Get ready to get lost! =D
Work days before a long break are always the craziest... Super busy at work, all the things to manage before the handover! One more day of work to go!
Plus, last minute packing!
Make sure I got all my items ready!
1) Toiletries
a. Toothbrush - as usual, I always pack my old toothbrush to my trips so I can throw them away after using them overseas. And when I'm back, I've got new toothbrush to use!
b. Soap/ Shampoo - Sharing these with the travel mates thus a big bottle. Buy these cheap at Chinatown Swanston =P
c. Washing Power - Not in charge of this but listed in for future reminders. Staying overseas and having to wash our clothes is a must! Just so I don't have to pack too many clothes! Travel light!
d. Make Up and Facial items - Always pack the handy trial or sample sets I got in Korea when I bought my beauty products there so it's super useful when I'm overseas. Simply use and throw! Bad thing is that your skin will be constantly exposed to different products. Need tough skin to handle this =P
2) Clothes
a. Only bringing very limited, versatile and light apparels overseas. To the point NB says I'm wearing my Travel "uniform" cause it's always the same few consisting of long tops and leggings. Light ma!
b. Raffia String - Putting this under "clothes" cause as mentioned, I'll be washing my clothes there and thought how to hang the clothes yet? No, not bring hangers (always not enough to hang and takes up awful lot of space in the luggage. Thus, a light and apt alternative would be a string or a raffia string! :D Although I haven't tried this but I think it would work well!
c. Jacket - Got my Uniqlo feather like wind breaker and will be wearing it there! Heard the weather changes drastically and better to wear more! What I loved about this windbreaker is that its superbly light and can be rolled up into a very compact mini bolster!
3) Electronic stuff
a. HP charger - Essential to charge our main mode of communication!
b. Camera - Don't forget your Canon or Nikon when you travel! Good to have the latest Selfie Stick to help with the toughest positions! ;)
c. Walkie Talkie - Huh? Why is this here? Well, this is something that we tried on our Korea trip with his family. It was very convenient especially for us who didn't get the local SIM card to contact one-another. In nearby vicinity, we were able to keep in contact via our walkie talkie, anytime, anywhere! =D
d. Travel Adaptors - Don't forget the universal adaptors and plugs to make sure you still get to charge your electronics! Some hotels overseas would charge $$ for renting them. Don't waste such $!
4) Entertainment
a. Handphone - Am sure this is such an essential item that it isn't even worth mentioning. =P
b. Music - Any kind of entertainment on board long flights would be a saver. Not all airlines provide updated movie listings and it would be a torture (for me at least) to be on-board with boring entertainment! Remember to store your favourite shows/ movies/ songs in your device but save enough space to take photos (if you are using mobile).
5) Other essentials
a. Travel pouch - One essential in Europe I would think is this. Heard many horror stories of theft, pickpockets etc and this would be a good place to hide your valuables. Keeping my fingers crossed that we don't meet any this trip!
b. Medicine - Some essentials would be 保济丸for stomach upset or charcoal pills, flu pills, "Throat Wind Power (Hou Feng San) for sore throats and plasters for any minor cuts or blisters.
c. Aid for sores - Old we seem, but Yoko Yoko is a crucial item together with Salon Pas! haha! Great to apply for all the aches you get from hours of walking!
6) Credit Cards
Lastly, what can you do without Credit Cards?
NB researched on some of the market credit cards and decided on the following which gave good Travel benefits and shortlisted 2 below.
a. ANZ Travel Visa Signature Card
Requiring Annual income of 60K and above, not a card that everyone can easily apply for.
With that, it has got free access to the Veloce Lounges worldwide without the need to pay your travel expenses by the card. Good to use when there's free time to spare at the airports.
Air Miles calculation is not as good as UOB's but the points are valid for 5 years which means you are more likely to get it converted (if you are not that a frequent flyer).
2.8 air miles per $1 at selected partners.
1.4 air miles per $1 at all other merchants.
b. UOB The Privi Miles Platinum Card
Eligible income criteria is at 80K per annum, higher than ANZ.One of the best (if not the best) air mile conversion Card. However, points expire yearly so make sure you travel enough to accumulate within 1 year.
2.5 air miles per $1 for overseas spend.
1.6 air miles per $1 for local spend.
