With a heavy heart, a lot of us had to cancel our travel plans during the COVID-19 crisis. Maybe you were looking forward to a graduation trip with your pals, or a sweet getaway with that special someone, or a fun and exciting family trip.

And now you’re cooped up at home during quarantine, with not much to do. The days seem endless and you’re dying of boredom, wallowing in your sadness over those cancelled flight tickets. Fret not, you can now travel the world from your couch! Thanks to the internet, we are now able to attend virtual tours all around the world.

Take a hike around Yosemite National Park, explore the ruins of Angkor Wat, walk around the Pyramids of Giza… the possibilities are endless. If you’d like, grab a family member to tour the iconic wonders of the world with you. It might not be the experience you expected, but these virtual tours are bound to lift your spirits and cure your boredom.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK TOUR

Located in California, Yosemite National Park is one of America’s most popular tourist destinations and breathtaking natural environments. Take a virtual Yosemite tour, which allows online visitors to experience over 200 locations within the famous National Park. You can even explore the surroundings as well, in all seasons!

The virtual Yosemite tour was created and photographed by a virtual reality (VR) photographer Scott Highton who lives just outside the park. He has specialised in VR photography for 30 years now. The 360° interactive panoramas are all in high resolution, so you can zoom in to admire all the intricate details. Pan around and take in stunning views from cliffs and waterfalls, and well-known areas of Yosemite Valley.

Explore Yosemite National Park here.

LOUVRE MUSEUM TOUR

The Louvre Museum in Paris, France, is the world’s largest art museum and a historical monument. It is also the world’s most-visited art museum, with tourists visiting to catch a glimpse of art collections that span work from as far as ancient civilisations to the mid-19th century.

Due to COVID-19, the museum is now closed until further notice, with no visitors allowed. However, thanks to the official Louvre website, you can now tour 4 famous exhibitions: The Advent of the Artist, Egyptian Antiquities, Remains of the Louvre’s Moat, and Galerie d’Apollon online for free.

Go on the tour of the Louvre Museum exhibitions here.

THE PYRAMIDS OF GIZA TOUR

Travel back in time to the ancient Egyptian civilisation and take a walk around the highest pyramids ever built, and the oldest of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Standing proudly at 145 metres high are the Pyramids of Giza. Until now, how the Pyramids of Giza were built is still one of Egypt’s greatest mysteries. They were constructed 4,500 years ago, built to last an eternity. So far, they’ve succeeded in this impressive feat.

In this virtual tour offered by Google Maps, you will be able to learn about the complex history of these pyramids while exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can even view other Egyptian sites, such as the necropolis of Saqqara, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Cairo Citadel, the Hanging Church and the remains of Abu Mena. It doesn’t matter which part of the world you’re at – just drag the cursor and embark on this journey.

View the Pyramids of Giza and other Egyptian sites here.

ANGKOR WAT TOUR

Deep in the remote forests of the Siem Reap province of Cambodia lies the ancient Angkor Wat temples, ruins of a time long past. The Angkor Archaeological Park includes remains from various capitals that existed during the time of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to 15th centuries. The famous Temple of Angkor Wat and the Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom with its countless sculptural decorations are part of the remains.

The virtual tour is a collaboration between Virtual History Specialists, Archaeologists and Historians who want to bring the history of Angkor Wat to life. It explores several magical temples, including the five towers of Angkor Wat itself; the pink sandstone Banteay Srei; and Ta Prohm (as seen in the 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider), where nature has reclaimed the ruins.

Take a virtual walk around the Angkor Archaeological Park here.

THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA TOUR

In northern China resides one of the world’s most jaw-dropping wonders: the Great Wall of China. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Great Wall is an ancient fortification that stretches more than 3,000 miles across Chinese provinces. It is also the longest wall, and one of the greatest sights in the world. Boasting a history of over 2,000 years, it is easily one of the most impressive ancient structures on earth today.

A tour agency called The China Guide was kind enough to create a free virtual tour of the Great Wall, after their business was completely halted due to the current situation. They have all sorts of information on their website, which you can have a read while exploring the virtual tour.

Hike along the Great Wall of China here.

Here’s a piece of news to travel lovers —you do not have to leave your full-time job to pursue your innate wanderlust. Let’s face it, not everyone can afford to abandon their families and financial securities to chase their travel desires. Having said that, we want Singaporeans to know that they can still travel, even when working full-time.

When it comes to travelling, full-time workers in Singapore will find that time is the number one issue they face. Yet, there is a significant group of savvy travellers who are still constantly travelling despite the dedication to their established careers. It is no secret—they have great time management skills, make no excuses and plan in advance! And so should you, especially with 9 long weekends in 2019.

Before you complain about the impossibility of travelling due to your limited annual leave, read our 7 tips on how you can still travel with a full-time job.

#1 OPT FOR NEARBY FOREIGN CITIES

Going to a far away country might not be feasible with limited annual leave on hand. Instead of wasting several hours onboard a plane, why not choose a nearby foreign city to explore? Singapore’s proximity to numerous Southeast Asian destinations will allow you to reach another country within a two-hour car, ferry and even flight journey.

#2 MAXIMISE YOUR WEEKENDS

While this travel option might seem hectic, it is actually do-able! Flying off on a Friday night right after work will give you an entire weekend to travel. If flights are too much of a hassle, you can even take a coach to Malaysia or board a ferry to one of the many Indonesian islands. All you have to do is return to Singapore by Sunday night or even Monday morning for work.

#3 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LONG WEEKENDS

If weekend getaways are insufficient for your overseas adventures, it is time you work your travel plans around Singapore’s public holidays that fall on either a Friday or Monday. There will be 9 long weekends in 2019 so do take advantage of that for a longer trip! You can even take annual leave on days before/after the public holiday for an extended trip.

#4 PLAN IN ADVANCE

You should recognise the fact that most of your colleagues are probably after the same period of annual leave. Depending on your job scope, some firms may or may not allow you and your colleagues to overlap your off days. This means you will need to strategise your travel plans way in advance to maximise your time for travelling.

#5 TAKE UNPAID LEAVE

If you have used up your annual leaves but still itching for a getaway, perhaps you could request for unpaid leave. In the event where your unpaid leave is granted, it would be best to coincide them with the weekends or public holidays so that you have more time to travel with your loved ones and visit further destinations.

#6 EXTEND YOUR WORK TRIP

Some working executives do get to travel from time to time for business trips. Instead of going there just for work, why not discuss with your bosses and request for permission to stay for the weekend? You probably will have to fork out your additional accommodation and dining expenses, but it is still a great opportunity to travel since you are already abroad!

#7 OPT FOR COMPANY TRANSFERS

While this option is usually only applicable for multinational corporations, working professionals can actually request for a long-term transfer or a short term assignment. Do ask around in your local office and see if there are any available roles and/or assignment in your dream city that matches your capabilities. As the saying goes, you never know until you ask!

If all the above-mentioned tips do not work for your case, you can still travel around Singapore! There is always something new and exciting for Singaporeans to check out. Rediscover the Lion City and you will be surprised by how much there are for you to explore! Staycations are also a great alternative way to escape temporarily from the hectic workload.

There are many cost factors to consider when you are planning for a holiday—be it accommodation, food or transport. Sure, it is possible to compromise on comfort to save some money but what if we tell you that travelling the world for free or next to nothing is not just a dream?

No, we are not kidding. People have done it and so can you!

All you need is an open mind, some planning skills, a hard-working personality and some tips from us. Here are 6 Ways You Can Travel The World (Almost) For Free.

TRAVELLING WITH BFF: The Expectations vs. Reality When You Travel With Your Best Friend.

Photo Credit: United Nations

#1 VOLUNTEER

If you have an outgoing personality and are passionate about making a change in this world, then this is the option for you. Non-profit organisations that require specific professional skills such as the UN and Peace Corps offer all expenses paid travel programs when you volunteer with them.

Those who do not mind getting their hands dirty can opt for Wwoofing, a program that provides travellers with the opportunity to volunteer at organic farms in exchange for free accommodation.

Photo Credit: The Dubizzle Blog

#2 STAY FOR FREE

Ditch the hotels and stay with the locals! CouchSurfing is a website that connects the traveller with a local host who is able to spare you a couch or bed overnight. Check out the reviews left by previous guests so you know what to expect when staying there.

House Sitting is another way of saving on accommodation fees. Guests are expected to look after the house or take care of their pets while the owners are gone for the weekend.

It is also possible to loan out your apartment by swapping it with someone else when you advertise on home exchange websites. However, do keep in mind that it is important to coordinate the dates with your home swapping partners.

Photo Credit: Cruiseline

#3 WORK

Getting paid to travel is a dream job for many of us but what options do we have? Apart from being an air stewardess, you can also work on a cruise ship as an entertainer, service crew, engineer or event manager.

Other jobs that will take you to faraway lands include journalists, travel writers, language teachers, translators, event coordinators and those working in hospitality industries.

Read: 11 Tips On How To Save Money To Travel The World.

Photo Credit: Ski Japan

#4 APPLY FOR SHORT-TERM STINTS

To offset any extra cost, apply for short-term jobs such as a camp instructor, au pair or overseas internship. Some companies provide wages, accommodation, wifi and even meals.

Summer jobs such as fruits picking and amusement park crew are popular among teenagers. In winter, many try out seasonal work at ski resorts where they also get a chance to learn skiing for free.

It is best to start researching and applying for jobs ahead of your travel schedule.

Photo Credit: NPR

#5 FREE TRANSPORT

Besides accommodation, transport is one of the biggest reasons why travelling comes with a heavier price tag. A common practice in the US is hitchhiking whereby you flag down cars passing by for a free ride. Of course, it is important to exercise caution when doing so.

Collecting airline miles is a great way of earning yourself a free plane ticket. You can accumulate airline miles by staying in international chain hotels, converting hotel points into miles and using credit cards that let you accrue miles.

Getting bumped off your flight sounds like an awful inconvenience but if you volunteer to get bumped, you are likely to receive upgrades, flight vouchers or cash in return.

Photo Credit: Runner Bean Tours

#6 JOIN FREE ACTIVITIES

Learn more about the country when you participate in free walking tours organised by locals who are able to bring you to the best places for meals or hidden gems within the city that are unknown to tourists.

Before you complain about the impossibility of traveling due to your limited annual leave, read our 7 Tips on How You Can Still Travel With A Full-Time Job.

When it comes to vacations, holidaymakers usually resign to the fact that it is going to be a financially-damaging experience.

But this is not always true! So many travellers have proven otherwise that a little preparation can go a long way, and holidays need not always leave us broke.

From renting your house out while you are away, walking whenever possible and packing light with only one carry-on, here are 10 Tips on Saving Even When You Are On Holidays.

#1 CHOOSE THE RIGHT EATERIES

As a rule of thumb, restaurants located along the main streets of iconic tourist destinations are always the ones that are ready to “extort” money off you. Avoid such dining establishments altogether and venture into local neighbourhoods and alleyways for authentic and more wallet-friendly options.

#2 PREPARE YOUR OWN FOOD ON SOME DAYS

Wouldn’t you be interested to check out what the local markets and grocers have to offer? This is a great opportunity to further assimilate in your designated vacation destination, whilst saving money too. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. A DIY meal is always going to be way more affordable and fun.

#3 EARLY BIRD RATES

Be it an award-winning theatrical performance or an overnight stay at a luxury hotel, make use of early bird promotions by planning way in advance and you would stand to save up significant amounts of money – sometimes even up to 50% off!

#4 PACK LIGHT

Packing light with only one carry-on will save you heaps of time, money and hassle. Most budget airlines will charge you a fee for checking in your luggage, and we suggest you skip that unnecessary step. You can also skip the painful waiting time at the conveyor belt upon landing and not have to resort to taxis.

#5 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Public transport such as buses, trains and/or trams is always way cheaper than taking a cab. Some cities such as Melbourne do offer free public transportation around the CBD area, too!

Also, you can consider getting daily/ weekly/ monthly passes. They usually come in a few variations, depending on how many days you would need. And they are priced at bundled one-time fee for unlimited rides.

#6 RENT YOUR HOME OUT

If you are going to be away for a long period of time, why not rent out your house on Airbnb during the same duration so that you are effectively still getting a form of financial rebate? Do check out your city’s regulations before doing so.

#7 WALK WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Assuming that your next destination is actually within walking distance, we suggest you take a leisure stroll and immerse yourself in the city’s surroundings instead. This way, you get to save money, work out and also fully experience what the city has to offer.

#8 EARN YOUR STAY

Some places actually offer free stays in return for labour. Help out with mowing the lawn, taking care of a nursery, or milking cows. Anything at all! It would be an alternative experience, but no less memorable.

#9 TAP ON FREE WIFI

You may want to skip renting a wifi router or getting a SIM Card, and tapping on free wifi instead. But please do your research carefully. Beach destinations such as Phuket and Maldives are not the most generous with free wifi, as with cities such as Paris and Tokyo.

#10 SKIP THE SOUVENIRS

Know those cheesy souvenirs – magnets, notebooks and whatnot? Save your money and skip those, and take more photos instead. Captured moments are your best souvenirs and the most practical way to remember your holidays.

Here’s a piece of news to travel lovers – you do not have to leave your full-time job to pursue your innate wanderlust. Let’s face it, not everyone can afford to abandon their families and financial securities to chase their travel desires. Having said that, we want Singaporeans to know that they can still travel, even when working full-time.

When it comes to travelling, full-time workers in Singapore will find that time is the number one issue they face. Yet, there is a significant group of savvy travellers who are still constantly traveling despite the dedication to their established careers. It is no secret – they have great time management skills, make no excuses and plan in advance!

Before you complain about the impossibility of traveling due to your limited annual leave, read our 7 Tips on How You Can Still Travel With A Full-Time Job.

#1 OPT FOR NEARBY FOREIGN CITIES

Going to a far away country might not be feasible with limited annual leave on hand. Instead of wasting several hours onboard a plane, why not choose a nearby foreign city to explore? Singapore’s proximity to numerous Southeast Asian destinations will allow you to reach another country within a two-hour car, ferry and even flight journey.

#2 MAXIMISE YOUR WEEKENDS

While this travel option might seem hectic, it is actually do-able! Flying off on a Friday night right after work will give you an entire weekend to travel. If flights are too much of a hassle, you can even take a coach to Malaysia or board a ferry to one of the many Indonesian islands. All you have to do is return to Singapore by Sunday night or even Monday morning for work.

#3 TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LONG WEEKENDS

If weekend getaways are insufficient for your overseas adventures, it is time you work your travel plans around Singapore’s public holidays that fall on either a Friday or Monday. There will be six long weekends in the year of 2016 so do take advantage of that for a longer trip! You can even take annual leave on days before/after the public holiday for an extended travel.

#4 PLAN IN ADVANCE

You should recognise the fact that most of your colleagues are probably after the same period of annual leave. Depending on your job scope, some firms may or may not allow you and your colleagues to overlap your off days. This means you will need to strategise your travel plans way in advance to maximise your time for traveling.

#5 TAKE UNPAID LEAVE

If you have used up your annual leaves but still itching for a getaway, perhaps you could request for unpaid leave. In the event where your unpaid leave is granted, it would be best to coincide them with the weekends or public holidays so that you have more time to travel with your loved ones and visit further destinations.

#6 EXTEND YOUR WORK TRIP

Some working executives do get to travel from time to time for business trips. Instead of going there just for work, why not discuss with your bosses and request for permission to stay for the weekend? You probably will have to fork out your additional accommodation and dining expenses, but it is still a great opportunity to travel since you are already abroad!

#7 OPT FOR COMPANY TRANSFERS

While this option is usually only applicable for multinational corporations, working professionals can actually request for a long-term transfer or a short term assignment. Do ask around in your local office and see if there are any available roles and/or assignment in your dream city that matches your capabilities. As the saying goes, you never know till you ask!

If all the above mentioned tips do not work for your case, you can still travel around Singapore! There is always something new and exciting for Singaporeans to check out. Rediscover the Lion City and you will be surprised by how much there is for you to explore! Staycations are also a great alternative way to escape temporarily from the hectic workload.

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Traveling is exciting and fun – you get to discover a whole new world out there – but it’s also costly and can burn a hole in your pocket pretty fast. Plane tickets, accommodation, transport and food are just the tip of the iceberg – pile on exploratory activities and shopping sprees, and you’ll be watching your savings dwindle away in no time. So if you want to fulfil your globetrotting dreams without breaking the bank, read on for the top 20 tips on how to travel on a budget.

1. PLAN YOUR TRIPS IN ADVANCE

Plan your trips in advance (but not too far ahead – supposedly, the best window of time to book flights is about 45-60 days beforehand) and diligently scour the web for discounts and deals. The best days to book air tickets online are on Mondays or Tuesdays, and avoid weekends at all costs – that’s when prices skyrocket.

2. BE FLEXIBLE WITH DATES AND LOCATIONS

Be flexible with dates and locations, and try to travel off-season if you can. Tuesdays to Thursdays are usually the cheapest days to fly, and if you add more connecting stops to your itinerary, ticket prices will drop.

3. CHOOSE FEWER DESTINATIONS AND SPEND MORE TIME IN EACH.

This way, you’ll have time to appreciate each destination instead of going on a whirlwind trip where you barely scratch the surface anywhere. Besides, the more stops you have on your itinerary, the more time and money you’ll spend traveling and finding a place to stay.

4. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Heed the advice of travel tips and click on blogs and articles to read others’ past experiences, so you know what to expect and what to avoid – steer clear of the common mistakes made by those who have gone before you.

5. BUDGET YOUR MONEY

Be organised and disciplined – figure out how much you want to spend and allocate accordingly for your daily use. All this has to be done in advance, or you’ll be living large the first few days and surviving on nothing but cheap instant noodles towards the end.

6. TRAVEL LIGHT

Pack light, because you’ll probably have to pay extra for luggage – especially on domestic flights within countries that only allow you to check in one bag. Just bring basic necessities and simple outfits that you can mix and match to make it look like you’re wearing a different outfit each day.

7. RESEARCH ON AFFORDABLE RESTAURANTS

Map out your meals and look around to find affordable restaurants nearby, so as to avoid making a desperate, last minute decision to satisfy your hunger pangs. Avoid hotel breakfasts if you can, because cafes nearby are probably more value-for-money; when in doubt, remember that vegetarian dishes are always the cheapest. Alternatively, if you’re staying at a place that allows you use of the kitchen, grab a bunch of groceries and cook your own meals – especially for dinner, since it’s usually more expensive.

8. MULTI-TRIP PASSES OR TRAVEL AT NIGHT

If you’re traveling within a particular country, keep an eye out for multi-trip passes or travel at night so you can sleep while on the go and save on accommodation. Public transportation is your best friend, but if you need to rent a car, choose one that lasts longer on lesser petrol (you can also try hitchhiking if you’re brave enough). For nearby destinations, walking is a great way to take in the sights and avoid piling on the vacation weight.

9. CHOOSE A DESTINATION WHERE THE CURRENCY IS WEAKER AS COMPARED TO YOUR COUNTRY’S CURRENCY

If you’ve got no particular preference for your destination, pick one where the currency is weaker for better buying power and suss out where to find moneychangers that give you the best exchange rates.

10. STAY IN HOSTELS, HOME EXCHANGES, B&BS OR HOME STAYS

Instead of heading to your favourite hotel chain, why not try hostels, home exchanges, B&Bs or home stays? Start by searching for apartments on Airbnb.com. This enables you to meet the locals and pick their brains for insider tips on the area; you’ll also come across fellow backpackers whom you can join forces with to snap up group discounts.

11. GO LOCAL AND ENJOY AN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE FOR LESS

Head for street stalls, outdoor markets, family-run businesses or neighbourhood eateries filled with locals (and non-English menus) to enjoy an authentic experience for less.

12. SIGN UP FOR REWARD OR MEMBER PROGRAMS

Be ‘kiasu’ and sign up for reward or member programs. They’re usually free anyway, and you never know what you might get out of them.

13. STAY UPDATED ABOUT THE LATEST DEALS VIA SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Follow major airlines and ticketing sites on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to mailing lists of travel deal sites – they regularly share discounts, sales and promo codes that you can take advantage of.

14. SUSS OUT GOOD DEALS ON THE PHONE

Negotiate on the phone – especially with hotels – to get the best deals and to find out about promos not posted online.

15. STAY AWAY FROM TOURIST TRAPS

Stay away from tourist traps (they’re such a rip-off) and go off the beaten track. Sure, you can take in recommendations from your guidebook, but some of the best finds are hole-in-the-wall places or ones in side streets that visitors don’t know about. Why not veer off course and see what you stumble upon?

16. BARGAIN, BARGAIN, AND BARGAIN

Learn the fine art of haggling. Bargain whenever you can, whether you’re at markets, shops or even in taxis. As long as you’re not rude or demanding, there’s no harm in doing it, since they probably hike up prices for tourists anyway.

17. TRY YOUR LUCK AND ASK FOR UPGRADES

Ask for upgrades. What’s the worst that could happen? A curt ‘no’? Big deal! Just toughen up and raise the question – you could receive extra goodies without paying a single cent.

18. ASK FOR TIPS FROM FRIENDS

Get a little help from your friends – they might know people living abroad whom they can connect you with, and that could save you from paying for accommodation and gain you a knowledgeable tour guide.

19. LOOK OUT FOR FREEBIES

Keep an eye out for freebies. Some places offer free museum tours, or even free entry on selected days and times; plus, festivals, events and nature activities like hikes or walks along scenic routes are usually without charge – because the best things in life are free.

20. MAKE FRIENDS WITH LOCALS

Just have fun and be open to making new friends. You never know when you could meet a friendly local keen to show you around the ins and outs of the country.

About the writer:
Alicia Lee is a dessert junkie with a serious (and probably incurable) case of wanderlust. Never one to pass up on retail therapy, she loves a great bargain and can usually be spotted on weekends browsing through quirky shops or chillaxing at a quiet cafe.

Don’t let your savings account be an obstacle to your wanderlust – holidaying doesn’t need to be an expensive affair. Check out these 11 tips on how to save money before, during and after you travel.

B E F O R E  T H E  T R I P

1. CREATE A TRAVEL FUND

Every month, I put in a sum of money into a different bank account to save up for my trips. This is great because, for starters, you won’t be digging into your personal savings to travel, so you’ll always have money when you return. Second, by consistently making a deposit, you can amass quite a bit during the months you’re not holidaying. You’ll always have spare cash to travel – so no more excuses!

Obviously the more you put in every month, the quicker the fund will grow, but you decide this based on how hungry you are to go gallivanting in a foreign land. If you truly want something, you’ll find a way to make it work.

For example, shop less or eat out less so you can put more into the travel fund. If you can’t bear to not buy shoes or have a fancy dinner every week, then perhaps travelling isn’t your priority. And that’s absolutely fine, just don’t complain about not having enough money then.

2. CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE

Start thinking of your expenditures in “travel money”. The $5 you pay for coffee every day could go to a new and exciting dish you can taste in a foreign land every day too. The $40 dinner every weekend could go to the accommodation you’re splitting with your travel partner. That $200 bag is literally equivalent to a return ticket to nearby countries.

3. BOOK AIR TICKETS THREE TO FOUR MONTHS IN ADVANCE

I almost always fly budget. And even then, I book about three months in advance and start looking four months before. I’ve always managed to travel at a steal. My return tickets to South Korea on AirAsia cost me $406 all-in, inclusive of one check-in baggage and a meal on the return leg. And whether you’re flying budget or not, always wait for a sale – they will come up. I’d once seen tickets to Oslo, Norway for $808 all-in on Qatar Airways.

4. COMPARE AIR TICKETS PRICES

Even though it is cheap, flying budget is not always cheaper. It is worth spending some time using fare comparison sites (or even going to the individual airline pages) to suss out the lowest price for your travel dates.

5. DON’T SPLURGE ON THE HOTEL ROOM

You’re only in there to shower and sleep. Also, how are you going to really immerse yourself in the culture of a place by staying in an isolated (albeit fancy) hotel room? Go for local homestays or individually-run, small guesthouses. Not only are they cheaper, you’ll get to interact with the locals – it is the best way to get travel tips, food or attraction recommendations and knowledge of what it’s like to be a native.

Pick a place that provides breakfast. I love using Airbnb.com because it ticks off everything on this list – yes, even the breakfast bit.

Read the top 10 things that we love about Airbnb.

D U R I N G  T H E  T R I P

6. LOOK OUT FOR LOCALS IN RESTAURANTS OR CAFES

You know how Singaporeans like to throng the cheap and good places to eat? Well it’s the same in every country. And I often look out for eateries filled with local folks, rather than tourists. That way I know I’m going to be fed well, with an authentic cuisine and my wallet isn’t going to take a beating.

For more suggestions, read 5 useful travel tips that everyone should know.

7. GO TO THE SUPERMARKETS THE HOUR BEFORE THEY CLOSE

In the large ones, you can find cooked foods like chicken wings, sushi and pizzas on discount – hello, cheap supper!

8. SHOP SMART

You didn’t just fly 3,000km to buy things from international brands already available back home. Generally, I follow this rule: if it is less than 30% cheaper than in Singapore – it goes back onto the rack. Alternatively, stick to street shopping. You’ll always find a smorgasbord of things you can wear at a fraction of a big chains’ retail prices – plus, you won’t see someone with the same thing back home.

9. BUY TICKET BUNDLES OR DEALS TO ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Look up deal websites (just type “deals ” to search) to score major discounts on attractions and activities. Alternatively, some ticket-booking websites also offer bundles to several points of interests with substantial savings. Just remember to read the fine print.

10. TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

This is quite the no-brainer. However, if you’re in a group of three or four, sometimes it is cheaper and faster to grab a metered taxi to get to a nearby location. Think places like Hong Kong and South Korea – a $6 fare split four ways is about the same amount you’d spend individually on a subway ride, minus the hassle. This works best for fares under $10 – beyond that, your savings can’t compare to if you were to take a public bus or train. Remember that the little dollars add up!

A F T E R  T H E  T R I P

11. KEEP YOUR LEFTOVER CURRENCY

Many people like to change their foreign currency back to Singapore dollars upon return. I actually recommend keeping it for future travels instead (unless you desperately need the money). I’ve always found it a delight to see leftover money from the previous time because I now need to change less for the upcoming trip.

What’s even better is if I’d changed my currency at a better rate the last time. I like storing mine in ziploc bags so they’re easy to identify. If you do turn them back into Singapore dollars, deposit it into your travel fund account.

Now it’s your turn. What are some of your travel saving tips?

About the writer:
Ruby Tan used to write for Her World, and is now a freelance writer with a dream to travel the world. She believes that the some of best things in life don’t have to be bought. If you want to make a friend, share travel tips and advice, or even to discuss deeply about life, write to her at rubytan.work@gmail.com

Travelling is less expensive than you think, and it is actually possible to travel more. Let us share with you 5 reasons why you should travel more.

You are only young once. If you don’t do it now, you will NEVER have the chance to do it.

It is cliché, but it’s said so often for a reason. This is the only time where you can afford to do anything you want. If you are not going to do it now, you will never be able to do it when you are older, when you have more restrictions and are bogged down by more commitments. You have your whole life to work, so you really do not have to feel guilty about taking a long break to travel.

Travelling has taught me more than any textbook ever had.

I have learned so many life lessons from travelling; it has taught me more than any textbook ever had. This alone is a reason substantial enough for you to pack your bags and book a ticket.

Travelling allows me to understand the world so that I can better understand myself.

Travelling has shown me how big the world is, and how small we pale in comparison. Sometimes, we are so caught up with our own problems we do not realize how minute they are as opposed to the much less fortunate ones out there in the vast world. Travel, and see the world for yourself. When we step out of our zone, we see, we understand, we empathize, and we learn how to love. Travel, heighten your exposure and awareness, and see the world for yourself. Some people go to the ends of the world just to see what they can see.

It gets you out of your comfort zone.

I love Singapore, but I advocate the necessity to get out every now and then to explore new places. Get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself, be inspired and influenced, and come back as a a better person.

Why not? There is no excuse for not travelling.

“My mom says I need to find a good job…” or “I don’t have time/money to travel…” Those excuses are bullshit. It is possible to travel on a budget. And if you do not have anyone to go with you, travelling alone is not as difficult as you think. Stop finding excuses, be liberated, be free, and start making plans to travel and see the world.

If you are travelling soon, read my post on 5 useful travel tips.