A private onsen in Hakone, with a view of Mount Fuji

Fuji views from a private onsen: a dream Hakone stay

Dreaming of soaking in your own private onsen in Hakone with Mount Fuji views? This luxury self-catering apartment on Lake Ashi delivers all that and more.

Welcome to Helen on her Holidays

Hello, I’m Helen. I’m a travel blogger near Manchester, UK with a full-time job and a mission to make the most of my annual leave. 

Read more about me

Latest posts

A golden hour picture of Bellano on Lake Como
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Lake Como’s hidden gem: the ultimate guide to Bellano

Skip the tourist crowds and discover authentic Lake Como in Bellano. Complete guide with transport, things to do, where to stay & money-saving tips.
A KLM Premium Economy seat, from the perspective of the person sitting in the seat

KLM Premium Comfort class review: is it worth it for a long flight?

I tried KLM Premium Comfort on two 13 hour flights. Here’s my full review of KLM’s premium economy, covering the seat, service, food and more.
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How to visit Herculaneum (and 3 huge reasons why you should)

Visiting Herculaneum, a Roman city destroyed by the same volcano that engulfed Pompeii, is really rewarding. Here’s how to visit Herculaneum, and why it should be as much of a priority on your trip to Italy as seeing Pompeii.
Visiting Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
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14 tips for visiting Pompeii (plus how to climb Vesuvius)

Pompeii is on a lot of people’s travel bucket lists but can seem daunting to visit. Here’s some of the advice I found most useful, along with some tips from my visit.

Travel advice

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11 fun things to do in Ischia (plus 5 amazing day trips)

Ischia’s an idyllic island off the coast of southern Italy. It’s only around six miles wide, but manages to pack in an amazing number of attractions. Here are the very best things to do in Ischia,
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Gardens in Italy: 19 of the most beautiful gardens to visit in Italy

Italy has some of the world’s most heavenly gardens. From centuries-old botanical gardens in the north to subtropical gardens in southern Italy, these are the best gardens to visit in Italy.
Tips for the Bernina Line
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Travelling the Bernina line from Switzerland to Italy – Bernina Express vs local train

Compare the Bernina Express vs regional trains on the Albula and Bernina rail line. Get useful tips to make the most of your trip between Switzerland and Italy.
Visiting Madeira: 13 top tips for your trip
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Visiting Madeira: 13 top tips for your trip

Visiting Madeira for the first time? There are a few dos and don’ts that it’s good to know about before you go. Read on for 13 essential tips for your trip.
Visiting Thermae Bath Spa
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Thermae Bath Spa: what to expect at the UK’s only naturally hot thermal bath

Are you planning a visit to the Thermae spa in Bath, the UK’s only naturally hot thermal bath? Here’s everything you need to know, with tips for your visit and what to expect.
Norway in a Nutshell tips and advice
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Norway in a Nutshell: 23 essential tips for your trip

Planning a Norway in a Nutshell trip? Read on for the tips you’ll need to make this magical tour into the fjords and mountains from Bergen or Oslo the best day ever.