Japan is a very popular destination for people who enjoy travel and it is really a country that has something for everyone. There are a huge number of cultural sites in Japan as well as unlimited dining opportunities, shopping destinations and excellent resorts.

For those who enjoy snow sports and skiing one of the best places to head to is Hokkaido. This is a top Japanese destination and therefore winter sports in this region are quite expensive and in the peak season it can become very crowded.

If you are looking for more affordable skiing then it would be wise to head to Nagano which has excellent quality snow as well. Here you will find much more affordable accommodation and will generally be less crowded than Hokkaido. Nagano is also a popular destination for people who are coming for a working holiday to Japan.

The resorts here offer free accommodation for workers as well as ski passes and meals, this is a much better deal than you will find in other ski locations in Japan.

For those who enjoy history and culture one of the best places to head to is Kyoto. Here you will find one of the most wonderfully preserved feudal spots in the whole of Japan.

It was able to avoid much of the destruction that happened during the Second World War and there are a total of 17 world Heritage sites in this part of the country as designated by UNESCO. If you want to explore all of the sites you are going to need several days and they are all fascinating and shouldn’t be missed.

If you are visiting Japan in the summer then you should head to Okinawa as it is a wonderful subtropical climate which means the weather is good here even in the winter months back home. Apart from the great climate, the beaches here are perfect for sunbathing and the clear water means that scuba diving and snorkelling are very popular. Many people compare this part of Japan to Hawaii because of its wonderful weather and the attractive beaches.

Tokyo is the most famous city, and capital, of Japan and it is a wonderful merge of the historical elements of the country as well as its ultramodern aspects. The mix of this modern and historical is particularly appealing to visitors and there are also a great deal of purpose-built attractions in the city.

Disneyland is very popular as is the Ueno Park Zoo. It is also possible to immerse yourself in authentic history and culture at the Imperial Palace as well as the Asakusa Kannon.

If you would rather head to a more peaceful city then it would be well recommended to visit Osaka which is the third-largest city in Japan. The atmosphere is noticeably less hectic here and people take things at a much slower pace.

Visiting the Sunshine State doesn’t have to be expensive, despite the fact it is a long-haul destination from the UK there are many great-value flight options with top airlines like Virgin Atlantic, Thomas Cook and British Airways, who all fly direct to Orlando from various UK airports – so cheap Florida holidays aren’t as hard to find as you may think.

Holidays to Orlando in particular are popular with families and large groups who are after a week or two basking in the sun and experiencing the thrills and spills of the theme park capital of the world. Of course, the more people in your party the better value your holiday becomes. A spacious villa or executive home in the surrounding Orlando area can range from 3 bedrooms to 7- or 8-bedroomed mansions and when at full capacity they can provide an affordable, relaxing base for a fantastic Florida holiday. Hotel rooms, condos and suites are all equally inexpensive when you have 4 or more people sharing together and are still a comfortable choice for families and friends.

Purchasing attraction park tickets for Orlando holidays at first appears to be quite pricey when you add them onto your overall Florida holiday cost, but there is a fantastic selection of ticket combinations available and most often, the longer you enjoy your holidays to Florida, the better value it becomes. Independent tour operators such as Ocean Florida can find you excellent deals when it comes to ticket packages so you don’t miss out on anything once you’re there including Walt Disney World® Resort parks, Universal Orlando Resort®, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld® Orlando and Aquatica™ – make sure your travel specialist informs you of all ticket combinations possible to get the best deal.

There are plenty of ways to stick to a budget in Florida, of course on the days that you don’t spend in the parks there is plenty to see and do all around the State, enjoy its natural beauty and take leisurely walks and cycle rides throughout the hundreds of National and State Parks available to explore.

Costa Ricais one of the premier holiday destinations in the world,  and the secret regarding thenorth westcorner of the country is out. Guanacaste is home to some of the most stunningly beautiful beaches to be found anywhere in the world. The fabulous climate and abundance of entertainment has people flocking to Costa Rica from the four corners of the globe and the beaches in this country of Central America are also attracting visitors in their droves.

Whether you are a fan of secluded and serene beaches, or busy waterfronts bustling with life and activity, Costa Rica has a beach to suit everyone. Guanacaste also benefits from having a glorious climate all year round, which temperatures staying around the mid 70′s-80′s mark. It also suffers from very little rain, and this tends to be only during the months that North America is experiencing their winter.

This fact alone makes Costa Rica the perfect destination for those seeking to escape from the cold, dreary winters. Combine this weather with the heavenly beaches and you truly have a little piece of paradise right there in Central America. The beaches range from those with black volcanic sand to fine white sand and many are hubs for the likes of fishing, surfing and snorkelling.

Playa Conchal is generally regarded as being one of the world’s best, and can be found in Guanacaste. Playa Conchal translates into Shell Beach, and is a very popular place to bask in the sun and listen to the therapeutic sounds of the waves lapping against the shore. It gets its name from the abundance of shells that have been smoothed by the sea found along the stretch of the shore instead of sand.

For those coming to Costa Rica in search of beaches that are full of fun and action, then Playa Naranjo and Playa Tamarindo certainly fit the bill. Not only are these beaches  breathtaking  but are renowned for their great surfing. Playa Tamarindo is a well developed beach with a great surfing centre and the ideal place to learn, and an instructor can be found in any of the beaches many surf shops.

Playa Naranjo is much more secluded, and is situated within the Santa Rosa National Park. It also plays host to Witch’s Rock, one of the worlds premier surfing spots. Despite this, it is a beach that offers both isolation and relaxation, and is a far cry from the busy beaches in North American and European resorts which many tourists are used to and accept as the norm.

For visitors seeking wonders of nature, Playas Nosara, Grande and Huevos are where to go. Nosara and Grande are important nesting sites for sea turtles, as thousand of the Leatherback variety of sea turtle start their lives on these shores every year, and Grande is also known for its surfing. Playa Huevos is a home to many natural caves, and they are the perfect place to escape the sun and grab some shade on very hot days.

Many fishermen head to the Arctic Circle in Canada every year to do battle with some of the greatest trout anywhere in the world. Many fishermen who come here will find themselves catching fish that weighs up to 40 pounds. The trout in this area are known as grey trout but are commonly referred to as lakers.

This type of trout are very similar to brook trout except that their tales are deeply forked. In the Great Lakes the trout have white spots but in other areas the fish are darker colours.

These type of fish prefer cold water and if the temperature reaches above a certain level they will be unable to survive. In the summer months, in order to remain at the right temperature, the fish mostly stay around 200 feet underwater. Generally, at these depths there is not enough oxygen for the fish to survive so mostly they seek out lakes that are consistently cold throughout the year.

The cold temperatures mean that the fish grow slowly and even a ten pound trout could be over 20 years old. If you manage to catch a giant fish then the chances are it will be over 40 years old. Most trout are generally spawned in rivers but the ones you will find in this part of Canada spawned in the Lakes themselves, and the eggs are laid at a depth of up to 25 feet.

While the trout do have excellent vision for finding food because of the poor light conditions and depth, and also use their sense of smell to find the bait. Generally these fish feed on worms, crustaceans and insects ,although in other areas the fish are known to feed on smaller types of fish.

There is another type of fish found in these lakes called a Splake, which is a fast-growing type of fish and it matures much earlier than the trout mentioned above. One of the best times to catch this type of fish are just after the ice out occurs as they seek the warmer water that occurs at a depth of around 30 feet. The shallow water means they are easier to catch and using casting methods for shallow fish is the right approach.

Dark and heavy lines are not the right ones to use when fishing for lake trout as they will shy away from this line. Using low diameter, clear lines will improve your chances of catching one of these fish. As for tackle, most fishermen choose to go for immediate action spinning tackle.

In the past fishermen would have to use wire line and heavy reels to be able to catch fish in deep water, but because of advanced equipment it is now possible to use lighter tackle. Using silver or gold spoons is a proven technique for catching lake trout and it is a good idea to cast from faraway because otherwise you might spook the fish.

There was a time when the trout in the Great Lakes was nearly wiped out but after this time they made an incredible comeback. Controlling of fishing and restocking of the Lakes has meant that the populations have thrived and both the United States as well as Canada have pursued conservation programmess. Now fishermen are able to benefit from these labours.

Choosing where to visit on your honeymoon can be tricky – there are so many romantic destinations. If you want to jet off for a getaway in Europe, Italy cannot be beaten and is ideal for couples seeking stunning cities and breathtaking coastlines.

So, where exactly in Italy should you consider going for your honeymoon? Here are three suggestions of some of the top spots.

Venice

The name of the city is almost synonymous with romance and if you are looking for the perfect backdrop to your first holiday as a married couple, this beautiful destination will be difficult to surpass.

Characterised by its network of canals and its varied architecture, there is plenty for you and your partner to see and do here.

Of course, you should make sure you fit an idyllic gondola trip into your itinerary during holidays in Italy. Seeing the city from its waterways is a must and you are unlikely to find a more relaxing way to spend time together on your break as you are punted around the series of canals.

If you are keen to spend a day unwinding on golden sands, take the ferry to the nearby island Lido of Venice. Here, you will discover a stunning beach where you can lie back and soak up the sun.

You may also want to see some of the city’s most famous sights, such as the Bridge of Sighs and the Piazza San Marco, where you will find the cathedral and the impressive bell tower.

Sorrento

Holidays to Sorrento could be just up your street if you are looking for somewhere with beautiful beaches and a picturesque setting.

Situated on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is renowned for its amazing views and wonderful beaches, with many stretches of sand close by where you and your loved one can really relax.

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of this charming town during your stay, pay a visit to Correale di Terranova Museum, which houses artistic treasures by painters including Battistello, Van Dyck, Duclere and Palizzi, among others.

A trip to the Church and the Cloister of San Francesco may also appeal if you are interested in the area’s heritage, with some parts of this structure dating back to the eighth century.

Meanwhile, if you fancy getting out of Sorrento for a day, you will discover many attractions nearby, including Pompeii, Naples and the island of Capri.

Sardinia

Honeymoons to Sardinia may be another option open to you and a trip to this island is sure to be a memorable experience.

The isle boasts some 2,000 km of coastline, so you are guaranteed to find some quiet coves along with busier beaches on which you can relax together.

Stay in one of the luxury resorts in the south of the island and you will be able to escape the hustle and bustle of the most well-known tourist areas further north.

There are dozens of stretches of sand to be explored here, each fringed by clear, aquamarine water. However, you may want to spend a day at Cala Pira, where you can stroll hand in hand along the tide line and admire the unspoilt landscape.

You can also look forward to indulging in some delicious meals while in Sardinia, with much of the food on offer coming from local sources.

Written by Joe who is a travel blogger, and, if he ever gets married, wants to go on Dubai holidays for his Honeymoon!

As two of the most popular destinations for holidays, knowing whether to visit Portugal or Spain on your holiday can be difficult. Both areas are known for the variety of activities that they offer as well as their varied cuisine and beautiful landscapes, so how can you make a decision?

The most important thing to remember is that there is no reason why you can’t visit both of these countries. As they are situated so close to one another it could even be possible to visit both locations during a single trip.

However, for those who are not able to select this option, here are a few things to consider when making your decision over Portugal or Spain holidays:

Location

Both of these countries are known for having varied locations for tourists to stay in. With islands and mainland cities all being popular with tourists, deciding which part of these countries to stay in is often more difficult than picking the country itself. Make sure that you investigate the region that you to intend to stay in and make sure it is suitable for your preferences. Some areas will be family orientated whilst others will be focused on couples or younger travellers. It is therefore important that you match the area you are going to stay in with your own requirements.

Attractions

The next thing you need to consider is what attractions are available in both areas. Once again, Portugal and Spain both have a range of attractions available to tourists. With everything from stunning historical buildings and monuments to beautiful beaches and numerous restaurants, finding something to do in either of these areas will not be difficult.

Compare the attractions which are available in both countries and decide which ones are the most attractive to you. Remember to consider the accommodation that you will be staying in as well, as this can often affect how you feel about your holiday. Portugal villas are a popular form of accommodation, offering tourists the chance to experience a self-catered holiday that gives them both freedom and privacy. Villas are also available in Spain and are one of the most popular forms of accommodation for tourists.

Cost

Lastly, the cost of your holiday will always be important and comparing this could help you make your decision about where to go. Always compare prices before making your decision and remember to take into consideration the time of year when you will be travelling.

Peak time (such as the summer months and during Easter and Christmas holidays) will be more expensive than off-peak times. Choosing to travel off peak could therefore help you to save money, allowing you to enjoy your holiday even more.

The type of flight you get will also affect the price, as will when you book it. To get the best possible deal book your flights well in advance or at the last minute as this is when discounted prices will be offered.

Near Najuru town is the Great Rift Valley and right on the floor of this value can find Lake Nakuru. The park housing the Great Rift Valley was founded over 50 years ago and includes the savannah land surrounding the lake as well as the lake itself. In total the park is around 90 square miles and the north of the border is marked by the Menengai Crater and in the south by the Emburu Crater. Into the lake drains three important rivers the Malalia, Enderit and Njoro.

This National Park is one of the top tourist attractions in Kenya and one of the main reasons people head to the park is to see the pink flamingos. These are famously nesting on the shores of the lake and they come here because of the large amount of food that is available to them in the form of algae which can be found in the Lakes shallow water. Recent estimates by scientists have said that each year these flamingo birds consume around a quarter of a million kilos of algae.

There are two main types of flamingo that come to the lake every year, the lesser flamingo and the greater flamingo. Interestingly the lesser flamingo occurs in far greater numbers and is easily distinguishable from the greater flamingo, which has a black tip on its bill.

The lake is vast and makes up around a third of the entire park. It is located at over 1700 metres above sea level and there are many types of fish that can be found in the park. In 1960 the Tilapia Grahami fish was introduced into the waters in the hope that it would control the number of mosquitoes around the lake. The fish is capable of surviving in the lakes salty waters and proved to be an excellent controller of mosquitoes. The food chain is also assisted as there are many types of bird that eat this fish.

There is a wide range of vegetation in the park including tall cactus trees as well as acacia woodland. There is also an extensive amount of savannah grassland and Euphorbia Forest. In the forest are found around 400 different species of migratory bird and there are many steps in place to prevent poaching of animals in the National Park. All around and there is significant fence which is there to protect the rhinos in the park from poachers. This park is one of the few places in the world where it is likely that you will be able to spot an endangered species of animal such as the black-and-white Rhino.

Other animals you will find in the park include giraffes, buffaloes, zebra, gazelles, hippos and leopards. The number of flamingos in the Park has gradually decreased over the previous decades due to increased drought and problems created by man such as pollution. The flamingo population has been decreased because less algae is available for them to feed on because of factories lowering the alkali level of the lake.

Vietnam has a wide variety of fauna that has been threatened by the progressive destruction of forests.  According to recent estimates, only about 200 tigers, 60 Asian elephants and only 10 Java rhinos are there, all of whom’s survival is questionable.

The rhinos were unknown to science until recently and are restricted to the area of Cat Tien National Park. Outside of Vietnam, these rare animals live only in the Ujung Kulon National Park on the island of Java.

Other mammals include primates (crested gibbon, slow loris, langurs, macaques), predators (including sun bears, cats and marble), some types of civet cats, artiodactyls (Kant Chile, barking deer, deer, Bantengrinder, Gaure) and numerous bat and rodent species.

The bird life is also rich in species, including pheasants, hornbills, owls, raptors, herons, and numerous songbirds.  Even crocodiles, snakes, lizards and frogs are native to this country, as well as countless species of insects and invertebrates. In the 1990s, they have described several new species in Vietnam, including the Vu Quang ox and several Muntjakarten. The Vu Quang ox is protected in the Vu Quang National Park.

Vietnam’s roads have a total length of about 210,000 kilometres which are paved, however only about 13.5% are in good condition.  10% of the Vietnamese villages have impassable roads.  They correspond to a small extent, often in the vicinity of large cities.  The larger part is very bad.

There are only a few miles of road of a quality that could be described as a motorway. The main road in Vietnam cuts across the 2100 kilometres on a traffic engineering backbone of the entire country from the Chinese border to the Mekong Delta (often called Highway 1 or National Road 1) meaning there is an ordinary country road.

Currently being built is a second north-south route, the Ho Chi Minh Highway, which at long distances runs along the route of the famous Ho Chi Minh.

Once completed (expected in 2010) it will be a 1690 kilometres long road and will cost 500 million U.S. dollars.  It will connect Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City.   In 2006, there was already a 960km route between the towns of Khe Co (Province Ha Tinh) and Ngoc Hoi (Kon Tum province) in the form of a mostly 2-lane asphalt road.

Upon completion, this route will provide an attractive alternative to the National road 1.  Firstly, the traffic will be less dense; secondly, the route will pass through beautiful landscapes.  Unfortunately through some of the last, previously untouched wilderness areas and national parks on the Laotian border.

Crossings are regulated by traffic lights and are found only in large cities.  Road signs are interpreted by the market participants as the best proposal. The most important means of transport is the moped, even if the government tries to promote the bus services.

A recent announcement by Thomas Cook has said that they are going to close around 200 stores in the country. This has left many people wondering if it is still safe to book a holiday with a travel agent.

It is well known that the company have recently been having some financial difficulties and the Chief Executive of the group, Sam Weihagen has said, “We are addressing issues of underperformance in business and we appreciate how supportive customers have been. We assure them that booking with Thomas Cook is still a safe option and our holidays will not be affected our refinancing.”

Thomas Cook is also covered by the Air Travel Organisers Licensing scheme which means that any holidays that are cancelled because of the companies failure will be protected. This essentially means that if you are trapped abroad because the company goes broke you will still be able to take your flight home. Also, if you have booked a holiday and the company goes insolvent then you will be to get all of your money back.

People who’ve booked a holiday independently will not be covered by the scheme and they will have to pay more in order to get home. Many people have the assumption that their travel insurance policy will cover the loss they incur but the most basic policies, which most people go for, generally do not cover this.

The Association of British Insurers has recently commented, “Most travel policies don’t cover the issue when a company goes insolvent. They mostly focus on giving immediate medical care when you are abroad or getting your home if you have a medical emergency.”