My July Singapore trip was one of the most spur-of-the-moment trips I’ve taken (right after that random win for a free Shanghai trip), and since it was unplanned, my wallet was not ready either. A tricky situation to manage, specially with Singapore being a notoriously expensive destination. Still with a lot of DIY-ing, a heavy dose of OC research and planning, and discipline to match the wanderlust enthusiasm, I was able to accomplish Singapore-on-a-budget! How? Read on.
The last thing I won in a raffle was a kid’s size Garfield shirt from my college bowling class. Next was a free trip to Shanghai thanks to one lucky P1000 receipt worth of the Face Shop goodies. Obviously my luck takes about a decade to build and then just explodes into one big firecracker parade. No complaints here. After I was done jumping around with my (jealous, ha!) sisters and then confirming the win via TFS’s Facebook page (it ain’t real if it ain’t on social media), I settled into the truth that I was going to Shanghai. For free, with my fellow winners also then known as four complete strangers. Oh and yes, we get to see Manager Do in person. Let’s do this.
Macau Baby!!!!
This was the battlecry for my sister and I since the day it was confirmed that we were jetting off to 4 days of Macau bliss. Not being the most well-worn traveler, having gone only to Hong Kong twice due to restraints on time, money and fun low-to-mid-maintenance companions, I was ready to fly screw all else to visit another gem of the (legitimate) China border.
It was the middle of May 2012. The sun was baking in the tropics while Macau is promising a more tolerant weather, cobbled post-colonial streets, lights and the majestic view of Las Vegas-class hotels and casinos, and the sweet sweet taste of a freshly baked egg tart. So, where to begin?
Important things to know when going to Macau
