travel Archives | Page 17 of 33

Here’s How You Can Save Money When Visiting Thailand

As an adolescent, my passion for travelling the world ignited. One of the places that I looked forward to marking off my list was Thailand. I was captivated by its historically untouched character. Why did I say so? In the 19th until the early 20th century, Thailand was the only Southeast Asian country to avoid the European colonization. It was treated as a neutral territory by the French and the British people.

A tourist’s heart will be filled with glee as he or she explores its tropical beaches, ancient ruins, majestic palaces, and religious temples. Make the most out of your experience with these several tips.

VISIT DURING OFF-PEAK SEASON

No matter what season you are booked for, you will always find something interesting in the “Land of Smiles”. It is best to book your stay during the low season to save more money. Remember that people usually flock between October to March, especially in the renowned areas. Accommodation, motorbike rentals, and air fares are more expensive during these months.

It is easier to chance upon a bargain during the off-peak season between April to September. Furthermore, food is cheaper during said period.

EAT LIKE THE LOCALS

As obvious as this may sound, dining places geared toward the tourists are heftier. Singaporeans without food concerns may acquire the eating habits of the locals. We are no strangers to the goodness of Thai food. Oh! Imagine munching on genuine Pad Thai and Tom Yum. Thailand’s markets and roadside stalls are filled with these and more.

Roadside stalls are everywhere! They are incredibly diverse and cheap. One store may sell a dish for around THB 60 (SGD 2.44) while the other may sell the same for THB 25 (SGD 1). Weigh your options.

STAY VIGILANT

Before riding the Tuk-tuks (three-wheeled vehicles) or purchasing jewelry, develop the practice of researching online. Research the real prices of the items that you wish to spend for. Also, you may ask your Thai friends to help you to bargain with the store owners and communicate with the drivers. Ensure to agree upon a price for any service before doing anything or going anywhere. Lastly, protect your valuables at all times.

Do not make yourself an easy target! Read about the common scams that are circulating in the city.

MAKE THE MOST OF THE FREEBIES

It comes as no surprise that the rich culture of Thailand paved for free entertainment. Street performances are prevalent, especially around the holidays. You may indulge on exercise facilities at the local parks too. Not to mention, you must embrace its natural surroundings.

I shall illustrate the abundance of freebies by putting a spotlight at Bangkok. Here are just some of the free entertainment that you can maximize during your stay there:

a. Visit Soi Wat Thong Sala Ngarm, Phasi Charoen

Witness a traditional performance of Thai puppetry as you head down to the Artist’s House (daily except on Wednesdays). Enjoy the performance of a team who controls the delicate puppets.

b. Explore Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan

Get personal with crocodiles at the bustling streets of Chinatown. Spot the three giant crocodiles in the grounds of Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan!

NEGOTIATE OVER THE PRICES

Thailand welcomes the art of bargaining with open arms. For instance, some places allow negotiation of the room prices during the off-peak season. From Tuk-tuks to tattoos, almost everything is up for a negotiation. Those with visible prices on the products (e.g., sodas found in the convenience store) are fixed.

You must be reasonable when haggling for a better deal. It is not worth to bargain over a few cents! The vendor probably needs the money more than you.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May these tips help you stretch your dollar while having an unforgettable trip! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

Here’s How You Can Save Money When Visiting Japan

Amazingly dense cities, mountainous national parks, and historically-rich shrines are some of the things that encapsulates Japan. It is one of the sought-after spots that globetrotter Singaporeans target when they have time to spare. Tourists are drawn by the array of food and the unique culture, but it has so much more to offer!

With the relaxed visa policies (i.e., Singapore citizens don’t require a visa to enter the country for temporary visits) and increased flights between Singapore and East Asian countries, here are some tips to keep in mind when discovering to Japan.

1. CONSIDER THE ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS

One of the most impressive things about Japan is its value for cleanliness. Even the relatively cheap hostels are well-maintained and are equipped with high-tech toilets. So, do not be afraid to be adventurous when it comes to trying alternative options such as the famous capsule hotels with a starting rate of about S$35 per night. Some dormitory beds at guesthouses are advertised as low as S$19 per night.

As a friendly reminder, please read the online reviews before booking.

2. TRAVEL DURING OFF-PEAK SEASON

No matter what season you are booked for, you will always find something interesting in the “Land of the Rising Sun”. It is best to book during off-peak season to save more money.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

People typically flock between March to May because they want to see the witness the beauty of the Sakura (or Cherry Blossoms). During this peak season, one can expect higher rates for accommodations and air fares. Avoid the Christmastime and the Obon season (around mid-August) too!

3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EFFICIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

As I was peacefully scrolling through my Instagram stories, I saw a picture that my longtime friend posted. She just boarded the Shinkansen or Japan’s high-speed bullet train. Fueled by my curiosity, I made her share about her transportation experiences. She told me about the expensive cab ride that she took from Shimbashi to Funabashi (i.e., a distance of 24km). It costed 10,000 JPY or 121 SGD. That is ridiculous!

Cabs in Japan are generally expensive. This is partly due to their efficient and punctual public transportation system. Opt for taking the train or bus. Or better yet, you may explore the wonderful place by foot.

4. MAXIMIZE YOUR DINING BUDGET

There are two ways to save on Japanese food: you can either splurge during lunchtime or shop at the supermarket before closing time. Let us start with the latter. If you have access to the kitchen, you can cook on your own. Head to the supermarket at least 30 minutes before closing time to find amazing deals. The same idea applies for food courts and convenience stores.

Superb quality of food can be savored in almost every area in Japan. It is best to splurge during lunchtime as many restaurants give lunch discounts, especially on the weekdays.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

May these tips help you stretch your dollar while having an unforgettable trip! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

10 most popular cities to travel to during the Hari Raya long weekend

Yes folks, yet another long weekend (read: perfect excuse to travel) is approaching.

If the only thing holding you back is trawling through tons of hotel websites to get the most out of your buck, look no further than at HotelsCombined!

HotelsCombined compares all the top travel sites in one simple search and find just what you’re after. Furthermore, there are completely no booking fees, and no mark-up prices.

Not sure where to go on your next travel adventure? Check out these top 10 most booked destinations by other fellow Singaporeans.

1. Sri Lanka

Home to a grand total of eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sri Lanka’s intriguing history would definitely excite your inner history nerd. Pay a visit to Polunnaruwa, where the remains of what was once the glorious Kingdom of Polunnaruwa resides. There, you can find the remaining façade of the Royal Palace, as well as various religious statues. As for dining options in Sri Lanka, head down to Bedspace Kitchen, where around 95% of their ingredients are sourced locally in Sri Lanka, and most are organic.

2. Bangkok

Bangkok has long been one of Singaporean’s favourite travel destinations as it is extremely affordable to fly by budget carriers and is only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Changi Airport. Travelling over the long weekend means that you would have chance to drop by the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you can literally shop till you drop and spoil yourselves with cheap clothing and accessories. Check out the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and cruise down the canals for an authentic Thai experience.

3. Taipei

(Image credit: Anton Diaz, via Flickr)

Taipei is regarded as one of the foodie heavens, with more than 10 night markets filled with delicious local fares to visit. As the long weekend would only allow you to cover two markets, drop by Shilin Night Market and Raohe Night Market. Shilin Night Market is perhaps the most popular night market of choice amongst tourists, due to its selection of local fare ranging from oyster omelette, oyster mee sua to the famed, gigantic Shilin chicken cutlet, all priced affordably. On the other hand, Raohe Night Market is Taipei’s largest wholesale market for clothes and accessories where you can get a good bargain.

4. Amsterdam

(Image credit: Bert Kaufmann, via Flickr)

Boasting a grand total 165 canals and 1753 bridges, Amsterdam is your travel destination of choice if you seek a tranquil getaway and have an eye for history and art. See the world through Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank’s eyes at the Anne Frank House, or visit the Van Gogh Museum to check out the works of the renowned artist, Vincent Van Gogh. Alternatively, hunt down all the locations where the heart-breaking movie, The Fault in our Stars was filmed.

5. Sapporo

(Image credit: Mukashi Mukashi Photography, via Flickr)

Singaporeans’ love for food is undeniable, which is why the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo, makes it the perfect travel destination. Sapporo is fondly known by the locals as the “Kingdom of Food”, due to its abundant seafood, agricultural and dairy produce. While Japan may be famous for their Alaskan King Crab, crab lovers would enjoy the Kegani crab (hairy crab) as its meat is sweeter, and you may treat yourself to a seafood feast at the Nijo Market. Sapporo is also famous for their local beer, so do drop by the Sapporo Beer Museum to find out how the Sapporo beer is made.

6. Seoul

(Image credit: Isaac Lee, via Flickr)

Apart from being famously known for producing heart-wrenching Korean dramas and palpitating music videos from K-Pop bands, this metropolitan city achieves a balance between the old and the new. Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and feast your eyes on the futuristic architecture. Dongdaemun is also the shopping district of Seoul where you can fulfil all your shopaholic desires.

7. Tokyo

(Image credit: PROemmett anderson, via Flickr)

No matter if you are traveling with a little one, your significant other, or with your friends, the capital of Japan is your destination of choice. Where the world’s one and only DisneySea resides, revisit your childhood at the happiest place on earth at Tokyo DisneySea. Alternatively, head to Shinjuku for a day of shopping and the nearby Shinjukiu Gyeon – one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks, to feast your eyes on the beautiful flora and fauna.

8. Asahikawa

(Image credit: Hsuanya Tsai, via Flickr)

Second only to Sapporo, Asahikawa is situated in the center of Hokkaido, and is famed for their local Asahiyama Zoo, which allows visitors to observe the animals from various angles. The zoo features a glass tunnel through the penguin pool which allows visitors to watch the penguins’ underwater adventures, and small glass domes in the middle of the polar bear and wolf enclosures that can get visitors right among the animals. Ramen lovers will also rejoice as the Asahikawa Ramen Village gives you eight of Asahikawa’s most popular ramen shops in one location.

9. Bintan

Bintan Banyan Tree

What makes Bintan an ideal travel destination for Singaporeans is because it takes less than two hours to get to the island by ferry, from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. This island also makes for the perfect long weekend escapade as you can book a villa by the beach and spend a relaxing getaway with your loved ones. If you crave for adventure, the calm seas during June are just right for diving, water skiing and jet skiing.

10. Broome

Ningaloo Marine Park

Where the red desert meets the Indian Ocean, Broome is the beach resort town of Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Ride a camel at sunset along its Indian Ocean coastline at Cable Beach, and snap picturesque silhouette shots. For those who desire to explore the depths of the ocean, head to Ningaloo Marine Park to snorkel through coral lagoons in Coral Bay and swim with the huge whale shark.

Qatar Airways Summer Sale: Fly to Europe from SGD935

If you have not started planning for your summer holiday, Qatar Airways is having a summer sale where air tickets to Europe start only from SGD935, for travel up to 31 March 2018.

Here are 5 European cities we absolutely love and are perfect for visiting in the summer.

Barcelona, Spain

If there is one tourist attraction to visit in Barcelona, it is the La Sagrada Familia church. For over 130 years, the church remains under construction and is slated to be completed in 2026. Despite so, its façade is enough to attract millions of tourists from all around the world. Barcelona is also poised along the Mediterranean sea, making its beaches – such as the La Barceloneta beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world to bask in the summer heat.

Fly to Barcelona from SGD935.

Helsinki, Finland

While many visit Helsinki during the Christmas period as it is widely known as the “Christmas City”, Helsinki has so much more to offer than just snow and Christmas lights. In the summer months, temperatures are cool, yet warm enough for you to tour around the seaside city. Pay a visit to the Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend a tranquil day at a café or simply pack a picnic with your loved ones at one of their lush gardens.

Fly to Helsinki from SGD965.

Pisa, Italy

Needless to say, you should definitely drop by the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and take as many touristy shots of you trying to support the tower as you can. If time permits, take a train down to Cinque Terre and be wowed by the spectacular sights of the colourful houses built on a hill by the cerulean-blue sea. Hiking Cinque Terre can be done within the day between the different towns. Proper hiking shoes is advisable.

Fly to Pisa from SGD1,085.

Paris, France

Paris is a top tourist favourite due to what it has to offer in the fields of art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. With so many popular tourist spots such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe, be sure to pack comfortable shoes as your travel itinerary is guaranteed to be packed!

Fly to Paris from SGD1,150.

London, UK

Nothing spells London more accurately than the Big Ben and the London Eye. Harry Potter fans can also watch their childhood dreams come to live when they drop by the Warner Bros. Studio to check out the filming set, props and costumes used in the Harry Potter films. Also, be sure to reserve a full day and take a trip down to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Stonehenge.

Fly to London from SGD1,200.

All you have to do is visit qatarairways.com/sg and book your air tickets by 7 June 2017 for travel up to 31 March 2018.

Good news for all POSB and DBS cardmembers! Enjoy up to additional 15%* off to more than 40 cities in Europe when you book with your DBS/POSB debit and credit card via qatarairways.com/dbs by 15 June 2017.

Bid goodbye to your travel cards. Tap and pay with your Mastercard Debit or Credit Cards from Mar 20.

Bid goodbye to your ez-link cards.

From 20 March 2017, commuters can tap and pay for public buses and MRT using their contactless Mastercard Debit or Credit cards. The transaction will be billed to you thereafter, which means that you can now travel without the hassle of carrying a separate travel card and to do top-ups from the machines.

According to LTA, this will be a 6-month pilot trial of the Account Based Ticketing System.

You can register your interest at the TransitLink ABT Portal from 20 March here, if you have not done so with your banks.

Share this news with your friends and loved ones!

1. Sri Lanka

2. Bangkok

3. Taipei

4. Amsterdam

5. Sapporo

6. Seoul

7. Tokyo

8. Asahikawa

9. Bintan

10. Broome

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