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mans [undisclosed] 2008-11-06T04:11:03Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/16-5-1.pdf for the application form.
Kanrikyoku (入国管理局) 入国管理局) in Sendai:
1. Take the SENSEKI line (仙石線) one stop east from Sendai station, to Tsutsujigaoka station (140 yen). (You can walk to Tsutsujigaoka station by going out of the east (i.e. back) exit of Sendai station and walking along Miyagino Dori avenue. It is the big street running directly out and away from the station past Yodabashi. Stay on the left-hand side of the road and Tsutsujigaoka station is about 10-15 minutes along.
2. Go out exit number 1 (to Miyagino Dori and Tsutsujigaoka park). This will put you on Miyagino Dori avenue.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-11-06T04:11:34Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go You need to buy a revenue stamp for your permits. One for a single re-entry permit costs 3,000 yen and is valid for one trip abroad; one for a multiple re-entry permit costs 6,000 yen and is valid for as many trips as you want to take, while your current visa is valid. You cannot buy these stamps at the Immigration Office - you need to buy them at a post office before you go.
desk. Or %5BOr you can go to the post office first and ask for the stamps. You can show them the Kanji kanji above and ask for 'kitte' (切手）They (切手)%5D They will give you a number and you wait until your number is called. Go at 9am and the process is pretty quick. Further For JETS further details can be found in your ALT handbook and your 'bible' (JET diary). JET diary.
http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/16-5-1.pdf for the application form.
Directions to Immigration Office (Nyukoku Kanrikyoku (入国管理局) in Sendai:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-11-06T04:11:18Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Re-entry permit (sainyuukoku kyokashou 再入国許可証):
during workign working hours and must go into Sendai. Sendai. If you leave Japan without it, they will take your gaijin card and you may find yourself in trouble.
You need to buy a revenue stamp for your permits. One for a single re-entry permit costs 3,000 yen and is valid for one trip abroad; one for a multiple re-entry permit costs 6,000 yen and is valid for as many trips as you want to take, while your current visa is valid. You cannot buy these stamps at the Immigration Office - you need to buy them at a post office before you go.
Take your passport and your gaijin card. You have to fill out an application which you can download off the internet. Write it before you go and when you get there show it to the front desk. They will give you a form which you take to the post office. There you buy the stamps and receive a slip which you bring back to the immigration office and show the person at the front desk. Or you can go to the post office first and ask for the stamps. You can show them the Kanji above and ask for 'kitte' (切手）They will give you a number and you wait until your number is called. Go at 9am and the process is pretty quick. Further details can be found in your ALT handbook and your 'bible' (JET diary).
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-11-06T03:11:07Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Re-entry permits, visas, sending luggage, money, etc...
Re-entry permit: permit (sainyuukoku kyokashou 再入国許可証):
BEFORE you leave Japan you MUST get a re-entry permit. Get it as soon as you can! You will need to go in school time so use any free time given in the summer wisely. during workign hours and must go into Sendai.
You need to buy a revenue stamp for your permits. One for a single re-entry permit costs 3,000 yen and is valid for one trip abroad; one for a multiple re-entry permit costs 6,000 yen and is valid for as many trips as you want to take, while your current visa is valid. You cannot buy these stamps at the Immigration Office - you need to buy them at a post office before you go.
desk. They Or you can go to the post office first and ask for the stamps. You can show them the Kanji above and ask for 'kitte' (切手）They will give you a number and you wait until your number is called. Go at 9am and the process is pretty quick. Further details can be found in your ALT handbook and your 'bible' (JET diary).
http://www.moj.go.jp/ONLINE/IMMIGRATION/16-5-1.pdf for the application form.
Directions to Immigration Office (Nyukoku Kanrikyoku (入国管理局) in Sendai:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-07-08T10:07:02Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited to the airport Buses to Tokyo from Miyagai (all sites in Japanese):
- a fairly recent bus company that does overnighters from Sendai overnighters, but seems to Narita Airport (makes a stop in Tokyo as well) for ￥3500. have stopped doing Sendai. Site is in Japanese and you can pay through the green machines at conbinis.http://www.489.fm/ - Sakura buses - cheap and to many places, not just Tokyo (Japanese)http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm - buses to and from all over the place!http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html - details in English on different buses and links to the booking sites (which may be only Japanese)Buses can be booked with HIS (and possibly other travel agents) too. Prices will vary.
From Tokyo to Narita:
The Kesei line from Nippori to Narita town (or vice versa) only costs 750 yen and takes 1hour 15 mins. Nippori is only 1 stop away from Ueno. It's 1000￥ to the airport itself.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-07-08T10:07:43Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited to the airport Buses to Tokyo from Miyagai (all sites in Japanese):
(english pages)￥4000, pages), from ￥3500, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Disney, Airport (overnight)- can be booked through HIS.http://www.busde-tabi.com/ - a fairly recent bus company that does overnighters from Sendai to Narita Airport (makes a stop in Tokyo as well) for ￥3500. Site is in Japanese and you can pay through the green machines at conbinis.http://www.489.fm/ - Sakura buses - cheap and to many places, not just Tokyo (Japanese)http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm - buses to and from all over the place!http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html - details in English on different buses and links to the booking sites (which may be only Japanese)Buses can be booked with HIS (and possibly other travel agents) too. Prices will vary.
From Tokyo to Narita:
The Kesei line from Nippori to Narita town (or vice versa) only costs 750 yen and takes 1hour 15 mins. Nippori is only 1 stop away from Ueno. It's 1000￥ to the airport itself.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-07-08T10:07:42Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited to the airport Buses to Tokyo from Miyagai (all sites in Japanese):
buses)http://www.orion-tour.co.jp - or http://www.orion-tour.co.jp/english (english pages)￥4000, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Disney, Airport (overnight)- can be booked through HIS.http://www.busde-tabi.com/ - a fairly recent bus company that does overnighters from Sendai to Narita Airport (makes a stop in Tokyo as well) for ￥3500. Site is in Japanese and you can pay through the green machines at conbinis.http://www.489.fm/ - Sakura buses - cheap and to many places, not just Tokyo (Japanese)http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm - buses to and from all over the place!http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html - details in English on different buses and links to the booking sites (which may be only Japanese)Buses can be booked with HIS (and possibly other travel agents) too. Prices will vary.
From Tokyo to Narita:
The Kesei line from Nippori to Narita town (or vice versa) only costs 750 yen and takes 1hour 15 mins. Nippori is only 1 stop away from Ueno. It's 1000￥ to the airport itself.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-07-08T10:07:34Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited to the airport Buses to Tokyo from Miyagai (all sites in Japanese):
- ￥6210, Tokyo(day and night buses)http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/highway_img/masamune2.html all over the place but doesn't seem to do Sendai - Narita any more!http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/highway_img/masamune2.html - ￥6210, Shinjuku (day and night buses)http://www.orion-tour.co.jp - (english pages)￥4000, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Disney, Airport (overnight)- can be booked through HIS.http://www.busde-tabi.com/ - a fairly recent bus company that does overnighters from Sendai to Narita Airport (makes a stop in Tokyo as well) for ￥3500. Site is in Japanese and you can pay through the green machines at conbinis.http://www.489.fm/ - Sakura buses - cheap and to many places, not just Tokyo (Japanese)http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm - buses to and from all over the place!http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html - details in English on different buses and links to the booking sites (which may be only Japanese)Buses can be booked with HIS (and possibly other travel agents) too. Prices will vary.
From Tokyo to Narita:
The Kesei line from Nippori to Narita town (or vice versa) only costs 750 yen and takes 1hour 15 mins. Nippori is only 1 stop away from Ueno. It's 1000￥ to the airport itself.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-07-08T09:07:35Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited to the airport Buses to Tokyo from Miyagai (all sites in Japanese):
8th 2008)http://www.tobu.co.jp/tohoku/bustime.html 2008)http://www.tobu-bus.com/pc/index.php - ￥6210, Tokyo(day and night buses)http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/highway_img/masamune2.html - ￥6210, Shinjuku (day and night buses)http://www.orion-tour.co.jp - (english pages)￥4000, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Disney, Airport (overnight)- can be booked through HIS.http://www.busde-tabi.com/ - a fairly recent bus company that does overnighters from Sendai to Narita Airport (makes a stop in Tokyo as well) for ￥3500. Site is in Japanese and you can pay through the green machines at conbinis.http://www.489.fm/ - Sakura buses - cheap and to many places, not just Tokyo (Japanese)http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm - buses to and from all over the place!http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html - details in English on different buses and links to the booking sites (which may be only Japanese)Buses can be booked with HIS (and possibly other travel agents) too. Prices will vary.
From Tokyo to Narita:
The Kesei line from Nippori to Narita town (or vice versa) only costs 750 yen and takes 1hour 15 mins. Nippori is only 1 stop away from Ueno. It's 1000￥ to the airport itself.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-07-08T09:07:52Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited to the airport Buses to Tokyo from Miyagai (all sites in Japanese):
Tokyo station.http://www.tobu.co.jp/tohoku/bustime.html station. This site appears to not be working at present (July 8th 2008)http://www.tobu.co.jp/tohoku/bustime.html - ￥6210, Tokyo(day and night buses)http://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/highway_img/masamune2.html - ￥6210, Shinjuku (day and night buses)http://www.orion-tour.co.jp - (english pages)￥4000, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, Disney, Airport (overnight)- can be booked through HIS.http://www.busde-tabi.com/ - a fairly recent bus company that does overnighters from Sendai to Narita Airport (makes a stop in Tokyo as well) for ￥3500. Site is in Japanese and you can pay through the green machines at conbinis.http://www.489.fm/ - Sakura buses - cheap and to many places, not just Tokyo (Japanese)http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm - buses to and from all over the place!http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html - details in English on different buses and links to the booking sites (which may be only Japanese)Buses can be booked with HIS (and possibly other travel agents) too. Prices will vary.
From Tokyo to Narita:
The Kesei line from Nippori to Narita town (or vice versa) only costs 750 yen and takes 1hour 15 mins. Nippori is only 1 stop away from Ueno. It's 1000￥ to the airport itself.
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T04:04:36Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited contributors Ryan Mcdonald
Nishmita Bhamra (Malaysia)
...and many many people from the Travelling Jets mailing list.
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T04:04:48Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited Malaysia If combining your trip with a visit to Singapore, save money on accomodation by staying here instead. Southern most city of Malaysia, just hop on a bus to Singapore, go through immigration twice then get on the train in Singapore to get around quickly and easily. It can sometimes be busy crossing the border (rush hour) but is gets you lots of cool stamps in your passport (check your visa restrictions first).
Sorry for a late reply and I don't know if it will much help to you now. Firstly I warn you that I have only spent time in this area because my granparents have lived there and secondly it isTerrenganu
It's only recently that this area has become anything more than a collection of sleepy little fishing villages. Anyway the area I can tell you about is Terrenganu, its It's situated in north malaysia North East Malaysia and has some of the best untouched beaches in the world. It is probably the most islamic state in Malaysia and also one with the highest percentage of Malays so it is culturally different from other parts of Malaysia with more immigrants and has preserved more of the traditional malay food. the The islands of the coast are stunning and not filled with tourists like on the west side of malaysia (for example Langkawi), I recommend pulau redang Langkawi).
Pulau Redang is highly recommended, but its it's quite easy to island hop between the other islands (sorry i cant remember the names) with local people but people. But beware if you go out to the islands its it's difficult to get boats back and there is a severe shortage of budget accomodation! there is also lake kenyir there which
Lake Kenyir is quite a nice but not any different from any other lake and waterfalls which i think are a fabulous place to go and camp for a few nights but sekayu waterfalls Sekayu Waterfalls are very popular with the locals so it could be busy in the winter holiday period. the
The next state north is Kelantan and has got amazing forests where it is possible to see cloud leopards (although i have never heard of anyone actually seeing any) but beware that this state borders the muslim Muslim state in thailand Thailand which has had many troubles recently. sorry this was written in a rush, hope it provides some inspiration! recently.
Sabah and Sarawak (Borneo)
The more wild parts of Malaysia, off the main penninsula. Sabah's more of a wildlife destination than Sarawak. If you're more interested in native Iban culture and drinking yourself blind with arak in a riverside longhouse, consider Sarawak instead. Sarawak's also got caves at Gunung Mulu, a variety of trekking trails (including the evocatively named Headhunters Trail), a great beachside national park at Bako (where you can see proboscis monkeys), and a thriving cultural center in Kuching.
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T03:04:58Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited Malaysia to stay:
hotel. http://www.swissgarden.com/hotel/sikl/default.asp Or train one stop to Pasar Ceni and about a 10 min walk through the China town market streets. http://www.swissgarden.com/hotel/sikl/default.asp
Hotel China Town Inn - close to the Swiss Garden, around teh same price. Really friendly staff, internet in the lobby, tvs in the rooms. Standard rooms have no window so pay the extra few dollars/pounds for a deluxe. It is worth taking a room on the back with a fabulous view of the KL Tower (Menara KL)http://www.chinatowninn.com
Rainforest B&B - great location. Close to a night market, a large mall and convenient to all public transportation.
to see
Johor Bahru
If combining your trip with a visit to Singapore, save money on accomodation by staying here instead. Southern most city of Malaysia, just hop on a bus to Singapore, go through immigration twice then get on the train in Singapore to get around quickly and easily. It can sometimes be busy crossing the border (rush hour) but is gets you lots of cool stamps in your passport (check your visa restrictions first).
Sorry for a late reply and I don't know if it will much help to you now. Firstly I warn you that I have only spent time in this area because my granparents have lived there and secondly it is only recently that this area has become anything more than a collection of sleepy little fishing villages. Anyway the area I can tell you about is Terrenganu, its situated in north malaysia and has some of the best untouched beaches in the world. It is probably the most islamic state in Malaysia and also one with the highest percentage of Malays so it is culturally different from other parts of Malaysia with more immigrants and has preserved more of the traditional malay food. the islands of the coast are stunning and not filled with tourists like on the west side of malaysia (for example Langkawi), I recommend pulau redang but its quite easy to island hop between the other islands (sorry i cant remember the names) with local people but beware if you go out to the islands its difficult to get boats back and there is a severe shortage of budget accomodation! there is also lake kenyir there which is quite nice but not any different from any other lake and waterfalls which i think are a fabulous place to go and camp for a few nights but sekayu waterfalls are very popular with the locals so it could be busy in the winter holiday period. the next state north is Kelantan and has got amazing forests where it is possible to see cloud leopards (although i have never heard of anyone actually seeing any) but beware that this state borders the muslim state in thailand which has had many troubles recently. sorry this was written in a rush, hope it provides some inspiration!
Sabah and Sarawak (Borneo)
The more wild parts of Malaysia, off the main penninsula. Sabah's more of a wildlife destination than Sarawak. If you're more interested in native Iban culture and drinking yourself blind with arak in a riverside longhouse, consider Sarawak instead. Sarawak's also got caves at Gunung Mulu, a variety of trekking trails (including the evocatively named Headhunters Trail), a great beachside national park at Bako (where you can see proboscis monkeys), and a thriving cultural center in Kuching.
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T03:04:51Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited contributors Carrie Fischer (Vietnam)
(Sri Lanka) Lanka, Philippines)
Ryan Mcdonald
...and many many people from the Travelling Jets mailing list.
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T03:04:11Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited The Philippines Easter
was travelling throughEaster (in late March or early April) can be an interesting time in the Philippines during Easter last year -- Philippines. Easter Sunday itself is not as bad as Good Friday (the day you're flying in), Friday, when pretty much everything shuts down. The capital city Manila will be totally quiet that weekend. That That said, things like the whale shark outing (in Donsol, yeah?) Donsol) shouldn't be a problem -- - the only trick will be getting a bus ticket out of Manila, since everybody else heads for the provinces around that time as well. If If you can, I'd arrange that bus ticket well in advance.
Easter in the Philippines can be pretty wild in the provinces. If you arrive early enough on March 21, On Good Friday, you can check out the very unique and very morbid crucifixion re-enactment ceremonies in Pampanga, about 1.5 hours north of Manila, during which a number of people actually allow themselves to be nailed to crosses and hoisted up in the middle of a field while festival-goers munch on cotton candy and stereo speakers all around blare "Stairway to Heaven." Different strokes for different folks, I guess. Heaven."
Diving:
http://www.asiadivers.com/asiadivers/index.php
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T03:04:55Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited The Philippines Do not go down to the most southern part of the Philippines. Terrorist groups linked to Al Qaida, are active there and they have taken foreigners hostage in the past.
Easter
was travelling through the Philippines during Easter last year -- Easter Sunday itself is not as bad as Good Friday (the day you're flying in), when pretty much everything shuts down. The capital city will be totally quiet that weekend. That said, the whale shark outing (in Donsol, yeah?) shouldn't be a problem -- the only trick will be getting a bus ticket out of Manila, since everybody else heads for the provinces around that time as well. If you can, I'd arrange that bus ticket well in advance.
Easter in the Philippines can be pretty wild in the provinces. If you arrive early enough on March 21, you can check out the very unique and very morbid crucifixion re-enactment ceremonies in Pampanga, about 1.5 hours north of Manila, during which a number of people actually allow themselves to be nailed to crosses and hoisted up in the middle of a field while festival-goers munch on cotton candy and stereo speakers all around blare "Stairway to Heaven." Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Diving:
http://www.asiadivers.com/asiadivers/index.php
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T03:04:35Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited FrontPage Countries appearing at present:
AustraliaBaliCambodiaChinaEuropeGuamHong KongIndiaKoreaLaosMalaysiaMyanmar KongIndiaKoreaLaosMalaysiaThe Middle EastMyanmar (Burma) Nepal The PhilippinesRussiaSri LankaSingaporeTaiwanThailandTibetVietnam
Also:
where to bookto the airporthealth and insurance infotop tips before you gotravelling between countrieslinks and infocharity tripscontributors
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T03:04:00Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited SideBar Countries
Malaysia The Middle East Myanmar (Burma) Nepal The Philippines Russia Sri Lanka Singapore Taiwan Thailand Tibet Vietnam
where to book
to the airport
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T02:04:55Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited The Middle East Jump in a dhow(boat) and cruise down Dubai Creek marvelling at the world's biggest infrastructure site which is Dubai. The Old Town will be at one end and the most modern and elaborate hotels and buildings on earth will be at the other. Get off at either side you please and browse around.
taxi
with with aircon might be your best bet. It will probably cost at MOST 1500 yen to get from the far end of Dubai city to the other. (Most people in Dubai are actually from India and they speak English.) You can set a fare before you get in a taxi, too.
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T02:04:37Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda added The Middle East false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T02:04:18Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited The Philippines http://www.asiadivers.com/asiadivers/index.php
Siquijor Dive Safari - A Miyazaki ALT has created these tours for ALTs who want to explore other parts of Asia. "Get out from hibernating under your kotatsu and come to the Philippines for some sun, tropical fruit and white sand beaches.
Siquijor Dive Safari runs trips over winter and Golden Week, and may expand to other times if demand is there. It is great trip for scuba divers and non-scuba divers to explore the islands and the sea.
Please contact Osa Relacion and Tata Relacion at osarelacion@yahoo.com for details of the package, pricing, and more information.
Websites:
http://www.tourism.gov.ph - for further information and accommodation.
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T02:04:18Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited Europe Quench your thirst at the Heineken Beer Factory.
Getting around:
Flights
Cheap airlines in Europe are:
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T02:04:10Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited Europe Take a canal cruise of the city. It's a wonderful way to see lots of Amsterdam in a short time.
Visit the Sex Museum - yes, it really exists!
Quench your thirst at the Heineken Beer Factory.
Flights
Cheap airlines in Europe are:
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T02:04:55Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited Europe HowIt's a huge place, but far away so maybe not the top destination for most ALTs! You may find yourself with a layover there whilst off home, or want to do a whistle-stop tour.
Where to go:
Holland
Amsterdam:
Check out the Ann Frank House to get about cheaply while a bit of history
Rent a bicycle - the city is totally flat and very cycle friendly
Take a canal cruise of the city. It's a wonderful way to see lots of Amsterdam in Europe. a short time.
Flights
Cheap airlines in Europe are:
]]> false amanda [undisclosed] 2008-04-10T02:04:42Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 amanda edited top tips before you go http://www.tsa.gov/index.shtm - home page for U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Very useful if you are planning to fly there (or back from there)
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/ - lots of official travel advice for Australian travellers but has links to sites for Canadians, Brits and Americans.
Visitor visa information is very easily available online. Check out the following site for a list of all countries and links to find out their visa requirements depending on visitor nationality: http://www.projectvisa.com/fullcountrylist.asp
Make sure you have enough pages in your passport for all your visas and stamps when travelling. Some places require five or six empty pages. Many countries can no longer get extra pages added. For US citizens check http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/add/add_850.html
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-03-08T00:03:52Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited where to book There has been a lot of bad press recently concerning Japanese travel agents charging foreigners more. This is due to a supposed idea that they will only use the outward bound part of the ticket leaving the travel agent to pay the fine imposed by the airline. It is always worth shopping around and if you are travelling with a Japanese friend, get them to book it. Also if you make inquiries on the internet, prices will be given before you give your name.
hotels, flights, flights (only those starting in the US), car hire, etcGot Japanhttp://www.gotjapan.com/traveling/traveling_overseas_from_japan.php - links to different travel agents.HIT travelzakir@hittravel.co.jp - Zakir has wonderful English and is very helpful. All transactions can be done via email and they are prompt to reply.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-03-08T00:03:33Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited where to book There has been a lot of bad press recently concerning Japanese travel agents charging foreigners more. This is due to a supposed idea that they will only use the outward bound part of the ticket leaving the travel agent to pay the fine imposed by the airline. It is always worth shopping around and if you are travelling with a Japanese friend, get them to book it. Also if you make inquiries on the internet, prices will be given before you give your name.
ngo-land@iace.co.jphttp://www.iace.co.jp/english/Etourhttp://www.etour.co.jp/en/STA Travelhttp://www.statravel.co.jp/en/index.htmlAir Travelhttp://en.statravel.co.jp/cps/rde/xchg/jp_division_web_live_en/Air Net Travelhttp://www.airnetjapan.com/index2.htmTravelocityhttp://www.travelocity.comJet Set Japan - use the flight finder link and they will mail your enquiry to local agents who will get back to you within a few dayshttp://www.jetsetjapan.com/http://www.flightfinderjapan.com/ffj_home.html to go directCas Tourhttp://www.castour.com - good for last minute airfares but all in Japanese.Pricelinehttp://priceline.com - booking hotels, flights, car hire, etcGot Japanhttp://www.gotjapan.com/traveling/traveling_overseas_from_japan.php - links to different travel agents.HIT travelzakir@hittravel.co.jp - Zakir has wonderful English and is very helpful. All transactions can be done via email and they are prompt to reply.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-02-17T01:02:28Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited China ALWAYS bring toilet paper and your own soap. Their bathrooms NEVER have either. In fact only use the toilets if you are desperate - they are truly the worst in the world. Many have no doors and just a channel in the ground for you to squat over. And so dirty, even at major tourist sites. There are many public toilets in the street which cost a very small fee. They're slightly better and you can often buy paper at the entrance.
in Shanghai** Shanghai (not cold enough to snow). Dress in lots of layers, because even if you don't think 40 degrees is cold, you're walking in the streets or markets, or even some quasi-indoor places like the Forbidden City'' City and you will get cold. Dress for proper winter weather. Also, the buildings aren't always as heated as we're used to (kind of like Japan) so sometimes it's still cold even when you're inside!
Be careful exchanging travellers' cheques. Though there should be no fees if American Express is exchanged at an office that receives them, staff can be quite keen to add on extra fees at leisure. Always ask for a receipt and check the amounts match. You may have to argue a bit to get the full amount.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-02-17T01:02:17Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited China false mans [undisclosed] 2008-02-17T01:02:07Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Cambodia The management are great and they don't charge the extra 5-10% tax on the rooms - so the price is the price. The airport pick-up is free. (Other hotels charge you 5-6 dollars for pick up.) http://www.lavillaloti.com resinf@lavillaloti.com)
Villa Coconut(Coconut__Villa Coconut__(Coconut Villa?) - around US$13 a night with A/C, hot water and cable.
to see:
The Temples! Dating from 9th - 13th centuries. Must sees: Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider back drop), Angkor Wat (most famous), Bayon (hugh faces watching you), Terrace of Elephants.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-02-17T01:02:29Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited to the airport Buses to Tokyo from Miyagai (all sites in Japanese):
Tokyo (Japanese)
http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm (Japanese)http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm - buses to and from all over the place!
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html place!http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html - details in English on different buses and links to the booking sites (which may be only Japanese)Buses can be booked with HIS (and possibly other travel agents) too. Prices will vary.
From Tokyo to Narita:
The Kesei line from Nippori to Narita town (or vice versa) only costs 750 yen and takes 1hour 15 mins. Nippori is only 1 stop away from Ueno. It's 1000￥ to the airport itself.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-02-17T01:02:49Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited to the airport Buses to Tokyo from Miyagai (all sites in Japanese):
Tokyo (Japanese)http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html (Japanese)
http://www.hotdog.co.jp/bus/info/news/cam_tohoku.htm - buses to and from all over the place!
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2366_sendai.html - details in English on different buses and links to the booking sites (which may be only Japanese)Buses can be booked with HIS (and possibly other travel agents) too. Prices will vary.
From Tokyo to Narita:
The Kesei line from Nippori to Narita town (or vice versa) only costs 750 yen and takes 1hour 15 mins. Nippori is only 1 stop away from Ueno. It's 1000￥ to the airport itself.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-02-16T04:02:41Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Korea Seoul Tower - fantastic views of the city, especially at night. You can catch a cable car up to to the base of the tower, or a bus from Chung-muro subway stop.
and stunning. stunning. NEWS FLASH - the Namdaemun gate was destroyed by an arsonist on about 10th February 2008! Scaffolding went up quickly and repairs will be made. Watch this space for updates.
Gyeongbokgung - the main palace in the centre of Seoul. Take a few hours to wander round and look at the gardens and buildings.
The Hammering Man - a bizarre huge moving statue close to the museum of history.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2008-02-16T04:02:31Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Korea Seoul Backpackers Hostel - best place for your first night's stay. In a great spot near the subway and Insadong. Staff are friendly, there's a wealth of info in the lounge, but they have a curfew. http://www.seoulbackpackers.com
Emerald_Emerald Motel - close to Insadong, subways and airport bus 602-1. Cheap, TV, tea and coffee, hot and cold water on tap, many rooms have free internet (and complimentary condoms!). Rooms US$40.
Stay Korea - you can stay in dorm or private rooms. It's decent and clean and is in the university district so lots to do. http://www.staykorea.co.kr/ Contact them direct at Tel: 02-336-9026; Mobile: 011-9026-2627; staykorea@yahoo.co.kr http://www.staykorea.co.kr/
Seoul Guesthouse - Perfect location in a 100-year-old hanok with very friendly hostess/manager Mrs. Lee. Accommodations are spartan but the place is atmospheric and cheap. http://www.seoul110.com
Kim's Guesthouse - http://www.kimsguesthouse.com/
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T12:08:48Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Children should think that their parents provide for their needs. If they know they can get things from tourists - money or food, or even little things like pens, they start believing that tourists are the source of what they need. They lose respect for parents, while teaching them to beg more.
it
makes makes the kids feel bad too.
If you want to help, give to an established group instead. There are lots in the area. For example, there is a store that sells crafts made by land mine victims. You can buy your omiyage there. It`s located on the way to Bantay Srei. There is also a shop on the
south south side of Old Market. They sell student`s artwork. 100% of the proceeds goes to the students themselves.
Also - remember that the more you frequent local stores, the more money goes directly into local pockets. Unfortunately, most hotels are foreign run, but the people who work there appreciate tips for good service. 100% of those tips goes to them. Be generous with your driver and wait staff too. Know the prices beforehand, and don`t bargain too hard. A dollar to them is worth so much more than a dollar to you. Keep your dollars in local
hands."
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T12:08:32Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go It's very difficult to stay ethical when you travel or know 'the right thing to do'. Here is one ALTs useful advice -
Last but certainly not least -- DO"DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING TO CHILDREN!
As As a veteran of travel in many developing countries, two time
volunteer volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, and former Peace Corps
Volunteer, Volunteer, I can`t stress this enough. It helps no one - not the
kids, kids, not their parents, not us. Only if you are a member of a
volunteer volunteer organization - and sometimes not even then - should you
give give anything to children.
Children should think that their parents provide for their needs.
If If they know they can get things from tourists - money or food, or
even even little things like pens, they start believing that tourists are
the the source of what they need. They lose respect for parents, while
teaching teaching them to beg more.
Tourists are hit with gangs of children asking for pens or
stickers. stickers. These kids got something from other tourists in the past,
or or heard about others getting things. Some tourists respond to
these these requests with anger. It makes the tourist feel bad, and it
makes the kids feel bad too.
There
are are lots in the area. For example, there is a store that sells
crafts crafts made by land mine victims. You can buy your omiyage there.
It`s It`s located on the way to Bantay Srei. There is also a shop on the
south side of Old Market. They sell student`s artwork. 100% of the
proceeds proceeds goes to the students themselves.
Also - remember that the more you frequent local stores, the more
money money goes directly into Cambodian local pockets. Unfortunately, most
hotels hotels are foreign run, but the people who work there appreciate
tips tips for good service. 100% of those tips goes to them. Be
generous generous with your driver and wait staff too. Know the prices
beforehand, beforehand, and don`t bargain too hard. A dollar to them is worth
so so much more than a dollar to you. Keep your dollars in Cambodian
hands. local
hands."
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T12:08:32Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Write your gaijin card number on the final departure card that was stapled in your passport when you first arrived incase you lose your card at some point. This should help you get back in the country.
Be Ethical
It's very difficult to stay ethical when you travel or know 'the right thing to do'. Here is one ALTs useful advice -
Last but certainly not least -- DO NOT GIVE ANYTHING TO CHILDREN!
As a veteran of travel in many developing countries, two time
volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, and former Peace Corps
Volunteer, I can`t stress this enough. It helps no one - not the
kids, not their parents, not us. Only if you are a member of a
volunteer organization - and sometimes not even then - should you
give anything to children.
Children should think that their parents provide for their needs.
If they know they can get things from tourists - money or food, or
even little things like pens, they start believing that tourists are
the source of what they need. They lose respect for parents, while
teaching them to beg more.
Tourists are hit with gangs of children asking for pens or
stickers. These kids got something from other tourists in the past,
or heard about others getting things. Some tourists respond to
these requests with anger. It makes the tourist feel bad, and it
makes the kids feel bad too.
If you want to help, give to an established group instead. There
are lots in the area. For example, there is a store that sells
crafts made by land mine victims. You can buy your omiyage there.
It`s located on the way to Bantay Srei. There is also a shop on the
south side of Old Market. They sell student`s artwork. 100% of the
proceeds goes to the students themselves.
Also - remember that the more you frequent local stores, the more
money goes directly into Cambodian pockets. Unfortunately, most
hotels are foreign run, but the people who work there appreciate
tips for good service. 100% of those tips goes to them. Be
generous with your driver and wait staff too. Know the prices
beforehand, and don`t bargain too hard. A dollar to them is worth
so much more than a dollar to you. Keep your dollars in Cambodian
hands.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T12:08:18Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited links and info http://www.1000traveltips.org/index.html - links for loads of countries - hotels, personal useful tips and articles.
http://www.thelongwanderer.com - one person's site of all their travels - tips, information, history and fabulous pictures.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T12:08:15Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited China Chairman Mao Mausoleum - a real dead pickled famous person! This is the only time chinese people queue. No photos are allowed and you have to sign your bags in across the road before you join the queue. (in Tiananmen Square)
eating, drinking and clubs:
Beijing is a great place to party.
Wudaokuo is mostly aimed at college students since there are a lot of universities in the area -
Propaganda - usually pretty good crowds and not too expensive prices more of a club style
Blah Blah Bar - actually inside a university and more of a chill bar.
Bus Bar near the workers stadium is an acutal bar made out of a bus.
Highway - if you really want to splurge. They've a cover charge and the drink menu is pricy for Beijing. The bartenders are mostly female wearing Japanese school girl uniforms and most of the ladies in there are amazingly hot (hookers?)
Chaoyang Park area is more for the international business crowd so they have a lot of great places but they cost more.
Pick up That's Beijing magazine - it's all in English and they have address and info of all the places to go.
Xizhimen - great for restaurants.
Shanghai
Shanghai is cheaper to fly into than Beijing. Another Modern city.
The food is fabulous and there are some great food markets to see a strange variety of things, anything from eels being skinned on the side of the street to tiny turtles stacked 30cm high in boxes. Recommended just for the food alone.
Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou. TheThe city is ok, OK, but the main reason why we went there to go is out ~40min about 40 minutes outside of the city they've got city. There is great hiking around the Pagoda Forest and tons of shaolin Shaolin temples. I don't know if I would recommend it during the winter since it will be cold and I don't know what the hiking would be like. The hiking was is amazing, but sadly we did find one ALT found a dead body (I don't think this happens very often) (!) on the trail so be sure to hike in a group and bring water if you go. Beijing is an awsome city, but also the prices for room are more. I spent most of my time in Xizhimen, Wudaokuo and Chaoyang park area. You can do the whole touristy thing and see Tiananmen square, forbidden city, Great wall. But the best things about the city is if after you've done all the toursty stuff in the south, it's a great place to party. Wudaokuo is probably my favorite place to go since it is mostly aimed at college students since there are a lot of universities in the area. Propaganda (usually pretty good crowds and not too expensive prices more of a club style), Blah Blah bar (actually inside a university and more of a chill bar), Pure girl, Baby or something named that. There's this new place that opened up that's really popular it usually costs 50rmb (~8$) for all you can drink, if you ask some any foreigner college student in the Wudoakou area they should know. And my personal favorite Bus bar near the workers stadium (Yes, you guessed it, it's an acutal bar made out of a bus). If you really want to splurge you can go to Highway. I only went there because we had this chinese guy take us but I think they've a cover charge and the drink menu is pricy for Beijing but this guy was mostly paying so it worked out, but the bartenders are mostly female wearing japanese school girl uniforms and the for some reason most of the ladies in there were amazingly hot (wouldn't be suprised if some of them were hookers). It might be cold though during the winter to go there. Chaoyang park area is more for the international business crowd so they have a lot of great places but they cost more. Pick up a magazine of That's Beijing, it's all in English and they have address and info of all the places in Beijing. Finally the food, Beijing has awsome restaurants. I went mostly in the Xizhimen area so I don't know if you want to go all the way over there. There is a really good Uygur restaurant in the Xizhimen area, there's a big compound setup by the government for Uygur diplomats from Xinjiang. I can't really explain how to get there but maybe if you're in the area and can speak chinese you can explain it to the taxi driver. Also there is a really good Bai minority restaurant (again I don't remeber how to get there but I think there are only two in the city located right next to each other, I could ask my friend if you really want to know). But the best thing about beijing is to just walk around and you'll find good restaurants. And where ever you are, eat Chwar (or Char) the character looks like two square pieces of meat with a line going throught it and that's what it is (meat on a stick). The lamb char is amazing especially with beer, and each stick costs only half a 1rmb so it's 16 sticks of meat for a $1.
And you've got to try arguto, you can get it in the little convinene stores almost anywhere. It's cheap and probably made from jet fuel, but it ranges for 40-60 proof alcohol. And it's what the old men in China drink and I think part of chinese culture. go.
TRAINS - IMPORTANT NOTES - book early in August. There are loads of students travelling around. A hard seat overnight is not as bad as you'd think and you get to talk to locals, often students with great english. Hard sleepers are comfortable but the bottom one is used as everyone's seat so you may want to go for the top, especially if you're tall (spread out into the luggage space). The middle bunk is the cheapest and has least space.Copy out the kanji and try to book them yourself as you can pay a fortune booking through agents. Agents and hotels are good if you are stuck. Allow lots of time to get your train - stations are huge busy places and you need to go through a security check to even get through the door. Arrive at least an hour in advance. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
useful links:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T12:08:55Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited China The food is fabulous and there are some great food markets to see a strange variety of things, anything from eels being skinned on the side of the street to tiny turtles stacked 30cm high in boxes. Recommended just for the food alone.
Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou. The city is ok, but the main reason why we went there is out ~40min outside of the city they've got great hiking around the Pagoda Forest and tons of shaolin temples. I don't know if I would recommend it during the winter since it will be cold and I don't know what the hiking would be like. The hiking was amazing, but sadly we did find a dead body (I don't think this happens very often) on the trail so be sure to hike in a group and bring water if you go. Beijing is an awsome city, but also the prices for room are more. I spent most of my time in Xizhimen, Wudaokuo and Chaoyang park area. You can do the whole touristy thing and see Tiananmen square, forbidden city, Great wall. But the best things about the city is if after you've done all the toursty stuff in the south, it's a great place to party. Wudaokuo is probably my favorite place to go since it is mostly aimed at college students since there are a lot of universities in the area. Propaganda (usually pretty good crowds and not too expensive prices more of a club style), Blah Blah bar (actually inside a university and more of a chill bar), Pure girl, Baby or something named that. There's this new place that opened up that's really popular it usually costs 50rmb (~8$) for all you can drink, if you ask some any foreigner college student in the Wudoakou area they should know. And my personal favorite Bus bar near the workers stadium (Yes, you guessed it, it's an acutal bar made out of a bus). If you really want to splurge you can go to Highway. I only went there because we had this chinese guy take us but I think they've a cover charge and the drink menu is pricy for Beijing but this guy was mostly paying so it worked out, but the bartenders are mostly female wearing japanese school girl uniforms and the for some reason most of the ladies in there were amazingly hot (wouldn't be suprised if some of them were hookers). It might be cold though during the winter to go there. Chaoyang park area is more for the international business crowd so they have a lot of great places but they cost more. Pick up a magazine of That's Beijing, it's all in English and they have address and info of all the places in Beijing. Finally the food, Beijing has awsome restaurants. I went mostly in the Xizhimen area so I don't know if you want to go all the way over there. There is a really good Uygur restaurant in the Xizhimen area, there's a big compound setup by the government for Uygur diplomats from Xinjiang. I can't really explain how to get there but maybe if you're in the area and can speak chinese you can explain it to the taxi driver. Also there is a really good Bai minority restaurant (again I don't remeber how to get there but I think there are only two in the city located right next to each other, I could ask my friend if you really want to know). But the best thing about beijing is to just walk around and you'll find good restaurants. And where ever you are, eat Chwar (or Char) the character looks like two square pieces of meat with a line going throught it and that's what it is (meat on a stick). The lamb char is amazing especially with beer, and each stick costs only half a 1rmb so it's 16 sticks of meat for a $1.
And you've got to try arguto, you can get it in the little convinene stores almost anywhere. It's cheap and probably made from jet fuel, but it ranges for 40-60 proof alcohol. And it's what the old men in China drink and I think part of chinese culture.
TRAINS - IMPORTANT NOTES - book early in August. There are loads of students travelling around. A hard seat overnight is not as bad as you'd think and you get to talk to locals, often students with great english. Hard sleepers are comfortable but the bottom one is used as everyone's seat so you may want to go for the top, especially if you're tall (spread out into the luggage space). The middle bunk is the cheapest and has least space.Copy out the kanji and try to book them yourself as you can pay a fortune booking through agents. Agents and hotels are good if you are stuck. Allow lots of time to get your train - stations are huge busy places and you need to go through a security check to even get through the door. Arrive at least an hour in advance. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
useful links:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:49Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited where to book There has been a lot of bad press recently concerning Japanese travel agents charging foreigners more. This is due to a supposed idea that they will only use the outward bound part of the ticket leaving the travel agent to pay the fine imposed by the airline. It is always worth shopping around and if you are travelling with a Japanese friend, get them to book it. Also if you make inquiries on the internet, prices will be given before you give your name.
Tel:022-771-6171, Fax:022-773-8707.Yusuke Shimasaki has moved to the Yamagata branch.http://www.his-j.com/branch/02_tbd.htm Fax:022-773-8707.http://www.his-j.com/branch/02_tbd.htm (japanese)http://www.his-touhoku.com/ (japanese)No. 1 Travel (a division of HIS)http://www.no1-travel.com/index.html - good for last minute dealsIACE travel. Main branch ....., Sendai, ask for Hiroshi Saito. general phone number (tokyo?) 035-282-1511 In Nagoya mail in English - ngo-land@iace.co.jphttp://www.iace.co.jp/english/Etourhttp://www.etour.co.jp/en/STA Travelhttp://www.statravel.co.jp/en/index.htmlAir Net Travelhttp://www.airnetjapan.com/index2.htmTravelocityhttp://www.travelocity.comJet Set Japan - use the flight finder link and they will mail your enquiry to local agents who will get back to you within a few dayshttp://www.jetsetjapan.com/http://www.flightfinderjapan.com/ffj_home.html to go directCas Tourhttp://www.castour.com - good for last minute airfares but all in Japanese.Pricelinehttp://priceline.com - booking hotels, flights, car hire, etcGot Japanhttp://www.gotjapan.com/traveling/traveling_overseas_from_japan.php - links to different travel agents.HIT travelzakir@hittravel.co.jp - Zakir has wonderful English and is very helpful. All transactions can be done via email and they are prompt to reply.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:53Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited India anything enjoyably. enjoyably, and/or book domestic flights. The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra, and Rajasthan is highly recommended, but you can easily drop Rajasthan and add Amristsar and Varanasi instead.
Visas:
Obtaining the visa is pretty easy. You can send your visa application to the consulate in Osaka and get it back within a week - fast and easy. If in a rush, contact the consulate beforehand to make sure it isn`t a busy time.
Fatehpur Sikri
Varanasi
New Year. Year. It looks spectacular in the night but be careful about your money, purse or any other expensive items and beware of the touts! Also be careful if you travel during night time!!
Hyderabad
A good stopping over spot from Varanasi (an overnight train journey), though not much to do for more than one day.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:14Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Cambodia from Siem Reap by bus. The home stay itself is in a village of 500
a
Cambodian Cambodian version of JET - not many foreigners, many curious stares
(and (and a splash of curious, er...caresses), all very good-natured though. The family and villagers are quite nice and, as this is a
relatively new business, eager to stop by and see who you are.
The The website describes the village and has pictures: http://www.geocities.com/battambangvillagehomestay http://www.geocities.com/battambangvillagehomestay
Links
http://talesofasia.com - claims to be the most comprehensive guide to Siem Reap and Angkor on the web.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:16Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited health and insurance info You can order Malaria pills from the International Clinic in Tokyo. They carry many different types of tablets and vaccines. All you need to do is call them and they'll fax or mail you a list of things they carry. Everything on the list can be sent by mail. Tel: 03-3582-2646 or 03-3583-7831. Fax: 03-3583-8199. They speak English.
are __not __covered not covered by the JET insurance.
Typhoid:
It can be very hard to get hold of typhoid vaccintions. If you live in the inaka you may need to go into Tokyo for it. If you think you will need it, speak to your doctor early.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:37Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited travelling between countries Thailand to Cambodia
5:50 amTake an early (5:50am) train from Bangkok (main train station) to the boarder---6 hrs. about 100 yen. not boarder - around 6 hours and ￥100. Not a living hell at all, but slow (20 kms. per hour). all All the train windows are open and you get to see/smell/listen to the countryside. it was nice.
20$ 20US$ visa at the border. bring border - bring 2 passport photos. ignore photos (though you can usually pay extra to have some taken there.) Ignore the guy that tells you it will be faster in line if you pay $30 as opposed to $20 (huge line took 5 minutes)
9$ US$30. Next 9US$ for a taxi/bus from Poipet boarder to Battambang, Cambodia. 3-4 hours
takes Cambodia - about 3-4 hours. The trip takes all day, but not isn't difficult and is a good chance to see the countryside. i thought it was nice. if you are in a rush, this is not the best option. fly. countryside.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:03Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited travelling between countries South East Asia
BangkokThailand (Bangkok) to Laos
Consider catching the train from Bangkok to Nongkhai. It's really cheap, you get to see the countryside and there are night trains too (it takes a while!) From Nongkhai you cross a bridge into Laos on a special bus. It's pretty easy to book at the train station across from Bangkok airport.
Vietnam to Cambodia
You can take a trip up the Mekong from **Saigon*** to Phnom Penh. You will have to make an overnight hotel stop. There are many small stops on the way and the scenery is great. At the Cambodian border get off the boat, line up and pay US$20 for the visa. Finished in 30 minutes and onto a bigger boat for another hour before a bumpy bus ride the rest of the way to Phnom Penh. About US$25 total for the hotel, a meal ticket etc. but a long ride! There are other tours where you can stay at villagers' homes that may be worth investigating.
Thailand to Cambodia
5:50 am train from Bangkok (main train station) to the boarder---6 hrs. about 100 yen. not a living hell at all, but slow (20 kms. per hour). all the train windows are open and you get to see/smell/listen to the countryside. it was nice.
20$ visa at the border. bring 2 passport photos. ignore the guy that tells you it will be faster in line if you pay $30 as opposed to $20 (huge line took 5 minutes)
9$ for taxi/bus from Poipet boarder to Battambang, Cambodia. 3-4 hours
takes all day, but not difficult and a good chance to see the countryside. i thought it was nice. if you are in a rush, this is not the best option. fly.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:18Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Information for Canadian Passport holders on renewing - http://www.ppt.gc.ca
If you hold two passports (i.e. if you have dual nationality), always carry both - it can be very useful.
Note: If you get a new passport, you must get the re-entry permit swapped over. Take both your new and old passport to the immigration office to get this done for free while you wait.
Departure/Airport Tax:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:14Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited charity trips Baan Dada
a day or 2 short time at an orphanage in Thailand. Not near a beach but a great experience. The Thailand, check this out. The home was an all boys home until recently when more and more girls in the nearby villages had no homes and came there. It is a wonderful place and the people are great.
When I said it was "in the middle of no where" I meant to say that it's not Not near a beach (or even in a town or village. village!) but a great experience. The nearest convenience store is 30 minutes away. There is no phone, some electricity, cold showers, showers and open drop toilets, we have to get bottled water to drink, and we have to brush away the spiders before we go into the bathrooms. toilets. The countryside is beautiful and we do take a few local tours, tours are included, as well as visit Burma and some mountain cave temples.
The phrase "jungle" was from a volunteer at the other orphanage in the nearest town. They stay at a hotel type place with warm showers in a town with several stores and even internet. When they came to visit our place for a village day, they were shocked at the difference.
Once again, I apologize if my email seemed condescending or patronizing. It is a great trip and we really try to make a difference. If
If you want more info about the place, please check out the website:
http://www.baandada.org/
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:52Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited charity trips On this site you can contact local people directly and ask advice, or you can also post questions to the forum to get feedback on the charity trips they organise. It works especially well when you're trying to get firsthand info about somewhere a little bit off the beaten path! www.hospitalityclub.org
Baan Das Dada
If you're interested in volunteering for a day or 2 at an orphanage in Thailand. Not near a beach but a great experience. http://www.baandada.org/ The home was an all boys home until recently when more and more girls in the nearby villages had no homes and came there. It is a wonderful place and the people are great.
When I said it was "in the middle of no where" I meant to say that it's not in a town or village. The nearest convenience store is 30 minutes away. There is no phone, some electricity, cold showers, open drop toilets, we have to get bottled water to drink, and we have to brush away the spiders before we go into the bathrooms. The countryside is beautiful and we do take a few local tours, as well as visit Burma and some mountain cave temples.
The phrase "jungle" was from a volunteer at the other orphanage in the nearest town. They stay at a hotel type place with warm showers in a town with several stores and even internet. When they came to visit our place for a village day, they were shocked at the difference.
Once again, I apologize if my email seemed condescending or patronizing. It is a great trip and we really try to make a difference. If you want more info about the place, please check out the website:
http://www.baandada.org/
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:55Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Singapore to stay:
excellent food. Clean food, shopping and sightseeing. Clean, not too noisy. noisy and the staff are great. Website also has lots of info. It also has great storage facilities for luggage, even if you are not staying there.
Hotel 1929 - Funky boutique hotel. Rooms are beautifully decorated. Near Chinatown.
to see:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:26Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Singapore to stay:
of info. info. It also has great storage facilities for luggage, even if you are not staying there.
Hotel 1929 - Funky boutique hotel. Rooms are beautifully decorated. Near Chinatown.
to see:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:29Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited new! - going home Soft Bank users can easily cancel their cell phone service at Narita Airport. There are service counters in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
termination fee. fee of around ￥3,000-4,000. If you have any further questions call them (free, in English) on 157 on your keitai.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:24Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Information for Canadian Passport holders on renewing - http://www.ppt.gc.ca
for free free while you wait.
Departure/Airport Tax:
Don't forget to save some money as many countries charge a departure tax at the airport after you have checked in. You can't leave the country without paying it! You usually pay in local currency or US$ but it has to be cash. Here are some examples:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:37Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7130g.html
Information for Canadian Passport holders on renewing - http://www.ppt.gc.ca
Note: If you get a new passport, you must get the re-entry permit swapped over. Take both your new and old passport to the immigration office to get this done for free
Departure/Airport Tax:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:18Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go 9. The Immigration Bureau is in the first building on your left, on the first floor. The name of the building is the Sendai Dai Ni Houmu Goudou Chousha (仙台第二法務合同庁舎), and there are also signs that say "Immigration Bureau" (入国管理局). (Also, directly in front of the building there is a bus stop.)
In September the office was relocated to a temporary hut just outside the main building. There will be guards to ask if you are unsure.
Visa Information/Passports and Travel Advice:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391116 - the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office publish information online about what important information you should know before travelling to a particular country, including whether you should actually go at all. Much of this info is relevant to nationals of any country.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T11:08:14Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Visitor visa information is very easily available online. Check out the following site for a list of all countries and links to find out their visa requirements depending on visitor nationality: http://www.projectvisa.com/fullcountrylist.asp
Many counrties countries can no longer get extra pages added. For US citizens check http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/add/add_850.html
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7130g.html
Note: If you get a new passport, you must get the re-entry permit swapped over. Take both your new and old passport to the immigration office to get this done for free
Departure/Airport Tax:
Don't forget to save some money as many countries charge a departure tax at the airport after you have checked in. You can't leave the country without paying it! You usually pay in local currency or US$ but it has to be cash. Here are some examples:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T09:08:03Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go In September the office was relocated to a temporary hut just outside the main building. There will be guards to ask if you are unsure.
Visa Information Information/Passports and Travel Advice:
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029391116 - the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office publish information online about what important information you should know before travelling to a particular country, including whether you should actually go at all. Much of this info is relevant to nationals of any country.
http://www.traveldocs.com/ - has loads of info for Americans travelling abroad - visas, passports and loads more.
Visitor visa information is very easily available online. Check out the following site for a list of all countries and links to find out their visa requirements depending on visitor nationality: http://www.projectvisa.com/fullcountrylist.asp
Make sure you have enough pages in your passport for all your visas and stamps when travelling. Some places require five or six empty pages. Many counrties can no longer get extra pages added. For US citizens check http://travel.state.gov/passport/fri/add/add_850.html
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/e/acs/tacs-7130g.html
Departure/Airport Tax:
Don't forget to save some money as many countries charge a departure tax at the airport after you have checked in. You can't leave the country without paying it! You usually pay in local currency or US$ but it has to be cash. Here are some examples:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T09:08:06Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Cambodia false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T09:08:33Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Cambodia The management are great and they don't charge the extra 5-10% tax on the rooms - so the price is the price. The airport pick-up is free. (Other hotels charge you 5-6 dollars for pick up.) http://www.lavillaloti.com resinf@lavillaloti.com)
Villa Coconut(Coconut Villa?) - around US$13 a night with A/C, hot water and cable.
to see:
The Temples! Dating from 9th - 13th centuries. Must sees: Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider back drop), Angkor Wat (most famous), Bayon (hugh faces watching you), Terrace of Elephants.
to stay:
You'll be inundated with people offering you accomodation as you try to get off the boat. They will doubtless take you to a different hotel than the one they showed you but give it a chance.
do not stay at lakeside guesthouse #10. crappy.
On 12/5/06, amiena Mahsoob wrote:
In Phnom Penh I stayed at Smile'sSmile's Lakeside Guesthouse. I don't think it had Guesthouse - maybe no AC, but we were fine with a fan, and it was something ridiculously cheap, like $5 US$5 or less a night for two people. The people who work there are great, there is great food, and it is right along the lake, which is beautiful. Plus, they will arrange any sort of transportation/tours you need.
If you will be in Cambodia for more than a week or so, I highly recommend making your way up to Karatie in the north. You can get there from Phnom Penh by bus, and its pretty amazing. Its a dusty little town with some remnants of French architecture, some rare river dolphins, and pretty deep rural areas that we toured on the back of motorbikes. It was by far my favorite place in Cambodia. I forget the name of the guesthouse where I stayed, but I have kept in touch with the son of the owner, Ahng. His email is: lim_keangahng@yahoo.com
Happy travels
Amiena
On 12/5/06, Treva Scheuerman
wrote:
I stayed at California
California 2 in Phnom Penh. A/C, - A/C, hot water, cable and free breakfast for $17 a night. (There were 2 of us splitting that cost.)
In Siem Reap stayed at Villa Coconut/Coconut Villa for $13 US$17 a night with A/C, hot water and cable.
Would recommend both if they are in your price range. night.
to see:
Tuol Sleng Museum - High School which became a detention and torture camp during the civil war of the 1970s and became known as S-21. Pretty horrific.
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek - thousands of people were taken from S-21 to be slaughtered and thrown into mass graves. Not even babies were spared and bones and clothes can still be seen. Incredibly thought provoking and sad.
Karatie
If you have time, make your way up to Karatie in the north. You can get there from Phnom Penh by bus, and it's pretty amazing. It's a dusty little town with some remnants of French architecture, some rare river dolphins, and pretty deep rural areas that you can tour on the back of motorbikes.
Leaving (and arriving)and travelling around:
Siem Reap to Phnom Penh:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T09:08:49Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Cambodia You'll be inundated with people offering you accomodation as you try to get off the boat. They will doubtless take you to a different hotel than the one they showed you but give it a chance.
do not stay at lakeside guesthouse #10. crappy.
On 12/5/06, amiena Mahsoob wrote:
In Phnom Penh I stayed at Smile's Lakeside Guesthouse. I don't think it had AC, but we were fine with a fan, and it was something ridiculously cheap, like $5 or less a night for two people. The people who work there are great, there is great food, and it is right along the lake, which is beautiful. Plus, they will arrange any sort of transportation/tours you need.
If you will be in Cambodia for more than a week or so, I highly recommend making your way up to Karatie in the north. You can get there from Phnom Penh by bus, and its pretty amazing. Its a dusty little town with some remnants of French architecture, some rare river dolphins, and pretty deep rural areas that we toured on the back of motorbikes. It was by far my favorite place in Cambodia. I forget the name of the guesthouse where I stayed, but I have kept in touch with the son of the owner, Ahng. His email is: lim_keangahng@yahoo.com
Happy travels
Amiena
On 12/5/06, Treva Scheuerman
wrote:
I stayed at California 2 in Phnom Penh. A/C, hot water, cable and free breakfast for $17 a night. (There were 2 of us splitting that cost.)
In Siem Reap stayed at Villa Coconut/Coconut Villa for $13 a night with A/C, hot water and cable.
Would recommend both if they are in your price range.
to see:
Tuol Sleng Museum - High School which became a detention and torture camp during the civil war of the 1970s and became known as S-21. Pretty horrific.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:22Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Don't take loads of cash with you - it just isn't safe. If you have to, keep it in a few different places so you don't lose it all at once.
http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html
To . To contrast it go to http://www.xe.com/ and check the actual exchange rates. (Granted you never get those rates, but you can see how far off some are.)
Wherever you go be sure to contact your bank/credit card company and let them know you are going to be in that foreign country. That way if you use your ATM/credit card, it won't be flagged as suspicious.
Electricity/Adaptors
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:32Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Don't take loads of cash with you - it just isn't safe. If you have to, keep it in a few different places so you don't lose it all at once.
amounts.
http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html
To contrast it go to http://www.xe.com/ and check the actual exchange rates. (Granted you never get those rates, but you can see how far off some are.)
Wherever you go be sure to contact your bank/credit card company and let them know you are going to be in that foreign country. That way if you use your ATM/credit card, it won't be flagged as suspicious.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:39Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go To contrast it go to http://www.xe.com/ and check the actual exchange rates. (Granted you never get those rates, but you can see how far off some are.)
Wherever you go be sure to contact your bank/credit card company and let them know you are going to be in that foreign country. That way if you use your ATM/credit card, it won't be flagged as suspicious.
Electricity/Adaptors
There isn't really a standard plug type. You may get the feeling that they just used whatever they could get hold of during the construction of the buildings. Check this link: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:05Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go Don't take loads of cash with you - it just isn't safe. If you have to, keep it in a few different places so you don't lose it all at once.
This site shows how much you get when you exchange at Narita airport. There's also a calculator that lets you enter exact amounts.
http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/exchange_e/index.html
To contrast it go to http://www.xe.com/ and check the actual exchange rates. (Granted you never get those rates, but you can see how far off some are.)
Electricity/Adaptors
There isn't really a standard plug type. You may get the feeling that they just used whatever they could get hold of during the construction of the buildings. Check this link: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:17Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited top tips before you go USA - 120V - 60 Hz
Really really check out if you can use your mobile phone in a country before you go (with the mobile company) as no one seems to agree on this point. You will certainly need an adaptor and a trasformer. Most 3G phones have Global Roaming capabilities. Check their websites.
If the worst should happen...
Before you go, scan all you travel documents and identification (passport/other IDs) and send the electronic copies to your own email account. If (or when) you lose your belongings or get your bag stolen you can access a copy of all your documents from any Internet cafe. If you merely photocopy them, then its likely the photocopy may also get lost/stolen. You will usually need these copies to get replacements.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:31Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited new! - going home You can get a special book bag to mail up to 10kg. This must be books only. Usually only available at main branches. Costs (for the US): ￥9000 for airmail；￥8100 for SAL；￥4450 for Surface (Sea) Mail. Enquire at the Post Office for rates to your country.
Useful site with links to main shippers - http://www.answers.com/topic/yamato-transport-co-ltd
Note: - don't forget to fill out a customs declaration form and attach it. It needs to be very detailed in respect of the contents or the customs officials may open it and charge duty and vat on every item. If this happens, more money will be charged in admin too so it may be worth telling the person receiving it for you to send it back. This will be a problem if you are no longer in Japan... There are also limits on importing new stuff (gifts) - and this will be in the currency of the receiving country and the customs officers decide the exchange rate so you will have to check the site for your country!
Taking things home
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:20Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Cambodia Always negotiate a price before getting in a tuk tuk or moto. Even if you think they are becoming your friend it is not unusual for them to try to screw you on the price.
Stay (highly recommended)
Sambeth, a motorcycle driver in Batambang, Battambang, sets up homestays at his uncle's house in a small village outside Batambang. Battambang. The village is surrounded by rice fields and is comprised of 100 families. There is no running water or electricity. The village is not used to seeing foreigners and is extremely curious anytime anyone new stops by. They are so friendly and kind.
Sambeth speaks perfect English and can give you a motorcycle tour of the surrounding countryside during the day. His wife, a chef at a hotel in Batambang, Battambang, cooks the breakfasts and dinners. Sambeth and his family are incredibly hospitable, hard-working, personable, and interested in learning about other people.
You can stay as long or as short as you want. There is a two day, two night package deal posted for couples that includes lodging, food, and a full day motorcycle tour for US$70 per couple, but you don't have to be a couple. You`ll learn tons more about rural living than you would if you simply stayed in guesthouses and hostels the whole time.
Battambang is the second largest city in Cambodia and only four hours
from Siem Reap by bus. The home stay itself is in a village of 500
familes fifteen kilometers from Battambang. It's sort of like a
Cambodian version of JET - not many foreigners, many curious stares
(and a splash of curious, er...caresses), all very good-natured though. The family and villagers are quite nice and, as this is a
relatively new business, eager to stop by and see who you are.
The website describes the village and has pictures: http://www.geocities.com/battambangvillagehomestay
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:09Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited contributors Daniel Simmons (Sri Lanka)
Ryan McDonald Mcdonald
...and many many people from the Travelling Jets mailing list.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:17Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited contributors Daniel Simmons (Sri Lanka)
Ryan McDonald
...and many many people from the Travelling Jets mailing list.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:45Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Guam IfActually a part of America, but much closer to Japan and very popular with Japanese tourists. If you go on a package tour definitely upgrade to a higher class hotel than the lowest. We had the hotel. The lowest (cheap) option and it was is really low and literally stank. may even smell. They did do pick us up and drop us off at the airport. Our package was Package is about 3.5man for hotel and airfare from Tokyo for 3 nights.
We rented
Renting a car for a day which was is helpful. There is a bus that goes around (a very old bus), but we wanted to go a car is good to visit the World's Largest K-Mart as well as some distant Mexican restaurant.
They They take Yen and USD everywhere and speak both Eng English and Jpn. Japanese.
There wasn't isn't too much to do other than go to the beach, drive around, and go shopping. There are some temples/ruins and a lot of American restaurants and big portions (and free refills).
I bought
Americans - buy a huge suitcase and filled fill it with things I you can't get here. here!
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:32Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans added Guam false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:10Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited SideBar Countries
Europe Guam Hong Kong India Korea Laos Malaysia Myanmar (Burma) Nepal The Philippines Russia Sri Lanka Singapore Taiwan Thailand Tibet Vietnam
where to book
to the airport
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:53Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited FrontPage Countries appearing at present:
AustraliaBaliCambodiaChinaEuropeHongAustraliaBaliCambodiaChinaEuropeGuamHong KongIndiaKoreaLaosMalaysiaMyanmar (Burma) Nepal The PhilippinesRussiaSri LankaSingaporeTaiwanThailandTibetVietnam
Also:
where to bookto the airporthealth and insurance infotop tips before you gotravelling between countrieslinks and infocharity tripscontributors
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:15Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Thailand Go for drinks at the top of the Banyan Hotel. The prices are outrageous, but so is the view from the rooftop patio.
Forensic Museum in Siriraj Hospital
Bang Kwang known and Broke Down Palace - you can meet a prisoner.
Chiang Mai
Go to Wat Chedi Lung and talk to monks. They want to practice their English and will tell you all about Thailand and Budhism in return.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:08Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited China August can be difficult as it's hot and humid (like Japan)with typhoons and incredibly busy with Chinese students and huge groups of European tourists.
Golden Week is the beginning of May in China too, so get your
bookings made early if you're going then. The major sights, especially in Beijing, will be full of tourists from other parts of the country, but that too can be an experience.
How to go:
Direct flights with Northwest Airlines - about ￥73,000(currently filing for bankruptcy)
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:34Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited health and insurance info Under no circumstances expect not to have at least one spell of excrutiating stomach pains- it is called travelling.
- http://www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm http://www.customs.go.jp/english/index.htm
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Also known as Economy Class Syndrome, it can be fatal. Clots appear usually in the legs when people sit for long periods. This is not exclusive to aeroplane travel. Try to get out of your seat and walk around every couple of hours on long journeys. Tall or obese people, smokers, those on the contraceptive pill and anyone with varicose veins/clotting problems should take precautions.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:19Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited health and insurance info Under no circumstances expect not to have at least one spell of excrutiating stomach pains- it is called travelling.
*Note - Check what you can bring back into the country, medicine wise! Japanese customs website will help - http://www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Also known as Economy Class Syndrome, it can be fatal. Clots appear usually in the legs when people sit for long periods. This is not exclusive to aeroplane travel. Try to get out of your seat and walk around every couple of hours on long journeys. Tall or obese people, smokers, those on the contraceptive pill and anyone with varicose veins/clotting problems should take precautions.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:45Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Sri Lanka Judging from the weekly news headlines, SriSri Lanka seems like an ill-starred country. Civil Civil war still smolders in the north and the east; the south coast is still recovering from the paralyzing shock and devastation of the December 2004 tsunami. Travel Travel advisories in most Western countries (particularly in Europe) urge travelers travellers to give Sri Lanka a miss; skip it, they say, miss as it's not worth the danger of getting caught in the Tamil Tiger/Sinhalese government crossfire.
I've just returned from a two-and-a-half week trip to Sri Lanka
However, one ALT visisted in March 2007 and felt compelled to write briefly wrote this long article in the country's defense. I Check it out before making up your mind!
"I had the best holiday of my life there, and at no point did I feel unsafe during my journey. Despite Despite its relatively small size, the country offers an incredible wealth and variety of diversions. You You can visit ancient ruins in Anuradhapura, the cave temples at Dambulla, and the remarkable rock fortress at Sigiriya (all of which are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites). You You can tour tea plantations in the cool highlands, puttering down roads surrounded on all sides by fairytale landscapes of terraced fields and plunging waterfalls. You You can join jeep safaris in the country's many national parks, where the number of wild animals you'll see (including elephants, crocodiles, and leopards!) frankly beggars the imagination. You You can join the throng of pilgrims praying beneath the world's oldest living historically-documented tree, the Sri Maha Bodhi, said to have grown from a sapling of the tree under which Gautama Buddha sat when he reached enlightenment. You You can watch the dancers and firewalkers of Kandy after a day of walking the world-famous Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and seeing the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. You can climb the peak of Sri Pada to catch the gorgeously surreal sunrise from its summit. You can tramp the hills of Horton Plains and gaze out over the towering precipice at World's End. You can browse the finest (and least expensive) sapphires in the world at the country's ubiquitous gem markets. You You can hobnob with expat elites in crumbling colonial mansions of Galle Fort. And And last but not least, you can visit the spellbindingly gorgeous deserted beaches of the south coast: Tangalle, Ahangama, Unawatuna... the list goes on and on.
All of these places can be visited for ridiculously cheap prices (a five-hour bus ride costs about US$1.50, a clean room for the night about $8). And And don't get even get me started about the food. If there is a heaven, it must be something like this: leaning back in a rattan chair on the sun-kissed shores of Mirissa, sipping a mixed fruit lassi, letting the tradewinds of the Indian Ocean blow gently through your hair.
Tourism in Sri Lanka has taken a major hit due to the tsunami and recent violence. In particular, the guesthouses of the south coast, living by a thread on post-tsunami government loans, have been hardest hit. People simply aren't coming to the country. Why? Because of those pesky travel advisories.
Put simply, the people of Sri Lanka need your patronage. Heck, Heck, they deserve your patronage. The The country and its residents have so much to offer, it would be a crime to pass it up because of a few alarmist headlines. Is traveling in Sri Lanka 100% safe? Of course not. But where in this world IS completely safe?
My best advice regarding Sri Lanka: go. Tell your friends to go. Or better yet, bring them along. safe?"
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:10Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited contributors Carrie Fischer (Vietnam)
Daniel Simmons (Sri Lanka)
...and many many people from the Travelling Jets mailing list.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:28Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans added Sri Lanka false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T08:08:09Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited SideBar Countries
Russia Sri Lanka Singapore Taiwan Thailand Tibet Vietnam
where to book
to the airport
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:43Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited FrontPage Countries appearing at present:
The PhilippinesRussiaSingaporeTaiwanThailandTibetVietnam PhilippinesRussiaSri LankaSingaporeTaiwanThailandTibetVietnam
Also:
where to bookto the airporthealth and insurance infotop tips before you gotravelling between countrieslinks and infocharity tripscontributors
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:31Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Thailand http://www.railway.co.th/english/index.asp - has all the details of main train lines in Thailand, including southern route into North Malaysia (though be careful on this line!). The booking part of this site is currently under construction but you can book once in Thailand at most travel agents.
be hell. hell. You can book tickets online via some sites like:
http://www.thaifocus.com/travel/train/index.htm
http://www.traveller2000.com/train/
and get great advice from
http://www.seat61.com/Thailand.htm
Flights
Alternatively for more money and convenience with little of the time or experience, book a flight with Bangkok Airways to Koh Samui and hop on a ferry to the other islands. You can usually book these the day before but at busy times like Christmas and summer book online or through local agents/hotel. Plane tickets are some-what cheap and always avaliable.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:25Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited travelling between countries Bangkok to Laos
the train. train from Bangkok to Nongkhai. It's really cheap, you get to see the countryside and there are night trains. trains too (it takes a while!) From Nongkhai you cross a bridge into Laos on a special bus. It's pretty easy to book at the train station across from Bangkok airport.
Vietnam to Cambodia
You can take a trip up the Mekong from **Saigon*** to Phnom Penh. You will have to make an overnight hotel stop. There are many small stops on the way and the scenery is great. At the Cambodian border get off the boat, line up and pay US$20 for the visa. Finished in 30 minutes and onto a bigger boat for another hour before a bumpy bus ride the rest of the way to Phnom Penh. About US$25 total for the hotel, a meal ticket etc. but a long ride! There are other tours where you can stay at villagers' homes that may be worth investigating.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:17Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited China trips out:
good side day trip but the river is a bit dirty. dirty. The gardens are really nice and it is a change of pace from Shanghai.
Houngzou has most beautiful giant buddhist temple ever and a gorgeous lake. You can do Houngzou in a day.
Xi'an (she-an)
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:46Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited China to stay:
YHA - it feels like you're staying in a hotel and the staff are so nice. The dorm room is so clean and beds really big compared to the average bunk bed.
to see:
The Bund - European style area with historical buildings and fantastic views of Pudong New Area across the Huangpu River. Also good at night. Take a boat trip along the river.
In the evenings, look out for the crowds that gather at parks to dance, play games, chat and generally hang out. It has a great safe, family atmosphere and many people go there in their pyjamas!
trips out:
good side trip but the river is a bit dirty.
Houngzou has most beautiful giant buddhist temple ever and a gorgeous lake. You can do Houngzou in a day.
oh and highly recommend the YHA in shanghai. it feels like you staying in a hotel and staff so nice... the dorm room so clean and beds really big compared to the average bunk bed.
Xi'an (she-an)
Famous for being a good base for the Terracotta Warriors, but so much more besides! It is one of the few Chinese cities which has a complete (albeit largely rebuilt) city wall.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:41Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited China In the evenings, look out for the crowds that gather at parks to dance, play games, chat and generally hang out. It has a great safe, family atmosphere and many people go there in their pyjamas!
trips out:
Suzhou is a good trip but the river is a bit dirty.
Houngzou has most beautiful giant buddhist temple ever and a gorgeous lake. You can do Houngzou in a day.
oh and highly recommend the YHA in shanghai. it feels like you staying in a hotel and staff so nice... the dorm room so clean and beds really big compared to the average bunk bed.
Xi'an (she-an)
Famous for being a good base for the Terracotta Warriors, but so much more besides! It is one of the few Chinese cities which has a complete (albeit largely rebuilt) city wall.
"almost all" menus are in Chinese so write down in chinese a couple of regular dishes or combine a couple words with pictures. Go to a dumpling dinner (dim sum)- phenomenal! Every kind of dumpling you can imagine from sweet, to vegetable filled to meat filled.
ALWAYS bring toilet paper and your own soap. Their bathrooms NEVER have either. In fact only use the toilets if you are desperate - they are truly the worst in the world. Many have no doors and just a channel in the ground for you to squat over. And so dirty, even at major tourist sites. There are many public toilets in the street which cost a very small fee. They're slightly better and you can often buy paper at the entrance.
in Shanghai Shanghai** (not cold enough to snow). Dress in lots of layers, because even if you don't think 40 degrees is cold, you're walking in the streets or markets, or even some quasi-indoor places like the Forbidden City City'' and you will get cold. Dress for proper winter weather. Also, the buildings aren't always as heated as we're used to (kind of like Japan) so sometimes it's still cold even when you're inside!
Be careful exchanging travellers' cheques. Though there should be no fees if American Express is exchanged at an office that receives them, staff can be quite keen to add on extra fees at leisure. Always ask for a receipt and check the amounts match. You may have to argue a bit to get the full amount.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:39Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Malaysia false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:51Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Malaysia Uncle Tan's Jungle Camp offers rustic but first-rate tours of the Sungai Kinabatangan. Even if you just stay in the campsite, animals will come your way: otters, bearded pigs, macaques, pythons, and an assortment of creepy-crawlies. If you've got (quite) a few extra bucks to spend, consider staying at the Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley.
Sipidan (
I scuba dived at Sipidan and the surrounding area, and I have to say that it is worth going to Borneo for alone. It has Island (Sabah)
Has everything a diver would ever want: coral coral galore, thousands of huge turtles, sharks, barracuda, herds of huge bumphead parrotfish, rays, lionfish, the list goes on. You You can see hammerheads in certain seasons. Sipidan Sipidan was Jacques Cousteau's favorite scuba location in the world. This is world, most likely because of the make-up of the island. It It was formed by a mud volcano thousands of years ago. It It slowly rose up out of the ocean, coral formed, and life flourished.. ..the thing is though...around flourished. Around the entire perimeter of the island there is a sudden drop off on all sides that goes down 200 meters! So basically, you dive along the walls and it feels like you could fall for forever into the deep blue sea. Sealife surrounds you on all sides. If your mind goes numb from the flora and fauna overload, there are some great muck dives nearby that have all the weird species you could ever hope to find: cleaner shrimp that'll give you a free manicure, lots of species of eel, lionfish, scorpionfish, crocodilefish, upside down jellyfish, pipefish, blahblahblah. Basically, I can't recommend this place enough.
In Sabah, you can also climb Mount Kinabalu, which is supposedly the tallest mountain in SE Asia (excluding Myanmar) at around 4100 meters. It is a unique mountain to say the least. You You can also do some go trekking in the rainforest, see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, elephants, enough birds to make the ornithologist in you sick with gluttony, and animals in colors you didn't even know existed.
I took one intra-Sabah flight with airasia.com for a ridiculously cheap price (like $10). it sure beats the bumpy roads in a bus.
There is also Turtle Island, where you can
Turtle Island - go and watch turtles lay their eggs. I never did this. There There is an orangutan sanctuary for the rehabilitation of the species. This but this is worth skipping if you go into the Kinabatangan River delta for wildlife viewing (I recommend Uncle Tan's for this).
Anyway, that is enough for now. If you need any more info. Please feel free to email me off-list. viewing.
Kuching:
to stay:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:09Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Malaysia Sabah and Sarawak (Borneo)
than Sarawak is -- if Sarawak. If you're more interested in native Iban culture and drinking yourself blind with arak in a riverside longhouse (and I mean this sincerely, not sarcastically), longhouse, consider Sarawak instead. Sarawak's Sarawak's also got the caves at Gunung Mulu, a variety of trekking trails (including the evocatively named Headhunters Trail), a great beachside national park at Bako (where you can see proboscis monkeys), and a thriving cultural center in Kuching.
During
to do:
"During my two weeks in Sabah I saw more wild animal species than I imagined I would ever see in my entire life. Uncle life."
Uncle Tan's Jungle Camp offers rustic but first-rate tours of the Sungai Kinabatangan; even Kinabatangan. Even if you just stay in the campsite, animals will come your way: otters, bearded pigs, macaques, pythons, and an assortment of creepy-crawlies. If you've got (quite) a few (okay, more than a few) extra bucks to spend, you might consider staying at the Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, where I was lucky enough to see a group of wild Asian elephants, an extremely rare civet, and the even rarer clouded leopard (hands-down one of the most surreal and magical experiences of my life), in addition to the thousands of other animals and plants they have there.
in addition to the thousands of other animals and plants they have there.
On Jun 18, 2007, at 1:24 PM, Isaac Arnquist wrote:
Vanessa and possibly others,
I went to Borneo over the winter holidays. I can only testify for the state of Sabah, since I didn't have time to go to Sarawak. From my understanding, both have some great National Parks. However, Sabah had more adventures that I was looking for. Valley.
Sipidan (
I scuba dived at Sipidan and the surrounding area, and I have to say that it is worth going to Borneo for alone. It has everything a diver would ever want: coral galore, thousands of huge turtles, sharks, barracuda, herds of huge bumphead parrotfish, rays, lionfish, the list goes on. You can see hammerheads in certain seasons. Sipidan was Jacques Cousteau's favorite scuba location in the world. This is most likely because of the make-up of the island. It was formed by a mud volcano thousands of years ago. It slowly rose up out of the ocean, coral formed, and life flourished.. ..the thing is though...around the entire perimeter of the island there is a sudden drop off on all sides that goes down 200 meters! So basically, you dive along the walls and it feels like you could fall for forever into the deep blue sea. Sealife surrounds you on all sides. If your mind goes numb from the flora and fauna overload, there are some great muck dives nearby that have all the weird species you could ever hope to find: cleaner shrimp that'll give you a free manicure, lots of species of eel, lionfish, scorpionfish, crocodilefish, upside down jellyfish, pipefish, blahblahblah. Basically, I can't recommend this place enough.
In Sabah, you can also climb Mount Kinabalu, which is supposedly the tallest mountain in SE Asia (excluding Myanmar) at around 4100 meters. It is a unique mountain to say the least. You can also do some trekking in the rainforest, see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, elephants, enough birds to make the ornithologist in you sick with gluttony, and animals in colors you didn't even know existed.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:13Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Malaysia If combining your trip with a visit to Singapore, save money on accomodation by staying here instead. Southern most city of Malaysia, just hop on a bus to Singapore, go through immigration twice then get on the train in Singapore to get around quickly and easily. It can sometimes be busy crossing the border (rush hour) but is gets you lots of cool stamps in your passport (check your visa restrictions first).
Sarawak (Borneo)Sabah and Sarawak (Borneo)
The more wild parts of Malaysia, off the main penninsula. Sabah's more of a wildlife destination than Sarawak is -- if you're more interested in native Iban culture and drinking yourself blind with arak in a riverside longhouse (and I mean this sincerely, not sarcastically), consider Sarawak instead. Sarawak's also got the caves at Gunung Mulu, a variety of trekking trails (including the evocatively named Headhunters Trail), a great beachside national park at Bako (where you can see proboscis monkeys), and a thriving cultural center in Kuching.
During my two weeks in Sabah I saw more wild animal species than I imagined I would ever see in my entire life. Uncle Tan's Jungle Camp offers rustic but first-rate tours of the Sungai Kinabatangan; even if you just stay in the campsite, animals will come your way: otters, bearded pigs, macaques, pythons, and an assortment of creepy-crawlies. If you've got a few (okay, more than a few) extra bucks to spend, you might consider staying at the Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, where I was lucky enough to see a group of wild Asian elephants, an extremely rare civet, and the even rarer clouded leopard (hands-down one of the most surreal and magical experiences of my life), in addition to the thousands of other animals and plants they have there.
in addition to the thousands of other animals and plants they have there.
On Jun 18, 2007, at 1:24 PM, Isaac Arnquist wrote:
Vanessa and possibly others,
I went to Borneo over the winter holidays. I can only testify for the state of Sabah, since I didn't have time to go to Sarawak. From my understanding, both have some great National Parks. However, Sabah had more adventures that I was looking for.
I scuba dived at Sipidan and the surrounding area, and I have to say that it is worth going to Borneo for alone. It has everything a diver would ever want: coral galore, thousands of huge turtles, sharks, barracuda, herds of huge bumphead parrotfish, rays, lionfish, the list goes on. You can see hammerheads in certain seasons. Sipidan was Jacques Cousteau's favorite scuba location in the world. This is most likely because of the make-up of the island. It was formed by a mud volcano thousands of years ago. It slowly rose up out of the ocean, coral formed, and life flourished.. ..the thing is though...around the entire perimeter of the island there is a sudden drop off on all sides that goes down 200 meters! So basically, you dive along the walls and it feels like you could fall for forever into the deep blue sea. Sealife surrounds you on all sides. If your mind goes numb from the flora and fauna overload, there are some great muck dives nearby that have all the weird species you could ever hope to find: cleaner shrimp that'll give you a free manicure, lots of species of eel, lionfish, scorpionfish, crocodilefish, upside down jellyfish, pipefish, blahblahblah. Basically, I can't recommend this place enough.
In Sabah, you can also climb Mount Kinabalu, which is supposedly the tallest mountain in SE Asia (excluding Myanmar) at around 4100 meters. It is a unique mountain to say the least. You can also do some trekking in the rainforest, see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, elephants, enough birds to make the ornithologist in you sick with gluttony, and animals in colors you didn't even know existed.
I took one intra-Sabah flight with airasia.com for a ridiculously cheap price (like $10). it sure beats the bumpy roads in a bus.
There is also Turtle Island, where you can go and watch turtles lay their eggs. I never did this. There is an orangutan sanctuary for the rehabilitation of the species. This is worth skipping if you go into the Kinabatangan River delta for wildlife viewing (I recommend Uncle Tan's for this).
Anyway, that is enough for now. If you need any more info. Please feel free to email me off-list.
Kuching:
to stay:
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T07:08:28Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Korea getting there
arrival. Cheap, convenient and clean but listen out for your stop! It takes about an hour to the city. For information and bus schedules in English - http://www.airport.or.kr/eng/airport/ http://www.airport.or.kr/eng/airport/
A train line is being built but no ideas on when it will be complete.
to stay:
A "real" hotel in Seoul will cost around US$100 and up, unless you get a package deal through a travel agent. Budget hotels, hostels, guesthouses, etc. will cost you anywhere from US$15-25 per person. Many people say love hotels are the only way to go. Not always as kinky as Japanese ones, very cheap (about 30,000-50,000won per room), very clean and comfortable. They have central heating and there's lots of them. "Better than any of the Youth Hostels". You may have to tell them each morning if you will stay another night. (The sign for this kind of accommodation is the same as the Japanese onsen sign.)
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T06:08:40Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Thailand Hire a jeep or a scooter and cruise the island (but be careful, there are hundreds of tourist fatalities on Samui roads every year!) Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui are very regular and pretty cheap. There also a bus and ferry service available and that's super-cheap. Ask at your hotel. Nearby islands are worth a visit.
was just on Koh Samui for Spring break and had a great time. My friend and I stayed in Lamai, whichLamai is the second biggest beach. I thought Lamai was beach and prettier and more laid back than Chaweng, the biggest and most popular beach. So you should stay based on what you want. If If you want to party and have a good night life, then stay in Chaweng. All All the hostels along the beach should be pretty comparable. If If you are looking to just relax and soak up the sun with a really awesome view, go for Lamai. All All the other beaches are small, but really incredibly beautiful, but will be virtually dead at this time of year. Lamai was beautiful. Lamai is basically deserted during Spring break. If If you stay in Lamai, Chaweng is only a 30 min motorbike ride away. Very doable. I stayed at a resort so I don't know about hostels. Sorry. But I just wanted to give you a heads up about which beach to stay. So really, just ask yourself what you want out of the trip....and then decide. I would say to stick to either Lamai or Chaweng really. No need to stay on any of the other beaches. away.
to stay:
Spa Samui - http://www.spasamui.com/
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T06:08:39Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Thailand Hire a jeep or a scooter and cruise the island (but be careful, there are hundreds of tourist fatalities on Samui roads every year!) Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui are very regular and pretty cheap. There also a bus and ferry service available and that's super-cheap. Ask at your hotel. Nearby islands are worth a visit.
was just on Koh Samui for Spring break and had a great time. My friend and I stayed in Lamai, which is the second biggest beach. I thought Lamai was prettier and more laid back than Chaweng, the biggest and most popular beach. So you should stay based on what you want. If you want to party and have a good night life, then stay in Chaweng. All the hostels along the beach should be pretty comparable. If you are looking to just relax and soak up the sun with a really awesome view, go for Lamai. All the other beaches are small, but really incredibly beautiful, but will be virtually dead at this time of year. Lamai was basically deserted during Spring break. If you stay in Lamai, Chaweng is only a 30 min motorbike ride away. Very doable. I stayed at a resort so I don't know about hostels. Sorry. But I just wanted to give you a heads up about which beach to stay. So really, just ask yourself what you want out of the trip....and then decide. I would say to stick to either Lamai or Chaweng really. No need to stay on any of the other beaches.
to stay:
Spa Samui - http://www.spasamui.com/
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T06:08:33Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Thailand http://jamie-mink.blogspot.com - expat living in Phuket. Lots of info.
with some English pages. Many links to other sites for booking hotels, courses, etc. May have a bug at At the moment not all pages are in English so you may get redirected to a commercial site, but have worth a look around.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T06:08:20Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited links and info http://travel.yahoo.co.jp/?qs=aa (Japanese) - searches for the best prices.
http://www.jetabroad.com/ - cheap flights from anywhere to anywhere
Accommodation only:
http://www.hostels.com - book hostels and tours all over the world (rail passes link is currently not working)
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T06:08:14Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Nepal wentwhen to Nepal last year during my summer break from go:
In late August 8th-22nd. It was REALLY hot. It was it is really hot and also the tail end of rainy season, so there were are a few downpours here and there, but overall the weather was ok...but HOT. There there. There are a lot of festivals in August and September. But,
BUT, if you go in August, do not expect to see the Himalayas. In my 2 weeks there, I only saw the Himalayas twice, both times Himalayas, except maybe before 6am. That 6am, as that is the only time of day the visibility is good enough. I was told by every single person I met that September and October are the "Golden Season" to visit Nepal. The The weather is nice, you can see the mountains almost every day and there are LOTS of festivals. So, if you can manage it, September would probably be the best time to go. I didn't do any volunteering while I was there, so I can't help you out with that, but if you have any other questions, feel free to contact me off list.
Amy Henning
Fukushima-ken festivals.
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T06:08:11Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited Nepal went to Nepal last year during my summer break from August 8th-22nd. It was REALLY hot. It was also the tail end of rainy season, so there were a few downpours here and there, but overall the weather was ok...but HOT. There are a lot of festivals in August and September. But, if you go in August, do not expect to see the Himalayas. In my 2 weeks there, I only saw the Himalayas twice, both times before 6am. That is the only time of day the visibility is good enough. I was told by every single person I met that September and October are the "Golden Season" to visit Nepal. The weather is nice, you can see the mountains almost every day and there are LOTS of festivals. So, if you can manage it, September would probably be the best time to go. I didn't do any volunteering while I was there, so I can't help you out with that, but if you have any other questions, feel free to contact me off list.
Amy Henning
Fukushima-ken
]]> false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T06:08:25Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans added Nepal false mans [undisclosed] 2007-08-21T06:08:53Z tag:jetholidayinfo.pbworks.com,2005-09-12:1126514971 mans edited SideBar Countries
(Burma) Nepal The Philippines Russia Singapore Taiwan Thailand Tibet Vietnam
where to book
to the airport
]]> false