How To Save Money On Last-Minute Travels

It has been a while since my significant other and I traveled together. For the first time in a long time, we shall be booking an overseas trip at the last-minute. With two weeks to spare, we need to find ways to stretch our dollar.

Conventional wisdom states that you must book months in advance to save money. Last minute purchases usually lead to expensive airline tickets and lodging arrangements. However, this is not always the case.

#1: BE FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR DESTINATION

Since you are being spontaneous, consider letting the deals decide your destination. Let the fate guide you! Who knows? You may be in Haiti for less S$200.

If you do not have your heart set on a specific place, you may go to websites that enable you to check the best travel deals. For instance, Kayak Explore is a great tool to see which countries offer the best deals at a variety of travel dates.

#2: BOOK A LATE TIME-SLOT

Use the scarcity of time to your favor by booking really late. Interestingly, you may score the cheapest flights by pushing your booking way back. The closer the date, the more desperate airlines are in trying to fill the plane’s capacity. Go big or go home, right?

#3: SEARCH FOR FAVORABLE EXCHANGE RATES

One way to maximize your dollar is to compare the Singapore dollar to the rest of the world. If you are eyeing a trip abroad, you may look for a destination with favorable exchange rates. Which local currencies are weaker compared to the Singapore dollar? Perhaps, there are countries experiencing momentary economic instability or other conditions that decline their currency values. Consider traveling to these countries.

#4: OPEN THE INCOGNITO MODE

Keep your searches in private. When you surf the Net in Incognito Mode, your browser does not collect cookies. This means that third parties cannot identify the website you have visited before. Without the ability to track your movements, travel websites will have a harder time guessing your intentions. You see, these websites tend to raise prices to people who are not on “private” mode.

Another option is for you to use a VPN or a Virtual Private Network, which will conceal your geographical location and encrypt the data you send.

#5: PACK THE LIGHT ESSENTIALS

Make minimalist packing your lifestyle by traveling light. No matter how long you plan to be away from the country, it is best to pack no more than a week’s supply of fresh clothes. Packing light basics and weather-appropriate gear ensures that you save money and space.

Do not forget other essential accessories such as travel-sized hygiene items, chargers and USBs, power adapters, and padlocks.

#6: BE FLEXIBLE WITH THE TRAVEL DATES

Aside from the destinations, you can save more money by being flexible with the travel dates. People travel less in these unconventional days. Traveling in the middle of the week is cheaper than traveling towards the end of the week. You will get the best deal by flying on a Tuesday and leaving the following Wednesday as compared to flying on a Friday and leaving next Sunday.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Keep these tips in mind the next time you book a last-minute flight! ?

Sources:1 & 2

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4 Philippines Best Beaches

Are you planning a vacation to the Philippines this summer? Well, this country has a lot to offer; it’s like a small paradise on earth.

The country is like no other place on the planet. It has more than 7,500 islands with 2000 of them being inhabited. The area is full of beautiful sceneries and world-class beaches from Coron to El Nido.

The country offers one of the longest white sand coastlines in the world. Be sure to visit one of these beaches, and you’ll love the experience.

  1. El Nido, Palawan

El Nido Island has one of the best beaches in Palawan. Its extraordinary splendor and ecosystem make it your ideal destination this summer.

The place is commonly known as the Philippines’ last frontier. It features as the 14th beach among CNN’s top 100 beaches in the globe.

The island has over 50 white sand beaches, three marine habitats and five types of forests. It also a home to different bird species. Its waters are rich in marine life including dugongs, dolphins and over 100 species of fish.

You can visit this island and its fabulous beaches from December through March. At this time, the weather is dry and beautiful, plus the visitors are few translating to fewer rates.

  1. Coron Island, Palawan

Coron Island is a gem of natural beauty in the world. It boasts of steep limestone cliffs, seven mountain lakes, and white sand beaches. It’s also a popular scuba diving site with Forbes travel magazine listing it among the ten best locations around the globe.

Even better, behind the majestic rock formations, there’s a secret lagoon with crystal-green waters and white-sand shores. This hidden beach is a paradise. You must get here either by swimming through the sea tunnel or climbing over the cliffs.

  1. Panglao Island, Bohol

The island boasts of crystal clear blue waters and white sand beaches. The diving sites are among the best in the world. You’ll also find different species of marine life here.

Statistics from Panglao Biodiversity Project claim that the island has more marine life than Japan and the Mediterranean Sea combined.

Some of the famous beaches on this island are Alona, Doljo, and Dumaluan. Be sure to visit the area during the dry and cool season from December through to March.

  1. Palaui Island, Cagayan

According to CNN, Palaui Island is at number 10 of their top 100 best beaches in the world. It describes the beach as a raw beauty where nature unfolds with fauna and flora, white sands, volcanic rocks, and abundant marine life.

When visiting this island, don’t expect to get any hotel or luxury item here. If you have to stay, look for a homestay or go camping at the beach. Don’t forget, camping near the lighthouse is illegal.

Conclusion

Philippines is among the leading vacation locations in the world. It has thousands of inhabited and uninhabited islands. Each of these islands has a lot to offer, including white sand beaches and the best scuba diving sites in the world. Plan a visit today, and you’ll not regret it.

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4 Airline Tips To Live Your Best Travel Life

Maximize your money while traveling by following these four airline tips the next time you book a flight!

SHOP WITHOUT TAX

It’s always a blessing to acquire your favorite perfumes or purses without having to think about the tax attached to it. Try heading to the airport’s duty-free store to enjoy purchasing items without tax. Do this if you want to dispose your leftover foreign currency when traveling internationally.

Without a doubt, prices for certain goods vary by country and airport. This is why you must maximize your savings by doing a price comparison thru the Duty-Free Addict site!

EARN EXTRA MONEY

Many Singaporeans are not aware of the possibility of qualifying for compensation when experiencing flight delay. You read that right! There are certain situations that enable you to get some cash or other benefits. While weather delays or air traffic control issues will not get you any compensation, losing your luggage can get you some cash from the airline company.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

An app called AirHelp can track flight delays and uncover ways to get you compensation. It proclaims to give about US$700 to help both domestic and international passengers.

COMPARE ALL PRICES

When it comes to maximizing your dollar, it pays to shop around. The advancement of technology led to the development of helpful travel apps like Hipmunk.

Hipmunk compares deals on flights, hotels, and cars from several travel websites and airline companies. It gives you all the necessary information to get you started on your journey.

READ THE FINE PRINT

Before you embark on your relaxing holiday, take a few minutes to read the fine print attached on your airline ticket or vehicle rental contract. You will be glad you read any contract the travel industry lays out in front of you. For instance, an airline may not require to keep its flight schedule and you are still expected to check in on time. Read all the important details such as cancellation and refund policies.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

In most times, you are left with the “adhesion contract” whereby you cannot travel without clicking the “accept” button. Take it or leave it!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Everything You Need To Know About Malaysian Ringgit

Much like Singapore, Malaysia is a multicultural country. It has substantial influences from the British, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and Chinese culture. Aside from this, it shares land borders with Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei.

Not to mention, we can simply travel to Malaysia by land. Whether you are travelling to Malaysia or having a business transaction, here is a list of everything you need to know about the Malaysian Ringgit!

#1: MORE THAN JUST ART

Vibrant colors sprinkled on the notes are the first things that people notice about the Malaysian Ringgit. Did you know that these colors serve a purpose? Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the colors enable you to identify the denomination in a glance.

Now, look at the reverse side of the note. Most bills contain images of Malaysia’s infrastructure at the back. For instance, the famous Petronas Twin Towers grace the 5-ringgit note.

#2: MOVES LIKE JAGGED

In Malay, the word “ringgit” means “jagged”. It originates back to the colonial times where rough Spanish silver coins were once used. During this time, the coins were called dollars. This is why you may have seen some prices listed as “$” or “M$” before.

Currently, the currency in Malaysia is issued by the Bank Negara Malaysia (National Bank of Malaysia).

#3: SMART MONEY MOVES

When travelling to Malaysia, you have to be mindful with how you spend your money. Spare your small change to the street vendors or the people who have a problem breaking down your large notes.

Save your RM50 and RM100 banknotes to hotel, bars, mini-marts, and other establishments that carry plenty of cash flow.

#4: MUCH IS THE SAME

Interestingly, the Ringgit shares the same denomination as the Singaporean Dollar. It is divided into RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, and RM100.

There used to be an RM500 and RM1000 denominations, but the government demonetized it in the 1990s to curb money laundering. If you see this note being handover to you, stay vigilant. Do not accept any of these notes from anyone.

#5: MONEY SPENT AND MONEY SAVED

According to a study, the top three ways that Malaysians employ to eliminate their spending include spending less on clothes, reducing entertainment costs, and switching to more affordable grocery items.

On the other hand, they spend most of their disposable income on dining out. This is followed by their petrol and housing costs.

#6: SAVE YOUR TIPS

Save your tips as most people do not expect to receive it. Tipping is not a common practice in Malaysia. Some places such as restaurants and luxury hotels may add a 10% service charge to your bill.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Otherwise, tipping will be discretionary.

Sources: 1 & 2 & 3

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What’s The Hype About Jewel Changi Airport?

Scheduled to open this month is the latest Jewel of Singapore – the Jewel Changi Airport. This multi-purpose development includes a hotel, aviation facilities, retail stores, dining facilities, and various attractions. A complex that houses all these facilities must be massive! The complex covers a total gross floor area of 134,000 meters, which spans about 10 stories.

I am most excited about the key attractions including the world’s largest indoor waterfall and the five-story indoor garden. Let us start with the HSBC Rain Vortex. Standing at 131 ft high is the world’s largest indoor waterfall. At night, the Rain Vortex glistens with lights and sounds. These were curated by the water design expert WET Design. I expect nothing but the best!

Lastly, Canopy Park aims to astound you with its two gardens including Topiary Walk and Petal Garden. The former features animal-shaped topiaries. The latter features seasonal floral displays. These natural displays excites my flower-loving heart!

Aside from flowers, food holds a special place for us. Singaporeans are enthusiastic about the flavors offered by Shake Shack and the comeback of A&W Restaurant.

Image Credits: danielfooddiary.com

Probably the most anticipated F&B opening at Jewel, is the famous burgain chain called Shake Shack. Its first outlet in Singapore is set to open on April 17. Shake Shack will offer its classic coffee milkshake along with locally brewed Jewela Melaka and Pandan Shake. Jewela Melaka is a frozen vanillacustard ice cream with coconut salted caramel, Lemuel chocolate chunks, shortbread, and gula melaka. Pandan Shake (S$7.80) puts a Singaporean-spin to their classic brew by adding pandan. Putting a spotlight on their burgers entails that its made with freshly ground 100% Angus beef. Rest assured that it has a delicate texture, great taste, and no added hormones. ShackBurger costs S$9.20 to $12.90.

Last but not the least is the ultimate throwback F&B opening of A&W Restaurant in Jewel Changi Airport. It is operating for 24 hours daily and is Halal-certified. Many are thrilled to taste the Root Beer Float, Coney Dogs, Curly Fries, and Waffle Ice Cream once more. This all-American restaurant will welcome long queues for sure!

Image Credits:greatdeals.com.sg

Oh! The Jewel houses a Pokemon center too. Certainly, the nation is shaken by the opening of the Jewel! Wait and see for more.

Sources: 1 & 2

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