General

19th January 2025

How to enjoy a capsule hotel stay in Japan

Have you considered staying in a capsule hotel on your Japan trip? Here is a handy guide if you are not familiar with this convenient budget friendly type of accommodation.

12th January 2025

Cruelty-free Japanese beauty – Shop cruelty-free!

Do you like Japanese Beauty hauls? Please do it with a conscience. This post introduces you to some cruelty-free Japanese beauty brands and where to find them. Japanese beauty and skincare products are great, so buy cruelty-free and enjoy! All have been purchased and tried by me!

31st December 2024

My worst 2024 travel fails

Yes, let’s write a entertaining post about the trainwrecks that are my worst 2024 travel fails, because who doesn’t like a bit of cringe. Truth is, I am learning from all these fails, and if you won’t find enough amusement, you might actually not make …

28th December 2024

“To Face the Truth” My 2024 travel year review

The traditional end-of-year retrospective musings of trips completed and not completed.

15th December 2024

The perfect Uzbekistan Textile Lovers Itinerary

If you asked me about a single destination for the best textile arts, I would have a hard time deciding, but it probably would be Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan textile lovers, this itinerary is for you. Having written plenty about the textile shopping in Uzbekistan here already, …

8th December 2024

My favourite travel gifts of all time

My favourite travel gifts are immaterial, and can be anything that enhances my travel experience. In most cases, other from being plain cash, a lovely special accommodation or an upgrade are my best travel gifts of all time! This post shows you some tried and tested destinations, special hotels and experiences you can gift to the traveller in your life!

24th November 2024

How to buy a beautiful authentic Laguiole knife

This post details how to recognise authentic Laguiole knives, explains where and how Laguiole knives are produced, and where to shop for them. It concentrates on buying directly from one of France’s Laguiole knife producers in laguiole or Espalion, beautiful places in Southern France well worth a visit

17th November 2024

A fun trip to Laguiole, the French knife paradise

You may have heard of the famous French Laguiole knives with their distinctive bee decoration. If you like cooking and fine cutlery, visit Laguiole and watch artisanal knife production in this beautiful village in Southern France, well off the beaten track and easy to visit by car!

3rd November 2024

My Quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto

On a quest to find the best dessert in Kyoto? Let’s search together! A work in progress, this post introduces you to some outstanding dessert restaurants of Kyoto, and give you an introduction to classic Japanese desserts.

27th October 2024

Shopping in the Caucasus: Great Souvenirs from Armenia and Georgia

Your guide to shopping in the Caucasus is here! I am finally beginning to catch up during this period of not travelling very much. I mean, I could go, but due to the nature of my work, I am still somewhat more needed here in …

27th October 2024

Finding Vegetarian Food in Japan – Mission Impossible or Easy as Pie?

Being a vegetarian or vegan when travelling in Japan can be a bit challenging, but with a list of foods and a bit of Japanese it is not impossible. This post will suggest vegetarian-friendly foods and advise how to avoid fish and meat products when travelling in japan.

20th October 2024

Is exclusive Saiho-ji in Kyoto (Koke-dera) worth visiting?

Saiho-ji, also known as Koke-dera, the Moss Temple, is a small temple in Western Kyoto that operates a strict entry policy and charges comparatively steep entry fees. Therefore, it draws far fewer crowds. Is it worth the trip and visiting for its exemplary Japanese dry landscape garden and famous moss gardens?

6th October 2024

How to enjoy the Gion Matsuri as a tourist

Gion Matsuri is a vibrant month-long festival taking place in Kyoto in July every year. It is huge and has so many highlights and is great for tourists to enjoy. Here is a guide on how to experience the best of Gion Matsuri as a tourist.

29th September 2024

How to enjoy the Nachi no Ogi Matsuri as a tourist

Do you want to visit the beautiful Kumano Kodo Region and take part in their famous fire festival, the Nachi no Ogi Matsuri? I visited in 2024 and am sharing my honest tips on attending this festival as a tourist, with timings, practicalities, and where to base yourself

8th September 2024

How much does a 10-Day Japan trip cost?

How much is a trip to Japan? Well… it may cost less than you expect! Start with a reasonably priced flight, consider travel outside the main season, and book well in advance! This post is a spending breakdown of ten days, travelling on a moderate budget, taking in two major festivals