Landing in a country like Hong Kong bang smack in the middle of typhoon season can be a little daunting, especially when a typhoon signal is raised. So, with cyclone season just around the corner, what better time to start preparing for Hong Kong's next big tropical storm? Here are iloho's top 10 to-do tips for getting through the next typhoon.

Tropical cyclones are prevalent in Hong Kong from May to November. Warnings start being issued whenever a tropical cyclone centred within 800 km of Hong Kong poses a threat to the territory. The warnings start at T1, which means that there is a storm looming that might pose a threat to Hong Kong, and go up to a T10, which signals serious hurricane-strength winds.

The most common signals we see are T1, T3 and T8. T3 means strong winds are a-blowing (or expected to blow), and T8 sees Hong Kong's work force rejoicing, as it signals home time. Famously, one of the bars on Lan Kwai Fong - Stormy Weather - gives customers free shots once the T8 signal has been hoisted.

For the more sensible (ahem) amongst us, here are the best ways to prepare for one of Hong Kong's typhoons:

1. Check the weather reports: Obvious, I know, but Hong Kong's weather is very fickle and things can turn from nice to nasty in a short space of time. Keep an eye open too in the lobbies of big buildings and office blocks, you'll see warnings in place (like the ones pictured above) if there's a storm coming in. The Hong Kong Observatory's website can be accessed here.

2. Batten down the hatches: Even if you're just passing through and have left a couple of things out on your hotel balcony, make sure you bring them in. Once a typhoon comes in there's absolutely no guaranteeing that they'll be there once it's over. Also, move any pricey objects you've either bought or brought with you from off the floor. If rain starts coming into your room you don't want things getting ruined.

3. Stock up on food: If it looks like there's a whopper of a typhoon coming make sure you're prepared and stocked up with enough food and water for 48 hours. Most of Hong Kong's supermarkets don't close right away, giving you enough time to grab the essentials.

4. Stay inside: To avoid being walloped over the head by flying objects like branches, make sure you stay inside for the duration of the typhoon. Don't venture out until there's been official word that it is safe to do so.

5. Don't sit by the windows: They might break, which wouldn't be pretty. Also, draw curtains and close shutters if you have them.

6. Fix tape to the windows in an older building: This will help to curtail damage should the windows blow in.

7. Make alternative travel plans: In a T8 most flights will be either delayed or cancelled, so it's a good idea to come up with a back up plan.

8. Stay away from coastal areas: Once a T3 has been hoisted, steer clear of Hong Kong's beaches and coastal areas as winds and waves can be very strong.

9. Move into a corridor or hallway if the storm becomes severe: You'll be less exposed to glass windows here, and therefore safer.

10. Make sure you have a torch / flashlight: It will be very handy in case there is a power outage. I think the Mini Maglite is great for travellers as it's so small and light.

Photo Credit: Typhoon Signal by Carol Green via Flickr (Creative Commons).

In Saturday's How to Spend It magazine award winning writer, Margaret Atwood, shares the ingredients for her perfect weekend in Toronto, Canada.

According to Atwood, winter visitors to Toronto should check out snow-tubing in Horseshoe Valley, winter birding, and forest walks in places such as Sir Winston Churchill Park and Leslie Hill Split.

For lunch in Toronto you should check out Live (264 Dupont St), which does great vegetarian food; Cantine (13 Avenue Rd), for a superlative bowl of soup; or Le Sélect (432 Wellington St West), a good weekend lunch spot serving up French bistro food (pictured below).

If you want some good dinner options you should look into Take Sushi (22 Front St West), for good Japanese and 93 Harbord (93 Harbord St) for Middle Eastern cuisine - both come highly recommended by Atwood.

L'Espresso Bar Mercurio (321 Bloor St West) is a favourite coffee place, right across the street from Toronto's Shoe Museum.

If you're up for a swanky night out in Toronto, Atwood suggests the new opera house (735 Queen St East), "the auditorium rests like an egg inside the building on huge, rubber elephant legs. The sound is excellent."

• Live: 264 Dupont St (North East corner of Dupont and Spadina), Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5R 1V7; Tel: +1 416 515 2002; Web: www.livefoodbar.com.
  
• Cantine: 13 Avenue Rd, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2H6; Tel: +1 416 923 4822; Web: www.cantine.ca.
  
• Le Sélect: 432 Wellington Street West, Toronto M5V 1E3; Tel: +1 416 596 6405; Web: www.leselect.com.
  
• Take Sushi: 22 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5J 1C4, Canada; Tel: +1 416 862 1891; Web: www.takesushi.ca.
  
• 93 Harbord: 93 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1G4; Tel: +1 416 922 5914; Web: www.93harbord.com.
  
• L'Espresso Bar Mercurio: 321 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1S5 (southeast corner of Bloor & St. George); Tel: +1 416 585 2233; Web: www.lespressobarmercurio.com.
  
• The Opera House, Toronto: 735 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1, Canada; Tel: +1 416 466 0313; Web: www.theoperahousetoronto.com.

To read the full article visit www.howtospendit.com.

Photo Credits: Snow tubing by DrewOtt; Le Sélect via www.leselect.com.

One of Britain's greatest treasures is the plethora of historic houses, estates, gardens, churches and ancient ruins that run the length and breadth of cities and countryside alike.

With such a rich past Britain is teeming with places of historical significance, and it's hard to narrow down your choices of where to visit. Here we have rounded up a list of ten of the National Trust's most visited properties to give you an insight into Britain's most precious of historic gems.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Like India's Taj Mahal, the pyramids at Giza in Egypt and the Acropolis at Athens, Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden is a World Heritage Site made up of 800 hectares of spectacular ruins and stunning parks, including a medieval deer park – grazed today by 500 Red, Sika, and Fallow Deer – and the largest abbey ruins in the country. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden was recognised by UNESCO for its 18th Century landscape, 12th Century Abbey (founded by Benedictine monks in 1132), Elizabethan Fountains Hall and Victorian St Mary's Church. Over 300,000 visitors a year come to soak up the history and culture at this important English landmark.

The estate sits in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the valley of the river Skell, 30 miles away from the city of York.

Stourhead Garden, Wiltshire

Stourhead is home to a world-famous 18th-century landscape garden, a "first-of-its-kind" Palladian mansion, parkland, woods and chalk downs. Named after the Stourton family who lived in the estate for 700 years, Stourhead was sold in 1717 to Henry Hoare. The original house was demolished and a new mansion was built in the Palladian style. Over the next 200 years the Hoare family collected art and antiques, which are exhibited still today, and built a number of temples and follies in the gardens designed to show off their education and wealth. The views over three counties from the top of King Alfred's Tower shouldn't be missed.

Polesden Lacey, Surrey

Once the honeymoon spot for King George VI and the Queen Mother, Polesden Lacey is a Regency house boasting opulent Edwardian interiors, an interesting collection of Old Masters paintings, and stunning views across the North Downs.

Polesden Lacey was last home to the Edwardian society hostess the Hon. Mrs Greville, as well as to the playwright Richard Sheridan at the end of the 18th century. Not to be missed are the beautiful walled rose garden, Polesden Lacey's extensive grounds and lawns, and the landscape walks.

Wakehurst Palace, West Sussex

If you're into botanical gardens, the Elizabethan Wakehurst Palace in West Sussex is the place to go, and there are over 477,000 visitors a year who will agree. The property is run by the famous Kew Gardens and is an important site for plant conservation and research, with more than a billion seeds collected so far for future preservation. Wakehurst Palace has the world's largest growing Christmas Tree: it is 35m tall and is lit by 1,800 energy saving lights from advent to Twelfth Night. Kenneth Branagh used Wakehurst Palace as the location for much of his 2006 film "As You Like It".

St. Michael's Mount, Cornwall

Legend, myth and history abound at St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall. A giant named Cormoran is said to have lived on the Mount; he was followed by monks, pilgrims, armies, fleets, and many more besides. In 495 a fisherman is said to have seen an apparition of the Archangel St. Michael, and four miracles are said to have occurred at St. Michael's Mount between 1262 and 1263. During the Wars of the Roses the island was under siege for six months, and then later, in 1588, it the first beacon was lit on the Mount to warn of the Spanish Armada. From 1642 to 1646, St. Michael's Mount saw bloody skirmishes between Royalists and Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army.

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate, Cheshire

You can still feel the pulse of the Industrial Revolution, which changed the face of Britain, at Quarry Bank Mill and the Styal Estate in Cheshire. On a visit to the cotton mill you will experience life as a mill worker, and a tour of the Apprentice House, will shed light on the lives of the Industrial Era's child workforce.

Chartwell, Kent

Chartwell was the family home of one of Britain's most famous Prime Ministers, Sir William Churchill, who bought the property for its views over the Weald of Kent to Sussex. The rooms and gardens have been preserved to be as similar as possible to when Churchill lived at Chartwell, with pictures, books, maps, honours, medals and personal mementoes on show.

Bodnant Garden, Gwynedd, Wales

You can see the Snowdonia Mountains from Bodnant's spectacular terraced gardens. Set above a valley and the River Conwy, Bodnant Garden is home to plants from all over the world, particularly China, North America, Europe and Japan.

Bodiam Castle, East Sussex

Bodiam Castle is dates back to medieval times and it famous for its battlements, ramparts and moat. The castle was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, with the permission of Richard II, in order to defend against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War. Fans of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" will recognise the Bodiam as the film's Swamp Castle.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Corfe Castle is one of the oldest and most evocative castles in England. Over its 1,000 year history it has seen the alleged murder of King Edward the Martyr, royal hunts, palace life during the reign of King John and sieges during the English Civil War. It was during a siege in 1646 that the castle was demolished and ruined by Parliamentarians; much of the stone was used to build the houses of Corfe Castle Village. Today visitors can enjoy the interactive castle tour, plus walks through the surrounding Purbeck Hills.

Have you visited any of Britain's historic palaces, places and properties? Where did you most enjoy and why?

Photo Credits: Fountains Abbey by yewenyi; Stourhead by Joe Dunckley; Polesden Lacey by swamibu; Wakehurst Palace by Anguskirk; St. Michael's Mount by Michal Osmenda; Quarry Bank Mill and Bodnant Gardnes by zund; Chartwell by johnmuk; Bodiam Castle by Sacred Destinations; Corfe Castle by Steve9091. All photos via Flickr (Creative Commons).

By Turner Wright

When you are travelling in Japan follow these simple guidelines to ensure that cultural misunderstandings (or worse) do not occur.

10) Misuse Your Shoes

Thresholds at businesses and all homes and apartments in Japan have a convenient place for you to store your shoes and don borrowed slippers for your journey. However, did you know you should never wear slippers on tatami mats? It's also a huge cultural faux-pas to come out of the bathroom still wearing toilet slippers, as they've been rubbing on dirty linoleum (although this even slips Japanese minds from time to time).

9) Bathe in the Bathtub
The bathing culture in Japan is unparalleled. Even if I soak in a mineral pool in the backwoods of New Zealand, nothing will make me feel more cleansed inside and out than a soak in a traditional Japanese hot spring resort. Ignoring the fact the water is still hotter and contains more minerals than most hot pools abroad, Japanese bathing etiquette dictates one should shower thoroughly before entering the steaming bath; if you were to do otherwise in Japanese homes (as a guest you would be given the honour of bathing first) the family would have to completely drain the tub, clean out the ring, and refill. You'd probably just be kicked out if you brought soap and shampoo into the pool at a public bathhouse.

8) Fumble with Chopsticks

You don't have to be able to pick up an individual grain of rice to use chopsticks properly. Rather, just be aware that there are a few things for which they were not meant to be used. First, even if you're sharing dishes with a group, do not pass food from one set of chopsticks to another, as this is considered in bad taste. Second, when not using them, set your chopsticks across your plate or bowl as you would a knife; poking them out of your rice resembles two sticks of incense commonly used for a certain death ceremony... and why would you want to be reminded of that over a fine dinner?

7) Grope on a Train

Obviously this isn't a mere misunderstanding of cultures if such an act were to occur, but even when visiting Japan and having nothing but pure intentions, one should be aware of the dangers. Women (and even men) have been fondled on crowded trains and often cannot trace the hands back to their owners. This has lead to women-only subway cars during peak travel times, and the police giving advice to young girls: seize the arm of your attacker and don't let go until security sees his face. I only mention this because if you're a foreigner riding a train in the land of the rising sun who knows absolutely no Japanese, and when disembarking you find a man or woman screaming "shijou!" or "chikan!", respectively (the terms for female and male perverts), you're essentially at the mercy of one individual who may have mistaken your desire to get a little bit of room on the car as blatant groping.

6) Choose the Wrong Seat
There's a somewhat antiquated custom when it comes to eating out in groups. If you're with some business colleagues, it's better for a junior member (in terms of hierarchy, not age) to take the seat closest to the doorway or access point, the senior member the farthest away. The belief is that should an attack occur, the least experienced (thus the least valuable) will be killed first, giving the others time to mobilize and protect the higher-ups.

5) Show Strong Emotions
One of the most common mistakes a foreigner makes upon entering the Japanese business world is to openly express his frustration when the unexpected comes along... and it always comes along. Showing strong emotions like anger is a social death sentence in Japan; the only time someone might get away with it would be if he were seriously inebriated, or at least making the effort to get there. Tears, especially those of happiness, can be forgiven (even from men), but take care to keep your temper in check.

4) Blow Your Nose
Even out on the street when it's sub-zero degree weather, blowing your nose in Japan is probably one of the rudest things you can do, even more so if you're talking with someone face-to-face and take a moment to pull out your handkerchief. It's the equivalent of asking someone to watch you use the toilet.

3) Yawn
This is a good policy for conversations around the world, but it really hits home in Japan. Whereas in the States or other countries one might dismiss a tired expression with a certain nonchalance or a chuckle (e.g. "crazy night on the town?"), in Japan you might as well slap your superior in the face to completely prove your desire not to listen.

2) When Listening...
I had an interview with an English school in Akita Prefecture not too long ago. As I was listening to the manager speak via Skype, I realised how out of practice I was at listening by Japanese standards. He spoke for only a few seconds at a time, each time taking my silence as an indication that the call must have been disconnected. Why? Because I failed to provide the appropriate guttural sounds: when speaking one-on-one with someone in Japan (group meetings can be an exception), it's best to utter a few words every now and again to show you still have the speaker's attention. A simple hai (yes), or so des ne (ah, I see) can work wonders.

1) Respect Yourself
Modesty is a virtue. I cannot count the number of times as an English teacher I gave high praise to certain young Japanese students, only to have their parents contradict me by saying something like "yes, but she's terrible studying at home" or "no, you must be mistaken". Disregarding or refusing complements in Japan is the only way to accept them graciously:

(in Japanese)
Me: Excuse me, but could you tell me the way to the nearest train station?
Japanese: Ooohhh! Your Japanese is so skillful!
Me: No, no, it's nothing really.

By claiming you have no skills or any life experience exceeding that of another, you in fact raise their impression of you. If I were to refer to myself as "Turner-san" or respond to such praise of my language skills with "Thank you very much! I have been diligently studying for nine months!", then I might be forgiven as an ignorant foreigner... but more likely marked as arrogant.

Photo Credits: Slippers by amirjina; Chopsticks by KaiChanVong; Morning Train by gullevek via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Hong Kong is full of extraordinary photo opportunities for travellers. It is a region of marked contrasts: slick vertiginous skyscrapers, ramshackle traditional Chinese buildings, bustling markets, breathtaking mountains and gorgeous beaches. Travellers with an interest in photography will be richly rewarded by a visit to Hong Kong. Here are our top spots for hot Hong Kong shots.

Top Hong Kong Views:

• City skyline from Kowloon
  This just never fails to impress. Hong Kong is a seriously photogenic city!

• Hong Kong from The Peak

Again, a classic spot to get a fab Hong Kong shot, and one that won't let you down (unless the weather is miserable). If you want the city by night shot prepare to jostle with other photographers at dusk for a prime spot along Lugard Road.

• Neon Signs on Nathan Road

In many respects Hong Kong comes to life after dark. The city is full of neon signs like this one, especially around Nathan Road, Mongkok, Causeway Bay and Wanchai.

• Pristine Beaches in Sai Kung Country Park
  In a city as hectic and (often) as polluted as Hong Kong, the beaches in Sai Kung - such as Tai Long Wan - have got to be seen to be believed. Deserted, unspoiled and tranquil are the three words that spring immediately to mind.

• Sea and mountain views along The Dragon's Back trail, Shek O
  Dubbed "Best Urban Hike" by Time Magazine, The Dragon's Back Trail is an 8.5km trail (with a 5km get out option!) through lush forests, across gurgling waterfalls and along the Dragon's Back ridge. It offers fantastic views of Hong Kong island's mountains and southern coast line. On a good day you can see out to some of the outlying islands.

Hong Kong History & Culture

• Man Mo Temple, Hollywood Road

Built in 1847, the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road is dedicated to two gods, Man the god of literature and Mo the god of war. The centre of the temple is filled with hundreds of burning incense sticks and coils. Watch a video of the Man Mo Temple.

• Mahjong
  You'll hear the clicking and clacking of the tiles before you see the players. Mahjong matches take place in shops and cafes across the city.

• Fortune Tellers, Temple Street Market (near Tin Hau temple)
  You can have your fortune told by a man or a bird (no joke); whatever you choose you're guaranteed great photos.

• Tian Tan Buddha (aka The Big Buddha), Lantau Island
  This imposing statue makes a great photographic subject. The 110 ft tall Buddha sits serenely near the Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island.

• World War II bunkers
  There are masses of deserted World War II bunkers across Hong Kong. They serve as a reminder of what happened before and after the Battle of Hong Kong, which began on 8 December 1941 and ended on Christmas Day with Hong Kong surrendering to Japan.

• Junks
  There are very few traditional junks (Chinese sailboats) left in Hong Kong, but there are certainly some to snap. The most obvious is the reproduction Aqua Luna, with its distinctive red sails, which crosses between Hong Kong island and Tsim Sha Tsui daily and nightly. The second one that springs to mind is the Duk Ling junk.

Hong Kong's Architecture

• Bank of China Tower
  Criticised by some practitioners of Feng Shui, but praised by most others, The Bank of China Tower is one of the most recognisable buildings in Hong Kong. The design is said to resemble growing bamboo shoots, symbolising livelihood and prosperity.

• International Finance Centre (IFC)
  So photogenic that it featured in the recent Batman film, The Dark Knight. The IFC was the city's tallest building until 2008, but has now been usurped by the ICC.

• The Center
  Another location used in The Dark Knight, The Center is best viewed at night when the building's neon lights change colours.

• Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wanchai
  Whether you think it looks like a turtle of a strange armadillo, this building definitely got some interesting curves!

• Statue Square
  The 19th century Statue Square, with its colonial architecture, makes a great place to photograph the old against the new. Nearby buildings include the impressive HSBC headquarters building, and the IFC.

• Traditional Shop Fronts, Central and Wanchai
  Dotted amongst the ultra-modern buildings of Central and Wanchai are pockets of traditional shop fronts that have (so far) survived demolition. Where you do find them you can get a sense of what Hong Kong must have looked like until reclamation began on a large scale.
  
  

Hong Kong Icons

• Star Ferry
  As well as being a Hong Kong icon in its own right, the Star Ferry is also a brilliant place to photograph the famous view of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.

• Peak Tram
  The Peak Tram has been running from Central to Victoria Peak since 1888. It covers 1.4km up a staggering gradient, and offers impressively vertiginous photo opps over the harbour and skyscrapers of Hong Kong.

• Happy Valley Racecourse
  From September to early July Hong Kong's horse races at Happy Valley are not to be missed. Jockeys in colourful silks, gleaming race horses, and a very vibrant crowd make this a hot spot for photographers. Watch a video of the racing at Happy Valley.

• Trams

Hong Kong has the only tram network in the world that exclusively runs double decker trams. The trams have been running since 1904 and still serve 240,000 commuters every day. They trundle between Shau Kei Wan and Kennedy Town, with a branch connecting to Happy Valley. A trip costs just HK$2 per adult, which is amazing photographic value-for-money.

The Quieter Side of Hong Kong

• Seafood restaurants and villages, Lamma Island
  See a fish, pick a fish, eat that fish. The seafood restaurants on laid-back Lamma are legendary. Let your lens go into overdrive as you capture village life and seafood feasts.

• Hiking trails, New Territories
  Dramatic views, seclusion and a whole lot of green. These trails offer photographers fantastic shots of Hong Kong's wild side.

• Tai O village, Lantau Island

Visit Tai O to shoot the scenic Pang Uks (stilt houses), that reach out right over the water. The traditional salted fish and shrimp paste shop fronts also make good photographic fodder.

• Tai Chi
  In the early morning people all over Hong Kong head to their nearest outdoor space to practise Tai Chi. The Zoological and Botanical Garden is a great place to shoot if you're willing to get up early (Tai Chi kicks off at about 6:30am).

Hong Kong Festivals

• Chinese New Year
  Chinese New Year is a great time to photograph heaving temples, bustling flower markets, Lai See packets, and the city's biggest celebrations.

• Autumn Festival

After Chinese New Year, this is Hong Kong's biggest celebration and makes for great photographs. Shops, restaurants and outdoor spaces are decorated with lanterns and ribbons. Mooncakes are exchanged, and dragon dances take place across the city. One of the best places to celebrate the Autumn Festival is Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.

Hong Kong Markets

• The Wet Markets
  More death, decapitation and de-scaling than you can imagine, but the wet markets are a brilliant place to get interesting, vibrant shots of Hong Kongers buying their fresh fish, meat and vegetables. Check out the market on Graham Street in Central. Watch a video of a Hong Kong market.

• Bird Market, Mong Kok
  The Yuen Po Street Bird Market is where Hong Kong's songbird owners gather to show off and sell birds in intricately carved cages. Open daily from 7am - 8pm.

• Flower Market, Mong Kok
  The Flower Market's exotic blooms make for some great photographs. Come before Chinese New Year to see families buying auspicious plants to celebrate the new Lunar year. Open daily from 7am - 7pm.

• Goldfish Market, Mong Kok

Goldfish and exotic species of every size, shape and colour are on display here in aquariums and bags. Head to Tung Choi Street to shoot the spectacle. Open daily from 10:30am - 10pm.

We hope you have a brilliant photo tour of Hong Kong and a fantastic time capturing this amazing city on film. To see more photos of Hong Kong from iloho.com click here.

Photo Credits: 'Hong Kong from The Peak' by Emma Torry; 'Nathan road, Kowloon' by JoopDorresteijn; 'Prayers...' by Hina :-); 'Traditional shop in Central' by Emma Torry; 'Blue House in Wanchai' by Taekwonweirdo; 'Apocalypse Now' by .mushi_king; 'Lantern Festival Bird' by timlam18; 'Goldfish Market' by sebr.

Want to know what to pack up for your next business trip? We've spoken to business travellers from around the world about the suitcases they recommend for business travel and why.

Ranging in price from USD 125/ £75 to USD 900 / £550 there should be something for every kind of business traveller on our list.

So here, without further ado, are the best suitcases for business travellers:

NATE PARKER, NEW YORK

Travels 200,000 - 250,000 miles per year; Suitcase: Tumi's Alpha Classic Garment Bag

I have owned the same Tumi suitcase for 3 years. It is durable, practical and expensive (multiples of what I have paid for any luggage before). However, it has definitely been worth the money as it's proved itself over and over to be long lasting and functional –perfect for business travel.

If I were to replace it I would go either for exactly the same model, or a smaller version of the same. It keeps suits and shirts wrinkle free and is secure if you need to check it in.

I would definitely recommend this suitcase to a friend. I use it bi-weekly and it is very reliable.

Price: USD 495; Size: 45.5cm x 59.5cm x 14cm (HxWxD).

Find out more about Nate's Tumi suitcase.

SARAH MEYER, HONG KONG

Travels 50,000 miles per year; Suitcase: Samsonite Black Label Opto (Tote on Wheels)

I tend to go on short business trips across Asia-Pacific, so the Samsonite Black Label Opto is perfect for my needs. The front part of the case detaches and becomes a laptop bag; the main part fits into the overhead compartment. You get two bags in one, which is pretty neat!

I think it is a pretty standard suitcase / carry on, but it is good for business trips and doesn't either stand out for being too OTT or too scruffy. If it fell apart tomorrow I would probably replace it with something else, just to try out something new, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it to a friend. My husband uses it for business trips too, and he has also been very happy with it.

Price: £239.78; Size: L44 x H33.5 x W24.5cm; Weight: 3.7kg.

RICHARD ARCHER-PERKINS, SHANGHAI

Travels 250,000 miles per year; Case: Tumi Alpha, Essential Leather Brief

I always travel with a black soft leather Tumi laptop case; I have owned it now for 18 months. It's excellently designed, practical and has useful hidden compartments to store bits and pieces for my computer.

It was definitely worth the money; I use it every day. It is stylish and very well thought out. If it fell apart tomorrow, which I doubt it would, I would replace it with the same Tumi laptop bag. I think it is very secure, it even has a system to track it if it is lost, but I am sure no-one would hand it in – I get too many envious glances when people see me with it!

Price: Approx. USD 495; External Dimensions: 32cm x 40.5cm x 12.75cm (HxWxD); Laptop Compartment Dimensions: 28.5cm x 35cm x 4.5cm (HxWxD).

SIMON HILL, LONDON

Travels 30,000 miles per year; Suitcase: Antler Tronic Z500

My Antler suitcase is practical, reliable and safe. Compared with other similar suitcases I think the price is mid-range. I've owned it for about 3 years, so in my opinion it was definitely worth buying.

I love it because it always turns up! It is very bog standard looks wise so no-one would ever want to steal it. It isn't ideal in terms of keeping my clothes wrinkle-free for meetings, but it is secure and durable and that counts for a lot.

Price: £119; Size: 56 x 36 x 22 cm; Capacity: 64 ltr; Weight: 4 kg.

ELIZABETH FITZWILLIAM, MELBOURNE

Travels 300,000+ miles per year; Suitcase: Mulberry Large Trolley

I am completely in love with my Mulberry suitcase. It is super stylish and perfect travelling across the world (yes, I am in fashion so I guess the suitcase has to be too!). I have had it for years and it has held up incredibly well. If you're in an industry where making a first impression – down to the last detail - is important (even if you're doing something as unglamorous as waiting at the luggage carousel) then I think Mulberry luggage is ideal – it is chic without being faddy, seasonal, or ever going out of style.

I think my suitcase was definitely worth the money – it is just the best on long business trips. If it were to die on me I would replace it with another one just like it. I can't say it keeps my clothes wrinkle free, but then I don't have to wear suits and I have my clothes looked after by the hotel when I reach my destination, so it doesn't really matter.

I would be wary of checking in my suitcase if I weren't a frequent flyer with frequent flyer perks like business class or first class service, because I do get a lot of envious stares when people see me with it. However, it is completely lockable and it is very hard-wearing so I'm sure I am just being overly wary.

I highly recommend this suitcase – it is a classic. I use it so many times per year and it just keeps on going, what more could you ask for when you spend more time travelling for business than you do at home?

Price: £550; Size: 79 x 47 x 27 cm (H x W x D).

JAMES BENNETT, LONDON

Travels 25,000 miles per year; Suitcase: Antler Laser Cabin Suitcase

I use an Antler suitcase when I travel for business. It is best described as solid and stylish. It wasn't very expensive compared with other suitcase brands that business travellers tend to go for, and it was worth the money.

I love it because it is small enough to put in the overhead locker, but if I had to name a flaw I'd point the finger at the lack of a side pocket, which would be useful for carrying documents and my laptop.

This suitcase is very unlikely to break on me, and if it does it is covered by a 7 year warranty which is a great bonus.

The Antler is secure, extremely durable and reliable – a great option for short-haul business travel.

Price: £75; Size: 52 x 38 x 23 cm; Capacity: 38 ltr; Weight: 2.7 kg.

Which suitcase do you use for business travel? We'd love to know what you trust and why.

Check out these tips for how to keep your luggage safe and secure whilst you're on the road.

Photo credit: Luggage by digiart2001 via Flickr (Creative Commons).

By Christina Newberry

Cruising has a reputation as an expensive way to travel, reserved for old folks and young families. But if you live in a port city, it can be a great way to sample the luxury lifestyle and see some exciting ports of call – for less than the price of a train ticket and a hostel.

The cruise industry has been hit hard by the global economic downturn, and that means there are some incredible deals to be had. This May, I headed off on mother-daughter adventure – a 7-night cruise through Alaska for just over $600 each, including all taxes and fees (except tips). In a few weeks, my boyfriend and I are cruising one-way to San Francisco for $240 each – less than the cost of a one-way flight.

Here's what you need to know to get the most out of your cruise dollars:

1. You'll get the best deal if you live in a departure port. If you have to fly in and add hotel costs, prices start to climb fast. From my home base in Vancouver, BC, I've got easy access to the Alaska and Pacific Coastal routes – check the cruiseline websites to find out if they come by your hometown.

2. Max out the amount of alcohol you're allowed to bring on board. Meals and entertainment are included on most cruise ships, but drinks are not. Generally, each passenger is allowed to bring one bottle of wine or equivalent onto the ship at the departure port. With two people to a cabin, that gives you two bottles to nurse through the first few days of your cruise at significantly less cost than buying on-board. The catch? You can only drink the wine in your cabin, technically. We had no trouble pouring it into glasses in the cabin and going to a nicer spot on the ship – we just couldn't take our own drinks into the bars or restaurants aboard.

3. Make your own shore excursions. In Alaska, we hiked, explored old gold-rush historical sites, and did a town walking tour, all without shelling out the big bucks for organizing an outing through the cruise line. For the hike we did in Juneau, our only cost was a $7 bus to the glacier. The cruise line sold day trips to the glacier park for about $80. Use sites like iloho or Tripadvisor to get the inside scoop on what's really worth seeing in each port of call, then arrange it yourself.

4. Make sneaky meals. Technically you're not supposed to take food out of the dining areas on cruise ships, but you're paying for that buffet feast, whether you eat it or not. Our trick was to take a couple extra rolls, pieces of cheese, packs of peanut butter, and pieces of fruit at breakfast to make ourselves picnic lunches for days when we were off the ship at lunchtime. Bring a couple of ziplock bags to make the sneak easier!

5. Take advantage of anything free. The ships have loads of free activities, but you'll quickly learn to spot which are worth attending and which are just sales pitches. One of the best, in my opinion, is the art auctions most ships feature. For one thing, you get a free glass of champagne. Plus, you get a chance to look at some really great art, and learn about some big names in the art world from very knowledgeable art auctioneers.

Follow these five tips and you can have a much cheaper cruise vacation than you ever thought possible. And have fun – there's nothing like indulging in a little (cheap) luxury on the high seas.

All pictures by Christina Newberry.

By Kate Harris

Motorbikes, motorbikes, motorbikes. If a single image can represent a city, for Saigon it is the motorbike. It would be possible to fill an entire photo album with pictures of them alone; a motorbike as a school bus, a motorbike as a grocer's cart, a motorbike as a removal van. On the roads they flow like water through the city, churning like rapids at busy intersections. On the pavements they stand in endless metal rows of makeshift parking lots.

Motorbikes, however, are not the only things to capture the eye, or the imagination, in this city. Spectacular structures and scenes are woven together to reveal vivid impressions of Saigon past and present. Remnants of the Chinese and French occupations form the backdrop to the energetic hurly burly of this modern metropolis.

Two birds with one stone

The square at the top of Dong Khoi, one of District 1's most prominent streets, is an ideal place to get photographing. A central location, it includes two of the most notable architectural legacies of the French colonial era. The Notre Dame Cathedral, built towards the end of the 19th Century using bricks transported from Marseilles, stands at the north-east side of the square. In a city where open space is at a premium, make the most of the plot of grass in front the church to capture an image of this imposing structure.

Rotating ninety degrees to the right, is a similarly beautiful French structure, which at first glance appears to be a railway station but is in fact Ho Chi Minh City's Central Post Office. Under a dome shaped roof, individual wooden phone booths, adorned with clocks displaying times across the world, evoke the feeling of a black and white movie played out on cine reel. If you venture to the back of the post office, you will see a painting of Ho Chi Minh.

Located at the top of Dong Khoi. Notre Dame Cathedral: Han Thuyen. (The front gate may be locked. Also try the entrance on the south west side of the basilica.) Central Post Office: 2 Cong Xa Paris. Open 7am – 9.30pm.

Hard to miss

You won't be the only person photographing the People's Committee Building. This central landmark is right at the heart of downtown Saigon and hard to avoid. The building was originally constructed at the beginning of the 20th Century as the Hôtel de Ville (city hall) and it maintains its ornate colonial edifice. The interior, however, is off limits, so keep your snaps to the outside only.

People's Committee Building, located at the north-west end of Nguyen Hue.

Art's fine by me

Only a few hundred yards from the hectic Ben Thanh Market, the Fine Arts Museum is cloaked in an aura of calm and instantly transports you to colonial Saigon. Shuttered windows adorn a faded yellow façade, contrasted with blue ceramic detailing. The museum itself is not particularly notable for its art, but the interior does offer some interesting shots of its wrought iron staircase, tiled floors and the courtyard that the building encircles. Alternatively, you can wander around to the back of the museum (where you can stroll through some contemporary art galleries) and walk into the courtyard through the back entrance.

Fine Arts Museum, 97A Pho Duc Chinh. Open 9am – 4.30pm.

Gilded glory

Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, straddles districts 5 and 6. It has the highest concentration of pagodas in the city and is well worth a visit with your camera. Quan Am Pagoda is one of the most notable and is popular with both Vietnamese and Chinese Buddhists. Arrays of colours greet you at the gatehouse, and inside, shafts of sunlight bounce off the heavily gilded altar, statues and wall decorations. Look out for the ornate panels just next to the entrance door, fashioned in gold and lacquer and be sure to walk behind the main altar to the rear courtyard where there is a statue to Quan Am, the goddess of mercy.

Cholon has a different feel to the rest of the city, and the best way to explore it is on foot, absorbing the sights and smells and unearthing the vast array of items on sale from fabric (see below) and handmade scissors to Chinese herbs and lion masks.

Quan Am Pagoda, 12 Lao Tu, Cholon.

The story lies within

Cha Tam Church, built at the turn of the 19th Century, stands in a courtyard so languid and picturesque that it feels a world away from hectic downtown Saigon. In fact, it played an integral part to the city's history when President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu fled to it for refuge from an attempted coup on 2 November 1963. Upon surrendering, they were escorted from the church under orders of the coup leaders but the soldiers executed the brothers before arrival back in central Saigon.

Cha Tam Church, 25 Hoc Lac, at the western end of Tran Hung Dao, Cholon.

In a city teaming with commerce, almost every street offers an array of wares appealing to the shutterfly. Here's a selection to seek out:

Well heeled

Le Thi Hong Gam, the street adjacent to the Fine Arts Museum, displays a sea of shoes, from sandals to trainers, work shoes to flip-flops. Other leather goods such as belts and wallets lie nestled in between these knock-offs of well known brands. This street doesn't have the bustle of the market, but is impressive for its sheer quantity of goods.

I want to ride my bicycle

If the road isn't full of motorbikes, then it's full of motorbike parts. Pham Huu Chi in the Cholon district of Ho Chi Minh City is a grease monkey's and photographer's dream. The street is covered with everything you could need to build or repair a bike. Wing mirrors dangle from shop ceilings, lights are heaped in piles by the doorway, spare tyres stack up on the pavement and there is a constant racket of clanging metal.

Like the cut of your cloth

The rolls of fabric on sale in Saigon offer myriad photo opportunities. In Tan Dinh Market, cloth merchants sit atop of mountains of material, or perch on small stools eating noodles in the tiny gangways between each stall. The colourful silks in Ben Thanh Market brighten the dimness of this vast covered market built in 1914. But beware, by far the most tourist savvy of the markets, you may want to think twice before taking your camera out. Pop outside to see the main entrance with its belfry and clock, which has become a symbol of Saigon. To view the fabrics in the natural light, journey to Nguyen Trai and Do Ngoc Thanh streets in Cholon. Wait for a store-owner to unravel a spool and you can capture an unending parade of shapes and colours.

Tan Dinh Market: Hai Ba Trung, Walk 200 yards north-west along Hai Ba Trung from the intersection with Vo Thi Sau; Ben Thanh Market: intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao and Le Lai.

Knick Knack anyone?

War memorabilia abounds in Saigon and there are a variety of places to go to peruse for GI Zippos and combat boots. Dan Sinh Market, also known as The War Memorabilia Market, houses all of this and more and you have to fight through the busy networks of hardware stalls to track down your goods. The more photogenic option is the nearby street, Le Cong Kieu. This street has a large number of shops opening onto the road, offering an eclectic mix of artefacts and bric a brac. Old money, ceramic vases, gramophone players all jostle for space. If you switch from taking pictures to taking pieces, be careful, as not all of what is for sale is authentic.

Dan Sinh Market, 104 Yersin.

We like it fresh

The mountains of fresh food piled high on carts, or transported on motorbikes make excellent photo opportunities and there's no shortage of markets and street restaurants to snap away at. Most central is Ben Thanh Market, which is also surrounded by a hubbub of food stalls. For some more open-air markets, take a wander along the streets leading off Nguyen Trai in Cholon. Down here, you can also weave in and out of the stalls selling traditional Chinese herbs around Trieu Quang Phuc Street.

And finally... time to unwind

Ho Chi Minh City does not have many parks to boast of, and yet there is an unmistakeable feeling of tropical greenery in some areas of the city, most notably along the banks of the Saigon River. Perhaps the most relaxing way to record the river, and tune your zoom lens onto the vibrant pink bougainvillea leaves, is to take a taxi out to District 2, known as An Phu. Visit the waterside bar and restaurant The Deck for a sundowner and snap away in peaceful seclusion.

The Deck Restaurant, 38 Nguyen U Di, An Phu, District 2, HCMC; Tel: +84 (0) 8344 6632.

Photo Credits: Photos by Kate Harris, apart from 'The Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon' by Quang Minh (YILKA) and 'Hotel de Ville de Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam' by yeowatzup.

By Helena Iveson

Beijing must rank as one of the world's best cities for shutterbugs. From world-famous sights like the Forbidden City, with its vermilion walls and brocade-like golden eaves, to the grey muted tones of the city's hutong alleys where locals sit and watch the world cycle by, Beijing's colours and contrasts are there for the taking.

But while travel photographers seek to capture the essence of traditional Beijing – and watching the sun set on the Forbidden City from the summit of Jingshan Park is unbeatable – don't overlook the best of the new, from the Egg - the futuristic and austere looking National Centre for the Performing Arts near Tiananmen Square - to the quirky and twisted CCTV Building, now bordered by the burnt out remains of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel which was set on fire by fireworks in February. The burnt out shell might not be pretty, but photographic? Definitely.

These tips aim to help photography loving travellers and travel loving photographers come home armed with the best Beijing shots possible. If a picture can paint a thousand words, imagine what a really good picture can do…

THE TRADITIONAL

The Lama Temple: The Lama Temple is the Beijing's biggest Buddhist temple and it is splendidly atmospheric. The complex, which is made up of brightly coloured courtyards, prayer halls and statues, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, and the contrast between mini-skirted women with Louis Vuitton bags burning incense watched by chanting shaven-haired monks is worth a few shots. The best time to head here is first thing in the morning or just before it shuts at 4.30pm.

12 Yonghegong Dajie, Dongcheng district. Tel: +86 10 6404 4499; Open daily 9 – 4.30pm; Nearest subway: Lama Temple.

Confucius Temple: About 50 metres north of the Lama Temple is this quiet but impressive temple which commemorates Confucius, China's best-known philosopher. First built in 1302, the complex has been knocked down and renovated throughout its history and while there are plenty of un-renovated gently fading buildings, the newly painted buildings are bright and inviting. The temple's courtyard is full of stele, commemorating the scholars that passed the imperial exam during the Qing, Ming and part of the Yuan dynasties: unfortunately you cannot read the characters on the stele anymore because of weathering. This temple receives relatively few visitors, so if you need a break from the crowds but want some shots of imperial architecture, head here.

13 Guozijian Jie, Dongcheng district. Tel: +86 10 8402 7224; Open daily 9 -5pm; Nearest Subway: Lama Temple.

Beijing's Hutongs (around the Drum and Bell Towers): Just north of the square between these two towers is a maze of historic Qing dynasty alleys where you're near guaranteed to get that hutong money shot. Think peeling paint, old men playing checkers, people bicycling by... Look out for Doufuchi Hutong where Mao Zedong used to live, before taking a left onto Baochao Hutong. The charm of the area is finding it: you have to navigate yourself round winding lanes and will probably encounter more than one dead-end, but who cares? Just watch out for the rickshaw riders who power round corners at speed just as you're focusing your shot.

North of Drum and Bell Towers, Gulou Dajie, Dongcheng district; Nearest Subway: Gulou.

THE NEW

The Egg: Ahead of the 2008 Olympics, Beijing's authorities added some architectural spice with the unveiling of the National Centre for Performing Arts mere metres from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Some absolutely hate the building, and it certainly stands out in the area for being more space-age than Stalinist. Designed by French architect Paul Andreu, the building steals the limelight from the two historical and political symbols of the capital and while few seem to actually go into the building to see a performance, there are always lots of photographers capturing the place through their viewfinders.

Xi Chang'an Jie, Xicheng district; Nearest Subway: Tiananmen West.

The Watercube: The Beijing Olympic Games served as a catalyst for one of the most dramatic reinventions ever seen by a city, and every keen travel photographer should catch the subway to the Olympic Park to see the twisted pylons of the National Stadium, popularly known as the Bird's Nest, and the dramatic over-sized bubbles of the National Aquatics Centre, aka the Watercube. I prefer the latter for its eye-catching exterior that looks good close-up or from a distance. You can even go for a swim there, and act out those Michael Phelps fantasies, after you've got your shots.

Olympic Green, Haidian district; Nearest Subway: Olympic Green.

THE QUIRKY

The Workers' Stadium: If Soviet-style art gets your heart racing but a trip to Russia isn't on the agenda, rest assured that there are plenty of throwbacks to a bygone era dotted around Beijing. The Workers' Stadium, which was the venue for the football competitions at the Olympics in 2008, was built in 1959 when relations between China and Russia were warm and comradely. At the entrance look out for the huge statue of a suspiciously western looking couple, with the muscle-bound man holding a flag aloft, and a woman raising her right arm in triumph. They don't make them like this anymore…

Workers' Stadium, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang district; Nearest subway: Dongsishitiao.

Beach life, Beijing style: The city may be land-locked, but that doesn't stop Beijing's millions of residents – sometimes it seems all at the same time – from wanting to cool down with a swim and descending on Tuanjiehu Park in the centre of the city. It's a people-watching, travel photographer's paradise: tattooed young dudes on the prowl ogling high heeled wearing bikini-clad babes mix in with young kids splashing around watched by eagle-eyed parents and grandparents who sit sedately on the artificial beach.

Tuanjiehu Park, Dongsanhuan, Chaoyang district. Tel: +81 10 8597 4677; Nearest subway: Tuanjiehu.

For more travel information about Beijing, click here.

Photo Credits: confucius prayers by latigi. All other images by Helena Iveson.

By Andy Hayes

Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, doubles in size come August as tourists descend from all over the world to enjoy the Edinburgh Fringe (7 - 31 August 2009), dubbed the world's largest arts festival. With so many people pouring down the steep slopes of the city's streets, the old world vibe of Edinburgh can start to feel distinctly crowded. Here are some top tips for surviving:

1. Book Your Tickets in Advance

Not only do many popular shows sell out, but by buying in advance you'll avoid the sometimes lengthy queues at the Fringe box office (180 High Street, Edinburgh; +44 (0)131 226 0026). If you do want to buy something later on see if you can get tickets at the venue itself – it might save you the extra trip and save time. You can buy tickets online at the Edinburgh Fringe website but get a paper copy of the entire programme (it's easier to read), then go online to search and buy.

2. Eat Early

Restaurants become a real problem during the Edinburgh Festival – few if any take reservations and the numbers of people coming through all but break many kitchens. The staff at most places do a great job coping (after all, it's a yearly event) but you'll have to wait. To ease the pain, try eating early. Otherwise, look for a restaurant further away from the city centre – great food can be found near Haymarket and Stockbridge, where there are fewer Fringe venues and subsequently fewer tourists.

3. Spend some time away from the Fringe

It's easy to come to Edinburgh and get caught up in the excitement of the event, but don't forget Edinburgh is a city full of other sights and plenty of outdoor activities. Get some fresh air up on Arthur's Seat, the highest point in the city, or check out the monuments on top of Calton Hill at the end of Princes Street. Head down to Leith and check out the harbour area. When you get back to the crowded Fringe venues, you'll feel refreshed.

There's no use hoping that your Fringe visit will not be crowded; it's part of the experience. So relax, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy Edinburgh's transformation into an arts and theatre wonderland – there's nothing like it.

Photo Credits: Crowds at the Edinburgh Fringe by freefotouk, Edinburgh desde Calton Hill by estorde via Flickr (Creative Commons).

Travel + Leisure magazine has made life easy for visitors to China with their tips and tools to help travellers a successful trip to the middle kingdom.

In their words, "China can seem as impenetrable as it is imposing. Consider the numbers: it's the world's most populous nation (1.3 billion), where more than 100 cities have populations over a million. Fifty-six ethnic groups are spread across 22 wildly distinct provinces and five autonomous regions, in a landmass slightly larger than the U.S. Its history seems limitless and its traditions just as deep. But here and now, change is the only real constant—and it is accelerating at a dizzying pace. (One thousand new cars hit the streets of Beijing every day.)"

No wonder so many newcomers to China find the country so intimidating.

Itinerary wise, T+L recommends the following highlights:

Beijing: 2–3 days

China’s political, historical, and cultural capital demands at least three days—for the familiar landmarks of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and also for Beijing’s 21st-century architecture, such as the “Bird’s Nest” Olympic National Stadium by Herzog & de Meuron and the glass-and-titanium dome that is the National Grand Theater. China’s contemporary art scene finds its nexus in the galleries and cafés of the Dashanzi Art District, home to the new Ullens Center for Contemporary Art. Beijing’s atmospheric hutong, or traditional alleyways, are fast disappearing; explore the bustling ones off Nanluoguxiang, near the 13th-century Drum and Bell towers. Then check out the Legation Quarter, a high-end restaurant, entertainment, and cultural development set within the former American Embassy compound. And save a morning to stroll the manicured, 660-acre grounds of the Temple of Heaven, site of the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the 15th-century apogee of Chinese ritual architecture.

The Great Wall

Numerous stretches of the Great Wall are easily accessible from Beijing (ask your hotel to arrange a car or bus tour). But avoid the tourist trap of Badaling and head to the slightly less trammeled Mutianyu section, a 90-minute drive northeast of the Forbidden City. Early morning is best; try Asia 1 on 1 (asia1on1.com) for day trips.

Shanghai: 2–3 days

First stop: the riverfront promenade known as the Bund, with its Art Deco, Neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts façades, bars and shops, and views of the space-age towers of Pudong. In People’s Park you’ll find the Shanghai Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Weekdays are the best time to wander among the pine trees and ponds of the 16th-century Yuyuan Gardens. Xintiandi was the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party; now this restored two-block district is defined by upscale shops and restaurants. The leafy, rustic French Concession is the favored destination for cutting-edge fashion and designs for the home. Shanghai’s latest secret? Lane 248, a gritty, narrow street now inhabited by artsy cafés and intimate boutiques, hidden behind Taikang Road.

Guilin: 2 days

(Two hours by air from Shanghai.) With its sheer limestone peaks jutting up from the Li River, Guilin is straight out of a traditional Chinese landscape painting, and remains one of China’s most breathtaking sights. Take in the view from Solitary Beauty Peak and marvel at the formations of the Reed Flute Cave. Spring and fall are best; avoid the heat of July and the crowds of the holiday seasons.

Xi’an: 2 days

(Two hours by air from Beijing.) China’s ancestral capital is renowned for its “terra-cotta army,” created during the Qin dynasty (221–207 B.C.): thousands of life-size clay warriors stand in formation as part of the funerary complex of China’s first emperor, with much more yet to be excavated. You’ll need at least two days here to take in the warriors, see the Shang dynasty bronze relics at the Shaanxi History Museum, walk along the Old City walls, and visit the Da Mai market.

Datong: 2 days

(One hour by air or six hours by scenic train ride from Beijing.) Majestic Qing dynasty frescoes are the standout in the celebrated temple district. Nearby excursions include the awesome Buddhist sculptures in the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple of Mount Hengshan, which clings precipitously to the side of a cliff. Not far away are some especially beautiful eroded mud-brick ruins of the Great Wall.

The article also includes must-read taxi tips, hotel recommendations, shopping advice and strategies, must-eat food, and six great new books on China. Happy days.

Keen to join the Mile High club, but lack the cash for one of Singapore Airline's double bed suites? One blogger at Melbourne's The Age has come up with four ways to get your wings.

Here's a summary of the suggestions:

The Richard Branson Method

Splash the cash on private jets and charter flights.

The Commercial Couple

Grab your partner, wait for the lights to dim and head to the back of the plane.

The One-Flight Stand

You win the check-in lottery and sit next to a hottie with the hots for you.

Going First Class

The way to go if you do have cash to splash. Private cabins.

no mile high club by spcoon via Flickr (Creative Commons)