Day Trip — Blog | A Happy Passport

Day Trip to Himeji Castle and Hiroshima from Osaka

While Osaka is a one-of-a-kind city, offering an atmosphere unique from Kyoto or Tokyo, it does lack the number of attractions those other cities have. What Osaka does provide is a perfect transportation hub to allow you to make multiple day trips throughout the Kansai and Chügoku regions. One of the best day trips from Osaka, if you are short on time, is visiting both Himeji and Hiroshima. These two cities highlight some of the distinct eras in Japanese history. From Himeji Castle, a symbol of Japan’s feudal period, to Hiroshima, the site of WWII devastation and the eventual rebounding of Japan. Both cities can be visited easily along the same Shinkansen route.

Asia, JapanAlison MullisJuly 8, 2019Day Trip, One Day, himeji, hiroshima, HistoryComment

A Day Trip to the Blue Mountains | Sydney, Australia

Most people don’t visit Australia for the cities. They visit for the beaches, the scenic drives, the kangaroos, and the stunning expansive landscapes. While Sydney is one of the world’s best cities, after a couple days, a bit of you might still yearn for a break from the skyscrapers and crowds. Blue Mountains National Park is just a 2 hour train ride from Sydney’s CBD. The Blue Mountains offers miles of hiking trails, alluring views, waterfalls, and record-breaking adventure attractions.

AustraliaAlison MullisJanuary 22, 2019Sydney, Blue Mountains, Day Trip, National Park Comments

Luxury PeruRail Lake Titicaca Train Ride: Cusco to Puno

The Titicaca Train from Cusco to Puno is not only the most beautiful train ride in Peru but also one of the most scenic in the world. Also known as the Andean Explorer train, this route goes between the city center of Cusco and Puno. This train ride is so much more than transporting you from A to B. This luxury train is styled after a 1920s Pullman train and goes through the Andes Mountains, reaching over 14,000 feet of elevation. The total journey takes 10 hours and includes 2 gourmet meals, traditional Peruvian dancing, and endless panoramic views. As a sucker for train travel, our expedition through the Andes Mountains by train was a highlight of our trip to Peru.

South America, Peru, Editor's PickAlison MullisOctober 15, 2018Train, Day Trip Comment

Scenic Day Trip to Siena from Florence, Italy

Florence is amazing, but to truly experience Tuscany – get out of the big city. Siena is a medieval city in the heart of Tuscany, just an hour bus ride away from Florence. It is most famous for a horse race, Palio, which is hosted twice a year (July 2nd and August 16th). I'd recommend skipping this experience and instead visit for the food, gorgeous views, museums, and architecture. Even if you are short on time while in Florence, a day break to Siena is a must do!

Italy, EuropeAlison MullisMay 24, 2018Siena, Florence, Day Trip Comments