Journal

Routes worth taking, and what to know before you book them.

Each piece takes one route and explains why it runs the way it does: where to stay, how the cities join up, and the details that catch people out. Every route is also a trip plan you can open in the planner and change.

East Asia · JapanTokyo, Kyoto and Osaka by bullet train: how the classic Japan route worksHow to plan Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka by Shinkansen in late autumn: where to base yourself, whether a rail pass is worth it, and how to avoid the crowds in Kyoto.12 days · Late November, for autumn colour
Central Asia · KazakhstanTwo weeks in Kazakhstan: Almaty, Astana and the road to TurkistanHow to plan two weeks in Kazakhstan: a week based in Almaty for the mountains, flights to Astana and Shymkent, and a night in Turkistan for the Yasawi mausoleum.14 days · May to September
East Asia · South KoreaSeoul and Busan by KTX: how to plan a first trip to South KoreaHow to split a first trip to South Korea between Seoul and Busan by KTX: where to stay, which maps app to use, and what to sort out before you land.11 days · Spring or autumn
East Asia · TaiwanTaiwan south to north by high-speed rail: Kaohsiung, Taichung and TaipeiWhy a Taiwan trip works better started in Kaohsiung and finished in Taipei, how the high-speed rail stations fit each city, and what to know before you go.11 days · October to April
Southeast Asia · Thailand and VietnamThailand and Vietnam in two weeks: Bangkok, Khao Lak, Ho Chi Minh City and HanoiHow to join Thailand and Vietnam in one two-week trip: Bangkok’s two airports, the road to Khao Lak, the Vietnam visa, and a night flight home from Hanoi.14 days · November to March
Central Asia · UzbekistanThe Silk Road in Uzbekistan: Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand in the right orderHow to order Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent on one trip: fly west first, cross the desert by road, and come back on the Afrosiyob fast train.11 days · April to May, or September to October