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TRAVEL, STUDY AND LIVE ABROAD
If you needed to hear it, this is your year! Go on that road trip across North America, study abroad a semester in Europe, backpack Southeast Asia, or even just move across the world for a couple years. It's possible, and I'm here to help!
Here you'll find things like travel guides and itineraries, advice for study abroad, how to plan a gap year, as well as how to plan a move abroad with a focus on a my current home—Japan. Come travel with me!
Hi! I’m Kirstie, your resident wanderer. Not your typical, quit my job, been on the road for ten years and never looked back kind of story, but I have been backpacking or living abroad on and off since 2015. And now in my fourth year in my current home of Tokyo, I've been lost enough times, renewed enough visas, and missed enough trains to that I think I might just be starting to get the hang of being a wanderer after all.
Whether it's your dream to travel, study, or live abroad long term, I hope I can lend at least a couple tips and tricks to help make it happen!
I swear by it, planning a trip is half the fun! But I do acknowledge not everyone shares my love of research and spreadsheets, and that planning anything can be overwhelming to start. The last thing anyone wants is to miss something, but overplanning your time also can lead to zero percent fun with one hundred percent exhaustion. So here's where to start!
I've put together sample itineraries, walking tours, and general tips and tricks to help get that planning started. Take an entire itinerary word for word, pick out your favourites and find some resources to search elsewhere, and overall just get excited!
If you're thinking of studying abroad but aren't sure if it's for you I have only one thing to say—just do it. Studying abroad is one of, if not the most, valuable experiences I've ever had. I loved it so much, I even did it twice!
From the basics of learning the travel ropes to the confidence gained after moving across the globe by yourself, studying abroad teaches you more than any class ever will. Check out my study abroad experiences, how I planned for them, and any recommendations here!
And here we have it, the big leap—actually moving abroad long-term. It's not easy, but the reward was always enticing enough for me to want to try it. After all, how else can you truly start to feel like you know a place, unless you've lived there as a local?
For tips on how to live and work abroad, with specific focus on Japan and living as an expat in Tokyo, look no further you've found your answers! From visas and opening bank accounts, to struggling with a new language and finding a community, I'll take you through the ups and downs of moving and living abroad.
“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet”
How Much does it Cost to Move to Japan—Cost Breakdown and BudgetingMoving to Japan isn’t cheap, but it can be done on a budget. So how much do you need, as a minimum, to move to Japan? Assuming you already have a job lined up, I think a minimum of...
How to Study Abroad at Any AgeStudying abroad isn't just a dream for undergrads! So if you are regretting missing out on studying abroad, or if you're in high school and just starting to look into it, this is the guide for you complete with costs and country recommendations.
What Its Like Teaching English In Japan—My Experience & How You Can Do It TooI taught English in Japan for about a year and a half. How was it, how do you get into it and, most importantly, would I recommend it? Get all those answers and more about teaching English in Japan!
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What To Pack For A 7 Kg Carry On—A Backpackers GuideIf you’re going to truly budget backpack, getting the 7kg backpack right is a must. Now it sounds crazy, 7kg’s that's it?! But it's possible! This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from what backpack to buy to my entire packing list.
Where to Live in Tokyo: Which Neighbourhood is Best For You!Whether you’re moving to Tokyo for the first time or have lived here for years, Tokyo is full of awesome places to live! These are my top choices of the best neighbourhoods to live in, considering which major station you want direct access to.
Tokyo Cherry Blossoms—The Ultimate Sakura Viewing Guide From Peaceful Hidden Rivers to the Most Packed Parks in the CityThere are SO MANY sakura spots around the city, but this is my list of recommendations if you want a little bit of everything. From the crowd-pleasers where it’s worth braving the madness, to hidden gems where you can enjoy the blossoms in relative peace, Tokyo has a little bit of everything.
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How to Plan A Gap YearThere are three main options for how to style your gap year—using a group tour, doing the working holiday visa, or backpacking. You can pick one, two or all three of these methods to make it work but one recommendation I have for sure is just do it! Here's my breakdown of each travel style to help you decide.
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The Best Vietnam Itinerary for 30 daysVietnam is one of my favourite countries I've ever visited. From the mountains to the beaches, the scenery can't be beat. Mix in the friendly locals and amazing food, and you have a country you'll always want to come back to.
