Ahead of Election Day, I will use this edition of vibe check as an opportunity to remind you that climate change is real and it is affecting, among oh-so-many other things, some of your bucket-list travel destinations.
Planning a trip to Japan soon? Forget the snow-capped Fuji postcard picture—you’re not going to be able to get it. This is the longest time in its 130-year record that Japan’s iconic sleeping giant, Mount Fuji, has remained snowless. (And in case you needed further climate change evidence, it was 80 degrees on Halloween in New York City, but I digress).
Of course, that hasn’t stopped the tourists and, honestly, fair enough. If you made the trek all the way to Japan to see the famous volcano, you might as well enjoy the view and take your pictures anyways. They’ll be original, at least. Everybody else’s Mount Fuji pictures feature some snow, but yours don’t. It’s a visual commentary of the times we’re living, really.
And regardless of what it currently looks like, Mount Fuji is worth seeing. Some viewpoints, though, may be more crowded than others, and they might end up being more of a tourist trap than a genuine location.
So this week, I monitored the situation around Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the most popular Mount Fuji viewpoints, along with a few other iconic international destinations. Here’s what I found out.
Lake Kawaguchiko (Mount Fuji viewpoint)—Japan
How busy it got: October is reportedly a pretty crowded and tourist-friendly month, especially on weekends.
What the weather was like: Not ideal, really. Humid, cloudy, and at times even rainy. Temperatures in the mid 60s, on average.
Google Reviews to note: Generally speaking, people love it here. TripAdvisor reviews mention cycling trails and jaw-dropping views. “This lake is where all the action is as a base for either visiting or simply seeing Mt Fuji,” notes one reviewer.
Social media highlights to note: If you get this room, who cares about the weather.
Overall vibe score: In general, I’d say pretty high, but with this week’s damp weather and lack of snow bring the rating down quite a bit. 7.5/10
The Hollywood Walk of Fame—Los Angeles, USA
How busy it got: It’s always busy.
What the weather was like: High 60s and sunny. Sign me up.
Google Reviews to note: It’s nice to see it, but unless you’re looking for your idol’s star, it’s just… A quirky street. As one recent TripAdvisor reviewer puts it, they felt like they “checked the box, but didn’t feel the magic!”
Social media highlights to note: If you time your visit right, you can spot celebrities hyping themselves up.
Overall vibe score: Eh. 5/10
The Eiffel Tower—Paris, France
How busy it got: The trend seems to be that it’s “usually a little busy,” according to Google. Weekends are packed, though.
What the weather was like: Kind of foggy and kind of chilly (temperatures in the mid 50s).
Google Reviews to note: I mean, it’s the Eiffel Tower. It’s stunning. If you want to climb it though, get ready to wait in long lines. As one visitor suggests, “Be sure to buy tickets online in advance.”
Social media highlights to note: Twinkle, twinkle little star.
Overall vibe score: Can’t go low with this one. 8.5/10
Machu Picchu—Peru
How busy it got: There are always crowds, but entrance to the trail is now limited and October isn’t one of the most popular months.
What the weather was like: Average temperatures in the 60s and some clouds here and there.
Google Reviews to note: “The awe factor combined with the incredible surrounding views make this one of our best ever experiences,” says one recent visitor on TripAdvisor. Another person notes that it’s “phenomenal” and “awe-inspiring” even despite some “unusually aggressive mosquitos.” So bring some insect repellent.
Social media highlights to note: If you encounter some morning fog, do not panic.
Overall vibe score: Can’t go wrong. 9/10
Bondi Beach—Sydney, Australia
How busy it got: Not too bad—it’s only spring there, after all.
What the weather was like: Mainly sunny with some clouds here and there. Spring-like temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s.
Google Reviews to note: Sports fans and sun loungers agree: It’s a cool spot. “It’s a pristine and beautiful beach for beach surfers,” says one recent visitor. “Excellent beach outing for family as well as water sport enthusiasts.”
Social media highlights to note: Just… Watch out for the sharks.
Overall vibe score: Noice, mate. 8.5/10
Lotte World Tower—Seoul, South Korea
How busy it got: There is a mall, too, so it gets busy.
What the weather was like: Kind of nice, actually. High 50s and mainly sunny.
Google Reviews to note: Apparently, people love the mall here, to the point that some visitors encourage you to “shop until you drop.” The observation deck, dubbed Seoul Sky, is also cool, but make sure to check the weather: “Don’t go on the [deck] if there’s no visibility,” warns a recent TripAdvisor visitor.
Social media highlights to note: That’s a pretty cool view, if you ask me.
Overall vibe score: Better than I thought. 7/10
AloJapan.com