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PLACES

Overtourism, Trash & Population Threatens Japan’s National Treasure

If you've ever dreamed of hiking Fuji, it's time to take note, because this beloved destination might just be hitting the reset button on your travel plans.
You might need more than just hiking boots; patience and eco-friendliness are your new must-haves.

2 weeks ago we did a travel bucketlist section for Tokyo Japan, but we didn’t include, mention this destination even as a side itinerary.

Here’s the reason, between 2012 and 2019, the number of visitors to Mount Fuji skyrocketed, more than doubling to a staggering 5.1 million in Yamanashi prefecture, a popular starting point for hikers.

However, this surge in tourism has brought its fair share of challenges.

1. Tour buses are now a constant presence at the base station, raising concerns about the mountain's sacred status and the preservation of its natural beauty.

2. Perhaps the most pressing issue is the alarming increase in pollution levels. This isn't just an inconvenience; it's a threat to the very essence of Mount Fuji.

Authorities are grappling with potential solutions, including the radical idea of limiting access through a new railway system.

Which leads to.

❝Overtourism also entails numerous risks, including the safety of hikers,❞ explains Masatake Izumi, a Yamanashi prefecture official.

❝For example, if large numbers of people end up in a human traffic jam below the summit, there could be jostling and falls or falling rocks, which could lead to serious accidents. This is a very worrying possibility for us.❞

So what’s the government doing ?

Government ministers in Japan are currently discussing measures to tackle overcrowding and issues related to visitor etiquette at popular destinations, including Mount Fuji.

While concrete measures for crowd control have been contemplated, the mere mention of these plans has already led to a decrease in visitor numbers.

It's expected that visitor numbers will dip slightly in 2023, but a rebound is anticipated in 2024, particularly with the return of Chinese tourists.

So, if you're planning a future pilgrimage to this iconic peak, you might want to keep an eye on how these discussions unfold, as it could impact your experience and the sustainability of your visit.

Like always, In My Travel Bucketlist we have a great alternative just as serene & adventurous as this one..

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Warnings

1. The U.S. has issued a travel warning for Dominican Republic and Haiti. Haiti is currently under Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor healthcare infrastructure. More details in link.

2. Dreaming of a safari adventure in the near future ? Travel insurance policy sales for safari tourism in african destinations more than tripled from 2020 to 2022 as per Squaremouth.com. so it's essential to plan and budget accordingly. As of 2023 South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania are the most popular safari destinations. Check link for rest of places & costs.

3. Bad tourist behaviour, overcrowding, lack of accomodation & many other issues have led 5 cities in Italy, (Venice, Portofino, etc.), along with Athens (Greece), Hallstatt (Austria), Boracay (Philippines), Bali (Indonesia) + 15 other places/ countries to crack down on overtourism by policies such as fees, max caps on people etc. For details on how restrictions are implemented & the rest of the places click link.

Attractions

🙀 Anime, Food & Cash - World X Fest 2023, a 3 day Japanese Festival, will be held in Clarke Quay, Singapore, it's going to be wilder than pikachu on caffeine, and you won't want to miss it! J-pop sensations like Yayoi Daimon and Akko Gorrilla are going to serenade you with tunes from your favorite anime hits like One Piece, Naruto, and Sailor Moon. + they’re also going to be running game booths, so you can get your CD autographed and even score some exclusive T-shirts, while you munch on baked sweet potatoes, or indulge in grilled skewered meats, and savor those delicious rice balls. Interested cosplayers can register online (link in article) before Sep 25, Get ready to strut your stuff and showcase your creativity for a chance to win big! The top 3 winners will snag a 10-day trip to Tokyo for 2, & the first-place champ will pocket S$1,000. It's cosplay, Tokyo, and cash – all rolled into one epic contest! Mark the dates with a fluorescent highlighter, grab your friends head to Clarke Quay Central from Sep 29 to Oct 1.

🎢 Not only for Kids - hold onto your mouse ears because there's a mini-revolution happening in the theme park world! Micro-theme parks are popping up like popcorn at a movie night. Imagine bite-sized versions of your favorite theme park experiences, and you've got the idea.
Mattel Adventure Park in Arizona - with Barbie, Hot Wheels, He-Man, and more! With over 1,100 hotel rooms, a 5-acre pool complex to make a splash, and an outdoor concert venue for some rocking good times,
Sesame Place San Diego - bringing all your favorite fuzzy "Sesame Street" pals along for the ride. Dive into watery adventures, hop on Super Grover's Box Car Derby roller coaster, and relive the magic on the stoop of 123 Sesame Street. Micro parks are bringing the bang for your buck!
Take Florida's Peppa Pig Theme Park, for example, where you can snag a one-day ticket for just $29 – that's less than a fancy dinner! Meanwhile, a day at Disney World might just make your wallet cry, starting at over $100.

🪄 Get your wands and snow boots ready, Hogwarts in the Snow is back, and it's more magical than ever! Imagine going to the Forbidden Forest, Diagon Alley, and Hagrid's Hut all blanketed in a snowy makeover straight from the movies. But wait, there's more enchantment! The Great Hall is decked out for a festive feast, and you can even dine there. "Dinner in the Great Hall" on Dec 12th & 13th lets the grown-ups enjoy drinks and canapes before a two-course meal in the Hall itself. Studio Tour like no other – with drinks by the Potions Classroom, dessert on Platform 9¾, and a butterbeer at the Backlot Cafe & More. Click link in article for tickets, which must be prebooked. Mark your calendars, from Nov 11 to Jan 14.

Deals

• New Digital Nomad Scheme For Remote Workers Offering Rent Free Accomodation.

• Save More - Ski More for round the corner ski season by booking at these resorts.

• How To Get Free Trip for 2, for Halloween Horror Nights , until Sept. 30.

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📰 Read

• Air China Engine Catches Fire.

👁️‍🗨️ Watch

 • Inside the Armory & Luxury of North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un’s Train

😲 React

 • Caught Red Handed TSA agents stealing from passenger bags.

MY TRAVEL BUCKETLIST

Aloha from Above: A Cascade of Heavenly Embrace

📍 Wailua Falls, Kauai, 󠁵󠁳Hawaii

Over 1,800 Excellent Tripadvisor Reviews | See 360 degree video

In Imagine standing on the edge of a lush tropical paradise, gazing at a magnificent 80-foot double-tiered waterfall plunging into a pristine pool below. The falls are set against a backdrop of dense rainforest, and the lush greenery creates a captivating contrast with the pristine white waters that plunge dramatically into a natural pool below. Nestled in the heart of Kauai's emerald landscape, this captivating waterfall offers adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photo enthusiasts a glimpse into Hawaii's enchanting beauty.

For adventure seekers, there's a challenging hike down to the base of the falls, with the soothing sound of cascading water blending with the chorus of tropical birdsong.

🌄 Visit Early or Late: If you want to avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The falls are usually less crowded during these times, allowing you to enjoy the serenity.

⏬ Hike to the Base: If you're up for a bit of adventure, take the short but steep trail down to the base of the falls. The hike can be a bit slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and take your time. The view from below is totally worth it!

🏊‍♂️ Take a Refreshing Swim: On a hot day, you might be tempted to take a dip in the pool at the base of the falls. Be cautious, though, as the currents can be strong. If you're a confident swimmer, it's a thrilling experience.

🍞 Picnic by the Falls: Pack a picnic basket with your favorite Hawaiian treats and have a leisurely meal at one of the picnic tables near the viewpoint. The sound of the waterfall provides the perfect backdrop.

🦜 Bird-Watching: Wailua Falls is surrounded by a tropical rainforest, making it a prime spot for bird-watching. Keep an eye out for colorful native birds like the Hawaiian honeycreeper.

🎫 Adventure Tours: Consider booking an adventure tour like a helicopter ride or a kayak tour. These experiences offer unique perspectives of Wailua Falls and the surrounding landscapes.

🏞️ Visit Opaekaa Falls: It's just a short drive from Wailua Falls. Stop by Opaekaa Falls for another stunning waterfall view. The overlook is easily accessible from the road.

Here are 2 other destinations that complement the Wailua Falls, Kauai experience:

• Opaekaa Falls (Bigger Waterfall)

  take a short drive to Opaekaa Falls, situated nearby. Here, you'll find a scenic overlook that grants panoramic vistas of a single, 150-foot waterfall plunging into a lush ravine. These two falls, with their varying heights and settings, create a harmonious waterfall experience that's sure to leave you in awe of Kauai's natural wonders.

• Smith Family Garden Luau (Culture, People, & Food)

  Additionally, consider adding a visit to the Smith Family Garden Luau. Located in the Wailua River Valley, this traditional Hawaiian luau is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the island's culture and cuisine. Enjoy a feast of delicious Hawaiian dishes, watch captivating hula performances, and learn about the rich history and traditions of Kauai. The luau's beautiful garden setting and warm hospitality create a memorable evening that harmonizes perfectly with the natural beauty of Wailua Falls and the surrounding area.

Your itinerary could look something like this:

✔️ Day 1-3: Wailua Falls, Kauai (Adventure tours, hiking, swimming in pool)

✔️ Day 4-7: Opaekaa Falls (picnic, birdwatching, sunset watching etc.)

✔️ Day 8-10: Smith Family Garden Luau (Delicious Hawaiian food, hula performances, culture)

Recent Review - Absolutely gorgeous and a short drive! Bring cash for local coconuts cut fresh and even some crafters from time to time.

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EASE YOUR TRAVELS

Stepping into the tropical..

🛡️ Wear Sunscreen: You may think you're too cool for sunscreen, but trust us, sunburned lobsters are not the latest fashion trend.

🥾 Wear Sensible Footwear: Leave those stilettos at home. The terrain can get slippery, and you don't want to be the person sliding down the hill in heels. Hiking boots or good ol' flip-flops should do the trick.

🔫 Bring Bug Spray: Hawaii's mosquitoes are quite the party crashers. Be sure to pack some bug spray unless you want your ankles to become their all-you-can-eat buffet.

👣 Stay on the Trail: Don't be tempted to go off the beaten path. Kauai's lush vegetation can hide all sorts of surprises, and the last thing you want is to be the star of your own 'Lost in the Jungle' episode.

😆 Chat Up the Waterfall: Engage in deep conversations with the waterfall. Tell it your life story; it's a great listener. Who cares if other tourists think you're a tad loony?

Want to add your own tips in here ?

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TRAVEL & BEYOND
Staying Connected with the world beyond your travels..

1. $100 Million Stealth Fighter Jet F-35 Missing Found In Debree Field.

2. Ariana Grande Files For Divorce Simultaneously with Dalton Gomez.

3. Auto Workers Strike Hits Day 5 Against the Big Three car makers.

4. IOS 17 Launched New Features, Know what’s up.

5. Mexico Scientists Reveal Mummified Aliens X-Rays & CT-Scans.

GUESS THE PLACE

This place has the
highest waterfall in the world 

- E - - Z - - - A

Last week’s answer to:
This Place has a Free Public Wine Fountain - Italy.

• Caldari di Ortona in the Abruzzo district of Italy has a wine fountain & guess what ? It flows 24 hours a day & it’s free.

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