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A destination with sun-kissed beaches, azure waters, lush rainforests and fun adventures, Langkawi in Malaysia has something for everyone throughout the year; here’s what you need to know for planning when to visit.
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Weather in General
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Due to its position off the northwest coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is protected from major storms and enjoys pleasant weather pretty much the whole year through. It can get hot and humid as you would expect in a tropical destination, but it won’t be too bad; here, the sun is a reliable companion, generously sharing its warm rays and you can look forward to lazing on the sand, working on your tan and savouring a cool cocktail!
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Dry Season
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The dry season from November to March is when you can expect lots of divine sunshine and not surprisingly, this is also the peak season and best time to visit Langkawi. During this period, the heavens kindly hold back their tears, allowing you to explore the island's pristine beaches, try thrilling water sports and explore tropical rainforests! Keep in mind that rates and tourists will be higher during this period and it’s best to book your accommodation ahead.
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Shoulder Season
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From April to August is the shoulder season, a period between the dry and rainy seasons. This is another great time to visit since the weather is generally pleasant and though you may get some rain, it won’t be heavy or persistent. The tourist numbers and accommodation rates start to decrease too. When looking for the best hotel in Pantai Cenang on Langkawi’s coast during this period (or any other time), choose one that also has a spa, perfect when you want to unwind during brief showers!
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Rainy Season
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The rainy season from September to October is when Langkawi experiences its highest rainfall, which is why it’s the off-peak period. That said, don’t discount these months when planning a trip here either! Though monsoon rains can sometimes last for two to three hours, showers are usually followed by sunshine meaning you can still enjoy sunbathing and excursions. A bonus is that rates and tourists will be at their lowest, while the rain makes the landscapes more verdant too.

Welcome to this comprehensive thread focused on evaluating Mexico's safety from a tourist perspective. We're reviewing significant incidents from 2015 to 2023, aiming to provide a more nuanced understanding of the risks involved. Feel free to contribute by sharing your own experiences or insights!
We're aiming to document the unfortunate incidents affecting tourists during this period. Feel free to engage, discuss, or share firsthand experiences. Your input can help provide a more rounded perspective for potential visitors. Stay informed and contribute to safer travels!
2015: Puerto Vallarta Shooting 🔫
A frightening incident occurred when a shooter targeted a restaurant in the resort town of Puerto Vallarta, leading to multiple casualties1.
Casualties: 4 fatalities, 6 injured
Running Total: 10
2016: Playa del Carmen Nightclub Shooting 🔫
A man entered the Blue Parrot nightclub in Playa del Carmen and fired into the crowd2.
Casualties: 5 fatalities, 15 injured
Running Total: 30
2017: Chiapas Bus Crash 🚍
A tourist bus crashed in Chiapas state while heading to the Mayan ruins of Palenque3.
Casualties: 16 fatalities, 31 injured
Running Total: 77
2018: Cancun Ferry Explosion 💥
A ferry explosion occurred in Cancun, leading to multiple injuries.
Casualties: 26 injured
Running Total: 103
2019: Coahuila Bus Crash 🚍
A bus carrying tourists crashed in the northern state of Coahuila.
Casualties: 14 fatalities, 40 injured
Running Total: 157
2020: Acapulco Shooting 🔫
Gunmen targeted a beachfront restaurant in the resort city of Acapulco.
Casualties: 5 fatalities, 6 injured
Running Total: 168
2021: Guanajuato Bus Crash 🚍
A bus carrying tourists to Guanajuato encountered a tragic accident.
Casualties: 11 fatalities, 22 injured
Running Total: 201
2022: Cancun Ferry Fire 🔥
A ferry caught fire while in transit between Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
Casualties: No injuries, significant property damage
Running Total: 201
2023: Tulum Shooting 🔫
A Mexican tourist was killed in a robbery in a coffee shop in Tulum.
Casualties: 1 fatality
Final Total: 202
Conclusion 🏁
The number of incidents involving tourists in Mexico from 2015 to 2023 totaled to 202 casualties, which includes fatalities and injuries. Each event can be linked to various factors such as gang violence, road safety issues, and maritime accidents. Travelers should exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to these types of incidents.
The conclusion shouldn't be to avoid traveling to Mexico, but rather to remain vigilant, do your research, and be aware of your surroundings. Remember, millions of tourists visit Mexico each year without incident, and these statistics represent a small fraction of travelers' experiences.
Interesting Insights 🧐

1. Transportation Risks 🚍: Three of the eight listed incidents are bus crashes, implying that road travel may carry significant risks.
2. Location-Specific Dangers 📍: Incidents have occurred in various locations, from bustling cities to serene beach resorts. Travelers should stay informed about the specific safety conditions of their destination, including local crime rates, and consider potential risks even in places generally considered safe.
3. Links to Local Issues 💥: Several incidents appear to be related to local issues such as cartel disputes and local criminal activity. Awareness and understanding of the local context are therefore important when traveling to these areas. It might be beneficial to stay informed about local news and stay away from high-risk areas.

Analysis 📈
From 2015 to 2023, approximately 280 million tourists visited Mexico. The number of unnatural casualties among tourists during this period amounts to a mere 0.000072%. This figure is quite small when you put it into perspective.
To give an example, the National Safety Council estimates the lifetime odds of dying from an accidental injury in general is 1 in 36 in the U.S., which is significantly higher. In fact, you are more likely to be struck by lightning (1 in 161,856) than to be a casualty as a tourist in Mexico due to these incidents.
Taking this into consideration, along with the steps that Mexico has taken to ensure the safety of its visitors, such as increased security in tourist areas and improved infrastructure, one might rate Mexico 8 out of 10 for safety. There's always room for improvement, but generally, traveling to Mexico is no more dangerous than visiting any other popular tourist destination when considering these statistics.
Always remember, however, individual safety often comes down to personal decisions and behaviors. Staying alert, informed, and following local laws and customs significantly reduces the risk of mishaps, wherever you may travel. 🧳🌍

Where is dispersed camping on the beach legal? What about in the mountains? No services needed. LNT will be practiced above your highest level of recommended diligence, even packing poop out. Feel free to send personal message. I will not do anything that needs a reservation but will pay if money stays local.
Details: This topic has been mentioned before on this forum in years past, but it is always shot down by people concerned of mosquitos or no air conditioning or unsubstantiated worries of crime. I am re-asking and am open to hearing SUBSTANTIATED claims of crime. I do not mind weather or mosquitos. I hate the beds, perfumes and hassle of hotels and VRBOs, no need to suggest them. Also eager to hear legalities for certain regions/municipalities and real enforcement effort (Pertaining to the fact that “no camping” is often simply posted so law enforcement CAN remove rowdy parties while using wise discretion to allow those that practice quiet and L.N.T.). I am mostly worried about offending local native born communities and not worried about offending wealthy people who moved to PR for retirement and tax loopholes. The latter seems to be the only municipalities vocal on the topic. Happy to pay if money stays local. I can not do reservations or itinerary as location and schedule changes daily with no notice and I will have no phone or screen.
(not interested in anything near San Juan. Mostly interested in west coast, south coast possibly the north east corner, or mid north coast).

Hi! I'm going on a work trip in the fall to an area where there is a beach. There will also be a pool at the hotel that I plan to hit up.
I'm looking for plus size swimsuits with built in bras that aren't super "sexy"? Like no straps, peek-a-boo boob windows, or mesh windows.
I've looked at Torrid, Unique Vintage, and Eloquii.
Thanks in advance!

Summer 2023 is fast approaching, and are you planning a trip to Spain? You will have plenty of options to discover the treasures of this Southern European country. Here are the 10 must-visit places during your stay.

1. Barcelona

First and foremost, the city of Barcelona is an essential destination when traveling to Spain. As the capital of the Catalonia region, Barcelona is a dynamic and cultural city offering beaches, historical sites, and renowned restaurants. You can visit Park Güell, designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, the Sagrada Familia, and the medieval district of Barri Gòtic. In the evening, you can stroll through the lively neighborhood of Gracia to explore the local restaurants, bars, and nightlife.
>>Click here<< to book your ticket.

1. Madrid

With its famous museums, historical squares, and shopping streets, Madrid is another popular Spanish city for tourists. The capital of the country offers sites such as the Royal Palace, the art collection of the Prado Museum, and the Plaza Mayor with its arcades and restaurants. You can also visit other points of interest like Retiro Park, the local San Miguel Market, and the Santiago Bernabeu football stadium.

1. Granada

Granada is the city in Andalusia that captivates people looking for a historical experience. With its Alhambra palace, narrow winding streets, and the historic Arab neighborhood of Albayzín, Granada is a destination that combines modernism and authentic Andalusian culture. You can also visit the cathedral, Albaicin, the Cartuja Monastery, and admire the view of the Sierra Nevada.
>>Click here<< to book a room in the hotel of your choice.

1. Seville

The charming city of Seville is located in southern Spain. It offers a typically Spanish experience with its splendid squares, religious sites, and regional cuisine. You can easily access the city's most popular sites such as Maria Luisa Park, Seville Cathedral, the mausoleum of Christopher Columbus, and the Torre del Oro, a former Moorish tower.

1. The Canary Islands

The Canary Islands, located in the Atlantic south of Spain, are a paradise for beach and sun lovers, with dreamlike landscapes and white sandy beaches. Some islands also have remarkable natural sites, including Teide National Park on the island of Tenerife or the massif of La Gomera. Gran Canaria is also known for its shopping and nightlife, while Lanzarote offers a palette of colors that you can admire in Timanfaya National Park.

1. Valencia

The city of Valencia is located on the east coast of Spain and is especially known for its contemporary architecture, including the City of Arts and Sciences. You can also visit Valencia Cathedral, the Central Market of Valencia, the Oceanogràfic, the beautiful Turia Park, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and the Mudéjar-style bullring.
>>Click here<< to book a rental car of your choice.

1. Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a city located in northern Spain, well-known for its cultural and religious heritage. It is also one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage centers in the world. You can visit the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the Pilgrim's Museum, the Obradoiro Market, and the San Fransisco de Asis Convent, to name just a few of the interesting sites.

1. Cordoba

The city of Cordoba is located in southern Spain and is famous for its historical architecture, such as the Alcazar of the Christian Monarchs and its famous Mosque-Cathedral, the Mezquita, which bears witness to the remnants of the Muslim era
in Spain. You can also walk through the city's Jewish quarter and visit the Viana Palace or the Alcázar Gardens.

1. Santander

Santander is a city located on the northern coast of Spain. The city is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, art and culture, as well as its Guggenheim Museum dedicated to contemporary art. You can also visit the Magdalena Palace, the Pereda Gardens, Santander Cathedral, and the Cantabria region to enjoy the surrounding nature.

1. Bilbao

Bilbao is a more modern city located in northern Spain, and it is especially known for the Guggenheim Museum, with its steel and glass architecture ranking among the greatest architectural achievements of the 20th century. You can also explore the city's historic neighborhoods, such as Casco Vieja or El Ensanche, with their jazz clubs, tapas bars, and traditional shops.
>>Click here<< to find a taxi upon your arrival!
This is a list of the 10 must-visit places when traveling to Spain. Each of these destinations offers a different experience, from museums to beaches, cathedrals to medieval cities. Spain is a country that has preserved its historical heritage while modernizing, and it offers delicious cuisine, an ideal climate for summer vacations, and the hospitality of its people.
Book your ticket by >>clicking here<<
Book a room in the hotel of your choice by >>clicking here<<
For your taxi, >>click here<<
For car rental, >>click here<<
Have a great trip!

Need some advice. I am a 27F and currently on vacation in Hawaii for 4 weeks. I met a guy who I clicked with right away. He came to Hawaii to celebrate his 17th birthday and here for 3 weeks. We are both from the same country also which is pretty cool.
I'm here with my grandma and he's there with his older cousin. I bumped to him at the beach last week. We are both into surfing and went together few times. And went dancing. This guy can dance for real. We just clicked and it just feel comfortable talking to him. He's like one of those ppl that actually make you feel good about yourself when you are around them. Very rare to find. Most ppl are pleasant but don't have that effect
Yesterday I bumped into him in a beach alone and ended up talking for about 6 hours about the shows breaking bad & trailer park boys and made these really neat sand castles and sand snow men. I don't know what it is about him but everything he does is so.. so alluring. Little stuff like just brushing his hands on his hair, his dimples, the darn lip bites. Around 11pm we finally decided to go to our hotels to sleep. He decided to kiss me all of a sudden and we made out for several minutes (with serious neck kisses) and there was some light groping and we almost had oral sex until I ended it. I just simply said we haven't done anything to be ashamed of but we shouldn't go further than this. He was super respectful and apologized and we went our separate ways.
I spent the whole day with him today but he hasn't tried anything with me. I know this wouldn't be a long term thing but even short term fling is nice to think about. It just feels people are ok with such relationshp if both parties are 18 and over. But 17 is literally one year younger than 18. and it's above the age of consent in the country I live in which is 16. How morally wrong is it really tbh? I would really appreciate respectful answers.

Made reservation for stay via Hotels.com for stay in Miami Hilton Homewood Suites By mistake made two weeks ahead When booking only choice is pay in full -prepay Attempted to cancel Cannot cancel If I cancel they still keep the payment in full Hotels.com blames Hilton Hilton blames Hotel.com But no refund Please do not make prepayment Don’t give your money to Hilton or Hotels.com

Hello, I would like to seek fellow redditors opinions, input and recommendation on how I could better finetune my itinerary better. There's only so much I can think of, and plan as an individual, but with everyone's input and comments I can further refine and enhance the travel experience before I set foot into Japan. Do forgive me in advance for the theorycrafting wall of text.
I know it may be difficult to review the itinerary, so to make the review easier I have broken the itinerary down into specific sub-groups e.g. Shikoku, Kinki etc. Specific questions that I have are bolded.
Thank you in advance for taking your time to provide your opinions!
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Baseline information

• 32M, average fitness, solo traveller
• Public transport only (challenge); I have a driver's license but I have not drove a car for god knows how long so I would prefer not to test it against the green hills of Shikoku
• Interest: anime (select few), experience autumn/nature, visiting secluded spots, and just trying random stuff
• JP language skill: rudimentary at best (N4), but I will not shy away from speaking in simple, broken japanese or use a translator to communicate. Reading/interpreting kanji is not a problem (in general).
• Visit history: Visited twice (once to Hokkaido for ~8 days, and once toKyoto and Osaka for 8 days
• Will probably travel around with a (slightly) oversized luggage at ~166cm (A+B+C), that’s the only one I have with me. This will be a problem on the Shinkansen (but hopefully not so much on sightseeing trains/limited expresses).
• Will be visiting during (almost) peak autumn at 11 November, and will depart on the 16th of December
• Jet lag is unlikely to be a problem (1h time difference), but nevertheless I will maintain a low tempo on the first day to acclimatize to the environment
• Only thing firmed as of now is the air ticket, everything else is up in the air.
• I like planning/min-maxing to some degree, though I recognize that I may not fulfill all objectives during the trip and I am totally ok with that [its just a guideline or framework to give the holiday some structure, that’s all.] FWIW, I personally like traveling at a high tempo pace like some japanese travel show do (e.g. ローカル路線バス乗り継ぎの旅)

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Specific goals/objective:

1. Experience Shikoku in autumn (specifically the views at Iya Valley) and in other prefectures (thus making nature sightseeing more of a priority this time round)
2. Experience Kanazawa for anime stuff
3. Experience the Shimanami Kaido in full (including any sightseeing spots in between the 6 island chains)
4. Bonus - try as many sightseeing trains as possible.
5. Bonus - if weather, time and schedule permits, try skiing as an option in Nagano.
6. Bonus - stay in as many onsen ryokans as possible, without breaking the bank.

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Locked-in prefectures [i.e. I will definitely go to those prefectures no matter what]:

1. Shikoku (as per above objective)
2. Hiroshima (because its on the opposite end of the Shimanami Kaido)
3. Kanazawa (for anime related reason)
4. Tokyo (that is my starting and end point so it has to be included by default)

All other prefectures are basically float i.e. I am open to consider dropping said itinerary for something else based on your suggestion that aligns with my preferences/interest. Most of the other locations I added are prefectures that are often next to each other, or well-connected (apart from the initial Tokyo Kagawa jump via Sunrise Seto/Shinkansen).
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Wait-list prefectures (prefectures that I want to go, but I don’t think I can realistically fit in without dropping other locations):

1. Snow skiing at Nagano (depending on how cooperative the weather is in early-ish December (would 2 days be sufficient?))
2. Ehime, Kochi expansion [spend 1-3 more days]
3. Izu Peninsula (~2 days, via Saphir Odoriko)
4. Nagoya + lower Nagano (Kiso Valley) (~3 days)
5. Ishikawa expansion [1 extra day at Kaga]

I am open to dropping a few days in Tokyo/Osaka etc to make that trade off [currently kept 3 days free for further development]. Alternatively, if the planning can be better optimized based on your inputs I might be able to do one of those without compromising on the base set. I would like to hear your opinion on what locations you would drop in the itinerary to make time for one of the above.
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General planning philosophy:

1. My itineary adopts a breadth approach (cover as much area as I can humanely possible without rushing/touch-and-go) as opposed to depth (i.e. spending much more time within Shikoku than what I allocated); though I would be open to considering more days at selected locations if you have strong recommendations. My thought is to experience how different autumn is at various parts of the country (if possible), and maybe winter too (to a certain degree).
2. Due to the nature of my travel, I note that luggage logistics is a critical consideration when moving between prefectures; my thought is to park that luggage at the next hotel as quickly as possible so that I can free myself for sightseeing within the vicinity, or leave the luggage at the hotel after I check out until I am ready to travel to the next location. I will need to send (quite a fair bit of) emails to the hotels to confirm on this prior to booking.
3. I will attempt to minimize transit time between prefectures to no more than 2~3 hours a day to avoid having excessively long transport days (except the initial Tokyo Kagawa jump).
4. Because of the long trip, I will also need to factor a bit of downtime at night for administrative stuff (e.g. catching up a little bit on work, laundry etc).

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Shikoku (~7 days)
Specific thoughts while planning:

1. I will need to exploit Limited Express trains as much as possible to minimize downtime between the 4 prefectures. Fortunately, for the most part these train frequencies are almost hourly, thus missing one train isnt too deadly consequence-wise.
2. The transfer between Kochi and Ehime [Matsuyama] is oddly quicker via express bus as opposed to trains (!)
3. For Kochi, my opinion is that it is best explored on car instead of public transport [it’s a really wide prefecture]; I feel that 1 day may not do it justice, but it is probably adequate for exploring the city centre as a whole.
4. There's a fair bit of uncertainties while planning this leg so I would deeply appreciate any advice you may have.
5. This current iteration is unable to weave in the Shikoku Mannaka Sennen Monogatari sightseeing train [四国まんなか千年ものがたり] ; if you people think its something not to be missed do let me know and I will reshuffle my timetable as such.

Day 0: Tokyo Kagawa (Sunrise Seto) [Saturday, 11 Nov]

• Touch down at Narita at 1720hours
• Transfer to Tokyo Station via NEX or Skyliner
• Settle administrative matters at the Midori-no-Maruguchi (e.g. get all the booked tickets etc from JR Pass, for Shinkansen and all other sightseeing trains) at Tokyo Station.
• IF Sunrise Seto ticket is obtained via the JR West portal booking, chill till 2200 and take Sunrise Seto to reach Kagawa (Takamatsu) at 0700 the next day. Try to snag the ticket online (likely via the japanese portal since there's no option to buy Solo Deluxe through the english/international website. Otherwise, compromise and go for Single)
• IF Sunrise Seto ticket is NOT obtained, proceed to take the furthest possible Shinkansen westwards (probably Okayama) and rest for the night.

Day 1: Kagawa (Takamatsu) [Sunday, 12 Nov]

• Chill around Takamatsu. Drop luggage at coin locker OR the hotel (near JR Takamatsu ideally)
• Look at whats left of Takamatsu Castle en route to the port.
• Day trip to Naoshima or Teshima to visit the art museums (Chichu Art Museum, Lee Ufan Museum etc).
• Ritsuin Garden in the evening (closes 1830)
• Find an eatery with Sanuki Udon for dinner if possible.

Day 2: Kagawa (Kotohira) Tokushima (Iya Valley) [Monday, 13 Nov]

• Morning trip from Takamatsu to Kotohira (either via JR or Kotoden). Visit Kotohiragu [includes inner shrine] and Kanamaruza Theater
• Return to Kotohira to pick up luggage, transit to Oboke via Limited Express Shimanto [Takamatsu Tadotsu Oboke]
• Retire at a local hotel around Oboke. If time permits, take the chance to explore around Oboke Gorge itself.

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Day 3: Tokushima (Iya Valley) [Tuesday, 14 Nov]
[Post-research note: I realized that there is NO public transport to Mount Tsurugi on a weekday. I will have to rent a taxi direct to Mount Tsurugi, make the 'climb', then thereafter take the taxi down to the other attractions. I am inclined to just go full hog on the private taxi and rent it (almost the whole day, probably 7~8 hours for 4300yen/hour) to save the trouble.
Otherwise, I will need to hike downhill which can be rather rough since its just a single lane road (looking at nearly 10++ km) so I think it wise not to penny pinch in the interest of both time and safety.]
Spend the day at Iya Valley.

• Take a taxi after breakfast to zip to Mount Tsurugi and speedrun it to the mountain peak (aka using the chairlift to speedrun a good chunk of the mountain) about 2.5 hours ~ 3 hours as per the Iya Valley guide
• Taxi from Mount Tsurugi chairlift down to Oku-Iya Niju Kazuraashi and cross it (~1 hour estimate)
• Taxi down to visit the mannequins/scarecrows at Nagoro Village (~3km downhill from Oku-Iya). (~1 hour estimate)
• Check out the Peeing Boy Statue (~0.5 hour estimate [its just looking at the statue that is overlooking the entire gorge is it not?])
• Cross the outer vine bridge Iya-no-Kazurabashi (~1 hour estimate)
• Taxi back to Oboke, and retire for the day (~0.5 hour estimate, thus looking at about ~8 hours taxi rental total, with some leeway for lunch break)

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Day 4: Tokushima (Iya Valley) Kochi (Kochi) [Wednesday, 15 Nov]

• Transit from Iya Valley [Oboke] to Kochi via Limited Express Shimanto (again) after breakfast. (~1 hour transit)
• Park luggage at hotel [ideally near JR Kochi Station], then proceed to mill around Kochi, visiting places such as Kochi Castle [高知城] and Harimaya Bridge[はりまや橋]
• Transit to Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum [高知県立坂本龍馬記念館] via local bus which is also near Katsumatsura Beach incidentally. Chill at Katsumatsura Beach in the evening
• Return to JR Kochi, dinnesupper at Hirome Market (ideally to try out Kochi's speciality seared bonito). [is visiting the market more preferable during lunch OR dinner?]

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Day 5: Kochi (Kochi) Ehime (Imabari) [Thursday, 16 Nov]

• Complete any remaining items in Kochi in the morning, then transit to Imabari via train (Kochi Tadotsu Imabari), via Limited Express Shimanto (yet again!) and Ishidzuchi**[TBC: this might be better done via highway bus instead which is faster at ~2-3 hours]**
• Drop luggage at Imabari for the next 2 days, either at Sunrise Itoyama OR Cycle no Ie. [both are well positioned for the Shimanami Kaido, and are also one of the selected hotels eligible for the Sagawa luggage transfer.] Ideally done just around lunch time, so that there's still the better half of the day to explore Imabari.
• Spend the remainder of the day visiting Imabari Castle (closes 1700) and Towel Museum (slightly out of the way) (closes 1800) [TBC: I note this place is quite out of the way from Imabari itself, even the JP website suggests taking a taxi (!) there from the nearby train station. Might have to drop this).
• Attempt to try some Ehime-related food specialties e.g. Taimeshi (Sea Bream), Ehime oranges, Champon for the next 2 days

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Day 6: Ehime (Matsuyama / Imabari) [Friday, 17 Nov]

• Take the Limited express train Ishidzuchi to Matsuyama day tripping. (~1h one-way).
• Explore Matsuyama Castle, and the nearby Matsuyama Ropeway Shopping Street
• Visit Shiki Memorial Museum
• Visit Dogo Onsen [and attempt to soak in the waters if possible].
• Also consider looking at Ishiteji (石手寺) beside Dogo Onsen.
• Bonus: Subject to train schedule, if possible, attempt to secure tickets for the Iyonada Sightseeing Train (伊予灘物語), Futami leg [双海ふたみ 編] , and also visit JR Shimonada Station (JR下灘駅) at the same time.
• Bonus: visit Yawatahama Port where the movie Suzume took reference from,
• Return to Imabari via the same Limited express Ishidzuchi and retire for the night.

Day 7: Ehime (Imabari) Hiroshima (Shinamani Kaido) [Saturday, 18 Nov]
I am of the opinion that 1 day in Shimanami Kaido is adequate if I attempt just the main route which is about 80km [as a test run, I did 70km and finished it within 6-7 hours with lunch breaks included]. For now I will plan for two full days, however should I truncate it down to one day later, I will add an extra day to either explore Matsuyama or Okayama.
​

• Start off at Sunrise Itoyama [watch the sunrise, have breakfast here, cafeteria opens at 0700, rental opens at 0800] OR Cycle no Ie. Do paperwork to send luggage over to the next accomodation via Sagawa.
• I will (probably) follow the recommended 'extended' route on Cycle no Ie's website and do the following:
  • Take the west coast for Oshima (~13km) and cross to Hakatajima, with possible stop on:
    • Mount Kiro Observatory Point [I am aware that there's a steep incline so this would be contingent on my physical/mental status by then].
    • Nagahama Beach
• Take the coastal route for Hakatajima (~17km) and cross to Omishima and enjoy the coastal scenery
• Take the coastal route (again) for Omishima (~41km) (or lesser depending on how I'm feeling at that point) , with possible stop on:
  • -TBC: Okunoshima (there is apparently a ferry route to the well-known rabbit island via Omishima port. Not sure if anyone else have tried this particular route and if this is a better approach than going through Tadano-umi (though I would acknowledge that there's historical stuff to visit in nearby Takehara), and I would not be able to buy rabbit food in advance).[Based on Google Earth estimate, its about 3km for the entire island loop - seems doable within 2 hours to tour the poison gas museum with a bike and pet some rabbits).
  • Oyamazumi Shrine Treasure Museum
• End the day at WAKKA (Omishima) OR Guesthouse NEST / Soil Setoda (Ikuchijima) just beside Kousanji / The Hill of Hope (closes 1700). If possible, visit before closing, otherwise defer to next day.
• Try the ice cream at Dolce at Ikuchijima if possible.
• Bonus: if for some reason I am still ahead of time at this juncture (<1500), proceed to finish Innoshima and Mukaishima, then take a ferry to backtrack to Wakka/Soil Setoda or cycle back (last boat is ~1700) and rest; however, the next day I will zip straight to Onomichi via ferry after breakfast.

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Hiroshima + Yamaguchi (~4 days)
Specific thoughts while planning:

1. Onomichi is a pretty good base to jump to Okayama to explore Okayama, Kurashiki or Tomonoura with the Shinkansen accessibility, but it is impossible to cover them all within a single day. If I finish the Shimanami Kaido within a single day or finish it early on the second day, I will have that extra time to visit those.
2. There's another sightseeing train etSETOra from Onomichi to Hiroshima but it only operates on Monday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday. For now the schedule could fit the train timetable pretty nicely.
3. Would anyone suggest visiting Miyajima in the morning or in the evening? This would help me determine the order for the Kintaikyo Bridge/Miyajima day trip. Watching the sunset at either destination is pretty good in my books.

​
Day 8: Hiroshima (Shinamani Kaido Onomichi) [Sunday, 19 Nov]

• Continue from Ikuchijima towards Innoshima and Mukaishima (~18km) via the western coast route after breakfast, with possible stops on the following areas:
  • Innoshima: Innoshima Flower Centre, Shimanami Beach [open to more suggestions]
  • Mukaishima : there seems to be a lot of brunch places like Willows Nursery etc, soak the view at Mukaishima Rest Park [TBC: open to more suggestions]

Ideally reach Onomichi just around lunch or earlier. Chill for the rest of the day, and if I'm still up for it, explore Onomichi, including but not limited to:

• Exploring the cat alley
• Visit the exhibits at Onomichi City Museum of Art
• Consider walking to Senkoji and Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street
• Look into trying Onomichi-style ramen.

Retire at a guesthouse/hotel near JR Onomichi that I have forwarded the luggage to.
​
Day 9: Hiroshima (Onomichi, Takehara+Kure OR Tomonoura OR Okayama) Downtown Hiroshima) [Monday, 20 Nov]

• Mill around Onomichi in the morning (if not done yesterday), with a side trip to EITHER Takehara/Kure OR Okayama/Kurashiki OR Tomonoura (choose one):
  • Takehara: stroll along the historical townscape [and look if they have any Tamayura-related merch], Okunoshima (if not done during the Shimanami Kaido leg / Kure: look into trying Kure curry/Niku-jaga and visit the Yamato Museum
  • Okayama: Okayama Castle (zip via Shinkansen) / Kurashiki : Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
  • Tomonoura: stroll along the townscape during the day (zip via Shinkansen, transfer to local bus)
• Return to Onomichi (no later than 1400), board the etSETOra sightseeing train at 1437, and zip to Hiroshima. Enjoy the sunset along the coastline.
• Retire for the night at Hiroshima proper, probably near JR Hiroshima OR the bus terminal. If time permits, take a gander along the streets and see what takes me from there.

​
Day 10: Hiroshima (Downtown Hiroshima) [Tuesday, 21 Nov]
Spend the day surveying Hiroshima proper.

• Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園) and Atomic Bomb Dome
• Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims (国立広島原爆死没者追悼平和祈念館)
• Hiroshima Castle
• Orizuru Tower (おりづるタワー)
• Shukkeien (縮景園)
• Optional: Mazda Museum / Kure (if not done the previous day)
• Try to source for Hiroshima-specific food: Okonomiyaki, Dandan Noodles

​
Day 11: Hiroshima (with a day trip to Yamaguchi) [Wednesday, 22 Nov]

• Daytrip to Yamaguchi [Shin-Iwakuni] to visit Kintaikyo Bridge via Shinkansen. Also stop by the nearby Iwakuni Castle.
• Try Tonosama Sushi at Iwakuni if possible.
• Take the local train back to Miyajimaguchi and take the boat to Itsukushima.Take the time to stroll around the island and perhaps watch the sunset at the torii gate.
• Exit back to Hiroshima via boat to Hiroshima Port direct, and transit back to hotel.

--------
Shimane + Tottori (4 days)
Specific thoughts while planning:

1. Matsue becomes the main jump point for Shimane just because of the subsidized highway bus from Hiroshima, and ease of access towards Tottori later. There's no direct train between Hiroshima and Izumo/Matsue (!).
2. Tottori is really wide size-wise, to the point that it feels more efficient to have two separate hotels in two nights (Kurayoshi/Misasa Onsen + downtown Tottori) rather than one hotel for two nights (i.e. downtown Tottori). Could be just me making excuses to get into an onsen ryokan however.
3. Is there anything interesting at Yonago (Tottori) that I should take note of? Based on my initial survey nothing in particular pops up (other than the Tottori Prefectural Flower Park).
4. Skipping Tottori Castle since it doesn’t seem to be interesting at first glance. Any other interesting things to at Tottori downtown (or nearby)?

​
Day 12: Hiroshima Shimane (Matsue) [Thursday, 23 Nov]

• Make good use of the 500yen highway bus from Hiroshima to Matsue. (3.5 hours transit). Fortunately the frequency is not too bad (7-8 buses per day, looking at 0800 departure or later); if there are still outstanding places to visit in Hiroshima I will visit them in the morning.
• Check in at a hotel near JR Matsue, and proceed to trawl around Matsue with whatever daylight is left. (TBC: am considering taking a few stops down to Tamatsukuri Onsen 玉造温泉 or Matsue-shinjoko Onsen instead of the typical hotel. Does anyone have any positive experiences there?)
• Attempt to spend the afternoon at the Adachi Museum of Art. Local train to Yasugi, transfer to free shuttle.
• Chill off in downtown Matsue for the night. Prowl for Shimane-specific food such as Naniwa Zushi (浪花寿司), Shijimi clams (しじみ), Izumo soba, Izumo Zenzai (出雲ぜんざい).
• Bonus: visit the Tottori Prefectural Flower Park for the winter Hanakairo Flower Illumination at Yonago at night [which is just beside Matsue. Free shuttle bus at Yonago bus terminal].

​
Day 13: Shimane (Izumo / Matsue) [Friday, 24 Nov]

• Day trip from Matsue to Izumo. (JR Matsue JR Izumo, swap to Ichibata local rail to Izumotaisha-mae)
• Take a stop at Izumo Taisha, as well as the nearby Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo (島根県立古代出雲歴史博物館)
• After lunch, return to JR Matsue and proceed to Yushien Garden (由志園) via bus. Enjoy the sunset over the garden.
• Stop by Matsue Castle on the way back.

​
Day 14: Shimane (Matsue) Tottori (Kurayoshi) [Saturday, 25 Nov]

• Transfer from Matsue to Kurayoshi in the morning via Super Matsukaze Limited Express (~1h).
• Settle down luggage at Misasa Onsen, then proceed to hike up Mitokusan Sanbutsuji Temple (三仏寺). Cater extra time just in case I have to wait for another fellow to pop up to climb in pairs. Estimated climb time excluding wait is about 2-3 hours both ways?
• Excess time to be spent sauntering Misasa Onsen and its nearby area such as the Nijisseiki Pear Museum [二十世紀梨記念館（なしっこ館)] and Kurayoshi Historical Quarter.
• Retire at Misasa Onsen for the night. Bonus: watch the constellations at night at Misasa Onsen on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 2100JST. Current plan does not fall within those 3 weekdays
• Bonus: take a short detour to Conan Town (postnote: not a big fan of the show).

​
Day 15: Tottori (Kurayoshi Tottori) [Sunday, 26 Nov]

• Transfer from Kurayoshi to Tottori (~35minutes transfer) in the morning, and proceed to tour around Tottori.
• Drop luggage, take a local bus to Tottori Sand Dunes, and visit the nearby Sand Museum.
• Transfer northwards to Uradome Coast via local bus and spend the remainder of the day there. Watch the sunset over the coast.
• Return to downtown Tottori, stroll around and call it a night.

​
-----------
Hyogo, Kyoto, Osaka , Nara, Mie (10 days)
Specific thoughts while planning:

1. Kinosaki Onsen is intentionally designed to be a slow-paced leg to recover [and also to make time to enjoy the onsens].
2. The limited express train between Kinosaki Onsen and Osaka stops by Himeji thus I thought of resting a night there instead of doing day trips via Osaka.
3. Osaka itinerary does look sparse but that is in large part because I have already visited most of them in the past. Nevertheless, I would like to experience how different it is in autumn compared to summer [based on those few destinations that I loved going previously].
4. I have kept one float day to decompress, OR shift to any of the other prefectures (TBC).
5. There are (multiple) special limited express train by Kintetsu; they're not covered by JR pass but nevertheless I would love to ride on those as an experience. The Kintetsu pass covers the basic fare only but based on my preliminary cost estimate, it is still worth getting it.
6. Is it feasible to compress Himeji and Kobe to a single day?
7. The itineraries for Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Mie are flexible since they're literally beside one another - makes it particularly easy to shift around base on ground situation.

​
Day 16: Tottori (Tottori) Hyogo (Kinosaki Onsen) [Monday, 27 Nov]

• Settle any outstanding sightseeing spots in the morning if required in Tottori, then transfer to Kinosaki Onsen via the Sanin Line.
• Make a pitstop at Amarube ('Sky Station') and marvel at the engineering work.
• Deposit luggage at the ryokan (or put in the coin locker), and stroll around and enjoy Kinosaki Onsen [after all its an onsen town].
• Try to hit as many of the 7 external onsens that are usable. Retire for the night here.
• Optional: go up the ropeway and oversee Kinosaki Onsen in the evening (last ride up ~1630)
• Optional: take a short hike up to Onsenji Temple.

​
Day 17: Hyogo (Kinosaki Onsen + Northern Kyoto (Amanohashidate) day trip) [Tuesday, 28 Nov]

• Optional: take a (very) early start to the day to Takeda Castle Ruins and witness the 'floating castle' effect in the morning (<0800).
• Day trip to Amanohashidate via ToyookaKyotango Railway. Do the funny bend-down pose on the bench at Amanohashidate View Land, and see how it feels like looking at the world inverted.
• Cross the sandbar and look from the other side (Nariaiji Temple / Kasamatsu Park)
• Select one of three additional side-trips:
  • EITHER take a local bus up to Ine to look at the Funaya + sightseeing boat,
  • OR local rail down to Maizuru to look at the Maizuru World Brick Museum + eat at the Michi-no-eki;
  • OR reverse to Toyooka spend time in the city itself e.g. Izushi Castle Town
• Return to Kinosaki Onsen, and continue experiencing the remainder of the onsens. Retire for the night here. Optional: ride the Aomatsu sightseeing train back to Toyooka.
• Optional: Take a trip to Ankokuji Temple (安国寺) in the evening. Likely to visit post-peak autumn which means less than ideal viewing conditions.

Day 18: Hyogo (Kinosaki Onsen Himeji) [Wednesday, 29 Nov]

• Transit from Kinosaki Onsen to Himeji via Limited Express Hamakaze (~2 hours).
• Deposit luggage at the hotel or the coin lockers at the station, then proceed for sightseeing.
• Walk along the Miyuki Street Shopping District which is en-route to Himeji Castle.
• Himeji Castle sector : Himeji Castle (姫路城), Kokoen (好古園)
• Take a local bus at Himeji Castle to go to Mount Shosha and hike up Engyōji Temple (圓教寺)
• Optional : Stroll along Hyogo Prefectural Museum of History and/or Himeji City Museum of Art which is beside the castle, OR Shosha Handicraft Museum which is just at the foot of Mount Shosha
• Optional: Make a detour to the Japan Toy Museum near Koro station (~30 minutes from JR Himeji). Closes 1700.
• Look for Hyogo-specific food: Kobe beef, steamed pork buns, sobameshi, himeji oden, etc

Retire at Himeji for the night.
Day 19: Hyogo (Himeji Kobe) Osaka (Dotonburi) [Thursday, 30 Nov]
Day trip to Kobe, before continuing further down to Osaka.

• Check out from Himeji, transit further down to Kobe for another stop before Osaka. Place luggage at the holding facility within the Shinkansen station.
• Take a visit to the Earthquake Memorial Museum (人と防災未来センター) to look at the devastation wrought by the 1995 earthquake.
• Stroll along Kobe Harborland (神戸ハーバーランド) and Meriken Park (メリケンパーク) , look at the Kobe Tower since its closed till 2024 for renovation, and look at the damage caused by the earthquake
• Optional: Head westwards to Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art.
• Optional: Hit up the ASICS Sports Museum (アシックススポーツミュージアム)
• Look at the engineering feat that is the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and the nearby Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Exhibition Center at Maiko. (Suzume no Tojimari)
• Return to Shin-kobe, pick up luggage, and transit to Shin-Osaka via Shinkansen, and then to Dotonburi/Shinsaibashi. End the (long) day in Osaka.

Day 20: Osaka [Friday, 1 Dec]
Osaka Nostalgia (acid) trip, speedrun edition: revisiting places that I want to go again

• Day trip to Mino Park and revisit the waterfall (I loved visiting it previously) via the Hankyu line in the morning.
• Zoom down to the Osaka Aquarium after lunch and walk around it (Minoo Umeda Honmachi Osakako Station).
• From there, race towards Abeno Harukas and watch the sunset/nightview at Abeno Harukas.
• Bonus: revisit Sumiyoshi Taisha if time permits.
• Spend whatever time remains at night at Nipponbashi Denden Town (shops close at ~2000) and Dotonburi (some stores are still open near midnight) and/or Shinsekai (新世界).

Day 21: Osaka (Nara day trip) [Saturday, 2 Dec]
Spend a day in Nara.

• Zoom from Namba to Nara via Kintetsu (note: non-JR)
• Explore Todaiji Temple, Kokufuji Temple, Isuien Garden and Kasuga Taisha.
• Optional: pass by Naramachi (奈良町) on the way back.
• Take the Kintetsu line down to Mount Yoshino. [TBC: subject to whether I am too early or late for the koyo.Based on last year's prediction I am about 1-2 weeks too late. Might swap this out to a Uji day trip instead in Kyoto.). Spend time walking around the Shimo Senbon and Naka Senbon and experience the autumn.
• Transfer back to Osaka. Bonus: take the Blue Symphony back to Osaka instead of the typical train. (non-JR)

Day 22: Osaka (Mie day trip) [Sunday, 3 Dec]
Day trip to Mie.

• Take the Iseshima Liner from Tsuruhashi Station (near Namba/Dotonburi) to Ise. Bonus: take the Hinotori from Osaka to Tsu, then transfer to Mie. (non-JR)
• Hit up Ise Jingu (伊勢神宮) [both inner and outer] and Okage Yokocho (おかげ横丁)
• Try to eat Matsuaka Beef or Ise Udon for lunch.
• Head westwards to Futamiokitama Shrine (二見興玉神社) / Meotoiwa Rocks; and if further time permits, go to Toba for the Ama Viewing Platform.
• Take the returning Shimakaze Limited Express train back to Osaka (note: only one train at 1630; if this train is missed, change to normal express trains). (non-JR)
• Retreat back to Osaka for the night. Consider doing any other night activities in Osaka if time, and body permits.

Day 23: Osaka ('north' Kyoto day trip) [Monday, 4 Dec]
(north) Kyoto day trip.

• Take a stop at the Kyoto Railway Museum. Optional: also consider heading to To-ji Gojunoto first if I reach Kyoto way early before 10am.
• Walk back to Kyoto station, and take a bus northwards to Kyoto Manga Museum.
• Hop on the bus direct from the Manga Museum to Kinkakuji. [bus 15]
• Select one of two side-trips:
  • EITHER head westwards to Arashiyama (note: already visited once in the summer but I still think it nice to visit in autumn/winter this time round). Bonus: experience sunset along the Togetsukyo Bridge.
  • OR head eastwards to Higashiyama (closes 1700), Philosopher's path etc (did not visit these in my past trip here so there's the 'new' factor, but it is going to be a physically taxing day. Also, most likely will reach here nearing evening i.e. closing time thus there's a limit to how much I can visit realistically).

Whichever choice, return back to Osaka for the night. Look out for Kyoto-specific food such as Yudofu, Saba Sushi, Warabi Mochi, Nishin Soba (にしんそば) etc.
Day 24: Osaka ('south' Kyoto day trip) [Tuesday, 5 Dec]
(south) Kyoto day trip edition (mainly Uji and Fushimi).

• Zip from Osaka to Kyoto via Keihan to Uji Station.
• Spend the better half of the morning in Uji.
• Visit the Byōdō-in and the nearby Tonoshima and Tachibana Island.
• Hike up to the Daikichiyama Observation Deck to oversee Uji as a whole. On the way down, explore Ujigami Shrine.
• Take the chance to buy some Uji tea as gifts to relatives. Have lunch along the Omotesando Road.
• Head further northwards to Fushimi, and do another hike up Fushimi Inari. (Note: visited once in the past but I liked the experience thus I would like to do it again.) Bonus: if its done in the evening.

Head back to Osaka and retire for the night. Consider doing any other night activities in Osaka if time, and body permits.
Day 25: Osaka (wildcard) [Wednesday, 6 Dec]
Spare day to do whatever I feel like doing OR reallocate this to another prefecture. Intentionally left blank for later planning
-------------
Kanazawa, Gifu+ (4 days)
Specific thoughts while planning:

1. Is it likely for the skiing season to open around 9~10 December at Shiga Kogen or Nozawa Onsen? Would very much like to try skiing for fun, but am uncertain if the snow condition would be satisfactory by then. Some of the skiing website indicates that these two destinations are usually the first to open. I would like to seek advise on this if possible [never skiied before].
2. As an additional question to point 1, is 2 days adequate just to get a flavor on skiing?
3. Kanazawa is a pretty solid jump point to Shirakawago/Takayama via express buses (~1 to 2 hour one way).
4. My initial planning considered going to Kurobe Gorge (Toyama) but apparently the railways are closed from December onwards. Please correct me if I am mistaken.
5. Another sightseeing train in Kanazawa that I can fit in nicely in my current plans (花嫁のれん), runs on Mon/Fri/Sat/Sun.

Day 26: Osaka Ishikawa (Kanazawa (Kanazawa cityside)) [Thursday, 7 Dec]

• Zip from Osaka to Kanazawa via Limited Express Thunderbird in the early morning (~3hours; ideally the 0740 or 0810 service). Drop luggage at the hotel near JR Kanazawa and explore the cityside.
• Have lunch at the Omicho Market (近江町市場), OR at Higashi Chaya District.
• Stroll around Kanazawa Castle (金沢城, Kanazawajō) and the nearby Kenrokuen (兼六園) / Seisonkaku Villa (成巽閣, Seisonkaku) .
• Consider visiting one or more of the nearby museums if possible:
  • D.T. Suzuki Museum OR
  • National Crafts Museum OR
  • 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
• Optional: Head southwards to Myoryuji Temple + Nishi Chaya District.
• Optional: Head northwards to Higashi Chaya District (if not done for lunch).

Any outstanding spots not completed today, to be rolled over to the next 2 days (if possible).

• Retire in Kanazawa for the night. Be on the lookout for Kanazawa-specific food: Gold-leaf ice cream, oden, hanton rice
• Optional: have a stay at Yuwaku Onsen for at least one night for anime-related reasons. (Hanasaku Iroha)

​
Day 27: Ishikawa (Kanazawa cityside) / Gifu (Shirakawago, Takayama) [Friday, 8 Dec]

• Day trip to Shiwakawago and Takayama via Nohi bus (non-JR, ~1h). Grab the morning bus express bus to Shirakawago and explore the place in the morning. Experience early snowfall (?) there. Optional: visit Ainokura on the way towards Shirakawago.
• Take another express bus down to Takayama for lunch (~1h travel time).
• Explore what Takayama has to offer. Stroll along the old town near the bus terminal and visit the Takayama Jinya. If time permits, stroll along the Higashiyama Walking Course.
• Optional: pay a visit to Hida Folk Village.
• Return to Kanazawa via Hida Limited Express to Toyama Shinkansen to Kanazawa, OR take the same Nohi express bus directly back (non-JR).
• Retire at Kanazawa for the night. Last express bus from Takayama to Kanazawa is 1630, arrive at 1845. Alternatively, head northwards to Toyama via JR and transfer to Kanazawa.

​
Day 28: Ishikawa (Kanazawa cityside / outskirts) [Saturday, 9 Dec]
Side trip to Wakura Onsen / Nanao for anime-related sightseeing. (Insomanics after Class, Hanasaku Iroha)

• Zoom from Kanazawa up to Wakura Onsen/Nanao via Limited Express Noto Kagaribi. Do some sightseeing related to Insomanics after Class and Hanasaku Iroha.
• Do some train spotting with two anime along the Noto Railways. Stop at Nishigishi station for some sightseeing. (non-JR)
• Return to Kanazawa in the evening from Wakura Onsen via the sightseeing train Hanayomenoren [花嫁のれん, last train 1630).
• End the night at Kanazawa.

Day 29: Ishikawa (wildcard) [Sunday, 10 Dec]
Spare day to do whatever I feel like doing OR reallocate this to another prefecture. Intentionally left blank for later planning
--------------
Tokyo (~6 days)
Specific thoughts while planning:

1. Specific interest to target: anime/vtuber stuff, music (piano in particular), bookstores etc.
2. This is the point in time I should go ham on souvenier purchase if I have not done so. I'll probably get an extra cardboard box or duffel bag to lug with me to the airport to store extra stuff.
3. Would like to seek recommendation on where I should set my base for the 5~6 days here. For now I am planning to pit at Ginza, subject to availability and cost. My thought is that as long as its along the Yamanote line everything rolls I suppose.
4. Hard pass on Golden Gai on the Shunjuku leg (I do not drink).
5. There's way too many to list in terms of what I would like to do in Tokyo, but I have listed items that are of particular interest to me first within the available time frame. If you have strong opinions on specific locations do let me know.

Day 30: Ishikawa (Kanazawa) Tokyo (Ginza) [Monday, 11 Dec]

• Zip from Kanazawa to Tokyo via the Hoririku Shinkansen in the morning (just north of two hours). (TBC : If I can optimize my schedule better, I can try squeezing two days here for a stop at Nozawa Onsen / Shiga Kogen (Nagano) for a short ski experience).
• Deposit luggage at one of the Ginza hotels (TBC: subject to cost; might swap for another location later on)
• Explore ('south') Tokyo with the remainder of the day.
• Marvel at the architecture that is the Tokyo Station and its surrounding.
• Visit the Imperial Palace.
• Head south towards the Mori Art Museum (closes 2200)
• End the night with a stop at Tokyo Tower (closes 2230).

Day 31: Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku and Nakano) [Tuesday, 12 Dec]
Explore ('west') Tokyo, namely Shibuya, Shinjuku and Nakano.

• Start off with an early day visit to Meji Shrine / Yoyogi Park.
• Head up to Shinjuku. Spend the remainder of the morning and lunch exploring Kabukicho, Hanazono Shrine and Omoide Yokochō (ideally have lunch here). Also make a pit stop at Kinokuniya's flagship store at Shinjuku.
• Head northwards to Nakano Broadway and trawl for anime goods for several hours (closes ~1900)
• Head south down back to Shibuya and experience the crossing in peak night condition. Walk around and soak in the atmosphere. Optional: stop by the Ishibashi music store at Shibuya (closes 2000).
• Cap off the night and look at the night view at Shibuya Sky (closes 2230). Zip back to the hotel at Ginza.

Day 32: Tokyo (Akibahara, Asakusa and Sky Tree) [Wednesday, 13 Dec]

• Kick off the day with a morning visit to Asakusa (i.e. Sensoji).
• Transit over to Tokyo Skytree to watch the Tokyo cityscape in the day.
• Trawl around Akibahara for the afternoon. (Animate, Sega claw machines, etc).
• Also stop by Ochanomizu for sightseeing (Suzume no Tojimari)
• Zip back to the hotel for the night. If time permits, stop by the two flagship music stores along Ginza: Yamaha Ginza and Yamano Ginza. Also, visit Itoya Ginza (stationary store).

Day 33: Tokyo (Kamakura day trip OR Ikebukuro) [Thursday, 14 Dec]
EITHER take a day trip Kamakura, OR explore northern Tokyo (Ikebukuro)
Kamakura leg:

• Make a detour to Used Tyre Market Sagamihara Store to experience the retro vending machines. Then head southwards to Enoshima.
• Look at the giant Buddha statue and stroll along Hasedera.
• Take the Enoden to Enoshiima and explore the island.
• Take the JR back to Ginza and retire for the night.

Tokyo (Ikebukuro leg):

• Visit Otome Road for otaku related stuffs.
• Trawl the usual suspects such as Bic Camera etc.
• Make a stop at the Mejiro Gardens.
• Visit the Waseda International House of Literature (The Haruki Murakami Library) at Waseda University.

Day 34: Tokyo (wildcard) [Friday, 15 Dec]
Spare day to do whatever I feel like doing OR reallocate this to another prefecture. Intentionally left blank for later planning
​
Day 35: Tokyo Home [Saturday, 16 Dec]

• Contemplate life at the hotel, doing whatever I feel like for the morning and early afternoon. Bonus: have an early breakfast at Tsukiji Market in the morning if staying at Ginza.
• Clear any last minute administrative matter (if any), or do (very) last minute sightseeing/buying. Most likely limited to Ginza and Akibahara.
• Get a nice lunch omakase to cap it off if possible. (taking recommendations if anyone has one, ideally meat/beef centric instead of just sushi).
• Head off to Narita from Tokyo Station via NEX just after lunch at 1430 1530 to Narita, flight at 1830.

END
---------------------
If you're still reading up to this point, here's my own personal ramblings/thoughts on JR pass usage:
I have thought of two ways of doing this for the first 21 days:
a. easy-mode : just get 21 days JR global pass before the price hike at 60450 yen, OR b. hard-mode: get a 7 day JR global pass (to cover the NEX fees, the basic fee on the Sunrise Seto to Shikoku, as well as limited express trains within Shikoku) (29650) + 5 days for JR Okayama Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass (15000) + 4 days for JR Sanin Okayama Area Pass + 5 days for JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (10000) for a total of 59230.
The initial conclusion was to go with option A since that reduces the administrative burden, but I realized the individual passes do have its own perk which truimphs over the global JR pass. For instance, the Sanin Okayama Area Pass provides a (minor) discount for the Adachi Museum of Art; the Kansai Wide Pass covers the Kyotango route between Kinosaki Onsen and Amanohashidate which the global JR pass does not cover, JR Okayama Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass covers JR buses within Hiroshima for free, therefore I am inclined to go with the hell option (option B) as it stands.
For the remaining 14 days, I could also get the global 14 day JR pass at 47250 yen but it is not worth it at all, because I will be relying largely on Kintetsu for the Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Mie leg which the JR pass most certainly does not cover.

• For the Osaka/Nara/Mie/Kyoto leg, I intend to make good use of a mix of both local metro and the Kintetsu rail pass for 5 days (4900). If I do exploit Kintetsu's limited express train to its fullest, I should be able to save money by buying the pass. The Osaka Amazing Pass at 2600yen a day does not make financial sense for me this time round, given how little I am exploring within Osaka.
• For the Osaka Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama leg, the preferred pass of choice is the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass over the global JR pass, in large part because this pass fully absorbs the Nohi highway bus fees (which can rack up quite a lot at ~8000yen for a return trip between Kanazawa and Shirakawago/Takayama). Also this absorbs the Thunderbird fee. One major issue with my current plan is that it does not cover Wakura Onsen nor the sightseeing train.
• For the final Kanazawa Tokyo leg, the preferred choice is the Horuriku Arch Pass that covers the direct Shinkansen back to Tokyo, and the NEX fees to Narita when I depart from Tokyo. Will only break even with the pass at best unless I make a stop at Nagano.

So all in all, there's quite little incentive to get the global JR pass after I worked out my schedule, apart from the initial 7 days for the Sunrise Seto jump which the All Shikoku Pass will not cover.
Through the hodge-podge of multiple area passes, it works out to around 102890 yen for the whole trip of 35 days, contrast with 107700 yen for a 21 + 14 global JR pass. While there's a minor cost saving doing the hard way which sweetens the deal, the additional minor perks associated with the area passes sells it for me, as I would had to pay more out of pocket to cover non-JR pass buses/rails and such which would add up to much greater cost than I would had anticipated. Also, if I did this trip post-price hike in October, the calculus becomes a no-brainer: avoid the global JR pass like the plague.
-----
Thank you very much for your opinions, suggestions and advice in advance!

Beach condo unit in Nasugbu
For context - I'm 30F, married with no kids yet, living abroad but comes to the PH, minimim 3x per year (stays around 2-3 weeks per visit).
I've been thinking of getting a property to be used whenever I am in the PH, and also, hoping to monetize on it as much as possible. Initially, I thought of buying land outside Metro Manila (Tagaytay/Batangas area) considering that my husband and I love the outdoors. But practically speaking, I know it will be difficult to manage since my families are all in MM, and I know no one who can look after the property. So for now, I scrapped the house and lot idea, and left with two options:

1. Makati/Mandaluyong/Taguig - Found some listings around 4.5M TCP in Mandaluyong area. I'm considering these areas so it's closer to my family's house, and so my sister can use/manage my property when I'm not in the PH.

Our PH rep office is in BGC, so plus points din. I can really utilize it during my stays. (During my stays pala, I prefer to book hotels/ airbnb, and not stay at my parents' house.)

1. Nasacosta beach condo in Nasugbu - TCP 5M. I actually really liked the property plan (I have yet to visit the site though). I know my parents would also love the property, esp my father (na biglang gumagaling kapag sinabi kong pupunta kaming beach 😁).

I'm thinking the property is OK for airbnb, although I need to make more research on the occupancy rates of similar properties in the area.
I've checked the airbnb properties around Canyon Cove (the condo rentals), and so far mostly only occupied on weekends, which is not really suprising.
My only hesitancy to this option is, ayon, most likely no one will be using this on weekdays. At nakatengga lang.
My questions: 1. Anyone who has b&b business in Nasugbu/ Canyon Cove area? How is your occupancy rate? 2. The developer of the beach condo is Sta. Lucia Land. To those who have properties under this developer, any feedback/comment/ positive or negative experience 3. Yung sa Mandaluyong area, the developer is CDC Homes. Anyone who has experience dealing with this developer?
Thank you. And appreciate in advance your thoughts.

Hey! We are going for two weeks to Spain with our two year old. First stop is Madrid, then Granada, want to take a beach break at either above, not sure which is a better option. And will end in Barcelona. I booked a hotel currently in port de Sóller seems very cute. But I was wondering if the beach was any good. Seen good things about port de pollenca but am having trouble deciding. Any help (on any part of my trip) is really appreciated!

Destination Covered New Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Goa

TOUR ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 01: Arrive New Delhi

On arrival Incredible Tour To India representative shall meet you at the airport to welcome you and transfer you to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi

Enjoy full day city tour covering Laxmi Narayan Temple – The Place of Gods, India Gate – The memorial of martyrs, Parliament House – The Government Headquarters, Jama Masjid – The largest mosque in Asia, Red Fort – The red stone magic, Gandhi memorial – The memoir of father of the nation beside these some other places to visit are – Qutub Minar Complex and Humayun’s Tomb. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Delhi to Agra

Today we shall drive you to Agra. Agra is 205 kilometers away from Delhi and take 5 hours drive to reach. Arrive in Agra and check in into hotel. Later, we shall take you for a city tour covering -Taj Mahal – a poem written in white marble, the most extravagant monument ever built for love, Red Fort – a visit to the fort in ‘Agra’ is a must since so many of the events which lead to the construction of the Taj took place here, Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb – The tomb is of particular interest since many of its design elephants overshadow the Taj. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Agra to Jaipur

Early morning, drive to Jaipur. The city is 235 kilometers away from Agra and take 5 hours drive to reach. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri (Old Deserted town of Mughal Dynasty) and its monuments which include Jama Masjid, The Buland Darwaza, Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan & Panch Mahal. Arrive in Jaipur and check into the hotel. Later relax in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur

Today morning we shall take you for a tour to Amer Fort. Take joy ride on Elephant (presently Elephant Ride closed at Amber Fort for the time being). Afternoon enjoy city tour covering City Palace – occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens & buildings and a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, Royal Observatory – An observatory with some rare qualities to its credit, Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli, and the Bazaar etc. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Jaipur to Goa

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to airport to board connecting flight for Goa. On arrival in Goa met our representative and get transferred to your Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Goa

In the morning, enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Old Goa. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Goa

Full day relax by the poolside/Beach. Overnight stay.

Day 09: Goa Departure

Morning is at leisure. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board connecting flight for your onward destination.

Unlock the world, one international trip at a time!

According to human psychology, we often focus on money and go for the cheapest international trip. If you’re from India, you search for the “cheapest international trip from India” and likewise for any other country. Still, none of us focus on the planning and organization element of the trip.
Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences a person can have. Not only does it allow you to explore new cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, but it also helps you grow as an individual.
For starters, traveling expands your horizons and broadens your perspective on life. You get to see how people from different parts of the world live, their beliefs, and their daily routines. This exposure to diversity helps you become more open-minded and accepting of others. Additionally, you learn new things and gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures and their histories.
Another reason why traveling is amazing is that it allows you to disconnect from your daily routine and live in the moment. Whether relaxing on a beach, hiking through a jungle, or exploring a bustling city, traveling forces you to slow down and live in the present. This can be incredibly refreshing, especially for those constantly busy with work or other responsibilities.
Traveling also helps you build confidence and independence. When you’re in a new place, you must navigate unfamiliar terrain, communicate with people who speak different languages, and find your way around without the comfort of the familiar. This can be challenging at first, but with time, you’ll find that you’re able to handle new situations with ease and that your confidence has grown
Since the end of the global pandemic, there has been a surge of Indians who want to travel and explore all the hidden gems spread across the globe. Traveling internationally can be a life-changing experience but can also be overwhelming and stressful without proper planning. From obtaining a visa to packing, there are many things to consider before embarking on an international trip. To have the best international trip from India, we must understand the essence and importance of planning.

Importance of Planning

Planning a trip ensures that you are prepared for your travels and can enjoy your time at your destination without unnecessary stress or complications. To have the best international trip from India, understand the essence of planning –
Saves time and money: Planning allows you to research and compare different options for transportation, accommodation, and activities, helping you find the best deals and avoid overspending.
Helps you make the most of your time: By planning your itinerary, you can ensure that you are able to visit all the sights and attractions you want to see and make the most of your time at your destination.
Reduces stress: Planning can help eliminate the stress of last-minute decision-making and ensure that everything runs smoothly during your trip.
Helps you prepare for unexpected events: Having a plan can help you quickly respond to unforeseen circumstances, such as flight cancellations or inclement weather.
Allows for a more organized and enjoyable trip: Planning helps you stay organized, avoid confusion, and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Guidelines for Having the Best World trip

Book My Bharat is a renowned travel agency that provides travelers like you with comprehensive guidelines on travel destinations, making it easier for you to choose the best places to travel. Our guidelines cover local laws and customs, safety tips, health recommendations, and sustainable travel practices. By offering such valuable information, we enable our clients to make informed decisions about their travel destinations and the best places to travel in the world. Our expertise in the travel industry and our up-to-date knowledge of various travel destinations help you choose the most suitable places based on your preferences, budgets, and needs. With our guidance, you can embark on your dream journey to the best places to travel in the world, knowing you have all the information required for a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience. These guidelines will offer you the best travel experience –
Study the destination you desire to visit
If you plan a trip to a new destination, it’s crucial to study the location before you go. Researching your travel destination can help you find the best deals on flights, accommodations, and activities, allowing you to maximize your budget. By studying the destination, you desire to visit; you can identify the best time to travel, which can significantly impact prices. You can also learn about affordable accommodations and restaurants, public transportation, and other cost-saving tips. Additionally, you can avoid tourist traps that can be expensive and time-consuming. With careful planning and research, you can plan a trip to your desired destination that is both affordable and fulfilling, allowing you to make the most of your travel experience. So, whether you are planning a luxury trip or the cheapest international trip possible, studying your destination is essential in creating a successful and memorable journey.
Create a precise and prudent budget plan.
Creating a precise and prudent budget plan is crucial in successful travel and tour planning. A well-planned budget can help you make informed decisions about where to travel and what places to visit while controlling your expenses. By setting a budget, you can identify how much you can afford to spend on flights, accommodations, meals, and activities, allowing you to prioritize your spending and make the most of your travel experience. When creating a budget plan, it’s essential to consider factors such as exchange rates, local prices, and seasonal fluctuations to ensure that your budget is realistic and feasible. Additionally, it would be best if you considered any additional costs, such as travel insurance or visa fees, which can impact your overall expenses. A defined budget plan will make you enjoy a stress-free travel experience. In short, a well-planned budget is essential for successful travel and places exploration, whether you are planning a solo trip or a group tour.
Do intensive research for your ideal travel itinerary
To make the most of your travel experience, you must do intensive research for your ideal travel itinerary. A perfect itinerary can help you maximize your time and budget while ensuring you see and experience the things that matter most. Itinerary planning requires extensive research on your desired destination, including popular tourist spots, hidden gems, local events, and cultural experiences. This information can be found in travel guides, online resources, and blogs. Additionally, a travel itinerary involves organizing your trip logically and efficiently, considering factors such as transportation, accommodation, and meals. By creating a detailed holiday itinerary, you can avoid wasting time and money and make the most of your travel experience. Doing intensive research for your travel itinerary can help you plan a more meaningful and memorable journey tailored to your interests and needs. Whether planning a solo trip or a group tour, itinerary planning is critical in creating a successful travel experience.
Collect all essential documents
Collecting all essential documents is crucial in preparing for a smooth and stress-free travel experience. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, it’s crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary documents before you leave. Essential documents typically include your passport or ID, travel visas, airline tickets, hotel reservations, travel insurance, and any other permits or licenses that may be required. It’s crucial to review the specific requirements for your travel destination to ensure that you have all the necessary documents before departure.
Book all necessary flights, accommodations, and means of transportation
Booking all necessary flights, accommodations, and means of transportation is a critical step in preparing for a successful holiday travel experience. The holiday season is a busy time for travel, so it’s essential to book your flights and accommodations well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes or sold-out availability. When booking flights, it’s a good idea to search for deals and compare prices from multiple airlines to ensure you get the best deal. Similarly, when booking accommodations, it’s crucial to research the location, amenities, and reviews to ensure you get the best value for your money.
To end on a tranquil note, traveling is an enriching experience that helps individuals broaden their perspectives, gain confidence and independence, and live in the moment. Travelers can follow guidelines from travel agencies such as Book My Bharat to study their desired destination and create a precise and prudent budget plan. By doing so, travelers can embark on a dream journey to the best places to travel in the world and have a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience.

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[REQ] $100 (#Huntington Beach, California, USA) (Repay $120 on 6/13/2023) (Cashapp, Venmo)

Post contents

I'm stuck in Huntington Beach for the night, I paid $120 for a hotel room but they need a $100 deposit that I just can't make & my mom is missing all my calls. They won't refund me even though I made the reservation less than an hour ago. They said the deposit would return to me in 3-5 business days. Thank you so much.

My friend(let's call him J) recently told me that his family's restaurant is going to be demolished due to some rules made by the new government. What's the reason? I asked J if the land is his and he replied yes. Can someone explain this rule please?

Hi everyone. Visiting Srilanka in a couple of days. I haven't planned much except for a rough idea as to what I'm gonna do.
Requesting for you help to make my plan better as it was a last minute decision to visit SL 😅
Here's what I've planned.
Day 1 - Land in Colombo by 1, Hotel Check-in, Gangaramaya temple in the late afternoon, sunset at the galle face beach and try dinner at Aluthkade.
Day 2 - In Colombo. What are the different places I can cover in a day?
Day 3 - To Kandy by train. Explore the tooth relic temple and other places.
Day 4 - Morning Train to Nuwara Eliya via Nanu Oya. Spend the day sightseeing.
Day 5 - I wanted to go to Galle from Nuwara Eliya. However I couldn't find any way except coming back to Colombo and then to Galle.
Is there an alternate route that i can take or other places I can go to from Nuwara Eliya that would be on the way to Galle?
Day 6 - Spend a day at Galle exploring.
Day 7 - Morning at Mirissa and return to Colombo by night.
Day 8 - Afternoon flight back home.
Please feel free to suggest changes in itinerary. It's a very short trip. So trying to cramp up many things.
Thank you :)

Does anyone have a 2023 update of Hilton Gold/Diamond F&B credit double dip at the following Hiltons when booked on FHTHC? I have heard that Resort World no longer allows you to double dip but trying to confirm plus the other two properties.

• Conrad Resort World
  
• Crockfords Resort World
  
• Virgin Hotel Curio Collection
  
• Waldorf Astoria