Passport

Suffering from wanderlust? Or anxious about that next official trip with the boss? Fear not for Challenge has compiled eight pages of tips and trivia to help you deal with either malady. For something different, hop onto a train for some slow, rail travel. And don’t forget to pick up essential phrases that’ll come in useful, especially when you

need the loo!

Now, if you would first get off that couch, and bravely go forth

to navigate the unexpected.

19 -26pages of tips to get you ahead

November /December 2010

Standing SeatS Only

How far would you go to save money on a flight? Ryanair’s CEO David O’Leary is proposing to charge passengers less for “bar-stools” with seat belts. A further slew of cost-saving ideas includes charging for toilets and “fat tax” for heavy passengers. Wow.

Poop goes straight from the toilet to the sky If you always thought that it goes straight from the bowl to the sky, think again. Any holes that allow poop to fly straight out will cause the depressurisation of a plane. Rather, poop, or any waste for that matter, goes into a holding tank in a plane.

Source: www.howstuffworks. com/question314.htm

Getting stuck on an airplane toiletAirplane toilets employ an alarmingly loud vacuum flush, which does conjure fears of being stuck on the seat should one flush while still comfortably enthroned. Fortunately, the human body does not provide a perfect seal for the toilet seat. Also, the suction generated is insufficient to trap a perfectly rounded bottom. So go in peace.

Source: http://mythbustersresults.com/pilot2

It hits the fanA Canadian was left in shock as chunks of ice measuring 15cm came crashing through the roof of her home. Tests revealed that the ice was, in fact, frozen waste ejected from the lavatory of a passing airplane due to a malfunctioning holding tank. Fortunately, such incidents are extremely rare.

Source: http://bit.ly/hitsthefan

airplane tOiletSRivalling the discovery of flight was the ability to relieve yourself in the sky.

Travel reminds us who we are and what we aren’t. We aren’t jobs, currency, automobiles, ortextiles… We’re never more in touch with our identity than when we’re navigating the streets of a new city whose language we can’t understand, using a map we can’t read. We can be nothing but ourselves when we travel.

– Juliane Huang, Travel writer and blogger (www.julianehuang.com)

The world’S longeST Scheduled flighTThe world’s longest scheduled flight is Singapore to Newark, New Jersey, a trip which takes over 18 hours. That’s the equiva-lent of watching the entire Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Twice.

TriViA

rePlAY

EffEctivE Ways topack fOr BuSineSSPay attention to these essentials to make a business trip that much smoother.Things to bringAll these things should fit in a single carry-on bag. It really helps to reduce anxiety over lost baggage.

coPieS of imPorTAnT documenTSKeep originals safely at home

dreSS jAckeTEverything just looks better with a jacket on it

STring of PeArlS Add a touch of class when meeting and greeting

Sewing kiTFor those loose buttons

SAfeTY PinSWhen those loose buttons go missing

uS dollArSAlways useful to have some handy

AlArm clockSet the alarm clock, your phone’s alarm, get morning calls... NEVER be late ever

uniVerSAl TrAVel AdAPTorJuice up your gadgets on the go

exTrA PAir of SPecTAcleSBeing unable to see in a foreign country is just tempting fate

long-SleeVed ShirTSSelect only one or two colours to mix and match; every piece of clothing should match at least one other

common medicATion Just enough to keep yourself going

ScArfDresses up an outfit. Works as impromptu head covering for religious places

orgAniSer PoucheSReduce clutter, avoid embarrassment opening your bag at immigration

Shoe inWear shoes that are easy to slip on and off for security checks

TiPS

Don’t dress too casually, even on free time. You never know when you might be needed.

Resist the urge to shop or sightsee unless explicitly stated in the itinerary.

Be well-versed in developments back home, including social, political and economic issues – you never know when you may need to represent your bosses in their absence.

Read up and familiarise yourself with your destination.

Learn how to address others, paying close attention to personal titles and other protocol.

Keep a list of useful contacts at your destination and at home.

prOtect yOur cOllar

You know what they say about men with a stiff collar... but when it comes to official business, a stiff collar it must be.

The most important part of a shirt is the collar. Yet keeping it looking crisp after being hauled halfway around the world is no mean feat.

Recently, more shirts have small slits tailored underneath the collar for small pieces of plastic (or metal) to be inserted into them. These collar stays help prop up an otherwise lacklustre collar and give a sharper appearance.

If your collar lacks these slits, your next best option are those plastic rings around the inside of a brand new shirt. Tuck those plastic rings into your shirt collar before you pack them in your bag!

traVel MateSThe slew of travel paraphernalia is endless and mind-boggling. Try these out on your next trip!

Portable Water PurifierNo more worries of diarrhoea whi le abroad. Now you can sterilise water on the go! PriceS from USD$99 (about S$133) Buy it from: www.steripen.com

02

Shirt Folder A nifty device to help fold just about any piece of clothing. PriceS from USD$18.99 (about S$25.59)

Source: http://bit.ly/cnG8Tk_flipfold

04

Luggage ScalesSave the hassle: weigh your lug-gage before leaving home. It’s so small you can even bring it along on your trip. PriceS from USD$13 (about S$17.50)

Buy it from: http://bit.ly/azTyJg_scales

03

Charging Mat for Devices Charge multiple devices without wires. So cool! PriceS from USD$99.99 (about S$135)

Buy it from: http://bit.ly/9p7h30_chargingmat

06

Toothbrush Covers Keep your bristles hygienic with a toothbrush cover. PriceS from S$3.

Buy it from any pharmacy.

Magic ConeFor desperate times when a toilet just can’t be found and the ladies really need to tinkle... Buy it from:www.magiccone.com

05

out of syncJet lagTravelling across time zones can really mess up your body clock. What to do about it?You could pop the melatonin pills, drink lots of liquid (except alcohol!), and walk about the plane to avoid jet lag.

But a radical (and safe) strategy to combat jet lag is to be single-minded about one thing: SLEEP. Say no to food, drinks and in-flight movies. Tell the person next to you, and the crew, not to wake you up for meals. Don’t worry, you can always ask for food later if you change your mind.

We do wonder if fighting jet-lag is worth giving this much up, though.

Source: http://bit.ly/9vyAQZ_howtosleep

If your shy and sensitive nature

prevents you from engaging strangers in a bout of witty

banter, fret not, there is hope.

STrATegY 1: Take focus off yourself– Be interested in the other person i.e. why are they going on a trip? – Smile (it’s not an interrogation).

But if you end up with a chatty

neighbour who just won’t stop, there are ways to disengage from conversation

gracefully.

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Ocial cluB

STrATegY 2: come prepared– Put your headphones on. – Bob your head to the tune (or whatever’s in

your head).

– Close your eyes immediately once seated.

What if your neighbour persists

in wanting to know your family history?

traVel fOOtwearThe best trips deserve the right companions. Choose your footwear wisely!

TiPS

Make sure your shoes fit comfortably: brand new shoes aren’t always good company.

Avoid shoes with metal strips in them unless you’d like a tour of airport security.

STrATegY 3: Be nice– Indulge them for a minute or so, just long enough to convey your good manners. – End the conversation with a yawn and thank them for their time.

tip

pin

g

pO

int 1. As a rule of thumb, tip if the service

was great.

2. Tip the bellhops who truck your luggage to your room: about one or two US dollars per piece.

3. Always ask a local if in doubt.

EuropeIn general, tips are not expected; they are meant to convey your appreciation for excellent service. Only tip at restaurants if you really like the people serving you. About 5% of your total bill would do; anything above is excessive.

country-specific advice in europe: http://bit.ly/9wU67q_tipping

AustraliaAs there’s a high minimum wage in Australia, tips are generally not expected.

But it would be nice to tip the bellhops who lug your stuff up to the rooms. A dollar or two per piece of luggage should be enough.

AsiaWe don’t usually tip in Asia, so tip only if you think the service was smashing. An exception to this rule: tips are expected at the more westernised and up-scale restaurants.

USATipping is expected here. Waiters are usually paid at or below the minimum wage, with the bulk of the salary earned from tips. Tip about 15% on average; 20% if you’re feeling generous. Leave US$2 to 3 on the bed every morning for the housekeepers. Cabbies get about 15% too, with an extra dollar or two when they help with bags.

thE EastErn and oriEntal ExprEss SOuth eaSt aSiaIt’s time to slow down and experience Asia all over again. This time, the journey is very much part of the experience: Chiang Mai to Singapore over eight days by train.

1. Chiang Mai (Thailand) Depart on your journey in the after-noon, just in time for tea as you admire the beauty of Northern Thailand.

2. Sawankhaloke & LampangExplore the ruins at Si Satchanalai, part of the northernmost citadel of the an-cient Khmer empire. Enjoy tea at the Lampang Baan Sao Nok, a house built in traditional Lanna Thai style and supported on 116 teak pillars.

3. Bangkok Enjoy two days in Bangkok and savour the food, vibrancy and shopping.

4. Wang Po & River KwaiBoard a local raft and cruise along the picturesque Kwai Yai river, passing un-der the River Kwai Bridge. Visit the Don Rak War Cemetery as you tour the infamous “Death Railway”.

5. Penang (Malaysia)Tour the Kho Kongsi clan house built in the baroque style of the late Ching dynasty. Enjoy a refreshing drink in Farquhar’s Bar at the Eastern & Ori-ental Hotel.

6. SingaporeAll good things must come to an end as you cross the Causeway from Malaysia into Singapore.Source: http://bit.ly/9r0nUO_EOexpress

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the Venice SiMplOn-Orient-expreSS The setting of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, this classic trip from Istanbul to Paris takes you through Budapest, Romania and Bulgaria in six days, and is only available once a year. PriceS (per person) start from US$9190 (approx. S$12,426) for a Double cabin, to US$13870 (approx. S$18,754) for a Suite cabin.

Source: www.orient-express.com/web/vsoe/journeys/4_121933.jsp

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chiang Mai01

sawankhaloke & lampang02

03 Bangkok

penang

singapore

05

04Wang po & river kwai

06

THAI

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cultural nO-nOS Gestures really don’t mean the same thing to everyone.

Sup Torpedo Malaysia(Bull’s Penis Soup)

Rooster’s testicles Taiwan

Isaw Manok Philippines(chicken intestines)

Smoked bats Indonesia

Mexican huitlacoche Mexicopronounced “wee-tlah-KOH-cheh”(purple corn fungus)

today’s spEcialsexOtic fOOdS

SOcial B&B: a nEW(Er) Way to travEl

It all began with Couchsurfing: a network which connects fellow couch surfers with a spare bed or sofa (well, just about any surface for that matter), all for free. With over two million members in 238 countries, Couchsurf ing has been a great success.Filling the gap between a couch and a hotel room, new social bed-and-breakfast networks such as AirBnB allow travellers to rent a room from a local without the trepidation of sleeping on a stranger’s couch (hey, it ’s free after all).

AirBnB.com Currently the most popular site

IStopOver.comSpecialises in big events e.g. South Africa World Cup

Crashpadder.comFocused primarily in the UK

Roomorama.com For New York City ’s pricier real estate

Nodding means Yes. No?Seemingly counter-intuitive, nod-ding your head means no in Albania, while shaking your head means yes. To emphasise your point, raise your eyebrows slightly while nodding your head if you mean NO.

The OK sign means many things to many people. It signifies that something is worthless in France; it’s a sym-bol for money in Japan; and is a symbol for a body part in Brazil, Russia and Germany. So be careful where you flash those fingers!

Ok. (Not ok!)

The famous “peace” or “victory” sign made with two fingers might mean something else if your palm faces inwards. Peculiar to England, this sign actually means “up yours!” when com-bined with an upward jerk of the hand.

Peace(*#%@)

Thumbs up could be a thumbs down

Think you’re beingfriendly? Think again. While you may think that the thumbs up sign means “good” or“ok”, that gesture is actually offensive toIraqis. So if (for what-ever reason) you find yourself in Iraq, keep your thumbs to your-self and flash a bigsmile instead.

It’ll have to be the Land of Football – Brazil, when they

host the World Cup Finals this 2014. Brazilian

babes and samba football, here

I come! :)

For someone who has lived in temperate Singapore all

his life, it’ll be ‘cool’ to stay at

the ICEHOTEL in Sweden...

iceland. I can’t get enough of cold

weather, and even better if there’s snow! With its promise of the

rugged outdoors, geothermal spas,

volcanoes and glaciers, my dream would be to do a

trek there!

Mine would be Paris because

I love cities, especially cities

that are alive and rich in history.

Now if I could only improve on my

atrocious French...

The Andaman Sea where there is great diving on a live-aboard boat, so that the first

thing I see in the morning is a wide expanse of ocean.

AgneS

challEngE Editorial tEaM’s tO die fOr deStinatiOnS

TiPTriViA

lAnguAge quick fixPick up essential phrases from 36 languages at the BBC’s Quick Fix website. Download the phrases onto your MP3 player to learn how to say “Velkommen” (‘Welcome‘ in Norwegian) or “Malonu su jumis susipažinti” (‘Pleased to meet you’ in Lithuanian).

Going to the Czech Republic? “Kde je záchod, prosím?” (Where is the toilet, please?) is a must.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/other/quickfix/

BlAck mArkeT PASSPorTSWhen you’re on the move, your passport is probably the most valuable item on you. Keep it in a hotel safe or on you at all times. Did you know that a United Kingdom passport is worth about £8000 (approx. S$17,400) on the black market? Imagine what a Singapore passport might fetch! So hold on tight to yours.

Clear out the trash

House the pets

Check the rice-cooker (don’t feed the maggots!)

Clean the toilet

Clear stagnant water (yes, if they breed, you bleed.)

Clear the fridge

Water the plants

Stop newspaper delivery

Switch off appliances

Notify MINDEF (for NSmen)

pre-trip checkliStThings we forget to do before leaving.

keeping petSWhat’s to happen to your pets when you’re on the road (and you’ve called in one too many favours)?

Check Fluffy into a pet hotel, where it ’ ll be well taken care of by professionals from as little as $12 a day!

woof?!