Taking it on the lam...

[antosgx]

As I've mentioned to some people, I'm planning to go to Japan at the end of the year.

Only problem is that I've never actually left these shores, so I'm not sure what I should expect as far as planning goes, what I should budget for, hidden fees and traps etc.

Any advice is welcome :)

Comments

[darkjoby]

Stay far away from girls dressed in school uniforms~!

Ummm...make sure you've got a decent pair of walking shoes Ant, assuming you still only have the one pair of shoes, cos chances are you will be doing a lot of it. And that also means not shopping for a pair the day before you leave. Your feet will thank you for it.

Any particular reason as to why you're going during peak period though? Is something pressing you to go at end of year? If you just want to blow some leave, you're better off doing it during off-peak season to save you the $$$.

Visas and passports don't happen overnight. Make sure you start to organise them well in advance.

[antosgx]

You just want to see me buy a second pair of shoes. ;p To be serious though, I'm already planning to get some runners just because I want to walk more, including doing such things as walking from here to the CBD.

And sorry, I did mean to say 'around the end of the year'. January and February are slower periods at work (assuming I'm still there then) and I want to go over while Hamish and co are still over there.

How many months would you say is 'well in advance'? Just a guestimate is fine, not gonna hold you to it :)

[mystic_plum]

Yeah the end of the year is PEAK...anyway I think the guys went at that time for $1500 return tickets...

Accommodation varies and you can (hopefully) book here but like it depends how long you wanna go for...in HK my accommodation was roughly $500 for two weeks, so like expect more since Japan may be expensive, though my hotel was like 4 stars, but still Japan is usually expensive. And plus you are going alone so that would increase the cost.

Travel cost, food, shopping...well again depends on you...but I would give it a couple of grand just for those things...maybe 3-4 grand...

again it depends, and your vague post for help does not help in making this or others subsequent a big guessing game...

but yeah start saving NOW

[antosgx]

That's cool, it's vague on purpose. More just looking for some general info, as I'll need to research particular places and airlines for the details anyway.