Creating a Travel Capsule

My capsule dressing advice here can be adapted to various styles. I’ve created a very neutral base palette, which will work for almost everyone’s fashion sense. Most of the items I’ve included are pieces everyone already has in their closet. This way, you won’t need to go out and buy a whole bunch of new things. There are already plenty of more subdued examples of Fall dressing online. But I wanted to create a capsule styled towards the autumnal season with many colour pops throughout. I wanted to include some more alternative items but feel free to adapt these examples to your style. If you don’t like such bright colours, you can always use a similar hue in a different tone. Hopefully, you find something that works for you!

Check the Weather Before You Leave

Before we dive into the individual wardrobe times, here are some of my favourite general tips for packing for the Fall season. While this seems obvious, many people do a quick google months before they go and don’t really delve into the details the day before. If you’re expecting a colossal rainstorm, you might want to swap out a pair of cute ankle boots with a pair of sturdy rain booties. And despite the list below of average temperatures, you never know when there’s going to be a polar vortex or hurricane, which can drastically alter the weather. Check the forecast a few days before leaving to ensure you’ve got all the right things packed away and won’t be too surprised by the daily forecast.

Average Fall Temperatures in Mediterranean Europe:

September 26°c / 20°c with Average Precipitation 14mm
October 23°c / 17°c with Average Precipitation 53mm
November 18°c / 12°c with Average Precipitation 58mm

Try NOT to Look Like a Tourist

When you’re travelling, you want to be comfortable, of course! But being comfy shouldn’t look like you just woke up and rolled out of bed. Travelling for most people is perhaps when they take the most photos. So you want to be looking your best in them! We’ve all done it, threw on a pair of leggings just to avoid the idea of getting dressed when you’re jet-lagged. But when you see those photos afterwards, you’ll be disappointed. Many Mediterranean cities in Europe have the chicest fashion sense. So it’s nice to feel like you fit in. Looking like a tourist also means you might be an easy target for pickpockets.

Things NOT to wear:

• Baseball caps (just not a European thing)
• Athletic wear
• Dirty clothes
• High heels (yes, they look cute, but they’re hard to walk in and aren’t great for any old city with cobblestones)
• A cheap windbreaker (If you’re expecting inclement weather, bring a beautiful weatherproof coat which is still fashionable. Plastic windbreakers are a dead giveaway you’re a tourist)

Don’t Dress for Summer

If you’re visiting from a colder climate, it’s easy to want to throw on your summer clothes when it’s 28 degrees in Barcelona but 8 degrees back home. While I get this inclination, it will immediately make you look like a tourist. The minute the temp starts to drop, even a little, Barcelona’s residents begin to put away their shorts and start to dress for Fall. Fall is perhaps the chicest season, and you don’t want to miss out on these stylish outfits.

Pre-Plan Your Outfit

Take pictures on your phone before you leave off your pre-planned outfits. Especially if you’re tired or jetlagged, sometimes you don’t have time to think about your ensemble. So just popping on your phone and looking at your pre-plan outfits is an easy way to get effortlessly dressed for the day. I find this trick works insanely well, and it’s become one of my favourite tricks to looking super well put together without effort.

Know Your Rough Itinerary

To plan outfits appropriately, having a rough trip itinerary is an excellent idea. While you don’t need to know hour by hour what you’re up to, it’s a good idea to see if you will be going hiking, in which case you would have to bring a pair of hiking boots. Or if you’re planning on going to a fancy dinner restaurant, you might want to ensure you have an exquisite dress packed. If you are just having home-cooked meals at the hostel, you also want to ensure you don’t overpack those dressy items that won’t get used and take up much-needed waste in your carry-on.

Lean Towards Darker Colour Scheme

Choosing dark colours over light for most items sets you up for success. Darker tones are much more versatile. An LBD can quickly be dressed up compared to a white one with cute boots and fun jewellery. Also, if you have a smaller capsule, you’ll re-wear items multiple times. Darker colours will help mask any dirt you might pick up along the way and won’t need to be laundered as much.

Choose the Right Fabrics

During the Fall, it’s essential to wear the right materials. These are fabrics which are breathable but also warm. Wool, or any wool blend, is a great choice. Wool keeps the heat in when it’s cooler out but will also remain breathable, so you’re not just sweating inside a sauna as it begins to warm up. Wrinkles are a dead giveaway that you’re living out of a suitcase. Choosing fabrics like jerseys is great to pack since they won’t wrinkle. There are also lots of companies which make wrinkle-resistant fabrics which are a great choice.

Don’t Bring your Most Expensive Jewellery

Wearing expensive clothing or jewellery anywhere in the world can make you a target for pickpockets. This is a sign to them that you might have money to steal so I always find that travelling isn’t a time to bring those expensive pieces. Plus, when you’re jetlagged, you also don’t have the same kind of wits about you. I’ve lost a few pairs of earrings just with all the hustle and bustle of travelling, and thankfully they were all super cheap!

Try to Keep your Hair Simple

If you can get away without bringing a hair straightener or blow dryer, you’ll save a ton of space in your luggage. For someone people, this might mean keeping their hair up while travelling for ease, so I would make this a fun dressing exercise instead of a downer. I have fallen in love with these simple headbands for the Fall, which can really dress up any outfit. Velvet scrunchies or ribbons will also make a simple up-do a little fancier, and these take up almost no room in your suitcase.

Jackets

The coat you choose to bring might be one of your most important decisions. I have three options for you here, but you can pick out just two depending on the weather.

Faux Leather Moto Jacket: A sleek, faux leather black jacket is one of the most elegant items for your wardrobe. They look dressy paired with dark jeans or a dress but can look super street style when added to a more casual outfit.

Jean Jacket: A jean jacket is my ultimate travel must-have. They are so comfortable and yet also are such workhorses for any weather. They are adaptable and look as casual as they do chic.

Packable Puffer Jacket: This coat is SUPER lightweight and was honestly one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. It comes in various colours and can be compressed into a tiny ball. It’s the BEST for putting on in the morning and then stashing away in your bag when it warms up. I cannot express how lightweight it feels, but how much warmth it manages to keep in! SCIENCE! If you’re expecting torrential rain, this might not be the best, but an umbrella should be suitable for most rainy days as it’s rain-resistant (not proof).

Dresses

Long-Sleeve Dress: This yellow lace dress is a statement piece. Colourful dresses are great to bring since they are perfect for those more upscale evenings. This looser-fit style is comfy enough to wear all day without feeling constricted. Since it’s still all one colour, it can easily be dressed up or down and pair well with many items in the capsule.

Jersey Dress: Jersey dresses, especially those with pockets, are the perfect travel item. Light, wrinkle-free and easily layerable. I picked one with long sleeves for the Fall since it means you can wear it out on slightly less chilly days without a coat.

Long Sleeve Shirts

Cashmere Sweater: A cashmere sweater is one of those investment pieces which is ideal for travelling. It’s lightweight and breathable. And while it looks super lux, it feels so cozy and comfortable. The best of both worlds.

Deep V-Neck: A lightweight, deep v-neck is a simple but stylish look to throw on in the morning. There is just something about a v-neck which makes your entire outfit look smart. Pair that with a thin gold pendant, and you’re ready to hear out the door. This one is made from jersey, which is super easy for travelling as it doesn’t take up much room but is still full sleeves and won’t wrinkle.

Striped Shirt: A striped top feels like the perfect piece for your travel wardrobe no matter what the season but in Fall, I think it just pops! I love this one from ModCloth with a tiny fox in the top right which adds just a bit of fun to the simple, striped shirt!

Cardigan: Cardigans are great to pack with you since they can easily be layered on top of a shirt or dress and removed if it gets too hot. Or if it’s extra cold, you can always add a jacket on top. This luxurious wool cardigan in a bright burgundy is an excellent addition to the fall hues in the mix.

Short Sleeve Shirts

Camisole: A simple camisole is great for layering. This one has a bit of lace added, making it spiffy! It just looks a bit more thought out than a plain version. These come in all different colours so you can choose the best one for your wardrobe.

Typographic Tee: I adore a typographic shirt for travelling. When the words on the shirt seem to embody something about your travels, it just feels like the perfect thing to wear for killer photos. These little things can make a big difference in how you feel about your travel wardrobe. Don’t wake up and feel like you don’t like anything you brought. Wake up and be excited to wear what you did bring!

Blouse: This mustard-coloured blouse takes up practically no room in your suitcases. I love how bright it is; definitely a statement piece for photos! The little touch of a half-turtle neck and flared cap sleeves is one of those details that makes a big difference.

Bottoms

High-Waisted Skinny Jeans: Dark wash jeans in a skinny, high-waisted style are another great piece, as they seem to go with everything. Jeans are one of those items which can withstand weeks without washing and still maintain that fresh look! This is why all the bottoms I picked are made of denim.

Denim Skirt: A denim skirt is just one item I feel belongs to Autumn like nothing else. I picked light-wash denim for this item to provide a spectrum of tones for the bottoms.

Grey or Black Jeans: Dark wash denim or black jeans look super chic, and almost everyone already has one pair in their closet. If you have a pair that is dark enough, they can sometimes even look like blank slacks without the need for ironing.

Shoes

Flats: Pack yourself a pair of sophisticated flats. Easy to pack, lightweight and super cute. Leopard adds interest and texture to your shoes, making them look a bit more upscale. I went for a pair with the tiniest hint of a heel, so they remain extremely comfortable, but they also provide that elegant look you want if you’re wearing them out to a fancy dinner.

Ankle Boots: These are the most versatile shoes for Fall. They can look so sophisticated when paired with a dress, but they are super casual with bootcut jeans. Stick to ones with no big heel and the right insole for the most comfort when walking all day. 

The Modern Sneaker: Sneakers are often thought of as leisurewear wear, but there are so many styles available that look extremely dapper these days. Stick to low-profile sneakers; they look more dressy and less casual. They can be worn with skirts and dresses easily. Choose a sneaker in one or two colours. For me, I want to find something bright and colourful. But I also love these simple white kids as they go with EVERYTHING, and (when they’re clean) they look so modern.

Accessories

Infinity Scarf: An infinity scarf is essential for Fall and winter in Europe. You can wrap these around your neck and sometimes around your arms if caught in the rain, or the temperatures drop suddenly. It’s almost like a mini blanket!

Wool Hat: Even in the Fall, the sun is still out, and these wool hats are almost all you need to wear to suddenly turn an outfit from ordinary to super-stylish! Anyone who thinks they don’t look good in hats needs to try this one out because I truly feel like it suits everyone!

The Modern Backpack: Backpacks get a bad reputation for making you look like a tourist. But over the past year, I’ve seen more and more people wearing backpacks are high fashion. Chanel, Gucci and Dior have all come out with their own line of backpacks since people have finally realized they are so comfortable and easy to use but can also look amazingly chic! This piece from Modcloth is perfect for travelling since it’s extra secure. It has two belt loops to open and close it and also has some additional inside zippers to put your extra secure items. I think people go a little overboard regarding security, and most of those theft-proof bags are super ugly. This one works great and is just fiddly enough to keep out thieves but also be usable.

Sunglasses: There is still plenty of sun, and sunglasses are a fun accessory to bring that really brings out your personality. Choose whichever one is your favourite from your closet!

An umbrella (optional): Bring it along if you can see a ton of rain in the forecast and you have a sturdy yet compact one at home. If the forecast is pretty sketchy, I will leave this out. You can always buy one on the street; plenty of street vendors sell them during the storms. Or just jump into a department store where you can generally find them for sale pretty cheap.

PJs

One of the hottest trends this year is fashionable sleepwear which can be transitioned into daywear. One of the most popular companies doing this is Sleeper, which creates aw-worthy nightdresses and pyjamas that look like high-fashion womenswear. Having an outfit like this means you don’t need to pack pyjamas since you can wear just what you went to bed for dinner the next night. While Sleeper might be a bit lux for some people Target and even Zara, have also begun to come out with similar styles of night-into-day sleepwear. But the Atlanta Sleeper dress with the long sleeves is PERFECT for fall dressing.

Additional Packing Items:

• 2 bras
• one pair of underwear per day
• one pair of socks per day
• one pair of tights (great to layer if it’s extra chilly)
• Toiletry Bag
• External battery charger
• camera
• notebook and pen (I always keep travel notes, great way to reflect on your day)
• a book to read
• additional electorincs (kobo or other edreader, chargers etc.)

Example Outfits:

Below of some outfit ideas, I put together so you can get a taste of just how many looks you can put together from such a small capsule!

To download the checklist of all the items described in this post, click here!

Let me know what you’re favourite travel item for Fall is and how you style your wardrobe when travelling throughout the seasons!

Happy Travels Adventurers

The post The Ultimate Carry On Packing Guide to Europe in the Fall: What you NEED and What to SKIP first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

#1 Don’t Rush!

Italy isn’t a country you want to rush through. Not only will the infrastructure of Italy itself render this impossible, but it just doesn’t do the landscape and culture any justice either. Italy is a place for exploring, for getting lost and discovering something you never knew was there. Lists and guides are essential to make sure you don’t get TOO off track but make sure you don’t overbook yourself. I’m one of the LEAST flexible people in the world. I LOVE making schedules and itineraries and get flustered when things don’t go to plan.

Be Open to Change

But sometimes, being forced into a situation where just those things happen, forces you to change. To become adaptable. To open yourself up to new possibility and just let things flow. Italy changed me as a person. It forced me to slow down, to savour in a mid-afternoon glass of wine under an ancient clock tower. I didn’t ask for the bill or try to rush to my next destination. I just sipped my drink under the literal Tuscan sun and reflected on how lucky I was to be experiencing that moment in time. Rushing meals is a mainly North American thing. We are used to fasting food, even at a slow restaurant.

But in Europe, especially in Italy, everything is relaxed, laid back and at a snail’s pace. Find a way of adapting to this new kind of living. I found I loved to bring my books with me and spent these hours of dining reading. It’s a great time to plan your next adventure or just catch up with old friends or family.

#2 Don’t Drive Inside Big Cities

Driving in Italy is one of the best ways to explore the countryside. Emphasis on the countryside! Driving inside the BIG cities is a nightmare. I witnessed one of the biggest fights between my parents while driving in Florence and that imprinted itself on my brain as “note to self: never drive in the cities in Italy!” Renting a car in Italy is actually one of the cheapest modes of transportation but don’t let that sucker you into using it for the entirety of your trip! You need specific permits for your car to bring it into some major cities. If you haven’t got the right one to expect a HUGE fine when you return your vehicle at the end of the trip. An expensive bill is something no one wants to get after a dream vacation.

In addition to these significant fines, there are also dozens of weird rules of the road in these large cities. You’ll also find heavy traffic, problems with parking and more incidents that you really don’t need to stress about on your vacation. Trains between big cities in Italy are easy to use and a great way to watch the landscape fly by. While they might not always run on time (there is that laid back Italian attitude once more) they get you from point A to point B lickety-split, without any hidden fees. Once you’re finished in the big cities, head just outside town to pick up your rental car for a drive to see the smaller villages across Tuscany. 

Driving TIP

If you are travelling on trains in Italy a word to the wise: be sure to always validate your train tickets. When you buy your tickets on regional trains, there won’t be a time or date on it. This is because you need to validate it before you board the train to mark it as used. Look for a yellow machine on the platform or near the entrance to the station. If you can’t find one, ask any employee to point you in the right direction. If you find yourself onboard without validation and run into a transportation officer expect to pay a BIG fine! They don’t fall for the whole “I’m a tourist I didn’t know any better,” line. They make big money off these fines so won’t hesitate to give you one.

#3 Don’t Assume Food is that Expensive!

Dining out in Italy is cheaper than you’d imagine. When I was a backpacker in my early 20s, I had been anxious about eating out in Italy. It is known as one of the best culinary cities in the world, and I had imagined that all restaurants would cost a fortune. I thought for sure I’d have to resort to buying supermarket food and cooking it back at the hotel. I was SHOCKED to find that by making smart choices, I was able to eat pretty much anything I wanted. And more than that, the prices were way lower than I thought they would be! If you only look at restaurants with English menus, you’ll come away with a totally wrong idea of food prices in Italy.

Avoid English Menus

These restaurants are geared towards tourists who might be swayed by an easy experience to pay more for a less authentic experience. Keep an eye out for menus only in Italian only and always be sure to wander the streets at least five minutes away from the busy areas. Here you’ll find some absolute gems! Also be sure to avoid any restaurant with a greeter outside, yelling in English about their menus. That’s a sure sign it’s not the real deal. In Italy, as long as you stick to those points, you don’t need to worry about checking YELP or TripAdvisor.

I always ended up at places I never had written down, and the food was ALWAYS spectacular. If you can speak even a few words of Italian, try to ask for the daily special or chef’s recommendation. If you don’t have any allergies, give it a try! You never know when you’re next favourite meal will appear out of nowhere. I was shocked to find how much I loved squid ink pasta, a traditional meal in Venice which I had never seen anywhere else in the world.

#4 Don’t Expect to Eat on Your Schedule

Italians eat late. Or at least it seemed pretty late to me when usually eats her dinner around 6 pm. The earliest any self-respecting Italian would have their dinner would be around 8 pm. While many restaurants catering to tourists are open earlier, this is a dead giveaway that the food isn’t authentic. I found waiting for dinner was one of the hardest things to get used to.

Eat and Drink Late

That was until I found out about Aperitivo (more on that later). To get used to this later schedule, I found the best thing that worked for me was to take a nap in the middle of the day. This is the same thing many Italians do. It’s very typical to see restaurants open in the morning and night but closed in the afternoon. Despite being a Spanish name, many (or most) native Italians will go home for a siesta in the middle of the day.

This is just one part of the Italian dedication to a better quality of life. Shop owners will close down in the afternoon to go and make a home-cooked meal in their apartment. They sacrifice any sales they would have made during that time for the chance to eat their own food, maybe see their family or even have a nap. So I did the same. I would head home around 3 or 4 pm after a busy day and take a nice long relaxing nap. It recharged me for the rest of the night and resting always makes me feel less hungry than if I was walking around killing time before dinner.

#5 Don’t Expect Half-Priced Drinks during ‘Aperitivo‘ 

Many North American are used to this thing called “happy hour” between the hours of 7 and 9 pm. This time is usually reserved for half-priced, watered-down drinks. In Italy, they have something similar, but all kinds of different! It’s called ‘Aperitivo‘ (which literally translates to appetizer). Aperitivo is heavily advertised outside bars in the city, and also happens during the hours of 7 and 9 pm. But you won’t find any half-priced drinks here, and if you do see somewhere offering half priced wine, you know its not the an authentic aperitivo.

Free Food NOT Drink

Aperitivo is meant as a time for people to relax after work but before dinner. Locals jovially catch up with friends and family over a few glasses of wine while they wind up their metabolism for dinner (maybe this is why Italians eat so much pasta but remain so thin). But what aperitivo does offer instead of half-priced drinks, is FREE food! These “bonus” snacks are a way to stave off starving before your 9 pm dinner.

Different bars offer up different kinds of snacks. Some offer simple things like nuts, bread and fruit but others have full-on buffets of appetizers all free of charge if you’re drinking. Most big cities charge about 8 and 10 euros for a great glass of wine (reduce this slightly if staying in a smaller, less touristy village). But more than just a glass of wine, you’ll get a real experience out of it! Aperitivo brings out the best in people and a chance for you to meet the locals and ingrain yourself in Italian culture.

#6 Don’t Underestimate Coffee Culture

Coffee culture in Italy is almost a religion. There are many rules and rituals you’re expected to know and follow. One of the biggest don’ts to know, which will help you out financially is, don’t sit to drink your espresso. Often a coffee will have an added “table charge” if you drink it sitting down. This is rarely, if ever listed, so you’ll either have to ask or take your chances. Especially if you’re having a drink near a trendy tourist site, these charges can be as much as 20 euros! My husband was backpacking in his 20s and grabbed a coffee in front of the pantheon with his friend. They unwittingly sat down and had FOUR coffees, which ended up costing them 60 EUROS! A mistake we still laugh about to this day but I’m sure at the time it was anything but funny.

Even at cheaper cafes, drinking the espresso at the counter will always be more affordable and also how real Italians do it. If you have an espresso, don’t miss out on the crema. While you are not supposed to put any milk or cream in espresso, lots of cafes will have crema on the bar. Creama is whipped milk mixed with sugar that you can spoon into your espresso for a deliciously creamy and sweet drink.

Tips on What to Order and When

Another tip for ordering coffee is not to order a cappuccino after 11 am. Cappuccinos are thought to be meant only for breakfast. If you order one after dinner, you’ll either be politely corrected or just simply brought a latte macchiato instead. Speaking of lattes, don’t go up to a coffee counter and order only a “latte“. Latte in Italian means milk, so you might be served up a cup of warm milk. If you’re interested in a North American latte, as for a latte macchiato or caffe macchiato. When ordering an espresso, you can also ask for a caffe (which is what they call an espresso in Italian). If you’re not a fan of strong espresso order a caffe lungo which adds more water for a less intense taste.

#7 Don’t Ask for Free Tap Water

Trying to save a few dollars when travelling is obviously something most people will want to do. And to do this often, you’ll order some tap water to have during your meal. In Italy, this is called “acqua di robinetto“. But if you try ordering it at most restaurants, you might be met with a dirty look. You might also be flat out refused or, on the odd occasion, begrudgingly have it brought out to you. For the most part, I found it wasn’t worth the trouble of asking for it in the end. There are many reasons people don’t think tap water is standard in Italy. One is that although potable, restaurants can’t guarantee the contents of the water they served, which is against health regulations. Others say that it’s because they don’t make a profit from the water.

Another theory is that it merely isn’t a cultural thing for Italians. Whatever the reason, I keep to the saying, “when in Rome” and order the same thing to locals are ordering. Honestly, sometimes it’s cheaper to order a glass of the house wine than a bottle of sparkling water, so take this as an opportunity to live it up and sample some fantastic Italian wines. If you don’t drink alcohol, Italy has a variety of freshly made sodas which I found at most restaurants. Freshly squeezed lemons and oranges with soda water are fantastically refreshing on a hot day.

#8 Don’t Patiently Wait In Line

Even though Italians are so laid back about table service in restaurants, they are outright frantic when it comes to ordering things to go from anything with a counter. I am a pretty shy and orderly person, so when I was in Italy and went to order a coffee, I patiently waited in line. Without hesitation, I found a woman suddenly push her way in front of me to order, and without pause, the barista served her immediately. I thought for sure, him having seen me, he would have asked her to go to the back of the line. But he did not.

After this happened multiple times, I realized that line jumping was just a part of their culture, like yelling or talking with their hands. If an Italian sees a gap in the line, they’ll jump right in. So either be sure to leave no space between yourself and the person in front or find the courage to start line jumping! Or at least being a little pushier and showy when it comes to ordering at counters. Some places have started using a number machine to control this queuing problem, but if you’re stuck somewhere without it, you’ll need to figure out the game. Remember, they’re not trying to be rude, it’s just all apart of that fiery Italian attitude.

#9 Don’t Go in the Summer

Ok, now I know this point will get everyone going! Italy is a fantastically popular place to travel. As it should be, it’s gorgeous! You can’t blame people for wanting to visit it. But summer is especially busy. For many families, the summer is the only time they can travel with their kids, so the cities become overrun with Europeans and international travellers. The weather has been getting increasingly hotter and hotter (thanks global warming) and what once was a relaxing summer vacation on paper, turns into a humid, sticky and sweaty affair. Combine that with the huge crowds, long wait time to get into attractions and you’re in for a horrid equation.

Summer = High Prices, Lots of Tourists

Prices for hotels are also the most expensive during this time as well, and even some popular train route are often booked up well in advance. Summer also has its pests, in this case, mosquitoes, which can have a field day on bare legs. For me personally, Italy is one of those landscapes that look stunning any time of the year. The visual difference between Venice in the Summer and Venice in the Winter is almost non-existent (they rarely get snow).

And if you’re lucky enough to see a snow-covered Italy what a unique and special moment that would be! What is the most different during those months outside of the summertime are the crowds and the costs. In both cases you’ll see a big reduction. The colours along the vineyards in the fall are spectacular, and the springtime blooms along the roadways make driving a joy. So if you can avoid it, skip the summer! If you can’t, just be sure to plan far in advance and make smart choices.

#10 Don’t take Heavy luggage

Italy is known for its gorgeous cobblestone streets and old, historic residences. But what those two things have in common is that they were designed for a different time. A time when luggage was made for being carried in your hands, not huge suitcases being rolled down the street on wheels. Too many of us have a tendency to overpack. And you’re never all too aware of this fact until you’re facing a 20 minutes walk down an extremely bumpy road, followed by a six-storey walk up. With airlines charging more and more for checked luggage, this is your opportunity to save, and scale down all at once. I have a great post about how to pack for 2-weeks in a carry-on which will save you a ton of hassle, exhaustion, stress and, best of all, money!

#11 Don’t wait to Book Tickets to Popular Attractions

Even if you’re not travelling in the super-duper popular months, buying tickets online in advance to busy attractions is highly advisable. If there are a few items on your list which are unmissable, you don’t want to find yourself unable to get in because they’re sold out or the line is too long. Buying tickets in advance also means that that portion of the sightseeing costs is already paid for before you arrive in the city. For those on a tight budget, it means you might have a little bit more to spend once you’re there.

#12 Don’t ONLY Stay Inside the City Walls

So many people, when travelling to a new city, might want to stay right in the centre of town! And while this sounds good in practice, close to sights and all that, in reality it’s a bit more complicated. If you’re someone like me who enjoys a quiet evening, these hotels or apartments in the centre of busy cities are often pretty loud. Not only that, they are expensive! Since transport, even in smaller cities is so prevalent in Italy, it’s easy to stay either just on the outskirts of town or in a nearby village just a few minutes away. If you’re travelling by car, this also means you can park the car at one of these hotels easily and won’t need to worry about bringing it into town.

Look in Bnbs

Often hotels outside the city are a fraction of the cost of the ones in town and come with so much more character and charm. We stayed in plenty or airbnbs, farm stays or just tiny bed and breakfasts on the outskirts of town on our travels through Italy. Every single one was owned by the most interesting characters! Airbnb makes it easy to search for accommodations using their map function so you can find the town you want to visit and then zoom out slightly to explore the options just a few minutes outside the centre.

We even stayed in one place where the owner would drive us into the city in the morning and pick us up in the evening. Like a personal chauffeur or bus service! PLUS staying in these little towns also means you can visit their local restaurants which are often so excited to have visitors. They serve up some of the best authentic food at the lowest prices!

#13 Don’t Forget to Bring cash

Despite the rise of credit cards, tap and, apple pay, it seems like cash money has become something of an ephemeral thing. Even I rarely have cash on me at home, heck sometimes I don’t even walk around carrying my wallet. But especially when travelling I always make sure to bring cash with me. For anyone visiting a marketplace, flea market or even smaller restaurant, you’ll find cash is either the only accepted form of currency or at least the much more preferred option. Especially in small towns which might be a little bit more behind the times, cash is essential. And if you’re interested in doing any haggling at the antique market, you’ll need cash for sure!

#14 Don’t Skip pastries for breakfast

Breakfast in Italy is a sweet affair. If you come to Italy, don’t try to find a restaurant that does a full English or an omelette with hash browns. Along with the mandatory caffe (espresso), you need to pick up your favourite sweet pastry to enjoy alongside. There is the iconic biscotti, brioche or cannoli but my favourite is the cornetti (cornetto if singular). A cornetto is the Italian’s version of a french croissant. It is slightly sweeter (right up my alley!) and eaten dipped into your coffee as you indulge. Pastry shops often have a fantastic coffee counter as well so you can easily get your morning brew and meal all in one place.

Italy is honestly one of the most incredible places in the entire world, and although that’s not really the most original opinion, it’s cliche for a reason. Hopefully, these tips help you out on your next trip over to the city of astounding food, unbelievable architecture and extraordinary people. Let me know if the comment any others tips you might have for first-time travellers to help them out on their future ventures.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

The post 14 Travel Mistakes NOT to Make on Your First Trip to Italy first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. 1. Thinking Portuguese is Spanish
2. 2. Rushing Through the City
3. 3. Waiting for the Santa Justa Elevator or Torre de Belem Elevator
4. 4. Not Exploring with a Local
5. 5. Not Bringing Shoes with Grip
6. 6. Thinking that Bread is Free in Restaurants
7. 7. Not Jumping in an Uber
8. 8. Forgetting to a Buy a Transport Card
9. 9. Paying for Overpriced Fado Shows
10. 10. Not Tasting Ginjinha on the Street
11. 11. Not Being Aware of your Surroundings
12. 12. Not Remembering to Reapply Sunscreen in the Afternoon
13. 13. Only Sampling the Belém Pastéis de Nata
14. 14. Not Learning How to Order Coffee

1. Thinking Portuguese is Spanish

While many travellers might initially assume that Portuguese is similar to Spanish, trust me, it’s NOT! I had just been to Mexico City earlier in the year, and when I started my Portuguese lessons, I thought all that Spanish would have helped – nope, that was not the case! I found Portuguese a harder language to learn than even Japanese, and I greatly respect anyone who has mastered the language.

Don’t try to speak Spanish thinking that locals will understand that more than English if you don’t know how to speak Portuguese. Most Portuguese people prefer English to Spanish. I was surprised by how many locals spoke terrific English, but don’t rely on that. Ensure you learn at least a few words; the basics are pretty easy to grasp, and it makes a big impression on those you speak to. Below are a few key phrases I found to be the most useful.

Hello – Olá
Goodbye – Adeus
Good Morning – Bom dia
Good Afternoon – Boa tarde
Good Night – Boa noite
Thank You – Obrigado (if said by a man) Obrigada (if said by a woman)
Sorry – Desculpe
Yes – Sim
No – Não
Please – Por Favor
This (good for pointing to menu or food items) – isto
How Much? – Quanto custa?

2. Rushing Through the City

One of the biggest mistakes I think people make is trying to rush through cities. And a part of me understands this, we don’t all have unlimited vacation time, and flights are expensive, especially if you’re visiting from outside of Europe. We cannot pop over from Spain or France on a long weekend. But Lisbon is such a vibrant city, and even though it appears to be very small, it’s both dense in physical form and history, steeped inside its walls. Spending a week here made us feel more like we could explore those hidden corners or get lost without worrying about losing precious time.

I know many people can see all there is to see here in a jam-packed three-day itinerary, but we adored having an entire week to relax and see the sights. Europeans, in general, but perhaps Portuguese more so, take things slow. They don’t like being rushed or on time, for that matter. So being able to adjust to their way of doing things felt more authentic than trying to rush through lunch and run out without savouring that last glass of wine. I felt like a week with one or two little outings outside the city was a perfect time!

3. Waiting for the Santa Justa Elevator or Torre de Belem Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator is one of the city’s oddest yet most stunning sights. It was initially built in the 19th century for locals to use to get up the steep hill from the Baixa district to the Largo do Carmo. Its elegant design made in wrought-iron and covered in neo-gothic arches and striking geometric patterns is a spectacle for the eyes. But when the city of Lisbon bought the tower, they changed it from being a free mode of transportation and turned it into a touristy nightmare. Now lines run around the block, and tourists pay €6.40 for a 1-minute trip up to the top.

At the top, you do get one of the most astonishing views across the city, but this area is easily accessible without taking the lift. If you take the escalators inside Rossio Station, up to the Carmo Convent, the viewpoint is located just around the corner. To get to the viewpoint, you pass through a small restaurant but don’t worry about going inside, they are used to this, and it’s not a problem. On there, you’ll find the same view all those other tourists, who wasted hours in line, get to see. The Torre de Belem has the same kind of issue.

While the outside is a must-see in town, the interior is pretty lacking, and the view from the top of the tower is not that impressive. The lines can be hours long, and it is much better to skip it altogether and spend more time walking along the beautiful waterfront with waterside views of the tower.

4. Not Exploring with a Local

Lisbon is one of those cities which seems to have a million hidden secrets and things you can’t learn from a book. We hired a private tour guide to give us a 4-hour walking tour of the city on the first full day we arrived. This is the PERFECT way to get introduced to the town. Bruno, our historian for the day, told us many charming stories as we wandered the streets. He took us to the tremendous must-see sights and unknown little treasures.

There are plenty of free tours you can take, but Lisbon is booming with tourists, and often these tours are enormous, with over 30-40 people in one group with one guide. This makes it hard to hear the sound of streetcars and traffic and almost impossible to ask those burning questions you might be wondering. If budget allows, go for the private tour options, which can also be customized to your group’s interests.

5. Not Bringing Shoes with Grip

I realize you might think this is obvious; comfortable shoes are essential when travelling, but I’ve never had so much trouble walking as I did in Lisbon. The worn-down cobblestones sidewalks and the steep hills mean that you need comfy shoes and shoes with a great grip! I have a few excellent pairs of travel shoes which I’ve never had problems with that failed me on a few occasions when I was almost sent flying down the hill!

Thankfully, a few other party members had grippy shoes, and we would take turns holding onto each other when walking down those steep hills. I had heard that Lisbon was like Rome in that it was a town built on seven hills, but unlike Rome, these hills are incredibly steep, and climbing up and down the streets of Alfama is a workout and a half!

6. Thinking that Bread is Free in Restaurants

At many restaurants in Lisbon, not just those cheesy touristy ones, you’ll often be served bread and olives before the meal. Coming from North America, where bread before a meal is usually served without charge, I assumed it was free. It wasn’t, and although the cost wasn’t expensive, I was surprised to see a cost associated with something to me without asking for it.

Thinking that this one restaurant experience was a fluke, we had dinner the next night and experienced the same charge when we got the bill after digging into the olives and bread. I finally looked this up, wondering if this was something that just kept happening to me and found that it’s prevalent. If you aren’t interested in paying for the bread and olives, say no, before they place them down on your table, and they will take them away without incident. But sometimes you’re starving, and bread and olives sound like just the ticket to tide you over before dinner is served. If that’s the case, ask the server for the cost, so you know what to expect and make your decisions.

7. Not Jumping in an Uber

In a city as hilly as Lisbon, you can quickly get tired. Many times people might think of hailing a cab to get home after a long day but often are afraid to in case they take a long, unnecessary route to get to their destination to run up the meter. Uber, on the other hand, is all priced upfront. We loved taking Uber in Lisbon since we were a group of four, and often, taking an Uber was much, much cheaper than for each of us to pay for a ticket on the metro.

The Ubers we took were all super clean, the drivers extremely friendly, and some would even give us a little tour of the buildings we were passing by! A trip from the airport via Uber costs less than 10 euros (leaving from the departure terminal), including our luggage. Ubers make it so you can take that trip up to a miradouro (lookout point) before sunset, even if your legs are tired and there isn’t a nearby metro station. It’s a great way to make the most of your time in the city without tiring yourself going up and down those hills.

8. Forgetting to a Buy a Transport Card

You can buy these little reloaded metro cards at all the metro stations in Lisbon. They only cost 0.50 euros; you can load them up with as much money as you think you’ll need. This makes getting on and off trains a breeze, with no need to buy separate tickets or calculate the fares. Simply tap on and off, and the money will automatically be calculated and removed from the total on your card. The line-ups for train tickets can get long, especially at stations like Rossio, where the trains depart for Sintra. Having a swipe card will mean you don’t need to line up either at the ticket booth or electronic machines, savings yourself what can be a lot of time!

9. Paying for Overpriced Fado Shows

Fado is a form of Portuguese singing which originated in the 1820s in Portugal’s urban cafes and pubs. It is notable for being profoundly melancholic, and despite these sad tunes, it’s one of the most popular things for tourists to seek out when in Lisbon. There are signs all over for tickets to Fado dinners & show experiences. Most of these places are super overpriced, and the food is incredibly subpar, especially when there is SO MUCH great food for cheap you can find in this city.

There are plenty of amazing places to see real Fado around the town, which won’t cost you an arm and a leg. A Tasca do Chico puts on FREE Fado music Mondays and Wednesdays in the Bairro Alto district. The restaurant can get SUPER crowded, so get there EARLY! Fado is a late-night experience, so expect performances to start around 9 pm and go till 1 or 2 am! Unlike other places which might charge a cover fee, this restaurant doesn’t. That being said, since you need to show up so early to save yourself a table, it’s only right to order some drinks and perhaps a few bits of tapas to make your time there worth it for the servers and staff. But this cost is far and away cheaper than what you’ll find at the Prix-fix places.

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10. Not Tasting Ginjinha on the Street

Ginjinha or Ginja is a Portuguese liqueur from fermented sour cherries blended with sugar and cinnamon. You’ll see dozens of shops selling and advertising this sweet treat. And despite its prevalence in tourist hubs, you’ll be surprised to know it isn’t just a touristy thing. You’ll see old ladies sipping it outside ancient bars and men grabbing one quick glug before heading to dinner.

Ginjinha has been around since the Romans brought cherries to Lisbon in the 5th century. The same family has run many of the tiny closet-sized shops which sell shots of Ginjinha for multiple generations. Here, they serve just one thing; Ginjinha. You can order it two ways, with or without the fruit. (I found the fruit to be SUPER strong, so I preferred it without). You can also get it served in chocolate cups, but this was actually a modern-day invention by the Portuguese chocolate manufacturers who made a chocolate Ginjinha cup at one of their conventions, and it seemed to catch on from there. Still a delicious way to have Ginjinha but not as authentic.

Every different brand tastes a bit different. Some are more strong, and some are a little sweeter and wine-like. The little shots cost just 1-2 euros, so it’s easy to grab one wherever you see them sold to find your favourite.

11. Not Being Aware of your Surroundings

Locals we met with mentioned to us time and time again to beware of pickpockets. Having been to Barcelona without incident, I employed many of my same techniques, most importantly of which is to be AWARE. If you’re in a crowd, always be sure to have a hand on your bag or, at the very least, we are conscious of who gets close to you. You don’t need to be paranoid about it, but there is always an element of catching people off their guard, which is when pickpockets make their move. If someone seems too nice or if you have a bad feeling about something, go with your gut and just remove yourself from the situation.

Tourist trams are one of the worst places for pickpocketing since space is at a premium, and thieves do most of their business when you’re too busy taking pictures to notice. There are plenty of great theft-proof bags you can buy, but a solution I found was to buy a tiny lock which latches the two zippers of my back bag together, rendering it theft-proof. Always keep your bag on your lap at an outdoor restaurant or cafe, not on the floor or on an empty chair where it can quickly be snatched up. I didn’t feel like there was ever a moment when I felt unsafe or vulnerable, but I also felt that knowing these things and taking precautions would be much safer than if I had gone about my business without considering it.

12. Not Remembering to Reapply Sunscreen in the Afternoon

The sun is the strongest in Portugal between noon and 3 pm, and you’d be surprised that late in the afternoon is when you’ll actually feel the warmest. Even at 6 pm, the sun was beating down on my shoulders, hotter than it felt at 2 pm! I’m someone who puts on sunscreen in the morning and forgets to reapply, which resulted in a mighty sunburn on this trip. Painful enough to teach me a good lesson! Around when you have lunch, it’s always a good idea to grab some sunscreen out of your bag and reapply for the rest of the afternoon.

During the afternoon, when the sun is high in the sky, and the temperature is at its hottest, try to schedule some indoor fun if you find it unbearable. Bring a good hat (which won’t blow off in the high winds which Lisbon is famous for) and drink plenty of water. Obviously, this advice is moot if you’re travelling during the winter months, but even in the springtime, it can get surprisingly hot, so don’t hesitate to slather on that sun protection or you’ll be left like I was, having to get after-sun cream from a very judgmental pharmacist.

13. Only Sampling the Belém Pastéis de Nata

Portuguese custard tarts are one of the most popular things tourists come to eat while visiting Lisbon. They are a centuries-old recipe passed down from monks in monasteries, and one of the most popular places to try them is in Belém, where they originated the recipe. While the Belém tart shop is undoubtedly the most popular and historical, there are many other places to try all over Lisbon. It would be a shame only to try this one location when there are so many others you can try.

Give that diet a break while in Lisbon, and eat to your heart’s content! You can find these “pastéis de nata” in trendy cafes and tiny unknown bakeries hidden around quiet street corners. The line at the Belém location sometimes stretches for blocks, and although it might give you a good idea of the benchmark flavours of the original, modern chefs as well as enterprising home bakers, have developed their own versions, which might be even more appealing to you! They also sell these pastries at the grocery store; you never know where to find your favourite.

14. Not Learning How to Order Coffee

If you’re anything like me, no morning starts off on the right foot without a nice cup of coffee. I’ve learned from travelling worldwide that ordering coffee is never the same in one country as in the next. , I managed to order my coffee in Lisbon just fine, but all my friends who were travelling with me had great trouble ordering. Cafés function in a completely different way in Lisbon than they do in North America. In Lisbon, most coffee shops aren’t a place to have a seat, pop open your laptop, and relax with Wi-Fi. No, in Lisbon, cafés are where workers order a shot of espresso and down it at the bar before quickly heading off.

There are no signs across the counter with menu options. It’s up to you to give your order to the barista to get what you want. To get something similar to a latte, you should order “Um galão,” and for a coffee with milk, ask for “uma meia de leite,” which is half milk, half coffee. You’ll almost always be given a side of sugar since it seems like the Portuguese never drink black coffee. To order a standard espresso, ask for “uma bica,” a Portuguese word only used in Lisbon.

If you’re looking for something similar to an Americano ask for “um abatanado, “and if you want milk with it, ask for “um abatanado com um pouco de leite.” Cafes in Lisbon are places people pop in and out of all day. Instead of getting one colossal coffee in the morning, you’re more likely to be served a little coffee, which means you can visit more cafes throughout the day!

Let me know if you found anything on your last trip to Lisbon, you’d recommend travellers avoid or be aware of! Or, if you’re planning a trip, let me know anything else you’re curious about for your first time in Portugal!

Happy Travels Adventurers!

The post 14 Tourist Mistakes NOT to Make on your First Trip to Lisbon first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. Don't go up Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree
   • Instead, travel over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
2. Don't get caught up looking up restaurants on Yelp or Tabelog
   • Instead, walk in anywhere with a line!
3. Don't go out of your way to visit only the popular shrines
   • Instead, skips the lines and find a hidden neighbourhood shrine
4. Don't Always Head to Coffee Shops in the Morning
   • Instead, head to your local conbini
5. Don't buy your souvenirs at souvenir shops
   • Instead, head to the nearest 100 yen shop!
6. Don't drink in the Golden Gai
   • Instead head down to Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho
7. Don't get lured into going to a Maid Cafe
   • Instead, try visiting another experiencial themed restaurant!
8. Don't visit Takeshita Dori if you're looking for Tokyo's Underground Fashion Scene
   • Instead, head over to Shimokitazawa
   • And finally…don't spend all your time in Tokyo!

Don’t go up Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree

A view from atop the city, especially somewhere as large and spread out as Tokyo, is always a valuable experience. But the lines and cost for Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree far exceed the enjoyment you’ll get once you get to the top. If you’re only in Tokyo for a week, chances are you don’t want to spend some of that time, lined up for a trip up an elevator.

Instead, travel over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Head on over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and take the elevator up to the rooftop where you get an unbelievable view of the city, PLUS a view of the Skytree itself. If you’re looking for a view that comes with a stylish rooftop garden then header over to the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando in Harajuku where the 7th floor provides a stunning green space with ample room for relaxing. Despite the fact that there is a Starbucks which the gardens back out on, you can grab your own food and drinks up to the top. It really is the perfect place for a conbini picnic (“conbini” is a short term word for Japanese convenience stores).

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Don’t get caught up looking up restaurants on Yelp or Tabelog

Often when travelling, you want to make the most out of your experiences and don’t want to waste your money on a touristy or subpar restaurant. For this reason, even I find myself obsessively looking up reviews of where I want to eat whenever I’m travelling. Sometimes this is done in advance but when I’m stuck reading review after review in the middle of my adventure I can’t but help feel like I’m wasting precious travel time. In Japan, this is just not necessary. You can close your eyes and twirl around to walk straight into a restaurant with the best food you’ve ever eaten!  

Instead, walk in anywhere with a line!

Don’t waste your time trying to find the perfect place to eat, instead, wander until something calls your name and draws you in. If there is one particular restaurant you ABSOLUTELY have to find, then make sure to make reservations because popular joints in Tokyo often fill up in advance very quickly.

Don’t go out of your way to visit only the popular shrines

Meiji Shrine is often at the top of every traveller’s list, but honestly, there are so many other shrines just as impressive all over Tokyo that you will just happen upon. Although it is perhaps the biggest and most notable, there are so many other I would rate much higher. Don’t stress and go far out of your way or wait in long, long line for these so-called “must-see” shrines. 

Instead, skips the lines and find a hidden neighbourhood shrine

The best part of the Meiji Shrine are the sake barrels in front which can be visited before entering the shrine without waiting in a long line. The most beautiful shrine I found in Tokyo was one I had never heard of before all the way in Akasaka. I won’t tell you where (although I do talk about it in some of my other blogs) since I want you to go out and find your own unique place! If you do – let me know in the comments!

Don’t Always Head to Coffee Shops in the Morning

While there are some incredibly cool coffee shops in Tokyo, they are generally pretty expensive since coffee-shop coffee is considered a luxury. A Starbucks frappucino will run you about 9$ USD for a tall! 

Instead, head to your local conbini

There are dozens upon dozens of flavours and strengths inside hot and cold cans as well as gourmet brewed fresh coffee which you can buy at the front of the store. If you add milk to your coffee, it even comes out frothed and foamed! I think I prefer the coffee at 7-Eleven to Lawsons or Family Mart but they’ll all really good. There are even cold Starbucks coffees and blended drinks available in regular and specialty flavours at a fourth of the price you’d pay in Starbucks shops – so skip the lines and buy them here! 

Don’t buy your souvenirs at souvenir shops

I’m not talking about something unique like a handmade Kimono from Kyoto; I’m talking about the little knick-knacks you might find in those cheezy tourist shops purposefully placed right in front of popular attractions. They will always be priced for convenience, not value.

Instead, head to the nearest 100 yen shop!

100 yen shops are the coolest place to find all sorts of things to use both on your trip and when you get home. If you are a crafty person, you’ll find some adorable and CHEAP items here like notebooks, stickers, washi tape and more! It was honestly hard for me to hold back from buying up the entire section. But best of all are the things for sale here for our purposes are the souvenirs. You can find delightful Japanese themed magnetics, ceramic bowls with cherry blossoms, bamboo chopstick sets and more – all for only 100 yen (plus tax).

TIP: most 100 yen shops only take cash. If you don’t want to spend all your cash here, try the DAISO in Harajuku. Since they deal with such large purchases due to being in a tourist-traffic area, they are currently accepting credit cards.

Don’t drink in the Golden Gai

Golden Gai is one of those long talked about tourist attractions that is the only real “scammy” areas in Japan. Golden Gai is located in Shinjuku and is known for its narrow, winding alleys and teeny-tiny bars. They charge outrageous prices just to get in the door of some of these establishments. Each one has a different theme and fits about 6-8 people. Some of the bars roundly object to foreigners, so much so that they have signs outside saying “no nonnatives” or “For Japanese speakers only”. The ones that do let tourists inside have overpriced drinks, and any sense of authenticity has long since been lost.

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Instead head down to Shinjuku’s Omoide Yokocho

Omoide Yokocho or Memory Lane is a gritty little district also in Shinjuku, and has the funny English nickname “Piss Alley”. Despite the name, this place is happening! It is full of locals and tourists alike, making new friends and drinking delicious cups of sake and Japanese craft beer at reasonable prices! This is a great area to meet new Japanese friends who can introduce you to all sorts of hidden gems. If you’re looking for other great nighttime activities be sure to check out alltherooms’s blog! Valentina does a fantastic job at listing all the best Tokyo experiences from fine-dining to miniature-sized pubs to robot dinosaur battles!

Don’t get lured into going to a Maid Cafe

Maid Cafes are all over the place in neighbourhoods like Akihabara. You’ll see cute, young girls dressed in maid uniforms on the street handing out flyers, inviting you into their cafes. If this sounds a bit, well, sketchy then you might be right. Inside these maid cafes, you’ll find cutesy interiors where the maids putter about serving overpriced food and drinks. Some of the meals are decorated or moulded to look like adorable animals, but the food itself is rather bland and unimpressive.

Pictures with the maids are often an additional charge, and you can even pay them to sing you a song at your table. While they’ve fallen out of favour with locals, they are still gaining popularity with tourists for the weirdness of the experience. And while it’s not a total scam and is indeed a bizarre experience, there are plenty of other fantastically themed restaurants where you can find the same impressive theming without forcing women to dress in degrading uniforms.

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Instead, try visiting another experiencial themed restaurant!

If you’re looking for experiential restaurants there are lots of fun ones to choose from! The Zauo Fishing Restaurant is another unusual kind of eatery. Here you have to catch your own dinner. You get a rod and some bait and attempt to catch the exact fish you want to eat. If you manage to catch something, they’ll cook it up any way you like. If you don’t manage to catch anything, not to worry, there are still lots of menu items you can order as well! The LockUp is a haunting restaurant where you’ll be chased by monsters, drink spooky cocktails and dine on wild dishes – an experience you won’t soon forget.

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Don’t visit Takeshita Dori if you’re looking for Tokyo’s Underground Fashion Scene

Harajuku is still a wildly exciting place to shop, but the more avant-garde dressers and shops have been replaced with big brands and hoards of tourists. While I still have fun visiting Harajuku, don’t come here expecting to see Lolitas, goths and punks roaming the streets.

Instead, head over to Shimokitazawa

Shimokitazawa is where you’ll find some of the best-curated vintage shops in all of Tokyo. The fashionable kids who have fled Harajuku, away from the tourists, are now all set up in Shimokitazawa. There are dozens of eclectic restaurants, cafes and best of all – clothing shops, open up and down the hilly alleyways of this delightful district.

And finally…don’t spend all your time in Tokyo!

Even if you only have a week in this great city and can’t make it out to other cities like Kyoto, Hiroshima and Fukuoka (although if you can swing it, I highly recommend you do!), there are dozens of small towns only a few hours train ride away from Tokyo. These places which will transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and into the peaceful countryside. Nikko, Enoshima, Hakone and Kamakura are just some of the beautiful cities which will give you a glimpse into another side of Japan. Perhaps something which will give you a taste of the other side of this magical island and force you to find time to return! 

And if you’re anything like me, it will be again, and again, and again, and again…

The post Navigating Tokyo Like a Pro: A Guide to What Not to Do and What to Do Instead first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

#1. Get a GREAT Carry-On Suitcase

I think that if you find a fun suitcase that makes you happy, it will make packing lighter, all the easier to do now that you have such a cute little package to put everything into. Most airlines now charge for checked baggage so by using the carry-on you’ll be saving sometimes hundreds of dollars. Money that can be put back into experiences on your trip. Airlines have great information on their websites about sizing, and every airline is different so be sure to check the website to ensure your bag will fit in the overhead compartment. This site has a great at a glance guide to give you a general idea of sizing.

You don’t have to opt for a full-on suitcase if you prefer a large knapsack or carrying bag but I love having wheels since it makes it much easier to go long distances with ease. I got this adorable suitcase at a swap meet. Nothing fancy and it has held up after over a dozen trips. You don’t always need to spend a lot of money to find something fantastic! Amazon always has incredible deals on luggage and often in unique colours and designs. This one here is next on my list to purchase once my old one conks out!

#2. Invest in Packing Cubes

If you can afford it, packing cubes are so helpful in not only organizing your suitcase but in condensing it too. I used to use large ziplock bags which worked similarly well. Fill a bag with one category of clothes and compress. Packing cubes are more reusable and let’s face it, look a lot prettier too. I’m currently obsessed with the new collection from Oh Joy + Calpack – I mean who wouldn’t want to get packing with these amazing designs?! Unfortunately for me, they don’t ship to Canada, but I got mine on Amazon for only $25 for a 7-item set! 

#3. Pack In Advance!

My best piece of advice is to pack well in advance. Chances are you probably know what the general weather will be like when you arrive so working with that, put everything you want to bring into one pile. Don’t try and edit for the moment, just put it all into a large laundry basket or lay it out in another room. After a week or a few days, come back and reassess. You’ll realize upon second look how much stuff you don’t need. So much of what we pack is unnecessary and only done because we’re rushing and not thinking it through.

Here is the itemized list of what I bring for two weeks away:

I chose to bring a raincoat since we were expecting some rain on this trip, but you could just pack two jackets of different weights if you aren’t planning for rain. It’s always good to pack a light jacket even if the weather will be warm because chances are you’ll be out exploring late and after the sun goes down, so does the temperature! I choose three pairs of pants, but you can do a skirt as a bottom instead. Make sure to pick one pretty dress or top which works a for a fancy night out.

Don’t overestimate how many “fancy” outfits you’ll need. Chances are you’ll need none, but one is more than enough. Make sure to note which items are the heaviest and make a point to set those aside to wear on the plane. Ensure they’ll also be comfortable, you don’t want to save on space but end up suffering on that long-haul flight. 

If you’re looking for tips on how to stay as comfy as possible on the plane check out this post!

#4. What NOT to Bring!

Forget the toiletries! Don’t’ bring shampoo, conditioner, soap etc. Unless you have a certain medical or skin condition which might require special products, these are unnecessary. If you buy the “travel” versions, you’ll end up paying way more for a tiny little bottle than for a huge regular version. Every country I’ve ever visited has had convenient places as soon as I get to my hotel where I could find these items. Often, it’s a fun little adventure exploring grocery stores and international pharmacies. I love discovering new products and use this opportunity to try out something new! If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll be able to get free shampoo, conditioner and soap. If you ever run out, just as the front desk and they’ll bring you up some new ones right away. 

Pyjamas. I know this sounds crazy but for something you’re just going to wear at night, it’s not worth space in your bag. Instead, just make sure to wear some leggings on the plane and a comfy t-shirt which can double as PJs. In Japan, a lot of hotels actually provide you pyjamas upon arrival! Which is a huge plus!

#5. What to Bring?

Choose lightweight, packing-friendly clothing. Anything that wrinkles should be thrown back into the closet. Anything that is hard to wash – toss that away too. You want quick-dry items in case you decide to wash your clothes in the hotel bathtub (trust me, it works!).

In addition to your suitcase carry-on, you are allowed to have a “personal item”. I pack a large bag or knapsack with all my onboard necessities. Inside my suitcase, I pack a small handbag or mini knapsack for when I arrive and don’t need the larger one.

Although I talk about not bringing many toiletries with you there are a few items which I do bring. One of those items are band-aids and blister cushions. Long days on your feet can take a toll no matter how comfortable your shoes are. And a blister always shows up at the most inconvenient time. Blister band-aids are often hard to find and sometimes very expensive (always marked up for tourists) so I ensure I pack a few in my day bag.

The other thing I bring with me from my home country are Tide to-go pens! These aren’t available all over the world and they do wonders for helping your outfits last a little bit longer before having to be laundered. And if you’re a clutz like me, (I am constantly spilling things on myself) they are a lifesaver. Just remember to put them into your liquids bag when going through security!

#6. Plan your Outfits

Once I feel like I have all my items, I make sure to play around and mix and match to see that everything goes together. This also gives me the opportunity to ensure everything is clean. Sometimes if you’re travelling somewhere in hot in the middle of the winter, you’ll grab a shirt out of storage, only to realize it’s got a big stain or just smells musty. Another benefit of packing in advance is you have the chance to remedy these issues without rushing and staying up till 1 am the night before a long flight. While I don’t always pack in neutrals, I do try to stick to an outfit colour scheme. For this trip, I chose “springtime pastels”. This way, no matter what I grabbed from my bag, it would coordinate nicely with any other item.

TIP: Travelling isn’t the best time to try out new things. As much as you might want to bring that new dress you’ve never worn, it’s better to stick to tried and true pieces from your wardrobe that exemplify your style and you know look great. I know a lot of other blogs will have very neutral and basic items, but that’s just not me. I’m the most comfortable in loud, eccentric pieces but if you love casual, neutral basics then that’s even better. You’ll find the more neutral and simple the looks, the easier it will be for you to mix and match and make lots of different outfits.

#7. How to Pack It

Make sure that when you’re packing, you roll everything up together. This really saves space and makes items easier to find. I often will layer clothes with dryer sheets to keep everything smelling fresh! Put a few new dryer sheets into your suitcase in a ziplock bag to replace the old ones as you go. I also pack a few extra ziplock bags to use along the way as places to store dirty clothes or even as extra storage for things I might buy along the way.

To save space I always pack up my socks, tights and underwear inside my shoes. Roll them up tightly and they fit perfectly in your second pair of shoes. It’s a great way to use that otherwise wasted space. Store your earring and small necklaces in these tiny pill cases which I bought from the Dollar store. They are light but ensure that your jewellery doesn’t get mixed up in your suitcase. Larger necklaces I wrap in clingfilm to ensure they don’t get tangled, sounds a bit odd but trust me; this is a jewellery-saving technique.

I’m someone prone to getting sick and also struggle with my auto-immune disease, so I’m always travelling with a lot of medication. I take only what I think I’ll need and put it into a set of labelled pill boxes instead of bringing the entire bottles of medication. Saves a ton of space and buying medication when you’re in a foreign country just isn’t something you want to risk. Make sure your medication is never put into checked luggage (if you decide to gate check for instance) since you don’t want to risk it getting lost.

This is only for over-the-counter medication, anything that is prescription should be kept in its original bottle with your information on it for inspection. If you’re bringing liquids with you, remember that they have to be under 100ml and inside a clear bag for TSA inspection. I always keep this part of my bag easily accessible before going through security and then can pack it deeper down after I’m through.

#8. Plan on Doing Laundry

For a two-week trip or longer, laundry is going to be something you’ll have to do. You can research places to go in advance or ask your hotel reception for the closest location. Sometimes they’ll even have laundry facilities in the hotel! If you’re staying at an Airbnb, this is often a big plus! My hosts have always been so nice and provided me instructions on how to use the machines. Even if they can’t show you in person, be sure to ask for these instructions in your communications with the host.

Now you’re set for a great trip without being weighed down (quite literally!). After you do this once, you’ll realize how easy it really is to pack light. Getting over that first-time hurdle is the toughest part but with these simple tips, you’ll be off to a great start!

The post The Best Tips For Packing: Two Weeks only Carry-On! first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Table Of Contents

1. #1 Learn Some Japanese
   • Japanese Phrases
2. #2 Convenience Stores are much more than Convenience Stores
   • Best Things to Eat in a Konbini
3. #3 Get A Wifi Hotspot
   • Navigating in Japan
4. #4 It's Not as Expensive as you Think
5. #5 It's HUGE! 
6. #6 Public Transport Can be Daunting but Once you Figure it Out it's INCREDIBLE!
7. #7 Smoking is Prevalent
8. #8 There Are Few Garbage Cans in Public
9. #9 Cash is KING
10. #10 The Toilets are that AWESOME
11. #11 No Tipping

#1 Learn Some Japanese

I think one of the biggest mistakes that English speakers make when they’re travelling is assuming that everyone, around the world, will speak some form of English. This is definitely NOT the case. Even in a metropolis like Tokyo, there should be no assumptions that people will speak English to you. While learning English is becoming more and more popular, the older generations have yet to come around. And why should they after all?!

That being said, there are English menus and English speakers in the more touristy area. So if you feel like you can’t survive with Japanese alone, then there are places you can seek out. If you do find someone who speaks English, remember to speak slowly. (But please, do not do this in a condescending way!) English speakers tend to fast very fast. If someone is still learning English, speaking slowly will better allow them to translate and respond in due time.

Japanese Phrases

But don’t feel like just because you can’t read or speak the language, you’re out of luck. Japanese people are some of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever met. Even if we couldn’t communicate with language, they would take time and a considerable amount of effort to help me with whatever I needed. Rudimentary sign language works well, as does pointing and a kind smile. But what works even better is to try and learn a few phrases in Japanese before leaving for your trip. Put all that time on your long-haul flight to good use! Simple things like, “thank you”, “excuse me” or “please” go a long way in showing gratitude and humility. People will respond to this and give it back to you in leaps and bounds. 

Her are a few useful phrases:
Thank You | arigatou gozaimasu
Please |  onegaishimasu
Excuse Me |  sumimasen
Yes | hai
No | iie
I’m Sorry | gomen nasai
I Don’t understand Japanese |  nihongo ga wakarimasen
Can you speak English? | eigo o hanasemasu ka?

If you are interested in learning some key phrases when eating at restaurants check out this guide!

#2 Convenience Stores are much more than Convenience Stores

In North America, Europe, Australia and other countries I’ve visited, conveniences stores sell little more than candy bars, magazines, chips and dreadfully reheated pizza and hot dogs. But in Japan, convenience stores (also called Konbini) will become your go-to spot for everything from breakfasts, quick snacks and even fantastic bento boxes perfect for picnics. Japanese convenience stores sell ready to eat MEALS which taste incredible! Breakfast in Japan is a savoury meal and the bento boxes sold in stores like 7/11, Lawsons and Family Mart were just as good as some fancy meals I’ve had in restaurants back in Canada. They will even reheat it up for you at the cash.

Best Things to Eat in a Konbini

Onigiri which is rice and fish wrapped in seaweed costs just over a dollar and is a delicious treat if you’re on the go.  Don’t miss out on the drinks either. In Japan, convenience stores sell alcohol as well as other beverages, so its the perfect place to stock up on new and exciting sake flavours, unique tea blends and even seasonal sodas. Konbinis also have an amazing selection of seasonal specialties. This is best exemplified around Sakura season!

But my favourite things to buy are the sweets. Various stores sell delicious packaged soft pancakes with maple syrups and butter sandwiched in between. While not traditionally Japanese, this treat is unforgettable. The sweet pastries, like melon bread, are also the perfect thing to grab for a mid-day snack. If it’s a hot day, don’t pass up one of the various ice cream flavours. Green tea is exceptionally favourable in Japan. And if you’re looking for something more traditional, try the dango. Dango is a Japanese sweet dumpling made from mochiko (rice flour). They are often different colours and paired with a warm green tea (oh yeah, they also have hot tea in heated containers inside the store) it’s the perfect thing to eat on a cold day.

#3 Get A Wifi Hotspot

While Japan might be seen as the mecca of technology and innovation, there are still some areas where Japan is lagging behind. One of those things is public wifi. While in other countries you might be able to get by hopping into coffee shops and open wifi zones to get your dose of the internet, in Japan, this is EXTREMELY rare. I got so many weird looks when I would ask for the wifi password and not because of the language barrier. But there is an easy and relatively cheap solution, a wifi hotspot.

There is a myriad of companies which offer these devices, and they can be shipped directly to your hotel, picked up at the airport or grabbed at your local convenience store. If you’re apprehensive about getting to your hotel without wifi, then the terminal might be your best option, but we opted for the hotel delivery, and it was there waiting for us upon check-in. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, they will often provide these for their guests as an additional incentive for staying at their spot.

Navigating in Japan

The best advice when choosing from all the different companies offering this service is to get the fastest speed possible, and unlimited data. While the cheaper options might seem just as good, you’d be surprised how much you might use it. Sure, getting lost is all part of the fun of travelling, but when you’re hungry and tired being able to navigate yourself to a hot bowl of ramen quickly is just what the doctor ordered. In Japan, they use a very different addressing system then is used in most Western countries.

Rather than streets having names, they give blocks numbers and leave the space in between the blocks, streets, nameless. This can be EXTREMELY CONFUSING if you’re trying to look for a particular restaurant or address, so using the feature on google maps where you can track your orientation to that little blue dot marking your destination was often our saving grace.

#4 It’s Not as Expensive as you Think

One thing I hear over and over again, especially from older people, is how expensive they think Japan is. While it’s not as cheap as places in South East Asia, Japan isn’t as expensive as it’s made out to be. I always say that “it’s as expensive as you want it to be.” If you want to eat at a Michelin star restaurant, you’ll easily have to spend upwards of $200. But there are also HUNDREDS of FANTASTIC restaurants where you can eat for under $10-$20.

A simple bowl of ramen is almost never over 1000 yen. And these are very filling and extremely delicious. As mentioned above, convenience stores are your best friend for quick meals which taste amazing. In places like Europe, you’d be hard-pressed to find this kind of quality food for a similar price.

Additionally, in Europe, most museums and attractions will run you easily 20 euros. Whereas most institutions in Japan are funded by the government and are free to enter. Temples and Shrines are also free to enter and explore. And in my opinion, temples and shrines are some of the most amazing things to see and experience in Japan. Places like Kiyomizu-dera, Sensoji and Tenryu-ji, Fushimi Inari and Meiji are truly some of the best highlights of Japan.

Transportation Costs

While the taxis are indeed costly, they are also the foolish option. The Metro system is astonishing and can get you anywhere you want to go at lightning speed. Unless you’re hauling colossal luggage, take the metro. This isn’t just true for big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Everywhere you go in Japan has a marvelous public transport system which is relatively inexpensive given the breadth of distance they cover

Accommodation in Japan

Accommodation can be the most expensive part of your trip (aside from your flight). But with a little research, you can find some great options. The Centurion, Washington and Remm brand hotels in Toyko offer spacious (in Japanese terms) rooms at reasonable prices. If you’re looking for something even cheaper, stay in the novel “Capsule Hotels” which are unique to Japan. These literal capsules sleep one person, and while they might look like coffins, they are surprisingly comfortable with individual TVs, headsets and even pyjamas. The high-end capsule hotels will still only run you about $50/night. Some of the capsule hotels also have private onsens (spas) on site which can be a relaxing end to a busy day. 

With the advent of Airbnb, you can find entire apartments for rent with private kitchens, city views and spectacular private gardens. These are indeed the way to feel like you’re living like a local. If you’re staying with a larger group, you can find some incredible options at inexpensive prices. For two people, the apartments can run just as much as a low-mid price hotel, but the larger houses which can hold up 6-8 people are where you find your dollar goes the farthest. 

#5 It’s HUGE! 

One thing people underestimate when travelling around Japan is its size. While it looks like a small little island, there is so much to see and do. Getting a rail pass is a great idea to help save money while taking the train all over the country. This way you pay one upfront cost but then have the freedom to travel as much as you want without having to worry about how much each trip will cost.

Tokyo itself is enormous. Although it’s just one city, it is home to over nine million people and spans over 2,000 km². If you decide to stay in the western part of Tokyo, like Shibuya, travelling all the way to the eastern districts, like Asakusa, can take over an hour on the metro and perhaps even longer by car due to all the traffic. But don’t like that deter you. If you take some time to plan out what you want to see, you can divide it up into areas and spend the day travelling around those sections, so you don’t have to hop back and forth on the metro. For instance; Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku can be explored one day and then Ueno, Asakusa and Akihabara another day and so on.

#6 Public Transport Can be Daunting but Once you Figure it Out it’s INCREDIBLE!

When looking at the map of the metro systems around Japan, you might be overcome with fear and confusion. There are so many lines, so many colours and so little English. But don’t let that get you down. There are lots of ways to make this daunting task as simple as pie. Firstly, ensure you have your portable wifi with you and download the Hyperdia app or even google maps will do. These apps will help plan your journey out. You may have to change lines, and adding additional levels of confusion, change trains brands on even a short journey. But there is a very easy way to avoid any fare confusion, upon arrival buy a metro pass.

Metro Passes

The metro passes in Tokyo are called “passmo” or “suica”. If you have a rail pass, you can also use this to pay for your metro fares if it is on a JR rail car. Passmo and Suica cards can be loaded with money. All you have to do it tap your card on the way into the station and tap on the way out. And your fare will automatically be calculated for you when you do. Unlike other systems around the world, there is no standard set fare. The price of your trip is dependent on how far you’re going. While this is completely something, you can figure out, if you have pre-loaded cards it just makes it that much easier.

Unlike anywhere else in the world, the Japanese metro is always on time. A few years ago one of their trains was 20 SECONDS late, and they sent out a newsletter apologizing. In Toronto, I’ve frequently had to wait over 20 MINUTES for a bus. Without the slightest bit of an explanation so suffice to say; this system was a dream come true for timely planners like myself. If you run into any problems, you can always press the “help” button on the self-serve kiosks. These also always have an “English” option on the screen. But if you press “help,” a real person will come to your aid. They might not speak a lot of English, but they will be able to help you figure it out despite that fact. Just point to where you want to go and they’ll do the rest.

Rules for the Subway

Be sure that when you’re on the train, you keep your voice down and don’t talk on the phone. Both these things are considered very rude and will get you some serious side eye from fellow passengers. Eating and drinking on the metro are also prohibited. On some train, during specific periods of the day, there are “female only” cars.  My husband and I made the mistake of getting on one of these cars. I looked around and saw that there were only women in the car. And all the women were giving my husband some weird looks. I immediately knew there was something amiss. Luckily we were able to get off at the next stop. And going forward was sure to check the cars identifications before we got on.

#7 Smoking is Prevalent

Another somewhat dated characteristic of Japan is the prevalence of smokers. In the rest of the world, smoking inside is a huge taboo and most of the time it is illegal. But in Japan, this is not the case. Even in hotels, you need to make sure you get a non-smoking room. If not, you might end up staying in a musty, smoke-scented room for your entire visit.

Smoking in restaurants is typically isolated to certain areas, and cafes have walled in the room dedicated for smokers. Although there is a slow shift away from smoking by the younger generation, it is definitely a shock for westerners. Recently some Japanese companies started giving their employees who don’t smoke more vacations days. So perhaps this incentive will lead to more people giving up the nasty habit.

#8 There Are Few Garbage Cans in Public

If you decide to grab a drink from a convenience store and drink it on the road, you might be surprised to see that there won’t be many places to put your garbage on your journey. The Japanese are dedicated to cleanliness, and even the smokers won’t be seen throwing their cigarette butts on the street. The inclination not to litter is so strong that people carry around little baggies for their garbage in their knapsacks or purses and then dispose of the trash at home. 

And when it comes to trash they are extremely diligent in sorting it. You might see three or even four different options for garbage when you finally find a refuse area. Most Japanese people don’t eat or drink while walking. Instead, they stand outside the vending machine area or convenience store and finish their meal or drink there, then quickly dispose of their garbage in the cans beside the store. Try to be local and follow suit.

#9 Cash is KING

Another eccentricity of Japan is the fact that you NEED cash here. Credit cards aren’t the norm, and many many places you’ll visit won’t even have a machine. In Japan, printed money and coinage are viewed as pieces of art which someone took the time to produce whereas cards just don’t have the same cultural value. We were shocked by this and had to take out cash a few times on our trip to ensure we didn’t get stuck anywhere without money to pay for a meal or transit or even a drink.

In addition to not being able to use credit cards, taking money out of your bank account can be very difficult too since most ATMs only accept Japanese cards. But not to fear, 7-Eleven is here! ATMs at 7-Elevens will process foreign cards, so hit them up for cash whenever you’re running low. If you’re worried about taking too much money out at one time in the fear that it might be stolen, I would push those fears out of your mind. Japan is one of the safest countries in the world and pickpocketing is almost unheard of. 

#10 The Toilets are that AWESOME

If you know anyone who has ever been to Japan or ever been obsessed with Japanese culture, you’ll know that the toilet situation is much talked about. Toilets in Japan are much more than just a plastic seat. The Japanese take cleanliness very seriously, and so it is no surprise that they would want any bathroom activities to be as clean as possible. Modern Japanese toilets are sleek, electronic devices with an array of functions which makes going to the washroom a life-changing experience. The standard Japanese toilet has a keypad featuring symbols indicating the following: raise the lid, raise the seat, large flush, small flush, rear and front bidet, dry, and stop. 

If you’ve ever dreaded going to a public washroom, fear no more, public washrooms are cleaner here than some North American hospitals. There are still a few squat toilets left in Japan, but most larger cities have been updated to the modern versions. The one thing to be aware of is that on a few rare occasions you’ll visit a bathroom where the toilet paper is not provided. Be sure to check the paper situation before entering the stall in case you need to purchase some from the vending machine before doing your business.

#11 No Tipping

Finally, tipping. The conundrum many travels face when visiting a different city. When to tip, how much, how often etc. Well, in Japan it is very simple. Don’t do it. Ever. It is considered very rude to tip in Japan so avoid doing it all together. Japanese people take service very seriously and good service should be a given, not something that is rewarded. If you are given change after your meal, don’t leave it behind, chances are someone will chase you down the road to give it back to you because they thought you left it behind.  

The post 11 Things to Know Before Travelling To Japan first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.