Europe

It's a huge place, but far away so maybe not the top destination for most ALTs! You may find yourself with a layover there whilst off home, or want to do a whistle-stop tour.

Where to go:

Holland

Amsterdam:

• Check out the Ann Frank House to get a bit of history
• Rent a bicycle - the city is totally flat and very cycle friendly
• Take a canal cruise of the city. It's a wonderful way to see lots of Amsterdam in a short time.
• Visit the Sex Museum - yes, it really exists!
• Quench your thirst at the Heineken Beer Factory.

Getting around:

Flights

Cheap airlines in Europe are:
http://ryanair.com (Irish)
http://easyjet.com (British)
http://www.klm.com (Dutch)
http://www.flybaboo.com (Swiss)
http://www.sterling.dk (Danish)
http://www.airberlin.com (German)
http://www.jet4you.com (French)
http://www.wizzair.com (Polish)

They mostly fly from and to small local airports which means that you may find yourself far out of town or having to get to/from the international airport to connect up with other flights. Also, don't do budget airlines on anything that even resembles a tight time schedule or needing to meet people. If your flight is cancelled for some reason it may be days before the airline can put you on another.
To add a note on baggage. The overall baggage limit tends to be lower than most international airlines but it's carry on/cabin luggage limit weight is higher. Ryanair is also are strict on enforcing arrival at the check-in desk well in advance of take-off time.
Prices quoted usually (like Japan) don't include tax and are one way. The sooner you book the cheaper the base price will be. They are usually very difficult to change. Don't expect exceptional services. Food isn't provided but can be bought on board.

Coaches/Long Distance Buses

National Express - The cheapest but probably longest way to travel. You can search around with this and tailor-make your own journey. You can also book tickets. Has UK page and for Europe too. http://www.nationalexpress.com/home/hp.cfm
Megabus - is a much cheaper way to tour the UK. Converted double-decker buses that tour the country. One way tickets can be as cheap as 300Yen. http://www.megabus.co.uk/uk/

Trains

The Train Line - Trains anywhere in the UK and across Europe, including through the Channel Tunnel. Can check times and book e-tickets. If you are flexible with times and book in advance you can save a whole heap. Just remember that British trains tend not to be as puntual as Japanese ones. If you plan on doing a lot of travelling by train and are 25 or under, it's worth paying 4,000yen for a Young Persons' Rail Card which will give you a third off most journeys. http://www.thetrainline.com

Note:Bear in mind that all UK websites use the British date system (date/month/year) as opposed to year/month/date (the Japanese one).

Visiting the UK

Information on what to see and where to go in the UK from a British JET. May be of more interest to your Japanese friends.
London:
A lifetime's worth of shopping and sightseeing, going out etc, but if you only have a short time, make sure you:
- go on the London Eye (huge ferris wheel with great views over the city)
- see Trafalgar Square - The National Gallery is on its doorstep and Buckingham Palace is down the road (open in Aug/ Sep to see the State Rooms and Garden if you're willing to fork out about 3000yen)
- visit St Paul's Cathedral (climb the steps to the top and stop off at the Whispering Gallery en route)
You can do river cruises down the Thames from Westminster (right by the Houses of Parliament & near Westminster Abbey). You can do a short trip down river to the Tower of London, right next to the famous Tower Bridge. Or take a longer ride to Greenwich to stand on the timeline, relax in the park, shop in the market (esp on Sun afternoon, good for crafty/ arty things), see the Cutty Sark (old tea ship) and visit the Maritime Museum.
- relax in Hyde Park/ hire a rowing boat.
Shopping: Oxford St, Picadilly (visit Japan Centre for Japanesey things inc food), for something different go to Camden Market in N London. Covent Garden market is just off The Strand, near Charing Cross stn. (If you're rich or like department stores go to Harrods and Selfridges.)
Modern art: go to the Tate Modern. For everything else the National Gallery (or Tate Britain) should suffice.
Football: Premiership sides Arsenal, Charlton, Chelsea, Fulham, Spurs, Watford and West Ham all have their home in the London area.
Nightlife: Soho and Leicester Square.
Getting around: If you're doing a lot of travelling get a travelcard - can be used on the underground, buses and trains. London black cabs are far too expensive to even consider!
Other places in England: Durham (cathedral and castle mini city) & York - en route to Edinburgh (beautiful scenery, take the train up from Kings Cross - same station Harry Potter and friends use); Oxford & Cambridge (oldy worldy university towns); Bath; Manchester (partying & shopping); Lake District (for scenery), Brighton (seaside party town); Liverpool (if you like the Beatles).

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