How to keep your sanity when traveling with a workaholic spouse

man working at the beach

You’ve been looking forward to this family vacation for months, but your workaholic spouse is already stressing you out. It seems like they’re just not into it, and you’re worried the whole trip will be a disaster.

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips for how to handle a workaholic spouse during family holiday trips.

Lay down expectations

Before your trip, sit down and talk with your spouse about your expectations. Let them know that you would like them to be present (both mentally and physically) and that you need their help to make the trip enjoyable for everyone.

If they’re unwilling to change their behavior, you may need to reconsider whether or not traveling together is the best idea. A workaholic spouse can put a serious damper on your holiday spirit.

Create a realistic itinerary

If you can open up a dialog and come to a mutual understanding, then there’s no reason why your trip can’t be just as fun as you imagined.

So what can you do to keep your sanity during your next family vacation? First, create a realistic itinerary. Make sure that there are plenty of activities that everyone can enjoy, without having to drag your spouse along to participate in every single one of them.

Second, try to relax and enjoy yourself. It’s not going to be easy, but don’t hesitate to speak up if things get too stressful. You deserve some quality time with your family too, and you shouldn’t have to put up with a workaholic spouse.

Schedule some “me” time
infinity pool view

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Carve out some “me” time during your trip:

  • Connect with friends or family members who are also in town. This is a great way to catch up and relax.
  • Take some time for yourself each day, even if it’s just for an hour. Use this time to practice yoga, read a book, or take a swim.
  • Find activities that interest you and do them solo or join a group session. This can help take your mind off things and give you some much-needed downtime while your spouse works.
Let go of the things you can’t control

Don’t drive yourself crazy. It’s not worth getting angry or frustrated over something that’s out of your hands. Just relax and go with the flow—you will both be a lot happier that way. The key is to not let the workaholic spouse ruin your holiday trip for you.

It can be hard to travel with a workaholic spouse who is always on their laptop, but it’s not impossible. With a little bit of patience and planning, you can make the most of your family vacation. Try to schedule some downtime for both of you during the trip. Set and stick to some ground rules ahead of time, such as no work talk during mealtimes. If they slip up, don’t be afraid to remind them of the rules. We know it’s not always easy to travel with a workaholic spouse, but with some effort, you can make the most of your family vacation.

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Should you still wear a mask on the plane if it’s not required by law?

majority of people wearing masks on a flight

Singapore Airlines said that unless they are flying to or from a place that requires masks, travelers would not be obliged to wear them on flights. This policy on the use of masks while flying adheres to the most recent regulations.

But should you still wear a mask if certain flights don’t need it? Many people who are flying soon are debating whether to wear a mask. Allow us to discuss the safety concerns and more if you are also sitting on the fence. Hopefully, this will give you a slight peace of mind.

Safer than you think

Experts in infectious diseases observed that aircraft ventilation requirements are stringent and that no significant COVID-19 clusters have been linked to flights thus far. In essence, flying commercially is significantly safer than most people realize.

This is because a three-minute air exchange occurs repeatedly in an aircraft. More than 50% of the air entering the cabin is entirely outside air, while the rest is passed through hospital-grade HEPA air filters, which remove more than 99% of airborne particles. Therefore, it is nearly impossible for virus particles to be wandering through an aircraft, strictly speaking.

Levels of risk vary among people
travelers at Changi Airport

Image Credits: straitstimes.com.sg

Nonetheless, the risk that different people face from contracting COVID-19 may affect their choice to wear a mask on a flight. People who are younger or who have just recovered from COVID-19, for instance, are at lower risk.

It would probably be a good idea for those who are immunocompromised or who have never been infected before to wear a mask the whole journey. This may apply to transplant recipients or cancer survivors who are on diverse immunosuppressive medications.

How to take safety precautions pre- & in-flight

There will always be two teams—mask-up and mask-off. For those who want to better protect themselves by wearing a mask, go ahead. Or if you’re feeling uncomfortable sitting beside passengers who are not putting on masks, there are safety precautions you can take.

A mask that comfortably covers your nose and the sides of your face is what you want to wear. An N95, a KN95, or a layered cloth mask can be suitable choices. Bring additional masks, sufficient sanitizers, and disinfectant wipes in case you need to change your mask or sterilize your hands or surrounding surfaces.

Try to arrange shorter flights and have your meals settled before you get to the airport to prevent having to take off your mask unnecessarily. Before boarding, steer away from congested places to get a short snack or drink some water if feasible.

Have a lovely holiday but don’t forget to still keep up with your hygiene habits. Stay safe, everyone!

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COVID-19 updates for those planning a trip to Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea

back view of women wearing hanboks

From mask-off in most indoor spaces to allowing non-vaccinated travelers to do away with the seven-day SHN (Stay Home Notice) quarantine period on arrival in Singapore, countries around the globe have also begun lifting measures slowly.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading to Japan, Taiwan, or South Korea soon.

Japan
street of Japan

Image Credits: timeout.com

Japan has maintained stringent border controls for a longer period than many other major markets, and only in June did it start to let visitors enter on the premise that they did so in tour groups and with guides.

Beginning 7 September, travelers from all nations will be permitted to enter the nation as part of package expeditions without the need for tour guides. Japan will also increase the daily limit of visitors to the nation from 20,000 to 50,000. Additionally, visitors who have received the necessary vaccinations will not require pre-departure COVID-19 testing.

Taiwan
Tea houses on the Juifen mountain in Taiwan

Image Credits: traveltalk.dk

Taiwan is expected to loosen its border restrictions by the end of September, or at the latest, early October, according to the chief of the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC), who remarked last month.

The CECC also eliminated the pre-flight COVID-19 PCR test requirement as of 14 August. On-arrival PCR testing, a three-day quarantine, and a four-day self-initiated epidemic prevention period would still be required, though. Additionally, those who acquire COVID-19 overseas will not be permitted to travel by air to Taiwan within seven days of their positive test results.

South Korea
Busan in South Korea

Image Credits: traveldailymedia.com

The majority of South Korea’s pandemic-related restrictions were lifted in the first half of 2022, similar to Japan, but the country has continued to impose some of the strictest border controls, necessitating the proof of a negative coronavirus test result obtained before departure from all incoming travelers.

However, beginning from 3 September, visitors entering the nation will no longer be required to take the pre-departure COVID-19 test. However, as a minimum precaution put in place to stop the entrance and spread of any variety from abroad, travelers are still required to undergo a PCR test within the first 24 hours of their arrival in South Korea.

At Incheon Airport, Gimhae Airport, Jeju International Airport, or a medical facility close to your lodging, you may undergo your PCR test. Travelers are urged to stay in their accommodations until they obtain a negative PCR test result, according to the embassy. After that, record the results of your on-arrival PCR test on the Q-code website.

A seven-day quarantine is necessary if the results of the on-arrival test are positive. Short-term visitors will complete their quarantine at a designated quarantine center. You can call the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) at +82-2-2633-1339 if you have any inquiries about quarantine.

Bon voyage!

Editor’s note: All information published at the time of writing is accurate.

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Jackson Wang & TEAM WANG Arrive in Singapore

K-Pop sensation Jackson Wang has arrived in Singapore to an enthusiastic crowd of screaming fans. The star arrived in Changi Airport last August 2. He waved, gave out high-fives, and accepted a letter from a fan as he walked out of the Changi Airport Terminal 3 arrival gate.

Wang is a Hong Kong-born singer/songwriter, rapper, and record producer who gained global recognition after debuting with the South Korean boy band Got7 by JYP Entertainment. He is here in the Lion City until August 10 to help promote the SingapoReimagine campaign by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

To top off the celebration, he will host a party in Marquee nightclub at Marina Bay Sands with his record label Team Wang on August 6. This sold-out event is entitled Team Wang Records (Human Remix), which will feature pop and hip hop music.

Other acts that will delight its guests include Marquee’s DJ Fvder, beatboxer Dharni as well as other artists such as Laurie, Xenzu, and Boytoy. This will be the first event hosted by an international artist at Marquee since its opening in 2019.

Image Credits: instagram.com/marqueesingapore/

If you miss out on this event, do not fret! You can catch him in a series of lifestyle vlogs featuring wellness, food, music, as well as arts and culture spots in Singapore. Furthermore, he will open a concept space for his streetwear label – Team Wang Design.

The concept store is open in voco Orchard hotel. The voco Orchard Singapore is under the IHG Hotel umbrella and is located at 581 Orchard Road.

TEAM WANG DESIGN

Whether you admire Jackson Wang or not, you can still get a piece of his art through his TEAM WANG Design “MUDANCE” Concept Space. Located at the new upscale hotel voco Orchard Singapore, this free-entry concept space is a treat to the eyes. The theme here is tropical paradise where decorations are decked in floral prints, pink decor, and luscious plants.

This concept space is filled with Team Wang’s newest summer collection. Expect a selection of beachwear in floral prints and clothing pieces in the hues of pink and white.

Running until August 31, this concept space has items for both men and women. You will see some floral shirts, pink tops, jackets, and more. Couples who love to wear matching outfits can surely achieve a flawless #OOTD!

If you are curious to know which pieces are Wang’s favorites, you better take this down. Jackson has revealed that the floral print bikini and pink gradient tank top are his favorites.

Sources: 1 & 2

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4 Types of Wearable Technology & Where to Buy Them

From the widespread trend of smartwatches to the innovative smart rings, we are amid a wearable technology revolution. Watches, rings, fitness bands, and head-mounted displays can track your distance, send messages, control your camera, answer calls, and immerse you in the virtual world.

In this article, you will get a bird’s-eye view of the top wearable technology trends in 2022.

#1: SMARTWATCHES

It is hard to miss an advertisement tailored to highlight the capabilities of smartwatches. These are one of the most used wearable devices today. Connecting your smartphone to a mobile app enables you to read messages from the watch, to monitor your sleeping patterns, to control your camera switch, and so on. Smartwatch designers are finding new ways to innovate such as adding an electrocardiogram heart reading in Apple’s Apple Watch and a blood oxygen monitor in Realme’s Realme Watch 2.

Online prices start at S$599 for Apple Watch Series 7 and S$85 for Realme Watch 2.

#2: FITNESS TRACKERS

Fitness trackers are the modern successors to pedometers. These trackers enable you to monitor steps taken, heart rate, calories burned, and other fitness metrics. The difference between fitness trackers and smartwatches has become small as fitness-oriented devices have included features such as phone notification alerts and weather forecasts. Nonetheless, fitness trackers tend to be cheaper than smartwatches.

Online prices for FitBit devices start at S$138.

#3: HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAYS

As the name suggests, head-mounted displays (HMDs) go on the head and provide a display in the user’s field of view. It is bulkier than all the devices listed here. HMDs provide a one-of-a-kind experience for its users as they provide information superimposed over reality via augmented reality (AR), or completely immerse its user in a virtual reality (VR) setting. VR examples include Oculus Quest 2.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Online prices for Oculus Quest 2 start at S$551.

#4: SMART JEWELRY

Smart jewelry includes an array of unique accessories such as smart bracelets and smart rings. Smart rings are worn on the finger like a normal ring. However, smart rings obtain health-tracking data that you can review on your smartphone.

For instance, the NFC OPN rings control apps, unlocks doors, and transfers data to your smartphone. It seems like a prop from a science fiction movie! It is available for S$24 or £12.99 with shipping options from United Kingdom.

Sources: 1 & 2

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