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7 Thrifty Tips to Help You Travel in Europe on a Budget

Planning a trip to Europe but worried about your budget? Don’t fret! With careful planning and a few money-saving tips, you can explore the wonders of Europe without breaking the bank.

From affordable accommodations to money-saving strategies, we’ve compiled a list of seven practical tips to help you travel to Europe on a budget. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey while keeping your wallet happy.

#1: CONSIDER HOSTELS & LOCAL HOMESTAYS

Finding budget accommodation in Europe is easier than you might think. Hostels are a popular choice, offering not only cost-effective options but also opportunities to meet fellow travelers. Choose dorm rooms instead of expensive hotel suites to share costs and make new friends along the way. Alternatively, consider booking spare rooms in locals’ houses or apartments through platforms like Airbnb and Couchsurfing for a more authentic and economical experience.

#2: SEARCH FOR FREE ACTIVITIES

Check for grammar: Europe is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering plenty of free activities for travelers. Take advantage of free walking tours in cities, which provide an excellent introduction to the area while highlighting major attractions. You can also enjoy the scenic wonders of Europe by going on hikes, strolling along the beach, or having picnics in charming parks—all without spending a dime.

Many museums and galleries offer free admission on specific days or times, so plan your visits accordingly. Try visiting London’s National Gallery and Camden Art Centre, or Paris’ Museum of Fine Arts (Petit Palais) and Museum of Modern Art (Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris).

#3: SPLURGE AT THE LOCAL MARKET

When it comes to food and souvenirs, explore local markets for a budget-friendly experience. These vibrant marketplaces not only offer affordable prices but also immerse you in the local culture. When my husband returned home from Europe, he brought back a dreamcatcher with my name from the streets of London.

Sample fresh produce, indulge in local specialties, and discover unique handicrafts—all at reasonable prices compared to touristy areas. Engaging with local vendors can also provide insights into the region’s traditions and flavors.

#4: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONLINE BUNDLE PASSES

Individual admission tickets for various attractions can quickly add up, straining your travel budget. Thankfully, numerous websites offer bundle passes that provide discounted rates on hotels, amusement park tickets, airline travel, and more.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Take advantage of platforms like Google Flights, Groupon Getaways, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Scott’s Cheap Flights, and Kayak to find bundled deals that can save you significant money while exploring Europe.

#5: EMBRACE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

While travelling via cab may seem like the most convenient option, buses and trains are often cheaper and offer unique experiences. Not only do they provide cost-effective transportation, but they also allow you to enjoy scenic routes and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Consider opting for an overnight train journey to save on accommodation costs, as you won’t need to pay for a hostel for that night.

#6: EARN WHILE YOU TRAVEL

Turn your travel dreams into reality by taking advantage of working holiday opportunities. Various seasonal jobs are available in Europe, such as teaching skiing during the winter, or teaching a language.

If your work allows it, freelancing while traveling can also be an option. Earning money while you travel not only provides financial support but also offers unique cultural experiences and the opportunity to connect with locals.

#7: COOK HOMEMADE MEALS

Dining out can be a significant expense while traveling. To save money, opt for affordable lunches from supermarkets or local fresh food markets instead of costly cafes or restaurants. Take the time to explore your options before choosing a place for dinner, as the first restaurant you see might not offer the best value for your money.

Additionally, consider opting for water instead of beer with your meals to save both your wallet and waistline. If available, choose accommodation with kitchen access to cook your own meals and further reduce expenses.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Traveling to Europe on a budget is not only achievable but also rewarding. By implementing these thrifty tips, you can explore the breathtaking offerings of Europe without burning a hole in your pocket.

Sources: 1 & 2

Taylor Swift’s Singapore Concert Drives Unprecedented Increase in UOB Card Applications

UOB cardholders enter a room and make the whole world shimmer! UOB has recently announced a remarkable surge of 45 percent in card applications across Southeast Asia. This surge follows the revelation on June 21 that UOB’s credit and debit cardholders would have exclusive access to tickets for Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated The Eras Tour concerts in Singapore.

The news of UOB cardholders enjoying privileged access to Taylor Swift’s upcoming six-day performance in Singapore sparked a wave of anticipation among the public. Jacquelyn Tan, Head of Group Personal Financial Services at UOB, expressed her delight at the “very significant surge” in card application volumes, not only in Singapore but also across the bank’s markets in ASEAN.

SOARING NUMBERS TO REAP EXCLUSIVE PERKS

With this announcement, UOB has granted over seven million customers the exclusive opportunity to attend Swift’s Singapore concert, which will be her only performance in Southeast Asia as part of The Eras Tour next year.

The impact of this announcement has been felt across ASEAN countries, as card applications experienced a notable surge. According to a media statement, the daily average of UOB credit card applications in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam during the week of June 21-27 witnessed a remarkable 45 percent increase compared to the preceding weeks of the month. Additionally, debit card applications in Singapore and Vietnam soared by nearly 130 percent.

Examining the demographics of credit card applications approved between June 21-30 in the five ASEAN markets reveals interesting trends. Customers aged 30 to 40 years constituted over one-third of the total applicants, while the 20 to 30-year-old demographic made up almost 32 percent. Among these new credit cardholders, females accounted for the majority at 52 percent. Notably, the UOB One Credit Card emerged as the preferred choice among applicants during this period.

UOB TRENDS IN SINGAPORE

In Singapore, the announcement of Swift’s concert triggered a noticeable shift in the demographics of new cardholders between June 21-27. The proportion of 25 to 29-year-olds increased from 22 percent to 27 percent in the week following the announcement. Moreover, there was a significant increase of almost 10 percent in the proportion of new female cardholders compared to the earlier part of the month when the male-female ratio was nearly equal. The UOB One Credit and Debit Card stood out as clear favorites among new local card applicants in their respective categories.

To accommodate the anticipated surge in card applications, UOB took proactive measures to increase the capacity of the relevant business units responsible for processing these applications.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

TAYLOR SWIFT EFFECT

Swift’s exclusive appearance in Singapore contributes to the nation’s concert frenzy as post-Covid travel resumes. Tickets for Coldplay’s concert sold out within hours of their release, and Hong Kong pop star Jacky Cheung is set to perform for a record-breaking 11 nights. According to travel platform Agoda, accommodation searches in the city-state during Coldplay’s concert dates in January experienced an astounding 8.7-times increase, driven primarily by Malaysia and Indonesia, as stated in a released statement last month. Ultimately, various sectors within the hotel and tourism industry are poised to experience a surge in sales in the upcoming year.

Sources: 1 & 2

Latest WFH internships posted from 4 to 7 July 2023

Remote internships come with plenty of benefits, if you don’t already know by now.

You get the shiok flexibility to work from the comfort of your own home or favorite hangout spot, and save big on transport and food expenses, so you can afford more bubble tea and shopping.

Teehee.

Plus, you become tech-savvy using online collaboration tools. It also helps upgrade your self-discipline and lets you enjoy more pajama days. Remote internships have it all!

So if you’re sold already, keep reading for the latest WFH internships available this week.

#1: Commun1ty – Digital Marketing Intern

Website: commun1ty.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $600 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Strong and independent drive
Strong social skills
A toolkit for creating creative assets

Key Responsibilities

Conduct extensive research to gain a deep understanding of the target audience’s demographics, interests, behaviors, and pain points.
Develop a digital marketing strategy that effectively targets the priority audience, including defining prioritized channels and segmented value statements.
Creating captivating content (e.g., Ad creatives, key messages/slogans, videos, etc.)
Managing ad channels and/or social media platforms.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and send your application to [email protected].

#2: Dollop Pte Ltd – Event Management Intern

Website: dollop.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $900 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications

Singaporeans and/or PRs
You should be creative-minded with a meticulous eye for detail, organized, hands-on, and enjoy coordination and execution.
The nature of the job requires someone who can work with tight timelines and under pressure.

Key Responsibilities

Support the Events Team on day-to-day operations, brand activations, and event management.
Provide meticulous and well-organized administrative support for marketing execution, event, and digital campaign-related items, including ensuring all event-related stock inventory is well managed, redeemed, and delivered.

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Amber via this link.

#3: HubbedIn – Marketing Intern

Website: hubbedin.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $700 – 1,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Able to come up with ideas on content articles / angles / opportunities you’re excited to share about HR, remote working, recruitment
Effective acquisition strategies that you believe will drive traffic.
Able to work independently: From creating content that resonates with the community, to refining the overall content strategy based on real-time data, and generating new, scalable content angles & ideas.
Good command of written English: No grammar errors, etc.
Knowledge or experience with content creation, social media marketing / SEO is a plus

Key Responsibilities

Conceptualize and execute creative content marketing campaigns to drive engagement and traffic.
Explore and help with the setup of email marketing campaigns
Build an online community for candidates and companies
Content creation and writing for website blog to drive traffic
Create visuals ranging from infographics, illustrations, lifestyle product sittings and other supporting visual assets for web and social platforms
Opportunities to initiate projects, craft and execute campaigns
Working on Facebook and Instagram campaigns, analyzing data from campaigns
Tracking and setting up meaningful marketing metrics

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and write to Agnes via this link.

#4: Helpling Singapore – Venture Development Intern

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A post shared by Helpling SG #HelplingSG | Cleaning & Other Home Services (@helpling.sg)

Website: helpling.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

You have an entrepreneurial mindset and ideally experience with start-ups
You are ambitious and keen on working in a high-performance environment
You have a proven track record of getting things done. You have a hands-on mentality and can prioritize your tasks effectively and efficiently
You are comfortable with Excel and data analysis
You are a highly energetic, self-motivated, and results-driven person who takes full ownership of your responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Research new market opportunities and act as a consultant to the management
Analyze data to identify business growth opportunities, along with trends and patterns in Singapore and across Southeast Asia
Take ownership of key projects to explore opportunities and add value to the business
Be involved in the negotiation and execution of business development activities
Work with key stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of projects

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and submit your application to [email protected].

#5: Spearing Collectibles LLC – ECommerce Coordinator

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A post shared by Spearing Collectibles (@spearingcollectibles)

Website: spearingcollectibles.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $500 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications

Passionate about e-commerce, marketing, and social media
Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with a team
Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills
Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment
Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Google Analytics, and social media platforms

Key Responsibilities

Developing and executing marketing and social media campaigns that support the launch of the e-commerce store and new products
Creating engaging and informative content for social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and TikTok
Researching to identify trends and opportunities in the hobby collectible card market
Building and managing relationships with influencers and partners to drive engagement and sales
Assisting with the development and execution of email marketing campaigns
Monitoring and analyzing campaign performance to provide insights and recommendations for optimization

How to apply?

View the job post in full here and submit your application to [email protected].

Note: We’ve selected these internships based on the “remote” tag, but some positions may still require some face-to-face time. Please contact the employer directly for more deets.

5 top-rated hotels in Cebu, Philippines under $40/night for your National Day getaway

Time is ticking and there’s no more time to waste.

If you’ve yet to plan for your National Day holiday getaway, now’s the time to do so before prices rise further. Catch my last two posts here:

In this post, we’re still eyeing the National Day break since we’ve got a month left.

So you better hurry and submit that leave request ya.

Anyway, at the time of writing, I searched and saw a 2-way flight at less than $250 to the Philippines and hence this post.

Let’s look at some top-rated hotels in Cebu, Philippines under $40/night. Shall we?

Hotel prices reflected are based on dates selected from 9 to 12 August 2023.

OYO 187 The Maxwell Hotel

Price: $24/night

OYO 187 The Maxwell Hotel is sited right along N Escario Street. The distance from Mactan-Cebu International Airport is approximately 45 minutes. It was awarded as a top choice for Agoda travelers in 2021 so you should be in good hands. At the time of writing, there are various rooms priced at just $24/night but I would suggest going for the deluxe double room, the biggest available room with a queen-size bed.

Cebu Hotel Plus

Price: $31/night

Cebu Hotel Plus situated along Don Mariano Cui Street is about a 40-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. You will be right in the heart of Cebu City and a 10-minute ride away from the iconic Minor Basilica of the Holy Child of Cebu. The deluxe queen room is priced at just $31/night and offers city views.

Red Planet Cebu

Price: $33/night

If you book a stay here, you will find yourself at 36 Archbishop Reyes Avenue and a 40-minute ride from the international airport. The famous Temple of Leah is a 20-minute drive away. Both the twin room and double room at Red Planet Cebu are priced at $33/night. So whether you’re traveling with a friend or your partner, there are options for you.

18 Suites Cebu

Price: $34/night

You will find 18 Suites Cebu at 18 Sanson Road, a short walk to JY Square Mall. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. It was awarded a top choice for Agoda travelers last year with an excellent rating of 8.9 with over 1,000 reviews at the time of writing. The deluxe twin room with 2 single beds will cost you $34/night. You can also opt for the deluxe double room with a queen bed for $37/night.

Cebu R Hotel – Mabolo

Price: $39/night

Cebu R Hotel – Mabolo is located along Tres Borces Padres Street and is approximately a 30-minute ride from the airport. Fort San Pedro is a 10-minute drive away. The standard room will cost you $39/night and it even includes free breakfast for 2 and access to their humble fitness center.

If you’re planning a National Day getaway in Cebu, Philippines, and want to find top-rated hotels without breaking the bank, these 5 hotels provide exceptional value, comfort, and quality service, all for under $40/night. So book your accommodation right away before they get snapped up and have fun on your getaway on a budget!

Why Buying Second-Hand Luxury Items Benefits Your Wallet

Are you tired of feeling deceived by knock-off brands and paying exorbitant prices for fast fashion when shopping online? If that resonates with you, it’s time to delve into the world of luxury resale.

During my recent trip to Japan, I had the opportunity to explore second-hand outlet shops in Osaka and Tokyo. I was pleasantly surprised by the positive reception towards buying second-hand luxury items. The Japanese have an interesting belief that possessions acquire their own spirit over time, which can either bless or haunt their owners. To avoid any potential haunting, they choose to either discard or sell items they have owned for an extended period.

While the thrill of unboxing brand-new items is undeniable, many people overlook the fact that they can still enjoy a fantastic experience while simultaneously making an environmental impact by opting for second-hand goods. Join others in embracing the world of second-hand luxury and discover the incredible benefits it offers, including:

#1: HELP THE ENVIRONMENT

Is it possible to save the environment while you shop? Sustainability has become a key focus for everyone, and purchasing second-hand luxury items is a meaningful way to contribute. Excessive consumption has devastating effects on the environment, as buying new items leads to increased production and strains our resources. Opting for second-hand items indirectly reduces the demand for materials like leather, sending a message to the industry.

Choosing to buy second-hand products actively reduces waste and gives items a second life, lowering our carbon footprint. It’s remarkable how second-hand purchases rescue products that could have ended up in landfills. Contrary to common misconceptions, used items are often in excellent condition and fully functional. Many are sold simply because their owners no longer need or want them, making them valuable finds in the second-hand market.

#2: GET TIMELESS STYLE

The beauty of luxury products lies in their timeless appeal. A dear friend of mine owns a vintage Chanel handbag. Despite being decades old, the bag exudes an air of sophistication and elegance that never goes out of style. The bag’s enduring charm serves as a reminder that investing in second-hand luxury allows you to maintain a refined and fashionable look without the fear of appearing dated.

Whether it’s a beautiful bag, elegant jewelry, or high-end clothing, these items have the remarkable ability to transcend fleeting trends. By embracing second-hand luxury, you unlock a world of style possibilities that stand the test of time.

#3: REDUCE COSTS

Unless you have a well-paying job or exceptional personal savings habits, purchasing luxury consumer goods can significantly strain your finances. Luxury items often come with hefty price tags, but the good news is that buying them second-hand can lead to substantial savings.

It’s important to note that used items can still be in excellent condition. In fact, you can discover luxury brands that look brand new but are available at just half the retail price.

During my trip to Japan, I stumbled upon a pre-loved Gucci Abbey D-Ring Shoulder Bag priced at a mere S$250. Considering that it could easily cost around S$950 in online second-hand stores, this was an incredible deal. It’s quite astounding to think about the steep difference between the discounted price and its full retail value.

#4: SHOP EASILY WITH THE SECOND-HAND MARKET

In the past, one of the major hurdles faced by those interested in purchasing second-hand goods was the limited availability of certain items. This often resulted in compromises when trying to save money or contribute to the environment.

However, the game has changed, thanks to the Internet. Nowadays, you have access to expansive online markets that offer a diverse array of items, making it more convenient than ever to find exactly what you’re looking for.

While local thrift shops remain a viable option, searching through international online platforms presents you with the best saving opportunities and an abundance of options.

#5: DISCOVER NEW OPTIONS

Do you play it safe in fashion? By consistently adhering to safe and conventional choices when purchasing new products, you may inadvertently overlook distinctive items that could perfectly suit your needs.

Whether you have an affinity for luxury clothing or bags, you will be astounded by the hidden gems awaiting your discovery in second-hand shops. The alluring aspect of used items lies in their affordable price, as it enables you to explore beyond your comfort zone without incurring substantial financial burdens.

#6: ACCESS LIMITED-EDITION ITEMS

Buying specific, limited-edition items becomes significantly easier in the second-hand market, especially when it pertains to past limited-edition bags or accessories from your favorite brands. These sought-after items are often unavailable in stores but can frequently be found within the realm of second-hand shopping. Moreover, elusive treasures such as the highly coveted Birkin bag, typically beyond the reach of the average shopper, become more attainable when seeking pre-owned alternatives.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

By wholeheartedly embracing the realm of second-hand luxury, you not only save money but also contribute to environmental preservation, all while unearthing unique treasures that bestow elegance and refinement upon your life.

So, what are you waiting for? Initiate your exploration into the boundless possibilities of second-hand shopping today!

Sources: 1 & 2