Japan (including Okinawa and Amami) and Mongolia

Just took a trip that must be up there is the most dramatic changes I have experienced.

Started off in Okinawa and Amami (super underrated and chill island with mangrove swamps, golden beaches), then over to Honshu for a visit to Mt Fuji (and nearby waterfalls), before flying off for something totally different: the Steppes of Mongolia.

I would recommend Japan to anyone, it's always incredible. Mongolia is a harder sell, as Ulanbataar is super-polluted and the weather goes from hot to subzero and snow in a day. Again, a fabulous experience but not for someone who needs to feel comfortable or who doesn't like traffic jams (at least until you get out of the city - then there is just *nothing* and it's fabulous).

My favourite thing about Amami is the island's mascot: a black rabbit with a bandage around its waist, as people keep hitting it with their cars. It's so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.