Exploring Vibrant Venice in peak tourist season

I sat on the window side chair and took a sip of my molten hot cup of tea. I had been back in England for 3 weeks now, an extremely long time for a wanderer like me. The thrill of ‘normal life’ was fast wearing off. Part of me enjoyed the easiness of life back…

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Trying out fast travel in the Balkans

In 2013 when I travelled solo across Asia and Oceania I travelled extremely slow. I’d bought into the idea that slow travel was the only real way to travel. The only way to fully immerse yourself in another land and culture. I had a great time and visited many places off the beaten path. I…

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How I discovered my Passion, My 100th Blog post

I was sat on my comfortable corner couch in Liverpool city centre; the 42 inch plasma TV screen that was usually blasting out noise was turned off. Outside I could hear children playing, but I wasn’t paying attention to them. It was my first attempt at meditating. Anything to rid myself of that horrible feeling…

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Lasting impressions of Dubai

Dubai was the first country that I visited on my big RTW trip so understandably it has a special place in my heart. Dubai is a city of contrasts. Expats drink pints of beer beneath the impressive architecture, women in burkhas obediently follow men wearing the traditional Arabic clothes and head-dress, Westerners prowl the metro…

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The best thing about living in Japan

For many Japan is a dream travel destination. People love the food, anime, manga, cute girls and unique culture of this beautiful country. The best thing about living in Japan isn’t on this list though. The best thing about living in Japan is… The amazing feeling of safety As soon as I stepped off the…

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Why I’m scared to go travelling after living in Japan

Travel, it’s something that consumes about 40% of my idle thoughts. Where will I go? What will I visit? Who will I meet? It’s tiring to be infected with Wanderlust. I have some travel news, I’m heading to Thailand this month! A country that is forever in my heart after spending 3.5 months there in…

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A day out at Ueno Zoo, Tokyo

    With a city as big and sprawling as Tokyo it’s surprisingly hard to decide what sightseeing to do first! After a few days exploring quirky Akihabara, bustling Shibuya and historic Asusksa it was time for something different. My hostel was not far from Ueno; an area with a large park filled to the…

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Ask Stephanie Anything: 6 Cheap things to do in Singapore

  I get many emails from readers asking advice about where to stay and what to do in destinations that I’ve visited. Just email me at stephanie@pearlsandpassports.com if you have a question and I will answer it. My question today was recieved from Caroline, a grad student who will be working in Singapore for the…

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July travel plans: I’m heading to Tuscany, Italy!

If you follow me on Facebook you will already know this exciting news.   I originally intended to travel to somewhere in Eastern Europe after being captivated by Poland’s culture, history and friendly people.  When searching on the Ryanair website I suddenly had an urge to go to Italy. Visions of an Eat, Pray Love kind of…

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