Whether you are first time visiting Tokyo or you are seasoned Tokyo traveller, it does not hurt to be prepared for your trip to the capital.

Here are most useful things to know, while visiting Tokyo

1. Purchase an IC Transport Card

Prasmo and Suica are the two major IC transport cards used in Tokyo. These reloadable cards . they are not only convenient to use it for travelling on trains or buses, but you can use these cards for paying at selected stores as well as restaurents.

You can get a card from train station kiosks and ticket machines for a refundable ¥500 deposit. Overseas visitors can even pick up Special IC cards such as Cute Sanrio-themed Pasmo Passport, which would help you get additional discount on attractions in Tokyo.

2. Cheap and convenient way to Go to Airport

There are plenty of options to get to and from Tokyo’s two international airports. Haneda is closer to central Tokyo, but many airlines use Narita Airport in Chiba prefecture.

To get from Haneda into the city, the best option is take the train. You can get from the airport to Shinagawa station in mere 20 minutes on the Keikyu Airport Line. Taxis are available at both airports, but they are not cheap.

3. Send you luggage separately

Carrying your baggage around Tokyo can be hassle, especially, if you are constantly going in and out of packed train stations. To lessen your load, Yamato Transport can help take your heavy suitcases to and from the airport. Yamata also offers a service to take your luggage from Tokyo to your next destination.

4. Uber in Tokyo

Uber is available in Tokyo and Japan, it is used to hail taxis and not rides like in other nations. The cheapest uber option is Uber Taxi, which charges similar charges as general taxi plus an additional surcharge per kilometre travelled. The best part of using Uber, you can book it through the app and it is all in English. The transactions are cashless.

5. Where to take out the cash

In recent year, cashless payment options have made great stride over the past few years, cash is still very much used in Japan. Your credit cards should be accepted at major establishments, but you can withdraw cash with international credit as well as debit cards from ATM;s at Japan post branches and convenience stores such as 7-eleven and lawson.

6. Carry your passort to avail taxfree discounts

Tax-exemption service for international tourists are offered at numerous shops as well as retail outlets in Japan. You can save on the 10% consumption tax, you are required to spend a minimum amount specified at the same store on the same day. The above service is only available to foreign tourists staying in country for less than six months.

7. Wifi in Tokyo

Japan is not exactly the most wifi accessible nation. Numerous public networks need to have Japanese address or phone number and you cannot always rely on connecting at cafes and restaurants

8. Store your luggage in locker

If you have checked out of your hotel, but still have time to spare before continuing your journey? Do not worry, Tokyo’s train stations and shopping centers have lockers that are perfect for storing the small to medium-sized bags. However, you cannot always count on availability as these lockers are usually in busy central areas. And you definitely will not able to fit a large suitcase in one of these lockers.

9. Bring your spare mask

People have to make a choice whether to wear a face mask indoors and on public transport. However the Japanese government still recommends that masks must be worn in specific situations such as crowded rush hour trains. And few businesses and venues might ask you to keep your mask on when entering, so it is good idea to carry one with you when are going around Tokyo.

Summer vacations are in full swing and it’s time to hop on a refreshing adventure. From lavish staycations to tropical excursions, here are some multigenerational holiday ideas for a cool summer vacation.

Krabi, Thailand

Thailand’s famed resort town, Krabi is known for its stunning beaches, tropical islands, limestone cliffs, national parks, coral reefs, sea caves, and exotic marine life, making it an impeccable summer paradise. Located on its secluded coast is Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – an ultra-luxurious five-star retreat that blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor environs. The resort’s reserve villas have private pools, gardens and a personalised butler service, ensuring an effortless stay. Its restaurants cater to adults and kids with a versatile menu of Thai, Indian, Mediterranean, European, and other cuisines crafted by a Michelin-star chef. Elemental spa therapies holistically soothe adults while kids are absorbed with creative activities such as umbrella painting and coconut leaf crafting. The Phulay Bay team can also organise excursions to Krabi’s finest attractions; like the Bamboo Island where one of Thailand’s largest coral reefs is found and the Hang Nak Mountain summit where a serious trek culminates into panoramic views of the town and even the Koh Phi Phi islands on a clear day.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

St. Moritz emerges as the quintessential Alpine destination, beckoning families with its blend of majestic scenery and exhilarating summer offerings. Here, amidst the Swiss Alps, they can revel in a myriad of activities tailored to all ages and interests. Whether embarking on scenic hikes along mountain trails, venturing onto the pristine waters of Lake St. Moritz for water sports, or embarking on a memorable journey aboard the Bernina Express, the possibilities for adventure are endless. For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the Engadin Summer Park offers thrilling activities such as rope courses and summer tobogganing. Amidst exploring the local culture and cuisine, families can savour traditional Alpine dishes at Michelin Star restaurants and immerse themselves in the charm of St. Moritz’s streets. Legendary hotels like Badrutt Palace, Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski, Suvretta House and the historic Hotel Grace LaMargna offer a lavish summer retreat where the requirements of every guest are precisely met.

Praslin, Seychelles

Nestled in the tropical paradise of Seychelles, Praslin stands out as one of the best islands for families seeking an unforgettable summer getaway. Its pristine beaches, including the renowned Anse Lazio, provide endless opportunities for sun-soaked adventures, from sandcastle building to snorkelling in turquoise waters. Families can embark on nature hikes through the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, home to the iconic Coco de Mer palms and fascinating wildlife. A day trip to Curieuse Island offers the chance to encounter giant Aldabra tortoises and explore secluded beaches. Beneath the waves, vibrant coral reefs await discovery, perfect for snorkelling and diving excursions suitable for all ages, including kids. Families can explore Seychellois culture by sampling local cuisine at bustling markets and delving into the island’s rich history at museums and heritage sites. Whether staying in a luxury resort with kids’ clubs or a cosy guesthouse surrounded by lush gardens, Praslin offers family-friendly accommodations to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay.

Muscat, Oman

With a distinct blend of culture, nature, and history, Muscat is a city that reflects Oman’s diversity. Its souqs, museums, and legendary architecture remind tourists of its enduring legacy, spanning centuries. For families looking for a lavish short-haul summer escapade, there are plenty of summer adventures to enjoy in Muscat. The city’s most regal resort, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat embodies Oman’s rich heritage and palatial hospitality. Its architecture hints at Oman’s legendary history with each accommodation guaranteeing unparalleled luxury. Facing a panoramic beach, the resort gives guests access to dynamic activities ranging from observing turtle hatching, dolphin watching and snorkelling to motorised sports. A perfect way to relax in summer is to float slowly across the resort’s 500m falaj-inspired lazy river while sipping exotic mocktails infused with frankincense from the resort’s garden. Frankincense and local spices are also infused in the resort’s spa treatments, allowing guests to heal mentally and physically as they absorb the essence of Oman. The resort’s Cool Zone Kids Club offers a creative play zone for children. Ensuring a memorable culinary experience, it has numerous restaurants and bars that serve a wide range of cuisine, including Indian.

Mui Ne, Vietnam

Mui Ne is a tranquil beach resort town two-hours away from Ho Chi Minh City. Situated on the Southeast coast of Vietnam, it enjoys cool coastal weather and steady wind conditions favouring water sports and summertime adventures. As a family-friendly luxury retreat, The Anam Vietnam’s five-star resorts meet the needs of every guest. From opulent private pool villas to large suites with ocean views, it offers an excellent choice of accommodation. Water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, kitesurfing, flyboarding, and jet skiing, are all arranged in-house, enabling guests to beat the summer heat in style. For young adventurers aged four to 12, The Anam’s vibrant Kids’ Club hosts colourful play areas, games, and creative activities under expert supervision. The resort also comprises an excellent selection of restaurants serving Asian, Vietnamese and Western dishes. Upon request, the chefs can arrange a special menu for kids according to their nutritional needs, using ingredients from The Anam’s organic farm. The resort’s team can arrange full-day excursions to attractions like the White and Red Dunes, Bau Trang Lake, Fairy Stream, the fishing village, and the majestic Ta Cu Mountain, allowing families to witness the beauty of Mui Ne.

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

From historic sites like Dhayah Fort and the National Museum to desert safaris and mountain hikes, Ras Al Khaimah is one of the best tourist destinations in the UAE. For a multigenerational summer vacation head to the sea-facing The Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. The five-star resort invites guests to the island’s largest floating water park where kids splash and play amidst serene waters and adults engage in thrilling water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. The magnificent house reef can be explored through snorkelling and scuba diving. Likewise, both kids and adults can indulge in Swiss delights at Mövenpick’s MöCa Lobby Lounge and daily Chocolate Hour, while ‘Boons and Brunch’ calls for a culinary journey with live food stations and vibrant entertainment for the whole family. For an adult’s only time, ascend to Neo Sky Bar and enjoy lively nightlife experiences with 360-degree views or relish and relax at the resort’s award-winning beachfront restaurant Ula Beach, a boho-inspired Mediterranean oasis. For a unique family bonding experience head to The Citrine Spa and experience special therapies like the Father and Son Chill Out Massage, and a Mother and Daughter Paradise Massage.

Lake Ontario – one of the excellent and top-end lakes in Ontario, it has been considered to be one of the perfect options you would want to explore. Referred to as Lake of Shining Waters, Lake Ontario is a must-visit destination if you are in Canada.

While Lake Ontario in itself is one of the best tourist destinations ever in Canada, you would find that it offers you access to a wonderful collection of tourist spots that surround it. One of the prime options you would find around would be the wetlands, cliffs, and of course, dunes.

Well, Canada is, in itself, a tourist destination par excellence. We would consider Lake Ontario as the gem of the best options ever when it comes to the high quality and high-end tourist-centric experience.

Lake Ontario is indeed one of the excellent and largest lakes from around the world. Spanning around 7500 square miles, Lake Ontario lies between Canada and the USA.

A few of the best destinations around Lake Ontario can best be picked would include

Be one with Nature

Well, the area around Lake Ontario may not be the perfect one if you are looking for some overwhelming traveling experience. However, if you are someone who loves nature and adventurous in your attitude, the regions around Lake Ontario should be one of the prime options you would want to explore.

The wetlands, cliffs and sand dunes are a few great options you would find quite impressive in its own right. The excellent and extensive biodiversity offered by the region would definitely make it a great choice ever. The natural biodiversity at the location should ideally be something you would really find genuinely extraordinary.

Tommy Thompson Park

One of the excellent tourist destinations across Lake Ontario would include the Tommy Thompson Park. In essence, you would find that it provides you access to incredible sightseeing options. In essence, the park is one of the great choices for bird watching.

In fact, Tommy Thompson Park has always been something that does not go amiss from the people visiting Toronto. Spread over a land area of around 500 hectares. It does provide you access to a whole lot of natural beauty in the form of flowers, plants, wildflowers, cobble beaches, and sand dunes. It has also been estimated that the park is home to more than 315 different species of birds. That should ideally explain why the park was adjudged Globally Significant Important Bird Area by BirdLife International in 2000.

Casa Loma

The Casa Loma is both a landmark and a museum in Toronto. To begin with, you would definitely fall in love with the style and structure of the design. It is a wonderful option for grandeur. You would ideally find it an excellent option for a charming tourist place.

The museum (or rather the structure) was built between 1911 and 1914. The ninety-eight toom structure provides you access to a wide range of guided tours. The location is also home to a huge number of television and movie shoots. It has also been a good option for special occasions such as weddings and other rites. In fact, it can also be rented for an evening for any special events. In fact, there is no limit to the kind of fun and enjoyment you can opt for. Casa Loma provides you access to a truly wonderful experience in every aspect.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest museums in Canada, and that is precisely what would make it one of the prime options you would find rather impressive. Unveiled in 1914, the museum provides you access to more than 6 million different varieties of artwork. The museum is segregated between two different galleries viz the Natural History and the World Culture Galleries.

A few of the interesting elements you can find at the museum would include the Chinese Place of worship monuments, Gallery of Korean Art and costumes and textile collections. The museum also hosts special sections for the kids as well. These kids’ sections would include Egyptian mummies, dinosaur rooms, and Jamaican bat-cave imitations. You would also find a huge list of options in the form of fossils that range to 150,000 samples.

Allan Gardens

The Allen Gardens Conservatory has been one of the prime destinations and offers you access to an area of more than 16,000 square feet and six interconnected greenhouses. You can witness a huge number of species of flora and fauna from around the globe.

The prominent among the huge number of options in the region are cacti, orchids, succulents, pines to tropical plants. There are a few special educational programs held for the kids during some specific seasons. You would also find ponds full of turtles, and colorful fish. Best suited to be visited solo, or in groups, this is one of the great options ever around Lake Ontario.

Travelling disrupts our routine, time zone differences can disrupt sleep patterns, and simply being in a new location can push us out of our comfort zone. Anxiety begins to creep in at this point. Here’s how you can manage it.

We all enjoy travelling, and now that the world has opened up as a result of the pandemic, everyone has a reason to travel even more, almost with a vengeance! However, travel can be very stressful on both the body and the mind. Travelling disrupts our routine, time zone differences can disrupt sleep patterns, and simply being in a new location can push us out of our comfort zone. Anxiety begins to creep in at this point, causing imbalances and disturbances in our physical, emotional, and mental bodies. Jenil Dholakia, Holistic Yoga and Well-being Coach shares five ways in which yoga can help you manage travel anxiety:

Take deep breaths

Allow the breath to be your best friend before and during your journey. Simply remember to take deep belly breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed by any situation. Deeply inhale through the nose and slowly exhale through the mouth. After 5-10 breaths, you will be in a much better position to deal with the situation.

Yoga on the go

Long flights and car/bus rides can cause stiffness and soreness. Stretches and poses for stress relief include neck rolls to the left and right, shoulder rotations clockwise and anticlockwise, spinal stretches – lateral and twisting, seated marjariasana/cat pose, Uttanasana/standing forward fold, and Adho mukha svanasana/downward facing dog pose. It is critical to restore joint mobility after prolonged sitting.

Mindful mornings

Set aside at least ten minutes each morning to sit in silence. Simply close your eyes and bring your attention to the present moment. Beginning the day in this manner will assist you in calming your thoughts, controlling your anxiety, and preparing you to go through the day in a balanced state of mind. You can conclude the meditation by saying aloud, “I am ready to face the day and I choose to go with the flow.” This will train your subconscious mind to be mindful all day.

Viparaita Karni / Legs up the wall pose

After a long day, this is a great pose to jump into when you’re exhausted, especially if your legs are tired from all the walking. Simply lie on your back on the floor and raise your legs to form a capital L shape against the wall. If you hold this pose for 5 minutes before going to bed, you will fall asleep like a baby.

Nature connection

Spending time in nature is the most healing thing you can do. Spend some time outside of your daily routine in a park or near a natural body. Turn off your phone and surrender with all of your senses. See the various colours and patterns around you, listen to the sounds of birds, waterfalls, and rivers, smell the various fragrances of flowers and trees, touch the soft grass and leaves, and fully immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Allow nature to heal, recharge, and uplift you.