Finding Your Way Around Seoul!

I spent my new year in Seoul and Jeju with 2 other friends this year. It was my first time there but my friends visited Seoul before and one of them understands korean so it was quite an easy trip for us. Here's some tips for those who are visiting Seoul! :)

What's In My Travel Makeup Bag?

So I went to HK sometime back and here's a what's in my travel makeup bag post!

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All the items that I brought with me to Hong Kong.

Finding Your Way Around BKK

As you all know, I went to BKK recently about a month ago.

So here are some tips for those who are planning on going there! :)

Some tips were from a very nice Singaporean whom I got to know there!

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1. What is the easiest way to go from

one place to another?

image from flickr

Take a cab! It's very cheap anyways. Average about 100-200bhat.

We didn't even try taking any trains there cause we travelled in fours (just nice for a cab).

Each trip is like $1-2 (SGD) per person. So we didn't really care.

The thing about taking cabs in BKK is that...

ALWAYS TAKE A CAB THAT RUNS ON METER!

If they refuse to on meter, reject them and take another cab.

Those that shout out fixed price usually are 2x more expensive.

We've tried that twice. Tested and proven =P

Anyways, their BTS aren't really that accessible. Okays we were lazy to walk.

But if you are keen in taking BTS, you can consider their One-Day Pass or 30-Day Smartpass.

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2. The 3 types of cabs in BKK

i: Runs on petrol

ii: Runs on dieselthen than

Three: Runs on CNG

image from squidoo

I haven't seen these colorful cabs there.

We only took the orange ones, yellow+green ones and hot pink ones.

The more common cabs around BKK are the yellow+green and hot pink ones.

The orange color cabs there usually runs on CNG and we were told that they might explode OMG!

On day one we took a orange one. Thank god nothing happened.

It is cheaper if it runs on CNG, followed by petrol, followed by diesel.

But I would not risk it and would rather give the CNG ones a miss.

We were recommended to take cabs that had a mix of yellow and green (that is their "official" cab).

They had this hot pink cabs too. They are safe to take just that most don't like to run on meter.

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3. Don't take cabs parked outside your hotel.

image from stickmanbangkok

Usually they are not trustworthy. Not trustworthy in the sense that they will charge you more.

There was this place we wanted to go and they said it was very very far away, take an hour to go.

But I search on google and it takes only 30mins!

We ended up walking to the main streets to get a cab and we reached in 20mins!

Conclusion: Always flag a cab along the main streets.

There are plenty of cabs in BKK so no worries about not being able to flag one

that is willing to run on meter.

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4. Don't assume everywhere has the same

opening hours!

Being a shopaholic who only shops at shopping malls and assuming everywhere is like USA

and have a standard 10am-9pm opening hours, I made a couple of mistakes in the itinerary!

I totally didn't check any of their opening hours.

And guess what? Floating markets only opens on weekends.

The famous Thip Samai only opens after 5.30pm.

The Grand Palace closes at 3.30pm.

Platinum Mall closes around 7pm (some online sites say 9pm but most shops are closed by 7pm).

Conclusion: Always check the opening hours before planning the itinerary!

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5. Need data plan?

I did my homework before going to BKK.

As a blogger, I NEED my data plan. I could barely survive Genting for two days without data plan.

I would go on some cold turkey if I have to survive the entire 5days at BKK without data plan.

Forever checking my gmail, twitter, instagram. I know, I'm over-reliant on the internet :(

Here's your solution if you need data plan in BKK - dtac Happy Tourist SIM.

They have this 299bhat card for 7 days unlimited data plan and 100bhat worth of credits inside.

The 100bhat credits can be used for calling or sms :)

It's easy to tell which shop it is. They have a super super long queue.

Tip: You don't need to have a card per person.

If you have portable chargers with you,

you all can always share one card by setting up hotspot ;)

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That's all for this post!

For those who have been to BKK before or heard stuffs about BKK,

feel free to leave comments/tips below to share with the rest! :)

Flying with NO Check-in Luggages - What I bring to BKK

By the time you read this post, I'm already on my flight back from Bangkok to SG!

I know my post are super laggy. Have yet even completed my USA travelogues.

But... some sponsored posts has to come first.

Anyways here is the continuation to my "Flying with NO Check-in Luggages" post!

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Things in my hand-carry luggage :)

Skincare + Cosmetics

I did my laser treatment 5 days before flying to BKK so not much skincare and cosmetics were needed.

Lets start with what is in my zip lock bag (liquids - less than 100ml per bottle):

DRx Cleanser

DRx Toner

DRx Sunscreen

These 3 are my basic necessities after laser!

Actually they are my daily necessities when I am lazy too.

These 3 are the bare minimal that I need to have on my skin everyday.

Tooth paste

Shower foam

Shampoo

Sunblock

The 4 daily necessities! Not of any preference. I just grab whatever travel sized ones I can find at home.

And yes, I can live without conditioner for a couple of days cause I have really oily hair.

I can't use conditioner everyday too. Hmm.. and sunblock isn't really a necessity.

I don't use sunblock when I am out actually. Brought it just in case the weather there really burns.

Now for my little cosmetics bag (non-liquid):

Lip Balm Stain

Nude Matte Lipstick

Spoolie Brush

Eyebrow pencil

Comb

Toothbrush

Cotton pads
Razor

My 8 "beauty" products.

Brow and lip products are sort of my necessities now.

I'm trying my best to put them on whenever I am out.

This is the bag that I put in my personal bag once I reached BKK (incase I need to touch up).

Shall skip foundation and stuffs cause I don't really put full makeup when I am out (except for events).

Plus full make up always takes me an hour to prep. So... no full makeup when travelling!
Anyways I left out the razor in the photo. Added it in last minute =P

Tip: Use eyebrow pencil instead of powder when traveling

Reason being, pencils are alot lighter than a wax+powder set!

Clothings

I brought along:

3 Sets of outfits (since we will be shopping on day 2)

4 Sets of undergarments and pads (one set per night)

1 Set of sleeping clothing

1 Towel

Tip: To travel light, bring thin cotton clothing/chiffon clothing.
Also, wear whatever is the heaviest, eg. jeans/denim

Miscellaneous

3 Packets of tissue paper

1 Camera charger

1 Phone charger
1 Portable Weigh

That's all that is in my hand-carry luggage!
Weight: 4.71kg

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Things in my personal handbag :)

Note: In the end I changed my bag.

Brought a simple sling bag instead of Longchamp.

The same trusty bag (shown in the first photo) I brought to USA :)

Was told not to bring any branded stuffs there.

Even my wallet I changed it to a very old one.

Won't change second photo cause I changed my bag and wallet the night before I flew.

Necessities in my bag

Firstly, Lets start with the things that are always in my bag:

1 Phone

1 Camera

1 Wallet

1 Umbrella

1 Lipbalm

Extras:

1 Pen

6 Plasters

2 Packets of tissue paper

1 Packet of mints & candies

1 Packet of blotting paper
1 Packet of medicine

1 Hair Tie

I don't normally use an umbrella but it is always in my Longchamp bag.

And for the sake of pretty skin (less than a week after laser),
I shall use an umbrella everywhere I go in BKK.

All these are the things that are normally in my bag too :)
Brought along panadol and cramp pills just in case.
And yes, I left out the hair tie in the photo =P

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That's all the stuffs I brought to Bangkok.

Want to know my OOTDs in BKK and what I did there?

Keep a look out for my travelogues! ;)

Flying with NO Check-in Luggages

If you are planning on flying without any check-in luggages

then you have to ensure that you bring ONLY NECESSITIES!

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Some things that you have to know about hand-carry luggage...

1. Bag Size

image from weheartit

The bag's length, breadth and height (including protrusion) must not exceed 115cm (46 inches) in total. Meaning, Length + Breadth + Height ≤ 115cm!

You can read the full Changi Airport baggages details here.

The weight limit may vary from airlines to airlines.

I know some allow 7kg, some allow 10kg, so do check their respective websites.

2. Liquids

image from flypeach

Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers with a maximum capacity of not more than 100ml each. Containers must be placed in a completely closed/sealed transparent re-sealable plastic bag

with a maximum capacity not exceeding 1-litre.

You can read the full Changi Airport hand-carry liquids guidelines here.

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List of necessities to bring:

Toothbrush + Toothpaste

Cleanser + Skincare

Makeup

Camera and chargers

Makeup remover

Body wash + Shampoo

Towel

Undergarments

Clothings

The above are what I think will be my necessities when I travel.

If you realized, I planned it according to how a day goes.

i.e. Wash up, makeup, go out come back and bath.

Writing this post as a reminder for myself cause I will be flying to BKK soon with only hand-carry.

Hope this post can help those who are planning on flying without check-in luggages too!

Keep a lookout for part two of this post! I will be sharing what I brought on my 5D4N BKK trip :)

Finding Your Way Around The Sunshine State!

Florida is also known as The Sunshine State :)

It's really sunny there BUT they do have horrible downpours too!

Here some tip for those who are travelling to Florida :)

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1. What is the main thing about Florida?

Florida is theme park, theme park and more theme parks!

So those who don't like theme parks I will suggest you cut down on the number of days spent there!

2. As usual, cabs are so expensive!

a) Find hotels that have free transportations to various theme parks!

The hotel we stayed at has free transportation to Disney World (we didn't use it though - you will find out why in my next few posts), Universal Studios Orlando and Busch Gardens! I think there were a couple other free transport to other theme parks too.

b) Take the trolley

I-Ride Trolley Service for International Drive Resort Area

image from iridetrolley

So for adults it's $1.50 per ride. If you are planning on taking more than three rides, 

it will be more worth it to get the unlimited ride one day pass.

You can find more details about it here :)

3. Sick of theme parks?

Have a day or two off theme parks - go shopping! :)

I heard the one at Vineland is larger compared to the one at International Drive.

Nonetheless, you can always visit both if you want ;) Just incase some items are out of stock.

And the trolley can bring you from one outlet to another!

4. To bring an umbrella or not to bring?

image from weheartit

Always bring an umbrella or poncho with you! Especially when you are there during Summer!

And if you are bringing an umbrella, please bring a super strong one. 

In Florida (or at least Orlando), wind often comes with rain. 

You would not want to be caught in a situation with a spoilt umbrella when it rains. Do you?

It's their Summer BUT also their rainy season and their hurricane/monsoon season!

(According to wikipedia, June to September is their rainy season)

When we were there it was the rainy season period :( So yes when it rains, it was madness.

The worst thing? Their theme parks are mostly outdoor attractions and many rides had to be stopped.
So when you are going to the theme parks, go to all the outdoor attractions first! :)

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That's all for this post!

Will be posting more tips in each of my upcoming travelogues :)

Finding Your Way Around The Capital City!

Washington DC also known as The Capital City :)

Here are the tips to saving money while travelling in Washington DC!

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1. It's always so expensive to travel in cabs!

Want to use your money to shop instead of spending it on transport?

Take the Metro!

We bought the one-day unlimited pass there.

I think usually it's more worth it to get unlimited ride passes

(especially when you are a tourist) cause:

1. You don't have to worry that you alight at the wrong station. 

Can just re-enter without having to pay more.

2. You can save up (take more rides at a cheaper price).

As a tourist, naturally you will want to see more of the place right? 

So usually tourist will take transportations quite a bit. 

It's not like you will stay at one place for a day!

image from wmata.com

The one-day unlimited metrorails pass was only $9 when we were there now its $14!

It was very worth it for us then cause even if we only took 3 rides that day it's still cheaper.

Now that it's $14. I wonder if it's still worth it.

But you can always do your own calculations there.

So it's very important to plan the day before (to know the route to take)!

1. Plan the places you want to visit.

2. Arrange the order you plan to arrange the attractions in.

3. Look for the nearest train stations for each attraction.

4. Use the trip planner to find out all the cost.

Then you can decide if it's worth it to get the unlimited rides passes :)

2. I'm lost! Where should I start?!

If you are planning on touring the whole Smithsonian Area (like what we did),

you can try starting from Smithsonian National Postal Museum

There where you can get yourself a trusty map! ;)

image from smithsonian site

That's the map you can get there. You can get one at the information counter.

Alternatively, you can save this in your phone.

But I always thought it's easier to read it on paper.

Anyways, since the postal museum is right at the corner, you can start there and go one big round!

We went the whole outer perimeter and skipped the middle areas.

You can plan based on what interest you more.

But for us we just wanted to see as much as possible ;)

3. What is the fastest way to get from A to B?

If you are visiting the whole Smithsonian area, I would suggest you WALK.

The metro stations and bus stops are really far from these places.

So if you take a metro/bus you will still have to walk to and fro!

Also by walking, you will get to see more :)

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I think Washington is the place we "saved" the most.

We didn't really spent much there other than:

1. paying for the hotel,

2. buying the train ticket,

3. buying souveniers and

4. buying food

We didn't pass by any place where we could really shop at!

On top of that, all the museums in Smithsonian are free to visit :)

Finding Your Way Around The Big Apple!

My first USA tips blogpost! :)

Not a lot of tips. But 3 important ones! ;) 

To help you save some money and find your way around New York at the same time!

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1. Oh My! The yellow cabs are so expensive!

Want to travel around New York without causing a hole in your pocket?

Take the Subway! :)

Here's the map.

image from MTA

Looks a little messy right? But it can really get you everywhere with a little help of the google map! ;)

And if you know you are gonna keep taking the Subway, 

just get yourself the Unlimited Ride MetroCard!

Usually it's $2.50 per ride but the 7-Days Unlimited Ride MetroCard cost only $29!

That's like the cost of 10 rides and trust me if you are there for 7 days, you will definitely take more than 10 rides. Especially when you are not familiar with the place and might exit the wrong stations.

Do not worry if you are not staying there for 7 days. That's what I recommended cause I stayed there for 7 Days. You can check out their price here and you might be able to find other ways to help you save a little when taking the subway :)

And note:

Many of the subway stations have no lifts/elevators! Only stairs.

So if you are carrying super heavy luggages, I will suggest you take the yellow cab to the hotel.

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2. What?! Even the attractions are expensive!

Want to visit all/most of the attractions but do not want to spend that much?

Get yourself a New York Pass!

Sis recommended me this before my new york trip :) And boy it really helped me save quite a bit!

image from newyorkpass

It's cheaper to buy online. So buy online first then go there to collect your card and book :)

Just look at the list of attractions it covers here. I felt it was like most of the attractions in NY!

Mine was the $140USD 3 Day Adult Pass and the attractions I visited were (not in actual order):

Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum Tickets (worth $39) 

Top of the Rock Tickets (worth $25)

Ripley Believe it or not Tickets (worth $32)

 CitySightseeing Cruise Tickets (worth $28)

Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise Tickets (worth $36)

Empire State Building Tickets (worth $25)

 Skyride Tickets (worth $41)

 American Museum of Natural History Tickets (worth $19)

 Bodies... The Exhibition Tickets (worth $30)

 Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Tickets (worth $24)

Total Price (without NYPass) = $299USD

That should be all if my memory did not fail me =X

I did not really check all the how much it's worth prices. I But I know after my second day I covered the base price of $140 already! And if I did not remember wrongly, the prices above which I got from newyorkpass's website are correct. And heys! I saved $159USD!!! Good right?

Would definitely recommend this New York Pass to those who are there for attractions!

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3. I cannot live without my phone!

Need a phone plan/data plan? I needed one cause I'm worried I will get lost there and have to contact my friends. On top of that, we needed to use the google map to help us around the place!

And from my "research" and sister's recommendation, I compared a few mobile shops and found that T-Mobile was the most affordable one. Never get your phone card from the airport. They are ripoffs! I had a friend who was charged a sum for "registration fee" on top of the plan fee.

Anyways they also do not have T-mobile at the airports =P

image from T-Mobile

Of course they had other plans too. But I felt these 2 were the more worth it ones :)

You can always check out their website for more plans! ;)

What my sis used was the $50 per month plan and she added $10 for international calls.

What I used was the Walmart special $30 per month plan. They said online/at Walmart. But I went to their normal T-mobile shops to ask and they did that for me too! Yay! Super thankful to that guy who helped us :)

Note:

You can send/receive international smses however you will be charged and it will be deducted from whatever prepaid value you have in your card (which you might have put inside for the future months) And for my $30 plan could not make out-going international calls but could receive. Not very sure about the $50 plan. I chose that plan cause I knew I would skype instead of make international calls. So if you want to make international calls, do check with the shop before paying!

And we chose monthly plans cause we stayed there for very long! I was in USA for 2 months. The last 5 days in USA my plan ended and I used their $2 pay-by-the-day plan. Can just top up by yourself online. If you are planning to get that plan straight, you can check out with the people at the shops!

image from T-Mobile

And there are T-Mobile stores in other states too! Not only New York ;)

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Hope my little tips will help you find your way around New York!

All details are updated as of September 2012.