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.