We’re big proponents of travel here at LMM.  Thomas will discuss how he traveled to Japan for less than you might imagine.

Travel opens up the world to you in many ways.  It can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be.  Learn how to do it without breaking the bank.

The first thing Thomas did was set up a price alert on Kayak.  If the price of a ticket to Japan dropped below $1000, he would get an e-mail notification. He ended up paying just $850 which he bought through CheapOair.

The travel group showed up without having booked accommodations.  This is not a recommended money saving strategy. They ended up staying in hostels for as little as $20 a night.  Some of the hostels offered a free night if you helped to clean the place from 11:00-3:00.

Staying in a hostel can save money on food costs too.  Many have a kitchen so you can food shop and prepare some of your meals on site.  Street food is another cheap way to eat and get a taste of local cuisine.

Before leaving the states Thomas bought a JR Pass, for $450 it allows you unlimited rail travel in Japan.

Japan has less free Wifi than the US and unless you have an internationally enabled phone, your’s won’t work anyway.  Thomas rented a phone and a Wifi hotspot.  For a flat fee of about $100, he got unlimited data.

Budget your vacation just like you would any other expense.  It’s easy to get carried away spending money when you’re having a good time and especially when you are dealing with conversion rates.

Travel light is another way to save money and aggravation.  If you don’t have something you need, they sell pretty much everything we have in the States other places too.

The two weeks Thomas spent in Japan cost him less than $3000.  Experiences make people happier than purchases so spend your money travelling!

Show Notes

Allagash Black Bomber:  A Belgian style stout.

Kayak:  A travel booking site.

CheapOair:  Get cheap flights.

How To Travel Cheap:  A LMM article with further information.