Hi, I’m Mariza — a South African travel writer who swapped a career in advertising for a one-year teaching job in Taiwan.
That one year turned into 14. I ended up living, working, and traveling all over Asia.
When I first moved to Taiwan, there wasn’t much English info online. That’s why I started Hoponworld — to help other expats and travelers explore the island the way I was — through night markets, day trips, waterfall hikes, and all the weird and wonderful corners in between, with the kind of info I wish I’d had starting out.
Taiwan is still a big focus here. Whether you’re planning a two-week trip, looking for where to stay in Taipei, or want to explore places like Alishan or Green Island, you’ll find loads of helpful tips.
As time went on, the blog grew — and so did my travels. I’ve spent years exploring more of Asia: island-hopping in Krabi, spotting Komodo dragons, getting lost in the backstreets of Hong Kong, temple-hopping in Kyoto, and much more.
These days, I also cover a few favorite spots outside Asia — including South Africa (where I’m from) and parts of Europe.
While I’m now based in the Netherlands and run a second blog, HollandHereICome, Taiwan and Asia will always feel like home, and I go back whenever I can.
So, whether you’re into local culture, good food, beach escapes, and discovering cool stuff beyond the obvious, Hoponworld has you covered — with destination guides, itineraries, and no-nonsense travel tips based on real experience in 33+ countries (and counting).
New here? Start with the Destinations page or check out the latest posts to find your next trip idea.
