Japanese style toilet

It won’t be big surprise for you if you have been traveling in countries like Russia as you could see similar toilets there too.
Don’t worry if you afraid you don’t know how to use it.  In most public toilets you’ll find both (Japanese and Western) style toilets. In hotels there are Western style toilets so won’t be any problems to use it there.
It was another main issue with public toilets in Japan. Toilet paper usually is not provided in public washrooms. Paper towels or dryers are not always available too. So always carry paper tissues with you in case you’ll need to use public toilet.

Check here for instructions how to use Japanese style toilet.

Japanese style toilet is a post from: Travel Tips

Sydney. Dragon boat race

23 January – 1 March. A Photographic Retrospective of the Chinese New Year Parade will be still open at Customs House, Circular Quay.

18 January - 6 May. Dragons exhibition at Art Gallery of NSW. See dragons depicted in ceramics, textiles, jade, metalwork, calligraphy and painting from the gallery’s collection.

4-5 February. Dragon Boat Race at Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour.

19 February. Short film festival’s Tropfest main event will take place at The Domain. Go there early as place fills up very quickly.

What’s on in Sydney in February, 2012 is a post from: Travel Tips

Be careful you are tweeting about

Did you already read this recent story about British couple sent back home by US Department for Homeland Security because of tweet made by the guy?

Be always careful what your are posting on social networks.   It doesn’t matter is it Twitter or Facebook or Google+ or any other social network. It public space which can be read by anybody. Especially with privacy rules changed so frequently by these networks (Facebook is the worst on this list) any information you think is hidden can suddenly become available to millions. May be all these networks should introduce some warning system to inform you about existence of some inappropriate information in your message you are ready to post or tweet?

Share this story with your friends to make them alert.

Be careful what you are posting on social networks is a post from: Travel Tips

On NZ Transport Agency website you can find details of new rules, illustrations and explanations.  Hopefully it will reduce confusion for tourists travelling in NZ and it will be less accidents on roads of New Zealand.

Give way rules are changing in New Zealand is a post from: Travel Tips

Isn’t it cool? It is not such effective as compression sacs, but it would be very useful  if you are on long term (Round The World) backpacking trip and need clothes for all kind of weather. This sacs won’t help much to compress t-shirt, but sweaters  or jackets  will take less space within it.  You can buy such sacs at amazon.com. It cost only 10-15$US depending on size. But be careful to check size first before buying any of these bags as larger ones may not fit inside your backpack, so should choose it depending on size of backpack.

Travel essentials. Compression Sacs is a post from: Travel Tips

Train in India

You most likely will use train if you are planning trip to India. I should disappoint you if you are hoping to get train tickets when you’ll be in India. It is better to buy tickets in advance ff you want your trip to be without hassle. During my preparation I find out that tickets on some routes were sold out even two months in advance. So don’t wait till last minute.
The next question: where to buy these tickets? There is railway tickets reservation system (IRCTC) funded by Indian Government but is not very user friendly. Also you need to have Indian phone number as otherwise you won’t be able to register there.
The best site to make your tickets reservation is Cleartrip which is created with IRCTC association but looks much easier to use and there more search options which helps you faster to find tickets you need.
I hope this will help your trip planning and enjoy India.

Where to buy train ticket in India is a post from: Travel Tips

Chiang Mai Temple by Quinto Sol, on Flickr

Guest post by Joe

Thailand has been a popular tourist destination for some years, with holidaymakers flocking to the south-east Asian country for its idyllic islands, luscious jungles and bustling cities – and one location that should be on your itinerary if you are planning a holiday in Thailand is Chiang Mai.

Most people head straight to Bangkok when flying to Thailand, with the capital city offering them world-acclaimed restaurants, vibrant nightlife and plenty of historical attractions. However, you might also want to make time to stop in Chiang Mai, as this metropolis provides tourists with the opportunity to experience busy city life in Thailand, as well as venture deep into its abundant rain forests.  One of the first things you could do after arriving in the area is take a trip around the many impressive temples that can be found in the city.  Head to Wat Chiang Man, which is the oldest temple in Chiang Mai. It was built in 1296 by King Mengrai and remains one of the most breathtaking of the city’s religious buildings.

Among the other popular temples to visit are Wat Prasat, Wat Phra Sing and Wat Phan Tao.  However, if your visit to Chang Mai is about getting back to nature and seeing Thailand’s ancient hill tribes, you will want to book a tour through its mountainous jungles.  Spend a couple of days walking through the humid forests and enjoying spectacular views of fresh waterfalls and steep green hillsides. You may even wish to join one of the tribal communities for a night and experience their rustic way of life, which remains detached from any form of modernity.

Make the experience even more memorable by taking a river trip on a bamboo raft or by opting for an elephant ride through the overgrown jungle.

Chiang Mai is also a popular destination for those keen on brushing up on their culinary skills, as it is home to many Thai cooking schools. By taking part in these foodie workshops, you can learn from locals and expert chefs about how to create some authentic and delicious Thai recipes. Not only will you get to watch the meals being prepared, but you can have a go at making them yourself – and, of course, sample your efforts at the end. You will be able to impress your friends with your new repertoire of Asian cooking when you return home, as well as be able to taste the spicy flavours whenever you wish to, which is sure to bring your experience in Chiang Mai rushing back to you.

With so many hotels to choose from, you are sure to find accommodation that allows you to make the most of your stay in the city, while also enjoy a luxurious break away.

Whether you choose to orgnanise your own trip or sign up to tours offered by companies, you are sure to find your trip to Chiang Mai is one of your best holidays yet.

About the Author: Joe is a travel blogger who is well-versed in South East Asia. Although the region isn’t as culturally rich, he’s thinking of going on Caribbean holidays this year. You can keep up with Joe on his blog, Total Travel Blog.

What to do in Chiang Mai is a post from: Travel Tips

Is it very expensive? Cherry blossom season is coming in Japan and a lot of people would love to visit Japan, but afraid it can be very expensive.

Actually it is not so expensive. Except transport. I want o list expenses I had on my 10 days/9 nights visit to Japan. It was couple years ago and prices probably are up now, but it still can be good for orientation.

Currency exchange rates you can find at XE.
In Tokyo I had where to stay, so it didn’t cost anything, but in Hakone and Hiroshima I think it is possible to find cheaper accommodation to keep average price at ¥2000 per night
I didn’t include souvenirs or some snacks to this list, but that doesn’t cost much.
As you can see the price for 10 days visit would be around 1200USD/900EUR, but more then half of it is price for transport. If you are staying in one place and not alone as I was (you can save on accommodation) the price will be half of this and that won’t look so expensive.

Travel cost in Japan is a post from: Travel Tips

Yes, you can still do it, as there is no ban yet. But do you really need to do it.  Please read this post about Uluru climb and hopefully you will change you mind and will enjoy this majestic rock from the distance.

Climbing Uluru rock in Australia is a post from: Travel Tips

Unfortunately you can’t do it.  Occasionally in Thailand scuba divers can see whale sharks, but these are rare cases. The swimming with whale sharks tours is the best way to see these creatures. And Australia is one of best places in the world to go on these tours. You can check here tour prices and best time for tours.

Diving with whale sharks is a post from: Travel Tips