5 Reasons To Visit Japan In The Summer

Above, the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima during the summer of 2004. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Back in 2004, I was part of G-TOUR, a group tour of Japan by Godzilla fans. It was during the summer of that year.

We did find it hot and humid while on the tour. The coolest (temperature-wise) was while we were on the slopes of Mount Fuji. 

For those who can only travel during the summer months or have a high tolerance to heat and humidity, the following may be your cup of green tea.

Travel Off Path provides five reasons why this summer is the perfect time to visit Japan.

They begin it with:

Japan is famous for its springtime cherry blossoms, colorful autumn days, and crisp snow-capped mountains in the winter, but summer is its best-kept secret.

While most summer travelers picture dreamy beaches and charming European towns for their vacation, there are many benefits to discovering other less popular destinations during this time of year. 

With fewer tourists and better deals to be found, Japan offers some surprising reasons to visit this summer.

 To see what the five reasons are, go here.

Summer Travel: Memphis Or Nashville?

Above, Memphis's Beale Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To start things off, I state for the record that I have never been to Nashville, Tennessee. I plan on visiting the city someday.

I have been to Memphis, Tennessee twice. I have enjoyed it each time I have been there. The most recent time was in 2016. I stayed at the Graceland RV Park across the street from Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion.

Travel Off Path has an article stating that travelers should choose Memphis over Nashville for summer travel this year. I cannot say if they are right or wrong, it is up to the reader to decide.

They begin with:

If you’ve been to Nashville lately, you’ve probably noticed how packed it is.

There’s a current trend of bachelorettes and their bridal parties flocking to Nashville for one last wild weekend before heading to the altar — and they’re not the only ones overcrowding Nashville.

Music lovers and travelers searching for that Southern charm aren’t going to find it in Nashville anymore.

The true soul of Tennessee is in Memphis – The Home of the Blues.

 To read more, go here.

7 Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting Tokyo

Above, nighttime in Asakusa with the Tokyo
Skytree in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan opened up to foreign travelers after over two years of being closed down due to the pandemic.

Although they have done this months ago (since October), there's some rigmarole that visitors have to do before jumping on the airplane. For information, go here.

This post isn't about that. It is about seven things travelers need to know about Tokyo before visiting from Travel Off Path.

They begin it with:

Tokyo is a glorious mix of old and new. It is a city that balances tradition and technology like nowhere else and is buzzing and chaotic yet somehow also ordered and calm. Tokyo is a modern city, but it still has a culture that shines bright. It is also incredibly safe, clean, and delicious and could take a lifetime to explore. This captivating city should be on every traveler’s bucket list.

But before setting off to Tokyo, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling to Tokyo, including:

 To read more, go here.

What To Know About Traveling To Florida Following Hurricane Ian

Above, Key West and the Florida Keys are already open for business. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The devastation of Florida from Hurricane Ian is still mind-blowing (no pun intended) and it is still being totaled up. It will likely take years to get the state back to normal in many places.

In the meantime, there are those who planned to vacation in Florida. After all, tourism is one of Florida's biggest industries. What should people know about traveling to Florida following Hurricane Ian?

Travel Off Path has posted an article discussing this.

They begin with:

On September 28th, 2022, Hurricane Ian made Landfall on Florida’s Southwest coast. The devastating category 4 storm sustained winds over 115mph with gusts up to 132mph. Flooding was estimated to be up to 18 ft. on the coast and 6 ft. further inland. Buildings were flooded, property was swept away, hundreds of people died, and thousands became displaced from their homes.

After ravaging Southwest Florida, the hurricane swept through Central Florida as it was downgraded to a category 3 storm. The impact to the area was devastating despite the loss of strength. Emergency evacuations took place as many buildings in the region were flooded with thousands losing their dwellings and hundreds more losing their businesses. Violent winds up to 100 mph damaged structures and knocked down power lines. Even Florida’s delicate ecosystem was affected as hundreds of sea turtle eggs were scattered along a beach in Fort Pierce. 

As the storm moved north to South Carolina before losing further strength, Florida was left in a wake of destruction. The storm killed over 120 people and thousands of lives will forever be changed by the damage that the storm caused.

As Florida begins the process of repairing what has been broken and rebuilding what has been destroyed, many people are wondering how they can help and if it is ethical to visit Florida mere weeks after the Hurricane. Here’s what you should know. 

Despite being in the "epicenter" of Hurricane Ian, the Florida Keys, especially Key West, have bounced back and are open for business.

To read more, go here.

Japan Reopening For Normal Tourism October 11

Above, Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan is going to scrap all entry requirements and allow foreign tourists next month as it did before the pandemic, it has been announced.

Yes, it is for real this time.

According to Travel Off Path:

Beginning October 11, Japan will scrap nearly all its remaining entry requirements and allow for normal tourism after over 2.5 years of stringent restrictions. During a news conference in New York on Thursday, September 22, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that Japan will be getting rid of its cap on daily arrivals. Further, the country will allow individual tourists to enter visa-free, allowing Americans to enter the country without having to go through the cumbersome process of obtaining a tourist visa.

To read more, go here. 

American Tourists Continue To Be Banned From Japan

Above, Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing during normal times. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan appears to be the lone holdout among developed nations in banning foreign tourists. Frustration over this is mounting.

According to Travel Off Path:

Even though the continent of Asia has been finally lifting its overly restrictive travel rules, which kept most foreigners locked out for the best part of two years, Japan is one of a few with ‘no immediate plans’ to reopen for tourism.

In other words, American tourists are still banned from visiting Japan for non-essential reasons.

The Travel Off Path article discusses Japan's stance and here are the most important points:

While other nations like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand have started lifting curbs, welcoming vaccinated Americans under less bureaucratic border regimes, Japan has yet to lift what many deem dated travel bans.

In doing so, the Southeastern Asian hub goes directly against the official World Health Organization’s recommendation.

Not even Europe, where movement was once seriously restricted, went as far as Japan has.

Earlier this week, Japan officially removed travel bans for certain categories of travelers, from 106 countries, which do not include tourists. This means that, while vacationers are still not allowed to visit, travelers from the U.S. with evidence their visit to Japan is necessary in order to conduct business, can again cross the border.

The decision will surely boost Japan’s slow economic recovery, especially after the country saw 40,000 companies go bankrupt due to harsh border measures. On top of that, the country will also begin allowing more international students to enter, signaling the end to an era of blanket travel bans on all foreigners.

Sadly, American tourists continue to be left out, as do Canadians, Brits, and other foreigners hoping to visit for tourism purposes.

Having enacted similar border measures, Australia and New Zealand have recently reopened for tourism, further isolating Japan as one of the last countries in the world to ban tourists.

Japan’s visa waiver program, which up until 2020 allowed Americans to visit without applying for a visa, has also been suspended. Now, U.S. citizens hoping to travel to Japan for reasons other than tourism must submit an official application at a Japanese Consulate abroad.

In my view, the longer Japan bans foreign tourists, they run the risk having frustrated potential tourists giving up and say, "screw you", even after Japan reopens. "You don't want my spending dollars? Then to hell with you! I'll go elsewhere where my dollars and I are welcome."

To read the full article, go here.

Top 7 Hotels In The Hawaiian Islands

Above, a view from our lanai at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa on the Big Island. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Hawaii has lifted all restrictions on domestic tourists and dropped mask requirements, now is the time to consider a vacation trip there.

With the above in mind, Travel Off Path has posted their choices for the top 7 hotels in the Hawaiian Islands. Of the seven, I have stayed at two of them, the Sheraton Waikiki and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

The start their recommendations with:

Hawaii removed all entry requirements for domestic travelers earlier this month, and their mask mandate officially ended on March 26th, 2022. These lessened restrictions, in addition to the islands’ tropical and serene charm, will likely make them a desirable destination for many travelers in the upcoming year. This list looks at seven excellent resorts on the Hawaiian islands to consider staying at for your next trip. 

Above, the infinity pool and beach at the Sheraton Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Top 7 Things To Do In The Florida Keys

Above, the marina at Key West, Florida. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, before the pandemic hit, I was planning to take a week's vacation back in Key West, Florida.

I had been to Key West once and that was during the Key West and Havana, Cuba cruise in April 2019.

Well, the pandemic scuttled those plans. 

Things are opening up again and Travel Off Path has posted an article on the seven top things to do in the Florida Keys.

They begin it with:

The Florida Keys are one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US and for good reason one of the most well-known features of this sunny destination are the beaches. And while the keys are home to some amazing beaches, that’s not all they have to offer. Here are seven things to do on your next trip to the Florida Keys in addition to checking out some of the beaches.

To read more, go here. 

New Airline to Connect Asia to the U.S.

Above, Tokyo's Ginza Crossing. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Starting a new airline may be risky business, especially during a pandemic year where, no pun intended, things are up in the air. 

This airline is to connect the U.S. to destinations in Asia, particularly, South Korea and Japan.

Travel Off Path reported:

New U.S. Airline, Northern Pacific Airways, is hoping to hit the skies in late 2022, offering travelers new options to fly from North America to destinations within Asia.

On the airline’s official website they state, “An airline should do more than just ‘get you there.’ Northern Pacific Airways will be a new bridge between people and place, connecting the U.S. to Korea’s and Japan’s breathtaking sites and millennia-old culture.”

Well, the more, the merrier. 

To read more, go here.

Top 5 Places To Stay At Yellowstone National Park

Above, Yellowstone's Old Faithful Inn. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Lodging in and near Yellowstone National Park is a new topic at Travel Off Path. They spotlight the top five places to stay.

While lodging within the park is limited, the alternate option is staying at a town near the park.

The article begins with:

Yellowstone National Park was America’s first National Park and is one of the country’s most beloved vacation destinations. If you’re planning a trip there, figuring out where to stay will be one of the most important parts. Here are the top 5 places you’ll want to stay – both inside and outside of the park – as well as some specific tips for each. 

To read more, go here. 

Cruises To Hawaii Suspended Until Next Year

Above, Diamond Head and Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The topsy-turvy life of the 2020-21 coronavirus years continues.

Now, it has been announced that Hawaiian cruises are suspended until next year. January 2022 was said to be the earliest that cruises could resume. But January 2022 is not set in stone.

According to Travel Off Path:

Cruise enthusiasts keen to board a cruise around the Hawaiian islands have been dealt a blow this week, as it has emerged that they will have to wait until next year at the earliest to be able to do so. Whilst most of the cruise industry has returned to a semblance of normality following a shut-down of operations due to the spread of Covid-19, cruises have been absent from Hawaii, as the state’s government prioritizes safety during the pandemic. 

Unfortunately for many cruise lines and passengers, many itineraries had been updated recently to include cruises in Hawaii in the assumption that the situation would be resolved, leaving them in a last-dash scramble to change their schedules. Here’s everything you need to know about the decision to suspend cruises to Hawaii for longer, including which cruise lines are the worst affected.

To read more, go here. 

Top 10 Places To Visit In The Florida Keys

Above, one of many cats who reside at the Hemingway Home in Key West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Before the pandemic began, I was seriously planning a return trip to Key West, Florida. I had visited Key West the year prior during a cruise down to Havana, Cuba.

Those plans were scrapped, thanks to the pandemic, but there is a new article by Travel Off Path on the top 10 places to visit in the Florida Keys.

They begin it with:

The Florida Keys are a collection of islands just off the coast of Florida. The islands making up this group range from larger, inhabited ones, to hundreds of smaller, uninhabited lands. Here are the top 10 places to visit on these beautiful islands! 

To see what the top 10 places to visit are, go here. 

 

10 Awesome Places To Go Camping In The U.S. This Summer

Above, Grand Canyon National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Need some ideas for camping out this summer?

Well, as luck would have it, Travel Off Path has 10 "awesome places" to go camping at.

They begin with:

It’s camping season, so get set for alfresco adventures, fascinating wildlife and inspirational vistas. Here are ten superb U.S. destinations that’ll make you want to pitch your tent.

To see what they are, go here. 

Travel Off Path: Top 7 Things To Do In Yellowstone

Above, viewing the park's thermal features is on the list. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever thought of visiting Yellowstone National Park but wonder what is there to do?

You're in luck! Travel Off Path has listed the top 7 things to do in Yellowstone.

They start with:

Known for world-famous attractions such as Old Faithful Geyser, a visit to Yellowstone National Park is a truly memorable experience. Here are the top 7 things to do on your future trip to the park. 

 To see what they are, go here.

Things To Do In Yosemite

Above, Yosemite's Bridalveil Fall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Tired of the same-old same-old while visiting a national park?

There are things to do in our national parks and Travel Off Path has an article with seven things to do in Yosemite National Park in California. Some are obvious and some are not so obvious.

They begin it with:

Visiting nature is a great way to unwind, relax, and enjoy some time away from daily life. Located in the stunning Californian wilderness, Yosemite National Park is no exception. First time visitors as well as returning visitors may be curious about what activities and experiences the park has to offer. Here are 7 memorable and fun things to do on your next trip to Yosemite National Park.

To see what they are, go here. 

Visiting National Parks: Things To Know

Above, Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With many people opting for road trips to national parks via RV or the family car over air travel and cruises, the parks look to be crowded this summer vacation season.

Many will be visiting a national park for the first time and there's a few things they should know. Travel Off Path has a helpful article on the top ten things people should know before visiting U.S. national parks.

They begin with:

As summer approaches, many of us are thinking about ways to get outside. The U.S. National Parks system offers one of the best ways to do just that. The National Parks are some of the most beloved and sought-after destinations in the U.S. But you shouldn’t just get up and go to a park. There’s some important information you’ll need to be fully prepared for your outdoor experience.

If you’re wanting to take a trip to a National Park in 2021, you’ll need to do a few things first…

To read more, go here. 

Japan's State of Emergency In Tokyo

Above, Godzilla peers over a Shinjuku building in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With the spike in coronavirus infections in recent weeks, the Japanese government has declared a State of Emergency in Tokyo.

Foreigners aren't affected by this since none, with a few exceptions, cannot enter the country.

But, it is good to know what the State of Emergency entails. It will last until February 7, at the earliest.

Travel Off Path has an article that spells it all out.

They start it with:

The Japanese government has declared a state of emergency for its capital city Tokyo as the country struggles to control the spread of the virus. The declaration follows days of deliberation and will see the government request its citizens to obey a series of commands designed to reduce the possibility of the disease spreading further, such as staying home or curbing social habits. Here’s what we know about the state of emergency declaration so far, and how it’s going to affect travel to and from the country.

To read more, go here. 

The Great American Road Trip's Comeback

Above, The Beast at Graceland RV Park in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During times like these, airlines and cruise ships are considered by the general public as flying and floating petri dishes where diseases can and do run rampant.

There is one mode of travel that people, rightly so, feel is much safer: the road trip.

After being cooped up at home for weeks, people are anxious to get out.

According to Travel Off Path:

Cabin fever has officially set in and many people are planning their next trips. What may shock you is travel could return sooner than we think.  

The ‘Great American Road Trip' is about to get a major comeback! 

There's a pent-up demand for travel. People have missed their spring break cruises and theme park vacations. They've had to sit in their homes and apartments for weeks. Now they just want to get out of town.  

Before the fall, summer vacations will remain focused on maintaining Covid-19 prevention.  

Instead of planning any air travel this summer, many North Americans are opting for road trips to nearby destinations to visit friends and family.  

To read more, go here.