By ANGELINA LEE TZE THENG
Travelling is about exploration and gaining experience. When people travel to new destinations, they look for something different, to experience the native culture.
When people start discussing travel plans, they will consider and decide either to travel independently or in a group. Usually, they end up travelling in a group, if it’s their first time travelling there. This is because they are not familiar with the location and also the native residence might not be able to speak English fluently.
“I always loved to travel alone because I have my own freedom,” said Wong Chiew Lee, Director of Wonderful Borneo (WB) Tours & Travel Sabah, who started her own travel agency three years ago.
Speaking from personal experience, I once travelled to Japan for two weeks on a summer break. I prefer travelling independently due to the flexibility in schedule.
In this case, I would like to introduce some guidelines to travelers who are facing difficulties in planning their trip to Japan.
1.Do some homework before travelling
It is necessary to do some research on the destination. It is just like first impressions. You get a rough idea of how that person is before deciding to get to know more about them. Roughly draft out a schedule regarding what you have planned like what are the places that you want to go. It is also necessary to check the currency of the place you will be travelling to.
2.Look for an accommodation
It is not necessary to stay in town as most of the accommodation are pricey. However, it is better to stay in a budget accommodation such as hostels, guesthouses or perhaps try homestay. I would recommend staying in a hostel or a guesthouse because you get to experience their lifestyle. They usually retain their traditional culture to impress tourists and the staffs are friendly.
One method of reserving accommodations is through online. If you’re looking for low budget accommodation, then try Airbnb.com. Tourists can rent the entire unit in a lower price. Booking.com on the other hand shows the total amount of the days that you are willing to stay.
3.Language
If you are travelling to Japan, I would suggest you learning their language for effective
communication. Have some general knowledge on their culture, mannerism and greetings.
Instead of reading books, try watching dramas or anime can improve your Japanese. I suggest try to communicate with some locals to understand their body language.
4.Making Use of Maps
It is common to travel with maps and if you want to receive more information regarding what is happening at a location, Yahoo Map Japan is most recommended. It can track the weather and if a Typhoon is nearing the Osaka area, you will be able to differentiate it with different colours.
5.Easy Access to Public Transportation
Travelling by train in Japan is a common sight and tourists are able to purchase ticket tours like “Kansai Area 4days pass” that enables cost saving and unlimited traveling in certain rails. Rush hour in Japan is before 8.30am and after 10.30pm so try not to travel at those hours.
6.Wi-Fi Access
To access free Wi-Fi in Japan, travellers can rent a portable Wi-Fi router at the information centre. For Android and IPhone user, you can download the Japan Wi-Fi application to scan and access free Wi-Fi. The Yahoo Transportation Information app is very helpful to avoid being late. Its function allows you to check the departure and arrival time, the fastest rails to reach your destination, the cost for every ride and any announcement for delayed train.
If you are aware of these guidelines, start with your own planning now and explore the world.
Travelling is about exploration and gaining experience. When people travel to new destinations, they look for something different, to experience the native culture.
When people start discussing travel plans, they will consider and decide either to travel independently or in a group. Usually, they end up travelling in a group, if it’s their first time travelling there. This is because they are not familiar with the location and also the native residence might not be able to speak English fluently.
“I always loved to travel alone because I have my own freedom,” said Wong Chiew Lee, Director of Wonderful Borneo (WB) Tours & Travel Sabah, who started her own travel agency three years ago.
Speaking from personal experience, I once travelled to Japan for two weeks on a summer break. I prefer travelling independently due to the flexibility in schedule.
In this case, I would like to introduce some guidelines to travelers who are facing difficulties in planning their trip to Japan.
1.Do some homework before travelling
It is necessary to do some research on the destination. It is just like first impressions. You get a rough idea of how that person is before deciding to get to know more about them. Roughly draft out a schedule regarding what you have planned like what are the places that you want to go. It is also necessary to check the currency of the place you will be travelling to.
2.Look for an accommodation
It is not necessary to stay in town as most of the accommodation are pricey. However, it is better to stay in a budget accommodation such as hostels, guesthouses or perhaps try homestay. I would recommend staying in a hostel or a guesthouse because you get to experience their lifestyle. They usually retain their traditional culture to impress tourists and the staffs are friendly.
One method of reserving accommodations is through online. If you’re looking for low budget accommodation, then try Airbnb.com. Tourists can rent the entire unit in a lower price. Booking.com on the other hand shows the total amount of the days that you are willing to stay.
3.Language
If you are travelling to Japan, I would suggest you learning their language for effective
communication. Have some general knowledge on their culture, mannerism and greetings.
Instead of reading books, try watching dramas or anime can improve your Japanese. I suggest try to communicate with some locals to understand their body language.
4.Making Use of Maps
It is common to travel with maps and if you want to receive more information regarding what is happening at a location, Yahoo Map Japan is most recommended. It can track the weather and if a Typhoon is nearing the Osaka area, you will be able to differentiate it with different colours.
5.Easy Access to Public Transportation
Travelling by train in Japan is a common sight and tourists are able to purchase ticket tours like “Kansai Area 4days pass” that enables cost saving and unlimited traveling in certain rails. Rush hour in Japan is before 8.30am and after 10.30pm so try not to travel at those hours.
6.Wi-Fi Access
To access free Wi-Fi in Japan, travellers can rent a portable Wi-Fi router at the information centre. For Android and IPhone user, you can download the Japan Wi-Fi application to scan and access free Wi-Fi. The Yahoo Transportation Information app is very helpful to avoid being late. Its function allows you to check the departure and arrival time, the fastest rails to reach your destination, the cost for every ride and any announcement for delayed train.
If you are aware of these guidelines, start with your own planning now and explore the world.