by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 10:00 PM ET, Tue June 9, 2015
The internet is laden with blogs about travel. You don't have time to read them all, you have to get out there and do yard work. This column will allow you to sift through the schlock and get back to mowing and blowing! Check us out on twitter at #travelblogoftheday.
A lot of travel blogs give you a "follow me" type experience with typically one writer who journals their discoveries along the way and gives you advice about many places across the country or around the world. Sometimes you find a blog that really sets itself apart by specializing in everything there is to know about one location. They will sometimes even gather a group of people together to help readers experience the destination from different points of view. If the majority of the travel blogs in the world would be the grocery store of travel, consider today's blog a locally sourced charcuterie stuffed with a enormous amount of Tokyo meat.
Tokyo Cheapo
Greg and the guys (and gals) of Tokyo Cheapo tell you right away that you don't have to be worried about being cheap, and when you read their manifesto they take all of your worries away:
"'Polite,' 'clean,' 'tasty,' 'pleasant,' and 'safe' aren't words that fit together nicely with 'cheap.' You're probably expecting words like 'nasty,' 'seedy,' 'dangerous,' 'dirty' and 'low quality' - but that's the beauty of being a 'cheapo' in Tokyo. Lots of Japanese businesses have figured out how to offer their goods and services on the cheap without sacrificing the levels of quality and service that Japanese consumers have come to expect."
The website is really everything you need to get to Tokyo and get around as cheaply as possible. They of course have a beginner's guide to the Japanese megapolis, as well as sections on things to do, eating and drinking, places to stay, itineraries, shopping, business, getting around, and living. If that isn't enough to give you the lowdown, they also have an events schedule.
But this is where they really shine. How about an area breakdown that sorts by portion of the city with 422 sections! There are articles from every single part of Tokyo under each heading, and the detail is divine.
There are over 18 different contributors providing the scoop for both tourists and ex-pats. And they are approachable, with an "Ask a Cheapo" section with both contributors and readers answering questions.
So when you are heading overseas, let Greg, Chris (pictured) and the gang set you on the thrifty path to sweet success. You may find that you are able to visit the place so cheaply that you can stay for a whole extra month!
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