MOVED -

So, after much contemplation - I finally gave in and paid for a domain.
I'm not blogging at
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

These Traveling Feet -

Feel free to come and visit ;)

Travel Apps Must Haves -

Traveling can be very stressful -- delays, cancelation, etc.
But luckily, more and more innovative developers have come up with an amazing range of apps designed to make our travels smoother.


I want to Book/Plan ________ (insert related items here) -

Skyscanner: A very clean-looking app that does everything you need it to do when it comes to flight searches. The app aggregates fares from both airlines and other big travel sites so you're guaranteed to bag the best deal. There is also an option to pin the search to your start screen so users can keep an eye on the price fluctuations.

Available on IOS (free) and Android (free).

TripIt: This is, by far, the closest thing most of us can have to a PA. And of course, a lot cheaper too ;) All you have to do is forward your original confirmation from vendors to plans@tripit.com and the app will automatically generates your itinerary for you. You can edit the itinerary even from your mobile devices and also able to share it with friends/families.

Available on IOS (free) and Android (free).

I want to Navigate __________ (insert related cities here) -

Grab (formerly GrabTaxi & MyTeksi): With the largest pool of drivers in Southeast Asia, Grab offers the fastest booking service and reliable rides at the touch of a screen. You can choose to pay by cash or credit card and your receipt will be sent directly to your registered email.

Currently only serving Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Available on IOS (free) and Android (free).

Waze: A GPS-meets-social networking app with a rather accurate result. Just tap in your destination and user-submitted traffic reports will make sure you get there as quick as possible. There's also a speech recognition option for those with their hands on the wheel.

So who needs a sat-nav right?

Available on IOS (free) and Android (free).

Made it to the Destination, it's time to Explore -

TripAdvisor: Whenever I need brutally honest reviews of hotels/restaurants/attractions, this is my go-to app. It strips away the usual glossy reviews one may find on a typical touristy info-mag. But some users of this app are hard to please. You most likely will find complaints next to your favourite spots -- so beware ;)

Available on IOS (free) and Android (free).

Time Out: Offers an in-depth coverage in an ever growing number of cities. Can be useful in both your home country and while traveling. All you need to do is switch the city, tap the relevant "Near Me" option and, voila, you get the updated recommendations neatly on your mobile screen.

Available on IOS (free) and Android (free).

Be Sure to Avoid Miscommunication -

Google Translate: Unbeatable - as far as general translation apps go. Boasts enough features to satisfy most users (if you're a pedantic linguist, then too bad). One thing I'm most intrigued about is the "word lens" tool where you point your camera to the foreign word and have it translated in real time on your screen.

Available on IOS (free) and Android (free).

Memrise: An incredibly well designed app. It uses images to make learning easy and fun. Not a replacement for a proper language tuition but it helps to get the basics or keep yourself fresh on grammar/vocabulary. Also available in offline mode :)

Available on IOS (free) and Android (free).


So -- browse well, take your pick and start globe-trotting!

Relocating Overseas? Five Things That Might Help -

Cross-posted from my blog, The Runaway Expat.

*     *     *     *

Moving abroad for the first time can (occasionally) be a very baffling decision.
But if you're considering it, I'd say "Go for it!" --

It will not only be life changing; but a rewarding experience too. Trust me.


Research -

So you've accepted this amazing job offer in a far-flung land. Go online -- get to know where you're going, talk to people who have been there. You know, do something about it. If possible, ask your new company to allow a pre-visit so you'll know what to expect when you arrive.

Meet People - 

When you first arrive in your new host country, it is important to meet people and make new friends. Get involve at school (if you're a parent), seek out local groups and don't just stick to the expats (though I quite like InterNations community). Not isolating yourself from others can greatly improve your perspective of your new home and it helps to have local (and expats alike) friends to connect with.

Learn the Language - 

This doesn't mean you have to be fluent in the span of one month. But, yes, learn the language of your new home. It'll make life much easier especially if you're going to live in a country where English isn't widely spoken. Know the basic at the very least. It will help you get around, and boost relationships at your new workplace.

Be Open; Embrace Independence - 

If you've always been dependent on someone (it could be your parents, spouse, etc.), you might have a hard time abroad. It is important to learn how to do things yourself. You also need to be comfortable being alone, be open to surprises and not always compare your host country to your home. Sure, the grass might be greener at home but if you keep thinking about it, it'll make your transition a very hard one.

"No Vacancies" - 

Don't underestimate how many guests you will have in your first year abroad. Sometimes, these requests might even come from people you haven't heard from in years. I'm not saying say no to everyone; but don't let yourself get overbooked. You need time to get to know your new city, your new life. Constantly having guests to entertain is certainly not conducive.


And honestly. It will not be a bed of roses -- there will be times when your new expat life displeases you, when you desperately want to go home to your comfort zone. But then, there will be days when you realise how lucky you are to have the opportunities many can only dream of having.


So, live it up.
Bon Voyage! Gueti Reis! 잘다녀오십시오!


All the very best of luck with your new adventure.

Seoul's Hidden Photo Spots -

I often find myself snapping constantly throughout my trip(s) so I can capture every moment. I personally like one-of-a-kind places with cute murals and all that --

It has been a while since my last trip to South Korea -- the last being in 2013. I had no idea there are a lot of very distinct, full of character photo spots in there (Seoul, to be exact).


Ihwa Mural Village -

If you're a Korean drama fan, then I'm sure you'll be familiar with this village -- yes, it is the filming location of TV dramas 'The Girl Who Sees Smells' and 'Rooftop Prince'. Approximately 60 artists took part in the project of painting the walls and installing sculptures in the village.

This project was carried out in 2006 by the local Public Art Committee in order to improve the environment of this village.

Photo Credit: AirAsia

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

This village is located in Ihwa-dong area, Jongno-gu (Seoul). To get there, take Seoul Subway Line 4 to Hyehwa Station. Use Exit 2, walk for about 15 minutes and you will not miss it.

Naksan Park -

To get to Naksan Park, you will need to do a little 300m hike up the "mountain" -- this mountain is a solid granite bedrock located not far from Ihwa Mural Village. 

In 2002, it was designated as a park -- being in the centre of Seoul, this park allows visitors to have a magnificent view of the entire city. 

Photo Credit: TimeOut

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

You can get to Naksan Park easily by walking through Ihwa Mural Village. Just walk the same street up the hill for about 300m and you will arrive at Naksan Park.

Gyeongnidan-gil Road -

A 1-km long road, filled with all sorts of attractions, entertainment and cuisines from around the world. The liveliness of this place is unlike any other neighbourhood in Seoul. 

With N-Seoul Tower in the Northern side and Itaewon in its Southern side, Gyeongnidan-gil Road has now become well known among travellers and locals alike, who are looking for a unique place to chill out. 

Photo Credit: Visit Korea 

Photo Credit: Visit Korea

It is fairly easy to get to Gyeongnidan-gil Road -- just take the Subway to Noksapyeong Station (Line 6) and use Exit 2. Walk straight for about 3 minutes until you see an underpass. Use this underpass to get to the other side of the road and you're there.

FYI -- it is located in the Itaewon-dong area, Yongsan-gu (Seoul).


These certainly got me jumping on my feet to start shooting.
I know there are more of such attractions in Seoul; and perhaps other places too. I'm looking forward to find out and to add them to my list :)

Five Ways to Save Money on Your Next Vacation -

So, our economy may not be at the strongest point now. And that makes traveling quite expensive.
But, if you play your cards right -- there are lots of incredible ways to make the most out of your travels.

Cheap doesn't always have to be bad, right? :)

So here I've put down my top five tricks on turning my vacation into an affordable activity.


Be flexible with flights -

You see, a little tweak in your travel itinerary will save you a ton. I usually travel midweek instead of weekends; and if you're talking about long haul -- flights with transits always win hands down. Not only its cheaper than direct (80% of the times) but I find it more comfortable dividing my long journeys into two legs.

I don't mind being on transits for a few hours -- at least I get to stretch my legs and get some fresh air. And also, some airlines (mainly the Gulf carriers) offer free stopovers at their Hub -- so that is also a nice way to have 2-in-1 vacation ;)

Flying open jaw - that's flying into one city and out from another - is also a good option. Not necessarily the cheapest but will save you the needless costs of going back to your starting point if you're visiting a few countries at once.


Travel off season -

Summer is the best time to visit Europe; likewise spending winter in the Caribbean. But these will cost a bomb simply because everybody else think so and would like to experience the same thing at the same time.

So, opt for shoulder season instead (just before or after the peak season).

If you ask me why? Then I'd say why not --
Prices are low (even cheaper airfares). The weather is nice. Restaurants / Shops are open and happy to see customers. And, generally fewer tourist around so you mingle mostly with the locals.

Sure, it won't be the warmest or sunniest but the prices are much, much better.


Skip the chain hotel -

I rarely stay at big, expensive brand hotel (think Hilton, Westin, etc.) because personally, I think they have very little in value. A B&B offers double the warmth and half the price of what these hotels charge you. And I like the cultural intimacy prospect and the personality of it -

I have tried house-sitting during one of my earlier travels and this is also another unconventional option that could be explored.
You know, you get free lodging in exchange for taking care of someone's home while they're away -- help feed their cat, water their plant and whatever else.


Take free tours -

Sure, you can pay for standard tours along but in most major cities around the world -- you can also find free walking tours being offered. What is so special about them? Well these walking tours show you the city's highlight and also, teach you about the culture.
Another option is by using the hospitality site, Couchsurfing and PlayPlanet (the Korean version of CS) to connect with locals who would be happy to show you around.

You will also, at the same time, meet cool, smart and genuinely nice people.


Think outside the box -

Why are some of the more popular destinations pricier than the other? Well, of course they are. Because everyone wants to go there. Looking for a beautiful and less molested island but Maldives is too expensive? Try Raja Ampat instead.

Of course you can't substitute Paris for another city because, hey, it's Paris after all.
But there are plenty of European cities that are equally as gorgeous; full of their own charm and excitement. For example, Budapest or Dubrovnik -
Sure, they're a little less well known but definitely cheaper and special in they're own way.

And also. Take advantage of countries with lower exchange rates or slightly down economy (e.g. Greece).


Well -- a little more leg work will pay off. I'm sure you can also add on to the list :)
What are you waiting for? Go, travel!