Hostels are key. Get a hosteling card. HiUsa.com has great resources for international and domestic hostels. Most hostels I stayed in were very accommodating, you may have to sleep in a 28 person room, but if you like to travel, this isn't a problem, your never there but to get some shut eye. Hostels are also flexible about dates and some are flexible with prices!

Many nights I slept in train stations and bus garages. I'm not advocating this for everyone but I traveled with a friend and Japan is a very safe country. The best way to do this is to pack light and put your backpack behind you, lock it with a zip tie or combo lock and put a strap around your wrist so no one can pull anything out while you sleep.

When traveling around the country, save money by taking buses instead of trains. A great method if your only traveling a few hundred miles is to take an overnight bus, while saving money on a hostel for that night and awaking at your destination. I went from Osaka to Tokyo on an overnight bus costing $50, and saving an extra $15 by not spending it on a hostel.

Remember when staying in a hostel to bring a small combination lock for your locker. Make sure you lock things up when your not in your room, even if you are using the showers.

While you lodge, instead of spending money on washers and dryers bring a small clothesline and hand wash your clothes in a sink and let them dry on a clothesline in a bathroom or outside, depending on hostel and time of year.

My friend only brought 2 pair of boxer briefs with him, he would take a shower with one pair on, then let them dry while wearing the other pair during the day, and repeat this every day. Might sound weird but he always had clean boxers and saved room on packing!

View the rest of this series on my $2000 trip to Japan, with tips of lodging, travel packing, and eating.

Safe Travels.

When it comes to finding the cheapest ticket, check all the travel websites first, like Kayak, Travelocity, Orbitz, StudentAirfare, Hotwire and so on. Begin to do some more research now that you have a base price and range.

Check airline websites directly, bypassing the bulk sellers of tickets, sometimes you can save a couple hundred dollars by going directly to United Airlines website for example. Ultimately I found the cheapest airfare through a travel agent, booking the flight for $630 round trip, total.

I flew Chicago to San Francisco to Osaka, previously I've flown direct O'Hare to Tokyo for around the same price.

To make some extra cash while traveling, when you get to the airport, go to the gate and ask the attendant how well sold the plane is. Airlines typically overbook 5% or so depending on flight. Put yourself on a list for overbooking, so if the flight is overbooked you give up your seat for someone else, get a couple hundred dollars in cash, a night in a nearby hotel and usually fly out the next morning. You can't beat this, if you do it on the way there and back you can pocket some extra cash, sometimes up to $200 each way.

One last tip, when searching for a flight avoid the summertime, it's always busier, pricier, and slower. Fly in downtimes and check for flights with crazy layovers. I saw flights to Tokyo that had a 20 hour layover in Rome. This may not be for everyone but you get a cheaper flight and enough time to run around Rome for a day.

View the rest of this series on my $2000 trip to Japan, with tips of lodging, travel packing and eating.

Safe Travels.

USA

Priceline is my favourite website for flights. When you can fly from LAX to New York for $1 + $35 taxes, you know you've got yourself a deal. I didn't actually book that flight, as I didn't actually need to cross the US that day, but I'm sure you can get a cheap fare like that. At priceline.com there is a box below the main booking interface called "Name your own price". This is where you choose how much you want to pay! Having trouble? Bidding for Travel can help you out.

United Kingdom

In the UK it's usually just best to go straight to the airline. You've heard it before, and I'll stress it again: RyanAir and EasyJet are the cheapest for European flights. I stumbled upon a deal today... free flights. Nothing to pay. Not even taxes (they're included). That's on RyanAir. Wow - I wonder how they can be in the top 3 most profitable airlines in the world when they "sell" tickets like that?

Australia

Australia is one of the most expensive places to fly in, distance-wise, and there aren't really that many super-cheap sales. However, Jetstar gives tickets about AU$200 less than the other airlines. It's budget - but once you factor in food and everything you're still getting a huge discount. Jetstar also has on-demand in-flight entertainment - something the other domestic airlines don't have. So if you're willing to connect in Melbourne Airport and good at lining up times, give Jetstar a go. If not, try Virgin Blue.

This is a Canadian low-cost carrier that provides their passengers with so called “luxurious leather seats”. These seats make the life of their crew much easier than that of their passengers since they are “Hypo-allergic”. It not only prevents any dust from sticking on the seats, rather it drives away that every bum that touches it. Eight hours on West-jet would definitely keep a couple hundred bucks in your pockets, but would give you a back ache so bad that you would have to spend the saved money to go see the doctor.

The Best thing about this flight is simply the fact that it has satellite T.V. in every row and hence they at least provide you with entertainment while you stand in discomfort.

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have."

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Sure, if you like your bum sliding all over the place all the time, this is the flight for you.

AMERICAN AIRLINES:

Like all other airlines, American Airlines would always thank you for flying with them. They say these words as mechanically and enthusiastically as a chat box on American Demerol. Their actions speak louder than their words when they act as if their paying passengers are a pain in the ass rather than a source for their income. They probably would enjoy their job if it weren't for us damned customers! Telegram for them: "Get over it. Delays are a common problem and even if you do call ahead and check on the status of the flight, you will still not board the flight on time. That's guaranteed.

This flight is well-known for misplacing all records especially when you have confirmed a first class ticket. Upon arriving on the airport, they will give you a blank look which clearly says, “Are you another economy-class passenger?”

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

"We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of American Airlines.”

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Yes, of Course! After all, you would always get to sleep-in and not run to catch the flight.

LUFTHANSA:

Surprisingly most of their flights have an extremely improved punctuality which would definitely impress you. The only sad news for you is their rude staff especially their pilots who will definitely abandon you if they have a choice. Blame it upon their limited in flight entertainment or their poor meals; Lufthansa has an overall bad persona. They have a bad reputation for their smelly restrooms and congested seats, even if you are a Business - class passenger.

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

"Thank you for flying with Lufthansa. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Na! Why would you travel in a flight that doesn't have video games and movies on their miny T.V screens?

AIR FRANCE:

Sure this flight is much cheaper and can often carry a buffet of salmon, ham, cheese sandwiches and even crackers and drinks sometimes. But would you get on a flight that loses one of your two suitcases? How careless can a crew of hundred's be? Misplacing bags and luggage? Granted that this flight has nice colors and looks all fancy but their cabins inside date back to the late 1940's. Shocking eh? Well, that's what they look and smell like. The putrid and foul odor of their cushion seats can definitely make you uncomfortable,

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

“Your seats cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Maybe, only if you don't mind you luggage arriving a month after you have arrived.

KLM:

Oh, I bet you would love everything about Netherlands except this flight. The old KLM planes are as reliable and safe as a military transport jet, but the truth remains that neither of them is pleasant. Sure you get some good food like Indian Mango Curry but when it comes to being spacious, this airline displays the worst example. KLM has the smallest legroom which is totally ridiculous since most Dutch men are taller. KLM has the worst air-conditioning systems and not because they do not cool you off, but rather they freeze you. Upon asking for blankets, you would get an embarrassed, we-are-sorry reply, but never something warm and cozy.

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Why not? Just carry some Popsicles and Slurpees with you, since they will surely not melt, but instead they might keep you warm.

EMIRATES:

Now this is an ideal flight. The footrest is much bigger and comfortable. Also, the air conditioning is a blessing and on the TV screen, you have just all sorts of fantastic movie selection from Indian and Egyptian to American. Food is amazingly delicious and the crew is so polite and respectful that for a second you would think you are in an Executive meeting at the White House.

Compared to other flights, Emirates ROCKS! So if you plan to travel in comfort, pleasure and & reassurance, Emirates us the right flight for you.

AMUSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Here's a normal announcement you would hear at Emirates. The air hostess announces merrily, “Thank you for flying with Emirates. We hope your enjoyed your flight with us. Have a great day.” And Of course, you would have a nice day since your journey was so relaxing.

WOULD YOU ENJOY THIS AIRLINE?

Yes! This flight is appropriate for anyone who looks forward to enjoying their journey without sliding over the seats, without waiting for delayed flights, without sitting idle with no TV, without the postponement of luggage and without freezing to death.

So here is a brief summary on how most flights can or cannot entertain you. Just in case you get stuck in one of the boring, uncomfortable flight, do not forget to take your game boy and Nintendo with you.

Carry all your travel documents in your hand luggage

This may seem like common sense, but it is surprising to see the amount of people who end up stuffing all of their important travel documents into their suitcases and other checked pieces of luggage! So be sure to always carry your tickets, valid passports (for international travel) and unexpired photo ID for domestic flights. Then when you check in, it will be a much smoother and quicker process and you will not have to rummage through your luggage to find what you need! Remember that if you traveling to another country, your passport will need to be valid for at least a further six months. Some countries are very strict about this requirement and will not allow people to enter their country if their passport will be expiring soon.

Dress appropriately

Even if you are flying somewhere hot and exotic, it would be a good idea to dress in layers. Cotton is a good material that will keep you cool in the summer months and warm during winter. Choose clothes that are loose fitting that will not cut off your circulation during the flight. Planes are often quite cool, so if you are wearing shorts and a T-shirt you may end up feeling quite cold and uncomfortable.

Treat flight attendants with respect

A key to having a successful flight once you are on board a plane is to show the utmost respect toward flight attendants. They work hard and deserve to be treated well. If you have asked for a drink and they take longer than you expected to get you one, do not start abusing them. Flight attendants have other people to deal with as well as you, so be patient and remember to thank them for the services they provide.

Entertain yourself

Long flights can be very tedious and boring if you do not have any way of entertaining yourself. Take along a good book or some magazines to read on the plane. Alternatively, listen to some music. Many flights now have on board films that you can watch, which will help to pass the time more easily, if they are of interest to you.

Avoid excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol

When you fly, you will have a choice of drinks on offer to you. But, try to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol, as they will quickly dehydrate you. Excessive alcohol consumption can also passengers more prone to violence and loud behavior. So try to be sensible when you fly. You would not want to face criminal charges for being drunk and disorderly once you disembark. If you must drink tea or coffee, make sure that you also drink a glass of water for each caffeinated drink, which will help prevent dehydration. Water is by far the best drink you can choose.

If you are sensible and are mindful of the rights and feelings of others, you will have a more successful flight. So try to put these tips into practice and you will find air travel one of the most pleasant forms of travel.