Marc, her best friend’s brother and her complicated past.

A sudden winter storm traps them together, forcing old memories and unresolved feelings to resurface in close quarters. As the snow falls outside, the tension between them grows harder to ignore.

What starts as an inconvenient reunion slowly becomes an intimate night of reflection, chemistry, and unresolved love waiting to be revisited.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

And Now, Back To You by B.K Borison

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Jackson Clark and Delilah Stewart are rival meteorologists who couldn’t be more different in their approach to life and work.

When they’re forced to cover a major snowstorm together, their conflicting personalities clash in close quarters. But as they begin working through the assignment, they strike an unexpected deal: Delilah will help Jackson rediscover joy, while he helps her prove herself professionally.

As the storm intensifies outside, so does the connection between them, turning rivalry into friendship—and something far more complicated.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

My December Darling by Lauren Asher

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Catalina is reluctantly spending the holidays as maid of honour at her sister’s wedding, which becomes even more complicated when she’s forced to face Luke Darling—the best man and her ex’s best friend.

Their shared history makes every interaction tense, but beneath the friction is an undeniable pull neither of them can ignore.

As the wedding approaches and winter settles over Lake Wisteria, Catalina and Luke are forced to confront whether their past will define them—or whether they can finally choose something new.

📚 Want more media recommendations? 📽️

Love discovering great books, TV shows, and all the little moments in life? Subscribe to my Substack for monthly media recommendations and reflections delivered straight to your inbox.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting
13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

The Christmas Fix by Lucy Score

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

When a hurricane damages the town of Merry, Connecticut, plans for the annual Christmas festival are thrown into chaos.

City manager Noah Yates is determined to keep things grounded, but his plans are disrupted when reality TV star Catalina King arrives with her own vision for saving the town through a televised holiday makeover.

As they clash over how to rebuild Merry, sparks fly amid the tension, forcing both of them to reconsider what saving the town—and their hearts—might really require.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

Window Shopping by Tessa Bailey

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Two weeks before Christmas, a chance encounter outside a Manhattan department store changes everything for Stella, a woman trying to rebuild her life.

She’s offered a job decorating the store’s holiday windows by Aiden, the charming owner who sees potential in her when she least expects it.

As they work together to transform the festive displays, their professional boundaries begin to blur, and what starts as a temporary opportunity turns into something far more personal.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

Holiday Romance by Catherine Walsh

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Molly and Andrew have spent years sharing a yearly tradition—sitting beside each other on the long flight home from Chicago to Dublin every Christmas.

When a snowstorm forces them to travel together on land instead, their carefully maintained friendship is tested in new ways. As they navigate delays, detours, and unexpected moments of closeness, the line between friendship and something more begins to shift.

What unfolds is a heartfelt journey through timing, connection, and the possibility that love may have been there all along.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

Snowed In by Catherine Walsh

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Megan and Christian enter a fake dating agreement to survive the pressures of their respective holiday family expectations.

What begins as a practical arrangement quickly becomes more complicated as they spend more time together navigating awkward gatherings, shared history, and lingering feelings.

As a snowed-in cabin forces them into close proximity, their carefully constructed rules start to fall apart, revealing emotions neither of them expected.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Three estranged half-sisters—Maggie, Simone, and Star—are brought back together after the death of their eccentric father.

To claim their inheritance, they must complete a series of unexpected challenges tied to his antique shop and legacy.

As they navigate small-town chaos, old tensions, and festive traditions, the sisters begin to rebuild their fractured relationship and rediscover what family and love mean during the holiday season.

13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

The Winter of Second Chances by Jenny Bayliss

Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)

Annie Sharpe leaves behind her old life after her marriage falls apart and takes a caretaker role in a coastal village in search of a fresh start. As she settles into her new surroundings, she finds unexpected community, comfort, and connection in the quiet town.

But when her past resurfaces in the form of her former husband and lingering emotions, Annie must decide whether to return to what she once knew—or embrace the possibility of a new beginning.

Other Resources You Might Find Helpful

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  • 16 Romance Books About Second Chances You’ll Wish You Read Sooner
  • 30 books you need to read in your twenties
  • 15 Best Friends to Lovers Romance Books To Add To Your Reading List
  • 15 Romance Fantasy Books You Should Read This Year
  • Books everyone should read at least once in their life
  • Media to consume if you’re feeling lost in your twenties
  • Media recs that bring a little wonder back into the everyday

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13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting
13 Best Christmas Romance Books You'll Want to Read in One Sitting

Posted By: kellytoday · In: Blog, Books

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Hi, I'm Kelly! I'm an Asian Australian content creator from Western Australia. I inspire others to get outside and explore the world. Join my adventures and discover my best travel & photography tips!

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A little glimpse into what my life looked like whe A little glimpse into what my life looked like when I lived and worked in South Korea 🇰🇷

I moved from Perth to a rural island for work, and somehow this became my normal for a while.

There were definitely highs and lows to being a TEFL teacher, adjusting to a new culture and figuring out everyday life in a different country. But there was also something really special about getting to experience Korea beyond just being a tourist.

Looking back, it was such a strange, unexpected chapter of my 20s, and one I’m really glad I got to live.

Sharing this on World Teachers’ Day as a little nod to that chapter, and to all the teachers doing their thing today.

📌 If you’re interested in teaching in Korea, comment ‘JOB’, and I’ll send you my free guide on how I got my teaching job there.

#southkorea #workingabroad #incheon
Everything I’ve been loving so far this month 👉🏻 Everything I’ve been loving so far this month 👉🏻

A little round-up of my September favourites, from things I’ve been reading and listening to, to a few simple things that have made spring pass by. 📚🎧

I’ve included a mix of media recommendations and little everyday favourites, but as always, you can find the more in-depth version of my monthly round-up over on my Substack. 💌

What have been some of your highlights from September?

#monthlyfavourites #perth #westernaustralia

I listen to all my podcasts on @spotify 

I have a commonplace journal where I handwrite what I consume each week then I'll transfer these notes into @notion. 

💻 I've linked my notion templates in my profile.

I have a monthly series sharing articles I've found interesting in my substack newsletter. 

This book got me back into reading after a reading slump but it wasn't my favourite book. 

It's still worth reading though! 

All stats are from @the.storygraph 

A few books I'm hoping to read next month! 

Had more content shoots than normal this month. It can be a bit hectic getting content but it's a nice change of scenery from the usual office. 

Just realised you can add a widget for your screentime usage on @samsungwithgalaxy phones? 👀

Other resources you might find helpful for reducing your screen time 💻

I share a weekly substack newsletter with more tips and recs like this. 

If you're interested you can sign up using the link in my bio.
📝 Part 14 of the media I consumed this week that s 📝 Part 14 of the media I consumed this week that sparked my curiosity 🙇🏻‍♀️

This week’s roundup is all about articles and essays that made me think a little differently, introduced me to a new idea, or simply left me with something to sit with. 🌱

💌 I share weekly recommendations across books, films, articles, podcasts and more in my newsletter. You can sign up through the link in my bio.

💭 Newsletter subscribers get the full list of everything featured in each roundup.

📝 Comment 'list' and I'll send you all the links for the media in this carousel.

#reading #europe
If you’re visiting Seoul in autumn, add this to yo If you’re visiting Seoul in autumn, add this to your bucket list 🍂

Gyeongbokgung Palace is opening its doors after dark for special night viewings over the next few weeks, giving you the chance to explore the palace grounds from dusk into the evening.

I went down a little rabbit hole and dug out these photos from my visit a few years ago, and honestly, experiencing autumn and Gyeongbokgung at night is great combination. 

📅 2 September – 2 October 2026
🕖 7pm – 9:30pm (last admission 8:30pm)
📍 Gyeongbokgung Palace
🚫 Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

A few things to know before you go:

🎟️ Admission is limited to 3,300 visitors per day, including 300 tickets available on-site exclusively for foreign tourists.

✨ Free entry is available for children aged 6 and under, visitors aged 65+, and anyone wearing a traditional Hanbok.

You can purchase tickets on-site, but if you’re planning to do this, I’d recommend getting there at least an hour before opening. The on-site ticket office only has 300 tickets available per day, so these can go quickly.

🔖Save this for your #seoul trip

💻 Found this helpful? I've got a full list of things to do in Seoul at night on my blog. Comment "SEOUL" and I'll send it to you.

#asia #korea #travelphotography
Here’s a quick tutorial on how I edit my photos to Here’s a quick tutorial on how I edit my photos to get that dreamy disposable film look, all from your phone. 📸

If you’d rather skip the editing tutorial, comment “PRESET” and I’ll send you my Lightroom preset. ✨

You can make these edits directly in @lightroom, which is free to use on your phone.

A few tips on how I usually shoot my photos:

📷 I either shoot on my @sony camera or my @samsungwithgalaxy phone.

🗂️ I always shoot in RAW when possible, which gives me more flexibility when editing.

💻 I then bring the files into @lightroom on desktop to fine-tune the edit and get the final look.

Save this for the next time you want to give your travel photos a little film-inspired makeover. ☁️

#travelphotography #travel #phototips #lightroom
What happens when you skip Tokyo on your next Japa What happens when you skip Tokyo on your next Japan trip? 🇯🇵

Don’t get me wrong, Tokyo is still worth visiting at least once, but if you want some alternative options, there are plenty of places to explore in Japan beyond the major cities. Here are just a few of some of my favourite spots I’ve visited after several trips to Japan. 👉🏻

📌 A few things to know before your trip:

🗓️ Research the best season to visit — and check for festivals or events you’d like to experience.

🍴 Make restaurant reservations in advance (especially for popular spots!).

🛍️ Create a shopping wishlist to save time & avoid impulse buys — or grab my Japan Shopping List Notion template (linked in my bio).

🚅 Not driving? Check if the JR Pass is worth it for your route — it’s one of the best ways to get around efficiently. You can use the JR Pass Calculator to see if the route options are covered by the pass. 

💭 If you’ve been to Japan, what’s one place you’d recommend or would revisit? 

📷 Photos edited using my Fujifilm Lightroom presets (linked in my bio) 

#japan #asia #asiatravel #travelphotography #bucketlist @lightroom @visitjapanau 

Kyoto might be a classic first-time stop, but it’s still worth visiting. From lush gardens and traditional teahouses to temples and shrines, there’s plenty to explore.

It’s also a great base for day trips around the region. I’d recommend giving yourself at least 5–6 days for Kyoto and a few nearby day trips, rather than trying to squeeze it all into a weekend.

Often called the “Venice of Kyushu”, Yanagawa is known for its scenic canals and traditional river boat cruises. You’ll be guided through the waterways by local boatmen while taking in the city’s 400-year history.

And don’t leave without trying the local specialty: unagi, served steamed or grilled. 🍱

It’s a little out of the way, but Shirakawa-go is worth the journey.

If you have the time, I’d recommend staying overnight. One day wasn’t enough for me to properly explore this mountain village without feeling rushed.

The village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, with their distinctive steeply pitched roofs.

One of the most scenic spots in Japan, Amanohashid
💸 Part 1 of apps I’m no longer gatekeeping because 💸 Part 1 of apps I’m no longer gatekeeping because they’ve saved me money 💸

Just a few apps I’ve discovered that have helped me save or make money in my twenties.

💌 Found this helpful? I share more resources like this in my weekly newsletter on Substack (you can sign up via the link in my bio).

💬 If you have any recommendations, feel free to share them in the comments. 👇🏼

#apps #habits

For those travelling overseas and want the best currency exchange rate check out @wiseaccount. 

💸 You can get a free card or fee-free tranafer up to 1,000 Aud using my @wiseaccount referral (linked in my bio)

🍽 Handy for finding food at a cheaper price in yoyr local area. 

🍽 Handy for those that want to eat out put pay less. 

Bonus tip: install the plugins on your laptop so it can track your cashback when you're shopping with select retailers. 

If it doesn't track your purchase you can submit a claim online via the platform's form. Just remember to provide a receipt as proof of purchase. 

💸 Always compare cashback rates across @shopbackau and @topcashbackau 

Underrated app for accessing audiobooks and ebooks through your local library. 

📍 Don't forget to check out my other app series recommendations on my profile.
🙇🏻‍♀️ Part 17 of articles worth reading in your tw 🙇🏻‍♀️ Part 17 of articles worth reading in your twenties ✨ 

Here’s your next round of long-form reads for navigating your twenties. 

💌 Enjoyed this post? I share weekly recommendations, resources and reflections on navigating your twenties, financial literacy and life in between over on my Substack. 

#europe #whattoread #articles
You’ve just landed in Switzerland… where are you h You’ve just landed in Switzerland… where are you heading first? 🇨🇭👉🏻

If you’re planning a trip, here are a few places to add to your itinerary. I only had a week in Switzerland, so I focused on a mix of first-time favourites and a few lesser-known spots.

But I know there’s still SO much more to see 👀

If you’ve been to Switzerland, where would you recommend visiting next? Let me know in the comments! ⤵️

🗺️ Want my full Switzerland travel itinerary? Comment GUIDE and I’ll send you the link!

📷 Photos edited in @lightroom.

#switzerland #europe #bucketlist @switzerland @visitswitzerland 

One of my favourite cities I’ve visited in Europe. You can easily spend your days exploring the local streets or by the lake. 

I’d recommend spending at least 2 to three days in Lucerne, but if you want to explore it without rushing, about 4 to 5 days. 

I’ve written an entire free guide about things to do in Lucerne on my website. 💻

I had this mountain village in Switzerland on my bucket list for years, and seeing it in person was a surreal experience. 

Spend at least 4 days here for hiking and soaking up the village. I visited during summer but would love to visit in winter for the seasonal activities. 

This city is a great starting point for your Switzerland trip. I spent about 2 days here, but you could easily spend a week here. 

I’d easily revisit this city to wander the streets, check out the museums, galleries and soak up the city atmosphere. 

This was a great spot as a base for doing day trips in Switzerland. You can also do paragliding here if it’s on your bucket list. 

Some of my favourite experiences I did in Grindelwald were the toboggan slide and the flying fox in the mountains. 

Probably one of the most noticeable places in Switzerland you’ve seen on social media, and for good reason. It’s a charming Swiss village known for its cliffs and waterfalls. 

I did a day trip from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen, but you could easily spend another day or two here to soak up the views and go on hikes in the area. 

Found this helpful? 👇🏼

I have an entire one-week Switzerland travel itinerary I can send you to save you time planning your trip!

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A little glimpse into what my life looked like whe A little glimpse into what my life looked like when I lived and worked in South Korea 🇰🇷

I moved from Perth to a rural island for work, and somehow this became my normal for a while.

There were definitely highs and lows to being a TEFL teacher, adjusting to a new culture and figuring out everyday life in a different country. But there was also something really special about getting to experience Korea beyond just being a tourist.

Looking back, it was such a strange, unexpected chapter of my 20s, and one I’m really glad I got to live.

Sharing this on World Teachers’ Day as a little nod to that chapter, and to all the teachers doing their thing today.

📌 If you’re interested in teaching in Korea, comment ‘JOB’, and I’ll send you my free guide on how I got my teaching job there.

#southkorea #workingabroad #incheon
Everything I’ve been loving so far this month 👉🏻 Everything I’ve been loving so far this month 👉🏻

A little round-up of my September favourites, from things I’ve been reading and listening to, to a few simple things that have made spring pass by. 📚🎧

I’ve included a mix of media recommendations and little everyday favourites, but as always, you can find the more in-depth version of my monthly round-up over on my Substack. 💌

What have been some of your highlights from September?

#monthlyfavourites #perth #westernaustralia

I listen to all my podcasts on @spotify 

I have a commonplace journal where I handwrite what I consume each week then I'll transfer these notes into @notion. 

💻 I've linked my notion templates in my profile.

I have a monthly series sharing articles I've found interesting in my substack newsletter. 

This book got me back into reading after a reading slump but it wasn't my favourite book. 

It's still worth reading though! 

All stats are from @the.storygraph 

A few books I'm hoping to read next month! 

Had more content shoots than normal this month. It can be a bit hectic getting content but it's a nice change of scenery from the usual office. 

Just realised you can add a widget for your screentime usage on @samsungwithgalaxy phones? 👀

Other resources you might find helpful for reducing your screen time 💻

I share a weekly substack newsletter with more tips and recs like this. 

If you're interested you can sign up using the link in my bio.
📝 Part 14 of the media I consumed this week that s 📝 Part 14 of the media I consumed this week that sparked my curiosity 🙇🏻‍♀️

This week’s roundup is all about articles and essays that made me think a little differently, introduced me to a new idea, or simply left me with something to sit with. 🌱

💌 I share weekly recommendations across books, films, articles, podcasts and more in my newsletter. You can sign up through the link in my bio.

💭 Newsletter subscribers get the full list of everything featured in each roundup.

📝 Comment 'list' and I'll send you all the links for the media in this carousel.

#reading #europe
If you’re visiting Seoul in autumn, add this to yo If you’re visiting Seoul in autumn, add this to your bucket list 🍂

Gyeongbokgung Palace is opening its doors after dark for special night viewings over the next few weeks, giving you the chance to explore the palace grounds from dusk into the evening.

I went down a little rabbit hole and dug out these photos from my visit a few years ago, and honestly, experiencing autumn and Gyeongbokgung at night is great combination. 

📅 2 September – 2 October 2026
🕖 7pm – 9:30pm (last admission 8:30pm)
📍 Gyeongbokgung Palace
🚫 Closed Mondays & Tuesdays

A few things to know before you go:

🎟️ Admission is limited to 3,300 visitors per day, including 300 tickets available on-site exclusively for foreign tourists.

✨ Free entry is available for children aged 6 and under, visitors aged 65+, and anyone wearing a traditional Hanbok.

You can purchase tickets on-site, but if you’re planning to do this, I’d recommend getting there at least an hour before opening. The on-site ticket office only has 300 tickets available per day, so these can go quickly.

🔖Save this for your #seoul trip

💻 Found this helpful? I've got a full list of things to do in Seoul at night on my blog. Comment "SEOUL" and I'll send it to you.

#asia #korea #travelphotography
Here’s a quick tutorial on how I edit my photos to Here’s a quick tutorial on how I edit my photos to get that dreamy disposable film look, all from your phone. 📸

If you’d rather skip the editing tutorial, comment “PRESET” and I’ll send you my Lightroom preset. ✨

You can make these edits directly in @lightroom, which is free to use on your phone.

A few tips on how I usually shoot my photos:

📷 I either shoot on my @sony camera or my @samsungwithgalaxy phone.

🗂️ I always shoot in RAW when possible, which gives me more flexibility when editing.

💻 I then bring the files into @lightroom on desktop to fine-tune the edit and get the final look.

Save this for the next time you want to give your travel photos a little film-inspired makeover. ☁️

#travelphotography #travel #phototips #lightroom
What happens when you skip Tokyo on your next Japa What happens when you skip Tokyo on your next Japan trip? 🇯🇵

Don’t get me wrong, Tokyo is still worth visiting at least once, but if you want some alternative options, there are plenty of places to explore in Japan beyond the major cities. Here are just a few of some of my favourite spots I’ve visited after several trips to Japan. 👉🏻

📌 A few things to know before your trip:

🗓️ Research the best season to visit — and check for festivals or events you’d like to experience.

🍴 Make restaurant reservations in advance (especially for popular spots!).

🛍️ Create a shopping wishlist to save time & avoid impulse buys — or grab my Japan Shopping List Notion template (linked in my bio).

🚅 Not driving? Check if the JR Pass is worth it for your route — it’s one of the best ways to get around efficiently. You can use the JR Pass Calculator to see if the route options are covered by the pass. 

💭 If you’ve been to Japan, what’s one place you’d recommend or would revisit? 

📷 Photos edited using my Fujifilm Lightroom presets (linked in my bio) 

#japan #asia #asiatravel #travelphotography #bucketlist @lightroom @visitjapanau 

Kyoto might be a classic first-time stop, but it’s still worth visiting. From lush gardens and traditional teahouses to temples and shrines, there’s plenty to explore.

It’s also a great base for day trips around the region. I’d recommend giving yourself at least 5–6 days for Kyoto and a few nearby day trips, rather than trying to squeeze it all into a weekend.

Often called the “Venice of Kyushu”, Yanagawa is known for its scenic canals and traditional river boat cruises. You’ll be guided through the waterways by local boatmen while taking in the city’s 400-year history.

And don’t leave without trying the local specialty: unagi, served steamed or grilled. 🍱

It’s a little out of the way, but Shirakawa-go is worth the journey.

If you have the time, I’d recommend staying overnight. One day wasn’t enough for me to properly explore this mountain village without feeling rushed.

The village is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, with their distinctive steeply pitched roofs.

One of the most scenic spots in Japan, Amanohashid
💸 Part 1 of apps I’m no longer gatekeeping because 💸 Part 1 of apps I’m no longer gatekeeping because they’ve saved me money 💸

Just a few apps I’ve discovered that have helped me save or make money in my twenties.

💌 Found this helpful? I share more resources like this in my weekly newsletter on Substack (you can sign up via the link in my bio).

💬 If you have any recommendations, feel free to share them in the comments. 👇🏼

#apps #habits

For those travelling overseas and want the best currency exchange rate check out @wiseaccount. 

💸 You can get a free card or fee-free tranafer up to 1,000 Aud using my @wiseaccount referral (linked in my bio)

🍽 Handy for finding food at a cheaper price in yoyr local area. 

🍽 Handy for those that want to eat out put pay less. 

Bonus tip: install the plugins on your laptop so it can track your cashback when you're shopping with select retailers. 

If it doesn't track your purchase you can submit a claim online via the platform's form. Just remember to provide a receipt as proof of purchase. 

💸 Always compare cashback rates across @shopbackau and @topcashbackau 

Underrated app for accessing audiobooks and ebooks through your local library. 

📍 Don't forget to check out my other app series recommendations on my profile.
🙇🏻‍♀️ Part 17 of articles worth reading in your tw 🙇🏻‍♀️ Part 17 of articles worth reading in your twenties ✨ 

Here’s your next round of long-form reads for navigating your twenties. 

💌 Enjoyed this post? I share weekly recommendations, resources and reflections on navigating your twenties, financial literacy and life in between over on my Substack. 

#europe #whattoread #articles
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