urbansamurai-uk

© RussBowling

Travelers who have booked travel Asia to Japan during April are probably wondering whether it is safe to go ahead with their visits. The Australian government is currently still advising that people should not travel to Tokyo and surrounding areas with its highest-level warning.

Travel insurance will generally not cover travelers when a government warning has been issued, so it logically follows that trips to Tokyo are a no-go at present. For other areas of the county, the government is advising a high degree of caution, which means that you should follow news reports closely to stay up-to-date with the changing situation. It's important to get written advice from your travel insurer to state that you will be covered in spite of the government cautionary warning. Quantas has also extended their change fees waiver for passengers who booked travel to japan up to April 30th. Passengers are even eligible for full refunds, but this only applies to travel booked prior to the earthquake and tsunami.

© sanfamedia.com

China travel by train is a viable alternative to air travel, thanks to the fact that the country has focused on building high-speed networks that compete favorably with other modern modes of transport. Not only are these rail networks a greener mode of transit, but they also provide travel Asia enthusiasts with a unique and enjoyable experience as they take in the view along the way from Point A to Point B.

Some trains and travel companies even offer "land cruises" on luxury trains that look like they came from the colonial era. Trains that follow the route of the famed Orient Express offer a chance to experience classic train travel, but the price tag is steep. For those on a budget, it is still possible to build your own epic rail journey without dropping five figures on a ticket. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers one of the most scenic trips in China, running between the Southern boomtown of Guangzhou and the Tibetan city of Lhasa.

© Milo Riano

It is useful for travelers to review some Hong Kong travel Asia tips before a trip to the city. In terms of currency, there are many banks and money changes in the city, and credit cards are also widely accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard. Some smaller shops may require a minimum purchase to use credit cards, though, and some will charge you a few percent more for using a credit card.

There are ATMs throughout the city where you can withdraw Hong Kong dollars from your credit card or bank account, and some shops and supermarkets also accept RMB Yuan. Emergency numbers in Hong Kong are 999 for ambulance, fire and police, 1081 for directory assistance in English, and 10010 to make a collect call. 220 Volts 50 Hz is the electricity standard in Hong Kong, which will fry most US and Japanese electrical appliances if you don't connect the proper transformers first.