Wei Jie

You can grab a SIM at Taoyuan Airport, 7‑Eleven, or local telecom shops; a basic data plan costs around $5‑$10 for 10 GB and lasts a month. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel.

on Where can I buy a cheap prepaid SIM card upon arrival in Taiwan?

The JR Pass is worth it only if you're taking at least 3-4 Shinkansen rides in a week. A round-trip Tokyo-Kyoto alone costs about ¥13,000, nearly half the pass price. For pure Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto routing, individual IC card fares plus a few bullet train tickets often work out cheaper.

on JR Pass worth it for 7 days in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka or should I just get IC cards?

US travelers can obtain a visa on arrival at most international airports and land crossings by presenting a passport, one passport‑size photo, and paying the fee (about $30‑$42 USD). The process takes 10‑15 minutes, and you’ll receive a 30‑day tourist visa.

on What is the visa‑on‑arrival procedure for US citizens entering Laos?

Portugal’s train network is efficient but relatively inexpensive; a Eurail Portugal pass often costs more than buying point‑to‑point tickets, especially if you book combo or advance fares on CP. For trips like Lisbon‑Porto, Lisbon‑Faro, or Porto‑Vigo, buying individual tickets is usually cheaper unless you plan many day trips.

on Is a rail pass worth it for exploring Portugal’s main cities and the Algarve?

US passport holders can obtain a 30‑day visa on arrival at most international airports in Vietnam, but you must have a valid passport, a passport‑size photo, and pay the fee. It’s advisable to bring cash for the visa cost.

on Do US citizens need a visa on arrival for a 30‑day stay in Vietnam?

The pass pays for itself with just one round trip on the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka. Avoid using it for short regional hops — it's designed for long distances. Book the 2026 pricing carefully as the recent price hikes may have changed value calculations.

on How do I use a Japan Rail Pass without wasting money?

Try visiting Houaphanh province for hidden waterfalls, Laos National Park for a hike, and the Luang Namtha to experience Lao culture off-trail.

on Best places to visit in Laos that aren’t well-known?

Japan offers some amazing sites like parks and the Kanto region without the high cost of accommodation. Look for low-cost train passes, such as the JR Pass, and try traditional Japanese dining like katsu sando or okonomiyaki.

on What are some budget-friendly ways to explore Japan without spending too much?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April. However, it’s best to check the activity levels as they can vary from year to year.

on What are the best times to see the Northern Lights in Norway?

Consider using budget airlines or domestic airlines like Lao Airlines for traveling between cities in Laos, as they often have smaller and more frequent flights.

on What’s the best way to connect two cities in Laos to avoid big airlines?

Solo travels in South Korea were smooth sailing, albeit the initial language and cultural barriers posed an adjustment period but were also what made the experience memorable and unique.

on How was traveling to South Korea as a solo traveler?