Anja, Author at Holiday-Golightly

12th May 2024

3 Days in Nagasaki: My favourite Nagasaki itinerary

My Nagasaki itinerary showcases a practical and enriching three-day itinerary for exploring Nagasaki, with an emphasis on local transport and key attractions. Highlights include historic sites like the Suwa Shrine, engaging museums, scenic walking routes, and the stunning Mount Inasa Night View. The guide also covers practical accommodation options, transport tips, and dining suggestions to enhance the visitor experience in Nagasaki, reflecting its rich history, cultural diversity, and natural beauty.

11th May 2024

Shu Matsubara Knives – the perfect Kyushu Souvenir

My first Nagasaki souvenir, a Shu Matsubara knife, remains sharp a year after purchase, evoking fond memories of Kyushu each time I use it. Shu Matsubara, located in Omura, offers traditional and modern Japanese knives forged by the dynamic Katsuto Tanaka, who trains the next generation of smiths. My initial purchase led to subsequent visits, enriching my collection with a personalized knife. Shu Matsubara Knives, not just a store but a workshop, provides an enriching experience for those looking to own quality Japanese knives.

5th May 2024

Relax at Nagasaki Onsen – with a detailed onsen guide

Exploring onsens in Nagasaki offers a quintessential Japanese experience, highlighted by visits to various natural hot springs. Each onsen provides distinct experiences—from serene, traditional settings to modern facilities with diverse baths and saunas. Essential tips for onsen usage include proper etiquette and what to bring. Also outlined are directions for reaching each location. Whether seeking relaxation, therapeutic baths, or cultural immersion, Nagasaki’s onsens cater to all.

28th April 2024

Nagasaki – the perfect small Kyushu city to visit

Nagasaki, offers a rich mixture of history, from its trading past with Dutch and Chinese through Dejima Island to the poignant Atomic Bomb Museum. The city also boasts a scenic location with a pleasant climate and is surrounded by forests and volcanoes. Despite its traumatic history, Nagasaki is forward-looking and cheerful. Visit Nagasaki on your Japan trip!

21st April 2024

The best routes to Scotland’s Highlands and Islands

In March 2024, we traveled to Scotland’s Outer Hebrides .Opting for car hire in Edinburgh for flexibility, we compared three travel routes to the Western Isles, enjoyed dramatic Scottish landscapes, and navigated unpredictable weather. We emphasize the importance of early booking, particularly in peak season, and share practical tips on accommodations, car hiring, ferry services, and potential public transport use – all based on our first-hand experience, without any sponsorship.

14th April 2024

Cool Oman mini road trip to Al Hamra and Nizwa

On a mini road trip in Oman, I explore beyond Muscat, visiting culturally and naturally rich destinations like Nizwa, Bahla, and Al Hamra. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fortress, charming traditional villages, and bustling souks, all easily navigated by a hired car for an immersive two to three-day journey.

7th April 2024

Diving in Muscat, Oman

Can you dive well in Oman? And what is diving in Muscat like? The coastline of Oman is over 3000km long, with plenty of diving opportunities along larger settlements. And yes, you can dive really well in Muscat. Prime diving spots, starting with the North, …

1st April 2024

Two Wheels and a dram: Our Islay whisky trip – with a bit of cycling

While unable to travel, there’s an opportunity to recap something older that may otherwise never see the light of day. It may delight, in this case, lovers of whisky. I never wrote about my Islay whisky trip. It’s been a while, but as I occasionally …

1st April 2024

Where to stay in Muscat on a budget

Oman is still an affordable destination, but definitely not a budget destination. Are there even nice hotels to stay in Muscat on a budget? When I recently visited the capital of Oman on a diving trip, I was quite conscious on where to find good …

18th February 2024

Why Oman is great for solo female travel

Oman is an excellent destination for solo female travelers, mixing traditional and modern influences with a history dating back 8,000 years. Despite limited public transport, renting a car makes exploring its spacious towns feasible. Oman’s people are known for their genuine friendliness and tolerance, due to the Ibadi Islam practiced there. The country offers diverse activities and safe, budget-friendly accommodations, with a more conflict-free environment than neighboring states. Despite being an absolute monarchy, travelers can enjoy its rich culture and nature with peace of mind.

11th February 2024

How to transfer in comfort at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport

Have you ever transferred through Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport (IATA Code: SAW) ? If so, how did you find it? If you are heading from Europe to destinations in the Middle East and Asia on a budget, you may inevitably pass through it at some …

11th February 2024

The honest Diary of a new Scuba Diver

You may wonder, what does a new scuba diver have to say, other than… “just do it!” Well, if it’s no more than that, and if this post just encourages one other person to take up diving, I will be happy. The sea has always …

14th January 2024

Treasure Hunting in Arita

Treasure Hunting in Arita was dream come true. I love Japanese ceramics and porcelain. Many years ago, trips to the now defunct Oriental City were a wonderful respite from toiling away in a laboratory. Years later, my already decent Japanese tableware collection was supplemented by …

7th January 2024

Okawachiyama, the Beautiful Village of the Secret Kilns

When you love Japanese ceramics, visiting Saga Prefecture on Kyushu Island is highly recommended. I studied in Nagasaki this year , so a trip to the kilns of Arita and Imari was pretty high on my wish list. When I wrote my Japanese Ceramics Dream trip …

29th December 2023

“A Red Letter Day”: My 2023 travel year review

So, the end of the year is near… let’s write a wrap-up of the years travels. The traditional “between the years” 2023 travel year review. As the title suggests, it was a pretty good one! And, in the words of my teenage favourites, the Pet …