Author: adler

Posted: 1/16/23 | January 16th, 2023
I’ve yet to meet a traveler who didn’t love their time in Japan. It’s just one of those countries that everyone loves. How can you not? The food is rich, carefully crafted, and delicious; the history and culture rich and long; the landscape breathtaking; and the people super friendly and polite.
Japan remains one of my favorite countries. No matter how long I visit, it’s never enough. I always leave wanting more.
With Japan open to travelers again, people are racing to visit! I myself will be heading back again this year, and countless people I know are finally making their first trip.
But the country always seems forbidding to many travelers. It definitely still has that “exotic” stereotype that makes people think it’s hard to travel around.
Where should you go? What should you see? How do you make the most of your time there? Luckily, thanks to Japan’s size and uber-fast trains, it’s very easy to see a lot in a very short amount of time.
To help you out, here are a few suggested itineraries based on my years of visiting that will help you see the best sites as well as get off the beaten path and get a real sense of Japanese culture:

Table of Contents
Suggested Route: One Week in Japan
Suggested Route: Two Weeks in Japan
Suggested Route: Three Weeks in Japan

 
Japan Itinerary: One Week

Day 1 & 2: Tokyo
Chances are you’ll be starting your trip in Tokyo, since it’s home to the country’s biggest international airport. If your trip is seven days long, activate your JR Pass right away, so that you can take advantage of the free JR trains that run through the city.
While you could easily spend your entire week in Tokyo and not get bored, here are some of the highlights:

Visit the fish market – Toyosu is the world’s largest fish market. The daily auction here powers much of the world’s sushi supply, and it is truly an absolute must-see! You can go for free, but food and drink tours of the Tsukiji Outer Market are available for around 13,500 JPY.
See Sensoji Temple – Sensoji is beautifully painted and sits in a scenic spot near a five-story pagoda and the famous Kaminari Gate. There’s a huge statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, inside the main hall. It’s always busy but is worth seeing with your own eyes.
Drink in Golden Gai – This alleyway of back-street bars is a lively place to drink at night and has a bit of a red-light-district feel to it. It is not to be missed. Even if you don’t drink, be sure to wander about.
Visit the Imperial Palace – The home of the emperor of Japan was built in the 15th century, and while you can’t go inside, the palace and its grounds are a peaceful place for a stroll.
Watch a sumo match – If you’re in town at the right time, this is a must-do. Tickets sell out quickly, so book early. Expect to pay around 3,800 JPY.

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Kamakura to see the giant Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It is over 13 meters (42 feet) tall and dates back to the 13th century. The journey is around 90 minutes each way — and free with the JR Pass!
For delicious food, some of my favorite bars and restaurants include: Uogashi Nihon-Ichi (Standing Sushi Bar), Nemuro Hanamaru KITTE Marunouchi, Motodane, Tokyo Whisky Library, Ichiran Shibuya, and Uohama.
For more Tokyo tips and suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide!
 
Days 3 & 4: Kyoto

Kyoto is arguably the most beautiful city in Japan. It feels like stepping back in time. It’s nestled into the mountains and dappled with temples, gardens, and bamboo forests.
With its beauty come lots of crowds though, so try to visit outside of the busy summer months. Even with lots of tourists, though, the city is still magnificent and has a lot to offer. Some things to see and do that you shouldn’t miss are the following:

Visit the Golden Pavillion – This famous (and picturesque) temple dates to the 1950s, when a monk burned down the previous temple (from the 14th century) while trying to commit suicide. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most-visited destinations in the country!
Explore Gion – Gion is the historic geisha district. Stroll along the main street and see ochayas (teahouses where geishas entertain), the small shops, and the many restaurants that line the district’s streets. You can take a walking tour of Gion for 1,600 JPY.
Wander in the Bamboo Forest – For a relaxing break, head to Arashiyama and let the calm swaying of the forest envelop you. Located near the famous Tenryu-ji temple, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the entire country (arrive early if you want to enjoy it without the crowds).
Admire Ryoan-ji temple – This is my favorite temple in Kyoto. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a mausoleum that houses the remains of seven emperors. The traditional rock and sand garden is considered one of the best in the country.

For a half-day trip, you can also visit Nara. It’s a small city just one hour from Kyoto. Nara was the capital of Japan in the eighth century, so there are lots of buildings and temples here that are upwards of a thousand years old (which is rare in Japan, due to fires, as well as World War II). The real draw in Nara are the deer. Since the 17th century, those in and around the city have been considered sacred. You can buy crackers to feed them or just watch them stroll around carefree.
While you’re here, don’t miss a visit to Todai-ji. It’s the world’s largest wooden building and is home to a 16-meter (52-foot) Buddha statue. It was built in 738 CE and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is 500 JPY.
For more Kyoto tips and suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide!
 
Day 5: Osaka

Osaka is the third-largest city in the country. It’s the financial capital of the country, but I come for the food. Mouth-watering sushi and sashimi, Kobe beef and Japanese BBQ, and flavorful ramen can all be found here in abundance. Plus there are local specialties like okonomiyaki (a savory pancake with egg and vegetables) and kushikatsu (skewered kebabs). You can take a food tour for around 12,000 JPY or just wander and eat. That’s all I do: eat, eat, eat.
Don’t miss Osaka Castle though. While it’s not the original (this version dates to 1931), it’s nevertheless an impressive sight. It’s home to a small but insightful museum and an observation deck that offers some picturesque city views.
And be sure to stroll down Dotonbori (ideally at night), the main street, which is lined with restaurants, stores, and tons of neon lights and signs.
 
Day 6: Hiroshima

On August 6, 1945, Allied forces dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. It was the first time a nuclear weapon was dropped on a city, and it had devastating consequences. Upwards of 80,000 people were killed by the bomb and the firestorm it created. Another 70,000 people were injured, and 70% of the city was destroyed.
Today, Hiroshima is thriving. Don’t miss the Atomic Bomb Museum, which depicts the history of the city before and after that fateful day. It has photos, artifacts, videos, and information about the effect of radiation on the population. It’s a sobering experience but one that should not be missed.
If you feel like getting out of town afterward, head to Miyajima, an island that offers a place to hike and enjoy nature. You can also take a cable car to the peak of the mountain to take in the view. A one-way ferry ride to the island takes 10 minutes and is free to JR Pass holders.
For more Hiroshima tips and suggestions, check out my comprehensive free guide!
 
Day 7: Tokyo

Head back to Tokyo for your flight home. It’s just under four hours on the bullet train, so you’ll have time to explore a bit more before you leave!
 
Japan Itinerary: Two Weeks

If you’re going to be in Japan for 14 days and have purchased a rail pass, here’s how you can divide your time:
Days 1-9
Follow the itinerary above but add an extra day in Tokyo and, depending on your interests, either Osaka or Kyoto.
 
Day 10: Takayama

Takayama is a small city with a beautiful historic old town (the Sanmachi Suji district) that dates back to the Edo Period (1603–1868). The narrow streets are lined with traditional wooden buildings that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. There are teahouses, cafés, sake breweries, and more. It’s about as close to historic Japan as you can get!
If you like history, don’t miss the Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village, home to a collection of traditional thatch-roof houses that you can enter to further immerse yourself in the country’s past.
This city (and region, really) is famous for its Hida beef, a high-fat variety that’s even better than any A5 Wagyu you might have. It just melts in your mouth. Be sure to have some while you are here!
The Japanese Alps are not far from here as well, so if you love hiking and want to extend your time in the region, head to Kamikochi for a day hike or overnight trip. It’s just an hour away and has both easy and moderate trails, which are open from April to November. Hiking trails can also be found in Hakusan National Park (also just one hour away by car).
 
Day 11: Kanazawa

Kanazawa is often considered “Little Kyoto,” as it is home to an incredibly well-preserved Edo-era district. There are numerous old samurai homes you can admire (and one, the Nomura House, which is restored and open to the public).
One of the more unique temples in Japan is here too: Ninja (Myoryuji) Temple. While the temple wasn’t home to actual ninjas, Myoryuji was built as a defensive structure (strict laws forbade local lords from building defenses, so they were hidden in the temple to circumvent the rules). These include hidden rooms, secret tunnels, and a maze of staircases and halls to confuse enemies.
If you need a break from exploring cities, Hakusan National Park, home to Mount Haku, one of the three holy mountains, is just an hour south of town.
 
Day 12: Matsumoto

Surrounded by beautiful views, Matsumoto is home to one of the country’s best-preserved castles, Matsumoto-jo (Matsumoto Castle), which dates back to 1594. While some sections have been rebuilt, the main structure is original. It’s colloquially known as “Crow Castle” due to its black exterior.
If you’re here in April, there are incredible cherry blossom displays that are famous in the region. And, just like Takayama, Matsumoto is close to the Japanese Alps, so you’re just a stone’s throw from some of the best hiking in the country.
 
Days 13 & 14: Hakone

Located just 100 kilometers (62 miles) from Tokyo, Hakone is a picturesque region known for its onsen (hot springs). The region is part of a national park and offers incredible views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. The entire region is scenic and popular for laid-back getaways.
There are tons of hotels (both modern and traditional) that have their own hot springs (often both indoors and outdoors). It’s the perfect place to wrap up a trip, relax, and take in the views.
In addition to getting a copious amount of R&R, be sure to ride the cable car up the mountain for even more amazing views. The area is surrounded by craters from an inactive volcano that erupted 80,000 years ago (not to be confused with nearby Mount Fuji, which is an active volcano), and you’ll find lots of vendors at the top selling eggs cooked in the sulfurous waters. It’s said the eggs prolong one’s life by seven years, so feel free to give them a try!
If you prefer to hike up instead, the trail is open between July and September, with the trek taking anywhere from 5 to 12 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Typically, hikers leave at night in order to arrive at the summit by dawn. There are little shops along the way that sell food and even beds you can rent in advance if you want to split your journey up. Just make sure you do your research and prepare in advance as it’s a tough hike!
If you really want to play tourist, you can also ride a mock pirate ship around the lake for more views of the mountains, and Mount Fuji in particular.
Full-day tours around Hakone that include all the main sights cost 14,000 JPY.
 
Japan Itinerary: Three Weeks

If you have a third week in Japan, you can slow down a little and spend more time in each destination.
Using the suggestions above, here’s how I would organize your itinerary:

Days 1-3: Tokyo
Day 4: Mount Fuji or Hakone
Day 5: Takayama
Days 6 & 7: Kanazawa
Days 8 & 9: Matsumoto
Days 10-12: Kyoto
Days 13 & 14: Osaka
Days 15 & 16: Hiroshima

Day 17: Train to Hokkaido

The train to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island home to volcanoes and rugged landscapes, takes 15-16 hours by train. There are sleeper cars available, but you’ll have to pay a surcharge (around 9,500 JPY) for a bed. You can end your journey in Hakodate if you need to stretch your legs and get off the train for a bit. Otherwise, you can head directly to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido (another three hours by train).
If you do want to spend a few hours in Hakodate, don’t miss the Morning Market, where you can find lots of fresh seafood. You can also visit Fort Goryokaku, the first “Western”-style fort in the country.
If you’d rather not spend that long on the train, a flight from Hiroshima to Sapporo is just two hours and costs around 12,000 JPY (one-way).
 
Days 18-20: Sapporo

Sapporo is the fifth-largest city, though it’s far removed from the rest of Japan. The region was first home to the indigenous Ainu, though increased immigration in the 19th century saw the Japanese population skyrocket.
Be sure to stop in at the local Beer Museum too, owned by Sapporo Breweries (the oldest beer company in the country). It showcases the history of beer in Japan and how the business got its start. If you’re a whiskey fan, stop by The Bow Bar, home to some rare (and expensive) whiskeys and considered one of the best such bars in the world.
What I love about the city is its location. This region has some of the best hiking in the country. There are plenty of hills and mountains, offering options for both day hikes as well as overnight trips. Some highlights include Mount Me-akan, Mount Asahim, Mount Mashu, and Nishibetsu-dake. For the best views of the city, head to Mount Moiwayama. It’s just a 30-60-minute hike to the top, though there is a cable car you can take as well.
And if you’re visiting in the winter, hit the slopes! There are over a hundred ski resorts in Hokkaido. You can rent skis (or a snowboard) for around 4,500-10,000 JPY. Lift prices are usually 4,000-6,000 JPY per day.In the winter, don’t miss the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. It’s held every February and draws over two million visitors. There are ice sculptures, igloos, live music, and delicious local foods on offer.
Additionally, be sure to take a day trip to Otaru, where you’ll find some of the freshest uni in the whole country (this is the main area where the famed Hokkaido uni is caught). Go hungry and visit the markets, stalls, and shops around there.
Day 21: Home!

Time to fly back to Tokyo or hop on the overnight train from Sapporo. You’ve had a whirlwind of a trip, so enjoy your final hours here and soak in as much as you can!
***
There is a ton to see and do in Japan, and you could easily spend another month here and still just scratch the surface (we didn’t even get to Okinawa and the islands!). And while these itineraries are a bit fast-paced, Japan isn’t cheap, so budget travelers need to move quickly to avoid breaking the bank.
But no matter how long you visit, you won’t be disappointed. Japan is an amazing, beautiful, and unique destination that I never get tired of visiting. While it’s not as affordable as its neighbors, it’s definitely worth spending the time (and money) visiting. You won’t be disappointed!
REMINDER: You will definitely need a JR Pass to get around. Be sure to get one BEFORE you go! For more information on the pass, read this blog post I wrote about it.
 

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. They are my two favorite search engines, because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory so they are best for booking a hostel. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse in Japan, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. They’re the best booking site out there. My favorite places to stay in Japan are:

Khaosan Tokyo Origami (Tokyo)
Jiyujin (Kyoto)
K’s House (Hiroshima)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)

Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!
Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!
Looking for more travel tips for Japan?
Check out my in-depth Japan travel guide for more ways to save money; information on costs; tips on what to see and do; suggested itineraries, reading, and packing lists; and much, much more!

The post The Ultimate Japan Itinerary for First-Timers: From 1 to 3 Weeks appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

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Posted: 1/13/2023 | January 13th, 2023
Located on the shores of Lake Wakatipu on the southern island of New Zealand, Queenstown is beautiful city set in an already beautiful country. With the Southern Alps looming as a backdrop and a shimmering lake in the foreground, Queenstown has a lot going for it.
Known as the “adventure capital of the world,” it’s here where daring travelers come to get their blood pumping. It’s one of the biggest tourist destinations in the country, especially for backpackers.
As such, Queenstown boasts a handful of fun, social, and affordable hostels!
Here are four things you need to remember before picking a hostel in Queenstown:

Location – Queenstown isn’t huge, but it does make life easier when you’re in a location or neighborhood that fits your style and travel plans.
Price – As is true anywhere, you get what you pay for. If you pick a really cheap hostel, you’re probably going to get one that is small and cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
Amenities – Every hostel in town offers free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many — but not all — include free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
Staff – All the hostels listed here have an amazing staff who are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews so you have staff who are helpful and friendly. They can make or break a hostel!

Below is my list of the best hostels in Queenstown. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:
Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Southern Laughter Backpackers
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: Adventure Queenstown Hostel
Best Hostel for Adventure Sports Lovers: Adventure Queenstown Hostel
Best Hostel for Couples: Southern Laughter Backpackers
Best Hostel for Staying in the Winter: Black Sheep Backpackers
Best Overall Hostel: Adventure Queenstown Hostel
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Queenstown and why I love them:
Price legend (per night)

$ = Under 44 NZD
$$ = 45-55 NZD
$$$ = Over 55 NZD

1. Adventure Queenstown Hostel

Adventure Queenstown, located just off Camp Street, puts on a different event every night of the week, including quiz and boardgame nights, scavenger hunts, pub crawls, potluck dinners, and more. The hostel is very social and lively, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to meet other travelers (but not the best choice if you’re looking for a quiet stay). Tthe staff can book any activity you like, plus they offer free use of GoPros and bicycles, and they can even rent you skis and snowboards in the winter.
The wooden bunks are spacious, with thick mattresses and privacy curtains so you can get a decent night’s sleep. There are also lockers below the beds so you can keep your stuff safe.
Adventure Queenstown at a glance:

$$
Fabulous location in the center of Queenstown
Free bike and GoPro rentals
Nightly social activities make it easy to meet people

Beds from 45 NZD per night.
Book Adventure Queenstown Hostel here!
 
2. Absoloot Hostel Queenstown

The hostel has a large, fully equipped kitchen on the second floor (with more great views), so if you’re on a budget you’ll be able to cook some meals instead of eating out. The common rooms are spacious and have TVs, board games, a book exchange, and video game consoles.
Dorm beds come with phone-charging ports, privacy curtains, and reading lights right at your bed — plus under-the-bed lockers. The mattresses are decent too. (If you’re traveling with family, there’s also a sizable five-person private room.)
Absoloot at a glance:

$$
Ideal location in town and right on the lake
Fully equipped kitchen so you can cook your own meals
Common room with video games

Beds from 47 NZD per night, private rooms from 208 NZD.
Book Absoloot Hostel Queenstown here!
 
3. The Flaming Kiwi Backpackers

This laid-back hostel has a homey feel to it. There are three kitchens and a BBQ grill so you can cook your own meals, plus free bikes and frisbees to use (so you can play frisbee golf at the nearby Queenstown Garden course). There’s also free coffee too and the common areas have lots of books, games, and DVDs for when you want to relax.
Some of the dorm rooms have en suite bathrooms and others shared bathrooms. The dorm beds are made of wood and each has a privacy curtain, a reading light, and an outlet so you can charge your electronics. The mattresses are decent and the lockers below each bed have outlets for charging your electronics while they’re in storage.
The Flaming Kiwi at a glance:

$
Centrally located in Queenstown
Complimentary use of bicycles and frisbee golf equipment
Multiple kitchens and a BBQ grill

Beds from 41 NZD per night.
Book The Flaming Kiwi here!
 
4. Haka Lodge

Located just a block from bustling Camp Street, all the dorm beds at Haka Lodge are wooden and have privacy curtains, reading lights, (small) storage lockers, and power outlets. The mattresses aren’t super thick, but they are comfy enough for a good night’s sleep.
The hostel has a large common room and a big collection of DVDs for when you want to chill out. The kitchen is fully equipped, and there’s always free coffee, tea, and cold filtered water available.
Haka Lodge at a glance:

$
Excellent location in the heart of Queenstown
Fully equipped kitchen
Free coffee, tea, and chilled filtered water

Beds from 44 NZD per night, private rooms from 250 NZD.
Book Haka Lodge Queenstown here!
 
5. Southern Laughter Backpackers

Located within walking distance of the center of Queenstown, Southern Laughter has a few unique perks, including a hot tub where you can relax after a busy day of exploring. The hostel also has a lively common room with a large flat-screen TV, self-service laundry facilities, and a BBQ area for grilling when the weather is nice. It also offers free soup every night for dinner, which not only will save you money but makes for a great way to meet other travelers.
The dorms are spacious and the mattresses are decent but the beds are basic (they’re cheap metal bunks) and they lack privacy curtains.
Southern Laughter Backpackers at a glance:

$
Free parking
Discounts for bars around town
Large common room with TV and boardgames

Beds from 34 NZD per night, private rooms from 102 NZD.
Book Southern Laughter Backpackers here!
 
6. Black Sheep Backpackers

This fun hostel offers pod-type bunk beds with privacy curtains and power outlets. It also has a hot tub and a sauna, which is ideal if you’re in Queenstown in the winter for skiing or snowboarding. The common room has a fireplace too, which makes it extra cozy when you’re relaxing with a book. Plus, there are free frisbees, and every Wednesday there’s a free communal dinner.
The dorms aren’t super spacious and the bathrooms are a bit small as well. However, the wooden bunk beds are comfy enough and have privacy curtains, reading lights, and power outlets.
Black Sheep Backpackers at a glance:

$$$
Complimentary dinners
Sauna and hot tub
Fully equipped kitchen

Beds from 60 NZD per night, private rooms from 250 NZD.
Book Black Sheep Backpackers here!
***
With free perks like bike rentals and GoPro cameras, tons of social activities, and stunning views of the lake, the above hostels can help you save money and ensure you have a fun, safe, and budget-friendly stay in New Zealand’s adventure capital.

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Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Safety Wing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on New Zealand?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

Photo credits: 2 – Adventure Queenstown Hostel, 3 – Absoloot Hostel Queenstown, 4 – Flaming Kiwi Backpackers, 5 – Haka Lodge Queenstown, 6 – Southern Laughter Backpackers, Black Sheep Backpackers

The post The 6 Best Hostels in Queenstown appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

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Posted: 1/9/23 | January 9th, 2023
Japan is one of my favorite countries in the world. The serene beauty of the mountains and temples, the hustle and bustle of the sprawling cities, the exquisite food, and its long history make for a fascinating place to visit.
However, Japan has a reputation, especially among budget travelers, as being too expensive. “Better skip Japan and head to Southeast Asia, where your money goes further,” they say.
Yet you can travel Japan on a budget. Food, attractions, and even accommodation (it’s the land of capsule hotels!) can be found for a relatively low cost if you know where you look.
Yet one aspect of traveling in Japan that does live up to its costly reputation is transportation — particularly train travel.
Japan’s iconic bullet trains (called shinkansen) are beautiful, comfortable, convenient, and fast. They are world-class wonders of transportation, racing around at speeds up to 320 kilometers (200 miles) per hour. They run on special tracks separate from the other trains and are an impressive feat of engineering.
They’re super expensive. There’s just no way around that fact.
Thankfully, there is one easy thing you can do to cut your train ticket prices in half (or more): buy a Japan Rail Pass. You really shouldn’t be traveling around the country without one (and I’m pretty sure they price the pass and regular tickets out in a way that really forces you to buy one).
In this post, I’ll introduce the JR Pass and explain how it works, how much it costs, and answer common questions I get about the pass.

Table of Contents

What is the Japan Rail (JR) Pass?
How the JR Pass Works
Getting and Using Your JR Pass
Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
JR Pass Frequently Asked Questions

 
What is the Japan Rail (JR) Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass (also known as the JR Pass) was created to help travelers get around the country (similar to the Eurail pass in Europe). JR is the largest train operator in Japan, and the pass provides unlimited access to all its trains for a set price.
The pass comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day options. Note that these are consecutive days, not travel days. So, if you want to travel around Japan for two weeks, you’ll need to purchase the 14-day option, even though you won’t be taking the train every day.
Several JR trains are included in the pass. The most popular is the shinkansen (bullet) train, which is the fastest train and goes to nearly every destination and region. The next fastest is the tokkyu (limited express). The kyuko (express) train comes next, followed by the kaisoku (rapid) and kakueki-teisha or futsu-densha (local trains that make every stop).
In short, this means that there are JR trains that rapidly travel between regions, some that go between cities with multiple stops, and local commuter-style trains that are slow (but cheap).
Additionally, JR trains also serve some metropolitan areas, so they can be used within cities. For example, on my last visit, I used my JR Pass to get around Kyoto and Tokyo instead of buying local metro tickets.
The JR Pass needs to be purchased before you arrive in Japan and it has to be mailed to you so you’ll want to order it well in advance (more below).
How the JR Pass works
The JR Pass is very easy to use — you just need to remember to purchase it beforehand, while in your home country, as the pass is only available to visitors. (While you can purchase it at select ticket offices in Japan until March 2023, in-person passes cost significantly more, so it’s better just to order it in advance).
The pass has several options (each valid for consecutive days, not just travel days):

7 days: 29,650 JPY (39,600 JPY for a Green Pass)
14 days: 47,250 JPY (64,120 JPY for a Green Pass)
21 days: 60,450 JPY (83,390 JPY for a Green Pass)

The Green Pass is the first-class option. Since the trains in Japan are already amazing, you likely don’t need to buy the Green Pass unless you really want some luxury. Additionally, traveling in green cars can be more of a hassle if you like to be spontaneous, as you must always reserve a seat in advance in green cars, requiring you to visit the ticket office or automatic reservation machines ahead of time to do so. In ordinary cars, you can just hop on and take any available seat.
In addition to the standard and green JR passes, there are regional passes in case you are not traveling across the entire country. These options can save you even more money since they are cheaper than the regular JR passes. Each region has several pass options, usually ranging between one and seven days.
You can buy JR passes for six regions:

JR East (for the main island)
JR West (for the main island)
JR Central (for the main island)
JR Hokkaido (for the northern island)
JR Kyushu (for the southwestern island)
JR Shikoku (for the southeastern island)

If you’re just going to be focusing on one region of the country, consider buying a JR regional pass. If you want access to the entire country, get the regular JR Pass.
If you’re a first-time visitor to Japan, you’ll likely want the regular JR Pass, as it covers all the major destinations.
In sum, to get a pass, you need to:

Pick the time duration for your pass (7, 14, or 21 days)
Choose your class (Green or standard — again, standard is more than sufficient for most travelers)
Decide what geographical area you want to visit (all of the country or a single region)
Pay the fee and order the pass before you leave home

Getting and using Your JR Pass
The easiest way to get a Japan Pass is by ordering it online (there are many official online providers but I recommend this one as it’s been selling passes for the longest time).
Once you purchase a pass, you’ll receive an “exchange order” in the mail, stamped with a date, that you’ll turn in to pick up your actual pass in Japan. Don’t forget your exchange order at home, as you must bring this document to pick up your pass in Japan!
Once you get to Japan, you will exchange your exchange order (hence the name) for a JR Pass at a JR office. Make sure you have your passport on you (not a photocopy) when you go to collect it, as they will check to make sure that you have a temporary visitor stamp in your passport. The JR Pass is only available to visitors and they are pretty strict about verifying you’re a tourist.
You have three months from the date printed on the exchange order to pick up your JR Pass, but you do not need to start using the pass on the same day that you pick it up.
For example, say that you want to pick up the pass once you arrive but you want to spend some time in Tokyo before heading on to see the rest of the country. You can select any date within one month of exchanging the order as your starting date. (But once the pass is issued, you can’t change the starting date.)
Once you’ve got your pass in hand, you don’t need to worry about getting tickets, as you simply use your pass to go right through the automatic turnstiles.
In addition to using the shinkansen and other trains, the JR pass gives access to:

Local buses operated by JR (such as the tourist loop bus in Hiroshima or JR buses around Sapporo)
Ferries operated by JR (such as the one from Hiroshima to the island of Miyajima)
JR lines running through metropolitan areas (such as Tokyo and Osaka)
Free seat reservations (otherwise, seat reservations cost around 330-930 JPY)

The JR Pass is not valid for:

The Nozomi and the Mizuho shinkansen lines
Japanese citizens or residents, such as foreigners working in Japan (only those with a tourist visa can use the pass)

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?
Absolutely! Even though you might get sticker shock initially when purchasing a pass, you’ll save hundreds of dollars during your trip with one — even if you just visit 2-3 cities. For example, without a rail pass, a ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs around 27,000 JPY (round-trip), yet you can get a seven-day rail pass that includes unlimited travel on JR trains for just 29,650 JPY. So for the price of one round-trip ticket, you get unlimited travel. It’s a no-brainer!
Here are some more examples of one-way train tickets on the shinkansen trains with non-reserved seats in the “ordinary” (non-green car) class:

Tokyo-Hiroshima: 18,380 JPY
Tokyo-Kyoto: 13,320 JPY
Tokyo Fukuoka: 23,390 JPY
Kyoto-Hiroshima: 10,570 JPY
Kyoto-Osaka: 4,230 JPY
Hiroshima-Fukuoka: 9,000 JPY
Nagano-Kanazawa: 8,440 JPY
Tokyo-Yokohama: 3,210 JPY
Hakodate-Tokyo: 23,500 JPY

As you can see, it only takes one longer-distance journey from Tokyo (such as to Hiroshima or Fukuoka) to justify the cost of the pass. And you’ll likely use it much more than that!
And even if you aren’t taking the bullet trains, the pass still makes sense. For example, a trip on a local train from Kyoto to Tokyo costs around 8,360 JPY — instead of 13,320 JPY for the bullet train. However, the local train journey takes nine hours and requires several transfers, instead of a direct three hours, making it a less than ideal choice for most travelers (especially if you’re tight on time). It’s often simply not worth the cost savings.
You’re better off using the bullet trains and reveling in the high-speed experience as it whisks you from one incredible destination to another!
Japan Rail Pass Frequently Asked Questions
Is JR Pass only for tourists?
Yes. Only people visiting on a tourist visa can use the JR Pass.
Can Japan Rail Pass be used on the Tokyo subway?
Yep, some of the subway lines (though not all) in Tokyo are run by JR, which means you can access them for free with your JR Pass. This is true for the entire country. Metro lines and local subway lines are excluded from the pass.
Can I change the days on which I wish to use the Japan Rail Pass?
No. Once the pass has been activated, the dates are set in stone.
How do I activate the Japan Rail Pass?
To activate the JR Pass, bring your exchange order and your passport to a JR office in Japan. Once they verify your identity and visa status, they will activate your pass.
Can I use JR Pass from Tokyo to Kyoto?
Yep! The distance is 445 kilometers (283 miles), and the trip takes under three hours on the bullet train.
Are buses included in JR Pass?
Yes, JR does run some bus lines, which are included in the JR Pass. Some destinations where JR has buses include Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu.
Can I cancel my Japan Rail Pass?
You can cancel your pass as long as it has not been activated, but once it is activated, you can’t.
***
Train travel is the best way to see Japan. The trains are clean, fast, and the scenery gorgeous. I love traveling the country by train. While buying a rail pass might seem like a costly choice, it will save you a ton of money — and it’s a uniquely Japanese experience that you won’t forget!
Click here to get your Japan Rail pass today!
 

Book Your Trip to Japan: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Some of my favorite places to stay in Japan are:

K’s House (Tokyo)
Len Kyoto (Kyoto)
Roku Hostel Hiroshima (Hiroshima)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Safety Wing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Be sure to check out the Japan Rail Pass if you’ll be traveling around the country. It comes in 7-, 14-, and 21-day passes and can save you a ton of money!
Want More Information on Japan
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Japan for even more planning tips!

The post A Complete Guide to the Japan Rail Pass appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

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Posted: 1/6/2023 | January 6th, 2023
Home to nearly 700,000 people, Seville (or Sevilla in Spanish), located in Andalusia, is one of the most popular destinations in Spain.
Seville has a long, intricate past that is worth soaking up. Conquered by Islamic forces in 711, the region was under Muslim rule for centuries, which has given the city a unique architectural and cultural flair.
The historic center is a mishmash of medieval-era buildings and a tangle of narrow streets and open plazas lined with outdoor cafés. Wander around the long public plaza called the Alameda de Hércules and you’ll stroll past two-thousand-year-old Roman ruins right in the heart of the city.
While Seville (and Spain as a whole) is affordable, it’s easy to blow your budget on the city’s delicious food and wild nightlife.
Fortunately, Seville boasts a handful of fun, social, and economical hostels to help you save money and make the most of your visit.
Below you’ll find my list of the best hostels in Seville to help you have fun and save money as you explore this overlooked Spanish city.
But first, here are four things you need to remember before picking a hostel in Seville:

Location – Seville isn’t as big as Madrid or Barcelona, but it does have a tangle of confusing, medieval streets that wouldn’t be nice to get lost in while stumbling home late at night. Pick a location that suits your travel plans.
Price – As in any city, you get what you pay for. If you pick a really cheap hostel, you’re probably going to get one that is small and cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
Amenities – Every hostel in town offers free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many — but not all — include free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
Staff – All the hostels listed here have an amazing staff who are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews so you have staff who are helpful and friendly. They can make or break a hostel!

Below is my list of the best hostels in Seville. If you don’t want to read the longer list, however, the following are the best in each category:
Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Black Swan Hostel Sevilla
Best Hostel for Partying: Hostel One Centro
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: The Nomad Hostel
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: Black Swan Hostel Sevilla
Best Hostel for History Lovers: Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Sevilla
Best Hostel for Couples: For You
Best Overall Hostel: La Banda Rooftop Hostel
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Seville and why I love them:
Price legend (per night)

$ = Under 19 EUR
$$ = 20-28 EUR
$$$ = Over 28 EUR

 
1. La Banda Rooftop Hostel

La Banda is a lively and social hostel. Every night on its rooftop, there are family-style dinners. You can feast on southern Spanish staples while enjoying views of Seville’s famed cathedral. (There’s also a nightly happy hour at the bar beforehand.)
La Banda also has an in-house cocktail bar where you can sip local sherry, vermouth, and beer while hanging out with other travelers. There are game nights, DJ shows, and flea market tours as well, which make this a great place for solo travelers looking to meet new people.
All rooms have Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and air conditioning. The wooden dorm beds have thick mattresses and privacy curtains (as well as lockers below), so you’ll get a decent night’s sleep.
La Banda at a glance:

$$$
Excellent location
Very welcoming staff
Great rooftop with a ton of planned social activities

Beds from 34 EUR per night.
Book La Banda Rooftop Hostel here!
 
2. Hostel One Centro

Hostel One may be a chain, but its locations are always top-notch. The one in Seville is clean, organized, and social. There are lots of activities too, including a daily walking tour and a nightly bar crawl.
And if you don’t feel like going out and/or want to save money, Hostel One also offers a nightly family-style meal, complete with international dishes and Spanish staples. There’s also a shared kitchen, so you can cook if you’re on a budget.
The beds here are basic — the bunks are metal and the mattresses aren’t very thick — but there are privacy curtains, so you can at least try to get a good night’s sleep.
Hostel One Centro at a glance:

$$
Excellent central location in the historic part of Seville
Complimentary family-style dinner every night
Three common areas make it easy to meet people

Beds from 23 EUR per night, private rooms from 69 EUR.
Book Hostel One Centro here!
 
3. The Nomad Hostel

The Nomad, located right in the center of Seville, is a social, eco-friendly hostel with a few common rooms, making it a good choice for those who need some quiet time to get work done — including digital nomads — as well as those who want to socialize in the more upbeat, active spaces. There is also a sunny roof deck, where the staff organizes dinners and other social events.
The wooden bunks are basic (no curtains and the mattresses aren’t very thick), but there are outlets and reading lights for each bed and lockers for your stuff. There are female-only dorms too, and the bathrooms are always super clean as well.
The Nomad at a glance:

$
Several common areas with different vibes
Large selection of diverse room types
Complimentary breakfast and all-day coffee and tea

Beds from 18 EUR per night, private rooms from 52 EUR.
Book The Nomad Hostel here!
 
4. Black Swan

Black Swan is located in the center of town and offers a daily free breakfast, so you can load up on rolls, danishes, scrambled eggs, coffee, and bacon. There is also a free nightly dinner of traditional dishes, making this a good choice for travelers on a tight budget. The hostel also puts on a free flamenco show and has a sunny terrace where you can enjoy glimpses of Seville’s spire-laden skyline.
The Black Swan offers comfortable dorm rooms with cozy wooden bunks, each with its own reading light and earplugs (no privacy curtains though). There are lockers below each bunk as well. The hostel also has a female-only dorm room for solo female travelers.
Black Swan at a glance:

$$
Lots of freebies, including complimentary breakfast and dinner
Comfortable roof terrace and garden patio
Female-only dorms

Beds from 20 EUR per night.
Book Black Swan Hostel Sevilla here!
 
5. Oasis Backpackers Sevilla Palace

The staff at this location always go above and beyond: they organize a legion of activities, including paella nights, free walking tours with a focus on the city’s history, flamenco shows, and pub crawls. There’s also a rooftop terrace for hanging out and meeting people, as well as a small pool to help you beat the heat.
All rooms have air conditioning (if you’re here in summer, you’ll realize how important this is), Wi-Fi, and individual bed lights. The only downside is that the beds aren’t that great — there are no privacy curtains and only okay mattresses. But the social atmosphere of the hostel more than makes up for it.

$$
Lots of social events make it easy to meet people
Pool for chilling out
Very friendly staff

Beds from 20 EUR per night, private rooms from 87 EUR.
Book Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Sevilla here!
 
6. For You Hostel

This hostel is housed in an 18th-century building with a wonderful leafy courtyard that’s perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or an afternoon siesta. Breakfast is complimentary, and there’s also an in-house café that is open every day until 11pm. For those on a tight budget, For You has a large kitchen for guests to cook in.
Centrally located, the hostel has family rooms for groups and is also pet friendly. There are female-only dorms as well. All bunk beds have lights, outlets, and a curtain for extra privacy. They have a pod-like design with thick mattresses and lockers attached. The bathrooms are always clean too.

$$
Tasty complimentary breakfast
Large kitchen for guests to you
Pet friendly

Beds from 21 EUR per night, private rooms from 96 EUR.
Book For You Hostel here!
 
7. Triana Hostel

This hostel is located in Triana, a working-class neighborhood about a 20-minute walk to the center of Seville. The interior of the hostel boasts walls lined with traditional tiles, making it a beautiful place to stay.
Breakfast is included, and there’s a large kitchen in case you want to cook. There’s also a hot tub and a rooftop for relaxing, where you’ll find hammocks so you can kick back and chill.
The metal dorm bunks have privacy curtains and reading lights. The mattresses are relatively thick, so you’ll get a comfy night’s sleep. The dorms also have AC for when it gets hot. Overall, it’s a really solid place to stay!
Triana Hostel at a glance:

$
Located in the off-the-radar Triana district
Complimentary breakfast
Hot tub for guests and a rooftop with hammocks

Beds from 18 EUR per night, private rooms from 36 EUR.
Book Triana Hostel here!
***
Seville has a ton of great hostels, many of which put an emphasis on social activities, making it the perfect destination for solo travelers looking to connect with other backpackers. Many of the properties are centrally located too, ensuring that you don’t have to compromise location for more affordable accommodation options.
 
Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

 

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Book Your Trip to Seville: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It is my favorite search engine, because it searches websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone is being left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com, as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancelations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money too.
Want More Information on Spain?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Spain for even more planning tips!

Photo credits: 2 – La Banda Rooftop Hostel, 3 – Hostel One Centro, 4 – The Nomad Hostel, 5 – Black Swan Hostel Sevilla, 6 – Oasis Backpackers’ Palace Sevilla, 7 – For You Hostel, 8 – Triana Hostel

The post The 7 Best Hostels in Seville appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

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Posted: 1/5/2023 | January 5th, 2023
Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand. Nestled within an hour’s drive of over a hundred beaches, Auckland makes for a great base for day trips.
While I wouldn’t spend a long time here (a couple of days should suffice), there’s plenty to keep you busy during your visit, from bungee jumping to lounging on the beach to visiting nearby Hobbiton (from the Lord of the Rings films).
And, while Auckland can be pricey, there are plenty of hostels here to help you lower your costs.
To help you save money and plan your trip, here is my list of the best hostels in Auckland.
But, before we dive in, I want to share four things you need to remember before you pick a hostel:

Location – Auckland is sprawling, so take this into consideration when looking for a hostel. Pick a neighborhood near the things you want to see and do.
Price – As is true anywhere, you get what you pay for. If you pick a really cheap hostel, you’re probably going to get one that is small and cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
Amenities – Every hostel in town offers free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many — but not all — include free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
Staff – All the hostels listed here have an amazing staff who are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews so you have staff who are helpful and friendly. They can make or break a hostel!

Below is my list of the best hostels in Auckland. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:
Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Fat Cat Travellers’ Community
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: The Attic Backpackers
Best Hostel for Couples: Hekerua Lodge Backpackers
Best Hostel for Partying: Haka Lodge
Best Hostel for Solo Travelers: Fat Cat Travellers’ Community
Best Overall Hostel: Verandahs Parkside Lodge
Want the specifics of each hostel? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Auckland and why I’m recommending them:
Price legend (per night)

$ = Under 40 NZD
$$ = 41-46 NZD
$$$ = Over 47 NZD

1. Fat Cat Travellers’ Community

Set in an old farmhouse in the suburb of Sunnyvale, Fat Cat is an ideal place if you’re traveling alone. In addition to complimentary breakfast every morning, there are free (vegetarian) dinners every evening as well as pizza night on Sunday. The staff also regularly put on campfire nights.
The hostel also puts an emphasis on sustainability: it’s home to organic gardens and chickens (and cats!). The staff also hosts workshops on baking, crafting, gardening, and more.
The beds are basic but cozy and feel more like you’re staying at a friend’s house than a hostel.
Fat Cat Travellers’ Community at a glance:

$
Complimentary breakfast and dinner every day
A plethora of organized social activities
Focused on sustainability and community

Beds from 27 NZD per night.
Book Fat Cat Travellers’ Community here!
 
2. Haka Lodge

There are Haka Lodges sprinkled around New Zealand and they’re always a reliable place to plant yourself for a few days. This hostel is located next to K Road, where there is always a party, concert, or festival. If you came to Auckland to have fun, this is the place to do it. Haka has a lively common room with movies frequently on the TV, a fully stocked kitchen, and laundry facilities.
The dorm beds are comfy with individual outlets and curtains so you can get a decent night’s sleep. The showers are a bit small, but overall the bathrooms are kept clean.
Haka Lodge at a glance:

$$
Ideal location in the heart of party central
Ultra-friendly and welcoming staff
Common room has lots of movies and games

Beds from 47 NZD per night, private rooms from 142 NZD.
Book Haka Lodge here!
 
3. Hekerua Lodge Backpackers

Situated on Waiheke Island, about 32 kilometers (20 miles) from central Auckland, Hekerua Lodge is an ideal escape from the urban bustle of New Zealand’s largest city. The lodge is laid-back and rustic and feels like a home you’re sharing with a bunch of (soon-to-be) friends.
If you’re looking to socialize, the hostel puts on plenty of social activities, including group dinners. There is also a communal BBQ area, roaming chickens, a vegetable garden, and a swimming pool.
The private rooms have shared bathrooms but are also comfortable and get plenty of natural light. There is also a four-bed dorm and a six-bed dorm that have their own private sun deck.
Hekerua Lodge at a glance:

$
Nice location on Waiheke Island close to the beach
Organizes social activities so it’s easy to meet people
Swimming pool

Beds from 39 NZD per night, private rooms from 60 NZD.
Book Hekerua Lodge Backpackers here!
 
4. Verandahs Parkside Lodge

Set near the always-happening K Road, Verandahs is housed in two 120-year-old villas, with nearly every kind of room imaginable for a hostel. There are various shared rooms that range from three to five beds. The single beds — not bunks — are comfy and come with a nice duvet. The dorms are small so you’re never crammed in with a ton of people.
The bathrooms (and the hostel as a whole) are clean and the showers have really good water pressure. There’s a common room that feels like a living room in a home-away-from-home, and the huge kitchen is ideal for cooking.
Verandahs Parkside Lodge at a glance:

$$$
Excellent location in the center of Auckland
Family-run business with warm and welcoming service
Extra-large common room and kitchen

Beds from 49 NZD per night, private rooms from 130 NZD.
Book Verandahs Parkside Lodge here!
 
5. Waiheke Backpackers Hostel

If you’re seeking a less urban experience while in Auckland, make your way to Waiheke Backpackers Hostel, located 40 minutes from the center of the city on Waiheke Island (ferries run regularly).
The hostel is located on a hilltop that offers amazing views of the surrounding sea, so you can wake up in the morning to the sound of water lapping against the shore and seagulls chirping. Amenities include a large kitchen, an outdoor BBQ and dining area (with lovely views), and an entire island to explore.
The dorm beds not super comfy (they’re cheap metal bunks without thick mattresses or curtains), but the price, amenities, and location more than make up for that.
Waiheke Backpackers Hostel at a glance:

$
Tranquil location on a beautiful island
Outdoor seating and cooking options
Comfortable common room with board games and a book exchange

Beds from 40 NZD per night, private rooms from 120 NZD.
Book Waiheke Backpackers Hostel here!
 
6. The Attic Backpackers Hostel

Situated on Wellesley Street in the center of town, The Attic is a top-floor property and a top-notch hostel (it was voted the best hostel in Auckland four years in a row). The location is excellent: it’s just around the corner from the iconic Sky Tower, a short walk from the main bus station, and right next door to an affordable food court.
There’s a covered rooftop terrace where you can take in the views and meet people. And, while the dorm beds are basic metal bunks with no curtains, the mattresses are thick, so you’ll still get a good night’s sleep.
The Attic at a glance:

$$
Great location
Kitchen
Rooftop terrace for great views and meeting people

Beds from 45 NZD per night, private rooms from 120 NZD.
Book The Attic Backpackers here!
 
***
From rustic hostels on Waiheke to party hostels right in the center of it all, you’ll find a wide variety of hostels in the city. The hostel scene here is pretty robust and, as the place everyone has to land when they enter the country, you’re going to find a lot of travelers here – and potential friends to travel the country with!

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Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for more places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

Safety Wing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want More Information on New Zealand?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

Photo credits: 2 – Fat Cat Travellers Community, 3 – Haka Lodge, 4 – Hekerua Lodge Backpackers, 5 – Verandahs Parkside Lodge, 6 – Waiheke Backpackers Hostel, 7 – The Attic Backpackers

The post The 6 Best Hostels in Auckland appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

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Posted: 1/3/23 | January 3rd, 2023
Istanbul is a dynamic, sprawling, and historic metropolis known as the bridge between Europe and Asia. For centuries it was one of the most important cities in the world, a hub for trade and culture between the four corners of the earth.
Like Rome, Istanbul has layers upon layers to unravel as you wander its bustling streets. Now home to over 15 million people, it was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire (the inheritor of the Roman Empire). Then it was the center of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted over 600 years before dissolving in 1922.
Istanbul used to be a very cheap place to visit. However, prices have risen in recent years due to rampant inflation. But it’s still relatively inexpensive and home to several fun, social, and affordable hostels that can save you some money — money you can then spend on delicious food, aromatic Turkish coffee, and any of the amazing sights and activities the city has to offer, such as the Hagia Sophia or relaxing in an authentic hammam (steam bath).
But before you book your hostel in Istanbul, here are four things you need to remember:

1. Location – Istanbul is huge. It’s divided by the Bosphorus Strait, so picking a hostel in a location you want to be based in is essential.
2. Price – As in any city, you get what you pay for. If you pick a really cheap hostel, you’re probably going to get one that is small and cramped and doesn’t offer great service.
3. Amenities – Every hostel in town has free Wi-Fi, and most have self-catering facilities so you can cook your own meals. Many — but not all — include free breakfast, so be sure to do your research to find the one that best meets your needs.
4. Staff – All the hostels listed here have amazing staff who are super friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you don’t end up staying at one of the places listed below, be sure to look up reviews so you’ll know you’ll have staff who are helpful and friendly. They can make or break a hostel!

Below is my list of the best hostels in Istanbul. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, the following are the best in each category:
Best Hostel for Budget Travelers: Second Home Hostel or Hostel Le Blanc
Best Hostel for Partying: Bahaus Guesthouse and Hostel
Best Hostel for Solo Female Travelers: Cheers Hostel
Best Hostel for Digital Nomads: Second Home Hostel
Best Hostel for History Buffs: Cheers Hostel
Best Overall Hostel: Hostel Le Blanc
Want the specifics of each? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Istanbul and why I love them:
Price legend (per night)

$ = Under 400 TRY
$$ = 401-500 TRY
$$$ = Over 501 TRY

 
1. Tilas House

Located on a quiet side street in Kadiköy, a cool, laid-back residential neighborhood, Tilas House is a favorite among budget travelers and backpackers. The 150-year-old building is filled with comfortable furniture, colorful drapes, and eclectic art, and each room’s walls in are hand-painted and reflect various aspects of the culture and history of this city. It feels less like a hostel and more like a large family home.
The staff here are legendary for their warmth and friendliness. The hostel is also close to everything you might need (restaurants, grocery stores, the metro) and is kept very clean (including the bathrooms). While the dorms aren’t anything fancy, the beds are comfortable.
Tilas House at a glance:

$$$
Great location near cafés and restaurants
Unique, historic building
Very welcoming staff

Beds from 1,340 TRY per night, private rooms from 1,354 TRY.
Book Tilas House here!
 
2. Hostel Le Banc

If location is your priority, Le Banc is the hostel for you. It’s located steps from Taksim Square, the modern heart of the city, so if you yearn to feel the intensity that is central Istanbul, this is the place to stay.
Le Banc has a cozy common room where you can hang out, chat with other travelers, and relax after a day of exploring. It also offers a complimentary, hearty organic breakfast. The lovely terrace has an outstanding view of the skyline too. The dorm beds are cozy, with privacy curtains and thick mattresses, and the bathrooms are modern and clean.
Hostel Le Banc at a glance:

$
Excellent central location near Taksim Square
Complimentary breakfast
Nice on-site café, common room, and terrace with views

Beds from 335 TRY per night, private rooms from 970 TRY.
Book Hostel Le Banc here!
 
3. Yolo Hostel Kadiköy

Yolo is a very social hostel. The staff organizes a lot of gatherings and activities, plus there’s a lovely terrace, leafy communal garden, and open, fully equipped kitchen in which you can relax and talk to other travelers (and cook your own meals if you’re on a budget).
The wooden dorm beds are wide and have privacy curtains and comfy mattresses. There are also lockers in each dorm room.
Yolo Hostel Kadiköy at a glance:

$$
Located near a lot of galleries and hip cafés
Organizes lots of activities
Fully equipped kitchen

Beds from 430 TRY per night, private rooms from 935 TRY.
Book Yolo Hostel Kadiköy here!
 
4. Cheers Hostel

Located on the European side of the Bosphorus and just a few minutes’ walk from some of Istanbul’s most iconic historical sites (including the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque), Cheers offers regular walking tours (in English and in Spanish) for just 185 TRY.
The hostel also has a terrace and bar with great views overlooking the city. Breakfast is included, and the Cheers Café provides a cozy place to sip Turkish coffee in the morning or nurse a beer in the evening.
The bunks are basic (they are wood and there are no privacy curtains), but the beds are comfy, and there are lockers available to store your bags. There are also female-only dorms.
Cheers Hostel at a glance:

$$
Organizes regular walking tours
Relaxing common spaces (including a café and a terrace)
Female-only rooms available

Beds from 428 TRY per night, private rooms from 1,080 TRY.
Book Cheers Hostel here!
 
5. Stanpoli Hostel

At Stanpoli, just steps from the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern, and the iconic Hagia Sophia, you can indulge in a Turkish-style breakfast feast on the lovely rooftop terrace, which has a great view of the historic Sultanahmet district. The hostel also has a friendly staff who also know the city well and can share their insider tips and advice to help you make the most of your trip.
Each bed in the spacious dorms has its own reading light, power outlet, and privacy curtain. The mattresses are thick, so you can actually get a decent night’s sleep too!
Stanpoli Hostel at a glance:

$$
Excellent location in the heart of the Sultanahmet area
Tasty complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace
Very friendly staff

Beds from 430 TRY per night, private rooms from 1,210 TRY.
Book Stanpoli Hostel here!
 
6. Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel

Social activities are the name of the game at Bahaus, located on the European side of Istanbul, just a short walk from numerous historical sites (such as the Blue Mosque). Bahaus offers daily walking tours — which include a deep dive into the Grand Bazaar, a stroll around the Asian side of town, and a tour of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia — as well as some organized gatherings in the evenings for barbecue and drinks on the rooftop terrace.
The in-house bar stays open late every night. If you’re traveling alone and want to meet fellow travelers, this is the place to stay.
All the bunk beds have wrap-around curtains for extra privacy, and all rooms have an attached bathroom, air conditioning, and ceiling fans, so you won’t be sweltering during the hot summer months.
Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel at a glance:

$$
Excellent location in the heart of the Sultanahmet area
Complimentary breakfast on the rooftop terrace
Lots of activities make it easy to meet people

Beds from 430 TRY per night, private rooms from 1,136 TRY.
Book Bahaus Guesthouse Hostel here!
 
7. Second Home Hostel

If you have to work while you’re on the road or you’re a digital nomad, Second Home (located on the European side of town) is your best option. Not only is the Wi-Fi fast throughout the property, but there are desks in the guest rooms and the common room.
The hostel offers a nice Turkish breakfast for just 55 TRY and regular communal dinners so you can get to know your fellow travelers. The staff organize walking tours and pub crawls too.
While the beds are basic (cheap metal bunks with no curtains), there’s a chill rooftop terrace for hanging out, the bathrooms are clean and spacious, and the staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.
Second Home Hostel at a glance:

$
Excellent location in the Sultanahmet area
Tasty and affordable Turkish breakfast
Lots of organized activities so it’s easy to meet other travelers

Beds from 335 TRY per night, private rooms from 835 TRY.
Book Second Home Hostel here!
***
Istanbul is one of the most historic, iconic cities in the world, literally bridging the gap between east and west. It’s lively and energetic, and while prices have risen in recent years, it’s still very affordable — especially if you stay in one of the city’s fun, safe, and low-cost hostels.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to travel for free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation. They are what keep me traveling so much for so little. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

Photo credits: 1 – Tilas House, 2 – Hostel Le Banc, 3 – Yolo Hostel, 4 – Cheers Hostel, 5 – Stanpoli Hostel, Bahaus Hostel, Second Home Hostel.

The post The 7 Best Hostels in Istanbul appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

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Posted: 12/20/2022 | December 20th, 2022
For the last five years, I’ve concluded the year with a list of my favorite reads. As a writer, reading comes with the territory. Writers just tend to read a lot. Then again, I’ve always been into reading ever since I was a little kid. I devour books. In a good year, I’ll read close to 80.
This year was not one of those years. I only read about 50 books.
As I compiled this list, I couldn’t help but notice that I gravitated a lot more to history, literature, and self-improvement than I had in the past. Though this is a travel website and I like to read a lot of travel books, I’ve found that so many fall into the same narrative arc that I just needed a break from another book on someone quitting their job to travel.
Instead, I’ve gotten a lot more into destination-specific travelogues rather than personal travelogues. That got me down a history rabbit hole and it’s where I’ve stayed most of the year.
I wonder if that will change in the new year. What will next year bring? Who knows!
Here’s what I loved this year though:
1. Sahara Unveiled, by William Langewiesche
Written by journalist William Langewiesche in the 1990s, this book is beautifully detailed and wonderfully written. I was hooked by the punchy prose from page one. Langewiesche travels from Algeria through Niger and Mali before finishing in Dakar. Along the way, he offers deep insight into the culture and history of the region at a time when there was a lot of change happening. A fascinating snapshot in time.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
 
2. Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage, by Alfred Lansing
This iconic book is about Ernest Shackleton’s epic journey to cross Antarctica in 1914. While trying to reach the South Pole, his boat got stuck in the ice and he and his crew were forced to abandon ship and walk north in hope of being rescued by a passing whaling boat. This book highlights their journey and survival as they spend over a year on the ice. It was absolutely riveting to read and a testament to the strong will and skill of the men involved.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
 
3. The Deepest South of All: True Stories from Natchez, Mississippi, by Richard Grant
Richard Grant is a UK writer who moved to Missisppi and has been writing some great stuff about the state for years (check out his last book, which is one of my all time favorites). This book is about the beautiful town of Natchez, a place I visited about six years back and really loved. In it, he talks about this weird quirky town and how it’s grappling with its past. He interviews all sorts of unique people and dives into the city’s history and customs. It’s travel writing at its best.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
 
4. The Far Land: 200 Years of Murder, Mania, and Mutiny in the South Pacific, by Brandon Presser
This book recaps the famous Mutiny on the Bounty from the 1700s. The Royal navy mutineers ended up on the modern-day island of Pitcairn and the book traces the mutiny. I never really knew much about this incident and it was really interesting to see what happened to the crew who made it home and what happened to those who mutinied (and the island culture they created).
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
5. Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, by Oliver Burkeman
I liked this book so much that I read it twice. It utterly changed my life and how I view time. The gist is this: there will never be enough time to do everything, so don’t try. Get used to the fact that some things just won’t get done, and that when you do “master email” all you do is add more emails to your list. It is an anti-time-management book and has profoundly influenced the way I now look at time and what I do with it. I can’t recommend it enough. It was my favorite book of the year.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
6. Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving, by Celeste Headlee
This book was recommended to me by a friend who also read my new favorite book, Four Thousand Weeks (see above). Do Nothing, rather than being a book on the nature of time, is more about how we need to separate work and play and have more room to be “bored.” We view busyness as a good thing but this book says creating holes in our calendar allows us to process our thoughts and be creative. It’s a lot more focused on work/life balance and very much a good second read after Four Thousand Weeks.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
7. Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life, by Luke Burgis
This book is about how, whether we realize it or not, we mimic all behavior we see and how there’s really no such thing as independent thought. We are all influenced, consciously and subconsciously, by models in our lives (think about how you didn’t feel like pizza until you saw someone else eating it) and we then mimic that behavior. It was a fascinating look at how we all make decisions.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
8. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home, by Tembi Locke
Set in the lush Sicilian countryside, Tembi discovers the healing powers of food, family, and unexpected grace after her husband dies. From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home is a captivating story of love lost and found (it was a New York Times bestseller too). I absolutely loved the powerful imagery and emotion of this book. I teared up so many times. It’s an incredible read.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
9. How to Hide an Empire: A History of the Greater United States, by Daniel Immerwahr
This book chronicles the history of the United States empire. It covers how the country grew, acquired overseas expansions, how “mainland” Americans felt about it, and how US dominance after World War II influenced the world map. Even today, the US has lots of territories and overseas possessions that we never really think about (see Doug Mack’s The Not-Quite States of America for a travel version of this). While dense, the book illuminates a lot of history that we don’t really talk about.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
10. Northland: A 4,000-Mile Journey Along America’s Forgotten Border, by Porter Fox
Porter Fox grew up in Maine and, after a life of travel, decides to learn more about the US/Canada border. So, starting in Maine, he heads west tracing the border, learning about its history and meeting interesting people all the way to Washington. With a lot of vivid descriptions and historical background, Fox weaves together a really wonderful travel book.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
11. The Song of Achilles, by Madeline Miller
Last year, I read Circe by Madeline Miller and many of you recommended picking up her first book, The Song of Achilles, which tells the tale of Achilles from the perspective of his love, Patroclus. While I didn’t like this as much as Circe (mostly because she advanced so much as a writer in her second book), this book was still phenomenally written. It’s an amazing first book. If you haven’t read anything by Miller, definitely pick up both because you won’t be disappointed.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
12. How to Be a Family: The Year I Dragged My Kids Around the World to Find a New Way to Be Together, by Dan Kois
Dan Kois and his family are in a rut in their suburban life. So, he and his wife decide to take their two daughters on a trip around the world in hopes of finding ways to be closer as a family. I found this book to be really insightful with hilarious prose and astute observations. In certain parts, you get to hear from his kids too on their version of the stories he tells.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
 
13. The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey, by Candice Millard

This book traces Theodore Roosevelt’s journey through the River of Doubt. After he lost the Presidential election in 1912, he had the opportunity to go down to Brazil. Originally supposed to be an easy trip, he opts to map the River of Doubt with Cândido Rondon, a Brazilian Colonel put in charge of him. Along the way, they get sick, have frightening encounters with natives, have to deal with murder, and experience a lack of provisions as they map this never-before-mapped river. It was an eye-opening read.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
14. 30 Lessons for Living: Tried and True Advice from the Wisest Americans, by Karl Pillemer

This book focuses on 30 lessons learned from people at the end of their life. Pillemer interviews hundreds of seniors to find out what their biggest lessons in life were and then distills it down to 30 that cut across work, life, relationships, marriage, money, success, friendship, and more. At 41, I have learned a lot of these lessons already but it was a good reminder of what is important and what is worth spending my time and energy on. It’s definitely a book anyone, especially those who are young, should read.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
15. The Vagabond’s Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discovery, and the Art of Travel, by Rolf Potts

Rolf is one of the original budget travel experts and his first book Vagabonding is a travel classic. His newest book is all about bringing your adventurous, curious, and open-minded travel mindset home with you. With insightful quotes and reflections, the book showcases just how much travel is a way of life and not just the act of “going somewhere.” After years of limited travel due to COVID, this book is the perfect reminder that travel is a mindset that should be embraced anywhere and everywhere you go.
Buy on Amazon Buy on Bookshop
 
***
There you have it! My favorite books of 2022. If you’re looking for a new read, check out one of these books! And, if you’re looking for something else, click here to see previous best book lists I’ve written! Now that I am settled in Austin for the next few months, I look forward to ramping up my reading again. So many books, so little time!

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Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

SafetyWing (best for everyone)
Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to travel for free?
Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation. They are what keep me traveling so much for so little. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Ready to Book Your Trip?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.

The post The 15 Best Books I Read in 2022 appeared first on Nomadic Matt’s Travel Site.

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