Asia – MLE Travel Diary

India Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know + Visa Tips

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

This blog post is authored by Nishita Khanwani to help you plan your trip to India! Nishita is an avid blogger who writes engaging blogs on travel, food, adventures, and cultural experiences. She travels to various cultural hotspots worldwide, including India, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey, to experience their rich history and culture.

This India travel guide will help answer all of those burning questions you have before your first trip, like when is the best time to go? Do you need a visa to visit India? Where should you go for your first visit? And more!

One word that describes India perfectly is ‘diverse’. India’s diversity is not limited to its geographical locations, but also melts into its culture, religion, traditions, languages, food, and more.

This South Asian country is home to a variety of geographical locations and landscapes, including mountains, deserts, plains, plateaus, hills, islands, and coastal plains. The country is home to 28 states, each having its own language and different dialects. Moreover, while the nation is modern and technologically advanced, it is still rooted in its beliefs, traditions, heritage, and spirituality.

To someone who is visiting India for the first time, the country can be chaotic and overwhelming. When planning your trip, preparing a proper structure is important before you start your journey to India. This comprehensive India travel guide will tell you everything you need to know about traveling to India.

If this is your first time in India, make sure you’re aware of what to expect. These tips will help you appear less like a tourist, and more like a seasoned visitor, or even a local!

This post may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you. I make sure to only link products and retailers that I use myself and recommend. Thank you for your support! Learn more.

Do I need a visa to visit India?

Yes, it is crucial to get your India visa before making your plans to visit. Your Indian visa requirement would depend on your nationality. Citizens of several countries are eligible for visa on arrival and visa-free entry in India. However, most countries need to get a visa to visit India.

The country offers e-visa or electronic visa to people who are visiting Indian for tourism, business, or medical purposes. With an e-visa, foreign nationals can stay in the country for 30 days.

For a longer stay, you will have to apply for a regular or paper visa through the Indian embassy or visa application center in your country.

The visa guide for India states that to get an India visa, you need to submit the scanned copies of your passport (minimum 6 months validity and two blank pages), colored photographs, bank statements, confirmed return ticket, and hotel booking.

When is the best time to visit India?

Once you know how to get a visa to India, the next step is to choose the right time to visit the country. Ideally, the winter season is the best time to visit India.

Winter in India (October – March)

Winter in India happens between October and March, when the average temperature is between 50°F – 77°F (10°C – 25°C). The weather is pleasant, making sightseeing quite comfortable across the country.

This is also the time when major festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Christmas happen in India, giving you the chance to enjoy the lights, colors, and festivities.

Summer in India (April – June)

Summer season in India is between April and June. While winter months are ideal, it does not mean that one must not visit India during the rest of the year. India sees quite a harsh summer, with temperatures going above 104°F (40°C) in several areas.

Still, it is a great time to visit the hill stations and places in higher altitudes like Manali, Ooty, Shimla, Mussoorie, Munnar, Ladakh, or Spiti Valley. Many places in the North open up during the summer season, after heavy snowfall of the winters.

Monsoon Season (July – September)

The third season in India is the monsoon season, which is between July and September. Heavy rains usually happen in different parts of the country, making traveling in India a bit of hassle.

But it is the apt time to visit the countryside that transforms into verdant landscapes during this time of the year. If you are looking forward to a slow and serene holiday, it would be a great time to visit the southern part of India like Kerala, North-East, and the Western Ghats.

As it is not tourist season, the monsoon is when you can enjoy a budget holiday in India.

What are the different regions of India?

India is a large country with an area of 3.28 million square kilometers. In fact, it is the seventh largest country in the world.

So, it is impossible to see the entire country on just one visit. An easier way would be to focus on the different regions of the country, choosing the ones that you find most intriguing.

North India

The Northernmost part of India is rich in history and has some of the most iconic historical landmarks to boot. It is home of the mighty Himalayas and is also considered the center of spirituality.

Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan are the places to visit here.

West India

The western part of India constitutes states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, and even parts of Rajasthan. Cultural heritage, beautiful coastal areas, and glamorous cities are a few other things awaiting you here.

East India

Fascinating history, deep-rooted cultures, and unique traditions are what you can see here. The Eastern states are known for their art and literature as well. Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand are the states you can visit here.

Central India

Natural wonders, wildlife, tribal culture, ancient civilizations, and historical and cultural sites are what you get to see and enjoy in central India. Madhya Pradesh (the largest state of the country) and Chhattisgarh are the two major states here.

Northeast India

Known as the hidden gems of India, the Northeast consists of seven states. Breathtaking landscapes, unique cultures, lush green forests, and adventurous activities await you here. Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Sikkim are some of the must-visit places.

South India

Five states constitute the south of India: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. Historic temples, ancient and modern cities, pristine beaches, glistening backwaters, and surreal hill stations are what you can expect in the southern part of India. There is a separate fan base for the food here.

Islands of India

India is also home to some gorgeous islands, the two main ones being Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Island. These are perfect for a relaxing holiday while enjoying the rich biodiversity of Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

Where are the best places to go in India?

When you are planning your itinerary, you must consider adding these must-see places in India into your list.

1. Delhi

The Delhi city is most popular for its historical landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Humayun’s Tomb, and the India Gate are the sites you must see here.

Delhi is renowned for its colorful markets and especially its street food.

2. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Jaipur is a city that encompasses the opulence and grandeur of ancient Indian royalty like no other. Sturdy forts, lavish palaces, amazing architecture, and a fascinating history are what you will find here.

Do not forget to check out the bustling markets of this city!

3. Shillong, Meghalaya

Shillong is one of the picturesque cities that are spread across Northeast India. The breathtaking landscapes of the city are what attract people to this place. The lush valleys, glistening waterfalls, the rolling hills, the beautiful lakes, and the dramatic canyons are a few of the reasons to visit this place.

4. Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu

Tucked in the eastern corner of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry is a quaint town that reflects the French heritage of the place. Apart from checking out the unique architecture of the place, Pondicherry is known for its beautiful beaches, peaceful vibe, and delicious food.

5. Hampi, Karnataka

An open-air museum, Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the ancient temple ruins belonging to the Vijayanagara Empire. The place is home to more than 1600 ancient ruins comprising temple complexes, palaces, ancient markets, and so many more interesting structures, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape.

6. Mumbai, Maharashtra

The financial capital of India, Mumbai has an unmatched vibe, a pulse that draws everyone in. This is a city where colonial architecture and history, cultural diversity, Bollywood glamor, modern skyline, vibrant markets, and stunning coastlines co-exist into a chaotic, yet beautiful symphony.

7. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is the spiritual center of the country. Considered to be the holiest cities of the country, Varanasi is home to the Ganges, which is believed to purify all our sins.

Visiting the ancient temples, witnessing the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti, taking part in the various festivals, and exploring the numerous Ghats are some of the things to do here.

8. Goa

The smallest state in India, Goa is one of the most popular tourist spots, thanks to its fantastic beaches. People visit Goa for its thrilling water sports, Portuguese heritage, historical sites, and natural beauty. The party and food scene of Goa also make it worth visiting.

9. Kerala

Known as God’s Own Country, Kerala is renowned for its magical scenic beauty, endowed with beautiful backwaters, lush tea gardens, dramatic beaches, charming cities and towns, and a unique culture.

Many people visit Kerala to enjoy its therapeutic and rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments as well.

10. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat

The white desert of India is worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. It is truly fascinating to witness the Rann of Kutch during the different times of the day, especially during sunrise, sunset, and on a full moon night.

The best time to visit this place is during the Rann Utsav Festival.

11. Andaman & Nicobar Islands

If you are craving for an island break, there is no better place than Andaman & Nicobar Islands. An archipelago on the Bay of Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands are bestowed with some of the most pristine beaches in the country.

It is also known for its intriguing history, rich marine life, peaceful ambience, and delicious food.

How to get around India

There are multiple ways of transportation in India, mainly airways, railways, and roadways.

By Plane

The easiest and most convenient way of traveling in India is by airways. Almost all the major cities have multiple flights connecting to each other. Moreover, the country has several budget-friendly airlines as well.

By Train

The second-most convenient way of traveling in India is by train. The Indian railway network is huge and connects almost all the states to each other. Passenger trains have basic sleeper compartments to more luxury two-tier and first class air-conditioned compartments as well.

By Bus

The road network of the country is also one of the ways to travel across the country. You will find sleeper and semi-sleeper buses traveling from one city to the other.

Local Transportation

When it comes to local transportation, you have multiple options. You can rent a private car or hail a taxi for exploring the cities. Auto rickshaws, the three-tiered vehicles, are popular in most Indian cities and towns. Buses are also common way of transportation in most places in the country. Several cities also offer metro services.

Exploring India is exciting, as the country has numerous layers and facets, each one more interesting and fascinating than the other. While you may not get to see everything with one visit, a single visit is enough to ensure that you will want to visit the country again and again.

For more travel content and tips, be sure to follow along on Instagram!

The post India Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know + Visa Tips first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

9 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting India

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

This blog post is co-authored with Nishita Khanwani to help you plan your trip to India! Nishita is an avid blogger who writes engaging blogs on travel, food, adventures, and cultural experiences. She travels to various cultural hotspots worldwide, including India, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey, to experience their rich history and culture.

1. Safety in India

Firstly, before you go anywhere, I always recommend reading the US Travel Advisory for that country so you are aware of anything going on.

India is the most populated country in the world, so most places you go (especially as a tourist) will be crowded and full of other people. It is important to be extra aware of your surroundings in crowded places. Make sure to keep your belongings close to you.

2. Do not drink the tap water

You can either buy bottled water or refill your bottles at filtered water stations available in most public places like airports and malls.

I would also be wary of consuming raw / sliced fruits and vegetables that have been rinsed off with tap water.

3. Pack your medications

You must carry basic medications for allergies, stomach upsets, fever, etc. As always, I would recommend packing your favorite medicines from home, so that you have them with you when you’re abroad.

4. Pack (and wear) a ton of sunscreen

India experiences some of the world’s highest UV levels due to its tropical location near the equator, with the UV Index frequently reaching “extreme” levels of 11+ during peak hours, especially in the summer. It is important to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and insect repellent when traveling in India.

My go-to recommendation is Blue Lizard sunscreen. I make sure to always bring that along and reapply throughout the day, and have not gotten burnt when doing so!

5. Make sure you have the proper vaccinations

Make sure that you have taken vaccinations for malaria, typhoid, and more before visiting the country.

I recommend checking the CDC website before your trip to make sure you are up to date and have all the proper vaccinations.

6. Dress modestly

While it is ok to wear any kind of clothes in cities, it would be best to pick modest clothing while traveling in smaller cities and towns, especially at night.

7. Be cautious when trying street food

When it comes to food, there is rarely a country that can compete with India. The diversity in the region, languages, and culture can also be seen in the food of the nation. The Indian cuisine is vast and packed with flavors, colors, and textures that come together to give you varied experiences.

Each region and state has its specialties. While the ingredients may be the same or similar, the use of spices and the cooking methods give rise to myriads of dishes. The best part is that India has a wide range of vegetarian dishes, although Indian non- vegetarian dishes are also quite popular across the world.

However, while street food is something you must try in India, it is important to be cautious. Especially if you are not used to eating street food, it may take your stomach a few days (or longer) to acclimate.

8. Bring hand sanitizer

Do carry wet wipes and sanitizers with you and use them whenever necessary. Because of how crowded touristy spots can get, plus the hot, humid climate, you will want to be able to wash your hands and face throughout the day.

9. Bring cash

You can use cards for payment at most stores and restaurants. However, you will need to carry cash while shopping in small stores and street markets.

Let me know what surprised you the most the first time you visited India in the comments below! And be sure to follow me on Instagram for more travel content.

mariss

The post 9 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting India first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

Philippines Travel Guide: How To Spend 1 Week In Palawan

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Known for its crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and lush jungle landscapes, Palawan is a breathtaking island province in the Philippines. It is one of the most beautiful places I have visited on Earth.

I would definitely suggest going for at least 2 weeks; there are so many islands and unreal places I didn’t get to visit with just 1 week in the Philippines.

However, I am still so thankful I went and will forever be wanting to go back! So definitely add it to your list, and make an effort to visit, regardless of how much time you have to come.

This Philippines Travel Guide will help you plan a 1 week trip to Palawan, with recommendations for the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.

If this is your first time in the Philippines, make sure you’re aware of what to expect. These tips will help you appear less like a tourist, and more like a seasoned visitor, or even a local!

Get my FREE Google Maps List of all the best Philippines recommendations! Drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox 💌

With only 1 week in the Philippines, the breakdown of how I spent my time looked like this:

2 days – Coron
3 days – Coron to El Nido island hopping expedition
1 day – El Nido
1 day – Coron

I really wish I had had more time there, because I didn’t get to spend as much time as I wanted in El Nido. However, since I was flying in and out of Coron, I spent more time there by default.

I’ll share more about the island hopping experience, and everything I did during my time in Palawan to help you maximize your time!

Budgeting for the Philippines

When it comes to budgeting for the Philippines, the US Dollar will go far. Here’s what I budgeted per day in each category:

Lodging: $50/night (I wanted a private room at a nicer hotel/hostel but I’ve seen hostel rates as low as $7/night)

Transit: $5/day

Activities: $20/day + $350 for the Expedition

Check out my travel budget template for help building out your budget – you can download the actual template I use for free!

Coron to El Nido Island Hopping Expedition

The Coron to El Nido (or vice versa) island hopping expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will take you to various remote islands throughout the Philippines that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to visit.

This is a great alternative to flying between the two islands, or taking the direct ferry, if you have the time and budget during your visit to the Philippines.

There are lots of boat tour companies that are constantly running these island hopping expeditions in either direction, and for a variety of durations. The most popular companies are Big Dream Boatman, Tao, Keelooma, El Nido Paradise, and Buhay Isla.

If you want a luxurious experience, go with Tao. However, if you’re looking to save your money, I would just compare availability and pricing between the other companies – at the end of the day, they are all pretty similar.

The one-way tour will typically cost 18,000 – 35,000 PHP, depending on which tour company you go with and how many days you want the expedition to last.

Definitely book this as far in advance as possible. By the time I was booking my trip, just a couple weeks out, almost all of the expeditions were full so my options were limited.

I did a 3D2N (3 day, 2 night) boat expedition with Keelooma from Coron to El Nido, and would recommend the experience overall! If I did it again, I would probably go with Tao instead, just to splurge and sleep in nicer accommodations.

Day tours and excursions in Coron

I really only had time for day tours and excursions in Coron, so I will speak to the different options you have there, and which ones I did!

Each boat tour includes pick up and drop off from your hotel/hostel/airbnb (if you’re located in Coron town), and a buffet lunch! If you want to snorkel or kayak, you will either need to bring your own snorkel equipment or you can rent from your boat crew.

I booked all of my tours through Get Your Guide so I knew ahead of time what I would be doing, but you can easily book excursions once you’re there as well! Usually they’ll accept new bookings up until 8pm or so the night prior.

1. Coron Super Ultimate Tour

If you only have time for one tour, make it the Coron Super Ultimate Tour! This will take you to 7 iconic spots like Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake and more, where you can snorkel and explore.

Every tour also includes a buffet lunch!

If you have a higher budget and want to tailor your tour, I recommend splurging on a private tour. This will allow you to choose what you really want to spend time on, so you can maximize your trip!

2. Tour A

If you want to spend a bit more time at the most popular destinations, then I would recommend Tour A. You’ll visit Kayangan Lake, CYC Beach, Sunset Beach and Las Islas de Coral and get to really enjoy each spot.

This is the tour I took my first day in Coron, and I absolutely LOVED it! I also spent an extra few pesos to get a kayak for the day, with another solo traveler, so that I could really explore the lakes.

The kayak rental isn’t necessary, but was definitely a nice way to float in the water and see everything!

3. Tour B

The second most popular tour is Tour B, where you’ll get to visit Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Coral Garden, Skeleton Wreck, and Atuayan Beach, and spend extra time at each.

This is the tour I took my last day in Coron, and I loved this one as well! If you have multiple days, I would definitely recommend taking both Tour A and Tour B separately, so you can spend more time at each spot.

4. Bea Beauty Salon & Spa

This is not an excursion, but if you’re like me – after all of the snorkeling and swimming around in the lakes, my hair needed some TLC and I honestly was scared to try to wash it and comb it out myself.

So I spent an afternoon at Bea Beauty Salon & Spa getting a massage and hair mask treatment!

This was honestly a big highlight of my trip – my hair was sooo smooth after. It cost me about $20 USD total and was so worth it.

Where to stay in Palawan

When visiting Palawan, you have a good variety of affordable lodging options! This trip, I stayed in a combination of hotels and hostels, so will walk you through each of your options.

Hotels

Given that the USD is pretty strong in the Philippines, I would recommend staying in a hotel if you can afford it. It will still be relatively cheap, and you can get a really cool room at a nice hotel!

In Coron I stayed at the Coron Bancuang Mansion, which was super nice – it has a pool and breakfast included.

Hostels

If you’re looking for a more social option, and especially if you’re a solo traveler, I would recommend staying in a hostel!

In Coron, the popular hostels that I’d recommend are Hop Hostel and the Outpost Hostel.

In El Nido, the popular hostels that I’d recommend are the Frendz Hostel and the Outpost Beach Hostel. I stayed at the Frendz Hostel in a private room and really loved it.

Airbnbs

If you’re traveling with your family or a larger group, renting an Airbnb is a great option. I would recommend renting one close to the town center if you want to go on boat tours, so that the tour operators can pick you up for free.

Where to eat in Coron

1. Om’s Thai

You know I can never resist a good Thai food spot, and Om’s Thai was so good I went there twice!

2. El Kuvo

This was the cutest spot that my (new!) friend found and we tried it out! I had the refreshing watermelon & lychee salad and OMG it was soo good – I would go back just for that!

3. Prince Wonton Restaurant

The place to go for wontons and noodles! It’s very cheap (like $3 for your whole meal) – if you’re hungry though you might want to order two plates!

4. AE’s Delights

This spot is open late night and is perfect for snacking on siopao (steamed buns) or churros!

5. Mama Café

Mama café has refreshing smoothies, salads, sandwiches and other brunch foods. Everything I ate here was delicious!

Get my FREE Google Maps List with all these restaurants & more! Drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox 💌

How to get around Palawan

By Walking

This is the easiest way to explore each city! The streets are narrow, and there are no sidewalks so you basically just walk along the side of the road!

There are tons of shops and restaurants lining the center of the towns, so it’s really fun to walk around and pop in and out of each place.

By Trike

This is the most common way to get around town quickly! Each ride usually cost around 200 – 300 PHP, or $3-5 USD.

I even took a trike to get to El Nido airport from my hostel, which was a bit of a long ride in one of these but we made it there safe and sound!

By Car

There are no Ubers or Taxis in Palawan. Check out my 10 Essential Travel Tips for the Philippines for everything you need to know about airport transfers by bus.

I would not recommend renting a car in Palawan. There are hardly any places to park a car, the streets are really narrow, and with pedestrians walking in the street I would personally be terrified to drive through town here.

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions or for personalized travel tips!

mariss

The post Philippines Travel Guide: How To Spend 1 Week In Palawan first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting The Philippines

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Sharing the essential Philippines travel tips that everyone should know before they visit! I only visited Palawan, so these tips will be geared towards visiting there.

I booked my trip pretty last minute, and honestly didn’t really know what to expect on my trip to the Philippines. I wasn’t able to find a ton of resources on travel, so wanted to share my experience going to the beautiful islands of Palawan.

Get my FREE Google Maps List of all the best Philippines recommendations! Drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox 💌

1. Safety in Palawan

To be honest, before I left for the Philippines I was hearing mixed thoughts on how safe it is to visit. Firstly, before you go anywhere, I always recommend reading the US Travel Advisory for that country so you are aware of anything going on.

I experienced no safety issues – I visited Palawan as a solo female traveler, and found the people to be very welcoming and friendly. I met a ton of other solo travelers around town and on many of the boat excursions!

Based on my experience, I would recommend Palawan as a solo travel destination – there are so many great ways to meet fellow travelers and socialize. While also feeling safe to walk around and explore on your own!

2. There are no Ubers or Taxis

Instead, there are these trikes you can take to get around the islands:

The trike rides cost about 200 – 300 PHP, depending on how far you are going.

There are also group shuttle busses that are typically used for airport transfers, and boat expeditions to get you down to the boat docks.

I would highly recommend reaching out to your hotel/Airbnb before you land to make sure that they reserve a spot for you on the shuttle bus to pick you up from the airport!

3. Cash is king

You will need a lot of cash (Philippine Pesos) on your trip to the Philippines. Most restaurants, hotels, activities, shops, etc only take cash, and all prefer cash even if they take credit cards.

There are ATMs located all over, and also right at the airport when you land. Make sure you get a ton of cash out of the ATMs!

I actually racked up quite a few ATM fees because I didn’t properly account for what I’d need. I’d recommend either taking out the max each time, or actually figuring out how much money you’ll need for your whole trip and budgeting accordingly.

I would also recommend getting as many small bills as possible – your hotel or convenience stores should be able to help exchange your bigger bills.

A lot of my trike drivers didn’t have change (or weren’t willing to give me change) so I ended up paying a lot more than I should have, just because I didn’t have small enough bills.

4. Tipping is not expected

However, I would recommend adding a small tip for stellar service (50 – 100 Pesos). It goes a long way for the locals.

5. There are no sidewalks

Yep, you heard me! You just sort of walk along the side of the street like this:

This took me a minute to get used to honestly, but you’ll soon realize that everyone else is doing it, so the drivers are used to it!

As a side note, I swear these drivers have the best spatial awareness. I would personally not recommend renting a car here!

6. Pack (and wear) a ton of sunscreen

The sun is so so hot in the Philippines! I was constantly wearing 50+ SPF and STILL got super tan!

Luckily no burn though; major shoutout to my Blue Lizard sunscreen. I put that stuff on religiously twice a day and did not burn once.

I would highly recommend packing and bringing sunscreen from home. Almost everyone who bought their sunscreen in the Philippines burnt – I think they have different standards and people said that the sunscreen they bought there just didn’t work as well.

7. Always wear a life jacket when you're in the water

I wanted to reiterate how important it is to always wear/bring a life jacket when you’re in the water! Regardless of your swim level!

I almost always had my life jacket on, but if I took it off to float or tan, I had it right next to me or hooked on my wrist.

This is something the tour guides started enforcing as a result of a couple really unfortunate incidences, I don’t wanna scare you so you can google the news stories on your own.

8. Bring lots of mosquito bug spray

One of my biggest fears was getting bitten by a mosquito and getting dengue fever on my trip, so I packed a ton of bug spray – specifically this Picaridin Insect Repellent Spray.

I did a lot of research on which bug spray to bring because I normally get eaten alive when the sun starts to set. But I sprayed this stuff on me constantly, and definitely think it worked because I only got a few bug bites and did not get dengue fever!

9. You will never be hungry

Filipino food is pretty dense and they serve you these huge buffets of delicious food on all the tours!

I also heard from a lot of travelers I met, that they think the Philippines is one of the only Southeast Asian countries to “do American food well.” I haven’t been to too much of SEA yet to personally verify this, but did have a burger one day that was really good!

10. You're never going to want to leave

The water in the Philippines was some of the most unbelievably blue waters I’ve ever seen. The people were all so friendly and welcoming and instantly made me feel right at home.

I was actually so sad that I didn’t have more time to explore more of the islands here; the biggest mistake I made was definitely coming here for ONLY a week.

Get my FREE Philippines travel guide! Drop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox 💌

Let me know what surprised you the most the first time you visited the Philippines in the comments below! And be sure to follow me on Instagram for more Philippines travel content.

mariss

The post 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting The Philippines first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

Best Japan Travel Guide: How To Optimize One Week In Japan

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Low on PTO and want to know how to optimize your trip with one week in Japan? I’ve put together the best Japan travel guide to help you plan your trip and maximize your time!

When you have less vacation time, it can be hard to decide which Japan city to visit.

From personal experience, I would suggest spending more than one week in Japan. There is so much to explore, and it took some time for me to adjust to the culture and language as well.

However, I definitely understand PTO constraints, so this post will help you maximize the time you DO have to visit Japan!

With the right preparation, you can have an unforgettable experience, even with just one week in Japan. This guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of Japan travel, providing insider tips and recommendations to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

I’ll be sharing the destinations I visited and what do in those cities, and logistics like Visa requirements, how to get your QR code for entry, weather and seasons, and more.

Save all these spots and more by dropping your email below and I’ll send them straight to your inbox.

Best Japan Travel Guide to Visa and Entry Requirements

Visa Requirement

There are different Visa requirements depending on your type of stay (long term vs short term vs other types) and which your nationality. As a US citizen coming for a short-term stay (less than 90 days), I was not required to have a Visa to enter Japan.

When planning your Japan travel, make sure to check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most updated information on Visa requirements. With only one week in Japan, you’ll want to make sure you don’t waste any extra time at the airport.

QR Code for Entry

To expedite your experience at Immigration and Customs when you land, you can obtain a QR code online in advance. This QR code will also give you the ability to use the tax-free purchase function when shopping at tax-free shops.

You can put your entire group on the same registration, which is really helpful if you have a group staying at the same place. We did this before our arrival and it saved us a lot of time and confusion when we landed, giving us more time to explore with only one week in Japan.

Check out the official Visit Japan Web site to register your information. When you arrive to Immigration, you will just scan the QR codes.

Note you should have two separate QR codes – one for Immigration, and one for Customs Declaration. This preparation ensures a smoother start to your journey with one week in Japan.

Best Time to Visit For One Week in Japan

I visited Japan in mid-December, right in the middle of their fall season. The different colored leaves were SO vibrant and stunning!

The weather in December was very mild, ranging from the 50s to 60s, with a bit of rain on most days. If you come during fall, I’d recommend bringing an umbrella or making sure your hotel has them to borrow!

It was also surprisingly non-touristy for our one week in Japan. We often felt that we were the only tourists walking around, and rarely heard other English-speakers. Unless we were at a more popular tourist destination, then tourists were a bit more common.

The most popular time to visit is springtime, during cherry blossom season. This typically peaks around late March to early April. I would definitely love to come back during cherry blossom season!

In terms of the BEST season to visit, to be totally unbiased, I would need to visit Japan in all seasons. However, I really enjoyed visiting during Fall and would definitely recommend you do the same. It is also cheaper, especially if you are only spending one week in Japan.

Things to do in Tokyo

We flew from Los Angeles to Toyko Haneda Airport, which only took about 11 hours! We spent the first two nights in Ginza, at Agora Tokyo Ginza, and the last night in Odaiba, across the water at the Hilton Tokyo Odaiba.

Ginza is absolutely beautiful and considered the more upscale part of the city, so I felt very pampered and safe. It was really fun to walk around and explore all the luxury shops and nice restaurants. Ginza offers a unique blend of traditional and modern Japan, making it a must-visit destination with one week in Japan.

Odaiba, on the other hand, provided a fantastic view of the Tokyo Bay and a different perspective of the city, with its futuristic architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Both locations added a special touch to our Japan travel experience, offering a mix of relaxation and excitement.

To see everything the city has to offer at once, I’d recommend booking a private walking tour of Tokyo. Since the tour is private, it can be personalized to the sights you want to see (or don’t want to see) to maximize your one week in Japan!

teamLab Planets TOKYO

teamLab Planets TOKYO is an immersive art museum experience between Odaiba and Ginza. This is absolutely worth checking out – and should be included in any best Japan travel guide.

There are 4 rooms and 2 gardens you’ll get to explore. All are very unique and you will literally be part of the art. You get to wade through water, become one with the flowers, walk amongst hundreds of glittering lights and more!

Get your tickets here. I definitely recommend booking your tickets online in advance to be safe! Pro-tip: come towards the end of the night, when there are less crowds! We reserved the 7:30 PM time slot and it was perfect.

You will need to take your shoes and socks off to enter this museum. There are free lockers at the entrance that you can use to store all of your belongings. They also have accessible shortcuts and walkways!

The water did come up pretty high in one room – almost up to my knees (I’m 5’5″) so fair warning! I wore a skort which was perfect, but my boyfriend had to really roll up his pants.😂 Also there are mirrored grounds in a few exhibits, so make note of that if you want to wear a dress!

Official Street Go-Kart in Shibuya

If you only have one week in Japan, Go-Karting needs to be on your list. Especially if you are a Mario Kart fan! You get to dress up as your favorite character and race all across the city on this guided tour.

Book your experience here! To participate, drivers must hold a valid driving license. For international tourists, this means either an international driving permit (IDP) or a Japanese driver’s license.

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Ueno Park and Ueno Zoological Gardens

Ueno Park is a GREAT spot to check out the stunning fall leaves! It reminded me a bit of Central Park in New York City – a beautiful green space in the middle of a busy city.

While you’re walking around Ueno Park, you can also check out Ueno Zoological Gardens. There you’ll be able to see Giant panda bears, Polar bears, Hokkaido brown bears, Japanese macaques, and more. Exploring Ueno Park and the zoo is a fantastic way to experience nature and wildlife right in the heart of Tokyo. Don’t miss this iconic destination during your one week in Japan travels!

Shibuya Sky Deck and Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Shibuya Sky Deck is an absolute must when you have just one week in Japan! Here you’ll get to witness the hustle and bustle of Shibuya Crossing from above.

Make sure to reserve your time slot tickets online in advance – you can do so on their website. Tickets usually sell out, and you aren’t able to buy them on-site in person.

We reserved the 4:00 PM time slot, which was about 45 minutes before sunset. This was perfect – I would recommend going an hour before sunset so you can see Japan during day and nighttime, plus watch the sunset from above!

While the rooftop is definitely the main attraction, make sure you walk around the 46th floor! There are really cool large silver balloons suspended from the air and on the ground all around the floor!

The entrance can be accessed directly by crossing the connecting bridge from the Shibuya Train Station. I would also give yourself extra time (15-20 min) to figure out where you’re going – we got so lost and confused trying to figure out how to get to the entrance.

Odaiba Marine Park

Fun fact: Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. It offers a blend of modern architecture, entertainment, and stunning waterfront views. Odaiba is great if you are looking to escape the historic feel for a bit and experience futuristic attractions and optical illusions during your one week in Japan.

One of its iconic landmarks is the Rainbow Bridge, which you can see in both photos above both during the day and at night. It’s a great backdrop for memorable photos! Also, you can see Tokyo’s replica of the Statue of Liberty stands, which serves as a symbol of friendship between Japan and France.

Tokyo Food Recommendations

You really cannot go wrong with the food in Tokyo, it is all so delicious. I am a big fan of sushi, and this was the freshest fish I have ever had. We probably had some sort of sushi meal every day we were there for the whole one week in Japan.

I will mention a couple spots that really stood out and are worth stopping by:

1. Tsukiji Outer Market: This is a huge outdoor marketplace with tons of fresh seafood, vegetables, wagyu beef, and other traditional Japanese foods. This is absolutely worth checking out, and is very popular for breakfast.

2. Grill Bon: Featured above, they offer a small menu with these affordable premium wagyu beef Katsu sandwiches. It’s a small, unassuming spot and a good way to experience Japan like a local. We came here twice in one week, that’s how good it was.

3. Kintarō Sushi: There are a few different locations throughout the city. We ate at the spot right across from Ueno Park, which is perfect if you time it with your visit to the Park! The sushi was so fresh and the staff was so friendly!

Things to do in Kyoto

To really optimize the best Japan travel guide for just one week in Japan, head to Kyoto for a couple of days after exploring Tokyo. We spent two days in Kyoto, but I wish we had 3 days in each place.

If you want to save yourself the time and headache of planning everything yourself, I recommend booking a 1-Day Bus Tour in Kyoto. This will allow you to enjoy the serene atmosphere, historical landmarks, and traditional culture that the city has to offer, plus the official guide will be able to tell you everything you need and want to know about Kyoto.

We stayed at the Hyatt Place Kyoto, which offered spacious accommodations and a convenient location near the Marutamachi Subway station. This allowed us easy access to explore the city and its surrounding areas. When planning your Japan itinerary, consider allocating ample time to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari is a highly popular mountainside Shinto Shrine in Kyoto, making it a must-visit destination for one week in Japan. The shrine features a walking path (with small stairs) through hundreds of traditional gates, like the ones featured above, creating a picturesque and spiritual atmosphere.

It is FREE to visit, and you are able to hike all the way up to the top of the mountain. It takes about 45 minutes, but is more intense than I anticipated! We made it about halfway before deciding to turn around. This is a very good way to get in your workout on vacation!

This site is very popular, so if you’re looking to snap that instagram-worthy photo, you will likely need to hike further up. But it is very easy to get a clear photo if you’re willing to walk for at least 20 – 30 minutes further up the hill.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine is open 24 hours, so you can show up early to catch the sunrise here! Or stay late to watch the sunset and then hike back down.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is SO cool! It is free to enter, and features an accessible walking path through a forest of towering bamboo trees. This is a must for your one week in Japan.

We learned that some bamboo trees can grow almost 3 feet per day!🤯 These were really so beautiful to walk through.

We went right before sunset and it was pretty popular, but we were able to snap a few pics without people in the background. I would recommend waking up early and going first thing in the morning if you want to avoid any crowds at all.

Arashiyama is a fun little area to walk around. It did seem to close down pretty early – by 6 PM a lot of the shops and restaurants seemed to be closing up for the night. Another reason to visit earlier or in the afternoon!

Kyoto Imperial Palace

I highly recommend adding the Kyoto Imperial Palace to your Japan travel itinerary. This historical site allows you to walk the Palace grounds and see where the Emperor of Japan and the imperial family used to live.

You can opt for a self-guided tour during the day or join one of the free guided tours available in Japanese, Chinese, and English. The English tours typically take place at 10 AM and 2 PM. Otherwise, there are pamphlets that are free to take that provide an overview of each stop along the self-guided tour route.

My favorite part was the two beautiful Japanese gardens, one of which is shown above. They are so peaceful and I wish I could just sit on a bench and read a book here all day long. I will definitely come back when I have longer than one week in Japan.

Kyoto Food Recommendations

When it comes to dining in Kyoto during the best Japan travel guide experience, you simply cannot go wrong! We stumbled upon a few hidden gems that I’ll share with you here:

1. Sushitetsu: This spot came highly recommended, and it certainly lived up to its reputation! Sushitetsu is a nigiri restaurant with counter seats surrounding the sushi chefs, providing an intimate dining experience where you can watch your dinner being prepared right in front of you. This is a must if you’ve got just one week in Japan.

There is an English menu available for easy ordering. If you don’t have a reservation, I suggest arriving 15-20 minutes before they open to write down your name on the waitlist.

2. Boulangerie Friandise Karasuma: We stumbled across this bakery accidentally, but the incredible scent pulled us in and did not disappoint! They have a ton of freshly baked pastries and sandwiches. I wish I could go back and order one of everything again.

3. Anzukko: If you’re looking for gyoza in Japan, look no further. I recommend making a reservation here to try the gyoza tasting menu! It’s a great way to try all of the gyoza they offer, and you can order additional sides as well.

4. Arabica Kyoto Arashiyama: This is a coffee shop located right by the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove with amazing views of the Katsura River! I highly recommend fitting this into your Japan itinerary and stopping here on your way to or from the Bamboo Grove.

Planning one week in Japan? Check out the NoFilter app for more inspiration and must-see spots in Japan and throughout the rest of the world!

And as always, feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions or for personalized travel tips. Your journey to Japan starts here!

mariss

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