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Caernarfon Castle in Wales is one of the most visually arresting and historically significant castles in Europe. Set against the backdrop of North Wales' stunning coastal landscape, it’s more than just a fortress; it’s a storybook scene, a photo op heaven, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in symbolism and imperial ambition. Whether you enter the grounds or simply admire it from the outside, like we did, this castle leaves a lasting impression. In this post, we’ll take you through the must-see highlights of Caernarfon Castle, from its unique riverside setting to its imperial architecture. You’ll learn about the castle’s fascinating royal and military history, how to get there, ticket prices, and the best time to visit. We also share top travel tips, our personal experience, including a surprise encounter with a knight in armor, ten interesting facts, and our honest rating. Key Takeaways ● What to know: Caernarfon Castle in Wales is one of the most visually arresting and historically significant castles in Europe. ● Our experience: Whether you enter the grounds or simply admire it from the outside, like we did, this castle leaves a lasting impression. ● Useful detail: Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the towers, exhibitions and battlements; the castle is usually open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. In This Post... ● Highlights ● A Brief History ● How to Get There ● Find Hotels in Gwynedd ● Tickets, Hours & When to Go ● Tips for Visiting See More... ● Watch on YouTube ● 10 Interesting Facts ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Useful Links ● Travel Resources Our Highlights of Caernarfon Castle Jenn is hanging out by the old stone walls of a medieval castle, with a bright sky that's partly cloudy, while colorful local shops line the street in the background. ● Commanding riverside setting ● UNESCO World Heritage Status ● Unusual architectural features ● Charming town surroundings ● Live heritage experiences Set along the scenic River Seiont and overlooking the Menai Strait, Caernarfon Castle offers one of the most majestic waterfront views in all of Europe. The imposing stone walls of Caernarfon Castle stand tall under a picturesque blue sky, reflecting centuries of history and architectural grandeur. Its massive polygonal towers and striped masonry echo the walls of Constantinople, intentionally built to project power. The castle’s position at the edge of a vibrant, colorful town means it’s not only a historic place but also a picture-perfect stop for any top destination road trip. The surrounding town of Caernarfon is a gem in itself—think cobbled streets, old stone pubs, and sailboats gently swaying in the harbor. For us, the surprise highlight was a fully armored medieval soldier strolling past the entrance, posing for photos and adding an unforgettable moment to our day. 💡 If you’re heading to Anglesey or Snowdonia, Caernarfon makes for a strategic and scenic stop. For more castle routes, check out Discover Wales. Jenn approaches the historic entrance of Caernarfon Castle, Wales, on a crisp day, ready to explore its ancient walls and storied past. A Brief History of Caernarfon Castle Commissioned in 1283 by Edward I as part of his campaign to conquer Wales, Caernarfon Castle was not just a military base; it was a symbol of dominance and control. SWIPE FOR MORE → Its polygonal towers and eagle-topped battlements weren’t just architectural flourishes; they were deliberate emblems of imperial power, meant to echo the grandeur of ancient Rome and Byzantium. Unlike many medieval castles, Caernarfon was never just a defensive fortress. It was a royal palace, a government hub, and a royal baby’s birthplace. It’s the traditional site for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, most famously used in 1969 for Prince Charles. Though never fully completed, the castle’s scale and design remain unmatched in Britain. Today, it stands as a proud part of Edward I’s “Iron Ring,” a network of fortresses that includes Beaumaris, Conwy, and Harlech, all now UNESCO-listed.**. 💡 If you’re passionate about ancient wonders or castles, this one should be high on your list. Check out the view from the back of Caernarfon Castle in Wales—it's got those peaceful waters and lush green scenery. How to Get to Caernarfon Castle Caernarfon Castle is located in Gwynedd, North Wales, overlooking the Menai Strait, and is well connected by road and public transport. By Car ● From Bangor: 20 minutes via A487 ● From Snowdonia (Betws-y-Coed): 45 minutes ● From Liverpool/Manchester: 2 hours There are multiple paid car parks in Caernarfon—Slate Quay Car Park and Balaclava Road Car Park are closest to the castle. 💡 Need a car for your trip? Rent one via Turo for flexible, affordable options that suit every travel style. Car Rental Getting to Caernarfon Castle is relatively straightforward, but having a car makes exploring more of Anglesey and North Wales much easier. Many travellers choose to drive when visiting multiple castles and coastal towns in the region. Public transport is available, though car rental offers far more flexibility for road trips and scenic stops. Use the search tool below to find the best car rental deals for your trip. By Bus Regular buses run from Bangor, Llanberis, and surrounding towns. The Caernarfon Bus Station is just a 5-minute walk from the castle. By Train There’s no train station in Caernarfon. The nearest station is Bangor, with onward bus connections to the castle. ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour One of the easiest ways to explore Caernarfon Castle and the surrounding North Wales region is by tour. Many experiences combine historic sites with nearby highlights like Snowdonia and the coast, making it simple to see more without planning every detail yourself. 🔗 Browse tour options here Contact Information for Caernarfon Castle Address Castle Ditch, Caernarfon LL55 2AY Phone (+44) 0300 025 2239 Email cadw@tfw.wales Instagram @cadwcymruwales Facebook @CadwWales Website cadw.gov.wales/castell-caernarfon Easily Find Hotels in Gwynedd and Beyond Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Gwynedd hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination. Tickets, Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit Caernarfon Castle is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s heritage service. Entry includes full access to the castle walls, towers, museum exhibits, and the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum. Ticket Prices Adults £11.40 Seniors (65+) & Students £8.10 Children (5–17) £8.10 Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) £37.20 Under 5s Free Cadw Members Free Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online at cadwmembership.service.gov. All prices are in British pounds and are subject to change. Check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Convert your currency here. Opening Times March–October Daily, 9:30 am–5 pm November–February Daily, 10 am – 4 pm Closed 24th–26th December and 1st January Best Time to Visit Spring and autumn Offers fewer crowds, mild weather, and dramatic light for photos. Summer Brings more visitors and events, but early morning or late afternoon visits are still enjoyable. Arrive close to opening For quiet moments on the walls and uncrowded tower climbs. Weekdays Generally quieter than weekends. 💡 Planning to tour more castles? Combine Caernarfon with nearby Beaumaris or Conwy and use a guided tour for historical context. You can catch a stunning view of Caernarfon Castle's tall stone walls and turrets, right next to a building with a neoclassical Roman vibe. Tips for Visiting Caernarfon Castle ● Even if you don’t go inside, walk the perimeter—it’s free and stunning. If you do head inside, don’t skip the Eagle Tower—it’s the tallest and most iconic, with sweeping views over the Menai Strait and Snowdonia mountains. ● Snap pics from across the water for postcard-perfect shots. ● Watch for reenactments or costumed guards during events—it adds a magical touch ● Don't miss the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum: Included in your ticket, this museum inside the castle honors Wales' oldest infantry regiment with uniforms, medals, and moving stories. ● Bring a light jacket—even in summer: The castle is wind-exposed, especially on the upper levels. The weather can change quickly near the coast. ● Download the Cadw app: There’s no formal guided tour, but the Cadw app includes maps and information that enhance your self-guided experience. ● Spend time in the charming town: Cafés, independent shops, and a harbor view await. ● Heading to Anglesey? This castle is an ideal stopover between key sites. ● Find the best places to stay on our Wales Hotel Map. 💡 Need travel data? Get a discounted eSIM from GigSky (10% discount code: CLOSERLIVES10). or Saily (5% discount code: SPECIAL5) Our YouTube Highlights We didn’t film inside, but we caught the incredible moment a soldier in traditional metal armor strolled down the street and posed for a photo with Jenn—a surprise that brought history to life! If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe! Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world! 10 Interesting Facts About Caernarfon Castle A medieval knight stands guard in front of the Caernarfon Castle fortress, looking like he's just stepped out of a history book, ready to defend the castle from invaders—or maybe just from anyone trying to steal his last turkey leg! 1. Built in 1283 as part of Edward I’s conquest of Wales Commissioned to assert English dominance, it marked a turning point in Wales’ medieval history as part of the infamous “Iron Ring” of castles. 2. Inspired by the Walls of Constantinople and Roman fortifications Its design wasn’t just defensive—it was symbolic. The castle’s angular towers and banded masonry were meant to echo the grandeur of imperial Rome and Byzantium. 3. Home to the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales In a modern echo of medieval tradition, Caernarfon hosted this royal ceremony, broadcast to millions and embedding the castle in living memory. 4. Its Eagle Tower is the tallest and most iconic structure With three turrets and sweeping views, the Eagle Tower housed royal apartments and remains the castle’s most imposing architectural statement. 5. Originally painted with vibrant colors for added grandeur Believe it or not, medieval Caernarfon wasn’t grey—it was vividly painted to dazzle, symbolizing royal authority and wealth. 6. Surrounded by still-intact town walls Few places in Britain retain their medieval defenses as fully as Caernarfon, offering a rare chance to walk along ancient fortifications that once guarded the town. 7. Never completed, yet one of Britain’s most formidable castles Despite its grandeur, parts of the castle remain unfinished, adding to its mystique and showcasing the scale of Edward I’s ambition. 8. Includes symbolic eagle carvings referencing Roman power These aren’t just decorative. The eagles were meant to align Edward with Roman imperial might, reinforcing his claim to rule over Wales. 9. A hub for English administration in medieval Wales More than a fortress, Caernarfon served as a seat of English governance in the region, blending military strength with bureaucratic control. 10. Filming location for documentaries and historical reenactments Its cinematic setting and rich history have made it a go-to backdrop for period films, educational series, and royal retrospectives. Our Experience Rating: Caernarfon Castle Despite not going inside, Caernarfon Castle blew us away with its scale, beauty, and sheer presence. The riverside setting, incredible views, and rich sense of place were unforgettable. Had we entered, it might have scored even higher, but this is one of those places where even the outside is magical. Highly recommended for any fan of castles, history, or must-see places in Wales. Castles like this define Wales’ rich history and cultural identity. For more destinations and travel ideas, explore our Wales travel guides. Useful Links Book hotels with ease on our Wales Map Stay connected with GigSky or Saily Need insurance? We use SafetyWing Check more resources in our Travel Hub FAQ: Caernarfon Castle Where is Caernarfon Castle? Caernarfon Castle is in Gwynedd, North Wales, on the banks of the River Seiont, near the Menai Strait. It’s part of the UNESCO-listed Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. Who built it and why? It was commissioned by King Edward I of England in 1283 as part of his conquest of Wales. The castle served both as a military stronghold and a symbol of English dominance, with grand architecture intended to impress. Why is the castle unique? Unlike typical Norman castles, it features polygonal towers and banded stonework, inspired by the walls of Constantinople. It’s also historically significant as the site of Prince of Wales investitures, most recently, Prince Charles in 1969. What are the hours and prices? Open daily (except some holidays), usually from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm ● Entry fee: around £11.70 for adults, with concessions and family tickets available ● Free for Cadw members What can I see? ● Tower climbs with panoramic views ● The Eagle Tower and royal chambers ● Historical exhibits and multimedia displays ● The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum within the castle ● The dramatic outer walls and waterfront views How long should I spend? Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the castle towers and exhibitions and walk along the battlements. You’ll want time to take in the views and explore at your own pace. Is the castle family-friendly? Yes! Children love exploring the towers and narrow passageways. Family tickets are available, and interactive exhibits help bring the history to life. Is the castle accessible? Due to the historic structure, many areas involve steep steps and uneven surfaces. However, the ground level and some exhibitions are accessible, and Cadw staff are helpful with guidance. Is there parking nearby? Yes. There are several pay-and-display car parks within walking distance of the castle, including the Slate Quay car park right next to the water. Is the castle worth visiting? Absolutely. It's one of the most impressive and historically rich castles in Britain, offering spectacular views, fascinating exhibits, and a deep connection to Welsh and royal history. Travel Resources

Canadian Christmas lights done right! Almost one million lights adorn the trees and buildings of the historic pioneer Upper Canada Village at this beautiful winter festival. It is one of the largest of its kind in Ontario and is a truly captivating experience, especially in the snow! Alight at Night is located in Morrisburg, Ontario, and was established in 2000, making this year its 25th anniversary. Upper Canada Village is already a great place to visit throughout the year, but Alight at Night elevates it to another level! Check out some of our highlights, find out about the famous Canadian BeaverTails, the history of Upper Canada Village, and all you need to know about visiting Alight at Night. Key Takeaways ● The experience: Alight at Night fills historic Upper Canada Village with almost one million lights, carriage rides, music, children’s activities, seasonal food, and Canadian BeaverTails. ● Tickets and timing: The event normally runs on selected evenings from late November to early January; allow 90 minutes to two hours and reserve a timed ticket in advance. ● Before you go: Driving is the easiest option and parking is free; arrive near opening for fewer crowds and wear warm layers with waterproof footwear. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● What Are Beaver Tails? ● The History ● Tickets, Hours & When to Go ● How to Get There See More... ● Find Hotels Nearby ● Tips for Visiting ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Travel Resources Our Alight at Night Highlights We had just returned to Canada after a year and a half away traveling, and we wanted to go to Alight at Night to enjoy quality time with the family. Jenn and the kiddos had been here many times before when they were a little younger, so it was also a tad nostalgic, too! It was really fun this time around, as always, and everyone had a great time. A cherished memory for sure! Around 50,000 people visit this enchanting display every year, and it is easy to see why. It captures the essence of Christmas and the festive season in a truly multi-sensory way, and in our opinion, it makes for a lovely evening stroll, either with that special someone or the entire family. There are lots of activities here, aside from the lights themselves. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, good old-fashioned carol singing, a sit-down with Santa, train rides (and many other fun activities for children), light and music shows (check out our YouTube video for that), a gift store, restaurants, refreshments, and even Beaver Tails! The gift store has your typical souvenir memorabilia but also has many other high-end items, including hand-knit wool sweaters, things for the home, beautiful Christmas decorations, ornaments for trees, and the like. What Are Beaver Tails? BeaverTails are a trademark Canadian sweet pastry consisting of a flat piece of fried dough, dusted with sugar and cinnamon or served with a wide selection of other delicious toppings. Beaver Tails Canada Inc. is a restaurant chain established in 1978, now famous all over Canada and in many other parts of the world, such as Mexico, France, the UAE, the Republic of Korea, and Japan. Fun fact—one of Jenn's very first jobs was working at a BeaverTail hut at Ottawa's Winterlude Festival when she was 16! The History Behind Upper Canada Village Upper Canada Village is a living history museum located in Morrisburg, Ontario, Canada. It depicts a 19th-century village in Upper Canada, which is the historical name for the southern part of what is now Ontario. The village was founded in 1961 as part of the St. Lawrence Seaway project. The Seaway required the flooding of ten villages in the area, known as the Lost Villages. Upper Canada Village was a part of the project's heritage preservation plan. Many of the buildings in Upper Canada Village were transported directly from the villages to be flooded. The park, owned and operated by the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, was opened to the public in 1961. It is one of the largest living-history sites in Canada, with over 40 historical buildings. These include homes, functioning mills, and trades workshops. The village is staffed by interpreters who dress in period clothing and demonstrate the skills and trades of the 19th century. Visitors can learn about farming, cooking, blacksmithing, and other aspects of everyday life in Upper Canada. Upper Canada Village is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year. It is a great place to learn about the history of Ontario and experience life in the 19th century. 1958: Construction of Upper Canada Village begins as part of the St. Lawrence Seaway project. 1961: Upper Canada Village opens to the public. 1972: The village is designated a National Historic Site of Canada. 1980: The village is expanded to include the Lost Villages Museum. 2000: The village celebrates its 40th anniversary. 2011: The village celebrates its 50th anniversary. There are plenty of activities available, including village tours, camping, and dining. Find out more at uppercanadavillage.com. Despite Canada being a relatively young country, there is much to learn about its history, and Upper Canada Village is a great place to begin! Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit Ticket Prices Tickets to Alight at Night must be purchased online in advance, as time slots often sell out, especially near Christmas and New Year. General Admission (6+) CAD 17-22 (varies by date) Children (5 and under) Free Family Pass Available (pricing varies seasonally.) Parking Free on-site Carriage Rides Additional CAD 25–30 per group (reservations required) Discounts Discounts may apply for season pass holders or residents, and there are occasional themed nights or group rates available. All prices are in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information. Convert your currency here. Opening Times Festival Season Runs from late November to early January Open Evenings Only 5 pm–9 pm (last entry varies by date) Important Open on select nights only, not daily. Check the official Alight at Night calendar for exact dates and times. Best Time to Visit Best Dates Early in the season (late Nov to early Dec) for lower prices and fewer crowds Avoid December 22–26 and New Year’s weekend unless booked well in advance Best Time of Night Arrive right at opening (5pm) for more space and uninterrupted photo ops Weather Tip Dress warmly and wear waterproof footwear—it can get icy and cold after dark! How to Get to Upper Canada Village The Alight at Night Festival is held at Upper Canada Village, one of Ontario’s top heritage attractions, transformed into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. It’s located in Morrisburg, Ontario, just off Highway 401, making it easily accessible from several cities in eastern Ontario. By Car (Most Common Option) Driving is the easiest and most convenient way to get to the festival. Set your GPS to: 📍 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0, Canada Approximate drive times: ● From Ottawa: 1 hr 10 mins (100 km) via Hwy 417 & Hwy 31 ● From Montreal: 1 hr 30 mins (135 km) via Autoroute 20 and Hwy 401 ● From Kingston: 1 hr 45 mins (165 km) via Hwy 401 east On-site parking is free and well organized during the festival season, but it’s a good idea to arrive early during peak weekends. Car Rental During peak seasons, car rental demand can be high, so it’s worth booking early. Prices tend to rise quickly, and availability can become limited, especially in popular destinations. By Tour or Shuttle (Seasonal Only) Occasionally, group tours or chartered buses operate from Ottawa or Cornwall around the holiday season. Check with local tour companies or community centers for seasonal options. By Train and Taxi While not the most direct route, you can take a VIA Rail train to nearby Cornwall or Brockville, then take a local taxi or prearranged shuttle to Upper Canada Village (30–40 minutes by car). This is a less common method, but it is possible with planning. Contact Information for Upper Canada Village Address 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0, Canada Phone (+1) 800 437 2233 Website uppercanadavillage.com Instagram @uppercanadavill Easily Find Hotels in Morrisberg and Beyond Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Morrisberg hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the area. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination. Tips for Visiting Alight at Night ● Dress warmly: It can be quite cold at night in November and December, so be sure to dress warmly. ● Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. ● Bring a flashlight: The paths can be dark in places, so it is a good idea to bring a flashlight. ● Take your time: There is a lot to see at Alight at Night, so take your time and enjoy the experience! Our Experience Rating: Alight at Night We are rating Alight at Night 5 stars... or should it be five lights?! There is a cool (pun intended) appeal here, and it is a lovely location to get one into the spirit of the festive season. It is nicely put together, and we felt the Christmas spirit in the air as we wandered through the village. With plenty of activities and events, it will indeed get you ready and excited for Christmas! Experiences like this show a different side of Canada beyond its natural landscapes. For more destinations, events, and travel ideas, explore our Canada travel guides. FAQ: Alight at Night What is Alight at Night? Alight at Night is a holiday lights festival held at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, Ontario. The historic 19th-century village is transformed into a glowing wonderland with over one million lights, festive music, and seasonal cheer. Where is Upper Canada Village? Upper Canada Village is located in Morrisburg, Ontario, about 90 minutes from Ottawa and 2 hours from Montreal. It’s easily accessible by car and has ample parking. When is the festival? The event typically runs from late November to early January, with specific dates and times varying by year. It’s open on select evenings, especially around weekends and holidays. Should I book in advance? Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended. Time slots are assigned to manage crowd flow, and the event often sells out, particularly around Christmas and New Year. What can I expect? ● Strolling through streets illuminated by dazzling light displays ● Viewing historic buildings adorned with holiday décor ● Festive snacks and drinks, including hot chocolate and treats ● Horse-drawn wagon rides and occasional carolers or seasonal music ● Photo ops with lit-up scenes and backdrops How long should I allow? Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours walking through the village, enjoying the lights, and stopping for photos or refreshments. Is Alight at Night family-friendly? Absolutely! It’s one of Ontario’s most beloved family-friendly winter events, with a magical ambiance perfect for kids (and kids at heart). Is the festival accessible? The paths are mostly flat, though some areas may be uneven due to the historic village setting. It’s partially accessible, and winter conditions may affect ease of movement. Dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear. Is food and drink available? Yes, warm drinks and snacks are sold in designated areas. Some packages may include meal vouchers, and there are spots to warm up indoors. Is Alight at Night worth it? Definitely! It’s a uniquely Canadian winter tradition, combining history, holiday magic, and lights in a way that’s both festive and memorable, perfect for families, couples, and photography lovers. Travel Resources

'Your account has been disabled for violating our terms.' No doubt that is the reason you are here, and believe me, I can relate to how you are feeling right now. I have been where you are, and I am writing this post to share my experience and hopefully help you recover your Instagram account. I also share tips, tricks, dos, and don'ts so you can avoid this happening again in the future. Key Takeaways ● What happened to us: Our Instagram account was disabled with very little explanation, cutting us off from years of content, contacts, and the community we had built around our work. ● What helped us recover it: We stayed with official appeal and identity-verification routes, documented the process, and kept trying legitimate options until access was eventually restored—without paying a third-party recovery service. ● What we would do differently: Protect the account before trouble starts with strong authentication and secure contact details, and if you are locked out, avoid repeated random forms, scammers, and anyone asking for passwords, codes, or money. In This Post... ● My Account Was Deactivated ● Why is My Account disabled? ● The First Message & What's Next ● Contacting Instagram ● Instagram Appeal Forms See More... ● Appeal Sent - the Next Steps ● What NOT to Do While You Wait ● 7 Days Later - What's Next ● Facebook Live Support ● My Ad Account Issue ● What Instagram Wanted to Know ● Account Recovery Complete! ● The Final Word Additional Resources ● Protecting Your Account ● FAQ ● Any Other Questions? ● Social Media Resources My Instagram Account Was Deactivated I have been an avid user of Instagram for over 3 years, and for those of you who know our journey here at Closer Lives, you will see that it was on Instagram that Jenn and I met for the very first time. Instagram: @myplayonlife Instagram has had a huge impact on our lives, and indeed, our entire story, alongside our travel adventures, has been shared there. Our Instagram accounts are months, years, and even decades of copious amounts of time and energy put into content, follower growth, design, and promotion. Not to mention the amazing people and friends that, no doubt, like me, you have connected with. The moment I was 'disabled' was like a rug being pulled from under my feet, and it was a hard moment to take. Just like that, everything I had built was under threat. I had no reason, no understanding, and just a deep sense of fear that the journey may well be over. I thought it simply must have been a mistake. Tap the appeal, fill out the very basic information request, and wait 24 hours. It will be alright; I have not done anything wrong. "I will get it back," I told myself. I tried to stay positive and maintain as much patience as I could muster. In the early days of my block, I managed it, but by day 3, my emotions were starting to get the better of me. I realized that simply waiting was not going to be enough. I started to research relentlessly to find out more information, reading countless articles and watching a plethora of videos about it on YouTube. After several hours of this, I knew that I had no choice but to fight for my account or risk losing it for good. This is my story, and some of the things I discovered may just help you get your account back. Read on to find out how to appeal, what NOT to do, how to contact Meta, and ultimately how I recovered my account. ⪢ First things first... While this may not be the easiest thing to read right now, expect to hear this from friends, family, and even Meta themselves. Don't panic! It is indeed sound advice; even if you have violated the community guidelines, your chances of recovering your account are fairly good if this is the first time you have been blocked. You will have to wait; do not be surprised if it takes up to a month to get things sorted. However, you may just get it back a lot sooner. The truth is, it is highly unpredictable. Why Has My Instagram Account Been Disabled? There are many reasons why your account will have been disabled. Instagram's guidelines are very clear, but have you read them? Perhaps not, and honestly, neither had I. Most of my knowledge in terms of what and what not to do had come from word of mouth and posts from other users who had fallen foul of the rules. To be clear, this post will NOT help you if your account has been suspended (as in you can still log in but cannot like, comment, follow, etc.). This post is only for no longer being able to access/log in to their account. Here are a few common reasons why your account may have been disabled: ● Connecting an unauthorized application to your account, such as insight apps, automated like apps, follow/unfollow apps, etc. Tap here for more about this. ● Buying followers (these are usually bots) ● Joining follow loops/follow trains ● Participating in engagement groups ● Sending spam messages to followers and non-followers See More... ● Following & unfollowing in large numbers ● Using Instagram shopping in unlicensed countries ● Providing your login credentials to a 3rd party application or service that is automating actions or scraping information ● Using an app or service to interact with Facebook or Instagram in unauthorized ways ● Your account was shared or compromised/hacked, and someone is taking actions on your behalf or without your knowledge ● Changing your location regularly I would highly advise reading the Terms & Conditions of Use in Instagram's Help Centre to try and fully understand why the block has happened. Be honest with yourself, and do not be afraid to admit any breach of the rules. As you progress with the appeal, and as you will see from my experience, honesty is the best policy here. Hopefully, by now, you may have identified why your account has been disabled. If not, do not worry; from my experience, you may never even know the actual reason. In any case, something somewhere was triggered by the system, and we are where we are. Whatever your reasons for wanting your account back, just know that there is a chance you will be able to do just that. I have seen stories of timelines ranging from 48 hours to 30 days. The key to it all is to be patient but, by all means, persistent! Have you seen The Shawshank Redemption? Well, I highly recommend it if you haven't! A fantastic movie. Aside from that, and more to the point, prisoner Andy Dufresne writes a letter a week to the state requesting funding for the prison library. This is where your fight begins. Once a week, then eventually twice, for six years. Yes, SIX! There is so much more to the story that I shall not divulge in case you haven't seen it. But I mention it only through one lens: the power of consistency. The power of persistence. You need to go all out Shawshank on this! Instagram Account Disabled Message: What To Do Next I must admit that in the past, I have had a couple of suspensions for too much activity; however, I have always been able to log in, even if I could not perform any actions for a day or two. This was the first time my account had ever been disabled. My heart was in my mouth the moment I saw these screens. It was in that instance that I realized just how important this account is to me; in the same token, the thought of losing it crept into my thought process for the first time, and it was frightening. Note that in most cases, any actions against your account are enacted by Instagram's system AI and algorithm. It is highly unlikely that it has been done by an actual human! When the initial block happens, even your immediate appeal is not overseen by a human. 'We will review' most likely means 'our bots will review.' When asked to provide your information, you will be asked for an email address. You may read or hear that it is important that you leave the email associated with your account, although I would say that it does not matter. As long as you stick with the same email throughout the process. This is important to demonstrate that you are not a bot and are a genuine human. Over two billion people use Instagram once a month, making it the fourth most popular social app worldwide Bots and fake accounts are a thorn in the side of Instagram, and unfortunately, no matter how big (or small) your account following may be, your appeal will be dropped in amongst hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of others. It is hard to imagine just how they tackle this, although sadly, the sheer lack of any type of customer support is equally hard to fathom. Contacting Instagram It is easy to understand why Instagram would be overwhelmed should it operate a helpline or email channel. Instagram has never announced any type of customer support since it first hit the app stores in 2010. Nevertheless, here are the details you might find online: ● Instagram Headquarters: +1 650 543 4800 or +1 415 857 3369 ● Instagram for business: +1 660 745 3051 ● support@instagram.com You are welcome to try these avenues, but it is highly unlikely you will receive any kind of response. Ultimately, the only place to look for any type of issue or guidance is Instagram's help centre. It is here that you will be able to complete various forms to begin your appeal process. You will also find a link to one of the forms in the message informing you of your account block on the login screen. Instagram Appeal Forms Here are the IDs for all of the appeal forms I used, all within the first 7 days of my account being disabled/deactivated: ● instagram.com/contact/60696731 ● instagram.com/contact/39616978 ● instagram.com/contact/43790879 ● instagram.com/contact/16525678 ● instagram.com/contact/16104597 2025 Update: It appears that Meta/Instagram has removed the functionality of these forms. This may be temporary, or it could be a permanent change. At this point, your best bet is to jump straight to Facebook Live Support or try instagram.com/hacked For our current disabled-account recovery options and appeal guidance, see our Instagram appeal form guide. My advice is to complete each of these forms once only and on separate days. You will most likely read and see many people advising you to complete these multiple times a day until you get a response. I did this myself. In total, I completed each one 3 times! However, I eventually found out that this was to my detriment. After speaking directly with Meta, they clearly stated that with every submission, your case goes to the bottom of the pile! It seems strange, but it kind of makes sense. Think about it, you and I will not be the only ones to assume that the more we fill out the forms, the better chances we will have. Having received millions of contact forms over the years, Instagram is saying, 'We have your request; please be patient. It will be seen. ⪢ How to Complete the Appeal Forms The forms are pretty basic and easy to complete. If you have a business account, you will be asked to provide some form of verification. The key is the 'please let us know why you're appealing the decision' section. This is your opportunity to plead your case, and I highly advise that you place plenty of time and thought into it. This is my advice for what you should include: ● Why do you believe your account was deactivated? (Be honest; if you know the reason, state it. If you do not know, however, that is okay. ● Acknowledge the community guidelines and your willingness to adhere to them. ● Explain what you use the account for. ● State any other people who may have access to the account. ● Briefly detail how you will be using the account going forward, should it be re-enabled. There is no real need to apologize, although if you know why your account was disabled, then perhaps it is not a bad idea. I feel it is best not to until you have more information. You Have Sent Your Appeal to Instagram: the Next Steps Now this is the interesting part. In most cases, when contacting a multi-billion-dollar megacompanies with an issue, you would come to expect a response that makes you feel like you are being heard, that you are important, and that they will try to resolve your issue as soon as possible. From the 15 forms I submitted, I received an email response to just 3 of them. Yes, just three. It looked like this: No logo and a pretty sketchy email address make this almost look like a spam email. Indeed, that is where I found it—in my spam folder. Needless to say, I was checking that folder every few hours in my desperate hopes of a response. So this is what you will receive, and the instructions are pretty simple. Grab a pen and paper and do this: I also added my reasons for appealing again, including our website and other information that could verify my identity. What happens after this is a complete mystery, though. There was no acknowledgement or receipt of my reply, and indeed, to this day, I have never received any further communication from Instagram itself with regard to this. I persevered with this process for around 2 weeks, filling out forms and just waiting. Waiting, waiting, and waiting. The silence was deafening, and I knew there had to be something else I could do. What NOT to Do While You Wait Every day, I found myself searching Google, Quora, Reddit, YouTube, and even Facebook Groups. With my feeling of desperation ever increasing, I found myself turning to the very murky and dark waters of the IG 'hackers,' who are ultimately just scammers. Sadly, people will prey on your 'desperation,' and, as tempting and as 'genuine' as it may seem, it will NOT work. All of those apps, comment bots, and even YouTubers that recommend taking these steps may have been lucky enough to find some form of success, but the chances are overwhelmingly unlikely and will only lead to more problems. Whatever you do, do not engage in the following: ● Instagram Plus Plus (Instagram++) ● Instagram Account Recovery Tool Websites ● IG Account Recovery Apps ● Anyone who posts in a group claiming to be a hacker ● Anyone who posts in a group claiming they have been scammed and is genuine ● Anyone who asks for money to recover your account As mentioned earlier, 'data scraping' is absolutely against Instagram's terms, and all of the options above do just that. Even if they can recover your account, the footprint they leave will remain, and eventually a bot will pick that up. Then back to square one you go. NEVER give out your log in information, NEVER pay money and STICK with the Instagram / Meta process. It really is the ONLY WAY! You Have Waited 7-10 Business Days and Have Had No Response from Instagram. What to Do Next? When you request to delete content or your account, the deletion process will automatically begin no more than 30 days after your request. It may take up to 90 days to delete content after the deletion process begins. "While the deletion process for such content is being undertaken, the content is no longer visible to other users, but remains subject to these Terms of Use and our Data Policy. After the content is deleted, it may take us up to another 90 days to remove it from backups and disaster recovery systems." - Content Removal and Disabling or Terminating Your Account (Instagram Terms of Use) Naturally, after reading this, I panicked. From what I could understand, I had 30 days in total to save my account from oblivion. It had already been 14 days by this point, so I knew that if I did not find another way soon, it would be over. Once the deletion process is started, there is no way to restore or recover your data. So, after filtering through copious amounts of YouTube videos, I kept hearing about Facebook Live Support. I knew if I had any chance of saving the day, then talking to an actual human would be the best way to do it! It eventually did just that; read on for the steps you can take to access this little-known but very helpful feature. Facebook Live Support Most of my sources have suggested this feature is only accessible if you have a Facebook/Instagram business account. Fortunately for me, I already had one. If you do not, it is possible to create one on Facebook. You will also need an ad account for reasons I shall explain shortly. Option One - Contact via Email The Meta Business Help Centre is very useful for all sorts of reasons, and I would recommend checking out this article: 🔗 facebook.com/business/help If you are unfortunate enough to be in a country where live chat is not supported, then you can follow these steps for email communication with Meta: At the bottom of the aforementioned article, you will find a small question box asking you if the article was 'helpful.' Click 'no,' then follow the steps to explain why. It will then take you to a form asking for your contact information. This report will go directly to the Facebook Marketplace/Pro Team, who, unlike Instagram, will respond immediately with a professional and formal email that will look something like this: This was a real 'blue sky' moment for me, as it was the very first time throughout this whole process that I felt I was in with a chance of getting somewhere. I found that the Meta Pro Team was extremely helpful, and on both occasions I dealt with them, it felt like they genuinely wanted to help. Even just the basic use of a reference number is far more in keeping with the expectations of a company of this size. All email communications were prompt and informative, and over a couple of days, I was able to obtain a resolution to one of my issues. My ad account was also disabled, and fortunately, this was a quicker fix. I was impressed with the efficiency and genuine care they showed, and I trust this will be the same for you, too, should you need it! 🔗 Read more about my Ad account issue here If this option still does not result in your account being re-enabled, then read on for option two below. Option Two - Contact via Live Messenger Support Please note that this option will only be made available to you if you have an active Facebook Ad account AND you place an actual ad. After resolving my ad account issue, I successfully placed an ad for £5. After doing so, I accessed this feature by requesting help on the Commerce Manager page by clicking the help button in the bottom left-hand corner. As I understand it, access is restricted to certain countries, and the location of this 'chat' option varies from user to user. This is what worked for me, and I am currently in the UK. Once you click this, look over to the right, and this window will appear: Click 'Contact Facebook Support,' and from the following screen, select 'reporting a technical issue' from the drop-down menu: Then the holy grail! A few more sections to fill out, and then the magical moment will arrive where you can talk directly to the Facebook team. An option will appear asking you how you would like to be contacted, via email or live chat. Tap "live," and it will automatically route you to Facebook Messenger, where you will have the opportunity to speak to the Meta Pro Team. It is important to take the opportunity to plead your case in the message section. Give as much information as you can, but bear in mind you only have 1500 characters. Find out more about what Instagram wanted to know. I have read various accounts of success through this chat option. Some people have had immediate success, some have waited a few hours, and some a day. For me, I had to wait a couple of days for a decision, which initially came back with me being told to wait for the Instagram appeal process. I did just that, yet after a further 7 days of not hearing anything, I tried my hand again. Another ad later, and I was in touch with a very helpful operator, Ezequiel, through Facebook Messenger. He handed my case over to Ana, and from there, things developed very rapidly! She filed an 'internal ticket' with the Instagram Team and communicated with me via email every step of the way. Two days had passed, during which we had exchanged several emails, and I answered a very important questionnaire. Then the moment came; Ana even called me personally to inform me that my account had been reactivated! I am not sure if I was just lucky, but Ezequiel and Ana were brilliant. Why I was not able to get the same level of resolution the first time round, I do not know, but as they always say, it is the result that counts the most, not necessarily how you get there! My Ad Account Issue Before I was able to access live support, I needed to run an ad, as I have mentioned, and most unfortunately, there was a problem with this, too! Luckily for me, this was a slightly easier fix, but this snag did further complicate things with regard to my Instagram account. My ad account was suspended as I accessed Instagram Shopping while we were traveling in Albania. IG Shopping is not authorized there, and it caused a system block. All I did was tweak a few products and settings in my shop, and it was game over. This coincided with my IG block, so the two could well have been related. The block was classed as 'suspected fraud,' which freaked me out at first, but after explaining that I am a full-time traveler and move around often, it was lifted fairly easily after running its pre-programmed course of 2 weeks. Tip: In Facebook Commerce Manager, you will find a section on the left-hand side called 'Account Health.' I am not sure how often this is updated, but it is a good indicator of any issues, and I used this screenshot to further help my appeal. Hindsight is 20/20, right? At least now I know what not to do. Here is a list of the countries that support Instagram shopping, with my advice NOT to tinker with it if you are anywhere that is not mentioned: Find out more about Instagram's Commerce Eligibility Requirements. What Instagram wanted to know After finally having my case seen by an actual member of the Instagram team, I was asked the following questions, of which I took plenty of time and great care in answering. I had sent many lengthy statements about what I thought had happened and why I wanted my account back on all of the appeal forms. However, I suspect that the information from these questions is the most important for IG; they may help you gain a quicker resolution should you still be formulating your message for the initial appeal process. 1. Which 3rd party apps, tools, or services have you connected with your IG account? 2. Has your account been compromised/hacked in the past few months? 3. What is the primary use of the account? 4. How many people have access to the account? How many actively use it day-to-day? 5. What are the most commonly used features of Instagram that you/your team use on this account (search, messaging, commenting, etc.)? I think this questionnaire was significant, and I would not be surprised if the algorithms are searching for breaches of these types of elements. If you are reading this just for information, then it is worth noting to avoid any infractions of your own. Account Recovery Complete! How many times do you check your email only to be rapidly tapping the delete button, as most of it is junk? Well, not for this one! Print it, frame it, and don't make the same mistakes again! This was one heck of a moment. Victory was assured, and with it came a huge mix of relief and elation. Gratitude is most certainly the attitude, and it was exuding out of me after this! Protecting Your Account There are a couple of things you can do to help keep your account secure and in good order. All of these options can be found in the settings area of your Instagram account. Connected Apps & Websites It is recommended that you check this to ensure there are no unauthorized connections to your account or connections you do not recognize. Two-Factor Authentication & Data Download I would strongly advise turning on two-factor authentication on Instagram. Even if you do not 'log in' that often, adding this layer of security will make it harder for hackers to gain access to your account. The Data Download feature on Instagram is not well-known, but it is an excellent option for keeping your data secure. Once requested, you will have 4 days to accept the download from your email. It comes as raw data, so do not expect it to look like your posts do on the app. All of your photos, videos, comments, likes, etc., will come to you in separate folders, which are a bit tricky to navigate and piece together. However, this is a fantastic option that helps you protect your content and potentially reuse it should you ever need or want to start a new account. What We Use & Recommend We use NordVPN to stay secure on public Wi-Fi and NordPass to keep our passwords safe while traveling. Both are tools we genuinely rely on, on the road and at home. The Final Word So, how about this for some irony? 21 days after my account was restored by the excellent Meta team, I finally received an email from Instagram, the only one I had received throughout this ordeal (aside from the three identity ones I mentioned earlier). At least this one had a bit more of an official look about it with the Instagram logo... Yes, thank you for that, Instagram! I am fully aware that my engagement is a disaster, given that for 25 days of August, I did not even exist on your platform! So there you have it; that was the tale of my Instagram oblivion and restoration. It was most certainly a lesson learned, and if you want to keep your account in good order, respect the guidelines and ensure full and strict adherence to them on your account and across all of your associated accounts, too. This has been a humbling experience and one that has only strengthened the importance of Instagram to me. Instagram has been the only social platform I use actively to date, and I am passionate about developing and sharing fantastic content. This is integral to me harnessing and growing my skills as a creator and blogger, along with developing our website here at Closer Lives! I have the most sincere gratitude that I can share this post from the position of recovery. I know many of you reading this may not yet be there, but keep believing and stay positive! Stay strong and manifest your desire, but do not shy away from working for it. Your energy will be rewarded, and if not, then no doubt the universe will have bigger and better plans for you. Best of luck, and feel free to ask away in the comments if you have any questions! FAQ: Recovering Your Disabled Instagram Account Why was my Instagram account? Accounts can be disabled for violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines or Terms of Use, this includes spam, copyright issues, impersonation, or even accidental flags. Sometimes, it happens in error due to algorithmic detection. How do I know if my account? A disabled account usually shows a message like “Your account has been disabled” when you try to log in. A hacked account, on the other hand, may have changed credentials or activity you didn’t perform. You’ll need to approach each differently. Can I recover a disabled? Yes, many people do. Instagram provides appeal forms and, in some cases, live chat with Meta support if your account is linked to Facebook. The process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. However, the functionality of these forms may have been removed by Meta/Instagram as of June 2024. Is there a way to talk to a? If your Instagram is linked to a Facebook Business account, you may be able to access Meta’s live chat support. This is currently the fastest and most effective route for many creators and influencers. What if I don’t hear back? Persistence is key. Re-submit your appeal after 48–72 hours if you don’t receive a reply. Be consistent, but don’t spam the system, this can delay your case. Can using third-party apps? Yes, using unauthorized tools for growth, automation, or analytics can put your account at risk. Avoid giving login access to any app not verified by Instagram or Meta. How can I prevent this from? ● Enable two-factor authentication ● Avoid posting content that violates guidelines ● Don’t use banned hashtags ● Regularly check your account for suspicious logins ● Link your Instagram to a Facebook page for added recovery options Does Instagram ever disable? Yes, it’s rare but does happen, especially during mass purges or algorithm changes. If you believe this was the case, use the “I think this was a mistake” option in the appeal form. Is it worth creating a? Many creators now maintain a backup or secondary account, especially if their main account is crucial for business or brand identity. It’s also wise to regularly download your data via Instagram settings. What should I do if my? Try the recovery process outlined in the blog post. Being Meta Verified will help in proving your identity. Additionally, visit instagram.com/hacked. Any Other Questions? Hopefully, this post has given you all of the tools you need to clean your follower list safely. If you do have any other additional queries on points not covered here, however, you are more than welcome to get in touch. You can also check out our FAQ page for more Instagram-related questions. Social Media Resources

If you are here, it is sadly likely that your account has been disabled by Instagram. Or locked out, or maybe even hacked. 'Your account has been disabled for violating our terms.' Pretty much the total of it, right? Unfortunately, when this happens, Instagram doesn't exactly help you out with any information. Just a quick Google search will offer you an absolute ton of pages offering to help you recover your account, along with plenty of scam messages that you will see plastered all over Reddit and Facebook forums. Let me tell you, if anyone is offering to get your account back, especially for money exchange, do not do it! In this post, I am not here to ask you for anything. I am simply just one of the large numbers of people who have had this happen to them, and I just want to offer you advice from my own experience with Meta and helping countless others, for FREE. Read on for a highly effective new 2025 method that has worked for many people this year already, and I hope, many more. Key Takeaways ● Use official recovery routes first: A disabled, locked, or hacked Instagram account should be handled through the options Instagram actually shows you, official Help Centre or hacked-account flows, and legitimate Meta support—not paid “recovery experts.” ● Your route depends on the problem: A hacked account, identity verification request, disabled-account review, and ordinary login failure are different situations. Match the recovery step to the message on your screen rather than submitting every form you can find. ● Persistence needs structure: Keep screenshots, emails, dates, and verification records, secure your email and Facebook accounts, and avoid frantic repeat submissions so you can track what Meta has already reviewed and what still remains available. In This Post... ● Why is My Account Disabled? ● Can I Recover My account? ● Disabled Account Appeal Forms ● Meta Verified ● My Account Has Been Hacked See More... ● Protecting Your Account ● FAQ ● Get in Touch ● Social Media Resources Why Did Instagram Disable My Account? There are many known reasons as to why this may have happened, with one of the most significant of them being that you have used an unauthorized app to connect to your account, like one of those follow/unfollow ones. Before we continue, from this point on, if that is the case, just don't hide it. In any of your communications, be upfront about it, because Meta knows. And they are far more likely to forgive and forget if you own up to it straight off the bat, rather than try to plead innocence/ignorance. Here are a few common reasons why your account may have been disabled: ● Connecting an unauthorized application to your account, such as insight apps, automated like apps, follow/unfollow apps, etc. Tap here for more about this. ● Buying followers (these are usually bots) ● Joining follow loops / follow trains ● Participating in engagement groups ● Sending spam messages to followers and non-followers ● Following & unfollowing in large numbers ● Using Instagram shopping in unlicensed countries ● Providing your login credentials to a 3rd party application or service that is automating actions or scraping information ● Using an app or service to interact with Facebook or Instagram in unauthorized ways ● Your account was shared or compromised/hacked, and someone is taking actions on your behalf or without your knowledge ● Changing your location regularly I would highly advise reading the Terms & Conditions of Use in Instagram's Help Centre to try and fully understand why the block has happened. Be honest with yourself, and do not be afraid to admit any breach of the rules. As you progress with the appeal, and as you will see from my experience, honesty is the best policy here. I have written an extensive article about this topic, which you can read below. In it, I include all of the dos and don'ts around how to stay within Instagram's infamous community guidelines and how to contact Meta/Facebook through the Meta Business Centre. Worth a read before you formulate your email / plead your case. Will I Be Able to Recover My Account? For this post, I am mainly going to focus on a new approach to contacting Instagram directly through the IG app. Before we get to it, I must stress that the process outlined in my original post about this topic still stands and should be followed first so you can generate your case number(s). It is also important that you have a Facebook account, although with this process, it does not need to be a business account, and you do not need an ad account either (although this may help in the long run). Other mitigating factors include the length of time your account has been disabled. I am hoping you are here because it has only just happened, but there may also be a chance you are here because you are at your wits' end trying to recover your account and have been for a while. Sadly, if you are the latter, know that you only have 30 days from the point of getting your account disabled to the point of recovery. After that period has elapsed, the account will automatically go into IG's deletion process. From there on in, it is game over, I'm afraid. Instagram Disabled Account Appeal Forms So, assuming you are below the 30-day threshold (the earlier the better) and are prepared to own up to any potential infringements of the community guidelines (including follow apps and engagement groups!), let's get started with the process. First things first, you may have heard about all of the appeal forms you will need to let Instagram know you are appealing the deactivation of your account. They look something like this: ● instagram.com/contact/60696731 ● instagram.com/contact/39616978 ● instagram.com/contact/43790879 ● instagram.com/contact/16525678 ● instagram.com/contact/16104597 2025 Update: It appears that Meta/Instagram has removed the functionality of these forms. This may be temporary, or it could be a permanent change. For more context, read what to do now that Instagram’s appeal form has been removed, or try instagram.com/hacked Should you be able to locate the forms, my advice is to complete each of these forms once only and on separate days. You will most likely read and see many people advising you to complete these multiple times a day until you get a response. I did this myself. In total, I completed each one 3 times! However, I eventually found out that this was to my detriment. After speaking directly with Meta, they clearly stated that every submission goes to the bottom of the pile! It seems strange, but it kind of makes sense. Think about it; you and I will not be the only ones to assume that the more we fill out the forms, the better chances we will have. They receive thousands on any given day, and so they treat it like a waiting list. You are in a queue, and there is no jumping the line, I'm afraid. Meta Verified, and Getting Your Instagram Account Back Meta Verified adds extra security to your account. [Source: Getty Images] Once you have completed the forms, the next stage of the process, which is brand new for 2025, is to get yourself Meta Verified. This is honestly the golden goose in recovering your account, and I have seen countless successes through this route, having advised many accounts this year about it. ⪢ How Much Does Meta Verified Cost? A Meta Verified subscription for standard creator accounts is USD 19.99 per month. There are several business plans available, too, which include additional features and offers. You can find the full range of options and purchase information here. Prices are correct at the time of writing (March 2026). Price is in U.S. dollars. Convert your currency here. ⪢ I'm Now Verified. How Do I Get in Touch with Instagram? Now, this will work best if you can do it through Instagram. If you have a second account, you can do it on there, or if not, you can set up a new account. There is no minimum following for who can get verified, so that is not an issue. You can also do it through Facebook if you do not want to set up a new account. The important thing is that you use the same information as would be on the account that is disabled. That means the same email, the same name, and ideally the same phone number too. I cannot stress how important that is to the process. Once you have been verified, you can gain immediate access to Instagram Live Chat Support. There is also a much higher probability of getting your account back, as Instagram has now verified your identity. So, here is how to get in touch. As with most things, it is buried in an obscure place in the settings area: OR Note that you can also use this area to contact me by email, which I would advise you to do as a backup option. Be sure to have all of your reference numbers from the appeal process to hand, as you will need them. When you talk with the support team, be sure to make a genuine case as to why you believe your account should be reinstated. Tell them what it means to you, why you use it, and what went wrong. ⪢ Honesty is the Best Policy Honesty is the best policy, and most of the success I have seen has been through people simply owning up to why and being genuine about their use of Instagram and the connections they have made through their account. Instagram is not the enemy; as with any business, they just want to protect their rules. In all of the cases I have seen this year, this process has gotten the account reactivated. In most cases, it has taken less than 24 hours. If there is any reason why it cannot be given back to you, at least here you will find out directly from Instagram itself. I Did Not Violate Guidelines; My Instagram Account Has Been Hacked Instagram has a specific team to support hacked accounts [Source: Getty Images] If you have been locked out of your account entirely, going through the process outlined here is unlikely to help. Although I would still suggest giving it a try. Again, if you are verified, it boosts your chances of proving who you are, which is the first major hurdle to overcome. The only place to go in this instance is instagram.com/hacked. Protecting Your Account There are a couple of things you can do to help keep your account secure and in good order. All of these options can be found in the settings area of your Instagram account. Connected Apps & Websites It is recommended that you check this to ensure there are no unauthorized connections to your account or connections you do not recognize. Two-Factor Authentication & Data Download I would certainly advise turning on two-factor authentication on Instagram. Even if you do not 'log in' that often, adding this layer of security will make it harder for hackers to gain access to your account. The Data Download feature on Instagram is not well-known, but it is an excellent option for keeping your data secure. Once requested, you will have 4 days to accept the download from your email. It comes as raw data, so do not expect it to look like your posts do on the app. All of your photos, videos, comments, likes, etc., will come to you in separate folders, which are a bit tricky to navigate and piece together. However, this is a fantastic option that helps you protect your content and potentially reuse it should you ever need or want to start a new account. Security Checkup Instagram has been adding several features over the past couple of years, and if you are using the app, you can utilize the 'security check-up' feature in the settings section. Here you can review all of the key security aspects of your account in one place, including your phone number, associated email address, and essential two-factor authentication. If you can recover your account, I would highly recommend reviewing these settings. Not particularly helpful if you are only reading this because your account is disabled, I know, but I wanted to include it nonetheless! FAQ: Recovering Your Disabled Instagram Account What does a disabled? A disabled account is temporarily or permanently removed by Instagram for violating guidelines or due to suspicious activity. You won’t be able to log in and will usually see a message stating your account was disabled. Why was my Instagram account? Common reasons include: ● Violating community guidelines (e.g., nudity, hate speech, spam) ● Using unauthorized third-party apps ● Copyright infringement ● Reports from other users ● A mistaken flag by Instagram’s AI systems Can I recover my disabled? Yes, many users do successfully recover their accounts by using the official appeal process and, if eligible, contacting Meta’s live support. Be patient and persistent. Where do I submit an appeal? If the appeal process doesn’t resolve the issue, you can try reaching out to Instagram support directly. Be sure to review their community guidelines to understand what may have caused the account to be disabled. Where do I submit an appeal? You can only appeal directly through the link on your login message should the appeal form process not work. If your Instagram is linked to a Facebook Business account, you may be able to access Meta’s live chat support. This is currently the fastest and most effective route for many creators and influencers. How long does recovery take? Recovery can take anywhere from 24 hours to several weeks, depending on your case, your appeal message, and Instagram’s backlog. Follow up politely every few days. How do I access Meta's live? If your IG account is linked to a Facebook Business account, you may qualify for live chat through Meta Business Support. This is currently one of the fastest methods for getting help. What should I write in my? Keep it clear and professional. Explain: ● Your account was disabled in error ● You follow the guidelines ● You would like the account reinstated ● Avoid emotional language or accusations. Can I recover a hacked and? Yes, but you’ll need to first secure your email and Facebook, then appeal to Instagram. Mention the hack in your message and use “I believe my account was compromised” where relevant. What if I don’t hear back? Try again every 48–72 hours. Use different forms if necessary. Be polite and consistent, it often takes multiple attempts before a response. How can I prevent future? ● Enable two-factor authentication ● Don’t use unapproved third-party apps ● Avoid risky content or banned hashtags ● Link your account to Facebook and a verified email ● Download your data regularly Any Other Questions? Hopefully, this post has given you all of the tools you need to clean your follower list safely. If you do have any other additional queries on points not covered here, however, you are more than welcome to get in touch. You can also check out our FAQ page for more Instagram-related questions. Social Media Resources

Instagram has been my creative home for six years. I joined in late 2019 with one purpose: to share and promote my poetry book, Out of the Shadows. I’d never used Instagram before, and in those early days, it felt simple, rewarding, and exciting. But after six years, thousands of posts, experiments with new features, and building entire communities through poetry and travel, I can honestly say this: Instagram doesn’t feel like the same app anymore. And it’s fair to ask the question many creators are quietly whispering—is Instagram dying? In this post, I share my raw experience, from the early days of growth and community to today’s struggles with reach, reward, and burnout. You’ll see how the platform has shifted, why so many feel it’s in decline, and whether Instagram is still the place to be for creators. Key Takeaways ● Why Instagram feels different: For creators, the platform has shifted from a relatively simple community feed toward Reels, algorithmic distribution, advertising pressure, and a much weaker relationship between effort and organic reach. ● The real cost is creative burnout: Constantly adapting formats, chasing reach, and producing more for less engagement can turn a creative outlet into performance pressure—especially when the community interaction that made the work rewarding also declines. ● Creators need a wider strategy: Instagram can still have value, but relying on it alone is increasingly fragile. Build direct audience relationships, reusable content, other channels, and measures of success that are not controlled by one algorithm. In This Post... ● The Early Days ● The Shift ● Engagement Collapse ● Effort vs Reward ● Business Value See More... ● Community and Connection ● Where Is Instagram Heading? ● So, Is Instagram Dying? ● Poll ● FAQ ● Social Media Resources The Early Days: Clean, Simple, Rewarding When I first started, Instagram felt like a breath of fresh air. I’d post poetry pieces—sometimes single-image posts, sometimes a carousel with a longer poem. I’d write thoughtful captions explaining why I wrote the piece or how I was feeling. And it worked. People saw it, liked it, commented, followed, and supported it. There was a strong sense of community and reciprocity—if you engaged with someone’s work, they engaged back. It didn’t feel transactional; it felt like a digital neighborhood. Even the features were clean and straightforward. Stories came along, and while I struggled to know exactly what to put there at the beginning, they eventually gave me another way to connect. Reach was strong. Growth felt organic. There was a clear reward for effort. That reward has all but disappeared today. The Shift: Reels, Algorithms, and Pay-to-Play When Reels first appeared, I was excited. I was in Canada during lockdown, experimenting with adding text, music, and creative edits. It felt fresh. Reels were fun, and they delivered real visibility. But then the shift happened. Reach was slowly squeezed. Suddenly, posts came with constant prompts: Boost this post, pay $2, and get 1,000 more views. The platform started to feel less like a creative playground and more like a pay-to-play system. Reels also turned stale. Instead of original content, the feed became full of recycled trends, identical hooks, and endless “how to grow on Instagram” coaches trying to sell you something. The variety and creativity drained away, replaced by an endless scroll of sameness. Meanwhile, the algorithm became more punishing. Like one random cat video, and your feed is cats forever. Genuine engagement turned into algorithmic signals, which made people hesitant to interact at all. And then there are the bugs. The app constantly shifts, features break, posts upload blurry, and captions vanish. Buttons move every week, features appear on one account but not another, and half the new tools nobody asked for. Instagram is trying to be everything at once—video app, shopping app, AI app—and it’s failing at all of them. Engagement Collapse: The Community Disappears One of the clearest signs that Instagram is dying is the collapse of engagement. Four or five years ago, gaining followers was a natural process. You’d find someone new, like a few posts, maybe leave a comment, and they’d come back to support you. A like was a like, not a trap for your Explore feed. Today, engagement feels hollow. Likes and comments have dropped. The sense of community is gone. People are hesitant to engage for fear of what it will do to their algorithm. Loyal followers often don’t see your posts at all. Scroll your feed, and it’s almost entirely people you don’t follow. The “Following” tab, which should fix that, just shows you five posts from the same account before you give up. Stories get buried, too, and if you post more than one in 24 hours, the reach is limited. Even the “friends feed” is hidden behind taps that most people don’t know exist. As a result, Instagram feels more like a content dump than a community. Effort vs Reward: A Losing Game Creating content today takes far more time and energy than it used to. Editing tools are complex, polished videos are expected, and you’re constantly second-guessing. Is the hook right? Did I use trending audio? Should I post at 7 p.m.? Will the algorithm punish me for posting a blog link? You can spend hours putting together something thoughtful and beautiful, only for it to reach 1% of your followers. And even if one thing does perform well, it likely won’t work the second or third time. There’s no consistency, no predictability, and no reward. Instagram has turned into a job without pay. Instead of being a space to share your creativity, it demands that you serve the algorithm first. Business Value: From Weak to Almost Worthless For creators and businesses, Instagram’s value has dropped dramatically. Links in stories tank reach. Promotional posts rarely get seen. Instagram shopping was buggy and has largely been retired. And unlike platforms like Pinterest, which actively drive traffic to blogs and websites, Instagram keeps people locked inside the app. For me personally, Instagram has never been a reliable driver of clicks or conversions. It was slightly better years ago, but today it’s almost worthless as a business tool. You can post all the polished content you like, but if nobody sees it, what’s the point? Community and Connection: From Heart to Hollow The saddest part of Instagram’s decline is the loss of genuine community. Back when Jenn and I ran Closer Lives Poetry, we built a community of over 5,000 people who engaged with prompts, joined live readings, and supported each other’s work. Our hashtag of the same name has over 35,000 submissions. We didn’t have half the features Instagram has now, but it worked. People cared. Now, those features exist in abundance with collabs, interactive stickers, DMs, and group chats, but the soul has gone. Engagement limits, fear of being flagged for “too many actions,” and a flood of bots have pushed people away from authentic interaction. What’s left feels more like silence than conversation. Where Is Instagram Heading? To me, it doesn’t feel like Instagram knows where it’s going. It’s trying to compete with TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and even shopping apps, but in doing so, it’s lost its identity. On my phone, I have three different Instagram accounts, and each one looks different. Different buttons, fonts, and features. It’s fragmented, buggy, and inconsistent. The only thing creators consistently ask for is reach. Look at the comments under any post from Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri—it’s the same chorus every time: We just want our followers to see our posts. Until that changes, in my opinion, the platform will continue to decline. TikTok thrives because it rewards people. Whether or not those millions of views translate into long-term followers, the dopamine hit of visibility keeps people posting. Instagram has stripped away that reward, leaving creators drained and disengaged. So, Is Instagram Dying? For me, the answer is yes, at least in the spirit of what it once was. Instagram used to be fun, creative, and rewarding. Today it’s cluttered, buggy, unrewarding, and exhausting. Unless you’re one of the tiny percentage of monetized creators, the app feels like a job without benefits. Could it be saved? Maybe. Fix the bugs. Simplify the interface. Stop chasing every other platform. And most importantly, give creators back their reach. Until then, Instagram will remain what it feels like today: an app in decline, a platform that lost its purpose, and a place where too many creators have stopped asking, "What should I post next?” and started asking, "Why bother posting at all?” Poll FAQ: Is Instagram Dying? Why has engagement dropped? Because the algorithm has evolved to prioritize content discovery over connection. Reels reach strangers, not followers, and regular posts often reach less than 1–2% of your audience. Likes and comments have become algorithmic triggers instead of genuine interactions. Most creators aren’t being shadowbanned; they’re just not being surfaced. Is Instagram pay-to-play? In many ways, yes. Boost prompts and paid reach options appear on almost every post now, and the platform increasingly rewards accounts that advertise. Organic reach has plummeted, leaving smaller creators feeling invisible unless they spend to compete. Why is it less creative? Because creativity is being replaced by performance. When creators are forced to follow trends, hooks, and formulas to be seen, spontaneity and individuality vanish. What used to be a creative outlet now feels like content production for an algorithm. Is Instagram still useful? Not like it used to be. The lack of link visibility and external clicks makes it difficult for creators to drive traffic or conversions. Even Story links tank reach. Platforms like Pinterest or TikTok are now stronger for discovery and blog traffic than Instagram ever was. What happened to community? Community was replaced by consumption. Features like Stories and Reels turned Instagram into an entertainment feed rather than a social network. Users hesitate to comment or like because one action can reshape their algorithm. The sense of mutual support, what once made Instagram special, is almost gone. Is Instagram dying? It depends on who you ask. For brands and trend-based accounts, it’s still useful. But for creators who built their followings through photography, art, writing, or storytelling, it’s largely unrecognizable. Instagram isn’t dying because people left; it’s dying because people stopped caring. Can creators still succeed? Yes, but not in the same way. Success now requires structure more than spontaneity: organizing ideas, setting posting schedules, and defining purpose. It’s less about virality and more about personal clarity, knowing why you post, not just what. How can Instagram feel alive? Three things: reward, simplicity, and stability. Bring back Reach, clean up the bugs, and stop overcomplicating the app. Most creators don’t want new features; they just want to feel seen again. Social Media Resources

Portchester Castle's story is a fascinating one of both adaptation and resilience. From Roman defense to Saxon settlement, from royal hunting lodge to wartime prison, this castle has served many purposes throughout its long history. A history that stretches back some 2000 years, making it one of the oldest castles in the UK. We absolutely love exploring castles, and we were really happy to add Portchester Castle to our growing list. Its age and history are fascinating, and it also holds a precious spot right on the coast, which, let's be honest, always makes something better! Read on for our highlights, the history of Portchester Castle, interesting facts, opening times, ticket prices, and more. Key Takeaways ● Why it is exceptional: Portchester has the best-preserved Roman fort walls in northern Europe, still surrounding the site nearly 2,000 years later. ● Layers of history: The Normans built their castle inside the Roman fort, and the site later held thousands of prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars. ● Our experience: As castle lovers, we were delighted to see Roman, medieval, and military history overlap in one stop on our UK travels. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● The History ● 10 Interesting Facts ● Tickets, Hours & When to Go ● How to Get There See More... ● Visitor Tips ● Things to Do Nearby ● Our Experience Rating ● FAQ ● Travel Resources Our Portchester Castle Highlights Believe it or not, even after five years of being together and three years of traveling, we have only been to a handful of castles in England. That's despite our love for all things history, architecture, and road trips! Having spent all of 2023 in Asia and then the start of 2024 in Canada, we came back to the UK determined to get some more castles under our belts. Starting with Portchester Castle, a fascinatingly well-preserved structure with the proud title of being one of the oldest in the entire country! One of the most intriguing aspects of any castle (in our opinion) is the moats and keeps. We are always drawn to them (pardon the pun, drawbridge anyone). Even though most of the time, moats are long since devoid of any water, they give a cool impression of how severe the security situation may have been. Some have them, some don't, but Portchester certainly did. That, along with a very impressive keep that, despite the giant crack coming down from its side, is still standing tall after nearly 2 centuries. Portchester Castle certainly has plenty of photo opportunities, be it outside or inside. Access to the keep is chargeable, but if you don't want to do that, wandering the grounds inside, checking out the castle's famous Norman church, and perusing the outside and coastal walk are free. Unless, of course, you drive here, in which case the car park will cost you a small sum of £2 for an hour. Not too bad! You are welcome to make a small donation should you so wish, regardless of buying a ticket to the castle keep. Portchester Castle is managed by the National Trust, and a particularly nice touch is that you can go inside the main gate and take a look at the inner courtyard for free. The gate itself is in great condition, and once inside, you can get a really good feel for how impressive this fortification once was. Typically, castles would have had wooden structures inside, long lost to history, but Portchester did feature a good amount of inner stone buildings consisting of rooms and chambers attached to the keep. This clearly demonstrates its importance to the king and country. SWIPE FOR MORE → St. Mary's Church St. Mary's Church, which sits in the far right-hand corner of the extensive castle grounds as you walk in, is one of the few remaining functioning Norman churches. These precious structures have typically been lost over time to looting, degradation, or war, but St. Mary's stands as a beacon of resilience in the face of numerous challenges over its incredible lifespan. While keeping the Anglo-Saxon love of round arches and tower-like churches (turriform), the Normans, with their superior masonry skills, built sturdier structures. Their walls were thicker, allowing for wider naves (the main halls where worshippers gathered). Additionally, they employed stronger round arches, often adorned with intricate stone carvings, adding a touch of Norman grandeur to the familiar Anglo-Saxon design. That is what makes the preservation and endurance of St. Mary's just so special! SWIPE FOR MORE → The History of Portchester Castle Portchester Castle isn't your typical medieval fortress. Its story stretches back nearly 2,000 years, encompassing Roman defenses, Saxon settlements, and even a stint as a prisoner-of-war camp. Here's a comprehensive look at the castle's fascinating history: Roman Beginnings (3rd Century AD) Portchester's story starts with the Romans. Facing Saxon raids on the British coast, they constructed a massive stone fort around 300 AD. This impressive structure, one of the most complete Roman forts in northern Europe, formed the core of what would become Portchester Castle. Imagine soldiers patrolling the very walls you'll walk! Saxon Transformation (5th Century AD) As Roman power waned in Britain, the fort became a refuge for Saxon settlers in the 5th century. They adapted the Roman structures, building houses and workshops within the fort's walls. Portchester transitioned from a military base to a bustling Saxon community. Medieval Makeover (11th-15th Centuries) Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Portchester entered its medieval phase. A powerful Norman lord, likely William Maudit, built a motte and bailey within the Roman fort, creating the castle's inner ward. This transformed Portchester into a formidable stronghold. The castle became a favorite haunt of royalty. King John, famous for signing the Magna Carta, used Portchester Castle as a hunting lodge. Imagine jousting tournaments or hunting feasts within these ancient walls! The 12th century also saw the construction of a unique Norman church within the castle grounds, one of the very few to survive intact. Royal Hub and Wars (14th - 16th Centuries) Portchester's strategic location made it a crucial embarkation point for English forces crossing the Channel. Notably, King Henry V used the castle to launch his invasion of France in 1415, culminating in the famous victory at Agincourt. The castle walls must have buzzed with activity as soldiers prepared for this historic campaign. The castle also saw its fair share of conflict. In 1216, the French even captured Portchester Castle for a brief period before it was retaken by the English. Shifting Purposes (17th-19th Centuries) By the 17th century, advancements in weaponry rendered Portchester Castle obsolete as a military fortress. It was sold to private ownership and even used as a prison during the 1665 Anglo-Dutch War. The most fascinating use of the castle came during the Napoleonic Wars (1793-1815). It became a massive prisoner-of-war camp, housing thousands of captured French soldiers. Interestingly, the prisoners staged theatrical productions within the keep, adding a touch of unexpected culture to the wartime setting. Preserved Past (20th Century - Present) The 20th century saw Portchester Castle come under the care of English Heritage. Today, it stands as a remarkable testament to England's rich history. Visitors can explore the Roman fort remains, climb the medieval keep, and visit the well-preserved St. Mary's Church. 10 Interesting Facts About Portchester Castle 1. Roman Remix: Portchester boasts the best-preserved Roman fort in northern Europe, with its walls standing nearly intact since the 3rd century AD! Imagine walking the very same ground patrolled by Roman soldiers nearly 2,000 years ago. 2. Saxon Sanctuary: After Roman rule crumbled, Portchester transformed into a Saxon settlement in the 5th century. The Roman fort walls became a haven, housing Saxon homes and workshops within their sturdy embrace. 3. Medieval Makeover: The Normans, following their 1066 conquest, revamped Portchester. A powerful Norman lord built a mighty motte and bailey inside the Roman fort, creating the castle's inner ward and solidifying its defensive capabilities. 4. Royal Playground: King John, the Magna Carta king, had a surprising fondness for Portchester Castle. He used it not for military might, but as a personal hunting lodge. Picture jousting tournaments or grand hunting feasts within these historic walls. 5. Hidden Gem: Tucked away within the castle grounds is a unique 12th-century Norman church. One of the very few to survive intact, it offers a glimpse into medieval religious life alongside the castle's more martial history. 6. French Fries or French Toast? In a brief but dramatic episode in 1216, the French captured Portchester Castle. Luckily for the English, they were swiftly ousted. Perhaps they were just after a hearty English breakfast? 7. Prisoner's Dilemma: By the 17th century, Portchester Castle's military purpose waned. Ironically, it found new use as a prison, first housing Dutch prisoners of war in the 1660s. 8. Global Garrison: During the Napoleonic Wars, Portchester Castle became a massive prisoner-of-war camp. It housed a staggering number of captured French soldiers, some estimates reaching up to 8,000! 9. Theatrical Turn: Those resourceful French prisoners didn't just sit idly. Records show they even staged theatrical productions within the keep during their confinement, adding a touch of unexpected culture to their wartime experience. 10. Friendly Ghost (Maybe): Local legend whispers of a Roman soldier's ghost haunting the castle grounds. While unsubstantiated, it adds a touch of spooky charm to Portchester's rich history. Ticket Prices, Opening Times & Best Time to Visit Portchester Castle is managed by English Heritage, and entry includes access to the castle grounds, inner bailey, exhibits, and the Norman keep with panoramic views over the harbor. Ticket Prices Adults (18+) £9.90 Children (5–17) £5.90 Concessions (Students/Seniors 65+) £8.90 Family Ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children) £25.70 English Heritage Members Free The outer walls and Roman fort Open-access and free Book online via english-heritage.org.uk for up-to-date pricing and to avoid queues in peak season. All prices are in British pounds and are subject to change at any time. See the official website below for the most up-to-date information. Convert your currency here. Opening Times Spring/Summer (April–October) Daily, 10 am to 5 pm Autumn/Winter (November–March) Weekends only, 10 am to 4 pm Closed 24th–26th December and 1st January Always check the official site before your visit—hours may vary during special events or adverse weather. Best Time to Visit Spring/Summer (April–October) The best experience: mild weather, blooming greenery, and full site access Weekdays Quieter than weekends and ideal for photos or a peaceful walk along the castle walls Arrive early or late afternoon Avoids school trips and family rush hours Photography tip Sunset over the Portsmouth Harbor backdrop makes for a stunning shot from the castle keep! How to Get to Portchester Castle Portchester Castle is located on the northern edge of Portsmouth Harbour, in the village of Portchester, Hampshire, just a short drive or train ride from Portsmouth and the South Coast. It’s one of the most accessible Roman castles in England. By Car ● From Portsmouth: 15 minutes via A27 ● From Southampton: 30–40 minutes via M27 eastbound ● From London: 1 hour 45 minutes via A3(M) or M3 There’s a chargeable (around £2) car park just outside the castle entrance. On busy weekends, arrive early to secure a spot, especially during events or summer holidays. Car Rental Getting to Portchester Castle is relatively straightforward by train or road, but having a car gives you more flexibility to explore the wider Hampshire coast and nearby historic sites at your own pace. If renting suits your travel style, comparing options in advance helps you find the best price and availability. Use the search tool below to find the best car rental deals for your trip. By Train The nearest train station is Portchester, just a 5–10 minute walk from the castle. ● Direct trains run from Portsmouth, Southampton, Fareham, and occasionally from London Waterloo ● From Portchester Station, head south down Station Road and follow signs toward the coast and the castle By Bus Local buses (e.g., First Bus services) operate from Portsmouth and Fareham and stop near Castle Street or Portchester Precinct, both within walking distance. Find information and links for the range of public transport in Portsmouth. On Foot or By Bike Portchester Castle is a popular stop on coastal walking and cycling routes, with flat, scenic paths leading around Portsmouth Harbour. There are bike racks available near the entrance. Contact Information for Portchester Castle Address Church Lane, Portchester, Fareham PO16 9QW Phone (+44) 370 333 1181 Website english-heritage.org.uk/portchester-castle Easily Find Hotels in Fareham and Beyond Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Fareham hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the area. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination. Visitor Tips for Portchester Castle ⪢ Dress for the Weather The site is mostly outdoors and exposed to sea breezes. Bring a jacket or layers, even on sunny days—especially if you plan to climb the castle keep. ⪢ Bring Your Camera The views from the keep over Portsmouth Harbour are fantastic, especially at golden hour. Don’t miss the scenic walk along the Roman walls either. ⪢ Wear Comfortable Shoes Expect gravel paths, uneven steps, and grassy areas. Good footwear makes a big difference, especially when exploring the entire perimeter. ⪢ Check for Events Portchester hosts reenactments, theater performances, and seasonal activities. It’s worth seeing what’s on during your visit via the English Heritage events calendar. ⪢ Plan a Picnic or Visit Nearby Cafés There are grassy spots perfect for picnicking within the outer walls. Or pop over to Portchester Village for a traditional tea room or pub lunch. ⪢ Travel Insurance Before you head off, don’t forget travel insurance. It covers the unexpected so you can focus on the experience, not the risks. If you’re unsure where to start: Check out our comparison guide. Things to Do Nearby Royal Armouries Fort Nelson ↪ A 10-minute drive Visit a Victorian fort with cannons, underground tunnels, and military history. Perfect for families, plus free entry. Portsmouth Historic Dockyard ↪ 20 minutes by car Visit the HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum, and the Spinnaker Tower. A must-see if you’re into maritime history. Harbor Circular Walk Combine your castle visit with a scenic walk along the Portsmouth Harbour Trail. Flat and family-friendly, with beautiful views. Gunwharf Quays Outlet Shopping Fancy some retail therapy after your history fix? Head to Gunwharf Quays for brand outlets, restaurants, and waterfront views. Fareham Town Center Just a short drive away, Fareham offers a mix of shopping, dining, and small museums for a relaxing afternoon stroll. If you enjoy exploring historic castles, you may also want to visit Bodiam Castle and Odiham Castle. Our Experience Rating: Portchester Castle We are guessing you wouldn't have gotten this far into this post if you weren't a fan of castles and how synonymous they are with British history. There are some 4000 castles remaining in the UK, and we have been to a fair few of them in our time. Where does Portchester Castle rank? Well, it is right up there as one of the oldest built, and we would say it is right up there as one of the most charming too, especially given how close it is to the water. It is very well preserved, especially given the intense activity that occurred here over the years. The church on the grounds is a delight, too. Having said all of that, there is not a great deal to do here, and it is a ruin, so with that in mind, if you are looking for activities and stately rooms, this is not the castle for you. Sites like Portchester Castle reveal layers of England’s history, from Roman origins to medieval fortifications. For more destinations and travel inspiration, explore our England travel guides. 🎟️ Consider Taking a Tour in Portsmouth Portchester Castle is best explored as part of a wider visit to Portsmouth, where historic naval sites, harbor views, and museums offer a deeper look into England’s maritime past. Guided tours and experiences in the area can help bring that history to life. FAQ: Portchester Castle Where is Portchester Castle? Portchester Castle is in Hampshire, England, at the northern tip of Portsmouth Harbour. It’s just a short drive from Portsmouth and easily accessible by car or train. Why is the castle special? It’s one of the best-preserved Roman forts in Northern Europe, later transformed into a medieval castle and royal residence. Its long history spans the Romans, Saxons, Normans, and even Napoleonic prisoners of war. Is there an entrance fee? Yes, but entry to the outer grounds is free. To explore the inner keep, exhibition spaces, and climb the tower, there’s a small fee. Entry is free for English Heritage members. What are the opening hours? Opening times vary by season: ● Typically 10 am to 5 pm in spring/summer ● Shorter hours in autumn/winter Check the English Heritage website for the latest updates. What can I see? ● The Roman outer walls and towers ● The medieval inner bailey and keep ● Panoramic views from the castle tower ● The on-site exhibition with artefacts and models ● The Parish Church of St. Mary, still in use today How long should I spend? Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the castle grounds, climb the tower, and enjoy the coastal views. Is the castle family-friendly? Yes! Kids love the battlements, open green spaces, and the castle tower. There are often family trails or themed activities during school holidays. Is the castle accessible? The outer grounds are fairly level and accessible, but the tower and upper levels have steep steps and may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Are picnics and dogs allowed? Yes, dogs are welcome on leads, and the grassy areas are ideal for picnics. There’s also a small shop, and sometimes seasonal refreshments are available. Is the castle worth visiting? Absolutely. Portchester Castle is a fascinating mix of Roman, medieval, and maritime history, with stunning views and a peaceful harbor setting. A must-see for history lovers and coastal explorers alike. Travel Resources

Cultural festivals are a testament to the rich tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and customs that define humanity. These celebrations not only provide a glimpse into the heritage of different communities but also foster a sense of unity and appreciation for cultural diversity. From vibrant parades and traditional dances to mouthwatering cuisines and intricate art forms, cultural festivals offer an immersive experience that brings people closer together. In this post, we look at the significance of cultural festivals, some of the most notable around the world, the benefits of the Australian 189 Visa, and some of the festivals you can experience there. Key Takeaways ● Why festivals matter: Cultural festivals keep traditions visible through food, music, ritual, costume, storytelling, and community participation, while giving visitors a more vivid way to understand a place. ● What this guide covers: It introduces major celebrations including Carnival, Diwali, Oktoberfest, Chinese New Year, and others, with the cultural meaning behind the spectacle. ● Travel thoughtfully: Enjoy the colour and energy, but remember these events belong first to the communities celebrating them—respectful participation matters as much as the photos. In This Post... ● Significance of Festivals ● Notable Cultural Festivals ● The 189 Visa ● Festivals & Permanent Residency ● Travel Resources The Significance of Cultural Festivals Photo by Ugur Arpaci on Unsplash Cultural festivals play an essential role in maintaining and selling heritage. They function as a platform for communities to express their particular identities and share their traditions with others. These occasions aren't just celebrations; they are a mixture of education, knowledge, and respect for variety. By showcasing conventional songs, dances, and rituals, festivals assist in keeping cultural practices alive for future generations. They also provide a possibility for humans to learn about and admire cultures distinct from their very own, breaking down stereotypes and fostering inclusivity. In addition, cultural fairs can inspire more youthful generations to take pride in their heritage and maintain the traditions of their ancestors. ⪢ Key Benefits of Cultural Festivals ● Preservation of Traditions: Festivals help keep ancient customs and traditions alive, ensuring they are passed down to future generations. ● Promotion of Unity: They bring people from different backgrounds together, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. ● Economic Boost: Festivals often attract tourists, providing a significant boost to the local economy. ● Cultural Exchange: These events encourage the exchange of ideas and traditions between different cultures, promoting global understanding. Notable Cultural Festivals Around the World Photo by John Thomas on Unsplash ⪢ Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The Rio Carnival is one of the most famous festivals in the world, known for its vibrant parades, elaborate costumes, and samba music. Held before Lent, this festival attracts millions of visitors who come to witness the spectacular floats and dance performances. ⪢ Diwali in India India's Diwali, also called the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with the aid of hundreds of thousands of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains around the world. The competition represents the triumph of light over darkness and justice over evil. It entails lighting oil lamps, bursting fireworks, and exchanging chocolates and gifts. ⪢ Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany Germany's Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer festival, is celebrated every year in Munich. It attracts millions of beer enthusiasts who come to experience conventional German beer, food, and music. The festival is a celebration of Bavarian subculture and history. ⪢ Chinese New Year Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Spring Festival, is the most traditional pageant in China. Celebrations consist of dragon and lion dances, fireworks, circles of relatives' reunions, and the giving of red envelopes containing cash. ⪢ Mardi Gras in New Orleans, USA Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is celebrated with grand parades, masked balls, and street parties. The festival marks the beginning of Lent and is known for its lively atmosphere, colorful costumes, and jazz music. ⪢ Holi in India India's Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a lively festival that heralds the arrival of spring. Participants fling colorful powders at one another, dance, and eat celebratory meals. Holi represents the triumph of good over evil and the start of fresh beginnings. Immersing in Cultural Experiences: The 189 Visa For those who wish to immerse themselves in cultural experiences while considering permanent residency options, the 189 Visa is an excellent choice. The 189 Visa, also known as the Skilled Independent Visa, allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently. This visa is points-tested and does not require sponsorship from an employer or family member. ⪢ Benefits of the 189 Visa ● Permanent Residency: Holders of the 189 Visa can live and work anywhere in Australia permanently. ● Access to Healthcare & Education: Visa holders have access to Australia's public healthcare system and can enroll in educational courses. ● Pathway to Citizenship: The 189 Visa provides a pathway to Australian citizenship, offering a chance to fully integrate into Australian society. For those passionate about cultural festivals, Australia offers a diverse range of events celebrating its multicultural heritage. From the Sydney Festival and Melbourne International Arts Festival to the Parramassa Festival celebrating South Asian culture, there is no shortage of opportunities to experience and celebrate diversity. Embracing Cultural Festivals and Permanent Residency Photo by Ryan Wallace on Unsplash Cultural festivals are more than just celebrations; they are a vital part of preserving and promoting the rich diversity of human heritage. Whether it's the colorful festivities of Holi, the spirited parades of Rio Carnival, or the communal celebrations of Diwali, these events offer a window into the unique traditions and customs of different cultures. For those looking to deepen their cultural experiences while considering permanent residency, the 189 visa provides an ideal opportunity to embrace and contribute to Australia's vibrant multicultural landscape. Embracing cultural festivals not only enriches our lives but also fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse world we live in. Travel Resources Written by Tana LaPierre for Closer Lives Travel & Lifestyle Blog. Tana is a passionate explorer and writer who loves capturing the world's stories and sharing them through her writing, bringing diverse tales to life for others to enjoy. If you would like to contribute, see our Write for Us page and Guest Writer Guidelines.

Join us as we recount our whirlwind escapade in Asia! A remarkable journey that spanned 12 countries in 12 months, chronicling the highs and lows, the unexpected delights, and the occasional challenges of traversing the vast and varied tapestry of Asia. As foreigners navigating the intricacies of each unique destination, our experiences unfolded as a kaleidoscope of cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and moments that tested our resilience. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the tranquil temples of Kyoto, from the pristine beaches of Bali to the manic metropolises of Seoul and Delhi, our journey was a mosaic of contrasting experiences that shaped our perspectives and enriched our lives in ways we never imagined. Discover the hidden gems that stole our hearts, the challenges that made us stronger, and the cultural revelations that left an indelible mark on our souls. Asia, with its myriad of cultures and landscapes, has a story to tell, and we are excited to share our thoughts on 12 incredible countries over 12 truly unforgettable months in this crazy full-time travel adventure of ours! In This Post... ● Traveling in Asia ● Our Experience Rating ● Travel Resources Countries Visited ● Japan: Land of the Rising Sun ● Thailand: Land of Smiles ● Vietnam: Land of the Blue Dragon ● Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder ● Indonesia: Emerald of the Equator ● Malaysia: Indigenous Malay ● Philippines: Pearl of the Orient ● Singapore: The Lion City ● India: Hindustan ● China: Pearl of the Orient ● Taiwan: Beautiful Island ● South Korea: Morning Calm Traveling in Asia: Why Did We Come Here? Jenn at the hidden Singsing Waterfall near Balian Beach in Bali When we decided to embark on this full-time travel adventure, Asia was always going to be one of the first continents on the list. We had already undertaken several road trips around Europe and had explored most of Canada. Not just that, but in the main, we were attracted by the cost of living across the continent, which is just way more affordable than the Western countries of the world. Most of our research had identified Bali in Indonesia as the best place to begin. We tried to get there when we started, but with the COVID-19 restrictions at the time, it was almost impossible to get a visa. For one reason or another, our first year of travel in 2021 turned out to be a North American and Eastern European thing. We had not even set foot in an Asian country until we made it to Japan in December 2022, 18 months after we had left Canada for Mexico. It was a major moment in the journey for us because, way back when we were merely dreaming of travel, this was the place we wanted to be. Okay, well, it was not exactly Bali, but landing in Tokyo was arguably a bigger draw! There is a whole heap of reasons why Asia as a whole was in our plans, although in our wildest dreams, we could never have imagined we would have hit 12 countries in 12 months. Several of those we flew to multiple times. The people and cultures, epic food, magical temples, and incredible history are just a few of the elements we couldn't wait to immerse ourselves in. And boy, did we! So, without further ado, check out the next section for country and adventure number one, Japan's Tokyo and Kyoto. Japan: Land of the Rising Sun Higashi Honganji Temple, located in Kyoto, Japan. We are doing this list in the order of how we visited, but if we were ranking the countries, Japan would probably be top of the list. We had a fabulous time here, and Tokyo remains one of the best cities we have seen anywhere in the world. Despite only having a few full days in both cities, we were able to see a whole bunch of awesome places thanks to the excellent transportation systems and ease of getting around. Tokyo is one of our favorite major cities in Asia, owing to its fantastic infrastructure, cleanliness, modern features, and clean air. It is also a very quiet city, mainly owing to the electric car revolution, and the super-efficient, cheap, and modern MRT system, which keeps vehicles off the road. All amazing achievements, given Tokyo is also one of the most populated places on earth, with the equivalent of the total population of Canada living in and around it. Kyoto is one of Japan's oldest cities and was also the original capital. The journey here from Tokyo is almost a tourist attraction itself if you go by the famous maglev bullet train. They are expensive, but worth it for the comfort and speed of travel. Plus, we got to try a traditional Japanese bento box and got a solid look at Mount Fuji as we were leaving Tokyo. It is every bit as incredible as the photos suggest! We had a lot of fun in Kyoto, visiting one of its oldest market streets, staying in an epic manga-themed hotel, and even visiting a samurai museum and learning more about the modern and ancient history of Japan. Kyoto certainly has a different vibe, with an older look and a more traditional feel to it. There was a nice contrast between the two cities, and this is a major reason why we loved this trip so much. A week was just not enough, so much so that we went back to Japan one year later, this time to Osaka. We only stopped for a few days before the big flight out to Canada. Much of our time was spent exploring the famous Dotonbori shopping district and admiring the Hitachi Tower! ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Tokyo We had plenty of highlights in both Tokyo and Kyoto, so picking a standout was pretty difficult. It was a close call, but the Art Aquarium in Ginza just about nabs it. This museum showcases goldfish as living art and is worth checking out. We enjoyed the exhibits, and there are ten overall; we only wish there had been more! "Goldfish Forest" installation at the Art Aquarium Museum in Tokyo ⪢ Japan Travel Tip: Consider Taking a Tour One of the most popular ways to explore Japan is by tour. We recommend checking out the vast number of different options with GetYourGuide. 🎟️ Book your tickets here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Kyoto After exhausting ourselves walking around half of Tokyo in 4 days, we arrived in Kyoto feeling like we needed a break. Fortunately for us, our manga-themed hotel was the perfect spot to work and rest, and so we did for the first few days. When we finally emerged, we found our way to the Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum, and it was fantastic! We learned all about the history of the samurai, their relationships with the ruling shogun, their rise to prominence, and their unfortunate demise. We got to dress up, which was fun, but the best part was at the end - the Ninja Star Competition! Holding and throwing the famous Japanese shuriken (aka throwing stars) was an experience that will long live in our memory. It was fascinating to catch a glimpse into the lives of the epic warriors that inspired us both to want to visit the land of the rising sun growing up. This is Japan! Thailand: Land of Smiles Wat Phra That in Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, Thailand Neither of us exactly had Thailand high on our lists when we were reeling off countries we wanted to visit in Asia. Honestly, when we found ourselves in the middle of rice paddies in the humble district of Doi Saket, on Christmas Day (2022), no less, we never quite imagined that we would go on to spend the best part of 6 months here. Yes, six months! It ended up being the place we never wanted to leave: a perfect base to explore Southeast Asia from, and one that we would eventually call our 'home.' Aside from the two pages of stamps we had to donate from our passports, we have no complaints about Thailand at all. As you can probably tell from the last paragraph, it turned out to be one of our favorite countries of all. Our accommodation is amazing. Doi Saket became our place of peace, one where we could work and chill, chill and work, and all the in-between. Incredibly affordable too, more so in fact than any other country in this post. Doi Saket is around 30-40 minutes outside of Chiang Mai by car, so getting to and from the city airport, or just around in general, was a bit tricky. So, after a couple of Songthaews and taxi experiences, we decided to rent a car, just for a couple of months, and it was one of the best things we did. It was quite expensive, incredibly more than our accommodation costs, but well worth it. Being from England, driving on the left was a nice bonus for Leon, too. We took advantage of it, driving for hours on some epic road trips through the mountains. The intricacy of the White Temple is mesmerizing, especially in the sun! Owing to a generous 60-day visa, we were able to stay long-term, knowing we could extend our visas and border run to stretch out the time. Thailand also happens to border several other countries, and it was from here that we took week-long trips to the likes of Vietnam and Cambodia. It is the perfect place to springboard from, and Chiang Mai Airport is one of the easier ones to get through, which is a nice bonus. Aside from our external trips, we took a fair few within Thailand too, exploring the likes of Pattaya, Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Pai. We tried all of the Thai food, which we loved, and visited a ton of temples, islands, markets, monuments, malls, and more golden buddhas than you can shake a stick at. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Bangkok We even celebrated the Thai New Year, Songkran, in epic water-fight style on the streets of Phuket. Not to mention the Loi Krathong Festival, where thousands of paper lanterns are released into the sky. There is just something about Thailand, isn't there? Every country has its vibe, its pluses and minuses, and the Land of Smiles does too. There were things that we found tough, in particular the devastating Burning Season, which completely ruins March and April up in the north. We left the country because of that. But aside from those months, we connected with Thailand, and we will most certainly be back at some point. We just know it! ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour Heading to Bangkok? The Bangkok City Tour with Wat Arun, offered by GetYourGuide, offers a fascinating exploration of the city's rich cultural and historical landmarks. This guided tour takes you through Bangkok’s bustling streets, iconic temples, and vibrant markets, providing a comprehensive experience of the city. 🎟️ Book your tickets here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Thailand Back in early January, one of our first sunsets in Thailand The beauty of Doi Saket and Palm Village was a major reason why we kept going back to Thailand throughout the year. We stayed in two out of the three villas and did love the end one, but more than just that, it was about the company, the pool, and the mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets over the rice paddies that seemed to go on forever. When the owners, with whom we are great friends now, opened their restaurant and added food into the mix, it sealed the deal. On top of all of that, our good friends whom we met in Georgia also stayed here with us for a few months! This place is spectacular, and while a little on the remote side of things, it was everything we needed to recover from our intense travel excursions. We always looked forward to coming back here, knowing it was our place of comfort and peace. Oh, just writing this makes us miss it already! Vietnam: Land of the Blue Dragon Situated in Southeast Asia, Vietnam boasts a rich history shaped by influences from Chinese, French, and Southeast Asian cultures. Emerging from the Vietnam War in 1975, the country transitioned into a socialist-oriented market economy and has experienced remarkable economic growth in the past decade. The culture in Vietnam is deeply rooted in Confucianism, Buddhism, and indigenous beliefs, which are reflected in traditional art, music, and cuisine. We didn't know what to expect from Vietnam. The areas that we chose to visit, Da Nang and Hoi An, were full of rich cultural experiences. From the sprawling beaches to the incredible rooftop views and pools at affordable luxury hotels, we enjoyed two fabulous weeks between two cities that are only a 45-minute drive apart. Not to mention the natural marble and experiences to be had in nature. The hospitality is incredible, and the arts performance at Hoi An Memories is truly unforgettable. Vietnam truly has it all! Our maximum visa term as British and Canadian nationals is 15 days as a tourist, so we decided to head to Hoi An and Da Nang due to their proximity, popularity, and also the famous Hoi An Lantern Festival, which drops you right into the heart of Vietnamese culture. In Da Nang, we were just a block away from My Khe beach at the 4-star Sala Hotel, a spot with a spectacular rooftop overlooking the city. We loved it here, in particular for our favorite Esco Bar, an awesome spot to eat, chill, relax, or party, Vietnamese style. In Hoi An, we stayed in the incredible Mulberry Silk Village, an experience we are yet to write about but cannot wait to get stuck into! One of the wildest things about Vietnam is the money—literally everything is in the thousands. As such, a good dinner for two can cost over a million! It is something that can take getting used to for sure. The biggest standout, though, has to go to the super kind people we met, who made us feel so welcomed here. That and the food too, which is among some of our top-rated on this list! ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour One of the most popular ways to explore Vietnam is by guided tour. Tour cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, or enjoy experiences like Train Street or Ba Na Hills. Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide. 🎟️ Book your tickets here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Vietnam Hoi An Memories Theme Park serves as a living canvas, vividly painting the historical saga of Hoi An. The heartbeat of the visit lies in the mesmerizing evening show that unfolds against the scenic backdrop of the Thu Bon River. As the sun dips below the horizon, the amphitheater awakens, and the Hoi An Memories show takes center stage. The performance is a time-traveling masterpiece, guiding the audience through Hoi An's captivating past. The narrative skillfully interweaves the town's history, dating back to its days as a bustling 15th-century port city. From the thriving trade routes that connected Hoi An to distant lands to the architectural marvels influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and European styles, the show is a visual feast that brings to life the town's evolution. The cultural diversity that defines Hoi An is illuminated through the vibrant depiction of various influences that have shaped its identity. This immersive experience not only entertained but also served as an enlightening journey, fostering a profound appreciation in us for Hoi An's resilience and cultural heritage. The Hoi An Memories Theme Park offers a unique lens through which to view the city, bridging the gap between the past and the present, leaving us with enduring memories of Hoi An's rich tapestry. Cambodia: Kingdom of Wonder Phimeanakas Temple in Angkor In all honesty, we had not even heard of Cambodia before being here. We know that might sound a little crazy, but it is true. That only happened one other time with the country of Georgia. Our bad! So, it was with great gratitude and humility that we were able to visit this incredible country, learn about its mind-blowing history, and meet its long-suffering but brilliantly motivated people. This was an experience that tested our limits both physically and emotionally, and one that to this day continues to have a profound effect on us. While much of the talk about Cambodia is of its fantastic archaeological ruins, another darker specter hangs over the country, one we knew nothing about. But it is something you cannot escape from when you are here. You see it in the people, in the poverty, in the past. The dark memories live on, as do the millions of mines that still make large swathes of the country a no-go zone for civilians. The Cambodian Civil War, spanning from 1967 to 1975, was a complex conflict deeply connected to the Vietnam War. The involvement of North Vietnamese forces in Cambodia prompted U.S. and South Vietnamese military actions within the country. The coup in 1970 ousted Prince Norodom Sihanouk and aligned Cambodia with the United States, intensifying the conflict. The Khmer Rouge, initially a communist guerrilla force, gained strength, leading to their capture of Phnom Penh in 1975. Under Pol Pot's genocidal rule, the Khmer Rouge orchestrated mass atrocities, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1.7 million people—shockingly, almost half the entire population at the time. The civil war officially ended with the Khmer Rouge takeover, but Cambodia continued to face political turmoil, ultimately requiring Vietnamese intervention to remove the regime in 1978. The war left a devastating legacy, contributing to the Cambodian Genocide and shaping the nation's tumultuous political landscape. Ta Prohm, the 'Tomb Raider' Temple When tourists head to Cambodia, typically they are headed for Siem Reap or Phnom Penh, the latter being the capital city. The former is the site of the national treasure of Angkor, the almost not-real ruins of one of the world's greatest empires. We say it is not real because it is quite astonishing. The entire area, designated as the Angkor Archaeological Park, encompasses around 400 square kilometers, revealing the grandeur of the Khmer civilization through various temples, reservoirs, and urban planning elements. Over 4 days, we visited 12 temples, but know that there are over 1000 (yes, thousand), and the heat will be the biggest challenge you will face, aside from giant stone steps with 3-foot risers. We are supposed to be keeping this part to three paragraphs, but Cambodia just commands more! Alongside our daily trips to the complex, we also visited a floating village, enjoyed touring the city centre of Siem Reap, stayed in an awesome traditional Airbnb, and met local children and gave out pens and coloring books. We met fantastic people and even joined in on an English class! In just six days, we did so much, with memories that will last us a lifetime and beyond. ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour A great way to explore the best of Cambodia is by tour. Discover Siem Reap and its famous Angkor temples, catch a sunset cruise in Phnom Penh, and much more with GetYourGuide. 🎟️ Book your tickets here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Cambodia No trip to Siem Reap is complete without seeing a sunrise or sunset at Angkor Wat! At the heart of Angkor lies the breathtaking Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument globally and a symbolic icon of Cambodia. Constructed by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century, Angkor Wat's architectural brilliance, intricate carvings, and expansive moat contribute to its UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This sprawling temple complex was originally dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu but was later transformed into a Buddhist sanctuary. Renowned for its stunning Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat features intricately carved bas-reliefs and extensive galleries that depict scenes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The central towers symbolize Mount Meru, the mythical abode of the gods, surrounded by a vast moat that adds to its grandeur. The temple's alignment with astronomical phenomena, particularly during sunrise and sunset, further accentuates its cultural and religious significance. As a symbol of Cambodia, Angkor Wat is a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of the Khmer civilization, drawing millions of visitors annually to marvel at its timeless beauty and historical importance. Indonesia: Emerald of the Equator Indonesia, an archipelagic gem in Southeast Asia, captivates with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich heritage. Comprising over 17,000 islands scattered across the equator, the nation is a tapestry of lush jungles, pristine beaches, and towering volcanoes. Home to a mosaic of ethnicities, languages, and traditions, Indonesia boasts a cultural richness that reflects its historical tapestry of trade, conquests, and indigenous roots. From the bustling metropolis of Jakarta to the serene beauty of Bali, Indonesia offers a myriad of experiences for every traveler. There is a myriad of temples to see here, alongside a tourist-oriented culture that offers everything from party beach bars to zen yoga. Our visits to Cambodia and Vietnam had come while we were still staying in Thailand, maxing out and then extending our visas until we could no longer. That point came in June, when we knew that we had to leave to stay within the rules. So we chose Indonesia, starting with Bali, which also happened to be the first place we ever wanted to come to. Covid messed that up, so it was great to finally be on the way, 2 years later since we had first dreamed of it! But then, of course, came the drama. And it was not good! While Bali will forever remain one of the best places on the planet to visit, it is a small island that has far exceeded its infrastructure capabilities. It is a stunning island that is completely jammed with some of the worst traffic you will ever see. So people rent scooters. Something we had no experience with, yet decided to try out in one of the toughest places to drive one on Earth. So we ended up coming off our bikes, just a few days into our stay in Ubud, which ended up leaving us almost bedridden for most of our time on the island. Aside from all of that, we went on to have a good time in Balikpapan (by mistake!) and then went on to Jakarta, where we visited some top spots and also met our now very good friends Jackson and Marjo in the Heritage Cafe Batavia in Old Town. We went on to two more countries with them! ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including guided food tours, city sightseeing, cultural highlights, and even volcano and hot spring trips. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Indonesia Perhaps one of the biggest reasons for Balian Beach being our favorite location is that after almost a week of barely being able to walk from our injuries, we were finally able to make it outside for an excursion or two. We are super grateful for the recovery, as this is a remarkable location that is definitely 'off the beaten path' and a real gem for its local vibe, great beach, epic waves (great for surfers), caves, waterfalls, and rice paddies. Oh, and the sunsets here are spectacular! Our Airbnb was a super cute spot that put us just a five-minute walk away from the beach. There are a couple of really good restaurants there serving great food and good beer for a much better price than those in the tourist-intensive areas like Canggu and Kuta. Our host here also took us on a private tour of the area, taking us to a secret waterfall, an incredible bat cave, and also up to one of the only Buddhist temples on the predominantly Agama Hindu Dharma island. Malaysia: Land of Indigenous Malay The beautiful Saloma Bridge, leading to the famous Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur Also in Southeast Asia, Malaysia felt like a hop, jump, and a skip away from Indonesia, and we were excited to come here. Especially as our friends Jackson and Marjo were coming to join us in Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur. We loved it here this first time around and even ended up coming back later on to visit the historical city of Malacca! From the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, adorned with iconic skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers, to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia offers a rich array of experiences. The country is a melting pot of ethnicities, with Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous influences contributing to its vibrant cultural mosaic. This harmonious blend is most evident in the delectable culinary scene, where satay, nasi lemak, and roti canai are just a taste of Malaysia's gastronomic delights. Beyond the urban allure, Malaysia is adorned with historical treasures such as the UNESCO-listed George Town in Penang and the cultural heritage of Malacca. We did so much here, helped by being in a pretty handy location next to a subway station, almost directly opposite the second-tallest building in the world, the Merdeka Tower. Malaysia is very affordable, and the metro system is top-class. It felt like an all-action affair here, and we certainly hit the sights. Batu Caves, one of the largest Hindu temples outside of India We toured markets, climbed the steps of the Batu Caves, ate at one of the longest street night markets in the world, and visited mosques, Chinese temples, and even an indoor theme park. Not to mention getting stuck into one of the jewels of Malaysian national pride, the delicious Ramly Burger (you simply must check this bad boy out). As far as cities go, Kuala Lumpur is as modern as they come, with its epic skyscrapers dominating the skyline. Malaysians love to build, and the Petronas Towers and Merdeka are a testament to that. Our time here was made all the better by being able to enjoy it with our friends, and we forged so many memories here. It was actually in a pool hall in the capital that we decided on our India trip, too! More on that later! ⪢ Take a Tour with GetYourGuide Discover the Batu Caves, a batik factory, and a Hindu temple while taking in stunning views of the city. Learn about Malaysia's rich history, traditions, and customs in the suburbs. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today with reserve now & pay later. ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Malaysia Honestly, we didn't know much about Langkawi Island before booking our time there. We knew there was a lot to see and do, and it certainly didn't disappoint in that regard. The aquamarine contours, natural scenery, unique location, clear waters, pristine beaches, and intact jungle areas (yes, we could go on and on!) make this a nature lover's playground! Having spent 3 weeks in Langkawi and changing accommodations 4 times during that time, we think it's safe to say that we explored much of what this island has to offer. From the epic fire-twirling shows at the popular sunset hotspot Pantai Cenang Beach to the Kuah Bay area with the popular Maha Tower and many beautiful walking parks and paths, there are a variety of activities to keep you busy. The delicious and local weekly night market is located in Kuah, and the island is filled with an assortment of cuisines, from American fast food to local foods and fruits from the island. Two of the main highlights and bragging rights for Langkawi Island would be being home to the world's steepest cable car and also the newly opened Dream Forest, which is a must-see for the entire family. Philippines: Pearl of the Orient Seas Venice Grand Canal Mall in Manila In the western Pacific, the Philippines unfolds as a tropical paradise, boasting a breathtaking archipelago of over 7,000 islands. With its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush jungles, the country is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The Philippines is a cultural mosaic, shaped by a unique blend of indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial influences, and Asian heritage. Another country we visited twice, the Philippines, will always be an experience we hold close to our hearts. Our first trip was to Metro Manila for a month, staying in Parañaque in a hotel with a wave pool and beach vibe designed by Paris Hilton (no kidding). We were fresh off the back of being monetized on YouTube in Jakarta, and we were excited to continue the momentum here. And continue it, we did! Manila was fantastic, and we packed a lot into the month, not only working hard on the blogs and vlogs but also getting out there and seeing what the many cities here on the island have to offer. Our favorite was Intramuros, home to the likes of Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, San Agustin Church, and Manila Cathedral. The history here is astonishing, no more so than the horrific battle between U.S. and Japanese forces in WW2, in which this area was almost wiped off the map. Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Metro Manila Beyond the history of the place, the hospitality was remarkable, and we met some wonderful people here. The food was wonderful too, and we already miss the crispy pata (pork) very much, along with the delicious adobo rice we had plenty of. Not big fans of Jollibee chicken, though... sorry, guys! The other big part of being here is the shopping mall culture; Manila has tons of them, including the biggest in the world. It was also at a mall that we had a fantastic time with VIP seats to a Jose Mari Chan (a famous Christmas singer) concert. The rain was horrendous that night, but we loved it! We also came back for a second time, for nine days, later on in the year, after we left China. We went to Batangas and Tagaytay, as we wanted to see outside of Metro Manila. We were a little tired at this point, though, and kind of eager to get back to our Thailand retreat! ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour in Manila One of the most popular ways to explore Manila is by tour. Fancy heading to Chinatown? Or taking a trip to Intramuros? How about a street food tour? Check out a host of different tour options with GetYourGuide. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from the Philippines Smart Araneta Coliseum We cheered on the Gilas Pilipinas as they played at home in Quezon City at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in what was our first-ever live basketball match. We must have been a good luck charm for them, as this was their first win in almost a decade! This was the game of the decade to be at for Gilas Pilipinas fans and us too, apparently! It also happened to become our highest-viewed YouTube video to date, with over 270k views. It blew us away, and we had such a phenomenal time there, too. It was a win-win situation! Singapore: The Lion City The Jewel at Changi Airport, Singapore Nestled at the crossroads of Asia, Singapore stands as a gleaming metropolis that seamlessly blends modernity with tradition. Despite its compact size, this city-state is a global economic powerhouse and a melting pot of cultures, where sleek skyscrapers coexist with meticulously preserved heritage districts. From the iconic skyline of Marina Bay to the vibrant neighborhoods of Chinatown and Little India, Singapore offers a diverse array of experiences. We were very excited for this one because we had both wanted to come here for some time. Gardens by the Bay was something we had heard of, as was the Jewel at Changi Airport, the world's largest indoor waterfall. Then, of course, there was the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, along with a spectacular light show, which we weren't even aware of! We only had a couple of days here and had a lot to pack in. As a bonus, we had parked ourselves in the middle of Chinatown, in a tiny but decent hotel. So, we had plenty of other awesome things to experience right outside our door. One of our favorite experiences was the hawker center in Chinatown, known to be one of the finest in the city. Despite all of our preconceptions of how expensive Singapore can be, we learned that when it comes to food, if you find the right places, it is excellent and very affordable. And the food is good. Very very good. Coupled with the brilliant metro system, which is equally cheap, and actually, this city becomes more and more attractive. Oh, and just to ram home that point, Gardens by the Bay is completely free, during the day and for the nightly light show. Lest we forget the Spectra Light Show (coming up), which again is free! The view from atop the Sands Skypark Observatory over Marina Bay Singapore turned out to be just about everything we had imagined. This city-state has so much to offer for all types of budgets. Sure, you will pay a pretty penny to head up to the top of the Sands, but when you factor in the other attractions, including places like Little India that you can check out for free too, it is a place that just works. Singapore simply must be on your list of places to see in Asia. ⪢ Consider Taking a Tour in Singapore A great way to explore Singapore without hassle is by tour. From open-top buses to bike tours, top sights like Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay, Little India, Chinatown, and more, GetYourGuide offers you a simple, easy, and efficient process to book in advance. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlights from Singapore The Spectra Light Show is free to view every night from 8 pm. The Spectra Light and Water Show at Marina Bay in Singapore is a mesmerizing multimedia extravaganza that unfolds against the stunning backdrop of the city's iconic skyline. Held at the Marina Bay Sands Promenade, this nightly spectacle combines dancing water fountains, vibrant laser lights, 3D projections, and a synchronized musical soundtrack to create a breathtaking sensory experience. The show beautifully utilizes Marina Bay's waterfront as a canvas, with the water jets shooting up to create intricate patterns and dynamic shapes that dance in harmony with the changing lights. The state-of-the-art technology and stunning visual effects, coupled with the dazzling cityscape as a backdrop, make Spectra a must-see, and it is free too. There were so many things that we enjoyed in Singapore, and this was a close run thing with Gardens by the Bay at night, but this just edges it for its brilliant execution! India: Hindustan (Land of the Hindus) The epic India Gate in Delhi We had decided with our friends Jackson and Marjo back in Kuala Lumpur that we wanted to come to India. It had been a place on all of our lists for a while, and it seemed like such a great idea to tackle it with another couple. We knew India would be a tough place to travel around, and being with friends makes the whole process that little easier. It did, and thank goodness we did, as India was easily the most challenging of all twelve countries we visited in Asia. We have an entire India Series on our blog, with the full story of this roller-coaster ride from day one through to the seventeenth day when we bailed. We managed to do five cities in the north, dotted around the famed Golden Triangle. We started in New Delhi, where we were deceived by our hotel on day one (a '3-star' online that was barely a 1-star). It was tough to stay there, to the point where we could not even shower because the bathroom was so bad. We won't go into it too much, and you can read about our Staybook Hotel experience if you want the juicy details. Despite this setback, we still enjoyed the city, although it was again in the face of some very tough conditions. We went to Connaught Place, Humayun's Tomb, and India Gate, enjoyed a great night at an awesome zombie-themed restaurant, and had our first tastes of Indian food and, most importantly, Indian beer! Things went downhill from there, though, in spectacular fashion, as all four of us gradually got sick with a serious case of Delhi belly that put us out for almost seven days! It felt like most of our stay was just surviving one epic travel day after another, as we had pre-planned five cities in 16 days. We managed the travel, but hardly any sights. Jenn even missed out on the Taj Mahal because of it. The great Taj Mahal! After the recovery, we still had our moments; seeing the Taj was incredible, even if Jenn only got to from our hotel rooftop. We got to see a lot of the country on our travels, taking an eight-hour cab ride from Jaipur to Udaipur and spending hours on the bus to Agra. We were quite shocked by what we saw and would honestly say India is not for the faint-hearted. There are a lot of things to be aware of, such as scams, pollution, extremely poor infrastructure, awful sanitation, and a lot of uncomfortable hawking and staring. Even just basic things like hot water, doing laundry, or paying for things in anything other than cash are very challenging. For all of its amazing culture and history, India is most certainly one of the toughest places we have visited in all of our travels! ⪢ India Travel Tip: Consider Taking a Tour One of the most popular ways to explore India is by guided tour. Skip the line for the Taj Mahal, tour cities like Mumbai and Delhi, or enjoy the wonderful sights in Udaipur and Jaipur. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from India Our friends Vijay, Jackson, and Marjo! Undoubtedly one of the biggest ironies ever: our first hostel experience is in one of the dirtiest (no offence intended) countries we have ever been in. Our reluctance in three years of travel has been mainly that—cleanliness and, of course, security fears. We booked a private room here, as did Jackson and Marjo, and being with them was always a big factor in coming here. Anyway, the point being, we loved it! We spent a couple of excellent nights here, with all of us finally feeling better and being able to eat and drink a little bit. We met some awesome friends who we are still in contact with and also met a friend who we had only known from the Instagram poetry scene several years ago. He just 'happened' to be in the local area at the same time, and we played carrom together, and it was amazing. China: Pearl of the Orient The Hong Kong city skyline is great to see! We are so happy we got to spend time in China. This was a country high up on our list of priorities, and knowing that we were returning to Canada for 2024, we knew it just couldn't wait. After our India shenanigans, we took a good month off in our Thai retreat before heading to Hong Kong for the first of two trips to the Pearl of the Orient. We only spent a couple of nights here, but we packed in a lot of places! The Hong Kong skyline is one of the most iconic and photographed in the world. It is a dazzling display of skyscrapers, bridges, and boats, set against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour. The skyline is dominated by the International Commerce Centre (ICC), which is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the 13th tallest building in the world. Other notable skyscrapers include the Bank of China Tower, the HSBC Main Building, and the Cheung Kong Center. The skyline is most impressive at night, when the buildings are illuminated in a variety of colors. The nightly free Symphony of Lights light show is a must-see for any visitor to Hong Kong (even if we found it very underwhelming). The best place to see it has to be the Avenue of Stars, a waterfront promenade lined with handprints of Hong Kong celebrities along the railings. The panoramic views of the skyline will be forever planted in our memories! This was super fun, and as with its excellent metro system, it was super easy to get around here. We enjoyed checking out the Temple Street Market too, along with an awesome night at the Wine & Dine Festival (more on that later). Hong Kong may have been a little on the expensive side, but it was a real treat and experience, and one we are so glad we had! Our second adventure in China came courtesy of a cool 24 hours in Shanghai. It was essentially a layover that we squeezed in before we flew out to the Philippines. We had no access to the internet for nearly 48 hours, but we did not need it anyway. We were just outside the main city, in Pudong, and had an amazing day and night full of great people, food, and an epic sunset! Oh, and an epic hotel too! Moonlo Hotel in Pudong, Shanghai Even though we were a little uncertain of what to expect in Pudong, given that it is fairly local, it turned out to be a decent time. With just one night here, we could only spend time in the area near the hotel, and it was pretty lively throughout the day and night. And we got to mill around the stores and enjoy a nice evening meal of some very good noodles at a traditional restaurant. Even though we did not achieve too much, we saw and felt enough to know that we want to check out more of China. We will be back! ⪢ Consider Taking a Shanghai Tour Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including city tours, night river cruises, and even flexible layover tours where you can experience Shanghai on your schedule. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from China The Wine and Dine Festival in Hong Kong is a culinary extravaganza that celebrates the city's vibrant food and beverage scene. Typically held annually, the festival showcases a diverse array of gourmet delights, culinary creations, and a vast selection of wines and spirits. Against the backdrop of Hong Kong's iconic skyline, the event brings together renowned chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists to offer wine tastings, cocktail workshops, and interactive demonstrations. With live entertainment, cultural performances, and a lively atmosphere, the Wine and Dine Festival has become a must-attend event that captures the essence of Hong Kong's culinary diversity and cosmopolitan spirit. This was an unplanned event, one that only came our way courtesy of a very warm welcome from our hotel. How lucky were we that it came back this year, after a five-year Covid absence, and happened to be when we were in Hong Kong! We had an amazing time, and watching the incredible Marcelito Pomoy was a real highlight. He is so good! Marcelito won the Philippines' Got Talent and came fourth in AGT Champions. He has such a fantastic voice, and given our affinity for the Philippines, it was a real treat to see. Do keep an eye out for the Wine & Dine Festival if you visit Hong Kong! Taiwan: Beautiful Island For those of you who do not know, part of how we fund our travels is through teaching English online. Most of our student base was in Asia, and long before we even stepped foot on the continent, we were learning a great deal about it from our students in the various countries. Taiwan was certainly one of them, and we were eager to come here and see it with our own eyes. We only had a few days before heading up to South Korea as we continued our whistlestop tour of the northeast of Asia. There was so much to love about our time here in Taiwan. From the moment we arrived, we were already captured by how clean and modern everything was. We got there at night, so that always makes things look nicer, but even during the day, Taipei was beautiful. Our hotel was great too and had a bar on the second floor that became one of the best parts of our stay here. We made friends there, tried traditional food, and even took part in a giant beer glass drinking competition (that we failed at miserably). It was a whole lot of fun, and after the two nights, we have certainly made lasting connections here. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei We got out and about too, checking out some of the local specialties like mango shaved ice, watching street magicians perform, wandering through the local night market, and going to see the Taipei 101 and, of course, the Chiang Kai-Shek memorial. There is plenty to keep you busy here, and it is not too expensive and easy to get around. Another place we would love to come back to and plan to next time we are in Asia! ⪢ Consider Taking a Taiwan Tour Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including city tours, private sightseeing, and advance tickets to get the most out of your time here. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from Taiwan The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei was built in honor of Chiang Kai-shek, the former president of the Republic of China. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to visit on our recent trip to Taiwan, and I have to say it is mightily impressive! Chiang Kai-shek was a controversial leader, and there is no doubt that he played a significant role in the history of Taiwan. He was a key figure in the Chinese Civil War, which pitted the Democratic Kuomintang (KMT), led by Chiang, against the Communist Party of China (CPC), led by Mao Zedong. The war began in 1927 when Chiang launched a purge of CPC members in the KMT. The CPC responded by establishing its government in the countryside. The war raged for over two decades, and both sides committed atrocities. The CPC gained the upper hand in the war in the late 1940s. In 1949, Chiang and the KMT were forced to retreat to Taiwan, where they established a government-in-exile. The PRC was established on mainland China, and Mao Zedong became its first leader. Chiang died in 1975 in Taiwan. His legacy is still debated to this day in some quarters. Some view him as a hero who saved China from communism, while others view him as a dictator who committed atrocities. We love our history, and learning more about the countries we visit is so important to us in our travels. Super thankful to have visited here to learn more about this incredible place. Do add this to your list of places to see in Taipei! South Korea: Land of the Morning Calm South Korea, a captivating blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity, unfolds as a dynamic destination in East Asia. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the serene beauty of its natural landscapes, the country offers a diverse range of experiences. Rich in history, South Korea boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the ancient city of Gyeongju, while its contemporary urban centers showcase sleek architecture and vibrant street life. We only spent a couple of nights here and were staying a 40-minute bus ride away from the main city center of Seoul. It was an adjustment, as it was the coldest country we had been in all year, even at a modest 18 degrees. We had become accustomed to double that! Nonetheless, we were undeterred and had a great time checking out the city. Did you know that there is free Wi-Fi available everywhere in the city? Free of charge! It works well too. Plus, the city is awesome, with a great mix of modern buildings, old markets, and traditional streets. A few days did not feel like it was enough, and we would come back to this city. That being said, we did have some really good food here, in a couple of different places, even with a language barrier that is tricky to navigate, as English is very scarce. We did get a chance to wander around after coming back from our visit to the DMZ, which we will get to in a bit. We also used the bus system, which works seamlessly when there are no protests! That does stick out for us; we were in Seoul Center on a Saturday, and several different street protests were causing all manner of fuss. It was fun to see, actually, even if they did delay our bus by well over an hour! ⪢ Consider Taking a South Korea Tour Check out a host of different options with GetYourGuide, including the likes of the DMZ, Jeju Island, Seoul city tours, and more. 🎟️ Browse tours here ⪢ Our Top Highlight from South Korea: Visiting the DMZ The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a poignant symbol of the Korean Peninsula's divided history, stands as a unique and intriguing destination within South Korea. Stretching 250 kilometers across the peninsula and serving as a buffer zone between North and South Korea, the DMZ is a place frozen in time. Visitors to this highly fortified border region can explore historical sites like the Third Tunnel of Aggression, a subterranean passage dug by North Korea, and the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom, where diplomatic talks between the two Koreas take place. Coming here will take you on a journey where you will learn all about the horrors of the war and its aftermath, alongside experiencing an area fractured by a distinct lack of trust and a distinct animosity between the two sides. It is a little eerie in a way, and somewhere that may not always stay open to the public if tensions rise again. It certainly was a sobering place to be, but it was kind of cool to get so close as to see into North Korea. Not something easy to do these days! Our Experience Rating: Asia So, what do we think of Asia? Well, we hope this post has gone some way to show you just what a fantastic time we had here. We thoroughly enjoyed immersing ourselves in the culture across the continent, from north to south. It is incredible how much we have learned from our year here about so many different countries that all have a unique and fascinating story to tell. The places we have discovered, the people we have met, and the sheer beauty we have seen—all of it has amounted to one of the best years of our lives. Not gonna lie, we were missing the western scene, but, in equal measure, when it was time to leave, it was tough to go. Another long spell in Asia on the horizon? You bet! Travel Resources

Our UNFORGETTABLE highlights from a brilliant match between the Philippines and China, including our best-viewed YouTube video EVER! We couldn't pass up the opportunity to attend and highlight one of the host countries of the FIBA World Cup (World Basketball Cup) right here in Quezon City, in Metro Manila! A once-in-a-lifetime experience! We cheered on the Gilas Pilipinas as they played at home in Quezon City, Metro Manila. We must have been a good luck charm for them, as this was their first win in almost a decade! With an epic win over China and an explosive 3rd quarter in which superstar Jordan Clarkson hit 5 straight three-pointers, it was definitely the game of the decade to be at for Gilas Pilipinas fans! Going to the SMART Araneta Coliseum was our first visit to Quezon City. We couldn't be happier or prouder to have been there to support Gilas and give back some of the love and support that the Filipino people have shown us during our month-long stay here in Manila. Read on for our highlights of this fantastic game, a Q&A for those of you who want to know more about Gilas Pilipinas, and our epic YouTube video. Key Takeaways ● Our first basketball game went big: We did not ease into live basketball quietly; our first game was Gilas Pilipinas against China at the FIBA World Cup in Manila. ● Filipino basketball passion is real: The noise, national pride, and energy in the arena showed us why basketball occupies such a huge place in everyday Filipino culture. ● The result made it sweeter: Watching Gilas beat China transformed an already memorable first game into one of our standout sporting experiences on the road. In This Post... ● Our Highlights ● Q & A and Facts ● Watch on YouTube ● Where to Stay in Manila ● Travel Resources Our Match Highlights When we arrived in Manila at the beginning of August, admittedly, we were unaware that the Philippines was co-hosting the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with Japan and Indonesia, the first time they had been a host nation in a whopping 45 years. So when we did find out, we simply could not pass up the opportunity to head to a game. It just so happened that this match was due to take place just a few days after we heard about the tournament, and ironically, just two days before we were due to leave Manila! The timing could not have been better, and thankfully, we secured two tickets on a night that turned out to be a near sell-out event. We were super excited to get to the game, which was being played at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This is a stadium that holds a special place in the heart of Quezon City, hosting sports and concerts alike since its completion in 1960. Indeed, it hosted the last FIBA World Cup to be held in the Philippines way back in 1978. Thanks to several renovations, this 16500-capacity stadium is almost as good as new. The concourse areas are modern, bright, and spacious, with a litany of stores and food available in and around the stadium. It just so happened that the heavens literally opened over Manila on the night of the game. The rain was fierce and heavy, and we were very thankful that our taxi was able to drop us off undercover outside the doors at the Red Gate of the stadium. Amazingly, despite the late start of 8 pm, the crazy rain, and the fact that there was little riding on this game, over eleven thousand fans packed out the stadium and were the source of a raucous and brilliant atmosphere. Having already lost all four matches prior, Gilas Pilipinas were already out of the running for the first-ever FIBA World Cup. Indeed, the statistics did not look good from any angle, with 9 straight World Cup losses to their name. This is on top of the unwanted record of 8 straight defeats in the last World Cup they hosted, albeit over 40 years ago. Before heading inside, we stopped by the merch centre to grab a shirt, as we wanted to show our support for Gilas Pilipinas. We were so glad to have been able to get them, as before the match, we had looked for some in a couple of malls but to no avail. As we entered the main arena, all decked out in brilliant white, the national anthems started. With the odds stacked so highly against the Philippines, you would never have been able to tell on the night. The support was sensational, and the fans in the stadium, including us, were living and breathing every bounce of the ball. We had no idea of those aforementioned records before the game, and we knew that they were unable to qualify for the next round, but regardless, we sensed importance here. We sensed pride. We sensed glory! The passion and pride around the arena were immense, and the hairs were standing up on the back of our necks! Honestly, this atmosphere was amazing. We have been amongst 60,000 fans at the Emirates Stadium (we are Arsenal fans), and this is an unlikely rival! From the thundering chants of 'defense, defense' to 'Gilas, Gilas,' it was breathtaking. Not to mention the drummers, the Mexican waves, the halftime dance shows, and free shirts being thrown into the crowd at every opportunity. While we could go on and on about the crowd, let's talk about the game! After a tense first and second quarter, the match was almost tied. Every time Gilas went on the attack and scored a point (or three), China would score back. In the first half of the game, the defense was seriously lacking for the home side, despite the unwavering support in the stands. So after a very good halftime show, the players came back out onto the court, and little did any of us know what was about to happen. With the scores so close, perhaps it was expected that, given their record, the Gilas Pilipinas were about to break down. Nine losses are a pretty consistent pattern. But not this time. Not tonight. Cometh the man, cometh the moment. It was time for Mr. Jordan Clarkson. We had already been made aware that Clarkson was the No. 1 player on the team, but up until the 3rd quarter, he had been relatively quiet, bar some pretty consistent free throws. But despite that, there was an air of significance about this match for him, given that in his debut for the Philippines in the 2018 Asian Games, he tasted defeat against this very same China team. And boy, did he come out with a point to prove after the break. The Utah Jazz ace sparked delirium in the coliseum in a spectacular four-minute third-quarter blitz, hitting no less than FIVE three-pointers in a phenomenal display that almost single-handedly took China out of the game. Clarkson's eruption ended with 24 points, "eruption" being the right word considering he hit just ten points across the other three quarters. It was undeniably the main drive that led the Philippines to its first World Cup win since 2014, when they beat Senegal, and left the world in no doubt of their exceptional talent. While Clarkson may grab the headlines, however, it must be said that the team defense improved considerably in the second half of the game, snuffing out almost every Chinese attack. So, a first win for the Philippines in the tournament, finishing 1-4, going out on a high, and ending all of those unwanted records. Alongside the aforementioned woes, this win also meant that Gilas Pilipinas avoided the ignominy of becoming the first host in 41 years to go winless. As far as sports go, basketball is right up there with the best of them for pure entertainment. Especially when it comes to support, not just in the stadium, but online on YouTube, where the comments on our highlight video show so much passion and pride for this team. Regardless of records and results, the Gilas Pilipinas are legends and icons in their own right, carrying the pride of the Philippines in every match. Apart from perhaps the outgoing coach, who was booed before the match even started! As we left the stadium with our popcorn-filled bellies and hoarse voices, we could not help but beam with smiles and happiness at what was our finest night in Manila and one of our favorite date nights ever. This match, this team, and this country have left an imprint on our hearts, and they certainly have new fans here. Onwards and upwards... cheers to the next victory! Go Gilas Pilipinas!!! Match Stats ⪢ Quarters: (P vs C) 16-16 39-40 73-51 96-75 ⪢ Philippines: 96 Clarkson 34, Abando 14, Sotto 12, Ramos 11, Fajardo 9, Pogoy 7, Edu 5, Thompson 4, Ravena 0, Aguilar 0. ⪢ China: 75 Li 17, Zhang 13, M. Hu 12, R. Zhao 12, J. Hu 10, Zhu 5, Cui 2, Fu 2, Zhou 2, J. Zhao 0. Q&A and Facts About Gilas Pilipinas Given that we are both newbies to Philippine basketball, we were compelled to do some research before attending this game so we could truly get into the spirit of things. Plus, this is what travel is all about! Learning new things, supporting local (and national) communities, and immersing ourselves in culture. So, for those of you who may also not know much about Gilas Pilipinas, here are a few facts to get you started: ⪢ What Does Gilas Pilipinas Mean? The name "Gilas Pilipinas" is a Filipino word that loosely translates to "prowess" or "might." It was adopted from the mascot of the 2005 Southeast Asian Games held in Manila, which is an eagle. ⪢ The Rallying Call The team's battle cry is "Puso," which means "heart" or "courage" in Filipino. It became the mantra of the team when it ended a long 36-year FIBA World Cup appearance drought by qualifying for the 2014 edition in Spain. ⪢ What is the Philippines' FIBA record? The Philippines has competed in the FIBA World Cup five times, with its best finish being a bronze medal in 1954. The Philippines has also won 18 gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games, more than any other country. ⪢ Who are some famous Gilas players? Some of the most famous players to have played for Gilas Pilipinas include Carlos Loyzaga, Ramon Fernandez, Alvin Patrimonio, and Japeth Aguilar. Currently, Jordan Clarkson, a 6'5" guard who plays for the Utah Jazz in the NBA, is the best player on the team and has consistently been the highest performer. Kai Sotto is a 7'3" center who plays for the Adelaide 36ers in Australia. He is the tallest player on the team and is expected to provide rim protection and scoring inside. Dwight Ramos is a 6'6" guard who plays for Levanga Hokkaido in Japan and is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and pass. ⪢ Who is the Gilas head coach? The team was coached by Chot Reyes, who has also served as head coach of the Philippine national team in the Olympics. He resigned after this game, and Tim Cone has been appointed as the new head coach on an interim basis for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. ⪢ Where does Gilas Pilipinas play? The team's home arena is the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines. ⪢ What are the Gilas team colors? The team's jersey colors are red, white, and blue. ⪢ Does Gilas have a mascot? The team's mascot is a dragon named "Gilas." ⪢ What is the Gilas official song? The team's official song is "Puso ng Pilipinas." ⪢ How popular is Gilas Pilipinas? Gilas Pilipinas is one of the most popular national basketball teams in Southern Asia, with basketball also being the No. 1 sport in the Philippines. The team is renowned for its large and passionate fan base, and its games are always well-attended. The team is always looking to improve and compete at the highest level, and hopefully, they can reward such support with a championship one day! Experiences like this highlight the energy and passion found in everyday life in the Philippines. For more destinations and travel ideas, explore our Philippines travel guides. Our Philippines vs China FIBA YouTube video We cannot believe that the video has hit over 300k views in 4 days at the time of writing! Not only that, but we hit over 7.5k subscribers! It has been incredible, and by all accounts, it is our very first 'viral video.' We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it! If you enjoy our video and want to follow more of our adventures, please like and subscribe! Your support truly is invaluable to us, and we will always strive to produce the best content we can from around the world! Where to Stay in Manila Looking for a place to stay nearby? Browse Manila hotel deals below to find great rates from top providers in the city. Our map offers a user-friendly interface that allows you to zoom in and out, providing a comprehensive view of the area and enabling you to identify the most convenient hotel options based on your current location or desired destination. Travel Resources

I'll be honest, when I first started thinking about working from a van, I imagined myself parked at scenic overlooks, laptop balanced on my knees, living the dream. Reality hit pretty fast. Working from a vehicle isn't just about having a laptop and good vibes. You need an actual functional workspace that doesn't leave you with a sore back and a dead battery by noon. If you're serious about making the digital nomad van life work, here's what you actually need to set up a mobile office that won't drive you crazy. I’ll break down everything you need to create a reliable and comfortable mobile office setup inside your van. From solar power systems and internet connectivity to ergonomic layouts, climate control, and tech storage, you’ll learn how to stay productive wherever you park. Key Takeaways ● What a real van office needs: A laptop is only the beginning; dependable power, internet, ergonomics, climate control, storage, lighting, and backups determine whether you can actually work comfortably on the road. ● Prioritise reliability: Power banks, charging redundancy, multiple connectivity options, and secure equipment storage matter more than aesthetic van-office accessories when work pays for the lifestyle. ● Design around your work: Build the setup for the hours you actually spend working, your body, your climate, and your equipment—not an idealised photo of remote work. In This Post... ● The Power Essentials ● Internet Connectivity Setup ● Workspace Ergonomics ● Climate Control See More... ● Tech and Equipment Storage ● The Often-Overlooked Extras ● Making It Work for You ● Travel Resources The Power Essentials Let me start with the most critical part: power. You can have the fanciest van conversion in the world, but if your laptop dies mid-meeting, none of it matters. This is where you absolutely cannot cut corners. Your power system needs to include: ● Solar panel system (300W minimum recommended, more if you run power-hungry equipment) ● Lithium battery bank (200 Ah or higher—trust me, get more capacity than you think you need) ● Pure sine wave inverter (cheap modified sine wave inverters can damage your electronics) ● Multiple USB and AC outlets strategically placed around your workspace I learned this the hard way after trying to skimp on my initial setup. Watching your battery percentage drop while you're on a deadline is not the kind of adventure you want. A well-designed system, like what you'll find in Brooklyn Campervan features, takes the guesswork out of power management. And always keep a couple of high-capacity portable chargers as backup. You'll use them more than you expect. Internet Connectivity Setup Here's the truth about the internet on the road: you need redundancy. One connection method isn't enough. I typically run with at least three options at any given time. Start with a solid mobile hotspot device on a reliable carrier. Then add a cellular booster to amplify weak signals when you're in more remote areas. If you're staying at campgrounds or RV parks, a WiFi extender helps you catch those distant signals. For people who venture really off-grid, satellite internet has become more accessible, though it's still pricey. But let's be real—sometimes none of this works, and you'll need to scout out the nearest coffee shop or library. That's just part of the lifestyle, and honestly, it keeps you connected to local communities. Speaking of the remote work lifestyle, if you're looking for more insights on making location-independent work sustainable, Closer Lives has some solid perspectives on building routines that actually stick. Workspace Ergonomics This is where a lot of people mess up. They think they can just sit on their bed with a laptop and call it a workspace. Your body will revolt after about three days of that. You need a dedicated desk or table surface that's at a comfortable height. If you can swing it, get a proper office chair or at least a seat with lumbar support. I know space is limited, but your spine doesn't care about square footage. An external monitor makes a massive difference, too—working on a small laptop screen all day is a recipe for eye strain and headaches. Consider lighting carefully. Natural light is great, but you need task lighting for early mornings and evenings. LED strips with adjustable brightness work well and don't drain your battery. And make sure your essentials are within easy reach. Having to dig through cabinets every time you need something gets old fast. Your neck shouldn't feel like you've been in a wrestling match after a Zoom call. Climate Control Temperature control isn't just about comfort—it's about being able to work productively. I've tried working in a van that felt like an oven in summer and an icebox in winter. It's miserable, and your concentration goes out the window. Ventilation fans are non-negotiable. They pull hot air out and create airflow even when it's sweltering outside. Good insulation matters more than most people realize—it keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter. You'll also want some kind of portable heating and cooling solution. There are battery-powered options now that work surprisingly well without destroying your power supply. Window covers serve double duty: they help regulate temperature and give you privacy for video calls. I use reflective covers in summer and insulated ones in winter. For more detailed information on keeping your van comfortable year-round, this guide on van insulation covers different materials and methods depending on your climate. Tech and Equipment Storage You're carrying expensive equipment down bumpy roads. That gear needs protection and organization. Invest in padded storage solutions for laptops, cameras, hard drives, and other electronics. Everything should have a secure spot where it won't rattle around when you're driving. I use a combination of foam-lined cases and custom shelving with lips to keep things from sliding off. Cable management is surprisingly important. Get some Velcro ties, cable organizers, or even just labeled Ziploc bags. Keep charging cables, adapters, and dongles sorted by device. Nothing kills productivity faster than untangling cables for 20 minutes before you can start work. Back up your data religiously, both to external drives and the cloud. Road life has more variables than a stationary office, and you don't want to lose everything because of one mishap. The Often-Overlooked Extras Some things don't seem critical until you need them. Privacy curtains or blinds are essential for video calls—nobody needs to see your entire van setup on camera. They also help you focus when you're parked in busy areas. Good noise-canceling headphones are worth their weight in gold. Background noise happens: other campers, traffic, and birds having territorial disputes at 6 am. Block it out. Consider keeping a backup laptop or at least a tablet that can handle basic work tasks. If your main computer decides to quit, you'll still have options. Depending on your work, a portable printer or scanner might be necessary. They make compact models now that don't take up much space. Don't forget the boring but essential stuff: a basic tool kit for van maintenance, first aid supplies, and comfort items that make your space feel less like a vehicle and more like a workspace. Making It Work for You At the end of the day, your mobile office needs to match your actual work requirements, not some idealized Instagram version of van life. Start with the essentials—power, internet, and a decent workspace. Build from there as you figure out what you actually use versus what sounded good in theory. The goal isn't just to survive working from a van. It's to create a setup where you can do your best work while having the freedom to move around. When you get it right, the mobile office becomes less about compromise and more about possibility. You're not sacrificing comfort for freedom—you're designing a workspace that travels with you. More From Closer Lives Our Lifestyle Blog Since deciding to sell our houses, let go of 90% of our possessions, pack up our remaining things, and head for the airport, we have learned a lot. In our lifestyle blogs, we want to share our journey with you: the ups, downs, tips, tricks, and recommendations that can help you enhance your lifestyle. Closer Lives Travel Hub Head over to our Travel Hub – it’s packed with free country guides, helpful travel blogs, videos from the road, and tips to help you travel smarter. Whether you're dreaming, planning, or already out exploring, we've got a plethora of essential resources to help you every step of the way. Travel Resources Written by a Guest Writer for Closer Lives Travel & Lifestyle Blog. If you would like to contribute, see our Write for Us page and Guest Writer Guidelines.