It is fair to say that travelling is one of the most soul-satisfying experiences that one can encounter. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter if you’re in your twenties or forties, travelling can burn quite a hole in the bank account.
Where money spent transcribes to priceless experiences, it may be worth the wads of cash – but most of us don’t have that luxury.
Despite the tight budget some of us have to work with, there are 193 countries available to choose from – of which, even on a tight budget, definitely ample to travel a lifetime! But since time is of the essence, some might prefer not to travel too far – thus Asia would suffice.
Majority of these countries offer a variety of well-priced accommodations that aren’t too shabby, leaving you with enough spare cash to explore your surroundings. From the adventurous spirit to those who prefer to unwind, there’s unquestionably a place for you.
Here’s a list of five unexpectedly inexpensive places to travel in Asia.
1. Koh Lipe, Thailand
(Image credit: shin–k, via Flickr)
If you enjoy the sun, sand and sea – this is your ultimate paradise. Gaining popularity in recent years, it is the perfect getaway for couples, friends and even families. Known as the Maldives of Thailand, it is a small island in the Southern part of the Thai Andaman Sea. Crystal clear water, white sandy beaches and an abundant of marine life, it is part of a nature reserve and is also known as Thailand’s second National Park.
Activities such as snorkelling, diving and hiking are all reasonably priced, but if you want to spend less (or none at all), sunbathing at any of the three beaches will definitely keep the wallet fat and happy.
Generally priced a little higher than the mainland, it’s still thoroughly affordable.
2. Bali, Indonesia
Bali Tanah Lot (Image credit: Fabio Gismondi, via Flickr)
For travellers of all walks of life, Bali has something install for everyone – from the tranquil quiet getaway to party animals ready to get hammered, this is a must go destination if you’re ever in South East Asia.
Savour their local food and ride a bike like the locals do there. Not only do you save quite a bit, it’ll be a more enjoyable than renting a car. If you’re staying in Seminyak or Kuta, majority of the things are within walking distance – beaches, eateries, shops and massage parlours. Various packages and tours are also available for those who prefer to explore temples, rice terraces and the famous monkey caves or even white water rafting and ATV rides through the lush forestry.
Without the tours, $50 a day is more than enough to spend.
Filled with interesting historical sites and national parks, Sri Lanka, is one destination that aren’t on majority of travellers “top lists”. One of the cheapest places to travel to on this list, there are plethora of things to do in Sri Lanka such as visiting wild safaris, whale watching, rock climbing and even hot air ballooning.
Try a popular local beverage that you can buy off the streets,Thambili. Made from fresh coconut water and is very refreshing, and it’s also a cheaper option compared to bottled water.
Their staples are often made with rice and curry and can be very spicy. Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine eats for under a dollar, but there are also more touristy places where you might pay upwards of ten U.S. dollars.
Lastly it’s best to go around in a tri-shaw, or three-wheeler, which is comparable to a tuk tuk in most nearby countries. While they’re fun to ride in, there are some safety concerns.
Overall, $15 a day would suffice.
4. Yemen
Haraz Mountains, Yemen (Image credit: Rod Waddington, via Flickr)
Known as Arabia’s undiscovered gem, Yemen is where you can find the world’s oldest skyscrapers, spectacular mountaintop villages, pristine coral reefs, and stunningly gorgeous trees unseen anywhere else on earth. Dubbed as one of the dangerous holiday destinations, that’s the appeal to most who travel there.
Stepping out of your comfort zone, Yemen has a long list of eco-activities, camel and horse riding as well as paragliding tours which will definitely make it a unique holiday. Visit their local fish markets and try the popular Arabic coffee.
Ladies, note that you don’t have to dress definitely the Yemeni way but dress modestly in the public places – bare shoulders and miniskirts are not appreciated. The same goes for kissing in public.
* Singapore Airlines is having a two-to-fly fares sale until 31 Mar 15. Fares starts from SGD 358 for Bali and SGD558 to Colombo when you book with your MasterCard®. More info here: Singapore Airline's Sale. If you want to get to Koh Lipe, the easiest way would be to travel to Langkawi, grab a 10 minute taxi ride to Telaga Habour and then take the 60 minute ferry across to Koh Lipe. For Yemen, travelers are advised to defer travelling plans due to civil unrest until further notice.
For hotels booking, use our hotels search engine here: http://hotels.moneydigest.sg where we search thousands of travel sites to get you a best-price guaranteed hotel
Rather than spending more money on high-end accommodation, why don’t you spend more on fun activities such as skydiving? Spend it on once in a lifetime experiences that can only happen on the place you are at.
Save up to 58% on your travel expenses though HomeExchange.com. It is a popular website where people rent out their own home and find a place to stay while they travel. With this system, you will get a local feel and get to be toured to places that you will have never visited if you travelled by tour packages.
2. BLEND IN
Do what locals usually do and you will find yourself immersed in interesting conversations with them. Do not be afraid to try the cheap street foods that the locals are queuing for (unless you have an upset stomach).
Image Credits: Simon & His Camera via Flickr
I have a friend from Serbia who wants to bargain in Hong Kong flea but her district features can be a prey to vendors who want to take advantage of their customers. So, she let her Chinese friend help her bargain in the local language. It worked.
3. TAKE THE LOCAL TRANSPORT
Instead of flushing your money by taking taxis all around town, try to ride the local buses or trains. It will not only allow you to save a great deal of money but it will also give you memorable experiences. It is not everyday that you get to sit to locals carrying their fresh produce from their harvest.
4. INITIATE A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR FELLOW TRAVELERS
Converse with your fellow travelers and the locals to get credible information on which places to go to or which places do they enjoy the most. Chances are, you may find yourself in untouched places of beauty where only a few people go.
Tired of spending money while you travel? Then, do the opposite instead. To help you survive on the road or to give your travel fund a boost, explore creative ways to earn money while traveling. Here are 5 Ways to help you start…
Image Credits: Moyan Brenn via Flickr
1. TEACH ENGLISH
Hundreds of job opportunities that cater to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certified individuals, native English speakers or people who are fluent in the said language. A simple way to make a buck is to check out Dave Sperling’s ESL Cafe.
ESL Cafe is a website that is open for people who teach English and provides them students from around the world. You may send your resume or C.V. to schools and individuals in South Korea, China, Japan, and other locations.
Whether you have a talent in writing, marketing, administrative work, advertising, legal work, engineering, illustrating, and web design among others…there are websites that provide opportunities for online freelance work. You can do your job anywhere even if you’re inside your Bali hotel’s balcony enjoying seaside view.
You can be an Odesk.comonline freelancer. Payment is painless because Credit Cards, PayPal accounts, and Bank Accounts are accepted. There are work diaries that capture your work-in-progress and snapshots your screen so don’t try to cheat.
3. GET A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA OR WORK HOLIDAY PASS
By getting a working holiday visa or a work holiday pass you may legally work in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, France, Ireland, and Canada while you travel. The general age of qualification is aged 18 to 30. Aside from working, one sweet deal is that you may stay for up to a year in some cases.
Singapore also offers the same pass to people who studied or graduated in universities from nine countries namely: New Zealand, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, and United States.
4. HOSTEL, RESTAURANT, AND RESORT JOBS
In exchange for free bedroom accommodation, why don’t you work in either the hostel’s front desk or the cleaning services? Hostels are usually looking for new staff and the same goes for resorts.
For resorts, you make take on jobs on the front desk, restaurant, and entertainment department.
Lying on the country’s classified ads are cafe or restaurant job opportunities. Flip it open and apply. Explore your options to choose the best working hour that fits your travel itineraries.
5. BE CREATIVE
There are tons of ways to earn and all you have to do is get creative.
Image Credits: martinak15 via Flickr
What valuable talent or goods can you offer in exchange of money or free accommodation? You may teach Yoga or musical instruments, sell your photographs or timeshares, and housesit a property overseas. Your imagination is the limit!
As January draws nearer to a close, this marks the beginning of a new season – the season of love!
For the less imaginative soul, February may just be yet another arduous month to get through. But for the romantics out there, February bears so much promise of new beginnings, whimsicalities, and yes, you guessed it – Valentine’s Day!
Indeed, staycations are the latest trend in town for couples. In fact, they’re so commonplace these days that every month or so you might spot a few acquaintances posting up some envy-worthy pictures of themselves lounging on lush sheets or staring out of a balcony on their staycation. Some hotels have even caught on the wave and are peddling out exclusive staycation deals for couples in a bid to draw the attention of staycation hopefuls.
The popularity of staycations in Singapore has been spreading like wildfire, and it is truly little wonder why. After all, they’re a perfect alternative to your regular boring dinner date, and they’re suitable for all couples alike! Well, why not try out something different for Valentine’s Day this year? Consider a Valentine’s Day staycation instead!
If you’re a fresh couple who’s still finding your way around your relationship, a Valentine’s Day staycation would be the perfect solution to cement your relationship and stir up new feelings of romance and intimacy. Staycations are perfectly suitable for seasoned couples as well. For seasoned couples who are undeniably well accustomed to the regular Valentine dates, a staycation would truly provide a refreshing edge of spice to your romance as well!
That being said, in land scarce Singapore, accommodation may prove a little too extravagant for some to afford. This is especially the case for some of our top hotels, which can easily cost up to $500 or more a night on peak days. (The more Instagram-worthy, the higher the price ha!)
Not to fear! A fantastic staycation is not merely one that requires you to spend big bucks on it. In fact, a small cosy hotel can add just the right romantic fizz to the air as well. After all, it’s not the price that matters, but the company that counts, right? Plus, wouldn’t that extra money saved come in handy for that proposal ring or wedding reception?
Here are 5 affordable hotels, where you can have a romantic staycation on Valentine’s Day without bursting your budget!
Some hotels listed below are fast running out of rooms for Valentine’s Day – so book early to avoid undue disappointment.
Loft hotel rooms are all the rage these days, and I say this with utmost assurance – there is truly nothing quite as romantic as spending Valentine’s Day with your loved one in a loft at Studio M!
If your partner and yourself have an exclusive eye for the simple and minimalist, then Studio M is certainly your go-to hotel for Valentine’s Day. Boasting of a unique loft concept, Studio M is indeed ideal for the lazy couple whose idea of a perfect date is simply some quality time together lounging around. No fancy frills or fuss needed – just a comfortable, clean bed, some drinks, and a lover by your side.
For an additional romantic touch, arrive at your room at least 15 minutes before your partner, and scatter some rose petals on the lush white expanse of the bed to create an instant mood of sheer romance. Pop a glass of wine (or hey, if budget romance works out especially well for you, some tangy but tasty Taiwan beer will also do the trick), and you’re all set for a great Valentine’s night out! Plus, Studio M is conveniently located a mere 10 minutes’ walk away from Clarke Quay. If you’re up for a midnight drink fest, surely you know where to go.
(Source: Agoda) Studio M’s loft rooms are priced from an affordable $195 per night (additional charges may apply). Indeed, for close to $200, you’ll be able to enjoy some cherished romantic quality time with your partner. After all, nobody ever said that romance and affordability are mutually exclusive!
2. BIG Hotel
(Image credit: bighotel.com)
Contrary to its name, BIG Hotel actually isn’t really all that big (truly, the name of the hotel in itself is quite the pun huh). Instead, it boasts of an eclectic collection of cozy small rooms, each wondrously designed with a minimalistic touch. For the Valentine’s Day couple, BIG Hotel is truly a perfect alternative to boring dinner dates. Each room in BIG Hotel is well equipped with Wi-Fi and Movies on Demand – yes, free movies!
If you’re both massive fans of action, fanfare and blockbusters, and your regular date typically comprises of a movie at a cinema, you will surely find BIG Hotel a refreshing take to the overused Valentine date routine. After all, why seek out uncomfortable and scratchy plush seats at the cinema when you can cuddle and lounge in the comfort of your own private room, right?
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, why not add a dash of romance to the mix? Bring your own box of popcorn to the hotel. Or perhaps, if you feel tempted to splurge a little, I’d certainly recommend indulging in some quality caramel popcorn by Garrett’s. Get a bar of dark chocolate or two, and break it into smaller chunks and mix them in with the popcorn. This additional touch of subtly bitter chocolate mixed with your sweet caramel will certainly suffice to spice up the romantic mood! After all, chocolate is the food of love! And what better to spur on the romance, than some natural aphrodisiac in the form of cocoa?
A night at BIG Hotel will set you back from $169 onwards. (Source: HotelsCombined) A small price to pay indeed, for a night of treasured memories!
One of the most popular staycation destinations in Singapore, the Wanderlust Hotel certainly speaks for itself. With its unique room designs and features, each room takes you away into an entirely different setting, and a night well spent will certainly feel like out of this world!
Choose from a range of three types of rooms – the pantone rooms, mono rooms, or whimsical lofts (as pictured respectively).
The cheapest option would be the pantone rooms, where each room is affixed with vibrant loud colours of theme. Opt for the sassy red pantone room for a touch of va-va-voom to your Valentine’s Day. While relatively small in size, the loud colours and quirky design make up for any shortfall in spaciousness. The coloured settings and dim lights will certainly set your heart a-fluttering, and your blood pumping with adrenaline!
If your partner and yourself have a taste for the minimalist and monochrome, opt for one of Wanderlust Hotel’s mono rooms instead.
Or perhaps, if you’re in it for the splurge, take the plunge and make a booking for a whimsical loft room exclusively designed and decorated to complement the unique themes of ‘Typewriter’, ‘Bling’, ‘Tree’, and ‘Space’. Indeed, Wanderlust Hotel is famed for its thematic loft rooms, and there’s no better option for a staycation for the adventurous young couple!
Prices begin from $179 for pantone rooms, and $215 for their mono rooms. Whimsical loft rooms are sold out for Valentine’s Day, but costs from $277 for each night on regular off-peak days (Source: HotelsCombined).
4. Lloyd’s Inn
(Image credit: tripadvisor.com)
(Image credit: designboom.com)
Despite being relatively new to the hotel scene in Singapore, Lloyd’s Inn has gained quite the cult following for itself as a staycation destination. A look at the breath taking photos of the boutique hotel will certainly leave you with a knowing edge as to why this hotel has gained such a reputation for itself indeed.
Lloyd’s Inn features an array of minimalistic rooms that are sleek and clean in design. For the quiet couple who seeks little grandeur and magnificence, the simplistic design of Lloyd’s Inn will certainly draw you in. Why spend your Valentine’s Day in the throes of the town crowd, when you can have an amazing night’s stay at a tranquil hotel located in a peaceful precinct of Orchard itself?
Despite being located in Orchard, Lloyd’s Inn offers an aesthetic reminiscent of villas and summer resort, and provides a great option for a quick getaway from the hectic city life in Singapore. In fact, with its inviting displays of nature, it certainly is difficult to guess that this out-of-the-world hotel is located in the very bosom of Singapore’s town, isn’t it?
Indeed, Lloyd’s Inn is perfect for a Valentine’s Day staycation. Lounge in the relaxing expanse of the white-themed room that the hotel has to offer, and if you seek a breath of fresh air, you can take a brisk stroll in the surprisingly quiet district, hand clasped in hand, feet paced in a soothing rhythm, while making casual lilting chat about everything and anything under the sun.
Prices at Lloyd’s Inn begin from $158 for each night (Source: HotelsCombined). Act fast though; rooms are running out fast! (Fully booked on 14 Feb – as at 27/1/15)
5. Adonis Hotel
(Image credit: booking.com)
(Image credit: sg.hotels.com)
Restored and refurnished in one of Singapore’s original shop houses, Adonis Hotel provides an original twist to your usual hotel stay. It features an elegant design that is reminiscent of an eclectic fusion between its old school shop house days, and modern sophistication and class.
If your partner and yourself are culture freaks, then Adonis Hotel will certainly make a perfect stay for you! Located along Purvis Street, you can both take a leisurely stroll along the street while admiring some of Singapore’s unique colonial days architecture that have been painstakingly restored and maintained. There is truly something about a stay in a quaint little boutique hotel amidst such historical buildings and sites that appeals to the romantic bone in everyone indeed!
Plus, a brief 10-minutes walk will take you to the Mint Museum of Toys, where your partner and yourself can re-examine your childhood amidst the toys of old!
Settle for a quiet romantic dinner after your explorations at one of the dinner joints or independent restaurants located along or near Purvis Street. Bring a bottle of red wine along if you so wish to, to complete the delightful mood of honeyed romance. After all, wine goes best with something sweet, and what sweeter a side dish than your very own brand of love?
Adonis Hotel has rooms available from $205.97! (Source: HotelsCombined). If your partner and yourself are big on indie explorations and refinding Singapore, a stay at Adonis Hotel is certainly perfect for your Valentine’s Day!
* Updated on 27/1/15 to reflect availability of rooms, prices to include GST and service charge and links
How can you pay for trips if your budget is too tight? Certainly, saving for travel money is not an easy task, which is why a sparkle of effort is needed to turn your dreams into reality.
Here are 4 Ways to Boost Your Travel Fund…
1. SELL YOUR UNWANTED OR UNUSED ITEMS ONLINE
Anything that is still in good condition and has a credible brand name will be flocked over by buyers. Even your old furniture can be sold in online sites such as Carousell and Gumtree. Nonetheless, you can always sell your precious items to your close family and friends through a Facebook group.
Rules on selling include: be honest with the product’s flaws, have a simple and accurate description, and charge right for postage.
The popular and safe websites (or mobile apps) for selling are:
Some companies such as Citibank or Virgin offer a significant amount of air miles every time you purchase. Once you have an air mileage credit card and use it abundantly (within your needs), you may even book your flight for free!
Image Credits: William Cho via Flickr
3. CONTROL YOUR UNNECESSARY BUYING INSTINCTS
Stop buying useless things that you do not need. Rethink if buying overpriced coffee rather than making your own coffee at work saves you more. Instead of buying lunch, pack your own lunch for at least 2 months. It will not only save more money, but it will reduce waste. It may seem simple, but these unnecessary expenses add up.
4. BE PATIENT
If you need to purchase something for your trip, wait for sale to come around or buy the last season’s model. When selling your items, you must be okay to accept an item price for less. You must practice the virtue of patience, as you wait for the right time before you may be able to travel.
