Happy new month guys! Since we’re now officially in summer aka the holiday season, I thought I’d some of my travelling tips with you. A lot of these tips, I actually recently discovered myself while traveling around Asia and honestly they have been lifesaving.
1. Uber + Grab
Something as tourist we often face is the absurd tourist prices that locals charge, especially the taxi drivers. To avoid getting overcharged and ripped-off I use Uber and Grab instead. If you’re not familiar with either, they’re basically an mobile application that allows you to request and book a driver wherever you’re located all through your mobile phone. Both options are great for ensuring a safe and reliable mode of transport. (As of currently Uber is available in 66 countries while Grab is only available in Southeast East Asia.)
To get £10 off your first ride with Uber use my discount code billykissaue
To get $8 off your ride with Grab sign up using this link.
2. Always ask first
This goes with getting local transport eg. tuk-tuk . Always ask how much a journey will cost before getting inside the vehicle. Also if you do decide to use a local taxi ask the driver to turn the meter on.
3. Google Map
If you do intend on exploring the area or visiting local places, I would highly advise you to download the google map app, as it is very useful. On it you can plan your journey for the day, using its route planner by showing the directions for different modes of transportations and also an estimated time for the journey.
4. Sim Cards
Something I actually never thought of doing until my recent trips is to get a local sim (if reasonable priced). Honestly it helps tremendously with ensuring you have data everywhere you go and is also very handy if you want to use apps such as Google Map and Uber. Avoid buying a local sim at the airport (overpriced) and also bear in mind that some countries require you to bring your passport when getting a sim card.
5. Exchanging Money
Always bring the right currency before arriving at your destination. Avoid exchanging money at the airports and atm to avoid extra fees. Never carry all your cash with you and also bring your debit/credit card in case of an emergency.
6. Bring an Empty Bottle
We all know how liquids over 100ml can’t be brought passed security checked-in, especially water but something I didn’t know until recently is how alot of airports actually now provide free water fountains and water bottle filling stations after check-in. So why not just bring a empty water bottle and refill it after security check-in.
7. Check for Public Holidays Before Booking
While on my last trip in Bali, it so happen that on my second day in Ubud, there was a royal crementation and due to that roads were blocked and there was no electricity for most of the day. So make sure prior to booking your flight and arriving, you check if there’s any public holiday or event occurring at your destination to avoid any inconvenient.
8. Write A Check-List
Be prepared and write a check list of things you need to bring. This could include an universal adapter, copy of your passport, pen and paper, hardcopy of your hotel address, earphones, power-bank etc.. (However do note that in some airports such as in Bangkok, large power-banks of over a capacity over 32,000 mAh are banned)
9. Be Aware of Hidden Hotel Fees
Before actually booking for your hotel, read the terms and conditions carefully and check for extra government taxes and hotel fees prior to booking. Search online on hotel booking websites for the best deal, (some allow you to book without a deposit). Always make sure to have extra money available for room deposit.
10. Travel Around Cities
Finally, if you do plan on staying for a good number of days (>4) why not travel around the country to more than one city/town eg. If you’re going to Bali trying visiting more than one town such as Seminyak, Ubud and Gili Island. This helps ensuring you have more to do for your duration on holidays and you get to really indulge in different aspects of the country.
Billykiss
