Hopeful about the growth of the UK tourism industry, Jen Smith introduces us to the Lake District.

Boats in the Lake District

Written by Jen Smith

With the weak Euro against the pound, the tourism industry is hoping for a bumper year for UK holidays.

It is the family that many tourism operators are hoping will be returning to holiday in the UK. For the last 20 years, more and more families have been going abroad to Europe for their summer holiday and year on year the UK market has been decreasing. The UK seaside used to be thriving and although such places as Devon and Cornwall are still busy in the summer, on the whole, it is less popular. The UK has so many fantastic places like Scotland and Wales for walking, the Northumberland coast where there is 10 miles of coast with some of the cleanest and whitest sand in the country, down to Dorset and the Isle of White.

The UK of course does have a downside in the weather but what the UK lacks in sunshine, it makes up for in activities and good old fashioned fun. The Lake District is especially suited to families with its vast choice of activities. Firstly there are the fells. Walking and taking in the spectacular scenery in the Lake District is not only good exercise but it is free. Other activities in Cumbria and the Lake District are Muncaster Castle, the World Owl Trust, Ravenglass Steam Railway, Lake District Coast Aquarium, Puzzling Place and Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick, Beatrix Potter Museum and cycling tours at Grizedale Forest. A trip to the Lakes isn’t complete without a boat trip. Windermere, Coniston, Ullswater and Derwentwater are the main lakes for boat trips. It gives a different perspective on the fells from the water than on land.

An organized Lake District family holiday break takes away all the stress of having to think of what to do each day. An organized package takes care of all the booking of venues and has an itinerary each day. This kind of holiday helps families get the most out of their District holidays and can include activities such as sailing, walking, museum trips, picnics and cycling. Many have been designed to enable families to spend time together but also making consideration for the parents by giving them a few hours of freedom with the children only activities.

The Euro is not the only reason UK family holidays are predicted to increase. The awareness of climate change and the impact of flying on the environment is something that is making families think twice about going abroad. A return flight from London to Barcelona for example produces half of tonne of carbon dioxide per person. That is an awful lot when compared with a return car journey from London to the Lake District which creates a 10th of a tonne of carbon dioxide. Once a family has realized what good they are doing for their children’s future, money saved and most importantly, how much fun can be had on a holiday in the UK, it is sure to make the UK tourism industry flourish once again.

Jen Smith writes about Lake District holidays and other travel related issues.

Emyr Thomas, founder of Bon Vivant, London’s most affordable and personal concierge service, shares his thoughts on making flying as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Written by Emyr Thomas

Flying was once a glamorous and stylish affair: passengers wore their best outfits, families would come to the airport to wave them goodbye, and pilots and air hostesses were revered for having the best jobs in the world. To be able to fly also meant that you had arrived; you were one of the chosen few who could afford the privilege.

Today, flying is considered a fundamental right to be enjoyed by the masses, and, somewhere along the turbulent line, what was demure and gracious has become raging and ragged.

The fundamental rule for air travel, much like life in general, is that politeness and consideration will go a long way in ensuring a smooth, relaxed journey.

At the Airport

From the long line at check-in to the long wait at security, the experience can be rather fraught, but getting annoyed and raising an angry voice will only make the situation worse. In most cases, airport staff are friendly and helpful: security staff are there for that very function, our security, and it’s not the check-in desk’s fault that an airplane has been delayed or cancelled, however upsetting or disruptive it is to our plans.

Going through security can be extremely tiresome, but the process could be far less traumatic if we prepare ourselves whilst in the queue – remove all keys, coins, watches, belts and laptops in advance, ready to place in to the tray, and please abide by the rules for liquids and sharp objects as they’re there for our safety.

Boarding

On arrival at the gate, please stay seated until your boarding group has been called, especially if you have an allocated seat. You won’t be allowed on the plane any quicker and you’ll merely be making the whole process more tedious and time consuming for all. If you’re fortunate enough to turn left into first class when embarking, please refrain from any smug glances at those in cattle class and the ‘do you know who I am?’ line is also best avoided!

Once onboard, the scrimmage begins to find enough space for carry-on luggage. Contrary to popular belief, we don’t have the right to the space above our allocated seat, therefore if it is full, the flight attendant will have to find a space elsewhere in the plane. This is, of course, a slight annoyance, but as long as you remove anything essential, you shouldn’t need to have access to your luggage during the flight.

A common issue before take-off is with other passengers asking to switch seats. If you are travelling alone and don’t mind moving, then it’s a very kind gesture, but do not feel that you must acquiesce through guilt or embarrassment, unless, of course, a child is involved, as you are entitled to the seat that you have pre selected or have been allocated. Window and aisle seats are highly coveted prizes on a flight, but please choose your seat wisely – if you are someone who tends to get up from your seat frequently, try not to select a window seat as, not only will it cause disruption for those seated next to you, but it’s also a pain for you.

Take a Seat

You should, by now, be comfortable in your seat and about to press the recline button. It’s advisable to keep your chair upright unless you really have to lower it, as space is already limited. However, it’s safe to assume that most people will want to recline, especially on long haul journeys, but remember to inform the person behind you that you’re about to recline – there are few things worse than an extortionately expensive gin and tonic ending up on your lap.

It should also be noted that there’s no law or magic formula for your armrest – your neighbour is just as entitled to it as you are, so my only advice is to be respectful and share it equally – keep your elbows tucked in and any bags or magazine on your side of the seat. In a recent TripAdvisor survey of 3,200 US travellers, 25% reported that leg room was their biggest issue with air travel, with 30% wanting more leg room and 38% wanting bigger seats.

If you need to get up from your seat, try to find the most appropriate and least disruptive time to do it, which is usually not when the cabin crew are serving food. When leaving your seat, try not to hold on to the headrest of the passenger in front of you, as they may be one of the lucky ones who manage to sleep for the whole journey.

Eating Onboard

We are all acutely aware that airplane food is far from haute cuisine, but we are all in the same boat, so to speak, and complaining about it excessively won’t help. It might be worth buying food that is easy to transport at the airport, which you can then enjoy during the flight, but please refrain from strong odours and flavours.

Small Talk

If you are travelling alone, it can be quite a lonely experience and it might seem natural to engage your neighbour in conversation. Sporadic small talk is fine, but don’t regale countless stories, especially if your neighbour does not reciprocate, as most people prefer to travel in silence with a good book or movie. 73% of travellers said that a little small talk is fine, but that they prefer to keep to themselves for most of the flight.

Funny Business

We seem to forget that we are in public when flying, but it’s important to remember that, even when flying during the night, we’re not in our own homes and, as such, we should behave appropriately. A fumble under the covers might be a regular treat at home and it may seem a great idea with the free champagne fuelling the adrenaline of being at 35,000 feet, but on a plane, and later in the courts, it is considered public indecency. Just ask the couple from Dallas who were charged with outraging public decency and subsequently fined after getting amorous in their seats on a flight to Manchester in 1999.

Get Connected

With wifi becoming a real possibility on future flights, it introduces the awkward issue of controlling what people access, with one person’s idea of inappropriate being different from the next. 45% of respondents said that they would not complain if their neighbour visited inappropriate websites, but I’m sure this may change if the type of website contributed to increasing occurrences of the aforementioned amorous activities.

Child-friendly Zone?

One of the most contentious issues most of us face when flying concerns children. Nobody wants to endure a crying baby for the whole flight, least of all the parents, therefore a certain amount of leeway should be given, but parents should always enforce enough discipline to ensure that children don’t run wildly around the plane or kick the seat of the passengers in front of them. Children are easily distracted at the best of times, therefore make sure you bring ample sources of amusement such as colouring books or DVDs. 77% of those questioned in TripAdvisor’s 2009 travel trends survey thought that families should have their own section in a plane, while 46% would pay extra to be seated in a specific quiet section.

In-flight Fragrance

Personal hygiene is a big issue when in such a confined space, therefore always make sure that you are considerate to those around you. A good tip is to shower before travelling to the airport, visit the bathroom to freshen up during the flight and please keep your shoes and socks on! 68% of the survey respondents were concerned by germs and viruses when travelling, with 26% now carrying antibacterial hand creams.

Air Rage

One of the most troubling issues about being on a plane is that, not only are we in such a confined space, but we must remain in it until the end of the journey, where we have little control over the behaviour of others. In the year to March 2009, the Department of Transport reported that there were almost 3,500 incidents of disruptive behaviour on UK flights, 44 of which were deemed to be serious, with alcohol being cited as the main cause in 37% of these cases. Director Kevin Smith was recently left with a case of air rage after being asked to leave a plane for being too fat. He won’t be too happy to learn that 74% of US plane passengers think that large passengers should have to buy two seats to accommodate their size.

Alighting

Having landed safely, the allure of the beach or the sunset cocktails can be too much for some and the disembarking process can become a big tussle, with the aisles becoming blocked with a mass of people and luggage. There’s no need to jump up as soon as the plane lands as the mere minutes that could possibly be saved does not justify the inconvenience and lack of consideration for others.

It’s true that flying can often be a trying experience, but it can also be a great opportunity to relax, watch a movie, catch up on the week’s news and enjoy a drink, all in the safe knowledge that you are being transported to an idyllic beach setting or to visit a much loved friend or relative.

Everyone onboard needs to play their part to try to ensure a pleasant flying experience, and with a little bit of care, consideration and politeness we can make flying more enjoyable for us all, and maybe throw a splash of glamour in as well.

Bon Vivant is the bespoke, highly personalised concierge service that advises on and arranges every travel, lifestyle and leisure need. Members have access to exclusive treatment, complimentary benefits and discounts at top hotels, restaurants, members’ clubs, exclusive nightclubs and a range of lifestyle services as well as access to VIP and sold out events.

For affordable luxury with the personal touch for £100 per month, visit their website at http://www.bonvivant.co.uk or their blog at http://bonvivantliving.wordpress.com/.

It was a romantic getaway planned with military precision. But nothing could prepare  Paul Joseph for the whims of fate that nearly turned his long weekend in Marrakesh into the holiday from hell. Luckily, one of the city’s most luxurious hotels was on hand to soften the blow.

Written by Paul Joseph

I’d never been to Marrakesh, nor Morocco, nor Africa – and neither had my girlfriend Debra. Our trip away together was planned for early October and after a wash-out British summer, the prospect of getting some sun on our backs appealed to us both.

One of the most popular short-break destinations outside of Europe, and boasting culture, cuisine and a climate that is most people’s idea of ‘perfect’, Marrakech seemed to fit the bill. Decision made.

There was just one final ingredient missing from my recipe for a successful holiday: accommodation. Marrakesh’s recent tourism boom has given rise to a proliferation of ‘riads’ – a distinct type of independently-owned hotel based on Moroccan architecture and décor, and defined by the presence of an interior garden, courtyard and small swimming pool. They have been around for centuries, and are now ubiquitous.

A website dedicated to boutique hotels threw up a variety of luxury riads across the city, ranging from the traditional to the contemporary. But one stood out from the crowd: the eight-room Rose Sultan. It promised an idyllic setting away from the magical chaos of central Marrakesh. The words were enticing, the pictures stunning. We were sold.

The Rose Sultan is indeed a gorgeous hotel and a masterclass in minimalism. Every inch of every detail has been painstakingly considered, not least by the owner, an intriguing Casablanca-born gentleman who comes from a background in luxury brand marketing. Still awaiting its first birthday, the hotel is clearly a labour of love, and his passion for architecture and interiors is evidenced by an array of lavish, design-themed coffee-table books intricately positioned across the living room.

The theme of the hotel is sensual luxury with a traditional Moroccan twist. And from the ambient music to the enchanting aromas, strolling around the grounds is certainly an experience in sensory overload.

There do, however, remain teething problems. In our otherwise delightful room – stripped down to its most basic features in the most sensitive way – the sink was leaking, there was no waste basket, and the lock was cumbersome to say the least. You also wonder how the current staff, numbering three (the owner, plus two other chaps with seemingly multi-functional roles including handyman, waiter and on-site taxi driver) would cope with fully occupied rooms.

Certainly, the two outdoor breakfast tables, which look out onto a jaw-droppingly beautiful swimming pool, would be a bit of a squeeze in the mornings.

The other temporary defect with the Rose Sultan is its location. There is a fine line between seclusion and isolation, and if true luxury can allow no compromise, the barren wasteland surrounding the hotel must be considered a fatal flaw. Approaching either by car or by foot, requiring the negotiation of mounds of dusty rocks and rubble, is simply objectionable, and until developers populate the vicinity with something – anything – more aesthetically pleasing, or at least create a makeshift road or walkway, the hotel will lose significant brownie points. Not least with unacquainted taxi drivers who cannot believe their eyes when instructed to navigate this vast stretch of desolate wilderness. The non-existent road signs also means the turn-off for the hotel is often missed. Far from ideal.

One of the few signs of life nearby is an equestrian club, which offers beginner, intermediate and advanced expeditions to all-comers. Amateur horse riding is one of those activities that seems pleasant in theory, but in practice is at best tedious, and at worst dangerous. Unfortunately my own experience fell into the latter category. (I should state at this point that what happened in no way reflects badly on the Rose Sultan, which has no affiliation with the club, and is merely an incidental neighbour.)

During a snails-pace amble across a litter-strewn eyesore of nothingness, our horses were thrown into panic by an approaching donkey. The collective raking of hooves sounded distinctly to my untrained ears like the preamble to a retreating stampede and the look of panic on our guide’s face said it all. My own horse turned sharply and I was promptly thrown to the ground, with my knees taking the impact. That’s our holiday over then.

Back at the horse club, the staff treated me well, giving me ice packs for my knees, and any other comforting items they could lay their hands on. But their attitude changed when, to my amazement, they told me I would still have to pay. I explained politely that I thought this unfair, and the atmosphere turned nasty. At this point, I just wanted to get back to my room and rest my battered knees, so I bit the bullet and paid up. What a disaster; and there was more to come.

Our first night had been the perfect introduction to Marrakesh. The awesome scale of Djemaa El-Fna square, with its snake charmers, food stalls, and electric atmosphere exceeded all expectations, while a short walk took us into the heart of the historical Medina and down a maze of sidestreets bustling with medieval commercial activity straight out of Aladdin. Donkeys, bicycles and motorbikes came out of nowhere like space invaders, before routinely passing, allowing us a few seconds of respite before the next wave.

Caught up in this cauldron of brilliant Arabian mayhem, I was unaware that brewing away inside me was a stomach bug, more than likely sparked by the snail soup I had devoured in the Djemaa El-Fna. Twenty-four hours later, legs already out of action following horsegate, I was suffering the consequences in a big way.

In fairness to us both, we made the most of our remaining time in the city. Walking was painful, so we avoided the chaos of the city centre and instead headed for Nouvelle Ville, a tranquil neighbourhood west of the Medina, and home to the delightful Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden and modern art retreat once owned by the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Stepping into Nouvelle Ville feels like you’re in Europe again. Its wide boulevards lined with palm trees, cafes and designer stores is light years away from the old world feel of the religious Medina, where alcohol is banned and most women wear traditional burkhas.

Our one remaining day was spent back at the hotel, lapping up the rays around the swimming pool and trying not to think about the horrors that surrounded us. It also gave us more time to enjoy one of the other delights of the Rose Sultan: the service. Staff are attentive without being intrusive, and even seem to talk in a soothing, laconic tone that adds to the sense of relaxation. It contributed greatly to our enjoyment of the trip, despite the misfortune of my accident and tummy troubles.

Paul Joseph is a London-based writer and author. He is currently writing a book called “Vanishing London” on his home city. He also works for tubehotels, a price comparison and booking site for London hotels near train stations.

Ronnie, Londoner and co-founder of Epok.com, shares insider information in his new mini guide about London.

Westminster Abbey

Written by Ronnie

If you’re visiting London, having a bit of insider information can turn that nice London vacation into a great pleasure.

You see, it’s only been through running our blog and the questions readers asked that I realised there are little things that we Londoners know that guide books never mention and visitors are never told.

We decided to bring out a free London mini guide, titled What Every Tourist Ought To Know About London, so everyone could have that insider information.

The guide is split into two parts. The first part is about things you need to think about and plan before you come to London. The second part has tips and advice for when you’re actually in London.

Do you know how to pick a good London hotel?

We didn’t want to go over ground that guide books usually cover. So, for instance, one of our chapters goes into how to pick a good London hotel using Tripadvisor.

Let’s face it, we all use Tripadvisor, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to use it. Now guide books don’t tell you what that is and in fact neither does Tripadvisor. But we do.

Also many people don’t realise that if you really want to know something about a city you need to read the bloggers who blog about that city.

I’ll tell you now, in London there are lots of blogs. So what we’ve done is highlight 15 of the best ones that we think cover every aspect of the city. I’m not saying follow each of them, but find a couple that you like and you’ll get a much greater understanding of London.

Other chapters in the first part such as what’s the best London travel guide, where to get the best Pound exchange rate and what to wear as a tourist will all help you save time and money in your prep for London.

What are you going to do when you get to London?

I’ve lived in London all my life and one of the advantages I say about living in London is it doesn’t matter where else you go in the world. Everything seems cheap to you.

London is expensive. This is why in part 2 of the guide we mention the Days Out offers, which give you 2 for 1 offers at various London attractions. We tell you how to get those offers, what stations to go to and what to ask for.

But London’s not just about sightseeing. If you don’t want to be conned or treated like a tourist you need to have a basic knowledge of how London works.

You see, London is the most diverse city in the world. All cultures are here. Yet a tourist still stands out like a sore thumb. To help you fit in more easily our 10 quick London tips is an essential read.

But one of my favourite chapters is the one about money saving tips that all Londoners know, but tourists don’t. This chapter alone makes the guide worth getting because it’s all too easy to fall into one of those traps.

I could go on and mention other chapters such as where and how much to tip or the one about what to do when it rains in London.

But I think the best thing to do if you’re visiting London is to download the guide from epok.com and if you have any questions to leave a comment below.

Ronnie is one of the co-founders of EPok.com; it helps visitors to London save money on eating out and going out in London. He also writes for their London blog 3 Guys on a London bus.

The award winning travel add-ons provider Essential Travel provides valuable travel tips for that very first time on the road.

Girls finding their way through an ancient palace.

Written by Essential Travel

Embarking on your first trip to another country is undoubtedly on of the most exciting things you’ll ever do. So, to make sure that you get to enjoy every minute of it, we’ve found some tips that will help you make your trip so much smoother.

1.Pack Light
You never need as much as you think. In fact, the general rule is to take exactly half of that. To achieve this, pack out everything that you want to take along on your bed. Go through it and get rid of anything you can absolutely do without. Whatever else remains should be halved and packed. That’s your luggage.

2.Travel Insured
From luggage getting lost, to your camera getting stolen, it always helps to travel insured. And it doesn’t have to cost you much to do so. Simply snoop around online for a cheap travel insurance provider that provides you with great cover at low premiums. Apart from just medical coverage, also make sure your policy covers legal expenses, baggage and passport, personal liability and cancellation and curtailment.

3.Make an Itinerary
There is nothing worse than feeling lost in a foreign place. An itinerary will help you plan your trip down to the last detail and provide you with a clear idea of what to do and the places you should visit. The key to a good itinerary however, is to make sure you don’t over-fill it with activities. Trying to squeeze in as much as possible into a short time will just lead to frustration.

4.Double Up Your Documents
Make sure you always leave photocopies of your passport, visas and flight ticket with a family member or friend. That way, should you lose the original, you can ask them to send it to you. We also suggest leaving a copy of your itinerary with them, so that they always know where you are.

5.Use Public Transport
This is not only the best way to get around in foreign city, it’s also the cheapest. Of course you should always check schedules to ensure you know where you’re going. However, if you’re planning on hiring a car, we suggest booking it online before you go. This is cheaper and when done with a reputable car hire site, you’re assured a car when you arrive.

6.Know the Language (a bit)
Knowing some French before going to France will make your travels so much easier. This allows to get around by yourself much easier and will help should your map fail you with directions. If you don’t know the language, get a pocket translator and make sure that you know useful phrases off by heart.

7.Take More Money
Seasoned travelers will tell you to always take more than you budgeted for. This will act as insurance should something go wrong or when you just see something can’t leave without. We suggest never carrying more cash than you need for a day. Also, make sure to inform your credit card company that you will be leaving the country and to expect purchases made in a foreign country.

These travel tips were brought to you by Essential Travel, the award winning travel add-ons provider.

Andrea Evans, Interior Designer and Owner of InThePinkBoutique.com, shares her top tips for giving your home the much sought-after ”traveled” look.

African interior

Written by Andrea Evans

Bringing a “traveled” ambiance into your home this summer means stirring up feelings of intrigue, romance, and beauty. To achieve this, include art, accent pieces, color, and accessories that range from different decorating periods. Even if you’re on a budget and traveling to international or exotic destinations isn’t in the cards, here are some decorating tips for giving your space worldly appeal:

1. Bring in colors like black, white, royal blue, emerald green, crimson, and gold into a room. Using accessories that include pillows, lamps, painting a wall, and upholstered furniture can bring glamour and style to any type of space.

2. To really bring in a certain type of international destination into a room look for posters of landmarks, nightspots, and buildings.  Looking for black and white postcards, sepia-tones photos, paintings, and etchings makes a room feel like you could almost be living in that city or town.

3. If wanting a European feel, large clocks on the wall can be a focal point in a room. Look for clocks that could be reproductions or shows a scene in the background. It doesn’t even need to work. It just has to look great!

4. Depending on the style of a room, window treatments can make an elaborate statement. Flowing drapery panels, linen or toile panels over shutters or blinds can accessorize any type of room.

5. Using black as an accent color can also unify any element in a room. Bring black into your home using picture frames, fabrics, lampshades, and painted wood furniture. You want to bring black into your home without making things to dark.

6. For light fixtures, bringing a chandelier into a room can help reflect a romantic glow.  You could also add beads, fringe, and cording to simple lampshades to change a look of a lamp.

7. Furniture and accessories do not need to match the elements in your room.  Look for furniture and accessories that look old and used. Antique stores or flea markets are a wonderful place to look.

8. Carving on furniture can be touched up with a burnished gilt to accent any type of architectural detailing from a certain destination.

Andrea Evans is an interior designer and owner of InThePinkBoutique.com.

From Daiwa Sushi and temple sightseeing to traditional Japenese bathhouses and retail therapy in Ginza, Tokyo local Keiya Utsumi offers suggestions on what to do in his hometown.

Written by Keiya Utsumi

The quintessential eastern capital, Tokyo is overwhelming, and first-time visitors expecting an Asian version of New York City are in for a surprise. There’s a kind of commercial energy and enthusiasm here that you won’t find anywhere else, and it’s best to just surrender yourself to the smash high fashion, neon lights and pop culture that pervade the central districts.

Visitors are subject to the urge to do too much, but there’s a kind of sublime undercurrent in Tokyo for those who slow it down and absorb the entire scene in pieces. You’ll find Shinto down alleys behind your hotel; wood-block prints that hint at modern Manga; and, occasionally, a traditional wooden home stuck sideways into a side-street neighborhood.

A Day in the Life

It’s hard to do justice to this city of 12 million people in a single day. If you’re feeling ambitious, plan on getting up well before sunrise.

Tsukiji Fish Market is a good place to start, in part because it’s teeming with life long before the rest of Tokyo has started the daily commute. Daily auctions start at 04:30. After you’ve seen enough, sample the freshest sushi you’ve ever had at an onsite restaurant like Daiwa Sushi or Sushi Dai.

Later in the morning, you might embark on a Sumida River cruise or take a walk through the traditional neighborhoods of Nakamise Dori. Pick up a few inexpensive gifts at the pedestrian market and then walk on to Sensoji Temple. This 7^th-century temple welcomes 20 million devotees each year.

From here, you’ll need to make use of Tokyo’s brilliant public transportation. You may visit the Imperial Palace or Meiji shrine, or skip the sightseeing altogether and head over to Ginza’s up-market shopping complexes.

Best of the Rest

Spend a few days in Tokyo, and the city really starts to open up. Part of the joy of living here is the occasional glimpse into traditional life. Begin this quest at the Edo-Tokyo Museum, which follows the journey from 16^th-century Edo to 21^st-century Tokyo.

After a day or two in Tokyo, a lot of visitors like to explore the surrounding area by day, retiring to the dining and clubbing districts of downtown Tokyo after dark. Kamakura was capital of feudal Japan the 12^th century, and its beaches, shrines and temples make for a great escape from the city.

Mount Fuji

Another solid daytrip destination is Mt Fuji, looming more than 3,700 meters over the cityscape. Visit Hakone National Park and do some hiking around Fuji, whether it’s a leisurely stroll in the lowlands or an ambitious hike to higher ground.

But you don’t have to scale Mt Fuji for sweeping panoramas of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower is 333 meters tall, and it operates two observation decks. Other buildings like the World Trade Centre have a similar setup.

Hidden Gems

Traditional Japanese bathhouses (sento) were once central to local communities. These days, private apartment units have their own baths, and community sentos have lost a little ground. If you have even the slightest interest in taking a traditional soak in a bathhouse, look around the community where you’re based, or ask the hotel staff. Some sentos separate genders, while a few allow mixed bathing. It’s supposed to be a soak, not a bath, so make sure you’re clean before getting in. You’re likely to need your own towel, too.

Accommodation

Hotels in Tokyo are clean and safe, and nearly all of them offer spot-on service. The trade-off, if one exists, is size. Rooms are necessarily small, especially those that are remotely affordable.

Hotels in Tokyo are also universally new. You won’t find many historic inns housed in 16^th-century houses, though it’s possible to book a room in an atmospheric hotel that at least carries on those old-world traditions. This kind of colloquial atmosphere is available in mid-range hotels throughout the central districts.

The cheapest hotels are in outlying districts and aren’t always convenient. In many cases, the money you save by taking yourself out of the city center isn’t worth the time (or added expense) of commuting to sightseeing districts everyday.

First-time visitors are surprised to learn that ‘budget’ accommodation still costs a hundred dollars or more per night. Any indignation quickly wears off when you see the truly deluxe hotels in key districts like Shinjuku or Shibuya. With lots of space and a full set of five-star amenities, rooms in these giants cost three to four times as much.

View from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.

Tokyo at Night

If you arrived in Tokyo by day, you’re in for a surprise. What looks to be drab, urban jungle transforms into a wash of colors and neon lights after dark. One of the world’s most talked-about night scenes is here, but it’s not focused in any one district. Choose from every kind of themed bar you could imagine, along with dance clubs, swanky lounges, hostess and geisha clubs and beer gardens.

Roppongi is the rowdiest night scene, popular with tourists and young Japanese. A few expatriate communities are located on the fringes of Roppongi, so there’s plenty of international restaurants and a few quieter pockets of activity where people that live here go for drinks and conversation. Tokyo’s red-light district is north of Shinjuku Station in Kabuki-cho.

The other major night scene is Shibuya, where affordable watering holes attract office workers and students. The really posh scene is in Ginza, with its fine-dining restaurants, executive hostess clubs and sophisticated performance venues.

Retail Therapy

Cats, cats and more cats

If there is anywhere that could truly claim shopping as its ‘national pastime’, then there’s no question Tokyo would be at the helm. Cutting-edge electronics, up-to-the-minute fashions and traditional folk art are favorite purchases. Be advised that, while many of the gadgets you buy at home were conceived in this city, they’re not necessarily any cheaper here. Some of the best purchases for visitors are antiques and handicrafts at the Oriental Bazaar.

Ginza is a dazzling and up-market commercial district. Dozens of department stores and designer boutiques are here. It’s popular with the moneyed and mature, especially on Sunday when the streets are only open to pedestrians. Harajuku caters to teenagers with its colorful, sometimes bizarre, fashions, while nearby Omotesando draws in their parents with designer boutiques.

Getting There & Away

Tokyo’s Narita International Airport is one of the most important transport junctions in the world. It operates two terminals and offers every traveler service imaginable. Haneda Airport is closer to town and only operates domestic services.

Tokyo is connected to other cities in Japan by train. The network of railways and carriers is admittedly daunting for first-time users, but clear English signage takes some of the stress out of traveling. Shinjuku and Shibuya both have major railway stations.

Getting Around

Tokyo’s metro is an attraction in itself, and it covers more ground than any mass transit system in the world. The above-ground Yamanote Line circles the city center, while a labyrinth of subway lines connect to stations across the interior. If you plan to make the most of Tokyo’s excellent public transport, consider purchasing a discount ticket like the ‘Holiday Pass’. It’s only available on weekends and national holidays, but allows unlimited access to practically every mode of transport in the metropolitan area.

Otherwise, passengers buy a prepaid card that can be recharged when needed. If your card runs out of credit while you’re in transit (i.e. the trip costs more than you thought), you can pay the difference when you exit.

Keiya Utsumi works with remedial children in a specially designed school in Tokyo. He believes he and his colleagues make a big difference in the lives of the children and the parents. His spare time is taken up with his family, painting, writing and reading.

This guest post was originally published at Asian Correspondent.