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We all know Google Maps is like a right hand when navigating our way through narrow alleys and busy streets in a foreign country. But if I told you that there exists a wider range of apps that will make your trip a lot easier, would you believe me? Yup, probably. But you might not know about them yet. Well here I am to hopefully make your travels more stress-free.

Grab

Cost: Free

THE most important app you’ll need, aka Asian Uber. It works in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines. We’ve been using Grab almost everywhere whether it is by ordering a car or a motorbike. It works excellently in bigger places like Bangkok and Canggu but do a little research before you put your whole trust in catching a flight with this app. If you go more rural places in Bali for example there won’t be as many available drivers. Grab is also way safer than local taxis, unfortunately there is a bit of an issue with local «taxi mafias» several tourist places in Southeast Asia. I would really recommend downloading the app BEFORE going to Asia so it’s ready to go the second you land. Trust me. You do not want to arrive at the airport and fight with the local taxi drivers that want to scam you. Grab also delivers food, sooo I mean what else can you ask for??

Gojek

Cost: Free

Speaking of transportation…If you want to get the true asian experience, you travel by motorbike. Gojek is equivalent to Grab but it is for motorbikes which means more drivers and (usually) cheaper fares. But since Grab also offer motorbikes I always compare the two for the same distance and go with the cheapest option. Motorbikes drivers are obligated to bring an extra helmet for their passengers buuuut sometimes it’s just for the visuals. I’ve been HOLDING many helmets on my head because they didn’t fit.

Hostelworld

Cost: Free

Are you going for the full backpacker style way of traveling? Then you need to download Hostelworld. Obvious to its name this platform is for finding accommodation. It’s mostly hostels but there are also some hotels there. If you want the hostel experience but with a bit more privacy you can filter your searches with «private rooms», they do exist.

Agoda

Cost: Free

I know that a lot of people also like to use Agoda when booking accommodation in Asia. Before every trip to Asia I download it with the intention of testing it but then I never do. I recently learned that Booking and Agoda are owned by the same group and since I am a loyal Booking.com user for maaany years I have just ended up using that platform instead. I just wanted to mention it since I know it’s a popular one, and then you can check it out and see for yourself what you prefer.

Airalo

In need of mobile data when out traveling? Airalo is an eSIM app that makes it super easy to stay connected regardless of where you are. We used Airalo for three months in Asia and it was very convenient to do everything in-app without having to go to a physical shop and change SIM cards. Physical SIM cards might be a bit cheaper but the offers Airalo have are very affordable. Want to save some dollars on your first purchase? Click this link.

Valuta + (Currency Converter)

Cost: Free, In-app purchases

«Am I supposed to divide by five or three?». That’s me every time I go to the market in a new country. I can never remember how to convert a foreign currency to the Norwegian krone. So I have found it very useful to download a currency app that can converts it for me. I use this one, but there are lots of options out there.

Travelspend

Cost: Free, In-app purchases

Handling currencies with seven figures make you feel like a millionare…but those small conversions might end up being a bit more than you expected in the end. Keeping track of your economy in a systematic way might not be such a stupid idea. Travelspend helps you do that. You can make categories for whatever you like and even split it into countries so you know exactly how much you spent where.

Cyberghost or NordVPN

Cost: Monthly subscriptions

Always on the go requires hookups with random cafe and hotel wifi’s, which isn’t really an ideal thing security wise. Therefore, it can be very smart to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Supposedly, (I choose to use that word as I am not a tech genius) it encrypts your data and protects sensitive information against people that might want to try and hack the public wifi. And of course VPN can be used in other ways as well, for example when booking flights and accommodation. If you make your computer think you are in a different country by turning on your VPN you can find quite different flight fares depending on where the platform thinks you are. So this is definitely a hack to save money! I use Cyberghost VPN and I am very happy with that but I know NordVPN is also very popular. They usually come with a monthly subscription.

Google Translate

Cost: Free

I’m sorry I might let you down by adding something so obvious. But I want to emphasize the various uses of this genius app. You see, the mobile version of Translate is great in many ways.

1. You can download a customized area of a map for offline use (perfect if you’re out of data but still planning to explore)
2. You can upload pictures or just point the phone camera at menus, signs, books and whatnot and it gives you the live translation of the language.
3. The speech to text feature can help you communicate with people you don’t share a common language with. It’s obviously not 100% but it does the job.

Do you have any other suggestions to must-have apps when traveling? Let us know in the comments or email us at hi@myhandisadolphin.com!

1. Introduction

• Name of the Establishment: Conrad Bangkok
• Location: Bangkok, Thailand
• Date of Stay: October 2023
• Type of Stay: Leisure
• Brief Overview: Luxury in the heart of Bangkok, the Conrad offered an mix of style, comfort, and exquisite service, making our stay remarkably memorable.

2. Booking Process

• Platform Used for Booking: Conrad’s Official Website
• Ease of Booking: The process was seamless, with real-time availability and instant confirmation.
• Customer Service: Quick and responsive, addressing queries proficiently. I needed to add an extra guest to my booking on arrival, and this was no problem. They are extremely happy to help.

3. First Impressions

• Arrival Experience: Welcomed with warm smiles, the check-in was efficient and personalized.
• Lobby & Common Areas: Elegantly designed spaces that exuded luxury and comfort.
• Views: The rooms have amazing views of Bangkok if you like cityscapes and skyscrapers!

4. Room & Amenities

• Room Type: Deluxe Room
• Cleanliness & Comfort: The room was immaculate, with plush bedding and a harmonious design. There was a pillow menu on the bed side table if the available pillow isn’t luxurious enough!
• Amenities: Equipped with a smart TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, minibar, and a sleek bathroom.
• Bathroom: Spacious, with luxury toiletries and a powerful shower.

5. Dining

• On-site Dining Options: Multiple options including a café, a bar, and two restaurants. The whole Hotel is attached to All Seasons Place, which has even more restaurants, including a KFC.
• Quality of Food & Beverage: Exceptional quality, amazin flavors, and a wide variety.
• Service: Staff were attentive, making dining a delightful experience.

6. Facilities & Services

• Pool/Gym/Spa: A stunning pool, a well-equipped gym, and a serene spa setting. The gym, whilst being good compared to alternatives in bangkok, was the weakest part of the whole hotel. They had Olympic standard barbels, but only one squat rack; And one bench press.
• Business & Conference Facilities: Available, well-maintained and professional.
• Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Reliable and fast connectivity throughout the property.

7. Location & Accessibility

• Proximity to Major Attractions: Centrally located, convenient for exploring Bangkok’s marvels.
• Transportation Options: Easily accessible by taxi and close to public transit options.

8. Staff & Service

• Friendliness & Professionalism: Staff were cordial, helpful, and demonstrated utmost professionalism at all times. The management was like clockwork. There seemed to be a process and training in place for everything.
• Special Mentions: (Any standout staff or experiences)

9. Value for Money

• Rate & Inclusions: Reasonable rates for the luxury and services provided.
• Overall Value: Felt the experience provided matched the investment.

10. Conclusion & Recommendation

• Overall Experience: A delightful stay that enriched our Bangkok experience.
• Recommendation: Highly recommended for both leisure and business travelers seeking luxury and location.

11. Rating

• Overall Rating: 9/10
• Category Ratings:
  • Service: 10/10
  • Location: 10/10
  • Room Quality: 9/10 (A more premium room with a balcony would have made it 10/10)
  • Gym: 8/10

12. Photographs

13. Contact Information of the Establishment

• Address: All Seasons Place, 87/3 Wireless, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Phone Number: +66 2 690 9999
• Website: Conrad Bangkok

Imagine this: You’re relaxing on an Asian beach with a cocktail in one hand and a travel itinerary in the other. You’re carefree! Backpacking for months has always been your dream, and now, it’s about to come true.

But for now, you’re at home, eagerly waiting for your departure date.

Are you fully prepared?

I have never embarked on such a long journey before. I initially thought it’d be as easy as a trip to Spain, but I was wrong.

So, what do you need to know? Let’s dive in:

1) Plan Your Trip

There are two ends to the «planner» spectrum. The detailed one that must know which ho(s)tel they will stay at months in advance, and the more «laid back» one who has a rough idea of where they will be but not exactly when or which specific place.

The important thing is that you know at least which countries you will go to, as some of the next things are country-specific.

2) Check Your Passport Validity

Most countries require that your passport is valid for at least six months from the day you leave that specific country. Check this far in advance as passport renewals can take some weeks.

3) Apply for Visa(s)

This topic could be a whole separate article. Researching entry and visa requirements can be a nightmare. Most countries have a Visa on Arrival if you are from the EU/EAA, like Thailand for example. But if you wish to access a country multiple times or if you plan to work there you need to look into a visa. For this I recommend looking into the government site for the countries you wish to visit.

Keep in mind that visa applications can take up to a month some places and sometimes you even have to give your physical passport to the embassy for that period of time. Luckily e-Visas are becoming more and more common which makes the process way easier.

4) Get vaccinated

Depending on where you’re from and where you’ll go (…cotton eye Joe) you may need some vaccines. Many countries have their own official travel advisory websites where they provide guidelines and recommendations for travelers, including recommended or required vaccinations.
Go back to the list of countries you made on step 1, and check for any travel advisories for those countries in your local travel advisory website. Such as this one.

Make sure to start vaccination at least three months before departing since some of them have to be taken in intervals with multiple doses. Vaccinations can also end up being the most expensive part of a trip, but luckily most of the vaccines last for many years, so it will keep you covered for your future trips as well.

5) Apply for a Credit Card

You need at least two credit cards when you’re out. One should be with you at all times, and the other should be left wherever you sleep. The idea is, if you get robbed, you have a backup. Consider finding credit cards where you can gain membership points for airlines, hotel chains etc. (like Bank Norwegian or Delta Sky Miles). Also find a credit card with free cash withdrawal abroad, because you do want to pay in cash where you have the option. Some places won’t accept foreign credit cards or credit card payment under a certain amount.

Tell your bank you will be using your cards in the destinations you plan the visit. Due to fraud and other activities, you cards may be auto-blocked as soon as you try to use them outside your home country.

6) Secure a Long-term Travel Insurance

Regular travel insurance will most likely not cover you if you’re out for multiple months. Check what your current plan (if you have one) already covers and ask for an extension of traveling days or countries covered. This can end up being quite pricy as the insurance companies know that there is a higher risk of things going wrong when you are more or less constantly on the go.

If you’re European and will travel in EU/EEA, get your physical European Health Insurance card. This one will help you with health coverages if you end up needing a doctor’s appointment or the hospital. Their website says the card is «not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property». Read more about the card here.

7) Prepare Your Medication

Do you need specific medication for specific issues? Such as allergies, ADHD, etc.

You may need to bring with you enough stock to cover the time you plan to be away for. Some countries have restrictions on what medication you can bring into the country.

You may also need papers that justify why you need this medication and how much of it you need per day. Some countries are stricter than others when it comes to this, for example Singapore. So, make sure to do research on the countries you plan to visit.

Embassy websites usually share this info, such as this one: Indonesian Embassy in Oslo

8) Cancel Subscriptions

Before you leave, there might be some subscriptions you can cancel in your home country.

Do you really need your gym subscription while you’re away? Probably not. The same applies to:

1. Netflix, HBO, Disney +, etc.
2. (Mobile carrier)
3. Activities (gym, ski resort, climbing hall)
4. Co-working space
5. Grocery delivery subscriptions

Cancel everything you don’t need. It can add up to a significant amount of money that is best used on tasty food abroad!

9) Make a Data/Phone Plan

You will probably want to have access to live Google Maps while you’re on the go in a new country. There are multiple options when looking into data packs. First of all, your mobile provider in your home country will probably have an offer for a data pack abroad. Some of these offers are not too bad if you are willing to pay more for the efficiency and the fact that you can keep your original phone number. However, if you don’t bother with having a local SIM and a different phone number there are way better deals to be made. We’re talking tens of GB for under 10 dollars a month.If you end up using a local SIM in the country you’re visiting, keep in mind that 2-factor authentication for your bank, etc, will not work.

Here are some options to consider when buying a data plan:

Dual SIM

If your phone has two physical SIM card slots, this is straightforward. You can still keep your original phone number and you get a local phone number for the country you are in.

eSIM

ESIM is a virtual SIM card that you don’t have to physically insert into your phone. Instead you just have to install it. Super super handy. Most modern phones support eSIM.

If you do this, consider using Airalo to buy eSIMs from absolutely anywhere you go. If you use my code AMANDO2889 during checkout, you get $3 off your first purchase. I got 50GB in Thailand for $6.30, which is quite a steal!

4/5G Router

A 4/5G router is a battery powered router that accepts a SIM card and creates a wifi hotspot you can connect to with your phone, laptop, etc.

Meaning multiple people can be on the same wifi hotspot without tethering (and using your phone battery!).
It’s a great device I’ve used for 6+ months when travelling in my van.

10) Prepare Your Apartment

If, like me, you rent an apartment. You probably have a few questions of what to do with it when traveling. Let’s go over the most popular ones a rate them on two scales: Convenience and cost effectiveness!

Do you keep it and eat the cost of the rent while you’re away?

Convenience: 10/10

Cost effectiveness: 2/10

You don’t have to worry about moving your stuff anywhere. Especially if you own furniture. But you have to eat a high cost month after month for an apartment you don’t use.

Do you sub-let it?

Convenience: 5/10

Cost effectiveness: 10/10

You have strangers living on your stuff. But you don’t have to pay rent while they’re there. Great option if you can rent to a friend. But the process of finding someone trustworthy to rent to was too cumbersome for me to like the idea.

Do you give it up and move everything to storage?

Convenience: 1/10

Cost effectiveness: 10/10

Depending on how much you own this could be the best option. The more you own, the less convenient it is. If you can fit your life into a backpack, and don’t mind losing your apartment, this is great.

Pro Tip: Negotiate with your landlord

Convenience: 10/10

Cost effectiveness: 8/10

Landlords usually calculate an 11 month occupancy rate when renting out property. This means that, if you’ve been at your apartment for 2 years, your landlord has made 2 more rents than predicted.
If you’re a good tenant and rent from a good private landlord, they may put other options on the table, such as half rent while you’re away or at least for a period of time.

I mentioned my travels to my landlord and said I wanted to sublet. He suggested doing half rent while I’m away. Less hassle for the both of us, and I get to keep a great apartment in my favorite part of the city.

11) Find a Place for Your Car

If you live in a place that gets snow in winter, it may be a good idea to find a garage spot to put it in. But it’s not as simple as just locking it in the garage and calling it a day!
This article explains very well what you should consider doing for best results and to have a good experience when you’re back and start it up again.

12) Tell Your Government Where You Are

In case of emergencies like natural disasters most governments want to know where their citizens are. You should register where you are at all times so you can get the help needed if something were to happen on your trip. In Norway you can do this here.