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Shivani | Budget Travel & Veg Finds

@theweirdwander

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✈️ | Living Proof that curiosity isnt expensive
🌍 | 20 countries, many more stories
📩 | [email protected]
👇🏻 | Your next trip starts here

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Are you also TERRIBLE like me?

I don’t always have the perfect outfit.
I don’t post every trip in real time.
I skip places that everyone says are “must-visits”.

But I’ve realised something:

I’d rather have a great trip than a great feed.

Some of my favourite travel memories never made it to Instagram. Some trips took months to post. And some of the best places I’ve been to weren’t even on my original itinerary.

Because travelling isn't a photoshoot.

Sometimes you need to put the phone down, eat the food while it’s hot, get lost for a bit and just… be there.

And honestly, that's the kind of travel I want to share here too — useful, realistic and actually enjoyable. ❤️

What's one “travel rule” you completely ignore? 👇

[travel tips, travel creator, realistic travel, travel inspiration, travel planning, travel hacks, travel mistakes, budget travel, travel itinerary, travel photography, India travel creator, couple travel] by @theweirdwander

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20 days ago

Japan had me questioning everything I thought I knew about vegetarian food. 😂

Some were 10/10 surprises, some were… never again. 😅

These are my honest ratings based on what I actually ate during my 15 days in Japan.

Want my personal veg recommendations? Comment “RAMEN” 🍜

#JapanTravel #VegetarianJapan #JapanFood #VeggieTravel #JapanTips TokyoFood KyotoFood OsakaFood TravelJapan taken in Japan by @theweirdwander

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2 months ago

🇯🇵 If you're vegetarian and Japan is on your list, save this!

I spent 15 days travelling through Japan and, as a vegetarian, I quickly realised that eating vegetarian isn't always as straightforward as it looks.

Here are 5 things I wish I knew before my trip:

1️⃣ "Vegetarian" isn't specific enough.

In Japan, I'd recommend clearly saying what you don't eat — meat, chicken, seafood, fish-based ingredients, dashi, etc. A dish can look completely vegetarian and still contain fish-based stock.

2️⃣ Always ask about the base.

This was probably the biggest one for me. 🍜
Tofu, noodles, vegetables, miso soup... all can look vegetarian, but the broth or seasoning may contain dashi or other animal-derived ingredients.

3️⃣ Don't rely only on finding food when you're hungry.

I found it much easier when I planned ahead. I would check what vegetarian options were available around the areas I was visiting that day, rather than looking for restaurants only when it was time to eat.

4️⃣ Always have a backup.

I'd save 2–3 vegetarian/vegan-friendly places in the same area. Because sometimes a restaurant is full, closed, requires a reservation, or simply doesn't have anything suitable that day.

5️⃣ And please... don't leave your food research until you're in Japan. 😂

Popular places can get busy, and some restaurants need reservations. A little planning beforehand saved me SO much time during the trip.

And because I spent 15 days doing exactly that research, I decided to make it useful for other vegetarian travellers too. ❤️

I've put together 55+ vegetarian & vegan-friendly restaurants across Tokyo, Takayama, Kyoto & Osaka, along with my personal Google Map with everything pinned 📍

👇 Want the map?

Comment "MAP" below and I'll send you the link. 🗺️🌱

And save this reel before your Japan trip—you'll thank me later. 😉

#JapanTravel #VegetarianJapan #JapanFood #VegetarianTravel #VeganJapan JapanTips JapanItinerary Tokyo by @theweirdwander

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2 months ago

Drop a comment if you also bring home a magnet from EVERY trip! 😂

At this point, my fridge is basically a travel scrapbook… except I can’t flip the pages and it’s slowly running out of space. 🥲😂

Tell me I’m not the only one who treats fridge magnets like mandatory souvenirs. 👀👇

Travel souvenirs, fridge magnet collection, travel memories, travel essentials, souvenirs from around the world, travel lover, travel addict, things to collect while travelling, travel humour, travel reels, Indian travel creator, travel life by @theweirdwander

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3 days ago

THIS AQUARIUM IN OSAKA DESERVES A PLACE ON YOUR JAPAN ITINERARY 🐋🇯🇵

Planning a trip to Osaka? Save these details for later! 👇🏻

🎟️ Tickets: I booked mine through Klook. Prices vary depending on your visit date.

⏰ Timings: Vary by date, so check before visiting.

🚇 How to reach: Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Osakako Station, then walk around 5 minutes.

🕒 Time needed: Around 2–3 hours.

💡 Tip: Book your entry slot in advance, especially for weekends and holidays.

📍 Location: Minato-ku, Osaka, Japan

🐠 Want the Klook booking link? Comment “FISH” and I’ll share it with you! 👇🏻

Follow @theweirdwander for more Japan travel tips, practical guides and experiences.

[Osaka Japan travel guide, things to do in Osaka, Osaka itinerary, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Klook Japan tickets, Osaka attraction tickets, Japan travel tips for Indians, places to visit in Osaka, Osaka sightseeing, Japan trip planning] by @theweirdwander

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4 days ago

Planning a Japan trip? 🇯🇵 Avoid these mistakes! 👀

Your first trip to Japan can get expensive or stressful if you don't know these 6 things beforehand!

🧳 Buying a JR Pass without comparing prices
🚄 Ignoring Shinkansen luggage rules
🍜 Assuming ramen broth is vegetarian
💸 Missing restaurant cancellation policies
🏨 Dragging suitcases between every hotel
📍 Trusting Google Maps opening hours blindly

A little planning can save you money, time and unnecessary stress!

And these are just Part 1. 👀 I've got 6 more Japan travel mistakes coming in Part 2!

📌 Save this Japan travel guide for later.
📤 Share it with your Japan travel buddy.
💬 Which mistake surprised you the most?
➡️ Follow so you don't miss Part 2!

Japan travel • Japan travel tips • Japan itinerary • Japan travel mistakes • first time in Japan • Japan travel guide • Japan budget travel • JR Pass Japan • Shinkansen luggage rules • vegetarian food in Japan • vegetarian ramen Japan • Japan transportation tips • Japan restaurant tips • Japan luggage forwarding • Google Maps Japan • things to know before visiting Japan taken in Japan by @theweirdwander

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6 days ago

ARE WE TRAVELLING ABROAD OR RELOCATING OUR INDIAN KITCHEN? 😂✈️

I get it. International trips are expensive, and carrying snacks from home can help you save money.

But here's the thing: you can travel on a budget without missing out on the local food scene!

I've travelled on a tight budget too, but with a little research, I've found delicious, affordable vegetarian food in all countries that I have been to.

Because the local food, the little cafés and those unexpected food discoveries are part of what makes a trip memorable. ❤️

You don't have to eat out for every meal. But would you pack a suitcase full of Indian snacks or leave room to explore local cuisine? 👀

Tell me your side! 👇🏻

[budget travel tips, Indian snacks for international travel, food to carry abroad from India, vegetarian travel, affordable vegetarian food abroad, local food experiences, international travel tips for Indians, budget travel from India] by @theweirdwander

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8 days ago

Tokyo activities ranked 🇯🇵👇

🎢 DisneySea — 3.5/10: Gorgeous theming, but exhausting queues, limited vegetarian options and high expectations that weren't met.

🗼 Tokyo Skytree — 8/10: Stunning panoramic views! Best enjoyed at night with sparkling lights

🗻 Mount Fuji day tour — 11/10: Unreal scenery and one of my favourite Japan experiences. Weather permitting, DON'T miss it! ❤️

⛩️ Senso-ji — 7.5/10: Beautiful architecture and traditional vibes, but the crowds can be intense.

⚡ Harry Potter Store — 7.5/10: A fun stop for Potterheads, with magical details and plenty of merchandise.

🌿 Meiji Shrine — 1000/10: Peaceful forest paths in the middle of Tokyo. This one genuinely stole my heart. Best time to visit : Early Morning before 8AM 🥹

Prices are included in the Reel! Save this for your Tokyo trip. 🇯🇵

Tokyo travel guide • Tokyo itinerary • things to do in Tokyo • best places to visit in Tokyo • Tokyo attractions • Japan travel tips • Tokyo travel budget • Tokyo DisneySea review • Mount Fuji day trip • Meiji Shrine Tokyo • Senso-ji Temple • Tokyo Skytree tickets • Harry Potter Store Tokyo • Japan tourist attractions • Japan trip planner • Tokyo sightseeing taken in Tokyo, Japan by @theweirdwander

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10 days ago

Best ramen in Japan? 🍜

I’ve eaten my fair share of ramen in Japan, but this bowl genuinely stood out.

The broth was the star — rich, deeply flavourful and so comforting without feeling overwhelmingly heavy. Every sip had that slow-cooked, umami-packed taste that makes you want to drink the bowl clean. 😭

The noodles had the right bite, the toppings worked beautifully with the broth, and the whole thing was just warm, hearty and ridiculously satisfying.

As a vegetarian, finding a ramen that actually has depth of flavour can be hit or miss in Japan. This one? Absolutely nailed it. 🍜❤️

DM me “RAMEN” and I’ll send you the exact location.

[Japan ramen • vegetarian ramen Japan • best ramen Japan • Japan food • vegetarian food Japan • Japan travel • Japan food guide • Takayama food • Takayama Japan • Japan itinerary • Japanese food • vegetarian Japan] by @theweirdwander

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12 days ago

Story time ⏲️

Growing up, all I wanted was to travel.

To see the world.
To get lost in unfamiliar places.
To experience this ridiculously beautiful planet for myself. 🌍

But I couldn’t.

I grew up with strict Indian parents who would always say:

“Do whatever you want… after marriage.”

And for years, I accepted it.

But that ache to see the world only grew stronger.

Until one day, I just couldn’t take it anymore.

I packed my bags and went to Malaysia in 2022 — in the middle of a pandemic. 😭

Was it my wisest decision?
Absolutely not. 😂

Was it one of the best decisions I’ve ever made?

Without a doubt.

Because something changed after that trip.

It felt like I had finally tasted what freedom felt like… and I wanted more.

More countries.
More experiences.
More stories.
More of a life that actually felt like mine.

And slowly, I stopped asking for permission.

I started making my own decisions, taking my own risks and living life on my terms.

I’m not travelling just to tick countries off a list.

I’m travelling to LIVE them.

To eat the food.
Get lost in the streets.
Have the “what the hell are we doing?” moments.
Make memories I’ll still talk about years from now.

And if you’ve ever felt that same little voice inside you saying “There has to be more to life than this…”

Maybe you’ll understand this journey.

Welcome to mine. ❤️🌍

Follow along. There’s a lot more world left to see. ✈️

[Indian travel creator • travel journey • women who travel • solo travel India • Malaysia travel • Europe Travel • travel inspiration • travel experiences • Indian traveller • travel freedom • meaningful travel • bucket list travel] by @theweirdwander

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13 days ago

Which country duo you would want to pick for your next trip?
Drop the name in the comments below 👇🏼 by @theweirdwander

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15 days ago

Most people fly straight to Malaysia and miss this entire city focusing just on Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi.

2 hours away, UNESCO Heritage status, and a night scene that looks straight out of a Disney movie, yet barely anyone talks about it.

Here's what's waiting there:
📍 An all-red historic square, ridiculously photogenic
🛺 Tuk-tuk rides that light up after dark
🌊 A 45-min river cruise through neon murals and lights on the water and many more things to do.

Only 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur, easy day trip or overnight stop.

Want my full Malaysia itinerary with more hidden gems like this? Comment "FUN" and I'll send it straight to you 👇

#Melaka #MelakaMalaysia #MalaysiaTravel #VisitMalaysia #KualaLumpur MelakaRiverCruise UNESCOHeritage SoutheastAsiaTravel MalaysiaItinerary HiddenGemsMalaysia TravelMalaysia AsiaTravel MelakaAtNight KLtoMelaka TravelReels by @theweirdwander

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17 days ago