Tokyo

Capital and the largest metropolitan area not just of Japan but of the world, Tokyo is a sprawling city that encompasses every aspect of Japanese life and exploring the city is an adventure in itself; perfect for family vacations.

Much of the wonder of Tokyo comes from its man-made attractions. The towering skyscrapers of the Shinjuku district form a unique and excitingly futuristic skyline. A hub for nightlife, it is home to many upmarket hotel bars with panoramic city views.

‘Downtown’ Tokyo is found in the Ginza neighbourhood, which is bursting with Japanese and foreign shops and boutiques. A shrine to consumerism, it is twinkling with neon lights and a shopping heaven for those rearing to go with the credit card.

Japan’s history stretches back thousands of years and is rich, intricate and fascinating. For a taste of more traditional Tokyo, visit Asakusa, the temple-district reminiscent of bygone eras, including the Sensoji Temple, the oldest in Tokyo.

Beyond the Capital

Taking your family vacations or individual tours onward from Tokyo is pleasantly straightforward; the country is efficiently served by trains that travel to all corners of the nation.

Japan beyond the capital is very much more traditional. Kyoto is renowned for its beauty. Its architecture, culture and history offer an experience that shouldn’t be missed out on. It houses imperial palaces, temples, shrines and gardens, including the Golden Pavilion and seventeen of these ancient structures have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Osaka is where visitors will find Osaka Castle and, further down the road, the centuries old Himeji Castle, the most visited castle in Japan.

Most people are aware of the havoc wreaked on Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the atomic bomb during WWII. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is Hiroshima’s most famous landmark. Also visit the Peace Memorial Museum. It is disturbing but an important piece of world history that should not go ignored.

Rural Bliss

Japan’s scenery is beautiful and also the perfect setting for adventure trips. Visit Daisetsuzan National Park, located on Hokkaido, which boasts hot springs, volcanoes, lakes, forests and mountains.

The iconic Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain and a photography favourite is also not to be missed. Often shrouded in cloud, it is also popular for hikers and climbers alike.

For an ultimate glimpse of traditional Japan, travel to isolated Nikko, a town of shrines, temples and bridges set against a natural backdrop of forests, mountains and ravines. Other traditional cultural symbols can be found in the form of the outdoor Daibustu, otherwise known as the ‘Great Buddha’, a giant bronze statue in Kamakura. The ‘floating torii’ (shrine gate) in Miyajimathat that appears to rise out of the lake waters, is another famous symbol of Japan.

Japan is a fascinating mixture of ancient tradition and modern obsession, a place where past meets present. Its scenery is lush, mysterious and calming, in stark contrast to its bright insomniac cities. Whatever you decide to do in Japan, be sure to get a taste of both of these worlds on offer!

AUTHOR BIO:
Anita Heard is a regular contributor to travel blogs and websites. Her adventure trips abroad have taken her far and wide, most recently in exploration of the nations of the Far East.

Ever since the time of the Roman Empire, Italy has played an important role in European and world affairs, and this makes it a very popular tourist destination. With a heritage and culture dating back over two thousand years combined with great weather, beaches and even skiing opportunities, it is hardly surprising that it is one of the most visited countries in the world. Whilst there are an abundance of hotels to choose from, camping in Italy is also possible, with hundreds of camping grounds situated throughout the country.

  A typical camping scene from the Dolomites in Italy.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15278121@N02/5960395121/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Why Camp in Italy?

Camping in Italy gives the opportunity to see this interesting country from a unique perspective. It is especially suitable for those who wish to get closer to nature in the beautiful interior and mountain regions, as well as people seeking more economical ways to stay near to the beaches and cities. There are all manner of campgrounds available throughout the country, from the most basic, accessible only by hikers in the wilderness areas, to large resort like campgrounds with facilities such as swimming pools. Staying on a campsite gives the chance to pitch up a camping tent, meet other tourists, both local and from overseas, and a bottle of wine shared with new friends beneath a star filled sky on a warm Italian night is the perfect way to end a day!

Italian Attractions

Italy has so many things to see, with so much history, that it might be difficult knowing where to begin. It goes without saying, that Rome is Italy greatest attraction, and is one of the most visited cities in the world. The heart of the ancient Roman empire, there are still visible remains of this era today in the form of the Coliseum, a huge amphitheatre where gladiators fought to the death. Another important attraction, is the Vatican. Classified as its own country, this small complex is the home of the Pope, who is the religious leader of the Catholic faith.

A beach scene from Sardinia, Italy – another one of the many attractions in Italy. This beach has a campsite  nearby.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/danskinner/2538227363/sizes/m/in/photostream/

There is much more to Italy than just Rome and the Vatican though. The city of Venice, with its beautiful canal networks vies with Paris to be the most romantic city on the world, and the Tuscany region is known for its incredible landscapes, wine and leaning tower of Pisa. It was also the birthplace of many of the most prominent artists from the Renaissance period including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The country also consists of islands such as Sicily with its own unique culture and attitude, and the most wonderful beaches and coastal scenery imaginable.

Conclusion

A camping holiday in Italy is the perfect way to see this fascinating country, especially if undertaking a longer tour. The ability to arrive at a campground, and either set up a tent or park a motor home gives much more flexibility over what can be see and done during the vacation time than pre-booking hotels. Camping in Italy also offers the chance to have a closer bonding experience with a family, can be more economical and is generally more fun! The north of Italy can be comfortably reached within a day’s driving from most European countries, including the UK, and there are many flights into most major cities for those that would prefer to fly.

– bus, train. The bad news here is that, as you have probably noticed, most of the places worth visiting for rural tourism are very distant and no train or bus goes there.

The first place I can think of, that can be reached by public transport, is Hotel Villa Rosario which is situated in Ribadesella. It is accessible by both bus and train. Other hotel is Eutimio – it is in Lastres (can go there by bus). Next on the list is Hotel la Cepeda or Arredondo in Celorio (train). Of course your choice will be two or three more places if you don’t have a car, but if you do own one, then you should pay attention to http://www.casonasasturianas.com Lots of areas which are good for visiting. Of course it all depends on your taste but I’m sure that you will be able to find what you are searching for.

This photo of Villa Rosario

Since I’ve never been to a rural tourism I can’t give you a really nice feedback but I can tell you what a friend of mine who have been told me. He was not satisfied with the experience but I don’t remember neither the place he was nor the hotel he stayed in. It was something like “Madrid apartments” but I am not sure. He was with his own car and he stopped at the first place that caught his attention. Probably this is why he disliked it. My advice for you is to read some internet reviews before going on a trip, especially if you don’t have a car. It will be quite unpleasant to go on a certain place by bus or train and realize that it is not the same as it was on the pictures on internet.
As I told you before, Spain has lots of places appropriate for rural tourism so this is why many people have been there. Therefore a big part of them have written reviews on internet, some of which you can find on the site above. I think that this type of tourism will become more and more popular with the years since most of the people are bored with their daily routine in the big city. After all nobody likes the constant dirt, noise of cars and people with bad attitude. Going on a rural tourism in the mountains will help you realize how different and people there are. Everything is better, the air is clean, people are friendly and you will see how relaxed you will be after spending some days on fresh air.

Before your trip to Spain you should consider Learn Spanish in Spain

Britain is a beautiful island with a great diversity of landscape and climate. There are also various cultures, as any visit to Wales or Scotland will attest to. England also has different regions, from north to south and east to west and there are plenty of places you can visit for a very enjoyable holiday.

First and foremost, a holiday in England means no passports, no travellers’ cheques and no visas or vaccinations. Everyone speaks the language. Having endured many years of hanging around airports and getting crammed on to a small plane to arrive at a new destination at some ungodly hour of the night, nothing seems better than getting into your own car and driving to your holiday destination.

There are many options to choose from, including city breaks, seaside holidays, activity holidays, countryside holidays, canal-boat holidays, caravan holidays, camping holidays, luxury holidays – the list is endless. Each and every region of England has its attractions and reasons for visiting. We recognise the different regions of France, Italy and Spain but tend to disregard the idea of different regions in England, but it is really true to say that England’s regions are as distinct as other places. Travel from Cornwall to Lancashire, for example and you will see a different landscape, type of architecture and cuisine.

We often think about holidays on the coast or in the countryside but city breaks are great in this country too. With a wide range of museums, open spaces and a huge variety of restaurants, a trip to London has everything, as does a trip to other great cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Bristol and Newcastle.

For those who prefer the great outdoors, there is plenty of choice. England has a huge and varied coastline, from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover to the rugged shores of Cornwall and everything in between. If you want to escape the sea, then inland areas are equally attractive. The Cotswolds, the Lake District, the Peak District, Dartmoor, the North Yorkshire Moors and Exmoor all offer opportunities for fabulous activity holidays or just the chance to get back to nature and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The weather is cited as one reason why people prefer to go abroad. To be fair, it is a consideration but holidays in England are so much more than sitting on a beach. Sunning yourself on a deckchair is brilliant but there are other things to experience on an English holiday. There is culture, history, zoos, theme parks, museums, theatres and city attractions which make the weather almost an irrelevance.

England has much to attract visitors. Our history is long and there is a wealth of culture in every part of the country. Alternatively, the natural beauty that is so accessible is also wonderful. Millions of visitors come to England every year to enjoy the coast, the countryside, the cities, the culture, the football and the fashion – to name just a few of the attractions. It is probably about time that English people started visiting and appreciating the delights of England too.

Author BIO: Having travelled far and wide Graham Bale is an authority in travel tours of various types and especially cycling holidays. Here he dwells on the opportunities present in England.

Every year the Foodnight festival has different program, but it is always open to people of all ages and is free of charge. This year it will present the Vegetable Orchestra, the Kasba band, and some Dutch poetry. Besides the music and the food, there will be also interesting art and dance performances. And all those cultural events are done with the street foods on focus. It should be said that the foodnight festival in Amsterdam is an interesting event that is not only about the food, but about the story that stays behind the food served at the event. During the festival are being promoted the healthy and organic food and the local production, but also traditional meals from all over the world by total of 60 entrepreneurs. It is good to know that visitors could buy fruits and vegetables, from the producers who present their production. Besides the music, the art and the food, during the time of the festival are also being presented different local crafts.

This photo of Amsterdam

The Foodnight in Amsterdam is currently a one day event in September, which is organized in Amsterdam East, Javaplein – Javastraat. As above said it has different program for each year and for the last year 2011 it welcomed the artists Kasba band, Esther Groenenberg, Leeway, DJ Ishtar, Del Nortel and Barana Quintet. The dance performances were from the Dance Academy Fontys Rhine and Ijssel. There is no program for the coming festival, as it is too early, but still if you are eager to know, you can contact the organizers of the Foodnight in Amsterdam festival through their website http://www.foodnight.nl/ or on their Facebook page.

This photo of Amsterdam

Before visiting the festival, there is one good advice to take and this is to go there hungry and taste as many of the dishes offered as possible in order to learn about new meals and ingredients. In case you have time, go to the Street Museum, where you can watch a short program of approximately half an hour that is a kind of a documentary focused on the Vegetable Orchestra. In the movie you will be able to see how does the band use vegetables as musical instruments. The Foodnight in Amsterdam is a new but fun event and thus every new edition is worth to be experienced.

Spain is also famous with its food and if you decide to go there you should look for accommodation in apartment Barcelona and apartment Madrid.

 

This photo of American Museum of Natural History

The first site that will be mentioned is the American Museum of Natural History (web site www.amnh.org), which is placed near Central Park West and is open for visitors every day. In this place are presented all natural sciences and there is also a Natural Science Center that presents all the animals, plants and rocks in the area of the city. The next on my list is the Metropolitan Museum of Art (web address www.metmuseum.org), which is set near the Fifth Avenue. This museum is among the largest museum in the world and is home to many permanent exhibitions. The children under the age of 12 can enter free of charge and the rest should pay as they wish. On Lincoln Square is located the Museum of American Folk Art (web page www.folkartmuseum.org), which works every day except on Mondays. It presents many objects demonstrating the folk art tradition on the continent from the 16^th century onwards.

Among the best visited museums in New York City is the Museum of Modern Art (web address www.moma.org) on West Street. It is closed on Monday though. Another important museum is the Guggenheim Museum on Fifth Avenue, which has collections that are acclaimed worldwide. Another great site that should be visited is the Museum of Television and Radio (web address www.mtr.org), which works every day but Mondays. This museum contains more than seventy years of broadcasting history.  On Madison Avenue could be found the Whitney Museum of American Art (web address www.whitney.org), which works every day except on Monday and Tuesday. Here is located a great collection of American art, including more than 12 000 works of sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs, etc.

The other sites that provoke the attention are the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue that features more than six million volumes. This place is closed on Monday and Sunday. The other site is the Piermont Morgan Library, also closed on Mondays. This place hosts a great collection of rare books and manuscripts, as well as art. Today the library has a garden court enclosed by glass. Other places that are great to be seen are the Hayden Planetarium near Central Park West. It has great exhibits that could be touched like the huge meteor for example. New York Aquarium is also a great place to visit, especially if travelling with kids.

Another interesting city in USA is Miami where you can rent apartments Miami of if you are looking for destination in Europe you can go to France and stay in apartment Paris.