Top Wintery Destinations for Christmas and What to Bring With You

The Christmas holiday season is a magical time of the year when families and friends come together to share meals, exchange gifts, and make lasting memories. For many, it's also the perfect opportunity to pack their bags and set out on a wintery adventure, experiencing the wonder of the holiday season in a fresh, new setting. If you're contemplating a festive Christmas getaway this year, we've compiled a list of top wintery destinations and tips on what to bring with you to ensure a comfortable and merry holiday journey.

Winter Wonderlands: Destinations

You can't go wrong with a classic Christmas destination like New York City. The streets are decked in illumination and décor, and landmarks like Rockefeller Centre and Central Park become enchanting Christmas scenes. Treat yourself to some retail therapy as you marvel at enticing designer's womens jacket collections and other fashionable winter apparel.



Cross the ocean to the grandeur of Europe. A city like Vienna in Austria offers timeless appeal, with its Christmas markets, ice-skating rinks, and mulled wine; it’s a picture-perfect winter wonderland. Or head up north to Lapland, Finland. Known as Santa's hometown, this place delivers an authentic holiday experience, complete with reindeer sleigh rides and northern light sightings.

If you're craving a blend of tradition and exoticism, then head to Japan. Specifically, Sapporo, where the snow festival and extraordinary winter landscapes ensure an enchanting Yuletide celebration far removed from the ordinary.

While Antarctica might initially seem an extreme option, a visit here will surely be an unforgettable Christmas adventure. The pristine snow-covered landscapes, unique wildlife sightings, and surreal tranquillity will ensure you experience the holiday season like nowhere else on Earth.

Packing Essentials: Apparel & Accessories



Having chosen your winter destination, thoughtful packing can enhance your travel experience significantly. Start by focusing on essentials for cold weather - thermal layers, warm scarves, and loop-resistant gloves are your best friends. Don't forget to pack some stylish clothes that align with the local culture and festive season. Finally, for ultimate comfort, add waterproof shoes and warming accessories to your bag; these will prove exceptionally useful particularly in snowy destinations.

A jacket is a must-have in any winter wardrobe. Opt for versatile jackets that are both functional and fashionable. Consider parkas, wool-blend coats, and puffer jackets, ideally with a water-resistant exterior and a warm lining. A well-chosen coat or jacket can transform your look while providing necessary warmth.

Packing Essentials: Tech and Extras

Apart from attire, some smart gadgets can offer comfort and convenience during your winter journey. Portable mobile chargers ensure that your phone is ready to capture those memorable moments. Noise-cancelling headphones can provide an oasis of calm during hectic travel. A Kindle loaded with your favourite reads can be a boon during unexpected delays or simply to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

Bringing along some personal care items can also be essential. Lip balm and moisturizer help protect your skin from harsh winter conditions. If you're targeting a particularly adventurous destination, like Lapland or Antarctica, packing items like UV sunglasses and sunscreen can protect you from snow glare and UV radiation reflected off the snow-filled landscapes.

Summary



Embarking on a Christmas trip promises fairy-tale-like experiences, unforgettable memories, and a fresh perspective on the holiday season. Destinations like New York City, Vienna, Sapporo, Lapland, or even Antarctica offer boundless opportunities to immerse yourself in the Yuletide spirit. Equipping yourself with the right apparel and accessories will ensure your comfort and style throughout the journey, allowing you to focus on the pure joy of the season. Prepare well, get excited, and enjoy your holiday to its fullest, making this Christmas an experience to cherish for years to come.

Note: The pictures in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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A Traveller's Guide to Authentic Local Experiences in Japan

Japan offers a wealth of authentic experiences that allow travellers to immerse themselves in the country's unique culture and traditions. From riding scenic railways through picturesque landscapes to participating in ancient tea ceremonies, this guide explores a range of activities that provide genuine insights into Japanese life.

Ride the Sagano Scenic Railway



The Sagano Scenic Railway, also known as the Sagano Romantic Train, offers a picturesque journey through the stunning landscapes of western Kyoto.

Passengers can enjoy breath taking views of mountains, forests, and the river along the Hozugawa River gorge from the train's vintage-style cars, including an open-air carriage for an immersive experience.



The train operates from early March to late December each year, with peak seasons during cherry blossom viewing (late March to late April) and autumn foliage (mid-November to early December).

For a complete experience, consider combining the train ride with a Hozugawa River boat cruise for the return journey, offering two unique perspectives of the scenic Arashiyama area, including the stunning Bamboo Grove.

Stay at a Ryokan



Staying at a ryokan offers an authentic Japanese experience, immersing guests in traditional hospitality and culture. These traditional inns typically feature tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and communal baths, often supplied by natural hot springs.



Guests are provided with yukata robes to wear during their stay, and are served elaborate kaiseki meals, showcasing seasonal local ingredients. Ryokans are best experienced in rural areas for a more authentic atmosphere, but you can also find the inns in large cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.

Bathe in an Onsen



Bathing in an onsen, or Japanese hot spring, is a quintessential experience that offers both relaxation and cultural immersion. These natural hot springs are rich in minerals and believed to have therapeutic properties.

Some of the best places to bathe in an onsen include:

1) Hakone, renowned for its picturesque mountain scenery and diverse onsen options with views of Mount Fuji.

2) Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture, famous for its yubatake, or hot water field, in the town centre.

3) Noboribetsu, Hokkaido's most famous hot spring resort which features various types of mineral waters and the dramatic ‘Hell Valley’, full of steaming vents.

Many ryokans and hotels in Japan offer both communal onsen baths and rooms with private onsen, providing a more intimate experience.

Participate in a Tea Ceremony

Participating in a Japanese tea ceremony offers a profound insight into Japan's rich cultural heritage. Known as sadō or chanoyu, this ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha green tea is an art form that emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity.

The ceremony often takes place in a traditional tearoom adorned with tatami mats and seasonal decorations. Guests are usually served Japanese sweets (wagashi) before the tea to complement its bitterness.

One of the best places to participate in a tea ceremony is in the Nishinomaru Garden of Osaka Castle, which is particularly beautiful during the cherry blossom. Alternatively, tea ceremonies in Kyoto’s historic Gion district offer you the chance to be served by geisha, known locally as geiko, and observe their graceful movements.

Visit Famous Temples and Shrines



One of the best reasons to visit Japan is to visit its numerous famous temples and shrines. Some of the most notable are found in Kyoto and include:

1) Fushimi Inari Taisha - This shrine dates back to 711 A.D. and is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a stunning path up the mountain.

2) Kinkaku-ji - Also known as the Golden Pavilion, this temple was originally built as a shogun's villa and is famous for its gold-leaf façade that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond.

3) Kiyomizu-dera - This iconic Buddhist temple offers breath taking views from its large veranda overlooking the city, especially during cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

Also worth a visit is Sensō-ji, Tokyo's oldest temple, completed in 645. The temple is particularly beautiful at night when illuminated, highlighting its intricate architecture.

Experience a Japanese Festival (matsuri)



Some of the most renowned Japanese festivals or matsuri, are held in the summer, and include:

1) Gion Matsuri - Held in July in Kyoto, this festival is known for its grand processions of elaborately decorated floats called yamaboko.

2) Aomori Nebuta Matsuri -Taking place from August 2nd to 7th in Aomori, this festival is famous for its giant illuminated floats depicting warriors and mythical figures, accompanied by vibrant music and energetic dancers known as haneto.

3) Tanabata Matsuri - Celebrated from August 6th to 8th, this festival in Sendai is known for its stunning decorations made from colourful paper streamers, and a spectacular fireworks display on the opening night.



If you’re visiting Japan in winter, it’s also well worth visiting the Sapporo Snow Festival. Held in February, it features impressive snow and ice sculptures displayed throughout Sapporo City in Hokkaido, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Note: The photographs in this article are courtesy of wikipedia.org and have been borrowed under the creative commons license. Each photograph has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

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Beans Around the World: 4 Countries to Visit if You're a Big Fan of Coffee

Coffee-drinkers are being pampered with thousands of options when it comes to drinking coffee, and more origins of coffee beans have been discovered. There are many roasters and baristas creating their own unique flavors. There are even coffee drinks that combine beans from multiple origins to create vibrant flavors that a lot of people enjoy.

If you are serious about coffee, visiting countries where coffee-drinking is a big culture can be very enlightening. You can choose to visit countries that produce the best coffee beans in the world or go to places where the coffee culture is incredibly strong. In this article, we are going to list countries from both spectrums and see the countries to visit if you are a big fan of coffee.

Indonesia



Indonesia is home to many great coffee beans. It is also the country with the highest variations of single-origin beans, each with unique flavors, different origin areas, and plenty of stories to uncover. In fact, Indonesian beans cover the entire spectrum of coffee flavors.

Sumatra Mandheling is a good example. Sumatra Mandheling beans are rich in flavor, but with complex layers waiting to be explored. It has a very earthy note without overpowering the true flavor. Sumatra Mandheling beans’ flavors are brought out when the beans are black roasted.

Blue Bali Moon, on the other hand, has a unique note of dark chocolate due to where the beans are planted. This too is a variant with rich flavor, but it is best when medium-roasted. Get it right, and you will also get hints of vanilla in its natural flavor.

Kopi Luwak is another must-try. It is coffee that has a peculiar flavor because it comes from the civet cat or Luwak. Coffee beans consumed by Luwak are then roasted to bring out the full flavor they offer. This is currently still the most expensive coffee bean in the world.

Japan



From Indonesia, we go to Japan. Japan is not high on the list of coffee bean producers, but the coffee culture in Japan is simply too good to miss. This is the place where you can find beans from around the world being transformed into magnificent cups of coffee.

Japanese roasters are famous for their attention to detail. Dark roasted beans are never overcooked, there is plenty of new technology being used alongside traditional means, and the entire coffee scene is filled with stories to explore.

If you are looking for a destination where you can have different coffee every time, Japan is the place to go. This is where you can meet the best roasters and baristas too, plus the locals really appreciate a good cup of coffee.

Japan is littered with independent coffee shops that serve the best cups in the world. Forget about the larger chains when you are visiting Japan. The local coffee shop that is within walking distance from your hotel will definitely have a tastier cup to serve.

Brazil



We cannot talk about destinations with a strong coffee culture without talking about Brazil. Brazil has the best of both worlds; it is a producer of coffee beans and a destination with a vibrant coffee scene. However, Brazil takes a completely different approach than Indonesia when it comes to variants.

Rather than promoting single-origin coffee beans, the coffee culture in Brazil focuses more on a uniformed set of flavors that are only separated by regions in which the beans are grown. Areas like Sao Paulo and Bahia are famous for their coffee plantations.

Brazilian beans have a sweet and gentle flavor with a hint of spice and earthy notes. This flavor can be found consistently, which is why Brazilian beans are very popular among roasters who produce in larger capacities. That sweetness is also very popular among coffee drinkers.

Drinking coffee in Brazil is a clean experience. No matter where you go, you can expect a good cup of coffee being served. More importantly, you can count on that flavor consistency too. There will be no surprises while visiting Brazil.

Portugal



The last country on our list, Portugal, is famous for its love for traditional coffee brewing. This is the country to visit if you want your coffee experience to be charming and memorable. Unlike other places that take coffee seriously – we’re looking at you, Italy – the people of Portugal have fun with coffee.

You will certainly enjoy sampling the local brew. As mentioned before, coffee shops in Portugal take pride in the traditional methods they use to brew a cup of espresso. This is also the country that champions slow-roasting to bring the best flavors out of coffee beans.

Don’t expect latte art or sophisticated coffee-based drinks either. What you want to try while visiting Portugal is the espresso. A trip to this country will transform the way you see coffee entirely, including the little things that you can appreciate in coffee beans and coffee as a drink.

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Top Cruising Routes in Asia

Photo courtesy: Ponant Cruises

Asia is indeed a harmony of countless rich cultures and is home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world. Cruising Asia means enjoying an unforgettable experience as you explore the exotic landscape and unravel the colonial history. Cruise passengers heading East are sure on a wonderful experience as they come across sea cruise destinations such as Cambodia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Burma, China, Taiwan, and more. What makes Asian cruising a much more attractive option is that you can cover several countries in one go!

A Ponant cruise to Asia is a lot more than just taking a journey from one exotic port to another. You are on an unforgettable vacation of tranquil landscapes and most intriguing destinations. Ponant luxury vessels and boats add to the appeal of the captivating ancient continent with diverse cultures. Learn more about the exceptional Ponant itineraries on this website and get ready to discover some of the most enchanting and dynastic cities of Asia.

Here are some of the top cruises in Asia.

Japan Cruise


Photo courtesy: StudioPonant Margot Sib

Enjoy the best of Japan on an exceptional itinerary designed by Ponant that will take you straight to the heart of Japan. Explore the Land of the Rising Sun and its enhancing cities like Osaka, Tamano, Miyajima, Busan, and more. Learn about the history of the samurai and geishas on the Japanese cruise and admire the country’s landscaped gardens as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is your chance to discover medieval and ancient Japan.

The Seychelles Cruise



Photo courtesy: StudioPonant Morgane Monneret

For cruising Seychelles, you arrive and depart from Victoria Port, and the new and exciting itinerary invites you to discover the paradise of archipelago’s Inner Islands. Some of the essential stops include Sainte Anne Marine National Park, Curieuse Island, Praslin, and more. Enjoy unforgettable snorkelling as you get to see coral reefs with stunning species or look at the Aldabra giant tortoises within the mangrove. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, with its gigantic endemic fruits, should not be missed. Enjoy some moments of relaxation on the stunning islands with fantastic beaches.

Hong Kong to Japan Cruise

What could be better than cruising from Hong Kong and spend some days in Taiwan and Shanghai before heading for the Japanese city of Yokohama. This is your opportunity to get a taste of vast and varied cultures of the Asian region. You will come across countries and cites that are radically different but deeply honour their past. It is indeed a unique experience to see the quiet serenity of ancient times existing side by side with hyper-modernity. Throughout the trip, you can observe the modernist impulse in the traditional aesthetics and architecture of the cities and its food and culture.

Aldabra Atoll Cruise

Aldabra Atoll and its Secret Islands are very popular among the Asian cruisers. The expedition cruise invites you on an unforgettable trip aboard one of the luxury PONANT vessels and leads you to the most beautiful islands with idyllic landscapes that boast of exceptional flora and fauna. During the cruise, there would be endless opportunities to swim, dive, and snorkel, especially when you are in the Alphonse lagoon. Aldabra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to the largest population of land turtles and numerous colonies of birds.

Vietnam to Singapore Cruise




Photo courtesy: Ponant Cruises Ship

Another of the popular Asian cruise covers Vietnam and then Hong Kong to Singapore. The cruise offers you a glimpse into the Asian lifestyle and culture. Those families living in floating fish farms in Vietnam and alter halts in Hong Kong and Singapore are sure to amaze you. The cruise covers visits to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Mekong Delta.

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Travel Talk: Most Inspiring Destinations

Inspiration is a relative thing. For some people it’s music, for others it’s a wide stunning landscape. It also depends on what we need in a particular moment in our lives – at one moment a bit of architecture can unleash our own personal sense of invention, at others the play of wild animals can help us feel connected with the planet when we were feeling a spate of loneliness.

The world is full of places, people, animals, and vistas that can lift us up. We’ve put together a list of seven trips you can take around the world that just might help give you a much-needed boost when you’re feeling a little run down.

Miami, USA

Miami isn’t just for retirees anymore. The city has become synonymous with the word “culture”. Teeming with galleries, performing art troupes, music production from multiple genres, and conventions that celebrate everything from body-painting to ethnic-based film festivals, Miami seems to have something big going on three hundred and sixty-five days a year.

Petra, Jordan



There are of course historical sites a-plenty in the world, but there’s something especially inspiring about the way Petra merges into the rock walls of Jordan. It’s a beautiful meshing of uplifting architecture meeting the natural beauty of the surrounding red rock landscape.

The Continental Divide

Sometimes you just have an overwhelming desire to get up and go. For some people, that means going wherever their feet (and their visas) take them. However for those that would like something a little more goal-oriented, there is the Continental Divide Trail.

The CDT is a hike-able trail stretching from Canada to Mexico. Unlike other long-stretching trails, the CDT is still a bit of an adventure in that it is not always 100% defined. That means that sometimes the CDT is more of a vague guide rather than an actual well-trodden trail.

Santorini, Greece

If you’re looking for something with a Mediterranean flavour give Santorini a thought. First, it’s in an active volcano area – you’re likely to tackle life with a little more vigour when you’ve got a volcano to keep you motivated. Second, the art and architecture is a blend of western European and eastern Turkish flavours. Third, Jacques Cousteau loved it (he even hunted for Atlantis in the area). If Jacques Cousteau loved it (and that guy had been everywhere) then you know that it’s worth trying out. 

teamLab’s Japanese Art

If you’re looking for a new paradigm try out teamLab. teamLab is a group of Japanese artists who collaborate to blend new technologies with traditional Japanese art to explore different approaches for human behaviour in the information age. If that sounds like a mouthful, just know that they create some truly stunning displays that you can move through and explore. Their art has both a travelling show and installations in galleries and museums around the world.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia



Like Petra mentioned above, Angkor Wat is an amazing blend of nature and human architecture. Temples, statues, and other forms of architecture move through the Cambodian jungle in an almost liquid dance.

Penguin Colonies of Antarctica



There’s something immensely moving about visiting the hundreds of thousands of penguins that mate on the shores of the Antarctic (and the nearby islands), reached by an Antarctic cruise. In the face of so many of these dapper tuxedoed birds you get a really strong feeling about how alive the world is.
That feeling is often multiplied in an exponential fashion when the penguins, completely unafraid of human visitors, waddle over to investigate you just as much as you are investigating them.

Photo Courtesy: The Antarctica pictures are copyright of Oceanwide Expeditions.

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Time For A Spring Getaway? Why It’s a Bloom-ing Time to Go To Japan

Sizzle sizzle. It’s that time of year. (⌒▽⌒)

And a soft, blush-pink canopy drapes the skies of Tokyo, like someone swept a paintbrush over the city to give its people one collective excuse to let go of daily cares and live in the moment under colorful splendor.



Sakura trees in Hamamatsu, Japan - March, 2016

Chefs at closet-sized sidewalk stands shout “Irasshaimase (いらっしゃいませ)!” to customers as they grill chicken (yakitori), beef, and leeks wrapped in slices of bacon on sticks.



Teenage students in front of a large cauldron of incense at Senso-ji temple. People waft the fumes over their bodies to bestow good health – April, 2015

Kites shaped like colorful carp and smiling, eye-less daruma dolls are placed in store windows.

Religious and cultural matsuris (festivals) transform temples, shrines and quiet parks into buzzing centers of activity, as they nestle between skyscrapers. Japanese boys say “Hai, pisu!” to me.



Crowds roam the grounds of Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo - April 2015

I just love the arrival of spring in Japan, the time of year where “sakura,” (桜) or cherry blossoms, spring into bloom across virtually every stretch of Japan’s 47 prefectures, drawing hundreds of revelers for viewing, parties, and resolution-setting.

For hundreds of years, the sakura culture has been rooted in the “cycle of life, death and rebirth, on the one hand, and of productive and reproductive powers on the other.” It’s a bittersweet phenomenon, as people gather to celebrate the blossoming beauty while sadly anticipating their ending.



Jumping school girls: My friend Allyson and I celebrating sakura at the International School of Sacred Heart -April 2005

I have lovely, impactful memories of visiting various cherry blossom locations, participating in  hanami (花見) or “flower viewing” with my parents and friends, and eating special treats, since in Japan the seasons aren’t just something to see – they’re something to taste, too.



Sakura mochi at my host family’s residence in Hamamatsu, Japan - March 2016

Just another big reason for making spring the time to visit this nothing-less-than-magical country.

Where to go:

Japan is comprised of eight regions -- Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu-Okinawa -- all of which have have different dialects, customs, and subcultures, but all share one thing -- “hanami.”

In Japanese “hana” means flower and “mi” means eye. It’s such a big local and national event that travel websites and news services detail maps of sakura’s daily, blooming progress.


Credit: Japan-Guide

Generally, blooming begins in the south (Kyushu) at the end of March. The path continues through the middle portion of Japan (Kinki, Chubu, Kanto) in early-mid April, and ends up in Tohoku and Hokkaido the first week of May. All signify there are two full months of hanami. Glory! ＼( ^ o ^ ) ／



Hamamatsu, Japan - March 2016 Credit: Fusako Yamamoto of マミーズアタック

Here are a few recommendations of my favorite hanami locations:

• Hokkaido - Goryokaku (star fort) in Hakodate
• Kanto - Meguro River, Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Ueno Park, Mitsuike Park in Yokohama
• Chubu - Nagoya Castle (map), Lake Kawaguchiko near Mount Fuji
• Chugoku - Senkoji Park in Hiroshima, Tsuyama Castle in Okayama
• Kyushu - Kumamoto Castle
• Kinki- Kiyomizu-dera, Philosopher’s Path, Maruyama Park in Kyoto

Tohoku and Shikoku are known to have some fantastic spots, as well.



For more details about when and what types of sakura bloom (and how to plan your trip which you should definitely consider!), follow day-to-day updates through JNTO and Japan Info.



How to hanami:

With petal-power glory comes the intense excitement of participating in a hanami party.

Today, these parties are 24/7 in large parks, temple grounds, even near rivers, offering people the chance to relax and have fun among friends, family, or fellow employees, while sharing prayers for good health and prosperity dedicated to sakura.

When you book your trip, you’ll find hanami parties popping up virtually everywhere. More so, Japanese are very, very hospitable and welcome foreigners, so you’ll all be chatting, eating, drinking, laughing, letting loose, and living in the moment in no time.



My Japanese teacher and I celebrating the sakura - April 2009

I have many fond memories of Yoyogi Park festivals that host fun and lively hanamis:



Key items to have on hand:

+Mat or blanket sheet
+Bento box (buy at a konbini or department store)
+Beverages (beer, wine, sake)
+A good spirit

Optional:
+Portable speaker
+Pocket tissue (if visiting a  popular space there are usually long lines for toilets)
+Pocket wet wipes (find them at 100 Yen shops or “konbinis”)

Deliciousness:



Sakura motifs adorn everything in Japan -- from fans and kimonos to cups and swords. The petals have even made their way into, you know it...Food. ヾ(＠⌒ー⌒＠)ノ

They’re used as flavors, food coloring, and garnishes in items like mochi, daifuku, wagashi, green tea, and even, sakurayu (桜湯) -- cherry blossom infused water.

For foreigners, Japanese food typically means sushi, sukiyaki, and tempura, but a huge part of the food culture is incorporating nature and the four seasons into daily dishes through color, presentation, preparation and garnish. 



A big cultural deal:

A cherry blossom tree in full bloom is a sensual feast -- easy on the eyes, soft on the nose, warm on the soul.

Sakura is more than just a flowering tree. The blush pink, short-lived sakura reminds us that life is intensely beautiful -- but fleetingly short.



(L to R) Sakura in front of the Jefferson Memorial in D.C. - April 2014 and Having fun at our hanami party at the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. - April 2014

This Japanese cultural tradition has even transcended cultures and now nearly 1,700 cherry trees line the Tidal Basin here in Washington D.C. 

Floral fireworks are bursting into color in Japan and people are organizing the sakura matsuris. If you’re unable to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun this spring come celebrate this time of life renewal with me and the growing friendship between the U.S. and Japan.

Of course, you can always go over in September to experience “momijigari”, a festival that is equally as important as hanami, which focuses on the appreciation of autumn leaves. 



My friend Chaz of IAMMYLIFE and I – April, 2014
About the Author:
Lauren Zelek (LZ), my friend from the Millennial Train Project, is a cross-cultural consultant, speaker, and budding social entrepreneur who is passionate about travel and delivering authentic solutions based on needs of real people. She spent her formative years growing up in Japan, attending an international school, and expediting around Asia, now working to understand the human and environmental context of those she serves, currently: Third Culture Kids(TCKs), women, and the homeless.

Lauren is captivated by discovering cross-cultural gems that can pave the way for large-scale advances and enable meaningful human connection and collaboration. Follow her currently work with the Embassy of Japan and personal journeys on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or connect with her on LinkedIn. LZ is all about empowering people to make the most of opportunities!

Photo Credits: All the photographs in this article are copyright of Lauren Zelek.

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Top 7 Things to do in Tokyo

Tokyo – one of the most fantastic cities worldwide can provide you with so many experiences and opportunities, that it might get hard not to miss all what is important. So today I am going to help you out here, with my list of the top 7 must-do things in Tokyo. Trust me, if you follow my list, you can be sure that you have seen the real Tokyo!

Eat sushi



You can not be in Japan and don’t taste their sushi! Despite the popular myth, “sushi” just means “food on rice,” so it’s not all raw fish. And in fact, there are thousands of different variations of this dish as well, so you can choose whatever sushi you like. If you are not a huge fan of such dish – no problem. Japanese cuisine has a lot more to offer: from something more traditional like noodles to more dangerous meals for adrenaline lovers like fish Fugu. Moreover, it is worth mentioning, that Tokyo is the only city in the world with the most Michelin-starred restaurants, so if this says something for you – you know what to do!

Shop in Ginza



Every journey either begins or ends with shopping. Therefore, you need to know the exact place where the best place to do that in Tokyo is. And yes, you guessed it right – it is Ginza. It is not only one of the most luxurious shopping districts in the world but the real hotspot for all stylish Japanese as well. Here you can find many worldwide popular retails giants like Sony, or some luxurious and haute couture designers’ boutiques. Therefore, Ginza is surely a real paradise for all shoppers, and you just must make a stop here as well.

Take a tour at Tokyo Tower



As Paris has Eiffel Tower, so does Tokyo has its tower which has become a symbol of the whole city. Tokyo’s Radio Tower is clearly a must-visit place while visiting this town, and it is also definitely worth climbing it as well. This iconic landmark is currently the second-tallest structure in Tokyo, so there won’t be any better place to enjoy fantastic city panorama, than this iconic symbol of the Japanese capital.

Gaze your eyes in Harajuku



One of the most famous and widely known Tokyo’s districts – Harajuku is also worth visiting while staying in Tokyo. This is the hotspot for many alternative fashion lovers, therefore, here you can gaze your eyes upon very interestingly dressed youth and also learn a lot about sub-cultures popular in this country. You can even get a bit lucky and get a shot or two with girls dressed like Lolita or ganguro!

Check out the Tsukiji Fish Market



Many travelers who been in Tokyo always advise other travelers to stop by at iconic Tsukiji Fish Market. The reason is pretty simple – this seem-like-ordinary market is actually a real heart of the whole city because it is the primary spot where the biggest parts of the fresh fish come from. This market works strictly by its old traditions, with the daily opening at 3 A.M. and an auction at 7 A. M. Seeing how carefully locals are choosing their fish and how passionately they are bargaining for it, visiting it will be an incredible experience. So, sacrifice one night of sleep to see it. You won’t regret it!

Party all night in Roppongi

For those travelers who want to party all night long, we would strongly recommend visiting another famous Tokyo’s district called Roppongi. The number one spot for all who are willing to welcome the rising sun, Roppongi district can offer you a ton of clubs to choose from, depending on both your taste in music and financial situation.

Watch a Noh or Kabuki Play



And final thing you should do in Tokyo, is to try to catch either Noh or Kabuki play in a few traditional theaters. Noh performances use masks and tell folktales through dance and stylized motion while Kabuki plays are more about just music and dancing. Either thing you choose to see (or both!), you will get in touch with the real Japanese culture and also get a chance to admire hard work of people behind these theaters – in some cases, artists need to learn the art of practicing such plays for decades!

Now, to get your perfect trip to Japan more perfect, shop both online and off to shop for the hottest clothing and travel essentials no trip can be imagined without. As a matter of fact, you should be prepared pretty well, because, as you know, Japanese know their fashion and so should you!

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Why You Should Visit Japan This Year – Just Some Of The Many Benefits

If you’ve never visited Japan before, you should definitely give it a try. Not only will the culture shock blow you away, but there is just so much to experience that it would be a shame not to visit The Land of the Rising Sun at least once. Yes, it can be a long and potentially expensive flight, but you can solve the latter by using something like Bravofly’s iOS app to get a surprisingly affordable deal – it just depends on when you book. As for the former, it’s worth the 12 hours sat next to a screaming baby. Seriously.

The Festivals
Whether it’s the slightly alarming Hadaka Matsuri (naked festival), or the beautiful spring Hanami (flower viewing), Japan’s festivals are wonderfully unique, and it’s always worth trying to coincide your trip with one of the annual celebrations. Almost without exception, there are amazing street food stalls to open up your taste buds to new flavours and there are beautiful traditional ensembles to see too.

The Karaoke Karaoke is big. Some other countries see this sing-a-long as a cheesy way to spend a Friday night, but there is a huge culture surrounding it in Japan. Some karaoke bars are open until the wee hours of the morning, and serve all-you-can-drink beverages, as part of your initial (inexpensive) payment. Leave your nerves at the door; nobody minds if you have a bad singing voice – it’s all part of the fun.

The Beautiful Hilltop Temples
There are so many beautiful temples in Japan, but Mitaki-dera (三瀧寺) in Hiroshima gets a special mention. The natural surroundings are stunning and there are three waterfalls. It was founded in the Daido era (809), and is now often used for ceremonies for those who died during the atomic bomb. This temple is particularly stunning during the spring and autumn months, because of the lovely trees.

The Safety
Crime is almost non-existent in Japan. You hear lots of scary stories in the West, but the police here do their job exceptionally well, and the culture is just very different. If you are a female lone traveller, it’s amazing how safe you will feel in Japan. This may not be a huge plus for everyone, but travelling in a place with seriously low crime rates never hurts, and cat-calling here is pretty rare. There are even women-only carriages on trains during rush hour.

Novelty Trends
Japan loves novel trends, when it comes to their snacks and drinks. Seasonally, big brands will flavour their products with different flavours, and these can even change depending on your region. For example, during spring, there are so many sakura (cherry blossom) flavoured items, but huge companies – such as McDonalds – even cater their produce to this single country. You can find squid ink burgers that are completely black!

What would be your number one site to see in Japan? Let us know!

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Best Trips for Comic Fans

Three unique styles of comic, three completely different cities… What do the following comic book experiences have in common? For a start they are all in must see destinations, and furthermore visiting them can be made easier with the travel money services of Caxton FX.

As capital of the European Union and headquarters of NATO, Brussels could strike one as a rather serious place. But the Belgian capital is really a rather friendly city and this will have been helped in no small part by a historic and successful place on the comic book scene, with some of the country’s best loved creations continuing to provide fun and escapism in a city of treaties and summits.

By far the best known Belgian comic character is Tintin, the youthful adventurer and reporter created in 1929 by Hergé. The character is much loved in the city and the building near the Grand Place that houses a gift shop devoted to him bears a massive wall mural on its gable end. In Brussels itself you can visit some of the landmarks that inspired locations in The Adventures of Tintin, and a half hour journey out to the town of Louvain-la-Neuve and its Hergé Museum is a must.

Where to soak up the world of American comic books? You might struggle to find a flight to Gotham or Metropolis, and in New York while you might be able to envisage Spider-Man swinging from building to building the closest you’ll come to web slinging action is seeing a guy in a costume on Times Square.

If you want to experience real action then head to Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park in Orlando, Florida. Spidey is represented there with the dizzying 3-D simulation experience The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. You’ll also find Doctor Doom’s Fearfall, The Incredible Hulk Coaster – which is incredibly exhilarating – and a slice of the X-Men with Storm Force Accelatron. Besides the rides you can pick up merchandise and have your picture taken characters in costumes that are somewhat more convincing than those on Times Square – and with no obligation to tip them.

If manga is more your thing meanwhile then head to the land of its birth, Japan. The Kyoto International Manga Museum houses around 300,000 items of manga related items, including modern works and historic materials from the Meiji period of the late 19^th and early 20^th century.

Being a fan of something can result in frequent expenditure – whether you’re picking up that last minute cuddly Snowy at Brussels Airport or upgrading your theme park ticket to join the express queues, make things easier with a travel money card.

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My experience of the day Earth shook Japan–Guest Post by Amitava Biswas

I am sure you all know about the devastating earthquake and Tsunami that battered Japan earlier this month. Either you would have read about it in the newspapers or seen it on the TV or the internet. Or in some cases you would have faced it live. This was the strongest earthquake (8.9 Richter scale) to ever hit Japan and it has taken the lives of more than 10,000 people and has affected the lives of millions of people living in Japan. The entire country is still struggling to come to terms with the damage. My heart goes out to the entire nation and my deepest prayers for those who lost their lives in this natural calamity.

My childhood friend, Amitava Biswas, who lives and works in Tokyo saw and faced this natural disaster up live. He shared his experience of this tragic and eventful day with me. I was so moved by his experience that I asked him the permission to share it with you all, ‘my readers’. And I am very happy that he agreed. Coz, the entire country of Japan needs our prayers and financial support. Even if each one of us contribute a wee bit, it will go a long way in resurrecting the entire country.  Here is Amitava’s experience of that day in his own words…

My Experience of the day Earth Shook Japan
The day started as normal. Waking up at 6 AM, I was in office by 7:30 AM. In what would have been just a regular work day for me but for the events that unfolded that afternoon. I returned from a late lunch and was discussing a few things with my colleagues in my office at the 31st floor of one of the most modern buildings in Tokyo (Roppongi Hills Mori Tower) when it all started. Slowly, we could feel the building shaking and within 5-10 seconds the shaking became extremely violent unlike anything I have experienced before in Japan. Loud speakers in our office started blaring..."There has been an earthquake and if people are in the elevator they should exit at the nearest floor." My first reaction was panic simply because the shaking was so violent that it was difficult to stand without support. The best way to describe it would be the deck of a ship caught in a severe storm.

As my worst fear struck me that the building might collapse, I rushed for the exit, towards the stairs going down with the intention to evacuate.  My colleagues, panic stricken started to evacuate as well. Coming down the stairs  I prayed to the Lord briefly to save us all. Although most earthquakes  subside in 20 to 30 seconds, this one seemed to become stronger in intensity every second that we were coming down the stairs. People from the other floors had started evacuating the building through the stairs as well. Few people were colliding against each other as they were evacuating because the building continued shaking. Some of the Japanese who seemed to have been trained for this event were wearing helmets and carrying the survivor kit bag on their backs. After I had come down to about the 5th floor from the 31st floor, in what must have taken more than 5 minutes, I felt the shaking subside. I quickly hurried outside to see a huge crowd of other people who had evacuated as well. Catching a few conversations I realized that it was not only me but my Japanese colleagues as well who had never experienced such an earthquake in their lifetime.

Without doubt most of the people found the earthquake quite scary and fears were heightened when we received a strong aftershock of 7.0 within 30 minutes. Me and my colleagues decided it was best to leave the office campus and go to the proper evacuation location that we had been told to go to if such an event happened. The streets were crowded as people from other offices and buildings had evacuated as well and had come out to the streets. Suddenly we heard loudspeakers warning of Tsunami across a residential area where we were while heading towards the evacuation zone. I tried to call few of my other colleagues whom I had not seen but the mobile network was not routing my call. My data connection was fine and as I reloaded the bbc news webpage I saw that the government had issued the most serious warning of Tsunami ever. I also learnt that the quake we felt was 8.9 in magnitude and it was the largest that has ever struck Japan in recorded history. We finally made it to the evacuation zone, stayed there for around 40 minutes and then decided to make our way back to the office.   It was 5 pm already and lot of my colleagues had decided to go back home.

Some of them decided to get back  to the office to  get their jackets and coats before leaving for the day. Although I had taken my Jacket when I had evacuated, I decided I had to go back to my office because I had some office work outstanding which I had targeted to end that day.

The elevators having been shut down, I started climbing up the stairs and realized that never again should I take the luxury of having an elevator for granted. It was a tiring climb. Eventually I made it. I saw few of our staff present but the scene hardly looked normal as people were anxiously chatting with each other, trying to call friends and family, watching live coverage of the destruction that the tsunami was causing on the television screens. From our office we could see at a distance, a building in flames. As we watched the flames just blow up in what seemed to be an enormous explosion and later it engulfed the entire building. It was surreal for us to be watching this.

I opened my office email to finish my pending work, but found out that the work deadlines had been pushed out because of the earthquake!  Shortly, we received another strong aftershock. The loud speakers starting blaring again.."there has been an earthquake". I decided I had had enough for the day and decided to go back home climbing down the stairs again.

The main transportation, Tokyo metro, was shut down. Very few buses were plying and there were long queues of people to get on them. Long queues were seen in front of public telephone booths as well as people tried to reach their friends and family. The streets were full of people as everyone was  making their way back to their homes.

I also decided that I will walk my way back to my home after a few attempts to catch a taxi proved futile. The city was unlike what it used to be as huge crowds of people flooded the  streets all trying to get back to their homes albeit in an orderly manner. After a long and  arduous walk  I reached my home and saw my cupboard had fallen onto my study desk with my books  on the floor . My wall clock had fallen from the wall and it had stopped at around 2 minutes into the earthquake. After having cleaned my room  and after having a quick dinner at a nearby restaurant ,I  called my parents to let them know that I was fine and decided to go to bed.

Woke up the following day to see the devastation the earthquake and tsunami had brought to Japan. Best described by a Japanese ex-government official...as if someone had stabbed Japan and Japan was bleeding profusely. I was horror struck to see the devastation the tsunami had caused to the north-eastern coastal towns which were simply erased from the map. All that remained was destroyed houses, mangled remains of buildings, vehicles, ships , trains, lamp posts, traffic lights and other structures that were barely recognizable and were all crushed together in a debris of destruction and devastation unmatched by anything mankind could have done  himself. Entire population of several coastal towns were missing. The catastrophe this caused - 27,000 people missing or dead. People had lost their families their friends, their livelihoods, their houses, their belongings...their everything.

Putting myself in the position of the victims to get a feel of their misery and loss I realized that abyss is unfathomable. It renewed my faith in the divine, gave new meaning to everything in my life...my parents, my family, my friends, my health, my belongings, my workplace...everything seems to hold so much more meaning now, so much more to be valued, loved and cared for.

May the divine Lord rest the soul of the deceased in peace and give courage and strength to the surviving victims to overcome this catastrophe which has befallen them.

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