NoDebtWorldTravel.com » Japan

Travel Deal and News – July 27, 2010 – Short Term Apt NYC Rental Nixed, Babies on Bikes, Reconstructing an Airline Cabin, Leave Your Grenades at Home

brian — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 09:01:26 +0000

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

Photos: Babies on Bikes in Hanoi

Note that it says Babies and not Babes on Bikes. We’re not that type of blog.

Anyway I love these pics of Hanoi because this is pretty representative of Southeast Asia in general. Folks can’t afford cars so motobikes and motorcycles are the main form of transportation. As such, the kids have to get on the bikes too, many times with no head protection. I was nervous for the kids when I first saw this in Cambodia, but kids are perfectly calm on the bikes. You would be too if you were riding on a bike soon after leaving the womb as toddler wedged between your mother and father.

Tips for sending teens on a trip

I’m not so concerned about the tips themselves as I am about sending your teenager abroad. We are not talking about a study abroad program or a summer camp where you are in a structured, supervised environment. We are talking about a 16 year old exploring a country or countries on his/her own. Is that too early? Is that any worse than allowing your kid to travel around the world in sailboat? Or is an amazing opportunity for personal growth, independence and exploration?

Travel Video of the Week

Man Builds Vintage First Class Pan Am Cabin in His Garage

Talk about passion! This man created the cabin of a PanAm aircraft in his garage, even making his own peanut bags with the PanAm logo. When his passion for air travel was sparked as a child, who could have imaginged this. I’m just glad he works for United as an adult. A person with that much love for aircraft SHOULD be putting that love into his work at an airline. He’s someone who probably loves going to work everyday.

Air France flight attendant arrested after thefts

I wrote about the news story of the $5000 stolen in-flight. It intrigued me so much that I wrote another post with examples of in-flight thefts and what we could learn to protect ourselves.

At least we have some closure on the original story – the flight attendant did it! Trust no one in the air. Even your smiling flight attendant serving you your ginger ale could have sticky fingers when you fall asleep…

New York governor approves short-term apartment rental ban in NYC

Really bad news for travelers looking for accommodation bargains in one of the most expensive hotel cities in the world. The main arguments used against short term apartment rental were:
1. they are unregulated and a health hazard, posing problems for neighbors and the visitors themselves
2. they shrink the supply of apartments available for actual residents, keeping rents high and eliminating affordable housing

Most of these issues are related to the single room occupancy (SRO) houses and illegally licensed hostels. But individual homeowners and renters renting to another individual party got swept up in this legislation.

What I think this really is is a victory for the hotel lobbyists who wanted this bill to pass in the worst way. They just eliminated the competition in the form of thousands of apartments and houses in the largest city in the United States.

When the Super Bowl comes to NYC/NJ in 2014, we are going to wish these apartments were available. We can only hope this law is repealed. Paterson will be out of office soon enough and we’ve still got less than four years to go.

Petite passenger booted from Southwest flight

Passenger is on standby with Southwest, pays and gets on the flight, sits in her seat and then gets booted off to accommodate an overweight passenger who could not fit into one seat.

Wha??

Southwest says they didn’t want to embarrass the overweight passenger who was apparently a 14 year old, so they picked the passenger with the empty seat next to her. The petite passenger didn’t want to be named because she didn’t want to be deemed insensitive but I’d be mad too.

5 Travel Films With Important Life Lessons

Fellow blogger @browngirlsfly had a nice post including a wide range of movies and how they might influence you to travel. Haven’t seen any of these films, not even “Up in the Air”, which most everyone seemed to rave about.

Turkey: An expert decodes where, what, and how to eat

You don’t hear much about Turkey’s food, which is why I love this post. We hear about the architecture, the mixture of cultures, the modern with the old in Turkey. But what about the eats? From this post, sounds delicious.

Fasten Your Seatbelts: United Flight Turbulence Scare Prompts Rash of Safety Warnings

In thinking about my posts since I started this blog, there are a few things I’ve said consistently…
1. Have travel insurance.
2. Hostels are great.
3. Buckle your seat belt even if the sign is off.

Clear air turbulence is harder to detect by radar so don’t count on pilots turning on the seat belt sign before you hit rough air. Next thing you have people hitting the ceiling of the cabin. The only people not injured – those with their seat belts on.

From the article:
“If passengers are seated and properly secured, the risk from turbulence is essentially zero”

Remember this story of a passenger who was paralyzed after being thrown against the ceiling of the cabin during her flight.

Staying at a Ryokan

When you’re in Japan in stead of of hotel, hostel, or even capsule, try the traditional ryokan. Sleeping on the floor and eating a traditional Japanese meal almost feel like it could transport you back to the time of the Shogun…

Some Things Just Shouldn’t Be Taken on a Plane. Especially Grenades.

Even if the grenade is inactive, the TSA security screener does not know this. So beyond the 4 oz of liquid, lighters, knives, swords, guns, nunchucks, and everything else you shouldn’t take to the airport, please remember to leave your grenades, live or not, at home. Thank you.

Travel Deal and News – July 27, 2010 – Short Term Apt NYC Rental Nixed, Babies on Bikes, Reconstructing an Airline Cabin, Leave Your Grenades at Home is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Guest Post – I Love Japan but it is Time to Go

brian — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:11:00 +0000

This week’s guest blogger is John Bardos, a Canadian who has lived in Japan for over a decade.

He talks about how he ended up in Japan on a whim, teaching English and starting a business. Why he is leaving now after 13 years in the Land of the Rising Sun is something many of you should read. You may see some similarities in his story in your own life.

Read his fascinating story and learn how to contact him at the end of this post.

I have lived in Japan for about 13 years now. For about ten of those years, I have owned and taught in my own English school. I have recently sold the school and my wife and I plan to rent out our house and travel the world indefinitely while working on some Internet businesses.

Japan is a fantastic country on so many levels. It is not without its faults, as with anything in life, but I will always consider Japan my home and plan to return regularly. Coming to Japan was relatively easy. I just decided it was time to go, bought a plane ticket and arrived in Japan a week later. I was always interested in the country, but sometimes people just need to make a decision and do it. That is what I did.

I arrived in Japan with no visa, no job and only about $1000. One advantage I had was an old friend I knew was teaching here and I had his address from a letter he sent me. I didn’t have his phone number so I mailed him a letter to tell him I was coming. Unfortunately, I arrived before the letter so there was no advance notice.

When I arrived in Japan, by shear luck and the kindness of strangers I managed to get to his apartment and I rang the doorbell. Needless to say he was a little shocked to see me at his front door, but he let me stay in his flat for about a week until I found something else.

Finding work was very easy, I applied at a big English school chain and was hired the following week. It took about six weeks to have my work visa processed and I had to leave the country to get it validated, but it was fairly painless.

Until I could legally work, I have several different part-time illegal jobs in Japan. Two were working in bars and one was at a small English school. One of the bars was pretty shady, and they didn’t pay me for several weeks of salary, but the other two jobs I had were decent.

I ended up teaching for other companies for about two years before I finally decided to set up my own English school. I only expected to be in Japan for about six months, so when the two year mark came around I decided to get serious and start a business.

I have seen countless teachers who have come to Japan only for a year or two but end up here forever. There are many teachers here who are in a continual “leaving in another six months” process. The longer you stay the harder it is to leave. The lifestyle is good, with a decent income and the possibility to save some money. With the low tax rates it is likely that your savings will be much more than in your home country.

Japan is fairly bureaucratic so it is a little more hassle to set up businesses but certainly not impossible. Some things I don’t like about Japan are paying gift money to landlords to rent apartments and commercial spaces. In some parts of Japan, you still have to pay 6 months or more rent as a gift to the landlord. Also, most rentals require having a Japanese guarantor. This can make it more difficult to establish a business.

The best thing about having a business in Japan is that there are so many business write-offs. This is still an entertaining culture so spending lots of money on cars, lunches, drinking, and other marketing expenses are very common.

The effective tax rate of teachers and small business owners is likely to be in the 15% to 25% range, including income taxes, health care and city taxes. In Canada, I would guess that rate to be more than 50% for my income level.

Japan is a fantastic country for foreigners to start a business. Everything western is highly valued and Japanese really idolize English speaking foreigners. With the population density and high disposable income it is hard for a good idea to fail here.

The best parts of Japan are the food, culture and safety. There is no country that compares in the quality of food and aesthetic appreciation of Japanese. From fish and produce in supermarkets to high end restaurants, Japanese have an appreciation for quality and seasonal food that western countries don’t understand. The tastes are simple for a western pallet, because it is not coated with rich and fatty sauces, but it gives you a chance to really taste the ingredients.

John with the deer in Nara, Japan

The culture is amazing. The shear quantity of festivals, temples, shrines, artistic appreciation, and tradition really are mind-boggling. For modern societies grown up on a diet of Hollywood, traditional Japan is a welcome change.

Although crime is increasing, it is still the safest country in the world by far. I love feeling free to live and travel in a country without fear. I lived in the worst area of Osaka for a few months and I had zero apprehensions of running through city streets late at night. It is a great feeling trusting that restaurants, taxi drivers and businesses will never cheat you. Modern societies have lost a lot with their growth. I hope Japan doesn’t move too quickly down that path.

My life in Japan has been great. I have built a good stable business, with a good income and lots of vacation time. It would be easy to work another 10 or so years and then retire to a nice quiet community in Japan.

The problem is that my life has become too comfortable. I am no longer challenging myself and I need to find new adventures. The happiest times in my life have been the ones with the greatest uncertainty and risk. I want to worry about the future. I need to strive to create new things. I crave exciting new experiences.

I know from experience that the best way to truly experience life is to give up everything for the unknown. So that is what my wife and I are going to do. We are going to start completely over with a new occupation in new countries. We don’t know where or what we will be doing but we are definitely excited about the future.

Thanks John!

Are you feeling bored? Uninspired by your work? Do you see challenge in your life? How are you changing yourself and your world in 2010? Hit us in the comments below!

You can reach John and find out about his new adventures at his site JetSetCitizen and on Twitter @JetSetCitizen

Guest Post – I Love Japan but it is Time to Go is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Best Travel News and Deals – December 29, 2009 – Discount Tokyo, Free Tours, Airline Blunders, 100 Reasons to Travel Around the World

brian — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:56:00 +0000

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com:

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

I’ve got my opinion on the ‘Crotchbomber’ of Northwest Flight 253 as I am calling him, that I will be sharing later on this week. Meantime know that:

The restrictions on getting out of your seat an hour before landing, no blankets one hour before landing and other restrictions have been lifted or placed at the discretion of the captain on board.

Apparently he got on board without a passport – FAIL

Apparently he is on an American watch list, but not the specific list that would have barred him getting on the flight to Detroit – FAIL

But the list may not have mattered since he didn’t have a passport. Did he use his real name when buying the ticket and checking in? And who was the well dressed man who was trying to get him on the flight without a passport?

More questions than answers at this point…

Global Greeter Network

If you want to meet a local in a country you visit and get a personal tour of the sites, many times for free, check this website. Volunteers meet with visitors and take them to spots of interest around town. Great advantage is the personal nature of the tours, the ability to get your questions and concerns answered and being able to veer off-course and see what you want without worrying about a group.

For more options try searching for city volunteer guide. So for instance for Tokyo use Google and look for ‘tokyo volunteer guide’ without the single quotes. Lots of options appear.

Travel Video of the Week – Cocaine Factory
I talked previously about visiting a drug lab in Colombia. Leave it to Youtube to provide a video of a lab visit. In this case, it is nothing more than a lone farmer who does it to support his family. I had this vision of dozens of workers sitting at tables doing the work. Miami Vice style Hollywood images influenced my impression of it. Or more than likely that the lone farmer and the organized labs co-exist and this video is only one view.

Phuket post-tsunami: A second wave of greed?

I went to Thailand and did not even think about the tsunami that struck the region. I did know that if I suddenly see the water disappear from the beaches to run for the highest possible land point. 5 years since, 230,000 lives lost in a matter of hours and the region is still recovering from it.

Safety of food at airports spotty

The point: Airlines are no safer than your typical restaurant or cafe anywhere in the world. Another reason to bring something to eat from home…if you can get it through airport security.

100 Reasons to Travel the World

I like
10. Realize That You Do Not Need Much To Survive

100. You Only Live Once

Both true sentiments that I realized while I was on the road. I’m sure a few of the other 98 will appeal to you. Take a gander.

The dark side of Dubai

The oasis of the desert built from the ground up is on many travel wish lists. But there is an underbelly of exploitation and deception at the heart of the country’s meteoric growth. I would still love to visit and find out for myself.

When traveling overseas, is extra medical insurance a good idea?

A blocked bladder? Bronchitis? A punctured colon? All things that have happened to everyday tourists like you and me while abroad.

Just a simple $100 payment for a travel insurance policy ensured that someone got a first class ticket home with a nurse accompanying them after becoming ill. The best $100 spent on a vacation!

An Uninvited Guest

For those of you with squemish stomachs: Imagine the movie Aliens with the alien popping out of the soldier’s stomach. But not from the stomach and much less harrowing.

I know many people have an issue with using DEET in insect repellents. Has anyone used any products that are DEET-free that are just as effective?

Top 10 Airline Blunders of 2009

I don’t consdier the Hudson River landing a blunder since it was an accident not caused by human error. But everything else on this list definitely counts. Last I saw the pilots who overshot the Minneapolis were still appealing their suspension. I have no idea how they are going to talk anyone into giving them back their licenses.

The phrase “lack of situational awareness” should NEVER be mentioned by people piloting a jet with hundred of passengers over major metropolitan areas. Never.

Deals hidden in Japan’s alleys and on subways

I always like these articles on big cities and ways to save. I think they are valuable to folks who want to see the major metropolitan areas of the world, without blowing their entire budget in 2 days.

One thing to definitely do is to buy your Japan Rail train tickets BEFORE you leave your home country for great discounts. The Shinkansen (bullet train) is something everyone should try to experience. I was so caught up in Tokyo that I didn’t take it. Next time around…

Best Travel News and Deals – December 29, 2009 – Discount Tokyo, Free Tours, Airline Blunders, 100 Reasons to Travel Around the World is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Best Travel News and Deals – December 22, 2009 – Saving to Travel, Air Ambulances, Escaping Christmas, Hong Kong, Airport Security Guns Down Laptop

brian — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:01:00 +0000

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com:

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

Best things to do in 2010
From loyal reader Sabrina

If you need ideas on what to and where to go in 2010, here is a fine list from Lonely Planet. You can develop a nice round the world trip just from this list. Any RTW travel can have any theme, or no theme at all. Just get to where you want to be.

How to Get Out When a Snow Storm Strands You
From loyal reader TJ

With the weather getting nasty in the Northeast US of A, you might find yourself stuck at the airport with your flight delayed or cancelled and no solution in sight. What do you do? What DO you do?

Whatever the circumstance, it has to better than being in the plane and on the tarmac, not taking off, with LIMITED food and water, screaming babies and annoyed and frustrated adults.

10 places to escape Christmas

Going with my post from last week, some great places to spend Christmas Day. My Christmas Day last year in Ethiopia was one of the most memorable of my life. Christmas in Egypt must be really fascinating to observe.

I’d prefer to be in the Southern Hemisphere or somewhere near the equator in December. Which means you can hit church, and be down to your skivvies dipping into cool water on a beach in record time.

Australian travellers caught up in medical insurance scams

Travel insurance is so important, so important that people are trying to scam you out of it. When you buy it, please inform family and friends of your plans so they know what to do and who to ask if the worst case scenario happens.

Police shoot U.S. student’s laptop upon entry to Israel

The Israels thought that someone’s story about entering the country and where they had been previously were suspicious. So they took her to separate room, and proceeded to shoot the hell out of her laptop.

I still don’t understand this. If you thought that laptop was an explosive, do you want to shoot it? If you thought it held sensitive material, wouldn’t you want to confiscate it for further investigation?

All I know: The Israelis do not play games!

This Week’s Video: Poppin’ and Lockin’ from Japan
Just cool!

On the ground in Hong Kong

A nice listing of places to go, people to see and things to eat while in Hong Kong. I visited the Great Buddha on Lantau Island and spent much time in the hotspots of Lan Kwai Fong.

Hidden perils of airline code-sharing

Important for round the world travelers and anyone else who flies and switches airlines to get to your final destination, or multiple destinations.

So if you need to get from London to Mumbai, you may take Lufthansa to Istanbul and then switch to Turkish Airlines from Istanbul to Mumbai. You buy one ticket and the alliance does the rest, setting you up on the proper partners within the alliance to get you to your final destination.

This talks about code sharing issues if the seating terminology is not the same on the the partner airlines and you end up in economy class when you should be in first class.

Air ambulances leave some with sky-high bills

You may not have believed me about air ambulance and medevac bills. You’ll see the stories here about bills over $20,000US and families being stuck in debt. Imagine the costs if you’re overseas away from your home country, American or any nationality. Your prices may be double because you have to cross an ocean.

The slow boat to China

Flying, getting patted down, crying babies, bad food, delays. Need more reasons not to fly? There are always alternatives, as this traveler did, taking a ferry boat from Japan to China over two days.

Saving For Travel

Have trouble saving up to hit the road? This site guides you through how much to save by choosing the country and how long you’ll be there. I am not quite sure where they get the costs from, but you can use it as a rough guesstimate.

This is one of those things where you say, “Wish I had thought of that.”

Forms 4 Travel

If you’re traveling with children, this site gives you forms you can use for the kids, including authorization for child travel with an organization, forms and documents for medical professionals, au pairs and babysitters.

Of course laws and regulations differ from country to country, so you should use these as a framework and modify as the locale dictates.

Best Travel News and Deals – December 22, 2009 – Saving to Travel, Air Ambulances, Escaping Christmas, Hong Kong, Airport Security Guns Down Laptop is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Best Travel News and Deals – October 27, 2009 – Protect Your Health, What Not to Do in Japan, Moving to Oz, Why You Should Travel Around the World

brian — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:03:00 +0000

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com:

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

Tourist trap: land of sun, surf and STIs snares backpackers

Watch out when you travel abroad. The same things you would do getting involved in relationships at home is what you should do abroad. Even more so abroad.

Device helps women on the go “go” in the woods or elsewhere

Ladies, here is something to avoid “the splatter”. If you have a fear of squat toilets in the rest of the world this may be for you. It allows a woman to stand and urinate like a man.

Mind you squat toilets are suppose to be more sanitary because your body doesn’t touch anything, but if you’re not familiar with how to use it and balancing, you could find yourself in a messy situation.

Only time I ever used on was in the airport in Cairo. Got through that with no unfortunate mishaps, but it could have been bad.

credit: Todd Mecklem

What NOT to do in Japan

One person’s hokey and trite event is another person’s dream event. I would say do everything on the list.

Coca-Cola campaign sends 3 bloggers around world

Coke is sending a team of bloggers on a round the world trip to all 206 countries where the product is sold. You can vote for one of 3 teams at http://expedition206.com/ Wish I knew about it when the application process started.

How To Start a Life in Australia

In these economic times, people think about picking up stakes and moving to a new city. Some people take it a step further and move to a whole new country. Australia is the focus of this article, but you can search for any country of your choosing to find out requirements, potential challenges, needed residency and visas applications, proof of an existing income, etc.

Cheapest airports in Asia

By choosing one airport over another you can get cheaper prices. For instance flying into Tokyo’s Narita (NRT) is cheaper coming from North America if you want to get to Asia, whereas flying from Australia to Asia means going through Bangkok (BKK) to get the best fare.

Why Travel Around the World

Airtreks was the company I used for my round the world ticket and listed reasons why anyone, YES even you, should travel around the world.

5 things I’d do differently as single do-over

One of the things this person listed was not traveling more. As a single, you have the ability to take off and not worry about much other than yourself. That is part of the reason I traveled now. Had I been married with kids it would take someone who had the same mindset to want to take off. Very difficult thing to do.

America in 100 Days

For the Americans, this is what many of us imagined too. Seeing this nation of over 300 million people. I think their trip is over, but the posts are still there for you to look at.

I always said if I was going to travel around the US, I would do an NFL tour. All 32 teams and all 31 stadiums (Jets and Giants share one). This is completely possible with Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Saturday night games later in the season. For instance, you could see the Patriots on Sunday, drive down I-95 Giants on Monday night and then again down 95 to see the Redskins on Thursday.

Not like anyone wants to see the Redskins right now…

Anthony Bourdain and Andrew Zimmern Spill Their Vacation Vices

The Travel Channel superstars Bourdain and Zimmern dish the dirt on their favorite places to stay. Consider these two have covered most of the planet with their shows and their own personal travels, their answers may surprise you.

Best Travel News and Deals – October 27, 2009 – Protect Your Health, What Not to Do in Japan, Moving to Oz, Why You Should Travel Around the World is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel News and Deals – September 1, 2009 – Eat Cheap in Japan, Getting Your Laptop Jacked By Customs, The Advantage of a Second Language, Eco Hostels

brian — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com:

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

How Learning a Second Language Changed My Life

What do you call a person who speaks many languages? Multilingual

What do you call a person who speaks two languages? Bilingual

What do you call a person who speaks one language? AMERICAN

woomp woomp…
Old joke, but a reality for a majority of Americans, myself included. One story of how learning a new language opened up a whole new world for a couple. Anybody ever use Rosetta Stone? Would you recommend it?

Health Advice From the Frugal Traveler’s Doctor

I first got the yellow fever vaccination when I was going to Ghana in ’07. This is one of those sneaky costs that quickly adds up. If you have enough time, spread them out so the cost isn’t as painful. But sometimes you got to bite the bullet.

12 Hip Green Hostels Around the Globe

Eco-conscious hostels that use rainwater, solar panels for power and other means to help the Earth. Also included in the article is a list of North American hostels with the same ideals on the environment.

10 jail house hotels, hostels and tours behind bars

Visit some of these former prisons, or even stay in the ones that have been converted into rooms. This is the way you ALWAYS want to visit a prison, not the other ways.

Rent an Apartment and Save on New York City Lodging

If you want to try something new, try staying in an apartment for a change instead of a hostel or hotel. If you’re not into couchsurfing, you get the whole run of the apartment as opposed to just the sofa. Cost effective and it really gives you a homey feel to a new location.

Travel News and Deals – August 25, 2009 – How To Travel For Free, Walking to China…From Germany, Dealing With Lost Luggage, Jet Lag

brian — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:00:00 +0000

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com:

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

12 Ways To Travel The World For Free

I know the title caught your attention. Maybe not completely free but you can definitely keep your costs down with some of the methods used.

10 Ways to Eat Healthy (For Cheap!) in Europe

From loyal reader Meredith – Thanks!

Fun and practical ways to eat in Europe. In Italy I used to get fresh bread and roasted chicken for a few euros from the supermarket. In Paris it was cheese, French bread and sliced meats. Fantastic. Here are some of my pics from the Mercat de La Boqueria in Barcelona right off of Las Ramblas. Love how the colors pop in the pictures, really fresh.

Hostelworld Travel Story Competition

Need some cash. Submit your story and you can win 500 euros.

How I Worked a Full-Time Job While Roadtripping the U.S.

Want to hit the road and earn a living? You can, just have to get yourself a setup to do it. Read my previous NuNomad post from a few weeks back to see how it can be done.

WALKING from Germany to China: Travel Video
One guy tried to WALK from Germany to China. See what happens to him in a 5 minute, 19 second video.

Japan Video Packing Into Trains

Fun video that shows how they pack them in in Tokyo during rush hour. Can you imagine them doing this in London, or Paris or New York? It just would not fly. The Japanese are unfailingly polite…

If you can’t see this video in email, click the link at the top of this email to get to the blog.

Tips for Foreigners (Gaijin) Traveling To Japan

Japan, one of my favorite places. Read this article with my account of my time in Toyko and you’ll be already for it.

World’s Least Expensive Cities

Unfortunately, least expensive does not translate to ‘safest’. Notice the item to consult the travel advisories before you visit some of the countries listed.

More Jet Lag Strategies from Experienced Travelers

As opposed to suffering, learn from those who are more experienced. The body readjusts after a few days, but people have more severe symptoms like headaches.

5 Secrets For Avoiding Sky High Cell Phone Bills on the Road

I highly recommend using Skype whether with your own laptop/netbook or in an Internet cafe on the road. If your phone is souped enough you can run Skype on your phone. The price is high but this is the phone I use. Be sure the phone is unlocked, meaning you can use it anywhere. That last sentence is for the Americans, most of the world already understands the concept of an unlocked phone.

How To Deal With Lost Luggage

Did I ever tell you about the time I traveled to Ghana with 120 people … and the luggage didn’t show up until 4 DAYS LATER!

The MAJOR lesson learned: Ideally, you should only have carry-on luggage. That would solve a lot of problems. But if you need a big piece of luggage, have a change of clothes in your carry-on.

Travel News and Deals – August 25, 2009 – How To Travel For Free, Walking to China…From Germany, Dealing With Lost Luggage, Jet Lag is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel News and Deals – July 14, 2009 – Free Trip to Antarctica, Tokyo Love Hotels, Running With the Bulls, Budget Paris

brian — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 04:37:00 +0000

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com:

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

Love hotel business zooms despite downturn

Someone I met at the hostel in Tokyo stayed in a love hotel. Said it was cool for a night, but not for an extended stay. The prices quotes in the article were a little high compared to the ones I saw when I was there. Another reason I love Japan and all its ‘quirkiness.’

Thailand’s “Banana Pancake Trail” and 5 Insider Tips for Escaping it

Everyone is reading the same guidebook you are. Then you get all the tourists in the same spot because it was highly recommended by the guidebook. Meanwhile you don’t see any locals and all the prices are raised because tourists frequent the spot. Get off the beaten path, not just in Thailand, but anywhere you go.

Pamplona: Spain’s morning run

Some great pics and video on the running of the bulls. The article gives the historical significance of the festival. Oh, you thought it was just men and women running for the lives every year and that was it? Nope there is actually some meaning behind all of it. This year someone was gored and killed, but that didn’t stop people from running in front of and behind ‘Los Toros’ the next day.

Crash survivors need counseling more than their luggage

USAirways went above and beyond to recover the personal items lost in the Hudson. But some are saying what is more important is the psychological and emotional trauma of the flight. I’m going to stick up for the airlines now: When does their responsibility end to the passenger, especially when the accident was not caused by anything USAirways did or did not do?

Blog Your Way to Antarctica

Another contest, this time submit your photo and you can be selected to go on a cruise to Antarctica.

Ready to ditch Your Credit Card? Not So Fast

Fees and interest rates are going up, while credit limits and the time to pay each month is going down. So you’ll never use credit again, even to pay for a trip? There may be some really important reasons to keep on pulling out the plastic when you travel.

Frugal Paris

I love these articles on being cheap in the big cities. I have links for New York, Tokyo and London. If you know of any good guides on specific cities, let me know and I’ll post with an acknowledgment of you.

The travel secrets of war reporters

The news reporters who have on combat helmet and body armor in a war zone for a living would probably have some great ideas on travel.

Travel News and Deals – July 14, 2009 – Free Trip to Antarctica, Tokyo Love Hotels, Running With the Bulls, Budget Paris is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Travel News and Deals – April 21, 2009 – Hostels, Hostels, Bed Bugs, Frequent Flyer Miles and oh yeah Hostels

brian — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:00 +0000

Travel news and deals of interest to YOU from around the Web compiled and edited by NoDebtWorldTravel.com:

If you know any great travel stories or tips we all should read, please send it to me and I will put an acknowledgment of your contribution in the posting.

In Europe, Hostels Grow Up
Had to address this since loyal readers TJ, Karen and Jen all forwarded it to me because they thought of me. When you think of hostels, you think of me. I like that!
The article goes into different hostels throughout Europe. They detailed the hostel I stayed at in Rome, The Yellow. Really good article, lots of descriptions. The author went with her two teenage daughters and seems like everyone enjoyed themselves, Mom too.
I’ll add that this is not just in Europe. I’ll still say Lubd in Bangkok was the best hostel I stayed in, Thai political turmoil aside…

Top Nine Outrageous Airline Fees and Extreme Flying Charges

There is not anything you can do about them but be aware that they are there. Always remember the price you book online may not include the ‘taxes and fees’ mentioned in the article. That is how they suck you in, pretty much a bait and switch tactic!

Wegolo.com
Wegolo.com is an airline ticket search engine that include flights to/from Europe, America and the Caribbean that includes smaller, LOW COST airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet. The big search engines like Kayak, Expedia, Orbitz only have the major airlines (American, British Airways, Lufthansa) which tend to have correspondingly bigger prices.

Bed Bugs Bites: National Bed Bug Summitt to Combat Creepy Crawlers
Ewww! Read this article and look for the signs for bed bugs. The more the world is interconnected and travel is more affordable and easier, the easier it is to end up with unwanted blood sucking guests in your bed.

Top 10 Boutique Hostels in Eastern Europe
Combined with the NYTimes article above, this has been a good week for hostels. You have got to try it at least once. Like I said, get a single with the en-suite bathroom to get started. You’ll be still be saving compared to hotels…and have more fun and interaction in the process.

Tourists Have To Try To Combat the ‘Ugly American’
Ah yes the ‘Ugly American’. But there is the ugly French, the ugly Brit, the ugly *you fill in the nationality*. Good ideas on how to behave wherever you are from, wherever you happen to be.

learn10.com
Haven’t used this myself, but Learn10 gives you new words in a foreign language on a daily basis to help you comprehend and retain. Repetition is ONE key to learning. If any of you happen to use it, let us know how it goes for you.

Find Free and Budget Activities in Expensive Japan
Cheapskate Confessions: Japan on a Budget
Wish I had some of these ideas when I was in Tokyo. Trust me, every city has free to inexpensive things to do that you will be able to enjoy and share with family and friends later on. I reposted a link I have mentioned before.

10 Ways to Save With Frequent Flyer Programs
The frequent flyer miles are harder or easier to redeem, depending on who you talk to and which airline you are talking about. Investigate and use in your own particular situation.

Travel News and Deals – April 21, 2009 – Hostels, Hostels, Bed Bugs, Frequent Flyer Miles and oh yeah Hostels is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel

Cheap Travel Tips for New York City and Presents for a Loyal Reader

brian — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:45:00 +0000

One of the ways they say to get over the lost feeling of being on the road is to explore your own town. I’m going to be exploring the ‘center of the known universe’ – New York City – in depth over the next few weeks.

This week I took in the Guggenheim Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian and then met with loyal reader Bathabile!

First things first. The National Museum of the American Indian (http://www.nmai.si.edu) is FREE. Located at Bowling Green Station off of the 4 and 5 subway lines, New Yorkers generally pass right by the large building it is housed in and don’t bat an eye.

Outside the National Museum of the American Indian

The major exhibit this week was clothing by Native Americans, for Native Americans. Photographs were not allowed inside but needless to say the intricate care and detail needed to make these clothes is incredible. There were no sewing machines or pre-cut material. A buffalo or other animal had to be hunted and then most everything from the animal was used for food or clothing.

Outside the museum, I had to pose with this panda. I have no idea what he/she was selling, but it looked so lonely by itself so I had to take a pic. And then I noticed the tip jar…

Brian with the famous Raging Bull of Wall Street

The Guggenheim (http://www.guggenheim.org) – world renowned. But art is such a subjective topic. One person’s masterpiece is another person’s complete waste of time. That’s how I felt about the Guggenheim. Exhibits of dots on a white wall? Incomprehensible videos? Maybe I need to take Art Appreciation 101. Entry is $18US.

But there is a way to save on that. There is a NYC CityPass that for $74US gets you admission to ALL of the following attractions:

Empire State Building Observatory
American Museum of Natural History & Rose Center
Guggenheim Museum
The Museum of Modern Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Cloisters
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises
OR
Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

You save almost half (45%) of the usual $134US total entry fee if you bought each ticket individually. Worth it if you planned on seeing the landmark attractions.

CityPass is also available for other major US cities and Toronto. Check it out @ http://www.citypass.com

Inside on the ground floor of the Guggenheim

The next night took me to the Upper East Side where I met up with loyal reader Bathabile. Back in Tokyo (http://nodebtworldtravel.com/2008/10/nodebtworldtravelcom-making-dreams-come.html) she asked me to pick up the Japanese only music CDs of her jazz guitar teacher, Brandon Ross. Well I finally delivered the CDs after lugging them around for 3 months and she was as excited as a kid in a candy store. And true to her word, she bought me dinner at Southern Hospitality, a BBQ joint co-owned by Justin Timberlake.

I still haven’t forgiven JT for bailing on Janet Jackson after the Super Bowl fiasco!

Bathabile celebrating the safe arrival of her CDs. These CDs have traveled more than you Bath!

During dinner we made friends with our waitress and aspiring actress, Chan. But really, is there any other type of waitress in New York City?

Cheap Travel Tips for New York City and Presents for a Loyal Reader is a post from: NoDebtWorldTravel