TRAVEL

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Autumn is not restless or sharp, it’s a shorter time of year, and it feels like everything is best in Beijing. However, after autumn, we have the first snow in Beijing.
For me, the Forbidden City is the final chapter of the imperial empire, is a long and magnificent dream, so that every time I face it, I will regret being surprised by China’s beauty. The beauty of the Forbidden City is no matter how many times I go, and I can not be exhausted by the vast scroll. You are in the Forbidden City environment, from the bottom of your heart will have a kind of lofty respect, don’t know how many stories have been told here, no place can have such a great color, the buildings are stacked on top of each other. Every part of the Forbidden City is probably stuck in the imprint of time, telling the known or unknown story.
The Forbidden City in the snow is too beautiful. I do not have any other words. The red palace walls and white snow against each other, making the entire Forbidden City look clean and holy. Snow-covered the roof of the palace, paved with the Golden Water Bridge, paved with stone paths, falling on the bronze turtles and cranes in front of the Palace of Supreme Harmony, falling on the roof of the small glazed beasts. For a moment, I felt that the snow in front of me was like some blessing that cleansed human eyes, brought the divine beauty of art, and soothed the heart. Then it melted away again on a sunny afternoon.

It seems that some people’s lives are also like this. People often like to say that as soon as Beijing snows, it becomes Beiping, and as soon as the Forbidden City snows, it becomes the Forbidden City. Before, I always think these two words are nonsense, but after seeing the snow of the Forbidden City, you will understand the meaning of those two words. The snow is like magic that can take us back to the distant past. As we travel through it, we seem to feel or very clearly imagine the dynastic turmoil and love-hate entanglements that once took place here.
Maybe it was the heavy snowfall last night, or perhaps it was the low temperature this morning, but the early morning snow didn’t seem to be melting. By the noon entrance through the three main halls to after six palaces, the snow is still intact to fall on the glazed tiles, whether it is the Yanxi Palace, Shoukang Palace or Canning Palace Royal Garden, everywhere is a white world, a bit like sticking to the biscuit on the cream.
Although the place is inevitably crowded, it can’t spoil one’s enjoyment of the snow. Sometimes, the people in the landscape can be a different kind of terrain.
I am jealous of those who see the snow on their first visit to the Forbidden City because I could see the Forbidden City for the first time, in the snow, after visiting the Forbidden City countless times. Those people who saw the Forbidden City in the snow for the first time, how lucky they should be, and what beautiful memories those snowflakes of the palace will leave them.
Even like me, it has been many times to the Forbidden City. The first time to see the Forbidden City of the snow is still exciting. I described myself as having a go out to see idol mood, is that very excited and nervous mood, think each other is too beautiful. They are not qualified to appreciate the perspective, is with that mood for the first time to see the Forbidden City in the snow.
Over time, as the tourists continue to be more and more, the snow on the ground was gradually trampled to reveal the black or gray stone road, the tree branches of the tree hanging slowly thinning up, the snow does not seem to stay on earth for too long. But until I left the Forbidden City, the Forbidden City was still in a blanket of white snow, the roofs of the six imperial palaces were still pure white, slightly showing a little glazed tile color, yet very beautiful!
This is the first time in my life to see the Forbidden City’s snow. I entered through the noon gate, walked along the east line, passed the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Jiaotai Hall, Baohe Hall, went to the Yanxi Palace, Zhongcui Palace, came to the Royal Garden, from the Royal Garden to the Forbidden City’s west line, and then went to the Changchun Palace, Shoukang Palace, finally returned to the Taihe Palace Square, through the Donghua Gate to leave. In three hours, it was like a dream. The Forbidden City is far from my goal, and I only saw it through the red wall.
I only hope that the next time we meet will not be too far away.
This year, the Forbidden City celebrates its 600th birthday. The world’s largest surviving wooden palace complex has stood firm on Chinese soil for 600 years. The palace is centered around the Noondoor Tower, which is arranged in 18 historical nodes. They introduce the planning, layout, architecture, palace life, and an overview of architectural renovation and conservation of the Forbidden City. In the exhibition hall, behind each exhibit is carrying the Forbidden City’s memory, a brick, a tile, a yarn, and a cup in the display cases, representing the highest skills of Chinese refined traditional culture. Including the Taihe Hall on the spine of the beast and the Emperor Qianlong participated in the design of the Jin Ou Yongguo cup. Now, science and technology still can not completely repair lacquer yarn.
I think another way to see the Forbidden City is to wait for the sun to set over Jingshan Park, which is only ten minutes away from the top. Jingshan Park is located in the center of the north-south axis of Beijing’s inner city, and you can have a panoramic view of the Forbidden City from the Wanchun Pavilion in the middle peak. The most beautiful moment of the sunset, I want to share all the beautiful scenery with you.

Feature

Disclaimer: This feature is based on a trip before the Covid-19 Pandemic.

European sailors observed the sport of surfing for the first time in 1769, but historians believe the art of wave-catching dates back to ancient Polynesia. Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary surfer, introduced the sport to the world during the twentieth century and now surfers can be spotted catching waves all over the world. Somehow or another, the sport traveled up to Canada and the hamlet of Tofino became the country’s only surf town. Today, Tofino is a hotspot for North American surfers with a climate that doesn’t always feel that way.

I learned about Tofino while living in British Colombia and I knew I had to check the place out before leaving Canada. I didn’t know how to surf at the time, truth be told I still don’t, but that didn’t stop me from planning a very impulsive trip. Friends joined in, I called in sick, and before we knew it we left the mountains and headed for the beaches.

There is something uniquely fun about traveling long distances without a car. It forces you to engage with the world around you and rely on your problem-solving skills to acquire transportation. With this at heart, my travel companion, Daisy, and I used a smartphone to download a ride-share application to which we hired a ride to Horseshoe Bay. Ok, we kind of wimped out on that one. Coming off our culturally rich car ride, we purchased two tickets for the ferry bound for Vancouver Island. To Daisy’s dismay, I decided to use the remaining ten minutes before the ferry departed to grab a coffee from Tim Hortons across the street. In my opinion, traveling in Canada is not done properly without a visit to the country’s famous coffee chain. I don’t think Daisy shared this sentiment as I quite literally was the last person to get on the boat.

The ferry, which runs daily, is enormous. Three levels of passenger decks sit overhead a massive hanger where cars and trucks await to drive again on solid land. The trip takes about an hour and we spent the entirety of it on the top deck, looking for whales. Whales are spotted often by Vancouverites and an hour-long journey on the Pacific Ocean seemed to be our best bet to catch a glimpse of these sea mammals.  Sadly, no whales felt like breaching that day.

View from the top deck of the Ferry

At around 4 pm, we docked at the small port city of Nanaimo and made our way to the hostel. Nanaimo is a hard-working city that has its fair share of quirks and family-owned shops. We spent our evening at the waterfront, continuing our search for whales.

The next morning, we planned to make our way to Tofino. With our backpacks on, we walked straight to the nearest rental car service and forked over some cash. There is something uniquely fun about traveling long distances with a car. You have the freedom to go anywhere and do anything that you please. On this particular three-hour drive from Nanaimo to Tofino, we did just that.

We found ourselves stopping every thirty minutes or so to experience the beauty that Vancouver Island has to offer. Waterfalls and streams run alongside the highway, beckoning us to pull over and explore. Massive Douglas Fir trees surround the road, as Vancouver Island is part of the Pacific Coast Forest, the densest forest in the world. We had to make a stop at The Cathedral Grove, a provincial park with trees measuring as tall as 240 feet.

Me standing inside a Douglas Fir Tree

It took us more than three hours to get to Tofino, but the drive had turned out to be the best part of the adventure thus far. We stopped in the nearby town of Ucluelet and reunited with some old friends who decided to move there for the summer. Ucluelet is a gorgeous town situated right on the shoreline. The housing is sparse, so our friends would spend the entire summer living out of their tent. We could understand why, like many others, our friends sacrificed their comfort to live in such a breathtaking place.

View of the Ocean in Ucluelet

Following in their footsteps, we set up camp right on a beach in Tofino. I highly recommend staying at Bella Pacifica campground for an amazing experience. A trip to the local brewery quickly put us to bed and we dozed off to the thought of riding big waves.

On par with being in a rainforest, the clouds above Tofino sent us some freezing rain in the morning. I began to question how we were going to stay warm in the water. The surf pros had a solution that came in the form of 5mm thick wetsuits with hoods and booties. Covered head to toe in thick neoprene, Daisy and I carried our surfboards down to Cox Bay. Before heading into the waves, Daisy tried to give me a few pointers on the beach. I practiced “popping up” onto my board while lying on the sand. It was definitely going to be a challenge in the water.

It seemed like I was the only person on the beach who did not know how to surf. The cold water helps discourage the crowd of eager tourists. I was shocked to learn that the winter season in Tofino brings the best waves, a phenomenon that benefits those most committed to the sport. Eager to join the ranks of wave riding individuals, I made my way into the water. I immediately forgot everything Daisy taught me as I got blasted by saltwater. I would be lying if I wasn’t cold or in pain, but the beauty of the whole experience made me forget about all those things. For three hours I practiced standing on the board. The training I did with Daisy on the sand began to come back to me and on the final wave of the day, I stood up!

Retiring back to the campsite after a long day of surfing, I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to embark on this impulsive trip. The beauty of Canada is incomparable and being able to experience it with friends far from home is beyond special. I didn’t do much planning for this adventure but it sure had plans in store for me and my friends. I think that is the best way to travel. Your trip to Tofino may look and sound a lot different than mine, but I can assure you it will come with some gorgeous views and unforgettable surprises.

And, hopefully, you’ll spot some whales for me and Daisy.

Me, Daisy, and some friends enjoying the evening on the beach

 

Feature

After a long summer of doing a whole lot of nothing due to Covid-19 restrictions, my friends and I decided that it was our duty to do something fun before classes resumed in the fall.  After careful deliberation, it was decided that we would do a three day fishing trip somewhere within driving distance of Denver, Colorado.  The only question was where.  I promised the group that I would do some research and figure out which areas might give us what we were looking for.  While our main goal was to catch a ton of fish, we also wanted to find a place that would offer beautiful scenery.  I took to Google checking everything from local fishing reports, to U.S. water data, and even old blog posts to get a sense of what areas might be fishing at that time.  Before long, I had devised a plan that I felt would give everyone involved the best experience possible. I had read about a stretch of the North Platte River near Alcova, Wyoming a while back referred to as “the Miracle Mile” for its beautiful landscape and fat aggressive trout.  Recent fishing, and weather reports all pointed to ideal conditions for our slotted three days.  Once everyone was on board, we began making preparations for our three day journey.

With our gear ready and enough food for the three days at the Miracle Mile, we set out for Wyoming.  We made sure to stop in Alcova, which was the only civilization within 40 miles of our destination.  There we sought advice on bugs and tactics from the local fly shop, and got some last minute supplies and firewood from the general store.  It is important to be sure that you have every bit of gear you might need when venturing 40 miles out of cell reception.  That includes, but is not limited to, a tent, sleeping bag/pad, food, water, firewood, lighter, toilet paper, and plenty of beer.  As I watched the small smidge of a town fade into the rearview, I felt a sense of freedom take over the car.  It was not long before the cracked pavement crumbled into dirt roads.  We saw more wildlife than people on the drive to ‘the Mile’, as the fly shop owner called it.  In fact, we did not see any people at all.  Herds of mule deer and pronghorns danced over the hills as our trucks left a trail of dust billowing behind us.  After about an hour of driving we finally saw the emerald blue river appear out of the plains, as if by magic.

This section of the North Platte River weaves through desert, prairie, and canyons giving way to some of the most breathtaking scenery you are likely to find anywhere in the U.S..  With dispersed camping allowed on both sides of this entire stretch of river, we explored a bit before setting up along a grassy bank with a pre-made fire pit overlooking some prime dry fly water.  We began to hastily set up camp, as all of us were eager to get out and fish.  Before we could even get a tent up, someone had spotted a rising fish and began setting up their rod.  Camp set up would have to wait until later as the rest of us began to follow suite.  The Miracle Mile offers anglers a plethora of different types of water to fish with very little angling pressure.  While we set up camp along a slow and slick run, the Mile also holds long riffles, large boulder fields, and plunge pools 20 feet deep. Paradise to any fly fisher looking to cover multiple water types in a single day.

The view from our campsite.

With only a few hours of daylight to fish and set up camp, we decided to fish within walking distance of camp on day one.  It did not take long before all of us were into fish.  Browns, rainbows, and cutbows were all eagerly taking large hopper flies and streamers.  Even some of the beginners on the trip were having no trouble finding fish.  We found that most fish were holding along undercut grassy banks similar to the one where we had set up camp.  As we began trickling back into camp, it was clear by the smiles on our faces that we had all found success.  The bright orange sun sank behind the hills as we finished setting up, revealing a sky full of stars unlike anything I had ever seen before.  It seemed like every time I looked up from the fire I would see multiple shooting stars.  We sat around the fire deep into the night drinking cheap beer and filling our bellies with hot dogs.  Each of us slept well knowing that we had two more days in heaven.

The largest fish all trip came on the first day.

We awoke early the next morning as the sun cleared the mountains, illuminating the valley.  It was not hard to get out of bed knowing what the day had in store for us.  With bacon and eggs sizzling over the fire, we made a plan for where we would fish that day.  We decided on a stretch of river just a short drive from our campsite where the river drops into a canyon and is lined with tall granite walls.  We traversed our way down into the canyon and it did not take long before we were into the fish once again.  It seemed like there was an amazing pool stacked with fish behind every boulder and bend.  That day we decided that we would “live off the land” and cook some fish for lunch, as was permitted on this stretch of river.  We kept a few eating sized rainbows, about 12 inches each.  Once we had the trout dispatched and cleaned, we added some salt, pepper, and lemon juice before wrapping them in tinfoil and throwing them directly into the fire.  As we sat on the riverbank cooking our catch, I took a moment to take in the unbelievable scenery.  It also did not hurt that we had the entire canyon to ourselves.  We each enjoyed our fish before heading out to find the afternoon bite.  In the afternoon we ventured deep into the canyon where the walls became extremely narrow.  Soon we forgot all about the fish and focused on exploring the canyon.  We found some amazing rock structures, and even a place to cliff jump.  When we were sitting around the fire at camp later that night, I found myself feeling incredibly lucky.  This day had definitely been the highlight of the trip.

Where we spent day #2.

Due to some late night campfire activity, we slept in the next day.  When we awoke, we all agreed that we wanted to stay close to camp and relax.  Some of the group walked downriver to see how the fishing was while the rest of us decided to do some exploring in our cars.  We had stumbled upon an old off-roading trail on our way back to camp the previous day and were keen to see where it might lead us.  We had made it about a mile down the trail before we saw another campsite.  As we drove by a man came out to great us.  To all of our surprise he told us that he had been living out there since the Covid-19 pandemic began in America.  I was amazed to hear that we were the first ones to come down the trail since he had set up camp months before.  It is true that you never know what you might find when you go out and explore.  I can’t blame him for wanting to wait this whole thing out in such a beautiful place.  While sitting around the fire on the final night, I could not help but feel a bit sad to be leaving in the morning.  Not only had we found amazing fishing, but also a break from reality in a time that is putting everyone to the test.  I woke up early the next morning to watch the sunrise before folding up my tent and packing the cars for our return home.  The glassy river reflected the peach sky in a truly spectacular way.  As we drove away and I watched the river disappear behind the rolling hills, as the realization set in that we were heading back to reality.

Sunrise on the final morning at camp.

 

Feature

For most, traveling is a relief from reality. It is a time when they can escape the 9-5 grind, imagine a new life, and consider never returning to their homes so they can pursue their newly discovered dream of owning a llama farm…

For me, traveling has a different connotation. Don’t get me wrong, I love fantasizing about alternate universes and imagining myself surrounded by fluffy alpacas! It’s just that the actual process of traveling is a bit stressful and hectic for me, beyond the scope of the average tourist. Being physically disabled leads to facing a lot of inaccessibility in the world, and at the end of the day, sometimes it’s simply easier to stay home and scroll through the Louvre’s online exhibits rather than actually coordinating an international trip.

So, when it was the end of my junior year of high school and it was time to make the “big decision,” I was stuck. I felt that I deserved a world full of potential, after all I worked hard for the past 4 years to earn that 4.2 GPA, and I thought that my potential was farther away than my local university. I did some research and somehow convinced myself that these big schools only existed in warm states – specifically California. Sure, weather had a big impact (after all, you think driving a car in snow is hard, try a wheelchair) but I also wanted to be somewhere where things happened and I would have endless opportunities.

My parents tried to steer me a bit closer to home, but after I kept persisting, they agreed and took me on a road trip across the country to visit my “dream” schools. First up: Berkeley and Stanford, California!

We stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, but not without checking for accessibility! When booking the trip, my mom had to go the extra mile beyond visiting TripAdvisor. After finding the hotels in the areas we would be, she had to call them individually during times when the front desk staff are at their best (she said that’s somewhere in the early afternoon – after check-out and before check-in). She then proceeded to check that the shower was a roll-in (a lot of hotels advertise this, but once you get there, there is often a bump about an inch tall that is difficult to overcome), asked about the beds’ height (necessary to safely transfer me from my wheelchair to the bed), and asked if there were any rooms without carpet (tile or hardwood is preferred for the wheelchair and my other equipment). After all that was said and done, she usually had to speak directly with housekeeping to confirm everything the front desk promised. Then, she was finally able to book the room, and she made sure they price matched whatever TripAdvisor advertised.

The hotel itself was everything you’d expect from a well-established chain like Holiday Inn, but the area itself was a bit concerning when we first arrived. The streets are very busy, which makes it difficult to turn into the hotel. There were also a few people lingering around outside and near the hotel, which made us nervous, so we took all of our belongings inside with us.

We didn’t do a real tour for either Berkeley or Stanford, rather, we chose to wander on our own schedule to see and discover what the beautiful campuses had to offer. I visited both universities’ disability services, to compare what they had to offer and to “test the waters” on how accommodating they could be. Berkeley had a promising start, as their counselor was disabled himself and told me how he got around independently on campus. He also explained how they have a partnership with their med school, so if one of my nurses called out, they would send someone to temporarily help me. Stanford also supplied a lot of resource options, the biggest being their campus shuttle system. They said I could tell the driver my weekly schedule, and they would drive me across the 12.8 square-mile campus! My own personal limo? It was very tempting!

A girl in a black and white dress posing in front of a fountain at Stanford University.
Me embracing the sunny Stanford weather, July 2018

From there, we went down to Los Angeles to visit UCLA, USC, and Whittier College. We stayed at the Doubletree Los Angeles. My mom had to ask the same questions, and they guaranteed that they met all of our requirements. Yes, they had a fully roll-in shower and part of the room had tile instead of carpet, but the beds were not tall enough. We immediately called the front desk, worried that we would have to change hotels, but they sent up maintenance to take a look. It turns out, they’ve had this issue before as they accommodate guests, and they had a solution! They brought up 4 blocks of wood, and drilled them into the legs of my bed, which made it tall enough for me to be safely transferred. We were surprised at their cooperation and willingness, but the process did take a while and we weren’t able to get settled or relaxed for an additional hour and a half while they worked.

We spent the next few days visiting the schools, and I was overwhelmed at times, and felt an uncomfortable amount of familiarity at others. We toured UCLA and USC back-to-back, and it was exhausting. I didn’t have time to visit their disability services, as we were booked solid. The universities themselves were amazing, but the tours felt like a stimulus overload with all the people and the marketing schemes. The next day or so, we visited the small university of Whittier College. With an undergraduate population of 1,776 students, this university was smaller than my high school. I wasn’t against a small school, I just wanted to feel that they wanted me and cared about my education. And, oh, did they! I booked a one-on-one meeting with the head of the English department, and after our official meeting ended, he insisted on taking me on a personalized tour of the school. It was a short trip, but at least I knew they cared!

A girl posing in front of a sign that reads "Whittier College."
Me enjoying even more sunshine at Whittier College, July of 2018

This entire trip to California would have been incomplete without a quick respite at the Happiest Place on Earth – Disneyland! We stayed at the Grand Californian hotel resort, that way we could exit the hotel right at Downtown Disney and begin our adventures. The room was fine, but the layout of the bathroom made a few things tricky, but we made do. After all, we were in Disney, so who cares about a few technical difficulties? Downtown Disney was alive with music, light displays, and vendors – and that was all before we made it to the actual parks! We wandered around California Adventure and Disneyland, and most of my wandering entailed sight-seeing. There are a few rides that are marked as “accessible,” but they often ask the person to get out of their wheelchairs. I was able to enjoy quite a few rides, such as It’s A Small World, The Little Mermaid, and Winnie the Pooh. Even though those rides are a bit more childish, I enjoyed every twist and turn the tracks took. The best part of the trip was when I rode the Ferris Wheel in their summertime exclusive park Pixar Pier. It was the first time I had ever ridden a Ferris Wheel, so I took a few spins! In between rides we bought way too many Mickey-themed goodies, and enjoyed a beautiful fireworks display. From there, we were scheduled to head home… with another detour. It was time to go to my parents’ Disneyland – Vegas!

A Ferris Wheel in Pixar Pier, California
The first Ferris Wheel I had ever been on, July of 2018

We stayed at the Bellagio hotel, and it was honestly the most accessible place I had been in that entire 2-week trip. The beds were adjustable in height, had a massager, and the head and feet could all raise with the push of a button! They had a ceiling lift, which went from the bedroom to the bathroom, even over the tub and toilet. The shower was level with the floor, which meant that there was no lip or bump whatsoever. And, it was Vegas, so it all felt very luxurious! My mom and I had a spa day where we got our nails done, and then we all dressed up to go see the acrobatic performance of Cirque du Soleil’s Bellagio-exclusive show “O.” We enjoyed our time, as we made sure to try all the crazy foods and we went through a lot of interactive exhibits. We visited the Wax Museum and took pictures with all our favorite celebrities’ statues, and stopped at a restaurant with a fitting name – The Sugar Factory. We didn’t bother with real food, we were there for the sweets! We each got our own tower of milkshake, and after I ate the s’more topper, I felt that familiar sugar buzz. So, we took things a little slower after that. After a few more days, it was time to head home!

A girl drinking a giant chocolate milkshake
Me attempting to drink this giant milkshake, July of 2018

The trip itself took a lot out of me, so I spent about 3 days straight in my bed recovering from all the highs. Then, it was game time. By the time it was college application season, I had already ruled out Berkeley and Whittier. Berkeley was just a little too weird, and it’s located on top of a steep hill which made things tricky. Whittier was simply too small, I wanted to leave my high school to meet new people, and I didn’t think that would be as easy at Whittier. But, I knew that I still wanted a chance at Stanford, UCLA, and USC to see what my potential was. That trip gave me the momentum needed to head into my senior year ready to tackle those applications to see what opportunities I had.

So, while most people take trips to escape reality, my most recent trip was to find my reality. Even though I chose a school in Colorado, that trip helped show me my true potential, and gave me a boost in confidence that pushed me through the remainder of my high school experience. Traveling still isn’t the easiest thing for me, and planes are a completely different story. Which is ironic, since my mom is planning a Disney World trip for us at the end of 2021, which will definitely require a plane ride. But who knows, maybe I’ll discover a little more about myself then?

How To

How to make a travel guide

Over the years of studying in the US, I’ve gradually reached a state where my body and mind always have one on the road. I generally divide my trips into three parts: before, during, and after the trip. Of these, pre-trip strategy development can feel the most vital sense of happiness. During the journey comes second, after all, because of the travel and exhausting photography. After the trip, it’s even more painful to write a travel journal and process photos.
I’m going to talk about my pre-trip strategy. Because I am a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, in Japan due to:
1) Can’t drive.
2) Transportation inconvenience.
3) Japanese transportation to the minute, the travel schedule is also everything, every minute what to do is strictly listed.
Without further ado, here’s how I’ve planned and arranged my travels over the years (based on my travels in Japan)

About the destination: the wish list.
A temperate island nation like Japan offers four distinctly different seasons. If you’re looking for quality travel, you have to be in the right place at the right time. That’s why the heart is on the go because on weekdays, you will probably learn about some destinations of interest-based on resources such as friends, public, news, travelogues, etc., and know what seasons are beautiful, when these places have special celebrations, etc. For example, the red leaves and cherry blossoms in Kyoto, the snow festival in Sapporo, the tree ice in Zao, the sea of clouds in Takeda Castle, the whales and sea turtles laying eggs in Okinawa, and so on. Once you probably have a first impression, put these on your wish list!
Tibetan King Tree Ice, February/March each year
Izu Kawazu Cherry Blossoms, end of February
Shirakawa-go in winter, January

Appropriate time.
Vacations/cheap airfare, transportation costs, etc. With a wish list, it still takes a deed to make a trip happen.
A: For working people, holidays are naturally the most crucial impetus. The public holidays are overcrowded. You can play badminton on the highway; it is essential to avoid the peak traffic and choose to go to some niche but very sentimental spots or choose the right time to take a vacation.
B: For poor students or freelancers, the first must be saved save! The cost of transportation in Japan is outrageous. The ability to make the perfect journey at the best price becomes a skill test.
We can choose to redeem our miles for airline tickets. Secondly, we have the option of cheap airline tickets. We can also opt for the select Shinkansen tickets. The Shinkansen’s affordable tickets are for short-term visitors (less than three months of visa), which is not the case for long-term residents. If you can’t afford the Shinkansen, you’ll have to stay young. The night bus is a very suitable choice, and the bus sits on the sleep overnight, transportation, accommodation are saved, the best of both worlds. There is also a special seasonal train ticket in Japan. The Seishunjuju Ticket: This ticket is offered every year during spring, summer, and winter vacations and costs only 2,370 yen for one day of travel on any JR train. This ticket is ideal for long-distance travel with plenty of time to spare and should be used in conjunction with transportation to your destination.

Related attractions: Hand-drawn maps.
Now that you have your destination and motivation, it’s time to plan your itinerary. The first step is to find out what specific sights and experiences you’ll enjoy at your destination. Naturally, this involves looking up information and roughing out the attractions. After the rough selection, arranging the route and picking up the interests becomes the key to making an excellent travel plan. My experience is to roughly draw a map on a blank piece of paper and then roughly mark the locations of these approximately selected attractions based on tools like Google Maps (you can also keep them directly on your computer/phone). See which interests can be arranged together and which ones have to be discarded.
Of course, because every trip has a time limit, it’s impossible to have every desired attraction, which needs to be endured. Of course, you can also learn deep well ice as I arranged the trip to solve the math problem, column six or seven scenarios, and then try to choose the best solution – I naturally enjoy it. Still, I have to admit, and it takes a lot of energy. In the meantime, for the foodie, it is necessary to do your homework in advance for specific cuisines, which will be introduced by significant guides and websites. For example, in Japan, check the Tabelog ranking.

Details about transportation.
Once you’ve decided, you’ll need to find out how to get to the places you want to visit. The most convenient way is to check the website of the attraction. In Japan, this is a good idea for tourist attractions, as it provides clear information on how to get there by car, train, and bus.
Once you’ve planned a general route based on the mode of transportation and location, it’s time to check if there are any local special fares.

We take care of the smallest details of your trip.
Reserving tickets, transportation, and accommodations is a lot of work. Still, preparation is essential to ensure a safe trip, and there are many discounts available if you book online in advance. Although mobility is limited, many hotels can be canceled if there is a last resort (heavy rain, typhoon, or other natural or human-made disasters). Finally, pack your power supply, clothes, umbrella, documents, camera, tripod, notebook, stamp book, whatever you want to bring.

How To


Anyone who has ever been tent camping knows that while there is much to be gained from spending time in the great outdoors, setting up a campsite can be a bit of a hassle. We all know the relief of turning off a windy mountain road onto a narrow gravel loop, looking for an ideal site, and then getting out of the car for the first time in several hours and taking the first breath of fresh mountain air. But, the journey isn’t over yet. You’ve got no place to sleep, no way to cook, and no place to relax. Now, the tent needs to be assembled, sleeping pads and sleeping bags need to be unrolled, inflated, and arranged, and duffel bags need to be situated at the appropriate heads and feet.

However, road trips and other similar long-distance drives may require driving to a new campsite every, or near every night, which means the set up and take down process has to become a part of the everyday routine. One solution to this is simply to own an R.V., camper van, or even a car that can be converted into a comfortable sleeping arrangement which can eliminate some or all of your daily set up requirements. However, if you don’t have access to a vehicle of this kind, there are still some things you can do to ease the daily burden.

1. Keep Things Together– put cooking supplies together, cleaning supplies together, and sleeping supplies together. This way you know where everything is, and can minimize the time spent ruffling through the car looking for things. If you are able to, consolidate these supplies for easy carrying. For tents and sleeping bags, I recommend a large Ikea bag that can fit everything you need to sleep, and can be taken directly out of the car to the campsite, and then back again the next day. This also helps with organization. A smaller bag or box is also helpful to keep your kitchen supplies together.

2. Use the car as part of the camp. Only take what you need to sleep and eat that night out of the car. Don’t bring out all the food, or even all of your clothes, especially if you are able to park near enough to the campsite that going to and from the car is easy. If you have space that isn’t used for passengers while driving, use part of your back seat as a pantry of sorts, where you can keep all cooking supplies in some sort of easily accessible order (orderly chaos counts).

3. Don’t bring too much, and rely on your environment. On more stationary camping trips, things like camp chairs, hammocks (not used for sleeping), and any other assorted campsite accessory may be a nice addition. But, I find that if you don’t need it, it isn’t worth setting up, taking down, and packing away every day. Most camp sites have picnic tables, and if not, you should already have a tarp or some sort of sleeping pad/ mat for sleeping, and honestly, sometimes the ground is better than a chair.

4. Get into a routine– Once you set up enough campsites in a short enough time frame, you fall into a very ‘just get it done’ mind set. If one person is better at setting up the tent, it is probably more efficient that they start with that while the person who is best at cooking sets up the stove, and another pays for the site, or does anything else that needs to be done. If one person needs help, everyone helps. Eventually kinks get worked out, and you find yourself setting up in record time.

5. Pack Efficiently, and with set up in mind. It is often tempting to crumple everything up and throw it in the car, but messy packing will only make set up that evening all the more difficult. So, pack with your future self in mind. Put the tent away so that the things you need first when setting up are on top of the bag. Put everything back where you had put it before, try not to just throw things in the car. And for the love of god, do your dishes. You will have to do them eventually, I promise.

How To

Traveling internationally is an experience of a lifetime. During a global pandemic, it may be harder to book flights, but once it’s over, the world is waiting to be explored. Adventuring to different countries and cultures is eye-opening and life changing. It allows you to over all immerse yourself in a completely different world. Travel requires a lot of preparation, but don’t let this overwhelm you as it will all be worth it in creating an enjoyable trip. Here are some things to allow for an easier trip overseas:

  • Passport

When traveling outside of the United States you will absolutely need a passport. If you don’t have one then you can’t leave. When applying for a passport, make sure to do it in advance before your trip to eliminate excess stress. The process doesn’t take too long, but doing it at the last minute isn’t the greatest idea. During  your trip, keeping your passport safe is crucial as it will be your ticket in and out of the country.

  • Basic Flight Etiquette

Knowing the basic rules of international flying is a key piece of information. For example, many countries allow you to stand up and grab your bags before the plane has even touched down. This process causes lots of anxiety so be sure to bring a bag that can go underneath the seat in front of you to avoid searching the upper compartments. Many international flights serve main meals like breakfast, lunch, or dinner when flying because of time changes, which is great so you don’t have to pack an entire meal, but maybe keep some snacks handy in case you get hungry.

  • Research, Research, Research

Learn about the culture of your destination. Knowing the rules of a specific country can save you lots of trouble when conversing with locals. Creating an itinerary is also another helpful way to bring out the best of your trip instead of wandering aimlessly. Some companies, to alleviate even more stress, provide city and countrywide tours. Rick Steves, Trafalgar, and more provide educational experiences when exploring your destination. Educate yourself on different locations and where tourists are most safe too adventure. Researching different restaurants and sites before your trip will simplify everything to avoid unneeded stress.

  • Currency

Many countries around the globe have different currencies and methods of paying. Be sure to learn more about your destinations primary currency. Some will take the U.S. dollar as well as their own money, but be sure to have your credit or debit card handy as this is the easiest method to pay anywhere you go. Knowing the best method of payment is a great way to avoid confrontation and sticky situations with locals.

When traveling to our desired destination we hope for an enjoyable time with friends and family. Keeping these things in mind and having a passport ready means you are well on track for you international flight. All that’s left is for you to go explore.

How To

Have you ever been on a trip, be it with your family or significant other, and you wanted to wet some lines in a new or exotic area, but didn’t know where to begin?  Well then this is the article for you!  Here are 5 helpful tips for any angler looking to get started in an unfamiliar location.

  1. The Worldwide Web: The easiest way to gain fishing information is with a quick Google search.  While you may not stumble upon any super secret locations, this can be a great place to gain general knowledge about locations as well as flies and tackle.  Specifically look for recent blog posts or regularly updated local fishing reports.  Try to avoid any information that dates back more than a few years as conditions are constantly changing.

 

  1. Ask a Local: If you have the time, it is always a good idea to consult a local fly or tackle shop before heading out into unfamiliar waters.  Employees of these shops can be a wealth of information regarding local conditions and methods.  The shop may even offer guided trips if that is something you are interested in.  This is also a great one-stop option if you will be needing to purchase tackle or any licenses for the area.  One important thing to remember is that no one wants to give up their favorite fishing hole, or their second favorite… but if you are friendly and make a purchase in the shop to support the business, they may just give up their third favorite.

  1. Google Earth: The creation of google earth has been a game changer in the fishing world ever since its creation.  With this tool it is possible to see clear images of coastlines, structure, and even slightly submerged objects.  Additionally, google earth can provide clear visuals on drop-offs and gradual changes in depth.  While this tool is definitely more helpful for saltwater and lake fishing, this can also be a key tool for scouting out areas of good structure along river systems.  Google earth also gives users the ability to mark and save a location for future reference.  If you don’t already know what you are looking for the google earth option can be a bit confusing; however, if you already have a baseline knowledge of an area this can be a game changer for finding spots.


  1. Nautical Maps and Charts: If you find yourself unable to use the internet, there is always the old fashioned way.  This option relates mostly to marine or inshore fishing; however, this can also be a useful tool in larger lakes.  Nautical charts provide accurate coastline and depth data.  Similar to the google earth option, if you already have a baseline knowledge of methods and tackle for the area, this can be an incredibly helpful tool.  Most nautical charts will also identify reefs, semi-submerged rocks, and shipwrecks which are all great holding areas for many fish species.

  1. Explore: At the end of the day there is no better way to learn how to fish a new area than simply going out and fishing.  Anglers can be very secretive, and no one wants to expose their honey hole.  Though all of the options on this list are helpful tools, it takes time and practice to find the best areas and most effective methods.  That being said, you never know when you might stumble upon your own secret spot.

 

Informative

The city of Paris, is amazing and is truly something that one should see for themselves. The “City of Light” is something indescribable and is a trip you’ll never forget when living like the French. If you have never been to Paris, it can be overwhelming trying to fit everything in as there are so many sites to see. COVID has definitely impacted Paris, as with the rest of the world, but as a tourist if you can follow all the safety precautions a quick trip can allow you to escape reality and explore everything the city has to offer. Here’s one itinerary that might give you a feel of the city even as we fight through a global pandemic.

Waking up in the morning, well to be honest you don’t wake up on your own time, the noise will have you wide awake before you want too. The sound of cars honking, people chatting, and the smell of the bakeries that line the streets hit you bright and early in the morning. This encourages you to get ready and head down to the coffee shops and try their baked goods with a morning cup of joe. Matamata Coffee is one of the best shops to try. Any coffee you fancy and any type of way, it shall be made. Grabbing an authentic French croissant to go along with your morning coffee while sitting at a table in the street people watching is no better way to start your morning.

MATAMATA COFFEE BAR, Paris - Mail - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor
Matamata Coffee Bar

Once finished with your breakfast, exploration of everything the city of Paris has to offer is waiting. Of course you could head to the Eiffel Tower and the vast park surrounding the cities beloved monument, but why not dive deeper into the rich history of the Sainte Chapelle. A royal gothic chapel within the medieval section of the city. This chapel was the residence to kings of France until the 14th century. The stained glass windows depict biblical stories and are a beauty to look at. The chapel has been through ongoing reconstruction, but there is no shortage of awe. Be sure to check the schedule of the days it is open; due to a weeks worth shutdown because of COVID.

Sainte Chapel

Throughout the rest of your afternoon, the site seeing might have eaten into your late day nap. However, you don’t need to walk or stand while cruising the Seine River on an open-topped boat. As the boat takes you down the river and under multiple bridges, you are able to see the city from a different angle. The buildings and architecture are on full display as you a fair distance away to see the full beauty of the French style buildings. Of course in the distance the Eiffel Tower looms as the sun shines providing a great way to spend an afternoon in Paris.

Seine River

Hungry yet? I have the perfect place: Le Petit Chalet. This French cuisine restaurant, located right across from the Notre Dame Cathedral, provides only the best dining experience. They offer fresh made dishes with meat entrees and more. As most shops and restaurants in the city, you are seated outside in a fenced area of the street, right next to other customers. The service is unmatched as they speak English very well and can help you with any questions about the menu. When finishing your meal, of course you can’t forget about the dessert. Now since you are in Paris, the cities famous creme brûlée is calling your name. Le Petit Chalet makes them homemade each day and will leave you speechless. Enjoying your dessert, accompanied by the ringing bells of the cathedral, is a dining experience you’ll never forget.

Le Petit Chalet

Ending your day in Paris, of course you can’t help but walk around and explore a little more. The city contains so many sites to see and visit. Due to COVID, it might be more of a struggle finding sites that are open to large groups of people. Temperature checks, sanitizing stations, and masks are required before entering any building. However, don’t let this stop you from exploring the City of Light and its wonders. Lots of places are motivated to keep businesses up and running even through this global pandemic.

Informative

            Harwichport, which is located on Cape Cod, in Massachusetts is one of the last true seaside villages in America.  Just a few hours from Boston and New York City, Harwichport is an excellent choice for anyone looking to escape to the beach.

  • Quaint Seaside Village: With a history dating all the way back to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Harwichport, MA is one of the oldest seaside towns in America.  Though Cape Cod has changed a great deal since then, Harwichport has managed to keep its identity as a happy little town by the sea.  A true summer town, Harwichport comes alive between the months of May and September with many coming to enjoy a weekend or longer.  With its entire coastline being beaches and marinas, visitors have multiple options when it comes to where to lay their towel down for the day.  In addition to the gorgeous beaches, Harwichport also boasts a number of unique shops and restaurants.  From locally made jewelry and clothing, to a vintage sports collectables shop, and even a family owned kite shop this town has something for everyone.

 

  • Delicious Food: Whether you are a fried seafood fanatic or a fine dining connoisseur the town of Harwichport has a place for you.  The Mad Minnow, located in the center of town, has quickly become a local favorite for fresh seafood.  Located just a building over is 10 Yen, one of the finest sushi restaurants on the Cape.  Also in the center of town is George’s Pizza, a must try for any pizza lover.  Cape Cod is famous for fried seafood and clam chowder, and no place does both better than Kreme and Kone, which as two convenient locations just outside of the town’s center on both ends.  And this list would not be complete without Sundae School ice cream.  At Sundae School they do not stop at homemade ice cream, they go the extra mile making homemade hot fudge and whipped cream as well.  No day in Harwichport is complete without a trip to Sundae School.

  • Location: Being right on the elbow of the Cape, Harwichport is the perfect starting point for any Cape Cod Excursion. With Chatham only a 10 minute drive from town, visitors have access to a wide range of shops and restaurants.  Though there is more of a vacation town vibe in Chatham, there are some great locally owned clothing and gift shops.  Additionally, there are a number of whale, seal, and even shark tours based out of Chatham.  Nothing on the Cape is too far for a day trip from Harwich, even Provincetown can be reached in an hour by car or bus.  Harwichport also has multiple access points to the Cape Cod bike trail, which runs from tip to tip.

  • Island Access: Looking to spend the day on a beautiful island? Well look no further than the high-speed Nantucket ferry, which leaves from Saquatucket Harbor just outside of town.  With convenient ferry times, it is easy to spend the day on Nantucket enjoying the beaches or shopping and still be home for dinner.  In addition to Nantucket, the Monomoy Islands are easily reachable from Harwichport by boat.  Don’t worry if you do not have a boat, as there are many places to rent.  The Monomoy Islands have long been famous for their thriving seal populations; however, they have recently gained fame for their growing great white shark populations.