Once associated with sleazy extramarital affairs and one night stands, Japan’s love hotels have a brand new reputation.
Category: Trip Locations
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Japan’s Love Hotels Just a Little Bit Naughty
These days the Asian country’s approximately 30, 000 hotels are being utilized by couples simply looking for a little private time together. Many of the couples that frequent these hotels live with their parents or flatmates, and so look for a place to be intimate away from prying eyes. Others prefer to take time out without worrying about their children sleeping down the hallway. And some aren't looking to get busy at all. Instead they use the rooms of love hotels for hosting gatherings, or enjoying quiet time alone. The hotels have seen a lot of changes since their inception in the 1950s. In the free love period of the 1960s and 70s you might expect to find kinky treats like revolving beds and mirrors on the ceiling. In the 1980s the fixtures were childishly cute, or kawaii as the Japanese say. In recent years love hotels have received another makeover, one that’s sophisticated and subdued. At least, most of them have. If you're still looking for raunch, or walls adorned with your favorite cartoon characters, there are still a few love hotels in Japan to suit you. Love hotels rent rooms in blocks of at least 90 minutes, for which you can expect to pay between Y2000 and Y5000 depending on their luxury. If you're looking to spice up your Japanese vacation, they're well worth considering. -
Sky-High Dining in New Zealand at Auckland’s The Observatory
NOTE 4/23/13-THIS RESTAURANT IS NO LONGER OPERATING, SEE Sky City Restaurants FOR OTHER DINING OPTIONS. If you’re looking for a meal with a view while visiting New Zealand’s popular tourist town Auckland, you’ll find it at The Observatory at Sky City casino.
The sky-high restaurant serves up a range of dishes in buffet style, including its signature seafood meals, succulent roast meats, and weekly specials.
With 12 main courses and 14 desserts on offer, there's bound to be several to suit your tastes. Of course, with the restaurants all-you-can-eat set-up you can sample as many as you like, and enjoy as many helpings as your heart desires. The impressive meals are the perfect companion to the incredible views of the city below. If you're planning a special night out, I suggest asking for a table by the window! Make sure you arrive early as your reservation includes free entry to the Sky Tower's observation deck and café and bar. You'll have 45 minutes to soak up the view, perhaps while you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. [caption id="attachment_3965" align="alignright" width="150"]
Sky City casino in Auckland, New Zealand[/caption]
The Observatory serves lunch from Fridays to Sundays between 11:30 am and 2 pm. Adults will pay $41.99, while children are charged $3 for every year of their age. The dinner prices are a bit higher and the sessions shorter, although some argue it’s worth these inconveniences to enjoy the twinkling lights of the city at night. The Observatory serves two dinner sittings daily: the first between 5:45 pm and 6:45 pm, and the second between 8 pm and 9 pm. Dinner costs $61.99 for adults, while children pay $4 for every year of their age. The Observatory is popular with locals and tourists alike, so reservations are recommended.
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Ski Australia’s Snowfields On a Budget
Winter’s only just begun, but already Australia’s snow fields are enjoying steady falls.
Taking advantage of the thick white powder can prove expensive, but there are a few ways to cut the costs of your skiing adventure. The most luxurious ski resorts often come with luxury price tags, but there are a few affordable options to be found on the snow fields. The acclaimed backpackers chain YHA has two snowy locations; one in Thredbo, New South Wales, and the other in Victoria's Mt Buller. The Thredbo YHA is located in the center of the skiing village, a convenient stumbling distance from the restaurants and pubs. Twin rooms start from $68, but if you bring some mates you could pay as little as $27.50 for a four-share dormitory. You’ll find the Mt Buller YHA a stone's throw from the chairlift, so you can literally ski to your front door. It's a little more expensive with rates starting from $79 for a six-bunk room, but still much cheaper than anything else you'll find in the area. Another option is to stay a little further from the ski fields. While you might need to forgo your sleep-in to get an early run at the slopes, you'll save a pretty penny. Consider Jindabyne when skiing at Thredbo or Perisher, Dinner Plain if you want to hit Mount Hotham, and Mount Beauty when skiing Falls Creek.[caption id="attachment_3952" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A snowboarder at Thredbo, Australia"]
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When it comes to accommodation rates, timing is everything. While you'll pay through the nose in August, June and September prices are much more reasonable, even if the snow isn't quite as impressive. You'll also save money by traveling through the week, rather than weekends.
It's tempting to invest in skis, snowboards, and outfits to match, but unless you're considering regular snow holidays hiring the kit may be a better financial decision. Or if you want a ski job in Australia then you might buy gear too. If you do want to own your own, you'll be surprised at the bargains you’ll find on eBay or in second-hand stores. It also pays to ask around, as the closets of your friends may have everything you need.
Lift tickets are a necessary expense, but there are still ways to save cash here too. Look for early-bird specials before the start of the season, discounted rates at the start and end of the season, and half-day tickets if you prefer a sleep in or tend to tire in the afternoon. You can also save money by visiting the smaller slopes. Mt Baw Baw in Victoria and Selwyn in New South Wales offer very cheap rates for their fields, which are mostly made up of beginner runs. That won't suit if you're a regular snow bunny, but novices will be very happy here.
While not always the most economical solution, it can pay to look out for package deals. If you want to stay at the best accommodation, and ski the best slopes in Oz, you'll probably save money with these all-inclusive offers.
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Stay in China for Free with New Tourboarding Website
Many of us have dreams of visiting China, but once you’ve sailed down the Yangtze River and shopped up a storm in Shanghai, your wallet may be a great deal lighter.
If you're looking for a way to save cash while visiting China, consider a new online initiative called Tourboarding. This new website matches travelers with Chinese hosts who want to learn or improve their grasp of Western languages, predominantly English. Your hosts will offer free airport transfers, accommodation in their home, and two meals daily. In exchange, you must agree to spend two hours each day teaching your host your native tongue. The experience sounds like a great way to save cash on your travels and meet the locals. But Tourboarding's services aren't limited to accommodation. You can also offer your language services in exchange for guided tours or cultural experiences, such as Chinese cooking and calligraphy lessons. You could even learn to speak Chinese. Tourboarding is a relatively new website, but already more than 1500 families from all over China have registered. It's an interesting take on the modern trend of couch surfing, one that gives back to both the visitor and the person opening up their home. Standard membership is free, although interested travelers can become a VIP member by donating $25 to the site or inviting three friends to join. VIP members enjoy extra benefits such as emergency support abroad and free access to all areas of the Tourboarding website. -
Innercity Tranquility at Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong is a buzzing metropolis, the kind of place where nothing sits still for every long. Yet in the center of the city is Hong Kong Park, a green oasis which takes you back to nature and provides respite from the thrumming city outside.
The eight hectare park was opened in May 1991. From its cascading waterfalls to tranquil manmade ponds, it was clearly created for visitors who want to enjoy simpler pleasures than Hong Kong typically provides.
One of the feathered residents of Hong Kong Park Aviary Children run about the playgrounds as their parents watch on, and young couples fall a little deeper in love as they pose for wedding photos in the grounds. Sporting enthusiasts enjoy the squash and sports centers, while those looking for a less stressful pursuit head to the Tai Chi garden. Seasonal celebrations bring art and musical performances to the people of Hong Kong.
At its heart you’ll find the aviary, a large space which is home to hundreds of species of birds, flowers, and other plants. Entry is free and the area is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily, so you can spend as much time as like watching the feathered creatures play.
You can explore Hong Kong Park at your own pace, but if you’d like to learn more you could join a guided tour of the conservatory or aviary. Both tours run every Saturday at 9:30 am.
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Natural Beauty of Australia’s Coast at Kangaroo Island
It’s just 13 kilometers from the coast of South Australia, but Kangaroo Island seems a world away from the Australian mainland.
The isolation of this beautiful spot has seen flora and fauna flourish away from the threats of feral animals and diseases. Its rugged environment lures tourists keen to get back to nature. It was discovered way back in 1802 by French explorer Nicholas Baudin. He found the island deserted, although historians have since found evidence of indigenous habitation dating back to 2250 years prior. The island was named for the kangaroos which roamed freely here, and for the tasty meal of Skippy meat the explorer enjoyed on his arrival. Slowly it became home to an eclectic mix of whalers and sealers and escaped convicts. It was once home to Australia's most uncivilized residents, yet these days you'd hardly know it. [caption id="attachment_3902" align="alignright" width="150" caption="The Remarkable Rocks in Kangaroo Island"]
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Kangaroo Island revels in its natural environment. Many major roads are unpaved, and national parklands and forests abound. There is no public transport, so visitors must join guided tours, bring their car over on the ferry, or hire a car when they arrive. The slower pace of Kangaroo Island does shock some visitors, although with careful planning it's easy to embrace this back-to-basics way of life. Banking facilities are only available in Kingscote and Penneshaw, so make sure you're cashed up before heading to the island's outskirts. These towns, along with American River and some areas of Emu Bay, are the only ones with mobile phone reception too. While modern folks may struggle to be disconnected, there's something lovely about removing yourself from civilization.
By maintaining its natural beauty, Kangaroo Island has become a haven for fresh produce. Seafood is plentiful in the waters, jams are made from the indigenous fruits, and the local sheep and goats make some tasty cheeses. These fresh foods make eating at Kangaroo Island’s many restaurants a wonderful experience for gastronomes.
Despite its small stature, there's plenty to do on Kangaroo Island. Flinders Chase National Park spans across 33, 000 hectares.
It’s home to the striking Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, the historic Cape du Couedic lighthouse, and kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, and the rare Cape Barren geese. You can see more animals at Seal Bay Conservation Park, a coastal attraction where seal lions happily laze in the sun while tourists walk amongst them. Fairy penguins make a nightly procession from the waters of Kingscote and Penneshaw to the burrows on the shore. Take a flashlight and look amongst the rocks at dusk to spot these tiny birds settling in for the night. Kangaroo Island is accessible by air and sea. You can fly between the South Australian capital of Adelaide and Kingscote by Regional Express for roughly $150 return. If you'd prefer to have your car with you, consider catching the Kangaroo Island Sealink ferry. Ferries leave three times a day from Cape Jervis on the mainland, and dock at Penneshaw. One-way fares cost $39 for passengers, and $79 for cars. -
Stay in a New Zealand Shoe at The Boot Bed and Breakfast
Those Kiwis are a funny lot. Rather than bemoaning the plight of the old woman who lived in a shoe, they clearly thought it was a good idea!
And so they erected The Boot Bed and Breakfast, one of the quirkiest places to stay in New Zealand. You'll find The Boot Bed and Breakfast in Tasman on New Zealand's South Island. The region is home to the famous Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi National Parks, and it's just a stone's throw from Nelson's celebrated wine districts. That makes The Boot Bed and Breakfast a good base for many Kiwi getaways. There's something strangely romantic about The Boot Bed and Breakfast, which fits its amenities around the curves of its strange shoe shape. I somehow don’t think the old woman in the nursery rhyme had it so good. Downstairs The Boot has a cosy lounge area with a brick fireplace, a bathroom equipped with a shower built for two, and a small kitchen. Scale the spiraling staircase and you'll find the bedroom, with its comfy queen-sized bed. Step outside and you can enjoy the al fresco dining area and the expansive gardens.
The Boot’s owners, Judy and Steve Richards, are friendly without being intrusive. They'll happily cook whatever breakfast takes your fancy, although I recommend opting for their free-range eggs or fresh fruit from the on-site orchard. There's no need to give up your sleep in, as your meal can be delivered any time before midday.
A stay at The Boot Bed and Breakfast costs NZ$300 a night, although 10% discounts are available when booking two or more consecutive nights. That's a lovely excuse for extending your stay in the Tasman region!
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Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City – Public Transport and Travel Tips for Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city, and the heart of the Asian nation. Its bustling pace can intimidate tourists at first, but with a little know-how the area is much easier to navigate than many Eastern centers.
Life moves fast on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, so it’s not advisable for tourists to try to drive themselves about.
Instead rely on the expert taxi drivers and motorbike taxi riders, who are accustomed to the city's pace. Transport is quite centrally located. Trains run from District 3, which is just north of the heart of the city. Buses are a more affordable, and often more accessible transport option. They run all over the city, and due to recent upgrades are much safer and more reliable than they have been in the past. Buses from Cholon will take you to the Mekong Delta, and those from Binh Tranh travel to the north. The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is also just seven kilometers from the city. Mopeds and bicycles are available for hire, and these are a great way for tourists to explore the city at their own page. If you've got time to spare, you could also consider walking about. If you do decide to set off on foot though, make sure you heed the city's traffic. Follow the lead of the locals and exercise plenty of caution when crossing roads. Unlike so many Asian locations, the Vietnamese writing system predominantly uses Latin-based lettering. This makes signs quite easy to read, although street numbers are less straight forward.
Ho Chi Minh City's most affordable accommodation and eateries are located around Pham Ngu Lao. If you've got more cash to spend on a bed, you’ll be pleased with the hotels around Dong Khoi Street.
Ho Chi Minh City is a hive of activity, with market stalls, al fresco cafes, and sidewalk vendors lining the streets. It's an area made for exploring, so follow our tips and don't be afraid to lose yourself in this exciting part of the world.
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Samoan Travel Guide – When to Travel to Pacific Islands
Samoa is a tropical paradise, where life moves at a snail’s pace to please both the locals and tourists alike. Such a beautiful part of Oceania is a pleasure to visit at any time of year, but you may like to consider a few factors before you set off.
Most tourists travel to Samoa with dreams of clear blue skies and warm sunny days.
But if you visit during December or January, rainy weather may spoil your picture-perfect paradise. Between November and April, the humidity also makes it a little hard to enjoy that tropical heat. The weather is optimal between May and October, a time which happily coincides with most of the island's fun festivals. If big game fishing is your thing, you might like to travel during May to see the Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament. The rising of the palolo, which sees palolo worms rise from the coral reefs, happens in October or November. It might sound a bit disgusting, but these worms are eaten as a delicacy the way caviar is in the rest of the world. Even if you don't want to partake in the dish, watching their ascendancy is fascinating. But the biggest event in Samoa is the Teuila Festival, held every September. This is a spectacle of local culture, with fire knife dancing, choirs, float parades, traditional sports and more all adding to the fun. May to October is Samoa's dry period, and the peak of the Pacific Island's tourist season. Yet thankfully, most tourist operators don't raise their prices at this time of year. That makes some careful planning for the weather and activities sound even more enticing. -
Stay at The Kirche – Unusual Church Accommodation at Barossa Valley Winery
After sipping on the big earthy shirazes of Australia’s Barossa Valley, you might feel a little closer to God. But the wines aren’t the only heavenly aspect of a South Australian stay.
The area is also home to The Kirche, a former Lutheran church now restored for weary travelers at Charles Melton Wines. The Kirche can comfortably sleep four with one queens-sized bedroom by the entrance and a king-sized one above it. Each has luxury 1000 thread count linens to ensure that perfect night’s sleep. The old church pews are gone, replaced with comfortable sofas. With winter weather upon us, sinking down in one of these plush chairs as you glory in the big wood fire is an enticing prospect. It's just one of the luxuries afforded here. The lounge also has a big screen television, a DVD player, and high-speed internet. The high-tech bathroom has a shower and luxurious full size bath which overlooks the vineyards. It's also heated underneath the floor, so you need never worry about freezing your toes on a chilly morning. [caption id="attachment_3860" align="alignright" width="150" caption="A Barossa Valley vineyard"]
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While the Barossa has more than its fair share of fine restaurants, the gourmet kitchen makes staying in a tempting proposition. It's got a coffee machine, a massive oven with hot plates, a double fridge with ice dispensers, and an enormous breakfast bar for enjoying your home-cooked tucker. The kitchen is also well-stocked, with local bacons, breads, jams, and yoghurts for your morning meal and a bottle of Charles Melton wine and a platter of cheese to enjoy on your arrival.
But the church's heritage hasn't been lost entirely. Its colorful stained glassed windows are a quaint reminder that this was formerly a place of worship.
At $395 for one couple, and $515 for two, a night at The Kirche isn't cheap. But this luxurious and quirky accommodation makes an excellent base for travelers who want to experience all the beautiful Barossa has to offer.