The Roavi Blog
Stories from people who live there.
Travel tips, city guides, and local insights from the Roavi team.
974 articles
Become a Local Friend · New York
Best Side Hustles in NYC for 2026
NYC gets 60 million tourists a year and one of the highest costs of living in the US. Here are the side hustles that actually make sense for New Yorkers in 2026 — ranked by how fast you can start and how well they pay.
Oscar Garcia··3 min read
Nightlife · Bangkok
Thonglor Nightlife Guide: Where Bangkok Locals Go Out
The real Thonglor nightlife guide — speakeasies, rooftop bars, and late-night noodles locals actually love. Skip Khao San. Start here.
Oscar Garcia··11 min read
Food · Bangkok
Yaowarat Food Guide: Bangkok Chinatown at Night
Bangkok's Chinatown comes alive after dark. Here's exactly what to eat on Yaowarat Road, dish by dish, stall by stall.
Oscar Garcia··8 min read
Nightlife · Bangkok
Bangkok Rooftop Bars Locals Actually Go To
Skip Sky Bar. These are the Bangkok rooftop bars locals recommend — better views, better drinks, half the price.
Oscar Garcia··7 min read
City Guides · Bangkok
Chatuchak Market Guide: Local Tips to Not Get Lost
15,000 stalls. 35 acres. Here's how locals actually navigate Chatuchak Weekend Market without losing their minds.
Oscar Garcia··8 min read
City Guides · Bangkok
Ari Bangkok: The Neighborhood Tourists Always Miss
Bangkok's coolest local neighborhood. Craft coffee, vintage shops, zero tourists. Here's why Ari is worth your time.
Oscar Garcia··7 min read
City Guides · Bangkok
Bangkok Canal Boats: The $0.50 Ride Tourists Miss
Skip traffic. Ride Bangkok's canal boats like a local for $0.50. Routes, stops, and how to not fall in.
Oscar Garcia··7 min read
Safety · Bangkok
Bangkok Scams to Avoid in 2026: A Local's Warning
Grand Palace 'closed today,' fake tuk-tuk tours, QR sticker scams — here's every trick Bangkok scammers run on tourists, and how locals dodge them.
Oscar Garcia··8 min read
Travel Trends · Tokyo
Japan's Rental Friend Industry: How It Works, What It Costs & Who Uses It
Japan's 'rental friend' industry lets you hire a companion for $35–70/hour. Top performers earn $80,000+/year. Here's how the industry works, the real numbers behind it, and why it's spreading worldwide.
Oscar Garcia··13 min read
Travel Tips · Bangkok
How Many Days in Bangkok? A Local's Honest Answer for 2026
3 days for the highlights, 4-5 to see it right, a week if you want to actually understand the city. A day-by-day breakdown from someone who lives here.
Oscar Garcia··4 min read
Travel Tips · Bangkok
Bangkok Layover Guide 2026: What to Do in 4, 6, 8 or 12 Hours
Suvarnabhumi to city is 30-45 minutes. Which means a 4-hour layover is enough for a real meal, 6 hours gets you a temple, and 8+ hours can cover the postcard version of Bangkok. Exactly what fits in each window.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read
Travel Guides · Bangkok
Bangkok in November 2026: The Best Month, and Why
November is the sweet spot: end of monsoon, start of dry season, cooler temperatures, Loy Krathong festival, and the tourist crowds haven't fully arrived yet. Real weather, prices, and events from a resident.
Oscar Garcia··5 min read