Destinations

Hakone was one of my favourite stops in Japan, and very easy to reach from Tokyo, but hotel choices can feel overwhelming: different areas, less restaurant options and you need to decide whether you get...

You’ve got one day for Nara and you don’t want to waste it. I used my experience to create this guide and give you a simple-to-follow route itinerary, plotted on a downloadable map that starts near the...

Small habits in Japanese culture can be different enough to catch you out on your first trip. My guide explains each point as if you’ve never seen it before, what it is, why it matters, and what to look...

After our unforgettable visit to Disneyland Hong Kong, we couldn’t help but wonder how Tokyo DisneySea would stack up. With less than 2 weeks in Japan and only one day to spare at the Tokyo Disney...

I was fortunate to use the Japan rail pass (JR Pass) on my first trip to Japan, however in October 2023 there was a big price increase. Now, for most first-timers doing Tokyo and Kyoto (plus Osaka or a...

Lisbon and Porto are a few hours apart, yet the best way to travel between them isn’t always obvious. Should you take the train, bus, drive, or even fly? Here’s my straightforward guide for first-time...

My guide helps first-timers decide where to stay in Porto fast. I’ve created a one-page area comparison, concise neighbourhood information, and hotel picks across budget ranges. Of course the best...

How many days in Porto is something I have been asked a lot. For most first-timers, two days is the sweet spot; add a third if you want to do the Douro Valley or explore more slowly. Several highlights...