Thinking Of A Fiji Cruise? Tips To Get You Started

BY  Sibashree Feb 20, 2025

Located on the Biscayan coast, it is ideally situated just 200 meters from the beach, 12 minutes from the vibrant city of Bilbao, and 16 minutes from the airport.  However, apart from severe weather, this place is a hotspot for marine life like dolphins and Whales. Therefore, your holiday trip to Bilbao is going to be memorable on the coast. Towns in Bilbao, like Getxo, Azpeitia, Ondarroa, Lekeitio, and more, are rich in history, where you get an opportunity to know the unknown.  However, the Bay of Biscay, with its vibrant culture and stunning coastline, can be an inviting destination for all travel enthusiasts. We know that you are finding a scope to relax while seeking adventure on the same journey. Normally, we divide the journey between people who love adventure and those who like to relax on holidays. However, Bilbao is going to be your memorable holiday check-in, where you can enjoy the holiday with the thrill and relaxation.  Essential Considerations to Enjoy in Bilbao When planning your holiday, we always stay skeptical about the location and what it offers. However, instead of forming illusionary concepts, it is better to check out the place before you even check-in. Confused? Well, when you have the chance to use the internet, scout for the place and know it properly before you practically visit there! It will help you to plan your holiday trip seamlessly while avoiding some unexpected errors on the go. Whether you are visiting Bilbao, your family partner, or even friends, make sure you know these things before you reach there.  1. Immerse Yourself in Local Culture Bilbao is rich in history and art. Make sure to explore the iconic Guggenheim Museum, which houses contemporary art in an architectural masterpiece. Take a walk through the historic center (Bilbao La Vieja) and visit the charming boutiques and cafés that offer a taste of local life. 2. Savor Basque Cuisine Basque cuisine is renowned for its exceptional flavors and fresh ingredients. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in pintxos (Basque tapas) at local bars. Also, try the specialties that highlight the region's culinary heritage. Taste the seafood dishes and traditional Basque pastries. These foods are not available everywhere. So, when you visit Bilbao, be excited with your taste buds.  3. Discover the Surrounding Natural Beauty The Bay of Biscay offers breathtaking landscapes that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Consider taking a hike in nearby natural parks, such as the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, or enjoy leisurely walks along the stunning coastline. The views are sure to leave you in awe. 4. Attend Local Festivals Bilbao is known for its lively festivals throughout the year. Check the local calendar to see if your visit coincides with any events.  Aste Nagusia (Big Week) festival Bilbao Night Marathon Azkena Rock Festival Bilbao BBK Live music concert Bilbao food tour  These are all famous festivals for locals and travelers. Here, you can experience traditional music, dance, incredible fireworks, and more.  5. Explore Unique Shopping Opportunities From high-end boutiques to quirky local shops, Bilbao offers a diverse shopping experience. Stroll along Gran Vía and in the Old Town (Casco Viejo) for unique finds and souvenirs. Be sure to pick up some locally crafted goods to remember your trip. 6. Serene Experience at PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL (a 5 Star Hotel) While traveling to a new city, we always forget to check out the best stays. Consequences? We ended up having a bad experience without proper amenities and accommodations.   This should not happen in your care, especially while visiting Europe. This is why we have a luxurious option for you- the PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL. Consider booking a room in this spain 5 star hotel which is located actually in Getxo, near Bilbao. The best part about Getxo is that you get to stay close to the shore compared to the main town of Bilbao. However, this elegant hotel isn’t just a place to rest! It also offers extraordinary culinary with Spa&Wellness. It is one of those rare hotels that comes with a comprehensive Delaunay Restaurant, famous for its gastronomy treatment. Don't you believe that? Well, award-winning Basque chef Beñat Ormaetxea will be at your service here! Not only that, but the hotel also offers a space for relaxation and care.  Neguri Spa&Wellness in PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL is going to be your state of wellness secret this year. This 5-star hotel perfectly complements your holiday in the Bay of Biscay.  So, what are you waiting for? Check out their website to know more and understand what you can do while staying there.  7. Embrace the Spirit of Adventure After we consider a luxury stay, we forget to address the benefits of adventure. While visiting a new city, never stay in one place all the time. This will completely ruin your holidays.  Instead, step out of your comfort zone; no one will handcuff you.  Always try new things. Wondering what you can do at the Bay of Biscay?  Well, there are a lot of activities you can go on. Try surfing in Sopela Take a scenic boat tour of the bay Give your partner a romantic experience with a few simple arrangements Discover the world's first underwater winery Go for Eexcursion to Cabárceno Park Ensure a sunrise walk to the Bizkaia bridge The more you explore, the more you find, and there is no end if you truly want to explore the place. Research and Travel Trust us; you will not enjoy your holiday if you do not do your research before you visit the place. It is not just about Bilbao but any other place as well.  Consider key things in mind regarding accommodation, adventure, and seamless traveling. Your holiday at the Bay of Biscay will create lasting memories this time!  Whether you’re indulging in fine dining at PALACIO ARRILUCE HOTEL or exploring its cultural treasures, there is something for everyone to cherish in this captivating part of Spain. Safe travel!

BY  Sibashree Aug 28, 2025

Feels like life’s stuck on fast-forward lately, right? Always rushing, constant pings, and that grind culture whispering, “do more, do more.”  No wonder so many of us end up with gut issues, burnout, or that weird foggy feeling you can’t shake. And vacations? Ha. Half the time, you feel guilty even thinking about it.  A Sunday nap becomes your big reset. That’s why wellness retreats are blowing up. Honestly, they’re not just some fancy getaway anymore—they’re kind of survival mode for adults.  These spots blend old-school healing tricks with real science, helping you slow down and feel human again. So, what do you actually get there? Let’s talk. In this blog, I am going to delve into the different aspects of the wellness amenities found in destination retreats by exploring their benefits and the top ones. So, keep reading to know more! What Is A Wellness Retreat? After a rigorous working week, you feel stressed and need some time off to rejuvenate your energy before going back to work. That’s where wellness retreats and resorts come to play. Unlike the regular destinations, wellness resorts provide certain facilities and amenities to help improve your health and mood. So, choosing a good wellness retreat can give you a space to enjoy your vacation fully. Moreover, these places offer various kinds of health sanctuaries– spa, therapy, yoga, and more. So, you get to take care of your mental and spiritual wellness while travelling to a scenic place. Why Should You Choose A Wellness Retreat? Unlike the simple trips, going to a wellness retreat can actually be quite beneficial. Some of its benefits include: Improving Personal Health: Firstly, these retreats provide the perfect sanctuary to recover your health. So, by offering various healthy activities and healing processes, they improve your personal health, allowing you to revive your strength. Connecting To Nature: Moreover, the retreats are located in scenically beautiful places. So, you get to connect with nature. Additionally, these retreats are designed with eco-friendly architecture and create spaces for outdoor activities. So, you get to be surrounded by nature, which helps in healing your emotional and mental stress. Exceptional Spa Treatments: In addition to this, these retreats come with many kinds of Spa treatments that address different needs of your personal health. So, you can choose from the wide variety and get the treatment to feel rejuvenated. Providing Healthy Meals: Moreover, the meals offered at these wellness retreats are made with health considerations. So, you get healthy and nutritious meal options, helping you to get a tailored menu for a healthy lifestyle. Enabling Reset And Refreshing: Along with this, the wellness amenities offered in these destination retreats help in refreshing and resetting your overall health. So, naturally, they become the all-in-one solution for stressful health issues. What Are The Top Wellness Amenities Found In Destination Retreats? Given that wellness retreats provide the best space to enjoy your vacation, along with improving your health, they are becoming quite popular. Moreover, most of these destination retreats offer countless wellness amenities like: 1. Nutritious Meals That Actually Taste Good Here’s a truth you can’t escape—your gut runs the whole show. Mood, focus, energy, all of it ties back to what’s happening inside. And fixing that? Starts with food. Not packets and takeout. Actual food. If you land at a gut health retreat in Thailand, you’re in for a treat. Think fresh, local stuff—meals that heal and taste insane at the same time.  Anti-inflammatory dishes, organic produce, and menus built just for you. And the best part? Some spots even teach you how to cook this stuff, so you don’t end up back home eating toast for dinner. 2. Yoga and Movement To Keep Things Flowing Food helps, but stress? That’s the other beast. Emotions, tension—they wreck your system. So these retreats sneak in daily movement that feels… gentle. Not like punishment at the gym. You’ll see slow yoga flows, deep breathing sessions, maybe a meditative walk where you can actually hear your own thoughts (wild, I know).  Sometimes it’s just stretching under the trees. It’s all about calming that buzzing nervous system and, bonus, boosting blood flow. Your body will thank you later. 3. Spa And Relaxation (Because Who Doesn’t Need That?) Look, sometimes you just want to be spoiled. And retreats nail that part. The spa vibes? Unreal. We’re talking massages that melt you into the table, saunas that sweat out all the stress, and quiet corners where no one’s asking you for anything.  Add soft lighting, comfy rooms, and zero notifications, it’s peace you didn’t know you needed. 4. Herbal Therapies And Supplements Herbs have been doing their thing for centuries, and retreats still swear by them. Why? Because they work. You’ll probably sip teas packed with turmeric or ginger for digestion, maybe Ayurvedic blends to keep things… moving smoothly. Marshmallow root shows up too, it’s like a hug for your gut lining.  Some places hand you supplements as part of the plan, and yep, they’ve got little shops so you can stock up before you head out. 5. Educational Workshops To Take Home With You The retreat ends but your life doesn’t, right? That’s why the good ones make sure you leave with actual skills. Cooking classes that don’t feel like a lecture. Nutrition basics you can use without Googling. Stress hacks that work when you’re losing it on a Monday morning.  And group chats because sometimes hearing “me too” is half the therapy. Wellness Amenities In Retreats: A Serene Environment That Heals By Itself And honestly? Half the magic is just the setting. When’s the last time you woke up without traffic in the background or notifications buzzing at 6 a.m.? Moreover, these wellness amenities found in the destination retreats help in rejuvenating your energy and improving your health. So, whenever you feel drained, just pack your bags and enjoy spending a day in these retreats. Here, mornings start with birds. Maybe a warm breeze sneaks in while you sip tea. Nights? Nothing but nature humming in the background. Your nervous system will practically send you a thank-you note. READ MORE: A Design Lover’s Guide To Staying In Singapore Maximizing Thrill: Expert Advice On Off-Road Motorcycle Rentals Uluwatu Beach: The Prettiest Beach In Bali (A Hidden Gem With Stunning Sunsets, Surfing And Serenity)

BY  Subham Saha Sep 23, 2021

If you have opened this article, chances are you are a solo traveler. If you are looking to travel solo in Japan, this is your go-to guide. Not only will I share my experience, but I will also make some budget Tokyo hostels in Japan for your travel in 2022. I have selected these hostels based on their Location, Amenities, Prices, and Staff. Why Staying In The Hostel Is The Best Option In Tokyo? Tokyo is among the top 10 expensive cities in the world. But what I like about this city is that even though the cost of living is exceptionally high in Tokyo, there are some spectacular and budget-friendly hostels in Tokyo where you can stay at a meager price and save your money for your other expenses as a solo traveler. Many people think that Tokyo is expensive. Yes, that is a fact. However, if you are smart and intuitive and look at the right places, you will see that Tokyo has several budget-friendly options on offer. For example, you can always book a ticket on the famous Tokyo bus tours to explore the great city and all its attractions. The key is to look for these opportunities and do your online research when visiting. Top 11 Budget Tokyo Hostels In Japan For 2022 The hostels in Tokyo are extremely clean and promote Japanese culture in every possible way. They all maintain eye-pleasing decors. All of them have Wi-Fi, and some have kitchens too. The price of beds generally ranges between $18-$45 per night. They occasionally host musical events and serve a lot of tea, and have little rooms in which you can sleep.  1. Hostel Bedgasm Hostel Bedgasm is one of the best hostels in Tokyo. It is located in East Tokyo. It features a vibrant bar. Solo travelers get a drink which is in the house. They utilize good ways to make travelers get acquainted with each other to have a nice time.  When it comes to Bathrooms, they are pretty clean. There's a rooftop area where backpackers can sit and get a view of the city. The staff is very welcoming, and there is a ton of storage given to backpackers where they can store all their items.  The area surrounding is pretty quiet and has many local food outlets. The Ramen place is quite famous for its ramen. Just ask any of the staff; he/she will point it out to you. The nearby places you may consider visiting are Roppongi, Ginza, Ueno, and the Tsukiji fish market. You can get there by metro.  Price: Beds from $35/night  2. Khaosan Tokyo Origami Khaosan Tokyo Origami is located in Asakusa. It's only a few yards from Senso-Ji Temple. It is a spotless Tokyo hostel, and it's air-conditioned. They have plenty of rooms and are quite spacious, which is not typical of Tokyo hostels. The beds are very soft and big. They also have curtains placed between beds to ensure the privacy of the backpackers.    Khaosan Tokyo Origami features a shared lounge that serves tea and coffee for free. There is a shared kitchen which is open all day. They provide slippers that you can put on and toast and tea/coffee as breakfast. There is also a lounge on the eighth floor, backpackers can play video games, indulge in conversations with fellow backpackers. You can see half of Tokyo from the lounge.  Price: Beds from $30/night  3. Hostel Chapter 2 Tokyo Chapter two is another best Tokyo hostel which is run by a family. It's just a 2 mins walk from Skytree Station in Asakusa. You will find the shared kitchen and commonplace very lively. It has more of a family vibe to it, which makes you feel very comfortable. The dorms are equipped with bunker beds.  You can get a view of the Sumida River if you get a bed facing it. I would rate Chapter 2 very highly as it certainly is one of the best Tokyo hostels. Price: Beds from $38/night  4.  Sheena and Ippei It is a tiny hostel located in downtown Tokyo. I feel this is one of the best Tokyo hostels because it is very near to Ikebukuro Station. The owners of this hostel are amiable people. Everything is built-in Japanese style in this hostel. The staff are very helpful; they will suggest some right places to eat from and visit to visit.  Price: Beds from $38/night 5.  Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki Khaosan Tokyo Kabuki is just a minute away from Asakusa Temple and Asakusa Station. Even though the rooms are not that well maintained as other hostels on this list, they are comfy. You can get a good view of Skytree Tower if you manage to get a room upstairs. Price: Beds from $27/night   Also Read: Budget-Friendly Travel Ideas In Australia 6. Backpacker's Hostel K's Tokyo House They have hostels all across Japan. The one in Tokyo is one of the most famous Tokyo hostels. It has a very welcoming vibe to it. The staff is accommodating and friendly. They do not provide breakfast, but there's a shared kitchen in which you can cook. It is not precisely in the center of Tokyo, so if you want to get out of all the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, then you may consider this place.  Price: Beds from $28/night Also Read: New South Wales Southern Highland Helicopter Tour 7. Kaisu Hostel Kaisu Hostel was not always a hostel. Formerly it used to be a ryotei, which in Japanese means a traditional Japanese restaurant. This hostel is a bit on the expensive side as the building has preserved the Japanese culture very professionally. You can say that it is more of a hotel than a hostel. Consider other options if you want Tokyo hostels. Price: Beds from $40/night  8.  Citan Hostel This hostel is trendy among youngsters and hipsters. They have a massive common area on the first floor, and also, the kitchen is well maintained for cooking. There are also DJ nights on Saturdays. It does not have much of a hostel vibe to it.  Price: Beds from $28/night 9. Unplan Kagurazaka This is relatively a newer hostel, so it looks very plush. The floors are made out of wood and have simplistic decor. Both backpackers and families fit in the ambiance of this hostel. The public cafe on the first floor is an excellent place to hang out and make new friends.  Price: Beds from $39/night 10. Book and Bed Tokyo As the name suggests, if you are a backpacker who loves reading, this is the place you need to be. This hostel features a bookstore where backpackers are allowed to sleep on the shelves. You can read all sorts of books, magazines, and mangas.   Price: Beds from $37/night 11. Space Hostel Tokyo The rooftop lounge is the USP of this hostel. The rooms are spotless and well maintained. What I love the most about this hostel are its sushi-making party and origami classes. Kindly remember to carry cash as it is the only form of payment that this hostel accepts. You have to pay upfront while checking in.    Price: Beds from $29/night  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 1. Are Hostels Good In Japan? Don't get your kimono in a twist, we have a much simpler life for you and prepared a list for the best places to take rest and recover while you are in between your temple touring and sushi sampling. Hostels in Japan are generally good and there's a variety of options. 2. Can You Enter Japan Right Now? Tourists and non-resident foreign business travelers are prohibited from entering Japan.  Japanese citizens and foreign residents can reenter Japan with a  permit that is complied with strict pre-and post-travel testing  and quarantine upon arrival. 3. How Much Money Should I Bring To Japan?   Single Traveler Two Travelers Low Budget 3,500 - 7,800 yen 7,000 - 15,600 yen Medium Budget 8,800 - 18,500 yen 13,600 - 28,000 yen High Budget over 18,500 yen over 28,000 yen 4. What Is Japan Famous For? Japan is known for its traditional arts, which includes tea ceremonies, calligraphy and flower arranging. The country has typical gardens, sculpture and poetry. Japan is home to more than a dozen of UNESCO World Heritage sites and sushi is originated from Japan, one of its most famous culinary exports. Conclusion Solo traveling in Japan has been one of the best experiences in my life. The Tokyo hostels are spectacular. If you have never traveled alone before, trust me when I say it is an eye-opening experience. To travel solo, you need to keep an open mind free of prejudices and stereotypes.  Solo travel gives you a unique chance to be yourself indeed. There is no one to hold you back when you travel solo—however, certain things to keep in mind like mindfulness of your safety, loneliness, etc. With a little courage and preparation, it can make it worthwhile. You May Also Like: 10 Best Things To Do In Prague 10 Amazing Things To Do In Medellin Top 10 Affordable Hostels In Los Angeles – California