travelwith3bubs

Travel Tips, Family Friendly Holidays and Life in Hong Kong

Category: Family Travel Tips

Important Tips -Taking The Stress Out Of Japan’s Train Network
The train system in Japan is truly fantastic. If you are visiting Japan you will be sure to make use of it. A wonderful way to explore the country and it is incredibly reliable. Here are a few tips we wished we knew before our first family train journey.

3 Train Tips

The biggest mistake travelers make is having too much luggage.

The most stressful thing imaginable is standing on the platform as the bullet train (shinkansen) comes into the station. Getting yourself, your family and your luggage on the train should not of itself sound stressful. The exception to this is when you have all of 2 minutes to get on board along with everyone else!

Tip 1 – The less luggage you have, the less stressful it will be.

Apart from getting your luggage onboard in quick time, the other major issue is finding space on the train. There is very little storage space and often you will need to store your suitcase at your seat. There is usually space above your seat but this is only for smaller bags.

Tip 2 – Buy your tickets in advance online.

It is also worth collecting your tickets for the return journey at the same time. If you have booked Green or Gran Class you will get two tickets each way. So make sure you have four tickets (per person) in total. So long as you do not misplace your return tickets it saves queuing up later, especially after a ski trip. If you are collecting JR tickets make sure you show the email with your Member number in full.

Tip 3 – Be super quick.

Be ready to get on the train as soon as it arrives at the station. Give everyone in the family a task – whether it be holding a bag or just finding their seat. I am always shocked and impressed when the train leaves the station at the exact time it is scheduled. Usually this is within minutes of arrival.

You will have a brilliant holiday in Japan and will make great use of the incredible train system. If you follow my tips I guarantee you will have a much less stressful experience.

Happy commuting!

Shareen

travelwith3bubs

© 2025. All content and photographs copyright (c) 2025 travelwith3bubs. All rights reserved.
April 26, 2025
Club Med is Perfect for Families : Discover Stress Free Holidays
We are big cruise fans so that would be our first choice for a family holiday. But if you would prefer to stay on dry land then Club Med is perfect for families.

Before having kids the thought of going to Club Med was definitely not on the radar. Now I would say it is the BEST holiday on land with kids!

Rounding up the troops for a family holiday is not exactly stress free. Thinking about activities to keep all age groups amused is one issue. Then you have to find eateries to cater to all the different diets. Even deciding where to go is exhausting. All this palaver before even leaving the house! To tackle all of these issues, Club Med comes to the rescue!

Why is Club Med Perfect for Families?

Like cruising, Club Med holidays are all inclusive. There will be extra costs for a few things but on the whole most things are included. As our middle child says “Everything is Free”!

All inclusive holidays take the stress out of deciding where to eat, drink and what activities to do. You can eat, drink and do everything!

Kids also love kids. Preferably kids they know but if not then others are fine! There are always kids to play with at Club Med. There are also so many activities on offer to keep kids amused from morning until late at night.

Club Med Beach Holidays

We have been to several Club Med resorts in South East Asia and the kids absolutely loved them. Having extended family and friends join also added to the experience. From flying trapeze to water skiing, horse riding to cooking classes. There are so many activities to keep your kids busy and entertained. A highlight is that there is usually a fabulous performance by all the children. So much effort goes into the shows and the staff truly go above and beyond to create a fun atmosphere.

Having said all of the above, we are not actually beach holiday people! As great as the Club Med beach holidays are, the Club Med ski holidays are even better!

Club Med Ski Holidays

With immediate onsite fitting for boots and skis on arrival it doesn’t get easier than this. Group classes are all included. There are kids clubs for all ages. Like the beach resorts, they also put on great shows involving the kids and cute award ceremonies. Not forgetting the most important – ski in/ski out. All of which adds up to the easiest ski holiday experience with kids.

The only “hard” part is getting your child dressed in the morning. Tip 1 – tell small child to go to the loo first. Even if they don’t feel like it! The rigmarole of shedding the layers as soon as they have been put on is quite an exercise in patience! Once your child is kitted up, you hand them off to kids club. Then you don’t see them again until the end of the ski day. Brilliant! Tip 2 – label all items beforehand. This makes it much easier for staff to find their gloves, beanies and neck warmers.

Another reason why we love these holidays are that the kids are outside for most of the day. Best of all there is minimal screen time.

In terms of kids club, I would recommend waiting until the kids are at least 4 years old. That way they can attend ski lessons. Of course you can always go earlier as there are babysitting services.

With kids in kids club and ski school the parents can enjoy their own ski or spa time.

If you have kids I highly recommend you embrace Club Med and all it has to offer. Club Med is perfect for families and once you experience it you will discover why.

Happy holidays.

Shareen
travelwith3bubs

© 2025. All content and photographs copyright (c) 2025 travelwith3bubs. All rights reserved.
March 21, 2025
3 Unmissable Restaurants You Need To Try in Nozawa Onsen

A Top 3 Unmissable Restaurants list is pretty tough for Nozawa Onsen. You will not get a bad meal anywhere but I have narrowed the list down as much as possible. All the tempura, udon and soba restaurants are fabulous so for the most part I have not mentioned them individually. I just recommend you try as many as you can! For other tips on this gorgeous village see Nozawa Onsen – The Best Japanese Ski Resort. I have mentioned if booking in advance is recommended but you cannot reserve tables anywhere for lunch.

My Top 3 Unmissable Restaurants

Buna

A lunch institution.

Take the Hikage gondola up to Paradise and ski a quarter of the way down the mountain. Pop your name on the board and wait for your group to be called. Comfort food. Spectacular views. Great vibe.

The only drawback is those who don’t ski or snowboard won’t be able to join you for lunch.

Tengu Sushi

One of the more expensive meals in Nozawa Onsen but the dining experience Chef Dan-San creates is wonderful. It is a set omakase dinner. Two seatings at 5.30pm and 8pm. Kids are only allowed at the earlier 5.30pm seating and there is no kids menu.

This is one of the few restaurants that I would recommend booking well in advance. Bookings open 90 days prior to dining. I also highly recommend the drinks pairing which is great value.

Wakagiri

One of the few restaurants to serve sushi and sashimi as well as the usual staples. Great variety with something for everyone. Opening times are extremely unreliable for lunch. I prefer it for lunch but recommend booking for dinner purely so you can have a confirmed meal. Dinner reservations open one week in advance from 8am. Phone bookings recommended but you can also send an email.

So there you have my Top 3 restaurants in Nozawa Onsen. I do hope you can try them all!

Honorable Mentions Not in the Top 3 Unmissable Restaurants

Not in the Top 3 but still so many great restaurants it seems rude not to mention a few more. In no particular order –

Tanuki Teppanyaki

On the expensive side. Set dinner with a fun atmosphere especially if you have a group and book all 14 seats. Great view looking into the village.

The Corner Steakhouse

If you are craving western food or just want a steak or burger. They also have a huge portion of chicken nuggets (15!) if the kids need appeasing which is a good takeaway option.

Akebitei Okonomiyaki

Cheap and cheerful okonomiyaki run by two old dears. But you need to start queuing 15 minutes before opening to be guaranteed a seat in the first sitting. Opens at 6pm (sometimes 5.30pm). No reservations, no takeaway and cash only.

Winterland Taproom & Gyoza Bar

Specialising in gyoza. Fun vibe and good beers.

Billiken

Hearty lunches and very reasonably priced. Can sometimes do takeaway pizza if not super busy. Often full but there is a cheeky single seat at the window if you’re on your own.

Tsukushinbo

Cute izakaya, great vibe in the heart of the village. Must book.

Gochisou Pizza

Fun vibe. Interesting pizza toppings. Can usually fit big groups without requiring reservation too far in advance.

Wagyutei

Sukiyaki and shabu shabu. Yummy and hearty dinner. They’re not very flexible on their sets and insist on ordering a set per person but the meal is good. They can also cater to bigger groups.

Yoshimi

The best tempura and soba including a delicious udon soup served in a crock pot. Horse meat for those interested !😶

Usually can walk in early but best to pop in and book a day or two in advance.

For more detailed reviews you can also see some of my previous reviews on tripadvisor.

Thanks for reading and happy eating!

Shareen

travelwith3bubs

© 2025. All content and photographs copyright (c) 2025 travelwith3bubs. All rights reserved.

March 15, 2025
Nozawa Onsen – The Best Japanese Ski Resort

Nozawa Onsen – the best Japanese Ski Resort and the worst Best Kept Secret

Nozawa Onsen is a bit like Fight Club. Everyone who has been to Nozawa Onsen does not want to tell anyone else about Nozawa Onsen. Indeed any Instagram and TikTok posts are met with disdain, anger and abuse. But it’s too late. The cat is most definitely out of the bag.

About Nozawa Onsen

Nozawa Onsen is a quaint beautiful village in Nagano prefecture. It only requires a bullet train from Tokyo (under 2 hours). A short bus or taxi ride (20 minutes) will then take you to the village.

The ski resort recently celebrated it’s 100 year anniversary. Foreigners have been going the last twenty years or so. But it has only been the last few years that it has become THE place to be.

Many newcomers are Niseko converts. Niseko is the upmarket resort in the North famous for its great powder but long queues and fully booked restaurants. Unlike Niseko which requires a flight to Hokkaido, Nozawa Onsen is accessible from Tokyo which offers many more flight options. It is also great to have the chance to spend days either side, exploring everything Tokyo has to offer. But that’s another blog entirely.

The Famous Nozawa Onsens

Nozawa Onsen is also famous for its public onsens (hot baths) dotted around the village. These waters are known for their medicinal properties but are not for the fainthearted. Coming to grips with the rules of Onsen etiquette is important. Getting used to being fully nude and managing the almost boiling temperatures are all part of the experience.

Important Tips

Accommodation

There are a range of accommodations but if you do decide to go, do not leave it too late. Most returners tend to book a year in advance. Once they come off the slopes on their last day of skiing they sign up for the following year!

Restaurants

Now that Nozawa Onsen is more popular than ever, it is also worth booking some restaurants ahead of time. For the most part this only needs to be a few days or weeks rather than months. See my blog on 3 Unmissable Restaurants You Must Try in Nozawa Onsen. This also highlights the restaurants you must book early.

Lunches are all walk in so you just need to queue. Best tip is to get there when they first open or slightly earlier. Most people do not linger over lunch so the wait times are not long.

Nightlife in Nozawa

Nightlife is very tame – think Whistler, but the opposite.

There are a few bars but not a lot of rowdy yahooing. There is still enough for the younger crowd to enjoy great nights out after a long day on the slopes.

Nozawa Onsen for Non Skiers

For those who don’t ski there is enough to do for a week. One can visit the snow monkeys, go snow walking, take cooking classes and enjoy the village. There are yoga classes, a climbing wall and of course all the onsens to explore.

Our family love Nozawa Onsen for its gorgeous village feel, hearty food offerings and fantastic skiing amongst a beautiful backdrop.

I highly recommend a visit for your next ski holiday – despite the backlash I will receive!

For more detailed information about the village.

Thanks for reading and happy skiing.

Shareen

travelwith3bubs

© 2025. All rights reserved.

March 5, 2025
The Great Migration – Safaris don’t get better than this
Safaris are awesome. In Botswana I have taken a dugout canoe through the Okavango Delta and camped in tents in Chobe National Park. In South Africa I have stayed in luxury lodges in the Kruger National Park. And in India I have seen tigers in Ranthambore National Park. BUT, if I was to choose only one destination for a safari it would hands down be Tanzania. Specifically – the Mara River in the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration.

Taking oneself let alone one’s family on an African safari is indeed a huge financial undertaking. Witnessing the Great Migration is an absolute bucket list item. So if the opportunity presents itself I would say do it!

Many people go on safari with young children. I personally would wait until they around 11 years old to really appreciate the incredible journey.

Getting There – not so direct to witness the Great Migration

A safari in Tanzania requires several stops on very small planes. It is not for the fainthearted or indeed the very tall traveller! Coming home our journey involved six stops – Lamai, Fort Ikoma, Seronera, Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Doha and finally Hong Kong. So direct it is not!

Packing is also more challenging. Everything should be in duffle bags and there are strict weight restrictions. There is no space for big suitcases in the plane storage. For further tips on packing refer to my post Challenge : 3 weeks, 3 kids with just carry on?

Accommodations range from luxury lodges to tented camps. Whatever your budget it will still seem like a huge chunk of change. But try not to linger on that thought (like we did all during the lead up). Once you are there you will feel it is money completely well spent.

The Great Migration – What you see

Most safaris I experienced before Tanzania involved prides of lion sleeping under trees or stunning leopards sleeping on tree branches. Amazing yes. But in terms of action, not so much.

Fast forward to the Great Migration. From the moment we stepped off our tiny plane and into our fully open jeep the adventure began.

Just the journey from the airstrip to our campsite we witnessed a plethora of activity. Wildebeest and zebra deciding whether to cross the river. Lions awaiting their decision, while hyenas and vultures lurked in hope of catching some scraps.

Cheetahs, three brothers in fact, on a team hunt hoping to nab a gazelle. Meanwhile giraffes and pairs of ostrich popped out of bushes to cross our path.

Herds of elephants drinking at water holes surrounded by stunning birds and inquisitive otters.

It was all too much!

The Great Migration – what is it

Although the movement of animals occurs throughout the year it is generally divided into several key periods. July and August are the peak viewing season as the herds cross into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. The incredible river crossings are the most dramatic scenes I have ever witnessed.

After our first day my middle son exclaimed “The Serengeti is Brutal!”. He was not wrong.

Getting the timing right is of course up to mother nature. We were incredibly lucky that the river crossings only started the day we arrived. That was mid July. If you do not get the timing spot on do not despair. Although that experience was truly mind blowing, there is still an abundance of action.

I would highly recommend working with safari specialists to point you in the right direction both accommodation and timing wise. This is the company we used and they were brilliant.

Safari – The Joy of Being in Nature

What I love about holidays like this is that you are outdoors for most of the day surrounded by nature. Many accommodations do not have wifi so everyone is forced to have a digital detox. In the evenings we played board games or gathered around the fire to discuss our sightings with other guests.

From my experiences thus far, a safari is the very best holiday one could ever hope to do. Seeing animals roaming freely in their habitat is incredibly special. Sharing that experience as a family was a once in a lifetime trip that we will forever remember.

Thanks for reading.

Shareen

travelwith3bubs

© 2025. All content and photographs copyright (c) 2025 travelwith3bubs. All rights reserved.
February 28, 2025
Carry On Challenge : It’s a Game Changer
Carry On Challenge – 3 weeks,3 kids

A couple of summers ago our family of five spent 3 weeks holidaying in Europe. A week on the Greek island of Kythera, followed by a week cruising and a week in Arezzo, Italy. My one rule – all family members were only allowed to take carry on luggage!

Surely one needs more than carry on you say?! The boys did not mind so much. Our 17 year old daughter needed more convincing…

Losing luggage in Europe during the height of summer seemed very high so I didn’t want to risk it. It was absolutely the right call. Had we not done so we would have spent the entire cruise with the clothes on our back!

Flying from Kythera to Athens most checked in luggage, for reasons unknown, did not make it on the plane. Passengers waited hours at the conveyor belt for their luggage only to find out they had not left the island!

With only one flight per day, luggage would not be received until the arrival of the flight the next day. In our case, we were going straight on a cruise ship the next morning. Any luggage would not have been returned until we got back to Athens after the cruise!

After finding out about that incident, our teenage daughter was convinced – Carry On Only was a brilliant idea!

Top 3 Essentials for Carry On Only

1. Packing Method

To follow the Carry On Only policy one needs to implement the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method. I originally read about this on a home and lifestyle website.

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method involves variations around –
- 5 tops
- 4 bottoms
- 3 dresses/jumpsuits and 3 shoes
- 2 swimming togs and 2 bags
- 1 accessory (hat, scarf, sunglasses)
This packing method has been invaluable and by keeping to matching combinations it is not difficult. For the most part we looked fairly decent. The uber cool waitstaff at the Dolce and Gabbana Martini restaurant in Milan would probably say otherwise!

Our outfits in holiday snaps are same/samey but hey, are you a tourist or in a fashion show! (Actually in Milan it was probably the latter!)

There can be lots of variations to the 5-4-3-2-1 method. Our daughter had about 15 tops but teenage girls tops and indeed all their clothing items seem to be minimal. They didn’t take up much extra space!

As a base template this method will massively cut down on your packing. Of course using packing cubes are also a must.

I have also tried this for winter destinations, swapping out dresses and swimsuits for jackets and thermals. It is much harder to squeeze ski gear in carry on but usually I will wear or hold bulkier items. We also followed this method when we went on safari although all items were khaki in colour!

Deciding what to include for the kids in the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method!

2. Transfer Liquids

The biggest effort with Carry On Only is what to do about liquids. I suggest ordering a range of 50ml and 100ml travel bottles to transfer moisturisers, cleansers and hair products. Note – stricter airports only allow a 1 litre in one see-through bag. If you are happy to use any products then you can always buy supplies when you arrive at your destination.

Transfer all liquids into 100ml containers

3. Get on board early – carry on needs overhead space

Another challenge when travelling with Carry On Only is finding enough overhead locker space. Nowadays people seem to bring all sorts of items of varying shapes and sizes and it fills up super quick.

It is not unusual to have your cabin bag in an overhead locker nowhere near your seat. This makes it easier for opportunistic thieves to take something from yours while pretending to open theirs! To avoid this, queue up at the gate early so you can “bags” the lockers above your seat. Don’t worry if you look like a keen bean!

I highly recommend you give Carry On Only a try. It is such a win to walk off the plane, go through immigration and then straight out the door. A wonderful head start to your holiday!

Thanks for reading and I do hope you give it a try!

Shareen

All packed and ready to go! Carry On Only for 3 weeks in Europe for a family of 5!

travelwith3bubs

© 2025
February 18, 2025

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