Welcome to Florida where it rains on almost daily, especially during the summer months which can be a problem when you are on vacation. If/when that happens, it is good to have back-up plans to keep yourself entertained. Here are five places you can visit in the Tampa area if the rains come along.
Continue reading “Things to do in Tampa when it rains”Tag: Travels with Matt Blog
Japan does away with vaccine requirement for arrivals
As of April 29, Japan is no longer requiring incoming arrivals to provide proof of their Covid-19 vaccine or a negative Covid-19 test, opening the door even to a full return to normal.
Continue reading “Japan does away with vaccine requirement for arrivals”Etiquette tips for Japanese subways
There are a few things you should and should not do while riding on Japanese subways and trains. These are simple things that will make life a lot easier and also make sure you don’t stand out as an awkward tourist. While these aren’t laws that will get you in trouble, instead these are simple things people do to keep a nice, orderly ride while using the subways.
Continue reading “Etiquette tips for Japanese subways”Japan trip booked!
The 2023 October trip to Japan has been officially booked! It took a while, a lot of money, and a lot of hard decisions, but the hotels and airfare are now officially booked.
Continue reading “Japan trip booked!”Japan in October
Here are the reasons I have decided to make October the perfect time to return to Japan.
Continue reading “Japan in October”Hotel Review: APA Kyoto Ekimae
Here is a hotel review from a 3-star hotel in Kyoto, the APA Hotel Kyoto-Ekimae, located right next to Kyoto Station. This is a nice, business hotel, but has some things about it you should know about before you book it.
Continue reading “Hotel Review: APA Kyoto Ekimae”Things to remember while planning a trip
Planning a trip can be very stressful no matter how long it is. From a simple weekend get away to an international bucket-list destination, there are a lot of things to think about and plan for. Here are some helpful hints that I have learned that I want to share.
Continue reading “Things to remember while planning a trip”Returning to Japan in 2023
It has been a long time coming (work, pandemic, and just life in general) but after several years I am excited to say I’m headed back to Japan in 2023 (and with company).
Continue reading “Returning to Japan in 2023”Vibes of Tokyo
I’m going to write a three part series, starting with this one, on the vibes I felt in the three cities we visited while in Japan in 2019: Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While I didn’t have the luxury of spending weeks or months in each town, I was however able to pick up on the vibes of each city along the way and wanted to record my thoughts on each because each one was unique and could be a deciding factor about which one you may want to visit when you head to Japan.
Continue reading “Vibes of Tokyo”Tips for Gasparilla
Gasparilla is a Tampa tradition that many enjoy and embrace. Downtown Tampa becomes a big, pirate theme party for thousands which can lead to issues if you are not prepared or have an idea of what to do. Here are some quick tips to help prepare you for this Tampa version of Mardi Gras.
Continue reading “Tips for Gasparilla”Gasparilla
So what on earth is Gasparilla? As someone that has lived in Tampa for over a decade, allow me to fill you in real quick as the Tampa Bay area prepares for this yearly tradition.
Continue reading “Gasparilla”Tips for a long road trip
After a long road trip to Miami two weeks ago, I wanted to share a few things that you should do before heading out on a long road trip.
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