Madeira Remote: Is Funchal’s Newest Coliving Space Worth It?

Madeira is one of those places that every digital nomad needs to tick off their bucket list at some point. It's filled with stunning views, lots of unique culture and history, delicious food, and what we think might be Europe’s strongest remote work community.
So, when we heard about Madeira Friends’ brand new coliving space, Madeira Remote, we knew we had to check it out. It calls itself an amazing coliving space with built-in community for digital nomads, but we’re here to tell you whether it...

Our LGBTQIA+ Japan Travel Guide For An Unforgettable Trip

As a Japan-based travel agency, we know that the experience of travelling anywhere in the world as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community comes with more complications than it should. There are additional safety considerations, concerns around public perception, and hesitations around what should be simple day-to-day experiences.Then, there’s also the positive side of queer travel: getting to find and celebrate your community and chosen family in every corner of the world.Well, the good news when it...

Japan Guided Tour Or Plan It Yourself? My Recommendations…

Japan is an amazing place to visit for far too many reasons than I can list in just the intro of one blog post. The food, the history, the culture, the safety, the theme parks, the natural beauty…the list truly doesn’t stop.But whilst the ways you can enjoy a trip to Japan are almost endless, deciding the best way to actually experience them can get tricky. I’m talking about the decision whether to plan your Japan trip all by yourself vs booking a Japan guided tour.Hands in the air, Flip Japan i...

Best Global eSIM Subscriptions for Digital Nomads

Using an international eSIM is nothing new these days, but recently we’ve been experimenting with replacing our one-time plans with global eSIM subscriptions. Instead of single-use data packs that expire, these plans automatically renew every month, essentially meaning you set up the eSIM once, and can use it indefinitely all over the world.
As digital nomads who are always on the road and (let’s be honest) sick to death of buying new eSIMs every 30 days, this is huge. We’ve been comparing the t...

eSIM Subscriptions vs Buying Per-Trip eSIMs: Which is Better

There’s a new eSIM option floating around that has been catching our attention: eSIM subscriptions. They’re a monthly rolling alternative to the one-off eSIM plans we’re used to, and supposedly make it cheaper and easier to stay connected as a frequent traveler.
So, we’re putting this promise to the test as a group of digital nomads who are always on the road. Budget is always top of mind when it comes to new travel tech, so in this post we’re directly comparing eSIM subscriptions with per-trip...

The Basics Of Filming In Japan: Laws, Permits, And Locations

Filming in Japan is an amazing opportunity to capture serene beauty, unique crafts, and some truly novel experiences. However, it also comes with plenty of rules. Regulations are shaped by both the law and strong cultural expectations around privacy, order, and respect for shared spaces. As a result, film crews can come up against complicated permit applications and confusing filming rules.If you are producing commercial content, documentaries, or branded media, understanding the basics of filmi...

Top Tips to Save Money on Rental Cars When Traveling

Renting a car can make traveling so much more comfortable and convenient. It can also eat into your budget, with so many extra costs and hidden fees that the final cost ends up being way higher than you ever expected.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. After years on the road as full-time international travelers, we’ve learned enough tricks to create this guide on how to save money on rental cars. We know the traps to avoid, the costs worth taking, and the key to making a rental vehicle fit int...

The Ultimate Japan Bucket List: 60+ Unmissable Experiences

Is it possible to “complete” Japan from a travel point of view? We’re not sure…but we definitely can try. As a travel agency made up of travel lovers who have made a point of exploring up and down the country, we’ve put together this ultimate Japan bucket list of the must-do experiences to feel like you might have “done it all”.We’re breaking up the Japan to-do list by region, with a few special sections for the “Golden Route”, as, let’s be honest, there’s just a whole lot to do in Tokyo, Kyoto,...

Preply Hands-On Review: Honest Take for Language Learners

We know better than most just how many language learning apps and platforms are on offer these days. Honestly, it feels like a new one pops up on a near-weekly basis. But, we have to say, Preply isn’t like the rest.
The platform is all about 1-on-1 virtual language lessons with real people who are native and fluent speakers. We’ve been putting it to the test as digital nomads who travel a lot and need alternatives to traditional language lessons, and in this post, we’re sharing our genuine thoug...

What Is A Japan Media Fixer? And How To Work With One

If you’re based abroad and planning a media shoot in Japan, you may already be considering hiring a Japan media fixer. They are a person or team already established in Japan, with experience in coordinating local shoots, ready to step in and streamline the many logistics that go into on-location pre-production.The truth is, filming in Japan is far more complicated than you might expect. Without a local network of crew and vendors and a grasp of the language, trying to organise an otherwise simpl...

Top Japanese Haircare Brands For Thick and Healthy Hair - Savvy Tokyo

Comparing Japan’s top haircare brands and bestselling products so you know exactly what to buy for better hair.Our Savvy guide to Japan’s most popular haircare brands, &honey, Fino Premium Touch, Tsubaki and Moist Diane.

One of the first things you might have noticed when arriving in Japan is just how beautiful the average woman’s hair is. There’s no denying it, the hair game is strong here. A lot of it is thanks to the amazing Japanese haircare products you can find at...

Best eSIMs for the Philippines in 2026: Tested and Reviewed

Is there anything quite like island-hopping in the Philippines? We don’t think so. But the experience can quickly go from a dream to a nightmare if you haven’t sorted your data in advance. Trust us, you really don’t want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with zero service or data.
That’s why we’re always telling people to look into an international eSIM for travel. You can buy one before you even leave for the Philippines, setting it up for automatic activation, then get instant internet c...

Best eSIMs for Australia Travel in 2026 (Our Picks)

You probably don’t need us to tell you that traveling in Australia is epic. It's one of the most diverse landscapes we’ve visited, with metropolitan cities, crazy nature reserves, tropical beaches, ski resorts, and just about everything in between.
But to get the most out of your time there, you’re going to need a quality eSIM that can keep you connected through it all. Trust us, the last thing you need is to be 5 hours into a 12-hour road trip through the Australian outback only to discover tha...

Best eSIMs for Singapore Travel 2026 (Tested and Reviewed)

We’ve tested eSIMs across the globe from pretty much every provider on the market. We’re talking tiny plans up to multi-month unlimited data options that keep you covered all over the world.
What’s different about Singapore is that the country is small, compact, and already has a ton of super-fast public WiFi options. That means for an eSIM to be worth the investment, it has to have amazing 5G coverage, be easy to install, and not cost an arm and a leg.
Lucky for you, we’ve done the research and...

Best eSIMs for Vietnam Travel in 2026: Our Experience

We think every digital nomad should experience Vietnam at least once, but if we’re being real, the first time you arrive can be a little overwhelming. Navigating trains, buses, and the famously chaotic traffic is no small feat…and when you do it without any internet connection, it gets even harder.
That’s why we recommend having your Vietnam eSIM bought, prepped, and ready before even arriving in the country. It means you’re connected from the moment you touch down, with high-speed internet, and...

Testing the Best eSIMs for China Travel in 2026

You might not know this, but getting a physical SIM card in China is way more complicated than just stopping by a 7/11 in Thailand. You need your passport and have to go to specific provider stores just to get signed up.
Or, you could get an eSIM through your phone before even landing in China, which activates automatically. We know which option we think is best. To make your next China trip the smoothest yet, here’s a quick breakdown of our top recommendations for eSIMs in China after a whole l...

6 Best Austrian eSIMs for Travel in 2026 (Tried and Tested)

Don’t be like us. Landing in a new country and being immediately stranded without phone data, roaming options, or a local SIM one too many times. Luckily, these days we know that nothing beats a good eSIM. You can set it up way before even taking off for your next trip, getting smooth service from the moment that you land in a brand new place.
We’ve been personally testing the best international eSIM providers for some time now, and when it comes to the top eSIM options for Austria, we’re ready...

An Extensive Guide To MICE Tourism In Japan

The benefits of exploring MICE tourism in Japan are expansive and impressive. The country is one of the world’s most organised and respected choices for business events, as well as a highly desired travel destination. It has the framework and capacity for both large-scale conferences and smaller bespoke retreats, making it ideal for MICE experiences across the board. However, planning a successful event still requires specialised knowledge and intentional decision-making.This guide delves into e...

Luxury Japanese Skincare: What’s Worth the Price Tag? - Savvy Tokyo

The best products for beautiful and radiant skin. A Savvy guide to which luxury J-beauty products deliver the best results for beautiful and radiant skin.

Japan is known for its innovative and luxurious skincare ranges that bridge the gap between science, indulgence and beauty. However, when many of these stunning products come at extravagant prices, knowing which are actually worth the high price can be tricky. In this guide, we’re breaking down the top luxury J-beauty...

Foodie’s Ultimate Dotonbori Guide: What To Eat And Where

For many, Dotonbori is the heart and soul of Osaka, and really is the place to experience the city’s slogan of kuidaore or “eat till you drop”. There are hundreds of places to eat, drink, snack, and shop, and whilst part of the fun is definitely just exploring aimlessly, it helps to know the best spots before arriving.If you’re a foodie in Japan who doesn’t want to settle for the touristy side of Dotonbori but wants to find the most authentic, unique, and unmissable bites instead, then this is t...

The Ultimate Nagasaki Area Guide And 1-Day Itinerary

If you’re looking for a destination in Southern Japan that has a little bit of everything, then you really need to consider Nagasaki. There, you’ll find a beautiful port city on the coast of Kyushu, which has a complex and incredible history. As one of Japan’s closest points to mainland Asia, you’ll find an important trading past and current cultural fusion, in addition to the stunning natural coastal landscapes.We truly love Nagasaki, and we’re not the only ones, with the New York Times naming...

PokéPark Kanto: Everything You Need To Know To Get Tickets And Visit

PokéPark Kanto is easily one of the most anticipated openings of the year in Tokyo, with people planning entire trips around the experience. But what does a visit to PokéPark Kanto actually look like, and how do you even get tickets in the first place?In this post, we’re sharing absolutely everything you need to know about PokéPark Kanto after its grand opening earlier in 2026. Keep reading to learn how to get tickets, the PokéPark Kanto attractions, and what you need to know before leaving for...

Drugstore Skincare in Japan: Breaking Down The Most Popular Brands & Products - Savvy Tokyo

What to buy at the drugstore from Japan’s most famous skincare linesYour drugstore skincare shopping guide to Japan’s most beloved ranges, including Hada Labo, Bioré and Nameraka Honpo.
Shopping for drugstore skincare in Japan is such a treat. You can find some of the most innovative, interesting and reasonably priced products in the world, that we think even rival some of the ultra-luxury brands that cost 10 times as much.


However, we also know that deciding exactly w...

The Ultimate Omicho Market Food Guide: 6 Must-Visit Stalls

Tsukiji and Nishiki are cool, but have you heard of Omicho Market in Kanazawa? It’s been around ever since the Edo Period, has close to 200 food stalls, and gives you the chance to try the very best foods and dishes that Kanazawa has to offer…all in one place.In my opinion, no trip to Kanazawa is really complete without lunch at Omicho Market, but knowing how to plan for a flawless visit that includes all the best bites can be tricky. That’s where this post comes in. I’m sharing my tried and tru...
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