My Dubai-trip really opened my eyes for trips outside Europe and more and more I am gathering information about flights to Asia, and the cost of living (hotels, daily expenses etc.) over there, and honestly I think for the next few years, i'll make a trip to Asia every year, it's reasonably doable! I really enjoy checking travelsites, some of my travelling/booking related Iphone-apps and everything that comes with it.
The first country on my list for a big holiday however is probably one of the most expensive ones to visit: Japan. It's been the absolute top one country on my girls wishlist for a while, but saving some money and being budget-conscious, will make it possible to visit Japan next year!
We will probably go in april/may '13, as spring is one of the best times of the year to visit Japan. About the prices, I don't know yet, let's hope the prices will be more or less the same as they are now for this may, as a flight to Tokyo with a change-over in Dubai and 7/8 nights in a hotel with own bathroom can be found for around 750/800€.
On our first trip to Japan, we'll probably stick to Tokyo alone, it's the biggest city in the world and there is definitely enough to see and to do in a week. And what a big city it is! The Wikitravelsection about how to get from the airport to the city also is almost bigger than the whole section of an average Europe countryside city like my hometown. And although I can find my way to a city like London almost blindfolded, the public transport in Tokyo will cost me some homework in order not to get lost every minute!
I clearly have to do some more research, and my girl needs to learn some Japanese within the next 16 months, but the first plans are made and i'll probably blog more about this trip when we've booked or arranged something!