We share how to get the most out of your next getaway with tips on how to earn miles and save on tours.
Revenge travel is a real thing. Everyone wants to make up for the adventures we’ve missed out on in the last three years. But with air ticket prices soaring as we scramble to escape the country, it’s clear we need to find ways to travel smarter. That’s why we’re here to help with nifty travel hacks (that actually work). These tips won’t only save you some dollars on your next getaway from Singapore – you’ll have a more enriching experience as well. Let’s go!
Travel hacks for your next getaway
1. Earn miles to redeem or upgrade your flight ticket
There’s no better way to save on travel expenses than to redeem your flight ticket with miles instead of cash. The secret is to earn miles through your everyday spending. How do you go about doing that? Just download Kris+ on your phone. This must-have lifestyle rewards mobile app created by Singapore Airlines offers the highest miles earned per dollar spent in all of Singapore (what!).
Travel-seekers and miles-junkies can use it at over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide, and get double the miles if they have an existing air miles credit card on top of Kris+. Plus, earned miles are stackable atop other deals and rewards you’ll get through the app. Think one-for-one meals, massage vouchers, and plenty of exclusive deals and privileges. You can even make dining reservations, KrisShop purchases or activity bookings on Pelago with ease. Booyah, how’s that for a travel hack?
2. Apply for a travel credit card
You’ll definitely be spending money when overseas – whether that’s on gas for your rented car, dining out, or domestic flights. Might as well rake up rewards while you’re at it. Instead of using cash to pay for transactions, apply for a good travel credit card that suits your needs. You’ll be able to redeem those points on flights, hotel stays and even ridesharing apps back in Singapore.
3. Book an overnight flight to save on accommodation
This tip is one of our favourite travel hacks – especially if you’re still young and energetic. If you’re on the fence about choosing a flight that’s early or late in the day, go for the overnight flight. You may get a rougher night’s sleep, but you’d be saving a couple hundred dollars on accommodation. And you’ll arrive in time to seize a full day’s worth of exploration when you land. Just pop a melatonin pill, grab a sturdy neck pillow and you’re all set.
4. Save on travel essentials and pre-book your activities
Is your wardrobe up to date for the different seasons? If you’re doing some pre-trip shopping for clothing essentials, we’ve got tips to help you save. Consider shopping for secondhand items that are in good condition at local thrift stores. Or, for brand new items, utilise the Kris+ app to knock a few dollars off your purchase at airport merchants and partners like Coldwear and Outdoor Life. You can even use the app to book discounted tours and activities, and redeem deals and privileges in up to 15 overseas countries. We’re talking destinations like Australia, Korea and Thailand.
5. Sign up for free tours
We know how tempting it is to stay in a resort all day, or only head to top attractions and shopping malls. But the best way to explore any destination is to go on a quick tour around the city. You can book a free walking tour in almost any country – just do a quick search online. These tours are usually led by local guides who can give you an authentic peek into the area and regale you with historical tales, myths and legends that add colour to your trip. You don’t have to spend a dime if you don’t want to, but we’d recommend leaving a tip out of courtesy.
6. Don’t fold your clothes, roll them
Going on a long trip? We know how tedious it can be to lug around multiple luggages and bags at the same time. Here’s a fun travel hack – don’t fold your clothes, roll them up instead. Not only does this free up a bunch of space, but it also prevents wrinkles so your clothes look fresh when you put them on. We’d also suggest investing in compression packing cubes. These zippered pouches help you sort your belongings and fit more items into your baggage.
7. Prepare a shut-eye kit for long flights
As fellow light sleepers, we understand the pain of not being able to get some shut-eye on a long flight. The best way to deal with this is to pack a kit with essentials that’ll help you nod off fast. Think ear plugs to block out noise, a comfy eye mask, and a good travel pillow. We also love winding down with meditation podcasts and soothing audio books. If this helps you get settled, don’t forget to download them on your phone or tablet before you board your flight.
8. Get around with free public Wi-Fi and offline maps
One of the first things we get at the airport or right after we land is a rented Wi-Fi router or a travel SIM card. We also love the convenience of eSIM mobile plans that can be downloaded at the touch of a button. But if being able to save every dollar counts to you, scratch those plans and use public Wi-Fi instead.
Most cities, attractions, restaurants and malls will have this available for free. If you really need the internet to navigate your way around a foreign land, download the area’s offline map on Google or apps like maps.me beforehand. Or you can go old school and grab a copy of a city map instead. Trust us, those text messages and emails can wait. And you’ll be able to focus on your holiday.
Got that handy Kris+ app downloaded and travel hacks noted down? Get set and jet off on the holiday of your dreams!
This post is in partnership with Kris+ by Singapore Airlines.
