Forget all your preconceptions about Tokyo being a concrete city filled with nothing but robots and schoolgirls dressed as French maids. Japan is often portrayed as a mysterious country juxtaposed with futuristic technology and deep rooted medieval traditions. However, not many tourists go beyond sushi with actually- raw fish when they try to experience real Japanese culture. So, leave your plans of exploring the metallic metropolis at the entrance (with your shoes) and immerse yourself in the softer, cultural, more Zen side of Tokyo.

Stay at a Ryokan

Thinking of staying at a Capsule Hotel? There’s a reason those places were made for desperate business men who missed the last train home to get some shut eye. A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Think delicate sliding paper doors, tatami floors and your own cotton kimono to swan around in. You can truly imagine being on set of your own samurai movie.  For the extra wow factor most Ryokans provide traditional Japanese cuisine for breakfast and dinner. A delicious array of delicate dishes: grilled fish, marinated vegetables and a big bowl of white sticky rice all presented with precision and beauty in mind. You will be blown away at how food can really look like art. Staying in a Ryokan is an un-missable experience into Japanese tradition and culture. Plenty of photo opportunities for your Facebook friends to envy.

Kimi Ryokan in Ikebukuro has trained English speaking staff with single rooms from £25 a night.

Visit an Onsen

‘Onsen’ means hot springs in Japanese, but the term is used to mean the bathing facilities and inns around the hot springs. As Japan is a volcanically active country, it has thousands of onsens and Tokyo boasts the most spectacular. Many onsens have different themed baths- lemon baths, salt water baths and seaweed baths offer various treatments for users. Salt water spring baths are meant to provide a cure for backache. Many onsens have their own natural waterfalls and the baths situated outside are surrounded by Japanese shrubbery, including willow-y bamboo trees and a haze of blue, purple and pink exotic flowers. Enjoy a soak in the relaxing hot beautiful natural atmosphere; and enjoy the company of your friends and maybe even share a bottle of hot sake together!

Kuastsu Onsen in Gunma is the most popular hot spring in Japan with prices from £50 for a day pass.

 Go to the Tsukiji Fish Market

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is the biggest seafood market in the whole world and is always a ‘must’ for tourists travelling to Japan. Bidding starts at 5:20am so be prepared to wake up very early to get there in time, but, it is worth the experience. Watch your back for speeding golf carts loaded with tuna- the express way to deliver fish! Your eyes will lock on creatures of the sea you will never have thought of in your wildest imagination- the market boasts 400 different types of seafood from cheap seaweed to the most expensive caviar. Although bidding can only be done by licensed bidders, the sight of the many kinds of fresh fish and other seafood and the busy, lively and excited atmosphere is one unmatched with anywhere in the world. Don’t forget to buy some fish from the citizens’ outer market for the freshest taste in the world!

Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market's website to plan your journey around the different food stalls.

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Jingu is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the divine souls of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Located in the middle of a dense forest, you could not feel further away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo city life. This is where you will get a real sense of traditional Japanese culture, unlike any other. The serene and peaceful atmosphere of the shrine is part and parcel of the Shinto way of life and you will be amazed at the simplicity in the beautiful temples and gardens that make the best of nature. The shrine holds many traditional Japanese ceremonies, but the most coveted sight at the shrine is the Spring Grand Festival which is held from April 29 to May 3 which is in honour of the deities. This includes Noh performances (ancient Japanese theatre), Bugaku (ceremonial dance and music) Yabusame (horseback archery) and Budo (martial arts display). You will be pulled into the world of ancient Japan and learn about the ancient roots of Japanese culture that sadly has vanished outside of temple ceremonies. For a taste of authentic spiritual Japanese life, Meiji Jingu should be on anybody’s ‘must visit’ list. Please remember to bow before you enter the Temple through the gates and wash your hands and mouth at the ceremonial font near the entrance.

Meiji Jingu is free to visit and is well taking a couple of hours to go around all the sites.

So there it is, the other side of Tokyo, for those seeking history and a sense of adventure. One more tip, always accept the tissues and fans you are given in the street. Japanese companies advertise by handing out packs of tissues and paper fans with their company logo and details on them, but it is also a hidden treasure for tourists not use to the humid climate. You will find yourself looking out for these free samples when you least expect it, so always graciously accept them!

Contrary to popular belief, St. Patrick ’s Day is not just one day of raucous celebrations, awash with green and gold and random outcries of our national anthem across streets, pubs and clubs. It’s a whole week!

Yes, Lá Fhéile Pádraig in Ireland is a festival, lasting an action-packed seven days. Plenty of time for you to find your inner Irish man or woman, don the emerald green and pin a bush of shamrocks to your lapel.

St. Patrick is a patron Saint to our small emerald isle and we celebrate him for more than just banishing all snakes from the land.

Legend tells us that St. Patrick was born in Britain and at the age of 16 was kidnapped by Irish pirates, held captive on the West coast of Ireland and was treated as a slave. The notion to escape and flee back to England came to him in a dream from God. He was successful and once he set foot back in England began studying to be a priest.

Soon after that, God told him once more in a dream to return to Ireland and to spread his word of Christianity. Using the shamrock to help explain the Holy Trinity – the father, son and Holy Ghost, St. Patrick continued to spread Catholicism in Ireland. In a nutshell, that is why he is a saint, and why we love the shamrock so much.

Home to “The Black Stuff”, leprechauns and plenty of sheep, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland can be rivalled by no other. We pull out all the stops for our week of national pride and countrywide cheer.

A country girl, like yours truly, will be no stranger to the budget St. Patrick’s Day parade that drifts through the nearest town’s main street. Float after float of “St. Bridget and St Joseph’s Primary School” and Anne-Marie Maguire’s Irish Dancing Group on the back of pick-up trucks, tractor trailers or worse - the horse and cart. The crowd have their faces painted, some with our green, white and gold, others with the shamrock across their cheeks.

Children wave banners and shout for their friends who were privileged enough to be walking in the parade. Toddlers on their daddy’s shoulders, to see above a sea of heads. Neighbours standing side by side at the end of the garden applauding as the convoy goes past. One nudges the other and says “Well, it’s far better than last year, and thank God for the good weather!”

However, those who venture to the Capital will see no expense spared on our National Day. A mammoth display of colour, lights, inflatable animals and scores of dancers, musicians and brass bands.

This year the theme for the parade is ‘Extraordinary World’, and the much anticipated annual favourite promises highly original and inventive street theatre troupes, artists, giant puppetry, dancers and marching bands from Ireland and across the globe. As always, thousands will flock to the streets and cheer from the barriers, and of course wave frantically at the TV3 camera crews who will be playing the parade live to those watching from their “good front rooms”.

But it’s not all about the parade. This year, the festival events range from the skyfest fireworks display, an 80 metre stiletto heel dash for charity and a traditional Irish dancing Céilí in the capital’s St. Stephen’s Green.

And whether you are on the streets of Dublin, Cork or Galway, or in the cross road towns of Ballybracken, Knockanroe or Shanballyduff you will all head to the local for a couple of pints to satisfy that thirst you worked up.

Not forgetting that St. Patrick’s Day is an excused day off lent, so kids can eat as much chocolate and drink fizzy pop till explosion point. Is it any wonder that we take the time to raise a glass to our Patron Saint and celebrate the day with such zest and passion?

Now, the real question is, will London be able to compete with the pros? I’m sure they are going to give it their best Guinness-shaped shot.

Kingston University students are fighting for parking spaces after figures revealed nearly three quarters of parking around the Penrhyn Road campus was reserved for residents.

Just 294 of the 1035 on-street spaces in the vicinity are available for general use, causing many students to miss lectures as they battle for elusive parking spots.

Engineering student John Butler, 29, was fined 7 times last year and has already received 2 penalty charges in as many months in 2010.

"Parking is a big problem. I have been driving around for four hours trying to find a space, and I have missed all of my lessons today,” he said.

“At times, I have to park as far as Tolworth and then I get a bus to university. It’s totally unfair, there are loads of empty spaces but they are reserved for residents only.”

Non-residents can stay no longer than four hours in one space before needing to move to a new parking bay, a restriction which sees some students structure their days around parking.

This is a problem film studies student Zalika Francis-Dillon, 21, is all too familiar with.

She said: “In the morning you need to come very early to park your car otherwise you never get a chance of parking close to the university.

“Now I have a quick break between lessons and I have to come out here to move my car into a different bay or risk a fine, the problem is that there are so few spaces it can take a while.”

In response to these complaints, Kingston Borough Council Parking Services Officer, Phil Hoare said: “If we offered parking permits to commuting students, then it would be expected that other commuters should be given them. 

“Kingston town centre is a place of substantial employment and commuter parking permits would not be sustainable given the finite amount of parking space on street.”  

No on-site parking is available for students at Penrhyn Road, with the university claiming the measure is in place to ensure the areas surrounding the campus are free from congestion.

A university spokesperson said: “It is KU’s policy to reduce private car travel to its sites, particularly since it is located in a borough that suffers from regular traffic congestion, and both students and staff are actively encouraged to make use of alternative methods of transport.

“The University is near to both Kingston and Surbiton train stations. Students can also make use of the University’s free inter-campus bus service, which collects passengers every 15 to 20 minutes.”

Whether you start from the winterless bays of the North Island and move south or begin in the snowy mountains of the South Island and head in the opposite direction, there is a recurring theme throughout New Zealand. That of spectacular and stunning scenery.

Truly a country with everything to offer, the Land of the Long White Cloud as it is nicknamed, has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Standing aloft the Franz Joseph Glacier, a few hours from Queenstown, looking out across a vast expanse of ice, it’s not hard to see why.

How to get around:

It is a country wonderfully geared to the traveler and you cannot journey more than a few kilometers before encountering a lookout point or scenic stop. Like any tourist hotspot, a visitor to New Zealand could, if they wished, rely entirely on organised coach trips, content to sit back and relax in the capable hands of the tour guide. For many this is the perfect way to see the country, you’ll tick all the major boxes no problem. But for the complete experience there is really only one way to go. Campervan.

As common a sight as the sheep in the fields, or Hobbits in Middle Earth (ok they’re a bit harder to spot), campervans rule the long, winding roads. If you’re visiting for a week or three, you’ll want to use all the time available and that means not wasting time hunting for hostels or waiting for coach drivers.

Where to go:

Starting from Auckland on the North Island, the country’s largest city, first stop is the Bay of Plenty, perfect for wind surfing, kayaking and if you’re lucky the occasional dolphin sighting.

On the road to Rotorua, adventure capital of the North, you can investigate the Waitomo caves, take in the pancake rocks and wallow in mud baths and hot springs. When you do reach Rotorua you’ll know about it. The faint smell of rotten eggs is unmistakable (significant geothermal activity has resulted in high level of hydrogen sulphide emissions). Do not be put off. A few minutes rolling down hills in a zorb or careering round corners in a luge and the smell soon grows on you, and not in an uncomfortable fungal way!

Before taking the ferry crossing from the capital Wellington to the South Island, you’ll travel through wine country. Designate a driver, and take advantage of the fantastic tastings on offer in Marlborough and Martinborough. The locals are welcoming and though some may treat you to an rather intimidating, close-up performance of the Haka, they are a largely friendly bunch.

On the South Island you’ll meet residents who have never been to the North. They’ll question why you ever went there and assure you that their Island already has everything you could want. With the incredible Franz Joseph and Fox Glaciers, the picturesque Lake Wanaka, and the gorgeous beaches of Hokitika, this is a convincing argument.

No trip to New Zealand is complete without a few days in Queenstown. This is party central, bars and restaurants line the streets and the atmosphere, particularly in ski season, is constantly at fever pitch. Throw in the world’s highest bungy jump, white water rafting and the famous Fergburger (take my word for it and try one) and you might seriously consider never leaving.

As the rickshaw hurtled down the dusty back alleys, dodging an endless stream of obstacles, we sat squished in behind, clutching on to the sides of the vehicle for dear life.  

Hair raising journeys were to become daily rituals as I travelled across Rajasthan.  In the cities, every road was jam-packed with cars, elephants and rickshaws, bicycles and buses, cows and street traders, meandering in and out, hooting and shouting. 

For the first time visitor to India, the hustle and bustle of everyday life can be somewhat overwhelming, but there-in lies the beauty of a nation, so rich in culture and tradition. 

A country so large and diverse, India ticks all the boxes.  With a warm climate, magnificent scenery and mouth-watering cuisine, there is an abundance of sights and smells, colours and sounds to absorb and appreciate.   

However, while many students may presume India is out of their budget range, it remains one of the least expensive destinations for penny-saving travellers to visit.  So fear not students, for the magic and mystery of Rajasthan is well within your reach.

Since the Mumbai attacks and the global recession, tourism in India has declined, resulting in huge price cuts across the country as an attempt to encourage more visitors.  This is good news for student travellers.

A spokesperson for STA Travel said: “India has always been a strong seller for us and it remains one of the cheapest places for students to travel to”.

Getting Around

Getting around Rajasthan is remarkably easy and incredibly cheap.  There is a wide range of buses travelling between most towns and major tourist spots.  However, by far the cheapest and most convenient way to travel is by train. 

Boasting an extensive rail network, Indian Railways runs over 14,000 trains a day, and moves 14 million passengers daily.  To give an example of prices, a 12 hour sleeper train from Udaipur to Delhi costs around 500 rupees, which is approximately six pounds.

When moving around the towns and cities, there are an abundance of rickshaws and taxis offering extremely low-cost services.  But always make sure to haggle as much as possible to make sure you get the best price.

Where To Go:

As the largest state in India, Rajasthan, or the Land of the Princes, boasts a plethora of busy bazaars, marble palaces, impenetrable forts and mystical lakes.  Set against the backdrop of parched desert and tropical jungle, the largest state in India offers an enormous array of destinations and activities.  

On the border of Rajasthan, Delhi is the obvious first point of call for tourists.  India’s buzzing capital is filled to the brim with temples, bazaars and monuments and houses some of the finest food in the land.  However, while it is easy to lose yourself for days on end within the frenzied streets, there are many more delights to be found outside of the city. 

A stop off in Agra is paramount in order to see the magnificent Taj Mahal, which stands as India’s greatest tourist emblem, and remains one of the most remarkable buildings on earth. 

The dusty pink walls of Jaipur and the Amber Fort and are next on route; bursting at the seams with buzzing activity and teeming with traditions and culture. 

From Jaipur, a trip to Pushkar is a must; a small town that circles around a sacred lake.  Lined with ghats and bustling market stalls, the lake draws pilgrims and tourists in their thousands, while the busy bazaars and relaxing rooftop cafes attract many a laid-back traveller.  

A trip to Rajasthan would not be complete without visiting Udaipur.  Known as the Venice of the East, this magical city is perhaps best known as the setting for the Bond film Octopussy.  Built around a large lake, Udaipur is without doubt one of the most romantic cities in the world, complete with the magnificent Lake Palace that floats exquisitely on the water.  

What to do

Throughout Rajasthan there are an abundance of temples, palaces and forts to explore, and plenty of activities on offer for the adventurous types; such as camel trekking in the desert and tiger watching in Ranthambhore National Park.

The more relaxed traveller can simply meander through the endless markets or unwind during a session of yoga.  There are cookery courses on offer in most towns where you can try your hand at the local cuisine, and oodles of sleepy cafes and roof top restaurants offering peace and comfort for the weary tourist. 

Shopping is absurdly cheap throughout Rajasthan.  Travellers on a tight budget will be amazed at how much they can purchase for very little money.  Row upon row of colourful stalls line the streets, where traditional garments and hand-made crafts tempt passers-by to take a closer look.  

Where to stay

There are a wide variety of accommodation options throughout Rajasthan.  Hotel prices start at around 100 rupees a night (approximately £1.30) for the more basic guest houses.  However, many of the cheaper hotels often provide en-suite bathrooms, a luxury not often expected by budget travellers.  Every town offers a wide variety of accommodation options, many of which also provide food if required.

With hotel prices starting at 100 rupees a night (approximately £1.30) and very cheap methods of travel, India offers a huge range of low-cost adventures for students, hungry to explore the magical land but without huge financial means.  Just check out the amazing deals available and see for yourself.