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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

You Can Flawlessly Survive A Long-Haul Flight

Discovering the cultural differences while traveling the globe is a luxury that many Singaporeans are willing to pay for. While some flights pass by in a snap, other flights seem to drag on forever. I am pertaining to the intimidating long-haul flights!

Each passenger has a story to tell, but I am going to share an interesting one. My friend Rose (definitely not her real name) is a globetrotter. She had her fair share of short term and long term flights, including some of the most rough routes. Among these flights, she will not forget about her 15-hour experience to London. She was seated beside a highly anxious teen who could not stop crying. The teen felt cold and dizzy. She kept crying for almost 10 minutes. At this moment she questioned why this was happening to her. Why was she seated beside a person who is having a panic or anxiety attack? Fortunately, the situation was handled by a passenger who happens to be a licensed doctor.

Rose’s story is a rare case. Most flights are better than others as you may employ strategies to help ease your journey. Flying for a long period of time can become enjoyable with preparation and determination. Let us start with the factors that you can control such as your clothing, seat, and diet.

Given that you have to endure wearing the same outfit for more than three hours, you must be decked out in a comfortable one. Ensure that your chosen set can withstand the blast of the powerful air-conditioning system. I suggest to opt for several loose layers and closed-toed shoes.

When it comes to your eating regimen, you must shy away from alcohol and carbohydrates as much as possible. Carbohydrates holds water and makes you feel more bloated. While, alcohol is a dehydrating agent. Stick to the healthy option of fish (or chicken) and water instead. It is always a good idea to gulp a considerable amount of water before, during, and after your flight.

Lastly, it is important to realize the convenience that the contemporary era brings. Sit peacefully in your seat by reserving ahead of time. Avoid the noise created by babies and children by staying away from the front part of the plane. To reap the benefits of spacious legroom, choose the seats in the exit rows.

To prevent muscle soreness or discomfort, remember to do simple stretching exercises while sitting down. Twist your torso and look behind your shoulders every once in a while. You may also roll your head for a few times to help ease a stiff neck. Having the seat-belt sign turn off can work to your favor! Just take short walks to the lavatory area to stretch your legs and hips.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As with every circumstances in life, you cannot always be on top of the situation. A bearable long-haul flight to others may not serve you well. What can get you through the frightening turbulence and the deafening scream is a positive mindset. Perceive a long-haul flight as a beaming opportunity to catch up on your sleep or television series. It is also the ideal time to indulge on a movie marathon or to carefully write a business plan.

I admit it! Flying for a long period of time is not always easy for the mind and the body. Still, many of the strategies that I mentioned above can help reduce the strain of flying. Follow and modify these. More importantly, realize that the flight will eventually come to a safe ending. So, stay hopeful and committed!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

4 “Hidden” Costs Of Flying With Budget Airlines

How can you pay for a trip if your budget is too tight? Certainly, saving for travel money is not an easy task, which is why a mixture of effort and creativity will make your dream getaway a reality.

While scouting for affordable prices, you can consider flying with the popular Budget Airlines namely: Tigerair, Jetstar, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.

However, the true reason why you are able to purchase low-cost plane tickets with Budget Airlines is that they provide the basic amenities on-board while charging you for the additional services you might require. These “hidden or sneaky” fees for anything extra can take a toll on your pocket. This is why, you shall keep an eye on the following costs:

1. TIME

Usually, the cheapest fares and special promotions are available during off-peak season or in the most inconvenient times. Examine if you are really willing to wait for the off-peak seasons or if you are willing to sacrifice sleep to save money.

2. EXCESS BAGGAGE

For short trips, I suggest to pack light. Although majority of Budget Airlines provide you with a free carry-on baggage allowance (of at least 7kg) aside from your check-in baggage, exceeding this will cost you a lot! For example, Jetstar charges a minimum of S$20 while Tigerair charges a minimum of S$25 per kilo in excess.

3. CREDIT CARD PROMOTIONS

Some credit cards offer deals with Budget Airlines but, they might require a minimum amount of purchase or a minimum amount of people. A credit card that is exclusive to the airlines itself will give you the advantage you need.

For example, Tigerair Platinum Credit Card lets its holders enjoy free luggage upgrades, free seating selections, early access to Tigerair deals, and priority boarding.

4. SERVICE EXTRAS

As you confirm your ticket, remember that you will have to pay for all your extras including food, beverages, blankets, pillows, and entertainment systems. Save money by packing your own food but, check if the carrier allows outside food first. Then, finish your drinks before going through security because there are on-board liquid restrictions.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

To ensure that your bargain airfare does not break your budget, review the fine print with hawk eyes and consider the unexpected costs! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

4 Ways to Boost Your Travel Fund

How can you pay for trips if your budget is too tight? Certainly, saving for travel money is not an easy task, which is why a sparkle of effort is needed to turn your dreams into reality.

Here are 4 Ways to Boost Your Travel Fund…

1. SELL YOUR UNWANTED OR UNUSED ITEMS ONLINE

Anything that is still in good condition and has a credible brand name will be flocked over by buyers. Even your old furniture can be sold in online sites such as Carousell and Gumtree. Nonetheless, you can always sell your precious items to your close family and friends through a Facebook group.

Rules on selling include: be honest with the product’s flaws, have a simple and accurate description, and charge right for postage.

The popular and safe websites (or mobile apps) for selling are:

a. eBay
b. Gumtree
c. Carousell
d. Facebook

2. INDULGE ON AIR MILEAGE CREDIT CARDS

Some companies such as Citibank or Virgin offer a significant amount of air miles every time you purchase. Once you have an air mileage credit card and use it abundantly (within your needs), you may even book your flight for free!

Image Credits: William Cho via Flickr

3. CONTROL YOUR UNNECESSARY BUYING INSTINCTS

Stop buying useless things that you do not need. Rethink if buying overpriced coffee rather than making your own coffee at work saves you more. Instead of buying lunch, pack your own lunch for at least 2 months. It will not only save more money, but it will reduce waste. It may seem simple, but these unnecessary expenses add up.

4. BE PATIENT

If you need to purchase something for your trip, wait for sale to come around or buy the last season’s model. When selling your items, you must be okay to accept an item price for less. You must practice the virtue of patience, as you wait for the right time before you may be able to travel.

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