PHOTOGRAPHS: HERO IMAGES INC/ALAMY, JR EAST, ROMAN LACHEEV/ALAMY, MARK READMAKE FRIENDS
Travelling alone can be a
liberating experience, but
those who crave company
on the road can download
SoloTraveller. The app links
likeminded people in nearby
locations, allowing them to
share recommendations,
split costs and meet up to
swap travel stories
(solotravellerapp.com).FAKE FRIENDS
Finding mates hard to come
by? Japanese company
Family Romance has
launched a new service
which allows users to hire
fake friends to pose with on
social media. Real Appeal
customers can select their
‘crew’ from a catalogue
based on age, gender and
sense of style.Fans of combining luxury and rolling stock rejoice: there are two new sleeper trains to try out. Guests on Japan’s
On the rails Shiki-shima enjoy elegant suites and meals devised by a Michelin-starred chef (three days from £3,500; jreast.
LOVE
HATE
HIKING BOOTS AT
THE READY
A new route in Jordan is just
the thing for rambles served
with a serious side of culture.
The Jordan Trail passes
through the Dana Biosphere
Reserve, the ancient city of
Petra, Wadi Rum desert and
52 villages. Ambitious hikers
can tackle the 400-mile
route in one go; thankfully,
it’s also possible to take on
single sections on less
strenuous, four-day treks
(jordantrail.org).