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Budget-Friendly Travel Hacks for Honeymooners

When my husband and I got married, one thing was clear: we wanted our honeymoon to be dreamy yet practical. Picture this: soft waves, powdery beaches, and vibrant marine life. We found our paradise in Siargao, Philippines, a destination that ticked all our boxes without burning a hole in our wallets.

Do the same with these tips:

START PLANNING EARLY

Last-minute trips sound exciting, but when it comes to honeymoons, planning ahead is the real deal. Give yourself ample time to research and book everything. With an early start, you’ll score better deals on flights and accommodations. Set up flight alerts and compare prices to lock in those savings.

SET A REALISTIC BUDGET

You’ve just said “I do,” but now it’s time to say “I don’t” to overspending. After a big wedding, it’s smart to be mindful of your finances. Discuss your budget as a couple and stick to it. There are tons of budget-friendly options, from discounted luxury cruises to hotel promos. Who says you can’t live large while saving big?

CHOOSE A DESTINATION TOGETHER

Compromise is the name of the game. If you’re dreaming of a bustling city while your partner craves serene beaches, find a spot that offers the best of both worlds. Consider destinations like Cebu or Japan for their mix of adventure, history, and vibrant local culture.

PLAN THE ITINERARY AS A TEAM

Couples who plan together tend to avoid unnecessary arguments. Share the load and collaborate on your itinerary. Mark must-visit spots, calculate travel times, and map out routes to avoid wasting precious vacation hours. Apps like Google Maps or travel forums are your best friends here.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

PACK LIGHT, PACK SMART

Packing for your honeymoon doesn’t have to feel like solving a puzzle. Coordinate your outfits with your activities and prioritize versatile pieces. For a beach getaway, a mix of denim shorts, breezy dresses, and comfy sandals will do the trick. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen and a reusable water bottle.

READY YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS

Avoid the last-minute scramble by organizing all your travel documents in one place. Keep printed copies of tickets, hotel reservations, and IDs, even if you have digital backups. A little organization goes a long way in making your trip stress-free.

BRING A FIRST-AID KIT

Don’t let minor mishaps ruin your romantic getaway. Pack basic medicines for headaches, allergies, and stomach troubles. If you’re traveling internationally, check if vaccinations are needed for your destination. Staying healthy is key to making the most of your honeymoon.

IN A NUTSHELL

Your honeymoon doesn’t have to be extravagant to be unforgettable. With careful planning, smart budgeting, and a spirit of compromise, you can create a magical experience that’s easy on your wallet.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Go ahead and plan that dream trip—you both earned it!

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5 dry shampoos from $21 for CNY visiting days where you’re running late but still need to smell fresh

Had a little too much to drink the night before and woke up late for another CNY visiting day?

Spray on with these dry shampoos from $21 so you can still smell fresh without washing your hair.

Percy & Reed Royal Blossom Volumising Dry Shampoo

Price: $21

Bad hair days for CNY, be banished.

Percy & Reed’s award-winning volumizing dry shampoo is the ‘wash day’ savior for all hair types and colors.

Its high-grade, oil-absorbing formula breathes life into limp locks, boosting root volume and adding texture for a fresh finish between washes.

This weightless mist refreshes without a trace of white residue.

The new royal blossom fragrance is a bonus and with its vegan formula free of sulfates, silicones, gluten, and parabens, you can feel good about what you’re putting in your hair.

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo

Price: $24

Second-day hair has finally met its match with Amika’s Perk Up Dry Shampoo.

This talc-free bottle absorbs excess oil and odors without a drop of water.

But it doesn’t just freshen up—it awakens your hair’s natural oomph too.

Nutrient-rich sea buckthorn and rice starch nourish strands while restoring the voluminous body you crave.

Get hair that looks freshly washed and ready to take on another CNY visiting day.

And with its blend of warm vanilla, spicy sweet clover, and citrusy notes, you can say hello to refreshed hair that’s ready for its close-ups.

Olaplex No.4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo

Price: $27

Skincare science collides with haircare innovation in this detox dry shampoo—your strands’ new must-have for volumized freshness.

Olaplex No.4D restores good hair day vibes by absorbing oil and impurities with ultra-fine rice starch, leaving you with bouncy, like-first-day freshness.

This formula also comes with antioxidant rambutan seed extract to soothe your scalp and neutralize odor-causing pollutants, ensuring your hair smells as refreshingly clean as it looks.

No white residue or gritty build-up.

AROMATICA Rosemary Dry Shampoo Powder

Price: $33

This rosemary dry shampoo powder from AROMATICA revives limp locks with a blend of oil-absorbing ingredients.

Unlike some dry shampoos that can leave residue, this powder seamlessly soaks up excess sebum and impurities, creating fresh volume without that grungy buildup.

As you brush it through, the odor-neutralizing formula whisks away any lingering mustiness, while the rosemary scent leaves a nice herbal fragrance.

It’s your go-to sidekick for busy mornings before those CNY visits.

IGK First Class Charcoal Detox Dry Shampoo

Price: $52

Last but not least, we have this charcoal detox dry shampoo that allows you to hit the snooze button on wash day.

Ideal for very oily hair and scalps, the absorbent charcoal powder sops up excess oil and odor, leaving your hair revived.

The heavy-duty formula also lifts dirt and stubborn product buildup, hitting the reset button on limp locks.

And with soothing white tea powder to calm the scalp and strengthen strands, you’re getting detoxifying power and a hair treatment all in one.

Tip: spray it on before bed, then wake up (late and) to hair that looks and smells like you just stepped out of the shower.

5 hair masks from $9 to DIY prep your hair for CNY 2025

Don’t have the money or don’t want to spend hundreds on that ONE hair treatment at the salon?

We get you.

That’s why we’ve sourced some (pretty) affordable hair masks you can DIY at home without spending that much.

Here’s a quick list of hair masks from $9 so you can prep your hair for CNY 2025.

Sephora Collection Hair Sleeping Masks

Price: $9

Is your hair having a meltdown?

Restore its luster overnight with Sephora Collection’s hair sleeping masks.

Choose from coconut oil for nourishing, and repairing locks, or mango butter to fortify strands against future breakage.

Made with ingredients of natural origin, these creamy hair masks with coconut oil or mango butter work while you sleep to transform dull tresses into healthier hair by morning.

Apply the mask onto clean, dry hair (especially the tips) before bedtime, then slip on the included cap to prevent pillowcase stains.

As you catch up on your ZZZs, the hair mask penetrates each strand to tackle issues like dryness and brittleness.

Coco & Eve Like A Virgin Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Masque Mini

Promo Price: $19.50

Or treat your tresses to a tropical treat with this coconut & fig hair masque, a mini miracle worker, drenching strands in a blend of coconut, fig, shea butter, and seed/fruit oils.

With each application, the concentrated formula restores hair’s silky softness and youthful bounce, targeting frizz while strengthening.

Think of it as a rebirth for your locks.

Just slather on, wait 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse away to reveal glossy tresses.

JVN Nurture Intense Hydration Hair Mask

Price: $27

Parched hair, meet this JVN mask that bathes strands in a formula powered by JVN’s Triple Hydration System.

Hemisqualane, Amino Acids, and Keratris (a high-performance vegan keratin alternative) join forces to deeply infuse hair with 72 hours of intense moisture in a single use.

Brittle locks are transformed into soft strands.

While many masks coat the surface, this drink-it-up formula saturates from within.

Plus, it’s “spiked” with orange fruit extract for an extra vitamin kick.

MOROCCANOIL Restorative Hair Mask

Price: $27

If you’ve put your hair through constant coloring, heat styling, and whatnot, it’s time for some TLC.

This restorative mask revives straw-like strands with an argan oil and shea butter combo.

Thirsty hair drinks up the hydrating formula, while keratin proteins work from the inside out to repair damage and rebuild strength.

The formula also restores elasticity so your locks have that coveted bounce and movement.

With each use, you will get hair that’s smooth, silky, and manageable.

Fragranced with Moroccanoil’s signature warm floral and spicy amber notes, this treatment is the self-care ritual for stressed-out strands.

Christophe Robin Hydrating Melting Mask – With Aloe Vera

Price: $27

Lastly, we have this hydrating mask here to save your strands.

Composed of an aloe vera blend that soaks hair in much-needed moisture, it also contains flaxseed oil, which is nutritious and rich in omega-3.

The mask’s sunflower seed oil further helps hair look full of life.

Together, these 95% natural-origin ingredients form an oasis that revives dehydrated tresses and restores that glow.

Latest WFH internships posted from 13 to 17 January 2025

Can’t believe we’ve already passed mid-January!

Before CNY arrives, it’s smart to start sending out internship applications before February greets us.

This week we’ve got opportunities in website management, social media management/marketing, and more.

Take a look and apply accordingly.

Good luck 🙂

#1: Qurious Media Singapore – Website Intern

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Website: qurious-media.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $1,000 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications

A foundational understanding of or strong interest in web development
Prior experience in administrative tasks and data entry is preferred
A proactive learning attitude and a strong work ethic

Key Responsibilities

Perform data entry and maintain accurate records and databases
Perform simple web edits to ensure content accuracy and up-to-date information. Candidate must have experience in using WordPress, WIX, and Shopify.
Ability to perform all aspects of email correspondence, including drafting, sending, responding to messages, and scraping emails.
Distribute emails and Electronic Direct Mail (EDM) campaigns through the designated platform.
Complete diverse tasks assigned upon request, which may include one-off assignments such as copywriting and influencer research.
Adapt to varying tasks per instructions, demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness in handling different responsibilities.

How to apply?

View the job post here and apply for this position by submitting your resume to [email protected].

#2: WILDÉBEAUTY.co – Social Media / Marketing Strategist

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Website: wildebeauty.co

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications

Outgoing, fun, and confident in front of and behind the camera.
A creative thinker with a keen eye for aesthetics and storytelling.
Deeply familiar with TikTok and Instagram trends, and love experimenting with new ideas.
A natural marketer who understands how to connect with an audience.
Organized and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once.

Key Responsibilities

Manage WildeBeauty’s social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, etc.).
Stay on top of social media trends and bring fresh, exciting ideas to the table.
Create and curate engaging content, including photos, videos, and captions.
Develop and execute marketing strategies to drive brand awareness and sales.
Collaborate with the team/influencers, and KOLS to align content with WildeBeauty’s branding and goals.
Analyze performance metrics and optimize campaigns for better results.

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Nabilah Khan via this link.

#3: Talk of the Town – Public Relations & Social Media Executive / Intern

Website: talkofthetown.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Familiarity with social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, TikTok)
Knowledge of social media analytics and tools is a plus.
Previous experience in public relations, communications, or social media management is preferred (but not required).
Passionate about sports (but not required).

Key Responsibilities

Assist in the development and execution of public relations and social media campaigns and initiatives
Research media outlets, influencers, and relevant trends in the industry
Assist with the creation of press releases, media alerts, social media posts, and other communications materials
Manage social media accounts, including content creation, scheduling, and engagement across various platforms, specifically for Talk of the Town’s channels
Monitor media coverage and social media performance; report on trends and analytics
Assist with event planning, coordination, and promotion on social media channels
Support the team with administrative tasks as needed
Manage media and social media activities onsite during event week

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Deborah Rowe via this link.

#4: Parasail – Operation Intern

Website: starboard.ventures

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 2,000 monthly

Job Qualifications

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
Good sense and acumen to understand business requirements and transform them into product roadmaps and growth plans.
Good data analytical skills and logical thinking.
Highly proficient in English.
Able to start work immediately will be an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Crafting presentations, proposals, and communication materials for internal and external stakeholders.
Execute product growth strategies based on business needs.
Facilitate cross-functional communication and coordination to improve product performance.

How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Tin via this link.

#5: Ministry of Tuition SG – Social Media Content Creator

Website: ministryoftuition.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 (project /contract based)

Job Qualifications

Creativity and Fun
Social Media Savvy
Basic Graphic design skills
Passion for education
Strong written and visual communication skills

Key Responsibilities

Content creation:

Brainstorm as a team to develop creative and funny content (videos and posts) for platforms: Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook, XiaoHongshu, Lemon8
Plan, script, and film fun and engaging short-form videos (FB Reels and Tiktoks)
Edit and enhance videos

Planning:

Schedule monthly content calendar

How to apply?

View the job post here and contact 87853008 if you are interested.

Editor’s note: These positions are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more details, contact the employer directly.

4 award-winning hotels in Kyoto to book a stay in before hotel taxes increase in 2026

Caught sight of the news that Kyoto will be raising hotel taxes in 2026?

To be exact, for room rates between 20,000 to 50,000 JPY (approx. 174 SGD to 435 SGD) per night, visitors will have to pay 1,000 JPY (approx. 8 SGD) per person per night.

As for accommodations over 100,000 JPY (approx. 871 SGD) per night, the tax will be at 10,000 JPY (approx. 87 SGD).

If approval is granted by the city assembly, the rise in taxes will be a nightmare come true for Japan lovers.

So perhaps 2025 is the year you should visit Kyoto before traveling gets a little too expensive in 2026…

Here’s a list of award-winning hotels in Kyoto to book a stay in.

Book early to secure your spots!

Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi

Rating: 9.1 (9.2K+ reviews)

First up, we have this hotel tucked in the heart of Kyoto.

Hotel Forza Shijo Kawaramachi plants you just 300 m from Nishiki Market.

This centrally located 9-floor hotel is the perfect spot for exploring the city’s sights on foot.

It’s also an easy 38.4 km from Osaka International Airport.

Twin rooms and family rooms for 3 are available for booking and the hotel features a 24-hour front desk (great for assistance at any time).

Kickstart your day with an energizing breakfast for an additional fee of 2800 JPY (approx. 25 SGD) if you’d like.

Sakura Terrace The Gallery

Rating: 9 (17.6K+ reviews)

For those seeking an adults-only getaway, Sakura Terrace The Gallery offers just the respite you need.

This hotel places you within a short stroll of Kujo subway station and Kyoto Station.

Selected rooms feature private balconies.

After a day of discovery, relax at the hotel’s rejuvenating sauna or burn some “sushi calories” at the fitness center.

It’s an approx. 45-minute ride to Osaka airport and proximity to nearby gems like Sanjusangendo Temple.

Hotel The M’s Kyoto

Rating: 9 (15.3K+ reviews)

Hotel The M’s Kyoto is less than a 10-minute stroll from Kujo Subway Station, which puts you a quick ride from all of Kyoto’s must-sees, including the Kyoto Station Building and Sanjusangendo Temple—both under 1.5 km away.

They have rooms for duos to quartets.

Having opened its doors in 2021, this fairly new hotel is here so you can ditch the cramped hostels.

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi

Rating: 9 (9.5K reviews)

Solo Kyoto-trotting or hanging with your travel crew?

However you explore Kyoto, Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi has your back with attractions right at your fingertips—stroll 3 km to browse stalls at Nishiki Market or marvel at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Osaka International Airport is just a 45-minute drive away.

Comes with a range of single and connecting rooms that cater to all types of travelers.

Fuel up at the hotel’s breakfast buffet for just 1400 JPY (approx. 13 SGD).