Welcome to the Island Holiday Club Blog!

At Island Holiday Club, we believe that travel is not just about visiting a destination but about experiencing a whole new world. Our blog is here to provide you with insider tips, travel advice, and exciting stories to inspire your next adventure.

Travel Tips for a Safe Journey

When traveling, whether it's to a neighbouring country or a distant land, it's essential to keep a few principles in mind. These tips will help you make the most of your experience while respecting the people, culture, and environment of the places you visit.

1. Respect: The Golden Rule

The most important word when it comes to visiting another country is respect—respect for the people, their culture, and the environment around you. Being a respectful traveler means observing local customs, understanding cultural differences, and doing your best to minimize any negative impact on the destination. Learn a few phrases in the local language, follow cultural norms, and always be mindful of how your actions might be perceived.

2. Travel Light, Stay Safe

Travelling light not only makes your journey more comfortable but also helps you blend in with the locals. While it's tempting to dress in your finest clothes or carry flashy accessories, it's wiser to opt for casual, clean outfits that allow you to mix with everyday people. Overindulgence in fineries can attract unwanted attention, potentially making you a target for theft or other crimes. Standing out in a crowd, especially in unfamiliar places, is like wearing a "rob me" sticker on your forehead. Stay low-key and enjoy your trip without unnecessary risks.

3. Food and Home Comforts

It's natural to crave familiar comforts while traveling, but part of the adventure is embracing the differences. Expecting everything to be the same as back home will limit your experience. However, it's also reasonable to want a certain level of comfort, like a temperature-controlled sleeping environment or access to familiar food. When trying local cuisine, it's okay to be cautious. Start slowly, especially if you're not an adventurous eater. A good strategy is to keep sauces on the side when trying unfamiliar meats or fish, so you can assess the taste and safety before adding any extras.

That said, being careful doesn’t mean avoiding new foods altogether. Sampling local dishes is one of the best ways to connect with a new culture. Just be mindful of what you eat, ensuring that it’s fresh and well-prepared.

4.Travel & Money Security

When traveling to Asia, managing your money wisely is essential to ensure smooth transactions and avoid unnecessary charges. Here are some key tips to help you navigate currency and money matters:

Carry Some Cash: Bringing a reasonable amount of cash, like €600.00, is a smart move. Never let your cash reserves fall below €100.00—cash is still king during emergencies in many parts of Asia.

Debit and Credit Cards: While widely accepted, cards come with some concerns. Currency transaction fees and potential security risks should be kept in mind. Be cautious of hidden charges when using ATMs—besides the conversion fee, there could be a local withdrawal charge of up to €7.00 for small transactions.

Online Banks: Consider using cards from online banks such as Wise or Revolut. They offer excellent currency conversion rates and help you sidestep international transaction fees. However, note that local ATM charges still apply, regardless of the bank.

Currency Exchange: Exchanging cash at street exchange points or expat venues often yields better rates than ATMs. You might find expats willing to offer slightly better rates for your Euros or Dollars.

Sending Money Online: If you don't have access to cards, services like Western Union or Remitly allow you to send money to yourself and collect local currency at convenient street outlets.

Beware of Scams: Always be alert when using ATMs. Scammers, often posing as fellow tourists, may try to gain control of your card through various deceptive tactics. Stay vigilant and never trust anyone asking for your bank details or offering unsolicited help.

Travel smart by managing your money wisely, and you’ll avoid the most common financial pitfalls.

Transfer to a trusted local through Online Banks: If you have built trust with someone locally, you can transfer money to their local bank app using platforms like Revolut or Wise. By transferring in local currency, you avoid hefty international transaction fees —keep them under €100.00 to minimize risk. The transfer is instant,the cost is the lowest, but remember, this method requires complete trust in the recipient. Only send money to those you know well and can rely on.

Expect fresh content on our blog every week! Stay updated with the latest travel news, destination spotlights, and member stories that will ignite your wanderlust.

Our blog isn't just about professional advice; it's also about real experiences from our club members. Get a unique insight into different travel styles, hidden gems, and personal recommendations straight from those who know best.