PG ~ Professional Geek

 Ishigaki, Japan

Sand and surf, now a (low-cost)
hop from Osaka.

The yen is the weakest it’s been against the dollar in years, putting Japan more within reach in 2014. For low prices coupled with laid-back attitudes, look way south to the island ofIshigaki, 250 miles south of Okinawa Island and far from the bustle of Tokyo. The 85-square-mile island, largely undiscovered, is home to sunburned surfers, sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. And it’s never been easier to reach: A new airport opened here in March 2013, and Japan’s new low-cost carrier, Peach, just began service from Osaka.