The Dragon Trip Blog
Travel trends, insights, experiences, tips & inspiration, all written by our expert travel nerds
August 22, 2023
Our advice is to embrace a minimalist Japanese approach when packing for your Japan backpacking tour. Here’s our packing list for Japan.
January 28, 2020
Like the British, the Japanese have a bit of a reputation when it comes to minding one’s Ps and Qs. As a traveller, it can be […]
December 20, 2019
If you’re travelling to India whether independently or on a group tour, chances are the iconic Taj Mahal will be at the top of your list […]
December 20, 2019
Japan and Tokyo in particular, is known for its eclectic array of themed and animal cafes. They’re a great way of spending some time in a […]
December 17, 2019
If you’re planning on embarking on an India trip in 2019, then you’ll want to know what you do and don’t need to take with you. Nothing is worse than overpacking and lugging around a heavy backpack for weeks on end, so here’s our guide to packing for your backpacking trip to India.
November 12, 2019
India is a huge country with an abundance of exciting cultures and the possibility of endless adventures. You could easily spend weeks or months exploring, but for those of us who only have a limited amount of time away, it can be hard to pack it all in! If you have around two weeks of holiday, we’d recommend focusing your time in either the north or the south. Keep reading to find out which would best suit on your backpacking trip in India!
November 10, 2019
We know you guys are interested in traveling. But where should you be going? We think we have a solution with our travel personality quiz which matches your character, tastes, and life goals to the country you should be visiting next.
October 7, 2019
Want to have your own Japan adventure tour? Check out our Japan Adventure Tours or Japan Family Tours! Drop us a message in the chat box […]
August 23, 2019
Inspired to go backpacking around Laos and try all of these delicious dishes yourself? Check out our group tours to Laos, from our full 31-day Southeast […]
January 31, 2019
So, you want to book your budget anime adventure tour through Tokyo and follow your guide to your first Japanese anime convention: AnimeJapan. Your cosplay is on point - wig stiff and armor detailed. You’ve been to all the conventions in your local area countless times, so how different could cosplaying in Japan be?
January 3, 2019
You’ve probably heard of Beijing and Shanghai, but if you haven’t heard of Hangzhou then you’re seriously missing out! Hangzhou was one of China’s seven ancient capital cities and is now the richest small city in the country. Here are our top 5 China travel tips for Hangzhou that make it a must-see city while you’re travelling around China.
December 26, 2018
Travelling as a vegan or vegetarian can sometimes seem like the biggest challenge in the world. Now try it when you’re backpacking in Southeast Asia! You’re probably thinking this would be super difficult, right? Seafood, fish oil, meat in every dish… But you’re wrong! Southeast Asia, and particularly Thailand, has an abundance of vegetarian dishes on offer, many of which can be easily adapted to be vegan. Here’s our guide to backpacking in Thailand with dietary restrictions!
December 21, 2018
If you’re thinking about taking your nearest and dearest on a holiday to Japan but are worried about keeping everyone entertained, we’ve compiled this handy guide to some of Japan’s best family-friendly activities. All of the outings included can be experienced on our Japan Family Adventure – our itinerary created specifically with family groups in mind.
December 14, 2018
As 2018 comes to a close, we know you're already thinking about where you should travel next year. Well, we know the perfect adventure destination for you - China! And, what's more, we know the best time for you to visit, so keep reading to find out why you should travel to China next autumn!
December 10, 2018
Southeast Asia is one of the most popular backpacking destinations in the world, but it’s difficult to find the time and money to explore it in its entirety. Here are our top 5 reasons why Cambodia should be at the top of your bucket list. Make sure you read to the end to find out what budget adventure tours to Cambodia you could get your hands on in 2019!
December 7, 2018
It’s hard to deny that India is one of the most vibrant, culturally rich and beautiful countries in the world, which is why you should be planning an India trip in 2019. The Indian Government even launched a tourism campaign named ‘Incredible India’, so it’s safe to say we can all agree on that. But if you need a little more persuasion, here are the most Instagrammable places in India guaranteed to make your profile the talk of the town.
December 3, 2018
When you’re travelling to another country, you want to be as prepared as you can be. China is a particularly unique country to travel in, from language barriers, culture shock and internet censorship. Popular western websites like Google, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are censored by the Chinese government. These are the best alternative apps to download on your phone for your upcoming budget adventure tour in China.
November 30, 2018
We recently spoke to the co-founder and managing director of The Chairman’s Bao, Sean McGibney, who gave us some insight about how the Chinese language learning platform works and how to utilise it while backpacking in China.
November 28, 2018
As much as we all love travelling around Asia, we know that it's not always possible to do it all year round (although we wish it was!). If you're like us and absolutely fell in love with Japanese cuisine, you'll probably want to treat your taste buds while you're back at home too. Here are our favourite Japanese restaurants in London for when you can't be travelling in Japan!
November 21, 2018
There’s nothing better than treating your taste buds to new and exciting foods when you’re travelling. When you’re travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, and you can’t even hazard a guess – like Mandarin – then it can be difficult to know what to try. Here are our favourite street food dishes that are an absolute must-try for anyone travelling in China!
November 14, 2018
In honour of our good friend and colleague, Justin Shapiro, who tragically passed away in 2017, we launched The Justin Shapiro Internship and Travel Scholarship, in partnership with CRCC Asia. The programme allows a number of young people, who may not otherwise have a chance to do so, to experience working and travelling in China. We spoke to Charles Henry who went to China this summer about his experiences during his 1-month long internship at CRCC Asia, and on The Dragon Trip's 21-day backpacking adventure.
November 2, 2018
Discover these awesome travel photography tips from Gabriele from bonusprint and take your best photos ever when you're exploring a new place.
November 1, 2018
So you want to go backpacking in Asia but you’re wary about going it alone? We totally get, the world is a big place, especially when you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language. But didn’t you know? Everybody is talking about the benefits of group travelling. Here are the top reasons why it’s better to do a group tour than travel solo.
October 26, 2018
China is one of the largest countries in the world, so its home to an abundance of breath-taking locations bound to make anyone’s Instagram followers jealous. With so many photogenic places to visit and things to do, narrowing it down was quite the task! But our team of travel experts have picked out their top 8 most Instagrammable places in China.
October 19, 2018
So, you've finished school – congratulations! Some of your friends might have headed off to university at the end of the summer but you would much rather explore the wonders of Southeast Asia. Here are our top reasons why group tours are the best option for your Southeast Asia gap year adventure.
October 18, 2018
China is a vast country with so much to offer. From bustling metropolises to mountain ranges, luscious countryside to extensive deserts, China offers the opportunity for endless adventures. But for many of us, we only have a few weeks to explore and our pockets don't run deep, so keep reading to find out our top 5 unmissable places to travel in China on a budget.
September 26, 2018
If you’ve booked onto our Japan Family Adventure, you might be looking for something to get you and your family in the mood for all things Japanese. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of five incredible family films.
September 25, 2018
Want to go travelling in India but don't know where to go or what to see? You're in luck! Keep reading to find out what made our list of top 10 unmissable attractions in India.
September 20, 2018
One the best parts about travelling is exploring a country’s cuisine, and India’s is one of the best in the world. But how difficult is it as a vegan or vegetarian to find authentic food in the land of rich curries and creamy lassis. Keep reading for our in-depth guide of all the vegan and veggie options on offer around India.
September 7, 2018
India is one of the most culturally rich countries in the world, so we can totally understand why you want to travel there. Many people feel overwhelmed by India, so here are our top tips for first-time backpackers heading there.
September 7, 2018
Just like in every other country, safe and smart travel is important, especially for female travellers. Here are our top tips for female backpackers heading to India.
August 22, 2018
Going on an adventure is one of the most exciting and fulfilling ways to travel, but it can also become quite expensive. Here are our best tips for mastering the art of budget adventure trips.
August 17, 2018
Thinking about booking a trip to Japan? Here we bring you five reasons why autumn is the perfect time to visit.
August 17, 2018
In conversations amongst teachers, parents and students it’s common to hear Mandarin being tipped as the language ‘you should be learning’. So common, in fact, that it’s easy to not stop and question why that is. Here’s Haena Kim, Head of Education at The Dragon Trip with some hard and fast facts on why learning Mandarin Chinese is so useful at this point in time.
August 14, 2018
Want to travel to Tokyo but don’t know when? Japan has four distinct seasons, but they vary a lot from Europe due to the country’s position in the Pacific Ocean. We put together this simple guide to help you get your head around Japan's climate and get prepared for your trip.
August 10, 2018
So you want to go backpacking in China, but you've heard some stories that worry you a little? Here are our 8 top tips to handle some of the most common fears about traveling in the country.
August 7, 2018
There are many different types of hostels and Asia is home to some of the best. We have spoken to a group of our Adventure Planners about their favourite hostels that we stay at during our tours.
August 3, 2018
When you think of Southeast Asia, long sandy beaches and clear blue waters tend to jump to mind. But unlike many of its neighbouring countries, Laos is one of the only landlocked countries in Southeast Asia. Here are our top 5 reasons why you need to visit Laos now.
August 3, 2018
If you're yet to travel in China (or just can't figure it out yourself) we've designed this quiz to calculate where in the country you'd be best placed.
July 27, 2018
Okinawa is known for its unspoilt beaches, turquoise waters and diverse wildlife. To give you the chance to explore this lesser-trodden corner of Japan, we’re launching an optional 4-night extension trip to Ishigaki in the Yaeyama islands, southern Okinawa.
July 9, 2018
Over the past few decades anime (Japanese animation) and its older cousin manga (Japanese comic books) have become major cultural exports. Here we bring you the top destinations for anime and manga enthusiasts to visit while in Japan.
May 30, 2018
Joe's the first person who has taken every single one of our tours. Naturally, we wanted to hear what he had to say about The Dragon Trip experience.
May 23, 2018
Haggling is part of Chinese culture and it can be a fun – sometimes necessary – activity to do when purchasing items during your backpacking adventure. Here's our quick guide on how to haggle like a native.
May 23, 2018
Our Japan Family Tour has been specifically created to uncover the best of what this fascinating country has to offer and is sure to impress even the most discerning of teenagers. Here we bring you a run-down of some of our favourite teen-friendly activities, all of which can be experienced on our family tour.
May 16, 2018
We offer the best-value tour to Japan on the market, if you’re looking to travel through this fascinating country on a budget. Here are our money-saving tips to bear in mind when you’re planning your trip.
May 2, 2018
Thanks to the wonders of high-speed rail, we now make the journey from Guilin to Chengdu (about 1430km) in a mere 7 hours. Waving goodbye to using the 27 hour sleeper train adds a whole extra night onto the time we spend Chengdu, so here's a little bit more about the city you'll be staying in.
April 20, 2018
Backpacking in Southeast Asia? Read our recommendations on what’s tasty, authentic, won't break the bank and won't give you bellyache. This guide briefs you on essential food to eat and where to get it in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia.
April 19, 2018
If you’re travelling to Japan, the chances are you will visit at least a couple of sites significant to the country’s native religion Shinto. Here we bring you a quick guide to the religion.
April 17, 2018
Nikko National Park, which incorporates the city of Nikko and the sprawling mountainous landscape that surrounds it, offers beautifully rugged scenery and is less than 2 hours away from Tokyo via the Tobu Railway line
April 11, 2018
Packing for a school trip can be tricky, especially if your itinerary includes multiple locations. We’ve compiled a list of essential items plus some extras that will help you make the most out of your trip to Japan with us.
April 5, 2018
Our 12-day Japan Family Adventure is jam packed with activities suitable for all ages, so while we’ve got the entertainment and accommodation covered, here are a few handy tips to ensure that your family trip to Japan goes as smoothly as possible.
March 27, 2018
Osaka is famous in Japan - and beyond - for being a foodies’ paradise. Here are ten typically Osakan dishes to try while you explore Japan’s second city.
March 26, 2018
If you’re part of the LGBT community and about to travel to Japan, you may be wondering whether you can expect a warm welcome. We’ve put together a short introduction to being LGBT in Japan, so that you will be armed with the facts before you take your trip.
March 26, 2018
Our Japan Learning Adventures cover a vast range of culturally enriching activities, from discovering the country’s pre-modern history in Kyoto to learning about cutting edge technology on the man-made island of Odaiba. Learn more in our rundown of some of the highlights of our Japan trips!
March 26, 2018
As time goes by, more and more Dragons are setting out to explore Asia and they're coming back with more and more cinematic masterpieces. So, before the old videos get lost and forgotten, we thought we’d compile them in a blog!
March 16, 2018
An essential part of The Dragon Trip is accessing Tokyo’s culturally rich and ever evolving nightlife. Here’s our Tokyo travel guide, giving you travel tips to find the city’s best bars and the story behind them.
March 16, 2018
We've just launched our China family tour and we're super excited about it! Here's our guide for families taking a holiday in China, covering everything from using the internet to handling dietary requirements.
February 14, 2018
China’s cuisine is one of the tastiest on the planet. Here’s our China travel experts’ guide to make sure you’re able to find vegetarian and vegan food with ease and don’t compromise on authenticity one bit.
February 9, 2018
It may come as a surprise to learn that communal bathing is as much a part of Japanese culture as raw fish or landscaped gardens. Of course, this being Japan there are strict codes of conduct that should be adhered to when you visit a sentō or onsen. Here is our expert guide to public bathing like a pro.
December 21, 2017
We interviewed the winner of our #dragonshoots17 competition, Helen Sharpe, on the story behind her picture and to learn more about her adventure in China.
November 30, 2017
Nick Ward took our China flagship adventure tour in 2016. We sat down to chat with him to find out more about the experiences his group shared, how they bonded, and how they all became friends for life.
November 22, 2017
If you’re wondering how to stay fit while traveling, you will be pleased to know that it’s easy. Sit back, relax and enjoy your ultimate guide to staying in shape on the move.
September 26, 2017
Want to see even more of Japan? Learn about our new seven day extension to our Japan Budget Tour takes you even further off the beaten path.
September 18, 2017
As a foreigner, you won’t be expected to know everything, but in order to be as prepared as you can before your trip (and impress some locals along the way!) read over these four rules of etiquette in China.
August 23, 2017
Qingdao, a city in Shandong province, China, is famous for its imperial architecture, beautiful coastline and beer exported to 62 countries. CRCC intern, John, wrote a blog about his experiences when he visited the city with The Dragon Trip.
June 20, 2017
We sat down to chat with Will, one of the architects of our Southeast Asia Adventure, to learn about how he planned it and why it’s the best way to see the region.
May 23, 2017
Mobile apps are an important asset to have when travelling; they can help you with everything from communicating to booking transport. Before you jet-off to travel in China (or if you’re currently there) we recommend downloading these 5 essential apps.
April 20, 2017
China’s cities are colossal. Most people know that by now and the thought of navigating megacities like Shanghai and Beijing as a humble tourist can be a little intimidating. Fear not – with a handful of travel hacks The Dragon Trip will have you sorted.
April 12, 2017
Tourists not being able to handle their drink on holiday is a stereotype some may be all too scared of living up to. Wising up on alcohol in China certainly isn’t a bad idea if you’re planning to make a visit!
March 24, 2017
Big Brother Mouse aims to give young people the chance to practice their speaking skills, test their listening and discover other cultures. On our budget tour of Southeast Asia; we aim to give our travellers the chance to be a part of this.
February 24, 2017
To make your independent travel experience as pain free as possible, we've put together an example 3 day Beijing pre/post trip itinerary! It combines some of the must see sights with local hidden gems! Click here to read more.
February 16, 2017
It can be a daunting task to plan your trip itinerary – especially when your time is limited. That’s why The Dragon Trip has put together a 3 day pre-trip Hong Kong itinerary that includes all the must-see sights and our favourite haunts to help you get started!
February 8, 2017
Is vegan and veggie food easy to come by in Japan? What restaurants should I visit and what dishes should I order? Find out more here!
January 31, 2017
The Dragon Trip have a few awesome travel hacks that keep costs down so you can have an epic trip without worrying about your budget. Want to know our big secret? It's hostels! Learn about Japanese hostels here!
January 25, 2017
Fancy yourself as a bit of a foodie? Love your local takeaway, but not sure how the real deal will match up? Or simply not sure what to expect? Our definitive guide on what to eat and where, will take you on a step by step culinary journey through your 25 day HK - HK backpacking tour! Enjoy!
January 18, 2017
There’s nothing more disheartening than turning up at Badaling, full of excitement about seeing the Great Wall of China for the first time, and realising that 10,000 other people will be joining you every step of the way. Get your Great Wall of China adventure right, and it will be one of the highlights of your life.
January 11, 2017
If Tokyo 2020 has anything close to the impact of the 1964 Tokyo Games, locals and tourists will see a city and country transformed.
January 4, 2017
Haena Kim, our Head of Asia Sales, moved to Shanghai with her girlfriend in 2013. Here she shares her insights on what it’s like to be gay in China.
December 22, 2016
There are only four sleeps until Christmas and in our London office the festivities are well underway. The party is planned; the secret Santa committee are working hard, the playlist selected and the halls “decked”.
December 14, 2016
There are signs that younger generations of Chinese tourists are abandoning big tour groups and buses for a taste of independent adventure.
December 7, 2016
There is a long history of Fujianese leaving their home province in droves for foreign shores, spreading Chines culture and food around the world.
November 30, 2016
What a year! Despite the ups and downs around the world, our trips have literally *never* been better. Here's a round up of our great year.
November 30, 2016
The world is full of anime and manga lovers. In an effort to get clued up, here’s our idiot’s guide to a quirky part of Japanese culture.
November 23, 2016
China’s high-speed train revolution has transformed the movement of people and enabled tourists to pack more into China tours than ever before.
November 22, 2016
The Dragon Trip are proud to have been nominated for an award by one of the industry's most prestigious bodies.
November 16, 2016
Watch these six great films about China and we guarantee you'll start your trip better informed about the country’s culture and history.
November 10, 2016
Japanese people tend to show little tolerance for body art. If you’re inked up, be prepared at times to get creative about concealing tattoos.
November 2, 2016
The Terracotta Warriors attract most attention but Xi'an's Muslim Quarter is a real gem and a human link to the city's illustrious past.
October 26, 2016
We just took our first group of Dragon Trippers on our new Japan backpacking tour – and they loved it!
Read on to find out about some of the highlights.
October 6, 2016
After such phenomenal growth, we saw this as an unmissable opportunity to take stock and really define our purpose and future direction. So here it is: the Dragon Trip refreshed and with bigger goals than ever before!
July 19, 2016
What better way to prepare for your upcoming trip to China, than a personal account from a previous school Dragon Tripper? Check out tips from Harriet Hards!
July 6, 2016
Before setting off on your Japan adventure tour, there are a few things that are good to know. Here at The Dragon Trip, we have put together a list of useful tips to help with your trip preparation and to make sure you have the best time possible!
July 6, 2016
Forget Batman vs Superman, we’re here to get to the bottom of the dispute on everyone’s mind - backpack vs suitcase - the greatest debate of our generation.
April 19, 2016
China is the most populated country on the planet, culturally diverse and scarily big - it can put off even the hardiest of travellers. Thankfully, one of our adventure leaders, Yangshuo local Sally Zeng, has put together some tips to make sure your trip is a success.
April 19, 2016
It is hard packing for a China trip, especially if you haven't been before. Here's what we recommend.
March 1, 2016
Japanese etiquette is often described as a minefield for backpackers. So, here are a few tips to put you at ease on your Japan tour and help you avoid those cultural banana-skins.
February 22, 2016
Seeing weird subcultures up close is one of the most fun parts of any Japan backpacking tour. As Japan’s capital and largest city, there’s no better place to experience this side of the country than Tokyo. So here’s our quirky top ten things to do in Tokyo.
February 2, 2016
Japan’s beautiful countryside is the perfect way for travellers to decompress after a neon overdose in Tokyo or another city.
January 25, 2016
The Shaolin Children’s home holds a special place in our hearts so we sent gifts to say thank you for the joy they bring to our travellers :)
January 11, 2016
There is no doubt that it has never been cheaper for travellers and backpackers to visit Japan. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the best of this fascinating country. Here are a few reasons why.
December 7, 2015
Don’t be daunted by trains, stations and logistical stress. A train journey can be the highlight of a China backpacking adventure – if travellers go into it with the right mindset.
October 21, 2015
Thanks to Juan Andres Caicedo for uploading this absolutely cracking video, showing his time in China on The Dragon Trip during summer 2015. Some incredible footage of Yangshuo, Xian and the Great Wall at sunrise.
September 2, 2015
By far the most exciting, cosmopolitan and Western Chinese city, Shanghai offers an incredible night out for travellers and backpackers. Here are some top tips for getting the most out of it all.