Before you pack your bags and book the next flight out, you should check if you require a visa to visit, but don’t worry – we have your back! In this article, we have put together everything you need to know about Japan’s visa policies, its brand new e-visa system (which is explained in Byevisa’s Japan page), as well as some of the top activities and places not to be missed on your trip. Let’s dive in!

What Not to Miss on Your Trip to Japan

Now that we have sorted all the visa concerns, you are ready to travel! Here are some of the best things to do in Japan to get you excited for your trip: 

• Learn about traditional culture in Kyoto

Find out all about what it means to be a geisha, experience the ritual of a tea ceremony and walk the cobbled streets of the old district for a glimpse into the city’s past.

Image credit: https://flickr.com/photos/marcveraart/

• Have your senses bombarded in Tokyo

Visit the world-famous fish market and feast on the freshest sushi in the world and make sure you spend plenty of time just taking in all the lights, signs, entertainment, fashion and unusual things that pop up on the streets of Tokyo.

• Visit the famous hot springs 

The island is full of natural hot springs in the mountains so you will be spoiled for choice. If you want to take a selfie with the famous snow monkeys that bathe in the hot springs, then head to Jigokudani Park.

• Ride the bullet train

Take a bullet train between some of the major cities to experience this feat of modern transportation, traveling up to 300 km/h (the speed is shown on a dial in each cart).

• Visit a traditional village

Nestled in the mountains in a lush green valley, the village of Shirakawago is incredibly picturesque with its traditional thatched-roofed houses. It’s a welcome break from the big cities and a chance to experience rural life in Japan.

• Sample exciting cuisine

Remember there’s not just sushi in Japan, although it’s certainly a must! Make sure you try some of the endless delicious and unusual dishes Japan has to offer like okonomiyaki (savory pancake) or takoyaki (octopus balls).

• Visit some temples and shrines

There are around 80,000 temples and 100,000 shrines in Japan, so you will find them everywhere you go. The Fushimi Inari shrine with 1,000 red gates is an impressive sight, just like the shiny Golden Temple emerging from the lake surrounded by nature. 

• Get friendly with deer in Nara Park

Nara Park expands over 500 hectares with several historic sites and temples scattered around it, but it’s mostly known for its friendly deer. Buy some deer crackers and make some furry friends, but watch out as they can be feisty. 

Image credit: https://flickr.com/photos/21822583@N08/

• Go to a karaoke bar

Experience how the locals let off some steam in the big city. Japan is the birthplace of karaoke and there are as many karaoke establishments around as there are shrines in the country.

• Explore the natural beauty of Hokkaido

The island of Hokkaido is packed with stunning natural landscapes, including the country’s largest national park. With dramatic waterfalls, mountains and volcanoes, it’s the perfect place to spend some time in nature and explore Japan’s wild side. 

Image credit: https://flickr.com/photos/122967015@N07/

So with this in mind, you should now both have a clear idea of how to apply for your Japanese visa to enter this amazing country, plus some inspiration for what to see and do. Whether you can’t wait to check out bustling Tokyo, Osaka’s famed castle or you’re eager to try the exquisite cuisine, you’re sure to have a wonderful trip!

About the Visa-Exempt Nationalities for Japan

Currently, there are over 60 countries that enjoy visa-free access to Japan including Singapore, Australia, UK and the USA. While most visa-free nationalities are granted 90 days in Japan, you should be aware that some have less. For instance, citizens of Thailand and Indonesia are granted 15 days, while the UAE has 30 days. Also, before you travel, make sure your passport is valid for the duration of the trip and that you have onward flights booked.

Here’s the full list of the visa-exempt countries:

Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany

Greece
Guatemala
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Latvia
Lesotho
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Malaysia
Malta
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands

New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Korea
Romania
San Marino
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Suriname
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Tunisia
Turkey
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay

Guide to the Upcoming e-Visa (Electronic Visa)

This shiny new e-visa system was introduced in April 2020 to encourage more visitors in and around the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic the electronic visa processing system has been temporarily suspended, but it is expected to resume shortly.

The new system allows you to apply online in a few simple steps and receive the visa via email, making the whole process much easier.  Online visa service Byevisa have set up their own page to help you get your electronic visa for Japan. The whole process is done online (so no more long embassy queues, hurray!) and once you receive the visa in your inbox, simply print it and take it with you when you travel.

Although a full list of eligible countries has not been announced yet, we know that Chinese nationals will be the first who will be able to apply for the e-visa, since they make up around 60% of the visitors to Japan. We can also expect other countries that currently require an embassy visa, such as India, Sri Lanka and South Africa, to have access to the e-visa system in the near future.

Moreover, some countries that have been exempt from getting a visa until recently, may join the e-visa system as well, including the USA and Indonesia. So please stay tuned for the latest updates on the e-visa eligibility before you set off.

How to Get a Tourist Visa at the Embassy

If you don’t have a passport from one of the countries listed above, you will need to get a visa from an embassy before you travel. These visas allow you to stay in Japan for up to 30 days, and they are valid for 90 days starting from the issuing date. To get the visa, you will need to make an appointment and go to the embassy in person with all the supporting documents, so make sure you book this well in advance, as it could take some time.

Here’s what to bring to the visa appointment:

• A completed application form
• A passport size photo
• A copy of your birth certificate
• Onward travel confirmation
• An itinerary with hotel bookings
• Submitted tax returns
• A financial statement covering the past 6 months to prove you have funds to cover the trip

Also, don’t forget to check that your passport has a minimum of 2 blank pages and is valid for at least 6 months from your return date before you book your visa appointment. Otherwise, you will need to renew your passport first in order to be granted a visa for Japan.

As I mentioned above, it is likely that the new e-visa system will be extended to many more countries, making traveling to Japan easier than ever. So make sure you check regularly for the latest e-visa news and eligible countries.

If you’re curious about how to travel safely with your pet while having a great time, here are four tips to help make it easier for you:

1.  Calm them before you take off.

When we say take off, this can mean on the road or flying. However, when we say calm them, we don’t mean tranquilizing with a sedative. Dogs or cats may be unable to regulate their body heat on the flight, so if you’re flying with your pet, or just heading out on the road, you can consider an option like a CBDfx pet tincture, which is great for managing their stress in events like travel, while also being safe for your pooch. If you’re flying with your pet in the cabin, it can be helpful to have them calm, as the last thing you want is a stressed-out pet on a flight.

2.  Where will you stay?

Where are you planning to stay? It may be wise to bring your pup’s crate, even if he doesn’t ride in it, in the car. If your trip is by air, you’ll have to do this anyway, but if you’re going on a road trip, you’ll want to make sure not to forget it. While you may be taking your pet out with you most of the time during your visit, there may be times where you’ll want to leave him at home (which may be a dog-friendly hotel, Airbnb, or friend’s house). Keeping them in a comfortable crate, such as the Diggs dog crate, while you’re gone ensures the pet’s safety while also making sure they don’t wreak havoc on your lodgings, due to being in an unfamiliar place, alone. If you’re booking a hotel or vacation rental, whether it be in a National Park or a busy city like San Francisco, make sure to double check that they allow pets.

3.  Avoid feeding your dog too soon before your flight or trip.

Just like some humans get car sickness, so too can your pup get motion-sickness. If you feed your pet too soon before the trip, you could end up with a car full of vomit or diarrhea, or worse yet, find your pet’s carrier a mess after your flight. Additionally, when road tripping with them, you’ll want to make sure to only feed them during your stops, as feeding them in the car could cause upset stomachs.

4.  Don’t leave them alone in the car.

In some cases, during spring or autumn, when you’re stopping to fill up on gas or run to use the restroom, it could be okay to leave them in the vehicle, with a crack in the window. Be aware that some people will break into cars to steal valuable puppies, etc., so you’ll want to keep that in mind. However, don’t leave them in the car during the summer, even with a window rolled down. This is especially true for destinations in warmer climates, such as the Philippines or Thailand. Heat can cause death quicker than many people realize, especially on an extremely hot summer day, so avoid leaving them in the car at all costs when it’s either too cold or too hot. It’s also important to keep them well-hydrated by carrying around a water bottle, such as the Highwave AutoDogMug.

In Conclusion

You want your pup or cat to go with you on your trip but as a good pet parent, you have your concerns. Traveling with your pet certainly requires careful planning and preparation, so that you can be sure they have everything they’ll need to stay safe and happy. Safe travels with your best friend!

As far as rekindling the flames is concerned, nothing beats taking a romantic train trip! There’s something still so romantic about traveling via train. It could be it’s because it takes us back to a time when train travel was deemed glamorous or because it makes it easier for us to see the world pass by right outside our windows.

Either way, traveling by train is by far the best way to see the world. Below are some of the best and most romantic train trips to take with your partner/spouse.

Paris to London

Paris to London via the underwater tunnel is a train trip every couple should take, at least once in their lives. As you leave France, be sure to look outside the window to see the quaint little villages and rolling fields. This is probably one of the most famous train routes in the world, and one of the most romantic as you go between stunning historic central London, to the enchanting city of Paris. The journey its self is something to remember, because you are traveling under the English Channel, also known as the Chunnel underwater tunnel! Enjoy this high-speed train with unlimited wine and food in business class, that also is generally less crowded.

Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a romantic train trip as it’s Part Journey, where you get to visit the best wineries in California and Part Museum. The train comprises 20th century Pullman cars. It’s also Part Distinctive Napa Valley Fine Dining, where you and your better half get to enjoy onboard cuisine prepared from fresh produce supplied by the local farmers. The entire round trip covers a distance of thirty-six miles from Napa Valley to St. Helena, with notable stops in renowned wineries.

You’re bound to love this experience, as this is more than a train—It’s a chance to see a lush, hypnotic landscape, enjoy the luxurious vintage setting, and devour a divine four-course meal.

Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is considered the most spectacular way for train travelers to make their way across the Alps. Trains on this route link up various regions having different cultures and languages. Before boarding, you should know that the Bernina Express isn’t a rack railway. It will snake through splendid scenery during the journey, allowing you and your partner to see the glistening glaciers of the alps before it descends into the Italian Palms. It serves as a link between the Southern and Northern parts of Europe.

Rovos Trail

Rovos Trail has been operating since 1989 and is today regarded as the most luxurious train trip globally! Its trips often last between forty-eight hours and fifteen days, allowing you ample time to reconnect. The train trips seek to take you back to a time when train travel was simpler, more elegant, and encompassed the high romance and timeless grace of African exploration.

While the above journeys are as unique and incredible as they sound, they’re only a few of what you can genuinely embark on when you need to go on an unforgettable romantic journey. All these train trips would be ideal for any occasion, be it an engagement, a honeymoon, or even an anniversary!

In fact, one of the main things that both locals and tourists love to do in Melbourne is to eat brunch. A portmanteau of breakfast and lunch, brunch is a meal that is served anywhere between morning until mid-afternoon (and is sometimes accompanied by an alcoholic drink). The city of Melbourne is known for its café culture and “brunching” has become somewhat of a lifestyle for Melburnians and visitors. 

With so many fabulous places to consider, we’ve narrowed the list down to the top 10 brunch spots in Melbourne. (Pro tip: Take away any hassle of carrying heavy bags and backpacks by storing your things at a luggage locker in the city.)

• Manchester Press

If you’re looking for the best bagels in town, look no further than Manchester Press. Open 24/7, this quaint café is located on Rankins Lane and serves an array of open and closed bagel dishes, including their signature blueberry bagel with banana, mascarpone, bacon, and maple syrup. They also offer their own version of the “avo smash”, which is an Aussie brunch staple, served with feta and cherry tomatoes.

Source: https://flickr.com/photos/michmutters/

• Rudimentary

Perhaps the most popular brunch spot in the Footscray area, Rudimentary is an excellent choice catering to all kinds of diners. The lovely café has quite an extensive menu that suits all diets and preferences – from meat-eaters and omnivores to vegan and gluten-free diners. Some of the favorite dishes at Rudimentary include the saffron pilaf breakfast bowl and the sticky-date waffle. Don’t forget to try their selection of coffees (tip: try their beloved version of Vietnamese coffee).

• Archie’s All Day

No doubt a crowd favorite, Archie’s All Day is one of the most popular spots to grab breakfast or brunch. Found in Melbourne’s Fitzroy suburb, the café stays true to its name by offering all kinds of dishes no matter what time it is. The menu at Archie’s is quite diverse; they offer traditional brunch staples such as the avo toast and scrambled eggs and bacon as well as inventive dishes such as vegan mapo tofu and huevos sucio (dirty eggs).

• Bowery to Williamsburg

This hole-in-the-wall diner may not seem that impressive from the outside but don’t let the looks fool you; Bowery to Williamsburg is a definite top choice for excellent brunch in Melbourne. Situated in Oliver Lane, the New York-inspired café is named after the city’s Bowery subway station. As you’ve probably already guessed, the menu here consists mainly of American breakfast staples such as Southern fried chicken with waffles, Good Morning Cubano sandwich, and bagels with various spreads.

Source: https://flickr.com/photos/ultrakml/

• The Kettle Black

Located in South Melbourne, a stone’s throw away from Albert Park, The Kettle Black is one of Melbourne’s most renowned cafés, and it’s easy to see why. The menu at Kettle Black is diverse and decadent, featuring sophisticated dishes such as their miso-cured salmon, breakfast salad, and house-made coconut yogurt with a variety of toppings. They also serve a range of drinks that pair well with their brunch items, such as mimosas and Bloody Mary. However, The Kettle Black is always packed so it’s best to book a table ahead of time to secure a spot.

• Monk Bodhi Dharma

Located in the Balaclava suburb is one of the trendiest brunch spots in the city – Monk Bodhi Dharma. A former bakery, the industrial-warehouse style spot has since become a full-fledged café that serves amazing coffee and all plant-based dishes. Don’t let the animal-free menu deter you, though; Monk Bodhi’s extensive menu is appealing to both vegans and non-vegans with items such as the acai bowl, banana pancakes, avocado sourdough toast, and more.

• Industry Beans

Found along Rose Street in the Fitzroy neighborhood, Industry Beans is pretty much a dining institution in Melbourne, having garnered a number of awards for its incredible coffee selection as well as impressive design. Industry Beans is housed in a former warehouse transformed into a roastery and café, complete with a tasting lab and training facilities for coffee production. While the coffee alone is worth visiting for, Industry Beans also boasts a solid brunch menu featuring dishes such as overnight oats, chili eggs, and avocado smash.

Source: https://flickr.com/photos/duncan/

• Hardware Société

With two locations in the city (and one in Paris!), Hardware Société has long been a favorite in the city’s brunch community. The dining spot has a French-themed menu, featuring breakfast and lunch staples such as French toast, fried brioche and meringue, and pork belly and eggs. If you’re feeling fancy, order their most popular and indulgent item on the menu – the “lobster benny”, which is lobster served with soft poached eggs, hollandaise sauce, and charcoal buns. Since the restaurant has a “no reservations” policy, it is best to come early to avoid long queues.

• Higher Ground

Higher Ground is another staple in Melbourne’s brunch scene and is brought to you by the same group behind The Kettle Black and several other cafés across the city. Definitely not your ordinary café, the dining space is enormous and provides guests with a unique dining experience. Higher Ground’s menu is divided into two categories, “day:” and “night”, but diners can order whatever they feel like having regardless of the time. Some of the most popular dishes at Higher Ground include their slow-cooked steak with parsnip puree and the avocado-seed cracker with macadamia feta and poached eggs.

• Cumulus Inc.

Situated along Flinders Lane, Cumulus Inc. is among the most beloved dining spots in the Melbourne Central Business District. The brainchild of chef Andrew McConnell, who also serves as the executive chef, the spot brands itself as an “all-day eating house” that highlights the use of fresh, local produce. The menu here is quite eclectic and features meals such as shakshouka, homemade crumpets with honey and whipped ricotta, and a full English breakfast. They also offer the best madeleines in the city; these are made to order and can be filled with either Nutella or lemon curd.

1. Bahrain National Museum_​

Located in the capital Manama, the museum was built in the late 1980s and the exhibition spaces are divided over an area of about​ 28,000 square meters. All over the museum, captions are presented in both English and Arabic. Visitors can have an overview of the local culture and commercial traffic between Mesopotamia and the East.

2. A’ali necropolis_​

The necropolis is located near Manama and comprises 170,000 tombs and burial mounds, the biggest ones reaching 15 meters in height. Thanks to this site, archaeologists have been able to discover about the exchange trades that the Bronze Age civilization of Dilmun dealt with other peoples on the Persian Gulf.

3. Al Fateh Grand Mosque_​

This towering building is one of the largest mosques in the world and can hold up to 7000 people. It is one of the main tourist destinations in the city of Manama.

Source: https://flickr.com/photos/jacobs_cb/

4. The Qal’at al-Bahrain Fort_​

Also known as the Bahrain Fort or the Portuguese Fort, Qal’at al-Bahrain is a suggestive 16th century fortress built in Manama by the Portuguese that is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Janabiya Royal Camel Farm_​

The royal family of Bahrain owns a camel farm in Manama that can be visited. On the farm you can take pictures and feed the camels and their calves.

6. Bahrain World Trade Center_​     

Located in the very center of Manama, this immense skyscraper is the symbol of modernity and sustainability in Bahrain. This 50-floor building is 240 meters high and features systems for recycling water and exploiting wind and solar energy. Inside of the building there is one of the largest shopping malls in the world.

 7. Muharraq and the pearl industry_​

Muharraq is Bahrain’s third biggest city and center of the Perling Trail. Bahrain is famous for high-quality precious pearls and farming oysters is part of the local history and tradition.

Source: unsplash.com

8. Bahrain International Circuit_​    

Located in Sakhir, the circuit is a favorite destination for enthusiasts. It is also possible to rent go-karts and drive on the track.

9. The Lagoon_​

Located on Amwaj island, there is this huge shopping center and family destination with 77 stores open 24/7.

10. Bab el-Bahrain Souk_​       

In Manama you should consider visiting the folkloristic local “souk” (market), on every day but Fridays.

Did you like what you have heard so far? If you were intrigued by these destinations and want to book your flight right away, here’s the link to book Bahrain flights. Enjoy your trip!

Here are five things to do while in Florence:
– Shop artisan leather goods

Florence is known for its beautiful leather goods, and it is a must to see some of the craftsmanship and beautiful items available here. While in Florence be sure to visit some of the many leather shops to get a customized leather jacket, a piece you will have literally forever! Before you go, check out sites like Mirta to browse some amazing Italian leather handbags that can arrive directly to your house form Italy so you will arrive already in style. Major luxury brands from all over the world produce their finest leather pieces in and around Florence, you can just feel the luxuriousness just walking around!

– Eat a Florentine steak and drink Chianti

A Florentine steak is a typical dish in Florence, and one that is a must to try while here (provided that you are not a vegetarian!) It is served rare in the middle, so just be aware of this before ordering and trust the local recipe, and when doing so, make sure you understand Europeans generally don’t cook their meats well done as they think this destroys the taste! Many (if not most) restaurants offer it on their menus. As Italy is also known for its wine, a wine to taste as well is Chianti, one from the local region. With a Florentine steak and glass of Chianti in hand, you’ll be getting a classic Florence dining experience.

– Climb Giotto’s Bell tower

Giotto’s Campanile, located next to the Florence Cathedral, is one of the most iconic sites in Florence. Climb Giotto’s bell tower for panoramic views over the city and take it all in from above. This is a good activity after eating a big mean, you can work off all that gelato and wine!

– Stroll through Piazza Santo Spirito on Sunday mornings for the markets and have a coffee

Piazza Santo Spirito is buzzing on Sunday mornings, where local vendors gather together at the market. Go for a coffee, take a stroll, and find some local goods that catch your eye. This is a must-do experience while in Florence, where you can really pick up on the energy of the city.

Just remember to bring cash and exact change in case.

– Find your dream perfume at AquaFlor

If you are in the market for or have any interest in a new perfume, head to AquaFlor. Located in the Santa Croce neighborhood, this legendary perfumery has beautiful collections that are artistically displayed. Even the shopping here is an experience you will remember, not to mention the divine products. Any perfume you buy here will bring you back to your memories here in Florence.

These are all one-of-a-kind things you can only do in Florence. The city is so full of history and culture that there’s really endless things to do. People who live there for years even say they have never been able to do everything!

Credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/irschick/

Day 1

MORNING:

Starbucks- Coffee

If you are an early riser and need your caffeine pronto! Coffee culture has improved greatly in Vancouver and Starbucks still running the show. There are a handful of nice cafes in different neighborhoods which includes:

Gastow:

• Timbertrain
• Revolver
• Purebread bakery

East Vancouver:

• Yama cafe
• Green tea latte

Riley Park:

• Le Marche St George

China Town

• Matchstick

Café Medina- Breakfast

Café medina has been one of the best spots to find an early breakfast or later brunch and their mouth-watering waffles covered in dark chocolate and passion fruit as an additional attraction. Enjoy the great service and the vibrant atmosphere. You can also get decent breakfast and brunch at the listed spots

• Beaucoup Bakery
• La Pentola at Opus Hotel
• Tomahawk
• Le Marche St George
• Yolks Food Truck
• Yolks Commissary

AFTERNOON

Stanley Park

Once you are done with breakfast you can venture into the magnificent Stanley Park, a historic site of Canada that is integrated into Vancouver’s urban area. It was voted the best park in the world by users of tripadvisor. Whether you’re strolling around by bicycle, shuttle, or horse, you will pass the scenic view of the far mountains, beautiful gardens, artists, wildlife, and sculptures all in one place. The best way to see the park is to rent a bike and cycle around it. Some favorite photo stops are the Totem poles, Siwash Rock and Brockton point lighthouse

Stanley Park is a must do in Vancouver whether a few hours or even a quick drive through. It really is amazing and one of my favorite places in the city.

Granville Island

Granville Island is Vancouver‘s most famous food market. Home to more than 50 vendors, this packed-to-the-rafters market offers the best fresh seafood, produce, meats, sweets, and global specialty foods in the city. It has a great blend of local products, art, live music, and beautiful scenery right by the water. In case you have not got enough to eat you find prepared Indian, Mexican, Chinese, sushi and many more in the food court. Have a decent sunset supper at one of the seafood restaurants like the Longliner Seafoods or take in a show at one of the clubs or theaters that are found near the Market. Granville Island is home to artists, so there are plenty of studios and boutiques to explore.

Credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kmoliver/

NIGHT:

Gastown- Dinner

After exploring the Gransville Island, head to Gastown for dinner and then drinks. You will be impressed with everything at Bauhaus, it is one of the best restaurant experiences you can ever have. There are several recommended restaurants like but I highly recommend you go for some Mexican at Tacofino Bar; there is also Shizenya for Japanese, Nuba for Lebanese or head over to Bestie in Chinatown for sausages and beer.

Day 2

MORNING:

Purebread Bakery

Depending on where you are staying we have cafes to choose from gastown, in East Vancouver, riley park and China town. Jam café is a really nice café in gastown and the breakfasts are amazing and excellent coffee. Be prepared to queue as it is very popular but it’s definitely worth the wait.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge crossing the Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The current bridge is 140 meters (460 ft.) long and 70 meters (230 ft.) above the river. Treetops Adventure is one the most popular experiences at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and the first venue of its kind in North America. It offers a squirrel’s eye view of a thriving coastal forest. Enjoy a stroll through the forest and past tranquil trout ponds.

AFTERNOON:

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is an easy 15 minute drive from downtown Vancouver, located in the city of North Vancouver. No matter what time of the year you visit, there are many activities to enjoy on the mountain, including hitting the slopes, taking to the sky, mountaintop dinning, theatre in the sky and getting close to wildlife. To get to the top of Grouse Mountain you board a sky ride! Step onboard the famous Grouse Mountain Skyride, and get ready to experience a one-mile journey like no other.

Credits: https://www.flickr.com/photos/moov4/

Vancouver Art Gallery

If you are an art lover, then you will definitely want to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery in 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver. Immerse yourself in ground-breaking historical and contemporary exhibitions, and encounter artworks by Canadian, Indigenous and internationally acclaimed artists, with special attention to the art of the Asia Pacific region through the Gallery’s Institute of Asian Art. You can also visit the Gallery store for unique gifts or take a break for lunch on the gallery cafes rooftop patio.

NIGHT:

Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge

Sometimes an old-school lounge with plush velvet seating, a live pianist, and a neat whiskey is just what you need to end such an adventurous day and when that’s what you need, it’s Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge that you want. This is an amazing restaurant, top notch service, incredible food and excellent atmosphere. If you are on a romantic trip this is the perfect spot for you and your partner. The candlelight and live piano music makes the atmosphere very romantic. The staff are extremely efficient and friendly.

Day 3

MORNING:

Vancouver Lookout

The Vancouver Lookout Harbour Centre Tower provides a stunning 360-degree view of the city and is equally impressive during the day and at night. The tower is home to Vancouver’s only revolving restaurant. Don’t worry, the revolving speed is at a leisurely rate and won’t cause you to lose your appetite. Enjoy intimate views of cosmopolitan Vancouver, historic Gastown and bustling Coal Harbour.

Start your day with the Vancouver Lookout, then come back and end your day with a West Coast sunset and the city lights.

East to East

After a few days of exploring the city, walk into East is East for a tasty meal that will leave you full and satisfied, complimented by a calming serenity. The menu has a vast array of vegetarian and meat options that will please differing palates.

If you like to visit museums, then this is the post for you as I will provide you with a quick overview of what you can see in these 8 historical sights and museums around Berlin. To get started, I strongly recommend that you buy the Berlin WelcomeCard which gives you access to all public transport (buses and U-bahn and S-bahn) as well as discounts on selected tours and museum. If you are going to visit a number of museums, I also recommend that you buy the 3-day Berlin Museum Pass (29 Euros) which provides you with free admission to over 30 museums for 3 consecutive days – see this link for the list of museums covered by the Berlin Museum pass.

1 – Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is Berlin’s most famous border crossing during the time of the Berlin Wall and it was where the USA and Soviet tanks will point at each time during times of tension. Today, Checkpoint Charlie is the middle of a busy street with souvenir shops and cafes. There are also actors who are dressed up as US soldiers at the checkpoint building – you will need to pay them to take photos with them so do ask ahead how much it will cost. Just behind Checkpoint Charlie, there is the Haus Am Checkpoint Charlie, a museum dedicated to documenting the history of the checkpoint and it is full of artifacts, photographs and explains why the wall was built and the various escape attempts.

2 – Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial)

If you want to see what the wall looks like when it was up back in the days, you should visit the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (Berlin Wall Memorial) where there is a section of the Berlin wall with both inner and outer walls and even a watchtower from the time when the wall was up. The wall nearer the watchtower was the inner wall – anyone who is not authorised to go near this area could be shot by the border guards. Between the inner wall and the outer wall, there is a “killing field” which is mined and brightly illuminated with clear line of sight from the watchtower. If you want to know more about the history of the Wall, you can cross the road to the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre where there are artifacts from the Berlin Wall era as well as audio and visual stories of families who lived through that era.

3 – East Side Gallery

The East Side Galley is the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall at almost 1.3 kilometres long and it is a huge open air art gallery (likely one of the largest in the world). Running along Mühlenstraße between the Oberbaumbrücke bridge and the Ostbahnhof rail station (formerly East Berlin’s main railway station), the East Side Gallery was created in 1990 when an international gathering of artists used this section of the Wall as their canvas. The gallery is home to roughly 106 different murals, each painted by a different artist. Two of the most famous murals are the Trabant mural (with the infamous East German car smashing through the wall) and the “Kiss of Death” mural (with Soviet premier Leonoid Brezhnev and East German leader Eric Honecker in a lip locked embrace).

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4 – DDR Museum

If you want to experience what daily life was like for the East Germans back then, you should check out the DDR Museum (located at Karl-Liebnecht-Straße 1 facing the back of the Berliner Dom cathedral is the DDR Museum). DDR stands for Deutsche Demokratische Republik which was what East Germany was called back then. The DDR Museum truly lives up to its slogan – “History You Can Touch”. It is the only museum dedicated to life in the former DDR, from everyday life in the Socialist state to the impact of living with the Stasi and the Berlin Wall. Here in the DDR Museum, there are lots of interactive displays – you can touch pretty much everything e.g. the toys that the East German children used to play with back then, and even drive a classic East German car – Trabant virtually! There is even a mock up of a typical East Berlin apartment and Stasi (East Germany secret police) interrogation room and prison. As you go through the exhibits, you will notice that the East Germans are subject to propaganda messages about how good the East is and how bad the West is and indoctrination starts very early – even with children.

Entrance fee to the DDR Museum is 8.50 Euros for adults and 5.50 Euros for children. The museum is not very big but it may take you some time to go through the museum if you like to see the level of details of the mock-up apartment and the large number of interesting East German artifacts.

5 – Pergamon Museum

The Pergamon Museum is one of the museums on the Museum Island. It is known for the huge Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Roman Market Gate of Miletus that was reconstructed from the original ruins. There is also a dedicated section on Islamic Art and showcases the beautiful Aleppo Room. Entrance is free with the Museum Pass.

The Pergamon Museum is a very popular museum and you can expect queues of up to 2 hours to get in. To skip the queue (I am among the first few to get into the Pergamom Museum when it opened and I did not queue at all), you will have to book a timed ticket. You can do so even if you have a Museum Pass. This is how you can secure a timed ticket if you have a Museum Pass:

Step 1: Go to https://shop.smb.museum/#/tickets/list?museum_id=14 to buy the tickets for the Pergamon Museum

Step 2: Choose the date of your visit. On the right side you have to choose your tickets. “Pergamonmuseum frei: übrige” is the time slot ticket for visitor with a Museumspass or an area ticket for the museums island. It is $0 for the above option.

Step 3: Select how many tickets you wish to purchase. At the bottom on the right side, click on “In den Einkaufswagen” to go to the next side.

Step 4: Select your preferred entrance time for the Pergamon museum. Click on “In den Einkaufswagen” again, you will reach your cart. Here you can see a summary of your booking and the total price. Click on “Kostenpflichtig bestellen” to reach the next page.

Step 5: Click on “Als Gast fortfahren” to reach the site where you have to fill in your personal data. By clicking on the button down to the right you will purchase the tickets. You will then receive an email from Pergamon Museum with the attached tickets, which you have to present in the museum with your MuseumsPass or the area ticket for the museums island.

Please note that the website may require you to create an account with them in order to make a “purchase”. If you get a prompt for that, then just create an account with them and confirm your email address and you can go back to step 5 to continue to secure the timed ticket.

Ishtar Gate of Babylon

Roman Market Gate of Miletus

6 – Neues Museum (New Museum)

The Neues Museum is just beside Pergamon Museum – you do not need to queue or get a timed ticket to get into Neues Museum. The main attraction of the Neues Museum is the Nefertiti Bust which is showcased alone in the domed hall in the north of the building. No photography is allowed and there are many museum staff there to ensure you don’t take photos of the Nefertiti Bust (no even photography without flash). The Nefertiti Bust is one part of the museum’s extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities, which comprises of sculpture, a huge collection of papyrus texts and literary works. In this museum, you can also find artifaccts from Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages, where the standout exhibit is the famous Berlin Gold Hat — an elaborate golden headdress thought to be around 3,000 years old. Entrance is free with the Museum Pass.

7 – Natural History Museum

If you or your kids are into dinosaurs, then you must not miss the Natural History Museum (Museum fur Naturkunde). In this museum, you can find exhibits ranging from gigantic dinosaur skeletons to celestial projections. The dinosaurs are a big attraction to most, as this museum not only contains the largest mounted dinosaur in the world, but also has one of the very best preserved fossils of the earliest known bird, Archaeopteryx. Don’t miss the  large T-rex display in the museum. Entrance is free with the Museum Pass.

8 – Spy Museum

We wrapped out our museum-hopping trip with a visit to the Spy Museum – Entrance is free with the Museum Pass. As the name suggests, you can learn about the history of spying in this museum and there are lots of spy gadgets and interesting spy stories you can check out. The most interesting part of this museum is its interactive elements – here you can get to do a classic ‘Mission Impossible’ scene – moving above and crawling below laser beams to avoid detection! This is perhaps not really a spy thing but it seems fun!

And this concludes our museum-hopping experience across Berlin. Check out these links for our experiences with in-flight meals during the flight from Singapore to Berlin and back with Scoot and our other interesting dining experiences in Berlin as well as our day trip to Potsdam.

Scoot flies from Singapore to Berlin on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, departing Singapore at 12.25am and arriving at Berlin Tegel airport at 7.20am, and from Berlin to Singapore on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, departing Berlin at 9.40am and arriving at Singapore at 3.45am (one day later). The best part about landing at Berlin Tegel Airport is the airport’s proximity to the Berlin city centre. After clearing immigrations and collecting your baggage, you can be at your hotel in the city centre within 20 minutes

The Singapore to Berlin (and return) flight is on the spacious 787 Dreamliners which offer several amenities and services suited to long-haul travel e.g. inflight Wi-Fi, in-seat power and inflight ScooTV entertainment streamed to guests’ own devices (paid services). Promotional fares from Singapore to Berlin start as low as SGD 239 one way for Economy FLY option.

IMAGE SOURCE: @CityofLasVegas via Twitter

It is a bustling hive of activity which attracts visitors from across the globe, with figures suggesting that more than 42 million people headed to the city in 2017 alone. Visitors are even thought to be getting younger, which suggests that a whole new generation is once again falling in love with the array of excitement, great food and gambling that the resort can offer.

But while visiting Vegas remains as exciting as ever, where should you stay on your visit? As you would expect in a place like Sin City, there are a range of accommodation options to choose from. As such, picking the right one is an important first step to take when preparing the trip itinerary for your stay. Here we take a look at some of the basic options you could consider when planning your visit.

A classic Vegas experience

There is only one place to start when it comes to accommodation in Las Vegas – the city’s famous array of incredible hotels and resorts.

Some would argue that a stay in one of the famous hotels is perhaps the quintessential way to experience the city, with the likes of the Bellagio, Mandarin Oriental and the Four Seasons being names synonymous with luxury and the ultimate level of glamour. Picking the right hotel is about more than just which room you prefer of course, as the biggest hotels also tend to offer the most exciting shows in the city. As Betway.com outlines, acts from Celine Dion to Britney Spears have earned a fortune from residencies at Vegas hotels so it is well worth checking out if a showbiz icon will be performing during your time there. Furthermore, with many hotels offering culinary masterpieces, check out the on-site restaurants and whether they cater to your tastes.

IMAGE SOURCE: @Bellagio via Twitter

Getting your own space

A trip to Vegas just would not be the same without a bit of glitz and glamour, but what happens when you just want a little break from it all? Staying in a hotel puts you right in the centre of the action, so if you’re looking to have a little downtime from the bright lights then why not consider renting an apartment?

An option which is likely to prove less costly than a hotel room, staying in a property or apartment through a service like Airbnb could give you a chance to unwind after a day of immersing yourself in everything that the Strip has to offer. The Culture Trip examines a few great options here, from low-key properties in a neighbourhood to impressive high-rise pads.

Heading off the beaten track

Of course, if your journey to Vegas is part of a wider trek across the US, you may want to factor in accommodation which takes your transport into account. For example, taking up a spot at an RV camp like the Thousands Trails Resort could be a great option if you’re seeking a peaceful spot and somewhere to park your vehicle which is still close to all of the action. While an RV camp might lack the glamour of a hotel stay, it is undoubtedly practical.

Alternatively, if you’re truly looking to experience Vegas on a budget why not try a hostel? Somewhere like the Sin City Hostel could be ideal if you’re happy to keep accommodation simple and ensure that the majority of your spending money is freed up for some fun in the casinos. Again, while a hostel is not the most glamorous location, it is still a bed to sleep in.

Range of options

As our analysis above demonstrates, visitors to Vegas have a range of options available when it comes to the important issue of accommodation. From the high-class luxury of its famous hotels to the simple pleasures of a hostel, ultimately what you choose to go for is dependent on the experience you are after.

Take some time to consider just what you want from your stay and then you should be able to make a decision on accommodation which satisfies both your needs and budget.

There are lots of historical sights in Potsdam and I have put together a list of 4 instagrammable sights that you should not miss when you are in Potsdam

1. Potsdam’s Dutch Quarter

If you have been to Amsterdam, you may find that the houses in the Dutch Quarter (or Holländisches Viertel) look very familiar like the canal houses in Amsterdam. The Dutch Quarter was built in the early 18th century by Dutch immigrants recruited to develop the swampy grounds of Potsdam. Today, many of these buildings are cafes, restaurants and shops, making it a lovely place to start your trip within Potsdam city centre.

A post shared by Zhiqiang and Tingyi (@passportchop) on Jun 22, 2018 at 7:41am PDT

2.Bridge of Spies (Glienicker Brücke)

You may have heard about this bridge from the Tom Hanks movie with the same name “Bridge of Spies”. This bridge is actually used for prisoner exchanges during the Cold War. Over 40 people were exchanged on this bridge between East and West Germany. In the picture below, we are standing on the West Berlin side and the other side then-East Germany. The bridge is of a darker green color on the West Berlin side and you can see the transition to a lighter green color in the middle of the bridge!

To reach the Bridge of Spies, you will either need to drive or go on a Hop On Hop Off bus tour which brings you to several of the sights that I will be referring to in this post.

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3. Cecilienhof Palace

The Cecilienhof Palace is where the Potsdam conference was held between USA, UK and Soviet Union to decide on the fate of postwar Germany – because the Soviets organised this conference, they planted a giant red star in the lawn.

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4. Schloss Sanssouci

The Schloss Sanssouci is a very beautiful palace – both in its interior as well as the gardens around it. What makes this palace most interesting is the story of Frederick the Great who used this palace as a summer retreat from the Berlin court. The name Sanssouci, which roughly translates to “without cares” and this pretty much explains why he spends so much in this palace. You can explore this palace with a self-guided audio guide which will guide you through each of the interesting rooms in the palace e.g. ceremonial Marmorsaal (Marble Hall) and the stunningly ornate Chinese House

A post shared by Zhiqiang and Tingyi (@passportchop) on Jun 24, 2018 at 11:49am PDT

Other sights that you should not miss in Potsdam include the Filmpark Babelsberg which is one of the oldest and largest film studios in the world and is responsible for some of the blockbuster movies e.g.  Valkyrie, V for Vendetta, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Inglourious Basterds. The Filmpark is located outside of Potsdam city centre and you can access the Filmpark via the hop on hop off bus Hop off at Bus Stop 3 to learn all about the history and culture of the Germany cinema.

August-Bebel-Str. 26-53, Besuchereingang: Großbeerenstr. 200, Potsdam, Germany, +49 0331 7212750

Potsdam also had a small Russian colony dating back to the 1820s – the Alexandrowka comprises a dozen quaint buildings; these buildings will provide you with a glimpse of Russian culture and architectural style back in those days.

Russische Kolonie 2, Potsdam, Germany, +49 0331 8170203