Changi Recommends: No Bill Shock – Only Convenience And Savings When You Book With ChangiWiFi.

Being connected while you travel is an essential nowadays. How else do we search for directions to that hyped café, museum, or that amazing rooftop view? Although there are many alternatives for data coverage in the market, it is also important to select the most cost effective option, and therefore, we recommend ChangiWiFi for your travels, a Wi-Fi router service which covers more than 70 well-travelled countries, with packages for multiple countries as well.

ChangiWiFi’s service started back in 2015 with intentions to offer affordable data roaming services to its customers. Here are 6 reasons to select ChangiWiFi amongst your choice for data roaming.

1) Convenience

Booking a ChangiWiFi router is simple, head over to ChangiWiFi’s official website and place a reservation, choose your point of collection at one of the Changi Recommends counters across all 4 terminals in Changi Airport and submit your booking! Collection points are located at the Public Area of each terminal and can be collected right before your departure. Being able to collect it right before your trip is a bonus, as it does not require you to stay at home twice — to receive and to return your routers as required by other Wi-Fi rental companies. This takes away the trouble of time wasting if the delivery personnel happens to be late and you have other important things to attend to. Upon return, you can drop off your router at any one of the Changi Recommends booth too.

As service booths are open 24 hours every day, you can simply pick up or return your routers at the airport before your check-in, or after your arrival in Singapore.

2) No Bill Shock

If you are someone who opts for your data roaming plan while you travel, you may have experienced extra data costs which were excessive from overusing your data, or accidentally forgetting to terminate your roaming plan. However, choosing to use a Wi-Fi router may just take away these problems. Furthermore, Wi-Fi routers do not have a limit to how much data you can use, and if your problem is retaining your mobile number for important calls and texts, a Wi-Fi router allows you to do that too!

Here is a comparison between ChangiWiFi’s router and other Telco’s roaming plans.

3) Value For Money For Group And Business Travellers

One of the many benefits of a Wi-Fi router is being able to share data connection on more than 1 device. As seen in the above table, ChangiWiFi’s router can be connected to up to 5 devices. This means cheaper connection if you are travelling in a group, as you can split the cost of the rental fees with up to 5 travel buddies!

If you are a business traveller who owns many phones and needs to connect them to the internet for communication, or your laptop, having a Wi-Fi router may be an option for those who always search for internet connections. Besides, not all hotels offers great Wi-Fi access right? It is definitely time and money saving if you think of the bother.

4) May Be Cheaper Than SIM Cards

Yes, you read right. If you compare SIM card charges for certain countries to ChangiWiFi’s router rental fee, you might just end up paying lesser. Here is a comparison of buying a SIM card for a one week trip to Japan, or renting them from ChangiWiFi (with promo code benefits).

Most SIM cards for Japan is only available for purchase for 8 or more days of travel, that means paying a hefty price for a SIM card for those who are travelling to Japan for a shorter period of time.

Above is the cost of renting a Wi-Fi router from ChangiWiFi! As you can see, you are actually paying lesser for your one week trip, and for those who are travelling for 8 days even, it is still cheaper than a SIM card! What’s more, you can share the price of the router rental with your peers who are going with you on the trip. That’s a score if you ask me!

5) Ensure Smooth Internet Access While You Travel

ChangiWiFi offers 24 hours customer service and technical support for their Wi-Fi rentals. If you have any trouble overseas with your router, you can just email or WhatsApp them for assistance. This means that you can contact them during the weekends or public holidays as compared to other router rental services!

6) No Fair Usage Policy For Countries Like Australia, Japan, South Korea, And Taiwan

Although fair usage policy varies from country to country, there are some countries who do not enforce this rule like the above. However, some Wi-Fi router rental companies offers rentals for Wi-Fi devices for parts of the world instead of single country usage, and this limits the 4G/3G coverage of the device per day to 500MB before becoming extremely slow. Therefore, if you happen to rent those for a one city visit, it may not be feasible for group vacations or a heavy data user. ChangiWiFi though, offers Wi-Fi rentals for each country you visit, and for that, you would get unlimited data for the above countries!

ChangiWiFi Rental Rates And Promotions

ChangiWiFi rental rates are highly affordable for everyone. Prices starts from $5 a day depending on country and Changi Recommends tries to constantly add on more cities for everyone’s convenience. For those travelling to China, do not worry about VPN access as ChangiWiFi has got them covered for you too! Oh yes, did I mention you do not have to pay for your rented router till your return? You would only need to deposit $1 on your departure and pay upon your return.

Also, they are running a promotion currently which offers 2 days free ChangiWiFi rental for your trip! This promo code runs till January 2019, for travels up till February 2019.

To book a ChangiWiFi Router, visit ChangiWiFi’s official website. Do take note that walk-in rentals are available, however, subjected to availability of routers.

 

Read More...

5 Ways to Have A Luxury Romantic Vacation

Right after getting married, you both want to explore the world with love.

You might have decided the list of places you want to visit with your spouse, but she might not have agreed on some locations she doesn’t like, or she visited already. So, in this situation you both better have a detailed meeting and create a list of places you both want to explore.

The next concern that would raise its head is how you both can make your honeymoon full of life and romance; this is not even the hard nut to crack because we have got 5 ways to make your trip luxury and romantic.

1. Make Sure It Is Heartfelt
Your enchanting trip should be heartfelt for both of you. What this means is, if you really want to visit the Andes and discover about the Atacama people, but she doesn’t like it, then don’t try to make that your romantic journey.
Find a thing that is going to be special for both of you.

One reason why you’re together is actually that you share similar likes and dislikes on some levels. Find all those parallels and search for a special experience that can complement those.

You can experience some adventures in your own state or area. Therefore, you don’t need to make a huge investment decision to go somewhere exotic. You can easily create that unforgettable, enchanting trip and save your valuable money.

2. Research Online
Search engines like google today is a great source to find destinations. In past times, you would have to get in touch with a tour operator or go to the local library to find details about vacation spots. Today, you just visit google.com, type in the search terms for example “romantic places in Singapore” and click the search button.

You can easily search for some romantic vacation trips in your neighbourhood or even find a location that is thousands of miles away. You can also find the best prices for each trip depending on the distance and facilities provided by the tour operator.

The online world can certainly help you define your choices based on your capacity to pay, exactly where you wish to go, and what you want to do.

3. Increase Your Savings
If you want to go outdoor next year, then you better increase your savings now. By putting away a modest amount of money regularly, you’ll have the ability to pay for a truly passionate getaway without having to be concerned about expenses. You really want your adventure to be unforgettable with romantic, happy memories, but not with nerve-racking anxieties about how exactly you’re planning to pay for every little thing.

Most of the couples spend a lot in the local parties and outings. Well, if you want to go somewhere away from your world and enjoy the different and adventurous experience then saving money right after your marriage will be the best bet for you.

4. Gear and Equipment Are Important
It is best to buy the right travel equipment and gear while you leave for your first adventure, and most of the other items that you may need must be in your luggage as well.

Most of the sites provide a list of important items which are needed mostly for some places around the world. For example, if you are heading to Bali, then bringing some bikinis, colourful beach hats and beach sandals will be the necessary items.

You are a newly married couple, and you don’t want to leave a formal touch in your dressing the way you were both in your wedding function. Well, trust me, that would look awkward. You don’t have to dress up formally when going out for the trip, just think about some easy to wear and easy to carry stuff. Go for small sized things such as travel outfits or footwear, baggage, accessories; all are available in the market specifically designed for backpackers or travellers.

5. Spend Money on Experiences but Not on Material
Do not forget that your experience is a lot more important than what was bought. So, spend on your special experiences during the romantic trip instead of concentrating on buying the things.

A honeymoon trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you don’t want to lose it. Saving right after you got married counts a lot because it is a common rule of nature that responsibilities start knocking the door when it comes to managing a happy married life. There will be a long list of basic expenses, and you may never make your trip happen later in your life.

Just make your getaway a thing you’ll both remember. You will certainly be thrilled to do another one.

 

 

Read More...

Travel tips for first-time visitors to Mexico

How I Travel For Free By Planning My Own Finances

Mexico has beautiful Spanish colonial towns, white-sand beaches and mysterious Mayan ruins. Millions travel to Mexico each year to experience their history, culture and food. Some book a week in one of the luxurious riviera maya homes for rent while others spend their time backpacking around the country. But visiting Mexico can be a daunting experience, especially if it’s your first time. Keep reading and discover these essential travel tips to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

Staying safe in Mexico

One of the biggest concerns facing travellers to Mexico is the poor safety record in the country. Switch on any news channel and you’re bombarded with stories of gun crime and drug-related incidents. Others focus on how street crime and robberies target tourists. But this is usually blown out of proportion. Yes, Mexico does have a poor safety record. But not every town and city is the same. The vast majority of resorts such as Los Cabos and Cancun are completely safe. As are the smaller colonial towns in more rural areas. If you travel to Mexico City or areas that are notorious for drug trafficking routes, you should exercise a lot of caution. But for most tourists, vacationing in Mexico is no more dangerous than staying at home. Most of the hype you hear is just that – hype.

Brush up on your Spanish

If you’re planning to explore Mexico outside of the resorts, having a basic knowledge of Spanish is a must. While most people in and around the tourist areas can speak some English, it’s unlikely they will be able to in the local areas. Learning a few phrases can go a long way. And many Mexicans will appreciate that you’re making an effort to learn their language. Apart from putting a smile on the shopkeepers face, a bit of Spanish can unlock doors and allow you to experience the real Mexico. Knowing how to bargain in their lingo also reduces the chance that you’ll pay the tourist price. You don’t need to be fluent. Instead, grab a guidebook or watch a few videos on YouTube to learn a handful of basic phrases.

Make the most out of Mexico’s ruins

Egypt has the pyramids and Mexico has Mayan ruins. The ancient civilisation reigned in Central America for centuries leaving vast temples and cities behind. The most famous is Chichen Itza on the Yucatan Peninsula. But most towns and cities have ruins of varying sizes within a short drive of the centre. Tour companies offer an excursion to the nearby ruins. Or you can rent a car and visit them independently. If this is your first time, it’s a good idea to learn more about this ancient culture. Having the chance to visit the ruins and experiencing the best of Mayan traditions is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s strongly recommended to research which ones you want to visit. Don’t fall into the trap that other tourists do and see it as ‘just another ruin’. Instead, embrace the vast and diverse shapes and styles of the ancient Mayans in Mexico.

Always research tour companies

Signing up for a tour is one of the best ways to see Mexico. Most towns and cities, especially those near touristy areas, take visitors out to the sea, inland or to Mayan ruins. But because of the surge of visitors and an endless supply of customers, the quality of some have dropped dramatically over the last few years. The best policy is to shop around and don’t sign up for a tour just because it’s the cheapest. Research the company and read reviews on TripAdvisor. Some of the less professional agencies don’t meet the safety requirements, overcrowd buses and lack the knowledge to explain the attractions in depth. It might be better to splash out a bit more on a more reputable company. But the only way to make sure is to do a bit of research before arranging an excursion.

Want a bargain? Don’t forget to haggle

Because a large part of Mexico’s coastal regions rely on tourism, some of the more unscrupulous locals see international visitors as cash machines. When you ask for the price, they will often quote up to two or three times higher. This includes buying souvenirs, street food and pretty much anything outside of a shopping mall. The key is to haggle. Speak to somebody who you trust beforehand to get an idea of what the going rates should be. Prepare to pay slightly more, but be persistent to stop them from completely ripping you off!

Embrace the Mexican hospitality

Whenever you meet a Mexican, they will almost always greet you with a smile. Family life is the centrepiece of Mexican life and this transfers onto how they treat their guests. Striking up a conversation with a local is easy – especially if you know a little bit of Spanish. Most people that you meet will always be happy to practice their English on a tourist. And occasionally, this leads to an invite back to their house for a beer or shot of tequila. Travel around the country and you’ll be welcomed and receive excellent hospitality. Embrace it and show your warmth back to them in return.

Preparing for your trip to Mexico

Learn a few phrases of Spanish and be ready to barter for bargains. Always research tour companies and find recent travellers’ experiences before booking anything up. Take the chance to learn about their Mayan heritage and embrace the Mexican hospitality. And finally, Mexico is a lot safer to visit than most people think!

Read More...

4 Cheap Thrills In Bangkok

To usher in the New Year 2019, my friends and I are planning to visit three Southeast Asian countries including Bangkok (BKK). We are so excited to explore the cultural wonders of BKK. There is so much more to see than its shopping malls! For instance, you may visit these affordable places:

#1: WHEN IN DOUBT, CYCLE AROUND

What better way to get to know an unknown city than by roaming around the area by land? Strolling the area with your bare feet can only take you to the narby places. Try renting bicycles instead!

Bicycle tours are all the rage in Bangkok. Upon searching through the Viator’s website (i.e., a TripAdvisor company), I found a 2-hour bicycle tour consisting of six people. The small group shall pedal past many sights such as the Old Customs House and the Chinatown. The tour costs about S$25.

#2: TRADITIONAL PUPPET SHOWS, ANYONE?

Thai Puppetry may be a dying art but, the Artist’s House in Bangkok does its best to preserve this tradition. You can enjoy a beautiful folktale as told by intricately-made puppets for free. Shows run daily at 2 pm, except on Wednesdays. Puppeteers dressed in black pull the strings to control the vivid marionette puppets. Fully immerse yourself in the story to absorb their culture and creativity.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: PLAYER ONE, READY!

Adventure-seekers and alike will be pleased with the Escape Room Bangkok. Each room has its own backstory, which sets the tone of the game. This “stimulation” establishment offers a new type of adrenaline rush as it does not involve physical strength to win. Instead, participants must use problem-solving skills and teamwork to break free from a given room.

Whether you are trying to accomplish a prison break or to vanquish a paranormal being, each person shall pay about S$29.

#4: A SWEET STROLL IN THE PARK

Boasting its free admission is one of BKK’s top parks – the Lumpini Park. Lumpini Park has enough space for you to ride the bike, play basketball, take yoga classes, and indulge in the greenery. In the colder months, you are free to listen to the orchestral concerts held every Sunday.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do you have extra money to spare? Well, you can take advantage of the many food stalls found in the parks perimeter. Amp up the delightful experience by riding their paddle boat. Just watch out for the monitor lizards as these are animals are scattered in the area!

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

Must-Have Travel Essentials Under S$20

PASSPORT CASES

Imagine spilling liquid droplets on the first page of your passport. What is more? Your flight is a few hours away! How can you travel now? Well, this frightening scenario happened to me before. Prevent this from happening to you buy purchasing a passport case.
Keep your valuable identification piece dry and clean by getting a passport case for as low as S$2 at Daiso.

EYE MASKS

If you are greatly affected by beaming lights or vivid stimulations, you may want to wear an eye mask during your long flight or road trip. Eye masks provide soft shades to survive the longest of trips.

Inexpensive eye masks are available at Daiso. However, you may invest in a S$19.90 eye mask designed to let you dwell in deep restorative stages of sleep. I am referring to the ErgoDream™ 3D Ergonomic Eye Mask. It comes with free high-density earplugs too!

ErgoDream™ 3D Ergonomic Eye Mask for Back Sleepers

SMALL PLASTIC CONTAINERS

One of the best gifts that I received last year was a set of reusable bottles from MINISO (i.e., less than S$5). I was able to transfer various liquids such as my shampoo, soap, essential oils, and hand cream.

Makeup addicts can benefit from these airline-approved bottles as well. You do not have to carry the full-sized weight of every product during your trip! You can transfer your setting spray, BB cream, cheek tint, and so much more.

BANDAGES

Some of the most common injuries experienced by travelers are cuts and scrapes. Hence, bandages are vital in a travel first aid kit. It is recommended to buy a set of adhesive bandages containing different types and sizes. This set will help you cover blisters from hiking or cuts from cycling.

Ensure that the bandages are of good quality to prevent it from slipping away. For instance, you may get a pack of waterproof bandage from Watsons for only S$2.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BONUS: The search for travel-friendly bathroom paraphernalia is over! You may purchase a set of shampoo, conditioner, and body soap for only S$12.90. It is from the Japanese brand Ma Cherie!

Read More...