Things To Do In Harajuku and Omotesando Area in Tokyo

Harajuku and Omotesando are nice places to visit in Tokyo. They are both located in Shibuya Ward and are close to each other so if you visit one place, you cannot miss the other.

Harajuku was formerly referred to as Onden which is a low-lying area near the Meiji Street. Now, it is very famous for its quaint little shops in Takeshita Street and the young cosplayers walking around during weekends.

Nearby area is Omotesando. It stretches from the foot of Takeshita Street all the way down to Aoyama Dori where the Omotesando Station is located. It is known for as home to some of the well-known brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Herzog and many more, all close to each other. It is sometimes touted as the Champs Elysees of Tokyo.

If you find yourself wandering in Tokyo, make time to visit these 2 places for a nice walk along the famous streets and a look in some of the high-end brands in Tokyo. There are other things to do aside from window-shopping. Here are things you can do in Harajuku and Omotesando.

HARAJUKU

• Visit Takeshita Dori
• Shop at the quaint stores in Takeshita
• Walk the stretch of Takeshita all the way to the other end leading to Omotesando
• People watch, especially the young cosplayers during weekend
• Try out their famous crepe in cone
• Visit the Yoyogi Park
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Shop at the big Daiso Shop
• Visit Yoyogi National Stadium

OMOTESANDO

• Shop along the "5th Avenue" of Tokyo
• Visit Kiddyland if you're the kid at heart. It has loads of toys and has several floors full of fun!
• Visit the Oriental Bazaar which sells Japanese souvenirs
• Visit Cat Street
• Visit the nearby Shibuya Crossing

Things To Do In Harajuku and Omotesando Area in Tokyo

Harajuku and Omotesando are nice places to visit in Tokyo. They are both located in Shibuya Ward and are close to each other so if you visit one place, you cannot miss the other.

Harajuku was formerly referred to as Onden which is a low-lying area near the Meiji Street. Now, it is very famous for its quaint little shops in Takeshita Street and the young cosplayers walking around during weekends.

Nearby area is Omotesando. It stretches from the foot of Takeshita Street all the way down to Aoyama Dori where the Omotesando Station is located. It is known for as home to some of the well-known brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Herzog and many more, all close to each other. It is sometimes touted as the Champs Elysees of Tokyo.

If you find yourself wandering in Tokyo, make time to visit these 2 places for a nice walk along the famous streets and a look in some of the high-end brands in Tokyo. There are other things to do aside from window-shopping. Here are things you can do in Harajuku and Omotesando.

HARAJUKU

• Visit Takeshita Dori
• Shop at the quaint stores in Takeshita
• Walk the stretch of Takeshita all the way to the other end leading to Omotesando
• People watch, especially the young cosplayers during weekend
• Try out their famous crepe in cone
• Visit the Yoyogi Park
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Shop at the big Daiso Shop
• Visit Yoyogi National Stadium

OMOTESANDO

• Shop along the "5th Avenue" of Tokyo
• Visit Kiddyland if you're the kid at heart. It has loads of toys and has several floors full of fun!
• Visit the Oriental Bazaar which sells Japanese souvenirs
• Visit Cat Street
• Visit the nearby Shibuya Crossing

Things To Do In Harajuku and Omotesando Area in Tokyo

Harajuku and Omotesando are nice places to visit in Tokyo. They are both located in Shibuya Ward and are close to each other so if you visit one place, you cannot miss the other.

Harajuku was formerly referred to as Onden which is a low-lying area near the Meiji Street. Now, it is very famous for its quaint little shops in Takeshita Street and the young cosplayers walking around during weekends.

Nearby area is Omotesando. It stretches from the foot of Takeshita Street all the way down to Aoyama Dori where the Omotesando Station is located. It is known for as home to some of the well-known brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, Herzog and many more, all close to each other. It is sometimes touted as the Champs Elysees of Tokyo.

If you find yourself wandering in Tokyo, make time to visit these 2 places for a nice walk along the famous streets and a look in some of the high-end brands in Tokyo. There are other things to do aside from window-shopping. Here are things you can do in Harajuku and Omotesando.

HARAJUKU

• Visit Takeshita Dori
• Shop at the quaint stores in Takeshita
• Walk the stretch of Takeshita all the way to the other end leading to Omotesando
• People watch, especially the young cosplayers during weekend
• Try out their famous crepe in cone
• Visit the Yoyogi Park
• Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine
• Shop at the big Daiso Shop
• Visit Yoyogi National Stadium

OMOTESANDO

• Shop along the "5th Avenue" of Tokyo
• Visit Kiddyland if you're the kid at heart. It has loads of toys and has several floors full of fun!
• Visit the Oriental Bazaar which sells Japanese souvenirs
• Visit Cat Street
• Visit the nearby Shibuya Crossing

A Weekend in Macau

A weekend in Macau is an escape to paradise. An enthralling blend of Chinese and Portuguese culture, Macau draws tourists from around the world. The city’s historical appeal and state-of the-art contemporary architecture provide one of the most beautiful backdrops imaginable. Enchanting resort-spas, hotels, tourist attractions, lavish shopping, casinos, and nightlife create the perfect weekend getaway.

Tourist Attractions

The famous ruins of St. Paul's and the ruins of St. Paul's College provide a picturesque look back in time. Both stand as reminders of the Jesuit influences from the early 1600s. St. Paul's College, Mount Fortress, and the Church of Mater Dei are additional structures that were constructed when the Portuguese settled in the region of Macau. The St. Paul ruins provide a testimony to the first Western-style University built in Macau. Today, the remains provide a unique view of the past to weekend visitors. The Mount Fortress bears further proof of the complex historical events that occurred throughout the ages. Additionally, tourists will find the ancient A-Ma Temple, with its various gates, arches, and pavilions to be a fascinating example of the cultural diversity that the city of Macau is built upon.

Hotels and Resorts:

Macau features more than 28 casino- hotels, many of which provide the ultimate amenities and comfort. The largest of these is the Venetian Casino Resort in Macau, situated in Cotai. The Venetian Casino provides gamblers with eight hundred table-games, ten poker tables, and well over three-thousand poker, slot, and video games inspired by gorgeous online casino versions. You can actually see some of the beautiful graphically-inclined games when you place your bet at Betsson and other online casinos. Located in the Far East, Macau is an enticing gambling destination. The Cotai Strip was developed during a land-reclamation project that serves to connect the islands of Taipa and Coloane. The strip is similar to the Las Vegas Strip in the United States. It is a thriving casino attraction, ideal for weekend guests from around the world. Additionally, aside from the traditional casino style gambling, sports-betting lounges, horseracing, and greyhound tracks draw millions of visitors each year.

Fine Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment:

One of the best ways to spend time during a weekend in Macau is to enjoy meals at any number of the exotic restaurants. The exotic blend of Chinese and Portuguese cuisine has been enhanced over the past 400 years. Macau is the perfect destination for gourmet eating. Garlic, sauces, fish-croquettes, coconut chicken, and intoxicating meats are some of the favourite treats. Many people travel to Macau just to purchase the delicious custard tarts and Portuguese breads.

Gourmet cuisine, glittering lights, and countless tourist events set the stage for fun and festivities.

Retail in Macau is another popular draw. High-fashion, bargain prices, and designer labels, attract shoppers from all regions. The Macau International Dragon Boat Races, the Macau Arts Festival, the House of dancing Water, the International Fireworks Display Contest, the Macau Grand Prix, and the Food Festival draw tourists to some of the most exciting attractions imaginable.

Macau has something for everyone! Just a short distance from Hong Kong and the Philippines, the city is one of the world’s most awesome destinations for weekend travellers!

Montenegro: Why it could be the next big thing in travel

Photo credit: lonelyplanet.com

You might not know Montenegro as anything but a football team and an entrant into the Eurovision Song Content. After all, it’s hardly a top summer holiday destination – or is it?

This small country – about the size of Northern Ireland – can be found sandwiched between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania. As such, it was ripped apart by the Yugoslav wars in the 1990s.

However, those bad memories are fading and since becoming an independent country in 2006, Montenegro has been firmly put on the map.

So, after a little thought and some investment from the rich and famous, Montenegro is fast becoming a tourist hotspot and the next big thing in travel.

What does it offer?

Well, aside from becoming a footballing nation, Montenegro also has a number of tourist attractions, particularly on the north-west coast.

National parks: Considering its small size, it’s a wonder Montenegro could have one national park, never mind three. However, Durmitor, Tara Canyon and Biogradsko Jezero are all worth a visit.

Culture: If you’re looking to explore one of the quaint, sleepy villages, it’s worth taking the trip up to Kotor Bay. Thanks to its beautiful scenery and early settlement, the village is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Weather: It’s location on the Adriatic Sea means that it benefits from a similar climate to central and southern Italy. Its border is also no more than a few miles from the increasingly popular Croatian city of Dubrovnik.

Yachting: For those with millions of pounds at their disposal, Porto Montenegro is a real hotspot. It is one of the largest marinas in the world and is regularly visited by numerous celebs, including Roman Abramovich and Novak Djokovic.

How to get there

 When flying to Montenegro directly, there isn’t much choice. The only flights from the UK are from Gatwick to Tivat or Podgorica, with Montenegro Airlines flying twice a week.

  

However, as it’s just a couple of hours away Dubrovnik offers an alternative. If you don’t mind a bumpy car journey you can fly with the likes of easyJet and British Airways amongst others.

  

When planning a trip to Montenegro, don’t forget to purchase  european travel insurance to provide the cover you need in the event of illness or other scenarios you may face on holiday.

How to Travel Like a Local in Nantucket

Photo credit: yahoo images

Situated just thirty miles to the south of Cape Code, the Atlantic island of Nantucket is also the southernmost section of Massachusetts.  Renowned for its historic past as a New England whaling capital, the island has retained its maritime appeal and is visited by throngs of vacationers each year.  Yet unlike many vacation destinations where being a tourist is part of the holiday package, Nantucket beckons visitors to experience island life like a local in order to discover what really makes life on this island extraordinary.

Procuring a Rental

When planning your Nantucket vacation, try getting a Nantucket summer rental for an authentic island experience.  Travelers can choose ocean cottages with pristine ocean views or even antique-filled guest houses that boast period décor.  Choosing an accommodation package is part of the fun.  There are plain rentals with merely the basics as well as luxury villas with pool access and other sumptuous amenities.  To find out more about inns and various Nantucket rental options, visit Nantucket.net to find out more about the vacation rental of your dreams.

Shopping

To experience life like a Nantucket local, visitors will want to visit the local market place to purchase fresh seafood to cook at their villa!  The local grocery stores will supply all the ingredients you need and there are also gourmet shops with specialty items to complement your delectable seaside meals!  To prepare recipes with Nantucket flair, bring this cookbook along—The Nantucket Restaurants Cookbook: Menus and Recipes from Faraway Isle.  You’ll fit right into the Nantucket shopping scene as you browse for food items that will delight your family or significant other!

Dining Out

On the other hand, you can eat out like the locals do at their favorite Nantucket eateries and experience the most revered island cuisine.  Although the island boasts fine dining experiences, most locals prefer the casual restaurants perched beside the sea.  You’ll enjoy hearty island fare prepared with fresh ingredients in an atmosphere as nearly as timeless as the sea itself!  What should you eat?  Although that’s a matter of taste, one can’t help but suggest the island’s pan-roasted Maine lobster, lobster tacos, seared Atlantic salmon, littleneck clams, and tasty crab cakes!  While seafood reigns supreme, there are also plenty of great cheeseburgers, pizza, and other great American staples to be enjoyed on the island!

Recreation

Both tourists and locals alike appear to favor the same pastimes.  Travelers must experience a boating excursion off the island as well as various watersports or fishing trips.  Biking and hiking the trails around the island is also a great way to experience the scenic charms of Nantucket.  Be sure to attend the island’s various festivals and events to see why island life is so special.  Nantucket’s wine festival along with its film festival are both highly popular events that draw both tourists and locals.  Of course, if you're like most locals, you'll simply be dazzled by a long walk by the sea.

Nantucket is best experienced when one is immersed in the everyday life of the island.  Then visitors find that there are truly few places as special as this unforgettable Atlantic isle.  

Adam Jenson is a Nantucket resident. He loves to share his best tips about the area on travel blogs.

Top up your Tan in Tenerife

Although Tenerife is known for drinking and a general ‘Brits' abroad’ atmosphere, there is so much more to the island. From whale and dolphin cruises to year round golfing, there is something for everyone here!

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. It’s a popular tourist destination and it has two airports, Tenerife north and Tenerife south. There are many travel companies offering package holidays to Tenerife, but if that’s not your style have a look around for low cost flights to Tenerife with Monarch and perhaps think about renting an apartment or villa.

Playa de las Americas is one of the main destinations people choose to visit. With beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and plenty of great restaurants, it’s certainly a place for friends and families who want an action packed holiday with lots of hustle and bustle. The Safari Centre is full of designer labels for those who wish to have a classier shopping experience in this lovely beach town.

For a quieter holiday, why not try visiting Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz. Visit the Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Candelaria, a picturesque church in a beautiful old town, or wander the streets of this old fashioned city. There are many beautiful walking areas around the city as well – the Rambla del General Franco is a fantastic woodland walk which takes you through some beautiful scenery. Close by, Teide national park is one of the most spectacular areas of Tenerife and many is ranked among the top cultural attractions of the country.

Tenerife generally has nice weather all year round, with the lowest temperatures being about 22 degrees in the daytime in December and January. Take advantage of the quieter months of May and September, when school children are back in school but the tourist season is either beginning or ending so most attractions will be open for your visit. Chartering a boat for the day is cheaper in the quieter seasons and you may just decide to sail into the sunset after experiencing all the island has to offer.

(Photo credit: yahoo images, text added by riatravelbug.com)

A Unique Vegas Experience: Top 7 Things To Do in Vegas Besides Gambling

Las Vegas is a gambler’s heaven and it is certainly a prime vacation spot for anybody who wants to hit the tables—but what if you want more from your holiday? Hidden by the bright glare of the casinos’ neon lights, there are plenty of activities to take up in Vegas away from the slot machines; it’s perfect for anyone under 21 or who simply needs a break from the blackjack table.

1.  The Freemont Street Experience

The Fremont Street Experience is no longer the hidden gem it once was, as more and more people hear about this great night out away from the strip. While a little far from the main hotels, Fremont Street brings all the glitz and glamor of old-style Vegas to life—perfect for anyone who loves the 50s or simply has an interest in the local area. Drink in hand, you can wonder up this canopy-covered street while watching a free concert, taking in a light-and-sound show, and feasting your eyes on all there is to see in vintage Vegas.

2.  Play Pinball In Style

Pinball is an addictive game that can keep you busy for hours, so why not visit the largest collection of vintage pinball machines on earth? The Pinball Hall of Fame is perhaps the most extensive pinball museum in the world, and makes a fun visit for children, old-timers and even the most casual of gamers.

3.  Face Your Fears at the Stratosphere

Most people don’t associate Vegas with roller-coasters and thrill rides, but there are plenty of options for thrill-seekers who want to go to extremes away from the roulette tables. Free fall 108 floors with SkyJump, tumble above the city on the Insanity, or go completely over the edge (literally) on the X-Scream. It will be more than enough to get your adrenaline pumping.

4.  Day Trip Out to the Canyons

Whether you choose to stay in Nevada or journey out all the way to the Grand Canyon, there is plenty to see and do for nature lovers out in the western wild. There are plenty of opportunities for nature hikes, lake visits and peering over into vast abysses, and all usually for a reasonable price. Get out of the city and into the open air, and see all  the nature that Nevada and even her neighbouring states have to offer.

5.  Checkout the Wildlife

While there is plenty of local wildlife to inspect, you will probably be surprised at the amount of unusual animals you can find at the big hotels. The Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage are a sight to see, and if you miss the big cats from the MGM Grand, then you can journey out to Henderson to see them at their new home at the Lion Habit Ranch. If Flamingos are more your thing, then why not go to the Flamingo Hotel—they keep a bunch of their namesakes out in their Wildlife Habitat.

6.  Relax at a Spa

One of the less obvious benefits of Las Vegas being a veritable cornucopia of hotels is that most of these hotels also contain reasonably priced spas. If the desert heat is getting to you and you need a break from the fast-paced strip, then why not splash out on a spa day. Not only is being pampered a lot of fun, but also it will set you up right for the rest of your holiday.

7.  People-watch along the strip

Sometimes simple pleasures are the best pleasures, so why not put on a pair of comfy shoes and stroll down the strip. Grab some street food, people-watch and perhaps pop into a hotel or two for an entire day’s worth of sights to see. Vegas is filled with sights from around the world, and its hotels are almost like amusement parks in their size and scope. Just having a wonder about is plenty fun, so why not get out there and start looking?

This is a guest post by Jo Tumble, a freelance blogger and travel consultant. Currently writing on behalf of lastminute.com, she gives travel tips and advice to readers on various travel blogs.