In many ways, 2015 was a tough year for me. I left Medellin, unsure of whether I’d return. My business partner at Travel Blog Success left to pursue a new job opportunity. And I celebrated my birthday with a CT scan that revealed a small pulmonary embolism. Such a blood clot in your lungs, which in my case was likely from flying, can potentially be fatal.

Ironically, it was the anxiety about my health that caused the greater disruption to my life than the blood clot itself. Using prescription blood thinners, I was assured it was dissolved within one to two months. I didn’t mention this in my 2015 recap because I was still contemplating my mortality.

The experience left me with the wish to slow down into 2016, and enjoy the comfort and (relative) security of living in the U.S. again. I accomplished the latter, at least for now, but, I ended up traveling more than expected.

Parting shot from Oaxaca. After two delightful months of eating, working, and hanging out with friends, it was time to move on.

A photo posted by Dave • ATX (@rtwdave) on Mar 25, 2016 at 6:12am PDT

Oaxaca, Mexico

My intention heading into 2016 was to spend more time with friends, which led me to spend January and February in Oaxaca, Mexico.

I spent my first few nights in a hostel until I found a spacious two-bedroom apartment right off the Zocolo, the square at the heart of the UNESCO-listed historic center. I shared it with my friend Brock (Backpack with Brock) for one of the two months I was there.

I’d work by day, sometimes at the quaint Impact Hub co-working space, and other times from cafes or the apartment. For lunches, I’d indulge once or twice a week at upscale places like Los Danzantes and Casa Oaxaca. Given the strong performance of the dollar in 2016, these meals were, and still are, great bargains.

At night, I’d meet friends for tacos and quesadillas from the various markets and street vendors. These cheap meals also helped balance out the higher cost ones. My time in Oaxaca was a celebration of friends and food.

Read More 

• Top 10 Things to Do in Oaxaca
• A Taste of Oaxaca
• Why Oaxaca is My Favorite Place on Earth

Juxtaposition of new and old is on full display in downtown Austin.

A photo posted by Dave • ATX (@rtwdave) on Apr 9, 2016 at 1:32pm PDT

Austin, Texas

In early April, I attended WooConf, an e-commerce conference by WooCommerce at the W Hotel in downtown Austin, Texas.

Austin was on my short list of cities to check out before deciding where to settle down. Others I was curious about included San Diego and Portland, but I never made it that far.

Following the conference, I rented a room in up-and-coming East Austin through Airbnb and spent the next two weeks connecting with a few friends I had in the city and meeting new people. One day, I casually began looking at apartments and ended up signing a lease on the third one I saw.

Austin feels like a good fit because it’s a medium-sized, but a fast-growing city. The social life revolves around eating and drinking, and from what I hear, the restaurant scene has come a long way in the last five years. I also like the warmer winters, liberal attitudes, cost of living, and entrepreneurial spirit.

I skipped the popular ACL (Austin City Limits) music festival, but I did go to my first Formula 1 race. While I arrived a little late for SXSW (South by Southwest), I’m looking forward to experiencing it for the first time in 2017.

As a friend recently said, I don’t know if Austin is my “forever home,” but it suits me well now.

Another of my favorite murals in La Plateau, only a few blocks from the others I’ve shared. #montreal

A photo posted by Dave • ATX (@rtwdave) on May 28, 2016 at 6:12am PDT

Montreal, Canada

Like Austin, Montreal is a city I’d been hearing good things about for years. I visited for 10 days in the Spring, and am so glad I finally saw it first hand. One again, I found a budget-friendly room rental via Airbnb.

Highlights

• Monumental street art
• Gallery-hopping (I bought a colorful abstract painting now that I have a home to hang it in)
• Walking around Old Montreal and along the waterfront
• Tam Tams drum circle in Mt Royal Park
• Cafes
• Poutine

The facade of Arequipa’s cathedral runs the width of the Plaza de Armas. Interestingly, it suffered heavy fire damage in the 19th century and the interior was almost entirely rebuilt using materials from Europe like Italian marble. Arequipa’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritsge Site.

A photo posted by Dave • ATX (@rtwdave) on Aug 2, 2016 at 7:10am PDT

Peru

In July I took an impromptu trip to a familiar city, Lima, to see some friends and eat delicious food.

I also tacked on a long weekend in Arequipa, Peru’s second-largest city, which features a historic district that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arequipa is also a jumping off point for visiting Colca Canyon, the world’s deepest canyon, but I didn’t give myself enough time.

Highlights included dinners at Maido and Malabar in Lima, and a chocolate tour and tasting at Chaqchao in Arequipa.

Read More 

• Lima Travel Guide
• Arequipa: Peru’s Medellin
• Hiking Colca Canyon: A Test of Endurance in Peru

The first Broadway show my parents took me and my brother too as kids was Cats. I loved the music, story, and theatrics. I’ve carried that enjoyment ever since. Thanks again to my brother @iamlejo for last month’s surprise birthday gift, a ticket to @hamiltonmusical.

A photo posted by Dave • ATX (@rtwdave) on Oct 30, 2016 at 9:25am PDT

New York City

I try to visit NYC once a year, and this year the timing was such that I could spend my 40th birthday with my brother and friends.

In my 30s, I was fine sleeping on my brother’s couch, but that didn’t work out this time, in part due to lower back pain, so I bit the bullet and rented a room through Airbnb. I don’t know if it’s just good luck, but I’ve stayed with some super friendly hosts through Airbnb, and the experiences remind me of my Couchsurfing days.

My brother surprised me with a ticket to see Hamilton on Broadway, a musical that’s well-deserving of all the praise it has received this year. I’ve been hooked on the soundtrack since seeing it live.

Read More 

• Why I’ll Always Come Back to New York City
• 5 Classic Summer Experiences in New York City

My first look at the Rio’s famous Copacabana Beach. After taking this photo, I spent 45 minutes walking the full length of the beach to soak it all in.

A photo posted by Dave • ATX (@rtwdave) on Dec 25, 2016 at 8:50am PST

Brazil

Brazil was the one and only new country I visited in 2016, and it’s one that’s been on my bucket list since the mid-2000s when I was brainstorming my first trip around the world.

Over the years, I’ve procrastinated for many reasons. I don’t want to take the time to learn Portuguese. I don’t want to mess up my Spanish. The country is so big I’ll need a lot of time. I have to organize a visa in advance. It’s expensive. I don’t want to deal with the craziness of the World Cup or Olympics.

Thankfully, the opportunity to light these excuses on fire came when my friends Mark and Fernanda invited me to their wedding at a beach near São Paulo last month. It was my first invitation to an international destination wedding, and I wasn’t about to pass it up.

I arrived five days early in São Paulo to allow time to get over the jet lag and enjoy a few meals. We then took a bus a few hours southeast to the coast, where the picturesque wedding ceremony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean took place.

Afterward, the wedding couple, some friends and family, and I headed to Rio de Janeiro. I spent 10 days soaking up the sun in Ipanema and Copacabana, visiting Sugarloaf Mountain, and getting a selfie in front of Christ the Redeemer.

Sipping a caipirinha on Ipanema Beach at the start of summer was truly a dream come true. I’ve been bitten by the Brazilian travel bug, and I can’t wait to go back.

Read More 

• A Day in Rio de Janeiro: The Wonderful City
• Top 5 Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro

Prior Annual Reviews

• 2015
• 2014
• 2013
• 2012 South America
• 2012 Europe and Asia
• 2011
• 2010

Thank you as always for reading Go Backpacking.

Have a happy and safe New Year, and I wish you the best as you pursue your trips in 2017 and beyond!

2016 has been an interesting year in many ways. For me, it was a great year for travel. I had the opportunity to explore many new and exciting places and returned to some old favorites.

A lot of the memorable moments I’ve had while traveling this year have not necessarily been pleasant ones. There have been times of sickness, sadness, and great emotion. There’s also been moments of joy and happiness, which have managed to help outweigh the bad.

Swings and roundabouts, as the English say.

So, here are my most memorable travel moments of the last 12 months. I can now look back on the majority of them with a smile, although that wasn’t necessarily the case at the time!

Getting ridiculously sick in Trinidad, Cuba

I was more than a little excited to visit Cuba for the first time, as it was somewhere I’d always wanted to go.

So, I decided to escape the European winter for two weeks in February to finally check the place out for myself.

Unfortunately, I managed to get a horrific stomach bug on the bus to Trinidad (it luckily didn’t hit in full force until I was off the bus). I was bed ridden for two days, unable to eat for more than a week and didn’t feel fully recovered until the day before I left the country.

This had a massive impact on my time there, as you can imagine. I don’t have the fondest of memories when I look back on the trip. It’s a real shame.

Stepping foot in the Arctic Circle

One destination that did exceed my expectations was Svalbard – an archipelago that’s not too far away from the North Pole.

I was enamored with the place from day one. Even the cold couldn’t get me down.

While there, I went quad bike riding up a mountain, tried reindeer jerky, learned about the Global Seed Vault, hunted for the northern lights (no luck, unfortunately) and went dog carting.

Although I didn’t see any polar bears (sob!), it was an incredible adventure, and I can’t help but beam with pleasure when I reminisce about it.

Staying overnight in a church

One experience that I’ll always look back on with great fondness is camping overnight in a church in the United Kingdom.

The UK has a high concentration of churches. Many of these beautiful, historic buildings no longer have services held in them, although they remain consecrated. Visitors often make donations when they visit, but it’s not enough to fund their ongoing maintenance.

Champing is an idea conceived of by the Churches Conservation Trust. For a fee, you and a group of friends, family members or your other half, can rent out the entire church for a night (or longer, if you so wish). The money paid provides you with breakfast, either left at the church or a nearby pub.

Many of the churches that are in the program are located in tiny, picturesque towns – just the sort you’d picture when envisioning the English countryside.

It was a little terrifying I’ll admit, but still one of the coolest things I had the opportunity to do this year.

Saying goodbye to London

Before the year was out, I decided I’d had enough (for now) of expat life in London.

I’d lived in the city for over two years, and although I’d enjoyed my time there, I decided it was time for a new adventure.

Leaving was emotional, especially saying goodbye to my beloved flat.

I knew I was making the right decision and I haven’t looked back.

Returning to Australia

The sadness I felt about leaving London was short-lived. Why? Well, I couldn’t be miserable when I was heading home, to my favorite country in the world.

I was back in Australia for the last of spring, entering into the summertime. Perfect timing, if I don’t say so myself.

In London, I’d be fighting off the beginning of the winter blues and drinking my weight in mulled wine (okay, that last bit still sounds good). Instead, I’ve been exploring my home state, reading loads of books, and working on my tan at the nearby beach.

It’s quite possibly the best holiday I’ve ever been on. And it’s not over yet.

Your turn! What travel moments from the last twelve months have been most memorable for you?

Tenerife has been one of Europe’s most popular tourist destination for decades.

Well known as an island of resorts and good times, it conjures up an image of package holidays and tourist bars.

While this is one side to Tenerife, there are plenty of other facets to this volcanic island awaiting your discovery.

The famed resorts of Playas de la Americas and Los Cristianos attract most of the visitors each year. However, if you look a little closer, you can find plenty of delights on this enchanting island for those with a lower budget.

With beautiful colonial villages, stunning mountainous vistas, lush forests, and more hiking trails than most other islands, Tenerife has plenty to offer you no matter your holiday budget.

In fact, some of the island’s best activities are free, so take a look at our guide so once you’ve landed in Tenerife, you’ll know where to go without breaking the bank.

Teide National Park

This breathtaking natural park is home to Spain’s highest mountain and is entirely free to explore.

With multiple excellent hiking routes, you can take in the majesty of this otherworldly landscape at your leisure.

There are craters, lava flows, and other geological wonders to explore across nearly 20,000 acres. There is even a cable car to take you closer to the summit.

The park is a must-do for any trip to Tenerife.

Acantilados de Los Gigantes

Another natural wonder of Tenerife! The cliffs at Los Gigantes are one of the Canary Island’s most famous sites.

These monstrous basalt cliffs rise five hundred meters from the surrounding Atlantic waters.

The best way to take in the beauty of the cliffs is by making a trip to the nearby town of Los Gigantes. With a delightful harbor lined with lovely cafes and bars, you can enjoy a drink as you take in the awe-inspiring views.

La Orotava Valley

La Orotava valley takes its name from the La Orotava village off the northern coast of the island.

Offering a more verdant slice of Tenerife, the valley is a beautifully green part of the island, rich in wildlife and pine trees.

It is also one of the best parts of Tenerife to explore on foot as you’ll walk through woodland, rock formations, and steep canyons.

The town of La Orotava is nearby, so you can enjoy a stroll through the countryside by day and enjoy one of the town’s cheaper cafes at night.

Garachico

While the beaches of Costa Adeje may be the most popular with sun seekers, one of the finest places for a dip is elsewhere.

The village of Garachico was submerged in lava in the 18th century, and today the frozen lava takes the form of several rock pools, that have been fashioned into open air swimming pools.

These unique fixtures give you a chance to enjoy a swim in the balmy waters of the Atlantic, and once you dry off, you can wander around the picturesque village of Garachico itself.

These are just some of the natural adventures you can have in Tenerife, that won’t blow your budget.

When you think of a “luxury holiday” what is it that comes to mind? All-inclusive resorts? Long days at the spa? Flying business or first class from place to place?

Many travelers shy away from anything classified as luxury, thinking that it stops them from experiencing the best that a country or area has to offer. How can you immerse yourself in local culture when you’re holed up in a resort somewhere, taking advantage of its swim-up bar?

That and many luxury destinations seem firmly out of reach. Not for the likes of ordinary, everyday travelers, like you and me.

What if you could have the best of both worlds? Spend all day exploring a country, taking part in adventure activities and come back to your affordable 5-star hotel, to rest and recuperate for the next day?

Depending on how you define the term “luxury,” some surprising destinations can fall under this category – simply due to their proliferation of 5-star accommodation.

The best thing is, many of these countries are quite cheap to travel to and definitely in the price limit of most travelers.

So, if you want a taste of the high life, here are five affordable luxury destinations.

1. Colombia

There aren’t many countries in South America that would be thought of as luxury destinations. Indeed, the reason many backpackers head to there in the first place is the low cost of travel.

Colombia, in particular, is a cheaper country, so much so that cities like Medellin have become popular hubs for digital nomads, looking to expand their businesses in areas that don’t cost an arm and leg to live in.

If you’re traveling around South America and quite like the idea of staying somewhere a little bit fancy, rather than roughing it in hostels, Colombia seems a good choice.

You can spend your days learning how to salsa, horse riding, trekking, or paragliding, then sleep it off in your king size bed. Sounds like a good compromise to me.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand is a country that’s synonymous with adventure activities.

Hiking, canyoning, bungee-jumping, skiing – NZ has it all, set within unfathomably beautiful surroundings.

One popular option among travelers is to rent a car or camper van and drive around either the north or south islands (or in some cases, both).

After spending weeks roughing it in campsites around the country, it would be quite nice to treat yourself to a bit of luxury, in one of the many 5-star hotels.

The best bit is that while on the pricier side, NZ is still cheaper than neighboring Australia. So if you’re going to put your feet up anywhere in Oceania, NZ is a good choice.

3. Dominican Republic

The countries of the Caribbean have long been thought of as ideal luxury destinations, due to the number of all-inclusive resorts.

If you want a taste of the Caribbean lifestyle without the cost, the Dominican Republic is the place to head to. You’ll be able to live it up in 5-star restaurants, without paying the prices that are typical of other Caribbean destinations, such as Aruba, Grand Cayman, the Bahamas or the top-of-the-top St. Barts.

While staying in the Dominican Republic, you could explore its UNESCO World Heritage Site capital Santa Domingo, take a safari, or go diving.

The island is a popular place to get married, with cheap packages offered to couples wanting to tie the knot. If you’re going to embrace a luxury holiday at any point in your life, it should be for your wedding.

4. Mexico

After journeying around the country, spending time in some of its cooler cities that are rife with life and adventure, such as the country’s somewhat notorious capital, Mexico City, you may want a bit of rest or respite, in a coastal setting.

How about Tulum? You can stay in a beachside bungalow, watch the sun rise and set every day and go check out the nearby Mayan ruins.

In Cancun, you’ll find everything you’d expect of a Caribbean destination, but for an affordable price. There’s a reason why it’s so popular with spring breakers.

5. Panama

Central America is another region that, with perhaps the exception of Costa Rica, has a reputation as being affordable for budget travelers.

Yet it is Panama that comes on top of the luxury list.

There are plenty of adventure activities on offer. Diving, jungle boat tours, or biking the Amador Causeway would be exciting for those who want to explore the most rugged aspects of the country.

Those wanting more of a laid back adventure can check out Casco Viejo, Panama City’s historical sector, which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also ogle Panama Viejo, the ruins of the original capital city, or simply enjoy the local nightlife.

Have you traveled to any of these countries? Do you consider them luxury destinations?

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Lead Me to Luxury.

Although Christmas is celebrated around the world, many places have their own time-honored customs and traditions.

Some countries have had to embrace their way of celebrating the holiday, due to differences in seasons or weather.

Others have pop-culture to blame, where one simple act or smart marketing strategy has changed the way an entire country commemorates the day.

For some places, it’s still a deeply religious affair. Other put more emphasis on time spent with families and with food.

Variety is the spice of life, after all. Here are some decidedly different Christmas traditions from around the world.

Beach time and backyard cricket

What comes to your mind, when you think of Christmas? A steaming roast for lunch? Eggnog and mulled wine around a roaring fire? A white Christmas, with the family cozied up inside, while snow falls gently from the sky?

In country’s like Australia and New Zealand, it couldn’t be more different, as the holiday takes place during the summertime.

Christmas Down Under is more of an outdoor affair. In the lead up to the holiday, families gather at local parks for Carols by Candlelight, where everyone holds candles and sings Christmas songs from evening until night.

It’s a favorite past time to go wild with Christmas lights. Sometimes entire streets are decked out in lights, with neighbors trying to outdo each other year after year.

The day itself is celebrated with a lunch that is mainly comprised of cold cuts and seafood. Typical activities include a dip in the pool or a few rounds of backyard cricket. If it’s unusually hot, the day will be celebrated with a BBQ at the nearest beach.

Dessert is usually some sort of pavlova, which could be either an Australian or New Zealand tradition – there are ongoing arguments over which country first conceived of the dish.

Christmas in the dark

On the flip side, there are places like Greenland and Svalbard, where the sun won’t rise at all on Christmas Day.

Greenlanders adorn their villages in lights, with families gathering together to celebrate the holiday with a traditional Christmas lunch.

Delicacies include Mattak – a blubbery whale skin and Kiviak, the raw flesh of auks, an arctic bird. The meat is buried in seal skin months in advance so that it’s cured by the time Christmas Day rolls around. Danish pastries are consumed in large numbers for dessert.

How about spending Christmas in the North Pole? In Svalbard, the holiday takes place during the polar night. If you’re lucky (and the odds are probably in your favor), you might get to see the Northern Lights!

Roller skating through the streets

Venezuelans celebrate the advent of Christ, with morning masses (known as Misa de Aguinaldo) held from the 16th to the 24th of December.

This doesn’t seem out of the ordinary. It’s their choice of transport to church, which is unusual.

Citizens within the country’s capital of Caracas are woken by bells ringing and firecrackers exploding before dawn.

They then strap on their roller skates and hurry on to church.

It’s not just the adults who are getting in on the fun. Kids tie a piece of string to their big toe and let it hang out their bedroom windows. They’re awoken by passing rollerskaters, who give the string a tug as they whiz past.

Forget the turkey – it’s all about the KFC

In 1974, the fried food chain KFC held a nationwide marketing campaign in Japan, that executives must look back on as being the best idea ever.

It started with a group of foreigners, who were unable to find a turkey to eat on Christmas Day. They decided fried chicken was much the same, and celebrated with KFC instead.

KFC started offering deals around the country – fried chicken and wine (you can get champagne and cake these days) for around $40.

Today, many Japanese people order their Christmas Day KFC months in advance, as it can be a wait of around two hours if you rock up on the day.

It’s not Christmas without a pooping log

Tió de Nadal is one of Catalonia’s most well-loved Christmas traditions.

Put simply, he’s a smiley-faced log that gets given to children around Christmas time. The kids lovingly tend to him – covering him with a blanket, so he stays snug and feeding him nuts and dried fruit every evening.

There’s an ulterior motive behind their actions – if Tió de Nadal is well-fed, he’ll poop out treats on Christmas Eve.

Yeah. You read right. Come the night before Christmas, the kids are given a stick. They’ll start whacking the poor, defenseless log while singing:

“Si no vols cagar
Et donanem un cop de pal.”

This translates to:

“If you don’t want to poo
We will hit you with a stick.”

It sounds like Tió de Nadal doesn’t have much of a choice!

Once this ritual is complete, the children will find sweets and small toys under his blanket, which have seemingly been pooped out by the smiling log.

After the gifts have been handed around, Tió de Nadal’s time is up. The tradition ends with the log being thrown unceremoniously on the fire.

What are your favorite Christmas traditions?

Hawaii is the ideal destination for adventure travelers and nature lovers alike.

There’s plenty to do, see and experience, no matter what your budget. Both lovers of luxury and backpackers will find no end of activities to take part in, whether that be scuba diving off the shores of Maui, or hiring a board to go surfing in Oahu.

The sheer amount of Hawaii vacation rentals will ensure that you have a comfortable place to rest up at the end of your day’s adventuring.

Here are some Hawaiian adventures that you can’t miss out on, on your next visit the 50th State.

1. A Good Old Fashioned Road Trip

A road trip is an excellent way to see a country, in a minimal amount of time.

Most of Hawaii’s islands are drivable and worth visiting for different reasons.

A road trip on the Big Island will give you the chance to see the island’s lava fields up close. Drive around Molokai’s while ogling its palm tree-filled beaches.

The more adventurous can tackle Maui’s Route 340, on the side of island’s cliffs, driving through steep ravines as the waves crash into the shores below – so long as their car rental agreement allows it.

2. Scuba Diving in Maui

Maui is an ideal place to go diving for a couple of reasons.

You can swim in from the beach and still expect to see a lot, due to the gently sloping shores of the island.

Also – you have a pretty darn good chance of meeting a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles. The turtles often show a great curiosity in divers and may approach you to check you out. What a fantastic photo opportunity that would be.

Remember not to touch the turtles, as they are a threatened species. Simply take the time to enjoy watching them in their natural habitat.

3. Hike the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast in Kauai

A trek along the Kalalau Trai in Kauai is a must-do for serious hikers. Featuring mud, raging streams and scrambles up rocky inclines – what more could you ask for?

Remember to bring plenty of water and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, along with a good pair of hiking boots.

Less experienced trekkers would do best to spread the hike out over two days. That way you won’t be rushing to finish it and can take in the scenery along the way.

After completing the hike, you can reward yourself by coming home to one of the Kauai beach villas, where you can put your hopefully not too blistered feet up and enjoy the views.

4. Hang ten on a surfboard in Oahu

You can’t go to Oahu and not try your hand (or foot, as it were) at surfing.

Oahu’s coastline is dotted with surf breaks – some friendly, making them ideal for beginners. Others are fierce, to be tackled by only the very experienced surfers.

Waikiki Beach is home to surf schools and locals offering lessons. This would be a good place to start if you’re new to the surfing scene.

5. Explore Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island

There’s plenty to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, but top of the list is a visit to the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park.

This park is one of the places in the world where you can go trekking through fields of lava. Imagine how cool that would be!

The Big Island was formed through the eruption of five separate volcanoes, two of which are still active. Kilauea, in particular, has erupted continuously for the last 30 years.

There are more than 150 miles worth of pathes in the park that are open to daring hikers.

Have you been to Hawaii? What adventures would you recommend to visitors to the islands?

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Luxury Retreats.

Aside from its rich culture and snap-worthy scenery, Japan has always been famous for its unique cuisine. And how could it not be? The distinct flavors and fresh ingredients make savoring Japanese food an unforgettable experience for tourists and locals alike. The cuisine is pleasing to the eyes as much as it’s pleasing to the sense of taste, which is why in Japan, photographing food is an experience in itself.

Visiting Japan anytime soon? Here are some food experiences that you should try on your visit. And while you’re at it, try shopping for local Japanese ingredients to bring home. You might find a certain dish that you’d like to replicate and include in your family’s recipe collection photo book.

1. Get Your Sushi Fix

Drop by Tsukiji Fish Market to taste Tokyo’s freshest seafood fare. Considered as the world’s largest fish market, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. If you’re planning to go there, arrive at around 4:30 a.m., so you’ll have enough time to register at the Kachidoki Gate off Harumi Street for the live tuna auctions.

When you’re done watching the auction, you can have your much-awaited sushi for breakfast. In my experience, the best places to get sushi are Sushi Dai and Daiwa-Zushi near the main gate at Shin-ohashi street. Sushi Dai is marked by pale green curtains, while Daiwa-Zushi has red curtains.

Just by looking at their colors, you’ll see how fresh the tuna and salmon are. They’re a feast not just for the belly but for the eyes as well.

If you can’t wake up early but still want to get your fill of sushi, sashimi, and chirashi, you can go to Sushi Zanmai’s main branch, which is open all day and all night long.

2. Try Out Natto

If you happen to check into a countryside hotel, you’ll see an odd pack of brown beans sealed in a small plastic container as part of the buffet spread.

This is what the Japanese call natto (fermented soybeans with a slimy texture).

Due to its smelly nature and strong flavor, not everyone likes eating natto. But if you’re adventurous with food and want to give unique Japanese food a try, sink your teeth into this odd but nutritious dish.

3. Eat Your Ramen

Just short of an hour away from Tokyo, the Ramen Museum at Yokohama is a must-visit for ramen lovers. It’s a three-story food-themed amusement park filled with ramen stores and various offerings for the foodie traveler.

At the Museum Shop, you can create your own ramen fusion or your “own brand” of candies.

If you get bored with all the food on display, you can take a breather by renting race-slot cars at the IRIS Slot-Car Race Track inside the compound.

4. Load Up on Sukiyaki

Kyoto prides itself on having the best beef in Japan. This city is more popularly known for its Kobe beef and Wagyu beef that are flavorful on their own, so much so that they don’t need much seasoning.

Being the former capital of Japan, Kyoto still has a lot of sukiyaki and teppanyaki restaurants where after-work socialization with clients and colleagues used to take place.

The Moritaya restaurant at Isetan Kyoto station serves good sukiyaki. Sometimes, they offer unlimited meat, so you can eat all you can without going over your budget.

5. Get Banana Cake at a Local 7-Eleven

Far from the typical banana cake or bread that your grandmother used to make, banana cake in Japan is made up of whole or sometimes sliced bananas, sandwiched in moist chiffon cake, and slathered with whipped cream. Sometimes, it goes with toppings like chocolate cream and sliced strawberries.

Biting into this creation is a heavenly experience, so if you find a 7-Eleven outlet that sells banana cakes, make sure to try one. Note that this is different from the more popular Tokyo banana cake that has various flavors of banana custard.

6. Grab a Quick and Cheap Bowl of Japanese Curry

Although not a popular Japanese dish in the eyes of outsiders, the Japanese can sure make a mean bowl of curry.

Their version of curry is of British influence and is just a bit milder compared to the traditional Indian or Thai curry that our palates are used to. But I assure you, it tastes divine.

In Tokyo, certain restaurants offer this dish through a vending machine. You might want to try that for a unique and fun way to get your curry fix.

7. Let Your Kids Try the Dagashiya

At first glance, you’ll think there’s nothing special in dagashi stores (penny candy stores) or what the Japanese call the Dagashiya. After all, they look like outdated candy stores. But there is a long-standing tradition behind these stores.

Back in the 1960s, when people in Japan had simple ways, they would take their children to the dagashiya so that they can pick out as many candies and toys as they wanted even on a limited budget. But as the economy of Japan grew, stalls like these slowly began fading away.

Only a few of these candy stores remain across the country, so if you have kids, take them on a candy buying spree there while they still can.

8. Tickle Your Tastebuds with Japanese Street Food

Although not as many as their Asian counterparts, Japan has its distinct offering of street food, too. Grab a stick or two of tako tamago (baby octopus stuffed with quail eggs) at Kuromon Ichiba Market.

Tako translates to baby octopus in English. And if you still can’t get enough “tako,” you can try the ball-shaped takoyaki, which is wheat-flour batter stuffed with diced baby octopus, green onion, pickled ginger, and tempura scraps. It’s topped with mayonnaise, takoyaki sauce, and dried bonito flakes. It’s a filling snack to keep you going as you explore the streets of Japan.

When you’re in Japan, you don’t have to look far for a food adventure. There may be even certain food finds not mentioned in this list that only locals know about and are right in the very area you’re staying at. So keep your eyes open and go where the locals go!

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This story was brought to you in partnership with Adoramapix.

Europe as a continent is perfect for road trips. Rather than drive through endless borders, you could indulge in a bit of slow travel and explore one single country on wheels.

In my opinion, Germany would be ideal. Although Europe is packed with culture and history, Deutschland’s is undoubtedly one of the most interesting, for many reasons.

A dream trip would be to charter a bus in Germany and drive across the country, soaking up the culture and views along the way.

Here are some German cities that you should visit.

Berlin

You can’t go to Germany without spending some time in its capital. I’ve raved about Berlin before, and I’d happily do it again. It’s a special place, particularly because there’s such a varied amount of things to do there.

You could go to the top of the TV Tower and sip on a Berlini, while you look over the city. Visit the very moving Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Museum Island to ogle art and learn some history. Or experience hipster Berlin in the trendier areas of Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg.

Many of Berlin’s famous sights are free to visit, like the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag (if booked online in advance) and the East Side Gallery, where you can see a section of the Berlin Wall.

The huge Tiergarten park is worth a visit – take a picnic if the weather is nice (and watch out for those who like to take advantage of the sun to strip naked and sunbathe in the grass).

Also worth a visit is the gigantic Flea Market in Mauerpark. You can rummage around the stalls for a bargain, and there’s usually some form of entertainment in the form of street dancing or pop-up karaoke going on.

You could never be bored in Berlin.

Dresden

Dresden is one of the cities in Germany that’s gone through an astonishing transformation over the last eighty years.

The city suffered significant damage when it was bombed in early 1945 during World War II. An estimated 20,000 lives were lost, and the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) was destroyed and not rebuilt until the reunification of Germany 50 years later.

The city then became part of Eastern Germany and Soviet territory. It was only in the 1990s that the restoration of the city truly began.

Dresden is a small city, so you’d only need a couple of days at the most to experience its highlights. Music lovers can see a performance at the Semperoper (Opera House).

Another attraction is Kunsthofpassage – a series of brightly painted courtyards, one of which is known as the Funnel Wall. When it rains, “music” is made by the water running down the interlinked rain pipes.

Don’t forget to check out Neustadt – the New City, which is decidedly the hippest part of the town. Grab a drink at a local bar, have some brunch, or just wander around, admiring the urban art.

Munich

Munich is top of my list for Germany. I have been there before, but it was during Oktoberfest. It’d be good to see the sights of the city, not merely the inside of the Hofbräuhaus beer tent.

On a hot day, I’d go to Englisher Garden, in the hope of catching some dudes hanging ten (surfing) on the river!

If I were there during the winter, I’d head straight to the Christmas Markets to stroll around the stalls, a cup of Glühwein in my hand.

And if I were there during Oktoberfest… well, it would be straight back to the Hofbräuhaus beer tent, I guess.

Cologne

Cologne (or Köln) is at its liveliest in late February/early March when Karneval kicks off.

Residents and visitors alike don costumes and run amok in the city, attending parties and drinking in bars. There are no rules for what to wear – so long as you’re in some sort of fancy dress, you’ll fit right in.

Cologne is famous for its particularly spectacular Cathedral, which survived WWII to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Work commenced on the structure in 1248, but it wasn’t fully completed until 1880. It features spires that reach over 157 meters in height. Those who choose to climb the 500-odd steps of the South Tower will be rewarded with views of the city.

If you’re a fan of gothic architecture and history in general, you’ll adore the cathedral.

Bremen

Bremen is another city in Germany that is on the smaller side – but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm.

Start in the Marktplatz (Market Square), where you can see the Roland Statue. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site (Germany has several dozen), this statue has stood in the city for more than 600 years.

A two-minute walk from the Marktplatz is the Schnoor Quarter, the oldest part of the town. Imagine a maze of little lanes, filled with colorful 15th and 16th-century houses. There’s a bunch of cute little cafes that you can sit and people watch in and souvenirs shops filled with many handmade items.

What are your favorite cities and towns to visit in Germany?

It’s a well-documented fact that airline travel dries out your skin.

For some, the recycled air and lack of water can cause mild irritation. Others may suffer from serious acne post-flight.

As someone with sensitive skin who regularly travels great distances, I’ve learned the ins and outs of taking care of my skin before, during and after a flight.

It’s important to spend some time on your skin when flying long haul. Here are my tips for healthy skincare on long flights.

1. Cleanse your face before the flight

When I was traveling to the Faroe Islands from Kyrgyzstan this year, I stumbled upon a girl in the Bishkek airport bathroom who was diligently going through a very complicated looking skin routine.

I visited the bathroom twice within the space of half an hour, to find her there on both occasions. She meant business.

From what I gleaned, her elaborate routine involved the application of a face mask, followed by a deep cleanse, then a round of solid moisturizing around her eyes, on her lips, and the rest of her face.

Although it was time-consuming, I am positive her skin was looking a lot healthier than mine after stepping off the plane (and I presume she wasn’t traveling for 40-odd hours – hopefully, for her sake).

At the very least, I think it’s good to cleanse your face before the flight and at some point during. I carry a small bottle of cleanser with me in my carry-on for just that purpose.

Probably wouldn’t hurt to carry a flannel that you could use to towel down if you’re feeling icky. Please, don’t use wet wipes. They wreak havoc on the environment.

2. Don’t skimp on the water

It’s pretty elementary stuff, but then why shouldn’t the most obvious thing be the one that’s going to help you out the most?

Most people find it quite difficult to keep hydrated on a plane. Yet, I implore you to do your darnedest to drink all the water you can.

I always pack a water bottle with me when going on a flight. Empty it before going through security and then fill it up on the other end. If you can’t find a tap (it’s happened to me plenty of times, so I sympathize), then ask someone at a restaurant to fill it up for you.

If not, just wait until you’re on the plane and then the airplane staff will do it for you. It’s water out of a bottle, yeah, but at least you’re not using the plastic cup you get when ordering water.

I’m sorry to say it, but it’s probably best to lay off the wine too. Don’t do what I used to do and claim that it “helps put (you) to sleep.” It’s alcohol, and it’s dehydrating you.

3. Hydrate with a spraying mist

If my face is starting to feel dry and I don’t fancy popping moisturizer on, I spray on a hydrating mist.

Rather than shelling out wads of cash for an over the counter sort, try making your own. It’s easier than you think. Cheaper, too!

4. Moisturize

You can go the whole kit and caboodle and apply eye serum, face oil, and moisturizer, or just rock it with moisturizer alone. Just make sure you get one that’s not going to cause a reaction with your skin. If it’s a new bottle, make sure you do a quick patch test 24 hours out.

It might not hurt to use a moisturizer which has some form of SPF. When you’re up in a plane, you are much closer to the sun, after all.

I tend to get super dry lips, so I always fly with a goopy lip balm to boot and make sure to keep it close on hand.

5. Turn off the air blower

Mmmm recycled air! The air blowers tend to be very drying for your skin and eyes. Plus is it just me, or does it get super cold as soon as the plane is up in the air? So, who needs the blower, anyway?

6. Try to bring along some healthy snacks

Airplane food is notoriously bad, so it might not hurt to pack a few snacks of your own. Nuts are always fun (not peanuts, as a fellow passenger might have a peanut allergy, which could lead to horrific consequences) and some fruit like an apple wouldn’t go astray.

If you’re in the air for more than 14 hours continuously then… just do what you can.

7. Lightly exfoliate when you get off the plane

The skin care shouldn’t stop when you get off the plane. Once you’re either home or at your intended destination, give your face a light once over with a face scrub (please pick one that’s microbead-free!) and gently dry. Reapply moisturizer, and you’ll be good to go!

Now it’s your turn. Is there any special treatment you give your skin while flying?

If you ask me, train travel is truly the best form of travel.

Given a choice between getting somewhere by plane or train, I would always choose train travel, so long as my funds and schedule permitted it.

Here’s why.

1. It’s an adventure in itself

You rarely hear anyone rave on about the super cool plane trip that they just went on. If you’re like me, you’ll start looking forward to the end of the flight, as soon as you’re on the plane (particularly if you’re flying long haul.)

Yet, think about how many trips are based solely around train rides. The Blue Train in South Africa. Traversing from one end of Australia to the other. Or, the Trans-Siberian, which would surely be the trip of a lifetime.

I know if I were to go on an extended train trip across many exotic seeming countries (or, even my home country of Australia), I’d be just about wetting myself in excitement.

Safe to say that aside from the first time I flew to Europe at the age of 20, I’ve never felt that way about a flight.

2. You meet the most interesting people

Trains are a fantastic place to people watch, or strike up conversations.

Not to say that I haven’t met lovely people while flying. I once traded tales with the girl next to me on a 14-hour flight for around six hours, which made the journey go so much quicker. I knew her entire life story by the time I got off the plane!

One of my favorite movies ever is Before Sunrise. When I was single, I used to have all sorts of romantically inclined daydreams about finding myself in a similar situation. Now, I still see train travel as a great way to make new friends.

PS. If you’re in the mood for some travel-related movies, you can find a good list here (even if Before Sunrise doesn’t make the top ten!).

3. It’s a good setting for work, relaxation, and chomping through life admin tasks

One reason I’ve always rated train travel over plane travel is that is a far more conducive setting to get stuff done.

On planes, I feel too tired, drained, or weird about people looking over my shoulder at what I’m doing. Most longer train trips I’ve been on have left me with two chairs, or even an entire table to myself. Writing on my blog or reading a book then seems to be an excellent method of whiling away the hours.

Of course, it depends on the setting/country you’re traveling through. Trains in Europe at least are usually comfortable, with readily available wi-fi, which makes them ideal workplaces – particularly for those of us who work while on the move.

4. There’s always far less stress and hassle to train travel than flying

Planes actually wouldn’t be that bad if getting onto them wasn’t such an upsetting ordeal.

It’s universally recognized that if you want to board a plane, you’ll have to leave your dignity at the gate.

The rules and regulations imposed on travelers for their own “safety” are getting more and more rigid by the day. (My favorite is when you go through security before getting on the plane and then are forced to go through immediately once you disembark. It’s a particularly fun thing to do when you’re merely connecting through an airport, in a minimal amount of time.)

Not to mention getting charged astronomical prices for excess baggage and having items confiscated from you going through security and at customs. (Goodbye expensive cleanser that was in a 100ml bottle, taken by staff at Dublin Airport because it did not say 100ml on the bottle itself, a rule I did not know existed previously). Not to mention getting treated like human cattle by airport attendants.

On the flip side, I recently traveled through four countries in Europe, taking on as much baggage as I liked. No one stopped me to confiscate my liquids or gels. I didn’t even get my passport checked at either end.

I both embarked and disembarked the train with a smile on my face.

5. You can stop in funky little places along the way

In adding to the adventure of a train trip, you don’t have to simply travel from point A to point B.

You can choose to deviate from your initial journey at any point you wish, particularly if you’re not on a rigid schedule.

This allows you to leave a train at any point in your trip, particularly if you pass through a town or city that strikes your fancy (so long as you have a flexible ticket!).

So, that’s my piece said on the subject. I would always choose train travel. Which do you prefer? Train or plane?