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4 “Hidden” Costs Of Flying With Budget Airlines

How can you pay for a trip if your budget is too tight? Certainly, saving for travel money is not an easy task, which is why a mixture of effort and creativity will make your dream getaway a reality.

While scouting for affordable prices, you can consider flying with the popular Budget Airlines namely: Tigerair, Jetstar, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.

However, the true reason why you are able to purchase low-cost plane tickets with Budget Airlines is that they provide the basic amenities on-board while charging you for the additional services you might require. These “hidden or sneaky” fees for anything extra can take a toll on your pocket. This is why, you shall keep an eye on the following costs:

1. TIME

Usually, the cheapest fares and special promotions are available during off-peak season or in the most inconvenient times. Examine if you are really willing to wait for the off-peak seasons or if you are willing to sacrifice sleep to save money.

2. EXCESS BAGGAGE

For short trips, I suggest to pack light. Although majority of Budget Airlines provide you with a free carry-on baggage allowance (of at least 7kg) aside from your check-in baggage, exceeding this will cost you a lot! For example, Jetstar charges a minimum of S$20 while Tigerair charges a minimum of S$25 per kilo in excess.

3. CREDIT CARD PROMOTIONS

Some credit cards offer deals with Budget Airlines but, they might require a minimum amount of purchase or a minimum amount of people. A credit card that is exclusive to the airlines itself will give you the advantage you need.

For example, Tigerair Platinum Credit Card lets its holders enjoy free luggage upgrades, free seating selections, early access to Tigerair deals, and priority boarding.

4. SERVICE EXTRAS

As you confirm your ticket, remember that you will have to pay for all your extras including food, beverages, blankets, pillows, and entertainment systems. Save money by packing your own food but, check if the carrier allows outside food first. Then, finish your drinks before going through security because there are on-board liquid restrictions.

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

To ensure that your bargain airfare does not break your budget, review the fine print with hawk eyes and consider the unexpected costs! 🙂

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

Is AirAsia Flying Private?

Budget airlines enabled people of all walks of life to travel at their convenience.

If I asked you to name five budget airlines in Asia, it is no surprise that AirAsia will come to mind. Since its inception in 2001, AirAsia has become one of the biggest budget airlines in Asia with over 170 airbus jets serving nearby countries such as India and Philippines.

Taking the feeble regional aviation market and the struggling Malaysian economy into consideration, Tony Fernandes may find it hard to take AirAsia private due to the large funding needs. According to the analysts they would need approximately US$800 Million to make the budget airlines into private based on the 25% premium.

It is important to note that AirAsia’s sales are immensely translated in local currencies while its costs are mostly in U.S. dollars. This poses a problem since the floundering Malaysian Ringgit led to the lost of 17% this year. Also, as of June 2015, AirAsia had a net debt of 10.5 Billion Ringgit (US$2.4 Billion). Nonetheless, there are some investors who are willing to bet on Malaysia’s recovery and cheaper oil prices.

Fernandes had reliably backed AirAsia’s finances ever since. Last June, he said that the airlines could simply raise a billion U.S. dollars by creating sales and lease back of aircrafts. Furthermore, AirAsia’s valuations are more affordable than its smaller competitions. According to Thomson Reuters data, the budget airlines is trading at less than six times its expected earnings for the next year, while Philippines’ Cebu Pacific Airlines is trading at more than seven times.

This brings us back to the viable question of whether or not AirAsia is flying fancy any time soon. Let me conclude with the statement released by an analyst named Jian Bo Gan:

“The founders may not have the financial muscle to launch a privatization bid on their own, so a consortium together with another airline or PE fund is more likely.”

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

Sources: 1 & 2

Top 5 Websites in Singapore to Book Flight Tickets

Have you ever had to plan a business or personal trip in minutes? If so, you must have thanked technology for offering you the advantage of booking your tickets online. It’s a simple yet necessary service that allows people to get the ticket booking done by exploring all the options and without leaving the comfort of their homes.

If you are a newbie who has never booked a flight ticket over the internet then you should have a look at the top 5 websites in Singapore to book flight tickets as these websites will come in quite handy when you have to book your tickets instantly the next time around.

1. Expedia

https://www.expedia.com.sg/

It’s a cool website that is quite easy to understand and helps you get done with the reservations within a few seconds. You also have the benefit of getting your hands on some standard and last minute deals that will save you some money. Who wouldn’t like to save some money? Huh?

2. Agoda

http://www.agoda.com/

This is another cool website for newbies. The best part about this website is its simplicity. Everything is written in a simple language and some steps are clearly mentioned so that even a person who is not so computer friendly can book the tickets within a few seconds. They also offer flight tickets on an urgent basis.

3. Zuji

http://www.zuji.com.sg/

This website is renowned for offering everything with regard for your travel, be it flight tickets or car hire. You can even get customized and exclusive deals in your inbox which will assist you to get started with your travel plans earlier than you would have thought. After all, you wouldn’t want to let go of an exclusive money saving package, Would you?

4. Singapore Airlines

http://www.singaporeair.com/

Singapore Airlines can help you to plan your entire trip at a single place. You can find hotels, get travel insurance, avail Singapore tours and do much more. They also have a very active promotions section that can help you understand about their service offerings and deals in detail. All you need to do is click on the deal you find suitable and get done with the entire tour planning within a few moments.

5. Thai Airways

http://www.thaiairways.com/

Last but certainly not the least; Thai Airways is another website that makes online flight booking a pleasant experience. The website has to offer great deals and updates the users on great happenings various places like exploring Chiang Mai as well as updates the users on latest happenings in the Airline industry. This website is a must visit for travel lovers as it has a lot more to offer than simple airline tickets.

The specialty of all these websites is that they offer flight tickets on priority basis so even if you are in a bit of a rush, you can trust these websites to offer affordable tickets in short order without getting scammed. Just try them once and you’ll agree that they are certainly the best websites in Singapore to book flight tickets.

(This article is brought to you by CouponzGuru.)

6 Affordable Home Remedies For Common Travel Sickness

According to a survey, 6 out of 10 people fall sick overseas every year. There is a higher susceptibility to common travel sickness such as colds, sunburn, throat infection, constipation, and insect bites.

You do not need to visit the doctor just yet! Be healthy after traveling with these 6 Home Remedies For Common Travel Sickness…

1. COLDS

If you travelled in country at wintertime and came back immediately to sunny Singapore then, you can really catch a cold. The main virus that causes cold is still unknown. This is why the body relies on its own defenses. However, you can effectively ease its symptoms with these remedies:

a. STAY HYDRATED

Drink plenty of water, juices, or warm lemon water with honey to help prevent dehydration and loosen up the congestion. Stay away from alcohol, coffee, or caffeinated sodas as they can worsen dehydration.

b. ADD MOIST IN THE AIR

Add moist in the air by purchasing an air humidifier that retails for as low as S$15.90. This helps loosen the congestion as well. But, remember to change its water daily and clean the machine according to the manufacturer’s manual. Stay away from steams as some can cause burns.

2. SUNBURN

If you overexposed your skin to the sun just to get the perfect holiday selfies then, you can end up with painful sunburn. Until it naturally goes diminishes on its own, ease the discomfort with these remedies:

a. MAGIC POTATO

An aged-old remedy for sunburn relies on the magic of potatoes. Get two washed potatoes, cut them into small chunks, and put them inside the blender or food processor. The potato must reach its liquid form before you can pat the burned areas with it. Then, wait until the potatoes dry up so you can take a cool shower.

b. APPLY COOL COMPRESS

You shall not apply ice a pack of it to the burnt area. Instead, soak a cloth into cool water and apply it to the burnt area for several minutes. Apply this multiple times to help relieve discomfort throughout the day. Strengthen the cool compress by adding soothing ingredients such as baking soda or oatmeal to the water.

3. INSECT BITES

Without consulting your doctor, most insect bites and stings heals naturally. Unless if you feel other symptoms such as fever then, it could be Dengue. Otherwise, relieve the itching, pain, and swelling with these remedies:

a. RUB TEA BAGS

Gently rub damp and cool tea bag over the bites. The natural tannins in the leaves will remove the excess fluid to decrease the swelling and pain felt.

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

b. APPLY LEMON JUICE

The natural antioxidants and alpha-hydroxy acids found in lemon juice are good for healing and cleansing the skin. Apply a few lemon juice particles over the mosquito bites with a cotton ball then, let it dry. Afterwards, you must rinse it well. You have to be careful when applying this remedy outside of your house because the oils in citrus fruits can make the skin more susceptible to sunburn.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

10 countries beyond Southeast Asia you may consider visiting next

Deciding on a country to visit can be a perpetual headache, especially when group consensus is needed. Indeed, given that there are 195 countries in the world today, reading up on the attributes of each country and comparing the alternatives can be painfully time-consuming. Determining whether a travel destination fits your personal preference is another uphill task.

However, with plummeting airfares and the plethora of fun-filled and enriching tourist activities available, it makes economic sense to take full advantage of them to gain maximum exposure to the world and widen one’s horizon.

Thus, this article aims to shorten this search-and-evaluate process by cherry-picking 10 popular destinations that appeal to most folks. It is specifically useful for potential tourists who plan to venture beyond the Southeast Asian territories and want to make the most out of their limited holiday budget.

Click to enlarge:

Is Italy next on your bucket list?

The Almafi Coast, Italy (Image credit: http://benvenutoamalficoasttours.blogspot.sg)

Should you visit The Almafi Coast or Cinque Terre? Both are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. BENVENUTOLIMOS has done a comparison for you here.

Disclaimer: Individual experiences may differ and this flowchart is not meant to be exhaustive.

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