Are you looking for a (multi)day hike away from Japan's busy cities? The historic Nakasendo offers a unique journey through Japan’s fascinating past and picturesque landscapes. Our in-depth travel guide has all the information you may need to create your very own...
Find inspiration, tips and guides for hikes and walks around the world.
Ready to hike the Nakasendo? Here are the best itineraries for 1, 2 and 3 days
Whether you’re a novice looking for a pleasant day hike or an expert seeking a more challenging multi-day hike, the Nakasendo offers a range of options to suit all interests and abilities. We have collated 1-, 2- and 3-day itineraries along the best-preserved segments...
Explore St Vincent and the Grenadines as an independent traveller
St Vincent and the Grenadines was our Caribbean destination number five, following Curacao, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Grenada. This exotically named archipelago is 200km west of Barbados and less than 100km north of Grenada. It consists of 32 islands and cays,...
Nara’s hidden treasures: A 1-3 day itinerary for the offbeat traveller
Usually overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours Kyoto and Osaka, people who do visit Nara usually come to see just the attractions around Nara Park - including its famous deer. But there is so much more to see and do in Japan's ancient capital. From the...
Experience the Best of Hiroshima and Miyajima in Three Days
Hiroshima and nearby Miyajima Island should be on every traveller's Japanese bucket list. From the iconic A-Bomb Dome [Official website, Google Maps location] in Hiroshima to the giant floating vermilion-coloured Torii off Miyajima [Official website, Google Maps...
One week in Western Slovenia: Cool things to see and do beyond Lake Bled
As a true Kiwi, there are few countries in the world Paul considers on par with or surpassing New Zealand when it comes to natural beauty. Iceland, Norway and Ecuador are strong contenders. And now we’re adding another one: Slovenia. We’d even argue that New Zealand...
Kumano Kodo/Nakahechi Route: Choose your perfect self-guided itinerary from 2 to 5 days
Keen to hike the ancient pilgrimage trails of the Kumano Kodo? Why not walk in the footsteps of emperors and other Japanese nobility, and choose the Nakahechi route (also known as the Imperial Route)? Whether you have five days (or more) or only two, are a beginner...
Budget like a pro: How much does it cost to hike the Kumano Kodo?
If you are looking to explore the natural beauty of Japan, the Kumano Kodo should be a must-do on your itinerary. In this article, we will break down the expenses associated with hiking the Nakahechi route of the Kumano Kodo - including transportation, accommodation,...
Kumano Kodo Guide: All you need to know to hike Japan’s ancient pilgrimage trails
Whether you're after a rewarding outdoor experience or an enriching spiritual journey with one-of-a-kind hospitality, the Kumano Kodo has it all. Hiking the Kumano Kodo was one of our absolute favourite experiences in Japan (and indeed, of all times). In this guide,...
48 Hours in Ljubljana: The perfect getaway for history and nature lovers
With quaint medieval and pretty Austro-Hungarian buildings lining the Ljubljanica River, the Ljubljana Castle and the surrounding Alpine mountains, Ljubljana is one of the most picturesque capitals in Europe. It is also one of the most advanced destinations when it...
Cetinje, Montenegro: Why you should visit and what not to miss
When people plan a trip to Montenegro it’s almost guaranteed their itinerary will include the Bay of Kotor. They may even venture to the sights along the Southern Adriatic Coast (to Lake Skadar, Stari Bar or even Ulcinj). Yet one destination that is only 12 kilometres...
21 surprising things about Japan – Know before you go
Japan is a country where the ancient and modern seemingly coexist in perfect harmony. But there's much more to the Land of the Rising Sun than meets the eye. With a rich history and complex social norms, Japan may surprise even the most seasoned travellers. In this...
More than a day trip: How to experience Lake Bled without the tourist crowds
Who hasn’t seen that picture: a Baroque church in the middle of a lake, surrounded by mountains that reflect in its stunningly blue water? Lake Bled with its island church is probably THE most Instagrammed place in all of Slovenia. While it’s easy to visit Lake Bled...
How to explore the Julian Alps in 3 days: An itinerary for first-timers
We have seen many stunning mountains on our travels. The Andes in Ecuador, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and New Zealand’s Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park are among our favourites. After visiting Western Slovenia earlier this year, we have now added the Julian Alps. If...
Plitvice Lakes – Your ultimate guide to beat the crowds and find the best trails
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Plitvice Lakes National Park / Plitvička jezera [Official website, Google Maps location] is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Croatia. And for good reason: the lake terraces are easy to explore and stunning –...
Discover the Baltics: One week in Latvia
Are you planning to visit Latvia and wonder what there is to see and do (in a week)? Whether you can only spare a week to visit Latvia, or you have three weeks to explore Lithuania and Estonia as well, we’ve got THE itinerary for you – showing you a bit of everything:...
Visit Krka without the crowds (or a car) – Sustainable Travel Advice
Those of you who follow us know how much we love waterfalls. Iguazu, Niagara Falls, Semuc Champey… you name it, we’ve been there. Recently we explored Plitvice Lakes, and there was absolutely no question: we would also check out Krka National Park in Croatia. Not only...
How to walk the Camino Portuguese at a more leisurely pace
More and more people walk the Camino de Santiago/Way of St James to the Apostle’s tomb in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain every year. Movies like The Way, Looking For Infinity and I’ll Push You have done their bit in increasing its popularity among...
How much does it cost to walk the Camino de Santiago?
The Camino de Santiago/Way of St James is not for everyone. But those who do want to walk one (or several) of the routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela often do a bit of research and planning before they embark on their Camino adventure. If you are one of them,...
Resting in Santiago: 5 tips for a gentle transition to post-Camino life
Whether you’ve walked the Camino de Santiago for the first (or the n-th) time, the feeling as you walk through the old streets of Santiago de Compostela, and you catch a glimpse of the towers of the Cathedral, is indescribable. No matter how tired or hurting you are,...
15 things we wish we had known before walking the Camino de Santiago
Are you planning to walk your first Camino de Santiago and have (like we did) gazillion questions about what to expect? Are you after some insider tips beyond your Camino guidebook? Having walked our first (and very likely not our last) Way of St James, we have...