Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Airport Lounge Etiquette: Read Before You Go

Let’s face it: airport lounges used to feel like an exclusive club. A quiet haven with cozy chairs, snacks galore, and a much-needed break from the chaos of the boarding gates.

But now? With almost every credit card offering lounge access as a perk, we’re seeing way more people inside—and the peace and quiet is starting to slip away.


So if you’re one of the lucky ones stepping into a Priority Pass or credit card lounge, congrats! But also… please play nice. These unwritten rules might not be posted on the walls, but following them helps keep the lounge experience pleasant for everyone.


Spacious and calm airport lounge with comfortable seating and quiet atmosphere, ideal lounge behavior
Airport Lounge Etiquette: Read Before You Go


DOs and DON’Ts: Trust Us, People Notice

1. Flash that membership card like a pro: Whether it’s physical or digital, have it ready—along with your boarding pass. No one likes a line-holder-upper.


2. Enjoy the perks—but don’t overdo it: Free Wi-Fi, coffee, drinks, food? Go ahead, help yourself! Just maybe do not take seven muffins “for later.” You’re not stocking a pantry—you’re having a quick bite before your flight.


3. Claim one seat, not five: Your bag doesn’t need its own armchair. If the lounge is packed, be kind and make space for others.


4. Keep phone calls low and private: Use headphones or step aside. We don’t need to hear about your group chat drama or stock portfolio or meetings! You may not realize how loud you are, but everyone else does.


5. Check your guest privileges ahead: Not all passes allow free guests. Know your card’s rules—surprise charges are the worst.


6. Tipping isn’t mandatory—but it’s a lovely gesture: Especially for bar staff. A little kindness goes a long way.


7. Be mindful of the shower queue: Just because no one’s standing there doesn’t mean no one’s waiting. There’s often an invisible line—ask staff or be courteous before walking in.


8. Use the massage chair, don’t move in: A 10–15 minute recharge? Yes. A full-on nap while people wait? They’re not recliners for a pre-flight nap. Take your turn, then let someone else enjoy.


9. Don’t treat it like your living room: Feet on chairs, loud yawns, sprawling across couches… save that energy for your hotel.


10. No grooming at your seat: Nail clipping? Nose hair trimming? Please, not here. 


One Last Thing…

Getting lounge access is a fantastic perk—especially when it’s “free” through your credit card. But just because more people can get in, doesn’t mean we should forget the vibe that made lounges so great to begin with: calm, comfy, and respectful.


So let’s keep the peace, share the space, and enjoy the perks without turning the lounge into a bus terminal. Deal?



SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!
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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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