Indonesia Guide - Overview

When most people picture Indonesia, their mind immediately goes to the famous island of Bali. While worthwhile to visit, the rest of the island nation has some of the most interesting and varied landscapes, cultures, and cuisines in all of Southeast Asia. From the jungles of Sumatra, to the underwater rainbow of Komodo and all of the islands in between, around, and besides them, one could easily travel this archipelago for years.

Indonesia is an outdoorsy person's dream. It's the land of beautiful beaches, volcano treks, world-class scuba diving and snorkeling, excellent waves for surfing, plus, it's home to one of the rarest creatures on earth - the Orangutan.

Though Indonesia gets tons of tourism, it mainly flocks to Bali. Head to some of the lesser-known areas, particularly taking local transport and without a tour, and you'll find you're the only tourist around. Bahasha is also a pretty easy language to pick up, and the longer you spend amongst locals and learning various words, the more immersed you can become. Moreover, the food in Indonesia is delicious. In Sumatra, it involves tons of avocados and passion fruit, in Bali, there's a cuisine all its own, and in the other islands, prepare for delicious tempeh and cashews, soups galore, and gado gado, which is peanut sauce over vegetables.

Where is Indonesia?

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Quick Tips

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• 'Hello' and 'Thank You' in Lao: "Halo" though "Apa Kabar" (how are you) is much more commonly used as a greeting, and "Terima kasih"
• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah
• Visa: 30 day visa-on-arrival available for most nationalities
• Safety rating: Ranked 46 on the Global Peace Index with a score of 1.77 (USA is ranked 97 with a score of 2.038). Some poisoned alcohol has been served to tourists in the past. If you're drinking, avoid this by drinking beer.
• Climate: Hot and humid year-round. Rainy season lasts from November to March
• Best SIM cards: 3 is very cheap and works in major cities in Java and Sumatra, Telkomsel works best on the islands
• Modesty Considerations: In most of Indonesia, with the exception of Bali which is Hindu, women will have their shoulders, knees, and usually heads covered. Short shorts and tank tops are not recommended here for women.
• Random useful tip: The language (especially accent), cuisine, religion, and culture changes wildly from island to island

Recommended Products

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• Indonesia Adapter
• Packing Cubes
• Bag Protector
• Bahasa Phrases

Read More >>

South Korea Travel Guide - Things to do: Love Land

Love land

680-26 Yeon-dong, Cheju Island, , South Korea

Located off the southern coast of South Korea, this sex-themed site was conceived in 2004 as a way to teach Korean newlyweds about conjugal love. The island—a longtime honeymoon destination for couples (many of whom have entered into arranged marriages)—draws countless curious twosomes who come to stroll among 140 amorous sculptures, see explicit exhibitions, and watch sex-ed films.

Best of the Strange: Take a ride on an "interactive" self-pleasuring bicycle, jerry-rigged with feathers on its wheel.

South Korea Travel Guide - Overview

Japan Guide - Accommodation: Vacation Rentals

A restored traditional town house (machiya) in Kyoto

Vacation rentals, also known as holiday rentals, are furnished houses or apartments that can be rented by tourists on a temporary basis, sometimes as short as one night. They include a wide range of properties from modern apartments in the heart of Shinjuku to traditional, restored machiya town houses in Kyoto's Gion District. Vacation rentals make an attractive alternative to hotels, especially for larger groups, families or those who seek a more local, everyday life experience.

In addition to the amenities found at hotels, such as beds, showers and toilets, vacation rentals also typically include a kitchen, a washing machine and a living room. Many also supply basic household items such as cooking utensils, dishes, spices, soap and occasionally bicycles. However, unlike at a hotel, you will also need to take care of chores such as grocery shopping and garbage disposal.

Bedroom with Japanese style futon beds in a modern style house

Vacation rentals are a burgeoning industry in Japan. The majority of rental properties are found in Tokyo, Kyoto and Niseko. While some are individually owned and operated, others are managed by companies that may have several locations in a city. Many of them cater exclusively to foreign guests and often provide an English speaking contact to check you in, orient you to the neighborhood and provide you with information on sightseeing spots and local tours.

There is a lot of variation between different properties, and both traditional Japanese style and Western style accommodations are available. Vacation rentals typically sleep between 2-4 adults, but larger properties are also available. As expected, prices vary a lot depending on the type and location of the property, but they tend to start from around 10,000 to 15,000 yen per night for two guests. Most properties have a minimum nights stay, usually from 3-5 nights. A cleaning fee is also usually charged.

Modern kitchen and living space

Japan Guide - Before you go: Money

The Japanese currency is the yen (円, en). One yen corresponds to 100 sen. However, sen are usually not used in everyday life anymore, except in stock market prices. Bills come in 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen (very rare), 5,000 yen and 10,000 yen denominations. Coins come in 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen denominations. Counterfeit money is not an issue in Japan.

Foreign currencies are generally not an accepted outside of major international airports.

Graph  American Dollar Argentine Peso Australian Dollar Austrian Schilling Bahraini Dinar Belgian Franc Botswana Pula Brazilian Real British Pound Canadian Dollar Chilean Peso Chinese Yuan Colombian Peso Czech Koruna Danish Krone Dutch Guilder Euro Finnish Markka French Franc German Mark Greek Drachma Hong Kong Dollar Hungarian Forint Iceland Krona Indian Rupee Iraqui Dinar Irish Punt Israeli New Shekel Italian Lira Japanese Yen Luxembourg Franc Malaysian Ringgit Mexican Peso Nepalese Rupee New Zealand Dollar Norwegian Kroner Omani Rial Pakistan Rupee Polish Zloty Portuguese Escudo Qatari Rial Saudi Riyal Singapore Dollar Slovenian Tolar South African Rand South Korean Won Spanish Peseta Sri Lanka Rupee Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Taiwan Dollar Thai Baht Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham Venezuelan Bolivar   American Dollar Argentine Peso Australian Dollar Austrian Schilling Bahraini Dinar Belgian Franc Botswana Pula Brazilian Real British Pound Canadian Dollar Chilean Peso Chinese Yuan Colombian Peso Czech Koruna Danish Krone Dutch Guilder Euro Finnish Markka French Franc German Mark Greek Drachma Hong Kong Dollar Hungarian Forint Iceland Krona Indian Rupee Iraqui Dinar Irish Punt Israeli New Shekel Italian Lira Japanese Yen Luxembourg Franc Malaysian Ringgit Mexican Peso Nepalese Rupee New Zealand Dollar Norwegian Kroner Omani Rial Pakistan Rupee Polish Zloty Portuguese Escudo Qatari Rial Saudi Riyal Singapore Dollar Slovenian Tolar South African Rand South Korean Won Spanish Peseta Sri Lanka Rupee Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Taiwan Dollar Thai Baht Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham Venezuelan Bolivar

Exchange Rates  American Dollar Argentine Peso Australian Dollar Austrian Schilling Bahraini Dinar Belgian Franc Botswana Pula Brazilian Real British Pound Canadian Dollar Chilean Peso Chinese Yuan Colombian Peso Czech Koruna Danish Krone Dutch Guilder Euro Finnish Markka French Franc German Mark Greek Drachma Hong Kong Dollar Hungarian Forint Iceland Krona Indian Rupee Iraqui Dinar Irish Punt Israeli New Shekel Italian Lira Japanese Yen Luxembourg Franc Malaysian Ringgit Mexican Peso Nepalese Rupee New Zealand Dollar Norwegian Kroner Omani Rial Pakistan Rupee Polish Zloty Portuguese Escudo Qatari Rial Saudi Riyal Singapore Dollar Slovanian Tolar South African Rand South Korean Won Spanish Peseta Sri Lanka Rupee Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Taiwan Dollar Thai Baht Utd. Arab Emir. Dirham Venezuelan Bolivar

Payment methods in Japan

Japan has a reputation of being a cash-based society, but trends have gradually been changing, and there has been a significant increase in the acceptance of other payment methods. Below are the modes of payment that you might use when visiting Japan:

• Cash
  Cash is still the preferred payment method, especially when it involves small amounts. Big bills are readily used and accepted in Japan; you are unlikely to be frowned upon for using a 10,000 yen bill to pay even for low-cost items, although smaller denominations are appreciated for payments made in taxis, smaller shops, temples and shrines. The likelihood that credit cards are accepted decreases in small cities and towns, and thus it is advisable to keep cash at hand when visiting rural areas.
  Cash is usually the only way to pay for small entrance fees at tourist sights, at smaller restaurants and small shops. The majority of lockers also require coins. Preparing coins in advance when using buses and trams is a good idea. Buses generally do not accept bills above 1000 yen, and the bus driver may not carry any larger bills. Vending machines typically accept 10, 50, 100 and 500 yen coins and 1,000 yen bills. Newer machines typically also accept 5,000 and 10,000 yen bills.
• Credit/Debit Cards
  There is an increased acceptance of credit and debit cards, especially in big cities. Most hotels accept payment by credit cards nowadays, as do most department stores, mid to high end restaurants, outlet malls and large retail shops. In addition, many train stations, convenience stores, supermarkets, chain restaurants and boutiques also accept them.
• IC Cards
  IC cards, such Suica and Icoca, are a stored value cards which can be recharged. Primarily a tool for convenient payment of train and bus fares, IC cards now double as a means of payment at an increasing number of shops and restaurants, especially in and around train stations, at most convenience stores, many chain restaurants, numerous vending machines and some lockers in big cities.

2000 yen bills exist in very small numbers in the market

How to get your Yen

Having seen the main payment methods in Japan, you should have a basic idea of how you should prepare money for your trip. Cash is handy because it is accepted under all situations, but credit cards can be a convenient alternative at appropriate locations. Theft and robberies are very rare in Japan, so with regards to keeping large amounts of cash with you, security is less of a concern than your propensity to lose money by accident. Here are ways to get your yen:

• Currency Exchange
  In Japan, currency exchange is usually handled by banks, post offices, some larger hotels and a handful of licensed money changers found especially at international airports.
  Whether or not it is better to change for yen before coming into Japan depends on the currency that you hold. For example, the US dollar is a highly traded foreign currency in Japan, and partly for this reason you might get a favorable rate if you change US dollars into yen in Japan. On the other hand, in some Southeast Asian countries, the foreign exchange market is very competitive and money changers take a smaller cut, therefore it might be better to do the exchange there before coming into Japan. For a general comparison in rates, refer to the Narita Airport's published rates.
• ATM Withdrawal
  Many ATMs in Japan do not accept cards that are issued outside of Japan. The big exception are the ATMs found at the over 20,000 post offices and over 10,000 7-Eleven convenience stores across the country. Exchange rates offered at ATMs tend to be competitive, but service fees vary widely depending on the card. Inquire with your card issuer in advance. Note that many ATMs in Japan are out of service during the night, and some are unavailable on weekends.
• Traveler's Check
  Traveler's Checks (T/C) tend to yield a more favorable exchange rate than the above two methods. The shortfall is the trouble of having to obtain them in your home country before you travel and then having to locate a place to change them in Japan. Whether you are getting more value for your money depends on your home currency and if your bank charges fees to issue the checks. Note that T/Cs are accepted in very limited currencies in Japan. International airports and leading banks are generally where you can change your T/C for yen. Refer to Narita Airport's published rates for generally accepted currencies.

Money-related tourist attractions

Below are a few money related sites in Japan that may be of interest to tourists:

Tokyo

Currency Museum

Maintained by the Bank of Japan, the Currency Museum recollects the history of money in Japan. It also shows some unique examples of money from around the world. English explanations and pamphlets are available. The Museum is located just across the street from the Bank of Japan's main building in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district.

Tokyo

Tokyo Stock Exchange

Hours: 9:00 to 16:30 (entry until 16:00)
Closed: Weekends, national holidays, December 31 to January 3
Admission: Free

The Tokyo Stock Exchange is located in the Nihonbashi district and is open to the public on trading days. Visitors can view the trading center from the visitors' gallery located one story above, participate in a simulated stock trading game, and learn about the history of the Japanese securities market at the TSE Historical Museum.

Osaka

Osaka Mint Bureau

The Osaka Mint Bureau is the head office of Japan Mint, a governmental agency responsible for the supply of coins in Japan. The facility maintains a mint museum open to public, introducing the coin production process and the history of the mint. There are also exhibits of various precious coins and medals from Japan and elsewhere.

Otaru

Otaru Bank of Japan Museum

The former Otaru branch of the Bank of Japan near the Sakaimachi Street dates back to 1912. It was converted into a museum in 2003 and features a number of creative displays about Japanese money and the branch's local history, including an old vault where visitors can feel the weight of a hundred million yen.

Japan Guide - Before you go: When to travel?

The tables list average daytime high and nighttime low temperatures and average percentages of sunny and rainy days for selected cities. A rainy day is defined as a day on which at least 1 mm of rain falls, while a sunny day is defined as a day on which the sun shines at least 40 percent during daytime.

(Source: Japan Meteorological Agency)

January

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	-1 C (30 F)	-8 C (18 F)	60%	60%	40%	35%
Tokyo	10 C (50 F)	2 C (36 F)	15%	15%	75%	70%
Takayama	3 C (37 F)	-5 C (23 F)	50%	40%	30%	40%
Osaka	9 C (48 F)	3 C (37 F)	20%	20%	60%	55%
Fukuoka	10 C (50 F)	3 C (37 F)	25%	30%	40%	35%
Naha	19 C (66 F)	14 C (57 F)	35%	35%	35%	30%

New Year is one of Japan's three major travel seasons with intensive domestic and international travel activity. Many shops, restaurants and tourist attractions are closed for at least one day between December 29 and January 4. Read more about visiting Japan during New Year.

The remainder of January is a good time for visiting Japan, as the weather is usually sunny and dry and sightseeing spots are not crowded. Only in northern Japan and along the Sea of Japan coast, there is lots of snowfall, and conditions are good for winter sports. The downside of a visit in winter are the relatively short days (sunset is around 5pm in Tokyo) and the vegetation's barren state.

February

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	0 C (32 F)	-7 C (19 F)	55%	60%	45%	45%
Tokyo	10 C (50 F)	2 C (36 F)	15%	25%	70%	65%
Takayama	4 C (39 F)	-5 C (23 F)	45%	45%	45%	45%
Osaka	9 C (48 F)	3 C (37 F)	15%	25%	60%	55%
Fukuoka	11 C (52 F)	4 C (39 F)	25%	30%	55%	45%
Naha	19 C (66 F)	14 C (57 F)	35%	40%	30%	35%

Like January, February is a good time for visiting Japan as the weather is usually sunny and dry and sightseeing spots are not crowded. The downside of a visit in winter are the relatively short days (sunset is around 5:30pm in Tokyo) and the vegetation's barren state.

Northern Japan and the Sea of Japan coast receive lots of snowfall. At the peak of winter, February tends to be the best time for winter sports and viewing winter sceneries, such as the drift ice off Hokkaido and the snow-covered farm houses of Shirakawago.

March

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	4 C (39 F)	-4 C (25 F)	50%	40%	55%	50%
Tokyo	13 C (55 F)	5 C (41 F)	25%	35%	60%	55%
Takayama	9 C (48 F)	-2 C (28 F)	45%	45%	55%	50%
Osaka	13 C (55 F)	5 C (41 F)	30%	35%	60%	55%
Fukuoka	14 C (57 F)	6 C (43 F)	35%	35%	50%	50%
Naha	21 C (70 F)	16 C (61 F)	35%	40%	40%	30%

Early flowering plants and trees, such as plum trees, deliver the first signs of spring, while the weather is getting noticeably milder. Towards the end of March the cherry blossom season starts in certain regions, while in northern Japan conditions are still good for winter sports. Domestic travel activity increases in the second half of March due to spring school holidays.

April

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	11 C (52 F)	3 C (37 F)	30%	30%	55%	50%
Tokyo	18 C (64 F)	11 C (52 F)	35%	35%	55%	55%
Takayama	17 C (63 F)	3 C (37 F)	40%	35%	55%	55%
Osaka	20 C (68 F)	11 C (52 F)	35%	30%	60%	60%
Fukuoka	19 C (66 F)	11 C (52 F)	35%	35%	55%	55%
Naha	24 C (75 F)	19 C (66 F)	40%	35%	35%	45%

Besides November, April is often considered the best time to visit Japan because the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in most regions of the country and the weather is pleasantly mild. Domestic travel activity is increased in early April due to spring school holidays, in late April due to the start of the Golden Week and during most of the rest of the month due the cherry blossom season.

May

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	17 C (63 F)	8 C (46 F)	30%	30%	55%	50%
Tokyo	23 C (73 F)	15 C (59 F)	30%	35%	50%	50%
Takayama	22 C (72 F)	9 C (48 F)	35%	35%	55%	55%
Osaka	24 C (75 F)	15 C (59 F)	35%	30%	60%	60%
Fukuoka	24 C (75 F)	15 C (59 F)	30%	30%	55%	60%
Naha	26 C (79 F)	22 C (72 F)	30%	40%	45%	40%

Golden Week, one of Japan's busiest travel seasons, takes place in the end of April and beginning of May and can be the cause of various travel related concerns.

However, the remainder of May is one of the best times for visiting Japan, as the vegetation has become lush, the temperatures are still comfortable and tourists spots tend to be pleasantly uncrowded. In Hokkaido, the progress of spring is delayed by about one month compared to Tokyo. At the other end of the country, in Okinawa, the rainy season (tsuyu) typically lasts from early May to mid June.

June

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	21 C (70 F)	12 C (54 F)	25%	20%	55%	50%
Tokyo	25 C (77 F)	19 C (66 F)	35%	45%	45%	25%
Takayama	26 C (79 F)	15 C (59 F)	30%	45%	55%	30%
Osaka	27 C (81 F)	20 C (68 F)	30%	45%	55%	35%
Fukuoka	27 C (81 F)	19 C (66 F)	25%	50%	55%	35%
Naha	29 C (84 F)	25 C (77 F)	45%	25%	40%	60%

From the beginning of June, the rainy season (tsuyu) visits most parts of Japan except Hokkaido. While it does not rain every day, the weather tends to be overcast and dreary. The duration and intensity of the rainy season can vary quite strongly from year to year.

Hot spring resorts like Hakone and the wooded temple mountain Koyasan are some places that can be quite attractive in rainy weather. Hokkaido is an attractive destination in June as it is least affected by the rainy season. Also, the weather in Okinawa takes a dramatic turn to the better after the end of the rainy season there in late June.

July

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	25 C (77 F)	17 C (63 F)	25%	25%	40%	45%
Tokyo	29 C (84 F)	23 C (73 F)	35%	30%	30%	40%
Takayama	29 C (84 F)	19 C (66 F)	55%	40%	35%	50%
Osaka	31 C (88 F)	24 C (75 F)	40%	25%	45%	60%
Fukuoka	31 C (88 F)	24 C (75 F)	40%	30%	40%	60%
Naha	31 C (88 F)	26 C (79 F)	25%	30%	80%	80%

The rainy season (tsuyu) typically ends in the first half of July. It is hot and humid in most of Japan, and just standing outdoors can make you sweat. The conditions are more comfortable in higher elevations and in Hokkaido, a highly popular destination among outdoor lovers during the summer months.

Many local festivals and fireworks are held. Mount Fuji is opened for climbing. Cormorant fishing can be observed. It is also a very good time of the year for beach holidays in Okinawa. With the summer school holidays from late July through August, domestic travel activity increases considerably.

August

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	26 C (79 F)	19 C (66 F)	25%	30%	50%	50%
Tokyo	31 C (88 F)	24 C (75 F)	25%	25%	55%	50%
Takayama	31 C (88 F)	20 C (68 F)	35%	35%	60%	60%
Osaka	33 C (91 F)	25 C (77 F)	20%	25%	70%	70%
Fukuoka	32 C (90 F)	25 C (77 F)	25%	30%	65%	60%
Naha	31 C (88 F)	26 C (79 F)	40%	35%	70%	75%

August is hot and humid in most of Japan. The conditions are more comfortable in higher elevations and in Hokkaido, a highly popular destination among outdoor lovers during the summer months. Many local festivals and fireworks are held in August. Travel activity is high during the entire month due to summer school holidays, but is especially intensive during the Obon week in mid August.

September

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	22 C (72 F)	14 C (57 F)	30%	35%	50%	55%
Tokyo	27 C (81 F)	21 C (70 F)	35%	40%	40%	35%
Takayama	26 C (79 F)	16 C (61 F)	40%	40%	45%	45%
Osaka	29 C (84 F)	21 C (70 F)	30%	35%	60%	50%
Fukuoka	28 C (82 F)	21 C (70 F)	35%	30%	55%	55%
Naha	30 C (86 F)	25 C (77 F)	35%	40%	70%	65%

The typhoon season reaches its peak in August and September. Typhoons usually hit the coasts of Okinawa, Kyushu and Shikoku and cause strong rain and wind in wide parts or all of Japan for about two days. Luckily, typhoons are often followed by perfectly clear weather. The weather in September can still be quite hot and humid, but the crowds of August have mostly disappeared.

October

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	16 C (62 F)	7 C (45 F)	35%	40%	60%	50%
Tokyo	22 C (72 F)	15 C (59 F)	35%	30%	40%	55%
Takayama	20 C (68 F)	9 C (48 F)	35%	30%	45%	55%
Osaka	23 C (73 F)	15 C (59 F)	30%	25%	55%	65%
Fukuoka	23 C (73 F)	15 C (59 F)	20%	20%	60%	65%
Naha	28 C (82 F)	23 C (73 F)	25%	25%	65%	65%

October is one of the most pleasant months for traveling in Japan as the weather remains warm, but is not hot and humid anymore. Trees begin turning colors in the northern regions and higher elevations.

November

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	8 C (46 F)	1 C (34 F)	45%	45%	40%	35%
Tokyo	17 C (63 F)	10 C (50 F)	25%	20%	55%	60%
Takayama	13 C (55 F)	2 C (36 F)	35%	35%	45%	40%
Osaka	17 C (63 F)	10 C (50 F)	20%	20%	60%	60%
Fukuoka	18 C (64 F)	10 C (50 F)	30%	25%	55%	50%
Naha	24 C (75 F)	20 C (68 F)	25%	30%	55%	45%

November is one of the best times to visit Japan, as the weather is relatively dry and mild, and the autumn colors are spectacular in many parts of the country. Travel activity tends to be low except around popular autumn leaf spots.

December

City	Average Daytime High	Average Nighttime Low	Rainy/Snowy Days early month late month		Sunny Days early month late month
Sapporo	2 C (36 F)	-4 C (25 F)	50%	50%	35%	35%
Tokyo	12 C (54 F)	5 C (41 F)	15%	10%	65%	75%
Takayama	6 C (43 F)	-2 C (28 F)	40%	40%	35%	35%
Osaka	12 C (54 F)	5 C (41 F)	20%	15%	65%	65%
Fukuoka	13 C (55 F)	5 C (41 F)	30%	25%	45%	45%
Naha	21 C (70 F)	16 C (61 F)	25%	30%	45%	40%

December is a good month for traveling thanks to generally dry weather conditions. Domestic travel activity remains low during the first half of December until the beginning of winter school holidays around December 23. The downsides of a visit in winter are the relatively short days (sunset is around 4:30pm in Tokyo) and the barren state of the vegetation. From around December 29 some tourist attractions close down for the New Year holidays. The ski season starts in December.