0:00:03 > 0:00:05Want to save money in Tokyo?
0:00:05 > 0:00:08Then get ready for some after-hours karaoke.
0:00:08 > 0:00:12On this week's Travel Show, we'll tell you why.
0:00:37 > 0:00:41On the programme this week, Ade heads to a world-famous
0:00:41 > 0:00:44recording studio in the heart of Kingston,
0:00:44 > 0:00:48we take a 60-second stopover in Johannesburg,
0:00:48 > 0:00:50and our global guru Simon Calder's
0:00:50 > 0:00:54got advice for the best time to visit Peru.
0:00:59 > 0:01:02Hello, and welcome to the Travel Show,
0:01:02 > 0:01:04which this week comes to you from Tokyo.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07Now, it's no secret that this is one of the most expensive
0:01:07 > 0:01:11cities in the world to live in and to visit.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16This year, tourists might expect it to be slightly more affordable
0:01:16 > 0:01:20because of a weakened yen, but can you really do Tokyo on a budget?
0:01:20 > 0:01:22I took up the challenge.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29More people are travelling to Japan than ever before,
0:01:29 > 0:01:33but the total number is still a lot lower than other Asian countries.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Japan's government has announced a plan to catch up
0:01:38 > 0:01:41and double the number of tourists to 20 million
0:01:41 > 0:01:45by the time Tokyo hosts the Olympic Games in 2020.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Now the fight is on to prove
0:01:48 > 0:01:51you can see the capital without breaking the bank.
0:01:51 > 0:01:55They have just introduced half-price tickets for foreigners
0:01:55 > 0:01:57from Narita Airport into Tokyo,
0:01:57 > 0:02:00so if you show your passport at the airport,
0:02:00 > 0:02:02you get a 50% discount.
0:02:02 > 0:02:06That's a real saving, because getting around the city isn't cheap
0:02:06 > 0:02:09and taxis, especially, are expensive.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Most foreign tourists know that they can get a discount
0:02:14 > 0:02:17on a Japan Rail Pass if you're wanting to take a high-speed train.
0:02:19 > 0:02:23But if you want to take the slow sightseeing route, you can
0:02:23 > 0:02:27get a free ride on a traditional Japanese boat, or wasen,
0:02:27 > 0:02:30at Yokojukkengawa Shinsui Park.
0:02:34 > 0:02:37So, these boats are run by a tireless team of volunteers
0:02:37 > 0:02:41keen to keep the tradition alive, and if you're really lucky,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44they'll even let you have a go at trying to drive
0:02:44 > 0:02:46one of these magnificent vessels.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52- Will you show me how?- Put your feet on here.- OK. Left foot here?
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- And take hold.- OK. Here?
0:02:54 > 0:02:59- Yes. Push... - Push...and pull. OK.
0:02:59 > 0:03:04- Push...- Push...and pull.- It's all in the wrist.- It's all in the wrist.
0:03:04 > 0:03:06- Good job, good job.- Good job?
0:03:06 > 0:03:09I got the thumbs-up. Good job.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14In terms of sightseeing, you can choose to do the more
0:03:14 > 0:03:17expensive thing, or you can choose a free option,
0:03:17 > 0:03:18which is, for example,
0:03:18 > 0:03:22going to the Metropolitan Government observatory decks.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26There are two decks and you are on the 45th floor, amazing views.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30Apparently, on a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji.
0:03:31 > 0:03:32Wow!
0:03:32 > 0:03:35There is, of course, the iconic Tokyo Tower.
0:03:38 > 0:03:40And don't forget your passport...
0:03:40 > 0:03:42Konichiwa.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46..because if you can prove it's your birthday,
0:03:46 > 0:03:49you get a discount on entry and a free cake.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55SHE SPEAKS IN JAPANESE
0:03:55 > 0:03:57To be honest, I've had better cakes,
0:03:57 > 0:04:00but the view was well worth it.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06Where this city really hits you in the hip pocket is its hotels.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Budget travellers have traditionally opted for a cramped capsule hotel.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14But if you think creatively, you can have
0:04:14 > 0:04:18a more unique Japanese experience for a very low price.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Many karaoke places here will offer a substantial discount after 11pm,
0:04:24 > 0:04:27which means you can rent a box for the whole night
0:04:27 > 0:04:29for as little as 1,800 yen,
0:04:29 > 0:04:31that's less than 20 US dollars.
0:04:31 > 0:04:33What a bargain.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38Karaoke venues range from hole-in-the-wall bars
0:04:38 > 0:04:41to spacious and luxurious rented rooms.
0:04:41 > 0:04:47All-night packages from 11pm until 6am will vary from venue to venue,
0:04:47 > 0:04:50and there are always competitive prices to be found.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55So, this is my room for the night.
0:04:55 > 0:04:57MUFFLED MUSIC AND SINGING
0:04:58 > 0:05:00Well, it's a decent size,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03although the decor does leave a lot to be desired.
0:05:03 > 0:05:06My neighbours certainly are noisy,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09but what do you expect for 18 US dollars a night?
0:05:11 > 0:05:14Japan is also known for its manga cafes,
0:05:14 > 0:05:17but it's safe to say that most people don't even touch
0:05:17 > 0:05:19the local comics.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21They come here to surf the net.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Konbanwa.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27The cafes also offer overnight packages.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31If you register before 9pm to 4am, you can get a private room
0:05:31 > 0:05:37starting from just under 1,400 yen, that's roughly 14 US dollars.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42Believe it or not, you even get free drinks
0:05:42 > 0:05:44and free soft-serve ice cream.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Now, you don't get that at a capsule hotel, do you?
0:05:51 > 0:05:53There are communal bathrooms,
0:05:53 > 0:05:57including showers, tucked behind an array of vending machines.
0:05:58 > 0:06:02My room this time was more of a wooden cubicle.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Well, at least you get a comfy pillow here
0:06:07 > 0:06:11but there's not much privacy, as these booths are quite open.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14You might want to bring a mask and some earplugs
0:06:14 > 0:06:17just in case your neighbour's a bit of a snorer.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31If you're planning a trip to Japan,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33here are our Travel Show money-saving tips
0:06:33 > 0:06:36for exploring the country beyond the capital.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Avoiding peak season is always a money-saver.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44When the cherry blossoms bloom in spring,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46and when the leaves turn in autumn,
0:06:46 > 0:06:49it will be more expensive to travel, as people will be going there
0:06:49 > 0:06:52to catch a glimpse of these colourful gardens.
0:06:54 > 0:06:57Japan has some of the most expensive restaurants in the world,
0:06:57 > 0:07:00but it is possible to eat cheaply.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03You can buy a range of hot, cheap food from vending machines,
0:07:03 > 0:07:05and some fast-food chains do bowls of noodles
0:07:05 > 0:07:08for as little as 260 yen,
0:07:08 > 0:07:10or roughly two US dollars.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16And one way to experience Japanese culture on a budget is to
0:07:16 > 0:07:18visit temples, shrines and traditional gardens.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Kyoto, the country's ancient capital,
0:07:21 > 0:07:24has hundreds of these historic monuments.
0:07:24 > 0:07:27Some are completely free to visit and others have low entrance fees
0:07:27 > 0:07:30of around 500 yen - that's roughly five dollars.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Next up is this week's travel update.
0:07:40 > 0:07:41The shark call introduced
0:07:41 > 0:07:44by authorities in Western Australia earlier this year
0:07:44 > 0:07:47has been blocked by the state's environment regulator,
0:07:47 > 0:07:51who says it could threaten the endangered great white shark.
0:07:51 > 0:07:52Protect the great white!
0:07:52 > 0:07:55Thousands have protested against the practice,
0:07:55 > 0:07:59which was introduced after a series of fatal shark attacks.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01Three, two, one...
0:08:01 > 0:08:04BIG BEN STRIKES
0:08:04 > 0:08:06If you're coming to London for New Year's Eve,
0:08:06 > 0:08:11you will now have to buy tickets to the city's fireworks celebrations.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14London's mayor, Boris Johnson, insisted ticketing was essential
0:08:14 > 0:08:16to slash crowd numbers
0:08:16 > 0:08:19after half a million people attended last year.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21It will cost you £10 to attend
0:08:21 > 0:08:25and only 100,000 tickets will be made available to the public.
0:08:26 > 0:08:28If you are a big Friends fan,
0:08:28 > 0:08:32you can now sip coffee in a cafe modelled on Central Perk,
0:08:32 > 0:08:34the coffee house regularly visited
0:08:34 > 0:08:36by the main characters of the television series.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38It's been opened in New York
0:08:38 > 0:08:41to mark the 20th anniversary of the first episode
0:08:41 > 0:08:44and includes a museum showcasing props such as costumes,
0:08:44 > 0:08:48signed scripts, Phoebe's guitar and Joey's dog statue.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Still to come on this week's Travel Show...
0:08:56 > 0:09:01..Ade heads to Jamaica for a musical adventure, reggae-style,
0:09:01 > 0:09:04and Simon Calder has information on what you can
0:09:04 > 0:09:07take in your luggage when flying to Turkey.
0:10:05 > 0:10:10The Travel Show - destination inspiration, from the BBC.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24Welcome to the slice of the show
0:10:24 > 0:10:27that tries to make your travelling life easier.
0:10:27 > 0:10:32Let's start with Daniel O'Keefe from Glasgow, who's looking well ahead.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35He tweeted @BBCTravelShow to ask...
0:10:44 > 0:10:48Daniel, I imagine you mean the northern spring of 2016,
0:10:48 > 0:10:52which corresponds to autumn, or fall, in southern hemisphere Peru.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56It's a tropical nation with a vast diversity of terrain.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01For example, hot and humid year round in the Amazon rainforest,
0:11:01 > 0:11:05and in the capital Lima, on the coast, there is a brief,
0:11:05 > 0:11:08cool and damp spell between late May and mid-October.
0:11:08 > 0:11:12The big draw for many of us, of course, is the Inca heartland,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14the imperial capital Cuzco
0:11:14 > 0:11:18and the Sacred Valley, that includes Machu Picchu.
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Here, you should avoid the sometimes intense rains
0:11:21 > 0:11:22between January and March.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27May and June are ideal for tackling the Inca Trail, though it is
0:11:27 > 0:11:31also very popular then, so get your permit organised well ahead.
0:11:31 > 0:11:34The cost of travelling in Peru is low,
0:11:34 > 0:11:36and while self-catering isn't popular,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38there are plenty of cheap hotels
0:11:38 > 0:11:41and when you're exploring the Andes,
0:11:41 > 0:11:43you'll probably be camping.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46Next, Jackie Soltan got in touch to ask...
0:11:53 > 0:11:55A great choice of destination, Jackie.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58I adore Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Sure, it's a big tourist destination,
0:12:00 > 0:12:03now with added non-stop flights from the UK,
0:12:03 > 0:12:07but besides the usual beach and bar scene there's a lively town.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10You can explore a fascinating hinterland,
0:12:10 > 0:12:13where the pace of life takes a siesta.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16Compared with many other locations in the tropics,
0:12:16 > 0:12:19Mexico's Pacific Coast is relatively healthy territory.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21For any tropical travel,
0:12:21 > 0:12:24though, it's good to have up-to-date protection against...
0:12:27 > 0:12:29I'm also fastidious about mosquitoes,
0:12:29 > 0:12:32and cover up with clothing AND repellent.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34While malaria isn't a risk,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37mosquitoes can carry all manner of other nasties
0:12:37 > 0:12:40and their bites can ruin a holiday.
0:12:40 > 0:12:43Next, Gordon Bruce from Renfrewshire in Scotland asks...
0:12:54 > 0:12:58Well, last time I was lucky enough to visit this beautiful country,
0:12:58 > 0:13:02to explore the Rila Mountains south of the capital Sofia,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05I did buy some Bulgarian currency in advance.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08However, when I got here, I discovered that
0:13:08 > 0:13:12some of the notes I'd been given were obsolete and effectively worthless.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15In all the cities and resort areas of Bulgaria,
0:13:15 > 0:13:18there are plenty of places to change money at good rates and,
0:13:18 > 0:13:22in future, I'd simply take sterling and change it there.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26Like other parts of the Balkans, the main hard currency is the euro,
0:13:26 > 0:13:30so if you have some to hand, you could take them as a fallback,
0:13:30 > 0:13:34but I certainly wouldn't bother to change pounds to euros in advance.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39Finally, Emma-Louise Hanson from Monmouthshire in Wales asks...
0:13:47 > 0:13:51Well, Emma-Louise, it proved tricky getting a response from either
0:13:51 > 0:13:54the Turkish government or the tourist office here in London,
0:13:54 > 0:13:57but one of the leading airlines to Turkey told me,
0:13:57 > 0:14:00"We do not believe there's any restriction on entering Turkey
0:14:00 > 0:14:01"with this item.
0:14:01 > 0:14:06"Just ensure it's well protected in the suitcase to avoid any leakage."
0:14:06 > 0:14:09That's all for now, but if you've got a travel question...
0:14:13 > 0:14:15From me, Simon Calder, the global guru,
0:14:15 > 0:14:18bye for now and see you next time.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Whoa! Who-oa-ah!
0:14:29 > 0:14:30LAUGHTER
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Next up, we meet the people who make our cities tick.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35This week, we're in London's Covent Garden.
0:14:39 > 0:14:40And...one eye!
0:14:40 > 0:14:43CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
0:14:45 > 0:14:49Covent Garden is known as the mecca of street performing.
0:14:49 > 0:14:50If you're ready...
0:14:50 > 0:14:52WHISTLE BLOWS
0:14:52 > 0:14:54OK, you could have built the tension a bit.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58You've got traditional shows with unicycling and juggling.
0:14:58 > 0:15:00You got straitjacket escapes.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04And I perform a hula hoop street theatre show.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12This is where I train with my hula hoops in the day.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14# So delicious
0:15:16 > 0:15:18# So delicious... #
0:15:18 > 0:15:22I really want a really big, a much bigger grand finale.
0:15:22 > 0:15:23Give it a go.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25# Hula hoop, hula hoop
0:15:25 > 0:15:27# Anyone can play the hula hoop... #
0:15:27 > 0:15:31So this is my grand finale trick
0:15:31 > 0:15:34that I'm working on to put in my street show,
0:15:34 > 0:15:37where I will be even higher in the air.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Whoa! As you can see, it's quite hard.
0:15:45 > 0:15:47I'm about to perform in roughly 20 minutes.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49I'm sorry, it's really hot.
0:15:49 > 0:15:51CHEERING
0:15:52 > 0:15:57My rituals before a show are to get very freaked out,
0:15:57 > 0:15:59sometimes cry a little bit,
0:15:59 > 0:16:00'going to the loo a lot,
0:16:00 > 0:16:06'but I know that as soon as I start the show, I'll enjoy myself.'
0:16:11 > 0:16:14'The space is a double-edged sword. The space is amazing.'
0:16:14 > 0:16:16Now, ladies and gentlemen...
0:16:16 > 0:16:19'It really is like a theatre, which is wonderful,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21'but it's very daunting because of that.'
0:16:32 > 0:16:38'Probably at my happiest after a show and that's what makes it worthwhile.'
0:16:38 > 0:16:42I think the more scary it is, the better the feeling at the end.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59And to end this week, we head to the Caribbean island of Jamaica
0:16:59 > 0:17:01and its musically rich capital Kingston.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04The country is known globally for its reggae,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07so it's not surprising that music is one of the country's
0:17:07 > 0:17:12biggest industries after tourism, as Ade Adepitan discovered.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15# One good thing about music when it hits you... #
0:17:15 > 0:17:20If you're looking for a unique holiday experience in Jamaica,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22then taking a musical tour of the capital
0:17:22 > 0:17:24is a must for any music lover.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26# ..Hit me with music
0:17:26 > 0:17:29# Hit me with music now... #
0:17:29 > 0:17:32Reggae music emerged here back in the '60s
0:17:32 > 0:17:36and the sounds which originated on the streets of Kingston
0:17:36 > 0:17:39fast became massive hits all over the world.
0:17:39 > 0:17:42Music is now one of Jamaica's biggest exports.
0:17:42 > 0:17:43# ..Trenchtown rock
0:17:43 > 0:17:45# I'd never turn my back
0:17:45 > 0:17:47# Trenchtown rock... #
0:17:47 > 0:17:49There are many musical tours on offer here.
0:17:49 > 0:17:53The one I have chosen is bespoke and run by Andrea Lewis,
0:17:53 > 0:17:55a music veteran who's been taking
0:17:55 > 0:18:00tourists around some of Kingston's iconic recording studios for years.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04We offer customised tours in the music industry.
0:18:04 > 0:18:08We target music business personnel,
0:18:08 > 0:18:11um, people who come to Jamaica
0:18:11 > 0:18:16seeking information on the foundation of the Jamaican music.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23Our first stop on the music tour is 56 Hope Road, which is
0:18:23 > 0:18:25the most famous address in Jamaica.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28# Won't you help to sing... #
0:18:28 > 0:18:31It's the former home of the late Bob Marley,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34and it's been turned into a museum.
0:18:36 > 0:18:39He was responsible for putting reggae music
0:18:39 > 0:18:42on the international map way back in the '70s,
0:18:42 > 0:18:47with his songs of freedom during a time of political upheaval here.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52Now, we're not allowed to film inside the Bob Marley Museum,
0:18:52 > 0:18:54or take pictures.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Instead, we're taken around the grounds, where, along the way,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00I'm introduced to a man called Georgie
0:19:00 > 0:19:02who actually lives at the museum.
0:19:02 > 0:19:05It's where I cooked the porridge for him. Yeah.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08The Georgie that Bob Marley refers to in No Woman No Cry,
0:19:08 > 0:19:11when he says, "And, Georgie, keep the fire light,"
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- the Georgie he's talking about is you?- Yeah.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19# And then Georgie would make the fire light... #
0:19:25 > 0:19:29My next stop is a record shop in downtown Kingston, which was
0:19:29 > 0:19:32the birthplace of rocksteady and lovers rock reggae music.
0:19:32 > 0:19:35Back in the '60s, Orange Street was known as
0:19:35 > 0:19:39the Hollywood of Jamaica due to the numbers of artists
0:19:39 > 0:19:42who used to hang out here.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48Now, you can't come to Jamaica without checking out the music,
0:19:48 > 0:19:51and I have come to Rockers International Record Shop
0:19:51 > 0:19:55and this place has tunes, any type of Jamaican tune you want -
0:19:55 > 0:20:00rocksteady, ska, reggae, the whole lot.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Tell me about the history of this place.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07The shop itself is the only one from that time till now
0:20:07 > 0:20:10that still has that old, vintage look,
0:20:10 > 0:20:13that still sells vinyls on a regular basis.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16What type of music could I expect to get here?
0:20:16 > 0:20:21You can get anything, basically, from ska, rocksteady, reggae,
0:20:21 > 0:20:24roots, dub, even R'n'B.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29This shop is truly vintage,
0:20:29 > 0:20:33but our time is limited as we've got one more stop to make on the tour.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38All I've been told is that we're about to visit
0:20:38 > 0:20:40a studio on the other side of Kingston,
0:20:40 > 0:20:45where Bob Marley and the Wailers recorded their first four albums.
0:20:47 > 0:20:51We're up in Kingston, where we have Harry J Studio,
0:20:51 > 0:20:53and this is going to be our next stop.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55People like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff,
0:20:55 > 0:20:59Burning Spear have recorded, here, Grammy albums.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01What can we see in the studio?
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Well, I'm hoping there's a jam session going on today
0:21:03 > 0:21:06and that we can maybe pass through and see...
0:21:06 > 0:21:09if they'll allow us to hang out with them.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11Wow! Serious?
0:21:13 > 0:21:18Now, when I arrived, I'm treated to a live jamming session.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20The guys are responsible for some of the country's
0:21:20 > 0:21:25biggest ever reggae tracks, and it's here where I get the chance to
0:21:25 > 0:21:30join in on my first ever jamming session, reggae style.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33Ladies and gentlemen, sit back and relax
0:21:33 > 0:21:36and enjoy a Travel Show version of the number one hit single
0:21:36 > 0:21:39by Mr Ansel Collins, Double Barrel!
0:21:40 > 0:21:42One, two...
0:21:54 > 0:21:57Ade Adepitan, practising his tambourine skills there.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Well, that's it for this week.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05If you've got any money-saving ideas whilst visiting Japan, then
0:22:05 > 0:22:09drop us a line at our usual e-mail address, or why not send us
0:22:09 > 0:22:12a tweet on Twitter, or write on our Facebook wall?
0:22:12 > 0:22:16All those details are on the screen now. Coming up next week...
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Trembling with one toe...
0:22:21 > 0:22:24..Ade's back with some of the best Travel Show moments
0:22:24 > 0:22:27from our recent adventures around the world,
0:22:27 > 0:22:31including the time I travelled to China
0:22:31 > 0:22:32to try my hand at graffiti
0:22:32 > 0:22:36at one of the world's most famous heritage sites.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39I hope you can join us for that, but until then, from me, Carmen Roberts,
0:22:39 > 0:22:43and the rest of the Travel Show team here in Tokyo, it's goodbye.