Travellers' checks

Local photographer Basil Pao Ho-yun, best known internationally for his work with Michael Palin on his never-ending TV trips around the globe, has been hired by Amanresorts to lead a photography tour around Bhutan. From February 11 to 20, a limited (but as yet unspecified) number of Aman guests will join Pao on a route that links up Amankora Thimphu, Amankora Gangtey, Amankora Punakha (above) and Amankora Paro. Pao has worked with Amanresorts a fair bit in the past, producing three books for the company, including one specifically on Bhutan, so he is familiar with the country. It should be an easy-going trip, with plenty of engaging anecdotes about the genial Mr Pao's travels with Palin, although the main focus will be on getting the most from your camera, with sunrise and sunset photo shoots, and plenty of spectacular hikes. Prices for the nine-night tour start from US$15,250 full-board, but this being Bhutan, there are "government royalties" of US$65 per day, 20 per cent government tax and service charge, and a couple of other minor fees that will nudge the figure closer to US$20,000. For more details and reservations, visit www.amanresorts.com.

A reasonably priced and apparently competent English-language online consultancy has just started up in Tokyo, making life easier for foreigners seeking travel advice for Japan. As well as the cheapest international flights, it provides recommendations and instruction for all manner of interests, from Samurai swords to sake (top), as well as detailed travel itineraries with pricing and easy connections. Just send the operators 2,980 yen (about HK$230) through PayPal and they will get back to you within four days. You can contact them for advice while you are travelling and, although they don't offer refunds, they do promise to send you more substantial information if required. See tabinote.jp/en for more details.

Guests checking in to New World hotels in Shanghai (right), Dalian, Wuhan, Shunde, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City between December 14 and February 14 can get half-price room rates from the third night onwards. Overnight rates for the first two nights range, at the four mainland properties, from 410 yuan (HK$520) to 900 yuan, from US$160 at the New World Saigon Hotel and from 7,000 pesos (HK$1,240) at the New World Makati Hotel, and include daily breakfast and free Wi-fi access. Bookings can be made at www.newworldhotels.com.

Travellers flying to Britain and then intending to head on to continental Europe can now book train tickets between just about any British town or city and one on the other side of the Channel with an online service that is, surprisingly, offering such a facility for the first time. With a couple of clicks and a credit card you can obtain tickets from Cambridge to Cannes (top) or Rochdale to Rapallo, and print them out before leaving Hong Kong. See loco2.com for more. For detailed information on travelling Europe by train, go to www.seat61.com.

Westminster Travel is offering a package to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that includes two nights at The Majestic Hotel, which was returned to its former glory (or something approaching it) late last year. The original property, known back in the day as the Hotel Majestic, was incorporated with a brand-new wing to comprise The Majestic Hotel. Two types of accommodation are offered with this package: the Colonial Suite and Governor Suite. Both are located in the original Majestic Wing and are priced from HK$3,860 and HK$4,160, respectively, if you depart before December 20. The prices include round-trip, economy-class seats on Cathay Pacific and limited travel insurance. Visit www.westminstertravel.com/hk.