Tips to save money when travelling to Japan

Japan is an expensive country to travel to. However, there are still some ways to help reduce the financial burden when travelling in Japan, all you need to do is follow the tips in this article.

Visit the free attractions

With countless museums, shrines, temples, historic neighborhoods and parks, Japan is filled with opportunities to become immersed in its culture. Many of the nation’s parks and museums are free.

Get a JR Pass

The bullet trains in Japan are ridiculously expensive with one-way fares costing hundreds of dollars. If you plan to do a lot of travel around the country, get the JR Pass which allows you unlimited train travel and will save you a ton of money. It comes in 7, 14, and 21-day tickets. Keep it mind it can only be purchased outside of the country, so be sure to plan ahead!

Take the bus

Buses are a far more economical option than the trains. They cost a fraction of the price but take a lot longer. For example, the two-hour bullet train ride from Tokyo to Osaka becomes a 10-hour bus ride. You can get unlimited Japan rail passes for 29,100 JPY (255 USD), for 7 consecutive days of travel, but this is far more expensive than using the bus. Bottom line: if you have the time, take the bus.

Shop at the 100 Yen stores

There are many 100 Yen shops in Japan with set meals, groceries, water bottles, toiletries, and household items. Store names vary by region, so ask your hotel/hostel reception where the nearest one is located.

Eat at 7-Eleven

A 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and other convenience stores have a lot of pre-set meals (including sandwiches, soups, fruit, and more traditional Japanese options) for 125-370 JPY (1-3 USD) that make for a cheap lunch option. Additionally, supermarkets also have many set meals at similar prices.

Eat curry, ramen, and donburi

Curry bowls are as cheap as 370 JPY (3 USD) per plate. Donburi, bowls of meat and rice, are around 500-620 JPY (5-6 USD). Ramen is never more than 870 JPY (8 USD). These are the best ways to eat cheap, filling meals while in Japan.

Buy food at night

After 8pm, supermarkets discount their fresh food as they have to get rid of it (by law). If you buy your food after 8pm, you can save up to 50% on almost everything fresh.

See more: Discover the best parks in Tokyo, Japan

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The reasons to visit Iran

Iran has made a comeback on the travel scene in recent years, being listed as one of the hot spot destinations, and certainly with good reason. And although it may not rank as high with some travelers as it does with others, here is the reasons for traveling to Iran at least once in your lifetime.

Travel to Iran to learn about its long history

Hardly in need of any introduction, Persepolis is possibly Iran’s most famous ancient site, even though not the only one. From ancient Persia to modern Iran, from the Achaemenid Empire to the Sassanian era, from the Safavid period to the Qajar dynasty, to finally the Pahlavi family and the Islamic Revolution, Iranian history is as stormy as it gets.

With so many historical places to visit in Iran, travelling all around the country you can soak in every period and delve into the nation’s tangled past. After you enjoyed your Persepolis tour, don’t forget to add to the list also other Iran points of interest such as the Golestan Palace in Tehran, Ali Qapu Palace in Isfahan and the Fire Temple in Yazd, just to mention some.

The people and hospitality

Iran tends to get a lot of bad press, but somewhere in the mix, the good word about Iranian hospitality somehow got out. It is not only the remains of Persepolis, mosques of Esfahan, and windcatchers of Yazd that have drawn travelers in, but also that unshakable curiosity about this renowned hospitality. This centuries old tradition has only intensified in recent years, solidifying that initial curiosity for travelers, and leaving a lasting impression much stronger than any tourist attraction ever could.

Visit Iran for its architecture

Be it a mosque, a palace or a bazaar, Iranian buildings are finely decorated and glow with ornamental elegance. Pastel colours gracefully interact with bright hues, tapering minarets and seemingly ubiquitous domes outline the landscape, symbols and traditional calligraphy coexist in a charming interplay. Whether inside or outside a building, the sophisticated Persian architecture is always something tourists marvel at every time they visit Iran.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

From exquisite mosques to stunning feats of engineering, Iran boasts twenty-one UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including 20 cultural and one natural. While they are scattered around the country, you can easily cross off six by visiting the areas in and around Shiraz and the Khuzestan province. For those interested in Persian culture, there are also a number of intangible cultural heritage elements in Iran that are worth exploring during your stay.

Plan a trip to Iran to try Persian food

From pistachio to black tea, from saffron to kebab, from Mirza Ghasemi to Ghormeh Sabzi, the heavy presence of aromatic herbs makes Iranian cuisine appetizing and addictive, especially when it comes to pistachio and baklava if you ask me.

While there are national dishes that you can find everywhere, like herb stew Ghormeh Sabzi, there are others that are exclusive, or at least typical of a particular region. Among these are the aforementioned eggplant-based Mirza Ghasemi, typical from Gilan province, or Dizi, too meaty and heavy for me but still a national treat, typical from Ardebil.

See more: 7 best street foods you should try in Tehran, Iran

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The best hotels in Doha, Qatar

One of the richest cities in the world, Doha has long been associated with luxury and the finer things in life. With a growing stream of tourists and an appetite for opulence, major brands are clamouring to get a foothold in the city. These hotels in Doha are setting very high standards for lavish hospitality.

Mandarin Oriental

Featuring an outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, Mandarin Oriental, Doha is located in the centre of Msheireb Downtown Doha. With a terrace, the property also has a bar. The in-house restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine. The rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine, a bath, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms are fitted with a kettle and a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer, while certain rooms include a kitchen. The units feature a seating area.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet or an American breakfast. Mandarin Oriental, Doha offers a range of wellness facilities including a hot tub, a sauna and an indoor pool. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can provide tips on the area. Souq Waqif is 1.6 km from the accommodation and the business district is also close by. Hamad International Airport is 14.5 km away.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Doha

A recent design-driven makeover has given this prestigious hotel a new lease of life. Rooms have been painstakingly refurbished with a fresh, contemporary feel, complete with plush new furnishings and marbled bathrooms. The hotel’s array of restaurants has also been amped up thanks to the opening of cult steakhouse STK Doha and a new, casual French brasserie, Sel & Miel.

Once considered to be on the edge of Doha in West Bay Lagoon, the hotel is now closer than ever to the heart of things, thanks to a new road network and a growing city. The spa is without a doubt one of the most popular in Doha, and houses an indoor pool and two tennis courts. Lounge lizards will love the tropically inspired pool area, which comes with cool towels and poolside food service.

InterContinental Doha

A grand landmark hotel, InterContinental Doha combines heritage and luxury with contemporary comfort. Located in the prestigious West Bay area, overlooking the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf, the hotel boasts the largest free-form swimming pool and longest private beach in the city. It is conveniently located within 10 minutes of the major central business district, the diplomatic area, the centre of the city and Doha Golf Club. Doha International Airport is only a 25 minute drive. It is ideally situated for both business and leisure travelers. This delightful hotel provides a warm Qatari welcome. Many of the spacious guest rooms enjoy outstanding sea views, and all offer broadband internet access.

The hotel is equipped to host business meetings social gatherings with 4 flexible function rooms and a grand ballroom that accommodates up to 700 guests. There are 6 restaurants and bars serving international cuisine alongside Italian, Middle Eastern, Tex-Mex and Seafood specialties. The outstanding recreational facilities include a 24 hour gym, tennis, squash, swimming pools and massage treatments. A Sailing Centre is available for boat hire.

Sheraton Grand Doha

It is hard to miss the Sheraton Grand Doha, it is the huge pyramid-shaped building on the Corniche. Built for the 1980 GCC summit (at a reported cost of $100 million), it has now become a much-loved part of Qatar’s landscape and history. The opulent lobby with its gold dome is a place to socialise and sample the legendary dessert umm ali (bread pudding). The hotel recently refurbished all its split-level rooms, which boast sea or city skyline views.

The Sheraton has an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars, from the city’s first Irish pub to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine. Salt Bae, who became a viral-video sensation in 2017 for the distinctive way he sprinkles salt onto meat, has opened a restaurant here. A private beach and standalone fitness club with indoor tennis and squash courts will keep health-conscious visitors occupied.

La Cigale Hotel

Experience five-star accommodation and a superb level of personal service in the heart of Doha, Qatar at La Cigale Hotel. Behind its polished 20-story facade, this striking high-design hotel offers a stylish yet relaxing haven where business travellers can escape the city’s hectic pace.

Enjoy a finely crafted mix of comfort and luxury at La Cigale Hotel. Exceptionally appointed Deluxe and Premium Rooms are a welcome and relaxing respite from the non-stop energy of Doha. In perfect balance with the customary travel luxuries, each hotel room affords a host of signature surprises, including La Cigale homemade chocolates and mineral water, designer Acqua Di Parma bath amenities, and high-speed Internet. To fully personalize your sleep experience, La Cigale features goose-down duvets, plush mattresses and heavenly pads, and a dedicated Pillow Menu with 15 types of pillows.

See more: The must-visit museums in Doha, Qatar

Source Internet