TEN7AVENUE: Random Travel Thoughts

Showing posts with label Random Travel Thoughts. Show all posts

Travel Tip | Save Miles for Future Travels

Inspire to Fly - Travel

Hear ye, hear ye, behold, seat sale of airlines in the Philippines! Happy Valentine’s! :-)

There are frequent travelers who are very fond of saving up miles that can be used for future travels. Yes, that includes me! In my previous day job, there are domestic travels that helped me save up some points since my work necessitates it. More travel, meaning, more points saved! LOL

Maybe, you ignore some marketing people at the airport presenting cards of several airlines telling about this and that, you earn this and those and etc. But, take it from me, DON’T IGNORE THEM! They are giving you an opportunity to take advantage of perks that you can avail while you enjoy (even not) flying with them. I don’t know if these people are on for a quota but they are giving it for free. You might regret it if one day, having those perks will cost some amount. :-p

Today, Valentine’s Day, some airlines are offering seat sales. Yes, in any destination you want, either domestic or international; just be quick to decide on where to go because airfare discounts like these sell like pancakes. If luck is not with you, try again! But, but, but…always remember that traveling means spending. You have to check your capacity and please do not resort to credit, credit, credit.

Anyways, all I want to say is, I am thankful with some points or miles I have earned before and even now. There are birthday travels I had that I got airfares for free and paying only taxes. There are sudden travel (international), too, that I booked using those points and the taxes covered! Isn’t it amazing?!!

Then, here comes the valentine seat sale, my points wallet is still good and enough, I am able to book two (2) round trip tickets! One domestic trip that costs 6,000 points (1600 points for the base fare and 4200 points for the taxes) is not bad at all. Then, one international trip that costs 10,000 points (1600 points for the base fare and 8400 points for the taxes) is also not bad at all. Technically, I can say those are free flights! Just be patient in waiting for such perks and you will be glad to use some points or miles to your dream destination.

Always remember, your work may need you to travel a lot, but earning points or miles will reward you someday to your dream destination. Travel to allow yourself explore other areas and learn from there - it will help you widen your horizon. Travel within your means, it will keep your sanity. :-)

Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com. If you like this post, share it to your friends. :-)

Travel | First 5 Things I Observed in Yangon, Myanmar

Scwhedagon Pagoda

Myanmar is known to be the land of golden pagodas. Very scenic at night and the pagodas are well lit that make it more vibrant. Yet, Myanmar isn't just about those pagodas; there are things you will observe and will catch your interest.

First and foremost, prior my visit to Yangon, I just want to see in person the Scwhedagon Pagoda - that massive, vibrant golden pagoda. It is like the profile photo of Yangon in Myanmar. Yangon is the former capital and serves as the main gateway for international flights to Myanmar. On my visit, I notice things, small interesting things that will make you think of visiting Myanmar is a must in your bucket list. Thus, here I share the first five (5) things that caught my attention.

Birds on Electric Wires

First, upon checking the streets of Yangon, somewhere in Lathar township, it can be observed that the city has a lot of birds. Yes, you will see crows and pigeons at the electric wires. They fly freely from one post to another; from one building to another; and from trees to another. Fairly, the birds are not disturbed with the existence of buildings and people around.

Single Tricycle

Second, I have seen cute tricycle. Cute as it can accommodate single passenger and you will be a bit intimate with the driver. I am not sure if it is only in Yangon where to see such mode of transportation. Other transportation options in Yangon are the buses, taxis and train. I only have tried the taxi from the airport to my hostel and bus from my hostel to the airport. I have seen their train station but seldom English speakers are there and so I haven't attempted to ride in it going to the airport. Accordingly to the receptionist from my hostel, the train is very slow.

Male with Thanaka

Woman with Thanaka

Third, the thanaka on the faces. At first, I thought that what they put on their faces are white powder not properly spread like a foundation. I am surprised that it is spread not only on the face but also in their arms. Both men and women apply it. Some are put artistically, while others, I think, just put it on their faces just to put something. I am clueless actually about it and I am able to know about it after asking the hostel receptionist. He even thought if I wanted to buy. LOL

Male Accustomed Wear in Myanmar

Equality at its Best

Fourth, the male Burmese wears a skirt: the truest form of equality among men and women, I believe. Oh well, we have our own opinion about it and I respect such culture. Male Burmese people are used of wearing it and it is their fashion partnered with polo shirt, t-shirt or longsleeves. Usually also, they wear slippers or sandals than shoes.

Lastly, this is something that confuses me: right-hand vehicles on left-hand designed streets. It is a bit crazy but that's how they are used to. People will need to cross the street before getting into bus. People will need to go to the middle of the street to get in the front seat of a taxi. Yet, some vehicles are right-hand but can get passengers on board through the right side as well. It is a matter of design.

Yangon Streets and Vehicles - Right-hand Cars and Left-hand Roads

Oh yes, I conquered Yangon for 2 days. However, I regret not able to visit Bagan City. Well, soon, I will be back there and hopefully cross borders of nearby countries.

I hope you enjoyed this visit. Thank you for visiting my avenue, www.ten7avenue.com.

Travel | Stories When Your Flight is Cancelled

Check-in Counter E

The Philippines is highly vulnerable with flight cancellations due to force majeure or natural phenomena such as typhoon, monsoon rains or flood Manila airport. Since the capital Manila is the main gateway of the country, it really is a sure destination where some cancellations of flight will be experienced. It is not a fun thing in the Philippines, though.

Okay, let me share my experience with the recent typhoon with a local name Karen. I am having a vacation in Thailand where my connection to the Internet is less to none. I haven't availed any simcard for Internet connection. I only am connecting via the wifi of either the bus, hostel or airport (if the airport is generous enough to have free wifi).

A day before the flight, I have checked my e-mail if there are flight cancellations made. I received none at that time so I am very confident that the flight is sure to go. However, I really have that feeling of anxiety and I can't sleep. I am worried with my flight and the typhoons. Eventually, I am able to sleep and get up early to proceed to the airport.

To my surprise, there is a long queue of passengers for the same flight I have. I am thinking that my flight is f**ked up! In situations like that, I must keep myself calm and everything will be fine. Since there is a long queue, I am really wondering, why only a single check in counter for the customer services of those passengers with cancelled flights is open? Passengers are then told one by one according to the queue about options regarding the changes of flight. That is sick! The servicing is very low to no movement while the next flight ahead ours is moving so fast with their check in procedures. Okay, I must keep calm. Wait and see game is on!

Travel | Traveling Solo: No Problemo

It was just recently that I am asked one-on-one, "Bakit mag-isa kang bumibiyahe?", meaning, why do you travel alone?

Here is my not so lengthy answer. ;-)

It is just so recent that I travel alone. It is recent as 2012 on a domestic adventure. I never felt alone then since everyone becomes my company during any travel adventure. I am also asked if I am an introvert... Well, being introvert is innate, it is just a matter of how we act on it. I also believe that an extroverted person is a master of being introvert. I mean, it doesn't mean you are not in a group - you don't know how to mingle with people or even face a crowd. A time of being introvert is a time on focusing things in life. A time of being extrovert is a time of sharing a moment of life.

Does it still sound so vague? Okay, let's make it more specific with examples. LOL

For me, traveling is getting to know one's self better. A time when one can find solitude not really soul searching or being nomad. A time when one becomes mature enough to be decisive and have a direction. A time also to develop a skill and character: navigational, communication, calmness, patience, understanding, appreciation, gratitude, discipline, respect, courtesy and other life virtues. In simple terms, you act like a local even you cannot speak their dialect or language. :-p

Another thing, smile whenever you interact. Do not make such a gesture so expensive; give it away freely. In Psychology, there is always a response to a stimulus. In Physics, there is reaction to an exerted force. (I hope I got it right. lol) These are all true unless you are with a bunch of bitter people so numb to interact with the environment. :-p

I usually stay at hostels whenever doing a solo trip on a mixed room or men and women can be in one room with 4 to 8 occupants. It is where I usually meet different types and mixes of people. A simple 'hi' or 'hello' can spark a lengthy conversation talking of the place where you are from. Isn't that exciting? If you are in a foreign land with another foreign individual, you are both foreigners. Well, one of the vignettes of life is 'do not talk to strangers'. However, on a solo travel, conversation and trust are the keys to make new friends. I mean, it should be a mutual thing to be kind and respectful to each other; trust is built not within a minute or two but a good, kind and respectful conversation will build a trustworthy travel relationship. Trust that will say, you will not harm each other. Yet, of course, do not be opportunistic; just have a friendly atmosphere.

By the way, I also have traveled with a group; toured a family outside the country and a friend or friends visiting my hometown. Before a group travel, I see to it that everyone is briefed accordingly. In that way, I can instill a mindset and behaviour to expect outside the country. Well, not only during an international trip, even in a domestic travel. I have also traveled with a group of friends when I am not the planner. It is way more relaxed and just pay for contributions. With a group of people who I know on a travel, I will have less interaction with other people. But when I become separated with the group, one can find me talking with a stranger. LOL

Here's a tip, do not always talk to strangers. You still have to be vigilant of who you talk to. I may have sited an example of trust to strangers but it really comes with a skill to scan a person's personality during a conversation. First and foremost, whenever traveling solo or even a group, talk to people with authority. It may be best to talk to locals directly but a local with authority such as tourist police or somewhat similar like a hostel or hotel receptionist is the bestest. (I can't believe I used the word. LOL) You may be amused to talk with another stranger on travel but still you have to verify information you receive from articles online or through a local with authority.

Traveling alone made me gain a number of friends across nations and regions. It is hard at first but when you get used to it, things will become dumb so simple. You can even save a huge chunk of your budget. :-p

So, back to the question, I hope I answered it. But to answer it with a single statement,

I travel often alone to meet myself, the place and everyone.

Here are some of my travel photos, who says I am alone? Lol