Kyoto, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
6 Reasons Why You Should Visit Japan As Soon As Possible.
It’s no secret that we love Japan. We’ve been back repeatedly since our first visit, usually multiple times per year and for several weeks or months at a time. When friends or readers ask where in the world they should visit, our default answer is Japan and has been for over a decade. It’s not […]
Laguna Beach, CA
2026 Laguna Beach, California Planning Guide
Laguna Beach is the perfect vacation destination in Southern California, offering a beautiful and charming contrast to Los Angeles or San Diego. This planning guide offers tips for visiting, things to do, hotel & restaurant recommendations, and what to know before your trip to Orange County. (Updated January 16, 2026.) We love Laguna Beach. It’s […]
Los Angeles, California
Ultimate 2026 Los Angeles City Guide
Our 2026 Los Angeles, California planning guide offers visit tips, including top things to do, best places to eat in L.A., hotel advice, and how to transportation hacks for SoCal’s notorious traffic. LA is one of our favorite cities in the world, and we’ll help you experience the touristy highlights and hidden gems. Maybe you […]
Paris, France
Ultimate 2026 Paris, France City Guide
Our 2026 Paris travel guide offers info for making the most of your vacation, including things to do, transportation tips, hotel recommendations, where to eat, and more. It also covers how to efficiently see the city–where to stay and step-by-step itineraries. Paris is a world capital of culture: everything from art to food to fashion […]
National Parks
Reservation Rule Dropped for Firefall 2026 at Yosemite National Park. Expect Chaos & Crowds.
Yosemite National Park has announced the policies that will be in effect for viewing the Firefall at Horsetail Falls in February 2026. Due to the popularity of this stunning natural phenomenon, restrictions and reservation requirements have been in effect the last several years. However, there will be NO reservations required on any dates in February […]
Universal Studios
2026 Universal Studios Japan Guide & Tips
This guide to Universal Studios Japan offers tips & tricks for visiting Osaka’s popular theme park, which is home to Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, Jaws, and more! This includes USJ strategy & info about where to eat, what to do, how to avoid crowds, minimize wait times, and more! (Updated January 12, 2026.) After being […]
Hawaii
Volcano House Hotel Review: Hawaii National Park Lodge
Volcano House is the National Park Lodge located inside Hawaii Volcanoes National Park with views of Halema’uma’u Crater at the rim of Kilauea caldera that costs ~$300 to 500 per night. This review features room photos, my experience with the accommodations & amenities, and thoughts from my stay. Volcano House is “Exhibit A” in the […]
Japan 2026 Cherry Blossom Forecast & Kyoto Sakura Season Viewing Guide
/3 Comments/in Tips & Tricks Japan, Kyoto /by Tom BrickerThis guide to sakura season in Japan and cherry blossom forecast for 2026 covers our favorite spots, best temples & shrines in Kyoto, tips & tricks for avoiding crowds. We also take a deeper dive into the topic, highlighting hidden gems where you’ll find fewer people and no busloads of tour groups. We’ve experienced sakura […]