Many Glacier Hotel is a National Park Lodge located inside, you guessed it, Glacier National Park in Montana that costs ~$300 and up per night. This review features room photos, my experience with the accommodations & amenities, and thoughts from my stay about the views, restaurants, and location. Speaking of location and views, you know what, if the […]
October 2024 in Kyoto, Japan: Crowds, Weather & Events
/1 Comment/in Tips & Tricks Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerOctober 2024 is the start of fall in Kyoto, Japan. Leaves begin to change color, weather improves, and big festivals celebrate the season. It’s a great month to visit to enjoy lower crowds, special events & night illuminations, with lots of things to do in the city, its temples & shrines. This guide to October […]
Southern California Itineraries for Los Angeles, Beach Cities & Beyond!
/11 Comments/in Itineraries California, L.A., SoCal /by Tom BrickerOur Los Angeles itineraries offer step-by-step 1-day plans for every area of the city, plus itineraries for Southern California outside L.A. These touring plans offer tips and strategy for the best things to do (and skip!), museums to visit, where to eat, and more. Other cities covered by these itineraries include Laguna Beach, Malibu, Pasadena, […]
Kobe Luminarie: Japan’s Wonderful Winter Illumination
/10 Comments/in Reports Japan /by Tom BrickerKobe Luminarie is one of the best winter light displays in Japan, and this free event will return in 2024 for the first time in 4 years. We attended Kobe Luminarie and wow is about all I can say. In this post, we’ll offer some background about the event, plus photos and thoughts from our experience at […]
Volcano House Hotel Review: Hawaii National Park Lodge
/6 Comments/in Hotels Hawaii /by Tom BrickerVolcano House is the National Park Lodge located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with views of Halema’uma’u Crater at the rim of Kilauea caldera that costs ~$300 to 500 per night. This review features room photos, my experience with the accommodations & amenities, and thoughts from my stay. Volcano House is “Exhibit A” in the […]
1-Day Osaka, Japan Itinerary (Best of Highlights)
/3 Comments/in Itineraries Japan, Osaka /by Tom BrickerOur 1-day Osaka, Japan itinerary offers a step-by-step plan for visiting Dotonbori (and eating!), Osaka Castle, and other highlights. We cover the must-see museums and best points of interest, all of which are easily accessible via walking and Osaka’s public transportation. If you’re looking for an Osaka itinerary that offers as many experiences as possible […]
Many Glacier Hotel Review: Flagship National Park Lodge
/7 Comments/in Hotels National Parks /by Tom BrickerMany Glacier Hotel is a National Park Lodge located inside, you guessed it, Glacier National Park in Montana that costs ~$300 and up per night. This review features room photos, my experience with the accommodations & amenities, and thoughts from my stay about the views, restaurants, and location. Speaking of location and views, you know what, if the […]
Hello Again! Where We’ve Been & Are Going in 2024
/16 Comments/in News California, Japan /by Tom BrickerYou might be wondering, who are these people and why did they email me?! If so, we don’t blame you. Many of you started following our newsletter for the updates we provided during Japan’s border closure and subsequent (slow) reopening process. Aside from some minor updates here and there to keep things accurate for 2023, we’ve […]
How Christmas in Japan is Celebrated: Unique Traditions & American Imports
/0 Comments/in Tips & Tricks Japan /by Tom BrickerThere are two things you’ll see at Christmas in Japan that might make you do a double-take: Colonel Sanders as Santa and gorgeous cakes at convenience stores. This post discusses unique traditions started by KFC, 7-Eleven and Disney, and shares our experiences spending the holiday season in Kyoto and Tokyo. Let’s start with how Christmas […]
Why You Should Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine at Night
/22 Comments/in Things to Do Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerFushimi Inari Taisha is an incredibly popular shrine in Kyoto, Japan that’s open 24/7. It’s especially beautiful at night, and this post features photos & tips of making the most of it. Visiting after sunset is one of the best travel hacks, as you can avoid crowds and have a unique experience. (Updated December 22, 2023.) […]
Is Japan Open to Tourists?
/2,709 Comments/in News Japan /by Tom BrickerIs Japan open for international individual travelers? Are borders open as normal in 2024? What are testing, face mask, and vaccine requirements for visitors? These are questions among those planning trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and this covers the answers. The good news is that we now have an answer to questions we’ve been asking for nearly […]