My love for Japan is well documented, and I’ve traveled here more than I have any other country. It’s a truly timeless destination where ancient traditions, futuristic technology, and modern culture have all been thrown into the same melting pot.
Japan might seem small on a map, but don’t be fooled – it’s a very large country. And the mainland is absolutely jam packed with cultural icons. So I don’t blame you if you initially find it hard to decide which cities you’ll focus your attention on.
Thankfully though, you don’t need to settle on a single destination when visiting Japan, since their extensive railway network means you can explore the whole archipelago in a way that’s easy, fast, cheap, and comfortable.
There’s genuinely no better way to get around Japan than by rail, and thanks to the JR Pass for foreign visitors, you can do so quite economically. Read on for everything you need to know about the JR Passes and traveling around Japan.
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Vacay! V-A-C-A-Y! There’s a smartphone app for everything these days, and when it comes to travel, our phones have become like our own personalized travel agents.
From finding flights, to accessing real time translations, they’ve become a one stop shop for everything we need to search for, book, and enjoy our holidays.
But if you browse through the travel section of the app store, you’ll find thousands of useful apps, and obviously, these aren’t all going to fit on your phone! So, to help you out we’ve narrowed it down to the 7 we find the most useful.
Here are 7 useful travel apps you should download … every traveler should have these on their phone!
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It’s no secret that as Australians, we have a passionate love affair with SE Asia. From the millions of travelers who descend upon Bali, to those who temple hop through Thailand, it’s become almost a rite of passage to visit the region.
And it’s no wonder we’re so addicted; Southeast Asia is a melting pot of vibrant modern cities, and small traditional villages; a crazy juxtaposition of chaos and tranquility, tradition and modernity, religion and commercialism.
You have the chance to taste exotic street food, fail at chopsticks, and ride long-tailed boats to secluded islands so pristine, we couldn’t imagine such beauty in our wildest dreams.
Let’s be honest – the attraction also lies in the fact that it’s often a dirt cheap holiday, and as such, I don’t see our love affair with Southeast Asia dying out anytime soon.
But, whether your ideal holiday consists of relaxing on tropical beaches, visiting temples, or tracking tigers through the jungle, the most important website for organizing your trip is Traveloka.
Here’s why you should bookmark it!
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Finding suitable accommodation is a huge part of travel, and choosing a hotel can be one of the more time consuming parts of our planning. And sometimes we don’t get it right.
But have you ever considered staying in a casino hotel?
Casino hotels have started popping up all over the world, though it’s quite easy to argue that Atlantic City has some of the best. With luxury rooms, cheap rates, and some of the tightest security, booking a luxury hotel attached to a casino is pretty sure bet!
Set on New Jersey’s Atlantic coast, AC is famous for its spectacular beaches, iconic boardwalk and many stunning casinos. As such, these Atlantic City best casino hotels have well and truly become a trend!
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For many people, travel blogging is the ultimate dream; working online as you travel, your office ranging from a cruise ship in Antarctica, to a hammock in the Caribbean.
And with a constantly changing environment, improvising with your work-space is a guarentee. You work from bar stools, futons, and cramped economy seats. You hike 30 minutes with a picnic blanket, in minus 2 degrees, because it’s the only place the WiFi will reach.
Travel blogging means that my office view is constantly changing; it’s exciting, it’s inspiring, and I’m passionate about waking up every day. But, after 5 years of working on the floor in airports, and editing photos on the plane, it’s messed with my posture something shocking.
Without intentionally trying to sound like my mother, I’ve discovered first hand that bad posture leads to spinal problems, including neck and back pain.
The solution?
I now use the VARIDESK Pro Plus 36 and it has saved me; it’s a standing desk solution that converts any regular desk to an adjustable sit to stand desk. And it’s amazing.
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The United Kingdom is nothing short of beautiful; a destination with ancient landscapes that transports you into a real life fairytale, complete with castles, gardens, kings, and princesses.
A land that overflows with natural attractions, many adventurous travelers opt for road tripping around the cluster of countries that are England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
But the even more adventurous choose to go one step further (literally).
The UK has an amazing selection of long walks; the options are abundant and the places are nothing short of mesmerizing. So, if you’re keen on immersing yourself fully in Britain’s most spectacular landscapes, why not consider walking!
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Pets form a very intimate part of our lives, and for those who like to travel, the idea of leaving your most vulnerable family member at home is often quite unthinkable.
However, travelling with pets is never easy, especially if you’re navigating your way through international flights, cars, and boats!
For those who are anxious about traveling with a pet, the good thing is that as long as you’re prepared, things can go as smoothly as ‘I can’t believe it’s not butter!’, and you won’t have to deal with the anxiety of leaving your fur baby at home.
The following are tips and tricks for navigating the three most common forms of transport with pets; or if you’re undecided about how you’ll be traveling, use this as your guide to choosing the most suitable option.
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While we don’t have a choice over the country we’re born in, these days we often do have control over whether or not we choose to stay.
And one of the most popular countries for expats these days is Spain!
Moving abroad is one of the biggest life choices you can make, so you do need to make sure you’re prepared. From where you’re moving, to making sure you have a work visa, there are plenty of things to consider in the preparation stage.
The following are the most important things to consider once you’ve decided you’re moving to Spain.
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It was 1873, and a spirit of adventure was bubbling throughout Europe. There was a thirst for worldwide adventure, and intrepid explorers were pushing the boundaries to explore unseen worlds.
It was this same year that Jules Verne published his classic adventure novel; a sensational tale of an Englishman named Phileas Fogg, who takes a bet that, with the opening of a new Indian railway, he can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days.
Around the World in 80 Days may have been published almost 150 years ago, but two centuries on, this iconic story is still capturing imaginations, and inspiring new generations to reattempt the challenge.
But what if, with today’s technological advancements, I made you a bet that you could take Jules Verne’s same route in, say 80 hours?!
Around the World in 80 Hours is an interactive guide which plots out realistic routes for those wanting to explore the world by car, train, plane or boat … check it out!
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Hong Kong is known by many as the Asian New York, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. This incredibly stimulating city boasts a stunning skyline, mouth-watering morsels and some of the best and most diverse shopping in the world.
However, with so much to offer, it is difficult to know where to start and what to prioritize spending your money on.
You probably want variety, right? To sit atop the famous Hong Kong hills sipping a delicious beverage whilst taking in the breath-taking landscape?
Or would you rather dance the night away with the stars at one of the city’s exclusive clubs?
Being a transient, international city with a great history, your options aren’t at all limited. So let’s just start with where you can stay.
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With a long list of outdoor activities like trekking, mountain climbing, bungee jumping, paragliding, and rafting, Nepal is among the best destinations in the world for adventure tourism.
From tracking tigers on a jungle safari, to climbing the world’s highest peak, this small Himalayan nation boasts one heck of an outdoor playground, with activities spread across a highly varied landscape.
Whether you’re aiming to raft down the raging waters of the Himalayas, or head south to the lush jungles of Terai, here are 8 adventurous things to keep in mind!
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Budapest is THE place to travel at the moment.
I’ll be scrolling through instagram and every. single. person. seems to be enjoying the sights of Hungary’s capital city…and I don’t blame them; it is a beautiful spot.
I went to Budapest for a short city break a couple of summers ago and loved every inch of it – the place is just so grand and feels like you’re stepping straight in to a fairy tale.
So, let me show you exactly why this incredible city is getting so much exposure at the moment.
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Tucked halfway between the energetic Gold Coast, and the zen town of Byron Bay you’ll find a hidden paradise; a collection of small beachside towns that offer respite from the usual hordes of tourists.
Three of my favourite sleepy beach towns along the Queensland-NSW border are conveniently lined up just south of Tweed Heads. Kingscliff starts off the trio, and a bit further south you’ll encounter Casuarina and Cabarita Beach.
Setting yourself up in this part of northern NSW allows you to enjoy three delightful beach towns for the price of one, though only one of these towns is home to a lavish Balinese-style retreat (hint: it’s Casuarina).
Smack bang in the middle of these three often overlooked beachside getaways, Casuarina is quite the hidden secret … and we got the distinct impression that locals prefer it stays that way!
This is where Gold Coast locals come to escape the tourism that floods into their city; and as soon as you step through the colossal automatic bamboo doors at Oaks Santai Resort Casuarina, you’re instantly transported to Bali.
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Chris Hemsworth. Matt Damon. Natalie Imbruglia. Pat Rafter.
The golden beaches, turquoise waters, and zen mentality are just some of the reasons celebrities from all around the world are drawn to the Australian town of Byron Bay.
Byron Bay overflows with both energy and beauty, while at the same somehow offering a place where a chilled out vibe takes centre stage. Though there are two very distinct and opposite experiences here: one backpacker, one luxury.
After the latter?
Situated far away from the backpacker chaos, yet just a 10-minute drive from the colorful boutique shop windows and trendy cafes, Byron Bay’s award-winning beachfront resort Elements of Byron provides the type of experience that draws the world’s biggest celebrities.
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If you were to brainstorm Spanish cities to include on your next holiday, you would probably come up with Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. If I asked you to dig a little deeper, you might land on Granada and Valencia as well.
While these are undoubtedly excellent destinations, they can often leave the more adventurous traveler a little bit dissatisfied; unfortunately they’re just so overcrowded with tourism.
Travel is supposed to be about experiencing something new, and immersing yourself in history and culture. But this is hard to do when you’re trying to appreciate Gaudí with selfie sticks blocking your view.
If you’re hoping to experience a more authentic side of Spain, away from the crowds, look no further than Extremadura. How this autonomous community has managed to stay under the radar is a wonder in itself, especially when you consider it boasts half a dozen locations that are recognized by UNESCO.
While Extremadura has something to offer every type of traveler (an amazing combination of food, festivals, history, and nature), my favorite thing about this region is its off-the-beaten-path World Heritage Sites.
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These days, couples looking to celebrate their marriage in an alternative way often choose symbolic rituals like the handfasting ceremony.
This ancient Celtic ritual adds depth to the wedding proceedings, and involves the couple’s hands being bound by a cord, ribbon, or even a scarf. It is a beautiful representation of a couple’s sealed union.
For couples interested in having their destination wedding in Europe, we have put together a list of destinations that will be perfect for your wedding and handfasting ceremony. Some of these venues even assist in organising the ceremony, as they are well versed in this unique and alternate wedding style.
So, to have your European wedding in a grand fashion, consider some of these locations.
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Work, save, travel, repeat; for most people, this is the dream.
But what do you do while you’re sitting at home saving?
The following are great, productive ways to pass time when you’re inbetween trips; they’ll allow you to really make the most of your time at home, and help to manage those travel cravings!
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Just as Liam Neeson has a set of acquired skills if you mess with his family, for a kick-ass vacation, you’ll need to master a number of travel skills before you go.
Traveling like a pro requires many skills sets. From learning how to handle your money, to being able to communicate with strangers (forget what your mother told you!), there’s a lot more involved than just knowing how to pack a suitcase, or being comfortable with traveling alone.
Many people head out on their first trip and find that they’ve jumped in the deep end, learning these skills on the road. But it does pay to know what you need to become a better traveler before you go.
Sharpen your pencil and grab a notepad, because travel school is now in session! The following are 5 travel skills we highly recommend learning before you leave home.
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“Food is the ingredient that binds us together.”
Food connects and unites people of all backgrounds and religions across the world, and be it a bad mood or anxiety; there aren’t a lot of things that a tasty dish can’t fix.
A great man once said, ‘if you wish to explore and grasp the vibes of a place, explore its cuisines, not the tourist destinations and landmarks”. And the most well traveled know this rings true.
For travelers who love food, Europe presents the unique opportunity to sample a diverse range of tastes; a patchwork of more than 40 compulsively individualistic countries, this Michelin-starred continent is not only famous for its gourmet scene, but also mouth-watering street foods.
From savory foods like schnitzels and goulash to sweet dishes like waffles and pastries, Europe will satisfy any and all food cravings. The following are five delicious dishes to try at least once in your lifetime!
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A safari trip in Africa is by far, one of the most exciting getaways you could ever experience. The vast continent is world famous for its wildlife safaris, incredible landscapes, and options for adventure, from classic jeep safaris, to visiting local tribes.
However, trying to decide on the best destination in Africa can be tricky. Each country that makes up the unique and culture-rich continent provides its own unique experience, though it’s important to decide on a destination that suits your individual requirements.
Both Kenya and Tanzania are the classic options for an African Safari; they both offer breathtaking scenery, amazing wildlife, and a long list of exciting activities from walking safaris to hot air balloon rides.
But, with both destinations sharing a border, they’re both incredibly similar. So, the inevitable question is how do you decide?
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Iceland is one of the Earth’s hottest countries – literally. Brimming with volcanic activity, the country is blessed with a huge range of hot springs and geothermal spas, and a hot soak under the Northern Lights has become central to Iceland’s cultural identity.
Iceland is famous for it’s hot tub culture, and swimming pools have always been a hub of social activity, even in winter on a dark, frosty night. But with a huge range of swimming pools, hot springs, and spas, where do you even start?
While the country has an incredible range of natural hot springs, today we’re going to focus on Iceland’s thermal spas. The difference? Thermal spas are a cross between a man-made pool and a natural spring.
While natural springs are usually in rural locations, where the journey there is an adventure in itself, thermal spas offer the same natural water, but you’re surrounded by man made facilities.
At thermal spas you’ll have access to showers, restaurants, toilets, and storage to keep your things dry; much more than your typical hole in the ground filled with water!
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We’ve come a long way from classifying eyeglasses as bulky medical equipment intended purely for optic aid.
These days, glasses have become less about vision correction and more of a fashion statement, saturating the eyewear market with thousands of different shapes and styles.
While fashion has always blurred the lines between the classic and the avant-garde with perennial collections by the likes of Gucci, Ray-Ban and Tom Ford – it’s often the underdogs who rewrite the rules of the game.
With e-tailers like SmartBuyGlasses carrying more than 80,000 products across over 200 brands, it may seem impossible to find that diamond in a sea of glass(es). So we’ve created a list which celebrates ingenious functionality from eyewear brands you may not have heard of!
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When you’re planning a hiking or camping trip, the last thing you want is for it to rain. Your gear gets wet, your clothes are soggy, and, let’s be honest, most of the time you don’t have a water-proof phone case!
The weather is the single most likely factor to negatively affect your trip, though it’s also one of the things most travelers take for granted, and people quite often find themselves caught off guard.
While there are many ways to check the weather ahead of time, accuracy can be a big issue when you’re relying on phone apps or regional forecasts. These weather reports usually only gather information from a small cross section of stations, and if you’re traveling remotely these could be miles away from where you plan on hiking.
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, setting yourself up with a personal weather station could be well worth your time. While many of the options they break down on temperaturesensei.com are weather stations for your home, we’ve also discovered portable weather meters – perfect for camping / hiking.
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Urban life in Russia is a far cry from the adventure that lies further out, and it’s only here, among the icy Siberian tundra; among communities who have never seen a foreign tourist; among Nomadic desert tribes on the Mongolian border, that you’ll find the true soul of Mother Russia.
And it’s this soul that is so perfectly captured in Fabio Bertino and Roberta Melchiorre’s new book “Destination Russia. A ship and a cat in the tundra and other extra-ordinary encounters”.
Having recently been released in English after immense success in Italian, the book is a captivating collection of stories that takes you on a journey with Fabio and Roberta as they travel to the farthest corners of the country, discovering the treasures (and adventure) that lie beyond Russia’s increasingly westernized veneer.
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One thing I love about Tasmanian beaches is that you can often have one all to yourself. Unlike the crowds that pack Bondi, or the long line of skyscrapers that cast afternoon shadows across the Gold Coast, Tasmania’s beaches feel more natural, and you can easily walk for miles without seeing another soul.
Tasmania has many iconic beaches; Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, and Hazards Beach. But equally as stunning are its lesser known stretches of sand that seem to pop up out of nowhere in the many small towns that dot the coastline.
One such gem is Spring Beach.
Conveniently tucked away just over an hour’s drive from Hobart, and only 15 minutes from the ferry that connects the wildlife rich Maria Island, Spring Beach is one of Tasmania’s biggest hidden gems.
Accommodation on Maria Island itself is rustic. You can book a bunk-bed in an 1800’s convict penitentiary, or opt for primitive camping. We were as such quite thrilled to find a much more comfortable alternative.
When there’s a 3 bedroom, beachside Picturesque Cottage Rental just around the corner from the ferry terminal, who needs camping when there’s an option for luxury glamping!
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