Travel
Shinkansen travel tip: A clever way to keep your suitcase from rolling around on the bullet train
Japan has an extremely efficient public transportation system, with the shinkansenhigh-speed rail network being its crown jewel. However, as convenient as the bullet trains are for zipping about the country, they of course don’t deliver you directly to your hotel’s front door, which means you’ll have to haul your bags to… Read
Qatar Airways launches 24/7 customer service channel on Twitter
Qatar Airways has launched a bilingual and dedicated 24/7 customer service channel on Twitter. Using the dedicated support handle of @QRsupport, passengers can raise their enquiries and receive replies 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week in English and Arabic from the airline’s Customer Service team. “Social media has transformed the way and speed in… Read
Airlines make it harder to earn free flights for loyalty
Airline loyalty programs are losing much of their allure even for frequent flyers, and the rules for navigating the system have changed. Flying is no longer the best way to earn miles or points. The biggest bang for your buck comes from signing up for the right credit card. And… Read
Air France testing virtual reality headsets for inflight entertainment
Air France is currently testing an immersive entertainment system with virtual reality headsets that allow passengers to enjoy 3D and 2D programs. Since Aug 1, the system has been tested on board return Paris-Charles de Gaulle – St. Martin flights. Customers travelling in Business class on board the A340 operating… Read
Japan, Russia eye cruise tour around disputed islands
Japan and Russia are exploring the idea of conducting cruises around the Moscow-held, Tokyo-claimed islands off Hokkaido as part of envisioned joint economic activities, a diplomatic source said. The two countries will hold a vice foreign ministerial meeting Thursday in Moscow to discuss joint activities before their leaders meet in… Read
Overnight 'bullet ferry' gets you from Osaka to Kyushu and back for Y10,000
A while back, we took a look at an extremely convenient overnight bus service that allows travelers to get from Tokyo to Osaka while catching up on sleep and saving a night’s worth of hotel fees. But what if, after seeing the sights of Osaka, you find yourself wanting to keep moving west… Read
North Korean tensions aren't deterring tourists from Guam
Tourists haven't been deterred from visiting the tropical island of Guam even though the U.S. territory has been the target of threats from North Korea during a week of angry words exchanged by Pyongyang and Washington. Chiho Tsuchiya of Japan heard the news, but she decided to come anyway with… Read
New concepts of luxury changing what high-end travelers expect
As the world’s ideas of wealth and status change, travelers’ ideas of luxury are changing to match. High-end travelers increasingly choose subtle indulgence over flashy logos and conspicuous consumption. And they’re gravitating toward travel that enables them to live out their personal values and fulfill their dreams through exclusive experiences.… Read
Rebranded Hotel Nikko Oita Oasis Tower to open in December
FTC Hotel Kaihatsu Co Ltd and Okura Nikko Hotel Management Co Ltd, a subsidiary of Hotel Okura Co Ltd, will open the rebranded Hotel Nikko Oita Oasis Tower in southern Japan this December. The rebranded hotel will be operated under Nikko Hotels International. Hotel Nikko Oita Oasis Tower, currently operating as Oita… Read
American flight underscores hazards posed by turbulence
At some point during many flights, the captain will calmly announce that there could be some bumps ahead and so passengers must be seated with their seat belts on. The plane might seem to bobble or bounce a bit, but rarely does it turn into a serious threat to safety.… Read
