.webp)
.webp)
DREAM WITHOUT BORDERS
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!
THE WANDERER
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!
Tips & Itineraries
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!
Study Abroad
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!
Live Abroad
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”
Recent Articles
Beyond the Golden Route: Where to Go in Japan Besides Tokyo, Kyoto, and OsakaEveryone knows the golden route of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. But there are so many other places in Japan that deserve attention! The only problem is a lot of them are pretty out of the way or hard to get to. So here are some hidden gems to visit that fit into the golden route itinerary without adding days of extra travel!
The Best 3 Week Japan Itinerary (With Options!)Whenever someone asks me how long should I come to Japan, I always say 3 weeks. But where you should go? Fear not, I’ve got you covered with the perfect 3-week itinerary for Japan! This itinerary will take you to the top, must-see Japan sites, as well as some hidden gems to make your trip feel a little more unique than your average Japan getaway.
Top 20 Things to Do in KyotoKyoto is on the top of most peoples list when thinking of visiting Japan. After spending a week there, it’s easy to see why! I’d recommend spending at least 5 days in Kyoto. With so much to see and some great day trips a quick train ride away, it’s worth taking your time to get to know this city.
How to move to Japan in 2025So, you want to move to Japan? I obviously can’t blame you, I made the leap and there's no reason you can't do it too! Let’s start with the 3 main ways to get a visa to move to any country, which also apply to Japan.
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!
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.
.webp)
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.
