|
Travel Tip
|
Why?
|
|
Travel in small groups of 2 or 4 pax
|
-
It allows for a comfortable and healthy compromise on the places and activities that everyone in the group can enjoy
-
Easier, more convenient, and more cost effective to book shared travel services
-
Deeper connections and richer conversations within a smaller group
|
|
Use a travel currency card (with stored local currencies) to transact
|
-
Lower transaction fees
-
Better control of your spending by understanding the real cost of things, and catch mistakes or scams more easily
-
More convenient and less distractions when making payments
-
More secure than cash since travel currency cards usually have security features that prevent others from using your card illegally
|
|
Remember to always hold some small denominations of the local currency
|
-
Very helpful when you travel on local public buses and trains
-
Avoids change problems as some sellers may not have enough small change if you use large bill
-
Reduces risk and attention by limiting your financial loss if a bill is misplaced
-
Easy for tipping
|
|
Plan for only 3 places to explore for each day
|
-
Reduces travel time stress when commuting from one place to another
-
Fully explore and get the most value out of the places that you go to
-
Avoid burnout, stress, and frustration - A relaxed pace keeps the trip fun and sustainable
-
Allows for more flexibility for spontaneous moments - Some of the best travel experiences are unplanned
|
|
Make sure your body is well-covered when you enter into religious sites
|
-
Cultural respect and etiquette
-
Inappropriate clothing can make attendees feel uncomfortable or disrespected
-
Respectful dressing often leads to friendlier interactions, more helpful guidance from locals, and a deeper cultural experience
|
|
Remove your shoes and hat before you enter religious sites
|
-
A gesture of humility, reverence, and acknowledging that the place is spiritually significant
-
Some countries may have laws that prosecute people for showing disrespect and "defiling" the institution and place of worship
-
In several cultures, wearing a hat indoors can symbolize superiority, disregard, and a lack of humility
-
It helps to keep the sacred space clean
|
|
Try not to bargain (and find another seller if you are not comfortable with the price)
|
-
In many developing countries, small shop owners and market sellers work long hours and rely on low-profit items to support their families through daily sales
-
Better shopping experience as you interact more positively with sellers, avoid stressful or awkward negotiations
|
|
Bring along a small bottle of sanitizer
|
-
Maintains personal hand hygiene and prevent illnesses
-
Travel often involves eating street food or snacks on the go - Sanitizing hands before eating helps prevent ingesting germs
|
|
Use language translators (android)
|
-
For ease of communication with the locals especially when travelling to the suburbs area
-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.translator
-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.translate
-
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.deepl.mobiletranslator
|
|
Use language translators (iOS)
|
-
For ease of communication with the locals especially when travelling to the suburbs area
-
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-translator/id1018949559
-
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/google-translate/id414706506
-
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/deepl-translate/id1552407475
|
|
Mandatory packlist for travel
|
-
Passport (always ensure validity)
-
Offline copy of your visa application
-
Phone with international roaming activated or eSIM purchased, and charger with power adapter
-
Digital currency card (e.g. Wise Account Travel Card, YouTrip) or Physical bank card (i.e. bank credit card)
|
|
Optional (medium priority) pack list for travelling light
|
-
First Aid Kit: medicine for personal use (asthma inhaler, pain reliever), insect repellent, scissors, gloves, thermometer, hand sanitizer, bandage, tweezer, gauze, antiseptic cream, aloe vera cream, sunscreen, plasters
-
Clothing: jacket, 1 set of top and bottoms per day of travel (capped at 10 days of travel - any longer, consider doing your laundry as you travel), sleepwear (if you prefer), undergarments, waterproof bag (to keep your clothes dry if the weather is prone to be wet)
-
Footwear: 1 pair of socks per every 1-2 days, 1 pair of slippers, 1 pair of walking shoes, 1 pair of trekking shoes (if you intend to do hiking in the mountains)
|
|
Optional (low priority) pack list for travelling light
|
-
Entertainment: headphones, tablets, media access (netflix / prime / iTunes), travel soft toy (for kids)
-
Stationery: 1 pen, 1 notebook (if you are into noting down your travel experiences)
-
Toiletries: shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste/toothbrush, comb, nail clippers, ear cotton buds, shaver, body deodorant
|