Quote:
Originally Posted by metalmark666
I found the rail pass invaluable, we visited 11 different cities in 21 days with it, plus excursions along the way. I would love to know how much money we saved. Also, we brought ours when the exchange rate was high!!  |
I would say 11 cities in 21 days is exactly the kind of traveller that should buy a rail pass.
My concern is people
think Japanese trains are really expensive, when in reality they really aren't. People that plan on spending a week in Tokyo and a few days in Kyoto and Osaka (for example) will be paying too much if they go for a rail pass. Within Tokyo itself it is hard to spend more than $10 a day, as most trips in the city are under $2 dollars, if planned properly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by alanX
Great and useful points, MMM.
Of course the last bit is directed straight to me, but I think it all depends on the individual. Not everyone is exactly like you, and has the same mentality as you.
I'll admit, 90 days is quite a long stay for a first real trip to a foreign country.
But it's over a year and a half away, that's where there is no definite schedule yet. I have free accommodation, and that's why I "want to use every minute of it."
Agreed with MMM, if you have a tight time schedule, (I.e: Job) you should definitely spend your time in a foreign country as frugal as possible, and seeing everything you can in regards to your time and or financial limitations.
But as for me, I have no time schedule, therefore my circumstances are different. Not to mention I have loved ones that I will be visiting, and want to spend as much time with as possible.
Just thought I'd clear that up.
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Yes, it is directed toward your story, Alan. Since when did you have a free accomodation in Kyoto? Since when do you have loved ones in Kyoto? Am I remembering the story differently.
And Alan, I know not everyone thinks exactly like me, nor should they.
But I know people who have said exactly what you did, and then have come back saying "I ran out of things to do in a month. I was just watching the calander waiting to go home."
Hell, I know people who had full time jobs and lots of friends who essentially snapped after a certain period of time (about 6 months). The two I am thinking of off the tip of my head were sent home by their employers.
People think they know themselves, but you really learn a lot about yourself when you place yourself in a very foreign situation.