It’s NYC’s spring uniform.
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31 Little Spring Fashion Finds Bringing Me Joy This Month
They’re flying out of my cart and into my closet.
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Jennifer Lawrence Just Wore the New Adidas It Sneakers Everyone Will Buy to Pair With Skirts
With a butter-yellow jacket, I might add.
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I Tried Abercrombie’s Curve Friendly Denim Styles—These Pairs Stood Out
The ultimate A&F curvy jeans review.
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6 places to get away for Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend sneaks up on you, but it’s not too late to plan a fabulous last-minute trip. If you’ve waited until now to start thinking about travel plans, three of our editors have shared their top recommendations for the destinations across the US that they’re dreaming about this Memorial Day Weekend. Or you can save this list for the next long weekend – because it’ll sneak up on you, too.
1. Newport Beach, California
Ann Douglas Lott, Associate Editor
Vibes: Somehow, Orange County feels both posh and laid-back. In Newport Beach, you could spend the morning luxury shopping, sunning yourself by the pool or going for a spa treatment, and in the afternoon, you could be cycling around Balboa Island or exploring the coastal Crystal Cove State Park. And it’s easy to get to – fly into SNA, and you’ll be within 20 minutes of wherever you’re staying.
Do: Go whale and dolphin-watching on a Zodiac boat. It’s a thrill of a ride, and you’re almost on the same level as the animals; it feels like you’re nearly swimming alongside them. If a slow cruise is more your vibe, hop on a Duffy boat tour of the harbor with prosecco and charcuterie (I call it an HGTV cruise because look at those mansions!). They’ll even drop you off at your dinner reservation.
Eat: For breakfast, have the breakfast burrito from Malibu Farm or the coconut-macadamia pancakes from Beachcomber Café. For everything else, seafood – like the creamy ravioli bianco with shrimp at JOEY and gumbo at the waterfront Bluewater Grill. For dessert, have frozen bananas on Balboa Island, either from Sugar ‘n Spice or Dad’s Donut Shop & Bakery.
Stay: Book a room at Pendry Newport Beach. The rooms are spacious, there’s a fabulous pool deck for tanning, and the restaurant and bar are places to see and be seen. And it’s not a far drive from the harbor and beach. Or, if you want to test your luck, try to snag one of the charming beachfront cottages at Crystal Cove State Park.
2. Nantucket, Massachusetts
Brekke Fletcher, Senior Director of Content
Vibes: Preppy, nautical, coastal chic. Cobblestone streets and charming historic homes. Lots of striped shirts, boat shoes, sun hats. Long beach walks and plenty of bike paths.
Do: Rent a bike (or better yet, stay at accommodation that offers them as an amenity) to explore the island. Visit Sconset to do the Bluff Walk (it can get crowded in high season, so go early if you want to beat the crowds). The footpath brings you in close contact with incredibly dreamy shingled beach houses, some of which have been there since the 1800s. Visit Cisco Brewery for craft beers, live music, outdoor games and food trucks. Shop for vintage dresses (and wine) at Current Vintage. Learn all about Nantucket’s history at the Whaling Museum.
Eat: Eat seafood whenever you can. Make your way to Lemon Press for smoothies and bowls. A fun lunch outing is Topper’s at the Wauwinet – there is a boat that you can take there from the downtown boat basin ($25 per person). It harvests its own oysters just outside and makes a darn fine lobster roll. Dinner options abound, but I love the food and interiors at Via Mare – order the Boulevardier cocktail with baccala (salt cod) and kale salad.
Stay: The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin dockside accommodations offer incredible views of the harbor, free bikes and kitchens so you can make your own meals and morning coffee. They feel truly home-like but with the bonus of incredible service.
3. Traverse City, Michigan
Sarah Stocking, Editor
Vibes: Stylish but not stuffy, relaxed yet action-packed, Traverse gives pretty-as-a-picture beach town vibes like Taylor Swift gives a love song: catchy, on-the-nose and inarguably delightful.
Do: Get on the water. Rent a kayak and spend the day taking in the phenomenal views of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore. After you’ve spent the day poking into the boutiques on Main Street or kayaking through the crystal clear water, find a spot on the beach to watch the sunset. Bring a cocktail and linger long after the sun has put on its evening show because watching all those stars fill up the sky as you dig your toes in the sand is a special kind of peace.
Eat: Make a reservation at Modern Bird. This area of Michigan is surrounded by small, independent farms, and Modern Bird sources its ingredients locally. The ever-changing menu is as elegant as it is homey, the perfect pairing for a weekend in Traverse City.
Stay: Look for waterfront accommodations as much as you can. I like the Bay Shore Resort. The Victorian vibes feel on-brand for this area of the country, and there is nothing like waking up with the beach steps from your door.
4. Crystal Coast (Southern Outer Banks), North Carolina
Ann Douglas Lott
Vibes: The lesser-visited Outer Banks (but no less deserving of a trip) is home to over 85 miles of gorgeous coastline. The beaches are uncrowded, and opportunities for outdoor adventure are everywhere, as is a healthy dose of small-town charm.
Do: Spend a day on the white-sand beaches of Emerald Isle or Atlantic Beach. Also, go on a guided jet skiing tour, hike through dune fields and salt marshes in Fort Macon State Park, kayak to Rachel Carson Reserve (keeping an eye out for wild horses) or visit the lighthouse and walk down the beach on Cape Lookout National Seashore.
Eat: Eating here is very “dock-to-dish,” meaning you’re supporting local fishers and farmers. In Beaufort, go to City Kitchen for the seafood and waterfront views. In Morehead City, go to Circa 81 for Spanish tapas, or sample locally sourced caviar (with fresh chives, dill, crème fresh, pringles – all the fixin’s!) at Prime Bistro and Wine Bar.
Stay: If you’re not the Airbnb type, the Beaufort Hotel overlooks Taylor Creek and feels very coastal North Carolina, with on-property bike and golf cart rentals and a pool. Or check out the Pecan Tree Inn, a Victorian-style B&B with locally sourced breakfast and afternoon snacks (like homemade maple butter pecan cookies).
5. Taos, New Mexico
Sarah Stocking
Vibes: Bohemian artist colony meets deep history in a spectacular natural setting. It’s a magical spot, even in the Land of Enchantment.
Do: Visit the Taos Pueblo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the US. Take a guided tour to learn about the art and architecture of the Pueblo people and how they maintain their way of life.
Eat: Housed in a 19th-century chapel, the Love Apple is romantic, candlelit and oh-so-stylish. It serves New Mexican cuisine inspired by local growers, and the menu changes seasonally.
Stay: If you’d like to stay in town, La Dona Luz Inn has nine joyfully decorated rooms that embrace the feel of Old Taos. If you’re looking for a luxury getaway, check out El Monte Sagrado. Relaxing in the serene rooms nestled among the gorgeous Sangre De Cristo mountains is the perfect way to spend a long weekend. Pair your stay with a spa treatment, and you’ll be forever refreshed.
6. Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Ann Douglas Lott
Vibes: Whether you’re devoted to Dolly, theme parks or are looking for something to do near Smoky Mountain towns like Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Dollywood fits the bill for a long weekend excursion. Thrilling, family-friendly and a real charmer – just like Dolly – it’s America’s most legendary theme park. The food rocks, the staff are friendly and helpful, it’s clean, and there’s plenty to do when you need a break from the park’s rides (which are pure magic).
Do: In the past two years, the park has opened two brand-new attractions to look out for: Big Bear Mountain, the park’s longest roller coaster to date, and the Dolly Parton Experience, an interactive museum that invites guests to follow along with Dolly’s life story. I’m also a big fan of Lightning Rod (for big drop lovers) and Mystery Mine. If you have an extra day or want to explore the region beyond the park, check out the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge, a gigantic replica of the famed ship where passengers can follow the timeline of its sinking. Or drive to Gatlinburg for a moonshine or cider tasting amidst the mountain town’s kitschy goodness.
Eat: Theme park food’s bad rap is forgotten at Dollywood. One bite that’s especially worth waiting in line for is the famous pull-apart cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill (don’t worry, the line moves quickly). Also, a trip to the region is not complete without pancakes (or flapjacks), and while it’s hard to mess up a flapjack, I don’t think you’ll find fluffier ones than those from Crockett’s Breakfast Camp in Gatlinburg.
Stay: Make it easy for yourself and stay on the park’s property at one of the two gorgeous resorts, which provide trolleys to and from the park and its neighboring waterpark. If you plan to explore the area further over the course of the weekend, book a cozy cabin on Airbnb – wrap-around porches and hot tubs are the norm around here.
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‘Adolescence’ co-creator says ‘maybe we’re all accountable’ for youth violence
The Netflix series follows a 13-year-old accused of murdering a girl from his school. Co-creator and star Stephen Graham says he read about similar crimes and wanted to know: “Why is this happening?”
(Image credit: Ben Blackall)
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Author: Sam Briger
Where to find the world’s most gorgeous lavender fields
You don’t have to know that lavender is a part of the Lamiaceae family, from the Lavandula genus, or that it’s a close relative to mint, to appreciate the flowering perennial’s gorgeous, stately appearance and its incredibly fragrant aroma. Because lavender’s small, tube-shaped flowers attract bees and butterflies, you’ll see more than just the purple-blue plants when visiting a lavender farm.
Long, slender stems bloom all over the world. They grow up to 3ft tall and display purple, blue, white and sometimes even pink flowers. Fun fact: Lavender is often associated with a calm, soothing energy. There’s a reason so many people keep a little spray by their bedside: A 2022 study found that lavender essential oil improved sleep quality before insomnia occurred.
Many lavender farms sell lavender sprays, satchels and essential lavender oil, so stock up on the good stuff when you embark on your journey.
And if it sounds like a stretch to call it a journey, consider this: Lavender often blooms in big, open fields. This can mean miles and miles of lavender, its peaceful hues providing a certain kind of sweet and calming element that may be especially appealing to busy travelers always on the go. You’ve been told to stop and smell the roses, and you probably know all about cherry blossom season. Now, with this list, shower lavender with some love and attention, too.
Lordington Lavender in Chichester, West Sussex
Visiting the countryside in the UK in the summer is downright blissful. At this lovely farm in West Sussex, watch the sunset over the lavender fields in all their full and mighty bloom, and enjoy live music and other events amid the blossoms.
When is the bloom: July is peak season for the bloom
Where to eat: In nearby East Ashling, a small hamlet close to the lavender fields, the Horse & Groom welcomes travelers looking for a hearty meal of pub fare like a scotch egg followed by a steak sandwich after a day or evening taking in the pretty lavender landscapes.
Where to stay: Next to the farm is Lordington Park, a boutique bed and breakfast providing charming cottage stays. Meet other visitors in the tearoom, where you’ll find stronger libations and snacks.
Make it happen: Take a 90-minute train ride from London’s Victoria station to Chichester, and catch a bus (number 54) that stops at Lordington. It’s 2 hours by car from London.
Abbaye de Sénanque in Provence
Provence is probably one of the best-known places on the planet to see blooming lavender, and it’s hard to beat the picturesque Abbaye de Sénanque, where monks have long cultivated the glorious plant. It’s one thing to observe acres of purple and blue flowers (and hard to find any criticism in this postcard-like setting), but it’s an altogether different experience to see the thriving flowering plants set against a historic stone monastery.
And for true lavender geeks, a short drive to Cabrières-d’Avignon leads to the Lavender Museum, where you can learn about the plant’s heritage and production, as well as its uses in cosmetics, essential oils and local crafts.
When is the bloom: Mid-June, with the fields at their peak in the first weeks of July and then harvested in August
Where to eat: Make a reservation at Restaurant I’Alambic, a traditional French restaurant with a terrace on the banks of the Sorgue River. Order the côte de boeuf, and perhaps a Kir Royale.
Where to stay: Cool off in the pool when you book a stay at Residence Provence Country Club, which also has tennis courts and easy access to walking trails. There’s an on-site restaurant, too, along with plenty of other options within walking distance.
Make it happen: Fly into Marseille-Provence airport, which has regular flights to and from London, Manchester and Edinburgh, or stop in Paris first before making your way to lavender country.
Selah Ridge Lavender Farm in Selah, WA
Located in the stunning Yakima Valley, one of the top places in the state of Washington to catch the lavender blooms, Selah Ridge Lavender Farm’s hillside location sets the stage for the purplish hues to shine. Its location – an agricultural mecca with excellent wines, craft breweries, and bright, flavorful seasonal produce – makes a trip to this destination all the more appealing.
At the farm, get lost meandering the lavender fields and maybe even pick up a piece of knowledge or two, like how lavender is processed and turned into soaps and aromatic oils. Time your visit right, and you might get to join a workshop on lavender crafting and distillation. Selah Ridge’s lavender festival takes place every July.
When is the bloom: Starting late June with full bloom occurring by mid-July
Where to eat: Crafted Yakima is all about the farm-to-table approach to cooking (daily menu changes are possible based on what’s available and in season). Vegetables, in particular, get the royal treatment: Parsnips, for example, might be dressed with mole, matcha seca, peanuts and pepitas, and sprinkled with queso fresco.
Where to stay: Bunk up at The Hotel Maison, a boutique hotel that originally opened in 1911 and is now part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. Close to shops and restaurants, the hotel also provides easy access to hiking and cycling trails, and, of course, the lavender is not far away.
Make it happen: If you don’t want to rent a car after arriving in Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (the most popular option), take the SeaTac Airport to Yakima shuttle.
Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm in Pine, Arizona
If you thought Arizona was all just a big dry desert, lacking colorful landscaping, you ought to visit Pine in the Northern part of the state. Pine Creek Canyon Lavender Farm has been around since the early 1900s and was taken over in 2015 by Terry Gorton and Rick Vesci (their two dogs help oversee the farm now). The couple planted 5000 lavender plants as a way to ward off hungry elk, and it worked! Leisurely walking around the farm to admire the robust flowering plants is, of course, highly encouraged.
Because the two lavender varieties harvested on the farm – Royal Velvet and Provence – are used in cooking, visitors can cook with lavender in a restored farmhouse kitchen.
When is the bloom: Mid-June through September
Where to eat: The Early Bird Cafe is just what it sounds like: A breakfast spot that opens early. Expect comfort food favorites like buttery pancakes swimming in syrup and flaky biscuits covered in gravy.
Where to stay: For a boutique mountain getaway, The Strawberry Inn is just as delightful as its name. Choose from a room at the inn, or stay in an airstream or cabin for deeper immersion in nature – everyone is welcome to hang out in the community yard space.
Make it happen: If traveling from Phoenix, the drive is just more than 2 hours by car, and is a pretty drive, so take your time. The lavender will be there!
Fioritura della Lavanda in Turin, Italy
Often called the “Provence of Italy,” this region bursts into bold shades of purple in the summer. Many travel here to see the blooms, skipping France’s fields entirely. Itay’s Piedmont region, of which Turin is the capital, known for its big, bold red wines (looking at you, Barolo), and rich foods like agnolotti and polenta, is a worthy stop on the Italy trail. The sleepy hamlet of Sale San Giovanni, with its nearly 100 acres of rich lavender fields, is an excellent place to stop and smell the lavender. Sense the sweet, floral scent on relaxing walks amid the fields, and as for pictures: Simply dreamy.
When is the bloom: Between mid-June and mid-July
Where to eat: Find the traditional meat-filled agnolotti (similar to ravioli) pasta at Consorzio, a no-frills space dishing up traditional Piedmontese food.
Where to stay: For a luxurious stay near the fields of Sale San Giovanni, check out the luxurious Principi di Piemonte UNA Esperienze in Turin. Set in a historic building, its architecture is a sight to behold, but it’s got substance too: world-class spa with Tunisian-style Turkish bath and Finnish sauna, and fine dining restaurant The Ristorante Casa Savoia by “UNA cucina.”
Make it happen: Many travelers make their way to Piedmont from Milan via train or bus. Once in town, access the lavender fields by foot. The entire route through the crops spans a little over four miles; it’s about a two-and-a-half-hour walk with some incline.
Lavender Bee Farm in Sonoma County
You’ll get to ooh and ahh at plenty of pretty, purple lavender (English, Provence, and Grosso) at this locally owned farm, but you’ll get to see (and taste) a lot more, too. This family honey farm has more than 5000 lavender plants and multiple bee hives that produce pure, raw lavender honey (the farm is chemical-free, by the way), and the owners are all too happy to dispense some of their knowledge on curious visitors.
When is the bloom: Mid-May to early August, with peak bloom in early to mid-June
Where to eat: You don’t need to go far for a great meal in town, thanks to the on-site oyster bar and restaurant The Shuckery. Seafood is sustainable and local, ranging from ceviche to fried oysters.
Where to stay: Hotel Petaluma is more than 100 years old and an ideal base for visits to the bee farm. A stay here, in downtown Petaluma, means great access not only to the flowers but to wineries, shops and art galleries.
Make it happen: There are direct flights into Santa Rosa (Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport) from many cities in the US. If you don’t mind a 90-minute drive, fly to San Francisco and drive from there, as there are more flight options.
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8 places in Thailand not to miss
The glorious variety of Thailand appeals to all types of travelers.
Flavor-loving gourmets will love the street food, produce-laden markets and deluxe restaurants all over the country. Those seeking enlightenment can find wisdom and inspiration at its thousands of temples and monasteries. Outdoors enthusiasts can set out on a hike, exploring virgin forests and lush mountains.
And you might have heard the country has some of the best beaches in the world.
Whether it’s your first time to Thailand or your twentieth, there’s always something new do discover. Here are eight places you’ll want to add to your list.
1. Bangkok
Best city for food and nightlife
Many travelers to Thailand don’t get beyond the Bangkok airport. Yet this underrated city is a fabulous place to stay for a couple of days (at least!) for a thrilling introduction to Thailand.
With a little planning, this 10-million-strong megacity is surprisingly accessible. Its hundreds of thousands of restaurants and street-food vendors serve up everything from pizza to Ethiopian fare to (naturally) fiery curries and satays. Night markets, deluxe shopping centers, glittering palaces, temples and charming neighborhoods offer endless urban delights.
And ample transport links make Bangkok a great launching pad for day trips to the surrounding region, with floating markets and beaches to the south and popular national parks to the north.
Planning tip: Despite its go-go reputation, Bangkok has rules that prevent bars and clubs from staying open all night – in fact, most close at the relatively early hour of 1am.
2. The Upper Gulf
Best for floating markets
Only an hour or so from Bangkok, you’ll find Thailand’s most famous floating markets, including Damnoen Saduak (at its busiest in the early morning) and Amphawa (more popular with locals and with a more nightlife-y vibe).
On land, the Maeklong Railway Market is also a treat: six times each day, its many vendors pull up part of their stalls to allow a train to (slowly) pass. In the sprawing green space of Bang Kachao, you can rent a bicycle to pedal through the wilderness on concrete passageways, passing over canals hiding monitor lizards and reaching the island’s own floating market, Talat Nam Bang Nam Phueng. You can even take a day trip from Bangkok to the beach for sea breezes and fresh seafood: Pattaya is only two hours away.
3. Phuket
Best for a blend of cultures
The biggest island in Thailand, Phuket brings together a mix of Hokkien Chinese and Malaysian elements to produce a culture entierly different from the rest of the country. Hokkien-style fried noodles, o-aew (a jelly made from plant seeds), o-tao (an oyster omelet topped with pork rinds) and moo hong (braised pork belly stew) are all delicious dishes that originated in Phuket – and they’re hard to find even elsewhere in Thailand.
Phuket’s architecture testifies to the era when it was under Portuguese rule, and Sino-Portuguese shophouses – with their distinctive colors, tiles and details – still line the streets of the Old Town. Add in top-tier beaches, and you can easily spend a week enjoying all Phuket has to offer.
Planning tip: September to October is Phuket’s rainy season – a time to avoid visiting the island.
4. Chiang Mai
Best for temples
Chiang Mai is a great base from which to explore the surrounding mountains, caves and waterfalls – and merits at least three days of your trip. The region surrounding this former imperial capital is packed with temples: Doi Suthep is famous for its stunning viewpoints, while Wat Suan Dok serves as the final resting place for Chiang Mai’s former royal family. The charmingly weatherbeaten Wat Chedi Luang, founded over 600 years ago, is right in the center of town; Wat Phra Singh, home of the Lion Buddha, has golden stupas that dazzle in the sunlight.
After you’ve visited these memorable temples, you can feast on Northern Thai cuisine, which draws influences from China and Myanmar; listen for the regional dialect (called kum mueang); and enjoy regional dance styles. Chiang Mai’s many outdoor markets, such as Talat Warorot and Talat Jing Jai, sell food, clothing and knickknacks that make perfect souvenirs.
Planning tip: From late February to early April, Chiang Mai is usually choked with smoke from farmers burning land in the mountains to plant their crops. Opt for the Thai “winter” of November to January, or the rainy season.
5. Khao Yai National Park
Best for wildlife
A 2½-hour drive from Bangkok, Khao Yai has been a popular weekend retreat for nature-loving Thais for decades. As a result, the area around the national park – Thailand’s third-largest – has many amenities, including houses, hotels, restaurants, shops and even amusement parks. Not surprisingly, it’s an ideal place to bring the whole family.
The top attraction, of course, is the 2166-sq-km (836-sq-mile) national park itself, which is blessed with a wealth of hiking trails for all levels; cooling waterfalls; and an impressive range of wildlife, including monkeys, bears, elephants and elusive leopards. You can hire a park ranger to maximize your chances of an animal sighting, or for help in choosing the best viewpoints or waterfalls.
Planning tip: You should hire a guide ahead of time if you are going wildlife spotting – ideally an official ranger, via the park’s website.
6. Ayutthaya and Sukhothai
Best for history buffs
The historic city of Ayutthaya served as Siam’s capital from the 14th to 18th centuries, before it was ransacked by the Burmese. The site of the old city has since been established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is ideal for exploring. Bike rentals on the edge of the historical park turn Ayutthaya into an even easier place to navigate, making for a pleasant morning of culture and exercise under a canopy of green leaves.
Sukhothai, Siam’s first capital, was built on a smaller scale and also allows bike rentals, making it an ideal hands-on history lesson for families with smaller children. Also a World Heritage Site, Sukhothai’s towers and Buddha statues are less visited than its younger sister down south, making it preferable for those who dislike large crowds.
Planning tip: Ayutthaya can be accessed by river boat, which takes up to an hour from Bangkok (which is less time than driving). Get to Sukhothai by plane, train, bus or car.
7. The far north
Best for hiking
Known as the Golden Triangle, the apex of Thailand’s far north – where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet – has served as a destination for die-hard nature lovers for decades. Whether by motorcycle, mountain bike or your own two feet, exploring this area yields remarkable scenes of natural beauty. Once associated with the opium trade, the Golden Triangle is today where visitors come to cruise along the Mekong against a spectacular background, camp in moderate (for Thailand) weather or visit an elephant camp. (Or all three.)
Sleepy yet graceful Chiang Rai is only 9km (6 miles) south of the Golden Triangle, making it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. This city has its own attractions, too – notably the weird, wonderful and picture-perfect Wat Rong Khun (White Temple).
Planning tip: It’s a 1½-hour trip from Chiang Rai to the Golden Triangle. Aside from renting a car, you can hire a taxi or take a bus.
8. Ko Samui
Best for water sports
Ko Samui is the fantasy of a tropical island, all hilly coves and white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. (TV writers love it, too.) Besides its many charming beaches, Samui also hosts Ang Thong National Park, an archipelago of islands perfect for snorkeling and sea kayaking; the Na Muang waterfalls, for casual swimming; snorkeler favorite Silver Beach; and countless spots for scuba diving. On-land attractions are also abundant, including fishing villages, golf courses and a surprising number of wellness retreats.
Planning tip: Samui has a surprisingly long “dry” season, from December to August, when chances of rain are minimal.
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8 things you need to know before traveling to Tokyo
Neon lights and ancient temples. Tranquil gardens and hedonistic nightlife. World-class dining and incredible hospitality. Visiting Tokyo – a veritable cultural powerhouse – is an unforgettable experience.
I’ve lived here for 20 years and still can’t imagine being bored by the Japanese capital. Yet although the city often appears on lists of the safest and best destinations in the world, a trip here can present challenges.
How long to stay? What to wear? What about earthquakes? Will you encounter discrimination? Are there any tips to make travel easier?
To answer those questions and more, here are some of the essential things you should know before heading to Tokyo.
1. Prep your drugstore essentials
You can buy almost anything in Tokyo, but it often won’t be the same brand you have at home and the packaging is unlikely to be printed in English.
Rather than going on a wild goose chase here, it’s a lot easier to bring baby products, over-the-counter medications, prescription drugs and any other essentials from home.
Just double check that your meds are legal in Japan. Anything containing Adderall, for example, isn’t. There are also limits on the amount of medications you can bring. The US Embassy in Japan has a useful page detailing what medications are and aren’t permitted.
2. Download some essential apps before you arrive
For getting around Tokyo on public transport download Japan Travel by Navitime. It has a travel route planning function, plus info on weather forecasts, renting cars and exchanging currency.
For peace of mind, Safety Tips is another handy, free app. It sends emergency alerts and has info on everything you need to know in the event of a quake, typhoon or tsunami, as well as how to find an English-speaking doctor. A translation app such as DeepL could also be handy.
3. Stay at least a week
You can have a great 48 hours, but scheduling a week means you can slow down for a more immersive experience and add side trips.
From big-ticket sights to hands-on experiences, there’s no shortage of things to do in Tokyo before heading off on day trips to the historic temples and shrines of Kamakura, the World Heritage sites of Nikkō or the trails of Mt. Takao.
4. Fashion-wise almost anything goes, but check the forecast
At the risk of sounding boring, knowing what to wear in Tokyo is often more about being sensible than following fashion – pack for the weather.
The summer heat and humidity are especially draining, and you’ll see lots of locals in hats, shorts and T-shirts, though it’s very uncommon to see anyone showing much skin on their upper body.
In the pre-summer rainy season, an umbrella is better than a rain jacket, as the humidity can turn even Gore-Tex into a sauna suit.
In terms of fashion, outside of a work environment, anything goes in Tokyo – just look at the vibrant fashions of Harajuku or the cosplayers of Akihabara. That said, there are some exceptions you might encounter. If you are going to a high-end restaurant, dress smartly.
If you’re eating sushi, don’t wear any perfume or cologne as that can interfere with the subtle flavors and is considered bad manners.
If you are going for a tea ceremony, make sure you are wearing something loose enough for kneeling on the tatami, then slip off any rings or bracelets just beforehand to avoid damaging the teacups.
5. Understand the rules around drink and drug use
Let’s start with the good news. If you like beer in the park, drinking outside is legal – as long as you are at least 20 years old (the legal age for drinking and buying alcohol).
Just be aware of manners when doing it: Don’t make too much noise and always clean up after yourself.
Recreational drugs, however, are a different matter. Japan has a zero-tolerance policy on marijuana and other drugs. One exception is CBD (cannabidiol) products, which are trendy right now. However, they legally cannot contain any THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) in Japan, the component that gives marijuana its high.
6. Beware the sex trade and touts
For a country that is in many ways very conservative, it can be a surprise to see how public sex work is in Tokyo. It comes in many forms, from hostess and host clubs where clients go to drink and flirt (and spend a fortune) to bathhouse brothels called soaplands.
Pornography is censored to a degree (with genitalia blurred out), but soft porn is still on display at child height in many stores, and animated versions often cover distressing fantasies. Sex work also has strong ties to the yakuza, Japan’s organized crime groups.
Although you can safely walk past “adult” venues in red-light areas like Shinjuku’s Kabukicho (also home to lots of regular bars and restaurants), avoid going in any bar or club with touts outside offering female company or anything that seems too good to be true.
In addition to the exploitation of the people working in these places, you could easily end up with a spiked drink, cloned credit cards or an exorbitant bill.
7. Be ready to wobble
With close to 2000 feelable tremors in Japan annually, the locals are used to quakes. Thankfully, around 90% of structures in Tokyo are earthquake resistant, including everything built after stricter laws were enacted in 1982.
You also might encounter a typhoon or two, if visiting between May and October. The south and west of Japan typically bear the worst of the typhoons as they initially hit land, with Tokyo often receiving the less powerful death throes.
Still, typhoons are disruptive. Expect public transport to be badly affected for a day and businesses and attractions to close. Do as locals do and wait it out inside. With any natural disaster, keep up to date by turning on public broadcaster NHK or checking the Safety Tips app.
8. Unfortunately discrimination isn’t unheard of
Japan tends to both accept and discriminate quietly. As a traveler, it’s unlikely you will be turned away from a bar or restaurant for being foreign unless it’s in a red-light area, but it can happen, especially if you are a gaijin (foreigner) from Southeast Asia or Africa.
There are no laws against same-sex relationships and, with Shinjuku-nichome, Tokyo has one of the largest and most vibrant LGBTIQ+ districts in Asia.
There’s also an annual Tokyo Pride festival. Japan is still lagging, however, in gender equality, ranking 118 out of 146 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report.
Trains and subways have women-only carriages in the morning rush hour – something that highlights how common sexual harassment and abuse toward women is.
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Off to Kyrgyzstan? We have 17 tips for you
It doesn’t border Afghanistan. It isn’t part of Russia (or in Russia’s “backyard”). And it definitely is not in Iraq (that’s Kurdistan).
These are all questions I’ve gotten numerous times from well-meaning but poorly informed friends, family members and strangers in the nearly 13 years I’ve been based in Kyrgyzstan. While the country and region are slowly gaining popularity among international travelers, there are still plenty of misconceptions about this alluring Central Asian place.
From planning a trip to arriving in the country and social mores to be aware of while you’re traveling around, these are the things I wish I’d known the first time I travelled to Kyrgyzstan.
1. Kyrgyzstan is not just a summer or adventure destination
Popular perception holds that tourism in Kyrgyzstan is all about horse trekking and hiking through big mountains. And while these activities do indeed draw most visitors, they are certainly not the only things to do here. Adventure travelers can expect plenty of hiking in spring and fall, with pastures full of wildflowers in the former and changing autumnal leaves in the latter. Winter opens up the opportunity for skiing, cross-country, ice skating and snowshoe tours.
Yet tourism in Kyrgyzstan is also not the sole domain of adventure tourists; the country has fantastic opportunities for culture, too. You can explore the creation of felt handicrafts and shyrdak carpets through studio visits and hands-on classes; enjoy displays of traditional salbuurun hunting with trained eagles and hounds; and set out on culinary tours and cooking classes. Even a simple yurtstay will offer insights into Kyrgyzstan’s culture, appealing to those who aren’t adrenaline junkies or hardcore hikers.
2. You may not need a visa…
Citizens of 60 countries can travel to Kyrgyzstan without visas for periods of 30 days or more. This includes those with passports from European and North American countries, who are allowed to stay for up to 60 days within a 120-day period. Those who do need visas can typically get them on the government’s straightforward e-visa website.
3. …though you might need a border permit
Regardless of nationality (including Kyrgyz citizens), travelers require a “border permit” document to travel near the borders with Tajikistan and China, plus a small stretch of the border with Kazakhstan. While it is possible to arrange this independently, it can take several weeks and involve several bureaucratic steps – which means visitors would do better to contact a tour operator in advance and pay US$30–50 to have the permit arranged on their behalf.
Another nuance: the border permit is only required for visitors who stay in a border region; it’s not required for visitors who simply enter or leave Kyrgyzstan via an overland border checkpoint.
4. You should expect snow in any season
Since many tourists do come for the high mountains and big hikes, this type of traveler should pack for every condition. Son-Köl lake is a famous place that can experience the weather conditions of all four seasons in a single day, and anywhere in the Tien Shan can see sub-zero temperatures and unexpected snowstorms, even in the middle of summer.
5. Know your ground-transfer options before touching down at Manas International Airport
Walking out of the baggage claim at Manas Airport in Bishkek, you can expect a loud scrum of taxi drivers all clamoring for your business. (Some tourists have even reported having their bags taken from their hands, forcing them to follow.) If you plan to take a taxi, avoid this hassle, as well as the complicated queue of Yandex drivers, by looking for the taxi desk just before baggage claim. With fares to various points within the city hovering just above 1000som (US$11.50), it’s a touch more expensive than the alternatives – but avoiding the hassle is well worth it.
Alternatively, there are two options for public transport into the city center. Minibus 380 runs every half hour from around 7am to 9pm to the central intersection of Chuy and Moladaya Gvardia for 50som (US$0.57); the driver will often charge the same price for your luggage. The GoBus shuttle (hourly; 200som / US$2.30) costs more but travels farther in the city along Chuy and Sovietskaya/Abdrakmanov, terminating at the Tommi Mall shopping center in the south.
6. Pick up a SIM card for some of the cheapest mobile data in the world
Stay connected across the country by picking up a local SIM card, either at the airport or in any town or city. Kyrgyzstan’s mobile data is among the cheapest in the world, with 1GB costing as low as $0.05. Major local carriers offer free SIM cards to arriving passengers at Bishkek airport: Beeline is reliable in cities but often drops network in rural areas, while O! and MegaCom have stronger coverage in rural regions. If you’ll be staying in a specific area for a length of time, ask local contacts there which is the best choice.
7. If you stay more 30 days, you’ll have to register your IMEI
If you’ll be using your mobile phone in Kyrgyzstan for more than 30 days, it will stop working unless you register the IMEI (your device’s unique identifier) with a government database. The process is inexpensive (around 550som / US$6.30) but cumbersome via the IMEI.kg website – and does raise privacy concerns that many visitors will find off-putting.
8. Count on Yandex to get around major cities
One of the benefits of a working SIM card is the ability to use Yandex Go, the Russian rideshare app present in post-Soviet countries. Many international credit cards will have authorization problems within the app, but it’s also possible to pay by cash – just don’t expect drivers these days to be carrying around change.
9. For cash, the dollar is king
While credit card payments and ATMs are common in cities, in towns and rural areas cash is king. If you’re changing currency, it is possible to change euros and pounds, with a markup – but in most places you’ll get closer to official exchange rates with US dollars than any other currency. Regardless of what you’re carrying, bring fresh, clean notes without tears or folds. If you’re carrying $100 bills, make sure they’re the new ones, in circulation since 2013.
10. When queueing, learn to ask, “Who’s last?”
Whether you’re heading to passport control or fighting to get into the stadium for a match of kok boru (a regional horse sport where teams face off for control of a goat carcass), orderly queuing is not a universal practice in Kyrgyzstan. Should you find yourself in a place with lots of folks milling about but no line (a government office, say), ask loudly: “Kto posledniy?” Whoever answers you is last in the “queue.” Be sure to listen for and stay ready to respond to the next person who poses the question.
11. Be prepared to shake a lot of hands
Central Asian men shake hands. A lot. When entering or leaving a room or gathering, expect to shake hands with every other male guest – even if you’ve barely interacted with them, or haven’t at all. Central Asian women don’t typically shake hands, save for in some (but not all) business environments. To be safe, men should allow local women to offer a hand – or not. Foreign women fall somewhere in between: a handshake is not expected but usually accepted – with the exception of greeting religious men, who may refuse to shake hands with an unfamiliar woman.
12. Go easy on the tablecloth spread
By tradition and as a sign of hospitality, a Kyrgyz tablecloth (dastorkon) should be piled with food. Even if you’ve just popped into a guesthouse or yurtstay there will almost always be a table full of sweets, fruit, nuts and other fare. Feel free to help yourself – but within reason. Local hosts have occasionally reported over the years that some tourists feel entitled to take everything on the table, sometimes even dumping it in their bags to take for their onward travels.
13. Bread is sacred
Bread will be served, or at least offered, at nearly every meal you eat in a public space in Kyrgyzstan. Feel free to eat or skip it – but always treat bread with respect. Never place it upside down on the table, always tear it with two hands (never breaking it with just one) and never, ever throw bread away. Just leave it be, and it will be collected for dogs or livestock.
14.Expect to encounter horsemeat and horse milk
The horse is central to Kyrgyz culture – a principle that extends to cuisine as well. Beshbarmak (noodles with broth) is often made with horsemeat (particularly at weddings or funerals) – and in recent years it’s become possible to find steak, shashlyk and other dishes prepared using horsemeat, too. Also wildly popular is kymyz, horse milk fermented in sheepskin sacks – most delicious when savored in a mountain yurt camp just a few steps from the source. (While connoisseurs claim to be able tell the origin of the milk from the terroir of the grass on which the horse grazed, we remain skeptical.)
Locals sometimes spend five days or more at special health retreats during which guests drink fresh horse milk at regular intervals throughout the day to cleanse the body and boost the immune system. The uninitiated, however, would be best advised to steer clear – unless they possess an iron stomach, or at least easy access to a private bathroom.
15. Kyrgyzstan is safe for visitors…
The vast majority of international visitors experience no problems with their personal safety in Kyrgyzstan; even the once widely discussed false-police scams targeting foreigners at Bishkek’s Osh Bazaar have long been curtailed. Nonetheless, visitors of South Asian backgrounds would do well to read up on the ethnic riots of May 2024, and to keep alert when moving around the capital, especially at night.
16. …but road and trail safety can be an issue
The greatest risks most visitors to Kyrgyzstan face come when they’re on the move, whether that’s hiking or horseback riding or driving on the highways. Outdoor activities pose physical risks wherever in the world you do them – though in remote Kyrgyzstan you’re often a very long way from the nearest hospital.
But the greatest risk to most visitors is merely riding on the roads. Active enforcement and radar cameras have improved road safety considerably in the last decade, but you can still anticipate a lackadaisical attitude among drivers on Kyrgyzstan’s highways. Blind passing on short straights and even corners is still fairly common, and there’s always a real chance of livestock walking slowly across the highway just around the next curve.
17. You can camp just about anywhere – but it’s polite to ask first
Wild camping is common for visitors more or less anywhere in the country – many cyclists even camp right on the edge of villages. If you see buildings nearby or someone who’s obviously working the land, it’s both logical and respectful to go shake hands and formally request to pitch your tent. Otherwise, you’re almost always in the clear.
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