Traveltips
In my past few Cambodia posts, you'd see that I used "we" instead of I when I was describing where I went or what I did. That is because I went to Cambodia with my dad! This isn't the first time i've traveled with my dad, but it is the first trip we took alone, without my siblings, without anyone else, and yes, it was fun! Here are some benefits I noticed during my with daddy!
1. YOU CHOOSE THE DESTINATION
This is probably true when it's just you and your dad. If you're the kid and he's the adult, he's bound to let you have a say in where you want to go. For me the conversation went,
Me: "Daddy I wanna go to Cambodia and see the Angkor Wat temple, wanna come?"
Dad: "OK! When? I need to apply for leave."
2. DAD PAYS
Well... technically, I paid first because I booked and plan the entire holiday, but my dad works on a reimbursement basis, so i'm pretty sure i'd get my money back.
This definitely won't be true when I graduate and start working (which is in a few months time), so... this might just be a one time thing, anyway, Thanks Daddy ;)
3. YOU GET THE CHOICE OF BED
Daddy probably will ask you which side of the bed you want or which bed you want. My dad did, and I got to choose the bed I wanted!
4. THE BETTER TOILET/SHOWER DEAL (or any deal tbh)
i.e. shower first after the end of a long day and get to use the toilet 2nd in the morning so you get a teeny wee bit more sleep
Dads have short hair - well, shorter than us girls with long hair that is. Since my hair "takes a longer time to get dry" my dad had me shower first every night during our trip!
5. PERSONAL PHOTOGRAPHER
Part of daddy's duties? A lot of my friend's dads end up being their Instagram photographer. I think Dads just think we're being typical millennials and just accommodate with the 101 retakes.
We aren't talking about the awesome quality photos, but when they take more than 20 shots, one of them is bound to be good enough!
My dad had some experience with photography/videography during his time, so he was all like "Ready? Ok, Go! Start!" while filming clips for this travel video.
6. YOU HAVE AN ADVENTURE BUDDY!
Different people want different things whilst traveling, and that is true even with family members. I'd throw a general stereotype out there and say dads are typically more adventurous than mums.
My dad and I both enjoy visiting the more exotic places going to temples, and seeing what my other family members would term "boring stuff" so we make a good adventure pair!
7. GOOD FOOD
'Cause... point 2? I'm kidding. Although you gotta agree, free food tastes better.
Basically, I have this theory that parents always seem to pick the better food option. My dad always orders tastier food than I do, so when I eat with him, I let him pick and hey, good food!
8. YOU NOTICE THINGS YOU OTHERWISE WOULDN'T
Dads are older, they have more life experience, basically they pick up on things and point out stuff you otherwise would have just glanced by and not notice.
For example, I totally didn't realise these monks were praying and offering blessings in exchange for some food or donations, when we were walking around the market early in the morning. It's some kind of buddhist custom, but I know so little about the buddhist religion. So my dad pointed that out to me.
And, Dad pointed out that there were bottles of petrol/oil just sold in conveniences stores. I'd totally have passed it by without realising.
9. YOU GET TO CONNECT ON A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
Traveling alone with one parent is truly the best way to connect with them. I finally heard a different side of the same story about how and why my parents' split. I heard stories of what my dad was like when he was younger, and since he did a lot of traveling in his time, I got to hear those stories too.
I hardly had to get a tour guide for the temples because my dad seemed to know so much about Cambodia and buddhism - he could even hold conversations about Cambodia's customs and government with the driver that took us around!
10. YOU GET TO BE DADDY'S LITTLE GIRL
This is probably my favourite. If you grew up as a single child, you probably won't feel the way those who have siblings would.
Traveling alone with dad (or mum!) means getting their undivided attention. No siblings around to vie for their attention, they don't have to vote who to follow, and basically you get your way the whole time.
Being the oldest of 3 kids, I'm always making the plans on family outings and trips and having to accommodate everyone's schedules and preferences. On this trip alone with dad, I got to be daddy's little girl and daddy was just accommodating me, that was AWESOME.
If your dad is like mine, it probably means you have to plan the entire holiday and he's just gonna follow along. That could come in as a plus point if you like deciding where to go and what to do like I do. But, if you're not much of a planner or decider, then this might be a teensy bit annoying.
I've never really talked about my dad on this space, so in honour of him, I decided to craft this fun post. If you've never gone on holiday/vacation alone with your dad (or mum), and have the chance to do so, i'd say go for it! The experience might just be incredibly fun.
Time for me to travel alone with mum some day!
10 Benefits Of Traveling Alone With Dad
10 July 2016 Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
It's been a while since i've gone on a trip. 4 months to be exact. It is definitely a switch from my year abroad. I still miss the days of traveling around Europe, and taking day trips around UK.
It is just not the same now that i'm back in Singapore.
Something about being on a year abroad gives you this freedom and hunger to travel and see the world or the region you're in. I mean, I still have that insatiable hunger to hop on a plane and see the world, but that hunger is currently being curbed by the fact that I have to
a) Find an internship (which I got Thank God!)
b) Finish up all my Final Year Projects/papers/extra-curricular involvements etc.
c) Find a full time job for when I graduate
d) Figure out how to me an adult out of college (no idea how)
I can't wait for the end of summer to arrive, when i'm done with my internship and have some time to travel! Starting my plans for those days right now (or whenever I procrastinate studying for finals).
In the spirit of honouring my travel desires, I decided to answer some travel related questions in a form of a Tag Video. I hope you enjoy it and, LET ME KNOW SOME OF YOUR ANSWERS!
Q U E S T I O N S
1. Your most treasured passport stamp? Paris
2. Can you recite your passport # from memory if asked?
3. Preferred method of travel; planes, trains or automobiles?
4. Top 3 travel items?
5. Hostel or hotel?
6. Are you a repeat visitor or do you explore new places?
7. Do you read up on your destination (culture,history,safety) or do you wing it?
8. Favorite travel website?
9. Where would you recommend a friend to visit? Name city & why.
10. You're leaving tomorrow, money is no option, where are you going?
Travel Catch Up
8 April 2016
* For the people who tend to always get lost. It's hereditary. I guarantee. I got it from my mama.
I think up to this point, a lot of people are still shocked (my mum & boyfriend being the top of the list of people) that I managed to navigate around cities and travelled without wifi/without data /4G/3G/whatever form of phone internet connection. Judging from how I can get lost with google maps IN THE CITY I GREW UP IN.
I have to say, travelling alone was by far one of the most interesting, fun and special experiences i'll ever have in my life and my GREATEST takeaway from 2015.
Now when my dad and uncles talk about how the bag packed around Europe when they were younger, and how the scrimped and saved to afford a train ticket, I can relate.
After travelling for the most part of 2015, I have always wanted to share some of my tips especially for those who are afraid to take the plunge to travel alone or visit places alone.
This post has been in the works (and forgotten about oops)! For a while, and now its time to share!
Here are some easy ways to survive a solo travel, especially for those who, like me, tend to get lost one too many times, and are seriously dependent on WIFI. This is how you beat the odds!
THINK: You’re NOT Alone
When you think it often enough, somehow you end up convincing yourself that you're fine alone. Instead of thinking "What if i get pick pocketed in Paris, what if some one steals my phone in Italy what if I get lost in Portugal all on my own, what if..." think "If this happens, i'll just -inserts a way to solve the issue- after all, I'm not alone".
Tbh, bad things happen, no matter where you live, doesn't stop you from going to the grocery store on your own in your home town now does it? Sure some places are safer than others, and walking in a dark alley can be pretty scary, but just imagine all the people walking around alone in the city/town/place you're in.
You're not alone.
Just be brave, and you'll soon find out that the world isn't as dangerous as people make it out to be.
PLAN: Pre-download Maps/Pre-plan your route
Well, in order to survive without wifi/internet connection on your phone (cause that is at least an additional $10 for every city = one good meal!) you need to preplan your routes. At least before you leave. Or make sure you know how to get back to your accomadation.
Citymaps2go, Citymapper, etc. there are tons of map apps out there that don't need wifi to operate pick one, familiarise yourself with it, and you're good to go. Citymaps2go is my fav.
Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I lost my phone, thank God that has never happened, but you can always double up with a physical map of the city if you want (I can't read physical maps, so I never use them, but I ALWAYS ALWAYS keep my phone secured).
DO: Talk To Locals/Other people
Don’t be afraid to talk to people even if you think they wouldn’t understand you. Trust me, people will find all ways to communicate or direct you even if you can't understand them. Once and old lady tried to guide me to the hostel I was staying at and we both spoke in completely different languages with a ton of hand gestures. It worked.
Don't be afraid to approach people. You'll find that there are a ton of friendly people in this world!
STAY: Choose hostels
This goes without staying. Stay in a place where people you meet LIVE in that city, and can give you tips on how to get around. I stayed in hostels during all my travels alone because
a) You meet people of the same demographic locals, students, people who have visited said city multiple times, etc.
b) It's way more affordable, and
c) You get to meet OTHER solo travellers and listen to their stories - by far the greatest thing that comes with travelling alone.
PACK: LIGHT.
To be honest, the worst thing you can do to yourself is OVERPACK. Imagine being all alone and having one too many bags to carry whilst you are buying food and holding a tray trying to find a seat. Yeah. Nightmare. It happened to me once while I was halfway through Norway.
I wouldn't say I'm the best at packing light, but find all ways possible to ensure that your things all fit in one bag. Bag pack is the way to go, but if you're fashion conscious, fit everything in a small hand luggage. TRUST ME! IT'S POSSIBLE!
After writing this post, I'm itching to book a flight and travel solo to another destination. Hopefully in Asia. I'm pretty sure traveling solo in Asia will be quite different from traveling alone in Europe, but either way, here's hoping my adventures (alone or with others) can continue in 2016.
I hope you found this useful, and do share some other tips you have down in the comments below!
I think up to this point, a lot of people are still shocked (my mum & boyfriend being the top of the list of people) that I managed to navigate around cities and travelled without wifi/without data /4G/3G/whatever form of phone internet connection. Judging from how I can get lost with google maps IN THE CITY I GREW UP IN.
I have to say, travelling alone was by far one of the most interesting, fun and special experiences i'll ever have in my life and my GREATEST takeaway from 2015.
Now when my dad and uncles talk about how the bag packed around Europe when they were younger, and how the scrimped and saved to afford a train ticket, I can relate.
After travelling for the most part of 2015, I have always wanted to share some of my tips especially for those who are afraid to take the plunge to travel alone or visit places alone.
This post has been in the works (and forgotten about oops)! For a while, and now its time to share!
Here are some easy ways to survive a solo travel, especially for those who, like me, tend to get lost one too many times, and are seriously dependent on WIFI. This is how you beat the odds!
THINK: You’re NOT Alone
When you think it often enough, somehow you end up convincing yourself that you're fine alone. Instead of thinking "What if i get pick pocketed in Paris, what if some one steals my phone in Italy what if I get lost in Portugal all on my own, what if..." think "If this happens, i'll just -inserts a way to solve the issue- after all, I'm not alone".
Tbh, bad things happen, no matter where you live, doesn't stop you from going to the grocery store on your own in your home town now does it? Sure some places are safer than others, and walking in a dark alley can be pretty scary, but just imagine all the people walking around alone in the city/town/place you're in.
You're not alone.
Just be brave, and you'll soon find out that the world isn't as dangerous as people make it out to be.
PLAN: Pre-download Maps/Pre-plan your route
Well, in order to survive without wifi/internet connection on your phone (cause that is at least an additional $10 for every city = one good meal!) you need to preplan your routes. At least before you leave. Or make sure you know how to get back to your accomadation.
Citymaps2go, Citymapper, etc. there are tons of map apps out there that don't need wifi to operate pick one, familiarise yourself with it, and you're good to go. Citymaps2go is my fav.
Sometimes I wonder what would happen if I lost my phone, thank God that has never happened, but you can always double up with a physical map of the city if you want (I can't read physical maps, so I never use them, but I ALWAYS ALWAYS keep my phone secured).
DO: Talk To Locals/Other people
Don’t be afraid to talk to people even if you think they wouldn’t understand you. Trust me, people will find all ways to communicate or direct you even if you can't understand them. Once and old lady tried to guide me to the hostel I was staying at and we both spoke in completely different languages with a ton of hand gestures. It worked.
Don't be afraid to approach people. You'll find that there are a ton of friendly people in this world!
STAY: Choose hostels
This goes without staying. Stay in a place where people you meet LIVE in that city, and can give you tips on how to get around. I stayed in hostels during all my travels alone because
a) You meet people of the same demographic locals, students, people who have visited said city multiple times, etc.
b) It's way more affordable, and
c) You get to meet OTHER solo travellers and listen to their stories - by far the greatest thing that comes with travelling alone.
PACK: LIGHT.
To be honest, the worst thing you can do to yourself is OVERPACK. Imagine being all alone and having one too many bags to carry whilst you are buying food and holding a tray trying to find a seat. Yeah. Nightmare. It happened to me once while I was halfway through Norway.
I wouldn't say I'm the best at packing light, but find all ways possible to ensure that your things all fit in one bag. Bag pack is the way to go, but if you're fashion conscious, fit everything in a small hand luggage. TRUST ME! IT'S POSSIBLE!
After writing this post, I'm itching to book a flight and travel solo to another destination. Hopefully in Asia. I'm pretty sure traveling solo in Asia will be quite different from traveling alone in Europe, but either way, here's hoping my adventures (alone or with others) can continue in 2016.
I hope you found this useful, and do share some other tips you have down in the comments below!
How to Survive Alone In a Foreign Country Without WIFI
11 January 2016
DISCLAIMER: This post was written a while ago, but I never got around to publishing it because of the whole lot to travel destination related posts I wanted to share. One day I was scrolling through my list of drafts and found it. I hope it comes along useful especially to those who will be traveling this last bit of summer or going to be traveling on their year/semester abroad.
The other day (or a long time ago - i.e. when this was written) I was on Twitter chatting with a few other people talking about their travel preferences (from favourite seat on a plane to food and drinks) and also, what they do to entertain themselves whilst on a long flight.
A lot of people said they mostly spend their time sleeping. Sadly, as much as I'd love to be able to sleep on long journeys, I'm one of those people who find it difficult to sleep when my body is sitting upright. I need to be in an inclined position or laying flat down to actually fall asleep. I hate drifting in and out of sleep: you know the ones where your eyelids are too heavy to open but your brain is still functioning and you get awaken by every small movement or noise? Yeah, those are the worst (my long flights never constitute hours of sleep).
Anyway, I've decided to write this post, after a year of multiple train and plane rides, to hopefully give you some ideas on what to do when you're unable to sleep on a long journey (my definition of long is anything above 3 hours by the way, if you're wondering!)
From train journeys that last a couple of hours to 13 hour long plane journeys, here's what I'd do to keep myself occupied.
1 | M O V I E S / Y O U T U B E
Starting out with the obvious, when I have wifi on the train/plane, I use it. But half the time, it's too crappy for me to watch anything. So on long journeys I catch up on movies (if available on planes), or watch YT Videos when the wifi holds up on trains.
However, we all know the wifi never really holds up, and there is only so many times you can watch Masterchef Junior Season 2 Episode 4, so when I don't have a connection, I turn to the next few activities.
Remember: Always preload your computer/ipad/etc. with movies you never know when the trains will delay, so if you're going on a long journey and it gets even longer, a movie will definitely take the time and edge off!
2 | A U D I B L E
Most of the time (especially on train rides) wifi barely holds up, and budget airlines don't offer any movies. So this brings me to my next form of entertainment, and that is Audible. I don't own a kindle or iPad and I've tried reading on my phone (gives me a headache all the time) so audible has become my new favourite app.
I preload the books I want to listen to, and there you have a storyteller for company.
During my long train ride from Kraków to Vienna, I listened to half of girl on the train. An interesting choice, and I the story was so gripping I just couldn't stop listening!
Another app I use is Zinio. I pre-download my magazines like Vogue and Nylon, and just read them on the train. Although, I much prefer audible because then I can close my eyes and pretend someone's telling me a bed time story as I attempt to sleep.
3 | T A K E P H O T O S
And I don't mean selfies, but of course you can do that if you want to. This is especially useful when I'm on longer train rides. Train rides pass through really scenic small towns, you even get stunning views (especially those through Switzerland!) sometimes the view is so good you drain your phone battery snapping photo after photo - case in point when I took pictures for my blog post "The Best Plane Take Off Ever".
Make sure you have your camera batteries all powered up, or you have a portable charger for your phone so you don't miss that special shot when the train / plane zooms past it.
Number 2&3 go really well together I must say. By well together, I mean you can do both activities at the same time. Multitasking will make time pass so much quicker!
4 | E D I T P H O T O S / B L O G P O S T S
Most of the time I edit my photos when in on longer rides (more than 5-7 hours). If you blog, own a blog or edit photos in general, you'll know that takes quite some time. So whilst on a long journey, it's the perfect way to kill time.
I must say, however, there are times when I just don't feel like getting my laptop out because the table is too small and its just so uncomfortable.
But most of the times for long journeys, my Mac Air would be out and i'd be doing some form of editing or planning a post (like what I'm doing as of now!)
5 | R E F L E C T I O N S
I like taking the time on planes or trains, well basically any traveling journey, to reflect on life, and my experiences. Maybe it has something to do with travelling alone, and not having to entertain another person or be part of any conversation, I find I get the most "me time" when I'm on a long journey. Even if Im on a long journey with a friend, I feel like it's my own time, because who talks for 5 hour straight am I right?
During travelling journeys, I am able to think about life, have a "discussion" in my head, look back at my experiences with the trip - or anything for that matter - and kind of figure out what I've learned from the various experiences.
I'm one of those people who can easily slip into reflection mode and be lost in that world of reflection, so thinking gets me through long journeys EASILY!
I know sometimes we find these methods extremely simple and idiot proof, but what I want to emphasize is, HAVE AT LEAST 2 MODES OF ENTERTAINMENT.
There were so many times I felt so restless or uncomfortable because of all that time I was wasting on long journeys.
If you're one of those lucky lucky ones who can easily fall asleep in uncomfortable sitting positions, good for you! Otherwise, I hope you found this post useful ;) If all else fails, remember the importance of a PORTABLE CHARGER!
The other day (or a long time ago - i.e. when this was written) I was on Twitter chatting with a few other people talking about their travel preferences (from favourite seat on a plane to food and drinks) and also, what they do to entertain themselves whilst on a long flight.
A lot of people said they mostly spend their time sleeping. Sadly, as much as I'd love to be able to sleep on long journeys, I'm one of those people who find it difficult to sleep when my body is sitting upright. I need to be in an inclined position or laying flat down to actually fall asleep. I hate drifting in and out of sleep: you know the ones where your eyelids are too heavy to open but your brain is still functioning and you get awaken by every small movement or noise? Yeah, those are the worst (my long flights never constitute hours of sleep).
Anyway, I've decided to write this post, after a year of multiple train and plane rides, to hopefully give you some ideas on what to do when you're unable to sleep on a long journey (my definition of long is anything above 3 hours by the way, if you're wondering!)
From train journeys that last a couple of hours to 13 hour long plane journeys, here's what I'd do to keep myself occupied.
1 | M O V I E S / Y O U T U B E
Starting out with the obvious, when I have wifi on the train/plane, I use it. But half the time, it's too crappy for me to watch anything. So on long journeys I catch up on movies (if available on planes), or watch YT Videos when the wifi holds up on trains.
However, we all know the wifi never really holds up, and there is only so many times you can watch Masterchef Junior Season 2 Episode 4, so when I don't have a connection, I turn to the next few activities.
Remember: Always preload your computer/ipad/etc. with movies you never know when the trains will delay, so if you're going on a long journey and it gets even longer, a movie will definitely take the time and edge off!
2 | A U D I B L E
Most of the time (especially on train rides) wifi barely holds up, and budget airlines don't offer any movies. So this brings me to my next form of entertainment, and that is Audible. I don't own a kindle or iPad and I've tried reading on my phone (gives me a headache all the time) so audible has become my new favourite app.
I preload the books I want to listen to, and there you have a storyteller for company.
During my long train ride from Kraków to Vienna, I listened to half of girl on the train. An interesting choice, and I the story was so gripping I just couldn't stop listening!
Another app I use is Zinio. I pre-download my magazines like Vogue and Nylon, and just read them on the train. Although, I much prefer audible because then I can close my eyes and pretend someone's telling me a bed time story as I attempt to sleep.
3 | T A K E P H O T O S
And I don't mean selfies, but of course you can do that if you want to. This is especially useful when I'm on longer train rides. Train rides pass through really scenic small towns, you even get stunning views (especially those through Switzerland!) sometimes the view is so good you drain your phone battery snapping photo after photo - case in point when I took pictures for my blog post "The Best Plane Take Off Ever".
Make sure you have your camera batteries all powered up, or you have a portable charger for your phone so you don't miss that special shot when the train / plane zooms past it.
Number 2&3 go really well together I must say. By well together, I mean you can do both activities at the same time. Multitasking will make time pass so much quicker!
4 | E D I T P H O T O S / B L O G P O S T S
Most of the time I edit my photos when in on longer rides (more than 5-7 hours). If you blog, own a blog or edit photos in general, you'll know that takes quite some time. So whilst on a long journey, it's the perfect way to kill time.
I must say, however, there are times when I just don't feel like getting my laptop out because the table is too small and its just so uncomfortable.
But most of the times for long journeys, my Mac Air would be out and i'd be doing some form of editing or planning a post (like what I'm doing as of now!)
5 | R E F L E C T I O N S
I like taking the time on planes or trains, well basically any traveling journey, to reflect on life, and my experiences. Maybe it has something to do with travelling alone, and not having to entertain another person or be part of any conversation, I find I get the most "me time" when I'm on a long journey. Even if Im on a long journey with a friend, I feel like it's my own time, because who talks for 5 hour straight am I right?
During travelling journeys, I am able to think about life, have a "discussion" in my head, look back at my experiences with the trip - or anything for that matter - and kind of figure out what I've learned from the various experiences.
I'm one of those people who can easily slip into reflection mode and be lost in that world of reflection, so thinking gets me through long journeys EASILY!
I know sometimes we find these methods extremely simple and idiot proof, but what I want to emphasize is, HAVE AT LEAST 2 MODES OF ENTERTAINMENT.
There were so many times I felt so restless or uncomfortable because of all that time I was wasting on long journeys.
If you're one of those lucky lucky ones who can easily fall asleep in uncomfortable sitting positions, good for you! Otherwise, I hope you found this post useful ;) If all else fails, remember the importance of a PORTABLE CHARGER!
5 Ways to Entertain Yourself On Long A Journey
17 September 2015
From Erasmus, summer exchangs, semester or year long exchanges, to doing a year of masters study overseas, the opportunities to study abroad are aplenty.
When you choose to study abroad, one can safely assume a part of you has the desire to travel, have new experiences, meet new people and basically see the other side of the world.
Depending on the situation you're in, sometimes you get to go on an exchange with your friends, but more often than not, you don't.
In Singapore, doing a semester abroad is pretty common. People go with their uni course mates, make friends, form travel groups even before they leave the country, or even get to do an exchange with their significant other in the same city!
Unfortunately, for my course, the situation was largely different. I'm part of a uni programme that includes a full year abroad, and I could choose between 2 schools - Imperial College and UC Berkeley. I was the only one from my specialisation that chose Imperial (and i'd do it all over again!)
Out of 54 people in my class, there were 9 of us that went over to London, but we were all from different specializations, and I was the only one from mine. Since Imperial College doesn't have an official exchange with my home university, I didn't get to meet other Singaporeans from other courses, much less form a travel group of anything. But I still managed to have a great deal of experiences, especially when it came to traveling, without having to take money from my parents!
So here are some of my tips on how to make the best of your exchange experiences!
1. Manage your expectations
Here's the hard truth. Right from the start.
A year abroad isn't going to be easy for everyone.
Before my year abroad, I thought going on an exchange would be easy, fun, less academically strenuous. So many seniors and friends have shared with me how their exchange was all fun and play and that it was EXTREMELY EASY to pass or even score As. Upon arriving in Imperial, I was faced with a rude shock - IT WAS SO NOT EASY.
Whilst my other friends doing their semester exchange in other parts of Europe could travel during the school week and had only 2 days of lessons, I was stuck with 3 hours of morning lab sessions almost every single day, followed by lectures in the afternoon.
You can clearly tell I was less than pleased.
Fact: some people do have it easier. That doesn't mean you will.
My friends who did business or humanities courses rave about how much easier school was during their time abroad, but each to its own.
Some business students have it difficult especially if the courses they take are intensive. I've met students who do their MBAs overseas and they will definitely say it isn't a smooth ride.
So, manage those "I'm gonna travel the world this year! Who cares about studies!!" expectations (else you'd be miserable like I was for about 3 months before you accept the fact).
If you're in engineering or a science course, don't expect to have it easy. If you're taking 11 core courses in a year, don't expect it to be easy. If you're doing labs, don't expect to have loads of free time. That way, If you happen to have it easy, it's a bonus!
2. Know Your Priorities
Fact: You can't do everything. (As much as you want to)
I have friends who gave up traveling because they wanted to participate in different school actives. I on the other hand, gave up school activities to travel. Some people prioritise learning certain skills, like cooking, baking or engaging in activities they never had a chance to before. But more often than not, people choose travel.
Well, everyone is different and as long as you set your own priorities up front, you do you, and just make the most of your exchange experience the way YOU want to.
3. Ignore the Nay-sayers
Priorities for everyone will be different. For me, I never had the luxury of frequent traveling during holidays when I was younger. I probably went on 2 trips the entire of primary school and 1 in secondary school. And funded the rest of my travel experiences (excluding school trips) from my allowance savings post secondary school - which meant no way I could afford a ticket to Europe!
So prior to leaving home, it was already set in my mind that TRAVEL will be a priority for my year abroad.
Fact: People WILL judge you. Be it in your new school or back at home. They will comment on how you're "rich" because you travel - NO. I'm not. Neither are my parents. And no they definitely did NOT give me money for my year abroad.
Basically, people start making remarks whenever you don't conform to the norm. As an exchange student, you're definitely not the norm. So go, experience the life of an exchange student. You deserve it.
4. Don't be afraid to have experiences alone
Traveling alone or joining a school activity alone, if you want to experience something, go for it!
I had so many solo-travel experiences because my friends couldn't make it. Imagine if i'd only travel if they were available?! I would have missed our on SO MANY fun travel experiences.
I also joined the pole dancing club. In an asian culture, pole dancing is a little bit of a taboo. I have always wanted to try it, but never had the guts to when I was in Singapore.
Im so glad I went for a few lessons alone when I was in London. It was so enjoyable, I'm thinking of doing it regularly now that I'm back in Singapore.
Fact: Going on exchange with a group of people from your home country doesn't mean you have to do everything together. You DONT have to join the same activities and you DONT have to travel together.
If you want to go to Portugal, and no one else is available? Put on your big girl (or boy) pants, and just go for it! On your own. SOLO-POWER! The lessons you gain from traveling alone far outweighs the initial fear of stepping out of that comfort zone we all have.
I had so many solo-travel experiences because my friends couldn't make it. Imagine if i'd only travel if they were available?! I would have missed our on SO MANY fun travel experiences.
I also joined the pole dancing club. In an asian culture, pole dancing is a little bit of a taboo. I have always wanted to try it, but never had the guts to when I was in Singapore.
Im so glad I went for a few lessons alone when I was in London. It was so enjoyable, I'm thinking of doing it regularly now that I'm back in Singapore.
Fact: Going on exchange with a group of people from your home country doesn't mean you have to do everything together. You DONT have to join the same activities and you DONT have to travel together.
If you want to go to Portugal, and no one else is available? Put on your big girl (or boy) pants, and just go for it! On your own. SOLO-POWER! The lessons you gain from traveling alone far outweighs the initial fear of stepping out of that comfort zone we all have.
5. PLAN
Your academic calendar
Your travel calendar
Your budget (this is probably the worst)
All these NEED sufficient planning.
Im not advocating skipping lessons... but as an exchange student (IF your grades don't count into your GPA - like mine) I think the rule of attending all your lessons can be slackened.
Depending on the course and school you are in, there are different requirements. Some schools don't allow you to skip lessons, while others are more flexible. Make sure you attend the first lessons of all your modules so you have a gist of what the different modules are about. Also, to pick out important test dates, work submission dates, exam dates etc.
For me, I made sure I had a full solid month to study before examinations (and then pretty much travelled the rest of the time hahaha!) and I made sure I started my assignments as early as possible, and complete 90% at least 2 day before submission.
When you have your academic calendar sorted out, you can start planning your travel calendar :) Thats the most exciting part!
Budget wise, I planned for every trip I take. Accom prices, how much money I'm taking, if i'd need transport. Pre-download maps. The usual drill.
Basically, Plan. FOR EVERYTHING.
Im not advocating skipping lessons... but as an exchange student (IF your grades don't count into your GPA - like mine) I think the rule of attending all your lessons can be slackened.
Depending on the course and school you are in, there are different requirements. Some schools don't allow you to skip lessons, while others are more flexible. Make sure you attend the first lessons of all your modules so you have a gist of what the different modules are about. Also, to pick out important test dates, work submission dates, exam dates etc.
For me, I made sure I had a full solid month to study before examinations (and then pretty much travelled the rest of the time hahaha!) and I made sure I started my assignments as early as possible, and complete 90% at least 2 day before submission.
When you have your academic calendar sorted out, you can start planning your travel calendar :) Thats the most exciting part!
Budget wise, I planned for every trip I take. Accom prices, how much money I'm taking, if i'd need transport. Pre-download maps. The usual drill.
Basically, Plan. FOR EVERYTHING.
There you have it. 5 Tips to have a more enjoyable and memorable year abroad!
These tips seem very easy and straightforward, but trust me, when you're caught up with the new high of being in a different country, or continent, all these go right out of your head. You'll probably be bursting with excitement from all the possible travelling opportunities, or you might be sitting alone in your new room feeling a tad bit homesick. Either way, just remember that you're so so so lucky to be doing an exchange/year abroad. Make the most of it!
Create wonderful memories where you can look back on years later and say, I'm glad I did that.
Create stories you can tell your kids and grandkids in the future!
Hope you found this useful, and all the best for your year/semester abroad xx
5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Year Abroad
24 August 2015
This post could alternatively be called 48 Hour Guide to Budapest.
But I seldom call my posts guides, because I don't think I have the ability to give travel advice when it comes to visiting a city - especially if I've only been there once. I don't even think I qualify to give advice when it comes to what and where to eat/sleep/do in Paris (and I lived there for 3 months!) Guess this doesn't really make my blog a travel blog now does it?
Regardless, I really do hope you still gain something from reading my posts!
Anyway, since I had only 2 full days, here's how I managed to make full use of my time to see as much as I can in Budapest.
Hopefully you get some tips from this post for when you find yourself in a situation where you don't have enough time in a city and you're suffering from severe fear of missing out!
Tip 1: Check out one full section (attractions etc in the same region) of the city on the first afternoon.
When you don't have enough time, every minute counts, so if I have a 3 hours before dinner time, I immediately bolt out of the hostel and explore the city.
For me, when I arrive mid-afternoon in a Budapest, I didn't sit around planning what to do. I picked an area, head over and spend my evening there. For Budapest, I spent my day exploring the Jewish quarter going around the various bars, peering into the different cafes - all with SPECTACULAR INTERIORS - admiring the architecture of synagogues and the walking down the various graffiti lined streets.
There are plenty of awesome restaurants and cafés in the Jewish quarter. Plus it's a lot more affordable there.
Remember to check out the Szimpla Ruin Bar, Mika Open Bar, the Book Cafés or even the Karaván street food market, they are worth the visit.
Be it the old town, or Jewish quarter, I'd choose an area where food is aplenty that way I dont have to get to somewhere else when the hunger sets in!
I don't think there is a point in sitting around planning when you don't have much time, just choose a decently sized region of the city, grab your camera and go! You can plan for the next day in the night.
What I Wore
Shirt: SheInside
Shorts: SheInside
Necklaces: Primark
Bag: Gap
Tip 2: Join a free morning walking city tour
I went on a free walking tour in order to visit the major sites in Budapest and learn a bit more about their history, the buildings and the city istelf.
With walking tours, it generally takes about 3 hours depending on how big the city is, and more often than not, you don't get to go in to the specific attractions.
When I have time to explore a city, I'd skip the free walking tours, pick and choose a few attractions I'm interested in and spend more time there. But Budapest is a huge city, so for this trip, I signed up for an free walking tour in the morning (I usually take the morning tours so I have afternoons free).
The tour was average, I've been on better ones, but it did give a good overview and background of the city!
Tip 3: Visit the places not covered in the tour in the afternoon
Another benefit of going for a free walking tour in the morning is you have the whole afternoon to cover other places that aren't considered major tourist attractions.
I wanted to be able to walk down the Danube River, walk to the other bridges (not just the chain bridge) and visit the Great Market Hall.
The walking tour already introduced me to the major sights of city, and explained them in sufficient detail, I didn't feel the need to revisit any of the places again, so after having some awesome beef goulash at Kisharang, I headed for the Parliament House, River and Great Market Hall (places that weren't covered in the Tour).
It's normal to go back to the same places you see in the walking tour to actually enter and spend more time at the attractions. But as you can tell, I always have FOMO and I wanted to visit other places as well! So I didn't see a point in revisiting those attractions.
And if you're anything like me, going on a walking tour = no need for navigating around the city on your own = more time saved on reading maps and figuring out where you are (which BTW looking at the Hungarian language is SO NOT EASY)!
The 2nd day I found myself having dinner and a cup of beer alone AGAIN (happened a number of times considering I was traveling alone and staying in a really really small hostel) at Karaván. I kept going back to the Jewish Quarter for food. This seldom happens when I'm traveling as I really like exploring new places and having different types food, but somehow, I kept gravitating back to the Jewish quarter in Budapest. I'm pretty sure it's one of my favorite jewish quarters. It has a different vibe in the day (party atmosphere at night) but I'm pretty sure one would enjoy it anyway.
Yes, I went back to another restaurant in the area for breakfast the next day! Thankfully I didn't stay too far from the Jewish quarter!
If you happen to plan more time in Budapest (please do!!) they have a lot of independent boutique stalls, selling lovely jewelry and clothes, I wish I had the time to explore - there is even a map and route to these boutique stalls!! My hostel reception gave one to me because he thought I'd be interested. I was, but time was sadly, not on my side.
I definitely have to visit Budapest again some day. If I've to choose the cities i'd visit again in Europe, Budapest will no doubt be on the list!
Outfit Diary: NOT ENOUGH TIME IN BUDAPEST (and tips to deal with it!)
18 July 2015 Budapest, Hungary
Subscribe to:
Posts
(
Atom
)
