[Ack. And there's the kicker-- the price for a ticket. Riku reaches for the side of his neck, giving a slow nod.]

That's the one downside. Saves you a few days of walking, but if you want to keep a little pocket change, guess it'd be better to just stick to Johto.

Really depends on how adventurous you're feeling. Johto's early routes are all pretty straightforward. You won't hit your first real forest until you reach Azalea.