Holiday.....휴나....

My first ever holiday or vacation (oversea) was in 2000... to the land of white elephant.... Phuket Island... It was a company trip and it was after 2 months I joined as permanent staff.... All paid for except shopping expenses....What a lucky...it was a great holiday....will share the photo once I get it scan.

Travel guide

Tips for holiday preparation, especially if you are travelling without travel agent;

• Airplane ticket - booked earlier as early as one year. Airasia is always having their promo, this is a good bargain to lower your holiday cost. But plan in advance where and who will tag along with you.
• Lodging- when you booked your airplane ticket early, you will have enough time to browse for lodging; choices from backpackers type of room/ dormitory to 5 star hotel. Always look at your budget and the most important thing is location.  My preference will be a decent hotel/ motel with attached bathroom considering that I'm a Muslim and I don't really like to share bathroom. Location wise, easy accessible by public transportation and also near to shopping area. My bet you will never get bored if your hotel is within walking distance with shopping area... Find a place that you can use your bus no 11 (leg) to nearby tourist spot in the event you want take a night out to nearby attractions (trust me it will help)....
• Official document - do check if the country require official document for entry....VISA....
• Food - do your research for halal food to full your stomach. Each country have their own Islamic Society, you can get info from their website. Be prepared to pack some snack/ dry food... e.g.'rendang', maggie...just in case you can't find any halal restaurant/ food... This will also cut down your expenses... Otherwise... try to find bread or fruits... or vegan food.... 

Itenerary book

• Itinerary - prepare your itinerary in advance especially for holiday more than 3 days. Research and research....get to know the tourist attraction... where, how to get there, entrance fee, and arrange the itinerary.... Can always refer to itinerary from any travel agent for guidance then get more information online via blog or trip advisor or even from the tourism agency...Do get info if they have special service for foreigner.... like free tour guide...and discount given to foreigner for entrance fee and shopping....
• Transportation - check the public transportation available...Any subway or bus? Any transportation card? Any map to download e.g. subway line.... very handy and useful... Public transportation is always the cheapest way of travelling....Do search if there is any special service for foreigner... like hop on hop off bus... or even daily trip provided by the tourism agency e.g. South Korea provide special bus trip for foreigner for day trip to outside Seoul and some of it free...

Sample discount coupon

• Money - check the currency exchange and check for any money changer that gives you the best rate. Prepare a budget for the whole trip... And bring extra money... *Tips: activate your ATM card for international cash withdrawal... but withdrawal will be charge and can only withdraw based on Malaysia time...means you can't withdraw after 12.00am midnight (MY time) e.g. MBB.
• Tel number - check for roaming services... very useful during emergency. Be ready with all important telephone numbers in your itinerary. You wouldn't know what's gonna happen during your trip...  
• What to pack - check the weather forecast for the whole trip... this will help you on what to bring based on the weather. Bring  enough cloth or else you can always grab cheap shirt during your stay there...Bring medicine e.g. paracetamol, pil chi kit tek eun for stomach ache. If you are going to 4 season country.. remember to bring lotion or even baby oil to prevent dryness which will lead to rashes due to sudden change of weather..... For Muslim do not forget your Qibla compass...  if you have smartphone, you can download the apps.

Hope this will help you to prepare for your vacation/ holiday...This is just a guide... will share my experiences in my next entry... Stay tune.....