We all know the Scots like a dram or two. We're well known for our social drinking culture. But did you know that our whisky is medicinal? Seriously. Winter is coming and I've already been struck down with my first cold of the season. I swear by the Hot Toddy, a classic Scottish drink made... Continue Reading →
Transport in Japan doesn't come cheap but it's true what they say, you get what you pay for. If you are planning on traveling around, it is worth purchasing a Japan Rail pass. You can buy passes which are valid for 7, 14 or 21 days and it can be used on all JR railway... Continue Reading →
Food glorious food! One of the main reasons I travel and Japan certainly did not disappoint. It's easy to keep things cheap as fast food restaurants serve very good quality grub. Usually fast food means that you have to sacrifice on quality and nutrition but in Japan this is not the case. From ramen to... Continue Reading →
Things really have progressed since the days of travellers cheques. Money is so much more accessible and overseas charges have decreased significantly. However the majority of banks in Japan will not accept your overseas bank card. Fear not though my travelling amigos, you will be able to withdraw cash at most 7-Eleven convenience stores. There... Continue Reading →
Japan is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world yet free WIFI hotspots are few and far between. No WiFi? No problem! You can rent a pocket WIFI device for the duration of your stay. You can arrange to collect it from the airport or have it delivered straight to your hotel.... Continue Reading →
Tattoos are a work of art for some people. I'm a blank canvas myself but I have it on good authority that getting inked can become quite the addiction. Take note that there's a stigma around tattoos in Japan which may not be common knowledge to the Western world. The yakuza (gangsters) traditionally marked their... Continue Reading →
My top 5 travel apps, it’s been done. Overdone you might say. But.., I work in digital and I am a bit of a UX geek so I feel that I should be allowed to throw in my tuppence worth. I do often wonder how I coped without a smart phone. Spoiler alert for the... Continue Reading →
I recently stopped off in Valencia for 2 nights, Spain’s third largest city. The original home of traditional Paella and the ‘blow your head off cocktail’, Agua de Valencia. Also known as Valencian water, it is a cava-based cocktail with vodka, gin and orange juice. I can confirm it’s not for the faint hearted! The... Continue Reading →
Museum lovers click the back button now or risk being utterly offended. I got chatting to an older gent in a restaurant in Florence a few years ago and he mentioned how comical he found it that so many young people seem to visit museums solely to impress others (particularly the opposite sex). I'm attached,... Continue Reading →
