We’re not here to tell you where to stay, what to eat or what to do. That’s Lonely Planet’s job.

Much as we’d like to tell you how fantabulous the swanky Ritz is (and trust me, there’s nothing I’d love to do more!), Map Happy is for anyone who has a bad case of the travel bug. So let us explain all the ins and outs of traveling—from learning how to say “Yes” in Chinese to trying not to haggle on the street—so all you actually have to do is enjoy your vacation and discover the world.

Frankly, no matter how big and varied the world is, there always seems to be a few basic principles in effect on the road whether you’re trying to swap out a few euros or order a beer in Africa. I basically started this blog because no one taught me any of these things when I embarked on a solo three-week long tour of Asia over four years ago.

In a nutshell, we’re here to help you. (And occasionally make a joke or two.)

■ founding editor ■ Erica Ho …read bio »
■ copy editor extraordinaire ■ Andy Chu
■ contributors ■ Amanda Tong …read bio »

Special thanks to.

Paulina Ho