TRAVELABROOD

 KYOTO, JAPAN Anyone planning to visit Japan is likely familiar with  Kyoto . For over a thousand years, the city renowned for its temples and shrines was Japan's capital. Today, this must-see destination is highly sought-after during Spring when the Cherry Blossom (Sakura) are in bloom and Autumn when the entire region is covered in a variety of fall colours. Located in the heart of Japan's main island, Honshu, Kyoto is reachable via flights to  Osaka  or Tokyo followed by a shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto Station. Within Kyoto, getting around is convenient, either by the  local transportation  network, taxi or on foot. We visited over the Culture Day long weekend in November. From Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station, the shinkansen took a little over two hours, with both stations and the train being exhaustingly crowded. Once in Kyoto, your next decision is knowing where to stay. Kyoto is divided into districts , each with its own personality and proximity...

 DAY TRIPPING FROM TOKYO Often a day trip from Tokyo can be as close as a 30-minute train ride. No matter how far you travel, beyond the modern and chic districts of Tokyo are some historically beautiful towns. If your schedule permits, exploring Greater Tokyo is highly recommended. During my recent visit, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Kawagoe, Kichijoji, Kamakura and Enoshima. KAWAGOE Situated a brief 30-minute train ride away from central Tokyo, Kawagoe played a pivotal role as a primary goods provider to the city during its Edo era. Established back in 830, Kitain Temple, also known as Kawagoe Daishi, rose to prominence by the 17th century. Regrettably, some sections of the temple have suffered damage over time, yet remnants of the original Edo Castle endure to this day. In ancient India, a person who had reached nirvana was called an arahant or better known in Japanese as a Rakan. Between 1782 and 1825, over 500 stone statues representing the disciples of Buddha were carved in...

by Carolyn Steinberg Dubrovnik, Croatia In August 2023, we headed to Croatia for a bareboat sailing holiday. Landing in Dubrovnik, it is definitely worth spending a minimum of two days exploring Dubrovnik Old Town prior to sailing. Dubrovnik or Ragusa (as it is historically known) is on the Adriatic Sea in Southern Dalmatia and is part of the Schengen Zone. Euro is the accepted currency in Croatia. Credit cards are welcome in larger towns; however, it's advised to carry cash when visiting the smaller islands. There are accommodation options inside and outside the Old City walls. However, it is worth paying the premium to stay inside to fully experience the beauty of this area. OPTIONS FOR SAILING Whether you decide on a monohull or a catamaran, there are three different options for charter holidays sailing out of Dubrovnik: Bareboat Charter where you sail the boat with your own crew and have full freedom to choose where you wish to sail on your own schedule. The Flotilla Holid...

 TOKYO, JAPAN OCTOBER 2023 Tokyo Skytree I've been to Tokyo before. Back in 2008, I joined my husband on a business trip with our 8- and 6-year-old kids, and we fell in love with the city. A lot has changed since then, but Tokyo remains as fantastic as ever. It's still incredibly easy to get around, the locals are welcoming (and many more speak English), the food is exceptional, safety is top-notch, and the coffee scene goes beyond just Starbucks, which is a real plus.  Direct flights are available from Australia to Tokyo, however I flew via Singapore. Prior to arrival in Japan, all visitors must pre-register their travel details via the  Visit Japan website . Once you have logged in and completed all the necessary information, you can save the QR codes to your phone, making immigration very smooth. Tokyo boasts two major international airports: Haneda and Narita . When arranging your return flights, factor in your arrival and departure points. Haneda, a mere 15 kilometer...