In 2016 I was extremely fortunate to be able to visit 5 countries that I’d never been to before. Here’s a quick round up of my 2016 travels, including best bits and top tips.
March 2016 – Reykjavik, Iceland
Where I saw the Northern Lights, bathed in hot springs and fell in love.
Best bits
- Seeing the Aurora Borealis;
- Bathing in the milky water of the Blue Lagoon;
- Watching Strokkur Geyser erupt;
- Seeing the American and Eurasian tectonic plates with my own eyes at Thingvellir National Park.
Top Tips
- Dress for the weather. In winter, that generally means thermals, layers, warm gloves, hat, thick socks and walking boots;
- Master your camera settings;
- Don’t upset Huldufolk.
April/May 2016 – Berlin, Germany
The coolest European city I’ve ever visited.
Best bits
- Hanging around Brandenburg Gate;
- Tiergarten;
- Strandbad Wannsee;
- Mauerpark;
- Gedenskstatte Berliner Mauer.
Top Tips
- Buy a Berlin City Welcome Card;
- Use the UBhan and the SBhan;
- Visit Brandenburg Gate during the day and at night.
June 2016 – Croatia
Everything about Croatia is beautiful. The weather, the water, the nature, the architecture, the people.
Best bits
- Hvar;
- Krka National Park;
- Walking Dubrovnik’s City Walls;
- Speed boating in Split.
Top tips
- Use the correct change on buses;
- Be prepared to walk up lots of steps;
- Walk Dubrovnik City Walls early in the morning or early in the evening.
Sept/Oct 2016 – Japan
The most bizarre and weirdly wonderful country ever.
Best bits
- The madness of Tokyo;
- The serenity of Kyoto;
- The nightlife in Osaka;
- Fushimi Inari-taisha;
- Viewing Mt. Fuji over Ashi Lake;
- Staying in a Capsule Hoel;
- Japanese Shower Toilets.
Top Tips
- Buy a Japan Rail Pass (JRP) before you go;
- Learn a few Japanese phrases;
- Do some research about cultural norms;
- Prepare to get naked in an Onsen;
- If in doubt, take your shoes off.
Dec 2016 – Paris, France
Possibly the most romantic city ever. Perfect for a day trip.
Best Bits
- The Eiffel Tower;
- Drinking Champagne on the Champs-Elysees;
- Window shopping in Avenue Montaigne.
Top Tips
- Expect to stand in line a lot;
- Where possible, buy tickets for major tourist attractions in advance;
- Carry some loose change to buy train tickets.
Check out some of the highlights in my short video.