In just two months, I’ll finally be boarding a plane to Japan—a trip I’ve been planning for months and one that feels like a dream coming true (once again).
From the moment I decided to go, I’ve been deep in research, organizing tours, and mapping out every detail. Now that all of my tours are officially booked, I’m in the exciting phase of final logistics and last-minute planning.
Continue reading “Two Months To Go: Final Countdown to Japan”The countdown is officially on. After months of dreaming, planning, and hoping, my trip to Japan this November is finally becoming a reality—and I couldn’t be more excited to share this journey with you.
Continue reading “The Countdown Begins: Japan in November!”As a solo traveler on a road trip across Florida, I wasn’t looking for luxury—just a clean, reliable place to rest my head for the night. The Holiday Inn Express in DeLand fit that need perfectly on a quick trip I took last week. Here is a quick review if you find yourself traveling on the East Coast of Florida.
Continue reading “Hotel Review: Holiday Inn Express – DeLand, Florida (Solo Traveler Stopover)”There’s something liberating about traveling alone. No set itinerary to follow. No debates over dinner spots. No waiting for someone to catch up. Just me, my thoughts, and the world waiting to be explored.
This blog — Travels with Matt — is now focused on solo travel. It’s where I’ll share the raw, honest experience of being out in the world on my own: the unforgettable highs, the unexpected lows, and everything in between.
Continue reading “Why I Travel Solo – And Why This Blog Will Speak to Those Who Do Too”If you’re walking through almost any city in Japan, you’ll quickly notice something unusual—something that’s missing: public trash bins. Unlike many Western cities where you’ll find garbage cans on nearly every street corner, Japan takes a different approach. So, what should you do with your trash as you explore the country?
Continue reading “Why Are There So Few Trash Bins in Japan? A Tourist’s Guide to Managing Waste”
One of the easiest ways to understand Japan isn’t through a museum or a landmark.
It’s sitting down somewhere small, ordering a drink, and watching how the night unfolds.
Japan’s drinking culture has a rhythm to it. It’s social, respectful, sometimes a little loud, and often full of small traditions you don’t notice until you’re in the middle of them.
Continue reading “Navigating the Sake Seas: A Guide to Japanese Drinking Culture for First-Time Visitors”Welcome to Shibuya, Tokyo’s pulsating heart where tradition intertwines seamlessly with modernity, and every corner tells a story of vibrant urban life.
In this guide, we’ll unveil the quintessential places to explore in Shibuya, including the newest addition to its skyline, Shibuya Sky. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, prepare to be captivated by the kaleidoscope of experiences awaiting you in this dynamic district.
The lantern room from the Team Labs museum experience in Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan. Shot with an Iphone 10 (2019).
Taken with an IPhone 12, Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland, has some of the best wall art you will ever see. Some of it is on purpose, some of it is graffiti, but it’s all incredible.
I promised myself that 2025 would be the year I would make changes, real changes, in order to improve myself and my dreams. One of those changes was making changes to this blog to make it what I truly want it to be and the first steps have been made.
Continue reading “New name, new direction”It’s time to get to work and actually follow through on one of my New Year’s goals, making this blog into something I can be proud of!
Over the next few weeks I am going to be working on this blog, overhauling everything from the content, to the layout, and even the name.
So please pardon the digital dust as I put in the needed work and get this blog to where I want it to be. No more excuses, time to get up and get this done and moving for 2025!
Visiting Tokyo, Japan, for the first time can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. With its bustling streets, neon signs, and rich culture, Tokyo offers an adventure around every corner. One of the essential skills for a traveler to master in this metropolis is navigating the Tokyo subway system. The subway system is efficient, extensive, and the key to unlocking the city’s treasures.
In this article, we will provide you with essential tips and information to confidently navigate the Tokyo subway system during your first visit.
Continue reading “Navigating the Tokyo Subway System: A First-Time Traveler’s Guide”
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