Travel & Entertainment Archives | Page 64 of 70

Score Great Deals At Hotels In Just 6 Ways

1. BE FLEXIBLE

The quickest way to save money on your next hotel booking is to shake up your travel dates. If you are flexible enough to travel a few days earlier or later especially in the midweek, you will be able to avoid the hefty prices of the weekend rooms. Also, traveling during the off-peak season is usually advantageous. Aside from the lower prices of the hotel rooms, you will be able to indulge more on sightseeing as there is less crowds.

For example, you can host your stag party in Las Vegas on August instead of December to save about 50% off on hotels.

2. INCLUDE THE HOTEL’S PERKS

When choosing a hotel, include the its free perks to your travel budget as they can impact it significantly. For instance, the complimentary breakfast meals help you save a couple of dollars for your whole trip. And if your hotel has a game room, a gym, and a swimming pool, you can spend countless hours on free entertainment. Some hotels even go beyond by offering free drinks at the their bar, discounts at their spa, and free shuttle services.

3. TALK THE “TALK”

Much like any other professions, hotel staff has their own jargons or “lingo” that you must be aware of in order to increase your chances of getting the best price. Instead of asking for the “best deal on a room”, you must ask for the “cheapest non-refundable rate”. Reduce the ambiguity of your statements.

4. USE CREDIT CARDS WITH HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAMS

When paying for hotel reservations, use a credit card with hotel rewards program. Your credit card can either reward you with points to avail a free hotel room or discounts at the affiliated hotels.

In Singapore, redeem OCBC$ to get free hotel stay packages with your OCBC Titanium MasterCard Credit Card or enjoy 12% savings at several hotels with the American Express Personal Card.

5. DOWNLOAD AN APP

Worry not about your emergency accommodation! HotelQuickly, as the name suggests, allows you to book last-minute discounted hotels within seconds. They bring you exclusive deals on Asia-Pacific’s top-rated hotels located in New Zealand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, and Australia. Keep an eye with their featured accommodation to enjoy discounts up to 70%.

It’s available on Android and iOS.

6. COMPARE PRICES

Most people avail the services of travel agencies thinking that they offer the cheapest prices in town. However, they add service fees to the prices and make it more expensive. On the flip side, some people compare the hotel prices of 2 specific websites thinking it is enough. But it is not! A better option is to use our hotel comparison tool- hotels.moneydigest.sg. It is an extensive tool that helps you narrow down the best deal on various websites such as Expedia, Hotels.com, HotelTravel.com, and so much more.

Never underestimate the money you will save by comparing hotel prices! It may just boost your travel fund by a lot.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

5 Must-Try Bars That Sell Booze For As Low As S$6

A bunch of your friends have gathered to celebrate the happy hour! Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

But what if you found yourselves in a tight budget crunch? Where should you go for incredibly affordable drinks without sacrificing the taste?

Well, take a look at this list first!

1. WINE CONNECTION TAPAS BAR & BISTRO

Share a casual dinner with your friends or a lazy weekend afternoon with your partner at Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro. It is the perfect place for gatherings as they serve good beats, relaxing vibes, and reasonably priced drinks. You can even get booze for as low as S$6.

Image Credits: facebook.com/wineconnectionsgp

Located at #01-19/20 Robertson Walk, 11 Unity Street, Singapore 237995.

2. 5 EMERALD HILL

5 Emerald Hill is a unique bar as it is housed in a Peranakan-styled building. Aside from their famous Chicken Wings, they serve an array of cocktails including their signature No.5 cocktail and Chili Vodka. Get your hands with their S$8 gentleman’s pour or S$10 house wine before the clock turns to 9PM!

Image Credits: facebook.com/No5EmeraldHill

Located at 5 Emerald Hill Road, Singapore 229289.

3. NASSIM HILL BAKERY BISTRO & BAR

What is amazing about Nassim Hill Bakery Bistro & Bar is that they have the longest happy hour from 9am to 9pm! And there is no service charge. Match their food with the house wines priced at S$11 or the stiff drinks (i.e., vodka, rum, or tequila) priced for as low as S$8.

Image Credits: facebook.com/nassimhill/timeline

Located at 56 Tanglin Road #01-03, #01-03 Tanglin Post Office, Singapore 247964.

4. THE CIDER PIT

Rated with 82% upvotes at Hungry Go Where, The Cider Pit sees that your cider cravings are covered at an affordable price of S$10/pint. Aside from ciders, you may quench your thirst for artisanal beers as well as your hunger for European cuisine.

Image Credits: hungrygowhere.com/singapore/The_Cider_Pit

Located at 328 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427585.

5. WALA WALA CAFE BAR

As eccentric as their name is, Wala Wala Cafe Bar offers different experiences to its consumers every night. But I guarantee, you will enjoy the upbeat venue, eclectic live performances, and their inexpensive booze. From 4pm to 9pm, you can grab a vino or a beer for less than S$10!

Image Credits: facebook.com/walawala.sg

Located at 31 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277689.

Sources: 1 & 2

Be The Best Traveler You Can Be Without Spending A Cent

If you are a seasoned traveler, backpacker, or hiker, you must be aware of the saying: “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.”

Sometimes, we get too engrossed with our desire to have a great time that we forget that we responsible for taking care of the environment for the future generations to come. The statement above simply encapsulates that responsibility.

You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars to become good stewards of Mother Nature and have unforgettable experiences in return, all you have to do is follow these steps:

1. TAKING NOTHING BUT PICTURES

Bringing a piece of nature’s paradise from your trip may seem like a good idea at first. But it is not! Keeping a bottle of Boracay, Philippines’ glorious white sands would only tarnish its beauty. Commercial establishments had already taken up some of the island’s resources; do you want to continue what they started?

To ensure that untouched destinations such as Penghu Islands (Taiwan) and Yaeyama Islands (Japan) are maintained, it is important to take pictures and nothing else. Besides, getting “souvenirs” without permission can be punishable by the laws of that country. You would not want to pay a hefty fine!

2. LEAVING NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS

In 20 years, I picture a world filled with diverse species that are vividly scattered across the globe! I think you want to share the same vision too. I mean…would you rather see majestic birds fly through the air or birds covered with dirt due to an unfortunate oil spill?

Image Credits: Marine Photobank via Flickr (CC license)

It is our obligation to leave nothing but shoe (not carbon) footprints wherever we go. For instance, if you want to go snorkeling in Thailand’s Ko Lipe, do not forget to throw your trash in the rubbish bin and not in its beautiful waters. Do not carve your “couple name” on the walls either as vandalizing can ruin historical landmarks. Simply, do your best to contribute to the cleanliness of the place you are visiting.

3. KILLING NOTHING BUT TIME

Ambon (Indonesia) was an essential island during the heyday of the Dutch East India Company because it was used as a source of spices. Aside from spices, Ambon is famous for their eels. Imagine if people would pay to kill those eels? Fortunately, they do not!

However, that is not the case in Africa. People pay Africans to get the tusks of the helpless elephants in order to sell them internationally. Believe it or not, thousands of elephants are being killed each year for their tusks! When you purchase ivory necklaces, you may not be the one holding the knife but you just promoted the market for the illegal killings. Let us face it; do you really need that ivory tusk necklace or that tortoise-shell keychain?

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

So please, while enjoying your travels, kill nothing but negativity and time.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

5 Clear-Cut Ways To Save Sizable Money As A Tourist In Singapore

If you believe that following your travel budget on one of the most expensive countries in the world is impossible…think again! There are many ways to save a sizable amount of money as you explore Singapore.

Here are just some of them:

1. SAVE ON FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Food and beverages is one of the few categories you will be spending more on as you travel. Singaporean cuisine is unique because of its cultural diversity that is influenced by the neighboring Asian countries. So if you are tempted to try all the mouthwatering local dishes, eat at cost-effective food courts called “hawker centres” or traditional coffee shops called “kopitiam”.

Also, save money on water by drinking safely from the tap. Simply purchase a small bottled water for S$2 and refill it again via tap, for free.

2. SHOP AT THE RIGHT PLACES

Singapore is a haven for food lovers, for digital enthusiasts, and for fashionistas of all ages! It has an abundance of shopping centers. As a first time tourist, shopping for bargain keepsakes for you and your loved ones can be challenging and overwhelming. Ease your search by checking out these posts:

a. Excellent Places To Find Low-Cost Uniquely Singaporean Souvenirs

b. Perfect Places To Buy The Cheapest Perfume And Other Fragrances In Singapore

c. Perfect Places To Buy Cheap Camera And Accessories In Singapore

3. GET THE BEST EXCHANGE RATES IN TOWN

It is quintessential to find the best place to change the currency of your money especially if you are travelling for a long period of time. Luckily for you, Singapore boasts with an array of licensed and reliable money changers that offer the best rates for most foreign currencies. Save more money by comparing the rates of each shop or by reading this concise post.

4. SAVE ON TRANSPORTATION

Singapore is one of the few countries where walking is recommended and enjoyable. Indulge in the picturesque sights and neighborhoods by walking to and from the tourist attractions. Otherwise, take advantage of the efficient transportation services by purchasing an EZ-Link card instead of paying for each ride.

By using an EZ-Link card, you only pay for the distance traveled, rather than paying for the flat fare. For short trips, save even more by purchasing the Singapore Tourist Pass, which allows you to have unlimited rides for 3 days. Thus costing you as little as S$6.70 a day (T&C apply).

5. STRICTLY FOLLOW THE RULES

It is no secret that our country has been dubbed as the “Fine City”. The common penalties range from S$200 to S$1,000. For example, you have to pay S$500 per pack once you are caught bringing it inside the country. Some laws are even popular for its outrageous nature such as banning of chewing gums.

Image Credits: Paul Papadimitriou via Flickr

Avoid breaking the bank by being aware of and complying with the regulations. Be reminded by the warning signs that are plastered islandwide.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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