# Diamond Travels

> Exploring the world, one story at a time.


## Posts

- [Portugal Travel Budget 2026: What I Spent in 4 Nights](https://diamond-travels.com/portugal-travel-budget-2026-4-nights/): How much does Portugal cost to visit? Here's what I spent during four nights in Lisbon and Porto, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities, with a full breakdown of my Portugal travel budget for 2026.
- [How I Spent a Day in Gibraltar](https://diamond-travels.com/how-i-spent-a-day-in-gibraltar/): I spent about six hours exploring Gibraltar, from climbing the Rock and seeing Barbary macaques to exploring World War II tunnels, St. Michael's Cave, and Gibraltar's historic fortifications.
- [From Morocco to Spain: My First Two Days in Europe](https://diamond-travels.com/morocco-to-spain-first-two-days-europe/): After three nights in Morocco, I crossed the Strait of Gibraltar by ferry and began the European portion of my five-week journey. From watching the sunset in Tarifa to exploring Gibraltar and visiting the Star Wars filming location at Plaza de España in Seville, my first two days in Europe were packed with new experiences before I continued on to Portugal.
- [Morocco Travel Budget 2026: What I Spent in 3 Nights](https://diamond-travels.com/morocco-travel-budget-3-nights/): Planning a trip to Morocco? Here's a full breakdown of what I spent over 3 nights, including transportation, hotels, food, activities, and more, plus tips for saving on your travel budget.
- [How Tennessee Became My Second Home](https://diamond-travels.com/how-tennessee-became-my-second-home/): Over nearly a decade, Tennessee became the setting for college, lifelong friendships, heartbreak, family milestones, and some of my happiest memories. This is the story of how one state slowly became my second home.
- [Visiting World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan](https://diamond-travels.com/visiting-world-expo-2025-osaka-japan/): Join me as I explore World Expo 2025 in Osaka, visiting national pavilions, walking the record-breaking Grand Ring, and discovering one of Japan's biggest events.
- [23 Things I Learned by Visiting Cuba](https://diamond-travels.com/things-i-learned-about-cuba/): Cuba is far more than classic cars and cigars. Here are 23 things I learned about Cuban culture, daily life, transportation, food, history, and travel after visiting Havana and Viñales.
- [The Konbini Experience: A Traveler's Guide to Japanese Convenience Stores](https://diamond-travels.com/japanese-convenience-stores-guide/): Japanese konbinis are much more than convenience stores. Learn about the best food, useful traveler services, ATMs, transit cards, and what to expect before your first visit to Japan.
- [Exploring Buenos Aires with a Local: First Impressions and the Paraná Delta](https://diamond-travels.com/buenos-aires-local-parana-delta/): From wandering the streets of Buenos Aires to exploring the Paraná Delta with a local friend, these were my experiences during my first two days in Argentina's capital.
- [Taking a Day Trip to Hiroshima from Osaka](https://diamond-travels.com/day-trip-to-hiroshima-from-osaka/): Visiting Hiroshima was an extremely moving experience and a great day trip from Osaka. I explored Hiroshima Castle, the Atomic Bomb Dome, the symbolic landmarks of Peace Memorial Park, and artifacts from the bombing displayed in the Peace Memorial Museum.
- [12 Things I Learned by Visiting the Bahamas](https://diamond-travels.com/things-i-learned-visiting-the-bahamas/): After spending two nights in Nassau, I discovered a side of the Bahamas most cruise passengers never see. Here are 12 things that surprised me about visiting the country beyond the resorts.
- [Montevideo vs. Colonia del Sacramento: Which Is Better to Visit?](https://diamond-travels.com/montevideo-vs-colonia-del-sacramento-which-is-better/): Trying to decide between Montevideo and Colonia del Sacramento? After visiting both, here are the key differences in safety, cost, atmosphere, and things to do - plus which one I’d recommend most for your trip to Uruguay.
- [3 Best Things to Do in Panama City on a Layover or Cruise Stop](https://diamond-travels.com/panama-city-layover-cruise-things-to-do/): Only have a few hours in Panama City? Whether you’re on a cruise stop or a long layover, these are the 3 best places to visit - plus a few honorable mentions if you have extra time.
- [From Kyoto to Nara: A Day Trip with Shrines, Deer, and Sake](https://diamond-travels.com/kyoto-nara-day-trip-shrines-deer-sake/): From Kyoto’s iconic torii gates to the peaceful temples of Nara, this day was filled with friendly deer, hidden hillside shrines, and an unforgettable first taste of Japanese sake. Slower-paced and deeply atmospheric, Nara offered one of the most unique experiences of my entire trip.
- [Uruguay/Argentina Travel Budget 2026: What I Spent in 7 Days](https://diamond-travels.com/uruguay-argentina-travel-budget-7-days/): Wondering how much it costs to visit Uruguay and Argentina? Here's a full breakdown of what I spent over 7 days, including hotels, food, transportation, and activities - plus tips on where you can save.
- [Enjoying Island Life on Caye Caulker, Belize](https://diamond-travels.com/island-life-caye-caulker-belize/): This was a perfect day on Caye Caulker - fryjacks for breakfast, biking across the island, relaxing on the beach, and ending the night with stingrays at sunset. This was the most peaceful and memorable part of my Belize trip.
- [A Full Day Exploring Kyoto's Temples](https://diamond-travels.com/a-full-day-exploring-kyotos-temples/): Our full day in Kyoto took us across the city to several incredible temples. From the shining Golden Pavilion to quiet hillside temples with centuries-old stories, including ones with a chilling “blood ceiling,” the day was filled with history and peaceful scenery.
- [From Jungle Town to Island Life: San Ignacio to Caye Caulker](https://diamond-travels.com/from-jungle-town-to-island-life-san-ignacio-to-caye-caulker/): After exploring the lively Saturday market in San Ignacio, we began our journey across Belize toward the Caribbean. A scenic drive and water taxi ride later, we arrived on the laid-back island of Caye Caulker for fresh seafood and island life.
- [Tokyo to Kyoto by Bullet Train: Food, Temples, and First Impressions](https://diamond-travels.com/tokyo-kyoto-bullet-train-food-temples-first-impressions/): After six days in Tokyo, we took the shinkansen for the first time to Kyoto. From an incredible lunch and bustling shopping streets to temple explorations, our first day in Japan's ancient capital was unforgettable.
- [Visiting St. Augustine’s Spanish Fort: History & What to Know](https://diamond-travels.com/visiting-st-augustines-spanish-fort/): Here's what to know before visiting Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. From its unique coquina stone walls to centuries of Spanish, British, and American history, this is what you can expect when exploring St. Augustine's iconic waterfront fort.
- [Exploring Mayan Ruins in Belize](https://diamond-travels.com/exploring-mayan-ruins-in-belize/): On our first full day in Belize, we explored the ancient Maya sites of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, rode a hand-cranked ferry and local buses, wandered San Ignacio, and even found time to just relax.
- [Three Days at Star Wars Celebration Japan](https://diamond-travels.com/three-days-star-wars-celebration-japan/): Attending Star Wars Celebration Japan was exciting, overwhelming, and exhausting all at once. Here's what those three days in Chiba were really like, from panels and cosplay to the quieter moments in between.
- [Traveling to Cuba as an American: My Experience & How to Do It](https://diamond-travels.com/traveling-to-cuba-as-an-american/): Going to Cuba as an American is easier than you might expect. Based on my own trip, here’s how to do it, what to avoid, and what you’ll really see once you arrive.
- [Is the Bahamas Worth It? Flying vs Cruising Compared](https://diamond-travels.com/bahamas-flying-vs-cruising/): If you want to visit the Bahamas, cruising is the best and cheapest option to see the country, but flying can have its merits.
- [The Journey from San Jose, California to San Ignacio, Belize](https://diamond-travels.com/the-journey-to-belize/): It took 2 flights and a 2-hour ride to get to our hotel the first night in Belize, but our driver made learned plenty about his country along the way!
- [How to Take the Train in Japan: A Beginner's Guide](https://diamond-travels.com/how-to-take-the-train-in-japan/): Traveling to Japan for the first time? This beginner-friendly guide explains how to use Japan’s trains, from paying fares and IC cards to transfers, rush hour, and bullet trains.
- [Tokyo Day 2: From Gundam to Godzilla](https://diamond-travels.com/tokyo-day-2-from-gundam-to-godzilla/): From the unique landmarks of Odaiba to the night life of Shinjuku, this was my second full day in Japan.
- [Belize Travel Budget 2025: What I Spent in 4 Nights](https://diamond-travels.com/belize-travel-budget-2025-what-i-spent-in-4-nights/): Is it worth your money to travel to this Caribbean nation? This is my complete budget breakdown.
- [Thanksgiving in Chicago: My Snowy Experience in the Windy City](https://diamond-travels.com/thanksgiving-in-chicago-my-snowy-experience-in-the-windy-city/): I had a great time in both the suburbs and city proper, but it was quite the journey actually getting home.
- [From Towering Heights to Hidden Shrines: The First Full Day in Japan](https://diamond-travels.com/from-towering-heights-to-hidden-shrines-the-first-full-day-in-japan/): From the popular spots like Akihabara and Tokyo Skytree to the hidden gem of Ushijima Shrine, this was my first full day exploring Japan!
- [Flying to Tokyo and the First Night in Japan](https://diamond-travels.com/flying-to-tokyo-and-the-first-night-in-japan/): The beginning of my five-week Asia journey, from an early airport ride to the first experiences in Japan.
- [Welcome to Diamond Travels!](https://diamond-travels.com/welcome-to-diamond-travels/): An introduction to who I am, why I started this blog, how I travel, and what you can expect to see me post!

## Pages

- [Portugal](https://diamond-travels.com/portugal/): From Lisbon's winding streets to Porto's riverside architecture and the rolling hills of the Douro Valley, Portugal has plenty to explore. Read my travel guides, budget breakdowns, and personal experiences for practical tips to help plan your own visit.
- [Gibraltar](https://diamond-travels.com/gibraltar/): Gibraltar was a destination with a unique mix of tunnels, caves, monkeys, and beautiful views. Here you can read about everything I saw there on a day trip while traveling through Spain.
- [Spain](https://diamond-travels.com/spain/): Planning a trip to Spain? Explore my travel guides, tips, and personal experiences from across the country, including Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Tarifa, the Spanish Pyrenees, and more.
- [Morocco](https://diamond-travels.com/morocco/): Explore my experiences in Morocco, from Marrakech to Tangier, with travel stories, helpful tips, and advice for visiting this fascinating North African destination.
- [Panama](https://diamond-travels.com/panama/): Panama is a country with both old and recent history, and is a great destination for a cruise stop or layover. Here you can read about the best things to see here, especially on short visits to Panama City.
- [Uruguay](https://diamond-travels.com/uruguay/): This country is full of colonial architecture, historical sites, and beautiful waterfront scenery. Here you can explore travel guides, read honest experiences, and budget for your own trip to Uruguay.
- [Argentina](https://diamond-travels.com/argentina/): Buenos Aires was an amazing city to visit, from its food and culture to history and European architecture. Here you can read about my experiences there as well as travel guides and budgeting for your trip to Argentina.
- [Cuba](https://diamond-travels.com/cuba/): From classic cars and cigars to local food and daily life, here you can read about my honest experiences in Cuba and what to know about visiting as an American.
- [Bahamas](https://diamond-travels.com/bahamas/): This country is a great spot for cruise visitors and tourists looking to relax. Here you can find fun facts, funny stories, and travel guides about the Bahamas.
- [Belize](https://diamond-travels.com/belize/): Belize blends Caribbean culture with a diverse population, dense jungles, and beautiful islands into one of the most unique destinations in Central America. Here you can read personal experiences, travel tips, and budget advice from my trip.
- [United States](https://diamond-travels.com/united-states/): The United States is my homeland, and I've been to every state. Here you can find all my travel guides and personal stories from across the country.
- [Japan](https://diamond-travels.com/japan/): From the people, culture, food, history, and more, Japan is an amazing destination. Here you'll find all my guides and travel stories from my favorite country I've visited so far.
- [Newsletter](https://diamond-travels.com/newsletter/): Subscribe for travel stories, destination guides, and updates from my journey to every country.
- [Destinations](https://diamond-travels.com/destinations/): Browse countries and destinations I’ve explored, with travel guides, stories, and tips organized by location.
- [Contact](https://diamond-travels.com/contact/): Have a question, collaboration idea, or travel suggestion? Get in touch with Diamond Travels.
- [About](https://diamond-travels.com/about/): Meet Jacob, the traveler behind Diamond Travels, and learn about his goal of visiting every country in the world through honest travel stories, guides, and cultural experiences.
- [Blog](https://diamond-travels.com/blog/): Explore travel stories, guides, and practical tips from destinations across the globe.
- [Home](https://diamond-travels.com/): Journey to 197 Countries: Exploring the world, one story at a time.
- [Privacy Policy](https://diamond-travels.com/privacy-policy/): Our website address is: https://diamond-travels.com.

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