Heat Packs should not come into direct contact with your DC’s skin. I believe they might scald their hands/feet if they are not insulated first.


I place heat packs on my tummy, above my PJ, whenever I have cramps to sleep. After 2-3 hours, I’d always feel a burning sensation on my tummy. Take care not to scald them especially for younger ones who don’t know how to protest.

djl:

fluffyboy:

I am going shiga kogen in Japan Nagano in early Dec (beginning of snow season).

Staying for 3 nights.

For my 6 yo DD, is this enough? If not, what are the items i must add on?

9) Cotton gloves

Hello fluffyboy,

I would not recommend wearing cotton gloves for skiing or playing in the snow. They will be cold and uncomfortable if they get soaked by melting snow (even through the heat of one's hands). Cotton is a poor insulator when wet. I would suggest renting waterproof gloves when you rent your ski gear.

On the subject of ski gear: the bottom of the ski pants goes over the ski boots. There is usually an inside bit with elastic (the gaiter) at the bottom of the leg opening of the ski pants which you stretch over the ski boot. Ski pants should not be tucked into the ski boots.

I think fluffy boy's concern is ROI, frequency of usage, hence his reluctance to invest in a full suite of winter clothing. I was under the impression he will rent ski gloves as well. I think cotton gloves are not good enough at sea level, based on my DC's experience.

For annual skiing, I think it's good to invest in long thermal socks to prevent abrasion on your shin and blisters on your toes if you ski too fast.

I have some ski carving socks which are thicker/padded at the shin area, at the toes (seamless) and heels. Some brands even come with an \"embedded\" ankle guard (like a bandage of sorts) woven with the rest of the yarn too; that's to secure your ankle to prevent spraining.

http://i65.tinypic.com/54drmu.jpg\">


That's really for the serious skier negotiating steeper slopes several hours a day for 1 week and...biannually!



I went to a warehouse sale yesterday which sold Northface and Patagonia products at 80% discount. But it's over. There was also another one for Marmot, also a good European winter/hiking/trekking brand whose store is at Novena Square.


Bargain hunters, do keep a look out for winter clothing warehouse sale tomorrow Deepavali PH. Check the Straits Times.

http://bq.sg/category/warehouse-sale/

I usually buy NIVEA body cream in a tube for easy application. It's 200ml so my family can share 1 tube. Slather it generously over your whole body and on your nails as well after shower. Reapply when you wake up in the morning before layering on your clothes.It's the best brand ever - non-sticky, moisturising, SPF, unisex fragrance and cheap.



http://i64.tinypic.com/5y6ycz.jpg\">

For lips, I buy VASELINE. Also unisex so DC can share.

For face, I don't wear masks onboard. I use a thicker and more hydrating emollient. I also have a mini hand cream in my hand carrier.

For those with younger DC, maybe you need to buy medications from the PD? I would bring the thermometer.

Some with old folks or toddlers might find thermo flasks useful for outdoor tours.

Meanwhile, download all weather mobile apps for cities you'll be visiting and check for forecast every morning before you start layering your clothes. Otherwise, tune in to local news channels or call concierge to check prevailing temps.

zbear:

Does anyone know where to get Ladies size 10-12 winter boots/shoes from Taipei?

There are many shoe shops in Ximending and Ximen Red House. I've not examined the quality and authenticity of their branded winter boots, but their summer shoes sure look pretty.

allseasons:

Does anyone have experience visiting Taiwan during Chinese New Year? Was it very crowded? TIA

Yes, very crowded especially at night and after Day 1! So many PRC tour groups in TPE these days! And most Taiwanese working in mainland return to TPE as part of homecoming.

Surprisingly, all malls and night mkts are business as usual after Day 1. Day 1 the Gugong museum was open, so I spent day 1 there.

YMS will have the annual flower festival.

Fairy:

Hi,

We will be visiting Taiwan in Dec on a package tour. As there will be 2 days in Taipei when i will be in my own, I would like to go for hot spring. Apart from Yang Ming San, any suggestion where I can go for hot spring not far from Taipei? I understand my accommodation at Taipei will be between main and Ximenting station.
Is it worth visiting Wenfenpu for clothes?

You can go to those in Beitou, very near to Tianmu district where YMS is. Most hot springs are located in Beitou, if you don't want to visit those at YMS. Wulai will be too far.

The most efficient way is to book a resort with hot spring. You only have 2 extended days after breaking from tour group.


Xin Beitou resorts and springs

Beitou spa resorts, Grand View
Grand View Resort spa/ photo: hotel
Asia Pacific Resort. No. 21-2, Yinguang Lane, Wenquan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 2898-3088, fax: 2898-4053. (http://www.apresort.com.tw).
Grand View Resort. No 30 Youya Road, Beitou District. Tel: [886-2] 2898-8888, fax: 2898-8088, (http://www.gvrb.com.tw).
Hotel Royal Beitou. No.2 Zonghe Street, Beitou District. Tel: [886-2] 2896-9777, fax: 2896-9669, (http://www.hotelroyal.com.tw/beitou/EN/).
Kagaya. Tel: [886-2] 2891-1238, (en.kagaya.com.tw).
Kyoto Spring Hotel. No. 105, Wenquan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 2891-2151, Fax: 2893-7315, (e-mail: [email protected] or http://www.kyoto-spring.com.tw).
Millennium Hot Spring. No. 6, Zhongshan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei. [886-2] 2893-7014.
Nine Plus Spa Hot Spring Hotel. No. 1, Yinguang Lane, Wenquan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 2897-9955.
Pacific Wellness Spa & Club. No. 1, Qiyan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 2893-1668, (http://www.pacificspa.com.tw).
Spring City Resort. No.18, You Ya Rd, Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 2897-2345, fax: 2987-7245, (e-mail: [email protected] or http://www.springresort.com.tw).
Sweetme Hotspring Resort. No. 224 Guangming Rd, Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 2898-3838, fax: 2898-4505, (e-mail: [email protected] or http://www.sweetme.com.tw).
Villa 32. No 32, Zhongshan Rd, Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 6611-8888, fax: 6611-5000, (e-mail: [email protected] or http://www.villa32.com).
Whispering Pine Inn. No. 21, You Ya Rd, Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 2895-2063.
Yitsun Hotel. No. 140, Wenchuan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei. Tel: [886-2] 2891-2121, fax: 2893-7129.

Jin Shan (Yang Ming Shan)

Bai Ian Hot Spring Resort. No. 35, Linkou, Chong He Village, Jin Shan Township, Xinbei City. Tel: [886-2] 2408-0103, Fax: 2408-0686, (http://www.ba-ian.com.tw).
Jin Shan Hot Springs. No.1, Ching Nian Rd, Jin Shan Township, Xinbei City. Tel: [886-2] 2498-1191, fax: 2498-3621.
Tien Lai. No 1-7, Ming Liu Rd, Chong He Village, Jin Shan Township, Xinbei City. Tel: [886-2] 2408-0000, fax: 2408-0999, (e-mail: [email protected] or http://www.tienlai.com.tw).

Taipei spa hotels in the city

Miramar Spa. 2/F, Miramar Garden Hotel, No 83 Civic Boulevard, Sec.3, Taipei 10491. Tel: [886-2] 8772-8800 /ext 2254 or 2255, fax: 8772-1010, (http://www.miramargarden.com.tw).
Shiseido Salon and Spa. Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel. Tel: [886-2] 2378-8888, fax: 2377-7777, (e-mail: [email protected] or http://www.shangri-la.com).

Wu Lai hot spas and resorts

SpringPark Spa and Resort. No 3, Yanti, Wu LaiTownship, XinbeiCity. Tel: [886-2] 2661-6555, fax: 2661-6995, (e-mail: [email protected] or http://www.springparkhotel.com.tw).
Wulai Spring Resort. No 36 La Ka Rd, WulaiTownship, XinbeiCity. Tel: [886-2] 2661-6161, fax: 2661-7890.
Guo Chi Yen Hot Spring. No. 22, Wu Lai St, Wu Lai Township, XinbeiCity. Tel: [886-2] 2661-6351.
Tungfung Hot Spring Lodge. No. 66, Wu Lai St, Wu Lai Township, XinbeiCity. Tel: [886-2] 2963-4336, 2661-7888, fax: 2661-7832.
Full Moon Spa. No. 1, 85 Lane, Wulai St., WulaiTownship, XinbeiCity. Tel: [886-2] 2661-7678, (e-mail: [email protected] or http://www.fullmoonspa.net).

i3mum:

Hi all,


Just to check, should I buy the Disneyland, Disney Sea tickets and Universal Studios tickets online before we leave for Japan? Or is there any place that sell them at a cheaper rate?

I bought all my Disney tickets online. Please standby a COLOUR printer after you make your payment, because the e-ticket must be in colour. You can purchase up to 10 tickets at one shot using credit card.

Just bring it with you to Japan as you cannot print at Disney. Cardholder must be present.

Do not crumple the A4 ticket. Print extra copies and put one set in luggage in case you lose your hand carrier!

Head direct to the GATE with it after you alight at MAIHAMA subway station, change to Disney Resort Line (the monorail with Mickey windows).

I suspect if you stay at the Ambassador and buy as a package, it might be cheaper? Or with tour groups? Or corporate rates if you are working for some affiliated Jap MNCs? In any case, the more tickets, the greater the discount. Check their website.

Same for Universal Studios. I also bought everything online.

You must remember for each theme park ride, you are expected to queue for at least 1 hour during peak season, so why not skip the ticket queue and get in asap to maximise your time in there?

dimitri_can:

starlight1968sg:

Thanks dimitri_can for sharing so many photos.

They are tempting me to revisit Japan.

You should visit Japan soon. I am hoping that the great earthquake does not come so soon...

http://goo.gl/m1qRIH

ゴジラ is coming?

dimitri_can:

hnghng:

How their charged for limousine bus from Narita Airport to Shinjuku hotel?

We have 5 adults & 4 kids. Limousine bus or MRT which is more convenience?
Thanks.

check here for details.

http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/bus_se ... njuku.html

Limousine bus is more convenient if you going to an affilated hotel, but more expensive.

i would suggest u take train. which hotel are you staying?

I agree with dimitri. Take N'EX, unless the bus limo feeds your hotel or a hotel next to yours. N'EX is faster.

We usually take N'EX and alight at Shinjuku station. You might be overwhelmed by the sprawling and congested Shinjuku underground network at first. But don't panic. Just head towards a big department store exit like Isetan or Takashimaya! We normally get out through the Takashimaya exit and hail a cab from Taka taxi stand to our Shinjuku hotel (5min).

Simply clear your CIQ, look for the JR N'EX counter and buy the ticket to Shinjuku (not Tokyo station). Buffer more time by not choosing the immediate next train that's departing in 10 min, in case you've less mobile travel companions or you're travelling in such a big group with bulky baggage.

I believe overseas commuters can reserve N'EX tickets online, but I never did that. I always bought as and when I walked out from the Baggage Claim zone.

Round trip is now only JPY4000 on N'EX. Single is JPY3000+, almost the same as your bus limo.

Do note your ETA (after midnight? dawn?) and operating hours of N'EX sales office at NRT. Once I bought the last departing N'EX train ticket late at night. I almost got heart attack dashing to the N'EX platform. Another year, the N'EX line was shut down due to severe blizzard.

fluffyboy:

sparks:

Hi, anyone can share if I should get winter wear from Uniqlo now or later? Are there any sales later? I will be travelling to Tokyo in Feb. TIA!

I suggest you wait...shld have sales on and off from now till end Dec.

You can get on Boxing Day...

With more Uniqlo outlets opening up in the heartlands, it means we have more stocks across Singapore these days.

However, it wasn't ok to buy in January some years ago. Heattech stocks in Singapore were pathetically low and popular sizes and nice colours were out before our CNY winter trip in mid-Feb, so out of desperation, I mobilised a relative to help us buy from abroad.

Around CNY period, AIRISM series will be rolled out and HT will be removed from the shelves, based on my observation. Good luck!