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Elsa Grinio

My Travel Bucket List (2021)

Updated: Apr 15, 2021

For more than one year, travel business has drastically dropped-off. The whole world stand- still. It was a devastating, unpredictable and an enormous lost year for travel & tourism. The pandemic has changed our travel habits, however, makes us more ambitious than ever. We are all longing fort he best travel we could.


Hence, vaccine is gradually available with the hope that it will push and re-open again the door of adventure, exploration and enchanting discoveries.

A compilation of exclusive list of the top leisure destinations, my new bucket list, at least. As I anticipate the reopening of the door of the travel World, I am much excited than anybody else. I can not wait to pack my stuffs in my luggage bags and fly. Thus, join me in my much realistic dream, let's go and explore. Remember, wherever you go, take the sunshine with you! Wear a smile and create memories as many as you can.

1.SARDINIA, Italy

The second-largest island in Mediterranean after Sicily, Sardinia serves up a lovely blend of sea, sand and history. Thousands of nuraghe (stone buildings) dot the landscape, proof that people have been enjoying the lovely climate here for millennia. From posh Costa Smerelda in the north to medieval Alghero in the northwest to the lively capital of Cagliari in the south, and with many picturesque towns and unspoiled sandy beaches in between, Sardinia’s got a little something for everyone.

Prince Aga Khan developed this Sardinian village in the 1960s after discovering Costa Smeralda. It has stunning white sand beaches and emerald-colored water surrounded by granite mountains with truly mind-blowing scenery.


Things to do in SARDINIA (Click here please)





2. MADEIRA, Portugal

Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out from among the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation; this is an archipelago where two thirds are a protected area and where the largest Laurisilva forest in the world is located. The archipelago of Madeira is synonymous with charm and sophistication, making it the ideal place for a holiday tour filled with romantic possibilities.

Portugal faces the Atlantic, smells of the Atlantic, breathes the Atlantic, has an Atlantic soul... but its cuisine is more Mediterranean than it seems. A paradox! The three essentials of the Portuguese diet are wheat (delicious bread), wine (wonderful reds and whites) and olive oil (very aromatic), called the "Mediterranean triad", which suggests a strong bond with its neighbours to the east. The Portuguese love olives; they eat a lot of cheese and use sautéed onion and garlic as the basis of almost all their dishes. A very Mediterranean customs. However, coriander is the national aromatic herb. Ginger and chillies give an exotic touch to some of the dishes, such as the popular "piri-piri" chicken, garnished with a chilli sauce which also goes perfectly with barbecued fish.


3. JAPAN

It's great ! just great as I could imagine. Hence, Japan has a position on my bucket list,

If you’re planning on visiting Japan, summer is a still a wonderful time to make the most of what Japan has to offer. The months between June and September mean beach-lounging, Mt. Fuji climbing and embracing the colourful summer festival.


Summer Things to Do

· See Hokkaido's Flower Fields.

· Spend the Weekend Camping.

· Go Firefly Watching.

· Hold a Barbecue. Traditional Festivals and Events.

· See Larger-than-Life Floats at Nebuta Matsuri.


Something to bear in mind.,the months from March to May and from September to November are generally considered the best times to visit the country. Summer in Japan is typically warm and humid throughout most of the country, but is also an ideal time for nature expeditions like hiking.


Surprisingly, got this one unfortunate fact out of the way. Japan flight tickets are among the most expensive in the world, due to the country's popularity as a business travel destination. Taking first prize here as the cheapest airport to fly to in all of Japan is Haneda Airport, which can be found jutting its way out into the waters of Tokyo Bay on the southern fringes of the sprawling capital itself.

It's tricky to precisely say how long you should spend in Japan as it depends on what you're interested in, and how much ground you want to cover. If goal is only sightseeing, one week is recommended.

8 Things You Should Never Do in Japan

1. Chopstick etiquette in Japan.

Never stick your chopsticks vertically in your bowl of rice — this resembles a funeral ritual. If you need to put them down, always use the chopstick holder next to your plate. Avoid using your chopsticks to pass food to someone else’s chopsticks, as this is another taboo. When sharing dishes, use your chopsticks to take the food and put it on your own plate before eating it. And don’t rub your chopsticks together – it’s rude.


2. Eating on the go when you’re in Japan is a big NO

Fast food sold at street stands and stalls is eaten standing up in designated areas (often marked with lines on the pavement). Drinks bought from the many vending machines available in public places are also consumed immediately and the can or bottle tossed in the recycling bin next to the machine. Similarly, eating or drinking on public transport is considered bad manners, but an exception is made for this on long-distance trains.


3. Another no-no ! Don’t blow your nose in public.

Blowing your nose in public in Japan is considered to be uncouth. Find a bathroom or another private place if you have to attend to a running nose. It’s common to see people wearing face masks in public, especially in the winter. This means they have a cold and want to avoid spreading germs and infecting others (or want to avoid catching one). You can buy these masks in a variety of colors and patterns, and they are — essentially — a fashion statement at this point.


4. Generousity? Don't leave a tip.

Unlike in the U.S. where tipping is mandatory, Japan does not have a tipping culture, and leaving a tip may even be taken as an insult. Service is included in the bill at restaurants, and even taxi drivers will refuse to have a fare rounded off. Leave a few coins on the table and the waiter will surely run after you to return your forgotten change!


5. How about using your phone on public?

The Japanese tend to use their mobile phones discreetly and will keep telephone discussions brief and as quiet as possible when in public. When traveling on public transit, many people are busy using their phones to text, listen to music, watch videos, or read, but telephone calls are very rare. If you have to use your phone in a public area, move to a quiet place with few people around. Therefore, avoid loud phone conversations while on public transit in Japan.

6. Don’t pour soy sauce on your rice.

Always pour soy sauce into the small dish provided specially for this and not directly on your rice or other food. Then use your chopsticks to dip the sushi or sashimi in the sauce. In Japan, soy sauce is never poured directly on rice.


7. Avoiding giving and receiving things with one hand.

In Japan, both hands are always used when giving and receiving things, including small objects like business cards. When paying at a shop or cafe, it’s common to place the money on the small tray next to the cash register instead of handing it directly to the cashier.



8. Don’t serve yourself a drink.

When socializing with friends or colleagues, refill each person’s glass once they’re empty but not your own, which is considered rude. After you’ve finished serving your companions they will do the same for you. A bottle is always held with both hands when pouring.


Well, Join me in visiting this charming country and explore.

"Arigatógozaimashita " - Thank You !







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