Travel in Seoul and Tokyo

As the capital of the Chosun Dynasty, there are a large number of tourist attractions for Seoul travel. For historic helices, there are palaces of Chosun Dynasty, ancestral temples, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeok Palace and so on; for natural scenery, there are Bukhansan National Park, National Forest Park, Hongneung Arboretum, and Habitat of Migratory Birds in Li Island and so on. And if you are here to purchase, you should not miss Myeong-dong, Itaewon and Apgujeong-dong.

Compared with Seoul, Tokyo appears with more dynamism and vitality. It is a city full of the ingredients that a modern city has; for example: skyscrapers, trendy electronics devices, pop cultures and so on. If you are here to visit natural scenery, you should not miss Fuji Mount; if you are here for shopping, there are the best and cheapest devices in the world. Tokyo hotel reservation service is quick and easy, visitors coming all the way from all over the world do not have to worry about finding a place to live in this modern and crowded city.
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The Culture of Eating in Japan and South Korea

Speaking of eating culture in the east, beside China, Japan and South Korea have to be mentioned. For these two countries, their capitals are the representatives.

In Tokyo, you will find that Japanese cuisine could be tasted by eyes, or more exactly, is tasted by the five senses. Japanese always uphold nature and respect everything. That is why they seek harmony between human and nature in their cuisine. No wonder when we see Japanese cuisine, it is just so delicate and inviting. Visitors who make Tokyo hotel reservation can enjoy great convenience in eating, living and transportation, especially very typical Japanese cuisine.

South Korean cuisine is now paying attention to building up its own reputation now, aiming to make South Korean cuisine famous to the world as what Chinese and Japanese cuisine are doing these days. South Korean cuisine is simple yet special. The most special one is its pickled vegetable. In South Korea, every woman is able to make pickled vegetable. If one fails to do so, she will disappoint her husband at home. The main material for pickled vegetable are: cabbage, radish, cucumber and so on. Every family has its own secret ingredients. For Seoul travel, one shall not miss the authentic Korean pickled vegetable.
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Travel in Seoul and Tokyo

There are two destinations to our travel in to East Asia capital cities this time; Seoul and Tokyo and we found them were very fascinating.

In Seoul, there were vigorous people, bustling downtown, beautiful natural scenery and its historical heritages. In Seoul, we were amazed by the dynamism and it always impresses you no matter where you go. In the historical sites of the palace or the embrace of natural scenery, we found a unique and special Seoul. The Han River divides Seoul into two parts and where it shows the beauty of nature and this is the main the reason of why came for Seoul travel this time.

After visited Seoul, we went for a trip to Tokyo, which is the politic, economic and cultural center of Japan. It is a modern city as well as a world famous tourist destination. In the past, Tokyo is just a small fishing village, and was set as the capital in 1869. In Tokyo, there are many historical relics as well as places for international activities. Every year, when cherry trees are in bloom, visitors from all over the world will come here for travel. Tokyo hotel reservation service is very busy at spring time.
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British Museum and the Louvre of Paris

British Museum ranks among those spots that must not be missed for London travel. It is a comprehensive museum, built in 1753, with more than 13,000,000 collections. British Museum is one of the biggest and most famous museums in the world, who declares its Chinese collections are among the world’s most precious cultural heritages as well as its ancient Grecian and Egyptian collections. British Museum has been doing great contribution to London tourism and London hotel reservation service.

In parallel with British Museum is the world’s art gallery of the Louvre in Paris. As recorded, the number of collections of the Louvre has reached 400,000 pieces, which could be classified in to many categories. There are works of arts from ancient Greece, Egypt, Etruscan, Roman and the East, as well as modern sculptures from middle Ages and numerous royal curios and paintings. Among all these collections, Venus statue, Mona Lisa painting and Goddess of Victory stone sculpture are the three treasures of the world. The Louvre is one of the greatest attractions for Paris travel.

Romance in Paris and London

“If you love a person, send him/her to Paris” – this saying has been widely spread among people. From the film “Sabrina”, I did feel again the warmth of home at Paris. Once you feel the warmth from your heart, you are at home – maybe that is why Sabrina ran to Paris after her heart shattered. Actually, if you can see the kindness, tolerance, insistence to life and art from Sabrina, you will understand Paris, because it is Paris that gives her the charms, for which the hero seeks her in Paris. It is these charms of that makes me dream of Paris travel.

While roaming in another romantic city of London, I am likely to see the love stories from the early English nobles. From “Jane Eyre” to “Pride and Prejudice”, the description to London is not much, but London’s charms are still fully explicit. London is proud, gentle, stubborn and unyielding. London is the place that they must pay a visit in many people’s mind. The number of London hotel reservation is the very good proof of it.

Shopping in London and Paris

London is a city of fashion, where all kinds of styles will make you over excited. A good buyer from London will recommend you the colorful weekend-fairs, which plays the only stage for a riot but advanced, wild but artistic London. Coven Garden could be the best of these fairs. Under its glass ceiling, all kinds of manual jewelries, foods and arts are shining in every small stores and booths. London hotels reservation is convenient, allowing millions of visitors to rush to London for shopping.

While talking about shopping in Paris, visitors will think of Champs-Elysees, where there are many luxurious shops and performance venues, as well as many well-known cafes and restaurants, attracting thousands of visitors. This is the place for elegance and prosperity, romance and fashion. The whole world looks at Champs-Elysees for the newest fashion. Champs-Elysees is one of the places one must visit for Paris travel.

Travel in North America

New York is the global economic center as well as one of the top 3 economic centers in the world. Manhattan, the downtown area of New York City, with a total area of 57.91 square kilometers, covering 70% of New York, has a population of 1.5 million. What attract us to New York are the famous Broadway, the Wall Street and the Empire State Building etc. They are all located in Manhattan, and because of so, we have to make New York hotel reservations in advance.

It is very convenient for us to fly from New York to Toronto. Toronto is the capital city of Ontario and the biggest city of Canada as well as the industrial and commercial center of Canada. Toronto is a global city as well as one of the important economic centers in the world which has a population of more than 2.5 million. Toronto travel is so popular with people from all over the world because it has amazing beautiful spots, including the amazing Lake Ontario and the CN Tower which is known as the highest architecture and one of the modern wonders in the world. They are the reasons why we come all the way from New York to Toronto.

Luxurious New York, Diverse Toronto

If you love someone, bring her to New York since it is a place of heaven; if you hate someone, also bring her to New York because it’s a place of hell. These two sentences are so classical that they can really reflect the vivid New York. In New York, you can see skyscrapers everywhere, you can see delicious food from all around the world, you can see streets full of artistry as well as luxurious New York hotels. In a word, New York is a place that will drive you crazy.

Compared to the fame of New York, Toronto of Canada is in a much lower key. Few people know its original name was “York”. Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world, 49% of its present residents are migrants of more than 100 peoples from all over the world. Toronto is known as one of the best cities for human living because of its low criminal rate, pleasant living environment and high-quality life. In this case, the income of Toronto travel has become one of the important parts for the city’s finance.

Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hawaii

After a flight of 24 hours, we finally arrived in Los Angeles. Looking down from the air, we saw a vast beach in pleasant sunshine. Our first destination of Los Angeles is the world-famous Hollywood. It is the paradise for children and adult, owning a great variety of foods from all over the world. Los Angeles where various delicacies all over the world are available is a perfect shopping paradise. Tourists come to America should not miss Los Angeles travel.

After a day in Los Angeles, we came to San Francisco. This city of culture has 18 institutions of higher education and the world-renowned Currran Theater and Golden Gate Theater. It is reputed that San Francisco has the most authentic Chinese cuisine and Chinatown is always the world for diners.

Our final stop in America is Hawaii. The Hawaii Polynesian Cultural makes tourists linger on without any thought of leaving. There are millions of tourists from U.S., east Asia, west Europe etc. Service facilities here are advanced, tourists can make Hawaii hotel reservation through internet.

Geographic Comparison among Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hawaii

Los Angeles, on the brink of San Pedro Bay and Santa Monica Bay of Pacific Ocean, remotely backed by San Gabriel Mountains, takes an area of 1,290.6 square kilometers. Los Angeles whose average temperature is about 12 degrees has a pleasant weather that is sunny and rainless all year round. Summer is the best time for Los Angeles travel when tourists can swim and play in the sea.

San Francisco, located in San Francisco Peninsula of west coast of U.S., with an area of 47 square miles, surrounded by water on the three sides, is a beautiful mountain city which has a population of 760,000 including 250,000 Chinese. Chinatown, with a history of 120 years old is one of the most famous attractions.

Hawaii, the pearl of Pacific Ocean, has a pleasant tropical climate. Economy of Hawaii is supported by agriculture whose main products are sugar cane and pineapple. The finishing industry takes an important role in the local economy as well.

Each year, many tourists come to western U.S. for a travel, the hotel reservation here is well-developed, for example, you can make a call for Hawaii hotel reservation.

A Brief Introduction of western U.S.

The western U.S. and eastern U.S. are divided by Mississippi River and the east of U.S. is called eastern U.S., the west of U.S. is called western U.S.

There are several major cities in Western U.S. like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Seattle etc. Los Angeles is located in Southern California and it is the largest city of California and the second largest of America. Los Angeles enjoys the reputation of “city of technology”. Tourists should not miss Los Angeles travel during their travel to America. San Francisco, the fourth largest city of America, is an important port city of western U.S. and the financial, trading and cultural center and vocation paradise. Seattle, known as city of rain has a population of 58 0,000. Las Vegas is one of the world-renowned holiday resorts, which is famous for traveling, shopping, tourism and gambles.

Hawaii, the state of U.S. with an area of 16,700 square kilometers and with hibiscus
as its state flower, is consisted of Hawaii islands.

As a developed country, U.S. owns the well-supporting facilities through which Hawaii hotel reservation is available by means of internet.

The Petronas Towers and Bangkok’s Chinatown

The Petronas Towers in capital of Malaysia is one of the landmarks of Kuala Lumpur. It is the fourth highest building in the world and a symbol of Malaysia’s blooming economy. It attracts lots of tourists come for Kuala Lumpur travel. The Petronas Towers are available to be seen everywhere in the city.

In contrast, Bangkok’s Chinatown owns more Chinese characteristic. Bangkok’s Chinatown is located in the west of the city and is 10 minutes’ walk from the railway station. It is one of the most prosperous business districts. The restaurants in Bangkok are main Chaoshan flavor. There are various Cantonese-style food like pig knuckles, spiced corned eggs, fish balls and fried noodles etc. Thailand enjoys the reputation of “free country” and “state of smile” in the world. Thai people’s moderate temperament and decorum and mercy are own to their faith in Buddhism as well as the deep influence of Chinese culture.

Every year, many tourists come for Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok travel from all over the world. There are various hotels here, high-end hotels as well as cheap hostels. The versatile means of Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur hotel reservation really bring great convenience for tourists.

National Mosque and Bangkok Grand Palace

While I was walking on the road of Kuala Lumpur, what caught my eyes most was the National Mosque. It is the most striking building with a unique modern design of a traditional Islamic art. Its decoration and design are very beautiful; the biggest feature of the Mosque is the umbrella-like roof symbolizing the aspiration of an independent state. The 73-meter high minaret directs into the blue sky which is one of Kuala Lumpur’s landmarks. National Mosque was built in1974, taking an area of 5.5 hectares. It is one of the largest Mosques in Southeast Asia and one of the most attractive attractions during Kuala Lumpur travel.

The National Mosque reminds me of another famous temple in Southeast Asia. It is the Bangkok Grand Palace in Bangkok built in 18th century with an area of 260,000 square meters. The Grand Palace stands back to Chao Pharya River surrounded by white walls which is 1900 meters long. It was the palace for king of Bangkok from Dynasty Ⅰto Dynasty Ⅷ, known as “Grand Palace” and “Forbidden City” as well. Inside the palace, there are green grass, shady trees and blooming flowers. Bangkok Grand Palace is the must-visit place during Bangkok travel.

The difference between the two temples is that National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur is more stringent for tourists who are supposed to take off shoes before entering, female should put on gowns and wear headscarves, and male should put on gowns as well if they wear shorts.

National Mosque is located in the center of city, transportation and accommodation here are very convenient, and I made a Kuala Lumpur hotel reservation easily through internet.

Brief Introduction of Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, is a metroplis blended with oriental and western civilization. It enjoys the reputation of “the capital of tin and rubber in the world”. Kuala Lumpur is political, economic, cultural, trade and social center of Malaysia. Tourists who come to Malaysia should not miss Kuala Lumpur travel. Malaysia is a multi-religious and multi-cultural country as well. Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu temples can be seen everywhere in Kuala Lumpur.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, the second largest city in Southeast Asia. It is Thailand’s major port and the center of politics, economy and culture. Bangkok is a city full of oriental color and has a long history of Buddhism. There are about 400 Buddhism temples spread over the city. In addition, Bangkok is a famous market for rice and trade center for metal and gem as well.

Both Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok are in the vicinity of the equator, so it is hot and humid all year round. In Kuala Lumpur, the average annual temperature is from 20℃ to 32℃, while in Bangkok, the average annual temperature is 27.5℃.

There are thousands of tourists coming to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok for travel each year. So the service facilities here are very convenient, tourists can make Kuala Lumpur hotel reservation and Bangkok hotel reservation through internet or phone call.

Mountains of China

There are many mountains in China, and these places where visitors should go if they are having China travel. These mountains are Huangshan in Anhui, Taishan in Shandong, Huashan in Shanxi, Mt. Emei in Sichuan, and Mt. Wuyi in Fujian. Many of these mountains have become the natural and cultural heritage of the world.

There is also a mountain in Hong Kong, which though is not as high as those famous mountains, is still a very good place for Hong Kong travel. It is Victoria Peak, also called “The Peak” by Hong Kong people. Victoria Peak is the first place to overview the greatness of the whole Hong Kong. When you come here at nights, you could see the beautiful nocturne of dynamic Hong Kong. Each year, Victoria Peak receives numerous visitors who come here to overview Hong Kong. Hong Kong hotels are well developed, which bring great convenience for visitors.

Travel in Coastal China

One the vast land of China, the endless coastline has nurtured a lot of excellent seaports, which are the cultural vessels of China. These ports are the destinations for visitors who come for China travel. For example, the coastal cities, Dalian, Xiamen, Weihai, and Qingdao have attracted numerous visitors.

However, the most famous coastal cities is Hong Kong, with its Victoria Harbor one of the three major natural harbors of the world. Victoria Harbor also gives Hong Kong a great reputation as “the Oriental Pearl” and a great attraction of nocturne. There are countless high-rises on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon; when nights fall and the lights on, Victoria Harbor could be a great nocturne. Together with Hakodate of Japan and Naples of Italy, Victoria Harbor is one of “the three greatest nocturnes of the world”. On a special occasion, there will be fireworks showing on the Victoria Harbor. Hong Kong hotel reservation is very convenient, which also benefits visitors with the best service.

China Travel

China travel has become a very important part of the world’s tourism. Many visitors are attracted by the mysteries of China. They come here to explore the ancient oriental civilization, such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City of Ming and Qing dynasties, the beautiful gardens in Suzhou, the terracotta warriors in Xi’an and the fascinating natural scenery of Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan. Any of these attractions alone could receive numerous visitors from all over the world each year.

However, if a visitor is looking for a modern China, he may go to Hong Kong, which is one of the financial centers of the world. Recognized as “the Oriental Pearl”, it attracts countless visitors each year. In Hong Kong, you can experience the fun of shopping and have a close look at the world’s fashion trend. Hong Kong is also the representative of oriental films and popular music, which is very influential in Asia. Moreover, Hong Kong hotel reservation is very convenient, which brings about a better tourism service.

The Nest of Beijing and the Neighbor Tianjin

As is well-known, the nest was built in Beijing and is one of famous architects in the world. It is the first attraction for my Beijing travel after I settled down in a hotel. The audience capacity of the main stadium is1.5 times larger than the World Cup Soccer Stadium in Germany and twice larger than the main venue of the Athens Olympics back in 2004. The “bird nest” is the world's largest steel structure construction. After a "downsizing" and a removing of the roof and an expanding of the opening on the roof, the steel planned to be used come to about 4.2million tons.

The outlook of bird nest’s stand is a bowl-like design which surrounds the stadium that audience can have a clear watch at any position.

As I live in Tianjin, now I travel more and more frequently between Beijing and Tianjin. The one hour economic circle between Tianjin and Beijing has been set up so that tourists can live in Tianjin and tour in Beijing which is amazing and rare to be seen in other countries. This stimulates the development of Tianjin hotel reservation and tour industry of Tianjin as well.

Famous tour attractions of Beijing and Tianjin

As the saying goes, ‘He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man”. It will be a great pity if you don’t go to the Great Wall during your Beijing travel. The Great Wall lies in the north of China, starts from Hushan, Liaoning Province in the east and ends at Jiayuguan, Gansu Province in the west. It goes through 9 provinces, cities, and municipalities, such as Liaoning, Hebei, Tianjin, Beijing, Neimenggu, Shanxi, Ningxia and Gansu. With the length of 8851.8 kilometers. It is a great miracle of the ancient Chinese to build this great structure and it now one the wintess to the history of China. It was approved by the State Council to be on the national list of the key units to be protected on June, 25th, 2001.

Compared to the Great Wall, Tianjin Dabei Monastery, Tianjin Great Mosque and Tianjin Tropical Plant Garden are much quieter, more graceful and less powerful. However, they have another kind of temperament. Tianjin seems much quieter and fresher compared to the political atmosphere in Beijing. So Tianjin hotel reservation is absolutely hot and thousands of tourists from the world come to travel in Tianjin.

Beijing Imperial Palace and Famous Snacks in Tianjin

Beijing, the capital of China, is the center of politics and culture. Beijing travel will be the first choice if you want to have a tour to China. The Beijing Imperial Palace built by Zhuli the emperor in Ming Dynasty is now the symbol of Beijing, which is the first attraction to visit for our travel in Beijing, Tianjin and Tangshan. The palace has a long history of about 500 years, going through Ming and Qing Dynasties and was repaired massively since 1950s. It was listed as one of “The World Cultural Heritages” by UNESCO in 1988 and is called “The Palace Museum” now.

After a several days in Beijing, we went to a quieter city---Tianjin, which is a municipality next to Beijing and it is another important city though it’s not as famous as Beijing. Speaking of Tianjin, “Goubuli” steamed bun will firstly come to people’s mind. Started from 1858, it has a history of 100 years and has become one of the famous snacks in China. We made a Tianjin hotel reservation, which allowed us to have a good rest after the whole day sightseeing.

Travel in Bangkok and Phuket Island

I chose to make a booking at Bangkok hotel that is in the downtown area, because it is easy access to all the business, shopping and popular attractions of Bangkok and for these reasons, hotels in the downtown are popular for business persons and tourists. Tourists can enjoy the excellent service that the hotels offer; such as the swimming pools, sauna and health club, cocktail bar and lobby bar as well as live performance. In addition, there are five restaurants ranging from local delights and snacks to big dinners prepared by gourmets from China, Brazil and Vietnam.

However, my aim is for Phuket travel this time. I would not miss the natural wonders there which include the splendid forested hills of Khao Phra Thaeo National Par. It is the last uncultivated virgin forest. In addition, there are many beautiful attractions including the Laem Phromthep known as a favorite place for watching sunset at the most southern part of Phuket Island.

Thailand Travel

I did not make a Bangkok hotel reservation before I set out for my Thailand travel; because my Thai friend tells me there are many Hotels not far from the Airport in Bangkok. It takes only five minutes’ drive from the hotels to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, which makes them ideal transit stay for many transit passengers. The unique style and quiet colors of these hotels shows a special elegance of Thai. And because of that, I was regret when I was trying to sign in a hotel there.

After meeting with my friend in Bangkok and double checked my tourist Visa that was not expiring, I accepted my friend’s invitation for Phuket travel where we shall enjoy the beaches under golden sunshine. Every beach there has its own charming characteristics. Bangtao, with a large open bay has the longest beach of Phuket Island. It used to be a tin mining area, but now it is developed as a luxurious resort. Most of Bangtao is occupied by Laguna Group with many five-star hotels and golf course built. At the north end of Bangtao beach is a smaller bay which is completely closed. There are many beautiful corals at the mouth of the bay as well as tourism companies and travel facilities at Laguna.

From Bangkok to Phuket Island

If you need to make Bangkok hotel reservation, we would recommend you those that are located in the center of Bangkok business area. They are able to provide suites, double rooms and standard rooms. Transportation around the hotels is so convenient that it is available for you to spend only several minutes by the Skytrain to anywhere in Bangkok, such as Silom Road, Sukhumvit Road and Rachadapisek Road which are not far from Bangkok Centre Hotel.

Starting from Bangkok to Phuket Island is not a difficult thing. It takes only one hour’s flight from Bangkok to Phuket which is located off southwest coast. Because Phuket Island is linked to the mainland by a causeway, going to the island by land is as easy as by air. There are many daily flights from Bangkok to Phuket Island as well as overnight buses from Bangkok for tourists to choose. Thus, travel from Bangkok to Phuket Island is very convenient. Tourists can rent Jeeps and motorbikes on major beaches and various shops on this island. Tourists come to Bangkok should not miss Phuket travel.

Sydney Opera House

My first stop in Sydney is the Opera House, which is completed in 1973. Located at the south side of the Sydney Harbor; it is surrounded by water on three sides with an open area. It is famous for its unique design. Sydney takes an area of 1.84 hectares. Seen in far distance, the Opera house looks like an erect shell and two huge white yachts flying on the blue sea.

Sydney is divided into three main parts: the opera hall, the concert hall and the Benilan restaurant. Inside the hall, there are dressing rooms, libraries, exhibition halls, actor canteens, cafes and bars etc equipped.

Sydney Opera House is not only the palace of art and culture but also the soul of Sydney. It is one of the ten wonders of world in 20th century. There are more than 3000 performances held in Sydney Opera House each year, it is one of the largest performing centers in the world.

Sydney Opera House attracts many tourists to come for Sydney travel each year. I made an Australia hotel reservation easily online and then set out to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sydney with a good mood.

Brief Introduction of Australia and Sydney

Australia is located between the Pacific and Indian Ocean with a 36.735 kilometers’ long coastline. Australia is a developed country. Compared to other continents, there are no very high mountains around as barriers to air; in addition, with the influence of ocean, it is neither too cold nor too hot in Australia. More than 40% of Australian land belongs to tropics.

Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. It is the only country that takes up one continent. Australia is rich in energy and minerals.
Sydney is the biggest city in Australia; it is the commercial, trade, financial, traveling and cultural center of Australia as well. Sydney is located in the southeast coast of Australia with pleasant weather and beautiful environment. Sydney is the backbone of Australia’s economy. Sydney’s well-developed transportation supplies tourists from all over the world with easy and quick service during Sydney travel.

Sydney is an international cosomopolitan, so the infrastructure here is well-developed, tourists can make Australia hotel reservation through internet and phone call.

5 Survival Tips for Family Travels

Ever wondered if it is possible to travel with the whole family on minimal stress and maximum enjoyment? Why not? Perhaps you’re just fed up with noisy children or infants crying in the middle of a long-haul flight that is why you think family travel is equivalent to nightmare.

Some tips to consider for a successful family getaway.

Take smaller airports
This could mean extra drive from the main city center but at least you’re not walking through long stretches of airport corridor dragging tired children and heavy luggage. For example, when planning for a London travel, avoid London’s Heathrow airport and settle for smaller ones like London Gatwick or London Stansted when visiting London with kids. The key is to find a suitable place that’s not going to make your kids strain a lot by too much walking or dealing with the crowd.

Keep children busy
One of the reasons children make noise by crying or irritable is that they may be bored and are not used to a dull situation. Some possible solutions: play a portable DVD with your child’s favorite shows or bring your child’s favorite coloring book.

Get your children something to munch
Eating is one favorite pastime for toddlers and young kids. Dry crackers, biscuits, pop tarts and juice boxes could just be the reason your child needs to keep quiet. However, check on your departing airline for rules and guidelines on bringing snacks beyond security points and on board the plane.

Check your hotel room
Just because your room looks neat and orderly once you enter it doesn’t always mean it’s safe for your kids. There may be pins on the floor or toxic liquid left by the cleaning lady. Look for hazards like open wall sockets, hot water that may scald your child or that pen on the table that could be dangerous to the eyes. Many hotel accidents that happened could be prevented. For example, Sydney hotel accidents are well-chronicled and sometimes involve even celebrities. In a place thought as a safe haven, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Make tours memorable
In a few decades, your kids will look back and remember this trip they had with you, if you help them create memories of the tour. Join your kids in collecting memorable items (local coins, train tickets or leaflets in foreign language) that hopefully become a living proof of once a very enjoyable family trip.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/krenp

7 Tips to Travelers to Beijing

I met a guy last week who was from United Kingdom who was supposed to visit China to be with a friend and discuss business. However, the mainland immigration held him and prevented him from traveling to China. The reason behind the cancelled travel plans: a small crease in his photo in the passport. I had a similar experience on visit to Beijing that I thought I won’t be allowed in. The lesson learned is to know or at least familiarize regulations and cultural practices in China to foreign travelers.

Here are a few tips to travelers to China:

1. Most people only need to apply for a single-entry visa, often valid for 3 months after the issue date and will allow you to stay in China for a maximum of 30 days.

2. Luggage of inbound and outbound passengers must be under customs supervision and control. Passengers should make accurate declaration to the customs on the actual information on the luggage they carry into the territory.

3. According to Chinese laws, valuable cultural relics and other historical are not allowed to leave China.

4. It is considered extremely rude to take photos of people without their consent. In more touristy areas, the locals have gotten used to it, but it is still a good idea to get permission before taking a photo.

5. In China (including Hong Kong and Macau) almost no-one asks for tips. Tipping used to be refused in restaurants, but nowadays many restaurants especially in the top-level ones have service. Taxi drivers throughout China do not ask for or expect tips. Beijing hotel attendants also don’t expect tips for carrying your luggage.

6. Unlike the Japanese, Chinese do not commonly bow as a form of greeting. Instead, a brief handshake is usual. While meeting elders or senior officials, your handshake should be gentler and accompanied by a slight nod.

7. In Chinese restaurants, knives should not be seen on the table. Chopsticks, bowls and soup spoons are the traditional table ware.

Beijing travel
is definitely worth the trip as long as first time tourists take a bit of time to research about their intended destinations and become culturally sensitive as well.
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7 Types of Accommodation in Tokyo

Tokyo – and Japan as a whole -- is a trendsetter in terms of fashion, gadgets and many other things. When it comes to hotels and accommodation, visitors will be offered a variety of choices they don’t usually see elsewhere. Accommodation in Tokyo is categorized as Japanese or traditional and Western, with distinct subclasses that fit every taste in lifestyle and budget.

Capsule Hotels
3,000 yen and above
Capsule hotels gained popularity because of its unique bedding feature that strikingly resemble medicine capsules, hence the name. In a space-conscious Tokyo, capsule hotels provide basic amenities such as television, lockers and shared bathroom.

Love Hotels
6,000 yen and above
Intended more as a place to provide privacy for couples more than a regular hotel accommodation, love hotels offer varying rates for “rest” and overnight stay. Entrances are often discreet and interaction with staff is minimal to provide extreme seclusion for partners.

Ryokan
6,000 yen and above
Very traditional and located in truly enchanting locations, ryokan manifests genuine Japanese hospitality and rich cultural background. If you happen to be a guest in this type of accommodation it is likely that your hosts have been running the business for generations. Common sights in a ryokan are tatami floors, red mats for bare feet or socks, and manicured garden.

Minshuku
4,000 yen and above
Family-run minshuku is the Japanese equivalent to a British boarding house and bed and breakfast lodging. This is usually a spare room in the house with no dedicated bathroom and serving simpler food. This is ideal for low-budget backpack travelers who care more about exploring outdoors than being too critical about accommodation.

Youth Hostels
2,500 yen and above
Youth hostels are among the cheapest accommodations you’ll ever find in Tokyo. With comparable rates with its Western counterparts, youth hostels can be found in many large cities in the country. Lodging is composed of shared dormitories, basic facilities and strictly enforced curfews. This is also a good way to meet fellow travelers whom you can share itineraries and other travel ideas.

Business Hotels
4,000 yen and above
Business hotels are typical hotels ideal for an average salaryman and offers simplistic Western-style lodging with snacks and drinks available through vending machines. Rooms are compact, practical and relatively cheaper. There are several hotel chains operating this type of accommodation all throughout the country.

Pension Houses
4,000 yen and above
Pension houses are similar to minshukus only that they offer Western-style accommodation rather than the latter’s Japanese theme.

Depending on your discriminating taste, Tokyo hotels come in different shapes and sizes. And whether you’re adventurous, frugal or easy going, a special type of accommodation during your Tokyo travel will always be there at your disposal.

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave_italy
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