Blogger – Travels With Matt Blog

This Isn’t a Checklist—It’s Your Trip

There’s a version of travel that looks good on paper.

Every hour accounted for. Every “must-see” pinned. Every popular spot squeezed into a schedule that barely leaves room to breathe. It feels productive. It feels efficient.

It also misses the point entirely.

The First Time I Felt Like I Belonged in Japan

There’s a point on some trips when something shifts. You stop feeling like a visitor.

You stop checking maps every few minutes. You stop worrying about whether you’re doing things “right.”

And suddenly, you just start moving through the day like everyone else.

That moment happened for me in Osaka.

The Dream of Living Somewhere You Don’t Need a Car

Living in Florida means accepting one simple reality: you need a car. And it’s something that is almost always a major pain on a weekly basis.

I dream about about living in a place that would not require a car just to make it down the street.

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.

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.

The Final Countdown: One Month to Japan

The countdown is officially on—only 30 days until I travel to Japan! After months of planning and preparing, the trip I’ve been dreaming about is finally within reach. Japan has always held a special place in my heart after several visits, and I can’t wait to experience everything this incredible country has to offer once again.

How to Respectfully Visit Shinto Shrines in Japan

Exploring Japan’s sacred sites is a unique and enriching experience, but it’s important to follow proper etiquette when visiting Shinto shrines. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to respectfully interact with shrines while embracing their traditions.