We’ve wrecked more pairs of shoes than we’d like to admit on the road.
There was the time my sandals gave out in the middle of a jungle trail in Costa Rica. The soles literally peeling off with every muddy step until I was half sliding my way back to the car.
Then there was my “genius” idea to wear cute but flimsy flats through Madrid. After a day of cobblestones and standing in line, I swear my feet were plotting revenge.
And let’s not forget the endless search for good hiking shoes in Ecuador.
Charles’ hiking shoes wore out just as we reached Ecuador, and with the Galapagos on our radar, he was desparate to buy a new pair. Unfortunately, he’s hard to fit, and we searched high and low for quality shoes that could handle hiking. It took us endless trips to local malls, and Google searches, but we finally found a pair.
He used them for another five years! Some of the best shoes he ever owned.
If you travel long enough, you’ll realize your shoes become one of your most important pieces of gear. They carry you through airports, hikes, city explorations, and those days when you somehow end up walking 20,000 steps even though you swore it would be an “easy day.”
So it makes sense that people start to wonder: where are these things actually made?
Take Hike Footwear, for example. A quick search will turn up plenty of people asking, “Are Hike shoes made in China?” The short answer is: sometimes, yes. But the longer answer is much more interesting, and honestly, a lot more normal than most of us think.
Designed at Home, Built Around the World
Hike Footwear is a U.S. brand that designs all of its shoes around barefoot principles: wide toe boxes, zero-drop soles, and flexible construction that lets your feet move naturally. The design work and brand management are all done in the USA.
But when it comes to actually making the shoes? Like almost every footwear brand out there, the production happens overseas in factories that specialize in minimalist and barefoot footwear. These aren’t fly-by-night operations. They’re places with decades of experience, skilled workers, and the infrastructure to turn designs into durable, travel-ready shoes.
Why Global Manufacturing Is the Norm
Here’s the thing: if you check the tags on your sneakers, hiking boots, or even high-end barefoot shoes like Vivobarefoot, you’ll almost always see a “Made in Vietnam,” “Made in China,” or “Made in Indonesia” label. It’s not because brands are hiding something shady. It’s because the global footwear industry is set up that way.
The expertise, supply chains, and materials for large-scale shoe production are concentrated in specific parts of the world. These factories have been building shoes for decades. They know how to handle the flexible materials and designs that barefoot shoes require.
In other words, it’s less about cutting costs and more about going where the skills and resources already exist.
What Hike Footwear Focuses On
Instead of trying to do everything in-house, Hike Footwear puts its energy into:
Design and quality standards: Shoes are tested for comfort, durability, and barefoot design principles before they ever hit your feet.
Ethical partnerships: The factories they work with are vetted for worker safety and fair practices.
Sustainability: Materials are chosen to balance performance with long-term environmental impact.
That’s the kind of thing most travelers care about. Not just a label, but whether the shoes are made well, last through the miles, and are created responsibly.
Why It Matters Less Than You Think
At the end of the day, the country stamped on your shoe isn’t what determines whether it holds up through a rainy trek in Ireland or a day wandering the backstreets of Bangkok. What matters is the design, the oversight, and the care that goes into making them.
Almost all of us are wearing globally made shoes, whether we realize it or not. The real difference comes down to transparency and values. And in Hike Footwear’s case, they’re clear: designed in the U.S., produced by skilled international partners, and made to last for travelers who actually put their gear to the test.
We’ve been to Bacolod several times, and most of our trips, our main motivation is none other than…FOOD! From the city’s famed chicken inasal to its decadent sweet treats, Bacolod never fails to satisfy our craving — from appetizers to desserts.
In this article, we’ll be sharing the dishes, restaurants, and food spots we tried and loved during our most recent visit. This list is arranged in no particular order. Also, our choices and opinions may differ from yours, as taste is subjective. We are in no way food experts; we simply love eating and discovering good food.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If you have a trip soon, please also visit our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Here, we compiled travel essentials, including immigration requirements and all our recommended hotels and attractions. Just visit this page: TPT Masterlist. We also have a compilation for other destinations around the world.
When we asked our three Bacolod-based friends what they thought was the best chicken inasal in the city, we got three very different answers. Somehow, we weren’t surprised. Given the sheer number of great inasal places in the City of Smiles, it seems everyone has their own favorite spot — and they’ll defend it with the same passion people usually reserve for love teams, BTS, or Taylor Swift.
Lion’s Park Grill and Restaurant Lizares Branch
That’s the good thing about Bacolod — you surely won’t leave without tasting delicious, perfectly grilled chicken inasal. On our previous trips, we usually ate at Manokan Country. We’ve already tried Aida’s and Nena’s Rose, so this time we wanted something different. Our friend Mark highly recommended Lion’s Park Grill Haus, a local institution that has been serving inasal since 1981.
Its original location was at the famous Manokan Country, which was demolished and rebuilt as part of SM City Bacolod. But we ate at the site along Lizares Avenue. Not sure if it transferred to this spot or it’s an additional branch. Most of the tables are in the open-air area, but it does have an air-conditioned section now. Either way, the smell of grilled chicken hits you before you even sit down.
Chicken Inasal Pechopak, Grilled Chicken Liver, and Isaw
Aside from the cut (pechopak is the best, still), it also offers native chicken variant. Both options are smoky, flavorful, and best paired with rice drowned in chicken oil and sinamak (spiced vinegar).
We also enjoyed its isaw, locally called isaw/tinae, which was cut open and thoroughly cleaned, so there was no funky aftertaste. We also had chicken liver or atay and pork sisig, both of which were your usual fare — good enough but won’t exactly steal the spotlight from the inasal.
It’s funny because on our last Bacolod trip, there were also three of us in the group, and each had our own favorite and a different take on which one was the best. For Vins, Lion’s Park is his top pick, while our teammate Asta (@ganitofriend) and I placed our bets on other chicken inasal contenders.
Chicken House got the highest mark on Asta’s scorecard. The chicken inasal that we tried here had a tastier marinade, with the vinegar being more intense and balancing out the saltiness.
Chicken Inasal Pechopak and Pork BBQ
The serving was smaller, though, and the piece Vins got was a bit on the dry side. The chicken we had at Lion’s Park was juicier, making it Vins’s top preference, but only by a slim margin.
We also had grilled squid or inihaw na pusit, which was perfectly grilled and not chewy at all. The lemongrass stuffing helped tone down the strong seafood taste of the squid. As for the pork barbecue, it was just okay.
Address: Chicken House Main Branch, 24th Lacson Street, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Sunday, 12:00 AM – 10:00 AM; 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM What We Ordered: Chicken Inasal Pecho, P140; Grilled Squid, P160; Pork BBQ, P50/stick
Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood
For me, the best inasal I tried on our most recent trip was from Sugba Sugba Inasal & Seafood. Actually, it was tied for #1 with Vins’s pick. We just made him pick only one.
Of all the chicken inasals we tried on this trip, this was by far the juiciest and the most flavorful. It was also the cheapest, at P115-125 apiece. But it wasn’t just the inasal. Every single dish that was served on our table was fantastic.
Baked Oysters and Chili Garlic Crabs
From the usual grilled innards like isaw and atay to its seafood bestsellers. The chili garlic crabs were so fresh, made even tastier by the sauce, which was like a mix of sweet chili and sarciado. And of course, the baked oysters. The oyster meat was small, but there were 20 of them, profusely complemented by the rich, cheesy sauce. This was our best meal in Bacolod on this trip.
The place was also air-conditioned, so we dined comfortably even when it was really hot outside.
If you want more fresh ocean bounty, look no further than Gina’s Seafoods Restaurant. It’s a spacious open-air restaurant, fronted by a parade of squid, shrimps, prawns, and various types of fish. Diwal or angel wing clams were also on the menu. It’s my favorite, but it was not available at the time.
Gina’s is a paluto restaurant, where you pick your seafood then decide how you want it cooked (grilled, steamed, sizzling, sweet and sour, sinigang, etc).
We asked the staff for their bestsellers, and they mentioned grilled blue marlin, garlic butter shrimp, and sizzling squid, so that’s exactly what we ordered.
Garlic Butter Shrimps (Top Left), Grilled Blue Marlin (Bottom Left), and Sizzling Squid (Right)
Every single thing we ordered was so fresh. There was no funny or funky smell or aftertaste at all. They were also perfectly cooked. The blue marlin was tender. It was easy to appreciate its natural flavors; we didn’t even need a dip or sauce for it. Meanwhile, the shrimp dish didn’t disappoint either. The garlic made the crustaceans sing. But our unanimous standout pick here was the sizzling squid! Technically, it was cuttlefish or pusit lumot, which made me nervous because it could easily turn rubbery, but this one didn’t. It was very soft, and its sauce had the right blend of sweet and salty.
Address: Gina’s Seafoods, San Juan Street, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM What We Ordered: Blue Marlin, P275 for 1/4 kg; Shrimps Steamed with Garlic Butter, P225 for 1/4 kg; Squid, P225 for 1/4 kg
Sharyn’s Cansi House
If there’s one place in Bacolod you want to go for a bowl of cansi, Sharyn’s is it. Located on Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, this no-frills eatery has been serving up its signature beef soup since 1985, and in 2017 it was even recognized by the World Street Food Congress as one of the Top 50 Street Food Masters in the world.
The beef shank is stewed until it’s fall-off-the-bone tender, the broth is deeply beefy, and there’s a sour kick from batuan, a souring fruit native to Negros and Panay, which gives the soup its distinct flavor. Every order is good for a group, usually served in a big bowl with extra mugs of soup for refill. If you’re going solo, I doubt you’d be able to finish it.
On our recent visit, the first thing the staff told us as we entered was that they didn’t have bone marrow anymore. We really appreciated them informing us before we could even sit down or order. But we still went ahead. This was our third time here, and while the bone marrow takes it to another level of richness, we’re totally fine without. When we had our first sip, we were reminded why we came back! Their cansi is really comforting.
Sharyn’s Cansi House
We also ordered their “crispy” version of cansi, which is basically the cansi’s shank meat deep fried until it’s crunchy. But to be honest, the crispy cansi in our memory was better than what we got this time. This one was much tougher than I remember.
If you decide to visit, manage your expectations. It’s basically a specialized carinderia. It’s simple, modest, and not air-conditioned. It’s casual and often busy, especially around lunch or dinner.
Address: Sharyn’s Cansi House, Narra Avenue, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM What We Ordered: Cansi, P500; Crispy Cansi, P580
Calle Luna Halo-Halo
Just a short walk from Sharyn’s stands Calle Luna, a dessert spot originally from Silay City, with a branch also in Talisay and Bacolod. It’s known mostly for its wide, wide selection of halo-halo and other icy desserts.
What sets it apart from the typical halo-halo is that it uses so-called milky ice, which is finer, smoother and milkier. Instead of the usual basic shaved ice drizzled with evaporated milk, the milk is more infused in the ice.
Vins ordered their bestseller called Super Special, which has sweetened banana, sweet buko strips, jelly bits, corn kernels, mango, ube halaya, and then topped with ube ice cream, leche flan, and cheese. According to him, it was good — very creamy, with well-balanced ingredients. Nothing was overpowering. It was just a bit unusual for him to have mango in halo-halo, but once he got used to it, it turned out okay.
De Langka Halo-Halo (Left), Super Special Halo-Halo (Middle), and Mango de Leche Halo-Halo (Right)
Meanwhile, Asta got the De Langka. This flavor is seasonal, but thankfully, it was available that time. Of course, langka or jackfruit took the spotlight, as it should. It also came with sweetened banana, buko or coconut, corn, and crowned with vanilla ice cream.
I ordered Mango de Leche, which has mango caramel syrup and jelly bits, then topped with mango ice cream and leche flan. I liked it but didn’t really live for the mango ice cream as it overpowered the natural flavor of the real mango. I enjoyed Asta’s Langka and Vins’s Super Special halo-halo much better. But overall, it was very satisfying, especially after a bowl of cansi. It was also scorching hot that day!
We also wanted to try La Arte’s halo-halo, but it was out of the way, and we didn’t have much time, so we just skipped it for now. Maybe next time!
Address: Calle Luna Halo-Halo, BS Aquino Drive, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental Opening Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM What We Ordered: Super Special Halo-Halo, P130; De Langka, P110; Mango de Leche, P110
21 Restaurant
Located at 21 Lacson Street, corner 21st Street (hence the name), 21 Restaurant used to be a humble merienda spot but has evolved into one of Bacolod’s more upscale casual dining spots. A few years ago, I first visited this place with Vins and Asta, and we ordered a lot. I remember we had a great meal overall.
Signature Batchoy Special
But this time around, I came alone, and I came for one thing and one thing only — a bowl of its signature batchoy! The broth isn’t clear-clear but not opaque either, but surprisingly packed with flavor! It’s simmered until it soaks up all the umami goodness, then layered with noodles, tender bits of meat, and generous slices of liver, and then sprinkled crunchy chicharón on top. It’s less rich and less garlicky than the ones I tried in Iloilo and more refined than usual, but still very comforting.
Although I went for the batchoy, I also ordered its Lola Nitang’s Bibingka, which was a bit inconspicuous in the menu. But I’m obsessed with bibingka in general, so I just had to try it. And my gosh, this was really good. It was soft, moist, and tasty. It had just the right amount of sweetness.
Address: 21 Restaurant, 21 Lacson Street corner 21st Street, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM What We Ordered: Batchoy Special , P180 (w/ egg, +P25); Lola Nitang’s Bibingka, P170
Café Bobs
And since we’re already talking about sweets, let’s cross to the next item, literally. Located just across the street from 21 Restaurant sits the flagship store of Café Bobs. Honestly, it was our first time hearing about it, so we’re not too familiar with its legacy. Apparently, it started back in 2003, so it’s been part of Bacolod’s food scene for over 20 years, serving specialty coffee, pastries, and casual café culture in the city. The name “Bobs” comes from owner Bobby Magalona and his wife’s passion for baking and coffee.
Café Bobs Flagship Store
We asked the staff for their bestsellers on the iced drinks menu, and they recommended the Iced Spanish Latte. Normally, this drink is quite sweet because of the condensed milk, but their version — as Tito it may sound — was not too sweet at all. It was just right, with the espresso and milk really standing out.
We also got a slice of Burnt Cheesecake. The burnt-ness adds extra flavor and makes it more complex, but since it didn’t have a crust, it tasted a bit one-dimensional and it lacked the texture to cut through its richness. It did get quite overwhelming after a while.
Choco Carrot Cake and Burnt Cheesecake
We also had a piece of Choco Carrot Cake, and we actually enjoyed this more than the burnt cheesecake. We love carrot cake, so by default, it was a “yes” for us. This one was moist, with a layer of chocolate icing. And maybe it’s just us, but we picked a strong cinnamon notes, which we really liked.
But if cakes are what you’re really after, you should also check out the next two items on this list.
Address: Café Bobs, 21 Lacson Sreet, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM What We Ordered: Iced Spanish Latte, P175; Burnt Cheesecake, P135; Choco Carrot Cake, P120
Buttery Negros
We had a hard time here at Buttery, not because we didn’t like anything, but because we couldn’t decide what to order. Their cakes were on full display near the cashier, and we wanted to taste them all. They all looked so good!
When we asked the staff, they recommended the Lemon Chill and Pistachi-oh Craze cakes. But I also ordered Galleta de Leche for good measure. As someone who likes my cakes simple, it really appealed to me, and I was also told it was a signature creation of theirs too.
The Lemon Chill was a combination of calamansi cake and lemon square with creamy lemon mousse in between and topped with pieces of almond. Meanwhile, the Pistachi-oh Craze was composed of crunchy lumpia wrapper coated in Nutella, covered in pistachio mousse and pistachio cream, sitting on an Oreo crust and drizzled with more Nutella and dark chocolate, and sprinkled with more pistachio bits. I was a bit skeptical in the beginning because these cakes sound like they’re too complicated and too decadent for their own good. But because we always follow staff recommendations, we did just that, and they didn’t disappoint. They were truly delicious!
Lemon Chill and Pistachi-oh Craze
But the Galleta de Leche was my favorite. It’s basically just creamy caramel flan on a salty cracker crust, topped with whipped cream. I appreciated the simplicity of it! The richness and sweetness were just right, not saturated.
Oh, we also ordered the Ube Cheesecake. Told you we couldn’t make up our minds, so we ended up ordering a lot. This is ube-flavored cheesecake sitting on polvoron crust and topped with queso de bola.
Ube Cheesecake (Left), Galleta de Leche (Top Right), and Matcha Tiramisu (Bottom Right)
Here at Buttery, we were accompanied by our college friend Ry, who is a Bacolod local. He had the Matcha Tiramisu, which is green tea-flavored tiramisu with white chocolate and almonds. We also got a taste of it because we all shared cakes. Both the ube cheesecake and matcha tiramisu delivered, too. We ended up having a different favorite!
Buttery’s roots can be traced back to Dumaguete, but the Bacolod locals had embraced it, and no surprise there, really. Every single thing on our plates was unforgettable.
But if you’re looking for desserts that are truly local and homegrown, then the place to be is…
Address: Buttery, Lacson Street corner C.L. Montelibano Avenue, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM What We Ordered: Lemon Chill, P130; Pistachi-oh Craze, P180; Galleta de Leche, P130; Ube Cheesecake, P150; Matcha Tiramisu (P120)
Calea
Calea is one of Bacolod’s iconic bakery-cafés, located along Lacson Street. Every time we’re in Bacolod, we visit to get at least three slices from its massive selection of cakes, ice cream cakes, and cheesecakes. But prior to our visit last month, it had been years since we last set foot here, so as always, we asked the staff for recommendations. They suggested the Choco Mud Pie, Imported Chocolate Cake, and Blueberry Cheesecake.
Chocolate Mud Pie and Imported Chocolate Cake
The Imported Chocolate Cake is among their bestsellers. It’s the very first item on their cake menu. It’s a dark chocolate cake with rich custard filling and covered in dark chocolate icing. It’s so moist, we couldn’t stop digging in. It’s dark chocolate, but still pretty sweet. We always order this when we’re here, and it never fails to delight us!
But it was our first time trying their Chocolate Mud Pie. It’s a big chunk of chocolate ice cream sitting on Oreo crust, clad in fudge, bits of almond, and Oreo powder.
Blueberry Cheesecake (Left), White Chocolate Cheesecake (Top Right), and Fruity Cheesecake (Bottom Right)
But I was most excited about the cheesecake. In the past, I tried their White Chocolate Cheesecake (P120) with raspberry sauce and Fruity Cheesecake (P110), which was topped with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Both were delectable! I was expecting this Blueberry Cheesecake to be similar, but no, it was much more delightful! First of all, the crust was different. It had a lot more texture, which was great because it complemented the smooth and rich cheesecake.
After all these years, Calea is still the same dessert powerhouse that I remember. Big servings and spectacular tastes at affordable prices. Please don’t change, Calea! Honestly, if we’re going to rank our favorite spood spots in Bacolod, Calea sits comfortably on top.
Address: Calea, Balay Quince, Lacson Street corner 15th Street, Bacolod, 6100 Negros Occidental Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Friday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM What We Ordered: Choco Mud Pie, P130; Imported Chocolate Cake, P125; Blueberry Cheesecake, P125
Where to Stay in Bacolod
The capital of Negros Occidental, Bacolod City makes an excellent base for exploring Metro Bacolod and its neighboring towns. It offers a wide range of accommodations across different budgets and types, so you’ll never run short of options. Here are some of the top-rated hotels in Bacolod City according to online traveler reviews.
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Where is South Georgia Island? Here is our detailed guide to South Georgia, a lesser-known destination in the world that is absolutely breathtaking!
Picture a rugged mountainous coast, dramatic glaciers, and unique wildlife like king penguins, Antarctic sea birds, and elephant seals roaming around you.
Temperatures are chilly and the Southern Ocean smashes against the rocky coastline of the mountainous island. Aside from research stations and former whaling stations, there are no other humans living here year-round.
This is South Georgia, a stunning and wild destination that may find its way onto any adventurous traveller’s bucket list.
We’re going to break down some FAQs you may have about South Georgia, as it’s not a super popular tourist destination. But those who do visit South Georgia are sure to leave with a lasting impression, as the stunning scenery and abundant wildlife is unmatched!
South Georgia Island is located in the southern Atlantic Ocean, near the southern tip of South America and the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
More specifically, it lies about 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) east of the Falkland Islands and roughly 2,150 kilometers (1,340 miles) southeast of South America’s southern tip.
It’s a very remote location that is only accessible by sea. But as it’s conveniently nestled between Antarctica and southern Argentina, South Georgia is a popular stopover location on polar expedition cruises that travel to Antarctica.
The beautiful church in Grytviken, South Georgia.
What country does South Georgia Island belong to?
South Georgia is part of the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI). So it technically belongs to the United Kingdom, who has ruled over South Georgia since 1908.
However, Argentina also claims sovereignty over South Georgia. This dispute was one of the causes of the 1982 Falklands War, during which Argentine forces briefly occupied South Georgia before being expelled by British troops.
Today, South Georgia remains under the control and protection of the British Government.
South Georgia is not part of Antarctica, but it lies within the Antarctic Convergence zone and is governed under parts of the Antarctic Treaty System for environmental protection.
South Georgia is approximately 1,400 kilometers (870 miles) away from the Falkland Islands.
The Falkland Islands archipelago consists of two main islands and hundreds of small islets. Featuring gorgeous scenery and lots of cool wildlife, visitors often stop over to the Falkland Islands on their way to South Georgia from South America.
An expedition ship generally take 3 or 4 days to travel across the Southern Ocean between the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, depending on the conditions at sea.
The Falkland Islands
Does anyone live on South Georgia Island?
No humans live permanently on South Georgia. The island has no native or permanent population, but it does host a small, rotating group of government officials, scientists, and support staff.
There are rarely more than 20 people living on the island at any given time. These temporary residents are based mainly at King Edward Point, near the former whaling station of Grytviken.
Those residing on the island generally spend their time monitoring wildlife, patrolling fisheries, and working on environmental research, protection, and conservation.
Tourists occasionally visit by expedition cruise ship, but there are no hotels, towns, or civilian infrastructure on the island. Strict environmental regulations are in place as well to protect the island’s fragile coast and wildlife.
Cruise ship passing South Georgia Island
Visiting South Georgia by Ship
Visiting South Georgia Island is a rare and unforgettable experience! This remote destination is typically included as part of an expedition cruise to the sub-Antarctic region.
There are no airports or regular transport links on South Georgia, so visitors arrive by ship often on their way to Antarctica or the Falkland Islands.
Landings are made via Zodiac boats at select landing sites such as Grytviken, Salisbury Plain, and St. Andrews Bay, where visitors can witness vast colonies of king penguins, elephant seals, and fur seals up close.
Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.
Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.
What is the best time to visit South Georgia?
The best time to visit South Georgia is during the austral summer, from October to March. This is when weather conditions are relatively milder and wildlife is most active. You can often spot sea birds like wandering albatross and southern giant petrels roaming the skies year-round.
Here’s a breakdown by month:
October–November: Early season with dramatic snow-covered landscapes and Southern elephant seals battling for mates. King penguins are arriving and starting to nest.
December–January: Peak season for king penguins and their chicks, fur seal pups, and long daylight hours. This is the most popular time for visitors.
February–March: Excellent for seeing penguin species, whales (especially humpbacks and orcas), and fewer visitors. It’s also the tail end of the cruise ship season in South Georgia.
South Georgia is a fascinating place with rich biodiversity, untouched natural landscapes, and a unique history.
South Georgia is best known in popular culture as the final resting place of the polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, who died there in 1922 during his last expedition.
Today, his grave lies in Grytviken, which was once a prominent whaling station and now an occasional stop for tourists. It’s a fascinating place to appreciate the history of polar exploration on South Georgia.
With its large populations of seabirds, seals, and penguins, most notably king penguins, South Georgia allows you to admire some of the world’s most intriguing wildlife.
Taking a polar expedition cruise ship to the South Georgia coast is an unforgettable adventure!
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One of my favorite weekends getaways is Franklin, Tennessee. It’s just an hour from where we live, but sometimes it feels necessary to break up your routine and reset your mental battery for a weekend—the closer, the better. And with the opening of the Harpeth Hotel a few years back, we love to stay in Franklin and ditch our cars for a weekend getaway that is walkable and brimming with good food and even better cocktails.
This post was last updated in August 2025.
So if you’re coming to Williamson County for a week, a weekend or just a night, here’s what to expect with a stay at the Harpeth Hotel.
Staying in Downtown Franklin
The Harpeth Hotel is the place to stay in downtown Franklin, and it’s also the city’s premier boutique hotel option. With 119 guest rooms spread throughout the four-story hotel, it embodies the look and feel of Williamson County, which is to say: upscale, yet approachable; historic in honoring Franklin’s roots while simultaneously contemporary in design and offerings.
What I love the most about the location is how walkable it is. You can check your car into the valet and explore Franklin on foot for the majority of the weekend, no car needed. Everywhere on Main Street is walkable from the Harpeth, as is the Factory at Franklin, the Franklin Farmers Market, the Park at Harlinsdale Farm and so much more.
What to know about Franklin
But first, if you’re new to this area of the South, you need to know a bit about Franklin’s backstory. Fiercely fought over throughout its history as a Western settlement, Franklin and the surrounding counties suffered losses of American life that are gut-wrenching to contemplate. The steamrollers of war spared quite a few architectural treasures in this part of the world that you can tour and a network of interlinked cultural sites illustrate with excruciating detail how the thousands of acres of graveyards scattered on the countryside were populated with the bodies of men. Some of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War happened in this well-preserved Tennessee town, a fact that’s easy to forget unless you visit the battlefields and museums, which we must insist you do.
The hotel is part of a greater development project that fuses 150 residential spaces with commercial concepts; you’ll find everything from the Bakehouse to the NOW Massage day spa in Harpeth Square, just minutes outside of your door. The square also has its own restaurants like Culaccino and Culamar, plus an olive oil shop to boot.
Named after the river that snakes its way through town, the Harpeth Hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, so it meets the brand’s standards while still being completely unique. This means that you can accrue Hilton Honors points if you’re a member and also use the Hilton Keyless App if you prefer.
The Harpeth has a couple of different lodging options, including standard and accessible rooms, as well as various suites: junior, king and presidential. Many rooms have balconies with seating areas, a definite plus in warmer months.
Oh, and did I mention that the Harpeth Hotel is pet-friendly, too? This seamlessly ties into Franklin’s pet-friendly approach to welcome dogs into the town’s various spaces: the shops, the cafes, the restaurant patios, the galleries.
The hotel also boasts some really gorgeous event spaces; if you have a group of 250 or less, the Harpeth is the perfect place in Franklin in which to host your meeting, conference or other event.
What I love the most about the Harpeth Hotel is that it truly lives up to its motto of being “Franklin’s living room.” When I’m staying in a plush boutique like this one, I prefer to spend time physically in the hotel, but not necessarily inside the confines of my room, which is why the Harpeth is the perfect place to stay in Franklin for me.
There are nooks and vignettes all over the hotel that lend themselves well to grabbing a cup of coffee (or if you’re us, a cocktail) and settling in for a long chat with a friend or an afternoon with your laptop if you’re always working on the road.
The Library also hosts a daily whiskey tasting for guests at 4:45pm, in which a skilled connoisseur will guide you through a sampling of a special whiskey, some from the area and others hand-picked from destinations across the world.
There’s a courtyard right smack in the middle of the hotel that connects to the lobby bar and the Riverside Ballroom with staircases leading up to the second level of the hotel, in addition to ample seating for those who prefer to lounge in the open air. In the summer, there’s live music in the courtyard several nights a week, but no matter the season, you’ll find someone taking the mic in the Harpeth’s 1799 bar on every weekend as the singer-songwriter industry is at the core of Franklin’s culture.
In fact, there are even Gibson guitars hanging in the lobby that guests can check out for free to play!
Eating and drinking at the Harpeth Hotel in Franklin
The centerpiece of the hotel’s lobby is the chef-driven 1799 Kitchen & Bar Room, which is as visually striking as it is delicious. Built around the abstract deconstruction of the inside of a whiskey barrel, with large, circular nook booths encased in the restaurant’s staves, this corner of the hotel is incredibly pleasing to the eye with all of its lines and symmetry.
The homage to the colors and texture of whiskey beer mash inside of the oak is stunning, and surprisingly the design limitations of working in the round appear to have only enhanced the experience of dining with companions because we could actually hear each other speak, an essential quality that unfortunately has been forgotten all too often if you’re breaking bread with others.
The menu trends to high-end French and Italian, with locally sourced ingredients for menu items like the trout, pork roast, leg of lamb and steak. Brunch is also spun up as an option and includes all the usual suspects like crab Benedict, chicken and waffles, and flank steak, among other choices for a lazy weekend meal.
There’s also a bar in the central lobby area that carries local spirits like Leiper’s Fork Distillery, as well as craft beer from Jackalope, Wiseacre and other Tennessee breweries. No big surprise that this is where we made our base during the length of our stay!
And if you’re looking for a more casual grab-and-go option, McGavock’s Coffee Bar & Provisions is the place for you. Tucked in the corner of the building right along Main Street, this bistro has specialty coffee drinks, beer, cocktails, fresh pastries, handmade ice cream and a selection of lunch items. We loved it so much, we’ve now been for lunch at McGavock’s three times in less than two weeks; SVV always gets the bahn mi, while the roast beef sandwich is my go-to.
Whether you are staying in downtown Franklin or are just passing through, lunch at McGavock’s and/or a meal at 1799 should definitely be on your to-eat list in a city crowded with culinary delights.
Around the Harpeth Hotel
Of course, the hotel is right on Main Street, meaning there’s plenty to do, see and eat beyond its walls. So many of my favorite shops in Franklin are located within blocks’ of the Harpeth, including Emmaline, Tin Cottage, Hester & Cook, White’s Mercantile and Rooted by Yarrow Acres, a plant store with the most gorgeous greenery.
If you’ve already eaten at 1799, there are plenty of whiskey stops—like Stable Reserve, OBJ and Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s House of Spirits—along Main Street, as well as plenty of places to eat within walking distance from the Harpeth Hotel. A few of my favorite downtown Franklin restaurants include: Gray’s on Main, Red Pony, Cork & Cow, 55 South and Biscuit Love.
And while McGavock’s is divine for a cup of joe, downtown Franklin also houses an outpost of one of my favorite regional coffee brands: Frothy Monkey. You can also walk to the Factory at Franklin, a beloved spot of both SVV’s and mine thanks to the artisan-backed shops and eateries that populate this old textile mill just outside of downtown.
I suggest staying in downtown Franklin a three-day weekend so you can make the most of the area’s Civil War history, as well as hitting up the Masters & Makers trail, Leiper’s Fork and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Franklin is also a great base for exploring the Natchez Trace Parkway, which travels right through the heart of the county.
When to visit Franklin
Like most of Tennessee, Franklin’s most popular months are often April and May and September and October, though the height of summer promises greenery in spade. That said, it depends on the year, as our winters are getting shorter, meaning it’s warmer through late November and starts to thaw by March. That also means you shouldn’t discount the holiday season, though. In fact, at the moment, it’s mid-60s and prices are lower, but yuletide spirit is high!
Franklin has a few banner events, my go-tos being Pilgrimage Music Festival every September and Dickens of a Christmas in mid-December. Both are located in or adjacent to downtown Franklin and walkable from the hotel.
Looking for more Franklin travel tips? Start here:
Long-time readers know that no one loves a good road trip quite like our pup Ella If she could, she’d go with us everywhere. The problem? Not everywhere is pet-friendly—well, not everywhere ispet-friendly like Franklin, Tennessee, I should add.
This post was last updated in August 2025.
Sure, there are plenty of trips she can go on, but we’ve been down that road before: taken her to a city that on its surface appears to be pet-friendly (Denver, we’re looking at you), but really, truly is not, so we end up compromising our adventures to keep her safe and happy. There’s nothing more stressful for pet owners than to have to leave their pup behind in a hotel room for long days on end or, worse, a locked car with the motor and air-conditioning running. So more often than not, she stays home with my mom and we count down the days until we’re all reunited again.
Taking your dog to Franklin
Lucky for us, many of Tennessee’s cities have jumped on the pet-friendly bandwagon, and Franklin is at the forefront of that movement. Mars Petcare’s corporate campus and global innovation center are both in Williamson County, and in addition to creating a pet-friendly work environment, they’ve committed to teaching businesses like shops and restaurants with patios how to be more accommodating to animals like me, the company also is trying to encourage more offices across the country to implement a pet-friendly workplace policy.
In 2017, Franklin became the pilot city for Mars Petcare’s “Better Cities for Pets” initiative. But what does this mean exactly? While some local businesses like Gallery 202 have always allowed pets, the program has brought in more than 100 Franklin businesses in an effort to make that more ubiquitous by creating urban spaces where pets are welcomed and supported, contributing to the well-being of both pets and their owners.
Part of the program is providing businesses with a toolkit to better serve pets and their people by creating a stress-free environment for all. The result is dozens of dogs strolling Main Street on any given afternoon—and that we can take Ella along with us on a day in Franklin. The initiative also aspires to build true pet-friendly communities by supporting shelters, homes, businesses and parks, touching on four key cornerstones: shelters, parks, homes and businesses.
Pets can’t speak for themselves, so the mentality behind the program is that it’s up to people and communities to advocate for them and the many ways they make our lives better. For us, as Ella’s humans, it’s comforting that we can take her all over Franklin and aren’t going to run into “NO DOGS ALLOWED” signs around every turn.
The expansion of the program has meant signage directing you to businesses that allow your pets inside, water bowls stationed along Main Street, waste bag stations and other amenities.
And for the rare downtown business that doesn’t accept dogs–and for restaurants for whom it’s a health code violation—there’s polite signage alerting you when they are not allowed inside.
Ella gives Williamson County’s efforts two paws up and can’t wait till her next day trip to Franklin!
Where to stay in Franklin with pets
Our favorite place to stay in Franklin is the Harpeth Hotel, and lucky for you and your pup, they allow dogs. But there are dozens of Franklin hotels that accept dogs, many of them along the I-65 corridor. Pet-friendly hotels include:
Other pet-friendly places in Franklin
Franklin is more than just Main Street, so if you’re exploring beyond downtown, you may want to factor these pet-friendly stops—parks, restaurants, bars and shops that accept pets in Franklin—into your plans:
Aside from attractions like Disneyland, Ngong Ping Cable Car, and Victoria Peak, one of the highlights of a trip to Hong Kong is the food. Its culinary scene offers a lot to food lovers. From traditional Cantonese food to Michelin-starred restaurants to international flavors, you’ll surely have a happy tummy during your trip. Whether you’re craving some siomai, a bowl of wonton noodles, or roasted duck, Hong Kong has something to satisfy your appetite.
We understand that a lot of us travel on a budget, especially those who are going to Hong Kong as their first international destination. Don’t worry — despite being an expensive city in general, there are still food places that are relatively affordable here. There are also some that are on the pricier side, but would be really worth to try. If you’re heading to Hong Kong soon, you might want to check out some of these restaurants and food spots that have earned a spot on our must-try list.
One of the most popular budget-friendly food spots in Hong Kong is Tsim Chai Kee, which has multiple branches across the city. The one on Wellington Street even holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, so expect the lines to get really long, especially during lunchtime. Fortunately, there are other branches to check out.
Tsim Chai Kee Wellington Street Branch
On our recent trip, we visited the Queens Road Central branch, which is located in a basement. Tsim Chai Kee is famous for its noodle soup, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Their freshly made egg noodles have the perfect springy texture. You can choose from a variety of toppings, including fish balls, sliced beef, and their signature pork and king prawn wontons. You can also opt for a combination of toppings, but the broth remains the same — simmered for at least five hours daily to develop deep shrimp and fish flavors with just the right level of saltiness.
Tsim Chai Kee Queens Road Central BranchWonton Noodle Soup
We tried the wonton noodle soup, and the prawns inside were outstanding. Despite the filling also containing pork, the prawn flavor still stood out. It’s easily one of the best noodle soups we’ve had, and at just HKD 40 (around P300) per bowl, it’s a great deal. In Hong Kong’s pricey restaurant scene, P300 is considered cheap, so don’t be too shocked by meal prices when dining out here!
TSIM CHAI KEE
Branches: Wellington Street and Queens Road Central in Central (Hong Kong Island); Temple Street in Jordan and Ivy Street in Tai Kok Tsui (Kowloon)
Opening Hours: Wellington Street, 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM (Daily); Queens Road Central, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Daily); Temple Street, 10:30 AM – 7:15 PM (Mon-Sat) & 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Sun); Ivy Street, 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM (Tue-Sat) & CLOSED (Sun-Mon)
What to Eat
Another Michelin-recognized spot in Central is What to Eat, a restaurant known for its Taiwanese-style beef noodle soup. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by walls adorned with newspaper and magazine clippings showcasing the restaurant’s features, along with the warm smiles of the staff.
The beef noodle soup is priced between HKD 85 to HKD 95, depending on the toppings you choose. We opted for the beef noodle soup with ribs (HKD 85) and the one with tendon and meat (HKD 89), and both dishes were fantastic! The beef chunks were large and braised to perfection, tender and full of flavor. The broth was rich and savory, not too oily, and reminded us of a memorable beef noodle soup we had in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Beef Noodle Soup with Ribs (left) and with Tendon and Meat (right)Egg Roll with Cheese
The noodles were thick and al dente, just the way we like them — chewy and satisfying. We also tried their egg roll with cheese (HKD 39), which was a delicious side. The eggs were thinly spread, folded, and cut. Inside, the eggs were soft and moist, with cheese that oozed out and even stretched with each bite, making it a perfect complement to the hearty soup.
WHAT TO EAT
Note: As of this writing, What to Eat is PERMANENTLY CLOSED. But we’re keeping it in this list in case they re-open in the future.
Dim Sum Square Kitchen
Packed with excellent food spots, Central is a go-to district for food tours, and we were lucky enough to join one. And Dim Sum Square Kitchen — another gem in the area — is one of our stops.
We had a wonderful experience here since we’re big fans of dim sum. It offers delicious dishes like har gao (shrimp dumplings) for HKD 37, siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) for HKD 34, spring rolls with pork and shrimp for HKD 26, and crispy BBQ pork buns (fried siopao asado) for HKD 26. Each dish typically has three to four pieces, depending on the item.
Har Gao (Top Left), Siu Mai (Bottom Left), and Spring Rolls with Pork and Shrimp (Right)Crispy BBQ Pork Bun
While you can definitely visit Dim Sum Square Kitchen on your own, joining a food tour is a great idea if you’re looking to experience a full afternoon of eating. There are plenty of options in Hong Kong, and we went with Hong Kong Foodie Tours, which turned out to be an amazing experience. The tour includes six food stops, but in between, you also get a chance to explore local markets, temples, and more, giving you a nice break between each bite.
Hong Kong Foodie Tours Map
One of the best things about joining a food tour is the controlled portions, so you won’t get too full too quickly. Plus, there’s no pressure to order a lot, especially when the servings are quite generous!
DIM SUM SQUARE KITCHEN
Address: 78 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tim Ho Wan
You’re probably already familiar with Tim Ho Wan, especially since it’s also available in the Philippines. However, it originally started in Hong Kong back in 2009, so it’s definitely worth adding to this list. While the first store was in Mong Kok, the branch in Sham Shui Po holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
Baked Bun with BBQ Pork (Left), Ha Kao (Top Right), and Siu Mai (Bottom Right)
During our visit, we dined at their branch in Central, which is conveniently near Hong Kong Station. We were on our way to the airport when hunger struck, so we decided to stop by. We tried their famous baked bun with BBQ pork (HKD 33), which reminded us of siopao asado. We also ordered siu mai and ha kao (HKD 40-42). While it was a bit more expensive than other dim sum we tried, the quality and taste definitely made it worth the price.
Rice Bowl Topped with Minced Beef and Fried Egg (Left) and Rice Noodle Rolls with Pig’s Liver (Right)
We also explored a few more dishes from the menu, including a rice bowl topped with minced beef and fried egg (HKD 42) and rice noodle rolls with pig’s liver (HKD 32). The rice noodle rolls were soft and not rubbery, with the pig’s liver having no unpleasant aftertaste. It paired wonderfully with the soy-based sauce. The texture was a bit unusual since the liver and noodle rolls were both soft, but it still made for a tasty dish.
TIM HO WAN
Branches: Sham Shui Po, Olympian City, Central, K11 Art Mall, Tseung Kwan O, West Kowloon, and Sha Tin
Opening Hours: For the operating hours of each branch, you can check out the official website here.
Mak Man Kee
Mak Man Kee is a well-known noodle restaurant consistently featured in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list. Located in the Jordan area on Kowloon side, this unassuming spot has been serving locals for over 60 years, and it has become an institution in the area. Despite its humble exterior, it has earned a strong following for its delicious and affordable offerings.
Dry Noodles with Pork and Hoisin Sauce
Though the restaurant is popular for its wonton noodle soup, which has garnered praise from Michelin, we were craving something different. After so much noodle soup on our trip, we decided to try its dry noodles with pork and hoisin sauce (HKD 50). The noodles were thin and firm — a good texture, but the dish itself was unlike anything we’d had before. It reminded us of a combination of menudo and pansit, an interesting fusion of flavors and textures.
If you decide to visit Mak Man Kee, we highly recommend trying their signature noodle soup. It’s the dish that made the restaurant famous and truly embodies what they do best.
MAK MAN KEE
Address: G/F, 51 Parkes Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong Opening Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM
Samsen
Samsen is a Thai restaurant in Hong Kong that we found by chance in Central during a typhoon, and it turned out to be a welcome break from the usual Chinese cuisine we had been enjoying. While it’s on the pricier side, the food was incredibly good, and it has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award. Even if it didn’t have that recognition, the flavors would still make it worth recommending.
Khao Soi (Left), Som Tam (Top Right), and Pad Thai (Bottom Right)
We started with som tam (HKD 112), a pounded papaya salad with toasted peanuts, dried shrimp, and tamarind sauce. It was delicious, but incredibly spicy! For the main courses, we had khao soi (HKD 158) and pad thai (HKD 158). The khao soi was a standout, with bouncy egg noodles swimming in a rich, curry-based broth, big tender pieces of curried chicken, and crispy fried noodles on top. It was also garnished with coriander, spring onions, and a slice of lime for a citrusy punch. The pad Thai was equally impressive, with perfectly cooked rice noodles and tiger prawns coated in a sweet tamarind sauce, topped with peanuts, bean sprouts, and served with fresh green mango on the side.
While the meal was amazing, it’s definitely on the expensive side, so we might not go back, to be honest. However, it’s absolutely worth trying, especially if you’re craving authentic Thai flavors while in Hong Kong.
SAMSEN
Branches: Central, Sheung Wan, and Wan Chai Opening Hours: For the operating hours per branch, you can check out the official website here.
Lin Heung Kui
Known for its delicious Cantonese dishes and traditional teahouse atmosphere, Lin Heung Kui is another well-loved restaurant in Hong Kong. We actually stumbled upon this place by accident during one of our recent trips. It was close to our hotel in Sheung Wan, and we discovered it while browsing the Michelin app. Aside from being a popular local spot, it also holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand citation.
The restaurant is located on the third floor of the building, and stepping inside feels like entering a classic Cantonese teahouse, complete with push carts. Most of the customers were elderly locals, and while the staff didn’t speak much English, they were incredibly warm and patient. Even the front desk staff was very friendly, making the entire experience enjoyable.
Out of all the restaurants we tried in Hong Kong, this was my favorite, even though we didn’t get to taste their most famous offering, which is dim sum. We arrived for dinner and were told that their dim sum sells out by lunchtime, which just goes to show how in-demand it is.
Since dinner service mainly features dishes meant for sharing, we ordered a barbecue platter that included soy chicken and roasted goose. It cost HKD 168 (around P1250) and is enough for a group. The meats were absolutely delicious! The chicken was juicy and tender, while the goose, which is often dry and bony in my experience, was surprisingly moist and fatty. It was a little greasy, but in the best, most indulgent way. We also tried its seafood and assorted vegetable claypot, another dish made for sharing. The squid, fish, and shrimp were incredibly fresh, but the Chinese cabbage in the broth slightly overpowered the seafood flavors.
Barbecue PlatterSeafood and Assorted Vegetable Claypot
If you visit earlier in the day, they offer rice toppings from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM for as low as HKD 55. From 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM, they also serve noodle toppings starting at just HKD 39, making it a great option for an affordable yet satisfying meal.
LIN HEUNG KUI
Note: We last visited in October 2023, but as of June 2025, the business is marked “PERMANENTLY CLOSED”. If you have a more updated info, please let us know in the comment section. Thank you!
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
Hong Kong may be small, but it boasts plenty of accommodation options for tourists. It is divided into three main regions — Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and the New Territories. Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui are located in Kowloon, the city center’s traditional side, while the Central Business District is found on the more modern Hong Kong Island. The New Territories region is home to Hong Kong Disneyland and Hong Kong International Airport.
The best area to stay depends on your itinerary, but you can check out our WHERE TO STAY IN HONG KONG article for a more in-depth explanation. For quick reference and recommendations, here are some of the top accommodations in Hong Kong based on online user reviews.
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Osaka & Kyoto – the ultimate Kansai showdown. On one side, you’ve got Osaka: the modern and oh-so-vibrant kitchen of Japan. It’s a city where neon signs and the aroma of takoyaki keep the energy alive. On the other side, there’s Kyoto: serene, elegant, and dripping in history, with temples, tea houses, and that magical old Japan charm.
But here’s the million-yen question: where should you stay? And which area in particular? What hotels have we tried? We’ll answer all these in this article, so read on.
This video will be all about hotel and hostel locations, and if you’re looking for a place to stay in Osaka, try KLOOK and use our promo code THEPOORTRAVELERKLOOK to score up to P300 OFF or TPTKLOOK5 to grab P500 OFF on hotels. Redeem your P500 discount voucher here! ✅
Which is the better base: Osaka or Kyoto? It’s actually pretty easy to answer, but it’s not clean cut. The truth is, as in most if not all cases, which is better depends on your itinerary. If most of the attractions you’re visiting is in Osaka, then stay in Osaka. If your itinerary is dominated by Kyoto sites, why make it complicated? Stay in Kyoto.
But once you have picked a city, the better question is: WHERE IN KYOTO? Or WHERE IN OSAKA?
In theory, as long as you’re near a train station, you’re already winning. Osaka and Kyoto’s public transport game is top-tier, and most attractions are conveniently near a station or bus stop. But—and this is a big but—not all areas are created equal. Some spots are just way more practical or exciting depending on your plans.
And once again, the best district depends on your itinerary. Are you here to soak in all the Osaka goodness and nothing else? There’s an area for that. Planning day trips to places like Kobe or Nara? Yep, there’s a spot for that. Or maybe you’re all about that shinkansen life, going to farther destinations but staying in Osaka as your base. Guess what? There’s a perfect area for that too.
If you’re looking for a vibrant and high-energy area to stay, Namba and Dotonbori should be in your list. This is Osaka’s frenetic entertainment and shopping district, bursting at the seams with locals and tourists alike.
Dotonbori is a destination on its own and is often included in any Osaka first-timer’s itinerary. It mainly refers to this street, flanked with restaurants, food stalls, and shops, running parallel the canal of the same name. The famous Shinsaibashi arcade is also just around the corner.
Namba is also a transportation hub. Its map is peppered with train stations, some of which have the name Namba, which are operated by different railway companies.
Namba Station, which is part of the Nankai Railway and Osaka Subway network.
JR Namba Station, which is operated by JR West.
Osaka Namba Station, which serves Kintetsu and Hanshin trains.
Although on the map, they stand just next to each other, when you’re on the ground, they can be quite confusing especially for tourists. And they are 5 to 10 minutes apart on foot.
The Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) is also located here. It is a hub, where you’ll find buses going to and coming from other prefectures. I usually catch a bus here when going to Hiroshima or Tottori.
Red Roof Inn & Suites Namba
Here in Namba Area, we tried staying at Red Roof Inn & Suites Namba. It’s hard to categorize this hotel in terms of price point. Its affordable on offpeak weekdays but way too expensive on other days. Its cheapest room, good for 2 guests, can go as low as JPY 9000 (PHP3300, USD 60) offpeak, but on peak season weekends, it does go over and JPY 29,000 (PHP 10,600; USD 183.75).
It’s been years since we last stayed here. I remember it being pleasant, which is good because I would have remembered if we encountered something bad. But what stands out to me the most is its location. When you’re staying here, you’re close to train stations and OCAT, and Dotonbori is just around the block. There are also a lot of dining spots. But there are other cheaper properties around the area.
Kita Ward (or North Ward) is Osaka’s bustling business district with the eye-catching Umeda Sky Building and the Hep-5 Ferris Wheel dominating its skyline. But most importantly, it is here that you’ll find Osaka Station and Umeda Station, two of Osaka’s busiest and most connected train hubs, which is why it is often regarded as the city’s beating heart, at least as far as tourism is concerned.
If you’re staying close to Osaka Station or Umeda Station, most of the attractions within the city will just be an easy train ride away. Even if you plan on visiting Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, it’s also ideal as there are direct trains from either of these stations. And if you’re on a multi-city trip in Japan and your next stop is Tokyo, you’ll also find buses bound for the capital here.
We’ve tried taking a Willer Bus when going to Tokyo. Its terminal is just right at the base of the Umeda Sky Building.
First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda
Because of its central location, properties here in the Umeda area are always in demand and the costs are higher than in most other parts of the city. In fact, we have never really stayed within its borders. But we have covered First Cabin Hanshin Nishiumeda, which is technically just outside, but you won’t really feel it. It’s just a 12 minute walk from Osaka Station, and a tad longer to Umeda Station. But the closest is Fukushima Station.
First Cabin is a popular chain of capsule hotels. At its core, it is a capsule hotel but is done in a more sophisticated fashion. The interiors are stylish, sleek, and impeccably neat. It is designed in a way that mimics a luxury aircraft, with business-class and first-class capsules. An overnight stay can go as low as ¥4300 (USD 27, PHP 1585) per person in lean season. You can also stay for only a few hours if that’s all you need.
We’ve also stayed at Hotel Hanshin Osaka, which is also outside the bounds of Umeda, but still close enough. This is for those with a bigger budget and want a proper rest and relaxation in the hotel room. A room for 2 guests can go as low as JPY 11,700 (USD 75, PHP 4300).
It takes pride in having natural hot spring in each room, ensuring that you have a relaxing time during your stay. They also have spa facilities if you want to level up your unwinding. The best part, some rooms have an awesome view of the city, with the Umeda Sky Building taking center stage.
I’m the type of traveler who doesn’t mind making multiple train transfers UNLESS when I’m carrying heavy luggage. This is why I prefer staying at a hotel that is close to a train station that has a direct line to my next or previous stop.
Which brings us to Shin-Osaka Station, not to be confused with the previously mentioned Osaka Station. SHIN means new in Japanese, and this station was built much later.
Just like Osaka Station, SHIN-Osaka Station serves various train lines, too, with one big difference. On top of the regular trains, SHIN-Osaka is also a Shinkansen Station, something that the other is not. So if you plan on visiting other prefectures or cities on a day trip by bullet train OR if you intend to take the shinkansen to your next stop, the area surrounding the Shin-Osaka Station is ideal.
APA Hotel Shin-Osaka Ekimae
On our last Osaka trip, we stayed in this area, specifically at APA Hotel Shin-Osaka Ekimae. Eki means station in Japanese, and mae means in front of. And this hotel is really close to the station, just a small block away.
Image via Klook
A room here can cost as low as JPY 9400 (USD 60, PHP 3470) per night, good for 2 guests.
APA Hotel is one of the most popular budget hotel chains in Japan, and when staying at any of their branches you can expect pretty much the same. Small, cozy rooms, but squeaky clean and cleverly designed. The atmosphere here is very different. Unlike Namba and Umeda areas, it is quiet here, but you’ll find several convenience stores and fast food restaurants around the block.
We have also tried staying at other districts in Osaka, like Tennoji and Nishinari Ward. But it’s been a long, long time since and whatever we have to say might not be relevant today. But our hotels then were all close to a train or subway station and we didn’t run intro any problem.
We get a lot of messages from our viewers and readers asking for advice about where to stay in Osaka, and usually, the first thing I ask is, “What’s your itinerary?” And many times, I notice that most of the attractions on their itinerary were not in Osaka but in Kyoto. So here’s something to consider too:
To be clear, Kyoto Station is NOT in Osaka, but in Kyoto, a completely separate city and separate prefecture. But if most sites that you want to see are in Kyoto, then why not stay in Kyoto instead. In particular, the area surrounding Kyoto Station is a convenient choice.
Kyoto Station, much like Osaka Station, is a super well-connected hub, linking Kyoto to other cities and prefectures. And you can also catch both city buses and inter-city buses here. Not to mention the sheer number of shopping and dining establishments around the area.
APA Hotel Kyoto Ekikita
We have tried staying at APA Hotel Kyoto Ekikita, which is just a five-minute walk away from Kyoto Station. It’s compact and budget-friendly and we had a typical APA Hotel experience. On offpeak days, a room can go as low as JPY 8400 (PHP 3000, USD 53), good for 2 guests.
Another hotel we tried is Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto, which is situated right in front of Kyoto Station. The room here is almost twice the size of APA Hotel but at a higher rate, of course. If you have a bigger budget and you want a bigger room, consider Hotel New Hankyu.
The price of a room for two here ranges from JPY 9750 (PHP 3595, USD 62) in offpeak weekday to JPY 36,000 (PHP 13,270, USD 229) in peak season weekend.
If you’d rather stay at a hostel, consider K’s House Kyoto. It’s been years since we last stayed here, but looking at reviews, it seems like it’s still a decent place to stay. It’s 10 minutes away on foot from Kyoto Station. It’s best for backpackers, especially those traveling solo!
They offer dorm beds and private rooms. But note that private rooms have no ensuite bathroom. It is shared with the rest of the guests. Here are the rates, as of this writing:
Dorm bed JPY 2350 (PHP 863, USD 15) per person
Private room (good for 2 pax) JPY 6485 (PHP 2380, USD 40) Or JPY 3243 (PHP 1190, USD 20) per person
Another place that we have tried in Kyoto is Hotel MUSUBI KYOTO Karasuma Nanajo. I know it’s a mouthful. It’s not really a hotel, but more like an apartment complex. I wasn’t sure if we should include it here because when we stayed here, it operated under its previous name. But now, it has been renovated and renamed.
But I’d be remiss if I don’t mention it because we really had a great stay here, and that was BEFORE the renovation. The only downside is, it’s not really that close to Kyoto Station, 12-15 minute-walk away. Gojo Station is closer, although when we stayed here, we still used Kyoto Station most of the time as we really enjoy walking around the city.
Finding the best travel deals is a matter of timing.
A lot of people think travel is just expensive, but in reality, there are incredible deals happening all the time. They often don’t last too long, and you have to act quickly. That can sometimes be a problem when a deal requires jumping on a plane tomorrow (how many people can do that?).
Fortunately, most deals are for months in the future, giving you ample time to plan your schedule.
Often I will book a flight and then figure out my plans.
Since you can usually cancel a flight within 24 hours without incurring a fee, I lock in the deal and then figure out if I can make it work. Sometimes I can (like the $1,200 USD business-class flight from LA to Stockholm round-trip); sometimes I can’t (like the $400 USD New Zealand flights I had to cancel).
I am always looking out for deals.
Today, I want to tell you where I go for travel deals, tips, and expert advice. After all, these resources focus solely on this one aspect of travel, so why not use them? I can’t know everything, so I rely on specialists. If travel were a hospital, I would be your general practitioner.
Here’s a quick look at the top companies I use and suggest:
Quick Overview: Best Travel Deals
Best Cheap Flight Website
For a full breakdown of each company and what they are best for, click on the links below to jump to that section:
Where to Find the Best Flight Deals
When it comes to finding flight deals, I use these four websites for last-minute deals. There are always finding new (and tempting) last minute flights — often for a fraction of what you would pay otherwise.
My go-to website for cheap flight deals is Going.com. Formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights, this is an awesome resource for finding flight deals from the US. They offer free flight alerts, and with a premium membership you get access to even more deals as soon as they find them. (New users can get 20% off Premium with the code NOMADICMATT20.)
Three other great websites to use are:
The Flight Deal – This is a great resource for finding cheap flights from the USA. If you’re based in the States, start your research here!
Secret Flying – This cheap flight website finds “error fares” (when airlines make pricing mistakes) to and from destinations all around the globe.
Holiday Pirates – No matter where you’re based this is a great cheap flight website so be sure to always check here for more deals.
If you’re simply looking to book a flight, check out the search engines below. It’s important to remember that there is no one best online booking website. All the search engine websites have blind spots so it’s important to search a few different places before you book your flight.
Generally, the BEST booking sites are the following:
Skyscanner – I always start my searches with Skyscanner. It’s a very intuitive platform that searches booking websites and airlines all around the world to ensure that no deal is missed. If you’re not 100% sure where you want to go (or when) then start your search with Skyscanner.
Google Flights – A good all-around flight search website to include in your cheap flight arsenal.
Where to Find the Best Points & Miles News
When it comes to finding the latest in airline and frequent flier news, I turn to these sites. They give me the latest on the changes in the industry and loyalty programs, and any points and miles news that might be important:
View from the Wing – This is where I go for airline and frequent flier news.
The Points Guy – A great resource for credit card and points & miles news and information.
One Mile at a Time – This is a great website for credit card, in-flight experiences, and frequent flier news.
As a very, very, very avid traveler (and while I have my own special tricks and tips), when you’re overseas a lot, it’s hard to stay up to date on your own so I use these three sites to keep me in the loop.
READ MORE:
Where to Find the Best Cruise Deals
In my mind, there is only one cruise deal website worth following: CruiseSheet. This site consistently has some of the lowest rates out there, and its interface is beautiful.
If I don’t find anything on CruiseSheet or want to double-check a price, I go to the second-best website, vacationstogo.com.
Where to Find the Best Transportation Deals
If you’re looking for budget transportation, these are the websites you’ll want to check. Cheap buses, trains, and rideshare apps can help keep your transportation costs low, giving you more time on the road. Here are my favorites:
FlixBus – A budget-friendly bus company routes all across Europe and parts of the USA.
Trainline – Offers a variety of discounted train passes for both individual countries as well as entire regions of Europe, including passes for the entire continent.
Rome2Rio – A helpful resource for finding and comparing budget transportation options.
BlaBlaCar – A rideshare app that pairs travelers with local drivers who are looking to pick up passengers for a small fee.
RVShare – A sharing economy platform for renting RVs and camper vans directly from locals.
Turo – A car rental app that enables you to rent cars for short periods of time from locals.
Japan Rail Pass – A budget-friendly train pass exclusively for Japan. Comes in 7, 14, and 21-day passes.
Discover Cars – A comprehensive rental car aggregator for destinations all around the globe. I always find the best car rental deals here.
READ MORE:
Where to Find the Best Accommodation Deals
From hotels to hostels to camping, there are tons of great websites out there to help you find deals and save money. Here are my suggestions to help you get started:
Booking.com – This is the best website for finding hotels no matter where you are in the world. I usually start my search for hotel rooms here.
Campspace – This app connects you with locals renting out plots of land, RVs, cabins, and camper vans ranging from rustic to glamping.
Trusted Housesitters – Helps travelers connect with locals looking for house and pet sitters. Great for slow travelers/long-term travelers.
HomeExchange – A network that facilitates swapping homes with another person or family. They have over 200,000 members with houses in 155 countries, making it an amazing platform for finding house swaps around the globe.
Hostelworld – They are hands-down the best resource for finding budget-friendly hostels around the world. I use them every time I travel and you should too!
HostelPass – This card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money and it’s constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and so I’m glad it finally exists. Use the code NOMADICMATT to get 25% off too!
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Where to Find the Best Tour Deals
For tours and excursions, I keep an eye on the following companies by subscribing to their emails:
The Nomadic Network (TNN) – I created this global community for travel lovers in 2019. While I no longer run it (they’re now run by Lisa, a long-time TNN community member), they’re great group tours for people who want to travel — not simply vacation!
Intrepid Travel – This is my favorite small-group tour company. They hire local guides and are great for both solo travelers and couples/groups.
Walks – Walks operates small group tours with local guides in some of the best cities around the world.
Devour Food Tours – My go-to food tour company, with tours all around Europe and the US.
EatWith – Allows you to eat home cooked meals with local cooks. Everyone sets their own price (so prices can vary wildly depending on the cook) but this is a great way to do something different, pick a local’s brain, and make a new friend.
Get Your Guide – A huge activity aggregator where you can find and book all kinds of activities, from cooking classes to walking tours to multi-day local excursions.
Worldpackers – Worldpackers organizes group tours centered around volunteer experiences. It’s a great way to meet like-minded travelers while giving back to local communities.
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Where I Find the Best Travel Insurance Deals
I never travel anywhere without travel insurance. After dealing with injuries and emergencies abroad (and knowing plenty of other travelers who have been injured or robbed on the road) I always make sure I have comprehensive medical and travel insurance before I leave home. Here are my recommended companies for finding the best travel insurance:
SafetyWing – This is my go-to travel insurance company. They offer affordable monthly plans with a deductible. Great for digital nomads and frugal travelers!
Insure My Trip – If you’re over 70 and looking for insurance, this is the best place to find it!
Medjet – Medjet is a good option for people who are going to be far from home and want added evacuation coverage. It’s great for solo travelers and super affordable.
World Nomads – The first company I ever got travel insurance with, World Nomads is best for adventurous travelers. They cover a lot of adventure activities that other companies don’t, and now even offer annual travel insurance.
READ MORE:
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While I think my site is amazing for your on-the-ground tips, tricks, and advice needs, for when you need travel deals to get you to where you want to go, use the companies above. They’re what I use, and they’ve never steered me wrong! They’ll save you the most money!
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
