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Over my lifetime, I've taken hundreds of flights and picked up some incredibly useful travel tips along the way. As an experienced flier, here are 15 hacks that have saved me countless hours and headaches:
TSA Pre-Check: Breeze Through Security Save time at security by getting TSA Pre-Check. This allows you to skip the lines and keep your shoes on when passing through security. While it only works in the USA, it's still a game-changer for domestic travel. Mobile Passport: Zip Past Customs Skip the 2-hour customs lines with the Mobile Passport (MPC) app. This gives you access to the same fast lanes used by diplomats and crew members when entering the USA. A must-have for any international traveler. AirTags in Luggage: Never Lose Your Bags Place AirTags in your bags to track them in real-time. No more worrying about lost luggage! This simple hack saves you so much money and time. Wear Sweatpants: Comfort & Convenience Avoid removing belts at security by wearing comfy sweatpants. Travel in style and maximum comfort. Eye Mask & AirPods: Peaceful In-Flight Experience Bring an eye mask and a good pair of noise-cancelling AirPods for a peaceful flight. Block out noise and light to get better sleep. Refillable Water Bottle: Stay Hydrated Bring a refillable water bottle and fill it up after passing through security. Staying hydrated on your travels is key. Amex Platinum Card: Lounge Access & Travel Perks The Amex Platinum card gives you access to airport lounges, earns valuable points, and provides a wealth of travel benefits. You can even add your spouse for only $195 per year. Lounge Review App: Find the Best Lounges Use the Lounge Review app to find the top airport lounges and check if you have access. Kick back and relax before your flight. App in the Air: Flight Tracking & More The App in the Air app is a must-have for frequent flyers. It tracks your flights, auto-checks you in, and provides real-time updates on your boarding time. InDriver App: Affordable Airport Transfers Save money on airport transfers by using the InDriver app instead of traditional taxis. Zero-Fee ATM & Credit Cards: No Hidden Costs Use a debit card with no ATM fees, like Chase or Charles Schwab, for international withdrawals. Decline the exchange rate and always choose to be charged in the local currency. For credit cards, the Amex Platinum, Apple Card, and Chase Reserve have 0% foreign transaction fees. Always Carry Cash: Emergencies & Exchange Rates Always have some cash on hand for emergencies or places that don't accept cards. Research the best exchange rates - sometimes USD cash is better than the local currency. Fanny Pack: Easy Access & Extra Space Keep essentials like your phone, passport, and AirPods in a fanny pack for easy access at security. Plus, it doesn't count towards your carry-on or personal item allowance. Passport Case & Cover: Protect Your Documents Invest in a durable passport case and cover to protect your important travel documents. This can save you a lot of hassle if your passport gets damaged. Best Onward Tickets: Comply with Entry Requirements Book a refundable onward flight to comply with entry requirements in some countries. This shows you have a plan to leave and can help you get through immigration. With these 15 essential travel hacks, you'll be flying through airports and breezing through customs like a pro. Bon voyage!
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Date: July 7, 2024
As a seasoned traveler in Vietnam, I recently completed another successful border run from Saigon to Moc Bai. In my previous posts, I've discussed the benefits of applying for a 1.5-year e-visa while outside of Vietnam, as there are no rules against this. This time, I'd like to share my streamlined approach to the Moc Bai border crossing. Securing Private Transportation For this border run, I arranged private car transportation through a contact on Facebook and Zalo. The initial price was 1.5 million VND, but I was able to negotiate it down to 1.350 million VND, or approximately $52 USD, for a round-trip journey with waiting time at the border. Applying for a Cambodian E-Visa To save time, money, and potential hassle at the border, I applied for a Cambodian e-visa in advance. This not only allowed me to bypass the need for exact change, but also prevented any possibility of extortion for stamping fees. Additionally, the Cambodian e-visa uses a simple stamp, whereas a visa-on-arrival takes up an entire page in your passport. Navigating the Borders At both the Cambodian and Vietnamese borders, I noticed that some travelers were being asked for "donations" by the guards. An Asian couple in front of me, who spoke perfect English, mentioned that they had to pay 50,000 or 100,000 VND at each border. However, I was not asked for any payments at either crossing. Helpful Resources On my website, under the "E-Visa" tab, I have provided step-by-step instructions and visual examples to guide travelers through the e-visa application process. This has proven to be particularly useful for those who struggle with navigating the various entry requirements and form fields. Additionally, I have shared the contact information for the most affordable agents for activities such as 1-day visa fast-track at the airport. These resources can help streamline your travel experience and ensure a smooth journey. In conclusion, my latest Moc Bai border run was a breeze, thanks to the advanced planning and negotiation of private transportation, as well as the convenience of the Cambodian e-visa. I hope this information helps fellow travelers navigate the border crossing process with confidence and ease. Obtaining a One-Year Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries to Vietnam for Just $200: My Nomadic Journey2/20/2024 Allow me to share an exciting experience of how I managed to secure a one-year tourist visa with multiple entries to Vietnam at an incredibly affordable price. As a full-time nomad who rarely stays in one place for more than three months, Vietnam has become one of my favorite countries, and I am well-acquainted with its visa history.
Previously, Vietnam offered a one-year business visa for $300, followed by the 30-day e-visa and currently the 90-day e-visa. During my stay in Vietnam, I had planned a trip to the Philippines for two months before returning to Vietnam for another 3.5 months. Afterward, I intended to fly to the United States to visit my family. To simplify my travels within Southeast Asia and eliminate visa-related concerns, I decided to apply for two e-visas to cover my 3.5-month stay in Vietnam. Applying for the e-visas individually, I was pleased to have both applications approved. This success prompted me to consider extending my visa to a one-year multiple-entry option, which would cost only $200. I realized that this would allow me to freely explore other countries in the region without worrying about visa restrictions or dates. Consequently, I applied for two additional e-visas, starting in September, while still in Vietnam, and both were approved. However, when I applied for another e-visa while in Vietnam, I received the disappointing message of "denied for foreigner still in Vietnam." Determined to rectify the situation, I flew to the Philippines and resubmitted my application. To my relief, it was approved just four working days later. As I write this blog, I have just entered my last e-visa, and given the success of my previous five applications, I am confident that this one will be approved as well. If you enjoyed this blog post, I invite you to register on my website, where I will provide more detailed information about my journey. I will also include the specific details I entered in each box of the e-visa application form, accompanied by relevant pictures. Here's a helpful tip: wait until you receive an email notification confirming the approval of your previous visa before applying for the next one. I believe this was the key to avoiding any issues, as I encountered a problem when I applied for a new e-visa before receiving the notification for the previous one. The e-visa rules remained consistent throughout, stating that it is exclusively for foreigners outside Vietnam. It is worth noting that there is currently no limit to the number of e-visas you can apply for, and Asian Insider is committed to providing you with up-to-date and insider information, allowing you to stay one step ahead in this ever-changing travel landscape. Thank you for accompanying me on this journey, and I hope you find my insights valuable. Asian Insider has led a nomadic lifestyle since the age of 18 and has encountered a wide range of experiences, from intense high-speed chases with Carabinieri police in Naples, Italy, to humorous encounters such as a friend waking up naked in Colombia after a surprising Tinder date. However, let's focus on a hypothetical worst-case scenario and discuss how to handle it, excluding extreme situations like ending up in a Bangkok prison.
Imagine being a victim of the prevalent Tinder scopolamine drug in Colombia, where you wake up with all your belongings and clothes missing, with no recollection of what happened. What should you do? Fortunately, as a member of Asian Insider, you are prepared for such circumstances. First, use a bedsheet as makeshift clothing and seek assistance from the police or the hotel to reach the nearest US Embassy. They will provide you with an emergency passport, typically issued promptly (within 24 hours). This passport only allows travel back to the United States. However, as seasoned travelers, we don't let minor setbacks ruin our trips. With identification in hand, ask the embassy or find an internet café to access a computer or phone and use Western Union to send yourself some cash. I recommend setting up an account and saving one or two credit cards on there, even performing a test transaction to ensure it functions properly. Having acquired the cash from Western Union, the next step is to obtain a cheap phone to stay connected. If you don't have a Skype account, which I highly recommend, you can still download Skype and make free calls to 1800 numbers. Now, contact Charles Schwab, the financial institution that doesn't charge any ATM fees, and inform them about your stolen card. They will FedEx you a replacement card free of charge, and it should arrive within seven days. Next, call Chase Sapphire Preferred, the credit card you wisely applied for using my referral code to support our cause. You also received a generous bonus of 60,000 points, worth $600 or more depending on how you redeem them. Chase operates similarly to Schwab; provide them with your overseas address, and they will FedEx a replacement card to your location, typically within seven days. I have personally gone through this process multiple times. Now, we don't plan on returning home just yet, but we need a passport to continue traveling. Obtain a police report and visit the US Embassy to apply for a regular passport. Luckily, when applying for a passport overseas at an embassy, the process is expedited free of charge. They may quote a two-week processing time, but in my experience at four different embassies in various countries, the processing time has consistently been remarkably fast, usually within 10 days or less. Bonus tip for the insiders: You made purchases for the laptop, cellphone, clothes, and other items using your Chase credit card. Fortunately, Chase offers comprehensive insurance coverage with their credit cards. Even items like lost jewelry purchased years ago have been successfully claimed and refunded with a police report. So, now you can replace all your belongings with peace of mind. Even if you didn't make your purchases using the Chase credit card, you can still benefit from travel insurance provided by Chase if you booked any aspect of your trip. Additionally, Chase offers rental car insurance, eliminating the need to purchase extra coverage. To access a comprehensive list of the coverage offered by Chase credit cards, you have two convenient options. You can visit their website to find a complete rundown, or you can simply call their toll-free 1800 number for direct assistance. In most cases, all you need to file a claim is a local police report. Under the VIP section, I provide a wealth of invaluable information. Here's just one example of what to do. Remember, these steps are hypothetical and meant to assist you in navigating challenging situations while traveling. Stay safe, be prepared, and enjoy your adventures as an Asian Insider! For the majority of my life, I've been accustomed to a nomadic lifestyle, but it's only been within the past two years that things have truly taken a wild turn. During this time, I've found myself constantly on the move, never staying in one city for more than three months. Throughout my travels, I have discovered a collection of favorite hotels and apartments across Southeast Asia. Over time, I've learned various booking patterns that allow me to secure the most affordable prices. One such example is a hidden gem in Da Nang, Vietnam. To get the best deal, it's crucial to book just one month in advance, as booking three months or more in advance would result in prices more than triple the original rate. Rest assured, there are always available rooms, so there's no need to worry. On my website, I share detailed information about all my favorite places, including Da Nang, along with valuable tips. For a one-time donation of $17.99 USD, you can register for lifetime access to this wealth of knowledge. Additionally, I provide contact information for visa agents and private transfer services, all at the lowest possible cost. By consolidating all this information in one place, I save you the hassle of searching and contacting multiple agents to find the best price and reliable service. Consider my website a one-stop-shop where I not only save you time and money but also provide invaluable insights that most people wouldn't even consider.
Obtaining a Thailand Driver's License: Overcoming Misconceptions and Navigating Challenges1/30/2024 Securing a driver's license in Thailand while on a tourist visa is often deemed impossible by many agents and expats. However, contrary to popular belief, it is indeed feasible to obtain a temporary license valid for two years even with a 30-day tourist visa. In this account, I will share my personal experience and the steps I took to acquire my Thailand driver's license, shedding light on the misconceptions surrounding the process.
Initially, I was informed by multiple sources, including agents and fellow expats, that obtaining a driver's license in Thailand on a tourist visa was not feasible. To my surprise, this information turned out to be inaccurate. I discovered that it was possible to obtain a temporary license valid for two years, despite being on a 30-day tourist visa. However, there was a slight hiccup. My existing driver's license only permitted me to drive cars, explicitly stating that it was not valid for motorcycles. Therefore, to proceed with the license conversion process, I was required to take a test. Unfortunately, I had limited time as I was scheduled to return to Vietnam in a mere two weeks. As luck would have it, I stumbled upon a company that had connections at a transportation office situated an hour away from Pattaya. This company offered a convenient solution by organizing a group trip for those seeking to take the test. While the agency initially informed me that I would only be eligible for a car license, I was pleasantly surprised to obtain both a car and motorcycle license. Similarly, other individuals from the UK or Australia, who possessed regular car licenses without the motorcycle restriction, were also promised and received both licenses. In conclusion, contrary to popular misconceptions, acquiring a driver's license in Thailand while on a tourist visa is indeed possible. My personal journey highlights the steps I took to secure a temporary license valid for two years, despite initial doubts from agents and expats. By sharing this experience, I aim to dispel the misinformation surrounding this process and encourage others to explore the possibilities of obtaining a Thailand driver's license. For individuals interested in obtaining a private car from Bangkok International Airport (BKK) to Pattaya at an affordable rate, I have provided the contact information for the cheapest option, available under Thailand Driver's License and Pattaya Airport. The listed price is 1000 Baht, while Grab charges 1400 Baht for the same service. Sign up on our website to unlock exclusive access to the contact information. Unveiling the Splendor of Mui Ne: Experience Unparalleled Luxury at a Brand New 5-Star Resort1/30/2024 A few weeks ago, I stumbled upon another amazing deal at a brand new 5-star resort managed by a renowned American company. The resort features four towers, with one tower reserved for the hotel and the remaining towers housing privately owned apartments. Despite being in operation for less than a year, the entire property boasts a pristine, brand-new appearance. To secure our accommodations, we utilized a booking platform and managed to reserve apartments for a remarkable rate of $25 per night. Our transportation arrangements were equally convenient, as a limo bus provided seamless transfers to and from the resort, dropping us off and picking us up directly at the premises. For those interested in obtaining the address and helpful tips for making reservations, I recommend signing up and navigating to the "Mui Ne" section on the hotel apartments page.
Maximizing Travel Rewards: How I Scored a $58 Flight to Chicago with the United Explorer Credit Card1/30/2024 I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be flying back to the US to visit my family, and I couldn't be more excited about the incredible deal I got with the United Explorer credit card. By meeting the spending requirement of $3,000 within 90 days, I earned a staggering 65,000 points, which I used to book a one-way ticket from Vietnam back to Chicago. The cherry on top is that I managed to snag this flight for an unbelievably low price of just $58. Plus, the first-year fee of $99 was waived, and I plan to cancel the card before the year is up to avoid any charges. It's worth noting that United is part of the Chase credit card family, which means you can enjoy these amazing bonuses every 24 months. This package includes two complimentary airport lounge passes that I had already used during my family trip to New York. However, upon checking the app again, I discovered that I have been granted an additional two free lounge passes.
I actually jokingly posted this article "FBI says North Korea deployed thousands of IT workers to get remote jobs in US with fake IDs" on my profile years ago before the FBI discovered the North Koreans engaging in this practice.
Upon further thought, it seems like an interesting idea, and it's not necessarily illegal. Many corporations subcontract work, so in theory, Americans could apply for a job and then subcontract the work out. In most cases, this would be completely legal. In fact, I'm currently doing something similar with my embassy contracts, where I won the contract and then subcontracted the work. It's a common practice among corporations, as long as it's done within the bounds of the law. The only illegal aspect is how the North Koreans were carrying out their operations. Asian Insider recommends Fit & Tasty Deli as a great option for a nutritious meal. To make it even more convenient, you can order from them through Grab Food, a popular food delivery platform. We recognize the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle and saving both time and money while traveling. In fact, we have created a helpful video guide that demonstrates the process of ordering from Fit & Tasty Deli through Grab Food and applying vouchers to get additional discounts. This tip may seem simple, but it is often overlooked by travelers and even travel bloggers who tend to focus on traditional Vietnamese dishes like banh mi and pho. At Asian Insider, we aim to provide valuable information that goes beyond the usual recommendations, and we highlight the usefulness of Grab Food as a resource for finding nutritious meal options while traveling. By visiting our website, travelers can access this exclusive and insightful content that is not easily found elsewhere.
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AuthorSWe are passionate deal hunters and avid travelers. Through this blog, we share expertise in finding incredible travel deals, making luxury accommodations affordable for all budgets. Join us as we uncover hidden gems, share insider tips, and embark on unforgettable journeys. Happy travels! Categories |
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