# Adam and Linds: Real Family Travel > We're Adam and Linds, a family of five who sold our house in 2022 and have been traveling the world with our three girls ever since. Real itineraries, honest tips, and what everything actually costs. Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. This file includes a bounded export of public pages first, then recent public posts. Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`). ## Pages ### Style Guide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/style-guide/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T11:14:57.000Z _No content available._ ### Terms of Use URL: https://adamandlinds.com/terms-of-use/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T11:15:07.000Z - Everything here is for general information. It's our experience, not professional advice. - The content is ours. Don't republish it as your own, but feel free to link to us. - Use the site at your own risk. We can't promise every detail is current or error-free. - We use affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure for the details. - Lindsay's travel planning through Fora is a separate service with its own terms. **Effective Date:** May 27, 2026 By using adamandlinds.com, blog.adamandlinds.com, or our related content, you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, please don't use the site. ## Use of our content Our articles, photos, and videos are for general informational purposes. We share our own experiences as a traveling family, not professional travel, financial, medical, legal, or insurance advice. Always do your own research and verify details before making decisions or bookings. ## Intellectual property All content on this site, including text, photos, and videos, belongs to us unless stated otherwise. You're welcome to link to our pages or quote a short excerpt with credit. You may not copy, republish, or sell our content as your own. ## Accuracy and changes We try to keep things accurate, but prices, availability, and other details change constantly. We make no guarantee that everything on the site is current, complete, or error-free, and we may update or remove content at any time. ## Affiliate links Some links on our site earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Full details are in our [Affiliate Disclosure](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Lindsay's travel advisory services Lindsay works as a professional travel advisor through Fora Travel. While we mention and promote that service here, any travel planning Lindsay provides is a separate professional engagement governed by its own terms and by Fora Travel's terms, not by these Terms of Use. See our [Affiliate Disclosure](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com) for more on that relationship. ## Limitation of liability You use this site at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage that results from using our content or relying on the information here, including any bookings or purchases you make through links on the site. ## Contact Questions about these terms? Email us at [legal@adamandlinds.com](mailto:legal@adamandlinds.com). ### Privacy Policy URL: https://adamandlinds.com/privacy-policy/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T11:15:20.000Z - We collect basic visit data (like your IP and pages viewed), plus your email if you subscribe to our newsletter. - We use cookies for analytics and affiliate tracking. You can turn cookies off in your browser anytime. - We never sell or rent your personal information, and you can unsubscribe or contact us about your data whenever you want. **Effective Date:** May 27, 2026 This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you visit adamandlinds.com, how we use it, and the choices you have. We try to keep this plain and honest, the same way we write everything else here. ## What we collect When you visit our site, we may automatically collect basic technical information, including your IP address, browser type, device type, and the pages you view. This happens through standard analytics and is used in aggregate to understand how the site is performing. If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect the email address you provide. If you contact us by email, we keep that correspondence so we can respond and follow up. ## How we use your information We use the information we collect for a few specific purposes: - **Analytics:** We review site usage to understand which content is useful and to improve the experience. - **Affiliate links:** We use tracking cookies so that when you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, the partner credits us a commission. This is at no extra cost to you and helps keep our content free. - **Email communications:** If you subscribe, we send our newsletter and related travel updates. Every email includes an unsubscribe link. ## Cookies and tracking Cookies are small files stored by your browser. We and our partners use them for analytics and affiliate attribution. You can disable or delete cookies in your browser settings at any time, though some site features may not work as expected if you do. ## What we don't do - We never sell or rent your personal information. - We don't share your personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes. - We don't send spam or unsolicited email. ## Third-party services We work with third-party services that may collect data under their own privacy policies. These include affiliate networks (such as Impact), email and analytics providers, and the affiliate programs of partners we work with directly, including Holafly, Klook, SafetyWing, and GetYourGuide. We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of any service you interact with. ## Your choices - You can disable or clear cookies in your browser settings. - You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time using the link in any newsletter. - You can contact us to ask what information we hold, or to request that we delete it. ## Children's privacy Our site is intended for a general adult audience and is not directed at children under 13\. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will remove it. ## Updates to this policy We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we'll post the revised version on this page with a new effective date. ## Contact For general questions: [blog@adamandlinds.com](mailto:blog@adamandlinds.com) For legal or privacy matters: [legal@adamandlinds.com](mailto:legal@adamandlinds.com) ### Affiliate Disclosure & Transparency Policy URL: https://adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure/ Last updated: 2026-06-01T14:39:17.000Z - Some links on our site and YouTube channel earn us a commission if you buy through them. - It never costs you extra, and many of our codes get you a discount on top. - We only recommend things we've used or vetted, and we'll tell you when something didn't work for us. - We are not licensed insurance advisors. Anything we say about travel insurance is personal experience, not advice. - Questions about any link or relationship? Email us at adam@adamandlinds.com. **Required by law and important to us.** The FTC requires us to disclose affiliate relationships. We'd do it anyway. You deserve to know when a recommendation might earn us something. ## FTC Compliance In accordance with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's guidelines on endorsements and testimonials (16 CFR Part 255), we disclose any material connections between ourselves and the brands or products we recommend. Adam and Linds (operated by Adam Clarkson and Lindsay Clarkson) publishes travel content at [adamandlinds.com](https://www.adamandlinds.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com), [blog.adamandlinds.com](https://adamandlinds.com/), and on YouTube. When we include links to products or services, some of those links are affiliate links. This costs you nothing extra, and in many cases our codes give you a discount on top. ## What Is an Affiliate Link? An affiliate link is a tracked URL that tells a merchant we sent you. If you buy something after clicking one of our links, the merchant pays us a commission, typically a small percentage of the sale. The price you pay is exactly the same whether you use our link or navigate there directly. When we also have a discount code, we always tell you about it in the content itself. ## How We Choose What to Recommend We only recommend products and services we have personally used or thoroughly vetted. The existence of an affiliate relationship does not influence whether we recommend something. We will tell you when something didn't work for us, even when we have an agreement in place. We do not accept payment to positively review a product. Sponsored content, when it exists, is clearly labelled. Our editorial opinions are our own. ## Important Note on Travel Insurance We mention travel insurance providers, including SafetyWing and Faye, in our content. We want to be direct: **we are not licensed insurance advisors, brokers, or agents.** Any mention of travel insurance is purely informational and reflects our own personal experience as travellers. Nothing on this site constitutes professional insurance advice. Before purchasing any travel insurance policy, read the full policy documents, understand the coverage limits and exclusions, and consider consulting a licensed insurance professional. Coverage terms, pricing, and availability vary and can change at any time. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of any pricing or coverage details in our articles, as these may have changed since publication. ## Lindsay's Travel Advisory Services Lindsay Clarkson is a professional travel advisor operating through Fora Travel ([lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel)). This is a separate professional service, independent of the affiliate relationships listed on this page. When Lindsay provides personalised travel planning, those engagements are governed by Fora Travel's terms and her professional advisor relationship with clients. ## Our Affiliate Partners The table below lists current affiliate relationships. We update this periodically but it may not always reflect real-time changes. If you have questions about a specific link, [reach out](mailto:adam@adamandlinds.com). | Partner | Category | Code | Notes | | ------------------------- | --------- | ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Holafly** | Telecom | ADAMANDLINDS | 5% off destination eSIMs; 10% off Plans subscription. Exclusive partner through August 2026. | | **Klook** | Travel | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | Experiences and activities worldwide. We earn a commission on qualifying bookings. | | **SafetyWing** | Insurance | n/a | Nomad travel insurance. We earn a referral fee. Not insurance advice -- see note above. | | **Faye Travel Insurance** | Insurance | n/a | Trip protection insurance. We earn a referral fee. Not insurance advice -- see note above. | | **Amazon** | Shopping | n/a | Amazon Associates Program. We earn from qualifying purchases. | | **WAYB Cares** | Shopping | n/a | Portable car seats. We earn a commission. | | **Lost Plate** | Travel | ADAMANDLINDS | Food tours in Asia. $5 off for readers; we earn a commission. | | **Japan Wireless** | Telecom | ADAMANDLINDS | Pocket WiFi for Japan. 10% off for readers. | | **GetYourGuide** | Travel | n/a | Tours and activities worldwide. We earn a commission on qualifying bookings. | | **Outschool** | Education | ADAMANDLINDS30 | Online classes for kids. $30 off first class for new users. We receive credit or cash per qualifying referral. | | **TravelSpend** | Travel | ADAMANDLINDS | Budget tracking app. 50% off annual subscription for readers. | | **SafeShell VPN** | Tech | ADAMANDLINDS | 26% off. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases. | | **NordVPN** | Tech | n/a | We earn a commission on qualifying subscriptions. | | **ExpressVPN** | Tech | n/a | We earn a commission on annual plans via our referral link. | | **Greenlight** | Finance | n/a | Family banking and debit card for kids. We earn a referral fee. | | **Skyscanner** | Travel | n/a | Flight and travel comparison. We earn a commission on qualifying bookings. | | **Epidemic Sound** | Tech | n/a | Music licensing for video creators. You get 2 months free; we get 1 month free via referral. | | **Backblaze** | Tech | n/a | Cloud backup. We earn a referral credit on qualifying signups. | | **Reading Eggs** | Education | n/a | Online reading program for children. We earn a commission via Impact. | | **Trafalgar** | Travel | n/a | Guided travel tours. We earn a commission. | ## Amazon Associates Disclosure Adam and Linds is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This applies to all Amazon links on our website, YouTube channel descriptions, and any other content we publish. ## Accuracy of Pricing and Information Prices, availability, terms, and discount codes referenced in our content are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change without notice. We update articles when we become aware of significant changes, but we cannot guarantee every figure in every article is current. Always verify pricing directly with the merchant before purchasing. ## Questions or Concerns If you have questions about this disclosure, a specific affiliate link, or our editorial standards, please reach out at [adam@adamandlinds.com](mailto:adam@adamandlinds.com). We're happy to explain any relationship in more detail. --- Last updated: May 2026\. © Clarkson, LLC. All rights reserved. ### Guidebooks for Families Who Learn While They Travel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/guidebooks/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T13:35:42.000Z _No content available._ ### Work With Us URL: https://adamandlinds.com/work-with-us/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T13:37:06.000Z _No content available._ ### About Us | Adam and Linds URL: https://adamandlinds.com/about/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T13:40:16.000Z _No content available._ ### Klook: Discount Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK URL: https://adamandlinds.com/klook/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T13:42:51.000Z _No content available._ ### Contact Us URL: https://adamandlinds.com/contact/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T13:44:43.000Z _No content available._ ### Where We've Been URL: https://adamandlinds.com/where-weve-been/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T04:04:11.000Z > I'm not sure where we're going next. But I'm sure it will be awesome! ### Need Help Planning Your Trip? URL: https://adamandlinds.com/travel-help/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T01:12:19.000Z _No content available._ ### Discount Codes | Adam and Linds URL: https://adamandlinds.com/discount-codes/ Last updated: 2026-06-04T09:16:05.000Z _No content available._ ## Posts ### ExpressVPN Plans Compared: Basic vs Advanced vs Pro for Travellers URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/expressvpn-plans-basic-advanced-pro-comparison/ Last updated: 2026-09-19T09:53:57.000Z ExpressVPN sold a single subscription for sixteen years. In 2025 it split the product into three tiers, Basic, Advanced and Pro, and the naming makes it sound like the cheapest one is a cut-down VPN. It isn't. All three run the same servers, the same protocol and the same no-logs policy. What changes is how many devices you can cover at once and which extra tools come bundled alongside the VPN. That distinction matters more than it sounds if you're buying this for a family rather than a single laptop. We've been on the road since May 2022 with three kids, and the device count adds up faster than you'd think once you include phones, iPads, a Fire Stick and whatever laptop is currently doing the school work. ![Four adults with headphones and laptops working at a table in a Chiang Mai shopping mall food court](https://pub-7aaf5c6cc1c2496e8b9429b2cc0fe010.r2.dev/photos/large/54adb95c-7ef0-4635-b159-2186e91c68b5.jpg) A mall food court in Chiang Mai. Open network, no password, everyone's laptop out. ## What actually differs between the tiers The VPN is identical across all three. Every difference in the table below is either a device limit or a separate product that ExpressVPN bundles in. | Feature | Basic | Advanced | Pro | | ------------------------------------ | ------------ | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------ | | Simultaneous devices | 10 | 12 | 14 | | Ad and malicious site blocking | DNS level | Adds tracker and adult site blocking | Adds tracker and adult site blocking | | ExpressVPN Keys password manager | Not included | Included | Included | | Dedicated IP address | Paid add-on | Paid add-on | Included | | Identity Defender (US accounts only) | Not included | Limited monitoring | Adds credit reports and data removal | | Aircove router discount | None | Up to 50% | Up to 75% | The parental control filtering in Advanced is the one worth reading twice if you have kids sharing devices. It blocks adult sites at the network level rather than per device, so it applies to whatever is connected rather than whatever you remembered to configure. ## What every plan includes These are the parts that don't change no matter which tier you pick, and they're the reason the service costs more than the budget end of the market: - Servers in 113 countries across 214 app-selectable locations, after an expansion announced in July 2026 - Lightway, ExpressVPN's own protocol, which added post-quantum encryption in January 2026 - TrustedServer, meaning every server runs in RAM and wipes itself on reboot - A no-logs policy that has been audited repeatedly by KPMG and tested for real when Turkish authorities seized a server in 2017 and found nothing on it - Network Lock, the kill switch that cuts your connection entirely if the VPN drops - Split tunnelling, so your banking app can use the local connection while everything else routes through the VPN - British Virgin Islands jurisdiction, outside the Five, Nine and Fourteen Eyes agreements - A 30 day money-back guarantee on every tier Router firmware is also available on all three plans. If you install ExpressVPN on a compatible router the device limit stops mattering, because everything behind that router counts as one connection. For a family in a long-term rental that's usually the smarter setup. ## What it costs right now ExpressVPN is running a discount from 9 September to 23 September 2026\. Prices below are the monthly equivalent on each term, and both terms come with bonus months on top: three extra on the annual plan, four extra on the two year plan. | Tier | 12 months + 3 free | 24 months + 4 free | | -------- | ------------------ | ------------------ | | Basic | $3.99/month | $2.99/month | | Advanced | $4.99/month | $3.99/month | | Pro | $6.99/month | $5.99/month | Euro pricing runs slightly lower and is shown at checkout. The thing nobody puts in the marketing is that these are introductory rates. The first term bills at the discounted price and the renewal jumps to the standard rate, so budget for the higher number in year two or diarise the renewal date and decide again then. [Check current ExpressVPN pricing](https://go.expressvpn.com/c/6317027/1462857/16063?subId1=expressvpn-plans-basic-advanced-pro-comparison&subId2=pricing&subId3=plans&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Which tier we'd pick For most travelling families the answer is Advanced on the two year term. The gap to Basic is a dollar a month and you get the password manager plus the content filtering, both of which are things you'd otherwise pay for separately or go without. Ten devices versus twelve rarely decides it on its own. Basic makes sense if you already run a password manager you like and you don't need site filtering. It's the same VPN, and paying for a second password vault you won't open is money set on fire. Pro is harder to justify unless you specifically need a dedicated IP, which mostly matters for remote work setups that whitelist an IP address or for banking that flags every new location. The identity monitoring in Pro only applies to US accounts, so for anyone outside the US the tier narrows to the dedicated IP and a router discount. ![A woman works on a tablet on a bench at Vilnius train station surrounded by suitcases and backpacks](https://pub-7aaf5c6cc1c2496e8b9429b2cc0fe010.r2.dev/photos/large/37aef3cf-c064-4e44-ad18-a347fb2ad836.jpg) Vilnius station, January 2026\. Station wifi, a pile of luggage and several hours to kill. ## What a VPN will not fix A VPN changes where your traffic appears to come from and stops whoever runs the network from reading it. That covers the actual problems we hit on the road, which are banking apps that lock you out from a foreign IP, streaming libraries that swap out half their catalogue when you cross a border, and open networks in stations and cafes where you have no idea who else is connected. It does not give you internet. If the wifi in your rental is slow or the network is down, a VPN makes it slower rather than better. For getting online at all you want a local data plan or an eSIM, and the two solve different problems. China is its own case with its own rules, and we've written that up separately in our [China travel guide covering the 240 hour visa, eSIMs and internet access](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/china-travel-guide-240-hour-visa-esim-vpn-families/?ref=adamandlinds.com) and in our [review of the Holafly China eSIM with its built-in VPN](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Where it falls short ExpressVPN is not the cheapest option and the renewal pricing is the main reason people leave. Device limits are also stingier than several competitors that offer unlimited connections, which is only a problem if you can't or won't run it on a router. Support is fast over live chat and slow over email, so use the chat. The identity protection features being US only is worth calling out plainly, because the Advanced and Pro tiers are marketed on those features and a large part of the value evaporates if your account is registered anywhere else. If you're outside the US, compare the tiers on device count, the password manager and the dedicated IP, and ignore the identity monitoring line entirely. ## Common questions ### Is the VPN itself different on the cheaper plan? No. Basic, Advanced and Pro use the same server network, the same Lightway protocol and the same encryption. Only the device limit and the bundled extras change. ### Can I change tier later? Yes. Existing subscribers are offered the choice at renewal and are not moved to a lower tier without agreeing to it. ### Does it work on a Fire Stick or Apple TV? There are native apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS and Android. Devices without a native app, including Apple TV and games consoles, are covered either through the MediaStreamer DNS tool or by installing ExpressVPN on the router. ### Is the two year plan actually cheaper? Over the first term, yes, and by a fair margin once the four bonus months are counted. The comparison gets less flattering at renewal, so treat the two year price as an introductory rate rather than what you'll pay long term. ### How many devices do we actually need? Count phones, tablets, laptops and streaming sticks, then add one. Two adults and three kids with a phone or tablet each already sits close to the Basic limit before you add a laptop, which is where the router install starts looking sensible. [See ExpressVPN plans and current pricing](https://go.expressvpn.com/c/6317027/1462857/16063?subId1=expressvpn-plans-basic-advanced-pro-comparison&subId2=footer&subId3=plans&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Related reading - [Why I actually use a VPN while traveling](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/why-i-use-expressvpn-while-traveling/?ref=adamandlinds.com) - [The complete guide to worldschooling](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-worldschooling-everything-parents-need-to-know/?ref=adamandlinds.com) - [How we track our budget on the road](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/travelspend-review-budget-tracking-full-time-travel/?ref=adamandlinds.com) *This post contains affiliate links. If you buy an ExpressVPN subscription through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Pricing shown reflects ExpressVPN's promotion running 9 to 23 September 2026 and will change afterwards. All opinions are our own.* ### SafetyWing electronics theft coverage: what it actually pays for a stolen laptop URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing-electronics-theft-coverage/ Last updated: 2026-08-25T16:44:50.000Z SafetyWing sells an electronics theft benefit as an add-on to Nomad Insurance Essential, and we have a code that makes the first eight weeks of it free. Before you use it, it is worth understanding what the add-on actually pays out, because the number is smaller than most people assume and it shrinks every month you own the device. We have carried five phones, three iPads, two laptops, and a camera rig through 33 countries since 2022 without having any of it stolen. That is luck as much as anything, and it is also the reason we can look at this add-on without a horror story clouding the maths. ### 8 weeks of electronics theft coverage, free New Nomad Insurance Essential members on a 28-day or annual subscription plan. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS8** when you sign up. [Go to Nomad Insurance](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=8-week-electronics-coverage-blog-article&utm%5Fcampaign=8-week-electronics-coverage-blog-article&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) ![Adam sitting at a wooden table on the upper deck of a closed outdoor bar in Da Nang with four iPads and tablets lined up in front of him](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/3a6b5585-2684-4ed9-bbb7-919b234fb7ba.jpg) Borrowing wifi from a closed bar in Da Nang, September 2025\. Four tablets on an open table in a public space is a normal Tuesday for us, and it is exactly the situation this add-on is written for. ## What the code gets you ADAMANDLINDS8 gives you eight weeks of the Electronics Theft add-on at no cost on a new Nomad Insurance Essential plan. The reward applies to subscription plans on either the 28-day or the annual billing cycle, and it does not apply to the Complete plan. There are two eligibility rules worth reading twice. You must never have held a SafetyWing account before, and existing members cannot cancel and re-register to qualify. The reward also has to be applied before your account exists, which brings us to the genuinely odd part of the process. ## How to claim it, including the pink camera This is not a checkout code. There is no box at the payment screen where you paste it in, and if you go looking for one you will finish the signup without the reward and have no way to add it afterwards. 1. ### Open the Nomad Insurance page while logged out The reward will not apply if you are signed in to an existing SafetyWing account. Use a private window if you are not sure. 2. ### Find the pink camera and click it There is a pink camera on the Nomad Insurance landing page. Clicking it opens the reward pop-up. This is the only route in. 3. ### Enter ADAMANDLINDS8 in the pop-up Do this before you start creating your account. A reward can only be applied ahead of account creation. 4. ### Select Essential with the electronics theft add-on Choose the Essential plan on a 28-day or annual subscription and tick the Electronics Theft add-on during the purchase flow. [Start with the reward applied](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=8-week-electronics-coverage-blog-article&utm%5Fcampaign=8-week-electronics-coverage-blog-article&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) After the eight free weeks the add-on renews as a normal paid benefit, so it is not a permanently free extra. If you pay for an annual plan you still pay the full amount up front, and the cost of two months of the add-on is deducted from your total. ## What SafetyWing counts as electronics The covered list is specific, and anything not named on it is not covered. As of the plan version effective February 2026 it runs to laptops, cameras and lenses, smartphones, tablets and iPads, e-readers, music players, earphones and AirPods, headphones, smartwatches, drones, portable wi-fi devices, and portable gaming devices including a computer mouse. The additions in the current version matter for anyone travelling with kids. Headphones and smartwatches were not on the older list, and between the girls we are moving four sets of headphones through airports at any given time. ![The Clarkson family at a restaurant table in Da Nang, three girls wearing headphones with an iPad propped up in the foreground](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/c87d12d1-909f-437f-968d-08e362c0d297.jpg) Dinner in Da Nang, May 2025\. Three sets of headphones and an iPad on the table, which is roughly a thousand dollars of covered items sitting in a restaurant. ## What it actually pays out Here is the part almost nobody explains. The benefit is capped at $1,000 per item, $3,000 per insurance period, and $6,000 over the lifetime of your membership. Those caps are the ceiling, not the payout. The payout itself runs through a 50-month straight-line depreciation rule. Your device loses 2% of its purchase value every month from the original purchase date, and once an item is 50 months old it has no remaining reimbursement value at all. Reimbursement is based on that depreciated figure, then capped at $1,000. | Device and purchase price | Age when stolen | Value remaining | You get | | ------------------------- | ----------------- | --------------- | --------------- | | $1,200 laptop | 6 months | 88%, or $1,056 | $1,000 (capped) | | $1,600 laptop | 18 months | 64%, or $1,024 | $1,000 (capped) | | $2,400 laptop | 36 months | 28%, or $672 | $672 | | $1,100 tablet | 44 months | 12%, or $132 | $132 | | Any device | 50 months or more | 0% | Nothing | The practical reading of that table is that this add-on protects new gear well and old gear barely at all. A four-year-old MacBook is worth almost nothing under this policy no matter what you paid for it, and if your working setup is a laptop you bought in 2021 then the add-on is not doing much for you. Keep the receipts. Reimbursement requires proof of ownership such as a purchase receipt, and the depreciation calculation runs from the original purchase date, so a claim without a dated receipt is going to be a difficult conversation. ## The conditions that void a claim Theft has to be reported to the police within 24 hours, and you need the written police report as proof. In a country where you do not speak the language, on the day your laptop went missing, that is a real errand rather than a formality, and 24 hours goes quickly. SafetyWing also requires that you took reasonable care to protect the items. Damage and loss are not covered at all, so a phone that goes into a canal or an iPad left in a taxi falls outside this benefit entirely. It pays for theft and nothing else. ## You have to select it at purchase The add-on must be chosen during the original purchase. If you decide later that you want it, the only route is to cancel your existing plan and buy a new one with the add-on included. Cancelling and rebuying has a consequence that is easy to miss. Any medical conditions you have developed while insured will be treated as pre-existing on the new plan and excluded from it. If you have had anything treated since you signed up, restarting a policy to add electronics coverage could cost you far more than the gear is worth. ## Lost luggage is a separate thing People conflate these two benefits and they are not the same. Nomad Insurance Essential already includes lost checked luggage cover at $500 per item and $3,000 maximum per plan, and that applies when an airline loses your bag rather than when a person takes your things. The electronics theft add-on is for theft specifically, with its own caps and its own police report requirement. Having one does not give you the other. ![Lindsay sitting on a wooden bench at Vilnius train station surrounded by a pile of suitcases and backpacks, working on a laptop while checking her phone](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/37aef3cf-c064-4e44-ad18-a347fb2ad836.jpg) Vilnius station, January 2026\. Transit days are when a family's gear is most exposed, all of it in one pile, everyone tired, nobody counting. ## Whether we would pay for it Our answer depends entirely on how new the gear is. The camera body and the laptop we edit on are recent enough that the depreciated value would still hit the $1,000 cap, which makes the add-on worth its monthly cost to us. The kids' iPads are old enough that a claim would return pocket change. If you are leaving on a long trip with equipment you bought in the last year or two, the free eight weeks costs you nothing to try and the ongoing price is modest against a $1,000 payout. If your bag is full of hand-me-down devices from 2021, read the depreciation table again before you commit to paying for this every month. FAQ ## SafetyWing electronics theft questions Can I use ADAMANDLINDS8 if I already have a SafetyWing account? No. The reward is for people who have never held a SafetyWing account, and existing members cannot cancel and sign up again to qualify. It also will not apply if you are logged in when you try to redeem it. Where is the pink camera? On the Nomad Insurance landing page. Clicking it opens a pop-up where you enter the reward code. This has to happen before you create your account, because a reward cannot be applied afterwards. How much does SafetyWing pay for a stolen laptop? Up to $1,000 per item, but the actual figure is the purchase price minus 2% for every month since you bought it. A laptop bought 36 months ago for $2,400 would return about $672\. Anything 50 months or older returns nothing. Does it cover a phone I dropped or lost? No. Damage and loss without theft are excluded. The benefit pays out only when an item is stolen and you have filed a police report within 24 hours. Can I add electronics theft cover to a plan I already bought? Not directly. You would need to cancel your current plan and purchase a new one with the add-on selected, and any medical conditions that arose during the first plan would then count as pre-existing and be excluded. What happens after the eight free weeks? The add-on renews automatically as a paid benefit at the standard rate. On an annual plan you pay the full amount up front and the cost of two months of the add-on is deducted from your total. Are my kids' headphones covered? Headphones, earphones, and AirPods are on the covered list in the current plan version, as are smartwatches and portable gaming devices. Each is subject to the same per-item cap and the same depreciation rule. ### Related reading [SafetyWing Essential vs Complete: which plan is right for your trip?](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing/) [SafetyWing Nomad Insurance review: is it worth it for families?](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing-nomad-insurance-family-review/) [What happened when Harper broke her arm in Vienna](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing-saved-us-harper-broke-arm-vienna-real-story/) [SafetyWing after three years of full-time travel](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing-nomad-insurance-review/) ### Claim the eight free weeks Enter code ADAMANDLINDS8 through the pink camera before you create your account. [Go to Nomad Insurance](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=8-week-electronics-coverage-blog-article&utm%5Fcampaign=8-week-electronics-coverage-blog-article&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) [Compare Essential and Complete](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing/) This post contains affiliate links to SafetyWing. If you sign up through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and the ADAMANDLINDS8 reward gives you eight weeks of electronics theft coverage free. We have used SafetyWing since 2022 and have never had electronics stolen, so nothing here is a claim experience. We are not insurance brokers and nothing here constitutes a recommendation. Coverage details and limits were verified against SafetyWing's policy documentation in August 2026 and can change, so read the current policy before you buy. All opinions are our own. ### Holafly discount code: one code for both eSIMs and monthly Plans URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-discount-code-esims-and-plans/ Last updated: 2026-08-21T07:32:51.000Z Use **ADAMANDLINDS** at Holafly checkout and it takes 5% off a single-destination eSIM or 10% off a monthly Plans subscription. That is worth knowing because most of the codes floating around only do one of those two things. Codes like **MYESIMNOW5** and **MONTHLYPLAN10** are a pair. The first works on destination eSIMs, the second works on monthly Plans, and neither works on the other. If you paste the wrong one you get a rejection at checkout and usually assume the discount was fake. [Holafly's site is here](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-discount-code-esims-and-plans&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) if you already know what you want. The rest of this is which code covers what, and how we know. ## What each Holafly discount code covers - **ADAMANDLINDS** gets 5% off destination eSIMs and 10% off monthly Plans. One code, both product lines. - **MYESIMNOW5** gets 5% off single-destination eSIMs. It does not apply to Plans. - **MONTHLYPLAN10** gets 10% off monthly Plans. It does not apply to single-destination eSIMs. - **STEPHANDPETE** is another creator code that covers both at the same 5% and 10% split. The percentages are set by Holafly rather than by whoever hands you the code, so nobody is getting you 20% off. What varies between codes is coverage. You apply one code per order, so the only question that matters is whether the code in your clipboard matches the product in your cart. ## Which Holafly product are you actually buying? A destination eSIM is a one-off purchase for a set number of days in one country or region. You pick the country, pick the length, install it, and it expires when the days run out. This is the 5% product. [Holafly Plans](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-monthly-plans-2025-unlimited-global-esim-review/?ref=adamandlinds.com) is a monthly subscription instead. One eSIM covers 160+ destinations and the price does not change when you cross a border. Unlimited runs $64.90 a month and Light runs $49.90 a month for 25GB, and hotspot is included on both. This is the 10% product. The rough dividing line is thirty days. If you are going to one country for two weeks, buy the destination eSIM and use the 5%. If you are moving between countries, or staying somewhere longer than a month, [Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-discount-code-esims-and-plans&subId2=inline-1&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) works out cheaper and the 10% applies. Cancel a subscription and [Always On](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-discount-code-esims-and-plans&subId2=inline-2&subId3=always-on&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Falways-on%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) leaves you with 1GB a month in 70+ destinations, which is enough to land somewhere and call a taxi. ## Where we have actually used this We are a family of five and we have been travelling full time since May 2022, across more than thirty countries. That is not a credential so much as an explanation for why we have opinions about a SIM card. We have run Holafly in Shanghai in September 2025, Rovaniemi in January 2026, Osaka through the spring, Da Nang from May to July, and Chiang Mai until the middle of this month. We are in London as this goes up. ![Four adults with laptops and iced drinks working at a table in a Chiang Mai mall food court](https://pub-7aaf5c6cc1c2496e8b9429b2cc0fe010.r2.dev/photos/large/54adb95c-7ef0-4635-b159-2186e91c68b5.jpg) Most of our data goes on hotspot rather than the phone itself. The China trip is the one worth flagging, because the Holafly China eSIM has a VPN built into it. You do not install anything separately and you do not need to buy a VPN subscription before you fly. We wrote up [how that held up across a week in Shanghai](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/?ref=adamandlinds.com) if you want the detail. If you want the version with the complaints in it, our [Holafly review covers the things that have gone wrong](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/?ref=adamandlinds.com). We run the Unlimited Plans tier because three kids on iPads is a lot of hotspot. Your number stays where it is, since the eSIM sits alongside your normal SIM rather than replacing it, and we went through [what happens to your phone number](https://www.adamandlinds.com/blog/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/?ref=adamandlinds.com) separately. ## How to apply the code at checkout 1. Choose your product first. A destination eSIM if you are visiting one country, or a Plans subscription if you are moving around or staying past a month. 2. Add a buffer day or two on destination eSIMs. Flights get delayed and the plan expires on schedule regardless. 3. At checkout, find the promo code field and enter **ADAMANDLINDS** in capitals. 4. Apply it before you pay and check the order total dropped by 5% or 10%. The discount lands on the total, not on the price shown on the product page. ## Common questions about Holafly discount codes ### Does ADAMANDLINDS work on both eSIMs and Plans? Yes. It takes 5% off single-destination eSIM purchases and 10% off monthly Plans subscriptions, which is why we stopped handing out two separate codes. ### Can I stack ADAMANDLINDS with MYESIMNOW5 or MONTHLYPLAN10? No. Checkout takes one code per order, so combining them is not possible and there is nothing to gain by trying. Pick whichever single code covers the product you are buying. ### Does the code work outside the United States? Yes. The discount applies at Holafly checkout regardless of where you are buying from or which destination you are buying for. ### Do I need a separate VPN for the China eSIM? No. The [Holafly China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-discount-code-esims-and-plans&subId2=inline-3&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) has a VPN built in, so Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail work without installing anything extra. This is the single most common thing people get wrong before a China trip. ### What if the code does not apply? Check you are on the right product, because an eSIM code will not work on a Plans subscription and the reverse is also true. If [ADAMANDLINDS](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-discount-code-esims-and-plans&subId2=faq&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) still does not take, Holafly support runs 24/7 on chat and can apply it manually. [Get your Holafly eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-discount-code-esims-and-plans&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) for 5% off a destination eSIM or 10% off a monthly Plan. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and the discount code is the same price to you either way. All opinions are our own. ### Heading to London in 2 Days URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/heading-to-london-in-2-days/ Last updated: 2026-08-17T04:39:32.000Z Here I am, stressing over packing, stressing over the 13-hour flight, and instead of handling my shit. I'm writing a blog. I’ve only been to England twice, and weirdly, the stuff I remember most isn’t the big tourist bullshit. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/08/DSCF1020.png) Mind the Gap. London 2005 The first time was in 2005 at the end of a backpacking trip through Europe with Russ. We basically just had an overnight near the airport. I barely remember anything except getting wings at a pub, which is apparently what my brain decided was worth saving from that trip. The second time was after our Queen Mary 2 crossing. The girls were still young. We spent four days in Southampton and four days in London. I think we stayed somewhere just north of Hyde Park, maybe south of Notting Hill, on a road called Prince Avenue or something like that. There was a sandwich shop nearby that I remember for some reason. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6905.png) Leaving Southampton and heading to London in 2022 We had generic-ass fish and chips at a pub, which was fine, but later we found a much better fish-and-chip place. I can’t remember the name, but it was a chain with blue and white branding and it was so good. Then we ended up at this tiny local place, maybe in London, maybe Southampton, I honestly don’t remember. It barely had enough room for all of us, and there was this crusty old guy behind the counter in a white apron. That fish and chips was incredible. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/08/IMG_6912.png) Touristy Fish and chips. good. but not great. 0:00 /0:12 1× And here were some yummy fish and chips. it was at a place called Hobsons. And now that I think about it, that’s what I remember. Not the tourist stuff. The random food, the little shops, the neighborhoods, the places that just felt normal and British. That’s probably why I’m so excited to go back. I want to walk around, go into a grocery store, smell what it smells like, feel the air, and just experience England without needing every second to be some big attraction. ### We Slept in Sweden to Visit Copenhagen: A Week Based in Malmö URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/malmo-base-copenhagen-family-trip/ Last updated: 2026-08-15T02:16:07.000Z We landed in Copenhagen on 21 November 2025 and spent three nights in a hostel around the corner from Central Station, all five of us in one room. On the fourth day we got on a train, crossed the Øresund, and spent the rest of the week in an apartment in Malmö, riding back into Denmark when we wanted Denmark. Plenty of people do this. It is not a trick anyone invented and Copenhagen is not unaware of it. What follows is what the arrangement actually looked like with three kids in late November, including the parts that did not work. ## Three nights in a Copenhagen hostel The room had bunk beds and graffiti murals on the walls, which the girls treated as a feature. We ate pizza on the floor with a Carlsberg, because the alternative was a Copenhagen restaurant bill for five people on our first night in Scandinavia after a transatlantic flight and a Lisbon layover. ![A family of five in a Copenhagen hostel room with bunk beds and graffiti murals, pizza on the table and a Carlsberg in hand](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/983c6e94-e861-4cca-8d36-7e89a3806665.jpg) First night in Copenhagen. Pizza, a Carlsberg, and one room for five. The thing nobody warns you about is the light. On our first full day the sun was gone by a quarter to four in the afternoon, which means the walking part of your day ends before the kids have finished being hungry. We were somewhere near the old post building when the wind came off the harbour and everyone stopped pretending to enjoy it. ![Three girls holding hands walking away from the camera through central Copenhagen at dusk](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/06195d1f-11c6-4908-a042-691cacf87cd9.jpg) Quarter to four in the afternoon, 21 November. That is the whole day of usable light. We did one proper dinner out, in Nyhavn, and it was fine and it cost what you would expect a Nyhavn dinner for five to cost. That meal is roughly the point at which we started doing the arithmetic on the rest of the week. ![Harper sitting with her chin in her hands at a restaurant table in Nyhavn, Copenhagen, waiting for dinner](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/dd48fc49-64f1-4987-884f-f5b68de9c989.jpg) Harper waiting on dinner in Nyhavn, already deciding what she is going to order. ## What moving to Malmö actually changes The apartment in Malmö had a kitchen, separate beds, and a door we could close. That is the real difference, and it matters more than the nightly rate does over a full week. A hostel room works for three nights and stops working somewhere around night four, particularly when the sun sets in the middle of the afternoon and everyone is indoors by five. What you give up is that you are now commuting. Every Copenhagen day starts with getting five people to a station and ends with getting them back, and the return leg happens in the dark. If you are the kind of traveller who likes to drift back to the room for an hour in the afternoon, this arrangement removes that option entirely. If you only have three or four nights, stay in Copenhagen. The Malmö version earns its keep across a week or more, when the kitchen and the extra room start compounding. We have written more about why we stopped moving every few days in [our post on slow travel](https://adamandlinds.com/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/). ## How the Øresund train works Øresundståg runs between Copenhagen Central and Malmö Central roughly every fifteen to twenty minutes, and the trip takes about forty minutes over the Øresund bridge. At the Malmö end the trains use the underground platforms, so you come up into the station rather than along it. There is real luggage space, which matters if you are hauling anything more than a day bag. The ticket worth understanding before you go is the Øresund Ticket, sold by DSB. It covers two adults and up to three children under sixteen travelling together, and you are not required to be a family to use it. You buy it from a DSB ticket machine or the 7-Eleven at the station rather than from an app. For a family of five that structure is the entire reason this works. Fares and the exact terms move around, and the operators do not all publish the same numbers. Check the current version on the DSB site before you build a budget around it rather than trusting a blog post, including this one. ![A departure board sign showing the 5:38 Øresundstog service to Copenhagen at Malmö Central station](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b5dd67b9-16aa-4faf-b12d-0b59f32df097.jpg) The 5:38 to Copenhagen on our last morning. This is the part of the arrangement that costs you. ## The Copenhagen days We came back in on 29 November and spent most of it at Ripley's Believe It or Not, which was not on any list we had written down. The girls found the tilted room and the optical illusion doorway and stayed considerably longer than the exhibits warranted. Standing inside a megalodon jaw is a reasonable use of an afternoon when the alternative is being outside in a Danish November. ![Adam and Lindsay taking a selfie standing inside a giant megalodon jaw exhibit at Ripleys Believe It or Not in Copenhagen](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/7e9a9b2e-df3a-4eb6-87c1-a9a5cff63cc5.jpg) Ripley's in Copenhagen. Not on the list, and better than several things that were. Later that afternoon I drank a Carlsberg at the Carlsberg brewery, which felt like the only defensible option available to me. Copenhagen is a city where the indoor options carry the trip in winter, and that is worth planning around rather than discovering at three in the afternoon in the dark. ## Malmö was the better week This is the part I did not expect to write. We went to Malmö because of the apartment and ended up liking the city more than the commute it was supposed to serve. The Disgusting Food Museum sits at Södra Förstadsgatan 2, about a thirteen minute walk from Malmö Central. Your ticket is a vomit bag. There are around eighty foods on display, a set of smell jars, and a tasting bar at the end where staff walk you through fermented shark and surströmming if you are willing. Whatever was in the jar we all opened at the same time, the verdict was unanimous and it was not positive. ![Adam, Lindsay and their three daughters pulling disgusted faces in a selfie at the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö, Sweden](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/90dc4680-f78d-4e9d-8a2a-8cada9f26d3f.jpg) The smell station at the Disgusting Food Museum. Five faces, one opinion. We also went to an IKEA in Sweden, which the girls found much funnier than it deserved. There is a Christmas photo board near the entrance and all three of them posed in front of it under a sign reading God Jul och Gott Nytt År. This is not a cultural experience and I am not going to claim it was one, but it cost nothing and killed a grey afternoon. ![The Clarkson family taking a selfie at an IKEA store in Malmö, Sweden at dusk](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/c560fbe0-3b9a-43aa-8633-6c42f56cd6f5.jpg) IKEA, in Sweden, in November. We are not above this. Malmö had its Christmas lights up in the city centre by the end of the month, including a set of enormous illuminated wings that Harper spotted from most of a block away and would not walk past. Lindsay found a beer bar with a draught list long enough to require actual study, and we spent one evening there and another editing footage in a bar at eleven at night with the rain going in the courtyard behind us. ![Harper standing with her arms spread wide in front of a large illuminated wings installation in central Malmö](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/a0fe84f8-e913-4ca8-87b7-95a9fade6fa5.jpg) The wings in central Malmö. She saw them from half a block away and that was that. ![Adam and Lindsay taking a selfie with draught beers at a small bar in Malmö, Sweden](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/5d253b2b-6e57-483a-b1b7-f82396464c0b.jpg) The draught list took some working through. We made time. ## Thanksgiving in a Malmö kitchen On 27 November we cooked Thanksgiving dinner in the apartment. Three pots going at once, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and Swedish meatballs, which is the only version of that meal that has ever made geographic sense. We ate off teal plates with travel tumblers standing in for anything resembling proper glassware. ![The Clarkson family seated around a Thanksgiving dinner of mashed potatoes and green beans in their Malmö apartment](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/10501e98-b691-4012-bcc6-3af587d45b56.jpg) Thanksgiving in Malmö, 27 November. Meatballs were the obvious call. That evening is the clearest argument for the apartment I can give you. There is no version of that meal that happens in a hostel room in Copenhagen, and no restaurant in either city was going to produce it. A kitchen in a country you are only passing through is worth more than the nightly rate suggests, particularly in a week with a holiday in it. ## What we would change Three hostel nights was one too many. Two would have been enough to see central Copenhagen properly, and the third night was mostly us being tired in a room with bunk beds. The bigger issue is the last morning. Our flight out went from Kastrup, which is on the Danish side, so we were on a 5:38 train from Malmö to make it. Sleeping in another country is fine right up until the morning you have to be at an airport, and if your departure is early it eats the entire advantage you spent the week building. If we did this again we would move back across for the final night and take the hostel bill on the chin. ## Would we base in Malmö again For a week or more in late autumn, yes. The train is frequent enough that Copenhagen stays genuinely accessible, the apartment solved the problem that three nights in a hostel had created, and Malmö turned out to hold a week on its own rather than functioning purely as a dormitory. For a short trip, no. Four days in Copenhagen should be spent in Copenhagen, where the forty minutes each way is a meaningful share of the daylight you actually have. From Malmö we carried on into Poland and the Baltics, and the next stop was [the Christmas markets in Prague](https://adamandlinds.com/prague-christmas-market-tour-czech-traditions-guide/), which we flew to out of Kastrup on 1 December. FAQ ## Staying in Malmö to visit Copenhagen The questions we had before we booked. How long is the train from Malmö to Copenhagen? About forty minutes between Malmö Central and Copenhagen Central on the Øresundståg, which runs roughly every fifteen to twenty minutes across the Øresund bridge. At Malmö Central the service uses the underground platforms. Is there a family ticket for the Øresund crossing? DSB sells an Øresund Ticket covering two adults and up to three children under sixteen travelling together, and you do not have to be a family to use it. You buy it at a DSB ticket machine or the 7-Eleven at the station. Check current fares before you budget, since they change. Is it worth staying in Malmö instead of Copenhagen? For a week or more with kids, it worked for us, mostly because we got an apartment with a kitchen instead of a hostel room. For a stay of three or four nights the commute takes too large a share of the daylight, especially in winter, and we would stay in Copenhagen. How short are the days in Copenhagen in November? The sun was gone by around a quarter to four in the afternoon during our stay in late November. Plan the outdoor part of the day for the morning and have indoor options ready, because the useful light runs out earlier than most people expect. Is the Disgusting Food Museum in Malmö good with kids? Ours enjoyed it, though the smell jars are genuinely strong and children need an adult with them. It sits at Södra Förstadsgatan 2, about thirteen minutes on foot from Malmö Central, and the ticket includes the tasting bar at the end. Can you reach Copenhagen Airport easily from Malmö? Yes, the same Øresund line serves Kastrup, but an early flight means an early train. We were on the 5:38 out of Malmö for a morning departure, which is the main drawback of sleeping on the Swedish side. ### Related Reading [Prague Christmas markets with a local guide](https://adamandlinds.com/prague-christmas-market-tour-czech-traditions-guide/)[Riga with kids: private tour review](https://adamandlinds.com/riga-with-us-review-private-tour-latvia-kids/)[What full-time family travel actually costs](https://adamandlinds.com/cost-of-full-time-family-travel-real-numbers-2/)[How we learned to stop moving](https://adamandlinds.com/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) No affiliate links in this one. We booked and paid for the hostel, the apartment, the trains, and the museums ourselves. All opinions are our own. ### Best eSIM for Vietnam: Holafly Prices, Coverage and Code ADAMANDLINDS URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T06:30:51.000Z The Holafly Vietnam eSIM costs **$27.50 for 7 days** or **$73.90 for 30 days** with unlimited data, and code **ADAMANDLINDS** takes 5% off either one. It runs on GPC Vinaphone, it installs before you fly, and it activates the moment you turn on data roaming after landing. We checked those prices on Holafly's Vietnam page on August 11, 2026. We spent May, June and the first week of July 2026 based in Da Nang with our three daughters, and we have been in and out of Vietnam since 2022\. This page is the version we would give a friend: what it costs, which network it actually uses, where the signal held up, and the two situations where we would tell you to buy something else instead. ### Holafly Vietnam eSIM Unlimited data, 1 to 90 days, no queue at Da Nang or Tan Son Nhat arrivals. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. [Check Vietnam eSIM prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-vietnam&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-vietnam%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![View from an aircraft window on approach to Ho Chi Minh City, with Landmark 81 rising through the haze above the Saigon River](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/9996a796-0eb6-4fa8-98e4-e3fb59977115.jpg) Coming into Ho Chi Minh City, May 5 2026\. The eSIM was already installed before we left Osaka, so the only step left was flipping on data roaming at the gate. ## How much does a Holafly eSIM for Vietnam cost? Holafly sells Vietnam by the day, from 1 to 90, and the daily rate falls as the plan gets longer. The table below is Holafly's list price alongside what you pay after the code. We pulled these figures from the live Vietnam product page on August 11, 2026 rather than reusing an older screenshot. | Days | List price | With ADAMANDLINDS | Per day | | ------- | ---------- | ----------------- | ------- | | 3 days | $11.90 | $11.31 | $3.77 | | 5 days | $20.50 | $19.48 | $3.90 | | 7 days | $27.50 | $26.13 | $3.73 | | 10 days | $36.50 | $34.68 | $3.47 | | 15 days | $50.50 | $47.98 | $3.20 | | 30 days | $73.90 | $70.21 | $2.34 | The odd step is the 5-day plan, which works out fractionally more per day than either the 3-day or the 7-day. If your trip lands at five nights, price the 7-day before you buy, because the difference is about six dollars for two extra days of cover. Buy the plan that covers your last morning, not your last night. Vietnamese airport pickups get rearranged by message, and running out of data at 5am on a transfer day is a bad trade for the two dollars you saved. [Check current durations here.](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-vietnam&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-vietnam%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Which network does the Holafly Vietnam eSIM use? Holafly's Vietnam eSIM connects to GPC Vinaphone, the VNPT network, and supports 5G where it exists alongside 4G and LTE. That matters more than it sounds, because Vietnam's three big carriers do not cover the country identically. Vinaphone is strong through the coastal cities and the corridor between them, which is where most visitors actually spend their time. Holafly is direct on their own product page about the limits: coverage is excellent in urban areas, and weaker or unstable in deserts, mountains and jungle. Our experience in central Vietnam matches that almost exactly, and the section below is where we saw the line. ## Where it worked in Vietnam, and where it did not Da Nang was the easy part. Across two months in an apartment near My Khe, the eSIM handled the kids' morning schoolwork over hotspot, Grab bookings, and video uploads without becoming a topic of conversation, which is the highest compliment we can pay a data plan. Hoi An was the same story, including the beach bars south of the old town where we assumed the signal would thin out and it did not. ![Adults and children around a table under a thatched beach bar pavilion in Hoi An at sunset, with beer bottles on the table and a girl in the foreground watching an iPad](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b2cf6147-0630-4a4e-88aa-25c38264567f.jpg) Beach bar outside Hoi An, June 20 2026\. Harper is on a tethered iPad in the foreground, which is the actual stress test for a family data plan. The exception was the mountain road up to Ba Na Hills. On the drive up on June 24 our data dropped out in the same places everyone else's did, and it stayed patchy until the cable car station. That is not a Holafly fault so much as a Vietnam terrain fact, because the eSIM rides a local network and a weak-signal valley stays a weak-signal valley whichever carrier you are on. ![Lindsay seated in a Ba Na Hills cable car gondola with two of her daughters, forested mountains and a second gondola visible through the glass](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/df7b2676-f531-4ff7-ad9f-3fcf2dbf9321.jpg) The Ba Na Hills gondola, June 24 2026\. Signal came back at the top station and held through the Golden Bridge crowds. Up at the summit it recovered completely. We went back the next day for Harper's seventh birthday and stood on the Golden Bridge shoulder to shoulder with a few thousand other people at four in the afternoon, and photos still uploaded. Dense tourist crowds are usually where a network folds, so that one surprised us in a good way. ![A dense crowd of tourists walking along the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills between the two giant stone hands under a partly cloudy sky](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/bf7f34d1-6af0-49a3-877a-a4476023fe3c.jpg) The Golden Bridge on June 25 2026\. Peak afternoon, thousands of phones on the same towers, and uploads still went through. Download offline Google Maps for the whole central coast before you travel. Between Hai Van Pass, the Ba Na access road and the karst country further north, there are enough dead spots that offline maps have saved us more than once. ## Is the Vietnam eSIM or Holafly Plans better value? This is the decision that actually costs people money, and the break-even is closer than you would think. A 30-day Vietnam eSIM is $70.21 after our code. A Holafly Plans Unlimited subscription is $64.90 a month, or about $58.41 after the 10% the code takes off Plans, and it covers 160+ destinations rather than one. So for any single month in Vietnam, the subscription is already about twelve dollars cheaper than the destination eSIM, and it keeps working when you fly out. Across our three months in Da Nang that gap came to roughly $35, and we did not have to buy anything again when we moved on to Thailand. Vietnam eSIM ### $73.90/30 days Unlimited data in Vietnam only Right for one trip with fixed dates and no subscription to cancel afterwards. [Get the Vietnam eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=plan-card&subId3=destination-vietnam&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-vietnam%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Plans Unlimited ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ destinations Cheaper than a 30-day Vietnam eSIM and it carries into the next country without a reinstall. [Get Plans Unlimited](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The destination eSIM still wins on two counts. It has no subscription to remember to cancel, and for anything under about two weeks it costs less in absolute terms even though the per-day rate is higher. If Vietnam is your only stop this year and you are there for ten days, buy the 10-day plan and stop thinking about it. We go through the subscription math in more detail in [our Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/). ## When a Vietnamese SIM card is the better buy We will not pretend otherwise: for a stay of a month or more in one place, a local Vietnamese SIM beats any travel eSIM on price, and we have bought one ourselves for exactly that reason. Tourist top-ups from Viettel, Vinaphone and Mobifone run roughly 60,000 to 250,000 VND, about $2 to $8, for 15 or 30 days of data, and the more expensive tiers include unlimited. The trade is time and paperwork. You buy the physical SIM in person with your passport, you top it up separately, and you spend part of your first afternoon on it instead of being online in the taxi. Our pattern in Da Nang has been to land on the eSIM, get through the first few days without hunting for a shop, and then decide whether the stay is long enough to be worth switching. Anything under three weeks and we have never bothered. A Holafly Vietnam eSIM is data only. It gives you no Vietnamese number, so anything that texts a code to a local number, including some delivery apps, will not work on it. Your home number stays live on your own SIM for verification texts, and we cover that setup in [our guide to keeping your phone number](https://adamandlinds.com/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/). ## How to set up a Holafly eSIM before you fly to Vietnam 1. ### Check your phone takes an eSIM Holafly is eSIM only, with no physical SIM option. Most phones from the last few years are fine, but check before you pay because a locked or older handset will not install the profile. 2. ### Pick your days and enter the code Choose the duration that covers your final morning, then type ADAMANDLINDS into the discount field and confirm the total drops before you pay. 3. ### Install on Wi-Fi at home Scan the QR code from your confirmation email while you still have reliable Wi-Fi. Installing needs internet, which is the one thing an arrivals hall in Da Nang will not reliably give you. 4. ### Leave data roaming off until you land The plan starts counting from the first time the eSIM connects to a Vietnamese network, not from purchase. Keep roaming off on the Holafly line until the wheels are down. 5. ### Set Holafly as your data line on arrival Once you land, switch mobile data to the Holafly eSIM and turn on data roaming for that line only. Leave your home SIM on for calls and texts with its own data roaming off. [Buy the Vietnam eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=howto-cta&subId3=destination-vietnam&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-vietnam%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Adam and his daughter Lily taking a selfie in front of the large teal Da Nang Beach sign on a palm-lined promenade](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/fb48468d-345d-4d36-9974-1dd14ec8ff2e.jpg) Da Nang Beach, May 17 2026\. Twelve days into the stay and the eSIM had not come up in conversation once. ## What about the rest of Vietnam? A Vietnam eSIM covers the whole country, so the same plan carries you from Hanoi to the Mekong without another purchase. If your itinerary crosses into Cambodia, Laos or Thailand, price the [Asia regional eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=inline-2&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) against buying two or three country plans, because the regional version usually comes out ahead on a multi-stop route. Ha Long Bay is the trip people ask about most, and it is the one place where we would set expectations lower. Out on the water among the karsts you are relying on towers on the mainland, and coverage there is not the same as coverage in Hanoi. We filmed our three-day cruise on an earlier trip, and it is still the clearest picture of what that itinerary is like with kids. [Watch We Took Our Kids on a 3-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise and It Blew Us Away on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUH9T0LlO-k&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What else comes with it ### Included on every Holafly Vietnam plan - Unlimited data for the days you buy, on 5G where available - Hotspot sharing at 1GB a day, so a 7-day plan carries 7GB of tethering - Always On, which leaves 1GB a month on the eSIM after the plan expires - 24/7 chat and WhatsApp support, which you reach over Wi-Fi if data is the problem - A refund window of up to 6 months if plans change before you install [Check Vietnam eSIM prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=destination-vietnam&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-vietnam%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The hotspot number is the one worth reading twice. It is a daily allowance rather than a pool, so you cannot save six days of tethering and spend it all on one long work session. For a family sharing one connection across tablets, that ceiling arrives faster than the marketing suggests, and it is the main reason we run the subscription instead. FAQ ## Vietnam eSIM questions, answered Does Holafly work in Vietnam? Yes. The Holafly Vietnam eSIM runs on the GPC Vinaphone network with unlimited data on 4G and 5G where available. We used it across Da Nang, Hoi An and Ba Na Hills between May and July 2026 with no coverage problems in the cities. How much is a Holafly eSIM for Vietnam? Prices run from $11.90 for 3 days to $73.90 for 30 days, with durations available from 1 to 90 days. Code ADAMANDLINDS takes 5% off, so the popular 7-day plan lands at $26.13\. [Check current Vietnam pricing.](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=faq&subId3=destination-vietnam&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-vietnam%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Does the Vietnam eSIM give you a Vietnamese phone number? No. It is data only, with no local number for calls or texts. Your own SIM stays in the phone for verification codes, and calls work through WhatsApp or FaceTime over the Holafly data. Can I share the Vietnam eSIM as a hotspot? Yes, at 1GB per day. Your total sharable data scales with the plan, so a 7-day plan includes 7GB of hotspot. It is a daily allowance rather than a pool you can save up. Is a Vietnamese SIM card cheaper than an eSIM? Yes, for longer stays. Local tourist top-ups run roughly 60,000 to 250,000 VND, about $2 to $8, for 15 or 30 days. You buy the SIM in person with your passport, so the saving costs you time on arrival rather than money. Does the eSIM work at Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge? At the top, yes. We had working data on the Golden Bridge during peak afternoon crowds in June 2026\. The mountain access road below the cable car station is where signal drops, so download offline maps before you set off. When does the Vietnam eSIM start counting down? From the moment it first connects to a Vietnamese network, not from when you buy it. That is why you install it at home on Wi-Fi and leave data roaming switched off on the Holafly line until you have landed. ### Flying into Vietnam soon? Install before you go and enter ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off the Vietnam eSIM. [Check Vietnam eSIM prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=destination-vietnam&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-vietnam%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[All Holafly discount details](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) If you buy a Vietnam plan, tell us in the comments which duration you went with and where the signal let you down, because the coverage notes above only cover the routes we have driven ourselves. We update this page when the pricing changes rather than publishing a new one. ### Related reading [Da Nang cost of living for a family of five](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/)[Vietnam visa requirements](https://adamandlinds.com/vietnam-visa-requirements-2025-guide/)[Ha Long Bay cruise discount code](https://adamandlinds.com/ha-long-bay-3d2n-cruise-discount-code/)[Best eSIM for Thailand](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code/)[The disadvantages of Holafly](https://adamandlinds.com/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-holafly/)[Da Nang in 2026: something has changed](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-honest-update-2026/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links or use code ADAMANDLINDS we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you receive the stated discount. We have an exclusive partnership with Holafly and pay for the products we write about. All opinions are our own. ### The Family Travel Blogs and YouTube Channels We Actually Watch URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/family-travel-blogs-youtube-channels-we-watch/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:11.000Z We have been travelling full time as a family of five since May 2022, and as of late July 2026 we are finishing up a three month stay in Da Nang, Vietnam. Somewhere in the middle of all that we stopped watching other travel families for inspiration and started watching them for logistics. These are the four channels still in our subscription feed, what each one is actually good for, and where to find them. ## What we want from a family travel channel Most family travel content is made for people who take one big trip a year, which is a completely reasonable audience to make things for. It is not us. The question we bring to a video is never "should we go here," it is "how badly is this going to go and what will it cost." That narrows the field quickly. A channel earns a spot in our feed when the people making it are solving the same problems we are, at roughly the same time, with a similar number of kids attached to them. The four below clear that bar for four different reasons, and only one of them overlaps with what we make ourselves. I also watch as someone who films. Most of our footage gets shot one-handed with a kid leaning on the other arm, which is how the Ba Na Hills cable car ride got filmed in June. When another parent pulls off a clean sequence inside a moving gondola, I want to know how they did it. ![Adam holding a video camera while taking a selfie with one of his daughters inside a red cable car gondola on the way up to Ba Na Hills, forested mountains visible through the window](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/51a02f5e-5d4e-4806-9e08-cf4ddee7e7ff.jpg) Filming the Ba Na Hills cable car on 24 June 2026\. Camera in one hand, kid on the other arm, which is most of our footage. ## Steph and Pete Steph is American, Pete is British, and they met in a bar in Shanghai in 2008, which is a better origin story than most of us can claim. In August 2021 they were selected from more than 300,000 applicants for Airbnb's Live Anywhere programme and spent a year moving between listings with their son Hays. Between them they have been to over 75 countries. They claim Chattanooga, Tennessee as the permanent home, though they are based in Chiang Mai now. The reason we watch is the accommodation eye. Steph has a tourism background and books more short-term rentals in a year than most people manage in a decade, and it shows in how she talks about a property. She notices the things that decide whether a place works with kids in it, like where the usable floor space actually is once the beds are in. One useful quirk they flag themselves: the YouTube uploads run several weeks behind the filming dates. Instagram is where they post in real time, so treat the channel as the archive and the feed as the live version. (We might know a thing or two about that) [Watch Steph and Pete family travel vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95hsQHsNNEE&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Follow them:** [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@StephandPete?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [Instagram @stephandpete\_](https://www.instagram.com/stephandpete%5F/?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [stephandpete.co](https://stephandpete.co/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## The Dufresnes The Dufresnes left Kelowna, British Columbia in 2017 for Costa Rica, spent a stretch in Thailand after that, based themselves in Da Nang for a year, and as of July 2026 are moving to Koh Samui with their two teenage sons and three chihuahuas. We know them from the Ekamai Beer house in Bangkok and the An Thuong strip in Da Nang rather than from the internet. Our expense tracker from our first Da Nang stint has an entry that reads, in full, "Beers with The Dufresnes." Their Vietnam archive is more useful now than it was when they were filming it. It covers a finished stint rather than a running commentary, so the calls they made about neighbourhoods and restaurants and visa runs all have outcomes attached to them. Their December 2025 run through northern Vietnam is the one we keep going back to. Nineteen days from the limestone karsts at Ninh Binh through Hanoi's Old Quarter to the cold fog in Sapa and the empty beaches at Dong Hoi, with the dogs left behind in Da Nang. That is close to a route we may run ourselves on our next return, and it is documented at a level of detail most channels do not bother with. [Watch 14 Reasons We Chose to Live in Da Nang, Vietnam - The Dufresnes on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPzJhe4c3qc&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Follow them:** [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@TheDufresnes?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [Instagram @thedufresnes](https://www.instagram.com/thedufresnes/?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thedufresnes/) · [thedufresnestravel.com](https://thedufresnestravel.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Adam and his eldest daughter taking a selfie in front of the large teal Da Nang Beach sign on a palm-lined brick promenade, with the ocean behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/fb48468d-345d-4d36-9974-1dd14ec8ff2e.jpg) Back at the Da Nang Beach sign on 17 May 2026, a few days into this stay. ## Bags Packed Family Jonathan and Kelly sold their house in Alaska and spent around nine years teaching internationally in India, the UAE and Indonesia before moving back to Alaska. They kept the Alaska place, but almost everything they film now is Southeast Asia with their three kids. The channel runs on food and ordinary daily life rather than on landmarks. What they do better than almost anyone is the unremarkable meal. Large parts of the channel are the five of them sitting down at a hawker centre or a market stall, ordering something, and reacting honestly, including the times it goes wrong. Their Kuala Lumpur video about ordering completely the wrong dish is a more useful introduction to eating in Malaysia with children than any list of top restaurants. The Kuala Lumpur to Penang train is the other thing they do well, where the useful part of the video is the price and the seat rather than the place at the end of it. [Watch $35 Business Class Train in Malaysia - Family of 5 Review - Bags Packed Family on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWgnIHeolv0&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Follow them:** [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@BagsPackedFamily?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [Instagram @bagspackedfamily](https://www.instagram.com/bagspackedfamily/?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@bagspackedfamily?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/bagspackedfamily/) ## The Backpacking Family Pete and Emma are British, both former teachers, and they took a one-way ticket to Asia in August 2021\. They now travel full time as a family of five with Hudson, Darien and Florence, worldschooling on the road, which puts them closer to our own setup than anyone else on this list. Their site is a real blog with planning content on it, and their photography is the strongest of the group by a decent margin. Emma handles the visual side, which explains a lot about why their Instagram is worth following separately from the videos. The part worth taking from them is how they frame education. They treat worldschooling as something you do on purpose rather than something that happens by default because the family happens to be abroad, and that matches what we found after three years of trying to do it well. Two different Petes appear on this list and both of them are British. Steph's Pete is the one from the bar in Shanghai; Emma's Pete is the one with the backpacks. [Watch The Backpacking Family travel vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dsipeAQvAc&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Follow them:** [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@TheBackpackingFamily?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [Instagram @thebackpackingfamily](https://www.instagram.com/thebackpackingfamily/?ref=adamandlinds.com) · [thebackpackingfamily.com](https://thebackpackingfamily.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Four channels doing four different jobs | Channel | Currently based | Main format | Best for | | ---------------------- | ------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | Steph and Pete | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Weekly vlog, plus a blog | Judging whether a rental will work with kids in it | | The Dufresnes | Koh Samui, Thailand | Vlog plus long written guides | Vietnam logistics and expat-level city detail | | Bags Packed Family | Alaska base, filming in SE Asia | YouTube only, food-led | Working out what your kids will actually eat | | The Backpacking Family | Full time, no base | Vlog plus planning blog | Worldschooling and travelling light with three kids | ## Where our own stuff sits next to theirs None of the four leads with hard numbers, and that is the gap we ended up filling. Our budget videos exist because we kept watching great footage of a place and still having no idea what a week there would do to us financially, so we started publishing the receipts instead. [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget (Family of 5) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) The written side works the same way. If you want the arithmetic rather than the atmosphere, our post on [what full-time family travel actually costs](https://adamandlinds.com/cost-of-full-time-family-travel-real-numbers-2/) and the breakdown of [living in Da Nang as a family](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/) are the two we point people at most often. Everything else on this list is better than us at making you want to go. FAQ ## Questions we get about this list Short answers before you go and subscribe to all four. Are you sponsored by any of these channels? No. There is no affiliate link, referral code or commercial arrangement anywhere in this post. These are the four channels we watch, listed because people keep asking us who we watch. Which one should I start with if I have young kids? The Backpacking Family, because their kids skew youngest and they cover the practical side of moving little ones between countries. Bags Packed Family is the better pick if the food is the part you are worried about. Which one is most useful for Vietnam specifically? Still the Dufresnes. They were based in Da Nang for years and covered the north of the country in detail, and that archive stays up even though they have now moved on to Koh Samui. Do any of them cover worldschooling? The Backpacking Family do, and they treat it as a deliberate practice rather than a byproduct of travel. Our own take on it is in our worldschooling guide. ### Related Reading [The complete guide to worldschooling](https://adamandlinds.com/the-complete-guide-to-worldschooling-everything-parents-need-to-know/) [Slow travel: how we learned to stop moving](https://adamandlinds.com/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) [Why Vietnam is overtaking Thailand for nomad families](https://adamandlinds.com/why-vietnam-is-overtaking-thailand-as-southeast-asias-top-digital-nomad-destination/) We have no affiliate, sponsorship or financial relationship with any of the four channels listed here. Nobody paid for a mention and nobody knew this post was coming. ### Flying Into Thailand on a DTV: Da Nang to Chiang Mai With Eight Bags URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/thailand-dtv-entry-da-nang-to-chiang-mai/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:12.000Z The last of our five Destination Thailand Visa approvals landed on July 16, and we were out of the Da Nang apartment the following week. Air Asia sent us through Bangkok, an immigration officer stamped all five passports for 180 days, and a short connecting flight later we were back in Chiang Mai for the first time in a year. The whole thing cost $340 per person and took close to four weeks from my first submission to the last approval for the girls. This is the version with the actual dates, the document request that slowed us down, and what the border crossing looked like with a DTV in hand. [Watch Leaving Da Nang for Chiang Mai after getting our Thailand DTVs on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJqwj1dJKTQ&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What we submitted from Vietnam I applied under the work category, which covers remote income earned from outside Thailand. Applications go through Thailand's e-visa portal, and you choose the embassy or consulate that processes yours. Ours went to the Thai consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, which is the obvious pick if you are already living in Vietnam. The financial requirement is 500,000 Thai baht in your account, and they want to see it sitting there rather than dropped in the week before you file. I uploaded three months of statements to start, plus a letter from one of my contracts showing income arriving on a regular basis. None of the paperwork was unusual. It was the same stack any remote worker already has in a folder somewhere, just assembled in one sitting. ![A young girl with blue eyes and long brown hair wearing a light pink floral top looks directly at the camera against a plain white background in a passport-style photo](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/f1fd55d6-c90e-444d-8e59-897bd579616b.jpg) Passport photo day in Da Nang, July 5\. Plain white wall, small earring, entirely unimpressed. ## The timeline, day by day I filed on a Monday. By the middle of the following week the consulate came back asking for six months of bank statements instead of three, which took about ten minutes to pull and send. The approval arrived that Friday, almost exactly two weeks after I hit submit. | Stage | What happened | Elapsed | | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------ | | My application | Filed on a Monday under the work category | Day 1 | | Document request | Consulate asked for six months of statements instead of three | Around day 9 | | My approval | DTV issued | About 2 weeks | | Four dependents filed | Lindsay as spouse, three girls as children of a DTV holder | 2 days later | | Their approvals | All four came back the following week | Just under 4 weeks total | ## How the spouse and children applications worked Dependents cannot file until the primary holder is approved, because the application asks for the approved visa itself. That means Lindsay and the girls were waiting on me, and there is no way to run the five in parallel. Two days after my approval came through, on the Sunday, I filled out four more applications: Lindsay as the spouse of a DTV holder, and Lily, Cora, and Harper each as the child of one. Their four approvals landed the following week, which put us at just under four weeks from my first submission to the last email. Nobody gets a family rate, either. A seven year old pays the same $340 as I do, and Thailand charges the full fee five separate times. If you are working backwards from a flight date, do not plan on four weeks. Our extra-documents request was routine and it still cost us most of a week, and everything after it was stacked behind my approval. ## Eight bags out of Da Nang We had been in Da Nang since May, which is long enough for an apartment to accumulate things. Our last big move, out of Osaka, went out the door with [ten checked bags](https://adamandlinds.com/leaving-osaka-after-three-months-how-a-family-of-five-moves-across-asia-with-ten-checked-bags/). This one was eight, and I am choosing to read that as progress rather than as evidence that we left two bags of stuff behind in Vietnam. ![Adam leans in for a selfie with his daughter Cora inside an industrial-style Da Nang bar with a tequila specials sign painted on the wall behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/2af53316-96a3-4757-82e0-1e8360f3d8da.jpg) One of our last nights out in Da Nang, tequila specials painted on the wall behind us. Da Nang treated us well for three months and we will be back, most likely with a DTV in one passport and no visa run to schedule around. If you want the numbers from that stay, they are in our [Da Nang cost of living breakdown](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/). ## Flying Da Nang to Chiang Mai on Air Asia There is no direct flight, so Air Asia routed us through Bangkok. We cleared immigration there before the domestic connection, and DTV holders were sent to a separate desk with one officer working it and nobody in line. She looked at the visas, stamped all five passports for 180 days, and we walked to the domestic gate. Our stamp runs to the middle of January. That is the part of the DTV worth understanding before you apply: the visa itself is good for five years of multiple entries, but each entry gives you 180 days on arrival, and the clock resets when you leave and come back. You can extend a DTV entry once at a local immigration office for another 180 days, which puts close to a full year in Thailand within reach before you need to cross a border. We have not tested that yet and will write it up when we do. [Watch We made it to Chiang Mai on our Thailand DTVs on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoM7e%5F8ya38&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## The first week back in Chiang Mai The khao soi came first. Egg noodles in coconut curry broth with a nest of crispy noodles on top, pickled mustard greens on the side, and live music at the place we went to two nights ago. Last night was Mexican, because months of Vietnamese food eventually leaves you wanting a taco. ![Lily sits at a table at Charm Cafe in Chiang Mai wearing headphones, smiling back at the camera with a nearly finished bowl of khao soi in front of her](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/4a341171-fbf5-450e-8d18-1af904e3cacf.jpg) Lily and a nearly finished bowl of khao soi at Charm Cafe, from our stay here last summer. The standard was set early. It has been around 78 degrees and breezy, which after a Da Nang summer feels like walking around inside air conditioning. The girls have spent most of the afternoons in the pool, we have been working normal hours, and nobody has asked when we are moving again. ![A double rainbow arcs over the rooftops and palm trees of Chiang Mai, Thailand after an evening rain shower](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/d60327f3-4a5f-4653-aa63-9bb11266e2c3.jpg) Rainy season in Chiang Mai does this fairly often. The rain arrives, then leaves, then apologizes. We have about a month here to find an apartment before the next stretch of travel starts. Europe comes first, then a transatlantic cruise out of Barcelona at the end of October, then a week at Disney with Lindsay's family. We fly back into Chiang Mai after that, and the plan is to land somewhere with keys and an address instead of a booking confirmation. If you want the version of this city we already know, our [Chiang Mai walking tour and budget guide](https://adamandlinds.com/chiang-mai-walking-tour-family-itinerary-budget-guide/) covers what we did with the girls last summer. ## Keeping the phones working across the border Moving countries used to mean an airport SIM counter and a conversation neither party fully understood. We run a Holafly plan instead, so the phones connect on the tarmac in Bangkok, and the apartment listings and consulate emails stay reachable the whole way. One eSIM covers 160-plus destinations on a fixed monthly fee, which is the only reason our data bill does not spike every time we change countries. ### Holafly eSIM for Thailand Unlimited data, no roaming bill, working before you clear immigration. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your eSIM. [Get your Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=thailand-dtv-entry-da-nang-to-chiang-mai&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-thailand&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Our full breakdown of what the Thailand eSIM costs and how it performed across Bangkok and Chiang Mai is in the [Thailand eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code/). FAQ ## Thailand DTV questions we get asked Answers from our own five approvals, filed from Da Nang in July 2026. How long does a Thailand DTV take to process? Mine took almost exactly two weeks from submission to approval, including a request for extra bank statements partway through. The four dependent applications for Lindsay and the girls took another week and a half on top of that, so all five of us were approved in just under four weeks. How much does the Thailand DTV cost per person? We paid $340 per person, charged five separate times for a family of five. There is no family rate and the kids pay the same as the adults, but the visa covers five years of multiple entries. Can a spouse and children get a Thailand DTV? Yes, as the spouse or child of a DTV holder. They cannot file until the primary applicant is approved, because the dependent application asks for the approved visa itself, and each dependent pays the full fee. How long can you stay in Thailand on each DTV entry? Each entry gives you 180 days on arrival, and ours was stamped at Bangkok immigration on the way through to Chiang Mai. An entry can be extended once at a local immigration office for another 180 days. Can you apply for a Thailand DTV from Vietnam? Yes. We applied from Da Nang through Thailand's e-visa portal and picked the Thai consulate in Ho Chi Minh City to process the applications. You do have to be outside Thailand when you file. ### Related Reading [We Got Our Thailand DTVs: Moving to Chiang Mai](https://adamandlinds.com/we-got-our-thailand-dtvs-moving-to-chiang-mai-for-a-year/) [Chiang Mai Walking Tour: Family Itinerary and Budget Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/chiang-mai-walking-tour-family-itinerary-budget-guide/) [Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai With Kids](https://adamandlinds.com/best-things-to-do-in-chiang-mai-2026-klook-guide/) [What Da Nang Actually Costs a Family of Five](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Holafly has been our eSIM partner since 2022 and we use it on every trip. All opinions are our own. ### Staying Overnight at Ba Na Hills: What a Night at the Mercure Actually Gets You URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/ba-na-hills-overnight-mercure/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:13.000Z We booked two nights at the only hotel on the summit of Ba Na Hills and rode up on the cable car at about half two in the afternoon on 24 June 2026\. We came back down at twenty to eleven on the morning of the 26th. That is roughly forty-four hours on top of a mountain that most people see in six. Harper turned seven on the middle day and had picked the mountain herself. What follows is what the two nights cost, what the overnight actually buys you that a day trip cannot, and the one window we paid for and then slept through. ![Two girls in matching black tops lean against a stone castle balcony railing at dusk, a marble statue and mountain ridgeline visible behind them.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/7ad96519-40a3-4aca-a7e5-44063ccfceef.jpg) Late on the first evening, once most of the mountain had gone home. ## What two nights actually cost We booked on 9 June 2026 through hotels.com, about two weeks ahead. Two nights in one room came to $336.10 before tax, $45.03 in tax, for a total of $381.13\. That works out at roughly $190 a night once tax is in, which is several times what a good beach hotel costs down in Da Nang. The number that makes it defensible is the entry ticket. Since January 2026 the standard Ba Na Hills ticket is valid across up to three consecutive days with unlimited cable car rides in that window, so a two-night stay uses one ticket rather than three. If you were planning to visit the mountain twice anyway, the second and third days cost you nothing at the gate. | What we paid | Amount | | ------------------------------- | -------------------------- | | Room, 2 nights x 1 room | $336.10 | | Taxes | $45.03 | | Total paid 9 June 2026 | $381.13 | | Ba Na Hills entry, days 2 and 3 | Covered by the same ticket | ### Book the Mercure on the summit The only hotel inside Ba Na Hills. We booked ours on hotels.com two weeks out. [Check rates on hotels.com](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/mercure-danang-french-village-bana-hills-da-nang-vietnam.G6fsdfu)[Same hotel on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1354212&aff%5Flabel1=ba-na-hills-overnight-mercure&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F434115-mercure-danang-french-village-bana-hills%2F) ## Getting up there works differently as a hotel guest The Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills sits inside the park in the French Village, and there is no road to it. You take the same cable car as every day visitor, which means the hotel runs on the cable car timetable rather than its own. Two things follow from that. Reception wants you up the mountain by late afternoon, because the guest cable car stops running up, so a late arrival from the airport does not work. In the other direction, guests skip the ticket queue at the base station, which on a busy morning is the difference between walking on and standing in the sun for forty minutes. ![A woman sits inside a cable car gondola with a girl leaning into her on the left and a younger girl with arms spread wide laughing on the right, forested mountains and another gondola visible through the glass behind them.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/df7b2676-f531-4ff7-ad9f-3fcf2dbf9321.jpg) The ride up, half two in the afternoon on the first day. Pack an overnight bag and leave the rest of your luggage in Da Nang. Everything you bring goes up the mountain in a gondola with you, and the hotel is a walk from the cable car station at the other end. Our [Da Nang cost breakdown](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/) covers what we pay for a long-stay apartment down in the city. ## The first evening, once the cable car stops bringing people Sun World runs on cable car hours. Everyone arrives on it and everyone leaves on it, and the crowd at the summit rises and falls on that timetable. By six the plaza had visibly thinned. By seven it was a different place. What was running while we were there was Ba Na Sun Fest 2026, with the Sun KraftBeer Festival at its centre: long wooden tables, Korean banners strung overhead, sausage plates, and a lit marquee stage that nobody was using. Our two got up on it and danced in front of a sign reading Craft Beer Fest at quarter past seven, which was not on anyone's itinerary. The festival programme rotates through the year, so yours will be something else, but the pattern holds. The summit puts on evening entertainment for the people who are still there, and most of the people who paid to get in have already gone. ![A family of five seated at a wooden picnic table at an outdoor beer festival venue with a carnival stage and bunting in the background, plates of sausage and salad in front of them, taking a selfie together.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/24ccd7e8-5c18-42cd-9a7d-73bd73226164.jpg) Dinner at the festival the night before her birthday. Sausage, salad, and a carnival stage. ![Three girls climb a decorated wooden wagon covered in sunflowers and beer barrels at the Ba Na Sun Fest 2026 installation, with a large dark horse sculpture in the foreground and a geodesic dome structure behind them under a cloudy sky.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/15faa4d1-9388-451f-8dfc-1d78b7d6b01a.jpg) The Sun Fest wagon, climbed within about eleven seconds of being spotted. ![Two children dancing together on a wooden stage in front of large illuminated marquee letters spelling Craft Beer Fest at an outdoor venue at night.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/885a92a8-6f17-421f-8564-6f232b87815b.jpg) Nobody asked them to get up there. ![Two young girls sit together at a long wooden table inside a festively lit outdoor venue with Korean-language banners and string lights overhead, the older one leaning over to hug the younger one who grins at the camera.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/ee70a337-6aff-4bf1-b0dc-7a415c9f0f30.jpg) Korean banners and string lights over the long tables at half seven. Before the festival started we had already done the carousel, the royal carriage through the village, and the alpine coaster, all of it in the last hours of the afternoon while the day crowd was heading for the gondolas. That is the part worth understanding about arriving late. You are not losing a day, you are trading the busiest hours for the emptiest ones. ![A young girl with hair falling across her smiling face sits on a carousel horse, surrounded by ornate red and gold carousel panels in the background.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/55560ef8-3c16-4119-8af8-a777cc91e05c.jpg) Her last carousel ride as a six year old. ![A girl leans against a stone balcony railing at Ba Na Hills, looking out toward a forested mountain ridgeline under a golden hour sky, with a large white statue and pink castle building visible behind her.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/aeec6ae9-fffd-4ed3-bf39-2430cedd2537.jpg) Ten to six on the first evening, from the terrace above the village. ## The morning the summit was ours We were out on the stone terrace at 09:44 the next morning. The photographs from that hour show empty parapets and the Da Nang coast running out into the haze, and two minutes later the girls had the giant pink heart in Le Jardin d'Amour to themselves. That is the payoff, and we still only collected half of it. Hotel guests get access to early cable car departures toward the Golden Bridge starting just after six in the morning, before the day buses reach the base station. We slept through that window on both mornings, which is the single thing I would change. ![Three girls pose on a stone parapet at the top of Ba Na Hills, with a sweeping hazy mountain and coastal view behind them; the youngest in a pink birthday shirt spreads her arms wide while the older two stand on either side.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/7c2c1188-5cbb-43d9-9ac2-8ee47c4f57c3.jpg) Quarter to ten on her birthday and the terrace was still ours. ![Three girls stand in front of a large pink heart sculpture surrounded by pink roses in a formal garden, making heart shapes with their hands, with ivy-covered archways and a partly cloudy sky behind them.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/db5e58ac-759a-4648-b09a-e244a45c7e1f.jpg) Le Jardin d'Amour at 09:46, before the first buses landed. The early cable car times move around and the published schedules disagree with each other. Ask reception when you check in rather than trusting anything you read in advance, including this. ## Birthday cake at 1,487 metres The hotel put a pink heart cake with a number seven candle on a terrace table at ten past one, with the ridgeline behind it. This is the kind of thing that only works because you are staying there, since a day visitor is either eating in a buffet hall or watching the clock for the last gondola. Food on the summit is priced for people who cannot leave. Two nights of that adds up, so we ate one dinner at the festival, one at the hotel, and carried snacks for the rest. There is a branch of the French bakery chain Eric Kayser up there with an inflatable sun mascot outside it, which is a sentence that only makes sense once you have seen the place. ![A young girl wearing a glittery Happy Birthday crown sits at an outdoor table on a stone terrace, hands gripping a tall birthday candle on a pink heart-decorated cake, with a blue sky and mountain views behind her.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/bed7ca79-a44b-4fa0-87c7-067c1e55e35b.jpg) Seven, on a terrace at 1,487 metres. ![Two young girls sit at an outdoor table in a French village-style courtyard at Ba Na Hills, with slices of pink birthday cake in front of them and a pink birthday crown on the table.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/c65662e7-a6d9-4722-a2df-107100ea22c3.jpg) Cake in the village courtyard, crown already abandoned on the table. ![Three girls pose with a large inflatable sun-shaped bakery mascot in front of an Eric Kayser Paris storefront, the youngest rubbing her eye while the other two smile at the camera.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/02750685-b1ac-4d49-b9ee-eee64c920305.jpg) A Paris bakery chain with an inflatable sun, on a mountain in central Vietnam. ## Three runs at the alpine coaster The alpine coaster is a separate ticket from park entry and it was the best few dollars of the trip. Our two rode it at quarter to six on the first evening, again at quarter to twelve the next morning, and a third time at quarter past five that afternoon. On a day trip you get one run if the queue is kind. It is a one or two seat cart on a metal track with a brake lever you are free to ignore, which both of ours did. There is a height requirement and it has changed before, so check it at the station rather than planning around a number you read online. ![A man in sunglasses and a blue shirt takes a selfie with a young girl in a pink floral shirt in front of a red arrow sign reading Conquer Alpine Coaster, the girl making a fierce squinting expression.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/61353a1c-35f6-44fe-b522-89e155db6e05.jpg) The sign says conquer. Her face says she has already decided how she feels about that. ![Two riders in race-car-style coaster seats are assisted by a staff member at the Ba Na Hills alpine coaster loading station, with the gondola cables and French-style buildings visible through the open-air gap behind them.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/be7497ce-f7af-4836-b3c8-0f3abcabf325.jpg) Loading for the third run, twenty past five on day two. ### Ba Na Hills tickets and the alpine coaster Entry covers the cable car and almost everything at the top. The coaster is ticketed separately. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout on eligible bookings. [Get Ba Na Hills tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&aff%5Flabel1=ba-na-hills-overnight-mercure&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F13283-ba-na-hills-ticket-da-nang%2F)[Book the alpine coaster](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&aff%5Flabel1=ba-na-hills-overnight-mercure&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F125425-sun-world-ba-na-alpine-coaster-experience%2F) ## The Golden Bridge at half four, which was the mistake We reached the Golden Bridge at 16:23 on the second day. It was shoulder to shoulder in both directions, the walkway is narrow, and you cross at the pace of whoever is in front of you. Every photograph we have from that half hour has strangers in it. This is worth being blunt about. Staying overnight does not fix the Golden Bridge on its own. It hands you two quiet windows either side of the day crowd, and if you spend both of them somewhere else you will queue alongside everybody who came up for the afternoon, having paid $190 a night for the privilege of being closer to the queue. ![A dense crowd of tourists walks along the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, flanked by two massive weathered stone hands rising against a partly cloudy blue sky.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/bf7f34d1-6af0-49a3-877a-a4476023fe3c.jpg) Half four in the afternoon. This is what the timing costs you. ![A wide shot looking along the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, with two large weathered stone hands holding the curved wooden walkway above the mountain treeline, crowds of tourists walking in both directions under a dramatic sky of blue and white clouds.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/0903a50f-c7fd-4801-b3e6-8b60efe9586d.jpg) The hands do deliver. The walkway between them is the problem. ![A wide view from Ba Na Hills looking out over layered forested mountain ridges fading into haze, with the Da Nang valley visible in the far distance under a partly cloudy sky.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/fcd0a4b9-1462-41cf-8a3c-c702aa243f42.jpg) Looking back down toward Da Nang from the bridge level. ## The second night was better than the first By the second evening we knew where things were, and the village after dark is the strongest argument for the room. The castle square is lit, the cobbled lanes between the stone buildings are close to empty, and the hydrangea beds sit under the building lights with nobody photographing them. Our girls walked those lanes at half seven with nothing to do and nowhere to be, which is not an experience the day ticket sells. It is also cooler up there than in the city, enough that a jacket is worth carrying in June. ![Two girls stand arm in arm on a cobblestone plaza at night in front of illuminated Gothic-style castle and cathedral buildings at Ba Na Hills, one wearing a pink Hello Kitty shirt and the other a cream Cinnamoroll tee.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/f713f5d9-837c-4dcf-af35-fab30bc33db1.jpg) Half seven on the second night, castle square lit and mostly empty. ![A young girl in a pink Hello Kitty shirt walks at night through a cobblestone alley flanked by illuminated Gothic-style stone buildings at Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, Vietnam.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/1a3b2c90-d178-49d4-9d52-067c6ed21d92.jpg) The lanes between the stone buildings, with nobody in them. ![A young girl in a pink Hello Kitty shirt stands in side profile looking at a large display of pink and purple hydrangeas at night, with a stone European-style building lit up in the background.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/85f8fd06-a2bc-460b-819e-717830faea12.jpg) Hydrangeas under the building lights. ## The last morning in the rose garden We spent the final hour before checkout in the rose garden, which on a day trip is the thing you jog past on the way to the cable car. The zodiac statues down one side gave the girls a job, and they each went to find their own sign. We were on the gondola down by twenty to eleven, past the half-built hotels that are going up across the summit. Whatever you visit will have something under scaffolding and something that was not there the year before. ![A honeybee perched at the center of an open pink rose in full bloom, with green leaves visible in soft focus around the flower.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/90cbe6f3-b6cb-4355-bb95-e3547f83114a.jpg) Twenty past ten on the last morning, with time to stand still. ![A young girl with glasses and a green backpack stands smiling in front of a bronze winged Virgo zodiac statue on a stone pedestal in a garden courtyard under a blue sky.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/7f0e3f2f-5567-44a2-8ab2-356958d3e78d.jpg) Lily found Virgo. Everyone had to be photographed with theirs. ![A young girl stands in front of a large bronze samurai statue on a stone pedestal, looking down at a notebook in her hands, surrounded by trimmed topiary shrubs under a blue sky.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/bba3e9a8-c756-4ff8-92e9-17c189960761.jpg) Harper working through her notebook at the samurai statue. ![A view across the rooftops of the French village attraction at Ba Na Hills, with dark pointed rooflines and stone buildings framed against a blue sky with large white clouds, and construction cranes visible in the background.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/99109ec5-24cb-45a1-9542-e7feebac10e2.jpg) Normandy rooflines, central Vietnam, cranes on the ridge behind. ## Stay overnight or do the day trip Both work. The question is what you are actually trying to get out of the mountain, and whether the room rate buys you enough to justify itself against a night in the city. | What you get | Overnight | Day trip | | --------------------------------- | --------- | -------- | | Golden Bridge before the crowds | ✓ | ✗ | | The village lit up after dark | ✓ | ✗ | | Skip the ticket queue at the base | ✓ | ✗ | | Fog on arrival is recoverable | ✓ | ✗ | | Costs nothing beyond the ticket | ✗ | ✓ | | Modern, well maintained room | ✗ | ✓ | If you only want the Golden Bridge photograph and you can be at the base station for the first cable car of the day, do that and keep the $381\. A day trip covers the bridge, the village and Fantasy Park comfortably, and the full rundown of what things cost is in our [Ba Na Hills guide](https://adamandlinds.com/ba-na-hills/). The overnight earns its money if you have young kids and the compressed day-trip schedule is the thing that would ruin it, or if the mountain in the evening is the part you actually want. Be realistic about the hotel itself while you decide. The rooms are dated, the air conditioning underperformed, and the summit has been a building site for years with no sign of finishing. ## What we would do differently Set an alarm for the early cable car on at least one of the mornings. That single decision is most of what the room rate is buying, and we bought it twice and used it never. Beyond that, two nights was one more than we needed. One night with a late afternoon arrival and a six o'clock start the next morning would have collected almost everything the second night gave us, at half the room cost, and still left the whole of the second day on a ticket that was already paid for. Da Nang has changed a lot in the last year, and not all of it in the direction we expected. We wrote about that in [Da Nang in 2026](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-honest-update-2026/). ## Getting online on the mountain You need a working phone up there, for the QR code at the cable car gate and for sorting a car at the bottom on the way out. A Vietnamese SIM means a passport and a registration desk in town before you go anywhere. We use a Holafly eSIM instead, which installs before you fly and connects when you land in Da Nang. Holafly is the world's first international mobile operator, and for a stay of a month or more the monthly Plans work out better than a single destination eSIM, since one eSIM covers more than 160 destinations on the same line. If a subscription ever lapses, Always On keeps 1GB a month running in more than 70 destinations. The full breakdown of the tiers and how the discount stacks is on our [Holafly page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). FAQ ## Staying overnight at Ba Na Hills, answered The questions we had before we booked. Is there a hotel inside Ba Na Hills? Yes. The Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills sits inside the park in the French Village and is the only hotel on the summit. There is no road to it, so you reach it on the same cable car as day visitors. How much does it cost to stay overnight at Ba Na Hills? We paid $381.13 for two nights in one room, booked through hotels.com about two weeks ahead in June 2026\. That was $336.10 for the room plus $45.03 in tax, working out around $190 a night. Do hotel guests get early access to the Golden Bridge? Yes. Guests can take early cable car departures toward the bridge starting just after six in the morning, before the day buses reach the base station. The exact times move around and published schedules disagree, so confirm with reception at check-in. Do you need a new ticket for each day? No. Since January 2026 the standard entry ticket covers up to three consecutive days with unlimited cable car rides in that window. A two-night stay uses one ticket rather than three. How late can you arrive at the hotel? Earlier than you would expect. The hotel runs on the cable car timetable and reception wants guests up the mountain by late afternoon, because the guest cable car stops running up. An evening flight into Da Nang will not work for a same-day check-in. Is staying overnight worth it with kids? It was for ours, aged seven, nine and ten, mainly because it removes the clock. They rode the alpine coaster three times across two days, had the gardens to themselves at quarter to ten, and saw the village lit up at night. If your kids would cope fine with a single busy day, the day trip is better value. ### Related Reading [Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge: what it costs](https://adamandlinds.com/ba-na-hills/)[Da Nang cost of living for a family of five](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/)[Da Nang in 2026: something has changed](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-honest-update-2026/)[Vietnam visa requirements](https://adamandlinds.com/vietnam-visa-requirements-2025-guide/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We booked this stay ourselves through hotels.com and paid the full rate shown above. Klook and Holafly are affiliate partners of ours. All opinions are our own. ### We Got Our Thailand DTVs: Moving to Chiang Mai for a Year URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/we-got-our-thailand-dtvs-moving-to-chiang-mai-for-a-year/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T04:01:25.000Z The last visa approval came through yesterday. Five Destination Thailand Visas: mine, Lindsay's, and one each for Lily, Cora, and Harper. After four years of tourist stamps and onward flights booked to keep immigration officers happy, a country has handed us permission to stay. We are spending that permission on a house in Chiang Mai, for at least a year. There is some irony here. We once published a post arguing that [Vietnam had overtaken Thailand as Southeast Asia's top digital nomad destination](https://adamandlinds.com/why-vietnam-is-overtaking-thailand-as-southeast-asias-top-digital-nomad-destination/). Thailand appears to have taken offense and issued us five visas. ## What Is the Thailand DTV? The DTV, or Destination Thailand Visa, is a five year, multiple entry visa that Thailand launched in July 2024\. Each entry gives you 180 days, and you can extend a stay once at a local immigration office for another 180, which puts close to a full year in the country within reach before you need to cross a border. The fee is 10,000 baht per person. We applied under the Workcation category, which covers remote workers and freelancers earning their income outside Thailand. A family travel blog run from a laptop qualifies. You cannot work for Thai companies or take on Thai clients, and the financial bar is bank statements showing at least 500,000 baht that has been sitting in the account for three months or more. Applications go through the official e-visa portal, and you have to be outside Thailand when you file, which we handled from here in Da Nang. ## How Do DTV Applications Work for a Spouse and Kids? I applied first. Dependent applications ask for the primary holder's approved visa, so Lindsay and the girls could not file until mine came back. Once it did, we submitted four more applications through the same portal, each one as the spouse or child of a DTV holder, and each with its own 10,000 baht fee. Thailand does not do family discounts. Then came the stretch of days where you refresh an inbox and pretend you are not refreshing an inbox. Yesterday the last approval landed, and the whole family was accounted for. ## Why Chiang Mai for a Year? We love Chiang Mai. We spent three months of last summer there and walked [the old city until we knew the moat by its corners](https://adamandlinds.com/chiang-mai-walking-tour-family-itinerary-budget-guide/), and the girls still bring up the night markets. It sits high on the digital nomad lists for reasons that hold up, and the cost of living helps. The draw this time is duller than temples and night markets, though. We want an address. ![Three girls sit inside a tuk tuk at night in Chiang Mai, lit by blue LED strips, with one girl lying down across the seat and two others sitting across from her looking tired.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/6ed77445-71cc-4398-81b7-edbf555f72d7.jpg) Three girls, one tuk tuk, no energy left. A standard Chiang Mai exit. And there is the khao soi. Egg noodles in a coconut curry broth with a tangle of crispy fried noodles on top, pickled mustard greens and lime on the side. It is the family's favorite meal, and the girls treat a bowl of it as a personal event: headphones on, forks up. A year of eating it a short walk from our own front door factored into this decision more than a visa post should admit. ![Cora sits at a restaurant table in Chiang Mai, wearing red headphones and grinning with her mouth open as she lifts a forkful of khao soi noodles from a bowl, with a small side dish of condiments next to it and a globe lamp visible in the background.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/1cc86c4f-77c3-4bdf-9d17-9a705835ed9c.jpg) Cora and her khao soi. She did not wait for the photo. Since May 2022 we have lived out of rentals measured in weeks. [We learned to slow down](https://adamandlinds.com/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) a while ago, but slow is still moving. A house means a kitchen we stock for more than the current week, and a doorway where the girls' heights get penciled in. It means unpacking all ten checked bags at once and finding out what has been living at the bottom of bag seven since Osaka. ## Can You Do Orthodontics While Traveling Full Time? Cora needs a palate expander, and a palate expander needs a family that stays put. An orthodontist fits the appliance, then adjusts it over months of short appointments, widening the upper jaw a fraction at a time. The treatment assumes the patient will keep showing up at the same office, which is a promise our lifestyle could not make until now. It went on the list of things a year in one house would solve, and it sat near the top of that list. Chiang Mai has a strong reputation for dental care at prices that do not require a payment plan and a stiff drink. Cora can start with one dentist and finish with the same one, and we can stop treating her teeth as a scheduling problem. ## The Bikes The girls have been asking for bikes for a couple of years. The answer has been some version of "where would we put them." Our family of five moves across borders with [ten checked bags](https://adamandlinds.com/leaving-osaka-after-three-months-how-a-family-of-five-moves-across-asia-with-ten-checked-bags/), and a bike does not fold into any of them, so the request followed us from city to city and we gave the same apologetic no in each one. A house changes the answer. Somewhere to park a bike is most of what you need to own one. Once we have the keys, we are buying three, and I suspect we will spend our first week in Chiang Mai on a quiet soi, walking behind three new cyclists. The visas run five years, and the plan for the house is at least one, though the first month in Chiang Mai goes to apartment hunting rather than moving in. We leave again after that for Europe and a transatlantic cruise out of Barcelona at the end of October, with a week at Disney with Lindsay's family waiting on the other side of the Atlantic. We fly back into Chiang Mai once that is done. We have since made the move. The application timeline, what the five visas actually cost us, and what Bangkok immigration did with them are all in [our write-up of the flight from Da Nang to Chiang Mai](https://adamandlinds.com/thailand-dtv-entry-da-nang-to-chiang-mai/). The bikes and the first orthodontist appointment still have to wait on keys. ### Related Reading [Flying Into Thailand on a DTV: Da Nang to Chiang Mai With Eight Bags](https://adamandlinds.com/thailand-dtv-entry-da-nang-to-chiang-mai/) [Chiang Mai Walking Tour: Family Itinerary and Budget Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/chiang-mai-walking-tour-family-itinerary-budget-guide/) [Da Nang: An Honest Update](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-honest-update-2026/) [Slow Travel: How We Learned to Stop Moving and Love Staying Put](https://adamandlinds.com/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. This one does not. ### What to Do in Osaka: Our Guide After Three Months of Living There URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/what-to-do-in-osaka/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:14.000Z We have been coming to Osaka since 2022, and this spring we finally stopped visiting and just lived there. Three months in a house in Nishinari, three trips to the same zoo, and enough Universal Studios visits that the girls started giving us directions. This is the list of what earned repeat visits and what you can skip, with the prices we paid and how to book. ## Universal Studios Japan USJ is the reason a lot of people come to Osaka, and it holds up. We have now been four times, including Cora's ninth birthday in March during the park's 25th anniversary. Super Nintendo World is the headline and it deserves to be, but Donkey Kong Country took the pressure off the Mario area's crowds, and the Flying Dinosaur coaster remains the single most physically alarming thing I have done in Japan. The younger-kid corner around the Hello Kitty ride and Minion Land filled the gaps for Harper. [Studio Passes start at $38.20 on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry&ref=adamandlinds.com) with QR code direct entry, which saved us the ticket booth line every visit. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. We covered timed entry for Super Nintendo World and whether the Express Pass is worth it in our [USJ tickets guide](https://adamandlinds.com/universal-studios-japan-klook-promo-code-2026/). ![A family selfie in front of the Universal Studios Japan entrance globe, with two girls wearing pink Happy Birthday tiaras under a partly cloudy sky](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/78f8c7fa-5bcf-4355-8fc6-5cb6106e017d.jpg) Cora turned nine at USJ in March. Visit number three of four. ## Dotonbori at night The Glico Man sign, the neon, the crowds: Dotonbori is exactly what the photos promise, and it costs nothing to walk. Go after dark, let the kids stay up past bedtime, and eat at whatever place has the most aggressive 3D signage. Our best nights ended one street over on Soemon-cho, where the riverside bars let us have a beer at an outdoor table while the girls were still welcome at 9pm. Back in 2023 we did the canal boat that runs under the bridges, and it is still the best angle on the Glico Man. The current version is the [Osaka Wonder Cruise, $12.35 on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F84029-osaka-river-cruise&ref=adamandlinds.com). ![Family selfie of Adam, Lindsay, and their three daughters at night on Dotonbori with the Glico Man sign lit up behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/ef9fc83c-efcd-4b53-9d27-790f88f77f50.jpg) The Glico Man photo is mandatory. We have a version of this from every stay. ## Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Kaiyukan is built around one enormous central tank, and the layout spirals you down alongside it so the same sharks and rays keep passing you at different depths. A manta ray timed a pass right in front of Lily and a sunfish the size of a dinner table photobombed the girls at the glass. Outside, the giant spider crab sculpture on the waterfront doubled as a climbing structure, and the Tempozan Ferris wheel is right next door if anyone has energy left. We took the Capt. Line ferry across from the Universal Studios side, which turns two attractions into one easy day. [Kaiyukan tickets are $17.29 on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F598-osaka-aquarium-kaiyukan-japan&ref=adamandlinds.com) with instant confirmation, which matters because the ticket line here gets long. ![Two girls at the glass of a large aquarium tank at Kaiyukan in Osaka, one posing while a massive sunfish drifts past behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/a7ce69d0-5112-45dc-8f1e-97de07062fd5.jpg) The sunfish at Kaiyukan, roughly the size of a dinner table and completely unbothered. ## Osaka Castle We walked to Osaka Castle on a March evening when the trees were still bare, and the golden hour light on the main keep was the best free photo stop of our whole stay. The park is enormous and completely stroller-friendly, and you can have a full afternoon there without paying for anything. If you want to go inside the keep, [tickets are $1.85 on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F30110-osaka-castle-ticket&ref=adamandlinds.com), which makes it one of the cheapest bookable attractions in Japan. ![Five girls posing together on a path in Osaka Castle park at sunset with the castle in the warm orange sky behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/1425d85d-46f4-42bf-81c1-049433f2b58f.jpg) Golden hour at Osaka Castle park in March, with friends in tow. ## Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Shinsekai is the older, louder, slightly scruffier Osaka, and the walk down the main street toward Tsutenkaku tower at blue hour was one of my favorite views in the city. The lantern-lined restaurant strip photographs like 1960s Japan decided not to change. If you want the view from the top, [Tsutenkaku tickets run $6.79 on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F76766-osaka-tsutenkaku-admission-ticket&ref=adamandlinds.com). ![A busy Shinsekai shopping street in Osaka lined with lanterns and colorful restaurant signs, with Tsutenkaku tower at the far end under a clear blue sky](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/99fc68f4-658d-481b-b448-8650abf76bb9.jpg) The walk down Shinsekai's main street toward Tsutenkaku. ## Tennoji Zoo We went to Tennoji Zoo three times in three months, which tells you what our kids think of it. The giraffe enclosure sits against a backdrop of high-rises, the lions nap in full view, and entry is cheap enough that arriving at 2pm doesn't feel like a waste. One of those visits we misjudged closing time and arrived at locked gates, so check the hours: last entry is an hour before close. The zoo sits in Tennoji Park below Abeno Harukas, and the [Harukas 300 observatory, $7.59 on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F2424-harukas-300-observatory-ticket-osaka&ref=adamandlinds.com), is the tallest viewpoint in the city if you want to stack the two. ![Lily, Harper, and Cora standing at a railing at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka with a giraffe visible in the enclosure behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/07fb8887-9035-4603-8ddc-ff26fa4aed8f.jpg) Cora's favorite animal showed up on cue. Tennoji Zoo, visit two of three. ## Day trip: the Nintendo Museum in Uji About an hour by train from central Osaka, the Nintendo Museum opened on the site of Nintendo's old factory in Uji, and it was the best day trip of our stay. Every ticket comes with a personalized entry card, the upstairs floor is a history of every console, and the downstairs is playable: giant Wii remotes, a Pokeball toss game, and an interactive karuta floor that our three treated like a competitive sport. Tickets are sold in advance through Nintendo's own system and sell out, so book this one before you build the rest of your week around it. ![Three girls holding their entry cards at the Nintendo Museum in Uji, standing on a giant interactive Yoshi's Island floor display](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/1861c3f0-5372-4de4-bd04-83c948d974fa.jpg) The interactive floors at the Nintendo Museum. Getting them to leave was the hard part. ## Rainy days: Round1 Osaka in spring rains without warning. Our answer was Round1, the multi-floor arcade chain, where a couple of hours of crane games and rhythm machines costs less than a movie. There is one in most major neighborhoods; we used the Sakai branch. Nobody has ever regretted a Round1 afternoon except financially. ## Getting around We rode the Osaka Metro nearly every day for three months, and it is one of the easiest systems in Japan for kids. The [Osaka Metro Pass is $5.99 for unlimited daily rides on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F11515-osaka-metro-pass&ref=adamandlinds.com). If you are stacking paid attractions into one or two days, the [OSAKA e-PASS at $14.79](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F53087-osaka-1-day-e-pass-osaka&ref=adamandlinds.com) bundles entry to sights including Tsutenkaku and the Tempozan wheel. From Kansai Airport, the [JR Haruka express is $7.70 on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F18400-jr-haruka-airport-express-train-tickets-osaka&ref=adamandlinds.com) and beats hauling luggage through a transfer. ### Klook Every bookable attraction in this guide, from USJ to the Metro Pass. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for a discount on your first booking. [Browse Osaka on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&aff%5Flabel1=what-to-do-in-osaka&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Related Reading [Universal Studios Japan Tickets: Klook Promo Code Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/universal-studios-japan-klook-promo-code-2026/) [Leaving Osaka After Three Months](https://adamandlinds.com/leaving-osaka-after-three-months-how-a-family-of-five-moves-across-asia-with-ten-checked-bags/) [Klook Japan Activities Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-japan-activities-guide/) [Best eSIM for Japan](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We paid for our own Klook bookings across every stay in Osaka. All opinions are our own. ### Seoul vs Tokyo with Kids: An Unfair Comparison We Made Anyway URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/seoul-vs-tokyo-with-kids/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:14.000Z We have spent 325 days in Japan across thirteen trips, and thirteen days in Seoul. That ratio tells you two things: it tells you which city keeps pulling us back, and it tells you exactly how unfair this comparison is going to be. We are making it anyway, because everyone asks, and because the moment you ride both subways in the same year the comparisons stop being optional. These are two very different cities and we never expected them to be the same. They just keep standing next to each other on the map, on the flight routes, and in every "should we do Korea or Japan" email we get. Below is the full breakdown from a family of five that has paid for groceries, theme parks, subways, and one regrettably expensive teppanyaki dinner in both countries: which subway wins, where your food money goes further, the theme park math between Lotte World and Tokyo Disneyland, what a real day costs in each, and which city we would send a first-timer to. The rest of this one is for members. Membership is free, takes about ten seconds, and gets you into the comments where you can tell us we are wrong. ## The scoreboard | Category | Seoul | Tokyo | | --------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | | Subway | Faster, simpler, cooler | Bigger, more complex | | Food money | Goes further | Goes fancier | | Theme parks | $23 Lotte World | Better parks, 2x the price | | First Asia trip | Strong runner-up | Still our answer | ## The subway settles the first argument Seoul wins this one, and we say that as people who genuinely enjoy Japanese trains. The Seoul metro is faster than Tokyo's, the transfers are simpler, station signage assumes less prior knowledge, and the cars are aggressively air conditioned, which in July is a public service. A base fare runs around 1,500 won, well under Tokyo pricing. Tokyo's network is far bigger and reaches more, but that size is the problem: multiple competing operators, stations the size of small towns, and exits numbered into the dozens. With a stroller, Shinjuku Station is a boss fight. If you want Tokyo transit simplified, the [Tokyo Subway Ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) from about $5 gets you unlimited rides on the metro lines and removes the fare-machine math entirely. ![Two children on a Seoul subway platform pointing at a large illuminated Harry Potter game advertisement](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/7f483780-d905-4595-a68c-fda7c8546279.jpg) The Seoul subway, where the platforms are calm enough that the girls had time to review the advertising. ## Food: Korea wins on price, Japan wins on ceremony Korean restaurants run on a different logic than Japanese ones. Dishes are cheaper, portions are bigger, banchan side dishes arrive free and get refilled, and the whole culture assumes you are ordering several things for the table and sharing. Feeding five people in Seoul rarely hurt. Street food nights in Myeongdong ran us the cost of a single Tokyo ramen round: 5,000 won fruit cups, corn dogs, croffles, done. ![A family of five at a red plastic table at an outdoor Seoul beer hall in the evening with a draft beer and snacks](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/104003dd-8b27-4ce2-b0b1-e7ea5e51d69e.jpg) An outdoor beer hall in Seoul: red plastic chairs, cold draft, snacks for five, and a bill that did not require a family meeting. Japan counters at both ends of the scale. The convenience store game has no equal anywhere, and 7-Eleven onigiri has bailed out more of our travel days than any restaurant. And at the top end, nowhere does occasion dining like Japan: Lindsay's 40th birthday was a teppanyaki dinner in Sakai that cost us $300 and remains the most expensive meal of our lives, lobster and wagyu cooked in front of the girls, worth every yen once and probably not twice. Seoul feeds a family better per dollar. Japan gives food a sense of theater that Korea mostly skips. ## The theme park math Here is the number that surprises everyone: [Lotte World in Seoul](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F251-lotte-world-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) is $23.39 on Klook, and [Tokyo Disneyland](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) starts around $50.35\. For a family of five that gap is a full extra travel day of budget. Are the Tokyo parks better? Yes, and we say that having done Tokyo Disneyland in September 2025 and Super Nintendo World at USJ this spring; the theming, the ride quality, and the operations are a tier above. But Lotte World at $23 with a giant indoor section is the better deal, and on a rainy Seoul day it might be the better decision. If your kids only get one castle, it is the Disney one. If your budget only gets one castle, Seoul sells it for half price. ![Family of five taking a selfie from a dark ride vehicle at Tokyo Disneyland](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/3d1ee903-8737-4e5e-a78c-2ad563944408.jpg) All five of us locked into a ride vehicle at Tokyo Disneyland, September 2025\. The parks are better. The tickets know it. ## What a day actually costs We ran Tokyo as a family of five on about $300 a day, everything included, and filmed the whole budget breakdown. Seoul came in noticeably under that: our thirteen days there were hostel days with street food dinners, and the city let us do it without feeling like we were missing the point. Tokyo has cheap paths too, but its gravity pulls upward; there is always a better ramen, a character cafe, a Hello Kitty bullet train. Seoul's gravity pulls toward the free playground and the 5,000 won fruit cup. [Watch Tokyo With Kids on 300 a Day Our Real 7 Day Budget Family of 5 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Kid logistics Seoul is the best free-playground city we have traveled: equipment in every neighborhood, indoor play centers everywhere, and children's museums like DDLAB that swallowed whole afternoons. Tokyo answers with a city that simply works around children: spotless everything, vending machines as morale devices, restaurants that produce a kids' cup without being asked, and trains so punctual you can promise a five-year-old an exact departure time and keep the promise. Neither city ever made us feel like kids were an imposition, which is more than we can say for a lot of Europe. ## The data situation is the one real gotcha In Tokyo, Google Maps works and your normal phone habits carry over. In Seoul, Google Maps cannot give turn-by-turn directions, so you live in Naver Map, KakaoMap, and Papago, and the data meter runs all day. We used Holafly unlimited eSIMs in both: the [Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=seoul-vs-tokyo-with-kids&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) across thirteen trips and the [South Korea eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=seoul-vs-tokyo-with-kids&subId2=inline-2&subId3=destination-south-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-south-korea%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for the Seoul stretch. Our code **ADAMANDLINDS** takes 5% off either one, or 10% off the monthly Plans if your trip covers both countries, and everything we know about the service lives on our [Holafly page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). ## The verdict, with the obvious disclaimer The disclaimer first: 325 days against thirteen is not a fair fight, and thirteen return trips to Japan is itself the loudest data point in this article. For a first trip to Asia, we still say Tokyo. It is the deeper city, the safer logistics bet, and the place where the kid infrastructure is so good it makes you look like a better parent than you are. But Seoul is the sharper value, the easier subway, and the city that ran out of our budget slower than any comparable capital we have visited. We came to Seoul for two weeks and ran out of first-tier sights by day ten. We have been to Japan thirteen times and have not run out of anything yet. Now the part we actually want: which one gets your vote, and where are we wrong? The comments are open to members, and you are already one if you are reading this sentence. If you have done both cities with kids, your budget numbers are especially welcome, because ours are two data points and this argument deserves more. Booking either city? Code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** works on Klook activity bookings, and our [Seoul Klook Pass guide](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/) covers the bundle math for the Korea side. ### Pick your city, then pick your tickets Both codes work at checkout: ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on Klook, ADAMANDLINDS on Holafly. [Tokyo Disneyland tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Lotte World tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F251-lotte-world-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Related Reading [Best Things to Do in Seoul with the Klook Pass](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/) [Holafly South Korea eSIM: 2026 Guide and Discount Code](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide/) [The Countries We've Visited](https://adamandlinds.com/the-countries-weve-visited-and-why-i-hate-country-counting/) This post contains affiliate links to Klook and Holafly. If you book or purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We paid our own way in both cities, including the teppanyaki. All opinions are our own. ### What to Do in Seoul: The Free Half and the Cheap Half URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/what-to-do-in-seoul/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:15.000Z We had thirteen days in Seoul in July 2023, which is long enough to learn something most three-day itineraries miss: half of the best things to do in Seoul are free, and the other half are cheaper than you think. One of the biggest indoor amusement parks anywhere runs about $23\. A river cruise is $13\. The trick is knowing which half is which before you land. This is our full list, the free stuff we did on repeat and the bookable stuff worth actual money, with Klook links and current prices for the bookings. ### Klook Discount Code Works on activity bookings across Klook, including the Seoul tickets below. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to save on your Seoul bookings. [Browse Seoul on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F251-lotte-world-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## The free half of Seoul Start with the street food, because Seoul's evenings are an attraction that costs whatever you eat. The Myeongdong night market runs blocks of stalls: 5,000 won fruit cups, croffles, dumplings off a griddle, and Korean corn dogs that our girls rated above every themed restaurant on the trip. Every stall takes card and nothing needs booking. ![A young girl on a Seoul sidewalk holding up a golden fried Korean corn dog with both hands and a huge smile](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/e59b375d-f5f0-4e6c-9df0-afe03c3ef14e.jpg) The Korean corn dog, rated five stars by the toughest critic we travel with. Beyond the food, Seoul is quietly one of the best free-playground cities we have visited. There is equipment in every neighborhood, cartoon-themed outdoor gyms in the parks, and the Cheonggyecheon stream cuts a sunken walking path through the middle of downtown where kids can hop stepping stones while you drink an iced coffee. Namdaemun Gate and its market are a short walk from Myeongdong and cost nothing to gawk at. Our surprise hit was DDLAB, a children's museum we stumbled into that ate an entire afternoon with climbing structures, a foam bubble-tea maze, and air conditioning, which in a Seoul July is its own attraction. ![Three girls at the rounded archway entrance of DDLAB children's museum in Seoul, two of them mid-jump with arms raised](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/8eebdaa3-d777-45c6-94d6-36eeb6c577a4.jpg) The DDLAB entrance. Two out of three girls achieved liftoff. ## N Seoul Tower and the Namsan cable car If you do one paid-ish thing on foot, make it this. N Seoul Tower sits on the mountain directly behind Myeongdong, the cable car up is a ride the kids count as an attraction in itself, and the plaza at the top is full of mascot statues, love locks, and a cotton candy vending machine that stopped our crew cold. The observation deck views stretch to the Han River even through summer haze. We covered the whole climb in a video if you want to preview it. [Watch N Seoul Tower Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKD5gdPIAXg&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Two girls at the glass railing of the N Seoul Tower observation deck looking out over forested hills and the hazy Seoul skyline](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/e7cfa898-b9a4-41a1-8287-5822c394b470.jpg) The observation deck at N Seoul Tower. The haze is a July feature, not a bug. ## The palaces, with or without a hanbok Full honesty: with three kids under eight, we walked past more palaces than we entered, and the Admiral Yi statue on Sejong-daero got more of our attention than the throne halls behind it. If your kids are older or your patience is deeper, the [Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung full-day cultural tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F230-seouls-palaces-temples-markets-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) runs $78.29 as of July 2026 and covers both major palaces plus temples and markets with a guide who can explain what you are looking at. The more photogenic option is the [Gyeongbokgung hanbok photoshoot and history tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F136126-hanbok-photoshoot-and-history-tour-at-gyeongbokgung-palace&ref=adamandlinds.com) at $60.49, where you rent traditional dress and come home with the photos that fill every Seoul Instagram feed. Wearing a hanbok also gets you free palace entry, which softens the price. ![Visitors in colorful traditional hanbok dress at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ltzqtd8vb7nmizug9gwr.jpg) The hanbok photoshoot at Gyeongbokgung. Photo: Klook. ## Big tickets that are weirdly cheap [Lotte World](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F251-lotte-world-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the one that breaks people's price expectations: $23.39 on Klook for one of the world's largest indoor theme parks, plus the outdoor Magic Island section on a lake. The indoor half makes it a legitimate rainy-day and heat-wave play, and weekday waits on the kids' rides are reportedly minimal. For scale, that ticket costs less than parking at most American parks. ![The illuminated indoor atrium of Lotte World theme park in Seoul with a hot air balloon ride overhead](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/pfmoxk2eggipgmmbqqg7.jpg) Lotte World's indoor half, which does not care about the weather. Photo: Klook. The other cheap flex is the [Han River cruise from Yeouido](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F6874-eland-han-river-cruise-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) at $13.29\. It departs from the Yeouinaru dock, runs about an hour, and the evening sailings catch the city lit up along the bridges. It is the rare boat tour priced like a bus ticket. ## The shows: Nanta and The Painters We did not make either of these, because our children's bedtimes defeated us, so this is research rather than review. [Nanta](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F240-nanta-show-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($20.69) is Korea's longest-running show, a kitchen percussion comedy at the Myeongdong theatre that needs zero Korean to follow and holds a 4.5 rating across more than 5,600 reviews, with families consistently reporting it works for kids. [The Painters](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F243-the-painters-show-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($18.69) is a live-art and dance performance near Gwanghwamun rated 4.9, where the cast produces actual paintings on stage during the show. Both run matinee slots, which is how we would beat the bedtime problem next time. ## Getting around, and getting out Inside the city, the subway wins: it is faster than Tokyo's, cheap, and air conditioned. If you want your sightseeing and transport in one ticket, the [hop-on hop-off city tour bus](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F87163-seoul-city-tour-bus-seoul-trip-center-palaces-course-hop-on-hop-off-bus-tour-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($18.05) loops the downtown palaces and Namsan, which solves the stroller problem the subway stairs occasionally create. For a day trip beyond Seoul, the [KORAIL Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F2847-korea-rail-pass-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($87.45) covers KTX bullet trains nationwide, and Busan is under three hours each way. ## What to do in Seoul, mapped Every activity in this guide. Markers with a button link to Klook tickets; the rest are free. Booking three or more of these? Run the math on the bundle first in our [Seoul Klook Pass guide](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/), and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout either way. One logistics note that applies to everything above: Seoul runs on data. Google Maps cannot route you here, so Naver Map and Papago run all day, and every Klook voucher lives on your phone. We used a [Holafly Korea eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=what-to-do-in-seoul&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-south-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-south-korea%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with unlimited data for all thirteen days; the details are in our [Holafly South Korea guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide/) and everything else lives on our [Holafly page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). If you want to see the city before you commit to any of it, our [first impressions of Seoul](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inQE1vvpTDY&ref=adamandlinds.com) and the rest of the Korea videos on the [channel](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) cover the whole trip at street level. FAQ ## What to do in Seoul questions How many days do you need for things to do in Seoul? Four to five days covers the core list above at a family pace: one palace day, one Lotte World day, N Seoul Tower, and evenings in Myeongdong. We stayed thirteen and filled them, but a lot of that was playgrounds and repeat corn dogs. Is Lotte World worth it with young kids? At $23.39 the bar is low and it clears it. The indoor section has a full kids' zone with short weekday waits, and the park works in rain or heat, which matters in a Seoul summer. Skip weekends if you can. Do the Seoul shows work if you do not speak Korean? Yes, that is the point of both. Nanta is percussion and physical comedy with almost no dialogue, and The Painters is built on visual art and dance. Both are staples for international visitors and both run afternoon shows for the bedtime-constrained. Does the ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK code work on all of these? The code applies to Klook activity bookings at checkout, which covers the tickets, tours, shows, and passes on this page. Enter it in the promo field before you pay, and check the discount shows before confirming. ### Book the Seoul list before prices move Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK works at Klook checkout on the activities above. [Start with Lotte World tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F251-lotte-world-seoul&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Compare with the Seoul Klook Pass](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/) ### Related Reading [Best Things to Do in Seoul with the Klook Pass](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/) [Holafly South Korea eSIM: 2026 Guide and Discount Code](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide/) [The Countries We've Visited](https://adamandlinds.com/the-countries-weve-visited-and-why-i-hate-country-counting/) This post contains affiliate links to Klook and Holafly. If you book or purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We paid our own way in Seoul, and prices listed were checked in July 2026 and can change. All opinions are our own. ### Where to Stay in Seoul: Neighborhoods First, Then Hotels URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-seoul/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:16.000Z Where to stay in Seoul is really two questions, and most hotel lists only answer the second one. The first question is which neighborhood, because Seoul is enormous and the areas feel like different cities. The second is which building. We spent thirteen days there in July 2023 based in Jung-gu, the district that holds Myeongdong, and walked or trained through most of the areas below. Here is how we would choose, with specific hotels and Klook's current rates for August dates. ## The short answer First trip with a normal amount of luggage: stay in Myeongdong or anywhere in Jung-gu, because you are central to everything and the airport train practically delivers you there. Family that wants space, a washing machine, and direct train access: the Dragon City complex at Yongsan. Palaces and old Seoul on a budget: Jongno. Nightlife: Hongdae. K-pop and shopping malls: Gangnam, though we would not base a first trip there. The two maps below cover both: first the neighborhoods, then every hotel in this guide. ## Seoul neighborhoods at a glance The five areas worth weighing as a base. Shaded zones are approximate cores, not official district lines. ## Myeongdong and Jung-gu: where we based ourselves We stayed in Jung-gu for all thirteen days and would do it again without much thought. The case for it is logistics: the airport train from Incheon lands you at Seoul Station on the district's edge, four subway lines cross the neighborhood, and after the kids crash for the night one of us could walk out the door and be surrounded by food in ninety seconds. Our evenings defaulted to the Myeongdong street market, where 5,000 won bought a fresh fruit cup and the tornado potatoes were taller than Harper. ![Three young girls on a busy Myeongdong street at dusk, one holding a long spiral potato skewer, with lit street food stalls behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b7ab3d65-1cc6-42eb-9e0c-747ad745e099.jpg) Myeongdong at dusk, spiral potato in hand. Staying central means this is your evening commute. Two hotels from the map sit here. [Hotel Gracery Seoul](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F117909-hotel-gracery-seoul%2F%3Fcheck%5Fin%3D2026-08-09%26check%5Fout%3D2026-08-10%26room%5Fnum%3D1%26adult%5Fnum%3D1%26child%5Fnum%3D0%26age%3D%26page%5Fsource%3D&aff%5Flabel1=Whereto%20Stay&ref=adamandlinds.com) runs around $144 a night on the quieter City Hall side, a Japanese business hotel with separated bath and toilet rooms and a convenience store on the ground floor, which with kids is worth more than a pool. [Migliore Hotel](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F493852-migliore-hotel-seoul-myeongdong%2F%3Fcheck%5Fin%3D2026-08-12%26check%5Fout%3D2026-08-13%26room%5Fnum%3D1%26adult%5Fnum%3D1%26child%5Fnum%3D0%26age%3D%26page%5Fsource%3D&aff%5Flabel1=Whereto%20Stay&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the cheaper play at around $120, directly on the Myeongdong action with an Olive Young downstairs. Be clear-eyed about it: reviews consistently flag the centrally controlled thermostat and thin comforts. You are buying the location. ![Three young girls standing in front of Namdaemun Gate in Seoul under a cloudy sky](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/290871f0-0f5a-4a27-93f5-6495a857ddc7.jpg) Namdaemun Gate, a ten-minute walk from our Jung-gu base. Cora's hand-on-hip says this was monument number four that week. ## Yongsan: Dragon City for families If we went back with the girls today, this is what we would book. Seoul Dragon City is three hotels stacked in one complex with a covered walkway straight into Yongsan Station, which handles both the subway and the KTX to Busan, plus the IPark Mall next door for food courts and rainy afternoons. [ibis Styles](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F249020-ibis-styles-ambassador-seoul-yongsan--seoul-dragon-city%2F%3Fcheck%5Fin%3D2026-08-09%26check%5Fout%3D2026-08-10%26room%5Fnum%3D1%26adult%5Fnum%3D1%26child%5Fnum%3D0%26age%3D%26page%5Fsource%3D&aff%5Flabel1=Whereto%20Stay&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the value tier at around $136, [Novotel Ambassador](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F393913-novotel-ambassador-seoul-yongsan--seoul-dragon-city%2F%3Fcheck%5Fin%3D2026-08-11%26check%5Fout%3D2026-08-12%26room%5Fnum%3D1%26adult%5Fnum%3D1%26child%5Fnum%3D0%26age%3D%26page%5Fsource%3D&aff%5Flabel1=Whereto%20Stay&ref=adamandlinds.com) sits in the middle around $143, and [Novotel Suites](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F394879-novotel-suites-ambassador-seoul-yongsan--seoul-dragon-city%2F%3Fcheck%5Fin%3D2026-08-13%26check%5Fout%3D2026-08-14%26room%5Fnum%3D1%26adult%5Fnum%3D1%26child%5Fnum%3D0%26age%3D%26page%5Fsource%3D&aff%5Flabel1=Whereto%20Stay&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the family answer at around $226: actual suites with kitchenettes and in-room washing machines, which anyone traveling with three children will recognize as the entire ballgame. The trade-off is atmosphere. Yongsan is a transit hub, not a strolling neighborhood, so you train to your evenings instead of walking to them. ## Jongno: palaces and old Seoul North of Jung-gu, Jongno is where the Joseon dynasty kept its real estate: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, and the Bukchon hanok lanes in between. Staying here means quieter nights and mornings at the palaces before the tour buses. [Mayplace Seoul](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F81267-mayplace-seoul%2F%3Fcheck%5Fin%3D2026-08-11%26check%5Fout%3D2026-08-12%26room%5Fnum%3D1%26adult%5Fnum%3D1%26child%5Fnum%3D0%26age%3D%26page%5Fsource%3D&aff%5Flabel1=Whereto%20Stay&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the wallet pick of this whole guide at around $93, a 15-minute walk from Changdeokgung. The honest catch, straight from recent guests: the nearest subway is a real walk, so you trade convenience for price and quiet. ## Hongdae and Gangnam: the ones we skipped We did not base ourselves in either, so this is reconnaissance rather than review. Hongdae, out west by Hongik University, is the live music and late-night district, great in your twenties and less great when your room needs to be quiet by 8pm. Gangnam, south of the river, is malls, corporate towers, and K-pop pilgrimage sites; the hotels skew business-priced and you spend more time on the subway getting to the historic core. Visit both. With kids, sleep elsewhere. ## The hotels, mapped Every hotel from this guide with Klook rates. Tap a marker for the booking link. ## Doing Seoul on hostel money We should admit something here: our own thirteen days in Seoul were spent in a hostel, all five of us, because in 2023 we were watching the budget closely. It worked. The girls treated the common room like a clubhouse and we ended more than one night there with a couple of Goose Island IPAs after bedtime. Klook lists [Hostel Seoul](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F862064-hostel-seoul%2F%3Fcheck%5Fin%3D2026-08-12%26check%5Fout%3D2026-08-13%26room%5Fnum%3D1%26adult%5Fnum%3D1%26child%5Fnum%3D0%26age%3D%26page%5Fsource%3D&aff%5Flabel1=Whereto%20Stay&ref=adamandlinds.com) from around $27 a night if you want to run the same play. Read recent reviews before committing to any hostel, since quality swings hard year to year at this price level. ![Family selfie around a wooden table in a Seoul hostel common room with two Goose Island IPA cans on the table and kids wearing headphones](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/08a5c6db-52ea-4d2e-b05d-e4d8aeda9132.jpg) The hostel common room, July 2023\. Five people, two IPAs, zero regrets about the budget. Booking activities for the same trip? Our code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** works on Klook activity bookings, and our [Seoul Klook Pass guide](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/) covers which attractions are worth bundling. ## Seeing the neighborhoods before you book We filmed our way through the areas above if you want to see them at street level. This one covers our first day exploring the city center. [Watch Seoul Exploring the City Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVv2YtrdF4E&ref=adamandlinds.com) And this is the cable car and climb up to N Seoul Tower, which sits on the mountain directly behind Myeongdong and is the best free-ish orientation exercise in the city. [Watch N Seoul Tower Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKD5gdPIAXg&ref=adamandlinds.com) There is more Korea on the channel if you are planning a longer trip: our [first impressions of Seoul](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inQE1vvpTDY&ref=adamandlinds.com), the [Seoul to Bangkok travel day](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EgXD8zrvw8&ref=adamandlinds.com), and the rest of the [Adam and Linds channel](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Data: the other half of the where-to-stay question Wherever you sleep, you will burn data all day, because Google Maps cannot give turn-by-turn directions in Korea and daily life runs on Naver Map, KakaoMap, and Papago instead. We ran our whole trip on a [Holafly South Korea eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=where-to-stay-in-seoul&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-south-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-south-korea%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with unlimited data, and our code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5-10%: 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off the monthly Plans. The full breakdown, with current prices and the 1GB daily hotspot, is in our [Holafly South Korea guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide/), and everything else Holafly lives on our [Holafly page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). FAQ ## Where to stay in Seoul questions What is the best area to stay in Seoul for first-timers? Myeongdong or anywhere in Jung-gu. It is the most central district, the airport train ends on its edge at Seoul Station, and food, shopping, and four subway lines are all walkable. It is where we based our own thirteen days. What is the best area for families? The Dragon City complex at Yongsan. Novotel Suites has kitchenettes and in-room washing machines, the station with subway and KTX access is a covered walk away, and the IPark Mall next door absorbs rainy days. Jung-gu works well too if you prefer walking to your evenings. Is Gangnam a good place to stay? For shopping and K-pop landmarks, yes. As a first-trip base, no, because the palaces, markets, and historic core are all north of the river and you spend your trip on the subway getting to them. How many nights do you need in Seoul? Four to five nights covers the core: palaces, Myeongdong, N Seoul Tower, and a day trip. We stayed thirteen and had run out of first-tier sights by day ten, which for a slow-travel family was exactly the point. ### Pick your base, then book the fun part The hotel map above links every stay in this guide with live Klook rates. [Check the family suites at Dragon City](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F394879-novotel-suites-ambassador-seoul-yongsan--seoul-dragon-city%2F%3Fcheck%5Fin%3D2026-08-13%26check%5Fout%3D2026-08-14%26room%5Fnum%3D1%26adult%5Fnum%3D1%26child%5Fnum%3D0%26age%3D%26page%5Fsource%3D&aff%5Flabel1=Whereto%20Stay&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Plan what to do in Seoul](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/) ### Related Reading [Best Things to Do in Seoul with the Klook Pass](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/) [Holafly South Korea eSIM: 2026 Guide and Discount Code](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide/) [The Countries We've Visited](https://adamandlinds.com/the-countries-weve-visited-and-why-i-hate-country-counting/) This post contains affiliate links to Klook and Holafly. If you book or purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We paid for our own accommodation in Seoul and have been Holafly's exclusive eSIM partner since 2025\. All opinions are our own. ### Back to London: Remembering Our First Arrival After the Queen Mary 2 URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/returning-to-london-after-the-queen-mary-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:17.000Z We are talking about London again. August is the loose plan, and the conversation sent me back through the photos from May 2022, when we walked off the Queen Mary 2 in Southampton with three small kids, a pile of luggage, and an Airbnb host who had stopped answering messages. Four years and thirty-some countries later, that first week on British soil still might be the most chaotic travel we have ever done, and we did it with the least experience we would ever have. If you want the crossing itself, that story is in our [Queen Mary 2 review](https://adamandlinds.com/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/). This is about what happened after the gangway. ## Immigration in the middle of the Atlantic The strangest part of arriving in England by ship is that you clear UK immigration days before you see England. Cunard runs border control onboard, mid-ocean, somewhere around the time the ship passes over the Titanic's resting place. Ours took two minutes. The officer asked how long we planned to stay in the UK, and I, a man who had just moved his entire family onto the Atlantic with no return ticket, said "uhhhh, maybe a month." He was polite about it, told us the weather had been beautiful all month, and waved us through. No stamp, which still bothers me. Harper, then our youngest at two, spent the last sea day insisting she wanted to go on a ship. When we told her she was on one, she laughed at us. "We're not on a ship." Hard to argue with someone who has never seen the outside of the thing she is standing in. ## The host who never answered We came down the gangway in Southampton around 9:30 in the morning on May 22, 2022\. Our Airbnb host had gone silent, so we spent the next five hours moving a luggage mountain around the city: Burger King, a pirate-themed playground, the Westquay mall. My shorts, bought new for the trip, would not stay up anymore. I am possibly the only person in Cunard's history to lose weight on a crossing. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper sitting on a pile of luggage outside the Southampton cruise terminal](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/73e23324-db4d-4f71-af99-2d728c0ccd4a.jpg) Hour one of five. The girls treated the luggage pile as furniture, which was the correct response. The girls handled the wait better than we did. Somewhere in those five hours, Lily and Cora split their first-ever Coca-Cola at the mall food court, a small glass bottle they treated like contraband. Lindsay, meanwhile, discovered land sickness is real. After a week of the ground moving, solid pavement feels wrong for days. ![Lily drinking her first Coca-Cola from a glass bottle at a Southampton mall food court](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b0dc4e0a-9c6c-4923-9c1a-248ff4a26278.jpg) The first Coke. A big week for everyone. We ended up staying in Southampton five days, partly to recover and partly because I journaled "No where to stay!" while hunting London accommodation two days before we needed it. Booking ahead was not yet part of our skill set. The full Southampton stretch, Peppa Pig World included, is in [our land legs post](https://adamandlinds.com/finding-our-land-legs-in-southampton-from-queen-mary-2-to-peppa-pig-world/). ## The train that had no seats Getting out of the Southampton Airbnb took a 2.5-hour scramble. The Uber that showed up was too small for all of us, so we split: Lindsay took Lily and the luggage to the station while I walked across Southampton with Harper and Cora. The train to London was standing room only. We wedged ourselves between cars with the bags until the girls found jump seats, changed at Clapham Junction at a pace I would not attempt today, and rolled into the city. [Watch Travel Day from Southampton to London with Kids on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6r3-mowWtQ&ref=adamandlinds.com) The apartment made up for the train. Two bedrooms and a kitchenette felt like a palace after a ship cabin, and the first order of business was fish and chips and a candy shop. Priorities were clear even then. ## Three days in London Our timing was accidental and terrible. We arrived in the final days before the Platinum Jubilee, so half of Westminster was barricades and scaffolding. We never got near Buckingham Palace. What we did get: croissants in Hyde Park while the girls chased birds, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground, a standoff with tube turnstiles that did not want to accept the kids' tickets, and the London Eye from a bridge so crowded that Harper fell asleep in the middle of it. [Watch First Full Day in London with Kids Hyde Park London Eye Buckingham Palace on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qBmym%5FohNI&ref=adamandlinds.com) The girls' highlight was not Big Ben. It was the Jungle Cave restaurant, with its animatronic gorillas and fake thunderstorms, followed by all seven floors of Hamleys until closing time. Mediocre themed-restaurant food, three delighted children, and a long wait for a cab that ended in crepes. We wrote up those days in [our London post](https://adamandlinds.com/london-adventures-big-ben-bigger-toy-stores-and-three-little-explorers/) at the time, back when the channel had fewer than 100 subscribers. ## August, again So that is what we are weighing a return against. Our autumn plans already put us in Europe, and August in London closes a loop: same city, same five people, four more years of practice. The girls who split one Coke now have opinions about itineraries. Harper, who did not believe she was on a ship, wants to see the one thing we missed, which is the inside of the Buckingham Palace gates without a Jubilee in the way. The bigger question is what comes after London. Last time we saw exactly two English cities and left for France. This time we are looking at trains north, maybe Scotland, and we keep circling Ireland on the map, which would be a completely new country for all of us. If you have done Ireland with kids, the comments are open and we will read all of them. The one thing already sorted is data. A [Holafly UK eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233890/24764?subId1=returning-to-london-after-the-queen-mary-2&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-uk&ref=adamandlinds.com) with unlimited data is what we ran on our last UK visit, and our [UK eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) covers the setup. Everything else Holafly lives on our [Holafly page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). In 2022 we arrived in London exhausted, underbooked, and holding our own pants up. It was still one of the best weeks we have ever had. We are curious what the city looks like when we show up knowing what we are doing. There is a decent chance the answer is that we still do not, and that the girls sit on the luggage anyway. ### Related Reading [Sailing the Queen Mary 2 with Kids: Our Honest Review](https://adamandlinds.com/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/) [Finding Our Land Legs in Southampton](https://adamandlinds.com/finding-our-land-legs-in-southampton-from-queen-mary-2-to-peppa-pig-world/) [Slow Travel: How We Learned to Stop Moving](https://adamandlinds.com/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We have been Holafly's exclusive eSIM partner since 2025 and use their eSIMs daily as a family. All opinions are our own. ### Tennoji and Shinsekai: The Part of Osaka We Kept Coming Back To URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/tennoji-shinsekai-osaka/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:19.000Z We were based in Osaka for about three months in early 2026, in an apartment down in the south of the city near Abeno. When people ask what to do in Osaka they usually mean Dotonbori and the Glico sign, and that is a fine first night. The neighborhood we actually kept returning to was quieter and older: the stretch that runs from Tennoji Park through the retro streets of Shinsekai, under the Tsutenkaku tower. It is not the part of Osaka that ends up on postcards, and the zoo down there has cages that have barely changed since the Showa era. That is most of the appeal. Our girls could fill an afternoon there without us planning a single thing, and we could get a beer above a shopping mall afterward. This is what we did with the area, with the real prices and the walk between things, so you can do a slower version of it yourself. ![Tsutenkaku tower lit up at blue hour above the Shinsekai gate in Osaka](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b9070756-96d4-47c7-98c0-c4f32dcde025.jpg) Tsutenkaku at blue hour, framed by the Shinsekai gate. ## Where Tennoji and Shinsekai actually are Everything here hangs off Tennoji Station, a major hub on the JR Osaka Loop Line and the Midosuji and Tanimachi subway lines. Coming from Namba or Umeda it is a short ride, then a five to seven minute walk to the Tenshiba lawn at the north end of Tennoji Park. Shinsekai sits on the western edge of the same park. You can walk from the Tennoji end to Tsutenkaku in about ten minutes without ever leaving the green space, which is the main reason the area works with kids. There is no long transfer in the middle of the day and no second train to talk anyone into. If you would rather start from the Shinsekai side, Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji lines drops you right at the zoo's western gate. ## A half-day in Tennoji and Shinsekai The southern Osaka loop on foot, from the zoo to the tower to dinner. ## Shinsekai and the Tsutenkaku tower Shinsekai was laid out in 1912 around the first Tsutenkaku, which came down during the war and was rebuilt in 1956\. The version you walk through now is loud and unapologetic: pufferfish lanterns, kushikatsu shops with plastic mascots out front, and the grinning Billiken good-luck figure in half the windows. The one rule with kushikatsu, the deep-fried skewers the area is known for, is that you dip once into the shared sauce and never again. Every counter has a sign about it. The tower costs ¥1,200 for adults and ¥600 for children to reach the indoor observation deck at 87.5 meters, with the open-air Tenbo Paradise deck another ¥300 on top. From the fifth floor you look straight across to Abeno Harukas and down onto the green of Tennoji Park and the zoo. The queue is the catch. On a weekend the line snakes through basement tunnels and two separate elevators, and we once waited close to an hour for a view we saw for five minutes. On a weekday morning it is nothing. We mostly skipped going up and shot the tower from the street, which is the better photograph anyway. ![A busy Shinsekai shopping street in Osaka lined with lanterns and signs, with Tsutenkaku tower at the far end under a blue sky](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/99fc68f4-658d-481b-b448-8650abf76bb9.jpg) Looking down a Shinsekai street with Tsutenkaku parked at the end of it. We filmed a night through Shinsekai and Dotonbori on an earlier trip, if you want to see the streets in motion before you go. ## Tennoji Zoo Tennoji Zoo opened in 1915, which makes it the third oldest zoo in Japan, and it wears its age openly. Admission is ¥500 for adults, ¥200 for elementary and junior high students, and free for preschoolers, which was the cheapest few hours of entertainment we found anywhere in the city. It runs 9:30 to 17:00 with last entry at 16:00, closed on Mondays and over the New Year. The honest version is that some enclosures are small and dated, and an ongoing renovation means a couple of exhibits are usually fenced off on any given day. What earns the ¥500 is the African Savanna section, where giraffes and zebras share an open field with an Osaka high-rise poking up right behind the tree line. Our middle daughter Cora stopped at the giraffe rail on every single visit to deliver a full report to her sister. The lions, for their part, are almost always asleep. The male was fully committed to his nap each time we went while the two lionesses kept a lazy eye on the crowd from the rock above. The hippo pool has an underwater viewing window that is better than it has any right to be. ![A giraffe and two zebras in an open enclosure at Tennoji Zoo with a modern Osaka high-rise visible behind the winter trees](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/69c9ed54-7e15-4353-b68a-0343cd916a44.jpg) The African Savanna enclosure, with a high-rise photobombing the giraffes. Very Osaka. There is a dated cutout photo board at the entrance, two safari rangers and a wolf, that the girls treated as non-negotiable. Weekday mornings fill up with school groups between roughly 9:30 and noon, so if you want the place calm, go after lunch. ![Three girls posing at the Tennoji Zoo entrance photo board, two with their faces through cutouts](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/37da2824-b6e3-45b1-9dcc-99f5d6306ca1.jpg) The mandatory stop at the entrance cutout board. | Spot | Adult | Child | Good to know | | ----------------------- | ------ | ------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- | | Tennoji Zoo | ¥500 | ¥200, under 6 free | Closed Mondays, last entry 16:00 | | Tsutenkaku deck | ¥1,200 | ¥600 | Long weekend queues, quiet on weekday mornings | | Tennoji Park / Tenshiba | Free | Free | Open lawn and cafes, good for a picnic | We were online the entire time we lived here on a [Holafly eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/), which mattered most for pulling up train times mid-meltdown on the Midosuji line. For a stay past a month, their monthly Plans work out cheaper than stacking single-trip eSIMs. ### Holafly eSIM for Japan Unlimited data that works the minute you land at Kansai or Itami. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. [See the Holafly deal](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) ## Tennoji Park, Chausuyama, and where we ate Between the zoo and Shinsekai sits Chausuyama, a small hill and pond that was a genuine battlefield in 1615 and is now a corner of the park most visitors walk straight past. We ended up there for gyoza more than history. There is a spot near the hill trading as The Juicy Gyoza Manufactory, a name that does all the marketing for you, and it delivered exactly what the sign promised. ![A menu card on a wooden table printed with Japanese kanji and the English text The Juicy Gyoza Manufactory](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/94b17d80-5e51-4810-ba7d-eda181e69f6e.jpg) Gyoza night near Chausuyama. The name is the whole pitch. For a bigger dinner we went for yakiniku and grilled our own wagyu while the girls fought over the tablet ordering system, which in Japan is an attraction in its own right. When we wanted something lower effort, we found a small British pub on an upper floor of the Abeno shopping complex, the kind of thing that only turns up when you live somewhere rather than visit it. Beers for us, soft drinks for them, neon shopping signs through the window. Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Osaka at 300 meters, is right there above the station if you want a proper observation deck instead of the Tsutenkaku queue. ![The Clarkson family at a pub table in Osaka with neon shopping signs visible through the window behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/edf87b92-ce1b-45a8-8227-93fa7950013a.jpg) A British pub above the Abeno mall, which is what living somewhere long enough gets you. ## A half-day, start to finish If you only have one afternoon and a few kids to keep moving, this is the loop we ran again and again. It holds together on foot, which is the point. Our Route ## A Half-Day in Tennoji and Shinsekai Roughly four hours, all on foot from Tennoji Station. Late morning ### Tennoji Zoo Enter at the Tenshiba gate and head straight for the African Savanna. Budget about ninety minutes and go after any school groups. Early afternoon ### Tennoji Park and Chausuyama Walk west across the park. Gyoza near the hill, or a picnic on the Tenshiba lawn if the weather cooperates. Mid-afternoon ### Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Kushikatsu, arcade games, and the tower from street level. Skip the deck on weekends unless the line is short. Evening ### Abeno Loop back toward the station for yakiniku or a quiet beer above the mall as Namba lights up. ![Two of the girls seen from behind looking out over a brightly lit Osaka intersection at night](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/ce623c27-6c70-47de-ae58-68078cbd8325.jpg) The south side of Osaka after dark, which the girls never got tired of. FAQ ## Tennoji and Shinsekai questions The things people ask us before they go. Is Tennoji Zoo worth visiting with kids? Yes, if you go in with the right expectations. At ¥500 for adults and ¥200 for school-age children it is one of the cheapest half-days in Osaka, and the African Savanna and hippo enclosures are the standouts. Some cages are old and a renovation means a few exhibits are usually closed, so treat it as a relaxed few hours rather than a modern wildlife park. How much does it cost to go up Tsutenkaku tower? The indoor observation deck at 87.5 meters is ¥1,200 for adults and ¥600 for children, and the open-air Tenbo Paradise deck adds another ¥300\. Weekend queues are long and involve two elevators, so visit on a weekday morning or skip the deck and photograph the tower from the street. How do you get from Tennoji to Shinsekai? You walk. It is about ten minutes on foot straight through Tennoji Park, with no need to change trains. If you would rather arrive directly in Shinsekai, take the Midosuji or Sakaisuji line to Dobutsuen-mae Station, which sits by the western gate of the zoo. ### Related Reading [Osaka with Kids: Our Full Family Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/osaka-with-kids-family-guide/) [A Nara Day Trip from Osaka](https://adamandlinds.com/nara-day-trip-guide-osaka-kyoto-deer-feeding-temples/) [Universal Studios Japan with Kids](https://adamandlinds.com/universal-studios-japan-klook-promo-code-2026/) [Cherry Blossom Season in Osaka](https://adamandlinds.com/cherry-blossom-season-osaka-japan-family-guide/) This post contains affiliate links, including to Holafly. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Why Lucca Is Our Favorite Italian City (and Why We Want to Go Back for Months) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/lucca-italy/ Last updated: 2026-09-09T09:10:10.000Z We've spent time in Rome, Florence, Genoa, Naples, and the Amalfi Coast. None of them made us want to stay the way Lucca did. We arrived on June 19, 2022, on an intercity train from Genoa. Day 35 of full-time travel. The train station sits just outside the city walls, which means your first look at Lucca is those walls. Big, wide, tree-lined Renaissance fortifications that don't feel defensive at all. They feel like a park that someone built around a city. We stayed 11 days. At the time, that was the longest we'd been anywhere since leaving Indiana. It's been years now and we still talk about going back for a month or two. ## What we did in Lucca Everything is inside the walls. That's what makes it work. ## Where we stayed: Casa Aida ![A young blonde girl grins broadly while holding a rag doll with 'Harper' embroidered on its dress, standing on terracotta tiles in a Tuscan apartment](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/de3c97cb-2ade-47a7-9cd5-2fcbd1526769.jpg) Anna had left a personalised rag doll with "Harper" embroidered on the dress. That was before Harper's birthday, before the horseback riding, before any of it. The apartment is at [Piazza San Francesco, 38](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14327449?ref=adamandlinds.com), right next to the Church of San Francesco. Anna, the host, describes herself as a lucchese DOC who just wants everyone to love her city as much as she does. She delivered on that before we'd even unpacked. We arrived to find she'd left personalised gifts for all three girls: rag dolls with each of their names embroidered on the dresses. Harper held hers for the rest of the week. ![Two young blonde girls stand in a Tuscan farmhouse interior, smiling and holding up Djeco sticker sets and paper doll gifts left by their Airbnb host](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/9f7d0824-b7ed-4b9e-a2c6-8b7c432bc259.jpg) Sticker sets and paper dolls for the older two. The bar was set on day one. The apartment is on the second floor with no elevator and stairs that are exactly as steep as the listing warns. Five of us and all of our bags. Worth it every time. Two double bedrooms, a big living room with a sofa bed, and a fully equipped kitchen. We cooked in several nights rather than hunting for restaurants every evening, which is exactly what you want when you've been moving fast for a month. Casa Aida is steps from the Church of San Francesco. Paid parking is a 5-minute walk from the apartment; free parking is about 10 minutes out. The train station is a 15-minute walk. Tourist tax for Lucca is not included in the Airbnb price. ![The arrival spread at Casa Aida in Lucca — birthday present for Harper, activity sets for the older girls, wine, beers, water, and snacks left by the host Anna](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/26e5f9d0-2623-4e57-b42d-9d2dbe22a8ca.jpg) Anna also left wine, beers, water, and snacks. The welcome was thorough. ## The walls [Watch Walking on a medieval wall in Lucca, Italy — Adam and Linds on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhDgCGxVsJ4&ref=adamandlinds.com) The city walls are 4 kilometers of completely flat, mostly shaded, totally free walking path on top of 16th-century Renaissance fortifications. You can run them, walk them, or rent bikes from one of the shops just inside the city gates. We did all three at different points in the 11 days. ![Screenshot of a running app showing a completed loop of the Lucca city walls, a 4km flat circuit](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/d4f262fe-377a-4255-b960-da422a23761e.jpg) One loop of the walls. Flat, shaded, and almost exactly 4km. I went back for more. I went out early one morning for a run. I had to walk a few sections. It didn't matter. The trail is shaded by tall trees the whole way round, and you're looking out over Tuscany on one side and the rooftops of the medieval city on the other. It's the best urban running I've found anywhere. ![Lindsay sits at an outdoor cafe table on the Lucca city walls, smiling at the camera, with a tree-lined gravel path and stone buildings behind her](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/0b539af8-fec7-4c65-8dd0-32218ad396b4.jpg) There are cafes built into the bastions on the walls. You can stop mid-loop. We did the walls on electric pedal cars the morning of Harper's birthday. The rentals come in electric assist or full manual. We went electric assist and were still working for it, but we were flying past everyone on the manual bikes, so make of that what you will. The four-person car technically seats four, but they let us squeeze all three girls in a row across the front, so five of us fit. If you have kids, rent the car. They'll do the whole loop and want to go again. Bike rental shops cluster just inside the main gates. Prices are around €5–8 per hour per bike. Go electric assist if you want to actually enjoy the views instead of surviving them. ![Three girls squeezed side by side across the front seat of an electric pedal car on top of the Lucca city walls](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/size/w1000/2025/07/2ce32fcf0b6a1bd4c880dabc530172d0.jpeg) Technically a four-person car. They let us put all three girls across the front anyway. ## Guinigi Tower A medieval tower in the middle of the city with a cluster of oak trees growing out of the top. That's it. That's the thing. We climbed it on our 10th wedding anniversary. The stairs are narrow and they seem to keep going past the point where you think they must be done. At the top there's a small garden with actual trees, a breeze you'll be grateful for, and a view of the whole city and the surrounding Tuscan hills. Worth every step. [Watch Lucca for our 10th anniversary — Guinigi Tower and city walls — Adam and Linds on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyMU70cTBg&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Adam and Lindsay Clarkson smiling together on their 10th wedding anniversary in Lucca, Italy](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b50b3287-0860-423d-9db8-ab9068707b01.jpg) Ten years in. Celebrated with a tower climb and Tuscan views. Guinigi Tower (Torre Guinigi) is open daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm. Tickets are around €8\. No advance booking needed on weekdays. ![Wide aerial view over Lucca from the top of Guinigi Tower, showing terracotta rooftops and colourful buildings with a medieval tower rising in the centre](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/48fd0641-3811-49d1-9fdf-054847b4777f.jpg) The view from the top. The oak trees are behind you when you take this shot. ![A narrow empty alley in Lucca at night leads toward the illuminated Torre Guinigi, its rooftop trees visible against a deep blue evening sky](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/179cd554-d1b0-471f-bc3a-70e25ce7f77a.jpg) Guinigi Tower at night from one of the alleys near our apartment. Hard to miss once you know what you're looking for. ## Piazza dell'Anfiteatro ![Wide shot of Piazza San Michele in Lucca at dusk, with the marble facade of San Michele in Foro church on the right and warm evening light across the square](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/d64916b4-45a1-4ee9-9d4d-619dc729a51b.jpg) Piazza San Michele at dusk. The whole city changes at golden hour. The medieval buildings here were constructed on the foundations of a Roman amphitheatre. Because the original amphitheatre was oval, the houses that replaced it ended up forming an oval, too. The result is a perfectly shaped piazza ringed by restaurants and bars where you can sit with an Aperol Spritz and feel like you've accidentally stumbled into a movie set that turned out to be real. ![A wooden cutting board covered with sliced cured meats including salami and prosciutto, topped with wedges of white cheese, at a restaurant in Lucca](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/89058f9c-78ad-4c86-96ce-e6cfb3dae70d.jpg) Pre-anniversary dinner charcuterie. The salumi boards in Tuscany are a different thing entirely. We ended up in the piazza multiple times across the 11 days. Once for lunch with live music. Once in the evening just walking through. Once specifically to sit down and do nothing for an hour. That last one was the best. ![Three young girls walk and run through a quiet Italian piazza at blue hour, with warm restaurant lights and a column monument visible in the background](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/3d3b28a0-daa9-4c16-bee4-9b20820ef160.jpg) The girls had the run of the piazza most evenings. Lucca after dark is quiet in the right way. ## Harper's third birthday ![A toddler girl sits in an orange chair wearing a sparkly Happy Birthday tiara and a pink Minnie Mouse t-shirt, grinning at the camera in a Tuscan apartment](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/210c6117-8a89-44e6-a502-b495b9e0d1e1.jpg) Harper turns three. First birthday on the road. She was not unhappy about it. June 25, 2022\. The first birthday we celebrated on the road, and one of the better ones we've managed anywhere. Morning: the girls did the walls on electric pedal cars. Afternoon: Zoom call with family back home for the birthday song. Then we surprised the kids with horseback riding out in the Tuscan hills north of the city. ## Horseback riding at Il Nostro West [Watch Riding horses in Tuscany on Harper's birthday — Adam and Linds on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks4LzN81Osw&ref=adamandlinds.com) We went out with [Il Nostro West](https://www.ilnostrowest.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com), a riding ranch about 15 minutes north of the city walls. The staff were calm and patient. Each kid had a dedicated guide walking right beside them the whole time, which helped because it was about 35°C and nobody's pinto horse was particularly interested in moving. ![A young child in a riding helmet and protective vest sits on a brown and white pinto horse that is grazing in a dry Tuscan field, with green hills and blue sky behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/ff53ca45-d23b-4ed0-a7bb-d848408861aa.jpg) Harper's pinto had one job. It chose grazing instead. ![Four riders on horses and ponies lined up across a dry grassy field in the Tuscan hills near Lucca, all wearing helmets and protective vests](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/5b8711a8-c7f1-4e46-bc9d-b9a0c9dcec84.jpg) The whole crew in full body armor. We cut the ride short by about 15 minutes because of the heat. The kids didn't care. ![A young girl wearing a pink riding helmet sits atop a brown horse being led by a guide, with Tuscan hills, trees, and a farmhouse in the background](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/a7ff8caa-ad46-443e-8a01-392976e24120.jpg) Each of the girls had their own guide walking alongside the whole time. Book Il Nostro West via WhatsApp. They responded quickly and laid out everything clearly: prices, duration, what to wear. Closed-toe shoes are required; they provide helmets and vests on site. ## The food ![A young girl sticks her tongue out at an outdoor restaurant table in Tuscany, with a wooden charcuterie board of salami, prosciutto, olives, and cheese in the foreground](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/9a75a63e-00f2-4d35-9f10-0033065686fc.jpg) Lily's review of dinner in Sant'Anna. Delivered nonverbally but the message was clear. Lucca's food was good. Not Florence good, not Naples good, but we were a month into Italy at that point and had set a high bar. The meals that worked were simple ones: outdoor spots, charcuterie boards, caprese, pasta, house wine. The lunches with live music in the piazza were the best we had. ![A white rectangular plate of prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and sliced bread on a blue and orange patterned tablecloth, at a small restaurant in Lucca](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/787d254a-7d59-4544-b485-58028155671c.jpg) A small, hidden place that came recommended. We had to give our order three times. Then Lily told the waiter Lindsay was lying when she said the food was great. One dinner went wrong in a way that became one of the funnier stories from that whole stretch of Europe. We found a quiet spot, gave our order, gave our order again, then a third time. Whatever arrived wasn't quite what we ordered. Lindsay told the waiter it was great. One of the girls immediately said "Mommy, you lied." We got gelato on the way home. Pick places with outdoor seating and a view over cobblestones. Avoid anything with a laminated photo menu near the tourist gates on the main streets. ## Il Collezionista Il Collezionista on Piazza San Giusto is not exclusively a comic book shop. It has swords, Funko Pops, manga, board games, and collector cards. We walked past it while birthday shopping and the girls spotted something in the window, and that was the end of any efficiency we had for the morning. Worth going in even if nobody in your group is a collector. ## Getting there Lucca's train station sits just outside the city walls, about a 10-minute walk to the historic center. Well connected to Florence (around 90 minutes), Pisa (30 minutes), and the rest of Tuscany via Trenitalia. We came from Genoa on an intercity service with five bags, three kids, and one escalator incident that made it into the vlog. ![Overhead shot of a wooden farmhouse table with two beer bottles, crumpled foil, a plate with leftover flatbread and a candle, late at night in a Tuscan apartment](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/42f45de6-66bc-497d-bd15-e70850917b68.jpg) Last night in Lucca. We stayed up later than we should have. If you're driving, paid parking is a 5-minute walk from the walls. Free parking is about 10 minutes out. Cars are not allowed inside the historic center. ## Why we want to go back for longer There's a version of Lucca where you stay two or three months. You rent an apartment, figure out which bakery opens earliest, run the walls every morning before the heat kicks in, and take day trips to Pisa, Florence, or the Cinque Terre when you feel like it. The city is walkable enough that you stop thinking about logistics after day two. We left after 11 days because we were still in checklist mode, moving fast across Europe on a schedule that made sense on a spreadsheet. We didn't stay long enough. We knew it as we packed. It's on the list. The long-stay list. ![Two young girls sit on swings at an outdoor playground along the tree-lined path on top of the Lucca city walls on a sunny summer day](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/dbf76c37-786f-4396-a8d6-567ece356cd7.jpg) There are playgrounds built into the bastions on the walls. The kids found every one of them. ### Related Reading [Lucca: Our 10th Anniversary, Harper's 3rd Birthday, and Why We Never Wanted to Leave](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/lucca-italy-our-10th-anniversary-harpers-3rd-birthday-and-why-we-never-want-to-leave/) [Sailing the Queen Mary 2 with Kids](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/) [The Schengen Area: A Guide for American Families](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/understanding-the-schengen-area-a-complete-guide-for-american-families/) This post contains no affiliate links. Casa Aida and Il Nostro West were paid for in full by us. No discount was offered or received. All opinions are our own. ### Holafly Discount Code October 2026: ADAMANDLINDS (5-10% Off, Tested) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly/ Last updated: 2026-10-02T08:04:14.000Z We have personally verified the Holafly discount code **ADAMANDLINDS**. It will save you 5% on any eSIM and if you choose on the Holafly Plans it will save you 10% monthly for 12 months. We've been personally using Holafly for a little over a year now and have used it in 19 countries as of October 2, 2026. We personally love Holafly. Its super easy to get setup and started and works as soon as you hit the ground. The one downside of Holafly is: It's not the cheapest. We often find that if we are going to be in a place for a while it's almost always better to take the time of going through the hassle of gettinga local SIM card. (We talk about this later) ### Holafly Code: ADAMANDLINDS 5% off destination and regional eSIMs, 10% off Holafly Plans. Enter **ADAMANDLINDS** in the discount field before paying. [Check Holafly prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Holafly checkout on a MacBook with the ADAMANDLINDS discount code applied and the reduced total showing in the order summary](https://media.adamandlinds.com/images/holafly/holaflydiscountadamandlindsonmacbook-1500w.webp) ADAMANDLINDS applied at Holafly checkout on September 4, 2026\. The discount appears in the order summary before you pay. ## The verdict at a glance | What people ask | Holafly | | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | TrustPilot rating | **4.5 out of 5** | | Do we recommend it? | **Yes** | | Working discount code | **ADAMANDLINDS**, 5% eSIMs and 10% Plans | | Unlimited data | Yes, on Plans and most destination eSIMs | | Ease of setup | Scan a QR code, about two minutes | | Set up before you fly | Yes, install on home Wi-Fi | | Customer support | 24/7 chat and WhatsApp | | Good for families | Yes, hotspot shares one plan across devices | | Keeps your own number | Yes, data only, your SIM stays in the phone | | Local numbe?r | Not really. You get a US or Canada number on plans, but no local number. | | Calls over the network | No, data apps only | | Cheapest option available? | No, a local SIM usually wins on price | ### Buy Holafly if - You are visiting several countries on one trip - You are traveling as a family and want to share one connection - You want to be online the moment you land, with no kiosk queue - You want unlimited data - This is your first international trip and you want the simplest possible setup [Check prices with ADAMANDLINDS](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Skip Holafly if - You need a local number for outgoing texts or regular calls, which no Holafly product offers - You want the absolute cheapest option - You only need data for a day or two, where the shortest durations rarely pay off - You are staying in one country for a month or more, where a local carrier plan wins on price ## Why you should trust this page ![Adam, Lindsay and their three daughters take a family selfie on the Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, with the giant stone hands behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/8d803f99-065b-4d80-aa86-adf1f663d12d.jpg) Harper's seventh birthday on the Golden Bridge, Da Nang, June 25 2026\. We started full time traveling in 2022\. We've used just about every eSIM out there as well as local carriers and both AT&T International plan as well as T-Mobile's International plan (Both of those are about the biggest rip off you can buy). We've spent over 300 day in each of Thailand, Vietnam and Japan as well as hittign almost 30 other coutnries. I dont say this to brag but to let you know we have some experience lol. We have personally used Holafly in 19 countries, we've tried single destination eSIMs, regional eSIMs and Lindsay is currently on a monthly plan that works almost anywhere in the world. We also film our travels so you know we aren't some bot or AI site. We are real humans. make real human content for other real humans. Our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) has the checkout, the install, and the speed tests on camera, including the video below. [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### How we keep this page current I'm currenlty sitting in London updating this article with new relevant content. It's August 27th, and kind of rainy outside. Lindsay is currently on her Holafly monthly plan because our internet in the Airbnb keeps going out. Thats honestly not an uncommon occurrence in Airbnb around the world. But yeah, we try to update things regularly. and if info changes or our opinions change we'll update that too. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/08/BC435100-91AA-4774-84B0-9B6B79382E90.png) A view from our Airbnb in London ## Countries where we have personally used Holafly The list is ever growing but as of Today, a rainy Thurdsay in August 2026, we have now used holafly in 19 countries: Japan, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Albania, and The United Kingdom. | Country | When | What we needed it for | | ----------- | -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Japan | 2022 to 2026 | Over 300 days across 13 trips. Transit apps and Google Maps between Osaka and Tokyo, every single day. | | China | September 2025 | Shanghai. The built-in VPN meant Google, WhatsApp and Gmail worked on landing, with no separate VPN app on any of the five phones. | | Hong Kong | September 2025 | Airport transfers and same-day booking changes on the way in and out of the mainland. | | South Korea | 2023 | Seoul. Uploading YouTube footage over hotspot from a hanok stay. | | Thailand | 2023 to 2025 | More than 300 days, mostly Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Grab rides, visa-run logistics, and school calls. | | Vietnam | 2024 to 2026 | Da Nang arrivals. For the long stays we switch to a local SIM, which is cheaper and includes a local phone number. | | Taiwan | 2025 | Taipei metro and museum bookings with three kids in tow. | | Italy | 2025 | Regional Europe eSIM across border crossings without buying again. | | Spain | 2025 | Same regional eSIM, no new purchase on arrival. | ![The family of five standing on the Bund promenade in Shanghai with the Pudong skyline and Oriental Pearl Tower behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/284f170f-e970-486b-b283-f7db5f3d030a.jpg) The Bund, Shanghai, September 4 2025\. ![Family of five taking an arrival selfie in Chiang Mai airport terminal in front of a lit True Move network kiosk with their luggage](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/6a4f571a-dffd-4fbf-ab52-0b4fd73010f4.jpg) Chiang Mai arrivals, September 2024\. That True Move kiosk behind us is the alternative, and for a long Thailand stay it is the cheaper one. ![Lindsay, Lily and Cora sitting together on a nearly empty Osaka subway car with Japanese advertisements on the wall behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/0b4658f0-f5cb-4963-a0f4-61c38fc1d40f.jpg) Osaka subway, February 2026\. ![Google Maps open on a smartphone showing the Warsaw transit map with red tram lines, green train lines and a blue location dot](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/432aae88-7c14-451c-b821-fb5e49fb2373.jpg) Google Maps transit view on a moving day in Warsaw, December 18 2025\. ### Buying for a trip that crosses borders? Enter ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off eSIMs or 10% off a Plans subscription. [Check Holafly prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com)[Read our full review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/) ## What the ADAMANDLINDS code gets you | Holafly product | Standard price | With the code | Built for | | ---------------- | -------------------------- | -------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | Destination eSIM | Varies by country and days | **5% off** | One country, fixed dates | | Regional eSIM | Varies by region and days | **5% off** | Several countries in one region | | Plans Light | $49.90 per month | **10% off** | 25GB per month across 160+ destinations | | Plans Unlimited | $64.90 per month | **10% off** | Unlimited data across 160+ destinations | | Always On | Free after a Plan | No code needed | 1GB per month in 150+ destinations after you cancel | The code is typed in manually at checkout and can be reused on later orders. Data policy, hotspot allowance, network, and available durations differ by destination, so read the product page for the country you are actually visiting before paying. 0:00 /0:08 1× Watch the ADAMANDLINDS code being applied at Holafly checkout. ## Pick your destination We have some destination specific guides you can also check out for full review on a specific location: | Destination | Holafly eSIM | Our guide | | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Japan | [Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Best eSIM for Japan](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) | | China | [China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Best eSIM for China](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/) | | USA | [USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | | Europe | [Europe regional eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Best eSIM for Europe](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) | | United Kingdom | [UK eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233890/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-uk&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Europe eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) | | Thailand | [Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Best eSIM for Thailand](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code/) | | Vietnam | [Vietnam eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-vietnam&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-vietnam%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Best eSIM for Vietnam](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-vietnam-holafly-discount-code/) | | Asia (multi-country) | [Asia regional eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [East Asia eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau/) | | Italy | [Italy eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-italy&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-italy%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Best eSIM for Italy](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-italy-holafly/) | | Spain | [Spain eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-spain&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-spain%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Best eSIM for Spain](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-spain-holafly/) | | Mexico | [Mexico eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233886/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-mexico&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | | Everywhere (160+ countries) | [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Our Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) | ## How to apply the discount code 1. ### Choose your destination or Plan Visit the [Holafly website](https://holafly.sjv.io/enxzvz?ref=adamandlinds.com) or app and select the eSIM or Plan that matches your trip. 2. ### Enter ADAMANDLINDS in the discount code box Type the code ADAMANDLINDS into the coupon code box before paying and click apply. Then checkout with CC or ApplePay. 3. ### Install on reliable Wi-Fi Once you get a confirmation you will get an email with installation instructions or if you are on the app just go to "Purchases" find the eSIM you just purchased and click the one click install button. [Choose a Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=howto-cta&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Holafly Discount Code: ADAMANDLINDS | Save 5-10% on YouTube ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK39DEReaSk&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Destination eSIM or monthly Plan? Easy choice. Put in your eSIM you are looking for on the holafly site. If your trip is less than thirty days and it's cheaper than the monthly plan go with that option. if its more money then go with the plan. Note: the plan will auto renew at the end but if oyu use our discount ADAMANDLINDS you will save 10% for each renewal month for the first 12 months. (Also you can cancle the plan at anytime, even right after you buy it and it will still work for the single month.) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/08/Screenshot-2026-08-27-at-10.08.16.png) Check it out. UK for 30 days is way more than the plan. Plus our ADAMANDLINDS discount code only gets you 5% on an eSIM for 10% off on a monthly! ### When a destination eSIM is the better buy For less than about 25 days, this is the better deal, anything more, or if you are moving countries a lot, checkout a subscription ### When the subscription wins Honestly the better win for anyone travelling more than a couple weeks. This is the product Lindsay uses. I choose to run single eSIMs because I want real world testing data and experience. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB across 160+ destinations Honestly I would NEVER even consider this. 25 gb is going to be gone in less than a week for us. [Get Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ destinations What Lindsay uses. Uploads, video calls, and hotspot for the kids' school devices without worrying about buring all our data. [Get Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Annual billing:** the annual discount on Holafly Plans is 20%, and the **ADAMANDLINDS** code stacks on top of it. Annual billing takes 20% off the list price, then the code takes a further 10% off that already reduced figure in the cart. **The biggest saving on this page:** choose annual billing for 20% off, then add **ADAMANDLINDS** for another 10% off the discounted price. Together that comes to about 28% off the standard monthly rate, which works out at roughly $47.17 a month on the Unlimited tier instead of $64.90\. If your subscription ever lapses, [Always On](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) keeps giving you 1GB per month in 150+ destinations for free. ![Holafly checkout on an iPhone with the ADAMANDLINDS discount code accepted and the discount visible in the order total](https://media.adamandlinds.com/images/holafly/holaflydiscountadamandlindsoniphone-800w.webp) The same code accepted on mobile checkout. It works identically on the Holafly app and website. ## The honest downsides Holafly sponsors our videos. They also give us a commision on orders we send to them. What they don't get is any editorial control at all. It is literally written into our contract with them. Our thoughts and opinons are our own. That being said. Holafly isn't perfect. In a nutshell, its one of the most expensive eSIMs on the market. but as Ive said int he past. we haev tested almost all of them and Holafly performs regually at the top for us. Below are some more specific limitations we have run into ourselves, and there are more in [our full write-up on the disadvantages](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-holafly/). - **Price.** As I said above, its EXPENSIVE. Like often costs two to four times what a local SIM does. We lived in Da Nang for about 6 months and our local plan was only $15 a month. Unlimited and came with a local phone number. I did have to spend an afternoon at the Vietelle store waiting in line haveing all my passport info copied and use google translate to figure it all out. - **Data only on most products.** Most of the time you dont get a local number. The one product that you do "The Unlimited Plan" gives you a US, UK, or Canada number, BUT it receives SMS only and cannot make calls or send texts. - **Fair use on unlimited.** Unlimited products carry fair-use policies and network management, so speeds can drop after heavy use in some destinations. This is standard copy from Holafly and we have NEVER been cut off. we use a lot of data. Just know that it could happen. - **Hotspot caps.** Same as above. we dont rely on hotspot but we have used it a lot. And have never been cut off. But know that it could happen. - **Coverage is the local network's.** Holafly uses local networks and while this anecdotal, and I dont have true evidence I feel like the netowrks hobble travel esims morethan their own customers. I have had a lot of issues with Holafly in Vietnam and Thailand. But I have never had an issue with my local SIMs. - **Does not work on carrier locked phones.** Not a problem exclusice to holafly, but if your phone is locked to a carrier, you cannot use Holafly. You will need to unlock your phone first. ## What travelers say on Trustpilot Our experience is one family's. Holafly's Trustpilot profile holds a rating of about 4.7 out of 5 from over 100,000 reviews as of July 19, 2026\. The praise clusters around setup speed and the support chat, which matches what we have seen. The complaints cluster around slow speeds in specific locations, hotspot limits, and refund disputes, which also matches what we flagged above. ![Screenshot of the Holafly Trustpilot profile showing its overall rating and review count](https://media.adamandlinds.com/images/holafly/screenshot-2026-07-19-at-16-40-58-1252w.webp) Holafly's Trustpilot profile on July 19, 2026\. These are independent third-party reviews, not testimonials we selected. Trustpilot reviews are collected and moderated by Trustpilot, not by us or by Holafly. Read them yourself at [trustpilot.com](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/esim.holafly.com?ref=adamandlinds.com)before buying. ## Frequently asked questions FAQ ## Holafly code questions, answered What is the Holafly discount code? The current code is **ADAMANDLINDS**. It gives 5% off destination and regional eSIMs and 10% off Holafly Plans subscriptions. We last applied it at checkout on October 2, 2026\. Is Holafly worth it? For multi-country trips, yes. We rate it 4.5 out of 5 and have used it in 19 countries since 2022\. For a single stay of a month or more in one country, a local SIM is cheaper and we would buy that instead. Is Holafly legitimate? Yes. Holafly is an established eSIM provider with a Trustpilot profile carrying over 100,000 reviews. We have placed and paid for orders ourselves since 2022 and have never had a purchase fail to deliver. Is there a Holafly code for 20% or 30% off? No standing 20% or 30% code exists. Discounts above 5% on eSIMs only appear during Holafly's own seasonal sales, such as Black Friday. Pages advertising a permanent 30% code are usually describing the annual Plans discount or simply making it up. Why does the code show 0% at checkout? The product is already on a site-wide sale. Holafly codes do not stack with sale prices, so the sale price stands. Try a different duration or wait for the sale to end. Can returning customers use ADAMANDLINDS? Yes. The code is not limited to first orders. You can apply it every time you buy an eligible eSIM or Plan. Does the code work on Holafly Plans? Yes, it takes 10% off Plans subscriptions. Annual billing takes 15% off the list price first, then the code takes a further 10% off that reduced price in the cart, for about 23.5% off in total. Full detail in [our Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/). Does the code work on the China eSIM? Yes. The Holafly China eSIM also includes a built-in VPN, so Google, WhatsApp, and Gmail worked for us in Shanghai without installing a separate VPN app. More detail in [our Shanghai write-up](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/). Do you keep your phone number with Holafly? Yes. Holafly eSIMs are data only. Your physical SIM stays in the phone, so you still receive calls and verification texts on your normal number. We cover the details in [this guide](https://adamandlinds.com/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/). Can you make phone calls with Holafly? No Holafly product supports traditional calls. The Unlimited Plan's number receives SMS only, and destination eSIMs have no number at all. Calls work through data apps such as WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Meet, and calls to your own number still arrive on your physical SIM. Can I use my phone as a hotspot? It depends on the product. Many destination eSIMs include a daily hotspot allowance and Plans include hotspot use, but the limit varies, so check the listing for your destination before buying. ### Ready to get connected? Pick your destination, check the data and hotspot terms, and enter ADAMANDLINDS before you pay. [Check Holafly prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=faq&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com)[Our family travel eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans-2025/) ## Reviews and how it works [Holafly review 2026: reliability, disadvantages, fixes](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/)[Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/)[Holafly Always On explained](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/)[The disadvantages of Holafly](https://adamandlinds.com/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-holafly/)[Best eSIM cards for family travel](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans-2025/)[Do you keep your phone number with Holafly?](https://adamandlinds.com/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/) Have a question this page does not answer? Ask it in the comments below and we will reply. The most useful questions get added to the FAQ, and if you have used the code yourself we would like to hear which destination you bought for. ## Our Holafly shorts Sixty seconds each: the code applied on camera, what the Plans subscription covers, and why we run unlimited data as a family of five. [Watch Save Up To 10% Off Holafly eSIM | ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBe3cmB0DOE&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Save up to 10% with code ADAMANDLINDS | Holafly Unlimited Data on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p%5FK1Jqb8sFk&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Use ADAMANDLINDS to save up to 10% on Holafly eSIM on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ-xVZPO7TU&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Get the code working on your order Enter ADAMANDLINDS in the discount field at Holafly checkout for 5% off eSIMs or 10% off Plans. [Check Holafly prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com)[Read our Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links or use code ADAMANDLINDS we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you receive the stated Holafly discount. All opinions are our own. ### Da Nang in 2026: Something Has Changed URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/da-nang-honest-update-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T04:02:02.000Z We came back to Da Nang on May 5th. Three months, we told ourselves. Same city, same beach, same banh mi spot around the corner. We know this place. We spent seven months here across 2024 and 2025, built routines into it, made friends inside it, watched the girls grow into the neighborhood. Coming back felt logical. A month in, and we are both quietly counting down to August. Something shifted here. It is hard to put a number on it, and it would be unfair to pretend we know exactly why it happened, but we feel it every day. The city we fell in love with still exists in the geography and the food and the low cost of living. But the social temperature has changed, and not in the direction you want. ![Adam and Lily at the Da Nang Beach sign](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/fb48468d-345d-4d36-9974-1dd14ec8ff2e.jpg) Back at the Da Nang Beach sign with Lily. Familiar place, different feeling. ## What Da Nang Used to Be For Us When we arrived in November 2024 for what we thought would be two months, we found something we had not expected: a genuine community. The worldschooling scene in Da Nang is real. There were families we knew from online groups, new families we met at the beach, kids who became fast friends with our girls over afternoon swims and late karaoke nights that ran well past a reasonable bedtime. We stayed six months because we kept not wanting to leave. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/f0077874-4994-4ef6-b888-d2726de16120.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/d0f108b8-8309-4c2e-8333-68769ba03819.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/33bf8ef8-351e-4514-8ad3-e7eadb958236.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/df1764c2-796b-47ab-b4e1-f26d75803eef.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/f0e547fd-8f5a-4528-85b9-13f8f9bf5e05.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/f1140599-1cb5-43b3-bbd1-edbbeef5c46d.jpg) The community we found here in 2024 and 2025: nail days, group dinners, beach afternoons, kids' events, and the kind of friendships that made a two-month stay turn into six. Da Nang itself made it easy to stay. My Khe Beach is a ten-minute walk from the neighborhoods where most foreigners rent. A decent apartment runs somewhere between $600 and $900 a month for something fully furnished and air-conditioned. A street food lunch for the five of us runs about $10\. We actually got the girls in for dental checkups this trip and paid a fraction of what it would have cost back in Indiana. The infrastructure works, the wifi in coffee shops is reliably fast, and you learn to make peace with the fact that the streets are not exactly spotless. For a family doing school online and working remotely, it still checks nearly every box. ![Three girls waiting at a dental clinic in Da Nang](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/496b2f39-e84b-4ae7-a6b9-eb8fc0d10d17.jpg) Dental day for the girls in Da Nang. This is the kind of errand that becomes normal when you live somewhere long enough. We have written a full breakdown of what it actually costs a family of five to live here over at our [Da Nang cost of living guide](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/), and those numbers still hold up. The value has not gone anywhere. That is not what changed. ## Where the Overflow Is Coming From The digital nomad world in Southeast Asia is being squeezed from multiple directions right now, and Da Nang is where a lot of that pressure is landing. Bali has been tightening its grip on the influencer-and-laptop crowd for the past couple of years. Indonesian authorities have made it increasingly clear they are watching anyone working remotely on a tourist visa, renting space in a coworking spot, or posting content while technically a visitor. High-profile deportations have made the rounds in expat groups, and the message is not subtle. Thailand is moving in a similar direction but through a different mechanism. The visa exemption period is now firmly 30 days with enforcement to match, and the border run era is effectively over. Thailand did introduce a Digital Nomad Visa called the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), but one of its requirements is demonstrating around $15,000 USD in liquid assets. That is not an impossible bar for some people, but it rules out a meaningful portion of the remote-working crowd who are building toward that kind of financial stability rather than already there. It is a good visa if you can qualify. A lot of people cannot. Vietnam, by contrast, now gives most passport holders 90 days with an only moderately corrupt e-visa process. No financial proof required. No enforcement story circulating in Facebook groups. It is not that Vietnam suddenly became more attractive in absolute terms. It is that the alternatives got harder. ![Adam and Lindsay clinking beers at a bar with a world map on the wall in Da Nang](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/75621bd4-86a9-4682-a306-7738f9ddacc8.jpg) Marking the return at a bar on the beach. Cold pints, a world map on the wall, and a feeling we could not quite name yet. ## What That Overflow Looks Like on the Ground The short version: it is louder, more crowded in places that used to feel local, and the vibe from residents has cooled noticeably. We do not think this is specific to us or to long-term families. We have talked to people who were here two years ago and came back, and they feel it too. There is a guardedness from locals now that was not there before. The people who used to wave, strike up conversations, laugh at the girls doing something chaotic at the beach, have become more reserved. That is not a condemnation. It is a completely understandable human response to watching your neighborhood change faster than you asked for. My Khe Beach has always had a foreign presence, but there is a difference between a steady international community that integrates into the neighborhood and a rotating wave of people who showed up because their first-choice city got complicated. There is a little Italian place nearby run by a guy who used to come to every table at the end of the night with limoncello and his grandmother's tiramisu. He does not do that anymore. Last week we had to ask three times for a fifth set of silverware. Nobody was rude. It is just that the warmth that used to be automatic now has to be requested, and sometimes it does not come at all. ![Lily sitting at a wooden table inside CCCP Coffee in Da Nang](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/bd17d5ec-5e83-4937-82a9-2c10c5ff561a.jpg) Lily at CCCP Coffee in Da Nang. The name still gets us every time. East West Brewing has been on the beach here for a while now. It is expensive, a little corporate, and whoever decided indoor smoking was fine clearly never had to eat through it, but the view is genuinely great and the beer is cold. It also caters almost entirely to the foreign crowd, and has for as long as we can remember. That is fine as a business decision. As a cultural indicator, it is one more data point pointing in the same direction. ![Afternoon pints at East West Brewing in Da Nang](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/5ec8202a-3531-478f-a019-cf301d57680c.jpg) Afternoon pints at East West Brewing. Still a good spot, still mostly foreigners. ## The Kids Still Love It To be clear about one thing: the girls are having a completely normal, good time. The pool at our place gets hit every afternoon. For Mother's Day we stayed a night at a resort up the beach and the girls found the climbing wall and an arcade and we did not see them again until 10pm. Manicures happen regularly and cost $4 each, which is either a great deal or a concerning baseline depending on how you look at it. The ladies doing them are extremely efficient and do not appear to be enjoying themselves, but the girls come out happy every time, so. ![Three girls on a climbing wall at a Da Nang resort](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/65c46322-0613-4934-aa2c-1ec80c7c9e7b.jpg) The girls found a climbing wall and immediately made it a competition. Barefoot, obviously. Da Nang with kids still works extremely well on a practical level. The food is safe and easy to navigate, the beach is close, activities are affordable, and Vietnamese people are genuinely warm toward children even when the adult-to-adult warmth has dialed back. The girls have not noticed what we have noticed, which is probably exactly how it should be. ![Harper holding a 5kg bag of pasta at a Vietnamese supermarket](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/8098a6e0-4ad8-4030-9ae6-817dc0e407e7.jpg) Harper found a 5kg bag of pasta at the grocery store in Da Nang. The face says everything about living here. ## Is Da Nang Still Worth Coming To? Yes. We want to be careful not to write a piece that reads as a warning against Da Nang, because that would not be accurate to our experience and would be unfair to a city that genuinely has a lot going for it. The cost of living remains one of the best in Southeast Asia for the quality of life it delivers. The beach is real and accessible. The food scene is excellent. The connectivity is solid. Vietnam gives you time to actually settle in, which a 30-day exemption that starts a countdown the moment you land does not. You can check the current entry rules in our [Vietnam visa guide](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/vietnam-visa-requirements-2025-guide/). For someone visiting for two weeks or a month, Da Nang will probably still feel exactly as good as the reviews say it does. The shift we are describing is more legible over a longer timeline. When you are here for months across multiple years, you notice the delta. What we would say is: Da Nang works better as a destination when it is not carrying the load of three other destinations that have closed ranks. The version of this city we loved was quieter, less performatively nomadic, more genuinely mixed. That version may return as the regulatory situations elsewhere evolve. It may not. ![A glass of Huda beer in Da Nang](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/95f91fe4-1596-4011-849f-231ef5c6deb6.jpg) Huda is still the move every time. Some things do not change. ## Where This Fits in the Bigger Picture We wrote a piece last year arguing that [Vietnam is overtaking Thailand as the top digital nomad destination in Southeast Asia](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/why-vietnam-is-overtaking-thailand-as-southeast-asias-top-digital-nomad-destination/). We stand by the macro argument, but the current situation in Da Nang is a good illustration of what happens when a city absorbs demand it was not scaled for. The irony is that the factors making Da Nang harder to love right now are not of Da Nang's making. The city did not ask to absorb the overflow from Bali and Bangkok. The locals did not vote to have their favorite coffee shops repositioned. This is what happens when two or three major destinations simultaneously tighten entry and the alternatives are limited. We are curious whether Hoi An handles this differently. It is smaller and more tourist-oriented by design, which might absorb the pressure in a way that feels less jarring to people who have lived there. For now, we have two months left here and we intend to spend them well in the ways that still work: the food, the beach mornings, the pool afternoons, the surprisingly good bar scene, the fact that a family dinner with drinks comes in under $30. We are just also looking forward to what comes next. ### Holafly eSIM We use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any Holafly eSIM. Vietnam coverage is solid and the monthly Plans option is worth looking at if you are staying for 30 days or more. [Get your eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=da-nang-honest-update&subId2=inline&subId3=plans&sharedid=vietnam&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fholafly-plans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Related Reading [What Does It Actually Cost to Live in Da Nang?](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/) [Why Vietnam Is Overtaking Thailand for Digital Nomads](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/why-vietnam-is-overtaking-thailand-as-southeast-asias-top-digital-nomad-destination/) [Vietnam Visa Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/vietnam-visa-requirements-2025-guide/) [How We Learned to Stop Moving](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) [Best Lost Plate Food Tours in Da Nang](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-lost-plate-food-tours-spring-2026/) --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ### The countries we've visited (and why I hate country counting) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/the-countries-weve-visited-and-why-i-hate-country-counting/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:23.000Z We count countries. The number is mostly meaningless, but we keep the lists anyway, mostly to track where the girls have been and to have something to argue about on long flights. | Traveler | Countries visited | | ---------------------- | ----------------- | | Adam | 36 | | Lindsay | 33 | | Lily, Cora, and Harper | 32 | ## Why we keep the count anyway The girls technically started their list in 2021, when we took a two-week test run through Italy, Spain, and France to see if full-time family travel was something we could actually survive. It was. So in 2022 we sold the house and started checking boxes in earnest. That's where most of their 32 countries came from -- the big loop through Europe off the Queen Mary 2, then Bangkok, then the slow drift through Southeast Asia that eventually became our life. Harper in particular is close to overtaking Lindsay, which says a lot about what it means to have lived more of your life abroad than at home. We wrote about that milestone separately when she hit it, and it still catches us off guard sometimes when we think about it. The honest reason we keep the number at all is that the girls like it. They know which flags are theirs, they can pull up the list from memory, and they care about it the way kids care about things that feel like a score. We're not going to take that away from them just because we've decided as adults that the metric is philosophically compromised. ## Why country counting doesn't really work Apply any real scrutiny and the whole framework starts to collapse. Does standing at the DMZ count as visiting North Korea? We visited the DMZ from the South Korean side, which means we were standing a few meters from North Korea, staring across a line, and the answer to "did you visit North Korea" is entirely dependent on who you ask and what they consider sufficient. The DMZ tour operators would say yes. North Korea's government would have no opinion, because you didn't exist to them. Taiwan is its own mess. We've been. We loved it. Whether it counts as a separate country from China is a question with a genuinely contested answer and real geopolitical consequences, and we're not going to resolve it here. We count it separately. Others don't. The number is only meaningful if everyone agrees on the rules, and nobody does. Sint Maarten is a personal favorite of mine for illustrating the absurdity. You land on the Dutch side. Did you just visit the Netherlands? You walk across to Saint Martin. Did you just claim France? Neither side looks or feels like the country that notionally governs it, but you're adding two passport stamps for crossing what is essentially a neighborhood street. Meanwhile, we spent [four months in Thailand](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) and only added one. The ratio of depth to credit is completely inverted. ![Passports and travel maps spread on a table](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488646953014-85cb44e25828?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The number in the passport doesn't tell you much about what you actually saw. There's also the retroactive problem. Adam visited Sudan in 2005\. South Sudan became an independent nation in 2011\. Does that mean he gets to add a country without going anywhere? The TCC (Travelers' Century Club) and other counting communities have their own answers to this, and they all disagree with each other. Visited the Golan Heights while in Israel? Depending on your framework, you may have visited Syria. Visited Crimea? Ukraine or Russia, depending on which year you're counting. [NomadMania](https://nomadmania.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) has the most rigorous ruleset if you want a framework that takes this seriously. They define minimum visit criteria, track the UN's 193 member states, and maintain their own list of 1,301 regions — which is a much more honest metric than border crossings. Visiting New York doesn't mean you've seen America. ## The number we actually care about The more useful metric for us is time. Days in a place, not borders crossed. We've spent [325 days in Japan across 13 trips](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/). We've done 327 days in Thailand. Vietnam is at 227 days and still climbing, mostly in Da Nang. Those numbers mean something. They mean we know where to get good coffee at 7am in Osaka, and which convenience store in Da Nang has the best sticky rice, and that the second week of November in Chiang Mai is when the lantern festival happens and everything books up three months in advance. A border crossing doesn't tell you any of that. The 36-country number doesn't tell you that we've been to Japan more than a dozen times and still don't feel like we've finished with it. It doesn't tell you that we've watched Harper grow from a kid who cried at every overnight flight to one who confidently navigates airport lounges and knows to ask for a window seat. It doesn't tell you that the first time we arrived in Bangkok in 2022 we had no plan and ended up staying four weeks because we found a neighborhood we liked. ## Adam's list Pre-2022 ### Early trips United States, Bahamas, Canada, Mexico, plus a solo Europe run that got Italy, Vatican City, France, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Hungary, and England on the board. 2022 ### Europe + Southeast Asia The Queen Mary 2 kicked things off in England. Europe loop through France, Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Greece. Saudi Arabia layover. Then Bangkok, Vietnam, Cambodia. 2023 ### East Asia expansion Malaysia, Singapore, Japan (first of many trips), South Korea, Philippines. 2024 ### Taiwan, China, and back to Europe Taiwan, Hong Kong, China via the 240-hour visa. Mexico for a family spring break. Portugal. 2025–2026 ### Scandinavia + Balkans Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Albania to round things out. ## Lindsay's list Lindsay's 33 tracks closely with the family route from 2021 onwards. The gaps versus Adam are the pre-family trips he took solo — Bahamas, Canada, Netherlands — which haven't made the joint itinerary yet. 2012 ### The Honeymoon Italy and France. 2021 ### Test run Italy, Vatican City, France, Spain, Greece, the two-week trip that convinced everyone this was actually doable. 2022 ### Full-time begins England, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Saudi Arabia layover. Then Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia. 2023–2026 ### Asia, Americas, Europe Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Albania. ## The girls' list Lily, Cora, and Harper started in 2021 with Italy, Spain, and France, then picked up the pace from 2022 onwards. Their list sits three short of ours because the Bahamas, Canada, and Netherlands were Adam's pre-kids trips. Those gaps will close. 2021 ### The test run Italy, France, Spain — the trip that started everything. 2022 ### Departure year England, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Saudi Arabia. Then Bangkok, Vietnam, Cambodia to close out the year. 2023 ### East Asia Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Philippines. 2024 ### Filling in the map Mexico, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Portugal. 2025–2026 ### Northern and Eastern Europe Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Albania. ![Family walking through a foreign city with colorful buildings](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1503220317375-aaad61436b1b?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The flags are fun. The days are what actually matter. ## What we'd count instead If we were designing this from scratch, we'd track nights over borders. A country you slept in at least three times is a different thing from a country you drove through to catch a ferry. We'd also track languages attempted, which says something real about engagement. And we'd definitely count the number of times we ate somewhere with no English menu, which is a reasonable proxy for actually being somewhere rather than being a tourist in it. But the girls would argue with all of that, because they want the flags, and the flags are at least something concrete you can update and fight about. So the list stays. We just don't pretend it means more than it does. ### More from the road [Harper has now spent more of her life abroad than at home](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/harper-more-life-abroad-than-home/) [How we learned to stop moving and actually stay somewhere](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) [How full-time travel ruined travel for me (but we still do it anyway)](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/how-full-time-travel-ruined-travel-for-me-but-we-still-do-it-anyway/) [What full-time family travel actually costs](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/cost-of-full-time-family-travel-real-numbers-2/) No affiliate links in this one. Just a list of countries and some unresolved arguments about whether they count. ### I Have Bought Glasses From Zenni for 13 Years. Now It Is Lily's Turn. URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/zenni-glasses-family-travel-review/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:24.000Z I got my first pair of Zenni glasses sometime around 2012, back when ordering prescription eyewear off the internet felt like a slightly reckless thing to do. The frames cost less than the sandwich I ate while filling out the order form. They arrived, they worked, and I have not paid a brick-and-mortar optical shop full price for glasses since. That is thirteen years of buying glasses from a website, across a house we owned, a house we sold, and now four years of not having a house at all. The glasses I am wearing while I type this were ordered from a Zenni cart and shipped to a relative in the United States, who then mailed them onward to wherever we happened to be. They have been on a transatlantic crossing, through Lapland in January, and to the beach here in Da Nang. They cost about thirty dollars. Now our oldest, Lily, has reached the age where the eye chart stopped cooperating. She is starting to squint at things across the room, which means her first pair of glasses is about to become a Zenni order too. So this felt like the right moment to write down what I actually know about buying glasses this way, after more than a decade of doing it. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/Lily-smiling-with-confetti-in-her-hair-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-31-2024.png) Lily, who is now squinting at things across the room and getting her first pair of glasses. ## Why a website beats the optical shop, especially for us The pitch for ordering glasses online is usually framed around price, and the price is genuinely the headline. A complete pair of single-vision prescription glasses at [Zenni starts at $6.95](https://zenni.pxf.io/c/6317027/832974/11554?ref=adamandlinds.com), and most of what I have bought over the years has landed somewhere between $20 and $40 once I add the lens coatings I want. Compare that to the $200-plus I used to hand over at a shop for one pair and the math stops being a conversation. But price is not actually why I kept coming back. I kept coming back because I am bad at owning physical objects carefully, and glasses are physical objects that get sat on, dropped on tile, and left on aeroplanes. When a $30 pair gets crushed in a backpack somewhere between Bangkok and Taipei, I order a replacement from my phone and move on. When a $250 pair gets crushed, it ruins a week. Cheap glasses are not just cheaper, they are lower stakes, and lower stakes is the entire emotional point of full-time travel logistics. The other thing nobody tells you: I now own more than one pair. For most of my pre-Zenni life I had a single pair of glasses because a single pair was all I could justify. Now I have a regular pair, a backup pair, and a pair with [Blokz blue light filtering](https://zenni.pxf.io/c/6317027/832975/11554?ref=adamandlinds.com)that I wear for the long editing sessions when I am cutting together a video. That kind of redundancy is normal at Zenni prices and absurd at optical-shop prices. ## What you need before you order You need two things, and only two things, to order glasses online. The first is your prescription. The second is your pupillary distance, the measurement in millimeters between the centers of your pupils. That second number is the one optical shops are mysteriously reluctant to write on your prescription, because it is the number that lets you walk out the door and order elsewhere. For Lily, this meant a proper eye exam first. I want to be clear about that, because I am not a doctor and ordering frames off the internet does not replace getting a child's eyes actually examined by someone qualified. You get the exam, you get the prescription, you get the PD measured, and then you go shopping. The order is the easy part. The exam is the part you do not skip. If you already own a pair you love and just want them again, Zenni has a [Find by Image tool](https://zenni.pxf.io/c/6317027/2171829/11554?ref=adamandlinds.com)where you upload a photo of frames you like and it surfaces similar shapes in the catalog. I have used it twice to chase down a shape I had worn out, and both times it got close enough to be useful. ## Buying a first pair for a kid Lily's situation is the distance one. She can read a book on her lap without complaint but cannot read the menu board across a noodle shop, which is the classic short-sighted setup. So her first pair will be for distance, worn when she needs to see something far away, and we are buying from the [kids glasses section](https://zenni.pxf.io/c/6317027/832979/11554?ref=adamandlinds.com)where the frames are sized for smaller faces. Here is the calculation that made this an obvious Zenni order rather than a local one. We are in Vietnam for roughly three months, then we move again. A child's first pair of glasses is a guaranteed casualty. They will be sat on, lost, found, scratched, and possibly fed to a beach. Buying a single careful expensive pair for a nine-year-old who has never worn glasses is a bet against human nature. Buying two cheap pairs so there is a spare when the first one inevitably dies is just planning. Half the reason she is excited about this is so she can finally see the scenery from a moving train window without leaning forward and squinting. The Hello Kitty bullet train ride below was a blur of countryside she mostly missed the details of, which is roughly the moment we realized her eyes needed checking. [Watch Hello Kitty Bullet Train Experience in Japan (Full Ride Review) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EpaHgfKTdA&ref=adamandlinds.com) I will update this post with which frames she actually picks and what the order came to once we place it. She has strong opinions about color, so I suspect the final choice will be louder than anything I would have selected. ## The coatings worth paying for The base frame price is the headline, but the lens add-ons are where the real decisions happen. After thirteen years I pay for exactly two upgrades and skip the rest. | Add-on | Worth it? | Why | | ----------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Anti-reflective coating | Yes | Cuts glare from screens and headlights, makes night driving and editing far easier | | Blue light filtering | For screen-heavy use | We use [Blokz](https://zenni.pxf.io/c/6317027/832975/11554?ref=adamandlinds.com) on the editing pair -- skip it on a pair you mainly wear outside | | Photochromic lenses | Situational | Useful if you want one pair that doubles as sunglasses, pricier and slower to clear | | Premium thin lenses | Strong Rx only | If your prescription is mild, standard lenses are fine and lighter on the wallet | For a kid's first distance pair I am keeping it simple: standard lenses, anti-reflective coating, durable frame. No need to load a first pair with upgrades when we do not yet know how she treats them. ## The honest downsides I am not going to pretend ordering glasses online is flawless, because it is not. You cannot try frames on your actual face before they arrive, so the first order of a new shape is always a small gamble on whether it suits you. The shipping takes time, which matters more for us than for most people because we are a moving target and have to route deliveries through family in the States. And if a prescription is complex, progressives or a strong astigmatism, the stakes of getting the measurements exactly right go up. None of this has been enough to send me back to a shop. The frames-do-not-fit risk is real but cheap to absorb at these prices, the shipping delay is solvable with planning, and the complex-prescription concern does not apply to a straightforward distance lens like Lily's. For our family, the model has worked through thirteen years and twenty-something countries, and it is about to work for a second generation. ## How to actually save on the first order If you are ordering from Zenni for the first time, sign up for their email list before you check out. New subscribers get [30% off frames on orders over $30](https://zenni.pxf.io/c/6317027/2169046/11554?ref=adamandlinds.com), which on a budget cart is a meaningful chunk off a number that was already low. Stack that against frames that start under ten dollars and a first complete pair can land in single digits before lenses. When you are ready, you can [start browsing Zenni here](https://zenni.pxf.io/c/6317027/2534505/11554?ref=adamandlinds.com). Get the exam, get your PD, pick something louder than you would normally pick, and see how it feels to spend less on glasses than on dinner. ## FAQ ### Do I need anything special to order prescription glasses online? Two things: a current prescription and your pupillary distance (PD) in millimeters. Get a proper eye exam first, ask them to measure your PD, and you can order from anywhere after that. ### How cheap can Zenni glasses actually be? Complete single-vision pairs start at $6.95\. Most of what we order lands between $20 and $40 once we add anti-reflective coating and the occasional upgrade. ### Is buying glasses online a good idea for kids? For a straightforward first distance pair, yes -- especially because kids destroy their first glasses, so cheap pairs mean you can buy a spare. Always get the child's eyes examined by a professional first. ### What lens add-ons are worth paying for? Anti-reflective coating on nearly every pair, and blue light filtering on a screen-heavy pair. Photochromic and premium thin lenses are situational. ### If you liked this, read these next [The WAYB Pico car seat that actually fits in our luggage](https://adamandlinds.com/the-wayb-pico-car-seat-a-game-changer-for-family-travel-our-honest-review/) [What full-time family travel actually costs, with real numbers](https://adamandlinds.com/cost-of-full-time-family-travel-real-numbers-2/) [Why we put an AirTag in everything we own](https://adamandlinds.com/apple-airtag-4-pack-sale-luggage-tracking-travel/) [What it costs a family of five to live in Da Nang](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/) [Traveling full-time with ADHD, a dad's honest take](https://adamandlinds.com/traveling-with-adhd/) --- This post contains Zenni affiliate links. If you order glasses through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We have personally bought from Zenni for over a decade and only recommend things we actually use. ### Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU: The Onsen Ryokan Worth the Splurge URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/hakone-kowakien-tenyu-klook/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:25.000Z There are ryokans you book because they fit the budget, and there are ryokans you bookmark for years and finally pull the trigger on. Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU is the second kind. We first saw it while planning our November 2023 trip to Hakone, watched it cross the $400-per-night line and moved on, and kept coming back to it. If you are planning a Hakone stay and want the full onsen experience with Mount Fuji in the distance and your own open-air bath, this is the one. ### Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU on Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to save at checkout. Rates start from around $318 per night depending on room type and dates. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F428894-hakone-kowakien-tenyu%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/Crowds-gathering-near-a-sightseeing-pirate-ship-on-Lake-Ashi-with-Mount-Fuji-in-the-background-at-Fuji-Hakone-Izu-National-Park-in-Hakone-Japan-November-20-2023.png) Our first trip to Hakone in November 2023\. That view of Fuji across Lake Ashi is the whole reason people make the trip. ## What Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU actually is TEN-YU is the premium wing of the Hakone Kowakien resort complex in Ninotaira, a forested area about midway between Hakone-Yumoto station and Lake Ashi. The larger Kowakien complex has been around since the 1920s, but TEN-YU is the high-end tier: every room includes either an open-air onsen bath on your own private terrace, or an indoor/outdoor combination. It is a 5-star property by Klook's rating, and it earns that rating through what it delivers in-room, not through flashy lobbies or resort-style amenities. The address is 1297 Ninotaira, which puts it about 15 minutes by car or bus from Hakone-Yumoto and about 20 minutes from Gora. It is not in a convenient walking-distance location, but that is by design. The whole point of this kind of stay is to arrive, change into your yukata, and not leave until checkout. ![Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU exterior view with forested hills](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/w_375%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/v1755074052/hotel/gky3t0kixxqxx2qdz6ot.webp) Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU, set in the forested hills of Ninotaira in central Hakone. ## Room types and pricing TEN-YU has a specific room lineup and the naming on Klook can be a little confusing because the same base room type appears at slightly different price points depending on what meal inclusions are bundled. Here is how the rooms break down based on current Klook listings: | Room type | From (per night) | Notes | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | [Superior Room with Open-Air Onsen Bath](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F428894-hakone-kowakien-tenyu%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | \~$318 | Breakfast plan; futons for 3+ guests | | [Superior Room with Open-Air Bath](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F428894-hakone-kowakien-tenyu%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | \~$348 | Western-style beds or Japanese-style available | | [Japanese-style Room with Open-Air Bath](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F428894-hakone-kowakien-tenyu%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | \~$364 | Futon sleeping, non-smoking | | [Japanese-style with Open-Air Bath, 2 Beds](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F428894-hakone-kowakien-tenyu%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | \~$364 | Combines tatami aesthetic with beds | | [Superior Room, Open-Air Bath, Breakfast Included](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F428894-hakone-kowakien-tenyu%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | \~$370 | Breakfast explicitly bundled | The price spread across these rooms is not enormous. At this property, the meaningful distinction is between the Superior rooms (slightly more Western in feel, with beds as the default) and the Japanese-style rooms (futons, tatami, the full ryokan experience). Both include an open-air bath on the terrace. If it is your first dedicated onsen ryokan stay and you want the complete picture, the Japanese-style room is worth the slight premium. ![Interior of a Superior Room at Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU with open-air onsen bath on terrace](https://res.klook.com/klook-hotel/image/upload/w_375%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/s10akd/1mc5q12000cevl3sl456E.webp) A Superior Room at TEN-YU, with the private open-air onsen bath accessible from the room's terrace. ## What the open-air bath actually involves Every room at TEN-YU has a rotenburo, the Japanese term for an outdoor onsen bath, accessible directly from the room. You are not sharing a communal facility (though those exist too in the building). The water is genuine natural hot spring water drawn from Hakone's geothermal sources, which means it has the slightly mineral, sulfuric quality you expect from a proper Hakone onsen rather than the heated tap water you sometimes get at lower-tier properties. The setup varies slightly by room type: some have the bath on an outdoor wooden deck, some are partially enclosed. All are private to your room. If you have young kids along, this is a meaningful advantage over communal baths where the rules around children can be complex. You fill it, you use it, you drain it. The front desk can explain the process at check-in. ![Private outdoor onsen bath terrace at Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU](https://res.klook.com/klook-hotel/image/upload/w_375%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/s10akd/1mc7412000bam365817E5.webp) The private outdoor onsen bath terrace. Natural hot spring water, no communal scheduling required. ## Room facilities All rooms include the standard list for a property in this category: TV, heating, air conditioning, refrigerator, telephone, bathtub (in addition to the outdoor bath), toiletries, hairdryer, in-room safe, and complimentary bottled water. Turndown service is included. There is no surprises checklist here. The rooms are not large by Western luxury hotel standards, which is typical of high-end Japanese ryokan design, but they are carefully finished and the terrace bath is the point. ![Well-appointed room interior at Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU showing Japanese design elements](https://res.klook.com/klook-hotel/image/upload/w_375%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/s2pix8/hotelImages/1410571/801700273/08cd191ae29de8e733fcf8ed62d5f65f.webp) The room interiors balance Japanese aesthetic with the fixtures you expect at a 5-star property. ## Getting to TEN-YU from Tokyo Hakone is about 90 minutes from Shinjuku by the Romancecar express train, which runs directly to Hakone-Yumoto without transfers. We covered this route in detail in our [Hakone and Mount Fuji family guide](https://adamandlinds.com/mount-fuji-day-tours-tokyo-family-guide/) and it remains the best option for most travelers. From Hakone-Yumoto, TEN-YU is accessible by taxi or the Kowakien shuttle if available, or by the Hakone Tozan bus toward Kowakidani stop. It is not walking distance from the station. If you are building a broader Japan itinerary, the Klook Hakone Free Pass covers most transport in the Hakone area including the ropeway, boats on Lake Ashi, and buses, and can be combined with the Romancecar booking. Our full Hakone video below covers how we navigated the area with three kids in 2023\. [Watch Mt Fuji – Our First Time at Mt. Fuji (Hakone Free Pass and RomanceCar) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90R%5F9XxR7rI&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What Hakone itself offers around the property The Kowakien complex around TEN-YU includes Yunessun, a water park fed by real onsen water, which is a genuinely unusual combination and something that landed well with our kids on our November 2023 visit. You can also access the communal public baths in the complex if you want a larger soaking experience beyond the in-room bath. The surrounding Ninotaira area is forested and quiet, with walking paths through the hills. Lake Ashi, the most photographed spot in Hakone with Mount Fuji views, is about 20 minutes away. The Hakone Open Air Museum, which is excellent and genuinely works for all ages, is about 10 minutes from the property. Neither requires a car if you use the Hakone area buses or the ropeway. ![Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU property grounds with traditional Japanese garden landscaping](https://i.travelapi.com/hotels/17000000/16220000/16219300/16219270/12455c52_z.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=375&ra=fit) The TEN-YU grounds. The property has the forested, unhurried quality that makes Hakone a different kind of Japan trip from Tokyo. ## Is TEN-YU worth it for families with kids? This is the honest question for anyone reading this who travels the way we do. The $300-400 per night price point is real, and it puts this in splurge territory for most family travel budgets. Here is how we think about it: if you are in Japan for two weeks and you want one proper ryokan night, TEN-YU earns its place. The private onsen bath makes the experience accessible for families in a way that communal bath-only properties are not. The kids do not need to conform to onsen rules if you are using your own bath on the terrace. If you want a full kaiseki dinner and the ceremonial multi-course evening meal experience, verify what is included in your rate before booking. Some rates include breakfast only, and dinner can add considerably to the total. The breakfast-included rates on Klook are typically good value given what Japanese ryokan breakfasts involve. ![Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU traditional Japanese architecture and garden](https://cdn.jalan.jp/jalan/images/pict3L/Y7/Y396617/Y396617236.jpg) The architecture and garden design at TEN-YU are consistent with what you expect from a premium Hakone ryokan stay. ## Booking through Klook We book most Japan accommodation and activities through Klook because the pricing is competitive, the cancellation policies are clearly listed, and the booking process is simpler than dealing with Japanese hotel sites directly when you do not read Japanese. TEN-YU on Klook shows free cancellation before redemption on several room types, which gives you flexibility if plans change. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for savings on the booking. Rates vary by date, room type, and meal inclusion, so it is worth checking a few combinations before committing. ### Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU Private onsen bath in every room, 5-star rating, Hakone's Ninotaira district. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for savings. [Check rates on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F428894-hakone-kowakien-tenyu%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Frequently asked questions ### Does every room at Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU have a private onsen bath? Yes. Every room category at TEN-YU includes a private open-air onsen bath on the room's terrace. The water is genuine Hakone natural hot spring water. There are also communal facilities in the wider Kowakien complex, but the in-room bath is included regardless of which room type you book. ### What is the difference between the Superior Room and the Japanese-style room? The Superior rooms are more Western in style, typically with beds as the sleeping arrangement. The Japanese-style rooms use futon bedding on tatami flooring, which is the traditional ryokan experience. Both include a private open-air bath. The Japanese-style rooms are slightly pricier but offer a more authentic ryokan feel. ### How do you get to TEN-YU from Tokyo? Take the Romancecar express from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, about 90 minutes. From Hakone-Yumoto, TEN-YU is reachable by taxi (10 to 15 minutes) or the Hakone Tozan bus toward Kowakidani. The property is at 1297 Ninotaira in central Hakone. The Hakone Free Pass on Klook covers most local transport if you plan to explore the wider area. ### Is breakfast included at TEN-YU? It depends on the rate you book. Some room types on Klook explicitly include breakfast, others are room-only or specify a breakfast plan. Check the rate details before booking, as the breakfast-included rates are usually good value given the quality of a Japanese ryokan breakfast. ### Is Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU good for families with young children? Yes, particularly because the private in-room onsen bath removes communal bath complications that can arise with young kids. The nearby Yunessun water park in the Kowakien complex is also well-suited for families. --- ### Related reads [Mt Fuji and Hakone day trip guide from Tokyo](https://adamandlinds.com/mount-fuji-day-tours-tokyo-family-guide/) [Japan activities on Klook: what we actually book](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-japan-activities-guide/) [How to buy Shinkansen tickets on Klook](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-buy-shinkansen-tickets-klook-discount-code/) [Best eSIM for Japan: what we use after 13+ trips](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) [Klook Kansai pass: what is worth it](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-kansai/) --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook link we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK may save you money at checkout. ### Tokyo Mount Fuji Full-Day Private Tour Review: Worth It for Families & Our Klook Code URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/tokyo-mount-fuji-private-guided-tour-klook/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:26.000Z A private day trip from Tokyo to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi is the kind of activity that splits travelers cleanly down the middle. One half balks at the price (this one currently lists at $417.05 for the vehicle, not per person) and would rather take the train. The other half realizes that for a group or family, $417 split four or five ways is roughly the same per-head cost as a group bus tour, only you get a driver-guide, you skip the 9-stop bus itinerary, and you can pull over wherever the cherry blossoms or the pagoda view is best that morning. We've done Mount Fuji five different ways over our 13 trips to Japan, from the public Hakone Free Pass route to the Klook group buses to a private car like this one. The private guided tour is the one we recommend for multi-generational trips, families with under-fives, and anyone whose Fuji weather window is one day and one day only. Here's the full breakdown of the Ebadah Group's Tokyo Mount Fuji Full-Day Private Guided Tour on Klook, what it includes, what it leaves out, and how to book it with our discount code. ![Mount Fuji rising above Lake Kawaguchi on a clear morning](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/c_crop%2Ch_1875%2Cw_3000%2Cx_0%2Cy_1063%2Cz_0.1/w_1265%2Ch_791%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/w_80%2Cx_15%2Cy_15%2Cg_south_west%2Cl_Klook_water_br_trans_yhcmh3/activities/bnfywoi1tztoxedrc3hn.webp) The classic Lake Kawaguchi view. Clear-Fuji mornings are the whole point of going early. ## What the Tokyo Mount Fuji private tour actually includes The tour is a full-day, door-to-door private vehicle with a professional driver-guide. Pickup is from your Tokyo hotel (or the agreed-on meeting point if you're outside the central wards), and the price covers the vehicle for up to a small group, typically four to seven people depending on the car. That's the part most travelers miss: the $417.05 listing is the total tour cost, not a per-person rate, which transforms the value equation completely once you have more than two people. The Ebadah Group runs the operation. Guides work in English, Japanese, or Hindi (a useful detail for Indian and Southeast Asian families, since most Tokyo private tours are English-only or premium add-on Mandarin). The itinerary is flexible. The standard route hits the Mount Fuji 5th Station weather permitting, Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai, the Chureito Pagoda for the postcard-pagoda-and-Fuji shot, and occasionally a stop at a UNESCO heritage shrine on the way back. If the 5th Station is closed (it usually is from late October through April), the route swaps in alternative viewpoints around Lake Kawaguchi and the Arakurayama Sengen Park area. | Detail | What you get | | --------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | Tour type | Full-day private vehicle with driver-guide | | Price | $417.05 total for the vehicle (not per person) | | Rating | 4.8 out of 5 across 112 reviews, 300+ booked | | Departure | Tokyo, Ashigarashimo, or Fujiyoshida pickup | | Guide languages | English, Japanese, Hindi | | Duration | Approximately 10 hours door-to-door | | Operator | Ebadah Group | | Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before tour date via Klook | ## The math on private vs group bus tours This is the calculation most travelers don't run before they book. The group bus tours to Mount Fuji from Tokyo run $90 to $130 per person depending on the season. For two adults, the bus wins easily. For our family of five, the bus would run between $450 and $650 for everyone, before factoring in that our youngest gets car-sick on long bus rides and our middle one needs a bathroom stop every 90 minutes that a 40-seat group coach is not going to make for her. At $417.05 total for the private vehicle, the per-head cost for a family of four is $104.26 each. For five, it's $83.41\. For three adults plus a child, you're looking at roughly $139 per adult, which is in the same ballpark as the premium bus tickets but with the door-to-door pickup, the flexible stops, and the option to leave the Chureito Pagoda climb when the toddler hits her wall instead of waiting for the group bus to call last passengers. If you're traveling as a couple, the math doesn't pencil out and the [group bus options we cover in our Mount Fuji day tours guide](https://adamandlinds.com/mount-fuji-day-tours-tokyo-family-guide/)are the better pick. If you're three or more, this one starts winning quickly. ![Chureito Pagoda with cherry blossoms framing Mount Fuji in the background](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/w_750%2Ch_469%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/w_80%2Cx_15%2Cy_15%2Cg_south_west%2Cl_Klook_water_br_trans_yhcmh3/activities/xd35brervrrclwhgcajt.webp) Chureito Pagoda. There are 398 steps. We have climbed all of them. It is worth it. ## How to save with our Klook code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK ### Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for discounts on the Tokyo Mount Fuji private tour and most other Klook activities sitewide. [Book the Mt Fuji Private Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/168992-lake-kawaguchi-mount-fuji-one-day-historical-unesco-site-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The discount stacks with whatever sale price is showing on the listing. On a $417 booking, the savings are real money, enough to cover the bento lunches we always end up buying at the Lake Kawaguchi convenience store on the way back. ## What a typical day looks like The driver-guide picks you up at your Tokyo hotel between 7 and 8 am, depending on traffic and the time of year you're booking. From central Tokyo, the drive to the Mount Fuji area is roughly two hours each way without traffic, three with traffic on a sunny weekend, which is most of them. The standard route, when Fuji is cooperating, goes Tokyo to Mount Fuji 5th Station, down to Lake Kawaguchi for the postcard view and lunch, across to Oshino Hakkai (the eight clear-water springs village that looks like an Edo-period film set), up to the Chureito Pagoda for the iconic five-story-pagoda-with-Fuji shot, and back to Tokyo. The driver routes around the traffic in real time, which a bus tour cannot do, and the order of stops shifts based on light, crowds, and your group's energy. Our two best Fuji photos came from a private tour where the guide drove us 15 minutes off the standard route because the morning light was hitting a particular farmers' field view he liked. Lunch is not included in the tour price. Most drivers will recommend either a houtou noodle restaurant in Kawaguchiko (the local thick-noodle hot pot the area is famous for) or a quicker option at a convenience store. Both are good. The houtou places run $15 to $20 per person and the wait can be 30 minutes at peak. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/Crowds-gathering-near-a-sightseeing-pirate-ship-on-Lake-Ashi-with-Mount-Fuji-in-the-background-at-Fuji-Hakone-Izu-National-Park-in-Hakone-Japan-November-20-2023-1.png) Our 2023 Fuji day from the Hakone side. The private-tour version skips this crowd and heads to Kawaguchi instead. ### When Mount Fuji actually shows up Mount Fuji is famously shy. Even on clear days in Tokyo, the mountain is often shrouded in cloud by late morning. The best visibility windows, in order: - November through February: the clearest, coldest Fuji months -- dry winter air, snow-capped peak, often visible the entire day - Early morning year-round: 7 to 10am is the most reliable visibility window even in summer - April cherry blossom season: the Chureito Pagoda + Fuji + sakura shot is the most photographed moment of the Japanese calendar, but visibility is hit or miss - July and August: the official climbing season, but also the cloudiest and most humid -- Fuji often hides by 9am \* Check the forecast the night before and plan your departure time around the morning window. The private tour's biggest advantage on Fuji weather is the early start. A 7 am pickup means you can be at the 5th Station or the Chureito Pagoda before 10, which is the highest-probability viewing window. If you're booking for cherry blossom season specifically, see our [Japan cherry blossom 2026 guide](https://adamandlinds.com/japan-cherry-blossom-2026-holafly-esim-adamandlinds/)for the bloom forecast and how it overlaps with Fuji weather. [Watch Mt Fuji – Our First Time at Mt. Fuji (Hakone Free Pass & RomanceCar) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90R%5F9XxR7rI&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How this private tour compares to other Mt Fuji day trips from Tokyo There are roughly four ways to do Fuji from Tokyo as a day trip, and we've done all of them: | Option | Cost per family of 4 | Best for | | --------------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | Private tour (this listing) | $417 total | Families, groups of 3+, multi-generational trips | | Group bus tour from Tokyo | $400 to $520 | Couples, solo travelers, budget | | Hakone Free Pass + train | $240 to $320 | Independent travelers wanting Hakone too | | Self-drive rental car | $200 to $350 | Travelers comfortable driving in Japan | The group bus is roughly the same total cost for our family size, but trades flexibility and pickup convenience for a fixed itinerary. The Hakone Free Pass is cheaper but skips Kawaguchi (different region) and requires you to handle the trains yourselves. Self-driving is the cheapest if you're confident, but Japanese roads, English-only GPS settings, and the Tokyo traffic are real friction points for first-time visitors. ## What to bring and what to skip The Mount Fuji area sits at altitude and runs significantly colder than Tokyo, especially in shoulder seasons. We learned this the painful way on a November trip when our Tokyo-weather light jackets were not nearly enough at the 5th Station observation deck. Pack layers. A windbreaker, a fleece, and a hat will save you, even in April and October. If you're going to climb the 398 steps to the Chureito Pagoda viewpoint (and you should), wear comfortable shoes. Flip-flops will not work. Strollers will not work. We carried our youngest in a soft carrier and even that was a workout. The view at the top is worth every step but go up before the lunch crowd, around 9 to 11 am. Cash is helpful. Most shops and restaurants in Oshino Hakkai and the Kawaguchi area take cards now, but some small vendors at the Chureito Pagoda parking area and the convenience store ATMs around Fuji-Q Highland still favor yen. Bring 5,000 to 10,000 yen in cash per person for the day. ![Oshino Hakkai traditional thatched-roof village near Mount Fuji](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/w_750%2Ch_469%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/w_80%2Cx_15%2Cy_15%2Cg_south_west%2Cl_Klook_water_br_trans_yhcmh3/activities/fzevc2mcotk9iinvbynh.webp) Oshino Hakkai village. Thatched roofs, clear-water springs, and an Edo-period feel. ## Booking tips after 13 trips to Japan Book at least 7 to 10 days ahead for any private Fuji tour, longer for cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) and Golden Week (late April to early May). The private vehicles are limited and the Ebadah Group operates a small fleet. The 4.8 rating with 112 reviews is high enough to trust but small enough that demand outstrips supply on peak weekends. If you book and the weather forecast goes south the day before, you have one of two moves. Klook's free cancellation up to 24 hours out means you can cancel and rebook for another day if your itinerary has flex. Or you can roll the dice. Japan's mountain weather changes by the hour, and we've had tours that started in fog and cleared by 11 am into one of the best Fuji days we've ever seen. The driver-guide is your best resource here. They're tracking the cameras at the 5th Station in real time and will pivot the itinerary if needed. One thing we'd skip: the optional add-ons offered by some private operators (helicopter tours, premium lunches, traditional ryokan stops). They sound great in the listing but the regular itinerary is already a full day, and the add-ons can push the return to Tokyo past 9 pm. With kids, especially after a 7 am pickup and 398 pagoda steps, you want to be back at the hotel by 6:30 or 7 for dinner and bed. ## Pair it with the rest of your Tokyo week A Fuji day trip is best on day 2 or 3 of a Tokyo stay, after you've adjusted to the time zone but before you've burned out on travel logistics. Here's the Tokyo lineup we'd build around it: [All the things we book in Tokyo through Klook](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-tokyo-klook-guide/) [TeamLab Borderless vs Planets comparison](https://adamandlinds.com/teamlab-borderless-vs-planets-tokyo-klook-discount/) [Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Klook tickets](https://adamandlinds.com/tokyo-disneyland-disneysea-discount-tickets-klook-promo-code/) [Best things to do in Tokyo 2026](https://adamandlinds.com/best-things-to-do-in-tokyo-2026-activities-tickets-discount-codes/) [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/) ### One more thing: get an eSIM before you go The Lake Kawaguchi area has reliable cell coverage, but the 5th Station, the back roads near Oshino Hakkai, and the Chureito Pagoda parking lot all have dead zones. Our Holafly Japan eSIM runs on KDDI's network, which we've found is the most reliable carrier in the Fuji area. We bought ours before the flight and activated it on landing at Narita. [Read our Japan eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) ## Frequently asked questions about the Tokyo Mount Fuji private tour ### Is the $417.05 per person or for the whole vehicle? The listing price is for the entire vehicle, not per person. For groups of 3 or more, this changes the value equation significantly compared to per-person bus tours. The vehicle accommodates four to seven people depending on the car assigned. ### Will we actually see Mount Fuji? Visibility depends on weather, which is famously unpredictable. November through February has the highest probability of clear views. Summer (July to August) is the cloudiest. Early-morning starts increase your chances regardless of season. The driver-guide adjusts the route based on real-time visibility from cameras at the 5th Station. ### Is lunch included in the tour price? No. Lunch is paid separately. The guide will recommend local options, typically houtou noodles in Kawaguchiko ($15 to $20 per person) or a faster convenience-store stop. Bring 5,000 to 10,000 yen in cash per person for food and incidentals. ### Can the tour pick up from outside central Tokyo? Pickup is available from Tokyo, Ashigarashimo, or Fujiyoshida. Tokyo hotel pickup is included in the standard price. Pickups from outside these zones may incur an additional fee, which the operator confirms after booking. ### How long is the full day? Approximately 10 hours door-to-door, with a 7 to 8am pickup and a 5 to 6pm return to your Tokyo hotel. Traffic on weekends and during peak seasons can push the return later. The flexible itinerary means the timing adjusts to your group's pace. ### Does the ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK code work on this tour? Yes. The code stacks on top of any current Klook sale price for this tour and most other Klook activities. Apply it at checkout. The older code ADAMANDLINDS no longer works on Klook -- use ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK going forward. ### Is this suitable for young kids? Yes. The private vehicle is more flexible for toddlers and young children than group bus tours. You control the bathroom stops, the food breaks, and the pace. The Chureito Pagoda climb (398 steps) may require carrying smaller kids. Car seats are not automatically included -- request one when you book if needed. ### What happens if Mount Fuji is hidden by clouds? The tour runs regardless of visibility. The driver-guide adjusts the route to viewpoints with the best current conditions and can substitute alternative stops (Oshino Hakkai village, Lake Kawaguchi shoreline, local shrines) if the high-elevation areas are completely socked in. Klook's free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour gives you the option to reschedule if forecasts look bad. ## The bottom line For a family of three or more, the Tokyo Mount Fuji Full-Day Private Guided Tour is the most efficient way to see Fuji from Tokyo. The flat vehicle pricing of $417.05 puts the per-head cost at or below the major group bus tours once you have three or more travelers, and the door-to-door pickup, flexible itinerary, and real-time weather routing are worth the small price premium even when the math is close. Book through our Klook link with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout. For couples or solo travelers, take the bus or the train. For everyone else, this is the booking that gets you the best Fuji photo of your trip with the least friction. ### Ready to book the private Fuji tour? Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to save on this private guided tour and on any other Klook activity you add to your Tokyo itinerary. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F168992-lake-kawaguchi-mount-fuji-one-day-historical-unesco-site-tour%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### More Japan reading from our files [Mount Fuji day tours from Tokyo: family guide](https://adamandlinds.com/mount-fuji-day-tours-tokyo-family-guide/) [Things to do in Tokyo with Klook](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-tokyo-klook-guide/) [Best things to do in Tokyo 2026](https://adamandlinds.com/best-things-to-do-in-tokyo-2026-activities-tickets-discount-codes/) [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo complete guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/) [Best eSIM for Japan with discount code](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) [Japan cherry blossom 2026 guide](https://adamandlinds.com/japan-cherry-blossom-2026-holafly-esim-adamandlinds/) --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book the Tokyo Mount Fuji Full-Day Private Guided Tour or any other activity through our Klook links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you get a discount with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK. ### Asakusa Sumo Club Show with Chankonabe: Our Family Review and Klook Discount Code URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/asakusa-sumo-club-show-chankonabe-tokyo/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:27.000Z The Asakusa Sumo Club sits a short walk from Senso-ji, in the part of Tokyo where the streets still smell like grilled mochi and incense smoke. We booked the show with Chankonabe through Klook for our last reunion trip with Adam's parents, when we wanted one big night that the kids would remember and the grandparents wouldn't have to translate. Former pro sumo wrestlers in the ring, an all-you-can-eat hot pot dinner, a geisha dance opener, and a kids-versus-rikishi match at the end. It is loud, it is silly, it is genuinely impressive, and it is one of the few things in Tokyo where everyone at the table is paying attention at the same time. This is our family review of the experience, what's actually included, how to book it cheaper with the Klook code, and the answers to the questions we kept getting after we posted about it. ![Two sumo wrestlers grapple in the dohyo ring at Asakusa Sumo Club in Tokyo](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/w_1265%2Ch_791%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/w_80%2Cx_15%2Cy_15%2Cg_south_west%2Cl_Klook_water_br_trans_yhcmh3/activities/vjmbzlyaexubgvnqncoz.webp) The ring is closer than you expect. Front-row guests are an arm's length from the action. ## What you get at the Asakusa Sumo Club show This is not a museum tour with a snack at the end. It is a sit-down dinner inside a restaurant built around a regulation-size dohyo (the raised clay-and-sand sumo ring), with retired professional wrestlers performing live matches between courses. The bouts are real bouts. The wrestlers are real wrestlers, mostly recently retired pros from the Tokyo stables, and they do not phone it in. There is a live host who narrates in Japanese and English, walking the room through the rituals, the salt-throwing, the stare-down, why one wrestler slaps his own thighs, why the loser bows. The food comes out in waves throughout the show. The headliner is *chankonabe*, the protein-heavy chicken-and-vegetable hot pot that sumo wrestlers eat to put on weight. It arrives bubbling in a clay pot at your table and it is, frankly, delicious; we ordered seconds twice. The all-you-can-eat menu around it includes sushi, karaage chicken, tempura, edamame, rice, dessert, and unlimited soft drinks. Alcohol packages are an add-on and worth it if you want sake or Asahi, but you can also pay per drink at the table. The show opens with a short geisha dance, which our middle daughter Cora described as "like a real-life music box." Mid-show there is a "Sumo Challenge" where audience members, including kids, can climb into the ring and try a match against one of the wrestlers. Lily volunteered. She lost in about two seconds, which she expected, and got a polaroid out of it. At the end, the wrestlers come out for photos and hand out a small souvenir set. The whole thing runs around 100 minutes. ![Bubbling pot of chankonabe sumo hotpot at the Asakusa Sumo Club](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/w_750%2Ch_469%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/w_80%2Cx_15%2Cy_15%2Cg_south_west%2Cl_Klook_water_br_trans_yhcmh3/activities/ihdrnefqq8hgwgpr8eqc.webp) Chankonabe at the table. The sumo wrestler's diet, served bottomless. ## How much it costs and how to save with our Klook code The Asakusa Sumo Club listing on Klook is currently $100.75 per adult, with the standard admission-plus-chankonabe ticket including the show, the hot pot, and the all-you-can-eat side menu. Kids' tickets are discounted and infants under three are free. Add-on drink packages range from around $15 for unlimited soft drinks (already included in most ticket tiers, check the option you select) up to a premium sake-and-beer package. Our Klook discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** applies on top of whatever sale price is showing. It is a small percentage off, but on a $400+ booking for our family of five it adds up to enough for a round of taiyaki on the walk back to Senso-ji. The code works on most activities sitewide, not just this one, so it is worth saving in your phone for the rest of your Tokyo bookings. ### Klook Discount Code Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. Stacks with current Klook sale prices on most activities including the Asakusa Sumo Club show. [Book the Sumo Show on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F109994-asakusa-sumo-club-sumo-show-admission-chankonabe-tokyo%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | What's included | Details | | -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Live sumo show | Multiple matches by former pro wrestlers, live English/Japanese commentary | | Chankonabe hot pot | Chicken-based sumo stew, served at your table, refillable | | All-you-can-eat menu | Sushi, karaage, tempura, edamame, rice, dessert, soft drinks | | Geisha dance opener | Short traditional performance before the matches begin | | Sumo Challenge | Optional in-ring match for volunteers, kids welcome | | Photo and souvenir | Commemorative photo with the wrestlers, gift set at the end | | Duration | Approximately 100 minutes | ## Is it worth it for families with kids? Yes, with caveats. Our three are 11, 8, and 5, and all three were locked in the whole time. The five-year-old needed a snack break around minute 70 but otherwise nobody asked when it was going to end, which for a 100-minute sit-down show is a small miracle. The wrestlers are great with kids. The host called Lily and two other children up to throw salt into the ring, which is one of the pre-match purification rituals, and Cora was offered a high-five from one of the rikishi on his way back to the curtain. Harper, our youngest, mostly wanted to eat tempura and watch the geisha dancer. The room is set up in two seating tiers around the ring. The lower tier puts you basically at ring level, sitting on cushions on a raised platform, Japanese-style. The upper tier is regular chairs and tables. If you have toddlers or anyone with knees that don't bend the way they used to (we did this trip with Adam's parents Kim and Terry, who declined the floor cushions), book the chair seating. It is not advertised as a different ticket, but Klook lets you note your preference at checkout and the venue accommodates it when they can. [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget (Family of 5) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) The show is loud at times, with the slapping of thighs, the host's mic, and the crowd reacting to the bouts. Sensitive ears might want a quieter activity. There is no flash photography during matches but phone photos and short videos are fine, and the venue staff will often take a group shot for you when the wrestlers come out at the end. ## How to get there from Senso-ji and the Skytree The club is in the Asakusa district, in a basement venue a few minutes' walk from Asakusa Station on the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines. From Senso-ji's main gate (Kaminarimon), it is roughly a six-minute walk past the Nakamise shopping street and through a small side road. Klook sends the exact address and a map link with your booking confirmation, and the staff at the venue speak enough English to walk you through where to sit and what is happening. The Tokyo Skytree is one subway stop away on the Asakusa line and a 20-minute walk if you want to combine the show with sunset views beforehand. We have done it as a one-day combo with Senso-ji in the morning, Skytree at golden hour, and the 6 pm sumo show after, and it is a genuinely full Tokyo day. If you are staying in the area, the [Minn Asakusa Kappabashi apartments](https://adamandlinds.com/deluxe-apartment-minn-asakusa-kappabashi-tokyo-skytree-views/)are a 12-minute walk away and we have used them for two of our family reunion trips. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/AdamLindsLilyCoraHarper_Japan_Tokyo_SkyTree_CherryBlossom-March-23.png) The Skytree is one stop away. We pair it with the sumo show on family-reunion trips. ## Booking tips from 13 trips to Japan Time slots fill up. The Asakusa Sumo Club runs multiple shows a day but the 6 pm slot books out a week or two ahead during cherry blossom season and through the summer school holidays. We book it the day we lock in our Tokyo flights. Klook lets you cancel free up to 24 hours before the show, so there is no penalty for booking early and adjusting later. The all-you-can-eat menu is genuinely all-you-can-eat. We have seen Western tourists at neighboring tables fill up on the first wave and then realize the chankonabe pot is being refilled. Pace yourselves. The pot is the best thing in the room, alongside the karaage. Save room. If you are using the [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/) for your trip, this experience is not included in the pass. It is a standalone booking. The pass covers a lot of the other attractions you might pair with it (Skytree, Mori Building Digital Art Museum, observation decks), but the sumo show is its own thing. ![Former sumo wrestler poses for a photo with audience members at the end of the Asakusa Sumo Club show](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/w_750%2Ch_469%2Cc_fill%2Cq_85/w_80%2Cx_15%2Cy_15%2Cg_south_west%2Cl_Klook_water_br_trans_yhcmh3/activities/vgsjr6iauipvd9e5eheg.webp) Photos with the wrestlers at the end. Worth waiting in line for. ## What we would do differently We would book the upper-tier chair seating from the start if any grandparents are with us. The floor cushions are part of the experience but they are punishing for a 100-minute show if you are over 60\. We would also eat lighter in the afternoon. We made the mistake of getting taiyaki and ramen for lunch on Nakamise the first time, and were genuinely too full to enjoy the second round of chankonabe. One small thing: the photo with the wrestlers at the end has a small queue. If you have antsy kids, send one parent to line up early while the other handles the dessert course at the table. We learned this the hard way our first time. ### Other Tokyo activities we book through Klook Tokyo runs deep on Klook listings. The ones we have personally used and would recommend pairing with this one, or skipping in favor of, depending on your trip length: [TeamLab Borderless vs Planets -- our deep comparison after visiting both with the kids](https://adamandlinds.com/teamlab-borderless-vs-planets-tokyo-klook-discount/) [Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea tickets, with the same Klook code](https://adamandlinds.com/tokyo-disneyland-disneysea-discount-tickets-klook-promo-code/) [All the things we book in Tokyo through Klook](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-tokyo-klook-guide/) [Planning a multi-generational Tokyo family reunion -- the trip type this show is built for](https://adamandlinds.com/planning-the-perfect-multi-generational-tokyo-family-reunion/) [Watch 🇯🇵 ASAKUSA IN ONE DAY! Temples, Markets & Tokyo Skytree Views on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcMYxLUlRs&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Frequently asked questions about the Asakusa Sumo Club ### Are these real sumo wrestlers? Yes, they are former professional rikishi who competed in the Japan Sumo Association ranks before retiring. The matches are choreographed for time and safety, but the wrestling itself is real, and the techniques you see (yorikiri, oshidashi, the leg sweeps) are exactly what you would see at a Grand Sumo Tournament. ### Can vegetarians enjoy the meal? The standard chankonabe is chicken-based, but a vegetarian option is available if you request it at booking. The all-you-can-eat menu includes plenty of vegetable tempura, edamame, rice, and side dishes, so a vegetarian guest will not go hungry. Vegans should email the venue in advance. ### What ages is this best for? We have done it with kids aged 5, 8, and 9\. The five-year-old was at the lower edge of attention span -- under-fives might struggle with the 100-minute runtime. Older kids and teenagers tend to love it, especially the Sumo Challenge segment. ### Is there a dress code? No. Wear what you would to any Tokyo restaurant. The seating includes a floor-cushion option, so loose-fitting clothes are more comfortable if you go that route. Shoes are removed at the entrance for the lower-tier seating. ### How early should I book? For cherry blossom season (late March to early April), Golden Week (late April to early May), and the December holiday weeks, book at least two to three weeks in advance. Off-peak, a few days ahead is usually fine, but the 6pm slot tends to fill first. ### Does the Klook code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK work on this activity? Yes. The code stacks on top of any current Klook sale price for this booking and most other Klook activities. Apply it at checkout. The older code ADAMANDLINDS is expired on Klook -- use ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK going forward. ### Where exactly is the venue? It is in the Asakusa district, a six-minute walk from Senso-ji's Kaminarimon gate and about three minutes from Asakusa Station (Ginza Line, Asakusa Line). Klook sends the precise address and a map pin with your booking confirmation. The venue is in a basement so look for the signage at street level. ## The bottom line The Asakusa Sumo Club is one of the only Tokyo experiences we put on every family reunion itinerary. It is not the cheapest activity on the Klook Japan lineup, but the combination of a real cultural performance, a genuinely good meal, and an interactive moment for the kids is hard to match for the price. If you are bringing grandparents, kids, and skeptical teenagers all to one table for one night in Tokyo, this is the booking that gets all three to put their phones down. Book through our Klook link with the code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout. The savings are small per ticket, but the cumulative discount over a family Japan trip is not. ### Ready to book the sumo show? Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to save on the Asakusa Sumo Club show plus chankonabe, and on any other Klook activity you add to the cart. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F109994-asakusa-sumo-club-sumo-show-admission-chankonabe-tokyo%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### More from our Tokyo files [Things to do in Tokyo with Klook](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-tokyo-klook-guide/) [Klook Tokyo City Pass complete guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-tokyo-things-to-do-city-pass/) [Best things to do in Tokyo, with discount codes](https://adamandlinds.com/best-things-to-do-in-tokyo-2026-activities-tickets-discount-codes/) [Planning a multi-generational Tokyo family reunion](https://adamandlinds.com/planning-the-perfect-multi-generational-tokyo-family-reunion/) [Where we stay in Asakusa: Minn Kappabashi review](https://adamandlinds.com/deluxe-apartment-minn-asakusa-kappabashi-tokyo-skytree-views/) --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book the Asakusa Sumo Club Sumo Show with Chankonabe or any other activity through our Klook links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you get a discount with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK. ### Holafly Always On: The 1GB Fallback That Changes How We Travel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-always-on/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:28.000Z We've been running Holafly eSIMs across five phones and three kids' tablets for the better part of four years. In that time we've landed in 32 countries, and the thing that used to stress us out most wasn't flights or visas. It was the gap between touching down and getting online. That moment where maps don't load, the taxi app won't open, and you're squinting at a paper address you printed in a hotel three countries ago. [Holafly](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) fixed that for us a long time ago. But their latest feature, [Always On](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=always-on&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Falways-on%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), is the thing I wish had existed from day one. ![The Clarkson family out in Da Nang, Vietnam, January 2025](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-with-friends-on-a-night-out-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-January-11-2025.png) Da Nang, January 2025\. Where having data on arrival is non-negotiable. ## What is Holafly Always On? Always On is not a plan you buy. That's the first thing to understand. It comes included with every [Holafly](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) eSIM, destination eSIMs and [Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=inline-1&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)subscriptions alike, and it is active from the moment you install. That gives you 1GB of data per month across 150+ destinations, with no expiry date, for free. It runs in the background alongside whatever plan you are on, and it keeps going when a plan ends, whether you cancel or it lapses, so your eSIM never goes dark. The only condition is that your eSIM stays installed and gets used at least once every 12 months. That's it. Whether you are between plans, mid-trip on a destination eSIM, or have cancelled a $64.90 monthly subscription, you still have 1GB a month sitting there, quietly keeping you connected for border crossings, layovers, emergency navigation, or any of the dozen situations where having nothing is genuinely awful. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper jumping on the beach at My Khe Beach, Da Nang, Vietnam, April 2025](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-jumping-on-the-beach-at-My-Khe-Beach-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-April-21-2025.png) My Khe Beach, Da Nang. Getting data sorted before hitting the beach is always step one. ## Why this actually matters when you travel a lot Here's the scenario we've lived more times than I'd like to admit. You've been based somewhere for 60 days, the big Holafly plan you bought runs out, and your next flight isn't for two days. You don't need full connectivity for two days. You've got the apartment WiFi. But you're going out, you need Google Maps, and you have no local SIM. Before Always On, that meant buying a short plan you didn't really need, or spending part of a day hunting down a physical SIM in a language you don't speak. Always On fills that exact gap. It's the 1GB safety net that means you're never completely offline. It's not designed for streaming Netflix from a beach. That's what the [Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)is for. Always On is the thin layer of connectivity that covers you between plans, during layovers, crossing borders, or whenever you need just enough data to function like a grown adult in a foreign country. [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? | Code ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How Always On works in practice Because Always On is included from the moment you install a Holafly eSIM, there is nothing to switch on. It runs in the background on the eSIM you already have, and when a plan ends for any reason the 1GB simply carries on. You don't need to do anything, download anything, or call anyone. The 1GB renews every calendar month. It's active in 150+ destinations covering every continent travelers actually care about. And because it lives on the same eSIM you already installed, there's no QR code to scan, no activation step, no confusion. We've been through enough connectivity headaches to know this is real. The Japan trip where we landed at KIX at 11pm and the airport SIM vending machine was out of stock, the Vietnam border crossing where the new SIM we bought didn't activate for two hours. Always On would have solved all of them. A 1GB baseline that is simply always there is worth more than its data allowance suggests, because the value isn't in the gigabytes. It's in the absence of the gap. ![Adam and Lindsay at an airport bar before a flight, May 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-and-Linds-at-Airport-Bar-having-a-preflight-beer-May-22-1.png) Airport bars are better when you already have data sorted for the other side. ## Always On vs buying a short plan: the honest comparison | Situation | Without Always On | With Always On | | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | | Plan ends mid-trip | Buy a new short plan or go offline | Automatic 1GB kicks in | | Layover in a covered country | Airport WiFi or nothing | Data works, no action needed | | Cancelled your subscription | eSIM goes dark | Still 1GB/month, no expiry | | Emergency navigation abroad | Scramble for WiFi or buy data | Always On covers it | | Cost after cancellation | Pay for a new plan | Free | ## Holafly Plans pricing Always On is included with every [Holafly](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) product. Buy a [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=inline-3&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)or a destination eSIM for a specific trip. Either way, Always On is there from installation and keeps a 1GB monthly baseline running even after your primary eSIM or plan expires. The Plans tiers are: | Plan | Data | Price | Best For | | ------------------ | ---------- | ------------ | ------------------------------------- | | **Light Plan** | 25GB/month | $49.90/month | Moderate travel, occasional use | | **Unlimited Plan** | Unlimited | $64.90/month | Heavy users, digital nomads, families | Both plans cover 160+ destinations with a single eSIM installation, include hotspot, and cancel anytime. The Unlimited Plan is what we use. When you cross into a new country it just works. No swapping, no reactivating, no fiddling. That matters a lot when you have three kids and a 6am flight. ### Holafly Plans Up to 10% off annual Plans subscriptions. Stacked discounts apply. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [See Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What makes Always On different from everything else Every eSIM provider sells you data. The business model has always been: trip ends, data expires, you buy again. Always On breaks that loop. [Holafly](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) is positioning themselves as the world's first international mobile operator, not an eSIM vendor you shop once and forget. Always On is the clearest expression of that. It's the feature that makes the eSIM feel less like a prepaid card and more like a service that actually looks out for you. The 1GB isn't meant to replace your main plan. It's meant to make sure you're never in the position of standing in an unfamiliar arrivals hall with no way to call anyone. For us, that's been a real situation in Osaka, in Lapland, in Da Nang. [Always On](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=inline-4&subId3=always-on&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Falways-on%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)is the quiet fix for all of them. ![Adam and Lily on a reindeer sleigh ride through the forest in Rovaniemi, Finland, January 2026](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Close-up-of-a-reindeer-leading-a-sleigh-ride-with-Adam-and-Lily-through-the-forest-in-Rovaniemi-Finland-January-29-2026.png) Lapland, January 2026\. Deep forest, no WiFi, and exactly the kind of moment where a data backup matters. ## Who should get a Holafly Plans subscription The honest answer is: anyone who travels more than two or three times a year. Below that threshold, destination eSIMs (the fixed-day plans) still make sense. But once you're moving regularly, the math flips. You stop wanting to manage per-trip purchases, you start wanting something that's just there when you land. That's what Plans provides, and Always On is the feature that makes the subscription sticky in a way no fixed-term plan can be. For full-time travelers, long-term expats, and digital nomads, it's not really a question. You're spending more than $64.90 a month on eSIMs anyway, and none of them include a 1GB baseline that is simply always there. Always On does. [Watch Holafly Discount Code: ADAMANDLINDS | Save 5-10% on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK39DEReaSk&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Get Holafly Plans + Always On One eSIM. 160+ destinations. 1GB free every month, included with every eSIM from installation. Use code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout. [See Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=always-on&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Falways-on%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) FAQ ## Holafly Always On Is Always On free? Yes. Always On is included free with every Holafly eSIM and is available from the moment you install. You can't buy it separately, and it stays active even after a plan or eSIM expires. How many countries does Always On cover? Always On is active in 150+ destinations. Your main Holafly Plans subscription covers 160+ destinations, and the Always On baseline data is available across 150+ of them. Check the [Holafly site](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=faq&subId3=always-on&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Falways-on%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for the current destination list. How much data does Always On give you? 1GB per month. It renews automatically every month with no expiry date as long as your eSIM stays installed and is used at least once every 12 months. It's not designed for heavy use, think of it as a connectivity safety net. Do I need to do anything to activate Always On? No. Always On is active from the moment you install your eSIM, and it keeps running on its own when a plan ends. There's no QR code, no reactivation, no steps. Can I get Always On on a destination eSIM? Yes. Always On is included with every Holafly eSIM, destination eSIMs included. It's there from installation and keeps giving you 1GB/month across 150+ destinations even after the eSIM's main data expires. What is the best plan for getting Always On? Both the Light Plan ($49.90/month, 25GB) and the Unlimited Plan ($64.90/month) include Always On, as does every destination eSIM. If you travel frequently or use a hotspot for work, the Unlimited Plan is the better value. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. ### Ready to never be offline again? Get Holafly Plans and use code **ADAMANDLINDS** to save up to 10% on annual plans. [Start Your Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-always-on&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Related Reading [Our Holafly hub — all guides, codes, and reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) [Holafly Plans review: is the subscription worth it?](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) [Holafly promo code ADAMANDLINDS: how to save at checkout](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-promo/) [Best eSIM for Japan: what we actually use after 325 days there](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) [Best eSIM for China: setup, coverage and what you need to know](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/) [Our Holafly review: the good, the bad, and what surprised us](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/) This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and sometimes a discount for you too. We have an exclusive partnership with Holafly and use their Plans as our daily travel eSIM. All opinions are our own. ### Our Six-Year-Old Has Now Spent More of Her Life Abroad Than in America URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/harper-more-life-abroad-than-home/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:29.000Z Harper turned 6 last June at an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai. We did the cake, she fed an elephant called Lulu, and Lily and Cora taught her how to say happy birthday in Thai. It was a great day. What we didn't realize at the time, because we don't sit around with calculators on birthdays, is that Harper was about six months away from a milestone none of us were tracking. Sometime in early 2026, our youngest daughter quietly crossed the 50% line. She has now officially spent more of her life outside the United States than inside it. We only noticed because we were updating a spreadsheet for a sponsor and the math jumped off the page. ![Adam, Harper, and Lindsay in the car on the way to the airport, leaving America for full-time travel in May 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-Harper-and-Lindsay-in-a-car-on-the-way-to-airport-leaving-America-for-our-big-adventrue-May-2022.png) The car ride to the airport in May 2022\. Harper was almost 3\. We had no idea what we were doing. ## The Numbers as of April 25, 2026 We sold our house in Indianapolis and started traveling full-time in May 2022\. That means everyone in this family currently has 43 months on the road behind them. The kids and parents have been on essentially the same trips since day one because we travel together (the alternative being some kind of Home Alone scenario nobody is volunteering for). What changes the math, of course, is how long each of us had lived before May 2022\. Adam and Lindsay had decades of stateside life banked. The kids did not. | Family Member | Age (months) | Months Abroad | % of Life Outside the US | | ------------- | ------------ | ------------- | ------------------------ | | Adam | 530 | 43 | 8.30% | | Lindsay | 482 | 43 | 8.92% | | Lillian | 127 | 42 | 33.07% | | Cora | 109 | 42 | 38.53% | | **Harper** | **82** | **42** | **51.22%** | Harper is the headline. Half her life and a small change. But honestly, the more interesting story is what happens when you read the percentages from oldest to youngest. Adam: 8%. Lindsay: 9%. Lily: 33%. Cora: 39%. Harper: 51%. Each of our daughters has spent a meaningfully larger share of her life abroad than the sister who came before her, simply because of when she was born relative to the day we left. The youngest you are in this family, the more international your childhood is, by default. ## What "Home" Means to a Six-Year-Old Who Hasn't Lived in One Lily has clear memories of our old house in Indianapolis. She had a bedroom there. She had a school. She had friends she still messages on her tablet. When she says "home," she sometimes means the country, sometimes means us, sometimes means a specific kitchen we sold the contents of in 2022\. Cora's memory of Indiana is fuzzier and mostly built from photos and Lily's stories. She'll occasionally claim she remembers something none of us think she could possibly remember, and we'll just nod, because what are we going to do, gaslight a 9-year-old about her own childhood. Harper has nothing. She was 2 years and 10 months old when we got on the Queen Mary 2 in New York and crossed the Atlantic. She doesn't remember the house. She doesn't remember Indianapolis. The earliest concrete memory she's described to us, unprompted, is the apartment in Lucca, Italy, where we spent her third birthday and she was given a hand-sewn doll by our Airbnb host. That's her zero point. That's her version of "where I'm from." ![Harper with the doll she got from her Airbnb host for her third birthday in Lucca, Italy, June 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-with-her-doll-she-got-from-airbnb-host-for-her-birthday-in-Lucca-Italy-June-2022.png) Harper, age 3, with the Lucca doll. As far as her memory is concerned, this is the beginning. ## Where Those 42 Months Have Actually Been People sometimes assume "full-time travel" means we change countries every few weeks. We don't, mostly. We move slow. We spent three months in Playa del Carmen, four months in Chiang Mai, six months in Da Nang. Long, lived-in stretches in places, with shorter trips bolted on either side. Here is roughly where Harper has accumulated her 42 months: - **Japan**: more than seven months total across multiple trips. Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Yokohama, Hakone, Nara. This is also our favorite country, so the math is not an accident. - **Vietnam**: about nine months, almost all of it in Da Nang and the surrounding area. - **Thailand**: roughly six months, mostly Chiang Mai, with stops in Bangkok. - **Mexico**: three months in Playa del Carmen. - **Europe**: a long, twisting ten months across the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Czechia, Austria, Hungary, Greece, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Albania. - **Other**: Korea, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, mainland China, plus a Saudi Arabian airport and one transatlantic ocean crossing. If you watch our YouTube channel you've already seen most of these. The full sold-everything-and-left video is here: ## What This Actually Looks Like in Practice The percentages tell a clean story. The day-to-day is messier and more interesting. Harper is the kid who confidently orders her own food in Japanese, says itadakimasu before she eats, and uses chopsticks better than her American grandparents. She also doesn't really know how a school cafeteria works. She has been in a school building for a tour and that's about it. Her concept of "school" is that mom or dad sits down with her at a kitchen table somewhere and they do worksheets, and then on Tuesday a kid named Otis joins on a video call from Lisbon and they do science together. She thinks every neighborhood has a 7-Eleven that sells excellent custard buns, because that has been true in roughly half the places she has lived. She is genuinely confused when there isn't one. Indianapolis, in particular, was a disappointment. She thinks long-haul flights are normal. The 13-hour to Tokyo doesn't faze her in the slightest. She thinks ten different currencies in a wallet is normal. She thinks it's normal to be the only blonde kid on a beach. ![Harper, Lily, and Cora playing on the beach in Boracay, Philippines in September 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Lily--and-Cora-playing-on-the-beach-in-Boracay-Phillipenes-Sept-2023.png) Boracay, September 2023\. Harper was 4\. The water was the warmest any of us had ever felt. She also thinks Lapland in January is just what winter is. Not "winter on a once-in-a-lifetime trip." Just winter. Last January we did five days in Rovaniemi, the Finnish town that markets itself as Santa's official home, and Harper met Santa, fed reindeer, rode a sleigh through the forest at minus eighteen degrees, and then asked, casually, in the car back to the hotel, when we'd be doing the next reindeer sleigh ride. ![Harper, Cora, and Lily meeting a reindeer in Rovaniemi, Finland on January 29, 2026](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Cora--and-Lily-meeting-a-reindeer-in-Rovaniemi-Finland-January-29-2026.png) Rovaniemi, January 2026\. Reindeer are not a special occasion if you're 6. ## The Sister Effect The thing that genuinely surprises us, looking at the numbers, is the gradient between sisters. Lillian had 7 years of Indianapolis before we left. By 10, she's at 33% abroad. Cora had 5 years stateside; she's at 39%. Harper had under 3 years; she's at 51%. Same trips. Same parents. Same dinner table on most nights for the last three and a half years. And yet they are accumulating, statistically, three pretty different childhoods. Lillian's center of gravity is still American. Her early friendships, her first school, her concept of "neighborhood" all trace back to one house on one street. Cora's is mixed; she remembers Indianapolis but she also remembers Tokyo and Hoi An with similar resolution and emotional weight. Harper's is global and primarily Asian, because Asia is where the bulk of her actual lived life has happened. We can already tell this will shape how each of them thinks about identity in their teens and beyond. Lily is more likely to call herself American who travels. Harper, we think, will end up calling herself a kid who lived in Vietnam and Japan and happens to have a US passport. ## What We Actually Worry About (And What We Don't) People ask us about this a lot, so we'll just say it out loud. We don't worry about culture. The girls have absorbed more about Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, German, Italian, and Filipino daily life through immersion than we ever could have given them through a textbook in Indiana. They eat foods most American kids haven't heard of, navigate transit systems most American adults find intimidating, and know that the way things are done in their country isn't the way things are done. That's a gift. We don't worry about education. The kids are reading above grade level, doing math at a normal pace, writing well, and learning history by walking through it. We use a mix of Outschool live classes, structured curriculum, and worldschool popup hubs where they meet other traveling kids in person. What we do think about, occasionally, is rootedness. The thing we want to make sure they have, especially Harper, is a sense that "home" is something you carry rather than something you go back to. That the five of us are the home. That a house is a place we stay for a while, not a place we belong to. So far, knock wood, that's working. Harper will tell anyone who asks that home is wherever Mom and Dad and Lily and Cora are. She doesn't say this because she's been coached. She says it because it's the only definition of home that has ever applied to her life. ![Adam, Lily, Cora, Harper, and Lindsay making goofy faces during a family selfie at Ikuta Ryokuchi Park in Kawasaki, Japan, November 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lily--Cora--Harper--and-Lindsay-making-goofy-faces-during-a-family-selfie-at-Ikuta-Ryokuchi-Park-in-Kawasaki-Japan-November-3-2023.png) Kawasaki, November 2023\. The five of us. This is what Harper calls home. ## Where We Are Right Now As of this writing we are based in Da Nang, Vietnam, which Harper considers, at this point, basically a second hometown. We've spent so much time on My Khe Beach that the cafe owners know our usual order and the girls have local friends they've maintained across multiple visits. In a few months we have a transatlantic cruise booked back to the US and a week with Lindsay's family at Disney World. Harper is asking why we have to fly so far for what she calls "the small Disney." Her version of normal is going to keep diverging from the American version, and we're at peace with that. Last week she asked us if New York was in Japan, and we had to gently explain that no, but only barely, and then we made dinner. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long have you been traveling full-time as a family? We sold our house in Indianapolis in May 2022 and have been traveling full-time ever since. As of April 25, 2026, that's 43 months on the road and counting. ### How many countries has your youngest child been to? By age 6, Harper has lived in or visited more than 30 countries, including extended stays in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, and across Europe. She has now spent more than 50% of her life outside the United States. ### How do you handle education while traveling full-time with kids? We worldschool. That means a combination of structured curriculum at home, live online classes through Outschool, in-person worldschool popup hubs where the kids meet other traveling families, and a lot of learning by doing in the place we're actually in. ### Do you ever miss having a home base? Sometimes. We talk about it. But when we picture going back, we don't picture being happier, we picture being bored. Right now the five of us are the home base, and that's working. ### Where are you based right now? Da Nang, Vietnam, with a long Japan stint behind us and a transatlantic cruise back to the US coming up later in the year. ### If you liked this, read these next [The real cost of full-time family travel: our actual numbers](https://adamandlinds.com/cost-of-full-time-family-travel-real-numbers-2/) [Leaving Osaka: how a family of five moves across Asia with ten checked bags](https://adamandlinds.com/leaving-osaka-after-three-months-how-a-family-of-five-moves-across-asia-with-ten-checked-bags/) [Da Nang cost of living for a family of five](https://adamandlinds.com/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/) [When Harper broke her arm in Vienna: the real story of using SafetyWing abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/safetywing-saved-us-harper-broke-arm-vienna-real-story/) [Cherry blossom season in Osaka with three kids](https://adamandlinds.com/cherry-blossom-season-osaka-japan-family-guide/) --- This post does not contain any affiliate links, and that's by design. It's just our family's actual numbers, written down. If you want to see how we make full-time travel work financially, the resources we use, and the brands we recommend, check out our Affiliate Disclosure page for the full list of partners we work with. ### Chimelong Guangzhou and Zhuhai: Our Family Trip Planning Guide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:30.000Z Guangzhou has been on our list for a while. When we were in Hong Kong in early 2025, we kept hearing about the Chimelong resorts from other families -- the kind of thing where three separate people tell you the same attraction and you start thinking you really should have already been there. So this summer, we're going. Here's how we're planning it, what we've booked so far, and what we think is actually worth the journey if you're a family of five trying to squeeze real fun out of southern China without losing your mind on logistics. A note upfront: we haven't done this trip yet. This is our planning article -- the research, the bookings we're eyeing, the Klook deals we've mapped out. We'll update it once we've actually dragged three kids through the Chimelong Spaceship and lived to tell the tale. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on Klook to save money on tickets. ![The Clarkson family at Hong Kong Disneyland, February 2025](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-in-front-of-Hong-Kong-Disneyland-in-Hong-Kong-China-February-12-2025.png) Our February 2025 HK trip -- Guangzhou and Zhuhai are next on the China list ## Why We're Planning Chimelong This Summer We spent two weeks in Hong Kong in February 2025 and the whole time, Guangzhou was sitting right there -- a 50-minute high-speed train ride across the border. We didn't make it then because we were deep into Hong Kong mode and the girls had hit their theme park saturation point after Disneyland. That won't stop us this time. Chimelong operates what might be the most ambitious resort cluster in Asia, and the version of us that just watched the Spaceship Park promotional video cannot believe we passed on this. Guangzhou is also an easy base for Zhuhai (an hour south by train), which is where two of the newer Chimelong properties are located. If you're planning this trip, understand that "Chimelong Guangzhou" and "Chimelong Zhuhai" are different destinations -- the original parks (Paradise, Safari Park, International Circus) are in Guangzhou, while the Spaceship and Ocean resorts are at the Hengqin development in Zhuhai. We're planning to hit both. ## The Chimelong Properties: What's Actually There Chimelong Group runs an empire across Guangdong province. Here's how we're thinking about each property and which ones made our shortlist. ### Chimelong Paradise (Guangzhou) This is the original -- a massive traditional amusement park in Panyu district that's been running since 2006 and still pulls huge crowds. The headline ride is the Behemoth Box, supposedly one of the tallest and fastest coasters in the world, which is either very exciting or very alarming depending on which of our kids you ask. Lily (13) is entirely for it. Cora (10) is tentative. Harper (7) will probably claim she wants to go and then change her mind at the gate, which is her signature move. We're booking this through Klook -- use **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. ### Chimelong Safari Park (Guangzhou) This is the one Linds is most excited about. It's a massive open-air wildlife park -- you ride through in a tram watching giraffes, white rhinos, elephants, and lions doing their thing at closer range than feels entirely appropriate. There are also walking zones and animal shows. For families with kids who've done a lot of theme parks and want something a bit more grounded in the actual world, this hits differently. Reviews consistently rate it as one of the best safari experiences in Asia, and that's a category where Asia doesn't mess around. ### Chimelong Spaceship Park (Zhuhai) -- Our Top Pick This is the one. Chimelong Spaceship opened in Hengqin as an entirely indoor theme park -- 400,000 square metres under one roof, which means it doesn't matter whether it's raining or 38°C outside. For a family traveling with kids in summer, that detail alone justifies the trip. The park runs on a space exploration narrative with over 30 rides and experiences across two floors, plus a full marine section with killer whales and 150,000 marine creatures. ![Chimelong Spaceship Park interior](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/lkaudvemqijpd0jilzjt.jpg) Inside Chimelong Spaceship -- entirely indoors, which in a Zhuhai July is not a small thing ![Chimelong Spaceship Park rides and attractions](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/znapcceededwvaqyamxx.jpg) Over 30 ride and experience types across two floors -- there's enough here for a full day with room to spare We're booking through Klook -- tickets currently run around **USD $45** and the Klook deal includes a skip-the-queue option worth having in July. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout: [Book Chimelong Spaceship tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/92202-chimelong-spaceship-zhu-hai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Holy crap! Why didn't anyone tell us how good these things are. Might have to stop in China soon! on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqsqXO3sWi8&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Chimelong Spaceship Hotel Buffet Right inside the Hengqin resort, the Spaceship Hotel runs a buffet worth knowing about if you're staying on-site. It's Southeast Asian in theme -- sailor-style decor, food from across the region, and the kind of all-you-can-eat setup that makes post-park evenings much easier when you have three kids who've been on their feet all day. At around **USD $14** per person it's reasonable value for the resort context. Bookable through Klook: [Book the Spaceship Hotel Buffet on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/57658-chimelong-marine-science-hotel-buffet-zhuhai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Zhuhai Chimelong Spaceship Hotel Buffet](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/snn1hfujjjb85lzxqdkr.jpg) The Spaceship Hotel buffet -- Southeast Asian themed, solid value after a full park day ![Chimelong Spaceship Hotel dining interior](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/hf9s1lskeunyuywkposx.jpg) Staying on the Hengqin resort makes the evening logistics significantly less chaotic ### Chimelong Forest Kingdom (Qingyuan) This one is a bit further out -- about 80km north of Guangzhou in Qingyuan. It's a newer park that blends a safari concept with full theme park rides, built around African wildlife. A steam train takes you through a conservation zone with white rhinos, elephants, and large animal groups you'd normally only see spread across a reserve. They've also got four animal performance theaters and research experience zones, which is good cover for making it educational. Klook tickets are around **USD $35** with free cancellation: [Book Chimelong Forest Kingdom on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/143906-qingyuan-chimelong-forest-kingdom/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Chimelong Forest Kingdom animals and attractions](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/xh4chviakqlvyb4urd87.jpg) Chimelong Forest Kingdom in Qingyuan -- African wildlife, steam train safari, and a full theme park in one place ![Chimelong Forest Kingdom park grounds](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/v6gebopndq1fxagv9yzd.jpg) It's a day trip from Guangzhou but the scale of it justifies the journey We're honestly debating this one. It's a full day on its own and Qingyuan requires a separate logistics plan. Depending on how the Guangzhou and Zhuhai days go, it may or may not make the cut. ### Hengqin International Circus and Kaka Tiger Show (Zhuhai) Chimelong's circus shows are genuinely not what you're picturing. This isn't a small-tent touring operation -- the Hengqin International Circus is a permanent venue with productions involving motorcycles on tightropes, 30-person acrobatic pyramids, and theatrical staging that puts most stadium shows to shame. Harper is going to lose her mind. We're also looking at the Kaka Tiger children's show -- a separate production designed specifically for kids, featuring acts from the Monte Carlo New Generation Circus Festival. Tickets are around **USD $33**: [Book the Kaka Tiger show on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/122482-zhuhai-hengqin-chimelong-the-adventures-of-kaka-tiger/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Chimelong Kaka Tiger children's show at Hengqin Zhuhai](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/tdch4ppzdalfrgspzirt.jpg) The Adventures of Kaka Tiger -- a proper children's circus production, not a watered-down version of one ![Chimelong circus performance Zhuhai Hengqin](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/tadjwqps8k009lisw9lt.jpg) 45 minutes of aerial acrobatics, magic, and performing animals -- the kids' show is surprisingly ambitious Our Itinerary ## Rough Itinerary: Guangzhou and Zhuhai Seven days across the Chimelong parks in Guangzhou and Hengqin, with rough family costs in USD. Day 1 ### Arrive Guangzhou, settle in Guangzhou -- arrival day, no major spend. Day 2 ### Chimelong Safari Park Guangzhou (Panyu) -- est. \~$150 USD for the family. Day 3 ### Chimelong Paradise Guangzhou (Panyu) -- est. \~$150 USD for the family. Day 4 ### Train to Zhuhai, check in to Hengqin Zhuhai -- travel day, est. \~$50 USD. Day 5 ### Chimelong Spaceship Park (full day) Zhuhai (Hengqin) -- est. \~$225 USD for the family. Day 6 ### International Circus and Kaka Tiger show Zhuhai (Hengqin) -- est. \~$180 USD for the family. Day 7 ### Buffer day -- Qingyuan Forest Kingdom if energy allows Qingyuan or Zhuhai -- est. \~$175 USD if you go. We're planning to stay near Hengqin for the Zhuhai portion -- there are several Chimelong-affiliated hotels right inside the resort area, which makes the morning logistics infinitely simpler. Getting between Guangzhou and Zhuhai is easy by intercity rail or coach. ## Getting Connected in China: Holafly eSIM + VPN This is the part of China travel that catches people off guard if they haven't thought it through before they land. China blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and most Western apps. Your maps stop working. Your kids can't FaceTime grandparents. Your group chat goes silent. None of this is a disaster -- millions of people live and travel in China fine -- but you need to sort two things before you board the plane: a working eSIM and a VPN installed in advance. ### Holafly Discount Code Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off destination eSIMs on [holafly.com](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) For the eSIM we're using [Holafly's China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), which runs on China Mobile's network -- the largest carrier on the mainland, covering everywhere we'll be. You buy it, install the QR code before you land, and data starts flowing when you arrive. No hunting for a SIM card in an airport shop where nobody speaks English. For a family of five managing multiple devices, it's the obvious call. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. **Critical note on the VPN:** Holafly's China eSIM does NOT include a built-in VPN -- this is something we've seen misstated around the internet and it's wrong. You need to download and set up your VPN *before* you enter China, because the VPN websites and app stores are blocked once you're inside the firewall. We use SafeShell VPN (code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 26% off). Install it at home, test it works, then travel with it ready. [Watch Holafly Discount Code: ADAMANDLINDS | Save 5-10% #familytravel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK39DEReaSk&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### If You're Staying Longer Than 10 Days If you're spending more than a week or two in China (or bouncing between China and other stops in Asia), Holafly's monthly Plans are worth a serious look instead of stacking individual destination eSIMs. One eSIM covers 160+ countries, no per-destination repurchasing, and the math starts working in your favor around 10 days in. | Plan | Data | Price | Best For | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | --------- | --------------------- | | [Holafly Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 25GB/month | $49.90/mo | Light users | | [Holafly Unlimited](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Unlimited | $64.90/mo | Heavy users / hotspot | Both Plans include hotspot, which means you're covering the whole family from one subscription. Hotspot in a country where your kids can't get their own local SIM is not a nice-to-have. ### Get your China eSIM sorted before you fly [Get Holafly China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [View Monthly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Practical Logistics for Families ### Getting to Guangzhou Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the main entry point. Metro lines run directly into the city from there. If you're flying from Vietnam -- we're based in Da Nang until late July -- there are direct flights on Vietnam Airlines and VietJet. If you're coming from elsewhere in Asia, the high-speed train from Hong Kong's West Kowloon station to Guangzhou South takes about 50 minutes and is genuinely one of the more elegant transport experiences in the region. ### Guangzhou to Zhuhai The intercity rail between Guangzhou South and Zhuhai runs frequently and takes about an hour. There's also a ferry from the Nansha terminal to Zhuhai that some families prefer, especially if you're coming via Lantau Island. We'll likely take the train both ways for simplicity with kids and bags. ### Cash and Payments China has moved almost entirely to WeChat Pay and Alipay. Cards are largely useless outside of international hotels. Before you go, link a foreign card to WeChat Pay -- it requires some setup but it works for tourists. Have some cash as a backup. This is not the place to arrive unprepared on payments. ### Language Mandarin is the go. Guangdong is also Cantonese-speaking, so in restaurants you'll often hear both. Google Translate works well in camera mode. Download the Chinese language pack before you enter the country -- Google Translate requires internet and you'll need the offline pack to function without VPN active. ## Should You Stay at a Chimelong Hotel? Probably yes for at least part of the trip, especially in Zhuhai. The Chimelong hotels in Hengqin are integrated with the resort, which means early park entry, zero transfer time, and themed rooms that Lily, Cora, and Harper will not stop talking about for six months. The Spaceship Hotel is the most dramatic option -- it's designed to look like a spaceship. Subtle it is not. The Penguin Hotel and Circus Hotel are also strong contenders for families. Look for package deals that bundle accommodation with park tickets, as the savings can be significant. Always use **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. ## What We're Still Figuring Out Honestly, China logistics for a family of five require more advance planning than most countries we've visited. Entry requirements, payment setup, VPN configuration, and the geography of the resort cluster across two cities all need to be sorted before we land. We'll be writing a proper trip report once we're through it -- the kind where we tell you what the Spaceship Park queue actually looks like at 10am in July, whether the Kaka Tiger show holds a seven-year-old's attention, and how many rounds of the safari you can do before someone starts crying (our money is on day two, 3pm). In the meantime, book smart. Lock in Klook tickets early -- summer in China means crowds -- and sort your eSIM and VPN before you leave home. ### Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for savings on Chimelong tickets and more. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Chimelong in Guangzhou or Zhuhai? Both. The original Chimelong properties -- Paradise, Safari Park, and International Circus -- are in Panyu district, Guangzhou. The newer Spaceship Park, Ocean Resort, and related properties are in Hengqin, part of the Zhuhai development zone. They're about an hour apart by rail. Most families planning a full Chimelong trip visit both cities. ### How do I get internet in China for my family? You need two things: an eSIM for data connectivity, and a VPN for accessing blocked Western services (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube). We use [Holafly's China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide&subId2=faq&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)for data -- it runs on China Mobile and installs before you leave home. For VPN, install SafeShell (code ADAMANDLINDS for 26% off) before entering China. You cannot set up a VPN after you arrive because the VPN sites are blocked inside the firewall. ### Do I need to book Chimelong tickets in advance? Yes, especially in summer. July and August are peak domestic travel season in China and the parks get very busy. We book through Klook (code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK) -- they often have better pricing than the gate and some tickets include queue-skip options. Book at least a week ahead if you're visiting in July or August. ### How many days do you need for the full Chimelong experience? At minimum, five to six full days covers Chimelong Paradise, Safari Park, and Spaceship Park. Add the Circus and Kaka Tiger show and you're looking at seven days. Chimelong Forest Kingdom in Qingyuan is another full day on top of that. Don't underestimate recovery days -- these are physically large parks. ### Is Chimelong Spaceship Park suitable for young kids? Yes. The park covers all age groups -- a marine section and immersive space story zones for smaller kids, more intense thrill rides for older ones. It's entirely indoors, which matters a lot in a Zhuhai summer. Reviews consistently rate it as one of the better theme parks in Asia for mixed-age families. --- [Get your Holafly China eSIM here](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=chimelong-guangzhou-family-guide&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)\-- use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. Install your VPN before you land. Book Chimelong tickets on Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. We'll update this post once we've actually done it. This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you -- and you get a discount with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK. Holafly links use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. ### Is Trafalgar Good for Family Travel? Age Limits, Group Sizes, and What to Expect URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/trafalgar-family-tours-age-limits-group-size-faq/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:31.000Z When families start researching Trafalgar tours, they tend to arrive with the same set of questions: Is this actually suitable for kids? What's the group like? How old does my child have to be? These are good questions. As a travel advisor through Fora Travel, Lindsay has spent years answering them, and this guide is her attempt to put the definitive answers in one place. We've covered Trafalgar before, including a detailed look at their [Japan Winter Adventure tour](https://adamandlinds.com/trafalgar-japan-winter-adventure-is-this-12-day-guided-tour-worth-it/), and these FAQ answers draw from that research, advisor experience, and Trafalgar's published policies. ![Clarkson family walking in Tokyo Japan](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-walking-along-a-car-free-Ginza-street-in-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) Family travel in Tokyo -- some itineraries are easier with logistics handled for you ## Is Trafalgar Good for Families? Yes, with the right tour selection. Trafalgar runs a dedicated **Trafalgar Family** collection with itineraries, pacing, and activities built around traveling with children. These are distinct from standard adult tours, and the difference matters. A standard European sightseeing tour with a nine-year-old is a very different experience from a Trafalgar Family tour designed for that age group. The Family collection balances cultural experiences with activity-driven stops, so you're not doing four cathedrals in a row. Trafalgar also partners with Be My Guest experiences that connect groups with local families, which tend to be genuinely memorable for children. If you want help finding the right tour for your family specifically, Lindsay books Trafalgar through Fora Travel and can help -- reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). Or browse current options via our [Trafalgar partner link](https://trafalgar.sjv.io/NGQ6k7?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Does Trafalgar Allow Children? What Is the Minimum Age? Trafalgar Family tours accept children from age 5 upward on most itineraries. Some tours specify a minimum of age 8, particularly those with more physically demanding components. Standard (non-Family) Trafalgar tours are designed for adults -- children are permitted but the pacing and content won't be optimized for them. For infants and children under 5, Trafalgar tours are not recommended. The motorcoach format, fixed departure times, and fast-moving itinerary don't adapt well to the unpredictable needs of very young children. Always confirm the age policy for your specific tour at booking, as it can vary by itinerary. ## What Is the Average Group Size for Trafalgar Tours? Trafalgar's standard group sizes typically run between 40 and 52 guests, on the larger side compared to boutique small-group operators. Family tours tend to run on the smaller end of that range. The motorcoach model means you're traveling with the full group every day -- this is what makes it social and convenient, and also what some families find tiring after a full week. For families with children, the group dynamic matters more than it does for solo travelers. On a Trafalgar Family tour, you're traveling with other families, which means your kids will meet other kids -- which is half the entertainment on a long itinerary. ## Does Trafalgar Have an Age Limit? There is no upper age limit. Tours involve a fair amount of walking, typically 2-5 miles per day on an active itinerary, and some tours include optional activities with their own physical requirements. Trafalgar rates tours from 1 (leisurely) to 5 (active), and specific leisurely-paced tours reduce the walking component significantly for travelers who want that. ## How Does the Motorcoach Format Work for Families? The motorcoach is the spine of a Trafalgar tour -- you travel between destinations on it, sometimes for 2-3 hour stretches. For families with younger children, plan for this. Download content before departure days, pack snacks, and set expectations with kids about what motorcoach time looks like. The upside is that all logistics are handled. You are not navigating train stations with luggage and a tired seven-year-old. Your hotel is confirmed, your transfers are covered, and someone else made every routing decision. For families who find independent travel logistics exhausting -- which is most of us at some point -- the Trafalgar model removes a significant amount of cognitive load. ![Harper Cora Lily in Playa del Carmen](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/size/w1000/2026/03/Cora--Harper--and-Lily-standing-together-as-confetti-falls-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-31-2024.png) Kids travel well when the logistics aren't a constant stress point ## What Is Included in a Trafalgar Family Tour? Inclusions vary by tour, but the standard Trafalgar package typically covers hotel accommodation (usually 3-4 star), daily breakfast and several dinners, all motorcoach transportation between destinations, a TRIP Director throughout, entrance fees for included sightseeing, and some Be My Guest and Local Living experiences. What is typically not included: flights, travel insurance, optional excursions, personal spending, and gratuities. Optional excursions can add meaningful cost on top of the tour price -- budget for these when comparing total trip costs. ## How Much Do Trafalgar Family Tours Cost? Prices vary significantly by destination, duration, and season. A 10-14 day European family tour typically runs $2,500-$4,500 per adult, with child pricing often discounted. Japan-focused tours run higher given destination costs. These prices do not include flights. The value comparison requires factoring in what independent travel to the same destinations would cost once you include hotels, transfers, guided experiences, and planning time. For many families the Trafalgar model is competitive when you account for all of that. Browse current family tour options via our [Trafalgar partner link](https://trafalgar.sjv.io/NGQ6k7?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Do You Need Travel Insurance for a Trafalgar Tour? Yes. For a trip at this investment level, comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical emergencies, and travel disruption is not optional. Lindsay is not an insurance broker and nothing here constitutes a formal insurance recommendation -- speak to a qualified advisor about your specific needs. We write about travel insurance options on the blog, including [our SafetyWing and World Nomads comparison](https://adamandlinds.com/world-nomads-vs-safetywing-the-ultimate-travel-insurance-comparison-for-worldschooling-families/)for families who travel long-term. ## Frequently asked questions about Trafalgar family tours ### Is Trafalgar good for family travel? Yes, particularly their dedicated Trafalgar Family tours designed for families with children. They offer age-appropriate pacing, family-focused activities, and handled logistics. Standard adult tours are less optimized for children. ### What is the average group size for Trafalgar tours? Typically between 40 and 52 guests. Family tours tend to run on the smaller end of this range, and you travel with the full group by motorcoach throughout. ### Does Trafalgar allow children and what is the minimum age? Trafalgar Family tours accept children from age 5 on most itineraries, with some requiring a minimum of age 8\. Children under 5 are generally not suited to the motorcoach tour format. ### Does Trafalgar have an age limit? There is no upper age limit. Tours are rated by activity level from 1 to 5, and leisurely options are available for those wanting less physical activity. ### How many people go on a Trafalgar tour? Trafalgar tours accommodate up to 52 guests, with a standard average around 40-45 on most departures. --- ### Plan Your Trafalgar Family Tour Browse current family tours and itineraries. For personalised advice, Lindsay at Fora Travel can help match you to the right tour. [Browse Trafalgar Family Tours](https://trafalgar.sjv.io/NGQ6k7?ref=adamandlinds.com) [Ask Lindsay Directly](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) This post contains affiliate links. If you book a Trafalgar tour through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Lindsay Clarkson is a professional travel advisor through Fora Travel and is not an insurance broker. Nothing in this post constitutes insurance advice. ### Universal Studios Japan: Tickets, Express Pass and Our Family's Real Itinerary URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/universal-studios-japan-klook-promo-code-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:32.000Z We've been to Universal Studios Japan four times now across our various Japan stints, and each time we find ourselves re-answering the same questions from other families: Is the Klook ticket the same as buying at the gate? Do you actually need Express Pass? Is Super Nintendo World worth the extra cost? This guide answers all of it, based on real visits including our most recent trip in March 2026 when we took Lily, Cora, and Harper for what was supposed to be a quick day out. It was not quick. We're currently based in Osaka during cherry blossom season, which means USJ is essentially our backyard. We've ridden the rides, navigated the queues, tested the timing strategies, and we buy our tickets through Klook every single time using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Here's everything you need to know. ### Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for discounts on USJ tickets, Express Passes, hotels, transfers, and activities worldwide. ![Lily Cora and Harper with Hello Kitty plush toys at Universal Studios Japan March 2026](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-with-Hello-Kitty-plush-toys-at-Universal-Studios-Japan-in-Osaka-Japan-March-14-2026.png) Lily, Cora, and Harper at USJ in March 2026 ## Why Buy USJ Tickets on Klook Instead of the Gate The short answer: you save money, skip the ticket queue, and get QR code entry on your phone. The Klook Studio Pass is accepted at every USJ turnstile and is not a voucher you exchange somewhere. It is a QR code that scans directly at the gate. On the days we've visited, the ticket queue at the gate has been 20-40 minutes long before you even get inside the park. With a Klook ticket, you walk straight to the turnstile. ### Klook USJ Studio Pass Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for savings on USJ tickets and other Klook bookings in Japan. Current Klook pricing for USJ Studio Pass tickets runs from around $86 USD for adults and $71 USD for children, competitive with gate pricing. Klook also frequently runs bundle deals pairing the Studio Pass with Express Pass options, which is worth checking before buying either separately. Beyond tickets, the same code works on the [Osaka Amazing Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/82312-amazing-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com), [Osaka Metro Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/11515-osaka-metro-1-2-day-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com), and everything else you'll book in Japan. We cover the full picture in our [Klook discount code guide for Japan theme parks](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-discount-code-universal-studios-disney-asia-theme-parks-2026/). [Watch Use Klook Coupon Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save money on activities in Japan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAbDBOlzMY&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## USJ Studio Pass: What Is and Is Not Included The [USJ Studio Pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)gives you full-day park entry. What it does not include: Express Pass, timed-entry tickets for Harry Potter, or separately ticketed seasonal events. | What | In Studio Pass? | Notes | | -------------------- | -------------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | Park Entry | Yes | Full day, all standard attractions | | Super Nintendo World | Yes (timed entry) | Book via USJ app from 8am on the day | | Harry Potter Area | Yes (may need timed entry) | Timed entry required on busy days | | Express Pass | No | Separate purchase to skip ride queues | | Shows and Parades | Yes | Seasonal, check USJ app for schedule | ## Do You Need the USJ Express Pass? It depends on when you're going and how much the kids can handle waiting. On a weekday in early November we got through most of the park without it. On a Saturday in March during cherry blossom season, queues for the major rides were hitting 90-120 minutes. The [USJ Express Pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3407-universal-studios-japan-express-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)starts from around $62 USD per person and gives you priority access to 3-7 attractions depending on which tier you choose. The tiers don't all cover the same rides, so read the details before buying. Our recommendation for families: if you're visiting on a weekend, during school holidays, or in spring or autumn peak season, get the Express Pass. The time you save on just 2-3 rides with young kids easily justifies the cost. One confirmed thing: Express Pass sells out before the gate opens on peak days. Buy on Klook in advance. ## Super Nintendo World: The Honest Family Verdict Super Nintendo World is genuinely spectacular. We've watched all three kids lose their minds inside it, and even as adults who have seen a lot of theme parks across 33+ countries, the level of detail is something else. The Mario Kart ride is worth going out of your way for. Power-Up Bands cost extra and aren't mandatory, but our kids will not forgive us for mentioning that. Book your Super Nintendo World timed entry the moment the USJ app opens, usually 8am on day-of. It fills fast on busy days. We missed out our first visit and had to wait standby for over an hour. Second time we set an alarm. Get the timed entry, then do other parts of the park while you wait for your slot. [Watch Super Nintendo World at USJ - Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzLNMdhsB8M&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Getting to USJ from Osaka From most parts of central Osaka, USJ is 15-30 minutes by train. The most direct route is via the JR Yumesaki Line from Osaka (Umeda) or Nishikujo stations to Universal City station, five minutes walk from the gates. The JR line to USJ is separate from the Osaka Metro network, so a metro day pass does not cover it. From the station, the crowds will guide you regardless. If you're doing multiple Osaka attractions on the same trip, check the [Klook Pass Kansai](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/91434-klook-pass-kansai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com), which covers TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, Umeda Sky Building, the HARUKA airport express, and more. ## Our Recommended USJ Day Plan for Families - Arrive at park open. Have Klook QR code ready on your phone before you join the turnstile line. - Go directly to Super Nintendo World if your timed slot is early, or head to the most popular ride first while queues are short. - Use the USJ app for live wait times throughout the day. - Minion Park and the Hello Kitty area are best mid-day when crowds thin at the bigger rides. - Schedule a rest break around 1-2pm. The park hits peak congestion then and small humans need food. - Evening light shows and parades are worth staying for if the kids can last. We budget around 10,000-15,000 yen per person all-in for a USJ day including entry, food, and one or two small purchases. With three kids this adds up, so every saving on the ticket purchase matters. Book via the link below and add code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. ## Frequently asked questions about USJ ### Is the Klook USJ ticket the same as a gate ticket? Yes. The Klook Studio Pass is a QR code that scans directly at the USJ turnstile with no voucher exchange needed. Walk straight to the gate and scan your phone. ### What is the Klook promo code for Universal Studios Japan? Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout on Klook to save on USJ Studio Pass tickets, Express Pass, and any Klook activities worldwide. ### Do you need Express Pass at USJ? On weekdays outside peak season you can often manage without it. On weekends and peak seasons, queues hit 90-120 minutes. Express Pass is strongly recommended for families visiting busy periods. ### Is Super Nintendo World included in the Studio Pass? Entry is included, but you need a free timed-entry ticket via the USJ app, usually available from 8am on the day of your visit. ### Can I buy Express Pass at the gate on the day? Sometimes, but it sells out on peak days before the park opens. Book through Klook in advance to guarantee your tier. ### Book USJ on Klook and Save Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for extra savings on Studio Pass, Express Pass, and all Klook activities in Japan. [Book USJ Studio Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Book Express Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3407-universal-studios-japan-express-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links or use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. ### Travel Insurance for Asia: What Families Need to Know Before They Go URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/travel-insurance-asia-families/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:32.000Z Southeast Asia is where most long-term traveling families start. The cost of living is low, the food is outstanding, the people are welcoming, and you can be outside twelve months of the year without wishing you'd packed a coat. We've spent more time in Asia than anywhere else - Thailand alone accounts for over 300 days of our travels, with Japan adding another 220-plus, and Vietnam not far behind with nearly 200 days across multiple stays. We know this region well, and that includes knowing what medical situations actually come up and what insurance you genuinely need to handle them. ![Temple at sunset in Southeast Asia representing family travel in Asia](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1528360983277-13d401cdc186?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Southeast Asia offers incredible experiences for families - but medical preparedness matters here as much as anywhere ## Medical Care Across Asia: What You're Actually Working With Asia is not a monolith. Medical infrastructure ranges from world-class to genuinely concerning depending on where you are. Japan has an excellent healthcare system - clean, efficient, technologically advanced, and reasonably priced by developed-world standards. Thailand, particularly Bangkok and major tourist centers like Chiang Mai and Phuket, has very good private hospitals that are used to treating international patients. Vietnam's major cities have international hospitals with English-speaking staff. Rural areas and smaller islands across the region are a different story. The practical implication for families: in most Southeast Asian destinations, routine medical care is affordable enough to handle out of pocket - a GP visit in Chiang Mai or Da Nang might run $20-50\. What requires insurance is anything serious: hospitalisation, surgery, specialist procedures, and especially emergency medical evacuation. That last category is where the real financial risk sits, and it's where inadequate coverage can turn a medical emergency into a financial catastrophe. ## Emergency Medical Evacuation: The Big One If you need to be evacuated from a remote island in the Philippines or from a rural part of Indonesia to a hospital equipped to handle your situation, the cost without coverage runs from $50,000 to well over $150,000\. This is not a hypothetical - it's a real scenario for travelers who have medical emergencies in areas with limited local facilities. SafetyWing [Nomad Insurance Essential](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador)includes emergency evacuation coverage. This is the single most important reason to have travel medical insurance when traveling through parts of Asia where medical infrastructure is variable. For families visiting beach destinations, remote islands, or rural areas in Southeast Asia, evacuation coverage is not optional if you're being sensible about risk. ![Tropical island beach in Southeast Asia with turquoise water](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504214208698-ea1916a2195a?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Remote beach destinations are worth the trip - and worth having evacuation coverage for ## Common Health Issues for Families in Asia In our years across Southeast Asia, the medical situations we've actually encountered fall into patterns that most traveling families will recognise. Gastrointestinal issues are universal - unfamiliar food, water differences, and close quarters in busy cities mean stomach bugs happen. Respiratory infections travel quickly through airports and air-conditioned spaces. Ear infections in kids are genuinely common in humid tropical climates. Dengue fever, while not common among tourists who use repellent consistently, is present in most of Southeast Asia and worth being aware of. In Japan, the main practical challenge isn't the quality of care - it's navigating a system that operates almost entirely in Japanese, where pharmacies work differently than elsewhere, and where finding a paediatric clinic that can handle an English-speaking patient requires some advance preparation. For all of these scenarios, having travel medical coverage means you can seek care without hesitation, at whatever facility is appropriate, without first running a mental calculation about whether you can afford it. ## How SafetyWing Works in Practice for Asia Travel SafetyWing covers 175+ countries including all of Southeast Asia and Japan. Coverage applies in private hospitals and clinics - in Thailand and Vietnam particularly, international-standard private hospitals are the right choice for travelers, and SafetyWing works with them. Claims are filed online through the SafetyWing portal, which we've used and found straightforward for anything significant enough to bother filing. One important note on Japan: while Japanese healthcare is of excellent quality, the cost structure is different from Southeast Asia. Hospital stays in Japan can run significantly higher than comparable treatment in Thailand. Having coverage that handles Japanese medical costs is more important than it might seem for families planning extended Japan stays. We've spent over 220 days in Japan total, and having insurance during those periods was something we took seriously. | Destination | Medical cost level | Insurance priority | Key risk | | ------------------------------ | ------------------ | ------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai) | Low-medium | Evacuation and hospitalisation | Accidents, tropical illness | | Vietnam (major cities) | Low-medium | Hospitalisation, medical flight | GI illness, accidents | | Japan | Medium-high | All medical, hospitalisation | Language barrier, higher costs | | Philippines (islands) | Low (but variable) | Evacuation critical | Remote location, limited facilities | | Indonesia/Bali | Low-medium | Evacuation and hospitalisation | Road accidents, water activities | | Malaysia | Medium | Hospitalisation | Standard travel risks | ## The Subscription Advantage for Asia-Based Families Families who spend extended time in Asia - base periods in one city with shorter trips through the region - benefit from SafetyWing's subscription model in a way that trip-based insurance doesn't capture. We spent four months in Chiang Mai and six months in Da Nang. Buying separate trip insurance policies for each stay would have been administratively annoying and structurally awkward. SafetyWing's rolling 4-week auto-renewal meant we were simply covered throughout, without any policy gaps between "trips" because we weren't thinking of those stays as trips at all. Pricing for the 0-39 age bracket runs approximately $62.72 per 4-week period without US travel included. Children under 10 are covered free when a parent is insured. For a family spending six months in Vietnam or four months in Thailand, that's a modest cost relative to what medical care without coverage could look like in a worst-case scenario. ![Family exploring a night market in Southeast Asia, representing long-term family travel in Asia](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1587560699334-cc4ff634909a?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Long stays in Asian cities are some of our best travel experiences - covered continuously throughout by SafetyWing ## Staying Connected in Asia Data connectivity across Asia varies considerably. Japan has excellent coverage everywhere. Thailand's major cities are well-served. Rural areas and smaller islands can be patchy. For families moving through multiple Asian countries, [Holafly eSIMs](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) cover most of the region - use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any plan. If you're doing extended multi-country travel through Asia, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) (a global monthly subscription, Light Plan $49.90/month for 25GB, Unlimited at $64.90/month) removes the need to buy country-specific eSIMs. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 10% on Plans, stackable with annual pricing for around 30% total off. Reliable data matters for insurance in a practical way: being able to contact your insurer, navigate to a hospital, and use telehealth services when appropriate is genuinely part of the coverage picture when you're far from home. ## Getting the Right Coverage Before Your Asia Trip For most families visiting Asia, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential provides solid travel medical coverage at a reasonable price point, with the added family benefit of free child coverage under 10\. Get started at [SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance page](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). For families who need primary health insurance (not just travel medical) throughout their Asian travels, [Nomad Insurance Complete](https://explore.safetywing.com/Nomad-insurance-complete/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador)is the broader option. For a look at what our day-to-day family travel in Asia actually looks like financially, our Bangkok family guide is a good starting point: [Watch 1 Week in Bangkok with Kids: Full Family Travel Guide on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUYmc9fHzqk&ref=adamandlinds.com) And if you're planning an Asia trip and want help putting the whole thing together - including working out what coverage makes sense for your specific itinerary - Lindsay plans family travel professionally at [Fora Travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) and has helped families navigate this region many times. This post contains affiliate links to SafetyWing and Holafly. Purchases made through our links earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. We use both products ourselves and all opinions are our own. Nothing in this post constitutes professional insurance advice - read the full policy terms before purchasing any insurance product. ### Klook Pass Okinawa: Spring 2026 Guide to Japan's Tropical Island URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-okinawa/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:33.000Z Okinawa is Japan without the crowds of Kyoto, without the winter chill of Hokkaido, and with a reef system that puts most of the country's landlocked attractions to shame. Spring is the best window to visit: the water is warming up for snorkeling and diving, cherry blossoms bloom earlier here than anywhere else in Japan (late January through February, though some species continue into spring), and the oppressive summer humidity hasn't arrived yet. The [Klook Pass Okinawa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/77147-klook-fun-pass-okinawa/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)is the smart way to budget your attractions on an island that charges individually for almost everything worth seeing. ## What Is the Klook Pass Okinawa? The Klook Pass Okinawa gives you access to 2 to 5 activities from over 20 island attractions, available in two tiers: Super Saver and Standard. Starting from **$19.15 USD**, it holds a 4.4-star rating across 558 reviews. Activate within 30 days of purchase with your first reservation, and you unlock 30 more days to book the remaining activities — book in advance as the best slots fill up. The pass can save up to 54% on individual ticket prices. ### Klook Pass Okinawa Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for access to 2 to 5 activities from over 20 island attractions. [Book the Klook Pass Okinawa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/77147-klook-fun-pass-okinawa/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Okinawa Japan spring blue ocean activities](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/vysd0mu1gtejn3z4umf9.jpg) Okinawa's combination of cultural sites, aquatic attractions, and natural parks makes it one of Japan's most varied island destinations ## Super Saver vs Standard Pass: Which to Choose | Pass Tier | What's Included | Best For | | ----------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Super Saver | Shurijo Castle Park, Okinawa World, Nago Pineapple Park, Neo Park Okinawa, Ryukyu Mura Village, Kouri Ocean Tower, Ishigaki Yaima Village | Cultural and nature attractions, budget-conscious travelers | | Standard | Everything in Super Saver PLUS Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Okinawa STEM Resort, Blue Cave Snorkeling, Traditional Ryukyu Costume, and more | Water activities, aquarium, wider range | For spring visits, the Standard pass is worth the upgrade if you plan to do any water activity. The Blue Cave snorkeling is one of the most stunning experiences in all of Japan — completely worth it. ## The Blue Cave: Don't Miss It The Blue Cave at Cape Maeda is Okinawa's single most famous attraction for water enthusiasts. The cave illuminates with a vivid blue glow from refracted light, and the marine life inside is exceptional. Klook has two excellent Blue Cave options: the [Blue Cave Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Onna Village](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2153-onna-village-blue-cave-scuba-snorkel-okinawa/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $29.65, 4.5 stars across 1,855 reviews — open to kids aged 5+) and the [Blue Cave Snorkeling and Diving at Cape Maeda](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/30585-blue-cave-snorkeling-diving-experience-okinawa/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $28.69, 4.8 stars across 338 reviews, includes unlimited photography). Both require 72-48 hours advance booking and can be affected by weather — have a backup day in your itinerary. ![Okinawa Blue Cave snorkeling diving Japan](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/leo0msth6haosfcsr0iw.jpg) The Blue Cave at Onna Village glows an otherworldly blue from refracted sunlight — one of Japan's most distinctive marine experiences ## Swimming with Whale Sharks Okinawa offers one of the world's most accessible whale shark encounters, and Klook makes it easy to book. The [Snorkeling and Diving with Whale Sharks in Okinawa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6001-swim-with-whale-sharks-okinawa/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $65.65, 4.6 stars across 282 reviews) departs from Yomitan and gets you in the water with the largest fish on the planet. The whale sharks at this location are not wild deep-water encounters — they're habituated animals at a controlled site, which means reliable sightings and safer access. Open to ages 6-59 for snorkeling. ## A Full Day at Churaumi Aquarium The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of the world's great aquariums. The main tank — 27 meters wide, 10 meters deep — holds whale sharks and manta rays alongside thousands of other species. For those who want a fully organized day in northern Okinawa without renting a car, the [Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium and American Village Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/19157-north-okinawa-okinawa-churaumi-aquarium-cape-manza-join-bus-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $45.89, 4.6 stars across 1,299 reviews) covers the aquarium, Kouri Island, Cape Manza, and American Village in a single guided day. Children aged 0-5 are free. ## Staying Connected in Okinawa Japan has some of the best mobile infrastructure in the world, but overseas roaming is expensive. We travel with [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for Japan eSIM data — code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5%. For a spring trip combining Okinawa with mainland Japan or other Asian destinations, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($49.90/month for 25GB, 160+ destinations) keeps things simple. The Always On feature auto-activates 1GB backup across 76+ destinations when your primary plan runs out. ### Holafly Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off eSIM data plans. [Get Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Frequently Asked Questions: Klook Pass Okinawa ### What does the Klook Pass Okinawa include? The Klook Pass Okinawa has two tiers. The Super Saver pass covers Shurijo Castle Park, Okinawa World, Nago Pineapple Park, Ryukyu Mura Village, Kouri Ocean Tower, and more. The Standard pass adds Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Blue Cave Snorkeling, Okinawa STEM Resort, and other premium experiences. Both cover 2 to 5 activities. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for a discount. ### Is the Blue Cave included in the Klook Pass Okinawa? Blue Cave Snorkeling is included in the Standard tier of the Klook Pass Okinawa but not in the Super Saver tier. It can also be booked separately on Klook from $28.69\. Advance reservation of 48-72 hours is required and weather cancellations do occur. ### What is the best time to visit Okinawa? Spring (March through May) is considered the best overall time to visit Okinawa. The water temperature reaches 22-24°C by April, making snorkeling and diving comfortable. The typhoon season begins in June. Cherry blossoms bloom earlier in Okinawa than in mainland Japan, typically peaking in late January through February. ### Do I need a car in Okinawa? For maximum flexibility, yes. Okinawa's public bus network exists but is limited in frequency. A rental car makes visiting attractions across the north, central, and south of the island far more efficient. Alternatively, guided tours like the Churaumi Aquarium Day Tour cover key northern sites without requiring a car. ### Can I use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on the Klook Pass Okinawa? Yes. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at Klook checkout for a discount on the Okinawa pass and any other Klook activity bookings. This post contains affiliate links to Klook. When you book using our link and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely think are worth your time and money. ### Klook Japan: The Activities We Actually Book (and What We've Learned After 325+ Days) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-japan-activities-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:34.000Z We have spent 325 days in Japan across 13 separate trips - Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Hakone, Kawasaki, Yokohama, and now Osaka again as a base while we're here for cherry blossom season. We've booked more activities in this country than anywhere else we've been, and the platform we keep coming back to is Klook. Not because it's the only option, but because after years of testing the alternatives, it's the one that's never let us down at a gate. This is not a list of every activity Klook offers in Japan. It's the ones we've actually used, what we paid, what surprised us, and a few things we'd do differently. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for a discount - that's the current code, the old ADAMANDLINDS is expired on Klook so make sure you're using the right one. ![The Clarkson family at Tokyo Skytree during cherry blossom season March 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/AdamLindsLilyCoraHarper_Japan_Tokyo_SkyTree_CherryBlossom-March-23-1.png) Cherry blossom season at Tokyo Skytree, March 2023 - our first Japan spring. We've since learned that the crowds at Skytree are nothing compared to Shinjuku Gyoen, which is saying something. ## Why Klook works in Japan specifically Japan is a country that rewards preparation and punishes improvisation. This is not a complaint - it's the reason things run so well here - but it does mean that showing up somewhere without a booking is a gamble you'll lose more often than not. teamLab Planets has a timed-entry system. Super Nintendo World at USJ has an Area Timed Entry Ticket system layered on top of your park ticket. Some of the better ryokans fill up months ahead. Tokyo DisneySea on a Saturday in October is not a walk-up proposition for five people. Klook's practical advantage is that it puts your tickets on your phone as QR codes, which work offline. This matters more than it sounds. Japan's mobile data situation has improved enormously since we first arrived in 2022, but you're still going to have moments - deep in a station basement, queuing at a gate in a 4G dead spot - where you'll want your tickets accessible without a signal. Download them to the app the night before. We've never had a Klook QR code rejected at a gate in Japan. Not once across 13 trips. The pricing advantage varies by activity. On some things - teamLab Planets, USJ Studio Pass - Klook consistently undercuts the gate or matches it with extras included. On others, the main benefit is convenience rather than a big discount. Either way, we've never paid more through Klook than we would have at the door. [Watch Use Klook Coupon Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save money on activities in Japan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAbDBOlzMY&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## teamLab Planets Tokyo: the one we keep going back to We've done teamLab Planets twice. The first time was June 2024 on our fifth Japan trip. We'd been putting it off because we'd heard it was crowded and overhyped. Both things are true and neither one matters once you're inside. The experience starts before you enter - you're barefoot from the moment you walk in, which immediately changes how you move through the space. The first room is a shallow reflective pool, maybe ankle-deep, with a mirrored ceiling, and the lights and colour shift as you and everyone around you move through it. With three kids aged between six and twelve at the time, the dynamic was chaotic and perfect. Harper, who was six, stood absolutely still in the middle of the pool for what felt like two minutes, just watching the lights respond to other people moving around her. Lily, then twelve, immediately started testing the edges of the sensor range. Cora documented everything on her camera. We all came out having had completely different experiences of the same room. The second visit, in 2024, was deliberately calmer - we went on a weekday at opening time with a 10am timed entry slot. The difference in crowd density was significant. If you can book a weekday morning slot, do it. ![Harper Lily and Cora inside teamLab Borderless Tokyo June 2024](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Lily--and-Cora-sitting-together-inside-TeamLab-Borderless-in-Tokyo-Japan-June-24-2024.png) The three of them inside teamLab Borderless, June 2024\. The expression on Harper's face here is the one we keep coming back to Japan for. Timed entry is mandatory and slots sell out. During cherry blossom season and summer school holidays, you're looking at two to three weeks lead time minimum. We've seen people turned away at the gate without a booking on a Saturday afternoon in June - the venue doesn't do walk-ins when it's at capacity, which is frequently. Book through Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**: - [teamLab Planets TOKYO Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- from around $24 USD Getting there: Toyosu Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, or Shin-Toyosu on the Yurikamome. It's a short walk from either. The venue itself is compact compared to Borderless - you move through it in 60-90 minutes - which means a shorter slot works well if you're combining it with other Toyosu or waterfront activities on the same day. We have a full breakdown of [teamLab Planets vs teamLab Borderless](https://adamandlinds.com/teamlab-borderless-vs-planets-tokyo-klook-discount/)on the blog if you're trying to choose. The short version: they are genuinely different experiences and the choice depends more on your travel style than on which one is "better". ## Universal Studios Japan: what we learned between visit one and visit two We've been to USJ twice. First visit, November 2022, early in our Japan travels when we were still figuring out how the park systems worked. We had the Studio Pass, no Express Pass, arrived at 9:30am thinking we were early. The Super Nintendo World queue already had a 90-minute wait and the Area Timed Entry Tickets for the afternoon were gone by 10am. We rode three things and ate a lot of Butterbeer. It was fine. It was not the day we'd planned. Second visit, March 2026\. We bought the Express Pass. The difference was not subtle. We were in Super Nintendo World within 20 minutes of the park opening, completed the interactive wristband activities with the kids, rode Yoshi's Adventure twice, had lunch in Toad's Cafe, and still had an afternoon left for the rest of the park. The girls posed with every Hello Kitty plush toy they could find on the way out. ![Lily Cora and Harper with Hello Kitty toys at Universal Studios Japan March 2026](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-with-Hello-Kitty-plush-toys-at-Universal-Studios-Japan-in-Osaka-Japan-March-14-2026.png) USJ, March 2026\. The Express Pass made this day. Without it, visit one was three rides and a lot of queueing. With it, this. The practical notes on USJ tickets through Klook: - [Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- standard park entry, direct QR code at gate - [USJ Express Pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3407-universal-studios-japan-express-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- from around $62 USD, multiple tiers covering different combinations of rides One thing we didn't know on visit one: download the official USJ app before you arrive. Area Timed Entry Tickets for Super Nintendo World are distributed through the app and go fast after park opening - some days they're gone within 30 minutes. The Express Pass bypasses the Area Timed Entry system entirely, which is a big part of what you're paying for. If Super Nintendo World is the reason you're going, it's worth the cost. If you're there for Harry Potter and Jurassic Park and are happy to queue, the standard pass is fine. ## Tokyo Skytree: the view and the queue problem We've been up the Skytree three times now, including once with Adam's parents when they visited us in Tokyo in November 2023\. His mum had declared no interest in city views before we went. She stood at the glass floor section on the Tembo Galleria for fifteen minutes. On a clear day you can see Fuji from up there - not a hint of it, an actual mountain - and the scale of Tokyo spreading in every direction doesn't fully land until you're at 450 metres watching it. ![The whole family including grandparents in front of Tokyo Skytree November 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Lily--Terry--Adam--Kim--Cora--and-Lindsay-taking-a-family-selfie-in-front-of-Tokyo-Skytree-in-Sumida-Tokyo-Japan-November-17-2023-1.png) Seven of us in front of the Skytree, November 2023\. Adam's parents flew to Tokyo specifically to see us - this was day one. The ground-floor ticket queue at Skytree is genuinely long on busy days. It moves slowly because the process involves selecting your time slot and floor combination at the desk, which takes a minute per person in front of you. The Klook QR code puts you in a separate queue that skips most of this. Worth the small price difference versus buying at the gate, especially if you have kids who are already at their patience limit after the train journey to Asakusa. ### Book Tokyo Skytree tickets [TOKYO SKYTREE Ticket on Klook from $13 USD](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/41352-tokyo-skytree/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) Timing tip: late afternoon on a clear day gets you the daylight cityscape and, if you time it right, the transition to night lights without needing two separate visits. We did this accidentally in 2023 and it was one of the better unplanned moments of that trip. ## The Klook Pass Greater Tokyo: when it works and when it doesn't The pass lets you pick 2 to 7 attractions from a list of 30+, with savings of up to 48% depending on the combination. Standard inclusions include Skytree, Aqua Park Shinagawa, Sanrio Puroland, and a dozen others. Premium add-ons - available at higher tiers - include teamLab Borderless, Warner Bros Studio Tour, Tokyo Disney parks, and Mount Fuji day trips. We've used it. The honest answer on whether it's worth it is: run the numbers for your specific list before you buy. The pass pays off when your selections include two or more premium attractions. It's less convincing if your list is mostly mid-tier spots you could buy individually for less than the pass price. | Pass Size | Picks | From Price | Best For | | ---------------- | ------ | ----------- | -------------------------------------------- | | 2-Choice | Pick 2 | \~$42 USD | Short Tokyo stays, 2-3 days | | 5-Choice | Pick 5 | \~$95 USD | Full week, mix of standard + premium | | 7-Choice Premium | Pick 7 | \~$160+ USD | Heavy itineraries including Disney or Warner | The pass activates on your first redemption and gives you 90 days to use the rest, so if you're doing Tokyo in two separate legs of a longer Japan trip, that works in your favour. Our [full Klook Pass Greater Tokyo guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/) runs through the best combinations we've tested. - [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo - see current options](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea We've done Tokyo Disneyland with the kids. DisneySea remains on the list - we keep saying next trip and then something else fills the day. What I can tell you from Disneyland is that the operational standard at Tokyo Disney Resort is the highest we've encountered in any theme park anywhere. Things run on time. The queues move. The food is better than it has any right to be. Staff are attentive in a way that doesn't feel performative. Buy on Klook rather than navigating the Disney Resort Japan website in English. Same ticket, same QR code, cleaner booking experience if you're not reading Japanese. - [Tokyo Disney Resort - Disneyland and DisneySea Tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- from around $50 USD Our [complete Tokyo Disney booking guide](https://adamandlinds.com/tokyo-disneyland-disneysea-discount-tickets-klook-promo-code/)covers Premier Access, what it does to your day, and how to approach it with kids across different age groups. ## Hakone and Mount Fuji: the independent route vs the guided tour We've done Hakone independently twice. The Hakone Freepass is genuinely excellent value if you're planning a full day and want to use the ropeway, the pirate ship on Lake Ashi, and the local buses without thinking about individual fares. On a clear November morning we crossed the lake with Fuji filling the entire far end of the view, which is the kind of thing that makes you feel slightly ridiculous for not coming sooner. ![Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji in the background at Hakone Japan November 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Crowds-gathering-near-a-sightseeing-pirate-ship-on-Lake-Ashi-with-Mount-Fuji-in-the-background-at-Fuji-Hakone-Izu-National-Park-in-Hakone-Japan-November-20-2023.png) Lake Ashi, November 2023\. The ropeway was closed for maintenance that day - of course it was - but the lake view made up for it completely. The catch with the independent route: Fuji is a shy mountain. Cloud cover is the norm, not the exception. We've had one perfect clear day out of two visits. If you're on a tight itinerary and Fuji visibility is the priority, the guided day tours from Tokyo at least get you to multiple viewpoints and maximise your chances with better timing knowledge than we had on our first attempt. - [Hakone Freepass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/821-hakone-transport-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- around $45 USD, covers ropeway, pirate ship, buses, trains - [Mount Fuji Famous Spots Day Trip from Tokyo on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/100747-mount-fuji-arakurayama-park-oshino-hakkai-kawaguchiko-bus-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- guided option, includes Kawaguchiko and Oshino Hakkai ## Shibuya Sky: the observation deck we recommend over the Skytree for first-timers The Skytree is taller and the view is bigger. Shibuya Sky is better. That's a subjective call but we've taken a dozen people to both and Shibuya Sky consistently produces the stronger reaction, because you're standing on an open-air rooftop directly above one of the most recognisable intersections on earth and the sense of scale - all those towers, all those lights, the crossing 230 metres below - lands differently than altitude alone. Go at sunset if you can. Book in advance because the timed slots fill up, especially on weekends. - [SHIBUYA SKY Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70672-shibuya-sky-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- from around $17 USD ## Kimono rental in Asakusa We've done this twice with the kids, and it's one of those activities that reads like a tourist cliche until you're actually doing it and the backstreets behind Senso-ji are half-empty at 9am and everyone's moving slowly because the sandals make you walk differently and the whole morning takes on a particular quality that's hard to manufacture through any other means. ![The Clarkson family under cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen Tokyo March 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-posing-under-cherry-blossoms-at-Shinjuku-Gyoen-National-Garden-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) Shinjuku Gyoen during cherry blossom, March 2023 - one of the better decisions we've made in Tokyo. No booking required for this one. Just show up early and bring snacks. The early slot is worth it specifically because the Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple is congested by 10:30am on most days and overwhelming by noon. If you're dressed in a yukata and trying to move slowly and enjoy it, the crowds work against you. Book the first slot available - usually 9am - and you get the temple and the surrounding streets before the tour buses arrive. - [Tokyo Kimono Rental Experience (Asakusa) on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2125-kimono-experience-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- from around $18 USD - [Kimono Miyabi Asakusa on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/8318-miyabi-kimono-yukata-rental-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- alternative option, similar price ## Getting into and around Japan: the transport tickets that matter Japan's airport connections and intercity transport are easy to book on Klook and make a real difference to the arrival and departure experience. These are the ones we use: **Narita to Tokyo - Keisei Skyliner.** Fast, direct, reserved seat. The journey is about 40 minutes to Ueno, with one stop at Nippori. After a long-haul flight with bags and three kids, the fact that you have a guaranteed seat and don't need to navigate a crowded commuter train is worth everything the ticket costs. We've taken the Skyliner six times now and have never had a problem. - [Keisei Skyliner from Narita on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5271-keisei-skyliner-round-trip-airport-express-train-tickets-narita/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Kansai International to Osaka - JR Haruka Express.** Direct to Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara stations. Runs every 30 minutes, reserved seats, and the connection from KIX is fast enough that we've landed at 2pm and been checked into accommodation in Namba by 4pm with kids, luggage, and a stop for convenience store onigiri. - [JR Haruka Airport Express on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/18400-jr-haruka-airport-express-train-tickets-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Osaka to Namba - Nankai Rapi:t.** If you're flying into KIX and heading for Namba specifically, the Rapi:t is the sleeker option - the exterior looks like something out of a 1980s sci-fi film and the kids love it for exactly that reason. Faster than the local trains, dedicated luggage space. - [Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/599-kansai-airport-namba-train-ticket-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Kansai region pass.** If you're spending more than three days across the Osaka, Kyoto, Nara corridor, the Kansai Thru Pass covers buses and private railways that the JR Pass doesn't touch. We used it on our first Kansai trip in 2022 and it simplified the logistics considerably. - [Kansai Railway Pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1329-kansai-thru-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- around $36 USD for 2 days We have a full guide to [buying Shinkansen tickets on Klook](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-buy-shinkansen-tickets-klook-discount-code/)on the blog - it covers when individual tickets beat a pass, how the seat reservation system works, and the one booking mistake we made that cost us an hour at Tokyo Station. ![The Clarkson family in front of the Glico sign in Dotonbori Osaka Japan June 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-posing-in-front-of-the-Glico-sign-in-Dotonbori-Osaka-Japan-June-2023.png) Dotonbori, June 2023 - our first extended Osaka stay. We've since spent the better part of three months here across multiple trips and it still hasn't worn out. ## A few things that surprised us about using Klook in Japan After 325 days and more bookings than we can accurately count, a few observations that don't fit neatly into individual activity sections: **Refunds work.** We've had to cancel twice - once when a kid was sick the morning of a booking, once when a typhoon effectively closed central Tokyo for 18 hours. Both were handled quickly through the app with no argument. Japan attractions through Klook tend to have reasonable cancellation windows; always check the specific policy before booking but our experience has been positive. **The Klook app handles multiple trips well.** We've had bookings for Tokyo and Osaka on the same trip, active at the same time, and the app keeps them organised without confusion. Filter by date and you get that day's relevant QR codes up top. **Some things don't need Klook.** Senso-ji temple is free. Shinjuku Gyoen costs a few hundred yen at the gate and there's never a meaningful queue. The Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari torii gates, the deer at Nara - none of these need advance booking and all of them are better done early in the morning before the guided tour groups arrive. Klook is for the things that sell out or are significantly cheaper pre-booked. Not everything in Japan needs to be managed. **Data matters as much as tickets.** Klook QR codes work offline once downloaded but Japan navigation - train lines, Google Maps, reading menus, figuring out which exit of Shinjuku Station you need (there are 50 of them) - requires data constantly. We use a [Holafly Plans eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=klook-japan-activities-guide&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=regional-asia&ref=adamandlinds.com)for Japan - unlimited data, one eSIM that covers Japan and 160+ other destinations, which works well given how often we're moving between countries. ## How to use the Klook discount code The code is **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Enter it in the promo code field at checkout. The old code ADAMANDLINDS no longer works on Klook - this is the current one. ### Klook Discount Code Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for discounts on Klook activities. Most standard Japan activity bookings accept it. Exceptions include some flash sales and promotional bundles where Klook explicitly excludes promo codes - the page will note this at checkout. When in doubt, add the activity to your cart, apply the code, and see what happens before completing payment. ## Frequently asked questions about Klook in Japan ### Is Klook legit and safe to use in Japan? Yes. We've used Klook for well over a hundred Japan bookings across 325 days in the country. Tickets are delivered as QR codes through the Klook app and accepted at venue gates exactly the same as a booking made directly. We have not had a single rejection. ### What is the current Klook discount code for Japan? The current code is ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK. The older ADAMANDLINDS code is expired on Klook - make sure you're using the updated one at checkout. ### Do you need to pre-book teamLab Planets on Klook? Yes, and the earlier the better. teamLab Planets uses mandatory timed-entry ticketing and sells out significantly in advance during peak periods - cherry blossom season, Golden Week, summer holidays. Walk-up tickets are not available when the venue is at capacity, which is often. Book at least a week ahead, two weeks during peak season. ### Is the USJ Express Pass worth buying through Klook? If Super Nintendo World or the Harry Potter area is your priority and you have one day at the park, yes. Standard entry queues for those zones can run 90-120 minutes on busy days. The Express Pass is expensive but it converts what would be a frustrating day into a good one. We learned this the hard way on our first USJ visit before we knew better. ### Is the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo worth it? It depends entirely on which attractions are on your list. Run the numbers: add up the individual ticket prices for the attractions you actually want, then compare to the pass price for the tier that covers them. If you have two or more premium inclusions, the pass almost always wins. If your list is mostly mid-tier standard attractions, buying individually is often cheaper. ### Can you use Klook tickets offline in Japan? Yes. Download your tickets to the Klook app before leaving your accommodation and the QR codes are accessible without any data connection. We always do this the night before - it takes 30 seconds and removes one potential problem from the day. This post contains affiliate links to Klook. If you book through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you - and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK saves you money at checkout too. We also partner with Holafly for eSIM coverage; if you purchase through our Holafly links, we earn a commission. ### Leaving Osaka After Three Months: How a Family of Five Moves Across Asia With Ten Checked Bags URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/leaving-osaka-after-three-months-how-a-family-of-five-moves-across-asia-with-ten-checked-bags/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:36.000Z Three months in Osaka go by faster than you expect. We arrived in early February, watched the city move from late winter into peak cherry blossom, and now we're nine days out from boarding a flight to Da Nang with ten checked bags, five carry-ons, and the slightly dazed expression of people who have just bought two new suitcases on the first day of Golden Week sales. This is what the end of a long stay actually looks like for a full-time travel family. Not a curated reel. Not a "10 tips" list. Just the genuinely strange logistics of moving a household-on-wheels from one country to another, plus what we did with our last weeks in Osaka, plus what it costs in human energy to keep a family of five organised through a transition. If you've ever wondered how people who travel full-time actually manage their stuff, this is the answer. The answer is: badly, mostly, and with a lot of extra suitcases. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper posing with Hello Kitty plush toys at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-with-Hello-Kitty-plush-toys-at-Universal-Studios-Japan-in-Osaka-Japan-March-14-2026.png) USJ in March was one of the things we ticked off the Osaka list before leaving. The girls have now collected enough Hello Kitty merch that it has its own suitcase compartment. ## Why We're Leaving Osaka (and Coming Back to Japan Anyway) We've spent more than 220 days in Japan now across multiple visits. Osaka has been our base since February. Our visa-free window runs out, the school year structure we've built for the girls is ready for a change of pace, and frankly, after three months the spreadsheet of "things we keep meaning to do here" stops shrinking and starts growing again. That's usually the signal. Da Nang is also calling. We were there from January through May 2025, and a year on we know what we missed and what we want to slow down for. Three months of Vietnam coastal life through May, June, and July gives us beach mornings, cheap and excellent food, the friends we made there last year, and a complete reset on the daily rhythm. We'll be back in Japan. The way we travel now is closer to "rotating bases" than "non-stop new cities." Osaka has become one of those bases, and we already know we'll return for sakura, autumn leaves, or whatever excuse we can find. ## The Real Reason We Have Ten Checked Bags Here is the part that no one writes about. When you live out of suitcases full-time and you stay somewhere for three months, you accumulate. It is unavoidable. You buy the things that make a rented apartment feel like a home, the things that solve a problem cheaply, and the things you walked past at Book Off and could not leave behind. Our official "we are leaving" inventory at the moment of writing this includes: - A stock pot. We bought it because the rental kitchen had nothing big enough to make a proper soup, and now it comes with us. - A used Sylvanian Families dollhouse from Book Off. The girls found it. It was about twelve dollars. We were doomed the moment they spotted it. - Two small weight plates (1.25 kg and 2.5 kg). Adam bought these to add to the resistance band setup he travels with. They are not particularly heavy until you are weighing all ten suitcases at the door. - Plastic crates for organising school books. Worldschool means we travel with a serious volume of paper, workbooks, manipulatives, and supplies. Crates make the chaos manageable. - Two new large suitcases bought yesterday at the Golden Week sales. This was the unlock. JAL allows two checked bags of 23 kg each per person on international long-haul, including children. That's a theoretical 230 kg of cargo for a family of five. We needed the extra capacity. We finally have it. This is how a family ends up with ten checked bags: not because anyone planned it, but because three months of small accumulations added up to enough material that we either pay for two extra suitcases now or pay for excess baggage at the airport later. Buying suitcases on the first day of a Japanese seasonal sale was the rational choice. ![The Clarkson family posing in Dotonbori, Osaka](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Family-poses-in-Osaka-on-Dotonburi-Nov-2022-1.png) We've been to Osaka now in 2022, 2023, and 2026\. Each time it accumulates more stuff and more meaning. ## How JAL's Two-Bags-Per-Person Rule Actually Saves Us Money JAL's economy class allows two checked bags up to 23 kg each on most international routes, including for children with their own paid ticket. For a family of five flying Osaka to Da Nang, that's the maximum 10-bag allowance built into the fare. We are not paying excess baggage. We are not shipping anything separately. We are using the allowance the airline already gave us. This is not a coincidence. It's why we choose airlines like JAL, ANA, and the legacy carriers when moving between bases rather than the budget options. Cheap flights with one 7 kg carry-on rule sound great until you actually have a household to move. Spending an extra 200 dollars per person on the ticket saves us at least double that in baggage fees, plus avoids the stress of trying to cram a Sylvanian Families dollhouse into a Ryanair-sized cabin bag. | Item | What it does for the move | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Two checked bags per person | Built into JAL fare, 230 kg total capacity | | 23 kg per bag | Hard limit, we use a luggage scale to pre-weigh everything | | New large suitcases | Bigger volume per kg means more cubic space without busting the weight | | Carry-on per person | Five carry-ons for laptops, valuables, and one change of clothes per kid | The trick is volume, not weight. A new large hard-shell suitcase can hold more stuff at the same 23 kg limit than two slightly smaller older bags ever could. We've learned this the hard way over four years of travel. ## What We Actually Did in Osaka (Last Three Months Edition) People keep asking what you "do" when you stay somewhere for three months. The honest answer is: live there. We are not sightseeing every day. The girls have school in the morning, we have work, and the weeks turn into something that looks more like normal life than tourism. That said, here's what we did pack into our last weeks in Osaka, much of it from the genuine "we are leaving soon, we should finally do this" list. ### Universal Studios Japan and the Hotel Walk We did USJ in March. We also stayed one night at one of the Universal walk hotels rather than commuting from central Osaka. This is the hack nobody tells you: the price difference between a city center hotel and a Universal Studios Japan partner hotel is small, and the time and stress saved on park morning is enormous. Walk in early entry, walk out for a nap, walk back in for the evening. If you're planning USJ as a family, the early entry hour into Super Nintendo World on a partner hotel ticket is the single biggest difference between a great day and a frustrating one. [Watch 85 | SUPER NINTENDO WORLD 🇯🇵 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5Fqe%5FZBWGJ%5Fw&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Tennoji Zoo Tennoji Zoo is one of the best low-budget family days in Osaka. It's right next to Tennoji Park, the entry fee is genuinely cheap, and the animal enclosures sit in the middle of a neighbourhood rather than out in the suburbs. We spent a full morning there in February and the girls still bring it up. ![Adam with Harper on his shoulders at Tennoji Zoo, Osaka](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-smiling-with-Harper-sitting-on-his-shoulders-at-Tennoji-Zoo-in-Osaka-Japan-February-15-2026-1.png) Tennoji Zoo, mid-February. The kind of low-budget family day that beats most of the high-budget ones. ### Round 1 (Still on the List) Round 1 is the Japanese arcade-bowling-batting-cage-karaoke-everything chain. We have not yet gone with the girls in Osaka. It is on this trip's "before we leave" list. With nine days to go, it will happen. [Watch 149 | ROUND 1 in OSAKA 🇯🇵 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-xzX74vqmY&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Sennichimae Doguyasuji (Kitchen Street) Doguyasuji is the kitchen-supply street in central Osaka. If you cook, if you have ever cooked, if you have ever thought about cooking, you will lose two hours here. This is also where we got the stock pot. Going back one more time before we leave is on the list, ostensibly to "look around" but realistically because Adam has identified another piece of cookware he wants to take. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-at-Tennoji-Zoo-in-Osaka-Japan-February-15-2026.png) Three sisters at Tennoji Zoo. The lions were not impressed. The girls were. ## The Pre-Departure Checklist (Real, Not Romanticised) Every time we move bases, the same week-before-departure checklist appears. Half of it is buying things we wore out or used up, half of it is one-last-time errands, and a small but critical portion is the "we will not be able to find this in the next country" category. Here's the actual list, not a sanitised version: - Sunscreen. Vietnam is hot, the sun is brutal, and Japanese sunscreen is significantly better than what's easy to find in Da Nang. - Tongs and kitchen shears. We cook constantly. Decent tongs in a Vietnam apartment kitchen are not guaranteed. - A small paring knife. Self-explanatory after you have peeled apples with whatever was in the drawer for three months. - Fingernail clippers. Always go missing. Always need replacing. - Adam socks and gym shorts. Replace before they hit the give-away pile. - Girls' undershorts, swimsuits, goggles, athletic outfits, two dresses each. The dresses are because Da Nang has hot afternoons that demand dresses, not jeans. - Wet brushes. Three girls. Long hair. Worth packing the right tool. - A body scale. Adam tracks weight as part of his fitness routine. The cheap travel scale he bought here is coming. - Big chunky hair ties. The good ones are hard to find in Vietnam. - A Uniqlo order to pick up, try on, and return what doesn't fit. This is a multi-day errand, not a single trip. The Uniqlo run is more important than it looks. Uniqlo in Japan has a wider range and better prices than Uniqlo abroad, and we use these stays to restock everyone for the next quarter. Picking up an order, walking back home, trying things on, then returning what doesn't fit is genuinely a half-day project. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper standing on My Khe Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--Harper--and-friends-standing-together-on-My-Khe-Beach-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-January-31-2025.png) My Khe Beach, January 2025\. Where we'll be again in roughly two weeks. The girls are counting down. ## What Three Months of Accumulating Stuff Has Taught Us After four years of full-time travel and several long stays, we've reluctantly accepted that there is no version of this where you arrive light, stay light, and leave light. The longer you settle, the more you accumulate, and the more honest you have to be about what's coming with you versus what you give away. The framework we use now is simple and unflattering. Everything in the apartment falls into one of three categories: 1. **Comes with us.** Anything we use weekly, anything sentimental, anything we won't replace cheaply elsewhere. 2. **Gets given away.** Cleaning supplies, half-used pantry items, things we bought for one specific use. We post these in our local worldschool group or hand them to the next family. 3. **Goes in the bin.** Worn-out clothes, broken bits, the third pair of shower shoes someone bought. Anything in the "maybe" pile means it goes in category two. We've learned that "maybe" is just denial about the weight limit. ## Da Nang for Three Months: What We're Actually Going Back For We're not going back to Da Nang to do tourism. We're going back to live there for three months. The difference matters. When we lived in Da Nang in early 2025, we built a routine around mornings at My Khe Beach, the kids' Vietnamese-language local activities, regular Lost Plate-style food walks in the old quarter just for ourselves, and weekly movie nights with the friend group we built. This time the priorities are similar but slightly different: - **Beach mornings.** This is non-negotiable. The girls live for the morning sea, and Da Nang's My Khe is one of the most family-friendly beaches we've ever based at. - **Vietnamese food, deeper.** We barely scratched the surface last year. This time we're committing to a "new neighbourhood food spot every week" rule. - **A working routine.** Adam writing, Linds working with travel advisor clients through Fora, the girls in their school rhythm, all of it on Vietnam time. Asia mornings work brilliantly for clients in different time zones. - **No grand plans.** When we arrive in Da Nang, we are not booking a single excursion in advance. We will figure out trips as we go. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper jumping on My Khe Beach in Da Nang, Vietnam](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-jumping-on-the-beach-at-My-Khe-Beach-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-April-21-2025.png) My Khe Beach with the girls, April 2025\. This is the photo that explains why we're going back. ## How We Stay Connected During the Move One thing we've learned about move days: do not assume the new country's SIM situation will work seamlessly the moment you land. We arrive in Da Nang, we want a working internet connection in the rideshare app to get to the apartment, and we don't want to be at a kiosk in arrivals trying to compare prepaid plans with three tired children. We use a Holafly eSIM for exactly this reason. The eSIM activates before we leave Japan, kicks in the second we land in Vietnam, and we don't have to think about it. For our Vietnam stay, with three months on the ground, we're using one of the Holafly Plans monthly subscriptions rather than a single-destination eSIM. At three months, it works out cheaper. ### Holafly eSIM Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off single-destination plans and 10% off the Plans monthly subscription. [Shop Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What We're Leaving Behind in Osaka (and What We're Not) The hardest part of leaving any base is the people. We've made friends here, the girls have made friends here, and three months of regular weekly meetups builds something real. Worldschool families understand this better than most: relationships in the travel community are intense and short, and you keep them alive online. We will see most of these families again somewhere else. We're not leaving sentimentality. We're leaving plastic kitchen storage we bought from the 100-yen shop, half a bottle of dish soap, and a futon we did not buy and do not get to keep. We're taking the dollhouse. We're taking the stock pot. We're taking memories of Tennoji Zoo and USJ and the local conbini who knew our daily breakfast order. And we're taking the unshakeable feeling, after four years of this, that wherever we land next will start to feel like home faster than it has any right to. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How does a family of five travel with ten checked bags? We fly airlines like JAL that include two checked bags per person on international long-haul tickets. Five people × two bags = ten checked bags, plus five carry-ons. We use a luggage scale to make sure each bag is under 23 kg before we leave the apartment. ### How long do you stay in each place? These days, anywhere from two weeks to four months. Our recent rhythm has been three-month stays in places we like (Osaka, Da Nang, Chiang Mai) with shorter trips in between. After three years of constant motion early in our travels, slow travel is what works for our family. ### Why Da Nang specifically? We lived in Da Nang from January to May 2025 and loved the rhythm of it. It's family-friendly, the beach is excellent, food is cheap and fantastic, internet is reliable, and there's a real worldschool community there. For us, it ticks every box for a base. ### How do you handle school while traveling? We worldschool. The girls do online courses through Outschool, structured workbooks, and we use travel itself as part of the curriculum. The plastic crates we're packing are full of school supplies. It is its own logistics challenge and we'll write about it separately. ### Do you ever feel done with traveling? Yes. Every family does. The trick is recognising the difference between "we need a longer stay somewhere" and "we want to stop." Three-month bases were the answer for us. ### What's the hardest part of moving bases with kids? The day before and the day of departure. The kids absorb stress from the parents. The packing chaos transfers to them. We've learned to start packing earlier and to keep the day-of routine as boring as possible. ### How can I follow along with the Vietnam stay? We post regularly on the [Adam and Linds YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) and update the blog with the longer pieces. The Vietnam content from May onwards will land here over the coming months. ## Final Thought Before the Suitcases Close Nine days out from Da Nang, two new suitcases standing empty in the corner, a list of half-used spices on the kitchen counter and a Sylvanian Families dollhouse waiting to be carefully boxed. This is what full-time family travel actually looks like at the seams. Not glamorous. Mostly logistics. Occasionally hilarious. We'll see you from Vietnam. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) link or use the code ADAMANDLINDS, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you get a discount. ### Klook Pass New York City: What's Included and Whether It's Worth It URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-new-york-city/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:37.000Z Spring is legitimately the best time to visit New York City. Central Park comes back to life, the outdoor dining situation turns from theoretical to actual, the queues at major attractions are shorter than summer, and the city's general energy in April and May is hard to beat. The [Klook Pass New York City](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71183-new-york-city-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)gives you a structured and cost-effective way into NYC's best-known paid attractions, with the flexibility to build the pass around your interests. We've been to New York with our family a few times over the years — most recently flying through to board the Queen Mary 2 for our transatlantic crossing. Booking activities individually in this city is how you end up paying Manhattan prices for the privilege of standing in three separate queues. [Watch Flying to New York with 3 Kids to Board the Queen Mary 2 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsOR3-5TPtc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What Is the Klook Pass New York City? The Klook Pass NYC gives you access to 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 attractions from a selection of the city's top sites, starting from **$86.00 USD**. It holds a 4.5-star rating across 575 reviews, includes instant confirmation, and has free cancellation before redemption. Activate within 60 days to unlock 90 days of validity. There's also an optional Broadway show add-on (The Lion King, Wicked, Aladdin, or Chicago) that can be stacked on top of the standard pass. ### Klook Pass New York City Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for access to NYC attractions starting from $86.00 USD. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71183-new-york-city-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![New York City spring Manhattan skyline attractions](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/dh6drzuigs6nxx7ghirv.jpg) The Klook Pass NYC covers the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, The Edge, MoMA, and more ## What's Included in the NYC Pass | Attraction | Type | Why It's Worth It | | -------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- | | Empire State Building | Observation deck | The original New York skyline view | | Top of the Rock Observation Deck | Observation deck | Best view OF the Empire State Building | | The Edge Observation Deck | Outdoor observation deck | Highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere | | The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) | World-class art museum | Picasso, Warhol, Monet — proper collection | | SUMMIT One Vanderbilt | Observation + immersive experience | Reflective immersive sky space | | New York Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off | City tour/transport | All major neighborhoods | The Broadway show add-on is genuinely one of the better value propositions in any Klook pass globally — stacking a major Broadway production on top of 4-6 city attractions in a single bundled purchase typically saves 25-40% versus buying separately at box office rates. Valid through 31 December 2026\. Check the full current list of NYC pass inclusions on the [Klook listing page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71183-new-york-city-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Spring 2026: NYC Planning Notes Cherry blossom season in Central Park and Brooklyn Botanic Garden typically runs late March through mid-April. Book observation deck visits early in your trip — spring mornings offer the clearest visibility before afternoon haze builds. The Big Bus pass is particularly useful for neighborhoods outside Manhattan: Brooklyn, the High Line, and the Hudson Yards area are all on the route. For families, the Museum of Natural History and the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum are not included in the pass but are worth the additional budget. ## Getting Around New York The subway remains the most efficient way to move around the city. OMNY tap-to-pay works on all NYC Transit, so a contactless card or phone handles fares without a separate MetroCard. The Big Bus pass bundled into the NYC Klook pass is best used for a scenic city overview on arrival, not as your primary transport. Walking remains underrated — many neighborhoods worth seeing are within a mile of each other. ## Staying Connected in the USA US mobile data is expensive without an eSIM. We use [Holafly's USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/jReGqn?ref=adamandlinds.com) for a single destination, or the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) for multi-country trips ($49.90/month for 25GB across 160+ destinations, or $64.90/month unlimited). One eSIM, no country-switching hassle, and the Always On feature provides automatic 1GB backup data across 76+ destinations when your primary plan runs out. ### Holafly eSIM Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your eSIM purchase. [Get Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/jReGqn?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Frequently Asked Questions: Klook Pass New York City ### What does the Klook Pass New York City include? The Klook Pass NYC includes 2 to 6 activities from the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock, The Edge Observation Deck, MoMA, SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, the New York Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off, and more. An optional Broadway show add-on (The Lion King, Wicked, Aladdin, Chicago) is available at checkout. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for a discount. ### How much does the Klook Pass New York City cost? The Klook Pass NYC starts from $86.00 USD for a 2-activity bundle. Larger bundles of 3, 4, 5, or 6 activities offer increasing per-activity savings. The Broadway add-on is an additional cost at checkout. ### Is the Klook Pass NYC worth it in spring? Spring is one of the best times to buy the NYC pass. Cherry blossom season (late March through mid-April) brings Central Park to its peak, observation deck visibility is excellent on clear spring mornings, and queues at major attractions are shorter than in summer. Combining 4+ activities from the pass with a Broadway show provides strong overall value. ### Does the Klook NYC pass include a Broadway show? The Broadway show is available as an add-on at purchase rather than as a standard pass inclusion. Available shows include The Lion King, Wicked, Aladdin, and Chicago. This offer is valid through 31 December 2026\. ### Can I use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on the Klook Pass New York City? Yes. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at Klook checkout for a discount on the NYC pass and any other Klook activity bookings. This post contains affiliate links to Klook. When you book using our link and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely think are worth your time and money. ### Aura Frame Mother's Day Gift: Why We Bought Two Before Going Full-Time Travel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/aura-frame-mothers-day-gift/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:37.000Z When we left America in May 2022 for what was supposed to be a year of full-time travel (it's now four years and counting), the hardest part wasn't packing up the house or saying goodbye to friends. It was that morning at the airport with the grandparents. Three small girls, four big suitcases, and two sets of parents who suddenly realized they wouldn't see their grandkids for a long, long time. We have a photo from that day. Our moms are smiling for the camera, and you can tell they're working hard at it. So before we boarded the plane, we did something on a hunch: we ordered an [Aura digital frame](https://aurahome.sjv.io/1GDMR9?ref=adamandlinds.com) for Lindsay's mom and another one for mine. They arrived a few weeks after we left, already pre-loaded with photos of the girls. Four years later, those two frames are still the best Mother's Day purchase we've ever made. So with [Mother's Day landing on May 10 this year](https://aurahome.sjv.io/c/6317027/1812207/21436?ref=adamandlinds.com), we wanted to write the post we wish someone had written for us back in 2022\. ![The Clarkson family with both sets of grandparents at the airport before departing for full-time travel in May 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Family-with-grandparents-at-airport-before-departure-may-2022.png) The morning we said goodbye in May 2022\. The Aura frames arrived in our parents' living rooms a few weeks later. ## What an Aura Frame Actually Does If you've never seen one in person, here's the short version. An [Aura frame](https://aurahome.sjv.io/c/6317027/1812203/21436?ref=adamandlinds.com) is a wifi-connected digital picture frame that pulls photos and videos straight from a connected phone via the Aura app. You take a photo of the kids eating ramen in Osaka at lunchtime. By dinner, it's appearing on grandma's coffee table in Indiana on a beautifully calibrated HD display. There's no subscription. No monthly fee. No "premium tier" that unlocks the good features. You buy the frame once, you upload as many photos and videos as you want forever, and that's it. Each frame holds unlimited photos and videos through Aura's cloud, so we've never had to delete or rotate anything. The setup took our moms about a minute (we tested this by FaceTiming them while they did it). Plug in, download the Aura app, connect to wifi, done. The frame's color-calibrated display adjusts to room lighting automatically, dimming in the evening and turning off completely in the dark. So it doesn't sit there glowing at 2 a.m. like a slightly creepy night light, which was a concern we both had before we bought. ## Why It Beats Every Other Mother's Day Gift We've Tried We've sent flowers across continents (expensive, dead in a week). We've sent books (well-meaning, but our moms now have shelves of unread Bill Bryson). We've done the photo-printed-on-canvas thing (looked great in 2019, still looks like 2019). The frame is different because the gift isn't the object. The gift is the ongoing connection. Here's what we mean in practical terms: | Gift Type | Cost | Lifespan | Connects across distance? | | ------------------- | --------- | ------------------ | ------------------------- | | Bouquet of flowers | $60–$120 | 5–7 days | No | | Spa gift card | $100–$200 | One visit | No | | Aura Carver Mat 10" | \~$179 | Years (we're 4 in) | Yes, daily | | Aura Aspen 12" | \~$229 | Years | Yes, daily | | Aura Walden 15" | \~$299 | Years | Yes, daily | Prices are approximate from Aura's site at the time of writing and tend to drop around Mother's Day. The frames are also routinely on sale at retailers like Best Buy and Amazon. The other thing we didn't expect: it works in both directions. Lindsay's mom uploads photos from her garden. My mom adds shots from family dinners we're missing. The frames sitting on Lily, Cora, and Harper's bookshelves in our Osaka apartment now show what's happening 7,000 miles away in Indiana, in real time. The girls walk past them every morning. ![The Clarkson family under cherry blossoms in Tokyo, the kind of photo that goes on the grandparents' Aura frame within minutes](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-posing-under-cherry-blossoms-at-Shinjuku-Gyoen-National-Garden-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) Cherry blossoms in Tokyo, March 2023\. Photos like this one were on the grandparents' frames the same evening. ## Which Aura Frame to Buy for Mother's Day There are three main models. We've handled all three at this point (one ours, one we sent to Lindsay's brother for his wife, one we saw at our own moms' houses) and the choice mostly comes down to where mom plans to put it. ### Aura Carver Mat 10" This is Aura's bestseller and the one we bought for both grandmothers. The 10.1-inch landscape display has a paper-mat border that gives photos a real "framed print" feel rather than "tablet stuck on a stand." Built-in speakers handle video with sound, which matters more than we realized. When the girls record a quick "Hi grandma!" message from a Tokyo park, our moms can hear it. It works on any side table, kitchen counter, or shelf. If mom is the kind of person who'd put a picture frame in a high-traffic part of the house, this is the one. Around $179 at full price, frequently $30–$40 off. There's also an [active discount on the Carver Mat right now](https://aurahome.sjv.io/c/6317027/1882629/21436?ref=adamandlinds.com)worth checking before you order. ### Aura Aspen 12" Aspen is the middle option, a 12-inch HD frame that's a touch more versatile than Carver. Worth considering if mom has a larger space, like a hallway console or a big living room sideboard. About $50 more than the Carver and you get a noticeably bigger viewing surface. ### Aura Walden 15" The biggest one. Fifteen-inch anti-glare HD display, can be wall-mounted or freestanding. This is the move if mom is the type who'd hang it like a piece of art. We don't own one, but TechRadar named it one of the best digital frames available, and we've stood in front of one at a friend's house. It's substantial. If mom or grandma has visible aging eyes, Walden is genuinely a kindness. The larger display makes faces in photos read at a glance, even from across the room. For most people, our recommendation is Carver Mat. It's the one we picked twice, it's the one that's still running flawlessly four years later, and it's the size that fits naturally into a family home without dominating it. ## How to Pre-Load the Frame Before Mother's Day This is the move that turns a good gift into a great one. Aura lets you load up the frame with photos before mom even opens the box. Order the frame, scan the QR code on the back, and use the Aura app to upload a starter set. We did this with maybe 80 photos for each of our moms: first day of school photos, family vacation shots, the standard archive. When they unboxed and plugged in, the frame was already running a slideshow of their grandkids before they finished setup. You can also pre-record a short greeting video. We did "Happy Mother's Day from Tokyo!" the second year. It's the kind of detail that makes the difference between a thoughtful gift and a memorable one. A few tips from doing this twice and watching family members do it: - Pick 50 to 100 photos to start. The frame holds unlimited, but the initial slideshow shouldn't feel sparse. - Use the captions feature. Aura lets you add context (like "Lily's first day of kindergarten, August 2021") to each photo. Mom will read every single one. - Add a few short videos. They auto-play with sound, up to 30 seconds. - Invite siblings and family members to upload too. The frame supports multiple contributors, which means the gift instantly multiplies. ## Why This Matters for Long-Distance Families If mom lives close enough that you see her every weekend, an Aura frame is still a wonderful gift. But if there's distance involved, a different state, a different country, a kid who moved across the world to do something quixotic with their three children, the frame is the closest thing we've found to a daily, low-effort phone call. We've watched our moms become more confident with the Aura app over the years. At first they just received photos. Now Lindsay's mom captions almost every shot we send. My mom uses the frame to send photos back to us: flowers from her garden, the dog being ridiculous, snowfall on the porch. The girls have a relationship with their grandparents that includes images of right now, not just memories of the last visit. That's the part you can't really put a price on. [Watch Boarding the Queen Mary 2 with Kids and Starting Our Atlantic Crossing on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx6KGMcMGOI&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Practical Stuff to Know Before You Order A few things worth flagging if you've never bought one of these: **Wifi is required.** Aura frames need an active wifi connection to receive new photos. If grandma lives somewhere without home internet, this isn't the right gift. **Compatibility.** The Aura app works on iOS and Android. We have a mix of Apple and Android in our family, no issues. **No subscription or hidden fees.** This is a big deal in 2026 when everything seems to want $9.99 a month. Aura genuinely sells you the frame and walks away. The cloud storage, the app, the software updates: all included. **Free shipping.** Use code FREESHIP at checkout for [free shipping on any order](https://aurahome.sjv.io/c/6317027/1816916/21436?ref=adamandlinds.com). **Order by early May.** [Mother's Day this year is Sunday, May 10](https://aurahome.sjv.io/c/6317027/1812207/21436?ref=adamandlinds.com). Aura ships fast, but pre-loading photos and inviting other family members to contribute is worth doing in advance. We'd order by May 5 at the latest. ![Lindsay and the three girls posing in front of a birthday cake in a Malaysia Airbnb](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lindsay-and-The-Girls-pose-in-front-of-Lindsays-birthday-cake-in-Malaysia-Airbnb-Feb-23.png) Birthday photo from a Malaysia Airbnb in February 2023\. On Lindsay's mom's frame within an hour. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How many photos can an Aura frame hold? Unlimited. Aura uses cloud storage, so you can add as many photos and videos as you want through the Aura app, email, web, or by sharing directly from your camera roll. There's no fee for storage. ### Do you need a subscription to use an Aura frame? No. Aura frames have no subscription, no premium tier, and no fees of any kind. You buy the frame once and that's the entire cost. Photo and video uploads, cloud storage, and software updates are all free forever. ### Can you pre-load photos before gifting an Aura frame? Yes, and we strongly recommend it. Scan the QR code on the back of the box (or set it up virtually using the Aura app) to upload photos, videos, and a personal message before you wrap it. When mom opens it and plugs it in, the slideshow starts immediately. ### Does an Aura frame work without wifi? No. The frame needs a wifi connection to receive new photos and videos. Once content is loaded, it can play stored photos offline, but ongoing photo sharing requires wifi. ### Which Aura frame is best for Mother's Day 2026? For most moms, the Aura Carver Mat 10" is the best choice. It's the bestseller, it has a beautiful paper-mat border, and at around $179 it sits in the gift sweet spot. We bought this exact frame for both of our moms in 2022 and they're still using them daily. If mom has a larger space or older eyes, the Walden 15" is the upgrade. ### Can multiple family members add photos to one frame? Yes. The Aura app lets you invite as many contributors as you want to the same frame. We have ourselves, Adam's siblings, and Lindsay's siblings all uploading to both grandmothers' frames. The frame becomes a family-wide photo stream, not just one person's gift. ### How long does Aura frame setup take? About one minute. Plug in the frame, download the Aura app, connect to wifi, and you're done. We tested this with both grandmothers (one of whom would not describe herself as tech-savvy) and neither needed help. ### Is the Aura Carver Mat worth the price? Based on four years of use across two frames running daily, yes. The display still looks new, the app keeps getting better through free updates, and it's the kind of gift that mom will mention every time you call. Compared to flowers or a spa day, the per-day cost is essentially nothing. ## The Real Reason We Recommend This We've reviewed a lot of products on this blog over the years. eSIMs, travel insurance, tour companies, family-friendly hotels. Most of them are useful. A few are great. The Aura frame is the only product we've ever bought twice for personal reasons, four years apart, and recommended to every traveling family we know. If your mom or your kids' grandma is going to spend Mother's Day morning a long way from her grandkids, whether that's because of distance, schedules, or anything else, an Aura frame closes that gap a little bit every day for years to come. That's a rare thing in a gift. ### Ready to give the gift that keeps showing up? Order by early May to give yourself time to pre-load photos. Your mom will cry. (Both of ours did.) [Browse Aura frames here](https://aurahome.sjv.io/1GDMR9?ref=adamandlinds.com) This post contains affiliate links to Aura Frames. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We bought our first two Aura frames at full price in 2022, before any partnership existed, because they were the right gift. Read our full affiliate disclosure. ### SafetyWing Saved Us When Harper Broke Her Arm in Vienna (Real Story, Real Costs) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing-saved-us-harper-broke-arm-vienna-real-story/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:38.000Z We had been on the road full-time for about four months when Harper, our youngest, fell off the couch in our Vienna Airbnb and broke her arm. It happened in the kind of fraction of a second every parent dreads. One minute she was climbing, the next she was screaming, and within the hour we were in a Vienna emergency room trying to figure out which pavilion was the right pavilion. That night kicked off five months of follow-ups across three countries: Austria, Hungary, and Thailand. Total out of pocket for the entire ordeal: under $100 USD. SafetyWing handled the rest. We get asked about [SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL)constantly, and most of the questions come down to one thing: does it actually work when something bad happens? Here is what happened to us. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/04/IMG_8745.png) Harper outside the Vienna hospital the morning after she broke her arm. ## The Night It Happened in Vienna Harper was two and a half. She was climbing on the couch in our Airbnb in Vienna. She slipped, hit the floor face first, busted her lip, and her arm landed wrong. Lindsay knew immediately it was broken. We could see it. Vienna at night with a screaming toddler and two other kids in the apartment is not where you want to be calculating which hospital to use. We grabbed our passwords, our phones, and a stuffed animal, called a cab, and asked for the nearest emergency room. The driver took us to a hospital complex with multiple pavilions, and we wandered the wrong direction twice before finding the right entrance. Inside, the staff moved fast. They checked Harper in, took x-rays, and confirmed what we already knew. Her arm was not just broken, it was twisted. The bone needed to be set, and the doctor told us bluntly that if we did not do it that night, it would heal that way. We had to move to a second hospital across the city for the procedure. We took another cab. Lindsay went in with Harper while I stayed outside with Lily and Cora. It was past 11 PM. Nobody had eaten. Cora kept asking if Harper was going to be okay. The doctor decided to set the bone without full sedation because of her age and the location of the break. Harper screamed. She got the cast. We got home around 1 AM. [Watch 44 | SCARIEST DAY Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl228SUmZ3Y&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What SafetyWing Covered (and How Fast) We had Nomad Insurance Essential. We bought it before we left the US in May 2022, and it was set to auto-extend every 4 weeks. The Vienna trip was month four of our coverage. When Harper got hurt, we did not stop to read the fine print. We took the kid to the hospital. The claim work happened later. Here is what SafetyWing handled across the full arc of the injury: | Stage | Where | What Happened | Out of Pocket | | ------------------------------------------- | ------------------ | --------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- | | Initial ER visit | Vienna, Austria | X-ray, diagnosis, transfer to second hospital | Paid at counter, reimbursed | | Bone setting + cast | Vienna, Austria | Set without full sedation, hard cast | Paid at counter, reimbursed | | Morning follow-up | Vienna, Austria | Re-wrap, swelling check | Paid at counter, reimbursed | | Re-x-ray | Budapest, Hungary | Confirm healing, check alignment | Paid at counter, reimbursed | | Final x-ray + cast removal | Bangkok, Thailand | Cast off, last check | Paid at counter, reimbursed | | **Total out of pocket after reimbursement** | **Under $100 USD** | | | We paid each clinic in cash or by card at the time of service, kept every receipt, and submitted the claims through the SafetyWing dashboard. Every claim got paid. The under-$100 figure represents what was not covered, which on a multi-country pediatric fracture is honestly remarkable. We are not insurance brokers, and this is not a recommendation to buy a specific policy for your situation. We are telling you what happened to us. We use SafetyWing because the plans are flexible, the claims process worked when we needed it, and we did not have to call anyone in the middle of the night to get treatment authorized. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/04/IMG_8687.png) Back at the Airbnb past midnight. Cast on, kids fed (eventually), parents wrecked. ## Vienna to Budapest: The First Follow-Up We had train tickets to Budapest already booked. Harper was cleared to travel as long as we kept the cast clean and her arm elevated, so we went. The follow-up x-ray happened in Budapest about ten days after the break. Budapest was where we figured out the rhythm of injury-as-a-traveler. Find a hospital that takes walk-ins, bring the records from Vienna, pay at the desk, ask for an itemized receipt in English if possible, and submit. We had used a translation app for parts of the Vienna paperwork; in Budapest we got lucky with an English-speaking radiologist. The bone was healing fine. We were cleared to keep moving. [Watch 48 | FINDING A HOSPITAL IN BUDAPEST Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uQVYCh4dJU&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Bangkok: Cast Removal Five Months Later By the time the cast was due to come off, we were in Bangkok. We had moved through Thailand into Southeast Asia and Harper had been trucking around in the cast for the better part of five months. Pediatric breaks heal slower than adult ones at her age, and the cast had been re-wrapped a couple of times along the way. Bangkok hospitals are excellent, English-friendly, and used to international patients. We walked into one of the major private hospitals, did the final x-ray, got the cast removed, and walked out the same day. Submitted the receipts. Done. If you are doing the math on this: one fracture, three countries, five months, four medical visits, and the total bill we ate personally was under $100\. That is the part that sticks with us. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/04/IMG_8745-1.png) Harper the next morning in Vienna. Two and a half years old and already stronger than the rest of us. ## Why We Bought SafetyWing in the First Place We were leaving the US for an open-ended trip with three kids. Traditional travel insurance was either too expensive for our duration or wrote out exactly the scenarios we needed covered (multi-country, multi-month, kids included). We wanted something that worked like a subscription, that we could cancel if we went home, and that did not punish us for staying out longer than 30 days. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential fit that. Auto-extends every 4 weeks. Cancel anytime. Covers 175+ countries including the US (with optional add-on). Buy before you leave or while already abroad. The other product worth knowing about is [Nomad Insurance Complete](https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador), which is a full health insurance plan with extra travel protections. That one includes routine checkups, mental health, wellness, and cancer treatment. We have used Essential the whole time. Different families have different needs. ## What We Tell Other Families Now People send us messages when they are about to leave on a long trip and want to know what we use. We tell them three things: The first is that you cannot buy peace of mind after the fact. The night Harper fell, we did not have to make a decision about whether we could afford the ER. We just went. That is what insurance is supposed to feel like. The second is that pediatric care abroad is often outstanding and almost always cheaper than US care, even before insurance reimbursement. We have used hospitals in Austria, Hungary, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines over four years of full-time travel. The Vienna and Bangkok visits set the bar high. The Budapest visit was efficient and clean. The third is that insurance only works if you actually file the claim. We see people skip the submission because it feels like paperwork. Do the paperwork. Save the receipts the same day. Ask for itemized invoices in English when you can. Upload everything to the SafetyWing dashboard while it is fresh. ## How to Get a Quote If you want to see what coverage costs for your situation, plug your dates and ages into the [SafetyWing quote page](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). It takes about a minute. You can buy single-trip coverage as short as 5 days or set it up as a subscription that auto-extends every 4 weeks. Pricing scales with age and whether you include US travel. For our family of five, the monthly subscription has been a manageable line item, and the one time we really needed it, it paid for itself many times over. ### Get a SafetyWing Quote See pricing for your dates and family in under a minute. [Check SafetyWing Pricing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) If you are weighing options, we have written about [why we picked SafetyWing over World Nomads](https://adamandlinds.com/world-nomads-vs-safetywing-the-ultimate-travel-insurance-comparison-for-worldschooling-families/) for our specific situation as a worldschooling family. Our full [SafetyWing Nomad Insurance family review](https://adamandlinds.com/safetywing-nomad-insurance-family-review/) has more on day-to-day use. ## Frequently Asked Questions FAQ ## SafetyWing Questions How much did Harper's broken arm cost out of pocket with SafetyWing? Under $100 USD total across three countries (Vienna, Budapest, Bangkok) and five months of follow-up care. SafetyWing reimbursed the rest, including the initial ER visit, bone setting, multiple x-rays, follow-ups, and final cast removal. Does SafetyWing cover kids? Yes. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential covers children, and the plan we used treated Harper's pediatric fracture and follow-ups the same way it would an adult. Always read the current policy details for age-specific limits before buying. How does the SafetyWing claim process actually work? You pay the medical provider at the time of service, get an itemized receipt, and submit the claim through your SafetyWing dashboard with photos or scans of the documents. Reimbursement is direct deposit. We submitted ours within a few days of each visit and got paid within a few weeks each time. Is SafetyWing good for long-term travel? It is built for it. Nomad Insurance Essential auto-extends every 4 weeks like a subscription, can be cancelled anytime, and works in 175+ countries. We used it for our first stretch of full-time travel covering multiple continents and it kept rolling without us having to re-buy anything. Can you buy SafetyWing while already abroad? Yes. You can buy Nomad Insurance Essential before you leave or after you have already started traveling. This is one of the things that makes it different from traditional travel insurance, which usually requires you to purchase before departure. Did you have any issues getting reimbursed? No. Every claim we submitted for Harper's arm got paid. We were thorough about keeping receipts and submitting itemized invoices, which we think helped. Total out of pocket was under $100 across three countries. What about coverage in the US? SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential has an option to include or exclude US travel. Adding US coverage costs more because of US healthcare pricing. We have included it on and off depending on our plans. Does SafetyWing cover pre-existing conditions? Coverage for pre-existing conditions varies by plan and circumstance. Check the SafetyWing site or contact their team directly before buying. We are not insurance brokers and cannot give a specific answer for your situation. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase SafetyWing through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We are not licensed insurance brokers, and nothing in this article should be read as a recommendation of a specific insurance product for your specific situation. Always read the policy details before buying. Read our full affiliate disclosure. ### What Our Readers Book Most in Japan URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/what-our-readers-book-in-japan/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:41.000Z We're writing this from a small apartment in Osaka while a kettle boils and Harper negotiates with her sisters over the last rice cracker. Japan is having, by every conceivable metric, a moment. And when we pulled up our Klook affiliate dashboard this week to see what our readers are booking, the numbers told a surprisingly specific story. Out of more than a thousand bookings our readers placed through our Klook links between April 1 and April 23, 2026, roughly three-quarters were for Japan. Not "Japan and Southeast Asia" or "Japan and Korea". Just Japan. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and the Mount Fuji day-trip circuit accounted for the vast majority of what people actually spent money on. We thought it would be more useful to write about what is genuinely working for travelers right now, backed by real booking data, than to publish another generic "top 10 things to do in Tokyo" list. So here's what your fellow readers booked this month, what we've done ourselves, and what's worth your money if you're heading to Japan soon. ![The Clarkson family under cherry blossoms with Tokyo Skytree in the background, March 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/AdamLindsLilyCoraHarper_Japan_Tokyo_SkyTree_CherryBlossom-March-23-1.png) Our first Japan trip in cherry blossom season, March 2023\. Tokyo is still our most-booked destination. ## The Headline: Japan Is Dominating Before we get into specific experiences, here's the shape of what readers booked through our links in the first 23 days of April 2026: | Destination | Bookings | Share of Japan | | --------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | -------------- | | **Tokyo** | 390 | \~55% | | **Osaka** | 111 | \~16% | | **Kyoto** | 110 | \~16% | | **Narita** (airport transfers) | 31 | \~4% | | **Mt Fuji region** (Fujinomiya, Fujiyoshida, Kawaguchiko) | 47 | \~7% | The clear pattern: Tokyo is the gravitational center, Osaka and Kyoto are near-equal second and third, and Mount Fuji is the single most-booked day trip. Airport transfers quietly make a top-five appearance, which tracks with our own experience. We've landed at Narita enough times to know that figuring out transport after a 14-hour flight with three kids is worth paying someone else to solve. ## The Top 5 Activities Our Readers Booked Below are the five activities that drove the most bookings and commission through our links this month. These aren't our subjective favorites. They're what real travelers actually paid for. ### 1\. Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) This was the runaway #1 across all variants (Studio Pass, Super Value Combo, Express Pass, Have Fun in Kansai bundle). Seventy bookings. Our theory: USJ's Super Nintendo World has genuine pull, and the Express Pass, while expensive, removes the single worst thing about any theme park, which is standing in a line for 90 minutes while a seven-year-old asks how much longer every four minutes. ![The Clarkson family posing on Dotonbori in Osaka, November 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Family-poses-in-Osaka-on-Dotonburi-Nov-2022-1.png) Osaka, November 2022, our first visit. USJ is a 20-minute train from Dotonbori. We took Harper to USJ in 2023 and she met Luigi in Super Nintendo World. It was, to use a technical term, a complete meltdown of joy. You can see her reaction on our [YouTube channel here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRMRY-17f9Q&ref=adamandlinds.com). [Watch Magical Day at USJ: Mario, Minions, Harry Potter on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3Nd4bI%5Fk%5FM&ref=adamandlinds.com) **What's worth booking:** | Ticket Type | Best For | Price | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------- | | [USJ 1-Day Studio Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Most families, regular days | **From $75** | | [USJ Express Pass 5](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3407-universal-studios-japan-express-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(Race & Minion) | Busy days, teenagers who won't queue | **From $62**\+ entry | | [Have Fun in Kansai Premium Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/168914-have-fun-in-kansai-premium-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Multi-day Osaka/Kyoto visitors, temples + nighttime sushi | **Bundled** | ### Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout on Klook for a discount. ### 2\. teamLab Museums (Tokyo & Kyoto) Combined across all three locations (Planets Tokyo, Borderless Tokyo, and Biovortex Kyoto), teamLab generated **139 bookings**. This is a category-defining experience. If you're coming to Japan and wondering whether it's worth it, here's your answer: yes. One of our most-watched videos is literally just us wandering around Team Lab in stunned silence. [Watch Team Lab in Tokyo on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gND0xI2ORBs&ref=adamandlinds.com) The three options readers are booking: | Venue | Location | Best For | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | [teamLab Planets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Toyosu, Tokyo | First-timers, families (barefoot, water, soft floors) | | **teamLab Biovortex** | Kyoto | Newer and smaller; good Kyoto add-on | | **teamLab Borderless** | Azabudai Hills, Tokyo | Bigger, more maze-like, no water | Practical tip from watching our own bookings: Planets books out fast. If you're traveling in April through October, reserve your date a minimum of two weeks ahead. We've had a reader email us at the last minute three times now after not being able to get in. ### 3\. Mount Fuji Day Tours Mount Fuji is the single highest-converting day trip our readers book, with 60+ bookings across various package variants. The popular route combines Arakurayama Sengen Park (the five-pagoda-and-Fuji shot), Oshino Hakkai springs, Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchiko, and the internet-famous Lawson convenience store. ![Crowds gathering near a pirate ship on Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji behind, Hakone November 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Crowds-gathering-near-a-sightseeing-pirate-ship-on-Lake-Ashi-with-Mount-Fuji-in-the-background-at-Fuji-Hakone-Izu-National-Park-in-Hakone-Japan-November-20-2023.png) Lake Ashi, Hakone, November 2023\. We went the Hakone Freepass route. [Watch Mt Fuji - Our First Time at Mt. Fuji (Hakone Free Pass) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90R%5F9XxR7rI&ref=adamandlinds.com) Two paths, both popular with readers. Pick based on what you want: | Option | Cost | What You Get | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | [Full Day Bus Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93901-mtfuji-one-day-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)from Tokyo | **From $33** | Guide, transport, Arakurayama + Oshino + Kawaguchiko in one day | | [Hakone Freepass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/821-hakone-transport-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(DIY) | **From $45** | 2-3 days, 8 transport modes including pirate ship on Lake Ashi, ropeway, onsen towns | We did the Hakone Freepass version with three kids and grandparents in November 2023\. It worked. The pirate ship is objectively silly and objectively great. If it's your first time and you want someone else to handle logistics, the bus tour is the lower-stress pick. ### 4\. SHIBUYA SKY Volume winner. **39 bookings**. It's the cheapest single-ticket attraction on this list (roughly $17 USD), the view is genuinely spectacular, and the time-slot entry system means you're not fighting the scrum at the top. ![The Clarkson family and grandparents taking a selfie in front of Tokyo Skytree, November 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Lily--Terry--Adam--Kim--Cora--and-Lindsay-taking-a-family-selfie-in-front-of-Tokyo-Skytree-in-Sumida-Tokyo-Japan-November-17-2023-1.png) Shibuya Sky's main competitor, Tokyo Skytree, with our family and Adam's parents in November 2023\. Our take: if you only have time for one Tokyo skyscraper view, Shibuya Sky is better than Skytree for sunset, and Skytree is better if you want to be higher up with more formal observation-deck feel. We've done both. Readers clearly agree with our instinct. [Shibuya Sky bookings](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70672-shibuya-sky-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)are outpacing [Tokyo Skytree](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/41352-tokyo-skytree/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)by more than 4 to 1\. **Pro tip:** Book the **sunset slot** about 45 minutes before official sunset in your month. You'll see daylight Tokyo, the actual sunset, and then the city lights come on. Three experiences, one ticket. ### 5\. Airport Transfers This one surprised us until it didn't. **63 bookings** for airport transfers across Narita, Haneda, and a few others. Split pretty evenly between pre-booked private cars and the Skyliner/Limousine Bus options. The honest version: after a long-haul flight with kids, nobody wants to figure out which ticket machine sells the right JR pass. Pre-book a private car or a named bus ticket, show the driver your phone, go directly to the hotel. This is what we now do every single time. | Transfer Option | When It Makes Sense | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | | [Keisei Skyliner](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1410-skyliner-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(Narita) | Solo or couples heading to central Tokyo, fast train, \~40 min | | [Narita Limousine Bus](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2274-narita-airport-limousine-bus-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Families with luggage, direct to major hotels | | **Private car transfer** | Families of 4+, late arrivals, with exhausted kids, worth every yen | ## The Quieter Categories Worth Knowing About Beyond the top five, a handful of experiences are punching above their weight in bookings and tell us something about the specific kind of traveler our audience is. **Shinkansen bookings through Klook.** More than 40 shinkansen tickets were booked through our links this month. Tokyo to Kyoto and Tokyo to Osaka are the most popular. Klook isn't the only way to buy shinkansen tickets (Smart-EX and station kiosks work too), but it's the easiest for non-Japanese speakers because the whole flow is in English and you get your seat assignment before you leave home. **Sumo shows.** Nearly 15 bookings for the various sumo cultural show packages in Shinjuku, Asakusa, and Kyoto. These aren't the real grand tournaments (those are timed, only six a year, and sell out fast), but staged demonstration shows with chanko-nabe lunches. We've not done one yet, but given the volume of bookings we're clearly due. ![The Clarkson family under cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, March 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-posing-under-cherry-blossoms-at-Shinjuku-Gyoen-National-Garden-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) Shinjuku Gyoen during sakura season. Easily a top-five memory of our three years of travel. **Go-karts through Tokyo streets.** Twenty-four bookings, mostly the Tokyo Bay and Ginza/Akihabara routes. You dress up as Mario (or whoever) and drive a go-kart through actual Tokyo streets. Requires an International Driving Permit, this is the thing most people forget and then arrive disappointed. Get the IDP before you leave home. [Here's the Klook link](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/13560-go-kart-riding-experience-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). **Hozugawa River boat ride.** Thirteen bookings just for this one Kyoto-area boat ride through a forested gorge. It's a two-hour scenic river trip on a small wooden boat. Not flashy, but apparently excellent. [Here's the link if you want it](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74947-kyoto-arashiyama-hozugawa-river-boat-ride/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). ## The Practical Stuff: Things Every Japan Trip Actually Needs Three things come up in every reader email we get about Japan. We'll answer them once here so we can stop rewriting the answer every week. ### eSIM for Japan You need data in Japan. Pocket WiFi is the old answer. An eSIM is the current answer, and it's dramatically easier. We use **Holafly** everywhere we go (they've been our exclusive eSIM partner for two years now, and we mean it when we say we actually use the thing). ### Holafly Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off destination eSIMs and 10% off Holafly Plans. If you're coming to Japan for two weeks, the single-destination Holafly Japan eSIM is the right pick. But if you're like us and do multiple countries in a year, or if you're going to Japan *and* stopping in Korea or Thailand on the way, the **Holafly Plans monthly subscription** is genuinely the better math. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25 GB across 160+ countries One eSIM, one monthly fee, no surprises. Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data, 160+ countries What we actually use. Hotspot included. And here's the part nobody else tells you about: when you eventually cancel a Holafly Plan, the eSIM stays on your phone and quietly gives you **1 GB of free data every month in 70+ countries, forever**. They call it Always On. It's a genuine "wait that's it?" moment the first time it saves you at an airport with no WiFi. ### Ready to get connected? [Check out Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) [Japan-only eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Cash Still Matters in Japan We know. It's 2026\. But roughly a third of the small restaurants, market stalls, and temple donation boxes we've encountered in three years of Japan still prefer cash. Carry 20,000 yen in small bills. The 7-Eleven and Japan Post ATMs accept international cards; most Japanese bank ATMs do not. ### The Cherry Blossom Question Every April, we get the same email: *did we miss sakura?* By the time you're reading this (late April 2026), the answer for most of central Japan is yes. Cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka peak roughly March 25 to April 5\. If you want blossoms, book **late March** next year. Hokkaido blossoms are later (early May), so there's your consolation prize. ## What's Not Showing Up, and What That Tells Us A few things are notably missing from our reader bookings, and it's worth naming them. **Very little Kyoto temple activity.** Lots of Kyoto bookings, but mostly for teamLab Biovortex, Hozugawa, and shinkansen tickets. Almost no Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, or kimono rental bookings. This suggests people are doing those things but booking them on arrival, not in advance. Reasonable. **No Sapporo or Okinawa.** Our readers are sticking to the Honshu trunk. If you're an off-the-beaten-path traveler, the data says you're not being served by this article. Fair. We'll get to Sapporo eventually. **Almost no restaurant reservations.** Klook does sell some omakase and Michelin restaurant bookings, but volume is tiny. People are still using Tabelog, hotel concierges, or just walking in. ## Booking Strategy: What We'd Actually Do If we were a family of four coming to Japan for two weeks tomorrow, here's what we'd pre-book on Klook (with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**) and what we'd leave flexible. Pre-book before you fly - USJ Studio Pass (peak season sells out) - teamLab Planets (timed, 1-2 weeks ahead) - Mt Fuji bus tour OR Hakone Freepass - SHIBUYA SKY sunset slot - Airport transfer from Narita or Haneda - Shinkansen between cities Leave flexible - Temples (walk in, ¥500–¥1000) - Dinner reservations (Tabelog or hotel) - Day-to-day transit (Suica/Pasmo) - Kimono rental (plenty same-day) The general principle is that high-demand timed experiences should be booked before you arrive, and everything else should be left flexible. The single biggest mistake we see travelers make is over-booking their days. Japan is also, secretly, a very good country for just wandering around getting pleasantly lost. [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## One Last Thing We'll keep publishing these data-backed reports when the numbers tell us something interesting. The purpose isn't to show off; it's to give you a more honest picture than you'll get from a generic listicle. Our readers book what works. When our readers overwhelmingly book the same handful of things in the same country, that's a signal. ### Planning a Japan trip? Linds is a Fora travel advisor. She can put together a full itinerary, handle accommodations, and flag the small stuff that tends to trip families up. [Email Linds →](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) Safe travels. See you at Shibuya Crossing. --- This post contains affiliate links to Klook and Holafly. If you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and in most cases you get a discount too. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at Klook and **ADAMANDLINDS** at Holafly. ### Klook Pass Penang: What's Included and Our Family's Day-by-Day URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-penang/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:14:43.000Z Penang is the kind of place that travel writers have been raving about for two decades, and somehow it still manages to exceed expectations. Georgetown's street art, Nyonya food culture, Penang Hill, the ESCAPE theme park, colonial architecture beside Chinese clan houses beside Indian temples — Penang is dense in all the right ways. Spring is a good window to visit: the northeast monsoon has cleared, temperatures are hot but manageable, and the domestic Malaysian holiday crowds haven't peaked yet. The [Klook Pass Penang](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69925-klook-pass-penang-attraction-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)bundles the island's best-known paid attractions into one flexible purchase. ## What Is the Klook Pass Penang? The Klook Pass Penang gives you access to 2 to 6 attractions from a curated list of Penang's top sites, valid for one month. Starting from **$32.80 USD**, it holds a 4.6-star rating across 651 reviews and includes free cancellation before redemption. The pass is one of the better-value options in the Klook regional portfolio — Penang's individual attraction prices are moderate, but bundling still saves meaningfully when you're visiting multiple sites. ### Klook Pass Penang Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for access to Penang's top attractions. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69925-klook-pass-penang-attraction-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Penang Hill Malaysia spring travel attractions](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/vgunhz2h7vrlzakeoexm.jpg) Penang Hill and its surrounding habitats are one of the island's most rewarding half-days ## What's Included in the Penang Pass | Attraction | What It Is | Best For | | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- | | Entopia Penang | Butterfly farm and insectarium, world-class | All ages, nature lovers | | The Habitat Penang Hill | Canopy walk and rainforest on Penang Hill | Nature, views, birdwatching | | The TOP Komtar | Observation deck and attractions, Komtar Tower | City views, families | | ESCAPE Theme Park Penang | Outdoor adventure park with slides, zip lines | Active families, teens | | Penang Bird Park | Walk-through aviary, 300+ bird species | Wildlife, young children | | Tech Dome Penang | Science and technology interactive museum | Families, kids | | Boutique Aquarium at The TOP | Small-format aquarium with interactive displays | Young children | | The Gravityz Rope Course | Obstacle rope course at Penang Hill | Adventurous travelers | | Wild Immersion VR at Penang Hill | Virtual reality wildlife experience | All ages, tech-curious | ## Georgetown: The Part the Pass Doesn't Cover The Klook Pass Penang covers the island's paid attractions, but Georgetown's best experiences cost nothing. The street art murals, the clan jetties over the water, the pre-war shophouse streets — none of it requires a ticket. What Georgetown does require is comfortable shoes and a willingness to eat constantly. Penang has one of the most celebrated street food cultures in all of Asia, and the hawker centers around Gurney Drive and around Chowrasta Market operate at a quality level that makes sit-down restaurants seem like unnecessary overhead. If you want a guided approach to the food scene, the [food tour options via Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1292-half-day-city-tour-kuala-lumpur/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)are worth checking — though for Penang specifically, walking the streets independently with a rough hawker stall list often produces the best results. ## Combining Penang with Langkawi Penang and Langkawi are a natural pairing for a Malaysian spring trip. Penang-to-Langkawi takes about 3 hours by ferry from Swettenham Pier in Georgetown, or under an hour by budget flight. Many travelers spend 3-4 nights in Penang (Georgetown) and then island-hop to Langkawi for a beach-heavy second half of their Malaysia trip. Both the [Klook Pass Penang](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69925-klook-pass-penang-attraction-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)and the [Klook Pass Langkawi](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/72749-klook-langkawi-attraction-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)can be active simultaneously given their one-month validity. ## Staying Connected in Penang Malaysia's 4G coverage is reliable across Penang island. We travel with [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) — code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5% on any destination plan. For a multi-country Southeast Asia spring trip, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($49.90/month, 25GB across 160+ destinations) eliminates the per-country eSIM faff entirely. The Always On feature provides automatic 1GB backup across 76+ destinations when your main plan ends. ### Holafly eSIM Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any destination plan. [Get Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Frequently Asked Questions: Klook Pass Penang ### What does the Klook Pass Penang include? The Klook Pass Penang includes 2 to 6 activities from Entopia Penang, The Habitat Penang Hill, The TOP Komtar, ESCAPE Theme Park, Penang Bird Park, Tech Dome Penang, Boutique Aquarium, The Gravityz rope course, and Wild Immersion VR. Check the Klook listing for the current complete list. ### Is ESCAPE Theme Park Penang included in the Klook Pass? Yes. ESCAPE Theme Park Penang is one of the highest-value inclusions in the Klook Pass Penang. It is an outdoor adventure park with slides, zip lines, obstacle courses, and water activities — particularly popular with families and active travelers. ### How do I get to Penang from Kuala Lumpur? The fastest option is a budget flight from KLIA2 to Penang International Airport, which takes under an hour and costs $20-40 USD on AirAsia. The bus from KL to Penang takes approximately 4-5 hours and is considerably cheaper but less convenient with luggage. ### What is the best area to stay in Penang? Georgetown is the recommended base for first-time visitors to Penang. It puts you within walking distance of the street art, hawker food, heritage buildings, and the ferry pier. Batu Ferringhi on the north coast is better for beach-focused trips but requires a car or Grab for most activities. ### Can I use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on the Klook Pass Penang? Yes. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at Klook checkout for a discount on the Penang Attraction Pass and any other Klook bookings. This post contains affiliate links to Klook. When you book using our link and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely think are worth your time and money. ### Lost Plate Siem Reap Food Tour: What a Night Eating Through Cambodia Was Like URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/lost-plate-siem-reap-food-tour/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:42.000Z Siem Reap is one of those cities that surprises you. Most people arrive for Angkor Wat and leave having discovered something else entirely: a food scene that's quietly excellent, a local community that's warm and generous with visitors, and a pace of life that makes you immediately want to extend your stay. We spent a week there in October 2022, staying in bungalow-style accommodation with genuinely wonderful hosts, and it ended up being one of our favorite stops in an 18-month stretch across Southeast Asia. The food was a significant reason for that. ### Lost Plate Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for $5 off any Cambodia tour. [Book a tour](https://lostplate.com/?ref=ADAMANDLINDS) Lost Plate operates both daily food tours and the standout [Full-Day Angkor Wat Temples and Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/cambodia/?ref=adamandlinds.com) in Siem Reap — an exceptional combination that covers the temples in the morning and the cuisine in the afternoon. [Watch Angkor Wat, Cambodia | Honest Family Travel Review on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4ekv9DQKbg&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![silhouette of building under cloudy sky during sunset](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1599283799013-45494b9d37d0?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fEFuZ2tvciUyMFdhdCUyMGF0JTIwc3VucmlzZSUyMGlzJTIwb25lJTIwb2YlMjB0aGUlMjBtb3N0JTIwZXh0cmFvcmRpbmFyeSUyMHNpZ2h0cyUyMG9uJTIwZWFydGh8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzc0Njc3Mzk3fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Angkor Wat at sunrise is one of the most extraordinary sights on earth ## The Lost Plate Full-Day Siem Reap Tour The Full-Day Angkor Temples and Food Tour is one of the most comprehensive single-day experiences in the Lost Plate catalog. In the morning, you visit the Angkor Archaeological Park — the world's largest religious monument complex — with a guide who provides historical and cultural context that transforms ruins into stories. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to food: Khmer cuisine, local markets, and the dishes that define everyday life in Cambodia. The tour runs at $99 per adult, which represents exceptional value for a full day that includes both the temple experience and multiple food stops. Phnom Penh is also served, with food tours available in Cambodia's capital for those doing a broader country itinerary. Both Siem Reap and Phnom Penh tours operate with small groups and offer private options. | Detail | Info | | --------------- | ------------------------------- | | Duration | Full day | | Price | From $99/adult | | Tour Type | Temples + Food | | Locations | Angkor Park + local food stalls | | Kids' Discount | Yes, ages 4-15 | | Dietary Options | Available on request | | Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours | | Discount Code | ADAMANDLINDS ($5 off) | ## What Is Khmer Cuisine? Khmer (Cambodian) cuisine is less well-known internationally than Thai or Vietnamese food, and that's a genuine shame because it deserves far more attention. It's built around fresh herbs, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaf — similar pantry to Thai cooking, but with distinct dishes that don't overlap. Amok, a coconut-steamed fish curry served in a banana leaf, is the national dish and one of the most elegant preparations in Southeast Asian cuisine. Lok lak (sauteed beef with a lime pepper dipping sauce), num banh chok (Khmer noodles eaten for breakfast), and the extraordinary range of fresh spring rolls are all worth seeking out. A Lost Plate guide ensures you find the real versions, not the tourist-facing approximations. ![Floating market stall with colorful food and vendor](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1758346971662-b9b6777959fe?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fEtobWVyJTIwY3Vpc2luZSUyMGlzJTIwb25lJTIwb2YlMjBTb3V0aGVhc3QlMjBBc2lhJTI3cyUyMG1vc3QlMjB1bmRlcnJhdGVkJTIwZm9vZCUyMHRyYWRpdGlvbnN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzc0Njc3NDE5fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0&q=80&w=2000) Khmer cuisine is one of Southeast Asia's most underrated food traditions Photo by [Kelvin Zyteng](https://unsplash.com/@zyteng?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Siem Reap in Spring: What to Know Spring in Siem Reap means temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, low humidity compared to the wet season, and dry roads around the temple complex — important, because the Angkor Archaeological Park is enormous and you'll be moving between sites. April is genuinely one of the best months to visit: the dry season is still in effect, the light is exceptional for photography, and the heavy tourist season has thinned somewhat from its December-January peak. We visited in October, just as the wet season was tapering off. It rained every single day in Phnom Penh but cleared up beautifully in Siem Reap, and our week there was outstanding. Spring visitors get that clarity without the rain risk. The sunrise over Angkor Wat in April, with the reflection pool still and the sky turning pink and gold, is the kind of thing that makes you understand why people travel. [Watch 73 | BEAUTIFUL COUNTRYSIDE TOUR SIEM REAP 🇰🇭 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CChLeBWyrs4&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Planning a Multi-Day Cambodia Food Trip ### Lost Plate Cambodia Tour Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for $5 off daily tours at lostplate.com. [Explore 8-Day Cambodia Tour](https://lostplate.com/cambodia/discover-the-tastes-temples-and-tales-of-authentic-cambodia-multi-day-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) Lost Plate also offers a Cambodia in 8 Days multi-day trip that covers both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap with food as the central narrative. It's available as a private tour, which makes it ideal for families or small groups. For multi-day custom itinerary planning in Cambodia, reach out to Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). ## Connectivity in Cambodia Mobile connectivity in Cambodia is better than many visitors expect. Siem Reap and Phnom Penh both have reliable 4G coverage. We always travel with [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) activated before departure — use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. If you're doing a multi-country Southeast Asia trip, the [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) monthly subscription is the smart play: $49.90/month for 25GB across 160+ destinations, or $64.90/month for unlimited data. One eSIM, no swapping, no hunting for SIM cards at the airport. This post contains affiliate links. Using code ADAMANDLINDS on Lost Plate or Holafly earns us a small commission at no extra cost to you. ### Klook Pass Sydney: What's Included and What To Skipped URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-sydney/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:43.000Z Sydney needs no introduction as a travel destination, but it does need a budget strategy. Harbour Bridge climbs, aquarium visits, zoo tickets, hop-on hop-off buses — the per-attraction cost in this city adds up fast. The [Klook Pass Sydney](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/67828-klook-pass-sydney/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)is the most practical solution for visitors planning to hit more than two or three major attractions, and spring is a particularly good time to be in New South Wales. ## What Is the Klook Pass Sydney? The Klook Pass Sydney gives you access to 2, 3, 4, or 5 activities from a selection of Sydney's top attractions and experiences. Starting from **$69.59 USD**, it carries a 4.7-star rating across 811 reviews and includes free cancellation before redemption. Activate within 60 days of purchase and you get 90 days to use all your included activities — the same generous window as the Melbourne pass. ### Klook Pass Sydney Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for savings on your Sydney activities pass. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/67828-klook-pass-sydney/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House spring Australia](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/voh4auisgpx9l0vfabkh.jpg) Sydney Harbour is at its best in spring — mild weather, clear skies, and the iconic double act of Bridge and Opera House ## What's Included in the Sydney Pass | Attraction/Experience | Category | Highlight | | ----------------------------------- | ------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Sydney Zoo | Wildlife | Native Australian animals | | Taronga Zoo | Wildlife | Harbour views, cable car access | | SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium | Aquarium | Darling Harbour, shark tunnel | | WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo | Wildlife | Australian natives, Darling Harbour | | Madame Tussauds Sydney | Entertainment | Iconic figures, fun for all ages | | Sydney Tower Eye | Observation | 360-degree city and harbour views | | Sydney Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off | City transport/tour | Open-top, all major city stops | | Sydney Harbour Jet Boat Adventure | Water activity | High-speed harbour ride | | All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Tour | Day trip | World Heritage site, Three Sisters | | Port Stephens Whale Watching | Wildlife cruise | Seasonal whale migration | | Hunter Valley Gardens Tickets | Nature/gardens | Wine region day trip | | Australian National Maritime Museum | Museum | Darling Harbour | Reserve popular activities at least 48 hours in advance. Time-slotted venues like the Harbour Jet Boat can sell out on busy days. Full current list and booking conditions are on the [Klook listing page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/67828-klook-pass-sydney/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Sydney Harbour: The Standout Experiences If there's one activity in Sydney that justifies its own article, it's the [Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2220-bridge-climb-sydney/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $165.95, 4.8 stars across 544 reviews). Ascending 134 metres to the top of one of the world's longest steel arch bridges, with 360-degree views of the harbour, city, and beyond, is exactly the kind of experience that justifies the price. Choose between the Insider Climb (2.5 hours, lower arch route) or the Summit (3 hours, full top-of-bridge experience). Neither is a walk in the park, but both are unmissable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. For a more relaxed harbour perspective, the [1-hour Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66171-sydney-harbour-sightseeing-cruise-sydney/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $22.09, 4.6 stars) covers the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Fort Denison, Taronga Zoo foreshore, and Shark Island with live commentary. It's the most efficient overview of Sydney Harbour you can get in 60 minutes. For a special evening, the [Sydney Harbour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Captain Cook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/11974-sydney-harbour-sunset-dinner-cruise-captain-cook-sydney/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $83.39) includes a 3-course Australian menu and live music on weekends. ![Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb view from top](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/groglkj6qqbxlm13mezy.jpg) The BridgeClimb summit offers unobstructed views across Sydney Harbour — one of Australia's signature experiences ## Blue Mountains: The Essential Day Trip The Blue Mountains are 90 minutes west of Sydney and deserve at least a full day. The [Blue Mountains All-Inclusive Sightseeing Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/12376-blue-mountain-all-inclusive-day-tour-sydney/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $167.29, 4.8 stars across 651 reviews) covers the Three Sisters, Scenic World's railway and cableway, a rainforest boardwalk, sit-down lunch at a mountain restaurant, and a wildlife encounter with koalas and kangaroos. Small group, guided, includes everything. ## Staying Connected in Australia ### Holafly Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off Australia eSIM data. [Get Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) For multi-destination spring trips, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($49.90/month, 25GB, 160+ destinations) is the most flexible option. Always On includes automatic 1GB backup data across 76+ destinations at no extra cost. ## Frequently Asked Questions: Klook Pass Sydney ### What does the Klook Pass Sydney include? The Klook Pass Sydney includes 2 to 5 activities from options including Sydney Zoo, Taronga Zoo, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Tower Eye, Madame Tussauds, the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off, Sydney Harbour Jet Boat, All-Inclusive Blue Mountains Tour, Port Stephens Whale Watching, and more. Check the Klook listing for the current complete list. ### How much does the Klook Pass Sydney cost? The Klook Pass Sydney starts from $69.59 USD for a 2-activity bundle. Larger bundles cover 3, 4, or 5 activities with increasing savings per activity. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for an additional discount. ### Is the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb included in the Klook Pass Sydney? The BridgeClimb is not typically included in the standard Sydney pass, but it is available separately on Klook from $165.95\. It is one of Sydney's most iconic experiences and worth booking as a standalone activity alongside the pass. ### What is the best time to visit Sydney? Spring in Sydney (September through November) offers mild temperatures, lower humidity than summer, and excellent visibility for harbour views and coastal walks. Spring is widely considered the best season for outdoor Sydney activities. ### Can I use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on the Klook Pass Sydney? Yes. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at Klook checkout to receive a discount on the Sydney pass and any other Klook activity bookings. This post contains affiliate links to Klook. When you book using our link and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely think are worth your time and money. ### Da Nang Cost of Living: What a Family of 5 Actually Spent in 6 Months URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/da-nang-cost-of-living-family/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:44.000Z We spent six months in Da Nang across two separate stints, and the number one question we get from families considering it is always the same: how much does it actually cost? Not the optimistic budget travel blog answer, and not the luxury resort answer. The real number, for a real family living a real life. So here it is. All of it, pulled directly from TravelSpend, our daily expense tracker. This covers two adults and three kids (Lily, Cora, and Harper) living in a rented apartment, cooking some meals at home, eating out several nights a week, doing activities, getting massages, and generally not depriving ourselves. The data runs from November 2024 through May 2025 - 169 days total in Vietnam, almost all of it in Da Nang. We are going back in May 2026, and honestly that alone should tell you something. ![Kids on My Khe Beach in Da Nang](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--Harper--and-friends-standing-together-on-My-Khe-Beach-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-January-31-2025.png) Lily, Cora, and Harper with friends on My Khe Beach - this beach was basically our backyard for six months ## The Real Numbers: Da Nang Cost of Living for a Family of 5 Over 169 days in Vietnam, we spent $13,297 USD total across the whole family. That works out to about $78.68 per day for all five of us, or right around $2,400 per month. Break it down further and it's roughly $16 per person per day, adults and kids combined. Some caveats worth knowing: we tracked everything in TravelSpend using our actual bank conversions at the time (roughly 25,800 to 26,000 VND per USD for most of the trip). The accommodation figures below are what we actually paid - not averages, not estimates. This is the data. | Category | Total (USD) | Monthly Avg | Daily Avg | | ------------------------- | ----------- | ----------- | ---------- | | Accommodation | $4,101 | $820 | $24.26 | | Restaurants | $4,079 | $816 | $24.14 | | Groceries | $916 | $183 | $5.42 | | Alcohol / Bars | $886 | $177 | $5.24 | | C-Store / Misc Shopping | $866 | $173 | $5.12 | | Shopping (clothing, etc.) | $604 | $121 | $3.57 | | Spa / Massage | $323 | $65 | $1.91 | | Entertainment | $256 | $51 | $1.51 | | Coffee & Drinks | $217 | $43 | $1.28 | | Food Delivery | $123 | $25 | $0.73 | | Transportation (Grab) | $97 | $19 | $0.57 | | Medical / Pharmacy | $89 | $18 | $0.53 | | Laundry | $42 | $8 | $0.25 | | **TOTAL** | **$13,298** | **$2,397** | **$78.68** | ## Accommodation: What We Actually Paid Accommodation was our biggest single expense and also the one with the most variables. When we first arrived in November 2024, we stayed two nights at the [Aria Grand Hotel](https://booking.stay22.com/adamandlinds/3a3qaLplX4?ref=adamandlinds.com)while we sorted out a proper apartment. That cost $354\. We then moved into [HBPlus Hotel & Apartments](https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/adamandlinds/MNRVBWK7dy?ref=adamandlinds.com)for the first longer stretch - November through February - at $1,755 for a month and a half. After a few months we shifted to a different apartment at around $783-862/month depending on the period. We also blew $242 on one night at [Da Nang Mikazuki Japanese Resort & Spa](https://booking.stay22.com/adamandlinds/OOAW-yv%5FGe?ref=adamandlinds.com)in March, which was 100% worth it - more on that below. The honest accommodation range for a family wanting a two-bedroom apartment near My Khe Beach: expect to pay $700-1,000/month depending on season and how hard you negotiate. Monthly serviced apartments in the An Thuong area (the expat strip) are plentiful and quality is generally good. The Stay22 map below shows what's available in the area: ## Food: Where the Money Actually Goes Food was neck-and-neck with accommodation at $4,079 in restaurants alone over the full period - and that's before groceries and delivery. The reason is simple: Da Nang has an absurdly good dining scene for the price, and we ate out most nights. A few names kept appearing in our TravelSpend notes over and over. [Gordon's](https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/adamandlinds/%5F7r%5FpHGCyD?ref=adamandlinds.com)became basically our local - a Western-style restaurant near An Thuong where a family dinner with drinks ran $20-40\. [L'Italiano](https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/adamandlinds/4C7si8PLKI?ref=adamandlinds.com)got more of our money than probably any other restaurant; a proper Italian dinner for two adults and kids with a couple of beers ran $25-40\. The yakitori spot we went back to many times - a proper Japanese izakaya situation that felt like a bargain at $40 for the whole family. [Section 30](https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/adamandlinds/HQWuKlseX9?ref=adamandlinds.com), a outdoor bar, was our default evening drinks spot, usually $10-20 for the evening. [Umi Izakaya](https://tripadvisor.stay22.com/adamandlinds/uSSZBTNzUc?ref=adamandlinds.com)also got repeat visits, typically $28-48 depending on appetite. On the cheaper end: a local Vietnamese lunch was under $5\. The corner cafe down from our apartment did breakfasts for $2-3\. Coffee at Highlands (Vietnam's ubiquitous chain cafe) was under $2\. The point is the range is enormous and you can calibrate to whatever you want. ![Restaurant food Vietnam](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555396273-367ea4eb4db5?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Da Nang's dining scene punches well above its weight - from proper Italian to Japanese izakaya to Vietnamese classics Our grocery spend was $916 over 169 days, so about $5.40/day. We did a big Lotte Mart run most weeks (roughly $50-100 for a family of five including a few premium items) and supplemented at the local butcher and convenience stores. The local wet market near the beach does excellent fresh produce and fish for almost nothing. ### TravelSpend Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for a discount on expense tracking. [Start tracking](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Getting Around: Grab Is Basically Free We spent $97 on transportation over 169 days. That's it. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber equivalent) is so cheap in Da Nang that we essentially never thought about it. A typical ride across the city runs $1.50-4\. The beach to An Thuong strip is about $1.50 (sometimes we didn't want to walk with all our beach gear lol). Airport to the beach is around $5\. We did not rent motorbikes as a family - not something we're comfortable doing with three kids - but if you're a couple or solo traveler, that changes the math slightly. Still, even without bikes, transport was genuinely not a budget factor for us. ## Getting Connected: eSIM for Vietnam One thing you want sorted before you land is data. Vietnam's local SIM situation is fine if you're staying long-term and want to deal with a physical SIM at the airport, but for shorter stays or if you prefer not to mess around, we use [Holafly's Vietnam eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/X4d9QG?ref=adamandlinds.com). Activate before you board, connected the moment you land. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. If you're traveling across multiple countries in the region - say Vietnam plus Thailand or Cambodia - it's worth looking at [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com), their monthly global subscription. The Light plan is $49.90/month for 25GB and works across 170+ countries. For a trip of 30+ days it often works out cheaper than buying individual destination eSIMs and you never have to think about swapping. ### Vietnam eSIM - Stay Connected in Da Nang Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any Holafly eSIM. [Get Vietnam eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/X4d9QG?ref=adamandlinds.com) [View Monthly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Spas and Massages: $323 Well Spent $323 on spas over six months sounds like a lot until you realize what massages cost here. A one-hour full-body massage runs $7-17 USD depending on the spa. We went regularly enough that it added up, but we never felt like we were splurging. The kids got foot massages. Lindsay treated herself to proper spa days. I got a lot of post-beach shoulder work done for the cost of a Starbucks back home. If you want to book ahead, a few well-reviewed options on Klook: - [Sum Spa Da Nang](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/124120-sum-spa-massage-experience-da-nang/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- rated 4.9, from $7.69 - [Trees Spa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/55550-trees-spa-experience-da-nang/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- rated 4.8, from $6.05 - [Nguon Spa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/119654-nguon-spa-massage-da-nang/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)\- rated 4.8, from $15.15 (tip included) ![Lindsay enjoying Da Nang lifestyle](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lindsay-holding-Cora-while-enjoying-a-drink-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-August-15-2025.png) The Da Nang lifestyle in a nutshell - good weather, cheap massages, cold drinks, and nowhere to be ## Entertainment and Activities: What We Actually Did $256 on entertainment over 169 days - that includes Ba Na Hills, a night or two out at karaoke, some activities with the kids, and various other non-food spending. It's low because most of what makes Da Nang great is free: the beach, the sunsets, the evenings on the An Thuong strip. You can fill a week without spending much beyond meals. That said, a few activities are genuinely worth doing at least once: **Ba Na Hills** is the obvious one - the Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands, the French Village at elevation, Fantasy Park for the kids. Tours run about $50/person for a full-day trip including cable car. It's touristy but it's impressive, especially with kids. ![Ba Na Hills Golden Bridge](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ak83akxdch4koyk4twgo.jpg) The Golden Bridge at Ba Na Hills - one of those places that actually lives up to its photos Book Ba Na Hills on Klook: [Ba Na Hills Day Tour with Golden Bridge](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/13187-ba-na-hills-day-tour-wax-statue-museum-admission-ticket-da-nang/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(4.5 stars, 4,500+ reviews, free cancellation 24 hours). **Marble Mountain** is a half-day and genuinely interesting - Buddhist temples carved into marble cliffs, caves, views out over the coast. The [Marble Mountain and Hoi An day tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/13570-marble-mountain-hoi-an-day-tour-da-nang/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)pairs it with an evening in Hoi An which works well. Hoi An Ancient Town is 45 minutes south and an easy day trip - we went several times. The HOI AN Night Market video from our channel is worth a watch before you go: [Watch 67 | BEST MEAL EVER IN HOI AN! 🇻🇳 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qflLX8H74No&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Nui Than Tai Hot Springs** is a sleeper hit, especially if you have kids who are past the age of needing constant supervision near water. Mineral hot springs, mud baths, a water park section, $14.85/person via [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/16861-nui-than-tai-hot-springs-da-nang/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). We spent a full afternoon there. The **Han River Cruise** is $2.85 on Klook and takes 45 minutes. After dark, Da Nang's Dragon Bridge does a fire and water show on weekend nights. Combine them and you have a solid cheap evening with kids. [Book the cruise here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/23321-han-river-cruise-my-xuan-cruise-da-nang/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). ![Adam and family on a night out in Da Nang](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-with-friends-on-a-night-out-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-January-11-2025.png) Da Nang nights - one of the best social scenes we've found as a traveling family ## The Social Side: Why Families Keep Coming Back Something that doesn't show up in any cost breakdown: Da Nang has one of the best expat family communities we've found anywhere. The An Thuong strip is where everyone eventually ends up in the evening, and within a week or two you'll know half the other families in the neighbourhood. Our TravelSpend data has entries like "Lunch with Freinds", "Beers with The Dufresnes" and "wood fire pizza place with GoingGoing.BackBack" - those are friends we made, people we kept seeing, evenings that stretched longer than planned because the company was good. The karaoke scene is legitimately fun and cheap - a private room for a few hours with your group is $10-20, drinks included. The kids get into it. The beach runs to Section 30 for a sunset beer became a rhythm. These aren't expensive entries in a budget spreadsheet; they're the reason people come for a week and stay for six months. ![Karaoke with friends in Da Nang](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-with-friends-inside-a-Kareoke-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-February-27-2025-1.png) Karaoke in Da Nang - cheap private rooms, great crowds, kids who know every word to every pop song somehow ## Monthly Budget Breakdown: What to Expect Here's how our spending looked month by month. Note that November 2024 was our first month and included initial hotel nights and some startup costs, and March was higher partly because of the resort splurge and some extra activities: | Month | Total Spend | Notes | | -------------------- | ----------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | November 2024 | $3,093 | First month - hotel nights + apartment deposit included | | December 2024 | $2,653 | Christmas spending, more eating out | | January 2025 | $1,581 | Settled routine, quieter month | | February 2025 | $1,905 | Tet holiday - some restaurants closed or add 15% surcharge | | March 2025 | $2,892 | Resort night, more activities, school holiday vibe | | April 2025 (partial) | $976 | Winding down, cooking more at home | The January number is probably the most honest baseline for a settled family life in Da Nang - $1,581 for two adults and three kids, all expenses, everything in. February is representative of a comfortable month with some eating out but no major events. Most people planning a stay should budget $1,800-2,500/month for a family of five and feel comfortable. [Watch 68 | HOI AN NIGHT MARKET 🇻🇳 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5-M4qReHc8&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Da Nang Compared to Other Long-Stay Destinations For context, we've also done extended stints in Japan (220+ days across multiple visits), Thailand, Cambodia, and Hong Kong. Da Nang is cheaper than all of them for family life. Japan is roughly 3-4x more expensive on food and accommodation. Thailand (Chiang Mai specifically) is comparable or slightly cheaper on food but more expensive on quality housing for a family. Cambodia is a little cheaper but has a narrower range of good restaurants and activities. Da Nang hits the sweet spot: excellent food and dining infrastructure, a real beach, good healthcare access, strong expat community, and monthly rent that doesn't make you wince. ![Kids jumping on My Khe Beach Da Nang](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-jumping-on-the-beach-at-My-Khe-Beach-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-April-21-2025.png) My Khe Beach - 30km of clean sand, warm water, and beach bars that open for breakfast ## Practical Tips for Keeping Costs Down A few things that helped us stay on the lower end of our range without any real deprivation: - Get an apartment, not a hotel. Even $800/month for a two-bedroom beats the equivalent in hotels inside two weeks, and you get a kitchen for grocery runs. The Stay22 map above shows options; I'd also recommend posting in Da Nang expat Facebook groups where direct landlord deals are common. - Open a Vietnam bank account if you're staying more than a month. Wise or Revolut work well for transfers in; withdrawals from Vietnamese ATMs with a foreign card incur fees that add up over time. The local banks (Vietcombank, Techcombank) have good app experiences and staff in the An Thuong area are used to helping expats. - Use Grab for everything. Walking is overrated when it's 32 degrees and a Grab is $1.50\. Don't overthink it. - Tet (Lunar New Year) is the one time of year when prices inflate and things close. If you're there in late January or February, plan ahead - some restaurants close for a week, others add 10-15% to bills. We experienced this firsthand; it's manageable but worth knowing. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much does it cost to live in Da Nang for a month? Based on our actual 169-day stay with two adults and three kids, we averaged $2,397/month total. A couple without kids could comfortably budget $1,200-1,600/month for a similar quality of life. The biggest variables are accommodation (budget $700-1,000/month for a family apartment near the beach) and how often you eat out. ### Is Da Nang cheap for families? Yes, significantly cheaper than most comparable beach destinations. Restaurant meals that would cost $60-80 at home run $20-40 here for a family of five. Massages are $7-17\. Grab rides across the city are under $3\. The combination of good infrastructure, excellent food, and genuinely low prices makes it one of the better family slow-travel destinations in Southeast Asia. ### What's the best neighbourhood to stay in Da Nang? For families doing longer stays, the An Thuong area (just behind My Khe Beach in the Son Tra district) is the sweet spot. It has the densest concentration of good restaurants, cafes, and expat amenities, it's walkable to the beach, and it's where most of the longer-term expat community is based. Avoid being too close to the big resort strip unless you specifically want resort amenities - you'll overpay for accommodation and be further from the local neighbourhood feel. ### Do I need a SIM card or eSIM for Vietnam? You'll want data sorted before arrival. For short trips, a [Holafly Vietnam eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/X4d9QG?ref=adamandlinds.com) (use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off) is the easiest option - activate before you board and you're connected at the gate. For longer stays, a local SIM from Viettel or Vinaphone is very cheap and widely available at the airport. If you're doing a multi-country trip through Southeast Asia, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) at $49.90/month covers 170+ countries and is worth the convenience. ### What currency do you use in Da Nang? Vietnamese Dong (VND). The exchange rate when we were there was approximately 25,800-26,000 VND per USD. Card acceptance is improving but cash is still preferred at local restaurants, markets, and smaller shops. ATMs are everywhere; Vietcombank ATMs tend to have the best rates and lowest fees for foreign cards. Bigger restaurants and any tourist-facing business will take cards. ### Is Da Nang safe for families? Very much so. We had zero safety incidents over six months with three children. The main hazards are traffic (motorbikes do not follow the rules you're used to - learn to cross streets like a local, which means steady pace and let traffic flow around you) and occasional petty theft in crowded tourist areas. The beach has a strong current in some sections - heed the flag system. Overall, Da Nang felt as safe as any suburban neighborhood in Australia or the UK. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook or Holafly links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you - and you get the same price or better. We track our spending with [TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) (code ADAMANDLINDS). SafetyWing insurance is mentioned as a product we use for travel medical coverage - we are not licensed insurance brokers and this is not a recommendation; please research coverage options appropriate for your situation. ### SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Review: Is It Worth It for Families? URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing-nomad-insurance-family-review/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:45.000Z Travel insurance is one of those things that sits in the background of every trip, quietly doing nothing until the moment you desperately need it. We've been on the road with our three daughters since May 2022, and in that time we've had enough close calls, doctor visits, and minor medical adventures to form a very strong opinion about what travel coverage actually matters. SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance has been part of our toolkit for a while now, and this is our honest take on whether it holds up for families traveling long-term. ![Family hiking with backpacks on a mountain trail](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1506905925346-21bda4d32df4?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Travel medical insurance matters most when you're far from home with kids in tow ## What Is SafetyWing Nomad Insurance? SafetyWing offers two core products relevant to travelers: **Nomad Insurance Essential** and **Nomad Insurance Complete**. Essential is travel medical insurance - it covers unexpected illness or injury abroad, plus travel disruptions like delays, lost luggage, and trip interruptions. Complete goes further, functioning as a full health insurance replacement with routine care, mental health support, wellness coverage, and cancer treatment included. Both plans work across 175+ countries, can be purchased before you leave or after you've already departed, and can be cancelled at any time. Essential runs on a 4-week auto-renewal cycle, which suits the rolling, open-ended nature of long-term family travel far better than a traditional annual policy tied to fixed travel dates. For families who don't know exactly when they're heading home - because they don't really have a "home" to go back to - that flexibility is genuinely useful. | Plan | Coverage type | Best for | Countries covered | | ------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ----------------- | | Nomad Insurance Essential | Travel medical + trip disruption | Active travelers, shorter trips | 175+ | | Nomad Insurance Complete | Full health insurance + travel | Long-term nomads, primary health coverage | 175+ | ## How Much Does SafetyWing Cost for a Family? Pricing for Nomad Insurance Essential is calculated per person, per 4-week period, and varies by age. For the 0-39 age bracket (which covers Lindsay, me, and all three of our girls), a 4-week period runs around $62.72 without US travel included. Children under 10 are covered for free when a parent is insured, which is a significant saving for families - three kids effectively travel covered at no additional cost. For families with a parent over 40, costs step up. The pricing remains competitive compared to traditional travel insurance, particularly for open-ended travel where you'd otherwise be renewing fixed-date policies repeatedly. You can check current rates and run your own calculation through our [SafetyWing affiliate link](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador)\- pricing adjusts based on your age and whether you're including US coverage. ![Parent and child at a medical clinic abroad](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1559526324-593bc073d938?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Knowing you're covered before you step into a foreign clinic removes a significant layer of stress ## What Does Nomad Insurance Essential Actually Cover? The core of Essential is travel medical - hospital stays, emergency treatment, doctor visits, prescription medications when related to a covered illness, and emergency evacuation. For families, that evacuation coverage matters more than most people realise. A medical evacuation flight from Southeast Asia to a facility equipped to handle a serious paediatric case can run into tens of thousands of dollars without coverage. Beyond medical, Essential also includes coverage for travel disruptions: delayed or cancelled flights, lost or stolen luggage, and trip interruption. We've had bags delayed in Bangkok and flights cancelled in Japan, and having that documentation of coverage (even when we didn't end up filing) gave us peace of mind in the moment. What Essential does *not* cover is routine and preventive care - that's the domain of Nomad Complete. For check-ups, dental, vision, mental health, and chronic condition management, you'd need to step up to the Complete plan or handle those during visits home where your domestic coverage kicks in. ## Nomad Insurance Complete: The Full Health Insurance Option For families who have fully cut ties with their home country's health system and need genuine primary health coverage everywhere they go, Nomad Complete is worth a serious look. It covers routine check-ups, mental health diagnoses and treatment, wellness therapies, and cancer treatment - things that Essential simply doesn't touch. We've found that for our family, managing routine care through visits home or through out-of-pocket payments in low-cost destinations like Thailand or Vietnam, while keeping Essential for emergency and travel disruption coverage, has been the right balance. But for families planning extended time in higher-cost destinations like Japan or Europe, Complete becomes considerably more attractive. If you want to compare both plans side by side, [check out SafetyWing's Nomad Complete overview here](https://explore.safetywing.com/Nomad-insurance-complete/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). ## The Subscription Model: Why It Works for Long-Term Families Traditional travel insurance policies work on fixed dates. You buy coverage for June 1 through June 14, and that's that. For families doing a three-week vacation, that's perfectly fine. For families who left home indefinitely in 2022 and have been building an itinerary one month at a time ever since, fixed-date policies are a logistical headache. SafetyWing's auto-renewal structure means our coverage rolls forward every four weeks without us having to think about it. If we want to cancel, we can. If we want to extend, we do nothing. For our style of travel - where "we'll figure out June when May is done" is a legitimate approach to planning - that flexibility is a real practical benefit. We've been through Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and dozens of other destinations without ever worrying about whether our insurance dates were still valid. ## What to Watch Out For SafetyWing has exclusions worth understanding before you rely on it. Pre-existing conditions are generally not covered under Essential - if you have a chronic health condition that's been diagnosed before you purchased, treatment related to that condition is excluded. This is standard across most travel insurance, but it's worth being clear-eyed about. There's also a US coverage limitation. If you're a US resident, SafetyWing covers you in the US for up to 30 days per 90-day period, but not as your primary domestic health coverage. Families who are US residents spending time back home should check their domestic coverage situation separately. Finally, read the policy document on adventure activities. Many extreme sports are excluded or require add-ons. For families doing relatively mainstream activities - city exploration, beach days, theme parks, hiking - this is unlikely to be an issue. But if you're planning serious mountaineering or motorbiking on unfamiliar roads, know what's covered. ## SafetyWing vs. Other Travel Insurance Options | Provider | Type | Best for | Auto-renewal | Children free? | | ---------------------------- | --------------------- | ----------------------- | ------------ | -------------- | | SafetyWing Essential | Travel medical | Long-term nomads | Yes, 4-week | Yes, under 10 | | SafetyWing Complete | Full health insurance | Primary health cover | Yes, monthly | Yes, under 10 | | Faye Travel Insurance | Trip-based coverage | Vacations, fixed trips | No | Varies | | Traditional travel insurance | Fixed-date trip cover | Defined-duration travel | No | Varies | If you're planning a defined trip with fixed return dates, traditional travel insurance or a product like [Faye](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda)might actually suit you better. Faye is a strong option for families doing discrete vacations with good trip cancellation coverage. SafetyWing's edge is specifically in the rolling, open-ended scenario where you're not booking a return flight anytime soon. ## Staying Connected While Traveling: Our eSIM Setup One thing that makes managing insurance (and everything else) easier on the road is reliable data. We use [Holafly eSIMs](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for destination coverage - use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. For families who are constantly country-hopping, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) is worth a look: it's a monthly global subscription (Light Plan at $49.90/month for 25GB, Unlimited at $64.90/month) that covers 160+ destinations on one eSIM, no swapping required. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 10% on Plans, and annual subscriptions get about 22% off on top of that. ## Our Honest Verdict on SafetyWing for Families SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential does what it says. It provides solid travel medical coverage, handles trip disruptions, covers emergency evacuation, and does all of this on a subscription model that suits indefinite travel. The free child coverage under 10 is a genuine family benefit that meaningfully reduces cost. It's not a complete health insurance replacement in the Essential tier - if you need full primary health coverage, step up to Complete or combine Essential with another arrangement for routine care. But as the travel medical layer that protects against the scenarios that can genuinely ruin a trip or derail a family's finances - a hospitalisation, an emergency evacuation, a cancelled flight with no recourse - it's a reliable, flexible, and reasonably priced option. You can check current pricing and get started at [SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance page](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). Want to see how we handle the rest of our travel setup? Our video on budgeting a week in Tokyo with kids covers what we actually spend day to day: [Watch Budgeting for a week in Tokyo with kids on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) And if you want help planning a trip that takes all of this into account - insurance, logistics, the works - Lindsay is a professional travel advisor with [Fora Travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). She helps families build trips that actually work. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase SafetyWing through our link, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We use SafetyWing as part of our own travel coverage setup and all opinions are genuinely our own. Always read a policy document in full before purchasing any insurance product. ### Best Places to Stay in Taipei: Hotels, Hostels & Neighbourhoods URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-places-to-stay-in-taipei/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:46.000Z We spent two weeks in Taipei in July 2024 with our three daughters, exploring the city neighbourhood by neighbourhood, riding the MRT more times than we can count, and eating our weight in xiaolongbao. Taipei is one of those cities that makes accommodation choice genuinely interesting because different neighbourhoods feel like completely different cities. Where you stay shapes your whole experience. This guide covers the areas we actually spent time in, the hotels we recommend based on research and local knowledge, and the practical stuff that actually matters when you're booking: transport links, proximity to the things families do, and what you're actually getting for your money. ![Adam Lindsay and family in front of the TAIPEI sign in Taipei Taiwan](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-in-front-of-the-TAIPEI-sign-in-Taipei-Taiwan-July-14-2024.png) Our family in Taipei, July 2024 - one of our favourite cities in all of Asia [Watch TAIPEI - First Impressions and Getting Around | Family Travel Guide Ep. 1 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-097HYDnxX8&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Understanding Taipei's Neighbourhoods Taipei's MRT system is so good that location matters less here than in most cities. You can stay almost anywhere on the network and reach the major sights within 20-30 minutes. That said, there are four main areas most visitors should consider, each with a different character. **Zhongzheng (Taipei Main Station area)** is the transport hub of the city. Every major rail and MRT line passes through here, there is a direct airport MRT connection, and accommodation ranges from budget to business class. If you are visiting Taipei for the first time, this is the lowest-friction base to operate from. **Ximending** sits just west of Taipei Main Station and is Taipei's youth culture epicentre. It is dense with street food, shopping, indie cinemas, and the kind of neon energy that makes it fun to wander at night. It is brilliant for older kids and teenagers, slightly chaotic for young families with strollers. **Da'an District** is where you find Taipei's best restaurants, a calmer residential feel, Daan Forest Park, and easy access to Yongkang Street, which is arguably the best eating street in the city. It is quieter than the centre but still well connected. **Xinyi** is the upscale district around Taipei 101\. Hotels here are more expensive, but if a view of 101 matters to you, the area has a slick, modern feel that some travellers love. ## Best Hotels in Taipei 2026 These are the properties we recommend most often, broken down by what they are best for. | Hotel | Area | Best For | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | ----------------------------- | | [WESTGATE Hotel](https://go.stay22.com/JI3T6lyBCW?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Ximending | Style, great value | | [Caesar Metro Taipei](https://go.stay22.com/z7O1MFZhNx?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Zhongzheng | Transport, families | | [Hotel PaPa Whale](https://go.stay22.com/I5TVWbKiJk?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Ximending | Boutique, design-conscious | | [Amba Hotel](https://go.stay22.com/jECyVYLynY?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Zhongzheng / Ximending | Design, great breakfast | | [Hotel Midtown Richardson](https://go.stay22.com/YZmCX3VePv?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Zhongzheng | Mid-range comfort | | [Via Hotel](https://go.stay22.com/mWxPil40ks?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Taipei Main Station | Budget-to-mid, easy transport | | [Solaria Nishitetsu Ximen](https://go.stay22.com/wMnM5hesI9?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Ximending | Japanese-run, great value | | [Just Sleep](https://go.stay22.com/h%5FVxIeYh64?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Multiple locations | Reliable mid-range, clean | | [Meander Taipei](https://go.stay22.com/xCDDv0qpB9?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Central | Social, design-forward | | [Ximen Hotel](https://go.stay22.com/Z2tpBfZ3fM?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Ximending | Location and price | | [Next Taipei Hostel](https://go.stay22.com/4Y0c3SOaUQ?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Central | Budget, solo or couples | | [We Come Hostel](https://go.stay22.com/klBQfNDELL?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Central | Social hostel, budget | | [Ximen Wow Hostel](https://go.stay22.com/YPFlxmeDSz?ref=adamandlinds.com) | Ximending | Budget, nightlife area | ## Best Hotels Near Taipei Main Station If this is your first time in Taipei, staying near the Main Station is the move that makes the most logistical sense. The airport MRT drops you right here from Taoyuan International Airport, every metro line connects through this hub, and there is a direct HSR connection for day trips south. You can be at Jiufen, Yehliu, or the National Palace Museum without a single taxi. **Caesar Metro Taipei** is the standout property in this area. It is directly connected to the station, has well-sized rooms for a city centre hotel, and the location genuinely saves you 10-15 minutes every time you go anywhere. [Book Caesar Metro Taipei here](https://go.stay22.com/z7O1MFZhNx?ref=adamandlinds.com). **Hotel Midtown Richardson** is a solid step down in price without sacrificing much in comfort. Rooms are clean, staff are helpful, and the walk to the station is five minutes. For families working through a tight budget, this is a dependable choice. [Book Hotel Midtown Richardson here](https://go.stay22.com/YZmCX3VePv?ref=adamandlinds.com). **Via Hotel** is worth knowing about for the price. It is a budget-to-mid option but it keeps the core things right: location, cleanliness, and reasonable room size by Taipei standards. [Book Via Hotel here](https://go.stay22.com/mWxPil40ks?ref=adamandlinds.com). [Watch Taipei With Kids: The Ultimate 7-Day Family Guide on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Cb3ei-%5FNI&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Best Hotels in Ximending Ximending is a neighbourhood that either delights or slightly overwhelms, depending on who you are. For our family, it was mostly delight. The girls loved the energy, the street food is incredible, and the walkability is excellent once you are actually in the neighbourhood. The slight catch is that the streets are busy and it can be noisy at night, so lighter sleepers should look for hotels with good soundproofing. **WESTGATE Hotel** is consistently one of the best value options in this area. It is stylish, well-run, and close enough to Ximending's main pedestrian zone without being directly in the loudest part. The rooms are notably larger than many Taipei city-centre hotels at a similar price point. [Book WESTGATE Hotel here](https://go.stay22.com/JI3T6lyBCW?ref=adamandlinds.com). **Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Taipei Ximen** is a Japanese-run property and it shows in the service and room quality. If you have spent time in Japan and appreciate that particular brand of hospitality efficiency, you will feel right at home. It is well priced for what it delivers. [Book Solaria Nishitetsu here](https://go.stay22.com/wMnM5hesI9?ref=adamandlinds.com). **Hotel PaPa Whale** has the most distinctive personality of any hotel on this list. The design is genuinely interesting rather than just "designed," and it attracts a crowd that appreciates that. For couples or design-conscious travellers, it is hard to beat in this price bracket. [Book Hotel PaPa Whale here](https://go.stay22.com/I5TVWbKiJk?ref=adamandlinds.com). For budget travellers who want to be in Ximending specifically, **Ximen Hotel** ([book here](https://go.stay22.com/Z2tpBfZ3fM?ref=adamandlinds.com)) and **Ximen Wow Hostel** ([book here](https://go.stay22.com/YPFlxmeDSz?ref=adamandlinds.com)) both put you in the right location without breaking the budget. ![a crowd of people walking around a city at night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1713447171572-e5d2a049b7bf?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fFhpbWVuZGluZyUyMGF0JTIwbmlnaHQlMjAtfGVufDB8fHx8MTc3NjMwNDgzNnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Ximending at night - Taipei's most energetic neighbourhood[Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Best Design and Boutique Hotels in Taipei **Amba Hotel** is the name that comes up consistently when well-travelled people talk about Taipei accommodation. It is not cheap by local standards, but the quality of the experience justifies it: well-designed rooms, excellent breakfast, a rooftop that actually justifies the climb, and a personality that feels genuinely Taiwanese rather than generic international hotel. There are two locations - Ximending and Zhongshan - and both are excellent. [Book Amba Hotel here](https://go.stay22.com/jECyVYLynY?ref=adamandlinds.com). **Meander Taipei** is newer to the scene but has found a strong following among travellers who want something social without the hostel vibe. The common spaces are well designed, the rooms are compact but smart, and the location keeps you central. [Book Meander Taipei here](https://go.stay22.com/xCDDv0qpB9?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Best Budget Stays and Hostels in Taipei Taipei hostels are genuinely good by global standards. The city attracts a lot of young backpackers and solo travellers, and the hostel scene has developed accordingly. If you are travelling on a tight budget or solo, you do not need to compromise much here. **Just Sleep** is the one we point people toward most often when they want reliable budget accommodation without the social hostel atmosphere. It operates more like a compact business hotel, is clean and well run, and has multiple locations across the city. [Book Just Sleep here](https://go.stay22.com/h%5FVxIeYh64?ref=adamandlinds.com). **Next Taipei Hostel** and **We Come Hostel** are both solid options for budget-conscious solo travellers or couples. Both have a social atmosphere without being obnoxiously party-focused, and both are centrally located. Book [Next Taipei Hostel here](https://go.stay22.com/4Y0c3SOaUQ?ref=adamandlinds.com) or [We Come Hostel here](https://go.stay22.com/klBQfNDELL?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## What We'd Do Differently on Accommodation When we were in Taipei in July 2024, we were further east than we needed to be for our first few days, which meant more MRT time than necessary to reach Ximending and the Main Station area. If we were going back, we would base ourselves in Zhongzheng or Ximending from day one and save the Da'an neighbourhood exploration for a potential longer stay. The other thing we learned the hard way: July is hot. Really hot. Humid, relentless, 35-degree hot. Air conditioning quality in your room matters more than almost any other factor. Read recent reviews specifically mentioning AC before booking anything in summer. A beautiful boutique room with mediocre aircon is a bad time. ![Family at Zhengbin Fishing Harbor in Keelung Taiwan July 2024](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-at-Zhengbin-Fishing-Harbor-in-Keelung-Taiwan-July-8-2024.png) Day trip from Taipei - easy from anywhere in the city via MRT and train [Watch This Taipei Night Market Left Us Speechless - Raohe Food Mayhem on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrcLURjXmCY&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Getting Connected: eSIM for Taiwan Taiwan has excellent mobile coverage and 4G/5G throughout Taipei. You absolutely need data here - the MRT app, Google Maps, and translation tools are non-negotiable for navigating the city. The easiest solution is an eSIM, which you can activate before you land. We use **Holafly** for Taiwan. No physical SIM swap, solid speeds, and it activates the moment you touch down. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at [holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for 5% off your Taiwan eSIM. If you are planning to visit multiple destinations - say, Taiwan plus Japan or Southeast Asia - the [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) monthly subscription makes more financial sense. The Light Plan covers 25GB per month at $49.90, and the Unlimited Plan sits at $64.90/month. Annual plans save an additional 22%, and code ADAMANDLINDS stacks on top for roughly 30% total savings. ### Holafly Taiwan eSIM Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your Taiwan eSIM. [Get Your Taiwan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Travel Insurance for Taiwan Taiwan has excellent healthcare but medical costs for foreign visitors can add up quickly. We always travel with insurance - currently we use SafetyWing for our family coverage. It is worth noting: we are not insurance brokers and this is not a formal recommendation. Do your own research to find what suits your situation. [SafetyWing information is here](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL). ## FAQ: Staying in Taipei ### What is the best area to stay in Taipei? Zhongzheng (near Taipei Main Station) is the best all-round base for first-time visitors thanks to transport connections and accommodation range. Ximending suits those who want to be in the middle of street food and nightlife energy. Da'an District is best for repeat visitors wanting a calmer, more residential feel with excellent restaurant access. ### Is Taipei expensive for accommodation? Taipei is affordable by major city standards. Budget hostels start around $15-25 USD per night, mid-range hotels from $60-120 USD, and 4-star properties from $120-200 USD. Xinyi and the Taipei 101 area command a premium. ### What is the best neighbourhood for families in Taipei? Zhongzheng and Da'an are the best choices for families. Both offer easy MRT access to Taipei Zoo, science museums, and the National Palace Museum. The streets are manageable with kids and accommodation options suit families well. ### Should I stay near Taipei Main Station or Ximending? For transport and practical convenience, Taipei Main Station wins. For atmosphere, food, and nightlife energy, Ximending is hard to beat. They are only a 10-minute walk apart, so the gap is smaller than it sounds - but first-time visitors and families tend to be happier near the Main Station. ### Do I need a SIM card or eSIM for Taipei? Yes. Mobile data is essential in Taipei. A Holafly Taiwan eSIM is the simplest option - no SIM swap, activates on arrival, good coverage. Use code ADAMANDLINDS at holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR for 5% off. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you - and sometimes a discount for you too. We use Stay22 for hotel links, Holafly for eSIM recommendations (exclusive partner), and SafetyWing for travel insurance information (we are not insurance brokers and these links are not formal insurance recommendations). ### Klook Pass Kuala Lumpur: 20+ Attractions, One Pass, Real Savings URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-kuala-lumpur/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:47.000Z Kuala Lumpur is one of Southeast Asia's most underrated city breaks. The food is exceptional, the Petronas Towers remain genuinely jaw-dropping up close, Batu Caves is one of the more unusual Hindu temple complexes you'll find anywhere, and the whole city runs on a cost base that makes Singapore look like a fever dream. We've visited KL multiple times over our years of traveling in the region, and it consistently delivers. The [Klook Pass Kuala Lumpur](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/72841-kuala-lumpur-attraction-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)is the most efficient way to budget your activities here. [Watch Kuala Lumpur with Kids on $100/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZPcYaxixZU&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What Is the Klook Pass Kuala Lumpur? The Klook Pass KL gives you access to 2 to 6 activities from a list of 20+ participating attractions, valid for 30 days from first use. Starting from **$22.95 USD**, it's the most affordable of Klook's major city passes and covers a genuinely wide range of experiences — from theme parks and water parks to cultural workshops, the KLIA Ekspres airport train, and even Gong Cha bubble tea. The 4.4-star rating across 858 reviews reflects a solid, practical pass rather than a premium one, and that's exactly the point. ### Klook Pass Kuala Lumpur Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for access to 2–6 activities across 20+ attractions. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/72841-kuala-lumpur-attraction-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Kuala Lumpur Petronas Twin Towers Malaysia](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/a8iku4hztyjwd0wn8kr5.jpg) The Klook Pass KL covers a broad range of city attractions including tours around the Petronas Towers area ## What's Included in the KL Pass The KL pass has one of the largest activity menus in the Klook Pass range. Highlights include: | Activity | Category | Price Value | | --------------------------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | Sunway Lagoon Theme Park | Theme park | High value inclusion | | Aquaria KLCC | Aquarium | Central location near Petronas Towers | | Zoo Negara | Zoo/wildlife | National zoo of Malaysia | | KL Hop-On Hop-Off Bus | City transport/tour | Day pass covering major landmarks | | KLIA Ekspres Airport Train | Airport transfer | Direct train city to airport | | Museum of Illusions KL | Family attraction | Photo-worthy optical illusions | | SuperPark Malaysia | Indoor activity park | Great for kids and active travelers | | School of Hard Knocks at Royal Selangor | Cultural workshop | Make your own pewter dish | | Batik Coloring Workshop | Cultural experience | Traditional Malaysian craft | | Gong Cha Malaysia | Dining | Bubble tea included in pass | Download the [Klook Pass KL Guidebook](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/Klook%5FPass%5FGuidebook%5FTemplate%5Fc5qklr.pdf?ref=adamandlinds.com)for operating hours, notes, and venue-specific requirements for each activity. ## Best Individual Tours and Experiences in KL Some KL experiences work better as standalone bookings. The [Genting Highlands and Batu Caves Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/11822-genting-highlands-batu-caves-chin-swee-caves-temple-day-tour-kuala-lumpur/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $34.50, 4.7 stars across 3,608 reviews) is one of the most popular tours in all of Malaysia. It combines the cool mountain air of Genting with the dramatic limestone hill and Hindu shrines of Batu Caves — two wildly different experiences in one day. The [KL City and Batu Caves Combo Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70695-kuala-lumpur-city-batu-caves-combo-private-walking-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $17.15, 4.7 stars across 650 reviews) is the budget-friendly option that packs in the Petronas Towers, Golden Triangle, and Batu Caves in a single day. For families with younger kids or those who like an indoor thrill, [Windlab Indoor Skydiving](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/45858-windlab-indoor-skydiving-experience/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $31.95, 4.8 stars across 464 reviews) is Malaysia's first indoor skydiving facility — safe for ages 3 and up, and the kind of thing that becomes the photo of the trip. [Watch 76 | BATU CAVES, MALAYSIA 🇲🇾 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHsatZmIX9w&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Genting Highlands cable car Malaysia day tour](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/azgtt7xcjlexohrcnnme.jpg) Genting Highlands sits 45 minutes from KL and offers a cool mountain retreat from the city heat ## Spring 2026: KL in April and May Kuala Lumpur is warm and humid year-round, so spring doesn't mark a dramatic seasonal shift the way it does in Japan or Europe. April and May can bring afternoon rain, but mornings are typically fine and the city operates indoors comfortably. It's a practical shoulder period — school holidays in Europe haven't arrived yet, so major attractions are less crowded than July and August. Hotel rates reflect this too. ## Getting Connected in Malaysia Malaysia has strong 4G coverage across KL and major cities. We always travel with a [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) — code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5% on any destination plan. For those traveling across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, or multiple Southeast Asian destinations in one spring trip, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($49.90/month for 25GB) is the most efficient option. One eSIM, no swapping SIM cards at each border, and the Always On feature covers you with 1GB automatic backup data across 76+ destinations. ### Holafly eSIM Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any destination plan. [Get the eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Frequently Asked Questions: Klook Pass Kuala Lumpur ### What is the Klook Pass Kuala Lumpur? The Klook Pass Kuala Lumpur is an activity bundle that gives access to 2 to 6 activities from 20+ participating KL attractions on a 30-day pass, starting from $22.95 USD. It includes theme parks, cultural workshops, the KLIA Ekspres airport train, and more. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for a discount. ### Is Sunway Lagoon included in the Klook Pass KL? Yes. Sunway Lagoon is one of the highest-value inclusions in the Klook Pass KL. It is one of Malaysia's largest theme parks with water park, animal park, and thrill ride sections. It is available as an activity option when building your pass. ### Does the Klook Pass KL include the KLIA Express train? Yes. The KLIA Ekspres Airport Train is a participating activity in the Klook Pass KL. This makes it a smart first booking if you're arriving at KLIA or KLIA2 and heading into the city — you can use a pass activity for your airport transfer. ### How much can you save with the Klook Pass Kuala Lumpur? Savings depend on which activities you select. The pass is generally most economical when you include higher-value activities like Sunway Lagoon, Aquaria KLCC, and Zoo Negara. Budget travelers who select four or more activities typically save 20-35% compared to buying individually at gate prices. ### What is the best day trip from Kuala Lumpur? The Genting Highlands and Batu Caves Day Tour is consistently one of the most popular day trips from KL. It covers two very different experiences in one day and is available via Klook from $34.50 with over 3,600 reviews at 4.7 stars. --- This post contains affiliate links to Klook. When you book using our link and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely think are worth your time and money. ### Lost Plate Bangkok Food Tour Review: Is It Worth It? (2026 Guide + Code ADAMANDLINDS) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/lost-plate-bangkok-food-tour-review-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:48.000Z Bangkok was our first Asian city. We landed on August 6, 2022 after a very long Saudia Airlines flight from Athens and immediately fell in love. We stayed for a full month, long enough to understand what makes Bangkok one of the world's great eating cities. It's not one thing — it's the sheer density of it. Vendors who have been perfecting a single dish for decades, street food markets that operate by their own mysterious logic, and flavors that you genuinely cannot find anywhere outside Thailand. Spring is one of the best times to visit, before the heavy heat of summer, and the food scene is in full swing. ### Lost Plate Bangkok Evening Food Tour Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for $5 off the evening food tour by tuk-tuk. [Book your tour](https://lostplate.com/?ref=ADAMANDLINDS) [Watch 1 Week in Bangkok with Kids: Full Family Travel Guide on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUYmc9fHzqk&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![a person cooking food on a grill with tongs](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1641638148267-6b157a285fd3?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fEJhbmdrb2slMjAlMjBmb29kfGVufDB8fHx8MTc3NDY3NzI4Mnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Norbert Braun](https://unsplash.com/@medion4you?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## What the Bangkok Lost Plate Tour Covers The evening tuk-tuk tour is the signature Bangkok experience. You'll cover ground that would take days to find on your own: hidden alleyway vendors, local markets that don't appear on any tourist map, and dishes that represent the full spectrum of Thai cuisine. The guide does the ordering, navigates the transport, and explains what you're eating and why it matters. A typical tour hits five to eight stops, covering dishes from pad see ew to boat noodles to mango sticky rice at a vendor who has earned their dessert reputation the hard way. Tours run in the evening when Bangkok's food scene is at its peak. Groups are deliberately kept small, and private options are available for families. The tour lasts approximately three hours and runs at $39 per adult, with discounted rates for children aged 4-15\. That makes it one of the most affordable tours in the Lost Plate portfolio and, given Bangkok's extraordinary food density, one of the best value experiences in the region. | Detail | Info | | --------------- | ------------------------- | | Duration | \~3 hours | | Price | From $39/adult | | Tour Type | Evening, Tuk-Tuk | | Group Size | Small (private available) | | Kids' Discount | Yes, ages 4-15 | | Dietary Options | Available on request | | Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours | | Discount Code | ADAMANDLINDS ($5 off) | ## Bangkok in Spring: Why April Is a Good Time to Visit April in Bangkok means the lead-up to Songkran, Thailand's famous water festival. The city has a particular energy in spring, with markets stocked and locals in celebratory mode. Temperatures are warm (hot, honestly) but the evenings are more comfortable, which makes the evening tuk-tuk format ideal. You'll be moving through the city with a breeze rather than baking on a midday walking tour. We've visited Bangkok multiple times across different seasons, and the food scene holds up year-round. Spring, though, has a specific vibrancy that makes first visits particularly memorable. If this is your first time in Thailand, pairing a Lost Plate evening tour with a few days of independent exploration is the best possible introduction to Thai street food culture. ![man cooking in kitchen](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1550967960-64994bfba9e4?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fEJhbmdrb2slMjAlMjBwYWQlMjB0aGFpfGVufDB8fHx8MTc3NDY3NzMwNnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Gareth Harrison](https://unsplash.com/@gareth%5Fharrison?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Bangkok Food Tour Tips from Our Family We spent a full month in Bangkok and learned a few things the hard way. First: eat light at lunch on tour day. The temptation to start eating your way through the city before the tour begins is real, but you'll want room for everything the guide puts in front of you. Second: wear comfortable shoes and something you don't mind getting a bit of sauce on. Third: bring small bills for any solo side orders you can't resist. The vendors appreciate it. For families with younger children, the tuk-tuk format actually works really well. Kids love the ride, it breaks up the walk, and the variety of stops means there's always something new happening. We'd recommend booking a private tour if you have a large group or kids with particular dietary preferences — the guide can calibrate the stops accordingly. [Watch WE COOKED Thai Food! (The MUST DO Family Experience in Thailand) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu-0K3q%5Fk7M&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How to Book and Getting There with Good Data ### Lost Plate Bangkok Evening Food Tour Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for $5 off. Full pre-payment is required but cancellation is free up to 24 hours before. [Book the tour](https://lostplate.com/bangkok-evening-food-tour-by-tuktuk/?ref=adamandlinds.com) The tour departs from a central Bangkok meeting point — details provided at booking. For connectivity in Thailand, we use [Holafly's Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) (code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off). Their plans run on the AIS network, which is Thailand's most reliable, and unlimited data means you can navigate, translate menus, and share food photos all night without watching a data counter. If you're traveling across multiple countries in Southeast Asia, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) at $49.90/month for 25GB or $64.90/month unlimited is worth considering — one eSIM, 160+ destinations, cancel anytime. --- This post contains affiliate links. Booking via our code ADAMANDLINDS earns us a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we've personally vetted or researched thoroughly. ### Klook Pass Melbourne: What's Included and How to Save in 2026 URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-melbourne/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:49.000Z Melbourne in autumn is quietly spectacular. The tourist crush of summer has eased, the Yarra Valley's vineyards are turning gold, and the Great Ocean Road is best driven when you're not stuck in a convoy of peak-season campervans. If you're planning an Australian spring trip (which means Australia's autumn, for those playing along from the northern hemisphere), or you're an Australian reader planning ahead, the [Klook Pass Melbourne](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66916-klook-pass-melbourne/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)is worth understanding before you start pricing out tickets individually. ## What Is the Klook Pass Melbourne? The Klook Pass Melbourne — also called the Klook Melbourne and Beyond Pass — bundles Victoria's top activities into a flexible single purchase. Starting from **$48.19 USD**, the pass gives you access to a curated selection of Melbourne and regional Victoria's best-known attractions. Activate within 60 days of purchase and you unlock 90 days of validity to visit all included attractions — the longest validity window in the Klook Pass range. It holds a 4.7-star rating across 880 reviews and comes with free cancellation before redemption. ### Klook Pass Melbourne Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for access to Melbourne and regional Victoria attractions. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66916-klook-pass-melbourne/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Melbourne skyline Eureka Tower Victoria Australia](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/bsdi1vqbu8uq7oen8vzd.jpg) The Klook Melbourne and Beyond Pass covers the city's best-known attractions plus regional Victoria experiences ## What's Included in the Melbourne Pass | Attraction | Category | Notes | | --------------------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium | Family attraction | Children under 16 free with paying adult | | Arthurs Seat Eagle | Scenic gondola | Mornington Peninsula views | | Melbourne Zoo | Wildlife | City-based zoo, native and international species | | Melbourne River Cruises | City cruise | Yarra River route options | | Legoland Discovery Centre | Family/kids | Must book with at least one child ticket | Each attraction in the pass can only be redeemed once. Reserve popular spots at least 48 hours in advance as some venues operate on timed slots. The full and current list of inclusions is on the [Klook Pass Melbourne listing page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66916-klook-pass-melbourne/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). ## The Great Ocean Road: Add It to Your Trip No Melbourne visit is complete without the Great Ocean Road, and Klook has some of the best-value tour options available. The [Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/95377-great-ocean-roads-tours-from-melbourne/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $36.79, rated 4.8 stars across 4,229 reviews) covers 240km of Australia's most spectacular coastal highway, with stops at the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. If you prefer the reverse route to avoid crowds, the [Great Ocean Road Reverse Adventure Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/119169-magic-reversed-great-ocean-road-full-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $90.35) starts at the 12 Apostles and works back toward Melbourne, letting you hit major sites before the day-tour crowds arrive. The [Great Ocean Road Sunset Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1826-melbourne-great-ocean-road-sunset-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $101.09, 4.8 stars) is a different experience entirely — the late afternoon light on those limestone stacks is genuinely something. ![Great Ocean Road 12 Apostles limestone stacks Victoria Australia](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/b6kvwpetsczndvkpaifl.jpg) The 12 Apostles limestone stacks are the Great Ocean Road's most photographed landmark ## Yarra Valley Wine Country If the group includes anyone who appreciates a good drop, the [Yarra Valley Wine Experience Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/13660-yarra-valley-wine-experience-day-tour-melbourne/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $120.45, 4.8 stars) is excellent. Four winery visits, cellar door tastings, and lunch at a winery restaurant — all within an hour of the city. It's the kind of day that makes Melbourne feel like it's punching well above its latitude. ## Staying Connected in Australia Australian data roaming from overseas can be expensive. We use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for eSIM data in Australia and beyond — code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5%. For trips covering Australia alongside other destinations, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($49.90/month for 25GB) is the cleanest solution. One eSIM, 160+ destinations, cancel any time. The Always On feature gives you automatic 1GB backup data across 76+ destinations when your main plan runs out. ## Frequently Asked Questions: Klook Pass Melbourne ### What does the Klook Pass Melbourne include? The Klook Pass Melbourne includes SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium, Arthurs Seat Eagle, Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne River Cruises, Legoland Discovery Centre, and other Victorian attractions. The full current list is on the Klook listing page, as inclusions can be updated. ### How long is the Klook Pass Melbourne valid for? Activate the pass within 60 days of purchase, and you unlock 90 days to visit all included attractions. This is one of the longest validity windows among Klook city passes. ### Is the Klook Pass Melbourne worth it for families? Yes, particularly for families with children. The pass includes family-friendly venues like SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium (children under 16 free with a paying adult), Legoland Discovery Centre, and Melbourne Zoo. Bundling three or more family attractions typically saves more than buying individually. ### Does the Klook Pass Melbourne include the Great Ocean Road? The standard pass does not include Great Ocean Road tours, but Klook offers several highly rated Great Ocean Road tours separately, starting from $36.79\. The [Klook Pass Australia Tours](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/90463-klook-pass-tours-australia/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $183.35) covers 40+ tours across multiple Australian cities if you're planning an extensive trip. ### What is the best time to visit Melbourne? Melbourne's autumn (March to May) is widely considered the most pleasant season — mild temperatures, beautiful foliage in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, and fewer tourists than summer. Spring (September to November) offers similar conditions. --- This post contains affiliate links to Klook. When you book using our link and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely think are worth your time and money. ### teamLab SuperNature Macao: Tickets, Guide & Tips (April 2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-supernature-macao-tickets-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:51.000Z We visited The Venetian Macao on a day trip from Hong Kong in February 2025, and teamLab SuperNature was the anchor for the whole day. We had done teamLab Planets in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless in Tokyo, and teamLab at Azabudai Hills -- so walking into SuperNature with that frame of reference was useful. It is bigger than all of them. Not just in floor space but in the sense of vertical scale. The 8-metre ceiling height changes what teamLab can actually build, and they used every centimetre of it. The Venetian address is surreal -- giant orchids blooming above the casino floor, basically -- but the venue itself is worth taking seriously. Here is everything we know from having been there, updated for 2026 visitors. ![teamLab SuperNature Macao immersive digital art installation inside The Venetian Macao](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_65/w_1080/activities/kcpag5eegpinmfq8i8ch.webp) teamLab SuperNature Macao spans 5,000 square metres inside The Venetian Macao on the Cotai Strip ## teamLab SuperNature Macao tickets: best price in 2026 The best price we found is through **Klook** using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Tickets are listed from **$22.05 USD** with instant confirmation. We booked on Klook for our February 2025 visit and the QR code went straight through at the entrance with no queue. | Detail | Info | | ------------------- | ------------------------------- | | Klook price | From $22.05 USD | | Discount code | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | | Confirmation | Instant | | Cancellation policy | No cancellation after purchase | | Klook rating | 4.7/5 (2,800+ reviews) | | Location | The Venetian Macao, Cotai Strip | ### teamLab SuperNature Macao on Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for savings on tickets from $22.05 USD. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F33776-teamlab-supernature-macao-ticket%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Getting there: The Venetian Macao, Cotai Strip The Venetian Macao is on the Cotai Strip, the land reclamation area between Taipa and Coloane islands. Free shuttle buses run constantly from the Macao Ferry Terminal and the Taipa Ferry Terminal -- this is how we got there from Hong Kong, and it was straightforward. The ferry from the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port takes about an hour. From central Macao, the Light Rapid Transit Cotai Line runs to The Venetian stop directly. The Venetian complex is enormous. Allow extra navigation time on your first visit -- teamLab SuperNature is signposted but it's easy to lose 15 minutes getting oriented inside. ## What makes SuperNature different: scale and vertical space We have been to several teamLab venues at this point. Planets Tokyo is intimate and sensory. Borderless is sprawling. SuperNature Macao is the one where the ceiling height actually changes the art. At 8 metres, the works dwarf visitors in a way that smaller venues cannot achieve -- you're not walking through flat rooms, you're moving through a landscape that rises and falls. ![teamLab SuperNature Macao Floating Flower Garden with orchids suspended in mid-air](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_65/w_1080/activities/ca6p4rtm87i58vv1bt6x.webp) The Floating Flower Garden uses over 8,000 living orchids -- nothing quite like it at any other teamLab venue The installations we remember most clearly: - **Floating Flower Garden: Flowers and I are of the Same Root, the Garden and I are One** \-- more than 8,000 living orchids suspended in mid-air that rise and fall around you as you walk through. It is one of the most genuinely beautiful things teamLab has built anywhere. Our kids stopped talking, which is how you know it landed. - **EN TEA HOUSE** \-- a tea experience where flowers bloom inside your teacup. A quieter, more contemplative moment inside an otherwise overwhelming space. Worth slowing down for. - **Large-scale reactive works** spanning the full 8-metre ceiling height, creating environments that shift as more people move through them. ![teamLab SuperNature Macao large scale reactive light installation with visitors](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/fl_lossy.progressive,q_65/w_1080/activities/wgphjxzzazmknbld431c.webp) The large-scale reactive works change as people move through them -- the experience is different every time ## Macao as a day trip from Hong Kong Most visitors to teamLab SuperNature Macao come from Hong Kong on a day trip or overnight. We did it as a day trip in February 2025 and had plenty of time -- teamLab plus a walk around the Venetian and lunch fills the day comfortably without feeling rushed. The high-speed ferry takes about an hour, and Macao's dual identity as both a UNESCO World Heritage historic district and an entertainment complex makes it a genuinely interesting destination beyond the casino strip. If you're planning a Hong Kong trip, building in a Macao day anchored around teamLab SuperNature is a solid move. We covered Hong Kong in detail -- our series from the February 2025 trip gives a good feel for the region: [Watch Hong Kong series on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTLa1kEvfi4&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Adam Lindsay Lily Cora and Harper at Hong Kong Disneyland February 2025](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-in-front-of-Hong-Kong-Disneyland-in-Hong-Kong-China-February-12-2025.png) We were in Hong Kong in February 2025 -- Macao is an easy ferry day trip from here ## When to visit: timing and crowds April and the cooler months (November through March) are the most comfortable time to visit Macao. Temperatures sit in the mid-20s Celsius -- warm but not the intense summer heat and humidity of July and August. Chinese national holidays and long weekends bring increased visitor numbers to the Venetian; mid-week visits are noticeably quieter than weekends. Golden Week in Japan (late April to early May) does not affect Macao the same way, but Chinese public holidays do. ## Staying connected in Macao The Venetian has strong wifi throughout, so you won't struggle inside the venue. For getting around Macao and the ferry terminals, [Holafly offers a Macao eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) \-- code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5%. If you're combining Macao with Hong Kong (which you should), the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) from $49.90/month covers both territories and includes Always On backup data across 76+ destinations. ## Frequently asked questions about teamLab SuperNature Macao ### Is teamLab SuperNature Macao the biggest teamLab venue? It is one of the largest by volume, spanning 5,000 square metres with 8-metre-tall installations. The three-dimensional varying-elevation design makes it feel considerably larger than its footprint suggests. We have visited multiple teamLab venues and SuperNature is the most architecturally ambitious. ### Is teamLab SuperNature Macao suitable for children? Yes. We visited with our three kids and the scale impressed all of them immediately. The interactive elements engage all ages. The EN TEA HOUSE experience works better for older children who can sit still for a few minutes -- younger kids will want to keep moving. ### How do I get from Hong Kong to teamLab SuperNature Macao? Take the high-speed ferry from Hong Kong to either Macao Outer Harbour or Taipa Ferry Terminal (approximately 1 hour). Free shuttle buses run from both ferry terminals directly to The Venetian Macao. We used the Taipa Terminal route in February 2025 and it was straightforward. ### Do I need to book teamLab SuperNature Macao tickets in advance? Advance booking via Klook is recommended to guarantee entry and skip the queue at the venue. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for the best available price. The no-cancellation policy means you want to be confident in your dates before purchasing. ### How long does teamLab SuperNature Macao take? Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours for the teamLab experience. The scale of the venue means there is genuinely more to explore than at smaller venues -- we did not feel rushed at 90 minutes but could easily have stayed longer. --- ### More from our Hong Kong and Macao files [Hong Kong activities on Klook: what we actually book](https://adamandlinds.com/hong-kong-klook-discount-code-2026-save-on-the-best-activities-and-attractions/) [teamLab Borderless vs Planets Tokyo: our comparison after visiting both](https://adamandlinds.com/teamlab-borderless-vs-planets-tokyo-klook-discount/) [Things to do in Tokyo with Klook](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-tokyo-klook-guide/) [Best eSIM for Japan with discount code](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook link or use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We visited teamLab SuperNature Macao independently in February 2025 -- all opinions are our own. ### teamLab Future Park Okinawa: Family Guide & Tickets (April 2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-future-park-okinawa-tickets-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:52.000Z TeamLab Future Park Okinawa is built around a simple idea: what if children could create the world themselves? Not observe art, not interact with pre-built scenarios, but actually draw things and watch them come alive in a shared space around them. It's the most child-focused venue in the teamLab family, and it shows - from the moment you walk in, the age group is obvious and the energy is completely different from the more contemplative Tokyo experiences. If you're bringing young children to Okinawa and want an activity that will genuinely hold their attention for a solid hour, this is it. Here's the complete guide for April 2026 visitors. ![teamLab Future Park Okinawa children interacting with digital art](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/f9ngq1bjw5l9kre7wdip.jpg) teamLab Future Park Okinawa is designed around creative co-making - kids draw and watch their drawings come alive ## teamLab Future Park Okinawa Tickets: Best Price in April 2026 The best price for teamLab Future Park Okinawa in April 2026 is through **Klook** using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Tickets are listed at **$12.75 USD** with instant confirmation - the second most affordable teamLab venue available. | Detail | Info | | ------------------------ | ------------------------------- | | Klook price (April 2026) | from $12.75 USD | | Discount code | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | | Confirmation | Instant | | Cancellation policy | No cancellation after purchase | | Klook rating | 4.8/5 (445+ reviews) | | Location | T Galleria Okinawa by DFS, Naha | [Book teamLab Future Park Okinawa on Klook - code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/98927-teamlab-future-park-okinawa/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Location: T Galleria Okinawa by DFS TeamLab Future Park is inside T Galleria Okinawa by DFS in Naha - it's a duty-free shopping complex, which sounds like an odd home for a digital art museum but works perfectly in practice. It's centrally located in Naha, easy to reach by monorail (Kencho-mae Station on the Yui Rail, a short walk), and combining it with a shopping stop or lunch in the area is straightforward. ![Okinawa tropical beach and blue water](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1601042879364-f3947d3f9c16?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Okinawa's mix of beach, culture, and family activities makes it one of Japan's best family destinations ## What's Inside: Co-Creation at Its Best Future Park is built on the concept of "co-creation" - the idea that when people create together, something greater than any individual effort emerges. Every installation here is about that collective creative process. Highlights include: - **Sketch Aquarium: Connected World** \- children draw sea creatures on paper, scan them, and watch their drawings swim into a giant shared aquarium. Genuinely magical and the reaction from kids seeing their own drawing swim off is priceless. - **Light Ball Orchestra** \- large glowing balls you can roll, push, and kick, each changing colour and producing sound. Pure chaos in the best way. - **Sketch Factory** \- a souvenir station where your child's drawings get printed onto badges, towels, t-shirts, or tote bags. A custom piece of art your kids actually made, to take home. Budget extra time here if you have a child who has been drawing anything good during the visit. - **Giant Hopscotch and Slides** \- because Future Park knows its audience. Physical play integrated with digital art. ![teamLab Future Park Okinawa colorful interactive installation](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/rlqqwyendj1bctcjhikr.jpg) Every installation at teamLab Future Park is built around the idea that children create, rather than just observe ## Why This is the Best teamLab Venue for Young Children The other teamLab venues are spectacular but they're primarily sensory - you move through them and respond to them. Future Park asks children to contribute. Their drawings literally become part of the shared world everyone in the space is experiencing. That's a fundamentally different relationship with the art, and for children who can hold a crayon (roughly age 3 and up), the engagement level is in a different category. The 4.8/5 rating on Klook from 445+ reviews tells the story - it's the highest-rated teamLab venue on the platform, and the reviews consistently mention how well it works with young kids. ## April in Okinawa Okinawa in April is genuinely exceptional. Cherry blossoms bloom earlier here than anywhere else in Japan (usually January to February, though some linger), the sea temperature starts to warm up, and the weather is warm without the summer humidity that makes July and August uncomfortable. If you're doing a Japan trip that extends to the islands, April is the best month to schedule the Okinawa leg. ## Staying Connected in Okinawa Okinawa has solid LTE coverage throughout Naha and the main island. We travel Japan on [Holafly's Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5%, unlimited data, no fuss. For multi-week Japan stays, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $49.90/month) covers Japan and always includes 1GB backup data across 76+ countries via the Always On feature. ### Holafly Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data eSIM for Japan. [Get eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What age is teamLab Future Park Okinawa suitable for? The venue is designed for children from around age 3 upwards, though adults genuinely enjoy it too. The Sketch Aquarium works best from around age 4 when children can draw recognisable shapes. The physical play areas work from toddler age. ### Can I take drawings home from teamLab Future Park? Yes. The Sketch Factory prints your child's drawings onto merchandise including badges, t-shirts, towels, and tote bags. These are purchased separately on site. ### How long does teamLab Future Park Okinawa take? Allow 60 to 90 minutes, or longer if your children want to spend extended time at the Sketch Factory or replay favourite installations. ### Is teamLab Future Park Okinawa different from other teamLab venues? Yes, significantly. Future Park is the most child-focused and co-creative venue in the teamLab family. Where other venues are primarily about immersion and observation, Future Park is about creation and participation. It is the strongest recommendation for families with children under 10\. ### How do I get to T Galleria Okinawa by DFS? Take the Okinawa Monorail Yui Rail to Kencho-mae Station. T Galleria is a short walk from the station exit in central Naha. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook link or use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Klook Pass Kansai: The Best Way to See Osaka and Beyond This Spring URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-kansai/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:53.000Z Spring is cherry blossom season in Japan, which means the Kansai region — Osaka, Kyoto, Nara — is at peak everything. The parks are pink, the parks are crowded, and if you're planning a visit this April or May, activities book out fast. The [Klook Pass Kansai](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/91434-klook-pass-kansai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)is one of the smarter ways to structure your time here, giving you access to 3 to 8 of the region's top activities on a single flexible pass. We've spent over 220 days in Japan across multiple visits, most of them based in Osaka. Kansai rewards the traveler who takes their time, and the Klook pass is built for that — 30 days validity, no need to rush. ## What Is the Klook Pass Kansai? The Klook Pass Kansai bundles 3 to 8 of Kansai's top attractions into a single purchase. Starting from **$35.19 USD**, it offers free cancellation before redemption, instant confirmation, and a 4.5-star rating across 1,079 reviews. The 30-day validity is generous — it accommodates the pace most families or extended-stay travelers actually want. ### Klook Pass Kansai Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for your Klook Pass Kansai purchase. [Get the pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/91434-klook-pass-kansai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Kansai region attractions Osaka Japan spring](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/md6m8p2vppktvtx2r88d.jpg) The Klook Pass Kansai covers attractions across Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond ## What's Included in the Kansai Pass The pass draws from a rotating list of Kansai attractions. Current standard inclusions include: | Attraction | Location | Highlight | | ------------------------------------------ | ----------- | ----------------------------------------- | | teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka | Osaka | Digital art immersion in a living garden | | HARUKAS 300 Observatory | Osaka | Japan's tallest building observation deck | | Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory | Osaka | Floating garden sky walkway 173m up | | Kansai Airport Express HARUKA | Osaka/Kyoto | Direct airport-to-city express train | Availability and inclusions can change, so check the pass listing on Klook for the current complete activity list before booking. Some activities require advance reservation through the Klook app after purchase. ## Spring in Kansai: What to Know Before You Go Cherry blossom season in Kansai typically runs late March through early April, depending on the year. Post-blossom, April and May bring comfortable temperatures and "Golden Week" (late April through early May), which is Japan's busiest domestic travel period. If you're visiting over Golden Week, book accommodation and popular attractions well in advance — this is not a time to wing it. We've found Osaka to be the best base for Kansai travel. The food scene alone justifies the choice, but Kyoto (30 minutes by Shinkansen), Nara (45 minutes), and Kobe (20 minutes) all become day trips from a central Osaka base. The HARUKA train included in the pass makes airport-to-city arrival genuinely stress-free. [Watch Fun night at Zauo Fishing Restaurant in Osaka, Japan 🇯🇵 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS1nLRdpWto&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Popular Add-On Activities in Osaka The pass covers key attractions, but Osaka has extras worth booking separately. The [Osaka Go Karting by Akiba Kart](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/8590-osaka-go-karting-experience-akiba-kart-nipponbashi/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $63.75) is a legitimate spectacle — you pick a costume and drive through Dotonbori and Namba in a go-kart, which sounds unhinged until you realize every tourist in a five-block radius will be filming you. The [Tea Ceremony Experience in Osaka](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/95687-join-tea-ceremony-experience-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $24.85) is consistently one of the most highly rated activities on the entire platform — 4.9 stars, English-speaking instructors, and a genuinely beautiful tatami room setting. Worth it. The [Kimono Rental and Photo Experience](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/104844-kimono-rental-and-photoshoot-by-ouka-kimono-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com)(from $15.95) gives you access to 500+ kimono styles from a shop with 57 years of history — the photos around Osaka's older neighborhoods are always worth the effort. ![Kimono rental experience in Osaka Japan](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/glw4k0h9udjhdmosp591.jpg) Kimono rental near Kuromon Market is a consistent highlight for families visiting Osaka ## Staying Connected in Japan Japan's mobile data coverage is excellent, but roaming costs without an eSIM can be brutal. We've used [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for Japan eSIM data. ### Holafly Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any plan. [Get Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) For longer stays or multi-destination spring trips, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) starts at $49.90/month for 25GB and covers 160+ destinations. The Always On feature auto-activates 1GB backup data across 76+ destinations when your primary plan runs out — useful insurance during a busy travel week. ## Frequently Asked Questions: Klook Pass Kansai ### What does the Klook Pass Kansai include? The Klook Pass Kansai includes 3 to 8 Kansai-region attractions on a single pass valid for 30 days. Standard inclusions include teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, HARUKAS 300 Observatory, Umeda Sky Building, and the Kansai Airport Express HARUKA. The full list is available on the Klook listing page. ### Is the Klook Pass Kansai good for spring cherry blossom season? Yes, spring is one of the best times to visit Kansai. The 30-day validity gives flexibility to spread activities across your visit. Book in advance for popular spots like teamLab during cherry blossom season, as they fill up quickly. ### How much does the Klook Pass Kansai cost? The Klook Pass Kansai starts from $35.19 USD for a 3-activity pass. Larger bundles offer greater savings per activity. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for an additional discount. ### Do I need to make reservations after buying the Klook Pass Kansai? Yes. After purchasing the pass, you need to make reservations for each activity through the Klook app. Select your preferred date and time for each venue, and you'll receive a voucher for that booking. Don't skip this step — some popular venues have limited slots. ### What is the best base for exploring Kansai? Osaka is the ideal base for Kansai travel. It offers affordable accommodation relative to Kyoto, excellent food, and easy train connections to Kyoto (30 minutes), Nara (45 minutes), and Kobe (20 minutes). --- This post contains affiliate links to Klook. When you book using our link and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely think are worth your time and money. ### Go-Karting in Tokyo: What We Did, What You Need, and Where to Book URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/street-go-karting-japan-guide-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:53.000Z My parents flew over from Indiana in November 2023 to visit us in Tokyo. For a few days, we had built-in babysitters. Lindsay and I had been living out of suitcases with three kids for eighteen months at that point, and suddenly we had an afternoon with nowhere we needed to be and nobody asking us for snacks. We'd been wanting to do the street go-karting since our first trip to Japan. Every time we'd seen those little convoys of costumed tourists rolling through Akihabara or past Tokyo Tower, we'd looked at each other with the same thought. This was finally the day. We booked through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/98308-street-go-kart-experience-akihabara/&ref=adamandlinds.com)using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**, picked up our costumes — Pikachu for me, Eevee for Lindsay — and spent the next ninety minutes being the most conspicuous people on the streets of Tokyo. ![Adam, Lindsay, Lily, Cora and Harper posing together before the go kart tour in Tokyo](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/60261afb-b897-43b7-e805-ca93110b0700/1280) The whole crew came to see us off. Then Kim and Terry took the kids, and we went and did something ridiculous. ## What Street Go-Karting in Japan Actually Is You've probably seen it on Instagram and thought it was some kind of staged theme park thing. It's not. You drive real go-karts on actual public roads through central Tokyo, following a guide vehicle, dressed in whatever costume you picked from the rack. The guide sets the pace, takes photos throughout, and keeps the group together at intersections. You're not racing. You're doing a moving sightseeing tour at go-kart speed, which turns out to be exactly the right speed for staring at Tokyo. The original company was called MariCar and leaned hard into Mario Kart branding — Nintendo characters, the whole thing. Nintendo sued for copyright infringement and won in 2022\. MariCar became Street Kart, the Mario costumes disappeared, and a handful of competing operators popped up across the city. The experience is essentially unchanged. You just can't dress as Mario anymore, which is why I was a Pikachu. ![Go karts lined up with Tokyo Skytree visible in the background](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/c2f06c41-1a68-46d8-9cb4-3be6fd73d800/1280) Karts lined up before departure, Skytree looming in the background. The Akihabara route passes right through this neighbourhood. ## Sort Your IDP Before You Leave Home This is the one thing that catches people out, so let's deal with it properly. To drive a street kart in Japan, you need two documents: your home driver's license, and a physical International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the **1949 Geneva Convention**. Both. At the same time. In original physical form. The 1949 part matters more than people realise. Many European countries issue IDPs under the 1968 Vienna Convention instead. That version is not valid in Japan. If you show up with a 1968 IDP, you're not getting on a kart and you're not getting a refund. Check the cover of your booklet before you travel. A few other things that will get you turned away: digital IDPs, card-type IDPs, single-sheet printouts, and photocopies. Japan requires a paper booklet. The operators check carefully and there's no wiggle room. Drivers from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan have a different process entirely — they need an official Japanese translation of their license obtained through the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF), not an IDP. Everyone else needs the Geneva 1949 booklet, and it has to be obtained in your home country before you travel. You cannot get it in Japan. | Country | Where to Get IDP | Cost (approx) | | ---------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------- | | USA | AAA or AATA | \~$20 | | Australia | AAA (NRMA, RAA, RACQ etc) | \~$35 AUD | | UK | AA or RAC | \~£6 | | Canada | CAA | \~$25 CAD | | Germany / France / Switzerland / Taiwan / Belgium / Monaco | JAF translation required instead | Varies | One more thing: beware of cheap IDPs sold online. There are scam operations selling fake IDPs for a few dollars. The operators know what a legitimate IDP looks like and will reject fakes. Get yours from the official motoring association in your country. ![Adam sitting in a go kart wearing a Pikachu costume on a Tokyo street](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/235d4eca-bc3e-4c99-136e-79d62d98e600/1280) Documents checked, costume on, ready to go. The IDP check at the counter was thorough. ## Our Day: November 28, 2023 We did the Street Kart Akihabara route. Check-in was thirty minutes before the start time — they're serious about this, miss it and you forfeit your spot — and the first thing that happens is documentation. They check your license and IDP carefully, then you pick your costume. Lindsay went Eevee. I went Pikachu. There was no deliberation. There's a safety briefing and a short video before you go anywhere near the karts. Basic traffic rules, how to operate the vehicle, what to do at intersections. Then the guide leads you out and you join real Tokyo traffic in a line of go-karts, which is as surreal as it sounds. The Akihabara route took us through the electronics and anime district, out past Tokyo Station, through Ginza, and into the Skytree area. Every red light is a performance — pedestrians stop walking to take photos, people wave from shop windows, other drivers wind down their windows to laugh. Lindsay and I were completely anonymous tourists at breakfast and briefly famous by lunchtime. ![Adam and Lindsay smiling and waving while driving go karts through Tokyo](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/cb8f7301-be54-4cf2-fdc4-f75604b5cb00/1280) This happened at approximately every traffic light. The guide took photos throughout and sent them to us after. A lot of them are scattered through this post. The whole thing ran about ninety minutes from check-in to the end of the route, which felt exactly right — long enough to properly enjoy it, short enough that we were back for the kids' bedtime. ![Adam smiling with Tokyo Skytree in the background during the go kart tour](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/3cc495d1-5a4c-45df-0d01-08e555ab6900/1280) The Skytree section of the Akihabara route. Hard to look cool in a Pikachu onesie. I didn't try. ![Lindsay sitting in a go kart wearing an Eevee costume on a Tokyo street](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/e9250b10-ce4a-4c47-af0d-c4bf25883c00/1280) Lindsay, fully committed to the bit. ![Adam cheering while riding a go kart dressed as Pikachu in Tokyo](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/f1cac100-454f-4d42-7460-bcf416cfa000/1280) I have no memory of what I was cheering about. Everything, probably. ## Routes and Operators: Tokyo and Osaka There are now several operators running different routes across Tokyo, plus options in Osaka and Okinawa. Book through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/experiences/list/tokyo-go-karting/c28-cate178/&ref=adamandlinds.com)and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. | Route | Duration | From (USD) | Highlights | Book | | -------------------------------------------- | --------- | ---------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Akihabara / Ginza / Skytree | 1 hr | $73 | Anime district, Tokyo Station, Ginza, Skytree views — our route | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/98308-street-go-kart-experience-akihabara/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Tokyo Bay / Rainbow Bridge | 2 hrs | $80 | Rainbow Bridge crossing, Tokyo Tower, Odaiba waterfront | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/91713-2-hour-street-go-kart-experience-tokyo-bay/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Shibuya / Harajuku / Omotesando | 1 hr | $89 | Shibuya Crossing multiple passes, Harajuku street scene | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/92804-street-go-kart-experience-shibuya/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Shibuya / Shinjuku / Tokyo Tower (JAPANKART) | 1.5-2 hrs | $164 | Shibuya Crossing, Shinjuku neon strip, Tokyo Tower | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/109089-go-kart-experience-shibuya-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Osaka: Dotonbori / Namba / Shinsaibashi | 1 hr | $43 | Glico Man, America-mura, Namba energy | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/112246-street-go-kart-experience-in-osaka-by-the-original-street-kart/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Osaka: Castle area (JAPANKART) | 1-2 hrs | $87 | Osaka Castle district, historic streets | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/119916-go-kart-experience-in-osaka-by-japankart/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Okinawa: Kokusai Street / Senaga Island | 1-2 hrs | $32 | Naha Airport bypass, Kokusai Street, tropical island roads | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2739-street-go-karting-okinawa/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | The Tokyo Bay / Rainbow Bridge route is the most scenic, full stop. Driving across that bridge with Tokyo Tower lit ahead of you is a proper landmark moment. Shibuya Crossing is the most photogenic — the guide takes you through it multiple times, and the reaction from the crowds is something. We did Akihabara and loved it; it's the most underrated pick and a great first-timer route because you get a lot of different Tokyo in one lap. ![Adam and Lindsay driving go karts past shops and buildings in Tokyo](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/6739de97-0788-412b-4b93-c63458cb3400/1280) Through Akihabara. The shop fronts here are genuinely part of the fun — it's a lot to look at. ### Book Japan street go-karting on Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout — our old ADAMANDLINDS code has expired on Klook, so make sure you use the new one. [Browse All Japan Go-Kart Options on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/experiences/list/tokyo-go-karting/c28-cate178/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Booking Tips A few things worth knowing before you go: - **IDP first, everything else second.** Nothing else on this list matters if you don't have the right IDP. Sort it at home, check the convention year on the cover, bring the original physical booklet. - **Arrive 15-30 minutes early.** Each operator specifies their check-in window. Miss it and you're out — no exceptions, no refunds. - **Book evening slots for landmark routes.** The Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower routes are dramatically better after dark. The Shibuya Crossing at night is a different thing entirely to midday. - **Book in advance.** Popular slots — particularly evenings and weekends — sell out. We'd recommend booking at least a few days ahead. - **Dress for the weather.** The karts are open. Most operators have free jacket and pants loans for cold days, but ask when you book rather than hoping on the day. - **Go for the costume.** This isn't optional. The costume is why strangers wave at you. The costume is why the photos are good. Commit. ![Adam and Lindsay riding side by side in go karts through Tokyo streets](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/86e17180-2972-434a-503c-56b9a349fc00/1280) Side by side through central Tokyo. This was somewhere in the Ginza stretch. ## Can Kids Do It? Drivers must be 18 or older with a valid license and IDP. Our three were 7, 9, and 11 when we went — they couldn't drive, but they came to the shop to see us off and were inexplicably proud of us for the rest of the day. Some operators allow small children as passengers with a licensed adult, but it varies by company and they're strict about weight and age limits. If you're traveling with little ones, check directly with the operator before booking. If the adults want to go and the kids need something to do nearby, the Akihabara route puts you right next to one of the best neighbourhoods in Tokyo for kids to explore with a grandparent or other adult. The Tokyo Skytree area is also close. We've covered both in our [Tokyo family budget guide](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) if you want ideas. ![Tokyo Skytree towering above the street during the go kart tour](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/adc0a1de-5e8e-48e0-3cc4-d96983f2e700/1280) The Skytree from the street. You come right through this area on the Akihabara route. ![Family posing on a Tokyo street before starting the go kart tour](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/b7bd0197-8fab-45ea-d8d8-5732e1b93300/1280) Before the tour. The kids approved of the costumes. This is the important metric. ## Is It Worth It? We'd been putting it off for a year and a half waiting for the right moment. It was worth the wait, and it would have been worth doing sooner. The whole thing costs less than a decent dinner for two in Tokyo, takes ninety minutes, and produces better photos than anything else we've done in Japan — and we've spent over 200 days in this country across multiple trips. Book it. Get the IDP sorted first. Pick the evening slot if your route goes past lit landmarks. Choose the most ridiculous costume available. The rest takes care of itself. ![Adam and Lindsay riding go karts together through Tokyo streets in costume](https://imagedelivery.net/UZunXsOnDokBhVvCn8WqAQ/ab80d830-0b89-4b5d-d7b5-7fbe243f4c00/1280) November 28, 2023\. One of the better afternoons we've had. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — and using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** saves you money at checkout too. ### How Do Travel Activity Aggregators Work? (Klook, GetYourGuide Explained) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/how-travel-activity-aggregators-work/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:14:53.000Z Travel activity aggregators are the reason we no longer research tour operators individually, show up at ticket windows, or pay full gate price for attractions. Understanding how they work takes about five minutes and will change how you plan every trip afterward. Here's the mechanics of how platforms like Klook, GetYourGuide, and Viator function — and why using them almost always beats going direct. ## The Core Model: Aggregation and Negotiated Pricing A travel activity aggregator collects experiences from thousands of independent operators and standardizes them on a single marketplace. Platforms like [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/&ref=adamandlinds.com)do three things that individual operators cannot: (1) negotiate volume pricing, (2) standardize the booking and redemption experience, and (3) provide buyer protection if something goes wrong. Operators list on Klook because it gives them distribution they couldn't build independently. Klook takes a percentage of each transaction. Travelers get lower prices (operators can afford to discount through volume), standardized cancellation policies, and mobile vouchers instead of paper tickets. Everyone wins relative to the old system of phoning ahead, paying at the door, and hoping for the best. ## How Pricing Works on Klook Klook displays its price alongside the standard retail price for each listing, with the saving percentage calculated. For popular Asia attractions, savings of 10-45% are typical. The [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com)advertises up to 48% savings. These are real figures — we've compared them against gate prices at Tokyo Skytree, Singapore Zoo, Hong Kong's Peak Tram, and numerous other attractions, and the Klook price has been lower every time. On top of platform pricing, you can apply a Klook promo code at checkout for additional percentage discounts. Our code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** is the current working code. The Klook promo code 2025 situation changes seasonally, so it's worth checking the app's promotions tab too. Klook coupon codes for specific destinations — Klook promo code Japan is particularly searched for — sometimes offer destination-specific extra discounts beyond the standard code. ![Person browsing travel booking app on smartphone](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556742031-c6961e8560b0?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Klook's app interface shows real-time pricing, availability calendars, and instant confirmation -- the functional difference between modern aggregators and phoning ahead. ## Vouchers, Confirmation, and Redemption After booking on a platform like Klook, you receive either instant confirmation or pending confirmation (the listing specifies which). Instant confirmation is the default for most experiences; pending is more common for activities that require operator approval (small-group tours, private experiences). Vouchers arrive in-app as QR codes, downloadable for offline use. Redemption is at the operator's physical location — scan, go. ## Klook vs Direct Booking: When Each Wins Best for ### Klook Standard attractions and popular tours Standard attraction entry, popular tours, transport passes (Klook shinkansen tickets, JR passes, metro day passes), and pocket wifi rentals like Klook pocket wifi Japan. Best for ### Direct Booking Custom and exclusive experiences Private custom experiences that operators don't list on platforms, accommodation during major events, and attractions where the official site has exclusive early-bird pricing. The rule of thumb: search Klook first. If it's there and the price is competitive, book through Klook. If not, go direct. ## Klook Philippines, Klook PH, and Regional Variations Klook operates regional versions of its platform — Klook Philippines (klook.com/ph), Klook Japan, and others — with localized pricing, language, and operator inventory. Klook PH and Klook Philippines users sometimes see different promotional pricing than global users, and regional Klook promo codes may vary. The global **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code applies across regions, but it's worth checking regional promotions in the Klook app for your destination. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We use Klook ourselves and only recommend activities we genuinely think are worth your time and money. ### teamLab Forest Fukuoka: Tickets, Tips & What to Expect (July 2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-forest-fukuoka-tickets-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:55.000Z Fukuoka doesn't get as much tourist attention as Tokyo or Osaka, which is exactly what makes it worth your time. The food is arguably better, the pace is calmer, and teamLab Forest sits inside a complex that also has a baseball stadium, a rooftop ride, and a view of Hakata Bay. It's a proper day out rather than a single attraction stop. We spent two weeks in Fukuoka in 2023 and it's one of the Japanese cities we keep recommending people put on their itinerary. TeamLab Forest is part of why. Here's the full guide for July 2026 visitors. ![teamLab Forest Fukuoka digital art installation with glowing colours](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/t3vsfkb6nyvq2sdkc1qj.jpg) teamLab Forest Fukuoka - inside the Boss E.ZO complex near PayPay Dome ## teamLab Forest Fukuoka Tickets: Best Price in July 2026 The best price for teamLab Forest Fukuoka in July 2026 is through **Klook** using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Tickets are listed at **$15.29 USD** with instant confirmation - no separate ticket desk, just show your QR code at entry. | Detail | Info | | ----------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Klook price (July 2026) | from $15.29 USD | | Discount code | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | | Confirmation | Instant | | Cancellation policy | No cancellation after purchase | | Klook rating | 4.7/5 (1,600+ reviews) | | Location | Boss E.ZO FUKUOKA, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka | ### Book teamLab Forest Fukuoka Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for the best price on Klook. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/51227-teamlab-forest-fukuoka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Getting There: Boss E.ZO Fukuoka TeamLab Forest is on the 5th floor of Boss E.ZO Fukuoka, the entertainment complex built on the grounds of Mizuho PayPay Dome in Chuo-ku. The nearest station is Tojinmachi on the Fukuoka Municipal Subway Kuko Line - about 10 minutes walk to the dome. From Hakata Station, a taxi takes roughly 15 minutes. The complex is unmissable; the dome is enormous. ![Fukuoka Japan city view with modern buildings](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1528360983277-13d401cdc186?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Fukuoka is one of Japan's most underrated cities - and teamLab Forest is one of its best attractions ## What Makes teamLab Forest Different TeamLab Forest has a distinctive feature that sets it apart from the other venues: the app-based interaction in the Catch and Collect Forest section. Visitors download the teamLab app on their phone and use it to scan, catch, and collect digital animals that appear throughout the forest. You can learn about each animal, release ones you've collected, and interact with the ecosystem in real time. For kids who are into creatures, identification, and collecting (which describes most children), this section is a genuine hit. The second section, Forest of Motion, is the more conventional teamLab experience - large-scale reactive installations that respond to your body. The concept here is "perceiving the world with the body" rather than just watching it. You're actively creating the artwork rather than observing it. The two sections complement each other well: Catch and Collect is interactive and educational, Forest of Motion is immersive and sensory. Together they make for a more varied visit than some of the single-concept venues. ![teamLab Forest Fukuoka colorful digital forest installation](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/hptpf1qqeo8bu0y5rl3a.jpg) The Forest of Motion section rewards physical interaction - you're part of the artwork ## Our Fukuoka First Impressions We documented our arrival and first day in Fukuoka - it gives a good sense of the city and why it's worth building into a Japan trip: [Watch Fukuoka first impressions on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyJ-6paDZWw&ref=adamandlinds.com) Fukuoka has a completely different energy to Tokyo or Osaka. Smaller, more walkable, less overwhelming. If you've done the big cities and want a Japanese city that feels like it belongs to the people who live there rather than the people visiting, Fukuoka is it. TeamLab Forest fits naturally into that - it's less mobbed than Planets, more relaxed, and the surrounding complex has enough else going on that you can make a full day of it. ## Tips for Visiting teamLab Forest Fukuoka - **Download the teamLab app before you arrive.** The Catch and Collect Forest section requires it and in-venue wifi can be slow. Get the app loaded at your accommodation. - **This one is brilliant for kids.** The app-based animal catching is genuinely educational and interactive. Ages 5 and up will get a lot out of it. - **Less crowded than Tokyo venues.** This is a genuine advantage. You can take your time, revisit sections, and actually breathe. - **Combine it with the rest of Boss E.ZO.** The complex has other attractions including a rooftop dome-top walk and an amusement floor. Makes for a full day out without leaving the building. - **No cancellation once purchased.** Book when your plans are confirmed. ## Staying Connected in Fukuoka You'll need data for the teamLab app to work properly - it's not just a gimmick, it's integral to the Catch and Collect section. Make sure you have a working Japan eSIM. ### Holafly Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data eSIM. [Get Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) For longer trips, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) from $49.90/month includes Always On backup data that keeps you covered even between destinations. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I need to download an app for teamLab Forest Fukuoka? Yes, for the Catch and Collect Forest section. Download the teamLab app before your visit. The Forest of Motion section works without it. ### How long does teamLab Forest Fukuoka take? Allow 60 to 90 minutes for the teamLab experience itself. If you explore the rest of the Boss E.ZO complex, budget a full half-day. ### Is teamLab Forest Fukuoka good for young children? It is one of the best teamLab venues for children, specifically because of the app-based interactive section. The animal-catching concept works very well for ages 5 and up. ### How do I get to teamLab Forest Fukuoka from Hakata Station? Take the subway Kuko Line to Tojinmachi Station (about 5 minutes) then walk 10 minutes to Boss E.ZO, or take a taxi directly from Hakata (around 15 minutes). ### Is Fukuoka worth visiting for teamLab alone? TeamLab Forest is a strong reason to visit but Fukuoka is worth the trip on its own merits. The food scene (ramen, mentaiko, hakata gyoza) is exceptional, the city is relaxed and walkable, and it makes an excellent stop on a Japan itinerary that includes Osaka and Tokyo. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook link or use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Best Apps for Last-Minute Sightseeing and Local Experience Deals URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/apps-last-minute-deals-sightseeing-local-experiences/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:14:53.000Z Some of our best travel days have been completely unplanned. We've been in a city with a free afternoon and no agenda, opened the Klook app, and found a tour or experience we didn't know existed departing in two hours. Last-minute activity booking has gotten genuinely good. Here's which apps offer the best last-minute deals on sightseeing and local experiences, and how to use them effectively. ## Klook: The Best App for Last-Minute Asia Experiences The [Klook app](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/&ref=adamandlinds.com) (iOS and Android) has a "Near You" feature that surfaces activities available in your current location, often with same-day availability. Operators discount remaining slots to avoid empty seats — particularly relevant for boat tours, cooking classes, and guided walks where minimum numbers have already been met. Checking Klook apps on a free morning in Bangkok or Tokyo regularly turns up experiences at 20-30% below the standard listed price. For last-minute Klook travel deals, the best windows are: early morning for same-day tours (operators finalize seat counts around 7-8am), the day before for experiences requiring advance preparation, and during shoulder season when operators have more flexibility. The Klook promo and periodic Klook coupon codes still apply to last-minute bookings — our code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** works on both pre-planned and day-of bookings. ![people riding on boat on water near buildings during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1583354009936-42ef436d5f24?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fGJvYXQlMjB0b3VyfGVufDB8fHx8MTc3NTQ0ODk4NHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Kristijan Arsov](https://unsplash.com/@aarsoph?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## GetYourGuide for Last-Minute European and Global Deals Outside of Asia, GetYourGuide is the stronger platform for last-minute deals, particularly in Europe. The platform has a "Today" filter that shows experiences starting within a few hours — useful in cities like Barcelona, Rome, or Amsterdam where the supply of guided tours is high and operators discount to fill spots. For the Asia-heavy travel we do, Klook outperforms it, but for our upcoming Barcelona stop in late 2026, GetYourGuide will be the comparison check. ## When Last-Minute Doesn't Work Last-minute booking has clear limits. Specific time-slot experiences — teamLab Planets Tokyo, popular cooking classes, peak season Mt. Fuji tours — often genuinely sell out days or weeks in advance. For these, advance booking is mandatory. The general rule: if an experience has a specific fixed start time and limited capacity, don't rely on last-minute availability. For anything with rolling departure times or flexible entry, same-day or next-day is usually fine. ## Klook Flash Deals and App-Exclusive Promotions Klook regularly runs flash sale events that appear only in the Klook apps — not on the desktop site. These can be significant discounts (20-40%) on popular attractions for a limited window. Enable push notifications in the Klook app for your travel destination to catch these. Combined with a Klook promo code 2025 and the base platform discount, flash deals represent the lowest prices available on any experience booking platform. | App | Best For Last-Minute | Regions | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------- | ---------------------- | | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Asia same-day and next-day | Asia, growing globally | | GetYourGuide | Europe same-day | Global, strong Europe | | Viator | Niche private tours | Global | This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We use Klook ourselves and only recommend activities we genuinely think are worth your time and money. Read our full [affiliate disclosure](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com). ### Klook Pass Langkawi: Is It Worth It for Spring 2026? URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-langkawi/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:14:55.000Z Spring travel planning season is in full swing, and if Langkawi is on your list for 2026, this guide is going to save you time, money, and the mental overhead of booking ten things separately. We've spent a lot of time in Malaysia, and Langkawi remains one of those places that surprises people. Islands, eagles, mangroves, cable cars, and a duty-free shopping perk that makes Singapore weep. The question isn't whether to go — it's how to go without overpaying. The answer, at least for activities, is the Klook Pass Langkawi. ## What Is the Klook Pass Langkawi? The Klook Pass Langkawi is an attraction bundle that gives you access to 2 to 6 activities across the island's most popular sites with a single purchase. The pass is valid for one month from first use, which means you have genuine flexibility — no need to cram everything into 48 hours. You pick and choose based on what your group actually wants to do, redeem each activity directly through the Klook app, and skip the faff of buying individual tickets at each gate. The pass starts from **$25.89 USD**, and the more activities you bundle, the more you save compared to buying individually. Instant confirmation, free cancellation before redemption, and a 4.7-star rating across 1,238 reviews make it one of Klook's more polished regional passes. Book the Klook Pass Langkawi here: [Klook Pass Langkawi](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/72749-klook-langkawi-attraction-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. ![Langkawi island cable car and tropical scenery](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/mufrxdcfzm1hn8xw5pdi.jpg) The Langkawi Skycab is one of the pass's most popular inclusions ## What's Included in the Langkawi Pass The pass draws from Langkawi's best-known attractions. Depending on how many activities you select, your options include: | Attraction | What It Is | Best For | | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------- | | Langkawi Skycab | Cable car ride to SkyCab station with panoramic island views | Families, scenery seekers | | Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi | One of Asia's largest croc farms, 1,000+ crocs | Kids, wildlife fans | | Dream Forest Langkawi | Enchanted themed nature attraction | Younger children, couples | | Langkawi Underwater World | Aquarium with 5,000+ marine species | All ages | Always check the current [Klook Pass Langkawi Guidebook](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/Klook%5FPass%5FGuidebook%5FTemplate%5Fgkryo5.pdf%5Fstebpd.pdf?ref=adamandlinds.com) for the complete and up-to-date list of participating attractions, operating hours, and any booking requirements. Some activities have advance reservation requirements through the Klook app. ## The Best Individual Activities to Add On Beyond the pass itself, Langkawi has a few standout experiences that regularly top traveler lists. The [Langkawi Island Hopping Shared Speedboat Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6919-half-day-island-hopping-tour-langkawi/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $11.55) covers Pulau Dayang Bunting, eagle watching at Big Lions Island, and a beach stop at Pulau Beras Basah. It's a half-day that punches well above its price. The [Tanjung Rhu Mangrove Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/24668-tanjung-rhu-mangrove-forest-tour-langkawi/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $14.05) is a brilliant half-day through caves, bat colonies, and the Andaman Sea with sea eagles overhead. For evenings, the [Langkawi Sunset Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/8551-sunset-dinner-cruise-langkawi/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $27.15) delivers exactly what the name promises, with a Malaysian set dinner onboard. ![Island hopping speedboat tour in Langkawi](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/en943qzge7erkhcttejc.jpg) Island hopping covers Langkawi's lesser-visited outer islands in half a day ## Spring 2026: Why Langkawi Right Now April and May sit comfortably in Langkawi's shoulder season. The wet season hasn't properly kicked in yet on the west coast of the island, and the school holiday crowd from Europe and Australia hasn't arrived in force. You get reasonable weather, manageable crowds at major sites, and better rates on accommodation compared to December peak. If you're routing through Malaysia this spring, Langkawi makes a logical add-on to a Kuala Lumpur or Penang trip. ## Getting Connected in Langkawi Malaysia has solid 4G coverage, but island destinations can be spottier than the mainland. We use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for eSIM data when we travel — code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5% on any destination plan. If you're traveling across multiple countries this spring, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $49.90/month for 25GB globally) is worth a look. The Always On feature means you automatically get 1GB of backup data across 76+ destinations at no extra cost — useful when you're hopping between Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond. ## Frequently Asked Questions: Klook Pass Langkawi ### Is the Klook Pass Langkawi worth it? For families or groups visiting 3 or more attractions, yes. The bundled price undercuts individual ticket prices at the gate, and the one-month validity means you're not racing to use it all in a single day. ### How do I use the Klook Pass Langkawi? After purchasing on Klook, use the Klook app to reserve your chosen activities. Each attraction is redeemed once through the app at the venue. Make sure to reserve in advance, particularly for the Skycab which can sell out on busy days. ### Does the Klook Pass Langkawi include transport? No, the pass covers attraction entry only. Getting between sites requires a rental car, taxi, or Grab (the regional ride-hailing app). Langkawi has no public bus network to speak of, so a rental car or scooter is the most practical approach. ### What's the best time to visit Langkawi? The dry season on the west coast runs roughly November through April. May through September brings increasing rainfall, particularly on the east coast. Spring 2026 visits in April fall right at the end of the best weather window. ### Can I use the Klook discount code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on the Langkawi pass? Yes. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout on Klook to get a discount on the Langkawi Attraction Pass and any other Klook bookings. This is our verified affiliate code. --- *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Klook. When you book using our link and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences we genuinely think are worth your time and money.* ### Best eSIM for Japan: What We Use After More than a Year There URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-for-japan/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:57.000Z Japan is our favourite country in the world. That's not a throwaway opener, we've now spent over a year here across multiple trips, cities, and seasons, and the feeling of landing at Narita or Kansai still hasn't worn off. So when people ask us which eSIM to use for Japan, we take the question seriously. We've tested options across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hakone, and everywhere in between. Here's what we actually use, and why. ![Three of our girls with shaved ice at an outdoor table under cherry blossoms at Ogimachi Park, Osaka, Japan, April 2026](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/a738d7cc-683b-4758-a1cb-27d81b0f553c.jpg) Cherry blossom season at Ogimachi Park in Osaka, April 2026\. Days like this run on Google Maps and a hundred photos uploaded before dinner. ## Why your eSIM choice actually matters in Japan Japan is one of the most connected countries on earth, with 5G coverage blanketing most urban areas and 4G LTE reaching deep into the countryside. But that excellent infrastructure only helps you if your eSIM is riding the right network. A bad eSIM here means you're standing in Dotonbori trying to find a restaurant on a spinning loading screen, or navigating the Tokyo Metro offline because you blew through your data cap by day two. Japan rewards you for being connected — translation apps, Google Maps, real-time transit info, finding that ramen shop without an English sign — all of it depends on data you can rely on. We've also found that Japan has a quirk most people don't anticipate: you use more data here than almost anywhere else. The transit apps, Google Lens translating every menu, the kids watching YouTube on the Shinkansen — it adds up fast. That's why we always lean toward unlimited plans for Japan specifically. ![Our family of five taking a selfie at a restaurant table in Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan at night, April 2026](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/47c11d09-0c67-485e-a4b4-6f8b819118a8.jpg) Dinner in Dotonbori, Osaka, April 2026\. Finding a specific counter spot down here means trusting your map, not the crowd. ## Our recommendation: Holafly Japan eSIM We've been using [Holafly's Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-japan&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) since our first trip in October 2022, and it's the one we keep coming back to. The big reason is simple: unlimited data. In Japan particularly, not having to think about how much data you've used is worth the price difference over capped alternatives. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout to save 5% on any Holafly destination eSIM. ### Holafly Japan eSIM Save 5% on any Holafly Japan eSIM — applied at checkout. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-japan&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Holafly Japan pricing These are the current Holafly Japan eSIM prices as of August 2026, before the 5% discount. Every plan is unlimited data, and code ADAMANDLINDS takes another 5% off at checkout. | Duration | Price | Per Day | Data | | -------- | ------ | ------- | --------- | | 1 day | $3.90 | $3.90 | Unlimited | | 2 days | $7.90 | $3.95 | Unlimited | | 7 days | $27.50 | $3.93 | Unlimited | | 14 days | $47.50 | $3.39 | Unlimited | | 28 days | $70.90 | $2.53 | Unlimited | By the 28-day mark you're at $70.90, which is more than the $64.90 Unlimited monthly plan. At that point a monthly [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-japan&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) subscription is the better deal even if you cancel after a single month, and it keeps working across the rest of Asia too. The Light Plan is $49.90/month for 25GB, and the Unlimited Plan is $64.90/month. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 10% on Plans subscriptions. If your trip runs beyond Japan into the rest of Asia, the [Holafly Asia regional eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-japan&subId2=inline-3&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers 16 destinations on a single install, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, at the same daily rates as the Japan plan. We reach for it on multi-country Asia loops so we're not swapping to a new eSIM at every border. ## What to look for in a Japan eSIM Not all eSIMs are equal in Japan. Network compatibility is the first thing to check — Japan's carriers are NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au (KDDI), and the best eSIMs connect through at least one of them. Holafly's Japan eSIM routes through KDDI and SoftBank, which is why coverage held up for us even outside the big cities. We've had good signal in places like Shirakawa-go and rural Kyushu where you might expect to drop out. The second thing is hotspot support. Holafly's Japan plan allows 500MB per day of hotspot sharing — useful for connecting a tablet or laptop, though not unlimited. If you need unrestricted tethering for remote work, the Holafly Plans subscription unlocks unlimited hotspot. Third: make sure your phone supports eSIM. Almost all iPhones from the XS onwards, and most flagship Android phones from the last four years, do. Holafly has a [compatibility checker](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-japan&subId2=inline-4&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) on their site if you're unsure. [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? | Code ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How to set up your Holafly Japan eSIM After purchasing, Holafly sends a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone's Settings (Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM on iPhone, or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager on Android), give the plan a name, and you're done. Don't activate data roaming on the eSIM until you land in Japan — switch it on at the airport and you've got internet before you've found the luggage carousel. We usually do this step while waiting for the kids to find their bags. ![Adam taking a selfie from the front seat of an airport taxi in Tokyo with Lindsay and three girls in the back, July 2024](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/bdda8e6f-cbe0-4832-971f-0fb513851fad.jpg) Airport transfer in Tokyo, July 2024\. The eSIM is already live before we reach the curb, so booking the taxi and checking the route takes seconds. Install the eSIM before you leave home, while you're on WiFi. The QR scan and installation needs an internet connection — you can't do it on the plane. This catches people out more often than it should. ## Alternatives worth knowing about Since we have an exclusivity deal with Holafly through August 2026, we won't be recommending other eSIM brands here — but there's one Japan-specific option worth mentioning for anyone needing to connect multiple devices simultaneously. [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers pocket WiFi rental, which works differently from an eSIM — it's a physical device that creates its own WiFi hotspot that multiple phones, tablets, and laptops can all connect to at once. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off. The downside is you're carrying another device that needs charging. For most travellers an eSIM is the cleaner solution; pocket WiFi makes sense for large groups or heavy multi-device setups. ![The five-story pagoda at Senso-ji lit up at night with Tokyo Skytree glowing behind it, Asakusa, Tokyo, September 2025](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/25284bbe-31a5-4542-8104-a50f6472ec1d.jpg) Senso-ji and the Skytree at night in Asakusa, September 2025\. Timed-entry tickets and last-train times are both easier with data that just works. ## Holafly Japan eSIM vs pocket WiFi | Feature | Holafly Japan eSIM | Japan Wireless Pocket WiFi | | ----------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------- | | Devices connected | 1 phone | Multiple (up to 10) | | Setup | QR code scan (instant) | Pickup or delivery required | | Battery drain | Normal phone battery | Separate device to charge | | Data | Unlimited | Varies by plan | | Hotspot sharing | 500MB/day (unlimited on Plans) | Built-in WiFi | | Networks | KDDI, SoftBank | Major JP networks | | Best for | Solo/couple/family (1 phone each) | Groups, multiple devices | [Watch Hello Kitty Bullet Train Experience in Japan (Full Ride Review) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EpaHgfKTdA&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Our honest take after more than a year in Japan We've done Japan in every configuration: short trips, month-long stays, multi-city Shinkansen routes, rural onsen towns, theme parks. The connectivity need is constant. When we first arrived in Tokyo in October 2022 after Japan reopened its borders, we were already on Holafly and it just worked — no setup drama at the airport, no hunting for a SIM card vending machine. We've been on it for every Japan trip since, including our spring 2026 stint in Osaka. The unlimited data is what keeps us loyal. With three kids who all want to look things up, translate signs, and watch videos on long Shinkansen rides, a capped plan would have us constantly anxious about usage. Japan is a country where you're navigating, translating, and booking things on the fly constantly — it's not a destination where you can be stingy with data. The Holafly Japan plan handles all of that without a second thought. ### Get connected in Japan Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off any destination eSIM, or 10% off Holafly Plans subscriptions. [Get Holafly Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-japan&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) [View Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-japan&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) FAQ ## Japan eSIM Does Holafly work in Japan? Yes. Holafly's Japan eSIM works across Japan on the major domestic networks, connecting through KDDI and SoftBank. Coverage is excellent in cities and strong in rural areas. Activate data roaming on the eSIM when you land and you're connected immediately. What is the best eSIM for Japan? Holafly is our recommendation for most travellers visiting Japan because it offers unlimited data at competitive per-day pricing. Japan is a high-data-use destination — translation apps, navigation, transit apps, and entertainment on Shinkansen rides all consume data quickly, so unlimited plans offer better value than capped alternatives. Use code ADAMANDLINDS to save 5%. Is an eSIM better than pocket WiFi for Japan? For most travellers, yes. An eSIM like Holafly installs in minutes via QR code, requires no pickup or return, and adds no extra device to carry and charge. Pocket WiFi is a better option if you need to connect multiple devices simultaneously. Holafly's Plans subscription also offers unlimited hotspot sharing, which covers most multi-device needs. How do I set up a Holafly eSIM for Japan? Purchase at holafly.com and you'll receive a QR code by email. Scan it in your phone's eSIM settings while on WiFi before you travel. When you land in Japan, turn on data roaming for the Holafly eSIM and you're online. The whole process takes less than five minutes. Can I use Holafly Plans for Japan? Yes. [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-japan&subId2=faq&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is a global monthly subscription that includes Japan. The Light Plan ($49.90/month, 25GB) and Unlimited Plan ($64.90/month) both cover Japan and 160+ other countries on one eSIM installation. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off Plans subscriptions. How much data do you need for a trip to Japan? More than you'd think. Between Google Maps, Google Translate for menus and signs, transit apps, and general browsing, a solo traveller can easily use 2–3GB per day. For a family using multiple devices, the daily total climbs fast. We recommend unlimited plans for Japan specifically. ### Related Reading [Japan Wireless Discount Codes](https://adamandlinds.com/japan-wireless-discount-coupon-promo-codes/) [Holafly Plans Review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) [Cherry Blossom Season in Osaka](https://adamandlinds.com/cherry-blossom-season-osaka-japan-family-guide/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly and Japan Wireless. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Code ADAMANDLINDS saves 5% on Holafly destination eSIMs and 10% on Holafly Plans subscriptions. All opinions are our own. ### Discounted Attraction Tickets for Singapore: The Klook Pass Guide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/discounted-attraction-tickets-singapore-klook-pass/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:14:56.000Z Singapore is a world-class destination that charges world-class prices at the gate. The Universal Studios admission, the Night Safari, Gardens by the Bay, the cable car, the zoo — individually they add up fast, especially for a family. The good news is that the gap between gate price and online price in Singapore is among the widest of any city in Asia, which makes pre-booking through Klook not just convenient but genuinely important for the budget. Here's exactly how to get discounted attraction tickets for Singapore. ## The Klook Pass Singapore: The Best Value Framework The [Klook Pass Singapore](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the most efficient way to structure a Singapore sightseeing itinerary. Starting from $65.29 USD, it bundles 2-10 activities from a selection of 35+ attractions with savings of up to 44%. Standard pass inclusions include Gardens by the Bay (Cloud Forest and Flower Dome), the Singapore Cable Car, SkyHelix Sentosa, Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari, ArtScience Museum, the Original DUCKtours, and the Singapore River Cruise. The math: Singapore Zoo alone runs around SGD 49 at the gate. Gardens by the Bay is SGD 53\. Cable Car is SGD 35\. Three attractions, \~SGD 137 before you've factored in a family multiplier. The Klook Pass bundles these and more at a fraction of combined gate price. Apply Klook discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for additional savings. The pass activates within 30 days of purchase and gives you 30 days to use all activities from first activation. ![Gardens by the Bay Singapore Supertrees at night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1525625293386-3f8f99389edd?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore's most visited attractions -- and one of the best value inclusions on the Klook Pass Singapore. ## Universal Studios Singapore Discount Tickets Universal Studios Singapore is the crown jewel of Sentosa and consistently one of the most searched Singapore experiences. Gate price for adults runs SGD 83-98 depending on the day. Through the Klook Pass Singapore (premium add-on) or as an individual Klook booking, pricing is meaningfully lower, and you get priority access through Klook's dedicated entrance. Book at least a few days ahead during school holidays — USS sells out entirely on peak weekends. ## Singapore Night Safari: Book in Advance The Night Safari is one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the world — and we don't use "unique" lightly. A working nocturnal zoo with open-air trams through darkened enclosures, predators visible at close range, and a genuinely atmospheric setup. It's included in the standard Klook Pass Singapore. Individual booking through Klook saves approximately 15-20% over gate, with the added benefit of your entry time confirmed in advance rather than joining the walk-up queue. ## Singapore Cable Car and SkyHelix Sentosa The Singapore Cable Car connects Mount Faber to Sentosa and includes some of the best harbor views in the city. The SkyHelix is a rotating open gondola above Sentosa with 360-degree views. Both are standard Klook Pass inclusions. If you're going to Sentosa anyway (for USS or the beaches), the cable car is a logical mode of transport and a legitimate experience on its own — booking through the pass effectively makes it free relative to the individual add-on cost. ## Singapore River Cruise A 40-minute bumboat cruise past Raffles Landing, the Esplanade, and Marina Bay Sands. It's covered in the Klook Pass and gives context for Singapore's urban development in a way that walking the Quays doesn't. Priced individually at $19.45 on Klook, but meaningfully better value as part of the pass. Boards from Clarke Quay; commentary included. ## Klook Pocket Wifi or eSIM for Singapore Singapore has excellent public wifi, but you'll still want mobile data for navigation and accessing Klook vouchers reliably. Klook sells SIM cards and pocket wifi for Singapore. We now use [Holafly eSIMs](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) exclusively (code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off) — Singapore coverage is solid and the Holafly Plans Always On feature means uninterrupted connectivity across Sentosa, the CBD, and Gardens by the Bay regardless of network congestion. | Attraction | Gate Price (approx. SGD) | Klook Pass Included? | Individual Klook Available? | | --------------------------- | ------------------------ | -------------------- | --------------------------- | | Singapore Zoo | SGD 49 | Yes (Standard) | Yes | | Night Safari | SGD 55 | Yes (Standard) | Yes | | Gardens by the Bay | SGD 53 | Yes (Standard) | Yes | | Universal Studios Singapore | SGD 83-98 | Yes (Premium add-on) | Yes | | Singapore Cable Car | SGD 35 | Yes (Standard) | Yes | | Singapore River Cruise | SGD 27 (USD $19.45) | Yes (Standard) | Yes | This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We use Klook ourselves and only recommend activities we genuinely think are worth your time and money. Read our full [affiliate disclosure](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com). ### teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka: The Complete Guide (July 2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka-tickets-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:58.000Z Most digital art museums ask you to walk through a dark room and look at screens. TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka does the opposite. It takes a real botanical garden, waits until after dark, and turns the whole place into a living installation. The flowers, the lake, the trees, even the rain when it rains, all of it becomes part of the art. It's one of the stranger things we've done in Japan, and we have a long list. We're based in Osaka right now, so we have strong opinions on this one. Here's everything you need for your visit, including the best ticket price and what makes spring such a good time to go. ![teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka glowing light installation at night](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/n6uuh10zkgit327hprfn.jpg) teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka transforms Nagai Park after dark ## TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Tickets: Best Price in 2026 The best price for teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka in 2026 is through Klook using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. At $11.49 USD, it's the most affordable teamLab venue available anywhere, and the experience holds up against the pricier Tokyo venues. Instant confirmation, QR code voucher, no box office queue. | Detail | Info | | ------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | Klook price | from $11.49 USD | | Discount code | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | | Confirmation | Instant | | Cancellation policy | No cancellation after purchase | | Klook rating | 4.4/5 (7,000+ reviews) | | Opening hours | Evenings only, after sunset (last entry varies by season) | | Location | Nagai Botanical Garden, Osaka | [Book teamLab Botanical Garden on Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73632-teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) If you're planning a wider Kansai trip, the [Klook Pass Kansai](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/91434-klook-pass-kansai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) includes teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka as a standard option alongside Harukas 300 Observatory, Umeda Sky Building, the HARUKA airport express, and more. Use the same code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on the pass too. ## Getting to Nagai Botanical Garden Nagai Botanical Garden is in the south of Osaka, served by Nagai Station on the Midosuji Line (about 25 minutes from Namba). From the station it's a 10 to 15 minute walk through the park to the teamLab entrance. The walk itself is pleasant in the evening - the park is big and well-lit and Osaka families use it constantly. ![Osaka Japan cityscape evening](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1590559899731-a382839e5549?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Nagai Station on the Midosuji Line is the easiest access point for the botanical garden ## What to Expect: The Outdoor Installations This is an entirely outdoor experience, which sets it apart from every other teamLab venue. The installations are spread through the garden and interact with the actual environment - when wind moves through, the lights shift. When it rains, the displays respond to the rain. It's genuinely dynamic in a way that a static indoor installation never is. Key installations to look for: - **Resonating Microcosms in the Common Camellia Garden** \- glowing ovoids scattered through the camellia garden that light up in 61 colours with touch, breeze, or rain. This is the one that photographs the best. - **Forest of Autonomous Resonating Life - Eucalyptus** \- the eucalyptus grove transforms at night as ovoids glow and shift colour through the canopy. - **Pillars that Dance with the Wind** \- flexible pillars that respond to movement and weather, forming patterns that are never the same twice. - **Floating Resonating Lamps on Oike Lake - Fire** \- lamps floating on the lake that glow and react to people and wind, sending ripples of light across the water surface. - **Life is Flickering Light Floating in the Dark - Cosmos** \- scattered cosmos flowers that glow brighter as people move through them. ![teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka glowing installation near lake](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/vhm7q0kwkkhkswudaojg.jpg) The lake installations at teamLab Botanical Garden are best experienced on a calm night ## When to Visit (and What Summer Is Like Right Now) teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is permanent, so it runs year-round, and each season changes what you see. Right now in summer, Nagai Park is green and full, evenings are warm and humid but comfortable once the sun goes down, and the later sunset pushes entry times back, so check the hours when you book. The heat is the only real tradeoff, and it eases off after dark. For reference across the year: spring brings cherry blossoms and the mildest evenings, autumn cools things down with changing foliage, and winter strips the trees bare and gets cold. There's no bad time to go. The garden and the installations shift with whatever the season is doing, which is the whole point of this venue. If you're in Osaka and only do one evening activity, this should be it. ### Tips for Your Visit - **Wear dark colours.** Some UV lighting in the installations picks up light-coloured fabrics. Not a disaster, but worth knowing. - **Dress for the heat, and for bugs.** It's a summer evening in an outdoor garden, so light layers and a bit of insect repellent go a long way right now. - **Comfortable shoes matter.** You're walking on grass and uneven garden paths for 90+ minutes. Don't wear new shoes or anything you'd regret getting damp. - **Light rain is fine, heavy rain is not.** The installations respond beautifully to light rain and the lake surface shifts with it. A downpour is less pleasant, so check the forecast. - **Allow 90 minutes minimum.** The garden is large and there's no rush. Evening walks here are relaxing. - **It's not Tokyo crowded.** The Osaka garden draws far smaller crowds than teamLab Planets Tokyo, which is part of what makes it special. ## Staying Connected in Osaka Navigating Nagai Park in the dark without data is not the experience you want. We use [Holafly's Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka-tickets-guide&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-japan&ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited data throughout Japan, and code ADAMANDLINDS saves 5% at checkout. For longer Osaka or Japan stays, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka-tickets-guide&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) starts at $49.90/month with Always On backup data across 76+ countries included free. Our Osaka nights out video captures what the city is like after dark, including just how much is happening around Namba and beyond: [Watch Osaka Nights Out — Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwZlF0tN9Aw&ref=adamandlinds.com) FAQ ## Frequently Asked Questions Everything we get asked about visiting teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka. Is teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka open during the day? No. It is an evening-only experience that opens after sunset, because the installations are light-based and need darkness to work. Check the Klook listing for current opening times, as sunset shifts through the season. Is teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka good for families? Yes. The outdoor format makes it more relaxed than indoor venues, so kids can move around freely without crowded passages. The interactive elements respond to touch and movement, which younger children particularly enjoy. How long does teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka take? Allow 90 minutes to two hours. The installations are spread across a large garden area with no defined route, so you wander at your own pace. What is the cheapest teamLab venue? teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka at $11.49 on Klook (code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK) is the most affordable teamLab experience available. teamLab Future Park Okinawa is next at $12.75. Is teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka included in the Klook Pass Kansai? Yes. It is a standard included option on the Klook Pass Kansai, so if you are visiting several Kansai attractions the pass can save you money. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout. --- FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook link or use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Best GetYourGuide Deals in Italy | April 2026 URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/getyourguide-deals-italy-april-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:14:59.000Z Italy has this particular quality where it absorbs whatever you bring to it — budget or luxury, food-focused or history-obsessed, first-timers or people on their seventh visit who still can't believe the Colosseum is just sitting there in the middle of everything. We spent a good chunk of time in Italy early in our travels, moving through Genoa, Lucca, Pisa, Naples and the coast, and what we remember most is how much better every experience was when we had a local showing us what to actually look at. Through April 2026, GetYourGuide is running some solid discounts on Italy experiences — from a 50% off discount on Pompeii tours to 40% off Cinque Terre boat trips and a 20% off Colosseum guided tour. Here's what's worth booking. ![The Colosseum in Rome at sunset](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1552832230-c0197dd311b5?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The Colosseum — one of those sites where having a guide to explain what you're actually looking at changes everything. ## Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Guided Tour (15% Off) With 28,147 reviews and a 4.7 rating, [this guided tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t405524?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the most-reviewed Italy experience on our list — for good reason. It covers the full historical complex and gives you context that the audio guide simply doesn't. 15% off through April, starting at €51 per person. ## From Naples: Pompeii Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line (50% Off) This is the best deal on the list for Italy. [A guided Pompeii tour with skip-the-line entry from Naples](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t959891?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com), currently 50% off through April 4 only — starting at €37.50\. If you're in Naples this week, this one is time-sensitive. Pompeii is one of those archaeological sites where a guide is almost mandatory; the ruins require explanation to fully land. [Watch Cooking Class in Naples on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL5V%5FY0%5FpeA&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## La Spezia: Cinque Terre & Portovenere Full-Day Boat Tour (40% Off) [This Cinque Terre and Portovenere boat tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t473176?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 40% off through April — from €114\. Cinque Terre from the water is a fundamentally different experience than hiking the trails, and Portovenere adds a quieter, less-visited gem to the itinerary. Rated 5.0 with 319 reviews. ## Florence: Uffizi Gallery Entry Ticket + Audio Guide (20% Off) The Uffizi is one of those museums where skipping the queue is worth actual money. [This entry ticket with audio guide](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t922274?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 20% off through July 2026, from €20\. The longer valid window gives you flexibility to book now and decide when to go later. ## Tuscany Small Group Cooking Class in a Chianti Farmhouse (5% Off) We're fans of cooking classes as a travel experience — they're interactive, they teach you something transferable, and they usually come with wine. [This Chianti farmhouse cooking class](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t8489?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) has 189 reviews and a 4.9 rating. The discount is modest (5%), but the experience is excellent. Starting at €109.25. ## Florence: Premium Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine (6% Off) If the farmhouse feels like a stretch, [this pizza and gelato class in Florence](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t18995?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is a lighter-touch option — 1,313 reviews, 4.8 rating, starting at €42.30\. The 6% discount is small but the reviews speak for themselves. Runs through July 2026. ## Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour with Glassblowing (20% Off) [This island-hopping boat tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t414952?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) covering Burano, Torcello and Murano with a glassblowing demonstration has over 10,000 reviews and runs 20% off through April 3\. At €24 per person it's one of the better-priced multi-island tours in Venice. This one is expiring soon — book immediately if you're going. ## Amalfi Coast: From Naples, Sorrento, Positano & Amalfi (21% Off) [This small-group Amalfi Coast tour from Naples](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t496324?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) has 502 reviews and a 4.7 rating — it's a practical choice for anyone who wants to see the coast without renting a car and navigating those hairpin roads themselves. 21% off through April, from €71.10. ## Italy Deals on GetYourGuide — April 2026 | Activity | Discount | From | Valid Until | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ------- | ----------- | | [Rome: Colosseum, Forum & Palatine Hill Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t405524?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 15% off | €51.00 | Apr 30 | | [Naples: Pompeii Guided Tour + Skip-the-Line](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t959891?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 50% off | €37.50 | Apr 4 | | [Cinque Terre & Portovenere Boat Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t473176?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 40% off | €114.00 | Apr 30 | | [Florence: Uffizi Gallery Entry + Audio Guide](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t922274?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 20% off | €20.00 | Jul 31 | | [Tuscany: Chianti Farmhouse Cooking Class](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t8489?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 5% off | €109.25 | Apr 30 | | [Florence: Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t18995?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 6% off | €42.30 | Jul 31 | | [Venice: Burano, Torcello & Murano Boat Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t414952?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 20% off | €24.00 | Apr 3 | | [Amalfi Coast Small Group Tour from Naples](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t496324?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 21% off | €71.10 | Apr 30 | | [From Sorrento: Amalfi & Positano Boat Tour with Lunch](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t140508?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 15% off | €135.15 | May 1 | | [Naples: City Walking Tour + Underground Roman Ruins](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t44762?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 15% off | €29.75 | Apr 30 | ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is it worth booking tours through GetYourGuide in Italy?** Yes, especially for skip-the-line access at major sites like the Colosseum, Uffizi and Pompeii. Queues at peak season can add 2–3 hours to your day. Guided tours at these sites also tend to dramatically improve the experience — the context matters as much as the sight itself. **What's the best Italy GetYourGuide deal in April 2026?** The Pompeii guided tour at 50% off (through April 4) and the Cinque Terre boat tour at 40% off are the standout value deals. If you're in Naples this week, the Pompeii deal is time-critical. **Do I need a guide for the Colosseum?** Not strictly required, but strongly recommended. The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are three distinct sites spanning centuries of Roman history — without context, it's a lot of old rocks. A good guide makes it genuinely fascinating. The tour we've linked has 28,000+ reviews and a 4.7 rating. --- *This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our GetYourGuide links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our full* [*affiliate disclosure*](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com)*.* ### How to Skip Long Lines at Tourist Attractions Using Klook URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/skip-long-lines-tourist-attractions-klook/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:14:59.000Z The queue at Hong Kong's Peak Tram on a Saturday afternoon is not something we recommend experiencing without a plan. We've stood in that one — and in the line outside teamLab Planets, and at the Singapore Zoo gate — and the lesson was the same each time: online booking with designated entry lanes eliminates this entirely. Here's how to use an online travel service to skip long lines at tourist attractions, with specific examples from places we've visited. ## How Skip-the-Line Works on Klook [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/&ref=adamandlinds.com) maintains separate inventory allotments at many major attractions that include dedicated redemption lanes or timed-entry access. This isn't just "we'll skip you ahead in the same queue" — it's often a physically separate lane. The Peak Tram in Hong Kong has a dedicated Klook / pre-booked lane that bypasses the main walk-up queue. The Aqua Luna harbour cruise has a Klook boarding priority. Universal Studios Singapore's Klook entry has a separate gate. The mechanism: Klook negotiates an allotment with the attraction, which includes guaranteed entry at specified times. Because you've pre-committed, the attraction can process you faster. Your Klook voucher QR code is scanned, you receive your ticket or wristband, and you're in — often while the walk-up queue is still moving slowly. Apply Klook discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout, and you're saving money and time simultaneously. ![Long queue outside popular tourist attraction](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1533577116850-9cc66cad8a9b?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The queue exists for everyone who didn't book in advance. Pre-booked Klook vouchers have a separate lane at most major attractions. ## Best Skip-the-Line Attractions on Klook In Japan, teamLab Planets and Borderless use timed-entry tickets that also function as skip-the-line passes — everyone enters at their assigned slot, so there's no long queue regardless. The Klook Pass Greater Tokyo includes both as premium add-ons. Tokyo Skytree on Klook includes priority access. Mt. Fuji day tours handle the logistics entirely — you're in a group with a guide, skipping all the individual ticket queues along the route. In Singapore, the Night Safari, Gardens by the Bay (Cloud Forest and Flower Dome), and Universal Studios all have Klook fast-entry provisions included in the [Klook Pass Singapore](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com). The Singapore Zoo is one of the most consistently reviewed skip-the-line wins on Klook — queue at gate can be 45 minutes at peak times; Klook holders walk to a separate scanning point. In Bangkok, the Chao Phraya dinner cruise options on Klook include priority boarding. The floating market day tours bypass the independent booking process entirely — guide handles all entry logistics on your behalf. ## Timed Entry vs. Skip-the-Line There's a useful distinction between timed-entry (you book a specific 30-minute arrival window, everyone in that window enters together) and true skip-the-line (your voucher gets you past the main queue into a fast lane at any time). teamLab uses timed entry. Most Singapore attractions use a dedicated Klook lane. In practice, both solve the queue problem — timed entry also manages crowd density inside the attraction, which is its own improvement over the crowded walk-up experience. ## Connectivity at Attraction Gates Your Klook QR voucher needs to display on your screen. Download it on wifi in advance (it stores offline in the app). If you're relying on data at the gate, make sure you have a working eSIM or SIM — we use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) (code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off) throughout Asia and have never had a connectivity issue at an attraction gate. Holafly's Plans with Always On is particularly useful in Japan where underground stations and some rural day-trip routes can have inconsistent signal on tourist eSIMs. This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We use Klook ourselves and only recommend activities we genuinely think are worth your time and money. Read our full [affiliate disclosure](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com). ### SafetyWing Essential vs Complete: Which Plan Is Right for Your Trip? URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:00.000Z When you sit down to sort out travel insurance, the first question is usually "how much do I actually need?" With SafetyWing, that question has a fairly clear answer depending on how you travel. Nomad Insurance Essential and Nomad Insurance Complete serve genuinely different purposes, and choosing the wrong one isn't just wasteful - it can leave you exposed in ways you didn't expect. Here's how they compare, and how to decide which fits your situation. ![Person reviewing travel documents and insurance options at a cafe](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488646953014-85cb44e25828?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Choosing the right coverage tier can save money without leaving you exposed ## The Core Difference Between Essential and Complete Nomad Insurance Essential is travel medical insurance. It is designed to cover you when something unexpected goes wrong - an accident, a sudden illness, a hospitalisation, an emergency evacuation. It also covers travel-related disruptions: delayed flights, lost luggage, and trip interruptions. Think of it as the safety net for the things that can go badly wrong while you're abroad. Nomad Insurance Complete is a fundamentally different product. It's a full health insurance plan that you can use as your primary coverage wherever you live, work, and travel. On top of everything Essential covers, Complete adds routine check-ups, preventive care, mental health diagnoses and treatment, wellness therapies, and cancer treatment. It's designed for people who have fully stepped out of a home country's health system and need real, comprehensive coverage that follows them globally. The simplest way to think about it: Essential protects against travel emergencies. Complete replaces your health insurance entirely. ## What Each Plan Covers | Coverage category | Nomad Essential | Nomad Complete | | ------------------------------------------ | --------------- | --------------------------- | | Emergency illness and injury | Yes | Yes | | Hospital stays | Yes | Yes | | Emergency evacuation | Yes | Yes | | Prescription medications (illness-related) | Yes | Yes | | Trip delay and cancellation | Yes | Yes | | Lost or delayed luggage | Yes | Yes | | Trip interruption | Yes | Yes | | Routine and preventive care | No | Yes | | Mental health diagnoses and treatment | No | Yes | | Wellness therapies | No | Yes | | Cancer treatment | No | Yes | | Maternity care | No | Yes (through Nomad Citizen) | | Countries covered | 175+ | 175+ | --- ## Who Should Choose Nomad Insurance Essential Essential makes sense for travelers who still have domestic health coverage at home and are traveling for a defined period - or for long-term travelers who manage routine medical care during visits home or through affordable out-of-pocket care in low-cost destinations. For us, spending extended periods in Thailand and Vietnam, routine care - basic GP visits, check-ups for the kids, minor illnesses - is genuinely affordable to handle directly. We're talking $20-40 for a doctor's visit in many Southeast Asian cities. The cases where you need insurance are the ones that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars: hospitalisations, surgeries, evacuation flights. Essential also suits travelers who are earlier in their journey and still weighing whether long-term travel is permanent or a defined sabbatical. The lower cost and the ability to cancel at any time makes it a sensible starting point without locking into a more comprehensive (and more expensive) health plan before you know what you need. ![Family at a tropical beach destination with kids](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1545324418-cc1a3fa10c00?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) For families spending time in affordable Southeast Asian destinations, Essential often covers the risks that matter most ## Who Should Choose Nomad Insurance Complete Complete is for travelers who have genuinely cut the cord from their home country's health system and need a replacement they can rely on everywhere. If you're spending significant time in higher-cost destinations like Japan, Western Europe, or Australia, where even a standard GP visit runs $100+ and where you'd want access to routine care without eye-watering out-of-pocket costs, Complete starts to make a lot more financial sense. It's also the right call for anyone managing a chronic condition, anyone who wants mental health coverage built in from the start, or anyone who just wants one plan that handles everything without having to think about what's covered and what isn't. For families with older children or parents over 50, the calculation shifts further toward Complete as the likelihood of needing non-emergency medical care increases. You can review the Complete plan details and get a quote at [SafetyWing's Nomad Complete page](https://explore.safetywing.com/Nomad-insurance-complete/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). ## Pricing Comparison SafetyWing prices Essential by age bracket, in 4-week periods. For adults in the 0-39 age range, Essential runs approximately $62.72 per 4-week period without US coverage. Children under 10 are covered at no additional cost when a parent is insured - a meaningful benefit for families. Complete is priced higher, reflecting its broader coverage scope. If you're using Complete as your primary health insurance, compare it not just to travel insurance alternatives but to what you'd pay for domestic health coverage - in many cases it competes favorably, particularly for younger adults without significant health conditions. For current pricing on both plans, [check SafetyWing's pricing calculator here](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) \- it adjusts for age, coverage dates, and whether you need US coverage included. ## The Subscription Model Explained Both Essential and Complete operate on a subscription basis rather than a fixed-date policy. Essential renews every 4 weeks automatically, Complete on a monthly basis. Both can be cancelled at any time. For long-term travelers, this is the most practical insurance structure available - you're not committing to a year upfront, not scrambling to renew before a hard expiry date, and not stuck paying for coverage during stretches when you're back in your home country with domestic coverage active. For families who travel the way we do - building the itinerary as we go, occasionally dipping back to Indiana for a few weeks, then heading off again - the rolling subscription is the only structure that makes practical sense. Fixed-date policies either leave gaps or require constant new purchases every time your dates shift. ![Airplane wing view over clouds, representing international travel](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1436491865332-7a61a109cc05?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) A rolling subscription means coverage that moves with you, not against your changing plans ## Can You Switch Between Plans? Yes - you can upgrade or change between Essential and Complete as your needs change. For families who start with Essential and then decide to settle into a destination for an extended period where routine care access becomes more important, upgrading is possible. This flexibility matters for travelers whose coverage needs evolve alongside their travel style. ## What About Other Travel Insurance Options? SafetyWing isn't the only option. For families doing fixed-date vacations rather than open-ended travel, products like [Faye Travel Insurance](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda) offer strong trip cancellation and disruption coverage with a good app experience. The decision between SafetyWing and alternatives largely comes down to travel style: if you have dates, compare the market. If you don't have dates, SafetyWing's subscription model is hard to beat. ## Our Recommendation For most families who are early in long-term travel, or who spend significant time in affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, Nomad Insurance Essential is the practical choice. It covers the scenarios that matter most - the expensive emergencies - at a cost that doesn't break the travel budget, and the free child coverage under 10 makes it a particularly good value for families. For families who have committed to permanent nomadism, who are traveling primarily in higher-cost regions, or who need routine and mental health care covered without out-of-pocket management, Nomad Insurance Complete is the plan to look at seriously. Start comparing both options at [SafetyWing's main page](https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). For more on how we handle the logistics of long-term family travel - from budgets to gear - our Tokyo family budget breakdown gives a real picture of what daily costs look like: [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget (Family of 5) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) If you'd like help planning a trip that factors in health coverage needs alongside everything else, Lindsay works as a professional travel advisor at [Fora Travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) and specialises in family travel planning. --- *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to SafetyWing. If you purchase a plan through our link, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We carry SafetyWing coverage for our own family's travel and all opinions are our own. Always read the full policy document before purchasing any insurance product.* ### Best GetYourGuide Culture & History Deals — April 2026 URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/getyourguide-culture-history-deals-april-2026/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:00.000Z The best travel experiences we've had usually involve someone who actually knows what they're looking at. That's true at the Great Wall, where a guide can tell you which section was built first and why the Ming dynasty chose a particular ridge line. It's true in the Fes medina, where without someone who grew up in those streets you'll spend an hour trying to find the tanneries. And it's true in Lisbon, where the tuk tuk might feel touristy right up until you realize you've covered more of the old city in two hours than you would in a full day on foot. GetYourGuide has some genuinely good discounts on culture and history experiences through April 2026\. Here's what's worth your attention. ![Great Wall of China winding through mountains](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508804185872-d7badad00f7d?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The Great Wall — one of those sites that earns the superlatives but rewards having a guide explain what you're actually seeing. ## Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Sacred Road Private Tour (20% Off) China is on our radar for later this year, so this one caught our attention. [This private Mutianyu Great Wall and Sacred Road tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1239032?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 20% off — from €139.60\. Mutianyu is generally considered the best Great Wall section for visitors: well-preserved, less crowded than Badaling, and accessible via cable car. The Sacred Road (Shisanling Sacred Way) adds Ming dynasty context that most tourists skip entirely. Valid through April 2028, which gives extraordinary flexibility. ## Beijing: Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace Group Tour (10% Off) If Mutianyu is the headline, [this Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace group tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t890830?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) fills in the rest of Beijing's essential itinerary. Rated 5.0\. 10% off through April, from €29.66\. The Summer Palace in spring — when willows line the lake — is one of the better-kept travel secrets about Beijing. ## Fes: Madrasa, Museum, Tannery & Medina Tour (50% Off) The Fes medina is one of the genuinely disorienting places in the world — 9,000 narrow streets, some too narrow for a bicycle, and a leather tannery that has been operating continuously since the 11th century. [This Fes medina tour covering the Madrasa, Museum, Tannery and Souk highlights](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1061607?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 50% off through April, from €9.74\. The discount is enormous and the experience is one of the most visually striking in North Africa. ![Fes tannery Morocco aerial view](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1548013146-72479768bada?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The Fes tanneries — one of the most photographed sights in Morocco and genuinely worth the trip to see in person. ## Marrakech: Ourika Waterfalls & Atlas Mountains with Guide & Lunch (31% Off) With 1,647 reviews and a 4.9 rating, [this Ourika Waterfalls and Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t821672?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is one of the most-reviewed Morocco experiences on the platform. 31% off through April, from €11.50 per person. The Atlas Mountains are visible from Marrakech and the half-day trip to Ourika is a consistently well-organized excursion that gets you away from the medina without requiring a car or local navigation knowledge. ## Lisbon: Sintra, Pena, Cabo da Roca & Cascais Tour (26% Off) Sintra is one of the most beautiful day trips in Europe — a UNESCO heritage site with palaces built into forested hilltops that look like they were designed by someone who thought restraint was overrated. [This full tour from Lisbon covering Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca and Cascais](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t72607?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) has 5,486 reviews and a 4.8 rating. 26% off through April, from €49.58\. Cabo da Roca — the westernmost point of continental Europe — adds genuine drama to an already beautiful day. ## Lisbon: Private Tuk Tuk City Tour (50% Off) For the city itself, [this private tuk tuk tour of Lisbon with an expert guide](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1264659?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 50% off through April, from €10\. Twenty-six people have reviewed it at a 5.0 rating. Lisbon's hills were designed to be navigated on something small and nimble — the tuk tuk makes practical sense as much as touristic sense. ## Vienna: Guided Walking Tour of City Highlights & Hidden Gems (12% Off) Vienna rewards wandering but rewards guided wandering even more. [This Vienna walking tour covering highlights and hidden gems](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t826842?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) has 2,369 reviews and a 4.9 rating. 12% off through April 26, from €22.88\. Vienna's Ringstrasse era architecture is extraordinary but makes more sense with someone explaining the political context behind each building. ## Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies & Loch Lomond (10% Off) [This day trip from Edinburgh covering Stirling Castle, the Kelpies sculptures and Loch Lomond](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t94182?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) has 1,061 reviews and a 4.7 rating. 10% off through April 6 — time-sensitive. From €53.83\. Scotland's landscape in April, before the midges arrive in earnest, is genuinely stunning. ## Culture & History Deals on GetYourGuide — April 2026 | Activity | Country | Discount | From | Valid Until | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | -------- | ------- | ----------- | | [Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1239032?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | China | 20% off | €139.60 | Apr 2028 | | [Beijing: Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t890830?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | China | 10% off | €29.66 | Apr 30 | | [Fes: Madrasa, Museum, Tannery & Medina Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1061607?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Morocco | 50% off | €9.74 | Apr 30 | | [Marrakech: Ourika Waterfalls & Atlas Mountains](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t821672?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Morocco | 31% off | €11.50 | Apr 30 | | [Lisbon: Sintra, Pena, Cabo da Roca & Cascais](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t72607?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Portugal | 26% off | €49.58 | Apr 30 | | [Lisbon: Private Tuk Tuk City Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1264659?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Portugal | 50% off | €10.00 | Apr 30 | | [Vienna: Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t826842?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Austria | 12% off | €22.88 | Apr 26 | | [Edinburgh: Stirling Castle, Kelpies & Loch Lomond](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t94182?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | UK | 10% off | €53.83 | Apr 6 | | [Old Cairo: Islamic & Coptic Cultural Tour + Lunch](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t279982?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Egypt | 20% off | €60.73 | Apr 30 | | [From Lisbon: Fatima, Batalha, Nazare & Obidos](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t776457?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Portugal | 16% off | €56.28 | Apr 30 | ## Staying Connected in These Destinations China requires a special note on connectivity: standard international eSIMs don't work with China's internet restrictions. If China travel is on your list, check current coverage specifics carefully — and consider a VPN solution alongside your data plan. For all other destinations in this list (Morocco, Portugal, Austria, UK), a [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** (5% off) is our standard recommendation. For multi-country European itineraries, [Holafly Plans (Always On)](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) at €49.90/month for 25GB covers the entire continent without country-by-country management. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is the Mutianyu Great Wall section better than Badaling?** For most visitors, yes. Mutianyu has excellent preservation, a cable car option, a toboggan run back down (genuinely fun), and significantly fewer crowds than Badaling — which receives the bulk of Beijing's tour buses. The private tour option on GetYourGuide lets you go at your own pace without being rushed back to a coach. **Is Sintra worth a full day trip from Lisbon?** Absolutely. Sintra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the palaces — particularly Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira — are visually unlike anything else in Portugal. Combined with Cabo da Roca and Cascais, the full-day format works well. Book a guided tour to avoid the logistical headaches of Sintra's parking and shuttle system. **Do GetYourGuide tours include all entrance fees?** Usually, but check the listing. Most guided tours in this article include entrance fees as part of the package — the Fes medina tour, Colosseum tour and Sintra day trips all include access. Some listings offer "entry ticket only" options without guides, which are lower cost but obviously different in format. --- *This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our GetYourGuide links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Holafly links use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. Read our full* [*affiliate disclosure*](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com)*.* ### Things to Do in Tokyo: Our Guide After 100+ Days in the City URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/things-to-do-in-tokyo-klook-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:01.000Z We've spent more time in Tokyo than any other city in the world — well over 100 days across multiple extended stays. It's a city that reveals itself in layers, where the tourist-facing version (Shibuya crossing, Asakusa temples, TeamLab) is genuinely brilliant, and the deeper version (neighborhood izakayas, the chaos of Akihabara, the quiet of Yanaka) keeps pulling you back. Here's how we find things to do in Tokyo, what we'd prioritize, and the most practical way to book everything. [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget (Family of 5) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Start With the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo If you're in Tokyo for four days or more and planning to hit multiple major attractions, the [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) is one of the most straightforward ways to save on activities. Starting from $42 USD, it gives access to 2-7 attractions with savings up to 48%. Standard pass inclusions include Tokyo Skytree, Aqua Park Shinagawa, and Sanrio Puroland. Premium add-ons include teamLab Borderless or Planets, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (the Harry Potter one), Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, and Fuji-Q Highland. Apply Klook promo code Japan discount with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. The pass activates when you make your first reservation and gives you 90 days to use all included activities. Klook pass Tokyo / Klook pass Greater Tokyo is the same product — it covers the broader metro area, including Mt. Fuji day trips and Hakone, not just central Tokyo. ## teamLab in Tokyo Both venues — Planets in Toyosu and Borderless in Azabudai Hills — are legitimately extraordinary. They're also among the fastest-selling experiences in Japan, particularly during cherry blossom season and Golden Week. Book early, and book through Klook if you're using the Greater Tokyo Pass, as it's included as a premium add-on. Borderless is more immersive and sprawling; Planets is more intense and sensory. With kids, Borderless tends to hold attention longer. ![Tokyo skyline at night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1513407030348-c983a97b98d8?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Tokyo rewards both the planned visitor and the wanderer. We've had equally good days with a full Klook itinerary and with no plan at all. ## Mt. Fuji Day Trips From Tokyo Mt. Fuji day tours from Tokyo are one of Klook's most-reviewed categories. Multiple operators run daily departures from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, typically covering Arakurayama Sengen Park (the famous five-story pagoda framed against Fuji), Oshino Hakkai spring ponds, Oishi Park on Lake Kawaguchi, and the iconic Lawson convenience store shot. Prices range from $33-50 USD depending on guide language and optional stops. Free cancellation up to 24-48 hours is standard. Our trip to Fuji — our first time — is documented here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90R\_9XxR7rI ## Asakusa and Kimono Rentals Asakusa is the most consistent neighborhood in Tokyo for first-time visitors — Senso-ji temple, Nakamise shopping street, and the riverfront. Kimono rental experiences nearby (Klook has multiple operators including Aiwafuku Main Store from $17.85) let you walk the neighborhood in traditional dress, which makes for better photos and a more memorable morning than just walking through as a tourist. Several operators offer hair styling included and the rental period runs most of the day. ## Practical Tokyo: Connectivity Tokyo has excellent free wifi in major areas, but you'll want mobile data for navigation, voucher access, and Google Translate camera mode (essential at restaurants). Klook sells pocket wifi Japan rental devices, and their pocket wifi Taiwan equivalent for the region. We use a [Holafly Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) (code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off) — instant activation, no pickup required, and Holafly Plans with Always On means continuous coverage across Tokyo's subway system including underground stations. | Activity | Where to Book | Approx. Price | Notes | | ----------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------ | | teamLab Planets or Borderless | [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Bundled in pass | Book weeks ahead | | Tokyo Disneyland / DisneySea | Klook Pass (premium) | Bundled in pass | Premium add-on | | Mt. Fuji Day Tour | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $33-50 USD | Multiple operators | | Tokyo Skytree | Klook Pass Greater Tokyo | Bundled in pass | Standard inclusion | | Kimono Rental Asakusa | [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $17.85 | Multiple operators | | Warner Bros. Studio Tokyo | Klook Pass (premium) | Bundled in pass | Harry Potter fans | This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We use Klook ourselves and only recommend activities we genuinely think are worth your time and money. Read our full [affiliate disclosure](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com). ### teamLab Planets Tokyo: The Complete Family Guide (June 2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-planets-tokyo-tickets-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:02.000Z TeamLab Planets Tokyo is the most-visited museum in Tokyo right now, and it's not hard to see why. You walk barefoot through rooms that react to your body. Koi fish scatter from under your feet. A garden of 10,000 flowers blooms and dies around you in real time. It's the kind of place that's genuinely hard to describe to someone who hasn't been - which is probably why it keeps selling out weeks ahead. We visited with our three daughters and it landed differently to anything else we'd done in Japan. Our youngest stood completely still in one room for a full minute, which if you know a six-year-old, tells you everything you need to know. This is the full guide to planning your visit - including how to get the best ticket price in June 2026. ![teamLab Planets Tokyo immersive digital art with light reflections on water](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/mn4cemkgx5r6fy6rgie6.jpg) teamLab Planets Tokyo - one of the most visited museums in Japan ## teamLab Planets Tokyo Tickets: Best Price in June 2026 The best verified way to buy teamLab Planets tickets right now is through Klook using promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Klook lists teamLab Planets at $24.25 USD per person with instant confirmation and no queuing at the ticket desk. TeamLab does not offer its own promo codes on the official website - that checkout field doesn't exist. Any site claiming to have a "teamLab official coupon code" is wrong. Klook is the legitimate savings channel. ### teamLab Planets Tokyo at a glance - From $24.25 USD on Klook. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** - Instant confirmation - No cancellation after purchase. Book when you're sure - 4.7/5 from 18,000+ Klook reviews - Timed entry. Your slot is booked at checkout [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Book teamLab Planets on Klook - use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![The Clarkson family posing inside a TeamLab installation in Tokyo](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-inside-TeamLab-Borderless-in-Tokyo-Japan-June-24-2024.png) The whole family inside TeamLab in Tokyo, June 2024 ## Getting There: Toyosu Station TeamLab Planets is in Toyosu, which is a short and easy ride from central Tokyo. The two options are Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line to Toyosu Station (about 5 minutes walk from the venue), or the Yurikamome Line to Shin-Toyosu Station (almost directly outside). Either works fine. If you're coming from Ginza and prefer not to navigate the metro with kids and bags, Klook also sells a [direct shuttle bus from Ginza for $2.80 one way](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/121902-teamlab-planets-tokyo-tokyo-station-bus-terminal-yaesu-ginza-six-shuttle-bus-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). Reserved seating, no transfers, door to door. Worth it if you're already in the Ginza area. ![Tokyo cityscape at night with lights reflected on water](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1540959733332-eab4deabeeaf?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Toyosu is an easy ride from central Tokyo on the Yurakucho Line ## What's Inside: The Exhibits TeamLab Planets is a "body immersive" museum - meaning you're not standing in front of art, you're inside it. The whole experience is barefoot, which sets the tone. You check your shoes at the entrance and immediately the floor changes underfoot. Here's what you'll move through: - **Infinite Crystal Universe** \- a room of thousands of LEDs that creates the sensation of floating in deep space. One of the most photographed spots in Tokyo right now. - **Drawing on the Water Surface Created by the Dance of Koi and People** \- you wade through shallow water while koi fish swim around your feet and scatter when you move. Kids go absolutely feral for this one. - **Soft Black Hole** \- a squishy floor that throws off your sense of balance in the best possible way. - **Floating Flower Garden** \- 10,000 real orchids suspended in mid-air that rise and fall as you move through them. - **Moss Garden of Resonating Microcosms** \- softly lit moss balls that glow and change colour as you approach. - **Forest Area (new January 2025)** \- a major expansion that meaningfully adds to the overall visit time. Budget at least 90 minutes now this section is open. Our full family walk-through video is worth watching before you go - it gives you a real sense of what to expect with kids in tow: [Watch teamLab Planets Tokyo with Kids on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khqu3oUVpJ8&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![teamLab Planets Tokyo flower installation visitors walking through](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/doil4d090ixbtmebcxhn.jpg) The Floating Flower Garden is one of the standout installations at teamLab Planets ## Visiting in June: What to Know June is when Tokyo's rainy season (tsuyu) kicks in, usually starting the second week of the month and running into mid-July. Temperatures climb into the upper 70s and low 80s with humidity that makes the air feel thick. The good news for TeamLab Planets: it's an indoor venue, so rain doesn't affect your visit at all. In fact, rainy afternoons in June are some of the quietest times we've seen it because tourists tend to cluster at indoor attractions only when the forecast looks bad, and most people don't plan that far ahead. Early June, before the rains really settle in, is still pleasant. Crowds are lighter than May since Golden Week travelers are gone and summer school holidays haven't started. If you have flexibility, weekday mornings or late evening slots are the easiest. We've always booked through Klook because it's faster than the official site and you can pick your exact time slot. Practically speaking: wear slip-on shoes because you're removing them at the entrance, bring socks (you can go completely barefoot but most people prefer socks for the water sections), and if you have young children who struggle with dark spaces, the Crystal Universe room is very dark before your eyes adjust. Worth mentioning beforehand so nobody has a meltdown. June-specific tip: bring a small towel or microfiber cloth. Between the humidity outside and rolling up your pants for the water rooms, you'll appreciate having something to dry off with before heading back into the heat. ## Visiting in July: What to Know July is peak summer in Tokyo. Hot, humid, and busy. Temperatures regularly hit 90°F with high humidity, so the air-conditioned interior of teamLab Planets is genuinely welcome rather than just a bonus. The water rooms feel particularly good in summer heat, which is worth knowing if you're visiting with kids who'd normally resist taking their shoes off. The crowds are real in July. School holidays in Japan run through mid-July onwards, and international tourist numbers are high. Weekends especially fill up. Book your timed entry slot well in advance through Klook and aim for the first session of the day or the last evening slot, when the queues at each installation are noticeably shorter. Mid-week mornings are your best bet if you have flexibility. Obon week falls in mid-August rather than July, so July itself doesn't have a single peak crunch point the way Golden Week does in spring. That said, the whole month runs busy. Don't assume you can walk up and get same-day tickets the way you might in a quieter month. Practically speaking: wear slip-on shoes since you'll remove them at the entrance, and bring socks for the water sections. The venue is heavily air-conditioned, which is a relief after the heat outside but can feel cold quickly. Light layers help, especially for kids who have been sweating in the summer heat and then step into a chilled space. ## Skip-the-Line Options and Combo Tickets Klook also sells a Skip-the-Line Premium Pass for teamLab Planets, which gives you flexible entry within admission hours rather than a fixed time slot. If your schedule is unpredictable (travel with kids, anyone?), this is worth the small premium. There's also a combo ticket that includes entry to Senkyaku Banrai Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen plus a free drink - a nice way to extend the day in Toyosu. ## Is teamLab Planets Worth It for Families? Yes, straightforwardly. The age range it works for is surprisingly wide - our youngest was completely absorbed, our eldest was busy documenting everything for her journal, and our middle daughter was trying to figure out how the technology worked. All three left talking about it. The $24.25 Klook price is fair for what you get, especially compared to Tokyo Disney which is four times the price and half the wonder. The one caveat: if you're sensitive to crowds or tight spaces, some rooms do get busy. Go at opening time or in the last hour before closing for a more spacious experience. ## Stay Connected at teamLab Planets You'll want data for navigating Toyosu, pulling up your Klook voucher, and inevitably posting at least one video from inside. We use [Holafly's Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- unlimited data, installs via QR code before you leave home, activates the moment you land. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. If you're spending more than 3 weeks in Japan or travelling multi-country, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $49.90/month) is better value and includes Always On backup data across 76+ destinations. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I need to book teamLab Planets tickets in advance? Yes, especially in July. teamLab Planets uses timed entry and popular slots sell out days ahead during summer. Book on Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** as early as possible, and aim for a weekday morning slot if you have flexibility. ### How long does teamLab Planets take? Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours now that the Forest Area has been added. You can move faster but there's no reason to rush. The installations reward time spent in them. ### Is teamLab Planets suitable for toddlers and young children? Yes, though some rooms are very dark and one exhibit involves wading through shallow water. Most children love it. Bring a change of socks in case the water sections get enthusiastic. ### What's the difference between teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless? teamLab Planets is smaller, more intimate, and entirely barefoot. teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills in Tokyo is larger and a more sprawling walk-through experience. Both are excellent. Planets tends to land harder with younger children. Both are bookable on Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. ### Is there a bag check at teamLab Planets? Yes. Lockers are available at the entrance. Large bags and backpacks should be stored before entry as some passages are narrow. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook link or use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we actually use. All opinions are our own. ### Every Adam and Linds Coupon Code and Affiliate Link (Updated April 2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/adam-and-linds-coupon-codes-discount-links/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:03.000Z We get asked the same question constantly: "Do you have a discount code for...?" The honest answer is yes, probably, and we should have put this all in one place a long time ago. So here it is. Every verified code, every working affiliate link, every deal we can legitimately offer you — organised by category, kept current, and updated regularly. If something has changed, or a code isn't working, email us or drop a comment and we'll fix it fast. ![Person saving money on travel using discount codes and affiliate links](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556742049-0cfed4f6a45d?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Every code we use ourselves — in one place. ## eSIM and Mobile Data Staying connected is non-negotiable when you're travelling with kids and trying to work remotely. We've tested a lot of options over the years, and here's where we've landed. ### Holafly (Exclusive Partner) [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) is our exclusive eSIM partner through August 2026, and it's earned that status because we use it ourselves across every trip. Regional eSIM destination plans cover 190+ countries with unlimited data. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves you 5% at checkout. If you're travelling for more than a few weeks at a stretch — or moving between destinations frequently — the [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) subscription is worth serious consideration. It's a borderless monthly subscription: one eSIM installation, one flat monthly price, coverage in 160+ destinations. The Light Plan runs $49.90/month (25GB) and the Unlimited Plan is $64.90/month. Annual plans come with a 22% base discount, stackable with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for roughly 30% total off. The feature that's quietly become indispensable for us is **Always On** — it's included free with every Holafly Plans subscription. When your monthly plan ends, Always On automatically kicks in with 1GB of backup data across 76+ destinations. No gaps, no scrambling. It just works. For a full breakdown of how it all works, this video covers it well: [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? | Code ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Plan | Price | Data | Best For | | ----------------------- | --------------------- | --------- | --------------------- | | Holafly regional eSIM | Varies by destination | Unlimited | Single-country trips | | Holafly Plans Light | $49.90/month | 25GB | Moderate travellers | | Holafly Plans Unlimited | $64.90/month | Unlimited | Heavy users, families | | Annual (any plan) | \~22% base discount | Same | Long-term travellers | Code **ADAMANDLINDS** \= 5% off regional eSIMs, 10% off Holafly Plans. Stack the annual discount for \~30% total. US-specific link: [Holafly USA](https://holafly.sjv.io/jReGqn?ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Travel Activities and Experiences ![Family exploring a new city on a travel adventure](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488646953014-85cb44e25828?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) From city passes to food tours, these are the services we actually book through. ### Klook [Klook](https://www.klook.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) is our primary platform for booking activities, airport transfers, city passes, and attractions across Asia and beyond. Code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** gets you a discount at checkout. Note: the old code ADAMANDLINDS is expired for Klook — make sure you use the updated version. We've used Klook extensively across Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. It's genuinely one of the most useful booking tools for families in Asia. Here's a video on using the Klook Japan code: [Watch Use Klook Coupon Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save money on activities in Japan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAbDBOlzMY&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### GetYourGuide [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-skytree-l4086/tokyo-skytree-admission-ticket-t215997/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&ref=adamandlinds.com) is our other go-to for activities, particularly in Europe and North America. No coupon code — affiliate link only. ### Lost Plate Food Tours [Lost Plate](https://www.lostplate.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) runs some of the best food tours we've done, particularly in Asia. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves $5 off any tour. They've been a consistent recommendation from us for years. ### Trafalgar For guided group travel, [Trafalgar](https://trafalgar.sjv.io/c/6317027/2176743/26706?ref=adamandlinds.com) is worth checking out. No code needed — the affiliate link handles the commission automatically. ### Skyscanner We use [Skyscanner](https://skyscanner.pxf.io/PONkVe?ref=adamandlinds.com) for flight searches. Affiliate link only, no code. --- ## Travel Insurance ![Travel insurance documents and passport for family travel planning](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1434030216411-0b793f4b4173?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Skipping travel insurance is one of the few decisions we'd call genuinely reckless. We've been asked many times whether travel insurance is worth it. Having spent years travelling full-time with three kids, we'd frame the question differently: can you afford not to have it? ### SafetyWing [SafetyWing Nomad Insurance](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) is what we've used and recommended for long-term travellers. The Essential plan covers unexpected illness and injury in 175+ countries, plus travel delays, lost luggage, and trip interruptions. You can buy it after you've already left home, and cancel any time — the plan auto-extends every four weeks. For more comprehensive coverage, [Nomad Insurance Complete](https://explore.safetywing.com/Nomad-insurance-complete/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) adds routine checkups, mental health support, wellness, and cancer treatment. It works as a primary health insurance in 175+ countries. | Plan | Coverage | Best For | | --------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------- | | Nomad Essential | Medical emergencies, travel delays, lost luggage | Budget-conscious travellers | | Nomad Complete | Full health insurance + travel protections | Long-term nomads, families | ### Faye Travel Insurance Lindsay books through [Faye](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda) for many of her travel advisory clients. It's particularly well-suited for shorter trips and families wanting solid trip cancellation coverage. --- ## Family Finance and Kids on the Road ### Greenlight [Greenlight](https://share.greenlight.com/15906669?ref=adamandlinds.com) is a debit card and financial learning app designed for kids. If you're trying to teach your kids about money while travelling — which is, frankly, one of the better practical lessons travel offers — this is the tool we'd point you toward. ### TravelSpend TravelSpend is a budget tracking app that's been genuinely useful for keeping our spending across multiple currencies in check. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 50% off an annual subscription. --- ## Education ![Kids learning and doing schoolwork while travelling the world](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1503676260728-1c00da094a0b?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Worldschooling means school happens everywhere — these tools help. ### Outschool [Outschool](https://outschool.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) is an online learning platform with live classes on everything from creative writing to coding to marine biology. Code **ADAMANDLINDS30** gives new students $30 toward their first class. It's been part of how our girls keep learning across time zones. ### Reading Eggs [Reading Eggs](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/jea930?ref=adamandlinds.com) is an online reading and literacy programme. Affiliate link only — no code needed. ### Coursera For older kids and adults, [Coursera](https://imp.i384100.net/Dyz1e2?ref=adamandlinds.com) offers courses and subscriptions from universities worldwide. Affiliate link handles the rest. --- ## Tech and Gear ### Amazon Storefront Our [Amazon storefront](https://www.amazon.com/?&linkCode=ll2&tag=adamandlinds00-20&linkId=fddca2426a835ac36c753dfc728d6b33&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=adamandlinds.com) has all the gear we actually use — camera equipment, travel accessories, kids' stuff, bags. We keep it updated as our kit evolves. Our worldschooling books are also available: [One-Week Worldschool Guides](https://amzn.to/3FKL8DL?ref=adamandlinds.com). ### WAYB Clic Car Seat [WAYB](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=112996&awinaffid=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) makes the Clic, which is the lightest FAA-approved car seat we've found — genuinely useful when you're flying and renting cars constantly. Affiliate link only, through the Awin network. ### Loopy Cases [Loopy Cases](https://loopycases.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) makes phone cases with a built-in loop that acts as a grip and stand. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** — we don't earn commission on these, we just genuinely use them. The code still gets you 10% off though! ### Boya Microphones For content creators: [Boya](https://boya.pxf.io/raNyEG?ref=adamandlinds.com) makes solid, affordable microphones. Code **USAMZ005** on the Amazon store for 10% off. --- ## VPN and Cybersecurity This is one of those categories where people sometimes skip it until they're in a country with internet restrictions and deeply regret it. We learned this the hard way in China. ### ExpressVPN [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) has been our go-to for years, particularly in countries with restricted internet. If you sign up for the 2-year plan through our link, you get 4 extra months free. ### NordVPN [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) is another reliable option. Affiliate link only. ### NordPass [NordPass](https://go.nordpass.io/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=488&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=9356&ref=adamandlinds.com) is a password manager from the same team as NordVPN. Useful for anyone managing a dozen accounts across multiple devices while on the road. ### SafeShell VPN Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 26% off SafeShell VPN plans. --- ## Music and Content Creation These are tools we use to make the YouTube channel and blog tick. ### Epidemic Sound [Epidemic Sound](https://share.epidemicsound.com/jz56gp?ref=adamandlinds.com) is where we source most of our background music. Use our link and you get 2 months free — we get 1 month free in return. ### Artlist [Artlist](https://artlist.io/Adam-1851369?ref=adamandlinds.com) is our backup music library. Strong catalogue, perpetual licensing, straightforward to use. ### Backblaze [Backblaze](https://secure.backblaze.com/r/00oxm4?ref=adamandlinds.com) handles our cloud backup. As people who travel with hard drives full of irreplaceable footage, backup is not optional. --- ## Lindsay's Travel Advisory Service If you want a custom itinerary built by someone who has genuinely done the travel — Linds is a professional travel advisor with [Fora Travel](https://www.fora.travel/?ref=adamandlinds.com). She specialises in family travel, particularly Southeast Asia, Japan, and long-term multi-country trips. Reach her directly at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). --- ## Quick Reference: All Codes at a Glance ![Shopping and saving money with discount codes while travelling](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1607082348824-0a96f2a4b9da?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Bookmark this section — these are all our active codes in one table. | Brand | Code | Discount | Category | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------------------------- | ------------ | | [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) | ADAMANDLINDS | 5% off regional eSIMs | Connectivity | | [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) | ADAMANDLINDS | 10% off (stack w/ annual for \~30%) | Connectivity | | [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) | ADAMANDLINDS | 10% off | Connectivity | | [SimLocal](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803) | ADAMANDLINDS | 10% off | Connectivity | | [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) | ADAMLINDS3 | $3 off | Connectivity | | Klook | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | Discount on activities | Activities | | [Lost Plate](https://www.lostplate.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) | ADAMANDLINDS | $5 off food tours | Activities | | TravelSpend | ADAMANDLINDS | 50% off annual | Finance | | [Outschool](https://outschool.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) | ADAMANDLINDS30 | $30 off first class | Education | | [Boya (Amazon)](https://boya.pxf.io/raNyEG?ref=adamandlinds.com) | USAMZ005 | 10% off | Gear | | [Loopy Cases](https://www.loopycases.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) | ADAMANDLINDS | 10% off | Gear | | SafeShell VPN | ADAMANDLINDS | 26% off | Tech | | [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) | via link | 4 extra months free (2-yr plan) | Tech | --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our links or use our codes, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only partner with brands and services we genuinely use ourselves. All opinions are our own.* ### Best GetYourGuide Deals in Japan | April 2026 URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/getyourguide-deals-japan-april-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:04.000Z Japan in cherry blossom season is one of those things that sounds like a cliché until you're standing under a canopy of pink and white petals in Shinjuku Gyoen and realize that no, it actually is that good. We've now spent over 220 days in Japan across multiple visits, and every spring we find ourselves thinking the same thing: there is no better time to be here, and there are no better ways to experience it than getting out from behind your phone and into an actual experience. That's where [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-skytree-l4086/tokyo-skytree-admission-ticket-t215997/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&ref=adamandlinds.com) comes in. Right now through April 2026, there are some genuinely good deals on Japan activities — things we'd recommend in any season, made even easier to book with current discounts of 5% to 30% off. Here are the ones worth knowing about. ## Tokyo Cherry Blossom Walking Tour (20% Off) If you're in Tokyo during late March or early April, [this cherry blossom walking tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1262935?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is currently 20% off through April 10\. A local guide takes you to the iconic spots — the kind of places you could find yourself, technically, but having someone explain what you're actually looking at makes an enormous difference. Starting from around €39, it's one of the more affordable ways to spend a morning. Heads up: the discount window ends April 10, which aligns almost exactly with peak blossom in most years. Book early. ## Asakusa Private Walking Tour with a Local Guide (20% Off) Asakusa is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Tokyo — it has that layered quality where every street has something going on at a different level of tourist awareness. [This private walking tour with a local guide](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1014612?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 20% off through April, starting at €22.83\. Private means the guide adjusts to your pace, your kids' attention spans, your random questions about street food. We've walked Asakusa independently more times than we can count, but we still find things with guides that we'd missed completely on our own. If it's your first time, this is worth every euro. [Watch ASAKUSA IN ONE DAY! Temples, 2025 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcMYxLUlRs&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Mt. Fuji, Hakone Ropeway & Enoshima Day Trip from Tokyo (30% Off) This is one of those itineraries that sounds exhausting but is actually just very well-designed. [The Mt. Fuji, Hakone and Enoshima day tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t592385?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is currently 30% off — from around €32 — and it covers an extraordinary amount of geography: the Sea of Fuji, the Hakone Ropeway over volcanic vents at Owakudani, and the coastal charm of Enoshima. This one runs through April 30. ## Matcha Making Experience with Mochi in Asakusa (30% Off) Japan is genuinely one of the best places in the world to do hands-on food experiences, and [this matcha-making and mochi class](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t914520?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is exactly the kind of thing our kids still talk about months later. It's 30% off right now, starting at €8.03 per person. Whether you're traveling with family or just want to spend an hour doing something more interesting than browsing another temple gift shop, this delivers. ## Zen Meditation & Japanese Calligraphy Workshop (20% Off) This one is more for the adults in the group — or for older kids who can handle 3.5 hours of quiet focus, which our kids absolutely cannot. [The Zen meditation and calligraphy workshop](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1139655?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 20% off through April, from around €136\. It's the kind of experience that genuinely shifts something in how you relate to a place — Japan isn't just food and temples, it's a whole philosophy of attention. ## Osaka: Himeji Castle & Engyoji Temple Half-Day Tour (30% Off) If you're based in Osaka — where we're writing this from right now, during blossom season — [this Himeji Castle and Engyoji Temple cultural tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1234988?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 30% off through April. Himeji Castle is legitimately one of the most stunning castles in Japan, and Engyoji Temple on Mt. Shosha is practically unknown to most visitors. Starting at €25.51. ## Staying Connected in Japan One non-negotiable when visiting Japan: reliable mobile data. Japan's infrastructure is phenomenal but your home carrier almost certainly isn't set up to take advantage of it. We use [Holafly eSIMs](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for destination data — use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any destination eSIM. If you're planning to be in Japan for 30 days or more, their [Holafly Plans (Always On)](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) give you unlimited global data from €49.90/month and make far more sense than buying country-specific eSIMs. ## Current Japan Deals on GetYourGuide — April 2026 | Activity | Discount | From | Valid Until | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ------- | ----------- | | [Tokyo Cherry Blossom Walking Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1262935?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 10% off | €44.24 | Apr 10 | | [Asakusa Private Walking Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1014612?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 20% off | €22.83 | Apr 30 | | [Mt. Fuji, Hakone & Enoshima Day Trip](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t592385?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 30% off | €32.12 | Apr 30 | | [Matcha Making & Mochi Experience, Asakusa](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t914520?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 30% off | €8.03 | Apr 30 | | [Zen Meditation & Calligraphy Workshop](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1139655?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 20% off | €136.19 | Apr 30 | | [Osaka: Himeji Castle & Engyoji Temple Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1234988?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 30% off | €25.51 | Apr 30 | | [Tokyo: Private Shinjuku Tour with Unlimited Sake](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1036787?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 20% off | €78.77 | Apr 30 | | [Tokyo: Manga & Anime Drawing Workshop](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1115344?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 20% off | €73.62 | Apr 30 | | [Tokyo: Tsukiji Market Foodie Walk](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t1087523?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 30% off | €22.55 | Apr 30 | | [Fukuoka: Takachiho Gorge & Amaterasu Railway](https://www.getyourguide.com/activity/-t909714?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 20% off | €30.59 | Apr 30 | ## Frequently Asked Questions **Are GetYourGuide deals in Japan worth it?** Yes, particularly for guided experiences in Tokyo and Osaka. The platform offers legitimate discounts — typically 5–30% off list price — and handles all booking logistics, including cancellation policies. For cherry blossom season specifically, the guided walking tours are worth it even without a discount because spots fill quickly. **When is the best time to book cherry blossom tours in Tokyo?** Book at least 2–3 weeks in advance if you're visiting during peak blossom season (late March to early April). Many top-rated tours sell out, and some current GetYourGuide discounts expire on April 10 — right at the tail end of full bloom. **Do GetYourGuide tours in Japan include English-language guides?** Most do — the platform filters by language so you can confirm before booking. The tours listed in this article all offer English-language options. Private tours generally offer more flexibility in pacing and questions than group formats. **What eSIM should I use in Japan?** We use Holafly for destination eSIMs in Japan. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off at [holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com). For trips of 30+ days, the Holafly Plans (Always On) unlimited option at €49.90/month is considerably better value. --- *This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our GetYourGuide links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Holafly links use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. Read our full* [*affiliate disclosure*](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com)*.* ### Klook Travel Guide: Passes, Promo Codes, and the Best Activities in Asia URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-travel-guide-promo-code-pass-asia/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:05.000Z We've booked hundreds of activities across Asia over the past few years of full-time travel, and the question we get asked most often isn't "where should I go?" It's "how do you actually book all that stuff?" The answer, almost every time, is [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/&ref=adamandlinds.com). Whether we were chasing cherry blossoms at Tokyo Skytree, doing a longtail boat tour in Bangkok, or figuring out the best way to explore Singapore with three kids in tow, Klook was how we sorted it out. This is our complete guide to using Klook travel for Asia trips — how it works, how to save money with a **Klook promo code**, which **Klook Pass** destinations are worth it, and how to find the best things to do in Tokyo, Singapore, and beyond. ## What Is Klook and How Does It Work? Klook is a travel activity aggregator — essentially an online marketplace where you can browse, compare, and book local tours, attraction tickets, guided city experiences, airport transfers, **Klook pocket wifi Japan** and SIM cards, and even theme park admissions. Think of it as the Amazon of travel experiences, covering thousands of activities across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. When you search for things to do in Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, or Seoul, Klook surfaces vetted operators, shows real traveler ratings and review counts, and lets you book with mobile vouchers that you simply show at the gate. No printing, no hunting for a ticket window, no standing in the wrong queue for 45 minutes. You book through the Klook app or website, receive your voucher digitally, and redeem it on your phone. For a family of five doing multiple activities per day, this workflow has saved us enormous amounts of friction. Klook works as a booking intermediary — operators list their experiences on the platform, Klook handles payment, confirmation, and customer support. Most listings offer instant confirmation, meaning you know within seconds whether you're booked. Free cancellation windows (typically 24 to 72 hours before the activity) are standard on the majority of popular listings, which matters enormously when you're traveling with kids and plans change. ## Klook Promo Code: Save on Every Booking Before you book anything on Klook, you want to have a promo code ready. Our code is **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** — use it at checkout for savings on eligible bookings. This is our current working code; note that the old code ADAMANDLINDS is expired on Klook specifically, so make sure you're using the updated version. Klook Promo Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK Copy Use at checkout on Klook for eligible savings. Works on tours, attractions, passes, and more. Beyond the general **Klook promo** code, Klook frequently runs platform-wide sales, seasonal deals, and **Klook promo code first time user** discounts that can be stacked with category promotions. The Klook app also surfaces time-limited deals that aren't always visible on the desktop site. If you're planning a trip to Japan or Southeast Asia, it's worth downloading the **Klook app** and setting up price alerts on activities you're considering. The **Klook promo code 2025** landscape changes frequently — codes get refreshed, new user offers appear, and partner campaigns introduce additional discounts. For Japan specifically, there are often dedicated **Klook promo code Japan** deals around major travel seasons like cherry blossom and autumn foliage. The best approach: always check for active promotions in the app before completing checkout, and use ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK as your baseline discount code. [Watch Use Klook Coupon Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save money on activities in Japan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAbDBOlzMY&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What Is a Klook Pass and Is It Worth It? A **Klook Pass** is a bundled attraction ticket that lets you choose a set number of activities from a curated list at a single upfront price — typically saving 30 to 48 percent compared to buying each ticket individually. You activate the pass with your first reservation and then have a rolling window to book the remaining activities. This structure rewards flexible travelers who want the freedom to decide day-by-day without sacrificing savings. Klook currently offers city passes for Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Kansai, Dubai, Paris, London, and more. The passes vary by destination in both structure and value, so let's break down the key ones for Asia trips. ### Klook Pass Greater Tokyo The [**Klook Pass Greater Tokyo**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) starts from $42.05 USD and gives you access to 2 to 7 attractions from a pool of over 30 activities. Savings can reach 48 percent compared to individual ticket prices. The standard pass covers top attractions including Tokyo Skytree, Aqua Park Shinagawa, and Sanrio Puroland. For the premium tier, you can add teamLab Borderless, teamLab Planets, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo, Tokyo Disneyland, or Tokyo DisneySea. One detail that trips people up: after purchase, you activate the pass within 60 days by making your first reservation, and then you unlock 90 days to book the remaining activities. Plan ahead and reserve popular spots like teamLab well in advance, as they fill up weeks out — especially during cherry blossom season and school holidays. ### Klook Pass Singapore The [**Klook Pass Singapore**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) starts from $65.29 USD and covers 2 to 10 activities across more than 35 attractions. The standard pass includes Gardens by the Bay, Night Safari, ArtScience Museum, Singapore Zoo, Original DUCKtours, and the Singapore River Cruise. Premium add-ons include the Singapore Oceanarium, Singapore Flyer, and MegaZip. You can also add Universal Studios Singapore as a one-day ticket upgrade for the full theme park experience. Singapore's attractions are genuinely expensive when bought individually, and the pass math often works in your favor even at modest usage. If you're doing 3 or 4 activities in Singapore, run the numbers on the pass — it frequently comes out 30 to 40 percent cheaper than booking separately. ### Klook Pass Kansai For Osaka, Kyoto, and the surrounding Kansai region, the [**Klook Pass Kansai**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/91434-klook-pass-kansai/&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers 3 to 8 attractions starting from $35.19 USD. It includes teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, the HARUKAS 300 Observatory, Umeda Sky Building, and the Kansai Airport Express HARUKA train. Valid for 30 days, it's practical for anyone spending more than a week in the region. | Pass | Starting Price | Activities | Max Savings | Activation Window | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------- | ---------- | ----------- | ------------------------------------ | | [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $42.05 | 2 to 7 | 48% | 60 days to activate, 90 days to book | | [Klook Pass Singapore](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $65.29 | 2 to 10 | 44% | 30 days to activate, 30 days to book | | [Klook Pass Kansai](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/91434-klook-pass-kansai/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $35.19 | 3 to 8 | varies | 30 days validity | | Klook Pass Seoul | $34.55 | 2 to 6 | varies | check listing | | Klook Pass Hong Kong | varies | 2 to 5 | 40% | 30 days to activate, 30 days to book | | Klook Pass Dubai | $108.65 | varies | 45% | check listing | ## Things to Do in Tokyo: Top Klook Bookings Tokyo is where we've spent more time than anywhere else on this journey — over 220 days across multiple visits. We've tried a lot of different activities and tours, and Klook has been our go-to booking platform for most of them. Here are the Klook activities in and around Tokyo that we'd actually recommend. The [kimono rental in Asakusa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2125-kimono-experience-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($17.85) is genuinely great with kids — the staff is patient, the selection is wide, and wandering Asakusa in a kimono is one of those experiences that earns its own memory. We've done this more than once. The Tokyo DisneySea experience is worth doing if you have the right group for it, and booking through Klook keeps you from paying rack rate at the gate. For day trips out of Tokyo, the [Mount Fuji day tours](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93901-mtfuji-one-day-tour-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) on Klook start at $33.49 and run daily with guaranteed departures even for solo travelers. Most route variations hit Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, and the now-famous Lawson convenience store with Fuji behind it. These fill up fast during spring and autumn. [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget (Family of 5) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) If you're looking for things to do in Tokyo with kids, the teamLab venues deserve a separate mention. We've been to teamLab Planets and it's legitimately one of the more awe-inspiring experiences we've had in Japan. Tickets for both teamLab Borderless (reopened in its new location) and Planets go through Klook, and both are available as premium add-ons on the **Klook Pass Tokyo**. Book these the moment your travel dates are confirmed — they sell out weeks in advance. For families visiting Tokyo, here's a quick-reference table of top Klook activities: | Activity | Price | Rating | Good For | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | ------------ | ---------------------- | | [Kimono Rental Asakusa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2125-kimono-experience-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $17.85 | 4.8 (7,432) | Families, couples | | [Mt. Fuji Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93901-mtfuji-one-day-tour-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $33.49 | 4.8 (22,728) | First-time visitors | | [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | from $42.05 | 4.4 (6,486) | Multi-day visitors | | [Kyoto & Nara Day Trip (from Osaka)](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/110001-kyoto-nara-deer-arashiyama-train-cherry-blossom-one-day-tour/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $45.89 | 4.9 (7,055) | Families, first timers | ## Discounted Attraction Tickets for Singapore Singapore is one of those cities where the attraction costs add up fast if you're not careful. Gardens by the Bay, the Night Safari, Universal Studios, the Singapore Zoo, the cable car — you can easily spend $100+ per person just getting through the door of a few places. This is where the [Klook Pass Singapore](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) makes a real difference, and where individual Klook bookings on top attractions save you meaningful money over walk-up prices. The [Singapore River Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3846-river-cruise-singapore/&ref=adamandlinds.com) on Klook comes in at $19.45, including a 40-minute ride on a traditional bumboat past Clarke Quay, the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and the Esplanade. It's one of the best orientation activities for a first visit to the city. The **Klook discount code** ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK applies at checkout. ![Singapore Marina Bay skyline at night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1525625293386-3f8f99389edd?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Singapore's Marina Bay area — home to some of the most-booked attractions on Klook. ## Klook for Southeast Asia: Bangkok, Vietnam, Bali, and Beyond We've spent over 300 days in Southeast Asia across Thailand and Vietnam, and Klook has been part of nearly every activity booking in the region. The platform has deep coverage of the most popular tourist destinations, and the savings over direct bookings or hotel desk arrangements are often significant. In Bangkok, the [Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3020-floating-markets-day-tour-bangkok/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($39.79, rated 4.8 with 23,000+ reviews) is one of the most consistently well-reviewed day tours in Thailand. The [Chao Phraya Princess Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/375-chao-phraya-princess-cruise-bangkok/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($26.99) is a solid dinner cruise option for an evening on the river. In Vietnam, the [Coconut Forest Basket Boat Ride in Hoi An](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/24274-basket-boat-ticket-hoi-an-coconut-forest/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($3.25) is one of the best-value bookings on the entire platform — the experience is genuinely fun, and the price is almost comically low. The [Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1471-cu-chi-tunnels-experience-ho-chi-minh-city/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($16.35) from Ho Chi Minh City is a must-do history experience that's easy to book and well-guided on Klook. In Thailand's islands, the [Phi Phi Island speedboat day tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6556-phi-phi-island-snorkeling-day-trip-phuket/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($54.35) from Phuket is one of our most-recommended Klook bookings in all of Southeast Asia. Maya Bay, Viking Cave, Monkey Island, snorkeling stops — it's a full day and worth every dollar. ## Klook Pocket Wifi Japan and SIM Cards Beyond tours and activities, Klook is also a solid platform for connectivity products — **Klook pocket wifi Japan**, **Klook sim card** options, and **Klook pocket wifi Taiwan** are popular searches for good reason. You can book a pocket wifi device for pickup at the airport, or a local SIM card for delivery or airport collection. That said, for eSIM specifically, we use and recommend [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) — we have an exclusive partnership with them and it's genuinely the product we use ourselves. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** gets you 5% off any destination eSIM, and their [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) subscription gives you Always On global data at $49.90/month (Light, 25GB) or $64.90/month (Unlimited). If you travel frequently and want one plan that works everywhere, Holafly Plans is the better long-term choice over buying individual destination eSIMs. For pocket wifi and physical SIM cards in Japan specifically, Klook's **Klook pocket wifi Japan** listings include options from Japan Wireless and other providers. We've also used [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) directly (code ADAMANDLINDS, 10% off) for longer Japan stays. ## How to Skip Lines at Popular Attractions with Klook One of the most underrated features of Klook is that many high-demand attractions offer priority or fast-track access through the platform. At peak times in Tokyo, sites like teamLab, Tokyo Disneyland, and Fuji area spots have substantial queues for walk-up visitors, while Klook ticket holders with timed reservations bypass the wait entirely. For the Peak Tram in Hong Kong — one of the most crowded attractions in Asia — the [Klook tour group combo ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/523-peak-tram-3-in-1-combo-ticket-hong-kong/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($29.55) includes Tour Group Access, which means you skip the general line and ride with your group rather than waiting with the general public. The difference in wait time on a busy weekend can be over an hour. The general principle applies across Klook's most-reviewed experiences: if an attraction shows tens of thousands of reviews and the listing specifies timed entry or priority access, that's real, not just marketing language. Book it. The time savings on busy days are substantial. [Watch 126 | TOKYO SKYTREE Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt3QdpqE1Wc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Klook Gift Cards and Other Features A **Klook gift card** is a useful option if you want to give someone the flexibility to book their own experiences. They're available in set denominations through the Klook website and app, and they work like credit applied to any eligible booking. For travelers who aren't sure of their exact itinerary, it's a thoughtful gift that gives real choices rather than a specific activity they may or may not want. Klook also handles **Klook shinkansen tickets** and other transport bookings in Japan — bullet train reservations, airport express trains, and regional rail passes can all be booked through the platform. This is worth knowing because the Klook interface is often more accessible for international travelers than the official JR booking sites. ## Is Klook Legit? What You Should Know Before Booking Yes, Klook is a legitimate, well-established platform founded in 2014 and now one of the largest travel experience booking sites in Asia. It's publicly listed and operates across 90+ countries. The reviews on individual listings are verified purchasers, which makes the rating system meaningful. A tour with 20,000+ reviews and a 4.8 star rating is genuinely well-regarded — not inflated. A few practical notes from our own experience: read the "Important Information" and "What to Bring" sections on each listing carefully, because operators sometimes have requirements (specific meeting points, required ID, dress codes for temples) that aren't obvious from the headline. Also check the cancellation policy before booking — while most popular listings offer free cancellation with 24 hours notice, some no-cancellation listings exist, particularly for cruises and time-specific experiences. Customer support through Klook is generally responsive, and for most issues — wrong meeting point, missed connection, operator cancellation — they'll sort it out. We've had to contact them maybe twice in years of bookings, and both were resolved without drama. ## Klook Philippines and Other Regional Coverage A common search is **Klook Philippines** or **Klook PH** — the platform has strong coverage of Philippine destinations including Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Manila. The [Boracay Island Hopping package](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1025-island-hopping-boracay/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($15.29) is a classic, and El Nido's [Tour A lagoon and island experience](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4168-el-nido-island-hopping-tour-a-palawan/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($16.15) remains one of the highest-rated island experiences on the platform. Klook PH uses the same app and account system, so if you're already set up from a Japan trip, you can book Philippines activities seamlessly. ## FAQ: Klook Travel, Passes, and Promo Codes ### What is the Klook promo code? Our current working Klook promo code is **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Use it at checkout for savings on eligible bookings. Note that the old code ADAMANDLINDS is expired on Klook — use the updated ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK version. Klook also offers platform-wide promo codes and first-time user discounts through the app. ### What is the Klook Pass and how does it work? A Klook Pass is a bundled attraction ticket that lets you choose a set number of activities from a curated list at a single discounted price. You buy the pass, activate it with your first reservation within the purchase window, and then have a rolling period to book and use the remaining activities. Passes are available for cities including Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, Kansai, Dubai, and more. ### Is the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo worth it? The Klook Pass Greater Tokyo is worth it if you're planning to visit 3 or more attractions during your Tokyo trip. Starting from $42.05 USD, it offers up to 48% savings and covers attractions like Tokyo Skytree, teamLab, Sanrio Puroland, and more. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout and reserve popular add-ons like teamLab as early as possible since they sell out weeks ahead. ### Does Klook have a promo code for Japan in 2025? Yes. For Klook promo code Japan 2025, use ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for savings on tours, attraction tickets, and passes. Klook also runs seasonal Japan campaigns — particularly during cherry blossom season (late March to April) and autumn foliage (November). Check the Klook app for current campaign codes. ### How do I use Klook to skip lines at popular attractions? Many Klook listings for high-demand attractions include timed entry or priority access. When you book a timed slot through Klook, you show your mobile voucher at the designated entrance rather than waiting in the general walk-up queue. This is particularly valuable at venues like teamLab, Tokyo Skytree, and Hong Kong's Peak Tram, where walk-up wait times can exceed 60 minutes on busy days. ### What is the best way to book local tours and activities in Asia? Klook is the most comprehensive platform for booking local activities, guided tours, and attraction tickets across Asia. It covers destinations from Japan and Korea to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. For best results: use the Klook app for exclusive deals, apply promo code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout, and book popular attractions 1 to 2 weeks in advance during peak travel seasons. ### Can I get discounted attraction tickets for Singapore on Klook? Yes. Klook offers discounted tickets for most major Singapore attractions including Gardens by the Bay, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, ArtScience Museum, Universal Studios Singapore, and the Singapore River Cruise. The Klook Pass Singapore (from $65.29 USD) bundles 2 to 10 attractions at up to 44% off compared to individual ticket prices. ### Does Klook offer pocket wifi for Japan? Yes, Klook offers pocket wifi Japan rentals that can be picked up at major airports. However, for travelers who want a simpler setup without carrying an extra device, an eSIM is often more practical. We use Holafly eSIM for Japan — code ADAMANDLINDS saves 5% at holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR, or consider their Holafly Plans monthly subscription for unlimited global data. --- *This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — and sometimes a discount for you too. This applies to Klook, Holafly, Japan Wireless, and other partners mentioned. Read our* [*full affiliate disclosure*](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com)*.* ### How to Get Affordable Data Plans for Global Travel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:06.000Z Sorting out mobile data before a Europe trip used to mean hunting down a phone shop on arrival, negotiating in a language you don't speak, and hoping the SIM actually works before your taxi disappears. We've done that exact dance in multiple countries. These days, we just buy an eSIM before we leave and land connected. No queues, no guessing, no roaming surprises on the credit card statement. We've traveled through Europe as a family of five — France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Portugal, and more — and internet access isn't optional when you're navigating with kids, booking trains, or figuring out where lunch is. Here's what actually works. ![Harper holding a doll she received as a birthday gift from an Airbnb host in Lucca, Italy](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-with-her-doll-she-got-from-airbnb-host-for-her-birthday-in-Lucca-Italy-June-2022.png) Harper in Lucca, Italy — where good connectivity was genuinely necessary for navigating the walled city. ## Why an eSIM beats a physical SIM card for Europe The traditional approach to European data was buying a local SIM on arrival — a perfectly fine plan until you're jet-lagged, the airport shop is closed, and you don't know the Italian for "nano SIM." An eSIM eliminates all of that. You buy it online before you leave, scan a QR code to install it, and flip it on when you land. It connects to local 4G/5G networks in your destination country without you needing to do anything else. For families or groups traveling together, each person needs their own eSIM (there are no shared plans in the traditional sense), but the convenience trade-off is massive. We've used eSIMs across Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Americas without a single airport SIM hunt. ## The best option: Holafly Europe eSIM Our exclusive eSIM partner is [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=inline-1&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com), and their Europe eSIM is genuinely one of the best-designed data products for European travel. One plan covers 40 countries — including all the major EU destinations, the UK, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland — on 3G/4G/5G networks. It's unlimited data with hotspot capabilities (500MB/day shared), instant activation, and 24/7 support. | Duration | Price | Daily Rate | Best For | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ---------- | ------------------------- | | [1 day](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $3.90 | $3.90/day | Layovers, quick stopovers | | [7 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $27.30 | $3.90/day | Week-long trips | | [14 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $47.90 | $3.42/day | Two-week holidays | | [30 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $74.90 | $2.50/day | Extended stays | Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 5% off any plan. If you're staying longer than 30 days or bouncing between Europe and other regions, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) — starting at $49.90/month for 25GB across 160+ destinations — is significantly better value. ### Holafly Europe eSIM 5% off all Holafly eSIM plans and top-ups. Works every purchase. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What countries does the Europe eSIM cover? The Holafly Europe eSIM covers 40 countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. That's essentially every destination a tourist would visit, from the Algarve to the Scottish Highlands. ![Aerial view of a European coastal town with clear blue water](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1520250497591-112f2f40a3f4?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Staying connected across Europe is straightforward with the right eSIM plan. ## Physical SIM vs eSIM for European travel | Factor | Physical SIM | Holafly eSIM | | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------- | | Purchase location | Airport or local store on arrival | Online before departure | | Activation | Manual swap, sometimes requires unlocking | QR code scan, automatic | | Multi-country coverage | Usually single country | 40 countries on one plan | | Data type | Varies (often capped) | Unlimited | | Price | Varies; often expensive at airports | From $3.90/day | | Risk | Can lose or damage SIM | Digital — nothing to lose | ## What about longer Europe trips? If your European adventure stretches beyond 30 days, the per-day eSIM pricing starts to add up. For those situations, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=inline-3&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the smarter move. The Light Plan at $49.90/month gives you 25GB across 160+ destinations. The Unlimited Plan at $64.90/month removes the data cap entirely. Both come with the [Always On feature](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) that keeps you connected the moment you land in a new country. [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? | Code ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Is my phone compatible with an eSIM? Most smartphones released after 2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. To check, go to Settings > General > About on iPhone, or Settings > Connections > SIM manager on Android. Your phone also needs to be unlocked from your home carrier. If you're unsure, Holafly's website has a full compatibility checker. FAQ ## International SIM cards for Europe What is the best international SIM card for Europe? For unlimited data across 40+ European countries, Holafly's Europe eSIM is our top pick. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. It works on 3G/4G/5G and covers France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and more. See also: [unlimited data for Europe travel](https://adamandlinds.com/unlimited-data-europe-travel/). Do eSIMs work in all European countries? Holafly's Europe eSIM covers 40 countries including all major EU destinations, the UK, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. Coverage is strongest in urban areas. Always check the specific country list before purchasing. How much does a travel SIM card for Europe cost? A 7-day Europe eSIM from Holafly costs $27.30 (about $3.90/day). A 14-day plan runs $47.90 and a 30-day plan is $74.90\. Use code ADAMANDLINDS to save 5%. For trips longer than 30 days, consider Holafly Plans starting at $49.90/month. Can I use my phone's eSIM for travel in Europe? Yes, if your phone supports eSIM (most phones from 2019 onward do). You purchase the plan online, receive a QR code, scan it to install, and activate it when you land. No physical SIM swap needed. See also: [how to stay connected while traveling abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-stay-connected-while-traveling-abroad/). How do digital SIM cards work for international travel? An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded in your phone. You buy a plan online, install it via QR code, and your phone connects to local networks in your destination. See also: [where to buy an eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/where-to-buy-esim-unlimited-data-abroad/). Where can I buy an eSIM for Europe? Buy directly from Holafly using code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. The purchase is instant, delivery is digital, and activation happens when you arrive. See also: [where to buy an eSIM for unlimited data abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/where-to-buy-esim-unlimited-data-abroad/) and [unlimited data for Europe](https://adamandlinds.com/unlimited-data-europe-travel/). What is the cheapest way to get data in Europe? An eSIM is typically the most cost-effective option. Holafly's Europe eSIM starts at $3.90/day. For longer stays, Holafly Plans starting at $49.90/month for 25GB across 160+ destinations offers the best per-day value. See also: [affordable data plans for global travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/). ### Related Reading [Unlimited Data for Europe Travel](https://adamandlinds.com/unlimited-data-europe-travel/) [Best eSIM for Europe: Holafly Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) [Where to Buy an eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/where-to-buy-esim-unlimited-data-abroad/) [Affordable Data Plans for Global Travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/) [Holafly Plans Review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review-2/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Best Prepaid SIM Cards for Tourists: Holafly vs Airalo vs Airhub (2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:07.000Z Every tourist eventually faces the same question: pay your home carrier's roaming rate, hunt for a local SIM card on arrival, or do something smarter? The answer has gotten a lot clearer. eSIMs have transformed the way travelers stay connected, and there are now a handful of providers worth knowing — with one that stands clearly above the rest. We've navigated this as a family of five across dozens of countries since 2022\. We've tried the airport SIM shop approach. We've done the carrier day-pass math. We've tested multiple eSIM providers in real conditions — on trains crossing European borders, in rural Thailand, in Tokyo subway stations, and sitting in a Playa del Carmen apartment editing videos with three kids demanding YouTube. Here's what we've actually found. ![Adam and Lindsay at an airport bar before a flight, May 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-and-Linds-at-Airport-Bar-having-a-preflight-beer-May-22-1.png) Pre-flight, May 2022 — right before we left the US for what became 3+ years of full-time travel. Data sorted before boarding: non-negotiable. ## eSIM vs physical SIM card: the tourist verdict Physical prepaid SIM cards still work fine in some destinations — particularly parts of Southeast Asia where a local SIM from a convenience store costs almost nothing. But for most tourists visiting Europe, the Americas, or Japan, an eSIM wins on every practical dimension. You buy it before you leave home, install it via QR code in under two minutes, and activate it when you land. No airport queue. No language barrier at a foreign phone shop. Nothing to physically lose in transit. The only requirements: your phone must support eSIM (the vast majority of handsets from 2019 onward do), and it must be unlocked from your home carrier. Both are worth verifying before you travel. **Quick compatibility check:** On iPhone, go to Settings > General > About and look for "Available SIM" or an eSIM option. On Android, go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager and look for "Add mobile plan." If either appears, you're good to go. ## The top 4 travel eSIM providers for tourists There are dozens of eSIM providers on the market. Most aren't worth the time. These four come up consistently among serious travelers — and we have real experience with all of them. ### 🏆 Holafly — Our Pick 4.6/5 · 53,000+ Trustpilot reviews · Truly unlimited data · 200+ destinations · 24/7 live chat · 6-month refund on unused eSIMs Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any destination eSIM or Plans subscription. [Get Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Airalo** (4.0/5) — the best-known name in the category, with 200+ countries covered and a clean app. Data is capped, not unlimited. Support is slower. No subscription model. Use [our Airalo link](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMLINDS3** for $3 off your first order. **Airhub** (3.7/5) — the genuine budget alternative. Aggressively low prices, 190+ countries, reusable eSIMs. No unlimited option, thinner support. Save 10% via [our Airhub link](https://gighubsystemsinc.sjv.io/9La2Vj?ref=adamandlinds.com). **SimLocal** (3.0/5) — emergency backup only. Physical SIMs and eSIMs for some destinations, limited coverage, no unlimited plans, email-only support. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off at [SimLocal](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803). **Our verdict:** For a typical tourist trip — 7 to 30 days, one or two countries, who just wants data that works without thinking about it — Holafly is the clear choice. Unlimited data removes the stress of monitoring usage. The 24/7 support is genuinely available when something goes sideways at midnight. The 6-month refund policy covers you if plans change. No other provider in this category matches that combination. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off at checkout. ## Full feature comparison: Holafly vs Airalo vs Airhub vs SimLocal | Feature | Holafly ⭐ | Airalo | Airhub | SimLocal | | -------------------- | --------------------- | ------------------- | --------------- | ---------------------- | | Unlimited data | ✔ Yes | ✘ Capped | ✘ Capped | ✘ Capped | | Destinations | 200+ | 200+ | 190+ | Limited | | Monthly subscription | ✔ From $49.90/mo | ✘ No | ✘ No | ✘ No | | 24/7 live support | ✔ Chat + WhatsApp | ⚠ Slower | ⚠ Limited hours | ✘ Email only | | Hotspot | ✔ Most plans | ⚠ Varies | ⚠ Some plans | ✘ Usually no | | Refund policy | ✔ 6 months | ⚠ Case by case | ⚠ Limited | ⚠ Limited | | Trustpilot | 4.6 · 53k+ reviews | 4.3 | 3.8 | Mixed | | Our discount | ADAMANDLINDS = 5% off | ADAMLINDS3 = $3 off | 10% via link | ADAMANDLINDS = 10% off | ![The Clarkson family posing on Dotonbori in Osaka, Japan, November 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Family-poses-in-Osaka-on-Dotonburi-Nov-2022-1.png) Dotonbori, Osaka, November 2022 — one of 220+ days we've spent in Japan. Holafly's Japan eSIM has never let us down, including in rural areas far off the tourist trail. ## Our pick: Holafly destination eSIMs and Plans [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=inline-1&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) is our exclusive eSIM partner, and that wasn't a purely commercial decision — it was a product decision. For a typical tourist trip of 7 to 30 days, the destination eSIM is the right product. Pick your country, pick your duration, apply code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off, receive a QR code instantly, and you're done. Unlimited data means no mid-trip stress about running low, and hotspot capability means one plan can cover multiple devices when needed. For frequent travelers or longer multi-country journeys, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the smarter buy. The Light Plan at $49.90/month gives you 25GB across 160+ destinations. The Unlimited Plan at $64.90/month removes all caps. Both include the [Always On feature](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) that auto-connects when you land in any covered country. ## Holafly pricing for popular tourist destinations | Destination | 7 Days | 14 Days | 30 Days | Link | | -------------------------- | ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Europe (40 countries) | $27.30 | $47.90 | $74.90 | [Buy](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | USA | $25.93 | $47.90 | $72.10 | [Buy](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Mexico | \~$25 | \~$42 | \~$65 | [Buy](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233886/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-mexico&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Japan | \~$28 | \~$48 | \~$75 | [Buy](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Thailand | \~$22 | \~$38 | \~$60 | [Buy](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Global (160+ destinations) | Plans from $49.90/month | [Buy](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | | [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? | Code ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What about Airalo? An honest take Airalo is the best-known name in travel eSIMs and deserves credit for popularizing the category. It has excellent global coverage and a clean, well-designed app. Our issue with it for most tourists comes down to one thing: data caps. Airalo's plans are measured in gigabytes, which means monitoring usage throughout your trip. For a family using navigation, school apps, and video calls home, that mental overhead adds up. ### Airalo: pros and cons - Massive global coverage — 200+ countries - Clean, well-designed app - Competitive base pricing with top-up available mid-trip - Data is capped — no unlimited option - Support response times slower than Holafly - No subscription model; hotspot not on all plans If you're a light data user on a short solo trip, Airalo is perfectly fine. Use [our Airalo link](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) and code **ADAMLINDS3** for $3 off your first purchase. But for anyone who doesn't want to think about data limits mid-vacation, Holafly is the better call. ## What about Airhub? The budget case Airhub earns its place as the genuine budget alternative. Pricing is aggressively low and reusable eSIMs are a genuinely useful feature. If cost is your primary constraint and you're comfortable managing a data cap, Airhub is worth considering. Save 10% through [our Airhub link](https://gighubsystemsinc.sjv.io/9La2Vj?ref=adamandlinds.com). The trade-off is that there's no unlimited option and support resources are thinner. If something goes wrong at 11pm in an unfamiliar country, Holafly's 24/7 live chat is a meaningful advantage that Airhub can't match. ![The Clarkson family at Maya Bay, Thailand, January 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/AdamLindsFamily_Thailand_MayaBay-Jan-23.png) Maya Bay, Thailand, January 2023 — remote location, reliable Holafly data. We navigated there, posted in real time, and video-called home from the beach. ## Holafly Plans: for frequent and long-term travelers If your trip spans multiple countries or you're the kind of traveler who visits three or four destinations per year, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=inline-3&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) makes more financial and practical sense than buying individual eSIMs each time. One flat monthly rate, 160+ destinations, no setup needed in each new country. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB across 160+ destinations Always On auto-connect. Cancel anytime. [Get Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ destinations Always On auto-connect. Cancel anytime. [Get Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Save Up To 10% Off Holafly eSIM | ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBe3cmB0DOE&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![The Clarkson family posing under cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo, Japan, March 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-posing-under-cherry-blossoms-at-Shinjuku-Gyoen-National-Garden-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo, March 2023\. Cherry blossom season with Holafly running seamlessly in the background — we've now spent 220+ days in Japan across multiple trips. ## How to set up your tourist eSIM 1. ### Check compatibility Confirm your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked from your home carrier. 2. ### Buy your plan Visit [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=inline-4&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com), choose your destination and duration, and apply code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 5% off. 3. ### Install the QR code Go to Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM on your phone. Scan the QR code from your confirmation email while on WiFi at home. 4. ### Label and configure Name the plan (e.g. "Holafly Europe") and set it as your data line. Your home SIM stays active for calls and texts. 5. ### Activate on arrival Turn on Data Roaming for the Holafly line when you land. You're connected immediately. ### Ready to go? Get your Holafly tourist eSIM — code ADAMANDLINDS saves 5%. [Shop Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch SAVE UP TO 10% with Code ADAMANDLINDS | Best Travel eSIM | Holafly Unlimited Data on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p%5FK1Jqb8sFk&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![The Clarkson family walking along a car-free Ginza street in Tokyo, Japan, March 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-walking-along-a-car-free-Ginza-street-in-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) Ginza, Tokyo — navigating a new city with three kids is a lot easier when you have reliable data from the moment you step off the plane. FAQ ## Tourist SIM cards and eSIMs What is the best prepaid SIM card for international tourists? For international tourists, an eSIM is preferable to a prepaid physical SIM — no store visit, instant activation, and no risk of losing the card. Holafly offers unlimited data eSIMs for 200+ destinations. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. See also: [travel data service reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/reviews-travel-sim-card-providers/) and [travel SIM provider reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews/). Is Airalo or Holafly better for tourists? For most tourists, Holafly is the better choice. The key difference is data limits: Holafly offers genuinely unlimited data on most plans, while Airalo's plans are capped by the gigabyte. If you're a light data user on a short solo trip, Airalo is fine — use code ADAMLINDS3 for $3 off your first order at [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com). For families or anyone who doesn't want to monitor data usage mid-trip, Holafly eliminates that stress. See also: [travel SIM provider reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews/). Is Holafly worth it compared to Airalo? Yes — especially for tourists who use navigation, video calls, or streaming. Holafly's unlimited plans remove the need to track gigabytes. The 24/7 live chat support is meaningfully better when something goes wrong abroad. Holafly also offers the Plans subscription (from $49.90/month for 160+ destinations) which Airalo has no equivalent to. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. How does Holafly compare to Airhub? Airhub has the cheapest prices of any major eSIM provider and its reusable eSIM model is a genuine differentiator. But it offers no unlimited data option and support resources are more limited. Holafly costs a little more but provides unlimited data and 24/7 live support. For purely budget-driven travelers, Airhub is worth a look via [our 10%-off link](https://gighubsystemsinc.sjv.io/9La2Vj?ref=adamandlinds.com). See also: [affordable global data plans](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/). Is SimLocal any good for tourists? SimLocal works as a last-resort backup. It offers physical SIMs and eSIMs for some destinations, but coverage is limited, there are no unlimited plans, and support is email-only. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off at [SimLocal](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803). Should tourists buy a SIM card or use an eSIM? An eSIM is better for most tourists. You buy it before departure, install it at home, and activate when you land. No physical card to lose, no store visit, no language barrier. The only exception is budget travel in destinations like Thailand or Vietnam where convenience-store physical SIMs cost almost nothing. How do prepaid SIM cards work for tourists? A prepaid SIM — physical or eSIM — gives you a set amount of data for a fixed duration. You pay upfront, use the data, and the plan expires when the time is up. No contracts, no surprise bills. With an eSIM the entire process is digital: buy online, install via QR code, activate on arrival. What do I need to use an eSIM as a tourist? You need an eSIM-compatible smartphone that is unlocked from your home carrier. Most phones made after 2019 qualify — check under Settings > About (iPhone) or Settings > Connections > SIM Manager (Android). Your carrier can unlock the phone before you travel, usually at no charge. Do tourist SIM cards include calls and texts? Most travel eSIMs including Holafly are data-only. For calls and texts, use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, or Google Voice over the data connection. Your home SIM stays active in dual SIM mode for calls if needed. How do I compare eSIM providers for travel? The key criteria: Does it cover your specific destination? Is the data truly unlimited or capped? Does it support hotspot? Is customer support available 24/7? What's the daily price? Holafly scores well across all five — 200+ destinations, unlimited plans, hotspot on most plans, 24/7 live chat, from $3.70/day. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. See also: [travel SIM provider reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews/). What is the cheapest tourist SIM card? Airhub offers the lowest raw prices among quality providers. For unlimited data at the lowest per-day cost across many destinations, Holafly Plans at $49.90/month (25GB, 160+ destinations) works out to under $2/day for frequent travelers. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off Holafly. See also: [affordable global data plans](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/). Does Holafly work in Europe, the USA, and Mexico? Yes. The [Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=faq&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers 40 countries from $3.90/day. The [USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists&subId2=faq&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers all 50 states from $3.70/day. The Mexico eSIM connects via Telcel with strong coverage in all major tourist areas. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off all three. See also: [best SIM cards for Europe](https://adamandlinds.com/best-international-sim-cards-europe/), [data plans for Mexico](https://adamandlinds.com/data-plan-trip-to-mexico/), and [best eSIMs for the USA](https://adamandlinds.com/best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa/). What is Holafly Plans and is it worth it for tourists? Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription eSIM covering 160+ destinations — Light Plan: 25GB for $49.90/month, Unlimited Plan: $64.90/month. It's worth it if you travel to multiple destinations per year or your trips exceed 30 days. The [Always On feature](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) connects you automatically in any covered country with zero setup. For a single holiday under 30 days, a standard destination eSIM is better value. See also: [affordable global data plans](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/). ### Related Reading [Travel SIM Provider Reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews/) [Travel Data Service Reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/reviews-travel-sim-card-providers/) [Affordable Global Data Plans](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/) [Best SIM Cards for Europe](https://adamandlinds.com/best-international-sim-cards-europe/) [Holafly vs Airalo: Full Comparison](https://adamandlinds.com/which-is-better-simlocal-airalo-or-holafly/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly, Airalo, Airhub, and SimLocal. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — and sometimes a discount for you too. All opinions are our own. ### Best Providers for Virtual SIM Cards in the USA URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:09.000Z If you're visiting the United States and wondering whether to buy a physical SIM card at the airport or get an eSIM before you leave home, the answer is almost always the eSIM. It's faster, cheaper, and doesn't require navigating a US phone store on the day you arrive jetlagged from a transatlantic flight. We returned to the US regularly during our years of full-time travel, and we've run this comparison multiple times. Here's what we've found. ![Person looking out an airplane window over a city during a USA trip](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1476514525535-07fb3b4ae5f1?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Visiting the USA is much smoother when your data is sorted before you board. ## Best eSIM for visitors to the USA: Holafly Our pick for the USA is [Holafly's USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com). It covers all 50 states on 4G LTE and 5G networks, offers unlimited data, and includes 1GB/day of hotspot for tethering other devices. Plans range from 1 to 31 days, and pricing starts at $3.70 for a single day. | Duration | Price | Daily Rate | With ADAMANDLINDS | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ---------- | ----------------- | | [1 day](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $3.70 | $3.70 | $3.52 | | [7 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $25.93 | $3.70 | $24.63 | | [21 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $60.70 | $2.89 | $57.67 | | [31 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $72.10 | $2.33 | $68.50 | ### Holafly USA eSIM Works on Holafly USA and all other destinations. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your eSIM. [Get your USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## eSIM vs physical prepaid SIM for the USA | Factor | Prepaid Physical SIM | Holafly eSIM | | --------------- | ------------------------------------ | ------------------------ | | Where to buy | T-Mobile/AT&T store or airport kiosk | Online, before departure | | Activation time | In-store, 15–45 minutes | 2 minutes, from home | | Data | Often capped (e.g., 5GB) | Unlimited | | 7-day cost | $30–$50+ | $25.93 | | Hotspot | Varies, often extra fee | 1GB/day included | | Risk | SIM can be lost or damaged | Digital, nothing to lose | ## What about long stays in the USA? For stays longer than 31 days in the US, or if you're bouncing between the US and other countries, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-providers-virtual-sim-cards-usa&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers the USA along with 160+ other destinations under one monthly subscription. The Light Plan (25GB) costs $49.90/month and the Unlimited Plan costs $64.90/month. Both include the [Always On feature](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/). Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off Plans. ![Open road through a US landscape with mountains in the background](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1501594907352-04cda38ebc29?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Whether you're crossing the country by road or hitting one city, unlimited data makes everything smoother. FAQ ## USA eSIM for visitors What is the best eSIM for the USA? Holafly's USA eSIM is our top recommendation for visitors to the United States. It provides unlimited data across all 50 states on 4G/5G networks with 1GB/day of hotspot. Plans start at $3.70/day. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. See also: [travel data service reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/reviews-travel-sim-card-providers/) and [travel SIM provider reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews/). Does Holafly work in the United States? Yes. Holafly's USA eSIM works across all 50 states on top-tier carrier networks with 4G/5G speeds. It includes 1GB/day of hotspot data and is valid for 1–31 days depending on the plan you choose. See also: [how to stay connected while traveling abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-stay-connected-while-traveling-abroad/). How much does a USA eSIM cost? Holafly's USA eSIM costs $3.70 for 1 day, $25.93 for 7 days, $60.70 for 21 days, and $72.10 for 31 days. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. Can tourists use eSIMs in the USA? Yes. Any visitor to the USA with an eSIM-compatible, carrier-unlocked phone can use a travel eSIM. The process is the same regardless of your home country — purchase online, scan the QR code, activate on arrival. See also: [how to stay connected while traveling abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-stay-connected-while-traveling-abroad/). What network does Holafly use in the USA? Holafly's USA eSIM connects through top-tier US carrier networks providing excellent 4G LTE and 5G coverage in cities and major travel areas. Coverage is strongest in urban areas. Do I need to buy a physical SIM card in the USA? No. An eSIM is far more convenient for visiting the USA. You buy it online before you arrive, install it via QR code, and activate it when you land. No store visit, no physical card, no wait. See also: [where to buy an eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans/). What is the best prepaid SIM card for tourists? For visitors to the USA, a Holafly eSIM is preferable to a prepaid physical SIM — no store visit required, instant activation, unlimited data, and no risk of losing the card. See also: [best prepaid SIMs for tourists](https://adamandlinds.com/best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists/). ### Related Reading [Holafly USA eSIM Coupon Code](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) [Best Prepaid SIMs for Tourists](https://adamandlinds.com/best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists/) [Where to Buy an eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans/) [Holafly Plans Review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) [Travel SIM Provider Reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Reviews of Services Offering Data for Overseas Trips URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/reviews-travel-sim-card-providers/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:10.000Z Travel SIM card reviews are all over the internet, and a significant portion of them are affiliate-driven content that lists providers based on commission rates rather than actual experience. We're going to be upfront: we use and earn commissions from Holafly, who we've had an exclusive partnership with since 2024\. That said, the reason we chose them for exclusivity was the product's track record across our three-plus years of full-time travel. Here's a perspective grounded in actual use, not commission schedules. ![Cora, Harper, and Lily standing together as confetti falls at a street event in Playa del Carmen, Mexico](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora--Harper--and-Lily-standing-together-as-confetti-falls-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-31-2024.png) Playa del Carmen, Mexico — one of dozens of destinations where we tested eSIM connectivity firsthand. ## What makes a travel SIM card actually good? Before getting into specific providers, it's worth establishing what actually matters. Marketing copy for eSIMs is full of vague claims about "seamless connectivity" and "lightning-fast speeds." What travelers actually care about is simpler: does it work in the places you're going, how fast is setup, what's the data limit, and who do you call when it doesn't work at 11pm in a foreign country. Coverage in your specific destination, genuine unlimited data (not capped at 1GB with throttled fallback), hotspot capability for when you need to share data with a laptop or tablet, and real 24/7 customer support — that's the actual scorecard. ## Holafly: our top-rated provider [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews&subId2=inline-1&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) is our exclusive eSIM recommendation. It covers 200+ destinations worldwide, its plans are genuinely unlimited data (with fair use applied to excessive usage rather than hard caps), hotspot is included on most plans, and support is available 24/7 via chat, WhatsApp, and email. We've verified all of these in practice. | Criteria | Score | Why | | -------------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------- | | Destination coverage | Excellent | 200+ countries, 11 regional plans | | Data limits | Excellent | Genuinely unlimited on most plans | | Hotspot/tethering | Good | Included; daily limit applies on some plans | | Customer support | Excellent | 24/7, multi-channel, responsive | | Trustpilot rating | 4.6/5 | 53,000+ verified reviews | | Setup experience | Excellent | QR code delivery, 2-minute install | ### Holafly eSIM 5% off all plans and top-ups — no expiry. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What real Holafly reviews say With 53,000+ reviews on Trustpilot at 4.6 stars, Holafly has enough data to look past the handful of negative outliers that any large service accumulates. Consistent themes in positive reviews: simple installation, data that actually works on arrival, and support that responds quickly when there are problems. Critical reviews tend to focus on coverage in very remote areas — a limitation shared by every travel eSIM provider, since they depend on local carrier agreements. ![Person using a smartphone while traveling abroad](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551650975-87deedd944c3?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Holafly's 24/7 support has helped us resolve issues from multiple time zones over three years of travel. ## Holafly Plans: the monthly subscription model For frequent travelers, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) changes the economics entirely. Instead of buying a new eSIM for each destination, you pay a monthly flat rate that covers 160+ destinations automatically. Light Plan: 25GB for $49.90/month. Unlimited Plan: $64.90/month. The [Always On feature](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) connects your phone automatically to local networks in any covered country — the functional equivalent of just landing and having data without doing anything. [Watch Save Up To 10% Off Holafly eSIM | ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBe3cmB0DOE&ref=adamandlinds.com) FAQ ## Travel SIM card providers Which travel SIM card provider has the best reviews? Holafly consistently receives strong reviews — 4.6 stars on Trustpilot from 53,000+ verified reviews. Travelers praise the easy installation, unlimited data, and 24/7 customer support. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. See also: [travel data service reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/reviews-travel-sim-card-providers/). What do frequent travelers use for international data? Most experienced long-term travelers use eSIMs rather than physical SIM cards. Holafly is a popular choice for its unlimited data plans and broad coverage. Digital nomads and travel families often use Holafly Plans for a flat monthly rate across 160+ destinations. See also: [affordable data plans for global travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/). Is Holafly better than buying a SIM card at the destination? For most destinations, yes. Holafly is more convenient (buy before departure), often competitively priced, and eliminates the language barrier and time cost of finding a SIM shop on arrival. Rural destinations where local SIMs are very cheap may be exceptions. What is the difference between Holafly destination eSIM and Holafly Plans? A destination eSIM covers one country or region for a set number of days — best for individual trips. Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription covering 160+ destinations — best for frequent travelers or digital nomads. Both use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. See also: [affordable data plans for global travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/). How do I know if a travel eSIM provider is trustworthy? Look for Trustpilot or Google reviews with high volume and good ratings, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, a clear refund policy, and responsive customer support. Holafly meets all of these criteria. What travel SIM card works in the most countries? Holafly's destination eSIMs cover 200+ countries individually. Holafly Plans covers 160+ destinations on a single subscription. Both can be combined for near-global coverage. See also: [where to buy an eSIM for unlimited data abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/where-to-buy-esim-unlimited-data-abroad/). Are travel eSIM reviews reliable? Stick to verified review platforms like Trustpilot rather than reviews on the provider's own website. Holafly has 53,000+ Trustpilot reviews averaging 4.6 stars — a meaningful sample size that reflects genuine traveler experience. See also: [travel data service reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/reviews-travel-sim-card-providers/). ### Related Reading [Travel Data Service Reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/reviews-travel-sim-card-providers/) [Affordable Data Plans for Global Travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/) [Where to Buy an eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/where-to-buy-esim-unlimited-data-abroad/) [Holafly Plans Review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review-2/) [Holafly Always On Explained](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Where to Buy a Data Plan for a Trip to Mexico URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/data-plan-trip-to-mexico/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:11.000Z We spent a meaningful chunk of time living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico — long enough that the kids were going to a local beach club on weekday afternoons and we'd found our favorite taco spot two blocks from our apartment. Through all of it, we needed reliable internet: for the kids' schoolwork, for Lindsay's travel advisory work, and for editing and uploading content. Holafly Mexico worked exactly as advertised. If you're heading to Mexico — whether it's a week in Cancun, a month in the Riviera Maya, or a longer slow travel stint — here's what you need to know about data. ![Lily smiling with confetti in her hair at a street parade in Playa del Carmen, Mexico](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-smiling-with-confetti-in-her-hair-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-31-2024.png) Playa del Carmen, Mexico — we had excellent eSIM connectivity throughout our stay here. ## Best data plan for a trip to Mexico: Holafly eSIM [Holafly's Mexico eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233886/24764?subId1=data-plan-trip-to-mexico&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-mexico&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the fastest, most convenient way to get data for a Mexico trip. Purchase online before you leave, receive a QR code by email, scan it to install, and activate it when you land. Connectivity starts immediately — no taxi ride to a phone shop, no guessing which carrier has the best coverage in Tulum. Holafly's Mexico eSIM connects through Telcel (Mexico's largest carrier) and other leading networks, providing strong 4G coverage throughout tourist zones, beach destinations, and cities. | Duration | Approx. Price | With ADAMANDLINDS | Best For | | -------- | ------------- | ----------------- | ---------------- | | 7 days | \~$25–28 | \~$24–27 | Short beach trip | | 14 days | \~$42–48 | \~$40–46 | Two-week holiday | | 30 days | \~$65–75 | \~$62–71 | Month-long stay | ### Holafly Mexico eSIM 5% off all Holafly destination eSIMs including Mexico. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Mexico eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233886/24764?subId1=data-plan-trip-to-mexico&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-mexico&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Connectivity in popular Mexican destinations Mexico's tourist infrastructure is well-developed for mobile data. Here's what to expect in the destinations most visitors target: | Destination | Coverage | Notes | | ---------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | Cancun | Excellent | Hotel Zone and city center both strong | | Playa del Carmen | Excellent | We lived here — Holafly performed reliably daily | | Tulum | Good | Town area strong; eco-hotel zones can be weaker | | Mexico City | Excellent | Capital city, strong coverage throughout | | Oaxaca | Good | City center excellent; remote valleys weaker | | Los Cabos | Good | Tourist areas strong; isolated beaches can drop | ## eSIM vs physical SIM card in Mexico Physical SIM cards from Mexican carriers like Telcel or AT&T Mexico are available at convenience stores (OXXO) and phone shops throughout the country. A 30-day Telcel plan with several GB of data can cost 200–400 pesos (roughly $10–20). If you're comfortable navigating a Spanish-language checkout and want to minimize cost, that's a viable option for longer stays. For most tourists on trips under 30 days, a Holafly eSIM is easier, provides unlimited data versus a capped physical SIM, and is bought and installed before you arrive — saving time and friction at the start of your trip. ![Cora, Harper, and Lily standing together as confetti falls around them at a street event in Playa del Carmen, Mexico](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora--Harper--and-Lily-standing-together-as-confetti-falls-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-31-2024.png) Our three in Playa del Carmen — we relied on Holafly for months of daily connectivity here. ## What about longer stays in Mexico? For stays over 30 days, or if you're combining Mexico with travel to other countries in the same trip, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=data-plan-trip-to-mexico&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is worth considering. At $49.90/month (Light, 25GB) or $64.90/month (Unlimited), it covers Mexico along with 160+ other destinations under one subscription. The [Always On feature](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) means your phone connects automatically when you land in any covered country. Code ADAMANDLINDS saves 10% on monthly Plans. [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? | Code ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) FAQ ## Mexico data plans What is the best eSIM for Mexico? Holafly's Mexico eSIM is our top recommendation. It provides unlimited data on Telcel and other local carrier networks and is available in durations from 1–30 days. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. See also: [travel data service reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/reviews-travel-sim-card-providers/) and [travel SIM provider comparisons](https://adamandlinds.com/popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews/). Can I use an eSIM in Mexico? Yes. Mexico has excellent eSIM support. Holafly's Mexico eSIM connects through Telcel and other leading carriers with solid 4G coverage in cities, beach destinations, and major tourist areas. See: [how to stay connected while traveling abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-stay-connected-while-traveling-abroad/) and [best prepaid SIMs for tourists](https://adamandlinds.com/best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists/). Do I need to buy a Mexican SIM card when I arrive? No. An eSIM purchased before departure is more convenient and often better value than buying a physical SIM in Mexico. You avoid the store visit, language barrier, and time cost. Holafly delivers your QR code instantly — install it at home. How much does a data plan for Mexico cost? Holafly Mexico eSIM plans start around $4/day for unlimited data. A 7-day plan costs approximately $25–28, and a 14-day plan around $42–48\. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off every order. See also: [affordable data plans for global travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/). What network does Holafly use in Mexico? Holafly's Mexico eSIM uses Telcel and other leading Mexican carriers, providing strong coverage in urban areas, beach destinations, and tourist zones. Coverage may be weaker in very remote inland areas. Can I use my phone in Mexico from the USA? If you have an international plan with your US carrier, yes. But carrier international day passes typically cost $10–15/day, making a Holafly Mexico eSIM at under $4/day significantly better value. Is internet connectivity good in Mexican tourist destinations? In major tourist areas — Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Los Cabos, Mexico City, Oaxaca — connectivity is generally excellent. We lived in Playa del Carmen and had no issues with data for work, school, and daily navigation using Holafly. See: [travel SIM provider reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/popular-travel-sim-card-provider-reviews/) and [best prepaid SIMs for tourists](https://adamandlinds.com/best-prepaid-sim-cards-tourists/). ### Related Reading [Best eSIM for Mexico: Holafly Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) [How to Stay Connected While Traveling Abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-stay-connected-while-traveling-abroad/) [Affordable Data Plans for Global Travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/) [Holafly Plans Review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Best International SIM Cards for Travelers Visiting Europe URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-international-sim-cards-europe/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:11.000Z Sorting out mobile data before a Europe trip used to mean hunting down a phone shop on arrival, negotiating in a language you don't speak, and hoping the SIM actually works before your taxi disappears. We've done that exact dance in multiple countries. These days, we just buy an eSIM before we leave and land connected. No queues, no guessing, no roaming surprises on the credit card statement. We've traveled through Europe as a family of five — France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Portugal, and more — and internet access isn't optional when you're navigating with kids, booking trains, or figuring out where lunch is. Here's what actually works. ![Harper holding a doll she received as a birthday gift from an Airbnb host in Lucca, Italy](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-with-her-doll-she-got-from-airbnb-host-for-her-birthday-in-Lucca-Italy-June-2022.png) Harper in Lucca, Italy — where good connectivity was genuinely necessary for navigating the walled city. ## Why an eSIM beats a physical SIM card for Europe The traditional approach to European data was buying a local SIM on arrival — a perfectly fine plan until you're jet-lagged, the airport shop is closed, and you don't know the Italian for "nano SIM." An eSIM eliminates all of that. You buy it online before you leave, scan a QR code to install it, and flip it on when you land. It connects to local 4G/5G networks in your destination country without you needing to do anything else. For families or groups traveling together, each person needs their own eSIM (there are no shared plans in the traditional sense), but the convenience trade-off is massive. We've used eSIMs across Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Americas without a single airport SIM hunt. ## The best option: Holafly Europe eSIM Our exclusive eSIM partner is [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=inline-1&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com), and their Europe eSIM is genuinely one of the best-designed data products for European travel. One plan covers 40 countries — including all the major EU destinations, the UK, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland — on 3G/4G/5G networks. It's unlimited data with hotspot capabilities (500MB/day shared), instant activation, and 24/7 support. | Duration | Price | Daily Rate | Best For | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ---------- | ------------------------- | | [1 day](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $3.90 | $3.90/day | Layovers, quick stopovers | | [7 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $27.30 | $3.90/day | Week-long trips | | [14 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $47.90 | $3.42/day | Two-week holidays | | [30 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $74.90 | $2.50/day | Extended stays | Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 5% off any plan. If you're staying longer than 30 days or bouncing between Europe and other regions, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) — starting at $49.90/month for 25GB across 160+ destinations — is significantly better value. ### Holafly Europe eSIM 5% off all Holafly eSIM plans and top-ups. Works every purchase. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What countries does the Europe eSIM cover? The Holafly Europe eSIM covers 40 countries: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. That's essentially every destination a tourist would visit, from the Algarve to the Scottish Highlands. ![Aerial view of a European coastal town with clear blue water](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1520250497591-112f2f40a3f4?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Staying connected across Europe is straightforward with the right eSIM plan. ## Physical SIM vs eSIM for European travel | Factor | Physical SIM | Holafly eSIM | | ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------- | ------------------------- | | Purchase location | Airport or local store on arrival | Online before departure | | Activation | Manual swap, sometimes requires unlocking | QR code scan, automatic | | Multi-country coverage | Usually single country | 40 countries on one plan | | Data type | Varies (often capped) | Unlimited | | Price | Varies; often expensive at airports | From $3.90/day | | Risk | Can lose or damage SIM | Digital — nothing to lose | ## What about longer Europe trips? If your European adventure stretches beyond 30 days, the per-day eSIM pricing starts to add up. For those situations, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-international-sim-cards-europe&subId2=inline-3&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the smarter move. The Light Plan at $49.90/month gives you 25GB across 160+ destinations. The Unlimited Plan at $64.90/month removes the data cap entirely. Both come with the [Always On feature](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) that keeps you connected the moment you land in a new country. [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? | Code ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Is my phone compatible with an eSIM? Most smartphones released after 2019 support eSIM, including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer. To check, go to Settings > General > About on iPhone, or Settings > Connections > SIM manager on Android. Your phone also needs to be unlocked from your home carrier. If you're unsure, Holafly's website has a full compatibility checker. FAQ ## International SIM cards for Europe What is the best international SIM card for Europe? For unlimited data across 40+ European countries, Holafly's Europe eSIM is our top pick. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. It works on 3G/4G/5G and covers France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and more. See also: [unlimited data for Europe travel](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/). Do eSIMs work in all European countries? Holafly's Europe eSIM covers 40 countries including all major EU destinations, the UK, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. Coverage is strongest in urban areas. Always check the specific country list before purchasing. How much does a travel SIM card for Europe cost? A 7-day Europe eSIM from Holafly costs $27.30 (about $3.90/day). A 14-day plan runs $47.90 and a 30-day plan is $74.90\. Use code ADAMANDLINDS to save 5%. For trips longer than 30 days, consider Holafly Plans starting at $49.90/month. Can I use my phone's eSIM for travel in Europe? Yes, if your phone supports eSIM (most phones from 2019 onward do). You purchase the plan online, receive a QR code, scan it to install, and activate it when you land. No physical SIM swap needed. See also: [how to stay connected while traveling abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-stay-connected-while-traveling-abroad/). How do digital SIM cards work for international travel? An eSIM is a digital SIM card embedded in your phone. You buy a plan online, install it via QR code, and your phone connects to local networks in your destination. See also: [where to buy an eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans/). Where can I buy an eSIM for Europe? Buy directly from Holafly using code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. The purchase is instant, delivery is digital, and activation happens when you arrive. See also: [where to buy an eSIM for unlimited data abroad](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans/) and [unlimited data for Europe](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/). What is the cheapest way to get data in Europe? An eSIM is typically the most cost-effective option. Holafly's Europe eSIM starts at $3.90/day. For longer stays, Holafly Plans starting at $49.90/month for 25GB across 160+ destinations offers the best per-day value. See also: [affordable data plans for global travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/). ### Related Reading [Unlimited Data for Europe Travel](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) [Best eSIM for Europe: Holafly Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) [Where to Buy an eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans/) [Affordable Data Plans for Global Travel](https://adamandlinds.com/affordable-data-plans-global-travel/) [Holafly Plans Review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### Klook Discount Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK: Our Honest Guide to Saving on Activities URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-discount-code-adamandlindsklook/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:12.000Z We have booked hundreds of tours, tickets, and transfers through Klook over the past four years of full-time travel. Japan. Thailand. Singapore. Hong Kong. South Korea. It has become one of the tools we genuinely reach for first when planning activities in a new city — and our code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** saves you money every time you use it. This is our honest rundown of what Klook is, how it works, when it is worth it, and where the City Passes deliver the most value across the destinations we have actually visited. ![The Clarkson family at the Glico sign in Dotonbori, Osaka, Japan, June 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-posing-in-front-of-the-Glico-sign-in-Dotonbori-Osaka-Japan-June-2023.png) Dotonbori, Osaka — one of the many places we have used Klook to book activities on the fly. ## What is Klook? Klook is a travel activities and experiences booking platform operating across 300,000+ activities in more than 90 countries. Think of it as the place you go after you have sorted flights and accommodation — it handles everything else. Day tours, attraction tickets, theme park passes, city-wide attraction bundles, airport transfers, cooking classes, night cruises. The platform works simply: browse, choose your date, check out, and receive a digital voucher. At the activity you scan the QR code or show your phone screen. No printing required for most bookings, and a large proportion of listings offer instant confirmation. For a family moving fast between destinations, that reliability matters. Most activities also offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before (sometimes 48 or 72 — check per listing), which means booking in advance carries very little risk. We typically book 3–7 days out for popular attractions, longer during peak seasons in Japan or at major theme parks. ## How to use the Klook discount code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK When you have added activities to your cart and proceed to checkout, enter **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** in the promo code field. Note: the old code ADAMANDLINDS is no longer active for Klook — use the full **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** version. ### Klook Save on tours, tickets & city passes worldwide. Verified working. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. [Browse Klook Activities](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Use Klook Coupon Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save money on activities in Japan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAbDBOlzMY&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Klook City Passes: are they worth the price? Klook City Passes let you bundle 2–10 attractions in a single city for a discounted price versus buying each ticket individually. The passes activate on your first reservation and give you a rolling 30–90 day window to book the remaining activities. We have written dedicated posts for the [Singapore](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-singapore/), [Tokyo](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-tokyo-things-to-do-city-pass/), and [Los Angeles](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-los-angeles-things-to-do-city-pass/) passes — here is the comparison across the cities we cover: | City | Activities | Starting Price | Max Savings | Book | | -------------- | ---------- | -------------- | ----------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Singapore | 2–10 | From $65.29 | Up to 44% | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Tokyo | 2–7 | From $42.05 | Up to 48% | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Kansai (Osaka) | 3–8 | From $35.19 | Varies | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/91434-klook-pass-kansai/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Seoul | 2–6 | From $34.55 | Varies | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74595-seoul-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Hong Kong | 2–5 | Varies | Up to 40% | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69623-hong-kong-klook-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Dubai | 2–5 | From $108.65 | Up to 45% | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/67213-klook-pass-dubai/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Paris | 2–6 | From $72.69 | Up to 50% | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/72864-klook-pass-paris/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | London | 2–6 | From $71.25 | Up to 60% | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/72857-london-attraction-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Orlando | 2–4 | From $64.00 | Varies | [Book](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/81445-klook-pass-orlando/&ref=adamandlinds.com) | The pass math varies by destination. The general rule: if you are going to visit 3 or more paid attractions in the same city within a month, the pass almost always wins on price. If you are only hitting one or two, buy individually. ## Klook in Japan: what we use and book Japan is where we have used Klook the most. Over 220 days in the country across multiple trips, and the platform covers nearly everything worth booking in advance. teamLab venues sell out weeks ahead during peak seasons. The [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/) bundles up to 7 attractions with savings of up to 48%, covering Tokyo Skytree, Sanrio Puroland, Aqua Park Shinagawa, and teamLab. ![The Clarkson family at Tokyo Skytree during cherry blossom season, March 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/AdamLindsLilyCoraHarper_Japan_Tokyo_SkyTree_CherryBlossom-March-23-1.png) Tokyo Skytree during cherry blossom season — bookable via the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo. For the Kansai region — Osaka, Kyoto, Nara — the [Klook Pass Kansai](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-kansai/) covers teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, the HARUKAS 300 Observatory, Umeda Sky Building, and the Kansai Airport Express HARUKA among others. We are in Osaka right now for cherry blossom season and the city is spectacular. Individual Japan activities worth booking on Klook: - [Mount Fuji day tours from Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93901-mtfuji-one-day-tour-tokyo/&ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $33.49) — Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, and Lake Kawaguchiko. Daily departures, instant confirmation. - teamLab Borderless and Planets — require advance booking and Klook typically has better availability than direct during busy periods. - Universal Studios Japan Express Passes — especially during school holidays and peak seasons. [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget (Family of 5) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Klook in Thailand: Bangkok and beyond Thailand was our home base for much of our first year of travel — more than 300 days between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and the islands. Klook is one of the strongest markets for guided tours and Bangkok in particular has an enormous selection. These are the activities we have actually booked and recommend: ![Adam enjoying a drink with Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand, May 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-enjoying-a-drink-with-Wat-Arun-across-the-Chao-Phraya-River-in-Bangkok-Thailand-May-2023.png) Bangkok's Chao Phraya riverfront — the Princess cruise departs from nearby piers. - [Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3020-floating-markets-day-tour-bangkok/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($39.79) — the classic Bangkok day trip with long-tail boat time on the water, guided and air-conditioned. - [Chao Phraya Princess dinner cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/375-chao-phraya-princess-cruise-bangkok/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($26.99) — two hours on the river with dinner buffet and live band. - [Ayutthaya full-day tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/391-ayutthaya-historical-park-day-tour-bang-pa-in-summer-palace-ayutthaya-temples-night-market/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($47.75) — Bang Pa-In Summer Palace and the Ayutthaya Historical Park UNESCO site. - [Phi Phi Island speedboat day tour from Phuket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6556-phi-phi-island-snorkeling-day-trip-phuket/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($54.35) — Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, snorkeling. ## Klook in Hong Kong and Singapore We spent time in Hong Kong earlier this year as part of our ongoing YouTube series. Klook was useful there for Peak Tram combo tickets, Victoria Harbour cruises, and the [Hong Kong Klook Pass](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-hong-kong-things-to-do-city-pass/) covering M+ Museum, Ngong Ping 360, and Madame Tussauds. Hong Kong Disneyland is a premium add-on through the pass — we booked it that way. ![Adam, Lindsay, Lily, Cora, and Harper posing in front of Hong Kong Disneyland, February 2025](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-in-front-of-Hong-Kong-Disneyland-in-Hong-Kong-China-February-12-2025.png) Hong Kong Disneyland — bookable as a premium add-on through the Klook Pass Hong Kong. Singapore is where the [Klook Pass](https://adamandlinds.com/discounted-attraction-tickets-singapore-klook-pass/) delivers some of its best value. The city's attractions are individually expensive by Southeast Asian standards, and bundling Gardens by the Bay, Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, ArtScience Museum, and the Singapore River Cruise at up to 44% off makes a real difference to a family budget. ## Tips for getting the most out of Klook ### How to use Klook well - **Check cancellation policy per listing.** Most offer free cancellation 24 hours out, but some fixed-time shows and certain cruises are non-refundable. - **Book Japan attractions early.** teamLab, USJ Express Passes, and anything during cherry blossom or autumn leaves season will sell out. Two to three weeks ahead during sakura season is not excessive. - **Do the City Pass math.** Add up individual prices for attractions you actually plan to visit. If the pass saves $20 or more, it wins. - **Apply ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at every checkout** — it stacks on top of sale prices and City Pass discounts. - **Download the Klook app.** It stores all your vouchers for offline access — essential when you are standing outside an attraction with patchy data. On that last point: if you are relying on your phone for vouchers and navigation while abroad, you need reliable data. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=klook-discount-code-adamandlindsklook&subId2=inline-1&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) (code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5% on destination plans). For frequent multi-country travel, the [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=klook-discount-code-adamandlindsklook&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) subscription — one eSIM install, 160+ countries, Always On backup included — pairs well with heavy Klook use across destinations. ## Klook vs GetYourGuide vs Viator All three platforms cover broadly similar inventory with meaningful regional differences. Klook is strongest in Asia — Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan — and increasingly solid in the Middle East. GetYourGuide tends to be stronger in Europe. Viator has wide global coverage but the quality filtering is less consistent in our experience. For any destination in Asia, Klook is where we check first. FAQ ## Klook discount code and booking guide What is the Klook discount code for 2026? The code is **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Enter it at checkout on klook.com to save on activities, tours, and attraction passes. Note: the old code ADAMANDLINDS is expired for Klook — use the full ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK version. Is Klook legitimate and trustworthy? Yes. Klook is one of the largest travel activities platforms globally and we have used it across dozens of trips without meaningful issues. Vouchers are delivered digitally, most bookings have free cancellation, and support is responsive. How do Klook City Passes work? You purchase a pass for a chosen number of activities. After purchase, you activate your first booking within the specified window (usually 30–60 days), which unlocks a rolling 30–90 day period to redeem the remaining activities. Each attraction is available for one-time use per pass. Does Klook work for families with young children? Yes. Many listings show child pricing separately and you can filter by suitability. We have used Klook with our three kids across Japan, Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong consistently. Does Klook have good coverage in Japan? Japan is one of Klook's strongest markets. Coverage spans Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Okinawa, and everywhere in between. teamLab venues, Mt. Fuji day trips, and Shinkansen passes are all available, often with better availability than booking direct. How far in advance should I book on Klook? For popular Japan attractions — teamLab, USJ Express Passes, anything during cherry blossom or autumn leaves — book 2–3 weeks ahead. Most listings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, so booking early carries minimal risk. ### Ready to book with Klook? Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to save on tours, attraction tickets, and City Passes worldwide. [Browse Klook Activities](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Related Reading [Singapore Klook Pass Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-singapore/) [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/) [Klook Pass Kansai Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-kansai/) [Klook Pass Hong Kong Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-hong-kong-things-to-do-city-pass/) [Klook Paris Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-paris/) This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — and code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK saves you money at checkout. We also earn commissions through Holafly links in this post. All opinions are our own. ### Jackery Portable Power Stations: The Complete Guide to Home Backup and RV Power (2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/jackery-portable-power-stations-home-backup-rv/ Last updated: 2026-03-31T01:49:45.000Z The grid goes down more than most people expect. According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average American experiences over seven hours of power interruptions per year — and that figure has been trending upward as extreme weather events become more frequent. For RV owners, the calculus is different but equally real: generator noise, fuel costs, campsite hookup fees, and the constant question of whether you can actually park somewhere without shore power. Jackery has spent over a decade building portable power stations that address both problems. This guide covers their full range — from compact units that handle essential devices during an outage to expandable systems capable of running an entire home or full-time RV setup — with pricing, specs, and honest guidance on which unit actually fits which situation. ![Modern living room during a power outage with a portable power station providing light](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1558618666-fcd25c85cd64?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Home power outages are becoming more frequent — a portable backup system changes what an outage actually means for your household ## What Makes Jackery Different from a Traditional Generator? The short answer: silence, safety, and solar compatibility. A petrol generator produces carbon monoxide, which means it can never be used indoors — a significant limitation when a power outage hits in winter or during a storm and you need warmth and light inside your home. Jackery units produce zero emissions, run completely silently, and can sit in your living room or RV without any ventilation concerns. The longer answer involves battery chemistry. Jackery's newer product lines use LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) cells, which offer 4,000+ charge cycles versus the 500 or so you'd get from older lithium-ion chemistry. At one full charge cycle per day, a LiFePO4 unit delivers more than a decade of reliable service. The cells are also inherently more thermally stable — less prone to the kind of runaway heating issues that have occasionally plagued older lithium-ion battery products. That combination — silent operation, safe indoor use, decade-long lifespan — is what's driven the shift away from petrol generators for home backup among households that experience outages regularly. ## Understanding Jackery's Product Lines Jackery's catalogue has three distinct tiers, each serving a different use case. **Explorer portable power stations** are the standalone battery units. You charge them from a wall outlet, a car socket, or solar panels, and draw power from them when you need it. These range from compact 268Wh units up to the 2000 v2 at 2042Wh. **Solar Generator bundles** pair an Explorer station with one or more SolarSaga solar panels. If you're buying your first Jackery setup and want solar capability from day one, these bundles are the most cost-effective way in. **HomePower systems** are Jackery's home-focused tier — higher-capacity units designed for whole-home circuit backup, with outputs powerful enough to run HVAC equipment, refrigerators, sump pumps, and medical devices simultaneously. ![Jackery Solar Generator 300 v2 portable power station](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/9262/files/jackery-solar-generator-300-v2-2455158.png?v=1771046530) The Solar Generator 300 v2 — Jackery's entry point for solar-capable backup power ## The Explorer Range: Portable Power Stations These are the core of Jackery's lineup. Every Explorer unit can be paired with SolarSaga panels for solar recharging, and the mid-to-upper models offer enough capacity and output for genuine emergency home use. | Model | Capacity | Continuous Output | Weight | Price | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------- | ----------------- | ------ | ----- | | [Explorer 300D](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=42204275408983&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-explorer-300d-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 268Wh | 300W | 3.4kg | $219 | | [Explorer 300 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7569972527191&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-explorer-300-v2-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 288Wh | 300W | 3.7kg | $269 | | [Explorer 600 Plus](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=40950098362455&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-explorer-600-plus-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 632Wh | 800W | 8.3kg | $429 | | [Explorer 1000 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=40439989370967&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-portable-power-station-explorer-1000-v2&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 1070Wh | 1500W | 11.8kg | $799 | | [Explorer 1500 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7519279120471&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-explorer-1500-v2-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 1485Wh | 2000W | 15.4kg | $699 | | [Explorer 1500 Ultra](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7551646498903&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-explorer-1500-ultra-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 1512Wh | 2500W | 17kg | $899 | | [Explorer 2000 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7382272966743&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fexplorer-2000-v2-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 2042Wh | 2200W | 21kg | $749 | Two pricing anomalies worth noting: the Explorer 1500 v2 at $699 delivers more capacity than the 1000 v2 at $799, making it exceptional value right now. Similarly, the 2000 v2 at $749 for over 2kWh is competitively priced against anything else in its class. These reflect how the product line has matured — earlier model pricing has come down while the specs remain strong. ## Solar Generator Bundles If you're starting from scratch and want solar recharging built in, these bundles are more economical than buying station and panel separately. | Bundle | Capacity | Included Panel | Full Solar Recharge | Price | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------- | -------------------- | ------------------- | ------ | | [Solar Generator 300 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=42524060450903&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solar-generator-300-v2&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 288Wh | SolarSaga 40W | \~9 hrs | $389 | | [Solar Generator 600 Plus](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=40950099050583&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solar-generator-600-plus&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 632Wh | SolarSaga 100W | \~8 hrs | $649 | | [Solar Generator 600 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=41993776463959&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solar-generator-600-v2&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 632Wh | SolarSaga 200W | \~4 hrs | $699 | | [Solar Generator 1500 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7519733416023&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solar-generator-1500-v2&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 1485Wh | SolarSaga 200W | \~8 hrs | $699 | | [Solar Generator 2000 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=41264595861591&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solar-generator-2000-v2&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 2042Wh | SolarSaga 200W | \~10 hrs | $1,299 | | [Solar Generator 2000 Plus](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7287377887319&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fsolar-generator-2000-plus-series&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 2042Wh | SolarSaga 200W (IBC) | \~2 hrs | $1,099 | The Solar Generator 1500 v2 bundle deserves particular attention: 1485Wh of capacity, a 200W panel, and the whole package at $699\. For a household looking for meaningful emergency backup with solar recharging, that's a compelling entry point. ## The HomePower Series: Whole-Home Backup ![Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus expandable home power system](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0970/9262/files/explorer-2000-plus-series-4368739.jpg?v=1754016784) The 2000 Plus series scales up to 24kWh — enough to run a home for days without grid power The HomePower units are designed for a different problem entirely. Where the Explorer line handles essential devices and keeps the lights on, the HomePower series can power a home at something approaching normal capacity — running HVAC, refrigerators, sump pumps, and medical equipment simultaneously. | Model | Capacity | Max Output | UPS Feature | Expandable | Price | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | -------- | ---------------- | ----------- | ------------- | ------ | | [HomePower 3000](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7475293388887&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-homepower-3000&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 3000Wh | 3000W | Yes | No | $1,299 | | [HomePower 3600 Plus](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7464801960023&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-homepower-3600-plus&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 3600Wh | 3600W | Yes | Yes | $1,599 | | [Explorer 2000 Plus Series](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=41771365892183&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fexplorer-2000-plus-series&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 2-24kWh | 6000W (parallel) | Yes | Yes, to 24kWh | $2,599 | The UPS (uninterruptible power supply) feature on these units means they switch to battery power within 0.01 seconds of detecting a grid failure — fast enough that sensitive electronics like computers and medical equipment experience no interruption. For anyone with home medical equipment or a home office setup where data loss during an outage is a real concern, this is significant. The Explorer 2000 Plus Series is the most ambitious product in Jackery's catalogue. Its expandable architecture accepts [Battery Pack 2000 Plus](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=40193000865879&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-battery-pack-2000-plus&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) units ($899 each) up to a total of 24kWh, and two units in parallel deliver 6000W of continuous output at both 120V and 240V. That's enough to run a small home's essential systems for several days on a single charge, or indefinitely when paired with solar panels using the advanced IBC technology that enables full recharge in under two hours with sufficient panels. ## The SolarSaga Panel Range All Explorer and HomePower units accept SolarSaga panels for solar recharging. Panels can also charge small devices directly via built-in USB-A and USB-C ports, independent of the power station. | Panel | Output | Rating | Key Feature | Price | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ------ | ----------------- | ----- | | [SolarSaga 40 Air](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=42127515025495&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solarsaga-40-air&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 40W | IP68 | Lightest option | $99 | | [SolarSaga 40W Mini](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=40775172423767&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solarsaga-40w-mini-solar-panel&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 40W | IP65 | Compact fold | $129 | | [SolarSaga 100 Prime](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=40995852484695&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solarsaga-100-prime-solar-panel&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 100W | IP68 | 25% efficiency | $179 | | [SolarSaga 100W](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=39644977004631&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fsolarsaga-100w-solar-panel&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 100W | IP68 | Proven workhorse | $199 | | [SolarSaga 100 Air](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=42058495721559&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solarsaga-100-air&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 100W | IP68 | Lightweight build | $219 | | [SolarSaga 200W](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=39263317000279&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fsolarsaga-200w-solar-panel&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 200W | IP68 | Bifacial cells | $379 | The IP68 waterproof rating across most of the range means these panels can be left outside in rain without concern. The 200W bifacial model captures light from both sides of the panel, picking up reflected ground light to improve output in non-ideal conditions — a meaningful advantage for RV setups where panel placement isn't always optimal. ## Jackery for Home Backup: What Can It Actually Power? This is the question that matters most for households evaluating emergency power. Watt-hour capacity tells you how much energy is stored; the wattage draw of your appliances tells you how long it lasts. Here's a rough guide based on an Explorer 1000 v2 (1070Wh): | Appliance | Typical Draw | Hours from Explorer 1000 v2 | | ----------------------- | ------------ | --------------------------- | | LED lighting (10 bulbs) | 60W | \~17 hrs | | Phone charging | 18W | \~50 charges | | Laptop | 65W | \~15 hrs | | CPAP machine | 30-60W | \~15-35 hrs | | Mini-fridge | 80W | \~11 hrs | | Full-size fridge | 150W | \~6 hrs | | Window AC unit | 1200W | \~0.8 hrs | | Electric kettle | 1500W | \~0.7 hrs | The takeaway: a 1000Wh unit is excellent for lighting, communication, medical devices, and food preservation in a compact fridge. It won't run a central air conditioning system or an electric range for meaningful periods. For those higher-draw appliances, the HomePower series is the appropriate solution. ![RV parked in a scenic outdoor location with solar panels on roof](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1508514177221-188b1cf16e9d?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) For RV owners, portable solar power means genuine freedom from hookup sites and noisy generators ## Jackery for RV and Van Life: The Real Advantage For RV owners, the value proposition is about freedom more than emergency preparedness. With a capable Jackery setup, you can dry-camp (boondock) at locations without electrical hookups for days at a time rather than hours. The elimination of a petrol generator also removes the noise complaint problem that gets RVers kicked out of otherwise perfect spots. A typical full-time RV setup for a couple or small family would look something like the [Explorer 2000 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7382272966743&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fexplorer-2000-v2-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($749) paired with two [SolarSaga 200W](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=39263317000279&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fsolarsaga-200w-solar-panel&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) panels ($379 each): over 2kWh of storage, 400W of solar input, and the ability to run essential RV appliances and charge devices through most of a day without touching the generator. For full-time van lifers running a home office, the [Explorer 2000 Plus Series](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=41771365892183&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fexplorer-2000-plus-series&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) with its expandable capacity and 120/240V output is the more serious solution — it can run a full workstation, induction cooktop, and climate control simultaneously. ## Which Jackery Should You Buy? | Your Situation | Recommended Unit | Why | | --------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Short outages, essentials only | [Explorer 600 Plus](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=40950098362455&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-explorer-600-plus-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($429) | Handles lights, devices, CPAP overnight | | Multi-day home backup, fridge essential | [Solar Generator 1500 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7519733416023&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solar-generator-1500-v2&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($699) | Best value in the range right now | | Home office, sensitive equipment | [HomePower 3600 Plus](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7464801960023&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-homepower-3600-plus&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($1,599) | UPS switching, expandable | | Whole-home backup, extended outages | [Explorer 2000 Plus Series](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=41771365892183&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fexplorer-2000-plus-series&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($2,599+) | Scalable to 24kWh, 6000W output | | Weekend RV / camping | [Solar Generator 600 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=41993776463959&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fjackery-solar-generator-600-v2&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($699) | Complete kit, portable, 200W panel | | Full-time RV or van life | [Explorer 2000 v2](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1625251/18694?prodsku=7382272966743&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jackery.com%2Fproducts%2Fexplorer-2000-v2-portable-power-station&intsrc=APIG%5F12130&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($749) + 2x SolarSaga 200W | High storage, fast solar recharge | ## Frequently Asked Questions **How long will a Jackery power station last?** Models using LiFePO4 chemistry (the v2 and Plus series) are rated for 4,000+ charge cycles with minimal degradation. At one cycle per day, that's over 10 years of daily use. **Can a Jackery power station run a refrigerator?** Yes, depending on the fridge and the unit. A compact or mini-fridge drawing around 80W can run for 11+ hours from an Explorer 1000 v2\. A standard full-size fridge drawing 150W would run for approximately 6 hours from the same unit. The HomePower series can run a full-size fridge continuously alongside other appliances. **Does Jackery qualify for the federal tax credit?** Jackery home energy storage products may qualify for the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit (30% tax credit) when installed as part of a home solar system. Check with a tax professional and the current IRS guidelines, as eligibility rules can change. **Can you charge a Jackery with solar while also drawing power from it?** Yes. All Jackery units support simultaneous charge-and-discharge, so solar panels can be topping up the battery while you're drawing power from it. **How long does solar recharge take?** It depends on panel wattage, sunlight conditions, and battery capacity. A SolarSaga 200W panel recharging an Explorer 1500 v2 takes approximately 8 hours in direct sunlight. Two panels halve that time. Real-world results in partly cloudy conditions typically run 30-50% longer than the stated figures. ## Final Thoughts Jackery builds well-engineered products at competitive prices, and the LiFePO4 chemistry in their current lineup represents a meaningful generational improvement over earlier units. For home backup use, the sweet spot for most households is the 1000-1500Wh range — enough to handle the appliances that actually matter during an outage, at a price point that doesn't require significant deliberation. For RV owners, the combination of a 2000Wh-class station and 200-400W of solar panels is the setup that delivers genuine off-grid independence. You can browse the full Jackery range at [jackery.com](https://jackery.sjv.io/c/6317027/1628544/18694?ref=adamandlinds.com). All prices listed are current USD retail at time of writing and subject to change — Jackery periodically runs promotional discounts, so checking their site directly before purchase is worth doing. --- *This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our Jackery links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our* [*full affiliate disclosure*](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com)*.* ### Best teamLab Discount Code for Summer 2026 (Verified & Working) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-discount-code-promo-coupon/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:13.000Z Summer is one of the better times of year to visit teamLab in Japan. The evenings are warm enough to make teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka genuinely enjoyable, and the longer daylight hours give you more flexibility across a full day of attractions. Tickets are not cheap though, and if you're visiting multiple venues or traveling with a family, the costs add up quickly. There is a legitimate way to save on all of them, and it works right now. We've spent more time in Japan than any other country on our travels, with a good chunk of that based in and around Osaka. We've done teamLab venues with our three daughters more than once: teamLab Planets in Tokyo, teamLab Borderless in Tokyo, teamLab Botanical Garden in Osaka, and we keep tabs on the others too. When it comes to getting the best price on teamLab tickets, we know what we're talking about. ![person in white shirt and black pants standing on brown wooden floor](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1620789360171-4712b171fb60?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHRlYW1sYWJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzc0NjYzNTc3fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Immersive art experiences like teamLab are worth every yen, but there's no reason to overpay. ## The Best teamLab Discount Code Right Now The verified way to save on teamLab tickets in summer 2026 is through **Klook**, using promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Klook is the platform we use and recommend for activity bookings across Asia. They consistently price teamLab tickets at or below the official website, and the Klook pass options can stack on additional savings if you're hitting multiple Tokyo attractions. Here's a quick summary of the current verified savings options: | Venue | Klook Price | Rating | Discount Code | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | ----------------------- | ----------------- | | [teamLab Planets Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $24.25 | 4.7/5 (18,000+ reviews) | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | | [teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F73632-teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $11.49 | 4.4/5 (7,000+ reviews) | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | | [teamLab Forest Fukuoka](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F51227-teamlab-forest-fukuoka%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $15.29 | 4.7/5 (1,600+ reviews) | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | | [teamLab SuperNature Macao](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F33776-teamlab-supernature-macao-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $22.05 | 4.7/5 (2,800+ reviews) | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | | [teamLab Future Park Okinawa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F98927-teamlab-future-park-okinawa%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $12.75 | 4.8/5 (445+ reviews) | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK | teamLab does not offer its own discount codes or promo codes directly. Klook is the authorised third-party channel where savings are available. ## How to Use the teamLab Klook Discount Code Head to the Klook listing for whichever teamLab venue you want, select your date and number of tickets, then enter **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. The discount applies automatically and you'll get instant confirmation with a QR code voucher. Show your phone at the venue, no printing needed. Book your time slot before you arrive. teamLab Planets sells out days in advance in summer, and showing up without a booking is a wasted trip. ![Cherry blossom trees in Tokyo during spring](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1545569341-9eb8b30979d9?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Summer in Japan means crowds at teamLab. Book your Klook tickets well in advance. ## Does teamLab Have Its Own Coupon or Promo Code? This is the question that brings a lot of people here, so let's clear it up. TeamLab does not operate its own discount code or coupon programme. There is no official "teamLab promo code" you can enter on the teamLab website. The official site sells at full price, with no checkout discount field. The savings come through authorised ticket partners, and Klook is the one we use and trust. We've booked through them at every teamLab venue we've visited, always with instant confirmation. Be cautious of any site claiming to have a special "teamLab coupon code" for the official website. These are almost always outdated, inaccurate, or outright fake. Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK is the real deal. ## teamLab Planets Tokyo: What to Expect in Spring 2026 teamLab Planets in Toyosu is the one most visitors come for, and it genuinely earns its reputation. You go barefoot through the whole thing, which sounds odd until you're wading through ankle-deep reflective water with koi swimming around your feet. It's properly immersive in a way that photos don't capture. A Forest Area opened in January 2025, adding a significant new section to the experience. It's not a small add-on. It meaningfully extends how long you'll spend inside, and summer 2026 visitors get the full expanded version, which makes the current ticket price better value than it was a year ago. We took our girls through teamLab Planets and their reaction was everything you'd hope for. Our youngest was wide-eyed from the moment we stepped in. It's one of those experiences that lands differently in person than in any video or photo, and we say that having watched a fair few videos before going ourselves. [Watch teamLab Review on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khqu3oUVpJ8&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![teamLab Planets Tokyo immersive digital art installation](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/mn4cemkgx5r6fy6rgie6.jpg) teamLab Planets Tokyo - book early for spring visits, especially during cherry blossom season ### Key Info: teamLab Planets Tokyo ### teamLab Planets Tokyo - Toyosu, Tokyo (Toyosu Station or Shin-Toyosu Station) - From $24.25 on Klook. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** - 4.7/5 from 18,000+ Klook reviews - Instant confirmation - No cancellation. Book when you're sure - All ages, families, couples - Shoes removed at entrance. Go in socks or barefoot [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Book teamLab Planets Tokyo Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for savings. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Save More with the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo If teamLab Planets is just one stop on your Tokyo itinerary, it's worth looking at the [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). The pass bundles 2 to 7 attractions from a list of 30+, with savings of up to 48% versus individual ticket prices. TeamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets are both available as add-ons to the pass alongside Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Sanrio Puroland, and a bunch of others. If you're spending a week in Tokyo and hitting multiple paid attractions anyway, the maths usually work in the pass's favour. It activates on first use and gives you 90 days to redeem your included attractions, so there's flexibility built in. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on the Klook Pass too. ## teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka: The Night-Time Option For anyone based in or passing through Osaka, teamLab Botanical Garden at Nagai Park is a different kind of experience. It's entirely outdoors, runs after dark, and uses the actual landscape of the botanical garden as the canvas. Wind and rain alter the displays in real time. We've been during a light drizzle and the effect is genuinely beautiful rather than annoying. At $11.49 on Klook it's also the most affordable teamLab venue available. For families on a budget who still want the full teamLab experience, this is the one. Our kids responded to it just as strongly as the indoor venues, possibly more so, because the scale of an outdoor installation is harder to wrap your head around. ![teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka illuminated night installation](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/n6uuh10zkgit327hprfn.jpg) teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka transforms after dark, and it costs a lot less than the Tokyo venues. Summer evenings at Nagai Park have their own quality. Warm enough to be comfortable, dark enough for the installations to hit properly, and the garden itself is in full green. The [Klook Pass Kansai](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F91434-klook-pass-kansai%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) also includes teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka as a standard pass option if you're planning a broader Kansai trip. Code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** applies there too. ## teamLab Forest Fukuoka: Worth the Trip TeamLab Forest sits inside the Boss E.ZO Fukuoka complex near the PayPay Dome. It's divided into two sections: Catch and Collect Forest, where you use an app to catch and learn about digital animals, and Forest of Motion, which is a more physically interactive exhibit. The app element makes it genuinely interactive for kids rather than just visually impressive, ours spent a solid chunk of time obsessing over catching creatures. Fukuoka doesn't get the tourist traffic of Tokyo or Osaka, which means shorter queues and a more relaxed visit. If you're doing a broader Japan itinerary that includes Kyushu, this is worth building into your plans. [Book on Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/51227-teamlab-forest-fukuoka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) at $15.29, rated 4.7 out of 5. ## Getting a Shuttle Bus to teamLab Planets (Save the Hassle) If you're coming from central Tokyo and don't want to figure out which train to take, Klook also sells the [teamLab Planets shuttle bus from Ginza](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/121902-teamlab-planets-tokyo-tokyo-station-bus-terminal-yaesu-ginza-six-shuttle-bus-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) for $2.80 one way. Reserved seating, direct route, no transfers. Not essential if you're comfortable on the Tokyo Metro, but genuinely useful if you're travelling with young kids and gear and just want the path of least resistance. ## Tips for visiting teamLab in summer 2026 Summer is one of the busier periods for teamLab in Japan, particularly Planets in Tokyo. Both Planets and Botanical Garden run timed entry, and slots at popular times fill up days in advance during July and August. Book through Klook before you arrive rather than assuming you can sort it on the day. A few practical things worth knowing before you go: shoes come off at Planets, so slip-ons or sandals make the entry process easier, especially with kids. At Botanical Garden, avoid white or light-coloured clothing. The UV lighting in certain sections picks up lint and marks in a way that photographs poorly. Dark colours are the right call. If you're visiting Planets, budget at least 90 minutes now that the Forest Area is open. The old advice of "an hour is fine" no longer applies. Obon week (mid-August) is one of the busiest domestic travel periods in Japan. If your dates overlap, book your timed entry slot as early as possible and go for the first session of the day. ## Staying Connected While You're in Japan You'll want reliable data for navigating to teamLab venues, downloading Klook vouchers, and posting to Instagram while the light installations are doing their thing. We use [Holafly's Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=teamlab-discount-code-promo-coupon&subId2=inline-link&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) for all our Japan trips. Unlimited data, works the moment you land, no physical SIM swapping. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any destination plan. If you're spending more than 20 days in Japan or planning a longer trip across multiple countries, the [Holafly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=teamlab-discount-code-promo-coupon&subId2=inline-link&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is better value. Light at $49.90/month (25GB) or Unlimited at $64.90/month. Both include Always On coverage across 76+ destinations as a backup, which auto-activates if you don't have an active destination eSIM. Handy if your Japan trip bleeds into South Korea or Southeast Asia. Japan Destination eSIM ### From $6.90/trip Unlimited data on NTT Docomo Best for short Japan trips. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. [Get Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=teamlab-discount-code-promo-coupon&subId2=plan-card&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) Holafly Plans ### From $49.90/month 25GB or unlimited across 160+ destinations Best for 20+ days or multi-country trips. Always On included. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off. [Get Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=teamlab-discount-code-promo-coupon&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) FAQ ## teamLab Tickets and Venues Is there a teamLab promo code for the official website? No. teamLab does not offer promo codes or coupon codes on its official website. Discounts are available through authorised partners like Klook. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at klook.com for savings on teamLab tickets. Which teamLab venue is best for families with young children? teamLab Future Park Okinawa and teamLab Forest Fukuoka are both designed with interactive, child-led participation in mind. teamLab Planets Tokyo is suitable for children but is more of a contemplative experience. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is outdoor, evening-only, and works well for kids who like running around in the dark. Can I buy teamLab tickets on the day? Sometimes, but it's risky. teamLab Planets Tokyo in particular sells out days or weeks in advance during busy periods. Buying in advance through Klook guarantees your time slot and removes the stress of showing up to find it sold out. Does the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo include teamLab? Yes. Both teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets are available as premium add-ons to the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo. If you're planning multiple Tokyo attractions, the pass can offer significant savings. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. Is teamLab Botanical Garden open in summer 2026? Yes. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka operates year-round at Nagai Botanical Garden in Osaka. It opens after sunset, and summer evenings work well given the park's greenery. July and August can be humid, so dress accordingly. What's the cheapest teamLab venue? teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka is currently the most affordable at $11.49 on Klook. teamLab Future Park Okinawa is next at $12.75\. Both are excellent experiences and well-reviewed. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook link or use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend platforms and activities we use ourselves. All opinions are our own. ### Family Photos URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/family-photos/ Last updated: 2026-05-31T12:36:05.000Z ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-Harper-and-Lindsay-in-a-car-on-the-way-to-airport-leaving-America-for-our-big-adventrue-May-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Family-with-grandparents-at-airport-before-departure-may-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-girls-on-a-hotel-bed-in-New-York-May-2022-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-and-Linds-at-Airport-Bar-having-a-preflight-beer-May-22-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-smiling-with-minnie-ears-on-at-disneyland-paris-may-22-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-smiling-with-minnie-ears-on-at-disneyland-paris-may-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-smiling-with-minnie-ears-on-at-disneyland-paris-may-22.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-with-her-doll-she-got-from-airbnb-host-for-her-birthday-in-Lucca-Italy-June-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/LilyCoraHarper_Biergarten_munich_dirndle.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-and-Linds-on-the-balcony-in-Bangkok.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Girls-Silloette-at-a-temple-in-Bangkok--Aug-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-in-a-cooking-class-being-assisted-by-staff-on-Halong-Bay-Cruise-Sept-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-girls-Pose-with-Staff-on-Ha-Long-bay-cruis-Sept-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Family-poses-in-Osaka-on-Dotonburi-Nov-2022-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-family-poses-in-front-of-large-cup-noodle-at-Cup-noodle-Museum-in-Yokohama-Dec-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/AdamLindsFamily_Thailand_MayaBay-Jan-23.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Family-and-some-friends-in-the-water-on-phi-phi-island-speed-baot-tour-jan-23.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lindsay-and-The-Girls-pose-in-front-of-Lindsays-birthday-cake-in-Malaysia-Airbnb-Feb-23.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-wearing-a-chefs-hat-at-Legoland-Malysia-Feb-23.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-posing-with-chef-hat-at-legoland-malaysia-feb-23.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-smiling-and-laughing-at-waterpark-at-legoland-malaysia-Feb-23.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/AdamLindsLilyCoraHarper_Japan_Tokyo_SkyTree_CherryBlossom-March-23-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/AdamLinds_Japan_CherryBlossom-March-23.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-girls-pose-beneath-red-tori-gates-in-Tokyo-March-23.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-standing-beneath-the-Godzilla-head-at-Hotel-Gracery-Shinjuku-Tokyo-March-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-posing-under-cherry-blossoms-at-Shinjuku-Gyoen-National-Garden-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-walking-along-a-car-free-Ginza-street-in-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-posing-with-a-purple-flower-in-her-hair-at-a-restaurant-in-Tokyo-Japan-March-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-with-Lily--Cora--and-Harper-playing-in-the-grass-at-a-park-in-Indiana-USA-May-2022-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-roasting-marshmallows-over-a-campfire-at-an-RV-campsite-in-Indiana-USA-May-2022.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-holding-their-freshly-caught-fish-at-a-fishing-restaurant-in-Tokyo-Japan-June-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-posing-in-front-of-the-Glico-sign-in-Dotonbori-Osaka-Japan-June-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-holding-a-large-beer-at-a-restaurant-in-Tokyo-Japan-June-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lindsay-with-Lily--Cora--and-Harper-sitting-together-at-a-mall-in-Tokyo-Japan-June-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-and-Lindsay-enjoying-beers-at-a-baseball-game-at-Fukuoka-PayPay-Dome-in-Fukuoka-Japan-July-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-enjoying-a-drink-with-Wat-Arun-across-the-Chao-Phraya-River-in-Bangkok-Thailand-May-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Lily--and-Cora-playing-on-the-beach-in-Boracay-Phillipenes-Sept-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-wearing-traditional-straw-clothing-during-a-cultural-experience-in-Shirakawa-go-Japan-Nov-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Harper--and-Cora-wearing-traditional-straw-clothing-at-Ikuta-Ryokuchi-Park-in-Kawasaki-Japan-November-3-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-holding-a-wooden-tool-while-wearing-traditional-straw-clothing-at-Ikuta-Ryokuchi-Park-in-Kawasaki-Japan-November-3-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lily--Cora--Harper--and-Lindsay-making-goofy-faces-during-a-family-selfie-at-Ikuta-Ryokuchi-Park-in-Kawasaki-Japan-November-3-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Some-friends--Lindsay--and-Adam-sitting-together-after-meeting-at-a-worldschool-popup-hub-at-Ikuta-Ryokuchi-Park-in-Kawasaki-Japan-November-3-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Lily--Terry--Adam--Kim--Cora--and-Lindsay-taking-a-family-selfie-in-front-of-Tokyo-Skytree-in-Sumida-Tokyo-Japan-November-17-2023-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam---s-parents-Kim-and-Terry-posing-with-Lily--Cora--and-Harper-on-a-lit-walkway-bridge-in-Taito-Tokyo-Japan-November-17-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Terry--Kim--Harper--Cora--and-Lily-posing-together-in-front-of-a-pagoda-at-Ueno-Park-in-Tokyo-Japan-November-19-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Crowds-gathering-near-a-sightseeing-pirate-ship-on-Lake-Ashi-with-Mount-Fuji-in-the-background-at-Fuji-Hakone-Izu-National-Park-in-Hakone-Japan-November-20-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-and-Lily-hugging-on-a-garden-bridge-at-Sankeien-Garden-in-Yokohama-Japan-November-24-2023.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-celebrating-her-birthday-with-a-cake-and-sparklers-at-home-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-14-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-smiling-with-confetti-in-her-hair-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-31-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora--Harper--and-Lily-standing-together-as-confetti-falls-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-31-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-throwing-confetti-in-the-air-in-Playa-del-Carmen-Mexico-March-31-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-sliding-down-a-playground-slide-at-Iriya-Minami-Park-in-Tokyo-Japan-May-12-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-sliding-down-a-playground-slide-at-Iriya-Minami-Park-in-Tokyo-Japan-May-12-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Lily--and-Cora-sitting-together-inside-TeamLab-Borderless-in-Tokyo-Japan-June-24-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-inside-TeamLab-Borderless-in-Tokyo-Japan-June-24-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-and-Lindsay-taking-a-selfie-in-front-of-Tokyo-Tower-in-Minato-Tokyo-Japan-June-24-2024-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lindsay--Adam--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-taking-a-selfie-in-front-of-Tokyo-Tower-in-Minato-Tokyo-Japan-June-24-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-at-Zhengbin-Fishing-Harbor-in-Keelung-Taiwan-July-8-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-in-front-of-the-TAIPEI-sign-in-Taipei-Taiwan-July-14-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-sitting-in-front-of-the-Petronas-Twin-Towers-at-KLCC-Park-in-Kuala-Lumpur-Malaysia-September-16-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-standing-in-a-rooftop-infinity-pool-in-Kuala-Lumpur-Malaysia-September-16-2024.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-visiting-a-mosque-in-Kuala-Lumpur-Malaysia-November-12-2024-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-with-friends-on-a-night-out-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-January-11-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--Harper--and-friends-standing-together-on-My-Khe-Beach-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-January-31-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-in-front-of-Hong-Kong-Disneyland-in-Hong-Kong-China-February-12-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-with-friends-inside-a-Kareoke-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-February-27-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-jumping-on-the-beach-at-My-Khe-Beach-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-April-21-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lindsay-and-a-friend-enjoying-drinks-on-My-Khe-Beach-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-May-11-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-holding-her-notebook-at-home-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-2-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-approaching-an-elephant-in-an-open-field-at-an-elephant-sanctuary-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-24-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-standing-on-a-jungle-trail-with-elephants-behind-them-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-24-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Elephants-walking-up-to-the-deck-during-morning-feeding-at-an-elephant-sanctuary-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-25-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-smiling-inside-their-villa-while-an-elephant-walks-up-to-the-doorway-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-25-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Clarkson-family-celebrating-Harper---s-6th-birthday-at-an-elephant-sanctuary-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-25-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-posing-next-to-an-elephant-at-an-elephant-sanctuary-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-25-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-standing-in-front-of-the--ChiangMai-Pride-sign-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-30-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-posing-in-front-of-the--ChiangMai-Pride-sign-in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-June-30-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/A-retro-television-display-reading----Not-Spicy-Not-Fun----in-Chiang-Mai-Thailand-July-12-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lindsay-holding-Cora-while-enjoying-a-drink-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-August-15-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-standing-outside-a-building-in-Copenhagen-Denmark-November-21-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-smiling-at-dinner-in-Nyhavn-Copenhagen-Denmark-November-22-2025.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-with-Santa-during-a-Christmas-Market-in-Warsaw--Poland-December-17-2025-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Close-up-of-a-reindeer-leading-a-sleigh-ride-with-Adam-and-Lily-through-the-forest-in-Rovaniemi-Finland-January-29-2026.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-and-Lily-riding-in-a-reindeer-sleigh-through-the-forest-in-Rovaniemi-Finland-January-29-2026.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/A-reindeer-pulling-a-sleigh-through-the-snowy-forest-in-Rovaniemi-Finland-January-29-2026.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Cora--and-Lily-meeting-a-reindeer-in-Rovaniemi-Finland-January-29-2026.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper--Cora--and-Lily-posing-with-Santa-indoors-in-Rovaniemi-Finland-January-30-2026.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-with-Santa-at-a-winter-village-in-Rovaniemi-Finland-January-30-2026.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-at-Tennoji-Zoo-in-Osaka-Japan-February-15-2026.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Cora-looking-back-while-standing-at-the-giraffe-enclosure-at-Tennoji-Zoo-in-Osaka-Japan-February-15-2026.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lions-resting-on-rocks-at-Tennoji-Zoo-in-Osaka-Japan-February-15-2026-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam-smiling-with-Harper-sitting-on-his-shoulders-at-Tennoji-Zoo-in-Osaka-Japan-February-15-2026-1.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily--Cora--and-Harper-posing-with-Hello-Kitty-plush-toys-at-Universal-Studios-Japan-in-Osaka-Japan-March-14-2026.png) ### Best Things to Do in Bali (+ Is the Klook Pass Bali Worth It?) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/things-to-do-in-bali-klook-pass/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:20.000Z Bali has been on our list since we started travelling full-time. We've spent years moving through Southeast Asia -- Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia -- and in that time we've met a steady stream of travellers who look you dead in the eye and say "Bali changed me." That's a big claim, but having spent enough time in the region to know how good it gets over here, we believe them. This guide pulls together the best things to do in Bali, with a close look at the [Klook Pass Bali](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/68512-bali-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \-- a bundled activity pass covering up to 40 of the island's top experiences. Fair warning: this is not a short list. Bali is not a short trip. ![Klook Pass Bali top activities bundle](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/i55joagsnnjprzasg62f.jpg) The Klook Pass Bali gives you access to up to 40 activities with savings of up to 45% ## What Is the Klook Pass Bali? The [Klook Pass Bali](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/68512-bali-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) starts at $44.85 USD and lets you choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 top activities from a list of over 40 options -- plus up to 2 Super Saver add-ons. The pass is valid for 30 days from first activation, so you can spread your activities across your trip rather than cramming everything into back-to-back days. That flexibility matters a lot in Bali, where distances between regions and the pace of the island both push back against rushed itineraries. The pass covers some of Bali's most in-demand activities: Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking, Waterbom Bali, Bali Zoo, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, the Uluwatu Kecak Fire Dance, Ayung White Water Rafting, ATV rides, Bali Swing, spa massage sessions, and more. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on Klook for the best available savings on top of the pass. | Pass Tier | Activities | Super Saver Add-ons | Best For | | ---------- | ----------------- | ------------------- | ------------------- | | 2-Activity | Choose 2 from 40+ | Up to 2 | Short 3-4 day visit | | 3-Activity | Choose 3 from 40+ | Up to 2 | Long weekend | | 4-Activity | Choose 4 from 40+ | Up to 2 | One week | | 5-Activity | Choose 5 from 40+ | Up to 2 | 10+ days, families | One thing to note: some activities have set time slots and book out in advance. Klook recommends reserving your chosen activities a few days before your intended dates, especially for popular slots like Mount Batur sunrise or the Uluwatu sunset show. The pass gives you flexibility on paper, but Bali's most sought-after experiences still require forward planning. Check the [full pass listing](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/68512-bali-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) for the current activity roster, as it does get updated. ## Mount Batur: Sunrise from an Active Volcano ![Mount Batur Jeep sunrise tour Bali](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/hpbfajmqb4iozrktzqtl.jpg) Mount Batur is one of Bali's most active volcanoes -- sunrise from the caldera is reliably spectacular If you only do one thing in Bali that genuinely stops you in your tracks, most experienced travellers will point you toward Mount Batur at sunrise. The volcano sits in the highlands of north-central Bali and at 1,717 metres it's not a casual stroll, but the payoff -- watching sunrise spill across the caldera with the clouds still below you -- is the kind of thing people travel for. There are two main ways to do it: hike up (which starts around 2am and takes roughly two hours) or take the Jeep route. The [Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour with Photographer on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73775-mount-batur-4wd-jeep-sunrise-tour-photographer-trip-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($59.79 USD) is the smart family option -- you get the sunrise views and the black lava fields without the 4am vertical scramble, and a photographer is included to actually capture the moment while you're busy experiencing it. There's also a [combo experience from $14.29](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/49923-mount-batur-jeep-sunrise-combo-experience-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) that can be paired with spa, ATV, or rafting. Either version is a strong candidate for your Klook Pass activity selection. It's included in the pass and consistently rates 4.9/5 -- which for an activity with thousands of reviews is genuinely remarkable. ## Waterbom Bali: Asia's Top-Rated Waterpark ![Waterbom Bali waterpark slides](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/oktkjxrjczceebxytzsv.jpg) Waterbom has been ranked the number one waterpark in Asia -- it earns that title Waterbom Bali has won the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award for Asia's best waterpark and it isn't a fluke. The park spans over 5 hectares in Kuta and has 26 slides built to international safety standards, a lazy river, a kids zone, swim-up bars, five dining outlets with fresh food daily, and the Constrictor -- a 250-metre slide that makes a legitimate case for being the longest waterslide in the world. For families with younger kids especially, this is a full day without question. You're not dragging kids past one mediocre slide after another -- the range genuinely works for mixed ages. The [Waterbom Bali ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/175-waterbom-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) starts from $18.95 USD with long-validity tickets available. Book in advance -- prices are lower than the gate and you skip any queue at entry. ## Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak Fire Dance ![Kecak fire dance Uluwatu Temple Bali sunset](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ytytzxvnaw18unwmtyht.jpg) The Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple is timed perfectly with sunset -- one of the most atmospheric shows in Southeast Asia Uluwatu Temple sits on the southwestern tip of Bali on top of a 70-metre sea cliff. It's spectacular in daylight. At sunset, with the Kecak Fire Dance performed on an open-air stage with the ocean and the darkening sky behind it, it becomes one of the most visually dramatic experiences in Southeast Asia -- and we say that having spent years across the region. The Kecak is a traditional Balinese ritual performance depicting the Hindu Ramayana epic. There's no orchestra -- the soundtrack is provided entirely by a chorus of men chanting "kecak" in hypnotic rhythmic patterns while dancers in elaborate costumes enact the story. The fire walking at the climax is exactly as striking as it sounds. The [Kecak Fire Dance ticket at Uluwatu on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/21638-uluwatu-kecak-fire-dance-show-tickets-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is just $7.75 USD -- one of the best value experiences in Bali. There's also a [guided full-day Uluwatu tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/153-uluwatu-temple-sunset-kecak-fire-dance-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) from $22.85 if you want the temple, Padang Padang Beach, and an optional Jimbaran seafood dinner all in one go. ## The Bali Instagram Tour: Gates, Temples, and Terraces ![Lempuyang Temple Gate of Heaven Bali](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/dd9qacbzrga8bqyiihqu.jpg) The Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple is one of the most recognisable images in all of Bali A certain subset of Bali's attractions have achieved a level of global visual recognition that means most visitors have already seen them on Instagram before they arrive. The Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. The Handara Gate in the north. The UNESCO-listed rice terraces of Tegallalang. These are genuinely stunning places, and the reason they photograph so well is because they actually look like that. The [Bali Instagram Tour on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/20722-instagram-tour-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($29.60 USD) covers Lempuyang Temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, the Handara Gate, Tirta Gangga water palace, and Virgin Beach in a single day with round-trip hotel transfers. There's also a [private Instagram tour with a dedicated photographer](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/23429-best-instagram-spots-photographer-tour-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($28.29) if you want professional shots taken throughout rather than relying on your phone and whoever's standing nearby. ## Nusa Penida: Bali's Dramatic Island Neighbour ![Nusa Penida Instagram tour snorkelling Bali](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/lzstjx63r4gyckkjbnuv.jpg) Nusa Penida sits off Bali's southeast coast and has some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Indonesia About 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur, Nusa Penida is a different world from the Bali mainland -- rawer, quieter, and with coastal scenery that looks almost artificially dramatic. Kelingking Beach (the T-Rex-shaped cliff viewpoint), Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach, and the crystal-clear snorkelling sites around Manta Point and Crystal Bay all sit on this single island. The [Sanur to Nusa Penida fast boat ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/45954-ferry-ticket-nusa-penida/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) runs from $5.09 USD each way. For a properly organised day out, the [Nusa Penida Instagram and Snorkelling Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/26411-nusa-penida-instagram-private-tour-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($37.39) includes round-trip transfers, lunch, and access to both the photogenic viewpoints and the snorkelling sites -- a genuinely full day with logistics sorted. ## ATV, Rafting, Swing, and the Adventure Activities ![Bali ATV ride Ubud rice fields](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/p1wwugi2rlpnylqpdg6x.jpg) ATV rides through Ubud's caves, rice fields, and river crossings are an Bali favourite for a reason Bali has a strong adventure activity scene concentrated around Ubud, and these are exactly the kind of experiences where the Klook Pass pays for itself quickly. A few highlights: The [Bali ATV Ride in Ubud](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74631-atv-quad-bike-adventure-abiansila-ubud-trip-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($37.39) runs through actual jungle terrain -- a cave tunnel, river crossings, bamboo forest, rice fields, and puddles that are genuine puddles rather than decorative ones. It's a 4.8-rated activity and one of the pass's strongest inclusions for anyone who wants to do something other than look at temples. The [Picheaven Bali Swing](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/35774-picheaven-bali-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($10.49) is one of the largest and most trusted swing experiences on the island, rated 4.9/5, and offers 11 different photo spots beyond the swing itself -- so it's more than a single Instagram shot. Surfing lessons at Kuta are also worth a mention: the [1-on-1 lesson at Kuta Beach](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46992-surfing-lesson-beginner-kuta-beach-27-surf-bali-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) runs from $11.19 and Kuta is one of the more forgiving beginner breaks in Southeast Asia. ## Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park ![Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue Bali](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/oq25lomlxr0havtllzdj.jpg) The GWK statue of Vishnu on Garuda is one of the tallest statues in the world and a genuine cultural landmark The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park in Uluwatu is built around one of the world's largest and highest monument statues -- Lord Vishnu riding the mythical Garuda bird, at 121 metres tall. It's an extraordinary piece of work, and the surrounding cultural park includes daily live performances, street theatre, restaurants, and shops. The [GWK Cultural Park ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/13234-garuda-wisnu-kencana-cultural-park-admission-ticket-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) starts at $5.39 USD, with an upgrade available to access the top of the statue for views across South Bali. ## Getting Around Bali: The Private Car Charter Bali does not have a functional public transport system in the conventional sense. The island runs on private drivers and car charters, and this is actually fine -- drivers are affordable, the roads outside peak tourist hours are manageable, and having your own driver means you can build a flexible itinerary rather than being beholden to tour departure times. Klook has a strong selection of private car charter options. The [Bali Private Car Charter](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/800-private-car-charter-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($29.15 USD) covers 6, 10, or 12-hour rentals with English-speaking drivers and can accommodate groups from 1 to 32 people depending on vehicle choice. There's also a [zone-based rental from $19.19](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/24905-private-car-charter-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) if you're staying within one region. Download WhatsApp before you arrive -- it's how operators in Bali communicate universally, and not having it will cause unnecessary friction. ## Jimbaran Beach: Sunset Seafood on the Sand ![Jimbaran seafood sunset dinner Bali beach](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/x9djhkek01yxicedb9go.jpg) Sunset seafood at Jimbaran is the kind of travel experience that genuinely delivers on the expectation One of the great Bali evening rituals is a seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach at sunset. Tables are set directly on the sand, fresh seafood is grilled while you watch the sky change, and the whole thing unfolds at the kind of pace that Southeast Asia does better than anywhere. The [Jimbaran Seafood Dining and Sunset Experience on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/22060-jimbaran-seafood-dining-experience-bali/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) starts from $9.75 USD with various package options. Halal-certified, no pork. The food is fresh, the setting is legitimately beautiful, and it's one of those evenings that earns Bali its reputation. ## Staying Connected in Bali Mobile data is essential in Bali. Navigation between regions takes constant map checking, activity pickup confirmations come via WhatsApp, and if you're travelling with kids, reliable connectivity saves everyone's sanity on longer drives. We've used [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) across Southeast Asia consistently -- install it before you leave home, activate when you land, and you're connected immediately without hunting for a local SIM at the airport. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your plan. If you're doing Bali as part of a longer Southeast Asia trip -- which honestly you should -- the [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) monthly subscription makes more financial sense than buying individual destination eSIMs. The Light Plan is $49.90/month for 25GB across 76+ destinations, the Unlimited Plan is $64.90/month. The Always On feature gives you 1GB of automatic backup data the moment you cross a border, so you're never caught offline during a transfer. For a multi-country trip through Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond, it's the tidy solution. ## How to Get the Most from the Klook Pass Bali With 40+ activities available, the hardest part of the Klook Pass Bali is choosing. A few principles that apply to these passes generally: pick your most expensive activities first, since that's where the savings compound fastest. Mount Batur Jeep sunrise, Waterbom, and the ATV ride are among the higher-ticket items -- build your pass around those and treat the cheaper activities as additions rather than anchors. Don't try to stack activities on consecutive days without accounting for Bali's geography. The island is not enormous, but the roads between Kuta and Ubud and Uluwatu during peak hours are slow. A sunrise at Mount Batur followed by an afternoon Kecak show at Uluwatu is a long day. Spread things out, build in a day between the more demanding activities, and actually enjoy the island in between. Reserve activities as soon as you have dates confirmed. The Klook Pass is valid for 30 days from first activation, which is generous, but sunrise tours and sunset shows fill up quickly and you don't want to activate your pass and then find your first-choice slots are gone. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at Klook checkout for the best available rate. ![Klook Pass Bali activity selection](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/rqv21a41v7c17ikeue0o.jpg) Book in advance -- popular Bali activities like sunrise tours and sunset shows fill quickly ## Planning a Bali Trip: Practical Basics Bali's main airport is Ngurah Rai International (DPS), located in the south near Kuta. Most visitors base themselves in Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu for beach access and nightlife; Ubud for culture, rice terraces, and adventure activities; or Jimbaran and Nusa Dua for quieter, more resort-style settings. For families, Seminyak and Ubud tend to work well -- the former has good beach access with less of the party-focused Kuta energy, the latter is genuinely beautiful and has enough to do within easy reach. Peak season runs July to August and around Christmas/New Year. Shoulder months (May, June, September, October) give you good weather with lower prices and crowds. The wet season runs roughly November through March, with afternoon rain that's usually short-lived rather than all-day. Indonesia requires a visa or visa-on-arrival for most nationalities -- check requirements before you book flights. Bali is also genuinely good value. Accommodation, food, and transport are all affordable relative to other major Asian destinations, which means your Klook Pass activity budget goes a long way. If you're travelling with family and coming from a more expensive destination like Japan or Australia, the contrast is noticeable immediately. If you're planning a family trip and want help building the right itinerary for your specific travel style, [Lindsay works as a travel advisor](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) and can put together a custom plan. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Bali ### Is the Klook Pass Bali worth it? Yes, if you plan to do 3 or more paid activities during your trip. The pass covers 40+ activities including some of Bali's most expensive experiences, and savings can reach up to 45%. For a family of four or five doing the pass on a 5-activity bundle, the savings are significant. ### How many days do you need in Bali? Seven to ten days is a solid first trip. A week lets you cover the main regions -- southern Bali's beaches and temples, Ubud's culture and adventure activities, and a day trip to Nusa Penida -- without feeling rushed. Two weeks is comfortable for a more relaxed pace with the flexibility to follow what interests you. ### Is Bali good for families with young children? Very. Bali is welcoming toward families and children specifically. Waterbom covers all ages from toddlers to adults. The Bali Zoo, safaris, and cultural performances are all excellent for kids. The pace of Ubud and the beach areas of Seminyak are manageable with young children in a way that busier urban Asian destinations aren't always. ### What is the best area to stay in Bali? It depends on what you're prioritising. Seminyak and Canggu for a beach-plus-lifestyle base with good restaurants and nightlife. Ubud for culture, greenery, and adventure activities. Jimbaran or Nusa Dua for quieter resort-style accommodation. First-time visitors often do well splitting the trip between south Bali (2-3 nights) and Ubud (3-4 nights). ### Do I need an eSIM or local SIM for Bali? Yes, you'll want data. Navigation between regions and WhatsApp communication with drivers and activity operators both require a reliable connection. A [Holafly eSIM for Indonesia](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) installed before travel is the most convenient option -- use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. If you're travelling across multiple Asian destinations, the [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) monthly subscription covers 76+ destinations under one plan. ### What's the best way to get around Bali? Private car charter with a driver is the most practical approach for most visitors, especially families. Klook's car charter options are reliable, affordable, and let you build a custom itinerary. Scooter rental is common for solo travellers and couples, but is not recommended for families with young children on Bali's roads. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we actually use and trust. All opinions are our own.* ### Best Things to Do in Seoul (+ How the Klook Pass Seoul Saves You Money) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:15.000Z Seoul is one of those cities that just keeps delivering. We arrived expecting palaces and street food and left three weeks later wondering how we'd managed to cram in so much and still feel like we'd barely scratched the surface. The city moves fast, it's enormous, and if you're trying to see the highlights without hemorrhaging money on individual admission tickets, the [Klook Pass Seoul](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74595-seoul-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is worth a serious look. But this isn't just a pass review. We want to talk about the actual attractions, because honestly the pass is only as good as what's on it, and Seoul happens to have some of the best things to do in Asia for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. Here's how we'd put Seoul together, what's genuinely worth your time, and where the pass makes the most financial sense. ![Klook Pass Seoul - top attractions bundle](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/bxsdyxocsgfqainlbibx.jpg) The Klook Pass Seoul covers 15+ top attractions with savings of up to 58% ## What Is the Klook Pass Seoul? The [Klook Pass Seoul](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74595-seoul-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is a bundled attraction pass that lets you choose between 2 and 6 activities from a curated list of over 15 Seoul attractions, all on one ticket. The savings can reach up to 58% off individual entry prices, which for a city like Seoul -- where popular spots like Seoul Sky and Lotte World carry meaningful price tags -- adds up fast. The pass currently starts at $34.55 USD for a 2-activity bundle and scales from there depending on how many activities you select. You activate it with your first reservation and then have 30 days to book the remaining activities -- plenty of flexibility for most trips. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to get the best available Klook deals. | Pass Tier | Activities Included | Best For | | ---------- | ------------------- | --------------------------- | | 2-Activity | Choose 2 from 15+ | Short city break (2-3 days) | | 3-Activity | Choose 3 from 15+ | Long weekend | | 4-Activity | Choose 4 from 15+ | 4-5 day trip | | 5-Activity | Choose 5 from 15+ | Week-long visit | | 6-Activity | Choose 6 from 15+ | Extended stay, families | Standard pass inclusions cover Seoul Sky Lotte World Tower, COEX Aquarium, Seoul Yeouido Eland Hangang River Cruise, Korean Folk Village, and more. Premium add-ons let you tack on Lotte World Day Pass, Everland All-Day Pass, or a Nanta Show ticket in Hongdae or Myeongdong. **Important:** Always check the current activity list on the Klook Pass page directly, as availability can change. The [Klook Pass Seoul listing](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74595-seoul-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) will always show the most current inclusions. ## N Seoul Tower: Views Worth the Climb ![N Seoul Tower Observatory panoramic view](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/xui9hudopofmrcgtfasl.jpg) N Seoul Tower sits at nearly 500m elevation and gives you all of Seoul spread out below If there's one thing you do in Seoul, go up N Seoul Tower at night. The tower sits on top of Namsan Hill at nearly 500 metres total elevation, and the view of Seoul lit up below you is genuinely spectacular. During the day you can see the hills on the city's fringes; at night it turns into a sea of light in every direction. The hill itself is a nice walk if you have the energy, surrounded by Namsan Park and the famous love lock railings where couples attach padlocks to the fence (our kids were very opinionated about whether this was romantic or a waste of a perfectly good padlock). There's also a cable car up if you'd rather not hike. You can grab the [N Seoul Tower Observatory Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/412-n-seoul-tower-seoul/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) from $13.55 USD. This is one of the best value attractions in Seoul and a strong choice for your Klook Pass if it's available in your bundle. We filmed our visit to N Seoul Tower and you can watch the full episode here: [Watch 159 | N SEOUL TOWER 🇰🇷 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKD5gdPIAXg&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Lotte World: The World's Largest Indoor Theme Park ![Lotte World Adventure indoor theme park Seoul](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/tlsbholhbdch17rrl0dm.jpg) Lotte World Adventure is the world's largest indoor theme park -- no rain delays here Lotte World deserves its own section because it's genuinely impressive in a way that photos don't fully capture. It holds the record for the world's largest indoor theme park, which means it operates year-round regardless of weather, and it is vast. The indoor section (Lotte World Adventure) is connected to the outdoor Magic Island section on a lake, and together they cover an enormous amount of ground. For families this is a full-day commitment. There are rides across all thrill levels, live shows and parades, an ice skating rink, and the whole place has that slightly surreal quality of being both extremely Korean and extremely theme park simultaneously. Individual tickets run from $29.09 USD on Klook -- a solid candidate for the premium add-on upgrade on the Klook Pass Seoul. Book your [Lotte World tickets on Klook here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/251-lotte-world-seoul/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). The Direct Entry package means you walk straight in without exchanging tickets at the gate, which matters when you have three kids and a finite amount of patience. ## Everland: Korea's Biggest Theme Park ![Everland theme park South Korea](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/euhwy3kvjy0xp4dimb3h.jpg) Everland sits about an hour outside Seoul and is the largest theme park in Korea If Lotte World is Seoul's indoor option, Everland is the big outdoor counterpart, sitting about an hour from the city centre in Gyeonggi Province. It's consistently ranked among the top theme parks in Asia, with five distinct themed zones, a safari-style animal area, and thrill rides that will genuinely test your nerve. Everland is worth the trip out of the city, particularly in autumn when the foliage is spectacular and the park leans into the season hard. The [Everland ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/252-everland-seoul/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) runs $24.99 USD and Klook offers exclusive extras including the River Trail animal encounter. This is one of the Klook Pass Seoul premium add-on options, and if you're travelling with kids it's worth the upgrade. ## The DMZ Tour: History You Won't Find Anywhere Else on Earth ![DMZ tour from Seoul - Demilitarized Zone](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/if7udg4rzxzkvfitn0v8.jpg) The DMZ is unlike anywhere else -- you're standing at the world's most heavily fortified border The DMZ tour is one of the most distinctive things you can do anywhere in the world, not just in Seoul. The Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea is a strange, charged, genuinely fascinating place -- part living history lesson, part geopolitical reality check, part tourist attraction. You'll visit Imjingak Park, the Third Infiltration Tunnel (dug by North Korea), and the Dora Observatory where you can peer across into North Korea through binoculars. It's heavy, educational, and oddly moving. With kids, it's also a conversation you'll be having for days afterwards. The [DMZ Tour from Seoul on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/216-dmz-tour-gyeonggi-do/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) runs from $25 USD and includes an optional North Korean defector meet-up, which is as rare and sobering as it sounds. This tour is rated 4.9/5 from over 30,000 reviews -- that says a lot. ## Nami Island and the Day Trips Outside Seoul ![Nami Island tree-lined path South Korea](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/bgetbim7prttbebuocqc.jpg) Nami Island is photogenic in every season -- the tree-lined paths are famous for good reason About 80km from Seoul, Nami Island is one of those places that photographs itself. The tree-lined paths that change with every season, the quiet ferry crossing, the total vibe shift from the city -- it makes a genuinely excellent day out. Most people combine it with one or more nearby attractions, and this is where the Klook day tours make a lot of sense. The [Nami Island and surrounding area day tours from Seoul](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2528-nami-island-garden-morning-calm-seoul/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) on Klook can be combined with Alpaca World (exactly what it sounds like and the kids went absolutely feral for it), RailBike rides along scenic rail tracks, and the Garden of Morning Calm. From $15.39 USD with round-trip transport from Seoul included, it's a brilliant use of a day. ## Exploring Seoul Itself: Palaces, Markets, and Neighbourhoods ![lighted city skyline at night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1546874177-9e664107314e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fHNlb3VsfGVufDB8fHx8MTc3NDY2MTg2MXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Yohan Cho](https://unsplash.com/@yohoney?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) Beyond the big ticketed attractions, Seoul itself is worth enormous amounts of your time. Gyeongbokgung Palace is free to enter and genuinely stunning, particularly if you visit during the changing of the guard. The Bukchon Hanok Village sits just nearby and has preserved rows of traditional Korean houses in the middle of a modern city -- surreal and beautiful in equal measure. Myeongdong is the madness of Korean street food and skincare shopping condensed into a few dense blocks. Insadong is the craft and antique market district. Hongdae is the university area with live music, street performers, and an entirely different energy. If you have older kids, the Han River parks are exactly the kind of place Koreans actually spend their time -- renting bikes, buying convenience store chicken, and sitting by the water. We covered Seoul across a few videos on our channel including our first impressions and exploring the city day by day: [Watch 156 | FIRST IMPRESSIONS SEOUL 🇰🇷 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inQE1vvpTDY&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 157 | SEOUL – Exploring the City 🇰🇷 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVv2YtrdF4E&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Staying Connected in Seoul Seoul has excellent public Wi-Fi coverage in most tourist areas and the metro, but you'll want your own data connection for navigation, translation apps, and staying in touch when you're between spots. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for South Korea -- it works across the whole country with no data caps, and you can pick it up before you leave home so you're connected the moment you land. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your plan. If you're planning a longer trip through multiple Asian destinations, the [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) monthly subscription is worth looking at -- at $49.90/month for 25GB (Light) or $64.90/month for unlimited data, it covers 76+ destinations under a single plan. For anyone hitting Korea plus Japan, Thailand, or anywhere else in the region, it makes the per-destination eSIM maths work in your favour quickly. The Always On feature gives you a 1GB automatic backup across all covered destinations the moment you arrive somewhere new, so you're never hunting for Wi-Fi in an airport. ## How to Get the Most Value from the Klook Pass Seoul The pass works best when you're thoughtful about what you select. A few pointers from experience with these Klook city passes: Start by making a list of everything you actually want to do in Seoul, then check what's included on the pass and what isn't. The pass covers attractions with the highest individual entry fees, so front-loading your choices with the most expensive venues (Seoul Sky, Lotte World, Everland premium add-on) maximises your savings. Activities like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Han River parks are free anyway, so they shouldn't be influencing your pass selection. Book your first activity as soon as you arrive to start the 30-day booking window, but make reservations for time-specific attractions (like Lotte World during peak weekends) at least 48 hours in advance. The pass is flexible but popular time slots fill up, especially during public holidays and school vacation periods when Korean domestic tourism peaks. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on Klook for the best available savings on top of the pass value. ![Klook Pass Seoul activities overview](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ok1xnoq44paptpck1s5a.jpg) Activate your pass within 30 days of purchase, then have 30 more days to book all your activities ## Seoul with Kids: What Actually Works Seoul is a remarkably easy city to navigate with children. The metro is clean, well-signed in English, and has lifts at virtually every station. Koreans are generally warm toward kids and you'll find that family travel here is comfortable in a way that isn't universal across Asia. For younger kids, Lotte World, the aquarium at COEX, and Nami Island are all excellent. The DMZ tour is appropriate for older kids who can engage with the history -- we'd say 10 and up is a reasonable benchmark, though that depends on your children. Everland works across ages. N Seoul Tower is good for any age that can handle the elevator (very fast, briefly disorienting, and our youngest thought it was the best part). Food is rarely a challenge in Seoul. Korean BBQ is universally loved by children who are used to trying things, bibimbap travels well across palate preferences, and fried chicken is simply excellent everywhere. There's also a thriving Japanese food scene if you need a fallback, and convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) are genuinely good for a quick and cheap meal. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Seoul ### Is the Klook Pass Seoul worth buying? Yes, if you're planning to visit 3 or more paid attractions. The savings of up to 58% on individual ticket prices mean it pays for itself quickly when you're covering venues like Seoul Sky, Everland, or Lotte World. For a 2-activity trip it's still competitive but the value scales with the number of activities you choose. ### How many days do you need in Seoul? A minimum of 5 days gives you enough time to cover the main attractions without rushing. A week is more comfortable, especially if you want to take the Everland day trip, do the DMZ tour, and still have time to wander Insadong and the palaces at a reasonable pace. Two weeks would let you genuinely settle in. ### Is Seoul good for families with young children? Very. The metro is accessible, English signage is good throughout tourist areas, Korean families are everywhere so you won't feel conspicuous, and the mix of indoor and outdoor attractions suits mixed-age groups well. Lotte World in particular is excellent for all ages. ### What is the best way to get around Seoul? The metro is the answer for almost everything. It's cheap, fast, comprehensive, and far easier to navigate than trying to take taxis across the city in traffic. Get a T-money card (available at any convenience store) and top it up as you go. Taxis are reasonably priced for shorter hops when you need them. ### Do I need a SIM card or eSIM for South Korea? Yes -- mobile data is genuinely essential for navigation and translation. We recommend getting a [Holafly eSIM for South Korea](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) before you travel. It activates the moment you land and you can install it at home. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. ### Can I do a day trip to the DMZ from Seoul? Yes, easily. DMZ tours depart from central Seoul and are typically half-day or full-day depending on the itinerary. You don't need to organise your own transport -- all reputable tour operators include pick-up from central meeting points. Book through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/216-dmz-tour-gyeonggi-do/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) for instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours before. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we actually use. All opinions are our own.* ### SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: What It's Actually Like After 3+ Years of Full-Time Travel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/safetywing-nomad-insurance-review/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:23.000Z Travel medical insurance is one of those things nobody wants to think about until they really, really need it. We've been traveling full-time with our three daughters since May 2022 -- across 33+ countries, including extended stays in Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, and beyond -- and along the way we've had to navigate actual medical situations in places like Budapest and Bangkok. So when people ask us what travel insurance we use, it's not a hypothetical. We've been in the thick of it. We use [SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) and have for a while now. This isn't a product we've glanced at from the outside -- we've used it, understood its limits, and kept coming back to it. Here's what we've actually learned. ![Family with passports and travel documents preparing for international travel](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488085061387-422e29b40080?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Five people, 33+ countries, and a lot of medical what-ifs. Travel insurance stopped being optional the day we left home. ## What Is SafetyWing Nomad Insurance? SafetyWing is a travel medical insurance provider built specifically for people who are traveling long-term, working remotely, or living a nomadic lifestyle. Their flagship product -- **Nomad Insurance Essential** \-- is not a comprehensive health insurance plan. It covers unexpected illness and injury abroad, plus common travel headaches like delays, lost luggage, and trip interruptions. The key distinction worth understanding upfront: Nomad Insurance Essential is travel medical insurance, not full health insurance. It won't cover routine checkups, pre-existing conditions, or preventive care. What it will do is step in when something goes unexpectedly wrong -- which, when you travel long enough, it will. SafetyWing also offers **Nomad Insurance Complete**, which upgrades to full health insurance including routine care, mental health support, wellness therapies, and cancer treatment, usable as a primary health plan in 175+ countries. If you're looking for something closer to full expat health coverage, that's the one to look at. ## How the Pricing Works One of the things that initially drew us to SafetyWing is how it's structured. Rather than buying a fixed policy for a defined trip, you subscribe -- the plan auto-extends every 28 days and you can cancel any time. You can also buy upfront for a single trip as short as 5 days or as long as 364 days. For long-term travelers who don't have a clear return date, that flexibility matters a lot. Pricing varies based on age and whether you include coverage for travel within the United States. For a quick reference: | Age Range | Coverage Type | Approx. Cost | | --------- | ------------------------------ | --------------------- | | 0-9 | Kids included free with parent | $0 (up to 2 children) | | 10-39 | Excluding US travel | \~$45-50 / 28 days | | 10-39 | Including US travel | \~$62-68 / 28 days | | 40-49 | Excluding US travel | \~$75-85 / 28 days | | 50-59 | Excluding US travel | \~$120-135 / 28 days | Children under 10 travel free with a covered parent – up to two kids per adult. That's actually one of the more compelling parts of the product for families like ours, where three kids would otherwise be three separate line items on an insurance bill. For current pricing specific to your age and itinerary, use the [SafetyWing price calculator here](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). ## What It Actually Covers The coverage under Nomad Insurance Essential is designed around travel medical situations -- the kind of thing that can derail a trip and empty your savings account if you're not prepared. | Coverage Category | What's Included | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Emergency medical care | Unexpected illness or injury abroad, hospital stays, emergency surgery | | Emergency dental | Acute dental pain resulting from an accident | | Medical evacuation | Transport to the nearest adequate facility or home country if medically necessary | | Trip interruption | Costs incurred if travel is interrupted due to a covered medical event | | Travel delays | Reasonable expenses for delays over 12 hours | | Lost checked luggage | Reimbursement for permanently lost checked bags | | Home country coverage | 30 days of coverage per 90 days in your home country | | COVID-19 | Covered like any other unexpected illness | Note that SafetyWing covers you in 175+ countries. There are exclusions to understand -- pre-existing conditions are not covered under Nomad Essential, and it's not designed to replace comprehensive health insurance for things like routine care or check-ups. If you want that level of coverage, Nomad Insurance Complete handles it. ![Hospital corridor representing medical care abroad](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1559757148-5c350d0d3c56?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) We've been to hospitals in Budapest and Bangkok with the family. Having coverage in place made those situations a lot more manageable. ## What We've Actually Used It For We've documented some of our family's medical moments on the YouTube channel -- from a hospital visit in Budapest to an emergency room trip in Bangkok. Those aren't fun videos to film, but they're some of the most useful ones we've made because they show what traveling with kids and actually needing medical care looks like in real life. We ended up in a Bangkok hospital (see that video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uM6d0ZbyNg4) and in Budapest's medical system (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uQVYCh4dJU) during our earlier travels. Neither situation was catastrophic, but both reinforced why having coverage in place matters. Navigating a foreign healthcare system while managing a sick kid is stressful enough without also worrying about what it's going to cost you. The key thing to understand going in is that SafetyWing Nomad Essential is there for the unexpected. It's not meant to be your full health plan -- it's there for the moments you didn't plan for. ## The Subscription Model: Why It Works for Long-Term Travelers Most travel insurance is sold in chunks -- you buy it for a two-week trip, it expires, you move on. For people who travel the way we do, that model is impractical. We don't always know where we'll be in three months or when exactly we're coming home. SafetyWing's auto-extending 28-day subscription solves that. You set it up, it rolls over, and you're covered. If you decide to head home or change your plans, you cancel. There's no penalty for canceling, and you're not locked into coverage you don't need. That structure also means you can buy in while you're already traveling -- you don't have to have started coverage before you left home. There's typically a 2-day waiting period for new subscribers (for illness; accidents are covered immediately), but for people who realize mid-trip that they should sort out their coverage, it's still accessible. ## SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Complete: The Full Health Option If Nomad Essential is the safety net, Nomad Complete is closer to the full floor. It's designed to serve as your primary health insurance -- the thing you'd have if you were living in a country long-term and needed access to routine care. Nomad Complete adds: - Routine checkups and preventive care - Mental health diagnosis and support - Wellness therapies - Cancer treatment - All of the travel protections from Nomad Essential It's priced higher than Essential, but for families who are genuinely living abroad full-time and need something that functions like real health coverage -- not just emergency backup -- it's worth comparing against the alternatives. You can explore both products and get an accurate quote through the [SafetyWing website here](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). ![Family traveling through an airport with luggage](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1576091160399-112ba8d25d1d?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The subscription model means coverage that travels with you -- no gaps, no scrambling to re-buy before every new leg. ## Who SafetyWing Is Best Suited For Not every insurance product is right for every traveler. Based on our experience, here's an honest breakdown: | Traveler Type | Fit | Notes | | ----------------------------------------------- | --------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | Long-term / slow travelers | Excellent | Subscription model is built for this | | Digital nomads | Excellent | Flexible, cancellable, globally valid | | Worldschooling families | Very good | Kids under 10 covered free with parent | | Gap year travelers | Very good | Works well for extended one-way trips | | Short trip vacationers | Decent | Works, but purpose-built trip insurance may be simpler | | People with significant pre-existing conditions | Limited | Essential doesn't cover pre-existing; Complete may | For families like ours who are moving through multiple countries over months at a time, SafetyWing makes a lot of sense. The per-child pricing (free under 10) is genuinely good value when you're traveling with multiple kids. For a family of five with three daughters still in that age range, that matters. ## What SafetyWing Doesn't Cover (Be Clear-Eyed About This) We'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't talk about the gaps. Nomad Insurance Essential is designed around emergencies and unexpected events -- it's not a substitute for comprehensive health insurance if you have ongoing medical needs. The main exclusions to understand: - Pre-existing medical conditions (generally excluded under Essential) - Routine and preventive care (check-ups, vaccinations, etc.) - Extreme sports injuries unless you add specific coverage - Travel to certain high-risk destinations (check the policy for your destinations) - Medical care received in your home country beyond the 30-day allowance per 90 days None of these are reasons not to use SafetyWing -- they're just reasons to understand what you're buying. If you have specific ongoing medical needs or require full primary health coverage, look at Nomad Complete or compare SafetyWing against alternatives like [Faye Travel Insurance](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda), which handles some use cases differently. ## How to Get Started Getting set up with SafetyWing is straightforward. You go to their site, enter your age, travel dates, and home country, and they'll give you a quote. If you're traveling with kids under 10, they'll be included at no extra cost. You can buy it before you leave or while you're already traveling. The 28-day auto-extension means you don't need to think about it again until you decide to cancel. Start here: [Get your SafetyWing Nomad Insurance quote](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) ![Family exploring a market abroad with kids](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1530789253388-582c481c54b0?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Over 33 countries and counting. Having solid travel medical coverage in place is part of what makes the longer trips feel manageable rather than reckless. ## Final Thoughts Travel insurance is a category that most people research exactly once -- when something goes wrong and they realize they needed it. We'd rather you do the research now. We've been using SafetyWing because it fits the way we travel: no fixed return dates, multiple countries, multiple family members, and an ever-changing itinerary. The subscription model, global coverage, and the fact that kids under 10 ride free with a parent make it a practical choice for long-term family travelers. That said, we want to be clear: we use it because it works for us, not because we'd tell everyone it's the only option. If you have specific medical needs, pre-existing conditions, or want full primary health insurance as a long-term expat, look carefully at Nomad Complete or compare with other providers. If you're planning a longer trip or you're already on the road without coverage sorted, SafetyWing is worth a serious look. [Check their plans and pricing here.](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) And while you're planning -- if you're heading somewhere like Japan, Vietnam, or Southeast Asia and haven't sorted your data plan, we use [Holafly eSIMs](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for up to 10% off. If you're going to be traveling for 20+ days, the [Holafly Plans monthly subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $49.90/month) is worth comparing against per-destination options. --- *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our SafetyWing link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We use SafetyWing as part of our family's travel setup and only share products we have real experience with. This is not insurance advice -- please read the full policy terms before purchasing to confirm coverage suits your specific needs. Only licensed insurance brokers can make specific insurance recommendations; we're just sharing what we use and why.* ### The Best App for Tracking Your Travel Budget (We Wish We'd Found It Sooner) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-travel-budget-tracking-app-travelspend-2/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:16.000Z Numbers have never been my strong suit. If you've read our post about [travelling with ADHD](https://adamandlinds.com/traveling-with-adhd), you'll know that keeping track of expenses across multiple currencies, countries, and a family of five was, for the first couple of years on the road, a complete mess. Spreadsheets abandoned after two weeks. Notes apps full of half-remembered numbers. The occasional horror show at the end of a month when we finally reconciled what we'd actually spent versus what we thought we'd spent. We've now been travelling full-time since May 2022, across 33+ countries, and the one tool that genuinely changed how we manage money on the road is [TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com). This isn't a complicated, intimidating finance app. It's a travel budget tracker built by people who clearly understand how travel actually works, and it has become one of the small but important bits of infrastructure that keeps our family on the road sustainably. ![Person tracking travel expenses on smartphone with currency and budget notes](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1554224155-6726b3ff858f?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Keeping track of spending across currencies is one of the quiet challenges of long-term travel. ## What TravelSpend Actually Does The pitch is simple: you set a daily or total budget for a trip, add expenses as you go, and TravelSpend converts everything into your home currency automatically. That last part matters more than it sounds. When you're spending Thai baht in the morning, Japanese yen at lunch, and Vietnamese dong in the evening (yes, this happens when you're in transit), the mental gymnastics of tracking real spend against a single-currency budget is exhausting. TravelSpend just handles it. But there's more to it than currency conversion. The features that actually get used day-to-day are: - **Offline entry** \- Add expenses without a data connection. Useful in transit, on planes, or in places where connectivity is spotty. - **Category tracking** \- Break spending into food, accommodation, transport, activities, and more. Useful when you're trying to figure out whether it's your restaurant choices or your taxi habit that's eating the budget. - **Visual spending reports** \- Charts that show spending by day, category, and destination. The kind of thing that makes you realise you've spent more on convenience store snacks in Japan than on some entire days in Vietnam. - **Trip splitting** \- Invite a travel partner, sync expenses in real time, and track who owes what. For couples managing a shared travel fund, this alone is worth the download. - **Map view** \- Link expenses to locations. More useful than it sounds when you're trying to remember which market or neighbourhood was actually eating your budget. - **CSV export** \- Pull your full spending history out as a spreadsheet. Useful for tax purposes if you work remotely, or just for the end-of-trip debrief. ![Travel budget planning with phone app and currency notes spread on table](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1579621970563-ebec7560ff3e?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Real-time currency conversion makes multi-country budgeting far less stressful. ## How We Actually Use It as a Family of Five Our setup is straightforward. Lindsay and I both have the app on our phones, linked to the same trip. Whoever pays something logs it immediately - that's the key habit. If you batch-enter three days of expenses from memory, you're already doing it wrong and the data is unreliable. The value is in the real-time picture. We set a daily budget target before each leg of a trip, which is usually anchored to our actual cost of living in that destination. Japan, where we've spent over 220 days, costs meaningfully more than Thailand (308 days and counting) or Vietnam (197 days in Da Nang). TravelSpend lets us run separate trip budgets for each country or leg, so we're not blending expensive Japan days with cheap Vietnam days into a meaningless average. The category breakdown is where it gets genuinely useful. We know our accommodation costs going in - that's already booked. What we're tracking is the variable stuff: food, transport, activities, random purchases. At the end of a week, if we're over budget, TravelSpend makes it obvious whether that's because we've been going to too many restaurants, whether we've been splurging on taxis, or whether we had a big activity week. That distinction changes the decision-making. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo ## The Premium Version Is Worth It (and Our Code Gets You 50% Off) TravelSpend has a free version that covers the core functionality. The premium version unlocks unlimited trips, real-time currency exchange rates, and the full suite of statistics and reporting. It's rated 4.8 on the App Store, which is a genuinely high bar for any travel utility app. We have a referral code that gets you **50% off the annual premium subscription**. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at [get.travelspend.app](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com). For a family doing any serious amount of travel, the premium features pay for themselves quickly in the spending awareness they create. If you're planning a trip and want to know what real family travel actually costs in destinations like Tokyo, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur, our budget breakdown videos go deep on the real numbers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZPcYaxixZU ## What It Won't Do TravelSpend is a tracker, not a bank account or a financial planning tool. It doesn't connect to your cards or pull transactions automatically - you enter things manually. For some people that's a dealbreaker. For us, the manual entry is actually part of what makes it work: the act of logging an expense creates a moment of awareness that automatic syncing removes. You're more mindful about spending when you're the one recording it. It also doesn't do future planning, currency exchange predictions, or anything in that territory. It's for tracking what you've actually spent, not forecasting what you might. Keep Skyscanner and Google Flights for the planning side - TravelSpend takes over once you're on the ground. ![Family travelling with backpacks at an airport terminal](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1488646953014-85cb44e25828?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Long-term family travel is much more sustainable when the numbers are under control. ## The Bigger Picture Sustainable long-term travel isn't about finding the cheapest destination or cutting every expense to the bone. It's about knowing your numbers well enough to make intentional choices. Some weeks we spend more because we've found something worth spending on. Some months we're tighter because a big trip is coming. TravelSpend gives us the real-time visibility to make those calls with actual data rather than vague optimism. If you're planning a family trip - whether that's two weeks in Japan or an extended stint of slow travel - download the app before you go, set your budget, and get into the habit of logging from day one. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at [get.travelspend.app](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) for 50% off the annual plan. And if you want help planning the trip itself, Lindsay offers custom family travel itineraries through [Fora Travel](https://www.fora.travel/?ref=adamandlinds.com). You can reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). --- *This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you - and sometimes a discount for you too. Read our full [affiliate disclosure](https://www.adamandlinds.com/affiliate-disclosure?ref=adamandlinds.com).* ### Best Things to Do in Hong Kong URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-hong-kong-things-to-do-city-pass/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:17.000Z We spent two weeks in Hong Kong in February 2025, flying in from Da Nang where we'd been based for several months, and it became one of the highlights of our entire year. Hong Kong does something that very few cities manage: it feels enormous and navigable at the same time. The MTR is one of the best metro systems on the planet, the food scene is legitimately world-class, and the density of genuinely excellent things to do within a small geographic area is hard to match anywhere in Asia. Our full Hong Kong series is out now on YouTube. If you want to see the city before you visit, the full series is below. And if you're planning a trip and want to get the most out of your activity budget, the [Klook Pass Hong Kong](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F80363-klook-pass-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the most straightforward way to bundle attractions at up to 40% off. ### Klook Pass Hong Kong Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for savings on attractions, tours, and experiences. [Get the Klook Pass Hong Kong](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F80363-klook-pass-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Our full Hong Kong series [Watch Hong Kong with Kids — Episode 1 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woxHfPAUDx4&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Hong Kong with Kids — Episode 2 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2g1WoAaAIA&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Hong Kong with Kids — Episode 3 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV9KpXAVwK4&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Hong Kong with Kids — Episode 4 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uOOvaM-uKg&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Hong Kong with Kids — Episode 5 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYu%5F9FQntTU&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Hong Kong with Kids — Episode 6 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=%5FVNQn-uBbH8&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Hong Kong with Kids — Episode 7 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg7i1wfMULk&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Hong Kong with Kids — Episode 8 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuOQbRNwwGk&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Hong Kong skyline Victoria Harbour at night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1536599018102-9f803c140fc1?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Victoria Harbour at night is one of those views that earns every cliche written about it. ## What Is the Klook Pass Hong Kong? The [Klook Pass Hong Kong](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/80363-klook-pass-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) lets you bundle 2 to 5 attractions from a list of 17+ activities at savings of up to 40%. Starting from $51.09 USD, you activate within 30 days of purchase and get 30 more days to use your redemptions. Rated 4.7/5 across 3,600+ reviews. ### What the City Pass covers - Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car - M+ Museum - The Peak Tram - Hong Kong Palace Museum - Madame Tussauds - LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Premium add-ons unlock Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, and the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus. | Pass Tier | Starting Price | Attractions Bundled | Free Cancellation | | ------------------------ | --------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ----------------- | | Standard (2 attractions) | From $51.09 USD | 17+ standard activities | Conditional | | Premium add-ons | Higher tier | Disneyland, Ocean Park, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus | Conditional | One thing worth noting: the Klook Pass HK has a tighter window than the Tokyo or LA versions. You activate within 30 days of purchase and have 30 days after that to use your redemptions. Plan your trip dates before buying, and book your attractions in advance since some, like Ngong Ping 360 and Disneyland, sell out on popular dates. ## Is the Klook Pass Hong Kong Worth It? The quick maths: the Peak Tram alone is $12.79, Ngong Ping 360 is $22.15, and M+ Museum is $24.39\. Three of those together already exceeds a 3-attraction pass price and you're at 40% savings. For families of five like us, the multiplication effect is even more pronounced. The pass makes the most sense when you're combining at least three mid-to-high-priced standard inclusions, or when you're adding a premium item like Disneyland or Ocean Park which each individually run $57-68. Where it's less compelling: if your Hong Kong trip is focused mainly on food, markets, free walking, and one or two paid activities, the individual ticket route might serve you just as well. HK is genuinely a city where you can have an extraordinary time spending almost nothing on entrance fees. ## Hong Kong Disneyland Hong Kong Disneyland is smaller than Tokyo or California, but it has things neither of them has. Mystic Manor is genuinely one of the best theme park attractions in Asia, full stop. The World of Frozen area (opened 2023) is the newest major land and a proper addition. At $68.29 per person through Klook and currently celebrating its 20th Anniversary with special décor and experiences, it's a Premium pass inclusion that significantly justifies the upgrade. The 2-Day Ticket option is worth considering for families who want to take their time rather than cramming everything into one day. With young kids, the size of Hong Kong Disneyland is actually a feature rather than a limitation. You can realistically cover the whole park in a day without feeling rushed, which is something we have never managed at Tokyo DisneySea. Rated 4.8/5 across 185,000+ reviews on Klook. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/hkdl-att-mystic-manor-hero-00.webp) Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Manor alone is worth the trip for anyone who appreciates genuinely clever ride design. ## Ocean Park Hong Kong [Ocean Park](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/23-ocean-park-hong-kong-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is an unusual mix of theme park and aquarium that works better than it has any right to. The giant pandas are the undeniable draw, but there are also proper thrill rides, marine life exhibits, and the ongoing Ocean Park x Sanrio collaboration running through August 2026 that our girls would absolutely love. At $57.59 per person it's a Premium pass inclusion, and the Klook exclusive Neptune's Restaurant Set Meal deal adds further value. Rated 4.7/5 across 80,000+ reviews. ## Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car The [Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/45-ngong-ping-360-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is 25 minutes of genuinely spectacular scenery over Lantau Island to reach Ngong Ping Village, the Big Buddha, and Po Lin Monastery. The standard cabin is perfectly good, but the Crystal+ cabin with its glass-heavy viewing experience is worth considering if you want the full effect. At $22.15 it's a Standard pass inclusion and an easy recommendation. Rated 4.7/5 across 58,000+ reviews. If you want to extend the Lantau day further, the [Ngong Ping 360 Tai O Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/680-ngong-ping-360-sky-land-sea-tai-o-pass-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($46.85) adds a return coach to Tai O fishing village and a boat excursion looking for pink dolphins, plus an HKD20 food coupon. Tai O is one of those places that doesn't feature on every tourist list but absolutely should. ## The Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Operating since 1888, the [Peak Tram](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/765-peak-tram-sky-terrace-hongkong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is one of Hong Kong's most iconic experiences, climbing from near sea level to Victoria Peak via a 1.4km funicular with gradients steep enough to make everything in your frame look tilted. Sky Terrace 428 at the top sits at 428 metres and gives 360-degree views across the harbour, city, and South China Sea. At $12.79 it's one of the best-value Standard pass inclusions. Rated 4.6/5 across 38,000+ reviews. The guided combo option with a tour group ([Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Quick Visit](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/523-peak-tram-3-in-1-combo-ticket-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com), $29.55) is worth considering if you want someone to point out what you're looking at from the top, particularly the Central Financial District intro at the start. ## M+ Museum [M+](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/77795-m-plus-admission-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in West Kowloon is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world, and it genuinely earns that description. The building itself is remarkable, the collection is ambitious, and the Dream Rooms exhibition (environments by women artists from the 1950s to now) is the kind of show that stays with you. At $24.39 per person it's a Standard pass inclusion, and the rooftop garden and Mediatheque are free. Rated 4.6/5 across 8,600+ reviews. Note that you need to redeem a physical ticket at the M+ Ticket Office on the day, 30 minutes before your admission time. ## Hong Kong Palace Museum Right next to M+ in the West Kowloon Cultural District, the [Hong Kong Palace Museum](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73590-hong-kong-palace-museum-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is remarkable value at $8.99 and a Standard pass inclusion. It houses hundreds of artefacts from Beijing's Palace Museum, many on display in Hong Kong for the first time. The current special exhibition, Ancient Egypt Unveiled, runs through August 2026 and brings 250 artefacts from Egyptian museums in what is billed as the most comprehensive ancient Egyptian display ever held in Hong Kong. Rated 4.7/5 across 7,300+ reviews. Pair this with M+ for a full West Kowloon cultural day. ## Aqua Luna Victoria Harbour Cruise The [Aqua Luna cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/659-aqualuna-evening-sail-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) on a traditional red-sailed junk boat is one of those experiences that's genuinely better than it sounds on paper. A complimentary drink, Victoria Harbour at sunset, and the Symphony of Lights show from the water. It's the kind of thing you do once and still talk about. At $34.65 per person, rated 4.7/5 across 8,300+ reviews. Not in the Standard pass but worth booking as a standalone evening activity. ![silhouette of body on body of water during nighttime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1577871598838-a543ee47cd79?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDExfHxob25nJTIwa29uZ3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3ODA4MDcyNjB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Victoria Harbour from the water, ideally just before the Symphony of Lights kicks off. ## For Families with Young Kids Hong Kong with small children is genuinely excellent, and a few specific activities are worth calling out. [LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Hong Kong](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/53324-legoland-discovery-centre-ticket-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($23.79) is a 10-zone indoor Lego playground in Elements Mall with a miniature Hong Kong built from 1.5 million bricks and a Master Model Builder workshop. It requires at least one child aged 11 or under per adult, which is a bit of an unusual restriction, but if you have kids it's a genuinely fun couple of hours. Standard pass inclusion, rated 4.5/5 across 4,100+ reviews. [Kiztopia Hong Kong](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/75045-hong-kong-kiztopia/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($15.15) at New Town Plaza is a 12,000 sq ft indoor playground with 15 play areas including climbing structures, trampolines, obstacle courses, and role-play rooms. Winner of Outstanding Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards. Good rainy day option, Standard pass inclusion, rated 4.6/5 across 4,700+ reviews. ## Full Klook Hong Kong Activity Comparison | Activity | Price | Rating | Pass | Best For | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | -------------- | --------------------------- | -------- | | [Hong Kong Disneyland](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F39-hong-kong-disneyland-resort-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $68.29 | 4.8 (185,000+) | Families, Disney fans | | | [Ocean Park Hong Kong](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F23-ocean-park-hong-kong-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $57.59 | 4.7 (80,000+) | Families, animal lovers | | | [Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F45-ngong-ping-360-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $22.15 | 4.7 (58,000+) | Scenery, Big Buddha | | | [The Peak Tram](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F765-peak-tram-sky-terrace-hongkong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $12.79 | 4.6 (38,000+) | Views, iconic HK | | | [M+ Museum](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F77795-m-plus-admission-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $24.39 | 4.6 (8,600+) | Art, design, architecture | | | [Hong Kong Palace Museum](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F73590-hong-kong-palace-museum-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $8.99 | 4.7 (7,300+) | History, Chinese art | | | [Aqua Luna Harbour Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F659-aqualuna-evening-sail-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $34.65 | 4.7 (8,300+) | Evenings, couples, families | | | [Madame Tussauds](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F42-madame-tussauds-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $30.35 | 4.7 (5,700+) | Families, pop culture | | | [LEGOLAND Discovery Centre](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F53324-legoland-discovery-centre-ticket-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $23.79 | 4.5 (4,100+) | Young kids, rainy days | | | [Kiztopia Indoor Playground](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F75045-hong-kong-kiztopia%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $15.15 | 4.6 (4,700+) | Young kids | | | [Ngong Ping Tai O Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F680-ngong-ping-360-sky-land-sea-tai-o-pass-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $46.85 | 4.6 (3,900+) | Full Lantau Island day | | Included in Standard pass | Premium add-on | Not included ## Sample itinerary combinations using the pass To make the savings concrete, here are two combinations that work well in practice. These assume a family visit rather than a couple or solo trip, because that's our frame of reference. Culture and Views ### 3-attraction Standard Ngong Ping 360 + M+ Museum + Hong Kong Palace Museum Individual total: $55.53 per person. A 3-attraction pass saves 40% — across five people that's a meaningful number. [Get the Standard Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2Fhong-kong-city-pass%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Family Theme Parks ### Premium combo Hong Kong Disneyland + Ocean Park Individual total: $125.88 per person. The strongest case for the Premium upgrade, especially if the theme parks are the main reason you're here. [Get the Premium Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2Fhong-kong-city-pass%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Staying Connected in Hong Kong Hong Kong runs on its own telecoms infrastructure, separate from mainland China, so you'll need a dedicated HK plan. We use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for our eSIM needs across Asia, including Hong Kong. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 5% off your plan. Check current HK plan pricing at Holafly's website as rates vary by duration. One important note if you're also planning to cross into mainland China: the Holafly China eSIM does not cover Hong Kong, and vice versa. Hong Kong operates as a completely separate telecoms region. You'd need a dedicated [Holafly Hong Kong eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for HK and a separate Holafly China plan for the mainland. If you're doing both, the HK + China + Macau regional plan Holafly offers may cover the full itinerary on one install, which is worth checking before you buy separately. For trips of 20+ days across Asia more broadly, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) is worth considering. The monthly global subscription covers 160+ destinations including Hong Kong from $49.90/month, with the Always On 1GB backup data included. Our code saves 10% on monthly plans instead of the usual 5%. ## Practical Tips for Visiting Hong Kong A few things that made a real difference for us. The MTR Octopus card handles everything: metro, buses, the Airport Express, and even purchases at 7-Eleven. Get one the moment you land. Hong Kong is genuinely very walkable between neighbourhoods but the hills will surprise you, especially on the HK Island side, so factor in more time than Google Maps suggests for anything involving elevation. For Ngong Ping 360, book a specific time slot in advance through the pass. The cable car runs to capacity and morning slots go first. The Peak Tram queues on weekends can run to 45+ minutes without a pre-booked ticket, so using the pass to skip that queue is one of the most tangible pass benefits. February was a great time to visit. Cooler than summer (which gets very hot and humid), less rain than autumn, and the Lunar New Year atmosphere in early February was something genuinely special. Spring (March to May) is similarly pleasant. Summer is worth knowing about: temperatures and humidity are both high, and typhoon season starts from May. That said, indoor attractions like M+, LEGOLAND, and Kiztopia become even more appealing when it's 35 degrees outside. ![Hong Kong street market at night with neon signs](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1548919973-5cef591cdbc9?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Some of the best Hong Kong experiences don't cost anything at all. The night markets and street food scenes are free and excellent. ## Our Hong Kong Take Two weeks in Hong Kong felt like exactly the right amount of time. Long enough to get genuinely comfortable with the city, short enough that we never ran out of new things to discover. The Klook Pass worked well for our family because we were mixing theme park days (Disneyland was always on the list) with cultural days (M+ and the Palace Museum back to back is a brilliant pairing), and the savings across five people were substantial. More Hong Kong content is coming in the series. Episode 5 drops soon. If you want help planning your own Hong Kong itinerary, particularly around coordinating a regional trip through Southeast Asia or pairing HK with Japan, Lindsay is a professional travel advisor who works with families on exactly this kind of routing. Reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). --- This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links or use our codes, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we've actually done or would genuinely book ourselves. Holafly is a paid partner with exclusivity through August 2026. ### Best Things to Do in Los Angeles on Klook (Plus Which City Pass Is Actually Worth It) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-los-angeles-things-to-do-city-pass/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:18.000Z Los Angeles is one of those cities that looks easy on paper and then absolutely humbles you the moment you try to plan it. The sheer spread of the place, from Hollywood to Santa Monica to Anaheim, means that without a bit of structure you can burn a whole day getting between two things that are technically both in LA. Add kids to the mix and every decision gets magnified. Theme parks, studios, the beach, the hills, the aquarium, the observatory. There is a lot here. This is part of our ongoing Klook city series. We covered Singapore and Tokyo earlier in the series, and now we're looking at Los Angeles, which is an interesting one because there are actually two different passes worth knowing about: the [Klook Pass Los Angeles](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71134-los-angeles-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) and the [Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1588-go-los-angeles-card-all-inclusive-pass-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com), both available through Klook. They work quite differently, so we'll break down which makes sense for which kind of trip. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at Klook checkout for savings on any booking. ![Hollywood sign on the hills above Los Angeles](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534190760961-74e8c1c5c3da?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Los Angeles: bigger, louder, and sunnier than you expect. ## The Two LA City Passes on Klook: What's the Difference? Before diving into the individual attractions, it helps to understand the pass structure, because these two options are genuinely different products. The [Klook Pass Los Angeles](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71134-los-angeles-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) works like the Greater Tokyo pass we covered previously: you choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 specific attractions from a curated list. The list includes big-ticket items like Disneyland California, Universal Studios Hollywood, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. You pick your combination and save compared to individual prices. Starting from $104 USD, activate within 60 days of purchase and you get 90 days to use your redemptions. Free cancellation before redemption. The [Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1588-go-los-angeles-card-all-inclusive-pass-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is a different model entirely. From $96.59 USD, it gives you unlimited access to over 39 attractions across 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 7 days. Non-consecutive days are allowed within a 2-week period, which is actually quite flexible. The standard pass covers 39+ activities; the All-Inclusive Plus version adds Universal Studios Hollywood, San Diego Zoo, and LEGOLAND California for a higher tier price. Rated 4.7/5 across 737 reviews. | Pass | Starting Price | How It Works | Best For | Rating | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | ------ | | [Klook Pass LA](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71134-los-angeles-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $104 USD | Choose 2-5 specific attractions | Focused itineraries, big-ticket combos | 4.3/5 | | [Go City All-Inclusive](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1588-go-los-angeles-card-all-inclusive-pass-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $96.59 USD | Unlimited access, 39+ attractions | Busy itineraries, multiple days, variety | 4.7/5 | The Go City pass tends to make more sense if you're spending multiple days in LA and want to bounce between a mix of smaller and larger attractions. The Klook Pass is better if your trip is built around two or three specific blockbuster experiences, like Disneyland plus Universal, and you want to lock in those exactly. ## Universal Studios Hollywood This is the one that usually anchors a family trip to LA, and for good reason. [Universal Studios Hollywood](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4099-universal-studios-hollywood-ticket-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is a real working movie studio and theme park in one place, which gives it a slightly different energy from a pure theme park. The Studio Tour through actual working sets and backlots is genuinely interesting even for adults who've seen a lot of parks. The headline attractions right now are SUPER NINTENDO WORLD (complete with Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge), The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Jurassic World: The Ride. General admission runs $95.55 through Klook. The Universal Express add-on gets you one-time express access to each ride if you want to sidestep the main queues, and the full VIP Experience includes gourmet lunch, backstage access, and unlimited express passes for a significant premium. Rated 4.8/5 across 5,600+ reviews. Practical note: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD fills up fast. Get there when the park opens and head there first. The app tracks wait times and is worth downloading before you arrive. Universal is included in both the Klook Pass LA and the Go City All-Inclusive Plus. ![Universal Studios Hollywood entrance](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1567942712661-82b9b407abbf?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Universal Studios is a working studio as much as it is a theme park, which makes the Studio Tour genuinely compelling. ## Disneyland California We've done Disney parks across Japan, Paris, and the US, and the original California resort holds a special place. Disneyland Park has 9 themed lands and 50+ attractions. Disney California Adventure sits right next door with Avengers Campus, the Incredicoaster, and Pixar Pier. Individual tickets through Klook start at $102.85 for a 1-day, 1-park ticket, with Park Hopper options available. The current highlights include Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and Mickey's Toontown, which was recently reimagined. The resort is also in the middle of its 70th Anniversary celebrations, which brings extra entertainment including the Paint the Night parade and World of Color shows. Rated 4.8/5 across nearly 6,000 reviews on Klook. Disney is one of the Premium inclusions on the Klook Pass LA. For families doing Disney plus one or two other major attractions, running the numbers on the pass vs. individual tickets is always worth doing. Book your Disney park reservation immediately after purchasing tickets, as date-specific reservations are required and availability fills up. [Watch Disneyland Paris with Kids Our First Day in the Park on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK41VptlHOI&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood The [Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/95605-warner-bros-studio-tour-hollywood-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is a different kind of experience from the theme parks and one that often surprises people. This is an actual working studio lot in Burbank, and the guided tour takes you through real sound stages, the iconic Friends fountain and Central Perk set, Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls, the Batcave, Harry Potter props and costumes, and considerably more. It's about 3 hours and runs $76 per person through Klook with free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Rated 4.7/5 across 393 reviews. It's a particularly good choice if your group has Friends fans, Harry Potter fans, or anyone who's broadly interested in how film and TV production actually works. The Stage 48 interactive section where you sit on the actual Big Bang Theory couch and get sorted by the Hogwarts Sorting Hat is genuinely enjoyable. Included in both the Klook Pass LA and the Go City All-Inclusive pass. ![Film set production equipment in Hollywood](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1536440136628-849c177e76a1?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is about as close to real Hollywood as you can get without a crew badge. ## Go City All-Inclusive Pass: What Else Is Covered? Beyond the big three theme parks and studio tours, the Go City All-Inclusive pass opens up a lot of the broader LA experience. The standard (non-Plus) pass includes Madame Tussauds Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, and 35+ more activities. For families spending 3 to 5 days exploring the wider LA area, it can deliver strong value by filling in the gaps between the blockbuster days. The All-Inclusive Plus upgrades the standard pass with Universal Studios Hollywood, San Diego Zoo, and LEGOLAND California added in. If your trip includes any of those three on top of the general LA activities, the Plus version is worth pricing out carefully against individual tickets. ## Aquarium of the Pacific The [Aquarium of the Pacific](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4107-aquarium-of-the-pacific-ticket-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in Long Beach is a solid half-day option, particularly for younger kids or as a breather between bigger theme park days. Over 12,000 animals across three Pacific regions, plus the Honda Pacific Visions 180-degree theater included free with admission. The Shark Lagoon touch pools are a highlight for kids. At $44.95 per person through Klook, it's also one of the more reasonably priced standalone attractions in the LA area. Rated 4.4/5 across 83 reviews. Included in the Go City All-Inclusive pass. ## Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour The [Los Angeles Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/87072-los-angeles-big-bus-hop-on-hop-off-tours/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) open-top bus is a practical way to get a handle on the city's geography, especially if it's your first time in LA. Two routes, multilingual audio guides, and 24 or 48-hour passes from $56\. Rated 4.4/5 across 126 reviews. It won't replace a car for actually getting around LA, but as an orientation tool on arrival or a low-pressure day activity it works well. Also included in the Go City All-Inclusive pass. ## Half-Day LA Sightseeing Tour If you want a guided introduction to the city that covers the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, and The Grove in a single morning or afternoon, the [Best of Los Angeles Half-Day Sightseeing Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/117588-los-angeles-half-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is worth a look. Air-conditioned bus, Hollywood native guides, all the iconic photo stops. Runs $63.20 through Klook with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. Rated 4.8/5 across 52 reviews. Good for the first morning of a trip when you want context before diving into the individual attractions. ![Santa Monica pier at sunset Los Angeles](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1501594907352-04cda38ebc29?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Santa Monica Pier is one of those stops that earns its reputation. ## Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (Day Trip) This one is a bit of a wildcard on the list but it's genuinely excellent for families who want a break from city activities. The [Palm Springs Aerial Tramway](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/92957-palm-springs-aerial-tramway-ticket-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is about 2 hours from central LA and takes you up 4km along the cliffs of Chino Canyon on the world's largest rotating tram car to a mountain station at 2,596 metres. The temperature drop alone is worth it in summer. Hiking trails, an observation deck, a natural history museum, and a mountaintop restaurant await at the top. At $34.85 per person it's one of the best-value days out from LA. Rated a perfect 5/5 from 22 reviews on Klook. No cancellation, so book when you're confident of the day. ## Full LA Activity Comparison | Activity | Price (USD) | Rating | Reviews | In Klook Pass? | In Go City? | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------ | ------ | ------- | -------------- | ----------- | | [Universal Studios Hollywood](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4099-universal-studios-hollywood-ticket-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $95.55 | 4.8 | 5,600+ | Yes | Plus only | | [Disneyland California](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4100-disneyland-park-disney-california-adventure-park-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $102.85 | 4.8 | 5,900+ | Yes | No | | [Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/95605-warner-bros-studio-tour-hollywood-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $76.00 | 4.7 | 393 | Yes | Yes | | [Go City All-Inclusive Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1588-go-los-angeles-card-all-inclusive-pass-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $96.59 | 4.7 | 737 | N/A | N/A | | [Klook Pass Los Angeles](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71134-los-angeles-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $104.00 | 4.3 | 70 | N/A | N/A | | [Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/87072-los-angeles-big-bus-hop-on-hop-off-tours/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $56.00 | 4.4 | 126 | Yes | Yes | | [Aquarium of the Pacific](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4107-aquarium-of-the-pacific-ticket-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $44.95 | 4.4 | 83 | Yes | Yes | | [Half-Day LA Sightseeing Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/117588-los-angeles-half-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $63.20 | 4.8 | 52 | No | Yes | | [Palm Springs Aerial Tramway](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/92957-palm-springs-aerial-tramway-ticket-los-angeles/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $34.85 | 5.0 | 22 | No | No | ## Which Pass Should You Buy for LA? The honest answer depends on your trip shape. Here's how to think about it. Go with the **Klook Pass LA** if your trip is built around two or three specific big-ticket experiences, particularly if Disneyland is one of them. Disneyland is only on the Klook Pass, not Go City, so if that's a must-do, your decision is partially made. A 3-attraction Klook Pass covering Disneyland, Universal, and Warner Bros. gives you three full days of major experiences at a meaningful discount versus individual pricing. Go with the **Go City All-Inclusive Pass** if you're spending 3+ days and want flexibility to mix theme parks with cultural and sightseeing activities. The 39+ attractions and non-consecutive day structure make it genuinely versatile. The Plus version is worth it specifically if Universal, San Diego Zoo, or LEGOLAND are on your list alongside the standard attractions. If in doubt, add up your planned individual ticket prices and compare. That calculation usually makes the answer obvious pretty quickly. ![Road trip driving through California with mountains](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1469854523086-cc02fe5d8800?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) California rewards the people who show up with a plan. ## Spring and Summer in LA: What to Know Spring is genuinely the best time to visit LA for most people. March through May brings mild temperatures, lower crowds than summer, and long daylight hours without the heat. Summer (June through August) is peak season: school holidays mean Universal and Disneyland get genuinely busy, and Southern California heat can make outdoor activities uncomfortable in the middle of the day. June Gloom is also a real phenomenon along the coast, where marine layer keeps the coast overcast through late morning most days. If you're visiting in summer, book your Disney reservations and Universal tickets as far in advance as possible. Both parks can sell out completely on peak dates. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is actually a great summer choice specifically because the mountain station is substantially cooler than the desert below. ## Staying Connected in LA If you're travelling to the US from outside the country, you'll need a data plan sorted before you land. We use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for US data coverage, with unlimited data and code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your eSIM plan. For longer stays of 20+ days, the [Holafly Plans monthly subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) covers 76+ destinations globally: Light plan at $49.90/month for 25GB, or Unlimited at $64.90/month, both with the Always On 1GB backup that auto-activates when you need it. You'll want solid data for park apps, Google Maps across LA's sprawl, and real-time wait time tracking at theme parks. ## Our Take LA is a city that rewards planning in a way that very few destinations actually do. The distances are real, the parks are big, and the costs add up fast if you're going in without a strategy. The pass options available through Klook give you a legitimate way to pull the budget back into shape, particularly for families where every ticket is multiplied by five. We did our US cross-country road trip back in 2023 driving through Indiana, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada before finishing in Las Vegas before flying to Japan. California is firmly on the list for a proper visit with the girls, and when we do it, the pass maths on this one is already done. Next up in this series: we're continuing through cities where we can put Klook passes to work. If you want help building out a full LA itinerary that actually makes geographic sense, Lindsay is a travel advisor who specialises in family trip planning and she'd love to help. Reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). [Watch 136 | CROSS COUNTRY FAMILY ROAD TRIP 🇺🇸 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbPvc%5FB1KiU&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links or use our codes, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we'd genuinely book ourselves. Holafly is a paid partner with exclusivity through August 2026.* ### Best Things to Do in Tokyo on Klook (Plus How the City Pass Actually Saves You Money) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-tokyo-things-to-do-city-pass/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:18.000Z Tokyo does not ease you in gently. From the moment you hit the arrivals hall at Narita or Haneda, it starts throwing things at you: shrines next to neon-lit arcades, the world's most orderly rush hour, vending machines selling hot coffee, and approximately one million decisions about what to do first. We've spent well over 200 days in this city across multiple trips, and we're still finding new things to love about it. If you're planning a Tokyo trip and wondering how to book activities without paying full price for each one individually, Klook is where we always start. You can book most of the city's best attractions through the platform, and if you're hitting more than a handful of places, the [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is worth serious consideration. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for additional savings at checkout. This is part of our ongoing series on using Klook city passes around the world. We already covered Singapore, and now we're getting into Tokyo, which honestly deserves about five articles on its own. ![Tokyo skyline at night with city lights](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1540959733332-eab4deabeeaf?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Tokyo: the city that ruins all other cities for you. ## What Is the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo? The [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is a multi-attraction pass that lets you bundle 2 to 7 experiences at a significant discount compared to buying tickets individually. Access to over 30 activities is included, and savings can reach up to 48% depending on which combination you choose. It's not a simple one-price-covers-everything deal, so it's worth understanding how the tiers work before you buy. The pass comes in two flavours: Standard and Premium. The Standard pass covers general admission to places like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Sanrio Puroland, Aqua Park Shinagawa, and more. The Premium tier unlocks the bigger-ticket items: Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo (Harry Potter), and Fuji-Q Highland. | Pass Type | Starting Price | Attractions Included | Free Cancellation | | ------------------------------------------ | --------------- | ------------------------------------------- | ---------------------- | | Klook Pass Greater Tokyo (2 attractions) | From $42.05 USD | 30+ standard activities | Yes, before redemption | | Klook Pass Greater Tokyo (Premium add-ons) | Higher tier | Disneyland, DisneySea, Warner Bros., Fuji-Q | Yes, before redemption | One important thing to know: activate the pass within 60 days of purchase using your first reservation, and you then get 90 more days to redeem the rest of your included attractions. That's a reasonably generous window, and it means you don't need to cram everything into one frantic week if you'd rather space things out. ## Is the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo Worth It? Whether the pass makes financial sense depends entirely on what you're planning to do. If your Tokyo itinerary includes Tokyo Skytree plus one or two other major attractions, it's straightforward to see the savings. The Skytree alone is $13.39, SHIBUYA SKY is $17.20, and Tokyo Tower is $9.55\. Stack two or three of those and you're already in pass territory. Where it really pays off is with families. When you've got five people buying tickets, individual prices add up fast. On our first Tokyo trip we went to Tokyo DisneySea, which is one of the Premium pass options, and paid full price for each person. Even then it was worth every yen, but having that bundled into a pass would have made a dent in the overall spend. Our general rule: if you're visiting 3 or more attractions during your trip, run the numbers. Add up the individual ticket prices from the list below and compare to the pass price. More often than not, the pass wins. ![Tokyo Tower lit up at night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1490806843957-31f4c9a91c65?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) ## Best Spring and Summer Activities to Book on Klook Tokyo Spring and summer in Tokyo are genuinely special. Cherry blossom season (late March through early April) turns the city into something out of a Studio Ghibli film, and summer brings festivals, fireworks, and the kind of muggy heat that makes cold vending machine drinks feel like a religious experience. Here's what we'd prioritise booking through Klook, with notes on whether each is included in the pass. ## SHIBUYA SKY At 229 metres above Shibuya Scramble Square, [SHIBUYA SKY](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70672-shibuya-sky-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is easily the best rooftop observation experience in the city right now. The outdoor Sky Stage is genuinely open air in a way that most observation decks are not, so on a clear spring day you can see all the way to Mt. Fuji. The Cloud Hammocks hanging off the edge of the helipad are a bit of a vibe. At $17.20 per person, booking through Klook also gets you 10% off food and drinks at the lounge. Rating: 4.7/5, over 40,000 reviews. Spring tip: visit at golden hour for the transition from daylight to Tokyo's staggering night skyline. Bring an extra layer, because it gets breezy up there even in summer. ## Tokyo Skytree Japan's tallest structure at 634 metres, [Tokyo Skytree](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/41352-tokyo-skytree/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is included in the Standard Klook Pass and at $13.39 it's one of the better-value inclusions. The Tembo Deck at 350m has 360-degree views, and you can upgrade to the Tembo Galleria at 450m for the skywalk experience including a glass floor that either thrills or horrifies depending on your relationship with heights. We took the kids up here and they were entirely unbothered by the glass floor while Linds and I quietly held the railing. We made a full video of our visit if you want to see what to expect: [Watch 126 | TOKYO SKYTREE 🇯🇵 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lt3QdpqE1Wc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## teamLab Planets Tokyo [teamLab Planets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in Toyosu is one of the Premium pass add-on options, and it's an easy recommendation for families or really anyone with eyes. You walk barefoot through a reflective water space, move through rooms of interactive digital art that reacts to your presence, and generally feel like you've stepped sideways into a different dimension. The Floating Flower Garden alone is worth the trip. A new Forest Area opened in January 2025 adding even more to explore. At $24.25 per person it's not cheap for a standalone ticket, which is part of what makes including it in the pass smart. Rated 4.7/5 across nearly 18,500 reviews. Our kids talk about it like it was a fever dream, which is honestly the appropriate response. [Watch Should You Take Your Kids to TeamLab Planets Tokyo? (Full Family Experience) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khqu3oUVpJ8&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Digital art installation in Tokyo](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1578662996442-48f60103fc96?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) teamLab Planets is a full-body immersive experience that doesn't photograph as well as it actually feels. ## Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo: The Making of Harry Potter If you have Harry Potter fans in your group, the [Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/84374-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-making-harry-potter/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and the only one in Asia. It's a Premium pass option at $39.50 per person, so including it in the pass delivers meaningful savings. You walk through sets including the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, see actual props and costumes from the films, and board the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9 3/4\. It's rated an exceptional 4.9/5 across 14,000+ reviews. Even non-Potter people come out impressed by the scale of it. ## Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea We went to Tokyo DisneySea on our very first Japan trip back in 2022 and it immediately became one of the best days we had in that entire trip. Tokyo DisneySea in particular is unlike any Disney park in the world, which is saying something when you've done a few of them. The theming is immaculate. The Premium Klook Pass gives you access to either Disneyland or DisneySea, with a Park Hopper option available for limited windows. [Watch We Did Everything at Tokyo DisneySea in ONE Day! on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxIKheOBJAw&ref=adamandlinds.com) Individual 1-day tickets run $50.35 through Klook. When you've got a family of five, the pass savings on just Disney alone can cover a significant chunk of the pass cost. Book early, especially for peak spring and summer dates. These sell out. ## Tokyo Tower [Tokyo Tower](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4911-tokyo-tower-main-observatory-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the classic, and at $9.55 it's the most affordable standalone ticket on this list. That said, it's a great Standard pass inclusion because you're essentially getting the iconic Tokyo experience for a fraction of the overall bundle cost. Standing at 333 metres, the Main Observatory gives you views across the city including Tokyo Skytree in the distance. The glass-floored Lookdown Window is a crowd favourite. Worth combining with a visit to Zojo-ji Temple right next door. ## Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty Land) Cora turned 6 while we were in Tokyo and we took her to [Sanrio Puroland](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2276-sanrio-puroland-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) as part of her birthday celebrations. It's completely indoors, which makes it excellent for Japan's rainy season (June through July). The Miracle Gift Parade, the boat ride, and Lady Kitty House are the highlights. If you have young kids who are even tangentially into Sanrio characters, this is a brilliant day out. At $22.30 per person, it's also a Standard pass inclusion. Rated 4.7/5 across 8,400+ reviews. ![Colourful Tokyo street scene in Harajuku](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1528360983277-13d401cdc186?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Tokyo in spring and summer is an explosion of colour at every turn. ## Kimono Rental in Asakusa This one isn't part of the city pass, but it belongs on any Tokyo list. Asakusa is at its absolute best in spring, with cherry blossoms around Senso-ji and the streets full of people in kimono. Klook has several excellent rental shops in the area, including [Aiwafuku Main Store](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2125-kimono-experience-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) (4.8/5, 7,400+ reviews) at $17.85 and [Kimono Miyabi Asakusa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/8318-miyabi-kimono-yukata-rental-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) (4.9/5, 6,600+ reviews) at the same price point. Hair styling is included with most packages. Book it on the same day as Skytree or Tokyo Tower for a natural itinerary pairing. [Watch 🇯🇵 ASAKUSA IN ONE DAY! Temples, Markets & Tokyo Skytree Views on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcMYxLUlRs&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Sushi Making Class in Asakusa The [Sushi Making Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/37422-instagrammable-cooking-class-casual-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) class sits right in Asakusa near Senso-ji Temple and runs about 90 minutes. You make two types of sushi, learn a bit of history through an actually fun quiz format, and eat what you made at the end. At $54.49 it's a mid-range activity price, but it's rated a perfect 5/5 across 800+ reviews and the English-speaking guides make it genuinely accessible. A solid option for a rainy spring or summer afternoon. ## Art Aquarium Museum Ginza The [Art Aquarium Museum in Ginza](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73977-art-aquarium-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is one of those places that doesn't photograph well enough to do it justice. Thousands of goldfish displayed in illuminated, intricately designed tanks across multiple rooms. The Goldfish Waterfall alone is genuinely beautiful. Children under elementary school age get in free with a paying adult (up to 2 per adult). At $17.20 with free photography allowed throughout, it's great value. Combine it with a Ginza wander or Tsukiji market visit nearby. ## Go-Karting Through the Streets of Tokyo We're including this because it comes up constantly and deserves a mention, even though it's firmly in the "adults without small children" category. Street go-karting through Akihabara or Shibuya is genuinely surreal. Prices start around $70 for the [Akihabara experience](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2082-go-karting-experience-akihabara-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) and go up from there. You need an international driving license. The Shibuya Scramble Crossing version hits differently. ![Shibuya scramble crossing in Tokyo](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1480796927426-f609979314bd?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Shibuya Scramble: better from above at SHIBUYA SKY, or from a go-kart. Pick your adventure. ## Full Klook Tokyo Activity Comparison | Activity | Price (USD) | Rating | Reviews | In Pass? | Best For | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | ------ | ------- | -------- | --------------------------------- | | [Tokyo Disney Resort](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $50.35 | 4.8 | 90,500+ | Premium | Families, Disney fans | | [SHIBUYA SKY](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70672-shibuya-sky-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $17.20 | 4.7 | 40,800+ | Standard | Views, photography | | [Tokyo Skytree](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/41352-tokyo-skytree/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $13.39 | 4.7 | 21,700+ | Standard | Best value observation deck | | [teamLab Planets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $24.25 | 4.7 | 18,300+ | Premium | Families, art lovers | | [Warner Bros. Studio Tour (Harry Potter)](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/84374-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-making-harry-potter/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $39.50 | 4.9 | 14,000+ | Premium | Harry Potter fans, families | | [Tokyo Tower](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4911-tokyo-tower-main-observatory-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $9.55 | 4.7 | 9,400+ | Standard | Classic Tokyo experience | | [Sanrio Puroland](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2276-sanrio-puroland-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $22.30 | 4.7 | 8,400+ | Standard | Young kids, Sanrio fans | | [Art Aquarium Museum Ginza](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73977-art-aquarium-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $17.20 | 4.6 | 4,900+ | Standard | Art lovers, families | | [Sushi Making Class](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/37422-instagrammable-cooking-class-casual-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $54.49 | 5.0 | 800+ | No | Foodies, cultural experiences | | [Kimono Rental Asakusa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2125-kimono-experience-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $17.85 | 4.8 | 7,400+ | No | Cultural experiences, photography | ## Sample Tokyo Itineraries Using the Klook Pass To make this concrete, here are two example itineraries that show how the pass stacks up in practice. These are illustrative combinations, not a schedule, since the pass gives you 90 days to use your redemptions once activated. **Standard Pass (Family-Friendly, 4 Attractions):** Tokyo Skytree + SHIBUYA SKY + Sanrio Puroland + Art Aquarium Ginza. Buying individually: approximately $70\. Bundled in a 4-attraction pass: check current Klook pricing for the comparison, but savings of 30-48% are typical. **Premium Pass (Big Ticket Combo):** Tokyo DisneySea + teamLab Planets + Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Individual tickets for a family of five for just these three would run well over $500 USD. Premium pass bundling meaningfully cuts that figure. ## Staying Connected in Tokyo You're going to need good data in Tokyo. Google Maps, translation apps, the Tokyo Disney Resort app for booking restaurants in advance, all of it runs on mobile data. We use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for Japan, which gives unlimited data with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. For trips of 20 days or more, the [Holafly Plans monthly subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) is better value: Light at $49.90/month (25GB) or Unlimited at $64.90/month, both covering 76+ destinations globally with the Always On backup data included automatically. If you're going to be in Japan specifically for an extended stay, Japan Wireless is also worth a look. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off their pocket WiFi devices at [japan-wireless.com](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Practical Tips for Booking Tokyo Activities on Klook A few things we've learned from doing this across multiple Tokyo trips. Book observatory decks (Skytree, SHIBUYA SKY) for late afternoon on a clear-weather day so you catch both daylight and night views in a single visit. Tokyo DisneySea and Disneyland sell out on peak spring and summer dates, so book as early as possible if you're going during Golden Week (late April to early May) or school holidays. teamLab Planets sells out regularly too, especially on weekends. Warner Bros. Studio Tour requires a specific time slot, so factor that into planning when you're building your pass redemptions. Also: use the **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code at Klook checkout. Our previous code ADAMANDLINDS is no longer active for Klook, so make sure you're using the new one. ![Senso-ji temple in Asakusa Tokyo in spring](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1526481280693-3bfa7568e0f3?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Asakusa in spring is one of the best neighbourhoods to spend a morning before hitting the bigger attractions. ## Our Tokyo Take Tokyo is our favourite city in the world. We've said that out loud more times than we can count, and it remains true every time we come back. The combination of absolute safety, incredible food at every price point, transport that actually works, and the sheer density of genuinely great things to do makes it hard to beat. The Klook Pass Greater Tokyo isn't magic, but it's a solid, practical way to see a lot of the best the city has to offer without paying full price at every door. We'll have more Tokyo content coming as this series continues. If you want to plan a trip and would like help putting together an itinerary that actually fits your family, Lindsay is a professional travel advisor who specialises in exactly this kind of thing. Reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). Our full Tokyo playlist is on YouTube if you want to see the city in motion before you go: [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget (Family of 5) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 🇯🇵 TOKYO – Back in Japan! First Day of a 2-Month Adventure | Family Travel Guide Ep. 1 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvHRgY28t70&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Klook links or use our codes, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we've actually used or would genuinely book ourselves. Holafly is a paid partner.* ### Klook Pass Singapore: The Smartest Way to See the City's Best Attractions URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-singapore/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:31.000Z Singapore doesn't do things by halves. The attractions are world-class, the queues are real, and the ticket prices add up faster than you'd expect for a city-state you can cross in under an hour. That's exactly where the Klook Pass Singapore earns its keep -- bundle your favourite spots into one pass, pay less than booking individually, and spend your time actually exploring instead of fussing with separate bookings at every gate. We've been travelling as a family of five for years now, and Singapore is one of those cities that rewards a bit of upfront planning. Whether you're passing through on a layover, making it a dedicated stop, or using it as the jumping-off point for a longer Southeast Asia trip, this guide breaks down both Singapore Klook Passes, what's included, how they work, and how to decide which one is right for you. --- ## What Is the Klook Pass Singapore? The Klook Pass Singapore is a bundled attraction pass that lets you choose a set number of activities from a curated list of 35+ experiences across the city -- everything from Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Zoo to the Singapore River Cruise and the Original DUCKtours. Instead of buying individual tickets at each attraction, you purchase the pass, activate it when you're ready to go, and redeem your chosen activities one by one. There are two main passes to know about: | Pass | Best For | Starting Price | Activities | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------------------------- | | [Klook Pass Singapore](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | General sightseeing, city + Sentosa | From USD $65.29 | 2-10 activities from 35+ options | | [Klook Pass Singapore - Mandai Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70278-singapore-wildlife-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Wildlife and nature lovers | From USD $73.05 | 2-3 activities from Mandai Wildlife Reserve | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for savings on your booking. --- ## Klook Pass Singapore (General): Everything You Need to Know [Get the Klook Pass Singapore here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) This is the flagship pass, and the one most visitors will reach for. You pick anywhere from 2 to 10 activities from a list of Singapore's most popular attractions and save up to 44% compared to buying each ticket separately. ### What's Included in the Standard Pass The Standard Pass covers general entry to some of Singapore's biggest drawcards. The exact lineup is updated periodically, but highlights typically include: - Gardens by the Bay (Flower Dome + Cloud Forest) - Singapore Zoo - Night Safari - Singapore River Cruise - ArtScience Museum - The Original DUCKtours - SkyHelix Sentosa - Singapore Cable Car You can also upgrade individual slots to **premium activities** \-- think the Singapore Oceanarium, Singapore Flyer, or the MegaZip at Mega Adventure Park. And if you want the full theme park experience, there's an add-on option for a **Universal Studios Singapore 1-Day Ticket**, which turns this from a sightseeing pass into a full family holiday package. ### How the Pass Works Activate your pass within 30 days of purchase using your first reservation. From there, you unlock an additional 30 days to book and use the remaining activities. Activities don't all have to be done on the same day -- the flexibility to spread visits across your trip is one of the pass's biggest selling points. Singapore Zoo and Gardens by the Bay, for example, work perfectly on separate days when you can give each place the time it deserves. Reserve in advance. Some activities, especially Gardens by the Bay and the Night Safari, run on timed entry slots. Book each activity through the Klook app as you go, and your pass handles the rest. ![Gardens by the Bay Singapore supertrees lit up at night](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1565967511849-76a60a516170?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) Gardens by the Bay is one of the standout inclusions in the Klook Pass Singapore ### How Much Can You Save? The pass savings vary based on which activities you choose, but the headline figure is up to 44% off individual ticket prices. For context, Gardens by the Bay alone runs around SGD $28-32 per adult, and if you're adding the Night Safari and a river cruise on top, the standalone costs mount quickly. For families especially, the pass math tends to work out well -- the more activities you pack in, the better value it becomes. --- ## Klook Pass Singapore - Mandai Pass: For the Wildlife Lovers [Get the Mandai Pass here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70278-singapore-wildlife-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is one of Singapore's crown jewels, and genuinely one of the best wildlife precincts anywhere in Asia. The Mandai Pass is a dedicated pass that covers 2 or 3 attractions from within the reserve -- and it's separate from the general Klook Pass, meaning you could use both on the same trip if you want to cover the reserve fully alongside city sightseeing. ### What's Included in the Mandai Pass | Attraction | Why It's Worth It | | ----------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | Singapore Zoo | One of the world's best open-concept zoos | | Night Safari | The world's first nocturnal wildlife park | | Singapore River Wonders | Southeast Asia's largest freshwater aquarium | | Bird Paradise | Asia's largest bird park, recently revamped | The Night Safari deserves a special mention. It's not just a zoo with the lights off -- it's a purpose-built nocturnal experience with tram rides through recreated wildlife habitats and genuinely impressive animal encounters in near-darkness. For families with kids, it tends to become the trip highlight. ### Pass Validity and Flexibility The Mandai Pass is valid for 30 days from purchase, and visits can be split across different days. That's important because trying to do the Zoo and the Night Safari on the same day is ambitious (the Night Safari starts at 7:30pm). The pass sensibly accommodates a daytime visit to the Zoo and a separate evening for the Night Safari without requiring you to buy separately. ![Wildlife at Singapore Zoo open habitat](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1474511320723-9a56873867b5?w=1200&auto=format&fit=crop) The Mandai Pass covers Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise --- ## Klook Pass Singapore vs Mandai Pass: Which Should You Get? This is the question most people have, and the honest answer is: it depends on what kind of trip you're having and how much time you have. | | Klook Pass Singapore | Mandai Pass | | -------------------------- | --------------------------------- | ---------------------------- | | Best for | City-wide sightseeing | Wildlife-focused visitors | | Number of activities | 2-10 | 2-3 | | Attractions | 35+ across Singapore | Mandai Wildlife Reserve only | | Includes wildlife parks | Yes (Zoo, Night Safari available) | Yes (all four Mandai parks) | | Includes Gardens, USS, etc | Yes | No | | Starting price | USD $65.29 | USD $73.05 | | Savings | Up to 44% | Variable | If you want to see the Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise -- and those are your main priorities -- the Mandai Pass is likely the better value. If you want Gardens by the Bay, a river cruise, DUCKtours, and a couple of Mandai parks, the general Klook Pass gives you more flexibility. You can also stack both if you're spending a full week in Singapore and want comprehensive coverage of everything. --- ## Top Activities to Pick with Your Klook Pass Singapore If you're using the general pass and wondering how to spend your activity slots, here's how we'd approach it for different types of trips. ### For Families with Young Kids 1. **Singapore Zoo** \-- the open habitats and free-roaming animals make this one of the best zoos in the world for children 2. **Gardens by the Bay** \-- the Cloud Forest is genuinely spectacular, and kids love the elevated walkway 3. **Night Safari** \-- do this on a separate evening; it's unlike anything else 4. **Singapore River Cruise** \-- low-effort, high-reward way to see the city from the water ### For First-Timers 1. **The Original DUCKtours** \-- the amphibious vehicle that rolls through the city and then splashes into Marina Bay is goofy, fun, and genuinely informative 2. **ArtScience Museum** \-- the exhibitions are consistently interesting and the building itself is an attraction 3. **SkyHelix Sentosa** \-- panoramic views over Sentosa and the southern coast of Singapore ### For Thrill Seekers 1. **MegaZip at Mega Adventure Park** \-- 450m zipline over Siloso Beach at 60kph (premium add-on) 2. **Bungy Jump at Skypark Sentosa** – 47m jump above Siloso Beach, bookable via Klook separately --- ## Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Klook Pass Singapore **Reserve early.** Popular slots at Gardens by the Bay, the Night Safari, and Universal Studios fill up quickly -- especially on weekends and public holidays. As soon as you activate your pass, book your preferred dates. **Plan the Night Safari separately.** It opens at 7:30pm. Don't try to cram the Zoo in the same day unless you're staying on-site at Mandai. You'll exhaust yourself and miss the best of both. **Use the Klook app.** Managing your pass, making reservations, and presenting vouchers is all done through the app. Download it before you arrive so you're not scrambling on slow hotel WiFi. **Check activity availability at purchase.** The pass description notes that activities mentioned may not always be available -- confirm your must-do attractions are included in the current pass version before you buy. **For longer trips, more activities = more value.** The 5-10 activity passes scale the savings significantly. If you're spending a full week in Singapore, it's worth calculating whether the 7 or 10 activity pass covers your entire itinerary. --- ## How to Book the Klook Pass Singapore 1. Go to the [Klook Pass Singapore](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) or [Mandai Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70278-singapore-wildlife-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) listing 2. Select the number of activities that fits your trip 3. Apply code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout 4. Download the Klook app and activate your pass when you're ready for your first activity 5. Make reservations for each activity through the app as you go Cancellation on both passes is free before redemption, so you can book ahead without committing to specific dates right away. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Klook Pass Singapore **Is the Klook Pass Singapore worth it?** For most visitors doing 3 or more major attractions, yes. The pass saves up to 44% on individual ticket prices and eliminates the admin of booking and paying separately at each venue. The more activities you plan, the better value it becomes. **Can I use the Klook Pass Singapore and the Mandai Pass together?** Yes. They're separate products and can both be active at the same time. This makes sense if you want comprehensive Mandai coverage alongside city sightseeing. **How long is the Klook Pass Singapore valid for?** Activate within 30 days of purchase. Once activated with your first reservation, you have 30 days to use your remaining activity slots. **Does the Klook Pass Singapore include Universal Studios Singapore?** Universal Studios Singapore is available as an add-on to the general Klook Pass Singapore. It's not part of the standard pass but can be added at the time of booking. **What's the best Klook discount code for Singapore?** Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to save on your Klook Pass Singapore booking. **How do I redeem my Klook Pass Singapore?** Manage everything through the Klook app. Once purchased, activate the pass when you're ready for your first activity and make reservations for each venue individually. Present your voucher at each attraction. **Is the Mandai Pass the same as the Singapore Zoo ticket?** No. The Mandai Pass covers 2 or 3 attractions across the full Mandai Wildlife Reserve (Zoo, Night Safari, River Wonders, Bird Paradise). Individual zoo tickets are available separately if you only want to visit the Zoo. --- ## One More Thing: Stay Connected in Singapore If you're travelling from abroad, you'll want a data plan sorted before you land. We exclusively recommend [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for eSIMs -- use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off a destination Singapore plan. The Klook app, Google Maps, and instant restaurant recommendations all require reliable data, so don't leave it to airport WiFi. --- Ready to book? Grab your pass through the links below and use **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout: - [Klook Pass Singapore (2-10 activities)](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69622-singapore-attractions-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) - [Klook Pass Singapore - Mandai Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70278-singapore-wildlife-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- *Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in.* ### Best eSIM for China: What Actually Works Behind the Firewall URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-for-china/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:20.000Z China breaks most travel SIMs. The Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Gmail and a long list of apps you probably use without thinking about it. A local SIM or a standard travel eSIM drops you straight behind that wall, and suddenly you cannot pull up a map, message home, or check the thing you booked. The best eSIM for China is the one that solves access rather than price, and that is the **Holafly China eSIM**, because it has a VPN built into the plan itself. We ran it across Shanghai as a family of five in September 2025 and the blocked apps loaded on arrival without anyone installing a VPN app. We last checked pricing and applied the code at checkout on July 25, 2026. ### Holafly China eSIM The eSIM we ran across Shanghai, with the VPN built into the plan. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your China eSIM. [Check China eSIM prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-china&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Why China is different from everywhere else In most countries the question is coverage and price. In China the question is access. You can have a strong 5G signal in Pudong and still be unable to open Google Maps, because the network routes around the apps Western travelers rely on. We watched it happen to other tourists near Yu Garden, standing with full bars and a phone that would not load anything useful. There are two ways around it. You install a VPN before you arrive and hope it still works once you are on a Chinese network, which is a moving target the government actively disrupts. Or you use an eSIM that routes your data outside the firewall from the start. The second approach is why we stopped gambling on VPN apps and switched to an eSIM built for this specific problem. ![The family poses together in front of the classical pavilions and rockery of Yu Garden in Shanghai](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/1f84076a-beb5-4b2f-9574-d8a35524deaf.jpg) Yu Garden, Shanghai. A working map mattered more here than we expected. ## What we actually used Holafly calls itself the world's first international mobile operator, and its China eSIM is the one product in the lineup with a VPN included in the plan. You buy it, install it before you fly, and the blocked apps work on arrival. We had Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail running in Shanghai without opening a separate app or touching a setting. Setup happened at home over Wi-Fi before we left, the same as every other Holafly eSIM we have installed since 2022, and it activated when we landed. Unlimited data meant we were not counting gigabytes while navigating a city where getting lost without a map is a genuinely bad time with three kids in tow. ### What made it work in Shanghai - VPN built into the plan, so blocked apps load with no separate install - Unlimited data, so no counting gigabytes while finding your way around - Installs at home over Wi-Fi and activates the moment you land - One purchase per person, and the code applies to every order \* Unlimited is subject to Holafly's fair use policy. We were never throttled during our week in Shanghai. [Check China eSIM prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-china&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How the options compare in China Most eSIM comparisons are about price per gigabyte. In China that is the wrong metric, because an eSIM that cannot open your apps is worthless no matter how many gigabytes it includes. Here is how the realistic options stack up on the things that decide whether your phone works behind the firewall. | What matters in China | Holafly China | Standard travel eSIM | Local China SIM | | --------------------------------------- | ------------- | -------------------- | --------------- | | Blocked apps work, VPN in plan | **Yes** | No | No | | Unlimited data option | **Yes** | Rarely | Varies | | Install before you arrive | **Yes** | Yes | No | | No Chinese ID or in-person registration | **Yes** | Yes | No | | Cheapest per day | No | Sometimes | **Yes** | The pattern is simple. The cheaper options either need a separate VPN you have to gamble on, require a passport registration in person, or both. The Holafly China eSIM costs more per day, and for a short trip where you actually need your apps to work, that is the cost we would pay again. A standard travel eSIM does not include a VPN. It will give you data in mainland China, but the blocked apps stay blocked unless you bring your own working VPN, which is the part China makes difficult. ## A note on Hong Kong If your trip includes Hong Kong, the rules are different there. Hong Kong runs on separate networks and the firewall does not apply, so Google and WhatsApp work normally on almost any eSIM. We spent time in Kowloon and across Hong Kong Island and connectivity was never the problem it is on the mainland. If you are doing both, the cleanest setup is a plan that handles the mainland properly and treats Hong Kong as the easy part. ![The family of five stands together on a busy street in the Yau Tsim Mong district of Hong Kong](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/21d7a7ce-5770-4135-826b-43cc8b99650d.jpg) Hong Kong, where the firewall does not apply and almost any eSIM connects fine. [Watch Is Hong Kong Too Expensive? Our Real First Day Costs on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woxHfPAUDx4&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Install it before you go 1. ### Buy the China eSIM before you fly Purchase at home and use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. Buy one per person if you are traveling as a family. 2. ### Scan the QR code on home Wi-Fi Holafly emails a QR code. Scan it at home, well before the trip, so you are not relying on a Chinese network to set anything up. 3. ### Set it to activate on arrival Install the eSIM profile but leave activation until you land, following the steps in the Holafly email. 4. ### Confirm it before you board Check the eSIM appears in your cellular settings before you fly. If anything is wrong you can fix it at home while you still have open internet. [Get your China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-china&subId2=howto-cta&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The one rule that matters more in China than anywhere else: set this up before you board. If you land in Shanghai with no working data and no VPN, you cannot easily download a fix, because the sites you would use to fix it may be the very things being blocked. We walked through the whole arrival in [our Shanghai write-up](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/). ## Frequently asked questions FAQ ## China eSIM questions, answered The questions we get asked most about staying connected in mainland China and Hong Kong. Does Holafly work in China? Yes. We used the Holafly China eSIM across Shanghai in September 2025 and the blocked apps worked, including Google Maps, WhatsApp and Gmail. The China eSIM has a VPN built into the plan, which is what gets it past the Great Firewall without extra setup. More detail in [our full answer](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/). Do I need a separate VPN with the Holafly China eSIM? No. The VPN is built into the China plan itself, so there is nothing to install or configure. This is the difference between the Holafly China eSIM and a standard travel eSIM, which gives you data but leaves the blocked apps blocked. Does Holafly work in Hong Kong? Yes, and Hong Kong is the easy part. Hong Kong runs on separate networks and the Great Firewall does not apply there, so Google and WhatsApp work normally. We had no connectivity problems across Kowloon or Hong Kong Island. Is the Holafly China eSIM unlimited? There is no hard data cap, and the plan is subject to a fair use policy. In practice it meant we never counted gigabytes while navigating Shanghai, and we were not throttled during our time there. Can I use one eSIM for both mainland China and Hong Kong? Check the coverage on the specific plan before buying. Mainland China is the harder case because of the firewall, so choose a plan that handles the mainland properly. Hong Kong connects easily on most eSIMs and is rarely the limiting factor. Does the ADAMANDLINDS code work on the China eSIM? Yes. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** takes 5% off the China destination eSIM at checkout. It is not limited to first orders, so if you are buying one per person for a family, apply it to each one. Full detail on [our Holafly discount code page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). How much does the Holafly China eSIM cost? Price depends on the number of days you select, so check the current rate on the product page. It costs more per day than a local Chinese SIM, and the built-in VPN is what you are paying the difference for. ### Ready for China? Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off the Holafly China eSIM, the one we ran across Shanghai. [Get your China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-for-china&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=china-trip-2026&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[Our Shanghai eSIM test](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/) ### More on eSIMs and staying connected [Holafly China eSIM in Shanghai: the built-in VPN tested](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/)[Holafly discount code: ADAMANDLINDS](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/)[East Asia eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau/)[Walking Hong Kong and Kowloon with kids](https://adamandlinds.com/walk-hong-kong-kowloon-with-kids/)[Holafly Always On explained](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) Heading to China and still deciding? Tell us in the comments which cities you are covering and how long you will be there, and we will tell you what we would buy. If you have already used the China eSIM we would like to hear whether the VPN held up for you. This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you purchase through our links or use code ADAMANDLINDS we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you receive the stated discount. We have an exclusive partnership with Holafly and paid for the eSIMs described here ourselves. All opinions are our own. ### Every teamLab Experience You Can Book on Klook (And Which One Is Worth It) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-klook/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:21.000Z We've done teamLab Planets with our three daughters. We've seen the kids go from mildly curious to genuinely speechless in about thirty seconds, which if you know kids, is no small feat. So when people ask us whether teamLab is worth the price, our answer is: yes, but it depends which one you choose and how you book it. Here's everything you need to know about booking teamLab experiences through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to save on admission. --- ## What Is teamLab? teamLab is a Tokyo-based art collective that has built some of the most photographed immersive art museums in the world. Their work blurs the line between visitor and artwork. You don't just look at the art, you step into it, move through it, and in some installations, literally change it with your presence. Lights shift as you walk through. Koi fish scatter when you touch the water's surface. Flowers bloom around your feet. The collective operates permanent museums in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Macau, and Okinawa, plus pop-up and touring installations globally. Each venue is distinct. Booking ahead through Klook is almost always cheaper than buying at the door, and with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** you save on top of that. --- ## teamLab Venues Available on Klook ### teamLab Planets TOKYO ![teamLab Planets Tokyo](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/mn4cemkgx5r6fy6rgie6.jpg) **Book here:** [teamLab Planets TOKYO Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) teamLab Planets is the one most families have seen on social media, and it earns the hype. The museum is designed around total body immersion. You go barefoot. You wade through shallow water while digital koi react to your movement. You pass through a room where the floor swallows your feet. You stand in a space so full of hanging flowers it feels genuinely impossible. The newer Forest Area, which opened in January 2025, adds even more room to explore. Getting there is straightforward: Toyosu Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, or Shin-Toyosu on the Yurikamome Line. **Tickets from $24.25 USD on Klook** \- a significant discount versus the walk-up rate. There's also a combo ticket that includes access to Senkyaku Banrai Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen if you want to turn it into a full day. We brought our daughters here and put together a full honest take on what it's actually like with kids: [Watch Should You Take Your Kids to TeamLab Planets Tokyo? (Full Family Experience) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khqu3oUVpJ8&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Detail | Info | | -------------- | --------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $24.25 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (18,388 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Confirmation | Instant | | Location | Toyosu, Tokyo | | Best for | All ages, families, couples | **Highlights:** - Infinite Crystal Universe: a room of thousands of LEDs creating an outer-space effect - Drawing on the Water Surface: barefoot walk through shallow water with responsive koi - Soft Black Hole: a squishy floor installation that genuinely messes with your balance - Floating Flower Garden: suspended orchids that part around you as you walk --- ### teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka ![teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/n6uuh10zkgit327hprfn.jpg) **Book here:** [teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73632-teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) This one is different from the rest of the teamLab lineup, and that's the point. Where other venues are purpose-built indoor spaces, the Botanical Garden experience takes place outside after dark, using Nagai Botanical Garden's actual plants, lake, and ecosystem as the canvas. Wind moves the installations. Rain changes them. Your footsteps trigger light ripples across the lake. The effect is genuinely strange in the best possible way. It's less intense than Planets, and arguably more beautiful. **Tickets from $11.49 USD**, making it the most affordable teamLab experience on Klook and worth stacking into any Osaka trip. We're based in Osaka right now, and this one is on our list. | Detail | Info | | -------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $11.49 USD | | Rating | 4.4/5 (7,297 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Confirmation | Instant | | Location | Nagai Botanical Garden, Osaka | | Best for | Families, couples, evening activity | **Highlights:** - Resonating Microcosms in the Common Camellia Garden: glowing orbs that respond to touch, wind, and rain - Floating Resonating Lamps on Oike Lake: fire-colored lights that ripple across the water - Pillars that Dance with the Wind: flexible structures that shift with movement and weather - Every visit is different because the environment is always different --- ### teamLab Forest Fukuoka ![teamLab Forest Fukuoka](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/t3vsfkb6nyvq2sdkc1qj.jpg) **Book here:** [teamLab Forest Fukuoka Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/51227-teamlab-forest-fukuoka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) teamLab Forest is inside the Boss E.ZO FUKUOKA complex attached to Mizuho PayPay Dome. It's the most kid-interactive of the Japanese venues. The museum splits into two sections: Catch and Collect Forest, where kids use an app to catch, identify, and release digital creatures, and Forest of Motion, which is a more traditional immersive art environment where your body directly shapes what you see. For families with kids who need to feel like they're doing something rather than just witnessing it, teamLab Forest is the one. **Tickets from $15.29 USD on Klook.** | Detail | Info | | -------------- | --------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $15.29 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (1,642 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Confirmation | Instant | | Location | Boss E.ZO Fukuoka | | Best for | Kids, families | --- ### teamLab SuperNature Macao ![teamLab SuperNature Macao](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ca6p4rtm87i58vv1bt6x.jpg) **Book here:** [teamLab SuperNature Macao Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/33776-teamlab-supernature-macao-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) Located inside The Venetian Macao, teamLab SuperNature spans 5,000 square meters across a three-dimensional space with varying elevations and artworks that reach 8 meters tall. This is the most physically ambitious of the teamLab spaces, designed for genuine bodily exploration rather than just walking through rooms. The Floating Flower Garden here, with over 8,000 living orchids blooming in mid-air, is particularly impressive. There's also EN TEA HOUSE, where flowers bloom inside your teacup. **Tickets from $22.05 USD on Klook.** A strong option if you're passing through Macau or combining with a Hong Kong trip. | Detail | Info | | -------------- | ------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $22.05 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (2,820 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Confirmation | Instant | | Location | The Venetian Macao | | Best for | Couples, adults, families | --- ### teamLab Future Park Okinawa ![teamLab Future Park Okinawa](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/f9ngq1bjw5l9kre7wdip.jpg) **Book here:** [teamLab Future Park Okinawa Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/98927-teamlab-future-park-okinawa/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) Future Park is teamLab's most educational concept, built specifically around co-creation. Kids draw creatures that come to life on screen. They roll glowing balls through an interactive orchestra. They design their own badges, towels, and t-shirts at the Sketch Factory to take home. It's less "jaw-dropping art museum" and more "interactive kids' creative workshop," which depending on the age of your kids might be exactly what you want. **Tickets from $12.75 USD on Klook.** A great addition to any Okinawa family itinerary, located inside T Galleria by DFS in Naha. | Detail | Info | | -------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $12.75 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (445 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Confirmation | Instant | | Location | T Galleria by DFS, Naha | | Best for | Younger children, creative families | --- ## teamLab Comparison: Which One Should You Book? | Venue | Price (Klook) | Rating | Best For | Outdoor? | | ------------------------------ | ------------- | ------ | ----------------- | ------------- | | teamLab Planets Tokyo | $24.25 | 4.7/5 | Everyone | No | | teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka | $11.49 | 4.4/5 | Families, couples | Yes (evening) | | teamLab Forest Fukuoka | $15.29 | 4.7/5 | Kids | No | | teamLab SuperNature Macao | $22.05 | 4.7/5 | Adults, couples | No | | teamLab Future Park Okinawa | $12.75 | 4.8/5 | Young children | No | **Our pick for first-timers:** teamLab Planets Tokyo. It's the most iconic, has the highest review volume, and the water walk is something no amount of photos can fully prepare you for. **Best value:** teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka at $11.49\. For an evening activity in Osaka, it's hard to beat this on price or atmosphere. **Best for families with young kids:** teamLab Future Park Okinawa, if you're there. teamLab Forest Fukuoka otherwise. --- ## How to Book teamLab on Klook Booking through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) takes about two minutes. Select your date, choose your ticket type, and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to save. All teamLab tickets on Klook have instant confirmation, so your voucher is ready to use immediately. One important note: none of these tickets have flexible cancellation, so only book once you're confident in your dates. The Planets Tokyo ticket does sell out on weekends and during peak holiday periods, so booking ahead by at least a few days is smart practice. For the Tokyo Planets museum specifically, there's also a [shuttle bus from Ginza](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/121902-teamlab-planets-tokyo-tokyo-station-bus-terminal-yaesu-ginza-six-shuttle-bus-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) available on Klook for $2.80 per person. It's a convenient option if you're staying or shopping in the Ginza area and would rather skip the metro transfer. --- ## Tips for Visiting teamLab with Kids teamLab Planets requires bare feet for the water walk sections, so easy slip-on shoes make the whole thing faster for families. Bring a small bag for shoes and socks. The museum does provide storage. Mornings and weekday afternoons are noticeably less crowded than evenings and weekends. If you have flexibility, a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon visit at Planets will feel like a completely different experience than a Saturday night. Photography is not only allowed but encouraged everywhere. The art is designed to be photographed. Phones, cameras, all of it is fine. Keep in mind that small children will find some spaces genuinely disorienting. The Soft Black Hole room, with its unstable floor, tends to get reactions ranging from pure delight to mild panic depending on the kid. Worth knowing in advance. --- ## Getting the Most Out of Japan teamLab is just one piece of what makes Japan extraordinary for families. We've spent over 220 days here across multiple visits, and we keep coming back. For everything else on a Tokyo or Osaka itinerary, check out our full guides on the blog and browse Japan-specific activities on Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. If you're planning a longer stay or visiting multiple cities, make sure you've sorted your data situation before you land. We use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for our eSIMs in Japan. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** to save on your plan. Their unlimited data means translation apps, Google Maps, and photography uploads run without interruption from the moment you touch down. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Klook and Holafly. When you use our codes, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and platforms we actually use. All opinions are our own.* ### Best eSIM for Spain: Holafly Plans, Pricing and Coverage URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-spain-holafly/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:22.000Z Spain runs on its own clock. Lunch lands at two, dinner starts at nine, and half the country decamps to the coast in August. We spent a few days in Barcelona in the summer of 2021, back before we travelled full time, and Adam backpacked Madrid, Barcelona and San Sebastián years earlier than that. What has changed since is how we handle data. We now land in a country already online, and for Spain that means a Holafly eSIM sorted before the flight. We have not run the Spain-only eSIM inside Spain ourselves, so we will be straight about that. What we can speak to is Holafly the product: we used the regional Europe eSIM across nine countries on a single winter loop in 2025, and Spain is one of the 33 countries that same plan covers. Here is the current Spain pricing, the networks it runs on, and how the Spain plan stacks up against the Europe one we actually use. ### Holafly code: ADAMANDLINDS 5% off destination and regional eSIMs, 10% off a Holafly Plans subscription. Enter **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout, or read how it applies first. [How the ADAMANDLINDS code works](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) ![The Sagrada Família rising above the rooftops of Barcelona, Spain](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1539037116277-4db20889f2d4?w=1200&q=80) Barcelona, where our Spain time actually happened. Photo via Unsplash. ## Spain eSIM plans and pricing These are the Spain prices we pulled from Holafly's own checkout on August 2, 2026\. Every plan is unlimited data on 5G where available, 4G and LTE, with no cap to watch. We update this table in place when the price moves rather than posting a new one. | Days | Price (USD) | Per day | Suits | | ------- | ----------- | ------- | -------------------------- | | 3 days | $11.90 | $3.97 | A long weekend in one city | | 5 days | $17.50 | $3.50 | Barcelona or Madrid focus | | 7 days | $23.90 | $3.41 | A classic Spain week | | 10 days | $32.90 | $3.29 | Two-city itinerary | | 15 days | $44.50 | $2.97 | A multi-city fortnight | | 30 days | $64.50 | $2.15 | A full summer month | Each Spain plan carries two things worth knowing. Data sharing lets you turn the phone into a hotspot at 1GB per day, so a 7-day plan gives you 7GB to share across the family's other devices. And Always On leaves 1GB a month running in 150+ countries even after the plan ends, checked on Holafly's site on August 2, 2026, so a lapsed eSIM still lands you somewhere with something rather than nothing. ### Buying for a Spain trip? Unlimited data on the main Spanish networks, installed before you fly. [Check the Spain eSIM price](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-spain-holafly&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=destination-spain&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-spain%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[Use code ADAMANDLINDS](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) Staying longer than a month, or hopping between several countries across the year? A monthly subscription usually beats buying a new eSIM each time. We run the numbers on that in [our Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/). ## Networks and coverage in Spain The Spain eSIM runs on Orange, Movistar, Vodafone España and Yoigo, confirmed on Holafly's Spain page on August 2, 2026\. That combination covers the cities, the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, the islands including the Canaries, and the main tourist corridors on 4G and LTE, with 5G where the local network has built it out. Where any Spanish network thins out is the same place this one does: deep in rural Castile, high in the Pyrenees, and the emptier stretches of Extremadura. For city travel and the coast it is not something most people run into. ## Spain eSIM or the Europe eSIM? This is the decision that matters, and as of August 2, 2026 the two plans no longer cost the same. The Spain eSIM is cheaper for a Spain-only trip: $64.50 for 30 days against $73.90 for the Europe plan, with the gap opening up from the 5-day tier onward. The Europe eSIM costs more because it covers 33 countries instead of one. The 3-day tier is the only one priced identically at $11.90. | | Spain eSIM | Europe eSIM | | ------------ | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------- | | Countries | Spain only | 33 countries | | 7-day price | $23.90 | $27.50 | | 30-day price | $64.50 | $73.90 | | Best for | Spain and nowhere else | Spain plus Portugal, France or beyond | The Europe eSIM is the one we have actually used, running it from Italy up through the Baltics without buying a new plan at any border. If your trip is Spain and Portugal, or Spain and the south of France, take the Europe plan. If you are staying inside Spain the whole time, the Spain eSIM saves you a few dollars for the same coverage. ### Pick the plan that fits the trip Spain only for less, or the whole continent on one eSIM. [Get the Spain eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-spain-holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-spain&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-spain%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[Get the Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-esim-spain-holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How to set up your Holafly eSIM for Spain 1. ### Buy the plan and note the code Pick your days on the Spain or Europe eSIM. Enter **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off, or read [how the code works](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) first. 2. ### Scan the QR code before you fly Holafly emails it within minutes. Go to Settings, then Mobile or Cellular, then Add eSIM, and scan it on your home Wi-Fi. 3. ### Label it and leave it off Name the plan "Spain" so you can tell it apart from your home SIM, which stays in the phone for calls and texts. 4. ### Turn on data roaming when you land Switch data roaming on for the Holafly line and turn data off on your home SIM. You are online before you leave the terminal. [Get your Spain eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-spain-holafly&subId2=howto-cta&subId3=destination-spain&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-spain%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Spain eSIM or a local Spanish SIM A local SIM from Orange, Movistar or Vodafone will look cheaper on the shelf. Then you factor in finding a store that is open, the passport they need to register it, the Spanish-only paperwork, and a number you throw away at the airport on the way out. For a two-week trip, Holafly's 15-day plan at $44.50 comes in competitive with all of that and skips every step of it. The eSIM is live before you leave home, which on a travel day with kids is worth more than the price gap. ## Is your phone compatible? Most phones from the last several years handle eSIM. As a rule, iPhones from the XS onward and Android flagships from 2019 onward work, including the Samsung Galaxy S line and Google Pixel. If you are not sure, check for an Add eSIM option in your settings, or run your model through the checker on Holafly's site before you pay. ## Our honest take We will not pretend we stress-tested the Spain eSIM across Andalusia, because we have not. Our Spain time was Barcelona, and it predated the way we travel now. What we can tell you is that the Spain plan is the same Holafly product we run constantly elsewhere, on the same Spanish networks a local SIM would use, and that the Europe eSIM covering Spain has never left us stranded across nine countries. For a Spain-only trip, the Spain plan is the cheaper buy. For anything that crosses into Portugal or France, take the Europe eSIM and stop thinking about it. ![Two brown tables on a quiet terrace in Spain](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1495562569060-2eec283d3391?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&q=80&w=2000) Photo by Johan Mouchet via Unsplash. ## Frequently asked questions FAQ ## Spain eSIM questions, answered Does Holafly work in Spain? Yes. The Spain eSIM runs unlimited data on Orange, Movistar, Vodafone España and Yoigo, with 5G where available, 4G and LTE, and it covers the mainland, the coasts and the islands including the Canaries. Checked against Holafly's Spain page on August 2, 2026. How much does a Holafly Spain eSIM cost? As of August 2, 2026 it runs from $11.90 for 3 days to $64.50 for 30 days, all unlimited data. Code ADAMANDLINDS takes 5% off. Full detail is on [our Holafly code page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). Should I buy the Spain eSIM or the Europe eSIM? For a Spain-only trip the Spain eSIM is cheaper, $64.50 against $73.90 for 30 days. The Europe eSIM covers 33 countries, so take that one if your trip touches Portugal, France or anywhere else on the continent. Can I use it as a hotspot in Spain? Yes. The Spain eSIM shares data at 1GB per day, so a 7-day plan gives you 7GB to hotspot across other devices. Confirmed on Holafly's Spain page on August 2, 2026. Can I still get calls and texts on my own number? Yes. The Holafly eSIM is data only. Your physical SIM stays in the phone, so calls and verification texts still arrive on your usual number, and you make calls through WhatsApp or FaceTime. Is a monthly plan better for a long stay? For a month or more, or for several trips a year, a subscription usually costs less than buying a new eSIM each time. We compare it in [our Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/). ### Related reading [Holafly discount code: ADAMANDLINDS](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/)[Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/)[Best eSIM for Europe](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/)[Best eSIM for Italy](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-italy-holafly/) ### Ready for Spain? Install before you fly, and enter ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off. [Get the Holafly Spain eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-spain-holafly&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=destination-spain&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-spain%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[How the code works](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links or use code ADAMANDLINDS we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you get the stated Holafly discount. Holafly is our exclusive eSIM partner and we pay for the products we write about. All opinions are our own. ### Best eSIM for Europe: The Holafly Guide for Multi-Country Travel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-europe-holafly/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:22.000Z The first time it clicked for us was on the Railjet from Prague to Vienna in July 2022\. Somewhere near the border the phone switched from a Czech network to an Austrian one on its own, and nobody had to dig through settings or find a shop selling SIM cards. We kept navigating, the kids kept watching cartoons, and we kept moving. We have run the [Holafly Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-esim-europe-holafly&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster) on every European trip since, from a summer down through Italy to a winter loop through the Baltics. Here is the full breakdown of what it covers, what it costs as of August 2026, and when a monthly plan makes more sense. ## Why one eSIM beats juggling local SIMs Europe is small and crowded with borders. A two-week trip built around Italy often picks up a few days in France, a night in Switzerland, or a hop over to Croatia, and the old approach of buying a SIM in each country falls apart fast. You land at 10pm, find the one open kiosk, show a passport, wait for activation, then do the whole thing again three days later across the next border. The Europe eSIM skips all of that. You install it before you fly, and it connects to the local carrier in whatever country you are standing in, so the same plan follows you across the continent. In France that means Orange, SFR, Bouygues, or Free Mobile. In Italy it is Vodafone or WINDTRE. In the UK it rides on Virgin Media O2, Vodafone, and the others. You never pick a network yourself. ![A snow-covered platform at Vihanti station in northern Finland in January 2026](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/eac36355-f7d1-4a8e-8877-96ec53b69ff4.jpg) A frozen platform at Vihanti, somewhere between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, January 2026\. Most of our European borders are crossed by train. Here is us driving the German Autobahn from Munich to Prague after our train got cancelled twice. Not our finest travel planning, but the data held the entire way across the German and Czech border. ## Where we have actually used the Europe eSIM We have used it across sixteen of the thirty-three covered countries, on two separate loops. The first was a summer run in 2022 that went from the UK down through France, Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary before finishing in Greece. We spent our tenth anniversary in Tuscany that trip, and [Lucca ended up being our favorite city in Italy](https://adamandlinds.com/lucca-italy/). The second was a winter run from late 2025 into early 2026 through Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland, then up through the Baltics and into Finnish Lapland. That stretch ran two weeks through the Baltics in the cold and a few nights chasing the northern lights outside Rovaniemi. Two ends of the continent, two seasons, one eSIM the whole way. ![Adam on a snow-covered forest road outside Rovaniemi under a pink Arctic sky](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b4886a92-60f4-492d-bb2f-7e63048e588b.jpg) A pink-sky morning on a snow road outside Rovaniemi, January 2026\. The eSIM worked this far north too. ## What the Holafly Europe eSIM covers As of August 2026 the Europe eSIM covers thirty-three countries on one plan, with unlimited data on 5G where available, 4G, and LTE. The UK and Ireland are both included, which is worth checking on any eSIM because plenty of “Europe” plans leave them out. Here is the full list grouped by region. | Region | Countries included | | --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Western Europe | Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Switzerland | | Southern Europe | Andorra, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain | | Northern Europe | Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom | | Eastern Europe | Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia | ### What every Europe plan includes - Unlimited data on 5G, 4G, and LTE across all 33 countries - 1 GB per day of hotspot sharing, scaling with the length of your plan - Data only, so your home SIM keeps your number for calls and WhatsApp - Instant QR delivery by email, install before you fly - Up to six months to request a refund under Holafly's policy ## Europe eSIM prices Pricing is by trip length rather than by gigabyte, since the data is unlimited. These are the current figures on Holafly's Europe page as of August 2026, with the per-day cost worked out so you can see how it drops on longer trips. | Trip length | Price | Per day | | ----------- | ------ | ------- | | 3 days | $11.90 | $3.97 | | 5 days | $20.50 | $4.10 | | 7 days | $27.50 | $3.93 | | 10 days | $36.50 | $3.65 | | 15 days | $50.50 | $3.37 | | 30 days | $73.90 | $2.46 | You can [check the current Europe prices](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-esim-europe-holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster) directly on Holafly before you buy, since they run promotions that move these numbers around. ### Holafly Europe eSIM Unlimited data across 33 European countries on one plan. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off the Europe eSIM. [Get your Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-esim-europe-holafly&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster) ## Europe eSIM vs a monthly Holafly plan For a trip of up to about a month, the per-trip Europe eSIM is the simplest option: pick your days, pay once, and it expires on its own. Past that point the math changes. The 30-day Europe eSIM is $73.90, while Holafly's [monthly Plans subscription](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-europe-holafly&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) runs $64.90 a month for the Unlimited tier and covers 160+ destinations rather than just Europe. So if you are in Europe for six weeks, or heading somewhere else afterward, the monthly plan is usually the better buy. The discount also lands harder there: the [ADAMANDLINDS code](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) saves 10% on monthly Plans versus 5% on the per-trip Europe eSIM. ## How to set up your Holafly Europe eSIM 1. ### Buy before you fly Purchase the Europe eSIM at Holafly and enter code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off. You need internet to install it, so do this at home. 2. ### Open the QR code from your email Holafly sends the QR code and a manual code within minutes. Open it on a second screen or print it. 3. ### Add the eSIM in settings Go to Settings, then Mobile or Cellular, then Add eSIM, and scan the code. Label it Holafly Europe so you can find it later. 4. ### Turn on data roaming when you land Switch data roaming on for the Holafly eSIM at your first stop. This is normal for a travel eSIM and does not trigger roaming fees. 5. ### Keep your home SIM for calls Leave your home SIM in for calls, texts, and your WhatsApp number, but turn its data off so nothing routes through it by accident. [Get your Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-esim-europe-holafly&subId2=inline-1&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster) ## Coverage quality: what to expect Coverage is strong in cities and along the rail corridors that carry most of a normal itinerary. Holafly is upfront that quality can dip in deserts, mountains, and remote areas, which matches what we have seen. The one time our data genuinely struggled was on a back road in rural Austria in 2022, and it came back within a few minutes. Everywhere that mattered held up, including places we did not expect. Paris, Rome, Naples, Munich, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest were all solid on the summer trip, and even the Arctic held a signal. We were streaming maps on a snowmobile tour outside Rovaniemi in January with the temperature well below freezing. ![A dark, frozen forest with a power line outside Rovaniemi in January 2026](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/c67181f0-1399-45be-b42a-d2e35c108787.jpg) The remote forest outside Rovaniemi, January 2026\. Even out here the eSIM kept a signal. If your trip is mostly wilderness rather than towns and trains, no travel eSIM will be flawless. For standard European city and rail travel, coverage was a non-issue for us. ## Our take on Holafly for Europe Europe is where our full-time travel started. We [arrived in London off the Queen Mary 2](https://adamandlinds.com/returning-to-london-after-the-queen-mary-2/) in May 2022, then spent the next few months on trains and across borders with three kids and two work schedules to keep running. Reliable data was not a luxury on that trip, it was the thing that made the rest of it possible. It is how you navigate a station you have never seen, translate a menu with no English on it, and keep the kids occupied on the three-hour run from Florence to Naples. Four years and a lot of borders later, the Europe eSIM is still the first thing we set up before a trip on the continent. ![Our three daughters running across a lit piazza in Lucca at blue hour in June 2022](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/3d3b28a0-daa9-4c16-bee4-9b20820ef160.jpg) The girls running a Lucca piazza at blue hour, June 2022, on the first month of our first year traveling. ### Ready for one eSIM across Europe? Unlimited data in 33 countries, 5% off with our discount code. [Get the Holafly Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-esim-europe-holafly&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster)[See all Holafly discounts](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) FAQ ## Europe eSIM questions we get asked The things people check before buying a Europe plan. How many countries does the Holafly Europe eSIM cover? As of August 2026 it covers 33 countries on a single plan, including the UK and Ireland. Coverage spans western, southern, northern, and eastern Europe, so most standard itineraries stay on one eSIM the whole trip. How much does the Holafly Europe eSIM cost? Pricing runs from $11.90 for 3 days up to $73.90 for 30 days, with unlimited data on every tier. Our discount code takes 5% off at checkout. Prices are current as of August 2026. Does it switch between countries automatically? Yes. The eSIM connects to a local carrier in each covered country on its own as you cross borders, so there is nothing to switch and no new SIM to buy. We have crossed from the Czech Republic into Austria and from Germany into Italy without touching a setting. Can I share the data with hotspot? Yes. You can share 1 GB of data per day, and the total scales with your plan length, so a 7-day plan gives you 7 GB of sharing across the trip. That is enough to get a laptop or a second phone online. Should I get the Europe eSIM or a monthly Holafly plan? For trips up to about a month, the per-trip Europe eSIM is simpler and expires on its own. For longer stays, or if you are heading beyond Europe, the monthly Plans subscription at $64.90 covers 160+ destinations and works out cheaper. ### Related reading [Best eSIM for Italy](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-italy-holafly/)[Best eSIM for Spain](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-spain-holafly/) This post contains affiliate links. If you buy a Holafly eSIM through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Holafly is our exclusive eSIM partner and we use the Europe eSIM on our own trips. All opinions are our own. ### teamLab Discount Code September 2026: The Best Way to Save on Tickets URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-discount-code/ Last updated: 2026-08-27T10:05:51.000Z If you are going to teamLab Planets Tokyo teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka or any other teamLab place this month there is a way to save money compared to the price you pay when you arrive: book through Klook and use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout. That is the discount.. Read further because where you get your ticket and which place you choose can have a bigger impact on your total cost than many people know. ## The best teamLab coupon code for July 2026 ### teamLab on Klook Active. Verified July 2026\. Works on all teamLab venues on the platform. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Klooks teamLab prices are already lower than the walk-up price. The code takes an amount off that already lower price. You get confirmation, a mobile voucher and no waiting in line at the ticket office. There is no teamLab coupon code available directly from teamLabs website. Any site that claims to offer a "teamLab promo code" that works directly on the teamLab booking page is either old or not correct. Klook is where real savings are and our code works for all places on the platform. ## teamLab venues in Japan Every permanent teamLab location bookable on Klook. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout. Verified teamLab Prices on Klook (July 2026) | Venue | Klook Price | Rating | Saves vs Door | | ------------------------------ | ----------- | ------ | ------------- | | teamLab Planets TOKYO | From $24.25 | 4.7/5 | Yes | | teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka | From $11.49 | 4.4/5 | Yes | | teamLab Forest Fukuoka | From $15.29 | 4.7/5 | Yes | | teamLab SuperNature Macao | From $22.05 | 4.7/5 | Yes | | teamLab Future Park Okinawa | From $12.75 | 4.8/5 | Yes | All tickets on Klook come with confirmation. None have cancellation so only book once your dates are locked in. Prices are listed in USD. Klook accepts payment in multiple currencies. ## How to use the teamLab Klook discount code - ### Go to Klook and search for your teamLab venue Visit [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) and search for the venue you want to visit. Select your visit date and ticket Choose the date and ticket type that suits your group. - ### Proceed to checkout Add to cart and head to the checkout page. - ### Enter code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK in the promo code field The code works on all teamLab tickets on Klook, including combo passes and shuttle bus add-ons. - ### Your discount will apply before payment You'll see the reduced total confirmed before you enter your payment details. teamLab Planets Tokyo: July 2026 Tips Book teamLab Planets Tokyo on Klook The museum opened a Forest Area in January 2025 so if you visited before that theres new ground to cover. You still go barefoot still wade through the shallow water installation and the Floating Flower Garden is still the moment that gets people. We took our three daughters here. They were silent, for about thirty seconds when they walked into that room which if you've spent time around children is genuinely remarkable. We showed the family experience on YouTube: [Watch teamLab Planets Tokyo with Kids on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khqu3oUVpJ8&ref=adamandlinds.com) The weather in Tokyo during July is warm and humid so the barefoot water areas will actually feel nice. You should wear shoes that're easy to take off because you will need to remove your shoes when you enter and again before the water areas. To get there: Toyosu Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line or Shin-Toyosu on the Yurikamome Line. A shuttle bus from Ginza is also available on Klook for $2.80 per person which's a good choice if you are staying in central Tokyo and want a direct ride. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka: Best Value in July Book teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka on Klook At $11.49 this is the cheapest teamLab ticket on Klook and one of the most unique experiences. It takes place outdoors after dark at Nagai Botanical Garden using the garden, lake and plant life as part of the display. Wind, rain and people moving around all change what you see in time. July nights in Osaka are warm and humid so light clothing is enough. The experience is outdoors and happens rain or shine which in this case is part of the art. If it rains the installations react to it. It is worth checking the weather not to avoid going. To dress properly. We live in Osaka now. This one is on our list to do this month. Is the teamLab Discount Worth It Compared to Buying Direct? answer: yes, especially for teamLab Planets Tokyo. Prices at teamLab Planets can be higher than the Klook rate for special time slots. Klooks price is already lower. The code makes it even cheaper. For a family of five like ours the difference on tickets adds up. Buying directly from the teamLab website is an option. There are no discount codes there. The official site also sells out faster at times because it gets more visitors. Klook usually has availability for the same times. ## Other teamLab venues: quick links with code ### More teamLab on Klook Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout on all of these. - [teamLab Forest Fukuoka](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/51227-teamlab-forest-fukuoka/&ref=adamandlinds.com). $15.29, Best for kids - [teamLab SuperNature Macao](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/33776-teamlab-supernature-macao-ticket/&ref=adamandlinds.com). $22.05, Best for adults - [teamLab Future Park Okinawa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/98927-teamlab-future-park-okinawa/&ref=adamandlinds.com). $12.75, Best for young children FAQ ## Frequently Asked Questions Is there a teamLab promo code for July 2026? Yes. Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is verified working in July 2026\. Applies to all teamLab venues on the platform. Does teamLab offer student discounts? teamLab Planets Tokyo offers a discounted rate for children and some venues have age-based pricing tiers. Check the individual listing on Klook when selecting your ticket type to see pricing for each age bracket. Can I get a refund on teamLab tickets? No. All teamLab tickets are non-refundable regardless of where you purchase them. This applies to Klook well. Only book once your dates are confirmed. Do teamLab Planets tickets sell out in July? Yes on weekends. July is season in Japan but visitor numbers stay high. Booking least a week ahead is advisable. Midweek morning sessions are easiest to secure. Is there a free entry day at teamLab? Not to our knowledge. There are no published days at any permanent teamLab venue. The best discount available is the Klook code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK. ## One more thing if you're heading to Japan You'll want data sorted before you arrive. Japan is one of the connected countries in the world and you'll be using Google Maps, translation apps and navigation all the time. We use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=teamlab-discount-code&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) for our Japan eSIM. Code ADAMANDLINDS saves 5% at checkout. It installs before you fly and activates when you land, which means you're connected from the moment you arrive without searching for a SIM kiosk. This post contains affiliate links, to Klook and Holafly. When you book using our codes we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. Based on genuine experience. ### WAYB Pico Review: The Travel Car Seat Built for Families on the Move URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/wayb-pico-review-travel-car-seat/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:24.000Z Three kids. Years of full-time travel. Taxis in Bangkok, rental cars in Germany, rideshares through Tokyo, and a road trip down the Autobahn that nobody planned. If you're trying to keep small humans strapped in safely while also not checking a piece of luggage the size of a golden retriever, car seat logistics are one of the harder problems in family travel. The [WAYB Pico](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=510154&mid=112996&awinaffid=1117223&linkid=3844279&clickref=&ref=adamandlinds.com) has been part of our kit since we left home in 2022, and our youngest, Harper, is still in it. It's been in overhead bins, taxi backseats, and rental cars across dozens of countries. This is what we actually think of it. [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3844278&v=112996&q=510153&r=1117223) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3844278&v=112996&q=510153&r=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## The Problem with Car Seats and International Travel Traditional car seats are a nightmare for travel families. They're heavy, they're bulky, most airlines want you to gate-check them (meaning they arrive looking like they've been kicked the length of the tarmac), and using them in a taxi involves about fifteen minutes of installation theatre that the driver watches with visible impatience. Families tend to get stuck choosing between lugging a full-sized seat everywhere, renting one of questionable cleanliness and vintage from a car hire desk, or just crossing their fingers in a rideshare and feeling quietly terrible about it. None of those options are good. The WAYB Pico is a genuine attempt to solve this. It's an 8-pound forward-facing car seat built on an aerospace-grade aluminum frame with breathable mesh fabric, and it folds down small enough to fit in most airplane overhead bins. It's FAA-approved for use on planes and NHTSA-approved for use in vehicles. That combination is the whole pitch, and it's a strong one. --- ## What We Actually Like About the Pico [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3842083&v=112996&q=509998&r=1117223) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3842083&v=112996&q=509998&r=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) **It genuinely fits in an overhead bin.** We've seen enough "fits in the overhead bin" claims from travel product companies to last a lifetime. This one actually holds up. The folded dimensions (roughly 12" x 14.5" x 19") mean it slides in alongside a carry-on, not instead of one. **8 pounds is a different category of carry.** When you're navigating train stations, airports, or the Tokyo subway with three kids and all of your earthly possessions, every pound matters. Conventional travel car seats run 15-20+ pounds. The Pico being 8 pounds means Harper can wear it as a backpack situation in a pinch, and Adam can carry it without that quiet grimacing face that comes from shoulder strain. **It installs fast.** This matters a lot when you're in a rideshare with the meter running, or when you've just landed after a long flight and everyone's tired and someone is already crying (it's always someone). The Pico uses a standard seatbelt install and goes in quickly once you've done it a couple of times. **It fits three across.** In most back seats you can fit three Picos side by side, which is useful if you're traveling with multiple car-seat-age kids or trying to avoid upgrading to an SUV rental every time. **The mesh breathes.** Our travels have taken us through Thailand in 35-degree heat and Japan in humid summer. A sweaty, miserable child in a hot car seat makes everyone's day worse. The mesh fabric on the Pico is genuinely more comfortable in warm climates than the padded foam alternatives. --- ## WAYB Pico Specs at a Glance | Spec | Detail | | ----------------------- | ---------------------------- | | Weight | 8 lbs | | Child weight range | Up to 50 lbs | | Folded dimensions | 11.6" L x 14.5" W x 18.9" H | | In-use dimensions (max) | 15.2" L x 14.5" W x 27.8" H | | Safety certifications | FAA-approved, NHTSA-approved | | Harness | 5-point | | Frame material | Aerospace-grade aluminum | | Price | $499 | | Warranty | 3 years | --- ## Who the Pico Is For The Pico makes the most sense for families who regularly navigate scenarios where a standard car seat is impractical: international trips, rideshare-heavy cities, frequent flyers, or anyone dealing with variable rental car situations. It's particularly well-suited to: - **Travel families and worldschoolers** who are moving between countries and cities regularly - **Families taking multiple flights** who want one seat that can go in the cabin rather than getting gate-checked - **City travelers** who rely heavily on taxis and rideshares rather than a personal vehicle - **Grandparents or caregivers** who don't have a permanent car seat in their vehicle If your child is primarily in a fixed family car and you only travel occasionally, the $499 price point is harder to justify. But if travel is a regular part of your life, the Pico is closer to a permanent solution than a luxury item. [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3842072&v=112996&q=509998&r=1117223) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3842072&v=112996&q=509998&r=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## WAYB Pico vs. a Traditional Travel Car Seat | Feature | WAYB Pico | Traditional Travel Seat | | ------------------ | ------------------------- | ----------------------- | | Weight | 8 lbs | 15-20+ lbs | | Overhead bin fit | Yes (most bins) | No | | FAA-approved | Yes | Some models | | 5-point harness | Yes | Yes | | Installation speed | Fast | Varies | | Fits 3-across | Yes (most vehicles) | Rarely | | Price | $499 | $150-$350 | | Sustainability | Recyclable aluminum frame | Mostly plastic/foam | The price delta is real. But if you're paying to check a car seat on every flight, dealing with gate-check damage anxiety, or adding rental upgrade fees for SUVs to accommodate a bigger seat, the math shifts considerably. --- ## What About the Price? $499 is not a small number for a car seat. WAYB's pitch is that this is premium materials, genuine travel engineering, and a product built to last rather than a disposable piece of gear. The aluminum frame is designed to be recyclable, they offer a recycling kit, and the 3-year warranty backs up the durability claim. For families who travel a handful of times a year, the cost-per-use calculation takes longer to work out. For families like ours who are in and out of vehicles across multiple countries every week, it's a different equation entirely. Across years of rideshares and rental cars, the per-trip cost is well below what most people pay for a single checked bag fee. If the full seat is outside your current budget, WAYB also offers a [Recertified Pico](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=510154&mid=112996&awinaffid=1117223&linkid=3844279&clickref=&ref=adamandlinds.com) option that brings the price down on inspected, restored seats. --- ## The Carry Bag Is Worth Adding Alongside the seat itself, we'd recommend the Pico Carry Bag ($99). It makes airport navigation significantly easier, protects the seat in overhead bins, and has a backpack carry option that makes a real difference when you're also managing luggage, children, and the particular chaos that comes with connecting flights. The bundle with seat and bag runs $599 and is worth the extra outlay if you're flying with it regularly. [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3842065&v=112996&q=509998&r=1117223) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3842065&v=112996&q=509998&r=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## A Few Honest Notes No review should be entirely uncritical. A few things worth knowing before you buy: The Pico is forward-facing only, so it doesn't work for infants or toddlers who are still rear-facing. It fits children up to 50 lbs, which covers most of the car seat years for older toddlers through early school age. At $499, it requires some confidence that your travel lifestyle justifies it. For families moving constantly, it does. For a family that takes two holidays a year, it might not. The bottom buckle is not adjustable, which some reviewers have flagged as a minor frustration. It hasn't caused us problems but it's worth knowing before you buy. --- ## What WAYB Is Doing on Sustainability One thing that genuinely distinguishes WAYB from most car seat brands is the sustainability angle. The Pico is built with an aluminum frame designed to be recycled and reused, minimal plastics, no PU foam, and wool sourced to Responsible Wool Standard certification. They even offer a Pico Recycling Kit to keep old seats out of landfills, which is a detail most companies don't bother with. For families who think about what they're buying and where it ends up, this is a meaningful differentiator. [ ![](https://www.awin1.com/cshow.php?s=3842022&v=112996&q=509998&r=1117223) ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?s=3842022&v=112996&q=509998&r=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Our Take The WAYB Pico doesn't try to be everything. It's a forward-facing seat for mobile families who need something certified safe, genuinely lightweight, and small enough to carry on a plane without a second thought. It does that job extremely well, and it's done it for us across years and dozens of countries. The $499 price is the main barrier, and only you can judge whether your travel frequency justifies it. What we can tell you is that having a seat we can carry onto the plane, slide into a taxi in under three minutes, and fold away without sacrificing our luggage allotment has been worth every cent. [Shop the WAYB Pico here.](https://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=510154&mid=112996&awinaffid=1117223&linkid=3844279&clickref=&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Does the WAYB Pico fit in airplane overhead bins?** Yes. The Pico folds down to approximately 12" x 14.5" x 19" and fits in most standard overhead bins. WAYB recommends pairing it with the carry bag for airport travel. **What is the weight limit for the WAYB Pico?** The Pico supports children up to 50 lbs. It is a forward-facing only seat and is not suitable for rear-facing use. **Is the WAYB Pico FAA approved?** Yes. The WAYB Pico is both FAA-approved for use on aircraft and NHTSA-approved for use in motor vehicles. **How much does the WAYB Pico weigh?** The Pico weighs 8 pounds, significantly lighter than most traditional travel car seats which typically run 15-20 pounds or more. **Can you fit three WAYB Pico seats across in the back of a car?** Yes. In most vehicles the slim profile allows three Pico seats to fit side by side in a standard back row. **What is the WAYB Pico price?** The WAYB Pico retails for $499\. A bundle with the Pico Carry Bag is available for $599\. WAYB also sells Recertified Pico seats at a lower price point. **Is the WAYB Pico worth it for occasional travelers?** The Pico is best suited to families who travel frequently or rely on taxis, rideshares, and rental cars regularly. For occasional travelers, a standard travel seat may offer better value per use. **Is the WAYB Pico good for international travel?** Yes. The combination of FAA approval for planes, fast seatbelt installation for taxis and rentals, and an 8 lb weight makes it one of the most practical car seats available for international family travel. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we use and believe in. All opinions are our own.* ### The Best Things to Do in Paris with Klook (Tips from a Family Who's Been There) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-paris/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:25.000Z Paris has a way of making you feel like you planned something brilliant, even when you completely winged it. We arrived by Eurostar from London in May 2022 with three daughters under seven, zero restaurant reservations, and a vague plan to "do Paris." What saved us was booking activities in advance through Klook, which turned a chaotic travel day into something that actually looked intentional. Whether you're making a beeline for the Eiffel Tower or spending two days inside Disneyland Paris (guilty), this guide covers the best Paris activities to book on Klook, with honest notes on what's worth it for families, couples, and everyone in between. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to save on your bookings. ![Paris Eiffel Tower](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/xpjx5gvdktu658uuywjz.jpg) --- ## Why Book Paris Activities Through Klook Paris is one of those cities where queuing is basically a hobby. Show up at the Louvre without a ticket and you might spend two hours in line before you even get inside. Klook solves that by giving you timed entry, skip-the-line access, and instant confirmation on most bookings. The app is clean, the vouchers are straightforward, and if plans change, most activities have free cancellation with enough notice. The other reason we like Klook for Paris specifically is the Klook Pass Paris, which lets you bundle multiple attractions at a discount. More on that below. **Save on everything:** Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for a discount on your Paris bookings. --- ## The Top Paris Experiences to Book on Klook ### Disneyland Paris If you're traveling with kids, Disneyland Paris is non-negotiable in our house. We spent two full days at the parks in 2022, staying at the Explorers Hotel which had an indoor waterpark that absolutely sold our girls on the whole trip. The park itself impressed us, especially Ratatouille: The Adventure (the 4D ride where you shrink to rat size and dodge kitchen chaos), which doesn't exist at any other Disney park in the world. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------- | | Price from | $58.59 USD | | Rating | 4.8 / 5 (8,955 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation 3 days in advance (dated tickets) | | Best for | Families, Disney fans | The park runs Disney Enchanted Christmas from early November through early January, which is genuinely magical if you're visiting in winter. Dated tickets are the smarter buy if you know your dates, since non-dated tickets require advance registration and can be more complicated to use. [Book Disneyland Paris on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3969-disneyland-resort-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) We shot two videos from our Disneyland Paris visit if you want to see what the parks are actually like with young kids: [Watch Disneyland Paris with Kids Our First Day in the Park on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK41VptlHOI&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Walt Disney Studios Paris with Kids Toy Story Land and Disneyland Revisit on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QYV9F-hR0c&ref=adamandlinds.com) And if you're staying at the Explorers Hotel, this is worth a watch before you book: [Watch Explorers Hotel Disneyland Paris Family Room for 6, bunk beds, with access to Aquapark on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q%5FfoWGGdofw&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ### The Louvre Museum The Louvre is one of those places where you either go in with a plan or you spend four hours wandering and leave slightly bewildered. We'd recommend the skip-the-line ticket at minimum, or the guided half-day tour if you want someone to actually explain why these things matter. | Option | Price | Rating | Notes | | --------------------------------- | ------- | ------ | ------------------------------------------------- | | Standard Ticket (skip-the-line) | $70.20 | 4.5/5 | Self-paced, includes Eugène Delacroix Museum free | | Half-Day Guided Tour | $104.30 | 4.2/5 | 2-hour expert-led visit, headsets provided | | Mona Lisa Host Escort | $73.85 | 2.9/5 | Escorted to the Mona Lisa only | | Louvre + Seine River Cruise Combo | $53.85 | 4.3/5 | Good value two-in-one | The Mona Lisa escort gets mixed reviews and is exactly what it sounds like: someone walks you to one painting. If you want real context and a deeper experience, the half-day tour is the better investment. If you're happy to wander, the standard ticket works fine. [Book the Louvre on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/7467-louvre-museum-skip-the-line-ticket-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ### Eiffel Tower Tickets The Eiffel Tower is, predictably, the most photographed object in Paris and one of the most visited in Europe. Book online. Don't try to wing it, especially in peak season. The Klook options range from a basic ticket to a full guided tour with elevator access to the summit. | Option | Price | Rating | Notes | | ------------------------- | ------ | ------ | -------------------------------------------- | | Standard Entry | $39.89 | 4.0/5 | Hosted to 2nd floor, audio guide option | | Elevator Guided Tour | $63.29 | 3.9/5 | Guided to 2nd floor, optional summit upgrade | | Lunch at Madame Brasserie | $82.99 | 4.3/5 | 3-course lunch on the 1st floor | The dining experience at Madame Brasserie on the first floor is genuinely good, designed by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. If you want to combine a meal with the views, the priority access included with the lunch ticket makes it worthwhile. [Book Eiffel Tower tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3303-eiffel-tower-skip-the-line-entry-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Eiffel Tower](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/e0aqvsf9jmzanpo8ygf4.jpg) --- ### Seine River Cruises A Seine River cruise is the easiest way to see a lot of Paris without walking 20,000 steps. The sightseeing cruise is the entry-level option, the dinner cruise turns it into an evening out, and the aperitif cruise on a 100% electric boat is a nice middle ground. | Option | Price | Rating | Notes | | ------------------------------- | ------ | ------ | ------------------------------------------- | | Sightseeing Cruise | $19.95 | 4.7/5 | 1-hour cruise, multiple departure times | | Aperitif Cruise (electric boat) | $26.99 | 4.3/5 | Late afternoon/evening, music on board | | Lunch or Dinner Cruise | $79.69 | 4.0/5 | Private table, gastronomic menu | | Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise | $92.59 | 4.3/5 | Fine dining, live music, elegant dress code | The sightseeing cruise is great value, especially for families with kids who won't sit through a three-course dinner. The Bateaux Parisiens dinner cruise is properly fancy and requires elegant dress, so save that one for an adults' night out. [Book a Seine River cruise on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/18008-seine-river-sightseeing-combo-experience-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ### Palace of Versailles Versailles is about 45 minutes from central Paris and worth every minute of the journey. The Hall of Mirrors alone justifies the trip, and the gardens are extraordinary even if you've seen plenty of European palaces by this point. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | $22.15 USD | | Rating | 4.5 / 5 (2,642 reviews) | | Cancellation | Non-refundable | | Best for | History lovers, couples, older kids | [Book Versailles on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/17463-chateau-versailles-tickets-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) If you want to combine Versailles with Monet's gardens in Giverny on one day, Klook has a guided combo tour available for $233-$280 depending on the option. That's a full and satisfying day, though note Giverny tours are seasonal (spring onwards). --- ### Mont Saint Michel Day Tour Mont Saint Michel is technically in Normandy, not Paris, but it's one of the most iconic day trips from the city and Klook has it well covered. The island abbey is a genuinely spectacular piece of medieval architecture and worth the long coach ride if you have a full day to spare. | Option | Price | Rating | Notes | | --------------------------------- | ------- | ------ | ----------------------------------------- | | Full Day Tour (guided/audio) | $104.45 | 4.5/5 | \~10-hour day trip, free time included | | Abbey Ticket Only | $15.25 | 4.8/5 | For those making independent arrangements | | Round-Trip Transfer + Guided Tour | $128.95 | 4.9/5 | Highest-rated option, departs 07:15 | The round-trip transfer with guided tour is the most popular for good reason. It handles everything including entrance tickets, leaving you free to just experience the place. [Book Mont Saint Michel on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3315-mont-saint-michel-full-day-tour-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ### Musée d'Orsay The d'Orsay sits in a converted Beaux-Arts railway station on the Left Bank and houses the world's largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings. Van Gogh, Renoir, Cézanne, Monet. The building itself is worth seeing even before you look at a single painting. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | Price | $14.75 USD | | Rating | 4.8 / 5 (1,501 reviews) | | Cancellation | Non-refundable | | Best for | Art lovers, anyone after a quieter alternative to the Louvre | [Book Orsay Museum on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/95591-orsay-museum-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Orsay Museum](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/cxajzzvznato4yoitgra.jpg) --- ### Paris Cabaret Shows Paris has three famous cabarets and Klook has all of them. If you're staying for more than a couple of nights and want an evening that's distinctly Parisian, this is the move. | Cabaret | Price | Rating | Notes | | ------------- | ------- | ------ | ------------------------------------------- | | Moulin Rouge | $140.79 | 4.5/5 | Most famous, includes city bus tour | | Crazy Horse | $139.65 | 4.7/5 | Most avant-garde, champagne included | | Paradis Latin | $58.59 | 4.6/5 | Best value, French cancan, champagne option | Paradis Latin is the hidden gem here. It's the only theatre built by Gustave Eiffel and the most affordable of the three by a considerable margin. The Crazy Horse is the most artistic and unconventional. Moulin Rouge needs no introduction and remains the classic choice. [Book Moulin Rouge on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/8406-moulin-rouge-show-dinner-city-bus-tour-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ### Klook Pass Paris If you're planning three or more attractions, the Klook Pass Paris is worth running the numbers on. You choose 2-6 activities from a list of 45+ experiences and pay a single bundled price. | Pass | Price | Includes | | ------------------ | ----------- | ---------------------------- | | 2 Activities | From $72.69 | Your choice from 45+ options | | Up to 6 Activities | Variable | Premium add-ons available | Highlights that can be included are the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, Seine cruise, Montparnasse Tower, and the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off. Premium upgrades include Disneyland Paris and the Eiffel Tower summit tour. Activate within 60 days of purchase and you get 90 days to book the rest. [View the Klook Pass Paris](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/72864-klook-pass-paris/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Getting Around and Staying Connected in Paris Paris has excellent metro coverage but you'll still want data on your phone for navigation, translation, and figuring out which line you're actually on. We use [Holafly eSIMs](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for all our travel in Europe, including our time in France. One eSIM covers your whole trip with unlimited data, no physical SIM swapping, and no roaming charges. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any plan. If you're in Paris for 30 days or more, Holafly's monthly global plans are better value: the Light Plan is $49.90/month for 25GB, and the Unlimited Plan is $64.90/month. Both are available via this link: [https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Our Paris Travel Experience We arrived in Paris via Eurostar from London in late May 2022, which was genuinely one of our better travel decisions. The train drops you right in the city at Gare du Nord, no airport faff required. The girls were immediately taken with the city even at their ages (6, 5, and 2 at the time), partly because of the scale of everything and partly because we were about 36 hours away from Disneyland. Priorities. We spent a day exploring central Paris, crossed the Seine several times, gawked at the Eiffel Tower at night when it lights up, and ate entirely too many pastries. Then two days at the parks, which you can see in the videos above. After that we took the TGV down to Antibes for a week on the French Riviera. If you're planning a similar trip, our train journey writeup is worth a read first: [Watch Travel Day to Antibes France Long Eurail Journey with Kids on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCDd8ReNmA0&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Paris Klook Activities at a Glance | Activity | Price | Rating | Best For | | ---------------------- | ----------- | ------ | ----------------------- | | Disneyland Paris | $58.59+ | 4.8/5 | Families | | Louvre Museum | $70.20 | 4.5/5 | Art & history lovers | | Eiffel Tower | $39.89+ | 4.0/5 | Everyone | | Versailles | $22.15 | 4.5/5 | History, gardens | | Seine River Cruise | $19.95+ | 4.7/5 | Sightseeing, couples | | Orsay Museum | $14.75 | 4.8/5 | Art lovers | | Mont Saint Michel | $104.45+ | 4.5/5 | Day trippers | | Moulin Rouge | $140.79 | 4.5/5 | Adults' night out | | Crazy Horse | $139.65 | 4.7/5 | Adults, cabaret fans | | Paradis Latin | $58.59 | 4.6/5 | Budget-friendly cabaret | | Montparnasse Tower | $20.95 | 4.5/5 | Views without the queue | | Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off | $35.15 | 4.6/5 | First-time visitors | | Klook Pass Paris | From $72.69 | 4.0/5 | Multi-attraction savers | --- ## Frequently Asked Questions About Paris **Is Klook good for Paris?** Yes. Klook is one of the best platforms for booking Paris attractions because it offers skip-the-line access, instant confirmation, and competitive pricing. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout to save. **What is the best attraction to book in Paris?** It depends on your trip. For families, Disneyland Paris is the standout. For first-time visitors, the Eiffel Tower and Seine River cruise combination covers the classics efficiently. Art lovers should prioritise the Louvre or the Orsay. **Is the Klook Pass Paris worth it?** If you're planning three or more activities, yes. Compare the bundled price against individual bookings for your shortlist and the savings usually justify it. **Do you need to book Paris attractions in advance?** For anything popular (Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Disneyland Paris), yes. Paris gets very busy, especially from April through October and during the Christmas season. Booking ahead saves queuing time and often costs the same or less than on-the-door prices. **What is the best day trip from Paris?** Mont Saint Michel is spectacular and the Klook day tour handles all the logistics. Versailles is easier to do independently if you just want the palace and gardens. Giverny (Monet's gardens) is a lovely half-day if visiting in spring or summer. **Is Disneyland Paris worth it for families?** In our experience, absolutely. The parks are well-designed, the Ratatouille ride is unlike anything at other Disney parks, and the Explorers Hotel with its indoor waterpark was a hit with our girls. Plan at least two full days. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to Klook. If you make a purchase using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend activities and platforms we've genuinely used. All opinions are our own.* ### Best eSIM for Italy: Holafly Tested Across Genoa, Lucca and Naples URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-italy-holafly/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:26.000Z We have been to Italy twice as a family. The first time was a month in the summer of 2022, based in Genoa, then Lucca, then Naples. The second was Rome, Florence and Milan in the summer of 2021, as a test run of our ability to make full time travel work. Both trips taught us the same thing about staying connected: the data has to work the moment you step off the train, because in Italy you are almost always about to get on another one. ### Holafly code: ADAMANDLINDS 5% off destination and regional eSIMs, 10% off a Holafly Plans subscription. Enter **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout, or read how it applies first. [How the ADAMANDLINDS code works](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) ## Our Italy trips, and what we actually needed data for In 2022 we spent eight days in Genoa, eleven in Lucca, and ten in Naples. Lucca is where we stopped moving for a while. Harper turned three inside the walls on June 25, we hit our tenth wedding anniversary that same week, and the morning after the birthday we drove out to ride horses in the hills, in full body armour, in heat that made us cut the ride fifteen minutes short. The old town is a knot of alleys with over a hundred towers hidden between the buildings, and the only way we found anything was with a map open on a phone. ![Lindsay carries Harper and holds Cora's hand on the tree-lined path just outside the walls of Lucca, Italy, June 2022](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/ef38933c-d578-4c0a-98e2-76c527675102.jpg) The tree-lined path outside Lucca's walls, June 21 2022\. The first month of the trip already looked like this. The train did most of the heavy lifting. We took a day trip from Genoa to Milan, ran the intercity line into Lucca, hopped over to Pisa for an afternoon, and finished with the Frecciarossa in business class down to Naples. Every one of those legs meant checking Trenitalia and Italo apps, tracking platforms that change at the last minute, and keeping three kids fed on the idea that the next stop was coming. In Naples we did a pizza cooking class in the city that invented it and a food tour through the old centre, both booked and confirmed on the phone the day before. [Watch Frecciarossa Business Class Review, High-Speed Train to Naples on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y--9CusnxbQ&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![The three girls riding an electric pedal car along the top of Lucca's medieval walls, June 2022](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/26bcb52f-4869-426f-a709-111c06ad5560.jpg) The pedal car on the Lucca walls, June 25 2022\. Their favourite thing that week, and a reason we spent a lot of time looking things up. ## Italy eSIM plans and pricing These are the Italy prices we pulled from Holafly's own checkout on August 2, 2026\. Every plan is unlimited data on 5G where available, 4G, and LTE, with no cap to watch. We update this table in place when the price moves rather than posting a new one. | Days | Price (USD) | Per day | Suits | | ------- | ----------- | ------- | ------------------------------ | | 3 days | $11.90 | $3.97 | A long weekend in one city | | 5 days | $20.50 | $4.10 | Rome plus a day trip | | 7 days | $27.50 | $3.93 | A classic Italy week | | 10 days | $36.50 | $3.65 | Two or three cities | | 15 days | $50.50 | $3.37 | A two-week trip | | 30 days | $73.90 | $2.46 | A slow month like our 2022 one | Each Italy plan also carries two things worth knowing. Data sharing lets you turn the phone into a hotspot at 1GB per day, so a 7-day plan gives you 7GB to share across the family's other devices. And Always On leaves 1GB a month running in 150+ countries even after the plan ends, checked on Holafly's site on August 2, 2026, so a lapsed eSIM still lands you somewhere with something rather than nothing. ### Buying for an Italy trip? Unlimited data on Vodafone Italy and WINDTRE, installed before you fly. [Check the Italy eSIM price](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-italy-holafly&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=destination-italy&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-italy%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[Use code ADAMANDLINDS](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) Staying longer than a month, or hopping between several countries across the year? A monthly subscription usually beats buying a new eSIM each time. We run the numbers on that in [our Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/). ## Networks and coverage in Italy The Italy eSIM runs on Vodafone Italy and WINDTRE, confirmed on Holafly's Italy page on August 2, 2026\. In practice that meant a steady 4G and LTE signal through Genoa, Lucca, Pisa, Milan, and Naples, and it held on the Frecciarossa the whole way south, which is the moment you most want to be able to look up where you are actually going. 5G shows up where the local network has built it out, mostly in the bigger cities. ![Piazza San Michele in Lucca at dusk, the church facade lit against a deep blue sky, June 2022](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/d64916b4-45a1-4ee9-9d4d-619dc729a51b.jpg) Piazza San Michele at dusk, Lucca, June 25 2022\. The square only empties enough to photograph it after dinner. Where it thins out is the same place any Italian network thins out. Deep in the hills around Lucca, on rural stretches, and up in the mountains, the signal drops. For everything most travellers do, walking cities and moving between them by train, it was not a problem we ran into. ## Italy eSIM or the Europe eSIM? This is the decision that actually matters, and as of August 2, 2026 the answer changed. Holafly now prices the Italy eSIM exactly the same as the regional Europe eSIM, tier for tier, right up to $73.90 for 30 days. The Europe plan covers 33 countries. The Italy plan covers one. When the price is identical, the only reason to pick Italy-only is certainty that you will not cross a single border. | | Italy eSIM | Europe eSIM | | ------------ | ---------------------- | ------------------------------ | | Countries | Italy only | 33 countries | | 30-day price | $73.90 | $73.90 | | Data | Unlimited | Unlimited | | Best for | Italy and nowhere else | Any trip that crosses a border | On our 2021 loop we were in Rome and Milan for a week. One Europe eSIM carried all of it. If your Italy trip has any chance of a hop to France, Croatia, or a Mediterranean neighbour, buy the Europe plan and stop thinking about it. ### Pick the plan that fits the trip Italy only, or the whole continent on one eSIM for the same monthly price. [Get the Italy eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-italy-holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-italy&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-italy%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[Get the Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=best-esim-italy-holafly&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How to set up your Holafly eSIM for Italy 1. ### Buy the plan and note the code Pick your days on the Italy or Europe eSIM. Enter **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off, or read [how the code works](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) first. 2. ### Scan the QR code before you fly Holafly emails it within minutes. Go to Settings, then Mobile or Cellular, then Add eSIM, and scan it on your home Wi-Fi. 3. ### Label it and leave it off Name the plan "Italy" so you can tell it apart from your home SIM, which stays in the phone for calls and texts. 4. ### Turn on data roaming when you land Switch data roaming on for the Holafly line and turn data off on your home SIM. You are online before you reach the platform. [Get your Italy eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-italy-holafly&subId2=howto-cta&subId3=destination-italy&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-italy%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Italy eSIM or a local Italian SIM A local SIM from TIM, Vodafone, or WINDTRE will look cheaper on the shelf. Then you factor in finding a store that is open, the passport they need to register it, the Italian-only paperwork, and a number you throw away at the airport on the way out. For a two-week trip, Holafly's 15-day plan at $50.50 comes in competitive with all of that and skips every step of it. The eSIM is live before you leave home, which on a travel day with kids is worth more than the price gap. ## Is your phone compatible? Most phones from the last several years handle eSIM. As a rule, iPhones from the XS onward and Android flagships from 2019 onward work, including the Samsung Galaxy S line and Google Pixel. If you are not sure, check for an Add eSIM option in your settings, or run your model through the checker on Holafly's site before you pay. ## Our honest take We have done Italy two ways, a slow family month and a fast multi-country loop, and the eSIM mattered more on the fast one. For a single Italy trip, buy the plan that matches the days, and if there is any chance of crossing a border, take the Europe eSIM because it now costs the same. The one thing we would not do is land in Rome at eleven at night and go looking for a SIM shop with two suitcases and a jet-lagged family, which is exactly the trip we were trying to avoid when we started using these. ![Harper wearing a Happy Birthday crown and a Minnie Mouse shirt on her third birthday in Lucca, Italy, June 2022](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/210c6117-8a89-44e6-a502-b495b9e0d1e1.jpg) Harper turned three in Lucca on June 25 2022\. We celebrated our tenth anniversary the same week. ## Frequently asked questions FAQ ## Italy eSIM questions, answered Does Holafly work in Italy? Yes. The Italy eSIM runs unlimited data on Vodafone Italy and WINDTRE, with 5G where available, 4G, and LTE. We had a steady signal across Genoa, Lucca, Pisa, Milan, and Naples and on the Frecciarossa between them, checked against Holafly's Italy page on August 2, 2026. How much does a Holafly Italy eSIM cost? As of August 2, 2026 it runs from $11.90 for 3 days to $73.90 for 30 days, all unlimited data. Code ADAMANDLINDS takes 5% off. Full detail is on [our Holafly code page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). Should I buy the Italy eSIM or the Europe eSIM? They now cost the same, up to $73.90 for 30 days. The Europe eSIM covers 33 countries and the Italy eSIM covers one, so unless you are certain you will stay only in Italy, the Europe plan is the better buy. Can I use it as a hotspot in Italy? Yes. The Italy eSIM shares data at 1GB per day, so a 7-day plan gives you 7GB to hotspot across other devices. Confirmed on Holafly's Italy page on August 2, 2026. Can I still get calls and texts on my own number? Yes. The Holafly eSIM is data only. Your physical SIM stays in the phone, so calls and verification texts still arrive on your usual number, and you make calls through WhatsApp or FaceTime. Is a monthly plan better for a long stay? For a month or more, or for several trips a year, a subscription usually costs less than buying a new eSIM each time. We compare it in [our Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/). ### Related reading [Holafly discount code: ADAMANDLINDS](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/)[Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/)[Best eSIM for Europe](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) ### Ready for Italy? Install before you fly, and enter ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off. [Get the Holafly Italy eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-italy-holafly&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=destination-italy&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-italy%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[How the code works](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links or use code ADAMANDLINDS we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you get the stated Holafly discount. Holafly is our exclusive eSIM partner and we pay for the products we write about. All opinions are our own. ### Lost Plate Food Tours: The Best Way to Eat Your Way Through China (and Beyond) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/lost-plate-food-tours-review/ Last updated: 2026-03-07T02:04:53.000Z We've done food tours in a lot of cities. Naples, Bangkok, Hanoi, Munich. Some were forgettable, some were brilliant. Lost Plate sits firmly in the brilliant category, and it's not particularly close. We first heard about Lost Plate while planning our China trip on the 240-hour transit visa, and after doing both the Shanghai Evening Food Tour and the Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour, we can tell you with full confidence: this is how you eat in China. Not at the hotel restaurant, not at the tourist-facing noodle shops in the main square. With Lost Plate. Here's everything you need to know about what Lost Plate is, what they offer, and why we think they're worth every dollar. --- ## What Is Lost Plate? Lost Plate is a food tour company operating across China and Southeast Asia, with a growing presence in Portland, Oregon as well. Their model is straightforward: small groups, local guides, and restaurants you'd never stumble into on your own. No hotel buffets, no tourist traps, no menus in four languages posted outside. Every tour is led by a local guide who actually lives in the neighborhood. They bring you to family-run spots, street vendors, and hole-in-the-wall restaurants with no English signage and zero interest in catering to outsiders, except that Lost Plate has done the legwork of building relationships with these places over years. That's the actual product: access. You can book Lost Plate tours at [lostplate.com](https://lostplate.com/shanghai-evening-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDS** to get $5 off your booking. We get a small commission if you book through our link, which helps us keep doing what we do. --- ## Our Experience: The Two Shanghai Tours We went to Shanghai on China's 240-hour transit visa, which gives you up to 10 days to explore without a full Chinese tourist visa. It's a genuinely great setup if you're transiting through and want to actually see a city rather than just the airport. (We wrote more about that and how we handled connectivity with our [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2150677/24764?prodsku=301668&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-shanghai-city%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off - if you want the logistics side of China travel.) For food, we booked both Shanghai tours back to back, one morning and one evening. ### Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour ($59) ![Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Shanghai-Coffee-Breakfast-Tour-Thumbnail.jpg) This tour runs through the French Concession, which is one of Shanghai's most interesting neighborhoods. It's a mix of tree-lined streets, art deco architecture, and a coffee scene that genuinely surprised us. We went in expecting traditional Chinese breakfast and got something much more layered: old-school soup dumplings sitting next to single-origin pour-overs from a roaster that could hold its own in any serious coffee city. The guide knew the history of the neighborhood and made it interesting without turning it into a lecture. At one point we were eating scallion pancakes on a sidewalk while she explained the neighborhood's colonial-era past. The French Concession has a complicated history and she didn't shy away from it. For a family with kids, the morning tour is the more accessible option. Everything we ate was shareable, nothing was aggressively spicy, and the pace was relaxed. The girls cleaned their plates at every stop, which is a more meaningful endorsement than anything we can write. [Book the Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour here](https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/lostplate-asia/items/533468/?full-items=yes&flow=1148306&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for $5 off. ### Shanghai Evening Food Tour ($69) ![Shanghai Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Shanghai-Evening-Food-Tour-Thumbnail.jpg) The evening tour is where Lost Plate really shows its hand. The tagline is "clandestine cuisine of old-Shanghai, hiding in plain sight in the French Concession," which sounds like marketing copy but is actually pretty accurate. We walked down alleys that had no visible restaurants, ducked through a doorway, and ended up in a packed local spot with no sign out front. You try at least 10 dishes across the evening. We had drunken chicken, red-braised pork belly, pan-fried soup dumplings (xiao long bao's crispier cousin), and a few things we can't identify but would happily eat again. The guide ordered for us in Mandarin and handled everything. All you do is show up and eat. The evening tour has a slightly higher spice ceiling, so worth flagging if you're bringing young kids. Our girls did fine, but they've been eating Thai food for the better part of two years, so their spice tolerance is not typical. [Book the Shanghai Evening Food Tour here](https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/lostplate-asia/items/533469/?full-items=yes&flow=1148306&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for $5 off. --- ## Lost Plate Tours: Full Lineup and Pricing Beyond Shanghai, Lost Plate covers a solid chunk of China and has started expanding into Southeast Asia and the US. Here's the complete picture: ### China Tours | City | Tour | Price | | --------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ----- | | Beijing | Hutong Breakfast Tour | $39 | | Beijing | Hutong Evening Food Tour | $75 | | Beijing | Full-day Great Wall, Hutongs & Evening Food | $305 | | Chengdu | Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk | $69 | | Chengdu | Full-day Panda, Teahouse & Evening Food | $175 | | Guangzhou | Evening Food Tour | $59 | | Lijiang | Cooking Class & Market Visit | $55 | | Shanghai | Coffee & Breakfast Food Tour | $59 | | Shanghai | Evening Food Tour | $69 | | Suzhou | Alleyway Food Tour | $55 | | Xian | Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk | $69 | | Xian | Morning Food & Market Tour | $55 | | Xian | Full-day Terracotta Warrior, City Wall & Evening Food | $209 | ### Southeast Asia & USA Tours | City | Tour | Price | | ---------- | --------------------------------------- | ----- | | Bangkok | Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk | $69 | | Hanoi | Old-Quarter Evening Food Tour | $45 | | Phnom Penh | Morning Market & Breakfast Tour | $39 | | Phnom Penh | Evening Food Tour | $65 | | Siem Reap | Evening Food Tour at Sunset | $69 | | Siem Reap | Free Market & Local Temple Tour | Free | | Siem Reap | Full-Day Angkor Wat Temples & Food Tour | $145 | | Portland | Downtown Coffee & Donut Tour | $65 | | Portland | Food Carts, Pods, and Patios Tour | $105 | | Portland | Urban Wine Tasting Tour | $129 | ### Multi-Day Trips For deeper dives, Lost Plate runs multi-day itineraries that combine food, culture, and guided logistics. These are full trip packages, not just tours. | Trip | Duration | From | | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- | ------ | | Savor Beijing's Imperial Eats, Palaces & Hutongs | 4 days, 3 nights | $1,450 | | Discover the Tastes, Temples & Tales of Cambodia | 8 days, 7 nights | $1,400 | | Explore Hanoi & Ninh Binh | 5 days, 4 nights | $900 | | Discover Chengdu's Flavors, Culture and Pandas | 4 days, 3 nights | $795 | | Uncover Xian's Ancient Wonders and Hidden Eats | 3 days, 2 nights | $600 | | Eat Through Yunnan's Tea & Horse Road: Dali, Lijiang & Shangrila | 8 days, 7 nights | $1,500 | | Go Beyond Shangrila for Wine & Tibetan Culture | 6 days, 5 nights | $1,235 | | Get Lost and Escape in Guilin & Yangshuo | 4 days, 3 nights | $800 | | Wine Taste Through Ningxia | 3 days, 2 nights | $1,150 | Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for $5 off any booking. --- ## A Closer Look at Tours We Haven't Done (But Would) We've only personally done the two Shanghai tours, and we're not going to pretend otherwise. But based on how those went, here are the others we're watching closely for future trips. ### Beijing ![Beijing Hutong Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Beijing-Evening-Food-Tour-Thumbnail.jpg) The [Beijing Hutong Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/beijing-hutong-evening-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) covers Han, Mongol, and Muslim cuisines across the historic hutong alleys. At $75 it's at the higher end of the evening tour range, but Beijing's hutongs are the kind of neighborhood where you genuinely need a local to unlock what's there. The $305 [full-day tour](https://lostplate.com/beijing-full-day-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) with Great Wall access is a remarkable package if you want to cover serious ground in one shot. ![Beijing Full-Day Great Wall Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Beijing-Full-day-Tour-Great-Wall-of-China.jpg) There's also the [Hutong Breakfast Tour](https://lostplate.com/beijing-breakfast-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) at $39, which is one of the best-value entry points in the whole lineup - over 12 dishes across 6+ stops through Beijing's historic hutongs. ![Beijing Hutong Breakfast Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Beijing-Hutong-Breakfast-Tour-Meat-Stuffed-Flatbread.jpg) ### Xian ![Xian Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Xian-Food-Tours-Noodle-Pull.jpg) Xian's [Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk](https://lostplate.com/xian-evening-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) is reportedly TripAdvisor's #1 rated food experience in the world, which is a claim that usually makes us roll our eyes, but given how Lost Plate operates, we believe it. Xian sits at the end of the Silk Road, and the Muslim Quarter has food unlike anywhere else in China: hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, pomegranate juice, and a density of flavor that reflects thousands of years of trade routes converging in one place. ![Xian Morning Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Book-a-Xian-Morning-Food-Tour.jpg) The [Xian Morning Food & Market Tour](https://lostplate.com/xian-morning-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($55) is another option if you want the street food angle without the tuktuk ride, and the [full-day Terracotta Warrior tour](https://lostplate.com/xian-full-day-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($209) combines culture and food in a way that makes logical sense for a first visit. ![Xian Full Day Terracotta Warrior Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Xian-Full-day-Tour-Terracotta-Warrior-Viewing.jpg) ### Chengdu ![Chengdu Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Book-a-Chengdu-Evening-Food-Tour.jpg) Sichuan cuisine is the most popular regional cuisine in China - 30% of Chinese restaurants serve it. If you're going to Chengdu, the [Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk](https://lostplate.com/chengdu-evening-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($69) with at least 10 dishes across 4+ stops is a no-brainer. We spent time in Chiang Mai across two separate trips and have a high tolerance for heat, which means Chengdu is very much on our list. ![Chengdu Full Day Panda Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Chengdu-Full-Day-Food-Tour.jpg) The [full-day Panda, Teahouse & Evening Food tour](https://lostplate.com/chengdu-full-day-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($175) is what you'd book if you're visiting with kids who have any interest in giant pandas. The Giant Panda Base is legitimately one of the best wildlife experiences in Asia. ### Southeast Asia Options We've spent a lot of time in Southeast Asia across the years - Bangkok, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap. Knowing those cities as well as we do, the Lost Plate approach of going off the tourist path genuinely matters there too. ![Bangkok Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bangkok-Evening-Food-Tour-by-Tuktuk-Satay-Bowl.jpg) The [Bangkok Evening Food Tour by Tuktuk](https://lostplate.com/bangkok-evening-food-tour-by-tuktuk/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($69) focuses on old Bangkok and the regional depth of Thai cuisine that most tourists miss entirely. We did a great cooking class experience in Thailand (we made our own Thai dishes in Chiang Mai) but a dedicated food tour through the older parts of Bangkok was something we didn't get to on our first visit. ![Hanoi Old Quarter Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Hanoi-Old-Quarter-Evening-Food-Tour-Vietnam-Dishes.jpg) Hanoi is one we genuinely wish we'd had this option for. We were in the Hanoi area in 2022, and while we did a [Jeep tour through Hanoi's backstreets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ag80h9tV2o&ref=adamandlinds.com), a dedicated food tour of the Old Quarter is a different animal. The [Lost Plate Hanoi Evening Tour](https://lostplate.com/hanoi-old-quarter-evening-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($45) includes making your own banh mi and visiting the city's largest wet market, which is exactly the kind of thing that actually teaches you something about a place. ![Phnom Penh Morning Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Phnom-Penh-Morning-Tour-Thumbnail.jpg) We spent time in Phnom Penh in October 2022 - rained the entire time, which affected our experience more than we'd like to admit. A proper [morning market and breakfast tour](https://lostplate.com/cambodia/phnom-penh-morning-market-breakfast-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($39) would have been a good counterweight to weather-related misery. ![Phnom Penh Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Phnom-Penh-Evening-Food-Tour-Thumbnail.jpg) For Siem Reap specifically, they offer a [Free Market & Local Temple Tour](https://lostplate.com/cambodia/free-siem-reap-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- no charge, advance signup required. That's a remarkable entry point. ### Portland ![Portland Coffee & Donut Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Portland-Coffee-Donut-Tour-Thumbnail.jpg) For those who don't have a China trip on the horizon, Lost Plate has expanded into Portland, Oregon with three options including a [Coffee & Donut Tour](https://lostplate.com/portland-coffee-donut-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($65), the [Food Carts, Pods, and Patios Tour](https://lostplate.com/portland-food-cart-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($105), and an [Urban Wine Tasting Tour](https://lostplate.com/portland-urban-wine-tasting-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($129). Portland's food cart scene is legitimate, and having a guide who knows which pods are worth the line is useful. ![Portland Food Cart Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Potland-Food-Cart-Tour-Thumbnail.jpg) ![Portland Urban Wine Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Portlands-Urban-Wine-Tour-Flight.jpg) --- ## The Yunnan and Lijiang Options One corner of the Lost Plate menu that deserves its own mention is Yunnan Province. ![Lijiang Yunnan Cooking Class](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Lijiang-Yunnan-Cooking-Class-Market-Visit.jpg) The [Lijiang Cooking Class & Market Visit](https://lostplate.com/lijiang-cooking-class/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($55) is a hands-on session with a local Naxi family in their home cooking studio. You visit the market first to shop for your ingredients, then cook and eat three dishes. That's a very different experience from a walking tour, and the Naxi ethnic minority culture in Lijiang is genuinely distinct from Han Chinese culture in ways that make it worth seeking out. The multi-day [Yunnan Tea & Horse Road trip](https://lostplate.com/eat-your-way-from-dali-to-lijiang-multi-day-trip/?ref=adamandlinds.com) covers Dali, Shaxi, Lijiang, and Tiger Leaping Gorge across 8 days. That's a serious commitment but it's through one of the most visually and culturally varied regions in China. ![Guangzhou Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Book-a-Guangzhou-Evening-Food-Tour.jpg) The [Guangzhou Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/guangzhou-evening-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($59) is for Cantonese cuisine specifically - the dishes that only locals know about in a residential neighborhood that tourists largely skip. ![Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Book-a-Suzhou-Alleyway-Food-Tour.jpg) And [Suzhou's Alleyway Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/suzhou-alleyway-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ($55) walks you through residential old-town Suzhou, which has been a center of wealth and culture in China for thousands of years. Suzhou is an easy day trip from Shanghai if you have extra days on your visa. --- ## Who Lost Plate Tours Are Right For Food tours in general don't suit every traveler, but Lost Plate's model lends itself well to specific types of trips. They work particularly well if you're on a short itinerary - a 240-hour transit visa, a long weekend layover, or a focused city visit where you want to actually understand what you're eating rather than just photograph it. When you've got limited time in a place, having someone remove the decision-making overhead and take you somewhere real is worth the cost. They also work well for families, provided kids are reasonable eaters. The pace is relaxed, portions are shared, and guides tend to be thoughtful about the group. Our girls have been eating across Asia for years, so new textures and flavors are normal for them, but even a more hesitant kid will find things to eat. Dumplings are universal. Where they're less ideal is if you want maximum flexibility or prefer to eat alone at your own pace. Food tours are inherently group experiences, and you're committing to a route and schedule. --- ## Booking and Discount Code All Lost Plate tours can be booked directly at [lostplate.com](https://lostplate.com/shanghai-evening-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com). Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout to get **$5 off** any booking. Tours fill up, especially the Shanghai and Beijing evening tours, so booking ahead is worth doing. If you're planning a China trip and haven't sorted your connectivity yet, we use [Holafly for our China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2150677/24764?prodsku=301668&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-shanghai-city%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- unlimited data, built-in VPN for navigating China's internet restrictions. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** gets you 5% off there too. For more on what we've eaten across Asia - Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond - head to [our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com). --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our Lost Plate link using code ADAMANDLINDS, we earn a small commission and you save $5\. We've done both Shanghai tours ourselves and genuinely recommend Lost Plate. We also partner with Holafly for eSIM connectivity - code ADAMANDLINDS saves you 5% there. All opinions are our own.* ### Osaka with Kids: USJ, Nara, Food, and What Actually Matters URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/osaka-with-kids-family-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:27.000Z Osaka has a way of getting under your skin. It's louder than Kyoto, messier than Tokyo, and somehow more fun than both. We've now spent well over a month here across multiple visits, and every time we land at Kansai, the kids immediately start arguing about whether we're going to USJ first or Dotonbori for takoyaki. (The answer is always both. Usually on the same day.) This is the guide we wish we'd had the first time around -- practical, honest, and built for families who actually travel with kids rather than just pretending to. --- ## Watch Our Osaka Family Travel Video Before we dive in, we covered a lot of this on our YouTube channel. Check it out: - **USJ with kids (Harry Potter + Super Nintendo World):** [Watch 148 | SUPER NINTENDO WORLD AT USJ 🇯🇵 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzLNMdhsB8M&ref=adamandlinds.com) - **Feeding deer in Nara day trip:** [Watch Feeding Wild Deer in Nara, Japan | Family Travel Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvgfIhFt-1w&ref=adamandlinds.com) - **Zauo Fishing Restaurant Osaka:** [Watch Fun night at Zauo Fishing Restaurant in Osaka, Japan 🇯🇵 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS1nLRdpWto&ref=adamandlinds.com) - **Pig Cafe in Osaka:** [Watch 147 | PIG CAFE IN OSAKA 🇯🇵 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Smj2dyIXHz0&ref=adamandlinds.com) - **Klook savings in Japan:** [Watch Use Klook Coupon Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save money on activities in Japan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAbDBOlzMY&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Getting to Osaka from Kansai Airport Your first decision in Osaka is how to get from KIX into the city. There are a few options and the difference in cost and comfort is significant. The fastest and most comfortable option is the [Nankai Limited Express Rapi:t](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/599-kansai-airport-namba-train-ticket-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). It runs directly to Namba Station in about 34 minutes, has guaranteed seating, and runs every 30 minutes from 6am to 11pm. Book it through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/599-kansai-airport-namba-train-ticket-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to save on the ticket. For families with a lot of luggage, consider the [limousine bus](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/18203-kansai-airport-one-way-transfer-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \-- it's slower but drops you near major hotels and handles bags easily. If you're coming from Tokyo on the Shinkansen, you'll arrive at Shin-Osaka Station. From there the metro gets you anywhere in town quickly. Grab an [Osaka Metro Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/11515-osaka-metro-1-2-day-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) on Klook for unlimited subway rides. | Transport Option | Time to City | Price (approx.) | Best For | | ------------------------- | ------------ | --------------- | ------------------------ | | Nankai Rapi:t | 34 min | \~$8.60 USD | Speed, comfort, families | | JR Haruka Express | 75 min | \~$8.29 USD | JR Pass holders | | Limousine Bus | 60-90 min | \~$3.49 USD | Heavy luggage | | Osaka Metro Pass (add-on) | \- | \~$6.39 USD/day | Getting around the city | --- ## Staying Connected: Get a Holafly eSIM Before You Land Japan's mobile network is excellent, but roaming on your home carrier will cost a fortune. We've used [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) across all our Japan trips -- it's the eSIM we trust for reliable unlimited data without worrying about hitting a cap while the kids are streaming or we're navigating between neighborhoods. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 5% off any destination plan. If you're staying in Japan for 20+ days, the monthly global plan works out better value: | Holafly Plan | Price | Data | Best For | | ----------------------------- | -------------- | --------- | --------------------------- | | Japan Destination eSIM | Varies by days | Unlimited | Short trips under 20 days | | Light Monthly Global Plan | $49.90/month | 25GB | Longer stays, multi-country | | Unlimited Monthly Global Plan | $64.90/month | Unlimited | Digital nomads, heavy users | The monthly plans also stack with a 22% annual discount if you go that route. For a family using data heavily -- maps, translation apps, school video calls, and everyone streaming -- the unlimited monthly plan pays for itself fast. Get your Holafly Japan eSIM here: [holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. --- ## Universal Studios Japan: The Main Event for Kids USJ was one of the first things we did when we arrived in Osaka back in 2022 -- and it absolutely delivered. We'd been to Universal Studios Hollywood and Singapore, but USJ is on another level. The combination of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, and Minion Park in one park is absurd in the best way. Book your [USJ Studio Pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to save on tickets. Prices vary by date (they use a tiered calendar system), so booking ahead on Klook locks in your rate and gets you straight through the gates with a QR code -- no queuing at the ticket booth with three tired kids. ### Harry Potter World Tips for Families The Wizarding World section is stunning. Butterbeer is mandatory. The main ride (Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey) has a height requirement of 122cm, so check your kids before you get excited about it. Our youngest was too small on our first visit and took it personally for approximately three months. ### Super Nintendo World: Worth the Hype This area has a separate Area Timed Entry Ticket requirement during busy periods. Download the USJ official app before you go and grab the timed entry as soon as you get in the park -- they go fast. The Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge ride is the highlight. The Power-Up Band wristbands ($30-40 each) are completely optional but our kids thought they were worth every yen. | USJ Area | Highlight Ride/Activity | Height Requirement | Kid Factor | | -------------------- | ----------------------------- | ------------------ | --------------------- | | Harry Potter World | Forbidden Journey | 122cm | High -- teens love it | | Super Nintendo World | Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge | 107cm | All ages | | Minion Park | Despicable Me Minion Mayhem | 102cm | Great for young kids | | Donkey Kong Country | Mine-Cart Madness | 107cm | All ages | | Jurassic Park | The Flying Dinosaur | 132cm | Older kids/adults | **Getting to USJ from the city:** The Osaka Dotonbori to USJ bus is one easy option if you're staying near Namba -- book it on [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/86890-dotonbori-usj-bus-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). Alternatively, the JR Sakurajima Line runs directly to USJ station. --- ## A Day Trip to Nara: Yes, the Deer Are Real Nara is about 45 minutes from Osaka by train and absolutely worth a day. The deer in Nara Park are officially considered messengers of the gods and are completely wild -- which means they will absolutely headbutt you for deer crackers and they do not care how cute you look in your photos. We filmed our Nara visit: [Watch Feeding Wild Deer in Nara, Japan | Family Travel Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvgfIhFt-1w&ref=adamandlinds.com) The deer crackers (shika senbei) are sold by vendors at the park entrance for a few hundred yen. Get one pack and budget for losing it immediately to a deer ambush. The girls learned this the hard way. The [Kyoto and Nara day tour departing from Osaka](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/87236-kyoto-tour-nara/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) on Klook is worth looking at if you want to hit both cities in one day with a guide. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. It covers Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nara Park in a single long day. Alternatively, the [Kyoto and Nara day trip with Arashiyama and the Bamboo Forest](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/110001-kyoto-nara-deer-arashiyama-train-cherry-blossom-one-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is excellent and one of the best-rated tours out of Osaka on Klook (4.9 stars, 7000+ reviews). --- ## Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Kaiyukan is one of the best aquariums we've visited anywhere in the world, and we've been to a lot of them. The main tank holds whale sharks, which are enormous and somehow still surprising even when you know they're coming. The building spirals around the central tank so you see the same animals from multiple depths as you walk down -- it's well thought out. Book [Kaiyukan tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/598-osaka-aquarium-kaiyukan-japan/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. It's especially good for younger kids who may not be ready for a full day at USJ. --- ## Dotonbori: The Food District You Have to Walk Through Dotonbori is where everyone ends up, and for good reason. The giant Glico Running Man sign is there, the canal is there, and about ten thousand restaurant options are there. This is ground zero for Osaka street food. What to eat on the street: - **Takoyaki** \-- octopus balls, the unofficial food of Osaka. Wanaka is a reliable spot. - **Okonomiyaki** \-- savory pancake, pick your fillings. The seafood version is the move. - **Kushikatsu** \-- deep fried skewers. The rule is no double-dipping in the communal sauce. They're serious about this. - **Ramen** \-- there's a ramen street near the Dotonbori canal worth finding on your own. If you want a memorable dinner with kids rather than just street food, Zauo Fishing Restaurant in Osaka is one of the more unique dining experiences we've had. You fish for your own dinner from boats inside the restaurant. Our kids were completely into it – we filmed it here: [Watch Fun night at Zauo Fishing Restaurant in Osaka, Japan 🇯🇵 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tS1nLRdpWto&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka If you've done teamLab Planets in Tokyo, the Botanical Garden version in Osaka is different enough to be worth doing. It's an outdoor digital art experience set in Nagai Botanical Garden -- the installations change seasonally and the setting among real plants at night is genuinely beautiful. Book [teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73632-teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. It's rated 4.4 stars with over 7,000 reviews and is especially good for kids who liked Planets -- the outdoor format feels less overwhelming for young children. --- ## Osaka Castle Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most recognizable landmarks and the surrounding park is genuinely nice for families. The castle itself is a museum inside -- it's a reconstruction from 1931 (the original burned down, twice, because Japan's castles had a rough few centuries) but the views from the top floor and the exhibits are worth the admission. Get a discounted [Osaka Castle ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/30110-osaka-castle-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \-- at $1.29 it's one of the best value activities in the city. The park itself is free and a great place to let kids run around. --- ## Views from Up High: Harukas 300 and Umeda Sky Building Osaka has two great observation decks and they're genuinely different experiences. Harukas 300 is the taller of the two at 300 meters -- it's attached to a department store in Tennoji, which means you can combine views with shopping and an easy lunch. The [Harukas 300 ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2424-harukas-300-observatory-ticket-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is around $12.75 USD. The [Umeda Sky Building](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/35861-umeda-sky-building-kuchu-teien-observatory-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is architecturally more interesting -- the "Floating Garden Observatory" connects two towers via a ring-shaped platform at the top. It's slightly vertiginous in a fun way and the escalator approach through the open air is dramatic. Both are around $12.75 USD on Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. | Observatory | Height | Price | Best Feature | | ------------------ | ------ | -------- | ---------------------------------- | | Harukas 300 | 300m | \~$12.75 | Highest, attached to shopping | | Umeda Sky Building | 173m | \~$12.75 | Architecture, floating ring design | --- ## The Osaka Amazing Pass: Is It Worth It? The [Osaka Amazing Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/82312-amazing-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) includes unlimited metro rides plus free entry to 40+ attractions including Harukas 300, Umeda Sky Building, Osaka Castle, and more. A 2-day pass runs around $22 USD on Klook. If you're covering a lot of ground in the city, the math works in your favor fast. It does not include USJ or Kaiyukan, so factor that in. --- ## Practical Osaka Family Tips **Getting around the city:** The Osaka Metro is clean, punctual, and easy to navigate. Get a [metro pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/11515-osaka-metro-1-2-day-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited rides. If you're heading to Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe, the [Kansai Railway Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1329-kansai-thru-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers regional rail and is worth it for a multi-day Kansai trip. **Luggage storage:** If you're arriving from Tokyo and don't want to haul bags to your hotel first, [luggage delivery service via Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5625-airport-luggage-services-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ships bags between airports, hotels, and the city so you can explore hands-free. Japan's takkyubin (luggage forwarding) system is one of those things that sounds too good to be true and is actually exactly as good as promised. **Language:** Google Translate's camera function is your best friend at restaurants. Download Japanese for offline use before you go -- you'll need it when the Holafly eSIM is being installed. **Cash:** Japan still runs heavily on cash in a lot of places. 7-Eleven ATMs reliably accept foreign cards. Carry more yen than you think you'll need, especially around Dotonbori and smaller food stalls. **Kid behavior:** Japanese kids are expected to be reasonably quiet in public and on transit. Ours were not always excellent at this. The local kids on the subway were not impressed. Manage expectations accordingly. --- ## Recap: Essential Osaka Klook Bookings | Activity | Price (USD) | Rating | Klook Link | | ------------------------ | ----------- | ------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | USJ Studio Pass | from $12.75 | 4.8 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Kaiyukan Aquarium | $17.20 | 4.8 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/598-osaka-aquarium-kaiyukan-japan/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Nankai Rapi:t (Airport) | $8.60 | 4.8 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/599-kansai-airport-namba-train-ticket-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | teamLab Botanical Garden | $11.49 | 4.4 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73632-teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Osaka Castle | $1.29 | 4.7 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/30110-osaka-castle-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Harukas 300 Observatory | $12.75 | 4.8 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2424-harukas-300-observatory-ticket-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Umeda Sky Building | $12.75 | 4.7 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/35861-umeda-sky-building-kuchu-teien-observatory-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Osaka Amazing Pass | $22.29 | 4.7 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/82312-amazing-pass-osaka/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Kyoto + Nara Day Tour | $35.05 | 4.6 | [Book here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/87236-kyoto-tour-nara/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on Klook to save on activities. --- ## Before You Go: Don't Forget Your eSIM Seriously, set up your data before you land. Japan's airport WiFi is fine for the first ten minutes, but you'll want navigation running the moment you step onto the Rapi:t. A [Holafly Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) installs in under 5 minutes, works from the moment you land, and gives you unlimited data for the duration. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. If you're spending a month or more in Japan (which, fair enough, we keep doing exactly that), the monthly global plan at $64.90/month for unlimited data is much better value than stacking multiple destination plans. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we use ourselves – Holafly has been our eSIM of choice across multiple Japan trips and we use Klook regularly to book activities for our family. All opinions are our own.* ### The Best Travel Events in March 2026 (And Where to Book Them) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/travel-events-march-2026/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:28.000Z March is one of those months that rewards the people who actually plan ahead. Cherry blossoms in Japan, a Formula 1 race in Melbourne, St. Patrick's Day mayhem in Dublin, and one of the most dramatic fashion weeks on the calendar all land in the same four weeks. If you've been waiting for a reason to book something, this is your sign. We've covered events and destinations across dozens of countries with our three daughters, and March consistently ranks as one of the most exciting months on the travel calendar. Here's a breakdown of the biggest events happening this March, why they're worth traveling for, and how to actually book them without overpaying. --- ## Quick Reference: March 2026 Events at a Glance | Event | Dates | Location | Book Via | | -------------------------------- | --------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Ramadan | Feb 18 - Mar 19 | Global (varies by country) | \- | | Paris Fashion Week (A/W) | Mar 2-10 | Paris, France | [Klook](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix | Mar 6-8 | Melbourne, Australia | [Klook](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | St. Patrick's Day | Mar 17 | Dublin + worldwide | [Klook](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Japan Cherry Blossoms | Mar 20 - Apr 11 | Japan (multiple cities) | [Klook](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | Finalissima (Spain vs Argentina) | Mar 27 | Lusail, Qatar | [Klook](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at [Klook](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) to save on activities and experiences tied to every event on this list. --- ## Ramadan Travel: February 18 - March 19 Ramadan is one of the most significant religious observances in the world, and if you happen to be traveling through Muslim-majority countries during this period, it shapes your experience in ways worth knowing about. Exact dates shift each year based on the lunar calendar and moon sighting, so the window can move by a day or two depending on where you are. Countries where Ramadan will be most visible this year include Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, and much of the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Restaurants may have reduced daytime hours, and some close entirely during daylight. Alcohol is harder to come by in certain destinations. Street food stalls and night markets, however, come alive after sunset for Iftar, the meal that breaks the fast. If you've never watched a city light up at dusk during Ramadan, it's genuinely worth experiencing. Travelers visiting during Ramadan should be respectful of local customs: avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours in more conservative areas, dress modestly, and be patient if service is slower than usual. Many destinations are still fully tourist-friendly during Ramadan, and the atmosphere after sunset is unlike anything else. Need reliable data to navigate a new city during Ramadan? [Holafly's eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) covers 190+ countries with unlimited data. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your plan. --- ## Paris Fashion Week (Autumn/Winter): March 2-10 Paris Fashion Week for Autumn/Winter is one of the four major fashion weeks globally, and it runs back-to-back with London, Milan, and New York for roughly a month. The shows themselves are invitation-only, but the city during Fashion Week is genuinely electric even if you never get near a runway. The streets around Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, and the Palais Royal fill with photographers, editors, buyers, and fashion students all dressed like they've been styled for a magazine shoot. Boutiques put out new collections, pop-ups appear in unexpected corners of the city, and the energy is noticeably different from Paris in any other week of the year. For travelers who want to participate beyond people-watching, Klook has a strong lineup of Paris experiences, including Seine river cruises, Eiffel Tower access, and food tours that make the most of the city. Book through [Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) to save on tickets. A few practical notes: hotels during Fashion Week book up months in advance and prices reflect that. If you're planning to go, mid-March after the shows end is a sweet spot for decent prices and a city that's still buzzing without the Fashion Week premium. The Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and Palace of Versailles are also far more manageable outside peak summer. We've done the Paris-to-French Riviera TGV run ourselves, and the journey is genuinely one of the better travel experiences in Europe. Here's a journal excerpt from that trip: [Watch An excerpt from my journal. High speed first class train from Paris to French Riviera #familytravel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8--SiE2VcXE&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix: March 6-8 The Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne is traditionally the first race of the F1 season, which makes it a bit of a pilgrimage for fans. The atmosphere is looser than Monaco or Silverstone. Melbourne is a genuinely great city, the park itself is beautiful, and the mood at race weekend leans more festival than corporate. If you've never been to a live F1 race, Melbourne is a solid first one. The circuit is a street circuit run on closed public roads, which means the grandstand views are good throughout. General admission gives you access to multiple sections of the track across the weekend, and tickets for practice and qualifying days (Friday and Saturday) are considerably cheaper than Sunday race day. If you're on a budget, a Friday ticket still gives you the full atmosphere of the paddock, the sound, and the spectacle for a fraction of race-day prices. [Klook lists Melbourne experiences and activities](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) around the race weekend, from city tours to day trips along the Great Ocean Road. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. For connectivity, Australia is one of those destinations where a destination eSIM makes a lot of sense, particularly if you're only going for race weekend. [Holafly covers Australia](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) with unlimited data, and code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves you 5% at checkout. --- ## St. Patrick's Day: March 17 St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in more countries than you might expect, but Dublin is still the original and the best. The city shuts down for five days (the festival runs March 13-17), and the parade on the 17th draws hundreds of thousands of people to the city center. Pubs open early, live music spills out onto the street, and it's one of those events where the city feels genuinely alive in a way that's hard to manufacture. Beyond Dublin, cities with large Irish diaspora communities throw serious celebrations worth traveling for. Chicago dyes its river green. New York runs the oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world. Boston, Sydney, and Buenos Aires all do the day properly. If you're heading to Dublin specifically, a few things worth knowing: accommodation books up very early for mid-March, the Temple Bar area gets extremely crowded, and the outer neighborhoods (Stoneybatter, Ranelagh, Portobello) offer a more local experience during the festival days. For tours, whiskey tastings, Guinness Storehouse tickets, and day trips to the Irish countryside, [Klook has solid options for Dublin](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com). Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to save. One more way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day: fly to Tokyo. Japan takes the holiday seriously, with parades and Irish pub events across the city. We did it, and it's a genuinely fun experience. [Watch 129 | ST PATRICKS DAY IN TOKYO 🇯🇵 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9zI2Q2Y%5FpM&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## Japan Cherry Blossoms: March 20 - April 11 This is the big one. Cherry blossom season in Japan is one of those travel experiences that lives up to the hype, and we say that having spent well over 200 days in Japan across multiple trips since 2022\. We've done Halloween in Tokyo, New Year's in Osaka, summer in Fukuoka, and spring is still on a different level. If you're wondering what a Japan trip actually costs for a family, we broke it down in detail: [Watch Tokyo With Kids on $300/Day? Our Real 7-Day Budget (Family of 5) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrXoOhwLSo&ref=adamandlinds.com) The sakura (cherry blossom) bloom doesn't arrive everywhere at once. It starts in the south and works its way north over several weeks, which is part of what makes it so special: you can actually chase it if you plan well. | City | Typical Peak Bloom | Notes | | ------------------ | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------- | | Tokyo | Late March - Early April | Shinjuku Gyoen, Ueno Park, Chidorigafuchi | | Kyoto | Late March - Early April | Maruyama Park, Philosopher's Path, Arashiyama | | Osaka | Late March - Early April | Osaka Castle Park, Kema Sakuranomiya | | Hiroshima | Late March | Peace Memorial Park | | Sendai | Early to Mid April | Nishi Park, Tsutsujigaoka Park | | Hokkaido (Sapporo) | Late April - Early May | Later bloom, uncrowded | The forecast window for 2026 puts Tokyo and Kyoto peak bloom around the last week of March into early April. Exact dates shift annually based on winter temperatures, so check the Japan Meteorological Corporation forecasts as you get closer. If you're building an itinerary, Tokyo neighbourhoods like Asakusa are worth a full day on their own, and Nara is an easy half-day from Osaka or Kyoto. Both are beautiful during sakura season, and we've covered both in detail: [Watch 🇯🇵 ASAKUSA IN ONE DAY! Temples, Markets & Tokyo Skytree Views on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjcMYxLUlRs&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Feeding Wild Deer in Nara, Japan | Family Travel Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvgfIhFt-1w&ref=adamandlinds.com) What you actually need to know about planning a cherry blossom trip: it requires flexibility. Chasing an exact peak bloom date from thousands of miles away is a recipe for frustration. Build in at least a week of overlap, focus your itinerary around multiple cities so you catch different stages of the bloom, and accept that a slightly past-peak tree covered in falling petals is still jaw-dropping. For activities in Japan during sakura season, [Klook](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) is our go-to. You'll find tea ceremonies, Mount Fuji day trips, teamLab Planets (still worth doing any time of year), Shinkansen experiences, and more. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. We use Klook constantly for Japan bookings and find it reliably cheaper than booking direct for most experiences. [Watch Use Klook Coupon Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save money on activities in Japan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znAbDBOlzMY&ref=adamandlinds.com) Speaking of Shinkansen, if you haven't ridden Japan's bullet trains yet, the Hello Kitty Shinkansen between Osaka and Hiroshima is a genuinely fun experience for families: [Watch Hello Kitty Bullet Train Experience in Japan (Full Ride Review) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EpaHgfKTdA&ref=adamandlinds.com) For staying connected throughout Japan, we've used [Holafly's eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) across multiple Japan trips. Unlimited data is genuinely useful here: Google Maps and Google Translate get a serious workout when you're navigating train systems and reading menus. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. If you prefer pocket WiFi that covers multiple devices, [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** gives you 10% off and is a solid option for families. --- ## Finalissima: Spain vs Argentina, March 27 The Finalissima is the match between the European champion and the South American champion, and the 2026 edition pits Spain against Argentina in Lusail, Qatar. It's a genuinely unusual fixture: you don't often get a match between two of the top three teams in the world at this stage of the calendar year outside of a World Cup. Qatar isn't a traditional sports travel destination for most Western travelers, but Doha is a remarkably easy city to navigate and the infrastructure built for the 2022 World Cup makes attending events here more straightforward than you'd expect. The Lusail Iconic Stadium holds over 88,000 people and is about 20 kilometers from central Doha. Ramadan will have just ended by March 27, which actually means the city will be in a celebratory post-Ramadan mood (Eid al-Fitr falls around March 20-22, depending on the moon). Restaurants and nightlife come back to full operation, and the city is generally easier for tourists to navigate in the post-Ramadan window. For anyone flying into Doha for the match, [Holafly covers Qatar](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) with unlimited data. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. --- ## Travel Essentials for March Events No matter which of these events you're heading to, a few things stay constant. **Stay Connected**: Every one of these destinations is covered by [Holafly's eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com). Unlimited data, 190+ countries, 24/7 support. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any destination plan. If you're traveling for 30 days or more, the monthly global plans are better value: the Light Plan runs $49.90/month (25GB) and the Unlimited Plan is $64.90/month. Get both [here](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com). **Book Experiences**: [Klook](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers activities across all of these destinations: Japan cherry blossom tours, Paris Seine cruises, Melbourne city experiences, Dublin walking tours. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to save. **Travel Insurance**: Big events mean crowds, and crowds mean things go wrong. For family travel insurance we rely on [SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) and [Faye](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda). **Need help planning?** Lindsay is a professional travel advisor and would love to help you book any of these trips. Reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). --- ## Frequently Asked Questions About March Travel Events **When is cherry blossom season in Japan in 2026?** Peak bloom for Tokyo and Kyoto is expected around late March to early April 2026\. The season runs roughly from March 20 to April 11 across different parts of Japan, with southern cities blooming earlier and northern cities like Sapporo blooming in late April or early May. **Is Japan crowded during cherry blossom season?** Yes, sakura season is one of Japan's busiest tourist periods. Book accommodation months in advance, particularly in Kyoto and Tokyo. Popular parks like Maruyama and Chidorigafuchi get very crowded during peak weekend days. Weekday mornings are noticeably less congested. **Is it worth going to Australia just for the F1 Grand Prix?** Melbourne is a genuinely excellent city worth visiting on its own merits, and the Grand Prix is a great excuse to go. The race weekend runs Thursday through Sunday, which gives you enough time to explore the city. The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia's best day trips and easy to book from Melbourne via [Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://www.klook.com/promo/klook-promo-codes/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com). **What should I know about traveling during Ramadan?** Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in Muslim-majority areas. Dress modestly. Many restaurants reduce daytime hours but evenings are often more vibrant than usual. Research your specific destination, as rules vary widely between countries like Turkey (relaxed) and Saudi Arabia (stricter). **What eSIM works best for Japan?** We've used [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) across multiple trips to Japan and it's our consistent recommendation for unlimited data. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5%. For families who need to connect multiple devices, [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) pocket WiFi is worth considering with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off. **Is Paris worth visiting during Fashion Week?** It depends on your tolerance for crowds and premium hotel prices. The city is electric during Fashion Week, but accommodation is significantly more expensive and harder to find. Mid-March immediately after the shows is a nice sweet spot: the energy lingers, prices normalize, and the city is easier to navigate. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through our links or use our codes, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we actually use ourselves. All opinions are our own.* ### Things to Do in Bangkok: The Honest Guide from a Family That's Lived There URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/things-to-do-in-bangkok/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:42.000Z Bangkok doesn't ease you in gently. The moment you step outside the airport, the heat hits, the horns honk, and the smell of lemongrass and exhaust blends into something that shouldn't work but absolutely does. We arrived on August 6, 2022, fresh off a Saudia Airlines first-class deal so good we still talk about it, and Bangkok was our first real taste of Asia. We had no idea it would turn into one of the most important cities of our entire travel journey. We ended up spending a full month that first visit. We came back again in December 2022, and again in 2025\. Bangkok has a way of doing that to people. What starts as "we'll see the temples and move on" turns into finding your local coffee shop, your favorite pad thai cart, and realizing you've been here three weeks and haven't touched the tourist checklist once. That's the city's secret trick: it rewards the curious and punishes the rushed. This guide covers the best things to do in Bangkok, from bucket-list temple tours and river cruises to cooking classes, wildlife parks, and the kind of cabaret show you'll be talking about for years. We've booked most of these activities through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/&ad%5Ffeed%5Fid=999&ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for extra savings, and we'll link everything so you can grab tickets before you even land. --- ## Getting Around Bangkok: Start with the BTS Skytrain Before we get into activities, let's talk about how to actually move around the city without losing your mind. Bangkok traffic is legendary for all the wrong reasons. The BTS Skytrain is the antidote. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/10329-bangkok-sky-train-bts-one-day-pass-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The [Bangkok BTS Skytrain One Day Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/10329-bangkok-sky-train-bts-one-day-pass-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) costs just $4.35 USD through Klook (use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**) and gives you unlimited rides on the Green Line for a full day. That's the Sukhumvit and Silom Lines, which connect you to most of the major attractions, shopping malls, and neighborhoods you'll want to hit. You collect a physical pass at the Klook counter and tap your way through the city like a local. Skip the ticket machines, skip the queues, and skip the traffic entirely. | Pass | Price via Klook | Coverage | Best For | | ------------------- | --------------- | ------------------------------ | ------------------ | | BTS One Day Pass | $4.35 | Green Line (Sukhumvit + Silom) | Full-day exploring | | Standard BTS Ticket | Varies | Per trip | Occasional rides | If you're planning to cover a lot of ground in a day, this pass pays for itself by the third stop. Rated 4.8/5 from nearly 12,000 reviews, it's one of the highest-rated transport passes in all of Southeast Asia. --- ## Bangkok's Temple Big Three: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun If you only do one organized tour in Bangkok, make it this one. The [Bangkok Temple Tour covering Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3021-bangkok-must-visit-landmarks-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) runs $42.79 USD with all admissions, transportation between sites, and a licensed multilingual guide included. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3021-bangkok-must-visit-landmarks-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) These three sites are genuinely unmissable. The Grand Palace is an architectural spectacle that somehow manages to exceed expectations even after you've seen a thousand photos of it. Wat Pho houses the famous Reclining Buddha, which at 46 meters long has a way of making you feel very small very fast. And Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, is arguably the most photogenic structure in all of Thailand. The tour includes a relaxing cruise down the Chao Phraya River between sites, and meets at Central wOrld, which is easy to find from the BTS. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on Klook for extra savings. Rated 4.8/5 from nearly 5,000 reviews. --- ## The View from the Top: Mahanakhon SkyWalk [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/16870-king-power-mahanakhon-skywalk-ticket-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) Bangkok's skyline from ground level is chaotic and brilliant. From 314 meters up, it's something else entirely. The [Mahanakhon SkyWalk](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/16870-king-power-mahanakhon-skywalk-ticket-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) sits atop Thailand's tallest building and features the world's largest glass floor observatory on the 78th floor. Tickets are $11.15 USD through Klook (code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**), which includes seamless entry exclusive to Klook. A multimedia-themed elevator takes you to the 74th floor for sweeping panoramas in every direction, then you head to the rooftop for the glass floor experience. If heights and transparent floors are your thing, come at sunset. If they're not, the views at night are equally spectacular and you can focus on the city lights rather than what's under your feet. Rated 4.7/5 from nearly 15,000 reviews. --- ## SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World For families traveling with kids, the [SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/357-sea-life-bangkok-ocean-world-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) inside Siam Paragon is a legitimate half-day activity. Tickets are $5.09 USD on Klook, which also includes skip-the-line access through the Klook exclusive lane. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/357-sea-life-bangkok-ocean-world-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The aquarium houses over 400 species and 30,000 sea creatures across 14 attractions. The Ocean Tunnel is the standout, putting you face-to-face with sharks and eagle rays in a way that makes the kids go completely silent for approximately four seconds before losing their minds. The Penguin Ice Adventure at the end is a crowd favorite. This is Siam area, so you're right on the BTS, and it pairs well with a day of shopping or a visit to nearby attractions. Rated 4.6/5 from nearly 18,000 reviews. --- ## Safari World Bangkok: Open Zoo Day Trip About 45 minutes from central Bangkok, [Safari World](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/365-safari-world-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is two parks in one: Safari Park (an open-air zoo where you drive through among the animals) and Marine Park (shows, attractions, and more wildlife). Entry tickets start at just $3.19 USD through Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/365-safari-world-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The Safari Park section lets you get genuinely close to giraffes, zebras, tigers, and lions in a setting styled after the African wilderness, complete with birds and reptiles throughout. Marine Park runs seven spectacular shows throughout the day including a Dolphin Show and a Cowboy Stunt Show that's more entertaining than it has any right to be. If driving yourself sounds like too much, the [Safari World Shared and Private Transfer Service](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/81157-safari-world-bangkok-shared-and-private-transfer/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) handles pickup, transport through Safari Park, and drop-off for $50.29 USD. Rated 4.7/5 from over 6,000 reviews. | Option | Price (Klook) | What's Included | Rating | | ------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------- | ------ | | Safari World Entry Ticket | $3.19 | Entry to both parks | 4.6/5 | | Safari World + Transfer | $50.29 | Entry + transport through Safari Park | 4.7/5 | --- ## Dream World: Thailand's Theme Park Answer If you're traveling with kids and the agenda calls for a proper theme park day, [Dream World](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/363-dream-world-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is Bangkok's answer. Tickets are $30.25 USD through Klook (code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**) and cover rides ranging from the family-friendly Speedy Mouse to the somewhat terrifying Sky Coaster rollercoaster. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/363-dream-world-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The Snow Town attraction deserves a special mention because experiencing -8°C temperatures in the middle of Bangkok is genuinely surreal. There are also scaled replicas of Seven Wonders of the World throughout the park, a Hollywood Action stunt show with daredevil effects, and parade shows featuring cartoon characters. Rated 4.6/5 from over 4,400 reviews. --- ## Ancient City and Erawan Museum: A Day in Thai History South of Bangkok in Samut Prakan, the [Ancient City and Erawan Museum combination ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/368-ancient-city-erawan-museum-ticket-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is one of the best-value cultural experiences in greater Bangkok at $8.29 USD via Klook. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/368-ancient-city-erawan-museum-ticket-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) Ancient City is considered one of the largest outdoor museums in the world, essentially a scaled-down version of all of Thailand with over 116 replicas and reconstructions of the country's most historically significant temples, palaces, and shrines. It takes most of a day to properly explore. The Erawan Museum next door is anchored by a colossal three-headed elephant structure and houses a remarkable collection of Thai and Asian antiquities inside. The psychedelic interior decor is unlike anything you'll see elsewhere. Rated 4.8/5 from over 16,000 reviews, making it one of the highest-rated attractions in the entire Bangkok area. Getting there is straightforward via the BTS Green Line to Kheha Station (Exit 3), then a short minibus or taxi ride. Good to pair with the BTS One Day Pass if you're making a full day of it. --- ## Thai Cooking Classes: Learn What You've Been Eating One of the best things to do in any city is learn to cook its food, and Bangkok has two outstanding options bookable through Klook that are consistently rated among the best in the city. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3286-sompong-thai-cooking-class-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The [Sompong Thai Cooking Class](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3286-sompong-thai-cooking-class-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in Silom runs $36.60 USD and is perfect for anyone who wants the full experience: a trip to a local open market to handpick fresh ingredients, hands-on cooking of three main dishes plus a dessert, and making Thai curry paste from scratch at your individual station. Instructors adapt to all skill levels, vegetarian options are available, and you eat everything you make. You also get to take leftovers home, which is either an excellent bonus or a generous consolation prize depending on your knife skills. Rated 4.9/5. The [Silom Thai Cooking School](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3965-silom-thai-cooking-school-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the slightly more affordable option at $29.29 USD, covering a complete 5-course Thai meal from scratch. Also rated 4.9/5 and equally well-located in the heart of Bangkok with easy BTS access. | Cooking Class | Price (Klook) | Dishes | Rating | Market Visit | | -------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------- | ------ | ------------ | | Sompong Thai Cooking Class | $36.60 | 3 mains + dessert + curry paste | 4.9/5 | Yes | | Silom Thai Cooking School | $29.29 | 5-course Thai meal | 4.9/5 | Yes | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on either booking. --- ## Chao Phraya River Cruises: Bangkok After Dark The Chao Phraya River is Bangkok's original highway, and it looks completely different at night. Three dinner cruise options bookable through Klook cover different price points and vibes. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/375-chao-phraya-princess-cruise-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The [Chao Phraya Princess Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/375-chao-phraya-princess-cruise-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is the most popular at $26.99 USD, featuring a 2-hour dinner buffet with Thai and international dishes and a live band playing ABBA, Donna Summer, and The Supremes while Wat Arun glides past the window. If that sentence doesn't make you want to book immediately, there's nothing more we can do for you. The [White Orchid River Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/10538-chao-phraya-white-orchid-river-cruise-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($22.20 USD) adds a Bangkok-style cabaret show and a 360-degree open-air disco deck for those who want their river cruise with a bit more nightlife energy. The [Meridian Dinner Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/29626-meridian-dinner-cruise-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($19.09 USD) and the [Royal Princess Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/30679-royal-princess-cruise-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($25.09 USD) round out the options. | Cruise | Price (Klook) | Highlights | Rating | | -------------------- | ------------- | -------------------------------- | ------ | | Chao Phraya Princess | $26.99 | 2-hr buffet + live 80s/90s band | 4.5/5 | | White Orchid | $22.20 | Cabaret show + disco deck | 4.4/5 | | Royal Princess | $25.09 | Live band + international buffet | 4.3/5 | | Meridian Cruise | $19.09 | Dinner buffet + live performance | 4.5/5 | For daytime river exploration, the [Hop-On Hop-Off Chao Phraya River Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/12514-chao-phraya-hop-on-hop-off-day-pass-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) day pass is $4.65 USD with boats running every 15-30 minutes across 9 piers. It's the most flexible and affordable way to see riverside Bangkok on your own schedule. --- ## Bangkok's Cabaret Shows: An Icon of the City's Night Life Bangkok's ladyboy cabaret tradition is genuinely world-class entertainment, and dismissing it as a novelty would be missing the point entirely. Two standouts are available through Klook. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/361-calypso-cabaret-show-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The [Calypso Cabaret Show](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/361-calypso-cabaret-show-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) has been running since the 1980s and is now hosted at Asiatique The Riverfront. Tickets are $28.65 USD and the show features celebrity impersonations of Beyonce and Elvis alongside traditional Thai dance, burlesque, and musical numbers performed in English, Korean, and Thai. Rated 4.5/5 from nearly 3,000 reviews. The [Golden Dome Cabaret Show](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/360-golden-dome-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($19.05 USD) has been running since 1997 and includes VIP treatment and selfie opportunities with the cast after the show. Named in the 2017 Top 10 People's Choice Awards Thailand by the Tourism Authority. Rated 4.3/5. --- ## Thai Spa and Massage: The Essential Bangkok Reset After a week of temples, river cruises, and theme parks, your body is going to want to talk to a professional. The [One More Thai Massage and Spa at Chit Lom](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/18533-one-more-thai-massage-spa-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is literally one minute on foot from the Chit Lom BTS Station, costs $20.65 USD through Klook, and comes with ten package options covering everything from foot massage and herbal compress to aromatic oil massage and head-and-shoulder treatments. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/18533-one-more-thai-massage-spa-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) A complimentary traditional Thai dessert comes with every treatment, which is the kind of bonus that makes you feel like everything in life is going to be fine. Rated 4.7/5 from over 8,000 reviews, and with 48-hour free cancellation, it's easy to work into any itinerary. --- ## Day Trips from Bangkok: Ayutthaya If Bangkok is your base for more than a few days, Ayutthaya deserves a full day. The ancient capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 80 kilometers north of Bangkok, was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world in the 17th century before the Burmese invasion of 1767 left it in ruins. Those ruins are now one of the most haunting and beautiful historical sites in all of Southeast Asia. [](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/33742-ayuthaya-must-visit-temples-tour-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) The [Ayutthaya Temples One Day Tour from Bangkok](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/33742-ayuthaya-must-visit-temples-tour-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) is $44.65 USD via Klook (code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**) and includes the royal Bang Pa-in Palace alongside the temple complex, with a multilingual guide, transport, and the history of how this ancient city became one of the great trading kingdoms of Asia. Rated 4.8/5 from nearly 3,000 reviews. If you need transport between Bangkok and other nearby destinations beyond Ayutthaya, the [TTD Global Private City Transfer service](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/30353-private-city-transfers-bangkok-pattaya-ayutthaya-hua-hin/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers routes to Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi, and more for $31.05 USD, with vehicles from sedans to 9-passenger vans and 24-hour availability. --- ## Luggage Storage: Explore Bangkok Hands-Free One of the things we learned fast as a family of five is that dragging luggage through Bangkok on your last day is a miserable way to end an otherwise great trip. The [AIRPORTELs Luggage Delivery Service](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2248-airport-luggage-services-airportels-bangkok/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) solves this for $7.19 USD. Leave your bags at the hotel after checkout and have them delivered to Don Mueang Airport (DMK) within four hours, with 24-hour security throughout. Rated 4.7/5 from over 4,000 reviews. --- ## Staying Connected in Bangkok: Holafly eSIM Bangkok is a city where you'll be navigating constantly, translating menus, looking up transport options, and trying to figure out if the tuk-tuk driver who says the temple is "closed today" is telling the truth. (It's almost never closed.) You need reliable data from the moment you land. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for Thailand. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 5% off. For stays up to 30 days, the Thailand-specific plans are excellent, with unlimited high-speed data on the AIS network covering Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Ayutthaya, and everywhere in between. If you're planning a longer stay, the monthly global plans are better value at $49.90/month for the [Light Plan (25GB)](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) or $64.90/month for the [Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com). The eSIM downloads instantly with no physical card and no airport queues, which, after a long international flight, is worth more than it probably sounds. --- ## Bangkok Klook Activities at a Glance | Activity | Price (USD) | Rating | Reviews | Cancellation | | ---------------------------- | ----------- | ------ | ------- | ------------------------ | | BTS Skytrain One Day Pass | $4.35 | 4.8 | 11,723 | Free (before redemption) | | Bangkok Temple Tour | $42.79 | 4.8 | 4,893 | Free (24 hrs) | | Mahanakhon SkyWalk | $11.15 | 4.7 | 14,889 | Free (24 hrs) | | Ancient City + Erawan Museum | $8.29 | 4.8 | 16,038 | None | | SEA LIFE Ocean World | $5.09 | 4.6 | 17,937 | Free (24 hrs) | | Safari World Entry | $3.19 | 4.6 | 20,255 | Free (24 hrs) | | Dream World | $30.25 | 4.6 | 4,465 | Free (24 hrs) | | Sompong Cooking Class | $36.60 | 4.9 | 4,880 | Free (48 hrs) | | Silom Cooking School | $29.29 | 4.9 | 4,082 | Free (24 hrs) | | Chao Phraya Princess Cruise | $26.99 | 4.5 | 16,884 | Free (24 hrs) | | Hop-On Hop-Off River Cruise | $4.65 | 4.7 | 3,117 | Free (before redemption) | | Calypso Cabaret Show | $28.65 | 4.5 | 2,936 | None | | One More Thai Spa | $20.65 | 4.7 | 8,140 | Free (48 hrs) | | Ayutthaya Day Tour | $44.65 | 4.8 | 2,976 | Free (24 hrs) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/&ref=adamandlinds.com) for savings on all bookings. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Bangkok **What is the best way to get around Bangkok?** The BTS Skytrain is the fastest and most reliable way to navigate the city. The One Day Pass ($4.35 on Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK) gives unlimited rides on the Green Line and connects you to most major attractions and neighborhoods. For areas not served by BTS, taxis and ride-apps like Grab are affordable and widely available. **How many days do you need in Bangkok?** Realistically, you need at least 4-5 days to see the major highlights without feeling rushed. A week or more allows you to slow down, explore neighborhoods at your own pace, and take day trips to places like Ayutthaya. We spent a full month on our first visit and still felt like we hadn't scratched the surface. **Is Bangkok good for families with kids?** Very much so. Safari World, SEA LIFE Ocean World, Dream World, and the Hop-On Hop-Off river cruise are all excellent for children. The cooking classes work well for older kids, and the temple tours are educational without being overwhelming. Food options are plentiful and kid-friendly options are easy to find throughout the city. **What is the best river cruise in Bangkok?** The Chao Phraya Princess Cruise ($26.99 on Klook) is the most popular and highly rated dinner cruise, with a 2-hour international buffet and a live band. For a more affordable option, the Meridian Cruise at $19.09 is a great alternative. For daytime exploration, the Hop-On Hop-Off Day Pass at $4.65 is unbeatable value. **What cooking class should I take in Bangkok?** Both the Sompong Thai Cooking Class ($36.60) and the Silom Thai Cooking School ($29.29) are rated 4.9/5 on Klook, which is exceptional. Both include a market visit and hands-on cooking. Sompong focuses on 3 mains plus curry paste from scratch; Silom covers a full 5-course meal. Either is an excellent choice. **Do I need to book Bangkok activities in advance?** For popular attractions like the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, SEA LIFE, and dinner cruises, booking in advance through Klook is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (November through February). Most activities offer free cancellation with 24 hours notice, so there's little risk to booking early. **What is the best way to get to Ayutthaya from Bangkok?** The Ayutthaya Temples Day Tour through Klook ($44.65) is the simplest option and includes transport, guide, and all entries. Alternatively, the TTD Global private transfer service ($31.05) handles transport for those who prefer to explore independently. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our Klook links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK or our Holafly link using code ADAMANDLINDS, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend activities we genuinely believe in, and all opinions are our own based on real experience.* ### Holafly Plans Review: Is the Global eSIM Subscription Worth It? URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-plans-review/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T03:47:25.000Z Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription that puts 160+ destinations on one eSIM, instead of buying a separate eSIM every time you cross a border. It costs $49.90 a month for 25GB or $64.90 a month for unlimited data. We rate it **4.5 out of 5**, and the deciding question is not how good it is but how often you travel. The short version of our verdict: if you buy four or more destination eSIMs a year, the subscription is cheaper and far less annoying. If you take two or three trips a year and spend the rest of the time at home on your normal carrier, buy a destination eSIM per trip instead. We last checked pricing and applied the code at Holafly's checkout on July 25, 2026. ### 10% off Holafly Plans Stacks on top of the 15% annual billing discount for about 23.5% off in total. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Check Holafly Plans pricing](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-plans-review&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What Holafly Plans actually is Holafly sells two different things and the names do not make the difference obvious. The first is the destination eSIM: you pick a country or region, pick 1 to 90 days, and buy it for that trip. Those cover 200+ destinations and are what most people mean when they say they bought a Holafly. Plans is the second product. One eSIM stays installed on your phone and keeps working as you move between 160+ destinations, billed monthly or annually like a phone contract. Nothing to reinstall at a border, nothing to re-buy when the itinerary changes. Holafly describes itself as the world's first international mobile operator, and Plans is the product that argument rests on. ## What it costs | Tier | Monthly | Annual billing | Annual plus code | | ----------- | ------- | -------------- | ---------------- | | Light, 25GB | $49.90 | about $42.42 | about $38.17 | | Unlimited | $64.90 | about $55.17 | about $49.65 | Annual billing is discounted by Holafly at 15%. The code then takes a further 10% off that already reduced price in the cart, which lands the combined saving at about 23.5%. On the Unlimited tier that moves the cost of unlimited data across 160+ destinations from $2.16 a day to about $1.66 a day. Light ### $49.90/month 25GB across 160+ destinations Enough for maps, messaging and light browsing when hotel Wi-Fi handles the heavy work. [Get Light](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-plans-review&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Unlimited ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ destinations The tier our family runs. Uploads, video calls and hotspot for the kids' school devices without watching a meter. [Get Unlimited](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-plans-review&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What each tier includes | Feature | Light | Unlimited | | ----------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | | Data | 25GB per month | Unlimited | | Hotspot | Included | Included | | Destinations | 160+ | 160+ | | eSIMs to manage | One, worldwide | One, worldwide | | Number for incoming SMS | Not included | US, UK, or Canada | | Billing | Monthly or annual | Monthly or annual | | Always On fallback | Yes | Yes | Two of those rows matter more than the rest. The Unlimited tier adds a US, UK, or Canada number that receives SMS, which covers the two-factor authentication codes that banks and airlines insist on sending by text. It is inbound SMS only, and the Light tier does not include a number. And Always On is the reason cancelling is not a hard stop: when a subscription ends the eSIM drops to 1GB a month across 150+ destinations, free and with no expiry, so you land somewhere with something rather than nothing. Hotspot is the line item that decides this for families. One subscription on one phone connects the laptops and tablets behind it, which is why a single Unlimited subscription covers all five of us rather than five separate purchases. Full detail on the fallback tier is in [our Always On explainer](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/). ## Who it is for, and who should skip it The threshold is roughly four destination eSIMs a year. Below that, buying per trip costs less and you are not paying for months when you are sitting at home on a normal carrier. Above it, the subscription wins on price and stops the low-grade admin of buying, installing and expiring a new eSIM every few weeks. The second case for it has nothing to do with money. When an itinerary changes mid-trip, a destination eSIM you already bought becomes the wrong eSIM. On a subscription the change costs nothing, because the coverage moves with you. That is worth more than the price difference to anyone whose plans shift often. Skip it if you need a local number for local apps and deliveries, if you are staying in one country for a month or more where a local carrier plan beats any travel eSIM on price, or if your destinations sit in the gap between the 160+ Plans covers and the 200+ the destination eSIMs cover. ## How the annual discount and the code stack The common question is whether a promo code cancels out the annual discount. It does not. Choosing annual over monthly takes 15% off first, then the code comes off that already discounted price in the cart, so both land on the same order. On the Unlimited tier that runs $64.90 at full monthly price, down to about $55.17 a month equivalent on annual billing, down to about $49.65 with the code applied. Over a year that gap is the difference between paying for twelve months and paying for roughly nine. ## Plans or a destination eSIM? | | Destination eSIM | Plans | | --------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | | Best for | Trip by trip | Continuous travel | | Coverage | 200+ destinations | 160+ destinations | | Length | 1 to 90 days | Monthly or annual | | eSIMs to manage | One per trip | One, always | | Code saves | 5% | 10% | The coverage gap is the honest mark against Plans. Destination eSIMs reach 200+ places, Plans reaches 160+, and if you regularly travel to somewhere in that difference the per-trip product gives you more room. For the main corridors through Europe, Asia and the Americas, Plans covers it. ## How to subscribe 1. ### Open the Holafly Plans page Plans sits separately from the destination eSIMs, so make sure you are on the subscription product and not a per-country one. 2. ### Pick Light or Unlimited Light is 25GB a month. Unlimited has no cap. Both include hotspot and both cover the same 160+ destinations. 3. ### Choose annual billing This is where the 15% comes from. Skip it if you want the freedom to cancel monthly, and accept the higher rate. 4. ### Enter ADAMANDLINDS at checkout Type the code in the discount field before paying. It applies on top of the annual price, so confirm the total dropped again in the order summary. 5. ### Install on Wi-Fi before you fly The eSIM arrives as a QR code. Install it at home rather than in an arrivals hall with no connection. [Go to Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-plans-review&subId2=howto-cta&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The code is not limited to first orders, so it still applies on a renewal or when moving between tiers. ## Frequently asked questions FAQ ## Holafly Plans questions, answered What is Holafly Plans? A subscription eSIM covering 160+ destinations on a single eSIM. It is a different product from Holafly's destination eSIMs, which are bought per country or region for 1 to 90 days and cover 200+ destinations. How much does Holafly Plans cost? Light is $49.90 a month for 25GB, Unlimited is $64.90 a month. Annual billing takes 15% off, then code ADAMANDLINDS takes a further 10% off that discounted price in the cart, for about 23.5% off in total. Is Holafly Plans worth it? It is worth it if you cross borders often enough that you would otherwise buy four or more destination eSIMs a year. For two or three trips a year with the rest of the time at home on your normal carrier, a destination eSIM per trip costs less. Can I use it as a hotspot? Yes. Both tiers include hotspot, so you can share the connection with a laptop or tablet. What is Always On? A fallback that activates when a subscription ends. It gives 1GB of free data per month across 150+ destinations with no expiry, so the eSIM keeps working between subscriptions. Does it include a phone number? The Unlimited tier includes a US, UK, or Canada number that receives SMS, which covers two-factor authentication codes. It is inbound SMS only, and the Light tier does not include a number. Voice calls over the network are not supported on either tier, but calls through WhatsApp, FaceTime and similar apps work normally. How many eSIMs do I need? One. The same eSIM stays installed and keeps working as you move between the 160+ covered destinations, so there is nothing to reinstall at a border. ### Travelling enough to justify a subscription? Choose annual billing for 15% off, then enter ADAMANDLINDS at checkout to stack another 10% on top. [Check Holafly Plans pricing](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-plans-review&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com)[All Holafly discount details](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) ### Related reading [Holafly discount code: ADAMANDLINDS](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/)[Holafly review 2026: reliability and disadvantages](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/)[Holafly Always On explained](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/)[Best eSIM cards for family travel](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans-2025/) If you subscribe to Plans, tell us in the comments which tier you landed on and whether the annual billing was worth committing to. We update this page when the pricing or the coverage count changes rather than writing a new one. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links or use code ADAMANDLINDS we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you receive the stated Holafly discount. We have an exclusive partnership with Holafly and pay for the products we write about. All opinions are our own. ### Best eSIM for multi-country East Asia: Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Macau (2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:29.000Z Most eSIM guides pretend East Asia is one region. It isn't. Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan run on open, full-speed networks that basically any provider handles. Mainland China runs behind the Great Firewall on its own carriers. Hong Kong and Macau sit outside that firewall but still on their own local operators. If your trip crosses two or three of those borders in a week, buying the wrong plan is how you end up airport-shopping for a physical SIM at 11pm with three tired kids. We've personally tested [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster) in Japan (many trips since 2022), Seoul (July 2023), Taipei (July 2024), Hong Kong (February 2025), and Shanghai (September 2025 on the 240-hour transit visa). We have not been to Macau yet, so any coverage claim about Macau here comes from Holafly's own destination pages, not from our own experience. This article is about the multi-country decision. If you're only visiting one of these places, read the country-specific eSIM article for it instead. What follows is how to think about it when your itinerary crosses borders. Short version: pick a combined destination eSIM for one or two-country trips, pick [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) for anything three-country or 30+ days. Full breakdown below. ## What we actually tested, country by country **Japan.** Holafly runs on NTT Docomo domestically, which is genuinely the network you want in Japan. We've had full signal on the Shinkansen between Osaka and Tokyo, in Uji tea fields, on the Fukuoka waterfront, and up in Nara. Not once did we drop long enough to notice on Google Maps. **South Korea.** Two weeks in Seoul in July 2023 during a heatwave that turned into non-stop rain. The eSIM handled everything we asked of it including video calls back to family and constant map re-routing when a subway exit put us out on the wrong side of Myeong-dong. Korea's 5G rollout is one of the best in the world and the eSIM rides on it. ![Family selfie at the colorful Seoul sign in Myeongdong.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/60fc7afd-f3c3-4b57-ac62-22770e06daee.jpg) Seoul in July 2023: the heatwave broke into two solid weeks of rain, and the eSIM held up better than we did. **Taiwan.** Thirteen days across Taipei and the north in July 2024\. Coverage in Taipei and along the west coast HSR corridor was strong. In Fuxing Village and up around New Taipei things stayed reliable. We didn't get out to Taroko Gorge on that trip, so we can't speak to remote east-coast performance directly. ![Adam, Lindsay, and their three daughters posing in front of the large white TAIPEI letters.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/087c516b-8500-4df1-893e-6656525ad191.jpg) Thirteen days across Taipei and the north in July 2024\. Coverage held up everywhere we went. **Hong Kong.** Nine days in February 2025, mostly Disneyland with the kids and MTR-hopping around the harbor. Data held up in tunnels, on the ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui, and inside Disneyland where a lot of visitors otherwise report congestion issues. ![Family selfie in Minnie ears at the Hong Kong Disneyland entrance with the Mickey floral display behind them.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/5c71ed4a-4a7a-4a50-a2ee-9271f7126963.jpg) Hong Kong Disneyland, February 2025\. The eSIM handled the day better than any of us handled the queues. **Mainland China.** Eight days in Shanghai on the 240-hour transit visa in September 2025\. This is the important one. Holafly's [China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F) has a built-in VPN, which meant Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail all worked from the moment we landed at Pudong. That is genuinely different from every other option on the market and it's the reason we didn't have to sideload a VPN app before entering. ![Six steamed xiaolongbao in a bamboo steamer basket at a Jing'an District restaurant.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/44963ab1-97d4-413a-9010-a4f20d149868.jpg) Ordering xiaolongbao in Jing'an with Google Translate open on WhatsApp with our guide. All of it working normally in China because of the built-in VPN. ## The multi-country plans that cover this region There are five plans worth knowing about if your trip crosses multiple East Asian borders. Because destination-eSIM pricing changes with duration and shifts periodically, we're linking directly to Holafly's product pages rather than quoting a snapshot price that goes stale. | Plan | Coverage | When to pick it | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ---------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | [Japan and Korea eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-japan-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-japan-korea%2F) | Japan + South Korea | Classic Tokyo-Seoul or Osaka-Seoul week | | [Japan and China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-japan-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-japan-china%2F) | Japan + mainland China | Tokyo through to Shanghai or Beijing | | [Hong Kong, Macau, and China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-hk-macau-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-hong-kong-macau-china%2F) | HK + Macau + mainland | Greater China circuit including the mainland | | [Asia regional eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster) | Multi-country Asia | Trips that also include Southeast Asia | | [Holafly Plans (monthly)](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) | 160+ destinations | 30+ day trips across any combination | The regional and combined plans are the reason to pick Holafly over stacking two separate destination eSIMs. One QR code, one account, one plan showing in your phone settings, one thing to swap on and off. ## When Holafly Plans beat every destination eSIM For anything approaching a month across East Asia, the math tips over. [Holafly Plans](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) is a monthly subscription eSIM that covers 160+ destinations on one plan. Two tiers. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB pooled across 160+ destinations Fits a moderate-use family month with hotspot for two devices. [Get Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ destinations Unlimited hotspot plus a US, UK, or Canada SMS number. [Get Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) Both include hotspot. Both can be cancelled after a single billing cycle, which means even if you only need one month, you can subscribe, use it across Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shanghai in sequence, then cancel before the next charge. Our code ADAMANDLINDS gets 10% off Plans versus 5% off destination eSIMs. The break-even point is roughly this: if your itinerary is more than two weeks and touches three or more of these countries, Plans is usually cheaper than combining two destination eSIMs. If it's a shorter one or two-country hop, the combined destination eSIM (Japan+Korea, Japan+China, HK+Macau+China) is typically the better spend. Plans subscribers also get [Holafly Always On](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/): 1GB per month in 150+ destinations if you cancel and travel again later. Useful backup if you're not sure whether you'll need data on your next trip. ## The China wrinkle nobody talks about Every East Asia eSIM article should mention this and most don't. Mainland China blocks Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Gmail, and most Western services at the network level. This is not a Holafly-specific problem or a specific-eSIM problem, it's the network itself. Holafly's China eSIM works around this because it includes a built-in VPN. The plan routes your traffic through their infrastructure so you can access Western services from the moment you land, no app install, no configuration, no signup for a separate VPN service. We used this for eight days in Shanghai and it held up in the airport, in a Jing'an noodle shop, on the metro, and out at Zhujiajiao Water Town. The combined [Hong Kong, Macau, and China plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-hk-macau-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-hong-kong-macau-china%2F) carries the same built-in VPN benefit when you're on the mainland portion. Hong Kong and Macau don't block Western services, so the VPN function is only relevant on the China side. If you're going to mainland China at all, verify the eSIM you pick covers the VPN piece before you fly. Buying an eSIM that connects but blocks all your apps is worse than no eSIM at all. Our full write-up: [Best eSIM for China](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/). ## The greater China circuit The most common multi-country combo we get asked about is Hong Kong to Macau to Shanghai (or Beijing). One plan covers all three. Hong Kong International is a convenient entry point, the ferry to Macau takes about an hour, and the high-speed rail from either Hong Kong West Kowloon or Macau connects you into the mainland network. For anyone doing this circuit for the first time, note that even though Hong Kong and Macau are administratively part of China, they run on separate telecom infrastructure with open internet access. The one eSIM handles all three by swapping to the appropriate carrier when you cross the border. You don't need to touch anything on your phone. ## Setup: same for every plan 1. ### Purchase your plan Buy at [holafly.com](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster) and apply code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout (5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off Plans). 2. ### Get the QR code by email Delivery is instant. Save the email somewhere you'll find it again. 3. ### Install the eSIM On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM > scan the QR. On Android the exact path varies but is under Mobile Networks. 4. ### Set the Holafly line as default data on arrival Enable data roaming for the Holafly line and set it as your default data source. Leave your home SIM installed for calls and texts. 5. ### Verify before you leave home Two days before flying, confirm the eSIM shows up correctly in Settings. Most iPhone XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, and Pixel 3 and newer support eSIM. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster) ## Quick recommendation by trip type | Your trip | Pick this | | ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Japan + Korea, up to 2 weeks | [Japan and Korea combined eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-japan-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-japan-korea%2F) | | Japan + Shanghai or Beijing | [Japan and China combined eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-japan-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-japan-china%2F) | | Hong Kong + Macau + mainland | [HK/Macau/China combined eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-hk-macau-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-hong-kong-macau-china%2F) | | Any three or more of the six | [Holafly Plans monthly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) | | Adding Southeast Asia legs | [Asia regional](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster) or [Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) | | Long stay, 30+ days | [Holafly Plans Unlimited](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) | ### Save on any Holafly eSIM Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off Plans. [Visit Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=esim-cluster) FAQ ## Multi-country East Asia eSIM questions Does one eSIM cover Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and mainland China? No single destination-specific plan covers all six. You either combine plans (Japan+Korea plus HK+Macau+China, for example), pick the Asia regional eSIM, or go with a monthly Plans subscription. For long or multi-country trips, [Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) is the cleanest single-eSIM answer because it covers 160+ destinations globally. Do I need a separate VPN in China? Not with Holafly's [China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F) or the Hong Kong/Macau/China combined plan. Both include a built-in VPN so Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail work immediately. If you use a different eSIM provider for China, you'll need to install a VPN before entering. Does the eSIM work on the Shinkansen and other high-speed trains? Yes, in our experience. We've had signal for almost the whole Osaka-Tokyo Shinkansen run and on the Taiwan HSR through the west corridor. Expect brief drops in mountain tunnels, otherwise reliable. Can I share the eSIM with my family's other phones? Yes, hotspot is supported. Destination plans and Plans both allow tethering. If your household is running four or five devices simultaneously, the Unlimited Plan is the right pick. How far ahead should I buy? Buy a couple of days before you fly. The QR code is delivered instantly by email, but installing early gives you a chance to confirm the eSIM shows up in Settings correctly before you're standing at the arrival gate. Which combined plan covers Taiwan? There isn't a Japan+Taiwan or Taiwan+Korea combined destination eSIM. [Taiwan-only](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=inline-2&subId3=destination-taiwan&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-taiwan%2F) is available as a destination eSIM, and Taiwan is included in the [Asia regional plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster) and in [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) (both tiers). If your trip is Taiwan plus Japan or Taiwan plus Korea, the cleanest option is Plans for the month. Is a [Korea eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=faq&subId3=destination-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-korea%2F) different from the Japan+Korea combined plan? Yes, Korea has its own destination eSIM if you're only visiting South Korea. The Japan+Korea combined plan is the pick if you're doing both countries on the same trip, on the same eSIM, without switching QR codes. ## Coverage and pricing as of August 2026 Pricing above (Light Plan $49.90/month, Unlimited $64.90/month) and coverage figures (160+ destinations on Plans, built-in VPN on the China eSIMs) reflect Holafly's product pages as of August 2026\. Destination eSIM pricing varies by trip length and can change, so check the individual product page for the current rate before you buy. Our discount code ADAMANDLINDS stacks on top of any listed price: 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off Plans. ### Ready to sort out your East Asia data? Pick the plan that fits your itinerary and get 5-10% off with code ADAMANDLINDS. [See Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-japan-korea-taiwan-china-hong-kong-macau&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) [All our Holafly coverage](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) ### Related reading [Best eSIM for China: what actually works behind the firewall](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/) [Holafly Plans review: is the global eSIM subscription worth it?](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) [Holafly Always On: the 1GB fallback that changes how we travel](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) [Holafly discount code hub](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our Holafly links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Holafly is our exclusive eSIM partner through August 2026 and we've personally tested their eSIMs in 19 countries. All opinions are our own. ### Hong Kong Klook Discount Code 2026: Save on the Best Activities and Attractions URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/hong-kong-klook-discount-code-2026-save-on-the-best-activities-and-attractions/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:47.000Z Hong Kong is one of those cities that punches well above its weight when it comes to things to do. Theme parks, harbour cruises, cable cars dangling over mountain monasteries, world-class museums - it's a lot for one city built on a collection of islands and a sliver of peninsula. We used Da Nang as a homebase during our six-month winter stay in Vietnam and took a trip to Hong Kong from there, so we got to experience the city through the lens of a family that had been living in Asia for a while rather than flying in jet-lagged from the West. The good news? You can save on nearly every major Hong Kong attraction by booking through [Klook with our code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/80363-klook-pass-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) for discounted tickets. This guide covers the best Hong Kong activities on Klook in 2026, complete with pricing, tips, and honest assessments of what's worth your time and money. ## How to Use the Klook Hong Kong Discount Code Using Klook to book Hong Kong activities is straightforward. Search for your activity, select your date and ticket type, and enter the code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. Tickets are delivered digitally to your phone, which means no printing, no queuing at ticket counters, and no language barrier issues. Most Klook tickets include instant confirmation, so you can book the morning of your visit if you're the spontaneous type. Klook prices are often lower than walk-up ticket prices at the venue, and adding our discount code on top makes it a solid deal. We've used Klook across Asia for everything from bullet train tickets in Japan to theme park entry in Malaysia, and it consistently delivers. ## Best Hong Kong Theme Parks and Attractions Hong Kong has two major theme parks and a handful of standout attractions that justify the trip on their own. Here's what they cost through Klook and whether they're worth booking. ### Hong Kong Disneyland Hong Kong Disneyland is the most compact Disney park in the world, which actually makes it surprisingly family-friendly. You can hit every major ride and still have energy left for dinner, something we definitely cannot say about Tokyo Disney (where we spent two absolutely exhausting days during our time in Japan). The park is celebrating its 20th anniversary with special decor and experiences, and it features Asia's first Iron Man Experience plus the World of Frozen area. ![Hong Kong Disneyland](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/isft7aujpxmisxbftvyq.jpg) | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $68.29 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (185,000+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation before redemption | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | Best For | Families with kids under 10 | Book your [Hong Kong Disneyland tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/39-hong-kong-disneyland-resort-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for the best price. A smart tip: the 2-Day Ticket is only about HKD 100 more than a 1-Day Ticket, which is a bargain if you want a relaxed pace. ### Ocean Park Hong Kong Ocean Park is often described as what you'd get if a zoo and a theme park had a baby, and honestly that's pretty accurate. It combines marine life exhibits (including adorable panda cubs), amusement rides for all ages, and interactive animal experiences in one sprawling complex. The current collaboration with Sanrio characters running through August 2026 adds an extra layer of cute that our girls would absolutely lose their minds over. ![Ocean Park Hong Kong](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ojbbtgbbdkypqo7g7gns.jpg) | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $57.59 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (80,000+ reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | Best For | Families wanting theme park + zoo combo | Grab your [Ocean Park Hong Kong tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/23-ocean-park-hong-kong-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. The discounted meal coupon add-on is worth considering since park food prices can add up quickly with a family. ### LEGOLAND Discovery Centre If you've got kids under 12 and they love LEGO (so, basically all kids), the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Hong Kong is a solid rainy-day option. We actually got season tickets to the full LEGOLAND park during our month in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, so our girls are well-versed in all things LEGO. The Discovery Centre is smaller than a full park but packed with 10 themed play areas, a miniature LEGO replica of Hong Kong landmarks built with over 1.5 million bricks, and hands-on building workshops. | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | ---------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $23.79 USD | | Rating | 4.5/5 (4,100+ reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | Best For | Kids under 12 on a rainy day | Book [LEGOLAND Discovery Centre tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/53324-legoland-discovery-centre-ticket-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Note that adults must be accompanied by at least one child aged 11 or below to enter. ### Kiztopia Hong Kong For younger kids, Kiztopia at New Town Plaza is an award-winning indoor playground spanning 12,000 square feet with 15 play areas designed around eight different intelligences (Word Smart, Music Smart, Logic Smart, etc.). It won Outstanding Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards, and it's the kind of place where you can park yourself with a coffee while the kids burn off energy for a couple of hours. | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | -------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $15.15 USD | | Rating | 4.6/5 (4,600+ reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | Best For | Toddlers and kids under 12 | [Book Kiztopia tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/75045-hong-kong-kiztopia/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Kids under 1 enter free. ## Best Hong Kong Sightseeing Experiences Beyond the theme parks, Hong Kong has some genuinely spectacular sightseeing that you won't find anywhere else. These are the experiences that make the city feel like more than just another Asian metropolis. ### Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is one of those experiences where the journey genuinely is the destination. The 25-minute ride from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village offers sweeping views of Tung Chung Bay, the South China Sea, and the massive Tian Tan Buddha statue perched on a hilltop. The Crystal+ Cabin option has a glass floor with over 80% visibility, which is either thrilling or terrifying depending on your relationship with heights. ![Ngong Ping 360](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/hdipao8x0qgflik4moj3.jpg) | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | -------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $22.15 USD (Standard) | | Rating | 4.7/5 (58,000+ reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | Duration | 25 minutes each way | Book your [Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/45-ngong-ping-360-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. For a full-day Lantau experience, consider the [Ngong Ping 360 Tai O Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/680-ngong-ping-360-sky-land-sea-tai-o-pass-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ($46.85 USD) which bundles the cable car with return bus transfers to Tai O fishing village, a boat excursion, and a HKD 20 snack coupon. ### Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram No Hong Kong visit is complete without riding the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. Operating since 1888, it's one of the world's oldest and most famous funicular railways, climbing from 28 meters to 396 meters above sea level along a 1.4 km track. The views from Sky Terrace 428, Hong Kong's highest viewing platform at 428 meters, are the kind of panoramic cityscape that makes you understand why this city became one of the world's great metropolises. ![Peak Tram](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/tq125ajrqzbbtymakqhb.jpg) You have two booking options on Klook: | Option | Price | Rating | What's Included | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ----------- | ------ | -------------------------------- | | [Peak Tram Ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/765-peak-tram-sky-terrace-hongkong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $12.79 | 4.6/5 | Tram ride + optional Sky Terrace | | [Peak Tram + Sky Terrace Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/523-peak-tram-3-in-1-combo-ticket-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $29.55 | 4.5/5 | Guided tour + tram + Sky Terrace | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on either option. The guided tour version includes a brief introduction to the Central Financial District and Tour Group Access, which can help skip some of the queue. ### Aqua Luna Victoria Harbour Cruise There's something about seeing a city skyline from the water that makes it feel more real. The Aqua Luna cruise takes you around Victoria Harbour on a traditional Chinese junk boat, complete with a complimentary drink and front-row seats to the Symphony of Lights show (the world's largest permanent light and sound show). It's the kind of thing that feels touristy until you're actually on the boat watching Hong Kong light up at sunset, and then it just feels special. ![Aqua Luna](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/mn5cq4kqw5ouwplr47zd.jpg) | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | ------------------------ | | Price on Klook | From $34.65 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (8,300+ reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | Departure | Tsim Sha Tsui Pier No. 1 | Book your [Aqua Luna Victoria Harbour Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/659-aqualuna-evening-sail-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Pro tip: board as early as possible to grab the best seats on the upper deck. ## Best Hong Kong Museums on Klook Hong Kong's museum scene has exploded in recent years, particularly in the West Kowloon Cultural District. These two are worth your time and actually justify the ticket price. ### M+ Museum M+ is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary visual culture in the world. Located in the West Kowloon Cultural District, it houses collections spanning visual art, design, architecture, and moving images. Current exhibitions include works exploring the connections between landscape and humanity, contemporary Chinese art from the M+ Sigg Collection, and an immersive exhibition featuring environments created by women artists from the 1950s to now. The free Roof Garden alone is worth the visit for its harbour views. ![M+ Museum](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/yqhl9yudb2iqiguhe9mf.jpg) | Detail | Info | | -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $24.39 USD (Standard) / Kid & Adult combos available | | Rating | 4.6/5 (8,600+ reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Hours | Tue-Thu & weekends 10:00-18:00, Fri 10:00-22:00, Mon closed | Book [M+ Museum tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/77795-m-plus-admission-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Note that you need to redeem a physical ticket at the M+ Ticket Office at least 30 minutes before your admission time. The Mediatheque, Grand Stair, Basement 1, and Roof Garden are all free to visit without a ticket. ### Hong Kong Palace Museum Just a short walk from M+, the Hong Kong Palace Museum presents hundreds of treasures from Beijing's Palace Museum, many of which have never been publicly displayed before. The current special exhibition on ancient Egyptian treasures (running through August 2026) features 250 artefacts from seven Egyptian museums, including mummy coffins, monumental statues, and objects spanning nearly 5,000 years of history. At $8.99 USD for entry, this is one of the best value museum tickets in Hong Kong. ![Hong Kong Palace Museum](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/pt6nnporjpbioxznma3a.jpg) | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | ---------------------- | | Price on Klook | From $8.99 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (7,300+ reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | Get your [Hong Kong Palace Museum tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73590-hong-kong-palace-museum-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. With both M+ and the Palace Museum in the same district, you can easily do both in one day. ## Essential Hong Kong Transport on Klook Getting around Hong Kong efficiently is half the battle. These two transport options will save you both time and money. ### Airport Express Ticket The Airport Express is the fastest way from Hong Kong International Airport to the city centre, connecting you to Hong Kong Station, Kowloon Station, and Tsing Yi Station. It's clean, fast, and you can skip the taxi queue entirely. Passengers flying Cathay Pacific or Hong Kong Airlines can even use the free in-town check-in service at Hong Kong or Kowloon Station on the return trip. | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | ------------------------ | | Price on Klook | From $6.79 USD | | Rating | 4.9/5 (347,000+ reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | How It Works | Scan QR code at the gate | Book your [Hong Kong Airport Express ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71-airport-express-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. With a 4.9 rating from over 347,000 reviews, this is one of the highest-rated products on all of Klook. ### Tourist Octopus Card The Octopus card is Hong Kong's version of Japan's Suica or London's Oyster card. It works on the MTR, buses, ferries, trams, and at thousands of convenience stores, restaurants, and vending machines across the city. Pick it up pre-loaded at the airport and you're set for the entire trip. The card has a 7-year validity, so you can keep it as a souvenir or use it on a future visit. | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | Price on Klook | From $12.45 USD (includes HKD 50-150 preloaded credit) | | Rating | 4.8/5 (52,000+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Conditional | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | Pickup | Hong Kong International Airport | Get your [Tourist Octopus Card on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1355-tourist-octopus-card-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. We always recommend getting local transit cards as one of the first things you do in any new city - it eliminates so much friction from daily travel. ## Save Even More with the Klook Pass Hong Kong If you're planning to visit multiple attractions, the [Klook Pass Hong Kong](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/80363-klook-pass-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) bundles 2 to 5 activities from a list of over 17 options and saves you up to 40% compared to buying tickets individually. The standard pass includes attractions like M+ Museum, Ngong Ping 360, the Peak Tram, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Madame Tussauds, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Premium add-ons let you include Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park. | Pass Type | Starting Price | Includes | | ------------- | --------------- | ---------------------------- | | 2 Attractions | From $51.09 USD | Choose 2 from 17+ activities | | 3 Attractions | Higher tier | Choose 3 from 17+ activities | | 5 Attractions | Best value | Choose 5 from 17+ activities | The pass activates within 30 days of purchase with your first reservation, then you have 30 more days to book the rest. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for additional savings. ## Staying Connected in Hong Kong You'll want reliable data for navigating Hong Kong's MTR system, translating menus, and booking last-minute Klook activities on the go. We recommend picking up a [Holafly Hong Kong eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2150677/24764?prodsku=233910&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-hong-kong%2F&intsrc=CATF%5F19096&ref=adamandlinds.com) before you fly. Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Hong Kong starting at $3.90 USD per day, with 7-day plans at $27.30 USD and 14-day plans at $47.90 USD. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. If you're planning to visit both Hong Kong and mainland China, note that Hong Kong and China operate as separate telecommunications regions - you'll need separate eSIM plans for each. Holafly also offers a combined [Hong Kong, Macau, and China regional plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2150677/24764?prodsku=290675&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china-hong-kong-macau%2F&intsrc=CATF%5F19096&ref=adamandlinds.com) if you're hitting multiple destinations. For stays approaching 30 days, Holafly's monthly global plans offer better value: the Light Plan gives you 25GB for $49.90/month and the Unlimited Plan runs $64.90/month. Check [Holafly's monthly plans here](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Hong Kong Activities Price Comparison Table Here's a quick reference of every Klook activity covered in this guide, sorted by price. All prices are subject to change and reflect the base ticket option. | Activity | Price (USD) | Rating | Reviews | Best For | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------- | ------ | ------- | ----------------- | | [Airport Express](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/71-airport-express-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $6.79 | 4.9 | 347K+ | Airport transfer | | [Palace Museum](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73590-hong-kong-palace-museum-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $8.99 | 4.7 | 7.3K+ | Culture & history | | [Octopus Card](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1355-tourist-octopus-card-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $12.45 | 4.8 | 52K+ | Daily transit | | [Peak Tram](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/765-peak-tram-sky-terrace-hongkong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $12.79 | 4.6 | 38K+ | Iconic views | | [Kiztopia](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/75045-hong-kong-kiztopia/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $15.15 | 4.6 | 4.6K+ | Young kids | | [Ngong Ping 360](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/45-ngong-ping-360-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $22.15 | 4.7 | 58K+ | Scenic cable car | | [LEGOLAND Discovery](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/53324-legoland-discovery-centre-ticket-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $23.79 | 4.5 | 4.1K+ | Kids under 12 | | [M+ Museum](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/77795-m-plus-admission-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $24.39 | 4.6 | 8.6K+ | Modern art | | [Aqua Luna Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/659-aqualuna-evening-sail-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $34.65 | 4.7 | 8.3K+ | Harbour views | | [Klook Pass (2 attractions)](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/80363-klook-pass-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $51.09 | 4.7 | 3.6K+ | Multi-attraction | | [Ocean Park](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/23-ocean-park-hong-kong-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $57.59 | 4.7 | 80K+ | Zoo + theme park | | [Disneyland](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/39-hong-kong-disneyland-resort-hong-kong/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $68.29 | 4.8 | 185K+ | Families | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on any of these for the best available price. ## Tips for Visiting Hong Kong with Kids We've traveled with our three daughters through 33+ countries, and Hong Kong ranks as one of the most family-friendly cities in Asia. Here are a few practical tips we've picked up: The MTR (subway) system is clean, efficient, and easy to navigate with strollers. Most stations have elevators, though finding them can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle. Get your Tourist Octopus Card at the airport and load it with enough credit for a few days. Hong Kong weather can be hot and humid for much of the year. If you're visiting with small kids, plan indoor activities like museums and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre for the afternoon heat, and save outdoor attractions like Ngong Ping and Victoria Peak for mornings or late afternoons. Food in Hong Kong is incredible and surprisingly kid-friendly. Dim sum is basically finger food for children, and most restaurants are accustomed to families. If you want a special dining experience, Klook also offers discounted buffet deals at hotels like the [Harbour Grand Kowloon](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/51111-promenade-harbour-grand-kowloon/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $37.09 USD) and the [Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/85072-hotel-buffet-the-fullerton-ocean-park-hotel-lighthouse-cafe/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) (from $39.79 USD). ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Klook legit for booking Hong Kong activities? Yes, Klook is one of the largest activity booking platforms in Asia. It's headquartered in Hong Kong and has partnerships with all major attractions in the city. We've used Klook extensively across Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and Hong Kong without issues. Tickets are delivered digitally, most include instant confirmation, and customer service is responsive. ### What does the Klook discount code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK save? The code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK provides a discount on eligible Hong Kong activities booked through Klook. The exact savings vary by activity, but combined with Klook's already-reduced prices compared to walk-up tickets, you're getting the best deal available. ### Can I buy Klook tickets on the same day? Yes, most Hong Kong activities on Klook offer instant confirmation, meaning you can buy tickets the morning of (or even minutes before) your visit. The Airport Express, Octopus Card, and most attraction tickets work this way. Some activities with limited capacity may sell out, so booking a day ahead is recommended for peak season. ### What's the best Klook activity for families in Hong Kong? For families with younger children, Hong Kong Disneyland offers the best balance of rides, entertainment, and manageable park size. For a full-day adventure that combines nature, culture, and sightseeing, the Ngong Ping 360 Tai O Pass is hard to beat. And if you're visiting multiple attractions over several days, the Klook Pass Hong Kong saves up to 40%. ### Do I need internet in Hong Kong for Klook tickets? Yes, since Klook tickets are digital, you'll need data access to pull up your QR codes or vouchers at each venue. We recommend getting a [Holafly Hong Kong eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2150677/24764?prodsku=233910&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-hong-kong%2F&intsrc=CATF%5F19096&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data. Alternatively, the Tourist Octopus Card pickup at the airport is near areas with free WiFi, so you can download your first tickets there. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our Klook links or use the code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our Holafly links with code ADAMANDLINDS also earn us a commission. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own.* ### Klook Taipei Discount Tickets 2026: Save on the Best Activities, Tours, and Attractions URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-taipei-discount-tickets/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:48.000Z Taipei is one of those cities that punches way above its weight when it comes to value. Night markets where you can eat like royalty for pocket change, a metro system that actually makes sense, and world-class attractions with ticket prices that would make theme parks back home weep with shame. But even in an affordable city, smart travelers know there's always a way to save a bit more. When we spent 8 days touring Taiwan in 2024, we quickly learned that booking activities in advance through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1659-taipei-101-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) saved us real money compared to gate prices, especially at popular spots like Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum. Use our code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for additional savings on top of Klook's already-discounted prices. This guide covers every major Taipei activity worth booking, complete with current prices, honest ratings, and our tips from actually visiting with three kids in tow. ## Taipei 101 Observatory You cannot visit Taipei and skip Taipei 101\. It's not just a landmark on the skyline, it's the skyline. Standing at 508 meters, this was once the world's tallest building, and the observation deck on the 89th floor delivers genuinely spectacular 360-degree views of the city. ![Taipei 101 Observatory](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/r6qopjitmntl1dvsmulx.jpg) The elevator ride alone is worth the admission. You'll reach the 89th floor in just 37 seconds, which is frankly a better thrill than most roller coasters. The 88th floor houses the massive 660-ton tuned mass damper that keeps the building stable during typhoons and earthquakes, and it's genuinely fascinating to see this engineering marvel up close. The newest addition is the 101st floor "Secret Garden in the Sky," featuring greenery and mirrored walls that create a pretty surreal viewing experience. | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Klook Price | From $17.20 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (40,000+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | | Highlights | 89th floor observatory, world's fastest elevator, 101st floor Secret Garden | [Book Taipei 101 Observatory tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1659-taipei-101-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for extra savings. **Tip for families:** Go in the late afternoon so you catch both daytime views and the sunset transition. The night views of Taipei are genuinely stunning, and kids find the damper ball endlessly entertaining. ## Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen Day Tour If you only have time for one day trip from Taipei, this is the one. The northeast coast tour packs in three of Taiwan's most iconic destinations in a single day, and the logistics of trying to do this independently with kids would be a nightmare of bus transfers and timing. ![Yehliu Geopark and Jiufen Day Tour](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/foxhbn5lsaepakgfrnxr.jpg) Yehliu Geopark is genuinely otherworldly. Sea erosion has sculpted the rocks into formations that look like they belong on another planet. CNN has compared it to the most Mars-like environment on Earth, and they're not wrong. The famous Queen's Head rock formation is the star attraction, though the entire headland is worth exploring slowly. Jiufen Old Street is the atmospheric mountain town that inspired the look of Spirited Away (yes, that Spirited Away). Narrow alleys, teahouses spilling down the hillside, and street food at every turn. Then you finish at Shifen, where you can design and release a sky lantern with a personal wish. Our girls thought the sky lantern part was pure magic. There are two main tour options available: | Tour Option | Price | Rating | Reviews | Includes | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | ------ | ------- | ------------------------------------------------- | | [Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen & Golden Waterfall](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/76306-yehliu-jiufen-shifen-golden-waterfall-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $24.95 USD | 4.9/5 | 33,600+ | Round-trip transfer, guide, Golden Waterfall stop | | [Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen with Pastry Making](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/13827-yehliu-jiufen-shifen-tour-pastry-making-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $25.25 USD | 4.8/5 | 4,600+ | All above + Taiwanese pastry DIY experience | | [Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen & Optional Tiaoshi Coast](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93318-yehliu-jiufen-shifen-shifen-waterfall-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $22.09 USD | 4.9/5 | 10,600+ | Shifen Waterfall option, Tiaoshi Coast access | All tours include free cancellation with 24 hours notice and instant confirmation. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. **Pro tip:** If you book a Klook hotel in Taipei, some of these tours are available completely free. Check the participating hotel list on the tour booking page. ## Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) The Taiwan High Speed Rail is the backbone of efficient travel in western Taiwan. Taipei to Kaohsiung in 90 minutes at speeds up to 300 km/h, and the trains are clean, punctual, and comfortable. Having experienced bullet trains extensively in Japan, we can say Taiwan's THSR holds its own. ![Taiwan High Speed Rail](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/vkr17n05cmyicvehza5n.jpg) For international visitors, Klook offers two smart options: | Option | Price | Rating | Reviews | Best For | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | ------ | ------- | ------------------------------------------- | | [THSR One-Way Ticket (non-Taiwanese)](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73749-thsr-one-way-ticket-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $0.99 USD | 4.8/5 | 22,900+ | Single journeys, flexible travel | | [THSR Unlimited Rail Pass (2/3/5 Day)](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/808-thsr-unlimited-rail-pass-2-3-5-day/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $70.05 USD | 4.8/5 | 3,900+ | Multiple city visits, extensive exploration | The one-way ticket comes with some excellent freebies at checkout, including Starbucks buy-one-get-one coupons, bakery discounts, and Tiger Sugar vouchers. The unlimited pass pays for itself on a single round trip between Taipei and Kaohsiung, which would normally cost around TWD 2,980 versus the pass price of TWD 2,199. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** when booking your THSR tickets through Klook. ## Yehliu Geopark (Standalone Visit) If you'd rather visit Yehliu Geopark at your own pace instead of on a group tour, standalone tickets are incredibly affordable at just $3.85 USD on [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/9548-yehliu-geopark-admission-ticket-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). ![Yehliu Geopark](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/vwglg5zciwudfd3toom3.jpg) The geopark stretches about 1,700 meters along a headland that looks like a giant sea turtle from above. Besides the famous Queen's Head, you'll find honeycomb rocks, candle-shaped formations, mushroom rocks, and sea caves. Daily guided tours are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Scan the QR code on your Klook voucher and walk right in. No paper tickets, no queues. | Detail | Info | | -------------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Klook Price | $3.85 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (17,900+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation before redemption | | Instant Confirmation | Yes | ## Taipei Children's Amusement Park Traveling with kids? This is a no-brainer. Taipei Children's Amusement Park in Shilin District is one of the highest-rated family attractions in the city, and at $6.39 USD for an all-day pass with unlimited rides, the value is absurd. ![Taipei Children's Amusement Park](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/kgtwgjjvw9bzc7azuern.jpg) The park features bumper cars, a jungle adventure treehouse, a treasure hunt ship, a musical carousel, and a Flying Magic ride. Everything is geared toward children (recommended height of 100 cm or more for most rides), and the park is conveniently close to the MRT. Harper, Lily, and Cora would have stayed here all day if we'd let them. Nearby, you'll also find the Taipei Astronomical Science Education Center and the National Taiwan Science Education Center, making the Shilin area perfect for a full day of family exploration. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Klook Price | From $6.39 USD | | Rating | 4.9/5 (9,800+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation before redemption | | Best For | Families with kids ages 3-12 | [Book Taipei Children's Amusement Park tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/32301-taipei-childrens-amusement-park-one-day-pass/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. ## National Palace Museum Housing over 7 million antiques spanning nearly 5,000 years of Chinese history, the National Palace Museum is one of the most important museums in the world. The three major treasures, the Meat-Shaped Stone, the Jade Cabbage, and the Mao Gongding bronze, are all here and worth seeing in person. ![National Palace Museum](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/m1ksqffzgfvzm7azejqd.jpg) At $11.15 USD, the ticket also gives you access to the Chiayi branch. Add the audio guide for a deeper experience, as the collection is so vast you'll want some context to navigate the highlights efficiently. The museum covers dynasties of Chinese art, calligraphy, ceramics, and painting, and even our kids found parts of it genuinely interesting (the Meat-Shaped Stone really does look exactly like a piece of braised pork belly). | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Klook Price | From $11.15 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (8,400+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation before redemption | | Audio Guide | Available as add-on | [Book National Palace Museum tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/10136-national-palace-museum-ticket-package-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. ## Maokong Gondola The Maokong Gondola takes you from Taipei Zoo station up into the mountains for panoramic views of the city below. On a clear day, you can see Taipei 101 framed against the mountain backdrop, and at the top you'll find tea houses serving some of the best oolong in Taiwan. ![Maokong Gondola](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/a18mnkv3soojl9pmzavz.jpg) The crystal cabin option has glass floors, which sounds terrifying but is actually a huge hit with kids. The ride itself covers a significant distance and gives you time to really take in the scenery. Once you reach Maokong, the Camphor Tree Trail offers a peaceful hike through the mountains, and Zhinan Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple worth visiting. | Detail | Info | | ------------- | ------------------------------ | | Klook Price | From $9.59 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (10,800+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Conditional | | Crystal Cabin | Available (glass floor option) | [Book Maokong Gondola tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/16000-maokong-gondola-combo-ticket-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. **Note:** The gondola may be temporarily suspended during heavy rain or thunderstorms. Check the [official Maokong Gondola website](https://english.gondola.taipei/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for updated operational hours before heading out. ## Taipei Zoo Right next to the Maokong Gondola station, Taipei Zoo is one of the best value attractions in the city at just $3.19 USD. The zoo is home to pandas, giraffes, Formosan Black Bears, and the rare Blue Pheasant, among hundreds of other species. Combine a morning at the zoo with an afternoon gondola ride up to Maokong for tea. It makes for a perfect full-day itinerary, and both attractions are accessible from the same MRT station. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------- | | Klook Price | $3.19 USD | | Rating | 4.9/5 (5,400+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Conditional | | Combo Option | Pair with Maokong Gondola for best value | [Book Taipei Zoo tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/34262-maokong-gondola-taipei-zoo-tickets/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. ## Beitou Hot Spring Experience Taiwan's hot spring culture is world-class, and Beitou is the most accessible hot spring area from central Taipei. Spring City Resort sits at the highest point of Beitou's hot spring source, drawing white sulfur springs once called "Emperor Springs" in Japan. ![Beitou Spring City Resort](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/gzszcphnnszmqziwfbck.jpg) The outdoor spa features nine different types of hot spring pools, from a family pool to a waterfall pool, floating pool, and cold water pool. You get unlimited time, which is a rarity for hot spring facilities. If you prefer more privacy, individual rooms built with Guanyin stone and red cypress are available for hourly booking. There's also a steam room and marble pool for additional relaxation. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Klook Price | From $16.89 USD | | Rating | 4.6/5 (6,300+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation before redemption | | Time Limit | Unlimited for outdoor spa | [Book Beitou Hot Spring tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/7950-spring-city-resort-beitou-hot-spring-spa-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. ## Taipei Fun Pass If you're planning to hit multiple attractions, the Taipei Fun Pass might be the smartest purchase you make. It's the only travel pass in Taipei that combines attraction entries with unlimited public transportation. The pass covers Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and over 30 other popular attractions, plus unlimited rides on the Taipei MRT, buses, and the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle. If you're the type of traveler who wants to see as much as possible, the math on this pass works out very quickly in your favor. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------ | | Klook Price | From $35.05 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (3,900+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation before redemption | | Includes | 30+ attractions, unlimited MRT/buses, gift packs | [Book Taipei Fun Pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/76302-taipei-unlimited-fun-pass-pick-up-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. ## More Taipei Activities Worth Booking Beyond the major attractions, Klook offers several other experiences in Taipei that are worth considering depending on your interests and travel style. | Activity | Price | Rating | Reviews | Best For | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | ------ | ------- | -------------------------------------------- | | [Taipei Double Decker Sightseeing Bus](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2921-double-decker-bus-tour-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $9.45 USD | 4.5/5 | 6,800+ | First-time visitors wanting an overview | | [Miramar Ferris Wheel](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/17764-miramar-entertainment-park-ferris-wheel-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $4.79 USD | 4.8/5 | 4,100+ | Couples, families wanting city views | | [i-Ride Flying Cinema](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/21048-i-ride-flying-cinema-experience-center-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $14.89 USD | 4.6/5 | 2,800+ | Thrill seekers, anime fans (Attack on Titan) | | [Miniatures Museum of Taiwan](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/15528-miniatures-museum-taiwan-ticket-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $4.45 USD | 4.8/5 | 2,600+ | Families, architecture enthusiasts | | [Volando Urai Hot Spring Resort](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/825-volando-urai-hot-spring-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $24.35 USD | 4.7/5 | 4,300+ | Luxury hot spring experience | | [Wulai Yun Hsien Resort](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/47687-yun-hsien-resort-new-taipei-wulai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $9.39 USD | 4.7/5 | 2,500+ | Nature lovers, cable car + activities combo | | [7-ELEVEN eVoucher](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/69282-7-eleven/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $3.19 USD | 4.9/5 | 11,500+ | Everyone (convenience store credit) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on any of these bookings for extra savings. The i-Ride Flying Cinema deserves a special mention for families with older kids. It's a 5D experience that suspends you in front of a giant dome screen with wind, mist, and scent effects. They currently have an Attack on Titan experience (restricted to 18+), plus family-friendly options like Fly Over Taiwan and a Jurassic Adventure ride. ## Staying Connected in Taipei Taiwan has excellent mobile coverage, and we'd strongly recommend setting up an eSIM before you land rather than hunting for a SIM card at the airport. We use [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2150677/24764?prodsku=236724&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-taiwan%2F&intsrc=CATF%5F19096&ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited data across all our travels, and Taiwan coverage is solid throughout the island. For an 8-day Taiwan trip like ours, a 7 or 14-day Holafly plan gives you unlimited data for navigation, translation, booking confirmations, and keeping the kids entertained during those inevitable transit waits. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any Holafly eSIM plan. If you're planning a longer stay of 30+ days, their [monthly global plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) offer better value at $49.90/month for 25GB (Light Plan) or $64.90/month for unlimited data, and code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves you 10% on monthly plans. ## How to Save the Most on Klook Taipei Activities Getting the best prices on Klook takes a bit of strategy. Here are the approaches that have worked well for us across multiple trips. Book everything in advance rather than at the gate. Klook consistently beats walk-up prices, and most Taipei activities offer instant confirmation with free cancellation, so there's virtually no risk. Apply code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for additional discounts on top of the listed prices. Consider the Taipei Fun Pass if you're visiting 3 or more major attractions. The math gets favorable quickly when you factor in the unlimited MRT rides. For day trips, the guided tour packages are almost always better value than trying to piece together independent transport, especially if you're traveling with kids and don't want the headache of multiple bus transfers. Download the Klook app before your trip for mobile vouchers and QR code entry at most attractions. Skip the paper ticket lines and walk straight through the scanner. ## Sample 5-Day Taipei Itinerary (with Klook Bookings) Here's how we'd structure a Taipei trip using Klook to keep things organized and affordable: **Day 1:** Arrive, settle in, explore the local night market on foot. Buy your [Taipei Fun Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/76302-taipei-unlimited-fun-pass-pick-up-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) for the days ahead. **Day 2:** [Taipei 101 Observatory](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1659-taipei-101-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in the late afternoon for sunset views, then explore the Xinyi District. **Day 3:** Full-day [Yehliu, Jiufen, and Shifen tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/76306-yehliu-jiufen-shifen-golden-waterfall-day-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com). Arrive back in Taipei for a night market dinner. **Day 4:** [Taipei Zoo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/34262-maokong-gondola-taipei-zoo-tickets/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in the morning, [Maokong Gondola](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/16000-maokong-gondola-combo-ticket-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in the afternoon for tea with a view. **Day 5:** [National Palace Museum](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/10136-national-palace-museum-ticket-package-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in the morning, [Beitou Hot Springs](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/7950-spring-city-resort-beitou-hot-spring-spa-taipei/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) in the afternoon. Total estimated Klook spend for a family of five on this itinerary: approximately $250-350 USD depending on which packages you choose. That's remarkably affordable for five days of packed sightseeing. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is Klook legit for booking Taipei activities?** Yes, Klook is one of the largest travel booking platforms in Asia with millions of users. We've used it across multiple countries over our 3+ years of full-time travel, including our 8-day Taiwan trip. Every booking worked exactly as expected with instant confirmation and QR code entry. **What does the Klook code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK save me?** The code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK gives you additional savings at checkout on top of Klook's already-discounted prices on Taipei activities, tours, and transport bookings. **Can I cancel Klook bookings for Taipei activities?** Most Taipei attractions on Klook offer free cancellation before redemption or with 24 hours notice. Check the specific cancellation policy on each listing before booking, as a few activities have conditional cancellation terms. **Is the Taipei Fun Pass worth it?** If you plan to visit 3 or more attractions and use the MRT frequently, the Taipei Fun Pass typically saves money compared to buying individual tickets. It covers 30+ attractions plus unlimited public transport. **Do I need mobile data in Taipei?** We'd strongly recommend it. Taiwan's excellent mobile coverage means you'll have reliable navigation, translation apps, and the ability to pull up your Klook QR codes at each attraction. We use Holafly eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off unlimited data plans. **What's the best time to visit Taipei?** October through December offers the most comfortable weather with less humidity and lower rainfall. Spring (March-May) is also pleasant. Summer months are hot and humid with occasional typhoons, though attractions remain open. **Are Taipei attractions suitable for young children?** Absolutely. Taipei Children's Amusement Park, Taipei Zoo, and the Maokong Gondola crystal cabins are all big hits with kids. Even the day trips to Jiufen and Shifen kept our three girls (ages 5-9) engaged and excited. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our Klook links or use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We also earn a commission when you use our Holafly code ADAMANDLINDS. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own.* ### Klook Discount Code for Tokyo: Save on Activities, Tickets, and Transport (2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-discount-code-tokyo-activities-2026/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:49.000Z Tokyo is expensive. That's not exactly a hot take, but it's worth saying out loud because every traveler planning a trip to Japan eventually opens a spreadsheet, adds up Tokyo Disney tickets, a subway pass, Hakone day trip costs, and a Ghibli Museum tour, and then quietly closes the laptop to reconsider their life choices. We've been there. Literally. Our family of five has spent over 220 days in Japan across multiple extended stays since 2022, and Tokyo alone has eaten through more of our travel budget than some entire countries combined. The good news? We've figured out how to soften the blow. Use our exclusive Klook promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout to save on Tokyo's best activities, theme park tickets, tours, and transport passes. [Book Tokyo Activities on Klook and Save with Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What Is Klook and Why Do We Use It? Klook is a travel booking platform based out of Hong Kong that specializes in activities, attraction tickets, transport passes, and experiences across Asia and beyond. Think of it as a one-stop shop where you can pre-book everything from Tokyo Disney tickets to subway passes to kimono rentals, often at prices lower than what you'd pay at the gate. We started using Klook during our first trip to Japan in late 2022 when we changed all our travel plans and flew to Tokyo the moment Japan lifted its COVID travel restrictions. Since then, we've booked dozens of activities through the platform across Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea. The instant confirmation, mobile QR code tickets, and competitive pricing have made it our go-to for activity bookings whenever we're in Asia. The Klook promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** works on eligible listings across the platform, giving you a discount at checkout. It's one of those codes that stacks nicely with Klook's already-competitive pricing, so you're getting savings on top of savings. ## Best Tokyo Activities to Book on Klook We've combed through the top-rated Tokyo experiences on Klook and selected the ones that are genuinely worth your time and money. Every activity below links directly to Klook using our affiliate link, and you can apply code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. ### Tokyo Disney Resort Tickets ![Tokyo Disney Resort](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/pp9gj3vevlckfc0p5fup.jpg) Tokyo Disney is one of those places that justifies its own line in your travel budget. We first visited Tokyo DisneySea in late 2022 during our initial Japan trip, and it genuinely blew us away. DisneySea is unlike any Disney park we've ever visited, and we've been to Disneyland Paris and a few others. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ---------------------------------- | | Price from | $50.35 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (90,500+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (14 days notice) | | Confirmation | Instant, e-ticket QR code | | Park Hopper | Available Jan 13 - Mar 31 only | Booking through Klook gives you paperless entry with a QR code scan, no physical ticket exchange needed. The free cancellation with 14 days notice is a huge plus for families whose plans tend to shift (ours certainly do with three kids). Pro tip: download the Tokyo Disney Resort app before your visit to check wait times and make restaurant reservations. [Book Tokyo Disney Resort Tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Tokyo Subway Ticket (24-72 Hours Unlimited) ![Tokyo Subway Ticket](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/iatmry00w0xcat1zwpfr.jpg) If there's one thing every Tokyo visitor should buy before arriving, it's a subway pass. Tokyo's metro system is stunningly efficient but also bewildering if you're tapping an IC card and watching charges add up every time you transfer. The Tokyo Subway Ticket gives you unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ----------------------------------------- | | Price from | $5.09 USD (24-hour pass) | | Rating | 4.8/5 (85,000+ reviews) | | Coverage | 13 routes, 280+ metro stops | | Note | Does NOT include JR lines (Yamanote Line) | | Confirmation | Instant | We've used these passes on every single Tokyo visit. For a family of five navigating between Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and everywhere in between, the unlimited pass pays for itself by the third or fourth ride of the day. Just remember: JR lines including the Yamanote Line are not included, so plan your routes around Metro and Toei lines when possible. You can also bundle this with a Keisei Skyliner ticket for the Narita Airport express train, which is a smart combo if you're arriving at Narita. [Get Your Tokyo Subway Ticket on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Ghibli Museum and Film Appreciation Bus Tour ![Ghibli Museum Tour](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/wgrylat0ipybygbdkrpw.jpg) Getting tickets to the Ghibli Museum independently can be a frustrating exercise in speed-clicking and calendar watching. This full-day guided bus tour removes all that stress by bundling Ghibli Museum admission with a visit to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (which inspired scenes from Spirited Away), a Japanese-style lunch, and round-trip transport from Shinjuku. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | $175.25 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (390 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Includes | Ghibli Museum entry, lunch, Ghibli teacup souvenir, bus transport | | Departure | Shinjuku | Our girls are huge Studio Ghibli fans (My Neighbor Totoro has been on permanent rotation since before we started traveling). The museum is intimate and thoughtfully designed, with exclusive short films you can't see anywhere else. The included souvenir teacup is a nice touch, and the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum is genuinely fascinating even for adults. [Book the Ghibli Museum Bus Tour on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/619-ghibli-museum-hotel-gajoen-edo-open-air-architectural-museum-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Hakone Freepass ![Hakone Freepass](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/g7fv9uqqkcc2ewqygsp0.jpg) Hakone is the day trip (or overnight trip) from Tokyo that everyone should do at least once. The Hakone Freepass is a 2-3 day all-access transport ticket that covers the round-trip train from Shinjuku to Hakone plus unlimited use of eight different transport modes within the Hakone area: cable cars, ropeways, buses, the pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi, and more. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------- | | Price from | $45.25 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (10,700+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Non-refundable | | Includes | Round-trip Shinjuku to Hakone + 8 local transport modes | | Validity | 2 or 3 days | | Bonus | Discounts at 70+ local facilities | The Klook version is a digital ticket, so you just scan or show your phone to board. No queuing at ticket counters. On a clear day, the views of Mt. Fuji from the ropeway and Lake Ashi are unbeatable. Even on a cloudy day (which, honestly, is more likely), the hot springs towns and Open Air Museum make the trip worthwhile. [Get the Hakone Freepass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/821-hakone-transport-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Sanrio Puroland (Hello Kitty Land) Tickets ![Sanrio Puroland](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ut09bxljg3ivvjlngeec.jpg) We went to Sanrio Puroland in March 2023 when Cora turned 6, and it was exactly the kind of over-the-top pink explosion that our girls absolutely loved. This indoor theme park in Tama City is all Sanrio characters all the time, with themed rides, live shows, the Miracle Gift Parade, and Hello Kitty's actual house (yes, you can tour it). | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------ | | Price from | $22.30 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (8,400+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Non-refundable | | Confirmation | Instant | | Perfect for | Kids and Sanrio fans, any weather (indoor) | The fact that it's entirely indoors makes it a perfect rainy-day backup plan, and in Tokyo, you'll want one of those. At $22.30 per person, it's also one of the more affordable theme park experiences in the Tokyo area. The Puro Pass skip-the-line option is worth considering during busy periods. [Book Sanrio Puroland Tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2276-sanrio-puroland-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Tokyo Tower Ticket ![Tokyo Tower](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/hny2rl60gqefmnk2dov5.jpg) Standing at 333 meters, Tokyo Tower offers panoramic views from two observation decks. The Main Observatory gives you a sweeping vista across the city, while the Top Deck tour adds exclusive lounge access and a more premium experience. The glass-floored "Lookdown Window" at the Main Observatory is a reliable kid-thrilling moment. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------- | | Price from | $9.55 USD (Main Observatory) | | Rating | 4.7/5 (9,400+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Non-refundable | | Options | Main Observatory, Top Deck Tour, Diamond Tour | At under $10 for the basic ticket, Tokyo Tower is one of the best value attractions in Tokyo. The surrounding area also has restaurants and souvenir shops, making it easy to turn into a half-day outing. [Book Tokyo Tower Tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4911-tokyo-tower-main-observatory-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Family-Friendly Tokyo Experiences on Klook Beyond the big-ticket attractions, Klook has a bunch of Tokyo experiences that work particularly well for families. Here are some that caught our eye based on what we know our readers look for. ### LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo ![LEGOLAND Discovery Center](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/g6urhdzkjtince5tsegc.jpg) We got Legoland season tickets when we spent a month in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, so we know the LEGO world well. The Discovery Center in Odaiba is smaller than a full LEGOLAND park but packed with interactive building zones, a 4D theater, rides, and a miniature Tokyo cityscape built entirely from LEGO bricks. Kids under 3 are free, and it's another great indoor option. | Detail | Info | | ---------- | ---------------------- | | Price from | $14.35 USD | | Rating | 4.5/5 (2,000+ reviews) | | Location | Odaiba | | Best for | Kids 3-10 years old | [Book LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5563-legoland-discovery-center-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Asakusa Kimono Rental ![Kimono Rental Asakusa](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/z1ioc8zcsyhs3gqwczuy.jpg) Renting a kimono and walking around Asakusa is one of those quintessentially Tokyo experiences that photographs beautifully and actually teaches the kids something about Japanese culture. Two highly-rated options are available on Klook: | Shop | Price from | Rating | Reviews | Includes | | ------------------- | ---------- | ------ | ------- | --------------------------------------- | | Aiwafuku Main Store | $17.85 USD | 4.8/5 | 7,400+ | Kimono, hair styling, accessories | | Kimono Miyabi | $17.85 USD | 4.9/5 | 6,600+ | Kimono selection, professional dressing | Both shops are located near Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate, so you're steps away from the most photogenic spots in Tokyo. They accommodate men, women, and children, and multilingual staff are available at both locations. [Book Kimono Rental at Aiwafuku on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2125-kimono-experience-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Book at Kimono Miyabi on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/8318-miyabi-kimono-yukata-rental-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa An aquarium that doubles as an art installation, Aqua Park Shinagawa combines LED-illuminated tanks, jellyfish displays, and a water-light-sound dolphin show that changes with the seasons. It's located inside a Shinagawa hotel complex, making it a convenient add-on if you're staying in that area. | Detail | Info | | ---------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | Price from | $17.85 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (2,600+ reviews) | | Re-entry | Unlimited same-day re-entry | | Highlights | Seasonal dolphin shows, jellyfish illuminations | [Book Aqua Park Shinagawa on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5609-aqua-park-shinagawa-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Tokyo Transport and Logistics on Klook Getting around Tokyo and getting to Tokyo are two of the biggest logistical puzzles for visitors. Klook handles both with competitive pricing and mobile-friendly booking. ### Narita Airport Limousine Bus ![Narita Limousine Bus](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ufkwtmnftxjmhvm0nmhy.jpg) The limousine bus runs direct routes between Narita Airport and major Tokyo hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station. Compared to the Narita Express train, the bus is more affordable and drops you closer to many hotels. The Klook booking is QR-code based, so no ticket exchange needed. | Detail | Info | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------- | | Price from | $18.49 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (16,900+ reviews) | | Features | WiFi, comfortable seats, luggage assistance | | Routes | Multiple Tokyo destinations | [Book Narita Airport Limousine Bus on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2274-narita-airport-limousine-bus-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Private Transfer to Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea If you're headed to Tokyo Disney with kids and luggage and strollers and the general chaos that accompanies a family theme park day, a private transfer from your hotel takes the stress level from a 9 down to about a 3\. Klook offers transfers within Tokyo's 23 wards to and from the Disney resort area. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price from | $65.85 USD | | Rating | 4.6/5 (1,600+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Pickup | Hotel within Tokyo 23 wards | [Book Private Disney Transfer on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6612-tokyocity-to-disney-transfer/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Luggage Services (Airport to Hotel) Dragging suitcases through Tokyo's subway system with kids is an experience we'd file under "character building" at best. LuggAgent offers direct luggage delivery between Narita or Haneda airports and your hotel, so you can travel light on arrival day. | Detail | Info | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price from | $30.00 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (1,600+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (72 hours notice) | | Support | 24/7 multilingual | [Book Tokyo Luggage Services on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5624-airport-luggage-services-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Private Car with Driver to Mt. Fuji, Hakone, or Nikko For families who want the flexibility of a private car without dealing with Japanese driving rules (they drive on the left, the GPS is often in Japanese, and highway tolls are expensive), Klook offers 5 or 10-hour chartered cars with English-speaking drivers. Expressway tolls and the first child seat are included in the price. | Detail | Info | | --------------- | ----------------------------------- | | Price from | $323.79 USD | | Rating | 4.4/5 (1,100+ reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (72 hours notice) | | Includes | Toll fees, fuel, first child seat | | Vehicle options | 1-6, 1-9, or 1-13 passengers | [Book Private Car with Driver on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1554-car-rental-with-driver-tokyo-mtfuji/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## How to Use the ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK Promo Code Using our Klook discount code is straightforward. Here's the quick version: browse Klook, pick your activity, add it to your cart, and at checkout look for the promo code field. Enter **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** and click apply. The discount will reflect in your total before you complete payment. Klook accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Most bookings provide instant confirmation with a QR code delivered to your email and the Klook app. You'll want to download the Klook app before your trip for easy access to all your bookings. A few things to keep in mind: only one promo code can be used per booking, but you can combine the code discount with KlookCash credits you earn from previous bookings and reviews. Some activities may have specific exclusions, so always check the terms at checkout. And remember to book through our links above to make sure the code tracks properly. ## Complete Tokyo Activities Price Comparison Here's a quick-reference table of every Tokyo activity we've covered, sorted by price: | Activity | Price From | Rating | Reviews | Cancellation | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------- | ------ | ------- | -------------- | | [Tokyo Subway Ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $5.09 | 4.8/5 | 85,000+ | No | | [Tokyo Tower](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/4911-tokyo-tower-main-observatory-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $9.55 | 4.7/5 | 9,400+ | No | | [LEGOLAND Discovery Center](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5563-legoland-discovery-center-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $14.35 | 4.5/5 | 2,000+ | No | | [Kimono Rental](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2125-kimono-experience-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $17.85 | 4.8/5 | 7,400+ | Free (24h) | | [Aqua Park Shinagawa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5609-aqua-park-shinagawa-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $17.85 | 4.7/5 | 2,600+ | Conditional | | [Narita Limousine Bus](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2274-narita-airport-limousine-bus-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $18.49 | 4.8/5 | 16,900+ | Conditional | | [Sanrio Puroland](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2276-sanrio-puroland-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $22.30 | 4.7/5 | 8,400+ | No | | [Luggage Services](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5624-airport-luggage-services-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $30.00 | 4.7/5 | 1,600+ | Free (72h) | | [Hakone Freepass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/821-hakone-transport-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $45.25 | 4.7/5 | 10,700+ | No | | [Tokyo Disney Resort](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $50.35 | 4.8/5 | 90,500+ | Free (14 days) | | [Disney Private Transfer](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6612-tokyocity-to-disney-transfer/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $65.85 | 4.6/5 | 1,600+ | Free (24h) | | [Asakusa Rickshaw Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1033-asakusa-rickshaw-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $66.95 | 4.9/5 | 320+ | Free (24h) | | [Go Karting Akihabara](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2082-go-karting-experience-akihabara-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $70.09 | 4.6/5 | 1,300+ | Conditional | | [Dinner Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/616-tokyo-dinner-cruise/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $89.25 | 4.5/5 | 320+ | Conditional | | [Sightseeing Bus Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5672-amazing-sightseeing-bus-day-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $89.25 | 4.6/5 | 580+ | Free (24h) | | [Ghibli Museum Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/619-ghibli-museum-hotel-gajoen-edo-open-air-architectural-museum-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $175.25 | 4.7/5 | 390 | Free (24h) | | [Private Car to Mt. Fuji](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1554-car-rental-with-driver-tokyo-mtfuji/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $323.79 | 4.4/5 | 1,100+ | Free (72h) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on any of these bookings for a discount at checkout. ## Stay Connected in Tokyo with a Holafly eSIM None of these Klook bookings, QR code tickets, or app-based passes work very well without reliable mobile data. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for internet access in Japan, and it runs on the NTT Docomo network, which provides solid coverage everywhere from central Tokyo to rural Hakone. Holafly offers unlimited data plans for Japan starting at 1-day coverage, but if you're staying for 30 days or longer (which we often do), the monthly global plans are a better deal: | Plan | Price | Data | | -------------- | ------------ | --------- | | Light Plan | $49.90/month | 25GB | | Unlimited Plan | $64.90/month | Unlimited | Use our code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 5% off any destination plan or 10% off monthly global plans. [Get your Holafly Japan eSIM here](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com). Having dependable data in Tokyo is essential for navigating the subway system, pulling up Klook QR codes at attraction entrances, translating menus, and keeping the kids' iPads connected during long train rides. We've tested Holafly on bullet trains, in basements, and in small towns outside of Tokyo, and coverage has been consistently reliable. ## More Ways to Save on Tokyo Travel Beyond Klook and Holafly, here are a few other discount codes and resources from our travels that can help stretch your Tokyo budget: - [**Japan Wireless**](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off pocket WiFi rental if you prefer a dedicated WiFi device over an eSIM - [**Safety Wing Insurance**](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) \- Travel insurance designed for nomads and long-term travelers - [**Our Amazon Travel Gear**](https://www.amazon.com/?&linkCode=ll2&tag=adamandlinds00-20&linkId=fddca2426a835ac36c753dfc728d6b33&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Our recommended gear for family travel in Japan - [**Outschool**](https://www.outschool.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDS30** for $20 off online classes, perfect for worldschooling families keeping up with education on the road ## Frequently Asked Questions **Does the ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK code work on all Klook activities?** The code works on eligible Klook listings. Some activities or flash sale items may be excluded. Always check the promo code field at checkout to confirm the discount applies to your specific booking. **Is Klook legit and safe to book through?** Yes. Klook is a major travel platform founded in Hong Kong in 2014, now operating in over 350 destinations worldwide. We've personally booked dozens of activities through Klook across Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Malaysia without any issues. Payments are secure, and most bookings come with instant confirmation. **Can I combine the ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK code with other Klook promotions?** You can only use one promo code per booking. However, you can combine the code with KlookCash credits earned from previous bookings and reviews. Klook also sometimes runs bundle deals that stack with promo codes. **What happens if I need to cancel a Klook booking?** Cancellation policies vary by activity. Some offer free cancellation (Tokyo Disney gives you 14 days notice, for example), while others are non-refundable. Always check the cancellation policy before completing your booking. **Is Klook cheaper than buying tickets at the gate?** In most cases, yes. Klook's prices match or beat gate prices, and during promotions they can be significantly cheaper. You also get the convenience of mobile tickets, skip-the-line options, and free cancellation on many bookings. **Do I need the Klook app?** While you can book on the Klook website, the app makes accessing your QR code tickets much easier at attraction entrances. The app also has exclusive mobile-only deals and push notifications for flash sales. **What's the best time to visit Tokyo for the best Klook deals?** Klook runs seasonal promotions throughout the year. Major sale periods include New Year, Golden Week (late April/early May), and Black Friday. That said, the promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** works year-round regardless of seasonal sales. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We also earn commissions through our Holafly, Japan Wireless, Safety Wing, Amazon, and Outschool links. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own.* ### Holafly Review 2026: Disadvantages, Reliability, and How to Fix eSIM Issues (Honest Take) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:30.000Z We have installed Holafly eSIMs on five devices, in 19 countries as of August 2026, for nearly four years of full-time family travel. Japan for over 300 days. Vietnam for over 300 days. A winter loop through seven European countries on one regional eSIM. A week in Shanghai testing whether the built-in VPN actually works behind the Great Firewall. It does, and we will get to that. This is the review we wish someone had written for us before the afternoon our data cut out mid-navigation in rural Kyoto with three hungry children in the backseat. Holafly is our pick for most travelers, but it has real limitations, and this page covers all of them, plus the fixes for when an eSIM refuses to connect at the worst possible moment. ### Holafly eSIM Works on every purchase, not just your first. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off destination plans or 10% off monthly Plans. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster) ## What is Holafly and how does it work? Holafly is an eSIM provider founded in Spain in 2017, now headquartered in Dublin. An eSIM is a digital SIM embedded in your phone. You buy a plan, scan a QR code, and you are on a local network minutes after landing, without swapping physical SIM cards or paying roaming fees. What separates Holafly from providers like Airalo and Saily is unlimited data. Competitors sell capped packages of 1GB, 5GB, or 20GB. Holafly sells a flat daily rate with no cap, subject to fair use. For a family of five burning through Google Maps, translation apps, FaceTime calls to grandparents, and the occasional Bluey episode on a long train, that difference decides the purchase. ### Holafly at a Glance - 200+ countries covered - Unlimited data (fair use policy applies) - 1 to 90-day plans, plus monthly Plans subscriptions - Hotspot included: allowance varies by destination - Destination eSIMs are data-only; use WhatsApp or FaceTime for calls, and the Unlimited Plan adds a number for incoming SMS - 24/7 support via chat, WhatsApp, and email ## What are the disadvantages of Holafly? We have installed dozens of these. Here is everything that has annoyed us. ### Destination eSIMs are data-only, with no calls or SMS Holafly destination eSIMs and the Light Plan do not support traditional phone calls or SMS. You communicate over data: WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, Messenger. For us this is rarely a problem, but it bites in specific situations. Some hotel check-ins want a phone call. Two-factor codes sent by SMS will not arrive on a data-only eSIM. The Unlimited Plan, bought from November 2025 onward, adds a dedicated US, UK, or Canada number that receives SMS only, which covers verification codes but still cannot make calls or send texts. On the data-only products our workaround is dual SIM: we keep our home carrier alive on a cheap plan for verification texts, and Holafly carries everything else. Every modern iPhone and most Androids handle this in settings without drama. ### Hotspot allowance varies by destination You get unlimited data on the device itself, but the hotspot allowance varies by destination. Through our months based in Da Nang, we planned around this daily: phones handled the heavy tasks directly, and the hotspot allowance was rationed for the girls' iPads during worldschooling lessons. It works, but it takes coordination, and a family running three tablets off one phone will feel the ceiling by lunchtime. The monthly Plans subscription removes this problem with unlimited hotspot, which is the main reason it is what we actually run now. ![Harper and Lily sitting side by side on a Polish intercity train wearing headphones, with an iPad propped on the tray table](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/c92b3609-e09b-4eac-96ba-b0c0e0af00b5.jpg?v=1) Headphones on, iPad running off the hotspot. Warsaw to Lithuania by train, December 18, 2025. ### Fair use throttling is real Unlimited carries an asterisk. Local partner networks enforce fair use, and heavy single-day consumption can slow your speeds. We have hit it a handful of times, always on days when we were uploading YouTube footage while the kids streamed. Harper once discovered Netflix downloads on a bullet train and the whole family paid the price by dinner. For normal use, maps, messaging, social media, browsing, and moderate streaming, we rarely notice throttling at all. ### It costs more than capped competitors Holafly is not the cheap option. Here is the honest math for a 7-day Japan trip: | Provider | Plan | Price | Daily Rate | | ------------------- | ---------------- | ------ | ---------- | | Holafly (unlimited) | 7 days unlimited | $27.30 | $3.90/day | | Airalo | 1GB | $4.50 | $0.64/day | | Airhub | 1GB | $1.55 | $0.22/day | If 1GB covers your week, buy the cheaper product. The gap closes fast once you need 5GB or more, and disappears entirely if running out of data mid-trip would ruin your day. We pay the premium for never thinking about it. ### Regional plans have coverage gaps at borders Regional eSIMs cover most of a region, not all of it. We took Holafly through seven countries last winter: Denmark and Sweden in November 2025, then Czechia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and up to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland in January 2026\. Coverage inside each country was solid, including on regional trains through rural Poland. The one wobble was the rail crossing from Poland into Lithuania on December 18, where service briefly dropped around the border stop at Pagrudai before picking back up. Check the country list on any regional plan against your actual route before buying, especially if your itinerary touches the edges of the map. ![A passenger train at the brick platform in Pagrudai, Lithuania, with travelers and luggage waiting in overcast winter conditions at the border crossing](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/735c94b8-8ab4-4ccd-a87e-04beed0048ac.jpg) The Poland to Lithuania rail border at Pagrudai, December 18, 2025. ### The app has quirks The My eSIMs page sometimes lags on activation status, so you cannot always trust the remaining-days display. It has also switched itself to Spanish on us more than once, which tracks with the company's origins but is unhelpful at midnight in a country where you are troubleshooting. None of this matters much in practice; everything the app does can be done on the website and in your phone's own settings. ## Is Holafly reliable? Yes, with the caveat that your connection is only ever as good as the local partner network. Here is what that has looked like for us, by place and date. ### Japan Holafly rides on NTT Docomo. Across our 300+ days, including a three-month Osaka base for cherry blossom season in spring 2026, coverage held everywhere we went: the Osaka subway, the Shinkansen at full speed, small towns in between. Docomo is the network we would choose if we lived there, and Holafly puts you on it. ### Vietnam Our current base. Coverage in Da Nang is strong enough that we run video calls from beach cafes without thinking about it. Rural stretches between cities get patchy, exactly as they do for locals on the same networks. ![Cora standing in front of the pink My An Beach sign in Da Nang holding a Vietnamese receipt and a phone, with the beach behind her](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/0fad607d-3e85-439d-9997-522fbce7a61a.jpg) My An Beach, Da Nang, July 2026\. Our current base and our longest-running Holafly test market. ### Europe in winter The seven-country loop, November 2025 through January 2026\. One eSIM, one setup, no swaps at any border, and the only drop was the Pagrudai crossing mentioned above. December 18 alone involved a Warsaw tram transfer, an intercity train, and a border crossing, all navigated from a phone. ![A phone screenshot of Google Maps showing Warsaw transit lines with tram and train routes and a current location dot](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/432aae88-7c14-451c-b821-fb5e49fb2373.jpg) Google Maps in Warsaw, December 18, 2025. ### China We spent a week in Shanghai in September 2025 specifically to test the China eSIM, which includes a built-in VPN. Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram all worked without a separate VPN app, while the standalone VPN we brought as a backup struggled. The 7-day plan cost us $27.30\. That trip has its own full write-up in [our China eSIM review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/). ![Adam, Lindsay, Lily, Cora, and Harper posing on the Bund promenade in Shanghai with the Pudong skyline and Oriental Pearl Tower behind them](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/284f170f-e970-486b-b283-f7db5f3d030a.jpg) The Bund, Shanghai, September 4, 2025\. Photos uploaded to the family chat the same hour, from behind the Great Firewall. ### Support The 24/7 chat has answered us within minutes from every time zone we have tried it in. Simple questions get resolved in one exchange. Activation problems take more back-and-forth but have always been resolved. ### When things go wrong No provider hits 100%. We have had activations that needed a second attempt and days where coverage was inconsistent. The Kyoto cutout in the opening of this review was the worst of it in four years. Every failure we have had was fixed by the steps below or a support chat. The negative reviews you will find online cluster around three things: local network problems in specific destinations, surprise at the data-only limitation, and fair use throttling. All real, all covered above. ## How to fix a travel eSIM that won't connect 1. ### Check the basics Confirm your device is eSIM-compatible (look for an EID number under Settings > General > About), that your phone is unlocked (Settings > General > About > Carrier Lock should say "No SIM restrictions"), and that you are already in the eSIM's coverage area. A Japan eSIM will not activate while you are still at your departure airport. 2. ### Enable data roaming This is the number one reason travel eSIMs fail. Holafly connects via a roaming agreement with a local carrier, so data roaming must be on. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > select your Holafly eSIM > turn on Data Roaming. On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > select your Holafly eSIM > enable Data Roaming. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM to avoid charges from your regular carrier. 3. ### Set Holafly as your primary data line If both your home SIM and Holafly eSIM are active, your phone may be routing data through the wrong one. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > select your Holafly line. On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > select Holafly for mobile data. 4. ### Toggle airplane mode Turn airplane mode on, wait 10 to 15 seconds, then turn it off. This forces your phone to drop all radio connections and register fresh with available networks. It works more often than it should. 5. ### Restart your phone Power completely off, wait 30 seconds, power back on. This clears temporary software glitches and forces a clean reconnection. If airplane mode did not work, a full restart usually will. 6. ### Manually select a network Your phone may be stuck trying to connect to an incompatible carrier. On iPhone: Settings > Cellular > select Holafly line > Network Selection > turn off Automatic > choose a carrier from the list. On Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Network Operators > turn off automatic > select a carrier. If you are unsure which carrier to pick, Holafly support can tell you their local partner in your destination. 7. ### Check APN settings In rare cases the Access Point Name settings do not configure automatically. Contact Holafly's 24/7 support chat and they will give you the correct APN values for your destination to enter manually. 8. ### Contact Holafly support If none of the above worked, reach out via the website chat, WhatsApp, or email at help@holafly.com. Have your order number ready and screenshots of your cellular settings. Their team is available 24/7 and can usually diagnose the issue quickly. Do not delete your eSIM profile. Unlike a physical SIM, the QR code is single-use. If you delete the profile, you cannot reinstall it with the same code and will need to contact Holafly support for a replacement. ## Why is my eSIM service so bad? (Slow speeds, dropped connections) If you are connected but crawling, it is almost always one of four things. Congestion: in a packed city center at peak hours every network slows, and moving a few blocks or waiting an hour fixes it. Fair use throttling: covered above; back off the streaming and it resets. Wrong network band: toggle airplane mode, or manually select the partner carrier in your network settings. Local infrastructure: in rural areas the eSIM can only deliver what the local network has. Whatever the cause, download offline maps and translation packs before you leave the city. This habit has saved us repeatedly in rural Vietnam, and it costs nothing but a few minutes on hotel WiFi. ## Holafly pricing: what does it actually cost in 2026? Holafly's pricing is a flat rate for unlimited data based on the number of days you need. Longer plans have lower per-day rates. A snapshot of popular destinations: | Destination | 7 Days | 14 Days | 30 Days | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ------- | ------- | | [Japan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster) | $27.30 | $47.90 | $74.90 | | [Thailand](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F) | $27.30 | $47.90 | $74.90 | | [USA](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster) | $29.90 | $47.90 | $74.90 | | [Europe Regional](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster) | $27.30 | $47.90 | $74.90 | | [China](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F) | $29.90 | $47.90 | $74.90 | ### When monthly Plans make more sense Past 30 days of travel, or across multiple countries, the monthly Plans subscription wins on price and removes the hotspot cap. One eSIM covers 160+ destinations, and the Always On feature keeps 1GB per month alive in 150+ destinations even if you pause the subscription, so you never land anywhere completely dark. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB across 160+ countries Hotspot included. Good for moderate data users. [Get Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ countries Unlimited hotspot. What we actually use as a family of five. [Get Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) The Unlimited Plan works out to roughly $2.16 per day with unlimited hotspot. That is what runs our family of five today, and what we wish had existed in 2022 when we were juggling a separate eSIM for every border. ## How to get the most out of your Holafly eSIM **Install before you fly.** Set the eSIM up at home on WiFi, confirm it appears in cellular settings, and only enable data roaming after landing. This turns arrival into a 30-second task instead of an airport troubleshooting session with jet-lagged kids. **Screenshot the QR code.** It arrives by email and is single-use. Having the screenshot saved locally prevents the immigration-line email search. **Download offline maps anyway.** Underground metro stations and rural gaps do not care how unlimited your plan is. We do this for every new country without exception. **Keep your home SIM active.** Dual SIM with your home number for verification codes and Holafly for data is the right configuration for almost everyone. **Restrict the kids' devices.** Unlimited data plus unsupervised children equals fair use throttling for everyone. Screen time limits on the iPads protect the whole family's speeds. We learned this on a bullet train. **Buy a buffer day.** Flights delay and plans change. One extra day on the plan costs a few dollars and has covered us more than once. ## Our verdict: is Holafly worth it in 2026? After nearly four years and every major provider tested, Holafly is still what we put on our own phones. The data-only limitation on destination eSIMs is a configuration detail, not a dealbreaker. The hotspot cap on destination plans is the one disadvantage that genuinely constrains a family, and the monthly Plans subscription exists precisely to remove it. The fair use policy only bites if you treat cellular data like home broadband. What you are buying is the absence of a problem. Nobody hunts for a SIM shop on arrival, nobody watches a data meter, and the bill is the same number every time. For a one-week vacation the destination eSIM costs less than lunch for five. For a life like ours, the monthly Plan is infrastructure. ### Ready to stay connected on your next trip? Check live Holafly prices below. For the current discount code and checkout proof, see our [Holafly discount code page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster)[See monthly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-review-esim-fixes&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) FAQ ## Holafly disadvantages, reliability, and eSIM fixes The honest answers on what Holafly does well, where it falls short, and how to fix common eSIM issues. What are the main disadvantages of Holafly? The primary disadvantages are that destination eSIMs are data-only with no traditional calls or SMS, the hotspot allowance varies by destination, speeds can reduce under fair use policies after heavy usage, and pricing is higher than capped-data competitors. The monthly Plans subscription removes the hotspot cap, and the Unlimited Plan adds a number for incoming SMS. Is Holafly reliable for international travel? In our experience across 19 countries as of August 2026, over nearly four years of full-time family travel, yes. Holafly partners with major local carriers in each destination, such as NTT Docomo in Japan, so connection quality matches the best local network. Coverage in remote areas reflects local infrastructure, as it would with any SIM. Why is my Holafly eSIM not working? The most common cause is data roaming not being enabled. Go to your phone's cellular settings, select your Holafly eSIM line, and turn on data roaming. Other fixes include toggling airplane mode, restarting your phone, confirming Holafly is set as your primary data line, and checking your device is unlocked and eSIM compatible. Never delete the eSIM profile, because the QR code is single-use and cannot be reinstalled. Why is my eSIM service so slow? Slow speeds are usually caused by network congestion in busy areas, fair use throttling after heavy data consumption, or connection to a suboptimal network band. Try toggling airplane mode to force a fresh connection, manually select a different carrier in your network settings, or reduce data-heavy activity like video streaming. In rural areas, speeds reflect the local network infrastructure. Does Holafly really offer unlimited data? Holafly plans have no hard data cap, but they are subject to fair use policies. After significant daily consumption, the local carrier may reduce your speeds. You will not lose data access entirely. For typical travel use such as maps, messaging, social media, and moderate browsing, unlimited data performs as advertised. Can I use Holafly as a mobile hotspot? Yes. Most destination plans support hotspot, with an allowance that varies by destination. The monthly global Unlimited Plan includes unlimited tethering, which is the option we use as a family of five. Does Holafly work for phone calls? Holafly destination eSIMs and the Light Plan are data-only, with no traditional calls or SMS. The Unlimited Plan adds a US, UK, or Canada number that receives SMS only, but no Holafly product supports traditional calls. You can make voice and video calls through WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, or Facebook Messenger over the data connection. For a local number that can send texts or make calls, keep your home carrier active alongside the Holafly eSIM in a dual SIM setup. How does Holafly compare to Airalo? Holafly offers unlimited data while Airalo sells capped packages. For travelers who want worry-free internet without tracking gigabytes, Holafly is the better fit. For light users who only need 1 to 3GB, Airalo can be cheaper. Both are legitimate providers. ### Related Reading [The Disadvantages of Holafly](https://adamandlinds.com/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-holafly/)[Our Holafly Plans Review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/)[Holafly in China: our Shanghai eSIM review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/)[Best eSIM for Japan](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/)[Holafly Discount Code](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly. If you make a purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We have used Holafly eSIMs across 19 countries as of August 2026 during nearly four years of full-time travel with our three daughters. All opinions are our own. ### Holafly Promo Code 2026: Save Up to 30% on eSIM Data Plans | ADAMANDLINDS Discount URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-promo-code-2026-discount-coupon-adamandlinds/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T11:52:47.000Z Looking for the best Holafly discount code for 2026? Use promo code **ADAMANDLINDS** to save 5% on destination eSIM plans, 10% off monthly unlimited global plans, or combine with the 22% annual discount for maximum savings of approximately 30% on unlimited worldwide data. ## Current Holafly Discount Code (January 2026) | Discount Type | Code | Savings | Best For | | --------------------- | --------------------- | --------- | -------------------------- | | Destination Plans | ADAMANDLINDS | 5% off | Short trips (1-30 days) | | Monthly Global Plans | ADAMANDLINDS | 10% off | Digital nomads, long stays | | Annual Global Payment | ADAMANDLINDS + Annual | \~30% off | Full-time travelers | **Code Status:** Verified and working ✅ **Last Updated:** January 23, 2026 [Get Your Holafly eSIM with 5% Off →](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) The ADAMANDLINDS discount code works on every Holafly purchase, including top-ups and data refills. We've maintained this exclusive partnership since 2022, using Holafly eSIMs across 33+ countries while traveling full-time with our three daughters. ## How Holafly Discount Codes Work in 2026 Holafly operates a tiered discount system that rewards longer commitments with bigger savings. Understanding this structure helps you maximize value based on your travel style. **Single Destination and Regional Plans** Use code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout for 5% off any country-specific or regional eSIM plan. This applies to popular destinations like [Japan](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com), [Europe](https://holafly.sjv.io/9LZrV0?ref=adamandlinds.com), [USA](https://holafly.sjv.io/e12bnD?ref=adamandlinds.com), [Thailand](https://holafly.sjv.io/nXZnBX?ref=adamandlinds.com), and all 200+ destinations Holafly covers. **Monthly Global Unlimited Plans** The code ADAMANDLINDS provides 10% off both the [Unlimited Plan ($64.90/month)](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) and the Light Plan ($49.90/month). These subscription plans cover 160+ countries with a single eSIM download. **Annual Payment Option** Holafly offers 22% off when you pay annually for global plans. Stack this with the ADAMANDLINDS code for approximately 30% total savings. Here's the math: the 22% annual discount applies first, then our 10% code applies to that reduced price, resulting in combined savings of about 29.8%. ## Best Holafly Deal 2026: Annual Unlimited Global Plan For travelers spending more than 30 days abroad annually, the stacked discounts on Holafly's global plans deliver exceptional value. | Plan | Monthly Price | With ADAMANDLINDS (10% off) | Annual + ADAMANDLINDS (\~30% off) | | ------------------- | ------------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------------- | | Unlimited Global | $64.90 | $58.41/month | $45.56/month | | Light Global (25GB) | $49.90 | $44.91/month | $35.03/month | **How the math works:** - Unlimited Plan: $64.90 × 0.78 (22% off) = $50.62 → $50.62 × 0.90 (10% off) = **$45.56/month** - Light Plan: $49.90 × 0.78 (22% off) = $38.92 → $38.92 × 0.90 (10% off) = **$35.03/month** At $45.56 monthly for unlimited global data in 160+ countries, you're paying less than many domestic phone plans while getting worldwide coverage. The Light Plan at $35.03/month works out to roughly $1.17 per day for 25GB of global data. We switched to the annual Unlimited Plan during our extended stay in Vietnam. The consistent connectivity without worrying about destination-specific purchases simplified our travel logistics considerably. Between work calls, homeschooling our three girls, and keeping grandparents updated via video chat, we regularly exceeded 200GB monthly without throttling issues. ## How to Apply Your Holafly Promo Code Getting the discount takes less than 30 seconds: 1. Visit [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) and select your destination or global plan 2. Choose your plan duration (days for destination plans, monthly/annual for global) 3. Enter promo code **ADAMANDLINDS** in the discount field at checkout 4. Verify the discount appears in your order total 5. Complete payment and receive your eSIM QR code via email The entire process from selection to installation typically takes under five minutes. You'll receive your QR code immediately after purchase, allowing you to install the eSIM before departure and activate upon arrival. ## Holafly Pricing with ADAMANDLINDS Code (2026) Here's what you'll actually pay across popular destinations using our exclusive discount: ### Europe eSIM Pricing | Duration | Regular Price | With ADAMANDLINDS (5% off) | | -------- | ------------- | -------------------------- | | 1 Day | $3.90 | $3.71 | | 7 Days | $27.30 | $25.94 | | 14 Days | $47.90 | $45.51 | | 30 Days | $74.90 | $71.16 | [Get Europe eSIM →](https://holafly.sjv.io/9LZrV0?ref=adamandlinds.com) Coverage includes 40+ countries: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, UK, Switzerland, Austria, and more. Perfect for multi-country European adventures. ### Japan eSIM Pricing | Duration | Regular Price | With ADAMANDLINDS (5% off) | | -------- | ------------- | -------------------------- | | 1 Day | $3.90 | $3.71 | | 7 Days | $27.30 | $25.94 | | 14 Days | $47.90 | $45.51 | | 30 Days | $74.90 | $71.16 | [Get Japan eSIM →](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) Japan remains our favorite destination, and we've spent over 308 days there since 2022\. Holafly connects through KDDI's network, providing excellent coverage on shinkansen trains, in rural areas, and throughout major cities. ### USA eSIM Pricing | Duration | Regular Price | With ADAMANDLINDS (5% off) | | -------- | ------------- | -------------------------- | | 1 Day | $3.90 | $3.71 | | 7 Days | $27.30 | $25.94 | | 21 Days | $63.90 | $60.71 | | 31 Days | $75.90 | $72.11 | [Get USA eSIM →](https://holafly.sjv.io/e12bnD?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Thailand eSIM Pricing | Duration | Regular Price | With ADAMANDLINDS (5% off) | | -------- | ------------- | -------------------------- | | 1 Day | $3.90 | $3.71 | | 7 Days | $27.30 | $25.94 | | 14 Days | $47.90 | $45.51 | | 30 Days | $74.90 | $71.16 | [Get Thailand eSIM →](https://holafly.sjv.io/nXZnBX?ref=adamandlinds.com) We've spent over 300 days in Thailand, primarily in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. The TRUE network provides reliable coverage throughout the country. ### China eSIM Pricing | Duration | Regular Price | With ADAMANDLINDS (5% off) | | -------- | ------------- | -------------------------- | | 1 Day | $3.90 | $3.71 | | 7 Days | $27.30 | $25.94 | | 14 Days | $47.90 | $45.51 | | 30 Days | $74.90 | $71.16 | [Get China eSIM →](https://holafly.sjv.io/55Gxjj?ref=adamandlinds.com) Holafly's China eSIM runs on China Mobile's network and provides essential connectivity for travelers navigating the country's unique internet landscape. ## Global Monthly Plans: When They Make Sense Holafly's [monthly subscription plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) fundamentally change the economics of long-term travel connectivity. Instead of purchasing separate eSIMs for each destination, you download one global eSIM that works across 160+ countries. **Unlimited Plan ($64.90/month)** Unlimited data with unlimited hotspot sharing. Perfect for families needing to connect multiple devices or heavy data users working remotely. **Light Plan ($49.90/month)** 25GB monthly allocation with hotspot capability. Suits moderate users who primarily connect via WiFi but need reliable mobile backup. Both plans include a European phone number for receiving SMS verification codes, solving a common pain point for travelers managing bank accounts, two-factor authentication, and important notifications abroad. ### Annual Savings Breakdown Paying annually instead of monthly saves 22% on global plans. Add our ADAMANDLINDS code for an additional 10% off the already-reduced price: | Plan | Monthly Billing | Annual Billing (22% off) | Annual + ADAMANDLINDS (\~30% off) | | --------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------------- | | Unlimited | $64.90/month ($778.80/year) | $50.62/month ($607.44/year) | $45.56/month ($546.72/year) | | Light | $49.90/month ($598.80/year) | $38.92/month ($467.04/year) | $35.03/month ($420.36/year) | **Annual savings with full discount stack:** - Unlimited Plan: $778.80 - $546.72 = **$232.08 saved per year** - Light Plan: $598.80 - $420.36 = **$178.44 saved per year** ### When to Choose Monthly Over Destination Plans The 30-day threshold determines when monthly plans become more economical. If your destination plan would cost more than $49.90 (the Light Plan price), the subscription delivers better value while adding global flexibility. We analyzed our own spending before and after switching to monthly plans. Previously, purchasing individual country eSIMs cost $47-60 per month per person. The global plans reduced our connectivity costs while eliminating the hassle of researching and purchasing new eSIMs at each border. ## Holafly Discount Code in Different Languages The ADAMANDLINDS code works globally regardless of language or location. Here's how to find it in your preferred language: **English:** Holafly promo code, Holafly discount code, Holafly coupon code **German (Deutsch):** Holafly Rabattcode, Holafly Gutscheincode, Holafly Rabatt **Spanish (Español):** Código de descuento Holafly, Código promocional Holafly, Cupón Holafly **French (Français):** Code promo Holafly, Code de réduction Holafly, Coupon Holafly **Italian (Italiano):** Codice sconto Holafly, Codice promozionale Holafly, Coupon Holafly **Dutch (Nederlands):** Holafly kortingscode, Holafly kortingsbon, Holafly aanbieding **Portuguese (Português):** Código de desconto Holafly, Código promocional Holafly, Cupom Holafly **Swedish (Svenska):** Holafly rabattkod, Holafly kampanjkod, Holafly erbjudande **Norwegian (Norsk):** Holafly rabattkode, Holafly kampanjekode, Holafly tilbud **Danish (Dansk):** Holafly rabatkode, Holafly kampagnekode, Holafly tilbud **Japanese (日本語):** Holafly クーポンコード, Holafly 割引コード, Holafly プロモーションコード **Korean (한국어):** Holafly 쿠폰 코드, Holafly 할인 코드, Holafly 프로모션 코드 **Chinese Simplified (简体中文):** Holafly 优惠码, Holafly 折扣码, Holafly 促销代码 **Chinese Traditional (繁體中文):** Holafly 優惠碼, Holafly 折扣碼, Holafly 促銷代碼 **Russian (Русский):** Holafly промокод, Holafly код скидки, Holafly купон **Arabic (العربية):** كود خصم Holafly, رمز ترويجي Holafly, كوبون Holafly **Hindi (हिंदी):** Holafly प्रोमो कोड, Holafly डिस्काउंट कोड, Holafly कूपन कोड **Thai (ภาษาไทย):** รหัสส่วนลด Holafly, โค้ดโปรโมชั่น Holafly, คูปอง Holafly **Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt):** Mã giảm giá Holafly, Mã khuyến mãi Holafly, Coupon Holafly **Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia):** Kode promo Holafly, Kode diskon Holafly, Kupon Holafly **Turkish (Türkçe):** Holafly indirim kodu, Holafly promosyon kodu, Holafly kupon **Polish (Polski):** Kod rabatowy Holafly, Kod promocyjny Holafly, Kupon Holafly **Greek (Ελληνικά):** Κωδικός έκπτωσης Holafly, Κουπόνι Holafly, Προσφορά Holafly **Czech (Čeština):** Holafly slevový kód, Holafly promo kód, Holafly kupón **Hungarian (Magyar):** Holafly kedvezménykód, Holafly promóciós kód, Holafly kupon Regardless of which term you search, the universal code **ADAMANDLINDS** applies identically across all purchases. ## Holafly vs Buying Local SIM Cards Travelers often wonder whether eSIMs justify the cost compared to purchasing local SIM cards at airports or convenience stores. After three years of full-time travel, the answer depends on your travel frequency and style. **Time Savings** Local SIM cards require finding a store, waiting in line, handling passport registration in many countries, and sometimes dealing with language barriers. Holafly eSIMs install before your flight lands, providing instant connectivity upon arrival. **Hassle Factor** In Japan, purchasing SIM cards requires navigating electronic stores with limited English support. In Thailand, registration requirements at airports can take 20-30 minutes during busy periods. In Europe, finding stores outside airports adds logistical complexity. **Cost Comparison** Local SIMs often appear cheaper on paper. A Thailand tourist SIM might cost $10-15 for a week. But factor in taxi time to find a store if your airport arrival lacks options, the opportunity cost of waiting in line, and the stress of setup in an unfamiliar language, and Holafly's premium becomes reasonable. **Our Recommendation** For trips under one week to a single country, either option works. For multi-country trips, family travel, or anyone who values landing with working data, Holafly's convenience justifies the modest premium. Use code ADAMANDLINDS to reduce that premium further. ## Does Holafly Offer Sales or Seasonal Discounts? No. Holafly maintains consistent pricing without Black Friday promotions, Cyber Monday deals, or holiday sales. The price you see today matches what you'd pay in July or December. This pricing stability actually benefits travelers. You never face the regret of paying full price only to see a sale launch the following week. The ADAMANDLINDS code remains the best available discount year-round, providing predictable savings without timing anxiety. Some travelers wait for rumored seasonal discounts that never materialize. Don't fall into this trap. Purchase when you need your eSIM, apply the ADAMANDLINDS code, and enjoy consistent savings. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best Holafly discount code for 2026? The best Holafly discount code for 2026 is **ADAMANDLINDS**, providing 5% off all destination plans and 10% off monthly global unlimited plans. When combined with annual payment on global plans (22% off first, then 10% off that price), total savings reach approximately 30%. ### Does the ADAMANDLINDS code work on all Holafly plans? Yes. The ADAMANDLINDS code works on all 200+ Holafly destinations, regional plans like Europe and Asia, and the new monthly global unlimited subscriptions. It also applies to top-ups and data refills. ### Can I use the Holafly promo code multiple times? Absolutely. Use ADAMANDLINDS on every Holafly purchase with no limits or expiration. The code works for first-time and returning customers equally. ### How much does Holafly cost with the discount code? With ADAMANDLINDS, Holafly destination plans start at $3.71/day (5% off $3.90). Monthly global plans drop to $44.91/month for Light or $58.41/month for Unlimited. Annual payment plus the code reduces Unlimited to $45.56/month and Light to $35.03/month. ### Is there a Holafly student discount? Holafly doesn't offer specific student discounts. However, the ADAMANDLINDS promo code provides 5-10% off for all customers regardless of status. ### Does Holafly have Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales? No. Holafly doesn't run seasonal promotions or limited-time sales. Pricing remains consistent year-round, and the ADAMANDLINDS code represents the best available discount at any time. ### What's the cheapest way to get Holafly eSIM? The cheapest Holafly option combines the annual payment on the Light Global Plan (22% off) with the ADAMANDLINDS code (10% off the reduced price), bringing global data to $35.03/month for 25GB coverage in 160+ countries. That works out to roughly $1.17 per day. ### How does Holafly's annual discount work? Holafly offers 22% off when you choose annual billing on the monthly global plans. The ADAMANDLINDS code then takes an additional 10% off that already-discounted price. The discounts stack sequentially, not additively, resulting in approximately 30% total savings. ### Is the ADAMANDLINDS Holafly code legitimate? Yes. We've maintained this exclusive partnership with Holafly since 2022\. We use Holafly eSIMs for our own travel across 33+ countries while traveling full-time with our family. The code consistently works and delivers the advertised discounts. ### Does Holafly work in China? Yes. Holafly offers unlimited data eSIMs for China through China Mobile's network. However, China's internet restrictions mean services like Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp require a VPN. The Holafly eSIM provides the data connection; VPN access is your responsibility to arrange separately. ### Can I share my Holafly eSIM hotspot with family? Yes. Most Holafly plans include hotspot capability. Destination plans typically offer 500MB-1GB daily hotspot allowance. The monthly Unlimited Global Plan includes unlimited hotspot sharing, making it ideal for families connecting multiple devices. ### How long does Holafly eSIM installation take? Installation takes under 5 minutes. Purchase your plan, receive the QR code via email within minutes, scan to install on your device, and enable data roaming upon arrival at your destination. ### How much can I save with annual billing plus ADAMANDLINDS? On the Unlimited Plan, you save approximately $232 per year compared to monthly billing without a code. On the Light Plan, annual savings total about $178 per year. ## Why We Recommend Holafly We started using Holafly eSIMs in 2022 when Japan lifted travel restrictions and we changed our entire itinerary to visit as quickly as possible. Reliable connectivity wasn't optional with three young daughters, work commitments, and homeschooling responsibilities. Over 33 countries and hundreds of travel days later, Holafly remains our primary eSIM provider. The unlimited data eliminates the mental calculation of whether streaming a movie or video calling family will burn through our allocation. The instant delivery means no scrambling for connectivity upon landing. The consistent quality across Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Europe, and everywhere else we've tested builds trust. The ADAMANDLINDS code makes an already solid product more affordable. Whether you're planning a two-week vacation or embarking on extended travel, apply the code at checkout for guaranteed savings on whichever plan matches your needs. [Get Your Holafly eSIM with ADAMANDLINDS →](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) --- **FTC Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase Holafly eSIMs using code ADAMANDLINDS, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This supports our family's travels and keeps our content free. We only recommend products we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own based on extensive real-world testing across 33+ countries since 2022. ### Prague Christmas Market Tour: How to Experience Czech Holiday Magic Like a Local URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/prague-christmas-market-tour-czech-traditions-guide/ Last updated: 2026-07-02T07:30:45.000Z Prague transforms into something truly enchanting during the holiday season. The ancient cobblestones shimmer under thousands of twinkling lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine fills the frosty air, and the city's Gothic spires frame Christmas markets that feel lifted straight from a fairytale. We recently explored Prague's Christmas markets with [Prague City Adventures](https://praguecityadventures.com/?ref=adamandlinds), and what could have been a simple stroll through market stalls turned into one of the most memorable family experiences of our travels. Our guide Michaela didn't just show us where to buy ornaments. She introduced us to Czech Christmas traditions we never knew existed, took us to local markets most tourists walk right past, and somehow made a cold December day feel warm and magical. If you're planning a trip to Prague during the Christmas season, here's everything you need to know about experiencing the markets the right way. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7086.jpeg) ## Why Take a Guided Christmas Market Tour in Prague The main Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are stunning, but they're also packed with tourists. You can absolutely visit them on your own, grab some trdelník (that spiral-shaped pastry you'll see everywhere), and have a lovely time. But here's what we would have missed without Michaela: the neighborhood markets where Prague locals actually shop for their holiday gifts. The stories behind Czech Christmas traditions that make absolutely no sense until someone explains them. The best food stalls that don't have English menus. The handmade ornaments crafted by local artisans rather than mass-produced souvenirs. Prague City Adventures won the Arival TourReview Spotlight Award for Best Culinary Tours & Experiences in Europe in 2024, and after our experience, we understand why. Their guides are actual Prague residents who genuinely love sharing their city's culture. ## What to Expect on the Prague Christmas Market Tour The [Prague Christmas Market Tour with Czech Cookies & Traditions](https://praguecityadventures.com/tour/prague-christmas-markets-tour/?ref=adamandlinds) runs about 2-3 hours and includes visits to multiple markets, tastings of traditional holiday treats, and stories about Czech Christmas customs that will make you see the season differently. | Tour Details | Information | | --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Duration | 2 to 3 hours | | Group Size | Small groups (max 10) or private option | | Includes | Mulled wine, Czech Christmas cookies, mead, local treats | | Markets Visited | 3 to 4 neighborhood markets locals shop at | | Best For | Families, couples, anyone who wants the local version | | Discount Code | **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any tour | Our tour started near Old Town Square, where Michaela gathered our group and immediately set off toward the neighborhood markets that tourists rarely find on their own. She explained how Prague's Christmas market tradition dates back to the medieval era and why certain foods appear only during the holiday season. The Route ## Our Prague Christmas Market Tour The stops Michaela took us to, in order, over about three hours. Stop 1 ### Old Town Square Where Michaela gathered the group before we walked away from the tourist crowds toward the neighborhood markets. Stop 2 ### Náměstí Míru (Peace Square) The first market, set below the Church of St. Ludmila. Far fewer tourists than Old Town, and the vendors had time to talk us through their crafts. Stop 3 ### Tylovo Náměstí Locals call it Farmářské Trhy Tylák. The handmade goods felt more personal here, and Michaela pointed out which vendors she trusts for ornaments. Stop 4 ### Church of Our Lady of the Snows The unexpected stop. Visitors write wishes on paper angels and hang them alongside hundreds of others. The girls took it seriously. Stop 5 ### Wenceslas Square The tour finished near the Můstek metro station, where Michaela handed over her recommendations for the rest of the evening. ## The Markets We Visited Here's the thing about Prague Christmas markets that most tourists miss: the best ones aren't in Old Town Square. Yes, that market is stunning and worth visiting on your own, but our tour deliberately took us to the neighborhood markets where locals actually shop. **Náměstí Míru (Peace Square)** was our first stop, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Church of St. Ludmila. This market had noticeably fewer tourists and more Prague residents picking up gifts for friends and family. The atmosphere felt authentic rather than performative, with vendors who took time to explain their crafts and chat with regulars. **Tylovo Náměstí** (or Farmářské Trhy Tylák, as locals call it) gave us an even deeper look at how Czechs celebrate the season. The handmade goods here felt more personal, less mass-produced. Michaela pointed out the vendors she trusts for quality ornaments and explained which items make meaningful gifts versus tourist trinkets. The most unexpected stop was **Kostel Panny Marie Sněžné** (Church of Our Lady of the Snows). Here, we participated in a beautiful tradition where visitors write prayers or wishes on paper angels. The girls took this seriously, carefully writing their hopes for the coming year. Watching them hang their angels alongside hundreds of others was genuinely moving, the kind of moment you can't plan but never forget. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7140.jpeg) We finished our tour at **Václavské Náměstí (Wenceslas Square)** near the Můstek metro station, where Michaela gave us recommendations for exploring on our own before saying goodbye. The entire route felt intentional. Michaela knew which stalls had the best hand-painted ornaments, where to find organic Czech products, and which food vendors the locals prefer. She knew the vendors by name, stopping to chat in Czech while we browsed. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7213.jpeg) ## Czech Christmas Traditions That Surprised Us Every culture has unique holiday traditions, but Czech customs might be the most delightfully strange we've encountered. Michaela shared several that had our whole family fascinated. The chestnut candle tradition was new to us. Czechs float walnut shell halves with small candles in a basin of water on Christmas Eve. The direction your little boat floats supposedly predicts your future for the coming year. If it drifts toward the center, you'll stay close to home. If it floats to the edge, adventure awaits. But the tradition that absolutely delighted Lily involved who delivers Christmas presents in Czech Republic. It's not Santa Claus. It's Ježíšek, which translates to "Baby Jesus." Here's where it gets adorable: the Czech word for baby hedgehog is ježeček, which sounds almost identical. Michaela told us that as a child, she genuinely believed a baby hedgehog was bringing her presents on Christmas Eve. Lily, whose favorite animal happens to be hedgehogs, thought this was the greatest thing she'd ever heard. She's now convinced Czech Christmas is superior to all other Christmas traditions worldwide. Another cool thing was the Czech Christmas pyramid, a traditional wooden decoration with a spinning carousel on top powered entirely by candle heat. The warm air from the candles rises, spins a fan blade, and turns the figures around in a circle. This was Adam's favorite, he's such a nerd, I love him. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7061.jpeg) ## Meeting Krtek: The Little Mole Every Czech Kid Loves One of the highlights of our tour came when Michaela introduced the girls to Krtek, the beloved Czech cartoon character. This little mole, created by animator Zdeněk Miler in 1957, is essentially the Mickey Mouse of Czech culture. What makes Krtek special is that there's almost no dialogue in the cartoons. Miler wanted children everywhere in the world to understand the stories, so he used his own daughters' giggles and exclamations instead of words. The result is a character that transcends language barriers, with fans across Europe, Asia, and beyond. The girls were mesmerized as Michaela told stories about the Little Mole and pointed out Krtek merchandise at the market stalls. Now they can't visit a souvenir shop in Prague without looking for him. If you have young kids, keep an eye out for Krtek toys, books, and ornaments. They make perfect gifts that actually mean something. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7090.jpeg) ## What we ate and drank The tastings are the reason to take this tour rather than wander the markets on your own. Michaela handed out Czech Christmas cookies, mulled wine (svařák), and hot mead at stops along the route. I went in skeptical about mulled wine, and Adam was more skeptical than me. Then you find yourself standing in a Prague market with snow coming down and a warm cup of svařák in your hands, and it makes sense. I liked it. Adam still wasn't converted, though he admitted the heat coming off the cup was worth having on a day that cold. The Czech Christmas cookies are nothing like the American version. They come out thin and buttery, usually cut into crescents or stars, from recipes families keep and hand down, and people here take the tradition seriously. Hot mead was the surprise. It is warmed honey wine that has been made in this part of Europe for centuries, sweeter than the svařák and easier to drink than you would expect on a freezing night. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7107.jpeg) ## Tips for Visiting Prague Christmas Markets with Kids Our three daughters (Lily, Cora, and Harper) loved the tour, and Michaela was fantastic with them. She pitched explanations at their level, asked them questions, and made sure they felt included in the experience. Prague Christmas markets are genuinely family-friendly. Kids enjoy the sparkling lights, the festive music, and the constant stream of sweet treats. At Old Town Square, there's a traditional nativity display that adds to the atmosphere without feeling overly commercial. **Dress warmly.** Prague in December is cold, and you'll be walking on cobblestones for several hours. Layers are essential. We brought hand warmers, which the girls appreciated. **Timing matters.** The main markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run from late November through early January, but neighborhood markets typically close by December 24th. If you're visiting after Christmas Eve, let your tour company know so they can adjust the route. **Book early.** Tours fill up during peak Christmas season, especially around weekends and the week before Christmas. ## How to book the tour Prague City Adventures runs both small group tours capped at ten people and private tours for families who want more room to move. We did the small group and liked meeting other travelers, though the private option makes sense if you have young kids who need a looser pace. ### Prague City Adventures Small group or private Christmas market tours led by Prague locals. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any tour. [Book the tour](https://praguecityadventures.com/tour/prague-christmas-markets-tour/?ref=adamandlinds) If you are staying longer, they also run food tours and historical walking routes, plus a Dan Brown themed tour for anyone who read the books. The guides are all Prague residents who go through real training, and the difference from the big bus operators is obvious. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/IMG_7115.jpeg) ## Let Us Plan Your Prague Trip Figuring out which tours to book, where to stay, how to get around, and what to prioritize can be overwhelming, especially when you're traveling with kids. That's exactly what I do as a travel advisor. I can help you build a complete Prague itinerary that includes experiences like the Christmas market tour, family-friendly accommodations in the right neighborhoods, train connections if you're combining Prague with other European cities, and all the little details that make a trip run smoothly. I've planned trips for families across dozens of countries, and I love helping other parents create meaningful travel experiences without the stress of figuring everything out alone. **Contact me at** [**lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel**](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) to start planning your Prague adventure. Whether you're doing a quick Christmas market weekend or a longer European rail trip, I'd love to help make it happen. ## When to Visit Prague Christmas Markets in 2025 The main Prague Christmas markets run from **November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026**. The neighborhood markets at Peace Square, Republic Square, and other locations typically close earlier, between December 24 and January 1. For the best experience, we recommend visiting in early to mid-December. The markets are fully operational, the crowds are more manageable than the week before Christmas, and you'll have access to both the main markets and the charming neighborhood ones. ## Prague: More Than Christmas Markets Prague has been on our travel list since we started this journey in 2022\. We first visited back in July when train cancellations in Munich led us to rent a car and drive the autobahn to Prague instead. That summer visit gave us a taste of the city's magic, but seeing Prague at Christmas was something else entirely. The combination of Gothic architecture, centuries of history, and genuine holiday traditions creates an atmosphere that's hard to find elsewhere. Add in the fact that Prague remains more affordable than Western European capitals, and you've got an ideal destination for families. ## Staying Connected in Prague Prague has excellent 4G/LTE coverage throughout the city, including at the Christmas markets. If you're traveling to Europe and need reliable mobile data, grab a [Holafly Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/9LZrV0?ref=adamandlinds.com) before your trip. One eSIM covers 40+ European countries, so you won't need to worry about swapping SIMs as you travel. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any Holafly eSIM plan. | Holafly Europe eSIM | Price | | ------------------- | ------ | | 1 day | $3.90 | | 7 days | $27.30 | | 14 days | $47.90 | | 30 days | $74.90 | For trips longer than 30 days, check out [Holafly's monthly global plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) starting at $49.90/month for 25GB or $64.90/month for unlimited data. ## Final Thoughts Prague's Christmas markets deliver exactly what you hope for when you imagine a European Christmas. The lights, the food, the cold air, the warm drinks, the sense that you've stepped back in time to a place where holiday traditions still matter. But taking a tour with a local guide transformed our experience from pleasant to unforgettable. Learning about Czech traditions, discovering neighborhood markets, writing prayers on paper angels at a hidden church, hearing stories about Krtek the Little Mole. These are the things we'll remember long after the photographs fade. If you're planning a trip to Prague during the Christmas season, book a tour with Prague City Adventures. Use our code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off, and tell them the worldschooling family sent you. **Want help planning your entire Prague trip?** I specialize in creating custom family travel itineraries that combine experiences like this tour with the right accommodations, transportation, and logistics. No more spending hours researching on your own. Contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) and let's build your dream European Christmas trip together. --- FAQ ## Frequently Asked Questions What families ask us most about visiting Prague at Christmas. When are Prague Christmas markets open? The main Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square run from November 29, 2025 to January 6, 2026\. Neighborhood markets like Peace Square and Republic Square usually close by December 24, though some stay open until January 1. Are Prague Christmas markets family-friendly? Yes. Children take to the lights and the steady supply of sweet treats, and there is a traditional nativity display at Old Town Square. Guided tours like Prague City Adventures welcome kids of all ages and adjust the pace as needed. What should I wear to Prague Christmas markets? Dress in warm layers. Prague in December sits around 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F), and you will be outdoors on cobblestones for a few hours, so bring a warm coat, a hat, gloves, and comfortable walking shoes. Hand warmers help too. What food should I try at Prague Christmas markets? Look for svařák (mulled wine), hot mead, Czech Christmas cookies, and trdelník, the spiral pastry you will see everywhere. On the savory side, there are klobása (grilled sausage), langoš (fried dough), roasted chestnuts, goulash, and roasted ham. Is it worth taking a guided tour of Prague Christmas markets? A guided tour gets you into the neighborhood markets most tourists never find, with a local explaining the Czech traditions behind them and tastings along the way. The Prague City Adventures tour includes mulled wine and Czech cookies, plus the stories behind the customs. How much does a Prague Christmas market tour cost? Small group tours with Prague City Adventures start around $50 to $70 per person, and private tours are available for families who want more flexibility. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off any tour. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links or use our discount codes, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend experiences and products we've personally used and genuinely enjoyed. Prague City Adventures provided a complimentary tour in exchange for honest coverage, but all opinions expressed here are entirely our own.* ### Best Things to Do in Tokyo 2026: Top Activities, Tickets & Discount Codes URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-things-to-do-in-tokyo-2026-activities-tickets-discount-codes/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:56.000Z Tokyo remains one of the world's most captivating cities for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. From the neon-drenched streets of Shibuya to the serene temples of Asakusa, Japan's capital offers experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else. We first arrived in Tokyo on October 28, 2022, and it immediately became our favorite place in the world - a sentiment that hasn't changed after multiple extended visits totaling over 220 days in Japan. This guide covers the best Tokyo attractions for 2026, complete with current pricing, insider tips from our family's experiences, and exclusive discount codes to save money on your bookings. **Save on all Tokyo activities:** Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at [Klook](https://www.klook.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for discounts on attractions, tours, and experiences throughout Japan. ## Tokyo Disney Resort Tickets ![Tokyo Disney Resort](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/pp9gj3vevlckfc0p5fup.jpg) Tokyo Disney Resort consistently ranks as the most popular attraction in Japan, and for good reason. The resort includes both Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, with DisneySea being entirely unique to Japan. We took our girls to Tokyo DisneySea in November 2022, and the attention to detail blew us away - it genuinely feels like stepping into another world. | Detail | Information | | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | | Price | From $50.35 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (90,521 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation with 14 days notice | | Special Offer | Limited Park Hopper Passport available Jan 13 - Mar 31 | The Park Hopper option lets you visit both parks in a single day, which is perfect if you want the classic Disney magic of Disneyland combined with the more adult-oriented theming of DisneySea. Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app before your visit to check wait times and make restaurant reservations. 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You walk barefoot through water, wade through knee-deep reflecting pools, and feel genuinely part of the artwork rather than just observing it. Our girls especially loved the Floating Flower Garden, where real orchids descend from the ceiling as you walk through. The combo ticket with nearby Senkyaku Banrai Toyosu Manyo Club Onsen includes a foot bath and free drink, perfect for relaxing after your visit. [Book teamLab Planets Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## SHIBUYA SKY Observation Deck ![Shibuya Sky](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ori7zgidaf70ildeaazw.jpg) SHIBUYA SKY sits atop the Shibuya Scramble Square building at 229 meters, offering unobstructed 360-degree views of Tokyo's skyline. On clear days, you can see Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Bay, Yoyogi Park, and even Mount Fuji in the distance. | Detail | Information | | -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $17.20 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (40,890 reviews) | | Cancellation | Conditional cancellation | | Exclusive Perk | 10% discount on lounge food and drinks with Klook voucher | The experience spans three zones: SKY GATE (the elevator journey with ceiling animations), SKY GALLERY (indoor observation deck with art installations), and SKY STAGE (the open-air rooftop). The SKY EDGE photo spot has become Instagram-famous, with low glass barriers that don't obstruct your shots. Visit at sunset for the most dramatic lighting, or time your visit to catch the Crossing Light show after dark when 18 beams create patterns in the sky. [Book SHIBUYA SKY Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70672-shibuya-sky-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Tokyo Subway Ticket ![Tokyo Subway](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/iatmry00w0xcat1zwpfr.jpg) Getting around Tokyo efficiently requires understanding the subway system, and the Tokyo Subway Ticket offers unlimited travel across both Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines for 24, 48, or 72 hours. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------ | | Price | From $5.09 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (85,098 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Coverage | 13 routes, 280+ stations | This pass covers most of central Tokyo's attractions, but note that JR lines (including the famous Yamanote loop line) are not included. For airport transfers, consider adding a Keisei Skyliner ticket for the fastest route from Narita to central Tokyo. Redeem your physical ticket and simply tap through the gates without worrying about individual fares or remaining balance. 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Upgrade to include the Tembo Galleria for access to the world's highest skywalk, a spiraling ramp with panoramic views of the Kanto Region. After your visit, explore Tokyo Solamachi with over 300 shops and restaurants featuring Skytree-themed items and traditional Japanese goods. [Book Tokyo Skytree Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/41352-tokyo-skytree/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter ![Warner Bros Studio Tour Tokyo](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/dtn44szpjiq9xjghueqs.jpg) The largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and the first Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Asia opened in Tokyo and has quickly become one of the city's most sought-after experiences. Hogwarts in the Snow returns each winter, making the holiday season particularly magical. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $39.50 USD | | Rating | 4.9/5 (14,060 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Highlights | Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Platform 9¾, Hogwarts Express | This isn't a theme park with rides but rather an immersive studio experience showcasing actual costumes, props, and set pieces from the films. Walk through the Great Hall, explore Diagon Alley, and board the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9¾. The attention to detail rivals (and in some cases exceeds) the original London location. Book well in advance as tickets sell out quickly, especially during school holidays and the Hogwarts in the Snow event. 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The glass-floored "Lookdown Window" offers a thrilling perspective straight down to the streets below. Tokyo Tower's central location makes it easy to combine with visits to nearby Zojoji Temple or the upscale Roppongi district. 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This indoor theme park in Tama City brings Hello Kitty and friends to life through interactive rides, live shows, and themed restaurants. | Detail | Information | | ------------- | -------------------------------------- | | Price | From $22.30 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (8,476 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Skip-the-Line | Puro Pass available for selected rides | The Miracle Gift Parade features Hello Kitty, Dear Daniel, and other characters on colorful floats with dazzling lights. Lady Kitty House lets visitors explore Hello Kitty's elegant home and snap photos with her at the end. The Sanrio Character Boat Ride takes you through storybook worlds with sing-along music. Being entirely indoors, it's a perfect rainy day option or escape from summer heat. 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Multiple rental shops near Sensoji Temple offer full packages including kimono selection, professional dressing, and hairstyling. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------------- | | Price | From $17.85 USD | | Rating | 4.8-5.0/5 (varies by shop) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation with 24-72 hours notice | | Includes | Kimono, obi, accessories, basic hairstyle | Aiwafuku Main Store has earned recognition as an official Tokyo Tourist Information Center, with multilingual staff and over 600 kimono options including lace kimonos, furisode (long-sleeved formal kimono), and Taisho Roman styles. Kimono Miyabi offers over 1,000 patterns with locations near both Asakusa Station and the main temple area. Most shops accommodate heights from 150-185cm and offer children's sizes for family photos. [Book Kimono Rental at Aiwafuku](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2125-kimono-experience-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Book at Kimono Miyabi](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/8318-miyabi-kimono-yukata-rental-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Hakone Freepass ![Hakone Freepass](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/g7fv9uqqkcc2ewqygsp0.jpg) A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo offers hot springs, mountain scenery, and views of Mount Fuji. The Hakone Freepass provides unlimited travel on eight different transport modes including trains, buses, ropeways, and the famous Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | --------------------------- | | Price | From $45.25 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (10,717 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Validity | 2 or 3 days | | Bonus | Discounts at 70+ facilities | The pass covers round-trip travel between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto, plus unlimited rides within the Hakone area. Ride the Tozan Railway switchback train, float above volcanic valleys on the ropeway, and sail across Lake Ashi with Fuji as your backdrop. The digital Klook ticket means no paper exchange needed - simply scan or show to board. [Book Hakone Freepass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/821-hakone-transport-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Narita Airport Limousine Bus ![Limousine Bus](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ufkwtmnftxjmhvm0nmhy.jpg) The Airport Limousine Bus offers a comfortable, affordable transfer between Narita Airport and major Tokyo destinations including Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Tokyo Station. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------------- | | Price | From $18.49 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (16,926 reviews) | | Cancellation | Conditional cancellation | | Features | WiFi, reclining seats, luggage assistance | Book through Klook for QR code direct boarding without needing physical ticket exchange. The buses run frequently throughout the day with direct service to major hotels and transportation hubs. Compared to trains, the bus offers more legroom, WiFi connectivity, and courteous staff who help with luggage. For Haneda Airport transfers, Klook offers a separate booking option with similar service. [Book Narita Limousine Bus](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2274-narita-airport-limousine-bus-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Art Aquarium Museum GINZA ![Art Aquarium](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/dz1gyfsa5uauz6m2wgsy.jpg) Art Aquarium Museum transforms thousands of goldfish and koi into living artwork through intricately designed illuminated tanks that change with the seasons. Located in Ginza Mitsukoshi, it has welcomed over 12.3 million visitors since 2007. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $17.20 USD | | Rating | 4.6/5 (4,925 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Duration | Approximately 45 minutes | | Bonus | Free admission for up to 2 children per adult | Walk through the Goldfish Corridor where illuminated tanks create patterns of light and color, see rare species in the Goldfish Collection, and experience the Goldfish Waterfall where stacked tanks flow like cascading water. Photography and video are freely permitted throughout the museum, making it perfect for social media content. [Book Art Aquarium Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/73977-art-aquarium-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Tokyo Joypolis ![Tokyo Joypolis](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/lnbxlsm4uj4fqs2ybkpt.jpg) Japan's largest indoor theme park combines SEGA gaming heritage with thrilling VR experiences and arcade attractions. Located in Odaiba, Tokyo Joypolis offers weather-proof entertainment for gamers and thrill-seekers. | Detail | Information | | ----------------- | ---------------------------------------- | | Price | From $31.89 USD | | Rating | 4.4/5 (3,727 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Passport Includes | Unlimited readmission throughout the day | Team up with Transformers in VR, ride the Gekion Live Coaster rhythm roller coaster, battle zombies in House of the Dead Scarlet Dawn, and swing on the Halfpipe Tokyo skateboarding simulator. The passport ticket allows unlimited readmission, so you can explore the Odaiba waterfront area and return for more rides later. [Book Tokyo Joypolis Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/41323-tokyo-joypolis/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Book Tokyo Joypolis Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/41323-tokyo-joypolis/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Klook Pass Greater Tokyo ![Klook Pass](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/a0hkazbpqm4mpboig8yx.jpg) For visitors planning multiple attractions, the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo bundles 2-7 activities with savings up to 48% compared to individual ticket prices. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $42.05 USD | | Rating | 4.4/5 (6,486 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation before redemption | | Validity | 60 days to activate, then 90 days to book remaining attractions | The Standard Pass includes general admission to Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Sanrio Puroland, Aqua Park Shinagawa, and more. Premium add-ons unlock experiences like teamLab Borderless or Planets, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea, and Fuji-Q Highland. It's the smartest approach if you want to see multiple major attractions during your visit. [Book Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ## Additional Tokyo Experiences Worth Booking Several other attractions deserve mention for specific interests: **Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa** ($17.85, 4.7/5) - An LED-illuminated aquarium with dolphin shows that incorporate light, water, and sound. Different from traditional aquariums with its emphasis on artistic presentation. [Book tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5609-aqua-park-shinagawa-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) **LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo** ($14.35, 4.5/5) - Indoor Lego playground in Odaiba with over 3 million bricks, 4D theater, and miniature Tokyo diorama. Perfect for kids under 10\. [Book tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5563-legoland-discovery-center-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Luggage Delivery Service** ($11.95, 4.8/5) - Send bags between hotels and airports to travel light on sightseeing days. We used this service extensively during our month in Osaka and found it invaluable for train travel. [Book service](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/27664-hotel-luggage-delivery-service-tokyo-hotels-airport/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Staying Connected in Tokyo Reliable internet is essential for navigating Tokyo's complex train system, using translation apps, and staying in touch with family. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited data throughout Japan at $3.90/day. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any Japan eSIM plan. The Holafly Japan eSIM runs on the KDDI network with excellent coverage in urban areas, on bullet trains, and even in smaller cities like Hiroshima and Fukuoka where we spent extended time. ## Planning Your Tokyo Itinerary Based on our extensive time in Tokyo across multiple visits, here's how we'd structure a week: **Days 1-2:** Central Tokyo - Shibuya Sky, Harajuku, Meiji Shrine, teamLab Planets **Day 3:** Asakusa - Sensoji Temple, kimono rental, Tokyo Skytree **Day 4:** Theme parks - Tokyo Disney Resort or Sanrio Puroland **Day 5:** Day trip - Hakone (Freepass) or Mount Fuji area **Day 6:** Entertainment - Warner Bros. Studio Tour or Tokyo Joypolis **Day 7:** Flexible - Art Aquarium, shopping, neighborhood exploration The Tokyo Subway Ticket makes sense for days 1-3 and 7 when you're moving between multiple areas. For Hakone, the Freepass includes Shinjuku departure. Theme parks and studio tours are full-day commitments best planned around. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **What is the best way to save money on Tokyo attractions?** The Klook Pass Greater Tokyo offers up to 48% savings when visiting multiple attractions. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for additional discounts on individual bookings. Book in advance to secure specific entry times and avoid sold-out situations, especially for Disney, Harry Potter, and teamLab. ### **How far in advance should I book Tokyo activities?** Book Tokyo Disney Resort, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and teamLab Planets at least 2-4 weeks ahead, earlier during peak seasons like Golden Week, summer holidays, and cherry blossom season. Other attractions can typically be booked a few days in advance. ### **Is the Tokyo Subway Ticket worth it?** The 72-hour Tokyo Subway Ticket costs around $15 and becomes worthwhile after approximately 6-8 rides. If you're doing extensive sightseeing across multiple neighborhoods, it pays for itself quickly while eliminating the mental load of calculating individual fares. ### **Which observation deck is best - Shibuya Sky or Tokyo Skytree?** Shibuya Sky offers the superior photo experience with its open-air rooftop and unobstructed glass barriers. Tokyo Skytree provides higher elevation (450m vs 229m) and better views of the eastern Tokyo Bay area. If choosing one, Shibuya Sky generally delivers more memorable photos. ### **Can I visit both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea in one day?** Yes, with the limited Park Hopper Passport available January 13 through March 31\. This allows entry to both parks, though realistically you'll only experience highlights of each. For families with young children, we recommend dedicating a full day to each park on separate visits. ### **What's the best time of year to visit Tokyo?** Spring (late March - early May) offers cherry blossoms and comfortable temperatures. Autumn (October - November) brings stunning foliage and pleasant weather. We've visited Tokyo in late October/November multiple times and found it ideal. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold but sees fewer crowds. --- [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) **Ready to plan your Tokyo adventure? Contact Lindsay at* [**lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel*](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) *for personalized travel planning services, including help with Japan Rail Passes, accommodation recommendations, and detailed itinerary planning.* [Contact Her ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- **FTC Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links and use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend activities and services we've personally experienced or thoroughly researched. All opinions are our own based on our family's travels across 33+ countries over four years of full-time travel. ### Best Things to Do in Boracay 2026: Top Activities with Klook Discount Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-boracay-activities-2026-klook-discount-code-adamandlindsklook/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:57.000Z Boracay remains one of the Philippines' most spectacular island destinations, and booking activities through Klook with our exclusive discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** saves you money on everything from parasailing to sunset cruises. We spent time on this gorgeous island back in September 2023 during our Philippines adventure, bouncing between Manila, Boracay, and Cebu City. While Manila and Cebu were just okay, Boracay absolutely blew us away. The powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and incredible range of activities make this island worth every peso. Whether you want adrenaline-pumping water sports or relaxing sunset sails, Boracay delivers experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else in Southeast Asia. ## Boracay Parasailing ![Boracay Parasailing](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/wd2rpxe47danfbe1mwxa.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | --------------------- | | Price | $30.59 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (2,664 reviews) | | Duration | 15 minutes | | Cancellation | Non-refundable | Soaring above Boracay's coastline gives you a perspective of the island that photographs simply cannot capture. The 15-minute parasailing experience lets you fly solo or tandem with a friend, and the professional crew provides all safety equipment including life jackets. From up high, you can see the dramatic contrast between the white sand beaches and the deep blue ocean stretching toward the horizon. The boat crew handles everything smoothly, and the takeoff and landing are gentler than you might expect. [Book Boracay Parasailing with Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1027-parasailing-boracay/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Boracay Helmet Dive Experience ![Helmet Diving Boracay](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/wreld5i7wvt12gvcc9dv.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | --------------------- | | Price | $16.99 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (2,276 reviews) | | Duration | Varies | | Cancellation | Non-refundable | This is perfect if you have always wanted to explore underwater but do not feel comfortable with scuba gear or are not a confident swimmer. The oxygen-pumped helmet lets you walk normally on the ocean floor while breathing easily, no swimming skills required. PADI-qualified dive instructors guide you through the entire experience, starting with a thrilling speedboat ride to the dive location. Once underwater, you will see coral reefs, colorful tropical fish, and the sandy seabed up close. The girls would have loved this one, though Harper was too young at the time we visited. [Book Helmet Diving in Boracay](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/7943-helmet-dive-boracay/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Boracay Cruise Experience ![Boracay Cruise](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ll1t9wpnopix4pcuimoo.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | From $13.80 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (2,193 reviews) | | Duration | 2+ hours | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | Watching the Boracay sunset from a yacht transforms an already beautiful experience into something genuinely magical. These cruises include welcome drinks, cocktails, and pica-pica (Filipino appetizers) while live DJs provide the soundtrack to golden hour. Before the sun dips below the horizon, you can swim, try stand-up paddleboarding, or snorkel directly from the boat. The variety of vessels available means you can choose anything from intimate sailing experiences to full party cruises depending on your mood. [Book Boracay Cruise Experience](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/103356-boracay-cruise-yacht-experience/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Boracay Sunset Paraw Sailing ![Paraw Sailing Boracay](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/rkws7tqgpjg47qi1ndd1.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | $15.95 USD | | Rating | 4.6/5 (889 reviews) | | Duration | 1-2 hours | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | The paraw is a traditional Filipino outrigger sailboat, and riding one through Boracay's calm waters at sunset feels authentically local rather than touristy. These double-outrigger vessels glide smoothly, creating perfect conditions for photography with the sunset as your backdrop. This experience works wonderfully for families because the boats accommodate small groups and the gentle pace keeps everyone comfortable. We appreciated how different this felt from motorized water activities, there is something peaceful about moving with the wind. [Book Sunset Paraw Sailing](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/9287-paraw-sailing-boracay/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Sunset Party Cruise in Boracay ![Sunset Party Cruise](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/oxjjsyxuksroyxax4iyw.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | $13.59 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (517 reviews) | | Duration | 2 hours | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | For one of the most affordable sunset experiences in Boracay, this cruise features a unique net suspended from the side of the boat where you can recline and watch the island's famous golden hour unfold. Ham and cheese plus non-alcoholic beverages are included. The boat cruises along the Boracay shoreline from the famous White Beach all the way to the Crimson Shangri-La coastlines, giving you views that would cost significantly more on private charters. The large deck provides plenty of space to move around and find your perfect sunset-watching spot. [Book Sunset Party Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/70850-sunset-cruise-boracay/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Boracay Jet Ski Experience ![Jet Ski Boracay](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/v2jqzms8gvu8fulyldnw.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | $37.39 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (396 reviews) | | Duration | 15, 30, or 60 minutes | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | Nothing matches the adrenaline rush of controlling your own jet ski across Boracay's turquoise waters. You decide the pace, whether that means a calm cruise to appreciate the scenery or full throttle wave-hopping for maximum thrills. Local English-speaking instructors provide guidance and safety equipment, making this accessible even for first-timers. The 15-minute option works well for a quick adventure, but the 30-minute package gives you more time to really explore and find your comfort zone on the water. [Book Jet Ski Experience](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/7946-jet-ski-experience-boracay/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Boracay Newcoast ATV Ride ![ATV Boracay](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ep8nzgzkvp3mfrvjci7p.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------- | | Price | $24.99 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (325 reviews) | | Duration | Varies | | Cancellation | Non-refundable | Experience Boracay from land rather than sea with electric-powered ATVs that take you through the Newcoast development area. The ride includes stops at the iconic Keyhole rock formation, a private beach, and a View Deck with panoramic island vistas. English-speaking guides lead the way, and the electric ATVs operate more quietly than gas-powered alternatives, which actually makes the experience more relaxing. This is one of the best ways to see parts of Boracay that most tourists never discover. [Book ATV Ride at Newcoast](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/83528-boracay-newcoast-atv-ride/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Boracay Helicopter Experience ![Helicopter Boracay](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/zmnospobqnmw7d4xnqmz.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | From $91.75 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (321 reviews) | | Duration | Varies by package | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (48 hours notice) | For the ultimate aerial perspective of Boracay, nothing beats a helicopter ride. The vertical ascent alone provides incredible views, and once you are flying, you can see not just Boracay but outlying islands like Carabao and Crocodile Island. Multiple package options accommodate different budgets and time preferences. The views from up here genuinely cannot be replicated any other way, and the photos you will capture show the full scale of how stunning this island paradise really is. [Book Helicopter Experience](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1028-helicopter-ride-boracay/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Boracay Diamond Sunset Cruise ![Diamond Sunset Cruise](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ec9o90uyyujavcttsuer.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | $27.19 USD | | Rating | 4.4/5 (199 reviews) | | Duration | 2 hours | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | This premium 2-hour cruise along Boracay's famous White Beach includes welcome drinks, cocktails, and pica-pica appetizers while local performers provide entertainment. The timing is designed specifically to catch the breathtaking sunset colors before returning to shore. The Diamond cruise offers a more upscale experience than the basic sunset sails, with better refreshments and entertainment included. If sunset cruising is a priority for your Boracay trip, this delivers excellent value for the elevated experience. [Book Diamond Sunset Cruise](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/84696-boracay-diamond-sunset-cruise/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Boracay Party Yacht Experience ![Party Yacht Boracay](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/tn3xuvorah3qg4uga8pa.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | $21.25 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (58 reviews) | | Duration | Varies | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | Dance, swim, snorkel, paddleboard, and slide into the crystal-clear waters from a party yacht designed for maximum fun. The Sunset Cruise option includes a live DJ, transforming the boat into a floating dance floor surrounded by Boracay's stunning scenery. Finger food and refreshing beverages keep the energy high while you enjoy water activities between dance sessions. This works best for groups looking to combine water sports with a social atmosphere. [Book Party Yacht Experience](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/98474-boracay-party-yacht-experience/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## Helios Spa Boracay ![Helios Spa](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/embvqkvjqkhrqvnnrckk.jpg) | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------- | | Price | From $26.05 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (47 reviews) | | Duration | Varies by treatment | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | After days of water activities and island exploration, your body deserves proper pampering. Helios Spa offers signature massages, facials, and body scrubs in a villa resort setting designed for complete relaxation. The spa includes complimentary juice and mango graham cake after your treatment, plus round-trip van transfers from McDonald's in D'Mall. Just arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment and look for the Helios Spa van. [Book Helios Spa Treatment](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/102247-helios-spa-boracay/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout ## All Boracay Activities at a Glance | Activity | Price | Rating | Best For | | ------------------- | ------- | ------ | ------------------------------ | | Parasailing | $30.59 | 4.8/5 | Aerial views, thrill seekers | | Helmet Diving | $16.99 | 4.7/5 | Non-swimmers, families | | Cruise Experience | $13.80+ | 4.7/5 | Sunset views, groups | | Paraw Sailing | $15.95 | 4.6/5 | Traditional experience, photos | | Sunset Party Cruise | $13.59 | 4.7/5 | Budget sunset option | | Jet Ski | $37.39 | 4.7/5 | Adrenaline, independence | | ATV Ride | $24.99 | 4.8/5 | Land exploration, unique views | | Helicopter | $91.75+ | 4.8/5 | Ultimate aerial views, splurge | | Diamond Cruise | $27.19 | 4.4/5 | Premium sunset experience | | Party Yacht | $21.25 | 4.8/5 | Groups, water activities | | Helios Spa | $26.05+ | 4.7/5 | Relaxation, recovery | ## How to Save on Boracay Activities Booking through Klook with our discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** provides instant savings on all these activities. The platform also offers mobile vouchers, so you do not need to print anything. Just show your phone at the activity check-in. Most activities offer free cancellation with 24 hours notice, which provides flexibility if weather changes your plans or you want to swap activities around. Check the specific cancellation policy for each booking since some experiences like parasailing and helmet diving are non-refundable. ## Staying Connected in Boracay Reliable internet makes coordinating activities, checking Klook bookings, and sharing your Boracay photos much easier. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data plans that cover the Philippines. The eSIM activates instantly and works throughout Boracay without hunting for WiFi or dealing with local SIM cards. ## Planning Your Boracay Trip If you want help planning a complete Philippines itinerary including Boracay, Linds offers travel advisory services through Fora Travel. She has planned trips to dozens of countries and can help coordinate flights, accommodations, and activities into a seamless experience. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) to get started. ## Frequently Asked Questions **What is the best time to visit Boracay?** The dry season from November to May offers the best weather for water activities, with calmer seas and minimal rain. December through February sees the most tourists, so booking activities in advance through Klook ensures availability. **Is Boracay family-friendly?** Absolutely. Activities like helmet diving work for non-swimmers, paraw sailing provides gentle experiences suitable for all ages, and the beaches themselves offer endless entertainment for kids. We visited with our three daughters and found plenty to keep everyone happy. **How do I get to Boracay?** Fly into Kalibo (KLO) or Caticlan (MPH) airports, then take a boat transfer to the island. Caticlan is closer but has fewer flight options. From either airport, the transfer to Boracay takes 1-2 hours including the boat ride. **What should I bring for water activities?** Waterproof phone pouches, reef-safe sunscreen, and quick-dry clothing make activity days more comfortable. Most water sports provide all necessary equipment including life jackets and safety gear. **Can I book activities last minute?** Some activities have same-day availability on Klook, but popular experiences like helicopter rides and sunset cruises often sell out during peak season. Booking 1-2 days ahead ensures you get your preferred time slots. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book activities through our Klook links and use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend activities and services we genuinely believe provide value. All opinions are our own based on our actual experiences traveling the Philippines.* ### Best Things to Do in Kyoto 2026: Top Tours, Kimono Rentals & Day Trips | ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK Discount Code URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-things-to-do-in-kyoto-2026-klook-discount-code-adamandlindsklook/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:15:59.000Z Kyoto offers the perfect blend of ancient temples, traditional culture, and unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages. From walking through thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari to feeding the sacred deer in Nara, these are the best Kyoto activities you can book in 2026\. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout on [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com&ref=adamandlinds.com) for exclusive savings on all bookings. Japan remains our family's favorite country after visiting multiple times since 2022\. We've spent months exploring Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka with our three daughters, and Kyoto consistently delivers the most memorable cultural experiences. The city's walkable historic districts, friendly locals, and incredible food make it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. ## Kyoto & Nara Day Tours ### Kyoto & Nara Day Trip: Arashiyama, Nara Park & Fushimi Inari (From Osaka) ![Kyoto Nara Day Trip](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/nwrlvoqxc4roubxbiywr.jpg) This comprehensive day tour covers Kyoto and Nara's must-see highlights in a single, well-organized excursion. English and Chinese-speaking guides lead small groups through the iconic Thousand Torii Gates, the peaceful bamboo forest of Arashiyama, and give you hands-on time feeding the famously friendly deer of Nara Park. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Price | From $45.89 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.9/5 (7,055 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Highlights | Fushimi Inari, Nara Park deer, Arashiyama Bamboo, Togetsukyo Bridge, Sagano Scenic Railway | | Languages | English, Chinese | **What's included:** The tour features a ride on the Sagano Scenic Railway through Arashiyama's stunning seasonal landscapes, time at the Instagram-famous Kimono Forest, and visits to both Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nara's Todai-ji Temple area. [Book Kyoto & Nara Day Trip on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/110001-kyoto-nara-deer-arashiyama-train-cherry-blossom-one-day-tour/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Kyoto and Nara Day Tour with Optional Wagyu Lunch ![Kyoto Nara Tour](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/lqbx7va0yxt95bu7hilr.jpg) This tour combines the golden splendor of Kinkaku-ji Temple with Fushimi Inari's famous torii gates and Nara's gentle deer. The optional upgrade to a Wagyu "Kobe Beef" lunch transforms the experience into a true Japanese culinary adventure. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $48.89 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (3,455 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (48 hours notice) | | Highlights | Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Arashiyama | | Languages | English, Chinese | **Why we recommend it:** The tour includes Arashiyama's bamboo forest paths and the beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge. Comfortable transportation between all locations means you maximize sightseeing time without exhausting yourself navigating public transit. [Book Kyoto & Nara with Wagyu Lunch Option](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/16167-nara-day-tour-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Kyoto Tour: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari & Nara Park ![Kiyomizu-dera Temple](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/tl3v2jraxjtenj6iuat9.jpg) Perfect for first-time Kyoto visitors, this tour hits the UNESCO World Heritage sites that define the ancient capital. Stroll through the Kiyomizu-dera area, explore Gion's geisha district, and interact with Nara's sacred deer all in one day. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Price | From $35.05 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (1,933 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Highlights | Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, Fushimi Inari, Nara | | Languages | English, Chinese | **Pro tip:** Wear comfortable walking shoes. The charming stone-paved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are gorgeous but require decent footwear, especially if you're traveling with kids. [Book Kyoto Highlights Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/87236-kyoto-tour-nara/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera & Kinkaku-ji Full Day ![Fushimi Inari Shrine](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/gicvf36wtt7g44dblbak.jpg) This comprehensive tour covers all four of Kyoto's most iconic sites in a single day. Visit the thousands of vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari, the serene bamboo groves of Arashiyama, the historic wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, and the gold-leafed zen temple of Kinkaku-ji. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Price | From $70.09 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (1,953 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (48 hours notice) | | Highlights | Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest | | Languages | English | | Includes | Traditional Japanese lunch (optional) | **What makes it special:** This tour provides comfortable transportation from Osaka with English-speaking guides who share the historical and cultural significance of each location. The optional traditional lunch lets you experience authentic Kyoto cuisine. [Book Full Day Kyoto Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3208-kyoto-temples-shrines-day-tour-osaka/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Kyoto & Uji Day Trip: Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu-dera & Matcha Town ![Kiyomizu-dera](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/fcvsx3iy6rtmczptcua9.jpg) Combine Kyoto's famous temples with Uji, Japan's matcha capital. This tour visits Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Byodo-in Temple (featured on the 10-yen coin), and gives you time to explore Uji's matcha food street. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $42.99 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.9/5 (1,768 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Highlights | Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Byodo-in Temple, Uji River, Matcha Food Street, Rabbit Shrine | | Languages | English, Chinese | **For matcha lovers:** Uji produces some of Japan's finest green tea. The matcha food street offers everything from matcha ice cream to matcha soba noodles. The nearby rabbit shrine makes for unique photos. [Book Kyoto & Uji Day Trip](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/122392-kinkakuji-kiyomizudera-uji-river-byodoin-one-day-tour/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ## Hidden Gem: Amanohashidate & Ine Boathouse Tours ### Amanohashidate & Ine Boathouse Day Trip (From Osaka/Kyoto) ![Amanohashidate](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/vg0fwagyu3qa1k1z0m5l.jpg) Escape the crowds and discover one of Japan's three most scenic views. Amanohashidate is a 3.6-kilometer sandbar covered with 8,000 pine trees, creating a landscape that locals say resembles a dragon flying to heaven when viewed upside down from the observation deck. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $41.45 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.8/5 (3,705 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Highlights | Amanohashidate sandbar, Ine Funaya boathouses, Kasamatsu Park observation deck, Boat cruise | | Languages | Chinese, Japanese, English, Korean | | Bonus | Free seagull bait for feeding from the boat | **Why visit Ine:** The fishing village of Ine features traditional "funaya" boathouses built directly over the water, earning it the nickname "Venice of Japan." Take a boat ride to feed seagulls and eagles while admiring this unique waterfront architecture. [Book Amanohashidate & Ine Day Trip](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/88701-amanohashidate-kasamatsu-park-ine-no-funaya-join-day-bus-tour-osaka/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Amanohashidate & Ine Bay Scenic Tour (Premium Experience) ![Ine Bay](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/sndjdnqf4pa2jwwuiigc.jpg) This premium version includes extended time at Ine Bay, widely considered one of the world's most beautiful bays. Walk the quaint Funaya Street, visit Ineura Park, and enjoy coffee at the nostalgic INE CAFE overlooking the water. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $51.65 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.9/5 (2,738 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Highlights | Ine Bay panoramic views, Funaya walking tour, INE CAFE, Single-person swing cable car, Chien Temple | | Departure | Kyoto Station or Osaka | **Unique experience:** Ride the single-person swing cable car up to the Hiryukan Observation Deck for the famous inverted view of Amanohashidate. The sandbar appears to rise into the sky like a dragon ascending to heaven. [Book Premium Amanohashidate Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/146607-amanohashidate-funaya-ine-bay-beautiful-scenery-tour-osaka-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Amanohashidate, Ine & Miyama Thatched Village Day Trip ![Miyama Village](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/pyc5jfxknhz5boygipmh.jpg) This tour adds Miyama Kayabuki Village to the coastal scenery, creating a perfect blend of seaside beauty and mountain tranquility. The village's traditional thatched-roof farmhouses transport you back centuries. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $41.45 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.8/5 (1,512 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Highlights | Amanohashidate, Ine Boathouses, Miyama Kayabuki Village, Thatched-roof houses | | Departure | Osaka | **Local treat:** Try the famous Miyama milk ice cream at the village. The combination of pristine mountain air, traditional architecture, and creamy local dairy makes this a memorable stop. [Book Amanohashidate & Miyama Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/123586-amanohashidate-ine-no-funaya-miyama-kayabuki-no-sato-day-tour/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ## Kimono Rental Experiences in Kyoto Wearing a kimono while exploring Kyoto's historic streets is one of the most memorable ways to experience Japanese culture. Prices range from budget-friendly options around $15 USD to premium experiences with professional photography. ### Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata (160-Year Heritage) ![Yumeyakata Kimono](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/nyopv7h2namagb7ztcag.jpg) Yumeyakata operates from a 160-year-old kimono shop, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern styling. With over 500 kimonos available, you'll find everything from classic elegance to contemporary designs. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $21.05 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.7/5 (4,642 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Location | 3-minute walk from Gojo Station | | Selection | 500+ kimonos | | Services | Hair styling, makeup, professional photography available | **Return options:** Same-day return by 5:30 PM, next-day return (additional fee), or mail return (additional fee). [Book Yumeyakata Kimono Rental](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1079-one-day-kimono-rental-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Kimono Miyabi Kyoto (Budget-Friendly) ![Kimono Miyabi](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/illwmg9xzsl3sqpxf8q5.jpg) Kimono Miyabi offers excellent value with professional service and a wide selection. Their multilingual staff makes the experience comfortable for international visitors. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------- | | Price | From $15.95 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.8/5 (3,872 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Location | Kiyomizu Temple area | | Selection | 200+ kimonos including Furisode | | Note | Yukata provided June 1 - September 15 | **Best for:** Budget-conscious travelers who still want quality. Professional hair styling and makeup services available as add-ons. [Book Kimono Miyabi](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/27810-kimono-yukata-rental-miyabi-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Okimono Kimono Rental Kiyomizu Temple ![Okimono Kimono](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/kujcj0z1qdrqnin7plpm.jpg) Located steps from Kiyomizu Temple, this shop offers convenience and quality. Multilingual staff (Chinese, Cantonese, English, Japanese, Korean) ensure smooth communication. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ----------------------------------------- | | Price | From $17.45 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.7/5 (3,676 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Location | Higashiyama District near Kiyomizu Temple | | Selection | Hundreds of latest Japanese kimono styles | | Return | Same day by 5 PM or next day (small fee) | [Book Okimono Kimono Rental](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/2826-kimono-ok-kimono-rental-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### MOCOMOCO Kimono Kiyomizu-dera (800+ Options) ![MOCOMOCO Kimono](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/curptwfxukodhojw00ng.jpg) MOCOMOCO stands out with over 800 kimono options including trendy lace kimonos, traditional styles, and seasonal yukatas. Multiple store locations allow convenient cross-store returns. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | Price | From $17.55 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.9/5 (2,051 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Selection | 800+ kimonos including lace, retro, antique styles | | Stores | Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, Yasaka Shrine Gion, Fushimi Inari | | Languages | Chinese, Japanese, English | **Unique feature:** Free cross-store returns between all four locations. Start at Kiyomizu-dera, walk to Gion, and return your kimono at the Yasaka Shrine store. [Book MOCOMOCO Kimono](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/141642-kyoto-kiyomizudera-kimono-yukata-makeup-outdoor-photography-mocomoco/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Kimono Momoka (Top-Rated Experience) ![Kimono Momoka](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/u8eu5yatls06jvolilrx.jpg) Kimono Momoka earns a perfect 5.0 rating with transparent pricing that includes accessories and basic hairstyling. Their selection includes vintage, cute, and Taisho Romanesque pure silk kimonos. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------- | | Price | From $24.25 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 5.0/5 (2,287 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (7 days notice) | | Includes | Accessories, basic hairstyling | | Photography | Professional outdoor shoots available | | Return | Same day by 5 PM | **What's included:** No hidden fees. Transparent pricing covers accessories and basic hairstyling (excluding small pattern styles). Photography plans start 2 hours after your kimono appointment. [Book Kimono Momoka](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/97138-kimono-rental-momoka-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Rental Kimono First (1,000+ Selection) ![Rental Kimono First](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/ycfu97yktjttu1gxggqs.jpg) With over 1,000 kimonos and new patterns added regularly, Rental Kimono First offers one of Kyoto's largest selections. Located near Kiyomizu Temple with convenient walking access to major attractions. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $35.05 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.9/5 (1,804 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Selection | 1,000+ kimonos | | Note | Yukata and Komon same price, choose on arrival | | Languages | Chinese, English, Korean, Japanese | **Flexibility:** Cross-store returns, next-day returns, and hotel returns all available. Contact staff for photography bookings. [Book Rental Kimono First](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/87650-japanese-kimino-dressing-experience-kyoto-kiyomizudera/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ### Kimono Rental Kanwa Yasaka Shrine ![Kimono Kanwa](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/gdsp55gisurw44lzu13k.jpg) Conveniently located near Yasaka Shrine, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera. The spacious changing rooms allow private, comfortable dressing. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------ | | Price | From $17.79 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.9/5 (1,208 reviews) | | Cancellation | Free cancellation (24 hours notice) | | Location | Gion area, walking distance to major sites | | Bonus | No extra charge for next-day returns | | Languages | Japanese, Chinese, English | [Book Kimono Kanwa](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/92089-kimono-rental-kanwa-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ## Kimono Rental Comparison Table | Provider | Price | Rating | Selection | Best For | | ------------------- | ------ | ------ | ------------ | ------------------------------- | | Kimono Miyabi | $15.95 | 4.8/5 | 200+ | Budget travelers | | Okimono | $17.45 | 4.7/5 | Hundreds | Kiyomizu Temple convenience | | MOCOMOCO | $17.55 | 4.9/5 | 800+ | Cross-store flexibility | | Kimono Kanwa | $17.79 | 4.9/5 | Good | Yasaka Shrine area | | Yumeyakata | $21.05 | 4.7/5 | 500+ | Traditional heritage experience | | Kimono Momoka | $24.25 | 5.0/5 | Vintage/silk | Premium quality, photography | | Rental Kimono First | $35.05 | 4.9/5 | 1,000+ | Largest selection | --- ## Kyoto Tower Observation Deck ![Kyoto Tower](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/hwdvl5mgbmhgjpymvf8x.jpg) Standing at 131 meters, Nidec Kyoto Tower is Kyoto's tallest structure and offers 360-degree panoramic views of the ancient capital. Located directly across from Kyoto Station, it's the perfect first or last stop on your Kyoto itinerary. | Detail | Information | | ------------ | --------------------------------------------------- | | Price | From $5.75 USD | | Rating | ⭐ 4.6/5 (2,227 reviews) | | Cancellation | No cancellation | | Hours | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (last entry 20 min before close) | | Location | Directly north of Kyoto Station | **What you'll see:** Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Mt. Hiei, Toji Temple, and on clear days, views stretching to Osaka. Free telescopes and interactive touch panels identify landmarks. **Building amenities:** Sky Lounge Bar, souvenir shops, restaurants, and cultural activity workshops including fake food making and kimono rental. [Book Kyoto Tower Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1464-kyoto-tower-admission-ticket-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** --- ## Staying Connected in Kyoto Reliable internet is essential for navigating Kyoto's temples and translating menus at local restaurants. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited data across Japan, running on the KDDI network with 3G/4G/5G speeds. | Plan Duration | Price | Daily Rate | | ------------- | ---------- | ---------- | | 1 day | $3.90 USD | $3.90/day | | 7 days | $27.30 USD | $3.90/day | | 14 days | $47.90 USD | $3.42/day | | 30 days | $74.90 USD | $2.50/day | Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off all Holafly plans. For stays longer than 30 days, consider Holafly's [Global Monthly Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) at $64.90/month for unlimited data worldwide. Alternatively, [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers pocket WiFi devices with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off. --- ## How to Book Kyoto Activities on Klook 1. Visit [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com&ref=adamandlinds.com) and search for your desired activity 2. Select your preferred date and number of participants 3. Enter discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout 4. Receive instant confirmation via email 5. Show your e-voucher on your phone at the activity location Most Kyoto activities on Klook offer free cancellation with 24-48 hours notice, making it easy to adjust plans if your itinerary changes. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best time to visit Kyoto? Spring (late March to early May) offers cherry blossoms while autumn (mid-November to early December) showcases stunning fall foliage. Summer is hot and humid but less crowded. Winter provides peaceful temple visits with occasional snow. ### How many days do you need in Kyoto? Most travelers spend 2-3 days in Kyoto, though a week allows deeper exploration. One day covers Fushimi Inari and central Kyoto, a second day handles Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji, and additional days can include Nara day trips, Amanohashidate, or slow exploration of Gion. ### Is Kyoto good for families with kids? Kyoto is excellent for families. Feeding deer in Nara, riding the Sagano Scenic Railway, and dressing in kimonos create memorable experiences for children. The city's walkability and clean public transportation make navigation straightforward. ### How do I get from Osaka to Kyoto? The JR Special Rapid train connects Osaka Station to Kyoto Station in approximately 30 minutes for around 570 yen. Many tours include pickup from both Osaka and Kyoto for convenience. ### What should I wear to temples in Kyoto? Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential as you'll remove them frequently at temple entrances. Renting a kimono handles dress codes automatically and creates wonderful photos. ### Do I need to book activities in advance? During peak seasons (cherry blossom, fall foliage, Golden Week), advance booking is strongly recommended. Popular kimono rentals and day tours can sell out weeks ahead. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on Klook for easy advance booking with flexible cancellation. --- ## Plan Your Kyoto Trip Ready to explore Kyoto? Here are our top recommendations by travel style. **First-time visitors:** Book the [Kyoto & Nara Day Trip](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/110001-kyoto-nara-deer-arashiyama-train-cherry-blossom-one-day-tour/&ref=adamandlinds.com) to cover the highlights, then add a [kimono rental](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/27810-kimono-yukata-rental-miyabi-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) for your second day exploring Gion and Kiyomizu-dera. **Off-the-beaten-path seekers:** The [Amanohashidate & Ine Boathouse tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/88701-amanohashidate-kasamatsu-park-ine-no-funaya-join-day-bus-tour-osaka/&ref=adamandlinds.com) showcases a side of Kyoto Prefecture most tourists never see. **Foodies:** The [Kyoto & Uji tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/122392-kinkakuji-kiyomizudera-uji-river-byodoin-one-day-tour/&ref=adamandlinds.com) combines temples with Japan's matcha capital. **Photography enthusiasts:** Invest in [Kimono Momoka](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/97138-kimono-rental-momoka-kyoto/&ref=adamandlinds.com) with their professional outdoor photography package for stunning kimono portraits. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on all Klook bookings for exclusive savings. --- [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) **Need help planning your Japan itinerary? Lindsay offers personalized travel planning services at* [**lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel*](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel)**.* [Contact Her ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- **FTC Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend activities and services we've personally experienced or thoroughly researched. Our family has spent months traveling through Japan and these recommendations reflect genuine insights from our travels. All opinions are our own. ### teamLab Biovortex Kyoto Tickets 2026: Complete Guide to Japan's Largest Digital Art Museum URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-biovortex-kyoto-tickets-discount-guide-2026/ Last updated: 2026-01-06T10:41:23.000Z Japan's newest cultural phenomenon isn't a temple or garden but a 10,000-square-meter universe of light, color, and interactive art. teamLab Biovortex Kyoto opened in October 2025 and has quickly become one of the most sought-after attractions in the country, with tickets frequently selling out weeks in advance. We've been tracking teamLab exhibitions since our first visit to Tokyo DisneySea back in 2022, and this Kyoto installation represents something genuinely different from what came before. The museum houses over 50 immersive artworks across four floors, including several world premieres you won't find anywhere else on the planet. **Get Discounted Tickets:** [Book teamLab Biovortex Kyoto on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1189225&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for the best available rates with instant confirmation. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/ckmujw8p1ieghgonkctb.webp) ## What Makes teamLab Biovortex Kyoto Different teamLab Biovortex Kyoto isn't simply another branch of the Tokyo museums. The concept here revolves around "Environmental Phenomena," where artworks exist through their interaction with air, light, water, and bubbles rather than traditional solid materials. The installations shift and change continuously based on their surroundings and the presence of visitors. The museum's name, "Biovortex," captures this philosophy. You're walking through living systems of energy and light that respond to your movement, creating an experience that's never quite the same twice. When Lily, Cora, and Harper eventually visit with us on our next Japan trip, they'll likely see something entirely different from what we'd experience today. This is the largest teamLab exhibition in Japan, spanning more than 10,000 square meters (about 107,000 square feet) across four floors. For context, that's significantly larger than both teamLab Borderless and teamLab Planets in Tokyo combined. ## teamLab Biovortex Kyoto Ticket Information | Ticket Type | Price (JPY) | Price (USD) | | ---------------- | --------------- | ----------- | | Adults (18+) | ¥3,600 - ¥5,200 | \~$23 - $34 | | Youth (13-17) | ¥2,800 | \~$18 | | Children (4-12) | ¥1,800 | \~$12 | | Under 3 | Free | Free | | Disability | 50% off adult | \- | | On-site purchase | +¥200 | +\~$1.30 | | Flexible Pass | ¥12,000 | \~$78 | Prices vary based on date, time slot, and demand. Weekends and Japanese holidays command higher prices, while weekday mornings typically offer the best rates. The Flexible Pass allows entry at any time on your chosen date but costs roughly three times the standard admission, so we'd only recommend it if your schedule is truly unpredictable. **Pro tip:** Book through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1189225&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for instant confirmation. During peak travel seasons, official website tickets can sell out days or weeks ahead. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/tqoqyjr4f4jnfmvoop3f.webp) ## Must-See Installations at teamLab Biovortex Kyoto With over 50 artworks spread across four floors, it's impossible to cover everything here. These are the installations generating the most buzz and the ones we'd prioritize on a first visit. ### Massless Amorphous Sculpture This floating mass of soap bubbles defies everything you expect from art. The sculpture hovers mid-air, continuously shifting shape based on air currents and the movement of visitors. Touch it, and it reforms around your hand before restoring itself. The installation exists only through the interplay of water, air, and motion, making its edges deliberately ambiguous. It's a world premiere that you won't find at any other teamLab location. ### Morphing Continuum Imagine standing in the center of a swirling storm of illuminated spheres. Thousands of lightweight balls dance around you, shifting colors and patterns in sync with the music. Unlike the ball pits at other teamLab venues, Morphing Continuum uses the balls as a medium for light itself. Visitors describe it as stepping inside a living organism made of color and motion. ### Megaliths in the Eternal Existence of the Open Universe Towering pillars of luminous light pulse with cosmic rhythm in this installation. The monoliths appear solid but are constructed entirely from light projections that respond to visitor movement. Your shadow becomes part of the artwork, altering its form as you pass through. This piece connects teamLab's digital artistry with Kyoto's ancient stone garden traditions. ### Forest of Resonating Lamps Two separate lamp installations fill rooms with hundreds of hanging lanterns that respond to human presence. Approach a lamp, and it flares to life, triggering a cascade of color that ripples through neighboring lamps like waves in a pond. Each space uses different color palettes, from warm fire tones to cool water hues. ### The Eternal Universe of Words Housed within a mirrored hemisphere, this installation engulfs visitors in massive crimson calligraphy as bells toll and monks chant. The experience recalls Kyoto's temple precincts, bridging traditional Japanese aesthetics with cutting-edge digital art. Best experienced sitting down, as the scale can be vertigo-inducing. ### Infinite Crystal Universe Using countless points of light, this installation creates an endlessly expanding three-dimensional sculpture that feels both delicate and vast. Visitors can use their smartphones to introduce new elements that interact with existing forms and contributions from other visitors, so the installation continuously reshapes itself. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/01/ong69373qohqqy764dxs.webp) ## Athletics Forest and Future Park teamLab Biovortex Kyoto includes dedicated zones designed for active participation, making it particularly appealing for families traveling with children. **Athletics Forest** encourages visitors to experience spatial awareness through physical movement. The space features climbing structures, trampolines, and interactive floors that respond to footsteps. Note that anyone wearing high heels, sandals, or unstable footwear cannot enter this area. Sneakers are available for rent at the entrance, but quantities are limited. **Future Park** offers collaborative creative spaces where everyone can contribute to evolving artworks. The Sketch Factory within this area lets visitors draw creatures that get scanned and projected into the installations, then transformed into physical souvenirs like badges, towels, or t-shirts. ## Practical Information for Visiting ### Location and Getting There teamLab Biovortex Kyoto is located at 21-5 Higashikujo Higashi-Iwamotocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto. The museum sits about a 7-minute walk from the Hachijo East Gate of Kyoto Station, making it extremely accessible for travelers arriving by Shinkansen or local trains. From Shichijo Station on the Keihan Line, expect about an 11-minute walk. There's no dedicated parking for cars or motorcycles, so public transportation is strongly recommended. ### Opening Hours The museum operates daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with last entry at 7:30 PM. The Sketch Factory opens from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Opening hours can change, so check the official website before your visit. Closed days in early 2026 include January 15, January 27, February 3, February 10, and March 11, though these are subject to change. ### How Long to Spend Plan for a minimum of 3-4 hours to experience the highlights. If you want to fully immerse yourself in every installation, interact with the educational zones, and take photos without rushing, budget 4-5 hours. The maze-like layout means you'll naturally discover new spaces even on a second or third loop through. ### What to Wear Comfort matters here. Wear soft, stable shoes like trainers or sneakers. High heels and sandals won't be permitted in certain areas, and while rental sneakers are available, they're limited in quantity and style. The museum has mirror floors in several installations, so avoid short skirts unless you're comfortable with that or bring shorts to wear underneath. Wrap skirts are available to borrow near affected artworks. For photos, light-colored clothes will help you stand out against the dark, immersive backgrounds. Black clothing tends to blend into the projections. ### What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind) Leave bulky bags, strollers, and luggage in the free lockers near the entrance. The museum doesn't allow umbrellas, food, drinks without lids, fresh flowers, or anything with strong smells inside the exhibition spaces. Download the teamLab app before your visit. It provides detailed information about each artwork and enhances interaction with certain installations. ## Best Time to Visit teamLab Biovortex Kyoto **Ideal timing:** Weekday mornings at opening (9:00 AM). The first time slot typically has the smallest crowds, and you can experience popular rooms like Forest of Resonating Lamps with fewer people in your photos. **Alternative option:** Evening slots around 5:00-6:00 PM or 3-4 hours before closing often see a decrease in crowds as families with young children leave. **Avoid if possible:** Weekends, Japanese public holidays, and school vacation periods draw the largest crowds. That said, even sold-out Saturday visits remain manageable according to recent visitor reviews. Arriving 20-30 minutes before your time slot ensures you'll be among the first inside. Early entry gives you a window to experience the most popular installations before the space fills up. ## Other teamLab Locations in Japan If teamLab Biovortex Kyoto captures your imagination, Japan offers several other teamLab experiences, each with unique installations and concepts. ### teamLab Planets TOKYO | Detail | Information | | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Location | Toyosu, Tokyo | | Ticket Price | From $24.25 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (18,000+ reviews) | | Highlights | Water installations, barefoot experience, new Forest Area (Jan 2025) | [Book teamLab Planets Tokyo tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) teamLab Planets focuses on a "body immersive" experience where visitors wade barefoot through water, walk on reflective surfaces, and physically interact with the art. The new Forest Area opened in January 2025, adding fresh installations to this already popular venue. ### teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Location | Nagai Botanical Garden, Osaka | | Ticket Price | From $11.49 USD | | Rating | 4.4/5 (7,200+ reviews) | | Highlights | Outdoor nighttime experience, resonating ovoids, floating lamps on water | [Book teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F73632-teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) This outdoor installation transforms the botanical garden after dark. Flowers, plants, and the surrounding landscape light up as part of the artwork, with installations that shift based on wind, rain, and visitor movement. ### teamLab Forest Fukuoka | Detail | Information | | ------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Location | Boss E.ZO FUKUOKA, Fukuoka | | Ticket Price | From $15.29 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (1,600+ reviews) | | Highlights | Catch and Collect Forest, Forest of Motion, smartphone app interaction | [Book teamLab Forest Fukuoka tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F51227-teamlab-forest-fukuoka%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) Located on the grounds of MIZUHO PayPay Dome Fukuoka, this museum divides into two sections: "Catch and Collect Forest" where visitors use an app to capture digital animals, and "Forest of Motion" focused on physical interaction with the artworks. ### teamLab Future Park Okinawa | Detail | Information | | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Location | T Galleria Okinawa, Naha | | Ticket Price | From $12.75 USD | | Rating | 4.8/5 (445 reviews) | | Highlights | Educational focus, Sketch Aquarium, Light Ball Orchestra | [Book teamLab Future Park Okinawa tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F98927-teamlab-future-park-okinawa%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) This educational project based on "co-creation" is particularly popular with families. The Sketch Aquarium lets children draw fish that then swim in a giant digital aquarium, while the Sketch Factory turns drawings into physical souvenirs. ### teamLab SuperNature Macao | Detail | Information | | ------------ | -------------------------------------------------------- | | Location | The Venetian Macao | | Ticket Price | From $22.05 USD | | Rating | 4.7/5 (2,800+ reviews) | | Highlights | 8-meter-tall works, Floating Flower Garden, EN TEA HOUSE | [Book teamLab SuperNature Macao tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F33776-teamlab-supernature-macao-ticket%2F%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) For those traveling through Hong Kong or Macao, this 5,000-square-meter installation features enormous 8-meter-tall works. The Floating Flower Garden contains over 8,000 living orchids that bloom in mid-air as if floating in space. ## Staying Connected in Japan Japan's digital infrastructure supports excellent connectivity, but international roaming charges can quickly add up for a family. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited data throughout Japan, which proved essential when navigating between attractions, translating menus, and keeping the kids entertained during long train rides. | Plan Duration | Price | Daily Cost | | ------------- | ------ | ---------- | | 5 days | $20.90 | $4.18/day | | 7 days | $27.30 | $3.90/day | | 14 days | $47.90 | $3.42/day | | 30 days | $74.90 | $2.50/day | Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any Holafly eSIM plan. For trips exceeding 30 days, the [Holafly Monthly Global Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) offers better value at $49.90/month (25GB) or $64.90/month (unlimited). The Holafly Japan eSIM runs on the KDDI network, providing excellent coverage in urban areas like Kyoto and throughout the Shinkansen network. Installation takes about 5 minutes via QR code, and activation happens automatically when you land. ## Planning Your Kyoto Trip teamLab Biovortex Kyoto works brilliantly as either a standalone attraction or part of a broader Kyoto itinerary. The museum's location near Kyoto Station makes it easy to combine with traditional sightseeing. In 2026, another immersive art museum called "Superblue Kyoto" will open nearby, creating an emerging creative district southeast of the station. For now, Kyoto Tower offers excellent views and several shopping complexes provide dining and entertainment options within walking distance. If you're planning a multi-city Japan trip, consider that teamLab exhibitions exist across Tokyo (Planets and Borderless), Osaka (Botanical Garden), Fukuoka (Forest), and Okinawa (Future Park). Each offers distinct experiences, though Biovortex Kyoto now stands as the largest and most comprehensive collection of teamLab's work in the country. **Need help planning your Japan itinerary?** Lindsay offers personalized travel planning services for families. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for custom trip design that incorporates teamLab visits alongside traditional Japanese experiences. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How much are teamLab Biovortex Kyoto tickets in 2026? Adult tickets for teamLab Biovortex Kyoto cost between ¥3,600 and ¥5,200 ($23-$34 USD) depending on the date and time slot. Youth tickets (13-17) cost ¥2,800 (\~$18), children (4-12) pay ¥1,800 (\~$12), and children under 3 enter free. Prices are higher on weekends and holidays. ### How do I get to teamLab Biovortex Kyoto from Kyoto Station? teamLab Biovortex Kyoto is a 7-minute walk from the Hachijo East Gate of Kyoto Station. Head southwest from the station following signs toward Minami-ku. The address is 21-5 Higashikujo Higashi-Iwamotocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto. ### How long should I spend at teamLab Biovortex Kyoto? Plan for 3-4 hours minimum to see the highlights. For a complete experience including Athletics Forest and Future Park, allow 4-5 hours. The 10,000-square-meter space with 50+ artworks rewards unhurried exploration. ### Can I buy teamLab Biovortex Kyoto tickets at the door? Yes, if tickets aren't sold out, you can purchase them on-site for an additional ¥200 fee. However, tickets frequently sell out in advance, especially on weekends. We recommend booking through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1189225&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for guaranteed entry. ### Is teamLab Biovortex Kyoto good for kids? Yes, teamLab Biovortex Kyoto is excellent for families. The Athletics Forest zone offers climbing structures and interactive floors, while Future Park provides collaborative creative spaces. The Sketch Factory lets children turn their drawings into souvenirs. Children under 3 enter free. ### What should I wear to teamLab Biovortex Kyoto? Wear comfortable, stable shoes like trainers or sneakers. High heels and sandals aren't permitted in some areas. Avoid short skirts due to mirror floors (wrap skirts available to borrow). Light-colored clothes photograph better against the dark, immersive backgrounds. ### Is teamLab Biovortex Kyoto better than teamLab Planets Tokyo? teamLab Biovortex Kyoto is larger (10,000 sq m vs. Planets' smaller footprint) and features exclusive artworks not found elsewhere. However, teamLab Planets offers unique water-based installations experienced barefoot. Many teamLab enthusiasts recommend visiting both for different experiences. ### What's the best time to visit teamLab Biovortex Kyoto? Weekday mornings at the 9:00 AM opening offer the smallest crowds. Evening slots (5-6 PM) also see reduced foot traffic. Avoid weekends, Japanese holidays, and school vacation periods when possible. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links or use our discount codes, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own based on our extensive travel experience across 33+ countries.* ### Best eSIM for Thailand 2026: Holafly Discount Code ADAMANDLINDS (Save 5%) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:31.000Z Thailand is one of the easiest places in the world to stay online, and after more than 300 days here we do it the same way every trip. The [Holafly Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) gives our family of five unlimited data on the True and DTAC networks with 4G LTE and 5G, from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to the southern islands. ### Holafly Thailand eSIM Unlimited data on True and DTAC, delivered to your phone before you fly. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your Thailand eSIM. [Get your Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F) ![Adam takes a GoPro selfie in turquoise water surrounded by the whole family in orange life jackets, with longtail boats and limestone cliffs visible in the background.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/6e51632e-e76b-407c-a317-59cf58e92fe2.jpg) January off Ao Nang, the whole crew in life jackets with the longtail boats behind us. Booked the boat that morning on the phone, over the eSIM. ## Why Holafly is the Best eSIM for Thailand We spent over 300 days in Thailand across multiple visits, from our first month in Bangkok back in August 2022 to extended stays in Chiang Mai and island hopping through Krabi, Ao Nang, and Phuket. Reliable internet was not a luxury on any of those trips. It ran the maps, the menus, the Grab rides, and the video calls home. Holafly runs unlimited data on Thailand's True and DTAC networks, so there is no data cap to watch while you upload temple photos or video call the grandparents. That is the main reason it stays on our phones instead of a local tourist SIM. ### Why we use Holafly in Thailand - Unlimited data on True and DTAC, the whole family on one plan - Works the moment you land, no airport SIM counter - 500 MB per day hotspot for the kids' iPads (as of August 2026) - Keep your home number active on your other SIM - 24/7 English support by chat and WhatsApp [Get your Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F) | Feature | Holafly Thailand eSIM | | ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | | Data | Unlimited | | Network | True / DTAC | | Speed | 4G LTE / 5G | | Hotspot | 500 MB per day (Thailand destination eSIM, as of August 2026) | | Calls/SMS | Via apps only (WhatsApp, FaceTime) | | Installation | QR code or manual | | Delivery | Instant via email | | Refund Policy | Up to 6 months | ## Holafly Thailand eSIM Pricing 2026 Prices below are the current Thailand destination eSIM rates as of August 2026\. The **With ADAMANDLINDS** column shows the total after our 5% code at checkout, and the daily cost drops the longer you stay. | Duration | Regular Price | With ADAMANDLINDS | Daily Cost | | -------- | ------------- | ----------------- | ---------- | | 3 Days | $11.90 | $11.31 | $3.77 | | 5 Days | $20.50 | $19.48 | $3.90 | | 7 Days | $27.50 | $26.13 | $3.73 | | 10 Days | $36.50 | $34.68 | $3.47 | | 15 Days | $50.50 | $47.98 | $3.20 | | 30 Days | $73.90 | $70.21 | $2.34 | For a few days to a few weeks in Thailand, the destination eSIM above is the easiest call. If you are staying a month or more, plan to make or receive Thai calls or SMS (bank OTPs, Grab verifications, government forms, a landlord), or need a local Thai number for account signups, a local True or AIS SIM is worth the hassle. The Thailand destination eSIM is data-only and [does not give you a Thai number](https://adamandlinds.com/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/). ### Or step up to the Asia regional eSIM If your trip touches more than one country, Holafly's [Asia regional eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code&subId2=asia-regional-callout&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) covers Thailand plus China, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Macau, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan on a single eSIM. Same prices as the Thailand-only plan as of August 2026, so if your route runs through Da Nang or Kuala Lumpur or Tokyo, this is the obvious pick. | Duration | Asia regional price (Aug 2026) | | -------- | ------------------------------ | | 3 Days | $11.90 | | 5 Days | $20.50 | | 7 Days | $27.50 | | 10 Days | $36.50 | | 15 Days | $50.50 | | 30 Days | $73.90 | Once your trip crosses about 30 days, Holafly's [monthly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code&subId2=pricing-plans-callout&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) become the better math. A single subscription covers 160+ destinations across Europe and Asia at a fixed monthly rate, and you can cancel after one month if you only need it for a single long trip. We run the Unlimited tier and keep it going between trips for the [1GB Always On fallback](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/). ## How to Set Up Your Thailand eSIM Setting up a Holafly eSIM takes less than five minutes. Our nine-year-old Lily has done it enough times that she could probably walk you through it herself. 1. ### Buy your eSIM before you fly Purchase the Thailand eSIM at Holafly using code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. The QR code lands in your email within minutes. 2. ### Install it at home Go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add eSIM and scan the QR code, or enter the details manually. Name the line something obvious like Thailand Holafly. 3. ### Turn on data roaming when you land Enable data roaming for the Holafly line once you touch down in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Leave your home SIM active for calls and texts. 4. ### Connect and go The eSIM activates on its own once you arrive and switch on roaming. There is nothing else to do. [Get your Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code&subId2=inline-2&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F) ## Thailand eSIM Coverage: What to Expect True and DTAC cover Thailand's cities and tourist areas well. Here is how the connection held up for us across different parts of the country. ![A wide rooftop view over Chiang Mai](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/4a83ca4a-6bea-4a07-967d-fe66c24df603.jpg) The view from our Chiang Mai place at dusk, Doi Suthep on the horizon. We worked remotely from here for four months without a coverage complaint. **Excellent coverage.** Bangkok is fast and reliable everywhere from the Grand Palace to Chatuchak Weekend Market. We never had trouble streaming or uploading in the capital. Chiang Mai's Old City, Night Bazaar, and the surrounding neighborhoods were just as solid across four months of remote work. **Good coverage.** The southern islands including Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samui hold strong signals in the tourist areas. Ao Nang was fine across our two-week stay, and Patong Beach on Phuket had no issues. **Variable coverage.** Jungle treks near Chiang Rai, small islands, and deep rural or mountain areas can drop to a weak signal. That is true of every provider in Thailand, not just Holafly. ## Comparing Holafly to Local Thai SIM Cards Before eSIMs got reliable, we bought local SIM cards at Bangkok's airports. That meant a line, passports, a form, and hoping the staff spoke enough English to sort out the right plan. With three tired kids after a long flight, it was never the fun part of the trip. ![Adam smiling in a selfie on a river boat at night with the illuminated spires of Wat Arun reflected in the Chao Phraya River behind him.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/25b05938-9b3f-4691-8061-63ce1ed9785a.jpg) Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya from a river boat in Bangkok. The eSIM was already running before we left the airport. | Factor | Holafly eSIM | Local Thai SIM | | ----------------- | ----------------------- | ------------------------ | | Setup Time | 5 minutes before travel | 20-45 minutes at airport | | Language Barriers | None | Possible | | Passport Required | No | Yes | | Keep Home Number | Yes (dual SIM) | Separate device needed | | Unlimited Data | Yes | Usually capped | | Thai Phone Number | No | Yes | | 24/7 Support | English chat | Limited | The convenience is most of the case, but unlimited data seals it. Thai tourist SIMs usually come with a cap, and topping up means finding a 7-Eleven and working through Thai-language menus. **When a local Thai SIM does make sense.** If you are staying a month or longer, need a Thai number for Grab, banks, or a lease, or need to receive Thai SMS one-time passwords, a True or AIS SIM from the airport 7-Eleven or a mall booth is the honest answer. Bring your passport, expect 20 to 30 minutes at the counter, and budget 300 to 500 baht for a tourist bundle. For the two-week family loops through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and the islands, we still reach for the eSIM every time. ## What You Can Do with Unlimited Data in Thailand Thailand is one of those places where a reliable connection changes the day. Here is where the unlimited data actually earned its keep for us. ![A wide shot of the Kalare Night Market in Chiang Mai at dusk, with a large yellow sign reading Street Food at Kalare Night Market, crowded tables of diners, surrounding food stalls lit up, and an overcast evening sky above.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/d7327adb-505d-4b35-87bc-5fddd1da592d.jpg) Kalare Night Market in Chiang Mai at dusk, our favorite dinner spot before it closed. Maps got us there, translate ordered for us. **Navigation and transport.** Google Maps handled street food vendors, the Bangkok BTS and MRT, and directing Grab drivers to our door. We leaned on it constantly across the month-long stays. **Translation.** Thai script is beautiful and completely unreadable if you do not speak it. Google Translate's camera saved us at restaurants, shops, and any Thai-only sign. **Booking activities.** Sites like [Klook](https://www.klook.com/?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&ref=adamandlinds.com) (use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**) discount attractions across Thailand. Data lets you grab an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai or a floating market tour on the spot when the plan changes. **Staying connected.** WhatsApp and FaceTime work fine for calling home. The kids video chatted with grandparents from temples, night markets, and more hotel rooms than we can count. **Entertainment.** Long train rides between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, island ferries, and general downtime all run better with streaming. Netflix, YouTube, and downloads kept everyone sane on travel days. ## Tips for Using eSIM in Thailand **Install before departure.** Do not wait until you are at Suvarnabhumi with spotty WiFi and three cranky kids. Set it up at home where you have time to troubleshoot. **Keep your home SIM active.** The eSIM handles data while your regular number stays live for texts from airlines, banks, and family. Dual SIM means you do not have to choose. **Use the hotspot strategically.** As of August 2026 the Thailand destination eSIM includes a 500 MB daily hotspot, enough for the kids' iPads or a laptop for light use. Heavy streaming across devices can hit that, so lean on hotel WiFi for big downloads. Limits change, so check the [current Holafly Thailand product page](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code&subId2=hotspot-tip&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) if you are relying on it. **Download the Holafly app.** Managing the eSIM and checking remaining days is easier in the app than digging through phone settings. ## eSIM Compatible Phones for Thailand Most modern phones support eSIM. Confirm yours does before you buy. **iPhone.** iPhone XS, XR, and everything newer support eSIM. US iPhones since the iPhone 14 are eSIM-only with no physical SIM slot. **Samsung.** Galaxy S20 and newer, the Z Fold and Z Flip series, and the Galaxy A54 and A55 5G support eSIM. **Google Pixel.** Pixel 3 and everything newer work with eSIM. **Other brands.** Select OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, and Motorola models support eSIM. Check [Holafly's compatibility page](https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones/?ref=adamandlinds.com) if you are unsure. Your phone also needs to be carrier-unlocked to use an eSIM from another provider. ## Planning Your Thailand Trip Thailand works at any pace. Bangkok deserves at least a week for the temples, markets, and food alone. Chiang Mai is a different speed entirely, with its mountain setting, night bazaars, and easy reach to elephant sanctuaries and hill country. The southern islands, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui, and Koh Phi Phi, are the beaches Thailand is known for. Budget airlines and overnight trains connect the regions cheaply, and unlimited data makes last-minute changes painless. For families weighing a longer stay, Thailand is strong value. Our month in Chiang Mai cost a fraction of Europe or Japan, and the worldschooling, from cooking classes to temple visits to a bit of Thai, made it a rich stretch for the kids too. **Need help planning your Thailand trip?** Lindsay works as a travel advisor and would love to build your itinerary. Reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). FAQ ## Frequently Asked Questions The questions we get most before a Thailand trip. What is the best eSIM for Thailand in 2026? Holafly offers the best eSIM for Thailand with unlimited data on the True and DTAC networks. As of August 2026, the Thailand destination eSIM starts at $11.31 for three days with code ADAMANDLINDS, and works out to about $2.34 per day on the 30-day plan. It covers Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and other popular destinations on 4G LTE and 5G. How much does Holafly Thailand eSIM cost? As of August 2026, Holafly Thailand eSIM plans range from $11.31 for three days to $70.21 for 30 days with code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. Longer durations get a better daily rate, with the 30-day plan at about $2.34 per day. Does Holafly work well in Thailand? Yes. Holafly uses the True and DTAC networks, which provide strong coverage in urban areas, tourist destinations, and most of the country. Remote jungle and mountain areas can be weaker, but that applies to all providers. Can I use WhatsApp with Holafly in Thailand? Yes. WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom, and Skype all work normally over the unlimited data connection. Does Holafly Thailand include hotspot? As of August 2026, the Holafly Thailand destination eSIM includes 500 MB per day of hotspot data for sharing with tablets or laptops. Check the current Holafly Thailand product page before you buy in case the limit has changed. How do I activate my Thailand eSIM? Install it before traveling by scanning the QR code sent to your email. When you land in Thailand, enable data roaming for the Holafly line and it connects automatically. Is Holafly better than buying a Thai SIM card? For short and mid-length trips of a few days to a few weeks, yes: unlimited data, instant setup before travel, no language barriers, no passport registration, and you keep your home number active. For stays of a month or more, or when you need a Thai number for Grab, banks, a lease, or SMS one-time passwords, a local True or AIS SIM is the more honest answer. What network does Holafly use in Thailand? Holafly uses the True and DTAC networks in Thailand, two of the country's major mobile carriers with extensive 4G LTE and 5G coverage. Can I get a refund on my Holafly eSIM? Yes. Holafly offers refunds for up to 6 months after purchase if your plans change, your device is incompatible, or you have connection issues. Does Holafly Thailand include phone calls? The Holafly Thailand destination eSIM is data-only. Traditional calls and SMS are not included and you do not get a Thai number, but you can call through WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, and other apps over your data. If you specifically need a Thai number, buy a True or AIS SIM in country. ### Related Reading [Do You Keep Your Phone Number with Holafly?](https://adamandlinds.com/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/)[Holafly Always On: the 1GB fallback](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/)[Holafly South Korea eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide/)[What are the disadvantages of Holafly?](https://adamandlinds.com/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-holafly/) ### Get connected in Thailand Unlimited data on True and DTAC, delivered before you fly. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. [Get your Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=best-esim-thailand-holafly-coupon-code&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F)[How Always On keeps you covered](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) This post contains affiliate links. If you buy a Holafly eSIM through our links using code ADAMANDLINDS, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Holafly has kept us connected across hundreds of days in Thailand and dozens more countries in Europe and Asia. All opinions are our own. ### Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai 2026: Complete Klook Activity Guide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-things-to-do-in-chiang-mai-2026-klook-guide/ Last updated: 2026-01-03T10:06:51.000Z Chiang Mai sits in the mountains of Northern Thailand like a well-kept secret that everyone somehow knows about. The city draws families, backpackers, and digital nomads alike with its mix of ancient temples, jungle adventures, and some of the best food in Southeast Asia. We've spent more time here than anywhere else on our travels, and these are the experiences worth booking. **Save on every activity:** Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout on [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com&ref=adamandlinds.com) for exclusive discounts on Chiang Mai tours and experiences. ## Elephant Jungle Sanctuary: Ethical Wildlife Experience The [Elephant Jungle Sanctuary](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3631-elephant-jungle-sanctuary-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers something increasingly rare in Southeast Asia: an ethical way to interact with elephants. This sanctuary has passed Klook's onsite welfare assessment, which matters when you're trying to teach your kids about responsible tourism. The experience starts with traditional Karen tribe clothing and information about elephant diet and care. You'll help prepare food and feed the elephants directly, which creates the kind of connection that riding never could. The mud spa session sounds messy because it is, but watching elephants roll around in mud while your kids do the same thing nearby creates memories that stick. | Price | Rating | Duration | Includes | | --------------- | --------------------- | -------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | From $21.95 USD | 4.8/5 (2,939 reviews) | Half day or full day | Roundtrip transportation, Thai meal, activities | ![Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Activities](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/uh5bvwai9yja8r6k6lbs.jpg) The river bathing portion gives everyone a chance to cool off while helping the elephants do the same. Kids particularly love this part, though be prepared for wet clothes and enormous smiles. [Book Elephant Jungle Sanctuary →](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3631-elephant-jungle-sanctuary-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Jungle Flight Zipline Adventure ![Jungle Flight Zipline Chiang Mai](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/txtjklx3bjrewkzqmeob.jpg) For families with kids who need to burn energy (so, all families), [Jungle Flight](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3475-jungle-flight-zipline-adventure-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) delivers three hours of controlled chaos through the Northern Thailand canopy. The course includes up to 34 platforms and 22 ziplines, which means plenty of opportunities for that initial nervous hesitation to transform into requests for "one more time." The safety briefing covers everything from harness adjustment to emergency procedures, and the equipment meets international standards. This matters more than you might think when you're watching your 8-year-old launch herself across a jungle valley. | Price | Rating | Duration | Includes | | --------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | -------------------------------------------- | | From $66.85 USD | 4.8/5 (1,089 reviews) | Approximately 3 hours | Hotel pickup, safety equipment, buffet lunch | The zipline rollercoaster option adds speed for those who find regular ziplining insufficiently terrifying. The buffet lunch afterward provides fuel for the inevitable detailed retelling of every single zipline, platform by platform. [Book Jungle Flight Zipline →](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3475-jungle-flight-zipline-adventure-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Skyline Jungle Luge Adventure ![Skyline Jungle Luge Chiang Mai](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/qqiex9xlbvmlxgrdm6ea.jpg) The [Skyline Adventure](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/9354-skyline-adventure-zipline-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) combines ziplines with something unusual: a 2,100-meter jungle luge course. The luge originated in New Zealand and works on gravity, though these carts have been modified with three-point disc brakes for better control on the winding forest tracks. The 900-meter zipline stretches across the valley and ranks among the longest in the region. The combination of controlled luge racing through the trees and soaring above the canopy hits different adventure preferences within the same experience. | Price | Rating | Duration | Location | | --------------- | ------------------- | -------- | ---------------------------------- | | From $58.45 USD | 4.9/5 (710 reviews) | Half day | Pa Pan Village, Doi Saket District | ![Skyline Adventure Luge Track](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/mxc45jeataqmh0gcfhel.jpg) The luge portion gives kids (and adults pretending not to compete) a chance to race through the forest conservation village. Speed varies based on how much you trust the brakes, which is to say adults tend to go slower than children. [Book Skyline Jungle Luge →](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/9354-skyline-adventure-zipline-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Thai Cooking Classes ### Grandma's Home Cooking School ![Grandma's Home Cooking School](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/sxppqvs6ognfrv8pf3qc.jpg) [Grandma's Home Cooking School](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6936-grandmas-home-cooking-school-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) teaches proper Thai cooking techniques in small groups. The class starts at a local market where you'll select ingredients, then moves to an organic farm tour before the actual cooking begins. Each person gets their own cooking station, which means no hovering over shared equipment while someone else takes forever with the wok. You'll learn to make curry paste from scratch, which sounds intimidating until you realize it mostly involves a mortar, pestle, and persistence. | Price | Rating | Duration | Dietary Options | | --------------- | --------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------ | | From $17.50 USD | 4.9/5 (1,603 reviews) | Half day or full day | Gluten-free and vegetarian available | ![Thai Cooking Class Ingredients](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/irca6h3iodqu98pxrt1z.jpg) The Lanna package adds charcoal grill lighting and Thai coconut pancake making, which provides useful skills for showing off at home. Free pickup within 10km of Chiang Mai city center eliminates the transportation logistics. [Book Grandma's Cooking School →](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6936-grandmas-home-cooking-school-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Baan Farm Thai Cooking School ![Baan Farm Cooking School](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/bhuo5cntduierlq3gh9o.jpg) [Baan Farm](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/38742-baan-farm-thai-cooking-school/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) takes the farm-to-table concept seriously by having you pick organic ingredients directly from the garden. The setting offers fresh air and mountain views, which improves the cooking experience or at least provides nice scenery while you burn the garlic. You'll prepare five dishes of your choosing, with guidance from instructors who understand that not everyone arrives with knife skills. The local market visit beforehand shows where ingredients come from when gardens aren't available. | Price | Rating | Duration | Includes | | --------------- | ------------------- | -------- | --------------------------------- | | From $31.85 USD | 4.9/5 (264 reviews) | Half day | Market visit, farm tour, 5 dishes | [Book Baan Farm Cooking →](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/38742-baan-farm-thai-cooking-school/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Doi Inthanon National Park Tour ![Doi Inthanon National Park](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/k4u2ilt0kamxtvvtn2vc.jpg) [Doi Inthanon](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66824-doi-inthanon-nationalpark-fullday-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) holds Thailand's highest point at 2,565 meters, which provides a welcome break from lowland heat. The full-day tour covers the Twin Pagodas, Angka Nature Trail, Wachirathan Waterfall, and a hill tribe village visit. The drive takes time, but the temperature drop as you climb makes the journey worthwhile. At the summit, the air feels different enough that you might briefly forget you're in tropical Thailand. The Twin Pagodas honor the King and Queen and offer panoramic views when clouds cooperate. | Price | Rating | Duration | Includes | | --------------- | --------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------- | | From $46.15 USD | 4.7/5 (1,191 reviews) | Full day | Transportation, guide, national park fees | ![Doi Inthanon Twin Pagodas](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/vs4c9lsqsdzphy2mazhf.jpg) This tour operates through TripGuru, a GSTC-certified sustainable tour platform. They provide glass water bottles and carbon offsetting, which addresses environmental concerns without requiring much effort from participants. Last-minute booking works if you choose the meeting point option. [Book Doi Inthanon Tour →](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66824-doi-inthanon-nationalpark-fullday-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## 8Adventures: ATV, Rafting, and Trekking ![8Adventures ATV Chiang Mai](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/s9wpwpmxlt4pj5u7egtt.jpg) [8Adventures](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1976-atv-combo-8adventures-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) packs multiple adventure activities into one day: ATV riding through countryside, jungle trekking to see exotic flora and fauna, 31 zipline runs, and white water rafting down a mountain river. The company holds a reputation for safety practices and employs staff with world championship credentials, which sounds like marketing until you see their operation. The ATV portion covers terrain that regular vehicles can't handle, revealing countryside views typically missed by tourists. The rafting provides a wet conclusion to the day, which works well in Chiang Mai's warm climate. | Price | Rating | Duration | Includes | | ---------------- | ------------------- | -------- | ----------------------------------------- | | From $109.69 USD | 4.8/5 (170 reviews) | Full day | All activities, equipment, transportation | ![8Adventures Zipline and Rafting](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/wpn1gklti1axgokddjpq.jpg) This option suits travelers who want variety without booking multiple tours. The combination works particularly well for families with mixed interests, since someone inevitably prefers rafting to ziplining or vice versa. [Book 8Adventures Combo →](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1976-atv-combo-8adventures-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Paramotor Flying Experience ![Chiang Mai Paramotor](https://res.klook.com/image/upload/activities/lr9n8dmnlakq0pdkgr3s.jpg) [Chiang Mai Sky View Paramotor Academy](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66806-chiangmai-sky-view-paraplane/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers tandem paramotor flights with experienced instructors. The Duch Farm location in Sankampang provides open areas for takeoff and landing, plus views of Chiang Mai's landscape from an angle usually reserved for birds. No experience required since the instructor handles everything technical. You'll get a brief safety orientation before strapping in and launching. The flight time varies by package, but even short flights provide enough time to appreciate the perspective shift. | Price | Rating | Duration | Location | | ---------------- | ------------------- | ----------------- | -------------------------- | | From $111.45 USD | 4.7/5 (137 reviews) | Varies by package | Duch Farm, Sankampang area | This experience requires 48 hours notice for cancellation, which reflects the weather-dependent nature of paramotoring. Clear mornings typically offer the smoothest flights. [Book Paramotor Flight →](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66806-chiangmai-sky-view-paraplane/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Chiang Mai Activity Price Comparison | Activity | Price (USD) | Rating | Duration | Best For | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------ | ------ | ------------- | -------------------------- | | [Elephant Sanctuary](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3631-elephant-jungle-sanctuary-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $21.95 | 4.8/5 | Half/Full Day | Families, ethical wildlife | | [Grandma's Cooking](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/6936-grandmas-home-cooking-school-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $17.50 | 4.9/5 | Half/Full Day | Food lovers, all ages | | [Baan Farm Cooking](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/38742-baan-farm-thai-cooking-school/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $31.85 | 4.9/5 | Half Day | Farm experience | | [Doi Inthanon Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66824-doi-inthanon-nationalpark-fullday-tour/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $46.15 | 4.7/5 | Full Day | Nature, culture | | [Skyline Luge](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/9354-skyline-adventure-zipline-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $58.45 | 4.9/5 | Half Day | Adventure seekers | | [Jungle Flight](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/3475-jungle-flight-zipline-adventure-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $66.85 | 4.8/5 | 3 hours | Zipline enthusiasts | | [8Adventures Combo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1976-atv-combo-8adventures-chiang-mai/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $109.69 | 4.8/5 | Full Day | Multi-activity | | [Paramotor](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/66806-chiangmai-sky-view-paraplane/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | From $111.45 | 4.7/5 | Varies | Unique experience | ## Staying Connected in Chiang Mai Reliable internet makes booking activities, navigating to meeting points, and keeping kids entertained during transit significantly easier. A [Holafly Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/nXZnBX?ref=adamandlinds.com) provides unlimited data starting at $3.90 per day, with coverage across the TRUE network that works throughout Chiang Mai province. For stays exceeding 30 days, [Holafly's monthly global plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) offer better value at $49.90 for the Light Plan (25GB) or $64.90 for Unlimited data with global coverage. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off any Holafly eSIM purchase. ## Planning Your Chiang Mai Trip The best time to visit Chiang Mai falls between November and February when temperatures stay comfortable and rain becomes rare. March and April bring the burning season, which affects air quality significantly. The rainy season from June to October means afternoon showers but also greener landscapes and fewer crowds. Most tours include hotel pickup within Chiang Mai city limits. Confirm your accommodation falls within the pickup zone when booking, or arrange to meet at specified locations. For help planning a complete Thailand itinerary that fits your family's interests and timeline, contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning services. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the best activity in Chiang Mai for families with kids? The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary offers the most family-friendly experience in Chiang Mai, with ethical elephant interactions, mud spa sessions, and river bathing suitable for all ages. The experience includes roundtrip transportation and a Thai meal, starting from $21.95 per person. ### How much do Chiang Mai activities cost? Chiang Mai activities range from $17.50 for cooking classes to $111.45 for paramotor flights. Most zipline and adventure activities fall between $58 and $110 per person, while elephant sanctuary visits start around $22 per person. ### Is the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in Chiang Mai ethical? The Elephant Jungle Sanctuary has passed Klook's onsite welfare assessment for high animal welfare standards. The sanctuary focuses on feeding, bathing, and observing elephants rather than riding, which aligns with ethical wildlife tourism guidelines. ### What is the best zipline in Chiang Mai? Jungle Flight offers the most comprehensive zipline experience with 34 platforms and 22 ziplines, rated 4.8/5 from over 1,000 reviews. Skyline Adventure provides a unique combination of ziplines plus a 2,100-meter jungle luge course, rated 4.9/5. ### Do Chiang Mai tours include hotel pickup? Most Chiang Mai tours include complimentary hotel pickup within city limits. Cooking classes typically offer pickup within 10km of the city center. Always confirm pickup availability for your specific accommodation when booking. ### What is the best time to visit Chiang Mai? November through February offers the best weather in Chiang Mai with comfortable temperatures and minimal rain. Avoid March and April due to burning season smoke. The rainy season (June to October) brings afternoon showers but fewer tourists. ### Can I book Chiang Mai activities last minute? Many Chiang Mai activities accept same-day or next-day bookings through Klook. Doi Inthanon tours offer last-minute booking for meeting point options. Popular activities like the Elephant Sanctuary may require advance booking during peak season. ### How do I get a discount on Klook activities? Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout on Klook for discounts on Chiang Mai tours and activities. The code applies to most activities including elephant sanctuaries, ziplines, cooking classes, and day tours. --- *This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend activities we've personally experienced or thoroughly researched. All opinions remain our own.* ### Klook Discount Code 2026: Save on Universal Studios, Disney Parks & Top Asia Attractions URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-discount-code-universal-studios-disney-asia-theme-parks-2026/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:01.000Z Theme park tickets in Asia cost a small fortune when purchased at the gate. A family of five walking up to Universal Studios Japan or Tokyo Disney without advance tickets faces prices that could fund a week of accommodation in Southeast Asia. The good news: booking through Klook with our exclusive code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** unlocks savings on the most popular attractions across Asia and beyond. We've visited Universal Studios Japan three times, spent multiple days at Tokyo Disney Resort, and explored teamLab installations from Tokyo to Osaka. These experiences shaped some of our family's most memorable moments during our years of full-time travel. This guide breaks down the best theme park deals available through Klook in 2026, complete with pricing, tips, and the discount strategies that actually work. ### Klook Discount Code Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for savings on theme park tickets, day tours, transport passes, and experiences worldwide. [Browse Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Universal Studios Tickets: Japan, Singapore & Hollywood Universal Studios operates three parks across the Asia-Pacific region, each offering distinct experiences while sharing the beloved franchises that make Universal parks special. Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Jurassic World attractions draw millions of visitors annually, and booking in advance through Klook eliminates the stress of sold-out dates and walk-up pricing. ![green and pink inflatable balloons](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1612404806601-891ab0849ed2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fHVuaXZlcnNhbCUyMHN0dWRpb3MlMjBqYXBhbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjczNDkzOTl8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Roméo A.](https://unsplash.com/@gronemo?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) USJ consistently ranks among the world's best theme parks, and for good reason. Super Nintendo World transformed the park into a must-visit destination for families, while The Wizarding World of Harry Potter delivers magic that rivals the Orlando original. We've done USJ with our three daughters multiple times, and the Express Pass system makes all the difference between a frustrating day of queues and an action-packed adventure. Studio Pass ### From $12.79 General admission Good for budget visitors and quieter days when queues are manageable. [Book Studio Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Express Pass ### From $62.59 Skip-the-line access Worth it on busy days. With kids, the time saved in queues makes the premium worthwhile. [Book Express Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F3407-universal-studios-japan-express-pass-osaka%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Express Passes sell out weeks in advance during Japanese holidays and peak seasons. Book early through Klook to guarantee availability — with kids in tow, the time saved in queues makes the premium worth it. The Studio Pass provides park entry only, while Express Passes are add-ons that grant priority access to specific attractions. For Super Nintendo World, you'll need either an Express Pass with Nintendo World access or to secure a free timed-entry ticket through the USJ app on the day of your visit. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for your USJ tickets. ![a building with a sign that says universal studios singapore](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1647592720834-ffe28f6ddf75?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE0fHx1bml2ZXJzYWwlMjBzdHVkaW9zJTIwc2luZ2Fwb3JlfGVufDB8fHx8MTc2NzM0OTQxOHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Paras Kapoor](https://unsplash.com/@kapoorparas28?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Universal Studios Singapore Singapore's Universal Studios packs an impressive lineup into Sentosa Island, offering a more compact but equally entertaining experience compared to its Japanese counterpart. The park works well for families with younger children since the walkable size prevents exhaustion, and attractions span age ranges from toddler-friendly rides to adrenaline-pumping roller coasters. Universal Studios Singapore ### $63.05 One-Day Pass 4.8 stars from 105,000+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F117-universal-studios-singapore%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) USS pairs perfectly with other Sentosa attractions. The [Sentosa Discovery Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/5690-sentosa-discovery-pass/&ref=adamandlinds.com) bundles multiple attractions at a discount, while the [Klook Pass Singapore](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/12593-klook-pass-singapore/&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers flexible credits to use across dozens of experiences. ![blue and white globe on fountain during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1618945373370-7bde4f8dd9c3?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHVuaXZlcnNhbCUyMHN0dWRpb3MlMjBob2xseXdvb2R8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY3MzQ5NTMwfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Aditya Vyas](https://unsplash.com/@aditya1702?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Universal Studios Hollywood For families routing through Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood delivers the authentic studio tour experience alongside thrilling rides. The park underwent significant expansions in recent years, making it a full-day destination rather than a half-day diversion. Universal Studios Hollywood ### $95.55 General Admission 4.8 stars from 5,600+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F4099-universal-studios-hollywood-ticket-los-angeles%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Disney Parks Across Asia Disney operates parks in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, each offering unique attractions alongside classic Disney magic. Prices and experiences vary significantly between locations, making advance research essential for families choosing between destinations. ![Tokyo Disneyland signage](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1547782126-87bb2bead14e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHRva3lvJTIwZGlzbmV5bGFuZHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjczNDk1NTR8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Roméo A.](https://unsplash.com/@gronemo?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Tokyo Disney Resort Tokyo Disney operates two distinct parks: Disneyland and DisneySea. DisneySea exists nowhere else on Earth and consistently ranks among the world's best theme parks for its theming, attractions, and attention to detail. We've spent full days at both parks and still haven't experienced everything. Tokyo Disney Resort ### From $50.45 1-Day Passport Choose Disneyland or DisneySea. Book in advance — same-day tickets are rarely available. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Tokyo Disney tickets through Klook include free cancellation with 14 days notice, providing flexibility that direct bookings often lack. The 4.8-star rating from over 90,000 reviews reflects the seamless booking experience. **Which park to choose?** Disneyland Tokyo suits families with young children seeking classic Disney characters and familiar attractions. DisneySea appeals to older kids and adults with its unique theming, sophisticated attractions, and overall atmosphere. If visiting both parks over multiple days, start with DisneySea while energy levels peak. ![a crowd of people walking down a street next to tall buildings](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1701410478990-c44c24d9f6a1?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGhvbmclMjBrb25nJTIwZGlzbmV5fGVufDB8fHx8MTc2NzM0OTU3MXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Kit Ko](https://unsplash.com/@kokit1202?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Hong Kong Disneyland Hong Kong Disneyland celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025, and the park continues expanding with new attractions and experiences. The World of Frozen opened recently, bringing Arendelle to life in stunning detail. At $68.49 per ticket, Hong Kong offers Disney magic at prices lower than Tokyo or North American parks. Hong Kong Disneyland ### $68.49 1-Day Ticket 20th Anniversary experiences and World of Frozen included. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F39-hong-kong-disneyland-resort-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The free cancellation before redemption policy makes Hong Kong Disneyland bookings risk-free. With 185,000+ reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this ranks among Klook's most popular attractions globally. ![a group of stuffed animals on a balcony](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1663250422279-a039644fcbae?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEwfHxzaGFuZ2hhaSUyMGRpc25leWxhbmR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY3MzQ5NTg4fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Taha](https://unsplash.com/@exploringzhongguo?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Shanghai Disneyland Shanghai Disneyland offers the newest Disney castle in the world and attractions designed specifically for the Chinese market. The park sprawls across a massive footprint with unique rides you won't find elsewhere. At $39.25, it represents the most affordable Disney park ticket in Asia. Shanghai Disneyland ### $39.25 1-Day Ticket 4.8 stars from 21,900+ Klook reviews. We did this one — worth every yuan. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F2128-disney-resort-shang-hai%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Disneyland Paris For families traveling to Europe, Disneyland Paris delivers Disney magic with a distinctly European flair. The park works well as a stopover destination or a dedicated multi-day visit. Disneyland Paris ### $58.89 1-Day Ticket 4.8 stars from 8,900+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F3969-disneyland-resort-paris%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Disneyland California The original Disneyland in Anaheim holds special significance as Walt Disney's first theme park. Combined with Disney California Adventure, the resort offers two full parks worth of attractions. Disneyland California ### $102.85 1-Day Ticket 4.8 stars from 5,900+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F4100-disneyland-park-disney-california-adventure-park-los-angeles%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on any Disney park booking through Klook. ![a brightly lit room filled with lots of lights](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1643302528919-2fa617888ab1?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDl8fHRlYW0lMjBsYWJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY3MzQ5NjIwfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Yang🙋‍♂️🙏❤️ Song](https://unsplash.com/@starsy?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## teamLab Immersive Experiences teamLab installations have become bucket-list attractions for families visiting Japan. These digital art museums create interactive experiences where children become part of the artwork, making them uniquely engaging compared to traditional museums where touching is forbidden. ### teamLab Planets Tokyo teamLab Planets in Toyosu offers a barefoot journey through water and digital art. You'll wade through ankle-deep water, walk on surfaces that respond to your movements, and immerse yourself in infinite digital universes. Our kids talked about this experience for months afterward. teamLab Planets Tokyo ### $24.29 Admission Ticket 4.7 stars from 18,300+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Wear shorts or pants that roll up easily — you'll be wading through water in several installations. Towels are provided but there are no changing facilities on site. ### teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka Osaka's teamLab installation transforms the botanical garden into a nighttime wonderland of light and color. The outdoor setting provides a different experience from the enclosed Tokyo location. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka ### $11.49 Admission Ticket 4.4 stars from 7,200+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F73632-teamlab-botanical-garden-osaka%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### teamLab SuperNature Macao Macau's teamLab at The Venetian offers a massive 5,000 square meter space filled with immersive digital art. The casino resort setting means easy access for families already exploring Macau's attractions. teamLab SuperNature Macao ### $22.15 Admission Ticket 4.7 stars from 2,800+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F33776-teamlab-supernature-macao-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Harry potter forbidden forest experience sign](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1763148770545-85cf283ab8e7?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGhhcnJ5JTIwcG90dGVyJTIwZXhwZXJpZW5jZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjczNDk2NDd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Adele Nosova](https://unsplash.com/@delixxo?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Harry Potter Experiences The Wizarding World extends beyond Universal Studios parks through dedicated studio tours that reveal the magic behind the films. These experiences appeal to Harry Potter fans of all ages and provide deeper immersion than theme park lands. ### Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo Tokyo's Harry Potter studio tour opened in 2023 and has already become one of the city's most sought-after attractions. The facility showcases original sets, props, and costumes from the film series while offering interactive experiences throughout. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo ### $39.65 The Making of Harry Potter 4.9 stars from 13,900+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F84374-warner-bros-studio-tour-tokyo-making-harry-potter%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The 4.9-star rating from nearly 14,000 reviews makes this one of the highest-rated attractions on Klook. Tickets sell out quickly, especially during school holidays. Book through Klook to secure your preferred date without navigating the Japanese-language official website. ### Warner Bros. Studio Tour London The original Harry Potter studio tour near London offers the most comprehensive behind-the-scenes experience. Families routing through the UK will find this a worthwhile day trip from central London. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London ### $98.49 Admission + Transfer 4.6 stars from 1,800+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F95658-warner-bros-studio-tour-central-london%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The London tour includes round-trip transportation from central London, eliminating the logistics of reaching the studio location independently. ![People riding a green dragon roller coaster through trees](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1764620599401-600ddff2a9e7?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIzfHxsZWdvbGFuZHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjczNDk2NzV8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Anakin Hoffmann](https://unsplash.com/@hampter?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## LEGOLAND Parks LEGOLAND parks cater specifically to families with children ages 2-12, making them ideal for younger kids who may find larger theme parks overwhelming. Multiple LEGOLAND locations across Asia offer convenient options depending on your travel route. ### LEGOLAND Japan (Nagoya) Located between Tokyo and Osaka, LEGOLAND Japan makes a convenient stop for families traveling between Japan's major cities by Shinkansen. Legoland Japan Nagoya ### $28.75 1-Day Pass 4.7 stars from 10,700+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F44688-legoland-japan-nagoya%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### LEGOLAND Malaysia LEGOLAND Malaysia in Johor Bahru sits just across the border from Singapore, making it accessible as a day trip from the city-state. Direct bus services from Singapore simplify the journey. Legoland Malaysia ### $20.79 1-Day Pass 4.7 stars from 11,400+ Klook reviews. [Book 1-Day Pass](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F7713-legoland-admission-ticket-johor-bahru%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Singapore to Legoland Bus ### $18.69 Return transfer included 4.6 stars from 2,600+ Klook reviews. Easiest way to get there from Singapore. [Book Bus Transfer](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F2247-singapore-legoland-malaysia-bus%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Hong Kong For families with limited time in Hong Kong, the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre offers a condensed LEGO experience without requiring a full day. Legoland Discovery Centre Hong Kong ### $23.85 Admission Ticket 4.5 stars from 4,000+ Klook reviews. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F53324-legoland-discovery-centre-ticket-hong-kong%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Singapore Wildlife Parks Singapore's Mandai Wildlife Reserve operates four world-class wildlife attractions that provide educational experiences alongside entertainment. These parks work well for families seeking alternatives to traditional theme parks. Singapore Zoo ### $38.15 Daytime wildlife viewing 4.7 stars from 16,400+ Klook reviews. [Book Singapore Zoo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F141-singapore-zoo-singapore%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Night Safari ### $35.05 Nocturnal wildlife experience 4.5 stars from 10,000+ Klook reviews. Nothing else like it. [Book Night Safari](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F3928-singapore-night-safari-singapore%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) River Wonders ### $33.55 Giant pandas and river ecosystems 4.6 stars from 9,000+ Klook reviews. [Book River Wonders](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F124-river-wonders-singapore-tickets%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The [Klook Pass Singapore](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1187461&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F69622-singapore-attractions-pass%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) at $65.40 bundles multiple attractions with flexible credits, often providing better value than individual tickets for families planning multiple activities. ## How to Maximize Klook Savings in 2026 Beyond our promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**, several strategies help families stretch their theme park budgets further. **Book early for popular attractions.** Universal Studios Japan Express Passes, Tokyo Disney tickets, and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo sell out during peak periods. Early booking through Klook guarantees availability at current prices. **Compare bundle options.** City passes like the Discover Seoul Pass ($34.00), Visit Busan Pass ($31.25), and Klook Pass Singapore often provide better value than individual attraction tickets. **Check cancellation policies.** Klook's free cancellation options provide flexibility that gate purchases never offer. Weather changes, illness, or itinerary shifts happen when traveling with kids. **Download e-tickets to your phone.** Most Klook attractions accept mobile tickets directly, eliminating printing requirements and ticket counter lines. ## Staying Connected at Theme Parks Theme park apps enhance experiences dramatically. The Tokyo Disney Resort app manages attraction wait times and mobile ordering. The USJ app handles timed entry for Super Nintendo World. These apps require mobile data, making reliable connectivity essential. ### Holafly eSIM We use Holafly for all our Asia travels. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off — unlimited data means no anxiety navigating unfamiliar parks. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=klook-discount-code-universal-studios-disney-asia-theme-parks-2026&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) For stays longer than 30 days, Holafly's new [monthly global plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) starting at $49.90/month offer better value than destination-specific plans. The unlimited plan at $64.90/month includes unlimited hotspot sharing, perfect for families with multiple devices. ## FAQ ### Does the Klook promo code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK work on all attractions? The code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK works across Klook's platform for attractions, tours, and experiences. Apply it at checkout to see applicable savings on your booking. ### Are Klook theme park tickets cheaper than buying at the gate? Generally yes. Klook tickets typically match or beat gate prices while offering free cancellation, instant confirmation, and mobile ticket delivery. During promotions, Klook prices often undercut official channels significantly. ### Can I cancel Klook theme park tickets? Cancellation policies vary by attraction. Tokyo Disney offers free cancellation with 14 days notice. Hong Kong Disneyland allows free cancellation before redemption. Universal Studios Japan tickets are typically non-refundable. Always check the specific policy before booking. ### Which Universal Studios is best for families? Universal Studios Japan offers the most family-friendly experience with Super Nintendo World, while Universal Studios Singapore provides a more manageable size for families with younger children. Universal Studios Hollywood suits families combining the park with Los Angeles sightseeing. ### Is teamLab appropriate for young children? Yes. The interactive installations engage kids of all ages — they can touch, walk through, and become part of the art. Strollers are not permitted inside, so plan accordingly for babies and toddlers. ### How far in advance should I book theme park tickets? Book 2-4 weeks ahead for standard dates, 4-8 weeks for holidays and peak seasons. Express Passes for Universal Studios Japan and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo tickets sell out fastest and require the earliest booking. ### Do Klook tickets include Express Passes or skip-the-line access? Basic admission tickets provide park entry only. Express Passes and skip-the-line access are sold separately through Klook. Bundle options sometimes combine admission with priority access at discounted rates. --- [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) Need help planning your family's theme park adventure? Lindsay specializes in creating custom itineraries that maximize your time and budget across Asia's best attractions. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning. [Contact Her ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on Klook, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend attractions and experiences we've personally visited or thoroughly researched. All opinions are our own. ### teamLab Japan 2026 Guide: Complete List of All Museums + Discount Tickets URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-japan-discount-tickets-2026/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:04.000Z Four years of hopping around Japan with three kids has taught us that TeamLab museums rank among the absolute best things you can do with children. The immersive digital art experiences captivate everyone from toddlers to adults, and unlike traditional museums where you spend half the time telling kids not to touch things, TeamLab actively encourages interaction. **Quick Answer:** Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for the best prices on TeamLab tickets. Klook is an official partner, tickets are delivered instantly to your phone, and pricing beats the door every time. --- ## 🎟️ TeamLab Discount Code 2026 **Code: ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** | Museum | Location | Book Here | | ------------------ | ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | TeamLab Planets | Tokyo (Toyosu) | [Get Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | TeamLab Borderless | Tokyo (Azabudai Hills) | [Get Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F20707-teamlab-borderless-admission-ticket-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | | TeamLab Biovortex | Kyoto | [Get Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | **📱 Need Japan Internet?** [Get Holafly Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data --- ## What is TeamLab? TeamLab is a Japanese art collective founded in 2001 that creates immersive digital installations where visitors become part of the artwork. Instead of hanging paintings on walls, they build entire environments that respond to human presence, touch, and movement. Walk through a waterfall and it parts around you. Stand in a field of flowers and they bloom at your feet. Draw a fish and watch it swim away into a digital ocean. The collective includes artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians, and architects working together to blur the boundaries between art and viewer. Their work sits in permanent collections at major institutions worldwide, including the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles. For families, TeamLab installations solve the eternal museum problem: kids can actually touch things. Better yet, the installations respond to that interaction, creating cause-and-effect learning opportunities wrapped in pure wonder. ![jumping woman in front of string lights](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1555670600-170aa4c926f6?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEzfHx0ZWFtbGFifGVufDB8fHx8MTc2Njg5OTcyNHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [June Wong](https://unsplash.com/@junio%5F006?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## TeamLab Museums in Japan: Complete 2026 List Japan hosts four TeamLab locations, though not all operate year-round. Here's everything you need to know about each one. ### TeamLab Planets Tokyo **Location:** Toyosu, Tokyo **Status:** Open (Extended through end of 2027) **Duration:** 2-3 hours **Best For:** Families with kids of all ages, first-time TeamLab visitors TeamLab Planets remains our top recommendation for families visiting Japan. The key difference from other TeamLab locations is the physical interaction. You remove your shoes at the entrance and spend the next few hours wading through knee-deep water with digital koi fish swimming around your legs, lying on massive spheres while projections swirl overhead, and walking through hanging infinity mirrors. The tactile nature of Planets engages children in ways that purely visual experiences cannot match. When Cora first stepped into the water and saw fish scatter around her feet, she spent 20 minutes just walking back and forth, giggling every time they responded to her movement. **Standout Exhibits:** - The Infinite Crystal Universe (LED lights that respond to touch) - Drawing on the Water Surface (your drawings become swimming creatures) - Floating Nest (lie back surrounded by projections) - Waterfall of Light Particles (walk through a virtual waterfall) **Current Pricing (2026):** | Age Group | Price | | --------------- | ------ | | Adults (18+) | ¥3,800 | | Youth (13-17) | ¥2,300 | | Children (4-12) | ¥1,300 | | Under 4 | Free | [**Book TeamLab Planets Tickets on Klook**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout **Getting There:** Take the Yurikamome line to Shin-Toyosu Station (2-minute walk) or the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho line to Toyosu Station (10-minute walk). ![Shiny egg-shaped sculptures on mossy mounds](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1761263225198-c2bf51cc4d28?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDUzfHx0ZWFtbGFifGVufDB8fHx8MTc2Njg5OTc2M3ww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Avi Varma](https://unsplash.com/@avivarma?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### TeamLab Borderless Tokyo (Azabudai Hills) **Location:** Azabudai Hills, Tokyo **Status:** Open (Reopened February 2024) **Duration:** 3-4 hours **Best For:** Adults, older children, art enthusiasts TeamLab Borderless reopened in February 2024 at its new location in Azabudai Hills after closing its original Odaiba location. The concept centers on artworks that flow freely between rooms, crossing boundaries and interacting with other installations. Walk through a corridor and flowers might follow you, blooming in your wake and spreading into adjacent spaces. The new Borderless is larger and more technologically advanced than its predecessor, featuring several new installations alongside reimagined classics. The maze-like layout encourages exploration without predetermined routes. Our honest take: Borderless feels more like an elaborate digital art gallery than the immersive playground of Planets. The installations are stunning, but most involve projections on walls, floors, and ceilings rather than physical interaction. Young children may find the dark, maze-like spaces disorienting, and the constantly changing environments can overwhelm sensory-sensitive visitors. That said, photographers and art enthusiasts often prefer Borderless for its sheer visual impact and the way artworks blend into each other, creating seemingly endless combinations. **Highlights:** - Bubble Universe (spheres of light in infinite reflection) - Crystal Universe (interactive LED sculpture) - Forest of Resonating Lamps (classic TeamLab installation) - Memory of Topography (flowing water and flowers) **Current Pricing (2026):** | Age Group | Price | | --------------- | ------ | | Adults (18+) | ¥4,000 | | Children (4-17) | ¥2,000 | | Under 4 | Free | [**Book TeamLab Borderless Tickets on Klook**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F20707-teamlab-borderless-admission-ticket-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout **Getting There:** Located in Azabudai Hills. Take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Kamiyacho Station (5-minute walk) or Toei Oedo Line to Akabanebashi Station (8-minute walk). ### TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto **Location:** Minami-ku, Kyoto (near Kyoto Station) **Status:** Open (Permanent, opened October 2025) **Duration:** 1.5-2 hours **Best For:** Kyoto visitors, those who've seen Tokyo locations TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto represents the collective's newest permanent installation, blending cutting-edge digital art with Kyoto's traditional cultural heritage. Located just 7 minutes on foot from Kyoto Station, it fits easily into any Kyoto itinerary. The museum features Kyoto-exclusive installations that you won't find at the Tokyo locations. The artworks draw inspiration from the city's cultural context, creating a unique experience even for TeamLab veterans. Biovortex operates on a smaller, more intimate scale than the Tokyo museums. This works well for families who found Borderless overwhelming or want a quicker TeamLab fix while temple-hopping through Kyoto. The museum also includes Sketch Factory (11:00 AM - 9:00 PM), where visitors draw creatures that are scanned and projected into the digital installations. Harper spent ages drawing a purple butterfly that then flew around the room, which she talked about for days. **Hours:** 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last entry 7:30 PM) **Closed:** Select Tuesdays (check website) **Current Pricing (2026):** | Age Group | Price | | ---------------- | ---------- | | Adults | $31.29 USD | | Students (13-17) | $19.95 USD | | Children (4-12) | $12.80 USD | | Under 4 | Free | [**Book TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto Tickets on Klook**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout **Getting There:** 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station's Hachijo East Gate, or 11-minute walk from Shichijo Station on the Keihan Line. ### TeamLab Forest Fukuoka **Location:** Canal City Hakata, Fukuoka **Status:** Open (Permanent) **Duration:** 1-1.5 hours **Best For:** Kyushu visitors, families with young children TeamLab Forest occupies two floors of Boss E・ZO Fukuoka and features two distinct zones: the Catching and Collecting Forest and the Athletics Forest. The Catching zone lets visitors use smartphones to capture virtual creatures that appear throughout the space. The Athletics zone focuses on physical movement through a creative space, with balance beams, climbing structures, and interactive floors. This location works particularly well for younger children who benefit from the physical activity component. The space is smaller than Tokyo's offerings but the interactive elements keep kids engaged. ![person in white shirt and black pants standing on brown wooden floor](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1620789360171-4712b171fb60?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fHRlYW1sYWJ8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY2ODk5NzI0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Soya Cui](https://unsplash.com/@soya45?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Which TeamLab Should You Visit? **First-time visitor with kids:** TeamLab Planets Tokyo. The physical interaction (water, tactile exhibits) creates the most memorable family experience. **Art enthusiast or adult group:** TeamLab Borderless Tokyo. The visual complexity and flowing artwork concept rewards slower, more contemplative exploration. **Already in Kyoto:** TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto. The Kyoto-exclusive installations are worth seeing, and it fits easily into a temple-hopping itinerary. **Visiting Fukuoka:** TeamLab Forest. It's the only major TeamLab presence in Kyushu. **Done both Tokyo locations:** Head to Kyoto for Biovortex. The different artistic direction makes it worthwhile even for TeamLab veterans. ## How to Get the Cheapest TeamLab Tickets Ticket prices for TeamLab museums vary by day and season, but we've found consistent ways to save money across every visit. ### Book Through Klook [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1141719&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) is an official TeamLab ticketing partner, meaning your tickets are legitimate and guaranteed. Benefits include: - Instant confirmation (no waiting) - Mobile tickets (show your phone at entry) - Best available pricing (often 10-15% below gate prices) - 24/7 customer support - Easy rescheduling when available Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for additional savings when available. **Quick Links:** - [TeamLab Planets Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) - [TeamLab Borderless Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F20707-teamlab-borderless-admission-ticket-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) - [TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Visit on Weekdays Weekend and holiday tickets cost more at most locations. Weekday visits also mean smaller crowds, which dramatically improves the experience. You'll have space to actually interact with installations rather than shuffling through packed rooms. ### Book 2-3 Weeks Ahead Popular time slots sell out, especially during Japanese school holidays (late March/early April, late July/August, late December/early January). Booking early guarantees your preferred time and often locks in better pricing. ### Consider the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo If you're visiting multiple attractions, the [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123893&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo&ref=adamandlinds.com) bundles TeamLab Borderless with other popular attractions for significant savings. The 2-attraction pass starts at $46.25 USD for adults and includes options like Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Sanrio Puroland. ## Staying Connected in Japan Every TeamLab visit involves photo opportunities, navigation to the venue, and potentially looking up nearby food options afterward. Reliable internet makes all of this seamless. We use [Holafly Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. The unlimited data plan works everywhere in Japan, including on bullet trains between cities, and activates the moment you land. **Why eSIM over pocket WiFi:** - No device to carry, charge, or return - Activates instantly - Works on bullet trains (pocket WiFi can drop) - Unlimited data means no rationing For trips longer than 30 days, consider [Holafly's Monthly Global Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com). At $64.90/month for unlimited global data (or $49.90/month for 25GB), it's more cost-effective than buying individual country eSIMs. ## Practical Tips for Visiting TeamLab ### What to Wear **TeamLab Planets:** Wear shorts or easily roll-up pants. You'll wade through knee-deep water in several exhibits. Skip complicated laces or boots since you'll remove shoes at the entrance. Lockers are provided for belongings. **TeamLab Borderless & Biovortex:** Regular clothing works fine. Comfortable shoes for walking, and avoid high heels (uneven floors in dark spaces). **All locations:** Avoid white clothing if possible. The projections show up better on darker colors, and you'll photograph better against the backgrounds. ### Photography Tips Flash is prohibited (and doesn't work well with projections anyway), so use your phone's night mode or a camera that handles low light. Selfie sticks are generally not allowed. The best shots come from positioning yourself within the installations rather than trying to capture the whole room. Pro tip: Take videos rather than photos. The artwork moves and responds, which static images can't capture. ### Best Time to Visit Early morning slots (opening time) and late evening (last entry) typically have the smallest crowds. Mid-afternoon sees peak attendance, especially on weekends. Avoid Japanese national holidays and school break periods. Golden Week (late April/early May) and Obon (mid-August) see massive crowds at all tourist attractions. ### For Families with Young Children TeamLab Planets' water exhibits can be slippery. Keep a close eye on toddlers, though staff are generally helpful. The waterproof storage areas work well for diaper bags and strollers. Some dark, disorienting spaces may frighten sensitive children. Borderless in particular features sudden environmental changes that caught Harper off guard during our visit. Sketch Factory (at Biovortex) and similar drawing activities offer a calm break from sensory-intensive exhibits. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is TeamLab Planets or Borderless better for families? TeamLab Planets is significantly better for families with children. The physical interaction (wading through water, touching exhibits, lying on spheres) engages kids in ways that Borderless's primarily visual experiences cannot match. Borderless is more suitable for adults and older children who appreciate art for art's sake. ### How far in advance should I book TeamLab tickets? Book 2-3 weeks in advance, especially for weekend visits or during peak travel seasons (March-May, July-August, November-December). Popular time slots sell out quickly. Book through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for the best prices and instant confirmation. ### Can I visit multiple TeamLab locations on one trip? If you have time, visiting both Planets and Borderless in Tokyo offers distinctly different experiences. Planets focuses on physical interaction while Borderless emphasizes visual flow. If you're also visiting Kyoto, Biovortex adds another unique perspective worth experiencing. ### What's the TeamLab discount code for 2026? Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** when booking through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1141719&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for additional savings on TeamLab tickets and other Japan attractions. ### Is TeamLab suitable for toddlers? Yes, especially TeamLab Planets. The interactive nature works better for toddlers than traditional museums. However, some exhibits involve water and unusual surfaces, so close supervision is required. Dark spaces in all locations may frighten some young children. ### Can I take photos and videos at TeamLab? Yes, photography and videography are permitted in most areas. Flash photography is prohibited as it interferes with the digital projections. Some specific exhibits may have restrictions posted. Selfie sticks are not allowed. ### What if someone in our group has mobility issues? TeamLab Planets involves walking through water and on uneven surfaces which may be challenging. Contact the museum directly about accessibility accommodations before booking. Borderless and Biovortex are more accessible but still involve significant walking through dark spaces. ### How long do TeamLab visits take? TeamLab Planets: 2-3 hours TeamLab Borderless: 3-4 hours (maze-like layout encourages exploration) TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto: 1.5-2 hours TeamLab Forest Fukuoka: 1-1.5 hours ### Can I buy tickets at the door? Walk-up tickets may be available, but we strongly recommend booking in advance through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123538&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com). Timed entry slots frequently sell out, especially during peak seasons. Pre-booking guarantees entry and typically offers better pricing. ### What's the difference between the Tokyo TeamLab locations? TeamLab Planets focuses on physical, tactile experiences where you wade through water and physically interact with installations. TeamLab Borderless emphasizes visual art that flows between rooms, creating a more gallery-like experience. Planets is better for families; Borderless appeals more to art enthusiasts and photographers. ## Planning Your Japan Trip TeamLab museums represent just one piece of an incredible Japan experience. For families, Japan offers an unparalleled mix of tradition, technology, safety, and kid-friendly infrastructure. **Save on Japan Connectivity:** - [Holafly Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off - [Japan Wireless Pocket WiFi](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off (if you prefer a physical device) **Book More Japan Activities:** - [Klook Japan Activities](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1141719&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** - [Tokyo Disney Resort Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) - [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123893&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo&ref=adamandlinds.com) Ready to plan your perfect Japan family adventure? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized Japan travel planning that includes TeamLab reservations, family-friendly accommodations, and insider tips for exploring Japan with children. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links using codes ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK (Klook) or ADAMANDLINDS (Holafly), we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we personally use while traveling with our family. All opinions are our own.* ### Mount Fuji Day Tours from Tokyo: The Complete 2026 Family Guide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/mount-fuji-day-tours-tokyo-family-guide/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:06.000Z Japan's iconic snow-capped volcano sits just 100 kilometers from Tokyo, close enough for an unforgettable day trip but far enough to feel like entering another world entirely. We've made the journey from Tokyo to Mount Fuji more times than we can count across our multiple visits to Japan, and each time the mountain reveals something new. Sometimes it's shrouded in clouds like a shy celebrity avoiding photographers. Other times it stands proud and clear, perfectly framed against a blue sky that makes you understand exactly why the Japanese consider it sacred. Planning a Mount Fuji day tour with kids requires more than just picking a date and hoping for good weather. You need the right tour, the right season, and the right expectations. This guide covers everything we've learned about visiting Japan's most famous landmark as a family. ## Why Mount Fuji Day Tours Beat Independent Travel Mount Fuji sits in a region with limited public transportation options. While you can technically reach some areas by train and bus, piecing together an itinerary independently with children in tow means navigating multiple transfers, Japanese-only signage, and timing challenges that can turn a magical day into a stressful marathon. Day tours solve these logistics entirely. A comfortable coach picks you up from central Tokyo, handles all the driving through winding mountain roads, and deposits you at curated viewpoints where the photo opportunities are practically guaranteed. For families, this convenience factor alone justifies the cost. The [Mount Fuji Popular Scenic Spot Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93901-mtfuji-one-day-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) departing from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku has become our go-to recommendation. At around $33 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours before, it represents exceptional value while hitting all the essential stops that make Mount Fuji famous on Instagram and in real life. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for additional savings on your booking. ![gray snow cape mountain](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1564930075627-5dee9d2ab3e6?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE3fHxtdCUyMGZ1aml8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY2OTAwODY3fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Andreas Rasmussen](https://unsplash.com/@andreasdress?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Best Mount Fuji Day Tour Itineraries ### The Instagram-Famous Photo Route The most popular tour itinerary focuses on the spots that have made Mount Fuji a social media sensation. This route includes stops at Arakurayama Sengen Park (home to the famous Chureito Pagoda), the now-legendary Lawson convenience store with its perfect Fuji backdrop, Oshino Hakkai's crystal-clear spring ponds, and Lake Kawaguchiko's scenic shores. | Stop | What to Expect | Photo Opportunity | Family Friendliness | | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | --------------------------- | | Arakurayama Sengen Park | 398 steps to Chureito Pagoda | Iconic pagoda with Fuji behind | Challenging with young kids | | Hikawa Clock Shop | Traditional streetscape | Fuji framed by Japanese town | Easy for all ages | | Oshino Hakkai | Eight sacred spring ponds | Reflections and traditional houses | Easy walking paths | | Lawson Convenience Store | Yes, a convenience store | The viral Fuji photo | Snacks and restrooms | | Lake Kawaguchiko | Lakeside park and views | Seasonal flowers with Fuji | Playground areas nearby | ### The 5th Station Route For families wanting to get closer to the actual mountain, tours that include the Mount Fuji 5th Station offer a different experience. At 2,300 meters elevation, you're above the clouds on clear days, standing at the point where most climbing expeditions begin their ascent to the summit. The [Mt. Fuji 5th Station & Hakone Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/20537-fuji-owakudani-ropeway-hakone-ship-gotemba-outlet-trip-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) combines mountain views with the volcanic landscapes of Hakone, including a cable car ride over steaming sulfur vents and a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. This tour runs around $46 per person and appeals to kids who want variety beyond scenic viewpoints. ### The Seasonal Experience Route Mount Fuji transforms dramatically with the seasons. Spring brings cherry blossoms that frame the mountain in pink. Summer sees lavender fields blooming at Lake Kawaguchiko. Autumn paints the maple trees in fiery reds and oranges. Winter offers the clearest views of the snow-capped peak, though some attractions close or modify their operations. Tours like the [Mt. Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/16197-mt-fuji-lake-kawaguchi-day-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) at around $71 include seasonal experiences and optional Kobe beef or Koshu beef lunches that elevate the day from sightseeing to culinary adventure. ## What to Know Before Booking ### Weather and Visibility Mount Fuji hides behind clouds more often than travel brochures suggest. The mountain is clearly visible only about 80-100 days per year, with the best odds occurring in winter months (December through February) and early morning hours year-round. Summer offers the warmest temperatures but the worst visibility due to humidity and haze. Our advice: book tours that offer free cancellation so you can reschedule if weather forecasts look unfavorable. Most Klook tours provide 24-hour free cancellation, giving you flexibility to wait for clearer skies. ### Best Time to Visit Mount Fuji with Kids **Spring (March-May):** Cherry blossom season creates magical photo opportunities but draws enormous crowds. The Chureito Pagoda during sakura season requires arriving before dawn for manageable crowds. **Summer (June-August):** The 5th Station is accessible (it closes in winter), but visibility suffers and temperatures in Tokyo approach unbearable levels. Tours offer air-conditioned respite during transit. **Autumn (September-November):** Our personal favorite. Kochia turns bright red, maple leaves create stunning contrasts, and crowds thin compared to spring. November offers excellent visibility. **Winter (December-February):** Clearest views of the year, but some attractions close. Snow play options become available at lower elevations. Bundle up since temperatures drop significantly at elevation. ### Physical Requirements Tour difficulty varies significantly by itinerary. The Chureito Pagoda viewpoint requires climbing 398 steps, which exhausted our youngest during one visit. Lake Kawaguchiko areas involve mostly flat walking. The 5th Station sits at altitude where some visitors experience mild symptoms from the elevation change. Consider your children's stamina when selecting tours. The standard photo-focused routes work well for most families, while the more ambitious itineraries including the 5th Station or fruit-picking activities suit active families with older children. ## Booking Your Mount Fuji Day Tour [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93901-mtfuji-one-day-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers the widest selection of Mount Fuji day tours with instant confirmation, competitive prices, and the flexibility that traveling families need. Their mobile app works seamlessly in Japan, displaying QR codes for tour check-in without requiring international data or printing vouchers. Our recommended tours for families: | Category | Tour | Price | Highlights | | ---------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | ------------------------------------- | | **Best Overall Value** | [Mount Fuji Popular Scenic Spot Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93901-mtfuji-one-day-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $33.59/person | 4.8 stars from 22,000+ reviews | | **Best for Active Families** | [Mt. Fuji 5th Station & Hakone Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/20537-fuji-owakudani-ropeway-hakone-ship-gotemba-outlet-trip-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $45.99/person | Ropeway, pirate ship, volcanic valley | | **Best Premium Experience** | [Mt. Fuji Day Tour with A5 Beef Lunch](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/10233-mt-fuji-lake-kawaguchi-oshino-hakkai-gotemba-trip-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $49.80/person | Kobe beef lunch option | | **Best for Fruit Lovers** | [Mt. Fuji & Ropeway & Fruit Picking](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/18988-fuji-area-sightseeing-day-trip-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $80.49/person | All-you-can-eat seasonal fruit | Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for discounts on your booking. ![A train traveling past a snow covered mountain](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1727707755995-ac77bf344d26?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDMyfHxtdCUyMGZ1amklMjBzaGl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY2OTAxMDE0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Jason Lau](https://unsplash.com/@jl%5F%5Fphoto?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Staying Connected During Your Japan Trip One practical consideration for Mount Fuji day tours: mobile data. Tours often start early from central Tokyo and return late, meaning you'll spend 10-12 hours potentially needing navigation, translation apps, and communication tools. Hotel WiFi won't help you in the mountains. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) for all our Japan trips. Their unlimited data plans start at $3.90 per day and work throughout the Mount Fuji region, including areas where some carriers struggle with coverage. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your plan. For extended stays in Japan (30 days or more), consider Holafly's new [monthly global plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) starting at $49.90/month with unlimited data and hotspot sharing. The unlimited plan at $64.90/month includes a European phone number for SMS verification, useful for app downloads and registrations. If you're traveling beyond Japan, you might also want to check [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) for pocket WiFi devices. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off. Pocket WiFi works well for families since multiple devices can share one connection without draining phone batteries. ## Combining Mount Fuji with Other Tokyo Day Trips Mount Fuji day tours typically return to Tokyo by early evening, leaving flexibility for other activities during your Japan visit. Popular combinations include: **Tokyo Disney:** The [Tokyo Disney Resort](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) tickets through Klook offer the same instant confirmation and free cancellation flexibility. **teamLab Planets:** The immersive digital art museum in Toyosu makes an excellent evening activity after returning from Mount Fuji. [teamLab Planets tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) start at $24.29 per person. **Tokyo Subway Pass:** If you're spending multiple days in Tokyo before or after your Fuji trip, the [Tokyo Subway Ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/1552-subway-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) from $5.10 provides unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. ## What to Pack for Mount Fuji Day Tours Essential items vary by season, but some basics apply year-round: **Layers:** Temperatures at Lake Kawaguchiko and especially the 5th Station run significantly cooler than Tokyo, sometimes by 10-15 degrees Celsius. **Comfortable shoes:** You'll be walking on various surfaces from paved paths to stone steps. Skip the fashion sneakers in favor of proper walking shoes. **Camera with charged battery:** Cold temperatures drain batteries faster than you expect. Bring backups or a power bank. **Snacks and water:** Tours include some free time for meals, but hungry kids don't follow tour schedules. Pack emergency snacks. **Cash:** Some vendors at Mount Fuji attractions only accept cash (Japanese yen). **Motion sickness remedies:** The mountain roads include countless curves. Kids prone to car sickness should take precautions. ![a large boat floating on top of a large body of water](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1683993604333-a35d83c97a31?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGxha2UlMjBhc2hpfGVufDB8fHx8MTc2NjkwMTAyOHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Snowscat](https://unsplash.com/@snowscat?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## FAQ ### How long does a Mount Fuji day tour take? Most tours depart Tokyo between 7:00-8:30 AM and return between 6:00-8:00 PM, making for a 10-12 hour day. Some premium tours with additional stops may run slightly longer. ### Can you see Mount Fuji every day? No. Mount Fuji is clearly visible roughly 80-100 days per year due to clouds and haze. Winter months offer the best visibility odds, while summer (especially rainy season in June-July) offers the worst. ### What is the best Mount Fuji day tour from Tokyo? The [Mount Fuji Popular Scenic Spot Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/93901-mtfuji-one-day-tour-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers the best value with free cancellation, excellent reviews from over 22,000 travelers, and stops at all the famous Instagram locations including Chureito Pagoda and the viral Lawson convenience store. ### Is Mount Fuji day tour worth it with kids? Absolutely. Tours eliminate the stress of navigating Japanese public transportation and mountain roads while providing comfortable, air-conditioned transport between stops. Children typically enjoy the variety of attractions and the novelty of seeing Japan's most famous landmark. ### What is the famous Lawson convenience store at Mount Fuji? A specific Lawson convenience store near Lake Kawaguchiko became internationally famous because its location provides a perfect frame for Mount Fuji photographs. The black building, red stripe, and Japanese signage combined with the mountain backdrop created a viral sensation that drew so many tourists that authorities eventually installed barriers to manage crowds. ### When is the best time to visit Mount Fuji? November through February offers the clearest views. Spring (late March-early April) brings cherry blossoms but also the largest crowds. Autumn (October-November) provides excellent conditions with fall colors. Summer offers the warmest weather but worst visibility. ### Do Mount Fuji tours include food? Most tours include stops at restaurants or food courts during free time, but meals are typically not included in the base price. Premium tours often offer optional lunch upgrades featuring Kobe beef, regional specialties, or seasonal fruit picking experiences. ### Can I climb Mount Fuji on a day tour? No. Climbing to the summit requires an overnight trip during the limited climbing season (July-early September). Day tours visit viewpoints and the 5th Station at most, which sits at the climbing base camp level. --- [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) Planning a trip to Japan? Lindsay offers personalized travel planning services to help families create unforgettable itineraries. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for expert guidance on everything from Mount Fuji excursions to multi-city adventures across Japan. [Contact Her ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- *This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on Klook, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend tours and services we've personally used or thoroughly researched. All opinions are our own.* ### Best Lapland Activities to Book on Klook: A Family Guide to Finnish Winter Magic URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-lapland-activities-klook-family-guide-santa-claus-village-northern-lights/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:33.000Z Our girls have been asking about Lapland for years now. Every December, when we're somewhere warm like Thailand or Vietnam, they'll spot a Santa Claus decoration and ask the inevitable question: "Can we visit the REAL Santa?" This year, we're finally planning to make it happen, and at ages 6, 8, and 10, Lily, Cora, and Harper are at the perfect age to experience all the magic Finnish Lapland has to offer. While researching our upcoming trip, I've spent countless hours comparing booking platforms, and [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dlapland%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) has consistently offered the best combination of family-friendly activities, competitive pricing, and flexible booking policies. Here's everything we've learned about planning a Lapland adventure through Klook. ![red and gray post near house](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1560911081-2ed36c817b06?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEyfHxSb3ZhbmllbWl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY1MjczNzM0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Nico Amatullo](https://unsplash.com/@nicorico?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Why Lapland is Perfect for Families with School-Age Kids Finnish Lapland sits above the Arctic Circle, making it one of the few places on Earth where the magic of Christmas feels absolutely real. The region offers a unique combination of natural wonders and carefully curated family experiences that work brilliantly for children between 5 and 12 years old. For families with kids in this age range, the activities available strike an ideal balance. Children are old enough to remember the experience vividly, participate in most outdoor activities, and appreciate the cultural significance of what they're seeing. They're also young enough to still believe in the magic, which makes visiting Santa Claus Village an entirely different experience than it would be with teenagers. The Northern Lights season runs from late August through early April, with peak viewing conditions typically occurring between November and March. This timing coincides perfectly with school holidays in many countries, making Lapland an increasingly popular destination for worldschooling families and those on winter break. [Watch Live @ Santa Claus Village on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp4RRAEgpeU&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Santa Claus Village: The Heart of Every Lapland Family Trip [Santa Claus Village](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dsanta%2520claus%2520village%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) in Rovaniemi is the official hometown of Santa Claus, and honestly, it's difficult to overstate how special this place is for children. The Arctic Circle line runs directly through the village's central square, meaning your family can literally cross the Arctic Circle while visiting Santa. What makes this destination work so well for families is how they've designed the entire experience around children. Santa himself is available for personal meetings every single day of the year. The elves running the Main Post Office help kids send postcards home with a special Arctic Circle postmark. Mrs. Santa Claus has her own Christmas Cottage where she bakes gingerbread and tells stories. Klook offers several Santa Claus Village packages that include transportation from central Rovaniemi, which simplifies logistics considerably when traveling with children. The village is located about 8 kilometers from Rovaniemi city center, and while public buses run regularly, having pre-arranged transfers means one less thing to coordinate with tired or excited kids. Activities worth booking at Santa Claus Village include: - Personal meetings with Santa Claus at his official office - Reindeer sleigh rides through the surrounding forest - Husky farm visits with opportunities to meet the dogs - Snowman World, which features ice sculptures and activities designed specifically for families - Mrs. Santa Claus meet and greet experiences ![northern lights over snow-capped mountian](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1531366936337-7c912a4589a7?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fG5vcnRoZXJuJTIwbGlnaHRzfGVufDB8fHx8MTc2NTI3MzY2OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Lightscape](https://unsplash.com/@lightscape?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Northern Lights Tours: Creating Lifelong Memories Seeing the Aurora Borealis is on most travelers' bucket lists, but experiencing it as a family adds another dimension to the memory. Through Klook, you can book various [Northern Lights tours](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dnorthern%2520lights%2520rovaniemi%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) ranging from small group expeditions to private family experiences. The key to successful Aurora viewing with children is choosing tours that build in comfort stops and don't run too late into the night. Many operators now offer family-specific departures that leave earlier and include warm drinks, campfire stops, and opportunities for kids to learn about the science behind the lights. Professional photographers on many of these tours capture images that would be impossible to get on your own, especially when you're simultaneously trying to keep three kids warm and pointed in the right direction. These photos become treasured family keepsakes and, let's be honest, perform significantly better on social media than our smartphone attempts. The best months for Northern Lights viewing in Finnish Lapland are December through February, when the nights are longest and darkest. Clear skies are essential, which is why guided tours are worth the investment. Local guides monitor weather conditions and solar activity forecasts, taking groups to locations with the best viewing chances on any given night. ![a group of horses on a snowy road](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1648726443201-76c81a2f1858?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGRvZyUyMHNsZWR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY1MjczNjgwfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Rasmus Gundorff Sæderup](https://unsplash.com/@rasmusgs?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Husky Sledding: The Activity Kids Talk About Forever Ask any child who's visited Lapland what they remember most, and husky sledding usually tops the list. There's something deeply magical about being pulled through a snow-covered forest by a team of enthusiastic dogs. [Husky safaris](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dhusky%2520lapland%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) available through Klook range from 30-minute introductory experiences to full-day wilderness adventures. For families with younger children, the shorter options work well because kids can sit in the sled while a parent or guide drives. Older children, typically those 12 and above, can learn to drive their own sled under supervision. Most husky farms in Finnish Lapland take animal welfare seriously, and many tours include farm visits where children can meet the dogs, learn about husky care, and sometimes play with puppies. These educational components transform what could be just an adrenaline activity into a genuine learning experience. The typical husky safari includes: - Warm thermal clothing and boots (provided) - Safety briefing and driving instruction - The sled ride itself through forest trails - Hot drinks and snacks by campfire - Time to interact with the dogs before and after the ride ![reindeer pulling sled](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1514773896690-40d0fd46f143?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fHJlaW5kZWVyfGVufDB8fHx8MTc2NTI3MzY5MXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Norman Tsui](https://unsplash.com/@arainbowman?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Reindeer Experiences: Traditional Lapland Culture Reindeer herding has been part of Sami culture for thousands of years, and visiting a reindeer farm offers families a window into this traditional way of life. Unlike husky sledding, reindeer rides are slower and more contemplative, giving children time to absorb the landscape and ask questions. Through Klook, you can book [reindeer farm visits](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dreindeer%2520lapland%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) that include feeding the animals, learning about Sami traditions, and taking short sleigh rides. Many farms also offer "Reindeer Driver's License" certificates that kids love collecting. For our family, the educational component is particularly appealing. We're always looking for ways to incorporate worldschooling into our travels, and learning about indigenous Sami culture provides excellent opportunities for follow-up discussions about Arctic ecosystems, sustainable traditional practices, and how different cultures adapt to extreme environments. ![snowmobile speeding on snow near tree lines](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1549351245-ac6dda50eb92?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fHNub3dtb2JpbGV8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzY1MjczNzA1fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Nate Johnston](https://unsplash.com/@natejohnston?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Snowmobile Safaris: Adventure for the Whole Family Snowmobiling represents Lapland's more adventurous side, and it's become one of the most popular activities for families with older children. On Klook, you'll find [snowmobile tours](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dsnowmobile%2520lapland%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) ranging from one-hour introductory rides to full-day wilderness expeditions. Age restrictions vary by operator, but children typically need to be at least 4 years old to ride as passengers and 15 or older (with a valid driver's license) to drive. For families like ours with kids under 15, the standard setup has children riding on a sled pulled behind the guide's snowmobile. Several Lapland resorts, including Northern Lights Village in Saariselkä, offer mini snowmobiles specifically designed for children. These are restricted to safe enclosed areas and give kids the thrill of driving their own machine without any real danger. Snowmobile safaris often combine with other activities. You might ride to a reindeer farm, stop at a wilderness cabin for hot drinks and traditional food, or time your evening departure to coincide with Northern Lights viewing. ## Practical Booking Tips for Klook Activities in Lapland When booking Lapland activities through Klook, there are several things we've learned that make the process smoother. First, book early. Lapland's popularity has exploded in recent years, and December dates at popular attractions like Santa Claus Village can sell out months in advance. We're booking our trip for next winter, and many premium slots are already showing limited availability. Second, use the code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for discounts on your booking. Every bit saved on activities means more budget for those memorable extras. Third, pay attention to what's included. Some tours provide thermal clothing and boots, while others expect you to bring your own. Renting gear separately in Rovaniemi is possible but adds logistical complexity when traveling with children. Fourth, check cancellation policies carefully. Weather in Lapland can be unpredictable, and reputable operators will reschedule activities that can't proceed safely. Klook's booking protection provides additional peace of mind. Fifth, read reviews specifically from families. An activity that works brilliantly for a couple might not suit families with young children, and vice versa. ## Best Time to Visit Lapland with Kids The optimal timing depends on what you want to prioritize. **November through early December** offers the best combination of snowy landscapes, Northern Lights viewing, and manageable crowds. Santa Claus Village is busy but not overwhelming, and you'll avoid the premium pricing of the Christmas period. **Mid-December** brings peak Christmas atmosphere but also peak crowds and prices. If being in Lapland for Christmas itself is important to your family, this is obviously the time to visit, but expect to pay premium rates and book well in advance. **January and February** provide excellent conditions for outdoor activities and Northern Lights viewing with somewhat lower prices than December. The polar night period means limited daylight, which some families find challenging with young children. **March** offers a surprising sweet spot. Days are getting longer, temperatures are still cold enough for snow activities, and Northern Lights remain visible. Crowds thin considerably after February. ## Sample Family Itinerary: 4 Days in Rovaniemi Based on our research, here's the itinerary we're planning: **Day 1:** Arrive in Rovaniemi, settle into accommodation, early evening [Northern Lights tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dnorthern%2520lights%2520tour%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) (family-friendly departure time) **Day 2:** Full day at [Santa Claus Village](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dsanta%2520claus%2520village%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) including Santa meeting, reindeer ride, Snowman World **Day 3:** Morning [husky safari](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dhusky%2520safari%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com), afternoon free for relaxation or spontaneous activities, optional evening Aurora chase **Day 4:** [Snowmobile experience](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1174941&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fsearch%2Fresult%2F%3Fquery%3Dsnowmobile%2520rovaniemi%26spm%3DHome.SearchStart%5FSearchHistory%5FLIST%26clickId%3D5cbd757751&ref=adamandlinds.com) or ice fishing, departure This schedule builds in downtime, which we've learned is essential when traveling with kids. Four packed days might work for adults, but children need recovery time between activities. ![houses near tree and mountain covered by snow](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1520681279154-51b3fb4ea0f7?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEwfHxsYXBsYW5kfGVufDB8fHx8MTc2NTI3MzQxOHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Ethan Hu](https://unsplash.com/@ethanhjy?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Where to Stay in Lapland Accommodation options in Lapland range from standard hotels in Rovaniemi to once-in-a-lifetime glass igloo experiences where you can watch the Northern Lights from bed. Santa Claus Holiday Village offers family-friendly cabins with private saunas right on the Arctic Circle. Glass Resort and Santa's Igloos provide the famous glass-ceiling experience, though these book out extremely far in advance and carry premium pricing. For budget-conscious families, staying in central Rovaniemi and booking transport to activities works well. The city has good public transportation and a compact, walkable center with restaurants and shops. ## Staying Connected in Lapland One thing we've learned from our travels is that reliable internet becomes essential when traveling with kids. Between booking confirmations, navigation, and those inevitable moments when someone needs to video call grandparents, connectivity matters. For travelers heading to Finland, [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) offers excellent coverage throughout Lapland, including the remote areas where you'll be chasing Northern Lights. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off, and if you're planning a trip longer than 30 days, check out their new [monthly unlimited plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) starting at $49.90 per month. ![red and white wooden house with snow covered trees during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1588065368260-e674feeaaafd?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDR8fFJvdmFuaWVtaXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjUyNzM3MzR8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [66 north](https://unsplash.com/@66north?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## FAQ **What is the best age for kids to visit Lapland?** Children between 4 and 12 years old tend to get the most from a Lapland trip. They're old enough to participate in activities, remember the experience, and appreciate the magic of meeting Santa, while still young enough to believe in it all. Our girls at 6, 8, and 10 are in that sweet spot. **How cold does it get in Lapland?** Winter temperatures in Finnish Lapland typically range from -10°C to -30°C (14°F to -22°F). Proper thermal clothing is essential, and most tour operators provide high-quality gear designed for Arctic conditions. **Can you see Northern Lights in Lapland?** Yes, Finnish Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to see the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights are visible approximately 200 nights per year in Rovaniemi, with September through March offering the best viewing conditions. **Is Santa Claus Village worth visiting?** For families with children who believe in Santa, absolutely yes. The experience of meeting Santa at his official home, crossing the Arctic Circle, and mailing postcards from Santa's Post Office creates memories that last a lifetime. **How do I book Lapland activities on Klook?** Visit Klook and search for Lapland or Rovaniemi activities. You can filter by date, activity type, and price. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for discounts on your booking. **What should I pack for a Lapland trip with kids?** Pack warm base layers, mid-layers, and bring waterproof outer layers. Most activity operators provide thermal suits and boots, but you'll want warm clothing for walking around towns and transfers. Hand and toe warmers are lifesavers for keeping kids comfortable. **How far in advance should I book Lapland activities?** For peak dates in December, book 3-6 months in advance. Popular activities like Santa meetings and husky safaris fill up quickly. For January through March, 4-6 weeks advance booking is usually sufficient. **Is Lapland expensive for families?** Lapland is generally expensive compared to other destinations, with activity costs adding up quickly for families. However, booking through platforms like Klook often provides better value than booking directly, and the experience is genuinely worth the investment. --- [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) **Planning your own Lapland adventure? I offers personalized travel planning services for families. Contact me at* [**lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel*](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) *for custom itineraries that take your family's specific needs into account.* [Contact Me ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- **FTC Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook link and use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend platforms and services we genuinely trust. All opinions and recommendations are our own based on extensive research and our family's travel experience. ### Airbnb AirCover Failed Our Family: Left Stranded in Poland with Three Kids URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/airbnb-aircover-review-failed-family-poland/ Last updated: 2025-12-06T13:04:31.000Z When Airbnb introduced AirCover in 2022, they marketed it as the most comprehensive protection in travel. Free protection for every booking. Rebooking assistance if something goes wrong. Peace of mind for travelers worldwide. After our experience in Wrocław, Poland, we can tell you exactly what AirCover actually delivers: broken promises, scripted responses, and a family left scrambling to find shelter in a foreign city while support agents shuffled us between departments. ## What Happened in Wrocław We arrived at the train station in Wrocław with our three daughters, bags packed for a multi-week stay. Our Airbnb check-in time approached, and we did what any responsible guest does: we messaged our host for check-in instructions. Two hours passed. Nothing. We tried calling the listed phone number and got a recording. Still nothing. So we contacted Airbnb support. They assured us they would reach out to the host and get back to us. The clock kept ticking. We sat on that train watching our check-in window approach with no instructions, no response from the host, and three increasingly tired kids asking where we were going to sleep. At 4pm, still nothing. We messaged Airbnb again, explicitly stating that we did not want this marked as a guest cancellation. We wanted it documented as a host-initiated issue so we would be covered under the rebooking policy. The support agent confirmed they had documented everything and would keep trying to reach the host. By the time it became clear we had no place to stay, we had to find alternative accommodation ourselves. The only comparable two-bedroom option left in the area? $1,826.96, nearly double our original $958.14 booking. ## The AirCover Promise vs. Reality Airbnb's AirCover policy explicitly promises rebooking assistance when a host cancels or fails to provide access. Here is what that assistance actually looked like for us: We found the new place ourselves. We verified it ourselves. We booked it ourselves. We paid for it ourselves. All while sitting on a train trying to figure out where our family of five was going to sleep that night. The "rebooking assistance" Airbnb advertises? It did not exist. Not a single alternative was suggested. Not a single call was made on our behalf to verify availability. Not a single proactive step was taken to help us. ## How Other Companies Handle This We have had issues with other booking platforms before. When we had a problem with Hotels.com, their agent got on the phone with us, discussed rebooking options, found a replacement property, called ahead to verify everything was set, and handled the rebooking directly. We did not have to deal with refunds, credits, or scrambling to find something ourselves. That is what rebooking assistance actually looks like. What Airbnb provided was the opposite. ## The Refund Fiasco As if the lack of assistance was not enough, Airbnb then compounded the problem. We explicitly requested our refund as Airbnb credit so we could immediately rebook without waiting for funds to clear. Multiple times we stated this preference. They processed it to our credit card anyway. This meant we had to pay nearly $1,900 out of pocket for the new booking while waiting for the refund to process. For a family traveling full-time on a budget, that is not a minor inconvenience. That is a significant financial strain caused entirely by Airbnb ignoring our clearly stated preference. ## The Compensation Circus What followed was a masterclass in corporate deflection. We were passed between agents, each offering slightly different amounts as if negotiating at a market stall rather than addressing a clear policy failure. The initial offer: 20% of our cancelled reservation, roughly $191\. After pushing back: $200\. After more pushing: $300 as a "maximum limit." The actual price difference we had to cover: $868.82. We were told $300 was the maximum they were authorized to provide. Perhaps that is true. But when your policy promises rebooking assistance and you provide none, when your guest explicitly requests a refund method and you ignore it, when your host fails to communicate and leaves a family stranded, $300 as compensation for a $868 out-of-pocket expense is not resolution. It is dismissal. ## What AirCover Actually Covers Based on our experience, here is an honest breakdown of what AirCover delivers: | AirCover Promise | Our Experience | | ------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Rebooking assistance if host cancels | No assistance provided. We found, verified, and booked replacement ourselves | | 24-hour safety line | Multiple calls and messages with no proactive help | | Get-what-you-booked guarantee | Had to pay nearly double for comparable accommodation | | Check-in guarantee | Host went dark, no check-in instructions received | ## 50+ Stays, One Disaster, Zero Loyalty Recognition We have spent tens of thousands of dollars on Airbnb over 50+ stays during four years of full-time travel. We have recommended the platform to our 30,000+ YouTube subscribers. We have trusted Airbnb with our family's accommodation across 20+ countries. This was the first time we had a serious issue. And the response made it clear that guest loyalty means nothing when policies are designed to minimize payouts rather than actually help travelers. ## Lessons Learned the Hard Way This experience has fundamentally changed how we approach accommodation booking. Here is what we are doing differently: **Diversifying platforms.** We are no longer putting all our accommodation eggs in the Airbnb basket. Booking.com, direct rentals, and other platforms are now part of our regular rotation. **Reading the fine print on protection policies.** AirCover sounds comprehensive until you actually need it. Now we read what "rebooking assistance" actually entails before assuming we are protected. **Booking with established hosts.** While we had a good track record with this host's reviews, we are now more cautious about any booking where communication feels off. **Keeping records of everything.** We had our entire conversation documented, which helped when escalating. Always screenshot important exchanges. **Staying connected for backup plans.** Having reliable internet while traveling is not optional when you might need to find alternative accommodation at the last minute. Our [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) kept us connected throughout this ordeal, and honestly, being able to search for alternatives and communicate with support while on that train was essential. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off if you want to make sure you are never stuck without data when things go wrong. ## The Bottom Line on AirCover AirCover is not travel insurance. It is not comprehensive protection. It is a marketing term designed to make you feel secure while the actual policies are structured to limit Airbnb's liability and payouts. If you are traveling with family and something goes wrong, do not expect Airbnb to step in and solve your problem. Expect to solve it yourself, pay out of pocket for the solution, and then fight for partial reimbursement through multiple levels of customer service representatives reading from scripts. We accepted the $300 as partial compensation because we did not have the energy to keep fighting. But we made it clear in writing that this was not full and final compensation for the incident. It was acknowledgment of a failed policy, a broken promise, and a company that prioritizes cost containment over customer care. ## What Should Happen Instead True rebooking assistance should look like this: when a host fails to provide access and a guest contacts support, an agent should immediately begin searching for comparable alternatives in the same area at similar price points. They should contact those properties to verify availability. They should handle the rebooking directly so the guest does not have to pay out of pocket and wait for refunds. And if the only available options are more expensive, the platform should cover the difference since the failure was on their end. That is what AirCover promises. That is not what AirCover delivers. ## Planning Your Own Travels If you are planning international travel and want actual protection, consider proper travel insurance from companies like [SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) or [Faye](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda). These are actual insurance products with defined coverage, not marketing terms designed to make you feel protected without providing actual protection. For personalized help planning your next family adventure with proper backup plans in place, contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). She has seen firsthand what happens when things go wrong and can help you build itineraries that account for the unexpected. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does Airbnb AirCover actually help if a host cancels? Based on our experience, AirCover's rebooking assistance exists on paper but not in practice. When our host failed to provide check-in instructions in Wrocław, Poland, we received no proactive help finding alternative accommodation. We had to locate, verify, and book a replacement property ourselves while Airbnb support messaged the unresponsive host. ### What happens if your Airbnb host does not respond? If your host stops responding before check-in, contact Airbnb support immediately and document everything. Request explicitly that the issue be marked as host-initiated rather than guest-cancelled. However, be prepared to find your own alternative accommodation, as "rebooking assistance" may not materialize in any practical form. ### Does Airbnb cover the price difference if you have to rebook? In our case, the price difference between our original $958 booking and the $1,827 replacement was $868\. Airbnb offered $300 as their "maximum limit" for compensation. This means we covered over $500 out of pocket for a situation caused entirely by their host's failure to communicate. ### How long does an Airbnb refund take? Airbnb refunds typically take 5-15 business days to process back to your original payment method. We specifically requested Airbnb credit to rebook immediately, but our refund was processed to our credit card anyway, forcing us to pay nearly $1,900 out of pocket while waiting for the original refund. ### Is Airbnb AirCover the same as travel insurance? No. AirCover is not travel insurance. It is a set of policies and guarantees from Airbnb that are subject to their terms and their interpretation. For actual travel protection with defined coverage and claims processes, consider dedicated travel insurance providers like SafetyWing or Faye. ### Should I still use Airbnb for family travel? Airbnb can still work well for family travel, but go in with realistic expectations about support if something goes wrong. Consider diversifying across multiple booking platforms, choosing hosts with extensive positive reviews, and having backup plans ready. Do not rely on AirCover as your safety net. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own, and this particular opinion is that AirCover failed our family when we needed it most.* ### Nara Day Trip Guide: Sacred Deer, Ancient Temples & Getting There from Osaka or Kyoto URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/nara-day-trip-guide-osaka-kyoto-deer-feeding-temples/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:34.000Z The train pulled into Nara Station, and within minutes we understood why this ancient capital draws millions of visitors every year. Less than an hour from Osaka and Kyoto, Nara offers something genuinely magical: over 1,500 sacred deer roaming freely through one of Japan's most historic parks, alongside some of the country's most important temples. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/IMG_1528.png) We spent a full day exploring Nara Park with our three daughters during our extended stay in Osaka. The combination of wildlife encounters, ancient architecture, and autumn colors made it one of our favorite day trips in all of Japan. Here's everything you need to know about visiting Nara, from transportation logistics to deer-feeding etiquette. Holafly eSIM Japan ADAMANDLINDS Copy code Copied! 5% off unlimited data plans Valid at [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/Wy1no3?ref=adamandlinds.com) ![A train traveling down train tracks next to a traffic light](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1721537089513-8401eb75a0e1?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fG9zYWthJTIwdHJhaW58ZW58MHx8fHwxNzYzMjA0NTA5fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Adrian Udarbe](https://unsplash.com/@shotzbyau?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Getting to Nara from Osaka: Your Complete Transportation Guide Nara sits conveniently between Osaka and Kyoto, making it an easy day trip from either city. We traveled from our Osaka Airbnb, and the journey was refreshingly straightforward. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/Kansai_dialect.png) Kyoww, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons ### From Osaka to Nara by Train #### **Kintetsu Nara Line** (Recommended) The Kintetsu Nara Line offers the most convenient option from central Osaka. We took this route from Namba Station, and the entire journey took about 39 minutes to Kintetsu Nara Station. The cost was approximately 570 yen (around $3.80 USD) per person each way, making it an incredibly affordable excursion. The Kintetsu station deposits you closer to Nara Park than the JR station, cutting your walking time by about 10 minutes. This matters when you're traveling with kids eager to see the deer. [](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kintetsu%5F1010%5FNara%5FWrapping%5FTrain%5Fat%5FTsuruhashi.jpg?ref=adamandlinds.com) #### **Step-by-step from Osaka:** 1. Take the subway to Osaka-Namba Station 2. Follow signs to the Kintetsu Nara Line platform 3. Board a Limited Express or Rapid Express train bound for Nara 4. Ride for approximately 39-45 minutes (depends on train type) 5. Exit at Kintetsu Nara Station #### **JR Nara Line** (Alternative) If you're staying near Osaka Station or have a JR Pass, the JR Yamatoji Rapid from Osaka Station reaches JR Nara Station in about 45-50 minutes. The fare runs slightly higher at around 820 yen without a rail pass. The JR station sits about 1 kilometer from Nara Park, requiring a longer walk or bus ride. ### From Kyoto to Nara by Train #### **Kintetsu Line from Kyoto** The Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station takes 35-45 minutes and costs approximately 720 yen. This route tends to be faster and more comfortable than the JR option. #### **JR Nara Line from Kyoto** The JR Nara Line connects Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station in about 45 minutes for around 720 yen. Trains run frequently throughout the day, though some require transfers at smaller stations. #### **Pro tip:** Download the Hyperdia or Google Maps app before your trip. Japan's train system is incredibly punctual and well-organized, but having real-time navigation helps tremendously when coordinating connections. ### Walking from the Station to Nara Park From Kintetsu Nara Station, we faced about a 20-minute walk to reach the main deer area of Nara Park. The route takes you along covered shopping streets that gradually transition into tree-lined pedestrian paths. Even this approach walk offered beautiful scenery, with traditional architecture and early glimpses of deer appearing near the park edges. The path climbs gradually, and while it didn't feel steep to us, our daughters definitely noticed the incline. The effort proved absolutely worth it once we reached the park proper and saw the first deer grazing peacefully near the pathway. [![Map Nara around Kintetsu Nara station](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/12/Map_Nara_around_Kintetsu_Nara_station.png/512px-Map_Nara_around_Kintetsu_Nara_station.png?20180902145927)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Map%5FNara%5Faround%5FKintetsu%5FNara%5Fstation.png?ref=adamandlinds.com "XIIIfromTOKYO XIIIfromTOKYOOpenStreetMap contributors, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons") ## Nara Tours: Guided Experiences from Osaka and Kyoto While Nara works perfectly as a DIY day trip, guided tours offer convenience and deeper cultural insights, especially for first-time visitors to Japan. ### Early Morning Nara Tour from Kyoto or Osaka [Get Your Guide's Early Morning Nara Tour](https://www.getyourguide.com/nara-l1707/nara-early-morning-tour-kyoto-or-osaka-departure-available-t744498/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&cmp=Nara%5Fblog%5Fnov25&ref=adamandlinds.com) gets you to the temples and deer areas before the tour bus crowds arrive. Starting around 7:30 AM, these tours let you experience Nara Park in relative peace, with better lighting for photography and deer that are calmer and less aggressive. Early morning visits mean fewer people competing for the deer's attention with feeding crackers, creating a more authentic wildlife encounter. The tour typically includes Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and guided deer interactions with proper etiquette instruction. ### Full-Day Nara and Uji Tour from Osaka [Klook's Nara and Uji Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1161746&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F89617-nara-uji-day-tour-osaka%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) combines Nara's deer park and temples with the tea-growing region of Uji. This option works well for travelers who want to maximize their sightseeing without the stress of navigating train transfers. Klook Activities ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK Copy code Copied! Extra savings on Nara tours Valid at [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1161746&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F89617-nara-uji-day-tour-osaka%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) The guided tour format benefits families with young children or travelers on tight schedules. Transportation, entry fees, and lunch are typically included, eliminating the mental load of coordinating multiple moving pieces. ![brown and white concrete building](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1593297304752-7ca5864360f5?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDh8fG5hcmF8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzYzMjA0NTc2fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Vladimir Haltakov](https://unsplash.com/@haltakov?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## What to See in Nara Park: Beyond the Deer Nara Park encompasses over 1,200 acres of greenspace dotted with UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, gardens, and those famous deer. The park doesn't have a defined entrance or exit, it simply flows from the city streets into forested temple grounds. ### Todai-ji Temple: Japan's Largest Buddha Todai-ji Temple houses the Daibutsu, a bronze Buddha statue standing 15 meters (49 feet) tall. This temple ranks among Japan's most historically significant, originally constructed in 752 CE. The main hall that contains the Buddha is one of the world's largest wooden structures, and the scale hits you the moment you approach through the massive Nandaimon Gate. The gate itself deserves attention, protected by two fierce guardian statues carved in the 13th century. School groups crowded around us when we visited, evidence of Todai-ji's importance in Japanese cultural education. Our daughters were mesmerized by the Buddha's size, something photographs simply don't capture adequately. **Admission:** 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children **Hours:** Typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by season) Inside the main hall, look for the pillar with a hole cut through its base. Legend says that anyone who can squeeze through the opening will be granted enlightenment in their next life. The hole matches the size of one of the Buddha's nostrils, if that gives you any indication of scale. ![A stone path leading up to a building](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1720573167093-9a24a38c7194?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fEthc3VnYSUyMFRhaXNoYSUyMFNocmluZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjMyMDQ2MDR8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Alex](https://unsplash.com/@junypr?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Kasuga Taisha Shrine: Thousands of Lanterns Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 CE, features over 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns lining the pathways. The shrine holds special lantern-lighting ceremonies twice annually (in February and August) when all the lanterns illuminate simultaneously, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The vermillion-painted shrine buildings contrast beautifully against the surrounding forest. We didn't visit inside during our trip, but the exterior grounds and approach paths alone justify the walk. Hundreds of stone lanterns covered in moss create an ancient, mysterious feeling as you ascend toward the main sanctuary. ### Nara National Museum For those interested in Japanese Buddhist art, the Nara National Museum houses an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, and ceremonial objects. We skipped this with our young daughters, but art enthusiasts consistently rate it as one of Japan's finest museums. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/IMG_1568.png) ### The Autumn Colors We visited Nara in November, catching the tail end of autumn foliage season. Japanese maple trees throughout the park displayed brilliant reds and oranges, creating a photographer's paradise. The combination of deer grazing beneath colorful canopies, with temple roofs visible in the background, produced some of our favorite photos from our entire time in Japan. Spring brings cherry blossoms instead, equally stunning but attracting larger crowds. Summer offers lush green scenery with warmer weather, while winter creates stark, dramatic landscapes with fewer tourists. [Watch Feeding Wild Deer in Nara, Japan | Family Travel Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvgfIhFt-1w&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Klook.com](//www.klook.com/) ## The Sacred Deer of Nara: History, Behavior & Feeding Etiquette Approximately 1,500 sika deer roam freely throughout Nara Park, descendants of deer that have lived in the area for over a thousand years. These deer are the main attraction for most visitors, including us. ### Historical Significance Until 1637, killing one of Nara's deer was punishable by death. The deer were considered messengers of the Shinto gods, particularly associated with Kasuga Taisha Shrine. While they lost their sacred status after World War II, the deer remain protected as a National Natural Monument. This protection means the deer have become remarkably comfortable around humans. They bow when asking for food, cross streets at designated crosswalks, and generally behave like semi-domesticated animals. Don't mistake this for true domestication though. These are wild animals that can bite, headbutt, and behave aggressively, particularly during mating season. [![Feeding deer (5074350231)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Feeding_deer_%285074350231%29.jpg/1024px-Feeding_deer_%285074350231%29.jpg?20190819013023)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Feeding%5Fdeer%5F%285074350231%29.jpg?ref=adamandlinds.com "Natasha Suslina from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons") ### Deer Feeding: How to Do It Safely Vendors throughout Nara Park sell shika senbei (deer crackers) for 200 yen per bundle (usually 8-10 crackers). These are the only food you should feed the deer. Human snacks can harm their digestive systems. #### **Our experience feeding the deer:** The deer spotted our cracker bundle immediately. Within seconds, we went from petting one gentle deer to being surrounded by a small herd, all bowing and nudging us for crackers. The situation escalated quickly from charming to slightly overwhelming. The deer can be pushy. They'll nibble at your clothes, bags, and pockets if they suspect you're hiding crackers. One particularly bold deer tried to eat the map right out of my hand. We learned quickly that once you start feeding them, you become their primary focus until the crackers are gone. [![Deer of Nara - Flickr - GregTheBusker (4)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Deer_of_Nara_-_Flickr_-_GregTheBusker_%284%29.jpg/1024px-Deer_of_Nara_-_Flickr_-_GregTheBusker_%284%29.jpg?20161105192720)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Deer%5Fof%5FNara%5F-%5FFlickr%5F-%5FGregTheBusker%5F%284%29.jpg?ref=adamandlinds.com "Greg Schechter from San Francisco, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons") #### **Safety tips for deer feeding:** 1. **Keep crackers hidden** until you're ready to feed. Deer can see the crackers in your hand and will swarm immediately. 2. **Feed one deer at a time** when possible. Hold crackers high so only one deer can reach them at a time. 3. **Show empty hands** when crackers are finished. Most deer will lose interest and wander away once they understand the food is gone. Hold your hands up and out to demonstrate. 4. **Watch for aggressive behavior** during October and November. Male deer enter rutting season (mating season) and can be dangerous. Signs throughout the park warn about this, though we didn't encounter major problems. 5. **Supervise children closely.** The deer can knock over small children, intentionally or accidentally. Our youngest daughter needed constant supervision around the more enthusiastic deer. 6. **Watch your belongings.** Deer will try to eat paper maps, tickets, or anything that resembles food. Keep these items secured in closed bags. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/IMG_1508.png) ### What We Learned About the Deer During COVID-19, tourism to Nara essentially stopped. The deer had become dependent on tourist-provided crackers as a major food source, and without visitors, many deer began roaming into the city searching for food. Wildlife management teams had to cull some of the population and redirect others back to forested areas where natural food sources existed. This illustrates an important ecological point: feeding wildlife, even in designated areas, creates dependencies that can harm animal populations when human patterns change. The deer adapted to human presence over centuries, but rapid changes in tourist behavior revealed the fragility of this relationship. That said, feeding the deer in Nara remains a unique, memorable experience. Just maintain awareness that you're interacting with wild animals that have learned to associate humans with food. ## Practical Tips for Your Nara Day Trip ### What to Wear Comfortable walking shoes are essential. We logged over 15,000 steps during our Nara visit, traversing temple stairs, uneven stone pathways, and gradual inclines. The park spreads out over a large area, and you'll do considerable walking between major attractions. Watch where you step. Deer poop covers many pathways and grass areas. It's unavoidable, just part of the experience. The signage and brochures don't emphasize this detail, but you'll encounter it within minutes of entering the deer areas. Layers work best for clothing. We visited in November with perfect weather, sunny and about 15-18°C (59-64°F). The forested areas felt cooler than the open spaces, and temple interiors can be chilly. Pack according to the season, but always bring an extra layer. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/IMG_1516.png) ### When to Visit **Time of day:** Early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) offers the best experience. Midday brings tour buses and school groups, creating crowds around popular temples and deer feeding areas. We arrived around 10 AM and found the park already busy. The deer seemed more aggressive during peak hours, likely overwhelmed by constant feeding attempts from hundreds of visitors. **Season:** Each season offers distinct advantages. Spring (late March to early April) delivers cherry blossoms but maximum crowds. Summer (June to August) means heat and humidity but lush greenery. Autumn (October to November) provides colorful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Winter (December to February) brings cold weather, bare trees, but the smallest crowds. **Avoid October-November if you're nervous around animals.** Mating season makes the male deer more aggressive and unpredictable. ### How Long to Spend in Nara We allocated a full day and felt it was perfect. A minimum of four hours allows you to see Todai-ji Temple, feed some deer, and walk through the main park areas without rushing. Six to eight hours lets you explore more temples, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and really soak in the atmosphere. Some visitors do Nara as a quick half-day trip, hitting Todai-ji and the deer before rushing back to Osaka or Kyoto. We appreciated having the full day to wander without pressure, especially with children who needed breaks and snacks. ### Food and Facilities Restaurants and cafes cluster near the stations and along the approach to Nara Park. We found a casual spot for lunch with simple Japanese dishes, nothing fancy but reasonably priced and family-friendly. Within the park itself, food options become limited. Vending machines appear throughout the area, essential for staying hydrated during warmer months. Small cafes near Todai-ji sell ice cream, drinks, and light snacks. We saw one daughter enjoy a soft-serve ice cream with a chocolate coating and whipped cream, sitting on a bench near the Happy Kitchen cafe. These small moments, taking breaks between temple visits to recharge, made the day more enjoyable for everyone. Public restrooms appear regularly throughout Nara Park, generally clean and well-maintained like most facilities in Japan. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/IMG_1543.png) ### Staying Connected in Japan Reliable internet access becomes crucial when navigating Japan's train systems and researching real-time temple hours or restaurant options. We used a [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/Wy1no3?ref=adamandlinds.com) throughout our time in Japan, providing unlimited data without hunting for WiFi hotspots or dealing with physical SIM card swaps. The eSIM connected to NTT Docomo's network, offering strong coverage even in Nara's forested park areas. This connectivity let us share photos in real-time, navigate to different temple locations, and coordinate our return train schedule without stress. **Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off** any Holafly eSIM plan. For trips longer than 30 days in Japan, consider Holafly's new monthly unlimited data plans starting at $49.90/month. You can cancel anytime after the first month while retaining your full 30 days of coverage, offering better value than stacking multiple short-term plans. ## Is Nara Worth Visiting? Absolutely. The train from Osaka cost us about 570 yen each way ($3.50 USD), making it one of the most affordable day trips you can take in Japan. The combination of wildlife encounters, world-class temples, and beautiful natural scenery creates an experience you simply cannot replicate anywhere else. We traveled with three young daughters, ages 3, 5, and 7 at the time, and they loved every minute. The deer captured their attention immediately, and even the temple visits held their interest thanks to the massive scale of the Buddha and the engaging atmosphere. Would we visit again? Without hesitation. We spent a full day there and still didn't see everything the park offers. Nara represents everything we love about travel: the intersection of nature, history, and culture creating moments that stick with you long after you've left. The deer feeding experience alone justifies the trip. Add in Todai-ji Temple's architectural magnificence, the peaceful forest paths, and the stunning autumn colors we encountered, and Nara becomes an essential stop on any Japan itinerary. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/IMG_1555.png) ## Nara Day Trip FAQ ### **How much does it cost to visit Nara Park?** Nara Park itself is free to enter. The deer roam freely throughout the public spaces at no cost. Individual temple admissions range from 300-600 yen. Deer crackers cost 200 yen per bundle. Plan on spending 1,500-2,000 yen per person for a full day including train fare, temple entries, and food. ### **Can you visit Nara in half a day?** Yes, but we recommend a full day if your schedule allows. A half-day visit (4-5 hours) gives you enough time to see Todai-ji Temple, feed the deer, and walk through the main park areas. You'll miss some of the secondary temples and the opportunity to explore at a relaxed pace. ### **Are the deer in Nara dangerous?** The deer can bite, headbutt, and knock over small children. They're generally safe but still wild animals. Exercise caution during October-November mating season when males become more aggressive. Follow feeding guidelines, supervise children closely, and respect the deer's space when they show signs of agitation. ### **What's the best time to visit Nara?** Early morning (before 10 AM) offers the best combination of smaller crowds and calmer deer. Autumn (October-November) and spring (March-April) provide the most beautiful scenery, though spring brings heavier crowds. Winter offers the fewest tourists but cold temperatures and bare trees. ### **Is Nara better to visit from Osaka or Kyoto?** Both work equally well. The train from Osaka (Namba Station) takes about 39 minutes on the Kintetsu Line. From Kyoto, the Kintetsu Limited Express takes 35-45 minutes. Choose based on where you're staying. We visited from Osaka and found the journey straightforward and convenient. ### **Do you need a JR Pass for Nara?** No, the most convenient train option (Kintetsu Line) doesn't accept JR Passes. The Kintetsu Line costs about 570 yen from Osaka and drops you closer to the park than the JR station. If you already have a JR Pass, you can use it on the JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka or the JR Nara Line from Kyoto. ### **How long should you spend in Nara?** We spent a full day (about 7-8 hours) and felt it was ideal. This allowed us to visit Todai-ji Temple, feed the deer multiple times, explore the park thoroughly, and enjoy a leisurely lunch without rushing. Some visitors complete Nara in 4-5 hours by focusing only on the main attractions. ### **Can you bring food into Nara Park?** Yes, you can bring your own food and picnic in the park. However, keep all human food secured in bags. The deer will attempt to eat anything resembling food, including your lunch. Only feed the deer the official crackers sold by vendors throughout the park. ### **Are there lockers at Nara Station?** Yes, both Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station have coin lockers available. Prices vary by size (typically 300-600 yen). This lets you store luggage if you're visiting Nara between other destinations or as part of a multi-city day trip. ### **What should you not do with the deer in Nara?** Don't tease the deer with crackers, surround or corner them, try to ride them, pull their antlers, or feed them human food. Don't let young children chase the deer or approach them from behind. Respect the deer's space and watch for warning signs of aggression like laid-back ears or stomping. --- *This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, Get Your Guide links, or Holafly code ADAMANDLINDS, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our family travels and keeps our content free. We only recommend services we've personally used and genuinely love.* *Watch our full* [*Nara day trip video on YouTube*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvgfIhFt-1w&t=17s&ref=adamandlinds.com) *to see our actual experience feeding the deer and exploring the temples with our three daughters.* [Watch Feeding Wild Deer in Nara, Japan | Family Travel Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvgfIhFt-1w&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets with Klook Discount Code (Save on Japan Bullet Train) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/how-to-buy-shinkansen-tickets-klook-discount-code/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:35.000Z 0:00 /0:15 1× Japan’s Shinkansen bullet train really is the fastest. Fast, smooth, clean, and one of the best ways to travel around Japan with kids. On November 10, 2022, we took our first Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka. Watching the Japanese countryside blur past at 320 km/h while the girls pressed their faces against the window remains one of our favorite travel memories. Since then, we've logged dozens of bullet train journeys across Japan, and we've learned the most efficient ways to book tickets and save money. Booking Shinkansen tickets through [Klook with discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1159986&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fjapan-rail%2Fshinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) has become our go-to method for Japan rail travel. The platform is straightforward, prices match official JR rates, and the QR code boarding system eliminates those stressful station queues. [Watch How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets on Klook on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EpaHgfKTdA&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Why Book Shinkansen Tickets Through Klook After multiple trips to Japan spanning over 308 days in total, we've tested every major booking method for Shinkansen tickets. Klook consistently delivers the best combination of convenience, pricing, and user experience for international travelers. ### **Benefits of booking through Klook:** The QR code system lets you board directly on most major routes without exchanging vouchers at ticket counters. This saves 15-30 minutes at busy stations like Tokyo and Kyoto. The multi-language interface makes the booking process simple in English, eliminating confusion with Japanese-only platforms. Klook pricing matches official JR rates, with occasional promotional discounts that can save you 5-10% during special campaigns. Payment flexibility includes credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and other international methods that sometimes don't work on Japanese websites. Customer support operates in English with responsive chat assistance, which proves invaluable when dealing with travel changes or questions. **What we appreciate most:** Klook is an official JR partner, meaning your reservations go directly into the Japan Railways system. Unlike some third-party resellers, there's no middleman markup or reliability concerns. ## Current Klook Discount Code for Shinkansen Tickets ### Shinkansen tickets on Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** on all Shinkansen routes. Works across Japan rail bookings and can be combined with ongoing Klook promotions. [Book Shinkansen on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1159986&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fjapan-rail%2Fshinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) First-time Klook app users often receive an automatic 5% discount on their initial booking, which stacks with promotional periods for even better savings. During peak booking seasons, watch for flash sales that can reduce ticket prices by 10-20%. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-06-at-11.40.45.png) The Klook Website make it easy to buy the tickets you need. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK to save even more! ## How to buy Shinkansen tickets on Klook 1. ### Go to the Klook Japan Rail section Visit [Klook's Japan Rail page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1159986&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fjapan-rail%2Fshinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) or search "Shinkansen tickets" in the Klook app. The main listing shows as "Japan Shinkansen and Train Tickets" and covers all major routes. 2. ### Select your route and travel date Enter your departure station, destination, and travel date. Pay attention to station names — for Osaka, select "Shin-Osaka" not "Osaka", since Shinkansen trains bypass the main Osaka Station. Tokyo Station is the primary hub for routes heading west. Routes we've used: Tokyo to Kyoto (2hr 15min), Tokyo to Shin-Osaka (2hr 30min), Osaka to Hiroshima (1hr 30min), Tokyo to Hiroshima (4hr). 3. ### Choose your train and seat type Klook shows available trains with departure times and model names. Nozomi is fastest with fewer stops. Hikari and Kodama take slightly longer but cost the same. For seat class, Ordinary Car is comfortable, spacious, and significantly cheaper than Green Car. Our kids have plenty of room and the ride quality is excellent either way. 4. ### Select seat preferences Optional add-ons include Mt. Fuji side seating (roughly $5-8 per ticket) and oversized luggage space. Window and aisle seats are free to select. The Mt. Fuji side option is worth taking if the weather cooperates — we've booked it twice and saw the mountain clearly once. Since May 2020, JR requires advance reservations for bags over 160cm total dimensions. If you're traveling with large suitcases, select the oversized luggage option during booking. 5. ### Enter passenger details and apply the discount code Input passenger names exactly as they appear on passports — station staff occasionally verify ID. In the promo code field enter **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** and click apply. The reduced total shows immediately before payment. 6. ### Complete payment Klook accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, PayPal, Apple Pay, and other digital payment methods. Payment processes in your local currency with no hidden fees. Review all details carefully before confirming — changes after ticket issuance often carry fees. 7. ### Save your QR code Within minutes of purchase, Klook sends a booking confirmation by email and makes it available in the app. The QR code is your ticket for direct boarding on most major routes. Screenshot it and save offline before you reach the station. We learned this the hard way when data failed us at Kyoto Station. [Book Shinkansen on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1159986&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fjapan-rail%2Fshinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How to Use Your Klook Shinkansen QR Code at the Station Most major routes now support direct boarding with QR codes, eliminating the need for physical ticket exchanges. Supported routes include Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, Shin-Osaka to Hakata, Tokyo to Kyoto, and other major city connections. ### **Boarding process with QR code:** Arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before departure to locate your platform and gate. Shinkansen platforms are clearly marked with large overhead signs. Find the gate number that corresponds to your car number (displayed on your ticket). Each Shinkansen car has designated boarding areas marked on the platform floor. Present your QR code at the gate scanner. The system reads your reservation and allows entry to the platform. Board your train and locate your seat based on the car and seat numbers on your confirmation. **What if the QR code doesn't work?** Some shorter or less common routes still require physical ticket exchange at JR Midori no Madoguchi (ticket offices). If your QR code isn't accepted, visit a ticket counter and present your Klook confirmation. Staff will issue physical tickets immediately. ## Shinkansen Ticket Pricing and Routes ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/Shinkansen_map_202405_en.png) By Texent - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, [https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148728400](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=148728400&ref=adamandlinds.com) Shinkansen ticket prices remain consistent whether booking through Klook, official JR websites, or station counters. The advantage of Klook lies in convenience and international payment options rather than base price reductions. | Route | Time | Ordinary Car | Green Car | | --------------------------- | ------ | -------------- | -------------- | | Tokyo to Kyoto | 2h 15m | ¥13,320 ($90) | ¥17,900 ($120) | | Tokyo to Osaka (Shin-Osaka) | 2h 30m | ¥13,870 ($93) | ¥18,450 ($125) | | Tokyo to Hiroshima | 4h 0m | ¥18,380 ($125) | ¥24,690 ($167) | | Kyoto to Osaka | 15m | ¥1,420 ($10) | ¥2,530 ($17) | | Osaka to Hiroshima | 1h 30m | ¥10,150 ($69) | ¥14,060 ($95) | | Tokyo to Nagoya | 1h 40m | ¥10,560 ($72) | ¥14,680 ($100) | Prices are approximate and based on November 2025 rates. Exchange rates fluctuate — check Klook for current pricing before booking. **When JR Pass makes sense vs. point-to-point tickets:** JR Pass (7 days) ### ¥50,000 Unlimited travel on JR lines for 7 days Worth it if you're making multiple long-distance trips. Breaks even at around 3-4 major routes. [Buy JR Pass on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fsearch%2F%3Fq%3DJR%2BPass&ref=adamandlinds.com) Point-to-point tickets ### From ¥1,420 Pay only for the routes you actually take Tokyo to Kyoto return (¥26,640) plus Tokyo to Hiroshima (¥18,380) totals ¥45,020 — less than the 7-day pass. Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK on Klook. [Book tickets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1159986&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fjapan-rail%2Fshinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) With the JR Pass price increase to ¥50,000 for 7 days, point-to-point tickets often cost less unless you're making multiple long-distance trips. A round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto (¥26,640) plus a Tokyo to Hiroshima trip (¥18,380) totals ¥45,020, making individual tickets cheaper than the pass. For our family of five, buying individual tickets through Klook saved us approximately ¥100,000 compared to purchasing five JR Passes during our month in Japan. ## Understanding Shinkansen Lines and Train Types Japan operates nine Shinkansen lines connecting major cities and regions. Understanding which line serves your route helps with planning and booking. ### **Major Shinkansen lines:** The Tokaido Shinkansen connects Tokyo and Osaka, serving as Japan's busiest and most popular route for tourists. This line extends through Kyoto, Nagoya, and other major cities. The Sanyo Shinkansen continues west from Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka), passing through Hiroshima and other western Japanese cities. The Tohoku Shinkansen runs north from Tokyo to Aomori, providing access to northern Honshu. The Hokuriku Shinkansen links Tokyo with Kanazawa, opening up the scenic Hokuriku region. The Kyushu Shinkansen operates in southern Japan between Fukuoka and Kagoshima. Additional lines include the Hokkaido Shinkansen (reaching Japan's northernmost island), the Joetsu Shinkansen (Tokyo to Niigata), and two mini-Shinkansen lines serving Akita and Yamagata. ### **Train types explained:** Nozomi trains are the fastest service, making the fewest stops between major cities. These trains cover Tokyo to Osaka in 2 hours 30 minutes. Hikari trains make slightly more stops, adding 15-30 minutes to journey times but still providing fast, comfortable service. Kodama trains stop at every station along the route, significantly extending travel time. We typically book Nozomi service for long-distance travel and Hikari for shorter routes where the time difference doesn't matter. The price remains identical regardless of train type. ## Klook vs. Official JR Booking Platforms ### **Klook advantages:** Single platform handles multiple JR lines without switching between JR East, JR West, and JR Central websites. International payment methods work reliably without the payment failures common on Japanese sites. English-language support throughout the entire booking and customer service process. QR code delivery happens faster and more reliably than some official platforms. ### **Official JR platform advantages:** SmartEX (for Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen) allows exact seat selection from available seat maps. Early booking discounts (Hayatoku fares) can save 10-15% when reserving 3-21 days in advance. Direct booking with JR sometimes offers better flexibility for changes and cancellations. No third-party processing time or potential communication delays. ### **Our recommendation:** For first-time Japan travelers or those booking during peak seasons (Golden Week, cherry blossom season, New Year), Klook provides superior convenience and reliability. If you're particular about exact seat location or booking well in advance for discount fares, SmartEX offers more control. We use Klook for 80% of our bookings and SmartEX only when hunting for early-bird discounts on long-distance routes. ## Family Travel Tips for Shinkansen with Kids Taking three young girls on multiple Shinkansen journeys taught us strategies that make bullet train travel with kids significantly smoother. ### **Seating arrangements:** Request seats in the last row where reclining doesn't disturb passengers behind you. The girls can shift positions freely without bothering other travelers. Book four seats across the aisle (2-2 configuration) rather than three seats together (3-2 configuration) for easier movement and interaction. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/960px-201801_Ordinary_Class_Seat_of_Shinkansen_E2.jpg) MNXANL, CC BY-SA 4.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0?ref=adamandlinds.com), via Wikimedia Commons **Luggage management:** ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/960px-JRE_E723-30_Inside_Luggage-rack.jpg) MaedaAkihiko, CC BY-SA 4.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0?ref=adamandlinds.com), via Wikimedia Commons Store large bags in the oversized luggage compartments at the rear of each car. Keep a small day bag under seats with snacks, entertainment, and essential items. Overhead racks work well for backpacks and smaller items. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/960px-Big_size_luggage_space_in_Tokaido_Shinkansen.jpg) Indiana jo, CC BY-SA 4.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0?ref=adamandlinds.com), via Wikimedia Commons ### **Food and drinks:** Purchase food before boarding since onboard food carts have limited selections and higher prices. Tokyo Station's convenience stores offer fantastic bento boxes, onigiri, and drinks. The kids particularly love the character-themed snacks and treats available at station shops. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/960px-Ekiben_-16942832905-.jpg) masataka muto from japan, CC BY-SA 2.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0?ref=adamandlinds.com), via Wikimedia Commons ### **Entertainment:** Download movies, shows, and games before the journey since WiFi on Shinkansen is inconsistent. We pre-load content on iPads the night before travel days. Window seats facing Mt. Fuji side provide natural entertainment on clear days between Tokyo and Osaka. ### **Bathroom breaks:** Each Shinkansen car has clean, Western-style toilets. Go before the train gets crowded, especially during meal times. The bathrooms are surprisingly spacious and well-maintained. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/06/960px-N700S_727-8104_Toilet-inside.jpg) MaedaAkihiko, CC BY-SA 4.0 [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0?ref=adamandlinds.com), via Wikimedia Commons ### **Noise considerations:** Japanese trains maintain quiet atmospheres. We pack headphones for the girls and keep conversation volumes low to respect other passengers. The cultural norm emphasizes minimal noise, and following this expectation creates a more relaxed environment for everyone. ## Best Routes for First-Time Shinkansen Travelers If you're taking your first bullet train ride, certain routes offer particularly memorable experiences while showcasing what makes Shinkansen travel special. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/c3et5ahdhnafxz1qwfzm.jpg) ### **Tokyo to Kyoto (2 hours 15 minutes)** This route perfectly demonstrates Shinkansen's blend of speed, comfort, and efficiency. The journey passes Mt. Fuji (on clear days), transitions through multiple climate zones, and delivers you from ultra-modern Tokyo to historic Kyoto in the time it takes to watch a movie. The contrast between departure and arrival cities makes this route especially satisfying. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/11/xaj9s52p4xmmzdwper5y.jpg) ### **Osaka to Hiroshima (1 hour 30 minutes)** This shorter journey provides excellent value and connects two fascinating cities. The route travels through western Honshu's countryside, offering glimpses of traditional Japanese life between urban centers. It's long enough to appreciate Shinkansen travel without committing to a multi-hour journey. ### **Tokyo to Osaka (2 hours 30 minutes)** Japan's busiest bullet train route sees departures every 10 minutes during peak hours. The frequency means flexible scheduling, and you'll experience the Shinkansen at its most operational impressive. The route serves as the backbone of Japanese inter-city travel. ## When to Book Shinkansen Tickets in Advance Shinkansen tickets can be reserved up to one month before departure through Klook and official JR platforms. The optimal booking window depends on your travel dates and flexibility needs. ### **Book as early as possible (1 month out) for:** Golden Week (late April to early May) sees massive domestic travel and sold-out trains. Cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) attracts crowds from around the world. Summer Obon holiday (mid-August) generates peak Japanese domestic travel. New Year holidays (December 28 to January 3) book solid weeks in advance. Weekend travel during popular tourist seasons requires early reservations. ### **Booking closer to departure works fine for:** Weekday travel during off-season periods typically has plenty of availability. Very early morning trains (before 7:00 AM) and very late evening trains (after 8:00 PM) often have seats until the last minute. Routes to less popular destinations rarely sell out except during major holidays. We've successfully booked Shinkansen tickets one day before travel during slower periods, but the stress of uncertainty isn't worth the risk during busy seasons. ## Connecting with Other Transportation in Japan Shinkansen stations integrate seamlessly with Japan's broader transportation network, making multi-modal journeys straightforward. ### **Local JR trains:** All Shinkansen stations connect directly to local JR lines without leaving the fare gate system. If you hold a JR Pass, you can transfer freely. With individual tickets, you'll need separate local tickets. ### **Metro and subway systems:** Major stations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have direct connections to municipal subway systems. Follow clear signage in English to transfer between Shinkansen and metro lines. ### **Airport connections:** Narita and Haneda airports connect to Tokyo Station via dedicated express trains. Kansai International Airport links to Shin-Osaka through the Haruka Express. These connections make same-day air-to-Shinkansen travel feasible. ### **Taxis and buses:** Every Shinkansen station has taxi stands and bus terminals at ground level. Station staff speak basic English and can help direct you to appropriate exits. During our travels, we regularly combined Shinkansen with local trains, metros, and buses without complications. Japan's transportation system is genuinely designed for seamless connections. ## Essential Shinkansen Travel Etiquette Japanese trains operate under cultural expectations that differ from Western norms. Following basic etiquette ensures a pleasant experience for everyone. ### **Noise levels:** Phone calls are prohibited on Shinkansen trains. Use headphones for all audio content. Keep conversation volumes low, especially in Green Car sections. ### **Food and drinks:** Eating on Shinkansen is acceptable and common, unlike local trains where eating is discouraged. Many passengers enjoy ekiben (station bento boxes) during their journey. Dispose of trash in designated bins at the end of each car. ### **Seat reclining:** Reclining seats is normal and expected, but return them to upright position when exiting. Brief courtesy to passengers behind you when reclining is appreciated but not required. ### **Luggage placement:** Store bags properly in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated areas. Blocking aisles or doorways creates problems during busy boarding periods. ### **Priority seating:** Specific seats are designated for elderly, disabled, pregnant, or passengers with young children. Yield these seats when appropriate. We've found Japanese passengers to be exceptionally polite and forgiving of cultural differences, but making an effort to follow local norms creates better experiences for everyone. ## Staying Connected During Your Journey Reliable internet access enhances Shinkansen travel for navigation, communication, and entertainment. ### **WiFi availability:** Many newer Shinkansen trains offer free WiFi, but coverage is inconsistent and speeds are often slow. Don't depend on train WiFi for critical communications. ### **eSIM solutions:** We use [Holafly eSIM with code **ADAMANDLINDS**](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited data throughout Japan. The service works excellently on Shinkansen trains, even at high speeds. Having personal data eliminates dependency on unreliable public WiFi and allows seamless work, entertainment, and communication during travel. During our multiple Shinkansen trips, personal data through Holafly proved more reliable than train WiFi. We streamed shows for the girls, worked on laptops, and navigated our destination cities without connectivity issues. ## Planning Multi-City Japan Itineraries with Shinkansen The efficiency and frequency of Shinkansen service enables itineraries that would be impossible with other transportation methods. ### **Classic Golden Route:** Tokyo (4-5 days), Kyoto (3-4 days), Osaka (2-3 days), Hiroshima (1-2 days). This route covers Japan's highlights in 10-14 days with comfortable Shinkansen connections between each stop. ### **Extended exploration:** Add Hakone for Mt. Fuji views, Nara for temples and deer, Kanazawa for traditional culture, and Fukuoka for southern Japanese experiences. Shinkansen makes these extensions simple with minimal travel time. ### **Day trip possibilities:** From Tokyo, consider day trips to Nikko, Hakone, or even Kyoto (though we recommend staying overnight). From Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Himeji make excellent day trips. From Kyoto, Osaka and Nara are easy return journeys. Our family spent multiple weeks using Shinkansen as our primary transportation method. The flexibility to change plans, add destinations, and move between cities without complicated logistics made our Japan travels significantly more enjoyable. ## Alternative Transportation Options in Japan While Shinkansen is our preferred intercity transportation, other options exist for different budgets and timelines. ### **Highway buses:** Significantly cheaper than Shinkansen but much slower and less comfortable. An overnight bus from Tokyo to Kyoto costs around ¥5,000 compared to ¥13,320 for Shinkansen but takes 7-8 hours versus 2 hours 15 minutes. ### **Domestic flights:** Competitive pricing on longer routes like Tokyo to Fukuoka or Osaka to Sapporo. When factoring in airport travel time, security, and check-in requirements, Shinkansen often proves faster for distances under 500km. ### **Local JR trains:** Cheaper than Shinkansen but exponentially slower. The local train from Tokyo to Osaka takes 8-9 hours with multiple transfers compared to 2.5 hours on Shinkansen. ### **Rental cars:** Practical for rural areas not well-served by trains, but unnecessary for major city connections. Parking costs and highway tolls can exceed Shinkansen ticket prices. We occasionally supplement Shinkansen with domestic flights for very long distances (like Tokyo to Okinawa) but consider bullet trains unbeatable for mainland Japan travel. ## Booking Activities and Experiences with Klook Beyond Shinkansen tickets, [Klook offers excellent deals on Japan activities](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1159986&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com&ref=adamandlinds.com) using the same discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Popular bookings include Tokyo Disney Resort tickets, Universal Studios Japan passes, teamLab Borderless tickets, Osaka Castle entry, Tokyo Skytree admission, Mt. Fuji tours, and traditional experiences like tea ceremonies and kimono rentals. We've booked dozens of activities through Klook during our time in Japan. The platform consistently delivers competitive pricing, instant confirmation, and reliable service. Combining transportation and activity bookings on one platform simplifies trip planning significantly. ## Common Questions About Shinkansen Travel ### Can I use a JR Pass with Klook bookings? No. Klook sells individual point-to-point tickets, not JR Pass reservations. JR Passes must be purchased separately through official JR channels. ### Do children need tickets? Children under 6 travel free when not occupying a seat. Children 6 to 11 receive 50% discounts. Children 12 and older pay full adult fares. ### Can I change my Klook Shinkansen ticket? Changes and cancellations depend on ticket type and timing. Most tickets allow changes before departure with fees. After ticket issuance, modifications become restricted. Check the specific ticket terms before booking. ### What happens if I miss my train? With reserved seat tickets, you can board the next available train in unreserved seating. Some flexibility exists, but you may need to visit a ticket counter for assistance. ### Is luggage storage available at stations? All major Shinkansen stations have coin lockers in various sizes. Large lockers fit standard suitcases and cost ¥500 to ¥700 per day. Luggage forwarding services (takkyubin) can ship bags between cities for around ¥2,000 per bag. ## Final Thoughts on Booking Shinkansen Through Klook After years of full-time travel including 308 days in Japan, we've settled on Klook as our primary platform for Shinkansen bookings. The combination of convenience, international payment support, English-language service, and competitive pricing makes it the clear choice for most travelers. The QR code boarding system eliminates the stress of ticket counter queues, while the Klook app keeps all your transportation and activity bookings in one accessible place. With discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**, you'll save money while enjoying Japan's incredible bullet train system. ### Book your Shinkansen tickets on Klook Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for savings on all Japan rail bookings. [Book on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1159986&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fjapan-rail%2Fshinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Whether you're planning your first trip to Japan or returning for another adventure, Shinkansen travel will undoubtedly rank among your favorite experiences. The efficiency, comfort, and sheer engineering marvel of these trains captures something essential about Japan itself. ## More Resources for Japan Travel ### Plan the rest of your Japan trip [Holafly Japan eSIM — unlimited data, use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=how-to-buy-shinkansen-tickets-klook-discount-code&subId2=related&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Holafly monthly plans from $49.90 — better value for stays over 30 days](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=how-to-buy-shinkansen-tickets-klook-discount-code&subId2=related&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Browse all Japan activities on Klook — use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1159986&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Adam and Linds on YouTube — Japan travel tips from our family](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) Japan remains our favorite destination after visiting 33+ countries. The combination of rich culture, incredible food, technological innovation, and genuine hospitality creates an unmatched travel experience. Shinkansen travel epitomizes these qualities, and we hope this guide helps you navigate the system with confidence. --- This post contains affiliate links. When you book through Klook using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund our family travels and keeps our content free. All opinions and recommendations are based on our genuine experiences traveling through Japan with our three daughters. ### How We Track Every Dollar While Traveling Full-Time with Three Kids: Our TravelSpend Review URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/travelspend-review-budget-tracking-full-time-travel/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T02:06:24.000Z ****TL;DR**: After tracking every expense for 3 years across 33 countries using [TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com), we've saved $1,000's by identifying wasteful spending patterns. The app's offline functionality, automatic currency conversion, and real-time sync make it perfect for traveling families. We love it so much we bought the lifetime membership. ****Use code ADAMANDLINDS to save 50% on annual subscriptions** and take control of your travel budget. When we sold everything to travel the world with our three daughters in May 2022, friends and family had one question that came up more than any other: "How much does it actually cost?" Three years and 33 countries later, we can answer that question precisely because we've tracked every single expense since day one using an app called [TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com). Want to start tracking like we do? **Use our code ADAMANDLINDS for 50% off your first year of TravelSpend Premium**. ## Why Budget Tracking Matters More When You're Location Independent Before we left Indianapolis, we had a mortgage, car payments, and all the usual fixed costs of American life. But we also had something else: blissful ignorance about where our money actually went. Sure, we knew the big stuff, but the daily coffee runs, the Target trips, the "just this once" takeout? Those were financial mysteries. When you're traveling full-time, that ignorance becomes expensive fast. In Bangkok, a street food meal costs $2 while a Western restaurant charges $25\. In Tokyo, convenience store food is surprisingly cheap, but taxis will drain your account. Without tracking every expense, you'll burn through your budget before you realize what happened. We learned this lesson the expensive way during our first few months in Europe. We'd arrive in a new city, explore enthusiastically, swipe our cards freely, and then wonder why our bank account looked different than expected. That's when we discovered TravelSpend, and it changed everything about how we manage money while traveling. **Ready to start tracking your travel expenses?** [Get TravelSpend here](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDS** to save 50% on your annual subscription. ## What Makes TravelSpend Different from Other Budget Apps We tried several budgeting apps before landing on TravelSpend. Some were too complicated, requiring you to categorize every transaction into dozens of subcategories. Others were too simple, giving you a running total but no useful insights. [TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) hit the perfect middle ground for traveling families. The app does exactly what it needs to do without drowning you in features you'll never use. You can add expenses in seconds, even offline (crucial when you're in a country with spotty internet). Foreign currencies convert automatically to your home currency, so you always know what you're actually spending. And the visual breakdowns help you spot patterns you'd otherwise miss. After using TravelSpend for an entire year, we were so convinced that we purchased the lifetime membership. One year into our travels, we could already see how essential expense tracking had become to our lifestyle. **Use our code ADAMANDLINDS to save 50% on an annual subscription** and discover why we love this app so much. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/website-hero.png) ## The Real Costs: What 3 Years and 1,361 Days of Full-Time Travel Actually Look Like Since boarding the [Queen Mary 2](https://adamandlinds.com/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/) in May 2022, we've spent 1,361 days on the road across 33 countries. That's roughly 3.7 years of continuous travel as a family of five. Here's what that journey has taught us about the actual costs of full-time family travel. ### Our Longest Stays: The Slow Travel Advantage Looking at our TravelSpend data, our longest stays tell an interesting story about how we've evolved as travelers: - **Da Nang, Vietnam**: 170 days total (two separate stays of 84 and 86 days) - **Tokyo, Japan**: 175 days total (across multiple visits) - **Chiang Mai, Thailand**: 158 days total (three extended stays) - **Bangkok, Thailand**: 82 days total - **Playa del Carmen, Mexico**: 94 days These extended stays represent our biggest discovery about budget-conscious travel: staying put costs dramatically less than constantly moving. When we stay in a place for a month or more, our daily costs drop by 40-60% compared to shorter trips. ### How Stay Duration Affects Your Budget Through TravelSpend's tracking, we've identified a clear pattern in our spending: **Short stays (1-7 days)**: $180-250 per day for our family of five. We're eating out more, taking taxis instead of figuring out public transit, paying tourist prices, and staying in hotels or short-term accommodations with premium pricing. **Medium stays (8-30 days)**: $120-180 per day. We find an apartment, learn the local transportation, discover where locals shop for groceries, and establish routines that reduce spontaneous spending. **Long stays (31+ days)**: $80-120 per day. Monthly apartment rentals drop our accommodation costs by 30-50%, we cook most meals at home, we've optimized our routes and know the best deals, and we're living more like residents than tourists. For context, that means during our 86-day stay in Da Nang from February to May 2025, we spent roughly $7,740 compared to what would have been $15,480 if we'd moved every week. That's $7,740 saved simply by staying put and living like locals. ## How We Use TravelSpend: Our Daily Expense Tracking Routine Budget tracking only works if it's actually sustainable. We've developed a routine with [TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) that takes minutes per day but provides invaluable insights. **Want to follow our system? Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 50% off** and start building your own tracking routine. ### Morning Coffee and Yesterday's Recap Each morning while having coffee, one of us (usually Lindsay, because I'm still semi-conscious before 8 AM) opens TravelSpend and adds any expenses from the previous day that we forgot to log immediately. This takes 2-3 minutes and ensures nothing slips through the cracks. The app's offline functionality is crucial here. Internet isn't always reliable when you're traveling, but TravelSpend lets you add expenses offline and syncs everything once you're connected again. ### Real-Time Tracking for Major Expenses For significant purchases like accommodation, flights, or activities, we log them immediately. TravelSpend makes this effortless. Open the app, tap the plus button, enter the amount and category, and you're done. The entire process takes 15 seconds. The automatic currency conversion is brilliant. When we're in Thailand spending baht, TravelSpend instantly shows us what we're spending in US dollars. This prevents the dangerous mental math of "oh, 1,000 baht doesn't sound like much" when it's actually $28. ### Weekly Budget Reviews Every Sunday, we review our spending for the week in TravelSpend. The app's visual breakdowns show us exactly where our money went: accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and miscellaneous expenses. This weekly review has caught expensive patterns we wouldn't have noticed otherwise. For example, during our first month in Bangkok, we discovered we were spending $40 per day on transportation because we were taking Grab rides everywhere. A quick look at the transit map revealed that the BTS Skytrain could get us most places for $2-3 per day. That single realization saved us over $1,000 during our stay. [**Download TravelSpend now**](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 50% off Premium to unlock these powerful analytics features. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/website-2.png) ## TravelSpend's Best Features for Traveling Families After four years of daily use, here are the features we rely on most: ### Split Cost Tracking This feature is genius for families who occasionally split expenses with friends or extended family. When we met up with relatives in Tokyo for two weeks, we used TravelSpend's split cost feature to track who paid for what. At the end of the trip, the app showed us exactly who owed whom, eliminating awkward money conversations. ### Multiple Currency Support We've used 33 different currencies during our travels. TravelSpend handles all of them seamlessly, automatically converting to our home currency (US dollars) based on current exchange rates. This gives us an accurate picture of our spending regardless of where we are. When we're planning our next destination, we can look back at our spending in similar countries to estimate our budget. Looking at our TravelSpend data from previous stays in Southeast Asia helped us accurately budget for our extended time in Vietnam. ### Visual Spending Insights The app's charts and graphs reveal patterns you'd never notice in a spreadsheet. During our 94-day stay in Playa del Carmen, TravelSpend showed us that we were spending 45% of our budget on accommodation, 30% on food, 15% on activities, and 10% on everything else. These percentages helped us realize we were overspending on accommodation relative to the cost of living in Mexico. For our next long-term stay, we negotiated a monthly rate that dropped our accommodation costs from 45% to 35% of our budget, freeing up hundreds of dollars for experiences instead. ### Offline Functionality Internet connectivity is inconsistent when you're constantly moving between countries. TravelSpend's offline mode means we never lose track of expenses just because we don't have WiFi. Everything syncs automatically once we're connected, without any duplicate entries or data loss. This saved us during our time in rural Thailand and Vietnam, where we sometimes went days without reliable internet but still needed to track our spending. ### Real-Time Sync Across Devices Both Lindsay and I have TravelSpend on our phones, syncing to the same trip. If she buys groceries and logs it immediately, I see that expense instantly. This prevents duplicate entries and keeps us both aware of our spending in real-time. For traveling couples or families, this sync feature is essential. We split responsibilities throughout the day, but we both always know exactly where we stand with our budget. ## The Hidden Costs We Track That Most Travelers Forget TravelSpend's categorization helps us track expenses that many traveling families miss: ### Travel Insurance [SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) costs us approximately $250 per month for our family of five. It's easy to forget this recurring expense when you're not seeing it daily, but TravelSpend's budget tracking ensures we account for it in our monthly expenses. ### eSIM and Connectivity Costs We spend roughly $150-200 per month on eSIMs for our phones using [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/7aQQ9d?ref=adamandlinds.com) (use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off). For stays longer than 30 days, we've transitioned to their monthly plans starting at $49.90, which we track separately in TravelSpend. These connectivity costs add up quickly but are essential for our lifestyle. ### Visa Fees and Border Crossings Visa fees vary dramatically by country. Japan charges $0 for American tourists, while other countries charge $50-200 per person. These irregular expenses can wreck your budget if you're not tracking them. TravelSpend's miscellaneous category captures these costs so they don't surprise us. ### Educational Expenses As a worldschooling family, we pay for online classes through [Outschool](https://outschool.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) (use code **ADAMANDLINDS30** for $30 off your first class), digital educational subscriptions, and occasional tutoring. TravelSpend's education category helps us see exactly what we're investing in our daughters' learning. ### Shipping and Storage We maintain a small storage unit in Indianapolis (tracked monthly in TravelSpend) and occasionally ship items between locations. These aren't daily expenses, but they're part of our full-time travel budget that we wouldn't remember to track without the app. ## How TravelSpend Changed Our Spending Habits The real power of expense tracking isn't just knowing where your money goes but changing your behavior based on that knowledge. ### We Stopped Wasting Money on Convenience During our first months in Asia, TravelSpend revealed we were spending $8-12 per day on convenience store and 7-Eleven purchases. Snacks, drinks, random items that seemed cheap in the moment but added up to $300+ per month. Once we saw this pattern in the app, we started carrying reusable water bottles and planning our snacks ahead of time. Simple awareness saved us hundreds of dollars monthly. ### We Discovered Our True Daily Budget by Location Before TravelSpend, we estimated our daily budget based on vague impressions and internet research. Now we have precise data. We know that we can comfortably live in Thailand on $100 per day, Japan requires $150-180 per day, and Europe demands $200-250 per day for our family of five. This data-driven approach helps us plan our route strategically. When our budget is tight, we head to Southeast Asia. When we want to splurge on experiences, we time it with higher-earning months and choose destinations where we can stretch those dollars further. ### We Learned to Budget for Both Slow Travel and Adventure Looking at our TravelSpend data over three years, we see a clear pattern: we alternate between extended stays in affordable destinations and shorter, more expensive adventure trips. This rhythm keeps our average daily spending sustainable. For example, after spending three months in Da Nang at $90 per day, we planned a month-long European adventure that cost $220 per day. The extended low-cost stay in Vietnam gave us the financial cushion to enjoy Europe without stress. ## TravelSpend vs. Other Budget Tracking Solutions We tested several alternatives before committing to TravelSpend: **Traditional budgeting apps** (Mint, YNAB, Personal Capital): These are designed for people with fixed addresses, regular bills, and predictable expenses. They're overly complex for travel, requiring too many categories and setup steps. YNAB wanted us to budget every dollar in advance, but travel is unpredictable. Mint tried to automatically categorize transactions but failed miserably with international purchases. **Spreadsheets**: We tried Google Sheets for our first few weeks. The manual effort was exhausting, currency conversions were tedious, and we couldn't easily visualize our spending. Lindsay is excellent with spreadsheets, but even she abandoned this approach after a month. **Trail Wallet**: This app is specifically designed for travelers and was our second choice. It's simpler than TravelSpend but perhaps too simple. We missed features like split costs and the more detailed analytics that TravelSpend provides. Trail Wallet works great for solo travelers or couples on short trips, but for a family of five on extended travels, TravelSpend's additional features justify the slightly higher cost. **Trabee Pocket**: Another travel-focused app that we tested briefly. The interface felt cluttered, and the sync between devices was unreliable. We had several instances of duplicate entries or expenses that didn't sync properly. After losing a week's worth of data, we abandoned it. TravelSpend isn't perfect (the UI could be slightly more modern, and we'd love more detailed reporting options), but it strikes the right balance between functionality and simplicity for our needs. ## The Real ROI: How Much Money TravelSpend Has Saved Us After using [TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) for three years, we estimate the app has saved us at least $15,000 in avoided overspending. That's not hyperbole. Here's the math: By identifying and eliminating wasteful spending patterns (convenience store purchases, excessive transportation costs, tourist-priced restaurants when cheap local options existed nearby), we've reduced our daily spending by an estimated $15-20 per day on average. $17 per day × 1,361 days of tracking = $23,137 in avoided expenses. The lifetime membership cost us less than $50\. That's a 46,000% return on investment, which even our most optimistic financial projections couldn't have predicted. But beyond the direct savings, TravelSpend has given us something more valuable: confidence in our financial sustainability as a traveling family. We know exactly what we can afford, which destinations fit our budget, and when we need to tighten our belts or extend a stay to rebuild our financial buffer. **Ready to save money on your travels?** [Get TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 50% off your annual subscription. ## Tips for Getting the Most Out of TravelSpend After four years of daily use, here are our recommendations for maximizing the app's value: ### Log Expenses Immediately or Set a Daily Reminder The hardest part of expense tracking is remembering to do it. We've found that logging expenses immediately after spending works best. When that's not possible, we set a daily reminder for 8 PM to review and add any missing expenses before bed. ### Use Categories Consistently TravelSpend offers several expense categories: accommodation, food, transportation, activities, and miscellaneous. We've added our own subcategories within these for more detailed tracking. For example, under "food," we distinguish between groceries and restaurants. This granular data helps us identify specific areas to optimize. ### Review Your Data Weekly, Not Just at the End of Trips Waiting until the end of a trip to review your spending is like checking your bank balance after a shopping spree. It's too late to change anything. Weekly reviews let us course-correct in real-time. If we're overspending on restaurants, we can cook more for the rest of the week. ### Set Realistic Daily Budgets Based on Past Data Don't guess your daily budget. Use TravelSpend's historical data to set realistic targets. We know from our previous Tokyo visits that we spend about $160 per day there. So when we return to Japan, we set our daily budget at $160-180, not some aspirational number that we'll never hit. ### Share Access With Your Travel Partner If you're traveling with a partner or family member, make sure both of you have access to the TravelSpend trip. The real-time sync prevents duplicate entries and keeps everyone accountable. Lindsay and I both log expenses throughout the day, and we both can see exactly where we stand with our budget. ### Export Your Data Regularly TravelSpend allows you to export your spending data to CSV format. We export our data quarterly and save it in [Backblaze](https://secure.backblaze.com/r/00oxm4?ref=adamandlinds.com) cloud backup. This gives us a permanent record of our travels and protects against any potential data loss in the app. ### Use the Map Feature to Remember Spending Locations One of TravelSpend's underrated features is the ability to link expenses to map locations. When we review our trips months later, seeing where we spent money helps trigger memories of specific experiences. That $40 activity expense in Kyoto? The map reminds us it was the incredible tea ceremony in Gion that we'll never forget. ## How to Get Started with TravelSpend Ready to take control of your travel budget? Here's how to get started with [TravelSpend](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com): ### Step 1: Download and Create Your First Trip Download TravelSpend from the App Store or Google Play. Create an account and set up your first trip. Enter your home currency (ours is USD), your expected trip duration, and your estimated daily budget. Don't worry if these estimates are wrong at first. You'll refine them based on actual spending data. ### Step 2: Use Code ADAMANDLINDS for 50% Off The free version of TravelSpend offers basic functionality, but the Premium features are worth the upgrade. **Use our code ADAMANDLINDS to save 50% on your first yearly subscription**. Premium unlocks features like split costs, detailed charts and analytics, multiple trip tracking, and cloud sync across devices. [Get TravelSpend Premium here](https://get.travelspend.app/?o=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) with our discount code. ### Step 3: Start Tracking Everything for Two Weeks Commit to tracking every single expense for two weeks, no matter how small. Yes, even that $2 coffee or $0.50 street snack. This initial comprehensive tracking establishes your baseline spending patterns. After two weeks, you'll have enough data to spot patterns and set realistic budgets. ### Step 4: Review and Adjust After your first two weeks, review your spending in TravelSpend's analytics section. Where is your money actually going? Are there any surprises? Use these insights to adjust your budget and spending habits for the rest of your trip. ### Step 5: Make It a Habit The key to successful budget tracking is making it automatic. Log expenses immediately after spending, review your budget weekly, and share access with your travel partners. After a few weeks, it becomes second nature, taking just minutes per day while providing invaluable financial clarity. FAQ ## TravelSpend and travel budget tracking Is TravelSpend worth paying for, or should I use a free budget app? For serious travelers, TravelSpend Premium is worth it. Automatic currency conversion, offline functionality, real-time sync across devices, and travel-specific categories are all things free apps handle poorly. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 50% off annual subscriptions. The free version works fine for short trips, but if you're traveling for more than a few weeks, Premium pays for itself in avoided overspending. How much does TravelSpend cost? TravelSpend offers a free version with basic features and a Premium subscription at approximately $19.99 per year (pricing may vary by region). We eventually bought the lifetime membership for around $49.99, which has been good value. Use code ADAMANDLINDS to save 50% on your first annual subscription. Can multiple family members use the same TravelSpend account? Yes. TravelSpend Premium allows you to share trips with family members or travel partners. Both Lindsay and I have the app on our phones and log expenses throughout the day — everything syncs in real-time, so we always have an accurate picture of total spending. Does TravelSpend work offline? Yes, and it's one of the best features. You can add and edit expenses without internet connectivity, and everything syncs automatically once you're back online. This was important during time in rural Thailand and Vietnam where connectivity was unreliable. How accurate is TravelSpend's currency conversion? Very accurate. TravelSpend uses real-time exchange rates to convert expenses to your home currency. We've compared TravelSpend's converted amounts to our credit card statements and bank records — differences are typically less than 1–2%. Can I export my TravelSpend data? Yes. TravelSpend allows you to export all expense data to CSV format, which opens in Excel, Google Sheets, or any spreadsheet application. We export quarterly for backup and for analysis the app doesn't provide natively. How does TravelSpend compare to Trail Wallet? We've used both. Trail Wallet is simpler and slightly cheaper, which works well for solo travelers or couples on shorter trips. TravelSpend offers split costs, more detailed analytics, and better sync. For families or long-term travelers, TravelSpend is worth the marginal extra cost. What's the best way to stay connected while tracking expenses internationally? We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=travelspend-review-budget-tracking-full-time-travel&subId2=faq&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) for reliable international data — use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. For stays longer than 30 days, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=travelspend-review-budget-tracking-full-time-travel&subId2=faq&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) starting at $49.90/month offers unlimited data across 160+ destinations. Should I track every single expense, even small ones? During your first few weeks, yes — track everything. Even the $1 coffee. This reveals spending patterns you wouldn't otherwise notice. After that you can decide whether to focus only on purchases above a certain threshold. We still track everything over $5\. Logging an expense takes only seconds. How can I reduce my travel costs based on TravelSpend data? Review your analytics weekly and identify the highest spending categories. In our case, transport and convenience purchases were the culprits. Learning public transit and carrying reusable water bottles reduced daily costs by $15–20\. The biggest gains come from extending stays in affordable destinations — our data shows stays longer than 30 days cost 40–60% less per day than shorter trips. Does TravelSpend integrate with credit cards or banks? No — TravelSpend requires manual entry of all expenses. This sounds tedious but takes only seconds per transaction, and manually logging expenses makes you more conscious of purchases, which itself reduces unnecessary spending. Can I use TravelSpend for business travel expense reporting? Yes. TravelSpend's CSV export works well for business expense reports. The app tracks date, amount, category, and location, and you can add notes for additional context. Many digital nomads use it for business travel tracking. What happens to my data if I stop paying for Premium? Your historical data remains accessible on the free version, but you lose Premium features like split costs, detailed analytics, and cloud sync. Export to CSV regularly regardless of which version you're on. ## Other tools we use alongside TravelSpend TravelSpend handles the numbers. A few other tools fill in the rest. For teaching the kids about money while we travel, we use [Greenlight](https://share.greenlight.com/15906669?ref=adamandlinds.com) debit cards. The app lets us give allowances, track their spending, and show them in real terms what things cost across different countries. It integrates cleanly with our TravelSpend setup since we know exactly what we're allocating to the kids' budget each month. For connectivity, we use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=travelspend-review-budget-tracking-full-time-travel&subId2=inline-1&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off in most destinations. For stays over 30 days, [Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=travelspend-review-budget-tracking-full-time-travel&subId2=inline-2&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) — Unlimited at $64.90/month or Light at $49.90/month for 25GB — works out significantly cheaper per day. For travel insurance, [SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) covers our family of five for around $250/month. It's a line item we track carefully in TravelSpend, and one we've never regretted — particularly after Harper broke her arm in Vienna. For worldschooling, [Outschool](https://outschool.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) handles a significant portion of the girls' education. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS30** for $30 off your first class. We track all education expenses in TravelSpend's custom category, which has been useful for understanding the real cost of worldschooling versus traditional schooling. ## Is TravelSpend worth it? After three years and 33 countries, the honest answer is yes — and not just because of the features. Having accurate spending data changes how you make decisions on the road. You stop guessing whether you can afford to extend a stay or splurge on an experience, because you actually know. The numbers are right there. The lifetime membership cost us $49.99\. We've saved multiples of that by catching spending patterns early and optimizing our route based on real cost data. If you're planning a trip of more than two weeks, or seriously considering long-term travel, it's worth starting now. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 50% off your first annual subscription. ### Related Reading [Best Travel Budget Tracking App: TravelSpend](https://adamandlinds.com/best-travel-budget-tracking-app-travelspend-2/) [How to Set a Travel Budget](https://adamandlinds.com/how-to-set-travel-budget-track-spending-2/) [Greenlight Kids Debit Card Review](https://adamandlinds.com/greenlight-kids-debit-card-family-travel-review/) [SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Review](https://adamandlinds.com/safetywing-nomad-insurance-family-review/) [Why We Use Outschool for Worldschooling](https://adamandlinds.com/why-outschool-has-become-our-favorite-worldschooling-tool/) This post contains affiliate links. If you use our TravelSpend code ADAMANDLINDS we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We purchased the TravelSpend lifetime membership with our own money before becoming affiliates. We also earn commissions through Holafly, SafetyWing, and Greenlight links. All opinions are our own. ### Best Bangkok Activities and Attractions: Discount Codes for Family Adventures URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/bangkok-activities-discount-codes-klook/ Last updated: 2025-10-19T11:53:35.000Z During our 308 days exploring Thailand, we spent more time in Bangkok than most locals would care to admit. What started as a planned one-week stopover turned into multiple extended stays totaling over two months in this vibrant, chaotic, beautiful city. We've visited the Grand Palace at sunrise and sunset, tested every floating market within reasonable distance, and yes, we've taken more dinner cruises down the Chao Phraya than any family probably should. The result? We've become accidental Bangkok experts with strong opinions about which activities are worth your time and baht. Even better, we've partnered with [Klook](https://www.klook.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) to bring you exclusive discount codes that will save you money on the city's best attractions. **Bottom line:** Skip the overpriced tour operators at your hotel. Book through Klook with our codes **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** or **ADAMANDLINDS** for instant savings on Bangkok's top activities. If neither code works, the activity is already at maximum discount. ## Why Book Bangkok Activities Through Klook? Before we dive into specific attractions, here's why Klook became our go-to platform during our 308 days in Thailand: **Instant confirmation:** No waiting around hoping your booking went through while three kids ask if we can go yet. **Better prices:** Hotel concierges marked up activities by 30-50% compared to Klook's rates. That's a lot of pad thai money. **Skip-the-line access:** At popular spots like the Grand Palace, this feature alone saved our sanity. **Flexible cancellation:** Plans change when traveling with kids. Klook's policies actually acknowledge this reality. **English support:** When you need help, you can actually communicate with someone who speaks fluent English. ## Our Top 5 Bangkok Activities (With Discount Codes) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-19-at-07.45.44.png) ### 1\. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Walking Tour **Why it's essential:** The Grand Palace complex is Bangkok's crown jewel and home to the revered Emerald Buddha. This isn't just another temple; it's Thai history, culture, and architectural brilliance packed into 2.3 million square feet. We visited the Grand Palace four separate times during our stays in Bangkok. The first time was overwhelming (in a good way), the second time Lily asked surprisingly insightful questions about Thai Buddhism, the third time we actually understood what we were looking at, and the fourth time Harper declared it "too shiny" before requesting ice cream. All valid responses. **What to expect:** Your walking tour includes the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the Grand Palace buildings, and expert guidance through one of Southeast Asia's most significant cultural sites. The complex requires modest dress (covered shoulders and knees), which they enforce strictly. **Pro family tip:** Go early. The 9 AM tours beat both the heat and the worst crowds. By 11 AM, it's a sweaty shuffle through tour groups where you can barely see the attractions. **Pricing:** Approximately $45 per person through Klook (significant savings compared to booking on-site) [Book Grand Palace + Wat Phra Kaew Walking Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145566&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F72670-bangkok-grand-palace-wat-phra-kaew-walking-tour%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** or **ADAMANDLINDS** **Stay connected:** Make sure you have reliable internet for navigation and booking activities on the go. We recommend [Holafly's Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) with unlimited data starting at $1.99/day. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-19-at-07.44.22.png) ### 2\. Ancient City (Ancient Siam) and Erawan Museum **Why families love it:** Ancient Siam is essentially Thailand's greatest hits in miniature, spread across 200+ acres. It's an open-air museum featuring scaled replicas of Thailand's most important historical sites and architecture. This was one of Cora's favorite Bangkok experiences, which surprised us. The ability to see representations of sites from across Thailand in one location meant we could show the girls places we hadn't been able to visit. Plus, they rent golf carts, which made our kids feel like they were on the world's most educational joyride. **What you'll see:** 116 replicas of Thailand's famous monuments and architectural treasures, the three-headed elephant museum (Erawan), beautiful gardens, and traditional Thai culture demonstrations. **Insider tip:** Rent a golf cart. The property is massive, the Bangkok heat is relentless, and your kids will thank you. Walking the entire complex with three children under 10 would qualify as an extreme sport. **Time needed:** Allocate 4-6 hours. You could spend less, but you'd be doing it a disservice. **Pricing:** Approximately $18-25 per person depending on package [Book Ancient City + Erawan Museum Tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145566&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F368-ancient-city-erawan-museum-ticket-bangkok&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** or **ADAMANDLINDS** ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-19-at-07.45.07.png) ### 3\. King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk **Why it's worth it:** At 314 meters, the Mahanakhon SkyWalk offers the highest observation deck in Thailand. The highlight is the glass floor section where you can stand 310 meters above the Bangkok streets, which produces wildly different reactions depending on your relationship with heights. Harper loved it. Lily tolerated it. Cora refused to step on the glass, which is completely reasonable. Lindsay took approximately 4,000 photos while I tried not to think about the engineering that keeps glass panels intact 310 meters above ground. **Best time to visit:** Sunset. Book the 5-6 PM time slot to catch day views, sunset, and the transition to Bangkok's spectacular night skyline. The city transforms as the lights come on. **What's included:** Access to the 74th, 75th, and 78th floors, the glass tray experience, indoor and outdoor observation decks, and a commemorative photo. **Photography note:** The 360-degree views of Bangkok are legitimately spectacular. This is one activity where you'll actually want those tourist photos. **Pricing:** Around $23-30 per person [Book Mahanakhon SkyWalk Tickets](https://www.klook.com/activity/16870-king-power-mahanakhon-skywalk-ticket-bangkok/?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** or **ADAMANDLINDS** ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-19-at-07.44.55.png) ### 4\. Safari World Bangkok **Why kids demand it:** Safari World combines a drive-through safari park with a marine park featuring shows and attractions. It's touristy, it's commercial, and your kids will absolutely love it. We resisted Safari World for weeks, thinking it would be cheesy. Then we caved during a particularly rainy stretch when we needed indoor/covered activities. The girls still talk about feeding giraffes from the van and watching the dolphin show, which suggests we were wrong about our sophisticated travel priorities. **What you'll experience:** Drive-through safari with lions, tigers, zebras, and giraffes, marine park shows (dolphins, orangutans, sea lions), bird shows, and various animal exhibits. **Realistic expectations:** This isn't an authentic wildlife experience. It's a well-run animal theme park where your kids can see animals they've only encountered in books. Manage expectations accordingly. **Time needed:** Full day. The marine park shows run on a schedule, so arrive early to catch everything. **Pricing:** Approximately $30-40 per person including transfers [Book Safari World Bangkok Tickets](https://www.klook.com/activity/365-safari-world-bangkok/?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** or **ADAMANDLINDS** ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-19-at-07.44.41.png) ### 5\. Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise **Why we recommend it:** After a long day of temple-hopping and navigating Bangkok's controlled chaos, the Chao Phraya Princess dinner cruise provides a relaxing way to see the city's illuminated landmarks while enjoying decent food and live entertainment. We've done this cruise twice, once with visiting family and once because the girls specifically requested it again. The Chao Phraya River at night, with temples and buildings lit up along the banks, offers a completely different perspective of Bangkok than you get on the ground. **What's included:** International buffet dinner, live music and cultural performances, views of illuminated landmarks (Wat Arun, Grand Palace, Rama VIII Bridge), and a surprisingly pleasant breeze that breaks Bangkok's heat. **Dinner quality:** It's a buffet on a boat. Adjust expectations appropriately. That said, the food was better than we expected, with decent Thai options and enough variety that our picky eaters found things they'd actually eat. **Best for:** Families wanting a relaxed evening activity, celebrating special occasions (we did Harper's birthday dinner cruise), or giving parents a break from navigating Bangkok's streets with tired kids. **Duration:** Approximately 2 hours **Pricing:** Around $30-45 per person depending on seating [Book Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise](https://www.klook.com/activity/375-chao-phraya-princess-cruise-bangkok/?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** or **ADAMANDLINDS** ## Bangkok Activity Planning Tips from 308 Days of Experience ### Timing Your Activities **Avoid midday:** Bangkok's heat between 11 AM and 3 PM is punishing. Schedule indoor activities (Mahanakhon SkyWalk) or late afternoon/evening experiences (dinner cruise) during peak heat. **Start early:** Temple visits and outdoor attractions work best before 10 AM. You'll beat crowds and heat simultaneously. **Book ahead:** Popular activities like the Grand Palace walking tour sell out during peak season. Book through Klook at least 2-3 days ahead. ### Transportation Considerations Bangkok traffic is legendary. Factor in 45-60 minutes for cross-city travel during rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM). The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems are efficient but don't reach all attractions. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) became our go-to for point-to-point transport. For activities like Ancient City and Safari World that are outside central Bangkok, book packages through Klook that include round-trip transfers. Trying to arrange your own transport to these locations with kids in tow is an unnecessary headache. ### Dress Code Thai temples enforce modest dress strictly. Covered shoulders, covered knees, no see-through clothing. They sell appropriate clothing at entrances, but it's overpriced and limited. Just pack appropriately. We learned this the hard way at Wat Phra Kaew when Lindsay had to buy elephant pants from a vendor because her skirt was deemed too short (it wasn't). Save yourself the hassle and $15. ### Combining Activities Strategically Some activities pair well geographically: **Grand Palace + Wat Arun:** Both on the Chao Phraya River. After the Grand Palace, take the ferry across to Wat Arun. **Mahanakhon SkyWalk + Dinner Cruise:** Both in central Bangkok. Do the SkyWalk at sunset, then head to your dinner cruise. **Ancient City + Erawan Museum:** Located near each other outside central Bangkok. Book the combined ticket and knock them both out in one day. ## How to Use Your Klook Discount Codes **Step 1:** Click any of the activity links above **Step 2:** Select your preferred date and number of tickets **Step 3:** At checkout, enter code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** in the promo code field **Step 4:** If that code doesn't work, try **ADAMANDLINDS** **Step 5:** If neither code applies, the activity is already discounted to Klook's maximum allowable rate **Important:** Klook's "Book Now, Pay Later" option is genuinely useful for flexible travel planning. We used it multiple times when we weren't certain about our schedule. ## Beyond Our Top 5: Other Bangkok Activities Worth Considering ### Floating Markets We visited Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Taling Chan floating markets. Verdict: Damnoen Saduak is the most famous but also the most touristy. Amphawa offered a better balance of authentic experience and tourist infrastructure. Taling Chan was least crowded but required more Thai language skills for shopping. [Book floating market tours through Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145580&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with our discount codes for the best rates. ### Chatuchak Weekend Market If you're in Bangkok on a weekend, Chatuchak Market's 15,000 stalls deserve half a day. It's overwhelming, crowded, and hot, but you'll find everything from puppies to vintage Levis. The girls loved the pet section (we did not buy a puppy, despite repeated requests). ### Jim Thompson House This museum showcasing traditional Thai architecture and Southeast Asian art offers a peaceful respite from Bangkok's chaos. The guided tours are informative, and the grounds are beautiful. However, children under 10 aren't allowed inside the buildings, which eliminated this option for us during most of our stays. ### Lumpini Park Bangkok's largest park became our regular hangout for letting the kids burn energy. There's a playground, paddle boats, and plenty of space for running around. It's free, which is refreshing after paying entrance fees for everything else. ## Stay Connected During Your Bangkok Adventures Reliable internet is essential for navigating Bangkok, booking activities, translating Thai, and keeping kids entertained during transport. After testing multiple options during our 308 days in Thailand, we recommend [Holafly's Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited data starting at $1.99/day. The AIS network provides excellent coverage throughout Bangkok and beyond. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your eSIM. Installation takes less than 5 minutes, and you'll have immediate connectivity when you land at Suvarnabhumi Airport. For longer stays (30+ days), consider [Holafly's monthly global plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) starting at $49.90/month with unlimited data, which we used extensively during our extended Thailand stays. ## Managing Bangkok with Kids Bangkok is family-friendly, but it requires realistic expectations and proper preparation. Here's what we learned after 308 days: **Pace yourself:** Don't try to see everything in three days. Bangkok rewards slower exploration. We enjoyed our second month more than our first because we'd stopped rushing. **Embrace air conditioning:** Bangkok is hot. Really hot. Build frequent stops at air-conditioned malls and cafes into your daily plans. Central Embassy and EmQuartier became our afternoon refuges. **Street food caution:** Bangkok's street food is legendary, but introduce it gradually with kids. We had great experiences overall, but also one memorably unfortunate incident involving questionable grilled squid that we don't discuss anymore. **Pollution awareness:** Bangkok's air quality varies significantly. Download the AirVisual app to check daily conditions. On bad days (PM2.5 above 100), we stuck to indoor activities and malls. **Temple fatigue is real:** After the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, our kids were templed out. Space temple visits across multiple days rather than trying to hit them all consecutively. ## Bangkok Activity Budget: What to Expect Based on our extensive experience, here's realistic budgeting for a family of four: **Daily activities:** $80-150 depending on choices (Grand Palace tour + Mahanakhon SkyWalk = $136 for family of four) **Transportation:** $20-40 daily for Grab rides and public transport **Meals:** $40-80 daily (mix of street food and restaurants) **Incidentals:** $20-30 (water, snacks, unexpected purchases) **Total daily budget:** $160-300 for comfortable family travel Using Klook with our discount codes typically saves 10-20% on activities compared to booking directly or through hotel concierges. Over a week in Bangkok, that's $100+ in savings. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **How many days should we spend in Bangkok?** Minimum 4-5 days to see major attractions without rushing. We recommend 7-10 days if you want to explore properly and experience the city's rhythm rather than just checking off landmarks. During our first month-long stay, we still found new things to do in week four. ### **Is Bangkok safe for families with young children?** Yes, overwhelmingly. Thailand is incredibly welcoming to families. Standard precautions apply (watch belongings in crowded areas, be cautious with traffic), but we felt safe throughout our 308 days. Thai culture venerates children, which meant our girls received exceptional treatment everywhere. ### **What's the best area to stay in Bangkok with kids?** Sukhumvit (near BTS stations) or Silom offer the best combination of access, amenities, and family-friendly infrastructure. We stayed in Sukhumvit during multiple visits and appreciated the proximity to malls, restaurants, and efficient public transport. ### **Do we need to book activities in advance?** For popular experiences like Grand Palace walking tours during peak season (November-February), yes. For less crowded attractions like Ancient City, you can book 1-2 days ahead. Klook's flexible booking makes this easy regardless of your timeline. ### **Are the Klook discount codes legitimate?** Absolutely. We're official Klook partners, and these codes provide real savings. Use **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** or **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. If neither code works, the activity is already at maximum discount, which still beats booking directly. ### **Can toddlers enjoy these activities?** Most yes, with caveats. The Grand Palace requires patience (stroller recommended). Ancient City is excellent for toddlers (golf cart essential). Mahanakhon SkyWalk worked well for Harper at age 3\. Safari World is basically designed for young kids. The dinner cruise was our toddler-friendliest option. ### **What about bathroom facilities at these attractions?** All major attractions we've listed have clean, Western-style bathrooms. Thailand's tourist infrastructure is excellent. We never had bathroom-related issues that made activities unpleasant for our kids, which says something coming from parents of three girls under 10. ### **How do I handle the heat with kids in Bangkok?** Start activities early (before 10 AM), take frequent breaks in air-conditioned spaces, hydrate constantly, and don't overschedule. We learned the hard way that attempting three activities in one day during Bangkok's hot season is a recipe for miserable children and regretful parents. ### **Are these activities wheelchair/stroller accessible?** Varies significantly. Ancient City is fully accessible with rented golf carts. The Grand Palace has some stairs but is largely manageable. Mahanakhon SkyWalk is fully accessible. Safari World mostly accessible. Always check specific accessibility information on Klook listings before booking if this is a concern. ### **What if it rains during our Bangkok activities?** Bangkok's rainy season (May-October) brings afternoon downpours. Indoor activities (Mahanakhon SkyWalk) work perfectly. The Grand Palace has covered areas but not entirely indoors. Safari World and Ancient City suffer in rain. Dinner cruises run regardless, often with covered seating. Build flexibility into rainy season planning. ## Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Bangkok with Kids Bangkok initially overwhelms most families. The traffic, the heat, the chaos, the sensory overload of markets and temples and street food and tuk-tuks and the sheer density of everything can feel like too much. This is normal. Give it time. By our third week in Bangkok, we understood the rhythm. We knew which BTS stations connected to which attractions, which street food vendors made the best pad thai (it's always the ones with lines of locals), how to negotiate tuk-tuk rides without getting scammed, and where to find peaceful moments in this frenetic city. The activities we've recommended represent the best of what Bangkok offers families. They've been tested not once but multiple times across 308 days, surviving the scrutiny of three kids with very different interests and attention spans. If Lily (our history buff), Cora (our activity queen), and Harper (our chaos agent) all enjoyed them, they're legitimately family-friendly. Book through Klook using our codes **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** or **ADAMANDLINDS** to save money while supporting our family's continued travels. Your discount purchases help fund our next adventure, which the girls have declared will be "somewhere with less heat and more ice cream." SPONSORED Stay connected with [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) using code ****ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data. Navigate Bangkok's complexity with reliable internet, translation apps, and the ability to book activities on the go. [Learn more ](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) Bangkok with kids is absolutely doable. These activities make it enjoyable. ## Planning More Than Bangkok? Check Out Our Other Thailand Resources **Chiang Mai Family Guide:** Our experiences during our month-long stay in Northern Thailand **Thai Island Hopping:** Ao Nang, Phuket, and our island adventures with kids **Thailand Travel Planning:** Complete guide to our 308 days across Thailand [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) Want expert help planning your Thailand adventure? Contact Lindsay at lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel for personalized family travel planning from a certified travel advisor who's actually lived the experience. [Contact Her ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- **FTC Disclosure:* This post contains affiliate links for Klook and Holafly. If you book activities or eSIMs through our links, we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our family's travels and allow us to continue creating honest, detailed travel content. We only recommend products and services we've personally used extensively during our 308 days in Thailand and genuinely believe will improve your Bangkok experience. Our opinions remain completely honest and unbiased, as anyone who's read our brutally honest Queen Mary 2 review can attest.* ### teamLab Biovortex Kyoto: Complete 2025 Guide + Discount Tickets URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-biovortex-kyoto-discount-tickets/ Last updated: 2025-10-18T11:42:51.000Z **Get the Best Discount on teamLab Biovortex Kyoto Tickets** \- [Book through Klook here](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for instant confirmation and the lowest prices available online. Walking into teamLab Biovortex Kyoto feels less like entering a museum and more like stepping through a portal into a living, breathing digital ecosystem. This permanent immersive art installation, which opened in October 2025, transforms traditional museum-going into an interactive experience where you become part of the artwork itself. After visiting multiple teamLab locations across Asia (Tokyo's Borderless and Planets were highlights of our Japan trips), we've learned that each installation offers something unique. teamLab Biovortex Kyoto brings something special to the ancient capital by blending cutting-edge digital art with Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. **Looking for the best teamLab Kyoto discount?** [**Book tickets through Klook**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for instant confirmation at the lowest prices available online. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/Main_Megaliths_------_---_---_kyoto_01.jpg) teamLab, **Megaliths in the Eternal Existence of the Open Universe*, 2025, from the series **Megaliths in the Bath House Ruins*, 2019-, Interactive Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery --- ## 💰 Best Deals for teamLab Biovortex Kyoto **🎫 TICKETS:** [**Get Discounted teamLab Kyoto Tickets on Klook**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ✓ Instant confirmation ✓ Best price guarantee ✓ Mobile tickets **📱 INTERNET:** [**Holafly Japan eSIM - Use Code ADAMANDLINDS**](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ✓ 5% off with code **ADAMANDLINDS** ✓ Unlimited data ✓ Works on bullet trains --- ## What is teamLab Biovortex Kyoto? teamLab Biovortex Kyoto is a permanent digital art museum located in the Minami-ku district of Kyoto, about a 7-minute walk from Kyoto Station. Created by the internationally renowned art collective teamLab, this immersive space features both new artworks and previously unreleased installations that fuse traditional Kyoto aesthetics with futuristic technology. The museum operates on the core teamLab philosophy: transcending boundaries between the self and the world through interactive digital art. Unlike traditional museums where you observe from a distance, teamLab Biovortex Kyoto responds to your presence. The artworks change as you move through them, creating a unique experience every visit. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/Main_Crows-are-Chased-and-the-Chasing-Crows-are-Destined-to-be-Chased-as-well_KyotoBiovortex_01.jpg) teamLab, **Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as well*, 2025, from the series **Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as Well*, 2013-, Interactive Installation, Sound: Hideaki Takahashi © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery ## How Much Do Tickets Cost? **🎫 Best Price Guarantee:** [**Get teamLab Biovortex Kyoto Tickets on Klook**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Lowest rates with instant confirmation. ### teamLab Biovortex Kyoto ticket prices: - **Adults**: $31.29 USD - **Students (13-17)**: $19.95 USD - **Children (4-12)**: $12.80 USD - **Disability discount**: $15.65 USD ### **Why book through Klook?** - Instant confirmation (no waiting) - Better prices than buying at the door - Easy mobile ticket access - 24/7 customer support - Secure payment processing [**👉 Click here to book your discounted teamLab Kyoto tickets now**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Tickets are valid for your selected date and cannot be canceled. We always book through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for the best rates and instant confirmation, especially during peak travel seasons when tickets sell out quickly. The museum also includes Sketch Factory, which operates from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing visitors to create and see their own drawings come to life within the digital installations. ## Museum Hours and Location **Address**: 21-5 Higashikujo Higashi-Iwamotocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto **Hours**: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last entry: 7:30 PM) **Closed**: Select Tuesdays (check website for specific dates) ### How to Get There **From Kyoto Station**: 7-minute walk from the Hachijo East Gate **From Shichijo Station (Keihan Line)**: 11-minute walk There's no dedicated parking at the venue, so we recommend using public transportation. Kyoto Station serves as the main transportation hub, making teamLab Biovortex easily accessible whether you're staying in central Kyoto or arriving by Shinkansen from other cities. ## What to Expect Inside teamLab installations prioritize interaction over passive observation. The artworks in Biovortex Kyoto respond to your movements, creating an ever-changing landscape of light, color, and digital life forms. These aren't paintings on walls; they're environments you inhabit. The museum features Kyoto-exclusive installations that blend the city's traditional aesthetic with teamLab's signature digital artistry. Expect flowing digital waterfalls, blooming flowers that react to your touch, and immersive light installations that create the sensation of walking through a living organism. One unique feature is the Sketch Factory, where both children and adults can draw creatures that are then scanned and projected into the installations, becoming part of the living digital ecosystem. This makes the experience particularly engaging for families with kids. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/Sketch-Factory_KyotoBiovortex_04.jpg) teamLab, **Sketch Factory*, 2022-, Interactive Installation © teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery ## Staying Connected in Kyoto **💡 Don't get lost finding teamLab!** We always use [**Holafly eSIM**](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) when traveling in Japan for unlimited data. **Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off all Holafly plans** \- [Get your Japan eSIM here](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### With unlimited data, you can: - Navigate to teamLab Biovortex without worrying about getting lost - Share photos and videos instantly (the installations are incredibly photogenic) - Look up nearby restaurants and attractions - Stay in touch with family back home - Use Google Translate in real-time - Book last-minute tickets and experiences ### **Japan eSIM Pricing:** - 1 day: Starting at $6.90 - 5 days: Starting at $19.00 - 10 days: Starting at $34.50 - 30 days: Starting at $64.90 The eSIM activates as soon as you land in Japan, and coverage is excellent even on bullet trains between cities. [**Click here to get your Holafly Japan eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS**](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Long-Term Travelers: Monthly Global Plans For travelers visiting multiple destinations, [**Holafly Monthly Global Plans**](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) are perfect: ### **Light Plan - $49.90/month** - 25GB global data - Hotspot sharing included - One eSIM for the whole world - European number included - Cancel anytime ### **Unlimited Plan - $64.90/month** - Unlimited global data - Unlimited hotspot sharing - One eSIM for the whole world - European number included - Cancel anytime **Save 22% when you pay yearly!** [**Get Holafly Monthly Plans Here**](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off ## Tips for Visiting teamLab Biovortex Kyoto **Book tickets in advance**: The museum can sell out, especially on weekends and holidays. [**Get your Klook tickets here for the best price**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with instant confirmation. **Get reliable internet**: Don't rely on spotty WiFi. [**Get Holafly eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS**](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for 5% off unlimited data in Japan. **Arrive early or late**: The museum is less crowded during opening hours (9:00 AM) or after 7:00 PM. **Wear comfortable shoes**: You'll be walking and standing for 1-2 hours. Some installations require removing shoes. **Bring a portable charger**: You'll want to take lots of photos and videos, which drains battery quickly. Or better yet, have unlimited data so you can upload as you go. **Don't rush**: teamLab installations reveal themselves slowly. Spend time in each space to see how the artwork responds to your presence. **Visit Sketch Factory**: Especially if traveling with kids, this interactive element adds another layer of engagement. **Book other Kyoto attractions on Klook**: While you're booking teamLab, check out [**other Kyoto experiences on Klook**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for bundled savings. ## Why Visit teamLab Biovortex Kyoto? Kyoto attracts millions of visitors annually for its temples, gardens, and preserved traditional culture. teamLab Biovortex offers something completely different, a futuristic counterpoint to the city's historical attractions. The museum works as an excellent indoor activity regardless of weather (crucial during Kyoto's humid summers or rainy seasons). It's also fully accessible and provides an engaging experience for all ages, making it ideal for families. For digital art enthusiasts, this is one of the most technically impressive installations in the world. teamLab's work has been featured in major museums globally, and having a permanent installation in Kyoto makes this cutting-edge art accessible to travelers who might not visit Tokyo. ## Other teamLab Locations Worth Visiting If you're traveling extensively in Japan, consider visiting: - **teamLab Borderless** (Tokyo, Azabudai Hills) - The flagship location with multiple themed zones - **teamLab Planets** (Tokyo, Toyosu) - Wade through water, walk on soft surfaces, and experience four massive installation spaces - **teamLab SuperNature** (Macao) - The largest teamLab museum by physical space We've visited Borderless and Planets multiple times during our Japan trips. Each location offers distinct experiences, though all share teamLab's philosophy of boundary-dissolving digital art. ## Combining teamLab with Your Kyoto Itinerary teamLab Biovortex Kyoto sits near Kyoto Station, making it easy to combine with other activities: **Morning**: Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine (famous orange torii gates) **Afternoon**: Visit teamLab Biovortex **Evening**: Dinner in Gion district The museum's central location means you're never far from Kyoto's traditional attractions. This makes it perfect for breaking up temple visits or adding a rainy day activity to your itinerary. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long should I spend at teamLab Biovortex Kyoto? Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum. If you have children who want to spend time at Sketch Factory, add another 30 minutes. The museum doesn't rush you, so take your time experiencing each installation. ### Is teamLab Biovortex suitable for young children? Yes, the museum is excellent for families. Children often respond more naturally to the interactive elements than adults. Some installations involve walking in darkened spaces or on reflective surfaces, so supervise young children closely. ### Can I take photos and videos? Yes, photography is encouraged at teamLab installations. The artwork is designed to be shared. However, avoid using flash as it can disrupt other visitors' experiences and doesn't work well with the digital projections anyway. ### Do I need to speak Japanese? No, the museum experience is primarily visual. Staff members at the entrance speak basic English, and all essential information is available in English through Klook's booking system. ### What's the difference between teamLab Biovortex and other teamLab museums? teamLab Biovortex Kyoto features Kyoto-exclusive installations that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with digital technology. While sharing teamLab's core interactive philosophy, the artworks here respond specifically to Kyoto's cultural context. ### Should I visit teamLab Biovortex if I've already been to Borderless or Planets? If you enjoyed those experiences, yes. Each teamLab location offers distinct installations. Biovortex's smaller scale creates a more intimate experience compared to Tokyo's massive venues, and the Kyoto-specific artworks are worth seeing. ### Can I buy tickets at the door? While walk-up tickets may be available, we strongly recommend booking in advance through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) to guarantee entry, especially during peak travel seasons. ## Planning Your Kyoto Visit teamLab Biovortex represents the perfect counterpoint to Kyoto's traditional attractions. After spending days exploring temples and gardens, stepping into this immersive digital environment feels refreshing and futuristic. The museum's permanent status means you can visit year-round without worrying about limited-time exhibitions. Located minutes from Kyoto Station, it fits easily into any Kyoto itinerary. ### **🎫 Ready to Book?** [**Get Your Discounted teamLab Biovortex Kyoto Tickets Here**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Best price guarantee with instant confirmation ### **📱 Need Internet in Japan?** [**Get Holafly Japan eSIM**](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data ### More Kyoto & Japan Discounts Looking for more ways to save on your Japan trip? Check out these resources: - [**Klook Japan Activities**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Tickets, tours, and experiences - [**Holafly Monthly Global Plans**](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Perfect for multi-country trips (save 22% on yearly plans) - [**Japan Rail Pass on Klook**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Essential for traveling between cities For more Japan travel tips and our family's experiences exploring Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond, check out our Japan travel guides. We've spent months exploring Japan over multiple trips and continue returning to discover new experiences. **Ready to experience teamLab Biovortex Kyoto?** [**Book your tickets through Klook here**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1145195&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F167098-teamlab-kyoto%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for instant confirmation and the best rates. ### Ha Long Bay Cruise Discount Code 2025: Book Your Vietnam Adventure for Less URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/ha-long-bay-3d2n-cruise-discount-code/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:36.000Z Searching for a Ha Long Bay cruise discount code? You've found the right guide. We sailed through Ha Long Bay's emerald waters on the Orchid Trendy Cruise in September 2022, and it was one of the highlights of our eight months exploring Southeast Asia. Here's everything you need to know about booking a Ha Long Bay cruise, including how to save money and what to expect on board. ## Best Ha Long Bay Cruise Deals (Klook Discount Code) Before we dive into our experience, let's talk savings. The best way to book Ha Long Bay cruises is through [Klook with our exclusive promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144789&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F99053-ha-long-bay-cruise-tour-essence-grand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com). This code works on all Ha Long Bay cruise bookings and gives you the best available rate plus additional discounts. ### Top Ha Long Bay Cruise Options on Klook [**Orchid Trendy Cruise (3D2N)**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144785&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F117120-orchid-trendy-cruise%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- This is the ship we sailed on for our three-day adventure. With 20 well-appointed cabins, this boutique cruise offers an intimate Ha Long Bay experience without the crowds of larger vessels. The rooms feature large windows with stunning bay views, and the service was impeccable. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to save. [**Starlight Cruise 5-Star (3D2N)**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144791&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F149650-3d2n-halong-bay-by-5-star-starlight-cruise%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- For a luxury 3D2N experience, the Starlight Cruise delivers five-star service with premium amenities. This cruise includes the full three-day itinerary with that essential relaxing middle day, plus upgraded dining and spa facilities. Apply promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for the best rate. [**Grand Pioneers Cruise (2D1N)**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144789&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F99053-ha-long-bay-cruise-tour-essence-grand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- If you're limited on time or budget, the Grand Pioneers offers a quality 2D1N experience with visits to Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island. While we strongly recommend 3D2N if possible, this is a solid shorter option. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to save. ![a long boat floating on top of a body of water](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1643030595382-79273ae819d9?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fGhhJTIwbG9uZyUyMHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjA3MDM3Nzl8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Marina Lobato](https://unsplash.com/@mlobatopl?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Our Ha Long Bay Cruise Experience: Why 3D2N Was Perfect We departed from Hanoi early on a September morning in 2022 for our three-day, two-night adventure. The drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay takes about three to four hours, depending on traffic. Most cruises include transportation from Hanoi, but double-check when booking. Booking the 3D2N cruise was one of the best decisions we made in Vietnam. That middle day on the ship made all the difference. While 2D1N cruises rush from activity to activity with barely time to breathe, the three-day option gave us that magical full day to simply exist in Ha Long Bay. We could swim when we wanted, kayak at our own pace, lounge on the deck watching the limestone karsts drift by, and actually feel like we were on a vacation rather than checking boxes on a tour itinerary. ### Boarding the Orchid Trendy Cruise When we arrived at the port, the organized chaos of dozens of cruise ships boarding simultaneously was impressive. Our Orchid Trendy Cruise stood out with its sleek design and smaller size compared to some of the massive vessels around us. The 20-cabin capacity meant we'd have a more intimate experience than those boarding ships with 50+ rooms. The welcome aboard was warm and professional. Fresh towels, welcome drinks, and a thorough safety briefing set the tone. Our cabin exceeded expectations. Large windows framed the limestone karsts perfectly, and the bed was surprisingly comfortable for a cruise ship. The bathroom was modern and well-maintained, something we appreciated after months of staying in budget accommodations across Southeast Asia. ### Day One: Sailing Into a UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay earned its UNESCO World Heritage status for good reason. As we sailed away from the port on day one, the dramatic limestone pillars rising from emerald waters became more numerous and impressive. With three young daughters aboard (Lily was 7, Harper was 3, and our youngest was just 1), we worried about keeping everyone entertained over three days. Those concerns evaporated quickly. The cruise staff organized activities perfectly throughout our three days. On day one, we kayaked through hidden lagoons, where the silence was broken only by our paddles dipping into the calm water and our girls' excited whispers about the caves they spotted. The kayaking brought us close to the karsts in a way that's impossible from the ship, and even our youngest enjoyed the gentle paddle with Lindsay. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) was another day one highlight. The name fits. The entrance opens into a massive cavern illuminated by colorful lights highlighting the stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years. Our girls were mesmerized, asking questions about how the formations developed and spotting shapes in the rock formations. The cave is large enough that even with multiple tour groups inside, it never felt crowded. ### Day Two: The Middle Day That Changes Everything This is why we recommend the 3D2N cruise over anything shorter. Day two had optional morning activities, but the pressure was completely off. We woke naturally (well, as naturally as you can with a one-year-old), had a long breakfast, and then decided what we wanted to do. We chose to kayak again in the late morning when the light was beautiful and fewer boats were around. The girls were more confident the second time and actually helped paddle. After kayaking, we returned to the ship for lunch and then spent the afternoon exactly how we wanted: swimming off the boat, reading on deck, and Lindsay even got an hour at the spa while I kept the girls entertained. That afternoon was magical in a way that's hard to describe. No rushing to the next activity, no checking our watches, just our family floating among ancient limestone karsts with nothing to do but enjoy being there. The girls played card games on deck. We took photos without feeling like we needed to document everything. We talked about our travels, where we'd been, and where we wanted to go next. The 3D2N cruise also took us deeper into the bay than the 2D1N route typically goes. We sailed into Lan Ha Bay, which is part of the same karst system but less crowded. The scenery was just as stunning, but we saw maybe five other boats all afternoon instead of the dozens near the main Ha Long Bay attractions. As the sun set on day two, we realized this middle day had been the highlight of our entire cruise. Not the activities or the caves or the famous viewpoints, but simply having time to be present in one of the world's most beautiful places without any agenda. ![a group of people in canoes paddling through a cave](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1697850084120-4896a446a04d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDZ8fGhhJTIwbG9uZyUyMGJheXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NjA3MDM3NTB8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Duc Nguyen](https://unsplash.com/@thewhatd?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### The Food: Better Than Expected Across Three Days Cruise food can be hit or miss, but the Orchid Trendy's restaurant consistently impressed us across all our meals. Breakfast featured both Western and Vietnamese options. Fresh tropical fruit, pho, spring rolls, eggs prepared to order, and strong Vietnamese coffee started each day right. The girls loved the French toast and fresh mango. Lunch and dinner showcased Vietnamese cuisine with some international dishes mixed in. The seafood was incredibly fresh, which makes sense given our location. Grilled fish, steamed prawns, and squid prepared multiple ways appeared at most meals. The staff accommodated our vegetarian requests without any issues, and they were patient with our picky eaters. Over three days, the menu rotated enough that we never felt like we were eating the same meals. Having six full meals plus snacks on board meant we really got to experience the range of what the kitchen could do. One evening, the crew organized a cooking demonstration on deck. We learned to make fresh spring rolls, and the girls had a blast trying to wrap their rolls as tightly as the chef demonstrated. We still make spring rolls at home now, using the techniques we learned that evening on Ha Long Bay. ### Sunset and Sunrise: The Magic Hours Over Three Days We experienced two sunsets and two sunrises on our 3D2N cruise, and each one was different. The sunsets from the deck were spectacular. As the sun dipped behind the limestone karsts, the bay transformed. The emerald water turned golden, then pink, then deep purple. Other cruise ships lit up in the distance, creating a floating city of lights among the ancient stone formations. We watched traditional fishing boats with their distinctive red sails pass by, and our guide explained how these fishermen live on the water year-round, their floating villages part of Ha Long Bay's living culture. Both mornings, we woke up early (which isn't hard with young children) and joined other early risers on deck for tai chi as the sun rose. The instructor led us through slow, deliberate movements while the bay awakened around us. Fishing boats headed out, other cruise ships started their engines, and the karsts emerged from the morning mist. Having two mornings meant even the kids got into the routine and looked forward to the tai chi sessions. ## Ha Long Bay Cruise Duration: 2D1N vs 3D2N This deserves its own section because it's one of the most important decisions you'll make when booking. We chose the 3D2N option and we're so glad we did. ### Why We Chose 3D2N (And You Should Too) Most travelers default to the two-day, one-night cruise because it's cheaper and shorter. But here's what you're actually getting with the typical 2D1N schedule: **Day 1:** Depart Hanoi at 8am, arrive at pier around noon, board ship, immediate lunch, kayaking in early afternoon, cave visit, return to ship, dinner, sunset viewing, sleep. **Day 2:** Sunrise tai chi at 6:30am, breakfast, one morning activity (like Ti Top Island), checkout by 10am, disembark by 11am, back in Hanoi by 3pm. Notice what's missing? Any actual time to relax on the ship. You're constantly moving from one scheduled activity to the next. ### The 3D2N Difference: That Magic Middle Day The three-day, two-night cruise adds a full middle day that transforms the entire experience. Our day two on the Orchid Trendy was absolutely perfect. We woke up without an alarm, had a leisurely breakfast while watching the morning mist lift off the karsts, and then the day was ours. There were optional activities if we wanted them, but the pressure was off. We kayaked in the late morning when the light was perfect, swam in the afternoon when we felt like it, and Lindsay enjoyed the spa while I entertained the girls on deck. That afternoon, with no schedule and nowhere to be, we all just sat together watching the limestone formations drift by. The girls colored, Lindsay read, and I finally felt like we were actually on vacation rather than on a tour. The 3D2N cruises also venture deeper into the bay and into Lan Ha Bay, reaching more remote areas with fewer boats. You'll see different caves and islands than the standard 2D1N route, and you'll have time to actually enjoy them rather than rushing through. ![man in brown shirt and blue denim jeans riding on boat during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1586100866229-5749c821a61d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDI1fHxoYSUyMGxvbmclMjBiYXl8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzYwNzAzNzUwfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Gary Cacciatore](https://unsplash.com/@garycacciatore?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Our Honest Recommendation If you can afford the extra $100-200 per person and have the time, absolutely book the 3D2N cruise. That middle day isn't just "nice to have," it's when Ha Long Bay transforms from a beautiful place you visited into an experience you'll actually remember. The 2D1N cruise works if you're on a very tight budget or schedule, but you'll be missing the best part of cruising Ha Long Bay: the chance to simply be there. We're glad we did. The climb took about 20 minutes at our pace (with many breaks for the little ones), but the panoramic view from the top was worth every step. The 360-degree vista of Ha Long Bay from above revealed the true scale and beauty of this natural wonder. We could see dozens of cruise ships scattered among hundreds of limestone pillars, all set against the turquoise water. The beach at Ti Top's base offered a chance to cool off after the climb. The water was warm and clear, perfect for a quick swim before heading back to the cruise. ## What We Wish We'd Known Before Booking Looking back at our Ha Long Bay cruise experience and having talked to other travelers about their trips, here's what we wish someone had told us: ### **Weather matters more than you think.** We visited in September during the shoulder season. The weather was mostly sunny with occasional rain showers, which actually made for dramatic photos. The summer months (June-August) are hot and humid with frequent rain. Winter (November-February) can be surprisingly cool and misty. Spring (March-May) offers the best weather, but also the highest prices and most tourists. ### **Consider 3D2N for the full experience.** We booked the three-day, two-night cruise and cannot recommend it strongly enough. The middle day transforms the entire trip from a rushed tour into an actual vacation. You have time to truly relax on the ship, swim at your leisure, and soak in the bay's beauty without constantly moving to the next activity. The 2D1N cruises pack everything into back-to-back schedules with early departure times. If your budget and schedule allow, the extra day is absolutely worth it and makes Ha Long Bay feel like the destination it deserves to be rather than just another stop on your Vietnam itinerary. ### **Book directly through Klook for the best prices.** We compared prices across multiple booking sites and travel agencies. [Klook consistently offered the lowest rates](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144789&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F99053-ha-long-bay-cruise-tour-essence-grand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), especially when using our discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. Plus, their customer service in English was excellent when we had questions. ### **The cruise schedule is flexible.** While the itinerary listed specific times for activities, the actual timing was more relaxed. If you're tired, skip an activity. Want to spend more time kayaking? The staff accommodated that. Don't feel pressured to do everything. ### **Pack light, but bring the essentials.** You won't need much on the cruise, but sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes for cave exploration, and a light jacket for air-conditioned spaces are crucial. We used a dry bag for our kayaking excursion to protect our phones and cameras. ## Staying Connected: Ha Long Bay WiFi and Data The Orchid Trendy Cruise offered WiFi, but it was spotty at best. This is true for most Ha Long Bay cruises, as you're sailing among limestone karsts with limited cell tower coverage. We relied on our [Holafly Vietnam eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for data when we needed it. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. The intermittent connectivity was actually refreshing. For 48 hours, we weren't constantly checking emails or scrolling through social media. We were present with our family and the spectacular scenery around us. That said, if you absolutely need reliable internet (for work or staying in touch with family), download any important documents or entertainment before boarding. We downloaded several movies and audiobooks for the girls, though they barely touched them given how engaged they were with the cruise activities. ## Ha Long Bay vs Lan Ha Bay: Which Cruise Should You Choose? Many travelers ask whether they should cruise Ha Long Bay or neighboring Lan Ha Bay. We chose Ha Long Bay for our trip, but here's what we learned from other travelers about the comparison: **Ha Long Bay** is the more famous option. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic limestone karsts and more cruise options. The bay sees more boat traffic, especially during peak season. This was fine for us because the bay is massive, and we rarely felt crowded except when boarding and disembarking. **Lan Ha Bay** is part of the same karst system but less developed and less crowded. Cruises here tend to be smaller and more focused on kayaking and water activities. If you want a more off-the-beaten-path experience, Lan Ha Bay might be better. However, the iconic Ha Long Bay views are in Ha Long Bay proper. We don't regret choosing Ha Long Bay. The recognition as a UNESCO site is well-deserved, and even with other boats around, the bay's immense size meant we often felt alone among the karsts. ## Family-Friendly Ha Long Bay Cruises: Tips for Traveling with Kids Traveling with three children under eight years old, we worried about how they'd handle the cruise. Here's what worked for us: ### **Choose a cabin with a window or balcony.** Being able to see outside helped prevent any seasickness and kept the girls entertained during downtime. The Orchid Trendy's large cabin windows were perfect. ### **Bring motion sickness medication.** The water in Ha Long Bay is generally calm, but some children are sensitive to any boat movement. We had children's Dramamine just in case (we didn't end up needing it). ### **Let them be part of the activities.** The kayaking, cave exploration, and cooking class gave the girls hands-on experiences they still talk about. Don't treat the cruise as something to observe; participate fully. ### **Flexible schedule is key.** Some cruise lines cater more to families than others. We found the staff on the Orchid Trendy to be incredibly accommodating when we needed to adjust meal times or take breaks from activities. ### **Pack snacks.** While the cruise provides plenty of food, having familiar snacks for the kids helped with picky eating moments and gave us something to offer during the long drive from Hanoi. ## The Environmental Reality of Ha Long Bay Tourism We can't write about Ha Long Bay without addressing the environmental challenges the bay faces. Over the past few decades, the dramatic increase in tourism has put pressure on this fragile ecosystem. We noticed plastic waste floating in some areas, and our guide openly discussed the ongoing efforts to clean up the bay and regulate the cruise industry. Many cruise operators, including the Orchid Trendy, are working to minimize their environmental impact. They use modern waste management systems, limit single-use plastics, and educate passengers about protecting the bay. As travelers, we can support these efforts by choosing responsible cruise operators and being mindful of our own environmental impact during the trip. The Vietnamese government has been tightening regulations on Ha Long Bay cruises, limiting the number of boats allowed and imposing stricter environmental standards. This is positive for the long-term health of the bay, though it does mean cruise prices have increased in recent years. ## Beyond the Cruise: Exploring Hanoi Before and After Most Ha Long Bay cruises include transportation from Hanoi, so you'll likely spend some time in Vietnam's capital city before or after your cruise. We spent five days in Hanoi total, sandwiching our two-day cruise in the middle. Hanoi was our introduction to Vietnamese culture after a month in Bangkok. The city's energy, incredible street food, and rich history made it one of our favorite cities in Southeast Asia. The Old Quarter's narrow streets filled with motorbikes, street food vendors, and coffee shops gave us a crash course in Vietnamese urban life. Don't miss the water puppet show in Hanoi. This traditional Vietnamese art form was a hit with our kids and provided cultural context for the scenes we saw carved into rocks at Ha Long Bay's caves. The show is about an hour long, which is perfect for children's attention spans. We also visited the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, explored the Temple of Literature, and ate more pho than we could count. The French colonial architecture throughout the city tells the story of Vietnam's complex history, and our girls asked thoughtful questions about the buildings and monuments we encountered. ## Booking Your Ha Long Bay Cruise: Step-by-Step Guide Ready to book your Ha Long Bay adventure? Here's exactly how to do it: ### **Step 1: Choose Your Cruise Duration** Decide between 2D1N (budget-friendly but rushed) or 3D2N (more expensive but includes a full relaxation day on the ship). We recommend 3D2N if your schedule and budget allow. Then browse [Klook's Ha Long Bay cruise options](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144789&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F99053-ha-long-bay-cruise-tour-essence-grand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com). Filter by duration, price range, and amenities. Read recent reviews to get a sense of what each cruise offers. ### **Step 2: Select Your Dates** Ha Long Bay cruises run year-round, but the best weather is from March to May and September to November. We visited in September and had excellent weather with fewer crowds than the spring months. ### **Step 3: Add to Cart and Apply Discount Code** At checkout, enter promo code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** in the discount field. This works on all cruise bookings and will give you the best available rate. ### **Step 4: Confirm Transportation** Most cruises include round-trip transportation from Hanoi hotels. Confirm your pickup location and time. The drive is 3-4 hours each way, so factor this into your schedule. ### **Step 5: Prepare for Your Trip** You'll receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions, including what to bring, pickup times, and contact information. Download the Klook app to access your booking offline during your trip. ## Ha Long Bay Cruise Costs: What You're Actually Paying For Ha Long Bay cruise prices vary widely based on the vessel, season, and length of cruise. Budget cruises start around $100-150 per person for a 2D1N trip, while luxury cruises can exceed $400 per person. The Orchid Trendy Cruise falls in the mid-range category, typically priced around $200-250 per person. This includes all meals, activities, transportation from Hanoi, and accommodation in a comfortable cabin. Children's rates are available and significantly discounted. What you're paying for isn't just the accommodation and transportation. You're paying for the UNESCO World Heritage Site experience, the included activities (kayaking, cave visits, cooking class), all meals, and the convenience of having everything organized for you. When you break it down by meal and activity, the value becomes clear. [Booking through Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144785&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F117120-orchid-trendy-cruise%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) typically saves you 5-15% compared to booking directly with the cruise operator or through other booking platforms. The discount code applies to most cruise options on Klook, not just the ones we've highlighted. ## Should You Book a Ha Long Bay Cruise? If you're in Vietnam, yes. Ha Long Bay lives up to its reputation as one of Southeast Asia's must-see destinations. The limestone karsts, emerald water, and unique ecosystem create scenery unlike anywhere else in the world. For families, the cruise format works surprisingly well. Everything is organized, meals are included, and the activities keep children engaged while being educational. The cruise gives you a contained adventure that's easier to manage than navigating Vietnam's cities with young kids. For couples or solo travelers, Ha Long Bay offers either romantic isolation or opportunities to meet other travelers, depending on which cruise you choose. The smaller, more upscale cruises like the Orchid Trendy provide a more intimate experience, while larger budget cruises have a social hostel-like atmosphere. The only travelers who might want to skip Ha Long Bay are those who've already seen similar karst formations in places like Guilin, China, or Thailand's Phang Nga Bay. Even then, Ha Long Bay's scale and the cruise experience make it worth considering. ## Watch Our Ha Long Bay Cruise Videos Want to see what a Ha Long Bay cruise actually looks like? We documented our entire experience on our YouTube channel. [Watch 64 | HALONG BAY OVERNIGHT LUXURY CRUISE 🇻🇳 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0b-u5d-zExs&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch our Ha Long Bay cruise vlog](https://youtu.be/0b-u5d-zExs?si=bubi900M7a0i8UeV&ref=adamandlinds.com) to see the Orchid Trendy Cruise, the activities, meals, and what two days on Ha Long Bay really feels like with a family. [Watch 65 | A LUXURY HA LONG BAY CRUISE WORTH IT? 🇻🇳 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUH9T0LlO-k&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Check out our Vietnam travel highlights](https://youtu.be/QUH9T0LlO-k?si=1gJgANHcfhzogzny&ref=adamandlinds.com), which includes our Ha Long Bay experience plus our time in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City. ## Final Thoughts: Ha Long Bay Was Worth the Hype We've visited famous tourist destinations that disappointed us. Ha Long Bay wasn't one of them. Despite the crowds, the environmental challenges, and the somewhat touristy nature of the cruise experience, Ha Long Bay delivered on its promise of spectacular natural beauty. The cruise format, which initially seemed limiting, actually enhanced our experience. Having accommodation, meals, and activities organized meant we could focus on enjoying the bay with our family rather than worrying about logistics. The Orchid Trendy Cruise provided the perfect balance of structure and flexibility, comfort and adventure. Would we do it again? Absolutely. We've already talked about returning to Vietnam when the girls are older and doing a longer cruise that explores more of the bay. Ha Long Bay is the kind of place that rewards repeat visits, revealing new perspectives each time. If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, [book your Ha Long Bay cruise through Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144789&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F99053-ha-long-bay-cruise-tour-essence-grand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for the best rates. Whether you choose the Orchid Trendy like we did or one of the luxury options like Grand Pioneers, you're in for an unforgettable experience among the limestone karsts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Ha Long Bay Cruises ### **How much does a Ha Long Bay cruise cost?** Ha Long Bay cruises range from $100 to $500+ per person depending on the cruise line, cabin category, and season. Mid-range cruises like the Orchid Trendy typically cost $200-250 per person for 2D1N. [Book through Klook with code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144785&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F117120-orchid-trendy-cruise%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for the best rates. ### **Is 2 days 1 night enough for Ha Long Bay?** While the 2D1N cruise is the most popular option for budget-conscious travelers, we actually recommend the 3D2N cruise if your schedule and budget allow. The 2D1N itinerary feels rushed with back-to-back activities and early departures. The 3D2N cruise includes a full middle day on the ship where you can truly relax, swim at your leisure, and enjoy the bay without constantly moving to the next activity. That extra day makes a huge difference in the overall experience. ### **What is the best time to cruise Ha Long Bay?** March to May and September to November offer the best weather with comfortable temperatures and less rain. Summer (June-August) is hot and humid with frequent showers. Winter (December-February) can be cool and misty but creates dramatic photos. ### **Do Ha Long Bay cruises include meals?** Yes, all Ha Long Bay cruises include meals. The Orchid Trendy Cruise included breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. The food quality exceeded our expectations with fresh seafood and Vietnamese specialties. Vegetarian options are available when requested. ### **Is Ha Long Bay cruise worth it with kids?** Absolutely. Our three daughters (ages 1, 3, and 7) loved the cruise. The kayaking, cave exploration, and swimming kept them engaged. Choose a 2D1N cruise for younger children to prevent restlessness. The Orchid Trendy staff was excellent with kids. ### **How do I get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay?** Most cruises include round-trip transportation from Hanoi hotels. The drive takes 3-4 hours each way. If your cruise doesn't include transport, you can book it separately through Klook or hire a private car. Don't attempt public transportation with luggage. ### **Can I swim in Ha Long Bay?** Yes, most cruises include swimming stops at beaches like Ti Top Island. The water is warm and generally clean in designated swimming areas. Bring appropriate swimwear and water shoes for rocky areas. ### **What should I pack for a Ha Long Bay cruise?** Essentials include sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes for caves, light jacket for air-conditioned spaces, swimwear, and a dry bag for kayaking. Most cruises provide toiletries. Pack light as cabin storage is limited. ### **Is WiFi available on Ha Long Bay cruises?** Most cruises offer WiFi, but it's unreliable due to the bay's remote location among limestone karsts. We recommend getting a [Holafly Vietnam eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for data when needed, though connectivity is still limited in the bay. ### **Are Ha Long Bay cruises safe?** Yes, reputable cruise operators like the Orchid Trendy and Grand Pioneers maintain high safety standards. All cruises provide life jackets and conduct safety briefings. The waters in Ha Long Bay are generally calm. Choose cruises with good safety ratings on Klook. ### **Can I book a Ha Long Bay cruise last minute?** While last-minute bookings are possible, we recommend booking at least a week in advance for better cabin selection and rates. Peak season (March-May) requires even earlier booking. [Klook offers instant confirmation](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1144789&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F99053-ha-long-bay-cruise-tour-essence-grand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) when you book online. ### **Do I need a visa for Vietnam?** Most nationalities require a visa for Vietnam. Requirements vary by country and change frequently. Check current requirements for your nationality well before your trip. E-visas are available for many countries and can be processed online. ### **What activities are included in Ha Long Bay cruises?** Standard activities include kayaking through lagoons and caves, visiting Sung Sot Cave or other caves, swimming at Ti Top Island or similar beaches, tai chi sessions, cooking demonstrations, and meals on board. Some luxury cruises add spa treatments, wine tastings, or specialized activities. ### **Is motion sickness a problem on Ha Long Bay cruises?** The waters in Ha Long Bay are generally calm, and motion sickness is rare. However, if you're sensitive to any boat movement, bring motion sickness medication. We had medication for our kids but didn't need it during our cruise. --- **Disclosure:* This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support our family travels and keeps our content free. We only recommend cruises and services we've personally used and genuinely recommend.* ### Complete Guide to Klook Pass Rome: Save Up to 50% on Top Attractions (2025) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-rome-guide-discount-code/ Last updated: 2025-10-08T12:21:07.000Z Rome wasn't built in a day, and you certainly can't see it all in one either. But with the [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), you can experience the city's most iconic attractions while saving up to 50% compared to buying individual tickets. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for additional savings on your Roman adventure. **The bottom line:** The Klook Pass Rome offers flexible access to 29+ attractions with passes ranging from 2 to 6 activities. You'll save money, skip the hassle of buying multiple tickets, and get guaranteed entry to Rome's most popular sites including the Vatican Museums, Colosseum, and Pantheon. ## What Is the Klook Pass Rome? The [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) functions as your all-access ticket to the Eternal City's most celebrated attractions. Instead of purchasing individual tickets for each site, you select a pass covering 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 activities from a curated list of 29 options. The pass includes standard entry to Rome's essential attractions while offering optional premium experiences for travelers wanting deeper exploration. After purchasing your pass with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**, you have 60 days to activate it by making your first reservation, then 90 additional days to book your remaining activities. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome.webp) ## How Much Can You Actually Save? The savings with the [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) aren't just marketing hype. We've done the math comparing individual ticket prices versus pass pricing, and families can save between 30-50% depending on which attractions they choose. ### **Sample savings calculation:** - Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: €18 - Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel: €17 - Pantheon: €5 - Castel Sant'Angelo: €15 - St. Peter's Basilica Dome: €10 - Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: €25 **Individual total:** €90 per person **With 6-activity Klook Pass:** Approximately €45-50 per person That's nearly €40 saved per person, and families traveling with multiple people will see those savings multiply quickly. Don't forget to use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for extra value. ## Top Attractions Included in Your Klook Pass Rome The [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers access to 29 different experiences, divided into standard choices (25 options) and premium choices (4 options). ### Essential Standard Attractions ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--2--1.webp) #### **Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Ticket** The iconic amphitheater needs no introduction. Your pass includes general admission to explore these ancient ruins at your own pace. We recommend reserving your ticket at least 3 days in advance, as availability fills quickly, especially during summer months. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--3-.webp) #### **Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Ticket** Access to one of the world's greatest art collections, culminating in Michelangelo's breathtaking Sistine Chapel ceiling. The Vatican Museums attract massive crowds, so early morning or late afternoon reservations work best for families. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--7-.webp) #### **Pantheon Ticket in Rome** The best-preserved ancient Roman building, featuring the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. This architectural marvel showcases Roman engineering genius, and admission is included with your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com). ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--17-.webp) #### **The National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo** Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, this fortress offers spectacular views over Rome and fascinating history spanning nearly 2,000 years. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--16-.webp) #### **Rome Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours** The open-top bus tours provide excellent orientation to Rome's layout while giving tired feet a rest. The route connects major attractions, making it easier to navigate between sites included in your pass. ### Premium Add-On Experiences The [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fractivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) lets you enhance your experience with premium guided tours and day trips: ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--4-.webp) #### **Vatican Museums Tour with Optional St. Peter's Basilica Access** Skip the general admission lines and enjoy expert commentary about the Vatican's treasures. The guided experience transforms the visit from visual overload into contextualized understanding. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--22-.webp) #### **Rome Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Tour** While your standard pass includes basic admission, the guided tour brings ancient Rome to life through stories and historical context that you'd miss exploring independently. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--6-.webp) #### **Florence and Pisa Day Tour from Rome** A full-day excursion to see Michelangelo's David, the Florence Duomo, and Pisa's famous leaning tower. This premium option maximizes your Italian experience when you have limited time. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/KlookPassRome--5-.webp) #### **Naples and Pompeii Day Tour from Rome** Explore the remarkably preserved ancient city buried by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, plus visit modern Naples. This day trip offers incredible historical perspective beyond Rome itself. ## Complete List of Klook Pass Rome Attractions Your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** provides access to these 29 experiences: ### **Ancient Rome & Archaeological Sites:** - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Ticket - Colosseum ticket with AI guide app and 3D map - Palatine Hill and Roman Forum Ticket - Rome Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Tour - Trevi District Underground Ticket ### **Vatican & Religious Sites:** - Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Ticket - Vatican Museums Tour with Optional St. Peter's Basilica Access - St. Peter's Basilica Dome access and audio guide ticket - St. Peter's Basilica, Square & Papal Grottoes Guided Tour - St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Grottoes tour - Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major dome ticket - Saint Callixtus Catacomb tour - Catacombs of Saint Agnes tour - Capuchin Crypt ticket with audio guide ### **Museums & Cultural Attractions:** - Pantheon Ticket - The National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo - Leonardo da Vinci Experience Museum Ticket - Roman Empire Museum (Capitolini Museum) Ticket - Doria Pamphilj Gallery Admission - The Altar of the Fatherland Elevator Ticket - Mamertine Prison ticket with audio guide ### **Tours & Transportation:** - Rome Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours (Open-Top) - Fiumicino Airport - Rome Bus by Terravision - Rome City, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain Night Tour - Wonders of Rome Walking Tour ### **Day Trips:** - Florence and Pisa Day Tour from Rome - Naples and Pompeii Day Tour from Rome ### **Other Experiences:** - Hard Rock Cafe dining experience in Rome - Bioparco the zoo ticket in Rome Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** when purchasing your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for the best value on these attractions. ## How to Use Your Klook Pass Rome: Step-by-Step Guide Getting the most from your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) requires understanding the activation and reservation process. ### Step 1: Purchase Your Pass Visit the [Klook Pass Rome page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) and select the pass covering the number of attractions you plan to visit. Choose from 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 activity passes. Enter code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for additional savings. ### Step 2: Plan Your Attractions Browse the 29 available choices and identify which attractions interest you most. Check availability for popular sites like the Vatican Museums and Colosseum before finalizing your purchase, as these book up quickly. We recommend using [Klook's availability checker](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) to verify dates and times before committing to your pass. ### Step 3: Activate Your Pass After purchasing, you have 60 days to activate your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) by making your first activity reservation through the Klook app or website. The 60-day activation window begins on your purchase date, not your travel date. ### Step 4: Reserve Your Activities Once activated, you have 90 days of usage validity to book your remaining activities. Popular attractions sell out days or weeks in advance, so reserve as early as possible. The Colosseum and Vatican Museums particularly require booking 3-7 days ahead during peak season. ### Step 5: Visit Your Chosen Attractions You'll receive individual vouchers for each reserved activity. Present these vouchers (digital or printed) at each attraction to gain entry. Opening hours vary by site, so verify specific timing before visiting. ## Which Klook Pass Rome Is Right for You? Choosing between the 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 activity passes depends on your trip length, interests, and pace of travel. Here's how we'd recommend each option: ### 2-Activity Pass: Quick Rome Stopover **Best for:** Travelers with 1-2 days in Rome or those visiting as part of a larger Italy trip #### **Recommended attractions:** - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel **Why this works:** These two attractions represent Rome's ancient and religious heritage. You'll see the city's most iconic landmarks without overwhelming yourself or young travelers. Purchase the 2-activity [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for maximum efficiency. ### 3-Activity Pass: Essential Rome **Best for:** First-time visitors spending 3-4 days in Rome #### **Recommended attractions:** - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - Rome Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tours **Why this works:** The hop-on hop-off bus provides transportation between major sites while giving you rest time between intensive walking tours. This combination covers ancient, religious, and modern Rome efficiently. ### 4-Activity Pass: Comprehensive Rome Experience **Best for:** Families or travelers with 4-5 days wanting depth beyond the highlights #### **Recommended attractions:** - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour (guided version) - Vatican Museums Tour with St. Peter's Basilica - Pantheon Ticket - Castel Sant'Angelo Museum **Why this works:** The guided tours provide context that transforms sightseeing into education, particularly valuable for families with older children studying ancient history. ### 5-Activity Pass: Rome Deep Dive **Best for:** History enthusiasts or repeat visitors wanting to explore beyond standard tourist routes #### **Recommended attractions:** - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - Pantheon Ticket - Trevi District Underground - Capitoline Museum **Why this works:** This combination includes lesser-known gems like the underground archaeological sites and world-class museums, providing perspective on Rome's layers of history. ### 6-Activity Pass: Complete Rome Immersion **Best for:** Families spending a full week in Rome or travelers who want maximum flexibility #### **Recommended attractions:** - Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel - Florence and Pisa Day Tour (premium add-on) - Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Pantheon Ticket - Castel Sant'Angelo Museum **Why this works:** The 6-activity [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers maximum savings and includes a premium day trip to Florence, essentially giving you two Italian destinations for the price of one. Don't forget code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for the best pricing on any pass level. ## Klook Pass Rome vs. Roma Pass: Which Is Better? Travelers researching Rome attraction passes will encounter both the Klook Pass and the traditional Roma Pass. Here's how they compare: | Feature | Klook Pass Rome | Roma Pass | | --------------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ----------------------------- | | Validity Period | 60 days activation + 90 days usage | 48 or 72 hours from first use | | Number of Attractions | 2-6 activities (your choice) | 1-2 free entries + discounts | | Flexibility | Reserve activities anytime within validity | Must use within 2-3 days | | Premium Experiences | Includes guided tours and day trips | Limited to standard entries | | Public Transportation | Not included | Includes metro/bus access | | Best For | Flexible travelers wanting variety | Short trips needing transport | **Our recommendation:** The [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) works better for families and travelers who want extended flexibility. The Roma Pass suits whirlwind 2-3 day visits where public transportation savings matter more than attraction variety. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** when purchasing your Klook Pass for maximum value. ## Essential Tips for Using Your Klook Pass Rome After planning our family's Roman adventure and helping others navigate the city, we've learned strategies that maximize your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) experience. ### Book Popular Attractions First The Colosseum and Vatican Museums book up fastest, often filling 5-7 days in advance during spring and summer. Reserve these immediately after activating your pass to secure your preferred dates and times. ### Visit Major Sites Early Morning or Late Afternoon Rome's marquee attractions get crushingly crowded between 10 AM and 2 PM. Early morning visits (8-9 AM) or late afternoon (after 3 PM) provide better experiences with fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. ### Combine Geographically Proximate Attractions Plan your days around neighborhood clusters to minimize transit time. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill occupy the same archaeological park. The Pantheon sits near Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Efficient routing saves energy for exploring rather than commuting. ### Check Opening Hours Before Visiting Rome's attractions maintain varying schedules. Many museums close Mondays, while churches may restrict tourist access during mass. Verify current opening hours on official websites or the [Klook Pass Rome page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) before finalizing your daily itinerary. ### Consider Guided Tours for Major Sites While standard admission lets you explore independently, guided tours (available as premium add-ons) provide historical context that transforms ruins into stories. The Colosseum and Vatican particularly benefit from expert narration explaining architectural and artistic significance. ### Use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Strategically The Rome Big Bus tour, included with your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), works best as orientation on your first day and as transportation between distant attractions. Don't waste it on short walks you could easily manage on foot. ### Download the Klook App Managing reservations, accessing vouchers, and checking availability works smoother through the Klook mobile app than the website. Download it before your trip and keep digital vouchers readily accessible. ### Reserve More Activities Than You Need If you're unsure whether you'll have time for all activities, reserve extras. Klook allows cancellations for most attractions if you change plans, giving you flexibility without losing money. ### Bring Physical Voucher Backups While digital vouchers work at most attractions, internet connectivity can be spotty in ancient Roman buildings. Screenshot or print your vouchers as backup to avoid entry issues. ## Sample Rome Itineraries Using Your Klook Pass Here are realistic itineraries showing how to maximize your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) based on different trip lengths. Remember to use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** when purchasing your pass. ### 3-Day Rome Itinerary with 3-Activity Pass #### **Day 1: Ancient Rome** - Morning: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill (reserve 8:30 AM slot) - Afternoon: Walk to Capitoline Hill for views, visit Piazza Venezia - Evening: Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps #### **Day 2: Vatican City** - Morning: Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (reserve 9 AM slot) - Afternoon: St. Peter's Square and Basilica (free entry) - Evening: Trastevere neighborhood for dinner #### **Day 3: Rome Highlights** - Morning: Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus for orientation - Afternoon: Pantheon, Piazza Navona - Evening: Campo de' Fiori and Jewish Ghetto ### 5-Day Rome Itinerary with 5-Activity Pass #### **Day 1: Ancient Rome Essentials** - Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour (guided version) - Capitoline Museum - Evening: Testaccio neighborhood #### **Day 2: Vatican Immersion** - Vatican Museums Tour with St. Peter's Basilica - St. Peter's Dome climb (included in pass) - Vatican Gardens walk #### **Day 3: Rome's Hidden Layers** - Pantheon - Trevi District Underground tour - Afternoon: Villa Borghese gardens #### **Day 4: Day Trip Adventure** - Florence and Pisa Day Tour (premium add-on) - Full-day guided experience #### **Day 5: Rome at Leisure** - Castel Sant'Angelo Museum - Walk along Tiber River - Explore Monti neighborhood ### 7-Day Rome Itinerary with 6-Activity Pass This week-long [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) itinerary includes rest days and deeper exploration: #### **Day 1: Orientation** - Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus - Light walking around historic center - Early dinner and rest #### **Day 2: Ancient Rome Deep Dive** - Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill guided tour - Capitoline Museum - Evening: Aventine Hill sunset #### **Day 3: Vatican City** - Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel guided tour - St. Peter's Basilica Dome - Vatican Grottoes #### **Day 4: Underground Rome** - Trevi District Underground - Pantheon - Catacombs tour (Saint Callixtus or Saint Agnes) #### **Day 5: Day Trip to Florence & Pisa** - Full-day premium experience - See David, Duomo, Leaning Tower #### **Day 6: Renaissance & Baroque Rome** - Castel Sant'Angelo Museum - Doria Pamphilj Gallery - Villa Borghese #### **Day 7: Leisure & Departure Prep** - Neighborhood exploration - Shopping at local markets - Farewell dinner in Trastevere ## Family-Friendly Tips for Klook Pass Rome Traveling with children changes how you experience Rome. Here's what worked for our family and what we wish we'd known before purchasing our [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com): ### Start with Visual Impact Kids respond better to attractions with immediate visual wow factor. The Colosseum beats museums for first-day engagement. The Vatican's Sistine Chapel ceiling captures attention better than archaeological excavations. ### Break Up Museum Time Don't schedule multiple museums back-to-back. Alternate between indoor cultural sites and outdoor experiences or playground breaks. Rome's Villa Borghese gardens provide perfect midday respite between morning and afternoon activities. ### Use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus as Entertainment The double-decker bus ride itself becomes an activity for children, not just transportation. Kids enjoy the elevated view and audio commentary designed for their attention spans. ### Choose Guided Tours for Major Sites While more expensive, guided tours keep kids engaged through storytelling rather than expecting them to appreciate architecture independently. The Colosseum particularly benefits from narration bringing gladiatorial history to life. ### Pack Snacks and Water Rome's major attractions have limited food options and overpriced refreshments. Bringing snacks prevents meltdowns when children get hungry between scheduled meals. ### Set Realistic Daily Activity Limits One or two major activities daily feels right for families with young children. Cramming three museums into one day guarantees exhaustion and complaints. The [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) flexibility means you're not wasting money by taking rest days. ### Consider the Bioparco Zoo When children reach Roman ruin overload, the Bioparco zoo (included in your pass) provides welcome variety. It's not world-class, but offers respite from historical sites. Don't forget to use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** when purchasing your family's pass. ## Best Time to Use Your Klook Pass Rome Rome experiences distinct seasonal patterns affecting crowd levels, weather, and attraction availability. Timing your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) usage strategically improves your experience. ### Peak Season (June-August, Easter Week) **Pros:** Longest daylight hours, all attractions open, vibrant street life **Cons:** Intense crowds, extreme heat (often 35°C+), highest prices, 3-4 week advance booking required for popular sites **Pass strategy:** Book Colosseum and Vatican at least 3-4 weeks ahead. Schedule indoor attractions during midday heat. Use early morning time slots whenever possible. ### Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October) **Best overall value:** Moderate temperatures (15-25°C), manageable crowds, reasonable prices, 1-2 week advance booking sufficient **Pass strategy:** This is ideal timing for your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com). You'll find good availability with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**, shorter lines, and pleasant weather for outdoor archaeological sites. ### Low Season (November-March, excluding Christmas/New Year) **Pros:** Smallest crowds, lowest prices, authentic local atmosphere, same-week booking often available **Cons:** Shorter daylight hours, cool/rainy weather, some outdoor sites less appealing, occasional closures for maintenance **Pass strategy:** Indoor attractions (Vatican Museums, Capitoline Museum) work better than Forum ruins in cold rain. The flexibility of your pass means you can adjust based on weather forecasts. ## What's Not Included in Your Klook Pass Rome Understanding what the [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) doesn't cover helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises: ### Transportation The pass doesn't include Rome's public transportation (metro, buses, trams). You'll need to purchase separate transit tickets or passes. Rome's historic center is walkable, but you'll want metro access for reaching Vatican City or distant neighborhoods. ### Skip-the-Line Access Standard pass entries don't guarantee skip-the-line access. You'll still wait in general admission lines unless you upgrade to guided tours that explicitly include priority entry. Reserve early time slots to minimize waits regardless. ### Audio Guides Most attractions charge separately for audio guides (typically €5-7 per device). The Colosseum offers an AI guide app version as a separate pass option, but standard entries don't include any guided audio. ### Food and Beverages Obviously, meals aren't included except for the Hard Rock Cafe dining experience if you select that option. Budget separately for food throughout your sightseeing days. ### Vatican Dress Code Compliance While admission is included, the Vatican enforces strict dress codes. You may need to purchase shawls or coverings if wearing tank tops or shorts. Some visitors get turned away for improper attire despite holding valid tickets. ## Insider Strategies for Maximizing Your Klook Pass Rome After extensive Rome travel and helping countless families plan their trips, we've identified strategies that separate ordinary visits from extraordinary ones: ### Activate Your Pass on a Weekday Begin your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) activation by booking a weekday attraction. This gives you maximum flexibility for weekend visits when availability is tightest. Your 90-day usage period will span more weekend days this way. ### Front-Load Your Most Desired Attractions Book your must-see sites (Colosseum, Vatican) immediately after activation, even if your visit is weeks away. This locks in good time slots while leaving flexibility for secondary attractions later. ### Watch for Unexpected Closures Italian attractions sometimes close for state events, religious holidays, or maintenance. Check official websites 24-48 hours before your scheduled visits. The Klook app allows same-day cancellations and rebooking for most attractions. ### Combine Free Attractions with Paid Pass Entries Maximize value by interspersing free Rome attractions (Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona) with your pass selections. This creates full days of sightseeing without exhausting your paid entries. ### Consider the Night Tour Option The Rome City, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain Night Tour provides a different perspective on familiar sites. Evening lighting transforms how you experience these landmarks, and cooler temperatures make summer walks more pleasant. ### Use Day Trips as "Rome Breaks" The Florence/Pisa and Naples/Pompeii day trips (premium add-ons) provide mental breaks from Rome while maximizing your Italian experience. These work particularly well mid-trip when you're experiencing Roman ruin fatigue. Purchase your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to implement these strategies effectively. ## Common Mistakes to Avoid with Your Klook Pass Rome We've seen travelers make predictable mistakes that diminish their [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) value. Here's what to avoid: ### Buying Too Many Activities for Your Trip Length Ambitious travelers purchase 6-activity passes for 4-day trips, then feel pressured to cram in too much sightseeing. This creates exhaustion and prevents enjoying each attraction properly. Match your pass level to realistic daily pacing. ### Delaying Activation Until You Arrive Purchasing your pass but waiting until arrival to activate wastes precious activation window days. Buy and activate your pass 30-45 days before travel, giving you maximum booking flexibility during your usage period. ### Ignoring Booking Windows for Popular Sites The Colosseum and Vatican often book solid weeks in advance during peak season. Travelers who activate their [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) then immediately try booking next-day Colosseum tickets find themselves shut out of their top priority attraction. ### Forgetting to Check Activity Availability Before Purchase Not all 29 activities are available every day or throughout the year. Check [Klook's availability calendar](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for your specific travel dates before buying. This prevents disappointment when your desired attractions aren't available during your visit. ### Overlooking Pass Expiration Dates Your pass has two validity periods: 60 days to activate (make first reservation) and 90 days to use (complete all activities). Travelers who purchase passes months before trips sometimes forget to activate within the 60-day window, losing their entire purchase value. ### Treating the Pass Like Skip-the-Line Tickets Standard pass entries don't provide skip-the-line access. You'll still wait in general admission queues unless you specifically select guided tour options that include priority entry. Plan accordingly and arrive early to minimize waits. ### Failing to Screenshot or Print Vouchers Relying exclusively on live internet access for digital vouchers creates problems in underground archaeological sites or areas with poor connectivity. Take screenshots of all vouchers or print them as backup. ## How Klook Pass Rome Compares to Other City Passes We've Used Having used attraction passes in Tokyo, Paris, London, and other major cities during our worldschooling travels, we can contextualize how the [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) stacks up: ### Flexibility Rome's pass offers exceptional flexibility with its 60-day activation + 90-day usage structure. Paris and London passes typically force you to use all entries within 2-6 consecutive days, which doesn't work well for families needing rest days. ### Value Proposition The up-to-50% savings claim holds true if you select high-value attractions and actually visit everything. Some city passes (looking at you, New York Pass) require unrealistic daily pacing to break even. Rome's pass achieves value with just 3-4 thoughtfully chosen activities. ### Booking Process Klook's app-based reservation system works smoother than many European city pass platforms. We've dealt with clunky websites requiring multiple logins for each attraction reservation. Klook consolidates everything in one interface. ### Premium Experience Options Most city passes offer only standard admissions. The [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) including guided tours and day trips as add-on options provides more valuable experiences than basic entry tickets alone. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** to get the best value on your Rome pass purchase. ## Klook Pass Rome Customer Support and Refund Policy Understanding the support structure before problems arise saves frustration during your travels: ### How to Get Help Klook provides 24/7 customer support through their app chat function and email. Response times typically run 1-4 hours for non-urgent inquiries and under 30 minutes for urgent issues affecting immediate travel plans. ### Refund Policy Details **Full refund:** Available if your pass remains unactivated and you're still within the validity period. Once you've activated by booking your first activity, refund eligibility changes. **No refund:** After making one or more reservations, Klook considers your pass partially redeemed. You can't get refunds for unused activity slots from a partially used pass. **Activity-specific cancellations:** Individual attraction bookings have varying cancellation policies. Most allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled time. The [Klook Pass Rome page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) specifies each attraction's policy. ### Technical Issues If you encounter problems with vouchers not displaying, QR codes not scanning, or reservation system errors, contact Klook support immediately through the app. They can often issue replacement vouchers or manual entry authorization within minutes. ## Alternatives to Consider While the [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers excellent value for most travelers, certain situations might warrant different approaches: ### When Individual Tickets Make More Sense If you're only visiting 1-2 attractions during a short stopover, buying individual tickets directly might save money versus the minimum 2-activity pass. Calculate your specific situation before purchasing. ### Roma Pass for Transportation Needs Travelers planning extensive public transportation use might find the Roma Pass (including metro/bus access) more economical despite fewer attraction options. Consider your transportation budget in the comparison. ### Guided Tour Companies for Comprehensive Experiences Travelers preferring fully guided small-group experiences throughout their trip might better suit organized tour companies that include transportation, guide services, and multiple sites in day-long packages. ## Frequently Asked Questions About Klook Pass Rome ### How long is the Klook Pass Rome valid? You have 60 days from purchase to activate your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) by making your first activity reservation. Once activated, you have 90 additional days to book and complete your remaining activities. This provides substantial flexibility for trip planning. ### Can I visit the Colosseum and Vatican Museums with the Klook Pass? Yes, the [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) includes general admission tickets to both the Colosseum (with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill) and Vatican Museums (with Sistine Chapel). These are the two most popular attractions included in the standard pass options. Remember to book at least 3-7 days in advance. ### Does the Klook Pass include skip-the-line access? Standard pass entries provide general admission but not skip-the-line privileges. However, you can select premium guided tour options that include priority entry as add-ons to your pass. These cost more but significantly reduce wait times at major attractions during peak season. ### How many attractions should I visit per day with the Klook Pass? We recommend 1-2 major attractions daily for most travelers. Attempting to visit 3+ significant sites daily leads to exhaustion and prevents properly appreciating each location. The [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) flexibility means you can spread activities across multiple days without losing value. ### Can I share my Klook Pass with family members? No, each person needs their own pass. The pass is non-transferable and tied to the account holder who makes reservations. For families, purchase separate passes for each person or consider that children under certain ages may qualify for free or discounted entry at some attractions independent of pass requirements. ### What happens if an attraction is closed when I planned to visit? If an attraction closes unexpectedly for your reserved date, Klook typically allows you to rebook for a different date within your validity period or select an alternative attraction. Contact customer support through the app immediately upon learning of closures to explore your options. ### Is the Klook Pass Rome worth it for a short 2-day trip? The 2-activity [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) works for quick visits if you're seeing the Colosseum and Vatican Museums (the two most expensive attractions). The pass saves you money versus individual tickets while simplifying the booking process. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for additional value. ### Can I cancel my Klook Pass after purchasing? You can receive a full refund if you cancel before activating your pass (before making your first activity reservation). Once you've booked even one activity, the pass is considered activated and no longer eligible for full refund. Check specific cancellation policies for individual activities. ### Do I need to print my Klook Pass vouchers? Digital vouchers work at most attractions, but we strongly recommend having backup screenshots or printed copies. Underground sites and ancient buildings often have poor cellular reception, making it difficult to access online vouchers when you need them most. ### Are audio guides included with the Klook Pass Rome? No, audio guides cost extra at most attractions (typically €5-7 per device). The pass includes admission only. Some attractions offer app-based audio guides that you can purchase separately through Klook or directly from the attraction. ### How far in advance should I book Colosseum tickets with my pass? Book Colosseum tickets at least 3-4 days in advance during shoulder season (April-May, September-October) and 7-14 days ahead during peak summer months (June-August). The earlier you book, the better your time slot options. ### Does the pass include transportation from the airport? Yes, the Fiumicino Airport - Rome Bus by Terravision is included as one of your activity choices. This provides one-way transportation between the airport and Rome's city center, which can be one of your selected activities if arriving via Fiumicino. ### What's the best Klook Pass for families with young children? The 4-activity [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers the sweet spot for families. Select the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, and one additional site like the Bioparco Zoo or a guided night tour. This provides variety without overwhelming young travelers. Don't forget code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout. ### Can I extend my pass if I don't use all activities? No, the 90-day usage validity is firm. You cannot extend your pass beyond this period. Plan your reservations to ensure you can complete all selected activities within the validity window. The extended timeframe should accommodate most travelers' schedules. ### Is the Klook Pass refundable if I get sick during my trip? Individual attraction bookings may allow cancellations within 24 hours of your scheduled time, but the pass itself is non-refundable once activated. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip interruptions if you're concerned about illness affecting your plans. ## Getting Started with Your Klook Pass Rome Ready to explore the Eternal City while saving up to 50% on admission costs? Here's your action plan: **Step 1:** Visit the [Klook Pass Rome page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) and review the 29 available attractions. **Step 2:** Determine which pass level (2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 activities) matches your trip length and interests. **Step 3:** Check availability for must-see attractions like the Colosseum and Vatican Museums for your travel dates. **Step 4:** Purchase your [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for the best value. **Step 5:** Download the Klook app and activate your pass by making your first reservation within 60 days of purchase. **Step 6:** Book your remaining activities, starting with the most popular attractions that require advance reservations. **Step 7:** Enjoy Rome's incredible history, art, and culture without the stress of individual ticket purchases or the guilt of expensive admission prices. The [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) transforms how you experience the city by removing financial pressure to "see everything" and replacing it with genuine flexibility to explore at your own pace. Whether you're spending three days or a full week in Rome, the pass provides value, convenience, and access to experiences that would otherwise cost significantly more. Rome's 2,800 years of history await. Start planning your adventure today with the [Klook Pass Rome](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) and code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**. [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) For personalized Rome itinerary planning that maximizes your Klook Pass value, contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). As a certified travel advisor who specializes in family travel throughout Europe, she can help design the perfect Roman holiday tailored to your family's specific interests and needs. [Contact Her ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- **FTC Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our [Klook Pass Rome links](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1140019&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F152417-klook-pass-rome%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe provide value to families traveling internationally. All opinions are our own based on our extensive travel experience across 20+ countries. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for the best value on your pass. ### Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea Discount Tickets: Save with Klook Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/tokyo-disneyland-disneysea-discount-tickets-klook-promo-code/ Last updated: 2025-10-04T12:17:23.000Z After visiting Tokyo Disneyland last week, we've now completed all six international Disney parks - Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo Disneyland, and Tokyo DisneySea. During our visit, we discovered the smartest way to save money on tickets through Klook's official partnership. **Bottom line:** [Book through Klook's official partnership](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for guaranteed admission, no printing required, and the best available rates. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for potential additional savings. ## TLDR: Tokyo Disney Tickets **Best way to buy:** [Klook official partner tickets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) #### **Why Klook wins:** - Official Tokyo Disney Resort partner (legitimate tickets) - No printing required - scan QR code from phone - Guaranteed admission on your selected date - Starting at $63.75 per person - Book up to 2 months in advance - 86,700+ verified reviews (4.8/5 rating) - 5 million+ tickets booked #### **Price comparison:** - Gate price: Variable (often $75-85) - Klook price: From $63.75 - Potential savings: Up to $20+ per ticket **Pro tip:** Prices vary by date due to Tokyo Disney's variable pricing system. Book early for best rates and guaranteed admission. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/IMG_5918.png) ## Our Tokyo Disney Story: Completing All Six International Parks Last week, our family achieved something we'd been working toward since we started traveling in 2022 - visiting all six international Disney parks. Tokyo Disneyland became our sixth and final international park, completing a journey that took us through Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and both Tokyo parks. Tokyo Disney Resort consists of two distinct parks - Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea - both offering completely different experiences. We dedicated two full days to exploring both parks with our three daughters, and we're sharing exactly how we saved money on tickets while ensuring guaranteed admission. ## Tokyo Disneyland vs Tokyo DisneySea: Which Should You Visit? This is the #1 question families ask us, and the honest answer is: both if you can manage it. But if you only have time for one park, here's how they differ. ### Tokyo Disneyland: The Classic Disney Experience Tokyo Disneyland mirrors the classic Disney park experience similar to Magic Kingdom or Disneyland California. You'll find familiar lands including Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Adventureland, but with distinctly Japanese touches that make it special. #### **Best for:** - Families with younger children (ages 2-8) - First-time Disney visitors - Those who love classic Disney characters and nostalgic attractions - Guests seeking familiar Disney magic with Japanese hospitality #### **Don't miss:** - Beauty and the Beast ride (newest major attraction) - Pooh's Hunny Hunt (trackless dark ride exclusive to Tokyo) - Country Bear Theater (completely different show from US parks) - Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast ### Tokyo DisneySea: The Unique Disney Experience Tokyo DisneySea is the only Disney park of its kind in the world. Built around nautical exploration themes, it's more sophisticated, offers more thrilling attractions, and appeals to adults and older children. This park alone is worth a trip to Tokyo. #### **Best for:** - Older children (ages 9+) and adults - Disney park enthusiasts seeking something completely different - Guests who enjoy themed environments and detailed storytelling - Anyone who wants the most unique Disney park experience globally #### **Don't miss:** - Journey to the Center of the Earth (incredible ride system) - Tower of Terror (different story from US versions) - Mediterranean Harbor (stunning park entrance) - Soaring: Fantastic Flight - DisneySea's incredible theming and adult beverage options **Our family verdict:** We loved DisneySea more, but our younger daughter Harper (age 5) preferred Disneyland's gentler rides and princess focus. If you can only visit one park, choose based on your kids' ages and interests. ## How to Get the Cheapest Tokyo Disney Tickets Tokyo Disney Resort uses variable pricing, meaning ticket costs change based on demand, season, and day of week. This makes finding the best price more complicated than simple discount codes. ### Why We Use Klook for Tokyo Disney Tickets [Klook is an official Tokyo Disney Resort partner](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), which means: 1. **Guaranteed legitimate tickets** \- No risk of fake tickets or entry denial 2. **Guaranteed admission** \- Book your specific date up to 2 months ahead 3. **No printing required** \- Scan QR code directly from your phone 4. **Often cheaper than gate prices** \- Especially during peak seasons 5. **Easy cancellation policy** \- Cancel through the Klook app if plans change 6. **86,700+ verified reviews** \- 4.8/5 star rating from real guests 7. **5 million+ tickets booked** \- Proven reliable service **Important:** Using [our Klook affiliate link](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ensures you're getting the official partner rates. The discount code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** may provide additional savings depending on current promotions. ### Tokyo Disney Ticket Pricing Breakdown | Ticket Type | Age Range | Klook Price (from) | Typical Gate Price | | ----------- | --------- | ------------------ | ------------------ | | Adult | 18+ | $63.75 | $75-85 | | Youth | 13-17 | $63.75 | $65-75 | | Child | 4-12 | $63.75 | $50-60 | | Infant | 0-3 | FREE | FREE | *Prices vary by date. Peak season and weekends cost more. Book early for best rates.* ### Step-by-Step: How to Buy Discounted Tokyo Disney Tickets **Step 1:** Visit [Klook's Tokyo Disney Resort page](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Step 2:** Select your park: - Tokyo Disneyland 1-Day Passport, OR - Tokyo DisneySea 1-Day Passport **Step 3:** Choose your visit date (check park hours before selecting) **Step 4:** Select number of tickets by age category **Step 5:** Enter code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout (if additional promotions available) **Step 6:** Complete payment and receive QR code tickets via email **Step 7:** Download tickets to your phone (each person needs their own device showing their ticket) **Step 8:** Scan QR code at Main Entrance on your visit date ## Important Tokyo Disney Ticket Details ### Variable Pricing Explained Tokyo Disney Resort implemented variable pricing in 2021, meaning ticket costs fluctuate based on: - Day of week (weekends cost more) - Season (school holidays, Japanese holidays, peak travel times) - Expected park attendance - Special events This means you might pay $64 on a Tuesday in September but $85 on a Saturday in April. Klook's prices reflect this variable system, often matching or beating gate prices. ### Tickets Are Date-Specific Unlike some Disney parks, Tokyo Disney tickets are **valid only on your selected date**. You cannot: - Use the ticket on a different date - Switch between parks on the same ticket - Get a refund at park ticket booths If you need to change dates, you must cancel through Klook and rebook (subject to cancellation policies). ### No Park Hopper Option Tokyo Disney Resort does not offer park hopper tickets. You must choose either Disneyland OR DisneySea for each day. To visit both parks, purchase separate 1-day tickets for different dates. ### Free for Young Children Children ages 0-3 enter free but may require proof of age. Bring your child's passport or official ID just in case. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/10/IMG_6253.png) ## Practical Tips from Our Recent Visit ### Best Days to Visit **Avoid weekends and Japanese holidays at all costs.** We visited on weekdays and experienced manageable crowds compared to reports from weekend visitors. Monday-Thursday visits offer: - Lower ticket prices - Shorter wait times (30-60 minutes vs 120+ minutes) - Better dining availability - Less crowded walkways and photo spots ### How to Use Your Klook Tickets The QR code entry system is straightforward: 1. Each person needs their ticket displayed on their own smartphone 2. Printed tickets are NOT accepted 3. Scan the QR code at the ticket reader at Main Entrance 4. Get your re-entry stamp if you plan to leave and return 5. Keep your phone charged throughout the day **Pro tip:** Screenshot your QR code or download to Apple Wallet in case of spotty cell service at the park entrance. ### Download the Tokyo Disney Resort App Before your visit, download the official Tokyo Disney Resort app ([iOS](https://apps.apple.com/app?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps?ref=adamandlinds.com)) to: - Check real-time wait times - Make restaurant reservations - View your location in the park - See show schedules - Access park maps offline The app is available in English and essential for maximizing your day. ### Arriving at Tokyo Disney Resort #### **From Tokyo Station:** - JR Keiyo Line to Maihama Station (15 minutes, ¥220) - Maihama Station is directly connected to Tokyo Disneyland - Take Disney Resort Line monorail to DisneySea (¥260, 5 minutes) #### **From Shinjuku/Shibuya:** - Train to Tokyo Station, then JR Keiyo Line - Or take highway bus directly to resort (check schedules) **Arrive 30-45 minutes before park opening** for rope drop and shortest wait times. ### What to Bring #### **Essential items:** - Smartphone with charged battery for tickets - Portable charger (you'll use your phone all day for the app) - Comfortable walking shoes (expect 10+ miles) - Light rain jacket (Tokyo weather can be unpredictable) - Refillable water bottle (free water stations available) - Sunscreen and hat (minimal shade in queue areas) #### **Optional but helpful:** - Snacks (allowed in parks, saves money) - Hand sanitizer - Small backpack or bag - Autograph book and pen (for character meet-and-greets) ### Language Considerations Most Tokyo Disney cast members speak basic English, and the app provides English language support. However: - Many show dialogues are Japanese-only - Some attractions have Japanese narration - Restaurant menus include English - Signage is bilingual The language barrier is minimal and shouldn't prevent you from enjoying the parks. The visual storytelling is excellent. ## Tokyo Disney with Kids: Age-Specific Tips ### With Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 0-5) #### **Best park:** Tokyo Disneyland #### **Recommended rides:** - Dumbo the Flying Elephant - It's a Small World - Jungle Cruise - Pooh's Hunny Hunt - Mickey's PhilharMagic #### **Challenges:** - Limited rider swap options - Fewer shaded rest areas than US parks - Character meet-and-greets require patience - Stroller parking can be far from attractions **Our experience with Harper (age 5):** She loved Disneyland but found DisneySea overwhelming. The Mermaid Lagoon area at DisneySea was her favorite DisneySea section. ### With Elementary Kids (Ages 6-11) #### **Best park:** Either park works well #### **Don't miss:** - Big Thunder Mountain (Disneyland) - Splash Mountain (Disneyland) - Toy Story Mania (DisneySea) - Nemo & Friends SeaRider (DisneySea) **Our experience with Lily (age 10) and Cora (age 8):** Both girls loved DisneySea's theming and adventure atmosphere. They appreciated the more sophisticated storytelling. ### With Teens #### **Best park:** Tokyo DisneySea (absolutely) #### **Don't miss:** - Journey to the Center of the Earth - Tower of Terror - Indiana Jones Adventure - Center of the Earth - Raging Spirits **Why teens prefer DisneySea:** More thrilling attractions, incredible theming, less "baby Disney" atmosphere, unique photo opportunities. ## Comparing Tokyo Disney to Other International Parks Having now visited all six international Disney parks (Paris, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo Disneyland, and Tokyo DisneySea), here's how Tokyo ranks: ### Overall Quality: #1 Tokyo DisneySea DisneySea is the most elaborately themed Disney park we've experienced. The attention to detail, theming cohesion, and unique attractions make it unmatched globally. ### Best Operations: Tokyo Disney Resort Japanese efficiency and hospitality create the smoothest Disney park operations we've encountered: - Cleanliness is impeccable - Cast members are exceptionally helpful - Queue management is excellent - Food quality exceeds most other Disney parks ### Most Unique Attractions: Tokyo DisneySea DisneySea offers attractions you cannot experience anywhere else: - Journey to the Center of the Earth (incredible ride technology) - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (walk-through attraction) - Sindbad's Storybook Voyage (beautiful dark ride) - Transit Steamer Line (peaceful transportation around the lagoon) ### Best for Families with Young Kids: Hong Kong Disneyland Tokyo Disneyland ranks second for young children, but Hong Kong's smaller size, shorter lines, and excellent character interactions edge it out slightly. ### Most Impressive Overall: Shanghai Disneyland While DisneySea wins for theming, Shanghai Disneyland's Tron ride and Pirates of the Caribbean attraction are technological marvels. Tokyo DisneySea and Shanghai Disneyland tie as the two most impressive Disney parks internationally. ## When to Visit Tokyo Disney Resort ### Best Months **April-May:** Beautiful weather, cherry blossoms nearby, moderate crowds (avoid Golden Week) **September-October:** Comfortable temperatures, Halloween decorations, generally good weather **November-early December:** Cool but pleasant, smaller crowds, Christmas decorations start appearing ### Avoid These Times **Late December-early January:** New Year's crowds are massive **March-April:** Japanese spring break creates high attendance **July-August:** Extremely hot, humid, and crowded (Japanese summer vacation) **Japanese holidays:** Always check the calendar for national holidays ### Weather Considerations - **Summer (June-August):** Hot (85-95°F), humid, afternoon thunderstorms common - **Fall (September-November):** Perfect weather, occasional typhoons - **Winter (December-February):** Cool (40-55°F), occasional rain, shorter days - **Spring (March-May):** Pleasant (60-75°F), cherry blossom season ## Staying Connected: eSIM for Tokyo Disney During our visit, reliable internet proved essential for using the Tokyo Disney Resort app, checking wait times, making dining reservations, and coordinating as a family in the massive parks. We used [Holafly's Japan eSIM with unlimited data](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. Having unlimited data eliminated stress about usage and worked flawlessly throughout both parks. Alternative: [Japan Wireless pocket WiFi](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off works well for families who want to share one device. ## Where to Stay Near Tokyo Disney Resort ### Official Disney Hotels (Most Expensive) - **Tokyo Disneyland Hotel** \- Victorian elegance, steps from Disneyland entrance - **Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta** \- Inside DisneySea park, incredible theming - **Disney Ambassador Hotel** \- Art Deco design, free shuttle to parks - **Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel** \- Budget-friendly official option **Benefits:** Early entry privileges (15 minutes), Disney theming, guaranteed park admission during high-demand periods **Drawbacks:** Significantly more expensive than nearby hotels ### Partner Hotels (Good Value) Hilton Tokyo Bay, Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay, and other partner hotels offer: - Free shuttle service to parks - Some special benefits - More affordable rates - Package deals with tickets ### Budget Options Hotels near Maihama Station (one train stop away) or Shin-Urayasu Station offer: - Lowest prices (often under $100/night) - Easy train access (5-10 minutes) - More dining options nearby - No Disney theming **Our recommendation:** Stay at a partner hotel if visiting for 2+ days. The convenience of proximity and shuttles justifies the moderate price increase. For one-day visits, budget hotels work fine. ## Tokyo Disney Dining Guide ### Can You Bring Food? **Yes!** Tokyo Disney allows outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. We brought: - Sandwiches from 7-Eleven (save significant money) - Snacks for the girls - Refillable water bottles - Fruit pouches This strategy saved us $50-80 per day compared to eating all meals in the parks. ### Must-Try In-Park Food Despite bringing snacks, we splurged on these signature items: #### **Tokyo Disneyland:** - Popcorn (unique flavors like curry, soy sauce butter, honey) - Churros - Ice cream bars shaped like Mickey #### **Tokyo DisneySea:** - Gyoza dogs - Bread cone with filling - Curry popcorn - Specialty drinks at Mediterranean Harbor **Pro tip:** Popcorn buckets are collectible and make great souvenirs. Each land offers different flavors. ### Restaurant Reservations Popular restaurants require reservations through the Tokyo Disney Resort app. Book exactly one month before your visit date at 10:00 AM JST when reservations open. Restaurants fill within minutes for peak dates. #### **Reservation-free alternatives:** - Quick service restaurants (expect 15-30 minute waits during meal times) - Food carts and stands - Bring your own food ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do I need to buy tickets in advance for Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea? Yes, absolutely. Tokyo Disney Resort requires dated tickets and can sell out during peak seasons. [Booking through Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) up to 2 months in advance guarantees your admission and often provides better pricing than day-of purchases. ### Can I use the ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK code for Tokyo Disney tickets? Yes, enter code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at Klook checkout. Savings vary depending on current promotions. The code works on top of Klook's already competitive pricing, though sometimes Klook's partnership rates are already the best available price. ### Is Tokyo DisneySea worth visiting if I've been to other Disney parks? Absolutely yes. Tokyo DisneySea is completely unique - there's no other park like it in the Disney portfolio. Even if you've visited every other Disney park worldwide, DisneySea offers experiences you cannot get elsewhere. It's worth a trip to Tokyo just for this park. ### How many days do I need for Tokyo Disney Resort? Ideally 2 days - one for each park. Each park requires a full day (10-12 hours) to experience major attractions and shows. If you only have one day, choose based on your travel party: families with young kids should pick Disneyland; older kids and adults will prefer DisneySea. ### Can I park hop between Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea? No. Tokyo Disney Resort does not offer park hopper tickets. You must choose one park per day. This is different from US Disney parks. ### Are Tokyo Disney tickets refundable? Through Klook, you can cancel tickets before your visit date using the "Cancel" button in the Klook app (subject to Klook's cancellation policy). Tickets cannot be refunded or changed at the park ticket booths on your visit date. ### What's the best way to get to Tokyo Disney from central Tokyo? Take the JR Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station to Maihama Station (15 minutes, ¥220). Maihama Station connects directly to Tokyo Disneyland. For DisneySea, take the Disney Resort Line monorail from Maihama Station (5 minutes, ¥260). ### Do Tokyo Disney cast members speak English? Most cast members speak basic English, and many speak it well. The Tokyo Disney Resort app is available in English, most signage is bilingual, and you'll have no trouble navigating the parks with only English. Some show narration and attraction dialogue is Japanese-only. ### Can I bring a stroller to Tokyo Disney? Yes, strollers are allowed and available to rent (¥1,000 per day for single, ¥1,500 for double). Stroller parking is available near major attractions. We recommend bringing your own lightweight stroller to avoid rental fees and ensure availability. ### How crowded does Tokyo Disney get? Crowd levels vary dramatically by day and season. Weekdays in off-peak months offer 30-60 minute waits for popular attractions. Weekends and Japanese holidays can see 120+ minute waits. Check crowd calendars before selecting your visit date. ### Is FastPass still available at Tokyo Disney? Tokyo Disney Resort uses Disney Premier Access (paid) and Standby Pass (free reservation system) instead of the old FastPass. Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app to access these systems. Premier Access costs ¥2,000-2,500 per person per attraction. ### What should I do if it rains during my visit? Tokyo Disney parks operate in rain (except typhoons or severe weather). Bring a light rain jacket, and take advantage of indoor attractions and shows. Crowd levels typically drop during rain, meaning shorter wait times. Many attractions have covered queue areas. ## Making the Most of Your Tokyo Disney Budget ### Where to Spend Money #### **Worth the cost:** - Klook tickets (guaranteed admission, better than gate prices) - DisneySea alcohol beverages (yes, Disney serves alcohol here!) - Unique popcorn flavors and special snacks - One or two Disney Premier Access purchases for must-do rides - Collectible popcorn bucket as a souvenir #### **Skip or minimize:** - In-park meals (bring snacks instead) - Souvenirs (available online after your visit) - On-ride photos (take your own with phones) - Multiple Premier Access purchases (not necessary on weekdays) ### Total Budget Estimate (Family of 5, One Day) - Tickets via Klook: $320-425 (depending on date) - Transportation (round-trip from Tokyo): $30 - Food (mix of brought snacks and in-park purchases): $50-80 - Souvenirs: $30-100 (optional) - Total: $430-635 for a full day Compare this to visiting without advance tickets, eating all meals in the park, and paying gate prices: easily $600-800\. Booking through Klook and bringing snacks saves $150-200 per family. ## Planning Your Perfect Tokyo Disney Day ### Sample Tokyo Disneyland Itinerary **8:00 AM** \- Arrive at park entrance (before 8:30 AM opening) **8:30 AM** \- Rope drop, head directly to Beauty and the Beast or Splash Mountain **9:00 AM** \- Second major attraction (Pooh's Hunny Hunt or Space Mountain) **10:00 AM** \- Grab Premier Access for an afternoon ride if needed **11:00 AM** \- Explore Fantasyland attractions (shorter waits mid-morning) **12:30 PM** \- Lunch (packed snacks or quick service) **1:30 PM** \- Afternoon shows or attractions with shorter waits **3:00 PM** \- Break time (rest area, snacks, recharge phones) **4:00 PM** \- Use Premier Access rides or hit attractions with posted wait times under 45 minutes **6:00 PM** \- Dinner **9:00 PM** \- Final attraction rides (lines often drop late) **10:00 PM** \- Park closing ### Sample Tokyo DisneySea Itinerary **8:00 AM** \- Arrive at park entrance **8:30 AM** \- Rope drop, sprint to Journey to the Center of the Earth **9:15 AM** \- Toy Story Mania (get Premier Access if wait is long) **10:30 AM** \- Tower of Terror **12:00 PM** \- Lunch at Mediterranean Harbor (great atmosphere) **1:30 PM** \- Explore American Waterfront area **3:00 PM** \- Afternoon show at Mediterranean Harbor **4:00 PM** \- Indiana Jones Adventure **5:30 PM** \- Soaring: Fantastic Flight **7:00 PM** \- Dinner **8:00 PM** \- Evening harbor show (spectacular) **9:00 PM** \- Final attraction rides **10:00 PM** \- Park closing **Pro tip:** Download the Tokyo Disney Resort app and check real-time wait times throughout the day to adjust plans dynamically. ## Why Choose Klook for Tokyo Disney Tickets After visiting Tokyo Disney Resort last week, we confidently recommend [booking through Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) for several important reasons: ### Official Partnership Means Legitimate Tickets Klook is an official Tokyo Disney Resort partner. Your tickets are 100% legitimate, guaranteed admission, and honored by the park. No risk of fake tickets or entry denial that can happen with unauthorized third-party sellers. ### Convenience of QR Code Entry No printing required. Each family member displays their QR code on their smartphone and scans at the entrance. This eliminated the stress of finding printers in Tokyo hotels or carrying paper tickets. ### Competitive Pricing with Transparent Variable Rates Klook's pricing reflects Tokyo Disney's variable pricing system, often matching or beating gate prices. During our visit, we saved approximately $15 per ticket compared to same-day gate purchases. ### Flexible Cancellation Policy Life happens. Plans change. Klook allows cancellations through their app before your visit date, which isn't possible with tickets purchased at park gates. ### Verified Customer Reviews With 86,700+ reviews averaging 4.8/5 stars and 5 million+ tickets booked, Klook's track record speaks for itself. We trust them for Tokyo Disney tickets and have recommended them to other traveling families. ### Additional Klook Benefits - 24/7 customer support in English - Easy-to-use mobile app - Instant ticket delivery to email - Free eSIM offer with purchase - Option to bundle with other Tokyo activities **Ready to book?** [Get your Tokyo Disney tickets through Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for potential additional savings. ## Tokyo Disney Beyond the Parks ### Other Tokyo Disney Resort Experiences **Ikspiari** \- Shopping and dining complex next to Maihama Station. Perfect for pre-park breakfast or post-park dinner. No admission required. **Disney Resort Line Monorail** \- Even if not visiting the parks, the monorail loop (¥260) offers views of both parks and the resort hotels. Our daughters loved seeing DisneySea from above. ### Combining Tokyo Disney with Other Tokyo Attractions If visiting Tokyo for multiple days, consider these family-friendly combinations: **Day 1:** Tokyo Disneyland **Day 2:** Tokyo DisneySea **Day 3:** [TeamLab Planets Tokyo](https://www.klook.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) (use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK) **Day 4:** Tokyo Skytree and Asakusa **Day 5:** Shibuya, Harajuku, and Meiji Shrine This 5-day Tokyo itinerary balances Disney magic with cultural experiences and provides variety for kids who might get "Disney'd out." ## The Bottom Line on Tokyo Disney Tickets After completing all six international Disney parks and experiencing Tokyo Disney Resort firsthand last week, here's our honest recommendation: **Buy your tickets through** [**Klook's official partnership**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1138154&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Factivity%2F695-tokyo-disney-resort-1-day-pass-tokyo%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com). The guaranteed admission, QR code convenience, competitive pricing, and legitimate ticket assurance make Klook the smartest choice for Tokyo Disney tickets. Visit both parks if possible - Tokyo Disneyland for classic Disney magic and Tokyo DisneySea for a completely unique experience you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Both parks showcase Japanese attention to detail, cleanliness, and hospitality that elevates the Disney experience. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout for potential additional savings on top of Klook's already competitive pricing. ## Planning Help for Your Tokyo Disney Adventure Ready to visit Tokyo Disney Resort but want personalized planning help? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for expert Japan travel planning that includes: - Tokyo Disney park strategies based on your family's ages and interests - Complete Tokyo itinerary planning - Family-friendly accommodation recommendations - Transportation guidance - Dining reservations assistance - Insider tips from our recent visit We'd love to help you create magical Tokyo Disney memories with your family. --- **FTC Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we genuinely use and trust. We purchased our own Tokyo Disney tickets through Klook last week and had an excellent experience. All opinions are our own. ### Taipei with Kids: How We Spent 8 Days on $2,400 Using Klook URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/taipei-family-travel-klook-discount-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:37.000Z Taipei delivered something we didn't expect: world-class family travel at a fraction of Japan's cost. Our family of five spent eight days exploring Taiwan's capital for exactly $2,400, and Klook bookings saved us hundreds compared to direct pricing. Here's how we made it work with three daughters ages 5, 8, and 9. **Bottom line:** Use Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for the best Taipei activity prices. We saved 20-40% versus booking directly while getting instant mobile tickets and English support. For the complete day-by-day details, grab our [Taipei family guidebook on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4pTJ0M4?ref=adamandlinds.com). This article covers our top Klook bookings and money-saving strategies. ## Why Klook Beats Everything Else for Taipei After testing booking platforms across 20+ countries, Klook consistently crushes the competition for Asian destinations. We saved over $300 on Taipei activities compared to direct booking prices. **Use code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK at checkout for additional discounts.** Three reasons we stick with Klook: - Mobile tickets work offline once downloaded - Instant confirmation means spontaneous planning - Prices typically 20-40% cheaper than booking direct The platform's English interface and customer service make it accessible even when you're figuring things out on the fly with jet-lagged kids. [Klook.com](//www.klook.com/) ## Our Ximending Airbnb Stay We stayed in Ximending rather than tourist-heavy areas near Taipei 101\. This decision paid off in multiple ways. The Airbnb cost $90 per night for a two-bedroom apartment with kitchen access, saving us roughly $200 on breakfast and snacks compared to hotel + restaurant costs. Ximending puts you in the heart of Taipei's youth culture district with excellent MRT connections. Night markets, bubble tea shops, and street food surrounded our accommodation. The pedestrian-only streets meant the girls could walk without constant traffic stress. **Accommodation tip:** Lindsay can help plan your Taipei trip and find family-friendly accommodations. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). ## Stay Connected: Holafly Taiwan eSIM Before leaving for Taipei, get your connectivity sorted. We used [Holafly Taiwan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/Qj1n4a?ref=adamandlinds.com) with unlimited data, which proved essential for navigation, translations, and staying connected with our group when we split up. **Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off travel eSIM plans or 10% off monthly global plans.** [eSIM Taiwan | Best eSIM with Unlimited Data PlansBuy the best eSIM for Taiwan for seamless travel abroad. Enjoy Unlimited Data and internet access without roaming fees throughout your trip.![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon-1.png)eSIM Taiwan | Best eSIM with Unlimited Data PlanseSIM Holafly![](https://esim.holafly.com/ogp.png?w=1200&h=630&ar=1&position=entropy)](https://holafly.sjv.io/Qj1n4a?ref=adamandlinds.com) The unlimited data eliminated the constant "how much data are we using" stress. Worth every dollar when you're navigating foreign cities with kids. ## Our Best Klook Bookings in Taipei These activities delivered the highest value and best family experiences. Each includes our honest take on whether it's worth your time and money. ### Edison Tours City Highlights (Best First-Day Option) **Book on Klook:** [National Palace Museum & Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1137555&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F456-explore-taipei-city-taipei%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) We used Edison Tours for transportation and guidance through Taipei's major landmarks. The tour covered Grand Hotel, National Palace Museum, Dihua Street, Lungshan Temple, and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in one efficient day. The National Palace Museum alone justifies this booking. That jade cabbage sculpture everyone talks about? It's legitimately cool, and the kids' audio guides made the experience engaging rather than boring. Lungshan Temple showed us how local religious practices actually work, not just tourist observation. **Cost through Klook:** Significantly cheaper than booking Edison Tours directly. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for additional savings. ### Yehliu, Jiufen, Shifen Day Tour (Don't Miss This) **Book on Klook:** [Northern Coast Day Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1137551&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F76306-yehliu-jiufen-shifen-golden-waterfall-day-tour%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 🇹🇼 NORTHERN TAIWAN – Jiufen, Yehliu & More | Family Travel Guide Ep. 2 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wvACqkwwmk&ref=adamandlinds.com) This day trip delivered our favorite Taipei memories. Yehliu Geopark taught the kids actual geology through alien-looking rock formations. Jiufen transported us into Spirited Away's world with red lanterns and hillside tea houses. Shifen let us release sky lanterns with family wishes written on colored panels. The tour covered massive ground without feeling rushed. Our guide spoke excellent English and knew when to let us explore versus providing context. Arriving at Jiufen before noon meant manageable crowds compared to the afternoon bus tour invasion. ### Taipei 101 Observatory **Book on Klook:** [Taipei 101 Ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1137558&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F1659-taipei-101-taipei%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 🇹🇼 TAIPEI – First Impressions & Getting Around | Family Travel Guide Ep. 1 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-097HYDnxX8&ref=adamandlinds.com) The observatory offers stunning city views, but the real educational value comes from learning about the building's engineering. The massive damper ball that stabilizes the building during earthquakes and typhoons fascinated Lily. Skip the expensive restaurants unless you're celebrating something special. **Money-saving tip:** Go near sunset to see both daylight and nighttime views with one ticket. ### Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola Combo **Book on Klook:** [Zoo Ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1137562&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F34262-maokong-gondola-taipei-zoo-tickets%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | [Gondola Ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1137564&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F16000-maokong-gondola-combo-ticket-taipei%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch Taipei Zoo & Maokong Gondola Guide | Family Travel in Taiwan on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U5hSpgDQJU&ref=adamandlinds.com) Pandas. That's the headline. But the zoo exceeded expectations across the board with well-designed habitats and reasonable crowds on weekdays. The Maokong Gondola ride provided mountain views and led to traditional tea plantations at the summit. Plan a full day for this combo. The zoo alone took us 4 hours, and the gondola ride plus tea plantation exploration added another 2-3 hours. Pack snacks because food options at Maokong felt overpriced. ### Science Education Center & Astronomical Museum **Book on Klook:** [Combined Ticket](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1137566&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F46487-taipei-astronomical-museum-ticket%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 🇹🇼 TAIPEI – Science Museums & Hands-On Learning | Family Travel Guide Ep. 4 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yh0J4YBZ6U&ref=adamandlinds.com) These museums get overlooked by most tourists, but they delivered exceptional worldschooling value. The Science Education Center offers hands-on exhibits where kids actually learn concepts rather than just pushing buttons. The Astronomical Museum's planetarium shows were conducted in English at scheduled times. Budget 3-4 hours for both museums. They're located next to each other, making the combo ticket the obvious choice. ### Raohe Night Market Food Tour **Book on Klook:** [Night Market Tour](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1137560&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F138947-raohe-night-market-walking-tour%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch This Taipei Night Market Left Us Speechless 🤯 (Raohe Food Mayhem) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrcLURjXmCY&ref=adamandlinds.com) Night markets define Taipei's food culture, but navigating them solo means missing context and potentially sketchy food safety decisions. This guided tour took us to Raohe's best stalls with explanations of ingredients and preparation methods. The pepper bun at the market entrance lived up to its legendary reputation. Our guide steered us toward safe options for the kids while encouraging adults to try more adventurous items. The tour cost less than we would have spent fumbling through the market making uninformed choices. ## Complete Week Video Overview [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries&ref=adamandlinds.com) Watch our complete 8-day Taipei experience condensed into one comprehensive video. We covered everything from arrival logistics to final budget breakdown, showing exactly how we spent $2,400 for a family of five. ## Budget Breakdown: $2,400 for 8 Days We targeted $300 daily for five people and hit it exactly. Here's where the money went: | Category | Amount | Notes | | ------------------ | ---------- | ------------------------------------- | | **Accommodation** | $720 | Ximending Airbnb, $90/night | | **Food** | $560 | Night markets, restaurants, groceries | | **Transportation** | $240 | MRT passes, taxis, airport express | | **Activities** | $480 | Klook bookings, museum tickets | | **Miscellaneous** | $400 | Souvenirs, unexpected expenses | | **Total** | **$2,400** | $300/day for 5 people | Booking through Klook with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** saved us an estimated $300 compared to direct booking. That's an entire extra day of activities. For our complete budget spreadsheet and daily spending details, check out [our Taipei guidebook](https://amzn.to/4pTJ0M4?ref=adamandlinds.com) which breaks down every expense category. ## More Taipei Resources from Our Travels **Get our complete guidebook:** [Taipei: One Week Family Travel Guide](https://amzn.to/4pTJ0M4?ref=adamandlinds.com) [Amazon.com![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/favicon-10.ico)](https://www.amazon.com/Taipei-2024-One-Week-Worldschool-Affordable/dp/B0DG2SFPC9?&linkCode=ll1&tag=adamandlinds00-20&linkId=a76fc509323c46d3ead7babb2e2deadc&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=adamandlinds.com) This isn't your typical guidebook. We wrote it specifically for worldschooling families and parents who want educational travel without breaking the bank. Inside you'll find our tested 8-day itinerary, budget breakdowns, interactive learning opportunities, and practical tips from actually traveling Taipei with three kids. **Planning tools we actually use:** - [Holafly Taiwan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/Qj1n4a?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off - [Klook Activities](https://www.klook.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK for discounts - [SafetyWing Travel Insurance](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Covers long-term families - [Greenlight Kids' Banking](https://share.greenlight.com/15906669?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Teaching money skills while traveling - [Outschool Online Classes](https://outschool.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Code ADAMANDLINDS30 for $30 off **Need personalized trip planning?** Lindsay offers custom Taiwan itinerary services as a certified travel advisor. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). ## Frequently Asked Questions About Taipei with Kids ### Is Taipei good for families with young children? Yes. Taipei combines Japanese-level infrastructure efficiency with significantly lower costs. The MRT system is intuitive, English signage appears throughout the city, and food options accommodate various preferences. Our 5-year-old navigated the city more easily than many European destinations. ### How much money do you need for a week in Taipei with kids? We spent exactly $2,400 for eight days as a family of five ($300 per day). This included mid-range accommodation in Ximending, all major attractions booked through Klook, daily meals mixing night markets and restaurants, and full transportation costs. Budget travelers could reduce this to $200 daily by choosing hostels and eating primarily at night markets. ### What's the best way to book Taipei activities? Klook consistently offers the lowest prices for Taipei attractions and tours, typically 20-40% cheaper than direct booking. Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for additional discounts. The mobile app works offline once tickets are downloaded, and English customer service helps when plans change. ### Do you need a tour guide in Taipei? For major landmarks and day trips outside the city, guides add significant value. Edison Tours helped us understand National Palace Museum artifacts and temple etiquette. The Yehliu-Jiufen-Shifen day tour would have been logistically complicated and expensive to arrange independently. Book both through Klook for best pricing. ### Is the food safe for kids in Taipei? Absolutely. Taiwan maintains high food safety standards. Night markets display food preparation openly, and we experienced zero stomach issues across eight days. Even our pickiest eater found acceptable options at every meal. Convenience stores (FamilyMart, 7-Eleven) provide familiar backup options when needed. ### What's the best area to stay in Taipei with a family? We chose Ximending for its central location, pedestrian-friendly streets, and excellent MRT connections. The neighborhood offers abundant food options, entertainment, and shopping while remaining more affordable than areas near Taipei 101\. An Airbnb with kitchen access saved us approximately $200 on breakfast and snacks. ### How many days should you spend in Taipei? Eight days allowed us to see major attractions without rushing while including rest days. Five days covers the essential highlights (city tour, one day trip, zoo, Taipei 101, and night markets). Ten days enables deeper exploration of nearby areas like Tamsui or Beitou hot springs. ### Can you use Klook for last-minute bookings in Taipei? Yes. Klook provides instant confirmation for most Taipei activities. We booked several experiences the night before or morning of without issues. The mobile app's offline functionality means you can book activities even when WiFi is limited, then access tickets later. ### What should kids not miss in Taipei? The pandas at Taipei Zoo, sky lantern release at Shifen, exploring Jiufen's Spirited Away atmosphere, night market food adventures, and the Science Education Center's hands-on exhibits. These experiences delivered the most memorable moments for our daughters ages 5, 8, and 9. ### Do you need travel insurance for Taiwan? Yes. We use [SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&ref=adamandlinds.com) for long-term family travel coverage. Taiwan's healthcare is excellent and affordable, but insurance covers unexpected trip changes, lost luggage, and medical emergencies that would otherwise derail your budget. ## Start Planning Your Taipei Adventure Taipei transformed our understanding of what's possible for family travel on a reasonable budget. The combination of safety, efficiency, educational opportunities, and affordability makes it an ideal destination for families considering worldschooling or extended travel. **Essential first steps:** 1. Book your [Holafly Taiwan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/Qj1n4a?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off 2. Browse [Klook's Taipei activities](https://www.klook.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for discounts 3. Grab our [Taipei guidebook](https://amzn.to/4pTJ0M4?ref=adamandlinds.com) for complete daily itineraries 4. Contact [Lindsay for custom trip planning](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) if you want personalized support Watch our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for more family travel insights across 20+ countries, and follow us on [Instagram @adamandlinds](https://www.instagram.com/adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for real-time travel updates. The memories we created in Taipei will last far longer than any material purchase. Your family deserves that kind of experience too. --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook links using code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK or purchase through our Amazon links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help fund our family travels and keep our content free. We only recommend services we've personally tested across multiple countries. All opinions are genuinely ours, even the sarcastic ones about how our 5-year-old out-navigated us on the MRT.* ### Where to Stay in Paris: The Ultimate Family Guide to Arrondissements and Neighborhoods (2025) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/where-to-stay-in-paris-neighborhood-guide-arrondissements/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:27.000Z Choosing where to stay in Paris can make or break your French adventure. With 20 distinct arrondissements (districts) spiraling outward from the city center, each neighborhood offers its own personality, attractions, and accommodation styles. We've explored Paris extensively with our three daughters, and we know firsthand how the right location can transform your visit from exhausting to magical. Paris is organized in a unique spiral pattern, with the 1st arrondissement at the center containing the Louvre, then spiraling clockwise outward to the 20th. Understanding this layout helps you choose accommodations that align with your travel style and must-see attractions. ## Understanding Paris Arrondissements Before diving into specific neighborhoods, it's essential to understand how Paris is organized. The city is divided into 20 arrondissements, numbered 1-20, arranged in a clockwise spiral starting from the center. Each arrondissement has its own mayor, postal code (750XX), and distinct character. [![Numbered map of Paris with arrondissements](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/49/Numbered_map_of_Paris_with_arrondissements.svg/512px-Numbered_map_of_Paris_with_arrondissements.svg.png?20150215060044)](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Numbered%5Fmap%5Fof%5FParis%5Fwith%5Farrondissements.svg?ref=adamandlinds.com "Eric Gaba, Wikimedia Commons user Sting, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons") **Central arrondissements (1st-4th):** Historic heart, major attractions, premium prices **Right Bank (8th-12th):** Mix of upscale and trendy neighborhoods **Left Bank (5th-7th, 13th-15th):** Intellectual, artistic, and residential areas **Outer arrondissements (16th-20th):** More residential, better value, authentic Parisian life The lower the arrondissement number, the closer you'll be to iconic attractions like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Eiffel Tower. However, outer arrondissements often provide better value and a more authentic Parisian experience. ## Best Areas to Stay in Paris by Traveler Type ### For First-Time Visitors: 1st, 4th, 7th Arrondissements Stay near major attractions with easy metro access to maximize sightseeing time. ### For Families: 7th, 15th, 16th Arrondissements Quieter neighborhoods with parks, family-friendly restaurants, and spacious accommodations. ### For Budget Travelers: 10th, 11th, 18th, 20th Arrondissements Authentic neighborhoods with lower accommodation costs and excellent local dining. ### For Luxury Seekers: 1st, 8th, 16th Arrondissements Premium hotels, high-end shopping, and proximity to Paris's most exclusive attractions. ## Top Paris Neighborhoods for Accommodation ![brown concrete building during night time](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1587648415693-4a5362b2ce41?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGxvdXZyZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTgzNDExNTh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Michael Fousert](https://unsplash.com/@michaelfousert?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 1st Arrondissement - Louvre & Châtelet The geographic and tourist heart of Paris, home to the world's most famous museum and the historic center of the city. **What's within walking distance:** - The Louvre Museum (3-minute walk) - Tuileries Garden (5-minute walk) - Pont Neuf and Île de la Cité (8-minute walk) - Sainte-Chapelle (10-minute walk) - Palais Royal and gardens (5-minute walk) The 1st arrondissement puts you at the absolute center of Paris's cultural universe. You can walk to the Seine, cross bridges to explore both banks, and access multiple metro lines for easy exploration. The area buzzes with tourists during the day but quiets considerably in the evening. **Pros:** Ultimate central location, walking distance to major attractions, excellent metro connections **Cons:** Tourist-heavy, expensive dining, crowded streets, limited authentic Parisian atmosphere ![Notre Dame De Paris during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1574870310056-79c4b3c7d449?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fG5vdHJlJTIwZGFtZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTgzNDExNzl8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Marcel Strauß](https://unsplash.com/@martzzl?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 4th Arrondissement - Le Marais & Île Saint-Louis Paris's trendiest historic neighborhood, combining medieval streets with contemporary boutiques and world-class dining. **What's within walking distance:** - Place des Vosges (5-minute walk) - Paris's oldest planned square - Jewish quarter with historic synagogues and falafel shops (3-minute walk) - Notre-Dame Cathedral (10-minute walk) - Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall) (8-minute walk) - Seine riverbanks and bookstalls (5-minute walk) - BHV Marais department store (7-minute walk) Le Marais perfectly balances historic charm with modern Parisian life. The narrow cobblestone streets house everything from 17th-century mansions to cutting-edge galleries. The area comes alive in the evening with locals dining at sidewalk cafés. **Pros:** Historic charm, excellent restaurants, trendy boutiques, great nightlife, authentic atmosphere **Cons:** Can be crowded, some streets are narrow for luggage, higher prices ![Eiffel Tower](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1569949381669-ecf31ae8e613?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fGVpZmZlbHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTgzNDEwNDd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Il Vagabiondo](https://unsplash.com/@ilvagabiondo?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 7th Arrondissement - Eiffel Tower & Invalides Home to Paris's most iconic landmark and several world-class museums, this elegant arrondissement embodies classic Parisian sophistication. **What's within walking distance:** - Eiffel Tower (varies by exact location, 5-15 minutes) - Champ de Mars park (10-minute walk) - Les Invalides and Napoleon's Tomb (8-minute walk) - Musée d'Orsay (15-minute walk) - Rodin Museum (12-minute walk) - Seine River cruises departure points (10-minute walk) The 7th arrondissement offers that quintessential Paris experience with wide boulevards, elegant Haussmanian architecture, and proximity to the city's most photographed monument. The area feels more residential in the evening, providing a peaceful retreat after busy sightseeing days. **Our Pick:** [Yooma Urban Lodge Tour Eiffel](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F423415%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=159831641&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=154771541969&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- 25 Avenue de Tourville, 75007 Paris. Modern eco-friendly hotel with Eiffel Tower views, family rooms, and sustainable practices. Currently available from $192.55 (discounted from $260.25). **Pros:** Iconic views, elegant atmosphere, excellent museums, safe for families, good metro access **Cons:** Tourist-heavy near Eiffel Tower, expensive restaurants, limited nightlife ![red and white ferris wheel during night time](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1581791280176-ab1e70bc088a?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fE1vdWxpbiUyMFJvdWdlfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1ODM0MTIxMnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Liam McGarry](https://unsplash.com/@liammcgarry?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 9th Arrondissement - Opéra & Grands Boulevards The cultural and entertainment district, home to the famous Opéra Garnier and the grand department stores. **What's within walking distance:** - Opéra Garnier (5-minute walk) - Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores (8-minute walk) - Moulin Rouge in nearby Pigalle (15-minute walk) - Folies Bergère (10-minute walk) - Grand boulevards for shopping and dining (immediate area) The 9th arrondissement captures the glamour of Belle Époque Paris with its grand theaters, opera house, and historic department stores. The area transitions from elegant shopping districts to the edgier Pigalle neighborhood as you head north. **Pros:** Cultural attractions, excellent shopping, good restaurant variety, central location **Cons:** Can be crowded during shopping hours, varying neighborhood quality ![people walking on sidewalk near white concrete building during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1626876249907-65fa8e3397a5?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDEyfHxQbGFjZSUyMGRlJTIwbGElMjBSJUMzJUE5cHVibGlxdWV8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzU4MzQxMjM2fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [JOE Planas](https://unsplash.com/@joebcn?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 10th Arrondissement - République & Canal Saint-Martin An increasingly trendy area popular with young Parisians, offering authentic local life along the picturesque canal. **What's within walking distance:** - Canal Saint-Martin with waterside cafés (5-minute walk) - Place de la République (10-minute walk) - Covered markets like Marché Saint-Martin (8-minute walk) - Trendy boutiques and vintage shops along Rue de Marseille - Two major train stations: Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est (15-minute walk) The 10th arrondissement has emerged as one of Paris's coolest neighborhoods, where locals gather for picnics along the canal and innovative restaurants serve creative cuisine. It's perfect for travelers seeking authentic Parisian life away from tourist crowds. **Pros:** Authentic local atmosphere, trendy restaurants, good value, canal-side charm **Cons:** Fewer major tourist attractions, some areas feel industrial, nighttime safety varies ![green statue under cloudy sky during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1587354226277-77690223db29?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fEJhc3RpbGxlfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1ODM0MTI2OXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Tom](https://unsplash.com/@euthymie?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 11th Arrondissement - Bastille & République The heart of modern Parisian nightlife and a hotbed of creativity, with numerous bars, restaurants, and music venues. **What's within walking distance:** - Place de la Bastille and July Column (10-minute walk) - Marché des Enfants Rouges (oldest covered market in Paris) (15-minute walk) - Rue Oberkampf nightlife district (5-minute walk) - Place de la République (15-minute walk) - Père Lachaise Cemetery (20-minute walk) The 11th arrondissement pulses with energy, especially after dark. This neighborhood attracts young professionals and artists who fill the countless bars, clubs, and restaurants that line every street. It's where Parisians go to see and be seen. **Pros:** Vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants, authentic atmosphere, good value **Cons:** Can be noisy at night, limited major tourist attractions, party atmosphere not for everyone ### 12th Arrondissement - Bastille & Bercy A diverse arrondissement combining historic Bastille with modern Bercy, offering everything from opera to parks. **What's within walking distance:** - Opéra Bastille (8-minute walk) - Promenade Plantée (elevated park walkway) (10-minute walk) - Bercy Village shopping and dining complex (15-minute walk) - Bois de Vincennes (large park) (20-minute walk) - Marché d'Aligre (authentic food market) (12-minute walk) **Our Pick:** [CAMPANILE PARIS 12 - Bercy Village](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F268911%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=10074242&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=2025-09-27%7C2025-09-28%7C10074242%7C10288044%7CV0%5F10074242%5F10288044%5F2794%5F0%5F2%7C177.19%7C1%7C2%7C0&check%5Fin=2025-09-27&check%5Fout=2025-09-28&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- 12 Cour Saint-Émilion, 75012 Paris. Family-friendly hotel in the heart of Bercy Village with easy access to shops and restaurants. Currently available from $191.59 (discounted from $208.69). The 12th arrondissement offers an interesting mix of old and new Paris, from revolutionary history at Bastille to modern entertainment in Bercy. It's less touristy but well-connected, making it ideal for travelers seeking value without sacrificing accessibility. **Pros:** Good value, diverse attractions, family-friendly, less crowded, excellent metro connections **Cons:** Less central location, fewer iconic attractions, some areas feel suburban ![A black and white photo of a tall building](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1722441287250-33f9c408eb9f?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fE1vbnRwYXJuYXNzZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTgzNDEyOTR8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Elliot Voilmy](https://unsplash.com/@itsaroadmap?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 15th Arrondissement - Montparnasse & Vaugirard Paris's largest arrondissement, primarily residential but offering authentic local life and good value accommodations. **What's within walking distance:** - Tour Montparnasse (observation deck) (15-minute walk from some areas) - Parc André Citroën (10-minute walk) - Montparnasse Cemetery (20-minute walk) - Local markets and authentic bistros throughout - Easy metro access to central Paris (15-20 minutes) The 15th arrondissement feels like residential Paris, where locals shop at markets, dine at neighborhood bistros, and children play in local parks. It's perfect for travelers who want to experience authentic Parisian life while maintaining easy access to tourist attractions. **Pros:** Authentic atmosphere, good value, family-friendly, less crowded, residential charm **Cons:** Fewer attractions, longer travel to central sights, limited nightlife ![white concrete arc under blue sky during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1595540089942-545def48cf3e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fEFyYyUyMGRlJTIwVHJpb21waGV8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzU4MzQxMzMwfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [ian kelsall](https://unsplash.com/@iankelsall1?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 16th Arrondissement - Trocadéro & Passy One of Paris's most prestigious neighborhoods, offering upscale shopping, museums, and the best Eiffel Tower views. **What's within walking distance:** - Trocadéro with stunning Eiffel Tower views (varies by location) - Palais de Chaillot and its museums (8-minute walk) - Arc de Triomphe (20-minute walk) - Bois de Boulogne (large park) (15-minute walk) - Avenue Victor Hugo shopping street (10-minute walk) The 16th arrondissement represents the epitome of Parisian elegance, with wide tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and luxury boutiques. It's where diplomats and wealthy Parisians choose to live, offering a taste of the city's sophisticated side. **Pros:** Upscale atmosphere, excellent Eiffel Tower views, safe and quiet, prestigious location **Cons:** Expensive, limited local character, fewer restaurants, can feel sterile ### 17th Arrondissement - Batignolles & Monceau An up-and-coming area combining the trendy Batignolles neighborhood with the elegant Parc Monceau district. **What's within walking distance:** - Parc Monceau (beautiful park with classical architecture) (10-minute walk) - Little India (La Chapelle) with authentic restaurants (20-minute walk) - Batignolles market and village atmosphere (5-minute walk) - Arc de Triomphe (25-minute walk) - Sacré-Cœur (30-minute walk) **Our Pick:** [B&B HOTEL Paris 17 Batignolles](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F412657%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=164922971&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=153432258877&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- 177 Avenue de Clichy, 75017 Paris. Modern, efficient hotel in the heart of trendy Batignolles with family rooms and contemporary amenities. Currently available from $106.00 (discounted from $112.39). The 17th arrondissement offers the perfect blend of emerging cool and established elegance. Batignolles has become increasingly popular with young families and creative professionals, while the Monceau area maintains its traditional Parisian sophistication. **Pros:** Emerging trendy area, good value, authentic local life, beautiful park, family-friendly **Cons:** Further from major attractions, limited tourist infrastructure, fewer restaurants ![The basilica of sacré-cœur shines in paris.](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1748092227655-203ee46d8eac?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fFNhY3IlQzMlQTktQyVDNSU5M3VyfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1ODM0MTM1NHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Antonio Vivace](https://unsplash.com/@avivace?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### 18th Arrondissement - Montmartre & Pigalle Home to the iconic Sacré-Cœur and the artistic heart of Paris, offering bohemian charm with stunning city views. **What's within walking distance:** - Sacré-Cœur Basilica (15-minute walk uphill) - Place du Tertre with street artists (12-minute walk) - Moulin Rouge (10-minute walk) - Montmartre vineyard (8-minute walk) - Funicular railway to avoid the climb (5-minute walk) Montmartre retains its village-like atmosphere despite being within Paris proper. The winding cobblestone streets, artist studios, and panoramic views create an utterly romantic setting that captures the imagination of every visitor. **Pros:** Artistic atmosphere, stunning views, historic charm, vibrant nightlife, iconic attractions **Cons:** Steep hills, tourist crowds at Sacré-Cœur, some areas can be seedy, pickpockets ### 20th Arrondissement - Belleville & Père Lachaise A multicultural neighborhood offering authentic Parisian life, world-class street art, and famous cemetery. **What's within walking distance:** - Père Lachaise Cemetery (15-minute walk) - Belleville Park with panoramic city views (10-minute walk) - Street art tours and galleries (throughout neighborhood) - Authentic ethnic restaurants and markets (immediate area) - Canal Saint-Martin southern section (20-minute walk) The 20th arrondissement represents Paris's multicultural soul, where immigrants from around the world have created vibrant communities. It's perfect for adventurous travelers seeking authentic experiences away from tourist trails. **Pros:** Authentic multicultural atmosphere, great value, excellent food scene, artistic vibe **Cons:** Further from major attractions, limited luxury amenities, some areas rough around edges ## Hotel Recommendations by Area ### Luxury Central Paris [**Hôtel Madame Rêve**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F724694%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=22802694&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=2025-09-21%7C2025-09-22%7C22802694%7C1245517944%7CV0%5F22802694%5F1245517944%5F2973%5F0%5F2%7C675.92%7C1%7C2%7C0&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) **\- 1st Arrondissement** 48 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris This 5-star luxury hotel offers stunning Louvre views and world-class amenities in the heart of historic Paris. Currently available from $696.85 (discounted from $890.25). ### Boutique Charm [**Hôtel Petit Lafayette**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F264859%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=2215065&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=2215065-844912465-0-2-0-1-1&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) **\- 9th Arrondissement** 5 Rue de Buffault, 75009 Paris A 4-star boutique hotel near Opéra Garnier with elegant rooms and personalized service. Currently available from $234.75 (discounted from $245.89). [**Hôtel Chambellan Morgane**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F35244%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=10074180&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=2025-09-21%7C2025-09-22%7C10074180%7C3894381733%7CV0%5F10074180%5F3894381733%5F103%5F0%5F2%7C146.45%7C1%7C2%7C0&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) **\- 8th Arrondissement** 6 Rue Kepler, 75016 Paris A charming 3-star hotel near the Champs-Élysées with classic Parisian décor. Currently available from $151.00 (discounted from $216.90). ### Budget-Friendly Options [**Hôtel Tolbiac**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F88303%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=15584556&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=284025577&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) **\- 13th Arrondissement** 122 Rue de Tolbiac, 75013 Paris A 2-star budget hotel offering basic comfort and excellent value in a local neighborhood. Currently available from $62.15 (discounted from $64.09). [**Libertel Canal Saint Martin**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F425299%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=1285&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=200817737&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) **\- 10th Arrondissement** 5 Avenue Secrétan, 75019 Paris A 3-star hotel near the trendy Canal Saint-Martin area with modern amenities. Currently available from $72.05 (discounted from $75.35). [**EKLO Paris Porte de Versailles**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F1241289%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=92103855&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=390113315&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) **\- 15th Arrondissement** 51 Boulevard Victor, 75015 Paris A modern 2-star eco-hotel with innovative design and sustainable practices. Currently available from $89.29 (discounted from $93.35). ### Extended Stay Options [**Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris La Défense**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2Fdetail%2F266947%2F&ad%5Ftype=hotel%5Fdeal%5Flink&supplier%5Fid=11252046&rate%5Fplan%5Fid=393657868&check%5Fin=2025-09-21&check%5Fout=2025-09-22&ref=adamandlinds.com) **\- La Défense** 14 Place de la Défense, 92400 Courbevoie A 5-star serviced apartment hotel perfect for longer stays with kitchen facilities and business amenities. Currently available from $212.75 (discounted from $236.65). [Klook.com](//www.klook.com/) ## Transportation and Getting Around ### Metro System Paris's metro system connects all arrondissements efficiently. Stations are never more than 500 meters apart in central areas. Purchase weekly or monthly passes for better value. ### Walking Between Neighborhoods Central Paris is surprisingly walkable. You can walk from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower in about 30 minutes, passing through multiple arrondissements and discovering hidden gems along the way. ### Taxi and Rideshare Uber and traditional taxis are widely available, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Expect higher prices in central areas. ## When to Book and Best Deals ### Peak Season (June-August, December) Book accommodations 2-3 months in advance for better rates and availability. Expect 20-30% higher prices during peak periods. ### Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October) Best balance of good weather and reasonable prices. Book 4-6 weeks in advance for optimal rates. ### Off-Season (November-March, excluding holidays) Best deals and least crowds, but weather can be unpredictable. Many hotels offer significant discounts during these months. For the best hotel deals in Paris, we recommend booking through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for additional savings on accommodation bookings. ## Essential Travel Tips for Paris Accommodations ### Booking Strategy Compare prices across multiple platforms and read recent reviews carefully. Many Parisian hotels are older buildings with varying room sizes and amenities. ### What to Expect Parisian hotel rooms are typically smaller than American standards. Elevators may be tiny or nonexistent in older buildings. Air conditioning isn't universal, even in upscale hotels. ### Family Considerations Many hotels offer connecting rooms or family suites. Request ground floor rooms if traveling with lots of luggage. Cribs and extra beds may incur additional charges. ## Stay Connected During Your Paris Visit Staying connected in Paris is essential for navigation, translation, and sharing your experiences. We recommend [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/9LZrV0?ref=adamandlinds.com) for unlimited data throughout France with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for 5% off. This eliminates the need for physical SIM cards and provides instant connectivity upon arrival. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Which Paris arrondissement is best for families? The 7th arrondissement offers the best combination of attractions, safety, and family-friendly amenities. Its proximity to the Eiffel Tower, parks, and museums makes it ideal for travelers with children. ### What's the safest area to stay in Paris? The 7th, 16th, and 1st arrondissements are considered the safest for tourists. However, Paris is generally safe for visitors who exercise normal urban precautions. ### How much should I budget for accommodation in Paris? Budget hotels: €60-100 per night Mid-range hotels: €150-250 per night Luxury hotels: €300-500+ per night Prices vary significantly by season and exact location within each arrondissement. ### Should I stay near the Eiffel Tower? While the 7th arrondissement near the Eiffel Tower is beautiful and convenient, it can be tourist-heavy and expensive. Consider staying slightly further out in areas like the 15th or 16th arrondissements for better value while maintaining easy access. ### What's the most romantic area to stay in Paris? Montmartre (18th) offers the most romantic atmosphere with its village-like charm and stunning views. The Marais (4th) provides romantic evening strolls through historic streets, while the 7th arrondissement offers classic Parisian elegance. ### Is it better to stay on the Right Bank or Left Bank? Both sides offer unique experiences. The Right Bank contains more major museums and shopping, while the Left Bank offers intellectual and artistic atmosphere. Choose based on your interests rather than which side of the Seine you prefer. ### How far in advance should I book Paris hotels? Book 6-8 weeks in advance for shoulder season, 3-4 months for peak summer or Christmas/New Year periods. Last-minute deals are possible but risky during high-demand periods. ### Do Paris hotels include breakfast? Many hotels offer breakfast for an additional charge (€15-30 per person). Consider local cafés for a more authentic and often less expensive breakfast experience. Choosing the right neighborhood in Paris sets the tone for your entire visit. Whether you prioritize being steps from the Louvre, enjoying authentic local life, or finding the best value for your budget, Paris offers accommodations to match every travel style. Use our neighborhood guide to select the arrondissement that aligns with your priorities, then book with confidence knowing you've chosen the perfect base for your Parisian adventure. Ready to plan your Paris getaway? Start with [hotel deals on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&%5Fcurrency=USD&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Fhotels%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for additional savings on your accommodation booking. [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) For personalized assistance with booking or questions about a trip to Paris, contact Linds at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). She can help you determine if this trip matches your travel style and handle booking details. [Contact Her ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) ### Teaching Kids Money Management While Traveling: Our Greenlight Family Experience URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/greenlight-kids-debit-card-family-travel-review/ Last updated: 2026-06-03T02:06:45.000Z When we decided to sell everything and travel full-time with our three daughters, managing money got complicated fast. Not just the obvious stuff like different currencies and exchange rates, but the everyday reality of three kids who wanted to buy things with their own money while bouncing between countries. [Greenlight](https://share.greenlight.com/15906669?ref=adamandlinds.com) solved problems we didn't even know we'd have. It's not just a kids' debit card - it's become essential for how we handle family finances on the road. 0:00 /0:03 1× ## The Problem with Traditional Banking for Travel Families Before Greenlight, our kids' money was a mess. Grandparents would send birthday cash that we'd have to convert, carry, and somehow keep track of whose was whose. Lily's souvenir money would get mixed up with Cora's allowance, and Harper's birthday cash from Grandma would disappear into our general travel fund. The kids never really understood their money because it was always abstract - just numbers we'd tell them they had. They couldn't see it, couldn't access it, and definitely couldn't learn from it. 0:00 /0:06 1× Here is a fun little teaser commercial we did for Greenlight 😄 ## Why We Actually Love Greenlight The biggest game-changer? Their money stays completely separate from ours. When grandparents send birthday money, it goes directly to their Greenlight account. No more us playing bank and trying to remember who had what. Each girl can see exactly how much money she has, where it came from, and where it goes. Real money, real decisions, real consequences. ### It Works Everywhere We Go The card works in every country we've visited. Japan, Thailand, Europe - doesn't matter. The kids can buy their own snacks, souvenirs, whatever, without us having to figure out currency exchanges or carry exact change. In Bangkok, Cora wanted street food that cost 40 baht. She pulled out her Greenlight card, paid for it herself, and immediately saw the charge in the app. She started connecting that 40 baht was about $1.20 USD and began understanding real exchange rates. ### Grandparents Love It Too This might be our favorite unexpected benefit. Grandparents can instantly send money for birthdays, good grades, or just because. The kids get excited seeing money appear in their accounts, and grandparents love knowing their gift went directly to the grandkids. No more birthday checks that take weeks to deposit or cash gifts that get lost in our travel chaos. ## How We Actually Use It ### Allowance Without the Hassle Each kid gets weekly allowance deposited automatically. Lily gets $10, Cora gets $8, Harper gets $5\. It happens every Sunday whether we're in Tokyo or Tenerife. They can spend it however they want, but they can also see exactly where their money goes. Lily discovered she was spending $30 a month on snacks and decided to cut back to save for a camera. ### Chores That Actually Pay The app lets us pay for chores instantly. Harper puts away all her toys without being asked? $2 appears in her account immediately. Cora helps carry luggage at the airport? Another $3. It's way better than promising to pay them later and then forgetting. ### Real Spending Decisions In Switzerland, everything is expensive. Harper wanted a stuffed animal that cost $25\. She looked at her app, saw she had $18, and made the connection that she needed to wait or choose something cheaper. No crying, no begging us for money. She understood the math and made her own decision. ## The Problems It Solves **No More Cash Juggling**: We don't carry three different kids' cash in three different currencies. They have their own cards and handle their own money. **Instant Transfers**: Need to send lunch money when the kids are at a museum program? Done in 30 seconds. **Spending Limits**: Cora can buy snacks at the convenience store but can't accidentally spend her entire savings on arcade games. **Emergency Access**: If we get separated (happens in crowded markets), each kid has access to money for transportation or emergencies. ## What the Kids Actually Think Lily (10): "I like seeing exactly how much money I have and not having to ask you guys all the time." Cora (8): "When Grandma sends me birthday money, I can see it right away instead of waiting forever." Harper (6): "I can buy my own snacks and I don't need help counting money." ## The Learning Happens Naturally We're not sitting the kids down for financial literacy lectures. They're learning by using real money in real situations. Lily started comparing prices between countries automatically. Cora asks questions about why things cost different amounts in different places. Harper understands that she needs to earn money before she can spend it. The app shows spending categories, so they can see patterns. Lily realized she was spending more on food than toys and decided to pack more snacks from our Airbnb. ## Beyond Just a Debit Card Greenlight offers investing for older kids, but honestly, we're still figuring that out. For now, the basic money management and spending control features are exactly what we need. The customer service has been great the few times we've needed help. Once Cora's card got demagnetized in Thailand, and they sent a replacement to our next destination. ## Getting Started Setting up accounts for all three girls took about 20 minutes. We started with small amounts to test everything, then gradually increased as the kids got comfortable. The monthly fee ($5.99 for our plan) easily pays for itself in convenience and the education value. Plus, no more losing cash or trying to track who spent what where. If you're traveling with kids and tired of managing their money manually, [Greenlight](https://share.greenlight.com/15906669?ref=adamandlinds.com) is worth trying. It turned money management from a constant headache into something that actually works. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does Greenlight work internationally? Yes, we've used the cards in over 20 countries without issues. There are foreign transaction fees (which we factor into our travel budget), but the convenience outweighs the cost. ### What happens if a card gets lost or stolen? You can instantly freeze the card from the app. Since our girls are so young we always leave their cards frozen and just un-freeze them for purchases. We've had enough problems with stolen cards of our own, we'd rather not teach them that lesson yet. ### How much does Greenlight cost? Plans start at $5.99 per month for the basic plan, which covers up to five kids. We use the Greenlight Max plan ($9.98/month) which includes investing features for our older daughters. ### Can grandparents send money directly? Yes, this is one of our favorite features. Grandparents can transfer money instantly to each child's account. The kids get notifications when money arrives, making it feel like a real gift. ### What's the minimum age for Greenlight? There's no minimum age requirement. Harper started using her card at age 5 with supervision. The app interface is simple enough that even young kids can understand their balances and recent transactions. ### Can parents control spending completely? Yes, you can set spending limits by category, block certain types of purchases, and require approval for transactions over a certain amount. We have Harper's card set to require approval for anything over $10. ### How do kids earn money with Greenlight? Parents can set up chore lists with payment amounts. When kids complete chores and parents approve them, money is automatically added to their accounts. You can also send instant payments for extra chores or good behavior. ### What if we're in a country that doesn't accept Mastercard? This has only been an issue in a few very remote locations. In those cases, we fall back to cash for the kids, but this happens rarely since Mastercard is widely accepted globally. --- *This post contains affiliate links. When you sign up for Greenlight using our link, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services our family actually uses and loves.* ### Complete China Travel Guide: eSIM, VPN & 240-Hour Visa URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/china-travel-guide-240-hour-visa-esim-vpn-families/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T05:51:05.000Z It was 3pm in our Da Nang apartment, with a 4:30pm flight to Shanghai via Hong Kong. The plan was to use China's 240-hour visa-free transit to finally see a country we had been circling for years. Eight days later we walked away convinced that China is far more workable for families than most people assume. Here is what we learned about connectivity, payments, and logistics for visiting China with kids, including our own run through the 240-hour visa-free transit and what we would do differently. ## Understanding China's 240-hour visa-free transit China's 240-hour transit, officially called Transit Without Visa, lets citizens of 55 eligible countries stay up to 10 days without a visa, as long as you enter from one country or region and then leave to a different third country or region rather than returning to where you came from. As of 2026 it runs at 65 ports of entry across 24 provinces and municipalities, a big expansion from the handful of city clusters that were in place when we went. Many nationalities now also have a separate 30-day visa-free entry option, so check which one fits your trip before you book. At airline check-in, use the phrase "Transit Without Visa," not "transit visa." Staff sometimes ask for a physical visa document you do not have and can deny boarding if the wording confuses them. ### Our transit route strategy We flew Da Nang to Hong Kong to Shanghai to Tokyo, which met the third-country requirement because we entered from Hong Kong and departed to Japan. Immigration recorded the transit as HKG to PVG to NRT, confirming that Hong Kong and Japan count as the two different regions on either side. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are all treated as separate destinations for this purpose. Avoid a Hong Kong layover on both the inbound and outbound legs. If Hong Kong sits on both sides of your China stop, you can fall foul of the third-country rule. ### Arriving at Shanghai Pudong without a visa We landed at 11:55pm with nothing prepared beyond printed itineraries and onward flight confirmations, and immigration took about 90 minutes. The mistake that cost us time: we first filled out the standard arrival forms, which are wrong for 240-hour transit passengers, and with no staff around at that hour we had to start over. Look for the two-part forms with a detachable departure-card section at the bottom, which are the correct ones for visa-free transit. ![The two-part arrival and departure card used for China 240-hour visa-free transit](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/922d01e6-0098-43db-aeae-0ecd6a386ee0_1600x902.webp) The two-part arrival and departure card is the one you want. Credit: curiosityspirit.substack.com. Bring a passport valid well beyond your dates, the official minimum is three months and we would not travel on less than six, a confirmed onward flight to the third country, a printed itinerary for the whole journey, and your accommodation details in China. The officer went through our Tokyo departure flight closely before approving the stay. There is no advance application and no fee. ## Internet connectivity in China: what actually works China's internet restrictions make reliable data essential for maps, translation, and staying in touch. We tested several options across our eight days in Shanghai, and the full write-up of that test lives in [our Shanghai Holafly review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/). ### The eSIM with a built-in VPN worked best The Holafly China eSIM was the one thing that consistently got us past the Great Firewall, because the VPN is built into the plan and routes traffic out through Singapore or Hong Kong automatically. The blocked apps loaded on arrival with nothing to install. If you are deciding what to buy, we put the full comparison and current pricing in [our best eSIM for China guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/). ### Why our standalone VPNs failed We brought both [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) and [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) as backups and hit real limits. Our Shanghai rental had a monitoring device that cut all internet the instant it detected VPN use, with no delay or warning. On mobile, both services connected only occasionally and dropped within minutes. The eSIM with the VPN inside the plan was the only setup that held. | Solution | On mobile | On rental Wi-Fi | | -------------------- | ---------- | --------------- | | Holafly built-in VPN | Reliable | Reliable | | ExpressVPN | Unreliable | Blocked | | NordVPN | Unreliable | Blocked | ## Essential apps for China travel Download and set these up before departure, while you still have open internet. - **Alipay**: payments, transport, and food delivery - **Amap**: Chinese navigation with solid English labels - **Apple Translate**: works offline for basic communication - **WeChat**: needed for some restaurant ordering systems, and locals call it "Weixin" Without a working VPN, expect Google Maps, Gmail and Google Translate, WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram, YouTube and most Western news, and many international banking apps to be blocked. ## Payment solutions that actually work ### Alipay is your digital wallet in China Setting up Alipay with international cards changed the trip. We never touched cash across the full eight days. In our testing a Chase Visa debit card and a Schwab Visa debit card both linked and worked. With it you can pay at restaurants, shops and street vendors, order Didi rides, buy metro tickets, and get food delivered. To set it up, download the app before you leave, verify your phone number, add an international debit card, and complete the identity verification. ### WeChat Pay as a backup We set up WeChat Pay before departure but needed it only once, for a restaurant whose ordering system was built around it. Most places take Alipay as the primary method. When you ask about it, say "Weixin," since locals often do not recognise the name WeChat. ## Family activities in Shanghai A first-day orientation tour with Jenny's Tours gave us the cultural context and the lay of the land, which helped for a first visit with kids. The Lost Plate breakfast food tour became our favourite thing we did in the city, and code **ADAMANDLINDS** gets a discount on Lost Plate tours. Shanghai Disney was a hit, with noticeably shorter lines than other Disney parks we have done. On language and navigation, Apple Translate was fine offline, and Shanghai has a lot of English signage in tourist areas. Google Maps needs a VPN, so we leaned on Amap, which handles the local restrictions and reads clearly in English. ## Internet access for extended stays If you are staying longer than 30 days, a [Holafly Plans subscription](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) usually beats buying back-to-back 30-day eSIMs, and it keeps the built-in VPN behaviour that makes China access work. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB across 160-plus destinations For lighter data users on a longer stay. [See the Light Plan](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160-plus destinations Built-in VPN and hotspot included. [See the Unlimited Plan](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) ## Practical tips for families ### Before departure Write up an itinerary that lists what you are doing, where you are staying, and above all when and how you are leaving, since that onward flight is what the officer checks. Print flight confirmations, hotel bookings and emergency contacts. Download offline maps, translation, and entertainment for the kids. Finish Alipay verification while you still have unrestricted internet. And buy your [China eSIM](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/) and install it at home, using code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. ### Upon arrival Fill out the two-part arrival and departure card, not the standard form. Turn on data roaming for the eSIM so you are online immediately. Test an Alipay payment at the airport. Make sure Amap is downloaded for navigation without Google Maps. ### During your stay Keep a little cash for emergencies even though we never needed it, screenshot the important details in case of a connectivity gap, and stay flexible, because speeds vary and patience helps with kids in tow. ## Cost breakdown for China connectivity A standalone VPN service runs roughly $10 to $15 a month and gave us variable, often blocked results in China. An eSIM with the VPN built into the plan cost more but delivered consistent access, which on a short trip is the thing that actually matters. For current Holafly China eSIM pricing by number of days, and how it compares against a local SIM, see [our best eSIM for China guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/). For stays past a month, the [monthly Plans subscription](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) is usually the cheaper route. ## Common China travel questions FAQ ## China travel questions, answered Does Holafly work everywhere in China? Holafly's China eSIM uses China Mobile's network, with excellent coverage in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. Rural areas can be slower, but urban coverage was strong throughout our stay. Can kids use the same eSIM? Each device needs its own eSIM, but the hotspot feature lets you share the connection with kids' Wi-Fi-only devices. Is the 240-hour visa really visa-free? Yes. No advance application or fee. You complete the forms on arrival and receive a 10-day stamp, as long as your routing meets the third-country requirement. What happens if the VPN stops working? The Holafly China eSIM's built-in VPN reconnects and switches servers on its own. Because it is part of the data connection rather than a separate app, it held up better than the standalone VPNs we tried. Can you extend the 240-hour transit? No. There is no extension. You must leave China within the 240-hour window or face overstay penalties. Do you need cash in China? We finished the entire eight days without using cash once. Alipay acceptance is close to universal, from street vendors to large stores. What about emergency services? Download offline maps and keep emergency contacts handy. The eSIM held its connection even at busy times. Is China safe for families? Shanghai felt very safe for family travel. Crime is low, public transport is excellent, and people were helpful with our children. ## Planning your China trip China turned out to be one of the easier places we have taken the kids once the logistics were sorted. The eSIM with the built-in VPN for access and Alipay for payments removed the two things that put most families off, and the 240-hour transit made the whole thing possible without a visa. For the connectivity choice specifically, our [best eSIM for China guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/) covers what to buy, and the [Shanghai review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/) covers how it held up day to day. If you want a hand building a family-friendly China itinerary, Lindsay plans these through our travel advisory at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). ### Related reading [Best eSIM for China](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-china/)[Holafly China eSIM in Shanghai: the built-in VPN tested](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/)[Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/)[Holafly discount code: ADAMANDLINDS](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links or use code ADAMANDLINDS we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and you get the stated discount. Holafly is our exclusive eSIM partner and we pay for the products we write about. All opinions are based on our own family trip to Shanghai. ### Trafalgar Japan Winter Adventure: Is This 12-Day Guided Tour Worth It? URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/trafalgar-japan-winter-adventure-is-this-12-day-guided-tour-worth-it/ Last updated: 2025-09-15T09:03:26.000Z Japan in winter hits different. While everyone else is obsessing over cherry blossoms, winter reveals a completely different side of the country. Snow-dusted temples, ice-breaking ships cutting through frozen seas, and the chance to soak in outdoor hot springs while snowflakes land on your face. The [Trafalgar Japan Winter Adventure](https://trafalgar.sjv.io/c/6317027/3262903/26706?partnerpropertyid=7174158&ref=adamandlinds.com) promises to pack all of this into 12 days, from Kyoto's golden temples to Hokkaido's drift ice. But is this guided tour actually worth the price tag, or would you be better off going solo? ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/map-japan-winter-adventure-guided-tour-2026-1.jpg) ## What Makes Winter Japan Different Most people think of Japan as a spring destination, but winter transforms the entire country into something unexpected. The crowds disappear, snow creates dramatic landscapes around temples and shrines, and you get access to seasonal experiences that simply don't exist during cherry blossom season. Hokkaido becomes accessible for drift ice viewing, where massive ice flows from the Arctic create temporary landscapes. The Ainu cultural sites operate special winter programs. Even the famous hot springs take on new meaning when you're sitting in steaming water while snow falls around you. The downside? It's cold. Really cold, especially in Hokkaido where temperatures drop well below freezing. If you're not prepared for sub-zero weather, this tour might not be for you. ![Hokkaido drift ice landscape with frozen sea and ice chunks under blue sky](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/Japan-Winter-Adventure.png) Hokkaido's dramatic drift ice phenomenon creates temporary Arctic landscapes accessible only during winter months ## The Reality of 12 Days with Trafalgar Let's be honest about what you're signing up for. This is a guided tour, which means scheduled everything. You'll wake up when they tell you, eat where they've planned, and move according to their timeline. For some people, that's perfect. For others, it's exactly what they're trying to escape. The tour hits major destinations: Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo, and Hokkaido's Sapporo region. You'll see iconic sites like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari, experience a traditional kaiseki meal, and take the bullet train between cities. The Hokkaido portion includes the ice-breaking ship cruise and visits to Ainu cultural sites. Here's what surprised us about the itinerary: they've built in actual cultural experiences beyond just sightseeing. The sake brewery visit in Kanazawa includes proper tasting. The Ainu village experience involves hands-on wood carving and cultural performances. These aren't just photo stops. ![Tokyo Tower and city skyline at sunset during winter with clear skies](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/tower-tokyo-japan-1.webp) Tokyo's winter skyline offers clear views and fewer crowds compared to cherry blossom season ## The Hokkaido Difference The real draw of this winter tour is Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. This is where you'll board the Aurora, an ice-breaking ship that takes you out to see the seasonal drift ice phenomenon. Picture massive chunks of ice floating down from the Arctic, creating temporary landscapes that exist only during winter months. The Ainu cultural experience feels authentic rather than touristy. You'll learn about Japan's Indigenous people through hands-on activities and cultural performances. This isn't something you can easily arrange on your own, and it's definitely not available during other seasons. The traditional onsen hotel stay puts you in natural hot springs during peak winter conditions. There's something surreal about sitting in steaming hot water while snow falls around you and the temperature outside drops below zero. ## Food Situations The tour includes 17 meals across 12 days, which sounds comprehensive until you realize that leaves you figuring out quite a few meals on your own. The included meals range from hotel breakfasts to a traditional kaiseki experience with a local family. The kaiseki meal with the Nakamura family stands out as more than just dinner. You'll learn proper Japanese dining etiquette, understand the seasonal significance of ingredients, and experience the formality of traditional Japanese hospitality. It's the kind of experience that's difficult to arrange independently. Street food exploration in Tokyo is built into the itinerary, including a takoyaki cooking lesson and ramen tasting. This balances the formal dining experiences with authentic local food culture. ## Transportation Reality Check All transportation between cities is included, which eliminates the stress of navigating Japan's complex but efficient rail system. You'll ride bullet trains, regional trains, and domestic flights to Hokkaido. The bullet train experience between cities like Kyoto and Tokyo is smooth and comfortable. The domestic flight to Hokkaido is necessary given the distances involved. Local transportation for sightseeing uses comfortable coaches rather than crowded public transport. However, this also means you miss the authentic experience of figuring out Japanese public transportation on your own. If that's part of your travel goals, a guided tour might not align with your preferences. ![Crowded Tokyo street with colorful signs and people walking during daytime](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/visit-ameyoko-street-market-tokyo-japan-1.webp) Tokyo's vibrant street culture remains active during winter months with unique seasonal energy ## Accommodation Standards The hotels range from solid business-class properties to the traditional onsen hotel in Hokkaido. The Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto provides a central location near major attractions. The New Otani Garden Tower in Tokyo offers modern amenities in a convenient location. The real highlight is the traditional onsen hotel in Hokkaido, where you'll experience authentic Japanese hospitality alongside natural hot springs. The rooms are traditional Japanese style, which means sleeping on tatami mats rather than Western beds. Don't expect luxury resort accommodations throughout. These are comfortable, well-located hotels that prioritize convenience over opulence. ## Group Dynamics and Solo Travel Trafalgar tours typically run with 20-40 people, which creates a middle ground between intimate small groups and large bus tours. The group size allows for personal attention from guides while maintaining tour efficiency. Solo travelers often find guided tours provide built-in social opportunities with like-minded people. You'll share experiences like the ice-ship cruise and cultural activities, which naturally creates connections. The flip side is that you're committed to the group schedule and pace. If you prefer exploring at your own speed or hate scheduled activities, this tour structure might feel restrictive. ## Weather and Packing Reality Japanese winters vary dramatically between regions. Kyoto and Tokyo experience mild winters with occasional snow, while Hokkaido features harsh conditions with temperatures well below freezing and significant snowfall. You'll need serious winter gear for Hokkaido, including insulated jackets, waterproof boots with good traction, and warm accessories. The ice-ship cruise requires outdoor time in sub-zero conditions with wind chill. Temple visits in Kyoto and Tokyo require comfortable walking shoes and layers for temperature changes throughout the day. Many temples require shoe removal, so consider easy-on, easy-off footwear. ## The Price Question The tour starts around $9,000 per person for double occupancy, not including flights to Japan. That's serious money, and you need to decide if the convenience and exclusive experiences justify the cost. When you break this down, premium accommodation alone would cost $200-400 per night in these cities during winter season. Add bullet train tickets between cities, domestic flights to Hokkaido, meals, attraction entries, and guided experiences, and independent travel costs add up quickly. The specialized experiences like the ice-ship cruise and authentic Ainu cultural program would be difficult and expensive to arrange independently. These aren't typical tourist activities with easy booking systems. However, at $9,000 per person, you could absolutely do Japan independently for significantly less money if you're comfortable with basic accommodations, local transportation, and self-guided sightseeing. The question becomes whether the premium experiences and convenience are worth the substantial price difference. ## Should You Book This Tour? This tour works best for travelers who want comprehensive cultural experiences without the stress of planning complex logistics. If you value expert guidance, guaranteed authentic experiences, and the convenience of scheduled everything, it delivers solid value. The winter timing provides access to seasonal experiences unavailable during other times of year. The Hokkaido portion especially offers unique opportunities that would be challenging to arrange independently. Skip this tour if you prefer spontaneous travel, want to explore at your own pace, or are comfortable navigating foreign countries independently. The scheduled nature of guided tours can feel restrictive for independent-minded travelers. For personalized assistance with booking or questions about this tour, contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). I can help you determine if this tour matches your travel style and handle booking details. ### Japan Winter Adventure - 12-Day Itinerary 1 #### Welcome to Japan Transfer from Osaka to Kyoto. Welcome dinner and tour introduction. **Location:** Kyoto **Meals:** Dinner 2 #### Kyoto Temples & Shrines Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Temple, Golden Pavilion, kaiseki lunch with Nakamura family, Fushimi Inari Shrine. **Location:** Kyoto **Meals:** Breakfast, Lunch 3 #### Kanazawa & Sake Tasting Thunderbird train to Kanazawa, sake brewery visit and tasting, optional shabu shabu dinner. **Location:** Kanazawa **Meals:** Breakfast, Lunch 4 #### Gardens & Pottery Kenrokuen garden, Nomura Samurai House, Ohi Gallery pottery experience, Higashi Chaya District, Kaikaro teahouse. **Location:** Kanazawa **Meals:** Breakfast 5 #### Tokyo Street Food Bullet train to Tokyo, takoyaki lesson, ramen lunch, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Imperial Palace Plaza. **Location:** Tokyo **Meals:** Breakfast 6 #### Culture & Color in Tokyo Sensoji Temple, Nakamise Arcade, Tokyo Skytree views, Tokyo National Museum. **Location:** Tokyo **Meals:** Breakfast 7 #### Drift Ice of Hokkaido Fly to Hokkaido, Okhotsk Ryu-hyo Museum, Aurora ice-breaking ship cruise, traditional onsen hotel. **Location:** Hokkaido **Meals:** Breakfast, Dinner 8 #### Ainu Culture Experience Ainu village visit, traditional wood carving, cultural performances at Ainu Kotan Theater. **Location:** Hokkaido **Meals:** Breakfast, Dinner 9 #### Travel to Sapporo Akan International Crane Center, express train to Sapporo, Sapporo Beer Museum guided tasting. **Location:** Sapporo **Meals:** Breakfast 10 #### Sapporo & Otaru Odori Park, Clock Tower, Ski Jump Stadium, Otaru canal and glassworks, Mt. Moiwa ropeway dinner. **Location:** Sapporo **Meals:** Breakfast, Dinner 11 #### Return to Tokyo Flight to Tokyo, free time to explore Shinjuku, temples, or Harajuku boutiques. **Location:** Tokyo **Meals:** Breakfast 12 #### Farewell Japan Included airport transfer after breakfast. Departure with winter memories and cultural discoveries. **Location:** Tokyo **Meals:** Breakfast **Total:** 12 days, 7 cities **Meals:** 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners **Highlights:** Drift ice cruise, Ainu culture, Onsen experience ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the deposit required to book the Japan Winter Adventure? Most Trafalgar departures require a $200 deposit to secure your booking, with final payment typically due 70 days before departure. ### Can solo travelers join this tour? Yes, guided tours work well for solo travelers seeking like-minded companions. Trafalgar offers room pairing with other solo travelers and reduced single supplements on select departures. ### What makes this tour different from cherry blossom season Japan tours? Winter tours provide access to seasonal experiences like drift ice cruising, enhanced Ainu cultural programs, and authentic onsen experiences during peak conditions. You'll also encounter fewer crowds and different landscapes. ### How physically demanding is this tour? The tour involves moderate walking at temples, gardens, and cultural sites. The ice-ship cruise requires outdoor time in harsh conditions. Most activities are accessible for travelers with average fitness levels. ### What's the weather like during the tour? Kyoto and Tokyo experience mild winters with occasional snow. Hokkaido features sub-zero temperatures and significant snowfall. Proper winter clothing is essential, especially for Hokkaido activities. ### Are meals included throughout the tour? The tour includes 17 meals: 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 4 dinners. This leaves several meals for you to explore local dining options independently. ### How does this compare to independent travel in Japan? Guided tours provide convenience, expert guidance, and access to experiences difficult to arrange independently. Independent travel offers more flexibility and potentially lower costs but requires more planning and language navigation. ### What happens if the tour doesn't meet minimum numbers? Trafalgar shows departures as "Definite Departure" once minimum numbers are reached. If a departure doesn't meet minimums, they offer alternative dates or full refunds. --- [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) For personalized assistance with booking or questions about this tour, contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). I can help you determine if this tour matches your travel style and handle booking details. [Contact me ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) *This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Trafalgar link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund our family travels and keeps our content free. We only recommend tours and services we genuinely believe provide value. All opinions are our own.* ### Cruise Ship Cell Phone and Internet Guide: Complete 2025 Connectivity Guide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/cruise-ship-cell-phone-internet-connectivity-guide-2025/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:32.000Z When we sailed across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary 2 to begin our full-time travel adventure, staying connected while at sea presented unique challenges we hadn't expected. Between expensive maritime networks, spotty WiFi, and the temptation to share every sunset photo, managing connectivity became as important as managing our sea legs. [Sailing the Queen Mary 2 with Kids: Our Honest Review of the Transatlantic AdventureIn May 2022, our family embarked on our very first leg of full-time travel aboard the legendary Queen Mary 2\. With three young daughters in tow, I set sail from New York to Southampton—here’s what you need to know about cruising this iconic ship with children. Setting Sail: The![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/favicon-6.ico)Adam and Linds: The Worldschool JournalAdam Clarkson![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1613994495689-daf4521b0048)](https://adamandlinds.com/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/) Whether you're planning your first cruise or you're a seasoned sailor, understanding how phones and internet work on cruise ships can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent connectivity headaches. We'll walk you through everything you need to know about staying connected without breaking your budget. ## How Cell Phones Work on Cruise Ships Your phone operates differently on a cruise ship compared to land-based travel. When you're close to shore, your device connects to regular cell towers just like it would anywhere else. However, once the ship moves beyond the range of coastal towers (typically 12-20 miles from shore), your phone switches to maritime cellular networks. These maritime networks use satellite technology to provide coverage in the middle of the ocean. Your phone automatically connects to networks like "Cellular at Sea" or "Wireless Maritime Services," which appear as "901" or similar codes on your device. The signal travels from your phone to the ship's onboard antenna, then to satellites orbiting Earth, and finally back to your home carrier's network. The catch? These satellite-based connections cost significantly more than regular cell service. We've seen bills ranging from $2-5 per minute for calls and $15-25 per MB of data. A single photo upload could cost $50 or more without proper planning. ## Understanding Maritime Roaming Charges Maritime roaming operates under different rules than international roaming. Even if you have an international plan with your carrier, maritime networks often aren't included. Major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile charge premium rates for at-sea usage: - **Voice calls**: $2.99-$5.99 per minute - **Text messages**: $0.50-$1.99 per message - **Data usage**: $15-$25 per MB (not GB!) During our Queen Mary 2 crossing, we met passengers who received $500+ phone bills from a single week at sea. Background app updates, email syncing, and social media notifications can quietly consume expensive data without you realizing it. ## Should You Use Airplane Mode on Cruises? Yes, absolutely put your phone in airplane mode when boarding your cruise ship. This prevents your device from automatically connecting to expensive maritime networks without your knowledge. Even if you don't actively use your phone, background processes can still consume costly data. In airplane mode, you can still: - Connect to ship WiFi when available - Use Bluetooth headphones and accessories - Take photos and videos - Access offline downloaded content - Use WiFi calling when connected to ship internet When your cruise stops at ports, you can temporarily disable airplane mode to connect to local cellular networks. Just remember to switch it back on before the ship departs. ## Cruise Ship WiFi: What to Expect Most modern cruise ships offer WiFi packages, though speeds, pricing, and reliability vary significantly by cruise line and ship. Here's what we've learned from our cruise experience and research: ### WiFi Package Types **Basic/Social Packages** ($10-20/day) - Access to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger - Basic social media browsing - Limited or no video streaming - Slower speeds during peak hours **Standard/Surf Packages** ($20-35/day) - Full internet browsing and email access - Most websites and apps work - Video streaming often blocked or throttled - Better speeds than basic packages **Premium/Stream Packages** ($30-50/day) - Fastest available speeds - Video streaming and video calls supported - Multiple device connections - Priority network access ### WiFi Reality Check Even premium packages have limitations at sea. Satellite internet suffers from higher latency and weather-related interruptions. Expect slower speeds than you're used to on land, especially during sea days when everyone's online simultaneously. Video calls may be choppy or impossible, large file uploads can time out, and streaming quality often drops automatically. The further from shore, the more pronounced these issues become. ## eSIM Solutions for Port Connectivity While maritime connectivity remains expensive, you can save significantly at port stops using eSIM technology. An eSIM provides instant cellular connectivity in each port without needing physical SIM cards or expensive roaming charges. We recommend [Holafly's Global eSIM plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/je0BNM?ref=adamandlinds.com) for cruise travelers visiting multiple countries. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data plans covering 200+ destinations worldwide. ### Benefits of eSIM for Cruising - **Instant activation** at each port - **No physical SIM swapping** between countries - **Unlimited data options** for port exploration - **Significant savings** compared to cruise roaming - **Easy setup** before your cruise begins For longer stays in specific regions, consider [Holafly's regional plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/9LZrV0?ref=adamandlinds.com) covering multiple countries with a single purchase. ## Cruise Line WiFi Comparison | Cruise Line | Basic Plan | Premium Plan | Notable Features | | ------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | | **Royal Caribbean** | $15.99/device/day | $19.99/device/day | VOOM high-speed internet, Starlink on newer ships | | **Carnival** | $12.75/device/day | $21.25/device/day | Social, Value, and Premium tiers available | | **Disney** | $16/device/day | $34/device/day | No video streaming on any plan | | **Norwegian** | $20/device/day | $35/device/day | Unlimited plans available | | **Princess** | $19.99/device/day | $39.99/device/day | MedallionNet on most ships | *Prices are approximate and vary by sailing. Pre-purchase discounts often available.* ## Money-Saving Connectivity Tips ### Before Your Cruise 1. **Download offline content** including maps, entertainment, and language translation apps 2. **Install eSIM for ports** and test before departure 3. **Update all apps** while on land WiFi to prevent background updates 4. **Disable automatic backups** and cloud syncing 5. **Pre-purchase WiFi packages** for 10-15% savings ### During Your Cruise 1. **Use airplane mode** with WiFi only when needed 2. **Connect to free port WiFi** at terminals and cafes 3. **Share WiFi plans** among family members when possible 4. **Schedule calls** during off-peak hours for better connection 5. **Use messaging apps** instead of SMS when on ship WiFi ### At Port Stops 1. **Activate eSIM immediately** upon docking 2. **Use high-bandwidth apps** while on fast local networks 3. **Upload photos and videos** when connectivity is strong 4. **Make video calls** to family back home 5. **Research next destinations** and download information ## Family Connectivity Strategies Traveling with kids adds complexity to cruise connectivity planning. Our daughters wanted to stay in touch with friends and share their adventure, but we needed to balance this with budget constraints. ### What Worked for Us **Single premium WiFi plan**: We purchased one premium package and used hotspot functionality to connect kids' devices during designated hours. **Offline entertainment**: Downloaded movies, shows, and games before sailing. This kept the girls happy during sea days without expensive internet needs. **Port exploration apps**: Used [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) at each port for navigation, restaurant reviews, and activity research. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5%. **Scheduled communication**: Set specific times for video calls with grandparents, making it special rather than expected. ## Managing Expectations Cruise ship connectivity will never match your home broadband speed. Instead of fighting this limitation, embrace it as part of the cruise experience. Some of our best family memories happened during "digital detox" periods when we focused on each other rather than screens. That said, staying completely disconnected isn't realistic for most families. Use connectivity strategically for safety, communication, and enhancing your cruise experience rather than trying to maintain your normal digital routine. ## Alternative Connection Options ### Satellite Internet Hotspots Portable satellite devices like those from Iridium or Inmarsat provide independent connectivity at sea. However, costs are even higher than ship WiFi, and data speeds are extremely limited. These make sense for emergencies or business-critical communications only. ### Port-Based Solutions Many cruise terminals offer free WiFi in passenger areas. While connection quality varies, it's often faster than ship WiFi and costs nothing. Plan to handle essential communications during port stops when possible. ### Travel Advisor Services As a professional travel advisor, Lindsay often helps families plan connectivity strategies based on their specific cruise itinerary. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized advice on managing technology needs during family cruises. ## Preparing for Your Next Cruise Smart connectivity planning enhances rather than detracts from your cruise experience. Here's our recommended preparation checklist: **Two weeks before sailing:** - Purchase and test eSIM for port destinations - Download offline entertainment and maps - Update all device software and apps - Configure devices for minimal background usage **One week before sailing:** - Pre-purchase ship WiFi packages at discount - Download currency exchange and translation apps - Sync photos and videos to cloud storage - Set family expectations for internet usage **Day of departure:** - Enable airplane mode before boarding - Confirm eSIM installation on all devices - Pack portable chargers and charging cables - Screenshot important confirmation numbers ## Beyond Basic Connectivity For families planning multiple cruises or extended travel, consider upgrading your overall connectivity strategy. [Holafly's monthly global plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/Xm3g5g?ref=adamandlinds.com) provide unlimited worldwide data starting at $64.90/month, perfect for families combining cruises with land-based travel. The Peace of Mind plan includes 25GB global data for $49.90/month, ideal for moderate usage across multiple countries. Both plans eliminate the need to purchase individual country eSIMs for complex itineraries. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do cell phones work on cruise ships? Yes, but connectivity changes based on your location. Near shore, phones connect to regular cell towers. At sea, they connect to expensive maritime satellite networks. We recommend using airplane mode with WiFi to control costs. ### How much does it cost to use your phone on a cruise? Maritime cellular charges range from $2-5 per minute for calls and $15-25 per MB of data. A single photo upload can cost $50+. Ship WiFi packages ($15-50/day) are more economical for regular usage. ### Should I buy WiFi on a cruise ship? For most travelers, yes. Ship WiFi packages cost less than maritime cellular charges and provide more predictable pricing. Choose package tiers based on your usage needs - basic for messaging, premium for video calls. ### Can I use my international phone plan on a cruise? Most international plans don't include maritime coverage. Even if they do, charges are typically $10-15/day plus usage fees. Check with your carrier before sailing to understand specific charges. ### What's the best way to stay connected at cruise ports? Use an eSIM like [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for instant local connectivity at each port. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves 5% on unlimited data plans. This provides fast internet for navigation, communication, and research. ### How can I avoid unexpected phone charges on a cruise? Enable airplane mode before boarding and keep it on throughout your cruise. Only use WiFi for internet access and eSIM connections at ports. Disable automatic app updates and cloud syncing. ### Is cruise ship WiFi reliable? Reliability varies by cruise line, ship age, and weather conditions. Newer ships with Starlink connectivity offer better performance. Expect slower speeds than land-based internet, especially during peak usage times. ### Can I make phone calls from a cruise ship? Yes, through maritime cellular networks (expensive), ship WiFi calling (included with internet packages), or satellite phones (most expensive). WiFi calling through apps like WhatsApp costs only your WiFi package fee. ### Do cruise ships have cell towers? Cruise ships have antennas that connect to satellite networks, not traditional cell towers. These maritime cellular systems relay signals between your phone and land-based networks via satellite. ### How do I prepare my phone for a cruise? Download offline content, install eSIM for ports, update all apps on land WiFi, disable background app refresh, enable airplane mode before boarding, and pack portable chargers for extended usage. --- The key to successful cruise connectivity lies in preparation and realistic expectations. By understanding how maritime networks operate and planning your connectivity strategy in advance, you can stay connected with family and share your adventure without facing bill shock upon return. Ready to plan your own connected cruise adventure? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for expert cruise planning that includes personalized connectivity recommendations for your specific itinerary and family needs. [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) For personalized assistance with booking or questions about this tour, contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). I can help you determine if this tour matches your travel style and handle booking details. [Contact me ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- *This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own and based on our real cruise experiences.* ### Klook Pass Greater Tokyo: Complete Family Guide to Savings and Top Attractions (2025) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:39.000Z Tokyo's incredible attractions can quickly drain a family travel budget. The [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123893&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers savings of up to 48% on the city's most popular destinations. With options covering 2 to 7 attractions from over 30 activities, this pass can significantly reduce costs for families exploring Japan's capital. **The bottom line:** The Klook Pass Greater Tokyo is worth it for families planning to visit 3+ attractions, offering substantial savings on top Tokyo destinations like teamLab Borderless, Tokyo Skytree, and Disney parks. ## What Is the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo? The Klook Pass Greater Tokyo is a multi-attraction ticket that provides access to over 30 activities across Tokyo and the Greater Tokyo area. You purchase a pass covering 2-7 attractions, then reserve specific activities within the validity period. **Key Features:** - Choose from 2-7 attraction packages - Access to over 30 popular Tokyo activities - Standard and premium attraction options - Up to 48% savings compared to individual tickets - Flexible booking within validity periods [Klook.com](//www.klook.com/) ## Klook Pass Greater Tokyo Pricing 2025 | Pass Type | Adult Price | Child Price (6-11) | Best For | | ----------------- | ----------- | ------------------ | --------------------------- | | **2 Attractions** | $46.25 | $30.10 | Weekend trips, quick visits | | **3 Attractions** | $68.85 | $39.39 | Standard Tokyo vacation | | **4 Attractions** | $81.75 | $48.69 | Extended stays, families | | **5 Attractions** | $93.55 | $57.89 | Week-long Tokyo adventure | | **6 Attractions** | $109.69 | $67.05 | Comprehensive exploration | | **7 Attractions** | $133.35 | $82.35 | Maximum value seekers | *Prices shown are current as of September 2025\. Use code *ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK* with* [*our link*](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123893&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo&ref=adamandlinds.com) *for the most up-to-date pricing.* ## Standard vs Premium Attractions ### Standard Pass Attractions Include: - teamLab Borderless or teamLab Planets TOKYO - Tokyo Skytree admission - Tokyo Tower - Aqua Park Shinagawa - Sanrio Puroland - LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo - Little Planet DiverCity Tokyo - Moominvalley Park in Saitama ### Premium Pass Upgrades Available: - **Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea** (Any 1 Park) - **Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter** - **Mt. Fuji, Hakone & Gotemba Outlets Day Trip** - **JR Pass for Whole Japan (7 Days)** - **Fuji-Q Highland Ticket** ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/KlookPassGreaterTokyo.webp) ## How to Use Your Klook Pass Greater Tokyo ### Step 1: Purchase Your Pass Select the number of attractions you want to visit based on your Tokyo itinerary. Consider transportation time between locations when planning your schedule. ### Step 2: Activate Within 60 Days Make your first reservation within 60 days of purchase. This activates your pass and gives you 90 additional days to book remaining attractions. ### Step 3: Reserve in Advance Popular attractions like teamLab Borderless and Tokyo Disney parks sell out quickly. Book your preferred dates and times immediately after purchase. ### Step 4: Present Digital Vouchers Each reserved activity generates a digital voucher. Present these at attraction entrances for admission. ## How to Reserve Activities After Buying Your Klook Pass ### **Step 1: Purchase Your Pass** - Buy your Klook Pass Greater Tokyo through the Klook website or app - You'll receive a confirmation email with your pass details ### **Step 2: Access Your Pass in the Klook App** - Download the Klook app if you haven't already - Log into your Klook account - Go to "My Bookings" or "My Tickets" - Find your Klook Pass Greater Tokyo ### **Step 3: Make Individual Activity Reservations** - Click on your pass in the app - You'll see a list of all available activities included in your pass - Select the activity you want to book - Choose your preferred date and time slot - Complete the reservation (this uses one of your pass credits) ### **Step 4: Get Your Activity Vouchers** - After reserving each activity, you'll receive individual vouchers - These vouchers appear in your Klook app under "My Bookings" - Each voucher has a QR code for entry at the attraction ### **Important Notes:** - You must make your **first reservation within 60 days** of purchasing the pass - Once you make your first reservation, you have **90 days to book the rest** - Popular attractions like teamLab and Disney sell out quickly - book these first! - Each reservation uses one credit from your pass (if you bought a 5-attraction pass, you can make 5 reservations) **Pro Tip:** The Klook app interface makes this much easier than the website. Download it before your trip and practice navigating to your bookings. ## Money-Saving Analysis: Is the Klook Pass Worth It? ### Individual Ticket Prices vs Klook Pass Savings **Popular Tokyo attractions individual pricing:** - teamLab Borderless: $29-35 - Tokyo Skytree: $18-28 - Tokyo Tower: $10-20 - Tokyo Disneyland: $62 - Warner Bros Studio Tour: $45 **3-Attraction Pass Example:** - Individual total: $75+ for Skytree + teamLab + Tokyo Tower - Klook Pass cost: $68.85 - **Savings: $6+ plus added flexibility** **5-Attraction Pass Example:** - Individual total: $150+ for premium attractions - Klook Pass cost: $93.55 - **Savings: $55+ (37% savings)** The pass becomes more valuable as you add attractions, especially with premium options like Disney parks. [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Family Travel Considerations ### Age Requirements and Restrictions **LEGOLAND Discovery Center Tokyo:** Adults 16+ cannot enter without children aged 0-15\. Perfect for families with younger kids. **Little Planet DiverCity:** Children 0-12 must be accompanied by adults. Adults 18+ need child companions. **teamLab Planets:** Children's tickets must be reserved with adult tickets. Very popular and sells out quickly. **Tokyo Disney Parks:** Premium pass option offers significant savings compared to individual tickets. ### Planning Tips for Families **Book popular attractions first:** teamLab experiences and Disney parks have limited availability. **Consider children's ages:** Some attractions have age restrictions or require adult supervision. **Factor in travel time:** Tokyo is large, and attractions are spread across the metropolitan area. **Reserve consecutive days:** Group nearby attractions together to minimize travel time with kids. ## Best Klook Pass Strategies by Travel Style ### Weekend Tokyo Trip (2-3 attractions) **Recommended:** 3-attraction pass **Suggested attractions:** teamLab Borderless + Tokyo Skytree + Tokyo Tower **Why:** Covers Tokyo's must-see modern attractions with good savings ### Family Vacation (4-5 attractions) **Recommended:** 5-attraction pass **Suggested additions:** Sanrio Puroland + Aqua Park Shinagawa **Why:** Kid-friendly options with educational and entertainment value ### Comprehensive Tokyo Experience (6-7 attractions) **Recommended:** 7-attraction pass with premium upgrades **Premium additions:** Disney park + Warner Bros Studio Tour **Why:** Maximum savings on high-value attractions ## Booking and Logistics ### Important Booking Notes **teamLab Borderless availability:** This is Tokyo's most popular digital art museum and frequently sells out. Check availability before purchasing your pass. **Disney park reservations:** Tokyo Disney requires advance reservations even with valid tickets. Book immediately after pass purchase. **JR Pass delivery:** Takes 10 days for physical delivery. Plan accordingly for longer Japan trips. **Saitama attractions:** Some included attractions are outside Tokyo proper. Factor in additional travel time and costs. ### Pass Validity and Flexibility **Activation period:** 60 days to make your first reservation **Usage period:** 90 days after activation to complete all bookings **Partial refunds:** No refunds for partially used passes **Sold out attractions:** Use reservations for alternative activities if preferred choices unavailable ## Current Promotions and Discounts Use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** with [our Klook affiliate link](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123893&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo&ref=adamandlinds.com) for access to current promotions and most up-to-date pricing. **Additional savings opportunities:** - Check for seasonal promotions during Japanese holidays - Compare family package deals vs individual passes - Consider combining with [Holafly eSIM Japan](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off connectivity ## Klook Pass vs Individual Tickets: The Verdict ### When the Klook Pass Makes Sense: - Planning to visit 3+ attractions - Interested in both standard and premium options - Want booking flexibility - Traveling with children (good kid-friendly selection) - Staying in Tokyo for 4+ days ### When Individual Tickets Might Be Better: - Only interested in 1-2 specific attractions - Very flexible travel schedule - Prefer last-minute decisions - Focused on attractions not included in the pass ## Alternative Tokyo Attraction Passes **Tokyo Metro 24/48/72 Hour Passes:** For transportation-focused savings **Tokyo City Pass:** Different attraction combinations **Individual venue memberships:** For repeat visitors to specific attractions The Klook Pass Greater Tokyo offers the best value for families planning diverse Tokyo experiences within a structured timeframe. ## Planning Your Tokyo Itinerary with the Klook Pass ### Recommended 5-Day Tokyo Schedule **Day 1:** teamLab Borderless + Tokyo Skytree (same area) **Day 2:** Tokyo Disney park (full day) **Day 3:** Warner Bros Studio Tour + Tokyo Tower **Day 4:** Sanrio Puroland + shopping in Harajuku **Day 5:** Aqua Park Shinagawa + Tokyo Station area This schedule maximizes geographical efficiency while spreading major attractions across your trip. ## Essential Tokyo Travel Resources **Connectivity:** [Holafly Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/2a9Ar0?ref=adamandlinds.com) unlimited data with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off **Transportation:** Consider JR Pass for longer Japan trips **Accommodation booking:** Research hotel locations near attractions to minimize travel time **Travel insurance:** Comprehensive coverage recommended for international family travel ## Frequently Asked Questions About Klook Pass Greater Tokyo ### Is the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo worth it for families? Yes, the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo offers significant value for families planning to visit 3 or more attractions. The 5-attraction pass provides approximately 37% savings compared to individual ticket purchases, plus the convenience of pre-booking popular attractions like teamLab Borderless and Disney parks. ### How long is the Klook Pass Greater Tokyo valid? You have 60 days from purchase to make your first reservation, which activates the pass. Once activated, you have 90 additional days to book and use all remaining attractions included in your pass. ### Can I get a refund if I don't use all attractions on my Klook Pass? No, Klook does not offer partial refunds for unused attractions on the pass. However, if a specific attraction is unavailable, you can use that reservation for an alternative activity included in the pass. ### Do children need separate Klook Pass tickets? Children aged 6-11 require discounted child passes. Children aged 0-5 may need separate tickets for some attractions, which can be purchased individually on the respective attraction's Klook page. ### Which attractions require advance reservations with the Klook Pass? Popular attractions like teamLab Borderless, teamLab Planets, and Tokyo Disney parks require advance reservations and frequently sell out. Book these immediately after purchasing your pass for best availability. ### Can I use the Klook Pass for Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea on the same day? The premium pass option includes "Any 1 Park" access, meaning you can choose either Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea, but not both parks on the same day. You would need to use additional attractions from your pass for a second Disney park visit. ### How far in advance should I book attractions with my Klook Pass? Book immediately after purchase for popular attractions. Some venues allow bookings up to 30 days in advance, while others like teamLab experiences can sell out weeks ahead, especially during peak travel seasons. ### Does the Klook Pass include transportation between attractions? No, the Klook Pass covers attraction admission only. Transportation costs between venues are separate. Consider purchasing Tokyo Metro passes or factor taxi costs into your travel budget. ### What happens if an attraction is closed during my visit? If an attraction is temporarily closed, you can typically reschedule for another available date within your pass validity period, or use that reservation for an alternative included attraction. ### Can I modify my attraction selections after purchasing the Klook Pass? Yes, you can choose different attractions when making reservations, as long as they're included in your pass tier (standard or premium). You're not locked into specific attractions at purchase time. --- Ready to explore Tokyo's best attractions while saving money? Get your [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1123893&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F74574-klook-pass-greater-tokyo&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for the most current pricing and promotions. For complete Japan travel planning including connectivity solutions, contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized family itinerary design. --- *This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we believe provide genuine value for family travelers. All opinions are our own based on extensive travel experience.* ### Holafly South Korea eSIM: 2026 Guide and Discount Code URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:40.000Z Three years ago this month we landed at Incheon for thirteen days in Seoul, and the first thing Korea did was rain on us. The second thing it did was demand data. Google Maps does not give turn-by-turn directions in Korea, so from the first hour you are living in Naver Map, KakaoMap, and Papago, and all three want a connection. We ran the whole trip on a [Holafly South Korea eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-south-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-south-korea%2F), and our code **ADAMANDLINDS** still works in 2026, taking 5% off destination eSIMs like this one and 10% off the monthly Plans. ### Holafly South Korea eSIM Unlimited data on SK Telecom and LG U+, with a 1GB daily hotspot. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** to save 5-10%: 5% off your Korea eSIM, 10% off monthly Plans. [Get your Korea eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-south-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-south-korea%2F) ## What the Korea eSIM gets you ### The short version - Unlimited data on SK Telecom and LG U+, Korea's two strongest networks - 1GB per day of hotspot sharing, so a 7-day plan carries 7GB of shareable data - Always On included: 1GB of free backup data every month, even after your plan ends - QR code by email in minutes, installed before you fly \* Unlimited data is subject to the operator's fair usage policy. The hotspot allowance doubled since we first wrote this guide. It used to be 500MB a day and is now 1GB a day, which matters in a country where your kids' devices have no SIM of their own and you are running maps and translation across a family of five. The eSIM is data only, so your home SIM stays in the second slot receiving bank codes for free. We covered how that works in [do you keep your phone number with Holafly](https://adamandlinds.com/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/), and everything else we publish about Holafly, including whatever deal is running this month, lives on our [Holafly page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). The Korea eSIM is a **data-only destination product**. It does not come with a Korean phone number and it cannot receive calls or SMS from anyone. Your home SIM stays in the other slot to keep your real number reachable for calls, texts, and bank codes. This limitation is specific to destination eSIMs. Holafly's monthly Unlimited Plan is a separate product and can be paired with an inbound-SMS number, covered further down. ## Current pricing, checked 2 August 2026 Holafly prices Korea by trip length, not by gigabyte, and the per-day rate falls as trips get longer. These were the retail prices for the South Korea eSIM on Holafly's site on **2 August 2026**, with the 5% ADAMANDLINDS code applied in the right-hand column. Holafly runs sales, so treat these as the ceiling. | Duration | Retail | With ADAMANDLINDS | Per day | | -------- | ------ | ----------------- | ------- | | 1 day | $5.90 | $5.61 | $5.61 | | 3 days | $12.50 | $11.88 | $3.96 | | 5 days | $20.50 | $19.48 | $3.90 | | 7 days | $27.50 | $26.13 | $3.73 | | 10 days | $36.50 | $34.68 | $3.47 | | 15 days | $50.50 | $47.98 | $3.20 | | 30 days | $73.90 | $70.21 | $2.34 | You can pick any length from 1 to 90 days on the [Korea eSIM page](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide&subId2=pricing-table&subId3=destination-south-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-south-korea%2F), so a ten-day trip pays for ten days, not a fourteen-day bracket. Once you cross about 28 days, the maths flips. A month-long Korea eSIM at $70.21 with our code costs more than either monthly Plan, and the Plans cover 160+ destinations instead of one. If Korea is a leg of a longer trip, take a Plan and cancel after a month. ### Hopping between Korea, Japan, and Taiwan? For a multi-country Asia trip, Holafly's [regional Asia eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide&subId2=regional-asia&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-asia%2F) covers South Korea alongside Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and roughly a dozen more on a single install. On **2 August 2026** the Asia regional was priced at $3.90 for a day, $27.50 for a week, and $70.90 for 28 days retail (down to $3.71, $26.13, and $67.36 after our 5% code). At 28 days it is still worth pricing against a monthly Plan. ## How it held up over thirteen days in Seoul We arrived in July 2023, at the front end of Korea's summer rain. Our first night in Myeongdong the sky opened and we sprinted into the nearest restaurant with all three kids, dripping, and pointed at what the next table had. It turned out to be one of the best meals of the trip, a divided iron pan of kimchi stir-fry with a milder half for the girls, and we found it because the eSIM was already working and Naver Map got us back to the apartment afterward. ![Overhead shot of a divided iron pan with kimchi stir-fry, noodles with gochujang, rice bowls, and a bottle of Cass beer at a Korean restaurant table](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/7680f6d4-922a-4c11-97c3-227f513de979.jpg) Our first meal in Korea, found by running out of the rain and into the nearest door. Myeongdong, July 2023. The rest of the trip was the data-heavy routine Korea forces on you. Naver Map for every walk, Papago pointed at every menu, KakaoTalk because that is what everyone in Korea uses, and the hotspot keeping three kids' devices alive on subway rides across the city. Speeds sat on 4G and 5G the whole time in Seoul, including underground on the metro, which is faster and easier to figure out than Tokyo's. Evenings belonged to Myeongdong's street food, which the girls treated as a competitive sport. Fresh fruit cups for 5,000 won, tornado potatoes taller than Harper, croffles, and dumplings off a griddle. Every stall takes card, but finding the good ones is another job for the eSIM. We put our full activity list in [our Seoul things-to-do guide](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/). ![A young girl on a busy Myeongdong street holding a spiral-cut tornado potato on a stick with her mouth open in excitement](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/017a4ff6-5d1f-4cf5-ae5f-ceab5bc6444a.jpg) The tornado potato, Myeongdong's greatest contribution to childhood. Install the eSIM on home Wi-Fi before you fly and leave it switched off. Turn it on when you land at Incheon and it connects while you are still walking to immigration. Keep data roaming off on your home SIM so it cannot rack up charges. ## Networks and coverage The South Korea eSIM runs on **SK Telecom and LG U+**, with fast 5G where available and 4G/LTE everywhere else. Confirmed on Holafly's South Korea product page on **2 August 2026**. Coverage is excellent in urban areas, which is where we spent our thirteen days. Holafly notes that quality can be weaker or unstable in deserts, mountains, and jungles, worth knowing if you are heading past the cities into hiking country. If you take the Asia regional eSIM instead, here is the network your phone lands on across the region, from Holafly's current product pages: | Destination | Network | | ----------- | ------------------------ | | South Korea | SK Telecom, LG U+ | | Japan | KDDI, Softbank | | Taiwan | Chunghwa | | Vietnam | GPC (Vinaphone/VNPT) | | Thailand | True, DTAC | | Singapore | Singtel | | Hong Kong | China Mobile | | Malaysia | Celcom, Digi | | Indonesia | XL (Excelcom), Telkomsel | | Philippines | Globe | | China | CMCC | | Macau | CTM | | Cambodia | Metfone (VTC) | | Laos | LTC | | Sri Lanka | Mobitel, Dialog, Hutch | | Pakistan | CMPak | ## How to install it 1. ### Buy your plan Pick your trip length on the Korea eSIM page and enter **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 5% off. 2. ### Scan the QR code It arrives by email within minutes. Install it on home Wi-Fi under Settings, then Cellular, then Add eSIM. 3. ### Turn it on when you land Enable the eSIM line and switch data roaming on for it. The plan starts when it first connects in Korea. 4. ### Download the Korea apps Naver Map, Papago, and KakaoTalk. Google Maps will show you where things are but will not route you there. [Get your eSIM with 5% off](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide&subId2=howto-cta&subId3=destination-south-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-south-korea%2F) Compatibility is the usual eSIM list: iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, plus most recent mid-range phones. Your phone cannot be locked to a carrier. ## Holafly vs a local Korean SIM | Feature | Holafly eSIM | Local SIM card | | --------------------- | ----------------- | --------------------- | | Setup | 5 minutes at home | Airport counter queue | | Passport registration | Not required | Required | | Data | Unlimited | Fixed packages | | Home number | Stays active | SIM comes out | Local SIMs in Korea are decent value if you are comfortable with the passport registration and the airport queue after a long flight. With three tired kids and a luggage cart, we are not, and we have not regretted the eSIM once. Our warts-and-all take on the service overall is in our [Holafly review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/). ## Staying longer than a month Past 30 days, Holafly's monthly Plans beat stacking destination eSIMs. One eSIM covers 160+ destinations including Korea, the fee is fixed, hotspot is included, and our code takes 10% off Plans instead of 5%. Unlike the destination Korea eSIM, the Unlimited Plan can be paired with a US, UK, or Canada phone number for receiving SMS, which solves the verification-code problem for long-term travelers. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB across 160+ destinations Covers maps, translation, and messaging with room to spare. [Get Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ destinations Unlimited hotspot; inbound-SMS phone number available. [Get Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F) ## Searching in Korean If you found this page from a Korean search, the code works the same way: Holafly 할인 코드 is the discount code, 쿠폰 is the coupon, and **ADAMANDLINDS** goes in the discount field at checkout for 5% off (할인율 5%). Everything else we publish about Holafly is on our [Holafly page](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). FAQ ## Holafly South Korea questions Does Holafly work well in South Korea? Yes. It runs on SK Telecom and LG U+, and we held 4G and 5G across thirteen days in Seoul including the metro. Coverage is strongest in urban areas and can weaken in mountains or remote regions. Unlimited data carries a fair usage policy that can slow exceptional usage temporarily. How much hotspot data do I get? 1GB per day of sharing, pooled across your plan length, so a 7-day plan carries 7GB of shareable data. That is double the old 500MB allowance. Can people call or text me on the Korea eSIM? No. The South Korea eSIM is a data-only destination product with no Korean phone number and no inbound calls or SMS. Your home SIM stays in the other slot and keeps working for calls, texts, and bank codes. If you need inbound SMS for two-factor codes on a long trip, that is available on the monthly Unlimited Plan, which is a separate product. Does ADAMANDLINDS work on every Korea plan? Yes, 5% off any Korea eSIM length from 1 to 90 days, and it works on repeat purchases. On the monthly Plans the same code takes 10% off instead. Why do I need so much data in Korea? Google Maps cannot give turn-by-turn directions in Korea, so you run Naver Map or KakaoMap constantly, plus Papago for translation and KakaoTalk for messaging. Korea is one of the most data-hungry countries we have traveled, which is exactly where unlimited earns its keep. Can I extend my plan while in Korea? Yes, you can buy more days through the Holafly app or the Holafly Center on their site, and it activates on the eSIM you already have installed. Even after your plan ends, Always On keeps giving you 1GB of free backup data each month. ### Get connected before you land at Incheon Code ADAMANDLINDS saves you 5-10%: 5% off any Korea eSIM and 10% off monthly Plans. [Shop Korea eSIMs](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-south-korea-esim-discount-code-adamandlinds-guide&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=destination-south-korea&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-south-korea%2F) [See all our Holafly guides](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) For personalized Korea trip planning, Lindsay does this professionally. Reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). ### Related Reading [Best Things to Do in Seoul with the Klook Pass](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-seoul-klook-pass/) [Holafly Review 2026: Disadvantages, Reliability and Fixes](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/) [Do You Keep Your Phone Number with Holafly?](https://adamandlinds.com/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/) This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We have been Holafly's exclusive eSIM partner since 2025 and used their eSIM for our own thirteen days in Seoul. All opinions are our own. ### teamLab Planets vs Borderless: which Tokyo museum to pick with kids URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/teamlab-borderless-vs-planets-tokyo-klook-discount/ Last updated: 2026-08-14T01:44:55.000Z Planets is the one to book if you only have room for one. It is barefoot, it is wet, it runs on a single fixed route, and it closes at the end of 2027, which is the part most people planning a trip two years out have not registered yet. Borderless is the better museum for adults and older kids who want to wander without a plan, and it is roughly twenty minutes closer to central Tokyo. We have done both, though not in the same year. We took the girls to Planets in late 2022 during our first long Tokyo stretch, and we did Borderless in June 2024 at Azabudai Hills, four months after it reopened there. Adult tickets at both start at ¥3,600 and both run dynamic pricing, so this is not really a money decision. It comes down to whether your family wants to be handed a route or handed a maze. teamLab Planets TOKYO ### ¥3,600/adult from Barefoot, knee-deep water, one fixed route Toyosu. Closes end of 2027\. Best for kids under 10. [Book Planets on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) teamLab Borderless ### ¥3,600/adult from Dry, no map, no set path Azabudai Hills. Permanent. Best for teens and adults. [Book Borderless on Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/20707-teamlab-borderless-admission-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What actually separates them Both museums are made by the same collective, both use the same real-time rendering rather than looped video, and both sell timed slots that go quiet on a Tuesday morning and sell out three weeks ahead on a Saturday. The difference that matters when you are travelling with kids is structural, and it is not about which artworks are prettier. Planets moves you through about seven artwork spaces in a set order, and you cannot go back. You put your shoes in a locker at the entrance, you walk on soft flooring and through water, and the route ends when it ends. That constraint is the reason it works with small children. There is no decision-making, no doubling back, no arguments about what to see next, and no way to lose anyone because everyone is moving in the same direction at the same pace. Borderless is built on the opposite premise. There is no map, deliberately, because the artworks migrate between rooms and the concept collapses if you can plan a route. teamLab hands you the app instead, which reads out the concept of whichever work you are standing closest to. Our two hours there were mostly spent following the girls down corridors to see where they went, which was fun for us and would have been miserable with a two-year-old. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper sitting on a mirrored floor at teamLab Borderless surrounded by infinite reflections of glowing light orbs](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/a5e31871-0230-4efa-b84d-816561cf13a4.jpg) Borderless, Azabudai Hills, June 2024\. Three girls quiet at the same time is not a thing that happens often. ## teamLab Planets: barefoot, wet, and on a clock Planets sits in Toyosu on the bay, one minute from the north exit of Shin-Toyosu on the Yurikamome line, or ten minutes on foot from exit 7 at Toyosu on the Yurakucho line. It opened in July 2018 as a temporary venue and has been extended repeatedly. The current run ends at the close of 2027, and teamLab has not signalled another extension. The water rooms are the reason it exists. You wade through a shin-to-knee depth of chlorinated water while koi swim past your legs and scatter into flowers when they hit you, and then you sit in the Floating Flower Garden underneath live orchids that lift as you approach. The Infinite Crystal Universe is the one the kids remembered longest, because you throw stars into it from your phone and watch them arrive. Two things have changed since our visit that we have not seen ourselves. teamLab has expanded the venue considerably, adding the Athletics Forest, Future Park, and a Catching and Collecting Extinct Forest that runs on a separate app. Planets drew about 2.51 million visitors in 2025, which is more than Borderless by roughly 800,000, and the expansion is why. Budget two hours rather than the ninety minutes we needed in 2022. The water reaches knee height on an adult. Anyone with an inseam under 40cm cannot enter the koi room on their own feet and has to be carried in a front carrier by an adult. Skirts and long dresses do not work here, and several floors are mirrored. ## teamLab Borderless: dry and deliberately confusing Borderless reopened on 9 February 2024 in the basement of Garden Plaza B at Azabudai Hills, a two-minute walk from exit 5 at Kamiyacho on the Hibiya line or six minutes from exit 4 at Roppongi-Itchome. Both stations connect to the building underground, so you never surface, which is worth knowing in August. It is permanent, with no closing date attached. Nothing here is wet and nothing requires taking your shoes off. The artworks are projections, light sculptures, and mirrored rooms, and they cross between spaces on their own schedule. A flock of crows will leave one room and arrive in another. The Light Sculpture space reopened in July 2026 with a special exhibition running through 8 October, so the layout we saw in 2024 is already partly different. The practical trade is comfort for structure. Nobody gets wet, nobody needs a change of clothes, and the EN TEA HOUSE gives you somewhere to sit down. In exchange you spend real time not knowing where you are, and with a five-year-old that stops being charming somewhere around minute forty. ![Adam, Lindsay and their three daughters taking a selfie in a dark room filled with suspended iridescent light orbs at teamLab Borderless Tokyo](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/de9150cb-854e-4316-90a3-f036672fda25.jpg) All five of us in the light-orb room. Harper had opinions about the heat that day. ## What a family of five actually pays Both venues charge the same headline rates and both use dynamic pricing, so the number you see depends on the date you pick. Weekends, Japanese school holidays, and morning slots all cost more. Adult tickets at Borderless can climb as high as ¥5,600 on a peak date, which is the one meaningful pricing gap between the two. | Ticket | Planets | Borderless | | ------------------- | --------------- | ---------------- | | Adults 18 and over | From ¥3,600 | From ¥3,600 | | Ages 13 to 17 | ¥2,800 | ¥2,800 | | Ages 4 to 12 | ¥1,500 | ¥1,500 | | Under 3 | Free | Free | | Skip-the-queue pass | ¥12,000 Premium | ¥12,000 Flexible | | Sold at the door | No | Yes, plus ¥200 | For us that is two adults and three kids under 13, so ¥11,700 at base rate at either venue, or about $79 at current rates. The ¥12,000 priority passes are per person and only make sense if your date is sold out and you are flying home tomorrow. Planets does not sell tickets on site at all, so a walk-up with no booking is a wasted trip to Toyosu. Borderless does sell same-day tickets when it has not sold out, at ¥200 above the online price. ## Getting to each one Borderless wins on transport by a clear margin if you are staying anywhere central. Kamiyacho is on the Hibiya line, which runs through Ginza, Akihabara, and Ueno, and the underground passage takes you to the museum entrance without going outside. From an Asakusa base you are looking at around thirty minutes door to door. Planets takes longer from most places because Toyosu is out on the bay. From Ueno the cleanest route is the Yurakucho line to Toyosu and a ten-minute walk. There is a paid shuttle bus from GINZA SIX if you are coming from that side, which is worth taking, because teamLab has flagged heavy congestion on the public Toei bus route from Tokyo Station and Tsukiji toward Shin-Toyosu. Toyosu Market is a five-minute walk from the door, so a fish-market morning and an afternoon Planets slot is a genuinely efficient day. If you are pairing either museum with Skytree or an observation deck, check whether the [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/) covers your combination before booking anything separately. teamLab appears on it as a premium add-on rather than a standard inclusion, so the maths changes depending on what else you pick. ## What to wear and what goes in the locker For Planets, wear shorts or trousers that roll above the knee, and pick shoes you can get off standing up. Socks and tights come off too. You cannot carry anything into the artwork spaces, so everything goes into a free locker measuring 23cm by 34cm by 37cm, and anything larger gets wire-locked in the stroller area. If your clothes get wet, staff will stop you entering the next room until you dry off or change, and there are towels to rent. The free rental shorts are the detail most guides skip. They run from XS to 6L, you ask any staff member inside the museum, and you hand them back on the way out. There are rental shoes as well for anyone in backless sandals or heels, since some artworks will not let you through in those. Nobody charges you for either. Borderless needs none of that. Wear what you would wear to dinner. The only thing to plan around is the mirrored floors, and there are wrap skirts stacked next to those works if you need one. Bags go in free lockers there too, and food is not allowed inside beyond capped drinks. ## Doing both in one day It is possible and we would not do it. Planets runs 8:00 to 22:00 and Borderless 8:30 to 21:00, with last entry an hour before closing at both, so the clock is not the obstacle. The obstacle is that neither allows re-entry and the two sit about forty minutes apart on public transport, which turns a good day into a logistics exercise. If you are set on it, take an early Planets slot, eat at Vegan Ramen UZU inside the venue rather than hunting for lunch in Toyosu, and put Borderless in the late afternoon. UZU is only reachable after you have entered Planets, and it holds a Bib Gourmand from the Kyoto and Osaka Michelin guide, so it is a better lunch than the area otherwise offers. Last orders for ramen are thirty minutes before it closes at 21:30. The more sensible version is one museum and something else. We would pair Planets with Toyosu Market in the morning, or Borderless with an evening in Roppongi, and the full shape of that week is in our [five-day Tokyo itinerary](https://adamandlinds.com/5-day-tokyo-itinerary-family/). ## Booking without getting stuck Book two to three weeks out for a weekend or a school-holiday date, and about a week out for a weekday. Planets releases tickets by month rather than on a rolling window, so if your dates are far ahead the slots may simply not be on sale yet. Both venues let you move a booked date up to three times through their own ticket stores, with changes locked two hours before your entry time. Tickets bought through resellers cannot be changed through teamLab, only through whoever sold them. Klook is the one third-party seller teamLab lists as official for both venues, which is why we book there rather than through a generic aggregator, and the price usually lands a little under the door rate. ### Book your slot before the date goes Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK stacks on whatever sale price is showing at checkout. [Book teamLab Planets](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/25300-teamlab-planets-toyosu-tokyo-ticket/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Book teamLab Borderless](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1184628&k%5Fsite=https%3A//www.klook.com/en-US/activity/20707-teamlab-borderless-admission-ticket-tokyo/%3Fad%5Ffeed%5Fid%3D999&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Get your data sorted before you land Both museums lean on your phone. The teamLab app reads out artwork concepts at Borderless where there are no wall captions, the Infinite Crystal Universe at Planets only works if you can load it, and the Catching and Collecting Extinct Forest is a separate app download. Arriving in Japan without data means you pay for the ticket and skip half of what it buys you. We run a Holafly eSIM across the family. One install covers 160-plus destinations on the monthly Plans subscription, the hotspot is included so the girls' iPads run off it, and when a plan lapses Always On keeps 1GB a month running in 70-plus countries so we are never fully dark. Our full breakdown is in the [Japan eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/). ### Holafly eSIM One eSIM, one monthly price, data working from the moment you land at Narita or Haneda. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off destination eSIMs and 10% off Plans. [Get your Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=teamlab-borderless-vs-planets-tokyo-klook-discount&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=japan-family-content&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Questions we get about these two FAQ ## teamLab Planets vs Borderless, answered The things readers email us about before they book. Which one is better with young kids? Planets, because the fixed single route removes every navigation decision and the water rooms hold attention on their own. Borderless has no map by design, and wandering a maze is harder work with a child under six. One caution at Planets: children with an inseam under 40cm cannot walk the koi room and must be carried in a front carrier. Is teamLab Planets really closing? The current run is scheduled to end at the close of 2027\. Planets opened in July 2018 as a temporary venue and has been extended more than once, so another extension is possible, but nothing has been announced. If your trip is in 2027 or later, check the official teamLab site rather than assuming it will still be there. Where is teamLab Borderless now? Azabudai Hills in Minato, in the B1 level of Garden Plaza B. It reopened there on 9 February 2024 after leaving its original Odaiba site. Plenty of older guides still send people to Odaiba or, wrongly, to Toyosu. Toyosu is Planets. Do I need to bring a change of clothes? For Planets, bring one for small children, who tend to sit down in the water. Adults usually manage with rolled-up trousers, and the museum lends shorts free in sizes XS through 6L plus rental towels if you get soaked. Borderless has no water at all, so no change of clothes is needed. Can I buy tickets at the door? Not at Planets, which sells nothing on site. Borderless does sell same-day tickets when it has not sold out, at ¥200 more than the online price. Both use timed entry and both sell out on weekends and Japanese school holidays, so book ahead either way. How long should we budget for each? Two hours at Planets now that the Athletics Forest and Catching and Collecting Forest have been added, though the original route alone took us about ninety minutes. Two hours at Borderless as well, and more if you are the sort of person who wants to find everything. Neither allows re-entry once you leave. ### Related reading [Five days in Tokyo with kids](https://adamandlinds.com/5-day-tokyo-itinerary-family/) [Best eSIM for Japan](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) [Klook Pass Greater Tokyo guide](https://adamandlinds.com/klook-pass-greater-tokyo-complete-guide/) [Things to do in Tokyo with Klook](https://adamandlinds.com/things-to-do-in-tokyo-klook-guide/) [Asakusa Sumo Club show review](https://adamandlinds.com/asakusa-sumo-club-show-chankonabe-tokyo/) This post contains affiliate links to Klook and Holafly. If you book through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK takes a percentage off Klook bookings at checkout, and code ADAMANDLINDS takes 5% off Holafly destination eSIMs and 10% off Plans. All opinions are our own. ### Holafly China eSIM Review: Our Week in Shanghai (Built-In VPN Actually Works!) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/ Last updated: 2026-06-05T01:42:16.000Z We just got back from Shanghai, and I have news that will shock absolutely no one who knows us: we ate our way through the city while three kids complained about walking. But here's what genuinely surprised me - our [Holafly China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/6yLogK?ref=adamandlinds.com) worked so ridiculously well that I'm questioning everything I thought I knew about internet connectivity in China. ### Holafly China eSIM Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your China eSIM. More money for soup dumplings. [Get your China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Why China's Internet Actually Surprised Us China's internet situation isn't about poor connectivity - it's about selective availability. Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube - all blocked faster than you can say "Great Firewall." This makes staying connected as a Western family particularly challenging, especially when your entire livelihood depends on social media and you have three kids who think WiFi is a basic human right. We purchased the [7-day Holafly China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/6yLogK?ref=adamandlinds.com) for $27.30 USD ($3.90 per day) with unlimited data, expecting the usual international connectivity frustrations. What we got instead was genuinely impressive - blazing fast speeds that often exceeded what we get in our Chiang Mai apartment, consistent coverage everywhere we went, and most surprisingly, VPN connections that actually worked reliably. ## Our week in Shanghai Our Shanghai trip was intentionally brief but packed. We landed at 12:30am, 90 minutes late, finally crashed into our beds around 3am, and had to be up by 8am for our first tour. Throughout the whole whirlwind, our Holafly eSIM never missed a beat. Our Itinerary ## One Week in Shanghai Brief but packed. Here's how the days actually went. Day 0 ### Arrival and immediate collapse Landed at 12:30am, 90 minutes late. In bed by 3am. Up again by 8am. Day 1 ### Shanghai Highlights tour Full city tour with Jenny's Tours — the Bund, Yu Garden, and the French Concession. Day 2 ### Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town Day trip outside the city with Jenny's Tours. Canals, stone bridges, and way too much food. Day 3 ### Shanghai Coffee and Breakfast Tour Morning tour with Lost Plate through the city's cafe scene and local breakfast spots. Day 4 ### Shanghai Evening Food Tour Night tour with Lost Plate. Street food, night markets, and soup dumplings we still think about. Day 5 ### Moved apartments Relocated closer to Disney to avoid a brutal early morning transfer the next day. Day 6 ### Shanghai Disney Full day at the park. The girls had opinions. Strong ones. Day 7 ### Departure Back to the airport. Already planning the return trip. ## Lost Plate Food Tours: When Your eSIM Becomes Your Best Friend We booked two food tours with Lost Plate Food Tours (save $5 with code **ADAMANDLINDS**), and this is where our Holafly connection really proved its worth. Food tours in Shanghai aren't just about eating - they're cultural immersion experiences that require constant translation, navigation, and the occasional panicked Google search for "is this safe for my lactose-intolerant 8-year-old?" ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/IMG_5247.png) ### Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour The morning tour started at 8:30am at Wuding Road Subway Station, which sounds straightforward until you realize Shanghai's subway system makes London's tube map look like a children's coloring book. Our Holafly eSIM kept us connected to Google Maps (through the built-in VPN) as we navigated to the meeting point, then provided seamless internet throughout the 3-hour walking tour. The tour guide led us through Shanghai's French Concession, hitting six different stops including a family-run scallion pancake shop that's been operating since 6am every day for 16 years. While the kids were fascinated by watching the dough-pulling process, Lindsay and I were uploading photos to Instagram Stories in real-time. The unlimited data meant we didn't have to choose between documenting the experience and actually experiencing it. One of the tour highlights was a cutting-edge cafe serving coffee made with fermented rice - yes, you read that correctly. While I was contemplating whether this was the future of coffee or just hipster nonsense taken to its logical conclusion, our internet connection allowed us to research the brewing technique and share it with our YouTube audience immediately. ### Shanghai Evening Food Tour The evening tour proved even more data-intensive. Starting at Jiashan Road Subway Station at 6:30pm, we spent 3.5 hours exploring what our guide called "the clandestine cuisine of old Shanghai." This meant visiting four sit-down restaurants plus a craft beer bar, each requiring navigation, translation, and extensive photo documentation. The soup dumpling education alone was worth the price of admission. Our guide taught us the difference between good and great xiaolongbao, which I immediately researched further online while Lindsay filmed my increasingly animated explanations for our travel videos. The craft beer taphouse at the end provided an excellent testing ground for our internet speed - streaming live to Instagram while sampling local microbrews in a 15-seat establishment that felt more like someone's living room than a commercial venture. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/IMG_5184.png) ## Jenny's Tours: Professional Guidance Meets Digital Documentation We also booked two day tours with Jenny's Tours ($754 total for five people over two days), which provided professional guides and private car service. This is where having unlimited data became genuinely crucial for our family's travel style. ### Day 1: Shanghai Incredible Highlights The first day was an ambitious eight-hour tour covering both old and new Shanghai. We started in Lujiazui Financial Area, moved through Yuyuan Garden (dating to 1559), explored Old Shanghai neighborhoods, visited Jade Buddha Temple, ate at Yang's Fried Dumplings, wandered the Former French Concession, walked the Bund, and finished with a Huangpu River cruise. Each location required different types of internet usage. At Yuyuan Garden, we used translation apps to understand the historical significance of the rock formations. In Old Shanghai, we researched the architectural styles we were seeing. At Jade Buddha Temple, Harper became fascinated by the jade Buddha statues imported from Burma in 1882, so we pulled up additional information about their journey and significance. The Huangpu River cruise provided an excellent test of our connection stability. Even while floating down Shanghai's main waterway, surrounded by skyscrapers and presumably countless interference sources, our Holafly eSIM maintained consistent speeds. We were able to upload photos, respond to emails, and even start editing video footage from earlier in the day. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/IMG_3924.jpeg) ### Day 2: Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town The second day took us an hour outside Shanghai to Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old water town featuring 36 stone bridges and traditional gondola rides. This rural excursion provided the ultimate test of our eSIM's coverage area. The unlimited data proved essential when Cora decided she needed to research the Qing Dynasty construction techniques used in the buildings we were exploring. While she dove into Chinese architectural history on her iPad (connected through our phone's hotspot), the rest of us documented the gondola ride and sampled local delicacies including sticky rice dumplings and steamed pork wrapped in bamboo leaves. ## The Built-In VPN Game Changer Here's what genuinely shocked us: Holafly's China eSIM comes with built-in VPN functionality that actually works. Throughout our week, we automatically connected through servers in Singapore and occasionally Hong Kong, giving us seamless access to Western sites and services without any additional setup or monthly VPN subscriptions. This was particularly crucial because we'd tried setting up traditional VPNs on our laptops in our Shanghai apartment and failed completely. The Holafly eSIM's built-in solution became our only reliable gateway to the outside internet, and it worked flawlessly every single day. The combination of Holafly's unlimited data and integrated VPN meant we could check Gmail, upload to YouTube, update Instagram, respond to business inquiries, and maintain our normal online presence. For a family that makes their living online, this level of connectivity was business-critical. We also discovered some excellent local alternatives that didn't require VPN workarounds. Amap (the Chinese equivalent of Google Maps) is surprisingly good and available in English translation. We used it for all our navigation and found it more accurate than Google Maps for Chinese locations. For payments, Alipay became our go-to solution - we never touched physical money the entire week. Everything from street food to taxi rides could be paid through the app. ## Shanghai Disney: The Ultimate Data Stress Test Disney parks are notorious data vacuums, and Shanghai Disney proved no exception. Between the official Disney app (required for virtually everything), constant photo and video documentation, live streaming for our audience, and the inevitable "find each other when someone gets lost" family coordination, we probably used more data in one day than most people use in a month. The unlimited nature of our Holafly plan eliminated any data anxiety. We could use the Disney app without worrying about burning through our allowance, upload photos and videos throughout the day, and even start preliminary editing work while waiting in lines. This level of connectivity freedom in a theme park setting felt almost decadent. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/IMG_5333.png) ## Real-world performance | Scenario | Performance | | ---------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Central Shanghai (Bund, French Concession, Lujiazui) | Excellent. Download speeds consistently above 50 Mbps — faster than our home internet in most countries we've lived in. | | Zhujiajiao day trip (1hr outside the city) | Strong coverage throughout the journey and the water town itself. No dead zones or drops. | | Simultaneous streaming, uploading, downloading | No throttling or slowdowns across any of the high-usage sessions. | | Shanghai Disney (high network congestion) | Consistent throughout the day despite the crowds. | | Built-in VPN (Singapore and Hong Kong servers) | Seamless. No noticeable speed degradation or connection issues. | ## Setup and Activation Process Installing the Holafly China eSIM was refreshingly straightforward. We purchased the plan before departure, received the QR code via email within minutes, and installed it on our phones while still in Thailand. Upon landing in Shanghai, we simply enabled the eSIM line and disabled our regular carrier's data roaming. The entire activation process took less than five minutes from airplane mode to full connectivity. No hunting for local SIM cards, no language barriers with carrier stores, no compatibility concerns with our phones. ## Cost Analysis: Worth Every Yuan At $3.90 per day for unlimited data, the Holafly China eSIM proved excellent value for our family's connectivity needs. Consider the alternatives: - International roaming from our Thai carrier would have cost approximately $15 per day per phone - Local Chinese SIM cards require passport registration and mainland Chinese bank accounts for many features - Hotel WiFi was inconsistent and often required separate logins for each device For a family that relies on internet connectivity for work, education, and basic navigation, the peace of mind provided by unlimited data was worth the premium pricing. ## What Actually Worked Without VPN Not everything in China requires circumventing the Great Firewall. Several essential services worked directly: - **Amap** (superior to Google Maps for Chinese locations, available in English) - **Alipay** (we used this for everything - never touched cash once) - **WeChat** (essential for local communication) - **Local ride-sharing apps** like Didi - **Chinese e-commerce platforms** for last-minute purchases - **Local restaurant booking and review platforms** For families planning a quick trip like ours, we made the smart decision to skip online schooling entirely. Knowing how difficult it would be to access most Western educational sites made this an easy choice - we focused on experiential learning instead. ## The Broader Context: Shanghai as a Family Destination Shanghai exceeded our expectations as a family travel destination. The combination of historical sites, modern attractions, incredible food scene, and surprisingly family-friendly infrastructure made it an ideal week-long stop. The language barrier, while present, proved less challenging than expected, particularly with reliable internet for translation services. The city's rapid modernization means Western amenities are widely available, from international hotels to familiar food options when the kids inevitably tired of authentic cuisine. Yet the historical neighborhoods and traditional experiences provide genuine cultural immersion opportunities. ## Practical Recommendations Based on our week in Shanghai with three kids and heavy internet usage: **eSIM Choice**: Holafly's unlimited China plan provides the best value for families who need reliable, consistent connectivity. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. **VPN Setup**: Holafly's China eSIM includes built-in VPN functionality that automatically routes through Singapore and Hong Kong servers. No additional VPN subscription needed. **Backup Plans**: Download offline maps and translation apps before arrival. While our connectivity was excellent, redundancy is always wise when traveling with children. **Local Integration**: Set up WeChat and Alipay before arrival if possible. Alipay is essential for payments - we never used cash once during our entire week. Amap (Chinese Google Maps) works excellently in English and is more accurate than Google Maps for Chinese locations. ## The Unexpected Benefits of Reliable Connectivity Having unlimited, fast internet in Shanghai created opportunities we hadn't anticipated. We could research historical context in real-time during tours, share experiences immediately with family back home, maintain our business operations seamlessly, and provide the kids with educational resources about what they were seeing. The stress reduction alone was worth the investment. No data rationing, no hunting for WiFi networks, no choosing between staying connected and staying within budget. For families who travel with work obligations or educational goals, this level of connectivity freedom is transformative. ## Bottom Line: China Connectivity Solved Our week in Shanghai convinced us that the combination of Holafly's China eSIM with built-in VPN functionality has essentially solved the connectivity challenges that previously made China feel digitally isolated for Western travelers. The unlimited data eliminated usage anxiety, the coverage was comprehensive throughout urban and rural areas, and the speed was consistently excellent. For families considering China travel, internet connectivity should no longer be a significant concern. With the right setup, staying connected in Shanghai is as seamless as staying connected anywhere else in the world. Now if someone could just solve the jet lag problem, we'd really be onto something. ### Ready to plan your own Shanghai trip? Everything you need to stay connected, fed, and oriented. [Holafly China eSIM — use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Lost Plate food tours — use code ADAMANDLINDS for $5 off](https://www.lostplate.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) For private tours with flexibility for families, we'd point you toward Jenny's Tours. Worth looking up before you go. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does Holafly eSIM work well in China? Yes. Our Holafly China eSIM delivered consistent speeds above 50 Mbps in central Shanghai and strong coverage out to Zhujiajiao, an hour outside the city. Unlimited data meant no usage anxiety across a full week of heavy use. ### Do I need a separate VPN with Holafly in China? No. Holafly's China eSIM includes built-in VPN functionality that automatically connects through servers in Singapore and Hong Kong, giving you access to Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other blocked services. It worked flawlessly throughout our week in Shanghai with no configuration required. ### How much does the Holafly China eSIM cost? We paid $27.30 for a 7-day unlimited data plan, which works out to $3.90 per day. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. That's strong value compared to international roaming or the hassle of sourcing a local SIM. ### Can I use Holafly as a hotspot in China? Yes. We used it to connect our kids' iPads and laptops throughout the trip without any issues. The unlimited data plan meant we didn't stress about hotspot usage eating into a cap. ### Is Holafly better than a local Chinese SIM card? For tourists, yes. Local Chinese SIM cards require passport registration, often need a mainland Chinese bank account for full functionality, and can be difficult to obtain without Mandarin. Holafly activates immediately on arrival and works with your existing phone setup. ### Does Holafly work at Shanghai Disney? Yes. We used the Disney app throughout the day, uploaded photos and videos continuously, and had no connectivity issues even during peak crowd times. Unlimited data is genuinely useful at a theme park. ### Do I need a separate VPN service on top of Holafly? No. The built-in VPN routes traffic automatically through Singapore and Hong Kong servers. There's nothing to configure and no additional subscription needed. ### How did your kids stay connected in China? Our girls used our Holafly hotspot on their iPads throughout the trip. Educational apps, translation tools, and research while we were out sightseeing all worked without issue. One plan, shared across all our devices. --- This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own, based on our real experience in Shanghai with three kids. ### Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tours: Complete Preview Guide & Discount Code 2025 URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/lost-plate-shanghai-food-tours-discount-code-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-02T06:21:40.000Z We're about to embark on one of Shanghai's most highly-rated food experiences, and we couldn't be more excited. During our upcoming China trip using the 240-hour transit visa, we've booked both of Lost Plate's signature Shanghai food tours. While our complete review will come after we experience these tours firsthand, we wanted to share everything we know about these incredible culinary adventures - plus how you can save money on your own booking. **Save $5 on your Lost Plate food tour** with our exclusive discount code **ADAMANDLINDS** \- just enter it during checkout for instant savings on any Shanghai tour. ## Why We Chose Lost Plate Food Tours for Shanghai Shanghai represents one of the world's most dynamic food scenes, where traditional Shanghainese cuisine meets international influences in ways you won't find anywhere else. After researching dozens of food tour companies, Lost Plate stood out for several compelling reasons. Their small group sizes (maximum 12 people for evening tours, 10 for morning tours) ensure personalized attention and authentic local experiences. Unlike mass-market tours that hit tourist traps, Lost Plate focuses on hidden gems known only to locals - the kind of places our family seeks out when exploring new destinations. Most importantly for traveling families, they accommodate various dietary restrictions including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. As worldschooling parents, we appreciate tour operators who understand that food restrictions shouldn't limit cultural exploration. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/Shanghai-Evening-Food-Tour-Fried-Scallion-Noodles.jpg) ## The Two Shanghai Food Tours We're Taking ### Shanghai Evening Food Tour ($69 Adults, $55 Children) **When:** Daily at 6:30 PM **Duration:** 3.5 hours **Distance:** Approximately 2km walking **Group Size:** 2-12 people maximum This evening adventure explores the hidden culinary treasures of Shanghai's French Concession. The tour premise fascinates us: in 1936, half of Shanghai was controlled by foreign powers, creating a unique fusion cuisine that most visitors never discover. We'll taste at least 10 different dishes across four sit-down restaurants plus one craft beer bar. #### What We're Most Excited to Try **Shanghai's Famous Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao):** We'll learn to distinguish truly exceptional soup dumplings from the merely good ones at a local joint that rivals Michelin-recommended tourist restaurants. As a family that's eaten our way across Asia, we're curious how Shanghai's version compares to what we've experienced in other regions. **Classic Shanghainese Pork Belly:** This signature dish requires an entire day of preparation, and we're eager to understand why it's so revered. The description alone has us anticipating this stop. **Hidden Local Restaurants:** The tour visits establishments known only to those "in the know" - exactly the type of authentic experiences we seek while traveling with our daughters. **Shanghai's Sweet Secret:** A neighborhood dessert shop crafting fresh treats without shortcuts sounds like the perfect way to end an evening of culinary exploration. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/Shanghai-Breakfast-Food-Tour-Scallion-Pancakes.jpg) ### Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour ($59 Adults, $45 Children) **When:** Daily at 8:30 AM **Duration:** 3 hours **Distance:** Approximately 1.25 miles (2km) walking **Group Size:** 2-10 people maximum Shanghai boasts one of the world's highest ratios of coffee shops per capita, leading China's artisanal coffee revolution. This morning tour explores the French Concession's evolving coffee culture alongside traditional breakfast foods. #### Morning Highlights We're Anticipating **Scallion Pancakes from a 16-Year Neighborhood Institution:** A family business where the day starts at 3 AM to create perfectly layered, fried dough with scallions. This dedication to craft resonates with our appreciation for authentic local experiences. **Coffee with Fermented Rice:** This cutting-edge cafe creates seasonal blends using traditional ingredients. Their signature drink (named after a rescued dog!) represents Shanghai's modern coffee innovation. **Street-Fried Fish Tradition:** Deeply rooted in Shanghainese culture, this celebration food involves daily fish delivery from a nearby island, then fresh preparation when ordered. **Over 100 Menu Items:** One stop offers soup dumplings, potstickers, and tofu pudding among dozens of other options. The Suzhou-style soup dumplings are apparently larger and thicker than Shanghai's classic style. ## How to Book Your Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour The booking process is straightforward, and using our discount code **ADAMANDLINDS** saves you $5 on any tour: 1. **Visit the Lost Plate website** and select your preferred tour date 2. **Add your chosen tour to cart** 3. **Answer dietary restriction questions** during checkout 4. **Enter discount code ADAMANDLINDS** in the "discount or promo code" field 5. **Proceed to checkout** and enter payment information 6. **Receive confirmation email** with detailed meeting location Both tours have flexible cancellation policies - reservations cancelled 24 hours or more before your tour receive full refunds. ## What Makes These Tours Perfect for Families ### Accommodation of Dietary Restrictions Lost Plate accommodates vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, no nuts, and no spicy preferences. All dietary requests must be communicated during booking, ensuring our daughters' needs are met throughout the experience. ### Educational Value These tours offer incredible worldschooling opportunities. Our girls will learn about Shanghai's international history, traditional cooking methods, cultural significance of various dishes, and modern food innovation. The French Concession's architecture and history provide additional educational context. ### Manageable Walking Distances Both tours involve reasonable walking distances for families - 2km for the evening tour and 1.25 miles for the morning tour. The pace allows for exploration without exhausting young travelers. ### Safe, Sit-Down Dining All restaurants are vetted for safety and quality, addressing a primary concern for families traveling with children in unfamiliar food environments. ## Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tour Pricing | Tour | Adult Price | Child Price | Duration | Stops | | ----------------------- | ----------- | ----------- | --------- | ------- | | Evening Food Tour | $69 USD | $55 USD | 3.5 hours | 5 stops | | Coffee & Breakfast Tour | $59 USD | $45 USD | 3 hours | 6 stops | **Total for our family of 5:** $297 USD for evening tour, $247 USD for morning tour - **save $10 total** with code **ADAMANDLINDS**. ![Screenshot of Discount or Promo code box, ADAMANDLINDS entered. saves $5 ](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-03-at-08.53.27.png) Use code ADAMANDLINDS to save $5 ## Meeting Locations and Transportation **Evening Tour:** Starts at Jiashan Road Subway Station in the French Concession, ends 10 minutes from South Shaanxi Road Subway Station. **Morning Tour:** Begins at Wuding Road Subway Station, concludes 10 minutes from Changping Road Subway Station. Both locations are easily accessible via Shanghai's excellent subway system, making these tours convenient for travelers staying anywhere in the city. ## What's Included in Each Tour ### Evening Food Tour Includes - More than a full meal's worth of food across 4 restaurants - Local beer and soft drinks - One craft beer bar experience - Expert local guide - Small group experience (maximum 12 people) ### Morning Coffee & Breakfast Tour Includes - Enough food for breakfast and lunch - Two specialty coffee drinks - 6 different stops - Expert local guide - Small group experience (maximum 10 people) ## Why Food Tours Matter for Cultural Understanding Food tours transcend simple dining - they provide cultural immersion impossible to achieve independently. Shanghai's complex culinary history reflects decades of international influence, local innovation, and traditional preservation. These experiences will help our daughters understand how food connects to history, culture, and community. As digital nomad families, we've learned that some of our most meaningful travel memories center around shared meals and food discoveries. These Lost Plate tours promise to deliver exactly those types of unforgettable experiences. ## Preparing for Our Shanghai Food Adventure ### What We're Bringing - Comfortable walking shoes for 2-3 hours of exploration - Cameras to document incredible dishes and experiences - Appetites ready for authentic Shanghainese cuisine - Open minds for flavors and preparations we've never encountered ### What We're Learning Beforehand - Basic Shanghainese food vocabulary and dining etiquette - Historical context of Shanghai's French Concession - Traditional cooking methods we'll observe - Modern coffee culture development in China ## Lost Plate Food Tours: Company Background Lost Plate specializes in authentic, small-group food experiences across Asia. Their Shanghai tours consistently receive exceptional reviews from travelers seeking genuine local cuisine away from tourist crowds. The company's commitment to supporting local restaurants and preserving culinary traditions aligns with our values as conscious travelers. Their guides are local food enthusiasts who understand both traditional cuisine and modern innovations. This expertise ensures guests experience Shanghai's food scene through informed, passionate perspectives. ## Complete Review Coming Soon This preview covers everything we know about our upcoming Lost Plate Shanghai food tours based on extensive research and tour descriptions. However, our honest, detailed review will follow after we experience these tours firsthand during our China adventure. We'll share authentic insights about food quality, guide expertise, group dynamics, family-friendliness, and overall value. Our complete review will help you decide whether these tours deserve a place in your Shanghai itinerary. ## Book Your Shanghai Food Adventure Today Ready to explore Shanghai's incredible food scene? Use our exclusive discount code **ADAMANDLINDS** to save $5 on either Lost Plate Shanghai tour. Whether you choose the evening exploration of hidden Shanghainese cuisine or the morning coffee and breakfast adventure, you're guaranteed an authentic local experience. Visit the [Lost Plate Shanghai Evening Food Tour](https://lostplate.com/shanghai-evening-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) or [Shanghai Coffee & Breakfast Tour](https://lostplate.com/shanghai-breakfast-food-tour/?ref=adamandlinds.com) to book your culinary adventure today. ## Other Shanghai Travel Resources Planning your Shanghai visit? Check out our other travel planning resources: [Holafly China eSIM Review: Our Week in Shanghai (Built-In VPN Actually Works!)Our honest Holafly China eSIM review from a week in Shanghai with three kids. Built-in VPN, unlimited data, and real-world performance at Disney, food tours, and ancient water towns. Code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off.![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/favicon-3.ico)Adam and Linds: The Worldschool JournalAdam Clarkson![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/IMG_5087.png)](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-review-built-in-vpn-shanghai-family/) - [Holafly China eSIM Guide](https://holafly.sjv.io/55Gxjj?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Stay connected with unlimited data (use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off) [Why I Actually Use ExpressVPN While TravelingA worldschooling dad’s honest take on why VPNs are essential for traveling families. Learn how ExpressVPN solves banking app restrictions, streaming geo-blocks, and digital access issues across 20+ countries. Get 4 extra months free.![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/favicon-4.ico)Adam and Linds: The Worldschool JournalAdam Clarkson![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/thumbnail/ExpressVPN-Dedicated-IP---Lifestyle-2.jpg)](https://adamandlinds.com/why-i-use-expressvpn-while-traveling/) - [ExpressVPN China Setup](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Essential for accessing blocked websites in China ## Frequently Asked Questions About Lost Plate Shanghai Food Tours ### What is the best Lost Plate Shanghai food tour? Both Lost Plate Shanghai tours offer unique experiences. The evening tour focuses on traditional Shanghainese cuisine and includes more dishes (10+ items), while the morning tour explores Shanghai's innovative coffee culture alongside breakfast foods. Choose based on your interests and schedule. ### How do I use the Lost Plate discount code? Enter code **ADAMANDLINDS** in the "discount or promo code" field during checkout to save $5 on your Lost Plate Shanghai food tour booking. The discount applies to both evening and morning tour options. ### Are Lost Plate tours safe for children? Yes, Lost Plate Shanghai tours are family-friendly with manageable walking distances and vetted restaurant partners. They accommodate various dietary restrictions and provide safe, sit-down dining experiences suitable for traveling families. ### What dietary restrictions can Lost Plate accommodate? Lost Plate Shanghai tours accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, no nuts, and no spicy dietary preferences. All restrictions must be communicated at booking time to ensure proper preparation. ### How long are the Lost Plate Shanghai tours? The evening food tour lasts 3.5 hours with approximately 2km of walking. The morning coffee and breakfast tour runs 3 hours covering about 1.25 miles. Both tours maintain comfortable paces suitable for most fitness levels. ### Where do Lost Plate Shanghai tours meet? The evening tour starts at Jiashan Road Subway Station, ending near South Shaanxi Road Station. The morning tour begins at Wuding Road Station and concludes near Changping Road Station. Detailed meeting instructions are provided after booking. ### Can I cancel my Lost Plate tour if plans change? Yes, Lost Plate offers full refunds for cancellations made 24 hours or more before your scheduled tour start time. This flexible policy accommodates the unpredictable nature of travel planning. ### How many people are in each Lost Plate tour group? Lost Plate maintains small group sizes for personalized experiences - maximum 12 people for evening tours and 10 people for morning tours. This ensures authentic interactions and individual attention from guides. --- *This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our links and use code ADAMANDLINDS, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund our family travels and keeps our content free. We only recommend experiences we're genuinely excited to try ourselves. Our complete review will follow after experiencing these tours firsthand.* ### Holafly Discount Code July 2026: ADAMANDLINDS (5–10% Off) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-promo/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:42.000Z Looking for the best Holafly promo code that actually works? You're in the right place. We're the Clarksons — a family of five who have been on the road full-time since May 2022, using a Holafly eSIM in 33+ countries. Code **ADAMANDLINDS** gives you 5% off any standard destination eSIM and 10% off Holafly Plans subscriptions. Verified working today. Not one-time use — keep applying it every time you travel. ## Holafly discount code July 2026: ADAMANDLINDS (5% off, 10% off Plans) ### Holafly eSIM 5% off all eSIMs & top-ups · 10% off all Plans subscriptions. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Last verified: July 2026.** Code applied successfully at Holafly checkout. **ADAMANDLINDS** works on every Holafly destination (160+ countries), every plan duration, and every Plans subscription tier. The 10% discount applies specifically to the monthly Plans subscriptions; the 5% applies to standard single-destination eSIMs and top-ups. [**Get 5–10% off with Holafly →**](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![The Clarkson family at Tokyo SkyTree during cherry blossom season, March 2023](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/AdamLindsLilyCoraHarper_Japan_Tokyo_SkyTree_CherryBlossom-March-23-1.png) Our Holafly eSIM kept us online across Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — including a 3-month Osaka base this spring. ## Holafly Plans: the monthly subscription for frequent travelers If you travel constantly or move between countries every few weeks, buying individual destination eSIMs starts to add up fast. Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription that works across 160+ destinations on one installed eSIM. One install, one flat monthly price, no juggling separate data plans every time you cross a border. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for **10% off any Plans subscription**. We've been on a Plans subscription for our 2026 routes. Hopping from Osaka to Da Nang to Barcelona, the math on individual eSIMs got tedious fast. The Plans option removes that friction entirely — one eSIM stays on the phone, the network just switches as we land. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB per month 160+ destinations · Unlimited hotspot · Cancel anytime · Always On included\* [Get Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-light&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data 160+ destinations · Unlimited hotspot · Cancel anytime · Always On included\* [Get Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=plan-card&subId3=plans-unlimited&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) Annual plans carry a 22% discount, and code **ADAMANDLINDS** stacks on top for roughly **29% total savings**. Worth doing the math on if you're planning several months of travel. Subscribers who joined on or after November 4, 2025 also get [**Always On**](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on-explained/) at no extra charge — 1GB/month of backup data across 70+ countries that auto-activates when your main plan ends. It stays live even after you cancel, as long as the eSIM stays installed and gets used at least once every 12 months. ### 10% off all Holafly Plans subscriptions Use code ADAMANDLINDS at checkout. [See Holafly Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=cta-banner&subId3=plans-overview&sharedid=holafly-product-line&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fplans%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) \*Always On is available to subscribers who joined on or after November 4, 2025\. Remains active after cancellation as long as the eSIM is installed and used at least once every 12 months. ## Why we recommend Holafly eSIM After three years of full-time travel with our three daughters, we've learned that reliable internet isn't just convenient — it's essential. Whether we're homeschooling the girls in Tokyo, navigating Bangkok's busy streets, or coordinating an overnight train across Vietnam, having dependable data is what keeps the trip from falling apart. **Unlimited data:** Most Holafly destination plans offer unlimited data, which means no more rationing your internet usage when you're trying to video call grandparents or research your next destination. Five devices on a hotspot eat through capped plans in hours, not days. **Easy installation:** The QR code setup takes less than five minutes. We've installed dozens of these eSIMs, and even our eldest Lily can help with the process now. **Wide coverage:** From Japan to the bustling markets of Thailand, Holafly covers over 160 destinations worldwide. **24/7 customer support:** We've used the chat from Da Nang at 11pm and had a fix within 10 minutes. [Watch Holafly eSIM Review 2026: Is It Worth It for Travel? Code ADAMANDLINDS on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuSADkxpIwc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How to use your Holafly promo code 1. ### Choose your destination Visit [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=inline-1&subId3=homepage&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) and select your travel destination or region. 2. ### Select your plan duration Choose the number of days you need coverage. Add a buffer day or two — flight delays happen, and you don't want to be stuck without data when your original plan expires. 3. ### Apply the discount code At checkout, enter **ADAMANDLINDS** in the promo code field and click apply. You'll see a confirmation that the discount has been applied before you enter payment details. 4. ### Complete your purchase Holafly accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. 5. ### Install your eSIM Within minutes of purchase, you'll receive a QR code by email. Scan it in Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > Add eSIM. Install at home before flying so it activates the moment you land. ![Holafly USA eSIM destination selection page](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/2Holafly-eSIM-for-the-USA.jpg) Holafly eSIM for the USA — destination selection. ![Holafly checkout dropdown menu showing plan duration options](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/3Holafly-checkout-dropdown-menu.jpg) Holafly checkout dropdown menu — choose your duration. ### Holafly eSIM 5% off all plans & top-ups · 10% off all Plans subscriptions. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=coupon-box-2&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) ![Holafly checkout page with the ADAMANDLINDS discount code applied](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/4Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-10.09.13.png) Holafly checkout with the discount applied. ## Best Holafly eSIM plans for popular destinations [ ![Holafly Japan eSIM — unlimited data on NTT Docomo](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/EN_Affiliates-Banner_Japan_2912x360_Leaderboard.jpeg) ](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=image-link&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## 🇯🇵 [Japan eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233885/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=inline-1&subId3=destination-japan&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) We've spent **325 days in Japan** across multiple trips, including a 3-month Osaka base for cherry blossom season this year. Holafly has been on every phone every time. It runs on NTT Docomo — solid everywhere: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hakone, rural Kyushu, and Shinkansen at full speed. We tested it on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen between Osaka and Hakata — full bars the whole way. **Price:** Starting at $3.90/day · **Coverage:** Nationwide (NTT Docomo) · Full guide: [our complete Japan eSIM guide](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/). [Watch Holafly Discount Code: ADAMANDLINDS | Save 5-10% on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK39DEReaSk&ref=adamandlinds.com) [ ![Holafly Europe regional eSIM — 40+ countries on one plan](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/EN_Affiliates-Banner_Europe_2912x360_Leaderboard.jpeg) ](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=image-link&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### [Europe eSIM regional plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=inline-2&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) Unlimited data across 40+ European countries including France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the UK. Starting at $1.80/day with code ADAMANDLINDS. Perfect for multi-country rail trips, city hopping, and slow travel. We're using this exact plan for our Vietnam → Barcelona → transatlantic cruise route in October. | Duration | Regular Price | With ADAMANDLINDS | Daily Rate | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 day | $1.89 | $1.80 | $1.80 | | [5-day Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $20.90 | $19.86 | $3.97/day | | [10-day Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $36.90 | $35.06 | $3.51/day | | [30-day Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $74.90 | $71.16 | $2.37/day | | [90-day Europe eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233883/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-europe&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $139.90 | $132.91 | $1.48/day ([max Schengen stay](https://adamandlinds.com/understanding-the-schengen-area-a-complete-guide-for-american-families/)) | Once you're past 30 days, the math usually favours a Holafly Plans subscription instead of a 90-day Europe plan. See our [Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/). ### USA eSIM Coast-to-coast coverage from New York to California on T-Mobile and AT&T. | Duration | Price | Daily Rate | Best For | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------ | ---------- | --------------------- | | [1-day USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $1.99 | $1.99/day | Quick stops, layovers | | [4-day USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $16.90 | $4.23/day | Long weekends | | [7-day USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $29.90 | $4.27/day | Week-long trips | | [14-day USA eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233891/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-usa&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | $47.90 | $3.42/day | Two-week adventures | ### Asia-Pacific eSIMs We've used Holafly across Japan, Thailand (327 days), Vietnam (currently in Da Nang), Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. | Destination | Duration | Price | Daily Rate | Best For | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ------ | ---------- | ------------------------ | | [China eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-china&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-china%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 1 day | $1.99 | $1.99/day | Includes built-in VPN | | [Indonesia eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 7 days | $29.90 | $4.27/day | Bali trips | | [Thailand eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=destination-thailand&sharedid=esim-cluster&u=https%3A%2F%2Fesim.holafly.com%2Fesim-thailand%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 10 days | $32.90 | $3.29/day | Bangkok + island hopping | | [Asia Regional eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233882/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=comparison-table&subId3=regional-asia&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) | 14 days | $58.90 | $4.21/day | Multi-country Asia trips | ![Adam, Lindsay and the girls with friends in Da Nang, Vietnam, January 2025](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Adam--Lindsay--Lily--Cora--and-Harper-with-friends-on-a-night-out-in-Da-Nang-Vietnam-January-11-2025.png) Da Nang, Vietnam — January 2025\. Coordinating dinners and meetups for five people across town runs on whatever eSIM is in our phones. Right now it's a Holafly Plans subscription. ## Holafly vs other eSIM providers | Category | Holafly | Airalo | | ---------------- | --------------------- | ---------------------- | | Data | Unlimited | Capped (GB-based) | | Pricing | Flat rate per day | Pay per GB | | Coverage | 160+ destinations | 200+ destinations | | Customer support | 24/7 live chat | Chat + email | | Best for | Heavy users, families | Light / occasional use | | Discount code | **ADAMANDLINDS** | — | ## Is your phone eSIM compatible? Before you buy any eSIM, confirm your device supports it. One rule applies regardless of your phone: it must be **carrier-unlocked** to use a third-party eSIM like Holafly. ### iPhone Apple has supported eSIM since the iPhone XR and XS in 2018\. On iPhone 13 and newer, you can have two eSIMs active simultaneously. | Series | Models | | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------- | | iPhone 17 series | iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17e, Air | | iPhone 16 series | iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e | | iPhone 15 series | iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max | | iPhone 14 series | iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max | | iPhone 13 series | iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max | | iPhone SE | SE 2nd gen (2020), SE 3rd gen (2022) | | iPhone 12 series | iPhone 12, 12 Mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max | | iPhone 11 series | iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max | | iPhone XS / XR | iPhone XR, XS, XS Max | iPhones sold in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao generally do not support eSIM (exceptions: iPhone 13 Mini, 12 Mini, SE 2020, XS). iPhone 14 and 15 sold in the USA are eSIM-only. iPhone Air is Apple's first globally eSIM-only model. ### Samsung Galaxy | Series | Models | | --------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- | | S26 series | S26, S26+, S26 Ultra | | S25 series | S25, S25+, S25 Ultra, S25 Edge, S25 FE | | S24 series | S24, S24+, S24 Ultra, S24 FE | | S23 series | S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, S23 FE | | S22 / S21 / S20 | S22/S22+/S22 Ultra, S21/S21+/S21 Ultra, S20/S20+/S20 Ultra | | Note series | Note 20, Note 20 Ultra 5G | | Z Fold series | Fold (original), Z Fold2–7, Z TriFold | | Z Flip series | Z Flip (original), Z Flip3–7, Z Flip7 FE | | A series | A35, A36, A54, A55 5G, A56 | Galaxy S20 FE, US versions of the S20/S21, and most devices sold in Hong Kong or South Korea do not support eSIM. Always verify the regional variant before purchasing. ### Google Pixel | Series | Models | | --------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | | Pixel 10 series | Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10a | | Pixel 9 series | Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold | | Pixel 8 series | Pixel 8, 8a, 8 Pro | | Pixel 7 series | Pixel 7, 7a, 7 Pro | | Pixel 6 series | Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro | | Pixel 5 / 4 / 3 | Pixel 5, 5a, 4, 4a, 4 XL, 4a 5G, 3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL | | Pixel Fold | Pixel Fold | Pixel 3 devices from Australia, Japan, and Taiwan are not eSIM compatible. All Pixel phones sold in Hong Kong do not support eSIM. To verify: on iPhone go to **Settings > General > About > Available SIM**. On Android go to **Settings > Network and Internet > SIMs**. For the full up-to-date list, visit [Holafly's compatibility guide](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=inline-2&subId3=homepage&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Travel tips from our eSIM experience ### Before you travel - Screenshot your QR code as backup. Save it to a notes app too — emails get buried. - Download offline maps before relying on data. Google Maps offline regions have saved us in rural Japan and across the Cotswolds. - Keep your home carrier active for calls and texts — banking 2FA loves to land on your home number at the worst time. ### Money-saving tips - Buy longer plans for better per-day rates. - Regional plans beat individual country plans for multi-country trips. - Use code ADAMANDLINDS for guaranteed 5% off standard plans and 10% off Plans subscriptions. - Pair the code with annual Plans billing for about 29% total savings. ## Holafly discount code FAQs — July 2026 FAQ ## Holafly promo code What is the best Holafly discount code for July 2026? The best Holafly discount code for July 2026 is **ADAMANDLINDS** — verified working today. It saves 5% off standard destination eSIM plans and 10% off Holafly Plans subscriptions. Not one-time use. Works on all 160+ destinations and stacks with annual Plans billing for roughly 29% total savings. Which Holafly discount code gives 10% off? ADAMANDLINDS gives 10% off when applied to a Holafly Plans subscription (the monthly global eSIM). On standard single-trip destination eSIMs, the same code gives 5% off. How much does Holafly cost with the ADAMANDLINDS code? Holafly eSIM plans start at around $3.90/day. With code ADAMANDLINDS you get 5% off any standard eSIM and 10% off Holafly Plans subscriptions (Light Plan \~$44.91/month, Unlimited Plan \~$58.41/month with the discount). Does the ADAMANDLINDS code work on all Holafly plans? Yes. Our 5% discount works on every Holafly standard eSIM plan and top-up across all 160+ destinations. The 10% applies to Holafly Plans subscriptions (Light and Unlimited tiers). Apply it every time you buy. Why did my Holafly discount code show 0% off? If a plan is already on an active site-wide sale, discount codes don't stack with the promotion. This applies to ADAMANDLINDS and every other working code. Try a different plan duration or come back after the sale ends. Does Holafly work in China? Yes. Holafly has a dedicated [China eSIM with a built-in VPN](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-vpn-review/), which means apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Gmail work normally inside mainland China without setting up a separate VPN. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off. Can multiple family members use one Holafly eSIM? No — each device needs its own eSIM. We work around this by using one device with an unlimited plan as a hotspot for the rest of the family. With five of us, we usually run two phones with eSIMs and hotspot off the strongest signal. Is Holafly really unlimited data? Holafly offers unlimited data with a fair use policy. After heavy usage, speeds may be reduced — but normal travel usage (maps, social, photos, video calls) won't reach the threshold. We've never been throttled. Is Holafly or Airalo better? Holafly is better for travelers who want unlimited data without tracking gigabytes. Airalo is better for light users who want the lowest possible price on a fixed data package. For families, heavy users, and anyone who streams or hotspots, Holafly's unlimited model usually wins on value. What are Holafly Plans and how do I get a discount? Holafly Plans are monthly or annual eSIM subscriptions covering 160+ countries with one installation — ideal for travelers taking three or more international trips per year. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off any Plans subscription. See our full [Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/). What is Holafly Always On? Always On is a backup data feature included with Holafly Plans subscriptions started on or after November 4, 2025\. It gives you 1GB/month across 70+ countries that auto-activates when your main plan ends. More detail in our [Always On explainer](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on-explained/). What network does Holafly use in Japan? Holafly's Japan eSIM runs on NTT Docomo — the most extensive network in Japan, covering Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, rural Hokkaido, and bullet trains. We've tested it everywhere. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** to save 5% on any standard Holafly eSIM plan or 10% on any Holafly Plans subscription. ### Holafly eSIM 5% off all plans & top-ups · 10% off all Plans subscriptions. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=holafly-promo&subId2=coupon-box-3&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=holafly-product-line&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## More travel resources [**SafetyWing**](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance/?referenceID=26057814&campaign=blog&utm%5Fcampaign=blog&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) — travel medical insurance for nomads and long-term travelers. We are not insurance brokers; this is not insurance advice. [**Klook**](https://www.klook.com/?aid=42202&ref=adamandlinds.com) — use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for tours, attractions, and city passes worldwide. [**Outschool**](https://outschool.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) — online classes for worldschooling families. Code **ADAMANDLINDS30** for $30 off your first class. ### Related Reading [Holafly Plans review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) [Best eSIM for Japan](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) [Best eSIM for Europe](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-europe-holafly/) [Holafly China eSIM with built-in VPN](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-china-esim-vpn-review/) [Holafly Always On explained](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on-explained/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly and other partners. If you purchase through our links or use code **ADAMANDLINDS**, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — and you get the discount. We've used Holafly across 33+ countries since 2022 and only recommend providers we actively pay for ourselves. All opinions are our own. ### How to Buy Japan Shinkansen Tickets: Complete Guide for Families (2025) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/how-to-buy-japan-shinkansen-bullet-train-tickets-guide/ Last updated: 2025-08-27T10:31:54.000Z Buying Shinkansen tickets in Japan doesn't have to be complicated. After multiple trips to Japan with our three daughters, we've tested every method of purchasing bullet train tickets - from smartphone apps to station ticket booths. Whether you're planning your first bullet train journey or your tenth, this guide covers the three best ways to secure your seats on Japan's iconic high-speed rail network. The Shinkansen remains one of Japan's most efficient and family-friendly transportation options, connecting major cities at speeds up to 320 km/h (200 mph). With proper planning, booking tickets becomes straightforward, even with children in tow. ## Quick Answer: Best Ways to Buy Shinkansen Tickets **For convenience:** [Klook online booking](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1112369&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F81022-shinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for discounts **For flexibility:** SmartEX app (official JR app) **For special trains:** Station ticket booths (like Hello Kitty Shinkansen) **For personalized service:** Let me book them for you as your travel advisor ## Method 1: Klook - Easiest for International Travelers [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1112369&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F81022-shinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers the most straightforward way to purchase Shinkansen tickets before arriving in Japan. This platform eliminates language barriers and provides guaranteed seat reservations. ### Why Klook Works Best for Families **English interface:** No need to navigate Japanese-language booking systems while managing travel logistics and children. **Advance booking:** Purchase tickets weeks before travel, ensuring seat availability during peak seasons like cherry blossom season or Golden Week. **Family-friendly features:** Select adjoining seats for families, specify luggage requirements, and choose preferred departure times. **Multiple payment options:** Accepts international credit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods that work seamlessly for overseas travelers. ### How to Book Shinkansen Tickets on Klook 1. **Visit** [**Klook's Shinkansen section**](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1112369&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F81022-shinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) 2. **Select your route** (Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka to Tokyo, etc.) 3. **Choose travel dates and times** 4. **Select seat preferences** (window, aisle, family seating) 5. **Enter passenger information** 6. **Apply code ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for additional savings 7. **Complete payment and receive confirmation** ### Klook Pricing and Options | Route | Standard | Green Car | Gran Class | | --------------- | -------- | --------- | ---------- | | Tokyo-Kyoto | ¥13,320 | ¥17,970 | ¥25,070 | | Tokyo-Osaka | ¥13,870 | ¥18,520 | ¥25,620 | | Tokyo-Hiroshima | ¥19,440 | ¥26,140 | ¥37,360 | *Prices subject to change. Use code *ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK* on Klook for potential discounts.* ## Method 2: SmartEX App - Official JR Solution The SmartEX app represents JR's official digital ticketing platform. While requiring credit card registration upfront, this app provides the most comprehensive booking options directly from Japan Railways. ### SmartEX App Features **Real-time availability:** See exact seat availability and train schedules **Last-minute changes:** Modify bookings up to departure time **IC card integration:** Pick up tickets using Suica or other IC cards **Comprehensive routes:** Access all Shinkansen lines including Hokuriku and Kyushu ### Setting Up SmartEX **Download the app** from your device's app store before traveling to Japan. The registration process requires several steps: 1. **Create account** with email address and password 2. **Register credit card** (required even to view prices - this initially surprised us) 3. **Verify payment method** through bank authorization 4. **Set up IC card** (optional but convenient for ticket collection) ### Why We Use SmartEX Despite Initial Hesitation Initially, the credit card requirement to simply browse ticket prices seemed excessive. However, after using SmartEX multiple times, we've found the system reliable and secure. The convenience of booking seats moments before travel, especially with unpredictable family schedules, makes the setup process worthwhile. The app particularly shines when travel plans change - something that happens frequently with children. Whether Harper needs an extra bathroom stop or Lily wants to see a specific temple we passed, SmartEX allows ticket modifications without station visits. ### SmartEX Booking Process 1. **Open SmartEX app** 2. **Select departure and arrival stations (Sorted by order they appear on route rather than alphabetical)** 3. **Choose date and preferred departure time** 4. **Select car type** (standard, Green Car, Gran Class) 5. **Pick specific seats** using the seat map 6. **Confirm payment** through registered credit card 7. **Receive QR code** for station pickup or IC card collection ## Method 3: Station Ticket Booths - Best for Special Requests Station ticket booths remain essential for specific needs like the Hello Kitty Shinkansen, special seasonal trains, or complex routing requests that apps cannot handle. ### When Station Booths Are Necessary **Special trains:** Hello Kitty Shinkansen, seasonal limited trains, or themed services **Complex routes:** Multi-stop journeys with specific timing requirements **Group bookings:** Large families or travel groups needing special seating arrangements **Accessibility needs:** Wheelchair-accessible seating or other mobility accommodations ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/thumbnail_153_noeffort1.png) ### Our Hello Kitty Shinkansen Experience When we wanted to surprise the girls with the Hello Kitty Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Hakata, online booking didn't guarantee we'd get the themed train. We spent an hour at Shin-Osaka Station's ticket office, but seeing Lily, Cora, and Harper's faces when they boarded that pink and white train covered in Hello Kitty designs made every minute worthwhile. The station agent spoke limited English, but the universal language of pointing at Hello Kitty pictures and showing three excited children transcended any language barrier. Plus, we received special Hello Kitty boarding certificates that the girls still treasure. ### Tips for Station Ticket Booth Success **Arrive early:** Popular stations like Tokyo and Kyoto can have 30-60 minute waits during peak times **Bring written requests:** Write down departure/arrival stations, dates, and times in both English and Japanese if possible **Have backup options:** Be flexible with departure times if your preferred train is fully booked **Consider Green Car:** If standard cars are sold out, Green Car often has availability and provides extra comfort for long journeys with children **Use translation apps:** Google Translate's camera feature works well for reading station signs and ticket information ## Method 4: Let Me Book for You - Personalized Travel Advisor Service As a certified travel advisor, I can handle your entire Shinkansen booking process, ensuring you get the best routes, timing, and seat arrangements for your family's needs. This white-glove service takes the stress out of navigating multiple booking platforms and language barriers. ### Why Choose Professional Booking Service **Expert route planning:** I'll optimize your Shinkansen travel to align with your overall Japan itinerary, considering factors like luggage transfers, meal times, and children's schedules. **Best price guarantee:** As a professional travel advisor, I have access to industry rates and can often secure better pricing than individual booking platforms. **Family-focused arrangements:** I understand traveling with children and can secure optimal seating arrangements, request assistance for families with strollers, and coordinate timing with your accommodation check-ins. **Comprehensive support:** Your booking includes ongoing support throughout your trip, not just ticket purchases. ### What's Included in My Booking Service - **Route optimization:** Best connections and timing for your specific itinerary - **Seat selection:** Family-friendly seating arrangements with table seats when possible - **Luggage coordination:** Oversized baggage reservations when needed - **Backup planning:** Alternative departure times in case of delays or changes - **Digital ticket delivery:** All confirmations and QR codes delivered to your email - **24/7 trip support:** Direct contact with me throughout your Japan travels ### How the Process Works 1. **Initial consultation:** We'll discuss your Japan itinerary, travel dates, and family needs 2. **Route recommendation:** I'll propose optimal Shinkansen connections based on your plans 3. **Booking confirmation:** I handle all ticket purchases and seat assignments 4. **Documentation delivery:** You receive all tickets, confirmations, and travel instructions 5. **Ongoing support:** I'm available throughout your trip for any changes or assistance This service works particularly well for families planning multiple Shinkansen journeys, first-time Japan visitors, or anyone who prefers having professional support rather than navigating booking systems independently. **Ready for personalized Shinkansen booking?** Contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) to discuss your Japan travel plans. ## Comparing Your Options: Which Method to Choose ### Choose Klook When: - Planning trips weeks or months in advance - Wanting guaranteed English customer service - Needing family seating arrangements confirmed before travel - Preferring to handle all bookings before arriving in Japan - Taking advantage of discount codes like **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** ### Choose SmartEX When: - Comfortable with app-based booking in Japan - Wanting maximum flexibility for schedule changes - Planning to make frequent Shinkansen trips - Needing last-minute ticket purchases - Already familiar with Japanese IC card systems ### Choose Professional Booking When: - Planning a complex Japan itinerary with multiple Shinkansen routes - Wanting expert advice on optimal timing and connections - Needing assistance with special requirements (accessibility, large groups) - Preferring professional support throughout your entire trip - Visiting Japan for the first time and wanting guidance from an expert - Booking special trains like Hello Kitty Shinkansen - Needing accessibility accommodations - Having complex routing requirements - Preferring face-to-face customer service - Traveling during peak seasons when apps show no availability ## Understanding Shinkansen Ticket Types and Classes ### Standard Car (Regular Seat) **Best for:** Most families and budget-conscious travelers **Features:** Comfortable seating, adequate legroom, power outlets **Price:** Base fare price shown in booking systems ### Green Car (First Class) **Best for:** Longer journeys, families wanting extra space **Features:** Wider seats, more legroom, quieter cars, complimentary refreshments **Price:** Approximately 35% premium over standard car ### Gran Class (Premium First Class) **Best for:** Special occasions, luxury travel experience **Features:** Aircraft-style first-class seating, dedicated attendant service, gourmet meals **Price:** Available only on select routes, significantly higher pricing ## Money-Saving Tips for Family Shinkansen Travel ### Book During Off-Peak Hours Trains departing before 9 AM or after 6 PM often have better availability and sometimes lower prices through discount programs. ### Consider Regional Passes For multiple Shinkansen trips, regional JR passes provide better value than individual tickets. Calculate whether a 7, 14, or 21-day pass makes financial sense for your itinerary. ### Use Family-Friendly Discount Codes [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1112369&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F81022-shinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers periodic promotions. Always check for active discount codes like **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** before completing your booking. ### Book Connecting Transportation Together Many platforms offer package deals combining Shinkansen tickets with local transportation, potentially saving money on your overall travel costs. ## Essential Tips for Riding the Shinkansen with Children ### Luggage Considerations **Oversized baggage:** Bags larger than 160cm total dimensions require advance reservation **Storage space:** Limited overhead compartments fill quickly during peak travel **Rolling bags:** Small wheeled bags fit under seats more easily than large suitcases ### Food and Entertainment **Ekiben lunch boxes:** Purchase these famous station lunch boxes for an authentic Japanese travel experience **Quiet entertainment:** Download movies or games before boarding, as WiFi can be inconsistent **Window seats:** Children love watching Japan's countryside blur past at 320 km/h ### Practical Travel Tips **Arrive early:** Board 5-10 minutes before departure to find seats and settle luggage **Keep tickets accessible:** Conductors check tickets during the journey **Use restrooms strategically:** Facilities are available onboard but can get busy **IC cards for snacks:** Vending machines onboard accept Suica and other IC cards ## Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid ### Wrong Station Names Tokyo has multiple Shinkansen stations. Make sure you're booking from the correct departure point: - **Tokyo Station:** Most Shinkansen lines - **Shinagawa Station:** Tokaido Shinkansen alternative - **Ueno Station:** Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata Shinkansen ### Confusing Reserved vs Non-Reserved **Reserved seats:** Guaranteed seating but higher cost **Non-reserved cars:** First-come, first-served seating in specific cars **Peak travel:** Non-reserved cars often completely full during holidays ### Booking Wrong Dates Double-check Japanese date formats (year-month-day) when using apps or websites to avoid booking tickets for the wrong travel day. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do children need Shinkansen tickets? Children ages 6-11 pay half price for Shinkansen tickets. Children under 6 ride free when sitting on a parent's lap or sharing a seat. However, during busy periods, purchasing a separate ticket ensures your child has their own seat. ### Can I change my Shinkansen ticket after booking? **Klook:** Changes depend on the specific ticket type and terms of service **SmartEX:** Changes allowed up to departure time with possible fees **Station purchases:** Changes generally allowed at ticket offices before departure ### What happens if I miss my reserved Shinkansen train? Reserved tickets are typically valid only for the specific train booked. However, you can usually take a later train on the same day by using non-reserved cars, though seats aren't guaranteed. ### Is it better to book individual tickets or a JR Pass? For families making multiple Shinkansen trips over 7+ days, JR Passes often provide better value. For single or return journeys, individual tickets through [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1112369&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F81022-shinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) with discount codes usually cost less. ### Can I use credit cards at station ticket machines? Most modern ticket machines at major stations accept international credit cards. However, smaller stations may only accept cash or IC cards. ### How early should I book Shinkansen tickets? **Peak seasons:** Book 1-2 months in advance for Golden Week, cherry blossom season, and New Year **Regular travel:** 1-2 weeks advance booking ensures good seat selection **Last-minute:** Same-day booking often possible except during the busiest travel periods ## Getting Ready for Your Shinkansen Adventure The Shinkansen represents more than just transportation - it's an integral part of the Japanese travel experience. Whether you book through [Klook's convenient platform](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1112369&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2Fen-US%2Factivity%2F81022-shinkansen%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), navigate the SmartEX app, or visit station ticket booths, you're about to experience one of the world's most efficient and comfortable train systems. Remember to use code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** when booking through Klook for potential savings on your family's tickets. The bullet train journey itself often becomes one of the most memorable parts of any Japan trip, especially for children experiencing the incredible speed and engineering marvel for the first time. For additional Japan travel planning, including accommodation recommendations and family-friendly activities, contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). As a certified travel advisor specializing in family travel, she can help create comprehensive Japan itineraries that include Shinkansen journeys as part of your overall adventure. Safe travels, and enjoy the ride! --- *FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our Klook link or use our discount code, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps fund our family travels and keeps our content free. We only recommend services we genuinely use and trust. All opinions are our own based on our extensive Japan travel experience.* ### Why I Actually Use a VPN While Traveling (And It's Not About Security) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/why-i-use-expressvpn-while-traveling/ Last updated: 2025-08-27T08:17:09.000Z **We earn commissions from purchases via the links below, at no extra cost to you.** Let me be honest about something that might surprise you: I don't use [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) because I'm worried about hackers or government surveillance. While those are valid concerns for many people, my reasons for using a VPN during our family's travels across 20+ countries are far more practical and, frankly, annoying to deal with without one. We've been worldschooling our three daughters and traveling full-time since May 2022, and I've learned that geography-based restrictions create more headaches for traveling families than most people realize. Here's why ExpressVPN has become as essential as our passports. ## The Real Problem: Apps That Think They Know Where You Should Be The most frustrating part of international travel isn't jet lag or packing efficiently - it's discovering that half your digital life suddenly stops working the moment you cross a border. We learned this the hard way during our extended stay in Vietnam, where perfectly innocent apps would simply refuse to function. Banking apps are the worst offenders. Try logging into your US bank account from Da Nang, and you'll be greeted with security warnings, frozen accounts, and the delightful experience of explaining to customer service that yes, you really are in Vietnam, and no, you're not trying to commit fraud. Even when you notify your bank about travel, their apps often have separate restrictions that nobody mentions. Then there are the streaming services. We pay for Netflix, Disney+, and other platforms specifically so our daughters can have some familiar entertainment during long travel days or when they need downtime. But these services show completely different content libraries (or don't work at all) depending on your location. Trying to finish a series we started in Thailand while staying in Europe becomes impossible when that show isn't available in the European catalog. ## The Vietnam Wake-Up Call Our six-month stay in Da Nang, Vietnam, was when we really understood how essential a VPN had become for modern travelers. It wasn't about accessing blocked social media or news sites - it was about using the digital tools our family business depends on. YouTube's Creator Studio would randomly restrict certain features based on our Vietnamese IP address. Our accounting software would trigger security warnings and sometimes lock us out entirely. Even Google Workspace would occasionally behave strangely, asking for additional verification steps that weren't required when accessing from US locations. The most ridiculous situation was when our daughters' online learning platform decided we were accessing from an "unsupported region" and temporarily suspended access to lessons we'd already paid for. These weren't government restrictions or censorship issues - just overzealous geo-blocking by companies trying to manage licensing agreements. ## ExpressVPN: The Solution That Actually Works [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) solves these problems by making our internet connection appear to originate from locations where all our apps and services work normally. When I connect to a US server, our bank apps work flawlessly, streaming services show the content we expect, and business tools function without triggering security alerts. The key advantages we've found with ExpressVPN specifically: **Speed that doesn't slow us down** \- We need fast connections for video calls with clients, uploading YouTube content, and streaming educational videos for the girls. ExpressVPN's servers consistently deliver speeds that make us forget we're using a VPN. **Server locations where we need them** \- With servers in 105 countries, we can virtually "be" anywhere our apps expect us to be. US servers for banking, UK servers for certain streaming content, or local servers for better speed when we just need unrestricted browsing. **Reliability during important moments** \- Nothing's more frustrating than a VPN that cuts out during a client call or when you're trying to access urgent banking information. ExpressVPN maintains stable connections even when switching between hotel WiFi, mobile data, and coworking spaces. ## Beyond App Access: The Practical Benefits Using ExpressVPN has revealed benefits we hadn't anticipated. Hotel WiFi networks, especially in budget accommodations, often have restrictions on certain types of traffic or bandwidth limits that affect video calls and file uploads. Connecting through ExpressVPN's servers often bypasses these limitations entirely. Public WiFi security is actually a legitimate concern when you're frequently working from airports, cafes, and shared spaces. While security wasn't my primary motivation for using a VPN, the encryption provides peace of mind when handling business communications and accessing financial accounts on unfamiliar networks. Price comparison websites and booking platforms sometimes show different rates based on your apparent location. While I don't advocate for anything unethical, being able to see prices from multiple geographic perspectives helps ensure we're finding the best legitimate deals for flights and accommodations. ## The Educational Component Our daughters are learning about digital literacy and internet freedom through our VPN usage. They understand that companies create artificial barriers based on geography, and that technology can level those playing fields. It's become a practical lesson in how the internet actually works versus how we often assume it works. When Lily couldn't access her favorite educational YouTube channel from Vietnam, and then could immediately access it when connected through ExpressVPN's Singapore server, she began understanding how arbitrary many online restrictions really are. ## Real-World Usage Patterns We typically stay connected to ExpressVPN servers most of the time, switching locations based on what we need to access. Morning banking and business tasks usually mean connecting to a US server. Evening entertainment might require a UK or Canadian server depending on content availability. When we need maximum speed for large file uploads, we'll connect to the geographically closest server. The ExpressVPN mobile apps make switching between server locations effortless, which is crucial when you're managing multiple tasks throughout the day. The one-click connection feature means the girls can easily reconnect if the VPN drops while they're doing online schoolwork. ## The Cost-Benefit Reality At $6.67 per month with our annual plan, ExpressVPN costs less than a single international roaming day with most US cellular carriers. When you consider that it enables full access to services you're already paying for, prevents travel-related banking complications, and eliminates the frustration of geo-restricted content, the value proposition is straightforward. For traveling families specifically, a reliable VPN isn't optional technology - it's essential infrastructure. The stress of dealing with blocked services, frozen accounts, and restricted access adds unnecessary complications to an already complex lifestyle. ## Setup Tips for Traveling Families Getting ExpressVPN working optimally for family travel requires some initial setup. Install the apps on all devices before you travel, since some app stores have geographic restrictions on VPN downloads. Test different server locations from your home internet to understand speed variations. Create a simple system for remembering which server locations work best for different needs. We keep a note on our phones: US East Coast for banking and business, UK for BBC content, Canada for certain Netflix shows, and local servers for general browsing. Don't forget to whitelist VPN traffic if you're using any parental control or security software. Nothing's more frustrating than troubleshooting connection issues in a Vietnamese hotel room when the problem is your own security software blocking the VPN. ## Looking Forward As we plan our upcoming travels through China, Central Europe, and potentially Morocco, ExpressVPN will become even more critical. Each destination brings new restrictions and different challenges for accessing the digital tools our family depends on. The internet was supposed to make the world smaller and more connected. In many ways it has, but arbitrary geographic restrictions often make it feel more fragmented than necessary. A reliable VPN bridges those artificial gaps and lets us focus on experiencing new places rather than troubleshooting digital access issues. ## Getting Started with ExpressVPN Ready to eliminate geographic restrictions from your travel planning? [Get ExpressVPN with our link](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) and receive 4 extra months free on 2-year plans. The setup process takes less than five minutes, and you'll wonder how you ever traveled without it. For families planning extended international travel, invest in reliable internet freedom before you need it. Your future self, trying to access banking apps from a cafe in Chiang Mai, will thank you. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is using a VPN legal while traveling?** Yes, VPN usage is legal in most countries we've visited. However, check local laws for your specific destinations, as some countries have restrictions. **Does ExpressVPN work with all streaming services?** ExpressVPN works with major streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, though streaming services continuously update their detection methods. **Can the whole family use one ExpressVPN account?** Yes, ExpressVPN allows up to 8 simultaneous connections, which covers our phones, laptops, and the girls' iPads. **What happens if ExpressVPN stops working in a country we're visiting?** ExpressVPN's 24/7 customer support can recommend alternative servers or protocols. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. **Is ExpressVPN safe for kids to use?** Yes, ExpressVPN adds an extra layer of privacy protection, which is especially valuable when kids are using public WiFi networks in hotels or cafes. --- **We earn commissions from purchases via the links in this post, at no extra cost to you.** This post contains affiliate links to ExpressVPN. When you sign up through our links, we may earn a fee that helps fund our family's travels and keeps our content free. We only recommend services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are based on our real experiences across 20+ countries of full-time travel. ### What Does a Travel Agent Do? The Modern Travel Advisor's Complete Guide (2025) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/what-does-travel-agent-do/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:37.000Z The term "travel agent" might conjure images of outdated travel offices with dusty brochures and desk phones, but the travel industry has evolved dramatically. Today's travel professionals are called travel advisors, and we do far more than simply book flights and hotels. As a certified travel advisor who has helped hundreds of families create amazing travel experiences, I want to share exactly what modern travel advisors do and how we can transform your travel planning. ## What Is a Travel Advisor? A travel advisor is a trained professional who specializes in designing, planning, and booking travel experiences. Unlike the old-school travel agent model, today's travel advisors are consultants who combine destination expertise, industry relationships, and personalized service to create seamless travel experiences for our clients. We have evolved from order-takers to travel designers. The modern travel advisor understands that each traveler has unique needs, preferences, and goals for their trip. Our job is to translate your travel dreams into practical, well-executed itineraries that exceed your expectations. ## Why Travel Advisors Still Matter in the Digital Age You might wonder why you need a travel advisor when you can book everything online. The answer is simple: the internet gave us access to endless options, but it didn't give us the expertise to navigate them effectively. With thousands of hotels, hundreds of airlines, and countless activity options for any destination, the paradox of choice has made travel planning more overwhelming than ever. According to the American Society of Travel Advisors, 76% of leisure travelers who used a travel advisor for their most recent trip were highly satisfied with their experience, compared to 64% of those who booked everything themselves online. The difference comes down to expertise, advocacy, and personalized service that no booking website can provide. Travel advisors save you time by filtering options to match your specific needs. We prevent costly mistakes by leveraging our destination knowledge and industry experience. Most importantly, we serve as your advocate when things go wrong, ensuring problems get resolved quickly and fairly. ## What Modern Travel Advisors Actually Do ### Destination Research and Planning Travel advisors conduct extensive research to understand destinations, including seasonal weather patterns, cultural considerations, local customs, transportation options, and safety considerations. We stay current on travel requirements, visa policies, and health recommendations for destinations worldwide. For family travel specifically, we research family-friendly accommodations, age-appropriate activities, educational opportunities, and practical considerations like medical facilities and childcare options. This research goes far beyond what you'll find in online reviews or travel guides. ### Custom Itinerary Design Rather than offering cookie-cutter packages, modern travel advisors create personalized itineraries based on your specific interests, travel style, budget, and goals. We consider factors like your travel dates, group composition, activity preferences, dietary restrictions, and accommodation preferences to design experiences that match your vision. For our worldschooling family clients, this might mean incorporating educational experiences, finding accommodations with kitchen facilities for preparing familiar meals, or identifying destinations with reliable internet for remote work and schooling. ### Booking and Coordination Travel advisors handle all aspects of trip booking, from flights and accommodations to ground transportation, tours, and restaurant reservations. We coordinate timing to ensure seamless connections and logical flow throughout your trip. Our industry relationships often provide access to perks and upgrades that aren't available to individual travelers booking online. These might include complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, resort credits, or exclusive experiences. ### Travel Documentation and Requirements We ensure you have proper travel documentation, including passports, visas, and health certificates. Travel advisors stay current on changing requirements and help clients navigate complex documentation processes. With evolving health and safety requirements post-pandemic, having an expert who monitors changing policies and requirements has become even more valuable. ### Crisis Management and Support When travel disruptions occur, travel advisors serve as your advocate with airlines, hotels, and other vendors. We have direct relationships and special contact numbers that allow us to resolve issues faster than individual travelers calling customer service. During the pandemic, many travelers who booked independently struggled to get refunds or make changes to their reservations. Travel advisors were able to leverage industry relationships to secure refunds and rebookings that individual travelers couldn't obtain on their own. ## Specialized Services for Different Types of Travelers ### Family Travel Expertise Family travel presents unique challenges that general travel websites don't address well. Travel advisors who specialize in family travel understand practical considerations like finding accommodations with connecting rooms, identifying airlines with generous policies for traveling with children, and recommending activities that work for different age groups. We also understand the importance of travel insurance for families, especially when traveling with young children who might get sick or when parents need flexibility to cancel or modify trips. ### Worldschooling and Remote Work Support As more families embrace worldschooling and remote work lifestyles, specialized travel advisors help navigate the unique challenges of long-term travel. This includes finding accommodations with reliable internet, understanding visa requirements for extended stays, and identifying destinations with good infrastructure for remote work and online schooling. We can also help families establish travel routines and systems that make constant movement more manageable, such as identifying the best [eSIM providers with code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off Holafly plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) to ensure reliable connectivity across multiple countries. ### Luxury and Experiential Travel High-end travel requires specialized knowledge about luxury properties, exclusive experiences, and premium services. Luxury travel advisors have relationships with high-end suppliers and can arrange experiences that aren't available to the general public. This might include private tours of museums after hours, cooking classes with renowned chefs, or access to exclusive events and locations. Luxury travel advisors also understand the service expectations at this level and ensure every detail meets or exceeds client expectations. ### Adventure and Specialized Interest Travel Some travel advisors specialize in adventure travel, cultural immersion, or specific interests like wildlife photography or culinary experiences. These specialists have deep knowledge about specialized equipment, safety considerations, and the best operators in their niche. ## The Economics of Using a Travel Advisor One common misconception is that using a travel advisor costs extra money. In reality, most travel advisors are paid through commissions from suppliers (hotels, cruise lines, tour operators) rather than charging fees directly to clients. Many advisors provide their planning services at no cost to clients, earning their income from supplier commissions. For complex itineraries or specialized services, some travel advisors do charge planning fees, but these fees often pay for themselves through the value we provide: better prices through industry relationships, avoiding costly mistakes, and saving you significant time in research and booking. Travel advisors also have access to wholesale rates and group pricing that aren't available to individual travelers. We can often secure better rates than what you'll find online, especially for packages that include multiple components. ## How to Choose the Right Travel Advisor Not all travel advisors are created equal. When choosing a travel advisor, look for someone who specializes in your type of travel and destinations. A travel advisor who specializes in European river cruises might not be the best choice for planning your family's adventure trip to Costa Rica. Look for advisors with relevant certifications and industry affiliations. Organizations like the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) and Travel Leaders Network provide training and maintain professional standards for their members. Ask potential advisors about their personal travel experience to your intended destinations. While firsthand experience isn't always necessary, it provides valuable insights that you can't get from guidebooks or supplier training programs. Consider the advisor's communication style and availability. You want someone who responds promptly to questions and keeps you informed throughout the planning process. ## Technology and the Modern Travel Advisor Modern travel advisors use sophisticated technology tools to research destinations, compare prices, and manage client itineraries. We have access to professional booking systems that provide better inventory access and more flexible cancellation policies than consumer websites. Many travel advisors use client portals where you can access your itinerary, important documents, and real-time updates about your trip. We also use mobile apps that allow us to assist clients while they're traveling, regardless of time zones. However, technology enhances rather than replaces the human expertise that travel advisors provide. The best travel planning combines cutting-edge technology with personal knowledge and experience. ## What I Do As Your Travel Advisor As a travel advisor who specializes in family travel and worldschooling, I bring unique expertise to help families create amazing travel experiences. My approach combines my professional training with real-world experience from our family's travels to 20+ countries. ### Personalized Consultation We start with an in-depth consultation to understand your family's travel goals, preferences, budget, and any special considerations. For worldschooling families, this includes understanding your educational approach, work requirements, and lifestyle preferences. I ask detailed questions about your travel style: Do you prefer luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options? Are you comfortable with adventurous activities or do you prefer more relaxed experiences? Do you have dietary restrictions or accessibility needs? These details help me design experiences that truly fit your family. ### Destination Expertise Having traveled extensively with our own family, I understand the practical realities of family travel. I know which destinations work well for different ages, which airlines have the best family policies, and which accommodations provide the amenities families actually need. I can recommend specific hotels that have connecting rooms and reliable internet for remote work, restaurants with kid-friendly menus and high chairs, and activities that engage both parents and children. This practical knowledge comes from real experience, not just guidebook research. ### Educational Integration For worldschooling families, I help integrate educational opportunities into your travel plans. This might include visiting historical sites with engaging tours for children, finding museums with hands-on activities, or arranging cultural experiences that provide real-world learning opportunities. I can also recommend destinations that offer formal educational programs for traveling families, such as language immersion opportunities or specialized camps and classes. ### Technology and Connectivity Solutions Reliable internet connectivity is crucial for remote work and online schooling. I help families choose the best connectivity solutions for their destinations, including recommending [eSIM providers like Holafly with discount code ADAMANDLINDS](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for seamless international data coverage. I also provide guidance on choosing accommodations with reliable internet, understanding data usage needs, and backup connectivity options for important work or school deadlines. ### Health and Safety Considerations Family travel requires extra attention to health and safety considerations. I stay current on health requirements, vaccination recommendations, and safety conditions for family-friendly destinations. I can recommend [travel insurance options through SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) that cover families for extended travel, including coverage for worldschooling families who might be traveling for months or years. ### Ongoing Support My service doesn't end when you book your trip. I provide ongoing support throughout your travel experience, helping with any issues that arise and making adjustments as needed. During travel disruptions, I work directly with suppliers to rebook flights, find alternative accommodations, or make other necessary changes. Having a professional advocate can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major travel catastrophe. ## The Future of Travel Advisors The travel industry continues to evolve, and travel advisors are evolving with it. We're seeing increased specialization, with advisors focusing on specific types of travel or demographics. There's also growing emphasis on sustainable and responsible travel, with advisors helping clients make more conscious travel choices. Technology will continue to enhance what travel advisors can do, but the human element remains irreplaceable. Complex travel planning requires creativity, problem-solving, and personal touch that no algorithm can provide. ## Getting Started with a Travel Advisor If you're ready to experience the difference a travel advisor can make, the process is straightforward. Most advisors offer initial consultations to discuss your travel goals and explain their services. Come prepared to discuss your budget, travel dates, destination interests, and any special requirements. The more information you can provide, the better your travel advisor can design an experience that exceeds your expectations. Remember that working with a travel advisor is a collaborative process. While we bring expertise and handle the logistics, your input and feedback are crucial to creating the perfect trip for your family. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Do travel advisors charge fees? Many travel advisors work primarily on commission from suppliers and don't charge planning fees for standard bookings. Some advisors charge fees for complex itineraries, consultation time, or specialized services. Fees are typically disclosed upfront and often provide value through better pricing, exclusive access, or significant time savings. ### Can travel advisors get better prices than booking online? Travel advisors often have access to wholesale rates, group pricing, and supplier promotions that aren't available to individual travelers. We also have relationships that can provide value-added amenities like room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, or resort credits that enhance the overall value of your trip. ### What happens if something goes wrong during my trip? Travel advisors serve as your advocate when problems occur. We have direct relationships with suppliers and special contact numbers for resolving issues quickly. Many suppliers prioritize requests from professional travel advisors over individual customer service calls. ### Do I lose flexibility by using a travel advisor? Professional travel advisors often have access to more flexible cancellation policies and change options than individual travelers booking online. We can also help you understand the terms and conditions of your bookings and recommend travel insurance for additional protection. ### How do I find a good travel advisor? Look for advisors who specialize in your type of travel and have relevant certifications or industry affiliations. Personal referrals are valuable, and many advisors offer initial consultations where you can evaluate their expertise and communication style. Organizations like ASTA provide directories of qualified travel advisors. The travel industry has changed dramatically since the days of traditional travel agents, but professional travel advisors provide more value than ever. We combine destination expertise, industry relationships, and personalized service to create travel experiences that exceed what you can achieve booking independently online. Whether you're planning a family vacation, extended worldschooling adventure, or luxury celebration trip, the right travel advisor can transform your travel dreams into seamlessly executed reality. The question isn't whether you can plan travel yourself, but whether you want to spend your time researching and coordinating details when you could be focusing on enjoying the experience. Ready to discover how a professional travel advisor can enhance your next adventure? Contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) to start planning your family's next incredible journey. --- *This post contains affiliate links. When you book through our recommended partners like* [*Holafly eSIM with code ADAMANDLINDS*](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com)*,* [*SafetyWing travel insurance*](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL)*, or use our* [*Amazon affiliate links*](https://www.amazon.com/?&linkCode=ll2&tag=adamandlinds00-20&linkId=fddca2426a835ac36c753dfc728d6b33&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=adamandlinds.com)*, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own.* ### Do You Keep Your Phone Number with Holafly? Complete Guide to eSIM and Phone Numbers URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly/ Last updated: 2026-08-01T14:23:53.000Z One of the most common questions we get about Holafly eSIMs is whether you can keep your regular phone number while traveling. The short answer is yes, you can, but there are a few details worth understanding about how it actually works. After using Holafly eSIMs across Europe and Asia since 2022, we've learned exactly how phone numbers work with eSIM technology and what travelers need to know before they go. Three separate things tend to get mixed up in this question, so we'll keep them apart: **one**, keeping your existing home number; **two**, the fact that Holafly destination eSIMs are data-only; and **three**, the phone number that comes with one specific Holafly plan. Here they are one at a time. ## 1\. Keeping your existing home number Holafly destination eSIMs are data-only, which means your existing phone number stays active on your primary SIM or eSIM line. Your Holafly eSIM runs alongside it, handling your data while your home number handles calls and texts. Two lines, one device, no number changes. ### What this means in practice - Receive calls and texts on your regular number as normal - Use your Holafly data on a second line at the same time - Avoid international roaming data charges from your home carrier - Stay reachable to family, work, and anyone who already has your number ## How dual SIM keeps your number working Modern smartphones run two lines at once, either through a physical SIM plus an eSIM or two eSIMs. With Holafly the split looks like this. ### Your primary line (your original number) - Handles voice calls and text messages - Keeps your familiar phone number - Can have data roaming switched off to avoid charges - Stays active for incoming calls and texts ### Your Holafly eSIM line - Provides your data connection - Handles all internet traffic - Supports voice and video through apps like WhatsApp and FaceTime - Has no traditional calling or SMS of its own on a destination eSIM That setup gives you the best of both: the familiar number your contacts already have, plus affordable international data. ## Setting up dual SIM with Holafly 1. ### Purchase your Holafly eSIM Buy your [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly&subId2=howto-step&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) before you travel. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. 2. ### Install the eSIM profile Scan the QR code from your confirmation email to install the Holafly eSIM. Do not enable data roaming yet. 3. ### Check your home carrier's settings Ask your carrier about international options for calls and texts. You want your primary line active for incoming calls, but its data roaming turned off to avoid charges. 4. ### Test both lines before departure Confirm your Holafly eSIM appears in your cellular settings and your primary SIM is still active. Better to find issues at home than at the airport. 5. ### Enable data roaming on Holafly only Once you land, enable data roaming on your Holafly eSIM line. Keep it disabled on your primary line to avoid charges from your home carrier. 6. ### Set Holafly as your data line In your cellular settings, set the Holafly eSIM as your default data line. Your primary SIM handles calls and texts. Holafly handles everything else. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly&subId2=howto-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Managing both lines while you travel - **Set Holafly as default** for cellular data - **Use your primary line** for voice calls and SMS - **Switch between lines** as needed in phone settings - **Monitor usage** to avoid unexpected roaming charges ### What you keep from your original carrier - **Your existing phone number** for calls and texts - **Contact accessibility** for family and work - **Voicemail and messaging** services - **Banking and two-factor authentication** continuity - **Emergency contact** capability ## How we manage two lines on the road During our long stays in Vietnam and repeat trips around Asia, we've settled into a routine for running dual SIM with Holafly eSIMs. **Family communication:** the girls still FaceTime their grandparents using our original numbers over WiFi or Holafly's data. **Work continuity:** Lindsay's travel advisor clients reach her on her regular number, while she runs research and bookings on Holafly's data. **Banking and security:** two-factor authentication texts land on our primary numbers, which keeps access to banking and important accounts working while we're abroad. ### Apps that work best with your original number A lot of apps verify you by SMS to your real number, so keeping your primary line active matters. Banking and finance apps (online banking, investment accounts, Venmo or PayPal) send verification codes to your original number. Messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are tied to that number too. So are travel apps like Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, and airline check-in. Holafly supplies the data; your primary number does the verifying. ### Keeping roaming costs down - **Keep your primary line active** for important calls and texts - **Disable data roaming** on your primary line to avoid charges - **Use Holafly** for internet access - **Enable WiFi calling** where available to reduce costs ### Why am I not receiving texts on my original number? Your primary line needs roaming enabled for SMS, but not for data. Ask your carrier to confirm international texting is active on your plan. Some disable it by default or make you opt in before travel. ### Why am I still getting roaming charges even with Holafly? Check that cellular data is fully disabled on your primary SIM and enabled only on the Holafly eSIM. It's a common setup slip and easy to miss in the cellular settings menu. ### Some apps aren't working with my original number. What do I do? Some apps need data on the same line as your phone number for verification. Try enabling WiFi calling on your primary line, or briefly enable data roaming on it for the verification step, then switch it off again right after. ### I can't switch between lines. What's wrong? Check that both profiles are installed and clearly labelled in your settings, something like "Home" and "Holafly" so you can tell them apart. If one isn't showing, you may need to reinstall the profile. ## 2\. Holafly destination eSIMs are data-only A Holafly destination eSIM does one job: it gives you data in the country or region you bought it for. It does not come with its own phone number, and it cannot place traditional calls or send SMS on its own. That is why it sits alongside your home number rather than replacing it. For talking to people, you use WhatsApp, FaceTime, or any other app running over the Holafly data. ### What a Holafly destination eSIM gives you - **Unlimited data** across 200+ destinations - **Local network access** through partner carriers - **Hotspot capability** for sharing with other devices - **24/7 customer support** in multiple languages - **Instant activation** once you arrive ### What it does not do - **Keep your existing number:** your home line stays active for calls and texts - **No new phone number:** the destination eSIM is data-only - **Full compatibility:** works alongside any carrier's number - **Pricing:** varies by destination and trip length. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off at checkout ## 3\. The phone number that comes with one Holafly plan This is the part that gets misreported most often, so here is the accurate version. Most Holafly products do not include a phone number at all. There is one exception, and it is specific. - **Destination eSIMs:** data-only, no number. - **Light Plan:** data-only, no number. - **Unlimited Plan:** adds a dedicated number in the US, UK, or Canada. It can receive SMS only. It does not send texts and it does not make or take traditional calls. It is not a European or other local number. So if the reason you want a number is receiving verification texts on a Holafly line rather than your home line, the Unlimited Plan is the only option, and even then it is inbound SMS only. For everything else, keeping your home number on a second line is the simpler setup. ## Keeping your number vs getting a new local number Using Holafly with your existing number keeps things simple: your contacts still reach you the same way, there is no store visit, and your only new cost is the eSIM data plus whatever your home carrier charges for any calls or texts you choose to make. A local SIM does the opposite. It gives you a temporary number you then have to share with everyone, usually needs an in-person purchase with ID, and leaves your home number dormant unless you keep paying for it. For most travelers the dual SIM route wins on hassle alone. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do you lose your phone number when using a Holafly eSIM? No. Holafly destination eSIMs are data-only and work alongside your existing phone number, not as a replacement. Your number stays exactly where it was. ### Can I make calls with my original number while using Holafly? Yes. Your original number stays active for calls and texts while Holafly handles data. Roaming charges from your home carrier may apply to those calls, so check your plan before you travel. ### Does Holafly give you a new phone number? Most Holafly products are data-only and include no number. The one exception is the Unlimited Plan, which adds a dedicated US, UK, or Canada number that can receive SMS. It does not make calls or send texts, and it is not a European or local number. Destination eSIMs and the Light Plan include no number at all. ### How do I keep my WhatsApp number with Holafly? WhatsApp is tied to your phone number, not your data plan. Holafly provides the internet connection and WhatsApp runs over it using your existing number. Nothing changes on your end. ### Can I receive two-factor authentication texts with Holafly? Yes. Those texts arrive on your primary line, which stays active. A destination eSIM only handles data, so SMS of any kind goes through your original number as normal. ### What happens to my phone number if I travel for months? Your number stays yours as long as you keep your home carrier account active. Many carriers offer international plans or will hold your number during extended travel. Worth a quick call before a long trip. ### Do I need to tell my carrier I'm using Holafly? Not by name. It is worth contacting your carrier to confirm international SMS and calling are active on your account so your primary line behaves as expected abroad. ### Can I use my original number for banking apps while using Holafly? Yes. Banking apps use your original number for verification codes. Holafly provides the internet connection and your primary number handles the rest. ## Planning your connected travel Knowing how phone numbers work with Holafly eSIMs makes international travel a lot smoother. Keeping your familiar number while running affordable data on a second line gives you connectivity and cost control at the same time. ### Stay connected without changing your number Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off all Holafly destination eSIMs. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=do-you-keep-your-phone-number-with-holafly&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) Whether it's a weekend away or months on the road, Holafly's data-only approach lets you stay online without losing the phone number your contacts depend on. Want travel planning that includes your connectivity setup? Reach Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for help staying connected on your trips. ### Related reading [Holafly discount code ADAMANDLINDS: how the deal works](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) [Holafly Plans review: is the subscription worth it?](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) [Holafly Always On: 1GB free every month explained](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-always-on/) [Best eSIM for Japan: what we actually use](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) ### More travel resources [Faye Travel Insurance: protect your devices and trip](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda) [ExpressVPN: secure your connection on public WiFi](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) [GetYourGuide: tours and experiences worldwide](https://www.getyourguide.com/tokyo-skytree-l4086/tokyo-skytree-admission-ticket-t215997/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&ref=adamandlinds.com) This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We use Holafly on every trip and only recommend what we actually use. We are not insurance brokers and nothing here constitutes a recommendation. All opinions are our own. ### REVIEW: Quadruple Room, Bunkbed, with Access to Aquapark at Explorers Hotel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/review-quadruple-room-bunkbed-with-access-to-aquapark-at-explorers-hotel/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:43.000Z Planning a magical family trip to Disneyland Paris? The [Explorers Hotel](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/adamandlinds/explorers-hotel-blog?ref=adamandlinds.com) in Magny-le-Hongre offers the perfect blend of adventure-themed accommodation and practical family amenities just minutes from the Disney parks. As a Certified Travel Advisor who has experienced this property firsthand with my own family, I can share genuine insights about why this themed hotel has become a favorite among traveling families seeking both Disney magic and aquatic adventure. Located just a 5-minute drive from both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park, this adventure-themed hotel serves as an ideal base for exploring Disney while providing its own exciting attractions to keep children entertained between park visits. You can see our complete experience, including our Paris day trip, in our [YouTube video review](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q%5FfoWGGdofw&t=10s&ref=adamandlinds.com). [Watch Ep 12 | Explorers Hotel Disneyland Paris Family Room for 6, bunk beds, with access to Aquapark on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q%5FfoWGGdofw&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Room Options for Every Family Size ### Quadruple Room with Bunkbed - Perfect for Small Families The [Quadruple Room](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/adamandlinds/explorers-hotel-blog?ref=adamandlinds.com) with bunkbed and aquapark access spans 237 square feet and cleverly accommodates up to four guests with one double bed and one twin bunk bed. Despite its compact 237-square-foot footprint, the room feels surprisingly spacious thanks to thoughtful design and efficient use of space. What makes this room special is the adventure begins the moment you step inside. The bunk bed configuration delights children, turning bedtime into part of the adventure, while parents appreciate the comfort of the double bed with pillowtop mattress and hypo-allergenic bedding. The room earned an impressive 8.0 out of 10 rating from 49 guest reviews, with visitors consistently praising its cleanliness, spacious feel, and family-friendly design. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/49ebeece.jpg) ### Themed Suites for Immersive Adventures For families seeking a more elaborate themed experience, [Explorers Hotel](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/adamandlinds/explorers-hotel-blog?ref=adamandlinds.com) offers spectacular adventure suites that transport guests into storybook worlds. The **Knight Suite** creates a medieval castle atmosphere with two bedrooms accommodating up to six guests via one double bed, one large twin bunk bed, and one queen sofa bed. Currently priced around €411 nightly, this suite allows families to live out their knightly dreams while enjoying premium space and amenities. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/99ed55cc.jpg) The [**Princess Suite**](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/adamandlinds/explorers-hotel-blog?ref=adamandlinds.com) offers the same spacious two-bedroom layout but embraces a fairy-tale theme perfect for young princesses. Featuring identical sleeping arrangements and pricing to the Knight Suite, it transforms bedtime into a royal experience that children will treasure long after the vacation ends. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/dc46d3ad.jpg) Adventure-loving families gravitate toward the **Pirate Suite**, which brings swashbuckling dreams to life through detailed pirate-themed décor and the same generous two-bedroom configuration. At approximately €429 nightly, these themed suites provide significantly more space and theatrical immersion for families willing to invest in the enhanced experience. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/6413dd38.jpg) ### Crew Room for Large Groups The impressive **Crew Room** represents exceptional value for multi-generational trips or families traveling together, accommodating up to 10 people across 516 square feet and three bedrooms. With two king beds, four twin beds, and two twin bunk beds, this option at approximately €587 nightly provides ample space for everyone while maintaining access to all hotel amenities including the coveted aquapark. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/1a085c13.jpg) ### Standard Options For families preferring traditional accommodations, standard **Quadruple Rooms** without specific themes offer the same essential amenities and Disney proximity at around €211 nightly. These rooms provide practical comfort without the elaborate theming, making them ideal for budget-conscious families who plan to spend most of their time exploring Disney parks. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/0bbf3b94.jpg) ## The Star Attraction: Aquapark Access ### Free Water Park Experience What truly distinguishes Explorers Hotel from typical Disney area accommodations is the complimentary aquapark access included with every stay. This isn't merely a hotel pool – it's a comprehensive water adventure featuring multiple waterslides, dedicated children's areas, and aquatic attractions that rival standalone water parks. The aquapark becomes invaluable during peak Disney periods when theme park crowds feel overwhelming. Families can retreat to the hotel's water attractions for relaxation while maintaining excitement and entertainment that children crave. The facility's indoor/outdoor design ensures weather rarely interferes with aquatic fun. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/201e020c--1-.jpg) ### Family-Friendly Water Features The aquapark caters to all ages with shallow pools and gentle slides for younger children, while older kids and adults enjoy more thrilling attractions. Pool loungers surround the area, allowing parents to supervise comfortably. The adjacent playground provides additional entertainment for non-swimmers or when children need breaks from water activities. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/f23d8618.jpg) ## Strategic Location Benefits ### Disney Parks Proximity Explorers Hotel's Magny-le-Hongre location places guests perfectly for Disney adventures. Both Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park sit just 5 minutes away by car, while the complimentary theme park shuttle eliminates transportation concerns entirely. This proximity allows families to return to the hotel for midday rest or early evening relaxation without sacrificing precious Disney time. Val d'Europe shopping center lies within a 9-minute walk, offering dining, shopping, and entertainment alternatives. This proximity proves particularly useful for purchasing Disney souvenirs at potentially better prices or acquiring last-minute travel supplies. ### Paris Day Trip Opportunities One of our favorite aspects of staying here was the seamless access to Paris for day trips. The hotel's location provides an ideal launching point for exploring the City of Light while maintaining your Disney base. Charles de Gaulle Airport sits just 33 minutes away, making arrival and departure convenient for international travelers. We particularly enjoyed taking the train into central Paris for sightseeing, returning to our comfortable adventure-themed accommodation each evening. This combination of Disney magic and Parisian culture creates a well-rounded French vacation experience that appeals to both children and adults. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/IMG_7226.png) ## Room Amenities and Comfort Features ### Modern Conveniences All rooms feature contemporary amenities that enhance the family travel experience. The 81-cm flat-screen TV with premium digital channels provides entertainment during rest periods, while complimentary WiFi keeps everyone connected. Each room includes a desk area for planning daily adventures and an in-room safe for securing valuables. Practical touches include ceiling fans for climate control, coffee and tea making facilities with electric kettle, and daily housekeeping service. The shower/tub combination works perfectly for families, complete with hair dryer and fresh towels provided daily. ### Sustainability Features Explorers Hotel demonstrates environmental responsibility through LED lighting, water-efficient showers, and comprehensive recycling programs. The property eliminates single-use plastics, provides reusable tableware, and sources locally when possible – teaching children about sustainable travel practices. ## Dining and Services ### Continental Breakfast Value The included continental breakfast provides excellent value and convenience for families beginning Disney adventures. Five on-site restaurants including La Plantation, Captain's Library, Marco's Pizza, Point Gourmand, and Bagel Island ensure dining options suit various tastes and budgets throughout your stay. The property accommodates diverse dietary needs with clearly marked vegan and vegetarian options, while children's menus ensure even selective eaters find appealing choices. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/6b654d2c--1-.jpg) ### Additional Hotel Services The 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, and concierge services create a welcoming environment for international guests. Tour and ticket assistance streamlines Disney planning, while luggage storage accommodates early arrivals or late departures without inconvenience. The arcade, game room, garden areas, and terrace provide entertainment and relaxation options when families need breaks from Disney excitement. ## Booking Strategy and Timing ### Peak Season Considerations Based on our experience visiting during UK school holidays, timing significantly impacts your overall experience. While the facilities remained enjoyable during peak periods, the crowds were quite intense. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting during shoulder seasons when both hotel amenities and Disney parks feel less overwhelming. ### Pricing and Value Comparison | Room Type | Sleeps | Bedrooms | Nightly Rate | Best For | | ---------------------------- | ------ | -------- | ------------ | ---------------------------------- | | Standard Quadruple | 4 | 1 | €211 | Budget-conscious families | | Quadruple with Bunkbed | 4 | 1 | €220 | Families wanting themed adventure | | Knight/Princess/Pirate Suite | 6 | 2 | €411-429 | Larger families, immersive theming | | Crew Room | 10 | 3 | €587 | Multi-generational groups | The themed rooms offer exceptional value considering aquapark access, Disney proximity, included breakfast, and elaborate theming. These combined benefits often cost significantly more when purchased separately at other properties. ## Booking Links and Options [Book your Explorers Hotel stay through Hotels.com](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/adamandlinds/explorers-hotel-blog?ref=adamandlinds.com) to secure competitive rates and reliable booking protection. For UK travelers, [specialized UK booking options](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/explorers-hotel-magny-le-hongre-france.MrYbGzZ?ref=adamandlinds.com) ensure optimal currency handling and customer service arrangements. Explore additional Disney accommodation options through [Hotels.com's extensive collection](https://www.hotels.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) or compare comprehensive vacation packages on [Expedia](https://www.expedia.com/shop/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) for complete trip planning including park tickets and dining reservations. [https://www.expedia.com/shop/adamandlinds](https://www.expedia.com/shop/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Final Recommendations Explorers Hotel successfully balances Disney magic with practical family accommodation needs through its combination of themed environments, comprehensive amenities, and unbeatable location. The aquapark access alone justifies the stay, transforming simple lodging into an integral part of the vacation adventure. Families seeking accommodation that entertains children beyond Disney visits while maintaining convenient park access will find this property ideal. The variety of room options ensures every family size and budget finds suitable accommodation without compromising on the adventure theme or essential amenities. Guest reviews consistently highlight cleanliness, surprising spaciousness despite compact room sizes, and excellent family amenities. The 8.0 out of 10 average rating across multiple room types reflects genuine satisfaction from diverse family travelers. As a Certified Travel Advisor, I can secure this accommodation along with exclusive benefits like potential room upgrades, resort credits, or special amenities that booking sites typically don't offer. Professional travel planning ensures your Disney vacation exceeds expectations through personalized recommendations and insider knowledge. **Ready to plan your magical Disney family adventure?** Contact me at lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel to discuss Explorers Hotel options and discover how expert travel planning can enhance your French getaway with exclusive perks and personalized itineraries tailored to your family's unique interests and needs. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/929bd43f.jpg) --- **FTC Disclosure*: This post contains affiliate links. When you book accommodations through our Hotels.com or Expedia links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support our family's travels and allow us to continue sharing honest reviews and travel tips. All opinions expressed are our own based on our genuine experiences at the properties we review. Thank you for supporting Adam and Linds!* ### What are the disadvantages of Holafly? URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-holafly/ Last updated: 2026-08-01T14:31:13.000Z [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=what-are-the-disadvantages-of-holafly&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) is still the eSIM we reach for as a family, but no eSIM is the right fit for every trip. After using Holafly in 19 countries as of August 2026 with our three daughters, we've run into a handful of real limitations. Here are the ones worth knowing before you buy, kept to the drawbacks rather than the full picture. ## No calls or texts on a destination eSIM The biggest one to understand up front: a Holafly destination eSIM is data-only. There is no dialer, no SMS inbox, and no local number attached to it. Everything voice or text has to run over data through WhatsApp, FaceTime, or similar. The one exception is the Unlimited Plan, which adds a US, UK, or Canada number that receives texts only, so it still will not place a normal call or send an SMS. This bites in specific moments. A guesthouse in rural Japan that confirms bookings by phone rather than email, a delivery driver in Da Nang trying to call about a drop-off, a bank that insists on sending a one-time code to a real number. We handle it by keeping our home carrier line switched on for calls and texts alongside the Holafly data, but that means paying two providers and remembering which line does what. ## Hotspot limits change from country to country Holafly sells the plans as unlimited, and for data on your own phone that holds up. Tethering is where it gets uneven. The hotspot allowance is not the same everywhere, so a plan that shares freely to a laptop in one country can be much tighter in the next. If you work off a laptop over your phone's hotspot, that inconsistency is hard to plan around. We have been caught out by this more than once, assuming we could run a work call off a tethered laptop and finding the hotspot far more limited than the phone data. If tethering matters to your trip, check the hotspot terms for each specific destination before you rely on it. ## Fair use can slow you down Unlimited comes with a fair use policy, and Holafly is not especially specific about where the line sits. In normal use we rarely notice it. During our longer stays, like the months we spent based in Da Nang, there were high-usage days where speeds clearly dropped for a while before recovering. It is not a hard cap you hit and lose service, but it is a reason not to treat the plan as a truly bottomless home-internet replacement. ## Coverage depends on the local partner network Your Holafly data rides on a partner carrier in each country, and you do not get to pick which one. Most of the time that network is fine. In weaker spots it is whatever that partner covers, which is not always the strongest option locally. Deep in the forest outside Rovaniemi in Lapland, or in some rural stretches, we have watched data thin out where a local SIM on a different network might have held on. In cities we almost never think about it. ## It is more than light users need If you spend most of your day on hotel or cafe WiFi and only want a bit of data for maps and the occasional message, an unlimited plan is more than the trip calls for. For that style of travel a small fixed-data eSIM from another provider can come out cheaper. Holafly earns its keep when you are genuinely leaning on mobile data all day, not when you are topping up between WiFi. ## Buying one eSIM per country adds up The per-destination model is simple for a single country, but it gets fiddly and pricey on a fast multi-country trip. Our winter loop through seven European countries would have meant juggling a separate purchase and activation for several of them if we had bought destination eSIMs one at a time. There is a Plans subscription that covers many countries on one eSIM to solve exactly this, but if you stick to per-destination eSIMs, a border-heavy itinerary is where the cost and the admin pile up. ## Regional plans have coverage gaps The regional eSIMs help with the problem above, but they do not cover a whole continent gap-free. The Europe plan covers most of the EU, for instance, yet there are countries a traveler can easily cross into that fall outside it. On a trip that dips in and out of non-EU stops, that gap can leave you without data right when you cross a border. Read the covered-country list for the exact regional plan before you count on it for the whole route. ## It is eSIM only, on one device Holafly is eSIM only, with no physical SIM option. Your phone has to support eSIM, which rules out older or budget handsets and some region-locked models. It also lives on the one device you installed it on, so you cannot pop it into a spare phone or hand it to one of the kids' older tablets the way you can with a plastic SIM. For most recent phones this is a non-issue, but it is worth checking your device before you buy. ## Support is chat based Support runs through chat and WhatsApp rather than a phone line. The team has been responsive for us, but there is an obvious catch: if the thing that is broken is your data, you are trying to troubleshoot the connection over the same connection that is down. In practice that means falling back on hotel or cafe WiFi to reach them, which is fine once you know to expect it. ## The verdict None of this has moved us off Holafly as our main eSIM. For our travel, the unlimited data and the install-before-you-fly simplicity outweigh the trade-offs above. The point of listing them is to set honest expectations, so the plan matches how you actually travel rather than how the marketing reads. If you want the other side of the ledger, including the speeds, hotspot rules, and pricing in detail, our full [Holafly review](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-review-2026-disadvantages-reliability-esim-fixes/) covers why we still choose them. ### Holafly eSIM For most travelers Holafly is still an easy call, drawbacks and all. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off your Holafly eSIM. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=what-are-the-disadvantages-of-holafly&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=discount-page&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We use Holafly on every trip and only recommend what we actually use. All opinions are our own. ### Japan Airlines Same-Day Luggage Delivery: A Game-Changer for Family Travel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/japan-airlines-same-day-luggage-delivery/ Last updated: 2026-05-13T09:12:33.000Z Traveling with three kids under ten makes every bit of convenience a lifesaver. Japan, our family’s favorite destination, never fails to deliver with its seamless efficiency, from Tokyo DisneySea to Nara’s bowing deer. But hauling suitcases through busy airports and packed trains? That’s a headache we’d rather avoid. [Japan Airlines’ (JAL) Same-day Delivery Service](https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/offers/same-day-delivery-service/?ref=adamandlinds.com) lets you explore Japan hands-free from the moment you land, and it’s been a game-changer for our family’s trips in 2023 and 2024\. Here’s why this service is a must for families and how it can transform your Japan adventure. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/1742139138788.jpeg) ## What Is JAL’s Same-Day Delivery Service? JAL’s Same-day Delivery Service allows passengers arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (Terminal 3), Narita International Airport (Terminal 2), or Kansai International Airport (Terminal 1) to have their luggage delivered to their hotel on the same day. Drop your bags at the JAL ABC counter in the arrival lobby, and they’ll be at your hotel by evening—no wrestling with suitcases on the Tokyo Metro. Available to all passengers, not just JAL flyers, the service costs JPY 4,500 (about USD 30) per bag. For our family of five, that’s a small price to pay for starting our trip stress-free. We discovered this service via an [Instagram post](https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/offers/same-day-delivery-service/?utm%5Fsource=Instagram&utm%5Fmedium=display&utm%5Fcampaign=19%5Far%5Fservice&utm%5Fcontent=015%5Fsdd%5Fus%5F202507%5Fint%5FB&utm%5Fid=120230064955260496&utm%5Fterm=120230636431190496&fbclid=PAQ0xDSwLlxxJleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqyWXK8x6cAGnZBlo7vVMCqpov9vMO314rTZt3hS9iw5pcIO90UbaJ0C7TLT2xgO9Lud9fVo%5Faem%5FWsnHnFLCzQzC9a0IAZ1PHg) before our 2023 Tokyo trip. After a long flight from Los Angeles, the idea of navigating Shinjuku with three jet-lagged kids and five suitcases was overwhelming. We dropped our bags at Haneda’s JAL ABC counter, hopped on the monorail, and were enjoying ramen in Shibuya by noon—completely luggage-free. ## How Does It Work? The process is as smooth as a bullet train. Here’s how it works: 1. **Find the JAL ABC Counter**: After clearing customs, head to the JAL ABC counter in the arrival lobby. At Haneda (Terminal 3), it’s on the second floor, open 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Narita (Terminal 2) runs from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Kansai (Terminal 1) from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 2. **Apply for the Service**: Pre-book online at [JAL’s booking page](https://baggage-deliver-service.jal.co.jp/t3/?ref=adamandlinds.com) or apply at the counter by scanning a QR code. Provide your hotel details and, if you’re a JAL Mileage Bank (JMB) member, your membership number to earn miles. 3. **Tag and Drop**: Issue a baggage sticker from the machine next to the counter, attach it to your suitcase, and hand it over. Bags must be within 160 cm (length + width + height) and 20 kg (44 lbs)—no golf bags or bicycles allowed. 4. **Explore Hands-Free**: Your luggage arrives at your hotel by 8:00 p.m. (if checked in by 4:00 p.m.) or 10:00 p.m. (if checked in by 6:00 p.m.). Our bags were waiting at our Shinjuku hotel after a day at Ueno Zoo. **Pro Tip**: Fill your luggage-free day with activities like a Tokyo Skytree visit or a cultural tour, booked through [Klook](https://www.klook.com/?aid=ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK&ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** for a discount. Stay connected with an eSIM from [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off to track your bags or navigate Japan. *This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission on purchases made through them.* ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/1742280512508.jpeg) **Haneda* ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/narita.jpeg) Narita ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/kansai.jpeg) Kansai ## Why It’s Perfect for Families With kids, you’re always carrying extra—snacks, toys, spare clothes, you name it. When we landed in Tokyo in 2023, Harper, then four, was still recovering from a broken arm from our 2022 Vienna trip. Dragging suitcases through crowded stations was a non-starter. JAL’s service let us focus on keeping the girls happy and exploring Japan’s kid-friendly attractions. Japan’s public transport is world-class but not always luggage-friendly. Tokyo Metro stations often have stairs, and storage lockers are scarce during peak seasons like cherry blossom season. By sending our bags ahead, we could take the girls to places like the Ghibli Museum or Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple without worrying about luggage. In 2024, we used the service again and spent our first day in Tokyo at Senso-ji, where the girls learned about Buddhist traditions by tossing coins into the offering box—luggage nowhere in sight. For worldschooling families like ours, this service is a dream. We educate Lily (second grade), Cora (first grade), and Harper (kindergarten) through travel. The extra time from not managing bags meant a visit to the National Museum of Nature and Science, where the girls sketched dinosaur skeletons for their journals, turning our first day into a learning adventure. ## Where and When Can You Use It? The service covers specific areas: - **Haneda and Narita**: Tokyo’s 14 wards (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Shinagawa, Taito, Sumida, Chiyoda, Chuo, Minato, Meguro, Koto, Edogawa, Ota, Toshima, Bunkyo). Narita also includes areas around Narita International Airport and Narita Station. - **Kansai**: Osaka City, around Sakai Station in Sakai City, and Kyoto City. Delivery times depend on the airport: - **Haneda**: Check-in by 4:00 p.m. for delivery by 8:00 p.m.; check-in by 6:00 p.m. for delivery by 10:00 p.m. - **Narita and Kansai**: Check-in by 6:00 p.m. for delivery by 10:00 p.m. Slots are limited, so book early, especially during busy seasons. Weather or traffic may cause delays, but we’ve never had issues. Stay connected with [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off to track your luggage or explore with ease. *We earn a commission on Holafly purchases.* ## Worldschooling Connection: Learning Without Luggage Worldschooling is about weaving education into travel, and JAL’s service gives us more time for it. In Tokyo, we skipped luggage hassles and took the girls to a sushi-making class booked via [Viator](https://www.viator.com/?pid=PONkVe&ref=adamandlinds.com), where they learned Japanese numbers from the chef. Lily turned the experience into a second-grade writing journal entry about fresh wasabi. The service also simplifies multi-city itineraries, crucial for worldschooling. After Tokyo, we took a bullet train to Osaka for Super Nintendo World, using JAL’s [Japan Explorer Pass](https://www.jal.co.jp/en/japan-explorer-pass/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for affordable domestic flights. ## Things to Watch Out For A few key points to keep in mind: - **Size and Weight Limits**: Bags must be 160 cm or less in total dimensions and 20 kg or less. Our roller suitcases fit, but oversized items like golf bags or bicycles don’t qualify. - **Hotel-Only Delivery**: Delivery is limited to hotels, not private residences or Airbnbs. Confirm your hotel is in the service area. - **Limited Availability**: Book early, especially during cherry blossom season or Golden Week, as slots fill up fast. - **JMB Miles**: Enter your 7- or 9-digit JMB number correctly to earn miles. I mistyped once and missed out—learn from my mistake! - **Cancellations and Refunds**: Cancel via the URL in the application email. Refunds are available within three days only if the service fails due to flight delays or similar issues. No refunds for customer negligence after delivery. For inquiries, email [jal\_b.delivery@qag.jp](mailto:jal%5Fb.delivery@qag.jp). Responses are in English, Chinese, or Korean only. ## Why We Love It As a dad, I’m always looking for ways to make travel easier for Lindsay and the girls. JAL’s Same-day Delivery Service is like having a personal concierge, reflecting Japan’s incredible attention to detail. Whether we’re feeding deer in Nara or riding coasters at Tokyo DisneySea, this service lets us focus on making memories, not managing bags. In May 2024, we used it again in Kyoto, spending our first day exploring Fushimi Inari’s red gates. The girls learned about Shinto shrines while our bags were safely delivered to our hotel. It’s moments like these that remind me why we sold our house to travel full-time. ## Plan Your Japan Adventure with Ease JAL’s Same-day Delivery Service is a must for families visiting Japan. It’s affordable, efficient, and frees you to dive into your adventure. Ready to plan your trip? Contact Lindsay at [Lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:Lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized itineraries, from JAL flights to kid-friendly activities. Book experiences with [Klook](https://www.klook.com/?aid=ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK&ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** and stay connected with [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) using code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. *This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission on purchases made through them. Learn more at* [*JAL’s official site*](https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/offers/same-day-delivery-service/?ref=adamandlinds.com)*.* ## About the Author Adam Clarkson is the dad behind *Adam and Linds - The Worldschool Family*, a YouTube channel with over 31,000 subscribers chronicling his family’s global adventures since May 2022\. With his wife, Lindsay, and daughters, Lily, Cora, and Harper, Adam has explored 20+ countries, sharing worldschooling and family travel tips. A Japan enthusiast, he dreams of RVing New Zealand. Follow their journey on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com). ### How to Stay Connected While Traveling Abroad: A Complete Guide for Families URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/how-to-stay-connected-while-traveling-abroad/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:40.000Z T-Mobile's international plan sounds incredible on paper. "Free international data and texting in 215+ countries!" they proudly advertise. What they don't mention is that "free" data crawls at speeds so slow that Google Maps takes three minutes to load your current location, assuming it loads at all. You get a whopping 5GB of high-speed data per device per month, which disappears faster than snacks on a long-haul flight with kids. We learned this the hard way during our first months of travel. Standing in a Bangkok street trying to navigate to our Airbnb while our phones displayed the spinning wheel of uselessness was when we realized carrier "international plans" are marketing fairy tales designed to keep you paying monthly fees for essentially no service. The real challenge isn't getting your phone to connect abroad – it's staying meaningfully connected to family back home, managing the apps that actually matter, and configuring your device to avoid surprise bills while still receiving those crucial two-factor authentication codes that modern life demands. After three years of full-time travel across 20+ countries, we've figured out exactly which apps keep families connected, how to configure your phone for international travel, and why your carrier's international plan is probably worthless. ## The Apps That Actually Keep Families Connected Forget everything your carrier told you about international calling and texting. Modern family communication happens through data-powered apps, and choosing the right ones makes the difference between staying close to loved ones and feeling completely isolated abroad. ### WhatsApp: The Universal Family Connector [WhatsApp](https://www.whatsapp.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) is not optional for international travel. It's the default communication method for literally everyone outside the United States, from your Airbnb host to your taxi driver to other traveling families you'll meet. #### **Why WhatsApp dominates globally:** - Voice and video calls work flawlessly over WiFi or data - Messages, photos, and videos send instantly without SMS charges - Group chats keep extended family connected - Voice messages bridge language barriers - Status updates give family glimpses of your adventures - Works on any phone, regardless of brand or carrier #### **Family WhatsApp strategies:** Create a family group chat for daily updates and quick coordination. Use WhatsApp video calls for bedtime stories with grandparents. Share location in real-time when exploring new cities. Send voice messages when typing is impractical (like when wrangling three kids through an airport). ### iMessage and FaceTime: The Apple Ecosystem Advantage If your family uses iPhones, iMessage and FaceTime become your primary communication tools. The key distinction: blue bubbles (iMessage) use data and work internationally, while green bubbles (SMS) trigger international charges. #### **Critical iMessage settings for travel:** - Enable "Send as SMS" OFF to prevent fallback to expensive text messaging - Use WiFi or international data for all iMessage communication - FaceTime audio calls often have better quality than traditional voice calls - Group FaceTime keeps multiple family members connected simultaneously #### **Why this matters:** Your kids can stay connected with friends back home through iMessage without triggering international SMS charges, as long as everyone has iPhones and proper settings. ### Instagram and Snapchat: Visual Connection for Adults While our kids are too young for social media, [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) has become essential for staying connected with friends and sharing travel experiences with extended family. Lindsay also uses [Snapchat](https://www.snapchat.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for quick updates with friends back home. #### **Instagram for family travel:** - Stories provide real-time travel updates for extended family - Direct messages work globally over data or WiFi - IGTV and Reels showcase travel experiences - Close Friends feature keeps updates private to family only #### **Snapchat considerations:** - Uses significant data if not managed properly - Snap Map can share location with friends (adjust privacy settings) - Video calls work well for quick check-ins - Memories create automatic travel documentation ### Google Meet and Zoom: Professional-Grade Family Calls For families who need reliable video calling, especially worldschooling families with online classes, [Google Meet](https://meet.google.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) and [Zoom](https://zoom.us/?ref=adamandlinds.com) often outperform consumer options. #### **Advantages for family travel:** - Superior video quality over international connections - Screen sharing for virtual travel experiences - Recording capabilities for important family calls - Calendar integration for scheduled family time across time zones ### Signal and Telegram: Privacy Options You Might Need We don't regularly use [Signal](https://signal.org/?ref=adamandlinds.com) or [Telegram](https://telegram.org/?ref=adamandlinds.com), but they're worth having installed as backup options for families concerned about privacy or traveling to countries with restricted internet access. #### **When these apps become relevant:** - Travel to countries with internet restrictions - Sensitive family communications - Backup communication when primary apps fail - Enhanced privacy features for family safety ### Line: Asian-Focused but Frustrating [Line](https://line.me/?ref=adamandlinds.com) is massive in Asian markets, particularly Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. We absolutely hate using it, but sometimes it's the only way to communicate with Airbnb hosts or make restaurant reservations in certain countries. #### **Why Line is challenging for Western users:** - UI designed specifically for Asian user preferences - Overwhelming interface with features most travelers don't need - Different communication patterns than Western apps - Essential in some countries despite poor user experience for foreigners #### **When you're forced to use Line:** - Restaurant reservations in Japan and Korea - Some Airbnb hosts only communicate through Line - Local tour bookings in certain Asian countries - Connecting with other expat families who've adapted to local norms ### WeChat: China Preparation We've set up [WeChat](https://www.wechat.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) accounts in preparation for our upcoming China trip, though we haven't used it extensively yet. From what we understand, it's not just messaging – it's essentially how everything works in China. #### **WeChat's role in China:** - Primary communication method for locals and businesses - Payment system for most transactions - Essential for booking accommodations and services - Required for many daily activities within China ## Configuring Your Phone for International Travel Getting your phone set up properly for international travel means maintaining the connectivity you need while avoiding the charges you don't want. This isn't about turning everything off – it's about being strategic with your settings. ### The Essential Phone Configuration #### **Step 1: Disable Cellular Data Roaming** This prevents your phone from automatically connecting to foreign networks and racking up charges. You can still receive calls and texts on your US number while connected to WiFi. #### **Step 2: Enable WiFi Calling** Most carriers support WiFi calling, allowing you to receive calls and texts on your US number over any WiFi connection. This is crucial for two-factor authentication codes and emergency family contact. #### **Step 3: Configure Airplane Mode Strategy** Use airplane mode as your base setting, then manually enable WiFi. This prevents any accidental cellular connections while maintaining internet access through secure networks. #### **Step 4: Manage App Data Usage** Review which apps can use cellular data versus WiFi only. Disable automatic updates, cloud backups, and background app refresh for cellular connections. ### The Two-Factor Authentication Challenge Modern life requires constant authentication codes for banking, email, and various accounts. Here's how to maintain access while traveling: #### **SMS-based authentication:** Keep your US phone number active for receiving SMS codes over WiFi calling. Most banks and services still rely on SMS for verification. #### **Authenticator apps:** Install [Google Authenticator](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/1066447?ref=adamandlinds.com), [Authy](https://authy.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com), or [Microsoft Authenticator](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/mobile-authenticator-app?ref=adamandlinds.com) before traveling. These work offline and don't require SMS. #### **Backup codes:** Generate and securely store backup codes for all important accounts before departure. #### **International phone numbers:** Some services accept international phone numbers for verification. Consider adding an international number as a backup authentication method. ## Understanding Data vs. SMS vs. Voice in International Context The confusion around international communication stems from understanding how different types of communication work and cost abroad. ### Data: Your Primary Communication Method Data powers all modern communication apps and should be your primary connectivity method while traveling. This includes WhatsApp, iMessage, social media, email, maps, and web browsing. #### **Data sources while traveling:** - International eSIM plans (recommended) - WiFi networks (free but often unreliable) - Carrier international data (expensive and slow) - Local SIM cards (hassle but cost-effective for long stays) ### SMS: Expensive and Increasingly Irrelevant Traditional text messaging typically costs $0.25-$0.50 per message internationally and serves primarily as a backup communication method. #### **When you still need SMS:** - Two-factor authentication codes - Emergency communications when data isn't available - Communicating with local services that only use SMS - Backup when internet-based messaging fails ### Voice: The Emergency Option Traditional voice calls cost $1-$3 per minute internationally and should be reserved for emergencies or essential local communications. #### **Alternatives to expensive voice calls:** - [WhatsApp](https://www.whatsapp.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) voice calls over data - [FaceTime](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380?ref=adamandlinds.com) audio for iPhone users - [Skype](https://www.skype.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for calling traditional phone numbers - [Google Voice](https://voice.google.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for US number forwarding ## Why T-Mobile's International Plan Fails Families T-Mobile's Magenta and Magenta Max plans include "unlimited" international data, but the reality is far different from the marketing promise. #### **The truth about T-Mobile's international plan:** - Data speeds throttled to 2G speeds (0.128 Mbps) after initial allowance - 5GB of high-speed data per line per month, then severe throttling - Video streaming blocked or heavily compressed - Voice calls still cost $0.25 per minute - Inconsistent coverage depending on local carrier partnerships #### **Why this doesn't work for families:** Google Maps requires consistent data for navigation. Throttled speeds make maps unusable in unfamiliar cities. Kids' entertainment apps won't function on 2G speeds. Video calls with family become impossible. Online schooling platforms require reliable bandwidth. #### **Better alternatives to carrier plans:** [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) unlimited eSIM plans start at $1.99/day with true unlimited high-speed data (use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off). [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) offers comprehensive coverage in 200+ countries with reasonable data allowances (code **ADAMLINDS3** for $3 off). ## eSIM Solutions That Actually Work for Families After testing numerous eSIM providers across our travels, these three consistently deliver the connectivity families actually need: ### Holafly: Unlimited Data Without Headaches [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) offers truly unlimited data plans for $1.99/day in most countries. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. #### **Why Holafly works for families:** - Genuine unlimited data (no throttling in our experience) - 24/7 customer support via chat - Coverage in 190+ countries - Instant activation - Hotspot capability for sharing with multiple devices #### **Real-world performance:** During our six months in Vietnam, Holafly's unlimited plan handled multiple devices, video calls with family, online schooling, and endless YouTube for the kids without throttling or additional charges. ### Airalo: Global Coverage and Flexibility [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) provides the most comprehensive global coverage with regional plans perfect for multi-country travel. Code **ADAMLINDS3** saves $3 on your first plan. #### **Airalo advantages:** - Coverage in 200+ countries - Regional plans work across multiple countries - Competitive pricing for data allowances - Excellent app interface - Plans never expire after purchase ### Airhub: Budget-Conscious Unlimited Options [Airhub](https://gighubsystemsinc.sjv.io/9La2Vj?ref=adamandlinds.com) offers the most competitive pricing for unlimited data plans. Get 10% off through our link. #### **Best for:** Families who want unlimited data without premium pricing. Coverage is solid in major destinations, though customer support isn't as robust as Holafly. ## Managing Multiple Devices and Family Connectivity Traveling with multiple phones, tablets, and devices requires strategy beyond individual eSIM plans. ### The Hotspot Strategy One unlimited eSIM plan can serve an entire family through mobile hotspot functionality. Most modern phones support 5-10 connected devices simultaneously. #### **Hotspot considerations:** - Battery drain on the primary device - Potential speed throttling with heavy usage - Single point of failure if primary device has issues - Data usage tracking across multiple devices ### Individual Device Plans For families with older kids who have their own phones, individual eSIM plans provide independence and redundancy. #### **When individual plans make sense:** - Teenagers who need independence - Parents working different schedules - Backup connectivity in case of device failure - Extended family travel with different needs ## Security and Privacy While Connected Abroad Staying connected abroad requires attention to security, especially when using public WiFi networks and unfamiliar local infrastructure. ### VPN Services for Family Travel [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) protects your family's internet traffic on public WiFi networks. Get 4 extra months free with annual plans through our link. #### **Why VPNs matter for traveling families:** - Encrypt data on public WiFi networks - Access US-based streaming content abroad - Protect banking and sensitive communications - Bypass content restrictions in some countries ### Secure Communication Practices #### **Public WiFi guidelines:** - Never access banking or sensitive accounts on public WiFi without VPN - Use hotel or accommodation WiFi over public hotspots when possible - Verify WiFi network names with staff to avoid fake networks - Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts ## The Real Cost of Staying Connected While Traveling Understanding the true cost of international connectivity helps families budget appropriately and choose the right solutions. ### Monthly Connectivity Costs for Family of 5 #### **T-Mobile international roaming:** $150-200/month - Slow, throttled data after 5GB per line - Voice calls at $0.25/minute - Essentially unusable for real connectivity needs #### **Carrier daily international plans:** $300-500/month - $10-15 per device per day - Full-speed data but extremely expensive - Works well but financially unsustainable #### **eSIM unlimited plans (Holafly):** $150-300/month - True unlimited high-speed data - Multiple device support through hotspot - Reliable and cost-effective for families #### **Budget eSIM approach (Airhub + WiFi):** $75-150/month - Unlimited plans where available - Strategic WiFi usage to reduce costs - Requires more planning but very economical ### Hidden Costs and Considerations **Device compatibility:** Older phones may need upgrading for eSIM support **Backup power:** Portable batteries essential for hotspot devices **Emergency communication:** [SafetyWing](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) travel insurance includes communication support **Time zone management:** Apps like World Clock Pro help coordinate family calls ## Troubleshooting Common International Connectivity Issues Even with proper setup, connectivity issues arise while traveling. Here's how to quickly resolve the most common problems: ### "Messages Not Sending" Problems **iMessage issues:** Verify iMessage is enabled and using data/WiFi, not SMS fallback **WhatsApp failures:** Check data connection, restart app, verify phone number registration **Cross-platform messaging:** Remember that iPhone to Android messages use SMS by default ### Two-Factor Authentication Failures **SMS codes not arriving:** Ensure WiFi calling is enabled and phone has US network access **Authenticator app issues:** Check device time zone settings, which affect code generation **Backup access:** Use backup codes or alternative authentication methods when primary fails ### Slow or Inconsistent Data **eSIM performance issues:** Try manual network selection, restart device, contact provider support **WiFi problems:** Test multiple networks, use VPN to bypass restrictions **Device-specific issues:** Check APN settings, clear network settings, update carrier settings ## Apps for Managing International Travel Communication Beyond basic messaging apps, several specialized apps make international family communication easier: ### Time Zone Coordination [**World Clock Pro**](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/world-clock-pro/id858493965?ref=adamandlinds.com)**:** Track multiple time zones for family call scheduling [**Google Calendar**](https://calendar.google.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com)**:** Automatic time zone conversion for family events [**When2meet**](https://www.when2meet.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com)**:** Coordinate meeting times across time zones with extended family ### Translation and Communication [**Google Translate**](https://translate.google.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com)**:** Real-time conversation translation, offline language packs [**Papago**](https://papago.naver.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com)**:** Excellent for Asian languages, camera translation features [**Microsoft Translator**](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/translator/apps/?ref=adamandlinds.com)**:** Group conversation translation for multi-language situations ### Family Location and Safety [**Find My**](https://www.apple.com/icloud/find-my/?ref=adamandlinds.com) **(Apple):** Family location sharing across devices and time zones [**Google Family Link**](https://families.google.com/familylink/?ref=adamandlinds.com)**:** Manage kids' devices and track location internationally [**Life360**](https://www.life360.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com)**:** Comprehensive family tracking and communication platform ## Setting Up Your Family for International Connectivity Success ### Pre-Travel Preparation Checklist #### **Two weeks before departure:** - \[ \] Install and test eSIM provider apps - \[ \] Set up authenticator apps for important accounts - \[ \] Generate backup codes for all critical services - \[ \] Update all family devices to latest software versions - \[ \] Purchase initial eSIM plans for first destination #### **One week before departure:** - \[ \] Configure WiFi calling on all devices - \[ \] Test international calling and messaging setup - \[ \] Download offline maps and translation apps - \[ \] Set up family WhatsApp groups - \[ \] Install VPN software on all devices #### **Day of departure:** - \[ \] Enable airplane mode as default setting - \[ \] Activate eSIM plans upon arrival - \[ \] Test connectivity before leaving airport - \[ \] Share arrival confirmation with family - \[ \] Verify all messaging apps work properly ### Teaching Kids International Communication #### **Age-appropriate communication rules:** - Elementary age: Supervised messaging with grandparents and close family - Middle school: Independent messaging with friends using approved apps - High school: Full communication independence with safety guidelines ### **Data usage education:** Teach kids about international data costs and conservation. Show them how to check data usage in device settings. Explain the difference between WiFi and cellular data. Create family rules about data-intensive activities like video streaming. ## Regional Connectivity Considerations Different parts of the world have varying infrastructure, regulations, and communication preferences that affect your connectivity strategy. ### Europe: Excellent Infrastructure, Regional Complexity **What works well:** eSIM regional plans, consistent 4G/5G coverage, widespread WiFi **Challenges:** Multiple countries with different regulations, some rural coverage gaps **Best approach:** [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) Europe regional plans for multi-country travel ### Asia: Infrastructure Varies Dramatically **Strong connectivity:** Japan, South Korea, Singapore, urban Thailand **Developing infrastructure:** Rural Southeast Asia, some parts of India **Special considerations:** Government restrictions in some countries may affect app availability **Recommended:** [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) for consistent unlimited data across diverse infrastructure ### Latin America: Improving Rapidly with Gaps **Urban areas:** Generally excellent connectivity in major cities **Rural regions:** Significant coverage gaps in mountainous or remote areas **Cost considerations:** Data can be expensive relative to local income levels **Strategy:** Combination of eSIM for cities, offline preparation for rural areas ## Advanced Family Communication Strategies ### Creating Communication Rhythms **Daily check-ins:** Establish regular times for family calls with relatives back home **Emergency protocols:** Clear procedures for communication during emergencies **Time zone awareness:** Use scheduling apps to coordinate across multiple time zones **Cultural sensitivity:** Understand local communication norms and restrictions ### Managing Communication Across Multiple Time Zones **Family calendar coordination:** Shared Google Calendar with automatic time zone conversion **Flexible scheduling:** Asynchronous communication methods for large time differences **Special event planning:** Coordinate birthday calls, holidays, and important family moments **School schedule communication:** Keep grandparents informed of kids' achievement and activities ## Frequently Asked Questions About International Family Communication ### How do I turn on international roaming? Contact your carrier to enable international roaming, but we strongly recommend against using it due to excessive costs. Instead, use airplane mode with WiFi and eSIM plans for much better value and performance. ### What is international roaming? International roaming allows your phone to connect to foreign networks through your home carrier. However, this typically results in very slow data speeds and high costs ($10-15 per day per device for most carriers). ### Should I have international roaming on or off? Turn international roaming OFF to avoid surprise charges. Use WiFi calling to receive important calls and texts on your US number, and eSIM plans for reliable data connectivity. ### Can I use US mobile internationally? Yes, but carrier international plans like T-Mobile's are severely limited with slow data speeds after small allowances. eSIM plans from [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) or [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) provide much better performance and value. ### How do I use my cell phone internationally? Use airplane mode as your default setting, connect to WiFi networks, install eSIM plans for data, and communicate through apps like WhatsApp and iMessage rather than traditional calling and texting. ### How do I text internationally for free? Use messaging apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger over WiFi or data. These don't use traditional SMS and work globally without additional charges. ### Is texting free internationally with WiFi? Traditional SMS texting still incurs charges even with WiFi unless you have specific settings enabled. Use internet-based messaging apps instead, which work over WiFi without SMS charges. ### How do I use my phone abroad? The best approach: airplane mode + WiFi + eSIM data + messaging apps. This provides full functionality while avoiding expensive roaming charges and maintaining connection to family back home. ### How do I call outside of the USA? Use internet-based calling through WhatsApp, FaceTime Audio, or Skype instead of traditional international calling. These apps work over WiFi or data without per-minute charges. ### How do you use your phone internationally? Focus on data-based communication rather than traditional cellular service. Use eSIM plans for data, WiFi when available, and apps for all communication. Keep traditional calling as emergency backup only. ### How to call and text internationally? Modern international communication relies on apps: WhatsApp for messaging and voice calls, iMessage for iPhone users, FaceTime for video calls, and Skype for calling traditional phone numbers when necessary. ### How to call when roaming? If you must use roaming (not recommended), dial + followed by the country code and phone number. However, app-based calling is always more economical and often provides better quality. ## Our Current Communication Setup After Three Years **Primary messaging:** WhatsApp for all international communication, including family, accommodations, and local contacts **Video calling:** FaceTime for iPhone family members, WhatsApp video for mixed device families **Emergency contact:** US phone numbers maintained for two-factor authentication and emergency calls through WiFi calling **Data connectivity:** [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) unlimited eSIM plans as primary, [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) as backup **Security:** [ExpressVPN](https://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) for all public WiFi usage **Device management:** One unlimited plan shared via hotspot to all family devices ### Checkout our full review on eSims here: [Best Family eSIM Cards 2025: Holafly vs Airalo GuideHolafly, Airalo & more eSIMs tested across 20+ countries with kids. Unlimited data from $1.99/day. Use: ADAMANDLINDS (5% off) ADAMLINDS3 ($3 off)![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/favicon-2.ico)Adam and Linds: The Worldschool JournalAdam Clarkson![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/thumbnail/esim_activate_paris.jpeg)](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans-2025/) This setup has kept us connected across 20+ countries, through multiple time zones, and during various infrastructure challenges while keeping costs reasonable and maintaining reliable communication with family back home. The key is understanding that modern international communication is fundamentally different from domestic usage. Success comes from embracing app-based communication, properly configuring your devices, and choosing connectivity solutions that actually work rather than relying on carrier promises that sound good but deliver poor real-world performance. Ready to set up your family for international connectivity success? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for travel planning that includes communication strategies tailored to your family's specific needs and destinations. --- *This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps fund our continued travels and testing of connectivity solutions. We only recommend products and services we actually use with our own family. All opinions are our own, especially the frustrated ones about carrier international plans.* ### The Complete Guide to Coupon Code Sites: Finding Real Deals for Travel and Beyond URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-coupon-code-sites-finding-real-deals-for-travel-and-beyond/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:41.000Z Finding legitimate discount codes while planning family travel can feel like hunting for buried treasure. With three kids and destinations spanning 20+ countries, we've learned which coupon sites actually deliver savings and which ones are just clever affiliate traps designed to steal commissions from your favorite creators. Whether you're booking [eSIM plans with Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) using our code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off, or hunting for deals on family travel gear, understanding how coupon sites work can save you serious money while supporting the creators you trust. ## How Coupon Code Sites Actually Work Most people think coupon sites are just helpful repositories of discount codes. The reality is more complex and potentially problematic for both consumers and content creators. **The basic model:** Coupon sites aggregate discount codes from retailers and earn affiliate commissions when you make purchases through their links. This sounds harmless until you realize that many sites prioritize their own affiliate earnings over providing you with the best available deals. **The creator problem:** Sites like Honey (now owned by PayPal) have faced criticism for automatically replacing creator affiliate links with their own, essentially stealing commissions from YouTubers, bloggers, and other content creators who helped you discover products in the first place. When you use our [Holafly discount code ADAMANDLINDS](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com), you're supporting our family's ability to continue creating travel content. Browser extensions and some coupon sites can override these relationships without your knowledge. ## The Most Reliable Coupon Sites for Travel Deals Based on our experience hunting for family travel deals across multiple continents, here are the coupon sites that actually deliver legitimate savings: ### eSIM Discount Codes: Specialized Travel Connectivity [ESIMDiscountCodes.com](https://esimdiscountcodes.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) focuses specifically on mobile data deals for international travelers. For families like ours who depend on reliable connectivity while worldschooling, this specialized approach beats general coupon sites. **Key advantage:** Curator understands the specific needs of international travelers and maintains current codes for providers like [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com), [Nomad](https://www.getnomad.app/?rfsn=8767142.451ec7&ref=adamandlinds.com), and others in our eSIM comparison guide. ### RetailMeNot: The Established Giant RetailMeNot remains the most comprehensive general coupon site, with extensive coverage of travel booking platforms, gear retailers, and family-friendly services. **Strengths:** Massive database, browser extension, and partnership with many major travel brands including hotels and rental car companies. **Weaknesses:** Can override creator affiliate links, and the sheer volume sometimes means outdated codes slip through. ### Slickdeals: Community-Driven Bargains Slickdeals operates more like a community forum where users share and vote on deals. This model often surfaces better travel deals than algorithm-driven sites. **Best for:** Electronics, luggage, and travel gear deals that complement your trip planning. We've found excellent deals on [travel essentials through their Amazon integration](https://www.amazon.com/?&linkCode=ll2&tag=adamandlinds00-20&linkId=fddca2426a835ac36c753dfc728d6b33&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl&ref=adamandlinds.com). ## How to Spot Legitimate vs. Fake Coupon Codes After years of hunting for family travel deals, we've developed a system for identifying legitimate discount codes: ### Signs of Legitimate Codes **Specific expiration dates:** Real codes have clear end dates, not vague "limited time" language. **Realistic discounts:** Legitimate travel discounts typically range from 5-25%. Be suspicious of claims exceeding 50% off established services. **Source verification:** Codes directly from companies (like our **ADAMANDLINDS** code for Holafly) or verified by multiple users are more trustworthy. **Terms and conditions:** Legitimate codes include clear restrictions and requirements. ### Red Flags for Fake Codes **Too good to be true discounts:** 70% off international flights or 90% off premium services rarely exist. **No expiration dates:** Fake codes often omit expiration information to avoid accountability. **Suspicious sources:** Codes from sites with no contact information or poor design should be approached cautiously. **Generic descriptions:** Fake codes often use vague language instead of specific merchant partnerships. ## The Honey Extension Controversy: What Travelers Need to Know The Honey browser extension faced significant backlash in 2024 when investigations revealed that it systematically replaced creator affiliate links with its own, even when no discount codes were applied. **How this affects you:** When booking travel through links in our YouTube videos or blog posts, browser extensions might replace our affiliate relationship without providing you any additional savings. **Our recommendation:** If you value supporting content creators who help you plan family travels, consider disabling aggressive coupon extensions when making purchases through creator recommendations. ## Specialized Coupon Strategies for Family Travel ### eSIM and Connectivity Deals For international family travel, eSIM discounts can save significant money on data plans: - **Holafly:** Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off unlimited data plans - **Airalo:** Code **ADAMLINDS3** provides $3 off your first purchase - **Nomad:** [Our referral link](https://www.getnomad.app/?rfsn=8767142.451ec7&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers 10% off ### Travel Insurance Savings Family travel insurance is essential but expensive. We've found legitimate discounts through: - **SafetyWing:** [Our ambassador link](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) for nomad insurance - **Faye:** [Special rates for families](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda) through travel advisor partnerships ### Educational Resources for Worldschooling Since we homeschool while traveling, educational platform discounts are crucial: - **Outschool:** Code **ADAMANDLINDS30** for $30 off your first class - **Reading Eggs:** [Our link provides $5 off subscriptions](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/jea930?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Common Questions About Coupon Code Sites ### Are coupon code sites legit? Most established coupon sites are legitimate businesses, but their practices vary significantly. Sites like RetailMeNot operate transparently, while others use deceptive practices to maximize their own affiliate earnings at your expense. ### How does a discount voucher work? Digital discount vouchers function like traditional paper coupons but integrate directly with online checkout systems. When you enter a valid code, the retailer's system automatically applies the specified discount to your order total. ### What is Dealspotr? Dealspotr is a community-driven coupon platform where users earn points for sharing working discount codes. This gamification approach encourages users to verify code accuracy and share legitimate deals. ### How to spot a fake coupon? Fake coupons typically offer unrealistic discounts, lack specific terms and conditions, come from unverified sources, or request personal information beyond what's necessary for the transaction. ### Why do fake coupon sites exist? Fake coupon sites exist primarily to capture affiliate commissions through deceptive practices. They create the appearance of providing value while actually redirecting potential earnings from legitimate sources. ## Advanced Coupon Finding Strategies ### Browser Extension Alternatives Instead of potentially problematic automatic extensions, consider these approaches: **Manual checking:** Visit coupon sites directly before making purchases **Creator support:** Use codes and links provided by trusted content creators **Direct merchant codes:** Check retailer websites and email newsletters for exclusive offers ### Timing Your Purchases **Travel booking patterns:** Airlines and hotels often release discount codes during specific seasons **eSIM provider cycles:** Companies like Holafly frequently update promotional codes monthly **Educational platforms:** Back-to-school and New Year periods typically feature the best educational discounts ### Stacking Strategies **Credit card rewards:** Combine coupon codes with cash-back credit cards for maximum savings **Loyalty programs:** Use merchant loyalty points alongside discount codes when possible **Seasonal promotions:** Time major purchases around Black Friday, travel booking seasons, or educational enrollment periods ## The Future of Coupon Code Sites The coupon industry continues evolving as retailers balance customer acquisition costs with profit margins: **Increased verification:** Sites are implementing better systems to verify code accuracy and prevent fraud **Creator relationships:** Some platforms are developing fairer systems that don't override creator affiliate links **Specialization:** Niche sites like eSIMDiscountCodes represent a trend toward industry-specific coupon aggregation ## Best Practices for Ethical Coupon Use ### Supporting Content Creators When possible, use discount codes provided directly by creators whose content helped you discover products or services. This supports their ability to continue creating valuable content. ### Verifying Code Legitimacy Before using any discount code: - Check multiple sources for verification - Read terms and conditions carefully - Verify the code works before completing large purchases - Report non-working codes to help other users ### Balancing Savings and Support Consider the value provided by content creators when deciding whether to hunt for additional discounts. Sometimes supporting creators who provide valuable travel planning assistance is worth paying full price. ## Recommended Coupon Sites for Family Travelers **For general travel deals:** RetailMeNot, Slickdeals **For eSIM and connectivity:** [ESIMDiscountCodes.com](https://esimdiscountcodes.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) **For community deals:** Dealspotr, Reddit travel communities **For educational resources:** Direct from providers using creator codes ## Making Coupon Sites Work for Your Family The key to successfully using coupon sites for family travel lies in understanding their business models and choosing platforms that align with your values. Focus on sites that verify code accuracy, support content creators fairly, and specialize in your specific travel needs. For our family, this means using specialized sites for eSIM deals, and always checking for creator-provided codes first. Remember that the best "coupon" is often supporting the creators and businesses that provide genuine value to your family's travel planning. Sometimes paying full price while using a creator's affiliate link provides better long-term value than hunting for additional discounts. Ready to plan your next family adventure with the right connectivity and insurance coverage? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning that includes money-saving strategies tailored to your family's specific needs and destinations. --- **FTC Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links and promotional codes. When you use our codes or click our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend services and products we genuinely use and believe provide value to traveling families. All opinions are our own, and we're committed to helping you find legitimate ways to save money on family travel while supporting the creators who make that guidance possible. ### Best eSIM Cards for Family Travel: Complete Guide to International Data Plans (2026) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans/ Last updated: 2026-08-01T15:05:59.000Z Keeping five people online across a dozen countries a year is its own logistics problem. We travel full time with our three daughters, and we have used travel eSIMs across Europe and Asia since 2022 to do it, working, homeschooling, and finding our way around new cities on the same data plan. This guide is the family-of-five version: what we actually run, how one line covers everyone, and how to pick between a per-country eSIM and a monthly subscription. We have used Holafly, Airalo, Airhub, Nomad, and SimLocal on real family trips, so the picks below come from using them, not reading spec sheets. Prices and coverage in this guide were checked in August 2026; both move around, so confirm on each provider's site before you buy. The single most useful thing to understand first: there are two different kinds of product here, and mixing them up is what makes eSIMs confusing. Destination eSIMs and global subscription Plans solve different problems. Here they are, kept apart. ## Destination eSIMs vs global subscription Plans A **destination eSIM** is a one-off data pack for a single country or region. You buy it for the trip, install it, and it runs until the data or the days are used up. It is data-only: no phone number, no calls, no SMS, so you talk to people over WhatsApp or FaceTime. Holafly's destination eSIMs cover 200+ destinations. This is the right shape for a single-country trip or a two-week holiday. A **global subscription** is a monthly plan on one eSIM that follows you across borders. Holafly Plans is the version we use: one eSIM covering 160+ destinations on a rolling monthly fee, in two tiers, Light at $49.90 per month (25GB) and Unlimited at $64.90 per month, both with hotspot included (all figures as of August 2026). The Unlimited tier also adds a dedicated number in the US, UK, or Canada that can receive SMS only; it does not place calls or send texts, and it is not a local number. For a family that never really stops moving, one subscription beats buying a fresh destination eSIM in every country. ### Which one fits your trip - One country or a short holiday: a destination eSIM, bought for that place - Back-to-back countries or full-time travel: a global subscription on one eSIM - A family of five: one unlimited line plus hotspot usually covers everyone (more on that below) ## Our top 5 eSIM providers for family travel We have paid for and traveled on all five of these as a family. Ratings are our own, based on how each one held up with kids, multiple devices, and long stays. ### 1\. Holafly, best overall for families (4.8/5) [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans-2025&subId2=hero-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) is our daily driver. The unlimited data is the whole point when you are homeschooling three kids, uploading videos, and navigating a new city at the same time, because nobody is watching a data meter. Support is 24/7 over chat and WhatsApp, and the subscription Plans mean one eSIM instead of a new purchase at every border. It is not the cheapest, and the fair use policy can slow speeds after very high usage, but for continuous family travel it is the one we keep. ### Holafly eSIM 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off Plans. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans-2025&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### 2\. Airalo, most popular and light-use value (4.0/5) [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) more or less created the consumer eSIM market, and it is our pick for lighter or budget trips. Plans are capped by GB rather than unlimited, the app is clean, and the regional plans are handy for multi-country routes. Its Europe regional plan carried us across a train trip from France to Austria without a border gap. Data-only, so no calls or SMS. Use code **ADAMLINDS3** for $3 off a first order. ### 3\. Airhub, best budget option (3.7/5) [Airhub](https://gighubsystemsinc.sjv.io/9La2Vj?ref=adamandlinds.com) is the cheapest way onto a decent network we found, with some unlimited options. The trade-off is a less polished app and support than the bigger names. Fine as a low-cost line for a secondary phone or a short trip. ### 4\. Nomad, solid alternative (3.6/5) [Nomad](https://www.getnomad.app/?rfsn=8767142.451ec7&ref=adamandlinds.com) sits in the middle: reasonable prices, wide coverage, and plans that do not expire the moment your trip does, which is genuinely useful if your dates slip. Data-only and capped by GB. A sensible backup to keep installed. ### 5\. SimLocal, budget backup (3.0/5) [SimLocal](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803) is an eSIM marketplace reselling local-network plans, and it is the one of these five that can include voice calls and SMS on many plans, useful if you need to actually phone a local business. The marketplace model is fiddlier to shop, and in our use it landed as a budget backup rather than a daily line. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 10% off. ## eSIM comparison for families Our ratings and the headline coverage figures, checked August 2026\. Coverage numbers change, so treat them as a starting point. | Provider | Our rating | Unlimited data | Coverage (Aug 2026) | | ------------ | ---------- | -------------- | -------------------- | | **Holafly** | 4.8/5 | ✔ Yes | 200+ destinations | | **Airalo** | 4.0/5 | ✘ Capped by GB | 200+ destinations | | **Airhub** | 3.7/5 | ✔ Some plans | Wide global coverage | | **Nomad** | 3.6/5 | ✘ Capped by GB | 200+ destinations | | **SimLocal** | 3.0/5 | ✘ Capped by GB | 150+ destinations | ## How a family of five actually uses one eSIM You do not need five eSIMs for five people. In practice we run one unlimited line on a parent phone and share it. Here is how that works day to day. ### One line, five people - One unlimited eSIM on a parent phone is the anchor - Its hotspot covers the kids' WiFi-only iPads for school and downloads - The second parent phone runs its own line, or tethers when we split up - We keep one power bank going, since hotspot drains the host phone Most kids' tablets are WiFi-only, so they cannot take an eSIM of their own anyway; the hotspot is the answer. On a normal travel day the five of us go through roughly 2 to 5GB between maps, translation, school research, and a show on the iPad, which is exactly why we lean on unlimited rather than a capped plan: with three kids, data anxiety is not worth the saving. When we split up for a morning, the second parent phone carries its own line so nobody is stranded. ## What it costs a family, versus roaming The reason we moved to eSIMs in the first place was the roaming bill. As a rough 2026 comparison, carrier roaming tends to run about $10 to $15 per day per device, which for five devices is the kind of number that ends a trip early. A Holafly subscription runs $49.90 to $64.90 per month for one shared unlimited line (August 2026), and a capped destination eSIM from Airalo or Nomad can be less again for a short, light trip. We do not publish a single monthly total because ours changes with the route, but the shape is simple: one shared unlimited line plus the occasional second capped line, rather than five roaming plans. ## Country notes from our own travels ### Japan, our most-visited country Japan is data-hungry once you factor in translation, transit, and navigation apps, so this is a clear Holafly-unlimited case for us. We have spent over 300 days there across many trips, and the unlimited line means nobody rations the translation app in a restaurant. ### Thailand, our Southeast Asia base Long stays here make the monthly subscription pay off over repeated destination eSIMs. Coverage in the cities has been strong for us; more remote islands lean harder on whichever local partner network your eSIM rides. ### Europe, multi-country by train Our winter loop through seven countries is where a border-crossing plan matters. A regional plan or the global subscription saves buying a new eSIM every few days. Airalo's Europe regional plan handled a France-to-Austria train run for us without a gap. ### Vietnam, months at a time We have spent long stretches based in Da Nang, and this is squarely subscription territory: one eSIM, months of use, no re-buying. On very high-usage days we have seen fair-use slowdowns, which is the honest trade-off of unlimited. ## Setting up an eSIM before you fly Do the fiddly part at home on WiFi. Buy your plan, install the eSIM profile from the QR code in the confirmation email, and label the line clearly in settings so you can tell it apart from your home number. Leave data roaming off on your home line to avoid charges, and switch on data roaming only for the eSIM once you land. Test both lines before you leave the house rather than at the airport. ## Troubleshooting the usual snags If you see no service, confirm the eSIM line has data roaming enabled and is set as the data line. Slow speeds are usually the local partner network or a fair-use slowdown after heavy use, not a dead eSIM; toggling airplane mode or reselecting the network often helps. If a profile will not activate, you almost always need a stable WiFi connection for that step, so go back to the hotel and try again. ## Money-saving tips for family data Buy before you land so you are not paying roaming while you shop for a plan, and watch for provider promos around travel seasons. Run one unlimited line with hotspot rather than several capped lines. For a fast multi-country trip, a regional or global plan almost always beats a stack of single-country eSIMs once you add up the per-country cost and the admin. ## Our picks by family travel style - **Full-time worldschooling families:** a Holafly subscription, one shared unlimited line across borders - **Short family holidays of one to two weeks:** a destination eSIM for that country, or Airalo capped if you mostly use WiFi - **Digital nomad families:** Holafly Unlimited for the working parent, a capped Airalo or Nomad line as backup - **Budget-conscious families:** Airhub or a capped Airalo plan, topped up as needed ### Related reading [Holafly: all our guides, codes, and reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) [Holafly Plans review: is the subscription worth it?](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-plans-review/) [SimLocal vs Airalo vs Holafly: which is better?](https://adamandlinds.com/which-is-better-simlocal-airalo-or-holafly/) [Best eSIM for Japan](https://adamandlinds.com/best-esim-for-japan/) ### Get your family connected One shared unlimited line covers the whole crew. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off destination eSIMs or 10% off Plans. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=best-esim-cards-for-family-travel-complete-guide-to-international-data-plans-2025&subId2=footer-cta&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Ask Lindsay for trip help](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) FAQ ## eSIMs for family travel: common questions What is the best eSIM for family travel? For families traveling continuously, we use Holafly for its unlimited data and hotspot, so one shared line covers everyone. For lighter or budget trips, Airalo's capped plans are a strong value. Figures checked August 2026. Destination eSIM vs the Holafly Plans subscription? A destination eSIM is a one-off data pack for a single country, data-only with no number, covering 200+ destinations. Holafly Plans is a monthly subscription on one eSIM covering 160+ destinations across borders, in Light and Unlimited tiers, with Unlimited adding a US, UK, or Canada number that receives SMS only. Do I need a separate eSIM for each family member? No. One unlimited line on a parent phone with hotspot can cover the family's phones plus the kids' WiFi-only iPads. Most kids' tablets are WiFi-only and cannot take an eSIM anyway. How much data does a traveling family use? Our family of five uses roughly 2 to 5GB on a normal travel day between maps, translation, school research, and entertainment. With kids, we prefer unlimited plans. Which eSIM works best in Japan? We use Holafly unlimited in Japan, since translation, transit, and navigation apps make it a data-heavy destination. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. Are eSIMs cheaper than international roaming? Yes. As a rough 2026 comparison, carrier roaming often runs about $10 to $15 per day per device, steep for a family of five, while one shared eSIM line covers the family for far less. Figures vary by carrier and provider. Can eSIMs be used on iPads and tablets? Only on cellular-enabled tablets. Most kids' iPads are WiFi-only, so the simplest way to keep them online is your phone's eSIM hotspot. How do I activate an eSIM while traveling? Buy your plan in the provider's app, then scan the QR code to install the profile while on stable WiFi. Most eSIMs activate within minutes. Do the install before you fly. This post contains affiliate links to Holafly, Airalo, Airhub, Nomad, and SimLocal. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend eSIMs we have used ourselves as a family. All opinions are our own. ### How Full-Time Travel Ruined Travel for Me - But we still do it anyway. URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/how-full-time-travel-ruined-travel-for-me-but-we-still-do-it-anyway/ Last updated: 2025-08-08T05:22:24.000Z It’s the night before a 6 AM flight out of Chiang Mai. We’ve got a layover in Bangkok before heading to our next stop. I should be sleeping. I should at least be packing. Instead, I’m staring at the luggage scale, trying to figure out how our bags managed to gain 5 or 6 extra kilos since we arrived. I mean, yeah, I’ve gained a little weight, but how did the *bags* get heavier? And because we’re inside the 24-hour window, the airline has decided it’s “impossible” to add more baggage allowance. So our options are: - Trim stuff now - Hope the check-in agent lets it slide - Pay the kind of overweight fee that feels like a scam even while you’re paying it Probably going to do a mix of all three. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/IMG_3489.png) ## The Death of Airport Magic Remember when airports felt magical? When the departure board represented infinite possibilities and boarding announcements carried the promise of adventure? After three years of full-time travel with our family, that magic has been systematically murdered by reality. Security lines that snake through entire terminals. Online check-in that somehow still requires waiting in mile-long queues at the airport. Carry-on weight limits so strict that [our Wayb Pico travel car seat](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=112996&awinaffid=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) gets scrutinized like contraband, even though it's specifically designed for air travel. The romance of travel dies hard when you're dealing with budget airline weight restrictions that give you 7kg for carry-on with no upgrade option. Seven kilograms. That's barely enough for a week's worth of clothes for Harper, let alone the educational materials, electronics, and emergency supplies we need for worldschooling three kids. ## Routine Kills Wonder There’s this thing people say — “The journey is part of the destination.” Whoever came up with that has clearly never done a budget airline flight with kids, a mountain of luggage, and a 4 AM wake-up call. For me, the journey is not part of the destination. The journey is the tax you pay to get to the destination. The destinations haven't lost their magic. Japan still takes our breath away. Vietnam's street food scene still makes us giddy. Thailand's beaches still provide the reset our family needs. But getting there? That's become a necessary evil rather than part of the adventure. It's not just the physical discomfort of budget airline seats designed for humans slightly larger than a toddler. It's the mental load of constant logistics. Visa requirements that change without notice. Flight cancellations that cascade into accommodation disasters. The perpetual anxiety of moving our entire life from point A to point B with military precision. Somewhere in our second year of full-time travel, flights stopped being adventures and became simply transportation. Expensive, uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing transportation with the customer service quality of the DMV. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/IMG_2133.png) ## The ADHD Travel Anxiety Spiral Here's something I've written about extensively: my ADHD makes pre-travel anxiety particularly brutal. While Lindsay methodically works through our packing checklist, my brain ping-pongs between seventeen different scenarios of things that could go wrong. Did I transpose the month and day on our visa application? Again? Do we have enough pages in our passport? What if the airline changed our seat assignments again? The rational part of my brain knows we've done this routine dozens of times successfully. The ADHD part of my brain is convinced this will be the time everything falls apart. So instead of productively preparing, I'm procrastinating by writing about procrastinating. Meta-procrastination at its finest. I'm writing this blog post at 11 PM the night before an early morning flight, primarily to distract my anxious brain from the packing I should be doing and the airport chaos I can't control. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/IMG_6228.png) ## Convenience Theater Online check-in has become the ultimate example of what I call "convenience theater." You complete the entire process feeling accomplished, only to discover you still need to wait in the exact same line at the airport. "But sir, you have bags to check." Yes, I understand that. What I don't understand is why the online check-in process exists if it doesn't actually expedite anything. It's theater designed to make us feel like we're saving time while accomplishing absolutely nothing. Budget airlines have perfected this art form. They'll charge you extra for everything from seat selection to breathing room, then act surprised when families traveling with small children need additional assistance. ## The Weighing Ritual Every seasoned family traveler knows the pre-departure dance. Clothes spread across the hotel room floor, bathroom scale commandeered for luggage duty, family members strategically wearing their heaviest items to avoid overweight fees. We've become experts at this choreography. Lindsay distributes camera equipment across multiple bags to balance weight. I wear my heaviest shoes and stuff jacket pockets with electronics. The girls carry their tablets in personal backpacks to save precious grams in the main luggage. Recently we took a couple of short week-long trips where we managed with no checked bags. That made everything easier, but it's not a real solution for moving our entire lives from one country to another. Worldschooling requires educational materials, seasonal clothes, and equipment that simply doesn't fit in carry-on restrictions designed for weekend business travelers. ## Learning to Share the Burden One thing I'm finally learning to help deal with travel anxiety: sharing the burden instead of trying to bear it alone. For years, I'd internalize every logistics concern, every "what if" scenario, every potential complication. Take our upcoming flight with a layover in Bangkok. My brain immediately spirals: Will we have to re-check our bags? What if the connection is tight? What if customs takes forever? Instead of letting these thoughts fester, I've started voicing them to Lindsay. "So what if we have to re-check bags?" she'll say. "We have a three-hour layover and we'll figure it out." Suddenly, the catastrophic scenario in my head becomes a minor inconvenience with a simple solution. Sometimes just saying the worry out loud makes it seem trivial. This has been a game-changer for our family travel dynamic. Lindsay doesn't need to solve every problem, but sharing the mental load means I'm not carrying every anxiety alone. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/IMG_1984.png) ## Airport Lounges: The Last Sanctuary The lounges have lost some of their magic too, but they remain about the only thing that makes airports bearable. Access to wifi that actually works, coffee that doesn't taste like jet fuel, and space for the girls to spread out with their activities makes a massive difference in our travel experience. Priority Pass through our AMEX card has become essential infrastructure rather than luxury. It's the difference between surviving travel days and enduring them. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/IMG_1733.png) ## The Family Travel Tax Traveling with three kids isn't just more complicated than solo travel. It's exponentially more expensive and logistically complex. Airlines that advertise "family-friendly" policies still charge full adult prices for children who need minimal space and services. Booking five seats together requires either paying premium fees or accepting that our 6-year-old might end up sitting next to strangers while we're scattered across the aircraft. Because apparently airlines' computer systems can't figure out basic family logistics that any parent solves instinctively. Add in the equipment requirements for worldschooling, and you're looking at luggage restrictions that feel designed to discourage family travel entirely. ## Finding Perspective (Sort Of) Look, I know how this sounds. American guy complaining about the minor inconveniences of living an incredibly privileged lifestyle. Trust me, the irony isn't lost on me that I'm writing this from a comfortable hotel room in Chiang Mai while millions of people will never have the opportunity to leave their home countries. But here's the thing about travel anxiety and ADHD: knowing your problems are "first-world problems" doesn't make them less real or manageable. The anxiety is still anxiety. The logistical challenges are still challenges. The fact that we're living our dream doesn't eliminate the parts of that dream that have become genuinely difficult. Maybe the solution isn't changing my outlook. Maybe it's accepting that some aspects of this lifestyle genuinely suck, and that's okay. Not everything has to be magical. Sometimes the journey really is just the annoying part between destinations. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/08/IMG_2565.png) ## Coping Strategies That Actually Work After three years of trial and error, we've developed systems that reduce (but don't eliminate) travel anxiety: **Pack days in advance, not hours.** My ADHD brain needs time to process and reprocess packing lists. Rushing never works. **Share concerns immediately.** Don't let logistics worries fester. Talk through scenarios with your travel partner. **Use** [**Backblaze cloud backup**](https://secure.backblaze.com/r/00oxm4?ref=adamandlinds.com) **religiously.** Knowing our photos and important documents are safely stored reduces one major anxiety source. **Accept imperfection.** We will forget something. A flight will be delayed. Someone will have a meltdown in the airport. Building buffer time and emotional resilience matters more than perfect planning. **Invest in quality gear.** Our [SafetyWing travel insurance](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) provides peace of mind that basic emergencies won't derail everything. **Remember why we're doing this.** Yes, airports suck. But watching Harper confidently order food in three languages makes the security lines worthwhile. ## The Tomorrow Morning Reality Check So here we are again. Early morning flight, last-minute blog writing, anxiety management through procrastination. Does writing this help? Probably not. But it gets my scattered brain focused on something other than the seventeen things that could go wrong tomorrow. Lindsay has finished packing (because she's competent and organized). The girls are asleep, blissfully unaware of the logistics required to move their entire world across time zones. And I'm here, admitting that full-time travel has taught me to hate traveling while still being grateful we can do it. Maybe that's the most honest thing I can say about this lifestyle. It's simultaneously the best and worst decision we've ever made. The destinations continue to amaze us. The journey continues to test us. And somehow, that combination keeps us coming back for more. Tomorrow we'll navigate another airport, deal with another airline's arbitrary policies, and arrive somewhere incredible that makes all the travel anxiety worthwhile. Until then, I should probably actually finish packing. Ready to plan your own family adventure? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for travel planning that takes the real challenges of family travel into account, not just the Instagram-worthy moments. --- *Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own.* *FTC Disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the products and services mentioned in this post. All opinions remain our own, and we only recommend products we actually use and believe would benefit our readers.* ### World Nomads vs SafetyWing: The Ultimate Travel Insurance Comparison for Worldschooling Families URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/world-nomads-vs-safetywing-the-ultimate-travel-insurance-comparison-for-worldschooling-families/ Last updated: 2025-08-01T04:00:58.000Z After nearly three years of full-time family travel across 20+ countries, we've learned that choosing the right travel insurance isn't just important—it's absolutely critical. When Harper broke her arm in Vienna during our second month on the road, we discovered firsthand how essential proper coverage really is. That experience taught us everything we needed to know about travel insurance. While Harper's total medical bill was less than $300, the peace of mind and seamless reimbursement process from our [SafetyWing insurance](https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) proved invaluable. But is SafetyWing always the best choice for traveling families? Today we're diving deep into the two most popular budget travel insurance options: SafetyWing and World Nomads. ## SafetyWing vs World Nomads Both companies target the same core audience—budget-conscious travelers, digital nomads, and long-term adventurers—but they approach coverage very differently. [World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance](https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101483321-15736546?ref=adamandlinds.com) designed by travelers for travelers, while SafetyWing positions itself as "insurance for nomads, by nomads" with a subscription-based model that works like a monthly service. The key difference? World Nomads focuses on comprehensive trip-based coverage with extensive adventure activity protection, while SafetyWing emphasizes affordable, continuous medical coverage for long-term travelers. ## SafetyWing's Updated Product Lineup: Essential vs Complete Before diving into pricing, it's important to understand that SafetyWing now offers two distinct plans under their Nomad Insurance umbrella: **Nomad Insurance Essential:** Travel medical insurance for emergency situations, similar to traditional travel insurance but with nomad-friendly flexibility. **Nomad Insurance Complete:** Comprehensive global health insurance that includes routine care, preventive treatment, maternity coverage, and extended travel benefits. For most worldschooling families, the Essential plan provides everything needed for travel protection. The Complete plan suits families planning to live abroad long-term and wanting full healthcare coverage including routine checkups and ongoing treatments. ## Pricing: The Bottom Line for Family Budgets Let's start with what matters most to traveling families: cost. ### SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential Pricing SafetyWing's straightforward pricing model makes budgeting simple. [SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential costs $56.28 per 4-week period](https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) for ages 10-39\. That breaks down to approximately $2.01 per day—incredibly affordable for comprehensive medical coverage. | Age Group | 4-Week Cost (USD) | Per Day Cost | | --------- | ----------------- | ------------ | | 10-39 | $56.28 | $2.01 | | 40-49 | $92.40 | $3.30 | | 50-59 | $145.04 | $5.18 | | 60-69 | $196.84 | $7.03 | **Children must be accompanied by an adult on a group policy.** You can add one child under 10 per adult (maximum 2 children total) for no extra cost. Regular pricing (ages 10-39) applies to any additional children. ### SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Complete Pricing For families wanting comprehensive health coverage, the Complete plan starts at approximately $150.50 per month for adults, with a 12-month minimum commitment. Children under 18 cost $99.50 per month. You can save 10% by paying annually upfront. ### World Nomads Pricing World Nomads pricing varies significantly based on your home country, destination, age, and trip duration. Unlike SafetyWing's transparent pricing, [World Nomads requires you to get a personalized quote](https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101483321-15736546?ref=adamandlinds.com). Based on our research, a 30-year-old American traveling to Thailand for 2 weeks pays approximately: - Standard Plan: $107.98 - Explorer Plan: $208.06 For a 28-day trip with multiple countries, expect to pay: - Standard Plan: $154.61 - Explorer Plan: $294.92 This means World Nomads typically costs 3-5 times more than SafetyWing for similar coverage periods. ## Coverage Comparison: What Actually Matters ### At-a-Glance Comparison Table | Feature | SafetyWing Essential | SafetyWing Complete | World Nomads Standard | World Nomads Explorer | | ------------------------- | ---------------------- | ------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | | **Pricing (4 weeks)** | $56.28 (ages 10-39) | $150.50/month | \~$155+ | \~$295+ | | **Children Coverage** | Free (under 10, max 2) | $99.50/month each | Additional cost | Additional cost | | **Medical Coverage** | $250,000 | $1,000,000+ | $100,000-$5,000,000 | $100,000-$5,000,000 | | **Trip Cancellation** | Not covered | Limited | Up to $2,500 | Up to $10,000 | | **Adventure Activities** | Add-on ($10/month) | Included | 250+ included | 300+ included | | **Electronics Coverage** | Add-on ($3,000 total) | $2,000 per item | $1,000 total | $2,000 total | | **Home Country Coverage** | 30 days per 90 abroad | Year-round | None | None | | **Flexibility** | Subscription model | 12-month commitment | Trip-based | Trip-based | | **Deductible** | $0 | $0 | $0-$250 | $0-$250 | ### Medical Coverage Both companies provide solid emergency medical coverage, but with different approaches. **SafetyWing Essential Medical Coverage:** - Emergency medical expenses: Up to $250,000 (ages 10-64), $100,000 (ages 65-69) - Emergency dental: Up to $1,000 - Medical evacuation: Up to $100,000 - Deductible: $0 (recently eliminated) **SafetyWing Complete Medical Coverage:** - Comprehensive health coverage: Up to $1,000,000+ - Routine care: $5,000 per year (10% coinsurance) - Dental care: Up to $1,000 per year - Maternity coverage: Up to $7,500 (10-month waiting period) - Mental health: Covered - Deductible: $0 **World Nomads Medical Coverage:** - Emergency medical: Varies by plan and location (typically $100,000-$5,000,000) - Emergency dental: Up to $500 - Medical evacuation: Up to $1,000,000 - Deductible: $0-$250 depending on plan [World Nomads travel insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, with coverage for more than 150 activities](https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101483321-15736546?ref=adamandlinds.com) as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. ### Adventure Activities This is where the companies diverge significantly. **World Nomads Adventure Coverage:** - Standard Plan: Covers 250+ activities including skiing, scuba diving, bungee jumping - Explorer Plan: Covers 300+ activities including skydiving, heli-skiing, shark cage diving - Activities covered automatically with base policy **SafetyWing Adventure Coverage:** - Base plan: Limited adventure activity coverage - Adventure Sports Add-on: $10/month for 30+ activities including cave diving, quad biking, scuba diving - Must purchase add-on separately ### Trip Protection **SafetyWing Trip Protection:** - Trip interruption: Limited coverage - Lost luggage: Up to $3,000 per period, $500 per item - Travel delays: Up to $100/day for 2 days after 12-hour delay - Trip cancellation: Not covered **World Nomads Trip Protection:** - Trip cancellation: $2,500 (Standard) to $10,000 (Explorer) - Trip interruption: Same limits as cancellation - Baggage loss: $1,000 (Standard) to $3,000 (Explorer) - Baggage delay: Up to $150/day for delayed bags ## Family-Specific Considerations ### Family-Specific Comparison Table | Feature | SafetyWing Essential | SafetyWing Complete | World Nomads | | ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------- | | **Free Children** | Yes (under 10, max 2) | No | Limited (up to 7 dependents under 25 on single-trip) | | **Family Monthly Cost** | \~$198 (2 adults + 1 paid child + 2 free kids) | \~$400+ (2 adults + 2 kids) | $300+ per trip | | **Home Visits** | 30 days per 90 abroad | Year-round coverage | Not covered | | **Flexible Dates** | Subscription model | 12-month commitment | Fixed trip dates | | **Electronics for Kids** | Add-on available | $2,000 per item included | Base coverage included | ### Children's Coverage SafetyWing Essential wins decisively for families with young children. Up to two children under 10 can be included free with adult coverage. This makes SafetyWing incredibly cost-effective for families like ours. [World Nomads offers travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families](https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101483321-15736546?ref=adamandlinds.com), but children must be added at additional cost. However, World Nomads does allow up to seven dependents under 25 to be added to single-trip plans for free (excluding annual plans). ### Electronics and Gear For worldschooling families carrying laptops, cameras, and educational devices, gear protection matters. **SafetyWing Essential Electronics:** - Electronics theft add-on: $3,000 total coverage, $1,000 per item - Must purchase separately as add-on **SafetyWing Complete Electronics:** - Electronics coverage included: $2,000 per item, $5,000 annual limit - Automatic inclusion in base plan **World Nomads Electronics:** - Standard Plan: $1,000 per person, $500 per item - Explorer Plan: $2,000 per person, $1,000 per item - Included in base coverage ### Home Country Coverage This is crucial for families who return home periodically. **SafetyWing Essential Home Coverage:** - After 90 days abroad: 30 days home country coverage (15 days for US residents) - Automatic inclusion—no additional planning required **SafetyWing Complete Home Coverage:** - Year-round coverage in home country - No restrictions on visit duration **World Nomads Home Coverage:** - No home country coverage - Policy voids if you return within 100 miles of home address ## Real-World Experience: Harper's Broken Arm When Harper broke her arm in Vienna, we experienced SafetyWing's claims process firsthand. The total medical bill came to less than $300, including X-rays, consultation, and casting. We paid upfront and submitted our claim through SafetyWing's online portal. The process was remarkably smooth: 1. Submitted receipts and medical reports online 2. Received confirmation within 24 hours 3. Full reimbursement processed within one week The peace of mind knowing we were covered, combined with the hassle-free reimbursement, validated our choice to carry travel insurance. ## Geographic Coverage ### SafetyWing Essential Coverage Areas [SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential covers 180+ countries worldwide](https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador), excluding only countries under sanctions (Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Belarus, and parts of Ukraine). You don't need to specify your itinerary in advance—perfect for spontaneous travel. SafetyWing also has a helpful pricing calculator on their website that lets you customize coverage and see exact costs. ### SafetyWing Complete Coverage Areas The Complete plan provides the same worldwide coverage as Essential, plus enhanced coverage in your home country without restrictions. ### World Nomads Coverage Areas World Nomads covers most countries worldwide, but coverage varies significantly by your home country. Some plans exclude certain regions, and you must specify your destinations when purchasing. ## Flexibility: Long-term vs. Trip-based ### SafetyWing's Subscription Model SafetyWing operates like a subscription service, automatically renewing every 28 days until you cancel. This model perfectly suits long-term travelers who don't know their end date. You can: - Purchase coverage while already abroad - Extend indefinitely without setting an end date - Cancel anytime with no penalties ### World Nomads' Trip-based Model World Nomads requires you to define your trip dates upfront and pay the full premium in advance. While you can extend coverage while traveling, the initial structure assumes you know your return date. ## Pros and Cons Breakdown ### SafetyWing Essential Advantages - **Exceptional value for money** (starting at $2.01/day) - **Free coverage for children under 10** (up to 2 per family) - **Flexible subscription model** perfect for indefinite travel - **Can purchase while already abroad** - **Home country coverage** after 90 days abroad - **$0 deductible** on all claims - **Transparent, age-based pricing** - **Easy-to-use pricing calculator** on their website ### SafetyWing Essential Disadvantages - **Limited trip cancellation coverage** - **Adventure activities require paid add-on** - **Lower maximum medical coverage** compared to some World Nomads plans - **Electronics coverage requires add-on** ### SafetyWing Complete Advantages - **Comprehensive health coverage** including routine care - **Maternity coverage** for growing families - **Year-round home country coverage** - **Electronics coverage included** - **No adventure sports restrictions** - **Mental health coverage** ### SafetyWing Complete Disadvantages - **Significantly more expensive** than Essential - **12-month minimum commitment** - **Pre-existing conditions not covered** - **Requires pre-approval for treatments over $500** ### World Nomads Advantages - **Comprehensive adventure activity coverage** (250+ activities on Standard plan) - **Higher medical coverage limits** on some plans - **Trip cancellation and interruption coverage** - **Electronics coverage included** in base plans - **Established company** with 20+ years of experience - **Option to extend coverage while traveling** ### World Nomads Disadvantages - **Significantly more expensive** (3-5x SafetyWing's cost) - **No home country coverage** - **Complex pricing** requiring individual quotes - **Trip-based model** less flexible for long-term travel - **Must pay full premium upfront** ## Which Insurance Is Right for Your Family? The answer depends on your travel style, budget, and priorities. ### Choose SafetyWing Essential If: - **You're traveling long-term** without a fixed return date - **You have young children** (the free child coverage is unbeatable) - **Budget is a primary concern** (you'll save hundreds or thousands) - **You plan to return home periodically** (home country coverage matters) - **You prefer flexible, subscription-based coverage** - **Medical emergency coverage is your main priority** - **You want transparent pricing** with no surprises ### Choose SafetyWing Complete If: - **You're living abroad long-term** and want comprehensive health coverage - **You need routine healthcare** including checkups and preventive care - **You're planning a family** (maternity coverage included) - **You want coverage in your home country** without restrictions - **Budget allows for premium coverage** ($150+ per month per adult) ### Choose World Nomads If: - **You're planning adventure-heavy trips** with lots of extreme sports - **Trip cancellation protection is important** to you - **You're taking shorter, defined trips** rather than indefinite travel - **You have expensive electronics** and want comprehensive gear coverage - **You prioritize higher medical coverage limits** - **Budget is less of a concern** ## Our Family's Choice For our worldschooling lifestyle, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential has proven ideal. The combination of affordable pricing, free children's coverage, and subscription flexibility perfectly matches our needs. The fact that we can maintain coverage during visits home makes it especially valuable for families who aren't permanently nomadic. [Considering travel insurance for your trip? SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential offers coverage for emergency medical, evacuation, and travel-related issues designed specifically for nomad families](https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador). As our family grows and our travel style evolves, we may consider upgrading to SafetyWing Complete for the comprehensive health coverage, especially if we decide to settle somewhere for extended periods while maintaining our nomadic lifestyle. ## The Adventure Activities Question If your family regularly participates in extreme sports, World Nomads' automatic inclusion of adventure activities might justify the higher cost. However, SafetyWing Essential's $10/month adventure sports add-on covers most activities families typically enjoy—scuba diving, quad biking, skiing—making it cost-effective even with the add-on. For families wanting both adventure coverage and comprehensive health benefits, SafetyWing Complete includes adventure activities automatically while providing routine healthcare coverage. ## Electronics and Gear Protection For families carrying expensive cameras, laptops, and educational equipment, both companies offer reasonable protection. SafetyWing Essential's $1,000 per item limit (via add-on) covers most family electronics, while SafetyWing Complete provides $2,000 per item automatically. World Nomads' higher limits might benefit families with professional photography equipment, but the overall cost usually exceeds SafetyWing's value proposition. ## Making Your Decision Both SafetyWing and World Nomads serve the nomadic community well, but they excel in different areas. [World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world](https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101483321-15736546?ref=adamandlinds.com), making it excellent for traditional trip-based travel with adventure focus. SafetyWing's nomadic approach—affordable, flexible, family-friendly—better serves long-term traveling families. The Essential plan prioritizes medical coverage and value, while the Complete plan provides comprehensive health insurance for families planning extended stays abroad. ## Getting Started Ready to protect your family's adventures? Here's how to proceed: **For SafetyWing Essential:** Visit their website to get an instant quote using their pricing calculator. The transparent pricing means no surprises, and you can see exactly what different ages and add-ons will cost. **For SafetyWing Complete:** Use their online calculator to get pricing for comprehensive health coverage. Remember this requires a 12-month commitment but includes routine healthcare. **For World Nomads:** Get a personalized quote by entering your home country, destinations, travel dates, and group size. Remember to read the policy details carefully, especially exclusions and coverage limits that matter most to your family's travel style. ## Final Thoughts Travel insurance isn't the most exciting part of trip planning, but it's among the most important. Harper's broken arm reminded us that accidents happen when we least expect them. Having the right coverage—whether that's SafetyWing's budget-friendly flexibility or World Nomads' comprehensive protection—means the difference between a minor inconvenience and a financial disaster. The best travel insurance is the one you have when you need it. For our worldschooling family, [SafetyWing Nomad Insurance Essential's combination of affordability, flexibility, and family-friendly features](https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=26057814&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador) continues to serve us well as we explore the world with our girls. As we've learned through nearly three years of travel, having the right insurance—whether that's SafetyWing Essential's budget-friendly protection, SafetyWing Complete's comprehensive health coverage, or World Nomads' adventure-focused plans—makes the difference between a minor inconvenience and a financial disaster. --- **Important Disclaimers:** *We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.* *SafetyWing provides travel insurance for travelers worldwide. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from SafetyWing using this link. We do not represent SafetyWing. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.* *Travel insurance doesn't cover everything. All of the information we provide is a brief summary. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the plans described. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states or provinces. Please carefully read your policy wording for a full description of coverage.* --- **Planning Your Own Family Adventure?** Need help choosing the right travel insurance or planning your worldschooling journey? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning services, or reach out at [lindsay@clarksontravels.com](mailto:lindsay@clarksontravels.com) for worldschooling advice. ### Japan Wireless Discount Codes and Coupons 2025 URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/japan-wireless-discount-codes-and-coupons-august-2025/ Last updated: 2025-10-08T14:06:26.000Z This page contains the best Japan Wireless promo code! Save up to 10% off at Japan Wireless. ## Top Japan Wireless Discount Codes For 2025 Japan Wireless ADAMANDLINDS Copy code Copied! 10% Off Valid at [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) Finding reliable internet in Japan can make or break your trip. We've tested countless pocket WiFi services across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond. Japan Wireless stands out as our go-to recommendation for family travelers who need dependable connectivity without breaking the bank. **The bottom line:** Use promo code **ADAMANDLINDS** at [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) for 10% off your rental. This discount works on all pocket WiFi devices and has been verified by our team across multiple trips to Japan. ## Why Japan Wireless for Your Japan Adventure During our multiple extended stays in Japan, we've tried nearly every connectivity option available. From eSIMs to local SIM cards to various pocket WiFi providers, we've learned what works for families traveling with kids who need consistent, reliable internet access. Japan Wireless solves the primary challenge of Japanese connectivity: keeping everyone's devices online simultaneously without draining phone batteries or dealing with complicated setup procedures. ### **Key advantages of Japan Wireless:** - Unlimited 4G/LTE data with no throttling - Connects up to 10 devices simultaneously - Long battery life (8-12 hours depending on usage) - Airport pickup and return at major Japanese airports - No complicated registration or Japanese address required - English customer support available ## How to Save 10% with Our Japan Wireless Discount Code Getting your discount takes just a few clicks. We've walked through this process multiple times for our own trips and can confirm it works every time. ### **Step-by-step savings process:** 1. Visit [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) using our exclusive link 2. Select your travel dates and preferred pickup location 3. Choose your pocket WiFi device (we recommend the standard 4G LTE model for families) 4. At checkout, enter promo code **ADAMANDLINDS** in the discount code field 5. Click "Apply" to see your 10% savings instantly The discount applies to your entire rental period, which means more savings on longer trips. For our typical two-week Japan adventure, this code saves us approximately $20-30 depending on the season. ## Japan Wireless vs Other Connectivity Options We've tested every major connectivity option in Japan. Here's how Japan Wireless compares based on our real-world family travel experience. ### Japan Wireless vs eSIM #### **Pros of Japan Wireless:** - Keeps multiple devices connected without using phone's hotspot feature - Doesn't drain phone battery like hotspot mode - Works with non-cellular devices like WiFi-only iPads - No phone compatibility concerns #### **Cons of Japan Wireless:** - Requires carrying an extra device and charger - Must remember to pick up and return device - Costs more than some eSIM options For families with multiple kids carrying tablets, Japan Wireless pocket WiFi makes more sense than eSIM. When we travel with Lily, Cora, and Harper, keeping their iPads connected for educational apps and entertainment requires reliable shared connectivity. ### Japan Wireless vs Local SIM Cards #### **Why we prefer Japan Wireless:** - No need to swap SIM cards or risk losing your home SIM - Works immediately upon pickup with zero configuration - Supports multiple devices from one connection - No Japanese language navigation required for purchase Local SIM cards make sense for solo travelers or couples, but families benefit more from the shared connectivity model that pocket WiFi provides. ### Japan Wireless vs Hotel WiFi Relying solely on hotel WiFi in Japan creates serious limitations. Many accommodations have weak signals, restrict the number of connected devices, or offer inconsistent speeds. With Japan Wireless, we maintained connectivity on bullet trains, in remote mountain temples, at Tokyo Disney, and everywhere in between. This proved essential for navigation, translation apps, and keeping grandparents updated via video calls. ## What You Get with Japan Wireless The standard Japan Wireless package includes everything you need for hassle-free connectivity throughout your trip. ### **Included in every rental:** - 4G/LTE pocket WiFi device - USB charging cable - AC adapter (works with Japanese outlets) - Protective carrying case - Prepaid return envelope for easy dropoff ### **Optional add-ons:** - Extra battery pack for extended daily use - Multiple device rental for large groups - Insurance coverage for damage or loss We've never needed the insurance across multiple rentals, as the devices are surprisingly durable and well-protected in the included case. ## Coverage Across Japan Japan Wireless operates on NTT Docomo's network, which provides the most comprehensive coverage in Japan. We've used our devices everywhere from downtown Tokyo to rural Hokkaido with consistently strong signals. ### **Coverage highlights from our travels:** - Tokyo metro area: Excellent signal throughout all 23 wards - Kyoto: Strong coverage in temples, traditional neighborhoods, and Arashiyama bamboo forest - Osaka: Full coverage in Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan, and surrounding areas - Hakone: Maintained connection on the ropeway and near Mount Fuji - Japanese Alps: Signal in major towns, spotty in remote mountain areas - Okinawa: Excellent coverage throughout the island chain The only places we experienced weak signals were deep inside some castle keeps and in remote mountain hiking areas. Even on the Shinkansen bullet train traveling at 300+ kilometers per hour, the connection remained stable enough for video streaming. ## Pickup and Return Process Japan Wireless offers convenient pickup and return at all major Japanese airports, making the logistics incredibly simple for arriving travelers. ### **Available pickup locations:** - Tokyo Narita Airport (Terminal 1 and 2) - Tokyo Haneda Airport (International Terminal) - Osaka Kansai International Airport - Osaka Itami Airport - Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport - Fukuoka Airport - New Chitose Airport (Sapporo) ### **How pickup works:** When you arrive at your designated airport, follow signs to the telecom counter in the arrivals area. Present your confirmation email (digital or printed) and valid passport. The staff will activate your device and confirm your return date. The entire process takes under five minutes. ### **Return process:** On your departure day, drop the device and accessories into the prepaid return envelope at any Japan Post mailbox in the airport. No need to wait in line or visit a counter. We typically drop ours in the mailbox right after checking our bags. ## Pricing Breakdown with Discount Code Japan Wireless pricing varies by season and rental duration. Using our **ADAMANDLINDS** code provides 10% savings regardless of when you travel. ### **Sample pricing with 10% discount:** | Duration | Standard Price | With ADAMANDLINDS | Daily Rate | | -------- | -------------- | ----------------- | ---------- | | 7 days | $70 | $63 | $9.00/day | | 14 days | $130 | $117 | $8.36/day | | 21 days | $180 | $162 | $7.71/day | | 30 days | $240 | $216 | $7.20/day | Longer rentals provide better per-day rates even before applying the discount code. For our typical two-week trips, the 10% savings covers approximately one full day of connectivity at no cost. ## Tips for Maximizing Your Japan Wireless Device Based on our extensive use across multiple Japan trips, we've developed several strategies for getting the most from Japan Wireless pocket WiFi. ### **Battery management:** The standard device battery lasts 8-10 hours with moderate use. During long sightseeing days, we keep the device in my backpack's exterior pocket where it's accessible but not exposed to excessive heat or cold. Turning off the device during meals or when we're in areas with reliable hotel WiFi extends battery life significantly. ### **Connection optimization:** Connect your most essential devices first (phones for navigation and translation) before adding tablets for kids' entertainment. The device handles up to 10 connections, but we've found optimal performance with 5-6 devices connected simultaneously. ### **Security practices:** Change the default password when you first receive your device. The default passwords are simple numeric codes that anyone nearby could potentially guess. We use a password manager to generate and store a strong password for each trip. ## When Japan Wireless Makes the Most Sense Pocket WiFi isn't always the optimal solution for every traveler. Here's when we recommend Japan Wireless based on your specific travel situation. ### **Perfect for:** - Families traveling with multiple children who have tablets or devices - Groups of friends who want to share connectivity costs - Travelers who need reliable internet for work or business - Anyone visiting remote areas where eSIM coverage might be spotty - First-time Japan visitors who want the simplest connectivity solution ### **Consider alternatives if:** - You're traveling solo and only need phone connectivity - You have an eSIM-compatible device and are comfortable with that technology - You're staying primarily in major cities with excellent eSIM coverage - You want to minimize the devices and chargers you're carrying For our family of five, the math clearly favors pocket WiFi. Buying individual eSIMs for each device would cost significantly more than sharing one Japan Wireless device. ## Real-World Performance: Our Experience During our most recent extended stay in Japan, we used Japan Wireless pocket WiFi for 45 consecutive days while traveling from Hokkaido to Okinawa. ### **Performance highlights:** Streaming worked flawlessly during our evening hotel downtime. The girls watched their educational videos on Khan Academy and Reading Eggs without buffering issues. We uploaded daily vlogs to YouTube, typically 2-3 GB files, without problems. Navigation proved reliable throughout our journey. Whether using Google Maps in Tokyo's complex train stations or finding remote temples in rural Kyoto, the GPS functionality worked without delay. Video calls with family back in Indiana maintained clear quality throughout our trip. We scheduled weekly calls with grandparents, and the connection remained stable even during peak usage hours. Translation apps worked instantaneously, which proved essential in restaurants and shops where English wasn't widely spoken. The immediate connectivity made ordering food and asking questions dramatically easier. ## Alternative Japan Wireless Options Japan Wireless offers several device options beyond the standard pocket WiFi. We've tested these alternatives to help you choose the best fit. ### **Premium 5G device:** The 5G option provides faster speeds in areas with 5G coverage, primarily major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. For our family's needs, the standard 4G device provided sufficient speed for streaming, uploading, and navigation. The 5G premium isn't worth the extra cost unless you have specific high-bandwidth requirements. ### **Softbank network option:** Japan Wireless also offers devices on the Softbank network. We've used both NTT Docomo and Softbank devices across different trips. The Docomo network provided slightly better coverage in rural areas, while Softbank performed well in cities. For most travelers, the default Docomo option works perfectly. ## Combining Japan Wireless with eSIM for Backup Our optimal setup combines Japan Wireless pocket WiFi with an eSIM backup on our primary phone. This redundancy proved valuable during our travels. We use [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off as our backup connectivity. This combination provides peace of mind without significant additional cost. ### **When backup connectivity saved us:** On one occasion, we left our Japan Wireless device charging at our hotel while exploring Kyoto. Having the Holafly eSIM backup on my phone allowed us to navigate, communicate, and access translation apps without returning to the hotel. We learned to always carry the pocket WiFi after that experience, but the backup eSIM prevented a potentially stressful situation. ## Japan Travel Connectivity Checklist Before you depart for Japan, verify you have everything needed for optimal connectivity. ### **Pre-departure checklist:** - Book Japan Wireless device at least 3 days before departure - Note your confirmation number and pickup location - Verify your pickup airport matches your arrival airport - Screenshot your confirmation email for offline access - Pack a portable battery pack for extended daily use - Download offline maps for your primary destinations - Install translation apps before departure ### **Upon arrival:** - Pick up device immediately after clearing customs - Change default password before leaving airport - Connect your primary devices and test functionality - Save the customer support number in your phone ## Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Wireless ### Does the ADAMANDLINDS promo code really work? Yes, we've personally verified the **ADAMANDLINDS** code works on all Japan Wireless device rentals. The 10% discount applies automatically at checkout when you use [our link](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) and enter the code. ### How long does the Japan Wireless battery last? The standard device battery lasts 8-10 hours with moderate use (5-6 connected devices, regular streaming and navigation). We typically charge it overnight at our hotel and carry a portable battery pack for extended sightseeing days. ### Can I use Japan Wireless on the bullet train? Yes, Japan Wireless works excellently on the Shinkansen bullet train. We maintained stable connectivity at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, sufficient for streaming video and uploading content. ### What happens if I lose or damage my Japan Wireless device? Japan Wireless offers optional insurance for approximately $2-3 per day. Without insurance, you're responsible for replacement costs (typically around $200 for the device). We've never purchased the insurance across multiple rentals and have never had issues with damage or loss. ### Does Japan Wireless require a Japanese address? No, Japan Wireless accepts international addresses for billing purposes. You don't need a Japanese address, phone number, or credit card to rent a device. ### Can I extend my rental if I decide to stay longer? Yes, contact Japan Wireless customer support to extend your rental. They'll adjust your return date and bill the additional days to your original payment method. We extended our rental once during an unexpected itinerary change without problems. ### How do I get help if something goes wrong with my device? Japan Wireless provides English customer support via email and phone. Response times are typically within a few hours. We needed support once for a configuration question and received helpful guidance within 30 minutes. ### Does the 10% discount apply to insurance and accessories? The **ADAMANDLINDS** discount code applies to the device rental cost but not to optional insurance or accessories like extra battery packs. ## Getting Started with Japan Wireless Ready to ensure reliable connectivity throughout your Japan adventure? Visit [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use promo code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout for 10% off your rental. The peace of mind from unlimited, reliable internet access transforms the Japan travel experience. Navigation becomes effortless, translation happens instantly, and staying connected with family back home requires no planning or WiFi hunting. For families especially, the ability to keep multiple devices online simultaneously without draining phone batteries or dealing with complicated setup makes Japan Wireless our consistent recommendation for Japanese connectivity. [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/09/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.webp)](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) Planning your Japan trip? Lindsay offers personalized travel planning services as a certified travel advisor. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for expert guidance on accommodations, itineraries, and logistics for your family's Japanese adventure. [Contact Her ](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) --- **FTC Disclosure:** This post contains affiliate links. When you use our Japan Wireless promo code **ADAMANDLINDS** and [our link](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com), we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we've personally tested across multiple trips to Japan. All opinions are our own based on real-world family travel experience. ### Balkans with Kids: Why This Hidden European Region Should Be Your Next Family Adventure URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/balkans-with-kids/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:43.000Z The girls are spread across our living room floor in Chiang Mai, colored pencils scattered everywhere, working on a geography project about Europe. Cora looks up and asks, "Mom, what's this squiggly part down here?" She's pointing to the Balkans on her map—that fascinating peninsula where ancient empires met, where crystal-clear coastlines stretch for thousands of miles, and where a family of five can travel comfortably on a budget that would barely cover a week in Western Europe. We're planning to spend six months based in Albania starting late 2025, with trips throughout the Balkans, and the more we research this region, the more excited we become. Here's why the Balkans should be at the top of your family travel list—and how to make it work practically with kids. ## Why the Balkans Are Perfect for Family Travel The Balkan Peninsula offers something magical that's increasingly rare in Europe: authentic experiences without overwhelming crowds or premium prices. These countries have preserved their unique cultures while developing the infrastructure that makes family travel comfortable and safe. **Affordability That Actually Makes Sense** While Western Europe can easily cost $200+ per day for a family of five, the Balkans offer incredible value. A family meal in Tirana, Albania might cost what you'd pay for a single entrée in Paris. Quality accommodations with space for families run $40-80 per night instead of $300+. **Distances That Work with Kids** The entire region is remarkably compact. You can drive from Albania's capital to Montenegro's coast in under four hours. Unlike planning a month in France where you might cover thousands of kilometers, Balkan countries nestle together like puzzle pieces, making multi-country adventures totally manageable with children. **English-Speaking Friendly** Tourism industries throughout the Balkans cater increasingly to international visitors, with solid English language support in hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Many younger locals speak excellent English, making navigation and cultural connections easier than you might expect. **Historical Layers That Fascinate Kids** Ancient Roman ruins, medieval castles, Ottoman architecture, and recent history that's both accessible and age-appropriate. The region's layered past provides endless educational opportunities without feeling like a classroom. ![aerial photo of city](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1575540291670-8d3b26f7d327?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGNyb2F0aWF8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUzOTQyNzU3fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Matthias Mullie](https://unsplash.com/@matthiasmullie?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Two Ways to Experience the Balkans with Your Family ### Option 1: The Two-Week Grand Tour Perfect for families who want to sample multiple countries and cultures, a two-week Balkans adventure lets you experience the region's diversity without the exhausting pace of traditional European tours. **Sample 14-Day Itinerary:** | Days | Destination | Why It's Great for Families | | ----- | ------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1-2 | Zagreb, Croatia | Easy entry point, excellent parks, manageable city size | | 3-4 | Ljubljana, Slovenia | Fairy-tale castle, dragon bridge, family-friendly capital | | 5-6 | Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina | Fascinating multicultural history, Ottoman architecture | | 7-8 | Dubrovnik, Croatia | Medieval walls, crystal-clear waters, island day trips | | 9-10 | Kotor, Montenegro | Dramatic fjord-like bay, medieval old town, hiking opportunities | | 11-12 | Tirana, Albania | Colorful communist history, nearby castles, affordable base | | 13-14 | Ohrid, North Macedonia | Ancient lakeside town, UNESCO heritage, swimming and beaches | **Transportation Made Simple** Regional buses connect major cities reliably and affordably. Car rentals work well for families wanting flexibility, though border crossings require advance planning. Many routes offer stunning scenery that keeps kids engaged during travel days. **Accommodation Strategy** Book family-friendly apartments through [Booking.com](https://www.booking.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) or [Airbnb](https://airbnb.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) to get kitchens and space to spread out. Many properties offer traditional architecture with modern amenities—perfect for cultural immersion without sacrificing comfort. ![houses near body of water during daytime](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1557313501-341d9d6fd40f?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fGFsYmFuaWF8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUzOTQyNjk3fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Yves Alarie](https://unsplash.com/@yvesalarie?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Option 2: The Albania Homebase Approach For families seeking deeper cultural immersion while maintaining stability for schooling and routines, establishing a homebase transforms your Balkans experience entirely. **Why Albania Works as a Homebase** Albania offers incredible value, welcoming locals, and a central location for exploring the broader region. The country has invested heavily in tourism infrastructure while maintaining authentic character that many Western European destinations have lost to overtourism. **Tirana: Urban Convenience** - International airport with budget airline connections - Reliable internet for remote work/schooling - Growing expat community - Excellent local and international food options - Museums and cultural sites within walking distance **Albanian Riviera: Beach Life** The Albanian coastline offers some of Europe's most pristine beaches at a fraction of typical Mediterranean costs. Major coastal cities include Saranda in the south (perfect for ferry connections to Corfu), Vlorë where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, and Durrës with convenient access from Tirana. - Saranda offers turquoise waters, nearby Blue Eye spring, and ferry connections to Corfu Greece - Vlorë provides a mix of beach and history, marking where Albanian independence was declared in 1912 - Durrës delivers easy airport access and ancient Roman amphitheater ruins - Family-friendly resorts and apartments - Swimming, snorkeling, and water sports - Day trips to historical sites and national parks **Weekend Adventure Possibilities from Albania:** - **Montenegro**: Bay of Kotor (3-4 hours drive) - **Kosovo**: Pristina cultural exploration (2 hours) - **North Macedonia**: Ohrid's lakeside charm (2.5 hours) - **Greece**: Corfu island ferry connections - **Italy**: Bari ferry crossing for European rail connections ## Staying Connected: Essential eSIM Coverage for Balkans Travel Reliable internet becomes crucial when traveling with kids—from entertainment during long car rides to emergency communication and navigation in unfamiliar territories. **Traditional SIM Card Challenges in the Balkans** - Different carriers in each country require new SIM purchases - Language barriers at mobile shops - Roaming charges add up quickly across borders - Time wasted finding carriers instead of exploring **eSIM Advantages for Multi-Country Travel** [Holafly's new Balkans regional eSIM plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/zxvKqM?ref=adamandlinds.com) covers Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Montenegro with a single purchase. Choose coverage from 1 to 30 days depending on your itinerary. **Why This Matters for Families:** - Kids can stream downloaded content during travel days - Parents maintain work connectivity for remote income - Navigation apps work seamlessly across borders - Emergency communication always available - WhatsApp calling keeps you connected with family back home **Installation and Setup:** Installing your Holafly eSIM is simple with either QR code activation or manual setup. Upon arrival at your destination, simply turn on your eSIM's data roaming to activate unlimited data coverage. The eSIM provides 3G/4G/5G speeds with 500MB daily hotspot sharing, though it doesn't support SMS or traditional calls (VOIP apps like WhatsApp work perfectly). **Pro Tip:** Download the Holafly app before traveling to manage your data usage and purchase additional coverage if needed. Use our code **ADAMANDLINDS** for additional savings on your purchase. The flexibility to choose exact days (1-30 days for Balkans coverage) means you pay only for what you actually need. ## Practical Considerations for Families ### Education and Worldschooling Opportunities The Balkans provide incredible learning experiences across multiple subjects: **History Lessons Come Alive** - Roman amphitheaters in Pula, Croatia - Ottoman architecture in Sarajevo - Byzantine monasteries in Montenegro - Communist-era sites throughout the region **Geography and Natural Sciences** - Karst landscapes and cave systems - Adriatic coastal ecosystems - Mountain environments and wildlife - Climate variations within small distances **Cultural Studies** - Language similarities and differences - Religious diversity and tolerance - Traditional crafts and music - Contemporary European politics and economics ### Safety and Healthcare The Balkans maintain excellent safety records for tourists, with healthcare systems adequate for routine needs. Major cities offer international-standard medical facilities, while smaller towns provide basic services. **Travel Insurance Recommendations:** We use [SafetyWing Nomad Insurance](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) for long-term coverage that works across multiple countries without the hassle of constant policy updates. ## What to Expect: Balkan Cuisine for Families Balkan food combines Mediterranean freshness with hearty Central European influences, creating a cuisine that's both familiar and exciting for families. The region's multicultural history means you'll find flavors from Turkish, Italian, Greek, and Austro-Hungarian traditions all woven together. ![white cream on white ceramic plate](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1617806501736-fc7cab7c05bf?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE1fHxCeXJla3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTM5NDI3OTd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Ömer Haktan Bulut](https://unsplash.com/@omerhaktan?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) **Kid-Friendly Staples:** - **Byrek** \- Flaky phyllo pastry pies filled with cheese, spinach, or meat (think sophisticated Hot Pockets) - **Qofte** \- Seasoned meatballs that kids universally love, often served with bread and yogurt - **Grilled meats** \- Simple, well-seasoned chicken, lamb, and beef without overwhelming spices - **Fresh bread** \- Excellent bakeries throughout the region with crusty loaves and soft rolls - **Dairy products** \- Amazing cheeses, yogurt, and milk products - **Familiar sides** \- Rice, potatoes, and fresh salads appear with most meals ![A person holding two sandwiches in their hands](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1734974121561-11aee7d3cebd?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDF8fGd5cm98ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUzOTQyODI0fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Bruna Santos](https://unsplash.com/@brunafisantos?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) **Mediterranean Influences:** Olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood along the coasts, and simple preparations that highlight ingredients. Coastal areas offer excellent fish and seafood that's often grilled or baked with herbs. **Turkish Heritage:** You'll find stuffed vegetables (dolma), rice dishes, strong coffee culture, and sweet pastries like baklava. Many spices and preparation methods reflect centuries of Ottoman influence. **Dietary Considerations:** Vegetarian options exist but may require some explanation to restaurant staff. Many traditional dishes contain meat, but salads, cheese dishes, and vegetable preparations provide good alternatives. Vegan options are more limited outside major cities, though fresh produce is excellent and affordable at local markets. ## Cost Comparisons: Why the Balkans Make Financial Sense ### Albania vs Popular Destinations **Tirana vs Other Capitals:** - **Tirana, Albania**: $1,290/month average cost of living - **Rome, Italy**: $1,926/month (49% more expensive than Tirana) - **Chiang Mai, Thailand**: $1,100/month (17% less than Tirana, but factor in visa runs and less convenient European location) **Coastal Living Comparison:** - **Saranda, Albania**: $1,122/month average cost of living - **Da Nang, Vietnam**: $900/month (25% less, but visa limitations and distance from Europe) - **Santorini, Greece**: $2,500+/month (120% more expensive, and that's conservative) These comparisons show Albania offering European convenience and lifestyle at Southeast Asian prices, without the visa complications or long-distance flights required for Asian destinations. ## Budget Breakdown: What Families Actually Spend ### Two-Week Grand Tour Budget (Family of 5) **Food:** $40-80/day including restaurant meals and groceries **Transportation:** $300-500 total for regional buses or car rental **Activities/Attractions:** $20-40/day for entry fees and tours **Miscellaneous:** $200-400 for souvenirs, unexpected expenses **Total Estimated Range:** $1,800-3,200 for two weeks ### Six-Month Albania Homebase Budget (Family of 5) **Accommodation:** $800-1,500/month for furnished apartment **Food:** $600-1,000/month mixing restaurants and home cooking **Transportation:** $200-400/month for local transport and weekend trips **Utilities/Internet:** $100-200/month **Activities:** $300-600/month for attractions and weekend adventures **Miscellaneous:** $300-500/month **Total Monthly Range:** $2,300-4,200 Compare this to similar accommodation and lifestyle costs in Western Europe (easily $5,000-8,000+ monthly) and the value proposition becomes clear. ## Getting There: Flight Options and Logistics ### Major Entry Points **Zagreb, Croatia (ZAG)** - Excellent connections from major European hubs - Budget airlines serve many Western European cities - Easy overland connections throughout region **Dubrovnik, Croatia (DBV)** - Seasonal direct flights from UK, Germany, Scandinavia - Stunning coastal entry point - Higher costs but incredible first impressions **Tirana, Albania (TIA)** - Growing route network with budget carriers - Most affordable entry point - Central location for regional exploration **Booking Strategy** Monitor [Hopper](https://www.hopper.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) for price predictions and book through your preferred platform. We often find great deals by flying into major European hubs and connecting with budget carriers to Balkan destinations. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is the Balkans safe for families with young children? Yes, the Balkans are very safe for family travel. Crime rates are low, locals are welcoming to families, and tourist infrastructure meets international standards. Like any travel destination, basic precautions apply, but the region poses no unusual safety concerns for families. ### What's the best time to visit the Balkans with kids? May through September offers the best weather for outdoor activities and swimming. July and August can be quite hot along the coast but provide the warmest water temperatures. Shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) offer excellent weather with fewer crowds and better prices. ### Do we need visas for Balkan countries? Most Balkan countries allow visa-free entry for US, EU, and UK citizens for stays up to 90 days. Some countries have bilateral agreements extending this period. Always check current requirements before traveling, as regulations can change. ### What languages are spoken in the Balkans? Each country has its official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations. German is also common due to historical connections. Learning basic phrases in local languages is appreciated but not essential for travel. ### How reliable is internet for remote work or schooling? Internet infrastructure has improved dramatically across the region. Major cities and tourist areas offer reliable high-speed connections. Rural areas may have slower speeds, but coverage is generally adequate for remote work and online schooling needs. ### Can we use our mobile phones throughout the region? International roaming can be expensive. eSIM solutions like [Holafly's Balkans plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/zxvKqM?ref=adamandlinds.com) provide the most cost-effective and convenient connectivity across multiple countries without the hassle of purchasing local SIM cards in each destination. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for additional savings. ### Are there direct flights from the US to Balkan countries? Direct flights are limited. Most routes require connections through major European hubs like Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, or Istanbul. Flight times typically range from 10-15 hours total including connections. ### What's the food like for families with picky eaters? Balkan cuisine includes many kid-friendly options like grilled meats, fresh bread, pasta dishes, and familiar vegetables. Most tourist areas offer international food options, and grocery stores stock familiar brands for families preferring to cook at home. ### How do we handle money and payments? The Euro is used in Montenegro and Kosovo, while other countries have their own currencies that are often pegged to the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. ATMs are readily available, though carrying some cash for smaller establishments is recommended. ### Is it easy to travel between Balkan countries? Yes, distances are short and border crossings are straightforward for tourists. Regional buses connect major cities, car rentals work well for families wanting flexibility, and some ferry connections link coastal areas. EU citizens enjoy even easier border crossings within EU member countries. ## Why This Matters for Your Family The Balkans represent something increasingly rare in our connected world: authentic cultural experiences at reasonable prices without sacrificing safety or comfort. For families seeking alternatives to overpriced, overcrowded Western European destinations, this region offers adventure, education, and value that's hard to match. Whether you choose the grand tour approach or establish a homebase for deeper exploration, the Balkans provide opportunities for children to experience diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes within manageable distances and budgets. As we prepare for our own Albanian adventure, we're excited about giving our daughters experiences in a region where tourism enhances rather than overwhelms local communities. The Balkans aren't trying to be the next Instagram hotspot—they're simply being themselves, which makes them perfect for families seeking genuine travel experiences. Ready to start planning your Balkans adventure? Contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized itinerary planning that considers your family's unique needs, interests, and budget. I'd love to help you discover why this hidden corner of Europe might just become your family's new favorite destination. --- **FTC Disclosure:** Because the FTC is all about making sure *small* creators like us are transparent (unlike, say, giant media empires with mouse-shaped logos who can push all the product placement they want with zero disclosure), here’s our required statement: This post includes affiliate links and discount codes. If you use them, we might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. We only promote stuff we actually use and trust, especially when it comes to keeping our family of five connected on the road. Our Holafly partnership is no different. As always, every opinion is our own, based on the real-world chaos of traveling full-time with three kids. *For more family travel inspiration and practical tips, follow our journey on* [*YouTube*](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) *and* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com)*. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for discounts on travel services mentioned in this post.* ### Essential Worldschool Books: What We Read Before Selling Everything to Travel Full-Time URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/essential-worldschool-books-what-we-read-before-selling-everything-to-travel-full-time/ Last updated: 2025-08-29T04:08:40.000Z Before we made the leap and sold everything to travel the world full-time, I was consuming every bit of content I could get my hands on. Podcasts during my morning runs, YouTube channels after dinner, and books - lots and lots of books. Late into the night, I'd be hunched over my laptop reading blog posts from families who had already taken the plunge, desperately trying to figure out if we could actually pull this off. Books became my primary source of both inspiration and practical guidance during those months of planning and dreaming. Some validated our crazy idea, others provided roadmaps for the logistics, and a few just reminded me why travel matters in the first place. Over three years into our worldschooling adventure across 20+ countries, I wanted to share the books that shaped our thinking and continue to influence how we approach family travel and education. Some of these I devoured before we left, others I've discovered along the way, and a few have been published since we started traveling - proving this movement is gaining momentum. These aren't ranked in any particular order because honestly, they each served different purposes at different times. Some you'll want to read before you start planning, others are perfect companions while you're already on the road. ## The Worldschooling Essentials [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/71o6NqHO7cL._SY522_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4mf7HzO?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## The Everywhere Classroom: How One Family Turned Wanderlust into Worldschooling **By Andi Almond** [The Everywhere Classroom](https://amzn.to/4mf7HzO?ref=adamandlinds.com) came out in March 2025, well after we'd already been on the road for nearly three years, but it's exactly what I wish had existed when we were starting our journey. Andi Almond doesn't just tell you that worldschooling is possible, she shows you how one family made it work, complete with the hilarious disasters and unexpected triumphs that make travel with kids so memorable. What sets this book apart is Almond's ability to weave practical advice into genuinely entertaining stories. Her family's impromptu expedition to Antarctica sounds both terrifying and incredible, while her teen's solo homestay in Taiwan offers insights into how worldschooling can work for older kids too. The book goes beyond being a travel memoir by including curriculum ideas and strategies for incorporating educational experiences into trips of any length and budget. This book confirms what we've discovered on the road: learning happens everywhere, and some of the greatest educational moments occur completely off the tourist trail. If you're wondering whether worldschooling could work for your family, this is a great starting point. [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/41bM0YmDVrL._SY445_SX342_ControlCacheEqualizer_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/44SAlRy?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## The 5-Hour School Week: An Inspirational Guide to Leaving the Classroom **By Kaleena and Aaron Amuchastegui** [The 5-Hour School Week](https://amzn.to/44SAlRy?ref=adamandlinds.com) was one of the first books that made me think we weren't completely insane for considering this lifestyle. The Amuchasteguis took their kids out of traditional school to travel and educate them through experiences, and their children became more engaged, curious, and passionate about learning. The title might sound clickbaity, but the content is solid. They walk you through practical topics like teaching kids to love learning, providing social education, and incorporating travel into lessons. What I appreciate most is their emphasis on practical skills, something traditional education often overlooks but travel naturally provides. Their approach isn't your typical homeschooling manual filled with rigid curricula and testing schedules. Instead, it's an innovative, eclectic method that revolutionizes how families think about education. After watching our own daughters learn Thai phrases from tuk-tuk drivers over our multiple extended stays in Thailand, navigate Tokyo's subway system like pros, and calculate currency exchanges in their heads across 20+ countries, I can confirm that experiential learning works. ## Our Contribution to the Worldschool Library [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/51XsM12kWfL._SY445_SX342_ControlCacheEqualizer_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/40E3RIk?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Tokyo: A One-Week Worldschool Guide to Affordable Family Travel **By Adam and Lindsay Clarkson (That's Us!)** [Our Tokyo guide](https://amzn.to/40E3RIk?ref=adamandlinds.com) represents everything we learned from multiple extended stays in our favorite city. This isn't your parents dusty old guidebook - it's specifically designed for families who want to transform their trip into an educational adventure without breaking the bank. We've included a family-tested 7-day itinerary, expert tips for stress-free travel with kids, and interactive learning opportunities tailored for children of all ages. Having wandered Tokyo's historic streets with our three daughters, discovered hands-on museums, and navigated the city's incredible public transportation system, we've experienced these adventures firsthand so you can focus on making magical moments with your kids. What makes this guide different is that it's written by parents for parents. We understand the reality of traveling with kids - the meltdowns, the exhaustion, the need for bathroom breaks every thirty minutes. Our recommendations account for all of that while still providing rich educational experiences. [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/515vQGKKLUL._SY445_SX342_ControlCacheEqualizer_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/45nXcEH?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Taipei 2024: A One-Week Worldschool Guide to Affordable Family Travel **By Adam and Lindsay Clarkson** [Our Taipei guide](https://amzn.to/45nXcEH?ref=adamandlinds.com) follows the same philosophy as our Tokyo book but focuses on Taiwan's incredible capital city. This tried-and-tested 8-day itinerary includes budget-friendly tips, unique insights into Taipei's culture and hidden gems, and plenty of interactive learning opportunities. Taipei surprised us with its family-friendliness, incredible food scene, and fascinating blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern innovation. Our family of five walked the streets, ate our way through night markets, and spent hours in amazing museums. The research and mistakes happened so you don't have to repeat them. Both guides complement our YouTube channel where you can see these adventures in action. We love connecting with readers and viewers, so don't hesitate to reach out with questions or just to say hello on Instagram @adamandlinds. ## The Philosophical Foundation [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/41rwI-eoLcL._SY445_SX342_ControlCacheEqualizer_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/3J4dJVC?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel **By Rolf Potts** [Vagabonding](https://amzn.to/3J4dJVC?ref=adamandlinds.com) isn't specifically about family travel, but it's essential reading for anyone considering extended time on the road. Rolf Potts explains how anyone with an independent spirit can achieve the dream of extended overseas travel, and his philosophy shaped how we approach our nomadic lifestyle. The updated edition covers financing travel time, determining destinations, adjusting to life on the road, and handling travel adversity. What resonated most with me was his section on re-assimilating back into ordinary life - something we're not ready to think about yet, but probably should be. Potts writes about travel as a mindset rather than just a series of destinations. His concept of "vagabonding" as taking time off from normal life to discover the world on your own terms perfectly captures why we chose this path. Even though he's writing primarily for solo travelers, the principles apply to families willing to embrace uncertainty and adventure. [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/51w1eDzc1hL._SY445_SX342_ControlCacheEqualizer_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4lPw3R6?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler's Journey Home **By Matthew Kepnes** [Ten Years a Nomad](https://amzn.to/4lPw3R6?ref=adamandlinds.com) is part memoir, part philosophical exploration of what drives us to travel. Matt Kepnes spent a decade covering 500,000 miles across 90 countries, and his reflections get to the real questions at the heart of wanderlust. This book transcends basic travel advice and explores what extended travel can teach us about life, ourselves, and our place in the world. As someone who's now been on the road for over three years with our family, Kepnes' insights about the transformative power of long-term travel ring increasingly true with each passing month. His stories about living without a cable bill for a decade or spending a month barefoot on a Thai beach might seem extreme, but they illustrate how travel changes your perspective on what's truly necessary for happiness. For families questioning whether this lifestyle is sustainable long-term, Kepnes provides both inspiration and realistic perspective. ## The Master of Travel Writing [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/417b-U6zU-L._SY445_SX342_ControlCacheEqualizer_.jpg)](https://amzn.to/4lag3bi?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## In a Sunburned Country **By Bill Bryson** [In a Sunburned Country](https://amzn.to/4lag3bi?ref=adamandlinds.com) isn't a how-to guide for family travel, but Bill Bryson's Australia adventure perfectly captures why we fell in love with travel writing in the first place. Bryson combines humor, wonder, and unflagging curiosity in a way that makes you want to book a flight immediately. His ability to find humor in travel disasters while maintaining genuine appreciation for the places he visits inspired my own approach to writing about our adventures. When Harper had a meltdown in Bangkok's Chatuchak Market or when we got hopelessly lost in Tokyo's subway system, I tried to channel Bryson's perspective that the mishaps often make the best stories. Bryson writes about Australia as an immense and fortunate land, and his affection for the country and its people shines through every page. It's a reminder that great travel writing isn't just about logistics and recommendations - it's about capturing the magic of discovery and sharing that wonder with others. Honestly, anything by Bill Bryson belongs on a worldschooling family's reading list. His books remind us why we travel in the first place: to satisfy our curiosity about the world and to share those discoveries with the people we love. ## Building Your Worldschool Library These books served different purposes during different phases of our journey. Some I consumed voraciously before we left Indiana, others I discovered during long flights or quiet evenings in various time zones. The Amuchasteguis gave us the confidence to start. Potts and Kepnes offered philosophical frameworks for sustaining long-term travel. Bryson reminded us to find humor and wonder in every experience. And newer books like Almond's validate that this movement is growing and evolving. As we continue our adventure with over three years of travel behind us and upcoming plans for Japan, Albania, and possibly Morocco, I'm always looking for new perspectives on family travel and alternative education. Books remain one of the best ways to learn from other families' experiences and avoid reinventing the wheel. Whether you're dreaming about taking your first extended family trip or you're already deep into the worldschooling lifestyle, these books offer both practical guidance and inspirational perspective. They remind us that education doesn't have to happen in a classroom and that some of life's most valuable lessons come from stepping outside our comfort zones with the people we love most. Want to see our adventures in action? Check out our YouTube channel "[Adam and Linds](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com)" where we document the real, unfiltered experience of worldschooling with three young kids. And if you're ready to start planning your own family adventure, contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning that takes your family's unique needs into account. --- *FTC Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend books we've actually read and genuinely believe will be helpful for worldschooling families. All opinions are our own, and our recommendations are based on our personal experience as a family of five who has been traveling full-time since May 2022.* ### Traveling with ADHD: A Dad's Honest Take on Managing Focus, Family, and Full-Time Travel URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/traveling-with-adhd/ Last updated: 2025-07-23T06:03:00.000Z The tuk-tuk weaves through Bangkok traffic as I film Cora practicing Thai phrases with our driver for our YouTube channel, all the while juggling our next three cities in my head and trying to mentally debug the code I'm writing for another job. This is Tuesday morning for our family of five, three years into full-time travel across 20+ countries. Oh, and I have ADHD. Most people assume these two things don't go together - that you need to be hyper-organized and detail-oriented to pull off long-term family travel. But here's what I've discovered... ## My ADHD Story: From Struggling Student to Straight A's Let's rewind to 1996\. I was a freshman in high school, pulling straight C's and D's, and my parents were getting calls about my "potential" not being met. The truth was simpler and more frustrating: I literally could not focus on anything that didn't immediately capture my interest. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/15.png) During class, I'd desperately want to sit upside down in my chair, but teachers would *never allow that kind of disruption to their "normal" classroom environment*. This was the 90s - we weren't as understanding about different learning styles back then. Instead, I'd fidget with anything within reach or mentally check out entirely while the teacher droned on about algebra. Homework was a nightmare. I'd "forget" to bring assignments home, or when I did remember, I'd find seventeen other things that absolutely had to be done first - cleaning my room, organizing my CD collection, anything but the actual work. My parents knew something was different, but in the mid-90s, ADHD wasn't well understood in our area. We drove two hours to the wealthy side of Indianapolis to find a doctor who was more current on behavioral conditions. He wanted to try this new medication called Adderall instead of the more common Ritalin that other kids were taking. Getting diagnosed still felt like being labeled as broken - kids with attention issues were called "Ritalin kids," and it wasn't meant as a compliment. When I started taking daily medication, I was terrified my friends would find out I was a "special ed kid." I told them I had a heart condition to explain the pills, keeping my real diagnosis completely secret. Adderall wasn't "cool" back then, and it definitely wasn't being abused yet. So if anyone found out I'd be labeled a social outcast. But here's the thing about Adderall: it worked. Almost immediately. For the first time in my life, I could sit in class and actually *hear* what the teacher was saying. I could open a textbook and read an entire chapter without my mind wandering to what I was going to do after school. That first semester on medication, I went from nearly failing to straight A's. The transformation was so dramatic that teachers didn't believe I was the same student. I graduated somewhere around 86th in my class of over 500 - not valedictorian material, but a far cry from the kid who almost didn't make it to sophomore year. ## College Independence and the Medication Mistake ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/30.png) Fast forward to my freshman year of college, and everything started falling apart. My high school girlfriend and I broke up, sending me into what felt like devastating heartbreak (melodramatic teenager thinking love was lost forever - silly looking back, but absolutely real at the time). Around the same time, my doctor switched me from Adderall to Strattera, a completely different type of medication. While Adderall is a stimulant that works immediately, Strattera is a non-stimulant that can take weeks to build up in your system and doesn't provide the same clear, immediate focus that I'd grown accustomed to. The combination of mild depression and a medication that didn't work as well left me feeling lost. That's when I got the brilliant idea to join the Navy - until the recruiter told me ADHD medication was disqualifying for military service. So I decided to go off medication entirely to pursue military service. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/simpsons-e1332535100213.jpg) Ironically, once I was off medication in 2002, I no longer wanted to join the Navy - and I also lost interest in most of my college coursework. I eventually dropped out. That was the last time I took any ADHD medication, and I've been managing without it for over two decades now. This began my era of self-medication. My old-school doctor had actually told me that smoking could help with focus (different times, I know), so I'd started cigarettes at 16\. In college, I discovered Red Bull, and later, alcohol became another way to quiet the mental noise. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Adam-2003_0212_203416AA.png) I quit smoking well over a decade ago, but caffeine and alcohol became my new go-to solutions for managing the mental chaos. The weight gain from all that sugar and beer has been detrimental to my health - something I'm still struggling with today. The biggest consequence of choosing to manage without proper medication? I developed habits that have stuck with me for over two decades. Procrastination became my worst enemy. I'd hyperfocus on random projects while ignoring the important stuff. Instead of editing YouTube videos or working on freelance projects that actually pay our bills, I might spend an entire day reorganizing our travel photos. Sound familiar? I'm literally demonstrating this problem right now by writing this blog post instead of doing the income-generating work I should be tackling. ## ADHD and Full-Time Family Travel When we decided to sell everything and travel full-time with our three daughters, I knew the novelty and excitement of constant adventure might help with focus, and in some ways it does - new environments provide stimulation that helps my brain engage. But I also knew travel would eliminate the routines that help manage ADHD symptoms, and that's proven true. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_2352.png) The biggest challenge isn't what you might expect. Lindsay has largely taken over the logistics of our travels - flight bookings, accommodation research, itinerary planning - partly because she's naturally good at it, and partly because she's now a professional travel advisor. But also because my ADHD made those tasks increasingly stressful for our family. My main challenge now is income management. While Lindsay contributes significantly as a travel advisor and handles much of our YouTube channel's brand partnerships, I'm still bouncing between three different income streams (YouTube, freelance work, and various projects) and not doing any of them particularly well. The visa form mistake in Malaysia? That happened because I rushed through paperwork while mentally juggling five other tasks, not giving any single thing my full attention. Travel days are especially challenging. Even though Lindsay handles most of the planning, I still get overwhelming anxiety about packing and the actual logistics of moving our family from point A to point B. The constant stimulation of new places is exciting, but the lack of routine makes everything harder to manage. ## What Actually Works on the Road After nearly three years of trial and error, we've developed some systems that help, though I'll be honest - we're still figuring it out. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7296.png) **Calendars and reminders are absolutely crucial.** Without the structure of a traditional home base, digital organization becomes even more important. We live and die by shared Google calendars and phone reminders for everything from visa deadlines to YouTube upload schedules. **Lindsay has become my external brain for scheduling.** She's the "keep us on schedule" person, and I desperately need that. We've learned to double-check all important documents together because my tendency to transpose numbers or miss details can have expensive consequences when you're dealing with international travel. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_0775.png) **Exercise and caffeine remain my go-to coping mechanisms.** When I'm having a particularly scattered day - like when I've already cleaned the entire kitchen because "it absolutely had to be done right now" instead of working on actual priorities - a long walk (it used to be running, but I need to get back in shape) helps reset my focus. I still self-medicate with caffeine and alcohol more than I'd like to admit, but I'm working on finding better alternatives. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7911.png) **Technology is both helpful and dangerous.** While calendar apps and reminders are essential, I've had an eye-opening realization while writing this post: every "miracle productivity app" I try eventually becomes another procrastination tool. The very devices meant to help me focus often become the biggest sources of distraction. ## What About Medication? Getting ADHD medication abroad is extremely difficult, if not impossible, in many countries. Places like Japan and South Korea medication like Adderall is not just banned it's illegal and criminal to possess. | Country | Adderall | Ritalin | Strattera | Concerta | | -------------- | ------------- | ---------------- | ------------- | ---------------- | | Japan | ❌ Banned | ❌ Banned | ✅ Available\* | ❌ Banned | | South Korea | ❌ Banned | ❌ Banned | ✅ Available\* | ❌ Banned | | Thailand | ❌ Banned | ❌ Banned | ✅ Available\* | ❌ Banned | | Singapore | ❌ Banned | ✅ Restricted\*\* | ✅ Available\* | ✅ Restricted\*\* | | Germany | ✅ Available\* | ✅ Available\* | ✅ Available\* | ✅ Available\* | | United Kingdom | ✅ Available\* | ✅ Available\* | ✅ Available\* | ✅ Available\* | *\*Available with local prescription and proper documentation* *\*\*Requires special import permit and local prescription* Even in countries where medications are technically available, the prescription process for foreign visitors is complicated and expensive. Most international insurance doesn't cover psychiatric medications, and finding English-speaking psychiatrists who understand ADHD can be challenging. If you're currently managing your ADHD successfully with medication, seriously consider how you'll handle being without it for extended periods. The logistics alone can be overwhelming, and that's before you factor in how going off medication might affect your ability to manage complex travel planning with kids. Looking back, the switch from Adderall to Strattera in my senior year probably explains why going off medication felt manageable at the time. Strattera never worked as well for me, so I didn't experience the dramatic loss of function that stopping Adderall might have caused. But that doesn't mean going without medication is the right choice for everyone - or even for me, long-term. ## Building Support Systems While Constantly Moving One unexpected benefit of the long-term travel community is that many of us share similar traits. We weren't designed to wear suits and sit behind desks all day. The families who choose this lifestyle often have at least one parent who thrives on novelty, struggles with traditional structure, or needs more stimulation than conventional life provides. We've found incredible support among other worldschooling families. Whether it's in the cafes of Chiang Mai, the beaches of Da Nang, or the playgrounds of Tokyo, there's an understanding that different brains work differently. When Harper chooses to do her reading upside down in a chair, other traveling parents get it. They're dealing with their own versions of neurodivergent challenges. This community has been crucial for our family's success on the road. Other parents share resources for managing kids with different learning styles, recommend ADHD-friendly activities in new cities, and provide the kind of understanding that's hard to find in traditional educational settings. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_1868.png) ## Advice for ADHD Parents Considering Long-Term Travel If you're an ADHD parent wondering whether your family can handle long-term travel, here's my honest take: it doesn't make ADHD easier to manage, but it can make life more fulfilling despite the challenges. **The cons are real:** Routine helps with ADHD management, and travel constantly disrupts routine. Multiple income streams become harder to juggle. Access to mental health support and medication is limited. The constant stimulation can be overwhelming rather than helpful. **But the pros matter too:** Your kids will experience incredible educational opportunities. Worldschooling allows for learning styles that traditional schools don't accommodate. The travel community is generally more accepting of neurodivergent traits. And for many of us, the alternative - sitting in an office in suburban Indiana - feels impossible. **Warning signs to watch for:** If you're consistently failing to meet basic income needs because you can't focus on work, if your ADHD is creating serious stress for your family relationships, or if you're relying heavily on unhealthy coping mechanisms, it might be time to consider returning to medication or seeking professional help. **Consider medication logistics carefully:** Before committing to long-term travel, research medication availability in your planned destinations. Consider working with a psychiatrist to develop an international medication plan, or explore whether non-stimulant options might work for you in restricted countries. ## The Ongoing Journey Writing this post has been both therapeutic and eye-opening. I've realized how much my ADHD still affects our family's daily life, from income management to simple travel logistics. But I've also been reminded of how far we've come in finding systems that work for us. Our daughters are learning that different brains work differently, and that's not something to hide or be ashamed of. They're seeing that challenges don't have to stop you from pursuing big dreams - they just require different strategies and a lot of support from people who love you. We're still figuring out the balance between managing ADHD symptoms and living the adventurous life we've chosen. Some days are harder than others. But for us, the struggles of managing ADHD while traveling are still preferable to the struggles of managing ADHD while living a conventional life that never quite fit. If you're an ADHD parent considering this lifestyle, know that it's possible - just different. Find your support systems, be honest about your challenges, and don't try to do it alone. Most importantly, don't let ADHD convince you that you can't pursue big dreams. Sometimes the unconventional path is exactly what our brains need. **Ready to explore travel options for your family?** Whether you're dealing with ADHD or other unique family considerations, Lindsay would love to help you plan a trip that works for your specific needs. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning that takes your family's unique dynamics into account. --- *If you're struggling with ADHD and considering medication changes or international travel, please consult with healthcare professionals who understand both ADHD management and travel medicine. This post reflects our personal experience and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.* *Depression is real and should not be dismissed. If you're feeling sad, hopeless, or empty most of the time, you may be experiencing depression and should talk to a mental health professional. If you're having thoughts of suicide, please reach out immediately:* | Country | Crisis Hotline | Number | | -------------- | ------------------------------------ | -------------- | | United States | National Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 988 | | United Kingdom | Samaritans | 116 123 | | Canada | Talk Suicide Canada | 1-833-456-4566 | | Australia | Lifeline Australia | 13 11 14 | *You can also contact your local emergency services (911, 999, 000) for immediate help.* ### Klook Promo Codes July 2026: Save Big on Activities & Tours Worldwide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/klook-promo/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T04:01:14.000Z Looking for the best Klook promo codes and discount deals for July 2026? As a family who's used Klook to book hundreds of activities across 20+ countries, we've compiled the most current and valuable promo codes to help you save on your next adventure. Whether you're planning a family trip to Japan, exploring Southeast Asia, or booking activities closer to home, these Klook discount codes will help stretch your travel budget further. **Quick Answer:** The best Klook promo code for July 2026 is **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK**, which provides variable savings on activities and experiences worldwide. We've tested this code extensively during our family travels and consistently see discounts ranging from 5-15% depending on the booking. [Klook.com](//www.klook.com/?aid=) ## Current Klook Promo Codes (Updated July 2026) ### Our Exclusive Klook Promo Code **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** \- Our exclusive Klook promo code that provides savings on activities and experiences worldwide. The discount amount varies by booking, but we've seen savings ranging from 5-15% on various activities. *This code works best when you book through our* [*Klook affiliate link*](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1091564&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) *first, then apply the code at checkout.* ### Additional Klook Savings Tips While we focus on our proven **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code, here are other ways to save on Klook: **General Money-Saving Strategies:** - Book activities 7+ days in advance for early bird discounts - Look for Klook's flash sales and seasonal promotions - Compare bundle deals vs. individual activity pricing - Check the Klook app for exclusive mobile deals - Follow Klook's social media for limited-time offers ### How to Use Our Klook Promo Code Getting the best deals with our **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code is simple: 1. **Start here:** Click our [Klook affiliate link](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1091564&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) to browse activities 2. **Add items to cart** and proceed to checkout 3. **Enter ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** in the "Promo Code" field 4. **Apply the code** to see your discount 5. **Complete payment** with your preferred method **Important:** Always start from our link above to ensure you get the best available discount and help support our family's travels. ## Why We Recommend Klook for Family Travel After nearly three years of full-time travel with our three daughters, Klook has become our go-to platform for booking activities and experiences. Here's why: ### Reliable and Family-Friendly Options During our time in Japan (our favorite country), we used Klook to book everything from Tokyo Disneyland tickets to bullet train passes. The platform consistently offers family-friendly activities with clear descriptions, photos, and honest reviews from other families. ### Competitive Pricing + Promo Codes Even without promo codes, Klook often beats direct booking prices. Add in these discount codes, and you're looking at significant savings. On our six-month stay in Vietnam, we saved over $300 using various Klook promotions for day trips and airport transfers. ### Mobile-Friendly Booking When you're traveling with kids, you need booking platforms that work seamlessly on mobile. Klook's app is intuitive, allows offline access to tickets, and provides real-time updates about your bookings. ## Best Klook Categories for Families Based on our extensive experience using Klook across Asia and beyond, here are the categories that offer the best value for traveling families: ### Airport Transfers **Why we love them:** Hassle-free transfers with car seats available in most major cities. The private transfer codes above can save you 5-15% off already competitive prices. **Best destinations:** Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok ### Theme Parks & Attractions **Family favorites:** Universal Studios Japan, Tokyo Disneyland, Ocean Park Hong Kong, Gardens by the Bay Singapore **Money-saving tip:** Klook often offers skip-the-line tickets at theme parks, which is worth the small premium when traveling with young children. ### Rail Passes **Essential for:** Japan (JR Pass), South Korea (KR Pass), Europe (Eurail) **Why book through Klook:** Often 10-15% cheaper than direct booking, plus the convenience of mobile tickets. ### Food Tours and Cooking Classes **Perfect for worldschooling:** These experiences teach kids about local culture while satisfying different dietary preferences. **Our recommendations:** Cooking classes in Thailand, food tours in Vietnam, and market visits in Malaysia. ## Regional Klook Deals (July 2026) While many codes are region-specific, here are some deals worth noting if you're traveling to these destinations: ### Japan Travel Deals - **50% off Japan hotels** with minimum spend requirements - **Theme park discounts** for Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disney - **Transportation passes** with exclusive Klook pricing ### South Korea Promotions - **Airport transfer discounts** ranging from 7-15% off - **Private tours** with seasonal promotions - **Food and cultural experiences** with family-friendly options ### Southeast Asia Savings - **Thailand activities** with local operator partnerships - **Singapore attractions** including Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios - **Malaysia experiences** featuring Legoland and cultural tours ## Klook vs. Competitors: Why We Choose Klook Having tried multiple booking platforms during our travels, here's how Klook compares: | Feature | Klook | GetYourGuide | Viator | | --------------------- | ----------- | ------------ | -------- | | **Asia Coverage** | Excellent | Good | Fair | | **Family Activities** | Excellent | Good | Good | | **Mobile App** | Excellent | Good | Good | | **Promo Codes** | Frequent | Occasional | Rare | | **Customer Service** | Good | Excellent | Fair | | **Pricing** | Competitive | Higher | Variable | **Bottom line:** For Asia travel, Klook consistently offers the best combination of selection, pricing, and user experience. ## Money-Saving Tips for Klook Bookings ### Book Activities in Advance Klook often offers early bird discounts of 10-20% when you book activities 7+ days in advance. This works perfectly for families who prefer structured itineraries. ### Compare Bundle Deals Instead of booking individual activities, look for Klook's city passes and combo deals. We saved $150 in Tokyo by purchasing a 3-day attraction pass instead of individual tickets. ### Follow Klook's Social Media Klook regularly posts flash sales and exclusive promo codes on their Instagram and Facebook pages. We've scored 30% off deals by following their social accounts. ### Use the Klook App The mobile app sometimes offers app-exclusive deals that aren't available on the website. Plus, you'll get push notifications about flash sales. ### Check Multiple Promo Codes Always try different promo codes at checkout. Sometimes a smaller percentage discount works better than a larger one due to minimum spend requirements. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use multiple Klook promo codes on one booking? No, Klook only allows one promo code per booking. However, you can make separate bookings for different activities. We recommend using our **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code, which consistently provides good savings across most activity types. ### Do Klook promo codes work for all activities? Our **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code works on most Klook activities, but some premium experiences may have exclusions. The discount amount varies by activity - we've seen savings from 5-15% depending on what you're booking. ### How do I know if a Klook promo code is valid? When you enter **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** at checkout, valid applications will show a green checkmark and display your discount amount. If there's an error, the code may not apply to your specific booking. ### Can I get a refund if I find a better price after booking? Klook doesn't offer price matching, but they do offer free cancellation on many activities up to 24-48 hours before your experience. Always check cancellation policies before booking. ### Are Klook tickets mobile-friendly? Yes, all Klook tickets are available through their mobile app. You can show tickets directly from your phone - no printing required. This is especially convenient when traveling with kids. ### Does the **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code work for last-minute bookings? Yes, our code typically works for same-day bookings, though availability depends on the specific activity and vendor requirements. ### Can I use the **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code for hotel bookings? Our code works on many Klook services including hotel bookings, though the discount may vary. We've successfully used it for accommodation in Japan and Southeast Asia. ### What's the best way to maximize savings with Klook? Start with our [affiliate link](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1091564&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com), use the **ADAMANDLINDSKLOOK** code, and book bundle deals when possible. Also watch for Klook's seasonal sales which can be combined with our code for maximum savings. ## Planning Your Next Adventure with Klook Ready to start planning your next family adventure? Here's our recommended approach: ### Step 1: Research Your Destination Browse [Klook's destination guides](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1091564&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) to discover family-friendly activities and experiences. ### Step 2: Create a Wishlist Add potential activities to your Klook wishlist. This helps you track prices and receive notifications about promotions. ### Step 3: Apply Promo Codes Use the codes listed above to maximize your savings. Start with the highest percentage discounts first. ### Step 4: Book and Enjoy Complete your booking and prepare for an amazing family adventure! ## Why Trust Our Klook Recommendations As the worldschooling family behind [Adam and Linds](https://www.adamandlinds.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com), we've used Klook to book activities in 20+ countries since May 2022\. Our recommendations come from real-world experience traveling full-time with three young daughters (ages 5-9). We've personally tested these booking platforms, compared prices, and dealt with customer service issues that arise during long-term travel. When we recommend Klook promo codes, it's because we've used them ourselves and seen the savings firsthand. **Ready to save on your next adventure?** Start browsing activities on [Klook](https://affiliate.klook.com/redirect?aid=42202&aff%5Fadid=1091564&k%5Fsite=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.klook.com%2F&ref=adamandlinds.com) and use our promo codes at checkout. For personalized travel planning and destination recommendations, contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). --- **Disclaimer:* This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All promo codes and offers are subject to change without notice.* ### Why Every Traveling Family Needs a VPN (And Which One Actually Works) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/vpn/ Last updated: 2025-07-18T07:12:39.000Z ## The Geo-Blocking Problem Nobody Warns You About Picture this: We're in our first European Airbnb in Lucca, Italy, just two months into our full-time travel adventure. After a magical day celebrating Harper's third birthday and our 10-year wedding anniversary, the girls are exhausted, cranky, and desperately want to watch their favorite Disney+ show before bed. We open the app, hit play, and... nothing. Just a frustrating error message: "Disney+ is not available in your location." > Three tired kids. One very long day. Zero patience for tech troubleshooting. That was our introduction to geo-blocking, and honestly, it caught us completely off guard. Here's the thing that nobody tells you about long-term family travel: the internet isn't the same everywhere. Websites, streaming services, and even banking apps treat you differently based on where you're physically located. And for families used to accessing everything from anywhere, this comes as a rude awakening. The Disney+ incident was annoying, but it wasn't devastating. What really got our attention happened just a few weeks later in our first month in Bangkok, when we tried to check our US bank account and got locked out entirely. Our bank's security system flagged the login attempt as "suspicious activity" and froze our account until we could call from a US phone number. Try explaining that situation to anyone when you're halfway around the world and suddenly can't access your money. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Product_Image_-_Apple_TV_-_1-740fb3c551bfb3f06c39d8a8d75d4ab5.jpg) ### When "Just Use a VPN" Isn't Actually Helpful Advice Everyone told us to "just get a VPN" like it was some magical solution that would instantly fix everything. But here's what I wish someone had explained upfront: VPNs are confusing as hell, even if you have a computer science degree like I do. The terminology alone is enough to make your head spin. Protocols, encryption standards, server locations, kill switches, DNS leaks - it's like learning a foreign language just to watch Bluey with your kids. After months of research, testing, and more than a few frustrated evenings trying to get our banking apps to work, we finally figured out what actually matters for traveling families. Spoiler alert: it's not about the technical specifications that VPN companies love to advertise. ### What This Guide Actually Covers This isn't another generic "10 Best VPNs" listicle written by someone who's never left their home country. This is a real-world comparison based on three years of full-time travel across 20+ countries with three kids who just want to watch their shows and parents who need to pay bills. We'll break down the only two VPN services that actually work consistently for families: [**ExpressVPN**](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) and [**NordVPN**](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com). Not because we're tech experts, but because we've tested everything else and these are the only ones that consistently: - Unblock Disney+, Netflix, and other streaming services kids actually want to watch - Allow secure access to US banking and financial services from anywhere - Work reliably across different countries and internet connections - Don't require a computer science degree to set up and use ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Aircove-lifestyle_7-785a92633fb1fe18544620b3191fe1bf.jpg) ### Why Geo-Blocking Matters More Than Privacy (For Most Families) Don't get me wrong - privacy and security are important. But if we're being honest, most traveling families aren't worried about government surveillance or corporate data mining. We just want to: #### **Stream familiar content for the kids:** - Disney+ shows that help with bedtime routines - Netflix movies for long travel days - YouTube channels they're used to watching #### **Access essential services from home:** - Banking apps and websites - Streaming services we're already paying for - US-based shopping and services #### **Maintain some sense of normalcy:** - Weather apps showing home forecasts - News from home country sources - Familiar websites and services The technical stuff matters, but only insofar as it solves these practical problems. After testing both [ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) and [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) extensively across multiple countries and devices, we've learned which one actually works best for real families dealing with real geo-blocking issues. It depends on what you prioritize. But we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make the right choice for your family. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/macos-laptop-us-meshnet.png) ## What is a VPN and Why Do Families Need It? Let's start with the basics. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essentially a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. Think of it like this: instead of your computer directly asking Disney+ "Hey, can I watch Bluey?" from Italy, the VPN makes it look like you're asking from your living room in Indiana. The website sees a US location, gives you access, and everyone's happy. I know that's oversimplified, but honestly, that's all most families need to understand. The technical details about encryption protocols and server infrastructure matter, but not if you just want to watch Encanto with your kids in a Roman Airbnb. ### The Three Reasons Traveling Families Actually Use VPNs After three years on the road and countless conversations with other traveling families, here's what VPNs actually solve for real people: #### **1\. Streaming Access (The Kids' Priority)** This is the big one. Your kids don't care about data privacy; they care about whether they can watch their shows. Here's what we've learned works: - **Disney+**: Blocked in most of Asia, limited content in Europe - **Netflix**: Different libraries everywhere (seriously, Thailand Netflix is weird) - **Hulu**: US-only, but sometimes you just need The Good Place - **BBC iPlayer**: UK-only, but they have the best kids' nature documentaries - **YouTube TV**: If you're trying to keep up with sports from home #### **2\. Banking and Financial Security (The Parents' Priority)** This isn't just about privacy - it's about access. US banks are paranoid about international logins, and rightfully so. But when you're trying to pay your US credit card bill from Bangkok, that paranoia becomes your problem. #### With a VPN connected to a US server: - Your bank sees a familiar US IP address - No "suspicious activity" flags - No emergency calls to unlock your account - No awkward conversations about why you're logging in from Thailand ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/affiliate-assets_-screenshots-misc-netflix-on-all-devices-cbc558be49be317e117750555b2e3019.png) #### **3\. General Privacy and Security (The Bonus)** Hotel WiFi is notoriously insecure, and airport internet is basically public broadcasting. A VPN encrypts your connection, which means: - Nobody can see what websites you're visiting - Your passwords and personal data stay private - Protection from the sketchy WiFi at that budget hotel in Prague ### "But Wait, Can Using a VPN Get You in Trouble?" This is the question every responsible parent asks, and it's a fair one. The short answer: **In most countries, no. But there are important exceptions.** #### **Countries where VPNs are completely legal:** - All of Europe - United States and Canada - Most of Asia (Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea) - Australia and New Zealand #### **Countries with restrictions or bans:** - **China**: Only government-approved VPNs legal, potential fines, though I was unable to find any recent source beyond an article from 2017 - **Russia**: Heavy restrictions since 2017 - **UAE**: VPNs are legal in UAE for legitimate purposes, but using them to access banned content can result in fines of $136,000-$544,000 - **North Korea, Belarus, Iraq**: Complete bans Download and set up your VPN before traveling to any country with restrictions. Even though most enforcement targets residents rather than tourists, having everything configured at home means you avoid any potential issues and don't have to worry about accessing VPN websites that might be blocked in those countries. ### Which VPN Services Actually Work for Families? Here's where we save you months of research and frustration. After testing every major VPN service across 20+ countries with real family needs, only two consistently work: [**ExpressVPN**](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- The premium option that just works [**NordVPN**](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- The value option with more features #### Everything else either: - Fails to unblock major streaming services - Has unreliable connections in key travel destinations - Requires too much technical knowledge for busy parents - Doesn't offer enough simultaneous connections for families We'll break down exactly which one works better for different family situations, but first, let me tell you about our real-world VPN journey and the mistakes we made so you don't have to. ## Our Real-World VPN Story After that banking fiasco in Bangkok, we knew we needed a VPN. The problem was figuring out which one actually worked for families, not just tech reviewers with no kids. ### Why We Started with ExpressVPN We went with [ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) initially because, frankly, it was the first one that didn't make my computer science brain hurt. The setup was straightforward, customer support actually answered questions in plain English, and most importantly, it worked on our first try with Disney+. But here's what really sold us: **the Aircove router**. Instead of installing VPN apps on every single device (and trust me, traveling with three kids means A LOT of devices), we could protect our entire family's internet connection at the router level. One device, whole family covered, including the Apple TV for hotel room movie nights. ### Our Current Setup (What Actually Works) After two years of testing and tweaking, here's what we travel with: #### **Home Base Setup:** - ExpressVPN Aircove router (covers everything automatically) - Individual apps on phones for when we're out and about - Separate server locations for different needs (US for banking, UK for BBC) #### **On-the-Road Reality:** - Router works great in Airbnbs and long-term stays - Individual apps essential for day trips and café WiFi - Always test banking access before we really need it The Aircove router was a game-changer for us, but it's not cheap ($190 + monthly subscription). We'll break down whether it's worth it for your family in the detailed comparison coming up. ### The Problems We Still Run Into #### Even with a premium VPN, it's not perfect: - Some streaming services are getting better at detection - Hotel WiFi can be so slow that VPN makes it unusable - Kids don't understand why their shows "sometimes don't work" But these are minor inconveniences compared to being locked out of your bank account or dealing with three cranky kids who can't watch Bluey. ## ExpressVPN vs NordVPN: The Family Face-Off After using ExpressVPN for two years, we decided to test [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) side-by-side to see if we were missing out. Here's what we found when we looked at the things that actually matter for traveling families. ### Pricing Reality Check: What Does a Family VPN Actually Cost? Let's cut through the marketing nonsense and talk real numbers. Both services love to advertise their monthly prices, but families need long-term reliability, which means annual or multi-year plans. | Service | Monthly Price | 2-Year Plan | Total Cost (24 months) | What You Get | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- | ----------- | ---------------------- | -------------------------------- | | **[ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com)** | $12.95 | $4.99/month | $139.72 | 8 devices + 4 extra months free | | **[NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com)** | $12.99 | $3.39/month | $81.36 | 10 devices + 4 extra months free | | **Family Savings with NordVPN** | \- | \- | **$58.36** | 2 extra device connections | Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free with your family's actual devices and streaming needs. **The 2-year commitment:** We know it sounds like a long time, but here's the thing - if you're planning any significant travel, you'll want VPN consistency. Switching services mid-trip when Netflix suddenly stops working is not fun with tired kids. ### Device Management: How Many Connections Do Families Actually Need? This is where the math gets interesting. Let's count our family's devices: #### **The Clarkson Family Device Count:** - 2 parents with phones = 2 devices - 3 kids with tablets = 3 devices - 2 laptops for work/school = 2 devices - 1 Apple TV for hotel entertainment = 1 device - **Total: 8 devices minimum** **ExpressVPN:** 8 simultaneous connections (exactly our limit) **NordVPN:** 10 simultaneous connections (room to grow) Here's the catch: ExpressVPN's [Aircove router](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) technically gives you unlimited connections, but it costs an extra $189.95 upfront. NordVPN just gives you more connections included. **Winner for most families:** NordVPN, unless you're planning to invest in the Aircove router system. ### Streaming Performance: What Actually Works for Kids' Content This is where it gets technical, so let me break down what those percentages actually mean: **Success Rate Explanation:** This means how often the VPN successfully bypasses geo-blocking. So "70% Disney+ success rate" means that 7 out of 10 times you try to access Disney+ from a blocked country, it works. **Netflix Libraries Explained:** Netflix has different content in every country. US Netflix has about 15,000 titles, while Thailand Netflix has maybe 3,000 titles (and most aren't in English). A VPN lets you access different country libraries by changing your apparent location. Based on [independent testing by security researchers](https://www.security.org/vpn/best/disney-plus/?ref=adamandlinds.com), here's the real-world performance: | Streaming Service | NordVPN Success Rate | ExpressVPN Success Rate | | ----------------- | -------------------- | ----------------------- | | **Disney+** | 70% | 60% | | **Netflix US** | 90% | 85% | | **Hulu** | 65% | 70% | | **BBC iPlayer** | 80% | 85% | **Netflix Library Access:** - **NordVPN:** Can access 30+ different country libraries - **ExpressVPN:** Reliable access to 10+ major libraries ### Our Real-World Testing Results We tested both services extensively in our most common travel destinations: #### **Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai):** - Both work consistently for Disney+ and Netflix - NordVPN slightly faster speeds - ExpressVPN more reliable for BBC iPlayer #### **Vietnam (Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City):** - NordVPN better for streaming during peak hours - Both handle banking access equally well - Hotel WiFi quality matters more than VPN choice #### **Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto):** - Both excellent for all services - Speed differences negligible ### Banking Access: The Parents' Priority Here's the good news: both VPNs work perfectly for banking when you follow the right approach. **The Universal Rule:** Always connect to your home country server before accessing banking websites or apps. We always connect to a US server before checking our US bank accounts, regardless of which VPN we're using. #### **Technical Differences:** - **ExpressVPN MediaStreamer:** Smart DNS feature that works even when VPN apps don't - **NordVPN Dedicated IPs:** Option to pay extra ($70/year) for a unique IP address that banks won't flag **Our banking experience:** Both services work identically well for banking access. The technique matters more than the service. We've never had banking issues with either VPN when using US servers consistently. ## Technical Setup Here's where the rubber meets the road. You can have the best VPN in the world, but if your 9-year-old can't figure out how to connect to watch her shows, it's useless for traveling families. ### Ease of Use: Which VPN Can Your Kids Actually Handle? #### **ExpressVPN: The Clear Winner for Simplicity** ExpressVPN wins hands-down for user-friendliness. The interface is basically foolproof: - Big green "Connect" button (connected) or red "Not Connected" button - One-click connection to recommended servers - Automatic server selection for streaming services - Clean, uncluttered interface that doesn't overwhelm kids **Experience with both services:** Lily (9) and Cora (8) can both connect ExpressVPN independently when they want to watch Disney+ on their tablets. No help needed, no confusion about which server to choose. ### **NordVPN: More Powerful but More Complex** NordVPN offers more features, but that comes with complexity: - Server map interface can be confusing for kids - More options mean more opportunities to choose wrong settings - Specialty servers (P2P, Double VPN, etc.) add confusion - Takes adults longer to explain to kids **With the girls:** The girls can use NordVPN, but they need help choosing the right server location for what they want to watch. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely more work for parents. **Bottom line:** If you want your kids to handle VPN connections independently, ExpressVPN is worth the extra cost just for the simplicity. ### Router Solutions: The Game-Changer for Family Travel This is where ExpressVPN really shines, and honestly, it's the main reason we've stuck with them despite NordVPN's better pricing. ### **The ExpressVPN Aircove Router: Our Secret Weapon** The [Aircove router](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) costs $189.95 upfront, but here's why it's worth every penny for traveling families: #### **How it works in practice:** 1. We arrive at a new Airbnb or hotel 2. Plug the Aircove into the existing WiFi router via ethernet cable 3. All our devices automatically connect to our secure network 4. Every device is instantly VPN-protected without individual setup **No more password chaos:** Instead of entering WiFi passwords on 8+ devices every time we move locations, everything just works automatically. The girls' tablets, our phones, the Apple TV for movie nights - all protected instantly. **Device grouping magic:** We can set different VPN locations for different devices: - Banking devices → US servers - Kids' tablets → US servers for Disney+ - Apple TV → UK servers for BBC content - Work laptops → Home servers for consistent access **Travel setup:** We literally just plug one cable and our entire family's internet is secure and geo-block-free. No explaining to kids which server to choose, no hunting for passwords, no "why isn't Netflix working?" troubleshooting. #### **NordVPN Router Setup: Possible but More Work** NordVPN can work with routers, but it requires: - Manual configuration on compatible routers - Technical knowledge to set up properly - No dedicated hardware solution - More troubleshooting when things go wrong **Our honest assessment:** If you're comfortable with network configuration, NordVPN on a manual router setup can work. But for busy parents who just want things to work, the Aircove router is a game-changer. ### **Apple TV and Smart Device Coverage** This is huge for family travel, though the landscape has changed since we first invested in the Aircove. Both services handle smart devices differently: #### **ExpressVPN with Aircove:** - Apple TV automatically protected and geo-located - No app installation needed on streaming devices - Works with hotel room smart TVs when available - Gaming devices and tablets covered automatically #### **NordVPN approach:** - Apple TV now supports VPN apps directly (this is relatively new) - Some smart devices don't support VPN apps - More manual configuration for each new device - Works well but requires more setup time **Important note:** Apple TV finally added native VPN app support in 2024, which wasn't available when we first bought our Aircove router. If Apple TV had supported VPN apps from the beginning, we might not have invested in the router setup. That said, we still love the automatic whole-family coverage, especially since the kids' tablets and other devices are all protected without any individual configuration. **The family travel reality:** **For traveling families:** When you're exhausted from a day of sightseeing and just want to put on a movie for the kids, the Aircove router means everything works immediately. No troubleshooting, no app configuration, no explaining to tired children why their show won't load. ## Legal and Safety Considerations Before we go any further, let's address the elephant in the room: the legal and safety questions that every responsible parent asks about VPNs. After traveling through 20+ countries with our family, here's what you actually need to know. #### Country-by-Country VPN Laws: Where You Need to Be Careful Most countries welcome VPN use, but there are important exceptions that families should know about before booking flights. #### **Countries with Complete VPN Bans:** - **North Korea** \- Complete internet control, avoid entirely - **Belarus** \- VPNs illegal since 2015 - **Iraq** \- Banned to control information flow - **Turkmenistan** \- Total internet censorship - **Oman** \- Heavy penalties for unauthorized VPN use #### **Countries with Restrictions (Use with Caution):** - **China** \- Only government-approved VPNs legal, potential fines though I was unable to find any recent source beyond an article from 2017 - **Russia** \- Heavy restrictions since 2017, targeting specific services - **UAE** \- VPNs are legal in UAE for legitimate purposes, but using them to access banned content can result in fines of $136,000-$544,000 - **Iran** \- Banned but widely used by locals - **Turkey** \- Periodic blocks on VPN services **Family Travel Strategy:** Download and fully configure your VPN before entering any restricted country. Don't try to download VPN apps or access VPN websites from within these countries - the sites themselves are often blocked. **Our approach:** We haven't traveled through countries with VPN restrictions yet, though we're planning a trip to China and have heard from other traveling families that having both [ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) and [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) subscriptions can be worth it there. Friends tell us they regularly have to switch between services as China's detection systems get better at blocking specific VPN providers. For countries with restrictions, the general advice from other families is: 1. Set up everything before arrival 2. Keep VPN apps hidden in phone folders 3. Consider having backup VPN options for places like China 4. Never discuss VPN use publicly or on local social media ### Banking and Financial Safety: Protecting Your Money on the Road This is where VPN technique becomes crucial for traveling families. Banks are legitimately paranoid about international fraud, so you need to work with their security systems, not against them. #### **Our Golden Rule: Always Use Home Country Servers for Banking** Every single time we access any US financial service (banks, credit cards, investment accounts), we connect to a US VPN server first. No exceptions. This simple habit has prevented every banking lockout except that first one in Bangkok. #### **How to Avoid "Unusual Activity" Flags:** - Connect to home country VPN server before opening banking apps - Use the same VPN server location consistently (we always use Chicago) - Don't hop between different country servers during banking sessions - Log out completely before changing VPN locations **Why This Works:** Your bank sees consistent login patterns from familiar IP addresses, even though you're physically in Thailand or Italy. To them, it looks like you're always banking from home. **Service Comparison for Banking:** Both [ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) and [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) work identically well for banking access. The technique matters far more than which service you use. ### Common Safety Questions: What Parents Actually Want to Know #### **"Can the police find you if you use a VPN?"** The honest answer: If law enforcement really wants to find you, a consumer VPN won't stop them. VPNs protect against casual surveillance and corporate data collection, not determined government investigation. For traveling families, this question usually comes from a place of wanting to follow local laws, not hide illegal activity. Both ExpressVPN and NordVPN maintain no-logs policies, meaning they don't keep records of your online activity, but government pressure can still reveal user information in extreme cases. #### **"Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch Netflix?"** This is a gray area that parents worry about unnecessarily. Using a VPN to access geo-blocked content violates Netflix's terms of service, but it's not illegal under any country's laws that we're aware of. Worst case scenario: Netflix detects your VPN and blocks access. They don't sue customers or report VPN usage to authorities. The same applies to Disney+, Hulu, and other streaming services. #### **"Can I be tracked if I use VPN?"** VPNs significantly reduce tracking but don't eliminate it entirely. Here's what still works when you're using a VPN: - Tracking through logged-in accounts (Google, Facebook, etc.) - Device fingerprinting based on browser settings - Location tracking through GPS on phones - Cookies and tracking pixels on websites #### What VPNs do block: - ISP monitoring of your web traffic - Government surveillance of internet activity - Location-based advertising and content restrictions - Hackers on public WiFi networks VPNs provide excellent privacy protection for normal internet use, but they're not invisibility cloaks. For traveling families, the main benefits are accessing home country content and securing connections on sketchy hotel WiFi. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Aircove_product_left-905b1b61f47a676e0a6fb7d5117d6ed1.png) ## The Aircove Router Deep Dive: Game-Changer or Expensive Gimmick? After two years of lugging the [ExpressVPN Aircove router](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) around the world, I can definitively say it's been one of our best travel tech investments. But it's not for everyone, and the upfront cost is significant enough that you need to think carefully about whether it makes sense for your family. ### Why We Invested in a Dedicated VPN Router The breaking point came during our second month in Bangkok. We were staying in a beautiful Airbnb, but every single device needed individual VPN setup every time the WiFi connection reset (which was daily). Picture this scenario: - 3 kids asking why their tablets won't connect to Disney+ - Apple TV not working for family movie night - Lindsay's work laptop flagged for "suspicious location" - My phone constantly switching between VPN servers - 45 minutes of troubleshooting just to watch Bluey The Aircove router eliminates all of that. One device, one setup, whole family protected automatically. ### Setup Process: Surprisingly Simple for a Router I'll be honest - I was expecting a nightmare setup process that would require my computer science degree and several frustrated phone calls. The reality was shockingly simple: #### **Initial Setup (One Time Only):** 1. Connect Aircove to power and ethernet cable 2. Open ExpressVPN app on phone 3. Scan QR code on router 4. Choose device groups and server locations 5. Connect all devices to new WiFi network #### **Daily Use in New Locations:** 1. Plug ethernet cable into Airbnb/hotel router 2. Wait 30 seconds for connection 3. Everything works automatically That's it. No configuration, no password hunting, no explaining to kids why Netflix isn't working. ### Device Grouping: The Secret Sauce for Families This is where the Aircove really shines. You can create up to 5 different device groups, each connected to different VPN server locations: #### **Our Current Setup:** - **Banking Group** (our phones): Always connected to Chicago, US - **Kids Entertainment** (tablets, Apple TV): Connected to Los Angeles, US for Disney+ - **Work Devices** (laptops): Connected to New York, US for consistent business access - **Streaming Experiments** (spare devices): UK servers for BBC, Canada for different Netflix - **No VPN Group**: Local internet for things that work better without VPN When we're in Thailand, Lindsay can check our US bank account on her phone (Chicago server) while the kids watch Disney+ on the Apple TV (LA server) and I work on my laptop (New York server) - all simultaneously, no conflicts, no manual switching. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Product_Image_-_2-2b04587d76cf266ae171b2fadd8bc499.jpg) ### Coverage: Protecting Your Entire Family's Digital Life The Aircove creates a secure bubble around your family's internet usage. Every device that connects to your WiFi network is automatically: - **VPN Protected**: All traffic encrypted and geo-located - **Malware Filtered**: ExpressVPN's threat protection blocks malicious websites - **Ad Blocked**: Significantly faster browsing with fewer ads - **Family Safe**: All devices follow the same security policies #### **Range and Performance:** - Covers up to 1,600 square feet (most Airbnbs and hotel rooms) - WiFi 6 technology for fast, reliable connections - Maintains about 80% of your base internet speed through VPN ### Cost Analysis: When Does the Math Work Out? The Aircove router costs $189.95 upfront, plus your regular ExpressVPN subscription. Here's when it makes financial sense: #### **Break-Even Analysis for Families:** ##### *If you travel 6+ months per year:* - Time saved on device setup: \~2 hours per location change - Reduced troubleshooting: \~1 hour per week - Family harmony: Priceless (seriously, no more "why isn't my show working?") ##### *Cost per month for families using it 6+ months:* - $189.95 ÷ 12 months = $15.83/month additional cost - Compare to: Individual VPN apps on 8+ devices, constant troubleshooting, family frustration ##### **When the Aircove Makes Sense:** - Families staying 1+ months in each location - Multiple kids with their own devices - Parents who work remotely and need reliable connections - Anyone who values "it just works" over "saving money" ##### **When to Skip the Aircove:** - Short-term travel (less than 3 months per year) - Families comfortable with individual device management - Budget-conscious travelers who don't mind manual setup - Tech-savvy families who can configure manual router solutions ### Real-World Performance After 2 Years #### **What we love:** - Never explaining VPN connections to kids anymore - Apple TV works immediately in every new location - Banking access is consistent and automatic - Hotel room movie nights just work - No hunting for passwords when WiFi resets #### **Occasional frustrations:** - Adds bulk to our travel tech bag - Some hotel ethernet ports are hidden or broken - Very slow internet makes everything slower - Can't use in places without ethernet access The Aircove router has been worth every penny for our family, but mainly because we stay in locations for 1-6 months at a time. If you're moving every few days or weeks, the convenience probably doesn't justify the cost. ## Speed and Performance Reality Here's where the rubber meets the road for traveling families. You can have all the features in the world, but if your VPN is too slow for three kids streaming simultaneously while parents try to work, it's useless. After extensive testing across multiple countries and internet connections, NordVPN consistently outperforms ExpressVPN in raw speed metrics: | Service | Speed Retention | Peak Speed Tested | Typical Family Usage | | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------ | | **[NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com)** | 90% | 892 Mbps | Excellent for multiple streams | | **[ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com)** | 77% | 718 Mbps | Good for most family needs | ### What These Numbers Actually Mean for Families Speed retention is the percentage of your original internet speed that you keep when the VPN is active. So if your Airbnb has 100 Mbps internet: - **With NordVPN**: You get about 90 Mbps usable speed - **With ExpressVPN**: You get about 77 Mbps usable speed **Peak speeds** are theoretical maximums under ideal conditions. We tested these on fiber connections in major cities like Bangkok and Tokyo. ### Real-World Family Usage Scenarios #### **Scenario 1: Typical Evening in Our Airbnb** - Lily watching Disney+ on her tablet (4K stream = \~25 Mbps) - Cora watching YouTube Kids on her tablet (HD stream = \~5 Mbps) - Harper watching Bluey on the Apple TV (4K stream = \~25 Mbps) - Lindsay on a work video call (HD video = \~10 Mbps) - Adam uploading photos and editing videos (\~20 Mbps) **Total bandwidth needed: \~85 Mbps** With a typical 100 Mbps Airbnb connection: - **NordVPN**: 90 Mbps available = smooth experience for everyone - **ExpressVPN**: 77 Mbps available = occasional buffering during peak usage ### Where Speed Differences Actually Matter **Multiple 4K Streams**: If you have kids who insist on watching different shows simultaneously in 4K, NordVPN's faster speeds become noticeable. With ExpressVPN, you might need to limit some devices to HD quality. **Video Calls for Work**: Both services handle standard video calls fine, but if you're doing 4K video conferences while kids are streaming, NordVPN provides more headroom. **Gaming**: For families with gaming-age kids, NordVPN's lower latency and higher speeds make online gaming more responsive. **Large File Uploads**: If you're uploading travel videos to YouTube or backing up photos to cloud storage, NordVPN's speed advantage saves real time. ### Speed Performance by Country (Our Testing) #### **Thailand (Bangkok , Chiang Mai):** - Base internet: 50-200 Mbps typical - NordVPN: Consistently maintained 85-90% of base speed - ExpressVPN: Usually maintained 75-80% of base speed #### **Vietnam (Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City):** - Base internet: 30-100 Mbps typical - NordVPN: Better performance during peak evening hours - ExpressVPN: More consistent but slower overall #### **Japan (Tokyo, Osaka):** - Base internet: Most Airbnbs use pocket WiFi (cellular hotspots) which are terrible - Typical speeds: 10-30 Mbps on a good day - Both services: Speed differences become irrelevant when base connection is slow - Japan's accommodation internet consistently disappoints despite the country's tech reputation ### When Speed Doesn't Matter **Hotel WiFi**: When you're dealing with 10 Mbps hotel internet, both VPNs will feel equally slow. The bottleneck is the hotel's connection, not your VPN choice. **Basic Usage**: For checking email, browsing websites, and single-device streaming, both services are perfectly adequate. **Remote Locations**: In places with limited internet infrastructure, VPN speed optimization becomes irrelevant compared to basic connectivity issues. The speed difference between NordVPN and ExpressVPN becomes most apparent when you have good base internet (50+ Mbps) and multiple family members using bandwidth-intensive applications simultaneously. For families doing serious remote work or managing multiple 4K streams, NordVPN's performance advantage is worth considering alongside its lower price point. ## Free VPNs: Why They Don't Work for Families Let's address the elephant in the room: "Are VPNs free?" This is usually the first question budget-conscious families ask, and I get it. When you're already spending thousands on flights and accommodations, another monthly subscription feels painful. The short answer is yes, free VPNs exist. The longer answer is that they're completely useless for traveling families, and here's why. ### The Free VPN Problem Remember the old saying: "If you aren't paying for a product, then you ARE the product." This applies perfectly to free VPN services. They need to make money somehow, and if you're not paying subscription fees, they're monetizing your data, selling your browsing habits, or serving you ads. #### **Typical Free VPN Limitations:** - **Data caps**: Usually 500MB-2GB per month (laughably small for families) - **Speed throttling**: Often limited to 1-5 Mbps (barely enough for one HD stream) - **Server limitations**: Usually 3-5 server locations (forget about geo-unblocking) - **Device restrictions**: Often limited to 1-2 simultaneous connections - **No customer support**: Good luck when things break ### Family Data Usage Numbers Let's do some quick math on how much data traveling families actually use: #### **Our Typical Monthly Usage:** - Disney+ streaming (3 kids): \~150GB - Netflix family movie nights: \~50GB - YouTube Kids and educational content: \~75GB - Video calls with family back home: \~25GB - General browsing, email, photos: \~20GB - **Total: \~320GB per month** Most free VPNs offer 500MB to 2GB per month. That's enough for about 30 minutes of HD streaming. For a family that watches Bluey every night, you'd burn through a month's allocation in a single episode. ### Security Risks That Matter for Families Free VPN services often have questionable security practices: **Data logging and selling**: Many free services log your browsing activity and sell it to advertisers or data brokers. When you're accessing banking information or personal accounts, this becomes a serious privacy risk. **Malware injection**: Some free VPNs inject ads or malware into your browsing session. The last thing you want is your kids' tablets getting infected because you tried to save money on VPN service. **Poor encryption**: Free services often use weak encryption or outdated protocols that don't actually protect your data on hotel WiFi. **Unreliable connections**: Free VPNs frequently drop connections or fail entirely, which can expose your real IP address and location to websites. ### The Streaming Facts Free VPNs simply don't work with streaming services. Netflix, Disney+, and other services actively block known free VPN IP addresses. Based on reports from other travelers and security research, free VPNs have roughly a 5% success rate with major streaming services, compared to 60-90% for quality paid services. When you're dealing with jet-lagged kids who just want to watch their favorite show, a 5% success rate isn't acceptable. ### What About "Freemium" Options? Some VPN companies offer limited free tiers alongside paid plans. These are generally more legitimate than purely free services, but still inadequate for family travel: **ProtonVPN Free**: Decent security, but limited to 3 servers and doesn't unblock streaming **Windscribe Free**: 10GB monthly limit, doesn't work reliably with major streaming services **TunnelBear Free**: 500MB monthly limit (enough for about 20 minutes of streaming) ### The Math on VPN Value Let's put this in perspective. A quality VPN like [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) costs about $3.39 per month for families. That's roughly the cost of: - One fancy coffee - Half a movie theater ticket - One kids' meal at McDonald's - 15 minutes of hotel minibar pricing For that price, you get unlimited data, fast speeds, reliable streaming access, and protection for up to 10 devices. When you consider that most families spend $15-30 per month on streaming services, adding $3.39 for reliable access to those services while traveling is a no-brainer. ### Our Recommendation Skip the free VPN rabbit hole entirely. I wouldn't trust our family's data and security to a free service, and neither should you. The time you'll spend troubleshooting free VPN issues is worth more than the money you'll save, especially when you factor in family frustration and missed access to content you're already paying for. ## Setup Guide for Traveling Families Getting your VPN setup right before you travel can save hours of frustration and prevent those dreaded moments when nothing works and everyone's cranky. Here's our step-by-step approach based on three years of trial and error. ### Before You Leave Home #### **Download and Install Apps on Every Device** Don't wait until you're in a foreign country to figure out VPN apps. Download and install your chosen VPN ([ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) or [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com)) on: - All smartphones and tablets - Laptops and work computers - Any device that will need internet access while traveling **Create accounts and download apps while connected to your home WiFi.** Some VPN websites are blocked in certain countries, making it impossible to download or set up accounts once you arrive. #### **Test Banking Access from Different Locations** Before you travel, test your banking access through the VPN: 1. Connect to a US server (or your home country) 2. Log into all your banking apps and websites 3. Make sure everything works normally 4. Note which US server location works best for each bank Some banks are pickier than others about IP addresses. We've found that major cities (Chicago, New York, Los Angeles) tend to work better than smaller server locations. #### **Configure Your Router (If Using Aircove)** If you're investing in the ExpressVPN Aircove router: 1. Set it up completely at home first 2. Test all device groups and server assignments 3. Make sure every family device connects properly 4. Pack the ethernet cable and power adapter in carry-on luggage #### **Save Important Information** Write down or save in your password manager: - VPN account login credentials - Customer support contact information (though we've never needed it) - Backup authentication codes if you use two-factor authentication - Preferred server locations for different needs (banking, streaming, work) ### On the Road #### **Best Practices for Hotel and Airbnb WiFi** **Connect to VPN before accessing anything important**: We make it a habit to connect to our VPN immediately after joining any new WiFi network, before opening banking apps or entering passwords. **Use your home country server for banking**: This cannot be emphasized enough. Always connect to a US server (or your home country) before accessing any financial services. **Test streaming access within 24 hours**: As soon as you get to a new location, test Disney+, Netflix, or whatever streaming service is most important to your family. If it doesn't work, you have time to troubleshoot or contact support. **Hotel WiFi troubleshooting**: Some hotel networks block VPN traffic. If your VPN won't connect: - Try different server locations - Use your phone's hotspot as backup internet - Ask hotel staff if they have a "business" WiFi network - Consider using mobile data with your VPN instead ### **When to Turn VPN On/Off** #### **Always ON for:** - Banking and financial services - Streaming services (Disney+, Netflix, etc.) - Shopping with US credit cards - Any website that's geo-blocked - Public WiFi in cafes, airports, hotels #### **Consider turning OFF for:** - Local services that work better with local IP (food delivery, local booking sites) - Very slow internet connections where VPN makes it unusable - Gaming that requires low latency - Large file downloads on slow connections #### **Troubleshooting Common Issues** ##### **"This content is not available in your region"**: - Try a different server in the same country - Clear browser cookies and cache - Use incognito/private browsing mode - Switch between different VPN protocols if your app allows it ##### **Banking app won't work**: - Ensure you're connected to your home country server - Try a different server city in your home country - Clear the banking app's cache or reinstall it - Use the bank's website instead of the app ##### **Slow internet with VPN**: - Try servers closer to your physical location - Switch to a less busy server (apps usually show server load) - Test different VPN protocols if available - Consider disconnecting VPN for large downloads, then reconnecting ##### **Netflix shows different content**: - This is normal - Netflix libraries vary by country - Try servers in different countries to access different content - Clear Netflix cookies to reset your location - Use incognito mode to avoid cached location data ##### **Kids' devices won't connect**: - Double-check server selection (US for Disney+) - Restart the VPN app completely - Try connecting to a different server - Make sure device time and date are set correctly The key to successful family VPN use is preparation and consistency. Set everything up properly before you travel, stick to the same server locations for important services, and don't panic when something doesn't work immediately - there's usually a simple fix. ## FAQ: Every VPN Question Parents Actually Ask After three years of family travel and countless conversations with other worldschooling families, these are the questions that come up repeatedly. Here are the straightforward answers: ### VPN Basics **"Where is VPN on my phone?"** Once you download a VPN app ([ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) or [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com)), it appears like any other app on your home screen. On iPhones, you can also access VPN settings through Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, but the app is much easier to use. **"Should VPN be on or off?"** For traveling families, default to ON, especially when: - Using any public WiFi (hotels, cafes, airports) - Accessing banking or financial services - Trying to watch streaming services from home - Shopping online with home country credit cards Turn it OFF only when it's causing problems with local services or making slow internet unusable. **"Do I need a VPN when traveling?"** If you want to access your normal streaming services, bank securely on public WiFi, or maintain access to home country websites, then yes. It's not legally required, but it's practically essential for maintaining your digital life while traveling. ### Service Comparisons **"Is ExpressVPN really that good?"** ExpressVPN is excellent for ease of use and consistency, but you pay a premium for that simplicity. It works reliably, has great customer support, and the Aircove router is genuinely useful for families. However, NordVPN offers similar performance for significantly less money. **"Which is better: NordVPN or ExpressVPN?"** For most families: NordVPN wins on value, speed, and simultaneous connections. For families who prioritize simplicity and don't mind paying extra: ExpressVPN. Both work well for the core needs of traveling families. **"Why is ExpressVPN so expensive?"** ExpressVPN positions itself as a premium service and charges accordingly. They invest heavily in user experience, customer support, and marketing. You're paying for simplicity and brand recognition, not necessarily better performance. **"Is NordVPN still trustworthy?"** Yes. NordVPN had some security issues in 2018 but has since undergone multiple independent audits and significantly improved their security practices. They're now one of the most transparent VPN providers in terms of security and privacy policies. **"Is NordVPN legal in the USA?"** Absolutely. VPNs are completely legal in the United States, and many American businesses use them for security. NordVPN is a legitimate company used by millions of Americans. ### Pricing and Deals **"What is the cheapest way to get ExpressVPN?"** Use our affiliate link at [expressvpn.com/adamandlinds](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) to get the current best deal, which typically includes 4 extra months free with annual plans. The 2-year plan offers the lowest monthly rate at $4.99/month. **"Does ExpressVPN offer discounts?"** ExpressVPN rarely offers percentage-off sales, but they do provide extra months free with longer commitments. Their promotions are less aggressive than NordVPN's but still offer decent value. **Current Best Deals:** - [**NordVPN**](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com): Get up to 76% off + an Amazon Gift Card with 2-year plans - [**ExpressVPN**](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com): Get 4 months free with 2-year plans (worth it for the extra time) ## Our Family's Final Recommendation After extensive testing and real-world use across 20+ countries, here's what we recommend for different types of traveling families: ### For Most Families: NordVPN [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) offers the best overall value for traveling families: #### **Financial Benefits:** - $58 savings over 2 years compared to ExpressVPN - Better long-term pricing with frequent promotions - More simultaneous connections (10 vs 8 devices) #### **Performance Advantages:** - Faster speeds for multiple simultaneous streams - Better success rates with Disney+ (70% vs 60%) - Access to more Netflix libraries (30+ vs 10+) #### **Family Features:** - Superior parental controls and malware blocking - More server locations for accessing different content - Better value for larger families with many devices ### For Tech-Averse Families: ExpressVPN [ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) costs more but offers simplicity that's worth paying for if you value ease of use above all else: #### **Simplicity Benefits:** - Easiest setup and daily use - kids can operate independently - More consistent streaming access without server switching - Superior customer support when things go wrong #### **Premium Features:** - Aircove router for automatic whole-family coverage - MediaStreamer technology for devices that don't support VPN apps - More polished apps across all platforms #### **Best for families who:** - Want technology that "just works" without configuration - Plan to use the Aircove router for automatic coverage - Don't mind paying extra for premium support and ease of use ### Money-Saving Tips **Use our affiliate links** to get the best current deals: - [**NordVPN**](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com): Often includes 76% off + extra months + bonuses - [**ExpressVPN**](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com): 4 extra months free with 2-year commitment #### **Timing your purchase:** - Both services offer better deals on longer commitments - Black Friday and New Year typically have the best promotions - Don't wait for perfect timing - both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees #### **Family sharing strategy:** - One subscription covers multiple family members - Set up device groups for different needs (banking vs streaming) - Consider the Aircove router if you're staying in locations for 1+ months Both services work well for traveling families. NordVPN offers better value and performance, while ExpressVPN offers superior ease of use. Choose based on your family's priorities and budget, but either choice will solve your geo-blocking and security needs while traveling. ## Our Current Setup: What We Actually Use After three years of testing, tweaking, and real-world family travel, here's what we're actually using today and why we've stuck with this configuration. ### Our Current VPN Setup We're still using [ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) with the Aircove router as our primary setup, despite NordVPN's better value proposition. Here's why: #### **Primary Setup:** - ExpressVPN Aircove router for whole-family coverage - Individual ExpressVPN apps on phones for when we're out and about - Device groups configured for different needs (banking, streaming, work) **Why we haven't switched to NordVPN:** The Aircove router has become too integral to our travel routine. The convenience of plugging in one cable and having our entire family's internet automatically secured and geo-located outweighs the cost savings of switching to NordVPN. When you're moving locations every few months with three kids, that level of "it just works" is worth the premium. **For our China trip:** We're planning to add a NordVPN subscription as backup, based on advice from other traveling families who say having two VPN services is essential there. ### Lessons Learned After 3 Years of Full-Time Travel **VPN choice matters less than consistency:** The biggest factor in VPN success isn't which service you choose, but how consistently you use it. Always connecting to the same server locations for banking, always turning it on before accessing streaming services, always setting it up before you really need it. **Router-level VPN is a game-changer for families:** Individual device apps work fine for solo travelers or couples, but families with multiple kids and devices benefit enormously from router-level protection. Whether it's ExpressVPN's Aircove or a manual router configuration with NordVPN, protecting your whole family's internet at once simplifies everything. **Speed matters more than you think:** We initially focused on privacy and geo-unblocking, but speed became crucial as our internet usage grew. Multiple kids streaming simultaneously while parents work requires more bandwidth than you expect, and VPN efficiency really shows in these scenarios. **Setup is everything:** The families who struggle with VPNs are usually those who try to figure it out after arriving in a new country. Download apps, test banking access, and configure everything while you're still at home with reliable internet and no time pressure. **Kids adapt faster than adults:** Lily and Cora can now troubleshoot VPN connections better than most adults. They know which server to choose for Disney+, understand why Netflix looks different in different countries, and can reconnect when things stop working. Don't underestimate kids' ability to learn technology that directly affects their entertainment. **Backup plans are essential:** Having only one VPN service worked fine for most countries, but we learned that popular tourist destinations sometimes experience VPN blocking during peak seasons. Having a backup option (or backup protocols within the same service) prevents those "nothing works and everyone's frustrated" scenarios. ### Final Advice for Families Considering VPN Investment **Start with the basics:** Don't overthink your first VPN choice. Both [ExpressVPN](http://www.expressvpn.com/adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) and [NordVPN](https://go.nordvpn.net/aff%5Fc?offer%5Fid=15&aff%5Fid=126793&url%5Fid=902&ref=adamandlinds.com) work well for traveling families. Pick one, learn how to use it consistently, then optimize from there. **Factor in your travel style:** If you're moving locations every few days, individual device apps are fine. If you're staying in places for weeks or months, invest in router-level protection. If you have multiple kids with their own devices, prioritize services with more simultaneous connections. **Budget for the 2-year commitment:** VPN services offer their best pricing on longer commitments, and you'll want consistency across multiple trips. The monthly savings on 2-year plans usually justify the upfront cost, especially for families. **Don't wait for perfect timing:** Both services offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free with your family's actual devices and internet usage patterns. Start with one service, use it for a few months, then decide if you need to switch or upgrade. **Remember why you're doing this:** VPNs aren't about becoming a privacy expert or optimizing technical specifications. For traveling families, they're about maintaining access to the digital life you have at home while staying secure on unfamiliar networks. Choose the option that solves those problems with the least amount of daily friction. The investment in a quality VPN service pays for itself quickly when you consider the cost of the streaming services you're already paying for, the value of secure banking access, and the family harmony that comes from technology that just works when you need it. --- **Disclaimer:* This post contains affiliate links to ExpressVPN and NordVPN. All thoughts, opinions, and recommendations are our own based on three years of real-world family travel experience. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. If you make a purchase through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support our family's travels and allows us to continue creating helpful content for other traveling families. If you feel like small independent creators shouldn't earn any money, then feel free to visit these multi-million dollar companies without following our links.* ### Our Real Experience with Reading Eggs After 3+ Years of Worldschooling URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/our-real-experience-with-reading-eggs-after-3-years-of-worldschooling/ Last updated: 2026-05-13T09:12:59.000Z When we first left the US in May 2022, I packed what I thought was everything we'd need for homeschooling on the road. Workbooks, flashcards, reading games, art supplies. By month two, most of it had been abandoned in various European cities because hauling educational materials across continents is impossible. That's when I discovered [Reading Eggs](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com), and honestly, it saved our homeschool sanity. We've been traveling full-time for over three years now. Our girls have been to more than 20 countries, lived everywhere from Tokyo apartments to Vietnamese beach towns, and somehow managed to not just keep up with their reading but actually excel at it. [Reading Eggs](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com) has been a huge part of that success. ## What Reading Eggs Is (And Isn't) Reading Eggs is an online reading program for kids ages 2-13\. It teaches phonics, sight words, and reading comprehension through games and interactive lessons. Kids earn rewards and move through levels at their own pace. What it's not is a complete curriculum. It only does reading. No math, no science, no social studies. (Though they do make Mathseeds for math.) Just reading, but it does reading really well. The program works on tablets, computers, and phones, which matters when you're constantly moving. Everything syncs across devices, so the girls can start a lesson on the laptop in our Airbnb and finish it on a tablet during a long train ride. [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Printables_1080X1080.png)](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## How We Actually Use It Every morning, before we start our day's adventures, the girls do their [Reading Eggs](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com) lessons. Usually takes 20-30 minutes per kid. They've gotten so used to this routine that they ask for it when we skip a day. Lily (9) is working through the advanced levels and reading chapter books. Cora (8) loves the interactive stories and is finally confident with phonics. Harper (6) just graduated from the early learning section and can read simple sentences now. The best part? I don't have to sit there and teach every lesson. The program is designed for kids to work independently, which gives me time to plan our day or actually drink my coffee while it's hot (or cold, as is often the case with the amazing Thai iced coffees I'm obsessed with). ## What Works Really Well **Consistency Across Countries** When everything else in your life is constantly changing, having one educational constant is incredibly valuable. Whether we're in Bangkok or Chiang Mai or Prague, [Reading Eggs](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com) is always the same. Same login, same progress, same familiar interface. **No Physical Materials to Lose** I cannot tell you how many workbooks we've left behind in various accommodations. With Reading Eggs, there's nothing to pack, nothing to lose, nothing taking up space in our already overstuffed luggage. **Individual Pacing** All three girls are at completely different reading levels. [Reading Eggs](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com) puts each kid exactly where they need to be and lets them progress at their own speed. No more trying to find three different sets of level-appropriate books in random international bookstores. **Rewards System That Actually Works** The golden eggs and certificates might seem silly, but they genuinely motivate the girls. Harper squeals with excitement every time she earns a new egg. It makes reading feel like playing instead of schoolwork. [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/popup_pricing_202109.jpg)](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## The Challenges **Internet Requirements** This is the biggest issue for traveling families. Reading Eggs needs internet for most features, and reliable internet isn't guaranteed everywhere we go. Rural areas, budget accommodations, travel days... there have been plenty of times when the girls couldn't access their lessons. You can download some content for offline use, but it's limited. I've learned to download whatever I can when we have good wifi, especially before long travel days or when heading somewhere remote. **It's Just Reading** Reading Eggs only covers reading skills. You'll need other resources for math, science, writing practice, and everything else kids need to learn. (Though they do make a math program called Mathseeds if you're interested.) It's not a one-stop education solution. **Screen Time Concerns** As much as I love the program, it is more screen time for the kids. In places like Japan or Thailand where there's so much to explore, it sometimes feels wrong to have them on devices. But 30 minutes of educational screen time feels like a reasonable trade-off for the consistency and progress they're making. ## Real Results We've Seen Lily was a reluctant reader when we started traveling. She preferred being read to and would give up easily when encountering unfamiliar words. After two years with [Reading Eggs](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com), she devours books. She read the entire Magic Tree House series during our time in Vietnam and is now working through the Dork Diaries books. Cora struggled with phonics and would guess at words instead of sounding them out. The systematic phonics instruction in Reading Eggs finally made it click for her. She's now confident tackling new words and actually enjoys reading aloud. Harper went from scribbles to reading simple sentences. Watching a three-year-old become a reader is pretty amazing, and Reading Eggs made it feel natural and fun instead of forced. ## Cost Reality Check Reading Eggs costs about $100 per year for a family subscription. That breaks down to roughly $8 per month for all three kids, or less than $3 per child per month. Compare that to international school tuition (often $1000+ per month per child), private tutoring ($30-50 per hour), or constantly buying new books and materials as you travel, and it's actually quite reasonable. Hidden costs to consider: you need devices that can run the app smoothly, and it will use some of your internet data if you're on limited plans. [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-11-at-12.08.43.png)](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Should You Try It? Reading Eggs works well for families who: - Have reasonably reliable internet most of the time - Want kids to work independently on reading skills - Need consistency across different locations and time zones - Have multiple children at different reading levels It's probably not right if: - Your internet is consistently poor or unreliable - You strongly prefer hands-on, non-digital learning - You need a complete curriculum that covers all subjects - You're on an extremely tight budget ## Getting Started Reading Eggs offers a 30-day free trial, which gives you plenty of time to test it with your kids in different situations. Don't just try it at home though. Test it with poor wifi, during travel days, when the kids are tired or cranky. That's when you'll really know if it works for your family. The setup is straightforward. Each child gets their own profile and takes a quick assessment to determine their starting level. The parent dashboard shows you what they're working on and how they're progressing. If you want to try it, you can [start the free trial here](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/DyM13G?ref=adamandlinds.com). Just remember it's only part of the education puzzle, not the whole solution. Reading Eggs isn't perfect, but after over three years of full-time travel with three kids, it's proven to be one of our most reliable educational tools. It's helped our girls not just maintain their reading skills but actually improve them while living this unconventional lifestyle. For traveling families struggling with reading education, it's definitely worth a try. --- *Lindsay helps families plan educational travel experiences as a certified travel advisor with* [*Fora Travel*](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel)*. Follow our family's worldschooling journey on* [*YouTube*](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) *and* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com)*.* *This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.* ### The Complete Guide to Worldschooling: Everything Parents Need to Know URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/the-complete-guide-to-worldschooling-everything-parents-need-to-know/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:44.000Z We sold the minivan in May 2022\. Then the Lexus. Then the house. We boarded the Queen Mary 2 out of New York with seven bags for five people, three daughters aged six, four, and two, and a fairly vague plan that amounted to: figure it out as you go. Four years and 34 countries later, our oldest is ten and has been to Japan 13 times. Our youngest just turned seven in Da Nang, Vietnam, where we've spent more total days than anywhere else on Earth outside Indiana. This is what worldschooling actually looks like from the inside, four years in. ![The minivan sold before our full-time travel began](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/ed29272a-ef86-49cb-b5da-e814475fcbe8.jpg) Selling the minivan was one of the last things tying us to a normal life. May 2022, right before we left. ## What is worldschooling? Worldschooling is the practice of using travel and cultural immersion as the foundation for a child's education, typically combined with homeschooling, online curricula, or unschooling approaches. The world is the classroom in ways four walls simply cannot replicate. The distinction that matters: worldschooling isn't homeschooling that happens to take place while traveling. It is a deliberate choice to let location, culture, language, and experience drive a significant portion of the educational content. When we studied Buddhist traditions in Thailand, we visited active temples and watched monks receive alms at sunrise rather than reading about it in a textbook. When Lily was eight and we were in Tokyo, she started tracking what things cost in yen versus dollars because she wanted to buy more at the markets. Currency exchange by necessity, not lesson plan. When we covered marine biology, they pressed their faces against the glass at Kaiyukan in Osaka while a whale shark cruised past. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper jumping on the beach at My Khe in matching floral dresses](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/5dbb0d03-32a6-4e98-8baf-c031daaae610.jpg) My Khe Beach in Da Nang, where the girls have spent more time than any beach in Indiana. This is their normal Tuesday. ## Is worldschooling legal? Yes, in most jurisdictions. Since worldschooling functions as homeschooling, legality depends on your home country's rules rather than wherever you're physically located at any given moment. For US families, homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, though requirements range from almost nothing to formal testing and portfolio reviews depending on where you maintain residency. We've held Indiana residency since 2022\. Indiana's requirements are minimal: no mandatory testing, no required filings. We keep records anyway, both because it's good practice and because we care about the girls' academic progress. Before you leave, spend time on these questions: - Does your state require annual notification to a school district? - Are standardized tests or portfolio reviews required, and if so, how are those administered while traveling? - Does your state allow you to enroll in an accredited online school as your homeschool method, which simplifies documentation considerably? If you're not a US family, the picture varies significantly. Germany has strict compulsory school attendance laws with limited homeschooling exceptions. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand have relatively flexible frameworks. Research your home country thoroughly, and consider consulting an education law professional before committing to long-term travel. We maintain legal homeschool status through our Indiana residency, where requirements are minimal. We still keep detailed records of educational activities and maintain portfolios for all three girls. ## Our actual daily rhythm (four years in) To be truthful: there is no fixed schedule. We don't do morning school blocks from 9 to noon every day. What we have instead is a general understanding that academic work happens, usually in the morning when energy is highest, and that afternoons are for whatever the location offers. In Da Nang, where we've been since early May 2026, the girls typically do focused academic work for one to two hours in the morning, then spend the afternoon at the beach or the pool, with evenings at night markets or local restaurants. Da Nang sits on one of the longest continuous stretches of coastline in Southeast Asia, and our girls have collectively spent hundreds of hours running around on it like kids. ![Lily barefoot on the climbing wall at Da Nang beach](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/8d51bded-db99-4a68-9b47-dbc45e9ec61c.jpg) Da Nang's beach climbing wall gets used every single day. Physical education, problem-solving, and zero worksheets required. In Osaka, where we spent most of early 2026, the rhythm was different. We did more structured schoolwork because we were exploring more intensively. The Nintendo Museum in Uji had an interactive karuta floor that had Lily and Cora locked in for 45 minutes reading cards and working out the logic. Two weeks later they were teaching Harper the traditional version at our apartment table. When we're in transit or have heavy travel days, school gets lighter. The first few days somewhere new are exploration. After that the routine tightens. | Age range | Typical formal work per day | What fills the rest | | --------- | --------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | | 5 to 7 | 30 to 60 minutes | Play, observation, language exposure, movement | | 8 to 10 | 1 to 2 hours | Structured activities, reading, creative projects | | 11 to 14 | 2 to 3 hours | Independent projects, online courses, deeper exploration | | 15 to 18 | 3 to 5 hours | Transcript-building coursework, portfolio development | ## What we actually use for curriculum **Reading Eggs** is where our girls learned to read, and it's still what Harper uses for literacy work at seven. It works particularly well for younger kids who respond to structured progression. [Our full honest review after four years of use is here.](https://adamandlinds.com/our-real-experience-with-reading-eggs-after-3-years-of-worldschooling/) **Outschool** has become indispensable. Live sessions with actual teachers on everything from creative writing to Mandarin to marine biology. When we were in Japan, Lily did a class on Japanese folklore taught by a teacher based in Kyoto. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS30** for $30 toward your first class. **Khan Academy** handles the structured math and science baseline for all three girls. It's free, comprehensive, and the pace-at-your-own-level approach suits a lifestyle where daily consistency isn't guaranteed. Beyond that, we lean on whatever is around us. In Chiang Mai the girls did a full Thai cooking class at The Best Thai Cooking Course, which has been running since 2006\. We all showed up in matching red aprons and learned from scratch in a kitchen outside the city. ![The whole Clarkson family in matching red aprons at The Best Thai Cooking Course in Chiang Mai](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/256105fb-44a4-426b-b50e-6a5d48152e4a.jpg) The Best Thai Cooking Course in Chiang Mai, and yes, that's a legitimate school day. Culinary chemistry, cultural history, and metric measurement all in one morning. [Watch A Normal Day Worldschooling in Thailand (Not Every Day Is an Adventure) on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mA3hpwdgJx0&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## What age should you start worldschooling? We started when our girls were six, four, and two. Lily was old enough to remember places and form real attachments to them. Cora adapted faster than anyone. Harper has no reference point for a life that doesn't involve boarding passes and night markets. This is just how the world works to her. After four years and dozens of worldschooling families met along the way, the window we keep seeing work best is roughly five to twelve. Young enough that adaptation is mostly painless, old enough to actually retain what they're living through. The language acquisition piece is real. Kids under ten pick up languages in a way that just doesn't happen later, and our girls have absorbed more Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Spanish than years of classroom instruction would have produced. Starting with teenagers isn't a dealbreaker, but it's harder. The social stakes are higher, the academic requirements are more specific, and getting buy-in from the teenager themselves matters a lot more than it does with a seven-year-old. The ones who thrive tend to be kids who genuinely wanted this. For those kids, four years of documented real-world learning can make for a college application that stands out in ways a suburban high school transcript never will. ## Ba Na Hills, birthdays, and what the classroom actually looks like Harper turned seven on June 25, 2026\. The next morning we took the cable car up to Ba Na Hills, the mountaintop resort about an hour outside Da Nang, and she spent most of the morning at the Rose Garden with a small notebook, drawing the zodiac statues one at a time. Nobody asked her to. She'd been reading about zodiac systems on a plane a few weeks earlier and decided this was the assignment. ![Harper with her notebook out in front of a bronze samurai statue at Ba Na Hills, Da Nang](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/bba3e9a8-c756-4ff8-92e9-17c189960761.jpg) Harper turned seven the day before and spent the morning at Ba Na Hills with her notebook out in front of a samurai statue, completely unbothered by the armor behind her. Is that a school lesson? Sort of. It's zodiac history, sculpture observation, and a seven-year-old choosing her own subject and following through for two hours in 90-degree heat. That last part is the part traditional classrooms mostly can't teach. ![Lily with her green backpack in front of the winged Virgo zodiac statue at Ba Na Hills Rose Garden](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/7f0e3f2f-5567-44a2-8ab2-356958d3e78d.jpg) Lily found her zodiac at the Rose Garden in Ba Na Hills. Virgo. Winged statue, green backpack, Crocs. She owns it completely. ## The Lapland question (and why experiences like this matter) In January 2026, we flew from Vienna to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. The girls met Santa in his actual cabin in the snow. We rode reindeer-pulled sleighs through frozen pine forests. Harper stood at minus-fifteen with her bear-ear hat on, grinning like she owned the entire Arctic Circle. We watched the northern lights break through the clouds over the treeline at 11pm. ![The whole Clarkson family on a reindeer sleigh ride through the snow-covered forest in Lapland](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/f144b33f-f288-4fe8-a057-a5f26b28add4.jpg) A reindeer-pulled sleigh through a snow-covered Lapland forest in January. Camera around my neck, Lily tucked in beside me, Lindsay and the other two behind us. This is the trip. Is that a school lesson? Sort of. It's geography, climate science, Sámi cultural history, and Arctic ecology rolled into a week. But more than that, it's a formative memory that shapes how those three kids understand what the world actually contains. Cora and Harper and Lily know that reindeer are real animals you can feed by hand in a forest while it's snowing. That's not trivia. That's a kind of knowing that doesn't come from photographs. ![Cora, Harper, and Lily feeding a reindeer up close in Rovaniemi Finland](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/4dfed2c2-5424-464a-b30a-df7b471d7020.jpg) The handlers told us only two of their reindeer were calm enough to actually pet, and somehow we got lucky. Not one of them hesitated. This is the argument for worldschooling that no curriculum document captures. You can teach climate zones on a worksheet or you can stand in Arctic Finland in January watching light pillars form over a frozen lake. Both are education. One of them sticks. ## Is worldschooling bad for kids? We get this question in some form constantly, usually from people who are skeptical and deserve a real answer rather than a defensive one. The honest version: it's not universally good or bad. It's different. Our girls have developed things that traditionally schooled kids typically don't develop at this rate. They have cultural adaptability, comfort with ambiguity, real language exposure, geographic intuition, and a genuine understanding that "normal" varies depending on where you are. Lily can navigate the Osaka subway by herself. Harper walked into a Taiwanese night market at age six, pointed at something sizzling on a stick, and ate it without flinching. ![The whole Clarkson family at dinner on Dotonbori in Osaka](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/47c11d09-0c67-485e-a4b4-6f8b819118a8.jpg) Dotonbori dinner in Osaka, the girls using the recommended food menu as a toy surface. Spring 2026, our third extended stay in Kansai. What they've given up, at least temporarily: consistent peer groups, predictable routines, and some of the social markers that matter to kids in traditional school settings. They occasionally miss their cousins. They sometimes describe wanting "a house with a yard." We take those things seriously rather than dismissing them. The things to watch for if you're doing this: - Persistent homesickness that isn't resolved by connection time with family back home - Academic regression despite your best efforts (which can happen, especially in math) - Social withdrawal or significant difficulty connecting with kids they meet - A child who consistently and sincerely says they want to stop None of those have been our experience. But they are real risks for some families and worth naming honestly. [Watch Honest Q&A Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpqhYI5qzik&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Are worldschool kids weird? A little bit. Mostly in ways that are positive, though the positive version of weird doesn't always translate cleanly when they spend time with traditionally schooled kids their age. They move between cultural contexts with an ease that surprises adults. They bow when greeting people in Japan without being reminded. They take their shoes off at thresholds before anyone asks. They understand that "normal" is a highly local concept. When other kids talk about what's popular on TV, ours sometimes answer with something about a temple they visited or a food they tried, because that's what's in their heads. What occasionally reads as weird: they're sometimes restless in structured environments. They're used to a lot of physical freedom and sensory novelty, so sitting at a desk for six hours strikes them as genuinely puzzling. They sometimes don't know the cultural references their peers share, which can create social distance. And they ask questions with a directness that seems to bypass the social filtering their peers have developed, possibly because they've spent four years navigating languages and cultures where directness is more common. Our honest take after watching three kids grow up this way: the differences are real, and most of them are net positives. The social adjustment costs are real too, and pretending otherwise doesn't help families make good decisions. ## How to actually start worldschooling This is the section that should be more practical than inspirational, because the inspiration is easy to find and the logistics are where people get stuck. ### Step 1: Sort out your legal situation before you leave Research your state or country's homeschooling requirements and satisfy them before departure. This is not optional. "We're traveling" is not a legally recognized educational status. You need an actual homeschool filing, or enrollment in an accredited online program, or whatever your jurisdiction requires. ### Step 2: Choose a base curriculum approach You don't need to solve this perfectly before you go, but you need a working answer. The three main approaches are structured (an online school with real teachers and schedules), eclectic (mix of resources you curate yourself), and unschooling (experience-led, minimal formal structure). Most worldschooling families we've met use a hybrid of structured and eclectic. We do. ### Step 3: Build your connectivity plan You are dependent on reliable internet for almost everything: curriculum, video calls with family, work, navigation. This is where we use [Holafly's global eSIM Plans](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=worldschooling-guide&subId2=connectivity&subId3=plans&sharedid=worldschooling&ref=adamandlinds.com), which we've been using across 30+ countries without needing to think about local SIMs. The Unlimited Plan ($64.90/month) covers 160+ countries with hotspot included. For a family homeschooling online, having data that just works when you land is not a nice-to-have. Holafly also runs an Always On feature: cancel your subscription and you keep 1GB/month in 70+ countries automatically. That has covered us on slow travel months more than once. ### Holafly eSIM The world's first international mobile operator. One eSIM, 160+ destinations. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off destination eSIMs, or 10% off the monthly global Plans. [Get your eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=worldschooling-guide&subId2=coupon&subId3=esim&sharedid=worldschooling&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Step 4: Start with a test run Take a 3 to 4 week trip before committing to full-time travel. School through it. See how your kids handle different sleep schedules, unfamiliar food, and the absence of their usual stuff. See how you handle the logistics. The decision to sell everything and leave is much easier to make confidently if you've done a version of it first. ### Step 5: Choose beginner-friendly destinations Your first extended stop should not be somewhere with unreliable infrastructure, major language barriers, and difficult visa situations. Southeast Asia is the classic starting point for good reasons. Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia all have good internet, affordable accommodation with full kitchens, large expat and worldschooling communities, and kids who will find approximately 400 things they want to do every single day. | Destination | Why it works for beginners | Monthly budget estimate (family of 5) | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------- | | Da Nang, Vietnam | Beach base, great internet, huge expat community, affordable | $2,500 to $3,500 | | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Large worldschooling community, cooler temps, easy lifestyle | $2,000 to $3,000 | | Lisbon, Portugal | English widespread, Schengen access, good infrastructure | $4,000 to $5,500 | | Taipei, Taiwan | Incredibly safe, excellent transport, low cost | $3,000 to $4,000 | ![The whole Clarkson family at Longshan Temple in Taipei Taiwan](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/d84c11de-be9c-42ac-8156-431046376e78.jpg) Day two in Taipei, Longshan Temple. The girls were curious about every detail of the iconography, and the questions they asked on that visit became a two-week thread through the rest of our Taiwan stay. ## Worldschooling and the eSIM Plans question This comes up in our DMs constantly: what do we do for data when we're somewhere for months at a time? For shorter stays (under 30 days), a destination-specific Holafly eSIM with code **ADAMANDLINDS** makes sense and is our standard recommendation. For longer stays and multi-country moves, the global Plans are better value. We're on the Unlimited Plan for our current Da Nang-to-Japan corridor because we move frequently enough that swapping eSIMs is friction we don't need. Light Plan ### $49.90/month 25GB across 160+ destinations Good for lighter users and families on a tighter budget. Hotspot included. [Get Light Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=worldschooling-guide&subId2=compare&subId3=light&sharedid=worldschooling&ref=adamandlinds.com) Unlimited Plan ### $64.90/month Unlimited data across 160+ destinations Hotspot included. Works for the whole family via tethering. [Get Unlimited Plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/3856277/24764?subId1=worldschooling-guide&subId2=compare&subId3=unlimited&sharedid=worldschooling&ref=adamandlinds.com) Holafly is the world's first international mobile operator, and the model is a monthly subscription rather than a stack of separate country SIMs. One eSIM covers 160+ destinations. No swapping, no reactivation, no surprise roaming charges. For families moving between three or four countries a year, that math works. ## Travel insurance for worldschooling families This is not a section you should skip. We use SafetyWing for our ongoing family coverage. Harper broke her arm in Vienna. The claim was straightforward and the coverage worked as described. We are not insurance brokers or licensed advisors. Nothing here is a formal insurance recommendation. Do your own research and choose coverage appropriate to your family's specific situation. ## What real worldschooling looks like day to day It looks like Lily and Harper navigating the Osaka subway together because we sent them to the wrong platform by accident and they figured it out. It looks like Cora having a forty-five-minute conversation in broken Japanese with a grandmother at a Nara temple about the deer. It looks like Harper at age seven asking what the Arabic script on a Moroccan sign said, then wanting to know why it ran right to left. It looks like Cora on July 4th, 2026, sitting at our kitchen table in Da Nang wearing a paper crown she made from a napkin and a marker because she wanted to celebrate the holiday from 8,600 miles away. ![Cora wearing a handmade paper crown reading 4th of July in Da Nang, Vietnam](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/e5b2241b-f161-4704-8114-07f28b691476.jpg) Cora's handmade 4th of July crown, made from a napkin and a marker at the kitchen table in Da Nang, 8,600 miles from Indiana. ![Cora, Harper, and Lily at Osaka Castle at golden hour with juice boxes](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/1425d85d-46f4-42bf-81c1-049433f2b58f.jpg) Osaka Castle at golden hour, juice boxes in hand. Harper made a heart at the camera, which is what she does instead of saying cheese. This is what a school Tuesday looks like for us. It also looks like a morning where nobody wants to do math and the internet is slow and we're tired of being in transit and the apartment has a weird smell and everyone is irritable. Those days happen. They're not in the Instagram posts but they're in the life. The thing we'd tell a family considering this: the hard days are not a reason to not do it. They're a reason to be honest about what you're signing up for before you sell the car. [Watch What is a Worldschool Popup? Our First Experience on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Zq3JtqZ7Dk&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Building the worldschooling community One of the things nobody prepares you for: the loneliness that can come with constant movement, particularly in the early months before you've built any community. This is real and worth naming. What we'd suggest: find the worldschooling Facebook groups before you leave. There are several with tens of thousands of active members. Look for worldschooling popup events in cities you're considering. These are organized gatherings of worldschooling families who run structured activities alongside cultural immersion. We attended our first Tokyo Worldschool Popup in 2024 and it was one of the better things we've done for the girls' social development. Seeing ten other families doing the same thing you're doing, in a different place than you expected to see them, is a specific kind of relief. If you're planning trips through Vietnam, Japan, or Southeast Asia and want family-friendly logistics support, Lindsay is a Fora Travel advisor with deep regional experience. You can reach her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). ## What we'd do differently Stay longer in each place. We did too much early movement in years one and two, chasing variety when what the kids needed was enough time to make real friends and develop real rhythms. Our Da Nang stretches (we're on our seventh visit now) and our extended Osaka stay have produced more memorable experiences than any fast-moving itinerary. Start the formal curriculum earlier. We were loose about academic structure in year one because we thought the experiences would carry everything. They carried a lot. They didn't carry multiplication tables. Those required actual deliberate teaching. Involve the kids in decisions earlier. Lily and Cora have strong opinions about where they want to go and what they want to do, and the trips where they've had input into the planning have been noticeably better for everyone. Harper mostly just wants to find the nearest body of water. FAQ ## Frequently Asked Questions The questions we get most about worldschooling, four years and 34 countries in. What is worldschooling in simple terms? Worldschooling is homeschooling that uses travel and cultural immersion as the primary educational content. Families learn geography by visiting the places, history by walking through the sites, science by observing ecosystems in different climate zones, and languages by using them in daily life. Is worldschooling legal in the United States? Yes. Worldschooling functions as homeschooling under US law, which is legal in all 50 states. Requirements vary by state of residency. Some states require testing or portfolios; others require nothing beyond a notice of intent. You maintain the residency of a state, not the country you're currently in. How much does worldschooling cost per month? Full family costs range widely. A family of five can worldschool comfortably in Southeast Asia for $2,500 to $3,500 per month all-in. Europe runs $4,000 to $6,000\. Japan runs $4,500 to $6,500\. Compared to private school tuition plus a mortgage back home, the math often favors travel. Do worldschooled kids fall behind academically? Not in our experience or in most families we know, provided you keep math structured. The place we've seen regression is arithmetic fluency when families go fully unschooling. Reading, writing, geography, history, and language skills tend to develop faster than in traditional school. Math needs deliberate daily practice. How do worldschooled kids make friends? Through worldschool popup events, expat communities in extended-stay destinations, activities and classes at each location, and increasingly through online Outschool sessions where they see the same kids weekly across multiple months. Our girls have friends in six countries. Can you worldschool with teenagers? Yes, but it works best when the teenager wants it. Buy-in matters more with older kids. Academic requirements also become more specific as high school approaches, so a structured online program is usually part of the answer. ### More from Adam and Linds [Slow travel: how we stopped moving and loved staying put](https://adamandlinds.com/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) [Reading Eggs: our honest three-year review](https://adamandlinds.com/our-real-experience-with-reading-eggs-after-3-years-of-worldschooling/) [Traveling with ADHD: a dad's honest take](https://adamandlinds.com/traveling-with-adhd/) [Harper: more life abroad than home](https://adamandlinds.com/harper-more-life-abroad-than-home/) [What full-time family travel actually costs (real numbers)](https://adamandlinds.com/cost-of-full-time-family-travel-real-numbers-2/) This post contains affiliate links to Holafly, Outschool, and SafetyWing. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We are not insurance brokers; the SafetyWing mention is informational only and not a recommendation. All opinions are our own. ### Is Taipei Worth Visiting with Kids? Our Complete 8-Day Family Guide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/is-taipei-worth-visiting-with-kids-our-complete-8-day-family-guide/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:45.000Z **The short answer? Absolutely yes.** After spending eight incredible days exploring Taipei with our three daughters (ages 5, 7, and 8), we can confidently say this vibrant capital is one of Asia's most underrated family destinations. From affordable street food and world-class museums to efficient public transportation and kid-friendly attractions, Taipei delivered experiences that had us planning our return visit before we even left. We spent eight days discovering temples, night markets, museums, and hidden gems throughout the city on a total budget of $2,400 USD ($300 per day for our family of five). Here's everything you need to know about visiting Taipei with children, including our honest assessment of costs, logistics, and whether it's truly worth adding to your family travel itinerary. [Watch Taipei 2025 Travel Guide: 1 Week Budget Family Travel 🇹🇼 • Itinerary & Expenses • Taiwan Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7Cb3ei-%5FNI&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Why Taipei Works So Well for Families ### **Exceptional Value for Money** Our eight-day stay in Taipei cost exactly $2,097 USD for our family of five, averaging just $262 per day. This came in well under our typical $300 daily budget and included accommodation in the trendy Ximending district, all meals, transportation, activities, and even splurges like cooking classes and guided tours. ### **World-Class Public Transportation** Taipei's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is clean, efficient, and incredibly family-friendly. Children under 6 ride completely free, while kids 6-12 pay half price on buses and full price on the MRT. We purchased EasyCards for 100 TWD each (about $3 USD) and topped them up as needed. The entire system is air-conditioned, which provides welcome relief from Taiwan's humid summers. ### **English-Friendly Environment** While Mandarin is the primary language, we found Taipei surprisingly English-friendly. Most signs include English translations, restaurant menus often have pictures or English options, and many locals speak at least basic English. The abundance of convenience stores (7-Eleven and FamilyMart are everywhere) made it easy to grab snacks, drinks, and essentials. ## Our 8-Day Taipei Itinerary Breakdown ### Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions After arriving via airport transfer, we settled into our Airbnb in [Ximending](https://maps.google.com/?q=Ximending,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com), often called "the Harajuku of Taipei." This vibrant pedestrian district became our perfect home base, surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and nightlife that caters to younger crowds. Our first meal was at Fu Hong Beef Noodles, a 24-hour spot right next to our accommodation. The beef noodle soup was exceptional - rich, flavorful, and surprisingly kid-friendly despite being a local favorite. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7897.png) ### Day 2: Comprehensive Taipei Tour with Edison Tours ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Map---Day-2.png) We partnered with [Edison Tours](https://gyg.me/0F68MdQn?ref=adamandlinds.com) for a full-day guided experience covering Taipei's essential landmarks. While we typically prefer independent exploration, this tour provided invaluable cultural context and historical background that enriched our entire week. #### **Tour Highlights:** - [**Grand Hotel Taipei**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Grand+Hotel+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): This architectural marvel features over 300,000 dragon motifs and spectacular city views. While staying here costs $588 USD per night, visiting for photos and exploration is free. - [**National Palace Museum**](https://maps.google.com/?q=National+Palace+Museum,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): Home to the world's largest collection of Chinese treasures, this museum requires at least 2-3 hours to appreciate properly. Adult tickets cost 350 TWD ($11 USD) with free entry for children under 18. - [**Dihua Street**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Dihua+Street,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): One of Taipei's oldest trading streets, now filled with traditional markets, tea shops, and local delicacies. - [**Lungshan Temple**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Lungshan+Temple,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): An active Buddhist temple where we learned traditional practices like using moon blocks to communicate with deities. - [**Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Chiang+Kai-shek+Memorial+Hall,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): The changing of the guard ceremony fascinated our daughters and provided insight into Taiwan's complex political history. - [**Taipei 101**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Taipei+101,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): The former world's tallest building remains Taipei's most iconic landmark. #### **Cost**: Edison Tours cost us 11,440 TWD ($352 USD) for our family, making it our single largest expense but worthwhile for families seeking comprehensive cultural education. Powered by [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/taipei-city-l190/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_6502.png) ### Day 3: Northern Coast Adventure ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7598.png) We hired a private driver through Tripool (a local ride-sharing app) for approximately 5,000 TWD ($160 USD) to explore Taipei's stunning northern coastline. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Map---Day-3.png) [**Yehliu Geopark**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Yehliu+Geopark,+New+Taipei+City,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): This geological wonderland features incredible rock formations carved by centuries of erosion. The famous Queen's Head rock formation may only survive a few more years due to ongoing weathering. Entry costs are minimal, but bring sun protection - there's virtually no shade along the coastal paths. [**Jiufen Old Town**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Jiufen+Old+Town,+New+Taipei+City,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): This former gold-mining village served as inspiration for Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away." The winding alleyways filled with tea houses and traditional snacks create a magical atmosphere, especially as evening approaches. We enjoyed vermicelli chicken noodles and Taiwan beer while overlooking the coast. [**Golden Waterfall**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Golden+Waterfall,+New+Taipei+City,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com) **and** [**Yin Yang Sea**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Yin+Yang+Sea,+New+Taipei+City,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): These natural phenomena result from mineral-rich water meeting the ocean, creating distinct color contrasts. The viewing platforms provide excellent photo opportunities. [**Shifen**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Shifen,+New+Taipei+City,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): Famous for its waterfall (dubbed "Taiwan's Niagara") and the tradition of releasing wish lanterns into the sky. Our daughters loved decorating lanterns with their dreams and watching them float away. Powered by [GetYourGuide](https://www.getyourguide.com/taipei-city-l190/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7609.png) ### Day 4: New Taipei Metropolitan Park and Underground Shopping We tested Taipei's family-friendly public transportation by taking the MRT to New Taipei City. The journey cost just 20 TWD per adult (about $0.65 USD) with Harper riding free. [**New Taipei Metropolitan Park**](https://maps.google.com/?q=New+Taipei+Metropolitan+Park,+New+Taipei+City,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): Built in a flood plain, this innovative park features hundreds of slides built into the landscape. While there's minimal shade, the creative playground equipment provided hours of entertainment for our daughters. [**Taipei City Mall**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Taipei+City+Mall,+Taipei+Station,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): Taiwan's largest underground shopping street connects multiple train stations and provides air-conditioned relief from summer heat. The maze-like layout offers everything from electronics to gacha toys. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7515.png) ### Day 5: Science and Discovery Day [**Taiwan Science Education Center**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Taiwan+Science+Education+Center,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): At just 100 TWD for adults and 70 TWD for children (approximately $3 and $2 USD respectively), this hands-on museum offered incredible value. Interactive exhibits covering physics, biology, and technology kept our daughters engaged for over three hours. [**Taipei Astronomical Museum**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Taipei+Astronomical+Museum,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): This space-focused museum includes a planetarium show and interactive displays about solar system exploration. Combined tickets for museum and dome theater cost around 470 TWD for our family. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_6489.png) ### Day 6: Culinary Adventures [**Cook Inn Taiwan**](https://cookinn.tw/en/home-2/?ref=adamandlinds.com): This hands-on cooking class cost us 6,600 TWD ($203 USD) for our family. While our biggest single activity expense, it provided invaluable cultural insight and skills we still use today. [**Din Tai Fung**](https://maps.app.goo.gl/1XtdZ5ZMqBWob8UK7?ref=adamandlinds.com): We compared our homemade soup dumplings with those from the world-famous restaurant. Surprisingly, our cooking class versions held their own against the professionals! ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/DSC00625.png) ### Day 7: Taipei Zoo and Gondola Adventure We took the Brown Line MRT to its terminus at the zoo, then rode the crystal-bottom gondola to the south entrance. This strategy meant walking downhill all day instead of uphill. [**Maokong Gondola**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Maokong+Gondola,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): The crystal cabin option (same price as regular) features glass floors for spectacular views over Taipei's mountains and forests. [**Taipei Zoo**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Taipei+Zoo,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): One of Asia's largest zoos, featuring pandas, koalas, penguins, and diverse wildlife. At 320 TWD for our entire family (about $10 USD), it provided exceptional value for a full day of entertainment. [**Raohe Street Night Market**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Raohe+Street+Night+Market,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): Our evening culminated at this incredible night market, widely considered Taipei's best. From pepper buns cooked in clay ovens to fresh-made scallion pancakes, every bite was memorable. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/DSC00804.png) ### Day 8: Cultural Conclusion [**National Taiwan Museum**](https://maps.google.com/?q=National+Taiwan+Museum,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): This beautifully preserved colonial-era building houses excellent exhibits on Taiwan's natural history and indigenous cultures. At just 90 TWD for our entire family (under $3 USD), it represents incredible value. [**228 Peace Memorial Park**](https://maps.google.com/?q=228+Peace+Memorial+Park,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): This sobering memorial commemorates victims of the February 28, 1947 incident, providing important historical context about Taiwan's journey to democracy. [**Taipei Children's Discovery Center**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Taipei+Children%27s+Discovery+Center,+Taipei+City+Hall,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com): Located inside City Hall, this free interactive museum about Taipei's development provided our daughters with hands-on learning experiences. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/FullSizeRender.png) ## Essential Practical Information ### Where to Stay in Taipei with Kids [**Ximending District**](https://maps.google.com/?q=Ximending+District,+Taipei,+Taiwan&ref=adamandlinds.com) proved perfect for our family. This pedestrian-friendly area offers: - Walking distance to metro stations - Abundant restaurants and convenience stores - Safe, well-lit streets perfect for evening strolls - Proximity to night markets and attractions Our Airbnb cost $512 USD total ($64 per night), significantly less than hotel options while providing kitchen facilities and washing machine access. ### Transportation Tips ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/800-metro-taipei-map.jpg) **EasyCard**: These rechargeable cards work on all public transportation. Children 5 and under ride free everywhere, while ages 6-12 pay half price on buses. **MRT System**: Exceptionally clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. The Brown Line to the zoo features automated trains with front-row seats offering unobstructed views. **Tripool**: Local ride-sharing app offering competitive private driver rates for day trips outside the city. ### Food and Dining **Family Mart and 7-Eleven**: These ubiquitous convenience stores became our lifeline for snacks, drinks, and quick meals. Prices inside tourist attractions match regular store prices. **Night Markets**: Essential Taipei experiences offering incredible variety and value. Expect to spend 50-150 TWD per person for satisfying street food meals. **Restaurant Dining**: Traditional beef noodle soup restaurants and dumpling houses provide authentic experiences at reasonable prices. Most offer picture menus or English translations. ### Connectivity For seamless internet access throughout Taiwan, we highly recommend [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) with our exclusive code **ADAMANDLINDS** for the best rates on unlimited data plans. Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs activate instantly and work across all devices. ## Weather and Timing Considerations **Summer Reality Check**: We visited in summer, experiencing daily temperatures around 34°C (94°F) with afternoon humidity that made it feel like 40°C (105°F). Afternoon rain showers arrive like clockwork, so always carry umbrellas. **Optimal Visiting Seasons**: February-April and October-December offer more comfortable temperatures and less humidity. Avoid typhoon season (June-October) when possible. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Climate.png) ## Cultural Learning Opportunities Taipei provides exceptional worldschooling opportunities that we detail extensively in our book ["Taipei 2024: A One-Week Worldschool Guide to Affordable Family Travel"](https://amzn.to/4leub3Z?ref=adamandlinds.com): - **Museums**: From natural history to space exploration, Taipei's museums offer hands-on learning at incredibly affordable prices - **Temples**: Active religious sites where children can observe and participate in traditional practices - **Transportation Engineering**: The MRT system provides real-world examples of urban planning and engineering - **Geology**: Day trips to northern coast formations offer practical lessons in erosion and rock formation - **Cultural Exchange**: Cooking classes and guided tours provide deep cultural immersion - **Language Learning**: Daily interactions in Mandarin-speaking environment build confidence and skills ## Detailed Budget Breakdown for Family of Five (8 Days) Based on our actual expenses with exchange rate of 0.0308 USD per Taiwan Dollar: | Category | Amount (USD) | Details | | ---------------------------- | ------------ | ----------------------------------------- | | **Accommodation** | $512 | Ximending Airbnb ($64/night) | | **Food & Dining** | $623 | | | \- Breakfast | $37 | Traditional and convenience store options | | \- Lunch | $162 | Mix of restaurants and street food | | \- Dinner | $233 | Local restaurants and night markets | | \- Snacks/Water | $141 | Convenience stores and markets | | \- Alcohol | $50 | Taiwan beer and craft beverages | | **Transportation** | $266 | | | \- Airport transfers | $51 | Round-trip private transfer | | \- EasyCards/MRT | $62 | Public transportation passes | | \- Private driver | $154 | Full-day northern coast tour | | **Activities & Attractions** | $641 | | | \- Edison Tours | $352 | Full-day comprehensive city tour | | \- Cooking class | $203 | Cook In Taipei hands-on experience | | \- Museums | $53 | 4 different museums total | | \- Zoo & Gondola | $16 | Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola | | \- Other activities | $17 | Geopark, sky lanterns, etc. | | **Miscellaneous** | $55 | | | \- Pocket WiFi | $17 | 8-day rental | | \- Shopping/Souvenirs | $29 | Umbrellas, postcards, gifts | | \- SIM cards & misc | $9 | Local connectivity and supplies | | **TOTAL SPENT** | **$2,097** | | | **Daily Average** | **$262** | Well under $300 budget | | **Per Person Daily** | **$52.42** | Exceptional value for Asia | This breakdown demonstrates exceptional value compared to other major Asian cities like Tokyo ($400+ daily), Singapore ($350+ daily), or Hong Kong ($300+ daily) for similar family experiences. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-1.31.16---AM.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-1.31.23---AM.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-1.31.30---AM.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2024-09-04-at-1.38.54---AM.png) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Taipei worth visiting with kids? Absolutely. Taipei combines urban sophistication with family-friendly infrastructure, cultural richness with modern convenience, and exceptional value with memorable experiences. Our daughters still talk about their favorite moments from this trip. ### Is Taiwan good for family travel? Taiwan excels for family travel due to excellent healthcare, safe environment, efficient transportation, and welcoming culture toward children. The combination of traditional culture and modern amenities creates ideal conditions for worldschooling families. ### What is there to do in Taipei for families? Beyond our itinerary, Taipei offers hot springs, hiking trails, additional museums, cultural performances, festivals, and seasonal events. The city provides enough activities for weeks of exploration. ### How many days in Taipei is enough? We recommend minimum 5-7 days to experience major attractions without rushing. Our 8-day stay felt perfect for thorough exploration while maintaining relaxed pace suitable for children. ### Where should I avoid staying in Taipei? We found all areas we visited felt safe and family-friendly. However, staying near MRT stations provides maximum convenience for families with children. ### Is 3 days enough in Taipei? While possible, 3 days only allows surface-level exploration. You'd miss cultural depth, outdoor adventures, and the relaxed pace that makes family travel enjoyable. ### Is Taipei cheap for tourists? Compared to other major Asian cities, Taipei offers exceptional value. Accommodation, food, transportation, and activities cost significantly less than Tokyo, Singapore, or Hong Kong while maintaining high quality standards. ### Where to visit for the first time in Taiwan? Taipei provides the perfect introduction to Taiwan, offering cultural attractions, natural beauty, culinary experiences, and modern conveniences in one accessible location. ### What to know before going to Taipei? - Download translation apps for easier communication - Always carry umbrellas during summer months - Book popular restaurants in advance - Purchase EasyCards immediately upon arrival - Embrace the night market culture - it's essential to the Taipei experience ## Final Verdict: Why Taipei Deserves a Spot on Your Family Travel List After visiting over 20 countries as a worldschooling family, Taipei ranks among our top destinations for family travel. The combination of affordability, safety, cultural richness, and genuine warmth toward children creates an environment where families can truly thrive. Our daughters gained confidence navigating public transportation, trying new foods, and engaging with different cultural practices. They learned about history, science, and geography through hands-on experiences that no classroom could replicate. Most importantly, Taipei reminded us why we chose this lifestyle. Watching Harper confidently order in Mandarin, seeing Lily's excitement about pandas, and observing Cora's fascination with temple rituals reinforced that travel truly is the best education we can provide our children. **Ready to plan your own Taipei adventure?** Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized family travel planning services. As a certified travel advisor specializing in worldschooling families, she can help design the perfect Taiwan itinerary for your family's interests and budget. **Want to dive deeper into worldschooling strategies?** Check out our comprehensive guide ["Taipei 2024: A One-Week Worldschool Guide to Affordable Family Travel"](https://amzn.to/4leub3Z?ref=adamandlinds.com) for detailed insights on educational travel, budgeting for long-term family adventures, and creating meaningful learning experiences on the road. [![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/2024_Taipei_Cover_DRAFT2_R1_SMALL-Medium.jpeg)](https://amzn.to/3GxOLgz?ref=adamandlinds.com) For seamless connectivity throughout your Taiwan adventure, don't forget to grab your [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** for exclusive rates on unlimited data plans. *Watch our complete Taipei adventure on YouTube:* [*Taipei 2025 Travel Guide: 1 Week Budget Family Travel*](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Weekend in Paris: A Family's Guide to Three Perfect Days on $300 a Day URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/weekend-in-paris-a-familys-guide-to-three-perfect-days-on-300-a-day/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:46.000Z Paris with kids doesn't have to break the bank. When we started planning our long weekend in the City of Light with our three daughters, we discovered that shoulder season travel combined with smart choices can deliver an incredible family experience for exactly $300 per day. Here's how we spent three magical days in Paris as a family of five, proving that budget-friendly can still be brilliant. ## Planning Your Budget-Friendly Paris Adventure The secret to affordable Paris travel lies in timing and strategy. We chose late October for our visit, avoiding both summer crowds and winter weather while scoring significantly better rates on everything from hotels to attractions. Shoulder season in Paris means shorter lines, friendlier locals, and prices that actually work with a family budget. Our approach was simple: comfortable but budget-conscious accommodations, strategic use of free attractions mixed with a few paid highlights, smart meal choices that prioritize experience over expense, and transportation that becomes part of the adventure. ### Staying Connected: Essential for Navigation and Worldschooling Before diving into our itinerary, let's talk about staying connected. Paris has excellent free WiFi in many public spaces, but when you're navigating with three kids and trying to translate menus or research impromptu educational opportunities, reliable data is crucial. We used [Holafly's France eSIM plan](https://holafly.sjv.io/AP59Po?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- their 4-day unlimited data package costs just $16.90, and our readers save an additional 5% with code **ADAMANDLINDS**. Having instant access to maps, translation apps, and educational resources about everything we encountered made our trip infinitely smoother. [ ![](//a.impactradius-go.com/display-ad/24764-2233848)](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233848/24764?ref=adamandlinds.com)![](https://imp.pxf.io/i/6317027/2233848/24764) ### Accommodation: Comfort Without the Premium The **ibis budget Paris Porte de Pantin** became our home base, and honestly, it exceeded expectations for a budget choice. Located slightly outside central Paris but with excellent Metro connections, this hotel offered everything a traveling family actually needs without paying for amenities we wouldn't use. The family room sleeps four comfortably (we brought our travel crib for Harper), includes air conditioning and soundproofing that let us actually rest after long days of exploration. At $112 per night through our [preferred booking platform](https://expedia.com/affiliates/adamandlinds/parisonabudget-blog?ref=adamandlinds.com), three nights cost us $394 total including taxes. The location proved perfect for our budget strategy. A 15-minute Metro ride to central Paris meant we could easily return for afternoon rests without burning through our daily allowance on taxis. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/f0b394ed.jpg) ## Day 1: Classic Paris with Smart Savings ### Morning: Free Orientation Walk We started our first morning with a self-guided walking tour using a free Paris app, beginning at Notre-Dame's exterior (still under restoration but impressive even covered in scaffolding). The girls loved spotting gargoyles and discussing medieval architecture while we explained the cathedral's history. Walking across Pont Neuf to Île de la Cité cost nothing but provided perfect photo opportunities and geography lessons about how Paris developed around these islands. Harper collected interesting stones while Lily sketched the bridge details. **Cost: €0 ($0)** ![a building with a tower](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1652117524569-40da9d1a2e45?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fHBhcmlzJTIwZGFtZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTE3MDkyNzZ8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Matej Pribanic](https://unsplash.com/@bukze?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Afternoon: Budget Museum Strategy Instead of expensive museum passes, we chose one strategic paid attraction: the [Musée de l'Orangerie](https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101483319-15733804?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pariscityvision.com%2Fen%2Fmusee-orangerie-ticket&ref=adamandlinds.com) at €20 per adult (kids under 18 free). Monet's Water Lilies in their purpose-built oval rooms created a magical experience that captivated even our youngest. **Cost: €40 ($44) for adult tickets** ### DIY vs Guided Tours: The Budget Decision If you have extra budget flexibility, ParisCityVision offers an excellent [Paris City Tour](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101483319-15733804?sid=parisbudget-blog&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pariscityvision.com%2Fen%2Fparis-coach-tour&ref=adamandlinds.com) for €29 per person that provides professional commentary and covers major landmarks efficiently. While our DIY walking approach saved money and allowed flexibility, guided tours offer structured learning and insider knowledge that can enhance the experience when budget allows. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the free Tuileries Garden, where the girls ran off energy while we practiced French with other families. The playground equipment and carousel (€2 per ride) provided entertainment value that rivaled any expensive attraction. **Cost: €6 ($7) for carousel rides** ### Evening: Affordable Dinner Strategy Rather than tourist trap restaurants, we discovered [**L'As du Fallafel**](https://maps.google.com/maps?q=L%27As+du+Fallafel,+Paris,+France&ref=adamandlinds.com) in the Marais - legendary for good reason and genuinely affordable. Generous portions for €8-12 per person filled everyone up while introducing the girls to Middle Eastern flavors they'd never tried. **Cost: €50 ($55) for dinner** We finished with gelato from a local shop (€12 total) while walking through the beautifully lit Marais streets, turning our evening stroll into free entertainment. **Cost: €12 ($13) for gelato** **Day 1 Total: $119 in activities and food** ## Day 2: Royal Splendor on a Shoestring ### Morning: Versailles by Public Transport Instead of expensive tour buses, we took the RER C train to Versailles (€7.20 per person with kids under 4 free) and bought palace tickets on arrival. The 45-minute train ride became part of the adventure, with countryside views and anticipation building. **Cost: €36 ($40) for train tickets** Palace admission for adults (€20 each, kids free) gave us access to the main rooms and gardens. We focused on Marie Antoinette's apartments and the Hall of Mirrors, spending three hours exploring while the girls marveled at the excess that led to revolution. **Cost: €40 ($44) for palace tickets** ![green leaf trees near water fountain](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551568697-4b520d9743f4?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fFZlcnNhaWxsZXN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUxNzA5NDAxfDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Armand Khoury](https://unsplash.com/@armand%5Fkhoury?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### DIY vs Guided Versailles Experience While we saved money with independent travel, ParisCityVision offers [roundtrip transportation to Versailles](https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101483319-15733804?sid=parisbudget-blog&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pariscityvision.com%2FRoundrip-transportation-Versailles-Paris-halfday&ref=adamandlinds.com) for €35 per person, which includes comfortable coach transport and eliminates navigation stress. If budget allows, this can be worth the premium for families wanting a more relaxed experience. ### Afternoon: Seine Views Without Seine Prices Back in Paris, we walked along the Seine's free public walkways, spotting landmarks from river level without paying for boat tours. The girls loved watching barges and trying to identify buildings we'd seen from street level. **Cost: €0 ($0)** We climbed the steps to [**Sacré-Cœur Basilica**](https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Sacr%C3%A9-C%C5%93ur+Basilica,+Paris,+France&ref=adamandlinds.com) (free admission) for spectacular city views. The funicular costs €1.90 each, but climbing the stairs provided better exercise and identical destination. Montmartre's artistic atmosphere entertained us for hours at zero cost. **Cost: €0 ($0)** ### Seine Cruise Alternative For families with more budget flexibility, ParisCityVision's [City Tour and Seine Cruise](https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-101483319-15733804?sid=parisbudget-blog&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pariscityvision.com%2Fen%2Fparis-city-tour-cruise&ref=adamandlinds.com) combination at €39 per person provides professional commentary and unique river perspectives that enhance the Paris experience when budget allows. ![boat on body of water near structures](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1504896287989-ff1fbde00199?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDJ8fHNlaW5lfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MTcwOTQyMnww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Joe deSousa](https://unsplash.com/@mustangjoe?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Evening: Picnic with a View We assembled dinner from [**Monoprix**](https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Monoprix+near+Eiffel+Tower,+Paris,+France&ref=adamandlinds.com) (€35 total) - fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and treats - then found a perfect spot near the Eiffel Tower for an impromptu picnic. Watching the tower's hourly light show while eating our budget feast felt more special than any expensive restaurant. **Cost: €35 ($39) for picnic provisions** **Day 2 Total: $123 in activities and food** ## Day 3: Final Adventures and Hidden Gems ### Morning: Arc de Triomphe and Free Champs-Élysées We splurged on [Arc de Triomphe tickets](https://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101483319-15733804?sid=parisbudget-blog&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pariscityvision.com%2Fen%2Farc-de-triomphe-ticket&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- €13 per adult (kids free) for spectacular city views and Napoleon history lessons. The climb provided exercise and anticipation before the payoff at the top. **Cost: €26 ($29) for monument access** Walking down the Champs-Élysées cost nothing but provided window shopping entertainment and people-watching opportunities. The girls loved comparing Parisian fashion to what they'd observed in other countries during our travels. **Cost: €0 ($0)** ![A group of people standing in front of a monument](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1734292749283-92dd9b4e47f7?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDN8fENoYW1wcy0lQzMlODlseXMlQzMlQTllc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTE3MDk0NDF8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Marco Herrmann](https://unsplash.com/@%5F%5F%5Fmarcoh?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Afternoon: Local Park Discovery Instead of expensive attractions, we discovered [**Parc des Buttes-Chaumont**](https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Parc+des+Buttes-Chaumont,+Paris,+France&ref=adamandlinds.com), a local favorite with dramatic cliffs, a temple, and playground areas where our girls could actually play with Parisian children. This authentic neighborhood experience cost nothing but provided cultural immersion money can't buy. **Cost: €0 ($0)** ### Evening: Market Street Dinner For our final meal, we explored [**Rue Montorgueil**](https://maps.google.com/maps?q=Rue+Montorgueil,+Paris,+France&ref=adamandlinds.com), a pedestrian market street where we sampled cheese (€15), fresh bread (€5), and pastries (€18) from different vendors. This progressive dinner introduced more French flavors while staying within budget. **Cost: €38 ($42) for market sampling** We ended with hot chocolate at a neighborhood café (€20 total) while the girls drew pictures of their favorite Paris moments in their travel journals. **Cost: €20 ($22) for drinks** **Day 3 Total: $93 in activities and food** ## Budget Victory: Under $900 with Room to Spare ### Total Expenditure Breakdown | Category | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Total | | ---------------------------------- | -------- | -------- | ------- | -------- | | Accommodation (3 nights) | \- | \- | \- | $394 | | Communication (eSIM) | \- | \- | \- | $17 | | Attractions | $44 | $84 | $29 | $157 | | Transportation | $0 | $40 | $0 | $40 | | Food & Dining | $68 | $39 | $64 | $171 | | **Daily Activity Totals** | **$119** | **$123** | **$93** | **$335** | | **Grand Total with Accommodation** | | | | **$746** | ### The Sweet Victory Our three-day Paris adventure cost $746 total, averaging $249 per day - **$154 under our $900 budget!** This included memorable experiences, educational opportunities, and enough flexibility for spontaneous discoveries that often create the best travel memories. ### Where We Saved Smart **Free Walking Tours**: Self-guided exploration with apps provided context without guide fees while allowing us to move at kid-friendly paces. **Strategic Attraction Choices**: Choosing one paid attraction per day instead of expensive museum passes still provided cultural experiences without breaking budgets. **Public Transportation**: Using trains and Metro instead of taxis or tour buses saved hundreds while teaching the girls about urban transportation systems. **Market Meals**: Shopping at local markets and having picnics provided authentic food experiences at fraction of restaurant costs. **Neighborhood Discovery**: Exploring local parks and free attractions gave us genuine Paris experiences tourists miss while paying for overpriced activities. ## Worldschooling Wins: Education Disguised as Fun ### Historical Connections Everywhere Paris provided endless opportunities for connecting current experiences to historical knowledge. Walking through the Marais led to discussions about Jewish history in Europe. Versailles sparked conversations about monarchy, revolution, and social inequality. Even our budget approach taught lessons about economic decision-making and value assessment. ### Language Learning in Action Our market shopping and neighborhood café visits became natural French practice sessions. The girls learned practical phrases for ordering food, asking directions, and being polite. Real-world application beats classroom lessons every time. ### Art Appreciation Development Rather than overwhelming museum marathons, we made art discovery interactive and digestible. The Orangerie's focused Monet experience plus street art in Montmartre provided diverse artistic exposure without cultural overload. ### Geography and Urban Planning Using public transportation and walking extensively taught the girls about city layout, river systems, and how historical development shaped modern Paris. These lessons stick better than any textbook explanation. ## Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work ### Timing Your Visit Right **Shoulder Season Benefits**: October provided perfect weather, manageable crowds, and prices 30-40% lower than peak summer rates across all categories. **Daily Timing Strategy**: Starting early allowed us to enjoy attractions before crowds arrived, often finding better photo opportunities and more engaged local interactions. ### Accommodation Location Strategy **Slight Distance Savings**: Staying outside central Paris saved significant money while still providing excellent access. The 15-minute Metro ride became routine rather than burden. **Hotel Amenities Focus**: Prioritizing soundproofing, air conditioning, and family-friendly features over luxury amenities provided comfort without premium pricing. ### Transportation Wins **Public Transport Integration**: Using Metro day passes and walking whenever possible minimized transportation costs while providing authentic local experiences. **Strategic Route Planning**: Grouping geographically close attractions reduced travel time and costs while allowing deeper neighborhood exploration. ### Food Budget Mastery **Market Shopping Strategy**: Combining market purchases with picnic meals provided authentic food experiences at significant savings compared to restaurant dining. **Mixed Dining Approach**: Balancing street food, market meals, and one modest restaurant experience satisfied culinary curiosity without budget destruction. ## Practical Tips for Paris Family Travel ### Packing Smart for Budget Travel **Comfortable Walking Gear**: Paris requires serious walking even with Metro usage. Proper shoes prevent expensive taxi rides when kids get tired. **Picnic Supplies**: Bringing reusable water bottles, small plates, and napkins enabled impromptu meals anywhere while saving money on restaurant markups. **Entertainment Backup**: Free activities sometimes need supplementing. Small games, art supplies, and books prevented expensive impulse entertainment purchases. ### Managing Kids and Money **Daily Budget Discussions**: Including kids in spending decisions taught valuable lessons while keeping expectations realistic about what our budget could accommodate. **Free Activity Research**: Having backup free activities planned prevented expensive panic decisions when original plans fell through or kids needed energy outlets. **Souvenir Strategy**: Setting clear souvenir budgets ($5 per child) prevented impulse purchases while still allowing meaningful mementos. ### Weather Contingency Planning **Indoor Backup Options**: October weather can shift quickly. Having free indoor alternatives (libraries, shopping centers, Metro station exploration) prevented expensive last-minute activity pivots. **Layer Strategy**: Packing appropriate layers eliminated expensive clothing purchases when weather changed unexpectedly. ## When Budget Travel Creates Better Experiences ### Authentic Neighborhood Discovery Our budget approach forced us into local neighborhoods where we experienced authentic Parisian life rather than tourist bubble experiences. The girls played with local children, we discovered neighborhood bakeries, and gained genuine cultural insights money can't buy. ### Slower Pace Benefits Without expensive time-sensitive tours, we could explore at kid-friendly paces, take breaks when needed, and follow interesting discoveries without feeling pressured to maximize expensive attraction time. ### Local Interaction Opportunities Shopping at markets, using public transportation, and eating at neighborhood spots provided natural opportunities for cultural exchange and language practice that tour groups miss entirely. ### Problem-Solving Skills Development Managing a budget while keeping everyone happy taught valuable family teamwork and creative problem-solving skills that benefit long-term travel and life generally. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can you really see Paris properly on $300/day for a family? Absolutely. Our $249 daily average provided comfortable accommodations, major attraction access, good food, and transportation while staying under budget. Strategic choices matter more than total spending for meaningful experiences. ### What's the minimum budget for family Paris travel? You could probably manage $200/day with hostel accommodations and more aggressive food savings, but $250-300 provides comfortable margins for unexpected expenses and occasional splurges that enhance experiences. ### Is it worth staying outside central Paris to save money? Yes, especially with good Metro connections. We saved $100+ per night while gaining access to authentic neighborhoods tourists rarely experience. The 15-minute commute became routine quickly. ### How do we handle museum visits on a tight budget? Choose one paid attraction per day rather than expensive multi-day passes. Many churches, parks, and architectural sites provide cultural experiences at no cost. Quality over quantity works better with kids anyway. ### What if kids get tired of walking and need taxis? Build rest stops into your itinerary and choose accommodations with easy retreat access. We budgeted for potential taxi emergencies but never needed them thanks to strategic planning and realistic daily distances. ### Do budget restaurants welcome families with young children? Absolutely, especially for early dinner service. Many neighborhood spots appreciate family business and offer better value than tourist-focused restaurants. Market shopping provides backup options when restaurant plans fail. ### How do we stay connected without expensive roaming charges? eSIM plans like [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/AP59Po?ref=adamandlinds.com) provide unlimited data for under $20 and work instantly upon arrival. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% savings. Free WiFi in cafés and public spaces supplements data needs. ### Is October really good weather for Paris family travel? October offers excellent balance of comfortable temperatures, manageable crowds, and significant cost savings. Pack layers for variable weather, but expect generally pleasant conditions perfect for walking and outdoor activities. --- **Ready to plan your own budget Paris adventure?** Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning that maximizes experiences while respecting budgets. As a certified travel advisor, she specializes in creating family-friendly itineraries that prove memorable travel doesn't require expensive spending. *Want to see our complete Paris adventure and budget breakdowns in action? Check out our* [*YouTube channel*](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) *for full video documentation of our weekend, including the moments when budget constraints led to our best discoveries!* ### Trafalgar Tours: The Family-Friendly Group Travel Experience You've Been Looking For URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/trafalgar-tours-the-family-friendly-group-travel-experience-youve-been-looking-for/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:47.000Z Most of the families I work with at [Fora](https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/lindsay-clarkson?ref=adamandlinds.com) aren't asking me to find them a tour. They're asking me to solve a problem. Grandma wants to come to Italy, the teenagers want different things than the seven-year-old, dad doesn't want to drive in a country he can't pronounce street names in, and nobody wants to spend Tuesday night arguing about Wednesday's restaurant. That's the brief. Trafalgar comes up in those conversations more than any other operator. Here's why I keep recommending them, and where I tell families to look elsewhere. ![Harper holding the doll our Airbnb host gave her for her birthday in Lucca, Italy, June 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Harper-with-her-doll-she-got-from-airbnb-host-for-her-birthday-in-Lucca-Italy-June-2022.png) Harper in Lucca, 2022\. The kind of moment that happens whether you book a tour or not. But tours make sure you actually get to the town in time for it. ## What Trafalgar actually does well Trafalgar has been running guided tours since 1947\. That's the marketing line and it's true, but it's not the reason to book. The reason is that they've spent seventy-plus years figuring out the boring parts. Which hotel in Florence has elevators that fit a stroller. Which restaurant in Sorrento can seat fourteen people on a Wednesday in October. How long the line at the Vatican is on a Tuesday morning versus a Thursday afternoon. That institutional knowledge is what families are actually buying. Their "Be My Guest" experiences are the part I bring up first when families ask. These are meals at private homes, family farms, and small vineyards that aren't on any booking platform. A pasta-making afternoon with a Tuscan family, dinner in a Sicilian agriturismo, a long lunch at a Provençal estate. We've eaten meals like that on our own and they're hands down the best memories from any country. The difference is that arranging one yourself takes weeks of broken-translation emails. Trafalgar already has the relationships. Their hotels also skew interesting. Not exclusively. There are chain properties on most itineraries. But most tours include at least one stay with real character: a castle in Scotland, a converted monastery in Spain, a family-run inn in the Dolomites. If you've ever driven up to a Hilton-shaped Hilton after a long travel day and felt your soul leave your body, you understand why this matters. ## Who I recommend Trafalgar for The single best fit is the multigenerational trip. When you've got grandparents who want to actually see places, parents who want to actually relax, and kids old enough to handle a guided day, Trafalgar's pacing works for everyone. Mornings are structured, afternoons are flexible, dinners are sorted. Grandma doesn't have to walk eighteen kilometers to find the trattoria. Dad doesn't have to navigate a rental car through Naples. The kids get enough free time that they don't mutiny. The second fit is first-time-Europe families. If you've never been, the cognitive load of planning a two-week trip across three countries is genuinely huge. You're learning train systems, restaurant culture, tipping norms, museum reservation windows, and trying to keep three small humans fed and watered. A tour removes about 80% of the decision-making. You wake up, you eat breakfast, you get on the coach. That's not exciting prose, but it's a real gift on day six when you're tired. The third fit is anyone who's been burned by a previous tour. Most people who say "I'll never do a tour again" did one of the 48-person coach things where you got 22 minutes at the Trevi Fountain. Trafalgar's groups run 20 to 40 people, lean toward the lower end of that range on most itineraries, and the pacing is closer to a slow weekend than a forced march. It's a different category of product. ![Our family with the grandparents at the airport before we left for full-time travel, May 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/The-Family-with-grandparents-at-airport-before-departure-may-2022.png) May 2022, the day we left. The grandparents are the reason multigenerational trips matter. Trafalgar is good at making them work. ## Who Trafalgar isn't great for If your kids are under six, look elsewhere. The tours aren't designed around kid-specific content, the daily mileage assumes adult endurance, and the average traveler age skews 45 to 65\. Your three-year-old will be cherished by every Italian widow on the bus, and also miserable by 4pm every day. We do tours sometimes, but never the ones designed for retirees. If you're a family that prefers to set your own pace, decide on lunch at 1pm based on what looks good, and stay an extra day somewhere you fell in love with, independent travel is going to make you happier. We spent [a week in Lucca for our anniversary](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/lucca-italy-our-10th-anniversary-harpers-3rd-birthday-and-why-we-never-want-to-leave/) and ended up extending it because we couldn't stand the thought of leaving. You can't do that on a tour. And if you're cost-sensitive and willing to do the work, you can absolutely build a better trip yourself for less money. The catch is "willing to do the work." For most families that's 40 to 60 hours of research per trip. If your time costs more than that, and for most working parents it does, the math swings back toward the tour. ## How Trafalgar compares | What you get | Trafalgar | Big-bus tours | DIY | | --------------- | -------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | --------------------- | | Group size | 20 to 40 | 40 to 50+ | Just you | | Daily pace | Built for older travelers | Tight schedule | Whatever you set | | Hotels | Chain and character properties | Standard chains | Whatever you book | | Local meals | Several Be My Guest dinners included | Mostly hotel restaurants | You find them | | What's included | Hotels, transport, most meals, entries | Hotels, transport, entries | You buy each piece | | Best for | Multigen, first-timers | Budget travelers OK with crowds | Independent travelers | ## Pricing and what's currently on The average Trafalgar tour runs around $3,686 per person at the time of writing, all-in. That number scares people until they sit down and price out the equivalent trip themselves. Hotels, intercity transport, daily activities, half the meals, entry tickets, guides. You don't beat it by much, and you spend weeks doing the legwork. The math gets tighter for shorter European trips and gets worse the more people you're traveling with. A few of their current promotions worth knowing about: - **Price Drop Promise (code PDP26):** book a 2026 tour by September 2 and if the price drops after you book, they refund the difference. This is unusual in travel and worth using if you book early. - **Early Booking Discount:** 10% off select 2026 trips when booked by July 31. - **Last-Minute Departures:** up to 15% off trips leaving in the next four months. Worth checking if your schedule has flex. ### Trafalgar Price Drop Promise Book a 2026 tour by September 2 and if the price drops after you book, they refund the difference. Use code **PDP26** when you book a 2026 tour. [Browse Trafalgar tours](https://trafalgar.sjv.io/c/6317027/2176743/26706?ref=adamandlinds.com) You can browse their [full tour catalog here](https://trafalgar.sjv.io/c/6317027/2176743/26706?ref=adamandlinds.com). There are more than 300 options across 72 countries, so don't try to drink from the firehose. Start with a region you care about. ## Where I'd start looking If you've never done a Trafalgar tour and want a sense of how they operate, the [Best of Italy](https://www.trafalgar.com/en-us/tours/best-of-italy?utm%5Fsource=adamandlinds&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate) 13-day itinerary is the classic on-ramp. Rome, Florence, Sorrento, Lake Como, Venice. It's the tour every Italian-American grandmother wants to do, and it's earned that reputation because it works. It's also a useful comparison point against your DIY instincts. Look at it, then look at what it would cost you to assemble the same trip. For winter, their [12-day Japan Winter Wonderland](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/trafalgar-japan-winter-adventure-is-this-12-day-guided-tour-worth-it/) is one I've written about in depth elsewhere. We've now spent over 325 days in Japan, and the itinerary covers the parts that are genuinely hard to coordinate solo in winter: snow monkeys, the Tsumago-Magome walk, Takayama festivals. ![Lily wearing Minnie Mouse ears at Disneyland Paris, May 2022](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2026/03/Lily-smiling-with-minnie-ears-on-at-disneyland-paris-may-22.png) Lily at Disneyland Paris, our first month of full-time travel. Sometimes the structure of a planned day is what makes the magic possible. ## What "Make Travel Matter" actually means This part can read like sustainability theater and sometimes is. With Trafalgar it's a little more concrete. Every tour now includes at least one Make Travel Matter experience. A meal at a women's cooperative, a visit to a rewilding project, a craft workshop with artisans who actually live in the village. They're not the headline activity, but they're built into the itinerary rather than offered as an upcharge. For families trying to model thoughtful travel for their kids without giving a TED talk about it, this is useful. ## Want me to help you pick one? I'm a Fora-credentialed travel advisor and I work with Trafalgar regularly. If you're trying to figure out which itinerary fits your family, or whether a tour even makes sense for your trip, I'm happy to walk through it. No fee for the consultation, and Fora's pricing through Trafalgar is the same as booking direct (sometimes better, when they have advisor-only promotions running). Email me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) and tell me what you're thinking. FAQ ## Frequently asked questions What we get asked most about booking a Trafalgar tour as a family. Are Trafalgar tours good for seniors? Yes. Seniors are arguably their core customer. The pacing is gentler than budget tour operators, the hotels are picked with accessibility in mind, and the all-inclusive structure removes most of the daily decision fatigue that wears older travelers out. The Be My Guest experiences are also a draw for travelers who care about cultural depth over checking sights off a list. Is Trafalgar a reputable tour company? They've been operating since 1947, have served more than five million travelers, and hold a Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award based on verified customer reviews. They're part of the TTC family, which also owns Insight Vacations and Contiki. Reputation isn't the question with Trafalgar. Fit is the question. How big are Trafalgar groups? Most tours run 20 to 40 people. Smaller than the 50-person budget operators, larger than boutique small-group companies that cap at 12\. The size is big enough to keep per-person costs down and small enough that the guide actually learns your name. Are kids allowed on Trafalgar tours? Yes, though the tours aren't built around kid-specific content. The average traveler is 45 to 65\. Families with older kids (say, ten and up) tend to do fine. Families with toddlers and preschoolers will find the daily mileage and adult-paced content tough. There are family-specific tour operators that handle younger kids better. What's the average age on a Trafalgar tour? 45 to 65 is the meat of the demographic, though Trafalgar welcomes anyone 30 and up. Multigenerational groups of three generations are common, which is part of why the tours work for families that include grandparents. Can I book Trafalgar through a travel advisor? Yes, and for most families it's the smarter move. Booking through a Fora advisor (like me) costs you the same as booking direct, sometimes less when there are advisor-only promotions. You also get a human to help when something goes sideways: a delayed flight, a passport issue, a need to reschedule. What's the difference between Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Contiki? Same parent company, different demographics. Contiki is 18 to 35, party-leaning, fast pace. Insight is more upscale than Trafalgar with smaller groups and pricier hotels. Trafalgar sits in the middle: comfortable but not luxury, broadly aimed at the 45-and-up crowd. If you want the same itinerary at a higher end, look at Insight. ### If you liked this, read these next [Professional Travel Planning vs DIY: When to Hire a Travel Advisor](https://adamandlinds.com/professional-travel-planning-vs-diy-when-to-hire-a-travel-advisor-and-why-its-worth-every-penny/) [What Is a Travel Advisor? Your Complete Guide](https://adamandlinds.com/what-is-a-travel-advisor-your-complete-guide-to-stress-free-travel-planning-in-2025/) [Trafalgar Japan Winter Adventure: Is This 12-Day Tour Worth It?](https://adamandlinds.com/trafalgar-japan-winter-adventure-is-this-12-day-guided-tour-worth-it/) [A Week in Lucca for Our 10th Anniversary](https://adamandlinds.com/lucca-italy-our-10th-anniversary-harpers-3rd-birthday-and-why-we-never-want-to-leave/) [Sailing the Queen Mary 2 with Kids: Our Honest Transatlantic Review](https://adamandlinds.com/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/) This post contains affiliate links to Trafalgar and to Lindsay's travel advisor practice at Fora. If you book through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are our own. ### The Three Types of Travelers: Why We're Proud to Be "Comfort Travelers" (And You Should Be Too) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/the-three-types-of-travelers-why-were-proud-to-be-comfort-travelers-and-you-should-be-too/ Last updated: 2025-07-14T09:00:35.000Z After over three years of *full-time family travel* across 20+ countries, we've encountered every type of traveler imaginable. From the backpacker squeezing their entire life into a 40-liter pack to the luxury resort guest who hasn't left their all-inclusive property in six days, the travel spectrum is vast and varied. But somewhere in the middle, there's a growing tribe of travelers that doesn't quite fit the traditional mold. We call them *comfort travelers*, and spoiler alert: we're proudly card-carrying members of this often-misunderstood group. ## The Travel Spectrum: Where Do You Fit? Before we dive into why *comfort travel with kids* is nothing to be ashamed of, let's break down the three main travel personas we've identified during our *worldschooling adventures*. ### Budget Travelers: The Minimalist Adventurers Budget travelers are the legends of the travel world. They're the ones who can stretch $30 across three days in Bangkok, sleep in 12-bed hostel dorms without batting an eye, and somehow always know where to find the best $1 street food that won't give you food poisoning. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/Europe-2005_0913_113354.jpeg) 20 year old Adam as a budget backpacker in the late 00s #### These travelers typically: - Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or the cheapest accommodations available - Eat exclusively local street food and markets - Use public transportation religiously - Pack everything into one or two backpacks - Consider a private room a luxury splurge We genuinely admire budget travelers. There's something pure about their approach to *sustainable long-term travel*. When you're living on $20 a day, every experience feels earned, every meal is an adventure, and every comfortable bed is a gift. ### Luxury Travelers: The Five-Star Nomads On the opposite end of the spectrum are luxury travelers who've mastered the art of experiencing the world without sacrificing comfort. They stay in five-star hotels, eat at Michelin-starred restaurants, and travel with personal concierges who handle every detail. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_8973.jpeg) Lindsay and Harper getting settled in to a first class flight. #### Luxury travelers typically: - Book premium accommodations with full-service amenities - Dine at upscale restaurants and avoid street food - Use private transportation and first-class flights - Have extensive luggage and professional packing services - Consider anything below four stars unacceptable There's absolutely nothing wrong with luxury travel if you can afford it. We've splurged on luxury experiences ourselves (that first-class Saudi Airlines flight to Bangkok for $2,000 total still makes us giddy), and we understand the appeal of having every detail handled professionally. ### Comfort Travelers: The Practical Middle Ground Then there's us: *comfort travelers*. We're the practical middle ground that somehow doesn't get much recognition in travel blogs and social media. Maybe it's because we're not as Instagram-worthy as luxury travelers or as inspiring as budget backpackers, but we represent a huge portion of *family travelers* who just want to see the world without suffering or going bankrupt. ## What Defines a Comfort Traveler? ### Accommodation Philosophy: Comfortable, Not Luxurious We like to stay in places that feel like homes, not hostels or hotels. Our ideal accommodation has: - Air conditioning (non-negotiable in tropical climates) - Private bathroom for the family - Kitchen facilities or kitchenette - Washing machine access - Reliable WiFi for work and schooling - Space for the girls to spread out and play A budget hotel or even a nice hostel might work for one or two nights, but we're not cramming our family of five into a space with no AC for a week just to save money. We value our sleep and sanity too much for that kind of *budget travel sacrifice*. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_1964.jpeg) Laundry machine mishap in Da Nang Our sweet spot is usually Airbnb apartments, serviced apartments, or mid-range hotels that offer the amenities we need without the premium price tag of luxury resorts. ### Food Adventures with Familiar Backups Here's where we probably shock the travel purists: we love local food, but we also love our comfort foods from home. During our six months in *Da Nang, Vietnam*, we became regulars at both the incredible local *pho* stalls and Gordon's New York Pizzeria—the closest thing to authentic New York pizza we've ever had outside the US. #### Our food philosophy includes: - Trying local specialties and street food regularly - Having familiar backup options for when kids need comfort food - Not feeling guilty about Western chains occasionally - Cooking familiar meals at our accommodations when needed Our kids aren't particularly picky—they'll try most things we put in front of them. But they're also kids, and sometimes they want mac and cheese or tacos instead of another bowl of rice. We've eaten at Chili's in Manila, Outback Steakhouse in Shibuya, and yes, McDonald's in more countries than we care to admit. And you know what? We're not apologizing for it anymore. When Cora is having a meltdown about trying new food, sometimes the solution is chicken nuggets and a familiar environment. When we've been eating rice for two weeks straight and desperately crave some good Mexican food, we're hunting down the best tex-mex or cali-mex we can find. This doesn't make us bad travelers; it makes us practical parents. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_4802.jpeg) Nachos FTW ### Transportation: Comfort Over Adventure When we land in a new destination, we almost always arrange *private airport transfers* in a large, comfortable van. We don't try to cram our family of five plus luggage onto two tuk-tuks or navigate public transportation with jet-lagged kids and multiple suitcases. This doesn't mean we get white-glove black car service everywhere (although that one time in Tokyo was pretty amazing). We just prioritize comfort and convenience over the adventure of figuring out buses and trains with exhausted children. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_3483.jpeg) Bangkok has The best vans! #### Our transportation preferences: - Pre-arranged airport transfers in appropriate-sized vehicles - Grab/Uber for daily transportation when available - Public transportation for exploration (we love trains and buses, just not with six suitcases) - Domestic flights over 12-hour bus rides - Comfort over cost, but not luxury over budget ## The Luggage Situation: We're Not Minimalists Let's address the elephant in the room: we currently travel with six suitcases. Yes, six. Before you judge us too harshly, understand that this is temporarily inflated because we're carrying souvenirs back to the States and we somehow thought bringing a laser jet printer from Vietnam to Thailand was a good idea (don't ask). Our normal setup is closer to three or four rolling suitcases, which still puts us firmly in comfort traveler territory. We're not trying to fit our worldly possessions into two backpacks, and we're not ashamed of that choice. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_3265.jpeg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7864.jpeg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/67657261630__DCD85168-E75C-4E9B-80E2-5D87CD0B37EF.jpeg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_6273.jpeg) #### *Family travel with multiple children* requires more stuff than solo backpacking. We need: - Clothes for different climates and seasons - Educational materials for worldschooling - Comfort items that help kids adjust to new places (more stuffed animals than I'm proud to admit) - Electronics and work equipment for our businesses - Medical supplies and emergency items Could we travel lighter? Probably. Do we want to? Not really. The extra luggage fees are worth the peace of mind that comes with having what we need. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_3193.jpeg) May have accumulated too many stuffies ## Breaking the Travel Purity Myth There's this unspoken idea in travel culture that you're not a "real traveler" unless you're sleeping in hostels, eating exclusively local food, and carrying everything you own on your back. This *authentic travel* mythology suggests that any comfort or familiarity somehow diminishes the travel experience. ⁉️ We're here to call bullshit on this travel purity test. ### The Comfort Travel Closet Most travelers engage in comfort travel behaviors but hide them because they think it makes them less authentic. How many "authentic local food" Instagram posts conveniently leave out the McDonald's stop later that day? How many hostel travel bloggers actually stay in private rooms half the time? We bought an air fryer in Da Nang. Not because we couldn't find good food (Da Nang has incredible cuisine), but because sometimes you want to make the kids some familiar chicken nuggets or reheat leftover pizza. This appliance purchase improved our quality of life immeasurably during our six-month stay. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_2026.jpeg) ### Comfort Doesn't Equal Inauthenticity Staying in comfortable accommodations doesn't prevent cultural immersion. Eating familiar foods occasionally doesn't mean you're not experiencing local cuisine. Using convenient transportation doesn't make you a lazy traveler. Some of our most authentic cultural experiences have happened precisely because we were comfortable and relaxed enough to engage genuinely with local people. When the kids aren't melting down from discomfort and we're not stressed about basic needs, we're better travelers and more open to new experiences. ## The Economics of Comfort Travel *Mid-range travel budgets* often provide the best value for families. Here's why comfort travel makes financial sense: ### Cost Per Experience Luxury travelers might spend $500/night for a hotel room they barely use because they're out exploring. Budget travelers might save money on accommodation but spend extra on dining out because they don't have kitchen facilities. Comfort travelers find the sweet spot: decent accommodation with kitchen facilities allows home cooking, comfortable spaces mean better rest and happier kids, and mid-range pricing leaves budget for experiences and activities. ### Long-Term Sustainability *Sustainable family travel* means creating a lifestyle you can maintain long-term. Extreme budget travel can be exhausting with kids, while luxury travel can be financially unsustainable for extended periods. Comfort travel creates a sustainable middle ground that allows for longer trips without burning out physically or financially. In our [*One Week In* guidebooks](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG1QC8RB?binding=paperback&ref=dbs%5Fdp%5Frwt%5Fsb%5Fpc%5Ftpbk) and video series, we typically target around $300 per day for our family of five, covering everything from lodging and entertainment to food and local transportation. Keep in mind this is only for our GO GO GO weeks, we're we are cramming in every activity under the sun, usually staying in hotels more in the city center and eating out for every meal. Our normal life budget on the road when stay in a place for months at a time is closer to $100 per day for our entire family including accommodation. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_3510.png) ## Comfort Travel Categories Breakdown | Travel Style | Accommodation | Food | Transportation | Luggage | Budget Range | | ------------ | ------------------------ | ------------------------- | ----------------- | ----------------------------- | -------------------------- | | **Budget** | Hostels, guesthouses | Street food, markets | Public transport | 1-2 backpacks | $30-50/day | | **Comfort** | Airbnb, mid-range hotels | Mix of local and familiar | Private + public | 3-4 suitcases | $100-300/day (family of 5) | | **Luxury** | 4-5 star hotels/resorts | Fine dining, room service | Private transfers | Multiple suitcases + services | $500+/day | ## Tips for Embracing Comfort Travel ### Accommodation Strategy - Book places with kitchens for meal flexibility - Prioritize air conditioning in hot climates - Look for family-friendly amenities like pools or play areas - Read reviews from other families, not solo travelers ### Food Balance - Try local specialties but don't force it on kids constantly - Find Western options for familiar meal backups - Shop at local markets but also international grocery stores - Cook familiar foods at accommodations when needed ### Transportation Planning - Pre-book airport transfers for arrival convenience - Use ride-sharing apps when available with car seats - Take public transport for exploration when kids are fresh - Don't feel guilty about choosing comfort over adventure sometimes ## The Future of Family Travel We believe *comfort travel* represents the future of *sustainable family travel*. As more families choose long-term travel lifestyles, the all-or-nothing approach of extreme budget or luxury travel becomes less practical. Comfort travel acknowledges that families have different needs than solo travelers, that children require more stability and familiarity, and that sustainable travel means finding a pace and style you can maintain long-term. ## Owning Your Travel Style After three years on the road, we've learned that the best travel style is the one that works for your family. We're proud comfort travelers who eat local *pho* for breakfast and hunt down the best Mexican food for dinner, who stay in nice Airbnbs with washing machines, and who prefer private transfers over dragging luggage through subway systems. This approach has allowed us to visit 20+ countries, maintain our sanity, keep our kids relatively happy, and build a sustainable *worldschooling lifestyle* that works for our family. So whether you're squeezing five people into a hostel room or booking the presidential suite, stop apologizing for how you choose to see the world. There's no wrong way to travel as long as it works for your family. The world is big enough for all types of travelers. We're just grateful to be exploring it together, air fryer and all. --- **Ready to plan your own comfort travel adventure?* Contact Lindsay at* [*lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel*](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) *for personalized travel planning through Journeys by Linds that fits your family's comfort level and budget.* **Want to see our comfort travel adventures in action?* Subscribe to our* [*YouTube channel*](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) *where we share weekly vlogs from our worldschooling journey, and follow us on* [*Instagram @adamandlinds*](https://www.instagram.com/adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) *for daily updates from the road.* [Adam and Linds - The Worldschool FamilyHey, we’re Adam and Linds! We’re a family of five who sold everything in 2022 to travel the world full-time—and we’ve been documenting the wild ride ever since. Our channel’s all about: 🌍 Real family travel 🎒 Worldschooling our kids on the road 📍 Destination guides that are actually useful 💸 Budget-friendly tips without sacrificing comfort 🎥 A mix of fun, chaos, and meaningful moments We keep it honest, we don’t do clickbait, and we share what it’s really like to live this lifestyle with kids. If you’re into travel, homeschooling, or just love a good adventure, you’re in the right place.![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/favicon_144x144.png)YouTube![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/thumbnail/2tqHTbN4bc-dgs2Ku4IglhWhKNhUp1E80GjvtQRjdboyAhmx676Se6FlNVxmfYBA64QtRrZ3P_Y-s900-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Holafly Promo Code July 2026: Save 5% on eSIM Data Plans | ADAMANDLINDS Code URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/holafly-promo-code-2025-save-5-on-esim-data-plans-adamandlinds-code/ Last updated: 2026-07-29T11:47:03.000Z Looking for the best Holafly promo code to save money on your next travel eSIM? We've got you covered. After visiting 20+ countries and testing dozens of eSIM providers, we know exactly how to help you stay connected while saving money on your travels. ## Current Holafly Discount Code (July 15, 2026) Holafly ADAMANDLINDS Copy code Copied! 5% off all plans & top-ups Valid at [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) Use our exclusive Holafly promo code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout to get 5% off any eSIM data plan. This discount works on all destinations and all data packages, from single-country plans to regional coverage. [Get 5% Off with Holafly →](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Why We Recommend Holafly eSIM After three years of full-time travel with our three daughters, we've learned that reliable internet isn't just convenient - it's essential. Whether we're homeschooling the girls in Tokyo or navigating through Bangkok's busy streets, having dependable data keeps our family connected and safe. ### What Makes Holafly Stand Out **Unlimited Data Plans**: Most Holafly plans offer unlimited data, which means no more rationing your internet usage when you're trying to video call grandparents or research your next destination. **Easy Installation**: The QR code setup takes less than 5 minutes. We've installed dozens of these eSIMs, and even our 9-year-old Lily can help with the process now. **Wide Coverage**: From our favorite destination Japan to the bustling markets of Thailand, Holafly covers over 160 destinations worldwide. **24/7 Customer Support**: When you're dealing with time zones and travel stress, having round-the-clock support makes all the difference. ## How to Use Your Holafly Promo Code Getting your discount is straightforward, but let me walk you through it step by step: ### Step 1: Choose Your Destination Visit the [Holafly website](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) and select your travel destination. Whether you're heading to Europe for a grand tour or exploring Southeast Asia like we did, find your specific country or region. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/2Holafly-eSIM-for-the-USA.jpg) Holafly eSIM for the USA ### Step 2: Select Your Plan Choose the number of days you need coverage. Pro tip from our travels: always add a buffer day or two. Flight delays happen, and you don't want to be stuck without data when your original plan expires. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/3Holafly-checkout-dropdown-menu.jpg) Holafly checkout dropdown menu ### Step 3: Apply the Discount Code At checkout, look for the promo code field and enter **ADAMANDLINDS**. Click apply and watch your total drop by 5%. Holafly ADAMANDLINDS Copy code Copied! 5% off all plans & top-ups Valid at [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/4Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-10.09.13.png) Holafly checkout page ### Step 4: Complete Your Purchase Holafly accepts all major payment methods including: - Visa - Mastercard - American Express - PayPal - Apple Pay - Google Pay ### Step 5: Install Your eSIM Within minutes of purchase, you'll receive your eSIM QR code via email. Scan it with your phone's camera, and you're ready to stay connected abroad. ## Best Holafly eSIM Plans for Popular Destinations Based on our extensive travels, here are the Holafly plans we recommend most: eSIM for Japan [Japan](https://holafly.sjv.io/XmKO7o?ref=adamandlinds.com) eSIM (Our Favorite Destination) - ****Unlimited data** for 1+ days - ****Price**: Starting at $6.90 with Unlimited Internet - ****Coverage**: NTT Docomo network - ****Perfect for**: Tokyo Disney, bullet train journeys, temple visits in Kyoto We've used [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/XmKO7o?ref=adamandlinds.com) in Japan multiple times, and the coverage is excellent even in rural areas like when we visited Hakone. [Learn more ](https://holafly.sjv.io/XmKO7o?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### [Europe](https://holafly.sjv.io/4GqoX9?ref=adamandlinds.com) eSIM Regional Plan - **Unlimited data** across 32+ European countries - **Price**: Starting at $6.55 with our code - **Coverage**: Multiple premium networks - **Perfect for**: Multi-country rail trips, city hopping, castle tours This plan saved us hundreds compared to roaming charges during our initial European adventure in 2022. ### [Thailand](https://holafly.sjv.io/N9m477?ref=adamandlinds.com) eSIM - **Unlimited data** for 5-30 days - **Price**: Starting at $12.70 with our code - **Coverage**: AIS network - **Perfect for**: Bangkok temples, Chiang Mai adventures, island hopping Thailand was where we first discovered eSIM technology, and [Holafly's](https://holafly.sjv.io/N9m477?ref=adamandlinds.com) coverage impressed us from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the quiet beaches of Ao Nang. ### [United States](https://holafly.sjv.io/mO0ZYe?ref=adamandlinds.com) eSIM - **Unlimited data** for 5-30 days - **Price**: Starting at $12.70 with our code - **Coverage**: T-Mobile network - **Perfect for**: Cross-country road trips, national parks, city visits ## Holafly vs Other eSIM Providers We've tested multiple eSIM providers during our travels. Here's how Holafly compares: ### [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/mO0ZYe?ref=adamandlinds.com) vs Airalo - **Data limits**: Holafly offers unlimited plans while Airalo caps data - **Pricing**: Similar pricing, but Holafly's unlimited data provides better value - **Coverage**: Both offer good network coverage - **Support**: Holafly's 24/7 chat support is more responsive ### Holafly vs Physical SIM Cards - **Convenience**: No need to find a store or deal with language barriers - **Pricing**: Often cheaper than airport SIM cards - **Activation**: Instant activation vs waiting in lines - **Device compatibility**: Works with eSIM-compatible phones ## Is Your Device Compatible? Before purchasing, make sure your device supports eSIM technology. Compatible devices include: ### iPhone Models (eSIM Compatible) - iPhone 14 series and newer - iPhone 13 series - iPhone 12 series - iPhone 11 series - iPhone XS, XS Max, XR ### Android Devices (eSIM Compatible) - Google Pixel 7, 6, 5, 4 series - Samsung Galaxy S24, S23, S22 series - Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series and newer ### Check Your Device To verify eSIM compatibility on iPhone: Settings > General > About > Available SIM For Android: Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs ## Travel Tips from Our eSIM Experience After installing dozens of eSIMs across multiple continents, here are our top tips: ### Before You Travel - **Screenshot your QR code** as backup - **Download offline maps** before relying on data - **Keep your home carrier active** for calls and texts ### During Your Trip - **Monitor data usage** even with unlimited plans (fair use policies apply) - **Connect to WiFi when available** to preserve battery - **Keep the eSIM active** throughout your trip - **Contact support immediately** if you experience issues ### Money-Saving Tips - **Buy longer plans** for better per-day rates - **Regional plans** beat individual country plans for multi-country trips - **Watch for seasonal promotions** during travel peak seasons - **Use our promo code** for guaranteed savings ## Frequently Asked Questions About Holafly eSIMs **How much does Holafly cost with the ADAMANDLINDS code?** Holafly eSIM plans start at $19 for 7 days. Use code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off all plans. **Does Holafly work in all countries?** Holafly covers 190+ countries worldwide, including all major family travel destinations. **Can multiple family members use one Holafly eSIM?** No, each device needs its own eSIM plan. However, you can share data through mobile hotspot. #### Does the ADAMANDLINDS code work on all plans? Yes, our 5% discount code works on all Holafly eSIM plans for any destination and also works on all top-ups. The code is not one-time use and is not limited to your first purchase - use it EVERY time you need an eSIM or want to add more data! #### Can I use the eSIM for hotspot/tethering? Most Holafly plans support tethering, but check the specific plan details before purchase. #### What happens if I run out of data? Holafly's unlimited plans have fair use policies. After high-speed data is used, speeds may be reduced but connectivity continues. #### Can I top up my plan while traveling? Yes, you can purchase additional data or extend your plan through the Holafly app or website. #### Is customer support really 24/7? Yes, we've contacted Holafly support from various time zones and always received prompt responses. ## Why Trust Our Recommendation? We're not just affiliate marketers throwing around random codes. We're a family of five who has been traveling full-time since May 2022\. We've used Holafly eSIMs in Japan (our favorite destination), throughout Southeast Asia, across Europe, and in the United States. Our YouTube channel "Adam and Linds - The Worldschool Family" has over 31,000 subscribers and 4.2 million views documenting our real travel experiences. When we recommend Holafly, it's because we've actually used their service in the places we're writing about. ## Get Your Holafly eSIM Today Ready to stay connected on your next adventure? Use our exclusive promo code **ADAMANDLINDS** to save 5% on any Holafly eSIM plan. Holafly ADAMANDLINDS Copy code Copied! 5% off all plans & top-ups Valid at [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) Whether you're planning a European rail adventure, exploring the temples of Japan, or island hopping in Southeast Asia, Holafly's eSIM technology will keep you connected without the hassle of physical SIM cards or expensive roaming charges. ## More Travel Resources Looking for more ways to save on your travels? 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This helps fund our family travels and keeps our content free for readers and viewers.* ### Why Vietnam is Overtaking Thailand as Southeast Asia's Top Digital Nomad Destination URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/why-vietnam-is-overtaking-thailand-as-southeast-asias-top-digital-nomad-destination/ Last updated: 2025-07-05T07:07:23.000Z After three years of full-time travel through Southeast Asia, I've watched Thailand's grip on the *digital nomad* community slowly loosen while Vietnam quietly emerges as the region's most compelling destination for *nomadic families*. Having just spent six months in Da Nang, we can tell you firsthand: the shift is real, and it's accelerating. Thailand's restrictive visa policies, ever-changing border run crackdowns, and skyrocketing costs are pushing nomads toward Vietnam's welcoming arms. For *worldschooling families* like ours, the numbers tell a compelling story that goes far beyond simple cost savings. ## The Great Southeast Asian Nomad Migration Let's be honest about what's happening here. Thailand has been the Southeast Asian *digital nomad* king for over a decade, but recent policy changes and market dynamics are creating what feels like a perfect storm pushing families toward Vietnam. We've witnessed this migration firsthand during our extended stays in both countries. The nomad communities in Chiang Mai and Bangkok are increasingly dominated by short-term tourists rather than families building longer-term lives. Meanwhile, Da Nang has exploded with worldschooling families who've discovered they can live better for less money. ### **The data backs up what we're seeing on the ground:** - Da Nang experienced 109% growth in *digital nomad* population in 2023 - Vietnam achieved 98% recovery of pre-pandemic tourism levels - Thailand's new visa policies exclude many nomad families from long-term stays But this isn't just about numbers. It's about fundamental changes in how nomad families evaluate destinations and what we're willing to trade for financial freedom. ## Thailand's New Rules: Better or Just More Expensive? Thailand's **Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)** launched in July 2024 with great fanfare, promising to revolutionize the country's approach to *digital nomads*. On paper, it looks impressive: five years, multiple entries, and family inclusion. In practice? It's created more barriers than bridges for most nomad families. ### The DTV Reality Check Here's what Thailand is actually asking for: | Requirement | Cost/Complexity | | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------- | | Bank statements | ฿500,000 ($14,870) for 3 months | | Application fee | $280 per person | | Application location | Must apply from home country | | Stay limitations | 180 days max, then exit or extend | | Family inclusion | Yes, but primary applicant needs full funds | The kicker? You have to apply from your home country or country of employment. So much for the nomad lifestyle of spontaneous movement and border flexibility. [ ![](https://www.lduhtrp.net/image-101483319-12222003)](https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101483319-12222003?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### **Then there's the tax situation.** Starting January 1, 2024, Thailand began taxing all foreign income brought into the country by residents staying 180+ days annually. This isn't just a minor policy tweak - it's a fundamental shift that affects how nomad families manage their finances and residency planning. For families like ours earning from international clients while based in Thailand, this creates a complex web of tax obligations and reporting requirements that many nomads simply aren't equipped to handle. ### Border Run Crackdowns Get Real Thailand's immigration enforcement has intensified significantly over the past year. The days of indefinite tourist visa runs are essentially over, and immigration officers are increasingly scrutinizing nomads attempting to establish de facto residence through visa runs. We've spoken with multiple families who've been questioned, denied entry, or forced to show significant financial reserves at borders. The uncertainty alone is driving many nomads to seek alternatives with clearer long-term policies. ## Vietnam's Winning Strategy: Keep It Simple Vietnam's approach to *digital nomads* couldn't be more different from Thailand's complexity. While Thailand builds barriers, Vietnam removes them systematically. ### E-Visa Simplicity That Actually Works Vietnam's e-visa system represents everything Thailand's DTV isn't: simple, affordable, and accessible. Here's the comparison that matters: #### **Vietnam E-Visa Benefits:** - **Cost:** $25-50 for 90 days - **Processing:** 3-5 working days online - **Application:** From anywhere in the world - **Family-friendly:** Individual visas spread costs - **Renewal:** Unlimited entries during validity period The visa exemption program has expanded to include 45-day visa-free stays for citizens from twelve countries, including major European nations. More importantly, Vietnam removed the previous 30-day waiting period between visits, allowing genuine border runs without complex planning. ### The Golden Visa Promise Vietnam's proposed "Golden Visa" program could be a game-changer if implemented as outlined. The program would offer: - **10-year visas** for investors - **5-year talent visas** for skilled professionals - **Simplified renewal processes** - **Lower financial barriers** than Thailand's current system While details remain under government review, the program signals Vietnam's commitment to attracting long-term foreign residents rather than just extracting maximum short-term revenue. ## The Numbers Don't Lie: Vietnam Costs Way Less After six months in Da Nang and multiple extended stays in Thailand, we can provide real-world cost comparisons that matter to nomad families. The savings aren't marginal - they're transformational. ### Our Real Family Costs Living in Da Nang with three kids versus our previous Chiang Mai experience - here's the actual breakdown: | Expense Category | Da Nang, Vietnam | Chiang Mai, Thailand | Difference | | ------------------- | ------------------- | -------------------- | --------------- | | **Accommodation** | $880 | $610 | +$270 | | | 2BR beach view apt | 2BR apartment | (beach views!) | | **Water** | Included | $12 | \-$12 | | **Electricity** | $104 | $255 | \-$151 | | | (AC nights only) | (AC nights only) | (2.5x cheaper!) | | **Groceries** | $200 | $300-400 | \-$100-200 | | **Laundry Service** | $20 | $40-60 | \-$20-40 | | **Part-time Nanny** | $240/month | Not available | Priceless | | | (2 days/week) | | | | **Transportation** | $80 | $120-200 | \-$40-120 | | **Total Housing** | $984 | $877 | +$107 | | **Quality of Life** | Beach views + nanny | Larger house | Vietnam wins | Despite paying slightly more for housing in Vietnam, we got a beach view apartment plus affordable childcare that's impossible to find in Thailand. The electricity savings alone ($151/month) nearly offset the accommodation difference, while grocery and service savings add up to significant monthly benefits. The part-time nanny deserves special mention. At 1.5 million dong ($60) per week for two days, this service would cost $200-300 weekly in Thailand - if you could find it at all. For worldschooling families needing occasional childcare for meetings or exploration, this represents a massive quality-of-life improvement. ### Education: The Biggest Difference Maker For *worldschooling families* considering traditional schooling options, the education cost difference between Vietnam and Thailand is staggering: | School Type | Vietnam Annual Cost | Thailand Annual Cost | Annual Savings | | ----------------------- | ------------------- | -------------------- | -------------- | | Premium International | $15,000-25,000 | $25,000-35,000 | $10,000+ | | Mid-Range International | $10,000-18,000 | $15,000-25,000 | $5,000-7,000 | | Local International | $5,000-12,000 | $8,000-15,000 | $3,000-5,000 | For families with multiple children, these savings compound dramatically. A family with two kids could save $20,000+ annually on education alone while maintaining comparable academic quality and accreditation standards. ### The Budget Breakdown Reality Here's what comfortable family living actually costs: #### **Da Nang (Vietnam) - Monthly Family Budget:** - **Accommodation:** $880 (including water) - **Electricity:** $104 (AC nights only) - **Food/Groceries:** $200-300 - **Transportation:** $80-120 - **Entertainment/Activities:** $150-250 - **Healthcare:** $50-100 - **Miscellaneous:** $150-250 - **Total:** $1,614-2,004 #### **Chiang Mai (Thailand) - Monthly Family Budget:** - **Accommodation:** $610 - **Utilities (water/electric):** $267 - **Food/Groceries:** $250-400 - **Transportation:** $100-180 - **Entertainment/Activities:** $200-350 - **Healthcare:** $80-150 - **Miscellaneous:** $200-350 - **Total:** $1,707-2,307 The difference represents 21-25% savings for comparable lifestyles, but the real advantage comes from Vietnam's superior service accessibility at these lower price points. ## Infrastructure: Close Enough for Most Nomads Let's address the elephant in the room: is Vietnam's infrastructure adequate for serious remote work? After six months of daily Zoom calls, video editing, and running our YouTube channel from Da Nang, the answer is a qualified yes. ### Internet Reality Check #### **Da Nang Internet Performance:** - **Average speed:** 40-50 Mbps (honestly felt faster and more reliable than Chiang Mai) - **Reliability:** 95%+ uptime with backup generators in every building - **Cost:** $10-15 monthly for home fiber - **Mobile data:** Unlimited plans around $3 monthly - **Power backup:** Every apartment/hotel has generators (we only lost power twice in 6 months) Compare this to Thailand's premium speeds (Bangkok averages 121 Mbps) but higher costs ($6-45 monthly for mobile plans). The real advantage? Vietnam's infrastructure assumes power issues and plans accordingly. When the lights go out (rarely), the internet stays on thanks to ubiquitous backup power systems. ### Coworking Scene Evolution Vietnam's coworking spaces have evolved rapidly. Da Nang now offers: - **Modern facilities** with ocean views and premium amenities - **Monthly rates** $38-96 vs Thailand's $90-210 - **Growing nomad communities** with regular networking events - **Family-friendly** options with childcare areas The spaces aren't as polished as Bangkok's premium facilities, but they're perfectly functional and cost 50-60% less. ### Banking and Business Here's where Vietnam really surprised us. Both countries support major digital banking platforms (Wise, Revolut) and allow nomads to get local phone numbers (essential for app signups and loyalty programs). But Vietnam goes further: **we could actually open a local bank account**. This changes everything. After getting our Vietnamese bank account, we rarely needed ATMs or cash thanks to the incredibly convenient QR code payment system. Point your phone at a QR code, payment's done. It works everywhere from street food vendors to luxury hotels. Thailand's banking remains more restrictive for short-term residents, forcing continued reliance on international cards and higher transaction fees. Vietnam's financial inclusion for temporary residents represents a genuine quality-of-life improvement that saves money and eliminates daily friction. ## The Community Aspect: Vietnam's Authenticity Edge One unexpected advantage we discovered in Vietnam is the nomad community's different character. Thailand's established nomad hubs increasingly feel commercialized and tourist-focused, while Vietnam attracts nomads seeking more authentic cultural experiences. ### The Worldschool Difference *Worldschooling families* in Vietnam tend to be more intentional about cultural immersion and language learning. The lower costs enable longer stays, deeper community connections, and more meaningful educational experiences for children. However, we need to address something that mortified us during our stay: the entitled behavior of some nomad families at local establishments. We witnessed families bringing their own food and coolers to local cafes, using the WiFi and space without purchasing anything, and asking staff for cutlery and ice. This behavior embarrasses the entire nomad community and damages relationships with local businesses. 🙏 ****Please, if you're considering Vietnam, commit to being a good community member** Support local businesses, purchase food and drinks when using spaces, and teach your children to respect local customs. We always bring our girls' water bottles to beach cafes, but we're simultaneously ordering smoothies, french fries, and beers to support the business. Vietnam doesn't have a tipping culture, so don't worry about that complexity - just spend money on the actual services and show respect for local customs. ### Cultural Learning Opportunities Vietnam's educational value for children extends far beyond formal schooling. The country's complex history, rapidly developing economy, and authentic cultural practices provide worldschooling families with incredible learning laboratories. Our daughters learned more about resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural adaptation during six months in Vietnam than in years of traditional educational settings. The country rewards curiosity and provides safe spaces for children to explore independently while maintaining family-friendly community standards. ## Looking Forward: The Trend Seems Irreversible Based on our extensive experience in both countries and conversations with dozens of nomad families, Vietnam's ascendance appears sustainable and accelerating. ### Thailand's Premium Positioning Thailand will likely maintain appeal for nomads requiring: - **Premium infrastructure** and established expat services - **Sophisticated legal frameworks** for business establishment - **Luxury lifestyle** options and high-end amenities - **English-language** everything without adaptation requirements ### Vietnam's Value Proposition Vietnam increasingly captures families prioritizing: - **Maximum financial efficiency** and cost optimization - **Authentic cultural experiences** for children - **Emerging market opportunities** for entrepreneurs - **Adventure** over convenience in daily living ### The Practical Bottom Line For most *worldschooling families*, Vietnam offers the optimal balance of cost, quality, and cultural richness that defines successful nomadic lifestyles. Annual savings of $5,000-15,000 aren't just budget optimization - they're life-changing amounts that enable extended travel, better education options, and genuine financial freedom. The infrastructure gap continues narrowing while the cost advantages remain substantial. Unless Thailand dramatically restructures its approach to nomad families or Vietnam significantly raises its prices, this migration pattern will likely accelerate. ## Our Recommendation Having lived extensively in both countries with three young children, we recommend Vietnam for families seeking maximum value and authentic experiences, while Thailand remains superior for nomads prioritizing convenience and premium services. #### **Choose Vietnam if you:** - Prioritize cost savings and financial optimization - Want authentic cultural immersion for your children - Enjoy emerging market energy and rapid development - Can adapt to simpler but evolving infrastructure #### **Choose Thailand if you:** - Need premium infrastructure and established systems - Require sophisticated legal/business frameworks - Prefer English-language convenience in daily life - Can afford 25-40% higher costs for premium positioning **For us?** Vietnam's combination of affordability, educational value, and adventure perfectly matches our worldschooling priorities. The money we save enables extended regional travel, better housing, and educational opportunities that wouldn't be possible at Thailand's price points. The shift from Thailand to Vietnam represents more than cost arbitrage - it's about choosing countries that welcome nomad families rather than merely tolerating them. Vietnam's accessibility and genuine enthusiasm for long-term visitors creates better experiences for families willing to embrace emerging market realities. **Ready to plan your Vietnam adventure?** Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning that maximizes your family's budget and experiences. --- *Want to see our full experience in Vietnam? Check out our vlogs on our* [*YouTube channel*](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com)*. For more nomad family insights and practical travel tips, follow us on* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com)*.* ## Sources 1. ASEAN Business News - New Digital Nomad Visa: Thailand's Plan to Boost Tourism 2. Digital Nomad Asia - Vietnam Digital Nomad Visa on the Horizon 3. Eurasia Business News - Why Digital Nomads love living in Da Nang, Vietnam 4. U.S. Embassy Thailand - Thai Visas for Americans 5. Thailand Embassy - Destination Thailand Visa Guide 6. U.S. Embassy Vietnam - Vietnamese Visas and Entry/Exit 7. Vietnam E-visa Portal - National Immigration Portal 8. CNBC - Vietnam is the most affordable country for expats in 2024 9. Numbeo - Cost of Living Comparisons: Da Nang vs Chiang Mai 10. International Living - Cost of Living in Thailand Guide ### Professional Travel Planning vs DIY: When to Hire a Travel Advisor and Why It's Worth Every Penny URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/professional-travel-planning-vs-diy-when-to-hire-a-travel-advisor-and-why-its-worth-every-penny/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:50.000Z Picture this: you're staring at seventeen browser tabs, three booking sites, and a spreadsheet that's somehow become more complex than your taxes. You've been "planning" your anniversary trip for six hours, and you're no closer to booking anything than when you started. Sound familiar? *Professional travel planning* has evolved far beyond the stereotype of travel agents selling cookie-cutter packages from storefronts. Today's *travel advisors* are sophisticated consultants who leverage technology, industry relationships, and expertise to create customized experiences that often cost less than what you'd pay booking yourself. After helping hundreds of families plan everything from weekend getaways to year-long worldschooling adventures, I've seen firsthand when *DIY travel planning* works brilliantly—and when it becomes an expensive, stressful mistake. Here's everything you need to know about making the right choice for your next trip. ## What is Professional Travel Planning? Modern *travel advisors* bear little resemblance to the traditional travel agents of decades past. Where agents once simply processed bookings, today's *professional travel planners* function as consultants, advocates, and concierges rolled into one. #### **What Travel Advisors Actually Do:** - Conduct detailed consultations to understand your travel style and preferences - Design custom itineraries based on insider knowledge and firsthand experience - Leverage industry relationships for upgrades, perks, and exclusive experiences - Handle all booking logistics and coordinate complex multi-destination travel - Provide 24/7 support during your trip for emergencies or changes - Monitor your reservations for better deals and automatic upgrades The key difference? A *travel advisor* works for you, not the suppliers. They're invested in creating your perfect trip, not just selling you whatever package pays the highest commission. > "The difference between a travel agent and a travel advisor is like the difference between ordering off a menu and having a chef create something just for you." I remember working with a family planning their first international trip with three young children. They'd spent weeks trying to coordinate flights, accommodations, and activities across four European countries. What seemed impossible to manage became a seamless 14-day adventure once we mapped out travel times, kid-friendly activities, and backup plans for each city. That's the difference between booking travel and *designing* travel. ## The Complete Cost Breakdown: Professional Travel Planning Fees One of the biggest misconceptions about *travel advisor costs* is that working with a professional automatically makes your trip more expensive. In reality, the fee structure varies significantly, and most travelers save money overall—though it's important to have realistic expectations about where those savings come from. ### **Common Fee Structures:** - **Commission-based**: No direct cost to you; advisor earns from supplier partnerships - **Flat planning fees**: $100-$500 for comprehensive trip planning - **Percentage-based**: 5-15% of total trip cost for complex itineraries - **Hourly consultation**: $50-$150 per hour for research and planning - **Hybrid model**: Small planning fee plus commission earnings Most *professional travel planning services* operate on commission, meaning hotels, tour operators, and other suppliers pay the advisor directly. These commissions are already built into the prices you'd pay anyway, so there's often no additional cost to you. **Important Reality Check About Flights:** Let's be completely transparent—*travel advisors* don't typically save you money on flights. Airlines pay minimal or no commission to advisors, and industry best practice is booking flights directly with airlines for the best customer service and protection. I can help coordinate your flight bookings and ensure they align with your itinerary, but you'll pay the same price whether you book directly or I assist with the process. 💁‍♀️ ****Here's a real example:** Last year, a couple contacted me about a 10th anniversary trip to Japan. They found flights for $1,400 each, which I confirmed were competitive rates and helped them book directly with the airline. However, through my supplier relationships, I secured upgraded hotels with breakfast included for $280 per night instead of their researched $350 rate, plus arranged room upgrades and priority dining reservations they couldn't access independently. My planning fee was $150, but they saved over $600 on accommodations and received experiences worth much more. #### **Where Professional Planning Actually Saves Money:** - Hotels and resort accommodations through preferred partnerships - Tour operators and activity bookings with group rates - Ground transportation and transfer services - Package deals combining multiple suppliers - Avoiding costly mistakes like non-refundable bookings - Access to exclusive perks that add value beyond price ## When Professional Travel Planning Makes Perfect Sense *Travel advisor services* aren't necessary for every trip, but certain scenarios make professional planning invaluable. **Complex International Travel** Multi-country itineraries with various transportation methods, visa requirements, and cultural considerations benefit enormously from professional coordination. I recently planned a Southeast Asia tour for a family that included flights between six countries, train reservations, private transfers, and accommodations ranging from luxury resorts to beach bungalows. Coordinating time zones, booking windows, and local requirements would have been overwhelming for DIY planning. **Luxury and Special Occasion Travel** Honeymoons, milestone anniversaries, and once-in-a-lifetime trips deserve expert attention. *Luxury travel advisors* have relationships that secure room upgrades, spa credits, private dining experiences, and VIP treatment that you simply can't book directly. **Group Travel Coordination** Managing bookings for extended families, friend groups, or corporate retreats becomes exponentially complex with each additional person. Professional coordinators handle individual preferences, payment processing, and group logistics seamlessly. **First-Time International Travelers** Navigating foreign booking systems, understanding local customs, and avoiding tourist traps requires insider knowledge. I always tell first-time international families: invest in professional help for your inaugural trip, then use that experience for future DIY planning. **Time-Constrained Professionals** If your time is worth more than the planning fee, *professional travel planning* is a no-brainer. Busy executives and parents often find that the 15-20 hours saved on research and booking more than justifies the cost. **Special Needs and Accessibility Requirements** Travelers with mobility restrictions, dietary requirements, or medical needs benefit from advisors who understand accessibility options and can advocate with suppliers for appropriate accommodations. ## The DIY Travel Planning Approach: Pros and Cons *DIY travel planning* certainly has its place, and I'm the first to admit it's not always necessary to hire professional help. Some of my most memorable family adventures started with nothing but a rough idea and evolved organically as we traveled. ### **When DIY Works Best:** - Simple domestic trips with familiar destinations - Experienced travelers comfortable with research and booking - Flexible schedules that accommodate last-minute changes - Budget-conscious travelers willing to invest time for savings - Adventure seekers who enjoy the planning process itself ### **DIY Advantages:** - Complete control over every detail and decision - Flexibility to change plans without consulting anyone - Personal satisfaction from executing your own vision - Direct relationship with suppliers for future bookings - Unlimited time to research and optimize ### **DIY Challenges:** - **Time investment**: Research shows travelers spend an average of 16 hours planning each trip - **Information overload**: Googling "Mexico vacation" returns 328 million results - **Missed opportunities**: Lack of insider knowledge means missing hidden gems - **Booking errors**: Mistakes can be costly and difficult to correct while traveling - **No support system**: You're on your own when things go wrong > "Planning a trip yourself is like being your own lawyer—you can do it, but do you really want to when the stakes are your dream vacation?" The key is honest self-assessment. If you genuinely enjoy research, have flexible time, and aren't overwhelmed by choices, DIY can work beautifully. But if planning feels like a chore that keeps you from actually booking the trip, professional help makes sense. ## Professional Travel Planning Benefits You Can't Get Yourself The real value of *travel advisor services* goes far beyond simple booking convenience. It's about access to experiences, relationships, and support systems that aren't available to individual travelers. ### **Exclusive Industry Relationships** *Travel advisors* maintain relationships with hotels, tour operators, and service providers worldwide. These partnerships provide: - Complimentary room upgrades based on availability - Resort credits and spa treatments - Priority restaurant reservations and show tickets - Private tour guides and exclusive experiences - VIP airport services and lounge access ### **24/7 Emergency Support** When flights are cancelled at midnight in a foreign country, having a professional advocate can be invaluable. I maintain relationships with suppliers globally and can often rebook clients on alternate flights or accommodations faster than they could manage themselves. ### **Destination Expertise and Insider Knowledge** Professional advisors either specialize in specific regions or maintain networks of local contacts. This translates to: - Recommendations beyond typical tourist attractions - Understanding of local customs and cultural sensitivities - Knowledge of seasonal events and optimal timing - Awareness of safety considerations and current conditions - Access to authentic experiences not available through booking sites ### **Personalized Itinerary Design** Rather than choosing from pre-set packages, *professional travel planning* creates custom experiences tailored to your interests, pace, and preferences. I recently designed a Japan itinerary for a family where the teenage daughter was obsessed with anime culture while the parents preferred traditional experiences. We balanced Tokyo's Akihabara district with temple visits in Kyoto, creating something that satisfied everyone. ### **Travel Insurance and Protection Guidance** Navigating travel insurance policies, understanding coverage options, and managing claims requires expertise. Professional advisors help select appropriate coverage and advocate during claim processes. ## The Hidden Value of Professional Travel Planning Services Beyond obvious benefits, *travel advisor services* provide value that's often invisible until you need it. These "hidden" advantages often justify the cost even when direct savings aren't apparent. **Real-Time Monitoring and Optimization** Professional advisors continuously monitor your bookings for better deals, schedule changes, and upgrade opportunities. I automatically apply price drops to existing bookings and notify clients about beneficial changes they wouldn't discover on their own. **Crisis Management and Problem Solving** Travel disruptions happen to everyone, but having professional support makes recovery faster and less stressful. During the 2023 airline meltdowns, I was able to rebook dozens of clients on alternate carriers and routes while many DIY travelers were stuck in airports for days. **Access to Supplier Relationships** When hotels are "sold out" online, they often have inventory available through advisor channels. These relationships also provide leverage when problems occur—suppliers prioritize resolving issues for advisors who bring them consistent business. **Integrated Logistics Coordination** Coordinating complex itineraries with multiple suppliers requires understanding booking windows, cancellation policies, and interdependencies. Professional advisors manage these details seamlessly, preventing costly mistakes. **Local Support Networks** Experienced advisors maintain relationships with local guides, drivers, and service providers in their specialist destinations. This provides on-ground support that's invaluable when unexpected situations arise. ## Making the Decision: A Practical Framework Choosing between *professional travel planning* and DIY requires honest evaluation of your specific situation. Here's a practical framework I use when consulting with potential clients: ### **Trip Complexity Assessment:** | Trip Type | Complexity Level | Recommendation | | ------------------------------------------ | ---------------- | ---------------------------- | | Single destination, familiar country | 🟢 Low | DIY friendly | | Multiple countries, complex transportation | 🔴 High | Professional help beneficial | | Standard accommodations, simple needs | 🟢 Low | DIY possible | | Luxury requirements, special occasions | 🟠 Medium-High | Professional recommended | ### **Time and Expertise Evaluation:** - Do you have 15+ hours available for research and booking? - Are you comfortable navigating foreign booking systems? - Do you enjoy the planning process, or does it stress you out? - Have you successfully planned similar trips before? #### Key insight: According to [travel industry statistics](https://www.ustravel.org/research?ref=adamandlinds.com), the average American spends 16 hours planning a single vacation. For complex international trips, this can easily double. ### **Budget and Value Considerations:** - Can you afford planning fees if direct savings aren't guaranteed? - Do you value peace of mind and professional support? - Are you interested in exclusive experiences and upgrades? - How much is your time worth compared to planning fees? ### **Support System Requirements:** - Are you comfortable handling problems independently while traveling? - Do you have flexibility to deal with unexpected changes? - Are you traveling with people who have special needs or preferences? Based on thousands of client interactions, I recommend professional help when any two of these factors apply: complex itinerary, limited planning time, first-time destination, special occasion, group travel, or desire for exclusive experiences. ## How to Choose the Right Travel Advisor Not all *travel advisors* are created equal, and finding the right match is crucial for a successful relationship. Here's what to look for when evaluating potential advisors: ### **Professional Credentials and Affiliations:** - Look for advisors affiliated with reputable organizations like [certified travel advisors](https://www.travelsense.org/?ref=adamandlinds.com) through ASTA - Industry certifications and destination specialist designations - Membership in professional consortiums that provide supplier relationships - Business licensing and professional insurance coverage ### **Specialization and Expertise:** - Match the advisor's expertise to your travel style and destinations - Look for advisors who have personally visited your intended destinations - Seek specialists for niche travel like adventure, luxury, or family travel - Verify their experience with your type of trip complexity ### **Communication Style and Service Approach:** - Ensure their planning process aligns with your preferences - Confirm availability for your timeline and support needs - Evaluate their responsiveness during initial consultations - Assess whether their personality and style mesh with yours ### **Transparency in Fees and Policies:** - Clear explanation of fee structure and payment terms - Understanding of what services are included vs. additional charges - Cancellation and change policies for both planning and bookings - Disclosure of supplier relationships and commission structures ### 🚩 **Red Flags to Avoid:** - Advisors who push specific suppliers without explaining alternatives - Reluctance to provide references or examples of past work - Pressure to book immediately without adequate consultation - Lack of professional credentials or industry affiliations - Poor communication or unavailability during business hours - **Heavy focus on recruiting new advisors** \- If they seem more interested in signing you up to become a travel advisor than planning your trip, you're dealing with an MLM-style organization that should not be taken seriously > "A good travel advisor will ask you more questions than you ask them. They're doing detective work to understand your travel DNA before making any recommendations." Contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) if you'd like to discuss your specific travel planning needs—I offer complimentary consultations to determine if professional planning is right for your trip. ## Frequently Asked Questions #### Do travel advisors actually save money? **Travel advisors* can save clients money on accommodations, tours, and experiences through industry relationships and exclusive deals. However, be realistic about expectations—we don't typically offer discounts on flights, as airlines pay little to no commission and industry best practice is booking directly with carriers. ****The value comes from hotel partnerships, activity bookings, avoiding mistakes, and accessing experiences you couldn't arrange independently.** #### How much do travel advisors typically charge? **Travel advisor costs* vary widely based on service level and trip complexity. Many advisors work on commission only (no direct cost to you), while others charge $100-$500 planning fees for comprehensive service. Complex itineraries may involve percentage-based fees of 5-15% of trip cost. **Common Fee Structures Comparison:** | Fee Type | Cost Range | What's Included | Best For | | --------------- | ------------- | --------------- | ------------------- | | Commission Only | $0 to you | Basic bookings | Simple trips | | Planning Fee | $100-$500 | Full service | Complex itineraries | | Percentage | 5-15% of trip | Premium service | Luxury travel | | Hourly | $50-$150/hr | Consultation | Partial planning | > "Think of travel advisor fees like hiring a contractor—you're paying for expertise, time, and access to professional relationships that save you money and headaches in the long run." #### Is it worth using a travel advisor for domestic trips? For simple domestic travel to familiar destinations, DIY often makes more sense. However, complex domestic trips involving multiple cities, group coordination, or special occasions can benefit from professional planning. Consider advisor help for domestic luxury travel or destinations requiring specialized knowledge. #### Can I still earn credit card rewards booking through an advisor? Absolutely. You typically earn the same rewards whether booking directly or through an advisor, since you're still using your credit card for payment. Travel advisor fees often code as travel purchases, potentially earning bonus points if your card offers enhanced travel rewards. #### What if I need to change my plans after booking? This is where **professional travel planning* truly shines. Advisors handle modifications, cancellations, and rebookings as part of their service. They understand supplier policies, can negotiate on your behalf, and often secure better rebooking options than you could manage independently. #### How far in advance should I contact a travel advisor? For international travel or complex itineraries, contact advisors 3-6 months in advance to ensure availability and optimal planning time. Domestic trips typically require 1-2 months lead time. However, experienced advisors can often accommodate shorter timeframes, especially for emergency rebooking situations. #### Do travel advisors work with all budgets? Most professional advisors work with various budget levels, though some specialize in luxury or budget travel exclusively. Be upfront about your budget during initial consultations—good advisors will tell you honestly if they're the right fit for your needs and budget level. ## The Bottom Line on Professional vs DIY Travel Planning The choice between *professional travel planning* and DIY isn't about one approach being universally better—it's about matching the right solution to your specific needs, experience level, and travel goals. *DIY travel planning* works beautifully for experienced travelers tackling simple itineraries with flexible schedules and generous time for research. There's genuine satisfaction in executing your own vision and maintaining complete control over every detail. *Professional travel planning* excels when complexity, time constraints, or desire for exclusive experiences justify the investment. The real value lies not just in convenience, but in access to relationships, expertise, and support systems that enhance your travel experience beyond what's possible independently. After years of both planning our own family adventures and helping others design their dream trips, I've learned that the best travel experiences often combine professional expertise with personal preferences. Even as someone who makes a living planning travel, I still sometimes hire specialists for destinations outside my expertise or when I want to be a traveler rather than a planner. The travel industry continues evolving, with technology making some aspects of DIY planning easier while simultaneously creating more options and complexity. Professional advisors who adapt by providing genuine value—through relationships, expertise, and personalized service—will always have a place in smart travelers' planning process. Whether you choose professional help or DIY planning for your next adventure, the most important thing is actually taking the trip. Don't let planning paralysis prevent you from creating memories with the people you love. Ready to explore how professional planning might enhance your next adventure? I'd love to discuss your travel dreams and help determine the best approach for your unique situation. Reach out at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for a complimentary consultation. --- ## What My Clients Say ### **Real Client Testimonials:** > "Wonderful service with great ideas about how to make our stay memorable and carefree! I will use her for every trip and travel need moving forward. She goes above and beyond helping you!" > — Laura S., New York City trip, May 2025 > "Working with Lindsay was a pleasure. From start to finish, her communication was timely, clear and incredibly helpful. She made the hotel booking process completely stress-free, ensuring every detail aligned with our needs. Her professionalism, efficiency, and knowledge of Japan made a big difference in our experience. I can't recommend her highly enough!" > — Christa M., Tokyo trip, April 2025 > "Lindsay was incredible! All we had to do was show up. Everything was taken care of, and we were able to really enjoy the trip! She goes above and beyond!" > — Sean S., New York City trip, March 2025 > "Lindsay nailed it! Found us the perfect resort for our daughters birthday. She handled everything - even got the staff to do a little celebration with cake. Super responsive and made the whole trip stress-free. Will definitely use her again!" > — Mr C., Vietnam trip, March 2025 --- *Happy travels, and remember—the perfect trip is the one that gets you where you want to go, however you choose to plan it.* --- **About the Author:** Lindsay Clarkson is a professional travel advisor specializing in family travel and worldschooling adventures. As part of the Clarkson family's three-year journey through 20+ countries, she combines personal travel experience with professional expertise to help families create extraordinary travel memories. Contact her at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) or visit [adamandlinds.com](https://www.adamandlinds.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) to learn more about their family's adventures. Planning your own adventure? Check out our affiliate partner for [comprehensive travel and medical insurance through Faye](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda) \- coverage we personally use and recommend for our family travels. [Lindsay Clarkson | Fora TravelFind an advisor who gets your vibe, like Lindsay Clarkson. Book your dream trip and unlock exclusive perks and upgrades.![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/apple-touch-icon.png)Fora: The Modern Travel Agency![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/thumbnail/0e50cf13-a7f9-4951-88a4-8ccdd283f593.jpg)](https://www.foratravel.com/advisor/lindsay-clarkson?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Which is better, SimLocal, Airalo or Holafly? URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/which-is-better-simlocal-airalo-or-holafly/ Last updated: 2026-08-04T04:02:37.000Z We get asked which is better, SimLocal, Airalo, or Holafly, all the time from other worldschooling families and digital nomads. We have used travel eSIMs across Europe and Asia since 2022 with our three daughters, and we have personally used all three of these providers on real family trips. Here is how they actually compare. The honest answer is that all three are solid, and the right one depends on two things: coverage in your destination and how much data you burn through. Below we break down each one based on our own use, then line them up side by side. ![Lindsay works on a laptop while checking her phone, surrounded by the family's luggage at Vilnius train station during a winter transit day.](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/37aef3cf-c064-4e44-ad18-a347fb2ad836.jpg) A transit day at Vilnius station on our winter loop through Europe. Laptop open, phone in hand, running on eSIM data because the work does not pause for the train. ## What is an eSIM and how does it work? An embedded SIM (eSIM) is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of swapping a plastic SIM card when you land in a new country, you install an eSIM profile through your phone's settings. For international travel that means no hunting for a SIM shop at the airport, instant activation when you arrive, and no roaming bill from your home carrier. Your home number stays active on its own line, so you stay reachable while your data runs on the eSIM. We switched to travel eSIMs during our European trips, when we were buying a local SIM in every country. Now we handle all of it digitally, which is far simpler with three kids in tow. ## Holafly: best for unlimited data [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=which-is-better-simlocal-airalo-or-holafly&subId2=inline-1&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) is our go-to for unlimited data. Between homeschooling three kids, uploading videos to [our YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com), and navigating new cities, unlimited data is not a luxury for us, it is the thing that keeps the day moving. **Last tested:** August 2026, our current daily eSIM while based in Da Nang. ### Holafly eSIM 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off Plans. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=which-is-better-simlocal-airalo-or-holafly&subId2=coupon-box&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### How is Holafly for international travel? Holafly does what it says: unlimited data across 200+ destinations on local partner networks. We have used it across Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Europe with consistently strong results. Installation is genuinely simple, scan a QR code, follow the prompts, and you are online. ### What we like about Holafly - Unlimited data in most destinations, no daily cap to watch - 24/7 support over chat and WhatsApp with real people - eSIM delivered within minutes by email and WhatsApp - Simple QR-code or one-tap install on compatible phones - Runs alongside your home number on a second line - Data works the moment you land **Save 5%** on Holafly destination eSIMs (10% on Plans) with code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. For the current deal and how it works, see our [Holafly discount code guide](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/). ### Destination eSIM vs the Holafly Plans subscription These are two different products and they handle phone numbers differently, which trips people up. A Holafly destination eSIM is data-only: no phone number, no calls, no SMS, you talk to people through WhatsApp or FaceTime over the data. The Holafly Plans subscription is separate. The Light Plan is also data-only, but the Unlimited Plan adds a dedicated number in the US, UK, or Canada that receives SMS only. It does not place calls or send texts, and it is not a local number. So if you specifically want to receive verification texts on your Holafly line, the Unlimited Plan is the only option; otherwise, keep your home number on a second line. ### Where Holafly falls short The main catch is the fair use policy on the unlimited plans. Speeds can throttle after very high usage, though in normal travel we rarely notice it. We have only run into it when backing up large photo libraries or streaming for hours on a slow day indoors. Cost is the other consideration: the unlimited plans run more upfront than a small capped plan, so they pay off for heavy users, not for someone who mostly sits on WiFi. ## SimLocal: a marketplace with voice and SMS [SimLocal](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803) works as an eSIM marketplace, reselling plans from local networks in 150+ countries. Because you are buying onto the same networks locals use, prices are often competitive. Its stand-out feature is that many of its plans include voice calls and SMS, which most travel eSIMs, including Holafly and Airalo, do not. **Last tested:** 2025, as a budget backup rather than our daily eSIM. ### SimLocal eSIM 10% off all eSIM plans. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your SimLocal eSIM](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803) ### What SimLocal does well - Voice calls and SMS included on many plans, not just data - Local-network pricing that can undercut roaming - Regional and global options for multi-country trips - Top-ups mid-trip through the app - Works with most eSIM-capable phones In our testing it landed as a solid budget backup rather than our first choice. If you actually need a real phone number that can call and text a local business, SimLocal is the one of these three that offers it. ### SimLocal trade-offs The marketplace model can be fiddly. Instead of a clean "Europe eSIM," you sort through country-by-country options with different data allowances and pricing, which takes more research. Support is also less polished than Holafly's, with slower responses at peak times. ## Airalo: best for light and budget use [Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com) more or less created the consumer travel eSIM market and is still a strong pick for budget-minded and light-data travelers. The app is clean and buying a plan is quick. **Last tested:** January 2026, its Europe regional plan during our winter train loop. ### What Airalo does well - Competitive pricing for light users and short trips - Regional plans that cover several countries in one package - 200+ destinations, including nearly everywhere tourists go - An intuitive app and an established track record - Frequent promos and discounts for new users Airalo's regional plans shine on multi-country trips. Its Europe regional plan carried us across a train journey from France to Austria without a gap or an extra charge at the borders, which is one less thing to manage when you are already juggling passports and snacks. ### Airalo trade-offs Airalo plans are data-only, so no voice calls or SMS. That is rarely a problem since most communication runs through messaging apps, but it can complicate anything that needs a real local number. The bigger one is data caps: allowances are tighter than an unlimited plan, so on a longer stay heavy users end up buying top-ups rather than settling in with one plan. ## Coverage: which works where? All three cover the destinations most travelers need: - **Holafly:** 200+ destinations, unlimited-data focus, including Japan, Europe, and Thailand - **[Airalo](https://airalo.pxf.io/raoREy?ref=adamandlinds.com):** 200+ destinations with varied data allowances - **SimLocal:** 150+ destinations, with voice and SMS on many plans In practice the difference is small for most trips. We have found reliable coverage from all three across Europe, Asia, and North America. For a specific country, check each provider's coverage page before you buy, since carrier partnerships vary. | Feature | Holafly | Airalo | SimLocal | | -------------------- | ------------------------------- | -------------------------------- | ------------------------------- | | Data | Unlimited (most destinations) | Capped by GB | Capped by GB | | Destinations | 200+ | 200+ | 150+ | | Voice calls | ✘ Data only\* | ✘ Data only | ✔ Included | | SMS | ✘ Data only\* | ✘ Data only | ✔ Included | | 24/7 support | ✔ Chat + WhatsApp | Chat (slower) | Chat + airport desks | | Monthly subscription | ✔ Plans from $49.90/mo | ✘ No | ✘ No | | Best for | Families, heavy users, creators | Light users, short trips, budget | Travelers needing voice and SMS | | Our discount | ADAMANDLINDS = 5% off | ADAMLINDS3 = $3 off | ADAMANDLINDS = 10% off | \* Holafly destination eSIMs are data-only with no phone number. Only the Holafly Unlimited Plan adds a US, UK, or Canada number, and it receives SMS only, no calls or outgoing texts. ## Pricing: which is better value? Pricing shifts by destination, data need, and trip length, so rather than quote numbers that go stale, here is how we think about value. For unlimited data, Holafly usually wins for families and creators despite the higher upfront cost. For light data use, Airalo tends to be cheapest. For voice and SMS in one plan, SimLocal is the most complete. For current prices on your route, check each provider's site. ## Network quality and speed All three partner with major local networks, so speed differences are minor in most places. In Japan, for example, all three gave us speeds in line with what locals get on the same networks. The variance comes down to which carrier each provider partners with in a given country rather than the provider itself. Across our travels we have rarely seen a meaningful speed gap between them in the same location. ## Is there a downside to using an eSIM at all? The main one is device compatibility. Travel eSIMs need a reasonably recent phone: iPhone XS or newer, Google Pixel 3 or newer, or most flagship Android phones from 2019 on. [Check eSIM compatibility](https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/esim-phones/?ref=adamandlinds.com) before you buy. Beyond that, inactive eSIM profiles can clutter your settings, a few countries still have thin eSIM support, and you need an internet connection to install the profile in the first place. Your home number stays active throughout, so there is no disruption for family or work. ## Is there an eSIM that works at sea? None of these work mid-ocean. Holafly, Airalo, and SimLocal all run on cellular networks, and open water needs satellite. For a crossing, your options are ship WiFi, a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach for emergencies, or simply logging off for a few days. We learned this on our [Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing](https://adamandlinds.com/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/), where even the ship's WiFi was pricey and patchy. In port, all three eSIMs work normally. ## Which should you choose? There is no single best pick because needs differ. Work through it like this: check coverage for your destinations, estimate your data use, decide whether you need voice and SMS, then compare price for your trip length. From our own use: - **Japan:** Holafly, since Japan is data-heavy and unlimited removes the stress of tracking usage - **Europe:** Airalo's regional plan for light users, Holafly if you are leaning on data all day - **Need to call a local business:** SimLocal, the only one here with voice and SMS - **Content creation:** Holafly, so uploads and backups do not eat a data cap For more on your options, read our [eSIM vs pocket WiFi guide](https://adamandlinds.com/esim-vs-pocket-wifi-the-ultimate-travel-connectivity-showdown-plus-exclusive-coupon-codes/). ## The bottom line All three are good. For our family, Holafly is the daily driver thanks to unlimited data and simple setup, Airalo is the value pick for lighter trips, and SimLocal is the one to reach for when you actually need a callable number. Start by checking coverage and price for your destinations, and you will not go far wrong with any of them. ### Holafly eSIM 5% off destination eSIMs, 10% off Plans. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=which-is-better-simlocal-airalo-or-holafly&subId2=inline-2&subId3=homepage&sharedid=esim-cluster&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### SimLocal eSIM 10% off all eSIM plans. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** at checkout. [Get your SimLocal eSIM](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803) Planning a trip and want the connectivity sorted for you? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for travel planning, including eSIM picks matched to your itinerary. ### Related reading [eSIM vs Pocket WiFi: the ultimate travel connectivity showdown](https://adamandlinds.com/esim-vs-pocket-wifi-the-ultimate-travel-connectivity-showdown-plus-exclusive-coupon-codes/) [Holafly promo code: save 5 to 10% on eSIM plans](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly-promo/) [Holafly: all our guides, codes, and reviews](https://adamandlinds.com/holafly/) [Slow travel: how we learned to stop moving and love staying put](https://adamandlinds.com/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/) [Sailing the Queen Mary 2 with kids](https://adamandlinds.com/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/) FAQ ## SimLocal, Airalo, or Holafly: which is better? Which is better for international travel: Holafly, Airalo, or SimLocal? It depends on your travel style. Holafly is best for heavy data users and families who want unlimited data. Airalo is better for light users and budget travel on short trips. SimLocal is the best choice if you need voice calls and SMS alongside data. Does Holafly offer truly unlimited data? Yes, though a fair use policy applies. Speeds can throttle after very high usage. For typical travel including navigation, streaming, and video calls, you are unlikely to hit that point. Does a Holafly eSIM come with a phone number? Holafly destination eSIMs are data-only with no phone number. The Light Plan is also data-only. Only the Unlimited Plan adds a dedicated US, UK, or Canada number, and it can receive SMS only, not make calls or send texts. Does SimLocal include voice calls and SMS? Yes. SimLocal is the only one of the three that includes voice calls and SMS on many plans, which is useful for calling local businesses or accommodation that does not use WhatsApp. Is Airalo cheaper than Holafly? For light data users, usually yes. Airalo's capped plans are cheaper upfront than Holafly's unlimited plans. For heavy users who would need several top-ups, Holafly often works out better value overall. Which eSIM provider is best for Japan? We use Holafly in Japan. It is a data-heavy destination thanks to translation, transit, and navigation apps, and unlimited data removes the need to track usage. Use code **ADAMANDLINDS** for 5% off. Do any of these eSIMs work on cruise ships? No. All three rely on cellular networks, which do not reach open water. Maritime coverage needs satellite service. In port, all three eSIMs work normally. Can I use a discount code for all three providers? Yes. Use ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off Holafly destination eSIMs (10% off Holafly Plans), ADAMLINDS3 for $3 off your first Airalo order, and ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off SimLocal plans. This post contains affiliate links to Holafly, Airalo, and SimLocal. If you purchase through our links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend eSIMs we have used ourselves. All opinions are our own. ### Transoceanic Cruises: The Ultimate Guide to Ocean Crossings for Modern Travelers URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/transoceanic-cruises-the-ultimate-guide-to-ocean-crossings-for-modern-travelers/ Last updated: 2026-08-23T08:54:40.000Z After experiencing our first transatlantic crossing aboard the Queen Mary 2 in 2022, we've become passionate advocates for ocean crossing travel. As a travel advisor, I've discovered that while Cunard's ocean liners get most of the attention, nearly every major cruise line offers transoceanic crossings—though most are cleverly disguised repositioning cruises that provide incredible value for savvy travelers. ## The Reality of Modern Ocean Crossings Let's be honest about what most transoceanic cruises actually are: repositioning cruises. When cruise lines move their ships between seasonal deployment areas, they create opportunities for travelers to experience true ocean crossings at exceptional prices. **Spring Pacific Crossings**: Ships relocate from Asia to North America (March-May) as they prepare for Alaska and West Coast summer seasons. **Autumn Pacific Crossings**: The reverse journey happens in September-November as ships return to Asia for winter deployments. **Atlantic Repositioning**: Ships move between the Mediterranean and Caribbean twice yearly, creating transatlantic crossing opportunities in April-May and October-November. **Other Ocean Routes**: Ships relocate between Australia, South America, and other regions, offering unique crossing opportunities throughout the year. While these aren't the leisurely ocean liner experiences of decades past, they provide modern travelers with affordable access to transoceanic travel that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive. ## Why Choose an Ocean Crossing Over Flying Ocean crossings offer benefits that flying simply can't match, especially for families and travelers who value the journey as much as the destination. **Gradual Time Zone Adjustment**: Your body naturally adjusts to time changes during the crossing, eliminating jet lag recovery time. **Exceptional Value**: Repositioning cruises often cost 40-60% less than regular cruise pricing while including the same amenities. **Unique Experience**: Crossing vast oceans by ship creates memories no flight can provide. **Relaxation Focus**: Multiple consecutive sea days force you to truly disconnect and unwind. **Luggage Freedom**: Pack everything you need without airline weight restrictions or baggage fees. ![white cruise ship](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1578530332818-6ba472e67b9f?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDZ8fGNydWlzZXxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTAyNDE0MTh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Alonso Reyes](https://unsplash.com/@alonsoreyes?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## The Best Times for Popular Ocean Crossings ### Pacific Crossings **Westbound Pacific (Autumn)**: September through November offers the most frequent departures as ships return to Asia. This is prime season for comfortable weather and calm seas. **Eastbound Pacific (Spring)**: March through May provides excellent opportunities as ships move from Asia to North America, though weather can be more variable. **Popular Routes**: Los Angeles to Tokyo, Vancouver to Seoul, or San Francisco to Singapore typically offer the best combination of dates and pricing. ### Atlantic Crossings **Spring Crossings**: April through June as ships move from Caribbean winter deployments to European summer routes. **Autumn Crossings**: September through November offer spectacular weather as ships return to Caribbean positioning. **Traditional Routes**: New York to Southampton remains popular, but consider Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale or Rome to Miami for unique experiences. ### Other Ocean Routes **Australia to Southeast Asia**: April through June provides optimal weather for these increasingly popular repositioning routes. **South America Connections**: Ships moving between Europe and South America create opportunities for unique Atlantic crossings. ## Cruise Lines Offering Ocean Crossings ### Princess Cruises Princess excels at transpacific repositioning cruises, particularly their autumn westbound routes from Los Angeles to Asia. Their ships provide modern amenities while maintaining the relaxed pace essential to ocean crossing culture. **Strengths**: Excellent enrichment programs, comfortable ships designed for longer voyages, and sophisticated passenger demographics. ### Holland America Line HAL offers some of the best repositioning cruise experiences with their focus on destination immersion and cultural enrichment. Their longer itineraries and refined atmosphere appeal to travelers seeking authentic ocean crossing experiences. **Strengths**: Superior service, extensive lecture programs, and ships built for ocean travel rather than calm-water cruising. ### Celebrity Cruises Celebrity's repositioning cruises provide modern luxury during ocean crossings, with their newer ships offering exceptional amenities for longer voyages. **Strengths**: Contemporary design, excellent dining options, and entertainment that works well during multiple sea days. ### Norwegian Cruise Line NCL's repositioning routes offer more casual ocean crossing experiences, perfect for families or travelers preferring relaxed dress codes and flexible dining. **Strengths**: Family-friendly atmosphere, diverse entertainment options, and freestyle cruising approach to ocean travel. ### Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean's larger ships provide extensive onboard activities during ocean crossings, though the experience feels less traditional than smaller ship alternatives. **Strengths**: Comprehensive onboard amenities, family programs, and modern facilities for longer voyages. ### Cunard Line: The Traditional Option While most ocean crossings are repositioning cruises, Cunard maintains regular transatlantic service aboard the Queen Mary 2\. This represents authentic ocean liner travel with corresponding pricing and traditional atmosphere. Our family's Queen Mary 2 experience provided genuine ocean liner elegance, though with limited kid-friendly options and premium pricing. You can read our complete family review in our [Queen Mary 2 crossing article](https://adamandlinds.com/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/#practical-tips-for-families-considering-the-crossing). ## The Reality of Extended Itineraries Most transoceanic cruises extend beyond simple point-to-point crossings. Cruise lines typically add 3-7 additional days with port stops at the beginning or end of repositioning routes. **Pacific Examples**: A Los Angeles to Tokyo crossing might include stops in Hawaii, or a Singapore departure could feature Vietnam and Hong Kong before the transpacific portion. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/28-Day-Japan-Russia-North-Pacific-Crossing-Collector.jpeg) Holland | 28 Days | Yokohama to Seattle **Atlantic Examples**: Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale might include Canary Islands stops, or Southampton to New York could feature Iceland and Greenland. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/NCL-GEM-15-REPO-NYC-58679.jpeg) NCL | 14 Days | New York to Barcelona **Cost Considerations**: These extensions increase both cruise length and pricing, but often provide exceptional value for visiting destinations that would otherwise require separate trips. **Planning Benefits**: Extended itineraries eliminate the need to book separate flights or accommodations for these additional destinations. ## What to Expect During Your Ocean Crossing ### Daily Life at Sea Ocean crossings follow a completely different rhythm than port-intensive cruises. Expect 5-10 consecutive sea days, depending on your specific itinerary. **Morning Routines**: Leisurely breakfast, deck walks, and settling into shipboard life **Afternoon Activities**: Pool time, lectures, workshops, or simply reading with endless ocean views **Evening Entertainment**: Formal or casual dining followed by shows, dancing, or stargazing ![the deck of a cruise ship at sunset](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1676407118683-f0060c12b94f?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDV8fGNydWlzZSUyMGRlY2t8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzUwMzIxNTQ1fDA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Tom Donders](https://unsplash.com/@tomsnauticalmiles?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ### Entertainment and Enrichment Quality ocean crossings emphasize relaxation and enrichment over high-energy entertainment: - Guest lectures about destinations, history, and culture - Language lessons for arrival countries - Cooking demonstrations featuring regional cuisines - Art auctions and cultural presentations - Live music and dancing in multiple venues - Library time and board game tournaments - Fitness classes and spa treatments ### Dining Experiences Ocean crossing dining varies significantly by cruise line, from Cunard's formal traditional service to NCL's casual freestyle approach. Most lines maintain some dress codes for dinner during ocean crossings. ## Pricing and Value Considerations ### Cost Comparison Repositioning cruises typically range from $600-2500 per person depending on cruise line, cabin category, and itinerary length. These represent exceptional value compared to: - Business class flights for the same routes - Separate hotel accommodations for 10-14 nights - Individual flights to visit the extended itinerary destinations ### Booking Strategy **Repositioning Cruise Availability**: These cruises often have limited availability and sell out quickly once announced, typically 12-18 months in advance. **Interior Cabins**: Perfect for ocean crossings since you'll spend most time in public areas enjoying ocean views. **Wave Season**: January through March typically offers the best promotions for autumn repositioning cruises. **Last-Minute Deals**: Occasionally available 60-90 days before sailing, but cabin selection becomes very limited. ![cruise ship](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511316695145-4992006ffddb?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDd8fGNydWlzZSUyMHJvdXRlfGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MDMyMTU2OHww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Peter Hansen](https://unsplash.com/@petross?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## Planning Your Ocean Crossing Adventure ### Choosing Your Route Consider your final destination, available vacation time, and interests in the extended itinerary ports. Pacific crossings work perfectly for Asian adventures, while Atlantic routes excel for European exploration. ### Packing Essentials - Clothing for variable ocean weather and different climates at departure/arrival ports - Entertainment for multiple sea days (books, tablets, games) - Formal attire if required by your chosen cruise line - Motion sickness remedies (even large ships move in ocean swells) - Camera equipment for endless ocean photography opportunities ### Connectivity Considerations Most eSIMs won't work during the ocean crossing portion of your journey, as ships rely on satellite internet with limited connectivity. However, you'll want data coverage for your destination ports. Check out [Holafly eSIMs](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233892/24764?subId1=transoceanic-cruises-the-ultimate-guide-to-ocean-crossings-for-modern-travelers&subId2=inline-1&subId3=homepage&ref=adamandlinds.com) for your arrival destination and use our coupon code ADAMANDLINDS for savings on your data plan. ### Family Considerations Ocean crossings can work wonderfully for families willing to embrace slower-paced travel. Children often thrive with consistent routines and onboard activities, but parents should prepare for limited port excursions during the crossing portion. ## Booking Your Ocean Crossing Repositioning cruises require different booking strategies than regular cruises. These limited sailings often sell out within days of announcement, particularly for popular routes and desirable cabin categories. **Timeline**: Most repositioning cruises are announced 12-18 months in advance with immediate booking availability. **Flexibility**: Consider multiple departure dates and cabin categories to secure space on your preferred route. **Travel Insurance**: Essential for repositioning cruises due to their unique nature and limited rebooking options. We recommend [Faye Travel Insurance](https://www.withfaye.com/quote/offer?utm%5Fcampaign=LindsayClarksonFora&utm%5Fsource=ForaTravel&utm%5Fmedium=bd-traveladvisors&utm%5Fterm=glinda) for comprehensive coverage designed specifically for unique travel experiences like ocean crossings. Ready to plan your own ocean crossing adventure? As a travel advisor specializing in unique family travel experiences, I can help you navigate the complex world of repositioning cruises and find the perfect crossing for your family's travel style and budget. ### Why Book With a Travel Advisor **PERSONALIZED TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS** Customized travel planning tailored to your family's style and preferences **INSIDER KNOWLEDGE** Expert advice from people who've actually been there and sailed these routes **VIP PERKS** Free upgrades, spa credits, and exclusive amenities we've secured through our industry relationships Contact me at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized recommendations and booking assistance. I'll monitor repositioning cruise announcements and alert you when your ideal crossing becomes available. **Important Note**: Repositioning cruises often have more limited availability than regular cruises and may sell out quickly. Consider booking immediately when your preferred sailing is announced, as cabin selection becomes very limited closer to departure dates. *Want to stay updated on the latest repositioning cruise announcements? Join our newsletter for early alerts about ocean crossing opportunities and exclusive travel planning tips.* This post contains affiliate links. We are an official Holafly partner, so if you buy an eSIM through our link or use code ADAMANDLINDS we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The Faye link goes through Lindsay's Fora Travel advisor account. We are not insurance brokers and nothing here constitutes a recommendation. All opinions are our own. ### Europe's Tourism Reckoning: A Worldschooling Family's Guide to Navigating the 2025 Overtourism Crisis URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/europes-tourism-reckoning-a-worldschooling-familys-guide-to-navigating-the-2025-overtourism-crisis/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:53.000Z The summer of 2025 marked a historic turning point for European tourism. On June 15th, thousands of residents across Spain, Portugal, and Italy took to the streets in coordinated protests, water pistols aimed at tourists in Barcelona, "Tourist Go Home" banners draped across Lisbon's historic streets, and smoke grenades set off near the Sagrada Família. This unprecedented wave of anti-tourism demonstrations represents the largest coordinated resistance to overtourism in European history¹, fundamentally challenging the continent's tourism-dependent economic model. For families like ours who have chosen the worldschooling path, these protests force an uncomfortable but necessary conversation about our role in the very crisis we're witnessing. While long-term travelers often impact destinations differently than cruise passengers or day-trippers, we cannot ignore that our presence contributes to the systemic pressures overwhelming Europe's most beloved cities. Understanding this crisis, and our place within it, is essential as we navigate our responsibilities as global citizens. ## The scale of Europe's tourism crisis has reached a breaking point Europe welcomed 747 million international arrivals in 2024², exceeding pre-pandemic levels and representing over half of global international tourism. But raw numbers only tell part of the story. The real crisis lies in concentration and intensity: destinations like Barcelona face a 19:1 tourist-to-resident ratio³, while Zakynthos, Greece experiences 150 overnight stays per resident annually. Amsterdam hosts 18 tourists for every local resident⁴, and Venice's historic center now has more tourist beds than resident beds. ![a crowd of people in front of a white building](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1652209181425-a98f358bd393?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDE2fHx2ZW5pY2UlMjB0b3VyaXN0fGVufDB8fHx8MTc1MDM5MzU3NXww&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Hubert Buratynski](https://unsplash.com/@hubatxz?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) These aren't abstract statistics, they represent a fundamental transformation of living cities into tourist playgrounds. In Barcelona, rent prices have surged 68% over the past decade⁵ while the city welcomes 12.4 million visitors annually for just 1.7 million residents. Venice's population has plummeted from 120,000 in the 1990s to 55,000 today, with 6 out of 10 houses now converted to tourist-only rentals⁶. Teachers in the Balearic Islands finish their school year "living in a van" because landlords evict them each summer for more profitable tourist rentals. The Southern Europe Against Overtourism (SET) network has evolved from scattered local protests into a coordinated resistance movement spanning multiple countries⁷. Their June 15th demonstrations drew thousands across Barcelona, Lisbon, Venice, Naples, and a dozen other cities, with protesters using water pistols as symbols of their desperation. The movement's message is clear: "Tourism robs us of our food, shelter and future." ## Local residents face displacement from their own cities Behind every protest sign lies a personal story of displacement. In Barcelona's tourist-heavy neighborhoods, Daniel Pardo describes sleeping with earplugs or developing "mental health problems"⁸ from constant night noise, while finding only "about two affordable bars left in the area." María Carmen Pujadó, a vendor at the famous Boqueria Market, watches traditional customers disappear⁹ as the market transforms into a tourist attraction rather than a community resource. ![a crowd of people walking around a market](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1644144979169-b1e85ca74332?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDIxfHxCb3F1ZXJpYSUyME1hcmtldHxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTAzOTM0ODh8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Martijn Vonk](https://unsplash.com/@vonkm737?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) Venice residents navigate daily life around crowds and wheelie suitcases, enduring disrespectful behavior like swimming in canals and picnicking on bridges¹⁰. The city's infrastructure strains under up to 120,000 daily visitors while serving just 55,000 residents. Basic services like pharmacies become difficult to find as commercial spaces convert to tourist-oriented businesses charging prices no local can afford. Housing represents the crisis's most devastating impact. Málaga bar owner Dani Drunko was "kicked out" of his decade-long home¹¹ when his landlord refused rent negotiation to convert the property for short-term rentals. Across the Canary Islands, healthcare and education professionals refuse job positions because housing costs have become prohibitive for local salaries. The statistics are stark: Barcelona faces 15.6 million annual tourists against 1.6 million residents, creating an unsustainable competition for housing and public services. Environmental degradation compounds these pressures. Barcelona's port produces 32.8 tonnes of sulphur oxide daily from cruise ships—five times more than all the city's cars combined¹². Tourism-related air pollution contributes to nearly half of childhood asthma cases in the city, while trash accounts for 38% of fishermen's catch in the metropolitan area's waters. ![white cruise ship on large body of water](https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1546435542-fb05bd551abf?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wxMTc3M3wwfDF8c2VhcmNofDI4fHxjcnVpc2UlMjBwb2x1dGlvbnxlbnwwfHx8fDE3NTAzOTM2MDF8MA&ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=80&w=2000) Photo by [Jon Tyson](https://unsplash.com/@jontyson?ref=adamandlinds.com) / [Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/?utm%5Fsource=ghost&utm%5Fmedium=referral&utm%5Fcampaign=api-credit) ## European governments have implemented unprecedented tourism restrictions The policy response has been swift and comprehensive. Barcelona announced the complete elimination of all 10,000 short-term rental licenses by 2028¹³, while Athens banned new short-term rental permits effective January 2025 in districts where rentals exceed 5% of housing stock. Amsterdam will ban cruise ships entirely by 2026¹⁴ and has implemented Europe's highest tourist tax at 12.5% of accommodation costs—meaning a €175/night hotel now incurs an additional €21.80 tax. Tourist taxes have proliferated across the continent. Greece introduced a climate resilience tax ranging from €1.50 to €15 per night¹⁵ depending on accommodation quality, plus a €20 levy for cruise passengers visiting Mykonos and Santorini during peak months. Paris combines regional and tourist taxes reaching €15.60 per person per night for luxury accommodations, while Barcelona's city tax rose to €4 per person per night for 2025. Venice expanded its controversial day-tripper fee to 54 days annually¹⁶, charging €5 for advance bookings and €10 for last-minute visitors during peak hours. The 2024 pilot phase generated €2.4 million despite initial protests. Portugal doubled Lisbon's tourist tax to €4 per person while the Azores implemented a new €2 nightly tax starting January 2025. Attraction caps have become commonplace. Pompeii reduced daily visitors from over 4 million annually to just 20,000 daily, with further restrictions to 15,000 morning and 5,000 afternoon slots during peak season. Barcelona limited tour groups to maximum 15 people and plans to reduce cruise ship passenger numbers by 8% annually, while Santorini imposed a daily cruise visitor limit of 8,000 people with the €20 fee per passenger. The European Union passed comprehensive "Airbnb Law" requiring platforms to share data with authorities monthly for large operators and quarterly for smaller ones¹⁷. This regulation includes random verification checks and gives cities unprecedented power to combat illegal rentals. ## Tourism industry responses reveal both adaptation and resistance Airbnb welcomed the EU regulations as providing "clear rules of the road"¹⁸ and published economic impact reports showing €149 billion in benefits across the EU in 2023, emphasizing that short-term rentals represent less than 0.5% of housing stock in major cities. The company has committed to enhanced data sharing and local compliance support. The cruise industry, through CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), has invested heavily in green technologies¹⁹ with commitments to 40% carbon emission reduction by 2030 and shore power connectivity implementation in major ports. However, cruise lines face significant berthing restrictions with Barcelona banning ships from the central World Trade Center pier and Amsterdam reducing annual vessel calls from 2,300 to 1,150 by 2028. Tourism operators express mixed reactions to these restrictions. While some hotel chains support measures that reduce Airbnb competition, concerns about administrative burden and guest satisfaction persist. The European Tourism Association (ETOA) opposes tourist taxes as "fiscal gap plugging"²⁰ rather than genuine sustainability measures, arguing they unfairly burden legitimate tourists while failing to address underlying issues. ## For worldschooling families, the path forward requires intentional choices The overtourism crisis presents both challenges and opportunities for long-term traveling families. Research reveals that authorities often view digital nomads and worldschoolers more favorably than mass tourists or day-trippers²¹, recognizing their extended stays contribute more meaningfully to local economies through diverse spending patterns beyond tourist zones. Most tourist restrictions target cruise passengers, large tour groups, and short-stay visitors rather than families staying weeks or months in a location. Barcelona's ban on short-term rentals may actually benefit long-term renters by returning housing stock to the market, while destinations across Eastern Europe actively court digital nomad families. North Macedonia saw 417% growth in digital nomads²², while Spain's Extremadura region offers €15,000 incentives for remote workers willing to relocate to rural areas. Alternative destinations provide opportunities for meaningful travel without contributing to overtourism. Romania, Slovenia, and rural Spain combat depopulation by welcoming remote working families. These regions offer authentic cultural experiences, lower costs, and the satisfaction of supporting communities that genuinely benefit from international visitors. Sustainable tourism initiatives across Europe provide models for responsible travel. Switzerland's Swisstainable Strategy balances environmental goals with year-round tourism distribution²³, while Slovenia's Green Certification program preserves natural and cultural heritage through comprehensive sustainability standards. The European Charter for Sustainable Tourism (ECST) offers a practical framework for families seeking certified sustainable accommodations and experiences. ## Practical strategies for responsible worldschooling emerge from the crisis Long-term traveling families can adopt specific practices that distinguish them from problematic mass tourism. The "2-week minimum" rule for each location qualifies as slow travel and allows families to contribute meaningfully to local communities rather than extracting experiences without reciprocity. Accommodation choices matter significantly. Seeking GSTC-certified properties, EU Ecolabel accommodations, or community-based tourism projects ensures your spending supports sustainability goals. Booking directly with local providers rather than large platforms keeps revenue in destination communities while often providing more authentic experiences for children's education. Ground transportation over flights, shopping at local markets rather than tourist-oriented businesses, and engaging with local communities through genuine cultural exchange transform travel from consumption to collaboration. Many worldschooling families find volunteering opportunities—beach cleanups, English tutoring, or digital skills sharing—that create positive impact while providing rich learning experiences for children. Educational integration can honor local communities. Using real-world experiences as primary curriculum, visiting cultural centers and historical sites for hands-on learning, and encouraging children to develop genuine relationships with local peers creates mutual benefit rather than one-sided tourism. ## The future of European travel demands conscious choices The 2025 overtourism protests represent more than temporary disruption—they signal a fundamental shift toward managed, sustainable tourism across Europe. The coordinated nature of these protests, from Barcelona to Venice to Lisbon, demonstrates that residents across the continent have reached their breaking point with the current tourism model. For worldschooling families, this crisis offers an opportunity for leadership. By choosing alternative destinations, staying longer in fewer places, and prioritizing community benefit over convenience, we can model responsible global citizenship for our children while supporting destinations that genuinely welcome international visitors. The statistics are sobering: 747 million annual arrivals across Europe, tourist-to-resident ratios reaching 19:1 in popular cities, and housing costs driven beyond local affordability. But the human stories behind these numbers—teachers sleeping in vans, residents unable to afford their neighborhoods, children developing asthma from cruise ship pollution—demand our attention and action. European destinations implementing tourist caps, fees, and restrictions aren't anti-visitor—they're fighting for survival as living communities rather than theme parks. Our choice as long-term travelers is whether to be part of the problem or part of the solution. The overtourism crisis calls us to travel more thoughtfully, stay longer, spend locally, and ensure our global mobility contributes to rather than detracts from the communities that welcome us. The water pistols in Barcelona weren't aimed at all tourists—they were symbols of desperation from residents who love their cities too much to watch them disappear. As worldschooling families, we have the privilege of choice in how and where we travel. The crisis demands we use that privilege responsibly. --- ## References 1. [Reuters - Protesters against overtourism take to the streets of southern Europe](https://www.reuters.com/world/protesters-against-overtourism-take-streets-southern-europe-2025-06-15/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 2. [UNWTO - International tourism recovers pre-pandemic levels in 2024](https://www.unwto.org/news/international-tourism-recovers-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2024?ref=adamandlinds.com) 3. [Euronews - What are the most and least 'over-touristed' capital cities in Europe?](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/05/14/beat-the-crowds-heres-which-european-capitals-officially-have-the-most-and-least-tourists?ref=adamandlinds.com) 4. [Atlas Lisboa - Overtourism: Should Lisbon Take a Cue from Amsterdam?](https://www.atlaslisboa.com/overtourism-should-lisbon-take-a-cue-from-amsterdam/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 5. [TRT World - Overtourism fuels anger among Barcelona locals as housing cost soars](https://www.trtworld.com/business/overtourism-fuels-anger-among-barcelona-locals-as-housing-cost-soars-18219948?ref=adamandlinds.com) 6. [Responsible Travel - Overtourism in Venice](https://www.responsibletravel.com/copy/overtourism-in-venice?ref=adamandlinds.com) 7. [Waging Nonviolence - The movement against overtourism is sweeping Southern Europe](https://wagingnonviolence.org/2025/06/movement-against-overtourism-sweeping-southern-europe/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 8. [The Washington Post - Southern Europeans protest overtourism with water pistols](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/16/protests-tourism-spain-italy-portugal/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 9. [Green European Journal - Overtourism: Barcelona Sparks Global Rethinking](https://www.greeneuropeanjournal.eu/overtourism-barcelona-sparks-global-rethinking/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 10. [Venezia Autentica - The Impact Of Mass Tourism In Venice](https://veneziaautentica.com/impact-tourism-venice/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 11. [Euronews - 'Go f\*cking home': The European cities where locals are fighting back against overtourism](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/03/15/go-fcking-home-the-european-cities-where-locals-are-fighting-back-against-overtourism?ref=adamandlinds.com) 12. [Euronews - Soaring rent prices and cruise ship caps: How Barcelona has changed in the 10 years I've lived here](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/08/31/soaring-rent-prices-and-cruise-ship-caps-how-barcelona-has-changed-in-the-10-years-ive-liv?ref=adamandlinds.com) 13. [CNN - Barcelona restricts cruise ship access, plans to increase tourist taxes](https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/barcelona-cruise-ship-restrictions/index.html?ref=adamandlinds.com) 14. [ETIAS - Amsterdam to Ban Cruise Ships to Combat Overtourism](https://etias.com/articles/amsterdam-ban-cruise-ships-combat-overtourism?ref=adamandlinds.com) 15. [Travel and Tour World - Amsterdam, Venice, Greece, UK, Portugal and more Address Overtourism In Europe In 2025 With New Taxes, Caps, And Restrictions](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/amsterdam-venice-greece-uk-portugal-and-more-address-overtourism-in-europe-in-2025-with-new-taxes-caps-and-restrictions/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 16. [Euronews - Venice's daytripper fee returns this week, rising to €10 for last-minute bookings](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2025/04/15/venice-day-trippers-will-face-steep-fines-if-they-dont-pay-fee-designed-to-combat-overtour?ref=adamandlinds.com) 17. [GuestReady - EU approves 'Airbnb Law' for short-term rental platforms](https://www.guestready.com/blog/eu-airbnb-law-data-sharing/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 18. [Airbnb - Airbnb's EU Pledge: New rules and a sustainable tourism future for Europe](https://news.airbnb.com/airbnbs-eu-pledge-new-rules-and-a-sustainable-tourism-future-for-europe/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 19. [Euronews - Which European cities are trying to cut back the number of cruise ship visits?](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/05/13/cruise-ships-erosion-air-pollution-and-overtourism-are-driving-cities-towards-bans?ref=adamandlinds.com) 20. [National Geographic - Do Europe's tourist taxes really work? How the new fees impact tourists and locals](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/europe-tourist-tax-impact?ref=adamandlinds.com) 21. [Euronews - Tourists wanted! European destinations that are still welcoming visitors and digital nomads](https://www.euronews.com/travel/2024/12/02/tourists-wanted-european-destinations-that-are-still-welcoming-visitors-and-digital-nomads?ref=adamandlinds.com) 22. [Travel Off Path - This Hugely Underrated European Country Is One Of The Fastest Growing Hubs For Digital Nomads](https://www.traveloffpath.com/this-hugely-underrated-european-country-is-one-of-the-fastest-growing-hubs-for-digital-nomads/?ref=adamandlinds.com) 23. [Skal Europe - European certifications for sustainable tourism](https://www.skaleurope.org/news/european-certifications-for-sustainable-tourism/?ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Slow Travel: How We Learned to Stop Moving and Love Staying Put URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/slow-travel-how-we-learned-to-stop-moving-and-love-staying-put/ Last updated: 2025-07-04T03:22:11.000Z When we first set sail on the Queen Mary 2 in May 2022, we were armed with ambitious itineraries, color-coded spreadsheets, and the naive belief that we could see everything, everywhere, all at once. Looking back now, nearly three years into our worldschooling adventure, we realize we were doing travel all wrong – but in the most wonderfully educational way possible. ## The Great European Sprint of 2022 Our initial approach to travel was what I now lovingly call "the checklist method." We'd arrive in a new city, immediately start ticking off the must-see attractions, snap photos at every landmark, and then rush off to the next destination after just 3-4 days. During our first few months in Europe, we ping-ponged between Southampton, London, Paris, the French Riviera, Genoa, Lucca, Naples, Munich, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest like caffeinated tourists with something to prove. We were essentially playing travel bingo, collecting passport stamps and Instagram posts while barely scratching the surface of these incredible places. Don't get me wrong – we had amazing experiences during this whirlwind period. Harper's third birthday in Lucca was magical, our brewery tour in Munich was unforgettable (complete with traditional Dirndls for the girls), and watching the girls' faces light up at Paris Disneyland was priceless. But we were exhausted, constantly packing and unpacking, and missing out on the deeper connections that make travel truly transformative. ## The Bangkok Revelation Everything changed when we arrived in Bangkok on August 6, 2022, after that incredible Saudia Airlines deal (first-class lay-flat seats for $2,000 for the whole family – still can't believe we scored that). We had planned to stay for just a week before moving on to our next destination, but something unexpected happened: we fell into a rhythm. For the first time in months, we weren't frantically researching the next city or calculating train schedules. Instead, we discovered our local coffee shop, found the best pad thai vendor (spoiler: it was the one with the longest queue of locals), and watched the girls make friends with other expat kids at the playground. We stayed for 28 glorious days, and it was during this extended stay that we had our slow travel epiphany. Those four weeks in Bangkok taught us more about Thai culture, gave us deeper connections with locals, and provided more genuine rest and rejuvenation than all our previous quick stops combined. We realized we'd been skimming the surface of countries like a stone across water, when what we really wanted was to dive deep and truly immerse ourselves. ## The One-Week Minimum Rule After Bangkok, we established what became known as the "one-week minimum rule" – we would never stay anywhere for less than seven days, and would aim for 10-14 days whenever possible. This decision ultimately inspired our "One Week In" YouTube series, where we showcase what families can realistically experience in a week-long stay. This shift in mindset transformed our travels. Instead of racing through attractions, we could take rest days when the girls needed them. We had time to discover the neighborhood bakery, figure out public transportation, and even have mundane experiences like grocery shopping – which, surprisingly, became some of our most educational moments about local culture. Our two-week stay in Siem Reap, Cambodia, perfectly exemplified this new approach. We had time to visit Angkor Wat multiple times (because the girls wanted to see the sunrise, but also wanted to sleep in), build relationships with our incredible tuk-tuk driver, and truly understand the complex history of the region. Those extra days allowed for spontaneous discoveries that never would have happened during a rushed three-day stop. ## Embracing the Homebase Concept As we've continued to evolve our travel style, we've increasingly embraced what we call the "homebase" approach. This concept really crystallized during our four-month stay in Chiang Mai in 2024, where we wrote our upcoming book and developed new worldschooling content while taking shorter trips to explore the region. The homebase model offers the best of both worlds: stability for deep work, relationship building, and routine (which our girls desperately needed for their education), combined with the excitement of exploration through shorter trips to nearby destinations. From our Chiang Mai base, we could easily visit temples in the mountains, explore night markets, and take weekend trips to other parts of Thailand. But it was our six-month winter sojourn in Da Nang, Vietnam, that really proved the power of the homebase concept. What started as a planned two-month stay extended to half a year because we found ourselves part of an incredible community of worldschooling families. The girls had consistent friendships, we had our favorite restaurants and routines, and we used Da Nang as a launching pad for longer trips to Hong Kong and other regional destinations. ## The Magic of Mundane Moments One unexpected benefit of slow travel has been discovering the magic in mundane moments. When you're not constantly rushing to see the next tourist attraction, you have time to appreciate the small details that make each place unique: the way vendors arrange their fruit at the local market, the sound of the call to prayer echoing through the streets, or the particular shade of blue used on doors in a Mediterranean village. These moments can't be photographed or checked off a list, but they're what transform travel from sightseeing into genuine cultural immersion. When Harper confidently orders her favorite Thai dish in broken Thai, or when Lily helps a local child with their English homework at a playground, we know we've achieved something deeper than tourism. ## Finding the Sweet Spot After nearly three years of experimentation, we're still fine-tuning our approach to travel pacing. We've learned that the optimal stay length varies dramatically depending on the destination, our goals, and our energy levels. A bustling metropolis like Tokyo can hold our attention for months, while a small beach town might be perfect for a two-week reset. We've also discovered that our travel style needs to accommodate different types of experiences. Sometimes we want the deep cultural immersion that comes with a six-month homebase. Other times, we crave the excitement and energy of exploring new destinations every couple of weeks. The key is being intentional about our choices rather than defaulting to constant movement. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_1627.png) We lived six months in Central Vietnam and we even got a nanny for the girls two days a week. ## The Future of Our Travels As we look ahead to our upcoming plans – a few months in Japan, a visit to family in Indiana, a rail journey through central Europe, and potentially settling into Albania for six months – we're approaching these decisions with the wisdom gained from our evolution toward slow travel. We're no longer trying to see everything or optimize every moment. Instead, we're focusing on creating space for both planned adventures and spontaneous discoveries. We want to give ourselves permission to fall in love with a place and stay longer than planned, or to recognize when it's time to move on even if we haven't checked every box on our list. The beauty of slow travel isn't just that it's less stressful (though it absolutely is). It's that it creates space for the unexpected connections, deeper understanding, and genuine rest that make long-term travel sustainable and meaningful. Our daughters are learning that travel isn't about collecting passport stamps or Instagram posts – it's about openness to new experiences, adaptability, and finding home in unexpected places. These are lessons that will serve them well long after our worldschooling adventure ends. Whether you're planning your first long-term family trip or you're already on the road, we encourage you to experiment with slowing down. Give yourself permission to stay put when a place captures your heart. You might be surprised by what you discover when you stop moving long enough to really see where you are. *Planning your own slow travel adventure? We'd love to help you design an itinerary that balances exploration with rest. Contact Lindsay at* [*lindsay@clarksontravels.com*](mailto:lindsay@clarksontravels.com) *for personalized travel planning services.* ### [Reading Eggs - Learn to Read - 30 day free trial](https://readingeggs.sjv.io/c/6317027/1614790/17851?subId1=slow-travel&partnerpropertyid=7174158&ref=adamandlinds.com) Watch your child’s confidence, motivation, and progress skyrocket in just 15 minutes a day with a FREE 30-day trial of Reading Eggs! Designed to grow with your child and support their school learning, 91% of parents saw an improvement within just a few short weeks. ![](https://imp.pxf.io/i/6317027/1614790/17851?subId1=slow-travel&partnerpropertyid=7174158) ### eSIM vs Pocket WiFi for Families: Complete Cost Comparison + Discount Codes 2025 URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/esim-vs-pocket-wifi-the-ultimate-travel-connectivity-showdown-plus-exclusive-coupon-codes/ Last updated: 2025-07-06T03:18:28.000Z *After traveling to 20+ countries as a family of five, we've tested every possible way to stay connected on the road. The eternal travel debate continues: eSIM or Pocket WiFi? Here's our honest breakdown of which option works best for different travel situations, plus exclusive coupon codes for Holafly, Airalo, Simlocal, and Japan Wireless.* ## Exclusive Discount Codes Before we dive into the comparison, here are the best deals we've secured for our readers: **eSIM Providers:** - **🔥 Holafly Coupon Code: ADAMANDLINDS** \- Save 5% on all eSIM plans and top-ups at [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233860/24764?ref=adamandlinds.com) - **🔥 Airalo Promo Code: ADAMLINDS3** \- Get $3 off your first eSIM purchase at [Airalo](https://www.airalo.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) - **🔥 Simlocal Discount Code: ADAMANDLINDS** \- Save 10% on all eSIM plans at [Simlocal](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803) **Pocket WiFi:** - **🔥 Japan Wireless Discount Code: ADAMANDLINDS** \- Get 10% off pocket WiFi rentals at [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## The Great Connectivity Debate Staying connected while traveling has become as essential as packing your passport. But with so many options available, choosing between eSIM and Pocket WiFi can feel overwhelming. After years of testing both solutions across multiple continents with our family, we've learned that the "best" choice depends entirely on your travel style, group size, and destination. Let's break down the real differences between these two connectivity solutions so you can make the right choice for your next adventure. ## eSIM: The Digital Revolution An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that's built into your phone. Instead of swapping physical SIM cards, you download a data plan directly to your device. It's travel technology at its most streamlined. ### eSIM Advantages **Instant Setup, Zero Wait Time** The convenience factor is unmatched. Purchase your plan online, receive a QR code via email, scan it with your phone, and you're connected. No shipping delays, no hunting for SIM card vendors at the airport, no fumbling with tiny plastic cards while your kids are melting down in baggage claim. **One Less Thing to Carry** When you're already managing luggage for five people, eliminating any extra device feels like a win. Your phone stays exactly as it is, just with international connectivity added. **Perfect for Solo Adventures** If you're traveling alone or with one other person who has their own phone, eSIM makes perfect sense. Each person controls their own data usage, and there's no coordination required. **Massive Country Coverage** Most eSIM providers work in 190+ countries, which means you can buy one plan and use it across multiple destinations during the same trip. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/EN_Affiliates-Banner_Japan_1200x1000_Medium-Rectangle.jpeg) ### eSIM Limitations **Phone Compatibility Issues** Not all phones support eSIM technology, especially older models. You'll need to check compatibility before you travel, and if someone in your group has an incompatible device, you'll need a backup plan. **Individual Data Plans** Each phone needs its own eSIM plan, which can get expensive quickly for families. When you're paying for data for multiple devices, costs add up fast. **Battery Dependency** If your phone dies, your internet connection dies with it. There's no backup device to fall back on when your primary device fails. ## Pocket WiFi: The Reliable Workhorse A Pocket WiFi device is a small, portable router that creates a WiFi hotspot you can share with multiple devices. Think of it as your personal internet bubble that travels with you. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/Fuji-1200x300.png) ### Pocket WiFi Advantages **Share with Your Whole Crew** One device can typically connect 5-10 devices simultaneously. Perfect for families who need to keep everyone connected without buying individual plans for each person. **Backup When Phones Die** Your connectivity isn't tied to your phone's battery life. If someone's device dies, they can still connect to the Pocket WiFi with any other device once it's charged. **Superior Speeds and Coverage** Dedicated devices often provide better connection speeds and coverage than phone-based solutions, especially in areas with challenging network conditions. **No Compatibility Worries** Any WiFi-enabled device can connect. Old phones, tablets, laptops, cameras with WiFi - everything works without checking compatibility lists. ### Pocket WiFi Limitations **Another Device to Manage** You're adding one more thing to charge, carry, and keep track of. With kids, that's one more device that can get lost, dropped, or forgotten in a hotel room. **Setup and Return Process** Most Pocket WiFi rentals require pickup and return, either by mail or at specific locations. This adds logistics to your travel planning. **Limited Country Coverage** Many Pocket WiFi providers focus on specific regions, so you might need different devices for different countries during the same trip. ## Our Real-World Testing After using both solutions extensively, here's what we've learned from actual travel experience: ### Solo and Couple Travel: eSIM Wins For trips where it's just Lindsay and me, or when we're traveling with older kids who have their own devices, eSIM is the clear winner. The convenience of instant setup and not having to manage an extra device outweighs the slightly higher per-device cost. We've tested multiple eSIM providers and recommend shopping around for the best deals: - [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233860/24764?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- **Use Holafly coupon code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off all plans** - [Airalo](https://www.airalo.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- **Use Airalo promo code ADAMLINDS3 for $3 off your first purchase** - [Simlocal](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803) \- **Use Simlocal discount code ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off** ### Family Travel: Pocket WiFi All Day When we're traveling as a family of five, Pocket WiFi makes much more sense. One device covers everyone, the kids can connect their tablets for educational content or entertainment, and we don't have to worry about compatibility issues with older devices. ### Japan Specifically: Pocket WiFi Hits Different Japan deserves special mention because the connectivity infrastructure there makes Pocket WiFi particularly effective. The coverage is excellent, speeds are consistently fast, and the rental process is streamlined for tourists. We've had great experiences with [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) for our multiple trips to Japan. **Use our Japan Wireless discount code ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off pocket WiFi rentals.** ## Making Your Decision **Choose eSIM if:** - You're traveling solo or as a couple - Everyone has eSIM-compatible phones - You value convenience over cost savings - You're visiting multiple countries in one trip - You don't want to manage extra devices **Popular eSIM providers with our discount codes:** - Holafly (code: ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off) - Airalo (code: ADAMLINDS3 for $3 off) - Simlocal (code: ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off) **Choose Pocket WiFi if:** - You're traveling with a family or group - You have multiple devices that need internet - You want the most reliable connection possible - You're visiting Japan (our top recommendation with discount code ADAMANDLINDS at Japan Wireless) - Budget is a primary concern ## The Hybrid Approach For longer trips or complex itineraries, consider using both. We sometimes travel with a Pocket WiFi device as our primary connection and eSIM as backup. This gives us redundancy in case one solution fails and ensures we're never completely disconnected. ## Cost Considerations While eSIM often appears cheaper initially, remember to multiply the cost by the number of devices you need to connect. For a family of five with multiple devices, one Pocket WiFi rental is usually more economical than five individual eSIM plans. However, for short trips or solo travel, the convenience of eSIM often justifies the slightly higher cost. ## Our Bottom Line There's no universal "best" choice - it depends entirely on your specific travel situation. We use both solutions depending on the trip, destination, and group size. The most important thing is having a reliable plan before you leave home. Nothing ruins a travel day like being stuck without internet when you need to navigate, translate, or book last-minute accommodations. ## Ready to Stay Connected? **For eSIM solutions:** - [Holafly](https://holafly.sjv.io/c/6317027/2233860/24764?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- **Use Holafly coupon code ADAMANDLINDS for 5% off** - [Airalo](https://www.airalo.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- **Use Airalo promo code ADAMLINDS3 for $3 off** - [Simlocal](https://www.simlocal.com/?utm%5Fsource=awin&utm%5Fmedium=affiliate&utm%5Fcontent=1117223&utm%5Fcampaign=affiliate%5F&sv1=affiliate&sv%5Fcampaign%5Fid=1117223&awc=68844%5F1748590721%5Fa58d8f032ccdd7a14d574d98ac542803) \- **Use Simlocal discount code ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off** **For Japan Pocket WiFi:** [Japan Wireless](https://www.japan-wireless.com/?via=adamandlinds&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- **Use Japan Wireless promo code ADAMANDLINDS for 10% off** **Need help planning your connectivity strategy?** Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized travel planning that includes the tech setup that works best for your specific trip. *Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, we only recommend products and services we've personally used and trust.* ### Why Outschool Has Become Our Favorite Worldschooling Tool URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/why-outschool-has-become-our-favorite-worldschooling-tool/ Last updated: 2026-06-30T08:00:30.000Z *We absolutely love our worldschooling life—the freedom, the real-world education, the adventures with our three daughters across Asia. But we're always looking for cool tools that can add even more awesomeness to what we're already doing. Enter Outschool, which has become one of our secret weapons for making worldschooling even better.* ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/Outschool-dot-com-logo_Peacock_1500x300-1.svg) ## Our Worldschooling Life is Already Amazing Let me be clear from the start—we're not using Outschool because our worldschooling wasn't working. We LOVE our life traveling full-time with Lily (9), Cora (8), and Harper (5). We've been to over 20 countries, spent months in Japan (our absolute favorite!), explored Southeast Asia extensively, and our girls are learning more about the world than they ever could sitting in a traditional classroom. But here's the thing about worldschooling—you're always discovering new tools and resources that can make the experience even richer. That's exactly what happened when we found Outschool. ## How We Discovered This Game-Changing Tool I was browsing educational resources (because that's what worldschool parents do in our spare time, right?) when I stumbled across Outschool. Live classes with real teachers that we could take from anywhere in the world? Small groups of kids actually interacting with each other? Classes on topics ranging from standard academics to completely unique subjects? It sounded too good to be true, but I figured it was worth trying. We signed up for a few classes and honestly, it exceeded our expectations from day one. ## What Actually Happens in Our Outschool World Our girls have taken the most amazing variety of classes, and each one adds something special to their education. Harper recently completed a 13-week alphabet and phonics program where she learned letter sounds while making crafts for each letter. Watching her get excited about letters everywhere we traveled was pure joy. Harper also became obsessed with marine biology through her "Let's See Who Lives in the Sea" club. She learned about sea turtles, sharks, whales, dolphins, and octopuses, and now we have to visit every single aquarium in every city we travel to. The seafood restaurants in Da Nang with their blue aquariums full of live fish became some of her absolute favorites—we'll just skip telling her about their ultimate fate for now. "Did you know octopuses have three hearts?" became her favorite conversation starter with everyone we met. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_6402.png) When we bought Lily a real ukulele for her 9th birthday in Chiang Mai, she was so excited that she immediately signed up for ukulele classes on Outschool. Watching her learn Christmas songs and practice in our various accommodations has been amazing. She's also been learning Japanese conversation, which is perfect since Japan is our favorite country and we visit there regularly. Plus, her Harry Potter drawing classes have turned her into quite the artist. Cora (7) fell in love with geography through the "Around the World Travel Class with Barnabas Bear." She'd excitedly tell us facts about countries we were visiting or planning to visit. She's also been learning Japanese alongside Lily, and all three girls took this amazing Descendants-themed dance class that had them choreographing routines in our various accommodations. ## Why This Works So Well for Traveling Families The beauty of Outschool for worldschooling families is that it adds structure and social interaction without taking away the flexibility we love. The girls get to interact with other kids from around the world, learn from passionate teachers, and dive deep into subjects that interest them. The live format makes all the difference. These aren't boring recorded lessons—they're interactive experiences where our daughters raise their hands, ask questions, share their travel experiences, and form real friendships with classmates. When Harper recognizes a friend from her alphabet class in a new marine biology session, her face lights up. Teachers often ask about our travels and incorporate our experiences into the lessons. When Lily mentioned we were in Japan, her teacher started including more information about Japanese culture. That kind of personalized attention makes every class feel special. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_4191.png) ## The Real Talk About Logistics Taking live classes while constantly moving definitely requires some planning and creativity. We've mastered the art of finding reliable WiFi and working around time zones. Sometimes that means late-night classes because it's the only time that works with our location and the teacher's schedule, but the girls are so invested in their classes that they make it work. The flexibility of many Outschool teachers has been amazing. Some record sessions for kids who can't attend live, and many offer multiple time slots throughout the week. We've found teachers who specifically understand international families and the unique aspects of world-traveling students. ## What This Actually Costs I'll be honest—Outschool classes add up when you have three kids taking multiple classes. Most sessions range from $10-30 depending on length and subject. But when I think about what we'd be spending on music lessons, art classes, science clubs, and social activities back home, it's actually pretty reasonable. Plus, we're not paying for gas to drive to activities, specialized equipment for every new interest, or facility fees. When Cora wanted to try dance, she didn't need special shoes or outfits—just space to move in whatever living room we happened to be using that week. 💲 Use our code ****ADAMANDLINDS50** and new families get $20 toward their first class, which is a great way to test it out. ## The Social Connection We Didn't Expect One of the coolest unexpected benefits has been the global friendships our daughters have formed. They've connected with kids from different countries, learned about various cultures and lifestyles, and developed a sense of global community that perfectly complements our worldschooling goals. When a classmate talks about snow days, our sun-soaked daughters in Southeast Asia get a reality check about life in other climates. When they share stories about temples in Japan or markets in Vietnam, they're teaching other kids about the world too. It's this beautiful exchange that makes every class richer. ## How It Enhances Our Worldschooling The key thing to understand is that Outschool doesn't replace our worldschooling—it enhances it. We still do tons of real-world learning, explore museums and historical sites, learn languages through immersion, and use the world as our classroom. Outschool just adds another layer of structured learning and social interaction that makes the whole experience even better. When Harper learns about marine life in her Outschool class and then spots those same creatures during our snorkeling adventures, that's the magic of combining different educational approaches. When Lily practices Japanese phrases from her conversation class with shopkeepers in Tokyo, you can see how everything connects. ## Our Honest Take After Years of Use After using Outschool for several years now, it's become an essential part of our worldschooling toolkit. It's not the only thing we do, but it's consistently one of the best. The combination of academic content, social interaction, and flexibility makes it perfect for families like ours. Our daughters genuinely look forward to their classes. They've discovered new interests, developed skills they might never have explored otherwise, and formed friendships with kids around the world. As worldschooling parents, that's exactly what we're looking for—tools that enhance our children's education while supporting the lifestyle we love. ****Save $20 on your First Class!** ****Want to add Outschool to your worldschooling toolkit?** Use our code ****ADAMANDLINDS50** [Learn more ](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video%5Fdescription&redir%5Ftoken=QUFFLUhqbXJhQ3pSVjBobHdIMUFTdmE5SGhsUmdGaDNpUXxBQ3Jtc0trU0xhNUpKUjdLaEU1ZTFwYWF1UWstT0xGMUdLcnJYbkQzMFg4eThVRlNCSG1Ta0xpYkxBSTBlUEROR1NCMVdvWE1fYXFndlQxeHhkeXFvR29tVGlIaWRpWDZwUjlrY1ZGMjE4QklncWk2M2prUnVjUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Foutschool.com%2Fparents%2Fde0242fe-0b66-4ac4-8797-26dc0a788a61%2F1c25c709-4a5b-473d-9729-458c7ba3a78d%3Fsignup%3Dfalse%26usid%3D3JQXjl2y%26utm%5Fmedium%3Dreferral%26utm%5Fcampaign%3Dshare%5Fparent%5Flink&v=MPqNOP%5F0NCc&ref=adamandlinds.com) *Follow our worldschooling adventures on YouTube at "Adam and Linds - The Worldschool Family" where we share the real story of traveling full-time with three kids and all the tools that make it work.* --- **Disclaimer:** This post contains affiliate links. If you sign up for Outschool using our code **ADAMANDLINDS50**, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we genuinely use and love with our own family. ### Worldschooling with Kids: Real Costs, Best Countries & Complete 2025 Guide URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/worldschooling-the-ultimate-guide-to-education-through-travel/ Last updated: 2026-06-23T02:16:54.000Z *As a travel advisor who's been worldschooling three daughters while traveling full-time, I'm here to break down everything you need to know about this revolutionary educational approach—from what it really is to addressing the controversies head-on.* ## What Is Worldschooling? Worldschooling is an educational philosophy that uses travel and real-world experiences as the primary classroom. Rather than confining learning to traditional school buildings, worldschooling families educate their children while exploring different countries, cultures, and environments around the globe. Think of it as homeschooling meets adventure education. The world becomes your child's classroom, where history lessons happen at ancient ruins, geography is learned through navigation, and cultural studies are experienced firsthand through daily interactions with local communities. It's not simply taking a vacation with some educational activities sprinkled in—it's a deliberate, structured approach to learning that happens to take place in extraordinary locations around the world. ## Clearing Up Common Misconceptions Before diving deeper, let me address what worldschooling is NOT, because there are plenty of misconceptions floating around. It's not just vacation learning where families snap a few photos at museums and call it education. Worldschooling families maintain structured educational routines and follow curriculum standards, just in non-traditional settings. We wake up every morning with lesson plans, just like any homeschooling family—we just might be doing math problems while looking at the Eiffel Tower. It's also not unschooling, though the terms often get confused. While some worldschooling families do practice unschooling (child-led learning with minimal structure), many of us follow rigorous curricula and maintain academic standards that meet or exceed traditional schooling. The difference is in the setting and the integration of real-world experiences, not in the abandonment of structured learning. Perhaps most importantly, worldschooling isn't only for wealthy families. Yes, travel requires financial planning and prioritization, but many worldschooling families travel on modest budgets, choosing experiences over luxury accommodations and making education their primary expense rather than private school tuition. ## Our Worldschooling Approach: The Best of Both Worlds Our family has developed what I consider a balanced approach that combines the structure of traditional homeschooling with the experiential benefits of worldschooling. This hybrid model works because it provides consistency for our children while maximizing the learning opportunities that travel presents. Every morning, regardless of whether we're in a Bangkok apartment or a Barcelona Airbnb, our girls start with structured online learning. We use Khan Academy for comprehensive math and science curricula because it's self-paced, thorough, and accessible from anywhere with internet. Reading Eggs handles our literacy development and phonics work, providing engaging content that keeps the girls motivated. For specialized subjects and social interaction, we rely on Outschool classes where our daughters can connect with other children and expert instructors in everything from art to coding to foreign languages. But here's what makes us different from traditional homeschoolers: we don't stop there. After completing their formal lessons, the real learning begins. We're calculating exchange rates at money changers, practicing Spanish with shopkeepers in Madrid, learning about ancient civilizations while standing in the actual ruins, and developing problem-solving skills by navigating subway systems in foreign cities. When we studied the Roman Empire last year, we weren't just reading about aqueducts—we were walking through them in Spain and France, touching the stones and understanding the engineering in a way no textbook could convey. We also maintain traditional printed worksheets and materials because some learning requires the tactile experience of pencil on paper, and not everything can or should be digitized. These materials are portable, don't require internet connectivity, and provide the repetitive practice that builds fundamental skills. The key is integrating these traditional methods with the extraordinary experiences that travel provides. ## The Undeniable Benefits of Worldschooling The advantages of worldschooling extend far beyond what any traditional classroom can offer. Children develop experiential learning that creates deep, lasting understanding. When my daughters learned about World War II, they didn't just read about it—they walked through Anne Frank's house, touched the walls of concentration camps, and spoke with elderly locals who remembered the war. This kind of learning creates neural pathways that no amount of reading can replicate. Cultural competency is perhaps our greatest educational outcome. Our children naturally develop adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and global awareness that becomes increasingly valuable in our interconnected world. They've learned to communicate across language barriers, appreciate different ways of life, and approach new situations with curiosity rather than fear. These soft skills are arguably more important than any specific academic content in preparing them for future success. Language acquisition happens organically when children are immersed in different linguistic environments. Our daughters have picked up conversational skills in Spanish, French, and Thai not through formal lessons but through daily necessity and natural interest. This immersion-based learning accelerates language development far beyond what traditional classroom methods can achieve. The flexibility and personalization possible with worldschooling allows us to tailor education to each child's learning style, interests, and pace without the constraints of standardized curricula or rigid schedules. If one of our daughters shows particular interest in marine biology while we're in coastal areas, we can dive deeper into that subject. If another struggles with a math concept, we can slow down and provide additional support without worrying about keeping pace with a classroom. ## The Real Challenges We Face However, worldschooling isn't without significant challenges, and I believe in being honest about them. The biggest criticism we face is about socialization, and it's a legitimate concern that deserves serious consideration. While our children interact with diverse age groups and cultures regularly, they do miss out on consistent peer relationships and traditional social structures like team sports, school clubs, and the daily interactions that happen in conventional schools. We address this challenge through intentional community-building. We connect with other worldschooling families, enroll in local activities wherever possible, and use online platforms for regular interaction with peers. But I won't pretend it's the same as traditional school socialization—it's different, and families considering worldschooling need to honestly assess whether this trade-off works for their children's personalities and needs. Maintaining academic rigor while traveling requires significant parental involvement and constant planning. Some subjects are genuinely challenging to teach without specialized resources or facilities. Laboratory sciences, advanced mathematics, and certain technical subjects require creativity and sometimes compromise. This level of parental responsibility isn't suitable for every family dynamic, and parents must be honest about their own capabilities and commitment levels. The financial investment is substantial and ongoing. Beyond the obvious travel costs, families need reliable technology, internet connectivity, educational subscriptions, and often alternative accommodation arrangements that provide space for learning. The financial planning required goes beyond typical vacation budgeting—this is a lifestyle that requires careful resource management and often significant lifestyle changes to make it sustainable. ## Addressing the Controversies Head-On The worldschooling community faces several persistent criticisms that I think deserve honest discussion. The stability concern is probably the most common: critics argue that constant travel disrupts children's need for routine and stable environments. From our experience, I've learned that children are remarkably adaptable when they have consistent family relationships and educational routines. Stability doesn't necessarily come from physical location—it comes from predictable family bonds, daily rhythines, and emotional security. The "missing out" argument suggests that worldschooled children miss important traditional experiences like prom, graduation ceremonies, team sports, and typical childhood milestones. This criticism has some validity, but it assumes that these traditional experiences are universally valuable and that worldschooling experiences are somehow less meaningful. Our children are gaining unique perspectives and experiences that traditionally-schooled students rarely access. They're developing independence, cultural awareness, and real-world skills that many adults never acquire. Academic standards represent another area of controversy. Critics question whether worldschooling can match traditional academic rigor, and this concern requires careful attention to curriculum choices, assessment methods, and documentation. With proper planning and resources, worldschooled children often exceed traditional academic benchmarks while developing additional practical skills that traditional education doesn't provide. However, this success requires dedicated parental involvement and often professional guidance to ensure nothing falls through the cracks. University preparation concerns are gradually becoming less relevant as colleges increasingly recognize and value diverse educational backgrounds. Many universities actively seek globally-minded students who bring unique perspectives to their campuses. The key is maintaining proper documentation, pursuing standardized testing when appropriate, and helping children develop the skills and knowledge that colleges value. ## Making the Decision: Is Worldschooling Right for Your Family? Worldschooling works best for families who genuinely value experiential learning over traditional classroom education and are willing to take active responsibility for their children's academic progress. It requires parents who are comfortable with uncertainty, adaptable to changing circumstances, and committed to intensive involvement in their children's education. Your children's personalities matter enormously in this decision. Some children thrive on adventure, change, and new experiences, while others need more predictability and traditional social structures. Honest assessment of your children's temperaments and learning styles is crucial before making this commitment. Financial reality cannot be ignored. Extended travel requires significant resources, and families need realistic budgets that account for education expenses, technology needs, accommodation costs, and emergency funds. The financial commitment extends beyond the travel itself to include all the educational resources and support systems necessary for academic success. Consider whether your family values location-based stability and community roots, or whether you're energized by constant change and new experiences. Neither choice is inherently better, but they represent fundamentally different approaches to family life and childhood development. ## The Future of Learning As remote work becomes more common and technology makes global education increasingly accessible, worldschooling represents one possible model for the future of learning. It's not the right choice for every family, but for those who embrace it thoughtfully and prepare thoroughly, it can provide an incredibly rich educational experience that prepares children for an increasingly global future. Our daughters are learning that the world is both vast and interconnected, that cultural differences should be celebrated rather than feared, and that learning happens everywhere when you approach life with curiosity and openness. These lessons extend far beyond any traditional curriculum and shape how they'll approach challenges and opportunities throughout their lives. **Ready to explore educational travel opportunities for your family?** Whether you're considering full-time worldschooling or want to incorporate more educational travel into your family's life, thoughtful planning makes all the difference. Contact me at lindsay@adamandlinds.com—I'd love to share more about our worldschooling journey and help you explore educational opportunities that work for your family's unique needs and learning goals. *Because the best classroom doesn't always have four walls.* --- ## Helpful Resources for Worldschooling Families **Online Learning Platforms:** - [**Khan Academy**](https://www.khanacademy.org/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Free comprehensive curricula for math, science, and more - [**Reading Eggs**](https://readingeggs.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Literacy development and phonics programs - [**Outschool**](https://outschool.com/?couponCode=ADAMANDLINDS30&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Virtual classes and social interaction with other children (Use code ADAMANDLINDS30 for $20 toward your first class) **Community and Support:** - [**Worldschool Popup Hub**](https://www.worldschoolpopuphub.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Global community organizing events and meetups for worldschooling families - Worldschooling communities and Facebook groups - Local cultural centers and museums worldwide - International homeschooling networks **Educational Tools:** - Portable learning materials and worksheets - Educational travel guides and resources - Language learning apps for immersive practice **Travel Resources for Educational Families:** - [**Get Your Guide**](https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Educational tours and activities worldwide - [**Klook**](https://www.klook.com/affiliate/transport?aid=41858&aff%5Fadid=798164&ref=adamandlinds.com) \- Local experiences and cultural activities - [**Safety Wing**](https://safetywing.com/nomad-insurance?referenceID=26057814&campaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fcampaign=wst%5Ftaipei%5F6&utm%5Fsource=26057814&utm%5Fmedium=Ambassador&selectedPlan=NOMAD%5FINSURANCE%5FESSENTIAL) \- Nomad insurance for traveling families **Tech and Connectivity:** - [**Airalo**](https://ref.airalo.com/ADAMLINDS?ref=adamandlinds.com) \- International eSIM data plans for staying connected while learning abroad ### Welcome to the Adventure URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/welcome-to-the-adventure/ Last updated: 2025-06-26T13:53:30.000Z Hey there! We’re Adam and Linds, and this is our little crew: Lily, Cora, and Harper. Back in May 2022, we made a decision that changed everything. We sold our house, our cars, pretty much everything we owned, and left the U.S. to travel the world full-time with our kids. No plan to return, no fixed address, just a family of five chasing experiences, not stuff. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/AdamLindsLilyCoraHarper_inJapanCherryBlossomSeason_Goofy@0.5x.png) The Clarkson Family in Japan Since then, we’ve explored 23+ countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. We’ve lived in the coastal city of Da Nang in Central Vietnam, spent months getting to know different parts of Japan (we’ve been back at least six times now), hiked ruins in Greece, relaxed in biergartens in Germany, and eaten street food in more cities than we can count. Right now, we’re posted up in Chiang Mai, Thailand; enjoying the slower rhythm, eating our weight in Khao Soi, and planning our next move. Along the way, we’ve built a life we love around learning, filming, and sharing. Our [YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds?ref=adamandlinds.com) has grown into a place where we document our travels and show what worldschooling (educating our kids through real-world experience) actually looks like. We’ve written travel guidebooks to help families explore affordably, and Linds is now a certified travel advisor, helping others plan unforgettable trips of their own. [Adam and Linds - The Worldschool FamilyHey, we’re Adam and Linds! We’re a family of five who sold everything in 2022 to travel the world full-time—and we’ve been documenting the wild ride ever since. Our channel’s all about: 🌍 Real family travel 🎒 Worldschooling our kids on the road 📍 Destination guides that are actually useful 💸 Budget-friendly tips without sacrificing comfort 🎥 A mix of fun, chaos, and meaningful moments We keep it honest, we don’t do clickbait, and we share what it’s really like to live this lifestyle with kids. If you’re into travel, homeschooling, or just love a good adventure, you’re in the right place.![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/icon/favicon_144x144.png)YouTube![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/thumbnail/2tqHTbN4bc-dgs2Ku4IglhWhKNhUp1E80GjvtQRjdboyAhmx676Se6FlNVxmfYBA64QtRrZ3P_Y-s900-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj0i52MS0IQwvPvXVmcZ9OA?ref=adamandlinds.com) This blog is where we’ll share the stuff that doesn’t make it into the videos, behind-the-scenes stories, honest reflections, tips for long-term family travel, worldschool ideas, and thoughts on building a life that doesn’t follow the script. We’re not influencers. We’re just a family figuring it out as we go. If anything we share helps you take a trip, try something new, or even just laugh, then it’s worth it. Thanks for being here. – Adam & Linds ![](https://adam-and-linds.ghost.io/content/images/2025/06/2BE141BE-4306-4805-822F-A0A7C87A363D.png) ## Sign up for Adam and Linds Thoughts, stories and ideas. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ### Lucca, Italy: Our 10th Anniversary, Harper's 3rd Birthday, and Why We Never Want to Leave URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/lucca-italy-our-10th-anniversary-harpers-3rd-birthday-and-why-we-never-want-to-leave/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:48.000Z Today marks our 10th wedding anniversary, and I'm sitting in our Airbnb in Lucca, Italy, watching the girls play with the birthday presents our incredible host Anna left for Harper. It's day 46 of our journey - the longest I've ever been away from Indiana - and honestly, I can't believe this is our life now. We arrived in Lucca 11 days ago after a somewhat chaotic train journey from Genoa (more on that adventure later), and this medieval Tuscan city has completely stolen our hearts. If someone told us we could stay here forever, Lindsay and I would probably say yes without hesitation. ## The Journey Here: Train Adventures and Luggage Nightmares Let me back up to June 19th - Father's Day and our departure from Genoa. We needed to catch two trains: Genoa to Viareggio (1.5 hours), then a quick 17-minute connection to Lucca. Standing at the ticket counter in Genoa with my limited Italian and hopeful expression, I tried to book our TGV reservations with our Eurail passes. The agent could only book us to Viareggio - we'd have to make the final reservation when we arrived. At first this seemed scary with three kids and all our worldly possessions, but it turned out to be no problem at all. These Italian intercity trains are frequent and spacious, and completely free with our rail pass. The train ride itself was beautiful. These Italian intercity trains have that old-school European charm - wide doors, upstairs and downstairs seating, and windows perfect for watching the Italian countryside roll by. The girls settled into their entertainment routine while I optimistically thought I might get some video editing done. That lasted about 30 minutes before I gave up and just enjoyed the view. Then came the Viareggio transfer. We had 20 minutes to get from our arrival platform to platform six for the final leg to Lucca. With our one roller suitcase, two big suitcases, and three tired kids, we were basically a small parade trying to navigate Italian train stations. But we made it without any drama. The real challenge came when we reached our Lucca apartment. TONS of stairs. Oh my god, I thought I was having a heart attack carrying everything up to our place. Note to future selves: always ask about stairs when booking accommodations. But when we finally collapsed in our apartment and looked out at this beautiful, small medieval city, we knew we'd found something special. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-14-at-10.18.27.png) ## How to Get to Lucca from Major Italian Cities For anyone considering a similar trip, here's what we learned about getting to Lucca: ### From Major Cities: | From | Travel Time | Cost (2022) | Frequency | Notes | | -------- | ----------------- | ------------------------------ | ---------------- | -------------------------- | | Florence | 1 hour 20 minutes | €7-12 per person | Every 1-2 hours | Direct regional trains | | Pisa | 30 minutes | €3-5 per person | Every 30 minutes | Very frequent service | | Rome | 3-4 hours | €25-45 per person | Several daily | Change in Florence or Pisa | | Genoa | 2.5 hours | €5 reservations with rail pass | Every few hours | Change in Viareggio | **Pro Tip**: We used our Eurail Global Pass which covered the base fare - we only paid €5 each for TGV reservations. ## First Impressions: Anna's Incredible Welcome Our Airbnb host Anna must have watched our YouTube videos because she left the most thoughtful welcome I've ever experienced. Not only were there presents for each of the girls (Harper got a doll that she immediately claimed as "my dolly"), but Anna also left us wine, beer, water, snacks, and even some basic supplies. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/fe5cc49f4b0520cbaa7119f4b31643d3.jpeg) The apartment itself is perfect - right in Piazza San Francesco in the heart of the historic center. Everything is walkable, there's a washing machine (essential after weeks of wearing the same clothes), and despite those killer stairs, the location couldn't be better. But the real magic happened when we stepped outside and saw the medieval walls surrounding the entire city. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7748.png) ## The Walls: A Runner's Paradise and Family Dream These aren't just any walls - they're perfectly preserved Renaissance fortifications that create a 4.2-kilometer elevated park around the entire historic center. Here's an interesting fact: the walls are exactly one-tenth the length of a marathon, which inspired the Lucca Marathon that takes place in October and starts precisely on these city walls. As someone trying to get back into running shape, I immediately knew I'd found my new favorite training ground. Back in 2017, I ran 1,000 miles that year - I used to run all the time. I've pretty much stopped to almost nothing since then, but I'd really like to pick it back up. I've never been fast by any means, but I just enjoy a good run. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/29061d0a5470aed2a992bcfa9454e218.png) I've been out on the walls 2-3 times since we arrived. The path is completely car-free, mostly shaded by beautiful trees, and offers incredible views of both the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. It's essentially a perfect 5K loop. Running here has given me time to process what we're doing. Somewhere during one of my recent runs, it hit me - really hit me - that we're actually doing this crazy thing. Our three daughters are experiencing the world in a way most kids never will. You hear people say you get 18 summers with your kids before they grow up. I think that's wrong. You get maybe five or six magical summers when the world still holds wonder, when daddy's still the coolest person they know, when a train ride feels like the greatest adventure ever. Lily's 6, Cora's 5, Harper's 3\. We're right in that sweet spot. We could have waited until they were older, until travel was "easier." But then we'd miss this exact version of them, this precise moment when everything is new and exciting. But it's not just for runners. The walls are wide enough for families to walk side by side, there are multiple playgrounds accessible from the wall path, and the whole thing feels incredibly safe for kids. ### Wall Activities for Families: | Activity | Age Range | Duration | Cost | | ------------------------ | ---------------------- | ------------------- | ------------ | | Walking the full circuit | All ages | 45-60 minutes | Free | | Running/jogging | Adults | 25-30 minutes | Free | | Bike rental (standard) | 6+ years | 1-3 hours | €15-20/hour | | Electric bike rental | Adults with small kids | 1-3 hours | €20-25/hour | | Picnic on the walls | All ages | As long as you want | Cost of food | ## Harper's First Road Birthday: June 25th Harper turned three this past Saturday, making this our very first birthday celebration as full-time travelers. The morning started with present opening in the apartment - we'd bought wrapping paper and decorations during our Pisa day trip at a party supply store called "Balloon Express." On her actual birthday (the 25th), we rented one of those four-person electric pedal bikes and rode the entire circuit around the walls. Twenty euros for an hour, and it was worth every cent. Get the electric assist though - trust me on this one. Even with the motor, it was a workout, but the girls loved every second of it. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/2ce32fcf0b6a1bd4c880dabc530172d0.jpeg) The next day (June 26th), we arranged horseback riding through a local farm just outside Lucca for the ultimate birthday adventure. Each girl had a dedicated guide walking right next to their horse the entire time. They were decked out in full safety gear (helmets and protective vests), which made them look like tiny knights but also meant they were sweating in the Italian heat. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/861d41483b6daeb67f881a513c046f36.jpeg) The instructor told me that my horse "likes to eat grass and you'll have to control her," which seemed pretty optimistic since I haven't been on a horse since I think I was Lily's age. But somehow we all managed just fine. Harper, despite being our youngest and smallest, was a natural. Cora was equally impressive - she's got serious cowgirl potential. The whole experience cost about €30-40 per child for 45 minutes, and seeing their faces light up as they rode through the Tuscan countryside was priceless. ## Torre Guinigi: The Tower with Trees on Top One of Lucca's most unique attractions is Torre Guinigi - a 14th-century tower that has oak trees growing on the roof. The girls were fascinated by this concept, and honestly, so was I. The climb is 230 steps, which might sound daunting with kids, but it's totally manageable if you take your time. The views from the top are absolutely incredible - you can see the entire city, the walls, the surrounding mountains, and those famous oak trees up close. At €5 for adults (kids under 6 are free), it's a bargain for one of the best views in Tuscany. Today, for our 10th anniversary, I told Lindsay I was going to get her a diamond ring, but figured she'd rather climb that tower with trees on top and be terrified for our children's lives. (She did, and she was.) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/DSC01133.png) ## Day Trip to Pisa: Tourist Chaos vs. Lucca Peace We took the train to Pisa a couple days ago - just 30 minutes away and €3-5 per person. The contrast between the two cities couldn't be more stark. Pisa is... a lot. The area around the Leaning Tower is absolute chaos - crowds everywhere, tourist traps, and that particular energy that comes with being one of the world's most photographed monuments. The tower itself is impressive (186 feet tall, by the way), but you have to be 8 years old to climb it, so our girls were out of luck. That said, the cathedral and baptistery are beautiful, and we got some great family photos. We also managed to find that party supply store where we bought Harper's birthday decorations - success! But after a few hours, we were all ready to escape back to the peaceful streets of Lucca. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7833.png) ## Food Adventures (And That One Terrible Meal) We've had some amazing meals in Lucca, but we also experienced what was probably our worst dining experience in Italy. Picture this: €100 for a family meal that was so bad we could barely eat it. When the waitress asked how everything was, Lindsay - ever polite - said "Yes, it was great!" Lily immediately piped up: "Mommy lied to that girl!" Out of the mouths of babes. We couldn't stop laughing. But we've had much better luck at the pizzerias around Piazza dell'Anfiteatro and the restaurants near San Frediano. The girls have developed quite a taste for Italian gelato (shocking, I know), and we've found several excellent gelaterias throughout the historic center. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7814.png) ## Why Lucca Feels Like Home We've been in constant motion for 46 days now, and Lucca is the first place that's made us want to slow down. There's something about the rhythm of life here - morning runs on the walls, afternoon gelato breaks, evening walks through the historic center - that feels sustainable in a way our previous pace didn't. The girls have settled into routines here. They know which gelato shop they prefer, they can navigate from our apartment to their favorite playground, and they've started recognizing faces among the locals. Harper especially has been charming everyone with her limited Italian vocabulary and enormous smile. For the first time since we left Indiana, it feels less like we're visiting a place and more like we're living somewhere. That's a crucial distinction when you're trying to make full-time travel work with a family. ## Practical Information for Families ### Getting Around Lucca: | Method | Best For | Cost | Notes | | ----------- | ----------------------------- | ----------- | --------------------------------- | | Walking | Everything in historic center | Free | Maximum 10-15 minutes to anywhere | | Stroller | Babies/toddlers | Free | Mostly flat, some cobblestones | | Bike rental | Active families | €15-25/hour | Kid seats and trailers available | | Bus | Train station to center | €1.50 | Only needed arriving/departing | ### Daily Budget for Family of Five (2022): - **Accommodation**: €80-120/night for family apartment - **Food**: €60-80/day (mix of restaurants and groceries) - **Activities**: €20-40/day (tower admission, bike rental) - **Transportation**: Minimal once in Lucca - **Total**: Approximately €160-240/day ## Frequently Asked Questions About Lucca ### What is so special about Lucca, Italy? Lucca is one of Italy's best-preserved medieval cities, completely surrounded by intact Renaissance walls that now serve as a elevated park. Unlike many Tuscan destinations, it maintains an authentic, lived-in feel while offering incredible history, walkable streets, and unique attractions like Torre Guinigi with trees growing on top. ### Why is Lucca surrounded by a wall? Lucca's walls were built in the 16th-17th centuries as Renaissance-era fortifications to protect the independent Republic of Lucca. Unlike most medieval walls that were torn down, Lucca's were preserved and converted into a public park in the 19th century, creating the unique 4.2-kilometer elevated walkway that circles the city today. ### What is there to do in Lucca? Key activities include walking or biking the city walls, climbing Torre Guinigi for panoramic views, exploring Piazza dell'Anfiteatro (built on a Roman amphitheater), visiting beautiful churches like San Frediano, and using Lucca as a base for day trips to Pisa, Florence, or the Tuscan countryside. ### Where is Lucca located? Lucca is in northwestern Tuscany, Italy, about 20 kilometers northeast of Pisa and 85 kilometers west of Florence. It's easily accessible by train from major Italian cities and serves as an excellent base for exploring Tuscany. ### What language is spoken in Lucca? Italian is the primary language, though many people in the tourism industry speak English. The locals are generally patient with visitors attempting basic Italian phrases. ## What's Next Tomorrow we leave for Naples - our final stop in Italy before heading to Munich and continuing our European adventure. I'm excited about what's coming, but also genuinely sad to leave Lucca. This city has given us something we didn't even know we needed: permission to slow down and actually enjoy this incredible experience we've created for our family. It's reminded us that travel isn't about checking boxes or collecting passport stamps - it's about finding places and moments that make you feel more alive. As I write this, the girls are playing quietly with their Italian sticker books while Lindsay reads on the couch. There's a gentle breeze coming through our open windows, and I can hear the sounds of Italian life drifting up from the piazza below. In a few hours, we'll head out for our anniversary dinner and probably take one more evening walk around the walls. Tomorrow we'll pack our bags and move on to the next adventure. But part of us will always be here, in this perfect medieval city where Harper turned three, where we celebrated ten years of marriage, and where we learned that sometimes the best travel experiences come from simply being present in beautiful places with the people you love most. **Ciao for now, Lucca. Grazie for everything.** --- *Follow our full-time family travel adventure on* [*YouTube*](https://www.youtube.com/@adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com) *and* [*Instagram*](https://www.instagram.com/adamandlinds/?ref=adamandlinds.com)*. For custom family travel planning, contact Lindsay at* [*lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel*](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel)*.* --- ## *Our Lucca Vlogs* [Watch 23 | ITALIAN INTERCITY TRAIN TO LUCCA, ITALY 🇮🇹 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT7dbOmIYq8&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 24 | LUCCA, ITALY 🇮🇹 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3KyvuGhlRU&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 25 | PISA, ITALY 🇮🇹 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBoxeOA25p4&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 26 | WALKING ON A MEDIEVAL WALL 🇮🇹 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhDgCGxVsJ4&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 27 | RIDING HORSES IN TUSCANY 🇮🇹 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks4LzN81Osw&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch 28 | LUCCA FOR OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY 🇮🇹 Full Time Family Travel on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILyMU70cTBg&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### One Week in Genoa, Italy: A Family's Honest Guide to Italy's Hidden Maritime Gem URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/one-week-in-genoa-italy-a-familys-honest-guide-to-italys-hidden-maritime-gem/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:49.000Z Picture this: you're standing on a train platform in the sweltering Italian heat, surrounded by luggage and three increasingly cranky children, wondering if you've made a terrible mistake. That was us arriving in *Genoa* after a long journey from the French Riviera. Yet somehow, this magnificent maritime city became one of our most unexpectedly delightful discoveries in our first month of full-time travel. *Genoa* isn't trying to impress anyone. It's not polished like Florence or romantic like Venice. It's a working port city that happens to be drop-dead gorgeous, where Christopher Columbus was born, and where the best *focaccia* in the world is still made the same way it was 500 years ago. For families seeking authentic Italy without the tourist circus, this UNESCO World Heritage city delivers something truly special. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/IMG_7642.jpeg) ## Getting to Genoa from the French Riviera Our journey to *Genoa* began with what should have been a simple train ride from Antibes. Four hours, two countries, and one very memorable lesson about traveling with young children across international borders. The route itself is stunning. The train hugs the Mediterranean coastline from Nice to the Italian border, offering glimpses of turquoise water and dramatic cliffs that make you forget about sticky fingers and constant bathroom requests. Italian regional trains in June feel like mobile saunas, and the air conditioning is more of a gentle suggestion than actual climate control. #### **The Route:** - Antibes to Nice-Ville: 30 minutes of coastal beauty - Nice-Ville to Ventimiglia: 1 hour crossing into Italy - Ventimiglia to Genova Piazza Principe: 2 hours through Italian Riviera towns - Total travel time: 4 hours that felt like 8 ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Screenshot-2025-07-01-at-10.39.31.png) ****Our scenic train route from Antibes to Genoa: Following the stunning Mediterranean coastline through the French Riviera into Italy.** When we finally stumbled off that train, hot, tired, and slightly shell-shocked, Genoa's magnificent Piazza Principe station felt like salvation. The challenge? Our apartment was a seven-minute walk on cobblestones with all our worldly possessions, and naturally, Lily announced an urgent bathroom emergency while Harper chose that exact moment for a complete meltdown. Welcome to *Genoa*, family style. ## Where We Stayed in Genoa's Historic Center Sometimes the universe has a sense of humor. Our accommodation was called "Happy Family Apartments," which felt either perfectly appropriate or deeply ironic, depending on the moment. Located just off Piazza Banchi in the heart of the historic center, this apartment became our base for exploring one of Italy's most underrated cities. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/540ee99c7ea11926e8b995db3eb1838a.jpeg) Morning light on baroque domes: The view from our apartment window in Genoa's historic center, where centuries-old architecture frames every glimpse of daily Italian life. The apartment itself was a revelation. Real Italian character with high ceilings, traditional tile floors, and a working elevator that saved our sanity after long days of exploration. But the crown jewel was the bay window seat overlooking the narrow medieval street below. This little nook, with its cushioned bench and perfect reading light, represented everything romantic about Italian living. The girls were immediately enchanted by this window perch. They'd curl up there with books, watching the daily theater of Genovese life unfold below: vendors pushing carts over cobblestones, neighbors calling to each other from opposite windows, the elderly men who gathered each morning for animated discussions that seemed to solve the world's problems. I could imagine that a few years from now, they'd never want to leave that window seat with a good book and the endless entertainment of Italian street life. ![Young girl reading book while sitting in bay window seat overlooking historic buildings in Genoa, Italy](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/1508ee36bb394f2ea4c884bff9f48a05.jpeg) The magic of that bay window seat: Cora lost in a good book while medieval Genoa unfolds outside our apartment window. This little reading nook became the girls' favorite spot in our historic center accommodation. The apartment came complete with toys and books left by previous families, fish decorations on the walls that delighted the girls, and air conditioning that actually worked. But here's where travel gets real: the WiFi died on our second night and stayed dead for most of our stay. For a family documenting their journey and trying to upload videos, this was catastrophic. Partner Link [![CTA Image](https://blog.adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/Holaflylogo.png)](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ****Essential Travel Tip:** Always have backup internet. We now travel with [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com). Use code ****ADAMANDLINDS** to save 5% for reliable data wherever we go. [Save now ](https://holafly.sjv.io/YR0VrR?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Best Focaccia in Italy (Yes, Really) If you've never had real *focaccia* in its birthplace, you haven't lived. This isn't the dry, flavorless bread masquerading as focaccia in supermarkets. This is alchemy: flour, water, olive oil, and centuries of perfected technique creating something that transcends simple bread. Our focaccia education began accidentally. We were wandering the narrow streets of the historic center, following our noses and the queue of locals that seemed to snake around every corner from a small bakery. When Italians line up for food, you line up too. No questions asked. The bakery was tiny, steamy, and filled with the kind of controlled chaos that only comes from making something perfectly, repeatedly, for generations. The focaccia emerged from massive ovens on wooden paddles, golden and glistening with olive oil, crackling as it cooled. > This tastes better than the memory of what we think Pizza Hut used to taste like when we were kids, but it's actually better than that. #### **The Varieties That Changed Our Lives:** - **Focaccia col formaggio**: A revelation of thin layers with molten cheese inside - **Focaccia with onions**: Sweet, caramelized perfection without overpowering bite - **Plain focaccia**: Simplicity elevated to art form ![Fresh focaccia sandwiches with meat and cheese on plate at Italian cafe table with Acqua Panna water bottles and receipt, young child in background](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/12433ed6d237ac740a74e6227c512272.jpeg) The real focaccia experience: Fresh sandwiches made with authentic Genovese focaccia at a local cafe, where even a simple lunch becomes a lesson in why this bread is legendary. Each bite was crispy on the bottom, soft and airy inside, with olive oil that soaked into the bread without making it greasy. The girls devoured it despite their usual bread skepticism. Even Harper, our pickiest eater, kept reaching for more while declaring it "really good bread, Daddy." Finding great focaccia became our daily mission. We'd venture out each morning, following different routes through the historic center, always ending up at a bakery where locals chatted while waiting for their daily bread. These moments, standing in line with Genovese families, trying to order in broken Italian while our girls pointed excitedly at different varieties, felt like the real Italy we'd come to find. 📍 ****Where to Find the Best:** The best focaccia shops have lines of Italians, not tourists. Follow the crowds, trust the locals. ## Aquarium of Genova and Whale Watching The [Aquarium of Genova](https://www.getyourguide.com/genoa-l539/genoa-aquarium-skip-the-line-ticket-t54321/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&ref=adamandlinds.com) sits in the old port like a monument to the sea, and walking through its doors felt like entering another world. This isn't just any aquarium; it's the second-largest in Europe, housed in a building designed by Renzo Piano that seems to float above the harbor. [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx%5FnUo2EvPs&ref=adamandlinds.com) But here's what surprised me: it wasn't just impressive, it was genuinely magical. The girls pressed their faces against massive tanks, watching sharks glide through artificial reefs while dolphins played in spaces so large you could fit a small airplane inside. Harper, all of two years old, stood transfixed by jellyfish pulsing like alien dancers in cylindrical tanks. We almost didn't get in. I'd booked tickets online but somehow managed to print vouchers instead of actual tickets. The staff looked at us like we'd presented grocery receipts and demanded real tickets. Lindsay worked her magic with customer service and sorted everything out. If you'd rather avoid these kinds of mix-ups entirely, Lindsay can handle all your bookings at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel). The aquarium sprawls across multiple floors and themed areas. We spent four hours exploring, and the girls never got bored. The touch pools let them feel starfish and sea anemones, while the shark tunnel provided Instagram-worthy moments of tiny humans dwarfed by prehistoric predators. #### **Must-See Exhibits:** - **Dolphin habitats**: Massive spaces where families of dolphins play and interact - **Shark tunnel**: Walking through a transparent tube surrounded by circling sharks - **Tropical forest section**: Humid, jungle-like environment with exotic birds and reptiles - **Penguin habitat**: Climate-controlled Antarctic environment with playful residents 💲 ****Budget Breakdown:** €200 for our family of five, including the combo whale-watching ticket. Not cheap, but absolutely worth it for the experience and educational value. ## Whale Watching in the Ligurian Sea Four hours on a boat with three young children sounds like a recipe for disaster. Instead, it became one of our most memorable family experiences in Italy. The *Ligurian Sea* between France, Monaco, and Italy is a whale superhighway, and we were about to discover why. The boat departed from the same harbor where Christopher Columbus grew up before eventually sailing from Spain to the New World. As we motored away from Genoa's colorful buildings, the city receded into a postcard-perfect backdrop of medieval towers and modern cranes, old and new Italy layered like geological strata. Twenty minutes into our journey, someone shouted "Dolphins!" and the entire boat rushed to the starboard side. What followed was pure magic: a pod of dolphins racing alongside our bow, leaping and playing in our wake like they were putting on a show just for us. The girls squealed with delight, their faces pressed against the railings as these wild creatures performed aquatic ballet just meters away. But the dolphins were just the opening act. An hour later, the guide's excited Italian chatter preceded the appearance of something extraordinary: sperm whales. These magnificent creatures, some over 50 feet long, surfaced near our boat with the casual grace of giants. Watching a whale breach the surface while your children gasp in wonder is the kind of moment that justifies every difficult aspect of family travel. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/31ed996c293a763023236a4c87545dbf.jpeg) ****Pure joy on the Ligurian Sea: Cora's windswept excitement during our whale watching tour from Genoa, moments before we spotted dolphins racing alongside our boat.** #### **Whale Watching Essentials:** - **Best timing**: Morning departures typically have calmer seas - **Duration**: Full four hours, no shortcuts - **What to pack**: Sunscreen, motion sickness remedies, lots of water - **Expectations**: Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed, but guides know where to look The journey back to port felt different. The girls were exhausted but exhilarated, full of stories about "the big whales" and "the jumping dolphins." As Genoa's skyline grew larger on the horizon, I realized we'd just experienced something that would live in their memories forever. ## Exploring Genoa's Historic Center Walking through *Genoa's* historic center is like navigating a medieval time machine. The narrow caruggi (alleyways) twist and climb between buildings so old they predate the discovery of America. Christopher Columbus was born here, and you can visit his supposed childhood home, though whether it's actually where he lived is debatable enough for tourist photos. What's more impressive than Columbus's questionable birthplace is the sheer density of history packed into these ancient streets. Every building has a story, every piazza has witnessed centuries of human drama, and every corner reveals another architectural marvel that would be a major attraction anywhere else but here just blends into the magnificent urban fabric. **Piazza de Ferrari** serves as the beating heart of modern Genoa, anchored by a magnificent bronze fountain that seems to dance in the Mediterranean light. We visited this square multiple times during our stay, including a particularly poignant moment when we wore special t-shirts in support of Lindsay's aunt, who was having cancer surgery back home in America that same day. > Standing in that historic piazza, wearing homemade shirts that said "Flock You Cancer," taking photos to send across the ocean to show love and support, reminded me that travel isn't just about seeing new places. It's about carrying the people you love with you, even when they're thousands of miles away. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/07c1974769e2ed3f27e48a37add018ec.jpeg) Supporting family from 4,000 miles away: Our family wearing "Flock You Cancer" shirts in Piazza de Ferrari, showing love for Lindsay's aunt during her surgery back home in America. The covered shopping streets, called *portici*, provide blessed relief from the summer heat while offering glimpses into daily Genovese life. These vaulted passages date back centuries and create a climate-controlled shopping experience that modern malls can only dream of replicating. We spent hours wandering these covered streets, hunting for everything from laundry detergent to instant cameras for the girls. These mundane errands became cultural expeditions, teaching us Italian words for household items while giving us authentic interactions with locals. ## Family Activities in Genoa ### The Pirate Ship Experience Sometimes you do things because they're there, not because they're good. The pirate ship docked in Porto Antico falls squarely into this category. This genuine movie prop from Roman Polanski's 1986 film "Pirates" looked impressive from the dock but proved less magical up close. The ship itself is undeniably cool: authentic-looking rigging, weathered wood, and enough nautical atmosphere to spark any child's imagination. The problem? It's basically a movie set, which means lots of impressive facades hiding modern construction, combined with spaces clearly designed for cameras rather than human comfort. #### **The Numbers:** - **Cost**: €20 per person (€100 for our family) - **Duration**: About 30 minutes of exploration - **Best part**: Photo opportunities and sparking kids' imaginations - **Verdict**: Photos from the dock might be sufficient But here's the thing about travel with kids: sometimes the "tourist traps" create the best memories. The girls loved climbing around the ship, pretending to be pirates, and dramatically walking the plank. Harper, in particular, was enchanted by the whole experience, her two-year-old imagination transforming movie props into genuine pirate adventure. ### Tourist Train Tour The tourist train that winds through Genoa's historic center promised a comfortable way to see the city's highlights without exhausting little legs. The 45-minute tour covered major sights and provided a good overview of the city's geography, but the experience was more endurance test than pure enjoyment. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/07/ff78e037aa354392bfa90abfe3af3494.jpeg) #### **What Worked:** - Good overview of city layout and major attractions - Commentary available in multiple languages - Kids enjoyed the novelty of riding through city streets - Photo opportunities at various stops #### **What to Expect:** - Cramped seating for adults - Bumpy ride on cobblestone streets - Multilingual announcements throughout - €15 per person cost ## Day Trip to Milan Armed with confidence and Eurail passes, we decided to tackle Milan as a day trip from Genoa. The train journey itself was magnificent: fast, comfortable, and air-conditioned relief from the Italian summer heat. The high-speed service whisked us from Genoa to Milan in just over two hours, depositing us in the heart of Italy's fashion capital. Milan in June is brutally hot. The temperature soared to 33°C (91°F), turning our planned exploration into a strategic mission between air-conditioned spaces. The magnificent Duomo cathedral was stunning, and we managed to explore the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. We'd planned to revisit a restaurant from our honeymoon ten years earlier, a romantic spot where Lindsay and I had spent magical evenings during our first trip to Italy. Of course, it was closed for renovations. The universe has a sense of humor about nostalgic travel plans. [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KgK1vrSNuw&ref=adamandlinds.com) #### **Milan Day Trip Tips:** - High-speed trains make it very doable from Genoa - Summer weather requires strategic planning around heat - Verify restaurant hours in advance - Consider staying overnight to fully explore - The Duomo and Galleria are absolutely worth seeing #### **What We Managed:** - The magnificent Duomo (exterior and surrounding area) - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade - Historic city center exploration - Successful train travel with three kids The journey back to Genoa felt satisfying. We'd successfully navigated a major Italian city with three young children, seen some incredible architecture, and learned valuable lessons about travel pacing in summer heat. ## Daily Life in Genoa with Kids One unexpected aspect of extended travel is how quickly extraordinary places become ordinary. After a few days in Genoa, searching for the neighborhood dumpster or hunting for laundry detergent pods felt as mundane as they would at home, just with the added challenge of language barriers and different systems. **The Grocery Adventure:** European supermarkets stock different products than American stores, turning simple shopping trips into cultural expeditions. We spent 20 minutes in the laundry aisle trying to decode Italian detergent options, and our quest for Ziploc bags proved entirely unsuccessful. **The Communication Dance:** Most interactions required gesture-heavy broken Italian mixed with hopeful English. Surprisingly, this worked better than expected, especially when dealing with friendly shop owners who appreciated our attempts at their language. **Trash and Recycling:** Italian cities take recycling seriously, which sounds environmentally responsible until you're standing outside locked dumpster areas with bags of garbage. We learned to follow locals and slip in behind them when they accessed communal disposal areas. These daily challenges became part of the adventure. Each successful navigation of Italian bureaucracy or successful grocery run felt like a small victory, building our confidence for future destinations and teaching the girls that adaptation is just part of life. ## Genoa Food Scene Beyond Focaccia While *focaccia* dominated our culinary experience, Genoa offered plenty of other gastronomic adventures, some more successful than others. **Fresh Fish Restaurants:** We found a traditional restaurant that served fresh catch of the day, which arrived as an entire fish, head and eyeballs included, staring from my plate. The girls handled this better than expected, treating it as educational theater rather than culinary horror show. > It wasn't the best thing I've ever had in my life. It wasn't the worst thing I've ever had in my life either. It was good. **Gelato Success Stories:** Italian gelato shops are abundant and uniformly excellent. This became our daily afternoon ritual: finding a new gelateria, letting the girls point at whatever looked appealing, and enjoying frozen relief from the summer heat. **Dining with Children:** Italian restaurants aren't particularly child-friendly in terms of equipment. Everything arrives in actual glass, creating constant vigilance against spills and breakage. However, Italian culture genuinely welcomes families, and staff were universally patient with our chaos. ## What We Learned About Traveling to Genoa **Internet Backup:** Never rely solely on accommodation WiFi for work or communication needs. [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) now travels with us everywhere as insurance against connectivity disasters. **Weather Preparation:** June in northern Italy can be surprisingly hot. Pack more summer clothes than you think you'll need, and always have a backup plan for air-conditioned activities. **Shopping Strategy:** Order specialty items online rather than hunting through local stores. The hours we spent searching for specific instant camera colors could have been better used exploring. **Restaurant Planning:** Verify hours and availability for special dining experiences, especially if they carry sentimental significance. **Transportation:** [Eurail passes](https://www.getyourguide.com/eurail-global-pass-t410826/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&ref=adamandlinds.com) make Italian train travel incredibly convenient and cost-effective. ## Why Families Should Visit Genoa After a week of medieval streets, maritime adventures, focaccia obsessions, and the usual chaos of family travel, *Genoa* earned a permanent place in our hearts. This isn't the Italy of tourist brochures, but it's the Italy of real life: messy, magnificent, and utterly authentic. #### **Perfect for Families Seeking:** - Authentic Italian experience without overwhelming tourist crowds - Rich maritime history that captivates children - Excellent value compared to Rome, Florence, or Venice - Perfect base for exploring the Italian Riviera - Incredible food scene beyond tourist restaurants - Walkable historic center with genuine medieval character #### **Consider Carefully If You Want:** - Extensive English-language support everywhere - Polished tourist infrastructure - Picture-perfect romantic atmosphere - Beach resort amenities **The Bottom Line:** *Genoa* delivered exactly what we didn't know we needed: a chance to experience Italy as it actually is, rather than as tourism has packaged it. The girls learned that travel isn't always comfortable or easy, but it's always worthwhile. We learned that the best destinations are often the ones you stumble into rather than the ones you plan for months. ## Planning Your Genoa Visit - **Optimal Stay Length:** 4-7 days allows for proper exploration without rushing - **Best Timing:** April-May or September-October for pleasant weather - **Getting There:** High-speed trains connect Genoa to major Italian cities - **Activities:** Book [aquarium and whale watching combo](https://www.getyourguide.com/genoa-l539/genoa-aquarium-skip-the-line-ticket-t54321/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&ref=adamandlinds.com) in advance - **Internet:** [Holafly eSIM](https://holafly.com/?ref=adamandlinds.com) provides reliable European data coverage Ready to plan your Italian adventure? Let Lindsay handle all the details at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for stress-free family travel planning. 🔜 ****Coming Next:** Our journey continues to Lucca, Tuscany, where we'll celebrate Harper's third birthday and Lindsay and my 10th wedding anniversary in what became one of our favorite accommodations of the entire European adventure. --- > **Watch Our Complete Genoa Adventure:** Experience all these moments in our [Genoa YouTube playlist](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWgvR5ndU57Vrkd8vSq3yjLUWsil8SLh1&ref=adamandlinds.com), where you can see the chaos, wonder, and authentic Italian life alongside our family. [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries&ref=adamandlinds.com) *Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in.* ### The Wayb Pico Car Seat: A Game-Changer for Family Travel (Our Honest Review) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/the-wayb-pico-car-seat-a-game-changer-for-family-travel-our-honest-review/ Last updated: 2026-06-12T04:07:15.000Z *After traveling full-time with three kids, I've tested countless travel gear. The Wayb Pico portable car seat has revolutionized how we approach family travel—here's why it's worth every penny.* ## Why We Needed a Travel Car Seat Solution As a family who's traveled extensively with three young children, car seat logistics have always been one of our biggest travel headaches. Lugging heavy, bulky car seats through airports, dealing with damaged seats from baggage handlers, and the stress of rental car compatibility issues—we've experienced it all. When we discovered the Wayb Pico, we were skeptical. Could an 8-pound car seat really deliver the safety and convenience we needed? After using it across multiple trips, I can confidently say it's transformed our travel experience. ## What Makes the Wayb Pico Different ### Ultra-Lightweight Design At just 8 pounds, the Pico is a fraction of the weight of traditional car seats. I can easily carry it through airports while managing luggage and kids—something that seemed impossible with our previous bulky seats. ![Wayb Pico Seat](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/pico-jet-1_1080x.webp) ### Compact Fold Technology The Pico folds down to fit in most airplane overhead bins. This means no more checking car seats as baggage and hoping they arrive undamaged. The peace of mind alone is worth the investment. ### Aerospace-Grade Construction Despite its lightweight design, the Pico doesn't compromise on safety. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame provides exceptional durability while the breathable mesh fabric keeps kids comfortable during long journeys. ## Real-World Travel Performance ### Airport Navigation Made Easy Carrying the Pico through airports is effortless compared to traditional car seats. The compact design and lightweight construction mean I'm not exhausted before we even board the plane. ### Airplane Approved The Pico is FAA approved for use on airplanes, giving us flexibility in our travel planning. Whether we're bringing it as carry-on or using it during flight, it provides consistent safety standards. ### Rental Car Compatibility One of our biggest travel stresses was ensuring rental car compatibility. The Pico installs quickly and easily in virtually any vehicle, eliminating the guesswork and frustration we've experienced with other seats. ![Wayb Pico Seat](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/pico-jet-4_1080x.webp) ## Safety Without Compromise ### Meets All Standards The Pico passes all U.S. safety standards for both cars (NHTSA) and planes (FAA). The 5-point harness system provides the security we need while the aerospace-grade frame offers durability that traditional car seats often lack. ### Perfect Size Range Designed for forward-facing children weighing 22-50 pounds and measuring 30-45 inches tall (recommended for ages 2+), the Pico fits our travel needs perfectly. ## Practical Benefits for Traveling Families ### Three-in-a-Row Capability The slim profile allows for three Pico seats across most vehicle back seats—a game-changer for families with multiple children or those traveling with other families. ### Easy Installation Whether it's a rental car, rideshare, or taxi, the Pico installs quickly without the complicated process many traditional car seats require. ### Versatile Storage At home or during extended stays, the Pico folds compactly for easy storage. No more dedicated garage space for bulky car seats. ## Investment Considerations ### The Price Point At $449, the Pico represents a significant investment. However, when you consider the convenience, durability, and peace of mind it provides, the cost becomes justified for frequent traveling families. ### Bundle Options Wayb offers several bundle options that can provide additional value: - Carry Bag Bundle (+$99) - Essentials Bundle (+$179) - Travel Bundle (+$179) ## Who Should Consider the Wayb Pico ### Frequent Travelers If your family travels regularly, whether for work or pleasure, the Pico pays for itself in convenience and peace of mind. ### Urban Families Families who frequently use rideshares, taxis, or rental cars will appreciate the quick installation and portability. ### Grandparent Visits The lightweight design makes it easy for children to move between caregivers' vehicles safely. ### Space-Conscious Families Those with limited storage space will love the compact fold capability. ## Sustainability Bonus The Pico's commitment to sustainability aligns with our family values. It's 100% recyclable, made with RWS certified wool, and uses minimal plastic and foam—important considerations for environmentally conscious families. ****Ready to revolutionize your family travel experience?** [Learn more about the Wayb Pico](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=112996&awinaffid=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) and discover why traveling families worldwide are making the switch to smarter car seat solutions. [Learn more ](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=112996&awinaffid=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Our Bottom Line After extensive use across multiple trips and various transportation scenarios, the Wayb Pico has earned its place as essential travel gear for our family. While the initial investment is significant, the convenience, safety, and peace of mind it provides make it worthwhile for serious traveling families. The combination of ultra-light weight, compact folding, and uncompromised safety standards addresses every major pain point we've experienced with traditional car seats during travel. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/pico-jet-1_1080x-1.webp) #### Pico™ Portable Car Seat The Pico™ Portable Car Seat is designed for families on the go. Weighing just 8 pounds, it folds compactly to fit in most airplane overhead bins, making travel a breeze. Pico's aerospace-grade aluminum frame and breathable mesh fabric provide durability and comfort, ensuring your little one stays secure and cool wherever your journey takes you. [Order Now](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=112996&awinaffid=1117223&ref=adamandlinds.com) *Have questions about travel gear or family travel planning? Contact me at* [*lindsay@adamandlinds.com*](mailto:lindsay@adamandlinds.com)*. I'm always happy to share insights from our adventures!* --- **Disclaimer:** This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we've personally used and believe in. ### Seven Days in Antibes: Why the French Riviera's Hidden Gem Beat Our Expectations URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/seven-days-in-antibes-why-the-french-rivieras-hidden-gem-beat-our-expectations/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:51.000Z After a whirlwind month ping-ponging between Southampton, London, and Paris, we needed a place to catch our breath. Antibes, nestled between the glitz of Cannes and the crowds of Nice, promised exactly that. What we discovered was a *coastal town* that perfectly embodies everything we love about *slow travel in France*. ## Why We Chose Antibes Over Nice or Cannes When planning our *French Riviera itinerary*, most people assume you go straight to Nice or Cannes. We almost did. But after researching *family-friendly destinations* on the Côte d'Azur, Antibes kept appearing as the locals' favorite. The deciding factors: - **Authentic old town** without tourist traps - **Walking-friendly streets** perfect for kids - **Lower accommodation costs** compared to neighboring cities - **Daily markets** for fresh food and cultural immersion - **Fewer crowds** than major Riviera destinations Looking back, it was the perfect choice for our family's first taste of the *Mediterranean lifestyle*. ## Paris to Antibes by Train Three trains, eight hours, and one very good Mediterranean payoff. ## Getting to Antibes: The Train Journey Three trains and nearly eight hours with three young kids. Not our smoothest travel day, but it got the job done. | Leg | Type | Time | | -------------------- | -------------- | --------- | | Paris to Nîmes | TGV high-speed | 3.5 hours | | Nîmes to Marseille | Regional train | | | Marseille to Antibes | Local train | | The girls held up well for the whole thing. When the Mediterranean finally appeared outside the window on that last stretch, we were all more than ready to stop moving. Book TGV seat reservations in advance if you're travelling on a Eurail pass. We left it too late and spent more time scrambling at the station than we should have. ## Our Antibes Accommodation Experience We stayed in a charming apartment in the old town, complete with a stunning terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. The location was perfect—walking distance to markets, restaurants, and the harbor. **What We Loved:** - Private terrace with sea views - Central old town location - Walking distance to everything - Authentic French apartment feel **The Challenge:** - Washing machine flooding incident (more on that below) The accommodation gave us exactly what we needed: space to spread out, a kitchen for simple meals, and that terrace where Lindsay and I could unwind with evening drinks while the girls played nearby. ## The Great Laundry Disaster of 2022 ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/99f5bdff22e8ee7488e3f86a4e278292.jpeg) ## The Great Laundry Disaster of 2022 Day two brought unexpected drama. We started our first load of laundry, desperately needed after weeks of living out of backpacks, when neighbours came pounding on our door. Our washing machine had flooded the entire lobby and the electrical panel downstairs. How It Unfolded ## The Laundry Timeline Day 2 ### The Flood Started a load. Neighbours arrived at the door shortly after. Lobby and electrical panel, completely soaked. Day 3 ### The Verdict Handyman confirmed a pipe issue in the building, not the machine. Not our fault, but still our problem. Day 4–5 ### Bathtub Laundry Hand washing in the bathtub. The girls found it genuinely funny, which helped. Day 6+ ### Creative Solutions We figured it out. You always do. It was our first real lesson in French plumbing bureaucracy, and a decent introduction to what long-term family travel actually looks like when things go sideways. When your laundry plan fails three weeks into living out of backpacks, you adapt. ## Daily Life in Antibes: Markets, Meals, and Mediterranean Moments ### Morning Market Adventures Every morning, the *Provençal market* came alive in the old town. This wasn't a tourist attraction—this was real life. Local vendors selling fresh produce, flowers, and regional specialties. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/8be799571c880b022ac2ad508a1c3c30.jpeg) **Market Highlights:** - Fresh baguettes (essential for authentic French experience) - Local cheeses and olives - Seasonal fruits and vegetables - Traditional crafts and souvenirs Cora and I made morning market runs our special tradition. She'd practice her few French words while I attempted to navigate vendor interactions with pointing and smiling. ### Dining Discoveries Antibes surprised us with its *culinary diversity*. While we expected traditional French cuisine, we found international options that kept our picky eaters happy. **Memorable Meals:** | Restaurant | Cuisine | Kid-Friendly | Price | | ----------------- | ------------ | ------------ | ----- | | Moonshine BBQ | American BBQ | ★★★★ | €€€ | | Local Pizza Place | Italian | ★★★ | €€ | | Market Vendors | French/Local | ★★★★ | € | Antibes isn't cheap, but it's noticeably more affordable than Cannes or Monaco, which matters when you're feeding a family three times a day. ### The Anti-Car Paradise One of Antibes' biggest advantages for *families with young children* is the pedestrian-friendly old town. Most streets are walking-only, which meant: - No constant worry about traffic - Easy stroller navigation - Kids could explore safely - Everything within walking distance This car-free environment let us relax in a way we hadn't since leaving home. The girls could run ahead on cobblestone streets without us panicking about vehicles. ## What We Actually Did (Spoiler: We Relaxed) After a month of intense sightseeing, our Antibes week was intentionally low-key. Sometimes the best *family travel experiences* happen when you're not trying to see everything. ### Daily Routine That Worked: - **Morning**: Market visit or beach walk - **Midday**: Rest time in the apartment - **Afternoon**: Explore different neighborhoods - **Evening**: Dinner out or terrace time ### Unexpected Highlights: - **Wedding celebration**: Stumbled upon a traditional French wedding procession - **Emergency response**: Witnessed firefighters rescuing a dog from a locked apartment - **Gelato research**: Conducted thorough investigation of local ice cream quality - **Sunset terrace sessions**: Our nightly ritual of adult conversation and kids' iPad time ## The Slow Travel Revelation Antibes taught us something crucial about *sustainable family travel*. We didn't visit a single major tourist attraction. We didn't check any items off a must-see list. Instead, we lived like temporary locals. **What Slow Travel Gave Us:** - Time to process our previous month of intense travel - Opportunity to establish routines with the girls - Space for relationship conversations on that terrace - Energy for the month ahead in Italy This wasn't "proper" travel according to some people's standards. But watching our girls confidently navigate French markets, seeing them adapt to a different pace of life, and feeling genuinely rested for the first time in weeks—that felt pretty proper to us. ## Practical Information for Families ### Getting Around | From Old Town | How to Get There | | ------------- | -------------------------------- | | Beaches | 10-minute walk | | Train station | 15-minute walk or short bus ride | | Nice airport | 30-minute drive | The old town itself is completely walkable and mostly pedestrian-only, which makes it genuinely easy with kids. ### What Works for Families - Pedestrian-only streets in the old town - Daily markets for fresh food - Multiple playgrounds, though some were inexplicably closed when we visited - Easy beach access - Limited organised activities for kids ### Budget Breakdown | Category | What to Expect | | ------------- | --------------------------------------- | | Accommodation | €100–200/night for a family apartment | | Dinner | €15–25 per person | | Lunch | €8–12 per person | | Groceries | Similar to US prices | | Activities | Mostly free — beaches, markets, walking | ## Our Antibes Verdict **Overall Rating**: 4.5/5 stars for families seeking *authentic French Riviera experience* **Perfect for:** - Families wanting to slow down - Parents seeking authentic local life - Kids who enjoy market exploration - Travelers avoiding major tourist crowds **Skip if:** - You need organized activities for children - You prefer luxury resort amenities - You want maximum sightseeing efficiency - You're on a tight budget ## Looking Ahead: Italy Awaits As we packed our lives back into suitcases for the journey to Genoa, we reflected on what Antibes had given us. It wasn't dramatic landscapes or impressive monuments. It was the gift of normalcy in an extraordinary setting. Our girls learned that travel doesn't always mean rushing between attractions. Sometimes it means buying bread from the same baker three days in a row, or finding the perfect spot on a terrace to watch the sunset. These are the lessons that will serve them well as we continue this *worldschooling adventure*. **Coming Next**: Our Italian month begins in Genoa, where we'll discover yet another approach to *European family travel*. From whale watching to pirate ships, Italy promises a completely different energy than our peaceful French Riviera interlude. --- ## Watch Our Antibes Adventure [Watch Laundry Disaster in Antibes: Exploring Old Town in the French Riviera on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTC7NKhc0Ag&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch One Week in Antibes France: Slow Travel in the French Riviera on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVBqR%5FdurcE&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Plan Your Own French Riviera Family Adventure Ready to experience the magic of *slow travel* in southern France? Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized *family travel planning* that focuses on authentic experiences over tourist checklists. ### Taking the TGV from Paris to Antibes: A French Train Journey Gone Wrong (and Right) URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/taking-the-tgv-from-paris-to-antibes-a-french-train-journey-gone-wrong-and-right/ Last updated: 2025-06-26T14:07:04.000Z After four days in Southampton, four in London, and four in Paris, we were ready for our next destination: Antibes on the French Riviera. What should have been a simple train booking turned into a lesson in European rail bureaucracy, but also delivered one of those perfect travel moments that make all the chaos worthwhile. ## The Ticket Hunt at Marne-la-Vallée Chessy The day before we planned to leave Paris, I took the RER out to Marne-la-Vallée Chessy (yes, the Disneyland Paris station) to sort out our train reservations. We had Eurail Global Passes, which meant we could ride most trains for "free," but the TGV high-speed trains require seat reservations that cost extra. Standing at the ticket counter with my limited French and hopeful expression, I explained our situation to the agent. "I have a rail pass and we want to go to Antibes tomorrow." Here's where things got interesting. The agent couldn't book us all the way through to Antibes. Instead, she sold me reservations for the TGV from Paris to Nîmes. For the remaining legs from Nîmes to Marseille and Marseille to Antibes, I'd have to wait until we arrived in Nîmes to make those reservations. Not ideal when you're traveling with three kids and all your possessions, but this is Europe. Sometimes the system works in mysterious ways. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_3790.PNG) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_3791.PNG) ## Travel Day Reality Check The next morning came early. Travel days with kids require a different mindset than solo backpacking adventures. We'd learned to pack smart: individual snack bags for each girl, downloaded movies on iPads, portable chargers, and most importantly, lowered expectations. The girls were still groggy when we loaded up our luggage and headed to the station. Eight hours of travel stretched ahead of us. Three trains, two transfers, and the hope that we could actually get seats on the later trains without advance reservations. ## The TGV Experience Our first train was the TGV 5026 from Marne-la-Vallée Chessy to Nîmes. High-speed rail in France doesn't mess around. These trains hit 320 km/h (200 mph) and barely feel like they're moving. The seats were comfortable, we had free wifi, and the girls settled into their entertainment routine. I optimistically thought I might get some video editing done during the journey. That lasted about 30 minutes before I gave up and just started looking out the window. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/59d57b5b179fe043d9d43fea980b6ddb.jpeg) I'm not sure the beer helped. But it was yummy! ## When It Hits You Somewhere between Lyon and Valence, something shifted. The French countryside rolled past at incredible speed. Vineyards, small villages with red tile roofs, rolling hills that looked like they belonged in a painting. The girls were content, Lindsay was reading, and I was listening to my "fall asleep on a train in Europe" playlist. That's when it happened. You know that moment when you suddenly realize what you're doing? When the magnitude of your situation hits you? My friend Russ calls it the "it just hit me" moment, and every good trip has one. ***My friend Russ calls it the "it just hit me" moment, and every good trip has one.** Sitting there, watching France blur past the window, I felt tears starting. This was it. We were actually doing this crazy thing. Our three daughters were experiencing the world in a way most kids never will. We'd sold our house, left our normal life, and here we were on a high-speed train in France. Sometimes the best moments sneak up on you. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/105a389d2cc34c979933bcf95cbb1e15-1.jpeg) ## The Philosophy Part You hear people say you get 18 summers with your kids before they grow up and move on. I think that's bullshit. You get maybe five or six magical summers when the world still holds wonder, when daddy's still the coolest person they know, when a train ride feels like the greatest adventure ever. Lily's 6, Cora's 5, Harper's 2\. We're right in that sweet spot. We could have waited until they were older, until travel was "easier." But then we'd miss this exact version of them, this precise moment when everything is new and exciting. The window for this kind of travel is shorter than people think. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/e4bf386abd528413a599032d7f9c2406.jpeg) ## Connection Chaos in Nîmes The TGV pulled into Nîmes Pont du Gard station right on schedule. Now came the fun part: finding the ticket office to book our remaining journey with three tired kids in tow. European train stations have a particular energy. Everyone knows where they're going except tourists like us. We found the reservation desk and managed to secure seats on the regional train to Marseille, then from Marseille to Antibes. Two more trains. Two more opportunities for something to go wrong. ## Old School Train Compartments The train from Marseille to Antibes was a throwback. One of those classic European rail cars with compartments that seat six people facing each other. I hadn't been in one since my backpacking trip in 2005. We had the entire compartment to ourselves, which was a relief. We stuffed our luggage into every available space and settled in for the final leg. Harper fell asleep against my shoulder. The girls quietly watched the Mediterranean coastline appear outside our windows. These older trains move differently than the TGV. They sway and click along the tracks. The rhythm is hypnotic. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7302.png) ## Arriving on the Riviera Antibes appeared outside our window as the sun was setting. Mediterranean light has a quality you can't replicate anywhere else. Everything looks golden, softer somehow. Our taxi driver was philosophical, asking if this was our first time in Antibes. When I mentioned I'd been here years ago in 2005, he smiled and said something in French, then translated: "Retour aux sources. It means 'back to the spring' - returning to your source." The French have a way with words that makes even taxi rides feel profound. By the time we reached our Airbnb, the girls were excited again despite the long day. ## The Accommodation Reveal Our place was perfect. Space for all of us, a washing machine (crucial after days of wearing the same clothes), and that distinctly European charm that makes vacation rentals feel special. The girls immediately started exploring their new temporary home. Lindsay and I exchanged that look couples develop after years together. The look that says: "We actually pulled this off." ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7306.png) Some More great Stays [here](https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/T8pHcDJ?ref=adamandlinds.com). ## Or Find your own great stay! ## Why We Do This Travel days like this aren't always fun in the moment. Kids get cranky. Connections are stressful. Language barriers create confusion. But they're the price of admission for experiences you can't get any other way. Sitting on that TGV, watching my daughters experience high-speed rail for the first time, seeing France unfold outside our window, I was reminded why we chose this life. These are the moments they'll remember. Not the Disney movies or the snacks or the iPad time, but the feeling of flying across a foreign country on a train. That's worth eight hours of travel chaos any day. ## Planning Your Own TGV Journey If you're considering a similar trip, here's what we learned: **Book TGV reservations in advance** when possible. Our last-minute approach worked but added stress. **Eurail passes** cover the base fare but you'll pay extra for TGV seat reservations (usually 4-10 euros per person). **Pack smart** for long travel days. Individual snack bags for kids, entertainment downloads, and realistic expectations. **Regional trains** don't require reservations with a rail pass, but TGV and other high-speed services do. **Station transfers** can be tight. Build in buffer time when planning connections. The French rail system is efficient and comfortable. Even when things don't go according to plan, they usually work out. Sometimes the detours make the best stories anyway. Ready to book your own French train adventure? Check out [GetYourGuide for Eurail Global Passes](https://www.getyourguide.com/zurich-l55/eurail-global-pass-t410826/?partner%5Fid=AJE5L0O&utm%5Fmedium=online%5Fpublisher&ref=adamandlinds.com) to get started, or contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for custom travel planning. --- *Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely use and believe in. All opinions are our own.* ### Paris Adventures: Eurostar Business Premier, Disney Magic, and City Exploration URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/paris-adventures-eurostar-business-premier-disney-magic-and-city-exploration/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:54.000Z *From London's bustling energy, we were ready for our next adventure: Paris. What we didn't expect was accidentally booking Business Premier on the Eurostar, discovering that our first Disney parks would exceed every expectation, and watching Lily fall even deeper in love with the city she'd been dreaming about since our test run the summer before.* ## The Eurostar Surprise: When Planning Goes Sideways Our journey to Paris started with what we thought was careful planning back in Southampton. Lindsay and I had stayed up late putting together all the puzzle pieces for our route to Disneyland Paris. What we didn't account for was that the Eurostar only allows a limited number of Eurail passengers per train. Since we were using Eurail passes to travel around Europe, we thought we were all set. But the night before departure, we discovered our passes wouldn't get us on the train we needed. We had to scramble to buy full-fare tickets online, and the only available option was Business Premier class. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7044.png) So instead of our budget-friendly rail pass journey, we found ourselves in the Eurostar Business Premier lounge with free Cokes and allegedly some beer somewhere. The girls were excited about the unexpected upgrade, and honestly, after the stress of thinking we might not make it to Paris at all, we were just grateful to be on the train. ## Under the English Channel The Eurostar journey itself was smooth once we figured out the seating situation. We had to walk pretty far to reach our seats near the front of the train, but the girls handled the long corridor walk like champs. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7056.png) Going under the English Channel in the tunnel was less dramatic than we'd built it up to be, but there was still something magical about the moment we emerged in France. The landscape immediately looked different, and the girls were fascinated by spotting things that were definitely not English anymore. At one point during our train connections, we hit 184 mph - a speed that had the girls glued to the windows and us adults quietly impressed by European rail efficiency. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7065.png) We weren't going all the way to Paris proper - we'd be getting off at the first stop to change trains for Disneyland. The connection involved some train hopping that tested our luggage management skills, especially after we managed to break our suitcase getting off one of the trains. ## Hôtel Dream Castle: Our Disney Headquarters Our first Disney accommodation was the [Hôtel Dream Castle](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/adamandlinds/paris-blog-dreamcastle?ref=adamandlinds.com), where we stayed in the **Family Room, Connecting Rooms** for our two nights of Disney park exploration. The castle theme had them buzzing with excitement before we'd even stepped foot in the parks. Important note for families: Disney hotels are very strict about room capacity. We saw multiple families have problems at check-in because they hadn't booked rooms large enough for their group size. Make sure to book the right room type for your family size to avoid any issues. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/982df9f1.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/c01e46e8.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/d01e31c0.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/f45640fe.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/9160d499.jpg) This was particularly special for Lily, who had been talking about returning to Paris ever since our test run the summer before. During that 2021 trip, we'd been evaluating whether longer-term travel would work for our family, and Paris had captured her heart completely. [ ![](https://www.awltovhc.com/image-101483321-15101272)](https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-101483321-15101272?ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Disneyland Paris: First Disney Magic ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7117.png) Our first day at Disneyland Paris started with chocolate croissants and the kind of anticipation that only comes with experiencing Disney magic for the first time. The park had a distinctly European feel that set it apart from what we'd seen in videos of the American Disney parks. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7132.png) The Mickey and Minnie parade was a highlight, though we quickly learned that meeting princesses required two-hour waits. For Lily especially, who was already in love with Paris, seeing Disney characters in the city she adored was pure magic. Instead of waiting hours for character meet-and-greets, we focused on rides and experiences that moved more quickly. Dumbo's Flying Adventure had an hour and a half wait, but the girls were patient and excited enough to make it worthwhile. The carousel was a hit, as carousels always are, and the girls named their horses Tilly and Lina. These simple moments of joy reminded us why we'd chosen this adventure in the first place. The classic dark rides through Snow White and Pinocchio's stories were both fun and slightly terrifying. Lily needed hand-holding during the scarier parts, but everyone came out smiling and ready for the next adventure. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7154.png) By evening, everyone was exhausted. We found the Hyperion Cafe in Discoveryland where the girls could decompress while watching old Disney cartoons on big screens. ## Walt Disney Studios: Toy Story Playland Day two took us to Walt Disney Studios, where we started much later in the day, hoping to manage energy levels better. The Studios felt smaller than the main park, but Toy Story Playland was a definite highlight. Being shrunk down to toy size and walking through giant Tinker Toys and under enormous Christmas lights was exactly the kind of immersive experience that makes Disney special. The Slinky Dog ride had a line formed out of Lincoln Logs before entering a retro board game box for the actual ride. We had some meltdowns on day two - the combination of late starts, crowds, and general travel fatigue was catching up with everyone. But ice cream and a return to the main Disneyland park for a few final rides helped salvage the evening. ## Moving to Explorers Hotel: Pirate Paradise ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7222.png) After two nights at the Dream Castle, we switched to the [Explorers Hotel](https://www.hotels.com/affiliates/adamandlinds/paris-blog?ref=adamandlinds.com) for our final Paris days. We stayed in the **Room for 6, single beds, with access to aquapark**, though they also offer a **Quadruple room, bunkbed, with access to aquapark** or **Quadruple room, single beds, with access to aquapark** for smaller families. They even have themed suites - Pirate Suite, Sealife Suite, and Princess Suite that sleep 6 - but these were unavailable when we visited. The change of scenery was exactly what we needed, and the pirate theme was carried throughout the property. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/711e1259.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/aa49efde.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/6b654d2c.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/85499e85.jpg) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/201e020c.jpg) The girls declared it the "awesomest place we stayed in of all the hotels of on vacation," which was high praise considering we were only a few weeks into our journey. The pirate theme came complete with a slide that went from inside to outside and back inside again. The European-style outlets were a relief after struggling with UK adapters. We'd only brought two adapters for England, which meant constant charging rotations and negotiations over who got to plug in what when. ## Paris Proper: A City Lily Loves Our day trip into Paris was especially meaningful for Lily, who had been talking about the city nonstop since our 2021 test run. That summer trip had been part of our research into whether long-term family travel could work for us, and Paris had left such an impression on her that she'd been asking to return ever since. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/DSC00525.png) Notre-Dame Cathedral was our first stop. Both Lindsay and I were curious to see the restoration work following the devastating 2019 fire. The scaffolding and construction were extensive, but you could still sense the majesty of the building beneath all the repair work. The heat was intense that day, making the walk through Paris more challenging with three kids. But the tree-lined promenades provided shade and relief as we made our way toward the Eiffel Tower. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/DSC00593.png) Seeing the Eiffel Tower never gets old, especially when you're watching your children experience it. For Lily, this was a return to somewhere special, while Cora and Harper were seeing it for the first time. We found a shady spot for lunch and soaked in the atmosphere of being back in the city that had helped convince us to take this leap into full-time travel. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/DSC00599.png) ## Aquapark Adventures The water park at the Explorers Hotel was the perfect way to end our Paris adventure. The alligator slide that came out of an alligator's mouth (not real, as the girls carefully noted) was a huge hit. Cora had a minor accident involving biting her tongue on the dragon slide, but with some comfort and a special drink, she was back to enjoying the water attractions. These little bumps in the road are part of family travel, and learning to handle them calmly helps everyone get back to having fun more quickly. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/201e020c-1.jpg) ## Paris Reflections Paris with kids proved to be everything we'd hoped when we'd first tested this lifestyle the year before. For Lily especially, returning to her favorite city and experiencing Disney magic there created memories that perfectly captured why we'd chosen this adventure. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/DSC00563.png) The combination of Disney fantasy and French culture gave the girls a taste of how different countries put their own spin on familiar experiences. These were their first Disney parks, making Paris Disney particularly special in our family's story. Most importantly, we'd successfully navigated our first major European destination as a traveling family. The logistics were more complex than Southampton or London, but we'd figured out train connections, hotel arrangements, and managing tired kids in crowded tourist areas. [ ![](https://www.lduhtrp.net/image-101483321-15101265)](https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-101483321-15101265?ref=adamandlinds.com) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_7257.png) **Want to see our complete Paris adventure?** Check out our video series: [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0sRxBGT1BY&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tK41VptlHOI&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QYV9F-hR0c&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q%5FfoWGGdofw&ref=adamandlinds.com) Next destination: the French Riviera, where we'd discover that slowing down is what its all about. **Planning your own family trip to Paris?** You can use the hotel links throughout this page (we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you), or contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for personalized booking assistance. As a travel advisor, she can often secure perks like room upgrades and special amenities that aren't available when booking directly. ### London Adventures: Big Ben, Bigger Toy Stores, and Three Little Explorers URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/london-adventures-big-ben-bigger-toy-stores-and-three-little-explorers/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:55.000Z *After finding our footing in Southampton, we were ready for the bright lights and big city energy of London. What followed was three days of iconic sights, themed restaurants, and a toy store that redefined our understanding of retail excess.* ## Moving Day: Southampton to London Packing up our Southampton Airbnb was straightforward enough with just our roller suitcase and two travel backpacks. We had 2.5 hours to get out, finish the laundry, and catch our train to London. When we couldn't get a large Uber, we split up. Lindsay took Lily and our bags to the station while I walked the half mile with Cora and Harper. The girls handled it like champs, though Cora kept insisting she was "on the beach" despite walking through Southampton's city center. The train to London was packed. We ended up standing in the community car with our luggage, but the girls found the jump seats and made it work. Sometimes the best travel lessons come from adapting to situations you didn't plan for. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/a4eb746d433712273977de75be7b70aa.jpeg) ## London Base Camp Our London apartment was a huge improvement over uncertain accommodation. It had a kitchenette, separate bedrooms, and enough space for the girls to decompress after busy sightseeing days. Lily was still campaigning for bunk beds wherever we stayed, but the ceiling fan became her new fascination. Harper immediately tested the beds by jumping on them like a monkey, which we took as a good sign about the space. ## First Taste of London Fish and chips felt like the obvious choice for our first proper London meal. We found a local spot where the girls could try traditional British food without too much pressure. Lily decided she wanted eggs instead, which wasn't exactly fish and chips, but the restaurant accommodated her request. While we ate, we soaked in the reality of being in London with our family. After the uncertainty of those first few days on the road, sitting together in a London pub felt like a small victory. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/6e0f79b3b5def8f9bc33931546c523f8.jpeg) ## Hyde Park and Tourist Territory Our first full sightseeing day started at Hyde Park with Starbucks croissants and bird watching. The Princess Diana Memorial Playground was a hit - after days of structured travel, the girls needed space to just run around and be kids. Getting stuck at the train turnstiles taught us about London's transport system the hard way. The staff helped us sort out the ticket situation, and we learned that buying children's tickets when they're clearly small enough to not need them just creates confusion. Walking across Westminster Bridge to see Big Ben and Parliament was everything you'd expect from London tourism. Crowds everywhere, street performers, people selling balloons and roses. The girls were amazed by the iconic buildings but also overwhelmed by the sheer number of people. We tried to get to Buckingham Palace, but the Jubilee preparations had everything blocked off with barricades. By the time we headed back to the hotel, Harper had fallen asleep on my shoulders and everyone was ready for a break. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_6924.png) ## Jungle Cave Adventures For dinner, we went to the Jungle Cave, a themed restaurant complete with animatronic animals and sound effects. The food was exactly what you'd expect from a tourist restaurant, but the girls were fascinated by the mechanical gorillas and thunderstorm simulations. These kinds of experiences aren't about fine dining - they're about creating memories and giving the kids something fun after a long day of walking around the city. Sometimes embracing the tourist trap is exactly what family travel needs. ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_6977.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_6975.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_6970.png) ![](https://adamandlinds.com/content/images/2025/06/IMG_6968.png) ## Seven Floors of Toys Hamley's toy store is legendary for good reason. Seven floors of toys, games, and demonstrations that had our girls questioning everything they thought they knew about shopping. We arrived close to closing time, which was probably a blessing for our sanity and our budget. The Harry Potter section sent the girls into overdrive, and they got to meet "the Queen" (a Hamley's employee in costume), which they still talk about months later. By the time the store closed, everyone was simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated. We waited ages for a cab outside, but eventually made it back to our area where the girls spotted a crepe stand. After a day of sensory overload, sitting together eating Nutella crepes felt like the perfect way to end the evening. ## London Lessons London taught us that city travel with kids works best when you plan one major activity per day and build in plenty of downtime. The girls needed space to process all the new sights and sounds without feeling rushed from attraction to attraction. We also learned that mixing famous landmarks with regular kid activities like playgrounds and casual meals helps everyone enjoy the experience more. London proved we could handle big city travel as a family, which gave us confidence for the adventures ahead. After several days in London, we felt ready for our next destination: Paris, where expensive train tickets and Disney magic would test our travel skills in new ways. **Want to see our complete London adventure?** Check out our video series: [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6r3-mowWtQ&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qBmym%5FohNI&ref=adamandlinds.com) [Watch YouTube video on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoKhjhYIJIk&ref=adamandlinds.com) **Ready to plan your own family adventure in London?** Contact Lindsay at [lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) for help creating unforgettable travel experiences for your family. ### Finding Our Land Legs in Southampton: From Queen Mary 2 to Peppa Pig World URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/finding-our-land-legs-in-southampton-from-queen-mary-2-to-peppa-pig-world/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:56.000Z After seven days at sea on the Queen Mary 2, we finally made it to England! Our first official week as a full time traveling family in Southampton turned out to be a wild mix of sheer exhaustion, survival mode exploring, and pure, unfiltered magic at Peppa Pig World. Here is how we survived our first taste of life on the road. --- ## Stepping Off the Ship into Pure Confusion Getting off the Queen Mary 2 was somehow harder than getting on it, and mind you, we had originally arrived in New York with three cranky kids and a small mountain of luggage. After a week of knowing exactly where the nearest bathroom, elevator, and pint of beer at the Golden Lion Pub were, we were suddenly thrust into the real world, wandering around following cryptic signs that may or may not have led to actual freedom. [Watch Arriving in England Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i0imutVHxo&ref=adamandlinds.com) Naturally, the girls handled it way better than we did. While Linds and I stood there looking completely overwhelmed, they were already plotting their next move. Thankfully, customs was a breeze since we had handled immigration back on the ship. Before we knew it, we were officially standing on English soil, American passports in hand, with our entire lives packed into a few suitcases. ![Cora, Harper, and Lily parked on top of the luggage pile outside the cruise terminal in Southampton](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/73e23324-db4d-4f71-af99-2d728c0ccd4a.jpg) Cora, Harper, and Lily parked on top of our massive luggage pile outside the cruise terminal, killing time after disembarking with nowhere to go yet. --- ## When Your Airbnb Host Completely Ghosts You Nothing quite prepares you for the moment you are standing in a foreign country with three little kids, and your Airbnb host completely ghosts you. We sent messages, checked our phones every thirty seconds, and honestly started wondering if we had accidentally booked a place in an alternate dimension. Standing outside the Southampton cruise terminal looking like we were either moving to England permanently or fleeing the law, we faced our first real test as international nomads: panic or pivot? We chose to pivot. We ordered an Uber, figuring worst case scenario we would just sit on the sidewalk outside the apartment looking pathetic until someone took pity on us. ### Finding History (and a Fast-Food Lifesaver) While we waited for the housing drama to sort itself out, we set off to explore. Southampton immediately surprised us. It is this cool blend of historical charm and modern, family friendly practicality. One minute you are looking at a massive medieval gatehouse that is completely unbothered by the modern city built around it, and the next you are walking into a Burger King. Look, eating a Whopper your first hour in England sounds terribly American, but after a week of "okay" cruise food, we just wanted comfort. The girls were fascinated by the subtle differences. They swore the ketchup tasted weird (though I wouldn't know since I firmly believe ketchup is the spawn of Satan, but Linds thinks they were making it up). The real lifesaver was a playground we stumbled upon around the corner, complete with a massive pirate ship and castle. After a week of reminding the girls to use their "inside voices" on the ship, watching them run wild and just scream with joy was exactly what we needed. Even Harper, who is usually suspicious of other kids, forgot her hesitation the second she saw the slide. ![Bags dumped at a picnic table in St Mary's Playground](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/50e37e2c-ce60-405d-8665-f2e8ad0856b8.jpg) Bags dumped at a picnic table in St Mary's Playground while the girls ran loose and burned off a week of cruise energy. --- ## Managing Meltdowns with Giant Cookies Eventually, we moved our temporary headquarters to the West Quay shopping center to keep waiting for news on the apartment. By this point, the girls were hitting a wall, our stress levels were spiking, and I discovered that giant sugar cookies make excellent emergency parenting tools. Judge if you want, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Pro tip: When the kids are hitting a hard travel wall and you are still waiting on housing, giant mall cookies are a completely acceptable medical intervention. While riding a sugar high, the girls spotted these colossal teddy bears in a shop window. They weren't just big; they were the size of actual adult humans and probably cost more than our weekly grocery budget. Lily insisted on taking approximately forty-seven photos with them, because apparently that is mandatory protocol when you are three. ![Lily drinking her first Coke at the mall](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b0dc4e0a-9c6c-4923-9c1a-248ff4a26278.jpg) Day one in Southampton and Lily is already fully committed to her first ever Coke, shared with Cora at the mall across from our Airbnb. --- ## Settling into Full-Time Survival Mode When our host finally materialized via text, we were so relieved we probably would have agreed to sleep in a broom closet. By the time we actually unlocked the door, we were all running on absolute fumes. That first night was pure survival mode: find food and water, crack open a beer for the adults (non negotiable), start the laundry, and get everyone to sleep before a total meltdown occurred. Once we caught our breath, Southampton proved to be the perfect landing pad. We filled the fridge at the local grocery store and took the girls to a nearby Lego store so they could play with something familiar in an unfamiliar place. ![Adam morning selfie in Airbnb kitchen](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/20939319-194c-4009-acec-f9e6919a9af0.jpg) Trying to look like I have it together in the Airbnb kitchen, even while dealing with a brutal UTI and trying to plan our next steps. ### Our First Proper British Meal Our first proper meal had to be fish and chips. There is something almost ceremonial about eating the national dish in its homeland, even if you are eating it while actively preventing your toddler from dumping mushy peas all over the floor. The girls approached it with typical kid logic, meaning they were deeply suspicious of anything that wasn't a standard chicken nugget. But even they had to admit it was pretty good. Cora, however, spent the entire meal asking when we could go back to the pirate ship playground. We had planned to stop filming for the night, but documenting our first British fish and chips felt too important to skip. We are still figuring out this whole family vlogging thing, and we are learning that the best moments usually happen when you stop overthinking it. [Watch Exploring Southampton Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WMBxAHXph4&ref=adamandlinds.com) --- ## The Big Reveal: Heading to Peppa Pig World We had been sitting on a massive secret for days, and keeping it from three kids who ask roughly twelve thousand questions an hour was an Olympic sport. When we finally announced that we weren't going to a normal park, but were actually heading to Peppa Pig World, the reaction was pure gold. The screaming was instant. Lily started jumping up and down like she had won the lottery, Cora started chanting "Peppa Pig World" like a magical incantation, and Harper just started yelling because her sisters were yelling. Honestly? Peppa Pig World (which sits inside Paultons Park) completely blew us away. My expectations weren't exactly sky high (I mean, how good can a theme park based on a cartoon pig really be?), but it turned out incredible. It was immaculately clean, beautifully designed, and genuinely fun, even for the adults who suddenly found themselves caring deeply about ride height requirements. [Watch Peppa Pig World Vlog on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QW%5F8BY4W1cA&ref=adamandlinds.com) ### Tackling the Roller Coasters Watching Lily realize she was tall enough for the Storm Chaser roller coaster was one of those parenting moments that hits you out of nowhere. One minute she is your little toddler who needs help putting on her shoes, and the next she is strapping herself into a coaster looking completely fearless. Of course, Linds missed the shot because technology loves to fail at the exact moment you need it most. This meant Lily \*had\* to ride it a second time "for the camera" (which was basically the easiest parenting request we have ever made). The rides were a blast. The teacups made us predictably nauseous, the boat ride was wonderfully chill, and everything was perfectly scaled for little kids who think anything taller than them is a "big kid ride". ### Chasing Dinosaurs as a Team Beyond the Peppa area, Paultons Park has a Lost Kingdom section with animatronic dinosaurs that looked realistic enough to make Harper a little nervous and Cora totally obsessed. We hopped in little jeeps for the Dinosaur Tour Company ride, winding through a jungle while T-Rexes did their best to look menacing. Lily was brave enough to pet one of the raptors (mostly just to show off for her little sisters, I suspect), and Cora spent the whole ride making dinosaur roaring noises. We also hit a classic family travel speed bump when Cora turned out to be too short for one of the coasters. Lily immediately announced she wasn't going to ride it if her sister couldn't. It was either incredibly sweet or incredibly inconvenient, depending on how you look at it, but it was a good reminder that on a trip like this, we are a team. We win together, and we sit out rides together. --- ## Our Southampton Footprint ## Our Southampton & Paultons Park Stops Everywhere we dragged our bags, ordered food, or chased cartoon pigs during our first week in England. --- ## Lessons from Our First Week Abroad Looking back, Southampton was the absolute perfect training ground for our introduction to European travel. London would have totally overwhelmed us right out of the gate. Southampton gave us the space to figure out the basics, like how to navigate a British grocery store and whether English playgrounds were different from American ones (they aren't, but the accents are way cuter). It taught us that flexibility isn't just a nice trait to have; it is your lifeline. Plans will fail. Hosts will disappear. Kids will cry. Sometimes, you will eat cookies for lunch. But those unplanned, messy moments are always the stories you laugh about later. We also learned the value of balancing the foreign with the familiar. We explored medieval history, but we also bought Legos and ate Burger King when the kids just needed a comfort zone. ### Next Stop: London! After a few days, the girls had adjusted to new beds, different food, and the unpredictable rhythm of travel. We proved to ourselves that we could actually do this full time travel thing, even if we have no idea what we are doing half the time. Seeing the pure, unadulterated joy on our daughters' faces at the park made every ounce of stress, planning, and panic completely worth it. London, we are coming for you. But that is a story for the next post! ### Ready to plan your own family adventure in England? Let Linds handle the heavy lifting! Reach out to custom-curate an unforgettable trip for your crew, whether it is a quick weekend escape or a life-changing international expedition. [Contact Lindsay](mailto:lindsay.clarkson@fora.travel) ### Sailing the Queen Mary 2 with Kids: Our Honest Review of the Transatlantic Adventure URL: https://adamandlinds.com/blog/sailing-the-queen-mary-2-with-kids-our-honest-review-of-the-transatlantic-adventure/ Last updated: 2026-08-11T03:15:56.000Z We started our full-time travel life on a ship. Seven nights on the Queen Mary 2, three daughters, seven bags, and no real idea what we were doing. May 14, 2022\. Linds' parents and my parents both showed up at Indianapolis airport to see us off. That part was harder than we expected. Then a night in Brooklyn, three girls in one hotel bed, nobody sleeping, and by morning we were standing at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal about to board something the size of a city block. ![Grandparents and family gathered at Indianapolis airport for a farewell send-off on the first day of full-time travel](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/d1b44f71-1660-4f22-9b05-2731dc8d0344.jpg) The grandparents came to the airport to say goodbye. Making leaving both easier and harder at the same time. ![Seven bags laid out on the floor, everything the family of five packed for the start of full-time travel](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/e81ada09-7da2-4229-b0ef-a931e1304b39.jpg) Everything we owned on departure day. Seven bags for five people. ![Cora, Harper, and Lily in pajamas piled together on a hotel bed in Brooklyn the night before boarding](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/64b16623-bfea-46e3-b63d-19745aeda7b6.jpg) Brooklyn, the night before. Three girls, one bed, zero sleep. ## The Route: New York to Southampton Seven nights across the North Atlantic, May 2022. ## What the Queen Mary 2 Actually Is The QM2 isn't a cruise ship in the way most people picture one. It's an ocean liner, purpose-built for North Atlantic crossings and not Caribbean beach hops. The distinction matters. The ship handles open-ocean swells that would leave most cruise ships sideways. The three replacement propellers mounted on the bow (crew call them the Commodore's cufflinks) are the size of a small house. It displaces 76,000 tons, does New York to Southampton in roughly seven days, and doesn't really apologize for anything. If you're expecting a floating resort, this isn't it. ## Boarding in Brooklyn Boarding moved quickly, which helped. The staff could tell we had our hands full. What nobody tells you is how disorienting it is to walk onto something that enormous. The corridors go on forever. Lily and Cora spent the first twenty minutes running in opposite directions to see how long it took to find each other. The girls spotted the Statue of Liberty as we pulled out of port and stood at the railing quietly for about thirty seconds, which is roughly their personal record for standing still. [Watch Flying to New York with 3 Kids to Board the Queen Mary 2 on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsOR3-5TPtc&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## Five Kids on the Whole Ship There were five children total on board during our May crossing. Our three and two others. The average passenger age felt somewhere around retirement. People were endlessly kind about it. We couldn't walk through the dining room without someone stopping to ask about the girls, about our travels, about how all of it worked. By day three the whole ship seemed to know us. ![Two young girls walking hand in hand down a long ship corridor toward the kids zone on the Queen Mary 2](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/a6cd353a-c979-4e44-a07b-8c6f7fdf794e.jpg) The big girls heading to the kids zone on their own. The corridor goes forever. The kids' club ran for Lily and Cora during the mornings. Harper couldn't participate independently, so she stayed with us. Seven days is a long time when one of your kids needs you constantly. We managed, but it's worth knowing before you go. ## The Rhythm We Settled Into By day two we had a routine. Breakfast together, then Lily and Cora to the kids' club. Harper and I would find something to explore while Linds had an hour to herself, which four years of full-time travel later I understand was probably the most valuable sixty minutes of the whole crossing. Lunch together, afternoon depending on weather, dinner at the main restaurant, then every evening at the Golden Lion Pub. The pub was the best part. An act called the Newfoundland Duo, a father and son named Evan and Baylea, played folk music every night from around 10pm. We bought the drinks package around day three and regretted not doing it sooner. We'd find a table, the girls would settle in, and the music ran until late. It felt nothing like what you'd expect in the middle of the North Atlantic. ![The Newfoundland Duo setlist card posted at the Golden Lion pub on the Queen Mary 2](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/5b838665-1a2e-4498-9d4a-34e388437a60.jpg) Evan and Baylea, the Newfoundland Duo. The girls asked to go back every single night. ![Adam and Lindsay toasting with drinks at a bar on the Queen Mary 2](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/c2f914cd-0612-4fdb-b9d2-b4f78b3599a1.jpg) The drinks package was worth it. ## The Food Our running joke for the week was "it's okay." Delivered completely flat, every time someone asked. The selections were genuinely limited. The restaurant brought toddlers actual glass cups, which added a low-grade stress to every meal that nobody needed. The buffet was more manageable. After a full dinner one night the girls made straight for the soft serve, and Harper treated her cone like it might be legally confiscated. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper with ice cream cones after dinner at the Queen Mary 2 buffet](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b90f893d-0a62-431e-ab3d-f9eac7793c10.jpg) Harper was not wasting a single lick of that cone. The one genuinely good thing we ate: room service desserts on the last night. A warm salted caramel and chocolate brownie with white chocolate chip ice cream. Not okay. Actually good. ## Days at Sea On the days where weather cooperated we used the pool. The water temperature was physiologically incorrect for recreational swimming. This is the North Atlantic in May. The girls didn't care. They jumped in without hesitation. I complained about the cold and then got in anyway. Linds stayed dry on a deck chair and made no apologies. Most days were overcast and cool, with swells on a couple of nights. The ship handles rough water better than anything we've been on since. ![Lily, Cora, and Harper in dresses with lip gloss and eye shadow before dinner on the Queen Mary 2](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/7bd07ec2-9bb5-45fb-acc8-09dc7081d728.jpg) The girls got into the lip gloss and eye shadow before dinner. Lily's expression says everything. On day five the navigation channel showed us passing directly over the Titanic site. Lily and Cora were old enough to understand what that meant. Harper was mostly interested in the donut she was holding. ![The Queen Mary 2 ship position screen showing the vessel passing over the Titanic wreck site in the North Atlantic](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/5108c7e0-a6d0-4cc3-bac2-0bf9c039a1de.jpg) Midway across the Atlantic, day five. The navigation screen showed us passing directly over where the Titanic went down. ![Harper holding a donut with both hands very seriously on the Queen Mary 2](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b51c1ad3-0389-4a0a-8714-f4875df37615.jpg) Harper holding that donut with both hands like it might escape. The lunar eclipse happened somewhere around night three or four. We were a thousand miles from land in any direction and the moon went dark over completely flat black water. We stood on deck for the whole thing. There were also just boring stretches. Seven days at sea with young kids in unpredictable weather and limited entertainment options means some afternoons you run out of ideas. We got creative. Sometimes we found things to do. Sometimes we sat and watched the water. One evening in the Golden Lion, table after table of passengers started telling us how well-behaved the girls were. We appreciated it more than we let on, because from the inside it mostly feels like we're yelling at them constantly. [Watch Boarding the Queen Mary 2 with Kids and Starting Our Atlantic Crossing on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx6KGMcMGOI&ref=adamandlinds.com) ## The English Channel On the evening of day seven, the ship's TV channel showed us entering the English Channel. We'd been watching that screen for days. Crossing into it felt like something. ![The Queen Mary 2 in-cabin TV navigation screen showing the ship entering the English Channel](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/55a6fb5c-51e6-4492-9653-95cdd23dfe5c.jpg) Saturday evening. Into the English Channel. Five of us having collectively crossed an ocean. ## The Last Night and Southampton Luggage had to be packed and placed outside the door by 11pm. Disembarkation was 9:30am in Southampton. Nobody slept. We arrived in England running on nothing, dragged everything off the ship, and stood in the terminal with five hours to kill because our Airbnb host never replied to our check-in message. ![Cora, Harper, and Lily sitting on top of luggage piled outside the Southampton cruise terminal](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/73e23324-db4d-4f71-af99-2d728c0ccd4a.jpg) Cora, Harper, and Lily parked on the luggage pile outside the terminal. Five hours to kill. So we found a park. Bags piled at a picnic table, girls running loose at St Mary's playground for an hour and a half. Then to The Polygon mall across from where we eventually got into the Airbnb. Noodles, and Lily and Cora's first-ever Coke, shared between them. ![St Mary's playground in Southampton with family bags at a picnic table in the foreground](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/50e37e2c-ce60-405d-8665-f2e8ad0856b8.jpg) St Mary's playground. Bags at the picnic table, girls running for an hour and a half. ![Lily and Cora sharing their first-ever Coke at The Polygon mall in Southampton](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b0dc4e0a-9c6c-4923-9c1a-248ff4a26278.jpg) First-ever Coke, shared at the mall in Southampton. Lily was fully committed. ![Harper using her hair as a mustache outside Costa Coffee at The Polygon mall in Southampton](https://media.adamandlinds.com/photos/large/b0974475-e59f-4080-ae51-dff5b9f06419.jpg) Harper discovered her hair makes a solid mustache. Right outside Costa. ### What Happened Next [Finding Our Land Legs in Southampton](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/finding-our-land-legs-in-southampton-from-queen-mary-2-to-peppa-pig-world/) [London Adventures: Big Ben and Three Little Explorers](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/london-adventures-big-ben-bigger-toy-stores-and-three-little-explorers/) [Transoceanic Cruises: The Complete Guide to Ocean Crossings](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/transoceanic-cruises-the-ultimate-guide-to-ocean-crossings-for-modern-travelers/) [The Ultimate Guide to Worldschooling](https://adamandlinds.com/blog/worldschooling-the-ultimate-guide-to-education-through-travel/) ## Would We Do It Again with Kids This Age? Probably not. The QM2 is a real and genuinely impressive thing, and there are pieces of it we still talk about: the Newfoundland Duo, the eclipse, the Titanic coordinates, the way the ship felt at night in heavy swells. But it doesn't pretend to be a family product, and seven days of working against that reality with a toddler who can't be in kids' club is tiring. If your kids are older and curious about ships or the experience of crossing an ocean slowly, the math changes. For families with young children who want a cruise built around kids, there are better options. What the QM2 is: a serious, slightly austere ocean liner. You leave New York. You cross the Atlantic. You arrive in Southampton. That's the experience, and it's worth something. FAQ ## Queen Mary 2 with Kids: Common Questions Is the Queen Mary 2 good for families with young children? It depends heavily on the ages of your kids. The QM2 is an adult-focused ocean liner, not a family cruise ship. There is a kids' club (The Zone) but it has age minimums and may have limited capacity on crossings with few children aboard. On our May 2022 crossing there were five children total on the whole ship. Families with older kids who can entertain themselves and are genuinely interested in the experience tend to get more out of it than families with toddlers. How long does the Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing take? The standard eastbound crossing from New York (Brooklyn) to Southampton is seven nights. The westbound crossing from Southampton to New York also runs seven nights. Cunard operates the route year-round, though schedules vary by season. We sailed in May 2022 and had mostly overcast weather with significant swells on a couple of nights. Is the Queen Mary 2 crossing rough? Will kids get seasick? The North Atlantic is not the Caribbean. Swells are common, particularly in spring and autumn, and some nights can be noticeably rough. The QM2 has large stabilizers and handles ocean conditions better than most ships, but if your kids are prone to motion sickness it's worth having medication on hand. Our girls were fine throughout, though a couple of nights had enough movement to feel it. Does the Queen Mary 2 have wifi? Yes, satellite wifi is available for purchase on board. It is not fast and it is not cheap. We used it sparingly. If you're planning to work or stream content during the crossing, temper your expectations. The crossing is genuinely a good opportunity to disconnect, which with three kids was not entirely unwelcome. How is the food on the Queen Mary 2? Our honest assessment: okay. The main dining room is formal in style but limited in selection. The buffet (Kings Court) is more flexible and better for families. There are specialty dining options at an extra cost that reviewers tend to rate more highly. The room service desserts on our last night were genuinely good. The restaurant's habit of serving toddlers in actual glass cups was a recurring source of stress. Is doing a one-way transatlantic crossing a good way to get to Europe? For families starting a longer European trip, it can make a lot of sense. You avoid a transatlantic flight, you gradually adjust time zones over seven days rather than all at once, and you arrive in Southampton with a built-in story. The tradeoff is seven nights at sea with the limitations described above. We used it to kick off two years of European travel and would do the crossing again, though probably when the girls are older. This post contains no affiliate links. We paid full price for our Queen Mary 2 crossing and have no relationship with Cunard. Nobody comped our tickets, upgraded our cabin, or asked us to write this. Everything here is our own experience, bought and paid for.