Embarking on a study abroad program or gearing up for a long-term trip abroad can fuel a lot of excitement – and a ton of anxiety around perfecting the packing process. Our in-depth guide, though tailored towards extended overseas stays, delivers universally applicable tips to ensure your travel experience is as smooth and hassle-free as possible. From prioritizing comfort over style, to the art of layering and even strategies for efficient laundry planning, let’s dive into these travel-tested, tried-and-true packing tips! Continue reading
Month: May 2015
Embracing Inemuri: Navigating The Unspoken Rules of Sleeping At Work In Japan
Catching Z’s in the middle of a workday or while students haul over books isn’t just a sneaky act in Japan—it’s culturally recognized as ‘inemuri’ (居眠り). This phenomenon isn’t just about taking a quick snooze; it’s a subtle badge of honor that speaks to Japan’s hardworking spirit. Continue reading
Feast Your Way Through Japan: Dive into All-You-Can-Eat & Drink Hot Spots
Japan is a haven for food lovers, offering an excitement-filled myriad of all-you-can-eat restaurants (tabehoudai, [食べ放題]) and all-you-can-drink venues (nomihoudai, [飲み放題]). These establishments aren’t exclusive to Japan, you’ll find them in nearly every Western nation, but Japan’s venues offer an unparalleled experience, with quality and options that suit every palate. Continue reading
Insider’s Guide to Japan: Navigating Culture, Fashion, and Essentials for Expats and Students
Thinking about jet-setting to Japan or enrolling in a university program there? If you have your plane tickets or a university acceptance in hand—fantastic! Or, if you’re venturing into the academic world by directly applying to a Japanese university, that’s equally thrilling!
Your experience in Japan promises to be nothing short of amazing.
Still, it’s key to acknowledge that the real Japan might differ from Western portrayals. Famous for its pioneering technology, iconic anime and manga, exquisite sushi, and innovative fashion, Japan has a lot to offer. But, just like any country, there’s more than what meets the eye.
Here’s a heads-up with some insights you should know to get the most out of your Japanese journey.
Know Your Travel ABCs
For 19 out of my 20 years, I’ve been hopping on planes and racking up air miles on international trips. The result? A solid array of tips and life hacks I swear by while on the road. These bits of wisdom have traveled with me from Japan, where I’m currently based, to every other continent I’ve set foot on.
Whether you’re studying in a foreign land or have adopted another country as your home, these pointers could help you out as you soak in new experiences and cultures. Consider this wisdom as my offering to enhance your exploration.
Ready to go? Here’s my A-Z list of tested travel hacks!
Capture The World 