I have long had a “thing” about volcanoes. It's nothing scientific, I probably could not even put it down to mere curiosity. It's just a “thing”; a compulsion to get close to this incredible display of nature's might, and marvel at it.
One of my greatest travel adventures in recent years was having a barbie and a snort or two in the middle of the night as Tavurvur - the volcano that buried Rabaul - had a tantrum.
Covered in dust (taking care to cover the excellent red mien host had provided) and listening to unseen stuff hissing overhead in the dark.
Seeing them on the deck at dawn - chunks of rock as big as cars - was sobering but not daunting.
If you are not that daring, there's always Japan, a land of many volcanoes “over the back fence” of your holiday abode. Tour operator, Ken Osetroff, has made them a feature of several of his programs. Some you view from afar; others you get up close and personal.
Last February his Toursgallery guests were treated to the spectacle of Mt Asama erupting just four kilometres away. Within striking distance of capital Tokyo, Ken puts his guests where they can get excellent photos of thatch roof farm houses, with iconic and volcanic Mt Fuji as a backdrop.
“Off the beaten track, there are many examples of volcanic activity such as cracked roads, mud filled houses, ash covered villages and steaming mountains,'' he says.
For details phone toll free 1300 307 317.
A yen for a bargain
Talk about $10 cups of coffee or $100 for a melon and Ken Osetroff will erupt like one of the volcanoes I was talking about earlier.
When I first visited Japan in the early 1960s things were expensive but back then I was comparing Tokyo with my other domiciles in colonial Hong Kong and Singapore.
Today it is cheaper to buy dinner in Tokyo than in London! And of the two capitals, with which Australian tourists are increasingly familiar, Tokyo wins hands down on most basic necessities like food and public transport.
A coffee in Japan is about $1.50; fresh cut sandwiches about $4; and a decent dinner of meat and three veg can be had for about $12.
Osetroff has been going up there for 25 years and has a divining rod for bargains.
Seasonally, June is probably the best month if you are looking for a Hokkaido in full bloom; October and November is prime time for breathtaking autumnal colours in the forests, parks and gardens of the country's north.
From romantic ryokans, traditional inns, to spa resorts, seafood banquets, the famed Bullet Trains, getting around Japan (and getting the most out of it) is probably best done with an operator.
Toursgallery's latest is a 24-day odyssey which covers Japan's four main islands - Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. The program takes in rural villages, national parks, art, craft, gardens and natural wonders as well as city sights as well as Mt Fuji in its autumn garb.
It all happens from an October 10 departure ex-Tokyo. Give them a ring on Brisbane 3359 6651 or email travel@toursgallery.com
Be sure to be sure
Ireland still delivers
Until recently Ireland was the Celtic Tiger of the European Community … out of its doldrums of so many years into a world of IT and success with capital S.
Things have gone backwards a bit as the Emerald Isle shares the flu bug hitting economies everywhere. But you can still live like a proverbial lord without breaking the manor's bank.
Stately homes, magnificent castles, even the odd bishop's residence (and in Holy Catholic Ireland that's something) are milestones of a new tour program on offer from Tempo Holidays, a mob we have always credited with having an eye for detail.
It's an eight-day Dublin-Dublin self-drive deal which, at $1507pp twin share, is good value since it covers all accommodation, breakfasts, a copy of an encyclopaedic tour guide and discount vouchers. There's even a discount if you get in before the end of May.
The itinerary includes Galway, Clifden, Cliffs of Moher, Limerick, Cashel and Kilkenny with lots of time for stops.
Car hire in Ireland is from about $36 per day.
Talk to your travel agent or call Tempo on 1300 558 987.
South of the border
Doesn't have to mean Mexico
With many people, motivated by caution, seeking holidays closer to home, you would do well to look at Victoria's Yarra Valley. A favourite forever with Melbournians, it's now unashamedly courting a lucrative NSW market.
The area has beautiful countryside or rolling, vine-strung hills, distant blue mountains, forests and valleys.
More, the area is renowned for its superior B&Bs - a travel sector which has just had a further lift with the opening of the Three Kings on the Warburton Highway at Yarra Junction.
You are just an hour's drive from Melbourne, if that's any comfort.
But here in the Yarra Valley, Bleak City could be a million miles away.
The spacious, five star apartments feature have the lot, from an open gas log fire, double spa bath, large master bedroom with king bed and a private outdoor deck with grand views.
There's an opening special of seven nights for the price of five.
Give them a ring on 0409 678 046. | 
