Travel Bug Within

A travel blog inspiring mid-life adventurers to chase their wanderlust and explore further

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A comfortable home away from home in Kyoto – Mimaru Nishinotoin Takatsuji

March 11, 2020 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Screen door leading into a hotel reception with potted plants on either side of the entrance

Creature comforts and space in Kyoto One aspect about Japan travellers regularly comment on, is that hotel rooms are often on the smaller side. And I get it. Space comes at a premium price in this island country, home to 126.8 million people. But with a little research, you can find exceptions to the 'small hotel room' syndrome without costing a … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Hotel Reviews, Japan Tagged With: #KyotoHotel, #MimaruApartmentHotels, Kyoto, Mimaru Apartment Hotels, Where to stay in Kyoto

Winter is coming in Nozawa Japan

November 16, 2018 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Ski season in Japan is about to open! I've just received the email, the first snow has fallen in Nozawa Onsen - a ski village four hours north of Tokyo. Thought it might be a good time to share my story Published on AWOL - Junkee and maybe consider this traditional village for your next snow holiday.       … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Japan, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre Tagged With: #VisitJapan, #Winteriscoming, Japan, Nozawa Onsen, ski Japan, where to ski in Japan

Breaking your leg overseas, the lessons I’ve learned

February 1, 2018 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

There have been a few blog posts about my "incident" in Japan.  I took the opportunity to write about it and here is my story published last year in Australia's WellBeing Magazine #170 in their "Real Life Experience" column.   Its now just over 12 months since the fall - and the scar has healed amazingly (was a little concerned about … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Japan, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre, Why have me write for you? Tagged With: Real life experiences

An expensive Japanese taxi ride

January 15, 2018 By Jennifer Johnston 2 Comments

About that long taxi ride in Japan …… The Shinkansens are a superb way to travel around Japan. These lightning-fast bullet trains are the epitome of efficiency – punctual down to the millisecond. They’re what we used to travel from Tokyo to the ski fields of Nozawa, in the Nagano prefecture, northwest of Tokyo.  And it wasn't because of the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Japan Tagged With: expensive taxi ride, Goals for 2018, what accidents teach us, what we learn from traveling, why have travel insurance

Naked communion – a divine onsen experience

June 23, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston 6 Comments

My first onsen experience Walking carefully along the snow-covered village street, I’m unable to look up and take in my new surroundings. The snow on the ground is thick and crunches underfoot. I'm aware discreet patches of ice wait for the unwary. I’m doing my best not to slip and fall. Usually a curious observer, today I’m cautiously following … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Japan, Single Mum Travel Tales, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre Tagged With: #NozawaOnsen, #seeJapan, #SkiJapan, destinationJapan, Japan, Japan insight, onsens in Nozawa, What to do in Nozawa

A tough Japanese ski lesson

March 25, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston Leave a Comment

Snow was falling steadily at Nozawa Onsen. It hadn't eased since our arrival, four days earlier. It was after a slight delay from our shinkansen experience we finally made it to this traditional Japanese ski village, in the Nagano prefecture four hour’s drive northwest of Tokyo,  I was with two of my sons, Mr 18 and Mr 13, my other Mr 13 stayed … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Japan, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre Tagged With: #SkiJapan, Discover Japan, Nozawa Onsen rseort, Nozawa Ski School, onsens in Japan, ski accidents, ski Japan, travel, unplanned holiday events, what can happen on the ski slopes in Japan, where to ski in Japan

When travelling Japan with teenagers be prepared for anything

February 7, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston 2 Comments

Expect the unexpected when travelling with teenagers The Japanese Shinkansen is fast. Also referred to as bullet trains (because of their sleek aerodynamic shape) Shinkansens are part of a high-speed passenger rail network traversing the Japanese countryside at lightning speed! On October 1st, 1964, just before the '64 Tokyo Olympics, the … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Japan, Single Mum Travel Tales, Stories "outside" of the Travel genre Tagged With: #NozawaOnsen, #seeJapan, Family Holidays, Iiyama Station Negano Japan, Japan, Japan and experiences, Shinkansens in Japan, single mum travel tales, single mum travels with teenagers in Japan, travelling with teenagers in Japan, what to be careful of when travelling in Japan

Japan Ohayo Gozaimasu

January 5, 2017 By Jennifer Johnston 2 Comments

Finally Japan! My first visit to the land of the rising sun is imminent. Japan has been on my travel radar since my high school days when I studied Japanese in Year 8! As this was quite a few decades ago, why has it taken so long for me to visit? Truthfully – I’ve no idea. I’d say too many other countries in between. But a couple of factors … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Destinations, Japan, Why have me write for you? Tagged With: Family holiday in Japan, Japan, Ski Nozawa, travel, Travel with kids to Japan, where to ski in Japan

travelbugwithin

Part two of the Marburg road trip. (One day I'll Part two of the Marburg road trip.

(One day I'll discover how to share longer clips on Instagram!)

In the meantime, part one is in the post prior 😄
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#discoveripswich
#brisbane
#queensland 
#roadtrips
At just under an hour's drive from Brisbane, the s At just under an hour's drive from Brisbane, the small country town of Marburg awaits. Turn off the Warrego Highway and discover a little community filled with friendly locals and a few surprises.

Take your wallets / credit cards / coin because there's some shopping and pub food to enjoy. And we can always play our part in supporting the locals.

Take a peek at a few of the experiences a group of us discovered in  Marburg. (This is part one - 2nd to follow!)
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#discoveripswich
#visitbrisbane
#holidayherethisyear
#queensland
#daytrips
#roadtripspain
Happy to welcome a pair of Tawny Frogmouths to my Happy to welcome a pair of Tawny Frogmouths  to my frangipani tree.

#brisbane 
#wildlife
#lifeinthesuburbs
Brisbane looks darn good from the Terrace Bar deck Brisbane looks darn good from the Terrace Bar deck. 

Wow! What a sizzler of a day.

Stepped out for an @astw_inc lunch and dined on food that was light and flavour-full. Swipe to see the sweet treats 

Quick peek inside one of the @emporiumhotels cabana rooms overlooking THAT pool!

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#brisbane
#luxehotels
#longlunch
#astw
A view I couldn't tire of! As one who has visited A view I couldn't tire of!

As one who has visited the @destinationgoldcoast
over the years, I hesitated about returning to Surfers Paradise for a mini getaway. From childhood visits to my grandmother's house at Paradise Island, over the years Surfers has transformed into a glitzy, commercial tourist hotspot. 

As the closest open beach from home, I said let's just try it and looking for a reasonable deal, I booked a couple of nights @rhapsodyresort for the ocean views and close beach access and nice looking self-contained apartments. 

Well, with uninterrupted vistas like this from my 26th floor balcony, you may understand why I asked at reception on day two if I could book another night! 

I began liking my 'routine' at Rhapsody. Beach walks morning and afternoon and late avo ocean swim. 

And 'working' remotely with this incredible view = bliss 💙💙💙 

Go to stories for more pics 😎
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#notsponsored
#rhapsodyresort
#ocean
#beachlover
#goldcoast
#queensland
There's plenty to do In Bundaberg. Here's a littl There's plenty to do In Bundaberg.

Here's a little snapshot of our week away. 

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#familyholiday
#queensland
#quietplaces 
#beautifulday 
#bestdiscovery 
#beautifulbeaches 
#weekendescapes 
#seeaustralia 
#roadtrips
#visitbundaberg
Under the shade of a pandanus tree it's very easy Under the shade of a pandanus tree it's very easy to just stop and take in the vista
Neilsen's Beach at Bargara. A pleasant beach popular with locals snd visitors like us
And with @lifesavingqld clubhouse you can swim safely between the flags too!
.
.
.

@queensland
#visitbundaberg 
#oceanview 
#bestdiscovery 
#surf 
#whereitravel 
#roadtrip 
#seeaustrali
Last full day in Bundaberg 😔 @windmillbargara Last full day in Bundaberg 😔

@windmillbargara for breakfast 

Elliott Heads for a swim in the clearest water I've been in for a long time. 

And then rooftop drinks with friends overlooking stunning Bargara. 

I'm loving the Bundaberg Region 💙💙💙

#ocean
#beach 
#Bundaberg 
#queensland 
#bestdiscovery 
#seeaustralia 
#travelwriter 
#roadtrips
Not a bad first half day at Bargara. Beach walk, Not a bad first half day at Bargara.

Beach walk, board walk, ocean swim and lunch with my three lads @windmillbargara 

Just waiting for the tide to come back in for another ocean swim later this avo.

Was worth the late evening drive to wake up to see the ocean this morning.

The lads are laughing as I've inflated (well Fraser did) a blow up surf mat. Ready for this avo. Bright pink 💓 you won't miss me 😜

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.
.

#myhappyplace 
#nearthesea 
#visitbundaberg 
#queensland
#holidays
#sun #surf
#familyiseverything 
#vacations 
#holidayswithkids
Load More... Follow on Instagram

travelbugwithin

Part two of the Marburg road trip. (One day I'll Part two of the Marburg road trip.

(One day I'll discover how to share longer clips on Instagram!)

In the meantime, part one is in the post prior 😄
.
.
.
#discoveripswich
#brisbane
#queensland 
#roadtrips
At just under an hour's drive from Brisbane, the s At just under an hour's drive from Brisbane, the small country town of Marburg awaits. Turn off the Warrego Highway and discover a little community filled with friendly locals and a few surprises.

Take your wallets / credit cards / coin because there's some shopping and pub food to enjoy. And we can always play our part in supporting the locals.

Take a peek at a few of the experiences a group of us discovered in  Marburg. (This is part one - 2nd to follow!)
.
.
.
#discoveripswich
#visitbrisbane
#holidayherethisyear
#queensland
#daytrips
#roadtripspain
Happy to welcome a pair of Tawny Frogmouths to my Happy to welcome a pair of Tawny Frogmouths  to my frangipani tree.

#brisbane 
#wildlife
#lifeinthesuburbs
Brisbane looks darn good from the Terrace Bar deck Brisbane looks darn good from the Terrace Bar deck. 

Wow! What a sizzler of a day.

Stepped out for an @astw_inc lunch and dined on food that was light and flavour-full. Swipe to see the sweet treats 

Quick peek inside one of the @emporiumhotels cabana rooms overlooking THAT pool!

.
.
.

#brisbane
#luxehotels
#longlunch
#astw
A view I couldn't tire of! As one who has visited A view I couldn't tire of!

As one who has visited the @destinationgoldcoast
over the years, I hesitated about returning to Surfers Paradise for a mini getaway. From childhood visits to my grandmother's house at Paradise Island, over the years Surfers has transformed into a glitzy, commercial tourist hotspot. 

As the closest open beach from home, I said let's just try it and looking for a reasonable deal, I booked a couple of nights @rhapsodyresort for the ocean views and close beach access and nice looking self-contained apartments. 

Well, with uninterrupted vistas like this from my 26th floor balcony, you may understand why I asked at reception on day two if I could book another night! 

I began liking my 'routine' at Rhapsody. Beach walks morning and afternoon and late avo ocean swim. 

And 'working' remotely with this incredible view = bliss 💙💙💙 

Go to stories for more pics 😎
.
.

.
#notsponsored
#rhapsodyresort
#ocean
#beachlover
#goldcoast
#queensland
There's plenty to do In Bundaberg. Here's a littl There's plenty to do In Bundaberg.

Here's a little snapshot of our week away. 

.
.
.
#familyholiday
#queensland
#quietplaces 
#beautifulday 
#bestdiscovery 
#beautifulbeaches 
#weekendescapes 
#seeaustralia 
#roadtrips
#visitbundaberg
Under the shade of a pandanus tree it's very easy Under the shade of a pandanus tree it's very easy to just stop and take in the vista
Neilsen's Beach at Bargara. A pleasant beach popular with locals snd visitors like us
And with @lifesavingqld clubhouse you can swim safely between the flags too!
.
.
.

@queensland
#visitbundaberg 
#oceanview 
#bestdiscovery 
#surf 
#whereitravel 
#roadtrip 
#seeaustrali
Last full day in Bundaberg 😔 @windmillbargara Last full day in Bundaberg 😔

@windmillbargara for breakfast 

Elliott Heads for a swim in the clearest water I've been in for a long time. 

And then rooftop drinks with friends overlooking stunning Bargara. 

I'm loving the Bundaberg Region 💙💙💙

#ocean
#beach 
#Bundaberg 
#queensland 
#bestdiscovery 
#seeaustralia 
#travelwriter 
#roadtrips
Not a bad first half day at Bargara. Beach walk, Not a bad first half day at Bargara.

Beach walk, board walk, ocean swim and lunch with my three lads @windmillbargara 

Just waiting for the tide to come back in for another ocean swim later this avo.

Was worth the late evening drive to wake up to see the ocean this morning.

The lads are laughing as I've inflated (well Fraser did) a blow up surf mat. Ready for this avo. Bright pink 💓 you won't miss me 😜

.
.
.
.

#myhappyplace 
#nearthesea 
#visitbundaberg 
#queensland
#holidays
#sun #surf
#familyiseverything 
#vacations 
#holidayswithkids
Load More... Follow on Instagram

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