ladyironchef » Travel Guide

10 Tips To Note To Avoid Being A Victim Of Tourist Scams

Editorial — Fri, 22 Mar 2019 01:00:18 +0000

Travelling is literally the only thing that you can spend money on that will never, ever be considered a waste of money. Travelling’s great and we make it a point to do so pretty often in a year. But a holiday can just as easily turn into a living hell if you aren’t careful.

We’re not saying that everyone out there is a crook looking to con you but it does help to be aware and prepared nonetheless. Travelling to a far-off destination soon? Here are 10 tips on how to avoid travel scams if you don’t want your vacation to turn into a living nightmare.

Photo Credit: Times of Oman

BEWARE OF SYNDICATES – CHILD BEGGARS & HANDICAPPED PEOPLE

It makes us feel really horrible for saying this but whenever a child comes up to you begging for money, never give it to them. You’re not actually helping them out because these kids are actually controlled by an organisation and the money which these kids collect will all go into the pockets of really bad people.

BEWARE OF FLIRTATIOUS WOMEN

When a particularly attractive female comes up to you, chats you up and tells you that she wants to take you to a particular club or bar, it usually means trouble. In no regular setting, unless of course, you’re Johnny Depp in the flesh, no woman will come up to you and flirt with you without a catch attached.

This is what will happen. Your friends and you will be suckered to follow her and she’ll probably take you to a bar, have you pay an expensive cover charge and disappear halfway through the night. Typically, these women are hired by establishments to reel in men. Seem to good to be true? It probably is.

COMPLIMENTARY PHOTOS

In places like Thailand, ladyboys are considered an attraction and you’ll likely find groups of them parading the streets dressed all fancy like. Do not try and take a photo of them or with them because it usually isn’t free. And don’t even try to talk your way out of it because the last thing you want is a gang of them surrounding you and making things even harder.

Photo Credit: HowToDoYourself

COUNT YOUR CHANGE

As much as possible, we try our best to avoid using big notes for the very simple reason being that it’s easy to be shortchanged—literally—if you don’t make an effort to understand the currency, let alone count your change. This won’t happen in convenience stores, but who’s to say it won’t in places without a proper cash register?

FREE BRACELETS OR FLOWER GARLANDS

In the event that you find yourself approached by people holding on to garlands or bracelets, do not let allow them to put it on you because once it’s on you, they’ll consider it sold. And even if you try to take it off, sometimes they may cause a scene, and the only way to get them off your back is to pay. To prevent this from happening, always be on alert and never allow anyone to touch or put anything on you, be it a flower garland or bracelet.

FAKE POLICE OFFICERS

In many countries, people often pretend to be police officers to extort money from tourists, some of them even looking really legit—badge, gun and all. To prevent yourself from being extorted, one trick is to prepare a fake wallet as a decoy to appease and ward off these pesky fake police officers. Or demand them to show you their identification—it’s standard police protocol to show it so if they refuse, they’re not cops!

KEEP YOUR VALUABLES WITHIN REACH AND IN FRONT OF YOU

This one’s a no brainer. Street performances and markets are always fun but don’t forget to cling on tight to your valuables when you find yourself squashed in the middle of a huge crowd. Pickpockets are always on the prowl and are more likely to target those who’s bags are out of their direct line of sight.

MAKE SURE CAB DRIVERS SWITCH ON THEIR METER

Some dishonourable cabbies may fake an excuse to say their meter’s broken, but don’t buy it. It’s almost always a lie. If need be, negotiate rates ahead of time or even before you hop into the cab. You really have to read the situation because while things like these do happen, not all cabbies are crooks.

RENTAL DAMAGE

Renting a scooter or a bike is hugely popular and it’s much more reliable than solely depending on cabs. Yet, it can also prove to be a huge pain when the folks you rent it from begin accusing you of damage. To avoid getting yourself into this pickle, always make it a point to check your vehicle carefully. Take a photo of your bike or car in a variety of angles so that you’ll have proof in the event that you get blamed for the damage.

WEAR SUNGLASSES OR SHADES

Sure you might look like a douche with shades on inside a train cabin, but it does have its benefits. In theory, pickpockets often prey on travellers who are distracted, preoccupied and basically looking anywhere else but at their personal belongings.

Sunglasses, especially those that are heavily tinted will deter pickpockets from approaching you because they won’t know where exactly you’re looking. Genius? You’re welcome.

5 Ways How A Solo Trip Will Change You For The Better

Editorial — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 01:00:33 +0000

Travelling is good for the soul. Travelling brings about many realisations on top of invaluable experiences. Travelling is something that we all should do.

While it is common to save our annual leave and money for trips with our loved ones, travelling solo can also be interesting. We may be visiting the same places and sampling the same food as our friends, but because we view the world through different lenses, what’s significant to one may not have as profound an impact on someone else.

Travelling solo isn’t as easy. Loneliness is real, and being alone in a foreign land may often be intimidating. We won’t have someone to help us get out of a knotty situation; we won’t have someone to fall back on. But just as well, because we get a different exposure and more often than not, solo trips will change you for the better.

We’ve taken a couple of solo trips ourselves and we’ve found them to be enriching, and if you haven’t taken one, we strongly encourage you to do so. Here are some of the ways a solo trip will change you for the better.

It’s exhilarating to experience that feeling of complete and utter freedom on a solo trip. You are your own person; only you yourself can dictate where you go and what you do… and guess what? There’s nothing stopping you from unleashing your inner adventurer.

No one to stop you if you want to bungee jump off a cliff with the wind in your face, no need to feel the pressure of having someone wait for you while you shop, dine anywhere you like without worrying about someone’s else tastebuds… You are in charge, you are holding the reins, and you’ve got the final say.

1. THE REVELATIONS YOU DISCOVER ABOUT YOURSELF ARE NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING

It goes without saying that, since you are on your own in a foreign land, you will probably spend a good deal of time alone. And that’s nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. Ditch technology and learn to rely on yourself.

Do a bit of self-introspection, roam around with no agenda and strike up conversations with strangers. Basically, take a step out of your comfort zone to do what you normally wouldn’t do (unless it’s, well, life-threatening) and even take time to reflect on your life back home—it might just strike you that your troubles pale in comparison to what’s going on around the world. Or you might surprise yourself with newfound social skills. Just don’t stand by the sidelines – challenge every single one of your fears, insecurities and misconceptions.

2. IT’S ONE OF THE FEW TIMES IN LIFE WHEN THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

You are not constrained by deadlines, time restrictions, rules or travel companions whining about everything under the sun. The scent of freedom is absolutely intoxicating. No one’s breathing down your neck about eating your veggies or going to bed before the sun rises.

Munch on chocolate for breakfast or wear crazy mismatched clothes – just because you can. Jot down your bucket list and start checking boxes. If you’ve got even the slightest amount of interest in something, as long as it’s within the realm of basic common sense, just do it. Because no good travel story ever started out with: “that one time I stayed in the hotel room…”

3. YOU’LL COME ACROSS ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE, WHO JUST MIGHT SURPRISE YOU BY BECOMING LIFELONG FRIENDS

But first, you’ve got to toughen up and resist the temptation to hide out in your room. Who cares about the stares of judgment you might get? You’re probably just imagining them, anyway. The only way you’ll meet new people is if you make an effort to reach out and open up. Don’t be too quick to turn down an invitation to hang out, or better yet, do the inviting.

You may not speak the language, but a smile is a universal greeting – just take it from there. This might surprise you, but people will actually strike up conversations with you more often because you are by yourself—you are not as intimidating as tourists in pairs or groups.

4. THERE’S A WORLD FULL OF BREATHTAKING CULTURE AND LIFE-ALTERING EXPERIENCES THAT LIES AHEAD.

So you prefer to trek through off-the-beaten-path locations instead of the latest hotspot that everyone’s heading to? Hop on a plane and go for it. Don’t let the lack of a travel companion or others’ hectic time schedules distract you from your own fulfilment.

Explore gorgeous ancient ruins, scale the heights of great mountains, admire iconic landmarks across the globe, or attempt adventurous stunts for an adrenaline rush. There’s nothing stopping you from holding all these stunning memories except yourself.

5. YOU WILL RETURN HOME A WHOLE NEW YOU

When you muster up the courage to undertake a solo trip despite your friends’ confused looks and your parents’ (or other half’s) worry, you leave home one person and come back another. It’s pretty much guaranteed.

Confidence is one of the great things you’ll gain – because not many people can say they’ve navigated the intimidating waters of the unknown and come back (mostly) unscathed and even rejuvenated. There’s so much to learn: fresh perspectives, boldness in the face of failure, a new love for solitude, recognition of your inner strength, a greater appreciation for the little things, feeling more than comfortable in your own skin… It sounds clichéd to say this, but it’s honestly truly rewarding.

9 Long Weekends In 2019 If You’re All About That Wanderlust life

Editorial — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 05:30:01 +0000

2018 may have its many ups and downs—as do all years—and for all we know 2019 may come with its fair share of bumps as well, but the one thing that this new year promises, which we’re all insanely thrilled for is the fact that there will be a total of 9 long weekends—if you play your cards right and plan your leaves carefully.

That’s right, 2019 is going to be a year packed with long weekends and more importantly, opportunities to travel! Get out those pens and calendars because here, we give you the lowdown on the 9 long weekends in Singapore this year and the places that are worth travelling to during those periods!

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

New Year’s Day – 1 Jan (Tuesday) – 1 day
Chinese New Year – 5 & 6 Feb (Tuesday & Wednesday) – 2 days
Good Friday – 19 Apr (Friday) – 1 day
Labour Day – 1 May (Wednesday) – 1 day
Vesak Day – 19 & 20 May (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
Hari Raya Puasa – 5 Jun (Wednesday) – 1 day
National Day – 9 Aug (Friday) – 1 day
Hari Raya Haji – 11 & 12 Aug (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
Deepavali – 25 Oct (Friday) – 1 day
Christmas Day – 25 Dec (Wednesday) – 1 day

WHEN TO TAKE LEAVE:

New Year’s Day – 31 Dec (Monday)
Total Days Off: 4 days

Chinese New Year – 4 Feb (Monday)
Total Days Off: 5 days

Labour Day – 2 & 3 May (Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 5 days

Hari Raya Puasa – 3, 4, 6 & 7 Jun (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 9 days

Hari Raya Haji – 11 & 12 Aug (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
Total Days Off: 4 days

Christmas Day – 23, 24, 26 & 27 Dec (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 9 days

PLACES TO TRAVEL TO:

SHORT TRIPS (2 – 3 DAYS)

BANGKOK

A city that’s so full of vigour, Bangkok is hands down, one of our all-time favourite travel destinations because of its vibrant and ever-growing culinary landscape. From the throngs of roadside street food vendors that sell incredibly satisfying grub to a growing cafe and restaurant scene that plays host to young, talented chefs, the country is great if you’re a foodie like us.

But besides eating, the capital is also known for its shopping, affordable massage services and rich culture. Thinking of a short trip just to get away for a while? Bangkok’s your best bet.

VIETNAM

Vietnam is similar to Bangkok in many ways with its friendly locals, robust street food culture and beers that cost no more than S$0.50 a bottle, but perhaps the one thing that sets humble Vietnam apart is the fact that the country boasts a rather fascinating history of which many of their museums and exhibits do well to illustrate—namely the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace.

Vietnam is also a place bustling with street food with the iconic pho, spring rolls and banh mi ranking high on most tourist’s lists of must-try foods. But those aside, there are so many other types of local Vietnamese dishes that you probably haven’t heard of before.

SEMI-LONG TRIPS (3 – 5 DAYS)

BALI

White sandy beaches, lovely locals and beautiful boho-themed cafes that’ll leave you awestruck, Bali is a great place to consider if you’re looking for some solid R&R. Book yourself a villa with some of your mates, grab yourself a case of dirt-cheap beers and you’re pretty much all set for one heck of a holiday.

The bar scene in the Seminyak area is off the charts, but if you’re looking to party, we highly recommend Kuta. In the day, luxuriate in a medley of local Balinese cuisine featuring the likes of nasi campur and babi guling—among many others.

HONG KONG

Just a 4-hour flight away, the dim sum capital of the world remains among one of our top destinations within close proximity of Singapore. Dim sum is serious business here and you can find great ones from some of the country’s top restaurants or even cosy hole-in-a-walls that dish out affordable yet very good ones.

Dim sum aside, Hong Kong is also home to a dynamic and thriving coffee scene that’s great for coffee lovers and suckers for hipster cafes. Shopping’s not really huge here because prices are pretty comparable to Singapore but if anything, we’ll happily make a trip down for the food.

TAIPEI

Taipei is a modern city that bustles with nightly bazaars featuring endless seas of street food. We absolutely love the vibe the city offers as well as its striking similar appeal to Singapore, which allows one to feel right at home there.

Being able to speak basic Mandarin is a bonus but if you can’t, ordering food is as easy as pointing, nodding and paying. Must try’s include the famous pig intestine mee sua from Ah Chung Mee Sua as well as other street food snacks such as fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelette, stinky tofu, flame-torched beef cubes, savoury crêpes and Taiwanese beef noodles—just to name a few.

LONG TRIPS (5 DAYS OR MORE)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

The candy land of cosmetics, skin care products and new-age street fashion, Seoul is a hotspot for young people, especially those hit hard by the Korean wave. We absolutely love Seoul and is a place that we often return to whenever we’re in need of an authentic Korean food fix.

For the shopaholics, head down to Hongdae where you’ll be greeted by alleys full of apparel stores or if you’re looking to stock up on cosmetics and other skin care products, Myeong-Dong is literally makeup Mecca.

TOKYO, JAPAN

Tokyo is a bustling city that never sleeps and is one that never grows stale no matter how many times you visit. To fully experience the modern city, you will need at least a full week but that’s provided you’re in it for the whole package which includes eating, drinking, sightseeing, shopping and the likes.

Be prepared to stuff yourselves silly with the likes of sushi, sashimi, ramen, yakitori, tonkatsu, soba and so much more! We always find ourselves returning home heavier and for good reason—the food’s just too good!

ladyironchef Travel Guides

ladyironchef — Sat, 17 Aug 2013 03:45:47 +0000

In the past two years, ladyironchef has evolved to more than just a food blog with restaurant reviews and F&B happenings; we have expanded to covering a lot more travel and lifestyle topics, bringing you comprehensive guides to the best things in life.

Many of you have written to me, asking for recommendations to popular holiday destinations in the region such as Bali, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei and Seoul. There is so much I can share – down to every cafe and hotels. While I try my best to reply every single email, I thought it would be vital to do a comprehensive summary of all the related posts in this post – with links of our travel guides to almost 30 cities - so that whenever you are about to hop on an airplane, you know where to turn to for information that you might need.

I will be updating this list whenever there is a new guide, so do bookmark this page, or google ‘ladyironchef travel guide’ whenever you are planning a holiday.

AMSTERDAM
10 Things to do in Amsterdam
Where to eat in Amsterdam
Postcards from Amsterdam

BALI
Where to eat in Bali
Bali’s Best Beach Clubs & Bars
4 Hotels for Romantic Retreat in Bali

BANGKOK
10 Best Cafes in Bangkok
5 Dessert Spots in Bangkok
Guide to Shopping in Bangkok
Short Guide to Eating in Bangkok

BARCELONA
Tapas Bar Hopping in Barcelona

BATAM
Things to do in Batam

BOSTON
5 Places to visit in Boston

CEBU
10 Things to eat in Cebu

CHIANG MAI
7 Things to do in Chiang Mai over the weekend

DARWIN
10 Things to do in Darwin

GOLD COAST
Where to eat in Gold Coast
Things to do in Gold Coast

HO CHI MINH CITY
Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide

HONG KONG
10 Best Cafes in Hong Kong
Top 10 Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng
Hong Kong Disneyland
Guide to Shopping in Hong Kong
10 Things to do in Hong Kong
Weekend Getaway in Hong Kong