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5 Common Money Traps Targeting Travelers Abroad

You’ve booked your flight, packed your passport, and counted down the days until your vacation. But have you really thought about your travel budget?

Ever noticed the number of people buying extra luggage in Japan? It’s practically a rite of passage and a clear sign that spending can spiral without a plan. Let’s unpack five common money mistakes travelers make when heading overseas and how you can avoid them.

#1: SKIPPING TRAVEL INSURANCE

From trip cancellations and medical emergencies to lost luggage and delayed flights, travel insurance can be a financial lifesaver. If you’re a frequent flyer, consider investing in an annual plan as it may cost less than insuring individual trips.

Traveling with expensive gear? Even more reason to be insured. But whether it’s compulsory or not, skipping travel insurance is like boarding a plane without a seatbelt.

#2: NOT PLANNING YOUR PAYMENT METHODS

Picture this: you land in Thailand, only to find that your credit card isn’t accepted anywhere. Each country has its own money culture. In South Korea, per my experience, most stores and restaurants prefer cards, while street food stalls still operate on a cash-only basis. In contrast, cash is king in countries like Vietnam and Thailand.

Always travel with a mix of local currency and a travel-friendly card. Better yet, check with your hotel before your trip. The staff can give you the lowdown on what works best locally.

#3: USING PUBLIC WI-FI FOR MONEY TRANSACTIONS

That free airport Wi-Fi? Not your friend. Public networks are breeding grounds for cybercrime, especially when it comes to banking or logging into sensitive apps. Even if you’re not actively checking your balance, background apps could leak personal info the moment you connect.

Use a VPN or switch to mobile data for anything financial. Better safe than hacked.

#4: LANDING WITHOUT A BUDGET PLAN

Winging it might work for sightseeing, but it won’t help your wallet. Many travelers make the mistake of figuring out their daily spending limit after they arrive. Not only is it stressful, but it can also lead to overspending (or unnecessary scrimping).

Know how much you want to spend each day, monitor currency exchange rates, and start saving early. A pre-planned budget lets you enjoy the journey without counting coins.

#5: IMPULSE BUYING DESIGNER GOODS

Is it actually cheaper overseas with the tax refund? Sometimes, yes.

For instance, I found Hermes Oasis sandals to be cheaper in South Korea than in Singapore. Same goes for a Louis Vuitton bracelet I picked up in Bangkok. Do your homework before splurging. Prices vary wildly depending on the country, taxes, and exchange rates.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

While no trip is entirely free of surprises, a little planning goes a long way when it comes to your finances abroad. Avoid these common traps, and your wallet will thank you when you get home!

Sources: 1 & 2

6 very well-rated accommodations in Vienna, Austria to book a stay in 2025

Planning a trip to Vienna this year and wondering where to stay?

Well, we guess you will love this curated list of very well-rated accommodations we have for you here.

Prater, Schönbrunn Palace, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral are calling so hurry with your bookings!

Hotel Sacher

Agoda Rating: 9.5 (1.4K+ reviews)

We will start our list off with Viennese grandeur at the Hotel Sacher, your 5-star gateway to Austria’s capital.

This luxury hotel occupies prime real estate across from the world-renowned Vienna State Opera and within 600 m from the Historic Center of Vienna and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

It’s also just a 30-minute drive from Vienna International Airport.

Room options range from deluxe to various suite types.

Hotel Indigo Vienna – Naschmarkt

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (3.9K+ reviews)

Scoring top honors from Agoda travelers in 2024, Hotel Indigo Vienna – Naschmarkt oozes contemporary cool while serving up a central location.

A mere minute’s stroll from Pilgramgasse subway station, it keeps Vienna’s attractions like the Vienna State Opera and Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna in easy reach, too.

Parents, rejoice for your kids under 18 can stay for FREE when bunking with you.

It’s also pretty fresh-faced, having opened in 2022.

Hotel Kaiserhof Wien

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (2.8K+ reviews)

A stay at Hotel Kaiserhof Wien means you can step outside to world-class museums and the iconic Vienna State Opera within a kilometer’s stroll.

Choose your room: from various double rooms or suites and spacious premier suites.

Just approx. a half-hour drive from Vienna International Airport and 400 m from Karlsplatz subway station, you’re well-positioned to experience the city’s highlights.

Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth

Agoda Rating: 9.2 (2.5K+ reviews)

Vienna’s historic heart beats just steps from Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth, a short 250-m stroll from St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the city’s storied center.

The Stephansplatz subway station is equally close by, letting you easily explore Vienna’s top sights.

Upon returning from your adventures, the hotel’s bold interior pops with red accents to welcome you.

We also like how there are various single-room options to cater to solo travelers.

MOOONS Vienna

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (6.3K+ reviews)

Vienna has never looked better than through the signature circular windows of the MOOONS Vienna hotel.

Select rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows for soaking up Vienna’s sunshine.

Located a half-kilometer from the Belvedere Museum and steps from Südtiroler Platz subway station, the MOOONS Vienna puts the city’s top attractions within easy reach.

After days exploring Vienna, unwind with cocktails on the breezy rooftop bar before heading indoors to catch up on your ZZZs.

Citadines Danube Vienna

Agoda Rating: 9.1 (2.6K+ reviews)

Last but not least, we have Citadines Danube Vienna which opened its doors in 2023, offering a modern stay in the heart of Vienna.

Kagran subway station is just a 2-minute stroll away, where you can get to top sights like Prater, an amusement park about 3.9 km from the hotel.

With studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, and connecting rooms, you will find accommodations suited for couples, families, and larger groups.

How to Save Money as a Travel-Obsessed Singaporean

For folks with a serious case of wanderlust, nothing beats the excitement of exploring new places. But let’s face it…traveling can get pricey.

The good news? With a few smart moves, you can jet off on adventures without ruining your budget. Consider these tips!

BE FLEXIBLE

Want to score cheaper flights and accommodations? Flexibility is your best friend. Avoid peak seasons like school holidays, Chinese New Year, and Christmas when prices skyrocket. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to track price drops and jump on deals. Keep an eye on budget airlines like Scoot and AirAsia for those irresistible flash sales.

MAXIMIZE CREDIT CARD REWARDS

Why not let your daily spending earn you free flights? Credit cards like DBS Altitude, UOB KrisFlyer, and Citi PremierMiles rack up miles you can redeem for travel perks. Combine them with airline loyalty programs like KrisFlyer or Asia Miles, and you’ll be soaring to your next destination in no time.

CHOOSE AFFORDABLE ACCOMMODATION

Luxury hotels are nice, but budget-friendly stays can be just as charming. Score deals on hostels, Airbnbs, or boutique guesthouses. Agoda often has early-bird discounts, while platforms like Couchsurfing connect you with locals offering free stays. Join hotel loyalty programs for added perks and savings.

EMBRACE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Skip the pricey cabs and discover cities the way locals do. Many places offer tourist passes that give you unlimited rides on buses, trains, and subways. If Japan is on your list, the Japan Rail Pass is a must for affordable long-distance travel. The same goes for South Korea.

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

Food is one of the best parts of traveling, and local eats are not only tastier but cheaper too. Dive into food courts, food markets, and street stalls for authentic, budget-friendly meals. In Southeast Asia, you can feast like royalty for under S$5. Use Google Maps to find the spots locals love.

PACK LIGHT

Budget airlines lure you in with low fares but charge a premium for checked baggage. Save cash by packing light to avoid extra fees. Versatile clothing and travel-sized essentials are your best friends. Plus, most airlines allow a cabin bag and a personal item, which is plenty for shorter trips.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

EXPLORE NEARBY DESTINATIONS

You don’t need to fly halfway across the world for a fabulous getaway. Singapore’s prime location makes it easy to hop over to Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand. Budget-friendly options like buses and ferries make quick weekend trips to Batam, Bintan, and Johor Bahru both easy and affordable.

DISCOVER FREE ATTRACTIONS

Believe it or not, some of the best travel experiences are free. Many cities boast museums, parks, and cultural tours that won’t cost you a cent. London, for instance, has world-class museums with no entry fees. Do a little research beforehand to uncover the best free activities at your destination.

INVEST IN TRAVEL INSURANCE

It may seem like an extra expense, but travel insurance can save you from major financial headaches. Medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and lost baggage happen. Affordable plans from providers like NTUC Income and Singlife offer peace of mind without breaking the bank.

BUDGET AHEAD

Spontaneity is fun, but planning ahead can save you serious cash. Set a travel budget and stick to it. Use budgeting apps like YouTrip to track expenses and avoid foreign transaction fees. Booking flights and accommodations early usually means better prices, and a clear spending plan helps curb impulse buys.

IN A NUTSHELL

Traveling doesn’t have to drain your savings. With a bit of planning, creativity, and these savvy tips, you can satisfy your travel cravings while staying on budget.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Pack your bags, chase those deals, and let your adventures begin!

Sources:1 ,2 , & 3

5 well-rated resorts & villas in Lombok, Indonesia to stay in 2025

Heard of Lombok?

I first saw it via an article somewhere and did a search because it was my first time hearing of the name too.

Anyway, if it’s your first time too, Lombok is apparently an Indonesian island east of Bali and it’s only less than 3 hours from Singapore.

Flight time, yeah?

I think it’s a lesser-known area worth exploring if you’re into beaches, surfing, and snorkeling.

So to aid you in your planning, here’s a quick list of well-rated resorts and villas in Lombok, Indonesia to stay in 2025.

Thank us later!

Pearl Sunset Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (1.6K+ reviews)

First up at Pearl Sunset Resort, you can access the sands of Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach in a six-minute stroll.

Stake your claim on a sunbed with an ice-cold cocktail from Malibu Beach Club and soak up the Indonesia sunsets while waves lap at your feet.

When it’s time to turn in, take your pick from deluxe rooms to suites overlooking the sea.

Royal Avila Boutique Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (720+ reviews)

Or consider this resort on a cliff’s edge between a turquoise sea and hillsides.

The Royal Avila Boutique Resort is a 5-star Lombok accommodation mere minutes from Malimbu Hill, one that seduces with luxury and Balinese magic.

Whether it’s a premier room you book or you choose to splurge on an oceanview suite or penthouse, picture-postcard scenery awaits.

There’s also an on-site infinity pool overlooking the waves.

Kaleydo Villas

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (720+ reviews)

Here’s your slice of paradise just 500 m from La Cala Beach Club Gili Trawangan.

Kaleydo Villas offers various villa options including deluxe twin and family villas.

Honeymoon villas are available too!

For indulgence at its peak, you may want to book a villa with a private pool for undistracted dips under the stars.

Of course, you will also have access to the shared pool when you’re in the mood to see other humans.

However you spend your days in Lombok, returning to your Kaleydo villa is like the cherry on top.

The Oberoi Lombok

Agoda Rating: 9.4 (670+ reviews)

Next, we have The Oberoi Lombok, a 5-star beach resort with its stretch of sand and blue waters just steps away.

Unwind in pavilion rooms, luxury villas, or royal ocean-view villas with private pools.

The resort’s location is right on The Lombok Lodge Beach and a walkable distance to Medana Bay Marina Beach means more shores to explore.

Shape up at the on-site pavilion-style gym if you’d like or opt to lounge poolside if calorie-burning isn’t a priority.

For home-like stays, the royal villas offer full kitchenettes.

The Chandi Boutique Resort

Agoda Rating: 9.3 (1.4K+ reviews)

Last but not least, situated just a short stroll from the Makam Batu Layar scenic spot and a 6-minute drive from Senggigi Beach, we have The Chandi Boutique Resort offering various room options including standard ones and garden/ocean villas.

The pool area also has ocean views—a great spot to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset.

Speaking of drinks with a view, the resort also offers al fresco dining.

Weirdest Items You Can Buy from Daiso or Don Don Donki

When it comes to quirky, offbeat, and straight-up bizarre finds, few stores do it better than Daiso and Don Don Donki. Whether you’re looking to add some weirdness to your everyday life or just want a hilarious conversation starter, these Japanese retail giants have got you covered. From wacky gadgets to oddly practical innovations, here are some of the strangest things you can snag from their shelves.

DAISO

1. Let’s Make Ramen Tool Set

Why settle for plain ol’ playdough when you can craft your own pretend ramen? This playful toolset lets you make mini noodle masterpieces out of clay (or playdough) but heads up, the clay isn’t included, so you’ll need to stock up first. Perfect for future noodle chefs or anyone looking to relive their childhood in the weirdest way possible. Watch it in action!

2. Chair Leg Foot Covers

Cute and functional? Say less. These adorable covers slip onto your chair legs to keep them from scratching floors or making that screeching noise that could turn your neighbor against you. They’re a low-key lifesaver, especially if you live in a thin-walled apartment. Bonus: they come in fun designs because plain furniture is just boring.

3. Sausage Cutter Set

Kyaraben (character bento) is serious business in Japan, and this sausage cutter set makes it easier to add some flair to your lunch. Transform your basic Vienna sausages into tiny octopuses, chicks, or pigs because why eat boring food when it can be cute and a little creepy? We’re still scratching our heads over the top sausage design, though.

4. Splat Poo Ball

Feeling stressed? Throw some poo literally. This squishy, slimy poo ball splats on surfaces and magically reshapes itself. It’s weird, it’s gross, and it’s weirdly satisfying. A perfect desk toy or an unconventional gift for that one chaotic friend we all have.

Image Credits: mobal.com/blog/travel-talk/15-crazy-things-weve-bought-from-daiso

DON DON DONKI

1. Wasabi KitKat

Japan’s KitKat game is unmatched, and the wasabi flavor takes the crown for weirdness. We haven’t been brave enough to try them, but if you love a kick of spice with your chocolate, this one’s for you. Are they sweet? Are they spicy? Only one way to find out.

2. Handy Beer Server

Who needs a bartender when you have this beer-foaming gadget? It delivers the perfect frothy head on your beer, right from your own fridge. The wildest part? One version features a tiny cupid peeing into your glass. Classy? Debatable. Hilarious? Absolutely.

Image Credits: timeout.com/hong-kong/shopping/10-peculiar-things-you-can-find-at-don-don-donki-today

3. Vermicelli Peeler

Level up your healthy eating game with this quirky veggie peeler that turns your produce into thin, noodle-like strips. Say goodbye to carb-heavy pasta and hello to zucchini spaghetti. It’s the tool you didn’t know you needed but now totally want.

4. Peach-Scented Toilet Paper

Why should your bathroom routine be boring? With this peach-scented toilet paper, even your trips to the loo can be a sweet-smelling experience.

Image Credits: homeanddecor.com.sg/shopping/18-wacky-and-affordable-household-items-from-don-don-donki

Because if your bum could talk, it would probably say, “Thank you.”

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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