Things to prepare before traveling!

I have been jet-setting to 3 destinations since the start of holidays in November and will be heading off to Melbourne for another 2 weeks tomorrow! Yes, on Christmas day! I usually go on free and easy trips... Prefer going at my own pace. 

Instead of keeping at the back of mind the things that I have to prepare every single time I travel, I have decided to compile a list of things to prepare before traveling for future reference!

So here goes:

1) 2 Photocopies of Passport

If let's say you lose your passport or it gets stolen, you still have got proof of your citizenship and identity. It makes it easier for you to return to your home country. 

2) 2 Overseas Magnetic Stripped ACTIVATED Credit Card

You might not have enough local cash with you as you did not want to "over-exchage" a certain currency. Hence, having a credit card (if you have one) that is overseas activated will be advisable. You can either withdraw money with a fee depending on the bank or pay with the credit card without incurring any processing fee. 

Why 2? I have some activated cards that do not work at some atm. Therefore, it is better to have a back up. 

*Remember to activate your card for oversea use before traveling. You can do so on atm, calling/visiting the bank or internet banking. Do state the period of use to lower the risk of fraud case. 

3) Check if the country requires Visa of your Passport

Because Singapore's passport is like a visa that allows one to travel to most country, I took it for granted that I didn't have to apply for any visa or I can purchase on the spot!

 However, after a small reminder from my friend, I realised that I needed to apply for an ETA ( Electronic Authority for Australia). Lucky it can be done online for a fee of AUD$20. 

So do check at least 1 month before you travel if there is any visa application required of your passport. 

4) Bring a charger/plug international adaptor

For obvious reason! 

5) Download Useful Apps

- CityMaps2Go 

For iPhone users, you can make use of it without any data usage and still locate yourself and the place easily. If you have already planned out your itinerary, try to pin down the places on the map so that you can maneuveur around more easily. 

- Transport App of the country

This list will be updated as I continue to pack! 

Different dream

Sometimes, it is not about giving up on your dreams. It is having a different and new dream to work towards. We may not know what it is but there is no wrong in having a different dream.

To be grateful or disappointed

Every day you are choosing either to be grateful or to be disappointed.

You can worry to no end about what you don't have. Or you can marvel at God's breathtaking gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Could you create any of these? these miracles of life are always around you, ready to be celebrated, ready to be welcomed into your life.

Indeed, there are so many things to be thankful for. As the end of 2014 draws near, I look back and feel really blessed for the countless amazing and wonderful encounters that I have been through. Namely a few main things.

1) To have survived my Final Practicum in Year 2, Sem 2.
2) Attaining good results and a crossover in Year 2, Sem 2.
3) Being posted to a good work place during Holidays.
4) Having new friends whom I can talk heart to heart with.
5) Old friends who stood by me.
6) Surviving Year 3, Sem 1 and attaining even better results.
7) A healthy and happy family.
8) Travelling to Bangkok, Taiwan, Malaysia and soon to Melbourne!
9) To have God in my life.
And many many more! I think the list will never end if I list them all out.


All these wouldn't have been possible without my understanding friends and family who were there to support me despite my busy schedule. They were there for me whenever I needed them and they gave me the space and time that I needed without any complaints. I don't know what I did to deserve so much love from them.

True as it is, there were definitely disappointments but I would say it is a change for the better. Things happen for a reason. Don't they?  It wasn't easy and it still isn't easy. But I'm thankful for the 5 years of relationship:) Even though it has come to an end, thank you for the memories. Let's work hard for a better future!

Can't wait for Christmas and 2015 to come.