Travel
Travel experiences and guides from rico, with a focus on Malta — study abroad insights, sightseeing recommendations, and practical tips for getting there.
Explore Malta guides
Malta: Study Abroad & Travel
Firsthand guides based on rico's short-term study experience in Malta.
Malta Study Abroad: Merits & Demerits
A candid look at the pros and cons of studying abroad in Malta, drawn from rico's own time attending school in St. Julian's and staying with a host family.
Homestay Experience in Malta
What it's really like to live with a Maltese host family — the upsides, the challenges, and practical insights from rico's homestay.
Top 5 Sightseeing Spots in Malta
A curated list of must-visit places around Malta, recommended by someone who studied there and explored the island firsthand.
Getting to Malta from Japan
How to reach Malta with just one transfer — flight route details and travel tips for making the journey smooth.
Recommended Malta Guidebooks
Rico's picks for guidebooks that helped during study abroad and travel planning in Malta.
More Travel Content
Beyond Malta, rico shares travel perspectives shaped by life in Okinawa and experiences across Japan.
Travel & Lifestyle from Okinawa
Living in Okinawa for four years gave rico a unique lens on island travel. From typhoon-season know-how to local dialect and area guides, the Okinawa section offers practical travel-adjacent content for anyone curious about Japan's southern islands.
Whether you're planning a visit or considering a longer stay, these articles blend local insight with a newcomer's perspective.
Browse Okinawa guidesMalta may be small, but it punches well above its weight as a travel destination, especially for students and first-time visitors to the Mediterranean. The island's layered history is visible at nearly every turn, from ancient temple ruins to the fortified walls of its capital city. Beyond the landmarks, everyday life here moves at a welcoming, unhurried pace, with seaside promenades, local markets, and neighborhood cafés offering plenty of opportunity to simply slow down and soak in the atmosphere. Whether you are there for a short study stint or a longer holiday, the compact size of the island makes it easy to explore, and the warm climate encourages plenty of time outdoors.
Practical preparation goes a long way toward making a trip to Malta smooth and enjoyable. Because the island is compact, many visitors find that public transport and walking cover most routes comfortably, though renting a car can be worthwhile for reaching quieter corners. The currency, language, and driving conventions differ from many home countries, so a little research before you arrive helps avoid surprises. Seasonal weather also plays a role in planning; the shoulder months tend to offer a good balance of sunshine and manageable crowds. With a modest amount of advance planning, a Malta itinerary can feel both relaxed and rewarding, leaving room for spontaneity alongside the must-see sights.
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