TRAVEL GUIDE: KOBE, JAPAN

Kobe isn't just the name of one of the greatest of all time when it comes to Basketball. It's also the name of one of the best cities in the world when it comes to travelling Japan. Be Kobe. No not like Mike, but in the motto of this terrific town.

Open the literal translation of "God's door" and Kobe will literally show you heaven like Marie McKie's 'Days Of Thunder'. Not only that but also like fellow port town Yokohama a place that shows Japan is more than the big three of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. A short train ride and even quicker Bullet from the latter two.

Or if you're interested in Japan's inspiration of 80's Americana (you should 'Kramer Versus Kramer' check out their 'Born On The Fourth Of July' Netflix right now if you don't already have one of those VPN altering apps), this place feels like a quiet Providence in-between Boston buildings. Only to feel in parts like the talents of South Beach when you make it to the Miami like port. Or the California of a cool San Diego all the way up the cable car bus like San Francisco hilly streets back to the Santa Monica dream meets Rodeo Drive, Los Angeles rich sidewalks of the New Orleans esque Kobe Jazz street where all cultures connect like good food and music. Until the traditional temples of the old meets neon new Japan confirm you're still set in the land of the rising sun.

Still from the jazz to the port like drinking to the sounds of the city, it's these two extremes that Kobe is all about. Save hiking the hills of Mount Rokkō, or bathing your feet after that walk in the Aroma Onsen. But cross the LGBT everyone's welcome rainbow like Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge to the Harborland and you'll find the heart of the Port right in the magnificent Meirken Park the feels like God's gateway in itself.

Take it to the top of the Kyoto like Kobe Port Tower however in its red lattice effect that feels like the Tokyo Tower meets Skytree and you really get to see the sights rising day to burning orange fallen sun, in its Sannomiya and Mount Maya glory, as the hills have light illuminated drawings etched all over them. From a tooth deep rooted to God's very place itself. If number 24 Bryant has ever been here then he would have seen his name in the sky like STAPLES.

Now like Kanye West once said on the Ghostface Killah, 'Back Like That' remix with Ne-Yo, when it comes to "ordering the Kobe beef like Shaquille O'Neal", if you've got the money go for it. You may aswell try it in the place where it cows massaged and given compliments too comes from.

But forget food for a minute, the real tradition in Kobe that is beautiful goes beyond beef. Right now the Luminarie light festival that is illuminated in December before Christmas honours all those who lost their lives in the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake. A terrible tragedy that claimed over 6,000 residents of Kobe. Over 200,000 hand painted lights donated from the Italian government are biomass generated and environmentally friendly, but even more importantly they are a tribute testament to those gone and like the dearly departed will never truly go out. And with the streets closed from cars and the most emotional electricity to the city, this somber and sobering experience brings beauty to the aftermath of this town's tragedy even a quarter century in anniversary later.

Manhole grids dotted around the city like Google maps amongst other art designed ones and magnificent murals, surrounded by small statues all over the town like tourists proclaim, "All You Need Is Kobe". Well...and maybe LeBron and love too, but you still get it. Like that Mamba Mentality it's time to 'Be Kobe'. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TRAVEL GUIDE: BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

Brazil like bustle in the middle of a Hollywood bright light hustle. Motorcycles and mopeds that mount the curb of these sidewalks bathed in nocturnal neon. The energy and vibe of Busan all the way to the best beaches are unlike no other. Take a train from Seoul station with the horde and you'll find the heart of South Korea in a city on the (high) rise of the future so tech-driven that Marvel's Black Panther even filmed that classic casino car chase here. Clawing it's way all the way to the purple perfect Gwangan Bridge that takes you through the sand and colourful Rio Favela like houses that scale the city surrounding mountains like monorails. Korea I should have come to you sooner. And Busan you are the best to these new age, digital art streets ahead of even your New York and London's calling.

California soul, Miami heat, Tokyo streets, a San Diego vibe and a Seoul retreat, Busan has it all. So take a train from the South's capital like the most inventive zombie horror concept in an undead amount of them and take a trip to one of the most inspired cities like its influential neighbour. Busan is traditional and electric...not to mention eclectic as it has so much to offer, from temples to shopping malls and culture on every corner. Busan is busy, but Busan is bountiful.

Seomyeon's soul has miles of magnificent malls for your shopping wish list. So much so you may have to bring your scissors along with your credit card. There's also a place for coffee and to eat on every corner. From Western hot dogs and pizza, to more traditional cuisine if fast food isn't your bag. But you can't go to Korea without completing your trip with some Korean BBQ...say's this writer who tried some for the first time a day later...in Japan. Anyway your stomachs and pant sizes are covered and if the neon glare doesn't knock you out after keeping you awake for hours perhaps it's time to calm down like a Taylor Swift hit. This place can get too loud, but that's just its attitude...which isn't a problem. And with the traditional temples and places of worship you'd be hard pressed to find a place that brings you more peace in this massive mecca of a metropolis.

But still some tourist advice if you do want to get away from it all take a walk in the Citizens Park for one of the rare but relaxing green spaces in this concrete jungle. Dreams are made of this. Cicada quiet, subtle surroundings, fabulous fountains and a youthful feel, this new development is instant vintage. You could lose your day and all your troubles here. And if you forgot your paperback for the park bench then have no fear there's a book café here. Ideal for your next coffee date...even if you are yet to meet him or her...yet!

Sand between your toes however it doesn't get much better than by the beach. And by this seaside town city there are more beach spaces than a Lana Del Rey song or the home of the Marina Del Rey. But the most Hollywood famous is the Haeundae Beach and miles for this eyes to take in can see why. This beach has waves of surf, sun, street performers, boardwalks that pilgrim lead you to a view of where T'Challa rode the top of a henchman's car, a lighthouse to show you the way beyond a sculpted splash of a mermaid and even a conscience. As only yesterday two artists were making a point by crafting a giant fish out of plastic they probably recovered from the same sea lapping at their feet. And just out of reach if you want to get really friendly in this environment and visit some places for coffee rather than your usual Starbucks on every corner (speaking of mermaids) why not take a detour around the Harajuku independent like streets nearby (that is however after blasting the sand off your feet with a genius air gun. The days of wet shoes and socks are gone. They really do everything better over here)?

Some of these streets from SpongeBob to a NASA astronaut light take normal mundane settings and transform them into some creative art inspirations. Our favourite has to be the Spider-Man converted hanging washing line. Just round the corner houses our favourite coffee shop that's white walls and abstract picture frames make this look like an art gallery...even if one of them is of Homer...Simpson not Ulysses, draped in donuts. This sweet spot is called Platform Nine. Take a train here...just make sure you don't run into the side of it. Order three quarters of a shot in your coffee though...just for fun, and so you're not so wired in this neon buzz of a hub.

Now that's just a couple of days. Just wait until the evening. This city comes alive at nighttime and that life is amazing. When worldwide K-Pop juggernauts BTS' (who really make 'Gangnam Style' look like a one hit wonder) big hit 'Spring Day' came on in a thrift shop the whole mood of the store lifted like what these global pioneers have done for their genres brand and the 'Love Yourself' positive movement by the Army (yeah I Stan). Salute! If you can still get up the next day, don't pass out or up on all this part Hong Kong/part Osaka cityscape has to offer. Peaks and valleys of coloured houses that make these rolling hills look like an artist's palette. What seems like a million parasols by the beach in red and white hypnotic unison, but still enough sand space for you and your family to build your castle. An electric bill bigger then when your youngest comes home from university. And all those Tokyo rivalling temples that tell you before the future what paved the way was the traditions this town is still steeped in. Steeper than the accomodation locations...but hopefully not the prices. Time to book that train to Busan. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TRAVEL GUIDE: CAPE COD, USA

Fear not. You can still catch a stunning, sunny vacation to Cape Cod this weekend or this Summer. Just a short drive from the beautiful Boston, or an episode and a half binged of the new 'Stranger Things' series, sipping on a Cherry slurpy whilst riding a Greyhound or Peter Pan, this is the jewel of Massachusetts. Offering you more beaches than Lana Del Rey was looking for to find one empty and ferry's to iconic places like the Kennedy's favourite vacation spot of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Home of quite possibly the best cold drinks ever bottled in the Nantucket Nectars.

But best believe you better drive. As that's the only really way you cane get around this place bordered by more roadside motels than Hitchcock horror flicks. This writer did suddenly start thinking about 'Psycho' for some reason when he took his first trips shower. Still open your curtains to a new day and dive into the pool and you'll see that there isn't much more classic Americana than the iconic motel life. But you're not here on this hook shaped peninsula of the mesmerizing Massachusetts to stay in and watch T.V. or lean over your balcony with a cigarette or cold one and take it all in. It's time to grab your towel and trunks and hit the beach.

And there's plenty for your sand castles and suntans from Seagull to Dennis...they are actually beaches, not the name of your company on this trip. But remember to listen to 'Romeo + Juliet' director Baz Luhrmann and 'Always Wear Sunscreen' class of '97. Believe me. If I could offer you one piece of advice...etc. Because if you don't it will feel like you're insides have been sunburnt too....trust me. Just take my word for it. Don't look at the watch tan line marks left on the only pasty spot left on the top half of my body (yeah I wear jeans...no one needs to see these legs). Just know what time it is.

But from marble white sand to a deep blue sea dive in...but be careful. You know the famous, fictional Amity Island from Steven Spielberg's shark attack classic 'Jaws' was actually filmed in the tourist trap of Martha's Vineyard right? Cue the Roy Scheider iconic GIF ready reaction frame whilst your partner is massaging in your lotion. Yep...we hope you know how to swim. Because 'Baywatch' is on the other side of the coast in California, Hoff.

THE Summer destination of the north east is more than just sand and surf however. As iconic lighthouses will guide you to ponds and parks picturesque perfect until the sun goes down and you are bathed in an orange glow in what will feel like your own secret spot of solitude to just read or gather your thoughts. The Cape is all about the quiet little villages too everywhere you turn after miles of road, each with their own distinct character and friendly feel. And if some of your favourite places to stay in the vast as this island seems United States of America include destinations like Louisiana's New Orleans then this perfect place also has a Mardis Gras of seafood shacks...but I'm sorry no Beignets for you sugar. There's only one place for those as Jon Favreau's Netflix 'Chef' show tells you...Cafe Monde in NOLA's Crescent City.

And after a slow sun burning beautiful day in this historic maritime location and the resort islands islands that surround it like the sun on all your photographic, Instagram memories, there's a menus worth of wonderful restaurants, family owned and chain to take your order as you settle in for the night. All you have to do is take a walk around the hallmark Hyannis, Yarmouth or Provincetown and it won't be long before you find a table to cool off with a pitcher of water and some God sent air conditioning. You're going to be a fan of Cape Cod and as nightfalls you will see that nothing beats that warm evening feeling of a Summer holiday. Screw the staycation, it's time to get out there. All super trips wear capes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TRAVEL GUIDE: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, USA

NOLA clap, "I've got the world on a string, sittin' on a rainbow/Got the string around my finger/What a world, what a life, I'm in love!/I've got a song that I sing", Louis Armstrong once harmonised in his signature gravelly voice of groundbreaking gravitas. And with that our travel blog and all its 'Journal Guide' recommendations for better or worse (we don't actually advise you "go f### yourselves San Diego"...it's a line from the film 'Anchorman'. We love you like lamp) was born.

And as you take in the heart of the Louisiana technicolour off the Gulf of Mexico. From the neon gates of his own perfect, peaceful park sculpted and manicured in his name, like the jazz trumpet blaring musician of legend. You'll think to yourself what a wonderful world as you see all this Cresent City Connection holds beyond that beautiful bridge of iron over the Mississippi.

It's Mardi Gras again in 'The City Care Forgot' that has overcame so much. The devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The ignorance of those in power who during the flooding and depression like hometown hero rapper 'Tha Carter', Lil' Wayne said, "didn't even leave a ladder". All to make it back on their own and still dance to this day with a smile of resilience and their own rejuvenation on their face. I mean this is a voodoo town that even has jazz funerals that party and celebrate life rather than mourn death. The party doesn't stop, even through the pain. Positivity over negativity. Love over hate. And when it comes to this historical landmark, it's own wonder of the world, the coronation continues.

And the music doesn't stop in the jazz bars of Bourbon Street. Because in this melting pot of Creole Cuisine, Gumbo and the sugar dust off your jeans of Beignets (I hope you brought a dust buster) everything flows like the time of your fountain of youth. And in a neon and amber on ice dream if you can't have a good time here. Then you can't have a good time here. Because in the classic French Quarter there is more than meets the idea of these perfect, in keeping traditional and beautiful buildings. Horse to carriage. Saxophone to trumpet. So open your French windows and see. Every corner is worth your camera. Every incarnation and Instagram. This place is instant vintage. Tomorrows tradition. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Miami, Las Vegas. You may have seen it all in the United States of America. But you ain't ever seen anything like New Orleans and the whole of the French Quarter.

New Orleans is also a sporting city and as the Mercedes Benz Superdome rises again in rainbow neon you can have faith in the saints. But buzzing like the Hornets they used to be named after in the always goes down smooth, Smoothie King Center (you must have one with your dog) across the neighbouring street (so close you could pitch a pass across) you can fly New Orleans Pelicans fly. At press time they have one of the biggest and best players in the National Basketball Association by the 'brow of A.D. Anthony Davis. But with the trade deadline looming like his feelings you may want to catch a game before it's too late. Although fellow 'cat Julius Randle and whoever they get in return for the giant Ant-Man will be bang worth your buck.

But forget four quarters we know this city is all about the ooh la, la of the French Quarter for all you monsieurs and mademoiselles. Now it may not be as romantic as Paris but boy are you going to love it. But if your heart ain't in all of that than you can always find the soul of this city in the traditional monuments like the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral of Jackson Square as you get your fortune read by hand and picture taken by pencil. Or the fabulous ferns of the Garden District. But weed them out and you'll love the bands that play. All the way to the scraping skyline and the illuminated theatres of Joy in the desired streetcars of the Central Business District.

But as the sun goes down and the moonshine comes up on Crescent City, it's time to take the Bourbon off the shelf as you spend a killer few hours in the French Quarter. Don't say no to the N.O. You've got the world on a string kid. Time to take it easy in the Big Easy. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TRAVEL GUIDE: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, USA

Go f### yourself San Diego! Oh, no, no! No...I'm sorry. I apologize. That's a quote from the cult classic movie 'Anchorman'. I promise. I'm sorry. But let me tell you there's plenty more reasons to visit the place that comedy calls "a whales vagina' that finds itself between San Francisco and Los Angeles 120 miles away and in its small town, city calm next to the Golden Gate and Hollywood than loving lamp.

Take the Gaslamp Quarter by gaslight for example. Anthemic to this cities culture of good food and an even better time once the alcohol fills your glass and you raise a cup. Because if LA is too busy for you. And San Fran too hill big. Than these greetings from Saint Diego make the picture perfect, retro vintage postcard to send you on your way. Stretching for as miles far as the lantern can see out to sea, or like the mozzarella between the breaded sticks you stretch to share (yeah right...the only thing you're sharing these bar bites with is marinara sauce). With more traditional, signature seafood joints than the knots in your stomach if you eat too much, the only thing this quarter has more of is every game going in the sports bar that your eyes and multiple T.V.'s can see. It's time to look up again instead of having your social life buried in another screen. Because in this town there's no scrolling or swipe right, the good people you meet tonight and will never forget are right there infront of you. Right now.

But take a walk out of lamplight and gas up your running shoes in a city that jogs (not "yogs" Ron) and find yourself uptop the stadium structure perpendicular to all that Friday night fun and you'll meet the unofficial sprinters peak that offers you a beautiful view of the bay (see above) and all the boats that will lead you to the waterline of this coastal city in the Pacific and the quieter watering holes and straight from the sea food places that take this city from one night to brotherhood to anniversary moments with your beloved. The calmer it gets to the ocean breeze. The quieter kept your unforgettable memories that haven't been brain cell dimmed by whiskey and wine.

And it's along this walk you should take to see more this city has to offer by the water. Like the ships sailed straight out of rum diary bottle of a 'Pirates Of The Carribbean' movie on this California coast. But none of these wooden planks can walk the walk or talk the talk with the military muscle and might of the USS Maritime memorial museums right there on the harbour in all their unsinkable battleship glory for those naval officers that gave their lives for freedom of their country. And you'll be moves to salute with some emotional sculptures and statues that haunt the harrowing nature of war and all the love that is lost and in some cases gladly and tearfully reunited in the fight. And of course there's also taller than it all that iconic shot sculpted of the officer dipping his partner for a kiss beneath the return home ticker tape of New York's Times Square, LIFE immortalised. Because there's no greater victory than that.

But between the San Diego Zoo of squirrels that can water-ski (that's the second to last 'Anchorman' reference I sort of promise) and Balboa Park that is truly a knockout, there is so much to see in the "birthplace of California". But one of the best ways to see this town is to get down to some walking. And from the bottom of your worn sneakers your heart will see the soul of this city. Block street art mural to block beauty as you see the thin golden California line of a setting sun in the sky between the chrome of the scraping structures, you'll want to keep looking both ways long after you've looked whether it's safe to cross the street. It's kind of like that anticipatory feeling without the fear of when you walk-ran through the supermarket as a kid, trying to play it cool as you bobbed your head and ducked and weaved like a floating butterfly down every aisle to look for your mum. As you got lost in the whole cereal aisle you hoped to bring all back to the trolly cart. But when you catch one here at the end of the day like you would in the Bay City neighbour it's time for a night you won't forget. I hope you brought your jazz flute.

You stay classy San Diego. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

TRAVEL GUIDE: ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, USA

Sunkissed beaches bursting like freshly pressed juice. Time to open the doors and register an Orange County suite for your next vacation. Because here's a trip. Forget 'The Florida Project' (great movie. Should have won some Oscars). This California county is more than a stop-off or a place to Motel your bags whilst your kids run around Disneyland, no matter how much wonder is there. But beyond the amazing Anaheim amusement attraction and it's loop da loops you can be shown the world.

Whether your hopping a train from San Diego, or even trying to gridlock drive out of LA, it's time to meet in the middle of this core and visit the fruit of California in all its segments like the stunning San Clemente. Because it's more than just Mickey Mouse ears or Goofy teeth. Check into Irvine and there's a Spectrum of things to see and we aren't just talking about the family friendly, mid-highway mall were you can shop 'till you drop your bags at a choice of restaurants before movie night. Or making it neon romantic on that wonder wheel that gives you some scope to how Sunkist bright this place really is.

Perfect palms borderline and hold this area in its giant grasp like Orange County's sister cities do like twins. In a calm, California chill area of mid-trip, rest-stop peace with friendly bed and breakfasts (may we recommend the lovely Laguna Lodge) complete with pools outside akin to where they bathed their feet daily on 'My Name Is Earl', sunrise to set. And of course there are always Starbucks and stops to eat a few wait a year crossings nearby.

But to get your kicks in this place somewhere on the way to Route 66 then you need to have a car, take a cab or ride the Uber app until the bank back home cancels your card (*shaking hand up*. It's not as stranded scary as it sounds...oh it's much worse than that). And there really is one ride that is worth putting your seatbelt on for a trip through the cactus Jack dry hills.

You can't pass through Orange County without spending a night in Laguna Hills. And don't let the MTV generation put you off Laguna Beach. From Venice to the talents of South Beach this writer hasn't seen sand and sea as sublime at tide sweeping in night-time. And as the Uber (what a great way for a solo traveller to make some light, breezy conversation) took made it just in time for a burnt orange, stunning sunset I was simply left laughing. That's something like pure joy and I felt it just in time as the light disappeared below the horizon and was replaced with a Best Coast, California night calm that envelopes this whole town like a love letter, penmanship signed, kiss sealed, and hand delivered. The picture perfect postcards dont do justice to a place that looks like a walking screensaver sample. Words I could write wouldn't even begin to do this all its bucket list justice. So don't read, be all about it. Ain't nothing like the OC. But this is your show.

And with a just by chance personal guided tour from local legend and now fond friend Blair McManus who makes beach art in the sand with the hands of his frisbee (or as it's properly, purist known the disco disc) that cavas this places palette with even more amazing attraction art that is a must-see on this shore canvas. There's so much history here if you let the locals tell it between grabbing a quick, quiet bite or coffee, but it's time to make your memories own. From the Laguna Hills Civic Centre building beauty to the stunning Huntington or Newport Beach by day to night like you Lana Del Rey record generation know like Santa Monica or Marina Del Rey there are plenty inspirations for Instagram. But forget all that social media white noise for a minute in a place designed for phones down, quiet as kept serenity. This is about you and me. And whoever you chose to spend this time with. And if scrolling through their smarts they say there's nothing to do. What could be more beautiful? It's yours. There's a lot to take in. And from the depths offered at Dana Point you can see it all.

So bask in this blossom special right now because even in this dry January Winter tis the season. But instead of R.E.M. dreaming about it. It's time to get your Orange crush. Because Orange County is the new place you're going to want to go back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.