Travel Reviews – Page 2 – Mark's Travel Journal

Stunning Locations in Argentina to Visit During Winter

Argentina is one of South America’s most beautiful places you can visit. And it’s easy to see why: the country has a lot of stunning nature and warm weather year-round. The warmth also makes it one of the best locations to visit during winter, as the weather is pleasant regardless. In fact, most of the country experiences mild winters. This fact is what makes a lot of people believe that visiting Argentina in winter is perfect. However, the main question is still: where exactly should you go for the best experience in Argentina? We hope to help you answer this question with a list of stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter.

Puerto Madryn

Have you ever wanted to see a whale in person? Well, starting the list of stunning locations in Argentina is Puerto Madryn, the perfect place to do just that. Puerto Madryn is a beautiful coastal town near Peninsula Valdes, famous for being one of the world’s largest whale breeding bays. And the whale’s mating period happens to be during winter. Of course, the town has much to offer visitors besides watching the whales. The beaches around Puerto Madryn are a unique experience as well. So, if you feel like whale-watching and enjoying the atmosphere of a beautiful coastal town, consider giving Puerto Madryn a visit. However, if you haven’t been traveling in a while, keep in mind that the pandemic has affected travel permanently. As such, prepare for your trip correctly and well ahead of time to be as safe as possible.

Whale breaching the water surface. — Seeing whales in Puerto Madryn is common during winter.

Iguazu Falls

Next up on the list of stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter is a spot best to see during the cold season. That is because the area around the Iguazu Falls, one of Argentina’s most beautiful sights, tends to get extreme during other seasons. The humidity combined with Argentina’s usual warmth can suffocate, but the temperature here remains pleasant during winter.

As such, during winter, you can take your time and enjoy the beauty of the Iguazu Falls without any drawbacks. In reality, many tourists stay in Argentina after they experience the Falls for themselves. If you find yourself enamored by Argentina’s beauty, remember to plan your move thoroughly and rely on a helpful crew, especially if you’re moving here from the US. Remember, reliable movers, are essential for international moves.

Buenos Aires

We can’t list places to visit in Argentina without mentioning Buenos Aires. This massive city is full of history and beautiful, traditional architecture. Even outside of winter, visitors can find enough to do in the city to fill up a few trips with exciting experiences. During winter, however, the city offers special seasonal foods and drinks.

Additionally, like the Iguazu Falls, summer can get quite overbearing in Buenos Aires. As such, winter can make Buenos Aires a much more enjoyable experience for visitors who want to explore at their own pace. And if you’re going to experience Buenos Aires for yourself, home swaps have become increasingly popular. Although it’s still not very common, it offers a unique overall experience that will let you enjoy the city thoroughly if you can manage it.

People walking in a crowded street. — Buenos Aires is one of the stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter.

Perito Moreno Glacier

If you want to experience the wonders of winter, you need to plan a trip to the Perito Moreno Glacier. This glacier is found within the Los Glaciares National Park in Patagonia and is considered one of Argentina’s most beautiful winter sights. That can easily be seen in the fact that this spot is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the country.

The snow-covered ice and the chilly winter air make for a delightful experience. And, to top it off, the entire glacier is highly picturesque, and finding a beautiful view to snap a photo of is extremely easy. However, preparing yourself properly before visiting a glacier would be best. Do some research beforehand, as the best travelers do, and ensure it’s something you enjoy. After all, visiting the glacier can be a trek.

Mendoza

If you’re a fan of touring wineries, then the quaint town of Mendoza is the perfect spot for you. The town of Mendoza, by itself, isn’t very big; but it has a lot of high-quality wineries you can visit.

Additionally, the chilly winter air makes for a gratifying experience when going on a wine-tasting tour. Mendoza is in the Cuyo region of Argentina, in the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range. As such, besides the wine-tasting tours, the city is known as a hotspot for skiing if you enjoy going on skiing trips. Of course, if you don’t want something so exciting, there are plenty of beautiful views of the mountains from Mendoza itself. And there are also hiking trails if you enjoy going on hiking trips. But, especially during winter, remember to carefully prepare for hiking trips into the Andes.

Vineyard at sunset — Tasting wines in Mendoza’s picturesque vineyards is a truly unique experience.

Stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter – closing thoughts

Overall, Argentina is one of the world’s best places to visit during winter. Since the country is naturally warm, winter is the perfect time to visit since temperatures tend to be perfect for traveling. That, combined with Argentina’s natural beauty, makes a winter trip to the country a unique experience. Overall, if you are planning a trip this winter, you’re going to have a hard time finding a better country to visit. And, to make it even better, Argentina has plenty to offer for every type of traveler, as the tourist attractions in the country are very varied. We hope this list of stunning locations in Argentina to visit during winter helps you plan your trip, and we wish you a good day.

A Visit to Hamburg, The City of Canals and Bridges

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A photo of the river and buildings in Hamburg, Germany.

Hamburg is a port city in northern Germany on the Elbe River. It’s one of the most important economic and cultural centers in Europe. Besides its rich history, this city has a fantastic food scene and nightlife. If you’re planning a visit to Hamburg, you’re in for a treat! Look at our list of things to explore when visiting the City of Canals and Bridges.

Hamburg is a port city on the Elbe River

Hamburg is a city in northern Germany on the Elbe River. It’s also called “The Gateway to the World,” because it has long been an important economic and cultural center. If you want to be a traveler, not a tourist, you should visit this city’s port. Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city after Berlin, with a metropolitan area population of more than 3.6 million people (nearly 10% of Germany’s entire population). It has always been a trading center, and its harbor is one of Europe’s largest ports, so it was no surprise when we found out that this vibrant city has some 500 bridges spanning its rivers.

Hamburg is an important economic and cultural center

Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany and one of 16 federal states. It’s also the state capital of Schleswig-Holstein, an area with a population of 2 million people. Hamburg is located on the River Elbe, which flows into the North Sea just upstream from where it meets up with Denmark and Sweden. The city has been an important economic center for centuries due to its strategic location on trade routes across Europe and its status as a major port city.

Traditional Hamburg buildings. — *Hamburg has long been an important economic and cultural center.*

Hamburg’s location on the river made it an ideal spot for trading goods

Hamburg is situated on the river Elbe, which connects Hamburg to other cities in Germany and Europe. The city was a center for trade and commerce because it was located on an important river connecting different European areas. As a result, Hamburg became a hub for trade with other European cities.

Explore the city on a Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour

The city of Hamburg is large enough that it can be hard to get around and see everything in one day. Luckily, many Hop-on/Hop-off bus tours are available that will allow you to explore the city while knowing where you’re going and what’s around you. When it comes to essential travel tips, there are some places you should see during your visit to Hamburg. The tours have different routes that take passengers through different parts of the city. These tours offer an overview of Hamburg’s history, culture, architecture, food scene, nightlife, shopping centers, and even its beautiful green spaces.

Several companies are operating these types of tours. You can find out which ones are running at any given time by checking their websites or asking your hotel receptionist when booking your stay in town. Once on board a bus (or boat), just sit back and relax as the guide tells stories about landmarks along the way. They will also point out points of interest so you won’t miss anything exciting!

Discover Hamburg’s attractions and nightlife

Hamburg has so much to offer – from the rich culture and fantastic food scene to nightlife options – this city is an adventure. It also has some of Germany’s best clubs, bars, and restaurants. You’ll want to experience as much of it as possible during your trip!

First stop St Pauli Fischmarkt – This famous fish market is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience living here as a local – it features live music every Friday night! Many types of food are available here if you’re hungry after walking around all day.
Second Stop: Reeperbahn – This area is known for its red-light district filled with strip clubs, casinos, and sex shops… but not necessarily in that order! It can get pretty wild, depending on what kind of crowd you run into.

People sitting outside of a restaurant. — *During your visit to Hamburg, don’t miss out on the restaurants*

Hamburg is like Venice but on land instead of water!

No wonder this city has many canals and bridges crossing over them – like Venice but on land instead of water! Hamburg is a port city, which means it has a long history of being a trading center. Over the years, it grew into one of Europe’s largest ports and became the second-largest city in Germany by population.

The Alster (a lake within the river) is home to many leisure boats with colorful sails, while Binnenalster (the larger lake within Hamburg) is dotted with swans.

Pack your bags for a visit to Hamburg!

If you want to visit Hamburg by train, bus, or car, there are several ways to find more information. The internet has an abundance of websites that can help you plan your trip. A travel guidebook will give you detailed instructions on how to get from one place in the city to another. You can do this by public transportation and walking. You can also find maps of the town that show all its attractions, including museums and churches.

A modern building in Hamburg. — *This is a fantastic city with rich culture and an exciting lifestyle*

For this trip, you should make sure to pack light. You can always explore different options if there’s not enough storage space for all your belongings at the hotel. Rental storage can help you travel light and keep your belongings safe. If traveling to Hamburg by plane, ensure that your luggage weighs no more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds).

Conclusion

Hamburg is one of the most exciting cities in Europe. There are so many things to do and see that it’s hard to know where to start when you’re visiting, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. The best thing about a visit to Hamburg is that it’s easy to get around, and there are plenty of things for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re new to Germany or a veteran traveler from another country, we hope this guide helps guide you through your time here!

How to Prepare for a Ski Trip in Japan this Winter

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From delicate and dry powder snow to excellent service, delicious cuisine, relaxing hot springs, and a beautiful landscape, a ski trip to Japan is a dream. But, if you want to make this dream come true, it will take some work. To properly prepare for a ski trip in Japan this winter, you’ll have to do a lot of research. We hope this guide will help you get started with that research. Spending the winter in Japan is a truly unique experience, so you should do what you can to get the most out of it.

The best places to go skiing in Japan

As it’s a predominantly mountainous country, you can find ski resorts all over Japan. Most are in Hokkaido, Nagano, Niigata, and Tohoku (the North-East region). As a foreign visitor, there are a few factors to consider before choosing where you’ll be going. Some of the essential things would be:

The convenience of travel;
The popularity of English in the region;
The facilities offered;
The scale of the resort area.

Aside from being on every hiker’s bucket list, during winter, Mount Fuji is one of the most popular choices for a ski trip in Japan. However, the fun isn’t limited to just this one mountain. Let’s go through a few equally (if not more) popular options for skiing in Japan.

Nagano

Nagano offers plenty of ski resorts suitable for all levels. The most popular ones would be Hakuba, Nozawa, and Shiga Kogen. Hakuba is an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate-level skiers. Nozawa is better suited for advanced skiers. Snowboarders can also enjoy Nagano. However, Shiga Kogen is better for skiing rather than snowboarding.

Hokkaido

Being one of the most popular choices for skiers, Hokkaido offers a lot of ski resorts. No matter what level of skier or snowboarder you are, there is a place for you in Hokkaido. The three most popular options are:

Niseko – This is the largest ski resort area in Hokkaido. It’s easy to access. English is widely spoken here. There are great nightlife opportunities in neighboring Hirafu;
Rusutsu – The second largest after Niseko, offers many hotels and facilities. It’s a very family-friendly area but with limited nightlife;
Furano – A smaller resort. The nearby town of Furano is a great family-friendly location with lots to do off-piste.

The snow quality in Hokkaido is one of the best in Japan. And since the entire island is so well connected, it’s an attractive option for people who want to venture outside their resorts and explore the full range of what Japan offers. If you’re planning to move overseas to Japan with your family, this trip is a great chance to introduce the other members of it to the culture and beauty of Japan. It’s sure to help you get everyone on board for moving there.

Niigata

The two most popular resorts in this area are Naeba and Gala Yuzawa. Naeba is excellent for all levels. Gala Yuzawa might be boring for advanced skiers and snowboarders. Though it can not compare to Hokkaido, the snow quality is still amazing. While this place should be on your list if you want to prepare for a ski trip in Japan this winter properly, it’s better suited for travelers who wish to spend a few days skiing and the rest exploring Japanese culture.

When does ski season start in Japan?

Calendar for January — Peak ski season in Japan is generally between mid-January and late February.

The ski season in Japan typically lasts from early December to late April. However, it extends to early May in Hokkaido. However, if you prefer skiing during peak season when the snow is perfect and all facilities are active, you should plan to be here between mid-January and late February. To avoid large crowds and slopes full of skiers, you should take advantage of the shoulder season.

Choosing suitable accommodation is crucial

If your goal is to prepare for a ski trip in Japan this winter properly, you must choose a suitable accommodation for your needs. Here are a few things to consider while making this choice:

Choose a hotel with beds if it’s your first time – Most homes and hotels in Japan have futons rather than beds. Remember that you’ll probably be exhausted after a day of skiing, and if you’re not used to futons, a mattress will probably be a lot more comfortable;
Ski-in ski-out is the best choice, but not the only one – While there are a lot of options for ski-in ski-out resorts, they can be pretty expensive. Many hotels offer shuttle bus services, so don’t be exclusive.
Choose a hotel with loads of facilities – The weather during ski season can get nasty from time to time. Having something to do without leaving the hotel can mean a lot during those days.

What equipment should you bring and what should you rent

Ski equipment in the snow — If you have everything you need, it’s best to bring everything and not risk it. Rental offers vary between resorts.

Most resorts will have all the clothing and equipment you need for rent. You don’t have to worry if you don’t have any of your own. However, some resorts will only have the essentials like boards and skis. So, if you have your helmets and glasses, it’s better not to risk them. The most brilliant move is to call and check in advance.

Eating out in Japan

Japanese food is famous worldwide, and for a good reason. It’s fantastic, and if you plan well, dining out usually doesn’t have to be expensive. The cheapest meal option is to visit a ramen shop. Here you can get a warm bowl of delicious noodles for as low as ¥1000 ($9). Many restaurants offer meal sets at lunchtime. These usually go from ¥1000 to ¥2500 ($9-$20) per person. Tip culture isn’t widespread in Japan, so you shouldn’t leave one unless you see a sign saying the restaurant welcomes tips. There are so many foods to try in Japan that you should not skip. Information is your best tool, so make sure you’re smart about your choices.

Money-saving tips

Japan is relatively inexpensive compared to other popular destinations for skiing. Most all-inclusive ski passes cost around ¥4200 ($40) per day. And you can expect to pay around ¥4500 – ¥6500 ($40 – $60) for ski rentals. Remember that you’re not the only one excited about the affordability of ski trips in Japan. If you plan on visiting more popular sites, always book in advance.

A calculator and pen next to a piece of paper — If you want to prepare for a ski trip in Japan this winter, you should take some time out of your schedule to plan your budget.

Let’s go through a few tips that are sure to help you enjoy Japan without going broke:

Early bird tickets – Booking early in Japan makes a real difference. You can save over 30% by getting an early bird ticket.
Japan skiing packages – You can, for example, ask your accommodation or resort shuttle bus for a package discount.
Make good use of the JR Rail Pass – This is an excellent way to go on day trips outside your accommodation area.
Japanese-style family rooms are usually enough for four to five people; you probably don’t need more.
If you are traveling with a larger group, it’s cheaper to drive – Public transport is paid per person. When you count it all up, it may be cheaper to rent a car.

Final thoughts

While this is old news to some people, it’s still common for travelers to be surprised that Japan is one of the world’s premier ski destinations. While Japan’s cities, culture, and food, are lovely on their own, their popularity usually leads people to neglect its beautiful nature and outdoor activities. If you take your time and adequately prepare for a ski trip in Japan this winter, you will find out just how many sides there are to this beautiful country.