HOW DO I AFFORD IT?! - Travel Edition

So this is the part where I think there are a lot of misconceptions. Yes, traveling is a luxury but it doesn't actually have to be expensive; it's more about making choices and setting priorities. $2000 can get you either a one week trip to a fancy resort in the Caribbean or weeks of backpacking in Asia. $200 can get you a little city trip or just a one way plane ticket. All of the options are good and fun, depending on whatever you're into. Anyway, this is how I keep the costs of the actual traveling down. (It's a big chunk of text so I've added a tl;dr at the end for you without time or patience or attention span)

HOW DO I AFFORD IT?! - At Home Edition

(I've just come back from Belize and am excited to share a post about it but my old laptop(battery) died on me and now I'm working on an ancient thing that hardly supports anything. However, I've ordered a chromebook (poor man's macbook lol) that should arrive next week so that I can get back to posting photos etc)

The number one response to my travels seems to be: "How do you afford it?!". Even though that response is kinda understandable, I also feel it's a little intrusive. I for one, am never asking other people how they can afford or sustain their lifestyle. Anyway, even though this is what some people think, I am not spoiled rotten by my parents and am in no way rich..
Well, actually; I guess I AM rich, but in (travel) experiences and not so much in material or financial matters. I like to think I just make different choices in spending my money, leaving me with more money to spend on trips. I understand people have different circumstances than me (high end jobs you don't want to leave, kids, mortgages, debts) so this is just some personal tips and tricks that explain how I do it and how you might be able to do it too!

15 Things I will miss about Japan

So you read yesterday how it's not all good, living in Japan? Then let me now tell you why it is still super awesome and definitely something I would recommend. Here are the things I liked a lot. The things I freaking loved. The things I wish I had wherever I lived. The things I will definitely miss about Japan.

Are you ready for it?!

gif from the movie Lost in Translation

"Are you ready for it?!" has been the most asked question lately. I tend to answer with "I think so..".

It's not a definite yes...'cause I'm never sure. I'm not even sure what people mean with the question (pseudo autistic here). Did I get the visa? Yep. Do I have enough money? We'll see. Do I have a place to go when I arrive? Yes I booked it yesterday! Am I mentally or emotionally ready for it? ... eh I'm trying not to think too much about that and that's working great for me. Ignorance is bliss forever.

Another frequently asked question was "Have you packed yet?". This one is a solid and definite NO. I have this new thing where I don't really sleep the night before a flight and then dedicate that night to procrastinating until I hate myself and then pack my bags about an hour before I need to leave.
To be fair, even tho I have a big and embarrassing history of forgetting to bring (back) STUFF, most other things I have taken care of. And stuff can be bought at the place of destination. And in Japan everything is for sale in a 100 times cuter version that I'd probably prefer anyway. So no stress there.

I'm looking forward to being in Tokyo for a couple of days. I'm looking forward to be a shameless tourist with a backpack and a camera hanging around my neck. I feel like I'm not like that most of the times. 'Cause most of the times wherever I am, I try to fit in and act like I toooootallly know where I am and what I'm doing to avoid people being annoying and pushy and scary. I felt so safe in Japan last time!

The last question that I needed to answer a couple of times, "Are you gonna keep a blog?".
The answer is yes. I just started it while sitting in the lounge waiting for my flight.

gif from the movie The Emperor's New Groove