Arthur Frommer poses at a travel event. (Photo Credit: Flickr/PilotGirl)
15.11.2024 - 09:37 / matadornetwork.com
Traveling to Japan is a dream trip for many — but the logistics of visiting can be intimidating. Girl Around The Globe, run by Dominique Jackson, will host an eight-day guided excursion to three of the country’s most desirable cities in October 2025. Guests will experience the culture, food, and sights of Japan, and as Jackson explains, have plenty of time to reflect on the experience and allow it to shape their worldview for the better. Jackson shared the details on this exclusive trip opportunity with Matador. Follow her Instagram account for updates.
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Jackson: I first visited Japan in 2018 with a group of college friends. That trip was a transformative experience for me, and I was responsible for organizing everything from the itinerary to the logistics. The blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation in Japan fascinated me. Whether we were exploring the quiet serenity of Kyoto’s temples or the electric buzz of Tokyo’s streets, I was captivated by how Japan balances the old and the new so seamlessly. It was during that trip that I realized how much I loved creating immersive experiences for others. The idea of starting a group travel company took root then, as I wanted to share the joy of exploring new cultures with a community of like-minded travelers.
Jackson: What initially drew me to Japan was its rich cultural heritage and its incredible balance between the ancient and the modern. I was intrigued by the concept of wabi-sabi, the Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfection, and how that applies to both their art and way of life. Japan is a country that invites you to slow down, notice the details, and appreciate both simplicity and complexity. As someone who loves to explore both the quiet and vibrant aspects of a place, Japan felt like the perfect destination. After visiting twice and developing a deep respect for the culture, I knew that Japan had to be the first location for my group travel experience.
Jackson: The idea to host this trip came to me after I became a full-time digital nomad in 2021. Traveling solo and in community allowed me to see the incredible value of shared experiences. I wanted to create a space where adventurous creatives, like myself, could travel together, be inspired by new surroundings, and experience personal growth through the journey. Organizing that first trip to Japan back in 2018 made me realize my passion for curating these kinds of experiences, and now, three years later, I’m excited to bring that vision to life. This trip is not just about visiting Japan; it’s about self-discovery, inspiration, and seeing life through a new lens.
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Jackson: The
Arthur Frommer poses at a travel event. (Photo Credit: Flickr/PilotGirl)
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The Danish brand Vipp was founded in 1939 with a single design: a waste bin. In the decades since, its product line has expanded to include a full furniture range, lighting and home accessories. In 2014, Vipp opened its first guesthouse, a contemporary prefab cabin near Lake Immeln, in southern Sweden. It now runs nine vacation rentals in Europe and, as of today, is taking reservations for its first in North America, a five-bedroom home in Todos Santos on the Pacific Coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. Sofie Christensen Egelund, the third generation co-owner of Vipp, was introduced to the region by the Mexico City-based architect Pablo Pérez Palacios, who’s behind the property’s design. The 3,800-square-foot home has a rooftop pool and open interiors that highlight natural materials: The walls are made of rammed earth, while window shutters are woven from branches of the local Palo de Arco tree. Furnishings include some of Vipp’s own pieces as well as the brand’s signature kitchen, a modular system with minimalist hardware. Pérez Palacios sees the final space as “an ongoing dialogue between Mexican and Danish design sensibilities.”
This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Nic Lim , an author from New Zealand who moved to Japan for four years to work as an English teacher. It has been edited for length and clarity. Business Insider has verified his employment history.
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