While we were exploring Japan we stopped off at several traditional Japanese inns — or ryokan. Ryokan feature traditional-style Japanese rooms with sliding doors, tatami (woven-grass) mat flooring, and futon mattresses placed on the floor. There is truly no better way to get a glimpse into the country’s traditional lifestyle and culture — with Japan’s famed omotenashi (hospitality) — as the cornerstone.
Ryokan offer more than just a place to stay for the night – they are a truly unique experience and provide a glimpse into traditional Japanese lifestyle and culture. Our ryokan stays were the most memorable experiences of our trip (maybe even top five of all our travels!) and I highly recommend spending a night or two in one while you’re in Japan. Luckily, these traditional Japanese inns can be found all over the country. And while they can be more expensive than chain hotels, it is possible to find budget-friendly ryokan as well.
Cult-favorite, Japanese beauty products — all at super affordable price points that you can buy right from your couch, no travel required.
The best way to explore a new city is through its food. So, we hopped on the back of scooters and discovered some of the best street food that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Here are the 7 dishes you must eat when you visit Vietnam!
While Drew and I were in the Faroe Islands, we met Ólavur, a retired school teacher, who invited us to join him for a tour of some of Faroe’s fjords on his fishing boat. After about an hour on the water, he surprised us with a dinner on a 100-year-old sailboat with his best friends. Ólavur’s friend Dorias was a wonderful chef and plate after plate appeared with beautifully prepared carrots and potatoes, brown gravy, cranberry sauce, currant jam, and the main course—oven-roasted pilot whale steak stuffed with bacon.
After years of dreaming over other travelers’ adventures throughout the Faroe Islands, I finally got to experience this otherworldly archipelago myself! After a whirlwind couple of days in Copenhagen, we took the quick flight out to the Faroes. Here are the best bites we had while we hiked and explored the islands.
After getting an amazing flight deal from AirfareWatchdog.com ($260 RT!) a few months ago, DJ and I finally headed off to our St. Petersburg, Russia trip on Tuesday. With a Paris layover behind us, we arrived in St. Petersburg with a good part of the afternoon left before us.
Budapest loves its thermal baths. Locals come to socialize, talk politics over a soggy game of chess, and meet women. Tourists come to appreciate the beautiful architecture, enjoy the relaxing baths, and see the locals done Speedos or teeny bikinis while going from pool to pool.
The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center is located in West Yellowstone, Montana and is perched right at the gate of Yellowstone National Park. More educational animal sanctuary than zoo, it’s a must see in the touristy town! Here are the 5 reasons the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center is one of the best things to do in West Yellowstone, Montana.
Yellowstone National Park is massive and it can be totally overwhelming! If you’re a first time visitor or you’re working with limited time, make sure to see these 6 things before you leave.
Along with leaf peeping in October, Maine’s rugged coastlines and hiking in Acadia, food – specifically the lobster roll – is a terrific reason to travel to Maine. Read on to see which rolls you’ll definitely want to sink your claws into – and which ones will leave you feeling a little salty!
St. Louis is a fun and easy city to see in 36 hours. You’ll easily be able to explore authentic St. Louis sights, sounds, and tastes. Check out my itinerary below for spending 36 hours in St. Louis!
