DESTINATIONS Archives | PACK THE SUITCASES

10 things to do in Okayama city, Japan

19th October 2019 12 Comments

I wanted to put together this list of things to do in Okayama city, Japan, because there’s very little out there about it. When researching the city for my own visit recently, I managed to find loads about Okayama the prefecture, but hardly anything about where to eat, what to see or things to do in Okayama city itself. So here I am, filling a wee gap in the market.

Okayama is a quiet and small city compared with others across Japan, so it’s probably not that surprising I couldn’t find much on it. It’s not very well known and people visiting the general area tend to go straight to Hiroshima, Takamatsu or the incredible art island, Naoshima. But Okayama actually makes a good base for visiting these places and is a nice little city, worth spending a day in in itself. I wouldn’t go mad and say you must visit Okayama like your life depends on it, but there’s plenty to get up to in one or even two days there.

Anyway, here are some of the things to do in Okayama that I enjoyed and a few places to eat as well (because when is food not the priority in Japan?!). Pour yourself a glass of sake and have a read…

DESTINATIONS

How to do a day trip to beautiful Burano island from Venice, Italy

22nd September 2019 18 Comments

How to do a day trip from Venice to Burano, Italy | PACK THE SUITCASES

Here’s how to do a gorgeous little day trip from Venice to Burano, Italy – the island that’s home to a famously rainbow-coloured fishing village. Burano island is unmissable if you’re visiting Venice. Seriously. I’ve never seen anywhere like it and I absolutely get why tourists flock to it.

Originally, Burano’s fishing families painted their houses these bright colours so that they could find their way home on their boats after a heavy night out when thick fog descended on the Venetian lagoon. There’s not as much fishing going on these days, although they do still have some. But the bright colours have remained, much to the joy of photographers everywhere. Burano gives Cinque Terre a run for its money on the picturesque and vibrant front, and it’s only little so it makes the perfect morning or afternoon out on the water bus from the centre of Venice.

Here’s my little guide to how to get to Burano, things to see there, when to visit, what to eat and just generally what to get up to on a Venice to Burano day trip…

DESTINATIONS

2 days in Venice itinerary and guide to what to see, do and eat

24th August 2019 27 Comments

Here’s a quick itinerary for spending 2 days in Venice as a first-time visitor to Italy’s magical lagoon city. To be honest, I’d recommend more than 2 days in Venice if you really want to explore beyond the big sights. But if you’re on a time limit, there’s plenty you can cram into a weekend or short break.

Venice is obviously one of the most popular destinations in the world, on everyone’s bucket list, and it’s easy to be tempted to skip it thinking it’ll be disappointing or overrated. I think this is especially the case if you’re a seasoned traveller and prefer going to more unusual locations. However, Venice is like nowhere else on earth. Yes, it’s busy and popular. But it’s so worth it. I mean, it’s a floating city made up of islands in a lagoon, full of grand history and a unique way of life. What could be more intriguing than that? There are no roads, only canals and footpaths, so you get a lovely break from dodging traffic like on other city trips. And everywhere you look is the original ‘shabby chic’ style of architecture. It’s stunning and photos don’t do it justice. You have to go there.

So settle down with a bellini (when in Venice…) and enjoy picking what you like the look of in this itinerary for spending a beautiful 2 days in Venice…

DESTINATIONS

45 things to do in Moscow, Russia

3rd August 2019 24 Comments

Things to do in Moscow, Russia | PACK THE SUITCASES

Here are 45 of my favourite things to do in Moscow, Russia. I fell in love with the place and spent a good amount of time there so I feel I can give some decent tips on how best to spend your time in this amazing city.

I’ve avoided including anything I didn’t fancy myself and I’ve only focused on the city of Moscow itself rather than looking at the entire Moscow region/day trips… Otherwise, this will turn into a million things to do and no one will have the patience to read it. I’ll be impressed if anyone actually reads all 45 things to be honest.

Anyway, read on if you want some tips from a fully fledged Moscow fan. Enjoy.

DESTINATIONS

4 days in Moscow, Russia: a complete city guide and itinerary

20th July 2019 8 Comments

This mammoth 4 days in Moscow itinerary (and city guide in general) must be the first time I’ve ever started writing up a blog post the second I get home.

Having spent an incredible 2 weeks in Russia and absolutely LOVING it, I’m now ready to convince everyone I know that they have to go there, especially to Moscow. I’m typing really quickly because I want to get the words out and start sharing my recommendations on what I think must be my new favourite destination. That’s high praise, BTW.

Read on for my personal recommendations on what to do, see and eat in the incredible Russian capital.

DESTINATIONS

7 of the best day trips from Edinburgh, Scotland by public transport

1st June 2019 7 Comments

North Berwick: a pretty seaside town in Scotland | PACK THE SUITCASES

Here are some of the best and easiest day trips from Edinburgh using public transport only – no hiring cars and sitting in traffic involved! Edinburgh is one of my all-time cities and there is SO much to do there from eating/drinking, to history and culture, to exploring specific parts of town like Dean Village/Stockbridge or the beautiful hidden gems like Circus Lane. But it’s also a perfect city base for getting out and about on day trips to see even more of Scotland.

For this post, I’ve teamed up with some travel blogging friends to bring you a quick selection of day trips from Edinburgh that we’ve all tried and tested. This list isn’t in any order or anything, and it’s by no means exhaustive. But it’s a good place to start if you’re looking into what you can easily get to via public transport from Edinburgh. I’ve tried to include a decent variety of city, coast, mountains, towns and sights.

Get the kettle on (it would be rude not to also have a shortbread to get into the Scottish mood) and get planning…