The favourite places of Robert Schrader Stories > People > The favourite places of Robert Schrader Bastiaan EllenRobert Schrader is a writer, photographer and editor of travel blogs Leave Your Daily Hell and Japan Starts Here. His travels have thus far taken him to more than 80 countries on all six inhabited continents, although he plans to visit Antarctica at some point as well. He talks to Mr Hudson about his passion for travel, and some of his favourite places. Tailor Made JourneyLet Us Plan Your Perfect VacationMr Hudson designs unique and luxurious vacations for sophisticated travelers who prioritize beauty and style. BOOK WITH US Tell us about yourselfI’m someone who’s perpetually in the process of transformation. A broken human being who has used travel to put himself back together. A colourful soul who escaped the black-and-white United States. A starving artist who learned to feed himself. My two travel blogs—Leave Your Daily Hell, and Japan Starts Here—have been the foundation of these and most of the other paradigm shifts in my life the past decade or so.What destination has lived up to the hype? Most destinations meet my expectations, though few truly “wow” me. My all-time favourite country is probably Japan; other countries I’ve fallen deeply in love with include Brazil, Iran, Israel, Italy, Nepal and Thailand. Certain countries were amazing in some way (Ethiopia for the visuals it offers; Mongolia for the fact that most people live today as they did a millennium ago) but were ultimately not enjoyable—they lived up to the hype, but they weren’t particularly livable.What destination hasn’t?I’d say Bali is probably the worst place in the world.What is your favourite place in the world?Kyoto during cherry blossom season just before sunrise. It’s beautiful during the day too, of course, but the crowds can be overwhelming. I love heading out into the city (any city, not only Kyoto) just after my morning run, and watching it wake up. Iran | Photo: Robert Schrader Want to follow in Robert’s footsteps? The same team that brings you the content you love designs your perfect tripWhat is it about travel that you enjoy most?I enjoy the truth it makes me see. When you get on a bus or train or plane, you leave certain things behind—physical, emotional, even financial ones in some cases. Changing environs, on the other hand, force you to accept the things that never change, most importantly your character. I take so much inventory when I travel; when I’m home (which is currently Bangkok), I begin to clean house, as it were.What is the best hotel you’ve stayed at?In terms of the best overall experience, I’d probably have to say the Four Seasons Serengeti in Tanzania. But truth be told, I’m not a huge hotel snob. If a hotel embodies what I call the “three c’s”—chic, comfortable and centrally-located—I’m a very happy camper.What does your ideal trip look like?I like to stay busy and to enjoy a diversity of experiences, including nature, culture, cities, food, history and human interaction. A one- or two-week trip to a country I’ve either never been to, or one I know well enough to do a precise, effective deep dive is my raison de voyager these days. Tokyo | Photo: Robert Schrader Sleep with at least one local person in every country you visitWho is the most interesting person you’ve met while travelling?A young Swiss woman named Bianca, whom I met 12 years ago on a trip through Europe. We’d remained close all these years—we even lived together at a couple of junctures, and have travelled in several countries on more occasions than I can count. It’s difficult and expensive to maintain a friendship with someone who lives on the other side of the planet, but someone like Bianca, who has been by my side during basically every phase of my adult life, is more than worth it.What are your favourite places in Japan that people need to know about?I write a website about Japan and know more about it than the average gaijin, so let’s talk about Japan! I’m currently writing you from the city of Matsumoto, which most people don’t even know exists, but is the perfect place for exploring the Japanese Alps (to say nothing of the 17th-century castle here, one of 12 remaining original such structures in Japan). Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s main islands, is also hugely underrated. From Shikoku’s own collection of castles to lush Ritsurin Garden to sprawling Kotohira-gu temple, and from the bizarre Naruto Whirlpools to Dogo Onsen, the oldest public bath house in all of Japan, Shikoku is a true gem. Certainly, I prefer it to Kyushu and Hokkaido, the latter of which I find especially overrated. With this being said, Hakodate city at the southern tip of Hokkaido is another gem, and not just because of the “dancing squid” thing that went viral a few years ago.What is your best-kept travel secret?It wouldn’t be a secret anymore if I told you, would it.Any recommendations for gay travellers?Sleep with at least one local person in every country you visit—and accept the truth once and for all: Not wanting to sleep with someone because of the colour of their skin is the definition of racism. Get the fuck over that shit. Switzerland | Photo: Robert Schrader Hikone Japan | Photo: Robert SchraderWant to simplify luxury travel planning?Whether you want a resort vacation, wildlife safari, city break, luxury cruise, wellness retreat, honeymoon, once-in-a-lifetime adventure or weekend escape, the trip curation experts at Mr Hudson make travel planning a breeze. Find out how we can handle the finer details of vacationing in style.Special SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the Book share Mongolia | Photo: Robert Schrader Lithuania | Photo: Robert SchraderDid you enjoy this article? Then sign up for our newsletterDid you enjoy this article? The same team that curates our content designs your perfect trip Explore more Costa Rica foods - 10 authentic local dishes you must tryDespite its esteemed reputation as a paradisiacal land of sloths, surfing, and sunsets, Costa Rica’s culinary culture remains all too hidden of a gem. Read story > Istanbul City GuideThe heady collision point of continents and cultures, Istanbul is where Europe meets the Middle East, bringing diverse people, religions and philosophies together in a frenetic fusion of mysticism and modernity. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription. 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