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

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

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources:  1,  2, & 3

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Travel Hack: How To Keep Your Phone Bills Low When Travelling

By Akansha Priyadarshi

Despite being excited about your upcoming vacation, you can’t help but notice the lump in your throat when you remember the $1,000 inflated phone bill you faced after your last trip. Having your phone during your travels is essential; from finding cheap things to do in Phuket, looking at maps and snapping photos with your camera, the average traveler today can’t travel without their phones. However, keeping your phone bills low is a challenge when overseas. The cost of cellular data and phone calls can swell ridiculously the moment your phone goes on international roaming. Try using the following hacks to avoid moaning over your phone bill after your next vacation.

Switch off your data roaming

This is one of the simplest things you can do to avoid exorbitant additions to your phone bill if you don’t have an international data plan. Keep the data switched off by sliding off the cellular data in your phone. To turn off cellular data on most phones, go into settings and turn off cellular data and data roaming to avoid data roaming charges.

Buy a new local SIM

Buying a new local SIM when you visit a new country is the easiest and cheapest option. This is perfect if you know you’re going to need cellular services and internet. The new SIM card will provide you with a temporary local plan without slaying your account. Most networks have a counter at the airport after baggage claim to assist tourists, so be sure to keep a look out for those to get your local SIM card.

Disable push notifications

You don’t need push notifications while travelling. Who wants to know the growing number of emails  piling up in that inbox when you are enjoying a day at a beach? To top it all, it costs you your data usage.

Download your maps in advance

It always pays off when you plan your trips in advance. You can download maps for the locations you are going to visit beforehand, when you have a planned itinerary. Use free Wi-Fi services in your hotel or any other place where free Wi-Fi is available to download the maps before you head out. It will save you from expensive cellular data costs. You can use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps that have functions for users to save maps for offline use and to navigate around without using unnecessary data. Here are more travel tips on using Google Maps.

Keep a check on your data usage

Last but not least, you can track your data usage. It is easy to forget how much data is being used when you’re watching YouTube videos and have numerous photos to post on your Instagram, Facebook and other social media accounts. You could save yourself a lot of trouble if you set a limit for data usage and be mindful of it. There are several data tracker apps such as 3G Watchdog, My Verizon Mobile, DataMan and My Data Manager, that can help you in tracking your usage. And if you use an iPhone, you can simply reset the data statistics by going on setting and adjusting your cellular usage.

Leave your holiday on a high note, knowing that you’ve kept your phone bill low.

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Before You Kick The Bucket, Visit These Beautiful Local Places

Whether you like it or not, our time on Earth eventually comes to an end. Most people take this as an opportunity to live within their greatest potential. Keeping this mind, you may create a “travel bucket list” filled with the places that you desire to visit before you die (or at least before you turn 60).

You may think that Singapore is exclusively blessed with luxury malls and highly-rated hotels, but there is more to our country than the sheen of wealth. It is surrounded with diverse cultures and a vibrant history that you must discover.

Consider visiting these beautiful places first:

HIKE AT PULAU UBIN

Have a blast from the bygone years by observing how the villagers of the Pulau Ubin live without the glamorous skyscrapers. Pulau Ubin is an island found in the Northeast of Singapore. It is one of the last rural areas in the country with an abundance of fauna and flora. It is a great place to hike, cycle, and experience other outdoor activities. Make sure you pack the best hiking gps for your trip!

You may take a guided tour to explore the picturesque beaches and mangrove areas.

DISCOVER THE ASIAN WONDERS

Before the optimum condition of your senses deteriorate due to old age, consider savoring the beauty of treasured artworks by visiting local museums. On the top of my list is none other than Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River, ACM will take you on a journey of historical discovery as they preserve the heritage of Asia.

It boasts with about 1,300 artifacts from China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Upon walking inside its halls last year, I was amazed by the abundance and diversity of the Buddha statues as well as the 12 zodiac animal heads donated by Jackie Chan.

To shake things up, they accompany the permanent exhibits with special exhibits such as the “South Asia and the Islamic World”. You will be glad to know that admission is FREE for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

STROLL ABOVE THE TREES

Tick one item off your bucket list by conquering your fear of heights!

Take your special someone to a morning hike while watching the sunrise at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. MacRitchie Reservoir Park houses several long hiking routes including the famous TreeTop Walk. The TreeTop Walk consists of a freestanding suspension bridge that connects two highest points namely: Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. This is the first of its kind. You will truly appreciate the unique experience of looking over the variety of plants and animals while being about 25 meters off the ground.

POSE WITH ALL THE MERLION

Wouldn’t it be nice to share the stories of how you posed beside all the Merlion statues in Singapore? I am sure that your grandchildren will be fascinated to know that their grandparent stood face-to-face with the nation’s “mythical creature”.

As you may know, the Merlion has the head of the lion and the body of a fish. It is regarded as Singapore’s icon since the 60’s. There are seven Merlion statues built islandwide. Among these is the statue located next to One Fullerton. Take a snap with this water-spouting statue before you walk around Marina Bay.

RELAX AT A TROPICAL OASIS

Recently featured inside the pages of the Louis Vuitton City Guide Singapore, Blue Bali is the closest tropical oasis in the bustling city. The serene place consists of a restaurant and a spa where guests can indulge on contemporary Indonesian cuisine while overlooking the surrounding greenery.

Worry not about breaking the bank as the prices of the meals are reasonable. Mains start from S$16 while the kid’s meals start from S$8.

Image Credits: facebook.com/BlueBaliOnCluny

Image Credits: facebook.com/BlueBaliOnCluny

What are you waiting for? Tick “urban paradise” off your bucket list.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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5 reasons why any time is a good time to visit South Africa

If you’re planning a holiday to South Africa, a wonderful mix of culture and adventure awaits.  From relaxing beaches to wild and wacky tours, there’s always something to do here, no matter the time of year.

  1. You can spend a day out of the ordinary and swim with wild penguins at Boulders beach
  2. Go whale watching in the Cape Peninsula Enjoy the majesty of the largest mammals on earth when you go whale watching in the Cape Peninsula
  3. Take a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain to see heart-stopping views of Cape Town and discover flora not found anywhere else on earth
  4. Get up close and personal with wild animals at Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve safari
  5. Enter an unusual game of Ostrich racing in Karoo and go head to head with some of the locals

The possibilities abound, as do the plethora of wildlife available that can be seen only in Africa. The prime tourist season runs from November to March as tourists from the northern hemisphere flock here to enjoy the warmer climate. Be sure to book your tickets to South Africa well in advance if you plan on coming at this time.

Etihad Airways and South African Airways announced a major expansion of their strategic partnership, at the end of last year, making flights from Abu Dhabi to South Africa (and vice versa) all the more accessible.

As part of the extended cooperation, South African Airways will launch a daily service between Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi on 29 March 2015, which will complement Etihad Airways’ existing flights between the two cities to offer a combined double-daily frequency on the route.

As a result, business and leisure travellers will benefit from the convenience of multiple options between Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi within the same day. More than 1,000 connections will also be offered each week over Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi hub to key markets including the GCC region, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, and North and South East Asia.

The airlines have also significantly developed their codeshare agreement to include a total of 49 routes, more than double the previous number. Subject to regulatory approval, Etihad Airways will place its ‘EY’ code on South African Airways’ new Johannesburg-Abu Dhabi flights, in addition to 16 of the airline’s other services from Johannesburg to key destinations across the African continent. In return, South African Airways will place its ‘SA’ code on 32 Etihad Airways routes beyond Abu Dhabi to a range of destinations worldwide.

Etihad Airways and South African Airways’ Johannesburg – Abu Dhabi schedule

Effective 29 March 2015:

Route Flight No. Departure Arrival Aircraft Frequency
Johannesburg (JNB) – Abu Dhabi (AUH) SA278 10:05 20:25 Airbus A330 Daily
Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Johannesburg (JNB) SA279 02:05 08:15 Airbus A330 Daily
Johannesburg (JNB) – Abu Dhabi (AUH) EY603 20:30 06:50 +1 Airbus A330 Daily
Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Johannesburg (JNB) EY604 09:30 16:05 Airbus A330 Daily

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

  • SAA to operate daily flight between Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi from 29 March 2015

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Plan A Thrifty Vacation To Europe With These 6 Tips

The global economy may be unstable, but your wanderlust heart remains powerful – for a good reason. It is possible to travel in Europe without breaking the bank as long as you have a few smart tricks up your sleeve!

1. PLAN HOW TO REACH EUROPE

It is always a good idea to do prior research before visiting an unknown land. Start your investigative methods by researching the off-peak season of your dream destination. Avoid the months when said destination receives most of its visitors. For instance, most cities in Europe are at its peak from July until the middle of September. Universal public holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve are crowded too.

Consider reaching Europe in October through April. You will not only get cheaper plane seats but you will also find cheaper accommodation. Furthermore, you will meet more locals and less tourists. Get the an authentic European experience as you indulge on the local culture and enjoy the shorter queues.

2. PLAN WHERE YOU WILL STAY

Speaking of accommodation, you can stretch your buck by embracing other options aside from hotels. Hotel prices may drop from August to October, but they are still heftier than apartment rentals and home sharing.

Visit websites such as airbnb.com and homeexchange.com to get a grasp of what I am saying. These websites participate in the sharing economy by connecting like-minded travelers and locals together. They allow you to save a great deal of money and to have an access to extra amenities (e.g., kitchen).

You may also ask your local landlord to give you insider tips and maximize your stay!

3. PLAN HOW TO MOVE AROUND

One of the categories that will take a huge chunk of your travel budget is transportation. There are various ways to explore the beauty of Europe on a tight budget including boarding the train or the bus as well as renting a vehicle. For extensive or long-distance journeys, more people opt for availing the Eurail Passes. These passes are used to travel a single country or across multiple countries. Of course, it is cheaper to travel in short distances through the efficient European rail system.

Alternatively, you may board the public buses. Several buses are aimed at connecting the major European cities. Lastly, you can rent a car and share the price among your peers by taking advantage of the sharing economy.

4. PLAN HOW TO REMAIN CONNECTED

Staying connected no matter where you are in the world is beginning to be a necessity for most of us. However, data roaming fees are ridiculously expensive! Consider visiting the nearest public space or eatery that offers free Wi-Fi. Or, you may rent a pocket Wi-Fi device at Changi Airport.

It is easy to travel anywhere with the Changi Recommends’ pocket Wi-Fi. You simply have to pay a promotional price of S$12 per day. Equip with this, you can regularly update your friends and family back home via FaceTime or Skype. You may also manage your business by checking up on your employees through Whatsapp or Gmail.

Image Credits: changirecommends.com

Image Credits: changirecommends.com

Related Post: How To Save And Travel Like A Local In Hong Kong With The Changi Recommends’ Wi-Fi Router

5. PLAN WHERE TO EAT

Who does not love to eat, especially when it is thrifty? Save more cash on food by either cooking your own meals or dining like the locals.

Staying at the apartment or home rentals will allow you to access a fully functional kitchen. Use it to your advantage by preparing meals for you and your travel buddies. Amp up the adventure by having a lovely picnic at the nearest park. Many groceries have deli sections so invest in those. Or, you may skip the picnic and eat at the department store cafeteria instead. That is what some locals do!

Follow the locals’ lead for cheap eats instead of frequenting the tourist spots that puncture holes in your wallet. Ask around the town or read this helpful article.

6. PLAN HOW TO RETRIEVE CASH

For fuss-free retrieval of cash (European currency) in the quickest way possible, you may use the set of ATM scattered around Europe. All you need to do is to activate your card’s magnetic stripe. For instance, you can ask for the help of a bank personnel to help you enable the overseas access of your UOB debit card. It only takes a few minutes!

The only drawback with this method is that you will have to minimize your transaction fees by making larger and fewer withdrawals. In my experience, UOB charged me S$5 for every withdrawal in the neighboring Asian countries. It goes without saying that you must keep this advance encashment in a safe place.

Recommended Read:  How to travel Europe on a shoestring budget

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Cutting your travel budget does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the quality of your trip! 🙂

Sources: 12, & 3

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