A few months from now, I will be traveling to Bangkok with my beloved friends. I am oozing with excitement as I have never been to this place before nor have I traveled with this group of people. Much like most Singaporeans, I long to explore their indisputable shopping scene! This is why I must employ some strategies to save as much money as I can while traveling.
For this type of trip, you can save money as a group by:
1. CONDUCTING PRIOR RESEARCH
Choosing an affordable destination that is suited to your travel budget is the first step. In our case, we chose Bangkok. If you have a considerable amount of money then, you can go to Europe rather than limiting yourself to Southeast Asian countries.
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After choosing a destination, research on the possible accommodations, activities, transportation modes, and so on. One of the largest discounts come from availing the group rates for all the said expenses. If you are going to a museum, do not be afraid to ask about the group rate. Same rules apply for booking a flight or a hotel.
2. COOKING YOUR OWN FOOD
There is a greater chance that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive. It is better to walk out the door and find a nice local cafe in the mornings. Take some squad #foodporn photos while you are at it! Remember that locally made food and beverage are often cheaper.
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Alternatively, you and your friends can cook on several days. Cooking in a new environment can be entertaining especially when you are around with the people you adore!
3. CARPOOLING TOGETHER
Renting a car when traveling alone cannot fully maximize the capacity of your vehicle and your budget. On the flip-side, you can save more money when traveling with others by splitting the car rental costs and by filling all the seats. 4. COMMUNICATING WITH THE LOCALS
Along with your friends, consider talking to the locals to know more about the best places that you can visit. Be honest about whether you are aiming for a lavish or a budget-friendly spot. Some may even offer to let you lodge at their homes.
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5. CLAIM THE REWARDS
A credit card is utilized at the point of sale as means of paying for services or goods. Credit cards come in different looks and sizes, much like assorted chocolates. What’s more? They vary in the rewards they entail. The card that you shall focus on now is the one that offers you travel miles.
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Gather up as many miles as you can get by offering to pay for your friends and later reimbursing it with cash. This may help you enjoy a free trip on your next vacation. To put your “power” into good use, utilize your rewards wisely.
The travel search engine KAYAK.sg has identified the best night markets that Singaporeans should discover in Asia and the best travelling days for maximum savings
Singaporean travellers can save up to 55% on a round-trip flight to Phnom Penh when flying on Monday and returning Saturday
The cheapest return flight is from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur with an average price of S$76
When booking a return flight for a trip to Ho Chi Minh city travellers can save up to 33% flying on Wednesday and returning Friday
Singaporean foodies can never get enough of good food and are always on the hunt for the best local gastronomic experiences. KAYAK.sg reveals which destinations have the best local food at the most wallet-friendly prices, as well as which travel daysafford the best flight deals. Knowing which days are the best to fly on when booking a return trip allows Singaporean travellers to better plan their trip, while spending less on their flights and more on local delicacies in Asia’s best night markets.
Debby Soo, KAYAK Vice President APAC said “Tasting local food is a highlight on every traveller’s itinerary. To avoid disappointment, travellers should make sure to check the opening hours of night markets as they are not all open daily. Also, Singaporean holidaymakers should come prepared with sufficient loose change as the vendors only accept cash payment.”
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Jalan Alor Food Street
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Jalan Alor is the best local tip when it comes to night markets in Malaysia. Expect to find a smorgasbord of street food; ranging from local Malay and Chinese food to international cuisine and exotic snacks; it is the perfect place for those who want to try all of the famous, local dishes. The famous food street is open until late to cater to party-goers around the area. Everything is on offer, including barbequed chicken wings, grilled seafood, tofu bakar and belacan fried rice. The street market is open every day from 5pm till late. Travellers should note that some of the street’s restaurants have very specific opening times and are not open every day or at all hours, thus they should be sure to check the opening times before visiting them. To get better flight deals, Singaporean foodies are encouraged to travel to Kuala Lumpur on a Sunday and stay until a Tuesday, when the average price for a return trip amounts to S$83, saving travellers an average of 29% when compared to a Saturday to Sunday getaway. If travellers are making frequent trips to Jalan Alor to satisfy their cravings, they should consider their stay at Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur – a 10 minute walk away from the food street.
Adventurous travellers can slip away from the French cafes and tourist heavy spots in District 1 and hop over to District 10 to explore Ky Hoa Night market which offers a wide range of local food. Among the most popular local delicacies, Singaporean foodies can try Vietnamese Com Tam (broken-rice) with grilled pork, bot chien (fried rice flour cake with egg), bun thit nuong (cold rice vermicelli) as well as exotic delicacies including fried insects and arachnids. Travellers should head to Ho Chi Minh City on a Wednesday and return on a Friday, when a return flight costs an average of S$151, saving up to 33% when compared to booking a flight leaving on a Sunday returning Monday. Luckily for Singaporeans, the market is open daily from 5pm to midnight; however, to make the most of it, travellers may consider staying in one of the top 5-star hotels nearby, such as the Windsor Plaza Hotel, and extending their taste-testing spree by couple of days.
Phnom Penh’s only formal night market, Psar Reatrey, overlooks the riverside from the central reservation that separates downtown and northern Phnom Penh. Singaporeans can enjoy live local pop music as they stroll through this less-crowded and less touristy Cambodian night market. Travellers should make sure to taste some specialties from the local cuisine, including Fish Amok (Cambodian style steamed fish), Kuy Teav (noodle soup), and Prahok (crushed and salted mud fish in banana leaves). Holidaymakers searching for novelties should take a seat at the back of the market and try fried cockroaches and salted grasshoppers. Singaporean travellers who want to save up to 55% should leave on a Monday and return on a Saturday when an average price of a return flight amounts to S$208. Moreover, it is perfect timing as the market is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5pm till midnight. Those who want to extend their stay in the capital and spend more time enjoying the local delicacies may want to consider checking into a 4-star hotel e.g the Sunway Hotel Phnom Penh, located within easy walking distance from the market.
A sea of colourful tents, near the Thailand Cultural Centre, at the BTS station, house row upon row of street food vendors offering travellers everything from stir fried pad thai to barbequed fish and the perennial favourite, mango sticky rice. After eating or when taking a break from it, Singaporeans should head up to the second-story bars, which provide a bird’s eye view of the market below, and enjoy some live music The best days to stay in Bangkok are Monday to Friday, when the average return flight price is around S$173. Also, Singaporean holidaymakers can save up to 27% when booking their flights for these days compared to other booking combinations. For Singaporeans taking advantage of this great deal, take note that the market is only open Thursday to Sunday so book a hotel like the Grand Mercure Bangkok Fortune, just a stone’s throw away from the market, to really make the most of your market dining experience.
Located in one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods and near several universities, Shi-Da has a young and vibrant atmosphere. The market can be found along Longquan Street, which runs parallel to ShiDa Road. Apart from tasting such local delicacies as stinky tofu, black pepper buns and grilled squid, Singaporeans should definitely make time to explore the stalls set up by local fashion designers. Travellers can save up to 16% when flying out a Sunday and back on a Tuesday, with an average price of S$337 when compared to holidaying from Tuesday till Sunday. The market is open from 6pm to 11.30pm daily; however, with so much to see and taste Singaporean travellers, wanting to make the most of their time in Taipei may want to consider somewhere like the Rido Hotel, which is a short stroll away from the market.
Data analysis is based on flight searches made on KAYAK.sg from June 2015 until June 2016 for travelling dates between June and December 2016. Average prices are quoted in Singapore dollars and based on a return economy flight for one person. All prices quoted may be subject to change and may no longer be available. Hotels are recommended based on short travel distance from the night markets or food streets, rated at least 4 stars. Searches are made on 18 June 2016 for 1 night stay and 2 guests from 27 June to 25 July 2016.
Whether you are a frugal Fred who wants to get your money’s worth or a forgetful Bessy who left some of your travel necessities at home, here are some hotel freebies that are both money-saving and useful:
1. BATH ESSENTIALS
Let us start with the obvious freebies that guests typically take home – the bath essentials. Although you packed a sufficient supply of bath essentials, it does not hurt to pack a little more for future use. Keeping the shampoo and conditioner bottles as well as the soaps can save you a decent amount of cash.
If you have sensitive skin and experience adverse effects with the hotel soap, use it for other purposes. Keep the bar of soap and use it as a freshener for your drawers or shoes at home. Or, you may use it to clean your cosmetic sponges.
2. NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES
The array of newspapers and magazines left at your room are not only free but also helpful. Firstly, you can use the valuable coupons inside to pay less in shopping for groceries, tickets, and more. Secondly, you can use these publications in the event that your child needs to cut pictures for his or her school projects. Lastly, you can use these publications as decorations to your dull office.
3. CURLING AND STRAIGHTENING IRONS
To all my fellow beautiful women out there who want to look their best but forgot to bring their trusty curling or straightening irons to the hotel, worry not! Many major hotels (i.e., large hotel chains such as Hyatt) offer loans for these hair styling items. Simply approach the front desk and ask politely for what you need.
4. SEWING KIT
Tailoring or sewing services in Singapore can range from S$5-40 depending on the type of clothing article. Some of the prices are too much if you asked me! You might as well buy a new one. Good thing there is a better and quicker option – altering clothes by yourself. But, how can you alter your clothing while on vacation?
Say you broke the straps of your backpack. Having a sewing kit can solve this problem right away. Thankfully, your Trump Hotel room has complementary sewing kits. Like Trump Hotel, many major hotels have free sewing kits on-hand. Remember to bring those kits before you checkout!
5. DENTAL CARE
The worst thing that I can forget while on a vacation is my own toothbrush. Unlike the couples who are comfortable with sharing one toothbrush, I will never use someone else’s! This is why I am very grateful that hotels provide basic dental care products such as toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss.
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Minty fresh breath does not always come in cheap packages! In fact, a bottle of mouthwash can cost you about S$4-14. Hence, I suggest that you pack that free mouthwash with you.
Sources: 1 & 2
Cruise on the clear blue seas without spending a cent by getting a job at an international cruise line. Cruise lines all over the world are in constant need of staff such as entertainers, waitresses, and housekeepers. Find a job that suits you best to get the free boarding and your desired pay. With few opportunities to spend your money while on the cruise, you are sure to come home with more money than you left with!
2. BE A MYSTERY SHOPPER
Mystery shoppers are individuals that the company hires to pose as regular clients in order to evaluate their services and products. Feedback about their experiences are given to the stores, groceries, and restaurants. In most cases mystery shoppers are hired locally, but there are overseas mystery shopping assignments too. However, these assignments are usually given to experienced mystery shoppers. Work towards it!
3. FIND JOBS AT HOSTELS, RESTAURANTS OR RESORTS
In exchange for free bedroom accommodation, why don’t you work in either the hostel’s front desk or the cleaning services? Hostels are usually looking for new staff and the same goes for resorts. For resorts, you make take on jobs on the front desk, restaurant, and entertainment department.
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Lying on the country’s classified ads are cafe or restaurant job opportunities. Flip it open and apply. Explore your options to choose the best working hour that fits your travel itineraries.
4. OPEN A MOVING COMPANY
Get paid to head on a road trip by delivering furniture, animals, and other items from one destination to another by opening your own moving company. Professional movers pack the client’s items carefully and deliver them safely through trucks or vans. If you are up to the task then this is an idea that you must consider.
5. TEACH ENGLISH ABROAD
Hundreds of job opportunities that cater to TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certified individuals, native English speakers or people who are fluent in the said language. A simple way to make a buck is to check out Dave Sperling’s ESL Cafe.
ESL Cafe is a website that is open for people who teach English and provides them students from around the world. You may send your resume or C.V. to schools and individuals in South Korea, China, Japan, and other locations.
The travel search engine shares its wallet-friendly tips for booking a summer family getaway from Singapore
Head to Bangkok for S$187 and stay in a four-star hotel averaging S$133 per night
By booking on the right day of the week, travellers can save up to 33% on flights
KAYAK.sg recommends escaping Singapore’s heat and humidity with a visit to Melbourne and catching the open-air festivals in Paris
Singapore, 26 April 2016: The month-long June school holidays are a great time for a longer trip with the family, but high demand often means inflated flight prices and hotel bills. Parents (and their wallets) deserve a break as much as their kids do this summer, so the travel experts at KAYAK.sg crunched the numbers to reveal when to book flights to the top 10 most popular school break destinations for maximum savings.
Debby Soo, KAYAK Vice President APAC said, “School holidays are a peak time for families to travel together and prices tend to increase as a result. By choosing a value-for-money destination and employing a few budget-friendly travel hacks, the whole family can enjoy a summer getaway without breaking the bank. Savvy travellers search for flights and hotels on KAYAK.sg to ensure they are getting the best price and sign up for Price Alerts to receive notifications when the price drops for their desired flight and hotel.”
KAYAK.sg data reveals the top 10 destinations for school holidays based on the average median price for travel between 1 and 30 June 2016. Many families take advantage of the month-long school break in June to visit long-haul cities like Paris and New York, while others escape to nearby destinations in Southeast Asia like Bangkok and Bali. Booking on the right day of the week can save travellers between seven and 33 per cent.
Bangkok, Thailand: Best value destination in Asia
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Among the most popular June school holiday options, Bangkok is the all-around best value destination for both flights and four-star hotels. Round trip flights to the City of Angels in June cost S$187 on average and a four-star hotel stay averages S$133 per night. Travellers booking their flights on a Tuesday up to 15 weeks in advance can save up to 30%. On average, travellers pay S$155 when they book on a Tuesday, while those who book on a Monday pay S$222. June is a great month to visit the Thai capital: there are fewer tourists than at other times of the year and the heavy rains of the monsoon season won’t begin until later in the summer. In addition, many retailers participate in Thailand’s Amazing Grand Sale from 15 June to 15 August, offering discounts on clothes, jewellery and electronics.
Melbourne, Australia: Most affordable long-haul destination
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According to KAYAK.sg research, the most affordable long-haul destination in the list is Melbourne, Australia. Despite the Land Down Under’s reputation for being an expensive travel destination, fourstar hotels are only slightly more expensive than in Bangkok, averaging S$143 per night. Round trip flights to Melbourne cost S$584 on average, but travellers can save S$45 by booking on a Monday up to 20 weeks in advance for an average flight price of S$539. Melbourne’s winter temperatures in June (7-14 degrees Celsius) are a nice change from Singapore’s heat and humidity. Animal-loving kids can tap into their wild side with visits to the city’s excellent zoo and Sea Life Aquarium.
Paris, France: Best value ultra long-haul destination
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The City of Light offers great value for a family summer sojourn. With flights averaging S$992 from Singapore and four-star hotels averaging S$324 per night in June, Paris is the most affordable ultra long-haul destination in the top 10. Travellers can save up to 20% by booking flights up to 20 weeks in advance on a Monday (average flight price S$866), versus booking on a Sunday (average flight price S$1076). In June, Paris comes alive with festivals and outdoor events like the Fete de la Musique and open-air film screenings in Parc de la Villette.
