How to Avoid Pickpockets in Bali

Considered one of the most Instagramable places in the world, Bali has become one of the top tourist destinations. However, in order to successfully post those jaw dropping photographs; taking precaution for pickpocketing when sightseeing is a must. Here are a few ways to avoid pickpocketing in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world.

1)    Although most of us have the notion that pickpockets strike at night, in busy tourist spots or on any form of transport, the reality of it is that they can be found anywhere. One place you must take special care with is when visiting places where money is being retrieved or exchanged such as banks, currency exchange booths. Of course, popular pickpocket zones also include plazas, festivals and places where there are large crowds. In order to avoid pickpocketing, keep your money close to you, avoid keeping it all in one place such as your bag or wallet; and always, always close your bag properly.

2)     Avoid conversation. The majority of the time, pickpockets will create distractions to catch tourists off guard. Although you may think all pickpockets are of older age, the reality is that they may be disguised as children. Don’t be fooled into their cuteness; while they are luring you in, one may be slipping their tiny hands into your pocket or bag. If a group of children or adults seem to be approaching you, avoid eye contact and move away as quickly as possible.

3)    Whatever you do, do NOT keep your phone or wallet in a vulnerable place such as your back pockets, jacket pockets and especially not in the front pockets of your backpack. If you must keep your wallet or purse in your trouser pockets, keep them in the front as they are harder to access. Another tip is to attach a chain or rubber band to them in order to minimize retrieval.

4)    Yes, it’s hard not to show off that new luxury jewellery you just purchased, but in order to avoid it being stolen, store it in a secure place such as a safe provided by the hotel. It’s best not to flash your status in order to avoid calling attention to yourself.

5)    Lastly, avoid carrying any unnecessary baggage. By packing only the essentials, you avoid pickpockets attempting to steal form the large quantity of bags you are travelling with. If you must carry a backpack, ensure it is an Anti-Theft backpack with no outer compartments for the pickpocket to target. Alternatively, you can carry a small cross body bag for easy storage and access of your smaller valuables.

So overall, be smart, follow this guidance, think practical and have a most of all, have a fantastic time on your holiday!

Nicole Fernandez Medina

Top 5 Must-Reads On Holiday

Holiday’s are the perfect time to get your literature knowledge growing, weather it’s airport waiting, beach chilling or mountain escaping, here are the top 5 must reads which I think very necessary.

1.     Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman

The 80s were a time of radical changes, especially when it came to love between two men. This carefree yet passionate story defies the idea of a forbidden love in a time where this was not yet considered the norm. Taking advantage of every moment spent together, readers are encouraged to do the same with their travel days

2.     Just Kids by Patti Smith

A beautiful memoir written by singer/songwriter Patti Smith, beautifully documenting the passionate, complicated relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Set in a 60s New York, a time of rebellion, this intimate story injects you with a sense of creative fascination with the surrounding world, especially with those living in a city as magical as New York.

3.     A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

This truly inspirational story successfully places you into the complicated lives women lead in Afghanistan. While educating you on their country and behaviours, this book has a way of enhancing your outlook your surroundings and the beauty of life itself.

4. Death in Venice by Thomas Mann

The urge to travel is very present through this novel and thus inspires the reader to delve further into their travels themselves. The combination of unplanned events, unexpected lovers and in detail descriptions, allows for this novel to be a definite influential must read.

5. On The Road by Jack Kerouac

As if travelling through the eyes of the narrator himself, Jack Kerouac transports you into the unexpected, exciting world of hitch hiking, encountering jazz, poetry and drugs along the way. His series of documented trips will no doubt increase your thirst for exploring the world.

And there you have it, read carefully, responsibly and remember not to delve yourself too deep into the story or you might find yourself missing that holiday flight!

Written by Nicole Fernandez Medina

Top 5 Effective Tips to get a Free Flight Upgrade

Here are our top 5 tips to getting a free upgrade from economy class to first class or business class. One thing I must say is that there is no point in trying to upgrade on short-haul flights. You will have a much better chance of scoring a free upgrade on long-haul flights and it will be a longer lasting experience. Give these tips a go on your next trip. Hope they work out for you as they have worked for us. :-) Enjoy!

1.    Be prepared to be bumped off a flight

If a flight is full and the airline has oversold on tickets. The airline staff will look to bump people off the flight and put them onto the next flight.  We would suggest that you should definitely volunteer yourself to be bumped off a flight. This is a great strategy as airlines offer incentives, compensation and upgrades to those willing to be bumped off a flight.

To ensure you come first to be bumped off a flight. Make sure that when you are checking-in, you simply inform the check-in assistant and make them aware that you are willing to be bumped off a flight in return for a free upgrade if the situation arises. 

2.  Express concern if your airline has inconvenienced you

If you have been inconvenienced by an airline, do not hesitate to ask for a free upgrade. If your flight is late or you are not happy with the overall customer service. You can express your concerns and the airline may offer you an upgrade in order to maintain goodwill. This strategy is even more effective if you are a loyal customer with a particular airline.

3. If you are celebrating a special occasion. Let them know.

If it is your birthday or you are travelling on a honeymoon (make sure you show your wedding documents as proof). Let the airline staff or travel agent know. You may get a free upgrade or get some extra perks added to your flight experience. Even if they say ‘no’ when you request a free upgrade, they may still give you a huge discount on a first class or business class upgrade, which will be a lot cheaper than the original price. 

4. Travel Solo

If you ask for a free upgrade as a solo traveller you are more than likely to be accommodated. This is due to the fact that there is a higher likelihood that one seat in business class or first class will be available. Getting free upgrades for more than one person is a lot harder and less likely. 

5. Dress to Impress

First impressions are lasting impressions, so dress the part and simply ask for a free upgrade with a smile and you may just get lucky.