Blog Posts by Jasmond Tan

By Faz Abdul Gaffa for Yahoo! Travel

So once upon a time we used to travel with the clothes on our back and a sense of adventure in our pockets. It's not the same anymore is it? On top of our nasal decongestant, our eye mask, you have your trusty iPhone with you. Here are some nifty applications you can download on your iPhone to make travel a breeze.

XE.com

Shame on you if you don't have this app already. From the same-named site, the app is a currency converter application that you can use even if you don't have data connection on the go. It stores information from the last time you were on the internet so you can check out if the bag you're trying to buy in Chatuchak is worth your bargaining under the hot sun.

TripAdvisor

Another must-have app. Whether you're looking for a restaurant, a hotel or just a coffee joint to kick back at and watch the world go by, this app does the trick, just like its website. We love that it's a community-based website, meaning that real people and real

By Faz Abdul Gaffa for Yahoo! Travel

Yes, men have less precautions to take when traveling alone compared to women, but after you've booked your ticket to Prague for the summer, just read this and keep it handy.

Keep gadgets to a minimum

If you have a great trip planned seeing the sights and making new friends, your use of electronics should be kept to a minimum. They add more weight and make you a target for muggings if you outrightly display them.

Protect yourself from pickpockets

Wear pants with a zipped pocket at the front for keeping valuables. It's not as good as a money belt but it's way better than any other pocket. It will reduce the chances of having your wallet stolen.

Stay in control

Whether it's foreign booze or foreign women, make sure you're still in control of the situation, whatever situation you're in. You don't want to end up lost, broke, or worse. Let's just say you're on the set of the third Hangover movie.

Take a risk, but don't push it.

Sure, cliff diving is

Unwind with the wind and crystal clear waters together with your friends in Boracay.

Metaphorically speaking, this island has been sleeping for centuries until a German writer published a book about the Philippines in 1978. Describing Boracay history and the beautiful island in details, the island is now embellished with activities and luxurious hotels already available for rich travelers.

Looking for a holiday destination? Check out our Travel Diary: Things to do in Manila, Jakarta and Macau for a start.

What to do

Boracay is currently getting hot nominations as one of the top beaches in the world.

You can either lay back and appreciate the beauty of this tropical paradise on pure white sand or stay awake day and night to fulfil the rush you will surely have. Try all the activities Boracay has to offer. Start your day by getting a henna tattoo from the natives. For some sea and wind adventures, there's kite-boarding, fun boarding, surfing, and diving. Go home boating while watching

Krabi boasts 132 islands under its jurisdiction and the large majority of these islands are deserted.

The tropical paradise of Krabi has been a springboard for the beautiful beaches and dramatic coastline cliffs of Laem Phra Nang, Koh Lanta and the famous Phi Phi Island. Tourists who use Krabi as a travel gateway would have missed out on what this coastal province has to offer.

Here are some places you might be interested to visit in the region: Travel Diary: Things to do in Bangkok and Phuket.

Though far less commercialised than the neighbouring Phuket, Krabi is filled with countless natural attractions, welcoming an average of two million visitors annually. Besides the gorgeous beaches and white, sandy beaches that face the Andaman Sea, did you know that the massive limestone karsts, which emanate from the sea as islands, are popular among rock climbers?

Where to stay

In addition to stylish, five-star accommodation, Rayavadee boasts fine cuisine, one of the most unique relaxation

Ski holidays may not come to mind when talking about Australia, but for a convenient escape from the Asian heat, Falls Creek holds the name for most stylish snow village.

Ski holidays may not be at your top of mind when Australia is mentioned, but for a relatively quick and easy escape out of the Asian heat and into the snow, nothing beats a snow village like Falls Creek.

Located in Victoria and a leisurely four and a half hours drive from Melbourne City, the family-friendly ski resort is a favourite with natives and offers good snow sports action for both amateurs and seasoned skiers and snowboarders.

Looking for alternative skii destinations? Check out our travel diary on Niseko and Hokkaido, Japan's premiere locations for skiing

We check out the buffet of offerings in one of the coziest snow villages in Australia.

What to do

Just 4-and-a-half hours from Melbourne, Falls Creek provides a good dose of family fun. There are more than 92 runs at Falls Creek, with the highest lifted

By Faz Abdul Gaffa for Yahoo! Travel

Other than cliff-diving, Boracay is also known for its sumptuous delicacies. Here are three spots not to be missed:

D'Talipapa

Seafood buffs would call this a slice of heaven. Basically, it is a sprawling wet market, one with all sorts of seafood that are still in tanks or writhing or slithering around. From fresh red snappers, to lobsters the length of your forearm to octopus bigger than your entire arm, it is basically a mouth-watering fest. You bargain and buy the seafood you want (be prepared to bargain up to 30 percent of the price initially offered), and go to one of the nearby restaurants to have them cooked.

Mesa

When you're in the mood to try something authentically Filipino other than just adobo, head to Mesa at Boracay Regency Hotel where you'll find authentic Filipino food that is more tourist-friendly. The must-try is their Hito Flakes, which are catfish made into a floss-like texture, and their delicious BBQ platter which has

By Faz Abdul Gaffa for Yahoo! Travel

One of Tripadvisor's top 25 beaches in the world for the year 2012, Boracay surely lives up to its name. From emerald blue waters you've only once seen on postcards, to delectable eats right down to a wicked party scene with spots that stay jumpin' till last three in the morning. While there are hundreds of places to stay, and even more things to do, here are your itinerary's obligatory to-dos and a unique must-stay resort!

Where to stay

Live in the lap of luxury with a top-notch butler service, stunning views from every room in the hotel, and to top it all off, a private jacuzzi on every deck. Things you only once imagined as a perfect getaway all fulfilled in the comforts of Nami Resort in Boracay. Located on Diniwind Beach and perched on a verdant cliff, this resort has its own cozy nook of the beach, far from the throngs of tourists that flock the main beaches of the island. What's most commendable about Nami Resort is their top-notch butler

By Faz Abdul Gaffa for Yahoo! Travel

It's hardly glamorous - much unlike the flashy Pan Am TV show that makes flying look like it's an absolute breeze. Flying long-haul is excruciating and it cannot get any worse when you have to cross a few Oceans in economy class. Here's how to brave and survive cattle class:

Prepare thy meds

A long-haul flight is the worst place to be, second to a hospital, for a hypochondriac. The germs that threaten to plague the stale air that you'll be in for the next half of the day is not a walk in the park. Bring all the medication you might need - you won't know if the person next to you has pet dander on them that might trigger allergies. Make sure you carry prescription medication in their original packaging in case security officials ask about them.

Charge your gadgets

While top passenger carriers offer entertainment options and even charging options at your seat, it's better to be safe than to want to pull your hair out four hours into an 11-hour