#22 How much do you really need to save for a trip to Japan?

This is one of the most common questions I see from people planning their first trip and the honest answer is that there’s no single number that fits everyone. Every Japan trip looks different depending on your travel style, priorities, and what you value most.

In this episode, I break down the real world costs of traveling in Japan by walking through the major spending categories you’ll encounter, from everyday expenses once you land to experiences, transportation, food, and the smaller costs people often forget to plan for. The goal isn’t to give you a strict budget, but to provide a clear baseline framework so you can confidently decide how much you should save for your trip.

We also talk about why Japan can feel surprisingly affordable, how points and miles can remove the biggest barriers to visiting more than once, and why you shouldn’t cut back on the things you already know will matter most to you. To bring it all together, I share a real example from a recent 17-day trip to South Korea and Japan to show how these numbers can play out in real life.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or a return trip, this episode is meant to help you plan smarter, set realistic expectations, and build a Japan itinerary that actually feels rewarding.

Episode Highlights

• Why there’s no “correct” amount to save for a Japan trip
• How to think about your budget based on what you value most
• Why now can be an affordable time to travel to Japan
• The biggest costs to consider first (and how points & miles help)
• Everyday expenses once you land, including phone service and luggage forwarding
• What food actually costs in Japan, from budget eats to special experiences
• Paid vs free activities and how to balance both
• How transportation works, including trains, IC cards, and the Shinkansen
• Why shopping is the hardest category to budget for
• Common unexpected expenses travelers forget to plan for
• Simple budget frameworks for different travel styles
• A real-world breakdown of a 17-day Japan & Korea trip

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#21 In this episode, I break down Bilt 2.0 what changed, why it matters, and why it’s causing so much confusion in the points and miles world right now.

I start by revisiting why the original Bilt card worked so well, especially for people just getting into points and miles, and why Bilt decided to completely rethink the system. On the surface, Bilt 2.0 looks like a big upgrade especially with mortgages now included but once you look closer, things get complicated fast.

What I Cover in This Episode

• Why the original Bilt card was such a game-changer
• What Bilt 2.0 is trying to solve and where it gets messy
• A high level look at the three new Bilt cards launching February 7th
• Which card caught my attention (and which ones didn’t)
• A personal update on a card I applied for and how that turned out

The Big Question

The biggest shift with Bilt 2.0 is how you earn points on rent and mortgage. There’s a new system involved, more than one way to earn, and even Bilt made changes shortly after the announcement. I walk through the logic behind it so you can understand what’s going on without needing to be deep in the weeds.

My Honest Take

I wrap things up with who Bilt 2.0 might actually make sense for, who should probably skip it, and why you don’t need to feel pressure to jump in just because everyone else is talking about it.

If you’ve been wondering whether Bilt is still worth it, or how Bilt 2.0 might (or might not) fit into your own points strategy, this episode will help you think it through without the hype.

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com

#20

2026 is a year of transition for us, and this episode is about how travel fits into that change. Rather than locking in a packed calendar or chasing big redemptions, this year is about slowing down, planning intentionally and letting travel evolve alongside life.

In this episode, I share a real time look at how I’m thinking about travel during a season where flexibility matters more than ever. Travel isn’t stopping it’s simply taking on a new shape. One that feels more aligned with where we are right now, and one that prioritizes sustainability, confidence and enjoyment over pressure or perfection.

This conversation isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about learning how to move forward when things feel uncertain, how to make space for change, and how travel can still play an important role even when priorities shift. Instead of focusing on exact plans or rigid timelines, this episode focuses on mindset, decision-making and the thought process behind keeping travel possible during a year of transition.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why we’re keeping our 2026 travel plans loose and intentionally simple, and how removing pressure actually makes planning easier and more enjoyable
• How points and miles become more valuable during years when priorities shift, not as a way to chase luxury, but as a tool for flexibility and peace of mind
• The mindset change from “maximizing trips” to building confidence through manageable travel, especially during seasons where energy, time, and focus look different
• How domestic trips help set the foundation for bigger travel later in the year, serving as learning experiences rather than checklists
• Why planning without pressure can actually lead to better experiences, fewer regrets, and more meaningful memories
• How this season is shaping the future direction of the podcast, with a stronger focus on learning in real time and sharing the journey honestly

This episode isn’t about exact itineraries or locked-in plans. It’s about the process behind planning travel during change, using points and miles as a flexibility tool, and allowing yourself to learn as you go instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment to start. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t need to look the same every year to still be meaningful.

If travel feels different for you right now whether because of family, finances, career changes, or life in general this episode is meant to meet you where you are. It’s a reminder that travel doesn’t have to stop when life changes. Sometimes it just needs to adapt, slow down, and take on a new rhythm.

2026 is a learning year.
Travel will evolve.
And that’s still a rewarding route.

Rewarding Routes Stan Store
→ https://stan.store/rewardingroutes

Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/rewardingroutes/

Email
→ RewardingRoutesPodcast@gmail.com