Traveling is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Being able to explore new destinations from time to time is a great opportunity to expand your horizons and learn about other cultures. Honestly, it is never easy to travel the world, especially if you have a tight budget but, luckily, there are various cheap places you can visit to fulfill your travel goals.

Wherever part of the globe you are, you can go places and discover something new. It is important that you go out of your comfort zone at times, for there are a lot more to where you live. Never let yourself be stuck in one place all your life. Go out and explore the other parts of the world. Plenty of places are waiting for you to be discovered, so be ready.

It might cost you a sum to travel somewhere, however, if you do your own research thoroughly, you will find affordable destinations all over the world. In fact, not all countries have high prices for everything. Here is a helpful list of some of the cheapest places to go on holiday this year.

1. Bulgaria

Want to visit a less touristy place in Europe? Check out Bulgaria then. It’s one of the few European countries that has been pretty much been left unsung. All budget travelers will be delighted to know that Bulgaria is a cheap travel destination as it offers bargain prices from accommodation to food to attractions. Bulgaria, unlike many other countries in the European Union, uses its own currency, the Bulgarian Lev, which is almost half as pricey as the Euros. Your visit here will surely be one for the books.

• Best time to visit: April to May during Springtime
• How to reach: Take a flight to Sofia, Bulgaria, with Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways (earn up to 1.00% Cashback) or Singapore Airlines (Check out Expedia for deals on flights with up to a staggering 6.00% Cashback)

2. Morocco

Little did people know that Morocco can be traveled without breaking the bank. It has now a growing number of backpacker hostels as there are many budget travelers exploring the country these days. There are a ton of things to see and do while in this North African country, including the Sahara Desert Tour, camel trekking, and hiking the proudest Moroccan peaks. Marrakesh is a THE ultimate destination for all things old age, from marbled plazas to stunning places of interest much less observed in the South East Asian context. Be sure to pop by to shop for authentic Moroccan products.

• Best time to visit: April to May or September to November
• How to reach: Take a flight to Marrakesh, Morocco, with Singapore Airlines (up to 1.00% Cashback), Lufthansa or Air France. (Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback)

3. Thailand

Pack your bags and head over to one of the most popular and cheapest Southeast Asian countries. Thailand is certainly a backpacker’s paradise as it offers numerous cheap finds, such as food and accommodation. Also, it boasts its iconic temples, glorious beaches, and ultramodern cityscape in Bangkok. You can go to other Thailand cities around and try out different activities you will cherish forever, too. For more relaxed trip try Chiang Mai. If you prefer to bask in the sea breeze, head to Phuket or Krabi. Nothing too far from home, yet the cultural exchange Thailand can offer is nothing short of amazing.

• Best time to visit: November to early April during the dry season. (Especially visit in April to experience Songkran!)
• How to reach: both Scoot (up to 1.00% Cashback) and AirAsiaGo (up to 6.00% Cashback) offer direct flights to different locations from Singapore.

4. Guatemala

Fall under the charm of the lovely country of Guatemala. Its combination of natural beauty and Maya traditions will captivate every traveler out there. An adventure travel paradise, this Central American country also takes pride in its breathtaking Lake Atitlan, monumental Maya temples of Tikal, and the awe-inspiring city of Antigua. There is so much to do in Guatemala, so plan your trip ahead of time.

• Best time to visit: November to April during dry season
• How to reach: Flight to Guatemala City via Amsterdam and Mexico. (Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback)

5. Egypt

Do you love seeing ancient sights? Now is the perfect time to explore Egypt. Most people think that it’s not safe to travel here, but it’s actually not that bad. There might be some news that says it’s dangerous to go to this country over the years but the situation has been improving. Some areas are quite safe and  Egypt has become one of the booming travel destinations. With a decent budget, you can get to see the stunning pyramids in Giza, as well as visit the Valley of the Kings and iconic Abu Simbel temples.

• Best time to visit: October to April
• How to reach: Take a flight to Cairo via Dubai with Emirates (up to 1.00% Cashback)

6. Portugal

Experience an amazing holiday getaway at an incredible Western European country. Portugal is a cheap place, especially when compared to other countries in Europe. Many tourists flock here because of affordable accommodation, food, and wine. Be sure to visit the beautiful Lisbon, pristine beaches at Algarve, and the vibrant north city of Porto.

• Best time to visit: March to May or September to October to avoid the crowds
• How to reach: Take a flight to Lisbon with KLM, Emirates, Lufthansa or Turkish Airlines. (Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback)

7. Laos

Be in awe as you discover fascinating Laos. Although it’s often overlooked, Laos is still a perfect destination for those wanting a peaceful and budget-friendly vacation. The country’s slow pace and authentic vibe will totally give you a relaxing trip with your family or friends. Sometimes, you just need to loosen up in a tranquil place to regain your energy. Never miss out on seeing the Kuang Si Falls as well as trying out different outdoor activities, like kayaking, trekking, and ziplining.

• Best time to visit: October to April
• How to reach: Fly to Vientiane or Luang Prabang with Scoot (up to 1.00% Cashback) and AirAsiaGo (up to 6.00% Cashback)

8. Mexico

You’re in for a treat as you set foot to Mexico. With its unmatched cultural sites, fantastic desert canyons, and dazzling beaches, this North American country is said to have the highest amount of tourism in the region. You can travel on a budget here as there are numerous culinary and cultural treats for all visitors. Simply with the diversity and quality of Mexican food, your entire trip will already be complete.

• Best time to visit: December to April
• How to reach: Fly to Mexico City or Cancun via Los Angeles or Frankfurt. (Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback)

9. Cuba

To enjoy a unique local experience in a foreign destination, visit Cuba. This Caribbean island is filled with world heritage sites, friendly locals, lively culture, and American classic cars still driving through the streets. It’s an ideal holiday getaway for a lot of things are very affordable in this place. So, before the prices increase, fly now with your loved ones.

• Best time to visit: December to May
• How to reach: Fly to Havana via Paris or Amsterdam. (Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback)

10. Vietnam

Update your travel bucket list and add Vietnam to it. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best travel destinations in the world because of its fascinating history, dramatic landscape, epic food, and of course, the remarkable Ha Long Bay. There is nothing to worry about for the commodities here are very affordable. Remember to taste the cheap, delectable, authentic pho, which you can eat shoulder to shoulder with the locals.

• Best time to visit: February to April or August to October
• How to reach: both Scoot (up to 1.00% Cashback) and AirAsiaGo (up to 6.00% Cashback) offer direct flights to different locations from Singapore.

11. South Africa

Are you up for an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime? Travel to South Africa and experience the most thrilling and activity-packed trip ever. Venture beyond the amazing Cape Town, try an exhilarating safari tour and get your adrenaline levels pumping with great outdoor activities, such as shark cage diving and bungee jumping. Even though South Africa has a number of luxury lodges and five-star hotels, you can still score value-for-money budget accommodations and tours for a more fun escapade.

• Best time to visit: November to February. Visit Cape Town between July and November if you enjoy whale watching.
• How to reach: Fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town via Dubai. Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback

12. Nepal

Trek through the enchanting mountains of Nepal. It is home to the Annapurna Region, which has one of the world’s ultimate trekking routes. All mountain lovers will absolutely love the Himalayas as you can possibly climb the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest, from here. This might just be the most beautiful thing you laid your eyes on. In addition, Nepal is surprisingly affordable because the food and lodging are cheap.

• Best time to visit: October to November
• How to reach: Fly to Kathmandu via Kuala Lumpur or Delhi. Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback.

13. Bolivia

Take the path less traveled to Bolivia. This striking country is often misunderstood because it is said that it’s not for tourism. Nevertheless, it proves that it has a wealth of awesome sights to offer to everyone. And it is by far the cheapest country in South America. See to it that you visit the jaw-dropping Salar de Uyuni salt flats and the mesmerizing Titicaca, the world’s highest lake.

• Best time to visit: May to October
• How to reach: Fly to La Paz via Los Angeles and Miami. Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback.

14. Cambodia

It’s never a bad time to explore Cambodia. You can visit this charming Southeast Asian country without having a budget-breaking trip. Aside from the impressive Angkor Wat, there are a number of other astonishing attractions you need to see in Cambodia, including its glorious remote islands, wonderful wildlife, and inspiring scenery. If you are traveling here for the first time, you will totally want to come back again.

• Best time to visit: May to October
• How to reach: both Scoot (up to 1.00% Cashback) and AirAsiaGo (up to 6.00% Cashback) offer direct flights to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh from Singapore.

15. India

For an extraordinary vacation, check out India. This vibrant and vast country is growing in popularity because of its outstanding food, rich history, exciting adventures, and the iconic Taj Mahal. Spending your much-awaited break here will be worth it as it is one of the best budget travel destinations in the world. The hard thing to do is to choose which area to visit. For first-timers in India, we recommend traveling to the Golden Triangle: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. You don’t need to splurge while in India, for the prices are all reasonable.

• Best time to visit: February and March
• How to reach: Fly to Delhi or Jaipur then rent a car with a driver to take you around. Train and buses are also available. Check Expedia for deals on flights with up to 6.00% Cashback.

Cheap places for an epic escapade

All budget travelers will surely have a fun and memorable trip to any of these cheaper destinations mentioned above. Whether you are in search for a laid-back vacation or action-packed journey, there will always be an ideal destination for you. You just have to research properly and budget your money wisely. It is also important to note that you prioritize your safety wherever you go. Never take for granted your safety and keep yourself protected at all times.

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The post 15 Affordable Places to Travel to in The Remaining of 2018 & When to Visit Them appeared first on Goody Feed.

Night market is a major highlight of any vacation to Taiwan, I believe, and who could blame them?

They’re festive, and have plenty of good food available in the crowded market.

Which true-blue Singaporean will be able to say no to food, right? Well, if you’ve not have the chance to travel to Taiwan this year, let me whet your appetite by telling you about the 10 night markets available in Taipei alone.

South Airport Night Market

A less-known night market even to Taiwanese, this night market might warrant a longer walk as it’s further away from the station but seriously, once you’ve sank your teeth into their food like 山內雞肉, 阿男麻油雞, or even 臭老闆現蒸臭豆腐 for the particularly adventurous, you might just find yourself walking back to this market night after night until you have to leave Taiwan.

Location: Ln. 307, Sec. 2, Zhonghua Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100

Shida Night Market

Our first love is eating, and a close second is, of course, shopping. Located near to a university, the crowd here is young and trendy, so don’t be surprised to find the leading night market on fashion right here in Shida. Now, don’t expect to see too much games and food, but honestly, you’re giving that up not only for trendy, but cheap clothes as well. Life’s good!

Location: Longquan St., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106

Shilin Night Market

You’ve definitely heard of Shilin before, haven’t you? I mean, their name has even spread to Singapore in the form of XXL Chicken cutlet, if you get what we mean. Shilin is one of the more well-known night markets in Taiwan, and you best be prepared to have lots of energy to explore the diverse place that is Shilin, from mouthwatering delicacies like giant sausage and XXL Chicken cutlet to handcrafted souvenirs. You’ll have a blast here, confirm.

Location: No.101, Jihe Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei City 111

Raohe Street Tourist Night Market

One of the oldest night markets in Taiwan, this small night market offers untold pleasure and gastronomical delight to locals and tourists alike. With Ciyou temple in the background, you can explore the six different levels with amazing decor, and there’s a place you can access from the night market to view the amazing night scene of 基隆河 and enjoy your loot from the market like 林媽媽麻油雞, 藥燉排骨 and 胡椒餅. Are you drooling yet? We are.

Location: Raohe St., Songshan Dist., Taipei City 105

Jingmei Night Market

If you’ve always wanted to immerse in the local culture and interact with them in their normal routine, this is the night market to go. Without high rent and other issues that forces vendors to compromise on food quality, this is where you can get the most traditional food you can possibly find in Taipei, at least on the night market scene.

Get to this night market and be rewarded with items like上海生煎包, 阿昌麵線, 鵝媽媽切仔麵 and 景美曾家麻油雞. If you’re looking for fashion, this isn’t the place to be but if you’re looking for good, old comfort food, you have to be here.

Location: Jingmei St., Wenshan Dist., Taipei City 116

Huaxi Night Market

Walk down this night market and you’ll come to a conclusion: this could be the strangest night market you’ve been to yet, not that you have been to many. The more popular food belong to the snake and soft-shelled variety, and there’s plenty of adult toys shops littered through the market. Be prepared to find exotic but still amazing delicacies here.

Location: Huaxi St., Wanhua District, Taipei City

Ningxia Night Market

寧夏夜市 offers traditional Taiwanese delicacies which has captured the hearts of tourists and locals alike since decades ago and it is all about food. That’s right, if you’re the average foodie, this could probably be as close to heaven as you can get while you’re alive. In fact, it’s also similar to Singapore’s Chinatown, being the most popular place to go to for CNY goodies during the CNY period.

Location: Ningxia Rd., Datong Dist., Taipei City 103

Yansan Night Market

Shilin is for tourists and Shida is for the young. So where does Yansan stand? Well, this night market is for locals, where food preparation isn’t showy and food looks unassuming. Until you take that first bite, that is. If you’re ever there, you must try their fried noodles, 刈包 (steamed bun) and 麻糬冰 (mochi ice). You won’t regret it, trust us.

Location: Sec. 3, Yanping N. Rd., Datung Dist, Taipei

Liaoning Street Night Market

If you’re looking for somewhere less filled with tourists, yet unique on its own, then you wouldn’t go wrong with this night market. It’s where you go to for stir fry seafood, in whatever method you want – Thai, Taiwanese, etc. – and beer. Now, isn’t that just a winning combination? We say, hell yeah!

Location: Ln. 53, Zhulun St., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City 104

Linjiang Street Night Market

Previously known as 通化夜市, this night market is one MRT stop away from Taipei 101. Finish off your sunset viewing with a walk to this lesser-known but equally iconic night market for snacks or meals, and a couple of hours just browsing through the trinkets and wares of this night market before calling it a day and heading back to your hotel.

Location: Linjiang St., Da’an Dist., Taipei City 106

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

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The post 10 Night Markets to Conquer in Taipei So The Trip Won’t Wasted appeared first on Goody Feed.

Asia is definitely one of the top travel destinations in the world. With plenty of unique activities and things to see, it’s no wonder there are a lot of people who choose to visit various Asian cities and countryside for holidays. When visiting Asia, travellers search for the most authentic experience they can get and accommodation plays a big part in that. Do you look for the same authentic travel experiences yourself? Simply book one of the lovely Airbnb homes available out there in order to fully enjoy an ultimate travel experience. Your stay will absolutely be one for the books!

How to book an Airbnb home

1. Go over to Airbnb page and search for your desired destination. Choose the options “Homes”.
2. Key in your stay period to check what are the homes available during those days.
3. Don’t forget to select the number of guests that will be staying with you.
4. Filter the results based on your preferences. Do you have a specific budget in mind? Adjust the price bar. Do you prefer a full house for yourself or a shared room will be sufficient? You can also select the amenities you need in your place of choice. Consider features like wifi, laundry and equipped kitchen, for example.
5. Check all the photos of the place of your choice.
6. You don’t have to feel unsure about staying in someone else’s place. You can check the reviews of previous guests to get more insights into the home and the owner. If you want to be sure that you choose a great place, filter your results by ‘SuperHost’. A Superhost is a verified host by Airbnb who has a high number of 5-star reviews. This way you can be sure to have a great experience.
7. Once you made your choice, you can see the total price (price of the nights + any other fees) on the right sidebar. Click “Book” and you will be directed to a page to fill up the details of the guests staying with you and send a message to the host to introduce yourself.
8. After payment, you should receive a confirmation from the host about your stay.

Advantages of choosing one of these Airbnb homes

• You get to stay in a real place owned by real people. If the hotel experience feels a tad impersonal to you, Airbnb is the other best option. Airbnb hosts are usually very welcoming and willing to tell you about their city, sometimes even showing you around. That makes a trip a lot more memorable.
• Clear pricing: Even before booking an Airbnb home, you know the exact breakdown of the costs: how much is room charge, how much is the cleaning fee, and how much is the deposit amount. It is clear and upfront.
• Assurance of quality: Airbnb makes sure all hosts meet a certain standard of quality. All guests are encouraged to leave honest and accurate feedback about their hosts. You have these reviews to help you make a decision and get a more accurate perspective of what to expect of the home and the host. A host that doesn’t meet Airbnb’s criteria and gets too many negative reviews, gets kicked out of the platform.
• Interesting unique locations: You know that quaint little neighbourhood in Tokyo you want to visit, that boathouse in Amsterdam or that house up in the Himalayas you always dreamt of staying. This kind of experiences is possible to have with Airbnb. Their extensive homes database include pretty awesome locations and types of homes. From ryokans to treehouses, it is your choice.
• Meet new people. You always have a host so even if you don’t get to meet them in person, they are usually pretty open to communicate and share any info you might want. If you get to spend some time with your hosts, even better. Airbnb gives you that ‘live like a local’ feel.
• Cost-effectiveness: If you need a place to stay with a group, Airbnb homes can be a cheaper option since you can stay together in a house or apartment big enough to fit everyone as opposed to book a hotel room for every 2/3 people. In terms of comfort, Airbnb homes are great options for a family with kids.

Airbnb Homes That Are Truly Asian – Where to stay?

Now that you know what to expect, it is time to pick a location for your next trip. Here is a rundown of the top Airbnb homes in Asia to check out for a more memorable and authentic stay all over Asia.

1. JungleRoom’s Home, Bali, Indonesia

Spend your most-awaited vacation in Bali at JungleRoom’s Home. This extraordinary Sumatran Karo house is located in the lush jungle of Canggu. If you’re an adventurous type of person, then staying in this unique traditional accommodation is a brilliant idea. You’ll feel the active and tropical vibe and be able to rest well, too. Also included in your stay here are daily yoga and healthy breakfast.

• Price: 126 SGD per night
• Location: Kuta Utara, Bali, Indonesia

2. Manu’s Home, Kerala, India

Stay at Manu’s Home when in Kerala. This backwater-facing home is run by a family who is extremely accommodating and nice. Situated in a peaceful village between Cochin and Alleppey, you can enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the backwaters. Each room has a beautiful porch with stunning views. You’ll definitely have a quiet and relaxing stay here, so better check this out when in the region. Not to mention, the owners can arrange a fun backwater boat tour for you.

• Price: from 48 SGD per night
• Location: Kodamthuruth, Kerala, India

3. Hibiscus Beach Retreat, Sabah

Wake up to a spectacular view of the South China Sea. Nestled in a small cliff top, Hibiscus Beach Retreat takes pride in its exclusivity, barefoot luxury, and privacy. It is a one-bedroom self-contained chalet ideal for small families or couples who simply want to loosen up for days. Nothing beats enjoying your time on a secluded beach like this one and being able to completely unwind. In addition, there are numerous activities you can do while here, such as jungle trekking, snorkelling, mountain biking, and swimming. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind Sabah escapade with your loved ones!

• Price: from 200 SGD per night
• Location: Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia

4. The Artist’s Studio, Jaipur, India

• Price: from 57 SGD per night
• Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

5. Himalayan Home, Manali, India

• Price: from 43 SGD per night
• Location: Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India

Read Also: 10 Facts About Working Hours in S’pore That Bosses Hope Workers Won’t Have Known

6. Daisuke and Hila’s Home, Fujieda, Japan

Book a traditional house in Fujieda to experience an authentic Japanese-style living. Daisuke and Hila’s Home offers a unique experience to every visitor. Surrounded by bamboo forests, mountains, and green tea fields, this 94-year old home has been renovated to accommodate various guests. It is now a spacious traditional Japanese house with three bedrooms, two living rooms, a bathroom, small garden, kitchen, and an outside deck.

• Price:  from 145 SGD per night
• Location: Fujieda, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan

7. Snow’s Home, Shanghai Shi, China

Have an awesome stay at Snow’s Home in Shanghai Shi! If you like to experience the old-style Shikumen architecture and Shanghai lifestyle, then this is your top choice. It is one of the biggest classic Shikumen houses in the French Concession Area that offers a really comfortable accommodation. There are a lot of fascinating spots you can see on foot from here since its location is totally perfect.

• Price: from 47 SGD per night
• Location: Xuhui Qu, Shanghai Shi, China

8.  Rice Barn and Rooms, Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Price: from 80 SGD per night
• Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

9. Oyuntsetseg’s Home, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and visit Mongolia. Stay at Oyuntsetseg’s Home in Ulaanbaatar for an unforgettable trip with your loved ones. Run by a Mongolian nomadic family, you’ll feel welcomed once you’re here. A Mongolian traditional Ger awaits you in a small farm, so better make the most of your vacation. Note that you’ll be picked up by the owner or you may opt to come by yourself. If you want to wander around, simply ask the owners and they will take you to some places.

• Price: from 67 SGD per night
• Location: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

10. Zhe’s Home, Wenzhou, China

Head over Wenzhou for a fantastic experience in China. Book Zhe’s Home to have a convenient and quirky place to stay. It is conveniently situated in the most prosperous area in Wenzhou, so you’re sure to have something worthwhile to do outside your accommodation. This house also has a small loft, tea room, and calligraphy reading corner. A Chinese kind of living at its finest!

• Price: from 46 SGD per night
• Location: Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

11. Glass Cottage, Surat Thani, Thailand

Experience an authentic vacation at the Glass Cottage in Surat Thani. This unique accommodation has three glass walls with majestic ocean views, stylish furnishings, and a tropical atmosphere. Located on a quiet hillside, this Airbnb home offers a serene escape for everyone. Its tranquil vibe will definitely make you feel rejuvenated as you’ll get closer to nature. Moreover, it is just a short walk from the town, so you can tour around and shop as well.

• Price: from 75 SGD per night
• Location: Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani, Thailand

12. Templer Park Rainforest Retreat, Selangor, Malaysia

• Price: from 335 SGD per night
• Location: Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia

13. Genie’s Hanok, Seoul, South Korea

Relax at Genie’s Hanok when in Seoul. This Korean traditional house in the Hanok conservation area was originally built in 1934 and reconstructed in 2012. It fits three to four persons and is just a five-minute walk to the popular Gyeongbokgung Palace and Presidential Residence. Everything you’re looking for in a Korean accommodation can be found here, as it offers all you need. Rest assured, you’re going to have a great stay at Genie’s Hanok.

• Price: from 247 SGD per night
• Location: Seoul, South Korea

14. Sagada Heritage Village, Sagada, The Philippines

Escape to the hustle and bustle of city life and go to Sagada. There’s no place like this one in the Philippines so be sure to check it out. Sleeping in an authentic traditional hut is a great experience, so grab this opportunity when in Sagada Heritage Village. Since there are different traditional huts for rent, all you have to do is choose one that suits your preferences. Moreover, the people are very accommodating and they offer tours to explore more this scenic destination.

• Price: from 41 SGD per night
• Location: Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines

15. Chhotaram & Mamata’s Home, Rajasthan, India

Enjoy your India trip by booking a stay at Chhotaram & Mamata’s Home. Away from the touristy area, this home lets you experience the real environment where a local family lives. Situated in Salawas, this Airbnb home offers a contemporary stay to all visitors. You’ll have a taste of what it’s really like to live in India, so try it at least once in your life.

• Price: from 53 SGD per night
• Location: Salawas, Rajasthan, India

We want only the best homes in Asia

Indeed, Asia is full of comfy and nice accommodations ideal for everyone. Take into consideration these Airbnb homes mentioned above for a truly rewarding escapade with your loved ones.

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

Click Here to Download the App! 

The post 15 IG-Worthy Airbnb Homes For an Authentic Stay in Asia appeared first on Goody Feed.

Melaka is a world heritage site. It’s one the places both locals and tourist love to go to when they want a short break from the hustle and bustle of the city. What better way to do that than to have a snazzy night in a hotel worth a thousand Instagram snaps?

image credit: commons.wikimedia.org

Here’s a list of hipster hotels you’ll have a grand time in when you’re at the heritage capital of Malaysia

image credit: 1825galleryhotel.com

1825 Gallery Hotel

This was once a flour storehouse owned by the Chinese and now it’s a boutique hotel that boasts of a chic British – Chinese architecture. The building itself is a work of art that exhibits glimpses of Melaka’s history.

Location: 27,29,& 31, Jalan Bunga Raya, 75100

Price starts at RM168/night

image credit: facebook.com/pg/courtyardatheeren

Courtyard at Heeren Boutique Hotel

This hotel “provides a glimpse into the Straits Chinese Culture.” Its modern-meets-traditional style will show you how the Chinese and Peranakan families lived in the past. Definitely, it’s an accommodation worth booking.

Location: 91 Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, 75200

Price starts at RM200/night

image credit: facebook.com/TheBabaHouseMalacca

The Baba House

If you crave something that feels closer to your roots, book a night at the Baba House where modernized traditional Peranakan culture surrounds the exterior and interior.

Location: 125-127 Jalan Tan Cheng Lock, 75200

Price starts at RM262/night

image credit: facebook.com/pg/casadelriomelaka

Casa del Rio Melaka

This 5-star hotel is located right by the Melaka River so the view from your room is pretty much breathtaking. The design is influenced by the Portuegese roots of Melaka. It has a stunning lobby and its own lake.

Location: 88, Jalan Kota Laksamana 75200

Price starts at RM527/night

image credit: thesterling.my

The Sterling Boutique Hotel

If you want a place near The Stadhuys and Jonker Street, Melaka’s popular tourist sites, then this hotel is the one for you. Unlike the other hotels in this list, this one revels in minimalist design, making it chic and relaxing.

Location: Lot 232, KB XXI Jalan Temenggong 75100

Price starts at RM330/night

image credit rosa.com.my

Rosa Malacca

A list of hipster hotels won’t be complete without an industrial hotel–brick walls, black accents, and metal furniture will make this a favorite to those who want an instagrammable background.

Location: 212, Jalan Parameswara, 75000

Price starts at RM187/night

image credit: timezhotel.com

Timez Hotel

If you’re looking for a hotel located in the heart of Jonker street this one’s our pick. We particularly love the artsy hints in all areas of the hote and it has a cafe called Super Rabbit. It has rooms that feature five designs:  Chinese, Peranakan, Dutch, Portuguese, and British–all with a modern twist!

Location: No.31, Jalan Hang Kasturi, 75200, Melaka

Price starts at RM190/night

image credit: ramaramahotel.com

Rama Rama Hotel

Hipster hotels don’t come cheap but there Rama Rama answers that need with their industrial concept hotel. It has both hostel type rooms and private rooms for bog families. Simple, functional, and cheap!

Location: 15 Jalan Lagenda 3, Taman 1 Lagenda, Melaka Tengah, 75400

Price starts at RM40/night

image credit: www.therucksackgroup.com/caratel/jonker

The Rucksack Caratel

This hotel has a little bit of everything industrial, urban, and farmhouse. It’s like sleeping in a caravan without having to drive one. It’s an easy option for those who want a bit of quirky interior from this list of hipster hotels.

Location: 107, Jalan Banda Kaba, 75000

Price starts at RM158/night

image credit: layanglayangmelaka.com

Layang Layang Melaka

This guest house will make you feel like you’re at home, It’s cozy, filled with wooden elements, a pond, and wall paintings. Despite its affordable price, it’s a place you can have a staycation at and explore the awesome experiences of Melaka.

Location: 24-26, Jalan Tukang Besi, 75200

Price starts at RM99/night

Now, whichever of these 10 hipster hotels you end up with, remember that a staying indoors the whole day isn’t any fun! Discover Melaka and all the tourist spots it offers. After all, it’s a world heritage site!

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Bali is a popular destination for many people, especially for Singaporeans and the Caucasians staying in Singapore. However, do you know what you need to avoid if you want to have a fun and scam-free trip to Bali?

There are many different scams and traps for tourists in Bali and you will thank us after reading what we have to offer.

1) Moneychangers
There are many money changers in Bali, especially in the touristy areas such as Kuta Beach, or Ubud Monkey Forest area. These moneychangers will lure you with ridiculously high exchange rates but they will rip you off by giving you lesser than you have changed for.

They are very fast and will pinch a few bills of the stack of money that they are handing to you without you even knowing it. Therefore, always count your money again and again after changing at any moneychanger. To be safe, only change your money at independent moneychangers, and not those attached to a shop.

2) Taxi counter at Airport
Always use the taxi counter at the airport when you arrive at the airport. The porter will usually assist you to the taxi counter where you can easily buy a voucher to get a taxi to send you to your hotel. It is a safe and secure transaction and the price will be a fair bit cheaper than the touting taxi drivers outside at the drop off point.

3) Be safe when you book local tours
There are a lot of local tours that you can book while you are in Bali. When booking such tours, it is best for you to instruct them to pick you up at a convenient store near your hotel instead of asking them to pick you up at the hotel directly. This will give you added security against any scams or robberies. This is especially important if you are staying in a posh area.

4) Discount for Tours
Relating to the point above, tours will usually give discounts to tourists who book with them. However, they will flat out reject you if they know that you are staying in a posh hotel and hence considered “rich” to them. Do not reveal your hotel’s location to them.

5) Street Beggars with young babies
Do not believe these beggars. They are part of an organisation who disguise themselves as the poor and helpless in order to make you part with your money. They would neglect babies in order to make them look sickly and some would even drug the babies in order to make them quiet and unconscious during the day.

These people would even ask for bigger notes if you give them your small change. The best thing to do is to ignore these people as they are making use of your compassion to feed their dishonest lifestyle.

6) Petrol
If you self-drive, be alert when you pump petrol at the local petrol stations. It is true that petrol is a lot cheaper in Bali, but keep your eyes on the meter or you might just be taken for a ride by paying double or triple the amount you are supposed to pay.

7) Scratch Card Scams
There will be people who will offer you “free scratch cards” on the road to determine if you have won something. Once you accept these cards, they will provide you with a coin to scratch it and you will definitely “win” something, either cash, a prize or some bigger, like a free hotel stay at a 5-star hotel.

If you trust these people, they will send you off to the hotel on a free cab ride to collect your gift. Once you arrive, they will usher you into a room filled with sales people who will pester you with “time-share” stays packages or any other low-quality items for sales. The prize would also disappear, and all that is left will be the purchase that you are forced to make.

8) Shopping and Bargaining
Never shop without bargaining! Things in Bali do not have a price tag at their local market, and you will be sure that the owners quote their own price—that is, any price.

They will surround you and pester you until you buy something from them. Some of them are downright dishonest and refuse to pay you back any change if you do not have enough small notes.

Always shop around first fishing for prices before deciding on a shop to purchase from, and always bargain with a smile. Always start with 50-75% lower as the price they quote you. Be firm and walk away if they are uncooperative and most of these shop owners will usually agree with your price after that.

9) VAT / Service Charge
All restaurants in Bali has VAT/Service Charge. The prices on the menus and the shops are without VAT, so they appear cheap. Once you add in the VAT, it is no longer as cheap as you would want it to be. Be careful when you visit any restaurants and always ensure you take note of the prices before ordering.

10) USD Prices
Some hotels and tourist areas will quote you in USD prices. If possible, avoid these places as they are out to con you. The exchange rate for these places is way above the market rate and they will “charge” you a fee for conversion.

These are actually not allowed by the government of Indonesia but it is rampant in Bali. Do not be cheated into paying 2-3 times the price you should be paying.

11) Drug Dealers at Kuta Beach
There are drug dealers all over the beach areas in Bali, especially Kuta Beach. Be careful of these people and stay clear out of their sight.

Should they approach you for a hit, politely reject them and quickly walk away. These dealers are well known to the police, and if you buy from them, the police will be waiting for you. Be very careful for the highest penalty for drugs in Bali is the death penalty.

12) Touters selling sarongs
There will be a lot of women carrying sarongs and sell them to you at all the touristy places. Some of them will be at the temples, telling you that you cannot enter a temple without a sarong. Do not be fooled by them for the temples provide sarongs for you to go in for a visit. You do not need to own a sarong just to enter a temple for touristy adventures.

13) Unwanted Guides at Kedisan, Kintamani
If you are visiting Kedisan in Kintamani, be wary if you find guides following you into your hotel. Be sure to tell these guides that you have a prior booking with the hotel and do not need their services in front of the hotel staff.

These guides are smart enough to pretend that they are the ones who brought you to the hotel. They will then force the hotel to give them money for the “referral” and insist on being your guide for the whole time that you are there, pestering you to let them bring you around in exchange for a fee.

14) Shopping in Kumbasari in Denpasar
When you shop in Kumbasari, avoid or ignore the women who will follow you around and offer to show you around. These people are out to look for gains and they will bring you to shops which they have a prior agreement with.

They will take a commission from the seller based on what you buy and the seller will usually charge you much higher than what they will usually charge.

15) Temple Besikih
If you are visiting this temple and face an issue with the guide, be sure to insist on a receipt for the payment for the guide and also ask to see the authorization card of the guide. The guides are there to rip off tourists who do not know better. They might even pass a kid off as a guide who will not be able to speak proper English and you will literally be paying for nothing.

There are more scams in Bali then what we wrote here, but these are the 15 most common ones that we think you should know. Now that you have an idea of what to deal with, go and enjoy Bali with all its charming beauty.

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Pack your bags and head to one of the best travel destinations ever—Bali! If you’re craving for cool ocean breeze, crystal clear waters, pristine white sand, spectacular views, and a lively night scene, then this is the perfect holiday getaway for you. Definitely, you’re going to have a great time.

Beach clubs are the perfect choice to spend your days out, you can get a day bed with towel included, drinks and food by request, access to a pool and music the entire day.

There are plenty of outstanding beach clubs to choose from when in Bali. All you have to do is to determine which one will surely make your day unforgettable and filled with fun. Nothing truly beats having the time to hang out with your fam in a wonderful setting like this. Beach clubs are a particularly good place for people who want the beach experience with comfort and fun.

Tips to make the most of your Beach Club experience in Bali:

• Check if the Beach club has an entry price or a minimum spend fee. Some of the fees for day beds or fees for pre-booking a spot vary depending on the events at the club.
• Head to the Beach Club early in the day. Some of these clubs are quite popular so the day beds and tables get booked very fast. If you reach the beach club by 2 pm that will be a chance you will be put on a waiting list to get a spot to lay down. Beach clubs tend to be quieter after 6pm.
• If you are travelling with kids, check if the beach club is kid-friendly, how is the access, how are the pool and other facilities. Although most beach clubs allow children, it is good to bear in mind that no beach club is built thinking about children.
• Confirm if the beach club as a dress code. And, always bring sunscreen.
• You can find all this info by checking the online reviews of the club. Try TripAdvisor, for example.

In fact, beach life in Bali is always top-notch. Get to taste a piece of heaven while here and make the most of your time. Listed below are the best beach clubs you should check out when in the area for a one-of-a-kind and memorable beach trip:

1. La Brisa, Canggu

Take a breather at La Brisa and experience its enchanting and soothing atmosphere first-hand. Situated on the foreshore of the Echo Beach, this magical beach club offers rustic vibe, chic decor, Balinese hospitality, and locally sourced food. La Brisa translates to ‘sea breeze’, which is its main concept. You can never go wrong with it as it guarantees a unique experience to all its guests. So, don’t forget to book a table in advance. Additionally, your visit here will certainly be one for the books.

• Minimum spend: ~ IDR 200.000 to 500.000
• Location: Jl. Batu Mejan, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
• Website: La Brisa Bali
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/labrisabali

2. Ulu Cliffhouse, Pandang-Pandang

Spend a worthwhile day or night at Ulu Cliffhouse! Perched on top of Bali’s Bukit peninsula is this premier beach club that brings extraordinary oasis and effortless sophistication. This paradise takes pride of its surreal scenery, 25-meter infinity pool, world-class food and drinks by Peruvian Chef Diego Muñoz, unique art space and bar, music recording studio, as well as a lovely cliffside ocean deck. Your visit here is going to be superb, for sure! Also, stop by from 4:00 PM to check the daily DJ lineup. There’s a rotating cache of international and local men who will serenade every guest. Surely, it’s a cool hangout place to indulge the senses!

• Minimum spend: ~ IDR 1.000.000 for the daybeds
• Location: Jalan Labuansait No.315, Padang-Padang, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
• Website: Ulu Cliffhouse
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ulucliffhouse

3. Sundays Beach Club

Head over Sundays Beach Club for a more relaxing vibe. Located in one of the hidden beaches of Bali, this gorgeous oasis is ideal for those who want to destress even for a short while. Its beach bonfires, beanbags, Mediterranean-style setting, powder white sand, and stunning views will absolutely bring you peace of mind. There’s no other place like this, so better plan your visit ahead of time. Not to mention, its delectable seaside-inspired menu by Aussie Chef James Viles is a must-try and there are plenty of activities you can do while here, such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling.

• Minimum spend: ~ IDR 450.000 (including 250.000 for food and drinks credit)
• Location: Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau, Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia
• Website: Sundays Beach Club
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sundaysbeachclub

4. Karma Beach Bali

Enjoy a blissful and carefree day at Karma Beach Bali with your favourite people. Nestled at the bottom of Bali’s south sea cliffs, this boutique beach club provides a beautiful stretch of white sand surrounded by limestone cliffs, thrilling water sports, private cabanas, oceanside spa treatments, live music, and seafood and cocktails feasts. Your stay here will surely be one-of-a-kind and nothing short of amazing. In addition, this venue boasts of its spectacular ocean views, relaxing thatched roof beach huts, pristine beach, and divine treatments at Karma Spa. You’re definitely in for a treat here!

• Minimum spend: ~ IDR 500.000 (including 200.000 entrance and 300.000 credit for food and drinks)
• Location: Jl. Villa Kandara Banjar Wijaya Kusuma, Ungasan Denpasar, Bali 80362, Indonesia
• Website: Karma Beach Bali
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KarmaBeachBali

5. OMNIA Dayclub, Uluwatu

Lounge the day away at the newest sky-high destination in Uluwatu. OMNIA Dayclub is a showstopper as it’s placed on the breathtaking limestone cliffs. Its elegant and chic design will totally make your visit extremely notable. The location has been meticulously planned and constructed to maximize the striking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. You shouldn’t miss its glittery infinity pool, jaw-dropping scenery, VIP cabanas, exclusive bungalows with private plunge pools, high-class lounging spots, and award-winning cocktails and meals from its in-house restaurant, Sake no Hana. A next level luxury lifestyle scene awaits you here!

• Minimum spend: ~ IDR 200.000 (charge varies daily based on the events), ~ IDR 1.200.000 for a lounge corner.
• Location: Jl. Belimbing Sari, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364, Indonesia
• Website: Omnia Clubs
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/OmniaDayclubBali

6. Potato Head, Seminyak

Get the party started at Potato Head! As one of the most popular beach clubs in Bali, this is certainly a must-visit. With tons of guests from across the globe each day, your visit here will be worth it. You’ll be greeted with a tropical-modern vibe, the best sunset views, hand-drawn cocktail list, smooth music by both international and local DJs, and an experience like no other. Not only that, some of the biggest live shows are held here, so mark your calendars. Its open-air amphitheatre was designed by Indonesian architect Andra Matin, which boasts of an iconic facade with coloured antique shutters. There are also a huge lawn, three bars, an infinity pool, and three restaurants here to completely enjoy your vacation.

• Minimum Spend: Free entry. ~ IDR 500.000 for the daybeds
• Location: Jl. Petitenget No. 51 Seminyak, Bali 83061, Indonesia
• Website: Potato Head Bali 
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/potatoheadbali

7. Finns Beach Club, Canggu

Seize the day at Finns Beach Club in Berawa. This bamboo beach club is yet another favourite chill out place of visitors when in Bali. Since it’s easily accessible, everyone can head over this toes-in-the-sand venue. Relax at its comfy sun beds or shared day beds while sipping a refreshing cocktail or swim at the blue-tiled infinity pool bar. Its airy and spacious setting will truly make your stay more convenient. More so, surfers are very much welcome here for a fun session on the waves and a great night out after.

• Minimum spend: Free entry. ~ IDR 1.000.000 for single day beds.
• Location: Jl. Pantai Berawa, Tibubeneng, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
• Website: finnsbeachclub.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/finnsbeachclub

8. Sandy Bay Beach Club, Nusa Penida

Experience a calm and rejuvenating moment at a secluded beach club in Nusa Lembongan. Sandy Bay Beach Club is more than just a restaurant, rather an absolute venue to hang loose with your loved ones. Centrally positioned on a 60-meter stretch of white sand, this spot takes pride in its delectable cocktails, a wide range of wine list, outstanding food, oceanside spa, and freeform pool. Indeed, these will help you unwind even for a bit. You’ll also have a better view of the Indian Ocean here and the sunset, too. In case you’re planning a special occasion, you can opt to celebrate it on this island. Sandy Bay Beach Club specializes in creating happy and memorable events for everyone who’d like to share their milestones with everyone else.

• Minimum spend: You pay for the food.
• Location: Nusa Lembongan Nusa Penida, Jungutbatu, Klungkung, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia
• Website: sandybaylembongan.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sandybaybeachclub

9. Komune Beach Club, Keramas

Take a break at Komune Beach Club, the sole of its kind in Keramas. It’s the go-to spot for those who simply want to loosen up and have some fun. This is also an ideal place to paddle out and ride the waves, stroll along the shore, and indulge in healthy and scrumptious food, including delish seafood, fresh salad, appetizing pizzas, colourful cocktails, and hearty juices. Also, you can choose to hang out at the bar, a circular structure that looks like a big mushroom, and relax at its green sofas on wooden decks while watching all the happenings around you. If you’re not ready to go home yet, you can book a room or villa to extend your getaway.

• Minimum spend: ~ IDR 300.000 for a day bed
• Location: Jl. Pantai Keramas, Medahan, Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80361, Indonesia
• Website: Komune Keramas Bali
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/komunebali

10. Ku De Ta, Seminyak

Laze the day away at one of the original sunset destinations of Bali. Ku De Ta in Seminyak is an all-in-one travel spot with a beach lounge, bar, and restaurant for all visitors out there. It continues to wow the crowd as it features a simple and unique layout as well as a cosy vibe to recharge and at the same time party around. You can swim at the oceanfront infinity pool, taste its soul-satisfying meals at its decking restaurant, enjoy listening to impressive songs played by the in-house international DJs, or take your dining experience to the next level at Mejekawi.

• Minimum spend: ~ IDR 500.000 for a day bed
• Location: Jl. Kayu Aya No.9, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
• Website: kudeta.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KUDETA

Best time to visit Bali

Flights to Bali

• ~ 17 flights per day from Singapore to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar
• Flight duration: 2h40m
• Prices: from SGD $200 to $650 return flight (during peak periods)
• Airlines offering the best rates on average: Scoot, AirAsia  and Jetstar

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Travel is often associated with relaxation, adventure and fulfilling wanderlust. However, amidst the positive associations we have with vacationing abroad, there are also stressors that can put a damper on our trips. Unexpected accidents, medical issues, trip cancellations and lost baggage are all common worries that creep to the forefront of our mind as our trip gets closer. In fact, around 9 out of 10 Singaporeans have relied on a travel insurance policy to quell these anxieties. But while purchasing travel insurance can be prudent, there may actually be times when it may not be beneficial. Below, we explore when you should consider buying travel insurance—and when you can consider skipping it.

Trips to New Destinations

While travelling to new countries is exhilarating, new languages, different cultures and unfamiliar local laws can become overwhelming when facing an emergency. If you are travelling to a destination you haven’t previously visited, travel insurance can provide peace of mind that goes beyond simple baggage loss and medical coverage. Travel insurance policies usually provide emergency assistance services that will guide you to the nearest hospitals, help you navigate emergencies and walk you through filing a claim. Additionally, travel insurance can be a financial lifesaver if your destination is a country with exorbitant medical costs or has high crime rates. In fact, some travel insurance plans have medical coverage as high as S$2,000,000 and credit card theft coverage up to S$1,000 for as low as S$68 for a global one-week trip.

Short Trips to Malaysia or Thailand

If you are planning a short trip to see family in your hometown outside of Singapore, you most likely do not need a travel insurance policy. This is especially the case when you are driving to your destination, as you won’t be able to take advantage the travel insurance benefits that are specific to flying, such as trip cancellation, baggage loss or trip delay benefits. Additionally, if you are taking the quick flight to a neighboring country, your credit card may already offer travel insurance coverage that provides basic trip cancellation and baggage loss protection.

Additionally, visiting your hometown or family means that you will either be familiar with the healthcare system or will be in constant contact with someone who does. For instance, if you get sick, you’ll know where to get medical attention, how much it will cost and be close enough to Singapore where cutting your trip short and coming home may be a reasonable alternative. Additionally, you may even save a couple hundred dollars if you take these trips several times a year without purchasing a travel insurance policy each time.

Read Also: MapleStory M Review: It Could Well Be Better than Pokemon GO

Adventure or Sports Trips

If you are planning a trip that involves adventurous activity such as scuba diving, hiking, skydiving and other sports, you should definitely consider travel insurance. While insurers generally don’t cover extreme activities, such as hang-gliding or ice climbing, they do cover many activities that interest adventure tourists.

Whether you are planning a Mount Kinabalu hike or going scuba diving in Thailand, travel insurance will provide coverage for costly expenditures such as repatriation to a hospital, hospitalisation coverage and personal accident coverage. Additionally, some insurers will even provide protection for your sports equipment (such as skis and golfing equipment), adding peace of mind whether you’ll be renting or bringing your own. You should just be careful to read the policy wording of your travel insurance policy to make sure your activities will be covered.

Business Travel

You can probably get away with skipping purchasing a travel insurance plan if your company is sending you on a business trip. This is because most companies will usually order a group travel insurance policy, relinquishing you from the need to purchase your own. These policies cater to the business traveller by offering benefits such as coverage for having to change your companion, changing your business itinerary and coverage for document loss or damage. However, in the event your company doesn’t offer travel insurance, you can grab a cheap yet effective policy with similar benefits for under S$30.

Alternatively, if you take business trips often you can consider buying an annual travel insurance policythat will keep you covered on all your trips throughout the year. This is an especially good deal for those travelling more than 6 times a year, as it can lead to savings of over 20% compared to multiple single trip plan purchases.

Trips Booked Far in Advance

It is wise to consider purchasing a travel insurance policy if you are planning a trip far in advance. This is because in a span of a few months, unexpected emergencies or sudden political turmoil could derail your travel plans, but travel insurance will be able to reimburse you. For example, if you have to cancel your trip due to an unanticipated natural disaster (such as the recent volcano eruption in Bali) and there were no public travel warnings for your destination at the time of purchase, you’ll be able to claim for your cancelled itinerary. Similarly, travel insurance will also cover you if you or your travel partner experience a medical emergency before your trip or if a terrorist attack at your destination makes you reconsider travelling. Because the average vacation can already set you back a few thousand dollars, knowing you will get reimbursed can lessen the blow of cancelling a long-awaited holiday.

Cruise Vacations

If you are going on a cruise, it is highly recommended that you purchase a travel insurance policy for several reasons. First, cruises are expensive, usually non-refundable and can pose a variety of risks. Furthermore, the cruiseliner will rarely reward you compensation. In fact, cancelling your cruise a month out before your departure means a cancellation fee of 100% and losing your baggage will rarely result in adequate compensation. However, with travel insurance offering trip cancellation coverage for nonrefundable events and baggage loss coverage, you will be able to save the few thousands dollars you would have otherwise lost. Lastly, travel insurance can also provide medical coverage if you end up suffering from one of the common medical problems that affects cruise-goers, including maladies such as the norovirus and the flu.

Consider Travel Insurance on a Case-by-Case Basis

In many cases, travel insurance can be a great way to mitigate the risks associated with travelling. Its plethora of benefits can grant peace of mind whether you are flying to a brand new destination or going on your annual family holiday. However, there are some trips that may warrant skipping travel insurance. To make sure you are getting the most out of your money, we recommend carefully analysing your travel plans to determine whether you could benefit from travel insurance. Ultimately, the decision to buy a policy comes down to considering your hotel or flight’s cancellation and refund policy, your itinerary, the health of your travel companions and what your travel insurance plan covers.

This article originally appeared on ValuePenguin

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The post Guide to Travel Insurance & Whether It’s Needed in Your Trip appeared first on Goody Feed.

Getting a great deal on your holiday is difficult, especially when airlines and hotels seemingly change their pricing at whim. Conventional wisdom maintains that the best time to book your trip is around 2-3 months in advance—however, is this always the case? Also, does travelling during Singapore’s long weekends cost more?

To get to the answers, we examined hotel and airfare pricing for some of the most popular holiday destinations for Singaporeans to find out the best time to book your vacation.

Book Your Flight Early, But Be Aware of the Consequences

Our data found that airfare for almost all of the destinations is cheaper when you book 3-6 months before departure. Not only that, last minute bookers will end up paying over 2.5x as much for a roundtrip ticket for regional destinations (Bali, Bangkok), around 80% more for further destinations in Asia and up to 25% more for destinations in Europe compared to those who book 3-6 months out.

However, booking your trip very far in advance can also have its own drawbacks. For example, airlines will sometimes have flash sales closer to your departure date as they try to reduce inventory and fill as many seats as possible.

Additionally, booking too far out in advance may be risky since you never know what can happen in the future. In the past year, we saw a number of events that have severely affected travellers who had their trip planned out months in advance, whether it was the volcano eruption in Bali or the sudden closure of beaches in Thailand and the Philippines.

While travellers affected by these types of events were fully covered by their travel insurance, those who encounter other non-emergency medical, political or climate related events will have to bear the full cost of cancellation even if they purchased travel insurance in advance.

No Need to Book Hotels 3 Months in Advance

In contrast to flights, it seems that hotel bookings don’t change much in price even for the earlybirds who are willing to book early for great deals.

Our research found that hotels have more predictable pricing schemes than airlines and either maintain similar pricing year-round or change their prices slightly depending on the popularity of the season.

In most cases, you can expect prices to increase up to around 20-35% during peak tourist seasons. For instance, the average hotel price in Tokyo in June is around S$191, whereas the fall season (mid-november)—which is second in popularity only to cherry blossom season—has an average hotel price of S$231.

Buy Your Travel Insurance Before Your Trip

When it comes to buying a travel insurance policy in Singapore, timing doesn’t matter as long as you purchase before your departure date. Generally, your premium will depend on how far away you’re travelling and how long your trip is, not when the trip occurs.

However, it is advisable to get travel insurance in advance of booking your trip to take advantage of any pre-trip coverage they may offer. For example, natural disasters that directly affect your itinerary may be fully covered and reimbursed if you bought your travel insurance ahead of time.

Travel insurance is also where you don’t want to skimp too much on costs as it can provide life-saving coverage not just for you but for your travel companions as well.

Besides covering for trip cancellations, delayed flights or lost luggages, travel insurance will be able to help you cover the cost of medical emergencies and pay for repatriation to Singapore if need be—a life-saving feature especially for those visiting places with expensive or lackluster medical system. If you can take advantage of great promotions, you can get a great policy for just S$33 for a long weekend trip.

So When Is the Best Time to Book Your Trip?

Unfortunately, there’s no concrete formula that can help you make sure you book the at lowest price possible. However, there are some guidelines that may help you save up to S$400 on your next trip.

First, booking in advance is definitely your best bet for saving money on airfare. You should aim to book a trip between 3 and 6 months and try to avoid flying during Singapore’s long weekends if you are flying regionally.

Additionally, consider alternatives to peak tourist seasons at your destination and stay at less tourist-trodden cities. This will not only help save you money, but also give you an opportunity to explore a city that you may otherwise have never experienced.

This article originally appeared on ValuePenguin

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Explore the underrated city of Taichung when in Taiwan. There are tons of interesting things to see and do while here, so be sure to maximize your time and seize every moment. It will definitely be a fun-filled and unforgettable trip with your best travel buddies, for sure! Taiwan has been gaining popularity among Singaporean travellers. However, its capital city takes the limelight. There’s more to this lovely country, like Taichung on the western side. Taichung it’s not just an industrial mid-western city, rather a melting pot of cultural and culinary delights.

Just two hours away from Taipei, you can easily reach this vibrant. Home to various family-friendly tourist spots and activities, your vacation here will surely be one for the books. Listed below is a rundown of the exciting things you can do with your loved ones in Taichung:

1. Head over the impressive Miyahara

Enter the magical building of Miyahara. Known as one of the most frequented tourist spots in Taichung, this red-brick architecture will surprise you. It was built by Miyahara Takeo, a Japanese ophthalmologist, in 1927 and the biggest ophthalmology clinic in the city during the Japanese colonial period. In 1945, it became the Taichung Health Bureau. However, time passed by and the building slowly decayed. Thanks to Dawn Cake, a pastry company, for restoring Miyahara. Today, it feels like you’re in the world of Harry Potter once you set foot to this place. Its interior was redesigned like Hogwarts and the original red-brick walls and archway were preserved. Visitors don’t just come here for the ambience, rather for Dawn Cake’s signature ice cream, pastries, and bubble tea. You’ll be spoiled with mouthwatering desserts and fancy treats!

• Location: No.20, Zhongshan Road, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan 400

2. Walk around the Zhong She Flower Market

Spend a nice afternoon at Zhong She Flower Market. Situated in Houli Township, this lovely spot is perfect for walking around and taking in the wonderful sight of different kinds of flowers. You’ll see tons of pretty blooms here, such as sunflowers, lavender, and lilies. So, feast your eyes on these and take lots of photos. This six-hectare marvellous spot features beautifully landscaped flower beds and gardens. Dropping by here will surely be a brand-new experience for you and your loved ones. Also, it’s open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Monday to Friday and it’s extended up to 9:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.

• Location: No.469-13 Sanfeng Road, Houli District, Taichung, Taiwan

3. Pay a visit to Taichung Confucius Temple

Swing by Taichung Confucius Temple and appreciate the Chinese culture. Situated within the hustle and bustle of Taichung, this impressive temple was originally built in the ’70s. It boasts of its recreation of the Song dynasty structures, which is characterized by majesty, harmony, and simplicity. Not to mention, it is one of the few examples of this certain dynasty in Taiwan. Every detail of the construction was meticulously calculated and checked. You’ll surely love its intricate design as well as each temple feature. And if you happen to be here on September 28th, the birthday of Confucius and Teacher’s Day, get ready for a huge crowd as a lot of people flock here to give thanks to Confucius.

• Location: No. 30, Section 2, Shuangshi Road, North District, Taichung City, Taiwan 404

4. Taste the original bubble tea at Chun Shui Tang

A visit to Taichung won’t be complete without tasting the authentic Taiwanese bubble tea at Chun Shui Tang! It was in this simple tea shop turned eatery where the original bubble tea was invented during the ’80s. Regarded as the spiritual home of bubble tea these days, Chun Shui Tang serves rich, delicious, and fragrant milk tea with chewy pearls to all visitors. You can even make your own bubble tea here! Exciting, isn’t? Additionally, there are delectable Taiwanese dishes and snacks offered and its nice furnished interior also says a lot about its origin. Ask the staff about the fascinating history of bubble tea if you’re curious or simply want to have a better understanding of it.

• Location: No. 30, Siwei Street, West District, Taichung City, Taiwan 403

5. Wander around Rainbow Village

Walk along the quaint tiny mural village in Taichung. Rainbow Village is an enchanting spot full of vibrant hues. This village is one of the few remaining veteran villages of Taiwan that houses Chinese soldiers in the past. It shows the interesting aesthetics and history of the country and mostly frequented by tourists. Apparently, this village was painted by a former soldier and one of its last residents, Mr Huang or fondly called as Rainbow Grandpa. He felt the need for colour and life in the village, so he started this amazing project that became a protected cultural area eventually. Surely, it is worth a visit and you’re going to capture tons of memorable photos while here.

• Location: No.56, Chun’an Road, Nantun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 408

Read Also: S’pore’s First Army Zombie Film Trailer is Out & There’s a Chiobu (with Zombies)

6. Go to Fengjia Night Market

Of course, you can’t leave Taichung without going to its biggest night market. Fengjia Night Market is the go-to place for food tripping and at the same time shopping. With a multitude of food stalls and shops, you’re sure to have a lot of options to eat and buy. Everything you need is already here, so get your tummies ready and wallets, too.

You’re going to spend a lot of money here, for sure. Also, don’t forget to try its local delicacies and appetizing street snacks, such as Oyster Omelette, Oyster Mee Sua, and Taiwanese XL Chicken Cutlet. It’s certainly a complete night market experience here at Fengjia Night Market!

• Location: Wenhua Road, Xitun District, Taichung City, Taiwan 407

7. Visit the National Museum of Natural Science

Learn tons of informative stuff at National Museum of National Science, the largest educational and recreational centre in Taiwan. Filled with numerous displays and exhibits about anthropology, geology, and botany, every visitor will never get bored and have something to ponder on. It takes pride in its outdoor exhibit of low-altitude plants in the country, four multimedia theatres, and a lovely park. You’ll be surprised by all the interesting and eye-opening things you can learn while simply touring around this best-equipped museum. Even the children will enjoy their time discovering and learning great stuff here as well.

• Location: No. 1, Guanqian Road, North District, Taichung City, Taiwan 404

8. Enjoy the soothing waters of Guguan Hot Spring Park

Take a breather at Guguan Hot Spring Park, also known as Meiji Hot Spring, in Heping District. Nestled in the mountainous region of Poai Village, this awe-inspiring tourist attraction offers a great zen experience to all visitors. Soak your worries away at its sulfuric-based hot springs and be pampered. You can select which temperature is perfect for you before you soak in. The waters are not just soothing for the muscles, rather therapeutic for those who suffer from stomach and intestine diseases, neuralgia, and arthritis. Interestingly, you can drink the water from the hot springs since there is an organic protein in it. Moreover, you can do some other things here, including hiking and going to the Hot Spring Culture Museum.

• Location: No. 102, Section 1, Dongguan Road, Heping District, Taichung City, Taiwan 424

Read Also: Official Baby Shark Musical Coming to S’pore Live on Nov 2018

9. Stroll along Taichung Metropolitan Park

Come by Taichung Metropolitan Park and have a great day with your family or friends. This yet another awesome tourist spot is designed to provide leisure space for visitors, educate the people, and conserve nature. Expose yourself to nature and have a better understanding of the ecologic system. It will be a great place to spend a relaxing and slow day. This tranquil sanctuary is perfect for getting closer to nature and doing various activities with your loved ones. In addition, you can find interesting sites here, including Plants Garden, Star Plaza, Ecological Lake, Play and Fitness Area, and Moon Corridor. Bikes are also available for rental to explore more around the area.

• Location: 07, Taiwan, Taichung City, Xitun District, 1215 140

10. Explore Xinshe Castle

Take in the lush greenery and breathe in the fresh air at Xinshe Castle. This medieval-themed guesthouse is one of the most favourite attractions of those travelling in Taichung. It totally looks like a European fairytale fantasy turned into reality. It boasts of its magnificent garden, pond, waterfall perfect for photo sessions. Inside the castle are souvenir shops, a winery, and restaurants. You are sure to have fun exploring this incredible castle as well as be able to unwind even for a short while in its serene and romantic ambience.

• Location: No. 65, Xiezhong Street, Xinshe District, Taichung City, Taiwan 426

How to reach Taichung in Taiwan

• Fly to Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei and then take one of the public transport options below.

Best time to visit Taichung

• A popular time to visit Taichung is September to November because of its pleasant weather and the affordable hotel prices. From January to March the weather is rainier.

Notable things to do in Taichung

Without a doubt, Taichung is also a must-visit city in Taiwan. There are tons of interesting things you can enjoy while here, like the ones specified above. Be sure to take into consideration these activities and make the most of your escapade.

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

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The post 10 Things to Do in Taichung, 1 of the Underrated Cities in Taiwan appeared first on Goody Feed.

When you go to a totally different country, you’ll definitely not want to miss out on the local delicacies that you won’t get to try in Singapore, right? Most people won’t make a trip all the way to the other side of the world just to try McDonald’s!

Well, like they say, when in Rome, do what the Romans do.

So when you’re in Taiwan, eat what the Taiwanese people eat. Here are 10 food that you must really makan when you’re in Taiwan, if not you might as well not have made the trip at all.

Traditional Taiwanese Breakfast

For Singaporeans, a traditional breakfast would consist of 2 half boiled eggs, a toast and a cup of coffee. In Taiwan, a traditional breakfast consist of a pancake, with piping hot melted cheese and spring onion within the pancake. Sounds like a dream come true? I think it does!

Where to get: Yonghe Doujiang 永和豆漿, No. 30 Hankou Street, Zhongzheng District, Taipei

Oyster Omelette

You’ll be thinking that Singapore has oyster omelette as well, but get this, for the Taiwan’s version, it’s less oily, chewier and the chilli given is on the sweet side. A different taste from what we’re used to but equally awesome!

Where to get: 365台湾小吃, 34, Hanzhong St, Wanhua District Taipei City, Taiwan 108

XXL Fried Chicken Cutlet 大雞排

Eat this in Taiwan and you probably won’t want to come back anymore. The glorious seasoning, together with the crispy and juicy cutlet, will probably have you screaming for more before you’ve even finished your first order. That’s how good it is. Move aside, Korean chicken. Make way for your predecessor, XXL fried chicken cutlet.

Where to get: Hot-Star Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排), No. 36, Hànzhōng St (漢中街), Wanhua District, Taipei City, Taiwan 108  

Prince Cheese Potato 王子起司馬鈴薯

Potato lovers, you definitely wouldn’t want to miss this. Imagine this, crispy potato heaped with bacon bits, ham, pineapple, corn, turkey, broccoli and egg inside a potato, and drowned in cheese. Trust us, we heard it’s real.

Where to get: Prince Cheese Potato 王子起司馬鈴薯  

Read Also: S’pore’s First Army Zombie Film Trailer is Out & There’s a Chiobu (with Zombies)

Big Sausage Wrap Small Sausage 大腸包小腸

With such a catchy name, you can be sure that the food’s going to be equally awesome. It’s Chinese sausage wrapped in glutinous rice, together with lettuce, garlic and salted veg which just make the entire thing explode into flavours within your mouth.

Where to get: Fengjia Night Market (逢甲夜市), Fengjia Rd., Xitun Dist., Taichung City 407, Taiwan (R.O.C.)

Railway Bento 臺灣鐵路便當

With rice, a huge pork cutlet, braised hard boiled egg, fried shishamo, fish cake and steamed veg, you won’t get hungry ever again while on your journey to another city.

Coffin Bread 棺材板

Imagine a thick deep-fried toast with the center removed and replaced with succulent and savoury ingredients like meat, seafood or other juicy items, doused with liberal sauce. Are you drooling yet?

Where to get: Ziqiang Night Market (自強夜市), Ziqiang Rd, Ji’an Township, Hualien County, Taiwan 973

Taiwan Sun Biscuits 奶油太陽鉼

And how could we miss out on this when we’re talking about Taiwan? If you’ve not gotten your hands on these tasty little buggers yet, try them out today. The normal sun biscuits are just that. Normal. But the butter ones, those will have you eating the entire box by yourself within a day. No kidding.

Where to get: Le Cake Shop (李儀餅店), http://www.lecake.com.tw/

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

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The post 8 Must-Makan Foods for S’poreans in Taiwan If Not Might As Well Go Tai Seng appeared first on Goody Feed.

Overseas pocket WiFi is something that’s essential for travelling overseas nowadays because we just can’t stand being disconnected anymore.

Instead of taking photos and keeping them until you can upload them at night in your hotel room, you’d want to do it on the go, just as you’d do it in Singapore.

Plus, data’s a far cheaper way to keep in contact with others should you get lost instead of auto-roaming.

Can you imagine coming back from your holiday happily, only to be totally destroyed when you see your roaming bill at the end of the month?

ReadyWIFI, Your Overseas Pocket WiFi To Go For

With extensive coverage and over 10-hours of use time before it dies on you, here’s what made this overseas pocket WiFi stand out to us:

Free Return and Delivery Option

What’s one thing that stops you from getting an overseas WiFi? The fact that it can be quite troublesome just to get the device.

Most times, you’re required to travel to a certain location, or maybe even the airport itself, to collect the device. Either it means another trip to a location far from your house, or you run the risk of forgetting to collect your device on the day of departure.

I mean, how many times have we almost been late to a flight anyways. Yup, Murphy’s law, guys.

Yes, you can get it delivered, but that typically includes a delivery charge.

With ReadyWIFI, that’s a whole different ball game.

Delivery and return are free. Yes, free.

No matter where you stay, they’ll get the device to you for free. And because they understand that you’re liable for penalties if your device is lost, they won’t just leave it in unsecured places should you not be home.

The delivery team will call and schedule delivery at your own convenience. And should you forget to return the device before returning home? Nobody’s at 100% after a long flight, trust me on this.

Just call and ask them to collect from you, either from your home or office.

Bam, done.

ReadyWiFi Has Coverage In Over 130 Countries

Just to illustrate how extensive their coverage is, there are 195 countries in the world today. Even if you’re interested in going to countries like Kazakhstan, Guam, Nepal or Saipan, they have coverage available there too.

So even before you leave the country, you’d have found coverage for the place you’re travelling to.

No more having to deal with the language barrier while trying to look for overseas coverage in a foreign country.

But that’s not the best part. Oh no, there’s more.

They’re Selling Multi-City Access instead of Single-Destinations

Now, what’s this you may ask?

Let’s say you’re travelling to Japan.

Typically, you’re buying an overseas pocket WiFi for coverage in Japan itself. Say, what if you have to transit in Hong Kong before flying to Japan?

You’re left staring blankly into the air while waiting for your next flight.

Not with ReadyWIFI though.

Take a look at their packages.

If you’ve signed up for the North East Asia package at $5 per day, you’re able to use the WiFi even when you’re in Hong Kong for transit.

Or, let’s say, you’re not just travelling to a single country. I mean, that’s what young people love doing nowadays.

Go to Europe, then travel around the continent for a couple of weeks.

Instead of getting various destinations (and adding up the cost), you can choose to go with ReadyWIFI and get it all at one price.

And Most Importantly, It’s Super Affordable

When it comes to travelling, we want to save as much as possible on these so that we’ll have more to eat and spend during our holidays, no?

$5 for a travel party of 5, this it’s $1 each

To put it into perspective, that’s $1 each for unlimited* data coverage across countries. That’s not just affordable, but a steal. Or like what Goody Feed people like to say, a worthy Don’t Say Bojio deal.

And here’s the fun part.

They have regular promos on their ReadyWIFI plans.

And when I say promo, I’m talking about something like this.

From now until 31 Aug, ReadyWIFI is giving 30% OFF their overseas WIFI rates for Northeast Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America.

Simply apply the promo code ‘AUGRW30P’ when you checkout to enjoy the rates.

Not travelling to these countries? It’s okay because everything else is going for 10% OFF.

The countries include:

Unlimited data coverage from just $3.50 a day over multiple countries? Shut up and take my money!

So there you go. Better convenience, cheaper prices and unlimited data coverage in multiple countries? No wonder this new WiFi service is disrupting the market, no?

Interested in finding out more? Download the Ready To Travel mobile app or visit their website for their latest promotions and updates.

This article is written in collaboration with Ready To Travel by SATS and was first published on goodyfeed.com

The post There’s A New Pocket WiFi For Overseas Travel That’s Disrupting The Entire Market appeared first on Goody Feed.

When we think of travelling to Taiwan, we’ll want to visit the night markets and places like Taipei, Alishan, Jiufen, Shifen.

Most rarely think of visiting this colourful gem in Taichung, which is kind of sad because it’s just so Instagram-worthy.

And do you know that there’s a sad story behind this place?

Rainbow Village 彩虹眷村

Located in Nantun District, this colourful village is far from Taichung city centre and there’s nothing interesting in the area besides this village.

The village isn’t exactly big either and it’s possible to explore the place in fifteen minutes.

But once you know about the story of Mr Huang Yung-fu, also known as Grandpa Rainbow, you’ll see the village in a different light.

A Dying Village

The village is one of the many veteran villages scattered around Taiwan and the houses are made of cheap materials. These houses were built quickly to provide housing to Kuomintang soldiers and their families after the war.

As time passed by, the number of such villages decreased when the government gave land to building companies and provided decent housing to surviving veterans or their families.

Rainbow Village then was in the process of being torn down. One day, out of the blue, Mr Huang Yung-fu, one of the last residents of the village took up a paintbrush and started painting.

He drew aeroplanes, animals, dolls, comic characters all in vibrant colours on the walls and alleys.

And well, the rest is history.

Read Also: 8 Things S’poreans Shouldn’t Do to the Offerings During Hungry Ghost Festival, If Not…

Discovered by Ling-Tung University’s Students

The village was near Ling-Tung University and a couple of years back, students from the university discovered the village and its stunning colours.

That was when the village started getting known first in Taichung, then across the whole island and eventually, across the world.

Yeah, this place wasn’t made to be a tourist attraction. It’s filled with history and most importantly, is found organically.

There was a protest against the local government for trying to demolish the now iconic village. This, combined with Rainbow Village becoming a local attraction, made the government decide to leave the place be.

Rainbow Village Today

If you’re ever in Taiwan, you have got to visit this place. Even though Grandpa Rainbow did not learn painting, his drawings, instead of looking childish, gave the entire village a surreal look.

No matter how depressed, upset or unhappy you are, the vibrant colours of the village will definitely cheer you up!

Catch some street performances, grab a bite from the snack stand and grab a souvenir to bring home with you.

But most importantly, grab some memories when you’re there. Take snaps of yourself, #OOTDs, even a 360 picture on Facebook if you like.

After all, remember: this village isn’t a tourist attraction. Now you know why it’s so attractive.

Where: 台中市南屯區春安路56巷(在台中嶺東科技大學旁)
Entrance Fee: Free, but feel free to donate some money to Rainbow Grandpa at his donation bucket.

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

Click Here to Download the App! 

The post Rainbow Village: An IG-Worthy Gem in Taiwan That’s Apparently Not a Tourist Attraction appeared first on Goody Feed.

The end of the year is coming and you’re looking forward to a fun-filled vacation. After all, isn’t that why we’re all working so hard for?

But before you can enjoy that holiday you truly deserve, you have to get through something troublesome first.

Planning for it.

Unless you have a poor schmuck you can throw all the planning to, you’re probably busy juggling your work, researching and trying to book everything you’ll need.

In other words…

A WiFi Hack

Last week, we gave you a hack on how you can get unlimited data coverage over several different countries for cheap.

If you’ve missed it, you might want to read it here.

But guess what? We’re nothing, if not thorough, and finding coverage is a small (but major) part of planning your holidays.

Ready-To-Travel, a Concierge In Your Pocket

Yes, they’re the same guys behind ReadyWIFI.

If you haven’t known, the Ready-to-Travel service is by SATS, a pretty big player in the Singapore airline industry.

And let’s be honest, if they’re only doing overseas WiFi, that’d be disappointing, no? The ReadyWIFI service is only a small part of what they’re truly offering to travellers.

And here’s the entire philosophy behind the Ready-To-Travel service.

You love going overseas, but not everyone enjoys the preparation process beforehand.

Simply because it can be troublesome and confusing to people.

Where do I start? Do I need a visa, how can I get coverage there, what if my flight details changed and I didn’t know? Etc, etc.

And so, the Ready-To-Travel app is born.

No more trying to reach out to seven different places to get your stuff together. I mean, we’re only born with two hands, after all.

Just one single place that’ll let you travel in peace.

And that’s what this app is all about.

Using predictive advisory, the app provides useful advice on services and real-time recommendations.

For example, when you enter your destination into the itinerary on the RTT app:

It automatically tells you what’s going on in Taiwan right now.

As well as other information you might find useful.

And the best part? The itinerary is sharable.

Yup, just like Facebook, you can share the itinerary with your friends, and even let them post their own updates on it as well.

In other words, you don’t have to constantly share updates through a WhatsApp Group Chat.

Instead, all you got to do is to add these people (with their own RTT accounts) to the itinerary. And they can see, in real time, what’s going on, what’s left undone and details about the trip.

Think of it like Facebook, except it’s more fun because, well, it’s for a vacation.

Plus, it makes it harder for them to fly aeroplane because who wouldn’t feel guilty after seeing all the hard work you’ve put into it.

They also offer essential airport services like ReadyLounge

Think atas and exclusive lounge at the airport where you can relax while waiting for departure at an affordable price instead of an expensive membership.

You know what people say? A picture speaks a thousand words, and a video, a thousand times more.

And Travel Insurance Too

With all the flight delays, airline luggage mishandling and people who farted and caused an emergency landing, you’d know that travel insurance is now, more than ever, super important.

What happens if your flight got delayed and you incurred extra cost trying to get back to Singapore. Or if your trip gets cancelled and you’ve paid for almost everything?

With travel insurance, you can at least guarantee a limited amount of loss.

With ReadyToInsure, getting travel insurance for you and your loved ones is as convenient as it can be.

You Can Even Breeze Through The Airport With ReadyConcierge

Always wanted to arrive like a VIP at airports? Now you can do so with Ready-To-Travel’s ReadyConcierge services where you can enjoy personalised greetings, assistance at Immigration, Customs and Baggage Claims and buggy services to ferry you from point to point.

So There You Go

Not only do you get essential services right at your fingertips, the app is free to download on both iOS and Android.

If you’re looking to plan for your next trip out of Singapore, you might want to check out Ready-To-Travel mobile app or find out more on their website

Because no matter whether you’re using their services or not, it’s a good app to just get all the necessary work done before you go wild on your holiday.

Without worries.

This article was first published on goodyfeed.com and written in collaboration with Ready To Travel By SATS. 

The post There’s a Free App on the Market That Help S’poreans Plan For Their Next Overseas Trip Easily appeared first on Goody Feed.

We always take our ShopBack Smarter Way Community readership’s opinions and questions seriously. So when you wanted to know how to travel Europe for under S$1000 (not including air tickets) we decided to do a little research to see if we can put together a Europe travel blog that can help you make that dream a reality.

To challenge ourselves, we also decided to see how many iconic European cities (capitals) we can visit and how far we can stretch our dollar in order to make the trip really epic!

Without further ado, here’s our guide to travelling Europe, ShopBack style!

Some Assumptions Before We Start

This guide is good for:

• Single travellers who are comfortable staying in hostels (trust us; they’re clean, safe, well-equipped, and are great places to meet people!)
• Those planning to visit European capitals like Paris and Berlin
• 3D2N in each city (the time taken to travel between cities is not included)
• €30 for food each day to eat and experience the city a little better (we’re firm believers that eating well is a way to experience a city!)
• Planning and booking of tickets and accommodation months in advance!

ShopBack’s Europe Travel Blog: The Great Europe Escapade

The cities that we’re covering are:

• Paris, France (3D2N)
• Brussels, Belgium (3D2N)
• Amsterdam, Netherlands (3D2N)
• Berlin, Germany (3D2N)

Getting Around Europe

It goes without saying that getting from city to city would be faster via plane or train. However, both options are prohibitively more expensive, especially since we’re working on a really tight budget.

Taking the bus might be longer, but if you plan in advance and book months ahead, you can score tickets for as low as €9.99(Paris to Brussels, and Brussels to Amsterdam) on sites like Flixbus or GoEuro. For a slightly longer journey like Amsterdam to Berlin, it’ll cost you a little bit more (~€13.99).

Then again, if you opt to take an overnight bus for longer journeys, you can also save a night’s accommodation and wake up in a different city the next morning! Just make sure that you get on the right bus…

Budget: €34

The City Of Love: Paris, France

Ah… Paris. The capital of France is synonymous with romance and is also a global centre for art, culture, fashion, and gastronomy. Mention Paris and chances are, many would imagine themselves seated in a quaint café along the River Seine, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, while sipping on a café au lait.

1. Attractions And Things To Do For Free in Paris

Almost every European city has a city pass that gives you access to major attractions, and Paris is no exception. Introducing the 2-Day Paris Pass (€131), which consists of the Paris:

• Attractions Pass
• Museum Pass
• Visite Travelcard – unlimited use of the metro, RER, and city buses within central Paris

Hold up. Eagle-eyed readers might have noticed that for a 3D2N visit, we curiously chose the 2-day Paris Pass instead of the 3-day Paris Pass.

Pourquoi? (“Why?” in French) That’s because the 3-day Paris Pass only includes a 2-day Paris Museum Pass (comes in a 2, 4, or 6-day option). On top of that, the museum pass must be used on consecutive days.

This means that you have to plan your museum visits and ensure that they’re on back-to-back days. It’s also important to note that the Pass doesn’t include entry to attractions like the Eiffel Tower or The Catacombs of Paris.

In other words, not only is the Paris Pass really expensive, it might not be really worth it after all. So instead of stuffing your entire itinerary with museums and attractions, here’s a list of Parisian sights that are free to visit and are definitely not to be missed!

• Visit the Louvre for free on the first Sunday of each month. It’s also free if you’re under 26 years old, on Friday evenings from 6pm (usual price: €15)

• Have a picnic in the parks and gardens like Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg that are equally historic as they are beautiful
• Go window shopping at Rue Saint-Honoré, Champs-Élysées, and Galeries Lafayette
• Explore the Marais neighbourhood for a taste of medieval Paris, or the beautiful cobblestone streets of the Montmartre district
• Take a stroll along the scenic River Seine and admire the gothic architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral

• Visit the Arc De Triomphe in the evening to witness the wreath-laying ceremony on the tomb of the unknown soldier
• Take a picture with the Eiffel Tower. Pro tip: head to Jardins du Trocadéro, which is directly opposite, for a better picture
• Cosy up with a book in the famous Shakespeare and Company bookstore (featured in Hemingway’s memoir A Moveable Feast, and also a haunt of luminaries like Voltaire and Rousseau)

Budget: Free

2. Getting Around

Like most metropolitan cities, you can easily get around Paris via the very well connected public transport system. As a budget traveller, you can forget about taxis because they are expensive, and Paris is notorious for snarled-up traffic.

However, you can take comfort in the fact that almost all of the major sights and attractions are inside of central Paris (Zones 1 to 3). So if you plan your routes right, you’ll find yourself within walking distance of the next attraction.

For longer trips within the city, you can purchase a single day pass (€7.50) or a booklet of 10 tickets (€14.90) in order to use the Paris Métro.

Budget: €14.90 (assuming you only use 1 booklet of 10 tickets)

3. Where To Stay in Paris

If you’re visiting so many cities within such a short period of time, you’ll want to spend as much time exploring and experiencing what each city has to offer. And if you’re not planning to stay for long in your room, why not consider a more affordable alternative like hostels?

We know what you’re thinking, but fret not! The new breed of hostels today come dressed in trendy decor, replete with modern facilities, and are safe places to meet like-minded travellers or simply to rest for the night.

Take St Christopher’s Inn Canal on Hostelworld, for example, where you can get a bed that has:

• An under-bed locker
• Privacy curtains
• Reading light
• USB and power outlets

Additionally, the hostel provides essentials like:

• Free wifi
• A self-service laundry room
• Digital key cards for secure access to rooms
• A bar/restaurant, which according to reviews, serves a pretty badass burger

Most importantly, St Christopher’s Inn Canal is centrally located. The hostel is just 3 stops away from Gare du Nord train station (a major Parisian transport hub with services that ply the whole of Europe) and is a 20-minute cycle from attractions like the Louvre and Montmartre.

Budget: €40 (€20 per night); €38.12  (after cashback on deposit only)

4. What To Eat in Paris

If you’re feeling hungry, eat like the locals by visiting a boulangerie (French style bakery) for a delectable yet affordable meal. You can get a baguette sandwich (€3 to €4), and they come in options like:

• Jambon beurre (ham with butter; a Parisian classic)
• Thon (tuna)
• Poulet (chicken)

If you are asked, “Avec salade (With salad)?” Always reply, “Oui (Yes)!” and you’ll get lettuce and tomatoes with your sandwich.

For a more complete meal, opt for a formule (€5 to €7): a baguette sandwich, a dessert, and a drink.

You can also get a croque monsieur (ham sandwich with a cheesy baked crust), which is equally delicious and usually similarly priced. Or top up a little more for the upgraded version: a croque madame (a croque monsieur with a fried egg on top).

And since you’re in Paris, you MUST treat yourself to a pastry at a pâtisserie like the famous Du Pain et des Idées.

Best of all, they’re not too expensive either! Definitely try a buttery croissant (€1.60) or a chocolatine (€1.75), which is a croissant with chocolate filling. If you really want to spoil yourself, go for an escargot chocolat pistache (€3.30). And by the way, it’s NOT a snail!

It’s a flaky, buttery pastry with chocolate and pistachio that goes perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea:

So what about lunch or dinner? Try the savoury buckwheat crêpes (less than €10) at Breizh Café in the vibrant Marais neighbourhood.

The café uses quality organic ingredients from the best Breton producers and is highly popular with both tourists and locals. Reservations are highly recommended. #dontsayneversay

Budget: €90 (€30 per day)

Total Budget for 3D2N in Paris: €143

The Home of The EU: Brussels, Belgium

Brussels is widely considered to be Europe’s most underrated city and is home to stunning architecture, beer, chocolate, beer, mussels, beer, frites (Belgian for fries), beer, waffles, and oh… Did we mention beer?

1. Attractions And Things To Do For Free in Brussels

We’ve established earlier that you don’t need a city pass to experience the city, and Brussels is no different. Here’s what we’ve discovered that you can see or do for free in Brussels:

• Visit the museums (Magritte Museum, Musical Instruments Museum, and Royal Belgium Institute of Natural Sciences) for free on the first Wednesday of the month
• Look for Brussels’ mascot, the Manneken Pis – a statue of a little boy doing what his name suggests
• Also look for the lesser known Jeanneke Pis (a little girl) and Zinneke (a mixed breed dog that symbolises the cosmopolitan and multicultural nature of the city)
• Try to get a picture of yourself in the middle of the historic Grote Markt (Grand Place), WITHOUT anyone else in your picture

• Browse the antique markets at Place du Grand Sablon or the flea markets at Place de Jeu Balle
• Follow the Comic Strip Trail (graffiti murals of comic characters like The Smurfs and Tintin) all over Brussels’ city centre
• Learn about the European Union at the Espace Léopold (European Parliament)
• Admire the architecture of the impressive Palais de Justice (Note: for aspiring lawyers, it is possible to sit in on cases)
• Attend a free festival or concert
  • June: Fête de la Musique (world music festival)
  • September: Saint-Jazz-Ten-Noode (jazz festival)
  • October: Nuit Blanche (alternative music festival)

Budget: Free

2. Getting Around

Brussels is pretty well connected, and most attractions are within walking distance of each other. For those sights which are slightly further away, or when you’re tired after a day of walking, you’ll need to get a MOBIB card (€5; non-refundable) with a loaded JUMP ticket.

The JUMP ticket is valid on all public transport and comes in the following options:

• 1 trip: €2.10
• 5 trips: €8
• 10 trips: €14
• 24h Pass: €7.50
• 48h Pass: €14
• 72h Pass: €18

Budget: €19 (assuming you only take 10 JUMP trips)

3. Where To Stay

For a great hostel/hotel option, check out Meininger Brussels City Center on Hostelworld (25% cashback). And the reason why we say it’s a hostel/hotel is that Meininger is a hotel that has dorm room beds for rent.

The good thing about living in a place like Meininger is that you can expect hotel standards of cleanliness and security.

Other facilities at your disposal include access to:

• Free wifi and internet terminals in the lobby
• A guest kitchen which has a stove, microwave oven, and kitchen utensils
• A laundry room with washers and dryers
• A bar to bond with fellow travellers over a game of pool or Wii

What’s even better is that the property is in central Brussels and is a mere 15 minutes walk from Grand Place.

Budget: €39 (€19.50 per night); €37.15 (after cashback on deposit only)

4. What To Eat in Brussels

There are plenty of places for a delicious, healthy, and affordable breakfast (less than €10). And one of those places is Peck 47, which according to reviews, serves really tasty poached eggs.

And you can’t visit Brussels without trying the frites (€2.70 to €3.10) at Maison Antoine, a fritkot (fries stand) serving frites since 1948!

According to the locals, you should always have the frites with mayonnaise or a mayonnaise-based sauce. Another must-try is the Belgian waffles (€5 to €8) at Maison Dondoy:

For a cheap but delicious dinner, try Chinese diners like Chaw Chow City that serve daily specials for as low as €5.20.

Lastly, beer aficionados will love Au Bon Vieux Temps (French for ‘Good Old Times’), a medieval bar that oozes old world charm. It is also where you can find the mythical Westvletern 12 beer (€15). A typical pint starts at €5 and goes up depending on the brew.

Budget: €90 (€30 per day)

Total Budget for 3D2N in Brussels: €146

The Venice Of The North: Amsterdam, Netherlands

The reputation of Amsterdam precedes her. However, there’s more to Amsterdam than just weed, coffee shops, partying, and the infamous Red Light District. It is also known for an elaborate canal system, narrow houses with gabled facades, beautifully curated cafés, a proud history for supporting and openly promoting LGBTI rights, as well as being the cycling capital of the world.

1. Attractions And Things To Do For Free in Amsterdam

Like the rest of Europe, Amsterdam has her own share of museums and attractions. And similarly, some require a ticket to visit.

But the best thing about visiting a European city is that you can always sign up for free walking tours! A good example would be the SANDEMANs NEW Amsterdam walking tour (about 2.5 hours), that will introduce you to interesting tidbits like:

• Amsterdam’s swampy foundations
• Amsterdam’s widest bridge and the smallest house
• Anne Frank’s tragic story
• Canals and secret prisons
• The Jewish Quarter
• Dutch bike culture

You can also take your own tour of Amsterdam on Tram 2, which is widely regarded as one of the best tram rides in the world. It passes most of the major sights and landmarks like:

• Van Gogh Museum
• Rijksmuseum (The Museum of The Netherlands)
• Paleis op de Dam (The Royal Palace)
• Leidsestraat (Amsterdam’s main shopping district)
• The Spui (Amsterdam’s cultural book square)

If you would like to explore Amsterdam more, we recommend:

• Taking a walk in the verdant Vondelpark
• Exploring the infamous Red Light District (take another free walking tour!)
• Go window shopping in De 9 Straatjes (The 9 Streets), a neighbourhood filled with vintage and eclectic shops
• Visiting a coffee shop like the famous Dampkring Coffeeshop (featured in the movie Ocean’s Twelve)

• Shopping at open-air markets like the Waterlooplein Flea Market, Art Plein Spui Market, and Farmer’s Market on Noordermarkt

Budget: Free (note: a tip of €5 to €10 for your tour guide is common and highly appreciated)

(Article continues below) Do you know that during the Hungry Ghost Month, you shouldn’t lean on the wall or talk to yourself? Here’s a video on the list of taboos you probably didn’t know about: if you don’t want any unwanted visitors today, you’d better watch it!

(Since you’re here, subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more informative videos lah)

2. Getting Around in Amsterdam

The most convenient way of getting around Amsterdam is via the GVB tram. The tickets come in the following options:

• 1-day pass (€7.50)
• 2-day pass (€12.50)
• 3-day pass (€17.50)

However, you should note that you’ll probably spend most of your time in central Amsterdam, which means that (again) everything is within walking distance. Or if you’d like to really experience Amsterdam like a local, rent a bicycle for the day (€8 to €10).

Budget: €15 (assuming you cycle for a day and buy a one-day pass for the GVB tram)

3. Where To Stay in Amsterdam

We turned to Hostelworld (25% cashback) again and found ClinkNOORD Amsterdam, the perfect place for budget-conscious travellers! The hostel is 10 minutes away from Amsterdam Centraal station and comes with clean and modern Dutch-style interiors.

You will get important amenities like:

• Free wifi
• Huge social spaces like a library and workspace (Note: check out the impressive stained glass window that runs to the top floor)
• A self-catering kitchen where you can prepare your meals
• Laundry room
• Luggage storage

Each bunk bed also comes with:

• Individual reading lights
• USB socket/electric points
• Plenty of lockers in the dormitories
  

And if you enjoy meeting people, the hostel runs themed events almost every night (from cocktail making classes, to live music and DJ nights).

It definitely sounds like a place where you’ll make plenty of friends and great memories!

Budget: €36 (€18 per night); €34.56 (after cashback on deposit only)

Read Also: 8 Things S’poreans Shouldn’t Do to the Offerings During Hungry Ghost Festival, If Not…

4. What To Eat in Amsterdam

While you should be satisfied with the buffet breakfast at ClinkNOORD (€6.90), Amsterdam has so many gorgeous cafés that it would be a shame not to visit one. Try an establishment like Dignita Vondelpark for healthy and affordable (below €15) brunch options:

• Freshly made & toasted crumpets topped with fresh blackberries, lemon posset, white chocolate rice crispy chunks and toasted coconut chips (€6)
• Savoury breakfast board containing mini croissants & homemade bread, butter, sliced Dutch cheeses, Baambrugse free range ham, avocado, coffee & freshly pressed OJ (€11.50)

If you’re feeling peckish, you can try:

• FEBO automatieks (vending machine walls filled with fast food) for kaassoufflé (cheese soufflé in a deep-fried pastry shell) which cost a mere €1.70

• Oliebollen (Dutch for “oil balls”) which are deep fried doughnuts with the occasional fruit filling (10 for €8)
• Stroopwafel, a delightfully sweet confectionary, which is essentially caramel syrup sandwiched between thin waffles with a cookie-like consistency (get a large one for €3)

For a true taste of Dutch food, look for grandmother-style Dutch kitchens like Restaurant Hap Hmm, which has been serving homely food since 1935.

They offer a variety of main courses and desserts (€8 to €15) like:

• Grootmoeders Gehaktbal (Grandmother’s meatballs) – a hearty, filling dish which costs €8.50
• Hollandse Biefstuk (Dutch steak)
• Stoofperen (stewed pears)
• Appelmoes (applesauce)

If you’re feeling fancy, head to Michelin star chef Robert Kranenborg’s gourmet burger restaurant, Thrill Grill. The restaurant serves great burgers made with additive-free, locally sourced ingredients.

All gourmet burgers cost €9.50 and you can even have healthy sides like grilled zucchini and oven-baked seasonal veggies for an extra €4. With so many options under €10, who says you can’t eat well on a budget?

Budget: €90 (€30 per day)

Total Budget for 3D2N in Amsterdam: €140

The City With a Storied History: Berlin, Germany

Berlin has one of the most turbulent histories of any European capital (read: the perfect destination for history buffs, especially those with an interest in World War 1).

Today, it is also one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. And that’s unsurprising considering that the city is steeped in history, monuments, and art. In fact, Berliners have a common saying that there are more museums in Berlin than there are rainy days per year.

1. Attractions And Things To Do For Free in Berlin

You know the drill by now. Skip the Berlin Pass and start exploring the city like a Berliner!

Here are our suggestions:

• Visit the flea market at Straße des 17, or the antique market at Ostbahnhof station for Cold War era memorabilia
• Steel your nerves and sing at the Bearpit Karaoke (an outdoor amphitheatre) in front of hundreds, at the famous Mauerpark fleamarket (only recommended for the really brave!)

• Pay your respects at the Holocaust Memorial: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• Walk along the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall at the East Side Gallery
• Walk through the Brandenburg Gate, a neoclassical monument that is now a national symbol of peace and unity

SANDEMANs New Europe also conducts a Free Tour of Berlin (2.5 hours), which covers historically important sights like:

• The site of Hitler’s bunker
• Checkpoint Charlie
• Luftwaffe HQ
• The Book Burning Memorial
• Humboldt University

Budget: Free (note: a tip of €5 to €10 for your tour guide is common and highly appreciated)

2. Getting Around in Berlin

Berlin’s comprehensive public transport network consists of the U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (light rail), as well as buses, and trams.

For travel within A and B (for central Berlin), choose the AB ticket combination for:

• One-way ticket (€2.80): valid for 2 hours
• Tageskarte or “Day Pass” (€7): unlimited rides; valid till 3 am the following day
• Berlin Welcome Card 48 hours (€22.90): unlimited rides; 50% on 200 tourist highlights
• Berlin Welcome Card 72 hours (€28.90): unlimited rides; 50% on 200 tourist highlights

We recommend planning your itinerary so that you minimise your need to go back and forth to the various areas of Berlin. This would also limit your need to purchase multiple tickets or passes.

Budget: €13 (assuming you only need one Day Pass and two one-way tickets)

3. Where To Stay in Berlin

You’ve guessed it. For accommodations in Berlin, we turned to Hostelworld (25% cashback) and found Amstel House Hostel!

The property is centrally located and only a few minutes from the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Berlin’s Central Station), and Kurfürstendamm (Berlin’s largest and most famous shopping street). Each dormitory room has:

• lockers (bring your own padlock!)
• reading lamps
• shared bathroom/ WC on the corridor
• central heating (for cold winter nights)

In addition, you can also expect essentials like:

• Free wifi
• Luggage storage
• Security lockers
• A huge guest kitchen
• 24-hour reception

Like all the other hostels we’ve found so far, it seems like you can get a pretty good value and deal if you know where to look!

Budget: €36 (€18 per night); €34.56 (after cashback on deposit only)

4. What To Eat in Berlin

The deceptively simple but very tasty currywurst is to Berlin what sushi is to Japan. And one of the best places to sample this savoury snack is at Curry 36 (€2.50).

If you’re really hungry, head to one of Berlin’s most famous burger joints, Burgermeister, for a burger (€3.50). The juicy burgers are made with 3 simple ingredients: minced beef, salt, and pepper. Yep, that’s it. The sweet brioche buns are perfectly soft, and they complement the classic burger fixings (onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese) perfectly.

Best of all, they’re so affordable and tasty that you’ll want to have more than one. Erm… Just to try the different flavours, of course.

For an iconic Berlin meal in a cosy setting, head to the charming Michelberger Hotel on Wednesdays to enjoy a lunch special of wiener schnitzel (deep-fried, crumbed veal meat) with a generous portion of potatoes (€10).

If you like a little variety for low prices, make sure to visit Markthalle Neun (Markethall 9) for Street Food Thursday, where you can get snacks like tacos for as little as €3, and Vietnamese rice paper rolls for €5. This food haven is THE epicentre of Berlin’s modern food movement and is home to speciality vendors, bakeries, butchers, food trucks, etc.

Lastly, who can forget Hühnerhaus, the halal chicken stand next to Görlitzer Park, where you can get half a rotisserie chicken and a salad for a mere €3.75. Regulars usually choose the Weisskrautsalat (a slightly sweet, vinegar-based slaw) that goes perfectly with the tender bird. Do try it with their famous spicy sauce!

Budget: €90 (€30 per day)

Total Budget for 3D2N in Berlin: €138

Did We Keep To The Budget?

Here’s our tally:

Breakdown

• Intercity Bus Tickets: €34
• Paris: €143
• Brussels: €146
• Amsterdam: €140
• Berlin: €138

Grand Total: €601 or S$943.57 (assuming an exchange rate of €1 to S$1.57)

Considering that we managed to plan a 4 city Europe trip for under S$1000, you can even opt to use the balance (disclaimer: you might need to top up a little bit in some cases) for:

• An activity or experience on Klook (up to 3.5% cashback)
• Train tickets on Rail Europe (up to 3% cashback) for the longer leg of your inter-city transfer
• Travel insurance on DirectAsia (up to $60 cashback) or FWD Insurance (up to $45 cashback)

And if you keep tabs on ShopFest (starting 1 September 18 to 3 January 2019), you just might be able to score a good deal on air tickets and you’re all set!

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

Click Here to Download the App! 

The post Travelling to 4 Iconic European Cities for Less Than $1,000 & Feeling Like a Crazy Rich Asian appeared first on Goody Feed.

Love outback adventures? Then, you’ll love all the free and fun things to do with the whole family from the Sunshine Coast all the way to the Gold Coast, Australia. It’s the perfect holiday destination for all seasons of the year.

Best time to visit the Gold Coast

Temperatures remain a cool 18 to 23 degrees Celsius during the day and dip to a cooler 9 to 15 degrees Celsius during the night in winter. From June to August, it’s great weather for kids as they don’t really break a sweat no matter how energetic they may be.

How to reach

Located 100km north of the state capital, Brisbane in South East Queensland, the Sunshine Coast is a leisurely 1-hour drive from Brisbane and easily accessible from Brisbane Airport. When flying from Singapore to Gold Coast airport, it is a 2-hour drive to the Sunshine Coast. There are flights available from Singapore to Brisbane from $400 to $613 depending on the time you travel. Alternatively, you can also fly to Sydney and take a 14h bus to your destination.

Read Also: 60YO Man Who Got Hate For Lodging Police Report Over FB Joke Explains Himself

Spectacular Sunshine Coast – Things to do

Most travel itineraries to the Sunshine Coast will likely include attractions like the Australia Zoo and Sea Life that may cost a pretty penny for admission. However, there’s plenty to see and do that’s equally exciting yet free for the whole family.

Right at the start of your Aussie adventures, you’ll be greeted by the colourful koala at the airport.

1. Hit The Beaches On The Coast

The Sunshine Coast boasts one of the most scenic shorelines ever in Australia. From Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Caloundra to Noosa, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches. Their names can be quite a mouthful for non-locals but you will get a hang of it after a while.

Among the loveliest beach is Mooloolaba beach where the skies are a brilliant blue, the sea an effervescent green and sandy white beaches make for a wonderful day at the beach. Just hearing the waves roar is an invitation to walk along the shores, go build sandcastles, pick lovely seashells, do yoga by the beach or simply rest and relax by the sea. It is a public beach and so beautifully maintained. The best part is it’s free.

Adding to its charm are the amazing rock pools worth exploring with all your little scientists in tow. They are wondrous micro-habitats of remarkable sea creatures. Just dig a little and you may come across the common crab, worms, sea slugs, different types of seaweed and even the common starfish. Don’t be disappointed if Hank the septopus does not show up.

Take insta-worthy photos all along with the beach with the scenic cityscape in the backdrop. The wide array of shops and eateries just across the street make for delightful dining, quick eats and convenience shopping.

2. Strawberry Fields Filled with Sunshine

Go where the sweet scent of strawberries leads you. Strawberry Fields on the Sunshine Coast is open to public all year. Better than buying them at the fruit grocers, come to the source and get the family to pick strawberries right from the strawberry patch.

Just pick, place under the tap for a quick rinse and pop into the mouth for a taste of the freshest strawberries. Admission and parking are free. However, visitors planning to bring home their basket of strawberries have to pay what they’ve picked. Prices depend on weight and current market prices of strawberries.

Fun for kids as they can roam the strawberry fields and run about the tractor playground. Parents can rest their feet and sample more treats at the Cafe which serves strawberry delights and barista-brewed coffee.

• Address: 133 Laxton Road, Palmview, QLD 4553, Exit 190, Off Bruce Highway, Australia
• Website: https://strawberryfields.com.au

3. Marvellous Markets To Explore

Should you be tired of supermarket shopping, then head to the marvellous markets all along the Sunshine Coast during the weekends. Here you’ll discover fresh produce, organic food, artisan crafts, hipster glad rags, great coffee and so much more.

Better yet, admission is free and everything purchased supports the local farmer, local business and local community. A quick check with your local guide will reveal all the markets nearest your place of stay.

What’s popular are the Friday markets at Maroochydore aptly named Nights on Ocean happening on the second Friday night of each month. Saturday markets like the infamous Eumundi Markets attract huge crowds of locals and tourists seeking all made in Australia goodies that are only available on the coast.

Sunday markets include the Vegan Markets at Nambour, Noosa Family Markets and Peregian Beach Markets. Get ready to shop till you drop!

4. Hell Riders Retreat

Bike enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the Sunshine Coast Harley-Davidson is one of the friendliest across the world. Featuring a wide range of motorcycles, it’s relatively easy to book a ride and explore the coast Harley-style.

Having a superb array of motor clothes and merchandise, the friendly crew will guide you to their value buys and on sale items without even asking. With junior hell riders in the family, the store kindly allowed the kids to climb on almost every bike and take photos aplenty.

• Address: Sunshine Coast Harley-Davidson, 490Maroochydore Road, Kunda Park, QLD 4556, Australia
• Website: http://www.sunshinecoastharley.com.au/

Things To do at the gorgeous Gold Coast

Surfers’ Paradise, Dreamworld, Sea World and Wildlife’s Park define all that’s gorgeous in the Gold Coast. When in search of free and budget-friendly adventures, you should not give these other attractions a miss.

1. Gold Coast Botanical Gardens

One of the most endearing and all-encompassing botanical gardens in the world, the Gold Coast Botanical Gardens is a beautiful place to spend the day. The free to visit park has free parking, lush gardens ranging from the Sensory Gardens to Butterfly Garden and Rose Garden.

Visitors are greeted by a lovely lake brimming with fish, ducks, swans and cranes when they enter. Meandering bridges across the lake bring you to different parts of the Garden. Set off to the Mangroves to Mountains walk or simply roam along the nature trails that lead to exciting discoveries.

Kids will love the open spaces, picnic spots, outdoor covered playground and bird watching the variety of birds that flock to the Garden. In need of refreshment?  The cafe on the grounds serves good coffee, pastries and gelato to satisfy all cravings. Open all year from 5am to 7pm, it’s one of the parks in the city that’s easily accessible and complimentary.

• Address: 230 Ashmore Road, Benowa QLD 4217, Australia

2. Isle of Capri Waterways

Catch the magnificent sunrise and sunset along the Isle of Capri Waterways, a hidden gem in the quiet suburbs where locals go kayaking, fishing, crab catching and feeding the variety of seabirds that fly by. It’s a popular place for jet ski, sailing and boating adventures too.

Walking along the waterways is a most relaxing way to end the day. The kids can spend their evening hunting for nocturnal creatures that come ashore by twilight. The calming waters, sandy shores and skies are free for everyone to enjoy.

• Address: near Surfer’s Paradise, QLD 4217, Australia

3. Kurrawa Pratten Park on Broadbeach

A fabulous free-to-public park with a huge playground, Kurrawa Pratten Park is a must-do on your list. Located right on Broadbeach, the whole day can be spent catching the waves at the beach, prancing around the playground and shopping at The Oasis mall next door.

The park features Gold Coast’s first all-abilities playground with slides, climbing hills, swings, sand castle pits, trampolines and features for kids of all ages and abilities. It’s not uncommon to hear laughter and cheer in the air all day while parents relax by the lawn. The playground is secured by perimeter fencing and accessible by a gate that can only be unlocked by a grown-up.

• Address: Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach, QLD 4218, Australia

4. Free Playgrounds On The Coast

There are plenty of neighbourhood playgrounds in the suburbs worth exploring as well. Most popular malls have indoor and outdoor play areas to entertain the kids while you go shopping.

Among the family favourites are Harbour Town located at Biggera Waters for outlet shopping. It has not 1, but 3 McDonalds’ around its premises. Head for the “Macca” in the south side where the kids get to enjoy the wonderful playground area inside.

Another fantastic mall is Pacific Fair shopping centre located at Broadbeach Waters. Here you can shop till your heart’s content and let the kids explore the indoor playground, outdoor landscapes, cascading waterfalls and outdoor chess with kid-sized chess pieces.

Facebook pages:

• https://www.facebook.com/harbourtowngoldcoast/
• https://www.facebook.com/pacificfair/

4. Mariners Cove On Main Beach

Just a short drive from the ever popular Sea World is a cove definitely worth exploring. Boasting a marina for the yachting community, the Cove is also famous for jet boating, parasailing, sports fishing, whale watching and cruising the canals. Admission is free. Tour and adventure packages are chargeable.

Just next to it is the Marina Mirage shopping centre with many posh restaurants fronting the sea. While dining there may be expensive, packing your own lunch and enjoying it by the public picnic areas around the cove is far cheaper.

Mariners Cove is also popular for delicious fish and chippy at the local taverns where you can order it grilled, battered or breadcrumbed. Great tasting seafood is widely available. Simply select the seafood of your choice and the chef will rustle up your meal, at prices far more affordable than in the city.

Address: Mariners Cove, Main Beach, QLD 4217, Australia

5. Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre

Just before your head home via Coolangatta Airport, do drop by the Jellurgal Aborigine Centre. It is the one place to learn about aboriginal history and culture in the Gold Coast as well as hear Dreamtime stories. Guests get to learn about the Yugambeh people, their bush foods and lifestyles connected with the land.

Entrance is free, however, Jellurgal guided tours are chargeable.

• Address: 1711 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads, QLD 4220, Australia
• Website: www.jellurgal.com.au

(Article continues below) Do you know that during the Hungry Ghost Month, you shouldn’t lean on the wall or talk to yourself? Here’s a video on the list of taboos you probably didn’t know about: if you don’t want any unwanted visitors today, you’d better watch it!

(Since you’re here, subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more informative videos lah)

Where to stay in the Gold Coast

To be able to experience all the Gold Coast has to offer, you’ll need to stay over a few days. Although accommodation is not free, you can book a great stay for an affordable place in one of these hotels:

1. Palm Beach Hotel 

• Palm Beach
• from $72/night at Agoda

2. Southport Tourist Park 

• Southport, Labrador
• from $82/night at Agoda

3. Classic Motel Mermaid Beach 

• Mermaid Beach
• from $91/night at Agoda

4. Horizons Motel 

• Mermaid Beach
• from $100/night at Agoda

5. Bombora Resort 

• Coolangatta
• from $104/night at Agoda

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

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The post Free Things To Do From The Sunshine Coast To The Gold Coast (Australia) appeared first on Goody Feed.

Selfie lovers, listen up.

While many across the world has frowned on your (sometimes) life-threatening practice of taking selfies, a place that just opened up at our neighbours’ backyard has just validated your addiction to #OOTD.

If you visit Malaysia or Kuala Lumpur often, and you’re sick of 1Utama or The Curve (yes, there’s such a thing as too much shopping, ladies), you might want to drop by this museum that just opened up.

Introducing…The Selfie Museum

Yup, you read that right.

It’s a museum. Dedicated to the art of taking good selfies.

According to the director of The Selfie Museum Malaysia, Sean Tan, the aim of the museum is to get family and friends to get together.

And not just that, but to take pictures and create happy memories that’ll last forever through your selfies.

Everything-Also-Dessert at Selfie Museum

If you can’t get the vibe from the picture, the museum has a dessert theme. Which makes sense, according to Sean Tan.

Because dessert carries with it a positive vibe which makes everyone happy.

Amen to that. Every time I screw up at home, I’ll just buy loads of kit kat for my wife (Editor’s comment: Agreed wholeheartedly.)

The museum has nine different rooms for you to take all the selfies you’d ever want.

• The Giant Cakes
• Everything’s Sweet
• Fluffy Path
• Ice Cream World
• Rainbow
• Super Happiness
• Splash Lab
• dUCkies Cafe
• Do-Nut-Stop

And other fun stuff like a giant Durian.

And snazzy cool donuts like this

But here’s the best part.

You get free food too.

In case you can’t read:

9 Selfie Rooms, 5 Free Desserts with 1 ticket!

IG-worthy shots, free food and all-around fun? Whelp, you know where to go if you happen to be in KL, right?

The Selfie Museum

• Address: Unit 2.28, Level 2, Farenheit 88, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Operating hours: 10 am to 10 pm, Monday to Sunday
• Ticket prices: RM45 (Adult) / RM30 (Children)

Since we’re on the topic of fun, laughter, peace and joy, here’s a super fun event that doesn’t require you to cross the Woodlands Checkpoint.

There’s a Thai Hipster Pasar Malam Happening At Marina Bay This Weekend (31 Aug to 1 Sep)

If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, from green curry crispy chicken rendang to pork skewers, cancel any plans you’ve made for Friday and Saturday evening and make your way to Marina Bay.

Because that’s where Chang is bringing their third-edition Chang Sensory Trails to you. Or what my boss likes to say, a hipster Thai Pasar Malam.

The event will be for two days only, 31 Aug (that’s today, by the way) to 1 Sep 2018.

Expect authentic Thai cuisine, local illustrations and amazing local bands at the festival.

What are you waiting for? Time to start making new plans liao

You can read the full article here.

Read Also:

• Popular America Fatburger Coming to S’pore with “Double Down”  Burgers & Skinny Fries
• 10 Facts About SGInstaBabes, The Influencers Platform That S’poreans Might Not Know About
• Salted Egg Instant Noodles Have Landed on Planet Earth & Maybe in S’pore Soon

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Click Here to Download the App! 

The post A New Museum in KL That’s Just for People to Take Selfies appeared first on Goody Feed.

Traveling alone can be a really cool adventure, but being in a foreign country all by yourself, not having someone physically beside you to share your experience –good and bad- with, can be a bit of a nightmare. Nevertheless, if no one’s willing to go on your badass trip with you, then fret not for we have listed down some of the perfect ways to meet people and make friends while you’re having the time of your life.

Read Also: Salted Egg Indomie Review: So Salty Yet So Good That It Deserves 1/2 Michelin Star

P.S. Curt nods and averted gazes will not make the cut here, genuine smiles and speaking will!

1. Stay in Hostels

Booking a hostel to stay at during your trip, is not only great for budget traveling but is one of your best bets in making friends. Mainly because a majority of the people staying there are most probably also traveling solo, which puts them in the same position as you; looking to make friends. Besides, these hostels usually offer pub crawls, and free walking tours to help break the ice and get the fun on. As for youths, be sure to check out the Hostelling International, a federation that has over 70 hostels in more than 80 countries around the world.

2. Social Media

Well believe it or not some of us have met way more friends through social media than we have in real life. So, embrace the evolution of technology –for once- and reap its benefits. If you have a friend from the country you’re planning to visit, then why not get in touch, and meet them for real? Apart from that, there are multiple Facebook communities that have a sole purpose of bringing together solo travelers. You could scroll through the forums and posts and find the kind of people you’d want to befriend. On the other hand, if you’re a female traveler and prefer to have a female companion, then be sure to check out Solo Female Travel Network, Pinktrotter, and Wanderful, as they are some of the best social networking sites for female travelers.

3. Download Travel Apps

On the other hand, apps like Backpackr and SoloTraveller makes finding travel companions a lot easier for both genders, as they hook you up with people who share the same destination as you. Even better, you get to filter your travel buddies according to gender, age and interests, so you don’t have to worry much about dealing with any potential clash of interests.

4. Group Tour

Tour groups are definitely a foolproof method to befriend people as everyone on the bus are strangers and are most likely looking for a travel companion too. Strike up a conversation and you may just make a friend for life. Like I mentioned earlier you could take up the tour offers by hostels or you could even check out sites like Vivas Tour that offer free walking tours around several cities in various countries so be sure to check that out!

5. Meet the Locals

This one’s a true challenge! Get out of your comfort zone and strike up a conversation with the locals be it about the food, underrated attractions or even asking directions; don’t shy from talking to the locals. While Airbnb offers you the highest chance of befriending the locals, you could still mingle with them–like you’re one of them with the help of apps and websites like EatWith and MealSharing. You can enjoy a sumptuous meal from the top of the Eiffel Tower or while suspended from the sky; like the adventurer you are. Whereas for those of you who prefer a cozier dining experience, then you should definitely check out Mealsharing for a rather delicious round of home-cooked meal.

(Article continues below) Do you know that during the Hungry Ghost Month, you shouldn’t lean on the wall or talk to yourself? Here’s a video on the list of taboos you probably didn’t know about: if you don’t want any unwanted visitors today, you’d better watch it!

(Since you’re here, subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more informative videos lah)

6. Couchsurfing

If you’ve not heard of Couchsurfing before then let us just break it down for you real quick. Bringing together hospitality and social networking in one site, Couchsurfing helps travelers find homestays, arranges meetups with locals as well as with other travelers in the same area. With its amazing all-in-one feature, you not only get to know the locals but you are certain to find travel companions during your stay.

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

Click Here to Download the App!

The post 6 Tips to Making New Travel Friends During a Solo Trip appeared first on Goody Feed.

I just came back from an amazing vacation in Cancun. A vacation was long-overdue after a year of working hard to launch ValueChampion’s Singapore site, and I came back as rejuvenated as I could ever have been staying at one of the most luxurious resorts in Cancun called Le Blanc for 3 nights. And how much money did I spend?

A grand total of about S$100 for airport transportation to and from our hotel and some other miscellaneous expenses.

While Cancun is a bit far from Singapore, there are plenty of other ways of enjoying similarly luxurious getaways to places like Bali without breaking your bank. Here, I explain some tips on how you can afford such a trip every year.

1. Actively Earn and Redeem Miles

I was able to book my flights and my hotel room nights for “free” because I used the miles I earned on my credit card spending. Simply by using credit cards like Citi PMV Card or DBS Altitude Card, it’s relatively easy to rack up enough miles in just 12 months for you to be able to afford a couple free round trip tickets in the region.

For instance, if you and your travel partner (spouse, significant other, friend, etc) spend $2,000-S$3,000 per person per month, both of the cards we mentioned above can earn at least 57,600 to 86,400 miles per year at a rate of 1.2 mile per S$1 of expenditure. Since a 1-way ticket from Singapore to Bali costs about 7,500 miles for 1 person on economy saver, you can redeem 30,000 miles for 2 round trip tickets to Bali and still have 27,600 to 56,400 miles left.

Not only that, some miles cards actually let you use your miles to redeem for lodging as well. Citi PMV Card converts 1 mile to to 1IHG or 1.5 Hilton HHonors points that you can redeem for room nights. HSBC Revolution Card lets you redeem miles to travel vouchers at up to S$0.013 per mile (1 rewards point = 0.4 miles = S$0.05), a very lucrative deal being worth roughly 30% higher than what it would’ve been if you just redeemed it for an economy class air ticket.

Since a room at a hotel like Hilton Resort in Bali can cost as low as 29,000 HHonors points or S$200 per night, the leftover miles after getting your flights should be able to cover 30,000 to 40,000 miles required to for your weekend lodging.

While there are dozens of possible ways of utilising miles, we’ve just shown how a couple can redeem miles for at least 2 person’s round trip air ticket and 2 room nights at a good hotel in Bali by consistently spending S$2,000 to S$3,000 on their cards per person on a monthly basis.

You can even use a cash back card instead of a miles card to do something similar by saving up all of your rebates to use exclusively for your vacation needs. At the end of the day, the trick here is to plan at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance so that you are able to secure your itinerary at great redemption rates or pricing.

Read Also: Salted Egg Indomie Review: So Salty Yet So Good That It Deserves 1/2 Michelin Star

2. Avoid “Hot Destinations” During Peak Travel Seasons

Even if you aren’t able to plan that far in advance, there are other ways of redeeming miles for a free vacation every year. A lot of people tend to look for places to visit by searching for the “best places to visit during the month of XYZ.”

However, this can be a losing proposition not only because air tickets and hotel costs can be much higher, but also because the availability of economy saver seats or bonus room nights can be extremely scarce during peak seasons or long-weekends. One trick I always use to avoid this hassle is to pick destinations that have just passed their peak tourist seasons.

Especially in context of redeeming miles for a free vacation, saver tickets and bonus room nights are relatively easy to secure on a regular weekend, especially if the destination’s hottest peak travel season has passed few weeks ago. Not only that, you can still enjoy conditions (i.e. seasonal) that are relatively similar to that of the golden period because you aren’t going there 2-3 months after the ideal conditions have passed. You may even be able to enjoy a more pleasant relaxation in a less crowded resort.

3. Actively Use Your Credit Card Company’s Travel Booking Engines

Also, if you don’t have enough miles or points to book an entire trip for free, you can still benefit immensely by using your credit card company’s travel booking portals to purchase parts of trips that you couldn’t get with your reward miles.

Most banks with miles credit cards offer their own special booking portal or promo codes that provides even higher bonus miles or 10-15% of discounts on your bookings, especially for hotels and travel packages. Therefore, if you only have enough miles to redeem for free air tickets, these portals can be extremely effective in securing an affordable vacation. These portals are easy to find on the bank’s website under the specific card’s benefits section.

4. Consider An All-Inclusive Resort

If you are in mood for a complete and thorough relaxation without extra costs, I highly recommend going with an all-inclusive option. Staying at Le Blanc, an all-inclusive resort, helped me reduce all my dining and beverage expenditures to zero, which otherwise could have easily added up to hundreds of dollars.

Not only that, a lot of these resorts are actually not that much more expensive than regular ones, and the options in Bali all tend to have great ratings on Tripadvisor as well. My tip would be to look for a well-rated place with many dining options on premise, so you can experience a diverse set of cuisines and not get bored with your food. You can also use the bank’s portals that we mentioned above to book these hotels.

(Article continues below) Do you know that during the Hungry Ghost Month, you shouldn’t lean on the wall or talk to yourself? Here’s a video on the list of taboos you probably didn’t know about: if you don’t want any unwanted visitors today, you’d better watch it!

(Since you’re here, subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more informative videos lah)

5. Consider Using “Sharing Economy” Services like Grab and Airbnb instead of Hotel or Pre-Booked Transportation Services

One mistake I made on my trip was booking my hotel’s airport shuttle service, which charged us US$52 for 2 people. After having booked it just for sake of not wanting to worry about it at the last minute, I wanted to look up up Uber’s pricing once I landed in Cancun: it was merely US$6.

Sharing economy is transforming the travel industry on a titanic scale, bringing both affordability and convenience previously not thought possible. Simply calling an Uber ride once I landed at the airport would’ve been both cheaper and more convenient than calling the hotel in advance to book a airport shuttle (which also entailed waiting time once we landed). Sadly, I made the mistake of doing the latter, which cost me about S$70, the biggest “real” expenditure I made on this trip.

Similarly, if you aren’t able to find great hotel deals bookable with your miles, it can be wise to book an Airbnb instead, as they can be 60-70% cheaper. Not only that, cards like DBS Altitude card even lets you earn 3 miles per S$1 you spend on Airbnb booking, so you can rack up miles for your next vacation even more quickly.

This article originally appeared on ValuePenguin

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

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The post 5 Tips on How to Go On A Cheap But Luxurious Vacation Every Year appeared first on Goody Feed.

Locals and tourists alike all flock to Pulau Langkawi for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and most importantly the fact that it is a duty-free island! And that means…

As great as that sounds, we couldn’t help but wonder… Is there more to Langkawi shopping than just scoring a great deal on duty-free beer, liquor, and wine?

Hmm…

We did a little research and we’re happy to report that we found several shopping malls and even speciality shops that offer more than cheap booze.

To help you make smarter choices when vacationing in Langkawi, here’s a list of best places for Langkawi shopping and what to buy.

Read Also: The Alleged Reason on Why SIA Isn’t in Crazy Rich Asians

Shopping In Kuah Town

Kuah is Langkawi’s main town and the port of call for ferries arriving and departing the island.

If you’re looking for pristine beaches and crystal clear waters, you’ll want to head up north.

And if you’re looking for activities and experiences like zip-line tours, mangrove kayaking, or diving, check out deals on sites like Klook (up to 3.5% cashback) or Travelog (up to 8% upsized cashback).

For excellent Langkawi shopping malls and shops selling pretty much anything you could want, then Kuah town’s the place to be.

1. aL-ikhsaN Sports

Specialising in sporting apparel and footwear, aL-ikhsaN offers pretty steep discounts on off-season merchandise from big brands like adidas (2% cashback) and Nike (upsized 11% cashback).

A good pick-up would be something like the Nike Tanjun, a comfortable lifestyle sneaker (released in 2017), that could be had at aL-ikhsaN for RM139. The exact same pair of sneakers costs USD$65 (RM266) on Nike.com. That’s almost 50% off the recommended retail price!

And if your visit coincides with a sales period like the most recent Merdeka Sale, you can enjoy as much as 50% discount off selected items.

2. Cuban Attitude

Probably the only specialised cigar store in town, Cuban Attitude’s duty-free prices are a cigar lover’s dream come true. The shop carries cigar brands like Davidoff, Dona Flor, Habanos, and Luis Martinez, but also has a decent selection of cigarettes and tobacco products to choose from.

And if you’d like to pick up a gift or a souvenir, you can choose from various smoking-related accessories like ashtrays, cutters, lighters, pipes, and travel cases.

If the musty smell of cigars is too overwhelming, pop into Cote de Parfume – just next door – for designer scents at cutthroat prices.

3. Jetty Point Complex

Conveniently located within Langkawi’s main ferry terminal, Jetty Point Complex is a two-storey shopping mall that also houses Langkawi’s largest government operated (read: official) Tourist Information Centre. For first time visitors to Langkawi, you can pick up free maps and brochures at the counter.

The top floor of the complex houses a department store which sells everything: accessories, clothing, cosmetics, lingerie, liquor, perfume, and tobacco. The ground floor features shops specialising in cameras, coklat (Malay for “chocolate”), eyewear, jewellery, watches and souvenirs.

If you’re hungry after all that shopping, grab a bite at KFC, Kenny Rogers Roasters, or Starbucks.

4. Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall

Tired and hungry after visiting Eagle Square? Head on over to Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall, one of the largest malls on the island, for a great selection of factory outlet shops and places to eat.

The mall has a motley collection of shops offering clothing, handicrafts, perfumes, and various sundries. If you’re looking for discounted denim and shoes, be sure to check out the Levi’s and Clarks store.

Food-wise, there are food courts and restaurants like Secret Recipe and PappaRich.

One of the best things about Langkawi Fair is the Billion Duty-Free Supermarket where you can pick up groceries (for your barbecue party), alcoholic drinks, and assorted chocolates for competitive prices. Even the locals shop here, so you know that the deals are legit.

5. Langkawi Parade Megamall (Teow Soon Huat Duty-Free)

The anchor (and majority) tenant of this three-storey shopping mall is Teow Soon Huat Duty-Free & Supermarket. At Langkawi Parade Megamall, you will find one of the widest variety of apparel, chocolates, cosmetics, groceries, liquor, perfumes, sundries, tobacco and wines. Locals often patronise the basement supermarket for its decent selection and reasonable prices too.

Notable brands carried by the mall include Body Glove, Converse, Giordano, Guardian, Guess, Hurley, Skinlab, and Vincci.

For a cheap date night idea in Langkawi: pick up a couple of boxes of premium chocolates, some drinks from the supermarket, and catch a movie for RM11 at the cineplex.

6. Langkawi Saga Shopping Centre

Besides the usual alcohol and chocolates, Langkawi Saga specialises in household items, furniture, decorative ceramics, and crystal.

Aspiring home chefs will also be pleased to know that the mall is a great place to pick up reasonably priced kitchenware and cooking utensils from brands like Corelle, Corningware, Tefal, and Zebra.

You might be wondering, “Wait… Buy cooking utensils during my vacation?!”

Yep.

Laugh all you want, but wait till you see Tefal Non-Stick Frying Pans going for half price. Your mom and wallet will thank you for your very thoughtful purchase.

7. The Spa Shop

The Spa Shop sells various spa supplies like aromatherapy products, calming teas, foot scrubs, hand creams, scented soaps, and massage oils at massively discounted prices.

And if you’ve been getting massages and spa treatments around the island, you’ll definitely notice that a number of spa centres use The Spa Shop’s products. It’s easy to see why too as they place a strong emphasis on using natural ingredients sourced from the local farming community, and are advocates of sustainable agricultural practices.

Environmentally friendly spa products at mad affordable prices? It’s the perfect souvenir to gift to friends and family.

Shopping Along Pantai Cenang

Pantai Cenang is probably the busiest beach town in Langkawi and is where you can find a great mix of cafés, duty-free outlets, seafood restaurants, and souvenir shops.

1. Cenang Mall

If you need a place to beat the heat – especially during Langkawi’s scorching afternoons – Cenang Mall is a welcomed reprieve along the Jalan Pantai Chenang shopping strip. The mall largely caters to tourists with a Western palate so expect to find restaurants and cafés like Burgersmith, KFC, Manhattan Fish Market, and Starbucks.

Besides the standard duty-free selections, the mall also has very well-stocked pharmacies and drugstores. And if you forgot to bring your swimwear (RM49 to 59) when heading to Cenang beach, the mall has plenty of shops to take care of that dilemma.

For those in need of more ringgit to fund your shopping spree, Cenang Mall has a few money changers that provide pretty good rates.

2. Coco Valley

Need a break from the fishes and penguins at Underwater World Langkawi? Coco Valley is just next door and is perfect for a spot of duty-free shopping.

This mall stocks a decent selection of beers, liquors, and alcohol, but its specialisation is in cocoa products. Chocolate lovers will find most major chocolate brands (think Rittersport, Hershey’s and Toblerone) available for a fraction of the price.

Oh, and if you’re concerned about lugging cartons bags of chocolate back to your hotel room, the mall regularly sells luggage bags for rock-bottom prices – a 100L volume spinner bag could be had for under RM100. You’ll find these bags for sale, piled ceiling high at the entrance for your convenience.

3. Temoyong Night Market

Although technically not a shopping mall, a visit to Temoyong Night Market (only open on Thursdays, from 6 to 10pm) is definitely not to be missed.

Not only is it a place to sample authentic and delicious Malaysian food and desserts (a packet of nasi lemak ayam, or coconut rice with chicken, costs RM1), it’s a great place to pick up souvenirs like wood carved statues of the Langkawi Eagle, and handmade kuihs (cakes, cookies, snacks, and sweets) for the family.

(Article continues below) Xing Xing is a 34-year-old Singaporean lady who decides to meet up with an online friend she found in Facebook. But it turns out that he’s not what he seems to be: Prepare boxes of tissue and watch the saddest Singapore Facebook love story here:

(Since you’re here, subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more informative videos lah)

Shopping Near Langkawi International Airport

Need to pick up some last-minute souvenirs before you head to the airport? How about some handmade batik (wax-resist dyed fabric) or songket (hand woven textile)?

1. Atma Alam Batik Village

The Atma Alam Batik Village is a batik textile factory that showcases and promotes the art of batik in Langkawi. It is also the place to pick up handmade souvenirs like apparel, cushion covers, handbags, and purses made of cotton or silk printed batik.

The centre also hosts art classes where students can spend an afternoon learning how to create their own batik masterpieces.

Best of all, this quaint village is a mere 5-minutes drive from the Langkawi International Airport.

Tips For Langkawi Shopping

1. Not all shops on the island are duty-free, so make sure you check with the staff before purchasing anything.
2. Always check the expiry dates when buying chocolates, especially if they’re heavily discounted or are going for “Buy 2 get 1 free” prices. Merchants tend to use low prices to move products that are nearing their best-by dates.
3. When buying beer, liquor, or wine, ask if you can get a discount if you pay in cash instead of a credit card. Some stores will offer a 10 to 12% discount off the indicated price.

4. Langkawi might be a duty-free island but not all stores will charge the same price for the same product. You will also notice that shops within the ferry terminal and the airport charge slightly more for the added convenience they provide. So do all of your Langkawi shopping when you visit Kuah town!
5. Can’t fit all your purchases in the small carry-on you brought with you? You can get a cheap luggage bag from most malls to cart your haul back home.

Always bored during your commute to and fro work or school? Here’s the best solution: download our app for new articles, Facebook videos and YouTube videos that are updated daily…and most importantly, exclusive contents that are only available in our app! It’s your perfect companion for your daily commute!

Click Here to Download the App!

The post Guide to Shopping in Langkawi After a Day at the Beach appeared first on Goody Feed.

Flights are not cheap, that’s a fact. And airfare fluctuations are almost mystery to most of us. With flight fares changing day by day, and even hour by hour, who knows how much a flight should really cost?

As consumers, all we want is to pay the least amount possible for a fuss-free flight that will get us to our destination so we can start our vacation. Therefore, we went on a mission to decode how flight prices are set, how we can get a spot cheap flight and how far in advance we should book our trip to save good money. Because cheap tickets are life!

Read Also: The Alleged Reason on Why SIA Isn’t in Crazy Rich Asians

The quest: finding that perfect flight deal

Although flying has become increasingly accessible in the last decade, plane tickets are still a considerable expense. Flight fares change so often that finding the best possible price can become a full-time job. Spotting the cheapest ticket is either a matter of sheer luck or a full-time and excruciating, time-consuming task. Who has the time to spend hours exploring the web and comparing every single airline and website for a flight?

If you are not a millionaire that can book business without looking at the price and you don’t have much time to spend on research, you need the info that will take you to the good cheap flight that you deserve. Don’t settle for less.

By the end of this article, you will know what to do to find and book the best flights available out there. Let’s start by understanding how things work with airlines.

Why do flight prices fluctuate so much?

Have you always wondered how airlines set their prices? Airfares are like a stock, they are determined mainly by supply and demand. The expected passenger traffic for a specific time and route plays a massive part in how expensive a flight can get. That is why you pay more during peak seasons and for more popular destinations.

The other factors that contribute to how much you are going to pay for a ticket are: the type of aircraft and its facilities, the time of travel, the price competitors are charging, the route and the type of seat you are getting. This “mixed salad” of factors can get even more complex as we take into consideration taxes, fuel costs and other fees that add to our final prices. But let’s look at the most critical factors.

How airlines define their flight prices

Airlines make money by defining how much profit they want to have per flight. This is a set sum. Then, the seats in the aircraft are divided per fare codes and cabin seat options: you will have cheaper economy seats, premium economy, business class, first class, etc. This means that in economy, you will have cheaper fare codes and more expensive fare codes and, technically, the sooner you book your ticket, the better chance you have to get an affordable seat. But this is not all.

Airlines strive to maximise their profits, and they use complex yield management systems to adjust their pricing based on consumer behaviour. For example, airlines know that if you are a leisure traveller, you tend to book your tickets in advance and prefer to buy them during sales periods or at a discounted rate. Business travellers usually book their trips last minute and are willing to pay full ticket fare or even get a more expensive ticket in exchange for a more comfortable seat.

These systems also allow companies to predict and control the availability of seats. This means that airlines can reserve a certain number of seats for regular travellers flying for leisure and others for business fliers. The number of seats available will affect the price we get when you are booking it.

Airline websites can also record information about our visit and searches via cookies which can limit the variations in fares we are offered.

Air ticket prices do tend to spike: you can find hikes and super low prices in a relatively short period of time. The “incredibly cheap and too good to be true” tickets are usually mistakes from airlines, and they only last a pair of hours until the airline corrects the erroneous price drop. The only way to catch these is for a person to monitor each airline individually and hope to find these accidental price drops. Websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights claim to help you get these hidden rare gems.

Cheap tickets aren’t mythological creatures. They exist!

Still, cheap tickets exist. In the last year, we see that airlines have been offering reasonably cheap fares for different destinations as demand for them increases, such as India with several secondary cities to discover, the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.

This trend indicates that flight prices should not increase much over time because of competition between airlines. More and more airlines are now offering stripped-down fares to be able to compete with their low-cost companions.

Low-cost airlines and cheap flights

Nowadays, we get the cheapest flight fares mostly from low-cost airlines. It turns out that those prices can come with a leaner service when compared with traditional airlines, additional fees or have date restrictions (for example, promotions that are only valid for weekdays’ flights).

The thing with low-cost airlines is that if you are paying $88 ticket, know what to expect and prep for it. Bring some snacks and fill up your water bottle before boarding. Don’t forget a neck pillow and socks to feel more relaxed and comfortable in your narrow seat. Bring some soundproof headphones and download your fav Netflix shows. We are not implying that cheap always mean low quality, but if you are paying a meagre fare, you can’t expect the comforts and legroom of Emirates first class.

How can low-cost carriers offer much lower prices?

Low-cost carriers can offer competitive prices because they cut down on services and infrastructure that are not essential. Without compromising safety and quality of the flight, these airlines streamline the way they work by using aircrafts that are more fuel efficient, by adding more seats in the aircraft (sacrificing our much-needed legroom), or by cutting down on offers such as free blankets and drinks. For budget-conscious travellers and for shorter trips, this is ideal. We get to pay less for a ticket on a low-cost carrier and can use that budget to spend in destination instead.

Low-cost, long-haul flights are becoming more common as well. Let’s take Scoot’s Singapore to Athens route, for example. A low-cost 11h direct flight to Europe: is this a tougher sell to the consumer? Not at all. The prices are attractive, so if budget is our primary concern, these offers serve a useful purpose.

Competition comes into play as airlines watch their competitors very closely. The low-cost model has become popular and forced the big old airlines to rethink their service and price to continue to be competitive. The implications of this are long and complex so we will leave that discussion for a future time. Let’s get back to the point: cheap flights!

When should we book our flight to get the best ticket deals?

A few reports indicate that airfares have a somewhat weekly cycle that we can use to find the best possible pricing for our next trip. According to that info, Mondays and Tuesdays offer a better chance of getting cheaper rates, while pricing tends to go upward as the week progresses. The recommendation is then to make our booking on a Tuesday to Thursday.

It is also reported that the best time for booking a flight is 2 am to 6 am. Will we be burning the midnight oil searching and booking flights?

Flight inventories and best days to book

The reason behind this is the time airlines release their inventory and sales. Airlines tend to release their available tickets and flash sales around Monday later in the day. So, when these tickets are issued, the other airlines will quickly try to match these prices on the early hours of Tuesday. If we want to take advantage of a drop that occurs on Monday night, the best time to check fare prices is Tuesday morning. The sales usually last until Thursdays. Weekends are very volatile regarding airfares. Sundaysare said to be the worst day of the week to purchased flights.

Some airlines offer seasonal sales which means that prices drop across their routes if you book for flights in a particular time frame. These sales are often limited to a set number of seats.

Choosing the perfect day to fly

Part of the work of finding a more affordable ticket is tracking and comparison. It is most likely that we’ll find the best price between 1 and four months before the flight. And it is worth to buy flights in advance (6 months to a year) if we see a good promo or an upsized cashback campaign. Some reports claim that 54 days on average before takeoff is when the tickets will be at their lowest, and 112 to 21 days is our prime booking window.

There is also potential to save some extra bucks if we book your flight closer to your travel date, let’s say, one week in advance, given that you are not travelling on a peak period (a public holiday or long weekend). You can also reduce the price by combining two one-way tickets instead of buying a round-trip fare.

Some claim these trends above are not valid in all cases or it only gives us a minimal discount because these sales are no longer done manually but automatically adjusted. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to check the prices and compare. Once we find the patterns and are flexible with flying dates, we will get the cheap rates.

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Practical tips to get cheap flights:

1. Use the info above to make an informed decision. Apart from the disparity of opinions, the trends still ring true for some airlines, so it is worth to monitor and compare flight prices to get a sense of how the costs for a particular destination fluctuate.
2. Fast fingers – when you do find a deal, act fast! Don’t wait too long to book or you might miss the flight fare you want.
3. Do yourself a favour and subscribe to Scott’s Cheap Flights list. Research is vital, and the info on this newsletter is gold. Even if you are not looking into travelling soon, keeping an eye on the flight prices for your preferred destinations will give you a clear sense of how much the prices change.
4. Sign up for email alerts and follow the social media accounts from your favourite airlines, so you are the first to know about their flash sales.
5. The key to getting a cheap flight is really about flexibility. That means for both travel dates and departing/arriving airports. In specific regions such as Europe, some cities are much less expensive to fly into than others, and the main cities might have multiple airports. If you can be flexible with your destination, you can monitor the prices and choose a cheaper destination.
6. Consider flying to alternative airports to maximise your search and savings. Be open to choose a different airport and get creative when choosing a departure and arrival city. We only have Changi airport to depart from (and a great option it is!) but, for a long-haul flight, consider the possibility of departing from KLIA, for example. For some airlines, savings can go up to $200+ per ticket when flying from Malaysia to Europe, for example. If you have the time to depart from Kuala Lumpur instead, you can save some good money.
7. If you can avoid flying on the busiest, most popular timings for a destination, you will get a cheaper fare. Be open to search for odd hours and mid-week departures.
8. Look at layovers as an extra travel experience, not as a loss of time – tickets with longer layovers are usually cheaper, and it might give you the opportunity to get to know a new city.
9. Be creative and consider purchasing two one-way fares instead of a round-trip fare. They are sometimes cheaper than a return flight.
10. Flight aggregators (Google Flights, Momondo, Skyscanner, etc.) have the chance of adjusting the flight fare slightly, and that can give you a small discount. Use it to your advantage.
11. Seek deals with smaller airlines – but watch out for extra fees and read reviews about their service. Skytrax is an excellent place to read reviews.
12. Incognito mode – Delete your browser’s cookies to stop booking sites from tracking you and prevent them from reviewing your most recent prices.
13. Avoid fully refundable tickets – these tend to be super pricey. Opt for non-refundable and travel insurance to cover possible cancellations instead as this turns to be cheaper.
14. Know your rights – check the TnC’s of your booking. Cancelled flights and reschedules can happen to anyone so know your rights. In case you need to claim compensation for a cancelled flight, use AirHelp.
15. You can use tools like Google Flights to compare legroom, carry-on restrictions and amenities in different flights. If prices among airlines are the same for your destination, this tool will help you choose the most comfortable one.
16. Save time on researching flights and use a price prediction app – Hopper predicts the future of airfare. Watch your next trip in the app and get a notification as soon as the price drops to its lowest point. Never miss a deal! We can save up 10 to 15 per cent per ticket by following the app’s advice.

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The post Guide to Finding The Best-est Air Ticket Deals in 2018 appeared first on Goody Feed.