So you are off to Tokyo this week? Did you book a hotel or an Airbnb in Japan?

It will be wise to double-check your reservation, as your Airbnb in Japan might have been cancelled. Japan has just introduced a new law that amends the country’s Hotels and Inns Act.

As a result more than 48.000 Airbnb properties have been removed from their website.

The new law requires the Airbnb hosts to register their property with the Japanese Tourist Authorities (JTA) and display their JTA licence number by the 15th June.

The new law also restricts the rental period to a maximum of 180 days per year.

However, conforming to the new law and the obtaining the registration is a lengthy process and as a result the Japanese government has announced that from the 1^st of June any Airbnb host without a licence number had to cancel upcoming reservations that were booked before the 15^th of June.

Airbnb in a statement said that it would automatically cancel any reservation made by a guest arriving between 15 June and 19 June at a property in Japan that does not display their JTA licence number.

For that reason, Airbnb is setting up an emergency compensation fund of $10 million to cover as it said “unexpected and unavoidable expenses based on this sudden development”. Airbnb guests who have been affected will receive a full refund, along with a $100 coupon toward its activity-centric Airbnb Experience service.

If your reservation has been cancelled you must email Airbnb and submit copies of the receipts and invoices of any additional expenses you had to pay (like hotel accommodation and flight change fees) in order to get reimbursed from Airbnb with in a month.

If you did book with Airbnb in Japan and your booking has been cancelled, have a look bellow to some alternative offers that we have source for you.

We looked into the 10 most popular destinations in Japan and we have brought for you some last minute bargains.

So don’t worry if your Airbnb in Japan has been cancelled, you might be better off booking a hotel in the following destinations.

Recommended properties not listed with Airbnb in Japan

Tokyo

Tokyo Station Hotel

Located in Tokyo, Tokyo Station Hotel offers stylish, 4.5-star accommodation close to INCJ. Those staying at the property can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi throughout their stay.

The hotel preserves its deep-rooted heritage and provides guests contemporary accommodations and unparalleled hospitality.

Kyoto

Bijuu

Set in Central Kyoto, Bijuu is within a 10-minute walk of Kennin-ji, Gion and Ichiriki Chaya. It offers complimentary Wi-Fi, a laundry service and a coffee bar. The apartment is air conditioned and includes tea and coffee making facilities, wireless internet access and a refrigerator.

The bathroom features a shower and provides a hair dryer. This is a very unique property that you will not find listed with Airbnb in Japan!!!

Osaka

Namba Oriental Hotel

Namba Oriental hotel is located in Osaka and provides recently renovated rooms and complimentary wireless internet. The various facilities this relaxed hotel has to offer include massage services, a coffee bar and a 24-hour reception. This charming hotel provides a safe, a currency exchange and a shopping mall.

There is off-site parking for those with a car. This hotel provides rooms with an en suite bathroom, air conditioning and a TV.

Nara

Guesthouse Nara Backpackers

Guesthouse Nara Backpackers is located in Nara and provides guests with free Wi-Fi. It is close to the area’s tourist attractions and is minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station.

This traditional hostel offers luggage storage, bicycle rental and laundry facilities. There are a range of adventurous activities, including hiking, meaning the whole family will have an enjoyable stay.

Guesthouse Nara Backpackers has 8 traditional rooms that are fitted with all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay. There are also a number of rooms available for families. Another outstanding traditional Japanese property that is not with Airbnb in japan.

Hakone

Fukuzumiro Ryokan

This Hakone ryokan is located within a 10-minute walk of Tonosawa Railway Station. It offers 4-star accommodation and views of the garden.

Fukuzumiro Ryokan features a 24/7 reception, as well as meeting rooms and luggage storage. For added convenience, it offers a garden and a vending machine.  The rooms are air conditioned and include tea and coffee making facilities and a refrigerator. The shared bathroom includes bathrobes.

Guests of Fukuzumiro can relax at the in-house bar, ideally located for socialising in the evening.

Hiroshima

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel provides hip 5-star accommodation in Hiroshima. It also offers free Wi-Fi, a beauty centre and an indoor pool.

This relaxed hotel provides an on-site gym, 24-hour room service and a coffee bar. Corporate facilities include meeting rooms.

Each modern room at Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel includes a refrigerator and a mini bar, and the bathrooms offer slippers and bathrobes. Hot drinks can be brewed with the complimentary tea and coffee supplies, and enjoyed in the comfort of the room’s living area.

Sapporo

Mercure Sapporo

Mercure Sapporo provides stylish, 3-star accommodation close to Susukino. Those staying at the property can also make use of complimentary Wi-Fi.

This modern hotel offers a 24-hour reception, a currency exchange and a coffee bar. There is off-site parking for guests travelling with a car.

Each modern room at Mercure Sapporo comes with slippers and a refrigerator, while the bathrooms offer showers and hair dryers. They all include wireless internet access, movies-on-demand and a telephone.

Mercure Sapporo features both a restaurant and a bar where guests can relax at the end of the day with dinner and a drink.

 

Nikko

Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa

This comfortable ryokan in Nikko offers complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as a coffee bar and valet parking. It provides 4.5-star accommodation with air-conditioned rooms.

Those staying at Okunoin Hotel Tokugawa can relax in their stylish rooms that offer a seating area, a bathtub and tea and coffee making facilities. Guests staying in the rooms also have access to a communal bathroom.

Kobe

Hotel Okura Kobe

Hotel Okura Kobe offers stylish, 4-star accommodation close to Meriken Park. This hotel is set in the heart of the city.

Kobe Hotel Okura has recently been refurbished and provides outdoor tennis courts, free Wi-Fi and a free shuttle service. Staff are available 24/7 and can help with booking tours and tickets. It also has a gym with a swimming pool.

The air conditioned rooms at Hotel Okura Kobe are stylish and provide a mini bar, a refrigerator and slippers. The bathrooms have a bathtub and a shower, and come with a hair dryer and bathrobes.

Those staying at Kobe Hotel Okura can sit down to a unique dining experience at the on-site restaurant, conveniently based for those who want to stay close by when looking for a bite to eat. Breakfast is available each morning and can be savoured in the comfort of the rooms.

Ishigaki Islands

ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort

An ideal base when visiting Ishigaki, ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort offers a range of deluxe leisure amenities such as a waterslide and a tennis court. It features an 18-hole golf course, a sauna, an outdoor pool and a Jacuzzi.

The resort treats guests to deluxe amenities, including a limousine service and Thalasso Spa. Free wireless internet is available for those who wish to stay online while travelling. It also features a sun deck with impressive ocean and garden views.

Furnished to a high standard, the 5-star rooms feature slippers, mini bars and in-room movies, a private bathroom with a shower.

Guests of ANA InterContinental Ishigaki Resort can wake up to breakfast each morning at China Shadow, plus dinner at Yaeyama Japanese Restaurant in the evening. Eateries at the resort include Suncoast Café and Omoto. Guests are also able to unwind with a drink at Tropics Lounge and Bar.

If you wish to book a property with Airbnb in Japan click the link here for additional discount.

 

The US state of Montana is well known for its beautiful landscape and especially for it’s Yellowstone Park that covers 3,500 square miles full of canyons, alpine rivers and provides a home for many wild animals like bears, wolves, bison, elks and antelopes.

When to visit Montana

You can visit Montana all year round but do check the weather forecast for the region before you set off as the weather tends to be very unpredictable from very hot to snow storms and blizzards.

Visit Montana’s cities and towns (ranked by population)

Billings Yellowstone 106,954
Missoula Missoula 66,789
Great Falls Cascade 58,505
Bozeman Gallatin 37,280
Butte Silver Bow 34,525
Helena Lewis and Clark 28,190
Kalispell Flathead 19,927
Havre Hill 9,310
Anaconda Deer Lodge 9,298
Miles City Custer 8,123
Belgrade Gallatin 7,389

Famous for the numerous horse ranches in the region, Montana could be called the horse rider paradise. To experience Montana without taking the time to explore any one of the horse riding ranches open to the public could almost be considered a crime.

As well as tackling a horseback mountain trek is a must when in horse riding country such as Montana.

The outdoor terrains offers a lot to the travellers who choose to experience what can only be described as getting back to nature. With the mountains at your feet and the vast landscape before you, camping out under the stars would not be out of the ordinary in Montana.

It is actually a very popular weekend activity among the local youth in Montana.

Where to stay in Montana

With a diverse choice of camp sites, to luxury and affordable hotels on offer you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing what accommodation suits your needs best.

When travelling to Montana on a budget keep in mind that there some bargains to be found like the Wingate by Wyndham in Helena Montana, the facilities are more than adequate and the rates are affordable.

This hotel is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and positioned in Montana’s Capitol City.

If camping out under the stars is what you had in mind then the Bear Dance and Cabin can provide valuable information on camp sites that could be simply perfect for your holiday outdoors adventure. Providing all modern and convenient amenities, your stay will be more than you have bargained for.

Where to dine in Montana

Dining out in Montana does not need to break the bank, with restaurants like Bogarts serving up state loved favourites. The Bogarts restaurant is located on 11 South Broadway, Red Lodge, MT 59068

You will also find at Bogart’s Bogie’s photos and memorabilia which are on display upon the walls. Notably the best place to go for a great meal in Montana.

The restaurant serves up the best in Mexican food, margaritas, burgers, and speciality pizzas with a hearty taste and generous portions.

The nightlife in Montana varies depending on the city location or town so check local listings for specific events and dates when planning your trip to Montana in advance.

Some events may require advance booking so it is always better to get in touch with the venues before you set off for your trip.

Olivia Cree the author of the “How to visit Montana on a budget” works as a freelance tour guide in Montana, she is also a part time mountain rescue volunteer.

Dominican Republic Holiday

Swim with the dolphins in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea one day, and ride horses in the mountains alongside an endangered rhinoceros iguana the next.The Dominican Republic overflows with distinctively diverse activities from land to sea to air.Touted by some as the Adventure Capital of the Caribbean, the island offers the opportunity to seize the moment as your personal memoir unfolds into the playful exploits of the Dominican Republic’s seas, rivers and mountains.

Stay clean or get dirty in the second largest country in the Caribbean, boldly sitting between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on the island of Hispaniola.Some things to keep in mind if you decide to go on a journey to this magical destination:You need a passport to enter and exit, the currency is the Peso, the primary language is Spanish (although many islanders speak a little bit of English) and safety first! Lifelock.com’s Facebook page offers some personal-safety tips to consider while traveling to the island country. Who better to know safety and precaution better than an insurance company?

Click here to read more »

Getting ready for a trip doesn’t have to be a long, involved process. A little creativity and planning can make packing relatively painless with everything you need right there when you need it. Start by eliminating what you know you will not need.

If you are going to Hawaii you can probably skip the parka. If you are heading to Alaska you can probably leave the suntan lotion at home.

Here are a few female travel tips to help you get ready for your trip, including a general list of items that should be on your packing list.

• Bras – Take a few comfortable bras. Your main goal when traveling is comfort. In a pinch you can use your bikini top. Just remember to tuck the straps in at the neck and you are all set.

• Personal care items – This includes a hairbrush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant or talcum powder, razor, eyeglasses, contacts and related supplies, dental floss, eye mask, hand sanitizer and anything else you use on a daily basis.

• Feminine hygiene products – If you are traveling within the United States, you are fine. You can get whatever you need wherever you travel. However, if you are traveling overseas, you should be prepared since products vary in style and design in other countries. Make a list of what you will need based on the number of days of your trip. Click here to read more »

Africa is the world’s second largest continent behind Asia, so it should come a no surprise that ancient and unique land harbors some of the world’s most magnificent sights. In fact, while compiling this list it became very tricky to actually narrow it down to 10 alone with so many taking my fancy. However, after much deliberation, here it is, my top 10 sights to see in Africa.

1 | The Wildebeest Migration in Kenya & Tanzania

The wildebeest migration takes place between two countries in the African continent. An estimated 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra and gazelle migrate from the Maasai Mara in Kenya to the vast plans of the Serengeti in Tanzania between the month of July and October in the search for rain ripened grass. The migration of wildebeest in Arica isn’t so much of a yearly event but more of a lift cycle as the herds move in a clockwise motion between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti. Click here to read more »

In tough economic times, families are finding it difficult to afford expensive vacations at luxurious resorts. Some people prefer getting up close and personal with nature but hate the idea of roughing it on a camping trip. Leaky tents and sleeping bags are not very appealing and if bad weather strikes, the entire holiday can turn into a nightmare.

There is a new option gaining popularity known as glamorous camping. Glamping trips feature exposure to the great outdoors and offer luxurious amenities not found in any campground. A little bit of camping and a little bit of glamour, these resorts offer everything from private chefs, spa tents and microbreweries. From cashmere blankets to linen sheets, visitors can enjoy nature while being pampered.

GlampingDownunder

Eco Beach Wilderness Retreat is one of the most remarkable destinations in the world. This beautiful retreat is located just one hour south of the quaint seaside town of Broome. Guests can enjoy luxurious safari style eco tents in a beautifully appointed eco villa while watching ocean waves kiss the white sandy beaches. The accommodations are equipped with a full kitchen, mini bar, refrigerator and television.

At the centre of the retreat lies Jack’s Bar and Grill where customers can enjoy drinks and authentic cuisine in an open-air environment. Visitors can spend their time frolicking in the warm waters, exploring the caves nearby or taking a long romantic stroll along the beach.
Click here to read more »

When you have been married for a couple of decades or more, daily life becomes easy. Your routine mellows out, your coffee practically makes itself, and laundry is no longer a chore.

But if you have reached a stage where you can predict every kiss, perhaps it is time for a second honeymoon. Leaving the country for an exotic locale can help you reconnect with your partner and do something worthwhile with that retirement account collecting dust in the bank.

Click here to read more »