5 tips while riding the Bullet Trains

Bullet trains are simply incredible machines that will get you across Japan in just a few hours. They are fast, efficient, and are one of the best ways to get around all of Japan. Here are some tips if you choose to take one on your way out of Tokyo.

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Things to do in Tampa when it rains

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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. 

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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.

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