Ikon vs Epic Pass for Japan: Which One Should You Get? (2026–27)
Which Japan resorts are on the Ikon and Epic passes, how they work at the lift, and what I’d buy again after riding Niseko on my Ikon Base and paying day rates at Rusutsu and Hakuba.
- Dirt | Snow | Trip Planning
Hot Springs Near Mammoth Lakes: 7 Worth the Drive (and My “Secret” One)
The best-known hot springs near Mammoth Lakes, how to get there, what they cost, and the etiquette that keeps them nice. Plus my “secret” spot, Shepherd (it’s not actually secret).
Is El Salvador Safe to Visit? My Honest Take (and What the Reports Say)
Is El Salvador safe for tourists? My experience (including the time police flagged us down for a ride), the latest travel advisory, why crime dropped, and the human rights concerns.
How to Get to Niseko From Sapporo and New Chitose Airport: Bus, Train, Taxi or Car
Every way to get to Niseko from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, with times, costs and which is easiest, cheapest and best with a group.
How Much Does a Snowboard Trip to Japan Cost? (My Real 3-Week Budget)
Every receipt from three weeks of snowboarding in Japan: flights, board fees, lodging, lift tickets, food and the $30 grapes. Here’s what it really cost.
Japan Culture Differences (and Common Japanese Phrases With Pronunciation)
The biggest culture shocks from three weeks in Japan, from no trash cans to naked onsens, plus the Japanese phrases we actually used and how to pronounce them.
What to Pack for a Surf Trip to El Salvador (What I Actually Wore)
El Salvador is hot, humid and beautiful, and you need way less than you think. Here’s exactly what I packed for El Zonte and what I actually wore every day.
Tokyo in 2 Days: Rooftop Onsen, Shimokitazawa Vintage and Ramen
Two days in Tokyo: where to stay in Shinjuku, getting around (and the Suica mistake I made), ramen, dessert and the best vintage shops in Shimokitazawa.
Kyoto in 2 Days: Temple Markets, Shrine Stamps and a Ryokan Stay
Two days in Kyoto between snowboard stops: shrine stamp books, a huge temple market, kimonos and a traditional ryokan.
Traveling Japan With a Snowboard: Trains, Baggage Fees and Shipping Your Luggage
How we got around Japan with snowboards, the domestic flight fees that got me, shipping bags with Yamato, and the packing mistakes I won’t make again.
