6 Attractive Reasons to Plan Your Travels in Advance

As the year 2024 rapidly approaches, the allure of an upcoming adventure may seem distant. However, the benefits of planning your trips well in advance are numerous.

Personally, I can attest to the advantages of meticulous planning, particularly for international journeys, where I prefer to plan two to three months ahead, and for local staycations, a month in advance. This proactive approach not only aids in saving money but also ensures securing desired leave dates from work.

On that note, let’s explore six compelling reasons why planning ahead for your travels is a wise choice.

ENHANCED AFFORDABILITY

The memories created during a trip are priceless, but the financial investment is required to stay at your dream destination. Planning your trip well in advance allows you the time to save up for it. Utilizing tools like Klook, a marketplace for travel experiences in Asia, can further streamline your expenses. For instance, it helped me to purchase cheap tickets for attractions, pocket WiFi, and transportation in my recent trips to Taiwan and Japan. Not to mention, I was able to avoid hefty mobile roaming fees. Look for travel tools such as this, to help you save more money and budget in advance.

TIME SAVINGS

Planning ahead not only saves you money but also valuable time. Checking train schedules or departure details before leaving for your destination ensures you arrive at the right time, avoiding unnecessary waiting periods. For instance, I planned our recent trip to avoid peak traffic times in Hong Kong (i.e., 7:00 am – 9:00 am). Opting for train travel further contributed to time and cost savings compared to using cabs.

STRATEGIC ACCOMMODATION/S

Finding suitable accommodation is crucial for a successful trip. Planning in advance allows you to research and choose the best option within your budget and preferred location. Additionally, checking cancellation policies ensures flexibility in case of unexpected changes.

IMPROVED ITINERARY

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to traveling to a new country or city, my husband and I make sure to maximize our work leaves. Making the most of our limited time away requires a well-thought-out itinerary. An easy way to get organized is to use a spreadsheet. Tools like spreadsheets can help you plan the pace of your journey, factor in travel days, and create backup options for unforeseen circumstances. I usually draw inspiration from travel agencies’ offerings and itineraries to enhance my planning process.

POPULAR ACTIVITIES

Researching early enables you to pinpoint must-visit attractions, events, and accommodations. Platforms like YouTube offer valuable insights through reviews, aiding in informed decision-making and securing bookings well in advance.

For example, being someone afraid of heights, I strategically planned which Disneyland rides I could comfortably experience. By downloading the Disneyland app and meticulously mapping out the day with the specific rides I felt at ease with, we managed to enjoy or ride 10 attractions. This thoughtful preparation significantly enhanced our overall experience, providing a personal touch to our journey.

CONFIDENT NAVIGATION

Understanding the history, geography, and culture of your destination is invaluable. Researching local customs and current affairs enhances your engagement as a traveler (e.g., knowing the tipping culture). Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the weather allows you to pack appropriate clothing, ensuring a more comfortable trip.

IN CONCLUSION

In conclusion, planning ahead for your travels not only contributes to financial savings, but also enhances the overall quality of your journey.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Whether it’s securing the best accommodations, crafting a detailed itinerary, or staying informed about your destination, the benefits of proactive planning are significant. Embrace the excitement of your upcoming adventure by preparing for it in advance!

Sources:1, 2, & 3

 

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Turbo Charge Your American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Card with Mileslife

Mileslife has recently entered into a partnership with American Express (‘Amex’) that is set to accelerate your KrisFlyer miles earning! This partnership applies to both the American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Credit Card and the American Express® Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card. These are 2 of the most popular credit cards for anyone looking to collect KrisFlyer miles.

For starters, Mileslife is only lifestyle+travel mobile app which allows members to earn their preferred frequent flyer miles from everyday spending such as dining and lifestyle activities at over 2,000 merchants on top of their credit card miles. Merchants range from popular F&B outlets such as Crystal Jade to international hotel chains such as Capella. The miles will be credited into the airline loyalty programme of your choice within 3 to 5 business days as long as they are a partner of Mileslife. Remember that these miles are on top of the regular miles that you may earn with your existing credit cards. So here are more details on how you can turbo charge your American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Cards with Mileslife.

Double Up Your KrisFlyer Miles

As a result of the partnership between Mileslife and Amex, you can potentially earn up to an incredible 10 KrisFlyer miles per S$1 spent on Mileslife! This is an unparalleled mile per dollar rate in the market at this moment. Honestly, collecting KrisFlyer miles have never been easier.

Follow these steps to enjoy this amazing mile per dollar rate.

  1. Enter any of your American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Card into the Mileslife app so that they are captured in the mobile app.
  2. Proceed with your transaction. The applicable miles vary according to the type of purchase or payment that you are going to make with Mileslife.
  3. Simply select your American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Card before making any payment on Mileslife to double up your miles*!

*Do note that this promotion is for a limited time only and expires by 31 October 2017.

Earn Higher Welcome Bonus KrisFlyer Miles

If you are not an existing American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Card Member, there is an additional reason for you to sign up now. Exclusive only during this promotion period, new users who sign up for an American Express Singapore Airlines Credit Card through Mileslife will receive an additional welcome bonus of 2,500 KrisFlyer miles. This is on top of the 5,000 KrisFlyer miles that new applicants would typically receive upon first spend on the Card.

miles

As an illustration, a new user who signs up for the American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Ascend Credit Card via Mileslife can earn up to 41,700 KrisFlyer miles with just retail spend of S$6,000. That is enough to redeem a Business Class round trip to Bangkok on Singapore Airlines!

Unique Bonus Code For MoneyDigest

Readers of MoneyDigest would be pleased to learn that there is an additional welcome bonus code for new Mileslife users. Here are the steps to earn more miles from Mileslife:

  1. Simply download the app on Google Play Store or The Apple Store
  2. Enter “MONEYDIGEST” promo code in the Mileslife App and spend a minimum of S$49 for your first transaction with Mileslife. (Click Account Tab>Click on Promo Code>Enter MONEYDIGEST>Apply)
  3. Enjoy an additional 1,000 bonus miles credited to the airline loyalty programme of your choice within 3 to 5 business days!

With Mileslife, collecting air miles have never been easier and faster! Your next wanderlust could be just a few clicks away.

 

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KAYAK.sg reveals travel hacks for visiting the 10 most popular school holiday destinations

The travel search engine shares its wallet-friendly tips for booking a summer family getaway from Singapore

  • Head to Bangkok for S$187 and stay in a four-star hotel averaging S$133 per night
  • By booking on the right day of the week, travellers can save up to 33% on flights
  • KAYAK.sg recommends escaping Singapore’s heat and humidity with a visit to Melbourne and catching the open-air festivals in Paris

Singapore, 26 April 2016: The month-long June school holidays are a great time for a longer trip with the family, but high demand often means inflated flight prices and hotel bills. Parents (and their wallets) deserve a break as much as their kids do this summer, so the travel experts at KAYAK.sg crunched the numbers to reveal when to book flights to the top 10 most popular school break destinations for maximum savings.

Debby Soo, KAYAK Vice President APAC said, “School holidays are a peak time for families to travel together and prices tend to increase as a result. By choosing a value-for-money destination and employing a few budget-friendly travel hacks, the whole family can enjoy a summer getaway without breaking the bank. Savvy travellers search for flights and hotels on KAYAK.sg to ensure they are getting the best price and sign up for Price Alerts to receive notifications when the price drops for their desired flight and hotel.”

Top 10 Destination

KAYAK.sg data reveals the top 10 destinations for school holidays based on the average median price for travel between 1 and 30 June 2016. Many families take advantage of the month-long school break in June to visit long-haul cities like Paris and New York, while others escape to nearby destinations in Southeast Asia like Bangkok and Bali. Booking on the right day of the week can save travellers between seven and 33 per cent.

Bangkok, Thailand: Best value destination in Asia

@Travel mania/Shutterstock.com

@Travel mania/Shutterstock.com

Among the most popular June school holiday options, Bangkok is the all-around best value destination for both flights and four-star hotels. Round trip flights to the City of Angels in June cost S$187 on average and a four-star hotel stay averages S$133 per night. Travellers booking their flights on a Tuesday up to 15 weeks in advance can save up to 30%. On average, travellers pay S$155 when they book on a Tuesday, while those who book on a Monday pay S$222. June is a great month to visit the Thai capital: there are fewer tourists than at other times of the year and the heavy rains of the monsoon season won’t begin until later in the summer. In addition, many retailers participate in Thailand’s Amazing Grand Sale from 15 June to 15 August, offering discounts on clothes, jewellery and electronics.

Melbourne, Australia: Most affordable long-haul destination

@Gordon Bell/Shutterstock.com

@Gordon Bell/Shutterstock.com

According to KAYAK.sg research, the most affordable long-haul destination in the list is Melbourne, Australia. Despite the Land Down Under’s reputation for being an expensive travel destination, fourstar hotels are only slightly more expensive than in Bangkok, averaging S$143 per night. Round trip flights to Melbourne cost S$584 on average, but travellers can save S$45 by booking on a Monday up to 20 weeks in advance for an average flight price of S$539. Melbourne’s winter temperatures in June (7-14 degrees Celsius) are a nice change from Singapore’s heat and humidity. Animal-loving kids can tap into their wild side with visits to the city’s excellent zoo and Sea Life Aquarium.

Paris, France: Best value ultra long-haul destination

@IM_photo/Shutterstock.com

@IM_photo/Shutterstock.com

The City of Light offers great value for a family summer sojourn. With flights averaging S$992 from Singapore and four-star hotels averaging S$324 per night in June, Paris is the most affordable ultra long-haul destination in the top 10. Travellers can save up to 20% by booking flights up to 20 weeks in advance on a Monday (average flight price S$866), versus booking on a Sunday (average flight price S$1076). In June, Paris comes alive with festivals and outdoor events like the Fete de la Musique and open-air film screenings in Parc de la Villette.

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How To Save And Travel Like A Local In Hong Kong With The Changi Recommends’ Wi-Fi Router

Granted with a couple of days of vacation, you chose to travel to Hong Kong. Hong Kong – the bustling country that is home to busy neighborhoods, amazing museums, rich heritage sites, and best shopping malls.

To ensure that you get wireless data connection throughout your stay, equip yourself with Changi Recommends’ Wi-Fi Router. It is a budget-friendly solution to meet all your travel needs!

Here is why:

1. Use Taxi Apps To Get From One Place To Another

Uber

Say it is your first time in Hong Kong and you are not familiar with their public transportation, a better way to reach your accommodation safely is by riding a taxi. But hailing one can be difficult if your arrival is scheduled at inconvenient timings (e.g., at midnight or at rush hour). Fortunately, you can always get a ride with the Uber app and your Changi Recommends’ Wi-Fi Router.

Simply connect your smartphone online and travel around the island anytime and anywhere.

2. Navigate And Never Get Lost With Google Maps

Money Digest X Changi Recommends

If you are a person like me who has absolutely little to no sense of direction, equipping yourself with Google Maps is a must!

Save money and time on transportation by connecting online and finding the shortest way possible. And if you want to maximize your budget even more, you can enjoy the wonderful sceneries by walking as much as possible.

3. Stay Connected Anywhere Even Without Free Wireless Hotspots

mcdz

Some people throw a couple of dollars at the local cafe just to use their free wireless hotspot for a couple of minutes. Do not be one of those people!

Instead of going to the nearby Starbucks or Mcdonalds just to check your work email, accomplish your tasks by connecting your devices to the Changi Recommends’ Wi-Fi Router. Connect securely wherever your itinerary takes you by carrying it inside your bag or pocket.

4. Update Your Social Media Accounts And Have Your Friends Greening With Envy

Causeway Bay Money DIgest

In the era where social media reigns supreme, our generation has embraced the culture of photo sharing. And as you travel in Hong Kong’s religious sites and cityscapes, it is inevitable to take countless selfies and Instagrammable images. Share these images while avoiding the horrific expenses of data roaming by keeping your pocket Wi-Fi device handy at all times.

Wouldn’t it be nice if all of your travel buddies posted your fun memories on the day itself? For as low as S$5 per day Changi Recommends’ Wi-Fi Router lets you connect to 8 devices simultaneously.

5. Search For The Cheapest And Best Local Food With One App

OpenRice2

There is a greater chance that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive. So immerse yourself to the place, the people, and the culture better by trying their local cuisine.

Clueless about what Hong Kong cuisine has to offer? Consider connecting to your OpenRice app online to find the latest food promotions and book a table fast! Keep in mind that locally made food and beverage are often cheaper.

Price Plan
Eager to get your own Changi Recommends’ Wi-Fi Router?

Reserve yours by completing the form at changirecommends.com for at least 3 days prior to your departure. Aside from reserving the unit online, you can call +65 6701 1185 or WhatsApp to +65 9427 6977 to inquire and reserve.

After reserving your set, you can collect it at any Changi Recommends’ 24/7 booth at Changi Airport T1, T2, and T3!

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