The biggest setback most travellers face is usually finance related. But did you know that there are many ways you can cut back on the seemingly hefty amount? All you need is to channel a little more energy and you will be surprised by how the amount of money you can save!

From buying unwanted tickets at heavily discounted prices to getting free accommodation, travelling is now made so much more affordable than before. We want to share with you useful travel tips on how you can still board the plane to your dream city.

So without further ado, here are 7 Useful Travel Costs Reduction Tips That You Probably Did Not Know About!

BUY UNWANTED TICKETS FROM REAL PEOPLE

Many frequent travellers have made the impulsive terrible mistake of purchasing a plane ticket, only to realise he/she could not make it on the date. Depending on the airline’s terms and conditions, some may or may not be allowed to change the dates.

This is when Jump Flight comes in handy, where you can actually purchase plane tickets off these unlucky people. It’s a win-win situation to be honest, where you get a discounted ticket and the other party gets the bulk of his/her money back!

REGISTER FOR FREQUENT FLYER MEMBERSHIPS

Signing up for a Frequent Flyer Membership with your preferred airline is worth it, especially when you do fly pretty regularly. Accumulate your miles and you can eventually redeem plane flights and/or other awards!

Most Frequent Flyer Programs are also in partnership with other airlines, hence ensuring you clock up your miles almost effortlessly. For Singapore Airline’s Kris Flyer, members get to collect miles when flying with other collaborating airlines such as Silk Air, Virgin Atlantic and 28 other Star Alliance Airlines.

YOU CAN EARN MILES WITHOUT FLYING

Most people tend to think that the only way to earn miles is via flying but they are absolutely wrong! This common misconception is a huge savings barrier for regular travellers. Using of relevant credit cards actually allow you to convert your expenditure into qualifying miles.

For example, ANZ Travel Visa Signature Credit Card offers S$1 = 1.4 air mile for local spending and S$1 = 2.8 air miles for expenditure in Australia and New Zealand, while American Express Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Credit Card offers 1 Kris Flyer mile for every S$1.60 spent. There are many credit cards with contrasting annual fees, different conversions, varying privileges, so do your research and choose what is best for you.

GET ALERTED FIRSTHAND ABOUT LOW AIR FARE

Don’t you hate it when you were planning to purchase plane tickets at a particular value, only to find that it has risen tremendously overnight? Worse still, finding out that the tickets you bought is on a 30% discount the day after!

Here’s a piece of news to travel lovers – you do not have to leave your full-time job to pursue your innate wanderlust. Here are 7 Tips on How You Can Still Travel With A Full-Time Job.

As savvy travellers, we should be well informed but stalking the airline’s booking engine every hour is just not feasible. This is where Air Fare Watch Dog, Sidestep and Yapta comes in handy. These websites will notify you firsthand when your desired airfare has fallen in value. How brilliant!

HOW TO SAVE ON ACCOMMODATION

Besides the hefty costs of plane tickets, travel expenditure usually racks up easily with accommodation. For those who prefer staying at hotels, be sure to register as a member with hotel booking websites and enjoy their exclusive limited period members-only special discounts!

But why splurge on luxurious 5-star hotels when you can save the money and enjoy free lodging at Couch Surfing or House Sitting? The latter will require you to take care of a home and in exchange you get accommodation! You can look up House Carers, Luxury House Sitting, and Trusted House Sitters if that idea appeals to you.

If you are not a fan of Couch Surfing, staying at an Airbnb apartment/room is probably your best option. While we love our huge beds and fluffy sheets of commercialised hotels, we enjoy blending in to local cultures and truly experience living like a local. Which is why we have been such believers of Airbnb.

Airbnb is offering all ladyironchef readers S$36 travel coupon to book your next holiday accommodation. Simply click on this link, sign up and get S$36 on your first booking on Airbnb.

VOLUNTEER OVERSEAS

If time is your only luxury and you have nowhere in mind to go, why not consider volunteering in exchange for complimentary food and accommodation? World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) and United Nations Volunteers (UNV) are two great goodwill organisations to start with.

CUT EXPENDITURE WITH WIFI

Upon arriving at a foreign destination, most of us are usually given a myriad of options for prepaid SIM cards. Drop those packages with international/local calls! With the advancement of technology, one can easily make a Skype call and WhatsApp call by simply tapping on the data usage.

If you want to skip the hassle of queuing, purchasing and changing your SIM card altogether, why not opt for Changi Recommends’ Wifi Router? The router is extremely reliable and the best part is that it connects 8 devices at a go, starting from S$5/day!

Illustrations for ladyironchef by Kaeting.

For me, travelling has always been all about the experiences. I may be visiting the same places and sampling the same food as my friends, but because we view the world through different lenses, what’s significant to me may not have as profound an impact on someone else.

Of course, traveling in a group has its perks, but it’s a completely different ballgame when you’re on your own. Loneliness is a feeling we all abhor. No one wants to be isolated and all alone, especially while overseas, when you don’t know a single soul.

But get this: a solo trip doesn’t necessarily mean a lonely trip – that’s a misconception we’ve got to tear down. You may be traveling by yourself, but there will be a whole bunch of fellow globetrotters and locals you can hang out with if you just put yourself out there and be open to whoever comes across your path. Don’t worry about people perceiving you as a ‘loner’ just because you’re dining by yourself. I admit, it can be pretty daunting at first. But you’re in an exciting new country – just shake it off, let loose and enjoy yourself.

If that isn’t convincing enough, here are 5 reasons how a solo trip can change your life.

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. Always wanted to bungee jump off a cliff with the wind in your face and your life solely in the hands of a rope? Strap on. Got hunger pangs in the middle of the night? Go ahead and pig out at the nearest hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Never had the chance to swim with the sharks (or crocs… or any other deadly creature)? Dive in. You’re in charge, you’re 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’re on your own in a foreign land, you’ll 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.

On my trip to the UK, I realized I had all these assumptions and false impressions of the people there. So I forced myself to let it go and start on a clean slate, keeping an open mind when meeting new people (with my surprising new sociable nature). Long story short, I ended up with friends from all over Europe, who happily gave me a glimpse into their fascinating culture and brought out the inner thrill-seeker in me.

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

You’re 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’re by yourself – you’re not as intimidating as tourists in pairs or groups. Some of my closest friends now are ones I’ve randomly met while traveling alone, so you really never know what might happen.

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, 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.

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.

If you clicked on this article, chances are, you are a 20-something or 30-something full-time employee who feels like you’ve been tolerating the humdrum 9-to-6 life for far too long.

So here’s an idea: quit. Then pack your bags, and go travelling. Yes, make that drastic decision, be a little daredevil – you won’t regret it. Let me tell you why you should quit your unhappy job and travel.

YOU WILL GET TO EXPERIENCE THE WORLD

Yes, yes, I know – this is such a no-brainer, right? But take a second to think deeper into this. How things are done, as you know them to be, are very different around the world. For example, breakfast is a meal taken between 6am and 9am, right? Well, the Nepalese don’t actually have “breakfast”, at 10am, they eat lunch. When they rise at around 6am, they have tea and biscuits and call it a “snack”.

Do you think the elderly here could hike up a mountain? Let’s not talk about Bukit Timah. In South Korea, I had hunched-over ajummas overtake me on a hiking trail – and I exercise on a regular basis! It showed me quite clearly that I don’t have to resign myself to inactiveness in my golden years – which, in all honesty, is how I would have viewed it if I were to base it on how the aged get by here.

And yes, you could hear stories about all of this – but wouldn’t it be better if you got to try everything yourself? The world out there is so, much, more than our little speck of an island and the things that we are used to.

YOU WILL LEARN NEW THINGS ABOUT YOURSELF

I didn’t know that I could catch a fly with my bare hands. I didn’t know that I did, after all, fear heights a little. I always thought I had zero problems with it – until I stood at a cliff’s edge on a small mountain in New Zealand expecting excitement, only to feel my legs go soft and an urge to start crawling on all fours.

I didn’t know that there is a limit to how much I can take overseas and yearn to go home – I always thought the wanderlust in me could never be quenched.

I didn’t know that I would turn into a snapping psycho if we got lost and were wasting precious travelling time. Though I did learn that at the end of the day, there’s no harm done – what’s the point of getting mad at time that’s already passed?

YOU WILL FIND OUT IF YOU WANT TO STAY PUT OR RELOCATE

When I was 16, I visited an aunt who lived in Gold Coast. My family and I stayed with her for close to a month, and I returned home yearning to live in Australia. I am 26 this year, and as I matured throughout the years, a part of me considered that the desire to relocate was possibly something I wanted rashly as a naïve 16-year-old. Well, today, I still want to move.

In the last 10 years, I have visited several other countries and while I am now not so certain which country I’d end up in, my dream to relocate sticks. Singapore is great, and I am aware I am blessed to be born here, but it is not the place that makes me the happiest. Inversely, there are people who go abroad to find out that despite Singapore’s setbacks, they will never move. You can only find out which side of the fence you prefer when you’ve actually climbed over.

YOU GET TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS, EVEN CLOSE ONES

I did not expect to form a bond with a couple that I’d met on a holiday in South Korea in 2012. My boyfriend and I stayed at their place, which we found on Airbnb.com. For some reason, we really connected and still keep in touch via Whatsapp. This year, my boyfriend and I even planned a surprise visit for them. We had to create a fake account to book a room because we knew they would’ve wanted to let us stay for free – like real friends would – but we felt bad and preferred to pay. Similarly, I’ve heard many stories of friends who’ve met some of their best friends while travelling, in the most serendipitous situations.

YOU GET TO TELL COOL STORIES

I was once almost stuck atop a mountain fortress close to sunset, with no food and warm clothing in autumn. Thank goodness I found a detour – I was honestly beginning to panic.

I once met a fellow traveller who shared the same birthday and who was turning the same age as my boyfriend (whom I was travelling with) – we ended up having a mini celebration at his hostel where he cooked dinner.

YOU DON’T HAVE TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY, OR TIME

Notice how I didn’t mention anything about some 6-month round-the-world trip? Did you automatically assume that? Travelling for an extended period of time doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend a lot of money, or time! Take a break for a month and a half.

You can go WWOOF-ing (an international programme where you work on an organic farm in exchange for food and accommodation) or do other forms of volunteer work to keep costs low. After I left my job as a writer, I went to Nepal for three weeks to help out in a village farm and teach English in a local school.

The entire trip cost me slightly above $1000, airfare included. Hostels around the world offer free accommodation in exchange for a few hours of work, five to six days a week – you can find openings on sites like www.helpx.net.

YOU CAN FIND A JOB WHEN YOU COME BACK

A month-long break is not too long a wait for your next employer, if you already have a job lined up. And if you don’t, listen – the world is not going to end for you. It really isn’t! If you want more security in place, quit between January and March.

A lot of people are moving on in the job market then, and there are sure to be openings you can fill when you return. When I came back, I had interview offers which I was sure I would be able to ace because of my prior job experience, but I turned them down because I was looking to do something new.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

To wrap it all up, I leave you with this quote – by Randy Komisar, The Monk and the Riddle: The Education of a Silicon Valley Entrepreneur - which I try to live by: “The most dangerous risk of all – the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.“

You can try to foresee and prep, as much as you can, for what will happen in the future, but the truth is, you’ll never really know.

Travel now – before you have children, before illness strikes, before you need to pay for your home loan, and car loan… And if you already have some monthly payments to make, it’s still not impossible to go – you just need to find a way to save more for the trip (and you really don’t need much!).

Travelling will do wonders for your soul, your being and your mind. So go ahead, take that plunge.

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.