Thursday, May 31, 2018

What to Wear in Namibia + Outfit Inspiration

What to Wear Namibia and Outfit Inspiration

Namibia was one of the most unique and stunning countries I’ve been to. On my first trip, I road tripped through the country hitting highlights like Sossusvlei, Wolwedans Dunes Lodge and Wolwedans Boulder Safari Camp, and on my second trip, I took a 4×4 tour along the Skeleton Coast and stayed at the Spitzkoppen Lodge!

On both trips, I learned that you’ll want to pack a few different types of outfits when trying to figure out what to wear in Namibia.

You’ll want pieces you don’t mind getting dirty (there’s a lot of dust out in the desert!), ones that are comfortable to explore in, some safari appropriate pieces, a few outfits for lounging around your camp or lodge, and of course, some warm clothes for nighttime.

Both times I visited Namibia, in both April and November, we were lucky enough to experience sunny and warm weather — so I rocked everything from sundresses to lightweight cargo pants and tank tops. During our time on the coast, there was quite a bit of wind so a scarf is a lifesaver to tame crazy hair and block the mouth and eyes from sand!

Generally, April and May are the best months to travel to Namibia, as it’s dry season and lots of greenery around central and eastern Namibia.

You may run into some rainstorms between December and March, but it can get down to freezing temperatures at night between June and August, so be sure to research right before you go! As with most places, Namibia’s weather patterns are slowly changing, so I recommend bring at least one warm jacket, just in case you run into a cold front at night.

In the months of September and October, Namibia will start warming up again and there’s great opportunities for an awesome, African safari experience.

Check out my Namibia outfit inspiration below!


 

Outside of Spitzkoppen Lodge

Blonde at Spitzkoppen Lodge

Blonde in Sandwich Bay

Actual: Skinny Cargo Pant / Scarf / Combat Boots / Lightweight Windbreaker

Check out these items to wear for safaris, off-roading, and exploring the desert and coastlines of Namibia!


 

Blonde in White Dress in Namibia

Pack layers for Namibia

little kulala hotel

Waking up in a luxury tent in Namibia

Check out these items for lounging and relaxing around your camp or lodge in Namibia!

Don’t miss my African Safari Packing Guide for more packing tips + outfit inspo!

Sossusvlei Namibia

Side Note: Yes, this white dress shot is “extra” of me,  but Namibia shoots so beautifully in flowy dresses, so if you’re looking to shoot some lifestyle shots while you’re there, be sure to pack a flowy dress or two, and you’ll find it’s perfect against the harsh desert landscape.

 


Read Next: 10 Essential Tips for Road-Tripping in Namibia

 

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Wednesday, May 30, 2018

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Singapore

20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Singapore

Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore

Ritz-Carlton Millenia Bathroom

Singapore

Supertrees in Singapore

Trees in Singapore

Trees in Singapore

Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide

Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Haji Lane Singapore

Noodles in Singapore

Food in Singapore

Haji Lane Singapore

Sultan Mosque / Arab Street

Katong / Joo Chiat / Colorful Houses

Blonde at the Ritz in Singapore

Ritz-Carlton Millenia Food

Millenia Singapore Food

ArtScience Museum in Singapore

Po Restaurant

Singapore is a futuristic urban center full of experiences around every corner. I spent 3 days in Singapore and it was just enough time to get a taste of this incredible city. The busy streets were filled with rich culture, unique architecture and of course, delicious food!

Gardens by the Bay was one of the highlights of my trip.

Walking through the futuristic forests felt like walking into another planet. This popular attraction is always busy so I recommend getting there about 15 minutes early so you’re among the first ones to purchase tickets for the Cloud Forest, which run at $28 SGD (about $21 USD) per person. The Supertree Grove is free to walk around in at anytime!

The best view of the city is, of course, from above, and I found it at the infinity pool of Marina Bay Sands.

The food in Singapore has some of my favorite flavors in the world. I indulged in the biggest buffet I have ever seen in my life at Colony at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, and slurped on my favorite Prawn Mee noodles and chili crab at the hawker food centers in Chinatown.

If you’re visiting Singapore on a budget, there are some great neighborhoods that you can walk around without spending a dime. The historic neighborhood of Joo Chiat is home to colorful Peranakan houses, Chinatown is a great area for shopping, and you can spend some time wandering around Arab Street and Haji Lane.

The most efficient way to get around the city and hit all the sights is to use the Grab app (similar to Uber), as it ends up being cheaper than taxis.

If you want to check out the view of the city from a little farther away, head to Sentosa Island. This little island off the southern coast of Singapore, has theme parks, golf courses, spas and a gorgeous, sandy coast!

If this destination wasn’t on your bucket list before, it definitely should be now and be sure to check out my top 10 tips for your first trip to Singapore before you start planning.

 

Shop my favorite travel outfits for Singapore!


READ NEXT: The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide

 

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Tuesday, May 29, 2018

What to Pack for a Trip to a Conservative Country

What to Pack for a Trip to a Conservative Country

Choosing what to pack for conservative countries can sometimes be tricky to navigate, especially for female travelers. While some countries are much more strict with their cultural and social expectations, I always err on the side of caution and dress conservatively to avoid any unwanted attention or to cause offense.

For the most part, countries that have a large Muslim, Hindu and/or Buddhist influence are the countries that you’ll need to cover up in. It’s important to respect local and religious traditions at all times, and you should be aware of your behavior to ensure it doesn’t offend local customs — and that begins with dressing modestly.

Take time to think through your outfits and pack for your trip to a conservative country!

It is considered a sign of respect to keep your knees and shoulders covered, and so I’d recommend making sure you have items in your suitcase to do just that. When visiting very conservative destination, you may need to go as far as to cover your arms (down to the hands), hair, and feet.

Headscarves may not be required everywhere in a conservative country, but from my experience in Morocco, I found that whenever I received unwanted attention as a tourist, all I had to do was cover my head and nobody would bother me.

My rule of thumb is to always have something I could drape around my shoulders and cover my legs with, in case it’s necessary while I’m out exploring.

Use my packing ideas below, but revise as needed based on weather and season for when you plan your own trip to a conservative country like Morocco, Jordan, Turkey, Dubai, Indonesia, and more!

Blue Mosque in Istanbul

blonde sitting in window in marrakech

What to Pack for Trip to a Conservative Country

  • Essentials

1. Sun Hat // You’ll definitely need a wide-brim hat to protect you from the rays. Pack 1 or 2 just to be safe, and make sure they aren’t made of thick material that will make you sweat!

2. Light Scarf // I pack a scarf on every trip but you’ll definitely want a few throughout conservative countries. They’re great for covering your shoulder and chest, and still allow you to show off some style!

3. Sunglasses // Always protect your eyes.

4. Sandals // You’ll spend lots of time walking, so I highly recommend investing in a comfortable pair of supportive (and cute!) sandals. Check out my new travel sandals — available now!

5. Day Bag // I typically travel the ONA Prince Street Messenger because it’s made of high quality, sturdy materials, and it can fit all of my camera gear and wallet easily.

blonde glamping in sahara

Traveling through Jordan on camel

  • Tops

6. Long Sleeve Blouse // Pick thin, soft material for your blouses — they’re great for layering, and offers coverage of your shoulders and chest.

7. Short Sleeve Blouses // When you don’t need to cover your arms, short sleeve is much cooler — just be sure to watch the cleavage.

8. Denim Shirt // They look super cute with most bottoms and are perfect for layering.

9. Shawl // I brought one to cover my shoulders, but also allows you to wear something more lightweight like a tank top, while still being covered.

10. Kaftans // I travel with kaftans, shawls, and kimonos everywhere because they’re so easy to throw on to cover your shoulders, and mix and match with dresses.

11. Short Tunic // I paired a few different tunics with white jeans or tucked into a maxi skirt. Make sure the fabric is soft and breathable!

Blonde at Petra, Jordan

Essaouira Morocco

Istanbul Rooftops

  • Dresses

12. Longer Tunic // Same as the shorter tunic but you can layer with comfortable leggings, while still covering your backside (tight clothing like leggings alone can be frowned upon).

13. Maxi Dresses // You can’t go wrong with multiple, lightweight maxi dresses. I like solid colors so they can go with any scarf, shawl or kimono!

14. Midi Dress // A dress longer than your knees, with breathable fabric, is great when you’re out exploring (but cooler than a maxi!).

blonde with camels in sahara desert

blonde walking in morocco

  • Bottoms

15. Leggings // I rocked white leggings A LOT on my trip. They were perfect for layering under tunics and shawls, and kept cooler than black pants. Make sure the fabric is stretchy and breathable!

16. Maxi Skirt // Having a maxi skirt or two makes it easy to throw together an outfit — pair it with a blouse, or a shorter kimono.

17. Flowy Pants // Who doesn’t love a comfy pair of flowy pants?! Mix and match patterns and colors.

Solo Female Traveler in Marrakech

READ MORE: What to Wear in Morocco as a Female Traveler

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. That income goes to supporting this website and keeping it free for you and everyone else! As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.

The post What to Pack for a Trip to a Conservative Country appeared first on The Blonde Abroad.



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Monday, May 28, 2018

How to Travel Singapore on a Budget

How to Travel Singapore on a Budget

As a travel destination, Singapore definitely isn’t the easiest on the pockets. Though, you shouldn’t let that keep you from visiting the gorgeous country! Singapore is culturally rich, and you can experience it all on a budget.

To stretch your dollar, you’ve just got to plan ahead and know where and how to get the most bang for your buck.  Looking for a guide on how to travel around Singapore?

Here’s how to travel Singapore on a budget!


Singapore Island

Daily Budget for Singapore Travel

You’ll want to plan on spending a minimum of $50 to $60 USD per day. This will cover getting around town, eating and staying in inexpensive accommodations.

If you want to lay your head somewhere a bit nicer or have some extra cash to spend on bar hopping, plan for $85 to $100 USD per day.

The most expensive things in Singapore are always going to be accommodation and alcohol, so the amount that you want to spend on either will play a major role in calculating your budget.


Singapore Streets

Use Public Transportation in Singapore

The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a modern marvel. It will take you pretty much take you anywhere you wish to go in Singapore. The price of a trip depends on the distance and averages around $4 SGD, which is equivalent to about $3 USD.

Buying single tickets for the MRT can add up quickly so getting a Singapore Tourist Pass can save you some serious cash. For unlimited travel, a one-day pass is $10 SGD ($7.50 USD), a two-day pass costs $16 SGD ($12 USD) and a three-day pass goes for $20 SGD ($15 USD). 

If you’re going to have some non-travel days, check out the EZ-Link card. You can grab one of these reloadable cards at any train station or 7-Eleven.

From train stations, an EZ-Link card will set you back $12 SGD ($9 USD), which includes the card and $7 SGD ($5 USD) worth of credit.


Haji Lane Singapore

You Can Drink the Tap Water

The water is safe to drink in Singapore, so save your cash and some plastic. Instead of buying single-use water bottles, bring a refillable one and carry it with you as you explore.

This is my favorite reuseable water bottle for travel!


Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide

Do Free Things in Singapore

You could spend days checking out all of the free things to do in Singapore. From exploring the Singapore Botanic Gardens to taking in the natural beauty at Sentosa’s beaches, Singapore is filled with complimentary attractions.

The Gardens by the Bay were the highlight of my Singapore trip. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest do cost money to get into but the Gardens and Supertree Grove are free to enjoy all day, opening at 5 a.m.. If you want to explore the upper walkway between the trees, that will set you back $8 SGD ($6 USD) per person.

Of course you can wander neighborhoods and popular tourist spots for free. Check out Arab Street, Haji Lane, Joo Chiat and other popular spots!

Visiting the East Coast Park and walking along the Changi Point Coastal Walk are other must-see attractions. Afterwards, I recommend learning about Chinese culture at Haw Par Villa and then heading up to The Southern Ridges for a breathtaking view.


Hotel in Singapore

Budget Accommodations in Singapore

A bed for the night doesn’t always come cheap in Singapore, but there are some good budget options around.

Budget Hotels in Singapore

Hotel Mono: A little boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, Hotel Mono has ongoing deals running all of the time.

Hotel Yan: All about the industrial chic aesthetic, Hotel Yan is ideally located next to Little India. You can easily nab a deal here.

Hotel Kai: A lovely spot with a dream location, Hotel Kai gives you a personal Wi-Fi device that’ll give you a 24/7 connection all over the country.

 

Hostels in Singapore

The Pod: It’s all about capsule hotels in Asia, and The Pod is a must-try! Note to the claustrophobic: these actually feel more like bunk beds than other capsules you might have seen online.

Dream Lodge: Located on the hip Lavender Street, Dream Lodge is right beside three MRT stations, so getting around couldn’t be any easier.

Wink Capsule: Another comfy capsule option, the Baroque Wink Capsule property is in buzzing China Town.

Alder Hostel: Designed for ‘posh’ packers, Alder Hostel isn’t your average budget backpacker hostel.

The Port by Quarters: Chic and comfortable, The Port by Quarters is a budget traveler’s favorite!


Noodles in Singapore

Eat at The Hawker Stalls

The food in Singapore is deliciously diverse, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to have world-class cuisine. There are food centers and hawker stalls all over the country with Singaporean, Malaysian and Chinese-fusion meals.

The Chinatown Food Center is a local icon, and you can fill up on tasty eats here for about $5 SGD ($3.75 USD). I also encourage you to try local specialities like chicken rice, chili crab and Laksa soup (my personal favorite).


Drone shot over Sentosa Island

Budget Day Trip to Sentosa Island

If you have the time, head to Sentosa Island as well. While a cable car will set you back $33 SGD ($25 USD) per person, you can just hop on the MRT to Harbourfront Station and walk across to the island.

Another budget-travel option is the Sentosa Express, which will take you over for just $4 SGD ($3 USD).  

 

Shop my favorite travel styles for Singapore!


READ NEXT: The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide

 

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