Inspiration
Guides, tips and travel inspiration, written from our own destination master guides.
14 or 17 days in Japan? How to choose your trip's length
Japan has enough to fill far more than two weeks, but not everyone has 17 free days. Here's how we decided what to cut and what not to, and how we built two complete routes from the same base.
What to see in Kyoto: our 5 must-sees
Kyoto isn't a city you visit, it's a city you feel. Here are the five spots we wouldn't skip under any circumstance — plus a trick or two for seeing them without the crowds.
How much does a trip to Japan cost? Real budget
Japan has a reputation as an expensive destination, but the reality depends a lot on how you want to travel. Here's how the budget breaks down between flights, lodging, transport, food and activities.
My trip to Japan: 17 days across Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka
Seventeen days, eleven cities, and the constant feeling that there was no way to take it all in. This was, broadly, the real trip that ended up becoming the itinerary we sell today.
Everything I wish I'd known before traveling to Japan
After 17 days in Japan, here's what I wish I'd known before packing: from cash to the JR Pass, including the last trains you can't afford to miss.
How much it really costs to travel to Japan for 17 days
Before going, I ran the numbers over and over. Here's what we actually spent over 17 days in Japan, and where most of the budget went.
What surprised me most about Japan coming from Spain
From the silence on a packed subway to how little litter you ever see on the ground. Here's what surprised me most about Japan coming from Spain.
What I did in Japan and would do again (and what not)
From the omakase to the ryokan, including the odd scheduling mistake. An honest rundown of what I'd repeat from my trip to Japan — and what I wouldn't.
My first day in Japan: what I did, spent and learned
Tsukiji, Zojo-ji, the Shibuya crossing and dinner in Omoide Yokocho. Here's how my first day in Japan went, hour by hour.
Did Japan exceed my expectations? My opinion after the trip
I arrived with high expectations and left with even higher ones. Here's what exceeded what I expected from Japan — and what made me adjust the trip's pace.
The best moments of my trip to Japan
From Fushimi Inari at sunrise to an almost empty night in Miyajima: the moments from my trip to Japan that stuck with me most.
The biggest mistakes I made planning my trip to Japan
Planning 17 days in Japan takes many hours, and I made several mistakes along the way. Here's what I'd avoid if I did it again.
What I'd change about my Japan route if I went back tomorrow
With the route already behind me, here's what I'd change if I planned my trip to Japan again — and what I wouldn't touch at all.
My first onsen in Japan: nerves and why I'd do it again
I arrived with doubts about bathing naked next to strangers. Here's how my first time at a Japanese onsen went, and why I'd do it again without a second thought.
What I felt seeing Mount Fuji for the first time
In photos it always looks the same. In person, it's nothing like it. Here's what I felt seeing Mount Fuji for the first time, reflected in Lake Kawaguchi.
The food that surprised me most in Japan
The sushi lived up to expectations, of course. But the dish that surprised me most of the whole trip we tried standing up, at a market stall, on the first day.
How I packed for 17 days in Japan (and what I didn't need)
Seventeen days of packing for a trip with lots of city changes. What I brought, what I didn't need, and what I missed while traveling around Japan.
Kamakura, Japan: the day that wasn't in the plan
It wasn't the stop I was most excited about on paper. Kamakura ended up being, without planning it, one of my favorite days of the whole trip.
Money in Japan: cash, Suica and one scare
Cash, Suica, a scare at a small temple. Here's what I learned about how money really works while traveling around Japan.
Sleeping at a ryokan in Japan for the first time
Tatami, yukata, a kaiseki dinner and an onsen before bed. Here's how the first time we slept at a traditional ryokan went.
The day I walked the most in Japan (no regrets)
Over 25,000 steps between Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama. The physically hardest day of the trip — and one I look back on most fondly.
Shirakawa-go and Takayama: the Japan we almost skipped
We came close to skipping this area entirely. Why including Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go and Takayama was one of the best decisions of the trip.
Riding the shinkansen in Japan: my first bullet train
Exact punctuality, total silence and Mount Fuji seen through the window. Here's how my first time riding the shinkansen went.
What Hiroshima made me feel (and why you should go)
It isn't the pretty stop of the trip, and that's exactly why you should go. What I felt visiting Hiroshima, and why the contrast with Miyajima changed everything.
Would I go back to Japan? What I think now
Months have passed since we got back, and the question I ask myself is no longer whether I'll return to Japan, but when. Here's what I think with some hindsight.
Philippines route: Manila, El Nido, Coron or Siargao?
The Philippines has over 7,000 islands and no itinerary can cover them all. Here's how we picked the four stops that make up the most worthwhile 14-day route, and why the order matters as much as the destinations themselves.
My trip to the Philippines: 14 days, Manila to Siargao
Fourteen days, four stops, and the constant feeling of living something you can't fully plan for. This is the real trip that became the itinerary we sell today.
What nobody tells you about Philippines island-hopping
After 14 days hopping between Manila, El Nido, Coron and Siargao, here's what I wish I'd known before packing: from cash to ferries that run late without warning.
The day I understood why everyone talks about Coron
I'd seen photos of Kayangan Lake dozens of times before going. Nothing prepared me for what it feels like to arrive there in person.
Siargao: the island that made me stay longer than planned
We arrived in Siargao thinking it would be the calm ending of the trip. It became the part we missed most once we got home.
Dubrovnik or Hvar: planning the perfect Croatia route
Croatia deserves more than a week, but with 7 days well split between Dubrovnik and Hvar you can experience both the country's historic side and its party side. Here's how we split the days and why the order matters.
My trip to Croatia: 7 days between Dubrovnik and Hvar
Seven days, two completely different sides of the same country, and the constant feeling of having done two trips in one. This is the real trip that became the itinerary we sell today.
What nobody tells you before traveling to Croatia
After 7 days between Dubrovnik and Hvar, here's what I wish I'd known before packing: from the stairs to why booking the ferry in advance isn't optional.
The day I understood why Dubrovnik wins everyone over
I'd seen photos of Dubrovnik's walls dozens of times before going. Nothing prepared me for what it feels like to walk them in person first thing in the morning.
The Pakleni Islands: the best send-off we could ask for
We arrived at Pakleni thinking it would be just another boat day. It became the perfect close to a trip that had been running at full speed until then.
What to see in El Nido: the quick guide to Palawan's jewel
El Nido packs some of the Philippines' most spectacular lagoons and beaches into a small area. Here's what you can't miss if you go.
How much does a Philippines trip cost? Real budget
The Philippines has a reputation as a budget destination, and it generally is — but the gap between a backpacker trip and a comfortable one is wider than it looks. Here's how the real budget breaks down.
My first day in Manila
After an endless flight, Manila wasn't the gentle welcome I expected. It was better: chaotic, loud and honest from the very first minute.
The biggest mistakes planning our Philippines trip
No trip goes perfectly the first time. Here are the mistakes we made planning the Philippines that, knowing what we know now, we wouldn't repeat.
My first time snorkeling on a coral reef in the Philippines
I'd snorkeled before, at ordinary beaches, with nothing much to see. None of that prepared me for putting my head into a real reef for the first time.
The food that surprised me most in the Philippines
I didn't go to the Philippines expecting much from the food. I was wrong, and here's what surprised me most over 14 days between Manila and the islands.
How I packed for 14 days in the Philippines
Fourteen days between city and islands force you to pack carefully. Here's what I brought, what I didn't need, and what I wish I'd packed from the start.
What I learned about money in the Philippines
Between scarce ATMs, cards that don't always work, and prices that vary a lot from island to island, here's what I learned about managing money on a 14-day trip.
The day we didn't want to leave El Nido
El Nido was only supposed to be the trip's first island stop. It became the hardest place to say goodbye to, and we still can't fully explain why.
I would go back to the Philippines
Fourteen days later, with the suitcase still unpacked, the question wasn't whether the Philippines had been worth it. It was when we were going back.
What to see in Hvar: the quick guide to the party island
Hvar has a reputation as a party island, but it's a lot more than that. Here's what you can't miss, whether you're after atmosphere or calm.
How much does a Croatia trip cost? Real budget
Croatia isn't the cheapest destination in the Balkans, but it's not as expensive as it looks from outside either. Here's how a real week's budget breaks down between Dubrovnik and Hvar.
My first day in Dubrovnik
We arrived in Dubrovnik without many specific expectations. Walking through the Pile Gate and seeing Stradun for the first time blew all of them away within minutes.
The biggest mistakes we made planning our trip to Croatia
No trip comes out perfect the first time. Here are the mistakes we made planning Croatia that, knowing what we know now, we wouldn't repeat.
My first time swimming in Croatia's Blue Caves
I'd seen photos of the Adriatic's blue caves dozens of times. Nothing prepared me for the exact moment the boat enters and the water starts to glow.
The food that surprised me most in Croatia
I didn't go to Croatia expecting much from the food. Between fresh seafood, Balkan cooking and the odd Michelin-starred treat, I was completely wrong.
How I packed for a week in Croatia
Seven days between a historic old town and a party island forces you to think through your packing. Here's what I brought, what I didn't need, and what I wish I'd packed from the start.
What I learned about money in Croatia
Between prices that shift a lot from Dubrovnik to Hvar and tourist areas where you pay more for the view than the food, here's what I learned handling money on a 7-day trip.
The day Hvar convinced us to stay longer
We arrived in Hvar thinking two days would be more than enough. We left convinced we would have happily stayed a full week.
I'd go back to Croatia
Seven days later, with the suitcase still unpacked, the question wasn't whether Croatia had been worth it. It was when we'd go back, and where to start next time.
What to see in Ksamil and Sarande: Albania's Caribbean
Ksamil and Sarande pack some of the clearest water in Europe into a tiny stretch of coast. Here's what you can't miss if you go.
How much does an Albania trip cost? Real budget
Albania is, without question, one of the most affordable destinations on the Mediterranean. Here's how a week's real budget breaks down between Tirana, Sarande and Ksamil.
My Albania trip: 7 days in Tirana, Sarande and Ksamil
Seven days, three stops, and the constant feeling of discovering a destination that won't be a secret in a couple of years. This is the trip that became the itinerary we sell today.
What nobody tells you before traveling to Albania
From car insurance to Llogara's curves, to how little you actually need to spend. Here's what I wish I'd known before packing.
Why they call Ksamil, Albania 'Europe's Caribbean'
We'd seen photos of Ksamil dozens of times before going. Nothing prepared us for the exact moment we stepped onto Aquarium Beach for the first time.
Ksamil's sea caves by boat: our best morning in Albania
Sea caves, coves you can only reach by water, and a stop at the islands of Ksamil. If we had to pick just one plan from the whole trip, this would be it.
My first day in Tirana
I wasn't expecting much from Tirana before going — on paper, it was just the gateway into the trip. It became one of the most pleasant surprises of the seven days.
The biggest mistakes we made planning our trip to Albania
No trip comes out perfect the first time. Here are the mistakes we made planning Albania that, knowing what we know now, we wouldn't repeat.
The food that surprised me most in Albania
I didn't go to Albania expecting much from the food. Between fresh seafood, Balkan cooking and mussels straight out of the sea, I was completely wrong.
How I packed for a week in Albania
Seven days between a capital, a coastal city and islands forces you to think through your packing. Here's what I brought, what I didn't need, and what I wish I'd packed from the start.
What I learned about money in Albania
Between the Lek, the euro and a car insurance policy we almost paid for twice, here's what I learned about handling money on a 7-day trip.
The Albania car insurance mistake we nearly paid twice
We booked the car with full coverage included. Even so, at the counter in Tirana we nearly fell for the whole trip's most common trap.
I'd go back to Albania
Seven days later, with the suitcase still unpacked, the question wasn't whether Albania had been worth it. It was how long it would take to stop being a secret.
How many days do you need in Bali? Why we chose 14
Bali has enough to fill much more than two weeks, but not everyone has a free month. Here's how we decided 14 days was what let us combine Ubud, the islands and Uluwatu without turning the trip into a race.
Visa for Bali: how the e-VOA works
Indonesia has a fairly permissive entry policy, but it's worth understanding properly before you travel. Here's how the Visa on Arrival and its online version, the e-VOA, work.
The 5 excursions you can't miss in Ubud
Ubud packs in some of Bali's most special landscapes and temples. If we had to pick just five stops, these would be them.
What to see in Nusa Penida: Kelingking and manta rays
Nusa Penida packs in some of the most spectacular landscapes of the whole trip. Here's what you can't miss if you spend a night on the island.
Gili Trawangan: the car-free island that slows you down
No cars, no rush, and turtles popping up while you snorkel. That's Gili Trawangan, the most tropical stretch of the whole trip.
Uluwatu: cliffs, a temple and the best way to close a trip
Temples on the edge of a cliff, beaches hidden among rocks, and a sunset with the Kecak dance in the background. This is how this Bali trip closes.
How much does a Bali trip cost? Real budget
Bali can be a very budget-friendly destination or turn into a fairly premium trip. Here's how the real 14-day budget breaks down by travel style.
My trip to Bali: 14 days, Ubud to Uluwatu
Fourteen days, five completely different areas, and the constant feeling of seeing too many faces of the same destination to fit into a single suitcase of memories. This was the trip that ended up becoming the itinerary we sell today.
My first day in Ubud
After an endless flight, we weren't expecting to do much on the first day. It only took an afternoon of wandering with no destination to understand why Ubud is Bali's cultural heart.
The day of Kelingking Beach, Bali: a speechless viewpoint
We'd seen the photo of the T-Rex-shaped cliff dozens of times before going. Nothing prepared us for seeing it in person from the viewpoint.
The day we swam with manta rays in Nusa Penida
Before boarding the boat to Gili Trawangan, we still had one morning left in the water. Swimming with manta rays became one of the moments we remember most from the whole trip.
The Kecak in Uluwatu: fire, ocean and sunset
We'd seen traditional Balinese dance earlier in the trip. Nothing compared to seeing it in an amphitheater above the cliffs, with the sun disappearing right behind the stage.
The biggest mistakes we made planning our trip to Bali
No trip goes perfectly the first time. Here are the mistakes we made planning Bali that, knowing what we know now, we wouldn't repeat.
What nobody tells you before traveling to Bali
From traffic in the south of the island to fast boat schedules, and how much cash to carry. Here's what we wish we'd known before packing.
The food that surprised us most in Bali
We didn't go to Bali expecting much from the food beyond the usual nasi goreng. Between hidden warungs and dinners looking out over rice fields, we were completely wrong.
We would go back to Bali
Fourteen days later, with the suitcase still unpacked, the question wasn't whether Bali had been worth it. It was how long it would take us to go back, and what we'd leave out next time.
Is the JR Pass worth it? The maths on my Japan route
I didn't buy it and I recommend skipping it. Here's the maths on my 17-day route: what the individual journeys cost, what the pass costs and why it doesn't pay off.
Where to stay in Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya or Ginza
In Tokyo, location matters more than the hotel itself. How to choose between Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza, with real hotels for every budget.
El Nido, Philippines: island hopping Tours A and C
What the combined A + C tour in El Nido includes, which stops it makes, what lunch is like and which sunscreen to bring.
El Nido to Coron by ferry, Philippines: how it works
The El Nido to Coron ferry takes 4 to 5 hours. What the journey is like, when to book, what to bring and how to handle delays.
Dubrovnik to Hvar ferry, Croatia: how to book it
The ferry between Dubrovnik and Hvar is the key leg of the route. How long it takes, why to book ahead and how not to miss your flight home.
Where to stay in Dubrovnik: Old Town, Ploče or Lapad
Sleeping inside the walls or outside them changes the trip a lot. How to choose between the Old Town, Ploče and Lapad, with real hotels.
Ksamil beach clubs compared (Albania): prices
Five Ksamil beach clubs compared with their approximate prices, from the cheapest to the floating cabanas, and when to book.
Tirana to Sarande by car, Albania: the Llogara road
The drive from Tirana to Sarande takes about 4 real hours. What the Llogara road is like, when to leave and how to rent the car without trouble.
Bali transport: Grab, private driver or scooter
How to get around Bali: real prices for Grab, a private driver and a scooter, when to use each one and why traffic is misleading on the map.
Fast boats in Bali: Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan
How the fast boats between Bali, Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan work: duration, approximate prices, what to check when you book and how to avoid missing a connection.
Best things to do in Japan: our favorite experiences
The experiences we recommend most in Japan: an early start at Fushimi Inari, Shibuya Sky at sunset, a night on Miyajima, an onsen, a tea ceremony and an omakase.
Where to eat in Japan: our favorite restaurants
Real restaurants in Tokyo, Kamakura, Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima that we recommend, with what to order and what to expect from each.
Best things to do in the Philippines: our favorites
Island hopping in El Nido and Coron, wreck diving, surfing at Cloud 9 and a scooter ride: what we recommend most in the Philippines.
Where to eat in the Philippines: our favorite spots
Restaurants we recommend in Manila, El Nido, Coron and Siargao, from traditional Filipino cooking to pizza, seafood and grill.
Best things to do in Croatia: our favorite experiences
Dubrovnik's walls first thing, a boat tour, Hvar's fortress, the beach clubs and the Pakleni Islands: what we recommend most in Croatia.
Where to eat in Croatia: our favorite restaurants
Where to eat in Dubrovnik, Hvar and the Pakleni Islands: from a Michelin-starred restaurant to beach shacks with your feet in the water.
Best things to do in Albania: our favorite experiences
The boat route through the caves, sunset at Aquarium Beach, Butrint, the Llogara viewpoint and the beach clubs: what we recommend most in Albania.
Where to eat in Albania: our favorite restaurants
Restaurants we recommend in Tirana, Sarande and Ksamil: traditional Albanian cooking, fresh fish, pizzas at sunset and mussels.
Best things to do in Bali: our favorite experiences
Tirta Empul, the Tegalalang terraces, rafting, Kelingking, the manta rays, Gili's turtles and Uluwatu's Kecak: what we recommend most in Bali.
Where to eat in Bali: our favorite restaurants
Restaurants and warungs we recommend in Ubud, Canggu, Nusa Penida, Gili Trawangan and Uluwatu, from babi guling to dinner in a cave.
Best time to visit Japan: season by season
Japan can be visited all year round. What each season offers, when it's most crowded and when prices are best.
Best time to visit the Philippines: dry or rainy season
The Philippines has a dry season and a rainy one. Which to choose if you want island hopping, snorkeling and calm seas, and the risks of each.
Best time to visit Croatia: summer, spring or autumn?
Croatia is very seasonal. Temperatures, sea temperature, atmosphere and prices in high, shoulder and low season, and what closes outside summer.
Best time to visit Albania for beaches and beach clubs
Albania has a very clear beach season. When it's hottest, when it's cheapest and when the beach clubs close.
Best time to visit Bali: dry season vs rainy season
Bali has a tropical climate all year. When the dry season is, which months we recommend and whether the rainy season is worth it.
Japan entry requirements: visa, Visit Japan Web, forms
What you need to enter Japan: when you don't need a visa, which documents to carry and how to save time at immigration with Visit Japan Web.
Philippines entry requirements: visa and eTravel
Visa-free entry up to 30 days for many nationalities, the mandatory eTravel registration and the passport and onward ticket requirements.
Croatia entry requirements: Schengen, EES and ETIAS
Croatia is in the Schengen area. Which documents you need depending on your nationality, how the EES works at the border and what's happening with ETIAS.
Albania entry requirements: visa and what you need
Albania isn't in the EU, but has a very open entry policy. Which documents to carry, when you need a passport and what happens if you stay over 90 days.
Where to stay in Japan: ryokans in Takayama and Kanazawa
In Japan, where you sleep is part of the trip. The best ryokans in Takayama, Kanazawa and Miyajima, and the Mount Fuji stay you'll remember most.
Where to stay in Kyoto and Osaka: hotels by budget
Gion or Higashiyama in Kyoto, Namba or Shinsaibashi in Osaka. Real hotels by budget in both cities.
Where to stay in El Nido and Coron, Philippines
Social hostels or quiet resorts: where to stay in El Nido and Coron, with real places and what actually matters when choosing.
Where to stay in Siargao, Philippines: General Luna
General Luna is the heart of Siargao's surf. Real hotels and resorts by budget and why being near Cloud 9 matters.
Where to stay in Manila, Philippines: why Makati
To land and take off without complications, Makati is Manila's most comfortable and safe area. Real hotels by budget.
Where to stay in Hvar, Croatia: harbor or quiet bay
Sleeping at Hvar's harbor puts you in the middle of the party; Milna or Jelsa are the calm alternative. Real hotels by budget.
Where to stay in Albania: Tirana, Sarande or Ksamil
Three stops, three ways to stay: central Tirana, the Sarande seafront and Ksamil's villas. Real places by budget.
Where to stay in Bali: Ubud, Canggu or Uluwatu
There's no single best place to stay in Bali: it depends on what you want. Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu and the north, with real hotels and nightly prices.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan, Bali
On the islands, location matters more than the prettiest hotel. Which area to pick in Nusa Penida and Gili Trawangan, with real places.
What to see in Tokyo: what I'd do for sure and what I'd skip
A night lost in Shinjuku, Ueno at a slow pace, Shibuya Sky, Harajuku and Omotesando. My Tokyo must-dos, where I ate, how many days to give it and the one thing I'd skip.
What to see in Osaka: chaos, colour and lots of food
Dotonbori, the castle, the Kaiyukan aquarium, street food and a highly recommended omakase. What I did in Osaka, what I liked most and whether to sleep there or in Kyoto.
How much does food cost in Japan? Real prices per meal
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: what each costs, where it's cheapest, what I spent per day and why food in Japan is closer to Spain than you'd imagine.
How much food and transport cost in Bali: real prices
A warung from €3, pretty restaurants at €20-30 in Canggu, Grab for under €2 and the ferry between islands. What I spent in Bali on food and transport, and where it gets pricier.
How much food and transport cost in the Philippines
€20 dinners with wine, a tricycle all day for €20-30, scooters at €6 and reference prices for island-hopping tours and the El Nido-Coron ferry.