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.

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country

Is Italy next on your bucket list?

The Almafi Coast

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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Have A Selfie Spree At The Most Picturesque Places In Singapore

Are you an aspiring model or photographer looking for the perfect photo-shoot location? If you do not have the access to a professional studio, fret not because there are a lot of picturesque outdoor spots that are worth visiting. These spots are not only limited to models or photographers; if you want to savor the scene, you can too! You can always take great photos for fun! Just have your selfie stick ready as you go to the Most Picturesque (Yet No-Cost) Places In Singapore…

1. FOR THE HERITAGE NOSTALGIA

About 15 minutes away from the Eunos MRT is your first potential photo-shoot location – the Koon Seng Road. It is filled with traditional Peranakan shophouses that are pastel colored and intricately embellished. Be in awe with the rich architecture background as you take a beautiful selfie.

2. FOR THE ARTISTIC TOUCH

I was one of the lucky few people who witnessed the halls of National Gallery Singapore before its grand unveiling later this year. All I can say about it is that, every corner and every room is undeniably Instagram worthy. This is because the place used to be the halls of the Supreme Court and the City Hall. Starting it off with the elegantly white entrance that used to be a car park. Instead of going inside the traditional doors, we went inside the windows.

This majestic space is the #Singapore Courtyard at the @nationalgallerysingapore❕

A photo posted by Registered Psychometrician (@agoncilloanna) on

Simply, they took something old and added a creative modern twist. An aesthetically pleasing background is perfect for snaps!

3. FOR THE CHILD IN YOU

Travel to Toa Payoh to see the Dragon Sand Playground…this might be the last of its kind. As its name says, the playground is dragon shaped and sand based. These were the popular playgrounds in the 70s-80s. After 1993, they were phased out due to safety concerns. Take a trip down to memory lane and reminisce your childhood memories as you take photos of your #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day).

Image Credits: http://remembersingapore.org

Image Credits: remembersingapore.org

4. FOR THE NATURE JUNKIE

Punggol Waterway Park as is one of the favorite locations of wedding photographers. It is located at the heart of the Punggol Eco-town – the first eco-friendly town in Singapore. That said, you could take unforgettable pictures along the Punggol Waterway Bridge and the Punggol Waterway Park Tree.

5. FOR THE TOTALLY HIPSTER

Two of the hippest spots in Singapore can house the most pleasing photo-shoots. These are namely: the Haji Lane and the Orchard Gateway Bridge. Haji Lane has a myriad of vintage shophouses that sell contemporary and quirky items such as accessories and clothing. The road is also filled with textile shops that have been in business since the 50s! And, my favorite corner is that of the Piedra Negra Restaurant’s because of its vibrant graffiti.

Image Credits: Luke Ma via Flickr with CC License

Image Credits: Luke Ma via Flickr with CC License

On the other hand, Orchard Gateway Bridge gives a modern vibe as its futuristic glass bridge joins the orchardgateway@emerald and Orchard Gateway. Always have your camera with you so you can stop and snap some selfies while you are walking along. 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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How To Not Go Over Budget While Traveling

After working tremendously for a year, a vacation is a well-deserved reward. However, it is easy to become complacent and carefree over your budget. Going over board your budget when on a relaxing getaway is simple, but there are many ways to save money too! Here are just some of them:

1. DO PRIOR RESEARCH

The places you can go to heavily depend on your travel budget. For instance, if you have a considerable amount of money then, go to Europe than limiting yourself to Southeast Asian countries. Choosing an affordable destination that is suited to your travel budget is the first step. Do your research by comparing the accommodations, activities, transportation, and food costs of two preferred countries. Then, narrow it down to one.

2. IDENTIFY YOUR BUDGET

Once you know where to go and how long you are going to be there, you need to figure out how much your travel budget is. Start by identifying how much your spending will be per day. Include unforeseen expenses as well as food and travel costs.

3. BE SMART IN GETTING CASH

If you are still torn between two countries, compare their exchange rates. Sometimes, they make the largest difference. Since some of the foreign exchange centers have poorer rates, it is better to get the currency at the airport or at the ATMs (e.g., in Taiwan and France).

4. SET ASIDE MONEY FOR EMERGENCY

Speaking of unforeseen expenses, it is necessary to prepare for unforeseen circumstances too! If you have travel insurance then, this is only secondary. Money for emergency is important but try not to use it unless the situation absolutely requires it. You have to stick to your travel budget as much as possible!

5. SAVE ON FOOD

There is a greater chance that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive. So, it is better to walk out the door and find a nice local cafe in the mornings. You can immerse yourself to the place, the people, and the culture better by trying their local cuisine. Keep in mind that locally made food and beverage are often cheaper.

Alternatively, you may cook for yourself. Cooking in a new environment, even on a vacation, can be fun!

Image Credits: Nicole Abalde via Flickr Attribution-NoDerivs

Image Credits: Nicole Abalde via Flickr Attribution-NoDerivs

Sources: 1 & 2

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JCB: 1-for-1 Scoot’s Air Tickets (10 – 12 Jul 2015)

JCB Scoot 1 for 1

JCB has collaborated with Scoot to offer its loyal customers some perks.

From 10 to 12 July 2015, JCB’s Credit Card Members enjoy 1 for 1 fares on Scoot’s Economy Class.

Fly to the following destinations with your partner for the price of one: Bangkok, Hong Kong, Perth, Gold Coast, Sydney, Tianjin, Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenyang, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka.

More details below:

jcb scoot offer

Even the return flights are going at 1-for-1 offer!

Scoot 1 for 1

Book your tickets at www.flyscoot.com/jcb 

Miss their flash sale? You will still get to enjoy 20% off Scoot airfares from 13 July to 12 August 2015. All you need to do is to key in the promo code “JCB20” to enjoy the offer!

Not a JCB Cardmember yet? Apply now at uob.com.sg/jcb today or share this post with someone you know that owns a JCB-UOB Card!

Sale Period: 10-12 Jul 2015
Travel Period: By 30 Nov 2015

Terms and Conditions
*Offer is valid for a minimum of 2 adult passengers, for Economy class bookings made at www.flyscoot.com/jcb only. Taxes and surcharges apply, and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations. Economy fares exclude checked baggage, meals and inflight entertainment. Full payment is required at the point of booking, and must be made with JCB cards. Payment processing fees per guest segment are not included. Full list of fees are available at www.flyscoot.com. Offer is subject to availability and confirmation. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or all dates. Bookings are not refundable except as provided in the Conditions of Carriage. All the terms and conditions are available at www.flyscoot.com.

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Save On Transport With The Off-Peak Monthly Travel Pass

Are you one of those people who are always on the go on weekends and public holidays? While on weekdays, you typically travel before 6:30am and after 7:30pm? Then, the new Off-Peak Monthly Travel Pass is the perfect public transport card for you!

The Off-Peak Monthly Travel Pass (OMTP) was implemented by the government to help reduce the citizens’ monthly transport expenditures. What is heavily attractive with the OTMP is that it offers UNLIMITED travel by bus and trains during weekday’s off-peak timings. And, the best part is you will have unlimited travels all-day long during weekends and public holidays.

The price for the OMTP is as follows:

S$80/month for Adults

S$40/month for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWD)

OMTP illustration

(Image: Ministry of Transport)

Aside from the prices, you must be aware that in order to buy your very own OMTP, you must first have or apply for an Adult Monthly Travel Card, a Senior Citizens Concession Card, or a PWD Concession Card.

Moving on to the exciting part, the weekday timings of the OMTP are before 6:30 am, between 9:00 am to 5:00pm, and after 7:30 pm. Surely, it is best suited for certain lifestyles such as people who work in hospitals or schools. Putting that into perspective, say Jane is a nurse and works an afternoon shift followed by a morning shift. Her afternoon shift will end at 9pm. So, she would travel after 9pm. Then, she must travel before 6:30 the next day as her morning shift starts at 7 am. This schedule definitely fits the weekday off-peak time scheme.

Image Credits: Walt Stoneburner via Flickr with Creative Commons License

Image Credits: Walt Stoneburner via Flickr with Creative Commons License

To illustrate the savings, let us take teacher Josh as an example. Josh needs to travel before 6:30 am as the school starts on 7:20 am. If he lives in Toa Payoh and the school is at Clementi, his daily bus fare would cost about S$3.06-4.26 depending on which buses he takes. That is equivalent to S$67.32-93.72 a month, only during the weekdays! He will surely save a lot more with the OMTP scheme as it covers unlimited travel by buses and trains all day on the weekends and public holidays.

The savings of an individual depends on how far he or she commutes and on whether the OMTP fits his or her daily schedule. So, if you are eager to get your own OMTP…hold your horses! The pre-purchase at any TransitLink Ticket Office, MRT Stations, and Ticketing Machines starts on June 28 but it is available for use from July 5.

Image Credits: Screen-grabbed from www.youtube.com/user/LTAsingapore

Image Credits: Screen-grabbed from www.youtube.com/user/LTAsingapore

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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