Tailored by Michelle at TravelUn

09/04/2026

🌺 Dreaming of Tahiti? This one might just tip you over the edge...

I'm excited to share this gorgeous package from Ponant — Le Paul Gauguin: Jewels of Tahiti — sailing 12–23 November 2026. And right now there are some seriously good early booking savings on offer.

Le Paul Gauguin is an intimate ship sailing French Polynesia — purpose-built for these waters, with just 332 guests and a level of access to remote lagoons and atolls that larger ships simply can't match. Think turquoise water, white sand, swaying palms... yes, it really does look like that.

✨ What's included from AUD$8,999pp (twin share):
✈️ Flight credit to the value of $1,800pp
🏨 2 nights luxury in Papeete with breakfast (pre-cruise)
🚢 7-night cruise aboard Le Paul Gauguin, Papeete return
🏨 2 nights luxury in Papeete with breakfast (post-cruise)
🍽️ All main meals onboard + complimentary beverages
🍹 Daily restocked minibar (non-alcoholic)
🧁 4pm tea & light snacks, 6pm aperitif & petit-fours
🎉 Captain's cocktail, entertainment & onboard conferences
🏄 Watersports, exclusive beach access & much more

That's 11 nights total — four of them in a beautiful Papeete hotel, and seven floating through some of the most stunning islands on the planet. Whether you're sipping sundowners on deck or snorkelling a remote lagoon, this is the kind of trip that stays with you.

⏰ LAST CHANCE — Early Booking Offer + USD$500 Shipboard Credit per person!
Offer valid until 25 April 2026 or until sold out/withdrawn. Don't sit on this one!

If Tahiti has been on your list, I'd love to help you make it happen. Slide into my DMs, hit the link in my bio, or drop a comment below and I'll be in touch 🌊

27/03/2026

04/03/2026

WIN A CRUISE WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN!

Dreaming about setting sail to the Great Barrier Reef for adventure or relaxation in February 2027?

Together with Royal Caribbean® we are excited to offer one lucky entrant the chance to WIN a Balcony Cabin for 2 people onboard Quantum of the Seas® visiting Airlie Beach, Cairns, and cruising Willis Island from Brisbane on 19 February 2027*!

There are so many reasons to get excited about a Discover deck-defying thrills, game-changing onboard entertainment and endless ways to fill every sea day with unforgettable moments!

This prize is valued over $4470 and all you have to do is answer one question below!

Please Note:- Only One entry per person will be allocated in the draw!

Hurry, competition closes 31 March 2026 - see below for details.

https://tailoredbymichelleattravelun.au/win-a-royal-cruise

20/02/2026

Japan Winter Adventure – Days 13, 14 & 15: Waterfalls, History & A Perfect Fuji Moment 🌸⛰️

We were up early and back into Kawazu to see those vibrant early-blooming cherry blossoms one more time. Being a Saturday, the secret was definitely out and the Tokyo crowds had arrived, so we admired the pink riverbanks briefly before heading off on our next adventure.

First stop: Kawazu Seven Waterfalls. Tucked into this natural area is an outdoor onsen at the base of one of the falls where you actually wear swimmers. Soaking in warm mineral water with cool air around you and the sound of rushing water nearby is pretty special. We even ran into more Australians there. Japan in winter is definitely on the Aussie radar.

From there we continued south to the port town of Shimoda, which has a fascinating maritime history. This is where Commodore Perry arrived in the 1850s, helping open Japan to the West. We walked along Perry Road, a narrow willow-lined lane he once marched down with his delegation on the way to Ryosen-ji Temple to conclude the Shimoda Treaty. It’s always interesting to stand somewhere that quietly shaped world history.

We couldn’t resist the ropeway up Mount Nesugatayama for sweeping views over the harbour. Gondolas seem to be a theme of this trip, and no one is complaining.

That evening we checked into Oni no Sumika in Shuzenji for a traditional ryokan stay. Two-bedroom villa, two private onsens, peaceful surroundings… absolute bliss. The next morning’s traditional Japanese breakfast was beautifully presented and adventurous. Let’s just say fish at 7am is still something I’m working on.

After breakfast we wandered through Shuzenji before the day-trippers arrived. With its bamboo grove, temple and riverside paths, it’s often called “Little Kyoto” and you can see why.

Keeping one eye firmly on the weather, we adjusted plans and headed to Izu Panoramic Park a day earlier than scheduled. Good decision. At the top, there she was… Mount Fuji in full snowy glory. Clear, majestic and completely worth the timing gamble. We sat with coffee, soaking up that view alongside local visitors who never seem to tire of her either.

We then explored the west coast of the Izu Peninsula, winding roads offering occasional Fuji glimpses between dramatic coastal bends. This region really is spectacular and feels under the radar compared to Japan’s headline destinations.

After checking out on Monday morning, we stopped at the Mishima Skywalk, Japan’s longest suspension bridge at 400 metres. On a clear day the Fuji views are magnificent. We then drove through Hakone, noticeably busier with Tokyo visitors, before reaching our final stop.

Our last night in Shizuoka was at the brand-new Edit x Seven Hotel. It usually boasts front-row Fuji views… but the clouds had other ideas. No mountain, just clouds and mist. That’s travel. We did, however, have our own private sauna, which softened the disappointment considerably. Takeaway dinner from downstairs, early night in, and a quiet moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary few days exploring a truly diverse corner of Japan.

17/02/2026

Japan Winter Adventure – Days 11 & 12: Samurai Stories, Wasabi Truths & Spring Sneaking In 🌸

Today we handed the planning over to Jimmy from Jimmy’s Izu Tours and settled in for a full local deep-dive. Having someone who truly knows an area makes all the difference, and Jimmy had a story for every stop.

We began at Otonashi Shrine in Ito, tied to Minamoto Yoritomo and a rather dramatic love story from Japan’s past. The grounds are also connected to safe childbirth, which explains the unusual ladles with holes hanging around the shrine… and yes, it’s also home to the annual “butt sumo” festival. Japan always keeps you guessing.

Next was the Miura Anjin (William Adams) Memorial near the river mouth, then on to the Jogasaki Coast where we crossed the suspension bridge and visited the lighthouse with waves crashing below. A good reminder that the Izu Peninsula is just as much about volcanic coastline as it is hot springs.

Lunch in Shuzenji was a welcome warm break before the serious business of the day… wasabi education. At the visitor centre we compared the green paste we all think is wasabi (it isn’t) with freshly grated real wasabi (completely different experience). We learned how it’s grown in flowing spring water, visited the fields themselves, and finished at Banjo Falls. By the end of the day we felt oddly qualified to talk about Japanese condiments.

That night turned into one of those travel memories you can’t plan.
We walked into a tiny local restaurant near our onsen and immediately realised we were the only non-locals. The regulars shuffled seats, helped us order, and between Google Translate, hand gestures and plenty of laughter we managed perfectly. Australians in a neighbourhood restaurant… adopted for the evening.

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The next morning we drove to Mt Omuro, the perfectly shaped little volcano rising from the peninsula. A chairlift takes you to the top where you can walk the crater rim with 360-degree views across to Mt Fuji, the Izu Islands and Sagami Bay. Worth every step.

Then we continued to Kawazu, the whole reason for visiting this area at this time of year. Every February the early blooming sakura appear here weeks before the rest of Japan. We checked into our beachfront hotel (suddenly felt like a resort holiday), caught the shuttle into town and were greeted by rows and rows of bright pink blossoms lining the river.

Over 8,000 trees blooming, food stalls cooking, locals strolling, and none of the peak-season crowds. It’s a wonderful reminder you don’t have to follow the masses to see Japan at its best.

We wandered, ate, admired the blossoms, then walked back along the coast for a quiet night in with the sound of waves crashing below from our open window.
Another day, another completely different side of Japan.

15/02/2026

Japan Winter Adventure – Days 9 & 10: From Frozen Seas to Ocean Breeze ❄️🚄🌊

Today was one of those days you quietly hope lives up to the planning… and it absolutely did.

We boarded the Ryuhyo Monogatari Drift Ice Sightseeing Train, a winter-only service running between Abashiri and Shiretoko-Shari along the Sea of Okhotsk. Big windows, slow pace, and nothing but white coastline and drifting sea ice stretching into the distance. It feels less like transport and more like sitting inside a moving observation deck.

Local railway volunteers were onboard chatting, pointing things out and making everyone feel welcome. Japan has a lovely habit of turning even simple journeys into shared experiences rather than just getting from A to B.

We stopped at tiny Kitahama Station, which sits right on the shoreline and climbed the wooden lookout to see the coast.

At Shiretoko-Shari we had time to spare, so we found a cosy café and thawed out before happily repeating the journey in reverse. Nobody minded seeing that view twice.

But the real adventure began after the train.

Straight from the station we were collected for a snowshoe trek to the coast. With some hesitation we strapped on the oversized footwear while our guide Seikka promised we’d get the hang of it quickly. He was right. After several awkward steps we suddenly felt like Arctic explorers. It was just the four Aussies and a Japanese couple from Osaka.

The forest was silent except for the crunch of snow. We reached the shoreline and then walked across to a frozen waterfall, glittering in the winter sun. Seikka then casually produced a hiking stove and made hot chocolate for us right there in the snow. Four Australians standing beside a frozen waterfall drinking hot chocolate in Hokkaido… definitely a “how did we end up here?” moment.

Climbing back up the slope looked challenging but the snowshoes did most of the work. We returned pleasantly exhausted, cheeks frozen, and very satisfied with life. The rooftop onsen afterwards felt especially deserved, followed by a properly booked dinner because today required real calories.

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Next morning we said goodbye to Hokkaido, which felt a little like leaving winter camp.

We sent our large suitcases ahead using Japan’s luggage delivery service, crossed our fingers and trusted the system. Then it was a quick flight from Memanbetsu to Tokyo, a local train to Shinagawa, and onto the Shinkansen south.

Within a few hours the landscape changed completely. Snowfields disappeared, the air softened, and suddenly we were arriving in Atami.

We collected our hire car and visited the local castle before driving the winding coastal roads to Ito on the Izu Peninsula. After days of icy streets, the sight of the ocean felt almost tropical.

And then the hotel revealed its best feature… a private onsen bath in our room.

After trekking through snowdrifts and frozen coastlines, soaking in steaming mineral water while listening to waves outside was the perfect transition to the next part of the journey. Japan really does reward you if you travel through its seasons instead of just visiting one.

14/02/2026

Japan Winter Adventure – Days 7 & 8: Dancing in Snow & Chasing Floating Ice ❄️🧊

We gave our feet a small mercy this morning… a slow start. Laundry, a little work, and some wandering local shops while the ice sculptors put the finishing touches on their masterpieces ready for judging. Even in a freezing walkway the Japanese still manage precision.

Today’s outing was the Otokoyama Sake Park. Local bus there, tastings inside, happy travellers leaving. This is serious sake territory with award-winning bottles going out all over the world, so naturally we did our duty and sampled.

Back to the hotel for a warming onsen, then rugged up again for dinner at another tiny local restaurant. At this point we’ve accepted Japan simply does not produce bad meals. After dinner we wandered to the festival stage where a DJ was playing. Somehow this turned into our group dancing in the snow while locals politely watched the curious behaviour of Australians in winter conditions.

Honestly, they were very kind about it.

My guests are well and truly falling in love with Japan.

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Next morning: early train to Abashiri on the Sea of Okhotsk coast. Four hours through white landscapes that never seemed to end, we saw deer and foxes along the way.

Abashiri is famous for drift ice. Each year ice travels down from Russia’s Amur River and piles along Hokkaido’s coast creating a frozen ocean. It’s one of those natural events that sounds made-up until you see it.

We hauled luggage 800 metres through snow to our hotel. Character building exercise. We deserved lunch afterwards and eventually found a little restaurant with the assistance of Google Translate and optimism.

The rooftop onsen here might be one of the best yet. Sitting in steaming water while snow falls around you feels slightly unreal.

Dinner was an adventure. Many places were full (or possibly just cautious about four frozen Australians appearing at the door). Eventually an Okonomiyaki restaurant welcomed us in and once again… another fantastic meal.

Japan continues its streak: cold outside, warm everywhere else.

13/02/2026

Japan Winter Adventure – Days 5 & 6: Snow, Spirits & Slightly Frozen Eyebrows ❄️🥃

We upgraded today from “brave tourists” to “very brave tourists”… because we hired a guide and a driver and pointed the car straight into a Hokkaido snowstorm. Sensible? Debatable. Worth it? Absolutely.

First stop: the Yoichi Nikka Whisky Distillery.
We arrived to heavy snow falling through old brick buildings and steaming chimneys. It looked less like a tour and more like we’d accidentally driven into a postcard. The explanation was in Japanese, but whisky is an international language and the tasting at the end required no translation. The boys declared it a spiritual experience.

From there we wandered nostalgic Otaru. Canal photos taken, snow landing on eyelashes, and Sakaimachi Street buzzing despite the weather. Our guide Akita introduced us to a great local restaurant where we tried hamburger with cheese… We also did what Australians apparently must do in Japan… ate ice cream while actively freezing.

On the way back to Sapporo we squeezed in a sake brewery tasting because apparently we were committed to “research”.

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Next morning: off to Asahikawa — officially Japan’s freezer drawer

This city once recorded −41°C. Comforting information while stepping off the train.

The winter festival here feels local and relaxed compared to Sapporo. Ice carvers were still chiselling away while we stood nearby wondering about their life choices. There’s a massive snow stage, giant slide and food stalls selling hot everything. Lunch was festival food eaten inside a heated hall while sipping hot sake and hot whisky. Civilisation at its finest.

Vikki-anne and I decorated a snowmen (high level artistic competition), then we bravely tackled a 200m zipline over the snowfield. For 1000 yen it may be the best value adrenaline in Japan.

By check-in our feet had formally resigned from duty thanks to walking on snow and ice. Rooftop onsen revived us, as they always do.

Dinner was in one of those tiny Japanese bars — eight seats, owner cooking, conversations with strangers, fantastic food. Later we headed back to the festival for lights and fireworks to finish the day.

Cold hands, warm hearts, excellent memories. Japan is very good at this winter thing.

13/02/2026

13/02/2026

08/02/2026

Japan Winter Adventure • Days 3–4 ⛄

Today we explored Sapporo with our local guide, Hubert, who brought the city (and the festival) to life with stories you’d never find in a guidebook. The Sapporo Snow Festival draws around two million visitors each year, and after the heavy winter they’ve had, the organisers have had their work cut out for them. Luckily for us it was considered a “warm” day… about 4°C with sunshine.

We started at the historic Old Government Building, then a famous local patisserie where I had to try Sapporo’s dairy specialty… cheese ice cream. Surprisingly good.

From there into Odori Park where the giant snow sculptures line the boulevard. They are enormous and incredibly detailed. We’d watched how they’re built before arriving in a documentary, so seeing them in person was fascinating, especially learning many are constructed with the help of Japan’s Self-Defence Force. Crowded but exceptionally well organised.

Snow walking is its own skill set. Eyes down, careful steps.

We warmed up at a tiny coffee shop owned by friends of Hubert, then next door into a 10-seat curry restaurant run by one very busy owner producing incredible food. Japan does small eateries brilliantly. Afterwards we wandered the covered Tanukikoji arcade and into Susukino to see the illuminated ice sculptures being carved by hand. By the time we reached Pole Town and said goodbye to Hubert, our feet had definitely done their kilometres for the day.

Dinner was conveniently in the basement restaurant of our hotel and an early night was welcomed.

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The next morning started early with a shuttle to Wonderland Sapporo for a snowmobile tour. After gearing up and a quick practice run, we headed off through the forest trails. A little intimidating at first but quickly replaced by laughter. Easily one of the highlights so far.

Lunch was (appropriately) Genghis Khan BBQ in a mountain hut surrounded by snow, then back into the city for a short rest before heading to Mt Moiwa for sunset.

The ropeway climbed to 531 metres just as the sky changed colour over Sapporo. It was bitterly cold and windy but the night view was spectacular and worth every frozen fingertip. Judging by the queue when we came down, our timing was perfect.
A tram ride back into town and we went back out to see the snow sculptures fully illuminated — a completely different atmosphere after dark — and watched a light projection show on Tsurgajo Castle. Magical.

An evening walk through glowing winter streets finished the night, followed by dinner at the Daimaru department store restaurant floor.

Full days, very cold nights… and a very happy group.