Travel

I Visited Every Country in the World Without Flying. Here Are Eight Things I Learned

Thor Pedersen traveled to every country without flying, learning valuable lessons over nearly a decade. Key insights included the astonishing generosity of strangers, the existence of hidden natural wonders, and people’s resilience despite hardship. He discovered the importance of social connections, the difference between wants and needs in travel, and the power of non-verbal communication. Additionally, slow travel revealed the world’s vastness and the educational value of overcoming travel challenges, which deepened his understanding of cultures and human limitations.

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/apr/21/i-visited-every-country-in-the-world-without-flying-here-are-eight-things-i-learned

12 of the Best Places to Visit in Iceland

12 Best Places in Iceland: Explore unique destinations like Mosfellsbær for hiking, Flúðir for Golden Circle access, Stokkseyri for kayaking, and Höfn as a base for glacial tours. Borgarfjörður Eystri offers puffin-watching, Húsavík is ideal for whale watching, and Hauganes features beachfront hot tubs. Enjoy snow sports in Siglufjörður, visit the Museum of Sorcery in Hólmavík, find tranquility in Flatey Island, and experience diverse activities in Húsafell. Each location provides stunning landscapes and local attractions.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-places-to-visit-in-iceland

5 Best Itineraries for Exploring Japan

5 top Japan itineraries for an unforgettable experience, covering diverse attractions from cities to temples and food. Options include:

  1. Golden Route (10 days): Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima.
  2. Nagano & Japanese Alps (10 days): Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Kamikōchi, Takayama, Shirakawa-gō, Kanazawa.
  3. Shikoku Road Trip (10 days): Naoshima, Takamatsu, Konpira-san, Iya Valley, Kōchi City, Matsuyama.
  4. Kyūshū & Yakushima (10 days): Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kurokawa Onsen, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Yakushima.
  5. Hokkaidō Adventure (14 days): Hakodate, Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, Sapporo, Furano, Daisetsuzan National Park, Shiretoko National Park, Akan Mashū National Park.

Each itinerary utilizes Japan's efficient transport and highlights unique cultural experiences.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-japan-itineraries

6 Vacation Spots in France That Are Loved by Locals

6 Favorite Local Vacation Spots in France:

  1. Corte, Corsica – A lively town and hiking gateway; explore the Vallée de la Restonica and visit the Citadel.

  2. Tignes le Lac, Savoie – A high-altitude ski resort great for off-season hiking; enjoy the stunning lakes and fresh mountain air.

  3. Bandol, Côte d'Azur – Quaint port town with hidden calanques; activities include swimming and wine-tasting.

  4. La Baule, Côte d'Amour – Known for its long beach; enjoy fresh oysters, sunsets, and nature walks in Brière Regional Nature Park.

  5. Northern Alsace – Picturesque landscapes and villages; recommended for hiking, visiting castles, and enjoying the Musée Lalique.

  6. Morteau, Franche-Comté – Scenic beauty with waterfalls; perfect for relaxing picnics and exploring local traditions.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/where-locals-go-under-the-radar-destinations-france

Japan: Things to Know

Japan Travel Tips: 16 Key Points

  1. Book Accommodation Early: Popular spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons.
  2. Pack Light: Small hotel rooms and public transport favor minimal luggage.
  3. Slip-On Shoes: Easy removal is essential for many locations.
  4. Data SIM/E-SIM: Get a data plan for navigation; it’s crucial.
  5. Weather Prep: Summers are hot and humid; be ready for rain and seasonal changes.
  6. Cash is King: Many places don’t accept cards; ATMs are available for cash withdrawals.
  7. No Tipping Culture: Service fees may apply, but tipping is uncommon.
  8. Avoid Public Eating: Eating while walking is generally frowned upon.
  9. Carry Your Trash: Public bins are scarce; take trash with you.
  10. Queuing Etiquette: Lines are orderly; wait your turn.
  11. Escalator Rules: Stand on specific sides depending on the region.
  12. Last Train Awareness: Subways stop by 1 AM; missing it can mean costly taxis.
  13. Skip Rush Hour: Mornings can be extremely crowded in Tokyo.
  14. Bidet Toilets: Familiarize yourself with Japan's advanced toilet technology.
  15. Earthquake Preparedness: Know safety protocols for seismic events.
  16. Learn Basic Japanese: Knowing simple phrases aids interaction and shows respect.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/things-to-know-before-traveling-to-japan

What to Eat and Drink in Switzerland

Switzerland's cuisine reflects its diverse culture, influenced by neighboring countries. Key dishes to try include:

  1. Fondue: Melted cheese (Gruyère and Vacherin) served with bread.
  2. Rösti: Fried grated potatoes, often topped with ingredients like cheese and eggs.
  3. Lake Fish: Dishes like filets de perche from Lake Geneva.
  4. Älplermagronen: Pasta and potato baked in cheese and cream, served with apple sauce.
  5. Sausages: Includes St Galler bratwurst and cervelat.
  6. Ticinese Cuisine: Risotto and polenta served in local grotti.
  7. Gruyères Meringues: Light meringues paired with rich double cream.
  8. Local Wine: Crimson varietals from the Valais and soft drinks like Rivella.
  9. Swiss Chocolate: Famous brands include Lindt and Cailler.
  10. Plant-based Options: Increasing availability for vegetarians but limited for vegans.

Explore these culinary gems across Switzerland for an authentic experience.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/what-to-eat-and-drink-in-switzerland

Nine European Vacation Destinations to Visit in 2025 if It’s Not Your First Time

Nine European Destinations for 2025:

  1. Puglia, Italy – Ideal for value, slow food, and unique sites; perfect in spring and autumn.
  2. Alentejo Coast, Portugal – Offers pristine beaches and wineries; best in summer or autumn.
  3. Andermatt-Sedrun-Disentis, Switzerland – Less crowded ski destination with year-round activities; visit anytime.
  4. Cap d'Antibes, French Riviera – Rich in culture and history with events celebrating Fitzgerald's legacy; summer is prime time.
  5. Slovenia – Emerging cultural hotspot with stunning landscapes; best from May to September.
  6. Peloponnese, Greece – Investment in infrastructure enhances cultural experiences; visit April-June or September-October for fewer crowds.
  7. Paris, France – Less crowded post-Olympics with easier transport; spring is especially lovely.
  8. Sweden's West Coast – Great for sustainability-focused travelers; best from June to August.
  9. Albania – Rising as a travel destination with rich history and emerging luxury; summer months ideal.

Each location offers unique experiences, with recommended times to visit for optimal enjoyment.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250407-best-european-vacation-destinations

An F1 Driver’s Fast and Furious Guide to Tokyo

Yuki Tsunoda, F1 driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing, shares his favorite Tokyo spots ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. He emphasizes Tokyo's exceptional food scene, particularly its high concentration of Michelin-star restaurants. Key highlights in his guide include:
1. Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree for the best scenery and views.
2. Osoba no Kouga for affordable Michelin-star soba noodles.
3. Tsukiji Outer Market for the freshest seafood.
4. Harajuku for trendy shopping.
5. Bar Centifolia for nightlife, known for its theatrical bartenders.
Tsunoda loves the city's vibrant atmosphere, especially during Cherry Blossom season.

https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20250401-yuki-tsunoda-f1-an-off-the-grid-guide-to-tokyo

Here’s What This Traveler Learnt on an 8,000-mile Rail Journey From England to the Taj Mahal

Nick Pulley's 8,000-mile train journey from England to India featured 13 border crossings and 39 train trips in two months. He emphasized the unique connection to landscapes while traveling by train, the importance of journaling to process experiences, and noted the welcoming people of Iran, contrasting them with their government. Pulley also learned the value of slow travel despite time constraints, the significance of cultural connections, and the necessity of challenging preconceived notions about destinations. Meeting the Dalai Lama and encountering unexpected moments were highlights, reinforcing the transformative power of travel and the responsibility of travelers to represent communities accurately.

https://adventure.com/no-fly-rail-train-adventure-europe-asia/

Visit California

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California boasts diverse biomes, making it the most biodiverse state in the U.S. Visitors can explore unique environments such as chaparral, desert, temperate forests, alpine tundra, grasslands, and wetlands. Key locations include Garrapata State Park for coastal scrub, Big Basin Redwoods for temperate forests, Trona Pinnacles for desert features, and Mount Whitney for alpine tundra. The rich variety and unique climate showcase California's incredible natural beauty and biodiversity.

https://www.atlasobscura.com/studio/california-biomes

The End of Roadside Attractions

Roadside attractions, cherished by Jane Stern during their heyday, are quirky, often homemade exhibits created by passionate individuals, contrasting with corporate attractions. In her travels, Stern discovered unique sites like Nash-ional Dinoland, filled with handmade dinosaurs, and the blending of themes like dinosaurs and Jesus in attractions. With fewer families traveling by car, many roadside attractions have faded, replaced by fast food and chains, leading Stern to lament the loss of these whimsical joys and the personal stories they conveyed.

https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2025/04/09/the-end-of-roadside-attractions/

OpenTimes

OpenTimes is an interactive travel-time map for the U.S., providing pre-computed, bulk-downloadable data on accessibility between Census geographies. It leverages open-source tools and public data for seamless integration into spatial analysis, enhancing mapping applications.

https://opentimes.org/

The Ultimate Guide to Car Camping

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TLDR: Car camping has evolved, requiring less gear and offering comfort, making it popular for beginners. Preparation is essential, including choosing camping spots (like state parks or BLM land), properly packing, and ensuring safety. Key items to pack include a good sleeping setup, cooking gear, hygiene supplies, and safety tools. Research your destination and vehicle before departure, and follow Leave No Trace principles for a smooth experience.

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/car-camping-essentials

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