Pengalaman Hidup

Tuesday, 16 December 2014

Backpacker's Secrets

Imagine a backpacker and you might envision an unanchored youth with well-worn jeans and limitless endurance. But backpacking is about much more than gap-year students and gritty hostels. Backpacking is about adventure and independence -- and it's one of thecheapest ways to take a trip, which is why older travelers, travelers on a budget, and even those who prefer private bathrooms and upscale cuisine shouldn't snub the ways of the wily backpacker.

Adopt the mindset of a backpacker and improve your travel savvy. In an uncertain economic environment, the lessons backpackers can teach us about traveling on the cheap are positively priceless. From packing an ultra-light bag (you can rub your six-pound pack in the noses of nickel-and-diming airlines) to finding affordable food and accommodations, backpackers truly know how to travel.

7 Destinations Where the Dollar Goes Farther

Lesson #1: Consider a Hostel
As a well-ripened adult, you may fear that your presence in a hostel would be like that of a wrinkly prune in a basket of fresh apples. But hostels are not just for the young. Older travelers are increasingly booking stays at hostels as international hotel rates rise, and they're finding private rooms and bathrooms, clean beds, and no-reservations-needed accommodations in hostels around the world.

By definition, a hostel offers rugged dormitory-style digs. But as hostels have gained popularity over the years, trendy hostel operators have stretched the definition of hostel to include private suites, fancy food, fashionable decor, swimming pools and even maid service. Some examples include the Oasis Backpackers' Mansion in Lisbon, which offers laundry service, free Internet and gourmet dinners, and Oops! Hostel in Paris, which has stylish modern interiors designed by a renowned graphic decorator.

The trick to snagging a swanky hostel is to know before you go. Check out TripAdvisor.com, Hostels.com, HostelBookers.com or another reputable hotel review site to get a feel for your prospective hostel. While some hostels resemble trendy boutique hotels with plenty of privacy, others are like the traditional youth hostels of yore, with 10 bodies to a dorm and crowded communal bathrooms.

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Lesson #2: Use Your Feet
Backpacking typically requires a great deal of strength and endurance. But if you're not the type to scale mountains or swim across the English Channel, planning a series of walking trips is an accessible way to challenge yourself. As with any physical endeavor, after you've pushed your limits and come out on top, you'll experience a major confidence boost.

Intersperse train or car travel with long walks and you'll get a close and personal view of your location. National parks, medieval cities and scenic coastlines are best experienced on foot. Better yet, walking is free (running's pretty affordable too, but what's the rush?).

If planning's not your forte, book a vacation package that includes walking tours. Road Scholar is a reputable company that offers vacation packages for seniors. You'll find many active packages that include extensive hiking or biking at RoadScholar.org. For more ideas, see Walking Tours and Trips.

But before you go walking around the world, make sure you're in shape. Start walking a few months before your trip to get used to the longer distances, and if you have any health conditions, check with your doctor before you embark on a trip that may be physically strenuous. Get good shoes -- and don't overlook our next lesson. ...

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Lesson #3: Pack Light
To travel like a backpacker, you'll have to pack like a backpacker. Walking long distances is nearly impossible with a rolling suitcase and a bulky carry-on bag. By lightening your load, you'll also avoid those pesky extra baggage fees many airlines are charging for checked luggage.

backpacks

So how do backpackers spend months traveling the world with only a few pounds of gear on their backs? They pack multi-function items (like pants that turn into shorts and shampoo/conditioner combo bottles), carry a light backpack specifically built to hold more and weigh less, and pack breathable, airy clothes that add little heft to their bags. Get your own backpacking equipment at your nearest travel goods store. One of our favorite travel suppliers is Magellan's.

If you're visiting a major city, research the locations of laundromats. Many hostels and hotels have in-house laundry facilities, too. For an even cheaper alternative, pack portable packets of detergent, wash your clothes in a sink and hang them to dry at night.

Create a Customized Packing List

Lesson #4: Go to the Grocery Store
Packing light is important not only to escape from staggering checked-bag fees, but also so that you will have room in your bag for food. Backpackers tend to seek out eclectic food carts, fresh produce markets and local bakeries.

Especially in European destinations, where many decent restaurants are expensive and authentic local food can be purchased at affordable prices, getting your food from a local grocer is a great idea. Grab a fresh baguette and some cheese in Paris, bring them to the Tuileries Garden for an outdoor lunch, and you've got an authentic yet affordable Parisian meal with one of the best views in town.

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Lesson #5: Shake Up Your Itinerary
Change your itinerary a little. Or a lot. The affordability and spontaneity of backpacking allow for lengthy and flexible getaways. Imagine booking a roundtrip flight with no set return date -- you can explore your destination at your leisure and return when it feels right. While most of us don't have that sort of unlimited travel time, we can still embrace some spontaneity. Backpackers don't typically chart a detailed itinerary that includes a minute-by-minute overview of their daily activities, and they love changing plans at the last minute. But that doesn't mean that they're against careful planning.

Before your trip, plan for flexibility. Keep your ears open for first-hand recommendations from locals and other travelers -- and be ready to mix up your travel schedule if need be. Book a room at a hostel, but bring contact information for other area hostels or B&B's as well. If you're going to a particular city, research nearby destinations that interest you, and make a note of lodging, food and transportation options in the area. When you carry everything you need on your back and are prepared to go where the wind takes you, why not leave room for some spontaneous sightseeing?

Travel Budget Calculator

solo woman traveler

Lesson #6: Go It Alone
Travel buffs who don't have companions to explore the world with or who would prefer to trek independently should take a page from the backpackers' book. The ethos of backpacking is about personal exploration and freedom; it's a mindset that doesn't require a supportive companion to hold your hand.

Are you worried that you can't share your experiences with anyone else on a solo trip? Think again -- backpackers know that they can connect with fellow travelers and locals along the way. Travel solo like a backpacker and you may just make a few friends you wouldn't have met if you weren't going it alone.

You'll easily meet other travelers at hostels and at bed and breakfasts, both of which often encourage activities and interaction among their guests. For example, Hostel Inn, a chain of hostels located in South America, offers tango lessons, Spanish classes, city tours and other activities at select locations. Unlike most hotels, hostels typically have common areas where chess

games

, Scrabble, Ping-Pong or lengthy conversations with other travelers take place. Even if you happen to be the oldest one in the room, don't look at your fellow guests as immature travelers with whom you have nothing in common. You have plenty in common -- including your desire to save money, your keen sense of adventure, your capable storytelling abilities and, of course, your love of travel.

15 THINGS FOREIGNERS LOVE ABOUT THE US

The American Dream is alive and well.
There are so many self-made millionaires in this country. Americans don't fear failure, spending their life savings on developing some app or wild business idea.

Even if that business idea is Yo.

The work ethic puts everyone to shame.
Most foreigners will say Americans work too much. They may be right. But they also admire the ambition and tenacity Americans show in the pursuit of success.

FLICKR USER KEVIN HUTCHINSON

Friendliness, when they mean it.
It's almost as if everyone is this country was born with a friendly, white smile. But even though New Yorkers might get a bad rap, if you ask someone for directions on the street, they're likely to show you the way. And don't even get us started on Southern Hospitality.

Friendliness, even when they don't mean it.
Fake enthusiasm beats staff that think they’re doing you a favor by doing their jobs. Your waitress at Chili's might ask you four times "How's everyone doing?" in the pursuit of a bigger tip, but you know she's going to ask. On the flip side, French waiters would rather you not come to the restaurant, and will let you know that.

There is so much freedom.
The sheer number of things that are legal somewhere in the U.S. is mind-boggling. Freedom of speech? Check. Freedom of religion? Check. Free refills? Damn straight.

And this makes no mention of Texas, where it seems like nearly everything is legal, except for driving a Smart car.

FLICKR USER MR. TINDC

Free Refills.
Let's reiterate that one. Foreigners may insult Americans for being fat, but secretly, they also want another Diet Coke for free.

If you tried drinking iced teas on a hot day in Rome, you'd be paying for four iced teas. And DIY fountain drinks? Unheard of.

Plus, Olive Garden has its unlimited soup and breadsticks. And in the most American of American developments, you can now get endless appetizers at TGI Fridays for $10.

Hollywood

movies
and TV shows.
Even the most staunch America-hater probably binge watches The Big Bang Theory, keeps up with the Kardashians, and will watch whatever Michael Bay is blowing up these days.

The BBC might have Sherlock, but the USA has everything else. Including WWE Raw on USA.

God bless the USA. And the WWE.

FLICKR USER RON COGSWELL

Everything is based on convenience.
24-hour stores, delis and pharmacies on every single block, stores that are open seven days a week and past 6pm, drive-thru fast food, drive-thru liquor stores – in most countries, this is literally unthinkable. In the U.S., it's the standard.

Change is a thing.
The Civil Rights Movement was just 50 years ago – now a black man's president.

FLICKR USER LAURA BLANKENSHIP

The food combinations are ridiculous... and amazing.
Bacon wrapped burgers? Brilliant! Marshmallows on sweet potatoes? Innovation at its finest! You mean I can take the rest of this home and have a whole second meal? Sign me up!

Garbage disposals destroy everything.
What a fantastic invention.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The staggering array of choices.
There's an entire aisle dedicated to breakfast cereal in most grocery stores. And a ton of it is good! And there's something like 457 flavors of Doritos alone. Walking into a Walmart presents a dizzying variety of options of everything from brands of ketchup to vacuum cleaners. It's an incredible testament to free market economics.

And snack food.

So much stuff for so little money.
You can buy a gallon of mayo in the store. And its a 2 for 1 deal! Dollar stores can outfit an entire kitchen for under $50. And Amazon seems like it'd ship everything short of a house to your house, with free shipping.

Actually, you probably can get a house shipped to your house.

FLICKR USER MONEYBLOGNEWZ

You can survive without cash.
A lot of people carry less than $20 on them at all times. You know why? Just about every place accepts credit cards. You can buy a pack of gum with your card. And cashiers probably prefer it.

Health and fitness are everywhere.
The prevalence of spin studios, 24-hour gyms, juice shops, kale and quinoa are mind-boggling. Not everyone participates, but Americans revere people like Jack LaLanne and stock their homes with equipment like Chuck Norris' Total Gym.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is a melting pot of a country, like many others in the world, yet it encompasses a uniqueness all its own. However, like any country it has its pros and cons. The variety of religious celebrations, the marriage of modern sky-rises and historical buildings, the harmonious blend of indigenous locals and expats, and the world famous cuisines all make Malaysia stand out among the crowd as a force to be reckoned with within South East Asia.

This (arguably) third world country is growing by leaps and bounds and shows no sign of slowing up anytime soon. The good of this all is the openness and acceptance of change and forward-moving progress. The bad of it all is the obvious growing pains that the country can and will face, sweeping all residents up with it in the process. As long as expats are aware of the pros and cons, they will not only survive the good and the bad, but will more importantly find themselves getting swept away by the glory of it all.

Cultural expression in Kuala Lumpur

PROS: Variety and freedom

Kuala Lumpur is home to a variety of cultures. Traditionally (but not always), the following holds true: the Indigenous Malay are Muslim, the Indian Malay are Hindu, and the Chinese Malay are Buddhists. Add to all of that the expats from Western countries with their various forms of Christianity, and you have yourself a melting pot of religious holidays! It’s wonderful in that the Malaysian government honours a variety of holidays, with Islamic ones being more prominent of course. There are always vibrant colors from the various festivals and holidays around town at the appointed times. It’s truly a beautiful sight to see, throughout the entire year. You can also find, on any given day, protests being held throughout the city for various reasons, both positive and negative ones. It’s such a freedom of expression that the people take quite seriously, depending on their cause.

CONS: Closed streets and shops

The downfall of all these glorious holiday celebrations and the multiple public protests are the closed roads, making for tons of traffic in the already congested city. The amount of public holidays the government honours is also quite amazing. With that comes abbreviated work and shop hours, so you must be aware of what kind of business or shop you intend to visit and whether or not it will be open, as well as what roads lead to it!

Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur

PRO: Large open-plan living areas

Due to Kuala Lumpur becoming such a large South East Asian destination, the buildings being constructed are new, modern, and spacious. The living areas are open-plan and most contain floor to ceiling windows, allowing the year-round sunshine and magnificent sights to shine through. The newer homes are at least three bedrooms, up to five or even six, which you can find in larger condos or bungalows, both of which are readily available throughout the city and suburbs. The older homes and condos are typically a bit smaller, but still the rooms tend to be on the larger side, making enough room to purchase all those gorgeous Asian furniture pieces you’ve had your eye on.

CON: Soaring prices

Because everything is so new, the prices can be a bit steep, both for rental and purchases. This is also due to the fact that safety is a concern in Kuala Lumpur, so many of the condos and bungalows can and should have gates and guardhouses. Certain amenities within the home, such as hot water in the kitchen, microwaves, ovens, dishwashers, washer/dryer units, are all considered “extras”, many of which can be negotiated into the rental/sale price.

Cost of living in Kuala Lumpur

PROS: Petrol is cheap; locally sourced items sold for less

There is a very large market in Malaysia for oil and gas companies, much of which is locally sourced. Because of this, petrol tends to be on the cheaper side, in comparison to various Western countries. Expats who have homes that require gas for stovetops will find prices for that low as well.

Due to the climate in Malaysia (year round warm and humid), there is a huge variety of Asian fruits and vegetables grown here. Add to that the chicken, beef, and fishing industries, and you have yourself a plethora of options.

Malaysia is also home to a variety of manufacturing plants. From wooden furniture, to clothing, to textiles and ceramics, you can really find a great assortment of items to fit the bill of what you are in the market for.

CON: Expensive imports due to taxes

Along with the amazingly cheap finds, also prepare yourself for a dramatic increase for anything not made in Malaysia. This includes vital items such as cars. There are a couple of auto manufactures within Malaysia, but the quality is sub-par at best. So that means that anything else you want to purchase will come with a much higher price tag, and even if you think of importing your current car, import tax will be extremely high. Either way, prepare to spend a fortune on even the most basic of cars.

We all have those moments when we just want that taste of home - a certain kind of potato chip, a seasoning or sauce, pork products (Malaysia is a predominantly halal country), and more. In these instances, the products are imported from other countries such as Australia, Japan, China, the UK, and the USA. Anytime something is imported, the cost skyrockets. Sometimes it’s worth it, but more often than not after a certain amount of time, you learn to live with something local, even if just to satisfy the craving.

The one other thing found to be ridiculously expensive is the cost of maternity, baby, and children’s goods. From clothes to furniture, products and necessities, it seems that these items also come with higher price tags.

Finally, the cost of wine, beer, and liquor is atrocious in Malaysia due to their strict taxes on anything containing alcohol. Duty Free is the best bet when flying into the country.

Healthcare in Kuala Lumpur

PROS: Doctors are trained in Western countries; services are cheaper

Malaysia is unique in that it is quickly becoming a top medical tourism destination worldwide. The doctors are all highly educated, starting their education in Malaysia and finishing up in various Western countries, before returning to their home country to practice. The costs are extremely low in comparison to Western countries and with the burgeoning market; business has demanded more and more modern hospitals and private clinics. Health insurance is also quite reasonable, if not downright cheap, and most plans cover many of the expenses expats would incur.

CONS: Muslim culture may stipulate a certain type of assisted care

Even though medically speaking the country is very advanced in comparison to other South East Asian countries, there is still an element of tradition in relation to nurses specifically. They tend to be a bit more conventional and not as open to Western-style practices. The key is to find a doctor who employs a staff with a mind like their own, creating a peaceful environment and one you would be akin to come back to time and time again.

Transport in Kuala Lumpur

PROS: Ever expanding light rail and cheap taxis

Kuala Lumpur is a growing city and with that comes a need for more public transport. Kuala Lumpur’s light rail line has been able to satisfy much of that need. Within the city itself, the light rail has quickly become a more viable mode of transport for locals, expats, and tourists alike. The government also built a high-speed non-stop line to and from the international airport. The cost is minimal and the compartments are clean and air-conditioned.

Taxis are also plentiful around Kuala Lumpur and charge a very low rate. You can get around in taxis quite easily and can even hire them for the day for multiple stops or sightseeing in town.

CON: Heavy traffic on a daily basis

The downfall of Kuala Lumpur’s quickly expanding city is the amount of traffic. Cars clog up the roads every day between 7am and 9am and again from 4pm to 7pm. The government is working on expanding lanes but with the scarce police not enforcing traffic rules, it quickly becomes a free-for-all, sometimes causing more harm than good.

The light rail system needs to be expanded to include more stops and more frequent services in the surrounding suburbs. They are working on this, although it does take time. Taxis can also sometimes try and set a “fixed price” for tourists and expats who look like Westerners so it’s always good to be aware before sitting in the taxi.

Cuisine in Kuala Lumpur

PRO: Variety

Kuala Lumpur is known as a gastronomical hub of Asia, and it’s easy to see why. Cuisines range from typical Malaysian to Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Thai, and various Western-style outlets. Malaysia is also known for its “hawker stalls”, which are stands on the side of the street dishing out insanely aromatic dishes at a fraction of the price in restaurants. The food in Malaysia is delicious!

CON: Lack of decent Western food

Although there are a ton of Western-style outlets around the city, there are only a few that seem to get it right when it comes to Western cuisine. Those establishments tend to be a bit pricier, but are worth the cost when you need that taste of home. Also be prepared for the high cost of alcohol when eating out.

As you can see, there are tons of options to choose from when deciding on whether or not to live in Kuala Lumpur. There are many pros that vastly outweigh the cons, but at times the cons can be a huge part of daily life, making management of the quality of life a precarious balancing act. All in all, Kuala Lumpur is a force to be reckoned with and is changing the landscape of South East Asia dramatically, drawing in more and more expats from surrounding countries as well as from the West. It’s a wonderful place to live for a season of life!

The Impact of Malaysia's GST Implementation: Comparing with Singapore

Malaysia is implementing a goods and services tax (GST) in April 2015. Some people believe that it will have an extremely adverse affect on Malaysians and on the economy. Others believe there will be a 6 month slump, then things will normalize.

Rather than debating the effect of GST, I prefer to compare the experience of our neighbouring country, Singapore.

Singapore first implemented GST in 1994 despite vocal protests from consumer groups:

3% GST on 1 April 1994
4% GST on 1 Jan 2003
5% GST on 1 Jan 2004
7% GST on 1 July 2007

Now lets look at the affect on the Singapore Stock Market, taken from forecast-chart.com:

Surprisingly, I can see only minimal affect on the stock market.

Perhaps the answer to this is that Singapore government implemented GST during periods of high growth? The following chart, which plots Singapore’s GDP per capita appears to support this view:

Singapore also attempted to reduce the affects of GST on low income groups by cutting the income taxes and offset payments such as increasing subsidies for public housing and medical expenses. Despite protestations from NGOs and social activist groups, it appears that Singapore’s GST implementation was a success.

Forecasting the Effect of GST in Malaysia

Now how does this apply to Malaysia?

The Royal Malaysian Customs and the Finance Ministry have done research on the impact of GST. They estimate that the tax burden as percentage to expenditure for a household income of RM2,000 is only 2.59% (or RM 52/month) whereas for a household income of RM12,000 is 4.14%. These concur with my own calculations.

The percentage of Malaysians who pay income tax is extremely low (1 million according to NST), about 3% of the population. In contrast the percentage of Singaporeans who pay income tax is about 33% (see The Star):

1. RM300 one-off cash to BR1M recipients as household assistance. Token sum only as GST is forever.

2. Individual income tax rates reduced by 1% to 3% to increase their disposable income – 300,000 tax payers will no longer pay tax. Not relevant as the poor don’t pay taxes.

3. Families of RM4,000 household income will no longer pay tax. Not relevant as the poor don’t pay taxes.

4. Cash assistance under the BRIM is increased from RM500 to RM650 in 2014 and to increase it further in 2015. This suggests that for low income groups, the cash assistance will fully offset any GST for 2014-2015.

5. Chargeable income subject to the maximum rate of exceeding RM100,000 will be increasing to exceeding RM400,000. Current maximum tax rate of 26% will be reduced to 24%, 24.5% and 25%. Not relevant as the poor don’t pay taxes.

Conclusion

Due to small income tax collection base (1 million taxpayers), GST will be a strong boost to government revenues.

If implemented correctly, it appears that the Malaysian GST will also act as a effective dragnet for tax evaders and illegal immigrants who pay no income tax. The payments made to BR1M recipients will offset most of the GST’s impact on the poor.

However will this GST cause a general feeling of unrest among the rakyat? Quite likely this will provide much ammunition for the political opposition. I also forsee be a spending binge in early 2015 before GST is implemented, and a retail slump until the 2015 Raya holidays.

Companies that provide credit terms will have more cash flow problems due to the need to pay Customs before receiving payments. It will be more common practice to charge interest for late payment. The stock market will be more volatile, and shares in companies that produce discretionary products such as alcohol, cigarettes, candy will take a beating. IT and accountancy service shares will surge in value.

Lastly, the Singapore government rolled out GST with tail-winds as the economy was doing reasonably well. Let’s see if the Malaysian government has similar good fortune. If GST is rolled out when the economy is moving into recession, or the implementation is poor, there will definitely be unrest.