Southeast Asia Welcomes Back Chinese Tourists

Now that China’s borders have reopened, Chinese tourists are ready to take flight! Domestic and international travel by Chinese citizens boosted in the recent months. Not to mention, the processing for passport applications began last January.

Despite the increase in international travel, the travel patterns of these tourists have changed. The usual top destinations for Chinese travelers such as Australia, Paris, Canada, and Madrid no longer pique their interest. Deterred by strict entry requirements and visa issues, many Chinese tourists have veered towards their neighbors down south.

Travel website ly.com found that Southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia have become the most popular travel destinations for these tourists.

GRADUAL INCREASE IN TRAVEL

According to China’s National Bureau of Statistics, Chinese tourists made nearly 170 million outbound trips in 2019. The United Nations’ World Tourism Organization added that these trips amounted to approximately US$255 billion (S$340 billion), accounting for almost one-fifth of the global tourism spending.

Image Credits: unpslash.com

What is in store for 2023? Chinese Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) forecasted that Chinese outbound travel will recover around two-thirds of those 2019 highs. This covers about 110 million border crossings from China, this year.

CHANGE IN THE TRAVEL PATTERNS

COTRI Founder Wolfgang Georg Arlt said: “The Chinese tourists we will welcome this year and in the coming years are very different from those who came before.”

He believes that major tourists attractions focusing on more nature-orientated, more outdoor-orientated tourism will win the hearts of many Chinese tourists. He highlighted the gravity of trends such as family-focused trips as well as camping/glamping.

SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES ARE MORE EXPLORED

Countries that can accommodate the shifting needs of Chinese travelers have emerged as clear winners. For instance, Thailand offers visas-on-arrival to fully vaccinated Chinese tourists who have travel insurance. Fliggy’s Chief Strategy Officer Simeon Shi noted that “Thailand welcomed 180,000 Chinese tourists from January to mid-February”. Fliggy is Alibaba Group’s online travel platform, which serves Chinese consumers.

Image Credits: unpslash.com

Southeast Asian countries including Singapore can capitalize on their unique offerings such as Singapore’s plethora of authentic local food. Our local coffee shops, shophouses, group tours, and other cultural offerings can attract more Chinese tourists in the coming months.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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6 Telltale Signs that You Aren’t Financially Ready to Get Married

Two of the most sought-after life goals are love and money. Research supports that married couples build more wealth over their lifetime compared to those who remain single. When two people decide to spend their lives together, it is important to get to know each other’s perspective as a robust financial team.

You can be 38 and still be unprepared to settle down. Or you can be in a six-year relationship with someone you are madly in love with, but you are not ready to get married.

Regardless of the age you plan to marry, discussing your financial goals as a couple is an essential part of the conversation on your shared life goals.

On that note, here are some telltale signs that you are not financially ready to settle down.

#1: YOU’RE IN A ROUGH PATCH

A wedding would not pay for itself, so you and your partner need to save up for it. You also need to financially prepare for your life after the wedding. Household and childcare expenses will increase over time. Expenses include tuition fees, medical expenses, home loans, retirement fund, and so on.

If you are not financially ready to get married, it’s best to put all the wedding plans on hold for the time being.

#2: YOU HAVEN’T TACKLED YOUR LIVING SITUATION

For most couples, investing in a home is one of the biggest purchases they have to make. It requires careful planning and countless discussions. You need to discuss your living situation as a couple, before getting married.

Are you buying a new or resale HDB flat? Are you financing your HDB flat with an HDB loan or bank loan? How much are you going to shell out from your savings in your CPF Ordinary Account?

Keep in mind that the more money you get from your CPF savings to finance your property, the less you may have for retirement in the future. Furthermore, you must be insured under the Home Protection Scheme (HPS) if you are using your CPF savings to pay for your monthly housing loan installments.

#3: YOUR WEDDING BUDGET CONSTANTLY CHANGES

Many couples deal with unforeseen wedding expenses during wedding plans and on the day itself. If you notice that your wedding budget changes constantly, it could be a sign that you haven’t fully thought about what you can pay for.

Sit down with your partner to discuss your wedding budget and provide an ample buffer for unexpected fees. You do not need to actualize all the wedding ideas you have pinned in your Pinterest account. Instead, you need to be realistic when it comes to knowing what you want and what you can afford.

#4: YOU HAVEN’T PLANNED FOR YOUR POST-WEDDING EXPENSES

What happens when you return home from your honeymoon? Will you face rent payments, home loans, or student loans head-on? Think about how you will be able to manage the post-wedding expenses.

Not thinking about these post-wedding expenses or not saving up for your future can bring you stress during your first year/s as a married couple.

#5: YOU HAVE TRUST ISSUES

When it comes to finances, do you have problems in trusting your partner? Take it as a sign that you are not ready for marriage.

There may be a deep-rooted cause for your trust issues, but getting married will not resolve the problem. Help yourself overcome these issues first so you can truly have an open and trusting relationship with each other. You can seek professional help when necessary.

#6: YOUR CREDIT HISTORY IS TAINTED

While you may end up sharing just about everything after getting married, your credit history and credit scores remain separate in the eyes of the financial institutions. However, this can affect your relationship significantly.

It is important to be transparent about your credit score and credit history before settling down. While you may sympathize with your partner’s unpleasant financial situation and offer to help, realize that you may be in for more challenges if outstanding debts begin to suffocate your finances.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you see beaming red flags that you are not ready for marriage, then do not get married. Getting married is more than just signing a piece of paper. It’s a life-changing event that you must prepare for physically, mentally, and financially.

Before settling down, you need to plan all aspects of your life including your finances. Drastic changes in your finances will happen from the day you get married. You will need to make a lot of financial decisions together, so learn how to compromise and work as a team.

Sources: 1,2,3,4,& 5

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8 Free Things to Enjoy in Singapore This Month

 

Itching to get out of the house and explore what the island has to offer? Fortunately for you, you do not need to shell out money to enjoy a variety of shows, workshops, and tours. You will be able to experience the activities on this list at no cost!

#1: VISIT SINGAPORE’S OLDEST FIRE STATION

If you dreamt of becoming a firefighter as a child, this is your chance to encapsulate your childhood dream. Plan your visit to the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery to learn more about Singapore’s Civil Defence Force.

Within the halls of the Singapore’s oldest fire station are collections of firefighting exhibits and paraphernalia, which tackle notable moments in history including the Bukit Ho Swee fire. Experience simulating a real fire attack by going to their SCDF Emergency Preparedness Centre. What are you waiting for? Book your visit here.

Location: 62 Hill Street, Singapore 179367

#2: INVITE A FRIEND TO A PHOTO WALK

Invite a friend to a photo walk where you will both get insider tips from phone photography experts. These experts will teach you how to improve your mobile photography and editing skills. Apple’s “Photo Tour: Capture Marina Bay After Dark” takes you around Singapore’s Marina Bay to learn how to take beautiful low-light photos using Night mode and more on iPhone.

Experts will show you how to balance foreground and background, adjust exposure, and set up your best night shot. The Tour streches about 500m. Best of all? All these techniques are free! All you need to do is bring your iPhone or you can loan the latest iPhone models for snapping memories.

There are three sessions this March 2023. Click here to sign-up.

Location: 2 Bayfront Avenue, B2-06, Singapore 018972

#3: DIGEST THE HISTORY OF ST JAMES POWER STATION

The St James Power Station began its restoration works in 2018. At present, the monument has been reborn with a new Heritage Trail and Gallery. History enthusiasts can visit a free trail of Singapore’s maritime history and the evolution of the country’s first power station of such magnitude.

After relishing history during the trail, you can go inside the Heritage Gallery. Here you will experience impressive 3D artwork, animated augmented reality video series, and an interesting exhibit.

Register with your loved ones here.

Location: 3 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098544

#4: TURN YOUR OLD TEE INTO A TOTE BAG

Say goodbye to your old shirt and hello to a reusable tote bag with the support of Project Re:ground. Project Re:ground is a mental wellbeing initiative by Youth Corps Singapore in collaboration with the Health Promotion Board. This event highlights the importance of breathing new life into the items that you would otherwise throw away.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

This artistic event happens on 23 March 2023 at 7pm. Do not forget to bring along an old T-shirt and a water bottle! Learn more about this event by visiting volunteer.gov.sg.

Location: 113 Somerset Road, The Red Box, Singapore 238165

#5: GO TO THE SINGAPORE CAT FESTIVAL

Singapore Cat Festival is back for the third time! Celebrate your beloved cats this 25 to 26 March 2023 by joining cat adoption drives, breed showcases, vet chats, retail booths, and face painting.

This Festival is a cat-friendly event, so you can bring your purrfect companion as you browse the booths. Just make sure that your cat is secured in a carrier.

Location: Great World, Level 1 Atrium & Office Lobby, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, Singapore 237994

#6: INDULGE ON THE SNEAKER AND STREET CULTURE

Sneakertopia, an ArtsScience Museum exhibition, features film screenings that explore important films displaying streetwear and sneaker culture. This month, you will be able to watch entertaining films such as Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021), Space Jam (1996), and more.

From iconic blockbusters to indie titles, you can take a closer look at how films play a vital role in fashion and style. There are more film titles to come for April and May screening.

Location: ArtScience Cinema (Level 4), ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974

#7: BOOST YOUR RESUME

Thanks to the National Library Board (NLB)’s “Get Professional” series, you will be able to access professional techniques on how to improve your resume or C.V. writing and networking skills.

Industry experts will guide you throughout the process. This online workshop is on 22 March 2023 from 7pm – 9pm. Secure your spot here!

#8: GO FOR A WALKATHON

Let’s Walk, Singapore will take you on a free 3km walkathon in Yishun Park. Start your fitness journey with your friends and family! As a bonus, all attendees will receive a Sunnystep voucher.

This free event on 25 March will start with a gentle warm-up stretch routine and give you breaks every 20-30 minutes or so. To end the session, you will go through a short cool down stretch. What are you waiting for? Get your tickets here.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Location: Yishun Park (entrance near SAFRA Yishun Country Club)

Sources: 1 & 2

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7 Practical Hacks to Save Money on Diapers

What’s one of the biggest daily costs of new parents? Diapers. When it comes to infant care, diapers are non-negotiable! Diapers will play a vital part in your baby’s life until the time when your baby experiences potty training. Your newborn will constantly need diaper changes and stocking up on diapers before your baby arrives saves you time and effort.

For parents, getting the best diapers for your baby burns a hole in your pocket. What if we tell you that there are hacks to save money on diapers in Singapore? This article comes with practical and simple tips to support your infant care. Let’s get started!

#1: BUY DIAPERS IN BULK

If you have multiple children in diapers at the same time, it can be costly to maintain a household stocked with diapers. A way to save money is to buy diapers in bulk. Buying in bulk usually saves you money on the “per diaper cost”.

You can order bulk purchases online or purchase them at groceries such as Jin Tai Mart. Jin Tai Mart proudly offers cheap diapers and cheap milk powders islandwide.

#2: STICK TO YOUR GO-TO TRUSTED BRANDS

Varied brands can have different effects on your babies. After trying a few brands, see what fits your baby best. Which brands keep your baby dry, rash-free, and clean throughout the day? Stick to these trusted brands to have a bit more flexibility when it comes to sales, while keeping your baby’s safety a priority.

#3: CONSIDER SWITCHING TO CLOTH DIAPERS

Cloth diapers are long-term investments, which are recyclable and adjustable to the size of your baby. Using cloth diapers is not for everyone, but if you are keen on trying it out, it can maximize your savings.

The catch is that you will have to spend a bit more upfront to stock your cloth diaper supply. After completing your initial purchase, you will only spend on detergent. Cloth diapers retail for as low as S$0.75 in Shopee.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: WATCH OUT FOR COUPONS

Couponing can help you save money when diaper shopping. If you are buying online, search for both the brand the store coupon codes. Online retailers such as Lazada, Shopee, and Qoo10 often come up with special deals for its shoppers. Watch out for this!

#5: WAIT FOR SALES

If you are hesitant to invest in bulk purchasing because of its seemingly high price tag, you may want to wait for sales. Firstly, sign-up for email notifications from your trusted diaper brands to stay alerted when they have a promotion. Secondly, you can check out online retailers or physical stores for seasonal promotions such as the Mother’s Day event.

#6: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE BABY SAMPLES

Many well-known brands such as MamyPoko, Huggies, and Merries offer FREE diaper samples to their customers. Take advantage of these samples!

You can get free MamyPoko diaper samples and be part of the Poko-Chan Point Program to reap the member’s benefits. For Huggies, you can get a free diaper sample by joining their Huggies® Club. Lastly, you can request a free Merries Tape diaper or join their rewards program through their website.

#7: JOIN THE REWARDS PROGRAMS

Joining rewards programs like the ones mentioned above can help you gain purchase points and other exclusive benefits. This works out particularly well if you find your baby does better with a specific diaper brand than others.

Baby diapers eat a huge chunk of your budget during your little one’s early years. Even a few cents of savings per diaper will add up to quite a lot in the long run! We hope that this article helps.

Sources: 1 & 2

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You Can Afford to Travel Cheap in 2023!

Believe it or not, you can travel from one country to another on a tight budget.

Learning how to travel within your budget is about taking advantage of useful websites and using different techniques that save you money. To help you enjoy your vacation, here are some ways to stretch your dollar when you travel.

#1: BE EQUIPPED WITH A PLAN

Coming up with a plan will help you maximize your budget, wherever you go. You do not have to be immensely strict with the day-to-day budget. However, you have to know how long you will be spending in each city or country, how much you can shell out, and how you will be able to get there. Leaving less to chance means fewer unexpected fees and last-minute bookings.

#2: CHOOSE YOUR DESTINATION WISELY

Some places are usually much cheaper than others. Start by researching which places are doable to visit within your budget. Maybe it’s somewhere within Asia or somewhere that is easy to get to. You can also search for countries that would give you excellent value because of their exchange rate.

#3: STEER AWAY FROM TOURIST TRAPS

Big cities and tourist spots such as the Pyramids of Giza or Santorini are often more expensive than lesser-known destinations. Even within your destination, avoid restaurants on the main strip and try to eat something from the sidewalk. Seek help from the locals as they can give valuable advice.

#4: COOK YOUR OWN MEALS

The best way to save money while in a different country is to cook your own meals. Whenever possible, you can spend a week’s worth of groceries and cook hearty meals with your partner or kids. Imagine how much you will save if you skip on restaurants when you travel to expensive destinations like Iceland and Norway.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Pro Tip: You can save even more money by booking your flights using a VPN, switching the incognito mode, or after deleting your cookies.

#5: BE SMART WITH ACCOMODATIONS

Trade lavish hotel suites for rooms in hostels. Sharing a room divides the costs between you and your friends or family. Moreover, having communal areas will allow you to meet more people. Websites such as CouchSurfing and Airbnb provide an inexpensive option for travelers. Your host can be your gateway to insider-tips for the best eateries and tourist attractions in that neighborhood.

#6: BOOK IN ADVANCE

It goes without saying that booking in advance is usually cheaper than last-minute bookings. Prices increase, the closer you get to your departure date. Accommodation, air fares, and activities can have deals and early bird rates.

#7: USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Buses and trains cost less than travelling everywhere by cabs. A journey overnight on a train also means that you have one less night in a hotel or hostel to pay for. Transportation passes such as Eurail Pass (Europe) and JR Pass (Japan) can help you save money during your travel. If you are travelling around the area for a while, passes such as this can be significantly more inexpensive than just booking individual trips.

#8: PACK THOUGHTFULLY

One of the most valuable tips for travelling on a budget is to take only what you need. If you forget something, it could cost more money to buy that essential missing item. So, list down what you need and review your baggage list. Pack light whenever possible because additional baggage can cost you more. For instance, Singapore Airlines can charge you anywhere between S$6 to S$225 for additional baggage.  Do you want to pay for that?

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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