Is this the biggest cotton candy stick in the world? _ You can't visit Harajuku in Tokyo without stopping in at Totti Candy Factory Shop. They have specially designed machines for crafting these sweet works of art. _ Of course in had to try it for research purposes. 😉😂 yes, I'll tell myself that anyway. _ Something else that's sweet - our friends at @vanguard_world are giving away an awesome VEO 235AP Travel Tripod valued at US$160. I take my Vanguard tripod with me wherever I go including my recent trip to Japan. _ For your chance to get your hands on one simply follow @vanguard_world on Instagram and tag your favorite travel pics with #TravelWithVEO. Competition closes on 11 Nov. Good luck! 🔥🔥🔥📷

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Strolling through Chinatown in Yokohama, Japan admiring the beautiful architecture. _ My 1 week whirlwind tour of Japan 🇯🇵 finished today with a long flight back to Canada. I loved every minute in this incredible country. If you've never been before, hopefully I've provided a little inspiration. _ What part of Japan do you want to see? 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵 _ And due to popular demand I've loaded up a few memories on Instagram Stories of my last night in crazy Shibuya, Tokyo with tens of thousands of other Halloween revelers. To watch those, just tap my bio @travelwithbender and then my bio pic (should have a purple ring around it). Keep in mind these pics/vids automatically dissappear after 24 hours. _ #igersjapan

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"The journey is my home." - Muriel Rukeyser _ The Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, Yamanashi prefecture, Japan. _ While the day we visited the backdrop of Mount Fuji was obscured by clouds, the view was still amazing. _ This is a local war memorial and was not designed for tourists. But after being shown to the world about 10 years ago on Thai TV, it has become a very popular tourist destination. 400 steps lead up to this point so bring your comfy walking shoes along 😁. _ If you haven't watched my Instagram Stories today, make sure you do. Last night I explored Shibuya in Tokyo which was teeming with locals dressed on extravagant Halloween constume. This has to be seen to be believed.

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"Your attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up." - Allen Klein _ The bright lights of Yokohama Cosmoworld in Yokohama, Japan. _ This was the view from my hotel room in InterContinental Yokohama Grand last night. Beautiful! _ #japan

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"There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life; some familiar to us and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures." - Bryant H. McGill _ Walking amongst 2000 bamboo trees in Hokokuji temple, Kamakura, Japan. _ Founded in 1334 AD, this temple is part of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The bamboo garden located behind the main hall was a training area where Butsujo Zenji, the founding priest, wrote poetry. I can see why - the tranquility and serenity is divine. _ I've only got 1 more night in Japan before returning to Canada. But I'll make the most of every moment. Next on the menu is Yokohama and Tokyo! Follow along on Instagram Stories for more. _ And its your last chance to win an iPad Pro. Check out the link in my bio to enter @travelwithbender

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"Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." - Antoine de Saint-Exupery _ That blue... _ Picture perfect. I could gaze at it all day long. Kawazu Seven Falls in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. _ If you're enjoying my recent photos of Japan, follow along on Instagram Stories as well for more behind-the-scenes action as it happens. And feel free to tag a friend a comment below if you'd love to visit Japan. _ A special thanks to @tepwireless who are my favorite wireless Internet hotspot. I couldn't be uploading this picture without my little magic black box.

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"Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals." - Dorothy Height _ The spectacular Gate of Peace in Hakone Shrine, Hakone, Japan. _ As the sun set today it cast a whimsical glow across Lake Ashi. I happened to be in the right spot at the right time to capture this heavenly moment. _ #japan

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3 Northern Texas Vacations In 1: Grapevine, Frisco & Irving

Everything is bigger and better in Texas. So if you’re planning a trip to Dallas, fit in a few extra days around these 3 fabulous nearby destinations. I’ve got everything you need to know: where to stay, what to eat and what to do.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Man is not himself only... He is all that he sees; all that flows to him from a thousand sources... He is the land, the lift of its mountain lines, the reach of its valleys." - Mary Austin _ Cape Irozaki on the Izu Peninsula of Japan. _ The blustering wind off the sea was so strong it pushed me around like a paper cup. I tried to capture a sense of the wind with this scene. Can you feel it? _ It's amazing to realise that Japan's rich culture and fascinating heritage was closed off to the world until just over 150 years ago. Before that there was no official diplomatic or trading relations with any other country. The warm, kind hospitality and kindness I've experienced so far is nothing short of amazing. _ #japan #nature_perfection

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"When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us." - Alexander Graham Bell _ Watching today's sunset from Cape Aiai in Yusuge Park, Japan. Absolutely magnificent! _ Follow more exclusive updates from #Japan. Check out my Instagram Stories and share a comment.

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"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost." - H. Jackson Brown, Jr. _ What's behind this door? _ The answer is: Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, Japan. This fascinating place showcases artistic kimonos (garments) which are crafted by 7-8 artisans and take up to 1 year to create. Amazing! _ I don't know if I'd have the patience to make that. What about you? 💡

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Sunset over Lake Kawaguchi with Mount Fuji in the background. Japan never ceases to amaze. _ Want to come? I've got a boat just for you. _ #igersjapan #amazingplacestovisit

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Shutterbee Review: Keeping Track & Sharing Your Travels Made Easy

What traveler doesn’t get a little kick from marking off all the countries and cities they’ve visited? The iOS app Shutterbee is like a fun combination of Instagram, a travel discussion board, and a world map. It allows you to keep all your travel stats and memories in one place.
Read more at our travel blog.

"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however." - Richard Bach _ Part of the incredible Kinomiya Shrine complex in Ito, Japan. _ The garden here contains a sacred Cyprus tree that is 2100 years old, and 23 metres tall. _ Walking around the base of the tree once gives you an extra year of life and whatever you wish in your heart will come true. I made my wish. What would you wish for?

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"A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving." – Lao Tzu _ The beautiful Otaki waterfall near Kofu City, Japan. You might be familiar with Japan's bustling cities but the quiet countryside is another world. Love it! _ It's these kinds of unexpected experiences and meeting wonderful people along the way that make travel so satisfying, not just the final destination. Life's just like that, isn't it? _ Keep following my journey today in Japan on Instagram Stories. _ And time is running out if you want to win an iPad Pro. Check the link in my bio to enter. 😀👐💸📱

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The World’s Tallest Water Coaster: Do You Dare?

Even a seasoned adrenalin junkie like me had second thoughts about tempting fate on this epic ride. But I discovered this amazing waterpark was just the tip of the iceberg that is Galveston, Texas.
Read more at our travel blog.

Lifting Mt Fuji. _ This is Japan's tallest mountain and a global symbol of this beautiful country. This shot was taken today during my a 1-week trip around Kanto region. _ Today I explored the Yamanashi prefecture and was blown away by the cultural and natural beauty. I've got plenty more fab photos coming soon. In the meantime, check out my latest Instagram Stories for live behind-the-scenes action. _ It's only been 2 days since I grabbed a @scottevest which is the best travel jacket I've ever seen. It's got 30 pockets and almost makes carry-on luggage obsolete. I easily fit my 15-inch laptop, power cable, USB cable, @tepwireless hotspot, passport and more in the pockets, with plenty of room to spare. _ #japan #nature_seekers

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GAME TIME: Where in the world? _ Can you recognize this famous location? 💡Add your answer to the comments below. _ The last commenter to give the right answer will win an awesome prize 😃 Tag your friends and if you win, they will win a prize too. Sharing is caring! _ Also check out our latest event on Facebook (search "Travel With Bender"). This coming Friday at 8:30am (Pacific) we will be holding another Facebook Live video and giving away cool travel prizes including $250 worth of luggage transportation from our friends at @luggagefree.

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World’s Best Travellers Reveal What You SHOULD Pack In Your Suitcase

What is the one item you MUST pack for your next vacation? We asked 42 experienced travel bloggers for their expert recommendations.
Read more at our travel blog.

World’s Best Travellers Reveal What You SHOULD NOT Pack In Your Suitcase

What items have you packed for a vacation that turned out to be a waste of space? Or even worse, got you into trouble? These 42 seasoned travellers reveal their stories.
Read more at our travel blog.

"Be willing to take the first step, no matter how small it is. Concentrate on the fact that you are willing to learn. Absolute miracles will happen." - Louise Hay _ Sunburst through windmill in Zaanse Schans, Netherlands. _ Sometimes I reflect on our 4.5 years of nomadic travel and get blown away that it all started with one step. One decision. And everyday we get to make the same decision to create our future. _ #skylovers #iamsterdam

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This is my gutsy daughter, Mia, abseiling down an 18-metre (59-foot) seaside cliff in Malta. It didn’t take any coaxing to get her out on the ledge, she jumped at the opportunity. _ To ensure my children are safe on our adventures, we use a generous dose of common sense as we travel around the world. ✈️ Tip: When we book flights, hotels and tours online using our Mastercard, we’ve got peace of mind knowing that we’re protected with from unauthorised transactions. Check out @mastercardau and take their quiz (link in bio) for your chance to win an adventure like this! _ #ZeroLiability #Malta #abseiling

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21 Scary Travel Stories (You Don’t Want To Read)

We’ve had a pretty good run of luck during our last 4 years of travel. But these other folks haven’t. They’ve been robbed, beaten, bitten by snakes, attacked by buffalo and more. A little taste of the darker side of travel just in time for Halloween.
Read more at our travel blog.

"No act of kindness no matter how small is ever wasted." - Anon _ Navigating the back streets of Poznan, Poland. _ In my opinion, this is one of the most underrated cities in Europe. It's so gorgeous and there's so much to do. Absolutely love it! _ Looking for travel inspiration? Google "Poznan with kids" to find our article packed with handy first-hand tips. _ Tip: If you visit Poznan you must eat a St Martin Rogal - it's a pastry very similar to the croissant, but with almond and poppy seed filling and sugar glazing. Yum! _ @poznan.travel #poznan

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10 Dreamy Destinations To Inspire Your Next Cruise #CruiseSmile

This month 4 amazing cruise packages are available to win, and to celebrate we’ve reflected on the 5 cruises we’ve done so far plus another 5 we’ve got on our cruise bucket list. Where do you want to cruise to?
Read more at our travel blog.

Looking up at Malaysia's iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur against a dusk sky. _ Standing at 452 m (1,483 ft) tall, this spectacular building was the tallest in the world from 1998 to 2004. _ KLCC Park located opposite this structure is one of my favorite inner city parks in the world. At night Symphony Lake comes to life with a coordinated light & fountain show. Beautiful! _ Did you know: During construction when the structure reached about the 72nd floor (out of 88), tower 2 ran into problems. They discovered the structure was leaning 25 millimetres (0.98 in) off from vertical. To correct the lean, the next 16 floors were slanted back 20 millimetres (0.79 in) with specialist surveyors hired to check verticality twice a day until the building's completion. _ Travel tip: As we travel the world I use a mobile Internet hotspot from @tepwireless to stay connected. Very handy 👍👈👈👈👈👈

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Rowing across Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta. _ Valletta is the southernmost capital of Europe. This gorgeous city contains beautiful buildings from the 16th century, built during the rule of the Order of St. John. _ This natural historic harbour has been used since ancient Phoenician times. _ Malta was our first stop during our 9-month journey through Europe in 2014. _ Check out my latest Instagram Stories posts to find out what surprise greeted us when we woke up. 👈

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"You are the sum total of everything you’ve ever seen, heard, eaten, smelled, been told, forgot--it’s all there. Everything influences each of us, and because of that I try to make sure that my experiences are positive." - Maya Angelou _ There's something about sunflowers that always brings a smile to your face. They attract positivity. _ Sea of golden sunflowers near Plovdiv, Bulgaria. _ We're giving away and iPad Pro. That's bound to brighten your day! For details check the link in my profile @travelwithbender or visit travelwithbender.com. I hope you win! _ #nature_seekers #positivevibes

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"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust _ Walking beneath the famous London Bridge along the Thames River. What's your favorite spot in London? _ Got any friends going to London soon? Tag them in the comments below! _ We've visited London 3 time with kids and each time discovered a new corner of one of the world's best cities. If you're looking for tips on things to do in London we've got plenty on travelwithbender.com (under Destinations > United Kingdom). _ #igersuk

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Walking the gorgeous cobbled streets of Luxembourg City. We loved visiting this friendly country in 2013 - one of my favorite spots in Europe 💛 _ Founded in the year 963, the Old City of Luxembourg turned a rock into a legendary fortress among the most powerful in Europe of the 16th century. _ This tiny landlocked country is headed by a grand duke, Henri, Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and is the world's only remaining grand duchy. Did you know: Luxembourg has the world's highest GDP per capita (according to the United Nations in 2014). _ @visit_luxembourg #VisitLuxembourg

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Flexiroam X Review: International Data Roaming… But Not As You Know It

Flexiroam’s clever approach to travel SIM cards has turned the traditional SIM card concept on it’s head. I put this stick-on SIM card to the test - see how well it performed in our real travels and find out what you need to know before using Flexiroam X.
Read more at our travel blog.

View of Dubrovnik, Croatia from Srđ, a 412 meter mountain overlooking the Dalmatian coastline. _ Stunning! Simply stunning. _ Time to win! We're giving away an iPad Pro from @acronis_live on travelwithbender.com. Head over to our website to join the competition (look for the green bar at the top of the page), or follow the link in my bio. Good luck!

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Getting up close to a 1-mile-wide glacier in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska. _ This is such a beautiful part of the United States that too few visitors explore. This is only a 15 minute flight from Juneau, Alaska's capital. Utterly amazing. We first discovered Juneau on an Alaskan cruise last year and came back for more this year. _ Want to win an awesome cruise of your own? Head over to travelwithbender.com right now (or follow the link in my bio) and look for the green banner at the top of the page for a link to more details. _ While you're there check out our new blog post which shares how we educate our kids and travel the world at the same time... without traditional schooling.

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Win An iPad Pro AND Acronis True Image 2017

In addition to a brand new iPad Pro 9.7 inch tablet, we are giving away copies of super-fast backup software Acronis True Image 2017.
Read more at our travel blog.