A Very British Christmas by Rob Temple

Just when you thought the laughing ended, now Rob Temple has done it again. He's come out with a how-to guide on surviving the holidays, referencing Christmas, Boxing Day and even New Year's Eve

Read this how-to guide on surviving the holidays with a dash of wit and humor to keep your sanity intact as you watch relatives turn a simple game of Monopoly in to the next world war, how relatives take over your kitchen and make their food like they are a chef with their own cooking show or even who sits next to who so as to avoid awkward questions or handling the Christmas shopping in such a way that either no one gets arrested by the police or no one gets a gift that they will later give away or re-gift to someone else

Very British Problems: The Most Awkward One Yet

This is another standalone book from Rob Temple, the same hilarious mind who brought Very British Problems to life

Have you ever found yourself in these types of situations? Broken out in hives at the suggestion that you 'introduce yourself' over Zoom? Been extra dramatic while rubbing in the shop's hand sanitiser, so everyone knows how thoroughly decent you are? If you answered yes, Rob Temple firmly believes you are suffering from Very British Problems

He takes the quirkier things in life and adds a dash of humor to it. Some of the things he mentions are quite relatable. You'll be laughing in no time

Britain According to Very British Problems by Rob Temple

This standalone book is from the same comedic genius who brought the world Very British Problems

Rob takes every region of Britain and describes them with loving and hysterical humor. This A-Z road map of Britain will have you laughing from beginning to end. He says Britain is a maze of unique and eccentric sights, even going as far as to describe The Shard in London as "The Eye of Sauron". He takes everything Britain is known for and adds a dash of humor in it, saying things to the effect of "Birmingham being known for Black Sabbath", "Platform 9 3/4-after a few hours waiting in a railway station, have your photo taken next to a brick wall"

Very British Problems Volume III by Rob Temple (3 of 3)

The third installment in the highly successful (and hilarious) Very British Problems series

Here Rob tackles random things that can turn in to full scale arguments and regards them with a dash of hysterical humor. He also references his Twitter account @soverybritish regarding random polls he's posted. Also, he now has a Facebook page called Very British Problems where the hilarious situations continue

More Very British Problems by Rob Temple (2 of 3)

The second book in this highly successful (and hilarious) series by Rob Temple

Read about very relatable travel woes that we've all experienced at least once or see when going on vacation or holiday. I especially love it when he describes different kind of accommodations. It's all about the various travel woes we've all faced at one point or another. He describes all inclusives as all drunks

Very British Problems by Rob Temple (1 of 3)

This book series caught my eye when I was browsing the Humor section on the Amazon Kindle store. The title caught my eye. When I read the description, it sounded funny and interesting. After reading it, I realized I have never laughed this hard in a while.

What the book is essentially about is sarcasm regarding every aspect of life. How being socially awkward is a common thing, how to combat being odd in more ways than one and trying to make it day to day with your sanity and dignity intact. Some of the things he mentions are very relatable

Here is a link to it on Amazon

I'm Really Excited

The reason for my excitement is that I am in the beginning stages of planning my trip to London!!! A city I've dreamed of seeing since I was 16. I've been reading articles and taking notes on where to stay, what to do, how to stay safe, how to dress and more. I'm still planning everything out, as I stated above I am in the beginning stages of planning. I recently read an article about restaurants worth trying in and around the various boroughs of London. I'll be honest; some of them sound very good. Like, for example, there was one restaurant mentioned on Travel Lemming, which the link is provided below, called Imad's Syrian Kitchen. I've never had Syrian food before, but the woman who wrote the post raves about it. I might need to try it. She described some of the food there and it sounded very good. There are certainly no restaurants such as that around where I live. It's mostly Chinese, Indian, Mexican and fast food. If I am in London, I think I might try Indian food. I've never had it, never gotten a chance too. I feel like trying Indian food while on vacation (holiday) might heighten my memories and experience. And it's probably good. Again, I've never had a chance to try it

As a complete and random side note, I do have to say that I am happy that a lot of places in London do take cards. I will definitely have to let my bank know way ahead of time that I am going out of the country, when I'm leaving, where I'm going and when I'm returning so they know it's legitimately me and not fraudulent activity. Sorry about that. My mom worked in card fraud for 10 years at a local bank. I have heard the horror stories she experienced at work, of people not alerting their bank ahead of time and then calling in angry because she or someone else blocked their card. I am very cautious like that. If I wasn't, my mom would give me a piece of her mind to feast upon!

I'm happy to read that a lot of places do accept cards, and that the only places that typically take cash only are small businesses and some of the smaller markets. That means I won't have to bring as much cash as I thought. That's certainly comforting to know; I'd rather not run into any trouble carrying too much cash on me

I often use my 15 minute breaks at work to read articles about going to the UK and taking notes. It relaxes me and takes my mind off of work for 15 minutes, reducing my stress. I just started reading an article yesterday about 15 foods in England that simply must be tried. They all sounded good. And it even stated where to find them. I've also been reading articles about things like etiquette on The Tube, buses and taxis, which Jack the Ripper tour to take, walking / bus tours that are worthwhile for any interest and more

I'm really excited that Formula 1 gear is considered acceptable wear there! Yay!! I have two Formula 1 jerseys, one for the Aston Martin Aramco team and another for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team because my favorite driver is Sebastian Vettel, who was on the Aston Martin team and George Russell, who is on the Mercedes team. Also, I read that it's also acceptable to wear music t-shirts. As long as there is no offensive imagery or anything offensive on it, you should be fine. If anything, I'll probably get a lot of looks for my music t-shirts, considering they would be for bands I listen to, such as Iron Maiden (have quite a few of those t-shirts), Judas Priest, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Def Leppard, Deep Purple. The only graphic print t-shirt I would wear (and I know that will mark me out as being from the US) is a black t-shirt that has two crossed Gibson Flying V's and two bony hands doing the Metal Horns gesture while saying "Yes I'm a girl and Yes I speak fluent metal". Ironically, the wording is done in the same type as Iron Maiden's logo.

And soccer (football) shirts are acceptable as long as you don't wear them in a rival team's territory (wearing Manchester United gear in Manchester City territory or the other way around. Or wearing Arsenal in Tottenham territory or the other way around). Some pubs have even posted signs saying "No football colors" because of fights breaking out. I would love to see at least one football game. Just to experience the excitement of game day, see everyone excited about the upcoming game

As for clothing for going out in the evening, I read that jeans are acceptable, along with dressy t-shirts, skirts, leather boots, etc. I have nice skirts (which, thankfully come to the knees or about an inch or two above) and leather boots. If I did go out in the evening, I wouldn't go anywhere super fancy; I'm simply not like that. I'm more of a corner pub to eat and watch whatever sport is on TV type of person. Just sitting amongst the locals and seeing what their lives are like, seeing how they go through day to day. 

Of course, if I go during the summer, I will have to try and cover my tattoos. I have nine of them and am contemplating at least three more. I'll have to cover them up so as to avoid offending anyone. I am unsure how people in England would react to seeing tattoos on a young woman. So I feel it would probably be best for all intents and purposes to try and cover them up as much as possible. Luckily sweaters are acceptable all year round, which is good for me, as I have at least two sweaters, both are able to be put on and removed like jackets. I have to wear a sweater at work when I wear a short sleeved / sleeveless shirt because of the aforementioned tattoos, so I can look professional and decent at work

The bottom two links are sites that I found by complete accident and I've been taking extensive notes on. The people who write the articles on those sites seem to really know a lot about traveling. I feel like I can trust their expertise. The bottom two sites seem to have a lot of really incredible information. I've been taking extensive notes because I know for a fact that, even if I dress like the locals, they will know I am from the US the second I open my mouth. I count my blessings that I am street smart. I NEVER wear headphones when out and about in a foreign city or in a big city in general. I like keeping my wits and senses about me. I'm always vigilant about my surroundings

That Travel

Travel Lemming

Rockers with Hidden Talents

Everyone has something they are good at. Whether it be speaking a foreign language, drawing exceptionally well or something else. That also extends to rock / metal musicians. In addition to writing exceptionally good music, musicians have additional talents that not everyone knows about. These talents can also transition into passions they have outside of music. According to the people at Ultimate Classic Rock, here are some rockers with additional talents not everyone knows about

Joey Kramer

-Aerosmith

-Coffee creator

-He decided to indulge a passion of his during some down time from Aerosmith. He decided to open a coffee company that sells whole bean, organic coffee. He struck up a partnership with Comfort Foods, who would package, roast and distribute this type of coffee called Rockin' & Roastin' Coffee. This even inspired new coffee shops to be opened under this name as well

Alice Cooper

-Golfer

-After a stint in a healthcare facility for his alcoholism, Alice Cooper turned to golf to keep him from drinking again. He started playing up to 36 holes a day and even wrote a book called Golf Monster: My 12 Steps to Becoming a Golf Addict

Dan Spitz

-Anthrax

-Master Watchmaker

-After two separate times with Anthrax, he joined his family's watchmaking business. He'd first become interested in this unique craft when he visited his grandfather's store in the Catskills region. Dan became a Swiss-certified master watchmaker, who also holds degrees in luxury mechanical watchmaking and micro-mechanical watchmaking. This led to him working as an instructor for the North American branch of the Swiss watch company Chopard

Bob Dylan

-Iron Worker

-In a Rolling Stone interview, Dylan once said "I've been around iron all my life, ever since I was a kid. I was born and raised in iron ore country, where you could breathe it and smell it every day." In his spare time, he makes artwork out of iron pieces

Bryan Adams

-Photographer

-Back in the early 2000s, Bryan Adams started pursuing a backup career of photographer. The images he takes, of actors, musicians and models have appeared in many places. Some of the best images he's photographed were put together for a 2012 book called Bryan Adams Exposed

Terry Chimes

-The Clash

-Chiropractor

-When Terry Chimes left The Clash, he became interested in the concept of healthy lifestyles. In the 1990s, the drummer then pursued a degree in chiropractic medicine and has, since then, opened a series of chiropractic clinics in and around London

Jeff "Skunk" Baxter

-The Doobie Brothers

-Missile Defense Expert

-Starting off as a quiet passion, Jeff Baxter has turned this passion into a serious thing. He is now a highly trusted Pentagon consultant. He even appeared on a Congressional Advisory Board regarding missile defense

Eddie Money

-Law Enforcement

-Prior to getting bitten by the music bug, Eddie Money (born Eddie Mahoney), followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by becoming a police officer. He served as a member of the New York Police Department for two years. After Eddie found fame as a musician, his dad never got over the idea of his police officer son becoming a musician. "Can you believe that s---? He thought rock 'n' roll was a fly-by-night job." said Money in a New Times interview

Creed Bratton

-The Grass Roots

-Actor

-This musician left the band during a period where the band would see many singles hitting the Billboard charts, such as "Let's Live for Today", "Midnight Confessions." He would later find fame playing a character named Creed on the US version of The Office

Bruce Dickinson

-Airline pilot, writer, radio show personality

-When Iron Maiden travels, they do it to the nines. They travel in a customized Boeing 747 they have dubbed Ed Force One, usually featuring their menacing, grinning mascot Eddie. At the controls is a pilot and the band's vocalist Bruce Dickinson. He's a fully registered commercial airline pilot who also owns Cardiff Aviation. He is also a highly skilled fencer, almost to the point of Olympic standards

Jack White

-The White Stripes

-Furniture Upholsterer

-He started out doing upholstery on furniture, and even did this while pursuing a musical career. Even his first band was called The Upholsterers

Ian Anderson

-Jethro Tull

-Food writer

-It can be said that Ian Anderson literally wrote the book on Indian food. He wrote a book called Guide to Choosing Indian Food. He noted that there are "around 8,000 Indian restaurants in the UK, making one such eatery for every 6,000, or so of our total population."

Paul Stanley

-Kiss

-Painter

-He started out painting as a way of dealing with stress when he divorced his first wife, with whom he had his son Evan. He quickly found he enjoyed painting and that it was calming. In one year alone, he raked in $2 million on his artwork. He stated his painting style is inspired by the Abstract Expressionists from the 1940s and 1950s

Leonard Cohen

-Author

-Long before he pursued music, Leonard Cohen was an established author. His first book was a book of poetry called Let Us Compare Mythologies. It dates as far back as 1956. After pursuing music, he returned to writing, publishing books all the way up to 2006's Book of Longing

Marilyn Manson

-Artist

-Who knew that Marilyn Manson could paint? The beautiful watercolors he creates have been seen in the Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions Center in 2002 as part of an exhibit and another series he called "Genealogies of Pain" hung in Vienna's Kunsthalle Gallery in 2010

Dave Mustaine

-Megadeth

-Taekwondo Master

-During a bad time, he turned to martial arts. He said that taekwondo "helped me to eliminate a bad lifestyle of drug and alcoholism. It helped me to believe inside of myself and find the strength inside of myself that I never knew I possessed." He's served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the World Taekwondo Federation

Jason Newsted

-Metallica

-Painter

-During a period where he was recovering from a shoulder injury, Jason Newsted took up painting. Ever since then, the paintings he comes up with have been part of an exhibition at the Art New York on Pier 94 in Manhattan. He also had an exhibition in Lake Worth, Florida called Rawk: The Art of Jason Newsted

Neil Young

-Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, solo artist

-Inventor

-Neil Young is, by all means, a highly intelligent man. He teamed up with Richard Kughn, a Detroit-based businessman who owns the Lionel Trains company. Together they created a remote control that made operating the model trains easier for those who were handicapped. Neil Young also invented an audio device that creates real train sounds and partnered with an investment firm to buy the Lionel Train Company, when they fell on hard times

Brian May

-Queen

-Astrophysicist

-He earned his PhD in astrophysics in 2007, after a huge break from his initial studies when his music career took off. He has since published books on astrophysics while serving as the Chancellor for the Liverpool John Moores University

Bill Berry

-R.E.M.

-Farmer

-He played drums for R.E.M. from 1980-1997. When he left the band, he bought a farm just outside of Athens, Georgia. He would later join R.E.M. on rare occasions, but he completely distanced himself from the world of music after suffering from a series of aneurysms on stages

Flea

-Red Hot Chili Peppers

-Expert chess player

-During slow periods on tour, Flea would play chess. After a time of playing it, his confidence rose enough to challenge a professional chess player at it. And it was said he was able to hold his own against this professional. This chess game happened during a period in Rio when the band was performing and world famous chess player Magnus Carlsen also happened to be in town

Rod Stewart

-The Young Faces, solo

-Model train enthusiast

-Trains are his thing. He decorated an entire room to look like post-war Manhattan. This room was first shown in Model Railroader Magazine and included intricate replicas of stations for the New York Central and Pennsylvania railroads and the skyscrapers nearby. He constructed the majority of this display while on tour in hotel rooms around the world

-A cool side note. My stepdad and his brother Dave were out in L.A. once. They were on vacation and they went to a hobby shop that sold die cast cars of IMSA, Formula 1 and other race cars because they both collect them. The clerk behind the counter told them "You should have been in here yesterday. Rod Stewart was in here." My stepdad and his brother, both of whom are fans of Rod Stewart, had missed seeing him by a day

Sammy Hagar

-Montrose, Van Halen, solo

-Master Distiller

-Called Cabo Wabo Tequila, it was designed originally to be sold at his Cabo Wabo nightclub in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. He unfortunately had to close that club due to pressures from the local cartels. It became the second biggest selling tequila in the US. Later on, Hagar announced the creation of Sammy's Beach Bar Rum, a small batch product made with Hawaii-grown sugar cane

Billy Corgan

-The Smashing Pumpkins

-Wrestling mogul

-His second career is in wrestling production and talent development. He is a co-founder of Resistance Pro Wrestling, founded in 2011. They run regular matches in Chicago. He left three years later to become a senior producer for Total Nonstop Action Wrestling

Steve Vai

-Beekeeper

-At his home in Hollywood, he noticed a nearby beehive was keeping his flower garden looking beautiful. That inspired him to take up caring for bees. In an interview, he once said "Honeybees have always seemed beautiful to me. If you look at their faces with those big almond eyes." Moving to the San Fernando Valley only strengthened his interest in beekeeping. He harvests honey and gives it as gifts and charity donations

James Williamson

-The Stooges

-Label executive

-In between gigs with Iggy Pop and The Stooges, guitarist James Williamson found things to keep him busy. He rose through the corporate ranks, quietly of course, to become the vice president of technology standards at Sony. Many people he worked with didn't even know about his days as a guitarist until he rejoined Iggy in 2009

Maynard James Keenan

-Tool

-Vintner (Wine maker)

-He's the owner of Arizona's Merkin Vineyards and Caduceus Cellars. Strangely, he comes from an Italian wine making family. This is one passion he very seriously. "Rather than making Metallica or Slayer wines, we're making Pink Floyd wines." He said in an interview

David Lee Roth

-Van Halen

-Fully licensed emergency medical technician

-From 1985-2006, if you needed a ride in an ambulance, and you were a Van Halen fan, you might have thought you died and went to heaven as you look up to see the face of David Lee Roth staring right back at you. No, you were not in heaven. From 1985-2006, David Lee Roth worked as an emergency medical technician. He passed the time working as an EMT during breaks from Van Halen. He took in more than 200 ambulance rides and earned high praise from his supervisors. He also felt wanted to give something back to people when they needed help

Roger Daltrey

-The Who

-Trout farmer

-He has owned the Lakedown Trout Fishery for years, indulging his passion for fishing. He is the designer of the four spring-fed lakes and the facility is 26 acres near the city of Heathfield in East Sussex. Even Trout Fisherman magazine took notice and ran an article about it

Joni Mitchell

-Artist

-Joni Mitchell didn't see herself as a singer-songwriter. In a 1998 interview, she stated "I'm a painter first and a musician second." Later on, she stated "I have always thought of myself as a painter, derailed by circumstance."

21 Budget-Friendly Tips to See the Best of Japan

Japan is one of those countries that are on quite a few people's travel bucket lists, mine included. Whether it be the rich, unique culture, the fascinating history or the beautiful landscape, there is something that draws many to this land, known as the Land of the Rising Sun. Kevin Wong is a writer for MSN.com page Family Vacations U.S. and he compiled a list of 21 budget-friendly tips to see Japan and get the most out of your trip

1. Use the JR Pass wisely

-For those planning on traveling throughout Japan, the JR Pass would be an ideal item to have. Prior to purchasing a map, plan out your itinerary to see if it aligns with areas covered by the JR Pass. This pass provides almost unlimited travel on most trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train), making it the ideal choice for long distance traveling. Keep in mind that not all routes are covered, so double check your itinerary. Consider starting your JR Pass on the day you intend to start most of your traveling, to get the most use out of the pass. This strategic move will save you bundles of money rather than buying individual tickets

2. Stay in capsule hotels

-WARNING: If you are claustrophobic, this is not the best option for you!

-These are a unique budget-friendly option for accommodation. They are often found in major cities and come complete with free Wi-Fi and shared bathrooms. Definitely not ideal for those with claustrophobia, they are perfect for single travelers or those looking for a distinct, unique or even quirky Japanese experience. The communal areas offered at capsule hotels offers options for lounging and dining, a chance to meet other travelers. Choosing a capsule hotel can often cut costs for accommodation in half or more, allowing your budget to be spent on other experiences. Book a room in advance, as they tend to fill up fast

3. Eat at konbini

-Konbini, or convenience stores, are almost literal treasure troves for food and more. They are scattered all throughout Japan and offer a wide variety of delicious and affordable food. Ranging from Japanese bento boxes to fresh sushi, these stores provide meals for all times of day and night. Unlike most convenience stores people are familiar with, where the the food's quality might be questionable at best, Japanese convenience stores pride themselves on offering excellent quality and variety. The food is affordable and friendly for budgets. It's satisfying, meaning you won't have to worry about being hungry almost immediately afterwards. And they make perfect on-the-go meals. These stores also sell travel essentials, like toiletries, snacks and more. These konbini are one stop shops for travelers on the go who are looking to save money

4. Travel during the off season

-It's widely known that Japan can be expensive. Especially during certain times of the year. During the spring, when the cherry blossoms start to bloom, during the fall when autumn foliage starts to change, are two of the busiest times of the time. It's highly recommended to travel during the off-peak seasons, such as autumn or late winter because you will be able to save a lot of money, as most travelers prefer not to travel in winter or autumn. Airfare and accommodations costs will drop in price, popular attractions will have less people and allow for a more relaxed feeling. The cooler weather is also more refreshing, offering a better chance to go exploring without getting overheated by the summer heat and humidity Japan often faces. If you travel to Japan during the off-peak times, you can enjoy all that Japan has to offer without paying high fees. Not only that, but traveling during the off-season means better rates at accommodations, higher availability for tours and other attractions and more flexibility in your travel plans

5. Take advantage of the free attractions

-Japan offers numerous attractions free of charge. Tranquil parks and gardens to the historic temples and shrines to the vibrant, lively markets. While in Tokyo, visit the unique Shibuya Crossing or the lovely Meiji Shrine for free. While in Kyoto, take a walk with nature and see nature at its finest or observe the unique architecture of buildings for free. Research all free offerings in the cities you plan to visit prior to traveling to get the most out of your trip. Utilizing these locations will not only keep you on budget but also give you a deep dive in to the local culture and history. These experiences can be just as good as the attractions you pay for, if not better

6. Purchase a Suica / Pasmo Card

-This is a cost-friendly option for public transportation. These prepaid cards are used for buses, trains and even some taxis. They save money for you rather than buying individual tickets each time. They can be recharged at stations, used in stores and even vending machines. Cardholders will be offered discounts and promotions. Carrying one card and using it for multiple sources slashes the need to carry cash and will streamline your travel, making it far easier. This handy little card will make navigating the Japanese transportation system a breeze

7. Dine at Kaiten Sushi

-Those hungry for a unique, but affordable sushi option need to look into kaiten sushi restaurants. Plates of sushi will glide past your seat, allowing you to choose what looks appealing. Price is determined by plate color, meaning your budget can be adjusted easily. These types of restaurants are very common in cities and provide an interesting chance to sample local, fresh seafood. Watching the chefs lovingly prepare the meals in front of you and having a wealth of options to choose from adds more fun to the experience. It's a casual, easy way to experience Japan's unique cuisine without shelling out major money

8. Use overnight buses

-These overnight buses offer a unique advantage. They save you money on accommodation while taking you to other cities. These buses are state-of-the-art hotels on wheels that come fully equipped with Wi-Fi, reclining seats, blankets. They are far more affordable than train travel, especially if you plan on traveling long-distance. Traveling overnight means you can sleep while the bus is wheeling its way to your destination. You'll wake up refreshed, recharged and ready to explore, making the most of your time in Japan. Book in advance to get the maximum amount of savings. This option is not only budget-friendly and will allow you to stretch your yen, but it will also give you a look into the unique and sometimes quirky but efficient transportation systems of Japan

9. Visit 100 Yen Shops

-These are the Japanese relative to the 99 cent stores that many places in the US have. Here you can find everyday essentials and unique souvenirs for the budget-conscious traveler. Everything comes at an affordable price. Despite the low price, the items available are of the highest quality. You can purchase nearly anything here, from kitchenware to snacks to clothing and more. It's both useful and entertaining to check out these shops, and you might find unique or even quirky items that add to your trip

10. Explore the neighborhood izakayas

-Izakayas, or Japanese bars, are a good choice for dining because not only is the food good, it's reasonably priced. They offer small dishes perfect for sharing, along with drinks. Travelers can dive headlong into local culture while eating at a reasonable cost. The casual atmosphere allows for interactions with locals, who can provide more insight into local sights and sounds than a travel guide would. These izakayas will often feature local cuisine native to that area, making each one distinct

11. Rent a bicycle

-You can explore the cities and countryside at a slow pace by renting a bicycle. Many of the cities in Japan offer a bicycle service with very reasonable daily rates. Choosing to rent a bicycle allows for flexibility in travel, meaning you can leave the beaten path made by other travelers and discover hidden gems not visible to those in the know. Riding through the neighborhoods provides a peek into daily Japanese life. Not only that, but it's a healthy option and eco-friendly. Just learn the local bike routes and etiquette

12. Attend a free festival

-Throughout the year, Japan hosts plenty of festivals, some of which are free and some of which are not. These festivals offer an education into the local culture and heritage. They feature stalls selling food, live performances, parades that are an overload of the senses. You can take part in these festivals and it will provide a unique one on one experience with the locals and witness traditions first hand. Research the schedules ahead of time to see if any line up with your travel itinerary

13. Utilize any discount passes

-There are discount passes that can be used to slash the price in half or more for attractions. These passes can cover multiple things in a city or region and save a lot of money rather than buying individual tickets. These discounts can often include public transportation discounts. There are options like the Tokyo Grutto Pass, Osaka Amazing Pass that provide access to museum, various landmarks and more items than you can imagine. If you plan your activities around these types of passes or discounts, you'll save the maximum amount of money while also getting the maximum amount of experience in your trip. Check local tourism websites or visitor centers to see if they offer discount passes

14. Stay in a ryokan / minshuku

-For a deep dive into local Japanese culture, stay in a ryokan or minshuku. These are traditionally Japanese accommodations that offer tatami mat rooms, futon beds and local food. Some can be pricey, but there are budget-conscious options available as well. A stay at a ryokan or minshuku will include meals, heightening the experience. The serene atmosphere and service that feels personalized will make for good memories. Book during the off-season or share a room with people to further slash costs

15. Shop at local markets

-Local markets are nothing short of absolute nirvana for discovering fresh produce and specialties native to that region. The Tsukiji Market in Tokyo or Nishiki Market in Kyoto allow travelers to taste the local foods at a reasonable price. They offer everything, ranging from street food to freshly caught seafood. Talking with vendors provides a unique look into the local cuisine scene. Trying these different foods allows you to get a unique look into the local culinary scene without overstuffing yourself with a meal. It's a cost-friendly way to explore the uniquely culinary world of Japan

16. Use technology to score deals

-Technology can be a good thing in terms of travel. Using technology in your travel plans can slash costs by half or more. There are numerous apps and websites offering deals on accommodations, dining and attractions, along with special offers. Using translation apps can help close the language gap, leading to better offers and deals while also interacting with the locals. When you stay connected via technology, it keeps you informed about sales that pop up and last minute perks. By utilizing technology, you add to your travel experience and make it far more affordable while also enjoying all that Japan has to offer

17. Enjoy walks along nature trails

-Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. The nature there is not found elsewhere. As such, there are tons of nature paths for people to hike along and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are spiritual paths such as Kumano Kodo to natural parks like Nikko National Park. Hiking trails offer beautiful scenery, are free of cost and offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. These paths offer a chance to witness the vast diversity of Japan's ecosystems. Pack a picnic for a grand day out, free from the price of dining

18. Take part in a cultural workshop

-These hands-on experiences only heighten your trip to Japan. They add a rich, unique understanding of Japanese culture. Experiences such as tea ceremonies, calligraphy or cooking classes are often very reasonably priced and they provide a good look at the culture. These workshops are available in many cities and can also be found in the local cultural centers and even online. Taking part in these cultural workshops allows you the chance to engage with the artisans and instructors, getting an education and valuable new skills. It's a unique, memorable way to learn about the culture in addition to sightseeing. Not only that, but now you have a unique handmade souvenir or new skill, only adding to your travel memories

19. Go for street food

-Street food is the best option for budget friendly travelers. Not only is it budget friendly, but it is also delicious. Cities like Osaka and Fukuoka are world renowned for their street food. These street food stalls are the perfect chance to sample local cuisine on the go. These street food vendors are almost always located near popular attractions, making it fast and easy to grab a quick meal. Eating at these food carts or street stalls provides a chance to eat while sampling local cuisine

20. Use any free Wi-Fi spots

-Free Wi-Fi is a major thing in Japan. It's common to find Free Wi-Fi signs in urban areas and tourist attractions. Many of the convenience stores, cafes and public transportation spots will have a Free Wi-Fi sign, stating they offer free wi-fi. Utilize these hotspots to stay connected digitally without running up international roaming charges. Having access to wi-fi allows you to plan your day's itinerary, research nearby attractions and keep in touch with loved ones back home. Carry a portable charger with you to guarantee you stay charged up on your devices. If you can stay connected digitally, you'll slash costs in half or more while also navigating throughout Japan

21. Take part in a silent zen tea ceremony

-While in Kyoto, you can take part in a silent zen tea ceremony. Nothing is more peaceful and tranquil than a tea ceremony. This centuries old tradition invites you to learn how to not only prepare tea, but to connect with the surroundings and even yourself. It's a combination of tea ceremony and meditation. This ceremony puts emphasis on mindfulness and appreciation for the simple moments. It offers you a break from the stress of travel. It doesn't matter whether you're a seasoned professional traveler or new to Japan, this activity will provide you the chance to reflect deeply while also relaxing and ridding yourself of worry. This is a budget friendly way to connect you right to Japan's cultural heart