There were 2,281 registered light campers in 2018, an almost four-fold increase from 10 years ago. Many owners are retired couples who want an easy way to travel around the country. 

Towa Motors Co. in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, sells light campers equipped with seats for four people in the Hijet light truck made by Daihatsu Motor Co. The model has a roof that opens to create enough space for four adults to sleep, as well as a sink and other features. 

“It’s attractive because it can also be put to everyday use. In addition, it’s becoming a popular tool for enjoying hobbies like hiking, photography and fishing,” a Towa Motors’ official said. 

This model is priced at about ¥3 million, which is around half the cost of a regular camper. 

Light campers began to attract attention in the late 2000s when the baby boomers started retiring. Owners can travel more frequently if they save money by staying in the vehicle. They can also travel with pets without having to worry about other people.

It is said that sales are also being driven by the boom in popularity of solo camping. 

Light campers make up only about 2 percent of all registered campers, according to the Japan Auto Camping Federation. 

However, while the number of larger campers has declined by about 40 percent over the last decade, the number of light campers has nearly quadrupled. 

Light vehicles are mainly used for short distances and have not been considered suitable for long trips. 

However, Honda Motor Co.’s N-Box, the best-selling light vehicle in the country, and Nissan Motor Co.’s Dayz have a function that maintains a suitable distance between cars. “Light vehicles also have plenty of safety assist functions that make driving easier. I think they’ll receive more attention going forward,” a person in charge of the matter at the Japan Recreational Vehicle Association, which represents camper dealers, said.

Nestled within the exquisite Emboodhoo Lagoon, just 15 minutes by boat from Male International Airport, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives forms part of Crossroads Maldives, the country’s first and only integrated resort. Whether seeking a hassle-free holiday with the family, an upbeat break with friends, or a romantic getaway with your other half, this vivacious beachfront hotel offers plenty of opportunities to stay and play.

“Hard Rock Hotel Maldives is an upbeat international resort that amplifies its spectacular surroundings. We’ll turn up the volume with spacious rooms, suites, villas – including overwater options – plus thrilling amenities and music memorabilia, all surrounded by crystal clear seas, pristine beaches and stunning scenery. We look forward to welcoming guests and offering everything you could possibly want for a tropical island holiday,” said the hotel’s general manager Tolga Unan.

As the first Maldivian outpost of the world-famous hotel brand, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives features a full range of signature experiences and facilities for all ages, including a Hard Rock Cafe, Body Rock fitness centre, Rock Spa, Rock Shop, Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club and Teen Spirit Club.

The 178 spacious rooms include family suites, beach villas, overwater villas and overwater pool villa. The two-bedroom Silver Family Suite allows parents and kids to stay together with bunk beds and direct beach access, while the 460-square-metre Rock Star Villa features a spacious outdoor living areas, an infinity pool, a tuk-tuk bar on the terrace, panoramic ocean views and even a private boat jetty – great for mini-groups of thrill-seeking friends. Hard Rock’s signature The Sound of Your Stay programme allows guests to curate their own holiday soundtrack using in-room Crosley turntables, playlists and even the chance to borrow a Fender guitar.

The programme, which aims to nurture a love for travelling in young guests, also offers the kids complimentary or discounted breakfasts, as well as ice-cream at participating hotels and resorts.

“This special partnership between Marriott Bonvoy and Sanrio’s Mr. Men and Little Miss exemplifies our commitment to finding new ways to reward our members and their loved ones,” said Peggy Fang Roe, chief sales and marketing officer for Asia Pacific at Marriott International. “It serves as an extension of the children’s benefits that we already offer like complimentary ice-cream, to ensure that we continue to provide more fun for families during their travels.”

Each of the 10 limited edition collectables portrays a much-loved character wearing travel accessories inspired by Marriott Bonvoy enjoying activities, from exploring the destination to unwinding by the pool. Until the end of this month, Platinum Elite and above members travelling with children aged 12 and below will receive up to two of the limited-edition mini plush toys per room per stay at over 450 participating hotels and resorts throughout Asia Pacific. Children of Silver and Gold Elite Members will receive a mini plush on stays redeemed with points though terms and conditions apply,

Also members travelling with children are invited to photograph their Mr Men and Little Miss toys at any participating property for a chance to win a three-night vacation in Seoul, Korea, as well as the full set of plush toys. To enter, post the picture on Instagram tagging the property and include the hashtags #MarriottBonvoy and #MrMenLittleMiss.

Find out more at https://marriottbonvoyasia.com/mrmen

The resort, with 115 private pool villas, is the brand’s first property in Asia. Sansiri became a majority stakeholder in late 2017 and adds the Standard Huruvalhi Maldives to its menu of destinations spanning Koh Samui, Phuket, Hua Hin, London, Milan, Paris, Lisbon, Bordeaux, Mexico City and Chicago.

While the Maldives has traditionally been a “couple’s destination”, the Standard has taken its usual atypical approach, welcoming singles and groups of friends as well. It’s perfect for a romantic escape or a getaway with everyone you know.

The lobby is airy and accessible 24 hours a day. Each of the 115 villas features its own private lounge deck and plunge pool, and there are six ways to dine, from a beachfront BBQ shack to Maldivian cuisine with ingredients straight from an island farm.

Guided diving and snorkelling are offered in a naturally protected reef, sunset boat excursions to uninhabited islands and night fishing and private-destination dining.

The indoor hydrotherapy oasis, the Standard Spa, has a communal hammam, aroma steam room, daily yoga, personal training and nine private treatment rooms.

For nightlife, there are tribal beats around a beach bonfire and a glass-bottom nightclub – not to a disco ball above your bathtub for your own private party.

Learn more at standardhotels.com.

The global house-sharing platform held a press event Friday in the Itaewon area of central Seoul, inviting reporters to a class on how to make a vegan bath scrub, registered as a K-beauty trip under Airbnb.

“On Airbnb, we have always seen the want for local, authentic experiences. As the K-wave has proved itself to be more than a passing trend, we have launched the K-wave Trip section,” Hong Jong-hee, who is in charge of public relations, said at the event.

According to the press release, Airbnb is focusing on the rapidly developing Hallyu trend, which has seen K-pop musicians topping the Billboard charts and participating in global music festivals, and Korean beauty brands leading makeup trends in the international market.

“We always promote the idea of living like a local. But to live like a local, there has to be more than just staying at locals’ homes. We have to meet the locals and engage in what they are interested in,” Hong said. “Airbnb Trips have been growing at a fast rate, compared with the growth of the house-sharing service.

“When a host applies to host a trip, we evaluate the request based on three criteria: the host’s expertise, the uniqueness of the place and how much participants can get involved in the activity,” Hong said. “Only 50 percent of trips pass the evaluation and make the list.”

The K-pop Trip list currently has around 30 activities, including K-pop dancing and recording classes. Some of the classes even allow participants to create and keep music video clips of themselves.

K-beauty activities are available too, from makeup classes to vegan beauty product making classes. There are currently nine classes listed under the K-beauty category.

To find out more about K-wave activities, check Airbnb’s website and mobile app.

By Im Eun-byel (silverstar@heraldcorp.com)

This smart e-train ticket, valid for 28 days, is ideal for short-term visitors to Japan and will delight fans of the country’s best-loved characters with original designs from Sanrio.

The design features Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll and Pompompurin, set against a backdrop of sakura, the iconic flower of Japan, and sightseeing spots familiar to foreign tourists, including Mount Fuji and the Tokyo Skytree.

With points of sale at key stations in the Tokyo Metropolitan area – including Skyliner & Keisei Information Centre at Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station and Narita Airport Terminal 2-3 Station, Keikyu Tourist Information Center at Haneda Airport International Terminal Station and Shinagawa Station – non-resident foreign visitors to Japan will be able to easily verify their status and purchase the PASMO Passport.

The Passport enables e-money transactions throughout the public transit system, whether for boarding IC card-compatible trains and buses or for making purchases at shops. PASMO PASSPORT holders can recharge the card any number of times at stations, on buses, and in some stores. The card offers more convenience, enjoyment, and discounts for short-term travellers in Japan, as holders also get a variety of exclusive privileges when they show their PASMO Passport at sightseeing spots around the Kanto region.

The sale price is 2,000 yen (Bt580), of which 1,500 yen is valid for use and 500 yen is for issuance. No deposit is required.

For more information, visit www.Pasmo.co.jp/en/pasmopassport/.

Travellers can easily research and explore destinations on their mobile or desktop. The initial launch includes guides to the five popular cities of Taipei, Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, and Paris, with plans to significantly extend the number of travel guides by the end of this year.

The in-depth Agoda Travel Guides are a veritable goldmine of insider information, featuring insights catered to helping different types of travellers plan their trips. In the 2019 Usage and Attitude Survey from Agoda, Food & Drink was cited the most popular reason to travel for North Asians (67 per cent) and Southeast Asians (61 per cent), with Japan, South Korea and Singapore choosing Food & Drink as their leading reason to take a trip. Gourmands will find the Agoda Travel Guides especially handy, whether they are looking for the best restaurant in Seoul, essential must-try Japanese food in Tokyo or family friendly gastronomy in Taipei.

In addition to important basic tourist and airport information for beginners, a wide range of sample itineraries and day trips are included to enable travellers to easily customise their journey. Insights on the best tourist attractions, night life, shopping and food allow travellers to maximise opportunities to achieve their travel goals – whether to gain new experiences, learn a new skill or rediscover favorite spots. The Agoda Travel Guides also provide details on the best accommodation choices for different types of travellers.

“While travel has never been so easy, what travelers still find difficult is deciding where to go and how to get the lowdown on the destination. Our travel guides are quick and easy to use and accessible on mobile even when you are on the go. There’s information on food and drink but also so much more including cultural landmarks, the best bars, shopping, or if the mood takes you, even the most romantic destinations,” said Agoda’s Adam Fodor.

For seasoned travellers, insider tips and tricks are featured to help unearth a unique side to different destinations. Also included in the guides are snippets of information on the city’s history, culture and tradition called Agoda Extras.

Agoda Travel Guides content is currently available in at least 20 languages including Thai, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and both Simplified and Traditional Chinese. Content will be translated to more languages and be rolled out progressively through the year. Download yours at www.agoda.com/travel-guides.