The Japanese Food Culture: Introduction to Eating in Japan

The Japanese Food Culture: Introduction to Eating in Japan

Updated August 2026: etiquette rules and practical tips re-checked against how things work in Japan today. Just like everything else, eating in Japan comes with its very own rules and customs. If you break some of these rules, the Japanese might wince and just roll their eyes at the typical tourist, but some could be…

Sushi eating etiquette: 9 rules for eating sushi correctly

Sushi eating etiquette: 9 rules for eating sushi correctly

Updated August 2026: all nine rules re-checked, with the questions readers ask most. Sushi is probably one of the most popular Japanese food items in the world. And as with other food, sushi has adapted to many different countries, and so is eating it. But that doesn’t change the fact that if you want to…

Things to Do in Hakone in Winter (Onsen, Loop & More) 

Things to Do in Hakone in Winter (Onsen, Loop & More) 

Updated August 2026: transport, onsen and event tips re-checked for the coming winter season. If you’re thinking about going to Hakone in winter, I say go for it! We accidentally got to enjoy winter in Hakone during our visit to Japan in November – unexpectedly, it snowed there quite heavily. And you know what, when…

Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Best Areas & Hotels

Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Best Areas & Hotels

Updated August 2026: areas and hotels re-checked. There are few good places where to stay in the Dolomites Italy, and the best places to stay depend on your itinerary. The best place to stay in the Dolomites for hiking is Cortina d’Ampezzo, the best places for sightseeing and photography are Cortina and Val Gardena, and if you’re looking for…

Essential things to pack for travelling +  free PDF checklist!

Essential things to pack for travelling + free PDF checklist!

What to pack for a vacation? It’s not that easy to figure out quickly, especially if you do it last minute just like me. By the way – if you are packing this list for someone else, plenty of these essentials also make great presents. We have collected the best ones in our gift guide…

Penguins in Punta Arenas: Tours, Tips & Isla Magdalena Guide
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Penguins in Punta Arenas: Tours, Tips & Isla Magdalena Guide

Did you know that there are penguins in Punta Arenas? I didn’t! When we were planning our trip to Patagonia, we realised that we could go on a penguin-watching tour. I was shocked! For me penguins = Antarctica. But no, there are penguins in South America, too, and it’s actually quite easy to visit them….

Activities in Torres del Paine for every taste
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Activities in Torres del Paine for every taste

There are different activities in Torres del Paine National Park in Chilean Patagonia for different tastes and levels of physical ability. Re-checked in August 2026 – operators and booking links verified. Park entrance is a daily or multi-day ticket bought online since May 2026 – see our tickets and fees guide. You can, obviously, do…

19+ Travel stocking stuffers: the ones you’ll choose

19+ Travel stocking stuffers: the ones you’ll choose

Travellers are not exactly known for liking big and bulky gifts. They are people who’d rather choose something small and useful – that is to say, things that make the perfect travel stocking stuffers. Updated for the 2026 holiday season – every product link on this list has been checked and refreshed. Whether you’re looking…

Hotels in San Marco, Venice, with a canal view: the best of the best

Hotels in San Marco, Venice, with a canal view: the best of the best

Updated August 2026: every hotel re-checked and the live price map added. San Marco is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Venice, and it’s for a very good reason. It has most of the things that you’d actually would like to see in Venice. So, obviously, San Marco is one of the most convenient…