Mark, one of our Japan rail fans, gives his suggestions of how to spend his time on a trip to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo – feel free to speak to Mark to discuss your own travel plans. “With two nights in Osaka, three nights in Kyoto and three nights in Tokyo and a rail pass included, this is how I’d spend my time in Japan! Day 1 – UK to Osaka Fly from Heathrow to Osaka Kansai Airport, arriving next day. Departures from Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and other UK airports are also available. Day 2 – Osaka On arrival in to Kansai airport, I would head straight for the Japan Railways (JR) Ticket Office, located just outside the main terminal building, in the station complex. Here, you can collect your JR Pass for your week’s train travel around Japan – don’t actually activate the Pass today, the helpful staff will arrange this to happen on day 4 as you will make the most of the 7 days this way (there’s no need to extend to a 14 day pass!) You’ll also be able to make seat reservation...

Darren and Mark from our office met up with TV presenter and explorer Simon Reeve this week, chatting about his BBC2 programme 'Indian Ocean' and his adventures in this beautiful part of the world. If you want to follow in Simon's footsteps then catch the next installment of his programme this Sunday on BBC2 at 8pm, or visit the destinations yourself by visiting  www.indianoceanescapes.co.uk  or calling Escape Worldwide on020 8989 0970 today. Snorkelling in the Maldives    " Before I went I presumed the brochures must have been airbrushed or photoshopped, but the Maldives really is that beautiful! When we went snorkelling, I found myself surrounded by 8 giant manta rays swimming in formation - it was so mesmerising I forgot to breathe and my snorkel fell out of my mouth!" Our Top Tip At the Kuramathi Island Resort , guests can visit the Eco Centre to get involved with the coral reef research and to learn about the programme to improve environmenta...