Great Smoky Mountains

4.00 Jgriffindor6 United States - 29-Sep-24

I went here on a family trip a few years ago and although we had an amazing time and I give the WHS a solid 4 stars, that does come with some major reservations. One of them being a place that starts with G and ends in burg.

Yes, the infamous Gatlinburg and its partner in crime Pigeon Forge. Being from the West Coast, we had no idea what was in store for us. No clue that Gatlinburg IS the capital of American kitsch. We were just there to go hiking. So obviously we decided to stay in Gatlinburg, not knowing we were entering one of Dante's circles of hell. If you enjoy kitsch or are a foreigner who wants to experience something abnoxiously american just for kicks, then go on ahead. But if you value your sanity do not stay in Gatlinburg.

Nikko

5.00 Jgriffindor6 United States - 29-Sep-24

As I had taken a Japanese history class in college and learned all about the Tokugawa shogunate, I had to work visiting Nikko into my travel plans. We took the (super early) express train from Asakusa station and made it to Nikko right when the temples started opening.

The highlight is Toshogu shrine, as it is the grandest and contains the remains of Tokugawa Ieyasu. But it is also chocked with hordes of school tour groups at all times, even if you go early. It is worth braving the crowds however, because the carvings are amazing. The restoration team did a wonderful job. Taiyuin is almost just as grand and much more peaceful than Toshogu. This one contains the remains of Tokugawa Iemitsu. The mountain and forest atmosphere is also in itself peaceful.

Angkor

5.00 Jgriffindor6 United States - 23-Sep-24

It has been a dream of mine to visit Angkor since i was a child, and the experience was perhaps even better than I could have imagined! Massive would be an understatement for the scale of this place. There are enough ruins here to keep you occupied for days, and then some. Angkor wat itself is of course a highlight, but don't miss Banteay Srei! Its a bit out there compared to the others but the artwork is amazing. It is totally worth it to get up early for the sunrise over angkor wat. Stay later for the sunset too!