This post is part of the Digital Nomad project with National Geographic Traveller.

You could call it unfinished business. A day trip to the Great Barrier Reef on Christmas Eve 2000 has since been remembered for a rushed and quickly aborted ‘free introductory’ dive. Once we signalled that our ears didn’t feel quite right, we were brought to the surface from the metre or so we’d stepped down the ladder hanging from the back of the boat, and our lesson was declared over.
So when we were offered the chance to have a half-day beginners’ diving lesson in Aqaba, we were both eager to find out if we really were unsuited to a sub-aqua environment.

We were met at the Red Sea Dive Center by the owner Abdullah, who introduced us to his brother and fellow manager Omar, and Khaled, who along with Omar would take the two of us through our baby steps in the water.

The dive centre is somewhat incongruously up a desert track around 500 metres from the main road which runs from Aqaba to the Saudi border. There was an American couple setting off on a snorkelling trip, but otherwise the place was empty – like most tourism businesses in Aqaba, the dive centre has watched helplessly as visitors have been scared off from coming to Jordan in light of the constant round of bad news from its troubled neighbours. Businesses such as the dive centre would normally expect to be filling up at this time of the year, but instead staff sit idle as rooms and tours remain unbooked.

Once we’d been kitted out and given a short briefing, we headed the short distance to the shore, pulled on our wetsuits and were given our tanks and regulators. The water temperature in the Red Sea is around 21 degrees Celsius at this time of the year; probably a degree or two warmer than the mid-morning air temperature as we stepped into the sea. We were carefully taken through a series of exercises, from breathing properly while wearing a regulator to clearing water from our masks. All obvious stuff to old-hand divers, but to a pair of iffy snorkellers it was a big deal. Omar and Khaled were remarkably patient, and dealt with our general ineptitude with commendable ease and grace.

Soon enough we were away, led by the hand by our respective instructors through the Japanese Garden area of the Aqaba Marine Park. For around 30 minutes we meandered along the sea bottom, reaching what for me at least was the impressive depth of 5 metres. Seeing more water above than below did not feel comfortable, but the coral and fish kept my mind away from any thoughts of underwater panic. Omar pulled out his camera and took a few snaps, and with constant checks to see we were ok, our confidence gradually grew.

My feeble bladder has been a constant curse on our travels, and so it proved today. I may have been a slow learner at the basic skills of diving, but there was no questioning my ability to get out of a wet suit and make a sprint to the beach toilets. We had been due to finish the dive in any case, but I managed to make what should have been a dignified and celebratory exit from the water into an embarrassing scramble.

We were both very grateful for the patience of Omar and Khaled, and left knowing that we could dive after all, given enough of a helping hand.

The Red Sea Dive Center offers beginners’ half-day courses similar to the one we were given, for 40JD (£40), and also runs full PADI certification courses for around 300JD.

You can find my other posts from the Digital Nomad project on the National Geographic Traveller website.

(Photo of us by Red Sea Dive Center)

Learning to dive in Aqaba – new skills and old problems is a post from: 501 Places

I’m excited to introduce the National Geographic Traveller Digital Nomad project, which will see the two of us heading to Aqaba in southern Jordan tomorrow (Saturday) for what promises to be an intensive and fascinating 14-day trip.

Disclosures up front: we are undertaking the Digital Nomad project for APL Media, who produce National Geographic Traveller in the UK, for whom both Sam and I have worked as freelancers over the past couple of years. They are working with ASEZA, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, to promote the destination and launch the Digital Nomad. As part of this I’ll be blogging daily from Jordan, with some posts appearing here and some on the National Geographic Traveller site. I’ll also be tweeting and updating the 501 Places Facebook page along the way. Meanwhile Sam will be taking photos as part of the project, and will be adding some to her Instagram page whenever connectivity allows. We’ll even make a few short video clips which I’ll share via Twitter and Facebook.

I’ve always rejected the notion of putting anything on this blog that doesn’t reflect my experiences and opinions. We have usually paid our own way for our trips, allowing me until now to avoid the question of outside influence on this blog. I’ve been paid to write on other sites for several years, but this will be my first venture where I’ll be getting paid directly to write blog posts about a sponsored trip on here; after 6 years I am, in an indirect way at least, finally monetising 501 Places. I’m very wary of making sure that the stories I post during the trip (both on here and on the National Geographic Traveller site under my byline) are ones which I’ll be happy to read back to myself in the future without embarrassment.

The schedule is certainly busy, and there are several activities which we’re really looking forward to experiencing. A few stand-out items in the itinerary include a 3-day trek to Petra, a beginners’ diving programme in the Red Sea, a spot of Bedouin bread baking, and two nights in a Bedouin desert camp. From a personal perspective we’re very pleased to be heading back to Jordan. It will be my third, and Sam’s second, visit to the country. We saw Petra briefly in 2009, but we’ve regretted ever since how little time we spent there, and how we needed to go back and spend longer at this remarkable site. From the point of view of work, this project is a tremendous opportunity for us both, and one which we’re determined to get right for everybody involved – not just the good people who are paying us to do this, but also the readers of this blog, some of who have been dipping in and out of 501 Places for the last six years.

There will be plenty more to follow over the next two weeks, but for now here are the links to our various social media platforms, along with the inevitable hashtag, #ngtuknomad. Feel free to follow, like, retweet, pour scorn or mute, as you see fit.

Twitter: @andyjarosz

Facebook: 501 Places

Instagram: sameenajarosz

Vine: andyjarosz 

Introducing the National Geographic Traveller Digital Nomad project is a post from: 501 Places

There once was a time (long before I started this writing lark) when airlines were only too willing to offer free flights to travel writers. The usual payback for them was a mention in the factbox at the end of the article that would later be produced. The world has moved on and now you find travel writers frequently bemoaning an airline’s reluctance to offer a seat on a plane, even when the writer is heading out to write an article that might promote one of their most important routes.

It turns out that for many airlines a measly factbox mention is not enough, and those airlines that are willing to give a writer a seat often do so on the condition that they are mentioned not only in the factbox but also in the body of the main article.

So, dear reader, if you’re reading a travel article from a far-flung place and see casual observations like these appear randomly in the text, you may have stumbled across the writer’s not-so-subtle payment to the airline in exchange for their flight.

“As the driver hit each dune with increasing speed we bounced around happily in the back of the jeep, grateful that our Airline X flight had been wonderfully smooth in comparison.”

“I sat watching the sun gently dipping towards the dreamy sand, and looking up I wondered if the vivid vapour trail above was being made by the same Airline X flight on which I had arrived, barely 24 hours earlier.”

“The fields stretched out to the horizon, as verdant as the bold, contemporary logo of the Airline X flight that whisks a steady stream of passengers here from London.”

“We made our way to the remote village squeezed into a make-shift taxi with a dozen locals; a far cry from the generous leg room we had enjoyed with our upgraded Airline X seats.”

“I was following a tip from the man in seat 14A on our Airline X flight, who told me that all the locals like to eat fried chicken out of a cardboard box.”

“I finally tasted the famous local fish curry, which for no particular reason reminded me of the chicken breast with potatoes and baby carrots I’d eaten on the Airline X flight.”

“As I watched the couple eating without exchanging so much as a glance, I was reminded of a scene in one of the episodes of Friends I had watched on the Airline X flight.”

“The writer of the article in the Airline X in-flight magazine I’d read on my journey out was not wrong; this was indeed a splendid land of contrasts.”

Tell-tale signs of a free press flight is a post from: 501 Places

I read a recent article written by a hotel receptionist (I’ve searched through my archives to try and find a link, with no success) that had me banging my head on the desk in frustration (metaphorically, of course). The author was scathing about the inventor of rolling luggage (suitcases with wheels), saying that they had single-handedly destroyed the income of bellhops. With the advent of bags on wheels, hotel customers are now more likely to say “It’s ok, I’ve got it” and take their own luggage up to their room, so depriving the bellhop of their tips. According to the article, whoever thought of these bags is now responsible for “families going hungry at Christmas”.

Emotional Blackmail

This to me epitomises a major failing across much of the hotel industry,  particularly in the US where so many people rely on the age-old practice of tipping to make a modest living. There is a mindset at play that suggests that customers have a responsibility, a moral duty even, to grease the palms of a whole army of people they come into contact with. The maid in the room deserves a few dollars (“I can’t understand those mean people who don’t think to leave a few dollars for the poor folks who make up their room” was a comment I read in a discussion on this topic); I’ve been advised that I should give the guy who drives my car to its parking space 10 yards away a dollar or two if I don’t want a long wait on my return (or even a scratch, according to some); and as for waiting staff, many folks argue that when you enter into a restaurant you as a customer enter into an unspoken contract with your waiter, and that by not tipping by the expected amount, you are breaching that contract. “If you can’t afford a tip that will be expected, don’t use the service”, says Stacey Julien from AARP.

No business sense

To much of the world this mindset makes no sense at all. Surely, when you walk into a hotel it’s not unreasonable to expect the management to have worked out what it costs to run their business: electricity, maintenance, marketing, wages. Yes, that last one. Paying everyone who works for you a fair wage. Once you have worked out these costs, then you factor them into what you charge the customer and hopefully there’s enough in there for you to make a profit too. Is it so hard?

Apparently it is. When a hotel in Chicago opened in 2010 and announced a no-tipping policy, others were quick to criticise. “Certain positions that have always lived off tips—like doormen, uniformed services staff—what would they do?” asked the president of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. Some people clearly feel that the focus of a hotel should be not on the guests’ experience, but on providing a whole army of people who play a cameo role in their stay with a living scraped together from cast-off coins and dollar bills.

No wonder hotel staff bemoan the rolling suitcase, even though it is obviously a good thing for travellers. Goodness knows what arguments will be made when self-parking cars eliminate the need for valet parking (if there was ever a need for it in the first place).

Basic customer service

Surely it’s blindingly obvious that when your business is about delighting your guests and providing them with a hassle-free, enjoyable experience, the last thing you do is drop them into a moral minefield; or worse still, put them into a situation where they are effectively blackmailed into paying upfront if they want their room to be cleaned properly/bag carried and not lost/car returned without an accidental scratch.

If you even start to put your guests’ satisfaction at the forefront of your business model, paying your staff a decent wage and adopting a no-tipping policy would appear to be a no-brainer.

Rule 1 of basic customer service: it’s about the customer, not you is a post from: 501 Places

Budapest has long been an important European capital, sitting as it does pretty much in the centre of the continent and straddling the mighty Danube. A succession of invaders have left their mark on the skyline of Budapest and evidence of 20th century European battles is easy to uncover.

Budapest is home to dozens of high profile museums and galleries, and those who are keen to explore these could easily keep themselves busy for a week. For those looking for a brief taste of the city on the other hand, a 48 hour visit should still allow ample time to enjoy many of the most prominent highlights of Budapest.

Széchenyi Baths

A Budapest institution, the Széchenyi baths are worth visiting even if the thought of spending an hour or two wallowing alongside some of Europe’s most impressive muffin-tops doesn’t appeal. The 100 year old building housing the baths is simply stunning, while the sheer size of the complex makes this spa experience different from any other. Entrance prices vary on time of day and whether you need towels or private cabins but expect to pay around 3600 forint (£10) for your visit.

Take the time to explore the City Park that surrounds the baths. In the winter months the park boasts the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in Europe.

Buda Castle

Dominating the Buda side of the Danube, the castle is worth exploring not only for the fine views over the city but also for the museums that the impressive buildings house, including the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Visit on a Monday (as we did) and you’ll spend your time enjoying the outside of the many buildings on the hill top as the museums observe the Monday closing tradition.

Matthias Church

Built in the 14th century and restored fully in the 1800s, Matthias Church is a beautiful example of the late Gothic style of church construction. With painted walls, ornate balconies and an exterior dotted with many gargoyles, Matthias Church is one of the most popular stops on the Budapest circuit. Catch it between the tour groups that shuffle through and you can enjoy it at its silent best. Particularly interesting is the exhibition detailing the work currently being done to preserve and restore the building. Entrance to the church costs 1000 forint (£2.75).

Parliament Building

This impressive neo-Gothic structure was built at the turn of the 19th/20th century and remains Hungary’s largest building. Perhaps best seen from the Danube and reason enough to take a boat trip along the river. Guided tours of the Parliament are free of charge to EU citizens (bring your passport) although only operate on certain days and are liable to be cancelled at short notice.

Margaret Island

This parkland to the north of the city is a popular place to walk, cycle and take a picnic to enjoy a pleasant green space in the heart of the city. Wander around the ruins of the old convent and you’ll soon stumble upon the tomb of St Margaret, after whom the island is named.

St Stephen’s Basilica

One of the most ornate church interiors you’re likely to see, St Stephen’s Basilica is also pretty impressive on the outside, with a neo-classical facade facing straight towards the river. Wander around the aisles and gaze at the gold-dominated artwork. Views across the city are also available from the top of the bell tower (open in the summer months)

Memento Park

Locals may roll their eyes (and they do) at tourists wanting to see their old communist statues but a visit to Memento Park provides a fascinating insight into life under communist rule. The statues built to glorify Soviet heroes and ideals were shipped to this park in the outskirts of town and now form an odd collection.

Also in the park is a small museum showing old training videos for the secret police. Watch carefully and you’ll learn how to observe people in a park, listen in on your neighbour’s activities and even how to exchange documents discreetly in a public place.

Synagogue

The Dohany Street Synagogue is Europe’s largest and the second largest in the world. The exterior is Moorish in style and covers several street blocks. By all accounts it is well worth a visit, although bear in mind that you can only enter by buying a combination ticket that includes other nearby sites relating to the city’s Jewish past. Tickets start from 2600 forint (£7), so don’t make our mistake in allowing only enough time for a quick look before heading to the airport.

Cave Church

Start at the Hotel Gellert (well worth a look inside for its grand lobby) and climb a short distance up the path to the Cave Church. Created as the result of a painstaking attempt to remodel a hermit’s cave based on the Lourdes Grotto, the resulting church was blocked up during communist times and re-opened in the 1990s. Entry is 500 forint (£1.40) and includes an audio-guide.

Citadel

From the cave church another 20 minutes of serious cardio-vascular exercise brings you to the Citadel, one of the highest points in Budapest. From here you can enjoy splendid city views while you puff and pant loudly enough to let all the lazy hop-on hop-off bus people how hard you worked to get there. When you have your breath back take a look at the old Russian military hardware on display on the outside of the citadel before heading back down to the city.

Practicalities

You’ll hear a lot about the Budapest Card and the fantastic value it offers. We chose not to get one and saved enough as a result to cover a very nice meal. It might pay if you want to visit half a dozen museums a day, eat at the same restaurants as the other card holders and use public transport for journeys that most people can easily cover on foot. If these don’t apply to you, save yourself the money and pay as you go.

Budapest is not an expensive city and you can eat good hearty meals for less than 2000 forint (£5.50) a head. The prices around the main tourist areas are significantly higher so it’s worth venturing away from the crowds. Transport is very reasonable with a bus/subway ticket between the city and the airport costing 480 forint (£1.30) and a day pass on all public transport 1550 forint (£4.30).

We stayed at the Hotel Victoria on the banks of the Danube. The view from our room of the river and the Parliament building was one of the best we’ve had and the room itself was spacious and comfortable. I wouldn’t recommend the hotel for those who have a strong aversion to smoke. There are a few non-smoking rooms but even the common areas have a tobacco stained aroma, although this is not unusual in Hungary. We paid £61 a night, inclusive of taxes and breakfast.

10 Highlights of Budapest is a post from: 501 Places

There was a time around 30 years ago when talking into a large brick was the hallmark of a sophisticated businessman. The mobile phones of the 1980s were barely worthy of the ‘mobile’ tag and must have been an ordeal to hold up to your ears for more than a few moments. Thankfully the cost of calls in those days meant that you didn’t talk for long.

Phones have of course become a lot smaller since then and now weigh very little. They are smarter too, so much so that we can use our phones to take photos, tell us where we are, provide us with instant guidebook information for our immediate location and even track the whereabouts of our friends and family. The world is embracing smartphone technology and much of the innovation going into online communication is focussed on the latest crop of smartphones.

I don’t have a smartphone. My contract is up for renewal in a couple of months and I’m thinking hard whether I should get one. I’m currently the proud owner of a Sony Ericsson antique. It handles calls and texts quite well although I do understand that a good phone these days should not be judged on these peripheral functions. I can browse a handful of pages on my phone (latest scores, Twitter stream, train timetable) but can’t actually do anything much other than look. I can even pick up my emails as long as no images or attachments are involved. Replying to emails is a complicated affair and attempted only in the case of emergency.

While I’m in the UK the phone’s basic functions are enough. I’m normally only a few hours from logging on at home and there is usually access to a PC somewhere if I need it urgently.

When travelling abroad I find my crappy phone really comes into its own. Not for me the battles with trying to get onto a dodgy wi-fi network, worrying about data charges or buying an international SIM card. I’ll sit back and sip my coffee in peace while others attempt desperately to get themselves connected to the wider world.

So what would I gain from a smartphone? I’ll be more connected to the web, that’s for sure. Is that such a good thing? I’m yet to be convinced.

On the one hand I would love to be able to rely on my phone to help me when I get lost on a hike. It would be great to be able to access an Ordinance Survey Map that could locate me accurately and allow me to plot my way home.

On the other hand I quite like the fact that all that information isn’t at my fingertips, especially when we travel to new places. It means I have to find stuff out for myself by trying it and not taking anyone else’s word for it. And that might just mean that I find something that I didn’t expect to discover; surely one of the delights of travelling in the first place.

Perhaps in this day and age I’m missing out in ways I don’t appreciate and even showing my age in not embracing the latest technology. But the more I hear and read about how others rely on their smartphone for so many things on their travels, the more tempted I am to stick with my sorry excuse for a mobile phone a little bit longer.

Why living without a smartphone isn’t really that bad is a post from: 501 Places

An increasing number of people are shunning the traditional news outlets of TV and newspapers and are looking to the online world to get their daily news fix. While the evidence of this shift in news consumption is not in dispute, is there a parallel change in how news stories are sourced and produced? Is professional journalism being shunned in favour of the sofa soap-box and bedroom punditry?

At last week’s CIMTIG seminar an impressive panel of media luminaries debated the influence of social media (mainly Twitter) in setting the agenda for the media. Moderated by Danny Rogers of the Brand Republic, the panelists were: Carla Buzasi, Editor in Chief of the  Huffington Post; Robin Grant, Managing Director of We Are Social; Steve Keenan, Online Travel Editor of The Sunday Times; Allan Lambert, Head of Retail Sales at Bourne Leisure Ltd; and Paul Steele, the travel blogger and Twitter heavyweight better known as The Bald Hiker.

During the lively and informative 90 minute debate each speaker offered insights from their own distinctive viewpoint, although I got the feeling at the end that we were no closer to answering the question posed in the seminar title ‘Whose Voice is it Anyway?’

It’s increasingly the case at seminars on social media the bulk of the conversation seems to be about Twitter. Certainly in terms of spreading news it is streets ahead of any other platform. The ability to send a newsflash, perhaps with a photo attached, and have that shared by millions in a matter of minutes is what Twitter does best.

But is social media actually driving the new agenda or is it mainly a tool that helps spread stories in a way that was never previously possible?

Look at the most influential Twitter news sources in the UK – they are mainly the established news channels. BBC, Channel 4 and Reuters are all consistently retweeted when they share breaking news on Twitter, as are the national newspapers who now need to constantly produce and update stories. Along with well-known news organisations it is the famous journalists and reporters that we know from TV and radio who carry the most influence online.

The millions of amateur broadcasters out there can influence how far and how fast a message is spread, but perhaps we still rely on the same old sources to establish credibility for those messages.

A striking exception to this has been in the Middle East this year. In the complete absence of a free press several brave individuals, often risking their lives to do so, have taken on the role of reporter to the outside world and have used Twitter as their medium. Here, Twitter really has driven the news agenda, with the BBC and other networks often relying on, and even quoting, those on the ground who have been sending out messages of hope and distress.

So perhaps the old sources of news retain more influence in today’s world than we give them credit for. Perhaps that is something for which we should be thankful.

Where the online world does have a powerful influence is in ensuring that the stories that people care about get the attention that they deserve. Time and time again the online world has exposed those who have tried to bury their story away from the public gaze. Whenever individuals or corporations have tried to suppress negative stories by unseemly PR tactics or by legal methods that have appeared dishonest, the masses have used Twitter to give that story the maximum coverage. Here, just as elsewhere in the world, Twitter is most effective at driving the news when the truth is being hidden.

Disclosure: I was provided with a media pass that allowed me to attend the CIMTIG  seminar free of charge

Does Twitter really drive today’s news agenda? is a post from: 501 Places

Are you promoting a part of the world that has nothing particularly special going for it? Perhaps your city or region has a few nice waterfalls, a row of 100 year old buildings and a few hills. You need to create an impression that you live in a place that’s truly special.

Fear not. It’s never been easier to fool the mass market. All you need in that one special word. Surely there is no better word to get your message across than unique.

If there is a less unique word that marketing and PR folks sprinkle in press releases and ad campaigns I’ve yet to see it. Here are just a few examples of its completely inappropriate use I’ve picked out from the web:

“Zurich offers a unique mix of adventure, enjoyment, nature and culture”

“Superbly located with unique panoramic views over the City” (a prestigious hotel in London)

“Garden City Center. With a unique mix of sophisticated shops, eateries, and boutiques, our charming village design invites open-air shopping in all seasons”

And one from my home city, “Welcome to St Albans, where speciality boutiques and independent retailers rub shoulders with major stores and international names, making the city a unique shopping destination”.

What exactly does the word unique add to any of these descriptions? Presumably the people behind the creation of these promotional slogans must be of the firm belief that to be unique is a status to which one should aspire. Perhaps they are right, but not in any of these cases does the word unique seem right. Surely to suggest that having the ability to take a walk, visit some shops and have a cup of coffee in the same town on the same day is unique stretches anybody’s definition of uniqueness.

Depending on your philosophy in life you may believe that nothing is unique (hasn’t almost everything already been said and done at least once?) or perhaps that everything is unique (aren’t we all different; isn’t every day different from the last; are no two towns the same?) Even if we take this latter approach where everything is unique, then being unique is no longer anything to talk about.

Some people will go to ridiculous lengths to be unique and still fail. You’d think that if you created something utterly ridiculous you would be able to legitimately use the unique label, but even this is not clear cut. The Australian town of Woombye could have been excused for believing they were truly unique as the only place in the world that is home to a giant 16 metre pineapple. A bigger one however has been erected in Bathurst, South Africa, and with another one having stood in Hawaii some time ago it seems that even a giant pineapple is not reason enough to claim uniqueness.

It’s worth pondering why someone would even consider unique to be such a desirable label to claim. Surely if there’s only one of something it’s often because it’s actually not very good and nobody has wanted to copy it. Perhaps if imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, then calling something unique is the best back-handed insult?

I don’t expect to change anyone’s habits with this post; there’s nothing unique about it after all. But next time you’re about to slap that over-used label onto your product, service or destination just ask yourself: is it really unique and if so, is that actually such a good thing?

Is anything really unique? is a post from: 501 Places

We’re coming towards the end of our month in Japan and it’s fair to say that this will be remembered as one of our best trips. As with any good trip it has had its ups and downs (my next post will list the things in Japan that I won’t miss once I’m back in England), but the following factors about travelling in Japan make it a place I will happily return to if the opportunity arises.

Little apparent risk of theft – I’m sure crime does occur in Japan but pickpockets and muggers are very rare. It’s very refreshing to be able to let your guard down about carrying large sums of cash and not have to worry about meeting undesirables in the streets.

Good cheap food – Japan has long had a reputation as an expensive destination, yet we have not found this to be the case. I’ll list our financial outgoings for the trip in another post but our most expensive meal has come in at under £30 ($50) for two of us. More typically we have spent around half that amount. For that money we have tried a wide variety of Japanese dishes including local specialities as we’ve made our way around the country, although to be fair we have avoided the fancier restaurants.

Exceptional service  – wherever we have been the levels of service have been very high. Even with the language barrier people have gone out of their way to help us. As an example we asked a hotel manager to phone a boat company for us to check if a departure was sailing. When he learned that it wasn’t he then made a call the next morning on our behalf to see if the situation had changed even without our suggestion.

Staff and shops, restaurants and hotels have been unfailingly polite and competent. On the rail network the attention to detail and the courtesy of the staff is a refreshing change for most western visitors.

No tipping – maybe more of an issue for some than others but I have loved every moment of just paying the bill and leaving to bright and cheery thank yous all round. I firmly believe that service should always be fully included in the cost of any item – paying the wages of employees is the responsibility of employers, not customers. Tipping has not yet taken hold in Japan – long may that remain the case.

Cleanliness – I’ve written about the fancy toilets in my previous post but the attitude to cleanliness extends far beyond the hotel bathroom. Public loos are generally very well maintained, restaurants are clean and hand sanitiser gel is readily available in many places. I still find the sea of faces behind a mask a little odd but it is just another visible symbol of the importance of hygiene in Japan. I don’t want to tempt fate here, but to date I have eaten pretty much whatever I fancy and have never had to worry.

Free internet at most hotels – every Japanese town has a range of business hotels, usually concentrated near the station. Rooms are clean and affordable, if a bit bland and small. Very importantly for many folks, free LAN internet access comes as standard in all hotels. Even the Crowne Plaza we stayed in had to offer complimentary internet, proving that it can be done here even if they choose not to offer it elsewhere.

Lack of hassle – Japan is one of the world’s most developed nations and there is relatively little visible evidence of poverty (although it is there: look around the stations of Tokyo and you will see homeless people just as in Europe). As a foreigner you are not seen as a walking sack of dollars (or yen) and so attract little interest from vendors and hawkers. In fact I suspect that they consider the Japanese tourists to be a far more promising sales target as they are likely to have more cash to spend on presents and souvenirs.

Convenience stores – on every block in the cities and in even the smallest towns we stayed in, the convenience stores really are a tourist’s best friend. From a cheap lunch option (pre-packed sushi, fresh hot food, sandwiches with their crust cut off) to a fix for late night munchies,  you can be confident of a warm welcome and good service. Many of the staff are students and will have a decent knowledge of English which they will practice on you.

These are just a handful of the factors that for me make Japan a very easy and comfortable travel destination. And I haven’t even mentioned how fast and reliable the trains are (but then everyone knows that already). If I’ve missed anything out feel free to add in the comments below.

Holiday in Japan – travelling the easy way is a post from: 501 Places

I don’t think I’ve ever met a person who doesn’t enjoy sharing their travel tips. Tell someone who spends the same week every year in the same hotel in the same English seaside town that you’re heading that way and they’ll happily spend all day telling you where you should go for a good cup of tea, which path you should take for your morning stroll and whether the local museum of collectable matchboxes is best visited in the morning or after 4pm when the crowds start to thin. Mention Thailand or New York to others and you’ll have enough ideas to last you a lifetime of visits. But just how much information from others do we need before setting off on a trip?

Information overload

In the pre-internet age searching for information on a destination we were about to visit was relatively uncomplicated. We could buy a guide book and perhaps get advice from friends who happened to have been to that part of the world. Beyond that we were left to create our own adventures that would then be shared over dinner or a pint to whoever would listen.

Now we are spoiled for choice with people willing to help us plan our travels. If we post our travel plans on Facebook or Twitter people invariably soon chip in with their experiences and suggestions. We can read any number of blogs, watch video clips and search dozens of travel articles that provide us with an incredible amount of information about our destination.

How much does this seemingly unlimited bank of knowledge help us? Can too much information actually detract from our travel experience?

Which tips are useful?

There is no doubt that some advice is very handy. Knowing for example that a particular town has limited accommodation that all gets booked up weeks in advance is useful to know (especially a few weeks in advance of your arrival). Likewise that a ferry that is advertised as running daily is frequently cancelled due to bad weather; good to know if you’re planning your flight home on the following day.

But these are the type of hard facts that have always been found in the guidebooks (the good ones at least). What about those tips about that amazing bar that you simply must visit, or the people who tell us about the gallery of one-armed impressionist painters that is a 30 minute bus ride from the centre of town and that should be our no.1 priority? Clearly if we’re not big into art or indeed into visiting bars then such advice is going to be ignored. One person’s highlight is another person’s waste of time and money.

Making room for surprises

I’m not suggesting that we should completely ignore the mountain of advice that is available to us. A little bit of knowledge can help us get around more easily and can save us time and money. Sometimes another person’s tastes happen to be a close match to our own and a recommendation instantly appeals. But as our ability increases to meticulously plan every detail of a trip, perhaps we should take a step back and consider just how much room we are leaving for spontaneity and serendipity. After all if we think back on our own travel highlights, for most of us these will be made up of those encounters and discoveries that nobody told us about and that we had never expected before we set off.

A tip for planning a trip: don’t listen to travel planning tips is a post from: 501 Places