Hakone is one of the most beautiful day trips you can take from Tokyo. It’s only a short 2-hour train ride away and transports you from the out of the metal metropolis of the city, into the lush green landscape of the Japanese countryside. Hakone is famous for their hot spring onsens, stunning view of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashinoko and unparalleled natural scenery.
There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, and unless you’re armed with a month or two to explore it, chances are you might have to be more careful with how you spend your time to ensure you see and do everything on your bucket list! While Tokyo is devoid of “scams” which plague some other cities in Asia, there are some overrated attractions which aren’t worth your time or money. Hopefully, this list will help you make the most of this magical city!
In an age when travel has become more affordable as the world becomes increasingly connected, “tourist” has become a dirty word. People who LOVE to travel will often find themselves avoiding that word at all costs. They call themselves names like, “Globetrotter”, “world traveller”, “explorer” or my most hated term, “digital nomad”. The word “tourist” has seemingly become synonymous with that annoying, loudmouth person who will only eat at Americanized restaurants and prefers overpriced activities over local traditions.
Vienna is the capital and largest city in Austria, and as of 2001, the entire town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been named the “City of Music” or the “The City of Dreams” and for good reason. Vienna is home to some of the most interesting architectural masterpieces in Europe.
This year was the first time we got to visit Disney California Adventure. California Adventure is a part of California’s Disney parks and is designed to recreate the history and culture of the state of California in one fun Disney park!
St. Vitus Cathedral is one of the most astonishing churches in the world, and as such is filled with some of the most incredible pieces of art from across Europe. The best piece of art can be seen all over the walls. The stained glass windows of St. Vitus Cathedral are some of the most transcendent works of art which blend religious history and powerful human emotion.
Park Guell is one of Antoni Gaudi’s most imaginative and symbolic work of art which thanks to a failed housing project is now open to the public as a city park. Hidden in the north of Barcelona his version of nirvana.
If you’re looking for something to eat, somewhere to explore and someplace to experience unique Kyoto specialties, then you must come to Nishiki Market!
If there one thing I like to do more than anything else it’s to explore locals marketplaces. Whether it’s a rural farmer’s market no bigger than a few tables of tomatoes or a giant European market hall, there is something so exciting about being surrounded by a myriad of colours, aromas and flavours local to that city.
When it comes to taking long-haul flights in economy (which let’s face it, almost 99.9% of us fly economy), there is no real way to be completely at ease BUT there is plenty you can do to make it as enjoyable as possible. The number one tip I have is to be prepared long in advance. There’s nothing like stress to set off your trip on the wrong foot. I tend to pack a full few weeks in advance, and while I don’t recommend this necessarily, it is good to have all your ducks in a row a few days before your flight.
The Great Market Hall or “Nagyvásárcsarnok” is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. Despite the dozens and dozens of tourists with their cameras out, this place is a favourite with locals and the best place to come to get fresh produce, Hungarian specialities, a quick meal or a sweet treat.
Japan is often thought of as an expensive city to visit. Tokyo is one of the world largest metropolis and while finding a cheap place to stay might not always be a walk in the park, you can easily save money on eating out while still eating like a king!
St. Peter’s Abbey and Cemetery is the oldest monastery in the German-speaking world and truly a place where time seems to stand still. Although the abbey itself is stunning, the most notable part of the church is its cemetery.