Happy new year! _ Guess who welcomed the new year in Sydney Harbour? _ This was the view of the famous Sydney Opera House on Dec 31st from Circular Quay. If you look carefully you can already see people starting to find a vantage point on the steps (right side) for the world's 2nd largest NYE fireworks display. _ Check out all the details on my Instagram Stories. And follow along at @travelocity where we are doing a takeover for new years. _ #sydneyharbour

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Looking back on 2016... _ When I stop to think about the year that has been, it seems a little surreal. Our 1-year #motherofallroadtrips in the US & Canada came to an end, we explored Turkey, Alaska, Mexico, Nova Scotia, Japan, Hawaii, Bali, and not to mention over two dozen US states. _ Now we are now back in Australia and taking over the Instagram account for @travelocity. So head over there and follow along to see what New Year’s Eve in Sydney is like. _ This shot was taken in Istanbul, Turkey along the Bosphorus back in February 2016 - the very waterway that divides 2 continents. _ It's hard to believe we fit so much into one year. What was your highlight of 2016? #wanderwisely

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5 Reasons To Buy Luggage That Stands Out

With the never-ending variety of colorful and inventive clothing, shoes, and accessories in the world, why is it that almost everyone has plain black luggage? Why are we all so BORING?
Read more at our travel blog.

"We come into this world head first and go out feet first; in between, it is all a matter of balance." - Paul Boese _ Yoga time at @holidayinnbalibenoa in Bali. Photo by Erin 📷 _ #bali🌴

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"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present." - Jim Rohn _ Pull up a chair... _ I hope you have a wonderful, warm Christmas and may your 2017 be filled with views like this one at @holidayinnbalibenoa in Bali. _ #bali #hotelsandresorts

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Sunset dinner on the beach at @holidayinnbalibenoa in beautiful Bali. _ Who would you take here? Tag them in the comments below. _ Photo by 📷 Erin #beautifulhotels #bali

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"Fear is a question. What are you afraid of and why? Our fears are a treasure house of self-knowledge if we explore them." - Marilyn French _ Cruising down the Danube River in Budapest, Hungary. This is the 2nd largest parliament building in the world after the Houses of Parliament in London. Architecture has a way to cross political and cultural boundaries. It says to me we are better when we share and collaborate rather than fear and hate. _ #budapest #archilovers

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Win An eBags Holiday Wish List

Just pick your “Wish List Personality,” make your list and check it twice - then share to enter for your chance to win eBags gift certificates, with 1 prize of $250 and 3 prizes of $100.
Read more at our travel blog.

5 Ways For Kids To See Wildlife In Juneau, Alaska

Alaska’s capital city is teeming with wildlife when you know where to go. Follow our handy tips on how to get up close to a wild bear, humpback whales, seal lions, and more.
Read more at our travel blog.

PO BOX Zone Review: How To Get Your Mail While Travelling

We often get asked how we receive snail mail while travelling. And here’s the answer... a virtual PO Box service! Find out how PO BOX Zone works, and if it’s a good fit for you.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson _ Look carefully to see cracks of red-hot lava. _ The hot slow-flowing silvery lava on Kilauea, Hawaii sits side-by-side with older, harder lava rock which already shows signs of rebirth with small green sprouts. This scene highlights the juxtaposition of life and death, old and new, and fresh starts. Today is your day. _ This shot was taken 100 feet above the surface in an open-door helicopter. I could feel the unstoppable heat from the lava envelope me. It's something that had to be experienced first-hand to be fully appreciated. _ @viatortravel @carnival #cruisingcarnival #volcano

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View of our ship, @Carnival Miracle, from the beach at Kona on Hawaii's Big Island. _ This is my 2500th post on Instagram! What a big milestone! Thank you for following along on our journey and sharing your comments. Hopefully I've provided a little inspiration and I look forward to sharing many more moments. _ On Kona we took a real submarine ride to over 100 feet below the surface to see an amazing coral reef. Check out Atlantis Submarine if you visit Kona. _ #cruisingcarnival #hawaii #instagram

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"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it." - Chinese Proverb _ Hawaii's epic Rainbow Falls from above. _ This waterfall located near Hilo on the Big Island is 80 feet tall and nearly 100 feet in diameter. The falls flow over a natural lava cave, the mythological home to Hina, an ancient Hawaiian goddess. _ This shot was taken yesterday from an open-door helicopter as we flew around the Big Island. Wind speeds up that high reached 145 mph! I had to hold onto my camera for dear life. _ If you ever visit the Big Island I highly recommend this @viatortravel tour - it might not be the cheapest way to see the island but no doubt it's the best. And now one of my top highlights in over 4.5 years of non-stop travel. _ #cruisingcarnival #hawaii @carnival

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The Big Island of Hawaii is getting a little bigger as lava from the Kilauea Volcano flows into the Pacific Ocean. _ Today we flew over the Big Island of Hawaii in an open-door helicopter, fulfilling a long-time bucket list item of mine and getting up close to a live volcano. _ I could feel the heat radiating from the red-hot lava. And as it met with the cold ocean, plumes of steam lifted into the sky. _ If it's on your wish list too, we found our tour on @viatortravel. It's safe to say this moment was a highlight on our 15-day @carnival cruise around Hawaii. _ #travelstoke #cruisingcarnival #hawaii

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"The power of imagination makes us infinite." - John Muir _ Almost dinner time at Old Lahaina Luau on the Hawaiian island of Maui. _ We watched (and tasted) the traditional underground cooking of a whole pig, received hula lessons, tried percussion instruments and watched the stunning sunset. Afterwards a team of talented dancers shared a taste of Hawaiian history and culture through dance and music. What a fun night! 😀. _ My daughter's favorite part was sitting on the floor for dinner in traditional seating (there was regular tables also available). _ Have you been to a luau? _ #cruisingcarnival #hawaii #maui

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"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." — Henry Stanley Haskins _ First light yesterday as we sailed into Nawilili in Kauai, Hawaii aboard the @carnival Miracle. _ The infinite colours of Hawaii never cease to take my breath away. Is Hawaii on your bucket list? _ Today and tomorrow we're exploring the Big Island. Tomorrow's plans include a helicopter flight over a volcano so make sure you follow along on IG Stories to get behind-the-scenes. _ #cruisingcarnival

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"It is only when we silent the blaring sounds of our daily existence that we can finally hear the whispers of truth that life reveals to us, as it stands knocking on the doorsteps of our hearts." – K.T. Jong _ Strolling the quiet decks of the Carnival Miracle this morning at sunrise as the ship pulled into the port of Nawilili on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. _ The sights of this @carnival cruise have been amazing. _ #hawaii #cruisingcarnival

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What happens when you combine SpongeBob Squarepants and Mickey Mouse? _ An inspired piece of street art in eclectic St Pete, Florida. _ Did you know there's around 45 colourful murals spread around St Pete and more added each year with the annual Shine Festival. _ We took a walking tour with Chad, a local artist and one of the festival organizers, to spot many amazing pieces of art. _ @vspc #liveamplified

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What goes up... _ This is Xcelerator at @knottsberryfarm near Los Angeles. From a stationary start it reaches a top speed of 83 mph in about 1 second flat. I wasn't game but my 7-year-old daughter loved it. _ Would you dare? _ @visitcalifornia #themepark

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"Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways." - Oscar Wilde _ Sunset sailing. _ Admiring the amber hues splashed across the sky at Sunset Pier in Key West, Florida. @thefloridakeys _ Follow along on IG Stories to see what we get up to on Maui, Hawaii today. And I'll be sure to put my handy @tepwireless Internet hotspot to use today. Very handy! 💡💡💡

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View of City of Angels from Griffith Observatory. _ You might recognize this location from numerous movie scenes including the most recent remake of Charlie's Angels, The Terminator, Transformers, The Rocketeer, Jurassic Park, Rebel Without a Cause, and more. But I just love the view. _ Did you know that the original name for Los Angeles was "El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora Reina de los Angeles sobre el Rio Porciuncula". And if Los Angeles were its own country, its economy would be bigger than Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, and Sweden’s. _ But LA is best known as the world's capital of film. But how did the film industry end up in LA? To get away from Thomas Edison. Edison—who lived in New Jersey—held most of the country’s film patents. Filmmakers fled westward to avoid Edison’s intellectual property claims. Amazing! _ #losangeles @visitcalifornia

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"Man must rise above the Earth — to the top of the atmosphere and beyond — for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives." - Socrates _ Flying high over Knott's Berry Farm near Los Angeles. @knottsberryfarm _ If you're looking for Christmas shopping inspiration, check out our most recent article on travelwithbender.com with 29 gift ideas for travel addicts. ◀️◀️◀️🎄🎀🎁

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Opened in 2003, this building designed by Frank Gehry, is now synonymous with downtown Los Angeles. _ The project was initially funded by Lillian Disney, Walt Disney's widow, as a tribute to her husband's devotion to the arts and to the city. _ Did you know: the iconic stainless steel exterior was only used after the original planned stone cladding was deemed to be too expensive and a ballooning budget was causing construction delays. _ Gehry is one of my favorite architects of all time, and I'm not alone. Vanity Fair labeled him as "the most important architect of our age". Even though his father didn't support his creativity as a child, his mother believed in him. And when I look at this building its a powerful reminder of what happens when talent, belief and perseverance collide. _ @visitcalifornia #archilovers

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"The Lorax: Which way does a tree fall? The Once-ler: Uh, down? The Lorax: A tree falls the way it leans. Be careful which way you lean." - Dr. Seuss, The Lorax _ Very LA. _ Tall leaning palm trees at Knotts Berry Farm near Los Angeles. _ I don't know if it's just me, but these things remind me of Truffula Trees. Do you agree? _ While in LA we stayed at @omnihotels Downtown Los Angeles.

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"Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration." – Thomas Edison _ View of famous Hollywood sign atop Mount Lee from the equally iconic Griffith Observatory. _ I had the bright idea of checking out Griffith Observatory on Thursday which happened to be Thanksgiving. I think everyone else in Los Angeles had the same idea. 😉😂 _ We also enjoyed a fabulous Thanksgiving brunch in @omnihotels Downtown Los Angeles, complete with roast turkey, cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes. Yum! _ And while in Los Angeles we've been driving around in a new Mazda CX-9. But today we say goodbye to the city of angels and hello to @carnival and a cruise to Hawaii. Keep following along on IG Stories. _ #drivemazda #cruisingcarnival

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"Wise sayings often fall on barren ground, but a kind word is never thrown away." - Arthur Helps _ Part of Seven Mile Bridge - an engineering marvel that connects several islands that make up the Florida Keys. _ The original bridge near this location was opened in 1912 for train usage but was damaged during a hurricane. The current concrete bridge was opened in 1982. _ It's easy to take for granted the ground beneath our feet. But this epic bridge reminds me every step we take is a miracle, if our eyes are open to see it. - @thefloridakeys @visitflorida

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29 Christmas Gifts For Travel Addicts In 2016

It’s that time of year again. Retail sale season is about to hit the Internet and the Christmas shopping binge begins. But if you know an avid traveller you will recognise they are the hardest to buy for. They don’t want stuff taking up precious room in their suitcase, they don’t need homewares from Ikea and an Amazon gift card just feels to impersonal. So what you can you get that travel lover?
Read more at our travel blog.

HotelsCombined Review: Find The Best Hotel Faster Than Ever Before

If you’re looking to save money on your next hotel booking, look no further. Search multiple popular hotel websites from a single, powerful site, and dig up the best bargains that will even make your friends jealous.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads you to wisdom." - Buddha _ Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends! 🍻 I hope you have a wonderful day filled with happiness. _ This shot was taken just 2 nights ago at Sunset Pier in Key West, Florida. As the sun sank into the ocean the sky glowed with the most beautiful golden hues. It's easy to see why the Florida Keys are now one of my favorite destinations in the US - so chilled and relaxing. _ And of course an endless supply of delicious key lime pie... What more could you want? _ @thefloridakeys @visitflorida #loveFL

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"Using words to describe magic is like using a screwdriver to cut roast beef." - Tom Robbins _ If you think this place looks a bit like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory then you've got an idea of what's inside this amazing restaurant. _ Located at Universal Orlando, Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen is a whimsical combination of monster milkshakes and deliciously unrepeatable main courses. But the desserts take the cake. _ It's only been open around 3 months so if you haven't been before I highly recommend checking out this magical place. _ #universalorlando #foodporn

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"Do one thing every day that scares you." - Eleanor Roosevelt _ Yep, that's me swimming in a giant aquarium. At RumFish Grill in St Pete, Florida. _ Twice per day this popular restaurant provides guided swims in their mammoth aquarium, home to over 150 fish, 2 sting rays and 1 Moray eel. The restaurant was featured on TV show "Tanked". Definitely worth trying when you're in St Pete. _ #liveamplified @vspc

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"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." - James Matthew Barrie _ Pool time at Omni Amelia Island Resort in northern Florida. @omni_aip _ We stayed here for a few days last week while at a travel conference. Do you need a little sunshine 🌞 this weekend? _ Today is another sunny day on our north-to-south Florida road trip and we'll be finally reaching Florida Keys. Can't wait to get a big slice of key lime pie 😃🍰🍹 _ #lovefl #florida

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I made a new friend this week? You want to meet them? _ Checked out @gatorland_orlando a couple days ago. A really wonderful wildlife park and easy alternative to the big well known theme parks. My other favorite feature here was the Screamin Gator Zip Line - yep, flying through the sky above a pond full of gators... And I survived to yell the tale. 🐊🐊🐊🐊 _ Would you do it? _ Keep following our Florida road trip on Instagram Stories (tap my IG username then tap my bio pic) for each day's crazy adventures & fun. #lovefl #florida #🐊 @leathermanusa

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"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground." - Theodore Roosevelt _ Trippy roller coaster in Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Florida. _ We spent the afternoon here today and our kids had a fabulous time. Do you love roller coasters? Or do you prefer to keep your feet on the ground? _ @visittampabay #rollercoaster

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"You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination." - Ralph Marston _ Part of the famous Asakusa Temple - Tokyo's biggest. #japan _ But this shot is different to every other shot I've taken in the last 3 years... This was my final photo. 🙊 Seconds after taking this shot, my trusty Canon 70D DSLR suffered a failed shutter mechanism. After almost 80,000 shots and travelling over 150,000 kilometers, my camera finally gave up. It's currently being repaired (which is costing half as much as a brand new unit) and we shall be joyfully reunited in just a couple days. How am I continuing to take photos on our current Florida road trip? A handy rental camera. _ Have you ever experienced the frustration of your travel gear letting you down? Share your thoughts in the comments. _ #igersjapan

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"I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth I will apply all my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy." - Og Mandino _ Breathtaking view of Klosters in Eastern Switzerland. _ This is the ski vacation destination of choice for British royalty for very good reason. But it's just as beautiful in the summer too. _ #graubuenden #switzerland

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9 Reasons Why I Fell For Marival Residences Luxury Resort

When you need a rejuvenating break, sometimes a mini getaway fits the bill. We took a 3-day trip to Mexico’s west coast for the first time and discovered a luxury all-inclusive resort in Riviera Nayarit a cut above the rest. Find out why.
Read more at our travel blog.

Sleeping on a houseboat in Amsterdam, Netherlands. _ If you ever visit Amsterdam, you have to try this. @iamsterdam _ Check out my Instagram Stories now - today we're at an Alligator Farm in St Augustine, Florida. Help me decide if I should feed my kids to the crocs!

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"I think fearless is having fears but jumping anyway." - Taylor Swift _ The cow may have jumped over the moon, but I jumped over Mount Fuji in 🇯🇵 Japan. _ Caught a spectacular sunset over Lake Kawaguchi, Japan a couple weeks ago. One thing is certain from my visit, one time is never enough. There's something luring about this magical country... It leaves you wanting more. Beautiful! _ In #Japan I was always online with the help of my trusty @tepwireless portable hotspot. Check them out.

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"We always see our worst selves. Our most vulnerable selves. We need someone else to get close enough to tell us we’re wrong. Someone we trust." - David Levithan _ Sunset reflections in the water outside Safe Harbor Seafood Restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida. _ Jacksonville is not short on delicious dining options. We are really getting used to America's free ketchup, mayonnaise, tartar sauce and other condiments. Did you know: in Australia most restaurants (especially fish & chips) charge anywhere from $0.50 to $1.50 for each sauce? Crazy, hey! _ #onlyinjax @visit_jax

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"Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching." - Satchel Paige _ Watching tigers at Jacksonville Zoo in Florida, USA. @visit_jax _ Regularly rated as one of the top 20 zoos in the US, this 102-year-old zoo is home to over 1900 animals including this particular big cat who had his eye on me. _ We've spent the last couple days checking out Jacksonville. What an amazing city! If you haven't been following along, check out my Instagram Stories. _ #onlyinjax #florida

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"Strength does not come from winning, your struggles develop your strength. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender that is strength." - Anonymous _ Tower Bridge in London, UK at sunset. _ I see a lot of distressed and frustrated American friends on Facebook today. I'm reminded of this quote when things don't go my way. Remember you have far more power than you give yourself credit for. Only you hold the keys to your destiny... Not a politician or political party. _ Tag a friend who needs to hear this. _ #peaceofmind

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"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any." – Alice Walker _ Chillin' at the Blue Hole this week in Georgetown, Texas. This town is home to the most beautiful town square in Texas. You have to check out this place located about half an hour north of Austin. _ If you're following us on Facebook or Instagram Stories and having trouble keeping up where we are, don't worry. So are we! _ I was in Japan just over a week ago, then in BC Canada, Erin took a short trip to Mexico while I drove to Seattle, flew to Georgetown Texas and yesterday landed in Jacksonville Florida. Phew! And now we're kicking off a 2 week road trip from the north of Florida to the south. Follow along on Instagram Stories (tap my face in my bio). Today kicked off with the strangest breakfast I've had in a while here in Jacksonville, FL. Take a look at IG Stories. I'll let that pic do that talking. _ And if you have any questions about what we do and how we do it, check out the link in my bio. _ #familytravel @visitgeorgetowntx #texas

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"Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer." - William S. Burroughs _ After all that hard work voting today in the US you deserve a break. Time to put your feet up. _ Erin was at @liveaquacancun last weekend with @travelocity for #gnomadsummit16 I have to admit I'm a little jealous. How about you? _ #mexico

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Life's a beach. _ View of infinity pool at @liveaquacancun in Cancun, Mexico. _ There's not many things better than the beach... Other than a day at the pool looking at the beach. _ Photo by Erin. _ #livelife #gnomads #gnomadsummit16

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"When you are looking in the mirror, you are looking at the problem. But, remember, you are also looking at the solution." - Anonymous _ Kawazu Seven Falls in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. _ Quietly reflecting on my whirlwind trip through Japan last week. It's still hard to believe it's over. A combination of amazing locations, delicious food, rich culture and new friends. What more could you want out of travel? _ #amazingplacestovisit #japan

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Is this the biggest cotton candy stick in the world? _ You can't visit Harajuku in Tokyo without stopping in at Totti Candy Factory Shop. They have specially designed machines for crafting these sweet works of art. _ Of course in had to try it for research purposes. 😉😂 yes, I'll tell myself that anyway. _ Something else that's sweet - our friends at @vanguard_world are giving away an awesome VEO 235AP Travel Tripod valued at US$160. I take my Vanguard tripod with me wherever I go including my recent trip to Japan. _ For your chance to get your hands on one simply follow @vanguard_world on Instagram and tag your favorite travel pics with #TravelWithVEO. Competition closes on 11 Nov. Good luck! 🔥🔥🔥📷

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Strolling through Chinatown in Yokohama, Japan admiring the beautiful architecture. _ My 1 week whirlwind tour of Japan 🇯🇵 finished today with a long flight back to Canada. I loved every minute in this incredible country. If you've never been before, hopefully I've provided a little inspiration. _ What part of Japan do you want to see? 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵 _ And due to popular demand I've loaded up a few memories on Instagram Stories of my last night in crazy Shibuya, Tokyo with tens of thousands of other Halloween revelers. To watch those, just tap my bio @travelwithbender and then my bio pic (should have a purple ring around it). Keep in mind these pics/vids automatically dissappear after 24 hours. _ #igersjapan

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"The journey is my home." - Muriel Rukeyser _ The Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, Yamanashi prefecture, Japan. _ While the day we visited the backdrop of Mount Fuji was obscured by clouds, the view was still amazing. _ This is a local war memorial and was not designed for tourists. But after being shown to the world about 10 years ago on Thai TV, it has become a very popular tourist destination. 400 steps lead up to this point so bring your comfy walking shoes along 😁. _ If you haven't watched my Instagram Stories today, make sure you do. Last night I explored Shibuya in Tokyo which was teeming with locals dressed on extravagant Halloween constume. This has to be seen to be believed.

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"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein _ The bright lights of Yokohama Cosmoworld in Yokohama, Japan. _ This was the view from my hotel room in InterContinental Yokohama Grand last night. Beautiful! _ #japan

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"There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life; some familiar to us and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures." - Bryant H. McGill _ Walking amongst 2000 bamboo trees in Hokokuji temple, Kamakura, Japan. _ Founded in 1334 AD, this temple is part of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The bamboo garden located behind the main hall was a training area where Butsujo Zenji, the founding priest, wrote poetry. I can see why - the tranquility and serenity is divine. _ I've only got 1 more night in Japan before returning to Canada. But I'll make the most of every moment. Next on the menu is Yokohama and Tokyo! Follow along on Instagram Stories for more. _ And its your last chance to win an iPad Pro. Check out the link in my bio to enter @travelwithbender

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"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery _ That blue... _ Picture perfect. I could gaze at it all day long. Kawazu Seven Falls in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. _ If you're enjoying my recent photos of Japan, follow along on Instagram Stories as well for more behind-the-scenes action as it happens. And feel free to tag a friend a comment below if you'd love to visit Japan. _ A special thanks to @tepwireless who are my favorite wireless Internet hotspot. I couldn't be uploading this picture without my little magic black box.

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"Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals." - Dorothy Height _ The spectacular Gate of Peace in Hakone Shrine, Hakone, Japan. _ As the sun set today it cast a whimsical glow across Lake Ashi. I happened to be in the right spot at the right time to capture this heavenly moment. _ #japan

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3 Northern Texas Vacations In 1: Grapevine, Frisco & Irving

Everything is bigger and better in Texas. So if you’re planning a trip to Dallas, fit in a few extra days around these 3 fabulous nearby destinations. I’ve got everything you need to know: where to stay, what to eat and what to do.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Man is not himself only... He is all that he sees; all that flows to him from a thousand sources... He is the land, the lift of its mountain lines, the reach of its valleys." - Mary Austin _ Cape Irozaki on the Izu Peninsula of Japan. _ The blustering wind off the sea was so strong it pushed me around like a paper cup. I tried to capture a sense of the wind with this scene. Can you feel it? _ It's amazing to realise that Japan's rich culture and fascinating heritage was closed off to the world until just over 150 years ago. Before that there was no official diplomatic or trading relations with any other country. The warm, kind hospitality and kindness I've experienced so far is nothing short of amazing. _ #japan #nature_perfection

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"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." - Alexander Graham Bell _ Watching today's sunset from Cape Aiai in Yusuge Park, Japan. Absolutely magnificent! _ Follow more exclusive updates from #Japan. Check out my Instagram Stories and share a comment.

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"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr. _ What's behind this door? _ The answer is: Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Japan. This fascinating place showcases artistic kimonos (garments) which are crafted by 7-8 artisans and take up to 1 year to create. Amazing! _ I don't know if I'd have the patience to make that. What about you? 💡

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Sunset over Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background. Japan never ceases to amaze. _ Want to come? I've got a boat just for you. _ #igersjapan #amazingplacestovisit

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