DIY Travelling for Dummies: Trip Planning Made Really Easy
E-lyn Tham Having a strong conviction that getting lost is just another adventure in itself, E-lyn takes particular delight in wandering stranger lands, inhibitions and fears thrown asunder. There’s so much left in the world to see, and there’s nothing she would like better than to spend her days dreaming whimsical, thinking adventure, and laughing curious.
Planning a holiday sounds like so much work. Flights, accommodation, insurance, planning out the entire itinerary… It’s a headache just thinking of how much has to be done for just one trip overseas! But what if we told you if it was actually really easy?
Besides, whoever said DIY travelling was tough?! In fact, it’s one of the simplest things to do! Here, let us break it down into 4 simple steps, and you’ll be all set and ready to go. Why, we’ll even throw in some exclusive deals – just for you!
1. BOOKING YOUR FLIGHT
If you are looking to go on a free-and-easy trip, simply settle your flight details by booking directly from the variety of airlines available HERE! You get to choose from 3 airlines offering great savings and discounted prices.
We’ll let you in on a secret – sometimes, booking directly from the airline is cheaper than booking through a travel agent! You also get greater flexibility in choosing your departure and return dates.
[AIRLINE DEALS]If you have already settled on Korea/ Japan/ America or China as your travel destination, look no further! Korean Air is offering up to 15% off its Premium and Economy Class tickets! What a STEAL. These prices don’t come by easy, so hurry up and book now!Check out the amazing offers by other airlines such as Emirates and EVA Air as well!
2. BOOKING YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Once you’ve got your flights settled, it’s time to look for affordable accommodations! You’ll definitely be spoilt for choice at the array of hotel options available for you. With DIY travelling, you get to pick the type of hotel room that caters to all your needs, be it luxurious chic or eclectic chill.
One key advice to take note when booking your accommodation, is to read reviews of the hotel made by other travellers, so you know exactly what you’re paying for! Have fun browsing, choose the one you want, and book promptly online – yes, it’s that easy!
[ACCOMMODATION DEALS] Image credit: HotelTravelBook with Hotel Travel today to enjoy up to 75% off plus an additional 7% discount for ALL destinations! How awesome is that?! A leading international hotel reservations service, Hotel Travel has unbeatable discounts and over 2 million happy customers. So be rest assured that you are in safe hands; sit back, relax and just look forward to your holiday!Image credit: ExpediaAlternatively, you can simplify your planning process even further by booking BOTH your flight and hotel through Expedia. Expedia is now offering you up to 50% off hotel stays PLUS an additional 10% off stays in Japan, Korea, Taiwan and more! *GASP* This is the one-stop destination for all your travel needs, BOOK NOW to avoid any disappointment.Agoda, AirAsiaGo, Roomorama, Zuji, Zen Rooms and more also offer numerous other exclusive prices that you should check out HERE!
3. PLANNING YOUR ITINERARY
Now that your flight and accommodation have both been booked, you can start planning your travel itinerary. The best part of DIY travelling is that your itinerary is completely UP TO YOU! It’s totally free and easy, you get to choose activities you’re truly interested in and feel comfortable doing.
Also, you don’t have to feel rushed or pressured by time as compared to when you join a tour! You get to control the amount of time you spend at each attraction, and if you’re feeling under the weather, you could also just laze around at the beach with a cocktail and book in hand.
If you are completely lost and have no idea what fun activities are available at your holiday destination – DON’T WORRY! We’ve got these exciting activity deals that you should check out:
[ACTIVITY DEALS]Image credit: Kura2guideBook travel activities and attractions through Klook now and enjoy up to 70% discounts for selected destinations including Seoul, Hokkaido, Bali, Boracay, Hong Kong, Singapore and more. They pride themselves on providing a curated selection of tours and activities painstakingly handpicked for your convenience.In addition, their hassle-free booking system ensures a seamlessly smooth experience. You don’t have to tire yourself out doing extensive research for your trip, just head over to Klook right now and start booking. IT’S SO EASY!If you are planning on a ROAD TRIP with family or friends, but remain clueless on where to rent a car – don’t fret! AVIS is now offering up to 30% off car rentals at participating locations WORLDWIDE. Simply book online and you are ready to go!Hertz, Uber and Budget also offer great deals for car rentals at affordable prices that are guaranteed to stretch your dollar. Check them out now!
ALSO, GOOGLE MAPS WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND:
Travelling in a foreign country is made easy peasy with just one tool – Google Maps! It is the ultimate lifesaver for all DIY travellers, and better yet, it’s completely FREE. Bookmark the locations that you want to visit, and Google will help you plan your route, as well as give you the estimated time needed to complete the entire course.
All you have to do is make sure you have Google Maps on your phone and you’re good to go! The GPS location tracker along with Google Maps work offline once you’ve saved it, so you don’t even have to rely on wifi coverage to find your directions, especially when your wifi connection can get pretty cranky overseas.
4. BEFORE YOU FLY – INSURANCE AND ACCESSORIES
Last but not least, travel insurance is a MUST-HAVE before you fly off for any trip! Always be safe rather than sorry. In case of a missing or stolen luggage, injury or theft, make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. One important tip is to purchase travel insurance well in advance to enjoy major discounts!
[INSURANCE DEALS]The most important part of trip-planning that must NOT be overlooked is booking your travel insurance. Enjoy 30% off Single Trip Plans and 15% off Annual Multi-Trip Plans with UOB Insurance and Travel! This ensures that you will be able to truly enjoy your trip, without having to worry about dealing with unforeseen circumstances that may come your way.Plus – the whole process takes less than 5 minutes online. What are you waiting for? Get covered now!
Are you fully prepared for your trip already? Or do you still need to buy some last-minute essentials and accessories? Satisfy all your travel-related needs with the click of a button!
[ACCESSORY DEALS] Image credit: GetSetGo GetSetGo has all kinds of kitschy and colourful travel items that will surely add happiness to your holiday! Enjoy up to 35% off their SuitSuit product range, or 10% off all other items. From unique luggage covers to essential tech gadgets, you will end up purchasing travel accessories you never knew you needed! Visit GetSetGo here so you won’t have last-minute bouts of panic ever again.Image credit: NaiiseNaiise has all sorts of trendy and fashionable travel products for the perfect vacation! Enjoy up to 12% off all products for NEW customers and 10% off for existing customers. Their printed duffle bags, adorable travel stickers and quirky passport covers will certainly be a great conversation starter with strangers overseas. Head over to Naiise to fulfill your travel needs!
5. ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGES
If you find the trip planning process such a hassle...You can also go for the easy and convenient option of just booking a holiday package. We have some package deals at really ATTRACTIVE prices JUST FOR YOU!
[PACKAGE DEALS] Image credit: UOB TravelCheck out this 4D3N package at The Residence, Maldives, inclusive of airfare, speedboat transfers and 3 nights stay at the water villa! Starting from $2,308*, this is a great deal not to be missed. Indulge yourself at this private retreat and immerse yourself in nature as you relax against the mesmerizing, panoramic backdrop of the ocean. This offer is especially perfect for couples going on their honeymoon! Enjoy perks including a bottle of wine, romantic bed decoration and in-villa bath set up, as well as 15% off spa treatments. Aren’t you just dying to get there already?Image credit: UOB TravelFrom as low as $348*, enjoy a 4D3N Stay at Koh Samui, a tiny tropical paradise in Thailand perfect for a relaxing getaway! The package is inclusive of airfare and daily breakfast, and more importantly, you get one night’s stay for FREE.There are many more discounted packages available to Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Las Vegas, Canada and other destinations...Take your pick and get prepared for an adventure of a lifetime!
With wonderful travel deals by UOB, you don’t have to worry about anything at all. Sit back, browse at your own pace, and book everything at ONE destination! Simply check out the UOB Cards Online Travel Frenzy page for CRAAAAZY deals that offer discounts up to 75% off!
P.S. You also stand a chance to win a FREE LUGGAGE perfect for jet-setting around the world.
HOW TO REDEEM YOUR FREE LUGGAGENow, all you need is a fashionable luggage as the FINAL item to complete your trip planning! Stand to win this gorgeous and sleek 8-wheeler luggage if you have:Incurred an accumulated amount of $3,800 on eligible transactions and airline spendsSMS OTF<space>15 or 16-Digit UOB Credit/Debit Card Number to 77862 to register.Terms & conditions apply.
Also read: Weekend Getaways in SEA that Won’t Cost You More Than SGD100
From flights to hotels to insurance to travel accessories, we’ve got you covered! So remember to snap up these amazing pocket-friendly deals right NOW. There are also special WEEKEND DEALS that change every week, so don’t hesitate to book now or else you’ll lose out on a valuable opportunity!
As they say, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” So immerse yourself in the local culture, venture out of your comfort zone to try their local cuisine, and don’t be overly ambitious in trying to cover all the tourist attractions. Just bask in the moment and HAVE FUN!
Brought to you by UOB Cards.