Famed for its beautiful coastline and infamous nightlife, Phuket has long been a popular destination for shoestring backpackers and jet setters alike. Such popularity has created the opportunity for a daunting amount of activities both in Phuket and the surrounding area, so we've sorted through the clutter and come up with a list of our travel expert's Top 5 Things to do in Phuket so you can get the most out of your adventure in paradise.
Our super-intern Sean assisted in conducting research on a fascinating subject during his study abroad program: Well-being. Following is a report to Global Basecamps travelers about his experience.
I was in Turkey to explore the effect that tourism can have on the well-being of a local population. What does "well-being" really mean though? Basically well-being can be seen as a measure of how happy people are with their government, family, work, their play, and really their lives. So, the question at the heart of my trip was: “How can sustainable tourism increase the well-being of locals?” The trip shed light on the impacts that tourism has on the happiness of both travelers and the people they interact with on their trips.
Rebecca is a Global Basecamps MVP traveler who has trekked all over the world and back again. Having gained knowledge and experience packing for her various treks, she was kind enough to offer her tips for future travelers! In our "Packing for Treks" series, Rebecca will give general tips, as well as destination-specific tips for Nepal, Tanzania and Peru!
Rebecca is a Global Basecamps MVP traveler who has trekked all over the world and back again. Having gained knowledge and experience packing for her various treks, she was kind enough to offer her tips for future travelers! In our "Packing for Treks" series, Rebecca will give general tips, as well as destination-specific tips for Nepal, Tanzania and Peru!
Now that you have planned your custom trek with Global Basecamps, and in order to maximize the return on all your planning, it is important to select suitable gear. While it's true that Mallory and Irvine climbed Everest in gabardine and not Gore-Tex, appropriate gear can make your trip infinitely more comfortable and safe, not to mention more stylish. You don’t want to be a blot on the beautiful landscape, do you? Careful selection of your gear is also a fun part of getting ready for your trip - you read that right - gear is fun!
Japan’s Culture Through Ryokan
Few countries can claim their hotels as one of their main tourist attractions. Japan is different. Staying in a traditional ryokan provides insight into what Japan values: simple, well-made food, courteous service, tradition, a place that feels like home.
No one travels in Japan more than the Japanese themselves. Part of this is due to the values listed above, and part of this is because of the natural hot springs that dot the islands. Weekends at a hot spring resort are not just common, they’re a necessary respite from the stress of urban living. Knowing this, it’s safe to say that the country’s best ryokan are located near the country’s most popular natural hot springs.
And so we come to Nishimuraya Honkan Ryokan, a traditional yet luxurious basecamp in Kinosaki-cho, Japan.