You may know Erika Kwee from The Pancake Princess (IG: @thepancakeprincess) – her colorful, mouthwatering “bake off blog” that compares popular baking recipes side-by-side to help readers and aspiring bakers find recipes that are just right for their tastes and skill levels. Erika is also a travel enthusiast – she’s spent four months living in Barcelona and traveled Australia, Thailand, Portugal, and the list goes on.
After growing up in San Mateo, California, Erika moved southeast to Houston to attend Rice University, where she majored in English. Shortly after graduating, she started The Pancake Princess. The blog started as a fun, post-grad side hobby and has been going strong ever since.
Erika’s time in Houston ended up lasting 13 years, during which she worked in corporate communications, attended business school, and took a position in product management. Living in Houston made it easy for her to make semi-regular trips down to Mexico—she visited Mexico City (several times), Cabo, Monterrey, and attended a surf camp in Puerto Vallarta.
When she finally got the itch to relocate in 2022, it was to New York City, where she now resides and works in product marketing as a full-time gig. Her location may have changed, but her priorities have not, and Erika still loves food, travel, and the two combined.
Read on for a little bit more about Erika’s travel style.
For more from Erika, check out her Barcelona guide and follow her on IG @thepancakeprincess
What do you always bring with you in your carry on?
A toothbrush, toothpaste, chargers and a snack!
If you could swap suitcases with anyone in the world at baggage claim, who would it be?
Maybe Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere. She seems to curate her travel outfits in a way that I can’t even begin to emulate. I often can’t be bothered to put together cute travel outfits—but I love her style!
Got any secrets for beating the dreaded jetlag?
Honestly, if I arrive early, or at midday, and feel extremely groggy, I like to go for a 30-60 minute nap. As long as I can make myself get up and go out once the alarm sounds, I find a solid nap usually gets me through the rest of the day.
If you’re feeling like a digital detox, where would you go to get off the grid?
Around Nayarit or Sayulita, Mexico. It’s so incredibly beautiful there and feels very different from the typical Mexican beach experience. There’s great surfing for beginners to advanced, beautiful beaches and water excursions, cute boutique hotels, and lots of little local restaurants and markets to explore.
Photo via GQ
Rapid Fire
Beach or city or mountain?
Love a mix of beach and city!
Solo or with someone else?
I love to travel with friends or a partner, but solo travel is life-changing! I traveled solo through Australia and Thailand and would highly recommend. Traveling on my own really forced me outside of my comfort zone, and I met so many interesting people along the way that I otherwise would not have.
Lost luggage or lost phone?
Ugh, lost luggage if I had to choose.
Airplane food – Y/N?
Generally no. I like to bring local snacks with me when possible!
Fantasy minibar/fridge item?
Mini pints of Caffe Panna would be absolutely irresistible.
Meet San Francisco-based insider, Chihuei (rhymes with freeway) Liu! When she’s not busy with her full-time tech sales position, you can find Chihuei jet-setting to gorgeous, culture-filled locations like Cape Town, South Africa; Cinque Terre, Italy; and Comino Island, Malta. Whether she’s spotting zebras on an African Safari or sipping on an Aperol Spritz in Milan, Chihuei experiences every destination to its fullest.
After high school, Chihuei went off the beaten path. Rather than attending college like most of her peers, she spent five years as an American Airlines flight attendant pursuing her zest for exploration, photography, and forming new friendships. Living nomadically out of her suitcase, she absorbed all that each location had to offer before putting roots down in San Francisco. Her current role is remote, allowing her to continue a lifestyle full of travel.
Not only does Chihuei write elegant travel guides and detailed hotel reviews for her blog, Discover Over There, but she is also a seasoned freelance photographer. We aren’t kidding when we say herInstagram feed (@discoveroverthere) will make you want to book a flight ASAP – don’t say we didn’t warn you! Her eye for capturing aesthetics has allowed her to partner with notable travel companies and charming hotels to produce original content from her stays around the world.
It’s hard to believe Chihuei has downtime, but when she does, she’s nestled in her SF abode trying out new recipes with her boyfriend, jogging along the Golden Gate Bridge, or remedying her seemingly constant jet lag.
In our Q&A below, Chihuei shares exclusive travel inspo including her top three favorite hotels, travel hacks, carry-on must-haves, and more!
The Modern Honolulu. Although Waikiki Beach is only steps away, I prefer spending the entire day unwinding at a poolside cabana here.
The Hoxton, Paris’ entryway welcomes visitors with captivating spiral staircases from the 18th century. Located in Paris’ 2nd arrondissement, this is the perfect place to get anywhere in the city. Not to mention, the bar and restaurant is lush, inviting, and absolutely stunning –oh là là!
ARRIVE Palm Springs is the quintessential mid-century modern hotel located in California’s Palm Springs. I am in love with the entire ARRIVE brand, and the wallpaper in all the guest rooms is so photogenic.
Side note: did you know that Palm Springs was a popular oasis for Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and other L.A. elites?
ARRIVE Palm Springs // The Hoxton, Paris // The Modern Honolulu
What is it that you love about staying at these properties?
The hotel decor at all three locations is impeccable, and the attention to detail and design is so aesthetically pleasing. Also, having on-site bars and restaurants is extremely important to me because there is nothing better or more convenient than walking downstairs to enjoy a delicious meal or cocktail in the evening. Additionally, the location is crucial. I’m in my 30s, so while I don’t prefer to be right in the heart of the hustle and bustle, I still want to be within walking distance of the action.
What do you like about the neighborhoods these properties are in?
I would describe all three neighborhoods as being central yet quiet. Since they are not located in the thick of it, the properties are not overcrowded with tourists, yet they are still in safe and quiet areas that are close to everything.
What is the most unique hotel amenity you’ve ever encountered?
The Pendry in San Diego had a Möet & Chandon vending machine in the lobby! This was the perfect touch for when my boyfriend and I celebrated our anniversary in SoCal.
Do you have any favorite travel hacks?
Roll everything when packing. You can fit so much more in your suitcase with this hack!
Sign up for a travel credit card. I haven’t paid for a flight in over two years because I use my points to book them every time.
Bring the flight attendants something small such as a bag of candy or a $5.00 Starbucks gift card. Something little can go a long way. You are guaranteed to be treated like royalty during your flight and you might even get free snacks and drinks!
What do you always bring with you in your carry on?
I never go anywhere without a spare change of clothes, a Hydro Flask, a universal adaptor, and all the snacks I can fit!
Do you have any tips or tricks for beating the dreaded jetlag?
Unpopular opinion: I personally love jetlag – especially when I work while traveling. In Europe, my days are spent waking up with the sun, exploring and creating content, napping, and then starting my workday in tech from 3:00 pm to midnight (usually later). I fully embrace it because jetlag allows me to be twice as productive as I normally would be at home.
Also, powdered Nescafé cappuccinos are my kryptonite. All you need is hot water and a Nescafé cappuccino packet – they are SO GOOD and they don’t taste like regular instant coffee. Since you can’t find these easily in America, I always stock up when I go overseas. Every time I fly, I pack one for the plane and drink it before landing.
Where would you go for a digital detox/to get off the grid?
I’m not very good at going off the grid, so I would need to go somewhere that has absolutely no signal and no temptation to hop online. Namibia is at the top of my bucket list and it seems like the perfect place for a digital detox. You can drive for hours on the roads, camp out in the desert where the sand meets the sea, and stargaze at night without any other humans around.
What is your favorite travel book (for at home or abroad) and why?
This might seem strange, but I bring my copy of The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil on almost every trip. I enjoy learning about the production of wine and how every region of the world specializes in a different varietal. You can learn so much about a country’s history, culture, and food and drink palette by learning about the wine.
What do you seek most in a hotel experience?
Design first, location second. I’m a sucker for a brightly painted wall or fun wallpaper. Location is also extremely important as a solo female traveler.
What are your favorite “offices” while traveling?
I prefer a quiet wine bar or a trendy hotel lobby as a second office. Anywhere with a tasteful environment and strong Wi-Fi will work for me!
Rapid Fire
Beach or city or mountain?
Beach, beach, beach.
Solo or with someone else?
I love both! Both are wonderful and completely different experiences.
Lost luggage or lost phone?
Lost luggage
Airplane food – Y/N?
No. I ate airplane meals for five years straight as a flight attendant, so I may be biased.
Fantasy minibar/fridge item?
Anything chocolate! I have an out-of-control sweet tooth.
Chihuei (rhymes with freeway) Liu is the San Francisco-based travel blogger behind the lovely and inspiring Discover Over There (@discoveroverthere), a freelance photographer, and has a full-time job in tech sales. She is a life-long travel lover, and spent five years living out of her suitcase while traveling the world as a flight attendant. She’s now set roots back in her hometown of San Francisco, but that hasn’t stopped her from constantly jet-setting!
If you’re heading out West, the Northern California gem of San Francisco should be at the top of your itinerary. Not only is it booming with an eclectic art and culture scene, but you’ll also find that its historic cable-car streets are flawlessly balanced by contemporary cafés and trendy boutique hotels. Chihuei’s an SF expert, and she’s sharing all of her best tips for your next trip.
Read on for all of Chihuei’s best local SF recommendations.
Located in Japantown, Hotel Kabuki is ideal for those who want to be farther from Union Square, yet still in an easily accessible neighborhood. Here, you’re near upbeat areas like Pacific Heights, Haight-Ashbury, and Hayes Valley. Each neighborhood offers a unique feel, making them perfect for strolling around. The decor is modern Asian, but not overwhelming. The lobby doubles as an inviting place to relax, grab a cocktail, and catch up with friends. To top it off, the service is impeccable!
This centrally-located boutique hotel in Union Square is great for tourists and first-time visitors, as most of the action is within walking distance. You can even hop on a cable car just a few blocks from the hotel. Also, it has a speakeasy attached– need I say more?
If you want to wake up to a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and the Coit Tower, this is your place! The location is only a five-minute walk to the tasty seafood restaurants of Fisherman’s Wharf, and the rooms are fashioned with nautical decor – a subtle nod to the coastal neighborhood. While the locals consider this to be a touristy part of town, there are endless activities to do. Picture yourself walking along the water, hopping on city sightseeing buses, checking out the sea lions at Pier 39, then finishing off the day at one of the many restaurants nearby.
Hotel G // Hotel Zephyr // Hotel Kabuki
Where to eat and drink
For breakfast, head over to Le Marais Bakery’s Castro location for their smoked salmon eggs benedict, paired with pain au chocolat and a warm cappuccino. Don’t forget to order a box of croissants for the road! Le Marais exudes an authentic Parisian atmosphere that you simply can’t find at just any French Café.
Enjoy lunch with a view at Waterbar on the Embarcadero. From here, you can marvel at the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the city skyline. The chef’s special oysters are a must, along with the chai coconut seafood stew, and a glass (or two) of chardonnay.
Norcina in the Marina is the go-to dinner spot in the marina on a Friday or Saturday night. It’s not only trendy, but it also has great service. Order the Aperol spritz flight or a glass of nebbiolo, burrata to start, and the porky pepperoni pizza with extra burrata – trust me!
Where to get coffee
Saint Frank on Polk Street is an open and inviting cafe with friendly baristas that truly make an effort to build connection and community. They try to do right by small farmers that grow coffee beans in developing countries. Order the chai tea latte or a regular cappuccino. They won’t disappoint.
Waterbar // Norcina // Le Marais Bakery
Where to shop
I basically only shop for two things – women’s clothing and more plants for my home.
Filmore Street in Pacific Heights has heaps of options. You can find popular brands like Reformation, Intermix, and The Kooples.
Therapy Stores, located in the Mission District, is a quirky, one-of-a-kind shop where you can purchase local artisan goods including apparel, jewelry, art, and more.
Sloat Garden Center in the marina is stocked with cool plants, and The Sill has tons of large, luscious greenery and succulents.
Where to workout
Barry’s Bootcamp will give you a serious HIIT workout. They have top-notch instructors and a tight-knit community. Brian/Tommy are the best instructors at Barry’s Marina.
Crissy Field Promenade Trail is perfect if you want to run or bike outside with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and both the North and East Bays. If you want to relax, you can also come here to picnic.
Karma Yoga is perfect if you need a break from the commotion of the city. Take Kalen’s hot Pilates class for a serious sweat.
The Alice Marble Tennis Courts are a great place to play a match with a friend. The spots fill up quickly, so don’t forget to reserve a court.
Where to party
SF is a great place to party. The dress code is always casual, and everyone’s invited because it’s not cliquey. You’ll find me staying out until I’m out of money to pay for another espresso martini, or until I’ve shut down SilverCloud with my best group of friends.
Cultivar is the ultimate wine bar to start any night out.
Be sure to pack a jacket and bring it with you on all your excursions, as San Francisco can get brisk in the afternoons! Even on a warm and sunny day, the temperature will begin to drop after 4:00 pm.
