Blog – Travels With Matt Blog

The Person Waiting at Home Doesn’t Know This Version of You

There’s a strange thing that happens when you travel long enough.

The person who boarded the plane isn’t quite the same person walking through the streets of Tokyo a week later.

And the person waiting back home? They don’t really know this version of you; maybe they couldn’t.

Traveling the World Still Matters (Even During Times Like These)

It’s easy to feel uneasy about travel right now.

Turn on the news for five minutes and you’ll see it all—wars, political instability, virus outbreaks, economic uncertainty, protests, flight disruptions. The world can feel unpredictable in a way that makes staying home seem safer and easier.

The Flight Home Feels Longer Than the Flight There

The flight to Japan never feels that long.

It’s filled with anticipation. You’re counting down the hours, thinking about what’s ahead, replaying the plans you’ve made. Even the delays or long stretches in the air don’t really matter. Your mind is already there.

The flight home is different.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the same length of time.

It feels longer.

Planning the Next Trip Before This One Ends

It starts quietly.

Not with a plan, not with a checklist, not even with intention.

Just a thought.

You’re still in Japan. Still walking the streets, still hearing the sounds, still living inside the experience you spent months waiting for. But somewhere along the way—usually toward the end—it slips in.

When can I come back?

You don’t say it out loud at first. You almost ignore it. Because thinking about coming back means admitting something you’re not ready to face yet.

This trip is ending.

Do You Need to Know Japanese to Travel to Japan?

As you prepare to travel to Japan, you are probably wondering how much Japanese you will need to know to make it comfortably around the country? The answer may surprise you as you pack that Japanese dictionary and download some lessons while packing your bag.

The First Night in Japan Still Feels Different

Every time I arrive in Japan, it’s in the afternoon or later. By the time the plane touches down, my body is already behind. I don’t sleep on flights — never have been able to — so I arrive carrying that familiar mix of exhaustion and adrenaline. The kind where your eyes feel heavy but your mind is wide open, taking everything in whether you want it to or not.

Jet lag hits fast, but I’ve learned not to fight it on that first night in Japan.

Japan Is the Place That Never Lets Me Go

Why Traveling to Japan Continues to Shape How I See the World

There are places you visit, places you enjoy, and places you remember fondly. And then there is Japan — the place that never really lets you leave.

Lost in the Middle of the Map

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want this blog to be moving forward. Travel still excites me more than anything—packing a bag, stepping into a new place, wandering a city I’ve never seen before. But the act of blogging about it? Lately that feels a little less like an adventure and a little more like homework.

Thank you, Japan

I returned home a few weeks ago after spending two weeks in Japan, exploring Tokyo, Osaka, and several smaller towns along the way. It was one of most incredible trips I have ever had in my four visits to the Land of the Rising Sun.

The sites, the foods, the places I experienced and the people I met along the way will always hold a special place in my heart. Makiko, Kayoka, Ittaa, Yoshie, Yoshi, Hiro, Yumi, and so many more I can’t list all made my trip incredible. From the knowledge, the care, and stories each one shared along the way made the trip one of the best I have ever taken in my entire life.

My life has not been the same since I got back to the states, with my thoughts always on Japan and missing the world I was lucky enough to live in for two weeks. A piece of my heart is still in Japan and I miss it every day.

Back to Japan: One Week Until My Fourth Adventure Begins

It’s hard to believe, but I’m just one week away from returning to Japan! My suitcase is packed (for now), my itinerary is mostly locked in, and my excitement level is officially off the charts. After nearly two years away — my last visit was in 2023 — it feels incredible to be heading back to a country that never stops inspiring me.

My packing philosophy for travel

When it comes to packing for a trip, I follow two key strategies: redundancy in travel gear and optimizing for convenience. These approaches ensure I’m prepared for any situation while making my travels as smooth as possible. Let me explain.

How to Plan for a Solo Trip Overseas: A Guide to Safe and Stress-Free Travel

Solo travel is an exhilarating experience that allows you to explore new destinations at your own pace. However, planning a solo trip overseas requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and safe journey. Here’s how to plan effectively while balancing adventure and security at the same time.