Yahoo News - Insider tips to jazz up your South Korean trip

My favourite news of the month – from Yahoo news

(Haha, YES, I like to read the Yahoo news after my lunch and before I re-start my work again. A lot of odd and interesting news, hehe )

This came just in time for my upcoming trip

Maybe I should try adding these in too.

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http://sg.entertainment.yahoo.com/photos/insider-tips-to-jazz-up-your-south-korean-trip-slideshow/#crsl=%252Fphotos%252Finsider-tips-to-jazz-up-your-south-korean-trip-slideshow%252Finsider-tips-to-jazz-up-your-south-korean-trip-photo-1375177886066.html

Insider tips to jazz up your South Korea trip 
South Korea is famous for its cosmetics, fashion and K-pop music scene. While seasoned travellers to South Korea may already have a packed to-do list once they set foot in the country, here are some insider tips to enhance your trip, so that you can enjoy South Korea beyond what an average tourist experiences.

1.  Many K-pop fans like to attend concerts or weekly music shows in Korea. Why not try something different by catching a musical there, such as "Wedding" at Music Show Wedding Theater at Jeong-dong in Seoul. Produced by the same director as comedy show Nanta, energetic singers and dancers deliver an interactive performance about a wedding ceremony that has gone wrong. It also features musicians playing 23 different kinds of instrument and famous K-pop hits such as "Gangnam Style" and "Abracadabra", which the audience can sing and dance along to. You even get to meet the cast after the performance. 

2. Myeong-dong is not only place to get your beauty fix. Pamper yourself from head-to-toe at Skin Anniversary at Munbai-dong in Paju. There are staff there to analyses your skin using high-tech machines. They will then perform a customised skin treatment and recommend products for you to use at home.

3. We also hear that the beauty spot is frequently visited by Korean celebrities. For those who are too busy to visit the skin care shop, sich as Heechul from Super Junior and Kim Hyun-Joong from SS501, they use Nuganic's two-step home care that can be purchased at Skin Anniversary. Even Hong Kong actor Wayne Lai and Taiwanese singer Vanness We have visited the store. 

4. We all love to shop for bags in South Korea, but at the Simone Handbag Museum at Sinsa-dong in Seoul, not only can you be a fashionista, you can also be a fashion guru. The museum showcases a wide collection of iconic purses with the oldest dating all the way back to the 1550s. While the pieces on displays aren't for sale, Simone Handbag Museum sell their own quality leather bags. You can even sign up for a hangbag DIY class if you want to learn the craft.

5. Don't just head off to Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun for the shopping. Samcheong-dong in Seoul is a nice place to chill out too, with galleries, restaurants and shops selling unique items.

6.  You can also find nice cafes in Samcheong-dong. Who can resist going into this cute Hello Kitty Cafe?

7. Are you a fan of Korean food? Instead of just enjoying all the yummy kimchi and BBQ in Korea, why not learn how to make Korean cuisine? At the Institute of Traditional Korean Food at Waryong-dong in Seoul, you get to pick up skills to cook up a Korean meal. There's also a tteokmuseum and cafe there shoecasing a wide variety of Korean rice cakes.

8. For those with a sweet tooth, Korean desserts aren't just limited to the rice cakes. Patbingsu (shaved ice) is getting really popular in Korea, especially for the hot summer. This patbingsu from the 10 Corso Como Cafe at Cheongdam-dong in Seoul tastes especially yummy. Instead of using shaved ice, they use shaved frozen milk which is sweeter and softer. 

9. While we will also stock up on seaweed and ginseng when we go to South Korea, there are these snacks that are equally good, such as banana milk (they do see it in Singapore, but we reckon it tastes fresher there), choco pie (this one has rice cake in it too) and squid snacks. 

10. Korean history is not all about the Korean war. Learn about the country's culture, how the Korean alphabet (Hangul) came about and check out ancient artefacts at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan Family Park in Seoul. 

Yahoo News - The Do’s and Don’ts of packing for a long trip

I was still planning on what to pack for my Sept trip (although there is still 1.5 months >_<), when i saw this on Yahoo news. I think I should pack like that they say. Or else, haven't reach there, my bag already overweight !!

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The Do’s and Don’ts of packing for a long trip
By Erica Paredes, Hippie In High Heels | Yahoo! SHE – Tue, Jul 16, 2013
http://sg.news.yahoo.com/the-do%E2%80%99s-and-don%E2%80%99ts-of-packing-for-a-long-trip--052655196.html

Packing for any vacation is no fun, but it gets even more complicated if you are going to hop from place to place for well over 4 weeks. If you are lucky enough to be able to take off from work and life duties to travel, here are a few packing do’s and don’ts that are easy on the weight limit and won’t stress you out.

DO wear comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking—and not just in the places you’re going to but also around airports and train stations with your baggage in tow. The worst thing you can do is wear shoes unfit for being on the go. Skip the heels and wedges and go for fashionable and always chic ballet flats, or a pair of walking shoes such as espadrilles or Toms. Sneakers are also a good option provided they give support and cushioning to prevent calluses on your already tired feet.

DON’T pack your whole closet. The hardest part of packing for women who love clothes is not to overpack. Whenever you think you are all set, edit your clothes again until you get to the minimum that you can live with, without sacrificing style. Choose a lot of blacks, grays, navy blues and whites and bring scarves, shoes and accessories in bright colors or prints. That way, you can mix and match what you have for at least 10 days and have an excuse to go shopping. Don't kid yourself, you WILL go shopping!

DO bring universal adapters, chargers and all the wires and cables you need. Buying these electronic items abroad may be expensive, especially if you suddenly need one of them while at an airport or train station where prices can easily double. Although they can take up space, they will come in handy.

DO pick your luggage carefully. If you’re going to do a lot of traveling by train, choose something compact because train compartments come in all sizes. Make sure you can carry your bags easily. Also, choose something with wheels so you don’t have to put the weight of the bag on your shoulders all the time.

DON'T go on a shopping spree too early into your trip. Remember you will be lugging everything around with you as you move around so allow yourself to buy just a few items in each place you go but save the big spending for when it's nearly time to go home.

DO bring a microfiber towel. In case you find yourself in a not-so-nice place to stay, you might want to have your own towel available in case the only hostel that can accommodate you is not quite to your standards. These towels dry really fast so you can pack it the next day without it dampening the rest of your clothes.

DON'T pack regular-sized bottles of your toiletries. Instead, keep them at the size that fits on-flight regulations so you can bring just enough for the first 2 to 3 days of your trip. Just buy as you run out; shampoo, bath soaps and toothpaste shouldn't cost too much, anyway. By placing your travel-sized toiletries in your carry-on bag, you are allowing yourself more luggage space for other, more important things.

Yahoo News - How to travel on your own

I was so excited with I saw this news on Yahoo today!!!

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http://sg.news.yahoo.com/photos/how-to-travel-on-your-own-1373280307-slideshow/#crsl=%252Fphotos%252Fhow-to-travel-on-your-own-1373280307-slideshow%252Fbe-prepared-photo-1373260909983.html

How to travel on your own
My father encouraged us from a very young age to travel. The lessons you learn from it are priceless, he says. I have travelled alone to numerous locations and have come out richer with world experience and friends from all over. Some people have marvelled at my courage. But my secret? A lot of prayer and just enough sense of wonder to keep me going and going.

So whether you're travelling on a shoestring budget or like to have a big travel blowout, when it comes to travelling solo, here are key things to keep in mind. By Mari-An C. Santos for Yahoo!Southeast Asia

• Be Prepared 

Travel is best enjoyed when you look with eyes filled with wonder.. but equip yourself with enough knowledge about your destination before your arrival, so that you will not end up going around in circles and wasting time. The internet is a rich resource of ideas from travel agency and city tourism websites to fellow travellers' blogs, you'll find great ideas to tailor-make your itinerary considering your interests, time, and money.

• Come in full travel gear 

The belt bag or fanny pack is great for travelling because it keeps all your valuables close, thereby ensuring that they are always safe. Aside from this, you can bring a handbag or a backpack or a sling bag. Just always remember to be aware of your surroundings and of your belongings.

• Don't keep all your money in one place

This is a tip that has been on from my grandmother. Don't keep all your money in your wallet. Distribute your money among different compartments of your bag, fanny pack, wallet, cargo shorts ... Yes, even your bra! Pickpockets (as far as I know) don't go there!

• Bring multiples

Don't lug all your important documents around. Leave your originals in the hotel safe or hostel locker but make sure to bring photocopies of your passport, driver's license, and other important IDs on your person. You never know when you'll need them. 

• Keep account 

Not being very good with numbers, I cannot honestly recommend having a list or table of expenses. Though a lot of people find that helpful. I simply determine how much budget I allow myself to spend for the day (considering, for example, entrance fees to museums or performances, or shopping for souvenirs) and bring only this amount of money in my wallet or pocket. But I hide some extra amount for emergencies.

• Find the Freebies 

In Thailand, they give away free SIM cards, in Spain, there are hours for free museum entrance, there are even free walking tours in different European cities. some of the best things about travel can still be obtained at no cost to you. So, keep your eyes peeled for different offers - bearing in mind to read and understand any fine print.

• Yes, you're Special 

It may be a concert or a festival .. find out if there are any important events happening in the place that you're visiting. This will give your visit added value. As well, check the calendar for any holidays or observances during your stay so you can plan your visit accordingly.

• Write (or Draw) it down 

Even if you don't think of yourself as a talented writer or artist, you should write down or draw your impressions of places in a small journal that you can carry around in your pocket or handbag. This will immortalize thoughts and feelings from very specific moments and places.

• Load up ! 

Not only is it environmentally-friendly, but it's cheaper to have a water bottle that you can simply refill than buying bottled water at the store every time. Also, bring snacks like bread and fruit that can tide you over or constitute small, frequent meals, especially when you're keeping to a budget. Also, bring sugar-free gum for fresh breath!

• Be friendly but cautious 

I always joke "if you don't talk to strangers, how will you make friends?" But the truth is, a single woman, especially one who is travelling alone (either you looks or your manner of dressing or the map/guidebook you have on-hand will give you away) is experiences, but listen to that little voice inside you when you get a little too uncomfortable with words or gestures

• Be open 

I have had the most wonderful angel-encounters with strangers while travelling alone. From a Thai man helping cross the street to an Austrian guy who let me tag along to change trains as we were going to the same city to a Portuguese girl who went out of her way to look for the hostel where i had made a reservation. Drop any negative suspicions and just welcome the kindness of strangers.

•  Learn the language 

Whether you're trekking to the highlands of lfugao or strolling the streets of Krakow, learn a few phrases. Usually, most handy are "hello", "excuse me", and "thank you". Even if you don't get the pronunciation right, the locals will appreciate your effort and be more willing to help you.

• Smile 

I believe that smiling opens up a part of your heart. This way, you get maximum enjoyment out of your holiday. Keep your eyes peeled for even the littlest things that will interest you-a bee settling on a folwer or a street performer keeping perfectly still, for example. What makes your travel unique, after all, isn't how many pictures you took at the famous tourist landmarks, but what experiences and insights you gather along thr way. 

First trip for 2014 is confirmed !!!!!!!!!!!!

My family plans for a December trip after my cousins finish their O level.

At first said either US, Florida or Japan, Hokkaido.

Due to the recent market currency rate, we have decided to head to Hokkaido !!!!!!!!!!

Although Japan currency rate YEN is low but the air ticket is still pretty expensive (December period). Therefore we decide to delay to January 2014.

Because my Grandmother is going, we won't be taking budget airline. We booked with ANA, and it's better to book earlier, book earlier the air ticket will be cheaper.  (so it's not true that air ticket, the later you buy, the cheaper is it. It's the oppsite.)

I can only wait till my Sept Korea trip ended then i can start doing plans for my January trip.