The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has changed travel more than any single event in my lifetime. I traveled in Asia at the beginning of the outbreak and as it got worse. I “got stuck” due to the fast closing web of travel restrictions and will have to travel again, while the pandemic is raging on. In a series of posts, I … Continue reading
Category Archives: Tools, Tips & Tricks

Updated 2020: Grab is the uber of South East Asia, offering ride hail services, food delivery and courier services, and since the acquisition of uber, your only choice to hail a ride in Manila! And while it was certainly inspired by uber, it has made adjustments to the local needs and using the service is a little different. Check out … Continue reading

International SOS each year publishes a map of the most dangerous countries to visit, based on their assessment of travel security and medical risk, including road safety. In this years analysis, Libya and Somalia are the most dangerous places. The safest places to go are Finland, Norway and Iceland. Much of Europe and North America is considered very safe, but a number … Continue reading

Thailand’s Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) is launching a pre-paid Visa Card in partnership with The Mall Group. You can use it to pay anywhere Visa is accepted and there are no sign-up, monthly or load fees. And you even earn reward points and get discounts at the mall. I recommend pre-paid cards for peace of mind when traveling and using … Continue reading

Countries in South East Asia are continuing to make it easier for travelers to visit. Cambodia introduced eVisa in addition to existing Visa on Arrival, so you can obtain your visa online and prior to arrival, reducing the time you spend in the airport for a small fee. Find out who is eligible for the Cambodia eVisa, how to apply … Continue reading

Getting around Cambodia used to be a challenge, but the arrival of ride hailing companies has made it a lot easier to travel independently. Grab is the uber of South East Asia, offering ride hail services and has arrived in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, Cambodia! Find out how to get from Phnom Penh airport or Siem Reap airport to … Continue reading

In a world of practical, yet ugly carry-ons, the Lipault 22inch wheeled carry-on stands out as a practical and elegant luggage. It’s soft Nylon material has a nice sheen that looks good at a 5-star hotel and it also makes it one of the lightest wheeled carry-ons on the market, so you can pass the weight limits of a low-cost … Continue reading

Most Low-Cost-Carriers (LCC) limit the size and weight of our cabin bags and even full-service airlines have introduced “Basic Economy”, limiting you to hand-luggage. If you want to avoid those pesky checked bag fees, you’ll need a “Personal Item” that fits under the seat in front of you – you’ll need to pack light (read my tips to do it) … Continue reading

Grab is the uber of South East Asia, offering ride hail services, food delivery and courier services in a growing number of cities across Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and other countries in the region. And while it was certainly inspired by uber, it has made adjustments to the local needs and using the service is a little different. … Continue reading

A woman made headlines in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by being arrested at the airport after admitting to a glass of wine on her Emirates flight and an altercation at immigration. Many travelers, even frequent visitors and respected bloggers, don’t realize that it is illegal to consume alcohol or being intoxicated in the UAE, including on their airlines! So, … Continue reading