Journals - Dave's Travel Corner https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/ Seeing the World One Step at a Time Fri, 31 Oct 2025 03:05:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Chasing Sunsets in Zambales https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/chasing-sunsets-in-zambales/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/chasing-sunsets-in-zambales/#respond Fri, 31 Oct 2025 17:08:26 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=134350

The minibus wound its way along the National Highway, leaving Manila’s concrete jungle behind as the landscape gradually transformed into a tapestry of green fields and distant mountains. I was headed to Zambales, a province on the western coast of Luzon that had long captured my imagination with promises of pristine beaches and hidden coves. After four hours of travel, the familiar salt-tinged breeze of the West Philippine Sea welcomed me to San Antonio, a quiet coastal town that would be my base for the next few days. Unlike the […]

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Two Days in Vegas: Where Every Hour Counts https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/two-days-in-vegas-where-every-hour-counts/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/two-days-in-vegas-where-every-hour-counts/#respond Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:47:35 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=145051

Las Vegas is one of those cities that has always appealed to me in an intriguing sort of way. It’s not a ‘conventional’ city by any definition; its wink is seductive, filled with opportunity, excitement and flash – where money is always on full display. The city can be overwhelming, especially for first time visitors. My first trip was in college. Stepping out of the plane into one of the terminals at Harry Reid International Airport, I remember laughing to myself seeing the slot machines as soon as I entered […]

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Budget Travel in Canada: Expert Tips to Explore More and Spend Less https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/budget-travel-in-canada-expert-tips-to-explore-more-and-spend-less/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/budget-travel-in-canada-expert-tips-to-explore-more-and-spend-less/#respond Wed, 29 Oct 2025 14:43:33 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=144953

Canada’s vast, captivating scenery is excellent for budget-friendly adventure. Many travelers incorrectly assume that navigating this country requires a prohibitive financial expenditure. Strategic planning unlocks amazing experiences without dipping into required savings funds. Smart budgeting changes an ultimate Canadian dream vacation from a pricey fantasy to a real possibility. Cost-control necessitates dedicated research and an open mind to embrace alternatives to luxury options. This approach maximizes stay length and lets travelers truly immerse themselves in the diverse Canadian culture. Affordability remains within reach, from the rugged Atlantic coast to the […]

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Ekas, Lombok: Life in the Slow Lane https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/ekas-lombok-life-in-the-slow-lane/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/ekas-lombok-life-in-the-slow-lane/#respond Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:14:48 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=142883

There are places in the world that demand nothing of you but your presence. No sightseeing checklists. No need to rush. Just space to slow down, breathe deeply, and let life roll by at the pace of a coconut drifting on the tide. Ekas, a tiny surf village tucked away on the east coast of Lombok, Indonesia, is one of those rare places. I stumbled into Ekas after a week in the chaos of Kuta’s surf scene, craving quiet. What I found was a village that rewards the minimalist, no-fuss […]

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Kalinga: Reflections of an Ancient Way of Life https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/kalinga-reflections-of-an-ancient-way-of-life/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/kalinga-reflections-of-an-ancient-way-of-life/#respond Sun, 19 Oct 2025 17:30:34 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=135165

The morning mist clung to the steep rice terraces as our jeepney wound its way through the mountain roads of Kalinga province. We had departed Tabuk City, the provincial capital, before dawn, aiming to reach the remote village of Buscalan by midday. The journey was as much a destination as the village itself—every hairpin turn revealed breathtaking vistas of emerald terraces carved into mountainsides, a testament to the agricultural ingenuity that has sustained life here for centuries. Kalinga, one of the six provinces that make up the Cordillera Administrative Region […]

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6 Michelin Star Restaurants in Japan for you to try in 2026 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/6-michelin-star-restaurants-in-japan-for-you-to-try-in-2026/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/6-michelin-star-restaurants-in-japan-for-you-to-try-in-2026/#respond Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:57:15 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=144417

Japan is world-famous for its rich culinary heritage, with unique creations that have been imitated worldwide for years. Ramen, one-of-a-kind sushi, and exquisitely raised wagyu beef are sought after by millions yearly, earning Japan the status of the second country with the most Michelin-Star Restaurants. One-star, two-star, and many three-star establishments are dotted throughout Japan—some specializing in Japanese cuisine, others blending traditional ingredients with pasta, snails, and stir-fried rice. That’s right: plenty of Michelin Star Restaurants in Japan serve more than just Japanese food. How many Michelin Star Restaurants are […]

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Visiting Mt. Lassen National Park https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/visiting-mt-lassen-national-park/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/visiting-mt-lassen-national-park/#respond Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:48:08 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=142796

A part of the Cascades range, Mt. Lassen is a dormant volcano outside of Chester, California. While the volcano is considered dormant, it last erupted in 1915 and has many geologically active features, such as mud pots and hot springs. During the winter, this park is nearly inaccessible due to snowfall, but from late spring to early fall, it is a paradise for outdoor explorers and day trippers alike. Much of Mt. Lassen National Park can be seen via car, with a paved road connecting the two visitor centers and […]

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Abra: The Hidden Charms of Highland Culture https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/abra-the-hidden-charms-of-highland-culture/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/abra-the-hidden-charms-of-highland-culture/#respond Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:46:52 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=135011

The morning air carried the scent of pine as our jeepney navigated the winding roads of Cordillera. My destination, Abra Province, remained largely unknown to international travelers—a hidden gem in Northern Luzon, Philippines. As we climbed higher into the mountains, leaving behind the tourist-filled streets of Baguio City, I found myself wondering what secrets this remote province might hold. Abra sits nestled between mountains and rivers, with the mighty Abra River carving through its heart. Historically, the province served as a crossroads of highland and lowland cultures, creating a unique […]

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Torna Fort Adventure: Trek Through Monsoon Magic and Maratha Legacy! https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/torna-fort-adventure-trek-through-monsoon-magic-and-maratha-legacy/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/torna-fort-adventure-trek-through-monsoon-magic-and-maratha-legacy/#respond Sat, 04 Oct 2025 17:45:26 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=142725 Torna Fort Adventure

Greetings, fellow wanderers! I’m Dhanwant, a corporate employee from Pune who finds solace in escaping the daily grind through travel and adventure. On a vibrant Sunday, I set out with my friends Vedant, Ajay, and their friend Abhi now my friend too, because as the boys’ rule goes, “Dost ka dost, apna dost!” for an unforgettable trek to Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad. Nestled in the Sahyadri Range, this historic fort, famously captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at age 16, promised a blend of history, nature, and spiritual rejuvenation. Join me […]

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Soft2Bet: Uri Poliavich’s Visionary Journey Through Gaming and Global Travel https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-other/soft2bet-uri-poliavichs-visionary-journey-through-gaming-and-global-travel/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-other/soft2bet-uri-poliavichs-visionary-journey-through-gaming-and-global-travel/#respond Fri, 03 Oct 2025 03:06:43 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=143827

Soft2Bet has rapidly grown into one of the most dynamic iGaming platforms in Europe, standing at the crossroads of technology, entertainment, and global expansion. Behind this company is Uri Poliavich, a forward-thinking founder whose leadership style borrows inspiration not only from technology but also from the spirit of travel and exploration. Just as a great journey requires maps, tools, and courage to reach new horizons, Soft2Bet’s rise has been built on strategy, resilience, and the willingness to explore unfamiliar territories in the gaming industry. As a fellow entrepreneur, these are […]

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Japanese Fabric Banshu-ori – Explore Nishiwaki’s 200-Year Textile Heritage https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/japanese-fabric-banshu-ori-explore-nishiwakis-200-year-textile-heritage/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/japanese-fabric-banshu-ori-explore-nishiwakis-200-year-textile-heritage/#respond Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:10:18 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=143677 Monument and plaza view of Nihon Heso Park

Japan is home to many famous destinations—Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hokkaido. Step beyond these classics and you’ll discover lesser-known regions and cultures with their own allure. This time I visited Nishiwaki, Hyogo, a town celebrated as the birthplace of Banshu-ori textile weaving, where a distinct heritage and craftsmanship thrive alongside daily life. In this article, I’ll share a hands-on trip through under-the-radar spots—from Banshu-ori workshops to museums, parks, and local cuisine. Illustrated report of the Banshu-ori factory tour in Nishiwaki City — highlighting Japanese cotton textiles, vintage looms, and unique […]

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Is Japan About to Be Gifted With Our Greatest Strength™? https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/is-japan-about-to-be-gifted-with-our-greatest-strength/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/is-japan-about-to-be-gifted-with-our-greatest-strength/#respond Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:20:11 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=142591

Originally published via Armageddon Safari: On account of grim demographic trends and unyielding pressure from the West, Japan may be about to get a lot more colorful, in a manner of speaking, and culturally enriched. Related: Polish High Court Rules National Sovereignty Supersedes EU Authority, EU Sues Via Newsweek (emphasis added): “Japan logged its fewest births on record last year and more than twice as many deaths, according to a new government report, with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba calling it “a quiet emergency.”… Japan continues to post grim demographic milestones as births decline and its […]

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Ifugao: Terraced Legacy https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/ifugao-terraced-legacy/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-asia/ifugao-terraced-legacy/#respond Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:22:01 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=135127

The morning mist clung to the mountains as our car wound its way up the narrow road from Banaue town. I pressed my face against the window, eager for my first glimpse of what UNESCO had declared a World Heritage site, what locals had farmed for over 2,000 years, and what many call the “Eighth Wonder of the World”—the Ifugao rice terraces. The province of Ifugao sits in the Cordillera mountain range of Northern Luzon in the Philippines, a region where time seems to move differently than in the congested […]

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President Kevin Baugh, His Excellency of the Republic of Molossia https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/president-kevin-baugh-his-excellency-of-the-republic-of-molossia/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-north-america/president-kevin-baugh-his-excellency-of-the-republic-of-molossia/#respond Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:08:50 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=143125

Kevin Baugh is the founder and president of the Republic of Molossia, a self-proclaimed micronation in the Nevada desert. Since 1977, he has transformed his homestead into a whimsical sovereign state, blending humor and creativity into its governance. Q. For those who may not know about the Republic of Molossia, could you explain what Molossia is, what this micronation means to you, is it open to visitors? A micronation is a tiny, self-declared country, in our case located fully within the US.  The Republic of Molossia was founded on 26 […]

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Embracing the Rain https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-europe/embracing-the-rain/ https://www.davestravelcorner.com/journals/destination-europe/embracing-the-rain/#respond Sun, 14 Sep 2025 17:50:34 +0000 https://www.davestravelcorner.com/?p=142496

Terceire, Azores: Smiles in abundance, umbrella needed The plane touched down in high winds, and I almost wanted to cheer the pilot. Normally, I’m pretty calm in planes, but it was a wobbly landing with loads of turbulence, and we both released our breath when the little plane bumped on the tarmac. Peeking out of the small porthole, I scanned the landscape. Luscious greens in all shades, a few hills,  a blue sky and of course the Atlantic ocean stretching out majestically towards the horizon. Everthing looked a calm prisma […]

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