Purple Blip Travel Stories

Where to go in the US in March!

Looking for the perfect March getaway? In this episode, we break down the top U.S. destinations to visit in March — from Washington, DC’s iconic cherry blossoms to warm-weather beach escapes, stunning national parks before peak crowds, and family-friendly spring break favorites. Whether you want sunshine, scenic hikes, festivals, or fewer crowds, this guide will help you plan the smartest trip of the season. 🌴🌄 🎧 Tune in and start planning your March 2026 adventure!

2026 Travel Trends

Where should you travel in 2026? In this episode, we break down the top travel destinations for 2026, based on publicly available “best places to go” lists from leading travel authorities like Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, AFAR, Frommer’s, Lonely Planet, and Expedia. We explore where travel trends are heading in 2026, why certain destinations are rising in popularity, and how to choose the right place based on your travel style—whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, easy international trips, nature escapes, or food-driven city travel. You’ll hear highlights from destinations including Japan, Europe, Mexico, the United States, and other emerging global hotspots—plus practical guidance on when to go, who each destination is best for, and how to plan smart before prices rise. If you’re planning travel for 2026 vacations, bucket-list trips, or future travel inspiration, this episode gives you a clear, data-backed starting point—without hype or guesswork.

48 Hours in Tokyo: TeamLabs Planets, Akihabara, Ninja Dining & Hidden Gems (Travel Journal)

Experience 48 hours in Tokyo through a real travel journal brought to life as a podcast. In this episode, we explore some of the most unforgettable spots in the city — from the mind-bending rooms of TeamLabs Planets, to arcades and anime shops in Akihabara, to wandering through Ginza, grabbing sushi in food halls, visiting the Art Aquarium, and even stumbling into the wild and hilarious Ninja Restaurant.This episode includes:🌊 TeamLabs Planets — water rooms, koi projections, infinity rooms, balloon spheres, digital forests🎮 Akihabara — arcades, claw machines, character shops, Monster Toast Café🗼 Tokyo Tower Red — VR samurai fights, robot battles, snacks🍜 Tokyo Food — ramen bowls, sushi, azuki bean ice cream🛍️ Ginza — chopstick-making shop, gorgeous streets, Godzilla Minus Zero clock tower🐟 Art Aquarium — illuminated goldfish installations🍽️ Ninja Restaurant — themed dining, tricks, magic show🚅 Shinkansen departure toward the next cityThis podcast brings the trip to life with reactions, interruptions, laughs, and real travel moments captured from handwritten journal entries. Perfect for anyone planning a Tokyo itinerary or wanting to relive the energy of Japan.👉 Subscribe for more Japan travel stories, itineraries, and travel-journal podcasts.

Tokyo Travelogue Pandas, Kimonos, and Temples

An extensive travelogue detailing the first two days in Tokyo, beginning with the author’s arrival at Haneda Airport and their initial impressions of the city's enormous size. Day one included a seamless experience through customs, checking into the Shiba Park Hotel, and enjoying a dinner of beef curry udon. Day two was a packed day of sightseeing, starting with a visit to the Zojoji Buddhist temple and then traveling to Ueno Park to see the giant pandas. The travelers sought refuge from the intense heat by touring the Tokyo National Museum and then attended a fascinating guided tour at the Samurai and Ninja Museum. The highlight of the second day was a traditional tea ceremony at Maikoya, where the author learned to prepare matcha while wearing a kimono, which was followed by a final stop at the illuminated Senso-ji Temple and a yakitori dinner.

Say It and Go! Japanese Episode 8 - Transportation

In this episode, we talk about phrases for trains, buses, taxis, and navigating stations.