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Adventure, Business, Travel

Matt

My 2015 Annual Review and Roadmap for 2016

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I’m not usually one for making new year resolutions. I find it silly to wait until the end of the year to promise positive change when it can be started at any moment. However, after reading about Chris Guillebeau and his annual review, I began to look at it differently.

An annual review is not the same as new year resolutions. For me, it’s a chance to reflect over the last year and be grateful for all the beautiful things that happened. It’s a chance to remember all the amazing experiences but also a chance to reflect on what didn’t go as planned. After the reflection, you can do a brief plan for the year ahead. I like to leave a lot of room for spontaneity so my plans only serve as a direction for the upcoming months.

Regardless of whether you like to plan ahead or not, it’s always a good idea to reflect on the past year. I’m often surprised at how much I actually accomplished and the pros usually outweigh the cons, which is always nice to see.

So here it is…

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How to Travel Around the World in Business Class for $750

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2015 has been a great year for travel. I’ve already stepped foot on three continents, witnessed a permanent lava lake erupt right in front of me, visited Japan during cherry blossom season, and went completely around the world in business class.

It was my first time at the front of the plane and I picked a good time to do it. After all, my wife and I were flying from Calgary, Alberta to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, which took us through England and Turkey. From Tanzania, we flew to Ethiopia for a month and then to Japan for three weeks before coming back to Calgary over the Pacific Ocean. It was a lot of long flights and many time zones to circle the world but having full lie-down beds on the flights made it much more bearable.

Air Canada Business Class Pod Seating

I certainly can’t afford business class tickets around the world. It’s a tough itinerary to price out but just flying to Tanzania and back in business class came to $15,000 each when I looked it up on multiple search engines. It’s safe to say that it would have cost us at least $35,000 USD to make this trip happen, had we paid for the tickets.

Instead, the trip cost just $750 CAD each. That’s because we used frequent flyer miles to “pay” for the rest. Since becoming a travel hacker a few years ago, I’ve managed to earn over 1 million miles through credit cards, everyday spending, and various promotions. However, even though earning miles is crucial, redeeming them for high-value rewards is much more important in the world of travel hacking.

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I Went to Africa and Didn’t Get Ebola (or How to Not be a Media-Infused Sheep)

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Midnight. I had finally sat down in my business class seat on an Ethiopian Airlines flight headed to Japan. It was my last few minutes in Africa before arriving in a another completely different world. I had just spent more than two months backpacking with my wife through Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. As usual, we packed as many adventures as we could into those 60+ days. We had lions circle our vehicle, witnessed wild elephants bathing in mud, experienced the great wildebeest migration, hiked into the rainforest to find a family of mountain gorillas, watched chimpanzees ponder life, rafted class-5 rapids on the Nile, and stood in front of a lava lake as it shot hot magma into the air at Erta Ale Volcano in Northern Ethiopia.

I got a lot of things while I was in Africa. I got to see exotic animals. I got to see lava-spewing volcanoes. I got to see unique cultures and tribes. I also got souvenirs such as wood-carved masks, handmade bowls, coffee pots, and fresh coffee beans.

But I didn’t get ebola.

It is surprising how many people warned me about going to “Africa” as if Africa is one small country. It’s actually a massive continent that could easily fit the United States, China, India, and many other countries inside of it.

Ebola is a horrible disease that is basically confined to a very small corner on the west side of Africa. The three main countries affected are Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea. If you look on a map, this is a small sliver of Africa. Imagine ebola breaking out on a small island off of Florida and everyone telling you to stay out of the United States. Same thing.

Some people told me I was crazy to go there. Some people said they wouldn’t step foot on the continent. Some people begged us to stay. I really couldn’t believe it, especially when it came from other travellers who should know better.

But this is what the media does. It turns what could be self-thinking-people into media-infused-sheep, blindly following anything they hear.

We met a number of small safari companies in Tanzania suffering from this mis-informed culture. It’s a real shame considering tanzania is more than 3000 miles from the affected area. London is actually closer and there have been more reports of ebola in the U.S.A than in all three countries I visited.

But this article isn’t really about Africa or ebola. If you want to go to Africa, go. Now is a good time because there are less tourists. This is about thinking for yourself and not blindly following the herd.

If the media can trick MILLIONS of people into not visiting Africa, what else can they do? It’s not just the media either. It might be friends, family, or your Facebook feed. Same same but different.

What are others making you believe that isn’t true? What’s holding you back that shouldn’t be?

There’s no scientific antidote that I know of for fixing this problem but here are some steps to help.

1. Realize that Not Everything you Hear is True

Shocking, I know. You would think that the media would actually educate the public but they don’t. Some people have an agenda and the media’s agenda is to sell commercials. They need a captive audience and fear sells better. They want you glued to the TV to watch the ads. That’s it. Your friends probably watched this same news source and now regurgitate untrue information. Then there’s Facebook.

2. Turn Statements into Questions!

James Altucher has a great piece of advice that fits well with this topic. When you’re about to make a statement (internally or externally), add a question mark at the end of it. Instead of thinking “Africa is dangerous because of ebola”, you should think “Africa is dangerous because of ebola?”. See! Changes everything. Now it’s a question and not a statement. Suddenly, you’re provoked to think and do some research.

3. Reach out

One of the best things about the Internet is the ability to find information but you need to find a quality source. If the subject is tourism in Africa, why not find real travel publications/forums/blogs and ask people. Better yet, ask people who have been to Africa or who are there right now. Try to think of the one person you know who wouldn’t blindly accept media information. Google can work as well but you must be careful of the sources.

This is true for everything. Not just a trip to Africa.

I’ve seen this happen for so many things that I can’t help but wonder about the spoiled opportunities. There were some people in the past who asked me how I travel so much. There is a lot that goes into it but I mentioned that I use points to pay for most of my flights. They scoffed at the idea and mentioned some of the supposed negative aspects of frequent flyer miles like credit cards and blackout dates. Meanwhile, I am traveling around the world in business class for next to nothing and they are sitting at home. Why not listen to someone who is doing it?

But whatever you do, don’t go to Africa! They have lions!

 

Hiking in Japan | A Guide for Hiking Around Osaka

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Although most people travel to Osaka and surrounding areas to explore the cities, the nearby hiking trails are full of splendid scenery and offer a break from the concrete jungles of Japan. With mountain peaks, ancient forest and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Osaka is a wonderful place to bring your hiking boots and begin an adventure. When planning a trip to Japan, take a look at these.

Here are some great hiking trails in Japan.

Mt. Kongo

Hiking to the top of Mt. Kongo (1,125 meters) is a popular option for beginners and will take you through the Kongo Katsuragi range along the border of the Osaka and Nara prefectures. Along the Mt. Kongo ropeway to Mt. Kongo Station you’ll find the Katsuragi Shrine, the Chihaya Castle ruins and the Chihaya Nature and Astronomy Museum. If this isn’t enough, consider also hiking to the Temporinji Temple located on top of the mountain plateau. Although February is a chillier month to visit, it’s a great time to see trees glazed with ice as well as attending the Juhyo festival.

Mino Park

As the closest park to the city of Osaka, Mino Park makes an excellent place to visit without any difficulty and can be reached in less than 30-minutes from downtown Umeda. There are about three kilometers of hiking trails that take visitors through the valley and along the Minoo River to the very popular and beautiful Minoo waterfall. The park is a great place to witness the changing seasons with the most popular time being autumn. You may also see monkeys and deer along with over 3,000 species of insects. Mino Park also houses a number of ancient temples as well as the Mino Insect Museum. It is also the starting point for the popular Tokai Natural Trail. You can read more about Mino Park by clicking here.

Mount Koyo

Laced with a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, the hiking trails around Mount Koyo are a great place to get into nature and experience ancient history at the same time. The main parts of the mountain are easily accessible by train and there are many different trails for exploring on foot. Some of the most famous sites include the Mausoleum of Kukai and the neighboring graveyard, the Garan Temple complex, and the Kongōbu-ji Temple, which features an impressive stone garden.

Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino is a wooded temple town and another UNESCO World Heritage area in the Kii Mountain Range. It is also the most famous area in Japan for viewing the cherry blossoms in early April. If you can’t make it there in early spring for the cherry blossoms, you’ll still find a number of important religious and pilgrimage sites including Kimpu Shrine, Yoshino Mikumari Shrine, and Kimpusen-ji. Mount Yoshino is also a good starting point for a more difficult trail that leads to Mount Omine.

As you can see, there is a lot more to Japan than cities. Adding some hikes to your itinerary will allow you to explore the wilderness and some ancient pilgrimage sites as well as give you a beautiful view of the four seasons. After grabbing a cheap hotel in Osaka, lace up your hiking boots and head out into the Japanese wilderness.

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This article is always being updated. If you have another hiking trail you’d like mentioned, please let me know in the comments below!



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A Guide to Experiencing Osaka on the Cheap

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Although Osaka is one of the biggest cities in Japan, there are actually quite a few things to do and places to see that cost very little or nothing at all. This guide will help you find some of the best free or low-cost things to do on your Osaka trip.

Drink Free Beer

While Japan usually conjures up images of delicious sushi, it’s also a popular country for great-tasting beer. One of those famous beers is Asahi and you can visit the Asahi Beer Suita factory just outside the main city area. You’ll see how it’s made, plus you get to drink unlimited beer for 20 minutes for free!

Relax at Osaka Castle Park

Located right in the center of Osaka, this park is a beautiful, tranquil oasis that offers spectacular views of Osaka Castle, which is surrounded by moats and towering stone walls. If you happen to be there in late March or early April, this is also a great place to witness the magnificent cherry blossoms bloom from the Sakura trees. Bring a snack and escape the hustle of Osaka while enjoying a truly local experience.

Visit Sumiyoshi Shrine

One can’t truly say they’ve been to Japan without taking some time to visit one of the many shrines, and Osaka has one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in the country – Sumiyoshi Taisha. Dating back to 211AD, this spectacular shrine is rich in history and features amazing architecture, beautiful gardens and bridges, an impressive stone Tori gate, and an overall peaceful experience for those seeking a break from the city life.

An Electronic Paradise

If you love electronics, you probably love Panasonic. Luckily for you, Osaka is home to the Panasonic Center, which has showrooms of all their latest gadgets, new technologies, and a really cool hands-on exhibition that gives you tips and tricks for making your life better. If technology is your fancy, this is worth a stop.

Explore Monoh Park

Located outside of Osaka’s major urban sprawl, Monoh Park provides the scenery of a forested valley with numerous hiking trails, a waterfall, and scattered temples. This is another great park for having a picnic and escaping the stress of the city.

Get Pampered at Spa World

Although this attraction isn’t free, Spa World is quite cheap considering the pampering you can get for an entire day. For just $22 USD, you can literally spend the entire day maneuvering between various onsens from around the world, including Ancient Rome, Finland, Persia, and traditional Japanese outdoor baths.

Find a Cheap Place to Sleep

Finding cheap hotels in Osaka is easier than most cities in Japan, and the city actually makes a great base for exploring Kyoto, Nara, and many hiking trails in the neighboring mountain ranges. If you’re comfortable getting slightly off the tourist trail, the area of Shin-Imamiya has the cheapest hotels, while budget hostels can be found in popular areas for as low as $30 for solo travelers. Dotonbori Hotel is a popular choice for those wanting added comfort, with rates starting at just $75 per night.

Interested in how I travelled to Japan for free? Click here to read about how I started saying yes and changed my life.

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this post was written as part of the hipmunk #citylove project. As a paid writer for hipmunk city guides, I’ve written about many world-class cities including Hong Kong and Osaka. I’ve also written about the best things to do in Vancouver.

Say YES More! (And How I Went to Japan for Free)

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One of the top questions I get asked when telling people about my story is how I became so adventurous. For those that don’t know, I didn’t grow up an adventurous person. I don’t remember ever dreaming of traveling the world until my early twenties and even then it wasn’t a top priority. But from my late teens and into my early twenties, I did crave change. I wanted to try more things and explore life’s possibilities. In essence, I wanted to live limitless.

So I did. I started trying new things. I said YES more often. If something piqued my interest, I said YES! When I noticed a poster at school advertising salsa dance lessons I said YES! When I noticed an ad for Olympic speed skating try-outs, I said YES! If someone mentioned something exciting, I said YES!

And ultimately, saying YES is what has changed my life.

Whether I said YES to my ideas or thoughts or to a friend’s proposal, everything changed. Suddenly I was trying new things and meeting new people. Suddenly I was becoming more confident and becoming more willing to say YES. Suddenly, nothing seemed impossible. As long as I said YES, I could try anything. Who knows what might happen or who I might meet. Life became one huge possibility.

Life became so exciting and fresh!

I looked around at others still living a life of NO. A life of stifled creativity. A life of fear. They followed the traditional path that was laid out for them by family, teachers, government or media without ever thinking of other possibilities. They stuck to the same old patterns passed down to them and didn’t question anything. It all seemed so boring to me. It’s not like our life is a practice round for the next one. This is it. Make it happen. Live life to the fullest.

Say YES!

How Saying YES lead to a FREE trip to Japan

Back in 2009, I was lying in my bed reading articles on the Four Hour Work Week Blog when a new post by Tim Ferriss really got me excited. He was releasing his updated version of the Four Hour Work Week book. I already owned the original version but loved it so much that I knew I needed the new one. Tim’s plan for reaching the New York Times Bestseller list involved asking readers to buy hundreds of copies, which came with unique gifts. As I scanned through the options, one really stood out. If I bought 100 copies of the Four Hour Work Week ($1500 USD) I would get a ticket to have dinner with Tim and attend a private party on a warship in San Francisco. The possibilities began swarming around my head. This was my idol in the business world. Even though I had $1500, I didn’t really want to be stuck with 100 copies of the same book. With the option being available to only 20 people, I questioned it for only one hour before reaching a decision.

I said yes. I clicked on the buy now button and a few weeks later had 10 huge Amazon boxes show up at my door. It looked so strange that I had to take a picture. A few months later, I was in San Francisco partying with Tim Ferriss and 20 others who bought all the books as well as Noah Kagen, Kevin Rose and Paula Abdul.

Four Hour Work Week

Tim Ferriss San Francisco

After the party, I had to try selling the books. I began searching Meetup groups trying to find business-minded people who might be interested and ended up stumbling upon a group called Junior Chamber International (JCI). I sent them an email and they invited me to come make a proposal at the their next meeting. When I showed up, I gave them a quick speech about the books and then sold a few copies. Then one of the guys made me an offer. He told me that a student membership was $50 per year (I was a student at the time) and that he would buy four copies if I joined the group. Since everyone was young and inspired, I said YES.

Next thing you know, I’m taking free public speaking courses, attending meetings and eventually taking a free trip to Japan. I didn’t realize  how big JCI was on the international level but when the world congress was announced in Osaka, Japan, I knew I had to go. Since JCI Calgary is a non-profit organization who does work in the community in exchange for funding, my trip was fully paid for. 10,000 people from all over the world attended this event.

One YES turned into:

  • Meeting my idol Tim Ferriss
  • Partying on a warship in San Francisco with mega-entrepreneurs
  • Joining JCI and improving my public speaking skills
  • A free two-week trip to Japan

Since saying YES, my life has changed dramatically and for the better. So many things have happened and I’ve experienced more than most people do in a lifetime. It doesn’t stop with the Japan trip either.

Since saying YES!, I have:

I could go on but I’d rather just give you some advice – SAY YES!

The next time you have an idea for an adventure or a business – SAY YES!

The next time you see an advertisement for something that interests you, whether it be salsa dancing or public speaking lessons – SAY YES!

The next time you feel like it’s time to do something new, SAY YES!

The next time you feel like you should ask someone out, SAY YES!

The next time you feel like losing fat and building muscle, SAY YES!

Say YES to Life. As cheesy as that sounds, it’s very powerful. Say YES and watch the opportunities unfold before you.

or Say NO and continue living exactly as you have without ever opening yourself up to a new world of possibilities.

Everything is a choice and the choice is yours.

I hope you make the right one.

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I’d like to hear from you. Has saying YES changed your life? Is there something you’re going to say YES to after reading this post. Share in the comments below!

If you haven’t signed up for the VIP list, I highly recommend making that happen. You’ll get resources for traveling more and spending less while building an incredible life. You’ll also get exclusive content and deals. Sign up BELOW! Say YES!

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