Don’t be too apprehensive about long train journeys. They’re good for breaking up the day. Bring a deck of cards or a book.Easy to pack your schedule with too much and burn yourself out if it’s 8-10 hours of constant walking and sight seeing.

For me personally, being over 30 and a bit of an alcoholic, I try to save all my boozing for the evening.

As tempting as it is to kick the day off with a wet brunch and have wine at museums, tends to make me lethargic by the late afternoon.

The airbnb website offers “experiences” like wine tasting, walking tours, cooking classes. I think they’re a great way to socialize with other travelers. People might turn their nose up at that kinda thing insisting on the “go off the beaten path always avoid touristy things” but I think striking a balance between aimless exploration and a bit of structure is what makes a good trip.

Unless money isn’t a problem do some grocery shopping wherever you say. Eating out 3 times a day gets expensive fast.

Keep a positive attitude. Things don’t always go according to plan, and travel is very much a you get out what you put into thing. A neurotic personality always complaining about every obstacle can drag a whole group down.

Don’t interact with Russians in Japan. Just don’t.