In my capacity as the UK Director of Operations for One World Tours Limited, I am often asked all kinds of travel questions. I personally believe that when visiting a different country that you should be respectful of your hosts beliefs and customs. So with that in mind I have put together some useful tips and basic rules that should be observed when visiting Japan.
By far the best and most efficient way to travel is by train using the Japan Rail Travel Pass for foreigners. You will need to buy an exchange order before entering Japan as you can not buy it when you are there and travel agencies in your area will be able to tell you where you can get hold of one. Read more...
Japan is one of the Asian cities that must be seen. It is simply breathtaking to behold in its scenery and full of fun and exciting things to experience. Many come to the Islands of Japan and find they have so much to do, it is impossible to pack it all in to one vacation. From the large amount of attractions, the rich colorful history, and the beauty of the land itself, there is something to appeal to every traveler. You can still see the past traditions mingled with the new ways of today.
said anything or to wish you had? song – say artist – john mayer anime – AIR this is my first video with moving pictures omg it took me forever to make a lot of work but hopefully you people like it about AIR : Yukito Kunisaki is a man traveling Japan in search of the “girl in the sky”. Eventually he makes his way to a sleepy seaside town where he meets a strange girl named Misuzu Kamio who has dreams of flying in the sky. During his stay in the town, Yukito meets other unique people and …
A gem in the China Seas, Taiwan embodies a unique entangling of ancient and modern, East and West. From the bustling commercial center of the capital city, Taipei, to the cascading volcanic mountains of Yushan National Park, Taiwan offers the world traveler an unmatched experience. It is no coincidence that Portuguese explorers named this island ‘Ilha Formosa’, or the beautiful island.
To Travel to Taiwan is to Understand Diversity
Officially known as the Republic of China (R.O.C.), Taiwan should not be confused with the People’s Republic of China, which refers to mainland China. Within the past 200 years the island has been ruled by the Dutch, become part of Japan, has been “returned” to China and is currently striving to become an internationally recognized sovereign nation. Taiwan’s tumultuous and fascinating history of the Aboriginal, Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealed through the many cultural festivals held throughout the year. Travel to the island in February for the Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch the world-famous Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival.
One of Taiwan’s most prominent cultural symbols is Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building, measuring 508 meters and 101 floors. Finished in 2003, the tower signifies Taiwan’s substantial economic growth from the periphery of the global economy to become one of the four Asian Tigers, as well as the government’s dedication to a democratic society separate from that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largest city on the island, offers a more authentic and less commercialized window into Taiwanese culture. Temples and Memorial Arches define this city where the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the God of War.
The Taiwan Terrain: Recreation and Ecotourism
Exploration of the thriving urban centers is only one of many ways to get in touch with Taiwan. The rugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with magnificent peaks, lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls. Yushan National Park is home to the island’s tallest peak, Jade Mountain, which towers at 2,610 meters. Hike to the summit and take the more technical route down or simply enjoy the breathtaking view from the Tatachia Visitor Center, accessible directly from the new Central Cross-Island Highway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into Taroko Gorge on Taiwan’s rocky and secluded east coast. This 12-mile-long canyon is home to the natural open-air Wenshan hot springs and the Atayal people, one of Taiwan’s remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky cliffs at the canyon’s end are a starting point for those who wish to travel farther into Taiwan’s history. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is sprinkled with beautiful green islands that have unique native histories and are mostly accessible by plane or ferry. Most of the pristine and dramatic destinations are protected by Taiwan’s National Park Department, which offers an array of lodging and guiding services and has proven to be a well-organized resource for the outdoor sightseer.
From the island’s tallest building to its tallest peak, Taiwan has something exceptional to offer every kind traveler. Travel Taiwan’s thriving society and come face-to-face with an Asian Tiger. Read more...
For many individuals in the UK, an annual holiday is the highlight of the year. Whether it’s a one week beachside break in the Canary Islands or a two-week skiing trip to Japan, holidays can take months of careful planning and preparation. But if you suffer from a fear of flying or the thought of world travel simply raises your stress levels through the roof, it’s possible that your long-cherished trip could turn into a nightmare. So how exactly do you beat the perils of travel-related stress? Read more...
Pod hotels are not a new phenomenon. They have been around for many years, but most travelers have never heard of them. They had their beginnings in Japan as “capsule hotels”, that were, and are still being used mainly by businessmen on stopovers. However, pod hotels are becoming more and more popular with vacation travelers as well, because they are convenient and cost less than regular hotels.
The pod hotel concept is only in its infancy in the United States and Europe, but is growing by leaps and bounds as more and more travelers want this unique service. Entrepreneurs are responding by creating small, pod-like hotel rooms that are normally rented by the hour, or number of hours. Read more...
“What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are
what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon
I want to open your eyes a bit to the wonderful opportunities the world has to offer. Other than spending 8-plus hours a day in a tiny cubicle, slaving away at something you hate, there are scores of things that you can do to make money in exciting, adventurous ways.
For most of these jobs you don’t need to be young or physically fit. You don’t need to have special training, or training that is not easily acquired. You just need to realize that they’re there and go and get ‘em.
There are jobs that pay you to travel. There are jobs that give you free room and board. There are jobs that take you sailing, horse-back riding, mountain-hiking and to exotic islands. There are even jobs that pay you to dine at fancy restaurants.
There are a multitude of exciting, adventurous jobs that are available to you. You can literally pick and choose what excites you the most. And if in the rare case your dream-job doesn’t exist – you can create it.
Did you know that:
There are literally thousands of commercial fishing companies in Alaska that are always looking for new employees. Several companies will give you room and board for free and pay for your round-trip airfare from Seattle, WA to Alaska. Average monthly earnings range from $2,000 to $10,000.
English teachers are in high demand around the world. Institutes and private individuals will pay you just for showing people something that you already know. Usually, no special certificates are required (you don’t even need to speak the local language), and you can make $200 a day by teaching English as a foreign language. Teach in Tailand, Japan, Brazil – wherever.
In many parts of the world you can buy valuable items cheaply and sell them elsewhere for large profits. (Gold jewelry could cost you $100, you sell it for $1,000, earing you a profit of $900). One of the best ways to sell these items is through online auctions like eBay – and if you do it right you’ll be able to run your auction business from anywhere in the world.
There are humanitarian organizations, like the Peace Corps, that pay for your room and board, and give you a monthly income. You’ll be able to travel to foreign lands, help people, and get paid for it.
You can make money from your travel and vacation photographs. There are several places online (check out Shutterstock.com and iStock.com) where you can post your pictures. Every single time one of your pictures gets downloaded, you earn a commssion. You’ll earn residual income from your picture from anywhere in the world for as long as you like. Imagine how much you could earn each month with 1,000 pictures posted on several different sites.
Countless websites, magazines, newspapers and trade journals want your travel stories. When you write about your travel experiences these publications pay you for it. Also, when you show restaurants, tour agencies and hotels your writing credentials, they will often give you a big discount on their services.
During the summer months, wildfires start in mountainous and desert areas. They threaten forests, wildlife and homes. The people that fight these fires get room, board and travel expenses paid for. Besides the hourly-wage, firefighters can get paid extra for hazards, overtime and time and a half. Wildland firefighters consistently make thousands of dollars every week.
I could go on, but I think you get the idea. There are so many exciting, adventurous and fun opportunities available that there is no reason why you should stay at a job you hate.
Life should be an adventure. There are scores of adventurous job opportunities waiting for you to take advantage of them. So why wait? Get started today. Read more...