Up until about two years ago I was one of those people that was happy exploring my own backyard, with an annual road trip thrown in and a few weekends away added to the mix as well.
I guess that's more than some people, but it wasn't really until I ventured overseas that I realised that there is so much of this world that I want to see and explore, and some of that is in our very own backyard too, the lovely Australia.
I want to save as much money as I can on getting to the destination so I can indulge in a cocktail or two, or a little shopping here or there. You know what I'm talking about, right?
As well as getting the travel bug in the past few years, my family and I have also made a big change from the City to the Country. It means that we're away from family, and friends, and all the good stuff that comes from living in the City {oh you know, the good food, the vibe, the fun stuff, and most of all, being in the middle of the action}.
It also means that each year we're spending a big part of our budget to get back down to Sydney from the Gold Coast to see the people we adore (and eat the food we just can't get in our new home, and yes you just can't know what I mean unless you've made the big move yourself. I'm not obsessed, I promise).
Depending on the time of year, and how disorganised we are, the flights can be almost affordable (around $120 per person return) to utter-nonsense (around $300+ per person return).
It's one of those secrets that's almost too good to share, in case the sharing of the secret puts a stop to the good stuff. And by good stuff I mean totally INSANE flight prices.
So, if by sharing this it means that there are no more cheap prices and I have to go back to paying UTTERLY RIDICULOUS prices to fly back to my former-home, I'm sorry. Sorry to me, my budget and anyone else who used to do this sneaky business too.
I found out through a friend of a friend that if you go to a foreign Expedia site to buy your flights you save money. And not just a little. Last weekend I flew to Sydney return from the Gold Coast for $65. I've seen them for $45 too. Crazy.
2. Yes, it's all in Japanese. So go up to the top right corner and click English (next to the Twitter icon). Much better, right?
4. Eeek. The prices are in Yen. That's cool. Use a currency conversion tool to convert it into Australia dollars (or where ever you're from). This isn't exact, but it was almost spot on for me.
5. Choose your flights and purchase them. Some credit cards won't work. My Visa did. I incurred a $1 fee PLUS the flight costs. I also signed up to Expedia Japan so I could get my itinerary, I suggest doing the same although you will receive an email confirmation from Jetstar Airlines and Expedia.
Chantelle Ellem is a blogger, photo-taker, explorer, mama, wife and avid raspberry-eater. If she's not connected to her computer whipping up a blog post, she's more than likely out at the beach taking photos. You can read her blog at: www.fatmumslim.com.au.
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