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.
Our editors consistently review and update articles to ensure they're providing current, relevant, and useful information. Complete information on our editorial process is available here.
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
For a true taste of Kentucky history, head to the state's oldest city, known as "the Birthplace of the West," for outdoor fun, animal encounters, and more.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
If you've read Dr. Seuss' books, you've only barely seen what the author is capable of. See his "secret" art in this colorful gallery in New Orleans.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
Before your trip to Lake Cumberland, make a stop at this charming town known for its murals and theater performances, lively events, and history-rich parks.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
Make the trek to Atlanta's Little Five Points neighborhood for an alternative, nostalgic store filled with '90s-inspired clothes, wacky home decor, and more.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
If you want to try winter sports for the first time, you can hone your skills at this underrated, family-friendly Vancouver ski resort with amazing views.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
For plenty of Southern cuisine, fantastic shopping, and historic architecture, visit this underrated small town on the Kentucky-Ohio border.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
If you follow a gluten-free diet, traveling can be a challenge. Thankfully, this popular European country is known to be a safe haven for gluten-free foodies.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Outdoor Adventure
By Kayo Chang Black
There are ghost stories and urban legends, but this spooky, chilling, and even tragic Kentucky setting is an infamous landmark for all the wrong reasons.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
Taipei may be Taiwan's capital now, but another city, rich in history and uniquely vibrant streets, was once the island destination's capital city.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
If you're looking for a family-friendly destination or a fun spot for nostalgia, check out Superman's hometown, a one-of-a-kind mecca in the Midwest.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
The most breathtaking library in Austria that draws tourists from all over the world is just waiting to be explored. Here are the details for your next visit.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Outdoor Adventure
By Kayo Chang Black
During your outdoor adventures in Kentucky, make a pit stop at this spooky tunnel located on a serene road leading to the Red River Gorge Geological Area.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
Plan a winter trip to Thailand to catch a colorful festival filled with flowers, and finish your trip off with a visit to several stunning temples.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
If you love history, science, and a bit of gore, make a stop at this Indiana museum. The building is filled with specimens and sights you won't soon forget.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
A sinkhole opened up on a Midwest dairy farm in 1940 to reveal an underground river, a 21-mile cave system and rare creatures that only live far below ground.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
Taipei may be Taiwan's best-known city, but another hub is just as worthy of a visit for its vibrant night markets, historical buildings, and gorgeous nature.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
Bathing in a Japanese hot spring can be a relaxing experience, but beware that, in most cases, you'll have to be fully nude to try the traditional practice.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Outdoor Adventure
By Kayo Chang Black
Head to the great state of Kentucky, hop in a kayak on the lake, and paddle your way to this stunning waterfall hidden away in a beautiful state park.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
An off-beat attraction in Colorado is a must-see spot for those curious about life beyond Earth. Stargaze under the sky and maybe have a paranormal encounter.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
From cherry blossoms to vibrant festivals, there's always something to see and do in Japan. Learn the best time to visit so you don't miss out.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
While the first-class flight experience may be the ultimate dream, business class also offers plenty of perks. Learn the biggest differences between each cabin.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
Next time you're planning a trip to Europe, consider this gorgeous city with one of the continent's best free music scenes. Here's what it is.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
Near the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand, discover a luxurious hidden resort complete with private in-suite pools, spa treatments, and family fun.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Travel Guides
By Kayo Chang Black
Flight attendants have very important, demanding jobs, so you might want to avoid engaging in this seemingly polite habit that the crew hates.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
A serene bamboo forest that gives a taste of traveling to China or Japan is a 20-minute drive from downtown Atlanta. It's accessible after a moderate hike.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
Northeast Ohio is home to a tiny town with loads of charm and outdoor fun. Explore the area's lush parks, historical trails, and old-fashioned train lines.
By Kayo Chang Black
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Destinations
By Kayo Chang Black
Taiwan may not be the first place you associate with hot springs, but it will be after you discover the country's range of stunning bathing spots.
By Kayo Chang Black
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