Sunday, June 1, 2025

Saved $5,015 on Flights: Our Real Credit Card Miles Strategy

Let’s be honest—airfare is usually the most expensive part of any trip. That’s why we always plan ahead. Instead of paying full price for flight tickets, we use credit card air miles to save money and fly smarter.

This year, we focused on two popular miles-earning credit cards in Singapore:
➡️DBS Vantage
➡️UOB Visa Infinite

They’re both premium, metal cards with generous air miles rewards—but they do have spending requirements. Each one needs you to spend SGD 4,000 within the first 30 days of approval.

Sounds like a lot? Don’t worry—we didn’t spend more than we normally would. We just timed our applications with big planned expenses. That included:
-✈️ Booking a cruise
-🛫 Paying for our 2024 travels
-🏠 Charging one month’s worth of household bills
By doing this, we easily hit the spending targets on both cards without spending extra.

Best credit cards in Singapore for earning air miles 2025
Best credit cards in Singapore for earning air miles 2025


Perks Breakdown:
DBS Vantage gives -annual fee of SGD 599.50:
 •10 free airport lounge visits per year
 •Accor Plus Membership that gave us free stay at Swissôtel Singapore
 •total of free 110,000 miles
UOB Visa Infinite offers -annual fee of SGD 654:
 •Unlimited lounge access (great if you travel often!)
 •total miles free 90,000. 

With just SGD 650 more, we booked with Singapore Airline:
->> 2 Premium Economy to London
<<- 2 Economy back to Singapore

We saved a total of SGD 5,015.59 on airfare. That’s money we can use on food and activities. 

Is it worth it? Absolutely. With smart spending, we turned our everyday and planned expenses into flights. No crazy spending. No stress.
If you’re in Singapore and want to travel more while spending less, air miles credit cards are worth looking into. 
Just remember:
-- Understand the terms
-- Time your big expenses
-- Take full advantage of the perks

Your next trip might be closer (and cheaper) than you think! 


SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!
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Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Natural History, British, or Maritime? Choosing the Best Free Museum in London!

ABBEY: During our recent trip to the UK, we had the opportunity to visit three incredible museums—all absolutely free to enter! These museums were the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, and the National Maritime Museum. While admission is free, it’s important to note that advance booking is required for both the Natural History Museum and the British Museum due to high visitor demand.

Each museum offers a unique experience that caters to a wide range of interests.

Natural History Museum – A Fascinating Journey Through the Natural World
This museum was a personal favorite. The exhibits featuring animals from all over the world were both captivating and educational. Some of the displays made me wonder if the animals would make good pets (though most, of course, are best admired from a safe distance!). Others were simply awe-inspiring—reminding us just how small we are in comparison to the giants of nature.

British Museum – A Treasure Trove of Human History
At the British Museum, you’ll find an extraordinary collection of artifacts that tell the story of human civilization. From ancient jewelry, pottery, and artwork to iconic pieces like the Rosetta Stone, this museum showcases the rich tapestry of global history. It’s a perfect stop for anyone who wants to see how different cultures and civilizations are connected through time.

National Maritime Museum – A Deep Dive Into Maritime History
The National Maritime Museum highlights the UK’s deep connection to sea exploration and trade. The exhibit begins with stunning photographs of stars, constellations, and galaxies—used historically for navigation. These award-winning images are not only beautiful but also remind us how far navigation has come. You’ll also see historic instruments and maritime artifacts that shed light on seafaring life through the ages.
If you’re curious about the culture and history of a place, museums are an excellent starting point. They offer a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage, achievements, and way of life—all while being fun and often free to explore.


Kindly donate to help them continue this endeavor. 


Natural History Museum Dinosaur Fossils, British Museum Egyptian Exhibit, or Kids Play Area at Maritime Museum
Natural History, British, or Maritime? Choosing the Best Free Museum in London!




WILL: Natural History Museum vs British Museum vs National Maritime Museum. Which one deserves a few hours of your London itinerary?

Yes, there are different kinds of tourists. And Abbey and I? We’re the kind who always make time for museums. I’m not exactly sure why, but there’s this deeply fulfilling feeling we get whenever we step into one. It’s like, in some small way, we get to understand a slice of a country’s history and culture.

Now, if there’s one place in the world that knows how to do museums right, it’s London. Not only does it showcase its own rich heritage, but it also houses pieces from countries under the Commonwealth realm—offering a global perspective in just one city.
But let’s be real—not everyone has the time or the energy to explore all the free museums in London. If you’re short on time or unsure where to go, this blog is your quick guide. 😉


Natural History Museum
According to Google AI: “A Natural History Museum focuses on the natural world—plants, animals, rocks, minerals, and fossils. These museums are known for their vast specimen collections, research, and educational exhibits. They help us understand Earth’s history and the diversity of life.”

So nope, don’t expect ancient civilization artifacts here. Think fossils, geology, and a deep dive into natural science.
If you’re fascinated by dinosaurs, evolution, and real-life fossils, this place will blow your mind. The collection is massive and engaging, especially for kids. We initially planned for a 2-hour visit—but trust me, that wasn’t enough!

Allocate at least half a day here if you’re visiting with children. The dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits are guaranteed hits.

British Museum
The British Museum is the world’s first national public museum. As you may know, Britain once ruled a vast empire—and many artifacts from across the world (like the Parthenon Marbles from Greece and ancient Egyptian relics) now reside here.

Our experience? We dedicated two hours to explore, but honestly, only had time for the top “must-see” exhibits. What I personally loved? Their timepiece collection and the highlight of the museum—the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery. It’s like having a little piece of Egypt right in London.

National Maritime Museum
Wait, why visit this one?
If you’re asking, “Why the Maritime Museum?” — hear me out. This was actually my favorite among the three.
-- Less crowded
-- Less noisy
-- More immersive (especially for adults who love stories of trade, travel, and conquest)

Located in Greenwich, this museum offers a breath of fresh air away from the more touristy spots of Central London. It dives deep into how Britain dominated global trade by sea, and how maritime power shaped the world’s history and economy.
Oh, and if you’ve got kids? There’s an entire play area just for them—so everyone’s happy!

So, which one should you choose?
> Into science, fossils, and Earth’s past? Go for the Natural History Museum.
> Love global history and ancient artifacts? Head to the British Museum.
Want a quieter, thought-provoking escape with bonus kid-friendly space? Don’t miss the National Maritime Museum.

Or if you’re like us—just visit all three! 😄
Enjoy exploring London and let me know which museum you loved the most!

London in Real Time 🇬🇧 | Tower Bridge, Museums, High Tea & Harry Potter (Day 2–3 Slow Travel Vlog)

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Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Our Travel Shoe Secret: 2 Pairs That Work for Rain, Snow & City Strolls!

On Cloud 5 Waterproof sneakers used for daily runs, city walks, and rainy travel days
On Cloud 5 Waterproof sneakers used for daily runs, city walks, and rainy travel days

On Running Cloud 5 Waterproof Sneakers

For: Rainy days, airport sprints, city strolls, light hikes


Now, meet my everyday hero: the On Cloud 5 Waterproof shoes. We were actually just scouting for a new walking shoe—something comfier than our old Nikes. And then we saw someone running in ankle-deep snow in Mürren wearing Ons! Swiss brand, Swiss snow—okay, sold!


These shoes are super waterproof and non-slip, which is a huge win when you’re dragging your luggage through rainy streets or slippery train stations. They’re not bulky at all, so I even wear them to work here in sunny Singapore!


Oh—and have you heard about the daily rain in Scotland and Ireland? Yep, we’ve been there too, and guess what? On Cloud kept our socks dry. Haha! I never thought I’d be giggling in the rain, but dry feet make everything better.


Also—fun fact: We’ve worn our On Cloud 5s for almost a year now, around 4 times a week, and the soles are still holding up so well. That’s serious durability for daily and travel use.


And yes, these aren’t just for walking—I actually use my On Cloud 5 Waterproof as my running and gym sessions too.


Walking on clouds? That’s not just branding, folks. These shoes are so light and fit so well, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Airport? Shopping? Daily errands? Bring it on!



Timberland Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boots used for 4 years in snow, rain, and hiking trips
Timberland Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Boots used for 4 years in snow, rain, and hiking trips


Timberland® Premium 6-Inch Waterproof Nubuck Boots

For: Hiking, snow, cold weather, rough terrains

First up—our tough and trusty Timberlands! We got these boots when Abbey had a little ankle situation, and wow, they’ve been lifesavers (or should I say anklesavers?). They keep his steps steady and ankles secure, no matter how rocky the path is.


And bonus—they’re so stylish! Abbey pairs them with shorts, jeans, and even semi-formal outfits. Yes, even at events where he has to look cute but still needs to survive unexpected puddles. Wink!

Where have these boots been? Oh, all over:
 • Hiking at Bukit Timah in Singapore
 • Climbing rocks in Masungi Georeserve (Philippines)
 • Chilly strolls by Lake Kawaguchiko in Japan
 • Snowy adventures in Mt. Rigi, Mürren, and Matterhorn in Switzerland!


Oh, and here’s the kicker: We’ve had our Timberlands for over 4 years now, and they’re still going strong! The soles are still thick and sturdy—proof that these boots are truly built to last.


Rain? Snow? Muddy trails? Cold toes? Timberland handles it like a pro.



Prices —
Timberland Waterproof Boot: SGD 319.00 (IMM for discount)
On Cloud 5: SGD 274.00




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Accommodation Excellence

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.


KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.


Oh, and speaking of dreams, let's talk OOTD (Outfit of the Day) goals. Head over to Zalora for some jaw-dropping fashion finds. Click [here] to explore and snag those Instagram-worthy outfits for your trip. A fashionable adventure awaits!