Article of the Month
European Break - Berlin
With the exchange rate against the Euro at an 18 month high, now might be the time to dust off your plans for a little break away. Berlin is only a 2 hour flight and with a cheaper cost of living than the UK, the summer months are a great time to go.
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Japan - The Land Of The Rising Sun
| Are the rumours true? Is Japan actually that expensive? Surprisingly, there is not an enormous difference in the prices of accommodation, transport and dining to that of London or any other capital and major city. It is not your typical two week holiday, nothing can ever be achieved in a day and there will be a huge culture leap for many westerners. Japan is a place where ancient traditions sit side by side with the contemporary and the modern. |
 The saying “you pay for what you get” applies noticeably here. The prices may be slightly high but are solidly justified by the quality and standard that you will receive. To experience Japan properly, you should do as the locals do. Stay in Japanese hotels also known as Ryokans and eat in traditional Restaurants. To keep prices down, avoid Western brands. The cost of eating out varies dramatically, as with any destination but the difference here is that you can, if you want to, eat really tasty, fresh food from street stalls for only a few hundred Yen. Flights hover around £550-£650 per person if booked in advance.
Japan has an efficient public transportation netwo rk but travel by train is still the most popular method of getting around. If you plan to travel extensively, buy a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) which is only available if purchased in advance, outside of the country. It offers you cheaper travel and a means to purchase your tickets and plan your routes beforehand. Bear in mind that information in not always available in English so buying online can be the best option. |
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Japan is one of the most contrasted places in the world; cities are mixed with modernised sectors sitting alongside historical temples and shrines. Tokyo is a vibrant city with futuristic looking buildings but still able to hold onto its traditions with a slight Zen like atmosphere.
Kyoto, the ancient capital has an abundance of culture; the geisha district of Gion as well as some of the oldest temples in the country. It has a relaxed atmosphere and rich diversity of culture and arts. The best time to catch the infamous cherry blossoms begins in March and lasts until May. Veno Park, Tokyo lays host to over 1,000 of these beautiful trees. Japan holds so many mystiques and can leave you in awe it is a huge jungle of beaming ideas and exotic designs. The best thing is the mixture of hectic and calm ambience. |
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