Xpat Adventures

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Top Five Travel Tips in Japan

By Dino Ng

Japan has always been a nice to go country, with their superb service which is well known in the world and the never-ending scenic spots found in the country. In addition, if you are a hot spring fan, Japan is one of those countries which you should not give a miss.

However, despite all its alluring attractions, Japan may prove to be a trip disaster if you are not well prepared. Check out the following 5 tips for a smooth and fruitful trip in Japan.

Tip 1
If you are planning to tour around Japan for more than 7 days and want to explore further than Tokyo, it is highly recommended that you buy a JR pass. This will enable you to hop on unlimited shinkansen (bullet train) rides and JR trains throughout your journey. Considering that a shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka costs more than 10,000 yen per trip, it is definitely a good catch. Besides, one can easily move around on JR normal trains.

Tip 2
Never hop onto a taxi from the airport to your destination unless you are very rich. A taxi ride starts from around 660 yen and costs more than USD200 for you to get from the Narita Airport to Tokyo city.

Tip 3
If you are on a free and easy trip, keep your luggage light or travel with a backpack. Some train stations, especially those off city areas, only have a ascending escalator, hence you want to be sure that you can lug your luggage down and up the station stairs.

Tip 4
Carry enough yen on you for your meals and shopping sprees. Japan is still a cash dominant society though most major shopping malls and restaurants accepts credit card. If you feel insecure walking around with too much cash, try to pay your hotel bills and some shopping with your credit card and leave the rest of the cash for your meals. Some major departmental stores offer cash discount for branded goods if you pay on the spot by cash, which is another incentive to bring more cash.

Tip 5
Learning some simple Japanese will be useful for moving around Japan, though most Japanese are very helpful. For the recent years, despite mushrooming English schools in Japan, most Japanese still find it difficult to converse in English.

Check out Travel Asia for my travel experience.

Author has learnt Japanese since university days and also worked in Japan before. She is constantly trying to learn new Asian languages though at her own pace. She currently started a travel photo blog at http://travelasiaphotos.blogspot.com and is starting on writing a book.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dino_Ng

Las Vegas Airfare Hotel Package Deals

By David Faulkner

Discount Airfare To Las Vegas, More Money To Play

There are many places in which to search for discount airfare to Las Vegas. The trick is not coming up with several thousand. It is best to first start out searching on Internet sites you are familiar with or have heard about. If you use the key words discount airfare: Las Vegas chances are you will have several thousand sites pop up in a search engine.

If you are familiar with some of these travel sites than you will find the ones that often have the best deals during the week, and may even provide other services. Everyone knows that you can get a better discount to Las Vegas if you combine it with a package. Airfare, hotels, and rental cars are the best way to get a package deal. Some sites or even travel agents will give you a better deal if you are traveling as a couple.

If you are looking for a great discount to Las Vegas then consider when you will be traveling. The best deals tend to be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays. You may also find better deals on certain websites that offer special deals and discounts on a certain day of the week. Lastminutetraveldeals.com is a great place to start if you have to travel without much lead-time.

If you have plenty of time to choose your trip it is best to search a few months in advance. Usually the closer you get to the travel date the less rooms and flights available making the price increase.

Find The Best Deal

Most discount airfare to Las Vegas can be found on the Internet, but you might consider your local newspaper as well. Some travel agencies or travel companies often offer deals to Las Vegas for as low as $169 a person for hotel and airfare.

Once you find the perfect discount airfare to Las Vegas or package deal, you will need to invest in some travel insurance, especially if you are booking in advance. This insurance can help you if you end up having problems right before the flight so that you won't be out that money. You may also want to be aware of any hidden costs not readily seen on the travel page. The hidden fees can be taxes or service charges.

There are many things to consider when you are looking for discount airfare to Las Vegas. It is important to know what you might expect from different online sites so that you can find the best deal available. Often all it takes is a little research.

You can also find more info on Discount Airfare To Europe and Discount Airfares To Asia. Knowdiscountairfare.com is a comprehensive resource to know about Airfare.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Get Cheap Budget Deal Thrills With Last Minute Manila Hotels

By Kelvin Kong

There have been many studies conducted about travel, and research shows that a good portion of the population make their travel plans on the fly, deciding at the eleventh hour where to go and what to do. If your last minute travel plans take you to the Philippines in Asia, then don't hesitate to book at Last Minute Manila Hotels: these budget hotels can provide guests with quality accommodations even moments before your flight.

Because last minute travel plans require spending less time on planning and gets travelers more concentrated on getting to their destination, it is imperative that the process of booking all of the necessities be as swift as can be. From the airline tickets to car rentals and to the hotel rooms, everything needs to be taken care of as quickly as humanly possible.

For the above purpose, the Internet is of great help. Travelers can look up sites that cater to booking last minute hotel reservations and last minute flights. Usually, such booking sites are partnered with each other, allowing the traveler to avail of special discounted packages that can cover their accommodation and transportation. The world wide web makes this kind of convenience possible.

It is, however, important for travelers to keep in mind that these last minute bookings are subject to availability, and the schedules could very well be tentative. This is why those who are traveling at the last minute should be flexible with their schedule. Their reservations could be bumped up or down by days or weeks, because rooms may not always be available due to advanced reservations by other guests.

Getting affordable last minute hotel rooms does not mean guests will have to make do with substandard accommodations. In fact, guests could be in for very surprising bargains as they can get hold of very high-quality rooms at a considerably lower price than the standard hotel rates. Such discount hotels in Manila guarantee the quality of their lodgings as well as the quality of their service.

Manila's cheap hotels have spacious and fully-furnished rooms that are sure to meet the expectations of the discerning guest. Comfortable beds, warm showers and bathtubs, and cavernous living areas await the weary traveler. To enrich one's experience, a bevy of multimedia and connectivity implements are put into place-cable television, broadband wireless internet, and international direct dial phones allow the guest to stay in touch with everyone and everything.

From the guest's hotel room, one can access the entirety of Manila and its surrounding metropolis, from Makati to Ortigas to Quezon City. Everything one needs is within reach, whether it's a restaurant, bank, shopping mall, or art gallery. These budget Manila hotels also have prime locations with convenient access to transportation and major city streets.

Last Minute Manila Hotels allow last minute travel plans leeway for improvisation without sacrificing quality and satisfaction. Nothing beats being prepared, and travelers can stay on top of their accommodations even if they so suddenly decide to leave for Manila. With quality and speedy reservations, there's no need to think twice-book now for your cheap, good and discounted Manila accommodation to experience the thrills of spontaneity.

Budget Manila Hotels provides excellent reviews of the hotels and accommodation available in Manila, Philippines. Check out the best offers, and also the excellent reviews of each of the available hotels at this fantastic site.

If you are looking for a more affordable Manila Hotel to spend your nights, do checkout our fabulous recommendations at Cheap Manila Hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kelvin_Kong

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Cruising 2009 - Valentine Day Packages

By Michael Mize Russell

Valentine's Day is the time of year for lovers and romantics of all kinds to show that love and affection openly without ridicule. Each year we try to find the perfect gift that will show our affection. This year give that someone special, a very special gift on the occasion of the Valentine's Day: Cruising 2009 - Valentine's Day cruise Package.

What could be more romantic than be lavished upon while traveling on the open seas on a cruise holiday? Not only some time away from the daily chores of life, enjoy elegant dining rooms with mouth-watering cuisine that tempt your palette, fun filled Valentine special activities and games. Among other features of cruising are: watching the sun set into the sea; moonlit strolls on the decks; dancing into the night; and, watching the sunrise over the water.

Who wouldn't be impressed with such a gift? Besides all of the amenities on board ship, the exotic ports-of-call and the pampering service, we are also giving ourselves as we spend precious time with the ones we love.

Cruising 2009 - Valentine's Day Special Cruise Packages' Rates

I know most of us think it cannot be affordable. There are many cruise liners that are offering a special Cruising 2009 - Valentine's Day cruise packages. And due to the booming cruising fleets, there is a fierce competition in the travel industry. You can always take advantage of the deals you get under the special cruise deals.

Cruising 2009 - Tips for Maximum Enjoyment

If you follow small tips you can enjoy cruise travel to the maximum.

Planning a Valentine's Day: If you organize your trip correctly and search for the best deal, you can save a lot on your fair charges.

Web Search: One of the finest methods to locate cheap cruises is to search online. There are many travel agencies that promise if you locate a lesser price anywhere on web.

Dining Services: Cruise liners offer variety of scheduled or alternative dining services. The only thing that you require to be conscious of is that lots of vessels have unique dining quarters where you have to give additional money to eat there.

Travel Agent: Tour agents often obtain early notices of promotional cruises before they hit the common public. You can bag good deals if you are in touch with them in advance.

Seasonal Promotions and Specials: Competition exists in any industry. This means that many world cruise liners provide Valentine's Day special promotions and discounts for passengers to survive in the present market.

No matter what type of cruise you choose, it's sure to that the Cruising 2009 - Valentine's Day special cruises will be the one that your special with remember forever.

Michael Russell owns a cruising firm that offers small cruises to world cruises. In the present article, he explains cruise deals under Cruising 2009, with a focus on cruising as a Valentine's Day gift.

Travelling Alone and Loving It

By Dianna Moylan

Today the High Street Travel Agent is no longer essential if you want to book a wonderful holiday at a price you can afford. And if you are single, which can prove a problem, this is probably the best way to go. You can find flights at a fraction of what might be asked for by someone getting a commission and you can seek out hotels which do not charge you extra for a single room. Most holiday firms will be able to find you someone to share with who would also prefer not to pay the enormous single supplement, and they seems more than ready to help if you contact them direct and ask them to.

Admittedly, that way you do not get a choice of room mate, and you might hate each other on sight, but it really is highly unlikely. And in this great new world where most places do not allow smoking it is very unlikely;y that you will be forced to share with a night-time cigarette addict. If they snore it won't be a problem, because you will have remembered your earplugs and won't be able to hear it (unless they snore like my friend Andy, who sounds like a chainsaw right around any house he sleeps in!).

If you are prepared to give yourself several hours to surf around finding the ideal break, and then follow it up with e-mails to the companies, you will probably be delighted at the results. Last year I contacted a small Swedish company who did not mention single supplements and asked them about them, to be told that since I had asked so nicely, no, there was not one, and I could have my own room at no extra cost at all.

There are companies which advertise holidays for singles, but they are not necessarily at single prices. If you look carefully at the on-line brochure you will see that two singles comes to a great deal more than two sharers. Of course, there are holiday companies, notable among them Saga, who offer 'No Single Supplement' and this is genuine, but then you are committed to spending your break with people who are all over 50, and, though I am, I do not seek to avoid younger people. Life is made up of people right across the age range, and I, for one, do not choose to live in an 'age ghetto' on holiday. When I was within the '18-30' age group, the idea of a holiday with only people of that age horrified me.

So you can find holidays, or hotel rooms where you are not expected to find a partner. Of course, when booking a flight this is not a problem. It is no cheaper to fly with a partner than without - and you will certainly be able to find cheaper flights than the Travel Agents offer you if you are prepared to go on line and do a bit of searching. Don't be put off by the first and second find you have proving to be far more than it said initially. It does not take long to find the site where the flights are actually how much it says, including taxes. And don't be put off by the idea of electronic tickets. They work - it saves a lot of fuss, and I have never fallen foul of one.

Some airlines allow you to book in on line too. That's great. There have been occasions when I have found a bulkhead seat with oodles of legroom for myself this way. If you are single it is no fun being trapped in the inside seat with a couple who are bulky and asleep. It pays to get an aisle seat unless you never want to leave it. It really does! And if you want to talk to your companion, and they want to talk to you, that's fine, but it is better you are not trapped next to a window, through which most of the time you can see nothing, listening to someone who could bore for their country.

If you are going to almost anywhere, the flexibility of only having to respond to your own whims can be a real advantage. You don't need to book hotels in advance. This allows you to find a place and love it and stay longer, or equally, allows you to find a place, spend one night there and know you want out of it right now! Somewhere like Australia, or the US it is great to be able to change your mind. This is where having a rail rover ticket with no restrictions as to when you move on comes in really useful. And travelling alone there will be no arguments about whether or not to go. (Except in India, where trains are so comprehensively booked up in advance, it really pays to have a good idea of when you want to move on. But then I would not recommend travelling India without a companion anyway, to be truthful. It's a wonderful but very challenging country, and when you get sick - and you will - it's essential to have someone to lean on!)

I have been travelling alone for some years now, and would recommend it wholeheartedly. You meet some lovely people, can do exactly what you like, when you like, and feel totally free. For me that's what holidays are about, freedom. Although I must confess that I have real reservations about travelling in countries where I don't speak the language all on my own. That's where the travel company comes into its own for me. But that's another story.

I am Dianna Moylan, in my mid-sixties, an ex-teacher who has been involved for many years in local amateur dramatics, I have directed, designed and made costumes, taught the songs and performed in many musicals and plays. I live in a small house which is rapidly becoming swamped with doll house stuff which I build, renovate, sell and hoard. My site, http://www.diannadollhouses.co.uk is newly launched. I also sell on eBay. In addition to loving making dolls' houses I enjoy writing a lot and welcome this opportunity to have a say.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

How to Spot Suspicious Behavior When Traveling

By Jennifer Jordan

Suspicious behavior can happen anywhere - malls, schools, family reunions - but it seems to happen more often in places that involve confusion. Airports, train depots, busy city sidewalks, and tourist locations are prime places for the confused, places where people are too busy trying to get from place to place to take notice of those lurking in the corner. For this reason, those of you who travel are often the victims of petty crimes. With a little vigilance, however, you might find it easier to spot the suspicious before the suspicious spot you.

Watch Out For People Who Appear Overly Helpful: Sure, not every Good Samaritan should fall under a veil of suspicion, but many con artists use a helpful appearance to get what they are after. Some may tell you that you have mustard or ketchup on your pants, stealing your wallet as they help you wipe it off. Some may tell you that you have a phone call, only to steal your things when you are occupied. Some may say that you look lost and offer to help you find your way, only to find their hands with your purse in the end. The best way to stop these kinds of people is to simply be cautious. Be careful of those offering assistance, and – if you feel they are more interested in helping themselves than helping you – politely decline.

Beware Of People Who Are Following You: In an area that is uncrowded, it’s rather easy to notice if someone is following you: you can spot them with ease. In a populated area, however, you may not notice that person who seems to be in every place you go, walking into the same coffee shop, looking inside the same book store, taking the same escalator. If you notice that someone appears to be every place you are, and this continues for a lengthy amount of time, it’s best to air on the side of caution and assume you’re being followed…and probably not for a noble reason. If you can’t lose your follower yourself, then seek out security and voice your concerns. It’s better to be safe than to be sorry…or mugged.

Be Cautious of People Who Are Acting Really Weird: Acting weird may be in the eye of the beholder. What seems weird to you could be completely normal to someone else. But, a lot of times people act weird because they are nervous, anxious, or about to engage in less than legal behavior. If you notice someone acting weird – someone who appears up to no good or gives you a “creepy” feeling – get away from them and stay away. If they are acting incredibly weird, find someone to check out the situation. It could be that they are simply weird by nature, but it could also be something much more precarious.

Be Wary of People Who Exhibit Abnormal Body Language: Body language can speak volumes, particularly when someone is purposely misleading you. If someone strikes up a conversation with you and fails to maintain eye contract, frequently changes the tone of their voice, covers their face or mouth with their hands, fidgets, or turns their body away from yours, assume they have something to hide….and hide away from them.

Look for People Who Contradict Themselves: Nothing reveals a liar quite as much as someone who contradicts themselves: a person who changes their story basically tells you they are lying. Maybe they initially told you they are catching a flight to Florida, only to say a few minutes later that they are going to visit a sick aunt in New York City, whatever they say, if their story doesn’t match up, seems rehearsed, or involves far too much detail, chances are they are using it for some sort of cover up. Instead of calling them out on it, and possibly angering them, simply do a little story telling of your own and tell them your husband – all six foot seven and three hundred pounds of him– is waiting for you near the elevator.

Suspicious behavior can be one of two things: a bad omen or a false alarm. While it’s best not to assume everyone is harmful, and find yourself pointing accusations at innocent people (The Pope, perhaps), you should use caution when someone near you appears about to engage in some wrongdoing. You may just want to remove yourself from the situation or simply take the grown up route and tattle tale.

Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for http://turbocellcharge.com. A professional business traveler, she aims to make business trips feel less like work. She also has a healthy collection of hotel shampoos....and a shower cap or two.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Travel and Tourism in India - A Wonderful Experience

By Michael Braganza

The largest democracy in the world, India is one of the most popular travel and tourism destinations in the world. Every year a large gathering of tourists from all around the world come for experiencing the fascinating charm of travel and tourism in India. India is well-known for its oldest civilization (5000 years old civilization) and great diversity. During India tours, one can find diversity in its people, culture, tradition, landscape, climate, appearance, lifestyle, cuisine, costumes, language, religion, and others. And this is India's diversity which makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations among travellers from all around the world.

India is a country where one can find a range of tourism options. And off course, India tourism never fails to enchant travellers with its various mesmerizing tourism options. Adventure, Culture, Heritage, Beaches, Monuments, Hill, lush green landscapes, mountain peaks, deserts, flora & fauna, etc are some major attractions of India tourism which are quite popular among tourists and attract them to travel in India. While you will travel to India you will find on every step something extra welcoming you. No matters, what are you interested in, the country is able to fulfill your desire. If you life adventure and sports in India, you may prefer to travel in the Himalayan region of the country where you will have a lot of tourism and adventure sport options.

During your North India travel, you will have a wonderful opportunity to explore the beautiful and snow clad Kashmir (popularly described as the Paradise on the Earth), Himachal Pradesh (blessed with natural beauty and breathtaking hill station), and Uttaranchal (widely known for superb natural beauty and Corbett National Park) at the foot of Himalayas, You will also enjoy traveling in the historic city Delhi - the capital of India, dotted with several historic monuments, life Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, Old Fort, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, etc. One of the most predominant attractions of North India is Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The symbol of love - Taj Mahal is India's star attraction and considered as seventh wonder of the world.

While you will travel to the western region of India, you will have a glorious opportunity to the royal land of Rajasthan, Punjab and Gujarat where you will see a lot of magnificent forts, palatial palaces, stunning Havelis, terrific temples, Gurudwaras, wildlife parks & sanctuaries and other attractions. On your eastern India tours, you will have opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes of Assam, Sikkim, etc which are widely known for green tourism and Buddhist monasteries. In central India, one can explore states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra which are widely famous for temples and caves. South India travel takes you to the states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. These states are widely known for lovely beaches, beautiful hill stations, breathtaking backwaters, temples, churches, etc. Apart from above mentioned locations, don't forget to travel in Goa, the tiny but gorgeous state of India. The gorgeous land of Goa is famous for its lovely beaches, churches, and exotic culture.

Thus, traveling in any part of India provides a unique travel experience. You can get more information about India tourism from travel agents in India. If you want to travel India in more and more preferred way, an India travel agent can assist you and provide you India travel guide.

Michael Braganza is an amateur writer focusing primarily on Indian Travel related topics. For more information on India travel guide and travel to India to visit http://www.royalindiantour.com/