-
Visiting Japan’s 12 Original Castles
There are hundreds if not thousands of castles in Japan. I’m sure you’ve visited famous castles in Japan like Osaka Castle, Okayama Castle, or Hiroshima Castle. Truth is, these are all reconstructed and restored castles. The majority of castles have been destroyed due to either war, environmental disasters, or politics. A few castles scattered throughout Japan have survived these obstacles.…
-
Overnight Layover at Incheon Airport: Eat, Sleep, and Explore
For many travelers, the idea of a long or overnight layover sounds miserable. However, Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea can be a wonderful place to have a layover. There is plenty to see, eat, and do in the airport. For those that have an overnight layover at Incheon Airport or a longer layover and are itching to experience…
-
11 Things to do in Ulaanbaatar: From Cultural Sites to Shopping
When visiting Mongolia, most people tend to leave Ulaanbaatar for tours to Central Mongolia or the Gobi Desert. You never really hear anything related to Ulaanbaatar outside maybe Naadam, the huge festival that takes place every year. We spent two full days in Ulaanbaatar. I say we scratched the surface. We didn’t get to all the museums I wanted to…
-
5 Day Central Mongolia Tour: Itinerary, Sites, & Expectations
Central Mongolia is a region full of beautiful landscapes, rich history, and it’s own unique cultures. From visiting Terelj National Park to the ancient capital of Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley, there is so much to see and do. Experiences include staying in yurts with nomadic families, riding horses and camels, visiting monasteries and temples, and sampling local food from…
-
Must-see Sites Around the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
Located in Mongolia’s central region is the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape. Listed as one of Mongolia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Orkhon Valley has a surprisingly rich history, is home to the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, and has stunning natural beauty. There are archaeological sites scattered throughout the region, cultural landmarks, and beautiful nature areas that make the…
-
Visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park from Ulaanbaatar
Are you looking for great or easy day trips from Ulaanbaatar? Or perhaps you want to stay in a yurt but only have enough time for one night. Maybe you just want to get outside the city and do some hiking and see cultural stuff. If all that sounds great, then it’s highly recommended to visit Gorkhi-Terelj National Park. Just…
-
Packing Tips for Mongolia: What to Pack & How to Prepare
Are you traveling to Mongolia and wondering what to pack for your trip? Or how to prepare for a trip to Mongolia? I spent a week in Central Mongolia, stayed in yurts with nomadic families, rode horses, rode camels, toughed the cold autumn nights, and so much more! I feel like visiting Mongolia was much different then any other trip…
-
Staying in a Yurt (Ger) in Mongolia: What it’s like & What to Expect
Have you ever wondered what staying in a yurt is like? I grew up dreaming about it. Staying the night in a yurt has always been a travel bucket list dream of mine. I just love the idea of being in rural Mongolia living a nomadic lifestyle even if its only for a day or two. I finally got the…
-
Travel to Ishigaki: Getting Around, What to Do, and so much more
Ishigaki is the second largest of the Yaeyama Islands, after Iriomote and is easily accessible via flight from Naha, Okinawa. Ishigaki is known for its world-class diving, beautiful beaches, and Ishigaki Beef. Renting a car is the best way to explore the island and view everything at your own pace. If you have plans to travel to Ishigaki, this post…
-
How to Get to Taketomi Island and What to do There
If you are curious what a traditional Ryukyu Village used to look like then visiting Taketomi Island might be one of the best preserved villages in the Yaeyama Islands of Okinawa, Japan. A quick 10-minute ferry ride from the Island of Ishigaki, is the small island of Taketomi. Rent a bicycle and explore the islands beautiful beaches, traditional houses, and…
