Tired of Korea, Hawaii is too expensive!　Pro’s picks the 7 most powerful “God-consuming overseas trips” you should aim for now!

In addition to the weak yen and high prices, the growing tension in the Middle East, including the Iranian attack, is putting a damper on overseas travel by Japanese people. Cheap flights to Europe via the Middle East,” which have been so popular in the past, have been severely damaged, and Europe has become even more expensive. The high cost of living has made Hawaii and the U.S. mainland unaffordable, and the geopolitical and restraint risks in China are undeniable.

But for those who have had enough of Korea and Taiwan, and are tired of visiting Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and other Southeast Asian countries, which are close by and easy to visit?

We have visited more than 60 countries around the world. Mr. Katsuhide Takahashi, President of Malibu Japan, who has published a new book titled “Super-rich people do not need hospitality” (Kodansha + Alpha Shinsho), is familiar with resorts in Japan and abroad, including the Bahamas, Maldives, Palau, Malibu, Los Cabos, Dubai, Hawaii, Niseko, Kyoto, and Okinawa. He introduces his top seven recommended overseas travel destinations that you must not miss in the future, which are “safe,” “direct flights,” and “cost-effective.

The Disappeared “Cheap Flights to Europe

With the ongoing depreciation of the yen, the cost of living overseas has risen dramatically for Japanese people, and the cost of overseas travel has become much higher than it was a few years ago.

And in addition to the weak yen and high prices, the recent tensions in the Middle East due to the attack on Iran have also had a significant impact on our Japanese overseas travel. Soaring oil prices due to the worsening situation in the Middle East have caused airfares, including surcharges, to rise.

An even bigger blow is the disappearance of “low-cost European flights via the Middle East,” which used to be a “backstop” for Japanese travelers. Airlines with hubs in Qatar, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi were popular as relatively inexpensive routes to Europe. However, due to the increased safety risks in the entire Middle East region caused by the worsening situation in Iran, including the fact that Dubai International Airport was also hit, there has been a series of operational adjustments, such as suspensions and changes of air routes.

As a result, airline ticket prices have risen further, and for many Japanese, travel to Europe is becoming more “expensive” than ever before.

Hawaii, the royal road, is also sinking due to high prices.

However, it is not unusual for visitors to spend several hundred thousand yen just for a few days in Hawaii, which was once considered the “royal road” for overseas travel, due to soaring hotel and food costs caused by the weak yen.

The same is true of the U.S. mainland, including the West Coast, such as Los Angeles, where Shohei Ohtani plays an active role. In many cases, prices in urban areas are nearly double those in Japan, and like Europe, many Japanese are no longer comfortable going there.

Tired of going to the standard Asian destinations

Korea and Taiwan are popular due to their proximity, but many repeat visitors say they have already been there many times. The same is true of Southeast Asia, where major cities such as Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia are as attractive as ever, but many feel that the freshness has worn off.

Furthermore, although business travel to China is recovering, concerns about the risk of detaining Japanese nationals and political tensions due to China’s diplomatic frenzy persist, and the number of Japanese who actively choose China as a tourist destination, as was the case before the COVID-19 crisis, is extremely limited.

Which countries, then, offer the most satisfying overseas travel experience despite the difficult situation of a weak yen and geopolitical risks?

The following is a list of the seven best overseas travel destinations in terms of safety and security, first-time visitors, famous destinations, direct flights, and relative affordability that should be of particular interest.

7 “God-cost” destinations to aim for now

No. 7] Uzbekistan: The Blue City, half the price of Europe and the United States

The first country to mention is Uzbekistan in Central Asia. Although Uzbekistan is a country with a rich history along the Silk Road, it still does not attract many Japanese tourists. Cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara are lined with magnificent Islamic architecture decorated with blue tiles, creating a fantastic landscape known as the “Blue City.

Prices are relatively low, with hotel and meal costs often less than half those in Europe and the United States. Direct flights from Japan are also in service, making access to Nepal more convenient than ever before.

No. 6] Nepal: The Roof of the World at a Reasonable Price

Nepal is a mountainous country with the Himalayas, the “roof of the world,” including the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest, and is popular among travelers seeking trekking and nature experiences. The capital city of Kathmandu has many historical buildings and a unique atmosphere with a fusion of Buddhist and Hindu cultures.

In fact, there are direct flights from Japan, with Nepal Airlines operating three flights a week from Narita to Kathmandu, which takes about seven hours. The low cost of living is also a major attraction, and it is likely to keep your budget in check even for a long stay. It is popular among a wide range of people, from backpackers to hikers and serious mountaineers.

No. 5] Sri Lanka: Aerial Palaces and Nature

Sri Lanka, a Buddhist country, is attractive for its security and abundant nature. In addition to sightseeing in the cities of Colombo and Kandy, the highlight of Sri Lankan tourism is the giant rocky mountain that suddenly appears in the jungle and the “Sigiriya Rock,” the ruins of an aerial palace at the top of it. The Heritance Kandalama Hotel, designed by world-renowned architect Jeffrey Bawa, is also famous.

Sri Lanka is one of the countries that can be safely traveled to by a direct flight from Japan, which takes about 9 hours. However, the drawback is that travel prices are much higher than before, due in part to Sri Lanka’s popularity over the past few years.

No. 4] India: An overwhelmingly “extraordinary” destination

India is a country with a remarkable depth of culture and history, and its many world heritage sites, including the Taj Mahal, attract travelers. In recent years, with the development of the IT industry, there has been a rapid increase in the number of sophisticated luxury hotels, modern restaurants, and huge shopping malls, especially in major cities such as Bangalore. Wellness elements such as traditional spicy cuisine, authentic Ayurveda, and yoga are also attractive. Prices are also relatively low, making it suitable for long-term travel.

There are many direct flights from Japan to Delhi and Mumbai from Narita and Haneda, which take about 10 hours. In addition to security and sanitation, there is also a noisy and chaotic atmosphere, but the receptiveness of the people and the energetic vitality of the people will promise an intense “extraordinary” experience that cannot be experienced in any other country.

No. 3] Brunei: A wealthy country with excellent security

Brunei is a relatively unknown kingdom in Southeast Asia, but it is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, thanks to its abundance of oil and natural gas. The city is extremely safe, and its highlights include gorgeous mosques, royal palaces, and other architecture that give a sense of Islamic culture and the Bruneian royal family, as well as “Kampong Aire,” one of the world’s largest floating settlements, which can be reached by water cab.

There is also “The Empire Brunei,” one of only two “7-star” hotels in the world. As a tourist destination, Brunei is still uncrowded, and direct flights are available, making it suitable for those who want to enjoy a quiet trip. However, as a Muslim country, there are no alcoholic beverages sold in the country and there are not many sights to see, so you may feel a little bored.

No. 2] Palau: A tropical country that is cheaper than Hawaii

Palau is a tropical resort familiar to Japanese people. It is a pro-Japanese country that still retains vestiges of its former days as a mandate territory of Japan. Its beautiful sea and rich nature are attractive, and it is popular among travelers who enjoy diving and snorkeling.

In October 2013, United Airlines has restored direct flights to the country, and it is good that it takes only about 4.5 hours to arrive by direct flight.

Peleliu Island, which was the site of fierce battles during World War II and was visited by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress in 2003, still has many battle sites and memorials that are worth visiting.

The island is not as expensive or crowded as Hawaii, Guam, or Saipan, and is a strong candidate for those who want to enjoy a tropical resort with beautiful unspoiled seas and islands.

No. 1] Mongolia: Nature in a 5.5-hour direct flight

Mongolia is only about 5.5 hours by direct flight from Narita to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city. The main attractions of Mongolia are its vast nature, with grasslands stretching as far as the eye can see, and its nomadic culture, which is still alive today. The experience of staying in a ger, a traditional mobile home, and gazing at the unobstructed horizon and the stars in the sky is something special that cannot be experienced in the hustle and bustle of the city. At the Genghis Khan National Museum, visitors can learn about the history of the Mongolian Empire.

In recent years, the infrastructure of Ulaanbaatar has been improved, and there are many sophisticated cafes and stores selling cashmere products. The appeal of Mongolia is that it offers both a horseback riding experience in the midst of magnificent nature and a comfortable stay in an urban area. Mongolia is also a great option, as the cost of living is relatively low compared to Japan.

Find your own “hole-in-the-wall”!

Unfortunately, it seems highly likely that the unstable exchange rate environment and international situation will continue in the future. For Japanese people, overseas travel is no longer the “casual pastime” it once was.

However, from a slightly different perspective, there are still many fascinating countries in the world that remain unknown to us, in addition to the standard tourist destinations in Europe, the U.S., and Asia, where prices are high.

The enjoyment of overseas travel has not been lost. We would like to find our next destination from the viewpoints of safety, direct flights, first-time visits, famous tourist spots, and reasonable prices.

Click here to purchase Katsuhide Takahashi’s book, “Super-rich people don’t need ‘Omotenashi'” (Kodansha + Alpha Shinsho ).