My life is spent juggling currencies. I have clients who pay me in four currencies, I bank in two, and I spend money in 22 currencies. I can do many transactions in my head, but I’m always frustrated by existing currency app options. Changes- and that’s where my iPhone has become a lifesaver. With Apple’s latest iOS 18 update, the Calculator app had a built-in currency converter! Now that I have started using it, I can’t imagine managing currency conversions any other way. How to enable Currency Conversion on the iPhone Calculator You can use…
Travel Tips (Monday)
Category Archives for Travel Tips (Monday).
How to get around: Exploring Malaysian and Kuala Lumpur Transport Networks
Malaysia spans approximately 1,300 km (808 miles) from north to south and 800 km (497 miles) from west to east, covering around 330,803 km² (127,724) square miles. This is about the same size as Finland, Norway, and Vietnam. It is slightly bigger than New Mexico in the USA and Victoria in Australia. Getting around can involve flying, driving or using the train system. Riding the rails is my focus today. Malaysia’s transport network consists of three key components: 1. West Coast Line from Johor Bahru/Woodlands in the south to Padang Besar on Thai border (red…
Stingray attack -a reminder of the need for Travel Insurance
I was just by the beach in southern Thailand, gearing up for a beautiful sunset beachside wedding. After a nice Thai lunch and a good cup of Es Yen (local Thai iced coffee), I figured I’d have a swim in the hotel’s net-enclosed beachside swimming area, designed to keep out the “nasties.” I had finished my laps and was heading toward the shore when suddenly, I felt a sharp, sudden sting in my ankle, followed by intense pain and a strange, keyhole-shaped wound. My yelp of pain, shock, and surprise attracted the attention of nearby…
Flying Around the World for “Free”: A Frequent Flyer Adventure
Flying around the globe is the holy grail of travel. In August and September 2024, I flew 29,099 miles (46,622 km) around the world, mainly in Business Class. My aiming was to use frequent flyer points to cover most of the journey. Many people have been curious about how I managed it, so here we go… My journey started and finished in Sydney, Australia and took me to: Paying outright for a similar round-the-world itinerary in Business Class would have cost between $14,986 and $16,545 USD, not including taxes and fees. For Business Class tickets,…
Why Flights Get Delayed, Who is Better and How to Stay One Step Ahead
I had settled into my seat and the plane was fully boarded. A woman behind me told the crew she felt too unwell to fly. Medical staff boarded, and she left the aircraft with them 20 minutes after our scheduled departure. Retrieving her luggage took another 20 minutes, and with our takeoff slot lost, we faced another 25-minute delay. Over an hour later, we finally took off. This scenario is all too familiar for frequent travellers. The consequence of such delays is far-reaching. The next flight will likely be late, too, and the passengers won’t…
Planning, Packing, and Exploring: My 7 Tips for Better Travel
As I reflect on 2024, these are the key observations and learnings I have picked up: 1. Prioritising “Real” Experiences Seek both iconic landmarks and hidden treasures. Sure, visiting iconic places like the Acropolis or Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing is a must, but it is so for 1,000,000 other people. Be prepared for that and track down opportunities that might not be featured in the top ten visit spots on Instagram. Discovering hidden gems like Colombia’s San Antonio Church or Croatia’s Maksimir Park added depth and richness to my journeys. My goal is to see a…
Navigating Travel Risks in a Complex World
Introduction: The Importance of Safety in Travel Travel brings unexpected challenges, from lost baggage to plane delays to car accidents to heart attacks. I have travelled or lived in 80 countries now, including four war zones, and I do all I can to protect myself, my property, and my data.” including travel and life in four war zones, and I do all I can to protect myself, my property, and my data. It always amazes me how naive many travellers are with these things, causing stress, danger and expense. Poor preparation and safety awareness are…
Stranded? What To Do When Your Airline Collapses
Question: “How do you create a small airline?” Answer: “Buy a big one and wait for a couple of years.” Boom boom! The airline industry is very volatile, as many thousands find out every year. I have flown 125 airlines since 1968. Of those, 41 do not exist anymore. Names such as Air Berlin, Alitalia, Ansett, Malev, and Pan Am no longer grace the skies. This year: Last year, we saw the demise of Aeromar, Air Moldova, Flybe, Flyr, Go First, MYAirways, Niceair, and Viva (full list and background information at link). If you or…
Riding the Big Trains: Sensational Rail Journeys Through Wales/ Cymru
I have now completed travel across (almost) the entire Welsh mainline railway network. Every line through almost every station! Now I am working my way through the nation’s Heritage trains! Even as a dedicated train enthusiast, I find navigating Wales/Cymru’s railway network more confusing and frustrating than it should be. But through all the challenges and surprises, I’ve learnt to untangle the mysteries of Welsh rail travel. Here’s what I’ve learned: Major Welsh Train Routes You can essentially divide the railway system of Wales/Cymru into nine distinct routes. Here is a summary with more detailed…
12 Expert Strategies for Conquering Travel in 2024
I adjust my headphones a little louder as I stride into any airport, train station or ferry port. I have even created a Spotify list for my train journeys and flying! I walk compassionately past the crying couples, smile at the cheeky kids with their harried parents and feel a deep pang of sympathy for the stressed, angry or fighting travellers. I have loved travel for at least five decades (I have to take a breath as I type that)!! In that time, I have flown over 1500 times, travelled to 87 countries (of which…
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