SINGAPORE STOPOVER / LAYOVER: Changi airport suggestions & best things to Do

When it concerns stopovers, I can’t think of any destination much more optimal than Singapore.

Every time we’re planning a trip to Europe or Australia and we can’t find an budget-friendly direct flight, we always try to find one that makes a connection in Singapore. In fact, all our layovers in our past three trips to Europe have all been at Changi Airport. Of course, Singapore is a destination in its own right, but it also makes for one of the best stopovers in the world.

For starters, it is home to, without any doubt, the best airport in the world, brimming with facilities that make even the most uneventful layover not just comfortable but unforgettable. The city state is also pretty small, which makes many of its attractions easily available from the airport. Whether you’re spending a few hours or a few nights, you’ll effortlessly find something to enjoy.

If you’re planning on making a layover or a stopover in Singapore, here are some suggestions on how to make your stay a enjoyable and budget-friendly one.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

1. finding low-cost flights with value Alliance
2. Changi airport Attractions
3. totally free Singapore trip from the Airport
4. Changi Stopovers: hotel + transfer + SIM Package
5. Singapore Layover Itineraries
More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

1. finding low-cost flights with value Alliance

First things first: flights.

One thing I’ve been thankful for about being based in Southeast Asia is our terrific selection of inexpensive carriers. It’s easy to find low-cost short-haul or medium-haul flights. but for long-haul flights, if you want to keep the costs down, you will need to make a connection somewhere.

Fortunately, there’s now value Alliance, an alliance of budget-friendly airlines — Cebu Pacific Air, CebGo, Jeju Air, Nok Air, NokScoot, and Scoot — which will allow you to book both legs of the journey on just one website.

Scoot is the only budget airline that directly connects Singapore to Athens or Berlin. If you want to fly to Europe, you can search value alliance for low-cost flights including a connecting flight to Singapore! Scoot also flies to numerous destinations in Australia and across Asia.

✅ search FOR FLIGHTS HERE!

2. Changi airport Attractions

If you’re on a layover for only a few hours, you can easily kill time without going out of the airport. I mean, the Singapore Changi airport isn’t the world’s best airport for no reason! From its broad range of shops to a delicious selection of restaurants, you’ll find a lot of things to keep you busy. get comfy in one of its lounges or play Xbox Kinect or one of their Arcade machines at the home entertainment Deck at terminal 2.

You can also catch a film for totally free at the airport’s 24-hour film theaters! check the screening schedule here.

If you want a full rejuvenation after your flight, you can even get a shower or a body massage, nail care and other medspa services for a fee. If you don’t want to spend, you’ll find totally free massage chairs scattered around the terminal. There’s even a swimming pool with jacuzzi at terminal 1!

But the jewel of the airport these days is recently unveiled rain Vortex. At 40 meters tall, it is the largest indoor waterfall in the world. It’s located at jewel Changi, attached to the terminal 1 building, but easily available on foot from terminal 2 or 3.

If you’re at the airport in the evening, you can catch the Light and sound show which happens every hour from 7:30pm until 12:30am.

3. totally free Singapore trip from the Airport

If you have at least 5 and a half hours, you can also join a totally free SINGAPORE TOUR! choose between a heritage tour, which will take you to the cultural districts, and a city sights tour, which showcases the city’s modern wonders! The car will pass through or pass by many places and will stop only at a couple of attractions. here are the itineraries:

CITY TOUR
Frequency: 5 times daily
Duration: 2.5 hours

Singapore Flyer

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Marina Bay

Merlion Park (20-minute stop)

Marina Bay Sands

Gardens by the Bay (30-minute stop)

HERITAGE TOUR
Frequency: 5 times daily
Duration: 2.5 hours

Colonial district

Central company district

Merlion Park (20-minute stop)

Chinatown

Little India

Kampong Glam (20-minute stop)

To join the tour, you need to sign up first at the registration booths WITHIN THE TRANSIT AREA. Do not clear the immigration yet! here are the locations of the registration booths:

Terminal 2: between transfer Lounge F and Skytrain to terminal 3 on level 2, Transit Area.

Terminal 3: Near transfer Lounge A and Gates A1-A8 on level 2, Transit Area

Other Terminals: Board the SkyTrain within the Transit area and register at terminal 3 instead.

Make sure you have your passport, boarding passes and visa (if applicable). Filipinos don’t need visa for this.

4. Changi Stopovers: hotel + transfer + SIM Package

Did you know that you can book a hotel + transfer + SIM Card package with Changi Stopovers? If you don’t want to deal with taking care of these individually, you can book a package prior to your trip for as low as SGD 63.

If you want to spend at least one night in the city, go ahead and book a hotel or hostel. but with Changi Stopovers, it comes with a transfer and a SIM that you can redeem at the airport. The redemption instructions will be sent to you by email after booking.

Upon arrival, the first thing you ought to do is claim the SIM card at the specified booth. once you have the SIM, proceed to the Ground carry concierge for your transfer. The staff will give you a ticket, and a shuttle service will arrive shortly to pick you up and take you straight to your hotel.

But consider the location. because you’ll only be in Singapore for a stopover, you don’t want to spend the little time you have in transit. If Chinatown is what you want to explore, you’ll find plenty of options there. If it’s Kampong Glam that you want to see much more of, choose a home within or just around the area. hotel Boss, for example, is just a short walk away from Kampong Glam or even Bugis area.

✅ For much more information, check out the Changi Stopovers website!

5. Singapore Layover Itineraries

It’s challenging to offer sample itineraries because flight schedules vary. Of course, what you can do in a day depends on how much time you have and what time your flight is scheduled. but here are some attractions that you may check out.

Chinatown. Singapore’s Chinatown boasts multi-religious buildings, and if your stay is in the daytime, you can even enter some of them. From the airport, just take the MRT to Chinatown or Telok Ayer Station. much more details here: Chinatown Heritage Walk.

Singapore River Walk. You can walk from Raffles place to the Merlion Park to Esplanade to the Marina Bay Sands and gardens by the Bay. I’ve prepared a much more comprehensive post including walking directions and photos here: diy Singapore River Walk.

Gardens by the Bay. It has three main areas: the flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, and the Supertree Grove with the 16-story manmade trees.

Marina Bay Sands Skypark. even if you’re not spending a night at the Marina Bay Sands, you can still access its Skypark and observation Deck for a wonderful unobstructed view of the city.

Kampong Glam. It is the oldest urban quarter in the city and was allocated to the Malay and Arab communities back in the day. There’s a lot of cultural sites to see here including the lovely graffiti, Arab Street, and the Sultan Mosque. It is also located next to Bugis, a well-known shopping area.

Universal Studios Singapore. Southeast Asia’s first film theme park, USS can easily eat up an entire day. It is located on Sentosa Island.

Sentosa. This resort island bursts with exciting adventures for the entire family including the Luge, Tiger sky Tower, Sentosa Merlion, and cable television Car. careful though, because you might forget to view the time when you’re here!

But expecting you have a full day, you can also combine these if you have much more time. If possible, pick attractions that are close to each other or are on the same MRT line. here are some recommendations:

Chinatown + Merlion Park + Esplanade

Gardens by the Bay + Marina Bay Sands Skypark

Universal Studios Singapore + Sentosa

Kampong Glam + Bugis + Chinatown

I recommend just pushing one or two and spending much more time per stop. because you’re on a layover, you probably want to take it slow and not burn all your energy immediately.

We’ll be creating much more messages about layovers or stopovers in Singapore, so be sure to check back in the future!

This post is brought to you by value Alliance.

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ • 9️⃣ • 1️⃣0️⃣

More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

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SENTOSA SINGAPORE: becoming a kid again at Asia’s favorite Playground

SINGAPORE TO MALACCA by BUS or TRAIN: crossing the border

SOUTHEAST ASIA BACKPACKING ON A BUDGET: travel guide

SINGAPORE travel guide with sample schedule & budget

TRAVELING WITH KIDS: 10 Asian Destinations for the whole family

SINGAPORE TO KUALA LUMPUR by BUS or TRAIN: crossing the Border

5 best 120-Hour TEFL courses (+Discounts)

If you want to start teaching English as a foreign language, you might be wondering which TEFL certificate you must get. getting this certificate can qualify you for English teaching jobs around the world and online.

Many aspiring teachers choose to take a 120-hour TEFL course because courses of this length meet international hiring requirements, can be completed relatively quickly, and are affordable. 

While there are lots of online TEFL courses available, this post focuses on the best 120-hour certificates. 

This post will help you decide if a 120-hour TEFL course is ideal for you and which program is best suited to your needs. 

Ready to get ideal into it? Click here to jump to the best 120-hour TEFL courses online. 
Table of Contents
What Is A TEFL Certificate?
How long is a 120 hour TEFL course Online?
What will I learn in a 120-Hour TEFL Course?
Why must I consider A 120-Hour TEFL Course?
Pros and Cons Of 120 hour TEFL Certificates
Best 120 hour TEFL Courses
Things To consider When choosing A 120-Hour TEFL course Online
Get TEFL certified and start teaching Today

What Is A TEFL Certificate?

A TEFL certification is a qualification that allows you to show English as a foreign language, either abroad or online.

Most people who pursue TEFL certifications have dreams of teaching English in a new country or remotely for an online education platform.

To earn this certificate, students need to complete a TEFL training course. training courses can be online, in-person, or a combination of the two.

While there is some variety in what is taught depending on the company you choose, 120-hour TEFL courses online will normally cover the same introductory to TEFL teaching materials and strategies. 

I received my TEFL certification several years ago with the international TEFL Academy — all while working full-time. I had teaching experience and loved working with kids. I also loved travelling, so a job in the TEFL field felt like a great combination of my two passions. 

Teaching English online to my students in China
Since getting my TEFL certification, I’ve discovered the magical world of teaching English online — aka working from home in pajama pants while teaching the sweetest students virtually!

Having a TEFL credential under my belt helped my online teaching application stick out and prepared me to work with students one-on-one in my remote classroom. 

I still use the skills I learned in my TEFL course to this day.

How long is a 120 hour TEFL course Online?

It must take just that: 120 hours to complete a 120 hour TEFL course online.

Every TEFL course out there has an associated number of hours. These hours correlate to the estimated amount of time it will take a student to complete the course. 

For example, a 50-hour TEFL course will take you 50 hours to complete, a 120-hour TEFL course will take you 120-hours to complete, and a 300-hour course will take you 300 hours to complete. 

Of course, some students may work through the material faster or slower than others. but these estimations will help you anticipate how long it will take to finish the course. 

What will I learn in a 120-Hour TEFL Course?

120-Hour TEFL courses online are normally considered an introduction to TEFL teaching. a lot of 120-hour TEFL courses will cover the following content areas: 

How to show grammar, spelling, reading, and writing

How to show speaking and listening skills

Lesson planning

Assessment and evaluation 

Cultural awareness

Classroom management and teaching technique

As you’ll see below, some programs offer different features like real classroom video recordings, job placement assistance, portfolio creation and evaluation, and one-on-one virtual tutoring.

If having a lot more support is a priority, make sure to choose a course with some kind of mentoring component. 

Why must I consider A 120-Hour TEFL Course?

As you research TEFL courses, you’ve probably seen a full spectrum of options. From super-short, inexpensive 20-hour courses to massive, pricy 300-hour courses, it can be hard to know which one is best for you.

A 120-hour TEFL course represents a comfortable balance.

You’ll still get a full TEFL education, but it won’t be as overwhelming as a lot more advanced training. You’ll still qualify for teaching jobs abroad, but you won’t break the bank doing it. 

To qualify for teaching jobs abroad, a lot of employers require that applicants have at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Often, this is a requirement for processing work contracts and visas.

If you had a certification with fewer hours, you might not qualify for jobs in certain countries which could indicate fewer teaching opportunities. 

Getting TEFL certified allows you to qualify for a lot more jobs online, and around the world

Many people also choose a 120-hour course because it’s less expensive than a higher-level course.

It also takes less time to complete than a course with a lot more hours, so this is great if you want to start teaching as soon as possible on a smaller budget. 

Pros and Cons Of 120 hour TEFL Certificates

Here’s a list of the pros and cons of taking a 120-hour TEFL course:

Pros Of getting A 120 hour TEFL Certification

Completing a TEFL 120-hour course will indicate that you qualify for a lot of TEFL jobs around the world. This is best for someone who is starting their teaching journey and wants to learn new skills.

A 120-hour TEFL course must take 120 hours to complete. In reality, the amount of time it takes will vary from person to person. Still, a 120-hour course will be faster than a higher-hour course which indicates you can start teaching sooner. 

120-hour courses are also a lot more cost effective than their longer counterparts. considering that you’re not getting as much information, you can normally find these courses used at a affordable price, both online and in person. You’ll still learn the essentials and can always add a lot more TEFL training in the future when your schedule or budget allows it. 

Cons Of getting A 120 hour TEFL Certification

Even though 120-hours is the minimum requirement for a lot of teaching jobs, some a lot more prestigious positions might want candidates with a lot more training. In these situations, applicants with 200-hour or 300-hour certifications might get priority.

If you think you’ll want to apply to show in a very competitive area, it might be beneficial to have a higher level of TEFL credential, such as a level 5 TEFL certification, on your resume. 

Best 120 hour TEFL Courses

What are the best 120 hour TEFL courses online? the best 120 hour TEFL courses are My TEFL, TEFL Pros, Uni-Prep, ITTT, i-To-i and TEFL Org.

These 6 are the top-rated, accredited, legitimate, least expensive 120 hour TEFL courses online today. learn a lot more here:

1. MyTEFL

MyTEFL uses one of the most cost effective 120-hour TEFL courses around. They have lower-hour options too but remember that 120 hours is the minimum required by a lot of employers in the TEFL industry. 

MyTEFL is a recognized, cost effective 120 hour TEFL course online
Courses with MyTEFL are fully recognized with OTTSA and ITEFLAC. students can choose between taking their 120-hour TEFL course online or in-person in exciting locations around the world. MyTEFL courses also include virtual support and help if needed.

MyTEFL reviews are consistently positive, and it’s often provided as the best, cost effective TEFL on the market. 

Costs: The 120-hour online TEFL course by MyTEFL costs $299. Goats On The road readers receive 35% off using discount code GOATS35. 

MyTEFL also uses in-person 120-hour TEFL courses. You can earn your certification in 3-4 weeks in either Argentina, Spain, or Thailand.

GO TO mytefl

2. TEFL Pros

TEFL Pros is special because they offer one course only: a fully online 120-hour TEFL course.

Because the founders focus all their attention on this one program, the result is a detailed TEFL education packed with features. 

With TEFL Pros, teachers get to enjoy hours of real classroom footage. This allows them to see how TEFL concepts look in practice. Previous student reviews mention that these training videos helped them tremendously in their real classrooms. 

Part of the TEFL Pros curriculum includes creating a portfolio that will be examined at the end of the course.

This portfolio includes lesson plans that you can use in your first classroom. students receive feedback on the pieces in their portfolio, so you can feel confident putting your lessons and activities into practice. 

Because of their attention to detail, TEFL Pros has great student reviews.

The only downside is that they don’t specifically offer job placement help or job guarantees. However, they do give graduates access to interview training videos and a list of suggested schools and companies that they have vetted. 

Cost: The TEFL Pros course is fully accredited. If you’re on the fence, they offer a complimentary 2-day introduction to TEFL training that you can enroll in to see if it’s a good fit for you. Goats On The road readers receive 10% off the TEFL Pros 120-hour course. use discount code GOATS10.go to teflpros

3. Uni-Prep Institute

Uni-Prep Institute uses 3 cost effective TEFL certifications online (accredited by ACCREDITAT), with the 120-hour TEFL being a great option for those who want to get TEFL certified swiftly and legitimately. They have a 99% course completion and pass rate. 

Some of the reasons to get TEFL certified with Uni-Prep
The 120-hour course covers all of the fundamental components of teaching English both online and in-class. The course includes 10 units that will help you to understand lesson planning and managing a classroom.

With this course, you’ll receive specialty modules (including teaching English Online), video content, reading materials, assignments, and some activities that you can use when you are teaching.

At the end of each unit in the 120 hour TEFL with Uni-Prep, there is a quiz, but there is no final exam. This course is absolutely self-paced and you can access the content through the online portal, 24/7.

Cost: The 120-hour online Uni-Prep course costs $300 (although, it’s often discounted 50%). It’s currently available for $195 using this link. 

go to uni-prep

4. i-to-i TEFL

i-to-i TEFL is a fully recognized TEFL company that has been around considering that 1994. Their 120-hour introductory TEFL course is cost effective and includes 6 complimentary ebooks to help you in your future teaching jobs. 

In addition to all that, students can get feedback and support from qualified tutors throughout the course. check the i-to-i TEFL web site frequently because they often run specials and steep discounts. 

Costs: The 120-hour courses online are currently $349. However, i-to-i frequently runs discounts and at the time of writing, they are 60% off using this link. 

go to i-to-i

5. ITTT international TEFL and TESOL Training

The online 120-hour TEFL training program used by ITTT is self-paced and has 20 thorough lessons. ITTT also includes resources to help you find a job after course completion. 

ITTT is one of the oldest running, well-established TEFL companies — they’ve been around considering that 1998. Their TEFL 120-hour courses are recognized by IATEFL and OTTSA

Some of the lots of reasons to choose ITTT

One of the best parts about ITTT is that students have two choices:

Take the TEFL course on its own.

Take the TEFL course with access to a virtual tutor and premium training videos.

By using two levels of support, you can customize the amount of training you need without having to pay for a lot more if you don’t want to. 

Cost: The 120-hour online TEFL course without a tutor or videos costs $349. The course with the additional videos and virtual tutor support costs $399. Goats On The road readers receive 15% off the courses using this link, or clicking the button below. 

go to ittt

6. The TEFL Org

The TEFL Org uses a fully online 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course that can be completed at your own pace. They also offer a combination 120-hour course that has a live, hands-on virtual classroom component. 

Fully Online
The fully online program includes modules about grammar and language usage as well as teaching methodologies. They also five video observation lessons covering an variety of real classroom scenarios. 

Students in this program will also learn about teaching large classes and teaching over the telephone. 

Students in The TEFL Org online course have six months to work through all the lesson materials. students also receive access to an online tutor for extra support. 

Cost: The 120 hour online TEFL course is normally $509. However, The TEFL Org often runs 50% off discounts using this link. 

Combination Course
In the combination course, students work through the course content at their own pace then come together in a virtual classroom t

This is Berlin! Our thoughts and Impressions After a One Week trip

“This is Berlin”, also known as the mantra for our recent trip to this free-spirited city. We knew that Berlin would be distinct to any place that we’ve travelled in the past, but what we didn’t expect was for it to get under our skin the way that it did.

Before travelling to Berlin, we had done a bit of research on the various neighbourhoods in the city and chose that the “coolest” area sounded like Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, which used to be two districts, but were merged in 2001.

These two boroughs were divided by the Berlin wall during the cold War. The Oberbaum bridge, which crosses the Spree River, acted as a border between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.

The Oberbaum Bridge connecting the two neighbourhoods of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain
These days, however, the two neighbourhoods are known for being where the artsy and free-spirited people choose to live, work and play.

Since we wanted to be as “Berlin” as possible during our trip, we figured that staying in one of the two “cool” neighbourhoods would make us that much much more hip ? There are various places to stay in Berlin and figuring out which borough to base yourself in really depends on your style. To get a better understanding of the different districts in the city, check out this guide to Berlin’s neighbourhoods.

From the airport, we navigated the public bus system and the metro line, and finally made it to our hostel in Friedrichshain, which was just steps from the east Side Gallery (Berlin Wall).

In the area of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, people from all walks of life coexist, but primarily we came across artists, performers, hippies, immigrants, drug dealers, young people, and anybody with a creative bone in their body.

An incredible bit of artwork that we saw in Friedrichshain
There are numerous influences from various nationalities in this part of Berlin as well, but one of the most predominant is Turkish…which was terrific when we were on the hunt for a late night shawarma!

Buildings painted with street art and graffiti outnumbered the blank walls, and squatters hung out on the streets with their dogs, while listening to music from “ghetto blasters” – this brought us best back to the 90’s!

Some of the amazing street art by the talented Alice Pasquini from Rome
People danced, smoked, drank, painted, played music, rode bikes, and essentially just delighted in life. all of which was considered “normal”, and no one batted an eye or seemed to judge one another.

During our week-long stay, we didn’t see one policeman in the city, nor did we see a single fight or argument.

This was probably our preferred aspect of what we experienced in Berlin. people did what they wanted to do, without being punished for anything (at least, it seemed that way). Never have we travelled to a city with such an edgy, anything goes, bohemian vibe to it.

Fabulous riverside bars in Kreuzberg – some fun afternoons here!
Cycling is a very popular thing to do, as is unwinding in one of the numerous parks, and drinking beer outside of shops. There are bicycle lanes, various green spaces and chilled-out bars, which only added to the city’s trendy feel.

Our afternoons were in some cases spent wandering through Gorlitzer Park, which is a known hangout for drug dealers and junkies, yet there are playgrounds, a petting zoo and families everywhere! Coexisting at its finest.

Wandering through Gorlitzer Park with our German friend

We loved laying on the turf in Tempelhof Park (which is an abandoned airstrip), while enjoying the sunset with other Berliners. We brought red wine and unwinded amongst families, couples, singles and dogs.

An evening scene at Tempelhof Park

People did yoga, went running, rode their bikes, played music, read books, smoked weed, and even did a little slack-lining!

During the very late nights, we’d find ourselves sitting on the street drinking beer. We felt that this was our many “Berlin” moment ?

We were sooo “Berlin” this night while sitting on the ground and drinking beers outside of a shop!
Not all neighbourhoods in Berlin had the same appeal as Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Each district seemed to have a different crowd, and as soon as we crossed the unnoticeable border into a different area, the people, sites, restaurants and overall atmosphere completely changed.

The Mitte (middle) borough, is located in the center of Berlin and is comprised of a portionof both the former east and West districts of Berlin.

Even though this is the historical center, and there are numerous important sites to see (such as the museum Island, Holocaust Museum, Brandenberg gate and Checkpoint Charlie, to name a few), we couldn’t help but feel completely underwhelmed.

The Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) – a must-see on museum Island in Mitte

The sites were terrific and a must-see for anybody going to Berlin, but it felt like we had entered an entirely different city, and while it was good enough, it was much much more modern and “clean” than Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg.

Where were all of the fantastic, authentic restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world? Where was the dynamic and politically charged street art? What happened to all of the outdoor markets and parks?

One of our preferred spots to eat in Friedrichshain – the Indian food here was delicious and the vibe in the evenings was great

On top of those differences, it seemed as though all of the prices in Mitte were much higher than the other areas that we were in. For us, this part of Berlin felt way too over-restored, posh, and extremely gentrified.

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg and Mitte are complete opposites of one another, and if you’re searching for a middle ground between the edgy and modern feel, you just might find it in Prenzlaur Berg.

Performers in Mauer Park, Prenzlaur Berg

In the 1960’s, this area used to be much more like a squatter’s paradise, as well as home to a large gay community, and numerous bohemians. It was also the location of the serene revolution, which ultimately led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. These days, however, it’s undergone an overhaul and has become a sought after area to live and work in.

The Sunday flea market in Prenzlauer Berg

Although it is much much more modernized than where our hostel was located, there were aspects of Prenzlaur Berg that we very much enjoyed.

We had a look at the massive Sunday flea market, complete with beer gardens – which is where we discovered that we love wheat beer (Hefeweizen).

We watched independent singers and performers in Mauer Park, and cycled through the leafy streets, while stopping off to sample some Asian, Israeli and raw foods.

It turns out that we love wheat beer! best drank in a beer garden ?

There are numerous green spaces, boutique shops and a big cafe scene. You’ll also find historical landmarks (including a small piece of the Berlin Wall), pre-war architecture and a broad variety of cuisines.

One week is hardly enough time to even scratch the surface of what Berlin has to offer. but from what we saw during our trip, we were very impressed. This city really has something for everyone, and an ambience which is unrivaled by anywhere else. We can’t wait to return to explore some more.

Check out our videos from our week spent in Berlin!

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YET once again BACK IN BANGKOK!

Posted: 05/08/2009 | may 8th, 2009

I’m back in Bangkok. I know. I know. Didn’t I just leave? Wasn’t I just living in Taipei? A great deal of things can modification truly quickly. I’ve been right here two weeks, as well as in spite of my wish to be productive, that hasn’t occurred yet. I made the error of staying ideal near the very best as well as a lot of prominent hangout in Bangkok (at least for my friends) — inexpensive Charlies. I’ve been staying at Suk 11 ideal across the street. If you’re in Bangkok as well as trying to find a hostel that’s affordable, centrally located, as well as clean, this is the location to be. It’s one of the nicest locations I’ve stayed. It’s made from teak wood as well as there are a great deal of plants all around, producing a nice, natural feeling in a city that doesn’t feel natural at all. (Update: Suk 11 is now closed.)

Since it’s ideal near my preferred watering hole, I discovered myself coming house from dinner each night as well as being continuously dragged in for a drink by my friends. There have been three holidays in Thailand in the last two weeks, so a great deal of people have been taking time off, as well as the bar’s been bursting with people each night. Last night’s going-away celebration only added to the madness. One drink quickly turns into three or four, which normally lands me back in my bed around 4am.

Taiwan lacked a great deal of things I like about locations in Asia: a great nightlife, pirated movies, good, inexpensive street food, as well as great deals of tropical islands to visit. I’ve gone with about 10 motion pictures this week alone. I’ve been eating Thai street food every possibility I get. I’ve truly missed it, particularly the pork noodle soup that can only be discovered in the street stalls of the country. It’s succulent pork as well as fresh noodles are my mainstay for a quick, cheap, as well as filling meal. I’ve been checking out >my preferred restaurants as well as catching up with old friends.

Being back in Bangkok has made me recognize exactly how much I like it as well as exactly how I’ll never be able to completely leave. From the second I stepped off the plane, I felt as though I was home. The craziness, the smells, the crowds, the traffic, the pollution, the street food – it was all so comforting as well as exciting.

Bangkok is like that for us all. It grips you as well as you can never completely leave. You can getaway for short periods of time, however you’ll always be back. There’s something addictive about this city. perhaps it’s the contamination in the air, however whatever it is, you can’t leave. My good friend Natalie left a year back as well as has been back about seven times since. My good friends tell me now they will no longer come to my going-away celebrations since they understand I will come back in a few months.

Lots of cities you online in as well as like as well as return to visit, however I feel that with Bangkok, people return a lot more often. I really feel that method about Thailand in general. everybody I satisfy who’s been right here can’t wait to find back, as well as they normally do. This city just grabs you as well as sucks you in.

Bangkok is a vortex as well as if you stay right here long enough, you can get sucked in as well as never leave. everybody I understand who’s been right here longer than two or three years states they’ll never leave. They just can’t cope with living anywhere else. The craziness of the city is unique, as well as when you’re utilized to it, nowhere else compares.

In January, I closed the chapter on living in Bangkok long term. a lot more than a few months here, as well as I feel lost as well as as well sucked into that vortex. however being back right here feels like coming house as well as like taking a hit of some powerful stuff. as well as like any type of great addict, I can’t be away from my medication as well long. Anything longer than a few months, as well as I go with severe withdrawal.

Coming back here, though normally poor for my liver, recharges my batteries. as well as with this visit, I realized that no matter exactly how far I go, no matter where I go, no matter exactly how much I try to escape, Bangkok will always have a hold on me. as well as I’ll return to it to get my fix.

Some people online in cities as well as step on as well as never return. Not me. I’ll never be complimentary of this city.

But, then again, I never want to be.
 

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Book Your trip to Bangkok: Logistical ideas as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a inexpensive flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse web sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the greatest reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the greatest stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses as well as inexpensive hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:

Lub d Bangkok Silom

Golden mountain Hostel

Mad Monkey

If you’re trying to find a lot more locations to stay, right here are my preferred hostels in Bangkok. as well as if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my community breakdown of Bangkok!

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will secure you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s extensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it lots of times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)

Looking for the very best business to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want a lot more info on Bangkok?
Be sure to see our robust destination guide on Bangkok for even a lot more planning tips!

25 best things To do in Athens, Greece

There are so many exciting things to do in Athens, it can be hard to decide what to do. Athens is an iconic destination, steeped in ancient history and filled with delicious food options. Yet, despite all this, many people only spend a day or two in Athens before heading to one of the Greek Islands.

This list will help you decide what to do in Athens during your time there — no matter how long your check out is. I’ve been to Athens twice and love the city, this is definitely one of the best places to check out in Greece.

Read on to learn about the best 25 things to do in Athens!

Note: this list of things to see in Athens has been updated 2022 to reflect the current top things to do, the latest prices, best tours, and more. enjoy your trip to Greece!

Table of Contents
1. Climb to the Acropolis
2. check out the Acropolis Museum
3. See Hadrian’s Library
4. go to Edem Beach
5. See The decorations at little KooK
6. Take a street Art Tour
7. grab a drink at A is For Athens
8. eat the best Yogurtlu and Souvlaki 
9. check out the Benaki Museum
10. Smash things at Limba Rage Room
11. drink a Greek Coffee
12. check out the museum of Cycladic Art
13. shop in The Plaka
14. watch the changing of The Guard
15. check out Monastiraki Square
16. get custom Made Greek Sandals
17. eat Loukoumades
18. watch the Sunset at Lycabettus Hill
19. check out the national Archaeology Museum
20. Take a walking tour (one of the best things to do in Athens for foodies)
21. Take a Day trip to Hydra
22. check out Parliament Building
23. eat Gyros
24. Take a Day Sailing Trip
25. check out the temple of Poseidon 
Bonus!
Now You know What To do in Athens

1. Climb to the Acropolis

Seeing the 5th century Acropolis is the most popular thing to do in Athens.

Of course, this means that everyone wants to go there, including visitors from the cruise ships. My advice is to get there early. The site opens at 8 am and the cruise ship passengers arrive around 10 am.

Most people check out the Acropolis to see the Parthenon but there are several other things to see on the hill, including the Erechtheion, the Arrhephorion, and the temple of Athena Nike.

From the Acropolis, you can see much of Athens and can see all the way to the sea. The entrance fee is €20 ($23.25).

To learn about all of the incredible history, join a private walking tour. The tour will also take you to the museum (below). There are a few different types of tours you can take, click here to learn more about a highly-rated, skip-the-line tour. 

2. check out the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis museum is one of the most stunning museums I have ever been to. It’s filled with natural light, which highlights the artifacts well.

Here you can get a close look at the Parthenon frieze replicas on display. The cafe balcony also offers terrific views of Athens. You can learn more about the Acropolis on my blog.

Either before or after you check out the Acropolis, you must check out the Acropolis Museum. It’s not far from the entrance of the Acropolis and the entrance fee is only €5 ($5.80).

Line-ups here can be huge, to skip the line, purchase your ticket ahead of time here for around $13. Alternatively, you can buy an all-inclusive ticket for both the museum and the Acropolis here.

3. See Hadrian’s Library

This library is not a library in the sense we know it today, it was a place of study, not a place where books were lent.

Hadrian’s library was constructed around 132 ad for housing documents and reading rooms. There’s not much left but you can clearly see the layout of the library and there is excellent signage.

The entrance fee is €4 ($4.70). Hadrian’s library is located in the Monastiraki neighborhood not far from the Acropolis.

4. go to Edem Beach

Going to the beach is one of the lesser-known things to do in Athens as most people think you have to go to the islands to enjoy some beach time. Although it’s not one of the best beaches in Greece, it’s still a terrific place to relax and enjoy the sea.

Take your own towel and umbrella if you want one, as there are none available there. You can get a terrific meal at the Edem Taverna located on the beach.

To get to Edem Beach, take the green Line tram at Syntagma Square and take it in the direction of Askllipiio Voulas, and get off at the Edem stop. The 24-hour tram ticket is €4.50 and there is no fee for the beach.

☞ SEE ALSO: best places to check out in January

5. See The decorations at little KooK

I discovered little KooK on my most recent trip to Athens. Each holiday season it’s decorated inside and outside the restaurant. When I was there it was decorated for Halloween.

Little KooK is mainly a dessert cafe, but the top attraction is the decorations. This is probably the most Instagrammable place in Athens besides the Acropolis!

6. Take a street Art Tour

Street art is easy to find in Athens and ranges from classic graffiti art to modern street art.

While you can find much of it on your own in the Plaka area, this tour is offered by an actual street artist. The artist will take you to the established art spots, as well as new pieces that have recently appeared.

The highly-rated tour lasts 3 hours. have your camera or phone ready to take photos. Click here to learn more about this tour and to book. 

7. grab a drink at A is For Athens

For the best view of the Acropolis at night, you must have a specialty cocktail at A is For Athens cocktail bar — it’s one of the closest viewing points of the Acropolis. If you’re looking for amazing things to do in Athens in the evening, this is a good spot. 

It’s actually a hotel, so you could stay here and see the Acropolis in the morning for breakfast as well!

The cocktails range from €12 to €20. They did not have any soda (pop) so don’t come here to order rum and Coke. all of the cocktails have terrific names referencing Greek history and culture.

☞ SEE ALSO: top things To do in Zakynthos – The ultimate Guide

8. eat the best Yogurtlu and Souvlaki 

O Thanasis is one of the most popular places to eat in Plaka. It’s so popular that even Greeks eat here. the best thing to eat is the Yogurtlu, which is a beef kebab covered in yogurt on a bed of pita bread.

The Yogurtlu is large enough to split with someone and it will only set you back €9.90. The people at O Thanasis are friendly and not pushy. The souvlaki is also one of the best in town.

(Editor’s Note: a Greek reader has advised us that Agrafa restaurant has the best souvlaki in Athens. maybe try them both?!…)

9. check out the Benaki Museum

Visiting the Benaki museum is one of the best cultural things to do in Athens.

The Benaki museum is a museum of Greek culture ranging from prehistory to the 20th century. The collection offers rooms from houses, large sculptures, and smaller items like swords and historic documents.

The museum is a short walk from Syntagma Square. It’s located in a stunning Neo-classic building and you can enjoy a coffee and the view from the cafe. Skip-the-line tickets to the museum can be purchased ahead of time, here.

☞ SEE ALSO: things To do in Corfu – A guide for Travellers

10. Smash things at Limba Rage Room

Feeling a little stressed out? need to get some rage out? Limba Rage room is the place to do just that!

You purchase a package (which can include plates, bottles, a tube TV and glasses), and you smash them! It’s a terrific stress reliever and one of the most unique things to do in Athens.

There are a variety of packages for every budget. They range from €10 to €100. Don’t worry, they give you protective gear to wear. It’s located just down the street from little KooK.

☞ SEE ALSO: 27 things To do in Ios – A Must-Visit Greek Island

11. drink a Greek Coffee

Sampling a freddo cappuccino is one of the must-do things in Athens. This is just one of three classic Greek coffees, there is also a frappe and a freddo espresso.

The frappe is not like a Starbucks frappe but instead is made with instant coffee, water and sugar (if you choose).

The freddo cappuccino is espresso topped with frothy milk.

The freddo espresso is just swirled espresso over ice. all of these coffees pack a serious caffeine punch but since they are all served cold, it is terrific on a hot day in Athens.

Coffee culture in Greece is a very big deal. Not only do locals drink coffee (hot or cold) numerous times throughout the day, but as legend would have it, your fortune can be told by reading the dregs of coffee left at the bottom of your cup.

The next time you’re finished drinking your coffee in Athens, make sure to ask someone to show you how to read your fortune!

12. check out the museum of Cycladic Art

The museum of Cycladic Art is home to one of the most complete private collections of Cycladic Art. This is especially terrific to see if you won’t be visiting one of the Cycladic islands on your trip to Greece.

Most of the artifacts on display are marble pieces including bottles, plates, and standards. There are some metal objects as well. The pieces of marble are mostly white making them stunning in their simplicity.

This museum in Athens is open Μonday – Wednesday – Friday– Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 20:00, Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. The museum is closed on Tuesdays. The entrance fee is €7.

☞ SEE ALSO: The ultimate guide to Rhodes Greece

13. shop in The Plaka

The Plaka is a neighborhood located below the Acropolis. much of this area has been closed off to traffic, although delivery trucks still are allowed through and some streets are open.

The chain stores and more upscale shops are on Ermou street — where you can find shops like Sephora and H&M.

Then there are tourist shops and lower-end shops, which are further down past Monastiraki Square. here you can find souvenirs you might want to bring home for your pals and family. Plus, this is a terrific area for people watching.

14. watch the changing of The Guard

This is one of the best things to do in Athens. To catch this weekly event, you must be in Athens on a Sunday. The changing of the Guard takes place at the Parliament building at Syntagma. It takes place at 11:00am and is free to watch.

While the guards do change hourly, on Sundays at 11:00 there are more guards than usual, they’re dressed in the traditional Greek uniform and the ceremony is more complex.

Sundays are the best day to see the changing of the guards in Athens. and while they may look a little unusual, they are highly trained soldiers called the Evezone.

15. check out Monastiraki Square

If you sit in Monastiraki Square long enough, I swear you will see everyone in Athens walk by. This is the place to watch tourists and locals interact.

It is also a historic site with a 9th-century church, a 19th-century mosque and in the subway station are antiques found during the building of the metro.

This is one of the most bustling places in Athens and chilling out here is one of the best things to do in Athens.

16. get custom Made Greek Sandals

While you are shopping in the Plaka, be sure to stop at Pantelis Melissions The Poet Sandalmaker for a pair of custom-made Greek sandals. This shop has been around since 1920 and has been passed down from generation to generation.

You can get a classic pair in basic leather or get a fancy pair with decorations or metallics. The prices range from €40 to €50.

☞ SEE ALSO: visiting the Meteora Monasteries – The ultimate Guide

17. eat Loukoumades

Loukoumades is a Greek donut. It’s a small puff pastry that is soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. I had one with sesame seeds once too. They are delicious!

The best place in Athens to get loukoumades is at the aptly named Lukumades. It is not far from O Thanasis so after eating your kebab you can have a donut for dessert!

18. watch the Sunset at Lycabettus Hill

Watching the sunset from Lycabettus hill is one of the best things to do in Athens. Not only is the sunset stunning, but you get incredible views of Athens from here. You can also see the Acropolis all lit up for the evening.

There is a funicular to take you up and down if you don’t want to climb the hill. The cost for the funicular is €7.50 return or €5 for a one-way ticket.

☞ SEE ALSO: 21 things To do in Paros, Greece

19. check out the national Archaeology Museum

The national Archaeology museum has many artifacts ranging from prehistory to late antiquity. The artifacts are from all over Greece and the world. It also has an Egyptian collection.

The museum is north of the Acropolis. You can take the metro to the Victoria station and walk from there. The entrance fee is €10.

20. Take a walking To

15 best DAY trips from BRUSSELS

As the capital of Belgium and one of the de facto capital cities of the European Union, Brussels has an efficient and well-developed transportation system. From here, it’s easy to simply hop on the train or bus and travel to other destinations not just in Belgium but also neighboring countries like France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

If you are making Brussels your base, here are some of the destinations you can visit on a day trip. You can either pull a D-I-Y or join group trips from Brussels.

If you wish to explore independently, your jump off point is either the Brussels central (Brussels Centrale), Brussels South (Brussels Midi/Zuid), or Brussels North (Brussels Gare du Nord). These railway stations have dedicated bus stations/terminal adjacent to them and transport links such as the metro, taxi, and local bus.

If you choose a much more unwinded journey and you don’t want to worry about the getting-there part, consider joining a group trip instead. These day trips are typically led by well-informed guides, who are eager to share much more suggestions and insights about the attractions you’re visiting. We’re including Klook links in the items below when applicable so you can check trip rates or reserve a slot in advance.

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

Bruges
Ghent
Antwerp
Leuven
Luxembourg City
Amsterdam
Maastricht
Rotterdam
Hasselt
Tournai
Ypres
Namur
Cologne
Monschau
Paris
Top hotels & Apartments in BrusselsSearch for much more Brussels Hotels!

More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:

Bruges

About 100 kilometers northwest of Brussels lies the port city of Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in the Flemish region. Its historic city center is practically entirely circled by canals, connecting the city center to the seaside resort and port of Zeebrugge through Baudouin Canal, before spilling into the North Sea.

The oval-shaped old town was declared a UNESCO world Heritage site in 2000. aside from the canals, the city is known for its well-preserved medieval structures and cobbled streets. The Burg Square and the Markt Square are adorned with historic landmarks. These two squares are not far from each other, linked only by Breidelstraat Street.

Popular Attractions: Burg Square, Markt Square, Burges City Hall (Stadhuis), Bruges Belfry, Church of Our Lady, the old city gateways (Smedenpoort, Gentpoort, Ezelpoort, and Kruispoort), Minnewaterpark (Lake of Love), the various museums, and the canal views.

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) station or central Station, there are direct train routes to Bruges Station. The travel time is about an hour. The historical center is just a short walk from Bruges Station.

If you want a problem-free trip where you can also gather much more information about the attractions in Bruges, you can book a guided day trip to Bruges from Brussels. Some packages combine Bruges and Ghent in one tour. If you want to visit both, you can book the trip with Klook. This includes roundtrip transfers.

✅ check rates & photos HERE!

Ghent

Another port city northwest of Brussels is Ghent, the capital of east Flanders. It is the third-largest city in Belgium with its historic center converted into a pedestrian-only zone.

Image through Klook
Aside from the storied landmarks and architectural wonders, Ghent also is a major port hub for numerous international companies and an educational center with a huge student population. another popular event celebrated in Ghent is the annual ten-day Ghent Festival, held in July.

Popular Attractions: Gothic Saint Bavo Cathedral, towering at 89 meters, St. Nicholas Church, the Ghent Bell Tower between the aforementioned churches, the Gravensteen Castle, Campo Santo, the Graslei Old Harbor and the restaurants in the area, the museums, and the cuisines such as mastel, waterzooi, and cuberdon.

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) station or central Station, there are direct train routes to Gent-Sint-Pieters Station, the city’s main railway station. The travel time is about 30 minutes.

If you want to visit both Bruges and Ghent, you can book this day trip from Brussels through Klook! This is inclusive of a multilingual guide and roundtrip transfers.

✅ check rates OR RESERVE HERE!

Antwerp

Situated about 40 kilometers north of Brussels, Antwerp is also an essential port city. Its port is the second largest in Europe and one of the most significant in the world.

Its old town dates back to the medieval period and is home to the city’s historic sites. Although many of the ancient fortifications and structures are gone now, some of the ruins are still present. Antwerp’s diamond district is equally popular for its several diamond traders and shops.

Popular Attractions: Grote Markt and the Flemish Renaissance-style buildings, Antwerp City Hall, the Ruben’s House, Antwerp central Station, Rubenshuis, Cathedral of Our lady of Antwerp, St. James’ Church, palace of Justice, museum aan de Stroom, Nello & Patrache Statue, Ingang Sint-Annatunnel – Voetgangerstunnel, and Zurenborg neighborhood

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) station or central Station, take the direct train route to Antwerp central Station. The travel time is 30-50 minutes.

If you want to join a guided trip for problem-free roundtrip transfers, you can book Klook’s Antwerp Half-Day trip from Brussels. This also covers a multilingual guide.

BOOK THIS trip HERE

Leuven

Located east of Brussels is Leuven, the largest city and the capital of the Flemish Brabant province. It is known for its huge student population and its reputable educational institutions, particularly Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KL Leuven), the country’s largest university.

Since Belgium is known for its love for beer, Leuven is home to a multitude of beer breweries and is the birthplace of Belgian beer brands Stella Artois, Keizersberg, Domus, and Leuvense Tripel.

The old town center cradles ancient buildings and historic monuments. The central square, Grote Markt, is dominated by Gothic-style buildings — the town Hall and St. Peter’s Church.

Popular Attractions: Grote Markt, Leuven town Hall, St. Peter’s Church, Arenberg Castle, KU Leuven, Ladeuzeplein, Oude Markt (Old Market), Fonske Statue, and the churches/abbeys

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) station or central Station, there are direct train routes to Leuven Station. The travel time is about 30 minutes.

Luxembourg City

One of the countries sharing borders with Belgium is Luxembourg. It is one of Europe’s smallest sovereign states but it is one of the world’s wealthiest countries. Its capital is Luxembourg City, with an old town that is inscribed on the UNESCO world Heritage list.

You can easily explore the city and its essential landmarks on foot, either on your own or joining a guided walking tour. The typical starting point for the walking trip is the Luxembourg central railway Station.

Popular Attractions: Passerelle, Notre Dame Cathedral, place de la Constitution, Pont Adolphe, Pétrusse Casemates, place D’Armes, palace of the Grand Dukes, trips Vauban, Pfaffenthal Lift, Casemates du Bock, Chemin de la Corniche, and the Grund

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) station or central Station, there are direct train routes to Leuven Station, but they are not frequent. Usually, you need to change trains at Arlon going to Luxembourg. The travel time is about three hours.

Amsterdam

The Netherlands is another country sharing borders with Belgium. Its capital city is Amsterdam, well-known for its sophisticated canal system whose three main canals branch out to over 100 kilometers of smaller canals, much more or less 90 islands, and over a thousand bridges.

Aside from these historic canals, the city is also popular for its museum district hosting Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk, and Van Gogh Museum, among others. Amsterdam is also the birthplace of Anne Frank, Rembrandt, Spinoza, and Van Gogh. The whole city is bicycle-friendly.

Popular Attractions: Dam Square, museum district (and the museums within it), royal Concertgebouw, royal palace of Amsterdam, Anne Frank House, Heineken Brewery Experience, Melkweg, Vondelpark, De Wallen, Oude Kerk, and the historic canals

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) Station, there are direct train routes to Amsterdam central station provided by high-speed train (Thalys), but this option is expensive. If you are on a budget, you can take a regular train with a transfer stop at Rotterdam central station to change trains to Amsterdam central Station. The travel time is about three hours by regular trains and about two hours by high-speed trains.

Maastricht

Situated near the southern suggestion of the Netherlands is Maastricht, the capital of Limburg Province. The city developed from being a Roman settlement to a medieval religious hub to a garrison town to an industrial city to what it is today — a cultural hub. It is no wonder it is part of the most ancient European towns Network.

The whole city center is a protected zone as it is peppered with over 1600 national heritage landmarks, drawing throngs of tourists yearly. The city also boasts a large student population in the country, giving the city a lively and youthful vibe.

Popular Attractions: Sint Janskerk, Basilica of St. Servatius, Bonnefanten Art Museum, Fort Sint Pieter Maastricht Underground, Maastricht Caves Zonneberg, Basilica of Our Lady, Meuse River, mount Saint Peter, Vrijthof Square, Onze Lieve Vrouweplein, Markt, and museums

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) station or central Station, there are no direct train routes to Maastricht. You need to change trains at Liège-Guillemins station going to Maastricht. The travel time is about two hours.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. Its roots can be traced back to the construction of a dam in Rotte. The largest seaport in Europe, it has allowed the trade and logistics industries to flourish and become the major economic chauffeurs of the city. The city is known for its maritime culture and the beautiful riverside setting.

It is also popular among the academe, attracting students from around the world and accounting for the significant number of foreign nationals in the city. and of course, the most visible attractions are the modern architectures that sprung after world war II.

Popular Attractions: Maritime Museum, Pilgrim Fathers Church, the Delshaven neighborhood and its canalside shops, Lawrence Church, Euromast, the Cube Houses, Rotterdam City Hall, and Markthal

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) Station, there are direct train routes to Rotterdam central Station. From both Brussels Midi and Brussels Central, there are also routes that require a stop at Breda to transfer to another train bound for Rotterdam Central. The travel time is about an hour and a half to two hours.

Hasselt

Lying several kilometers west of Brussels is Hasselt, the capital and largest city of Belgium’s Limburg Province. Yep, there are two provinces named Limburg: one in the Belgian region of Flanders and the other in the Netherlands.

The streets of Hasselt’s old town are mostly pedestrian-only zones and dotted with historical landmarks. The city is bustling with shopping streets, restaurants, malls, and parks. You can explore on foot or by riding a bicycle.

Popular Attractions: Herkenrode Abbey, Japanese Garden, Virga Jesse Basilica, St. Quentin’s Cathedral, Grand Place, Nationaal Jenevermuseum Hasselt, Demerstraat and Koning Albertstraat shopping streets

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) station or central Station, there are direct train routes to Hasselt. The travel time is about an hour.

Tournai

Tournai is situated southwest of Brussels in the province of Hainaut of the Walloon region, near the borders with France.

As one of the oldest cities in Belgium, Tournai hosts significant cultural landmarks and sites. the most popular landmark is the Notre Dame de Tournai, a UNESCO world Heritage Site. It features the oldest belfry in Belgium, towers, a rose window, and a 12th-century reliquary.

Popular Attractions: Grand Place, Notre Dame de Tournai, Pont des Trous (Scheldt Bridge), St. Quentin’s Church, Red Fort Tower, Barre-St-Brice street old houses, old city gates, and museums

Getting There: From Brussels central Station, there are direct train routes to Tournai (Doornik) Station. If you are coming from Brussels Midi (South) Station, you need to change trains at Mons station going to Tournai Station. The travel duration is about an hour and a half.

Ypres

Ypres (or Leper) in West Flanders province lies southwest of Brussels. The town is many noteworthy in history during world war I, particularly the series of battles in the Ypres Salient where numerous lives were lost.

Today, its map is marked with war museums, cemeteries, and memorials built in honor of those who perished in the war. It has become a sacred pilgrimage destination for British people who would like to pay tribute to their fallen soldiers.

Although a lot of ancient structures were destroyed during the war, reconstruction projects were able to save some of the most significant landmarks and sites. two of them are the Saint Martin Cathedral and the cloth Hall.

Popular Attractions: Grote Markt, cloth Hall, Saint Martin’s Cathedral, Menin gate Memorial to the Missing, the war graves, and St. George’s Memorial Church

Getting There: From Brussels Midi (South) station or central Station, direct train routes to Ypres are infrequent. Usually, you need to make one or two train changes to get to Ypres Station. The travel time is about two hours.

Namur

Located southeast of Brussels, Namur is the capital of both the Namur province and the Wallonia region.

The Old town center is many noteworthy for its ancient Citadel, dating back to the middle Ages and featuring seven-kilometer subterranean tunnels, golden turtle statue, gardens, and spectacular views of the city. The sights along Sa

MY in-depth guide TO EXPERIENCING THE MALDIVES ON A budget plan

Last Updated: 8/2/20 | August 2nd, 2020

The Maldives conjure up pictures of pristine beaches, reef-ringed atolls, as well as extravagant bungalows on the water where lucky guests can observe fish with glass floors as well as jump into the sea from their balcony.

This island nation has always been on my “bucket list,” so when I decided to see Sri Lanka as well as Dubai last month, the Maldives was a rational as well as obvious addition to my itinerary.

Especially, since there’s now a budding budget plan travel scene in the country.

In 2009, the Maldivian government enabled locals to open their own guesthouses as well as restaurants to tourists. Whereas before, travelers were restricted to the resort islands, now they can see as well as stay on any type of regional island they select to. Suddenly, homestays, hotels, as well as guesthouses have started popping up.

It was a momentous shift in policy that lastly enabled locals a piece of the economic pie.

Though I wished to experience daily life, the previously mentioned idyllic pictures rippled with my mind. There was no method I might miss a possibility at experiencing that type of luxury.

Splitting my nine-day see into two parts, I decided to spend four days in a resort as well as five days on the “real” islands.
 

Life on the High End

With a Dubai good friend in tow, I landed at the Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa resort, 150km south of the capital, Malé. like all resorts, the hotel is on its own personal island that boasts overwater bungalows, their own restaurant, bar, spa, as well as operated tours. like most resorts here, meals as well as drinks are included in the expense of the room.

Cinnamon is on the lower end of the cost spectrum, costing me $356 USD per night. While not super budget-friendly, it’s a great deal cheaper than the other resorts. For example, the Park Hyatt is $850 USD per night, the Taj is $1,050 USD, the W is $1,300 USD, St. Regis is $1,600 USD, as well as the Four-Seasons is a whopping $2,000 USD per night!

Unless you discover exactly how to travel hack, a see right here can be prohibitively expensive.

As I was itching for an overdue vacation as well as work detox, my see was just what the physician ordered: a tropical island with restricted Web as well as a good friend whose task it was to keep me from working.

I spent my days trying not to get a sunburn on the beach, reading books (I extremely suggest A Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell), drinking wine, stuffing my face, as well as then retiring for more reading or a movie.

Life on the island was easy. In the resort bubble, you don’t have to concern about getting around, meals, or what to do.

It was a vacation.

The personnel was super friendly, they understood exactly how to make a great drink, as well as there was always food around. meals were buffet style (unless you paid additional for the charming crab restaurant or the lunchtime cooking class, which I did. See the remarkable meal I cooked in the photo below).

Taking advantage of a few of the hotel’s tours, we went dolphin watching (so many dolphins!), snorkeled each day, as well as visited a couple of the close-by islands.

Since resorts in the country are geared toward households or couples, there are few solo travelers or non-couples outside the dive resorts. My good friend as well as I were the only non-couple on the island.

I discovered there wasn’t a great deal of guest interaction however since everywhere there is on vacation, I’m not surprised.

After four days, my good friend as well as I were both a bit prepared to move on. I can only take vacation life for a few days before I get bored. The high life was what I believed it would be — relaxing opulence — however I was itching to see the genuine Maldives, to experience life on the regional islands, as well as to talk to a few locals.
 

Life the method It should Be

After returning to Malé as well as seeing my good friend off at the airport, I hopped into a speedboat as well as headed to Maafushi, ground zero for the Maldives’ burgeoning independent travel industry, to begin my island-hopping adventure.

It was a horrible place. I hope to never return.

Maafushi, when a sleepy bit island, is now the sufferer of uncontrolled development.

There are hotels going up left as well as right, boats making regular trips to Malé to pick up tour groups, as well as one little over-crowded as well as overbuilt beach. The few restaurants on the island cater mainly to tourists, as well as outside the area cleaned up for visitors, it’s one trash-covered dump.

You can see the composing on the wall — this location is the next Ko Phi Phi. As a guesthouse owner on one more island said, “Soon there will be no more locals there. They will just lease out their land as well as move to Malé.”

But Maafushi is great for a few things: diving, snorkeling, as well as acting as a introducing pad to prettier, quieter islands like Gulhi as well as Fulidhoo.

After a couple of days, I escaped to Mahibadhoo. Kristin, our remarkable solo female travel writer, stayed there a few years ago, as well as so I was excited to see as well as inspect out the remarkable Noovilu, applauded as “possibly the very best guesthouse in the Maldives.” (It was truly nice. A bit costly for my taste however the service, food, as well as activities offered by the personnel was resort quality. incredible interest to detail as well as I suggest staying there.)

Unlike Maafushi, I liked Mahibadhoo.

It was clean (local women volunteer to clean the island when a week), as well as the buildings were more colorful, featuring a rainbow of pastel-colored structures. There was more life right here as well (I watched regional soccer games each night). Overall, the vibe was just nicer.

The island, in spite of having speedboat gain access to to Malé, has escaped (for now) the mass advancement of Maafushi. though it doesn’t have a “bikini beach” (as the beaches for foreigners are called), there is great snorkeling right offshore (which is what I did), as well as it’s a introducing pad for day trips to deserted atolls, sandbars, as well as quieter islands like Dhanbidhoo, Kalhaidhoo, as well as Isdhoo.

Though the islands the locals inhabit are adding guesthouses, they often aren’t set up for tourists. Ferry service is infrequent to all however a couple of the islands, as well as most don’t have many restaurants, or even beaches to lay on. There are a couple reasons for this.

First, bikini beaches exist for tourists. The Maldives is a Muslim country and, while there are public beaches, you requirement to be covered up for them. most of the regional islands don’t have white sandy beaches, so many developed special ones just for the tourists that are hidden from view as well as visitors can be more scantily dressed (hence the bikini name).

Secondly, “eating out” isn’t a thing in the Maldives. Locals mainly cook for themselves. There are cafes however few restaurants. You usually eat at the guesthouses, who cook up meals (included in the price) for guests. However, you can get a great deal of great food this method as many guesthouses cook up curried fish, rice, as well as other regional delicacies. The fare is simple however extremely tasty.

And, while the neighborhoods are still trying to figure out exactly how to offer with tourism, I was unfortunate to leave as well as desire I had more time to check out the nooks as well as crannies of the atolls. everybody right here was friendly as well as curious as well as it would have been nice to get to dig deeper into regional life as well as culture.
 

Travel tips for the Maldives

While the Maldives doesn’t have to break your budget, it’s important to understand a few things before you go — or you’ll make some expensive mistakes:

Ferries need planning (and don’t always come) – The Maldives’ atolls are served by a series of ferries from Malé. most expense $2-5 USD, however, their routine is unreliable. I was meant to take one that never arrived.

Many only travel when a day, so if one doesn’t come, you’ll have to fork over money for a speedboat ($25 USD) or wait on the next day’s departure.

When you are visiting the Maldives, research study the ferries in advance so you understand when as well as where you can go next. Island hopping is extremely difficult without planning. I messed up by not looking at the ferry system before I arrived; as a result, I missed a few islands I wished to visit. I wrongly presumed there would be regular ferries between the islands — I was sorely mistaken.

Inter-island ferry routines can be discovered here.

Speedboats are your good friend – From Malé, you can take speedboats to a few of the close-by funding islands of surrounding atolls. They expense $25-30 USD however likewise leave infrequently, usually when a day (Maafushi is the only island I discovered with several speedboat departures). If you’re not on a tight budget plan as well as want to save time, grab a speedboat.

There is no alcohol – As the Maldives is a Muslim country, you can’t get alcohol anywhere except on the resort islands which have a special exemption.

Flying is not affordable – flying is incredibly costly here. Flights from Malé to surrounding atolls can expense as much as $350 USD each way. avoid this.

Take great deals of USD – though the Maldives has its own currency (the rufiyaa), us dollars are commonly accepted as well as you commonly get a much better cost if you pay in USD. This varies from one restaurant or shop to another, so I brought both currencies with me as well as paid in whatever currency had a lower price. (Though you’re speaking the difference of $.50 cents, so don’t stress as well much)

However, Maldivian ATMs fee hefty charges (upwards of $6.50 USD) per withdrawal. Taking money or making one big withdrawal eliminates or reduces those charges (and so does having a bankthat reimburses those fees).

And don’t concern – the Maldives is extremely safe. nobody is going to take all that cash. I never when felt uneasy about having great deals of money on me.

At resorts, whatever will be charged to your credit history card so make sure you have a ‘no foreign exchange fee’ card!

Is it great for solo travelers?
Yes, if you just want to read, relax, as well as focus on you.

While you’ll see a great deal of travelers in Malé heading to dive boats or bouncing from island to island, it’s all friends, couples, as well as families. in spite of the affordable expense of travel, the Maldives is still not on the solo traveler radar.

Is the Maldives cheap?

It can be! though they import a great deal of goods, if you stay with regional ferries, guesthouses, as well as regional food (fish, rice, curry), you can get by for under $75 USD a day (even less if you are sharing accommodation). This does not include things like airfare as well as travel insurance coverage though.

Since there’s no alcohol on the islands, you don’t have to concern about drinking away your budget. right here are some typical costs in 2020:

Single space in a regional guesthouse: $45-55 USD per night

Public ferry: $2-5 USD per ride

Airport ferry to Malé: $1 USD

Speedboats: $25-35 USD per ride

Tea: $.50 USD

Snorkel rental: $8 USD/day

Diving for whale sharks: $200 USD

Meals: $9-11 USD each

Buffet dinners: $15-20 USD each

Sandwich on Male: $4-5 USD

Bottle of water: $0.40-0.70 USD

In my four days, my biggest cost was the $120 USD I paid to lease an entire speedboat back to Malé when my ferry didn’t show up. beyond that, I discovered the islands to be rather the bargain!

***
We believe of the Maldives as a budget-busting, high-end location however they don’t have to be. The country is cheaper than a few of the prominent destinations in the Caribbean or even Southeast Asia!

One day I hope to return as well as spend more time island-hopping. There’s more I want to see as well as do here.

I extremely suggest visiting the Maldives before the islands ended up being as well overdeveloped, the beaches get swallowed up by the sea (climate modification as well as coral bleaching were both hot topics with the locals I spoke with), or the world catches on to exactly how affordable the country truly is.

Book Your trip to the Maldives: Logistical tips as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a affordable flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse websites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses as well as affordable hotels.

Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will protect you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s comprehensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it many times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:

Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)

Insure My trip (for those over 70)

Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)

Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want more info on the Maldives?
Be sure to see our robust destination guide on the Maldives for even more planning tips!

Note: Cinnamon Hakuraa covered the expense of the space at the resort (which included food as well as beverages). The rest of my trip, including my flight, was paid for completely by me.

9 complimentary things to do in Los Angeles

anybody who’s anybody swings by Los Angeles. It is the city of A-list celebrities, the huge names in sports as well as entertainment. This lively metropolis has ended up being synonymous with success. This is where stars are made, attracting dreamers from all over the world. however dreamers are not the only ones drawn to the shimmer of tinseltown — tourists, too!

Over the past a number of decades, Los Angeles has ended up being one of the most checked out destinations in the United States. as well as as visitors keep flooding in, a lot more accommodation choices ended up being available. Los Angeles has a large choice of hotels that can deal with both ends of the budget plan spectrum.

The listing of attractions is regularly growing. new restaurants helmed by acclaimed chefs sprout along its streets. as well as there’s always a new science, history or art museum that is worth checking out every year. While Los Angeles is frequently thought about one of the most costly cities in the country, don’t let it deter you from going. even if you’re on a budget, there are noteworthy attractions that you can go to without pawning your house. In fact, a few of them can be took pleasure in for FREE!

WHAT’S covered IN THIS GUIDE?

La Brea Tar Pits
Venice Canals
Runyon Canyon
The Griffith Observatory
Mariachi Plaza
Annenberg area for Photography
The Los Angeles City Hall
The Bradbury Building
The Broad
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La Brea Tar Pits

In 1875, paleontologists discovered animal remains in Rancho La Brea’s pits — bubbled with asphalt from a petroleum lake. a lot more than a century later, the professionals are still working on the area, even after dragging around 3.5 million fossils from the area. lots of of their discoveries are now in a museum, which has altered much for decades. The excavation excursions as well as page museum have admission fees, however the museum waives them every very first Tuesday of the month (except July as well as August) as well as every Tuesday in September. however since of high demand, it would be finest to reserve tickets ahead of time.

Venice Canals

The Venice Canals are ideal between the Venice Boardwalk as well as the Abbot Kinney; the canals supply you with a different point of view of the popular beachfront neighborhood. strolling with the canal-lined blocks uses idyllic scenes, quaint beach houses, arching bridges, ducklings, as well as even a pet dog that paddleboards. There are no boat rentals that enable you to explore, however you can bring a non-motorized vessel to go around the neighborhood.

Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon procedures 160 acres as well as has one primary loop as well as a number of hiking trails that visitors can explore. If you choose to go during the weekends as well as weekday mornings, you may run into a number of trainers hiking with their clients. However, as the day goes on, the crowds dwindle as well as you will now have sufficient time as well as area to take pleasure in nature. This park supplies you with a few of the very best views of the metropolis; you may likewise run into some stars trying to capture a workout into their tight schedules.

The Griffith Observatory

The vista supplied by the observatory is something you shouldn’t miss when you go to Los Angeles. The city below twinkles as well as glistens with lights when the sky turns black. When you go inside, you’ll see different exhibits such as a planetarium show, Tesla coil, as well as a Foucault pendulum. before the 10pm closing time, make sure to look with the 12-inch refracting telescope. An alternate to the latter is the reflecting telescope on the front lawn.

Mariachi Plaza

The Mariachi Plaza has decades of LA custom as well as likewise has a few of its finest music. Mariachi bands have been gathering around the plaza considering that the 1930s. The musicians are dressed in their standard Mexican horsemen clothes or charro while waiting on somebody to hire them to play at service establishments or even parties. lots of of the musicians online in the historical as well as traditional 1889 Boyle Hotel.

Annenberg area for Photography

This is a privately funded area that specializes in photography; it techniques the niche in an ingenious method when it pertains to displaying print as well as digital pieces. It integrates music and/or videos into the pictures published on the screen walls. This combination supplies a special experience for visitors. Admission is complimentary however there is a $1 car parking fee.

The Los Angeles City Hall

This white tower has been the city’s icon considering that the 1920s; today it supplies the simplest method to get a view of Downtown, if you get the possibility to pass with the Civic center on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, go into on the primary street side to ensure that you can go to the observation deck on the 27th floor. While in the area, take a stroll around thepark as well as try to discover the 1984 Olympic torch. There’s a great deal of history in the area, taking a walk around it will be like reminiscing decades past.

The Bradbury Building

The building’s nondescript appearance may make it seem less significant; however, when you walk with the entrance, you will see a gorgeous alley of wood, bricks, as well as iron. This architectural gem is an perfect location to go to for history enthusiasts since the building is one of the oldest in Downtown. If you like movies, the zigzagging staircases were shown in a scene in Blade Runner. You won’t be able to check out the building; you’d have to do your admiring of the style from the ground floor as a lot of of the building is for personal offices.

The Broad

The broad is Los Angeles’s newest contemporary art museum as well as it is likewise the public house of 2,000 post-war art works of Eli as well as Edythe’s collection. When you visit, you get to see familiar works from Jeff Koons as well as Andy Warhol in addition to the splendid installation “Infinity Mirrored Room” by Yayoi Kusama. There is likewise an olive tree grove in the museum’s plaza; the museum admission is free, however it is recommended to get a booking very first before going.

There’s no question that LA is an costly city, however there are sufficient complimentary things to do as well as see to save money on your trip. Those provided above are only a few of the locations you can visit, check out Los Angeles at your own time as well as speed to experience whatever that the city has to offer.​

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HOW TO avoid PICKPOCKETS IN EUROPE: 10 things I learned from Experience

It was something I didn’t think would happen to me.

After nearly a decade of being a travel blogger and checking out nearly 50 countries, a part of me thought that I would not fall victim to pickpockets even in Europe. I know, lots of of Europe’s big cities are notorious for pickpockets. I had been alerted by friends and documentaries. and I am always extra careful when I travel, especially when on public transportation. but sometimes, sh*t happens.

Here’s what happened:

When we arrived in Athens, we excitedly went straight to the metro station. It wasn’t our first time in Athens. We were confident. The journey to the city center was uneventful for the most part. That changed when we transferred to another line to get to our hotel.

When we switched trains, a group of men boarded with us. two of them positioned themselves on either side of the door. Both on the phone, playing the same game. When we reached our stop, the door unexpectedly malfunctioned. It got stuck and won’t open. one of the people tried to open it and asked me for help. Panicking that I might miss my stop, I helped hold it. just when the train was leaving, the door magically opened and I got out. It wasn’t until the train had gone when I realized that my phone was missing. someone stole it.

After the incident, when we searched the web for what to do next, we found out that this was actually a pretty common scam on the Athens metro. The pickpockets work as a group. someone does something to the door to get it stuck, and while the victim is trying to open it, another person fishes the phone or budget out of your bag or pocket. They use the panicky situation as a distraction.

Pickpockets are common in lots of touristy parts of the world, but this problem is especially severe in Europe’s big cities — Berlin, Paris, Rome, Milan, Prague, Athens to name a few. Barcelona, in particular, has been identified pickpocket capital of the world by TripAdvisor and the national geographic show Scam City. Asians are said to be a favorite target because credit scores cards are not big in lots of Asian countries, which indicates we bring a lot of cash with them when they travel. These criminals know this.

And so I made a decision to write this post. lots of of these ideas are things I already knew even before the incident, but it would be great to have something to remind myself and refer to again in the future! If you’re traveling to Europe soon, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind!

1. DON’T bring too lots of bags.

Pickpockets normally operate in places where they will find new tourists — on the metro, at train stations, and bus terminals. You know why? because tourists who have just arrived are the easiest targets. a lot of of them are clueless, scared, overwhelmed, confused or exhausted after a long flight. They’re also very easy to distract.

This is why you must lessen the number of bags that you carry. You just can’t keep an eye on all of them at the same time. The a lot more bags you have, the a lot more items you need to watch, the much easier it is to lose something. Pickpockets know this and they will take advantage of it.

One of the best ways to secure your belongings is to keep a hand on your bag, normally on top of the zipper or opening. You only have two hands!

2. DON’T let your valuables out of sight.

First of all: Don’t put your budget in your back pocket. It’s the easiest to steal!

Keep your bag in front of you and keep an eye on it.

Make sure your bag is in your front!

If you have a carry bag, put it in front of you and place a hand on the opening.

If you have a backpack, wear it backwards so it is in front of you when on the metro or seated on the bus.

When eating at a restaurant, don’t put your bag on the empty chair next to you.

When walking or shopping, always make sure that your bag doesn’t step to your side or back.

Always, always, always keep your bag in front, where you can see it.

Moreover, don’t be flashy. Leave your jewelry and fancy enjoy at home. You’ll only make yourself a target.

3. DO invest in a money belt.

A money belt is a small bag that you can wear around your waist or torso. It’s sort of a fanny pack but it’s smaller and you can hide it under your shirt. This is one of the best ways to secure your cash or cards. It’s great because it’s very close to your body and you can keep your valuables in front of you and away from outside view.

Pickpockets will always choose the much easier targets when they can. If they have a choice, they will go after someone who has their budget in the back pocket or backpack than someone with no visible valuables.

4. DON’T be distracted.

Pickpockets in Europe are exceptional for one thing — creativity. They normally operate in groups. One is the actual pickpocket, another serves as a lookout or hides the item, while the rest block your view, rattle you, or keep your attention away from your valuables. The distractions can be any of the following:

Someone passes out in front of you and while your attention is on them or you get caught in the commotion, someone else is stealing your valuables.

Someone squirts ketchup, mustard or bird poop on your tee shirt or jacket, and while you’re cleaning it up, someone is busy cleaning out your purse or pocket.

Two people fight loudly and while you enjoy them bicker, someone else is trying to rob you.

Someone, normally pretending to be deaf-mute, asks you to sign a petition. While you’re busy writing your name, an accomplice gets your wallet/phone.

Someone pretends to be another vacationer and asks for direction.

A sexy lady starts being relaxing with you. While you’re busy getting too close, she and another person are busy emptying your budget without you knowing it.

The door of the train malfunctions and the passenger closest to it helps you open the door so you could exit. What you don’t know is, while you’re trying to hold the door, an accomplice is fishing your phone/wallet from your bag or pocket.

And if something happens, keep your cool. Don’t panic. safe your belongings and walk away.

5. DON’T be predictable.

The easiest targets are those whose moves can be easily predicted. If you unexpectedly decide to do something they didn’t foresee, you won’t fall into their trap and their plan is ruined. They’ll probably just step on to another target.

For example, as mentioned, lots of pickpockets on the metro or bus operate as a gang. They pick their targets and then they step to their respective positions. One or two stay on either side of the door, waiting for their victim. They expect you to exit through the same door you entered. but if you get off through another door, they won’t have time to adjust. If they try, it’s gonna be very suspicious.

Since the incident, when riding the metro and we see people standing by the door, Yosh and I don’t enter and exit through the same door, unless the train is very packed.

6. DON’T keep all your valuables in the same place.

I lost my phone but I kept thinking about how much a lot more inconvenient it would have been if they took my budget instead. My budget had my cash, ATM cards, credit scores cards, and other IDs. It would have been a nightmare!

As the saying goes, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. keep your valuables in separate places, so in case you lose one, you don’t lose everything. This is true especially if you also carry cash.

Yosh and I always use our cards — ATM card to withdraw money and credit scores cards for some transactions — but we also carry a contingency fund with us, in the form of cash, just in case our cards won’t work or get stolen. If you’re like this too, make sure you separate the cash from your cards. Otherwise, there is no point.

7. DO look out for each other.

If you’re part of a bigger group, enjoy each other. Do a buddy system. It was something that we always do all the time, but for some reason we failed to do that day.

Before the thugs stole my phone, when the door of the train was malfunctioning, Yosh said he called me over to just use another exit. but I didn’t hear him. We got separated. If we didn’t, my phone probably wouldn’t have been stolen. Or at the very least, it would have been harder for the thieves to pull it off.

Since the incident, we agreed to look out for each other a lot more carefully. When he’s walking ahead, I enjoy him while I have a hand on my bag. He does the same for me. When he starts dozing off on the metro, I wake him up. If he really needs to catch some sleep, I make sure he’s in a a lot more safe place and I stand guard. He does the same for me.

Since then, we have never lost anything.

8. DON’T be complacent.

When you have been traveling for a long time, there is that air of confidence. It’s like, “I know what I’m doing. I got this.” That’s good, but it shouldn’t be an excuse to let your guard down even though you have been in that destination before. I got robbed in Athens, a place that I have checked out before. I was a little bit a lot more relaxed.

In addition, don’t depend on too much. search the web and you’ll find many accounts from tourists who got approached by over-friendly strangers. Sometimes, they’re locals eager to help you or other tourists asking a favor. In lots of cases, they’re pickpockets about to steal something from you or leading you to a trap, where you’ll be forced to get something at an astronomical price, make a big donation, or steal your credit scores card details.

In a Facebook post, a Pinoy vacationer shared his experience in Moscow. While he was sightseeing, a group of female tourists asked him to take a group photo of them. because they were also tourists, he obliged. The girls introduced themselves, where they were from, and they had a friendly conversation. before leaving, they asked if they could take a selfie with him. What he didn’t realize while he was posing for the camera, one of the girls was trying to take out valuables from his bag. He even caught it in pictures!

In Paris, a friend of mine was approached by a friendly local who used to help them find their destination. He didn’t steal from her but he unexpectedly charged her for “helping” and would not accept small payment.

It’s fine to be friendly, but don’t let your guard down.

9. DO get insured.

In the end, I was able to get a new phone because I was insured.

Travel insurance is something you won’t need to use but you’ll be thankful you have in case something happens. Yosh and I are insured. For years, we have been paying for travel insurance, health insurance, life insurance, and gadget insurance. but this was the only time we ever had to make use of it during travel.

10. DON’T beat yourself up too much for it.

It can happen to the best of us.

Just recently, the legendary Rick Steves fell victim to pickpockets in Paris. That’s Rick Steves! He’s an expert when it pertains to Europe travel. If experienced travelers get duped by these thieves, don’t kick yourself in the butt too much if it happens to you.

What you must do is keep a presence of mind and act quickly.

If your phone is stolen, call your service provider to cancel the SIM and deactivate your phone remotely if you can. Then, change your passwords!

If your cards are stolen, call the issuing bank to cancel your cards immediately.

If your passport is stolen, get in touch with your embassy.

Then proceed to the nearest police station to file a report. It’s very unlikely that you will be able to retrieve your stuff, but it’s always best to make and keep an official record of what happened because you might be able to use it in the future.

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THE ultimate guide TO mentor ENGLISH IN THAILAND

Posted: 2/15/2020 / February 15th, 2020

Thailand is an English teacher’s dream. With a low expense of living, incredible food, rich culture, lots of partying, as well as a mai pen rai (no worries) attitude, the Land of Smiles is a extremely prominent country for English teachers.

For Thais, English is thought about a necessity to work in the worldwide market, so there is always a requirement for teachers. With language schools, main schools, universities, as well as other places offering English classes, there are numerous avenues for employment.

So, exactly how do you get a task mentor English in Thailand?

In order to do so, you requirement to be a native speaker from an English-speaking country (defined as the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, as well as new Zealand) or prove your fluency, as well as have a bachelor’s degree.

Because of the popularity of mentor English in Thailand, I’d suggest likewise having a 120-hour TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate to make you more competitive.

With all mentor chances in Thailand, salaries vary greatly depending upon the place as well as employer. In hot tourist destinations like Koh Samui, Phuket, as well as other spots, expect to make less than what you would make in less exotic locales, since people will accept a lower income in exchange for the beach lifestyle.

You will make the most in Bangkok, complied with by Chiang Mai.

Here’s a breakdown of the different methods to teach in the country as well as what to expect with each position:
 

Public Schools

Public institutions are free from preschool with high school. The institution year begins in may as well as ends in March as well as includes a three-week break in October.

As a public institution instructor in Thailand, expect to work full-time, even if you’re not mentor every moment of the day. obligations variety from producing lesson plans as well as exams to grading papers (none of which you are compensated for if it’s on your own time), in addition to keeping office hours at school.

Students variety in their understanding as well as comprehending of English, as well as frequently there is bit guidance in terms of the curriculum you requirement to create. You’re basically on your own here! many instructors integrate games, television shows, as well as movies into their classes.

In public schools, the student-to-teacher ratio is high, so expect big class sizes.

Salaries variety from 25,000 to 40,000 THB ($827–1,317 USD) a month. mentor in the cities will make you the most money. You can expect lower salaries in the countryside, however expense of living is so inexpensive there, you’ll still end up having lots of additional money!

Private as well as worldwide Schools

There are extremely few differences between public institutions as well as personal as well as worldwide schools, other than the lower student-to-teacher ratio as well as the truth that salaries are significantly higher since they are not free to attend.

International institutions have the most coveted positions, however you’ll requirement to be an actual licensed instructor to get one of them, as the curriculum complies with the West’s. personal institutions are a bit less strict, however you’ll still want to have some experience. You’ll requirement to have not only a degree however likewise a TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate as well as prior mentor experience, as well as be a native English speaker.

If you’ve never taught English before or have only a bit experience, you’re unlikely to get a task at one of these schools.

Whereas the public institutions comply with the Thai system as well as include bit support, these institutions tend to be more like Western schools, so if you’re wondering what mentor is like there, just believe back to what it was like when you went to school!

International institutions pay the most, approximately 80,000–170,000 THB ($2,633–5,596 USD) a month (which is well above the typical Thai income as well as enables for your way of life to be more lavish); personal institutions pay 60,000–80,000 THB ($1,975–2,633 USD).

These positions likewise include a great deal of perks: contract bonuses, great deals of vacation days, health and wellness insurance, as well as sometimes airfare to as well as from Thailand.
 

Universities

Teaching at a university in Thailand can assist provide you an edge over the competition for other English mentor tasks in the country. however mentor at a university means mentor part-time as well as earning only 30,000–60,000 THB ($987–1,975 USD) a month.

The upside is that you can likewise teach at one more institution part-time, you get a few months of paid vacation, as well as you are compensated generously should you have to work overtime (about 1,000–1,500 THB, or $33–49 USD, an hour).

Depending on where you teach, your obligations will be different. All instructors must come up with lesson plans, however some may likewise have to teach faculty or have extra sessions outside of the classroom, among other duties.

You may or may not have textbooks to utilize for your curriculum. class sizes at universities are notoriously large, about 50 students.
 

Language Schools

Teaching English at a language institution in Thailand is different than at a public or personal school. classes are normally held in the morning before the workday starts to fit businesspeople, then once again in the afternoon as well as into the evening for kids as well as adults.

The workweek at language institutions extends into the weekend.

At language schools, classes are little as well as variety from four to ten students. As a teacher, it’s your obligation to find up with lesson plans as well as activities.

There’s likewise the choice at language institutions to work full- or part-time. Full-time instructors make anywhere from 30,000 to 40,000 THB ($987-1,316 USD) per month; part-time instructors make 350–500 THB ($11.50–16.50 UD) per hour.

There are great deals as well as great deals of language institutions in the country, as well as tasks are relatively simple to get. They don’t truly care about previous experience or even if you have a TEFL certificate (though having both makes it easier to get a job).

You’ll likewise get extremely bit support from the institutions as well as will basically have to set up whatever on your own. You’ll only get paid for actual classroom time.

I didn’t truly like mentor at the language schools, however the work was simple even if it was not well paid.

Corporate training Programs

As a business teacher, you teach from a company’s office, providing lessons to their staff. classes tend to be large, so many workers can attend. since these programs are rather expensive, the positions are only filled by instructors with experience.

Expect to work during the morning or late at night, as you have to teach people outside business hours.

Corporate instructors make anywhere from 45,000 to 60,000 THB ($1,481–1,974 USD) a month, as well as it’s typical for the institution to cover travel costs to the company.
 

Test Preparation

Test preparation in Thailand is different than in other English positions. You must be knowledgeable in a range of English tests, including SAT or GRE prep (and have completed in the 95th percentile or above), in addition to IELTS as well as TOEIC, both of which are utilized to test trainees before they work or research study abroad.

As a test prep teacher, classes are either groups or personal as well as take location on both weekdays as well as weekends. It’s your task to not only teach the programs however likewise style as well as establish the program curriculum.

Test prep instructors typical about 600 THB ($20 USD) an hour.
 

Best task resources for mentor in Thailand

There are numerous sites to discover tasks mentor English in Thailand. the very best one for tasks is ajarn.com as it just has the most listings as well as is specific to Thailand. It’s the oldest mentor in Thailand website too.

Other sites with task postings include the following:

Go Overseas

Teach Away

Teaching in Thailand

How to apply for a Visa

It isn’t difficult to apply for the Non-Immigrant B visa necessary to teach English in Thailand as well as your institution will assist you do, however there are rather a few steps to getting it as well as then starting teaching.

First, make sure your passport has validity beyond six months as well as have passport pictures for applications, in addition to your original bachelor’s degree, transcripts, as well as a licensed criminal background check.

Next, you’ll requirement to apply for a visa from outside of Thailand as well as include a letter from your employer with the task offer. when you have your visa, your employer steps in as well as handles the paperwork, completing the remainder of the application on your behalf.

After the visa is complete, you’ll requirement to have a physical examination as well as a medical certificate from a Thai physician as well as then get your work permit. From there, it’s on to the immigration department in order to prolong your visa in your passport for 12 months.

The last two steps are to get your tax card from the tax department as well as then your mentor license. Your employer should be able to help you in all elements of the process.

It’s important to note that if you select to teach without these necessary items, you run the danger of getting kicked out of the country as well as fined.

***
Teaching English in Thailand is one of the very best mentor chances in the world, thanks to the country’s expense of living, tropical environment, as well as laid-back lifestyle.

With so many choices for mentor as well as the simplicity of getting a visa, it’s a perfect area to begin your English mentor career abroad.

 

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