corneredglobe

Anyone visiting Tokyo WILL end up using its metro system. It's the best and most economical way to navigate the city. Prior to coming to Tokyo it's important you do your research and learn the basics about how to use it. At first glance, it can be very intimidating. You're in a country where few of the locals speak English and the metro lines look convoluted and complicated.

Don't worry -- it's not that bad.

Japan is famous for being a reserved country that values tradition, social conformance and societal rules. This strong attachment to their traditions is visible everywhere and makes visiting Japan a unique and wonderful experience.

As a tourist, having a basic understanding of Japanese etiquette will help you avoid uncomfortable situations. While the Japanese don't expect tourists to be familiar with all their social norms, run afoul of an unwritten rule and you can create an uncomfortable situation.

So in the interest of helping you avoid an international incident :oops: , below is a list of Japanese etiquette you should know before visiting Japan.

Just like the big apple, Tokyo is a city that never sleeps. When the sun goes down another world comes to life. Below is a list of 7 night activities you must try while visiting this amazing city.

The Hauraki Gulf, which lies between Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, is filled with islands that are easily accessible from Auckland and make for excellent day trips. The most popular islands in the gulf include: Waiheke, Rangitoto, Rotoroa and Tiritiri Matangi. Each of the these islands has its own personality and offers it's visitors a unique experience. They have beautiful beaches, adventure excursions, walking trails, lots of scenic views and much more. Below is a quick guides to main islands of interest in this region.

Nothing is more challenging than trying to squeeze the essence of a town into a one day trip. Auckland, the biggest city in New Zealand, is not excessively large when compared to other metropolitan cities. The challenge with Auckland is its public transportation system, it's very limited. So there's gonna be a fair amount of walking involved with this itinerary. But that shouldn't be a problem, since you've must likely came to New Zealand for the hiking.

Lace up your walking shoes and lets start exploring.

The Scandinavians have their saunas. The Moroccans love their hammams. The Japanese worship their onsens.

Visiting an onsen is a uniquely Japanese experience that you shouldn't miss while you're in this incredible country. Onsens are natural hot spring baths that are scattered throughout Japan. For foreigners the communal bathing, public nudity and unspoken Japanese etiquette make visiting an onsen intimidating; so most people decide to skip it. That's a shame, since bathing in an onsen is a rejuvinating experience that'll leave you refreshed, relaxed, and clean.

There are restaurants you go to for the food. There are restaurants you go to for the ambiance. Then there's Tokyo's crazy themed restaurants which you go to for a unique experience. The themed restaurant business in Tokyo is constantly evolving and changing. Just when you think you've seen everything, a new crazier idea pops up. One that you would've never thought of in a million years. In fact, the crazier the idea the more popular the place.

So if you ever make it to Tokyo, here's a list of themed restaurants you must checkout.

How do you plan a year off?

We've all had the fantasy of quitting our life to travel the world and have a great adventure. Just like the movies.

Yet for 99.9% of us that is how it stays, a fantasy. The practicalities of life bog us down and convince us that it's not possible.

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and has the most to offer in terms of cuisine, music, art and culture. It's perched on a narrow isthmus between two harbours and its sub-tropical climate provides relatively pleasant year round weather. Auckland is also home to the world's largest Polynesian population. This is a great city to visit and base yourself for a couple of days. Below is a list of the top attractions and popular day trips you have access to from this great city.

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Famous for its picture perfect mountains, lakes and waterfalls. The two weeks I spent here were magical. But if I'm being honest, Switzerland surprised me. I knew it was blessed with amazing natural beauty, but all the pictures and videos I'd seen failed to do it justice.

Switzerland might be a small country, but its society is mutlicultural supporting 4 languages (German, Italian, French and Romansh). Its a tourist mecca without being over-commercialized. Its one of the safest countries in the world that invites you to explore it.

This is my list of top reasons why you must visit Switzerland.