This is a catch up article since I missed out on the Thursday slot for Thursday Travel on Empty Streets 1027. Today am featuring a beautiful next door neighbor country to the Philippines - Malaysia. Malaysia is truly a place of beauty and one filled with enough mystery and adventure that is sure to fill up your itinerary.
To get you started though I found a cool site that talks about the top ten places to visit when you go to Malaysia: Top Ten Places in Malaysia
Now to further entice you - here is a video playlist of what to expect in the place that is known best as Truly Asia:
I was riding a cab when I heard the news of National Geographic releasing an article about their Top 25 Adventure Trips for 2010. It caught my attention because they named the Philippines as one of their choices and of course I just couldn't help but smile with glee. Imagine what that would do to our economy :). I guess when you think about it, the Philippines does have over a thousand islands to visit and if you are spending dollars (US) the exchange rate is pretty high and the cost of living here is pretty low - you really get a lot out of what you would be spending for. Cool thing is that there are a lot other countries that have been needing a lot of tourist attention that has been added to the list.
Trying to decide on what to bring and how to pack them for that vacation that you have been looking forward to for so long. I have compiled a list to help you figure this out and in simple easy to follow 21 tips.
1. Security and Keeping Details Safe Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account.
You can also store the details of your emergency 'lost card' telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen.
This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one.
2. Split up your valuables
Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).
3. Nalgene/Small Bottles
Use nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable (easier for security purposes post August 2006). You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage, which as of early 2007 is much more restricted than before.
4. Backpack Tips
When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack.
5. Plastic Bags
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.
6. Pack in Plastic
Pack everything in clear plastic bags (preferably zip lock), divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also dead easy. Just be sure not to leave your plastic bags lying around if you are travelling in nature! (Tip from a member)
7. Clothes
Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road.
8. Split up clothes when travelling with others
When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you.
9. Separate Beach Bag
When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver!
10. Suitcase lovers
For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.
11. Gifts
While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened. (Tip from a member)
12. Flashlights or Torches
When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.
13. Diaper Bag
If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It's also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not travelling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.
14. Shoes
If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).
15. Carry-On
Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.
16. Roll Technique
Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.
17. Traveling to warm destinations?
If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.
18. Local Tourism Offices
The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!
19. Minimize on toiletries
Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded. 20. Take solid shampoo bars and tooth powder
Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you'll still be able to breeze through without checking.
21. Planning on carrying a lot of luggage?
While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If you have the possibility, fly via the US as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details.
Hope that list helped you figure things out with regards to your packing for travel, but there is more from this video to further provide you with useful tips.
Tokyo is one of my favorite places in the world and would love to go see what else is new as there are several many new sites to see every time one comes back to visit. Life in Tokyo moves at a well-oiled clip, with an energy that borders on mania and an obsession with newness that seems to make all ideas quickly obsolete. Fashions begin to fade almost as soon as they are plucked from clothes hangers, and keitai (mobile phones) are traded up for each latest technological advancement. But even while throngs of tech-savvy, smartly styled Tokyoites trot through subway stations, there is a traditional side to this hyperurban cosmopolis, which may not be immediately evident.
(Japanese Train)
Getting Around Tokyo by Subway - Train - Bus - Taxi Tokyo has an excellent subway and rail system. It may appear complicated - and it is - at first glance, but there are many English publications available to help you. The single most important publication for travel in Tokyo and Japan is the Jikokuhyo - A Book of Timetables published every month by Japan Travel Bureau (JTB). Although published in Japanese there is a short schedule published in English.
Go to any English bookstore or any JTB office and ask for the Eigo no Jikanhyo - literally means book of schedule's in English!
General Information for the Subways: Tokyo Metro and Toei. http://www.kotsu.metro.tokyo.jp/util/english/
TEITO RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY (TRTA) - Tokyo Metro subways http://www.tokyometro.go.jp/e/
Transportation Guides for Tokyo http://www.tourism.metro.tokyo.jp/english/access_top.html
An Interactive Flash animation of the Tokyo Subway http://www.tokyometro.go.jp/network/map_english.html
Japan Railways - JR The famous JR Yamanote line encircles the central Tokyo. There provide a very detailed map worth downloading and printing: see here for more detail
Japan Rail Pass A pass can only be bought outside of Japan. Recommended if you are planning frequent trips outside of Tokyo or will be simply be in Tokyo for a long time, using the trains extensively.
How to Read and Understand a Street Address in Japan Learn about how the very complicated street location and addressing system in Japan. Remember most street addresses for buildings do not follow a chronically number sequence. For example, you could find side by side street addresses that do not follow a logical path, i.e. 1250, 1257, etc.Most buildings have a number associated from how new the building, so you could run into a series of streets address like, 123, 569, etc.
Also, some streets do not have names at all, furthermore, particular intersections of minor streets have names, not the actual streets that create the intersection!!
Money Be warned that cold hard cash is the way to pay in Tokyo. Although credit cards are becoming more common, cash is still the payment of choice, and travellers cheques are rarely accepted outside of large hotels and department stores. Do not assume that you can pay with a credit card, and always carry sufficient cash.
The currency in Japan is the yen (¥), and banknotes and coins are easily distinguishable. There are ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100 and ¥500 coins; and ¥1000, ¥2000, ¥5000 and ¥10, 000 banknotes (the ¥2000 note is very rarely seen). The ¥1 coin is an aluminium lightweight coin; the bronze-coloured ¥5 and silver-coloured ¥50 coins both have a hole punched in the middle. Note that some vending machines do not accept older ¥500 coins. Prices may be listed using the kanji for yen ().
ATMs
ATMs are almost as common as vending machines in Tokyo. Unfortunately, most of these do not accept foreign-issued cards. Even if they display Visa and MasterCard logos, most accept only Japan-issued versions of these cards. Also, 24-hour ATMs are exceedingly rare.
Fortunately, Citibank operates 24-hour international ATMs in major areas including Roppongi, Harajuku, Omote-sandÅ and Shinjuku. Better still, the Japanese postal system has recently linked all of its ATMs to the international Cirrus and Plus cash networks (and some credit-card networks), making life a breeze for travellers to Tokyo. Most larger post offices (9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-noon Sat) have postal ATMs. Press the handy button marked ‘English Guidance’ for English instructions.
Changing money
In theory, banks and post offices will change all major currencies. In practice, some banks refuse to exchange anything but US-dollar cash and travellers cheques. Note also that the currencies of neighbouring Taiwan (New Taiwan dollar) and Korea (won) are not easy to change, so you should change these into yen or US dollars before arriving in Japan.
With a passport, you can change cash or travellers cheques at any Authorised Foreign Exchange Bank (signs are displayed in English), major post offices, some large hotels and most big department stores. Note that you receive a better exchange rate when withdrawing cash from ATMs than when exchanging cash or travellers cheques in Tokyo. Be aware that many banks place a limit on the amount of cash you can withdraw in one day (often around US$400).
Credit cards
As Japan is very much a cash-based economy, never assume you can pay using a credit card. For businesses which do take credit card, Visa is most widely accepted, followed by MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club. Getting a cash advance using your foreign-issued credit card is nearly impossible, but Sumitomo Mitsui banks (SMBC) give cash advances if you bring your passport with you. The main credit-card companies all have offices in Tokyo.
American Express (0120-02-0120; 24hr)
MasterCard (5728-5200)
Visa (00531-44-0022; 24hr)
Here is our Suggested Itenirary for you: Tokyo Itinerary - 5 Day
This Tokyo itinerary is a five day tour of Tokyo covering central Tokyo and surrounds including Mt Fuji.
*Harajuku fashion *Shopping hysteria (Shibuya) *Meiji Jingu shrine *Mt Fuji and Hakone *Ueno Park with its temples, shrines and museums *Nikko World Heritage Day Tour *Shinjuku Gyoen major Japanese garden *Observation Deck in Shinjuku *Shopping in Ginza *Maid Cafe and Shopping in Akihabara
Tokyo/Japan Itinerary - 7 Day
This Tokyo itinerary is a seven day tour of Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura and Kyoto covering central Tokyo and surrounds including Mt Fuji.
*Same as Tokyo 5 Day itinerary plus *Day trip to Kamakura including Great Buddha, then Yokohama *Day trip to Kyoto including the highlights of Kyoto.
Traveling for most people can be quite expensive, however when well planned can be amazingly fit anyone's budget. Here are some quick travel tips to help you out from choosing the flight out to what to do when you get to your travel destination.
Airfares
1. Airline Tickets – Plan in advance and visit discount websites to see if there are better deals. While these sites might charge you a service fee ($5 or so), they can easily combine flight segments from different airlines easily to give you a great deal. (bonus – get even more savings by finding a Travelocity promo code before you book a trip) 2. Connecting Flights – You might think connecting sucks but it sure saves you a good chunk of money doing it. Consider the pros and cons and don’t write it off right away. 3. Travel Light – Airlines are starting to charge for everything now and if you have 2 bags or more, expect to be charged for it. Remember to not use over sized bags whenever possible and try to keep it all within one bag per person. 4. Substitute – Consider packing really old clothes (if you plan to buy new ones on the trip). This way, you can keep one luggage and still have room for purchases. 5. Always Look into Round Trip Tickets – Sometimes, one way tickets are so expensive that the round trip ticket is cheaper. Just don’t use the return trip. (Strange but there are tickets like that) 6. Try to Get Back to the Same Airport – Flying in and out of the same airport is almost always cheaper. It’s not only the flight tickets but the car rentals as well. 7. Traveling to Two Countries – If you are planning to stay in two countries and an airline makes you change planes on those countries anyway, you might be in luck. Check pricing on the flights to see if you can stay a few days at the country of the flight change instead of changing planes right away since airlines often let you do that for the same price.
Eating
1. Plan Your Meals – Figure out where you will be and eat before you actually go out. This is not just good for your wallet, but your stomach too since you will probably find economical restaurants that tastes great. 2. Cook for Yourself – Not many people do this but cooking while on vacation can sometimes be quite fun. Since the experience is new (cookware, dining area, supermarkets etc), it’s actually quite fun. 3. Meals Carryover – Want a breakfast that cost nothing? Ask for some bread to-go at the restaurant the night before. 4. Avoid Breakfast from the Hotels – Chances are good that the breakfast from the hotel is expensive and isn’t great. It probably pays to walk out the front door in the morning and find a local cafe. You might just stumble onto the local favorite. 5. Eat More at Lunch Than Dinners – Fancy lunches are often much less expensive than dinners. If you eat a big breakfast, lunch and a light dinner, it’s also healthier.
Car Rentals
1. Be Specific with Car Rentals – One way car rentals (when the pickup and drop off locations are different) are sometimes more than twice the price of standard rentals, especially if the two locations are in different states (or country). If you need the car for 7 days and will be in the same city for 5 and another city for 2 for example, break the rental period in two and have a 5-day same location rental and another 2-day one day rental. You might need to go back to the rental facility but it really doesn’t take that long and it might save you a few hundred dollars. 2. Car Rental Coverage – Some insurance and many credit cards have car rental coverage so take advantage of those when you rent a car. All you have to do is pay with the credit card that will cover you. (Just make sure you decline the coverage from the rental company when they ask) 3. Size of the Car – Get the smallest car possible because not only do you not need the extra room, you don't want to pay for the extra gas that bigger cars need. 4. Children Car Seats – If you are traveling with kids, you might think that bringing the car seat is cheaper. Call the car rental company and ask about rental prices. With airlines charging for extra luggage, it might save to just rent it. 5. Fill up that Rental Car – If you are renting a car and need fuel, just fill her up with regular gas since that’s what the car rental company uses anyway. Also, decline those services that fills the gas tank up for you. Even though it seems like the advertised price is cheap, they charge you for a full tank of gas regardless of how much is left in there when you bring the car back. 6. Coupon Codes – Sometimes car rental companies have coupon codes that can be used. Search the Internet.
Transportation
1. Rail, Metros and Subway – If you are traveling to Europe, research on multi-trip discounts. Many metros and rails have passes such as a 3-day unlimited travel passes which might be worth the cost. 2. Night Train and Flights – If the transportation is going to be long, consider traveling at night to save money on accommodation and many hours of time. Many people have a tough time sleeping on these, but it’s all mental. Once you get used to it, you will be able to have a good night’s rest. 3. Take the Slower Transportation – If flying is too short for you to take advantage of sleeping while traveling, take a bus ride! When you are sleeping, you won’t mind that the bus ride is 7 hours. 4. Avoid Taxis and Welcome Public Transportation – Tourist usually take taxis since it’s the laziest way to get from point A to B. Consider the subway or buses because it’s sometimes easier and it is much cheaper. 5. Driving is Not Bad – Want to take that 1 hour flight? With airport security and all the hassle of airport inefficiencies, you might as well drive there. Once you get there, having a car is also much easier than needing to take your bags everywhere.
Currency
1. Watch That Currency – If you never really had a preference in travel destinations, consider the exchange rate when you travel. This sometimes makes the biggest difference. 2. Getting Cash – Many exchange centers have very bad exchange rates so don’t go there. Search the internet to find out good places to get cash in the local currency. For example, a quick search tells you that the best exchange rate is found at the airport and using ATMs in Taiwan and France respectively. 3. Try Using the Local Version of the Same Website – Due to the rapid change in currency rates, it could be much cheaper to book using the local currency. How do you do that? Go to the local version of the same website.
Accommodations
1. Staying in a Town Next Door – Sometimes the smaller towns close to where you are going have hotels that are much less expensive. If you don’t mind the 15 minute ride, you might just save that bundle. 2. Home Exchanges – These are pretty cool and popular especially in Europe. Your trip might not be as romantic as but if you are of the adventure type, this could be exciting and refreshing. 3. Ask – Sometimes smaller hotel chains are willing to give you free upgrades (or even free nights). If you already have a reservation booked elsewhere, call them up and tell them that you would consider changing if you can get an additional night free. 4. Vacation Home – If you are staying at a destination for at least a few days, consider a vacation home instead of hotels. They are often are more comfortable and your cost will probably be cheaper. 5. Suites – Instead of having two rooms, consider the two-bedroom suites that some hotels provide. They will end up being cheaper and you get just as much privacy with your own room.
Shopping
1. Duty Free – Many airports have duty free shops that you can take advantage of. They might not be the best deal around if you don’t consider taxes but tax-free might make it the least expensive option. 2. Don’t Forget About Possible Tax Refunds – Some countries let you get all or part of the retail sales tax back. You might have to fill out forms and show proof but if large purchases are made aboard, it can save you a bundle.
Alternatives
1. Tourist Spots May Not be That Hot – Many countries have tourist spots that aren’t really the most interesting places to go to, not to mention that everything is more expensive around that area. If you’ve been to that place already, there’s no point seeing it again and again. Instead, go to local areas and observe life. It might just spice up your vacation. 2. Walk Around – If your destination isn’t that far away, consider asking the locals directions and walking there. It’s a great chance for you to see the city and take pictures. 3. Enjoy the Local Version – Many consumables are less expensive when it’s made in the country you are visiting. Consider trying their local beer, coffee or food. You might be surprised at how great and cheap it really is. 4. Be a Little Flexible with Travel Days – Many prices are based on supply and demand, so sometimes it’s much cheaper to leave the day before (or after) instead. Look around the dates of your travel plans and see if spending an extra day is worth it. This makes a difference especially around major holidays. 5. Book a Bundle – There are many package deals that saves you money if you book hotels and flights together. Basically, the more business you can give them, the better discount they can give you. 6. Go Off Season – Everyone wants to ski or go to Hawaii in the winter. Consider this type of vacations in off-peak times. It’s cheaper and less crowded. 7. Travel Around Home – Overseas travel might be your dream vacation but there are actually many places close by that is very interesting as well. Check out those lesser known places and the local experience might very well be great. 8. Try Booking at Different Times – Online sites sometimes have rates based on the time and day of the week you book! Try different combinations and see if you can get a better deal.
General
1. Discount Everything – Some countries have discount stores where they sell all kinds of tickets at a discount. In that store, even gift cards for department stores are on sale so if you are buying something anyway, those stores will give you an instant deal. 2. Don’t Give Up Looking for Deals – Even if you have your plans set, keep trying to look for deals. Reservations can often be canceled with a full refund so if you find a last minute deal that fits into your plans, take advantage of it. 3. Reward Points – Even if you aren’t a frequent traveler, sign up for those reward programs since you might qualify eventually. It’s all free anyway and if you finally get enough points, you can get always get something free. 4. Go to the Grocery Store – Even if you are away from home, chances are high that there are grocery stores where you are traveling to. It’s worth it to take a trip there and get snacks, water, and everything you need for your trip since hotels overcharge. 5. Age, Student and Membership Discounts – Many attractions like theme parks, museums and others have discounts for senior, children or students. If you are traveling, remember to take your ID and membership cards (e.g. AAA card) with you that might qualify you for these. 6. Group Discounts – We all know there are group discounts everywhere. To take advantage, team up with a few friends and go to the same destinations together. You can even set it up so there is no obligations to be everywhere together. 7. Talk to the Locals – Be friendly and chat with them! Sometimes, they will tell you where to eat and some may even offer you to stay over (works best in small towns). 8. Mini Tours – I’m not talking about bus tours that takes days but one day tours that take you to many different places within the city. Not only will they take you to places you probably want to visit anyway, the bus driver is usually quite entertaining and informative as well.
Here are some other travel tips that could help you guys out when you are traveling:
Hope this helps :) If you have more travel tips that you have discovered do share it to us here on Empty Streets :) Safe Traveling everyone :) xoxo
This is a catch up article since I missed out on the Thursday slot for Thursday Travel on Empty Streets 1027. Today am featuring a beautiful next door neighbor country to the Philippines - Malaysia. Malaysia is truly a place of beauty and one filled with enough mystery and adventure that is sure to fill up your itinerary.
