# TakingFlights.com ## Posts - [4-Day Forest & Cave Adventure in Gunung Mulu National Park](https://takingflights.com/4-day-forest-cave-adventure-in-gunung-mulu-national-park/): “The female is larger than the male,” our guide whispered, his torchlight settling on a pair of mating thorny stick insects during a night walk along the trails of Mulu National Park. It felt like a small detail in the darkness, but it revealed something much bigger about life in the rainforest. Unlike many animals, […] - [Dalat | Vietnam Trip Part 3](https://takingflights.com/dalat-vietnam-trip-part-3/): Day 8 – We arrived at Dalat on Vietnam Airlines VN1955 at around 8am and made our way to our hotel, La Fleur Central Apartments, to drop off our bags before going on a half day tour of Dalat. Dalat Dalat is a small city located in the central highlands of Vietnam. It is a […] - [Danang, Hoi An, Hue, My Son | Vietnam Trip Part 2](https://takingflights.com/danang-hoi-an-hue-my-son-vietnam-trip-part-2/): We departed Ho Chi Minh City for Hoi An via Da Nang on Vietjet Air VJ624 (~SGD46 pp one way) on Day 3 of our 10-day Vietnam trip. Arriving at 10am we had half a day to kill before checking in at our hotel in Hoi An. We booked a minivan from Hoi An Cars […] - [Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple | Vietnam Trip Part 1](https://takingflights.com/ho-chi-minh-city-cu-chi-tunnels-cao-dai-temple-vietnam-trip-part-1/): This trip with a group of friends to central Vietnam was originally planned for February 2020. But COVID-19 came along to put the plan on ice. Since Vietnam has just opened its borders we decided to reinstate the plan and this time include Ho Chi Minh City since fares are cheaper compared to flying direct […] - [7-Day Self-Drive Road Trip From Bangkok to Chiangmai](https://takingflights.com/7-day-self-drive-road-trip-from-bangkok-to-chiangmai/): Chronology of our 7-day self-drive road trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai via Khao Yai, Sukhothai and Chiang Rai. - [International Coastal Cleanup at Pulau Ubin](https://takingflights.com/international-coastal-cleanup-at-pulau-ubin/): 8 of us participated in this year's International Coastal Cleanup organised by ICCS at Pulau Ubin. - [Trekking at Awana BIO Park, Genting Highlands](https://takingflights.com/trekking-at-genting-highlands-fashion-forest-awana-bio-park-hike/): 7 of us took a break from the entertainment at Genting Highlands to do a 3-hour trek at Awana BIO Park and Fashion Forest to view the flora and fauna. - [From Hanoi to Sapa by Bus - Sapa Express](https://takingflights.com/from-hanoi-to-sapa-by-bus-sapa-express/): Instead of the overnight train, taking a bus from Hanoi to Sapa is a great alternative. The journey to Sapa takes only 6 hours with views of padi fields and scenic mountain enroute. - [What to Eat in Hanoi](https://takingflights.com/what-to-eat-in-hanoi-hanoi-food-guide/): My last trip to Hanoi was in 2014, prior to Obama’s famous Bun Cha lunch with Anthony Bourdain. So, the first meal that came to mind when it comes to Hanoi food was Bun Cha. “Is Obama Bun Cha the best in Hanoi?”, I asked Hannah, Hai Bay Hotel’s ever helpful receptionist. (Author’s sidenote: “Obama […] - [Hiking the Seongpanak Trail to Hallasan](https://takingflights.com/hiking-the-seongpanak-trail-to-hallasan/): Seven of us hiked the Seongpanak trail up Mt Hallasan in October. It was a tough 21.2 km trek that took 11 energy sapping hours and a huge toll on our knees... - [9-Day Jeju Self-Guided Trip](https://takingflights.com/9-day-jeju-island-self-guided-trip/): Ten of us toured Jeju for 9 days on a self guided trip to explore Jeju's places of interest including a climb up Hallasan and a day on Udo Island. - [Cheapest Flight from Singapore to Jeju](https://takingflights.com/cheapest-flight-from-singapore-to-jeju/): Cheapest Flight from Singapore to Jeju - [Gijang Crab Market](https://takingflights.com/gijang-crab-market/): “₩40,000 per kilo. Every restaurant same price…” is the common refrain of staff outside their restaurants as we were walking along the crammed streets of Gijang Market. Big signboards with crab motifs and tanks of live crabs makes it abundantly clear what’s you’re here for. Gijang market is about 20 mins from Yonggungsa temple which we visited […] - [Haedong Yonggungsa Temple](https://takingflights.com/haedong-yonggungsa-temple/): Most temples in Korea are built near mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is unique in that it is situated near the sea. The colorful temple sits on rocky outcrops facing the East Sea amidst crashing waves making it postcard perfect for photography. A perfect place to view sunrise I’d surmise. I’m a night owl so dawn […] - [8-Day Fly/Drive to Busan, Geoje and Tongyeong](https://takingflights.com/8-day-fly-drive-to-busan-geoje-and-tongyeong/): Busan is a coastal city in the southern part of the Korean peninsula. Having visited Busan for 3 days last year on a stopover to Jeju which was hardly enough to have a taste of this sprawling city, I decided to cover Busan and its environs in more depth by doing a 8-day trip during […] - [5 Korean Food I Enjoyed Most in Seoul](https://takingflights.com/5-korean-food-i-enjoyed-most-in-seoul/): We all know Korean food is yum! And when you find yourself in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, you really shouldn’t miss out on some of these! - [Comparing Lotte Rent-A-Car and Sixt Car Rental Rates in Busan](https://takingflights.com/comparing-lotte-rent-a-car-and-sixt-car-rental-rates-in-busan/): I’m planning a trip to Busan in Oct 2017 with a side trip to Geoje and Tongyeong. Geoje is a small island Southwest of Busan and Tongyeong is a coastal town further west. They are a linked by highways and bridges to Busan. I intend to do a 3-day driving trip there and back to Busan. […] - [18-Day Journey Along the Silk Route](https://takingflights.com/18-day-journey-along-the-silk-route/): Our journey along the Silk Route took us from Xi'an through Hemu grassland to Kashgar. Join me on this 18-day adventure covering over 6000km... - ['Flying' From Singapore to Kuala Lumpur (KL) on Aeroline](https://takingflights.com/flying-from-singapore-to-kuala-lumpur-kl-on-aeroline/): Took the Aeroline bus from Singapore to KL and back for a short trip to Kuala Lumpur. - [Day 8: Face to Face with The Wind and Thunder Gods](https://takingflights.com/day-8-face-to-face-with-the-wind-and-thunder-gods-of-kennin-ji-temple/): Day 8: Visited Kennin-ji Temple and hiked up Mt Inari at Fushimi Inari Taisha... - [Day 7: Visit to Nishiki Market, Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari Taisha](https://takingflights.com/day-7-visit-to-nishiki-market-kiyomizudera-and-fushimi-inari-taisha/): On Day 7 of our trip to Ise-Shima and Kyoto we visited Nishiki Market, Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari Taisha. - [Day 6: Exploring Arashiyama and Ancient Kyoto](https://takingflights.com/day-6-exploring-arashiyama-and-ancient-kyoto/): Day 6: Visited Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Kinkaku-ji Temple. - [Day 5: Driving from Shingu to Kyoto via Nara](https://takingflights.com/day-5-driving-from-shingu-to-kyoto-via-nara/): Day 5: A long drive from Shingu to Kyoto with a stop at Nara Park to say hello to the friendly deer... - [Day 4: Paying Homage to the Historic Shrines of Kumano](https://takingflights.com/day-4-paying-homage-to-the-historic-shrines-of-kumano/): On Day 4 we visited the UNESCO sites of Kumano namely Kumano Nachi-Taisha Shrine, Kamikura Shrine and Kumano Hayatama-Taisha. - [Day 3: A Scenic Drive From Shima to Shingu](https://takingflights.com/day-3-a-scenic-drive-from-shima-to-shingu/): Day 3: A Scenic Drive From Shima to Shingu... - [Day 2: Exploring Shima and Ago Bay](https://takingflights.com/day-2-exploring-shima-and-ago-bay/): We explored Ago Bay on the Shima Peninsula on the 2nd day of our trip to Ise-Shima... - [Day 1: Nagoya to Ise-Shima](https://takingflights.com/day-1-nagoya-to-ise-shima/): Day 1 of our 9-day driving trip to Ise-Shima, Shingu, Nara and Kyoto. - [Ise-Shima Beckons – a 9 Day Trip Round the Mie, Nara & Wakayama Peninsula](https://takingflights.com/ise-shima-beckons-a-9-day-trip-round-the-mie-nara-wakayama-peninsula/): Looking forward to our 9 Day trip to Ise Shima, Shingu, Nara and Kyoto driving through Mie, Nara and Wakayama perfectures of Japan. - [Tandil : Hidden Gem of Buenos Aires](https://takingflights.com/tandil-hidden-gem-of-buenos-aires/): Tandil is a real haven of peace, full of air and nature where you can explore the hills and enjoy the pretty little city as an alternative to the intense activities of Buenos Aires. - [In Search of the Best Cendol in Malacca](https://takingflights.com/in-search-of-the-best-cendol-in-malacca/): During this trip we went in search of the best cendol in Malacca... - [How to Visit Iceland on a Budget](https://takingflights.com/how-to-visit-iceland-on-a-budget/): Your trip to Iceland can be the ultimate vacation of a lifetime. The Nordic expedition can be thrilling even when you have a tight budget. Here's how you can enjoy your trip to Iceland on a budget. - [7 Things To Know Before Going To Argentina](https://takingflights.com/7-things-to-know-before-going-to-argentina/): This traditional country has become a favored destination for people travelling and discovering the world. Today, we give you some advice for preparing your trip to Argentina. - [Buenos Aires City Guide](https://takingflights.com/buenos-aires-city-guide/): Buenos Aires is nicknamed “the Paris of South America” because of its intense cultural and artistic activity. The city lives and breathes at the beat of tango! Let yourself be guided through the various and distinct districts of Buenos Aires to feel the heartbeat of South America! - [5 Reasons Why I Enjoyed Hanoi Street Food](https://takingflights.com/5-reasons-why-i-enjoyed-hanoi-street-food/): No visit to Hanoi would be complete without trying its sumptuous street food... - [2 Day Malacca Food Trail](https://takingflights.com/2-day-malacca-food-trail/): I haven't been to Malacca for quite a while so decided to take a 2-day trip last week to check out the food scene some friends have been raving about. - [Say Goodbye to Boredom at Boracay!](https://takingflights.com/say-goodbye-to-boredom-at-boracay/): Boracay is one of Philippines’ top draws for tourists, both local and international. - [Things to do on Udo Island, the Happiest Place on Earth!](https://takingflights.com/beautiful-udo-island-the-happiest-place-on-earth/): Udo, or Cow Island as the locals call it, is just 3.5 km off the north-eastern coast of Jeju. It is a small island surrounded by emerald blue seas, pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes swarming with happy holiday makers. I have not been to Bhutan (ranked No. 1 in happiness in a CNN report), but […] - [Discovering Kyoto's Old Charm](https://takingflights.com/discovering-kyotos-old-charm/): After a cold night in Takayama, we drove southwards towards Kyoto where we stayed for 3 nights at Otsu Prince Hotel by the shores of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Kyoto is a large city with many temples, shrines and other historical attractions built over many centuries. It is good to see that modernization […] - [Shirakawa-go in Winter](https://takingflights.com/shirakawa-go-in-winter/): After visiting the Jigokudani snow monkeys we left Yudanaka Seifu-so Hotel early in the morning for the three and a half hour drive to Shirakawa-go. [slider ids=”1212,1211″ fullwidth=”yes” captions=”yes” ] It was bright and sunny around the Nagano when we left but midway near Toyama the first signs of winter snow began falling. Light at […] - [Jigokudani Monkey Park](https://takingflights.com/jigokudani-monkey-park/): The highlight of our trip to central Japan was to visit the Jigokudani Monkey Park to observe the adorable snow monkeys in their natural habitat... - [Matsumoto Castle - Japan's Oldest Castle](https://takingflights.com/matsumoto-castle-japans-oldest-castle/): Matsumoto, in Nagano Prefecture, was our first stop in our 10 day trip to Central Japan. The most popular attraction is Matsumoto Castle, is one of the most beautiful and oldest among Japan's historic castles... - [Nice, The French Riviera, France](https://takingflights.com/nice-the-french-riviera-france/): The second largest city on the French Riviera, Nice has a perpetual laid-back festivity imbued in its breath. - [The Great Ocean Road - From Melbourne to Port Fairy](https://takingflights.com/the-great-ocean-road-from-melbourne-to-port-fairy/): The Great Ocean Road is best experienced over a road trip of at least 3 to 4 days. Take your time to soak in the different atmospheres of the various coastal towns, and to visit the multitude of attractions. We began our week-long trip on the Great Ocean Road, with Lorne as our first destination and ending at Port Fairy. - [Exploring Mornington Peninsula, South of Melbourne](https://takingflights.com/exploring-the-mornington-peninsula-south-of-melbourne/): After two relaxing days in Melbourne city we decided to rent a car and take an hour's drive to Mornington Peninsula which is popular holiday destination known for its beaches, inland wineries and outdoor activities... - [Melbourne - a Holiday Haven Waiting to be Explored!](https://takingflights.com/melbourne-a-holiday-haven-waiting-to-be-explored/): Melbourne, often known as the world’s most liveable city, is a cosmopolitan yet cosy city where you will fit right in as you stroll along the pretty streets that bubble with liveliness. Simply enjoy a nature walk around the sprawling Botanic Gardens or saunter along the Yarra River... - [Kamakura, the Little Kyoto just South of Tokyo](https://takingflights.com/kamakura-the-little-kyoto-just-south-of-tokyo/): Kamakura, is anything but the neon signages and bustling chaos synonymous with its neighbour, Tokyo. - [The Tsukiji Fish Market Tuna Auction Experience](https://takingflights.com/the-tsukiji-fish-market-tuna-auction-experience/): Reliving the Tuna Auction experience at the largest wholesale fish market in the world, the famous Tsukiji Fish Market, before it moves to a new location in Toyosu in November 2016. - [A Hostel Experience at an Osakan Guesthouse](https://takingflights.com/a-hostel-experience-at-an-osakan-guesthouse/): Recounting my wonderful hostel experience at a guesthouse in Osaka. You get to meet people from other countries and experience Japanese culture in an informal setting. - [How Not to Get to Your Hostel in One Piece](https://takingflights.com/how-not-to-get-to-your-hostel-in-one-piece/): Once aboard the Shinkansen, quick as the wind, carrying me towards Osaka, I spent five minutes mentally preparing myself for the scene at arrival, and then a good part of two hours on the excellent iPhone game, Sushi Ninja. - [The Sandstone Peaks of Meteora (Greece)](https://takingflights.com/the-sandstone-peaks-of-meteora-greece/): We drove 4 hours from Athens to visit the Sandstone Peaks of Meteora, a UNESCO heritage site. There are 6 majestic monasteries around Meteora, connected by circuit road. - [There Was a Hallstatt Before There Was a Rome](https://takingflights.com/there-was-a-hallstatt-before-there-was-a-rome/): Tucked between the Hallstatter See (Lake Hallstatt) and the Dachstein Mountains is Austria’s oldest and possibly most photographed village. Owing its existence to rich salt deposits in its mountains, the history of Hallstatt is richly entwined with the history of salt... - [Destinations On The Rise : Da Nang, Vietnam](https://takingflights.com/destinations-on-the-rise-da-nang-vietnam/): The port city of Da Nang, Vietnam's 3rd largest city, is perfect for foodies. Famous for the fresh and bold flavors of Central Vietnamese cuisine, you can expect to taste your way through the streets on a walking or biking culinary tour... - [The Relaxing Island Life of Santorini](https://takingflights.com/the-relaxing-island-life-of-santorini/): We visited Santorini (or Thíra), the precious gem of the Aegean, in Summer but we loved it more in Autumn. We took the opportunity to rent a car to explore the island... - [Upon the “Cotton Castles” of Pamukkale, Turkey](https://takingflights.com/upon-the-cotton-castles-of-pamukkale-turkey/): We got into the town of Pamukkale after sun down, after an arduous journey, where our bus had broken down from Marmaris. It was getting late and we hadn’t pre-booked accommodation, so we made a beeline to the tourist information center in the middle of town. The office was stark, with a few lockers in […] - [Thekra Slums - Ahmedabad, India](https://takingflights.com/thekra-slums-ahmedabad-india/): The Sabarmati Ashram, also known as the Gandhi Ashram, is located in the Sabarmati suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on the banks of the River Sabarmati. This was one of the residences of Mahatma Gandhi, who lived there for about 12 years along with his wife. It was here that Gandhi made his base when he […] - [Misty Magical Lake Bled (Slovenia)](https://takingflights.com/misty-magical-lake-bled-slovenia/): Cradled within the eastern most parts of the Julian Alps of Slovenia, sheltered by its picturesque peaks, lies the charming Lake Bled and its mystique... - [Bullfight in Madrid (Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas)](https://takingflights.com/bullfight-in-madrid-plaza-de-toros-de-las-ventas/): Located in the east of Madrid, in the Salamanca district, Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas is Spain’s most famous bullring. Commonly known as Las Ventas, it is an imposing structure of red bricks and ceramic tiles. I was “fortunate” enough to be in Madrid during the bull fighting season (which starts in March and […] - [A Night With Venezia (Venice)](https://takingflights.com/a-night-with-venezia-venice/): [dropcap type=””]T[/dropcap]he alarm rang at 5am. It took my brain a second or so to grind the gears to a start and then in a swift motion I jumped out from under the warm folds of the duvet and plunged into the brisk morning air. I always figured that was the best way to rouse […] - [Songkran - The Biggest Water Fight on Earth!](https://takingflights.com/songkran-the-biggest-water-fight-on-earth/): Every year when Thailand celebrates their New Year, from April 13th to 15th, the country turns into an all out war zone of water fights. For three days nobody stays dry for long on the streets of Thailand. Armed with water guns, buckets, hoses, pretty much anything that can deliver copious amounts of water, anyone […] - [Plitvice Lakes - A Tale of Two Seasons](https://takingflights.com/plitvice-lakes-a-tale-of-two-seasons/): Plitvice Lakes National Park (Nacionalni park plitvička jezera) is Croatia’s largest national park and also it’s biggest natural attraction. Added in 1979 to UNESCO’s World Heritage register, it is situated in mountainous central Croatia, boasting sixteen lakes, cascading down via a sequence of waterfalls and cataracts, swallowed by 8km of densely forested hills. The dreamy hinterland […] - [A Walk Among the Clouds - Lovćen, Montenegro](https://takingflights.com/a-walk-among-the-clouds-njegoss-mausoleum-lovcen-montenegro/): A couple of days back, our laidback hostel staffer, Miljan, showed us some photos of the mausoleum atop Lovćen and told us that on a clear day we could see all off Montenegro. (Well quite a fair bit at least). It had rained a few days before this, but the weather cleared yesterday and seeing […] - [Climbing Kotor City Walls in Montenegro!](https://takingflights.com/climbing-kotor-city-walls-in-montenegro/): The Kotor City walls are more than 4km in length and reach a height of 260m. It offers some of the best vantage points of the bay of Kotor. An old world collection of gates and fortifications, churches and fortresses. My brother and I, had held off the climb for a couple of days, but […] - [Hot Spa in the Cold! - Reykjadalur, Iceland](https://takingflights.com/hot-spa-in-the-cold-reykjadalur-iceland/): There are many highlights to our trip to Iceland. Volcanoes and glaciers, waterfalls and the northern lights (Aurora Borealis), beautiful Viking literature and lore, exotic foods (puffins, reindeers and whale) all about a backdrop of mountains and lakes, beaches and seas. One of the experiences that stood out was a 3km hike up steam valley, […] - [Climbing the Ghost Tower – Sathorn Unique, Bangkok](https://takingflights.com/climbing-the-ghost-tower-sathorn-unique-bangkok/): Sathorn Unique Tower is an unfinished 49-storey skyscraper in Bangkok. The project was hit by the 1997 Asian financial crisis and construction was stopped. Like many developments that went bust in 1997, it cost more to tear them down and instead has been converted into advertising space. Large billboards draped over the derelict buildings gloomy […] - [UP! Cappadocia in a Hot Air Balloon](https://takingflights.com/up-cappadocia-in-a-hot-air-balloon/): Cappadocia or Kapadokya (Turkish) is a dreamy landscape dotted by lazy hot air balloons carried by the winds over a landscape of whimsical fairy chimneys. Rich in history, as most of Turkey is, remarkable rock architecture and the Alice-in-Wonderland-esque natural formations makes it one of Turkey’s top tourist attractions. We got in from Istanbul via […] - [Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls, Jeju](https://takingflights.com/cheonjiyeon-falls-jeju/): Jeju is renowned for its scenic coastlines and picturesque waterfalls which attract millions of tourists all year round. Among the most visited places is Cheonjiyeon Falls, one of the designated natural monuments of South Korea. It is 22m high and plunges into a pool of water 20m in depth. Cheonjiyeon Falls (천지연 폭포) is located […] - [Jeongbang Waterfalls, Jeju](https://takingflights.com/jeongbang-waterfalls-jeju/): Jeju, although not a very big island, is blessed with spectacular terrain, majestic peaks, lava caves and numerous waterfalls. Most of the waterfalls are located in the southern part of the island near to Seogwipo. One of the most scenic is Jeongbang Falls (정방폭포). The other two popular waterfalls, also in the same area, are […] - [Mt Sanbangsan and Yongmeori Coast, Jeju](https://takingflights.com/mt-sanbangsan-and-yongmeori-coast-jeju/): A visit to Jeju would not be complete without visiting Mt Sanbangsan and Yongmeori Coast. These two attractions are located in the same area and can be easily accessed by car or bus. Being further from Jeju Airport and Jeju city it is less crowded compared to attractions in the North like Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise […] - [Driving in Jeju](https://takingflights.com/renting-a-car-and-driving-in-jeju/): Jeju is an island located off the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. Occupying an area of 1878 sq.m it is Korea’s largest island. A round trip along the coastal route is about 280 Km. Although there are public buses serving major destinations, driving in Jeju is the more convenient option as it saves you time and […] - [Eastar Jet Flight From Seoul (GMP) to Jeju (CJU)](https://takingflights.com/eastar-jet-flight-from-seoul-gmp-to-jeju-cju/): Jeju is an island just off the Southern coast of South Korea. It is a very popular tourist destination not only for Koreans but for visitors all over the world charmed by its scenic coasts. The number of tourists from China is growing at such frenetic pace that most major establishments have Chinese speaking staff. […] ## Pages - [St Giles Southkey Hotel Review](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/st-giles-southkey-hotel-review/): I recently stayed at the new St Giles Southkey Hotel at Mid Valley in Johor Bahru, and I must say I was impressed with the experience. Opened in 2022 the 575-room hotel is conveniently located within the Mid Valley Southkey complex, which houses a mall, an office tower, and several residential towers. I booked a […] - [One World Hotel Review](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/one-world-hotel-review/): I had the opportunity to stay at the One World Hotel at Bandar Utama (Petaling Jaya) twice this year. The great thing about this hotel is that it is connected to the 1Utama Shopping Centre which happens to be the largest mall in Malaysia and 6th largest in the world, meaning there won’t be a shortage of […] - [Hotel Kintetsu Aquavilla Ise-Shima Review](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/hotel-kintetsu-aquavilla-ise-shima-review/): During our recent 9-day trip to Ise-Shima we booked a 2 night stay at the Hotel Kintetsu Aquavilla Ise- Shima to be close to the Ago Bay area. This is mid-way between Nagoya and our next stop Shingu. The hotel was chosen for the 2016 G7 summit so I reckon this should be a “safe” bet, and the price […] - [Jeju Ocean Palace Hotel Review](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/jeju-ocean-palace-hotel-review/): We stayed at the Ocean Palace Hotel on our second trip to Jeju. We chose this hotel for its convenient location in the southern Jeju city of Seogwipo. We had a rental car. The drive from Jeju International airport was around 90 mins. It will take approximately 2 hours by bus. The Ocean Palace Hotel is […] - [Top Travel Tips for Packing Smart](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/top-travel-tips-for-packing-smart/):   We see a ton of travel tips from all over the place – from books to blogs to travel reviews and magazines. Here, we have put together a list of the Top Tips for Packing Smart from some of the most avid travellers we know.   Pack light. Travel light. If you can make […] - [Ferry Schedule and Fares to Udo Island](https://takingflights.com/passenger-and-car-ferry-schedule-and-fares-to-udo-island/): Udo is an island located about 3.8km off the coast of Jeju. The ferry ride from Jeju to Udo Island takes just 15 minutes. There are two departing ports from Jeju and two ports on Udo.  Ferries leave Jeju from Seongsan Port and Jongdal Port and arrive at either Cheonjin or Haumok-dong Port on Udo […] - [Jeju GPS Phone Numbers](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/gps-telephone-numbers-for-driving-in-jeju/): Jeju is an island off the southern coast of the Korean peninsula. It is not a big island making it ideal for a short driving vacation.  Navigating the island is easy as all rental cars come equipped with GPS. Although there are public bus services plying the island, driving saves time and allows you to […] - [Contact](https://takingflights.com/contact-us/) - [Pension Hida no Mori](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/pension-hida-no-mori/): We stayed at the Pension Hida no Mori for one night after visiting Shirakawa-go. The popular Gassho farmhouses at Shirakawa were booked out months ahead. After reading the many positive reviews on Tripadvisor we decided on Pension Hida no Mori as it is near Takayama which was our next destination. Pension Hida no Mori is […] - [Yudanaka Seifu-so Hotel](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/yudanaka-seifu-so-hotel/): We stayed at the Yudanaka Seifu-so Hotel for 2 nights during our 10 day trip to central Japan. We were here specifically for the Jigokudani snow monkeys. We arrived late on a winter evening after a 2 hour drive from Karuizawa. It was already dark and streets were dimly lit. That did not help as […] - [Karuizawa Prince Hotel East](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/karuizawa-prince-hotel-east-hotel-review/): Karuizawa was the second pit-stop in our 10 day driving trip across central Japan. Karuizawa is a mountain resort at the foot of Mount Asama in Nagano Prefecture popular with city folks from Tokyo to escape the heat in summer and to ski in winter. It is just an hour by Shinkansen from Tokyo. We […] - [Dormy Inn Matsumoto](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/dormy-inn-matsumoto-hotel-review/): Matsumoto was our first stop en-route to Nagano in our 10 day driving trip to Central Japan. We arrived at Hotel Dormy Inn Matsumoto late in the afternoon after a 4 hour drive from Nagoya Airport. I choose Dormy Inn as it has a good reputation operating a chain of hotels in Japan catering to […] - [Hotel Reviews](https://takingflights.com/hotel-reviews/): We have added some reviews of hotels we have stayed in. Hope you find these reviews useful: Dormy Inn Matsumoto Yudanaka Seifuso Hotel Karuizawa Prince East Hotel Pension Hida no Mori - [Driving in Japan With GPS and ETC](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/renting-a-car-and-driving-in-japan/): I had the opportunity of renting a car and driving in Japan on a trip to Kyushu 2 years ago and more recently on a 10 day trip to central Japan from Nagoya to Matsumoto, Nagano, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, and Kyoto. On both trips I rented a car from ToCoo! Rent-a-car which I found to be […] - [Why You Should Travel Solo (At Least) Once In Your Lifetime](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/why-you-should-travel-solo-at-least-once-in-your-lifetime/): How many times have you tried to nail a date for a trip with friends or family? Or perhaps, how many times have you managed to actually pin down a date for a trip with your travel mates and then failed to decide on the destination and your entire trip goes kaput? I’m sure these […] - [Top 3 Travel Gadgets You Cannot Leave Home Without](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/top-3-travel-gadgets-you-cannot-leave-home-without/): Are you a gadget junkie? If you are, you really wouldn’t want to leave home without these! 1) Portable Battery Charger These days, we cannot live without our mobile phones, and for some others, our mobile phones AND tablets. When the battery on our devices run out, we feel (almost) helpless. If you know what […] - [Privacy Policy](https://takingflights.com/privacy/): By using this Website, you agree to the collection and use of your information by us in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Changes to the Privacy Policy We reserve the right to change the terms of this Privacy Policy at any time without notice. Any changes will be posted on this page and visitors are […] - [Sitemap](https://takingflights.com/sitemap/) - [Top 5 Travel Must-Haves For Your Next Long Haul Flight](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/top-5-travel-must-haves-for-your-next-long-haul-flight/): We all dread long haul flights, what more if we travel coach. Hence it really calls for somewhat brash measures to make the ride a much more comfortable one, even if it means we might end up looking a little (just a little) silly. With that in mind, here is a list of travel products […] - [Tips for First Time Airbnb Renters](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/tips-for-first-time-airbnb-renters-2/): Airbnb is getting popular with travelers these days. Before you get launched into the onslaught of apartment-rental wilds, here are a few tips you need to know to avoid disappointment. 1) It ain’t no hotel. This might seen reallly obvious but some renters don’t really get the apartment-sharing concept and expect the welcome, service and […] - [Cheapest Air Tickets with Skiplagged](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/cheapest-air-tickets-with-skiplagged/): Skiplagged was launched in 2013 with the goal of helping consumers become savvy travelers by making an airfare search engine that is capable of finding hidden-city opportunities. It is all about about itineraries where your destination is a layover and actually cost less than where it’s the final stop, potentially saving consumers up to 80% […] - [Hand Gestures Not To Use Overseas](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/travel-tips-hand-gestures-not-to-use-overseas/): Hand gestures are a most common way of communicating with others and conveying your feelings. These gestures are usually most helpful when there are language barriers but beware! The meanings of hand gestures in different cultures may translate into different things. Here’s a look at some hand gestures that you should take note of before […] - [Travel Tips](https://takingflights.com/travel-tips/): Travel is full of pitfalls. A single wrong step, say, a seedy hotel room or a wasted afternoon at a tourist-trap attraction or an overnight flight crammed in the middle seat, and your dream vacation could well be out the window. To ensure you make all the right moves, here are some travel tips we […] [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)