It was like high school all over again.
There were star pupils, teachers’ pets, smelly, shy, talkative, weird classmates, flowerpots, late-comers, classmates who peppered their every sentence with expletives, classmates who knew the answer to every question, classmates who fell in love, classmates who fell asleep in class and classmates who had flagrant disregard for the rules.
We had about 20 in our class and it was a mash-up of mainly girls and a couple of guys of different nationalities and ages. The youngest was 18 and the oldest, 28. There were different cliques, the popular, the foreigners, the nerds, the gossips and there were the lone-rangers.
I did not really enjoy high school.
I was always the awkward kid. The introvert. If the teacher was not around, I sat in a corner reading my storybook when all hell was breaking loose. I was the kid who hated having my homework being copied or having my classmates look over my shoulder to see what I wrote on my exam paper. I was the weirdo who sat alone at recess and went jogging around the basketball court after my meal for lack of anything better to do. In my annual report cards, my teachers always wrote that I needed to speak up more and ask more questions.
In many ways, I was still the same. At training school, I tried to improve my learning experience by asking more questions but I soon learnt that was not a very popular thing to do. Not when everyone simply wanted to get the lesson done and over with. I even let my classmates copy my homework but they still didn’t like me. During our lunch breaks, I would sit with Joy and another classmate. We became fast friends.
Perhaps because of my age, I had little patience with my classmates who thought that training school was really a school. I fully understood that I was employed to work and provide a service. The training bit was necessary to prepare us for the job but ultimately, we were not there for fun.
We had a school song and pledge we had to sing every morning and recite every evening. We had a dress code which had to be strictly adhered to. We had to wear full make-up and bun up our hair every single day.
We were trained to stand up to greet any instructor or staff member whenever he/she entered our classroom or when we passed them in the hallway.
We had form teachers and a discipline master. We were admonished whenever we stepped out of line - if our make-up was insufficient or our hair was not neat enough, if we failed to do our readings/homework, if we were late for school, if we failed any of our assessments.
We even had a graduation day during which we had to put up a skit. Needless to say, for a group that diverse, there was mayhem while preparing for the graduation show. I invited my mom and dad to witness the ceremony.
After 2 and a half months, it was finally over. I was so glad to move on to the actual flying phase of my career.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Medical Check-Up
Joy and I were about the same age. While waiting for our medical check-up, we chatted and I found out she was a police officer and from the same church as I was. What were the odds? We exchanged numbers and agreed to arrange to start our training on the same day. We were both glad we would have company for the duration of the training. It felt God-sent.
A week later, I received a call from the airline to inform me that I had cleared the medical. I handed in my resignation at the gym and a month later, started cabin crew training.
A week later, I received a call from the airline to inform me that I had cleared the medical. I handed in my resignation at the gym and a month later, started cabin crew training.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Interview Day - Part 2
We sat for a long time in a lecture room. Airline TV advertisements and PR videos were projected onto a huge screen and put on repeat mode.
Then it was time for my one on one. This felt like the actual interview (the one that really mattered) and it was the one I was asked the most questions. The interviewer was a rather friendly and pretty lady in her early 30s.
I don’t think I have ever been so composed for an interview. Normally I am all jittery and nervous. I say the wrong things or forget the things I planned to say. I think the preparation and self-talk helped.
Typical job interview questions were asked – What are your strengths and weaknesses, what would you do in a particular situation, why you think you are suitable, why do you want to leave your current job, you have a degree so why be a stewardess? Because of my age, I was also asked if I would be comfortable working under a younger superior.
Nothing I wasn’t prepared for. The interviewer was clearly pleased with my answers and wrapped up our conversation after about 15 minutes.
I waited outside for the verdict.
By the time I was given the green light, it was about 1pm. I was asked to go for lunch and come back at 3pm for the final interview with the management. As a reward for making it this far, I ate at the hotel. I think I had a club sandwich.
There were two chatty Eurasian sisters who were also waiting for the final interview. They had friends in the airline and assured me that those who made it through the one-on-one would most likely make it through the final round as well. It was more of a formality and unless you seriously messed up, the next step would be the medical check-up.
The older sister was already 30, but because of her prior work experience (she was a former crew from a Middle Eastern airline) she was accepted. The younger one started cabin crew training about the same time as me.
Two kindly middle aged women interviewed me. One was from the HR department. Noting that I indicated “Christianity” under religion in the application form, they asked which church I was attending.
They also asked about my family and wanted to know if I was independent enough for the job. They asked if I had a boyfriend and if I had immediate plans to get married and have kids. Some questions from the earlier interview were repeated.
A short while after the interview, I was informed that I passed. I almost danced out of the waiting room but was told not to quit my current job yet. I was given some forms to sign and asked to schedule an appointment for the medical check-up. Apparently, some people do fail the medical check-up.
I finally left the hotel at about 4:30pm.
One entire day for the interview and a day well spent. I was ecstatic and unable to contain my joy. It was all I could do to keep myself from fist pumping the air and clapping my feet together in glee. I was grinning like an idiot all the way home.
There are not that many instances in my life that I have felt such elation. It was something that I really wanted and getting it was an impossibility come true.
Then it was time for my one on one. This felt like the actual interview (the one that really mattered) and it was the one I was asked the most questions. The interviewer was a rather friendly and pretty lady in her early 30s.
I don’t think I have ever been so composed for an interview. Normally I am all jittery and nervous. I say the wrong things or forget the things I planned to say. I think the preparation and self-talk helped.
Typical job interview questions were asked – What are your strengths and weaknesses, what would you do in a particular situation, why you think you are suitable, why do you want to leave your current job, you have a degree so why be a stewardess? Because of my age, I was also asked if I would be comfortable working under a younger superior.
Nothing I wasn’t prepared for. The interviewer was clearly pleased with my answers and wrapped up our conversation after about 15 minutes.
I waited outside for the verdict.
By the time I was given the green light, it was about 1pm. I was asked to go for lunch and come back at 3pm for the final interview with the management. As a reward for making it this far, I ate at the hotel. I think I had a club sandwich.
There were two chatty Eurasian sisters who were also waiting for the final interview. They had friends in the airline and assured me that those who made it through the one-on-one would most likely make it through the final round as well. It was more of a formality and unless you seriously messed up, the next step would be the medical check-up.
The older sister was already 30, but because of her prior work experience (she was a former crew from a Middle Eastern airline) she was accepted. The younger one started cabin crew training about the same time as me.
Two kindly middle aged women interviewed me. One was from the HR department. Noting that I indicated “Christianity” under religion in the application form, they asked which church I was attending.
They also asked about my family and wanted to know if I was independent enough for the job. They asked if I had a boyfriend and if I had immediate plans to get married and have kids. Some questions from the earlier interview were repeated.
A short while after the interview, I was informed that I passed. I almost danced out of the waiting room but was told not to quit my current job yet. I was given some forms to sign and asked to schedule an appointment for the medical check-up. Apparently, some people do fail the medical check-up.
I finally left the hotel at about 4:30pm.
One entire day for the interview and a day well spent. I was ecstatic and unable to contain my joy. It was all I could do to keep myself from fist pumping the air and clapping my feet together in glee. I was grinning like an idiot all the way home.
There are not that many instances in my life that I have felt such elation. It was something that I really wanted and getting it was an impossibility come true.
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Interview Day - Part 1
I woke up early and had a light breakfast. I dressed in a smart but simple outfit, tied my hair back into a ponytail and slapped on a bit of powder, blush and lip gloss. I didn’t draw my eyebrows or use any eyeliner or mascara. I didn’t know how.
The walk-in interviews were scheduled to start at 9am at a hotel in town. Even though I was early, there was already a super long queue. I had to fill in similar forms again. This time I left out the inventory of moles, scars and veins. I figured if the interviewers noticed them, then too bad for me. But if not, I wasn’t about to shoot myself in the foot by pointing out all my physical imperfections.
When I made it to the front of the queue, my certificates were verified. Then my height was measured and my weight taken to ensure that my BMI was acceptable. I was also asked to reach up to touch a line which was marked out on the wall. This was to ensure that I would be able to close the overhead compartments in the aircraft.
Next, interviewees were rounded up in groups of 8 to 10. We were asked to wait for our turn in the first interview room. There were two judges this time. Individually, we were asked to do a self-introduction and explain why we thought we were suitable for the job. I had everything prepared and the interviewer seemed impressed when I gave my introduction and answer. From our group, another girl and I made it through to the next round.
More waiting.
We were again put in groups of 8 to 10 and brought into a room for the uniform fitting. It felt more like the GSS. There were limited uniforms and sizes on the rack and there were ten of us. I quickly searched for the largest uniform I could find and fortunately for me, it fit like a glove. Some of the others ended up with ill fitting uniforms.
We were asked to tie our hair up so our neck/nape was exposed. We stood in a line and took turns walking demurely towards the round 2 judges. Some had to walk back and forth a few times. Also, we were made to twirl around slowly when we were in front of the interviewers. A few typical interview questions were asked. They scribbled notes.
Then, we proceeded to stand in front of two spotlights and were scrutinized for scars. They were particularly concerned about scars on the wrists and forearms, and scars on the neck/nape. I had some marks on my forearms but they seemed satisfied when they learnt that the marks were the result of insect bites and would heal up over time.
I had 3 mini moles (flat brown spots) on my face and one on my collar bone (“had” because I have since gotten them removed, courtesy of a former client who is an aesthetic surgeon) and a vein running down my right cheek. But the lady who inspected me wasn’t too concerned about them. She thought I had pretty good complexion.
4 of us made it through that round. I remember there was one hopeful who was exceptionally pretty but because of some unexplained scars on her wrist, she was booted out. I believe scars that appear self-inflicted are a concern.
Then, more waiting.
The walk-in interviews were scheduled to start at 9am at a hotel in town. Even though I was early, there was already a super long queue. I had to fill in similar forms again. This time I left out the inventory of moles, scars and veins. I figured if the interviewers noticed them, then too bad for me. But if not, I wasn’t about to shoot myself in the foot by pointing out all my physical imperfections.
When I made it to the front of the queue, my certificates were verified. Then my height was measured and my weight taken to ensure that my BMI was acceptable. I was also asked to reach up to touch a line which was marked out on the wall. This was to ensure that I would be able to close the overhead compartments in the aircraft.
Next, interviewees were rounded up in groups of 8 to 10. We were asked to wait for our turn in the first interview room. There were two judges this time. Individually, we were asked to do a self-introduction and explain why we thought we were suitable for the job. I had everything prepared and the interviewer seemed impressed when I gave my introduction and answer. From our group, another girl and I made it through to the next round.
More waiting.
We were again put in groups of 8 to 10 and brought into a room for the uniform fitting. It felt more like the GSS. There were limited uniforms and sizes on the rack and there were ten of us. I quickly searched for the largest uniform I could find and fortunately for me, it fit like a glove. Some of the others ended up with ill fitting uniforms.
We were asked to tie our hair up so our neck/nape was exposed. We stood in a line and took turns walking demurely towards the round 2 judges. Some had to walk back and forth a few times. Also, we were made to twirl around slowly when we were in front of the interviewers. A few typical interview questions were asked. They scribbled notes.
Then, we proceeded to stand in front of two spotlights and were scrutinized for scars. They were particularly concerned about scars on the wrists and forearms, and scars on the neck/nape. I had some marks on my forearms but they seemed satisfied when they learnt that the marks were the result of insect bites and would heal up over time.
I had 3 mini moles (flat brown spots) on my face and one on my collar bone (“had” because I have since gotten them removed, courtesy of a former client who is an aesthetic surgeon) and a vein running down my right cheek. But the lady who inspected me wasn’t too concerned about them. She thought I had pretty good complexion.
4 of us made it through that round. I remember there was one hopeful who was exceptionally pretty but because of some unexplained scars on her wrist, she was booted out. I believe scars that appear self-inflicted are a concern.
Then, more waiting.
Preparing for the Interview
I had lost a fair bit of weight during my 10 day trip in the US. In preparation for the interview, I lost even more weight.
No one ever says that you have to be thin to get the job but somehow, it’s hard to shake off that stereotype of the slim, svelte stewardess. And when you are going for the interview, you really want the interviewers to be able to picture you looking good in the uniform.
I read up about the company and prepared what I wanted to say at the interview. I fully scripted and memorized my answers to all the typical interview questions. I even found several quotes which I was prepared to freely use whenever the opportunity presented itself.
“Your attitude determines your altitude.” Zig Ziglar (Learnt this from church)
“The value of a job is not in what you are paid, but in the person you become while doing it.” (Picked up this nugget from a poster at Botak Jones)
I psyched myself up for the interview and talked to myself everyday - on my way to work, when I was working out at the gym, when I was out running and during my breaks. At home, I also practised talking to my own reflection in the mirror.
Even thought I was almost 28, I did not know how to use proper make-up. That I felt, was one of my greatest weaknesses.
No one ever says that you have to be thin to get the job but somehow, it’s hard to shake off that stereotype of the slim, svelte stewardess. And when you are going for the interview, you really want the interviewers to be able to picture you looking good in the uniform.
I read up about the company and prepared what I wanted to say at the interview. I fully scripted and memorized my answers to all the typical interview questions. I even found several quotes which I was prepared to freely use whenever the opportunity presented itself.
“Your attitude determines your altitude.” Zig Ziglar (Learnt this from church)
“The value of a job is not in what you are paid, but in the person you become while doing it.” (Picked up this nugget from a poster at Botak Jones)
I psyched myself up for the interview and talked to myself everyday - on my way to work, when I was working out at the gym, when I was out running and during my breaks. At home, I also practised talking to my own reflection in the mirror.
Even thought I was almost 28, I did not know how to use proper make-up. That I felt, was one of my greatest weaknesses.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
My Story - Part 2
I found a job as an Events Coordinator in a Country Club shortly after my failed interview with the airline, decided I wasn’t really cut out to be a stewardess and put aside my childish dreams. I had after all just graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and owed it to my mom to put my degree to good use.
Though the pay seriously sucked, my first proper job allowed me the opportunity to produce marketing material and be actively involved in the publication of a bi-monthly magazine. Something I wanted to do at that time.
It wasn’t another 5 years later that I decided to give the airline one more chance. I was then in my second career as a Personal Trainer and had just returned from a 10 day holiday with my mom to the United States.
I should explain that I had a minor quarter life crisis 2 years into my first job, broke up with my then-boyfriend and decided that I didn’t want to work in a dead-end office job anymore. I remember feeling like a rat on a wheel. Running fast but going nowhere.
After the first year, everything had become repetitive and tiresome. Worse of all, I was transferred from the clubhouse near my house to another which was 1.5 hrs away. That, was the last straw.
My ex-bosses persuaded me to stay by assuring me that the grass was not really greener on the other side and that nothing beat having an iron rice bowl (no matter how small the bowl was). No talk of pay increment but in all honesty, I don’t think I would have stayed even if there was.
Since I was working out at the gym almost daily (during my lunch hour or after work at the clubhouse gym) and enjoying it, it seemed like a good idea to be a Personal Trainer. I went for a certification course and without a backward glance, jumped headlong into the fitness industry. I took a pay cut initially but I never doubted my decision. There weren’t many female trainers and I started building up a client base. After a couple of months, my income more than doubled.
I stayed for 3 years. While I loved the vibrant and energetic working environment in the gym, I still hated being stuck on this shitty island. I felt like a bird trapped in a cage. I wanted to fly but my wings were clipped.
My frustration was amplified when I came back from my US vacation. I remembered my childhood dream of working and living abroad and felt miserable about my own predicament. I needed a change in environment and even went as far as to try applying for personal training positions in Australia, America and… the Middle East. That was how desperate I was.
I also realized I wasn’t getting any younger and knew that if I got any older, I would never again have an opportunity to work for my national carrier. Of course, getting a job in the airline was not exactly considered as working and living abroad but at least I would get to travel often and not be stuck here all the time.
Fuelled by these thoughts, fears and dreams, I started seriously preparing for the interview. Soon, it became clear that this was a journey I had to take alone. No one felt I was cut out to be a stewardess. My childhood friend who had a short stint in the airline advised me against it, and assured me that I would hate it. My mom didn’t think I was good enough. I couldn’t count on anyone for support or encouragement.
Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t care what anyone thought. I told myself that even if I didn’t make it, at least I tried right? And that was billion times better than moping.
Though the pay seriously sucked, my first proper job allowed me the opportunity to produce marketing material and be actively involved in the publication of a bi-monthly magazine. Something I wanted to do at that time.
It wasn’t another 5 years later that I decided to give the airline one more chance. I was then in my second career as a Personal Trainer and had just returned from a 10 day holiday with my mom to the United States.
I should explain that I had a minor quarter life crisis 2 years into my first job, broke up with my then-boyfriend and decided that I didn’t want to work in a dead-end office job anymore. I remember feeling like a rat on a wheel. Running fast but going nowhere.
After the first year, everything had become repetitive and tiresome. Worse of all, I was transferred from the clubhouse near my house to another which was 1.5 hrs away. That, was the last straw.
My ex-bosses persuaded me to stay by assuring me that the grass was not really greener on the other side and that nothing beat having an iron rice bowl (no matter how small the bowl was). No talk of pay increment but in all honesty, I don’t think I would have stayed even if there was.
Since I was working out at the gym almost daily (during my lunch hour or after work at the clubhouse gym) and enjoying it, it seemed like a good idea to be a Personal Trainer. I went for a certification course and without a backward glance, jumped headlong into the fitness industry. I took a pay cut initially but I never doubted my decision. There weren’t many female trainers and I started building up a client base. After a couple of months, my income more than doubled.
I stayed for 3 years. While I loved the vibrant and energetic working environment in the gym, I still hated being stuck on this shitty island. I felt like a bird trapped in a cage. I wanted to fly but my wings were clipped.
My frustration was amplified when I came back from my US vacation. I remembered my childhood dream of working and living abroad and felt miserable about my own predicament. I needed a change in environment and even went as far as to try applying for personal training positions in Australia, America and… the Middle East. That was how desperate I was.
I also realized I wasn’t getting any younger and knew that if I got any older, I would never again have an opportunity to work for my national carrier. Of course, getting a job in the airline was not exactly considered as working and living abroad but at least I would get to travel often and not be stuck here all the time.
Fuelled by these thoughts, fears and dreams, I started seriously preparing for the interview. Soon, it became clear that this was a journey I had to take alone. No one felt I was cut out to be a stewardess. My childhood friend who had a short stint in the airline advised me against it, and assured me that I would hate it. My mom didn’t think I was good enough. I couldn’t count on anyone for support or encouragement.
Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t care what anyone thought. I told myself that even if I didn’t make it, at least I tried right? And that was billion times better than moping.
My Story - Part 1
Whenever people ask me why I joined the airline so late, I always reply that the airline prefers older stewardesses. It is a joke. Most of my colleagues are employed in their early twenties. The youngest I’ve heard of being 18. Me? I was almost 28 when the airline finally took me under its wings.
In 2008, I successfully made it though my interview with the airline. But that was my second attempt. My first took place about 5 years earlier in 2003. I was then 22 and quite fresh out of school.
Someone I knew offered to help pull strings to get me into the airline but I declined. I had my pride and I wanted to make it on my own. I wanted to know that if I did get selected, that it was because I was good enough and not because I was some charity case.
I remember the interview was held at our training facility. I wore black pants and a cheap blue shirt I bought from This Fashion and carried an imitation LV office bag I bought from Bangkok. I thought I looked pretty smart.
When I arrived, there were already many girls at the sitting area filling up forms and waiting for their turn in the interview room. Some wore jeans and some, dresses. Quite inappropriate attire for an interview, I thought.
One of the questions in the forms asked if we had any visible scars or birthmarks on our face and limbs. I gave a detailed inventory of all my moles, scars and even faintly visible veins that were obvious to me even though it might have been invisible from where the interviewers were to be seated. I couldn’t help but be brutally honest and self-deprecating. At 22, that was just me.
I spotted two girls I knew from church. One of them, Jo, had already been to the interviews (I think she said) 6 times. The other girl was a first timer like me. We were rounded up in groups of 10 and ushered into the interview room where we sat in a semi-circle facing a panel of 3 judges. Much like American Idol.
One by one, we were asked to stand, introduce ourself and share our views on customer service. I don’t recall preparing for the interview but I think I gave a rather short answer about the customer being always right. Silly on hindsight. Jo gave a long thought out answer.
And that was it.
Only 1 in our group was selected for the next round. Jo*. The rest of us were quite unfortunately booted out before we even got a chance to explain why we were suitable for the job.
In those days, I heard it was a lot tougher. According to some senior crew I spoke with, there were 6 rounds of interviews including a swimming test, tea party and some bikini catwalk, during which interviewees were scrutinized for scars.
How much of it is really true remains a mystery...
*Jo is still flying today and I have had the opportunity to fly with her once since I joined in 2008. She is the picture of the perfect stewardess.
In 2008, I successfully made it though my interview with the airline. But that was my second attempt. My first took place about 5 years earlier in 2003. I was then 22 and quite fresh out of school.
Someone I knew offered to help pull strings to get me into the airline but I declined. I had my pride and I wanted to make it on my own. I wanted to know that if I did get selected, that it was because I was good enough and not because I was some charity case.
I remember the interview was held at our training facility. I wore black pants and a cheap blue shirt I bought from This Fashion and carried an imitation LV office bag I bought from Bangkok. I thought I looked pretty smart.
When I arrived, there were already many girls at the sitting area filling up forms and waiting for their turn in the interview room. Some wore jeans and some, dresses. Quite inappropriate attire for an interview, I thought.
One of the questions in the forms asked if we had any visible scars or birthmarks on our face and limbs. I gave a detailed inventory of all my moles, scars and even faintly visible veins that were obvious to me even though it might have been invisible from where the interviewers were to be seated. I couldn’t help but be brutally honest and self-deprecating. At 22, that was just me.
I spotted two girls I knew from church. One of them, Jo, had already been to the interviews (I think she said) 6 times. The other girl was a first timer like me. We were rounded up in groups of 10 and ushered into the interview room where we sat in a semi-circle facing a panel of 3 judges. Much like American Idol.
One by one, we were asked to stand, introduce ourself and share our views on customer service. I don’t recall preparing for the interview but I think I gave a rather short answer about the customer being always right. Silly on hindsight. Jo gave a long thought out answer.
And that was it.
Only 1 in our group was selected for the next round. Jo*. The rest of us were quite unfortunately booted out before we even got a chance to explain why we were suitable for the job.
In those days, I heard it was a lot tougher. According to some senior crew I spoke with, there were 6 rounds of interviews including a swimming test, tea party and some bikini catwalk, during which interviewees were scrutinized for scars.
How much of it is really true remains a mystery...
*Jo is still flying today and I have had the opportunity to fly with her once since I joined in 2008. She is the picture of the perfect stewardess.
Monday, October 15, 2012
DIY Vacation - Part 6
EUROPE BY TRAIN
Get a Rail Pass at least one month before you go if you are planning to travel around the country or across Europe. Rail Europe Singapore has an office in People’s Park Centre where you can book and collect your passes. The Rail Pass will include free entry and/or huge discounts to some places of attraction. You will need to provide some form of identification when using a Rail Pass.
Sometimes, you can get 1-for-1 Promotion Passes. I bought a 4-day Swiss Promotion Pass for my mom and I in April and it cost us about S$300. That works out to an average of S$37.50 per person per day. The travellers share one pass, travel over 4 consecutive days and must be together for all train journeys.
Other types of Rail Passes allow you to travel for a fixed number of days over a period of 1 or 3 months. For all passes, you have to validate them on or before the first day of travel and indicate each date of travel on the pass.
You can validate your passes at the train stations. The station staff will indicate the dates of travel on your pass so you cannot cheat. During those days, you can basically hop on any train that does not require seat reservations. For those that do require reservations, each person will have to pay $3 to $10 euros extra for a seat.
If there is no 1-for-1 offer, you will be spending about S$50 to $70 per day on train travel, or anywhere from S$40 to $150 a day (depending on travel destination and speed of train) if you decide to buy a single destination ticket direct from the train station.
If you are caught travelling on the trains without a valid pass, you will be fined.
Get a Rail Pass at least one month before you go if you are planning to travel around the country or across Europe. Rail Europe Singapore has an office in People’s Park Centre where you can book and collect your passes. The Rail Pass will include free entry and/or huge discounts to some places of attraction. You will need to provide some form of identification when using a Rail Pass.
Sometimes, you can get 1-for-1 Promotion Passes. I bought a 4-day Swiss Promotion Pass for my mom and I in April and it cost us about S$300. That works out to an average of S$37.50 per person per day. The travellers share one pass, travel over 4 consecutive days and must be together for all train journeys.
Other types of Rail Passes allow you to travel for a fixed number of days over a period of 1 or 3 months. For all passes, you have to validate them on or before the first day of travel and indicate each date of travel on the pass.
You can validate your passes at the train stations. The station staff will indicate the dates of travel on your pass so you cannot cheat. During those days, you can basically hop on any train that does not require seat reservations. For those that do require reservations, each person will have to pay $3 to $10 euros extra for a seat.
If there is no 1-for-1 offer, you will be spending about S$50 to $70 per day on train travel, or anywhere from S$40 to $150 a day (depending on travel destination and speed of train) if you decide to buy a single destination ticket direct from the train station.
If you are caught travelling on the trains without a valid pass, you will be fined.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
DIY Vacation - Part 5
A TYPICAL DAY IN EUROPE
Try to leave the hotel by 8am. Start the first day orientating yourself by walking around the city and taking photos of various attractions. Morning is probably the best time for pictures as you still look fresh.
If you haven’t had breakfast, grab something along the way or sit down for a quick bite. At 10am, most attractions start operating. Head to a church and climb the church tower for a good view of the city. Spend 2 to 3 hours in a museum. By the time you are done, your stomach will probably be growling.
Try some street food, have a simple sandwich/wrap for lunch or sit down for some local cuisine. Sausages and buns are popular in Europe and are best washed down with a pint of beer. It is never too early for booze especially when you are on vacation.
After lunch, take a stroll around the main shopping area and/or old town, stopping for photos whenever something catches your attention. If you see something unique that you really like and it is reasonably priced, grab it. You don’t want to spend the rest of your holiday hunting for an item you spotted on your first day in some obscure shop somewhere in town.
Having said that, I normally leave my shopping to the end of the trip/day so I don’t end up lugging heavy stuff around. Do shop around for generic souvenirs. They are available everywhere, sometimes with significant price difference.
Visit the flea market and soak up a bit of local culture. Sit yourself down in a café and spend some time people watching. Go for a lake/canal cruise. Visit another museum. Buy tickets for a stand-up comedy show, musical, play, concert, dance performance for the evening.
Finish with a nice dinner at a restaurant with a good view (by the lake/river, on a hilltop, along the main street, in the old town) and enjoy a glass of the local wine. Head back to the hotel and sleep early to prepare for your next day.
WHAT IS IN MY DAY PACK?
Money and credit card.
Camera and handphone.
Passport. You will need identification when using your credit card and age verification when buying booze.
Lip balm, hand moisturizer, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissue paper.
Water*, sunnies and a hat.
Scarf, gloves, earmuffs and jacket if it gets cold** in the evenings. Maybe an umbrella.
*Water fountains are readily available in most parts of Europe and America so you need not worry too much about water. Boil water in the hotel and bring it in a small bottle. Water is also available in the gym. You can fill it up at fountains throughout the day. “Agua/Aqua portable” means water is safe for drinking. “Non portable” means the opposite. For most parts of the world, I drink boiled tap water. But for India and China, I drink only mineral water and will also boil mineral water if I need a hot drink.
** Check the daily weather (rainy/sunny/cloudy) and note the highest and lowest temperature. The iPhone Weather App provides a good hour-by-hour breakdown of the daily weather.
TIPPING
While you may feel that tipping and the amount you tip should be entirely up to you and dependent on the service standard, in some parts of the world, tipping is expected. I hate it, but that’s the way it is. And if you do not tip or tip sufficiently, you risk giving Asians a bad reputation. Silly right?
Some waiter in New York once reminded me that the tip was supposed to be 15% even though their service sucked. Needless to say, that was the first and last time I visited their establishment.
Regardless of the tip, shouldn’t service staff aim to do their best? It’s not like they are not already being paid a salary? You may find that some service staff do not treat you well or ignore you if they assume you are not going to tip much. I was pretty much ignored when I visited Planet Hollywood in New York.
Makes me feel that the only reason they are nice to you is because of the money that you are potentially going to hand over to them. How sincere...
So glad we do not have that culture in Singapore. And by the way, service staff in Japan get offended if you try to tip them because they take pride in their work. Shouldn't we all learn from them?
The going rate in US is about 15%. Other parts of the world, 10% is fine when sitting down for a meal. For taxis, you usually round up the fare e.g. if it is 57 euros, you pay 60. Or if it is US$12.50, you pay US$15. Tour guides expect about US$5/6 a day. Just recently in Nepal, we were expected to tip the driver, porter and guide US$4 each per day and per traveller.
Try to leave the hotel by 8am. Start the first day orientating yourself by walking around the city and taking photos of various attractions. Morning is probably the best time for pictures as you still look fresh.
If you haven’t had breakfast, grab something along the way or sit down for a quick bite. At 10am, most attractions start operating. Head to a church and climb the church tower for a good view of the city. Spend 2 to 3 hours in a museum. By the time you are done, your stomach will probably be growling.
Try some street food, have a simple sandwich/wrap for lunch or sit down for some local cuisine. Sausages and buns are popular in Europe and are best washed down with a pint of beer. It is never too early for booze especially when you are on vacation.
After lunch, take a stroll around the main shopping area and/or old town, stopping for photos whenever something catches your attention. If you see something unique that you really like and it is reasonably priced, grab it. You don’t want to spend the rest of your holiday hunting for an item you spotted on your first day in some obscure shop somewhere in town.
Having said that, I normally leave my shopping to the end of the trip/day so I don’t end up lugging heavy stuff around. Do shop around for generic souvenirs. They are available everywhere, sometimes with significant price difference.
Visit the flea market and soak up a bit of local culture. Sit yourself down in a café and spend some time people watching. Go for a lake/canal cruise. Visit another museum. Buy tickets for a stand-up comedy show, musical, play, concert, dance performance for the evening.
Finish with a nice dinner at a restaurant with a good view (by the lake/river, on a hilltop, along the main street, in the old town) and enjoy a glass of the local wine. Head back to the hotel and sleep early to prepare for your next day.
WHAT IS IN MY DAY PACK?
Money and credit card.
Camera and handphone.
Passport. You will need identification when using your credit card and age verification when buying booze.
Lip balm, hand moisturizer, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, tissue paper.
Water*, sunnies and a hat.
Scarf, gloves, earmuffs and jacket if it gets cold** in the evenings. Maybe an umbrella.
*Water fountains are readily available in most parts of Europe and America so you need not worry too much about water. Boil water in the hotel and bring it in a small bottle. Water is also available in the gym. You can fill it up at fountains throughout the day. “Agua/Aqua portable” means water is safe for drinking. “Non portable” means the opposite. For most parts of the world, I drink boiled tap water. But for India and China, I drink only mineral water and will also boil mineral water if I need a hot drink.
** Check the daily weather (rainy/sunny/cloudy) and note the highest and lowest temperature. The iPhone Weather App provides a good hour-by-hour breakdown of the daily weather.
TIPPING
While you may feel that tipping and the amount you tip should be entirely up to you and dependent on the service standard, in some parts of the world, tipping is expected. I hate it, but that’s the way it is. And if you do not tip or tip sufficiently, you risk giving Asians a bad reputation. Silly right?
Some waiter in New York once reminded me that the tip was supposed to be 15% even though their service sucked. Needless to say, that was the first and last time I visited their establishment.
Regardless of the tip, shouldn’t service staff aim to do their best? It’s not like they are not already being paid a salary? You may find that some service staff do not treat you well or ignore you if they assume you are not going to tip much. I was pretty much ignored when I visited Planet Hollywood in New York.
Makes me feel that the only reason they are nice to you is because of the money that you are potentially going to hand over to them. How sincere...
So glad we do not have that culture in Singapore. And by the way, service staff in Japan get offended if you try to tip them because they take pride in their work. Shouldn't we all learn from them?
The going rate in US is about 15%. Other parts of the world, 10% is fine when sitting down for a meal. For taxis, you usually round up the fare e.g. if it is 57 euros, you pay 60. Or if it is US$12.50, you pay US$15. Tour guides expect about US$5/6 a day. Just recently in Nepal, we were expected to tip the driver, porter and guide US$4 each per day and per traveller.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
DIY Vacation - Part 4
ARRIVING AT YOUR DESTINATION
Upon arrival, well done if you managed to secure free hotel transport. If not, check if there are airport shuttles to various hotels in the city. Still nothing? Consider taking the express train to the city and walk or catch a cab from there. If you are too tired to bother, just take a taxi from the airport.
ASK THE CONCIERGE
After checking in, ask the concierge for a map. Tell him you will be around for X number of days and ask for a recommendation of places you should visit. These can include museums, churches, other places of religious/historical significance, monuments, parks, lakes, famous/main shopping streets, old towns, flea markets, viewing towers/hills, town square and last but not least popular local restaurants/eats.
If you have already done a very thorough research, just tell the concierge where you are planning to go and get him to circle the places for you on the map. Ask if it is possible to walk there and how long will roughly take.
If it is not possible to walk, ask about trains/trams/light-rail/buses. Is there a day pass that covers all transport within the city? This usually works out if you are going to take the public transport at least 3 times during the day.
If you need to take a taxi, ask the concierge for an estimate on the cab fare so you don’t get ripped off by errant drivers.
Find out what time is sunset. If I am travelling alone in a place I am unfamiliar with or which is deemed to be unsafe, I try to make it back to the hotel before it gets dark.
Ask for a hotel card with the hotel address, number and location map before you leave in case you get lost and need to catch a cab back. This is especially important if you do not speak the local language.
PRIORITIZING ATTRACTIONS
List the attractions in order of importance. This will vary from person to person. If you like art and history museums, put a couple of those on the top of your list. If you like to take photos, have the scenic attractions, old streets and famous buildings take precedence.
Depending on the number of days you have, you will either have a hectic schedule which will require eating on the go, or a relaxed one which can afford you time to sit down for a proper meal or even tea break. If I have lots of time, I sometimes even visit the libraries or parks and spend an hour or two just browsing or reading a book.
For variety, I like to schedule a bit of everything into my day.
Upon arrival, well done if you managed to secure free hotel transport. If not, check if there are airport shuttles to various hotels in the city. Still nothing? Consider taking the express train to the city and walk or catch a cab from there. If you are too tired to bother, just take a taxi from the airport.
ASK THE CONCIERGE
After checking in, ask the concierge for a map. Tell him you will be around for X number of days and ask for a recommendation of places you should visit. These can include museums, churches, other places of religious/historical significance, monuments, parks, lakes, famous/main shopping streets, old towns, flea markets, viewing towers/hills, town square and last but not least popular local restaurants/eats.
If you have already done a very thorough research, just tell the concierge where you are planning to go and get him to circle the places for you on the map. Ask if it is possible to walk there and how long will roughly take.
If it is not possible to walk, ask about trains/trams/light-rail/buses. Is there a day pass that covers all transport within the city? This usually works out if you are going to take the public transport at least 3 times during the day.
If you need to take a taxi, ask the concierge for an estimate on the cab fare so you don’t get ripped off by errant drivers.
Find out what time is sunset. If I am travelling alone in a place I am unfamiliar with or which is deemed to be unsafe, I try to make it back to the hotel before it gets dark.
Ask for a hotel card with the hotel address, number and location map before you leave in case you get lost and need to catch a cab back. This is especially important if you do not speak the local language.
PRIORITIZING ATTRACTIONS
List the attractions in order of importance. This will vary from person to person. If you like art and history museums, put a couple of those on the top of your list. If you like to take photos, have the scenic attractions, old streets and famous buildings take precedence.
Depending on the number of days you have, you will either have a hectic schedule which will require eating on the go, or a relaxed one which can afford you time to sit down for a proper meal or even tea break. If I have lots of time, I sometimes even visit the libraries or parks and spend an hour or two just browsing or reading a book.
For variety, I like to schedule a bit of everything into my day.
Friday, October 12, 2012
DIY Vacation - Part 3
BOOK YOUR AIR TICKET
If you have not booked your air ticket, now is a good time to do so. Check the papers or airline websites for travel deals. They sometimes have 1-for-1 promotions or discounted rates if you book for a minimum of two travellers and fly within certain months. Usually, these are off-peak seasons and are valid only for selected flights during the day. After you have settled your air ticket, ask yourself...
DO YOU NEED A VISA?
Find out if you need a visa and apply for one if you do. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a website which provides information on visa requirements for Singaporeans.
This cannot be over emphasized. No visa, no holiday. I was once almost denied entry into Australia because I forgot to apply for a visa. I ended up having to pay more to apply for one because it was so last minute.
We crew have a habit of forgetting this as visa requirements are often waived when we travel for work.
RESEARCH
Now that your trip is confirmed, you need to get a guidebook from the library. I like the Lonely Planet guide book as it provides great recommendations on places to eat and plenty of sightseeing options. But my ultimate favourite guidebook is the DK Eyewitness. It provides lots of colour photos, top ten attractions lists, recommended walks, 1 to 4 day itineraries, and things to look out for in each attraction with cross sectional graphics/diagrams.
Note down the places you would like to visit. Get hold of a map* and mark out these attractions. Check out opening hours and fees. Some museums are free after a certain time or on certain days of the week.
*You don’t have to buy one. Most hotels provide free city maps for guests.
WHAT TO BRING
Depending on where you are going, you may want to pack as little clothes as possible and buy as you go along or pack enough to last your entire trip. If you don’t think you are going to perspire, consider recycling your clothes. One or two sets of comfortable sleep wear which can double up as gym clothes. I guess I don’t need to tell you to pack your undies and socks.
At least two hats/caps to match your clothes and a pair of sunglasses. They can greatly enhance your appearance.
For footwear, I always bring a pair of black track shoes. Black matches easily and do not look as awkward with jeans/cargo pants as white track shoes. They are your best bet if you are planning to do lots of walking. Also, if you still have energy after a full day of sightseeing, you can always head to the gym in the same shoes.
Other shoes for consideration: Winter boots (you probably need thick wool socks, scarves, gloves and ear muffs as well), hiking boots (if you are going trekking), slippers (for the beach and dirty shower rooms), flats (if you are not a track shoe kind of person). Stilettos and other types of expensive high heels are impractical for sightseeing.
Essential toiletries such as toothpaste/brush, moisturizer, pimple cream, facial foam, sun block, face mask, items for feminine emergencies, shavers. Basic make-up kit – BB cream, powder, blusher, eyebrow pencil, coloured lip balm, tweezers, nail clipper. Soap/shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion are provided in most hotels but if you are particular about the quality, BYO. Ditto for towels.
Bring essential medication for headache, cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, insect repellent and insect bite cream. You will have to check the creams (shavers, tweezers and nail clippers too) in with your cargo bag and may have to declare the oral medication for some countries.
I usually bring a bottle of mineral water for my first night in case it is too late to go out to buy when I arrive. This will also have to be checked in.
Some museums/attractions and plays/musicals offer discounts for students and airline crew so bring your Student/Airline crew pass it you have one.
Don’t forget your camera (spare batteries and charger), guidebook, a great big smile and good attitude. Wherever you are, when you are polite and smile lots, people are more inclined to be friendly to you. When you have a great attitude, good things happen to you.
HOW MUCH TO BRING
Set aside S$100 to $150 for hotel/airport transfer (if the hotel does not provide this for free). I would also set aside $100 to $150 a day. This would be quite generous for most parts of Asia, but just enough for Europe. Some days/meals you spend more, some less. It should cover your food, transport within the city, entrance fees, souvenirs and tips. If you are planning to buy big ticket items like Prada/Chanel, antiques/furniture, bring your credit card.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Change your money in Singapore. My favourite money changer is at Simei Eastpoint. Parkway also offers good rates. Don’t change your money at the Changi International Airport. For Korea, Nepal and India, you can change your money at their airport after clearing customs. For Taiwan, before clearing customs. For Russia, bring US currency and change at the hotel or the money changers in the streets/mall. For Istanbul, there are money changers in Taksin Square but count your money carefully before you leave and ensure it is tucked away from sight.
If you run out of money, the best option is to withdraw from an ATM (that is if the notes are not counterfeit). Most banks charge a $5 fee for each withdrawal but the exchange rate is decent or at least better than credit card rates. The trick is to withdraw more. If you have a Citibank account and you can find a Citibank ATM, there is no withdrawal fee. Credit cards may be more convenient but I would only use it for bigger purchases.
If you have not booked your air ticket, now is a good time to do so. Check the papers or airline websites for travel deals. They sometimes have 1-for-1 promotions or discounted rates if you book for a minimum of two travellers and fly within certain months. Usually, these are off-peak seasons and are valid only for selected flights during the day. After you have settled your air ticket, ask yourself...
DO YOU NEED A VISA?
Find out if you need a visa and apply for one if you do. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a website which provides information on visa requirements for Singaporeans.
This cannot be over emphasized. No visa, no holiday. I was once almost denied entry into Australia because I forgot to apply for a visa. I ended up having to pay more to apply for one because it was so last minute.
We crew have a habit of forgetting this as visa requirements are often waived when we travel for work.
RESEARCH
Now that your trip is confirmed, you need to get a guidebook from the library. I like the Lonely Planet guide book as it provides great recommendations on places to eat and plenty of sightseeing options. But my ultimate favourite guidebook is the DK Eyewitness. It provides lots of colour photos, top ten attractions lists, recommended walks, 1 to 4 day itineraries, and things to look out for in each attraction with cross sectional graphics/diagrams.
Note down the places you would like to visit. Get hold of a map* and mark out these attractions. Check out opening hours and fees. Some museums are free after a certain time or on certain days of the week.
*You don’t have to buy one. Most hotels provide free city maps for guests.
WHAT TO BRING
Depending on where you are going, you may want to pack as little clothes as possible and buy as you go along or pack enough to last your entire trip. If you don’t think you are going to perspire, consider recycling your clothes. One or two sets of comfortable sleep wear which can double up as gym clothes. I guess I don’t need to tell you to pack your undies and socks.
At least two hats/caps to match your clothes and a pair of sunglasses. They can greatly enhance your appearance.
For footwear, I always bring a pair of black track shoes. Black matches easily and do not look as awkward with jeans/cargo pants as white track shoes. They are your best bet if you are planning to do lots of walking. Also, if you still have energy after a full day of sightseeing, you can always head to the gym in the same shoes.
Other shoes for consideration: Winter boots (you probably need thick wool socks, scarves, gloves and ear muffs as well), hiking boots (if you are going trekking), slippers (for the beach and dirty shower rooms), flats (if you are not a track shoe kind of person). Stilettos and other types of expensive high heels are impractical for sightseeing.
Essential toiletries such as toothpaste/brush, moisturizer, pimple cream, facial foam, sun block, face mask, items for feminine emergencies, shavers. Basic make-up kit – BB cream, powder, blusher, eyebrow pencil, coloured lip balm, tweezers, nail clipper. Soap/shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion are provided in most hotels but if you are particular about the quality, BYO. Ditto for towels.
Bring essential medication for headache, cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, insect repellent and insect bite cream. You will have to check the creams (shavers, tweezers and nail clippers too) in with your cargo bag and may have to declare the oral medication for some countries.
I usually bring a bottle of mineral water for my first night in case it is too late to go out to buy when I arrive. This will also have to be checked in.
Some museums/attractions and plays/musicals offer discounts for students and airline crew so bring your Student/Airline crew pass it you have one.
Don’t forget your camera (spare batteries and charger), guidebook, a great big smile and good attitude. Wherever you are, when you are polite and smile lots, people are more inclined to be friendly to you. When you have a great attitude, good things happen to you.
HOW MUCH TO BRING
Set aside S$100 to $150 for hotel/airport transfer (if the hotel does not provide this for free). I would also set aside $100 to $150 a day. This would be quite generous for most parts of Asia, but just enough for Europe. Some days/meals you spend more, some less. It should cover your food, transport within the city, entrance fees, souvenirs and tips. If you are planning to buy big ticket items like Prada/Chanel, antiques/furniture, bring your credit card.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Change your money in Singapore. My favourite money changer is at Simei Eastpoint. Parkway also offers good rates. Don’t change your money at the Changi International Airport. For Korea, Nepal and India, you can change your money at their airport after clearing customs. For Taiwan, before clearing customs. For Russia, bring US currency and change at the hotel or the money changers in the streets/mall. For Istanbul, there are money changers in Taksin Square but count your money carefully before you leave and ensure it is tucked away from sight.
If you run out of money, the best option is to withdraw from an ATM (that is if the notes are not counterfeit). Most banks charge a $5 fee for each withdrawal but the exchange rate is decent or at least better than credit card rates. The trick is to withdraw more. If you have a Citibank account and you can find a Citibank ATM, there is no withdrawal fee. Credit cards may be more convenient but I would only use it for bigger purchases.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
DIY Vacation - Part 2
WHERE TO STAY
When you have decided on a destination, the most logical move may be to book your air ticket. But, I feel it is better to find a place to stay first. Hotels tend to be more flexible and may not charge for cancellation in the event that you cannot get your air-ticket.
Look around online (I like expedia.com) for the best rates. Then email the hotel reservations department to see if you can get a better price. Some hotels charge by per head but most charge by per room, which accommodates up to 2 guests. If there are three of you, check how much it costs to accommodate an additional bed/guest in the same room.
For your own convenience, you should ensure that your hotel is in the city, near the city or near a train/bus station and takes you less than 15 minutes to get to the city.
You probably want to ask the reservations team these questions:
1. Ask if breakfast is included. Think about whether you really need breakfast coz the difference can be 20 to 40 dollars per day. I would rather not go for the hotel buffet breakfast as the food is usually the same everywhere in the world. I don’t like to eat too much for breakfast and I will rather try the local food. Also, if you stuff yourself, you will end up feeling uncomfortable for the rest of the morning and won’t have the stomach for lunch. Since you are only going to be at your choice destination for a couple of days, make every meal count. You want to be able to try as much variety of food and as many restaurants as possible. However, if the difference between breakfast or no breakfast is insignificant, just go with breakfast.
2. Ask about early bird rates if it is still more than a month to your vacation (they may be even cheaper than airline crew rates). These usually come with a cancellation charge clause or in some instances, no refund. If that is the case, quickly book your air ticket before handing over your credit card details. If the rates are very similar to expedia.com, I would book directly with the hotel via email as expedia.com charges an administrative fee.
3. Ask if the hotel provides transport to and from the airport and if they charge a transfer fee. Some hotels may charge a bit more than others but if they provide free airport transfer, you might want to consider it. Taxi transfers can be costly. I paid about 60 Swiss Francs (in Switzerland) and 50 pounds (in London) for a one-way journey.
If you want to be more adventurous, don’t book your accommodation before you arrive at your destination. Since you won’t be tired after your long journey, you can walk around the city with your luggage to shop for the best place and rates. But be prepared to sleep on the streets/park if there is nothing available or pay exorbitant fees for the higher end hotels.
It is probably wiser to book a room, at least for your first night and then spend the day shopping around if you don’t like the place.
When you have decided on a destination, the most logical move may be to book your air ticket. But, I feel it is better to find a place to stay first. Hotels tend to be more flexible and may not charge for cancellation in the event that you cannot get your air-ticket.
Look around online (I like expedia.com) for the best rates. Then email the hotel reservations department to see if you can get a better price. Some hotels charge by per head but most charge by per room, which accommodates up to 2 guests. If there are three of you, check how much it costs to accommodate an additional bed/guest in the same room.
For your own convenience, you should ensure that your hotel is in the city, near the city or near a train/bus station and takes you less than 15 minutes to get to the city.
You probably want to ask the reservations team these questions:
1. Ask if breakfast is included. Think about whether you really need breakfast coz the difference can be 20 to 40 dollars per day. I would rather not go for the hotel buffet breakfast as the food is usually the same everywhere in the world. I don’t like to eat too much for breakfast and I will rather try the local food. Also, if you stuff yourself, you will end up feeling uncomfortable for the rest of the morning and won’t have the stomach for lunch. Since you are only going to be at your choice destination for a couple of days, make every meal count. You want to be able to try as much variety of food and as many restaurants as possible. However, if the difference between breakfast or no breakfast is insignificant, just go with breakfast.
2. Ask about early bird rates if it is still more than a month to your vacation (they may be even cheaper than airline crew rates). These usually come with a cancellation charge clause or in some instances, no refund. If that is the case, quickly book your air ticket before handing over your credit card details. If the rates are very similar to expedia.com, I would book directly with the hotel via email as expedia.com charges an administrative fee.
3. Ask if the hotel provides transport to and from the airport and if they charge a transfer fee. Some hotels may charge a bit more than others but if they provide free airport transfer, you might want to consider it. Taxi transfers can be costly. I paid about 60 Swiss Francs (in Switzerland) and 50 pounds (in London) for a one-way journey.
If you want to be more adventurous, don’t book your accommodation before you arrive at your destination. Since you won’t be tired after your long journey, you can walk around the city with your luggage to shop for the best place and rates. But be prepared to sleep on the streets/park if there is nothing available or pay exorbitant fees for the higher end hotels.
It is probably wiser to book a room, at least for your first night and then spend the day shopping around if you don’t like the place.
DIY Vacation - Part 1
As a stewardess, I do not have the luxury of deciding when to travel and which country to visit. Our rosters are randomly assigned in case you thought otherwise.
However, during my annual leave, I do get to plan my own travel destinations. And over the years, I have developed my own DIY Vacation Guide.
WHERE TO GO
Consider the number of days you have available and think about where you want to go. If you have only 3 to 4 days, I suggest that you plan to go somewhere not more than 4 hours away. Since you do not have time on your side, why waste too much on the journey?
If you have 5 to 7 days, I would give the journey up to 7 hours. For an 8 to 10 day trip, 12 to 13 hours is fine. If you are planning to travel 24 hours, it would be nice to have at least 2 weeks to play around with.
Travelling can be tiring and you want to be sure you make it worth your while. Also, if you are travelling half way across the world, you probably need a couple of days to adjust to the different time zone.
WHEN TO GO
Consider the weather. Do you like hot summer days? Sweating in your armpits? Do you enjoy wearing skimpy clothes and soaking up the heat? Or do you prefer freezing your ass off, despite being bundled up in multiple layers of thick winter clothes? How about wearing boots and playing in the snow?
I tend to prefer something in the middle. 15 to 20 degrees celsius is comfortable. You can don on boots, hats, jackets and appear cool in your photos. But it will still not be too cold to go out. Also, I like to have room in my luggage for all the souvenirs and miscellaneous items I will be purchasing. Not possible if you have to pack mounds of winter clothes.
Check out the weather before you confirm your destination. Or decide when is the best time of the year for you to visit your choice destination before booking your leave.
Which countries would you like to visit?
However, during my annual leave, I do get to plan my own travel destinations. And over the years, I have developed my own DIY Vacation Guide.
WHERE TO GO
Consider the number of days you have available and think about where you want to go. If you have only 3 to 4 days, I suggest that you plan to go somewhere not more than 4 hours away. Since you do not have time on your side, why waste too much on the journey?
If you have 5 to 7 days, I would give the journey up to 7 hours. For an 8 to 10 day trip, 12 to 13 hours is fine. If you are planning to travel 24 hours, it would be nice to have at least 2 weeks to play around with.
Travelling can be tiring and you want to be sure you make it worth your while. Also, if you are travelling half way across the world, you probably need a couple of days to adjust to the different time zone.
WHEN TO GO
Consider the weather. Do you like hot summer days? Sweating in your armpits? Do you enjoy wearing skimpy clothes and soaking up the heat? Or do you prefer freezing your ass off, despite being bundled up in multiple layers of thick winter clothes? How about wearing boots and playing in the snow?
I tend to prefer something in the middle. 15 to 20 degrees celsius is comfortable. You can don on boots, hats, jackets and appear cool in your photos. But it will still not be too cold to go out. Also, I like to have room in my luggage for all the souvenirs and miscellaneous items I will be purchasing. Not possible if you have to pack mounds of winter clothes.
Check out the weather before you confirm your destination. Or decide when is the best time of the year for you to visit your choice destination before booking your leave.
Which countries would you like to visit?
Hello World
The great St. Augustine of Hippo once said, "The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page". Since I enjoy reading immensely, it is to be expected that I enjoy travelling and exploring the world as well.
Luckily for me, I am a flight attendant.
I travel the world in search of inspiration, in search of excitement and adventure. I want to see everything, try everything. Conquer cities and leave my pawprints on every conceivable territory.
Life is short and youth, fleeting...
There is no time to lose, no time to waste.
While money is important for sustenance and material things, what a pity it will be if you wake up one morning, your life spent, only to realize that you have lived your life pursuing wealth, stuck in a job you hate and not accomplished anything that really mattered?
Who cares what others think of you? Why try so hard to impress? In the end, what YOU want, what you think of yourself, is the only thing that really matters.
So, what is it that you want?
Luckily for me, I am a flight attendant.
I travel the world in search of inspiration, in search of excitement and adventure. I want to see everything, try everything. Conquer cities and leave my pawprints on every conceivable territory.
Life is short and youth, fleeting...
There is no time to lose, no time to waste.
While money is important for sustenance and material things, what a pity it will be if you wake up one morning, your life spent, only to realize that you have lived your life pursuing wealth, stuck in a job you hate and not accomplished anything that really mattered?
Who cares what others think of you? Why try so hard to impress? In the end, what YOU want, what you think of yourself, is the only thing that really matters.
So, what is it that you want?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)