WRITE DIRECTION: Canada, a great experience

HAVING spent 40 years in business with an economic background, that is the way my thinking is wired.

When taking these extended overseas journeys many people just go to a travel agent so that their transport and accommodation needs are provided to them, packaged to their needs.

For me, it is part of the experience to do the research myself in order to select airlines and the accommodation options that I require.

Real value is out there but you need to think it out before booking.

The interesting factor at present is the Japanese economy and how that presents an excellent opportunity for the canny traveler.

Japan is the nation with the highest government borrowing, but its people are amongst the most sophisticated and disciplined in the world.

The currency advantage for Australians to go there for snow skiing trips or simply to have a ride on their Shinkansen Bullet trains or to experience their traditional lifestyles, is compelling.

But what if your desire is to go somewhere else but not miss the economic opportunity?

I did this by choosing a Japanese airline and,  just by luck,  the one I booked with was granted the title of the world’s best airline for this year.

I like to fly long distances at nighttime with the benefit of having a flat bed seat, by going business class.

I was able to achieve this & paid only 40 per cent of the A$ cost being charged by our well-known carriers, whose ratings are only just inside the top 10 airlines.

With Canada co-hosting the World Cup soccer fixtures, their accommodation hit eye-watering levels in Vancouver which no one really wanted to entertain, so it was prudent not to be there when the football was in full cry.

I really enjoyed Canada on its commercial east side and its scenic west.

The trick is to look for economic opportunities before spending the amount required in order to enjoy a cost-effective international experience.

By John BLACKBOURN