Travel Resources

What is Christmas like in Australia, and what is open in Sydney and Melbourne?

Christmas in Australia is a summer holiday: shops in New South Wales and Victoria must close on Friday 25 December unless exempt, Boxing Day on Saturday 26 December is a big sales and sport day, and both states add a public holiday on Monday 28 December, according to their governments. The Boxing Day Test runs from 26 December at the MCG, Australia v New Zealand, and Melbourne's Carols by Candlelight is on Christmas Eve. School holidays run from about 18 December into late January, so this is the peak domestic travel season. A strong El Niño also raises the chance of hot, dry weather. We were in Melbourne from 21 to 25 January 2023 and Sydney from 17 to 19 February 2023, so this page comes from Australian government, venue and event sources rather than our own Christmas there.

What Is the Dress Code at Temples and Shrines in Japan?

Japan has no national dress code for temples and shrines, so shorts, T-shirts and sneakers are fine at most of them. Dress neatly, take your hat off, and carry clean socks, because shoes come off in many temple buildings. A few temples do set rules: Nanzoin in Fukuoka can refuse entry for bare shoulders, shorts above the knee or visible tattoos. Japan's tourism organisation asks visitors to avoid overly revealing clothing and follow posted signs, so a sign at the gate beats any general advice, including ours. South Korea works in much the same way; its rules are further down.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it in 2026, and which routes actually pay it off?

For most first trips, no. The 7-day nationwide Japan Rail Pass rose to ¥53,000 on 1 October 2026, though the official site is keeping the old ¥50,000 price for a limited time, and a standard Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka loop costs about ¥30,000 in single tickets. The pass starts to pay when a single week includes Hiroshima or Kanazawa on top of Tokyo and Kyoto. Below are the regular one-way fares for the routes visitors actually ride, three sample weeks priced both ways, and the cheaper regional passes that beat the national one in Kansai. Fares were checked in October 2026 and are regular-season reserved seats.

Read more →Oct 29, 2026

What is the dress code for the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, and is entry free?

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is free to enter, but it is a working mosque: shoulders and knees must be covered, women should cover their hair, shoes come off, and tourist access pauses around each of the five daily prayers. The longest pause is Friday midday. There is no ticket, so anyone selling you one is selling a tour. We spent 16 days in Istanbul across October and November 2023, and the mosque is the one major Sultanahmet sight where timing matters more than money. The operating schedule is not published in English by an official source, so the hours below come from visitor reports and should be checked on the day.

What should I wear to visit a mosque in Albania?

Visitors can usually enter mosques in Albania outside prayer times. Cover your shoulders and knees, women should bring a scarf for their hair, and take your shoes off at the entrance. Et'hem Bey Mosque on Skanderbeg Square in Tirana is the one most travellers want to see, and entry is free with a donation welcome. The rules here come from local tourism guides rather than a national authority, and they do not all agree on how strict the scarf rule is. We were in Tirana from 16 to 20 September and 7 to 12 October 2023, and also in Shkodër and Berat.

What is Christmas like in Seoul, and what is open on 25 December?

Christmas Day is a public holiday in South Korea, so Friday 25 December 2026 starts a three-day weekend. Offices and banks close, but shops, cafés and restaurants stay open, and central Seoul is busy, not shut. Holiday calendars agree on the date, though we could not open the government's own regulation text. The focus this year is Myeongdong: Lotte Department Store said in July 2026 that a new 77 m media wall opens there for the Christmas season, close to Shinsegae's existing display and Myeongdong Cathedral. Seoul's Winter Festa had no 2026 dates when we checked, so the programme below is the 2025 pattern. Expect hard cold, with average December lows of about -3°C. We were in Seoul from 7 to 12 June and 4 to 9 July 2023, so this comes from Korean official and news sources rather than a Christmas there.

What is the dress code for the Sagrada Família, and how much are tickets in 2026?

The Sagrada Família has a short, specific dress code: no see-through clothing, trousers and skirts that reach at least mid-thigh, no swimwear, no bare feet, and no hats in the nave or museum. Shoulders are not mentioned, which makes it more relaxed than the cathedrals of Córdoba or Venice. Tickets are sold online only: the basic individual ticket is €26 and the version with the towers is €36, both including the audioguide app. We spent 5 days in Barcelona in July 2022. This page covers the rules as published by the basilica's own site, the 2026 prices, opening hours by season and what happens at the bag check.

What should I wear to visit a mosque in Turkey?

Non-Muslim visitors can enter most mosques in Turkey outside prayer times. Cover your shoulders and knees, women should cover their hair, and take your shoes off before the carpet. This is the big difference from Morocco, where most mosques stay closed to non-Muslims. Turkey's main tourist mosques are free, with Hagia Sophia the expensive exception. These rules come from travel guides and mosque visitor notes, because we could not find one national rule for tourists, so follow the signs at the door. We were in Istanbul from 12 to 27 October 2023 and again in November, with stops in Ankara, Göreme, Pamukkale and Selçuk.

What should you pack for Australia?

The most important packing decision for Australia is what NOT to bring: food, plant material, animal products and muddy outdoor gear are biosecurity risks, and anything in those categories must be declared on arrival or binned before the border. Declaring costs you nothing but a few minutes; not declaring can bring a fine and, for visitors, visa cancellation. After that, Australia needs a type I plug adapter, serious sun protection, and insect and stinger gear if you go to tropical Queensland. We spent January and February 2023 in Australia: Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road, the Grampians, Coonawarra and Adelaide, then Alice Springs, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Cairns, the Daintree and Sydney.

What should you pack for Istanbul and Cappadocia?

Istanbul and Cappadocia need two different bags: a city kit for Istanbul's hills, ferries and mosques, and a warm layer for Cappadocia, where you stand outside before dawn waiting for balloons at well over 1,000 m. Even when Istanbul is mild, Göreme mornings are cold for most of the year, and the cave hotels are cool inside. Add a type C or F adapter, a scarf for mosques, some lira in cash and good walking shoes. We spent 16 days in Istanbul across October and November 2023, 4 in Ankara and 5 in Göreme in early November, before going on to Pamukkale and Selçuk. Clothing and dress codes have their own page: what to wear in Istanbul and Turkey.

What should you pack for a trip to Morocco?

Pack a European two-pin plug adapter, euros or a fee-free card rather than dirhams, tissues and hand sanitiser for the medina, a warm layer and a headtorch for any night in the Sahara, and leave your drone at home. Morocco's customs authority says drones cannot be brought in without prior authorisation, and dirhams are a closed currency with a 2,000 MAD limit on what you can carry in or out, so both catch travellers who don't check first. We spent 24 days in Morocco in August and September 2022, from Tangier and Chefchaouen through Fes, Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira to Marrakech, Ouarzazate and the dunes of Erg Chigaga, so this list covers the cities and the desert. Clothing has its own guide: what to wear in Morocco.

What should you pack for Hoi An and central Vietnam?

What is the dress code for Jogyesa Temple in Seoul, and how do you participate in Buddhist temple rituals?

When Is Seollal 2027 in Korea, and What Closes for Travelers?

Seollal 2027 (Korean Lunar New Year) is Sunday 7 February 2027, and the public holiday runs Saturday 6 to Tuesday 9 February: 6–8 February is the three-day Seollal holiday and 9 February is a substitute holiday because New Year's Day lands on a Sunday. Those dates come from the official 2027 calendar published by the Korea AeroSpace Administration on 29 June 2026. Many holiday calendars wrongly list 6 February, which is the date in China and Vietnam. Here is why Korea is a day later, what closes, how train tickets work, and a planning timeline. Checked 26 October 2026.

When Is Nyepi 2027 in Bali, and What Does It Mean for Your Trip?

Nyepi 2027 is Monday 8 March 2027, the Balinese Saka New Year 1949, as listed in Indonesia's official 2027 holiday decree signed on 15 September 2026. Expect Bali to stop for 24 hours from 06:00 on 8 March to 06:00 on 9 March: for Nyepi 2026, Ngurah Rai airport suspended every regular flight for exactly that window. The 2027 airport notice has not been published yet (as of 26 October 2026); in 2026 it was announced a week ahead. 2027 adds a complication: Eid al-Fitr falls two days later, on 10–11 March, with collective leave on 9, 12 and 15 March, so flights and the Java–Bali ferries will be busy all week. We visited Bali in May and June 2023, not during Nyepi, so this is the official schedule, what closed in 2026, and a planning timeline. Checked 26 October 2026.

How do you add Suica to an iPhone or Android phone, and how do you top it up as a tourist in Japan?

On an iPhone, open Wallet, tap +, choose Transit Card, pick Suica and load money with a card that Apple Pay accepts. It takes about two minutes and you can do it before you fly. If the top-up fails, which happens most often with foreign-issued Visa cards, pay cash at a 7-Eleven counter or a station machine instead. Most Android phones bought outside Japan cannot hold a Suica at all, so Android users need a physical card or a contactless bank card on the lines that accept one. Here is each route step by step, as of October 2026.

How do taxis work in Japan, what do they cost, and which taxi app should a tourist use?

Japanese taxis are safe, metered, spotless and never need a tip. Flag one with a red 空車 (vacant) sign, or book through the GO app, which has an English mode and takes foreign cards. They are not cheap: Tokyo raised fares about 10% on 20 April 2026, and a 20% surcharge applies from 10pm to 5am. A taxi still beats the train for three or four people with luggage, for short hops across Kyoto, and after the last train. Here is what rides cost, which app to install and the rules visitors trip over.

What plug type and voltage does Japan use, and do you need an adapter or converter?

Japan uses Type A sockets (two flat pins) at 100 volts, 50Hz in eastern Japan including Tokyo and 60Hz in the west including Osaka and Kyoto. Visitors from the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand need a plug adapter; visitors from the US and Canada usually don't, unless the plug has a third round pin. Phone and laptop chargers marked 100-240V work fine. Hair straighteners and dryers built for 230V do not. And since 24 April 2026, flights to and from Japan restrict how you carry and use power banks.

What medicine can you bring into Japan, and how do you buy cold or pain medicine at a Japanese drugstore?

Bring up to one month of your prescription medicine and up to two months of ordinary over-the-counter medicine without paperwork, in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription. More than that needs an import certificate, the Yunyu Kakunin-sho, applied for online before you fly. Some common medicines are banned outright: ADHD stimulants such as Adderall, and cold remedies with pseudoephedrine like Sudafed. Once you're in Japan, drugstores are everywhere and sell effective cold, pain and stomach medicine; a few strong ones need a pharmacist on duty. Here's how both sides work.

What is the dress code for St Mark's Basilica in Venice, and can you bring a bag?

St Mark's Basilica enforces a shoulders-and-knees dress code at the door, takes no bags inside, and bans photography in the nave. Bags go to a free deposit at Ateneo San Basso beside the entrance, and Sunday mornings are reserved for mass. Third-party sources put the basic basilica ticket at roughly €10 to €12 with extra tickets for the Pala d'Oro and the museum, but the official ticket office did not show the price in text we could load, so confirm on the day. We spent 3 days in Venice in July 2023, which is peak heat and peak crowds; this page covers the rules, hours and what to leave behind.

Why are flights so expensive right now?

Flights are expensive in late 2026 mainly because jet fuel roughly doubled after the Strait of Hormuz disruption and airlines responded by cutting seats, adding surcharges and raising bag fees. Fares are at a record in plain dollars, but not in real terms: adjusted for inflation, the average US domestic ticket is still roughly a third below its 1999-2000 peak. That distinction matters less to your wallet than the speed of the rise. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics airline fares index was up about 22% between September 2025 and September 2026, against overall inflation of under 4%. Below is what the data actually shows, what is driving it, whether it is likely to ease in 2027, and what you can do about it this year.

What Is Christmas in Istanbul Like, and Is New Year the Bigger Celebration?

Friday 25 December 2026 is an ordinary working day in Istanbul, and the real holiday is New Year: Turkish holiday calendars list 1 January 2027 as a public holiday, and Christmas not at all. Churches still hold Christmas services, including St Anthony of Padua on İstiklal Avenue, but their 2026 times were not published when we checked in late October. Expect cool, damp weather: the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) averages 11.8°C by day and rain on about 15 days in December. We were in Istanbul in October and November 2023, not December, so this page relies on named sources.

When Are Asia's Big Festivals and Public Holidays in 2027?

Lunar New Year 2027 is Saturday 6 February in Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines, and Sunday 7 February in South Korea, where Seollal lands a day later because of the time zone. After that, the dates that shape a trip are Nyepi in Bali on Monday 8 March, Songkran in Thailand on 13–15 April, Japan's Golden Week from 29 April to 5 May and Chuseok in Korea on 14–16 September. This calendar covers only the six Asian countries we traveled through: Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia (Bali) and the Philippines. Each date is marked as official (published by the government) or provisional (set by a lunar or temple calendar, or not yet announced). Checked 26 October 2026.

Why are there no trash cans in Japan, and where can tourists throw away garbage?

Carry a small bag and take your trash back to your hotel. That is what most Japanese people do, and it is why the streets stay clean despite having almost no public bins. When you do find bins, they are at convenience stores, train stations and beside vending machines, and they are sorted by type, so a coffee cup in the bottle slot is the classic tourist mistake. In a Japan Tourism Agency survey at airports, the lack of bins was the single most common complaint from foreign visitors. Here is where the bins are, how to read the labels, and the newer rules in Shibuya.

What are the best day trips from Bologna?

The best day trips from Bologna are Modena, Ravenna and Parma. Modena is about 20 minutes away and gives you balsamic vinegar, a UNESCO-listed cathedral and the Ferrari museums; Ravenna, about an hour away, has the finest Byzantine mosaics in Europe; Parma is under an hour on fast trains and is the home of Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma. Bologna is the best rail hub in northern Italy, so Ferrara and Florence are both well under an hour too. We spent 4 days in Bologna from 27 to 31 July 2023, between Verona and Venice, and the list below is ranked by what each trip gives you for the time on the train.

What is the dress code for Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, and how much does it cost to visit?

Doi Suthep requires covered shoulders and knees, shoes off on the temple terrace, and a fee of 30 baht for foreigners according to most 2026 guides (some quote 50 baht). The cable car is about 20 baht each way, and the alternative is the 309-step Naga staircase. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits on the mountain about 15 km from Chiang Mai and roughly 1,000 metres above sea level. We spent 6 days in Chiang Mai in December 2022, the cool-dry season when the mountain views are clearest. This page covers the dress rules, costs, hours and how to get there. It follows our general temple dress code in Thailand page but is specific to the mountain.

When should you book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights in 2026, and is it too late?

Book now: it is not too late, but waiting is unlikely to help. Hopper's 2026 Holiday Travel Index puts the average domestic round trip at $402 for Thanksgiving, up 31%, and $452 for Christmas, up 23%, which it calls 10-year highs, and advises booking before Halloween. Kayak's history shows Thanksgiving fares bottom out about five weeks before the holiday, which this year was the week of 19 October, and then climb. The bigger saving now is choosing the right days: leaving on Monday 23 November instead of the Sunday rush, or flying on Thanksgiving Day itself. We spent Thanksgiving week 2023 in Bath after a week in London, and Christmas 2022 in Chiang Mai, so we include the international picture too.

What Is Christmas in Marrakech Like, and What Is Open on 25 December 2026?

Friday 25 December 2026 is an ordinary working day in Marrakech: Christmas does not appear on any Moroccan public holiday calendar we checked, while 1 January 2027 does. Souks, sights and restaurants keep normal hours, and Ramadan is nowhere near: the UK Foreign Office identifies February 2027 as its next start. The busy time is New Year, not Christmas, when Marrakech's hotel association describes the true peak of the season. We were in Marrakech in September 2022, not December, so this page uses named sources, checked in late October 2026. We found no reliable 2026 hotel or gala prices, so we quote none.

Should I get TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and which is better for international travel?

Which European Christmas Markets Should You Visit in 2026, and When?

For a 2026 Christmas-market trip, choose your dates before your cities. Bath finishes on 13 December, while Prague’s main markets continue to 6 January 2027. This hub links all four of our market guides: Bath, Prague, Budapest and the six-city Germany guide. The dates below come from organisers and official tourism sources checked on 21 October 2026. Our destination visits do not establish that we attended every city’s Christmas market; photographs illustrate the places rather than the 2026 events.

Read more →Oct 21, 2026

How do tourists get a VAT refund in Spain, Italy and Germany?

Visitors who live outside the EU can claim back VAT on goods bought in Spain, Italy and Germany, but the minimum spend differs: EUR 0.01 in Spain, EUR 70.01 in Italy and EUR 50.01 in Germany, per Planet's country pages. In all three you ask the shop for a Tax Free form, take the unused goods out of the EU in your luggage, and get the form stamped by customs at your last point of exit from the EU, not necessarily in the country where you shopped. Then you collect the refund from the operator, less its fee. This page covers shop-to-airport steps; the thresholds and deadlines below come from Planet's country pages and a Spanish tourism page, and operators can change them, so check the form you are given. We were in Spain in June to August 2022 (Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and others), Germany in July 2023 (Berlin 3 days, Munich 5) and Italy in July and August 2023 (Verona, Bologna, Venice).

Where are the best places to spend Christmas abroad?

For a classic Christmas, pick central Europe and go before 24 December: Munich, Prague and Budapest have the markets, and Prague's main markets run on to 6 January 2027. For sun, pick Chiang Mai (cool and dry) or Sydney (early summer). The catch everywhere is the same: Christmas Day itself is quiet in Europe and busy-but-normal in most of Asia, so choose by what you want to do on the 24th to 26th, not by the postcard. We spent Christmas week of 2022 in Chiang Mai (22 to 28 December) and saw in 2023 in Chiang Rai. Our European visits to these cities were at other times of year, so for Europe we give the 2026 dates from organisers and tourism sources rather than memories of a December we did not have there.

What is Christmas like in Spain in 2026, and when are the Madrid and Barcelona markets and Three Kings parades?

Madrid's Plaza Mayor Christmas market runs from late November to 31 December 2026, according to the city's tourism site esMadrid, which had not published the exact opening day when we checked. Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia organiser had also not published 2026 dates; the 2025 fair ran 28 November to 23 December. The Three Kings parades are on the evening of Tuesday 5 January 2027, and Wednesday 6 January is a national holiday. Spain's Christmas lasts longer than most of Europe's, so the 2 to 6 January stretch is a real part of the season. We were in Madrid from late June 2022 and Barcelona in late July 2022, so everything below comes from official and organiser sources.

Singapore to Bali Weekend Getaway: Scoot vs. AirAsia vs. Batik Air Flight Guide

For residents and travelers in Singapore, Bali is the ultimate quick weekend escape—located just 2 hours and 40 minutes away by air from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Denpasar Ngurah Rai (DPS). With dozens of daily non-stop flights operated by budget and full-service carriers, choosing the right airline depends on whether you value low fares, flexible carry-on baggage, or on-time reliability.

Read more →Oct 19, 2026

Where are the best photo viewpoints at Lake Pukaki, and how do you plan a scenic road trip to Aoraki / Mount Cook?

Da Nang & Ba Na Hills (Golden Bridge) Guide: Cable Car Tickets & Private Drivers

Suspended 1,400 meters above sea level in the Truong Son Mountains outside Da Nang, Vietnam, the iconic Golden Bridge (Cau Vang) at Sun World Ba Na Hills is held aloft by two colossal stone hands emerging from the forest canopy. While famous across social media, reaching the hilltop resort requires taking one of the world's longest single-track cable cars. Here is the full guide to booking tickets, transit, and avoiding dense crowds.

Read more →Oct 17, 2026

Lotte World vs. Everland Seoul: Which Theme Park Is Better for Tourists?

Read more →Oct 17, 2026

How do you plan a day trip to Wurzburg on Germany's Romantic Road, visit the UNESCO Residence, and drink Franconian wine on the Old Main Bridge?

Read more →Oct 16, 2026

How much is the tourist tax in Budapest?

Budapest does not have one city-wide tourist tax rate: the idegenforgalmi ado is set district by district. Some districts, including the ninth, charge 4% of the net room price, and others charge a flat forint amount per person per night (the 16th district's 2024 ordinance lists 330 forints). Guests under 18 are exempt, and the hotel collects the tax at check-in or check-out. Because rates changed in about 150 Hungarian settlements in 2026, the exact figure for your stay depends on the district your hotel is in. We could not find a single official Budapest-wide table, so this page explains how the tax works and what a stay typically adds; ask your property for the exact amount. We spent 5 days in Budapest in October 2022, before going on to Eger and Tokaj.

How many days do you need in Zagreb?

Two days for the city, three if you add Plitvice Lakes. We spent 4 days in Zagreb, 3 to 7 August 2023, arriving from Venice and going on to Osijek. Zagreb's sights are compact: the medieval Upper Town with St. Mark's Church and the noon cannon, and the Austro-Hungarian Lower Town with its park squares, can each fill a relaxed day. The third day is for Plitvice, about 2 hours away by bus. A fourth is for café time, museums and Mirogoj, which is how Zagreb is meant to be done, but not essential.

Do tourists have to register and pay a tourist tax in Montenegro?

Montenegro charges a small tourist tax, reported at EUR 1 per adult per night in coastal towns such as Kotor, Budva, Tivat, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj and Bar and EUR 0.70 in Podgorica, and foreign visitors staying more than 24 hours must be registered. Hotels and licensed hosts handle both for you; if you stay in an unlicensed place, you may have to do it yourself at the local tourist organisation. Teenagers 12 to 18 pay half and under-12s are exempt. Keep the registration confirmation until you leave. The rates come from two Montenegro property-and-travel guides that agree with each other; the deadlines and fines are reported inconsistently, so we give ranges and tell you what to ask. We could not load the government of Montenegro's own page. We spent about three weeks in Montenegro in August and September 2023, from Kotor (3 days) through Žabljak, Nikšić, Cetinje, Petrovac, Bar and Ulcinj to Podgorica.

Do you need an eSIM for Germany?

EU visitors need nothing in Germany; for almost everyone else a data eSIM is the better choice here than in most of Europe, because German prepaid SIMs must pass identity verification before they work, and the supermarket starter kits that look cheap often fail that check for non-EU passports. If you do want a German SIM, buy it in a Telekom, Vodafone or O2 shop where staff verify your passport on the spot. We spent 16 days in Germany in July 2023 (Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt, Würzburg, Ulm and Munich), then crossed into Italy, which is the kind of multi-city rail trip where Germany's train dead zones matter more than the SIM price.

How do you do a Kutná Hora day trip from Prague by train?

Take a train from Praha hlavní nádraží to Kutná Hora hlavní nádraží: direct trains take about 50-55 minutes and leave roughly every two hours, with hourly connections via Kolín in between. The main station is in Sedlec, about a 15-minute walk from the Sedlec Ossuary (the bone church), which now requires a timed ticket booked in advance (220 CZK for adults) and prohibits photography. Then head up to the old town for St Barbara's and the Italian Court. Plan a full day if you can.

When is Oktoberfest 2027 in Munich, and how do you plan a visit?

Oktoberfest 2027 runs from Saturday 18 September to Sunday 3 October on the Theresienwiese in Munich, the 192nd Wiesn according to the city. The keg is tapped at noon on 18 September with the call "O'zapft is!". The costume and riflemen's parade is on Sunday 19 September, family days fall on Tuesdays 21 and 28 September, and the festival closes with a gun salute at the Bavaria statue on Sunday 3 October. Entry is free; you pay for beer, food and rides. We spent 5 days in Munich in July 2023, outside festival season; this guide uses the city's own Oktoberfest pages and flags what is not yet announced for 2027.

How much does travel cost per day in each country?

On a budget, Vietnam and Turkey run roughly $25 to $45 a day per person and Thailand, the Philippines, Morocco and Albania about $30 to $50; Germany and Italy run about $50 to $85; Japan, Australia and New Zealand about $60 to $120; England about $90 to $140. These are typical 2025 to 2026 ranges for one person sharing a room or sleeping in a dorm, eating mostly local food and using public transport, excluding flights to get there. They are not what we spent: our route data records where we went and for how long, not receipts. What it does give us is 526 days across these 20 countries in 2022 and 2023, so each entry below says when we were there and links to the guide or resource that covers it.

How do you order pintxos in San Sebastián?

To order pintxos in San Sebastián, catch the bartender's eye, order your drink first, then either take cold pintxos from the counter or order hot ones from the blackboard, and pay at the end before you leave. Locals eat one or two pintxos per bar with a small drink and move on. Here is how the counter-vs-kitchen split works, what to drink, when bars are busy, and how paying and tipping work in the Parte Vieja and Gros.

Where should you stay in Zadar?

Stay on the Old Town peninsula, or just across the bridge from it, so that the Sea Organ at sunset is a five-minute walk rather than a bus ride. Zadar's appeal is concentrated on that narrow spit of land: the Roman Forum, St. Donatus, the cathedral and the western quay where everyone gathers for sunset. We spent 3 days in Zadar in August 2023, between Osijek and Šibenik, and the evening on the waterfront is the reason to come. Borik, 3.5 to 4 km to the north-west, is the choice when a beach hotel matters more than the old town.

When is Gion Matsuri 2027 in Kyoto, and what are the best days to see it?

Gion Matsuri runs all of July in Kyoto, and the two moments to plan around are the float parades on 17 July and 24 July, with the yoiyama evenings in the days before each. In 2026 the official Kyoto tourism site listed the early yoiyama on 14 to 16 July, the early float parade (23 floats) on 17 July at 9:00, the later yoiyama on 21 to 23 July and the later parade (11 floats) on 24 July at 9:30. The parade dates are fixed, so in 2027 both fall on Saturdays, 17 and 24 July. Official 2027 timetables are not published yet. We spent 4 days in Kyoto in April 2023, not in July, so this page relies on official 2026 patterns and flags what to confirm.

When is Advent in Zagreb 2026, and what is on at the Christmas market?

Advent Zagreb 2026 officially runs from Saturday 28 November 2026 to Thursday 7 January 2027, with a warm-up from 25 to 27 November while stalls open. Those are the dates in the City of Zagreb's 2026 tender for Advent locations. Entry is free: the "market" is a spread of stalls, light installations, stages and an ice rink across the Lower Town parks and the Upper Town, and you pay only for food, drink and rides. It is the city's busiest time of year for weekend visitors from Slovenia, Austria and further afield, so December weekends cost more than weekdays. We spent 4 days in Zagreb in August 2023, at the start of a Croatia route that went on to Osijek and down the coast, so we have not seen Advent ourselves: the details below come from the city, the tourist board and last season's published programme.

What is the best thermal bath in Budapest: Széchenyi, Rudas or Gellért?

For most first-time visitors, Széchenyi is the best thermal bath in Budapest: 18 pools, big outdoor courtyards and the easiest logistics, at about 13,200-14,800 HUF for a day ticket in 2026. Choose Rudas instead for its 16th-century Ottoman dome and rooftop hot pool over the Danube. Gellért is closed: it shut on 1 October 2025 for a multi-year renovation, and the operator expects it to reopen in 2028. Here is how the open baths compare and how to plan your visit.

How many days do you need in Kanazawa?

Two days for the city, three if you add Shirakawa-go. We spent 4 days in Kanazawa, from 29 March to 2 April 2023, between Takayama and Kyoto, and one of them was a day trip to Shirakawa-go. Kanazawa's main sights, Kenroku-en, the castle park, the Higashi Chaya teahouse district, the Nagamachi samurai lanes and Omicho Market, all sit within about 2 km of each other, so two full days covers them on foot. A fourth day is for museums, gold-leaf workshops and slow mornings, which is how we used ours.

What are the Hoi An Lantern Festival dates in 2027?

Hoi An's Full Moon Lantern Festival is held on the 14th day of each lunar month, so it falls once a month, and the 2027 dates are: 21 January, 19 February, 21 March, 20 April, 19 May, 18 June, 17 July, 15 August, 14 September, 13 October, 11 November and 11 December. On those evenings the old town switches off its electric lights, lanterns glow along the Hoai River, and traffic is restricted. We worked these dates out from the lunar calendar using Vietnam time (the new moon day is lunar day 1), and they match the pattern published for 2026; no official 2027 calendar from Hoi An's authorities had been found, so confirm close to travel. We spent 6 days in Hoi An in April 2023.

Do you need an eSIM for Croatia?

Croatia is in the EU, so EU visitors roam free and an eSIM is mainly for Americans, Canadians, Australians and UK travellers on EE, Vodafone or Three; but the bigger Croatia-specific risk is not the price at home, it is your phone silently switching to a Bosnian or Montenegrin network near Dubrovnik and charging non-EU roaming rates. A travel eSIM that covers the Balkans, or a Croatian tourist SIM from Hrvatski Telekom, A1 or Telemach, fixes both problems. We spent 17 days in Croatia in August 2023, from Zagreb and Osijek to Zadar, Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik, and went on to Montenegro, so the border edge is the part of this guide we would read first.

What is Thailand like in December and January, and where should you go?

December and January are Thailand's best months for most of the country: Bangkok and the north are dry and at their least hot, and the Andaman coast (Krabi, Ao Nang, Phuket, Koh Lanta) has calm seas. The exception is the Gulf islands, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, where December is still wet. The trade-off is price: this is peak season, and roughly 20 December to early January is the most expensive and crowded fortnight of the year. One rule changed for 2026-27: from 15 September 2026, visitors from the US, UK, EU, Australia and other visa-exempt countries get 30 days, not 60, for tourism. We spent six weeks in Thailand from 7 December 2022 to 21 January 2023, running from Bangkok north through Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, then south to Khao Sok and Ao Nang, which is close to the route we would recommend for these two months. The weather figures below are long-term averages, not the weather of our trip.

Do you tip in Budapest, and is the service charge already a tip?

Yes, you tip in Budapest: about 10-15% at sit-down restaurants, unless the bill already includes a szervizdíj (service charge), which many restaurants add at 10-15%. In that case no extra tip is expected. The most common tourist mistake in Hungary is paying that service charge and then leaving cash on top, effectively tipping twice. Here is how to read the bill, how to hand over a tip the Hungarian way, and what to do in cafés, taxis and the thermal baths.

When is the Feria de Abril in Seville in 2027?

The Feria de Abril in Seville is expected to run from Tuesday 13 April to Sunday 18 April 2027, with the alumbrado, the lighting of the entrance gate, at midnight between Monday 12 and Tuesday 13 April. The Ayuntamiento had not published an official 2027 calendar when we checked, so these dates come from third-party calendars and the fair's pattern: in 2026 the alumbrado was at midnight on 20 to 21 April, about two weeks after Easter (5 April). Easter 2027 is on 28 March. We spent 5 days in Seville in August 2022, nowhere near the fair, so this guide is a dates-and-planning page built from published sources.

Where are the best spots for Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks in 2026, and do you need tickets?

Sydney's fireworks are on Thursday 31 December 2026, with a family show at 9pm and the main show at midnight. You can watch for free without a ticket from harbour foreshore spots such as Mrs Macquarie's Point, the Royal Botanic Garden lawns, Barangaroo Reserve and Observatory Hill, but they fill through the afternoon. The Opera House forecourt is free but booked, with tickets released at 10am on Saturday 26 December 2026. Most paid and ballot sites are already sold out or closed as of late October 2026, so the realistic options now are the free foreshore, the Opera House release, and a few remaining paid sites such as Taronga Zoo and North Sydney's Blues Point. We spent 2 days in Sydney in February 2023, at the end of a month around Australia that started in Melbourne, so we have not seen the fireworks: everything below is from the official Sydney New Year's Eve site, councils and NSW National Parks, checked in October 2026.

How to Avoid Bali Belly: Is Bali Tap Water Safe and What Should You Eat?

No, you should not drink Bali's tap water: stick to sealed bottled water, boiled water or filtered refill water, and eat food that is cooked and served hot. "Bali belly" is simply travelers' diarrhea, most often caused by bacteria picked up from contaminated food or water. Careful habits cut the risk but don't remove it, so it also pays to know what to pack and when a stomach bug needs a doctor. This guide is practical travel advice, not medical advice; see a travel health clinic before you go.

How many days do you need in Venice?

Two to three days, with at least two nights on the island. We spent 3 days in Venice, 31 July to 3 August 2023, after Bologna and before Zagreb. Venice's main sights cluster around San Marco and the Grand Canal, and one full day covers them if you start early. The second day is for the quieter districts, Cannaregio and Dorsoduro, where the city still feels lived in. A third adds the lagoon islands of Murano and Burano. Day-tripping is the version to avoid: you arrive with the crowds, leave before the evening, and on fee days pay the access charge.

When is the Takayama Festival in 2027, spring or autumn?

There are two Takayama Festivals each year: the spring Sanno Matsuri on 14 and 15 April 2027 (Wednesday and Thursday) and the autumn Hachiman Matsuri on 9 and 10 October 2027 (Saturday and Sunday). The spring dates are listed on the Gifu tourism site; the autumn dates are fixed every year. Detailed 2027 timetables are normally released later. Both festivals show decorated yatai floats and mechanical puppets (karakuri), and the night procession happens on the first evening only. We spent 3 days in Takayama in March 2023, before the spring festival, so this guide is about the dates and planning rather than what we saw.

Should you ski Niseko or Hakuba in the 2026-27 season?

Pick Niseko for the most reliable deep powder and an English-speaking resort town on one connected mountain; pick Hakuba for bigger, steeper terrain spread across ten resorts, cheaper lift passes and an easy add-on to a Tokyo trip. The trade-off is simple: Niseko is a Hokkaido detour with peak prices to match, while Hakuba sits about three hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen and bus but needs shuttle buses to move between areas. We have not skied either. We spent 2 days in Matsumoto in March 2023, the castle town in the same Nagano Alps that Hakuba sits in, and this comparison uses the resorts' own 2026-27 prices and dates.

Japan Transit IC Cards: How Do Welcome Suica, Pasmo Passport, and Digital Cards Work?

Japan's rail and subway network is the most efficient transit system on earth, and having an interoperable contactless IC card (Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA) makes riding trains, hopping city buses, and buying vending machine snacks effortless. Here is how to set up your card before and upon arrival.

Albania Travel Money: Is Cash King, How Do ATM Fees Work, and Where Should You Change Euros?

Albania is one of Europe's most affordable and hospitable travel destinations, but its financial infrastructure operates very differently from Western Europe. Understanding cash culture, ATM withdrawal charges, and tipping norms will save you significant time and unexpected transaction fees.

How much does a trip to Australia cost?

A 12-day trip to Australia costs roughly $2,000 to $2,650 per person on a budget and $3,200 to $4,450 mid-range, including a return flight from the US. On the ground that is about $70 to $100 a day on a budget and $170 to $250 mid-range, the same bands as our daily travel budget by country. The flight is the fixed cost, and distance inside the country is the one that grows: Australia is the one place on our route where a second flight can cost as much as a week of hotels. We spent 29 days in Australia in January and February 2023, from Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road through Adelaide and Alice Springs to Cairns, the Daintree and Sydney. The figures below are typical 2026 prices from operators and travel-cost sources, not what we spent.

Do you need an eSIM for Spain?

EU visitors need nothing in Spain, and most UK visitors on O2, Smarty or iD Mobile need nothing either; Americans, Canadians, Australians and EE, Vodafone or Three customers on short trips are best served by a data eSIM, while a Spanish prepaid SIM from Movistar, Vodafone, Orange or Digi wins on a stay of three weeks or more. Spain requires every SIM, eSIM included, to be registered to a named person with a passport, and some operators' own eSIMs need a Spanish number to activate, which is why travel eSIMs are popular here. Our Spain leg ran from late June to late August 2022, about two months from Madrid across the north coast to Barcelona, Valencia and down through Andalusia to Tarifa, so long-stay maths and rural coverage both apply.

How do you get into the Shirakawa-go winter light-up in 2027?

The 2027 Shirakawa-go light-up runs on four evenings, 11, 17, 24 and 31 January 2027, from 17:30 to 19:30, and you can only get in with an advance reservation: a lottery-allocated room in the village, a reserved parking space, or a bus tour. No tickets are sold on the day, and from 15:30 a gate at the village entrance turns away anyone without one. The famous view from the Shiroyama observation deck needs a separate deck ticket that only comes with village lodging or certain bus-company tours. We visited Shirakawa-go as a day trip from Kanazawa in spring 2023, during our 4 days there, so this guide is built on the Shirakawa-go Tourist Association's official 2027 rules, not on a light-up night.

Driving in Montenegro: What Are the Road Conditions, Tunnels, and Speed Traps Like?

Renting a car in Montenegro opens up some of the wildest and most cinematic drives in Europe, from the 25 hairpin turns of the Kotor Serpentine to the limestone canyons of the Piva River. However, narrow coastal passes, unlit tunnels, and strict speed enforcement require focused preparation.

New Zealand Freedom Camping: What Are the Self-Contained Rules and Fines?

Waking up in a campervan beside snow-capped Southern Alps or turquoise glacial lakes like Pukaki is an iconic New Zealand adventure. However, New Zealand has instituted strict national legislation governing freedom camping to safeguard its pristine ecosystems and wilderness reserves.

Where should you stay in Hanoi?

For a first visit, stay in the Old Quarter, ideally on its southern edge within a few minutes' walk of Hoan Kiem Lake. That puts the trade streets, the street-food stools, the lake at dawn and the weekend car-free evenings on foot, and the airport bus 86 stops nearby. If you want quieter nights, wider streets and bigger rooms, stay in the French Quarter just south of the lake. West Lake suits longer stays. We spent about 2.5 days in Hanoi in April 2023, arriving from Tokyo at the start of our Vietnam trip and leaving for 4 days in Ninh Binh.

How much does a trip to New Zealand cost?

A 12-day trip to New Zealand costs roughly $1,800 to $3,000 per person on a budget and $3,000 to $4,000 mid-range, including a return flight from the US. On the ground that is about $60 to $120 a day on a budget and $155 to $200 mid-range, the bands in our daily travel budget by country. The wide budget range is the vehicle: a cheap camper in low season and a car in January are different trips. We spent 23 days on the South Island in February and March 2023, from Christchurch through Lake Pukaki, Glenorchy, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Haast and Fox Glacier to Arthur's Pass and Little River. The figures below are typical 2026 prices from operators and official pages, not what we spent.

How do you fill out the Korea e-Arrival Card?

Most foreign visitors to South Korea must submit the free e-Arrival Card online at e-arrivalcard.go.kr within the 3 days before they land, unless they already hold an approved K-ETA, a Korean residence card or an e-Group visa. The paper arrival card that used to be handed out on the plane has been phased out, and the electronic card has applied to all foreign nationals since 1 January 2026. It costs nothing. Any site asking for money is not the government. Below: who files it, what each step asks, how to correct a mistake, and how it fits with the K-ETA, which comes back for many nationalities in 2027. We spent just over a month in South Korea in June and July 2023, from Seoul to Jeju and back, so this page sits alongside our South Korea guide.

Japanese Onsen Etiquette: What Are the Rules for Tattoos, Washing, and Bathing?

Soaking in a Japanese natural hot spring (onsen) or neighborhood sento is one of Japan's most restorative rituals, but the strict cultural protocol can feel intimidating for first-time visitors. From washing thoroughly before entering the mineral pools to understanding tattoo restrictions, here is everything you need to know to bathe with confidence.

How many days do you need in Khao Sok?

Two to three days: one in Khao Sok village for the national park trails, and a two-day, one-night tour on Cheow Lan Lake. In practice that is two nights, one in the village and one on the water: lake tours leave the pier in the morning, so you sleep in the village the night before. With only one night, skip the trail day and spend it on the lake. We spent 4 days in Khao Sok, from 9 to 13 January 2023, after two travel days down from Mae Hong Son in the far north, and before Ao Nang on the coast. Four days is one more than the park needs. It suits a slow pace or a long journey in.

Read more →Oct 6, 2026

How much does a trip to England cost?

A 12-day trip to England costs roughly $1,700 to $2,500 per person on a budget and $3,600 to $5,050 mid-range, including a return flight from the US. On the ground that is about $90 to $140 a day on a budget and $250 to $350 mid-range, the bands in our daily travel budget by country. England is the most expensive country on our 20-country route to spend a day in, and the flight from the US is one of the cheapest. We spent about 19 days in England in November and December 2023: London for 8 days, Bath for 3, then Swindon, Leamington Spa, Castleton in the Peak District, Shrewsbury and Rowberrow. The figures below are typical 2026 prices, not what we spent.

Read more →Oct 6, 2026

How do US citizens apply for a UK ETA?

How much does a trip to Germany cost?

A 12-day trip to Germany costs roughly $1,300 to $1,950 per person on a budget and $2,350 to $3,350 mid-range, including a return flight from the US. On the ground that is about $50 to $85 a day on a budget and $135 to $200 mid-range, the bands in our daily travel budget by country. Food and sights are reasonable; long-distance rail and Munich hotels are where the budget moves. We spent 16 days in Germany in July 2023, from Berlin through Bremen, Frankfurt, Heidelberg, Wurzburg and Ulm to Munich. The figures below are typical 2026 prices from official pages and cost guides, not what we spent.

How do you apply for the NZeTA and IVL for New Zealand, and what does it cost?

If you travel on a visa-waiver passport (US, Canada, UK, most of the EU, Japan and many more), you need an approved NZeTA before you board a flight or cruise to New Zealand. It costs NZ$17 in the official NZeTA app or NZ$23 on Immigration New Zealand's website, plus the NZ$100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), paid in the same transaction: NZ$117 or NZ$123 all in. Immigration New Zealand says to allow 72 hours for processing. One approval is valid for 2 years of visits. This page walks through who needs it, what you need ready, the application itself, the scam sites, and the free digital arrival declaration you fill in separately. We arrived in Christchurch on 23 February 2023 and spent 23 days on the South Island before flying out of Christchurch again.

How to Get from Fes to Chefchaouen: CTM Bus, Grand Taxi or Private Driver?

The cheapest reliable way from Fes to Chefchaouen is the CTM bus: about 4 hours, roughly 75 to 110 dirhams, with a handful of departures a day starting around 8:00. A private driver costs about 700 to 1,000 dirhams per car and takes around 3 to 3.5 hours, which works out well for a group of three or four. There is no train. Here is how to book the bus, what the taxis cost and how to get from Chefchaouen's bus station up to the blue medina.

How much does a trip to Turkey cost?

A 12-day trip to Turkey costs roughly $1,100 to $1,550 per person on a budget and $1,500 to $2,200 mid-range, including a return flight from the US. On the ground that is about $25 to $45 a day on a budget and $60 to $100 mid-range, the bands in our daily travel budget by country. Buses, food and rooms are cheap; museum and site tickets priced in euros, and a Cappadocia balloon flight, are not. We spent 33 days in Turkey in October and November 2023: Istanbul for 16 days, Ankara for 4, Goreme for 5, Pamukkale for 3 and Selcuk for 5. The figures below are typical 2026 prices from official pages and cost guides, not what we spent. Istanbul runs above the national band in some guides, so treat the low end as outside the city.

How do you apply for an Australian ETA in the app, and what does it cost?

If you hold an ETA-eligible passport, such as a US, Canadian, Japanese, South Korean or Singaporean one, you apply for Australia's Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) only through the free official Australian ETA app, and the only charge is an A$20 service fee. There is no website version: Australian embassies warn that if you paid more than A$20, or applied on a website, you used a third party or a scam. The ETA lets you visit for tourism or business for up to 3 months at a time, with multiple entries over 12 months. Most British and EU travellers use the free eVisitor instead. We were in Australia from 21 January to 19 February 2023, flying in to Melbourne and out of Sydney, so this page also covers what happens at the other end: the paper incoming passenger card and the digital Australia Travel Declaration that is replacing it.

Can You Drive a Rental Car Across Borders in the Balkans? (Croatia, Montenegro, Albania Green Card Guide)

A coastal road trip following the Adriatic Sea from Dubrovnik down into Montenegro's dramatic fiords and onward to northern Albania is one of the most rewarding drives in Europe. However, because Croatia is a member of the European Union and the borderless Schengen Zone, while Montenegro and Albania are non-EU sovereign nations, driving a rental car across these international borders involves specific documentation, vehicle insurance policies, and border control protocols.

Where should you stay in Hiroshima?

Where should you stay in Istanbul?

For a first visit, stay in Karaköy or Galata if you want good evenings, or in Sultanahmet if you want to walk out of the door into Hagia Sophia. Both sit on the T1 tram line, which is the thread that ties the historic peninsula to the rest of the city. We spent 16 days in Istanbul across two visits in 2023: 15 days in October at the start of our Turkey route, after Albania, and one more night in November before London. That much time makes the trade-offs obvious. Sultanahmet is unbeatable for the monuments and flat at night; Karaköy, a few tram stops away across the Galata Bridge, has the food and the life after dark. Kadıköy, on the Asian side, is the pick for a long stay.

How much does a trip to Croatia cost?

A 12-day trip to Croatia costs roughly $600 to $900 per person on the ground on a budget and $1,140 to $2,040 mid-range, before the flight. That is about $50 to $75 a day budget and $95 to $170 mid-range, the same bands as our daily travel budget by country. What swings the total is the calendar and the town: a summer room in Dubrovnik costs several times what the same standard costs in Zagreb or Osijek. We spent 17 days in Croatia in August 2023, in Zagreb, Osijek, Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik, so the route below follows ground we covered. Croatia has used the euro and been inside Schengen since 2023, which removes currency exchange and border checks for most European visitors. The figures are typical 2026 prices from operators and travel-cost sources, not what we spent.

How much is the Barcelona tourist tax in 2026, and who has to pay it?

Since 1 April 2026, an adult staying in Barcelona pays €7 to €12 per night in tourist tax, depending on the type of accommodation: €12 in a 5-star hotel, €9.50 in a tourist apartment, €8.40 in a 4-star hotel and €7 in a 3-star hotel or below. That is roughly double what it was before. The amount is two charges added together: Catalonia's regional tax (the impost sobre les estades en establiments turístics, IEET) and a Barcelona city surcharge of €5. The city part goes up by €1 every 1 April until 2028, so the same room will cost more in tax each spring. Children aged 16 and under don't pay, and no one pays for more than seven nights of a stay. The figures below come from the Catalan Tax Agency's (ATC) official rate table. We spent 5 nights in Barcelona in late July 2022, between Zaragoza and Valencia, under the old, lower rates.

How much does a trip to the Czech Republic cost?

A 12-day trip to the Czech Republic costs roughly $540 to $900 per person on the ground on a budget and $1,200 to $1,740 mid-range, plus the flight. That is about $45 to $75 a day budget and $100 to $145 mid-range, the same bands as our daily travel budget by country. Prague accommodation drives the total; Pilsen, Brno and Kutna Hora are cheaper bases. We spent 17 days in the Czech Republic from 19 September to 6 October 2022: Prague, Hrensko, Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Pilsen, Kutna Hora and Brno, so the route below follows ground we covered. The country uses the koruna (about 21.7 CZK to the dollar in late October 2026) rather than the euro. The figures are typical 2026 prices from operators and travel-cost sources, not what we spent.

Do you have to pay to see the Trevi Fountain, and how does the €2 ticket work?

Since 2 February 2026, it costs €2 to walk down to the edge of the Trevi Fountain. Looking at it from the piazza above is still free, at any hour. The ticket covers the area beside the water, where people sit on the steps and toss coins. That area is open from 9:00 to 22:00 Tuesday to Sunday and from 11:30 to 22:00 on Mondays and Fridays, with last entry at 21:00. Rome residents, children under 6, disabled visitors with one companion, licensed guides and Roma MIC card holders go in free. Tickets have no date or time and can be bought online on the official site, at the city's tourist info points and museum ticket offices, or at the entrance (card only). This guide uses the rules published on the official Fontana di Trevi page. Note that the Trevi ticket is not the same as the nightly hotel tax that Rome adds to your bill; for that, see our Italy tourist tax guide.

Bangkok to Chiang Mai Sleeper Train: First Class vs Second Class and How to Book

The best Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper is Special Express train 9, which leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal around 18:40 and reaches Chiang Mai around 07:15, about 12.5 hours. Second-class air-conditioned berths cost roughly 940 to 1,040 baht and first-class two-berth cabins roughly 1,450 to 1,650 baht per person. Second class is the better value for most travelers; first class buys you a lockable private compartment. Here is how the trains, berths and booking work.

How Do You Fill Out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)?

Every non-Thai national entering Thailand by air, land or sea has to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before arriving, and it costs nothing. You can submit it up to 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival date at tdac.immigration.go.th, and you get a confirmation by email to show at immigration. The TDAC replaced the paper TM6 arrival card on 1 May 2025 and is not a visa. Below: who needs it, what the form asks, how to fix a mistake, how to spot the fee-charging copycat sites, and the visa-exemption change that took effect in September 2026.

How many days do you need in Wanaka?

Two nights. We spent 2 days in Wanaka, from 7 to 9 March 2023, after a night in Queenstown and before crossing the Haast Pass to the West Coast. Wanaka's reasons to stop are walks and the lake: the Roys Peak ridge, the Rob Roy Glacier track in Mount Aspiring National Park, and the lone willow in the water at dawn. Each big walk takes most of a day, so two nights gives you one of each. One night works if you only want the lakefront and a short climb; a third adds a rest day or a weather backup, which on the South Island is worth having.

How much does a trip to Hungary cost?

A 12-day trip to Hungary costs roughly $480 to $840 per person on the ground on a budget and $1,200 to $1,920 mid-range, plus the flight. That is about $40 to $70 a day budget and $100 to $160 mid-range, the same bands as our daily travel budget by country. The drivers are Budapest's rooms and the thermal baths; Eger and Tokaj cost less. We spent 11 days in Hungary in October 2022: 5 in Budapest, 3 in Eger and 3 in Tokaj, so the route below follows ground we covered. Hungary uses the forint (about 327 HUF to the dollar in late October 2026), not the euro. The figures are typical 2026 prices from operators and travel-cost sources, not what we spent.

Do you need an eSIM for South Korea?

Yes, get mobile data for South Korea, and for most visitors a data-only travel eSIM is enough. Korea is a country where you navigate by phone: Naver Map or KakaoMap for subway exits and bus numbers, Papago for menus, and taxi apps in the evening. Unless your home plan includes cheap Korea roaming, an eSIM installed before you fly is the simplest option. Choose a carrier SIM or eSIM from KT, SK Telecom or LG U+ instead if you want a Korean phone number for verification codes and delivery apps. Our own Korea trip ran 32 days in June and July 2023: Seoul, Jeonju, Suncheon, Busan, two stops on Jeju, Gyeongju, Sokcho and Seoul again, which is the kind of route where you rely on data every day.

How much is the tourist tax in Italy, city by city, and how do you pay it?

Almost every Italian city charges a tourist tax, the imposta di soggiorno or contributo di soggiorno: a fee per adult, per night, that hotels and rentals often add at check-in or check-out instead of including it in the price you booked. In 2026 the top rates in a 5-star hotel are €12 in Milan, €10 in Rome, €8 in Florence and €5 in central Venice. A mid-range 3-star hotel costs €6 to €7 per person per night in Rome, Florence and Milan, and €3.50 in Venice. Each city sets its own rates, its own age limit for children and its own maximum number of nights, so the same week can cost very different amounts. The figures below come from each city council's published rate tables. In July 2023 we spent 2 nights in Verona, 4 in Bologna and 3 in Venice, all of which charge this tax.

How to Get from Hue to Hoi An: Hai Van Pass Easy Rider, Car, Train or Bus?

The fastest way from Hue to Hoi An is a direct bus or car through the Hai Van Tunnel, about 2.5 to 3.5 hours; the best way, if you have a full day, is over the Hai Van Pass on the back of an easy rider motorbike (around $58 to $75) or in a private car with sightseeing stops (around $70 to $120 per car). The train is a scenic middle ground but only goes as far as Da Nang. Here is how each option works and what it costs as of 2026.

What are ETIAS and EES, and do I need them to travel to Europe?

EES and ETIAS are two different things, and only one of them affects you today. The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully running since 10 April 2026: non-EU visitors have their fingerprints and photo registered at the Schengen external border, and it replaces passport stamps. ETIAS, the €20 online travel authorization for visa-free visitors such as Americans, has not launched, so there is nothing to apply for or pay yet. (For short tourist visits by visa-exempt travelers; confirm the latest status on the EU's official site, travel-europe.europa.eu, before you fly.)

How much does a trip to Romania cost?

A 12-day trip to Romania costs roughly $420 to $600 per person on the ground on a budget and $900 to $1,680 mid-range, plus the flight. That is about $35 to $50 a day budget and $75 to $140 mid-range, the same bands as our daily travel budget by country. Castle tickets and car hire are the main variable costs; trains and food are cheap. We spent 22 days in Romania from 17 October to 8 November 2022: Oradea, Cluj-Napoca, Deva, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Brasov, Sinaia and Bucharest, so the route below follows ground we covered. Romania is in the EU and Schengen but uses the leu (about 4.77 RON to the dollar in late October 2026), not the euro. The figures are typical 2026 prices from operators and travel-cost sources, not what we spent.

When is the Sapporo Snow Festival 2027, and how do you plan a visit?

The Sapporo Snow Festival 2027 runs Thursday 4 to Thursday 11 February 2027 at all three sites: Odori Park, Susukino and Tsudome. Those dates are on the organisers' official site as of 27 October 2026; the detailed programme, sculpture themes and opening hours are published later, usually from mid-December. The outdoor sites are free. The hard part is not the festival but the beds: Sapporo hotels fill months ahead for festival week, and 2027 overlaps the Lunar New Year weekend of 6 and 7 February, which brings extra visitors from across East Asia. Hokkaido was not on our route (our Japan trip ran from 18 March to 20 April 2023, Tokyo to Hiroshima), so this guide is built from the organisers' information and transport operators, not from a visit.

What Is Driving in New Zealand Really Like for Americans? (Left-Hand Side, One-Lane Bridges & Gravel)

Renting a car or campervan is the undisputed best way to explore New Zealand's South Island, but American travelers often feel a spike of anxiety at the thought of driving on the left side of the road. With clear mental models, the transition takes less than an hour of driving, but New Zealand's specific road quirks — single-lane wooden bridges, winding mountain passes, and unpaved gravel pullouts — require focused attention.

How many days do you need in Sokcho?

Two days, three if you want to hike properly. We spent 3 days in Sokcho, from 1 to 4 July 2023, after Gyeongju and before the final 5 days in Seoul. Sokcho has two halves: Seoraksan National Park, about 25 minutes inland by city bus, and the town on the East Sea, with its fish market, beach and the refugee-founded Abai Village. One day for each is the right minimum. A third day adds the Ulsanbawi climb as a day of its own, or Naksansa temple on the cliffs to the south.

Read more →Sep 27, 2026

How much does a trip to Montenegro cost?

Read more →Sep 26, 2026

How much does a trip to the Philippines cost?

A 12-day trip to the Philippines costs roughly $360 to $600 per person on the ground on a budget and $720 to $1,200 mid-range, plus the flight. That is about $30 to $50 a day budget and $60 to $100 mid-range, the same bands as our daily travel budget by country. Food and local transport are cheap; the islands are not, because boat tours, domestic flights and environmental fees are charged per day or per trip. We spent 29 days in the Philippines from 8 November to 7 December 2022: Manila, Sabang, Port Barton, El Nido, Coron, Oslob, Moalboal and Cebu City, so the route below follows ground we covered. The country uses the peso (about 64 PHP to the dollar in late October 2026). The figures are typical 2026 prices from operators and travel-cost sources, not what we spent.

What is it like to visit Istanbul and Turkey during Ramadan 2027?

Ramadan 2027 in Turkey runs from about Monday 8 February to Monday 8 March, according to the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) calendar, and Ramazan Bayramı (Eid al-Fitr) follows on Tuesday 9 to Thursday 11 March. For a visitor to Istanbul, Ramadan itself changes very little: sights, trams and tourist restaurants run normally. The three bayram days are what you plan around. Istanbul is a large, mixed city where most people do not expect a tourist to fast, and February is low season, so Ramadan 2027 is a cheap, quiet time to go if you accept cold, wet weather. We spent 15 days in Istanbul in October 2023, then went on to Ankara and Göreme, so this page is built from the city's layout and the official calendars, not from a Ramadan visit.

What happens if your Cappadocia balloon flight is cancelled?

If your Cappadocia balloon flight is cancelled for weather, reputable operators offer a refund or a seat on a later morning, which is why the standard advice is to book the flight for your first morning and keep two or three more mornings free. Cancellations are common: Turkish officials reported balloons flew on 223 days in 2025, so roughly four mornings in ten were grounded, with winter far worse than summer.

What are the best day trips from Istanbul?

The Princes' Islands and a ferry up the Bosphorus to Anadolu Kavağı are the two best day trips from Istanbul, and Bursa is the best one beyond the city. The islands are about 90 minutes by ferry from the European side and have no private cars; the Bosphorus ferry runs the length of the strait almost to the Black Sea; Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, is about 2 hours away by sea bus. Edirne and its Selimiye Mosque are a long but rewarding day by bus. We spent about 16 days in Istanbul in 2023, 15 of them from 12 to 27 October before heading east to Ankara and Cappadocia, and a last night in November on the way out. With that much time, the city itself came first; these are the trips worth taking when you have seen the old town.

Is Japan safe to visit?

Yes, Japan is one of the safest countries for tourists: the US State Department lists it at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, and the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to any part of it. Street crime against visitors is low. The real risks are different from the usual list: drink spiking and bill fraud in a few Tokyo nightlife districts, natural hazards (earthquakes, typhoons, summer heat), a rising number of bear sightings in mountain areas, and strict drug laws that catch out travellers carrying ordinary medicine. We spent about 33 days in Japan in March and April 2023, from Tokyo through the Alps and Kanazawa to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima, and the checklist below is what matters in practice.

How does Lebaran 2027 affect travel in Indonesia and Bali?

Lebaran (Idul Fitri) 2027 falls on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 March, with collective leave days on 9, 12 and 15 March, under the joint ministerial decree Indonesia published in September 2026. That makes roughly 6 to 16 March the mudik peak, when tens of millions travel home. In Bali it lands straight after Nyepi on Monday 8 March, so the island goes from a full 24-hour shutdown into Indonesia's busiest travel week. If you are flying into Bali and staying put, Lebaran mostly means fuller beaches and higher domestic fares. If you are crossing Java by road, rail or ferry that week, it changes everything. We were in Bali from 19 May to 6 June 2023, with a night in Banyuwangi for Mt. Ijen, which is the Java side of the Bali ferry crossing discussed below; we were not there for Lebaran.

Do you tip in Turkey, and how much?

Yes, tipping is customary in Turkey but not obligatory: leave around 5–10% at sit-down restaurants (a little more for excellent service in upscale Istanbul places), round up taxi fares, and give small cash tips to hamam attendants, guides and porters. Since January 30, 2026, restaurants and cafés are no longer allowed to add a "service charge" or cover charge to the bill, so any tip is entirely your choice, and it's best given in cash Turkish lira.

Is South Korea safe to visit?

Yes, South Korea is very safe for tourists: the US State Department lists it at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, and the UK Foreign Office has no warning against travel to any part of the country. Crime against foreigners is rare, public transport runs late and is well policed, and most visitors never think about North Korea. The real hazards are narrower: assaults and drink-related problems around nightlife areas, summer typhoons and floods, strict drug laws, and occasional civil-defence drills with sirens that look alarming if you don't expect them. We spent about 32 days in South Korea in June and July 2023, including 10 days in Seoul, 4 in Busan, 3 each in Jeonju, Suncheon, Gyeongju and Sokcho, and 6 on Jeju (Seogwipo and Jeju City).

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

Late February to early April is the best time to visit New Zealand. Summer weather is still settled, the lakes are at their warmest, daylight runs past 8pm, and the domestic school-holiday rush of December and January is over, so campsites and Milford Sound cruises are easier to book. The trade-off: it is still high season for international visitors, prices only drop properly from May, and the West Coast rains in every month. We spent 23 days on the South Island from 23 February to 18 March 2023, a loop from Christchurch to Lake Pukaki, Glenorchy, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Fox Glacier and back over Arthur's Pass, and that window is the one we recommend.

When are Sinulog and Ati-Atihan 2027, and how do you plan a trip around them?

Sinulog 2027's grand parade is on Sunday 17 January in Cebu City, the third Sunday of January, and Kalibo's Ati-Atihan reaches its peak the same weekend. You cannot see both main days, so pick one: Sinulog for scale and a big-city base, Ati-Atihan for a street party you join rather than watch, and an easy add-on to Boracay. Both honour the Santo Niño (the Child Jesus) and both fill every room in town, so book early. We were in the Philippines from 8 November to 7 December 2022, ending with 7 days in Moalboal and a night in Cebu City; we were not there in January. The dates below follow the fixed third-Sunday rule and the 2026 schedule; organisers publish the full 2027 programme in December.

How Do You Get to Theth, Albania? (Paved SH21 Road, Furgons & Driving Guide)

For decades, traveling to the remote mountain village of Theth in northern Albania meant enduring a punishing, bone-rattling three-hour crawl in a high-clearance 4x4 over unpaved rock ledges and mountain washouts. That changed completely when the Albanian government completed the full asphalt paving of road SH21 over the 1,700-meter Buni i Thores pass directly into the valley floor. Reaching the Albanian Alps is now accessible to standard cars, but mountain road dynamics still demand preparation.

Food & drink

What should you eat in Hanoi?

Pho, bun cha and egg coffee are the three things that define Hanoi food. Northern Vietnamese cooking is cleaner and less sweet than the south's, built on clear broths, fresh rice noodles and herbs, and most of it is eaten on low plastic stools on the pavement. Many Hanoi stalls cook one dish only and sell it at one time of day, so the trick is knowing what to eat when. We spent 3 days in Hanoi in late April 2023, straight after our month in Japan, and went on to Ninh Binh for 4 days. Three days is enough to eat everything below if you follow the clock: noodle soups at breakfast, bun cha at lunch, snacks and beer at night.

Is Australia safe to visit?

Yes, Australia is safe for tourists: the US State Department lists it at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, and the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to any part of it. Cities are low-risk. What hurts visitors is the environment: rip currents at the beach, marine stingers in the tropical north, bushfires in the hot months, extreme heat and long, empty roads in the outback. Wildlife makes the headlines, but swimming between the flags and carrying enough water matter far more. We covered Australia in January and February 2023 on the route Melbourne (4 days), the Great Ocean Road and Grampians, Adelaide, Alice Springs (4 days), Townsville, Magnetic Island (3 days), Cairns (3 days), Daintree (2 days) and Sydney (2 days).

When is Semana Santa 2027 and how do you see it in Seville and Málaga?

Semana Santa 2027 runs from Palm Sunday, 21 March, to Easter Sunday, 28 March, and the peak night is the Madrugá in Seville, from the early hours of Holy Thursday night into Good Friday (25 to 26 March). Easter falls early in 2027, so Holy Week lands in late March, when Andalusia is mild rather than hot, and it overlaps the last days of Las Fallas in Valencia. The trade-off is simple: Seville and Málaga hotels for Holy Week are among the most expensive and fastest-selling of the Spanish year, and the old towns become one slow-moving crowd. We spent 5 days in Seville in August 2022, between Córdoba and Cádiz, which is the opposite season; this page is about planning the week itself.

How Much Is a Himeji Castle Ticket in 2026, and How Do You Visit from Osaka or Kyoto?

Since 1 March 2026, Himeji Castle costs ¥2,500 for adults (18 and over) who do not live in Himeji city, up from ¥1,000. Himeji residents still pay ¥1,000, and everyone under 18 now gets in free. A combined ticket with the neighboring Kokoen garden costs ¥2,600. The castle is open 9:00 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:00, and closes only on 29 and 30 December. Himeji is an easy day trip: about 30 minutes from Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen, or about an hour from Osaka Station on the cheaper JR Special Rapid.

How many days do you need in Kotor?

Two to three days. We spent 3 days in Kotor, 20 to 23 August 2023, after Dubrovnik and before heading inland to the Komovi highlands. The walled Old Town is small enough to walk end to end in ten minutes, so the reason to stay is timing: the climb to St. John's Fortress is best at 7am, and the lanes are at their best in the evening after cruise passengers leave. Two days covers the town, the fortress and Perast with Our Lady of the Rocks. A third adds the Kotor serpentine up to Lovćen and Cetinje.

Is New Zealand safe to visit?

Yes, New Zealand is safe for tourists: the US State Department lists it at Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, and the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to any part of it. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The risks that actually affect trips are theft from parked rental cars and campervans, earthquakes and volcanic activity, weather that turns fast on coasts and mountains, narrow winding roads, and tramping or adventure activities done without preparation. We spent about 23 days on the South Island in February and March 2023, from Christchurch via Lake Pukaki, Glenorchy, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka, Haast and Fox Glacier to Arthur's Pass and Little River.

When is Las Fallas 2027 and how do you see it?

Las Fallas 2027 runs at full strength from 15 to 19 March, ending with the Cremà on the night of Friday 19 March, when Valencia burns hundreds of giant monuments in its streets. The daily mascletà, a deafening daytime firework show in Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 2pm, runs from 1 March. The trade-off: those five days are the most expensive and crowded of Valencia's year, and the noise of firecrackers runs from morning until the early hours. In 2027 the Cremà falls two days before Palm Sunday, so you can follow Fallas straight into Semana Santa. We spent 4 days in Valencia in late July 2022, between Barcelona and Murcia, outside festival season.

Can you get around Jeju without a car?

Yes, you can see Jeju without a car: red express buses link the airport, Jeju City and Seogwipo, the slow coastal buses 201 (east) and 202 (west) run between the two cities around the shoreline, and taxis fill the gaps. The catch is time. Jeju is about 70 km across, buses on the coastal routes stop constantly, and since 2024 Jeju's route buses no longer take cash, so you need a transit card before you board.

Is Spain safe to visit?

Yes, Spain is safe for tourists, but pickpocketing is the thing that will most likely go wrong. The US State Department lists Spain at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, because of terrorism; the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to any part of it. Violent crime against visitors is rare. The real risks are teams of thieves in Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, fake police and highway scams, summer heat, wildfires and flash floods, and, right now, disruption on the high-speed rail network. We spent about 60 days in Spain in June, July and August 2022, including Madrid (4 days), Barcelona (5), Valencia (4), Granada (4) and Seville (5).

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is April to May or September to October: daytime highs of about 17 to 25°C (63 to 77°F), comfortable walking between Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus ferries, tulips in April, and shorter queues at Hagia Sophia and Topkapı than in July and August. The trade-off: summer is humid and crowded, winter is damp and grey but cheap. We spent 16 days in Istanbul over two visits: 12 to 27 October 2023 at the start of our Turkey trip, and a night on 13 November on the way out. For Cappadocia, Pamukkale and the coast, see best time to visit Turkey.

How do you plan Easter 2027 in Rome and get tickets for the papal Masses?

Easter 2027 is Sunday 28 March, so Holy Week in Rome runs from Palm Sunday, 21 March, to Easter Monday (Pasquetta), 29 March. Tickets for the papal liturgies in St Peter's are free and come only from the Prefecture of the Papal Household; anyone selling them is selling access to a free ticket. The Urbi et Orbi blessing at noon on Easter Sunday needs no ticket at all. The trade-off: it is one of the busiest weeks of Rome's year, and the Vatican Museums close on Easter Sunday and Monday. Rome is not on our route: our Italy stops were Verona, Bologna and Venice in July 2023, so this page is a planning guide built on official sources, not a first-hand report.

How does luggage forwarding (takkyubin) work in Japan?

Luggage forwarding in Japan means handing your suitcase to your hotel's front desk or a convenience store and having a courier deliver it to your next hotel, usually the next day, for roughly ¥2,500–2,700 for a standard large suitcase between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka as of 2026. The service is called takkyubin (Yamato Transport brands it TA-Q-BIN, with a black cat logo), and it lets you ride the Shinkansen with just a day bag.

How many days do you need on Jeju Island?

Four days. We spent 6 days on Jeju in June 2023: 4 in Seogwipo on the south coast (22 to 26 June) and 2 in Jeju City in the north (26 to 28 June), between Busan and Gyeongju. Jeju is about 70 km across and its sights sit on different sides of the island, so the useful unit is the side, not the attraction: one day east, one day south, one day west and one for Hallasan. Three days works if you drop the summit; five or six suits travellers without a car, who lose time to slow buses, and anyone who wants to walk the Olle trails.

Is Italy safe to visit?

Yes, Italy is safe for tourists; the realistic problems are pickpockets, minor scams, strikes and fines rather than violent crime. The US State Department lists Italy at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, citing terrorism, and the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to any part of the country, though its 29 October 2026 update flags a national strike. The things that cost visitors money are pickpocketing at stations and tourist sites, spiked drinks in bars, driving into a ZTL (restricted traffic zone), unvalidated tickets, and summer heat and wildfires. We spent about a week in northern Italy in July and August 2023: Verona (2 days), Bologna (4 days) and Venice (3 days).

When is the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival 2027 and how do you get there?

The Jinhae Gunhangje, Korea's biggest cherry blossom festival, usually runs for about ten days from late March to early April; the 2027 dates are not announced yet, but the 2026 edition ran from 27 March to 5 April. Jinhae is a district of Changwon on the south coast, about an hour or two from Busan by road, with around 350,000 cherry trees. Admission to the festival areas is free. The trade-off is crowds: weekends at Yeojwacheon and Gyeonghwa Station are packed and the roads in jam. We spent 4 days in Busan in June 2023, well after the blossoms; Busan is still the base we recommend for Jinhae.

Is Driving the P14 Road Through Durmitor and Nikšić Safe? (Sedlo Pass Mountain Route)

The P14 road connecting Nikšić, Plužine, and Žabljak through Durmitor National Park is widely considered one of Europe's most spectacular mountain drives. Ascending over the 1,907-meter Sedlo Pass, the route cuts across a windswept limestone high plateau dotted with seasonal shepherd settlements (katuns) and sheer glacial peaks. While fully paved with asphalt, it is a demanding alpine road requiring patience, passing courtesy, and seasonal awareness.

Is Germany safe to visit?

Germany is safe for everyday tourism, with crime levels the UK Foreign Office describes as similar to the UK, but the official terrorism warnings are among the strongest in Western Europe and you should know what they say. The US State Department lists Germany at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, citing terrorism; the FCDO does not advise against travel to any part of it but states that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks. A vehicle attack on a Pride event in Berlin in July 2026 killed one person and injured dozens. The risks you will actually meet are pickpockets at stations and in crowds, street games in Berlin, counterfeit notes and drug laws. We spent about 19 days in Germany in July 2023: Berlin (3 days), Bremen (2), Frankfurt (3), Wurzburg (2), Ulm (1) and Munich (5), with Heidelberg as a day trip.

Should you visit Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc at Cu Chi, what does it cost, and how do you get there from Ho Chi Minh City?

Cu Chi has two separate sites and choosing between them is the whole decision. Ben Dinh is closer (35 to 40 km, about 1.5 hours), has widened tunnels reinforced for tourists, and takes 95% of standard group tours. Ben Duoc is further (50 to 60 km, 2 to 2.5 hours), preserves far more of the original layout, and is much quieter. Foreign visitor entry is about 135,000 VND at either. Most budget tours only go to Ben Dinh.

What should you eat in Zagreb?

Štrukli, purica s mlincima (turkey with mlinci) and the fresh cheese and cream sold at Dolac market are the three foods that define Zagreb. All three come from the continental side of Croatia's kitchen, built on dairy, poultry, pork and dough rather than the olive oil and fish of the coast. We spent 4 days in Zagreb in August 2023, arriving from Venice and going on to Osijek in Slavonia, and Zagreb is the place to eat inland Croatian food before the Adriatic takes over the menus. Below are 12 foods to look for, where in the city to find them, and a one-day eating plan that starts at Dolac and ends on Tkalčićeva.

Is England safe to visit?

Yes, England is safe to visit for almost every tourist, and the realistic risk is not violence but phone and bag theft in central London. The one headline change in 2026 is the terrorism threat: the UK government raised the national threat level from Substantial to Severe on 30 April 2026, meaning an attack is highly likely, and the US State Department rates the United Kingdom Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution. In practice that means staying alert in crowds, not changing your plans. We spent 8 days in London in November and December 2023, then Bath, Castleton in the Peak District, Shrewsbury and the Somerset hills on the same trip. This guide covers what the advisories actually say (checked October 2026), the street crime that affects visitors, scams, emergency numbers and walking safety outside the cities.

When is the best time to visit Turkey?

The best time to visit Turkey is April to early June or mid-September to October: warm but not scorching days at Ephesus and Pamukkale, the best balloon conditions in Cappadocia, a sea still warm enough to swim on the south coast in October, and lower prices than the July and August peak. The trade-off is that Turkey is big: the coast and the interior have different seasons, so the right month depends on the mix. We spent a month in Turkey from 12 October to 14 November 2023: Istanbul, Ankara, Göreme in Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Selçuk for Ephesus, Şirince and İzmir. This page covers the country; Istanbul has its own month-by-month guide.

How much does a trip to South Korea cost?

A 12-day trip to South Korea costs roughly $1,400 to $2,300 per person on a budget and $1,900 to $2,700 mid-range, including a return flight from the US. On the ground that is about $50 to $90 a day on a budget and $85 to $120 mid-range, the ranges in our daily travel budget by country. Korea usually costs less than Japan for the same trip because meals come with free banchan, city transit is cheap and palace tickets cost a few dollars; Seoul rooms and KTX fares are the main costs. We spent 32 days in South Korea in June and July 2023: Seoul, Jeonju, Suncheon, Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju and Sokcho, then back to Seoul. The prices below are typical 2026 figures from operators and travel-cost sources, not our spending.

How much cash should you bring to Japan?

You don't need to bring a large stack of yen to Japan: arriving with roughly ¥10,000–20,000 and withdrawing more from 7-Eleven or Japan Post ATMs as you go covers most trips, because cards now work in hotels, chain stores and most city restaurants. Cash still matters more than in most rich countries, though. Japan's cashless share of consumer spending was 42.8% in 2024 according to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, so temples, small family restaurants, rural buses and IC card top-ups regularly need notes and coins.

How many days do you need in Shkodër?

One to two days. We spent 2 days in Shkodër, 11 to 13 September 2023, after Podgorica and before going up to Theth. Shkodër's own sights, Rozafa Castle, the Marubi photography museum and the shore of Lake Shkodër, fit into one full day. Most people stay a second night because Shkodër is the gateway to the Albanian Alps: the furgons to Theth leave around 7am, and the Lake Koman ferry sails at 9:00, so you need to sleep in town before either.

Is Croatia safe to visit?

Yes, Croatia is one of the safer countries in Europe for tourists: the US State Department rates it Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, and the UK Foreign Office, which does not advise against travel anywhere in the country, says crime levels are low and violent crime is rare. The real risks are seasonal and practical: summer wildfires on the coast, unexploded mines in a few inland areas that you only reach if you leave marked paths, on-the-spot fines for rowdy behaviour in Split and Dubrovnik, pickpockets in busy sights, and the odd overcharging nightclub or unregulated taxi. We spent August 2023 in Croatia: 4 days in Zagreb, 3 in Osijek, 3 in Zadar, 2 in Šibenik, 2 in Split and 3 in Dubrovnik. Here is what the advisories say (checked October 2026) and what matters on that route.

How much does a trip to Italy cost?

A 12-day trip to Italy costs roughly $1,100 to $1,700 per person on a budget and $1,900 to $3,100 mid-range, including a return flight from the US East Coast. On the ground that is about $55 to $80 a day on a budget and $115 to $200 mid-range, the ranges in our daily travel budget by country: the south sits at the low end, the north and the big three (Rome, Florence, Venice) at the high end. Advance train fares, cheap Atlantic flights and free churches help; peak-summer rooms, city tourist taxes and the coperto on restaurant bills push the other way. We spent 9 days in northern Italy in July and August 2023: Verona, Bologna and Venice. The figures below are typical 2026 prices from operators and travel-cost sources, not what we spent.

Is the Czech Republic safe to visit?

Yes, the Czech Republic is safe for tourists: the US State Department rates it Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel anywhere in the country, and the real risks are Prague pickpockets, taxi and currency-exchange overcharging, and ticket fines on public transport. Violent crime against visitors is uncommon. We spent September and October 2022 in the Czech Republic: 5 days in Prague, 3 in Hřensko for the Bohemian Switzerland gorges, 2 in Karlovy Vary, 1 in Mariánské Lázně, 2 in Pilsen, about 2 in Kutná Hora and nearly 2 in Brno. Below is what the advisories say (checked October 2026) and the specific traps in Prague.

How much does a trip to Thailand cost?

A 14-day trip to Thailand costs roughly $420 to $700 per person on the ground on a budget, $840 to $1,700 mid-range, plus the flight: about $900 to $1,900 return from the US, which makes a typical total of about $1,300 to $2,600 for a budget traveller from America. The flight is usually the largest single line, and the islands, not Bangkok, are what push the daily spend up. These figures match our daily travel budget by country table (Thailand: about $30 to $50 a day budget, $60 to $120 mid-range) and are typical 2026 ranges from published cost guides, not what we spent. We were in Thailand for about six weeks, December 2022 to January 2023: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, then Khao Sok and Ao Nang.

Can You Take Photos at Temples and Shrines in Kyoto? (Photography Rules & Gion Fines)

Kyoto is one of the most photographed cities on earth, but camera rules across its temples, shrines, and historic geisha districts have tightened significantly in recent years. While outdoor shrine grounds like Fushimi Inari allow photography almost everywhere, indoor worship halls, sacred Buddha statues, Zen rock gardens, and private residential alleys have strict bans backed by active staff and steep fines.

Read more →Sep 14, 2026

Is Romania safe to visit?

Yes, Romania is safe for tourists: the US State Department rates it Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, and the UK Foreign Office does not advise against travel to any part of the country. The risks worth planning for are petty theft and taxi overcharging in Bucharest, brown bears in the Carpathians, rough rural roads, and in 2026 occasional drone incursions near the Ukrainian border. We spent about three weeks in Romania in October and November 2022: Oradea, Cluj-Napoca, Turda, Deva, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Brașov, Sinaia and Bucharest. Here is what the official advisories say (checked October 2026) and what to do about each hazard.

How much does a trip to Bali cost?

Fourteen days in Bali costs roughly $420 to $840 per person on the ground on a budget and $1,100 to $2,200 mid-range, plus the flight and about $40 in entry charges (the e-VOA and the Bali tourist levy). From Australia the flight is short and often cheaper than a week of mid-range spending; from the US or UK it is usually the biggest line. Where you sleep matters more than anything else: Seminyak and Canggu sit at the top of every band, while Ubud, Munduk and Sidemen are much cheaper. These figures match our daily travel budget by country table (about $30 to $60 a day budget, $80 to $160 mid-range) and are typical 2026 ranges, not what we spent. We spent 18 days in Bali in May and June 2023: Seminyak, Munduk, Ubud, Kintamani, Sidemen and Padangbai, with a side trip to Banyuwangi and Mount Ijen in Java.

How Much Are Pamukkale Tickets, and How Do You Plan a Day Trip to the Travertines and Hierapolis?

A single Pamukkale ticket costs €30 for foreign visitors in 2026 and covers the white travertine terraces, the ruins of Hierapolis and the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum; swimming in the Antique Pool (often called Cleopatra's Pool) costs extra. You walk the terraces barefoot, so plan for that. Pamukkale is about 20 km north of Denizli, which has an airport, a train station and a big bus station, so it is easy to reach from Istanbul, Cappadocia or Selçuk. Here is what the ticket includes, when to go and how to fit it into a Turkey route.

What are the best day trips from Bangkok?

Ayutthaya is the best day trip from Bangkok, followed by the Maeklong railway market with Amphawa, and Kanchanaburi if you can give it a night. Ayutthaya, the old Siamese capital, is about an hour north by train; Maeklong, where the train runs through a market, is about 1.5 to 2 hours south-west; Kanchanaburi and the Death Railway are 2 to 3 hours west. We spent 10 days in Bangkok over two stays, 6 at the start of our Thailand trip (7 to 13 December 2022) and 4 at the end (17 to 21 January 2023), and went north from Bangkok to Ayutthaya for 3 nights and Lop Buri for 1. The day trips below are ranked by how much they give you for the time on the road.

Is Montenegro safe to visit?

Yes, Montenegro is safe for tourists: the US State Department rates it Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, and the UK Foreign Office, which does not advise against travel to the country, describes the risks as street crime in tourist areas, taxi overcharging, hazardous summer roads, wildfires, and hiking off marked paths. We spent August and September 2023 in Montenegro: Kotor, Stavna, Gusinje, Žabljak, Nikšić, Cetinje, Petrovac, Stari Bar, Ulcinj and Podgorica, a route that covers the coast, the mountains and the capital. This guide sets out what the advisories say (checked October 2026) and what matters on that kind of route.

Is Vietnam safe to visit?

Yes, Vietnam is one of the safer countries in Asia to visit: the US State Department rates it Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions, its lowest tier. Violent crime against tourists is rare. What actually goes wrong on a Vietnam trip is more ordinary: crossing the road in Hanoi, bags snatched from passing motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City, taxi and transfer scams, a scooter crash on a mountain road, or a typhoon closing the central coast between September and November. We spent four weeks travelling the length of the country in April and May 2023, from Hanoi and Ninh Binh through Hue, Hoi An, Da Lat and Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta. Here is what the official advice says and how to handle each risk.

Is Morocco Safe for Tourists? Marrakech Safety, Scams and Tips

Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists. The US State Department rates it Level 2, "Exercise increased caution", citing the risk of terrorism, and violent crime against visitors is uncommon. What you are far more likely to meet in Marrakech is petty theft, persistent touts and a handful of well-worn scams around Jemaa el-Fna and the souks. Here is what the official advisories say, how the common scams work, and the emergency numbers to save.

Food & drink

What should you eat in Dubrovnik?

Ston oysters, black risotto and rožata are the three foods that define Dubrovnik. The oysters come from Mali Ston Bay, about an hour up the coast; crni rižot is the Dalmatian classic coloured with cuttlefish ink; and rožata is the city's own caramel custard, flavoured with rose liqueur. We spent 3 days in Dubrovnik in August 2023, the last Croatian stop after Split before we continued to Kotor in Montenegro. Dubrovnik is the most expensive place to eat in Croatia, and the old town's restaurants are priced for cruise crowds, so knowing what is local, and where to eat it, matters more here than elsewhere on the coast. Below are 12 foods with where to find each and one ordering tip, then markets, tipping and a one-day plan.

What are the most common tourist scams in Vietnam?

Most tourist scams in Vietnam fall into four groups: transport (rigged taxi meters, fake ride-app drivers, free hotel transfers), street sales (fruit-pole photos, overpriced cyclo rides), money (street changers, miscounted notes) and theft (bag snatching from passing motorbikes, passports held as deposits). None of this is dangerous in the way violent crime is, and the country is rated safe overall in our Vietnam safety guide. But the same handful of tricks work on first-time visitors every week, mostly in Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. We moved through the country from north to south in April and May 2023, with about three days in Hanoi from 20 April and a week in and around Ho Chi Minh City in mid-May. This page covers what each scam looks like, where it happens and what to do. The first-hand part is the route; the scam descriptions come from official advice and widely repeated traveler reports, and prices change, so treat any amount as a guide to scale rather than a tariff.

When is the best time to visit Prague?

The best time to visit Prague is May, early June or September: highs of about 18 to 24°C (64 to 75°F), long light evenings for the Castle and Petřín views, and thinner crowds on Charles Bridge than in July and August. The second-best window is late November to Christmas, for the markets, if you accept cold and short days. The honest trade-off: summer is warm but packed, winter is cheap but grey. We spent 5 days in Prague from 19 to 24 September 2022, then went on to Hřensko in Bohemian Switzerland, Karlovy Vary, Pilsen, Kutná Hora and Brno before crossing to Budapest.

Is Thailand safe to visit?

Yes, Thailand is safe to visit for the usual tourist route of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, the north and the islands: the US State Department rates it Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions. There are two real exceptions. The area along the Cambodian border, where fighting broke out in July and December 2025 and land crossings are still suspended, and the three far-southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, where an insurgency continues. Neither is on a normal holiday itinerary. For everyone else, the risks are road accidents (especially on rented scooters), scams in Bangkok, drink spiking at party spots, rip currents in monsoon season and strict new laws on vapes and cannabis. We spent six weeks in Thailand in December 2022 and January 2023, from Bangkok up through Ayutthaya, Sukhothai and Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, then south to Khao Sok and Ao Nang.

How do you choose an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai?

An ethical elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai is one where you watch elephants rather than ride, bathe or perform with them: no saddles, no shows, no hooks, and no splashing in the river with a mahout steering the animal toward you. The bar moved in the late 2010s. Elephant Nature Park, the best-known sanctuary near Chiang Mai, stopped letting visitors bathe elephants on April 16, 2018, and welfare groups now treat bathing as a red flag, not an ethical alternative to riding.

What are the most common tourist scams in Bali?

The scams that actually catch visitors in Bali are money changers who short-change you, taxi drivers who pose as app drivers, card and ATM tricks, disputes at spas, nail salons and tattoo parlours, and scooter-rental damage claims. Violent crime is not the main issue; our Bali safety guide covers the advisory levels, scooters and volcanoes. This page is about the money traps. We spent about 3 days in Seminyak and 5 days in Ubud in May 2023, on a route that ran from Vietnam to Bali and on to the Banyuwangi ferry. The scam list below comes from the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advice for Indonesia and from Bali police statements, plus long-running traveler reports. We do not describe losing money ourselves, because the route data records where we were and for how long, not what happened.

Is Bali safe to visit?

Yes, Bali is safe to visit for most travelers, and the dangers are mostly self-inflicted: scooters, drinks and the sea. The US State Department rates Indonesia as a whole Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, because of terrorism and natural disasters, with its do-not-travel warnings limited to two provinces in Papua, at the far eastern end of the country. In Bali itself, the things that actually go wrong are scooter crashes, bag snatching, drink spiking and methanol in cheap spirits, rabies from dogs and monkeys, rip currents on the south coast, and stomach bugs. We spent about two and a half weeks in Bali in May and June 2023, moving from Seminyak to Munduk, Ubud, Kintamani, Sidemen and Padangbai, with a side trip across to Banyuwangi in Java for Mount Ijen. Here is the official picture and what to do about each risk.

What should you know before visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest?

The Ubud Monkey Forest (officially the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or Mandala Suci Wenara Wana) is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with last entry at 5 p.m., and tickets cost IDR 130,000 for adults and IDR 100,000 for children as of 2026. Bring no food, secure anything loose, don't touch the monkeys, and if one bites or scratches you, wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and get medical advice the same day, because Bali has rabies.

Is Turkey safe to visit?

Yes, Turkey is safe to visit for most tourists: the US State Department rates it Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, the same tier as much of Western Europe, and the warnings that matter are for the southeast near the Syrian and Iraqi borders, hundreds of kilometres from Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Aegean coast. The everyday risks for visitors are scams in Istanbul's nightlife and old city, taxi overcharging, pickpockets in crowds, and the occasional demonstration. We spent 33 days in Turkey in October and November 2023: 15 days in Istanbul, then Ankara, Göreme, Pamukkale and Selçuk, ending with a final night in Istanbul.

Read more →Sep 8, 2026

How do you do Gyeongju as a day trip from Busan, and what are the must-see sites?

Gyeongju is about 50 to 60 minutes from Busan by express bus from Nopo terminal, or 30 minutes by KTX to Gyeongju Station (formerly Singyeongju) station — which is 15 to 20 minutes outside the city and needs a local bus or taxi onward. A day trip works, but it is tight: the historic sites split between the walkable city centre and Bulguksa, 16 km southeast in the mountains. We stayed three nights in June 2023 and would not have wanted less than two.

Read more →Sep 8, 2026

How many days do you need in Theth?

Two nights minimum, three if you want to hike. We spent 3 days in Theth, 13 to 16 September 2023, between Shkodër and Tirana. The road in from Shkodër takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, and furgons arrive late morning and leave in the early afternoon, so a single night gives you almost nothing. Two nights give one full day: the Grunas waterfall, the Lock-in Tower and the church. Three nights add a second full day for the Blue Eye of Theth or the Valbona pass crossing.

What are the most common tourist scams in Barcelona?

Barcelona's biggest tourist problem is pickpocketing, not elaborate scams: the metro, Las Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter, El Born, Raval and the Sagrada Familia queues are where phones and wallets disappear. Street tricks such as friendship bracelets and fake petitions are mostly distractions for the same thieves, and the rest is rigged menus near the Rambla and a handful of taxi and ATM issues. We spent 5 days in Barcelona from 24 July 2022, between Zaragoza and Valencia on our two-month Spain route, and cover the city in our Spain safety guide. The advice here is based on UK Foreign Office (FCDO) guidance and published police and traveler reports; it is not a story of anything that happened to us.

How do you get from Istanbul Airport to Sultanahmet and the city center?

From Istanbul Airport (IST) to Sultanahmet, the simplest option is the Havaist airport bus, whose Sultanahmet line was back in service in 2026 at a fare of €8 (paid by card). The cheapest is the M11 metro to Gayrettepe, then onward by metro and tram, which takes longer with bags. A metered taxi for the roughly 50 km ride works out at around ₺2,500 or more on the July 2026 tariff, plus any tolls.

What is a good 7 or 10 day Croatia itinerary from Zagreb to Dubrovnik?

Seven days covers Zagreb, Plitvice, Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik; ten adds Šibenik and Krka and slows the pace. Fly into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik, and travel north to south down the coast. This is our suggested cut of the 17 days we spent in Croatia, 3 to 20 August 2023: Zagreb 4, Osijek 3, Zadar 3, Šibenik 2, Split 2 and Dubrovnik 3. For a shorter trip we drop Osijek, which is a long way east of everything else, and add a night at Plitvice Lakes, which our route did not include.

What are the most common tourist scams in Prague?

Prague's real scams are taxis that charge far above the going rate, currency exchange offices with hidden fees and poor rates, criminals posing as plainclothes police who ask to see your money, and pickpockets on the airport bus and the Castle trams. Prague changed its taxi price rules twice in October 2026, which makes taxis the most confusing item right now; see below. We spent 5 days in Prague from 19 September 2022 and then continued to Hrensko, Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Pilsen, Kutna Hora and Brno. For the overall picture, see our Czech Republic safety guide. The scam details come from the UK Foreign Office (FCDO), Prague Airport and Czech press reporting, and we have not described anything that happened to us.

Is the Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it in 2026?

Yes for the 48- and 72-hour versions if you sightsee hard on the subway; usually no for the 24-hour one. Since 14 March 2026 the Tokyo Subway Ticket costs ¥1,000 for 24 hours, ¥1,500 for 48 hours and ¥2,000 for 72 hours (children 6 to 11 half price), up from ¥800, ¥1,200 and ¥1,500. Older blogs still quote the old prices. A single subway ride in central Tokyo costs about ¥180 to ¥260, so the 72-hour ticket pays off at about four rides a day, the 24-hour one at about five. The ticket covers all 9 Tokyo Metro lines and all 4 Toei subway lines, but not JR, so the Yamanote Line and the JR trains to Shibuya, Shinjuku and Harajuku cost extra.

Is Gyeongbokgung Palace Free If You Wear a Hanbok, and How Much Are Tickets?

Gyeongbokgung, Seoul's largest palace, costs 3,000 won for adults, and anyone wearing a hanbok gets in free, foreigners included. Visitors 18 and under and 65 and over also enter free. The palace is closed on Tuesdays, opens at 9:00 year-round, and the Royal Guard Changing Ceremony runs at 10:00 and 14:00 outside the ticket gate, free to watch. If you are seeing several palaces, a 6,000-won combined pass covers all four main palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. Here are the hours by season, what counts as a hanbok for free entry, and how to time a visit.

What are the most common tourist scams in Budapest?

Budapest's tourist scams are mostly about the bill: a taxi that does not use the meter or steers you to a venue for commission, a bar or restaurant that adds charges you did not agree to, and a street or kiosk exchange offer with a bad rate. Pickpocketing is common too, on trams, at stations and in the crowds near the Parliament and the thermal baths. We spent 5 days in Budapest from 6 October 2022, then went on to Eger and Tokaj. Our Hungary safety guide covers the advisory level. The details below combine UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advice with taxi tariff news from 2026, and we have not written up any personal run-ins because our route data only records where we were.

When is the best time to visit England?

May, June and September are the best months to visit England: long days (sunset after 9pm in June), gardens and countryside at their best, and fewer families than the July and August school holidays, when prices and crowds in Cornwall, the Lake District and the Cotswolds peak. The honest trade-off is that England has no reliably dry month: rain falls in every season, so you pick for daylight and crowds, not for guaranteed sun. We spent about 2.5 weeks in England from 14 November to 3 December 2023: London, Bath, the Cotswolds edge around Castle Combe, Leamington Spa, the Peak District at Castleton, Shrewsbury and the Mendips above Cheddar. This page is about the whole country; London has its own month-by-month page.

Is the Budapest Card worth it in 2026?

For most visitors, no: a BKK travelcard plus the two or three sights you actually want is cheaper. The Budapest Card costs €53 for 24 hours, €69 for 48, €85 for 72 and €112 for 96 on the official site, for the season running to 30 April 2027. It includes public transport, free entry to the Lukács Thermal Bath and 25 museums and sights, two walking tours and one river cruise. The same transport alone costs 2,750 HUF for 24 hours or 5,750 HUF for 72 with a BKK travelcard. At about 366 forints to the euro, the 72-hour card costs roughly 25,000 HUF more than the 72-hour travelcard, and you need to use that much in included entries to come out ahead.

How Do You Get to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple from Haeundae or Busan Station?

To reach Haedong Yonggungsa from Haeundae, take bus 181 or 1001 from near Haeundae Station to the Yonggungsa Temple stop (about 25 to 30 minutes), then walk about 10 minutes downhill to the temple. A taxi from Haeundae Beach takes 20 to 25 minutes and costs roughly 15,000 to 20,000 won. Entry is free and the temple opens at 4:30 a.m.; only parking costs money. Below: routes from Haeundae, Osiria and Busan Station, opening hours, how to beat the crowds, and how to combine it with the rest of the east coast.

Food & drink

What should you eat in London?

A pub Sunday roast, pie and mash with green liquor, and a salt beef bagel on Brick Lane are the three foods that define London. The roast is England's weekly ritual; pie and mash is East London's working-class lunch, served in tiled shops; and the bagel bakeries of Brick Lane are a leftover of the East End's Jewish community. London's real strength is that it also has some of the best Indian, Chinese and Middle Eastern food in Europe. We spent 8 days in London in November and December 2023: a week at the start of our England loop, which went on to Bath, the Cotswolds edge, the Peak District and Somerset, and one more night at the end. Below are 12 foods with where to find each and one ordering tip, then markets, the service-charge rule and a one-day plan.

What are the most common tourist scams in London?

In London, the thing most likely to be taken from a visitor is a phone, snatched from your hand at the curb by someone on a bike, e-bike or moped, followed by pickpocketing in crowds and unlicensed minicabs that approach you. There are fewer classic cons than in some European capitals, and the city is rated safe overall in our England safety guide. We spent about 8 days in London in two visits, from 14 to 21 November 2023 and again on 2 and 3 December 2023, around a loop through Bath, Oxford and the Peak District. This guide uses news reports and TfL guidance from 2026 and earlier; it does not describe incidents involving us.

Is a Halong Bay cruise worth it?

Yes, as a 2-day, 1-night cruise outside the summer storm season; usually not as a day trip. The bay is about 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Hanoi each way, so a day trip spends more time in a van than on the water. An overnight cruise gets you the karsts at sunset and sunrise, a kayak or cave stop, and a calmer area away from the day boats. Operator price lists put 2-day, 1-night cruises at roughly $105 to $150 per person at the budget end, $145 to $250 for a comfortable mid-range boat and $300 or more for the top tier, sharing a cabin. If your budget or time is tight, Ninh Binh gives you the same limestone scenery by rowing boat for far less, and it is on the way south.

Do Americans Need a K-ETA for South Korea in 2027, and How Do You Apply?

South Korea's temporary K-ETA exemption for US citizens and 21 other nationalities runs until 31 December 2026, and as of this writing (October 2026) no further extension has been announced. Unless that changes, you need an approved K-ETA to fly to Korea visa-free from 1 January 2027. It costs 10,000 won on the official site, k-eta.go.kr, is valid for 3 years, and you should apply at least 72 hours before boarding. Here is who is covered, how the application works, how it interacts with the e-Arrival Card, and how to avoid the copycat sites that charge over $100.

What are the most common tourist scams in the Philippines?

The Philippines' tourist scams are mostly at the first and last steps of the trip: taxis at Manila's NAIA airport that quote flat fares or run up the meter, tricycle and van drivers who quote tourist prices, ATM skimming, and tours whose real price is higher than the quote. The country is safe for most visitors on the usual route if you stay out of the far south, as our Philippines safety guide explains. We spent four weeks on the route in November and December 2022: 2 days in Manila from 8 November, then Sabang, Port Barton, El Nido (6 days), Coron (4), Oslob, Moalboal and Cebu City. This page covers scams and who to call. It draws on the UK Foreign Office (FCDO) advice, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and news reports, and does not describe any incident involving us.

Should you visit Thailand or Vietnam?

Pick Thailand for an easier first trip to Southeast Asia, for islands and beaches, and for a December to February trip; pick Vietnam if you want to spend less, eat better street food for the money, and follow one long north-to-south line of very different places. Neither is a wrong answer, and they are only about two hours apart by air, so many people do both. We spent about 6 weeks in Thailand from December 2022 to January 2023 (Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Khao Sok and Ao Nang) and 29 days in Vietnam in April and May 2023, from Hanoi and Ninh Binh down through Hue, Hoi An, Da Lat and Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho. The comparison below uses that route as the frame, with typical 2026 costs, not what we spent.

Do You Tip in Japan or South Korea?

You do not tip in Japan or South Korea. In restaurants, cafes, bars, taxis and hotels you pay the amount on the bill and nothing more, and in Japan cash left on the table is often brought back to you. Where service is charged, it is built into the price: first-class hotels in Japan add a 10% to 15% service charge, many upscale hotels in Korea add 10% plus tax, and Japanese izakaya add a small per-person table charge called otōshi. The real exceptions are narrow: an optional envelope at a high-end ryokan and, sometimes, a private guide. Here is how each situation works.

What should you eat in Prague?

Svíčková, vepřo knedlo zelo and smažený sýr are the three foods that define Prague. Svíčková is beef in a creamy root-vegetable sauce with bread dumplings and cranberries; vepřo knedlo zelo is roast pork, dumplings and sauerkraut; and smažený sýr is a slab of breaded fried cheese with tartar sauce, the default vegetarian order in any pub. All three are pub food, and the pub, with a well-kept Czech lager, is where Prague eats best. We spent 5 days in Prague in September 2022, at the start of a Czech loop that went on to Bohemian Switzerland, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Pilsen, Kutná Hora and Brno. Below are 12 foods with where to find each and one ordering tip, then markets, tipping and a one-day plan.

What are the most common tourist scams in Tokyo?

Tokyo is one of the safest big cities in the world for tourists, and almost all of its scams are in one place: nightlife districts like Kabukicho in Shinjuku and Roppongi, where touts lead visitors into bars that charge extreme bills, and where drink spiking and card fraud have been reported. Away from those streets, the realistic risks are small. Shinjuku Police logged 91 complaints between January and June 2026 from people who said touts took them to venues that overcharged them, with reported losses of about 99 million yen, and many of the victims were overseas visitors, according to SoraNews24. We spent about 9 days in Tokyo in two visits in 2023: from 18 to 22 March and again from 15 to 20 April, either side of the loop through Hakone, the Alps, Kyoto and Hiroshima. This page explains the setup, the districts and what to do. See also our Japan safety guide.

When is the best time to visit Croatia?

The best time to visit Croatia is late May to June and September: highs around 23 to 28°C (73 to 82°F) on the coast, a sea that has warmed to about 21°C (70°F) or more, full ferry timetables, and noticeably fewer people than July and August. Late September is our top pick for swimming without crowds. The trade-off: before late May and after mid-October the island ferries thin out and many coastal restaurants close. We were in Croatia from 3 to 20 August 2023, peak season: 4 days in Zagreb, 3 in Osijek, 3 in Zadar, 2 in Šibenik, 2 in Split and 3 in Dubrovnik, arriving from Venice and continuing to Montenegro.

Should you go to Bali or Thailand?

The month decides it: Bali's dry season runs roughly April to October and most of Thailand's runs roughly November to February, so go to Bali in the northern summer and Thailand in the northern winter. If the dates are fixed, pick Bali for one compact island with rice terraces, temples and a strong wellness and villa scene; pick Thailand for variety (a big city, a cooler mountain north, old capitals and many islands), more transport options and a slightly lower daily cost outside the beaches. We spent 18 days in Bali in May and June 2023 (Seminyak, Munduk, Ubud, Kintamani, Sidemen and Padangbai, with a day trip across to Mt. Ijen on Java) and about 6 weeks in Thailand in December 2022 and January 2023, from Bangkok through the north to Khao Sok and Ao Nang. Costs below are typical 2026 ranges, not what we spent.

How Do You Fill Out the All Indonesia Arrival Card for Bali?

Every international arrival in Indonesia, Bali included, has to submit the free All Indonesia Arrival Card online within 3 days (72 hours) before landing at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id. You get a QR code by email that you show at immigration and customs. The card has been mandatory at all international entry points since 1 October 2025, and it replaced two older forms: the e-CD customs declaration and the SATUSEHAT health pass. It is not a visa and it does not cover the Bali tourist levy. Below: what it asks, when to file, how it fits with the e-VOA and the levy, and how to avoid the fee-charging copycat sites.

How many days do you need in Madrid?

Three days is right for Madrid; four if you want Toledo or Segovia. We spent 4 days in Madrid, from 27 June to 1 July 2022, as the first stop of our 60-day Spain route, before stopping in Ávila on the way to Salamanca. Three days covers the old Habsburg core and the Royal Palace, the Prado and the Retiro, and a slower day for Gran Vía, Malasaña and the Reina Sofía. A fourth day is best spent on a day trip, since Toledo and Segovia are each about half an hour away by high-speed train. Two days works only if you skip one of the big museums.

How do you get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok?

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), the Airport Rail Link is the best choice for most people: about 45 baht to Phaya Thai in roughly 30 minutes, with BTS and MRT connections. A metered public taxi is the easiest door-to-door option with luggage, and costs roughly 400 to 650 baht all in once the airport fee and expressway tolls are added. Buses are the cheapest, and the only ones that make sense after midnight are taxis. We spent 10 days in Bangkok across December 2022 and January 2023, so this page is built around where visitors actually end up: Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom, Khao San and Riverside. Fares below come from Airports of Thailand style listings and 2026 guides read in October 2026; they are rounded because Bangkok adjusts them often.

Should you visit Japan or South Korea?

Pick Japan for a first trip to East Asia: it has more to see per day, Kyoto's temples, the Alps towns and the best-organised transport anywhere. Pick South Korea if you have been to Japan already, want a cheaper and less crowded trip, or are drawn by Korean food, Seoul nightlife and K-culture. They pair well: Seoul to Tokyo is a flight of roughly two and a half hours. We spent 33 days in Japan in March and April 2023 (Tokyo, Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima) and 32 days in South Korea in June and July 2023 (Seoul, Jeonju, Suncheon, Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju and Sokcho). Below is how they compare, using typical 2026 costs rather than our spending.

Is the Hakone Freepass Worth It in 2026?

Yes, for most first-time visitors who ride the classic Hakone loop. The 2-day Hakone Freepass costs ¥7,100 from Shinjuku (¥7,500 for 3 days) or ¥6,000 from Odawara (¥6,400 for 3 days), and the ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise alone cost ¥3,700 one way at regular fares, before the trains, cable car and buses. The Romancecar seat fee is not included. Plan around two maintenance closures: the Hakone Ropeway is replaced by buses between Owakudani and Sounzan from 7 to 24 December 2026, and between Togendai and Owakudani from 12 January to 26 February 2027.

How do you get from Noi Bai Airport to central Hanoi?

From Noi Bai Airport (HAN), bus 86 is the cheapest sensible way into the Old Quarter at about 45,000 to 50,000 dong, and Grab or a metered taxi is the easiest with luggage at roughly 250,000 to 450,000 dong. The airport is about 30 to 35 km north of the centre, so even a taxi takes 45 to 75 minutes, and longer at rush hour. We spent just under 3 days in Hanoi in April 2023, and the airport run is the one part of the city that surprises first-timers because it is so far out. Figures below come from the Noi Bai transport listings and 2026 guides checked in October 2026; Vietnamese fares move often, so treat them as approximate.

Should you visit Prague or Budapest?

Pick Prague for a compact, walkable medieval core and easy day trips into Bohemia; pick Budapest for thermal baths, a bigger river city, lower prices and later nightlife. If you have a week, do both: they are about 7 hours apart by direct train. Prague is the prettier old town and the more crowded one. Budapest feels larger and less polished, with more to do after dark and the baths as something Prague simply does not have. We spent 5 days in Prague in September 2022, then 12 more days around Bohemia and Brno, and went on to Budapest for 5 days in October 2022 before Eger and Tokaj.

Should you visit Croatia or Montenegro?

Pick Croatia for islands, sailing, Roman and Venetian towns and the easiest logistics; pick Montenegro for lower prices, dramatic mountains and a shorter, cheaper coast. Kotor is only about 2 to 3.5 hours by road from Dubrovnik, so most people should do both. Croatia is bigger, more developed for tourism and more expensive, especially on the coast in July and August. Montenegro is small: the Bay of Kotor, a short Adriatic coast, and then high mountains inland that Croatia's coast cannot match. We spent 17 days in Croatia in August 2023 (Zagreb, Osijek, Zadar, Šibenik, Split, Dubrovnik) and went straight on to Montenegro for 22 days, from Kotor up to Žabljak and Gusinje and back down to Ulcinj and Podgorica.

Read more →Aug 30, 2026

How Much Is the Kyoto City Bus, and Will Tourists Pay More from 2027?

A Kyoto city bus ride costs a flat ¥230 for adults (¥120 for children) anywhere in the central fare zone, paid by IC card or cash when you get off. That is still the fare for everyone in autumn 2026. Kyoto City plans a two-tier "citizen-priority" fare from fiscal year 2027 (April 2027 onward), with residents paying about ¥200 and non-residents, including tourists, about ¥350 to ¥400; one report puts the figure at ¥360. It is a proposal, not yet law: it still needs an ordinance change and national transport ministry approval. Meanwhile, the subway and trains are often faster than the crowded buses.

Read more →Aug 30, 2026

How do you get from NAIA Manila Airport to Makati, BGC and Manila?

From NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport), the cheapest comfortable route is the point-to-point (P2P) bus from Terminal 3 to Makati or BGC at roughly 150 to 200 pesos, and the easiest is a Grab or official coupon taxi at roughly 300 to 800 pesos. The real variable is traffic: Makati is only about 7 km away, but the ride can take 30 minutes or more than two hours at the weekday peaks of 07:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 20:00. We spent 2 days in Manila in November 2022 before moving on to Palawan, and the airport leg is the part of Manila worth planning. Figures here come from July and September 2026 airport guides and are approximate; fares were adjusted in 2026, so check the operator before you travel.

What do tourists need to know about driving in New Zealand?

You can drive in New Zealand on your home licence for up to 12 months if it is in English; if it is not, carry an International Driving Permit or an approved English translation. Drive on the left, keep to 100 km/h on most open roads, and pay the three motorway tolls online within 10 days. The rules are simple. What catches visitors out is the time things take: narrow two-lane highways, one-lane bridges and mountain passes make a 300 km day feel like 500. We spent 23 days on the South Island in February and March 2023, a loop from Christchurch via Lake Pukaki, Te Anau, Milford Sound, Wanaka, Haast, Fox Glacier and Arthur's Pass, and the distances below are drawn from that route. If you are American, our US-specific driving guide covers left-side habits and bridge signs in more detail; this page covers everyone, plus tolls, fuel, rental contracts and seasonal closures.

How much does it cost to climb the Kotor city walls to St. John's Fortress, when do you pay, and how long does the hike take?

Climbing Kotor's city walls to St. John's Fortress (Tvrđava Sveti Ivan, also called San Giovanni) costs €15 per adult for foreign visitors. That is the price set by the Kotor municipality, which raised it from €8 in November 2023; Montenegrin residents and children under 12 are free. Fees are collected from 1 March to 30 November, from 07:00 to 20:00 between May and September. The climb is about 1,350 steps and takes most people 45 minutes to an hour up. Older blogs quoting €8 or €3 are out of date.

Read more →Aug 27, 2026

How do you get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to the city centre?

From Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), the FEX Airport Express is the fastest option: about 23 minutes to Berlin Hauptbahnhof, 19 to Potsdamer Platz and 14 to Südkreuz, on the same €5.00 ABC ticket as the slower S-Bahn. Trains run from the station directly beneath the terminal, every 15 minutes through the day, and the S-Bahn S9 serves the east. A taxi to the centre costs about €60 to €70. We spent 3 days in Berlin in July 2023. Fares and times come from the DB Regio airport express page and 2026 guides read in October 2026.

What do tourists need to know about driving in Albania?

Yes, tourists can drive in Albania, and a car is the easiest way to link the mountains, the south and the Riviera, but carry an International Driving Permit, drive the main roads by day, and expect rougher surfaces and more erratic driving than in Croatia or Italy. We spent a month in Albania in September and October 2023, from Shkodër and Theth down through Tirana, Korçë, Përmet, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Ksamil and Berat. That route is a good test of the country's roads: a motorway spine, mountain passes and a coast where the last 20 km can take an hour in August. This page covers the paperwork, the rules, the one big toll and the roads that need care.

How do you get from Tirana airport to the city center, and how much do the bus and taxi cost?

The cheapest way from Tirana International Airport (TIA) to the city center is the airport bus, often called the Rinas Express: 400 lek (about €4) one way, departing every hour on the hour, 24/7, and taking 30 to 45 minutes to a stop behind the Palace of Opera and Ballet on Skanderbeg Square. An airport taxi takes about 25 minutes and costs a fixed fare quoted at roughly 2,200 to 2,500 lek (about €22 to €25). Uber and Bolt do not operate in Albania.

What should you eat in Kanazawa?

Sea of Japan seafood, jibuni and Kanazawa oden are the three things to eat in Kanazawa. The city sits on the Sea of Japan coast and was the seat of the wealthy Maeda lords for nearly three centuries, so it combines some of the best fish in the country with a refined castle-town food culture of sweets, tea and gold leaf. We spent 4 days in Kanazawa from late March into early April 2023, after Takayama and before Kyoto, with a day trip to Shirakawa-go. Seafood here is seasonal, and our dates fell at the end of crab season, so when you go changes what you should order.

How do you get from Munich Airport to the city centre?

From Munich Airport (MUC), the S-Bahn is the best option for most visitors: the S1 and S8 leave from beneath the terminals and reach Marienplatz and the Hauptbahnhof in about 40 minutes, about every 10 minutes combined, for roughly €14 to €15 on a single ticket. The Lufthansa Express Bus runs to the Hauptbahnhof for about €13, and a taxi is €65 to €85. The airport is far out, about 30 km northeast of the centre, so a taxi is a bad deal for one person. We spent 5 days in Munich in July 2023. The timetable facts come from the Munich Airport public transport page and the prices from 2026 guides, since the MVV tariff page was not available to read; fares have changed more than once in recent years, so check before you pay.

What do tourists need to know about driving in Morocco?

Self-driving in Morocco is very doable on the motorways and the main routes south of Marrakech, as long as you carry an International Driving Permit, respect the speed limits (police and radars catch drivers at just a few km/h over), and never drive into the medinas. For the desert itself, hire a 4x4 with a driver. We spent 24 days in Morocco from late August to mid September 2022, from Tangier and Chefchaouen through Fes, Rabat, Casablanca and Essaouira to Marrakech, then over the Atlas to Ouarzazate, Zagora, Tamegroute and Erg Chigaga. That covers almost every kind of Moroccan road, so this page is organised by what you will actually drive.

How do you get from Heathrow Airport to central London?

From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line is the best all-round option: £15.50 to central London since 1 March 2026, trains to Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and the City in about 30 to 45 minutes, with no booking needed. The Piccadilly line is the cheapest at under £6 but takes closer to an hour; the Heathrow Express reaches Paddington in about 15 minutes for about £25 walk-up; and a black cab costs roughly £60 to £120. We spent 8 days in London across November and December 2023. The Elizabeth line fare matches our Oyster vs contactless guide; taxi and Express prices come from 2026 guides, since TfL's and Heathrow's own pages blocked us.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is mid-April to early June and mid-September to October: highs of about 17 to 24°C (63 to 75°F), almost no acqua alta risk, and long enough days to see the city before and after the day-trippers. The catch is that most of those spring weeks are also day-tripper fee days, and weekends are crowded in any season; for the quietest Venice, go in November or early December midweek and accept fog and the chance of high water. We spent 3 days in Venice from 31 July to 3 August 2023, after 4 days in Bologna and before Zagreb, so we know the city in high summer; the other seasons below come from climate records and the city's official calendars.

What do tourists need to know about driving in Italy and ZTL zones?

Driving in Italy is easy on the autostrade and in the countryside, and expensive in the historic centres: almost every old town has a ZTL (limited traffic zone) watched by cameras, and one wrong turn can mean a fine of about €83 to €332 arriving months later, plus the rental company's handling fee. We spent 9 days in northern Italy in July and August 2023: 2 nights in Verona with a day trip to Parma, 4 in Bologna and 3 in Venice. That stretch shows the problem clearly. Bologna's ZTL covers most of the centre, Verona's covers the old town, and in Venice you cannot drive past Piazzale Roma at all. This page covers ZTLs first, then the licence, speed, toll and parking rules.

Can you get Moroccan dirhams before you travel, and how do you change money in Morocco?

The Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency: it is not freely traded abroad, and travellers may carry no more than 2,000 dirhams in banknotes into or out of Morocco, according to the Office des Changes. So you arrive with euros, pounds or dollars (or just a bank card), get dirhams from an ATM or exchange desk on arrival, and change any leftovers back before you fly out, ideally with your exchange receipts in hand.

Where should you stay in London?

For a first visit, stay in Zone 1, and the best value there is Southwark or Bloomsbury. Southwark, across the river from St Paul's, is cheaper than the West End and sits on the riverside path; Bloomsbury is quiet, walkable to the British Museum and the West End, and next to the King's Cross and St Pancras stations. Covent Garden and Soho put you inside the nightlife at a real premium. We spent 8 days in London in 2023: 7 in November, arriving from Istanbul, before heading out to Bath, the Cotswolds and the Peak District, and a final night in early December at the end of our 526-day trip.

How do you get from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice?

From Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), the ATVO express bus is the fastest and simplest: €12 single, about 20 minutes to Piazzale Roma, where the road ends and Venice begins. The Alilaguna water bus costs €18 and drops you at stops such as Fondamente Nove, Rialto or San Marco, but takes much longer. Water taxis are the premium option, priced per boat. We spent 3 days in Venice in July 2023. Prices and boarding details come from a transport portal updated in October 2026 and the Alilaguna line pages; the official ticketing page did not load fully, so confirm prices at the operator.

Do you need a vignette (e-matrica) to drive in Hungary?

Yes, if you drive on almost any Hungarian motorway (the M-roads) you need an electronic vignette, the e-matrica, bought before you join it. For a passenger car (category D1) the 2026 prices are 5,550 HUF for one day, 6,900 HUF for 10 days and 11,170 HUF for a month. There is no sticker and no toll booth: cameras read your number plate and check it against the national database, and the base fine for being caught without one is 27,790 HUF. If you are only in Budapest, or driving on ordinary numbered main roads, you do not need one. We spent 5 days in Budapest, then 3 in Eger and 3 in Tokaj in October 2022 before crossing into Romania at Oradea, and that M3 corridor east of Budapest is exactly the kind of trip where a 10-day pass is the right buy.

Will international visitors have to pay to visit Milford Sound and Mount Cook from 2027?

Not yet. New Zealand plans to charge international visitors an access fee at four of its busiest conservation sites (Piopiotahi/Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Mautohe/Cathedral Cove), but the law that would allow it, the Conservation Amendment Bill, is still before Parliament. The government's early estimate was NZ$20 to NZ$40 per person, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) says the earliest the charges could start is summer 2027/28. No price, start date or collection method has been confirmed. New Zealanders and residents will not pay.

How many days do you need in Munich?

Three days covers Munich itself; five lets you add Neuschwanstein and Salzburg. We spent 5 days in Munich, from 20 to 25 July 2023, after Ulm and before crossing into Italy for Verona. The city's sights are concentrated: two days cover the Altstadt, the Residenz and the English Garden, and a third adds Nymphenburg Palace or the museums. The extra days matter because Munich is the base for Bavaria's biggest day trips, each roughly two hours away, and each needs a full day.

How do you get from Sydney Airport to the city centre?

Sydney Airport is only about 8 km from the CBD, and the train takes roughly 13 to 15 minutes, but the airport station access fee, $18.61 for an adult per trip on top of the normal fare, makes it one of the most expensive short train rides in the country. A taxi flat-fare trial of $60 to the CBD started on 3 November 2025, and buses such as route 350 skip the airport stations entirely. We spent 2 days in Sydney in February 2023. The access fee, trial taxi rate and bus routes come from Transport for NSW; check its trip planner for the current total, since fees are adjusted each year.

Do you need a vignette to drive in the Czech Republic?

Yes: to drive on Czech motorways (D-roads) and tolled expressways you need an electronic vignette, bought on the official eDálnice site at edalnice.gov.cz. For a normal petrol or diesel car in 2026 it costs CZK 230 for one day, CZK 300 for 10 days, CZK 480 for 30 days and CZK 2,570 for a year. There is no sticker; the vignette is tied to your number plate and checked by cameras. Driving a tolled section without one can cost a fine of up to CZK 20,000. Within Prague itself and on ordinary roads you do not need one. We spent 5 days in Prague in September 2022, then moved around Bohemia and Moravia: Hřensko on the German border, Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně, Pilsen, Kutná Hora and Brno. That loop of spa towns and small cities is the trip most visitors hire a car for.

How much is the Basque Country tourist tax in San Sebastián and Bilbao from 2027?

From 1 January 2027, overnight visitors to the Basque Country pay a new tourist stay tax (impuesto sobre estancias turísticas) per adult per night, collected by the hotel, flat or campsite. The provincial laws set a general range of roughly €0.75 to €5 per night, and big destinations can add a surcharge of up to 50%. San Sebastián's proposed rates run from €1.25 at farm stays to €6.50 at top-category hotels and tourist flats, capped at six nights per stay; Bilbao's reported draft is about €4 for a four-star and €5 for a five-star hotel. City rates were still awaiting final approval in October 2026.

How do you get from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to the city?

Melbourne Airport has no train, so the choice is SkyBus, a bus plus a suburban train, or a car. SkyBus is the standard answer: roughly $26 one way, the ride goes to Southern Cross Station, and it runs 24 hours. Taxis cost about $70 to $110 and Uber roughly $50 to $80, depending on time and tolls. The cheapest route is bus 901 to Broadmeadows then a train, for a few dollars but 55 to 75 minutes. We spent 4 days in Melbourne in January 2023. SkyBus fares were reported at $25.90 in July 2026; the SkyBus site shows other numbers for return fares, so check before you buy.

When is the best time to visit Italy?

The best time to visit Italy is late April to early June and mid-September to October: daytime highs in the low to high 20s °C across most of the country, sea warm enough in the south from June, and prices below the July and August peak. The trade-off is that these months are no secret, so Rome, Florence and Venice are still busy; for real quiet and the lowest prices you need November or January to March and some cold, wet days. Our own route covered northern Italy only: we spent 2 days in Verona (with a day trip to Parma), 4 in Bologna and 3 in Venice between 25 July and 3 August 2023, arriving from Munich and going on to Zagreb. The northern advice below draws on that; for Rome and the south we rely on climate records and official calendars.

Do you need a rovinieta to drive in Romania?

Yes: in Romania the rovinieta is needed on all national roads, not just motorways, so any road trip outside a city needs one. Since 1 October 2026 the car price depends on the engine's Euro emission class: a one-day rovinieta costs 22 lei for a Euro 6 car and 29 lei for Euro 0 to 3, and a 10-day one 30 to 39 lei. At the same time Romania scrapped the separate car tolls on the Fetești–Cernavodă and Giurgeni–Vadu Oii Danube bridges. Our route was the classic one: we came in from Hungary at Oradea in October 2022 and went through Cluj-Napoca, Deva, Sibiu, Sighișoara, Brașov and Sinaia to Bucharest over three weeks. Almost every leg of that uses national roads where a rovinieta applies.

Can you drive to the Lakes of Covadonga, and how does the shuttle bus from Cangas de Onís work?

On regulated days the CO-4 road up to the Lakes of Covadonga (Lagos de Covadonga) is closed to private cars for the whole day, and the only way up is the shuttle bus from car parks in Cangas de Onís and Covadonga, costing €9 return for adults. In 2026 the restriction ran daily from 1 June to 18 October, plus Easter, most May weekends and a few autumn and December dates. On other days you can drive up until the lakeside car parks fill. The 2027 calendar had not been published as of October 2026.

What are the best day trips from Venice?

The best day trips from Venice are the lagoon islands of Burano and Torcello, Padua, and Verona. Burano and Torcello need nothing but a vaporetto ticket and show you a Venice without the crowds; Padua is about 15 to 35 minutes away by train and holds Giotto's Scrovegni Chapel; Verona takes about 70 minutes on the fastest trains and is the best full-city day out. We spent 3 days in Venice from 31 July to 3 August 2023, after 4 days in Bologna and 2 in Verona, so the trips below are ranked by what each one gives you for the hours it costs.

How do you get from Queenstown Airport to town?

Queenstown Airport is about 8 km from the town centre, a 10 to 15 minute drive, and the cheapest way in is the Orbus airport bus: $2.50 with a Bee Card or $10 in cash for an adult. Taxis and shuttles cost more: roughly $45 to $85 for a taxi and about $24 per person for a shared shuttle in older reports. We spent 1 day in Queenstown in March 2023, which is a short time for a town where the transport details matter, since the airport sits in Frankton, at the edge of everything. The Bee Card and cash fares come from Otago Regional Council's Orbus fares page; shuttle and rideshare figures are from older guides and may have changed.

How much is the Hoi An Ancient Town ticket in 2026, and do you need one to walk around?

The Hoi An Ancient Town ticket costs 80,000 or 120,000 VND in 2026, and foreign visitors are generally quoted 120,000 VND (about US$5). Under the heritage centre's January 2026 rules, the 120,000 VND ticket covers entry to the old town, either the Japanese Covered Bridge or Quan Công Temple, one museum and three other heritage sites of your choice, and stays valid for your whole stay up to three days. You are expected to buy a ticket before entering the old town core during its pedestrian hours, and under-16s go free.

Is Japan good for solo travel?

Yes, Japan is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel alone: violent crime against visitors is rare, trains run on a schedule you can trust, and eating by yourself is completely ordinary. The real solo problems are narrow ones: bar-district touts in Tokyo, train groping reported by women, and a daily cost that rises if you want a room to yourself. We spent about 33 days in Japan in March and April 2023, including 9 days in Tokyo, 4 in Kyoto, 3 in Osaka and 2 in Nara. This page covers safety by type, what solo travel costs, where to base yourself and how to handle meals, onsen and luggage.

How do you get from Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima with your luggage?

The Shinkansen is the only sensible way: about 1 hour 40 minutes from Kyoto to Hiroshima on a Nozomi, for about ¥11,940 (roughly US$80) in a reserved seat. JR Pass holders ride a Hikari or Sakura free with a change at Shin-Osaka in about 2 hours, or pay a ¥4,170 supplement for the Nozomi. From Hiroshima Station, Miyajima is another 25 minutes by JR train to Miyajimaguchi and a 10-minute ferry. This guide is for moving to Hiroshima with bags and staying a night or two; if you only want a day trip, read our Hiroshima and Miyajima day trip guide instead.

How Much Are Dubrovnik City Walls Tickets in 2026, and When Should You Go?

A ticket for the Dubrovnik City Walls costs €40 for adults in the 2026 main season, €15 for ages 7 to 18, and children under 7 go free. The same ticket also gets you into Fort Lovrijenac. The walk is about 1.9 km one way round, counterclockwise, and takes 1.5 to 2 hours. In summer the walls open at 8am, and that first hour is the best time to go, before the heat and the cruise crowds. The 1-day Dubrovnik Pass is usually priced the same as a walls ticket and adds museums and buses.

Is South Korea good for solo travel?

Yes, South Korea is a very good country for solo travel: transit is cheap and easy once you have a T-money card, crime against foreigners is rare, and one-person meals are common outside barbecue. The practical solo problems are the two-portion minimum at barbecue restaurants, taxis where drivers speak little English, and nightlife areas where the UK government reports assaults. We spent about 32 days in South Korea in June and July 2023: Seoul (10 days across two visits), Jeonju (3), Suncheon (3), Busan (4), Seogwipo and Jeju City (6 combined), Gyeongju (3) and Sokcho (3). This page covers safety, costs, food and where to base.

How do you get from Hanoi to Hue?

Flying is fastest: about 1 hour 15 minutes from Hanoi's Noi Bai to Hue's Phu Bai airport, roughly 15 km from the city. The overnight sleeper train is the best for most people: the SE3 takes about 12 hours 30 minutes, leaving Hanoi around 19:20, with a 4-berth soft sleeper from roughly ₫890,000 (about US$35) in 2026. The sleeper bus is cheapest, about 12 to 15 hours from roughly ₫250,000 to ₫550,000 (US$10 to US$22), but it is the least comfortable. Hanoi to Hue is about 650 km, so every ground option is an overnight trip. We were in Hanoi from 20 to 23 April 2023, in Ninh Binh until the 27th, then in Hue from 27 to 29 April before Hoi An.

Is Spain good for solo travel?

Yes, Spain is easy and good value for solo travel: tapas bars are made for one or two plates at a time, the menú del día lunch is cheap, and city transport is simple. The main risk is theft by teams of pickpockets, not violence. We spent about two months in Spain from June to August 2022, with Madrid (4 days), Salamanca (2), Oviedo (3), Gijon (2), Bilbao (1), San Sebastian (2), Barcelona (5), Valencia (4), Granada (4), Seville (5) and Cadiz (2). This page covers safety, costs, food and bases.

How do you get from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho in the Mekong Delta?

The bus is the answer for almost everyone: about 3.5 to 4.5 hours from Saigon's Mien Tay bus station to Can Tho for roughly 165,000 to 240,000 VND ($6 to $10), with FUTA (Phuong Trang) alone listing 25 to 30 departures a day. Limousine vans cost a little more and can pick up closer to your hotel; a private car takes about 3 hours and is the only option that changes the experience much. There is no train to Can Tho and no practical flight from Saigon. We spent 2 nights in Can Tho in mid-May 2023, in the middle of a week based in Ho Chi Minh City, and this page is about the 170 km road between them.

What are the best day trips from Tirana?

Krujë, Durrës and Mount Dajti are the three best day trips from Tirana: each is under about an hour away and needs no car. Krujë has Skanderbeg's castle and an old bazaar on a mountainside, Durrës has a Roman amphitheatre and the sea, and the Dajti cable car lifts you above the city in about 15 minutes. Berat and Shkodër are each about 2 hours away; both work as long day trips, but both are better with a night. We spent 9 days in Tirana across two stays in 2023, four in September between Theth and Korçë and five in October at the end of a month in Albania, so we know it as a base as well as a capital.

Is Bali good for solo travel?

Yes, Bali is one of the easiest places in Asia to travel alone, with a large community of solo travelers and remote workers in Ubud and Canggu, but the risks are real and mostly personal: scooters, drinks and the sea. The US State Department rates Indonesia as a whole Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution (advisory issued July 2026), and Bali is not singled out. The UK Foreign Office says reported rapes and sexual assaults are high in Bali and Lombok. We spent about two and a half weeks in Bali in May and June 2023: Seminyak (3 days), Munduk (3), Ubud (5), Kintamani (2), Sidemen (3) and Padangbai (2). This page covers safety, costs, bases and the solo-specific decisions.

How do you get from Da Lat to Nha Trang?

Take a limousine van or a day bus: about 3.5 to 4 hours down the Khanh Le Pass for roughly 200,000 to 260,000 VND ($8 to $11) a seat, with departures from about 5am to late afternoon. A private car is faster, around 2.5 to 3 hours, and costs several times more. There is no train and no useful flight between the two. The one real risk is the pass itself: in the October to December rains it is prone to landslides, and in November 2025 a slide on Khanh Le hit a passenger bus and killed six people. We were in Da Lat for 5 days in early May 2023 and went on to Nha Trang for 3 nights before Ho Chi Minh City.

What are the best day trips from Verona?

The best day trips from Verona are Lake Garda (Sirmione or Peschiera), Vicenza and Mantua. All three are under an hour away by regional train, and each gives you something Verona does not: a lakefront, Palladio's architecture, and the Gonzaga palaces. Venice works too, at about 70 minutes, but deserves its own stay. We spent 2 days in Verona from 25 to 27 July 2023, arriving from Munich and going on to Bologna, and on our route Parma was a day trip from Verona, which we would now plan from Bologna instead. The list below is ranked by payoff against travel time.

Is Turkey good for solo travel?

Yes, Turkey works well for solo travel on the usual route of Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and the Aegean coast, where the real risks are scams, taxi overcharging and pickpockets, not violence. The US State Department rates Turkey Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution (reissued 9 June 2026), and warns against the border region with Syria and Iraq; the UK advises against all travel within 10 km of the Syrian border. We spent 33 days in Turkey in October and November 2023: Istanbul (16 days across two visits), Ankara (4), Goreme (5), Pamukkale (3) and Selcuk (5). This page covers safety, solo costs, bases and the solo-specific rules.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

The best time to visit Tokyo is late March to mid-April or November: spring brings cherry blossoms (average full bloom is 31 March) and highs of about 14 to 19°C, and November brings dry, clear days around 17°C and autumn colour in the parks. The trade-off is that both windows are the most expensive and crowded of the year, and spring overlaps Golden Week (29 April to 5 May 2027). If you want the lowest prices with decent weather, go in January or February: cold but sunny and dry. We were in Tokyo twice on our Japan route, 18 to 22 March 2023 at the start and 15 to 20 April 2023 at the end, with Hakone, the Japan Alps, Kyoto and Hiroshima in between. Temperatures below are Japan Meteorological Agency style long-term averages, not the weather we had.

How do you get from Bangkok to Krabi and Ao Nang?

Fly. Bangkok to Krabi is about 1 hour 20 minutes in the air, with budget fares often around 1,000 to 2,500 baht ($30 to $75) when booked ahead, and the airport shuttle to Ao Nang costs about 150 baht. The cheapest way is the overnight bus from Bangkok's Southern terminal, roughly 11 to 12 hours for about 650 to 1,000 baht. There is no direct train to Krabi: the train goes to Surat Thani, about 9 to 10 hours, and you finish by bus or van, which only makes sense if you want a sleeper berth. We were in Ao Nang for 4 days in January 2023, arriving from Khao Sok, and then went back to Bangkok for 4 more nights.

How much does an overnight at Cheow Lan Lake in Khao Sok cost, and do you need a tour to stay on the lake?

Every accommodation on Cheow Lan Lake is a floating raft house reachable only by boat, so you cannot book a room independently — you book a tour that includes the boat transfer. A standard 2-day/1-night package runs 2,500 to 3,100 baht per person; mid-range raft houses 3,500 to 5,500 baht; luxury floating resorts 7,000 to 12,000+ baht. On top, budget 300 baht national park entry and 20 to 40 baht pier fee, in cash.

Is Japan a good destination for a family trip with kids?

Japan is one of the easiest long-haul countries to visit with children: it is clean, the trains are punctual, convenience stores sell simple food at any hour, and child rail fares are discounted. The planning questions are train tickets by age, heat in summer, how to move luggage between cities, and how many cities to try. We spent about 33 days in Japan in March and April 2023 as a travel-and-photography trip, and do not claim to have travelled with children, so this page uses our route for ideas and published rules for the family logistics. The route had Tokyo (9 days), Hakone, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto (4), Nara (2), Osaka (3), Kobe, Himeji and Hiroshima.

How do you get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

The Greenbus is the best way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai for almost everyone: about 3 to 4 hours, roughly ฿200 to ฿400 (about $6 to $12) depending on class, with departures through the day from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 at Arcade. There is no train and, as of 2026, no direct flight between the two cities. A private car with driver is the fastest and most flexible option, at about 3 hours door to door, but it costs many times the bus fare. We spent 6 days in Chiang Mai and then 7 days in Chiang Rai over the New Year of 2022 to 2023, and this is the leg most visitors to the north make.

What should you eat in Venice?

Cicchetti, sarde in saor and baccalà mantecato are the three foods that define Venice. Cicchetti are the small bar snacks of the bacari, the city's old wine bars; sarde in saor are sweet-and-sour sardines with onions; and baccalà mantecato is dried cod whipped with olive oil and spread on bread or polenta. Venetian food is a lagoon cuisine of fish, rice and polenta, with spices left over from the trade with the East, and it has little to do with the pizza and lasagne sold near St. Mark's. We spent 3 days in Venice at the turn of July and August 2023, after 4 days in Bologna and before we went on to Zagreb. Below are 12 foods with where to find each and one ordering tip, then the Rialto market, cover charges and a one-day plan.

Is Thailand a good destination for a family trip with kids?

Thailand is a good family destination because it is cheap, the food is mild if you ask, and the standard Bangkok, Chiang Mai and beach route can be done with short transfers. The planning questions are heat, how many long moves to ask of children, and which animal attractions to skip. We spent about six weeks in Thailand from December 2022 to January 2023 as a travel-and-photography trip, and do not claim to have travelled with children; this page uses our route for ideas and published sources for the family logistics. The route had Bangkok (10 days across two visits), Ayutthaya (3), Sukhothai (2), Lampang (3), Chiang Mai (6), Chiang Rai (7), Mae Hong Son (3), Khao Sok (4) and Ao Nang (4).

How do you get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya?

The train is the best way from Bangkok to Ayutthaya: about 1 to 1.5 hours on express and rapid trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, and since 1 August 2026 a new air-conditioned commuter service, Bangkok Connex, with promotional fares of up to ฿50. The cheapest option is a third-class ordinary train for roughly ฿15 to ฿20, about 2 hours from the old Hua Lamphong station. Minivans from Mo Chit take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic, and a taxi or private car about 1 to 1.5 hours. Ayutthaya, about 80 km north, works as a day trip, but we stayed 3 days, from 13 to 16 December 2022, after 6 days in Bangkok and before heading north to Lop Buri.

Is Bali a good destination for a family trip with kids?

Bali suits families who plan two or three bases, avoid scooters, and treat animals, water and the sea as the main health risks. Hotels and villas are used to children, food is easy, and distances are short, but roads are slow and the hazards are specific: rabies from dogs and monkeys, Bali belly, rip currents on south-coast surf beaches and scooter crashes. We spent about two and a half weeks in Bali in May and June 2023 as a travel-and-photography trip and do not claim to have travelled with children. Our route had Seminyak (3 days), Munduk (3), Ubud (5), Kintamani (2), Sidemen (3) and Padangbai (2). This page uses that route for ideas and published sources for the family logistics.

When is the best time to visit the Philippines?

The best time to visit the Philippines is January to April: it is the heart of the dry season (PAGASA's broad dry window runs December to May), typhoons are rare, and Manila gets only about 20 to 25 mm of rain a month. February is the sweet spot for Palawan, before the heat of April and May. The trade-off is that Holy Week (25 to 27 March 2027) and the Christmas period fill flights and island resorts, and from about June to November typhoons can cancel boats and flights with a day's notice. We spent 8 November to 7 December 2022 in the Philippines: Manila, Sabang, Port Barton, El Nido, Coron, then Oslob, Moalboal and Cebu City. That is the tail of the rainy season, not the dry-season peak, so the figures below are long-term averages rather than our experience.

How do you get from Chiang Mai to Pai and Mae Hong Son?

For Pai, take a Prempracha minivan from Chiang Mai's Arcade bus terminal: about 3 to 4 hours, roughly ฿200 (about $6), departures roughly every hour from early morning to late afternoon. For Mae Hong Son the road takes about 5.5 to 7 hours either way, by minivan via Pai or by bus via Mae Sariang, but from late 2026 EZY Airlines flies Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son twice a day in about 50 minutes, and Chiang Mai to Pai once a day. If you are prone to motion sickness, the flight or the gentler southern road is the honest answer. We were in Mae Hong Son for 3 days from 4 to 7 January 2023, after 6 days in Chiang Mai and a week in Chiang Rai.

What should you eat in Zadar?

Maraschino, Pag cheese with pršut, and black risotto are the three foods that define Zadar. The cherry liqueur has been made in the city since the 18th century, the sharp sheep cheese comes from the island of Pag just to the north, and crni rižot is the Dalmatian first course you will see on every konoba menu in the old town. We spent 3 days in Zadar in August 2023, between Osijek in Slavonia and Šibenik further down the coast, and Zadar is where the menus switch from inland paprika and pork to olive oil, fish and Italian-leaning pasta. This guide covers 12 foods specific to Zadar and its islands, where on the peninsula to find them, and a one-day plan built around the sunset at the Sea Organ.

How should you plan a honeymoon in Bali?

For a Bali honeymoon, split 10 to 14 nights between two or three bases: the hills around Ubud, a quiet rice-terrace or highland stop, and a few nights on the coast. The best months are the dry season, roughly April to October, and the practical mistakes to avoid are a scooter, cheap cocktails and a trip with a transfer every other day. We spent about two and a half weeks in Bali in May and June 2023: Seminyak (3 days), Munduk (3), Ubud (5), Kintamani (2), Sidemen (3) and Padangbai (2). We recommend this route as one pattern and make no claim that we honeymooned there.

How do you get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?

For most people the shared van is the answer: about 5 to 6 hours from Puerto Princesa to El Nido for roughly ₱650 to ₱900 (about $11 to $16) in 2026. The bus is the cheapest and steadiest ride but slower, around 7 hours. A private van cuts the trip to about 4 to 5 hours and costs well over $100 for the vehicle, which only makes sense split between a group or with an early flight. There is no train and no regular ferry on this leg; flying straight into El Nido's small Lio airport from Manila is the way to skip the road entirely. We were in El Nido from 15 to 21 November 2022, arriving from Port Barton, after starting Palawan at Sabang.

How much is Sukhothai Historical Park, which zones need tickets, and is cycling the best way to see it?

Sukhothai Historical Park is priced by zone, not as one ticket. Foreign adults pay 200 baht for the central walled city, 120 baht each for the northern and western zones, and the southern and eastern zones are free. A combined multi-zone ticket is usually available at the main gate for around 350 to 400 baht. Bicycles cost 30 to 50 baht a day from shops outside the gates, plus a 10 baht park fee to bring one through the checkpoints.

How many days do you need in Bologna?

Two days for the city, three to four with day trips. We spent 4 days in Bologna, 27 to 31 July 2023, between Verona and Venice. Bologna has no single blockbuster sight; its draw is the porticoes, the medieval centre around Piazza Maggiore and the food, so it rewards slow days. Two days cover the centre and the walk up to San Luca. Bologna is also the best rail hub in northern Italy: Modena is about half an hour away, Parma under an hour, Ravenna about 75 minutes and Florence about 35 minutes by high-speed train. Each extra day can be a different city.

How should you plan a honeymoon in New Zealand?

For a New Zealand honeymoon, plan 10 to 14 days on the South Island: fly into Christchurch, drive via Lake Pukaki to Queenstown and Glenorchy, take a day at Milford Sound, then go on to Wanaka and the West Coast. The big costs are the rental car or campervan and a few one-off experiences, and the big decision is how many nights to spend in each place, since driving distances are long. We spent 23 days on the South Island in February and March 2023: Christchurch, Rakaia Gorge, Lake Pukaki, Glenorchy (2 days), Te Anau (3), Milford Sound, Queenstown, Wanaka (2), Haast, Fox Glacier (2), Arthur's Pass and Little River on Banks Peninsula (3). We recommend this route and make no claim that we honeymooned there.

How do you get from Cebu City to Oslob and Moalboal?

The Ceres bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal is the cheapest way and works fine: about 4 hours to Oslob for roughly ₱269 (non-aircon) to ₱330 (aircon), about $5 to $6, and about 2.5 to 3 hours to Moalboal for less. A private car or van is faster and the only sensible choice if you land late or want to do the whale sharks and Kawasan Falls in one day; expect several thousand pesos per vehicle. Between Oslob and Moalboal there is no direct express: you ride the Ceres to Bato and change. On our route we were in Oslob from 25 to 29 November 2022, Moalboal from 29 November to 6 December, then one night in Cebu City.

What is Japan like in April, and is it a good time to visit?

April is one of the best months to visit Japan, but only until about 28 April. Daytime highs are mild (about 19°C / 67°F in Tokyo, 20°C / 68°F in Kyoto), the cherry blossom front is still moving north, and the countryside is fresh and green. The trade-off is price and crowds: the first half of the month is the most expensive and busiest period outside New Year, and Golden Week starts on Thursday 29 April 2027 and ruins the last days. We spent most of April 2023 in Japan, from Kyoto on 2 April through Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji and Hiroshima, then back in Tokyo from 15 to 20 April. The averages below come from Japan Meteorological Agency 1991 to 2020 normals, not the weather we had.

When is the best time to visit Bali and Indonesia?

The best time to visit Bali is May, June or September: the dry season (roughly April to October) is under way, rain drops to about 40 to 75 mm a month, and you miss the July and August peak when European and Australian holidays fill Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud. The same dry-season rule covers most of Indonesia's tourist south: Java, Lombok and the Komodo area are all driest from about June to September, and the eastern islands stay dry a little longer. The trade-off is that the wet season (November to March) is cheaper and greener but brings heavy afternoon downpours, peaking in December and January. We spent 19 May to 6 June 2023 in Bali, moving from Seminyak to Munduk, Ubud, Kintamani, Sidemen and Padangbai, with a stop in Banyuwangi in East Java for Mount Ijen, so our route sits in the early dry season. The weather figures below are long-term averages, not what we had.

How do you get from Bali to Mount Ijen?

Most people do Ijen from Bali as a packaged 1 or 2 day tour: a driver to Gilimanuk port at Bali's western tip (about 3 to 4 hours from the south), the ferry across to Ketapang in East Java (about 45 minutes of sailing, roughly Rp10,600 for a foot passenger), a few hours' rest in Banyuwangi, then a 1 a.m. start for the crater. Doing it yourself by public bus and ferry is far cheaper but needs a night in Banyuwangi and a local driver for the mountain. There is no bridge, and no direct flight from Denpasar to Banyuwangi. We were in Banyuwangi on 21 to 22 May 2023 with a day trip to Ijen, between Seminyak and Munduk on our Bali route.

What are the best day trips from Kotor?

Perast and Our Lady of the Rocks, the Lovćen serpentine with Njeguši and Cetinje, and Budva are the three best day trips from Kotor. Perast is about half an hour away along the bay and needs only a morning; the climb up the 25 hairpins to Lovćen is the most dramatic drive in Montenegro; Budva adds a walled old town and beaches. We spent 3 days in Kotor in August 2023, arriving from Dubrovnik and going on into the mountains at Stavna, and later stayed in Cetinje and Petrovac further down the coast. Dubrovnik is possible as a day trip but the border makes it a gamble in summer.

What is Japan like in October, and is it a good time to visit?

October is a good month for Japan if you accept some rain: it is warm, uncrowded compared with April and November, and autumn colour has started in the north and the mountains. Tokyo's highs are about 22°C (72°F) and Kyoto's about 23°C (74°F), but October is also the wettest month of the year in Tokyo's normals, at around 235 mm, and typhoon season has not ended. The big cities' leaves do not turn until late November, so October suits mountain towns and Hokkaido better than Kyoto. Our Japan route ran in March and April 2023, not October, so the figures below are Japan Meteorological Agency 1991 to 2020 normals and not our experience.

Is there a ferry from Busan to Jeju, or should you fly?

Fly. The direct Busan to Jeju ferry no longer runs: the overnight boat made its last sailing in December 2022 and no operator has taken the route over as of 2026. Flights from Busan's Gimhae Airport to Jeju International Airport take about 1 hour in the air, with roughly 26 flights a day, and one-way fares that often sit somewhere around ₩35,000 to ₩100,000 on the budget carriers, more on holidays. The only way to reach Jeju by sea from Busan is to travel west first to Wando, Goheung (Nokdong) or Mokpo and take a ferry from there, which turns a one-hour hop into most of a day. We were in Busan from 18 to 22 June 2023 and went on to Seogwipo, on Jeju's south coast, for four nights.

Can tourists buy the Deutschlandticket, what does it cost in 2026, and is it worth it?

The Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026, rising to €66.80 from 1 January 2027. It gives unlimited travel on regional trains, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, trams and buses across Germany, but not on ICE, IC or EC long-distance trains. Tourists can buy it in the DB Navigator app with a foreign credit card. It is a monthly subscription, so cancel by the 10th of the month or it renews.

What is Japan like in November, and is it a good time to visit?

November is the best month for Japan if you want autumn leaves and dry weather, and the cost is crowds in Kyoto. Tokyo's highs are about 17°C (62°F) and Kyoto's about 17°C (63°F) with far less rain than October: roughly 96 mm in Tokyo and 74 mm in Kyoto. Leaves in the big cities usually peak from mid to late November into early December, so the second half of the month is the busiest. Our Japan route ran in March and April 2023, not November, so the weather below is Japan Meteorological Agency 1991 to 2020 normals and not what we had.

How do you get from Busan to Gyeongju by train or bus?

Fastest: the KTX from Busan Station to Gyeongju Station, about 27 to 35 minutes for roughly ₩11,000 (about $8). Best for most day-trippers: the intercity bus from Busan Central Bus Terminal at Nopo, about 50 minutes for roughly ₩7,500 to ₩12,000, because it drops you downtown. The train station is about 15 km outside the historic centre and needs a 20 to 30 minute bus onward, which cancels most of the KTX's head start. A third option, the Donghae Line from Bujeon, takes about 1 hour 5 minutes by KTX-Eum or about 1.5 hours by ITX-Saemaeul and Mugunghwa, from about ₩6,800. We were in Busan from 18 to 22 June 2023 and later spent three nights in Gyeongju, from 28 June to 1 July.

How do you get from Budapest Airport to the city center, and what does it cost?

The easiest way from Budapest Airport (Liszt Ferenc, BUD) to the center is the 100E Airport Express bus to Deák Ferenc tér. It costs 2,500 HUF, takes about 40 minutes and runs 24 hours a day. You can buy the ticket on board by tapping a bank card. The cheaper option is bus 200E + metro M3 on a regular BKK ticket. A metered Főtaxi to the center typically costs around 13,000 HUF or more under the August 2026 tariff.

How many days do you need in Osaka?

Two to three days. We spent 3 days in Osaka in April 2023, from 8 to 11 April, after 2 nights in Nara and before Kobe, Himeji and Hiroshima. Two days covers the city itself: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori after dark, Kuromon Market and Shinsekai. A third day is for Universal Studios Japan, or a day trip to Kobe (about 20 minutes by JR) or Himeji Castle (about an hour). Osaka is a food and evening city more than a sightseeing one, so plan the days light and the nights long.

What is Japan like in December, and is it a good time to visit?

December is cold, dry and sunny in most of Japan, and it has two halves: a quiet, cheap first three weeks, then a closure-heavy, expensive New Year. Tokyo averages about 4 to 12°C (39 to 54°F) with only about 58 mm of rain, Kyoto about 4 to 12°C (38 to 53°F), and the Sea of Japan coast and Hokkaido turn properly snowy. Late Kyoto leaves can linger into early December. Our Japan route ran in March and April 2023, not December, so all numbers below are Japan Meteorological Agency 1991 to 2020 normals and not what we had.

When is the best time to visit Thailand?

The best time to visit Thailand is November to February: Bangkok and the north are dry and at their least hot, and the Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang) has its calmest seas from December to March. The trade-off is that this is also peak season, with the highest room rates and the busiest beaches around Christmas and New Year. The one big exception is the Gulf coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao), whose wettest months are October to December, exactly when the rest of the country is at its best. We spent six weeks in Thailand from 7 December 2022 to 21 January 2023, running Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son, then south to Khao Sok and Ao Nang, so the route below follows the cool season. Temperatures and rainfall here are typical averages from long-term climate normals, not the weather of any one trip.

Should you take the ferry or the bus from Split to Dubrovnik?

Cheapest and year-round: the bus, about 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes, roughly €16 to €35 with FlixBus or Nomago/Arriva, a dozen departures a day in summer. Best for most people from April to October: the catamaran, about 4.5 to 6 hours for around €50, calling at islands like Hvar and Korčula on the way. Driving takes about 3 hours over the Pelješac Bridge. There are no direct flights and no train. We were in Split on 15 to 17 August 2023, then spent three nights in Dubrovnik before going on to Kotor.

How do you get from Prague Airport to the city center, and what does it cost?

The cheapest way from Prague Airport (Václav Havel, PRG) to the center is trolleybus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín, then metro line A, on one 90-minute ticket: 46 CZK in the PID Lítačka app or 50 CZK on paper (2026 fares). It takes about 35 minutes. Line 59 replaced the old bus 119 in 2024. The Airport Express (AE) runs to the main train station for 200 CZK, and the airport's official taxi service is Uber.

What is Thailand like in April, and is it a good time to visit?

April is Thailand's hottest month and the month of Songkran, so go for the festival and the beaches, not for sightseeing in the heat. Bangkok averages about 27 to 36°C (81 to 96°F) and Chiang Mai about 23 to 37°C (74 to 98°F), with record highs of 40°C and 42.5°C. Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, is on 13 to 15 April 2027 (Tuesday to Thursday). The islands are workable, though the Andaman side gets more rain than in February. We were in Thailand from 7 December 2022 to 21 January 2023, so we have no April experience; the figures below are 1991 to 2020 climate normals as listed on Wikipedia and are averages only.

How do you get from Zagreb to Split, and is the bus, train or flight best?

For most people the bus is best: about 5 hours, up to 17 FlixBus departures a day, fares from about €18 (roughly $21). The train is the scenic, cheapest-if-booked-early option, from about €15 with advance fares but 7 to 8 hours, with only one year-round day train. Flying is fastest at about 45 to 50 minutes in the air on Croatia Airlines, but once you add airport transfers and check-in it rarely saves more than an hour or two over the bus. Driving the A1 motorway takes a little over 4 hours plus tolls.

How much should you tip in Prague and the Czech Republic, and how do you actually do it?

In Prague you tip around 10% for table service, usually by rounding the bill up and telling the server the total you want to pay before they take your cash or card. A 460 CZK bill becomes "500, please". Tipping is voluntary under Czech consumer law, so watch for service charges quietly added to tourist bills, and never tip twice.

What is Thailand like in November, and is it a good time to visit?

November is one of the best months for Thailand's north and Bangkok, and one of the worst for the Gulf islands. The rains end in the centre and north, Bangkok averages about 25 to 33°C (77 to 91°F) with only around 45 mm of rain, and Chiang Mai cools to about 20 to 31°C (68 to 87°F). Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are in their wettest month. Loy Krathong falls on about 14 November 2027, and prices climb through the month towards the December peak. We reached Thailand on 7 December 2022, a few weeks after this window, so the figures are 1991 to 2020 climate normals and not our experience.

How do you get from Venice to Zagreb by bus or train?

The direct bus is fastest and cheapest: FlixBus runs about 9 buses a day, taking about 6 hours with fares from about €20 (roughly $23). There is no direct train: by rail you go Venice to Trieste, Trieste to Ljubljana with a change at Villa Opicina, then Ljubljana to Zagreb, about 8 to 9 hours for roughly €37 in total, worth it only if you want a stop in Slovenia. Driving takes about 4.5 to 5 hours through Slovenia, which needs a vignette.

Is Karlovy Vary worth a day trip from Prague, what are the colonnades, and how long do you need?

Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) is about 2 hours west of Prague, in a steep forested valley, and it is one of the best day trips from the city. There is no entry fee for the town or the colonnades — you walk between the springs, buy a spa cup from a souvenir stall, and drink. The centrepiece is the Vřídlo geyser, which throws hot mineral water up to 12 metres, and the Mill Colonnade with its 124 Corinthian columns.

How many days do you need in Sukhothai?

Two nights, which gives you one full day in the Historical Park. Sukhothai's ruins are best at opening time and in the late afternoon, so the useful plan is to arrive the day before, cycle the park from sunrise, and leave the morning after. Add a second full day for Si Satchanalai, the sister site about an hour north. We spent 2 days in Sukhothai, from 17 to 19 December 2022, between one day in Lop Buri and three in Lampang, on the slow old-capital road from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. Doing it as a day trip from Bangkok or Chiang Mai means six or more hours on the road each way and the park at midday, its worst hour.

What is Vietnam like in March, and is it a good time to visit?

March is one of the best months to cover Vietnam from south to north: Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City are dry and warm, and Hanoi is mild but grey and drizzly. Hanoi averages about 21 to 26°C (69 to 79°F) with 16 rain days and only about 47 hours of sun, while Ho Chi Minh City reaches 25 to 34°C (77 to 92°F) with around 1 rain day and 272 hours of sun. Tet in 2027 is on 6 February, so March has normal prices and no holiday shutdown. We were in Vietnam from 20 April to 19 May 2023, so we have no March experience; the figures are 1991 to 2020 climate normals as listed on Wikipedia.

How do you get from Kotor to Tirana, and is it worth stopping in Shkodër?

The direct bus is the easy option: FlixBus runs 2 buses a day from Kotor to Tirana, about 6 hours on the timetable, with fares from about €35 (roughly $41). It is cheaper and more interesting to break the trip in Shkodër: Kotor to Shkodër is about 4 hours from about €29, and Shkodër to Tirana is under 2 hours on frequent buses for a few euros. There is no train. A private transfer or taxi costs roughly €150 to €220 per car and takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the border queue.

How do you get a permit for the Puerto Princesa Underground River, and how much does it cost?

You need an entry permit booked in advance to visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River: the city strictly enforces a "no permit, no entry" rule and caps visits at about 900 people a day. Independent travellers get the permit from the Underground River booking office in Puerto Princesa city at least a day or two ahead (most tour agencies bundle it). Recent reports put the total at about ₱1,085 per person: ₱500 entrance, ₱150 environmental fee, ₱85 audio guide and a ₱2,100 boat shared by up to six. The boat leaves from Sabang wharf, about two hours from the city, and the paddle tour inside the cave lasts about 45 minutes.

What is Vietnam like in December, and is it a good time to visit?

December is a good month for southern Vietnam and Da Lat, an average month for Hanoi, and the wrong month for Hue and Hoi An. Ho Chi Minh City is dry and about 24 to 32°C (75 to 89°F), Hanoi is cool at about 14 to 21°C (57 to 70°F) and grey, and the central coast is in its rainy season, with Da Nang's normals showing roughly 218 to 272 mm over 19 to 21 rain days. We were in Vietnam from 20 April to 19 May 2023, so we have no December experience; the figures are 1991 to 2020 climate normals and the page applies to December 2026 or 2027 trips alike.

What is the best way to get from Prague to Budapest?

Take the direct daytime train: it is the best option for most people. České dráhy's railjets and EuroCity trains run about every two hours and take about 6 hours 50 minutes, with advance fares from roughly €21 to €30 in 2026. RegioJet runs a cheaper private train from about €19.90 via Vienna, and FlixBus takes about 7 to 7.5 hours for a similar price when booked early. The Metropol night train saves a hotel night: about 10.5 hours, couchettes from about €48. Flying rarely saves time once you count the airports. We spent 5 days in Prague in September 2022 and 5 days in Budapest in October 2022, with Czech towns and Brno in between, so this guide also covers breaking the trip.

Is Hanoi Train Street still open in 2026, and can tourists visit?

Hanoi Train Street is officially restricted but not sealed off: the authorities have banned business on the tracks since 2019, have told tour companies not to bring groups (again in 2025 and January 2026), and police put up barriers at the Tran Phu and Phung Hung entrances, yet cafés along the line still let paying customers in to watch trains pass. In February and March 2026 Hanoi and the Ministry of Construction agreed to stop freight and reduce passenger trains on the main café stretch, a plan that would eventually leave the famous section with no passenger trains at all. Here is what that means if you visit now.

Where should you stay in Kanazawa?

How do you get from Marrakech to Fes: train, bus or flight?

For most people the ONCF train is the best way from Marrakech to Fes: about 6.5 to 7 hours, roughly 200 to 230 MAD (about $20 to $25) in second class or 330 to 360 MAD in first, usually with a change at Casablanca Voyageurs. The CTM bus is slower (around 8 hours) and not cheaper, so it only makes sense if trains are sold out. A flight takes about an hour in the air but direct service between Marrakech-Menara and Fes-Saïss comes and goes, so check before you plan around it. A private driver or a 2- to 3-day desert tour via Merzouga is the scenic, expensive alternative. There is still no high-speed train to Marrakech: the Al Boraq extension from Kenitra is under construction with opening targeted for 2029.

How many days do you need in Ao Nang?

Three to four days. Ao Nang is a base, not a destination in itself: its value is the longtail boats off the beach to Railay and the islands. Three days covers Railay, one island tour and an inland day; the fourth is a weather buffer, because boat trips are cancelled when the sea is rough. We spent 4 days in Ao Nang, from 13 to 17 January 2023, after four days in the rainforest at Khao Sok and before our last stay in Bangkok. That is the length we recommend in the calm-sea season. With only two days, do Railay and one boat trip, and accept that a rough morning can cost you the islands.

What is South Korea like in October?

October is the best month for hiking and the most dependable weather of the year in South Korea: dry, clear days with Seoul at about 20.2°C (68°F) by day and 10.6°C (51°F) at night, and autumn leaves that start on the high peaks of Seoraksan in late September and reach the cities in November. The trade-offs are two long holiday weekends in 2027 (3 to 4 October and 9 to 11 October), crowded foliage spots, and Seoraksan rooms that go early. We were in South Korea from 7 June to 9 July 2023, so we have not seen October; the weather figures are Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) 1991 to 2020 normals, and holiday dates come from the Korea AeroSpace Administration calendar as reported in the Korean press.

How do you get from Marrakech to Essaouira, and is it a good day trip?

The best way from Marrakech to Essaouira is the Supratours or CTM bus: about 2.5 to 3 hours and roughly 80 to 130 MAD (about $8 to $13) one way. A seat in a shared grand taxi is about the same time and a similar or slightly higher price but leaves only when full; a whole private car runs roughly 600 to 900 MAD after negotiation. There is no train to Essaouira. A day trip works if you leave on the first morning bus, but Essaouira rewards at least one night.

What are the best day trips from Marrakech?

The High Atlas valleys of Imlil and Ourika are the best day trips from Marrakech, followed by Essaouira on the coast. Both valleys are about 60 km away, an hour to an hour and a half by road, and swap the medina's heat for mountain villages and walks. Essaouira is about 3 hours each way, long for a day but worth it. Ouzoud Falls and the Agafay desert are easy add-ons; Aït Benhaddou and the Sahara are not day trips at all, whatever the tour sellers say. We spent 6 days in Marrakech in September 2022, a night on 9 September after 2 nights in Essaouira, then 5 more (14 to 19 September) after crossing the High Atlas to Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley and the dunes of Erg Chigaga. Here is how the options rank by payoff against time in the car.

What is Italy like in May?

May is one of the two best months for Italy: days of about 22°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F) across Venice, Florence and Rome, long light evenings, open-air dining and almost no summer heat. The catch is that everyone else knows it, so the big sights are busy, May is rainier in the north than most visitors expect (Venice averages about 80 mm), and the sea is still too cold for most swimmers. We were in Italy from 25 July to 3 August 2023 (Verona, Bologna and Venice), so we did not see May ourselves; the figures below are 1991 to 2020 climate normals as listed for each city, and the 2027 dates come from the organisers named in the text.

How do you get from Tangier to Chefchaouen?

The cheapest reliable way from Tangier to Chefchaouen is the CTM bus: about 2.5 to 3 hours, roughly 60 to 90 MAD (about $6 to $9), with several departures a day. Shared grand taxis are a little faster but usually mean changing cars in Tetouan. A private driver costs roughly 700 to 1,000 MAD per car door to door, which is good value for three or four people or straight off the ferry. There is no train to Chefchaouen.

What is Italy like in September?

September is the best month for Italy if you want warm weather and a swimmable sea: Rome and Florence reach about 28°C (82°F) in the afternoon, Venice about 23.8°C (75°F), and the sea off Naples averages about 24.9°C (77°F), close to its yearly peak. The trade-offs are that the big sights are still crowded, September rain arrives as heavy thunderstorms (Naples averages about 89 mm), and the first half of the month can still feel like summer in the cities. We were in Italy from 25 July to 3 August 2023 (Verona, Bologna and Venice), so we have not been in September; weather figures are 1991 to 2020 normals as listed for each city, and event dates come from the organisers named in the text.

How do you get from Cappadocia to Pamukkale?

The overnight bus from Göreme is the best option for most people: about 9.5 to 10 hours, roughly $15 to $28 (about ₺650 to ₺1,200) one way in 2026 listings, leaving in the evening and arriving early the next morning. There is no direct flight between Cappadocia and Pamukkale: flying means Kayseri or Nevşehir to Istanbul, then Istanbul to Denizli Çardak, which eats most of a day and costs far more. Driving is about 500 km, a long full day. We were in Göreme from 31 October to 5 November 2023, after 4 nights in Ankara, and went on to Pamukkale for 3 nights before 5 in Selçuk, so this is the leg between the two halves of our Turkey route.

What are the best day trips from Madrid?

Toledo and Segovia are the two best day trips from Madrid, each about half an hour away by high-speed train, and Ávila is the third: a complete ring of medieval walls about 1.5 hours away. Toledo is a hilltop city of churches, synagogues and a mosque inside a loop of the Tagus; Segovia has a Roman aqueduct, a cathedral and the Alcázar. We spent just over 4 days in Madrid at the start of our Spain trip, from 27 June to 1 July 2022, then stopped at Ávila's walls on the way west to Salamanca. Below are seven trips ranked by payoff against time on the train, with the ones that deserve a night flagged.

What is Spain like in May?

May is the best month for Spain's inland and southern cities: Madrid highs of about 23.2°C (74°F), Seville about 28.2°C (83°F), long dry evenings, and the Córdoba patios and San Isidro in Madrid. It is also green on the Atlantic north, which means rain: San Sebastián gets about 126 mm and 12 rainy days in May. Summer heat has not started, but Seville already feels warm by mid-afternoon. We were in Spain from late June to August 2022, so we have not seen May ourselves; weather figures are 1991 to 2020 normals (AEMET stations where named) and festival dates are from the sources noted below.

How do you get from Istanbul to Ankara by high-speed train?

The YHT high-speed train is the best way from Istanbul to Ankara for most people: about 4 hours station to station, and ₺990 (roughly $24) one way in economy after TCDD's August 2026 fare rise. Flying is about an hour in the air but, with two airport transfers, rarely faster door to door. Buses take around 5.5 to 6.5 hours and are the fallback when trains sell out. We spent 15 days in Istanbul in October 2023, then 4 days in Ankara (27 to 31 October) before going on to Göreme in Cappadocia, so this is the natural first leg of an inland Turkey route.

How do you get from Bath to Castle Combe without a car, and when is it quiet?

Castle Combe is about 12 miles northeast of Bath — 25 to 30 minutes by car. Without a car, the route is a train from Bath Spa to Chippenham (about 11 minutes) and then a local bus, the Faresaver 95 or 95A, roughly 20 minutes to the village. The village itself has no entry fee. Go before 09:00 or after 17:00; between about 11:00 and 16:00 the tour buses arrive and the single main street is not built for them.

What is Spain like in October?

October is one of Spain's best months, with one real caveat: Seville still reaches about 26.3°C (79°F), Valencia about 24.6°C (76°F) and Madrid 19.7°C (67°F), crowds have thinned since August, and terraces are pleasant. The caveat is autumn storms. Spain's weather agency AEMET issues warnings for DANA episodes, the cut-off low-pressure systems that bring torrential rain to the Mediterranean coast in autumn, including the Valencia floods of October 2024. We were in Spain from late June to August 2022, so we have not seen October; weather figures are 1991 to 2020 normals (AEMET stations as listed), and holiday dates come from Spanish calendars as noted.

How do you get from Seville to Granada?

Take the direct Renfe train if one fits your day: about 2.5 hours from Sevilla-Santa Justa to Granada, with booking-site fares typically around €40 and up. The ALSA bus is the cheap and frequent fallback: about 3 hours, from roughly €20 to €45, with many departures a day. There are only a few direct trains, so the bus often wins on timing. Driving is about 250 km on the A-92, around 2.5 to 3 hours. We were in Granada from 10 to 14 August 2022 and in Seville from 16 to 21 August, with Córdoba in between, which is the order our Andalusia rail itinerary recommends; this page covers the direct leg for people doing it the other way or skipping Córdoba.

What are the best day trips from Dubrovnik?

Lokrum, Ston and Kotor are the three best day trips from Dubrovnik. Lokrum is a wooded island reserve 15 minutes by boat from the Old Port, the easiest escape from the crowds. Ston, about an hour up the coast, has a medieval wall often called the longest defensive wall in Europe, plus the oyster beds of Mali Ston Bay. Kotor, in Montenegro, is the most spectacular, but it is 2 to 2.5 hours each way plus a Schengen border that can add hours in summer, so it is better as an overnight. That is how our route did it: we spent 3 days in Dubrovnik in August 2023, arriving from Split, and then 3 days in Kotor.

What is Turkey like in April?

April is one of the best months for a first trip to Turkey: mild, green and before the summer heat, with Istanbul at about 16.1°C (61°F) by day, Cappadocia at 16.3°C (61°F) and Pamukkale and the Aegean around 21°C (70°F). The trade-offs are cool nights inland, a sea that is still cold on the coast, and unsettled spells. Ramadan and its Bayram holiday are over before April in 2027, which is an extra reason to pick this month. We were in Turkey from 12 October to 14 November 2023, so we did not see April ourselves; weather numbers are 1991 to 2020 normals from the Turkish State Meteorological Service as listed for each city, and event dates are from the sources named in the text.

How Do You Get to Beomeosa Temple in Busan, and Is It Free?

Beomeosa is free to enter, and getting there takes one metro ride and one short bus: Busan Metro Line 1 to Beomeosa Station, then bus 90 for about 10 minutes up the mountain road, or a walk of roughly 3 km uphill. From Seomyeon the whole trip takes about 40 to 50 minutes. The temple sits on the eastern slope of Geumjeongsan, Busan's highest mountain, and is the starting point for the hike to the Geumjeongsanseong fortress walls. Below: directions, hours, how to combine it with the hike, the temple stay program and how to behave inside the halls.

What should you eat in Bali?

Babi guling, nasi campur and sate lilit are the three dishes that define Balinese food. Bali is Hindu in a Muslim-majority country, so its cooking is built on pork and on base genep, a dense spice paste of shallot, garlic, galangal, turmeric, ginger and chilli that goes into almost everything. Much of it is ceremonial food that families cook for temple festivals, and it is easy to miss under the island's smoothie bowls and international menus. We spent 18 days in Bali in May and June 2023: Seminyak, Munduk, 5 days in Ubud, Kintamani, Sidemen and Padangbai. The food changes with each region, so this guide says where on the island each dish is easiest to find.

What is Turkey like in September?

September is the best month for a Turkey trip that mixes culture with a swim: the Mediterranean is at its warmest (Antalya's sea averages about 27.4°C (81°F)), Cappadocia is dry and warm (about 25.3°C (78°F) by day, only 14 mm of rain), and Istanbul is comfortable at 24.6°C (76°F). The cost is heat at the ancient sites, with Pamukkale about 31°C (88°F) and Antalya 31.7°C (89°F) by day, and Istanbul is the wettest of the group. We were in Turkey from 12 October to 14 November 2023, so we did not see September ourselves; the numbers are 1991 to 2020 normals from the Turkish State Meteorological Service as listed for each city.

What Should I Pack for a Long International Trip?

Every packing list for a long trip assumes you're packing for every climate you might hit along the way. We didn't. The actual strategy behind a long trip across 20 countries was routing the trip to chase good weather season to season, and buying or swapping pieces on the road when a leg didn't match what was already in the bag, rather than hauling a suitcase built to survive every climate on earth at once.

What is Morocco like in October?

October is one of the two best months for Morocco, alongside spring: Marrakech falls to about 28.5°C (83°F) by day, Fes to 26.1°C (79°F), the Atlantic coast at Essaouira stays near 22.2°C (72°F), and the Sahara is finally comfortable for a night in the dunes. The trade-offs are that Marrakech and the desert are still warm at midday, the first autumn rains begin in the north (Tangier averages about 65 mm), and flash floods in the south-east are a real risk in late summer storms. We were in Morocco from 26 August to 19 September 2022, so we saw the end of summer, not October. The weather figures are 1991 to 2020 normals as listed for each city (Tangier is the older 1961 to 1990 average).

What Is the Difference Between Teishoku and Tonkatsu in Japan?

Teishoku and tonkatsu are not competing dishes. Teishoku (定食) is a format: a set meal of rice, miso soup, pickles and one main dish on a tray. Tonkatsu (豚カツ) is a dish: a breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet. When you order tonkatsu in Japan it usually arrives as a teishoku, so a "tonkatsu teishoku" is the cutlet plus rice, soup, pickles and shredded cabbage. At chains like Katsuya a loin katsu set costs about ¥900, and at specialist tonkatsu restaurants ¥1,500 to ¥3,000. Here is what to expect, how ordering and refills work, and the katsu variations worth knowing.

Where should you stay in Munich?

For a first visit, stay in the Altstadt, Munich's old town, within a 10-minute walk of Marienplatz. The Residenz, the Frauenkirche, the Viktualienmarkt and the beer halls are all on foot, and the S-Bahn from the airport stops right under the square. The streets around the Hauptbahnhof are the practical, cheaper alternative; Maxvorstadt and Schwabing are for museums, the English Garden and a more residential feel. We spent 5 days in Munich in July 2023, after Ulm and before Verona, which is long enough for the city and a couple of day trips.

What is England like in December?

December is a good month for England if you want Christmas lights, markets and theatre, and a bad one for sightseeing outdoors: London's average high is about 8.8°C (48°F) and the low 3.1°C (38°F), the sun sets around 4pm, and the whole country shuts down for Christmas. In 2027, Christmas Day is a Saturday, so the bank holidays move to Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December. We were in England from 14 November to 3 December 2023, so we saw only the first days of December, finishing in London. Weather numbers are 1991 to 2020 normals as listed for each place (Met Office for London and Bath); event dates are from the organisers or councils named below.

How do you cross from La Línea into Gibraltar, what does the cable car cost, and what should you know about the monkeys?

You cross into Gibraltar on foot from La Línea de la Concepción. From 15 July 2026 the UK-EU Agreement in respect of Gibraltar applies provisionally: Gibraltar's short-stay entry conditions formally align with Schengen, and the new customs model is designed to avoid customs checks on people crossing the land border with goods. You must still carry a valid passport or national ID card for spot checks. Parking in La Línea and walking across is the sensible approach — Gibraltar's parking is limited and expensive.

Can you drink the tap water in Japan?

Yes. Tap water in Japan is safe to drink in cities, towns and hotels, and you can fill a bottle straight from the bathroom or kitchen tap. World Travel Guide states that "tap water is safe for consumption" in Japan, and Japan's national tourism organisation, JNTO, says it is regulated under national drinking-water standards and is served free in restaurants (the same point is in our Japan things to know page). We were in Japan from March to April 2023, from Tokyo through Kyoto and Osaka to Hiroshima, and the practical question is rarely safety. It is where to refill, what to avoid in the mountains, and how not to buy more plastic than you need.

What are the best day trips from Ubud?

The water temples north of Ubud, the Mount Batur sunrise trek and a day in Sidemen with Besakih are the three best day trips from Ubud. Tirta Empul and Gunung Kawi are 30 to 40 minutes away by car; Batur is a 2am pickup and a 2-hour climb for the sunrise; Sidemen and Besakih are about 1 to 1.5 hours east. Bali has almost no public transport, so every trip here means a hired car and driver, which also lets you combine stops. We spent 5 days in Ubud (25 to 30 May 2023), coming down from 3 nights in Munduk and going on to Kintamani for 2 and Sidemen for 3, so several of these places were stops we stayed at rather than day trips. Below they are ranked by payoff against time in the car.

This is general orientation, not medical advice — the only reliable answer for what you personally need is from a doctor or travel medicine clinic who can look at your own vaccination history, your actual itinerary, and current outbreak advisories, all of which change and none of which we can assess for you here. What follows is the categories worth asking about, and what we personally got before a long trip that included a fair amount of rural and off-grid travel.

What Camera Gear Should I Pack for a Long International Trip?

Every camera bag looks reasonable in the week before a trip and ridiculous by week three. What follows isn't a generic gear list — it's what actually stayed in rotation across 20 countries, and what got mailed home or sold off once it became clear it wasn't earning its weight.

Should I Bring Cash or Rely on My Card When Traveling Internationally?

"Just use your card" is decent advice in maybe two-thirds of the places we went, and actively wrong in the other third. Here's how cash and card actually split across 20 countries with very different payment norms, not a one-size-fits-all answer.

Should I See New Zealand by Cruise Ship or by Renting a Campervan?

New Zealand is unusual in that it genuinely works well both ways — as a cruise stop and as a self-drive road trip — but the two aren't really comparable trips. One gets you a scenic look at the coast on a fixed schedule; the other gets you the whole country on your own timeline, at the cost of doing the driving and the logistics yourself.

How many days do you need in Lampang?

Two days. One day covers Lampang's two essentials: Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, the walled Lanna temple 18 km outside town, in the morning, and the town itself by horse carriage in the afternoon. The second day goes to either the Thai Elephant Conservation Center at Hang Chat or the white chedis of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat on their mountaintop. We spent 3 days in Lampang, from 19 to 22 December 2022, between Sukhothai and Chiang Mai. Most travellers see Lampang only from the train window between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Even one night makes the town worth the stop.

Can you drink the tap water in Vietnam?

No. Do not drink tap water in Vietnam; use bottled, boiled or filtered water. World Travel Guide says "travellers should not drink directly from tap water in Vietnam", and the CDC's Yellow Book, the source our own Vietnam things to know page cites, says the same. Ice in established hotels, restaurants and cafes is the usual exception, because it is commercially made from purified water. We were in Vietnam from April to May 2023, in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hue, Hoi An, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, and what follows is the rule set that works across all of it.

Can you drink the tap water in Turkey?

Drink bottled or filtered water in Turkey rather than straight from the tap. World Travel Guide says tap water quality varies across the country and is treated in most urban areas, but many locals prefer bottled or filtered water and advises visitors to do the same. That is the practical answer for Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and the coast. We were in Turkey from October to November 2023, in Istanbul, Ankara, Goreme, Pamukkale, Selcuk and back to Istanbul, and the habits below are the ones that make the question irrelevant day to day.