After two long weekends of wining and dining, perhaps it’s time to find your centre again. So you’ve heard it a million times before—Singapore is a city in a garden. But if you head to the more popular parks or hiking trails, you’re bound to run into a crowd. People will throng the public parks and beautiful gardens with or without a public holiday, hiking along elevated walkways or strolling along the network of boardwalks across the city. So, if you’re looking for peace of mind, here are the 5 most underrated parks in Singapore we’ve found.

Table of Contents

• • • • •  1. Mount Emily Park
        • 2. Ulu Pandan Park Connector
        • 3. Southern Promenade
        • 4. Kallang Riverside Park
        • 5. Katong Park
        • Conclusion
        • MetroResidences—A Trusted Name in Singapore’s Furnished Accommodations Landscape

 1. Mount Emily Park

You may think this park is located along the Southern Ridges, where Mount Faber is, but it’s not. Mount Emily Park is tucked away on Upper Wilkie Road, between the Istana and Little India. It’s a bit of a climb to the top of the park, but the incline isn’t that steep at all. Plus, there’s a children’s playground and a fitness station too.

Around this quiet park, you can spot some older mansions, a reminder of the area’s past affluence. Another reminder is the facade of the entrance of the previous Mount Emily Swimming Pool—the first public pool in Singapore that opened in January 1931. In its heyday, around 150,000 swimmers used the pool in 1951, and its popularity continued well into the 1970s.

Despite being near Little India MRT station and the hip cafes of Selegie, it’s well hidden from sight. So the park doesn’t get a lot of visitors, except for the nearby residents. If you’re ever near the neighbourhood, this is the perfect place to catch your breath, where you can take a stroll underneath the wisened heritage trees around the park.

How to get there:

From Little India MRT Interchange, leave from Exit A and find your way to Selegie Road. Turn right into Mackenzie Road, and then turn left to Niven Road. Then, turn right into Mount Emily Road and walk up the hill. Mount Emily Park will be at the end of the road to your left.

Nearby Apartments: MetroResidences Farrer Park

MetroResidences Farrer Park is our pride and joy in the heart of Farrer Park. Merely minutes away from City Square Mall and Farrer Park MRT, this is where convenience and flexibility meets with comfort and tranquility. Here, you can find 3 coliving room types spread across four levels. Explore our Lotus, Misaka, and Rosewood rooms at this brand-new sanctuary.

2. Ulu Pandan Park Connector

The Ulu Pandan Park Connector derives its name from the Ulu Pandan River, where it flows westwards towards Pandan River. And this is how it got its name, “Ulu” means upstream in Malay, whereas “Pandan” refers to all the screwpine trees that lines the riverbanks.

This park connector stretches from Commonwealth Avenue West to Pandan Reservoir. Or, you can take it all the way to Bukit Batok Park Connector. Along the way, there are plenty of wildlife to spot, especially if you like bird watching. The Red-Capped Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, and the White Egrets often dart into the canal for a drink or a catch. If you’re lucky, you can catch sight of the elegant Grey Heron wading in the shallow water for fish.

Later in the year, between March and April and between August and September, you can find the Tecoma trees in wild blossoms, dotting the path with pink flowers and petals. Then it’ll all be suffused by the sweet aromas of Purple Millettias and the brilliant yellows of the Yellow Asokas too.

How to get there:

Take the MRT on the East West Line and alight at Buona Vista MRT Exit C, where you can find the start of the park connector. Or, alight at Dover MRT Exit B, and then follow the path by the bus stop.

Nearby Apartments: Alex Residences

Developed by Singland Homes, Alex Residences is developed by Singland Homes. P&T Group, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest architecture firms, designed this condominium development. Rest assured, the apartments here are spacious and elegant, with high-quality finishes and fittings that reflect the style and sophistication of the facade. Explore our 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom serviced apartment at Alex Residences.

3. Southern Promenade

You may have heard about the Jurong Lake Gardens and its key attractions. But the Southern Promenade offers a quiet escape from the rest of the bustle. It’s located at the southernmost end of Lakeside Garden.

Still, don’t underestimate what this underrated park in Singapore can offer. The Southern Promenade covers 8-hectares worth of wildlife and greenery. Here, you can take in the untouched serenity along the paths. Besides that, you can also find one of the few rare legal fishing spots in Singapore. So head there and cast your fishing lines!

How to get there: 

If you want to skip traversing the rest of the Jurong Lake Gardens, you can take the 154 bus from Clementi MRT Exit A. Get off at Aft Corporation Dr, Yung Ho Rd, and continue along Yung Ho Road into Yung Ho Walk. There is an entrance on Yung Ho Walk.

Nearby Apartments: J Gateway

This is the pinnacle of the contemporary life in West Singapore. J Gateway is developed by MCI Land encapsulates the ease of integrated living with its accessibility to the best of what Jurong East has to offer. It’s only 5 minutes away from Jurong East MRT INterchange and its surrounding shopping malls. Plus, with top-notch amenities like private dining pavilions and an infinity lap pool, you can truly indulge in urban living in the West. Stay in our 1-bedroom and 2 bedroom serviced apartments at J Gateway.

4. Kallang Riverside Park

Bet you didn’t know you can get wet and wild here. Water sports enthusiasts often gather at Kallang Riverside Park because of the wide open bay. You can find dragon boaters and canoeists cut through the waters.

But if you prefer to stay on land, there are jogging cum cycling tracks snaking through the park, as well as fitness equipment. Thinking of a picnic? There’s a cafe, Coop Coop, within the park. And there are plenty of open spaces where you can simply lay down a mat, have your picnic underneath a palm tree, and take in the panoramic views of the Singapore Sports Hub.

How to get there:

Alight at Lavender MRT Exit A, walk East along Kallang Road and cross Crawford Street. Walk South along Crawford Street, but turn left onto the park connector by Rochor River. Follow the park connector until you get to the park.

Nearby Apartments: Duo Residences

This is one of the most iconic Singapore condo rental of them all. You can’t miss its unforgettable hexagonal facade. With its unbeatable location atop Bugis MRT interchange, this is where luxury, style, and convenience come together. Discover our 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom serviced apartments at Duo Residences.

5. Katong Park

Katong Park is one of Singapore’s first landmarks. It is where Fort Tanjong Katong once stood, one of the oldest military forts built by the formal British Colonial Government of Singapore. Completed in 1879, it was built to help defend against Russian invaders.

Its next lease of life was as a bathing pagar. the government then built Singapore’s first public sea swimming enclosure in 1931 to serve the new residential developments at Katong. During then, it even had a bandstand, along with changing rooms, a cafe, and a playground. Vendors along Meyer Road would sell food to the visitors too.

But, alas, land reclamation works along Singapore’s east coast began in 1966. The park began to lose popularity. By the time the East Coast Parkway was constructed, many structures in the park had to be demolished.

Today, even if the old buildings from its seaside days are gone, the main pedestrian paths run through the park remain. In fact, you can still see part of the remains of Fort Tanjong Katong, and beside it the grand Mindanao Gum Tree quietly overlooks the remains.

There’s a children’s playground around the park, but you can also take a leisurely stroll and look at its storied past on heritage boards. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw away from the East Coast Park.

How to get there:

The Katong Park MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line will open before the end of 2024. Otherwise, you can take buses 30 and 158 from Mountbatten MRT Exit B. Get off at Opp Fort Gardens, walk south along Fort Road, and turn left at Meyer Road. The park will be at your right.

Nearby Apartments: Meyer Melodia

It’s just right across from Katong Park. Meyer Melodia is a freehold apartment that was completed in 2017 developed by Cang Properties Pte Ltd. It consists 16 units with a Gross Floor Area of 1,184 sqm. The amenities include a swimming pool, a pool deck, a gym room, and a BBQ area. MetroResidences has a series of coliving rooms, 1 bedroom serviced apartment, 2 bedroom serviced apartment, and studio unit for rent in Singapore at Meyer Melodia.

Conclusion

These underrated gems would take a bit of a stroll from public transportation, but they’re well worth the journey. If you’re looking for quiet after the festivities, these underrated parks in Singapore will offer you some solace for the year ahead. So, you don’t need to go to some offshore islands or a huge park for some peace of mind after all.

MetroResidences—A Trusted Name in Singapore’s Furnished Accommodations Landscape

Looking for your home away from home? Our Singapore apartment rentals and serviced apartments are perfect for a longer period of stay. We have properties in luxury developments across Singapore’s most coveted addresses: Bugis, Bukit Timah, Shenton Way, and Novena.

And, you can rest easy at any of our properties. We adhere to our strict Property Standards that account for the comfort and cleanliness of all our serviced apartments. Our fully-furnished apartments come with amenities like wi-fi, air conditioners, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Full disclosure: I’m only Malaysian. But before I learned how to cook I was reliant on food from hawker centres and fast food, which can get boring, fast. It took me a while to get myself to start cooking, though the biggest fear I had was something rather silly. It wasn’t that I was afraid that I couldn’t cook up a delicious meal or mess up the cooking process. No—I was just afraid of turning on the stove. I had this irrational fear that I would accidentally blow the kitchen, and myself, up. As silly as it is, I finally got around it, right around when COVID hit. So I was able to have hearty home-cooked meals during the pandemic, which helped me cope with missing home during then. If you want to start cooking but have no idea how to, you needn’t be afraid. Here’s how to start cooking for yourself, even if you’re new.

Table of Contents

• • • How to start learning to cook – 5 easy tips to start
      • 1. Get the right cooking utensils and kitchenware
      • 2. Start with easy recipes
      • 3. Season all the seasoningsl
      • 4. Plan your meals
      • 5. Get the chemistry
    • It’s not that hard to learn how to start cooking at home
    • MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond

How to start learning to cook – 5 easy tips to start

Another full disclosure: I’m no master chef. I only started cooking and meal-prepping when I was in my mid-20s. Though I don’t claim to cook amazing meals—most of my food has received praise from my sister (who lives with me) and some of my friends. So take it all with a pinch of salt, so to speak.

Let’s begin; the art of cooking beckons!

1. Get the right cooking utensils and kitchenware

After all, how else are you going to start cooking? While most Singapore serviced apartments and Singapore co-living apartments have fully-equipped kitchens complete with kitchen utensils and appliances. But not every apartment rental in Singapore comes with them. So here are a couple of kitchen essentials that could help you cook up a feast in record time.

Here’s what you can get as a rookie chef:

• Air Fryer: I wouldn’t be able to live without mine. It’s truly magical because it can heat up and cook anything from fries to chicken wings. Plus, it works its magic with minimal oil, letting you enjoy all the flavour without the extra calories.
• Rice Cooker: Say hello to perfectly fluffy grains every time! As it simply takes charge of rice cooking, you’ll have more time to experiment with all the different rice-based dishes from around the world.
• Electric Pots: The speedy sidekicks are the ultimate multitaskers. Brew soups, cook pasta, cook scrambled eggs (a fellow colleague did it before)–they do it all! If you’ve had a long day, just boil some water, throw in some vegetables, meat and seasoning, and let it cook. In no time, you’ll not only have a comforting bowl of soup, but a healthy meal too. Such is the beauty of the all-in-one pot method.
• Pots and Pans: You’d have to know what you want to cook too. I would suggest getting one frying pan and a deeper set pan to start. The frying pan lets you, well, fry dishes easier. But a deeper set pan lets you toss around your ingredients without it spilling everywhere.
• Cutting Board: This should go without saying, and the last thing you want is to damage the kitchen in your apartment rental in Singapore.
• Knives: Have it a few different sizes. Larger knives can help you easier slice or mince meats and vegetables. Whereas smaller knives can give you more control over smaller, more delicate ingredients, like tofu. 
• Measuring Spoons: While I use my own ‘instincts’ to measure my ingredients, getting these will help you make sure everything is in the right proportion.

2. Start with easy recipes

If you want to know how to start learning to cook at home, start with a simple recipe. Simple meals can be very delicious too.

For me, I remember I started with the simplest ingredients: egg. I first fried an egg to add to my Maggi instant noodles, as well as frying some luncheon meat. But the first ‘recipe’ I cooked was scrambled eggs, because I love scrambled eggs, and it seemed simple enough for someone with no basic cooking skills and zero cooking technique. 

I just went on Youtube and saw a few videos about cooking scrambling eggs. One of them was by Tasty, that viral cooking content production company that took over Facebook for a hot minute. And I played it as I cooked, trying to remember what the chef in the video was saying. And voila! Scrambled eggs, made with Meiji milk, a pinch of salt, and the President French Butter (trust me, french butter will save your life).

Just start with something easy. That’s where all the best chefs in the world hone their cooking basics before they embark on the rest of their cooking journey. So you don’t need to buy recipe books or go to a class. You can even just try out different recipes you see on social media, though it’s best to do a little more research if you see something on Tik Tok.

I sometimes even just take whatever is on the first page of Google, though you can head to proper websites with more trusted content, like Eater or New York Times cooking. Or just ask your parents about their recipe!

All you need is 3-4 simple recipes to master (instant noodles count, in my opinion). Even 2-3 recipes can get you going for months. You’re not in The Bear, you don’t need to make decadent restaurant meals. So just start with some basic pasta recipes, and then you’re well on your way.

3. Season all the seasonings

Yes, I’m salty. Trust me, after you stock up on your spice cabinet, you can truly see why they say variety is the spice of life. Getting seasoning is one of the easiest ways to punch up your cooking. That said, always add them gradually, and taste your food as you add seasoning.

If you prefer cooking Asian delicacies, here are my recommendations for some basic condiments and seasonings to help add a twist to your dishes:

• Light soy sauce
• Thick soy sauce
• Sweet soy sauce
• Fish sauce
• Sesame oil
• Chilli sesame oil
• Chilli oil
• Rice vinegar
• Black and white pepper

 For Western delicacies, a little spice can go a long way. For me I usually add these spices onto my Western dishes to give it a proper kick:

• Paprika
• Cajun
• Basil
• Mixed herbs
• Nutmeg
• Garlic Salt

Of course, these are not exhaustive lists. As you learn different recipes, you can slowly experiment with how the different spices and seasonings work together. This was an important learning process for me as I learned that some condiments just can’t be used with certain recipes. For example, if I was frying thicker-cut noodles, I would add different kinds of soy sauce together. But if I’m frying bee hoon, which is much thinner and finer, the heavier sauces, like the thick soy sauce and the sweet soy sauce, would overpower the bee hoon. So you have to keep in mind both the taste and the texture of different seasonings.

4. Plan your meals

We’re getting into the nitty-gritty now. Meal preparation can go a long way in helping you save money and cooking time (because you won’t need to get out for an extra grocery run). I usually plan it over the weekends. I do it for two reasons:

1. So that when I go grocery shopping I have a proper ingredient list, and I won’t forget anything (I’m very forgetful).

and

2. So that I don’t feel guilty about all the spoilt food items in my fridge.

With meal-prepping, I can make sure that I have all the food items I have, and that I can tailor my meals according to my schedule. If it’s a busy week, I’d probably get more dried food items since they spoil less easily. Or, I can cook a bit more rice on the top of the week, and just fry the leftover rice for the rest of the week.

5. Get the chemistry

If you want to learn how to cook at home, you also have to learn how things cook. You don’t need to read a whole book about it, but you need to know some of the basics, like how to spot how a raw chicken becomes cooked, or how to reduce certain fruits and vegetables to bring out its flavours (tip: always simmer with low heat).

So try to be sensitive and observant when you cook. Start realising how your ingredients behave. With that, you can graduate to more adventurous recipes, it’s important to develop a sensibility towards it so you can adapt your cooking skills across different recipes.

It’s not that hard to learn how to start cooking at home

One of the first things I started to realise after I started cooking is that, cooking is kind of like learning new languages. You slowly learn how different cuisines come together, where they can intersect and diverge. Now you can be rid of scrounging along aisles upon aisles of convenience foods and make your favourite dishes (and start to realise a lot of restaurants are overcharging their food).

But, alas, all good things have an end. After you finish cooking, there’s one thing that most chefs would dread—the kitchen cleanup.

About the Writer: Benedict Lim

As the resident punmaker, Benedict is really bad at making people laugh. They’re much better at diving into the nuances of the things they write about.

MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond

Looking for your home away from home? Our Singapore apartment rentals and serviced apartments are perfect for a longer period of stay. We have properties in luxury developments across Singapore’s most coveted addresses: Bugis, Bukit Timah, Shenton Way, and Novena.

And, you can rest easy at any of our properties. We adhere to our strict Property Standards that account for the comfort and cleanliness of all our serviced apartments. Our fully-furnished apartments come with amenities like wi-fi, air conditioners, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

Life as a business traveller or a digital nomad will always be hassle-free at MetroResidences.

For digital nomads and expats living abroad, finding a comfortable home away from home can be quite a task. The search for a suitable serviced apartment or condo rental can be daunting, but once you’ve found your perfect living space, it’s time to start turning it into a personal oasis. While most people tend to overlook the bathroom as a space for relaxation and rejuvenation, it’s actually the perfect place to transform into a spa-like retreat. So, if you’re tired of using your bathroom as a purely functional space, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll take you through 10 quick and low-maintenance bathroom hacks that will help you turn your bathroom into a relaxing sanctuary. By the end of it, you’ll be able to unwind after a long day of work and feel completely rejuvenated in your very own spa room. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• • 1. Green it Up
  • 2. Think Aromatherapy
  • 3. Install a Spa-Like Showerhead
  • 4. Add Art to the Walls
  • 5. Upgrade Your Lighting
  • 6. Add a Luxurious Rug
  • 7. Create Storage Solutions
  • 8. Upgrade Your Towels
  • 9. Display Your Beauty Products
  • 10. Incorporate Natural Materials
  • Conclusion
  • MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond

1. Green it Up

Take a leaf from biophilic design to upgrade your bathroom. If you’re looking to transform your bathroom into a calming oasis, then bringing a touch of nature into the space is a great way to start. Plants in living rooms have long been known to have a positive impact on our mood, and the bathroom is no exception. Not only do they add life and colour to the room, but they also help to purify the air, which is especially important in a small enclosed space like a bathroom. So why not bring some greenery into your bathroom and create a mini indoor garden?

When it comes to selecting plants for your bathroom, it’s important to choose those that thrive in low-light and high-humidity environments. Some great options include snake plants, bamboo, ferns, and spider plants. These plants not only require minimal maintenance, but they also add a touch of elegance to your bathroom. You can even hang them from the ceiling to create a unique and peaceful vibe.

2. Think Aromatherapy

Transforming your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all you need is a simple yet powerful tool like aromatherapy to create a calming and rejuvenating environment. Aromatherapy is the practice of using scents to improve your overall well-being, and it has been used for centuries in various cultures.

If you want to create a relaxing atmosphere in your bathroom, consider using essential oils or candles with scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint. These scents are known for their calming and soothing properties and can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and even boost your mood. You can add a few drops of essential oils to your bathwater or place a diffuser in your bathroom to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.

3. Install a Spa-Like Showerhead

A spa-like showerhead is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to create a more luxurious and relaxing shower experience. These showerheads usually have multiple settings, like rain, massage, or mist, which can help you customise your shower experience to your liking.

Imagine stepping into your bathroom after a long day of work and turning on the shower to experience the gentle and soothing sensation of warm raindrops cascading down your body. Or, if you prefer a more invigorating shower, you can switch the setting to a massage setting that can provide a deep tissue massage for your tired muscles. With a spa-like showerhead, you can turn your daily shower routine into a mini-spa experience that can leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

4. Add Art to the Walls

This is one of the easiest bathroom decor hacks because you don’t need to alter anything. The bathroom is often overlooked when it comes to decorating, but adding some art to the walls can make a big difference. And you don’t need to put an Oscar trophy on your bathroom shelf to glam it up. This bathroom hack is a great way to inject some personality into the space and make it feel more welcoming. When it comes to choosing art, consider the theme or style of your bathroom. For example, if your bathroom has a beachy vibe, you could choose pieces with seashells, beach scenes, or marine life. If your bathroom is more modern, abstract art or black-and-white photography could be great choices.

Another thing to consider is the size of the art pieces. If you have a smaller bathroom, you might want to stick to smaller pieces or even a gallery wall of smaller prints. This can make the space feel more intimate and cosier. For larger bathrooms, you could go for a larger statement piece or a few larger pieces that really make a statement.

5. Upgrade Your Lighting

Good lighting is essential for creating a relaxing atmosphere. Consider installing a dimmer switch or adding some soft, ambient lighting to create a peaceful mood. You can also add some candles or a string of fairy lights to create a warm and cosy atmosphere. And here’s another perk to this bathroom hack: fantastic bathroom selfies.

6. Add a Luxurious Rug

A soft and fluffy bathroom accessory such as a rug can be a great addition to your bathroom, providing warmth and comfort for your feet. Look for a rug that matches the colour scheme of your bathroom or adds a pop of colour to the space. There are tonnes of cheap bathroom accessories in Singapore that you can find in Ikea stores or online shopping platforms like Lazada and Shopee. Start your search now and don’t forget to consider the aesthetic style and appearance you want to achieve in your bathroom when shopping for Ikea bathroom accessories

7. Create Storage Solutions

This is probably one of the easiest bathroom hacks to turn your bathroom into a spa room. Investing in high-quality, soft, and fluffy towels can make your bathroom feel more luxurious and spa-like. Look for towels that match your colour scheme or add a pop of colour to the space. Consider hanging them on a decorative towel rack or ladder for added style.

8. Upgrade Your Towels

Clutter can make any space feel chaotic and stressful. Create bathroom storage by adding shelves, baskets, or trays to keep everything organised and easily accessible. You can also consider using decorative boxes or jars to store smaller items. Now we’re not saying that you have to keep everything neat like a serial killer, but you will definitely feel the difference.

This is one of the easiest 5 minute hacks for the bathroom: you just need to find a lush Egyptian cotton towel online, and then buy it!

9. Display Your Beauty Products

Perhaps this is one of those hidden bathroom organisation hacks that no one thinks about. Instead of hiding your bathroom products away, display them on shelves or in baskets. This can create a stylish and organized look while also making it easy to find what you need. It’s like a little exhibition of who you are and what you want to be!

10. Incorporate Natural Materials

Call it the Soft-Modern Look, if you want. Natural materials like wood, bamboo, and stone can add a touch of warmth and texture to your bathroom. Consider adding a wooden bathmat, bamboo tray, or stone soap dish to your space. 

Conclusion

Don’t settle for a boring bathroom when you can create a serene oasis that feels like your very own slice of paradise. With these ten quick and easy ideas, say goodbye to the mundane and hello to a luxurious spa-like experience that will make you feel right at home, even when you’re miles away from it. Whether you’re a digital nomad, an expat, or just someone looking to spruce up their bathroom, these ideas will help you achieve the ultimate relaxation destination.

MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond

Looking for your home away from home? Our Singapore apartment rentals and serviced apartments are perfect for a longer period of stay. We have properties in luxury developments across Singapore’s most coveted addresses: Bugis, Bukit Timah, Shenton Way, and Novena.

And, you can rest easy at any of our properties. We adhere to our strict Property Standards that account for the comfort and cleanliness of all our serviced apartments. Our fully-furnished apartments come with amenities like wi-fi, air conditioners, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

This article was first published on Anyplace.com under a different title: Quickly Adjust to and Work in a Different Time Zone

One of the best things about remote work and being a digital nomad is that it gives you the freedom to travel and work in amazing locations. You could be in San Francisco for a month, the next in London, and Singapore after that. Quite often, your destinations will be in different time zones—you could spend 16 hours on a flight and still end up arriving at your destination in the day. That’ll certainly do a number to your internal clock and circadian rhythm, let alone your sleep schedule.

As digital nomads, an inherent part of the lifestyle is adapting to schedules with your team or clients. And to be successful at this, it’s essential to be productive when you get there – and there could be a time zone 8 hours ahead, or behind,  your normal office hour schedule.

Luckily, there are tried and true methods to prepare for time zone transitions. Whether you’re an aspiring digital nomad, already have a trip coming up or enjoy travelling often and want to master adjusting to different time zones, consider our 7 top tips to deal with jet lag.

1. Planning is key
2. Stay awake (if you can)
3. Vitamin D is your friend
4. Dazed & Confused? Daytime Remedies
5. Melatonin & Supplements vs. Jet Lag
6. Prep For the Next Locale
7. Stay Hydrated

Intro – The Jet Lag Monster

Our body operates on a biological schedule known as the circadian clock that regulates the body’s function in a 24-hour cycle. Seeing daylight at specific times of day helps set this clock—but it’s slow to adjust when we rapidly fly across time zones. Enter jet lag.

As for the common symptoms of jet lag, some of it we already know: fatigue, insomnia, sleepiness in the day, headaches. But you can also experience the more serious effects of jet lag, including difficulty concentrating, disorientation, and gastrointestinal disturbances as well. Your physical performance can be affected too, and you might have difficulty concentrating on carrying out your tasks.

So if you’re planning travel that will land you in a significantly different time zone, you will most likely have to battle jet lag on some level. But severe jet lag doesn’t have to be inevitable—it can at least be mitigated. The 6 tips below should help you prepare for big swings in time zones so you can be at your level best with as little disruption to your sleep as possible. Let’s get into it!

1. Planning is Key

If you’re travelling today or tomorrow, this won’t necessarily work. That said, if you have several days (or more) before your trip, sleep planning is highly recommended. First, figure out what time zone you’ll be in at your next destination. If your trip is taking you east, try to get up earlier and go to bed earlier than normal. If you’re having westward travels, it’s the opposite—stay up later, wake up later. The goal here is to help sync your “body clock” to the new time zone.

Note: Keep in mind when your team or clients expect you to be available, and let them know how your new location will affect your availability/communication. This is huge! Don’t leave them hanging—reliability is essential to sustain a travel-based lifestyle for remote workers and digital nomads.

2. Stay Awake (If You Can)

It sounds like a bad horror movie title, but it’s pretty solid advice, especially if you land during daylight hours. Go for a walk, work in a cafe that’s nice and bright (or even sit outside), or get some light exercise. You’ll adjust faster to the sunlight and it will aid in your body clock’s reset process.

Much like pulling an all-nighter during your uni days (or for your startup), your craving for sleep will be particularly strong if you stay awake for a prolonged period, no matter what time zone you’re in. So with this in mind, don’t snooze on the plane. And when you arrive, resist the nap and try to stay awake until your normal bedtime based on the local time.

For example, if your normal bedtime in Singapore is 11pm and you fly to Berlin, stay awake there until local time 11pm. If you land in the morning and have to stay up all day, you’ll end up feeling exhausted when that normal bedtime actually comes around—this will help with a restful sleep!

“Your body may beg for sleep, but stand firm: Refuse. Force your body’s transition to the local time.”

– Rick Steves

Note: What if you land at night, feel tired and the local time is similar to your normal bedtime? Take advantage of it and hit the sack! It could help you speed up the adjustment process.

It also helps to have a nice comfy place to rest your weary eyes. So make sure your choice of accommodation comes with an all-consuming bed. If you’re heading to Singapore and need an option, check this Singapore serviced apartment out! (Just look at those crisp sheets…)

3. Vitamin D is Your Friend

After waking up the following day, go and get yourself some sun. Light is the principal control of our day-night cycle, influencing everything from body temperature to metabolism to sleep. That said, it’s the most important factor in resetting your body clock.

If possible, get 15-30 minutes of direct sunlight after you roll out of bed. Go for a stroll, grab an acai bowl and eat it outside, or simply sit in the sun and flip through an interesting book or zine.

Note: Currently reading Radical Focus—it’s on the NomadStack list along with a bunch of other great reads for digital nomads.

4. Dazed & Confused? Daytime Remedies

This one is worth mentioning, but if you’re a seasoned digital nomad or business traveller, you’re most likely already all over this. If you’re dealing with daytime drowsiness, use the things that work for you at home and apply them in your new location.

Early on in your trip, find the cafe near your hotel/apartment/co-living space with stellar coffee, espresso or tea. Let that be your morning HQ. Being around people other people can combat drowsiness, too. We’d suggest finding a lively coworking space where you can be surrounded by fellow energetic remote workers and digital nomads.

Note: We love Coworker.com for doing research on co-working spots nearby—and it’s international. This is a great list to find coworking spaces as well.

5. Melatonin & Supplements vs. Jet Lag

Meds aren’t essential for combating jet lag, but the use of melatonin may help.

Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate our circadian rhythm by working as a darkness signal. It’s produced by a small gland in your brain called the pineal gland. It’s secreted in the absence of light, such as during nighttime hours. The presence of light suppresses melatonin production.

It’s been studied extensively, and supplemental melatonin is commonly used for jet lag treatment—it’s been shown to help with both sleep and reducing jet lag symptoms.

Now if you go with melatonin, make sure you’re going with the correct doses (Jodi Ettenberg breaks it down on LegalNomads). Alternatively, other supplements can help with sleep, such as valerian root or Magnesium. Do your research beforehand on these though, so you’re aware of potential side effects. Better yet, get some help from a healthcare professional. You could even just get a consultation online.

Note: Personally, I find valerian root effective, and use a supplement called Shut Eye. It contains valerian root extract, melatonin, passionflower and other herbs that are supposed to aid sleep. Just my two cents.

6. Prep For the Next Locale

As your current trip gets closer to an end, think about your next locale—where you want to stay and what time zone it’s in. Begin to ease yourself into that time zone, adjusting your bedtime/wake time in 30-60 minute increments towards the new clock setting. Also, lock down your sleep schedule according to the light cycle of your destination. Though you have to battle a lack of sleep. Still, if you sleep at the wrong time, you may just end up with sleeping schedules and sleep patterns that messes up your work schedule. Because your internal body clock can’t reset the cycle according to the hour of time zone of where you’re at.

Besides adjusting your sleep schedule before your trip, you can try getting natural sunlight exposure to cope with a new time zone. Sprinkle some strategic napping throughout the day, with the help of sleep aids or melatonin supplements. You’d have to try practicing good sleep hygiene by creating a conducive sleep environment and establishing a bedtime routine.

Addendum: Upside-Down Schedule
No, we’re not talking about Stranger Things, although we do love it (especially the music). We’re referencing a more unorthodox approach and working an “upside-down” schedule if it makes sense in your life, or if it’s the only way to work with certain clients.

This entails working nights and sleeping during the day. Usually, this will only come into play if you work with clients or a company with a major time difference to yours (i.e., 12 hours apart). Or, maybe you prefer this lifestyle! Either way, we will cover this in a later post.

Need more tips to keep yourself happy on your travels?

Expats and modern travellers encounter a range of difficulties associated with working abroad. Stay happy and healthy on your travels with these tips!

7. Stay Hydrated

Mother knows best after all. Staying hydrated can keep the worst of jet lag and travel fatigue at bay. Frequent business travelers often have water bottle, especially when they’re getting on a long-haul flight. Because dehydration can worsen jet lag symptoms, so it’s important to drink enough water before, during, and after your flight to stay properly hydrated. Not to mention, air travel can be dehydrating due to the dry air in airplane cabins, so regular water intake while avoiding excessive caffeine or alcohol will take you extra miles when you’re travelling abroad.

Anyplace provides flexible-term housing all over the world, from co-living spaces to furnished apartments to extended-stay hotels. Easily book online and move in—and out—on your schedule. Take a look at the Anyplace Blog for all things related to remote work, travel, and the digital nomad lifestyle.

Business travelling has become part and parcel of almost every businessperson’s life. When on the go and following up on a hectic business meeting schedule, one has to compromise on several things. But self-care should never be on that list! So, to help make things easier for you, we’ve found ten amazing beauty tips for all you busy business travellers.

Table of Contents

• • • Tip #1: Never Make All of Your Beauty Appointments for the Day Before You Leave
    • Tip #2 – Skip Long-Lasting Lipsticks
    • Tip #3 – Tip 3: Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
    • Tip #4 – Consider Baby Powder Your Best Buddy!
    • Tip #5 – Don’t Slack on Dental Care
    • Tip #6 – Chill Out Puffy Eyes
    • Tip #7 – Do Not Sleep with Wet Hair
    • Tip #8 – Benefit from the Hotel Air Dryer
    • Tip #9 – Get the Grease Out!
    • BONUS: Tip #10: Beauty Plan for Men
    • Wrapping Up The Essential Beauty Tips for Business Travellers
    • MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond

Are you that busy business traveller who didn’t even get time to put on your favourite serums at the end of a long business day? It can be challenging to find time for beauty when you’re always on the go. However, there are some essential beauty tips for business travellers to keep your complexion in tip-top condition. Hop on below to learn about them!

Tip #1: Never Make All of Your Beauty Appointments for the Day Before You Leave

When finalising reservations for your beauty appointments, never rely on the last day before you travel. Several treatments, like manicures and pedicures, can be done at the last minute. But other more intensive beauty treatments need more downtime, such as wax and facials.

For example, after a wax, your skin needs time to heal. If it’s exposed to the scorching Sun, especially in tropical areas, severe sunburns can result. So for waxing, it must be done two to four days ahead. On the other hand, facials must be done at least a week ahead to get the best results.

Tip #2 – Skip Long-Lasting Lipsticks

These lipsticks can only dehydrate your mouth. But you can still get pink-perfect lips. Apply multiple coats of lip stains, let it dry, and then top it with a clear gloss. Reapply the gloss throughout the trip to give your lips a “just made up fresh” look.

Tip #3 – Tip 3: Keep Your Hands Off Your Face

If you want to experience fewer acne breakouts when travelling, keep your hands off your face. While it’s a common instinct, you can pick up unknown bacteria and other contaminants if you keep touching your skin, resulting in skin issues after you arrive. If you want, you can use an antibacterial hand wash to ensure further protection before you apply makeup. 

Tip #4 – Consider Baby Powder Your Best Buddy!

The next tip on the essential beauty tips for business travellers: carrying baby powder. Several dermatologists and hair experts have asked their patients not to use dry shampoo to keep their blowouts alive as it’ll do nothing but build up gunk on your scalp. It’s as destructive as the buildup of hairspray. 

So get your hands on a travel-size bottle of baby powder and keep it in your hand-carry luggage. You can use it the same way you would use dry shampoo. In short, it’s one of the must-have travel beauty products.

Tip #5 – Don’t Slack on Dental Care

There is no excuse to neglect the health of your teeth and gums, no matter what! You should carry your toothbrush and toothpaste in your hand luggage to brush on the go. Though if you’re getting on a long-haul flight on a full-service airline, you can probably get a care kit for the journey.

Tip #6 – Chill Out Puffy Eyes

Have continuous nights of work made your eyes puffy? No need to worry; just chill out! Take a washcloth and put crushed ice over it. Apply it under your eyes for around a minute. According to many, doing so instantly makes you feel and look fresh. 

Tip #7 – Do Not Sleep with Wet Hair

It’s natural to want to jump into the showers after a hectic business day. Your hair is at its weakest when it’s wet. Sleeping with wet hair causes stretching, which breaks them or makes them even finer. So, if you love your hair, you must roughly dry them before going to bed, irrespective of how tired you are. 

Tip #8 – Benefit from the Hotel Air Dryer

You can still dry your hair with the air dryer in your hotel room. We actually have a hack to refresh your hair in a few minutes! Just work some baby powder into your roots and grab the blow dryer in your fully-furnished serviced apartment or hotel room. Don’t forget to turn the heat setting to cool! 

Dry your hair from the top, around your face, and then back to the ends of your hair. This way, the powder will be pushed from the roots to the middle and ends, giving your hair a breezy look. 

Tip #9 – Get the Grease Out!

Greasy hair often takes an hour or even more to wash and dry. To cope with a busy schedule, you can use dry shampoo instead. It adds volume to your hair as it cleans and deodorises. The best thing about it is that it comes in several shades; you can get the one that matches your hair colour. It won’t take up too much weight when you’re packing into your check-in baggage too!

BONUS: Tip #10: Beauty Plan for Men

Heads up, the male frequent travellers. You need a beauty plan, too, bro! Although men’s beauty routines are usually shorter (usually), some planning still needs to be done. To start, here are some must-have skincare travel essentials to carry on the go!

• Cleanser
• Hydrating under-eye products
• Moisturizer
• SPF
• Lip color
• Self-tanner
• Face wipes
• Face wash
• Toner
• Hand and body lotion
• Eye mask
• Essential oils blend
• Deodorant 
• Night cream
• Sunscreen
• Perfume
• Gradual tanning lotion
• Essential oils
• Razor
• Nail file/clippers, etc.

To be honest, the skincare and beauty essentials list has no end; besides all these, you will need supplements or ointments if you do use it. Further additions depend on your requirements; we have just shortlisted a few compulsory ones.

Wrapping Up The Essential Beauty Tips for Business Travellers

That’s all the beauty travel tips we have for when you’re on the go. Believe me, these will surely revolutionise your travels, saving loads of your time and keeping you refreshed.

MetroResidences Singapore Serviced Apartments—Your Home Base for Travels Beyond

Looking for your home away from home? Our Singapore apartment rentals and serviced apartments are perfect for a longer period of stay. We have properties in luxury developments across Singapore’s most coveted addresses: Bugis, Bukit Timah, Shenton Way, and Novena.

And, you can rest easy at any of our properties. We adhere to our strict Property Standards that account for the comfort and cleanliness of all our serviced apartments. Our fully-furnished apartments come with amenities like wi-fi, air conditioners, and a fully-equipped kitchen.

The pandemic brought more than just inconveniences to everybody around the globe, no matter where you are or what your profession is. As a precautionary measure, Singapore imposed a ‘circuit breaker’ to halt the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19 in April – closing the city state’s borders. 

As new arrivals to Singapore are served with a stay home notice for 14 days and while the rest of Singapore stay home, circuit breaker measures seem to be working, so far, but it’s more than the movement of the virus that has been affected. 

As an international hub, there are thousands of travellers and expats in Singapore all-year-round. These thousands found themselves in a state of limbo and uncertainty when their travel plans were affected by closures of borders of countries globally.

“I do appreciate some alone time but it’s hard to come by these days…”

As we enter the end of the 2-month circuit breaker period, how is expat living in Singapore like? We’ve spoken to a few expats on how indoor life in Singapore has been since April, far away from their home and loved ones.

Life in the pre Covid-19 era, as we remember it, was a hectic mess. Our days were filled with calls, meetings and not forgetting the hardly-missed daily commute. With little time to pause, reflect and appreciate what we have, family time was something Oran (not her real name) found more as many people moved their work to home.

“Since we’ve been staying at home I guess there has been more family time. My husband and I have been able to spend more time with the kids. But let’s face it, that is not always an easy thing. 

We used to send them to daycare and have work as a buffer. I do appreciate some alone time but it’s hard to come by these days. Still, we can’t complain because we are in good health and all is well. Do hope the restrictions are eased soon.”

– Oran Pacheco, 39 y/o

As a former child myself, I’m sure kids are really happy too, to have their parents at home every day!

Similarly, the extra time saved from commuting daily does give us extra time to pause and reflect on what’s really important. Amanda here shares;

“It feels more like a long pause. If you think about it, not much has really changed. We’re just doing things differently. Instead of working from the office, we work from the home – which I am starting to appreciate. We can still go out and buy our daily necessities and that is the most important part.

With all the Zoom social meetings, I’ve been keeping sane, hahahah! And MetroResidences always has these (virtual) community hang sessions so that’s a plus! Keep it up team! Stay safe!”

– Amanda Zuniga 31 y/o

“Everybody is in the same boat, I believe that there is not one person who is having a good time.”

In a comfortable fully furnished serviced apartment with air-conditioned and an equipped kitchen, Amanda does her daily cooking in the comfort and safety of her home. She plans her grocery runs to the still-open malls at Orchard Road, trying to minimise the need to go out often and reducing the risk of getting infected.

Expat living is all about experiencing new experiences. However, when Monika from Australia arrived in Singapore earlier this year, she never expected to experience nation-wide efforts to curb the spread of a new virus.

“As you know, I was supposed to be in Sydney by now. Because of this virus, I’ve had to extend my stay in my apartment. Everybody is in the same boat, I believe that there is not one person who is having a good time. The travel bans, although have ruined my plans, I believe, they are important to have.

The spread has to be contained and it all started when people travelled from one country to another. So while I am disappointed that my plans to go back home to see my family had to be cancelled, it is just something we all have to wait out.“

– Monika Cobb, 28 y/o

However, as a frequent traveller herself, she sees and understands that it is a necessary inconvenience. At the beginning of the pandemic, it was travel that played a major part in the spread of the coronavirus. Besides air travel, public transportation is less available around the clock and sanitised more often to prevent the spread back home to our loved ones.

As we’ve just celebrated Hari Raya here in Singapore, many made painful but responsible decisions to stay home – away from their hometowns and families. Thank goodness for technology, families like Hamzah’s are celebrating the holidays like never before.

“(Our) family back home have been very worried. The Covid19 infections in Singapore has been climbing higher each day. While we understand the spread is isolated to the dormitories, those outside Singapore don’t necessarily understand this.

My dad calls me every day on Houseparty to check on us and see how things are. As long as the numbers are going up, ‘Singapore’ will be listed as a country in Coronavirus-crisis. 

We’re just living day to day, trying our best to see this out.”

– Hamzah Almed, 45 y/o

“I feel kind of guilty…”

With the same technology available, we’re having our meetings over video calls for work. From fighting pets to our partially-nude partners accidentally walking into the frame during our video calls, some of us are glad that they do not have to take calls and meetings at home.

“I feel kind of guilty. During this pandemic where most of the world is suffering and people are struggling to make sense of everything – I am able to sit and home and just worry about what to buy for lunch. My company has paused most functions and I’m sitting at home ‘working’ (laughs). 

A lot of my work involves on-site meetings and facilitation so there isn’t really that much for me to do at home. Sure, they have us do these online ‘upgrading’ courses. I’ve got to clock about 14 hours of that per week. I just usually turn the course on and leave it running.

But the best thing so far about these measures is being able to improve myself physically. Thank god we can still go out for runs and cycle. I’ve been filling most of my time getting fit and I plan to keep it that way once this has passed.”

 – Erin Harris 34 y/o single

This means more time at home exclusive only to personal life. Without much to do (except chores), many like Erin are working on improving their physical health and fitness by heading outdoors. There is a risk (albeit a low one) of getting infected while exercising outdoors and if you are concerned about this, consider exercising indoors. With many resources and videos online, you do not need a huge space.

After the end of the circuit breaker, life will not resume to normal immediately. With restrictions planned to be lifted slowly over phases, many of us are expected to remain indoors. Let’s make the best of our time and emerge from this pandemic stronger and better than before!

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, being cooped up at home (especially if you are issued a Leave of Absence or a Quarantine Order) can be pretty daunting. Regardless, staying at home will definitely help curb the spread of Covid-19 now that daily numbers of confirmed cases are on the rise.

While there are many things we can do for entertainment in the comfort of air conditioning and wi-fi – like bingeing 10 seasons of Friends on Netflix or playing games on your PlayStation, here are our 5 suggestions on how to turn this house arrest, productive.

If you’re working from home, there is no excuse for you too. With the time saved from commuting to and fro – you’re probably saving an average of 2 hours daily. That’s 28 hours over a span of two weeks!

Learn new stuff

If you don’t know already, there are TONNES of free courses online by Universities and course providers. Check out this super neat list of 450 Ivy League courses for your scrolling pleasure. Courses included here are from Brown, Harvard, Cornell, Princeton, Dartmouth, Yale, and Columbia universities, and the University of Pennsylvania.

If you’ve ever wanted to pick up a new skill, for free, now’s probably the best time to do so. Many of these courses are designed to be consumed over 4-12 weeks. Now you can’t complain you’ve got nothing to do!

However, if you feel that securing a certificate might launch your career to greater heights; there are also paid courses with providers such as Coursera, Udemy, and edX – just to name a few. These courses are carefully curated, tailored to deliver information the best way possible over the inter-web across screens.

If you’re not a fan of learning through screen, finish that book you’ve been intending to complete since last Christmas, practice on your guitar, or try your hand at cooking. So many things to learn!

Make your home smart

Now that you are smarter, make your home as smart as you!

Not too long ago, the idea of controlling lights, electrical appliances and electronics with your phone was nearly impossible (or just too damn unaffordable).  Now, with just a few clicks on online shopping sites and taps on your phone to download the right apps, you can finally turn off the lights in your house, all from your smartphone or virtual assistant.

Depending on your budget, you could either opt to replace the wall switches around your house (MORE CONTROL!) or just buy adapters where you can plug your lights and your electrical appliances directly.

Planning a smart home takes some time – you’ll have to count the number of wall switches you have around your home, check if those switches are 1-way or 2-way, whether these smart accessories are compatible and take the time to shop or have them delivered to your home.

After you’re all done installing them, connect them to Apple Home, Google Home or Alexa and watch the magic happen by just saying commands out loud. Schedule lights to be on at certain times of the day, turn on the lights in the dark with your phone, automate the lights when someone is in close proximity. The possibilities are endless!

Once this pandemic is over, bet your friends green with envy of your smarter home.

Sell your junk

I’m talking about trash.

If you’re a frequent traveller, you should know what I mean. Things that aren’t essential to your everyday life should not be lugged around or kept.

Marie Kondo your wardrobe, drawers and storage. Pile whatever that doesn’t spark joy into a large heap and start snapping pictures. Perhaps sell that not-too-rare deck of Pokemon cards from your adolescent years to buy smart home accessories, or that Javascript course you saw on Coursera to upskill yourself?

Depending on where you are reading this from, there are many digital platforms that you can use to your benefit. Craigslist, eBay are popular in the U.S., Gumtree in the United Kingdom, Carousell in Singapore. 

Though it may be pretty inconvenient to travel outdoors to transact given the current situation, have your local couriers pick them for you! One man’s trash is another man’s treasure – I’m sure people would be willing to pay slightly more for door-to-door deliveries.

Catch up with your old friends

We all live busy lives, raising kids, hustling at work, and often too drained at the end of the day to meet Tom for a pint of beer at the pub. Weekends are for family, otherwise to run errands.

Now that things are different, you can meet Thomas and Friends online! With so many tools to choose from – Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, set a time with your old mates every week or every day with a drink in your hand and reminisce about the good old times!

Exercise

What if I told you that you could lose your beer belly in a month; with just 30 minutes of exercise daily?

Unless you want to have the body of Dwayne Johnson’s, exercise using your body weight is enough to reduce risks of heart disease, diabetes, stroke and most importantly, reduce the size of that belly you’ve been guiltily tucking in since I mentioned it.

There are many free tutorials on YouTube and paid subscriptions that you can choose from. But all will equally help in improving your health.

If this is too much a hassle to follow, cleaning your house is also a good form of exercise!

The spread of the virus is no laughing matter. With shopping, entertainment outlets ordered to close, Clarke Quay and Orchard Road are quieter than usual however, that doesn’t mean that you should be out and about! Let’s play our part and stay strong in the face of adversity – you and I can get through this.

Let me guess, you’re here because you just got an email from your boss about a business trip in a couple of days? I know the feeling. 

Starting to panic? Don’t know what to bring on business travel? Long or short trip – you need a few essentials to bring along on any business travel adventure. Lucky for you, we’ve been there and done that enough times to come up a list that will have you thanking us. 

Continue reading to discover 7 unexpectedly essential items to bring on your business trips to – start travelling like a pro!

1. Business cards (just because we always forget these)

Here’s a pretty important one that often gets overlooked. You need to bring a sizeable stack of business cards. There’s no point in going to networking events or meetings without some great business cards. If you’re heading on an important trip it may even be worth updating your cards. 

Make sure you invest in some high-quality ones that give a good impression. Remember, to pack this in your carry on luggage or even keep a couple in your wallet. You’ll never know who you will meet while travelling to your destinations. 

Make a good first impression and get one foot through the door with a great business card – always important but always overlooked. Let’s move on to the next item.

2. Casual shoes 

Okay, this may seem like a strange suggestion, but hear us out! 

Obviously, when you’re going on a business trip you will pack a pair of professional work shoes. However, it’s also important to bring something more casual. When you’re on a business trip you never know what’s going to happen. 

You may end up going for a game of golf with some new colleagues, heading to the local bar for a few drinks, or even just grabbing a morning cup of joe. Whatever it is, you need to pack pairs of shoes that are more versatile, casual and comfortable. Yet, you still need to look presentable and elegant. 

A pair of boat shoes or Nike sneakers would be a perfect alternative to your business ones. If you don’t have room to pack an extra pair of shoes don’t worry! You can always head to the local shopping district to pick up the right pair of shoes.

3. Packing cubes 

If you regularly travel for work, a set of packing cubes are essential to organize your luggage. Packing cubes are small rectangular bags that compartmentalize your suitcase. They are a great way to fit several things in a small space and also make it easy to find what you need in seconds. 

Packing cubes are usually organized by categories such as laundry, electronics, shoes, pants, t-shirts, underwear, etc. You get the idea. This is also a nice way to keep everything smelling fresh and looking clean.

You can find packing cubes at luggage and travel stores or even online! It’s a great option for the professional traveller who needs to squeeze in their essentials into small carry-on luggage. Once you start using packing cubes on work trips you’ll never be able to travel without them. You can thanks us later.

4. Noise-cancelling headphones 

Here is one item that you may have never considered packing before. Yet, once you start travelling with a set of noise-cancelling headphones you’ll never be without one. 

Firstly, this is a great way to enjoy a podcast or some music while you’re travelling. Secondly, and more importantly, it’s also an easy way to block out noise on a busy flight or when you’re trying to get some shut-eye and your neighbouring serviced apartment is throwing the worlds loudest party. 

On a business trip, you need to be well-rested and feeling your best. Headphones can give you a little bit of privacy when you’re travelling. This makes them absolutely priceless. Make sure you invest in a high-quality pair to truly block out the world and feel Zen! 

5. Versatile basics 

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to be ready to dress for a variety of different occasions. The problem is that travellers often only have a tiny carry-on suitcase. So what’s the solution to this problem? Pack versatile basics! 

Bring clothes that have neutral colours and can be dressed up or down. This means a dark set of jeans, a plain white shirt, a simple black dress, or plain grey cardigan. For instance, black jeans can be worn to business meetings or to a casual restaurant depending on how you accessorize them. This is a great way to have a variety of outfits with only a few simple articles of clothing. This is a real lifesaver.

6. Comfortable pants (a personal favourite)

When you’re heading on a business trip the last thing you will be thinking of is sweat pants! However, you won’t be in meetings for the whole trip. You need a pair of comfortable pants while you’re travelling. 

Also, after a long day of work, there’s nothing better than ordering take-out and lazing around your hotel room and watching T.V. When you want to relax and unwind just throw on your pair of baggies and you’ll be all good.

7. Travel documents folder

Make sure you have all of your important documents organized in a travel folder or wallet. Keep this at easy reach in your briefcase or bag. You can put in your passport, flight confirmation, and even rental car documents. 

The more you’re organized the more seamless and stress-free your trip will be. Also, if you’re heading abroad make sure you pack a travel adaptor and a power bank. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination without any way to charge up your laptop or phone. 

Make sure you pack this next to your travel documents so that everything important is close by! 

These are just a few of our business travel tips to get you ready to go! Business trip packing lists really depend on where you’re going and what your itinerary is. Just remember to make a list of what you need and pack the night before. 

There’s nothing worse than rushing the morning of your trip and forgetting something essential. When you’re on a business trip it can be difficult to find the time to stop at a shopping district and pick up items. This is why it’s essential to get organized!

Are you on the lookout for a cool co-living space that suits your travelling lifestyle? Check out these amazing images of Singapore serviced apartments! 

We’re screwed.

The topic of climate change is ever-present. It’s talked about in school, in the news, in documentaries, and even on product packaging.

Of course, it’s important.

But how many of those who talk about it, are actually doing something about it? To be honest, I’m guilty; and it’s time to REALLY do something more about saving our planet.

And here’s how we can, without quitting our jobs to build a solar-powered plant or looking for alternative sources of energy.

Swap your air-conditioner for a fan

What cools the room is warming up the earth. Most of our serviced apartments are residential units that come with a balcony for maximum ventilation of the house. So open the windows and enjoy the natural breeze.

The weather is getting cooler these days, making it the perfect time to ditch the air-conditioner controller and switch to using the fan at night.

Bring Your Own…

Cups – Do you know that the wax coating inside your disposable coffee cups makes it unrecyclable?

Can’t start your day without a caffeine boost? Same here! Save some dollars and minimise the use of disposable cups by having your morning fix in the comfort of your home.

No time for that? Then BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup)! Check out some options here to make your morning coffee run more environmentally friendly.

Straws – Get your own set of metal straws. Dining outlets have stopped providing plastic straws so let’s do our part by completely eliminating them. I found this set of metal straws from Aliexpress that only cost a couple of bucks, and it even comes with the wider straw that’s perfect for bubble tea!

Recycle bag – Grocery hauls mean getting more goodies for the fridge and also ending up with plenty of plastic bags. Firstly, I find them to be quite an unsightly mess even if they’re piled neatly in a corner or drawer. Secondly, do I really need that many plastic bags? If like me, you don’t, then grab a couple of foldable recycle bags the next time you head out for grocery shopping.

Walk or ride a bike

Burn calories, reduce greenhouse gases and save a couple of bucks when you choose walking over driving or taking the public transport. If your apartment is within walking distance to your office, supermarket or food centre, you have no excuse not to!

Use what you need

Turn off your lights, switch off electrical appliances when not in use and don’t run more tap water than you need. Simple, but there are countless times when I thought “I’ll just leave the room lights on since I’m coming back in a bit,” and of course, I forget about it. Sound familiar? Then let’s try to kick this habit.

Natural cosmetics and beauty products

Wouldn’t have thought that your lipstick or shaving cream can save the world, did you? Most beauty and skincare products use heavy chemicals hence causing harmful environmental impact when manufacturing. Also, the chemicals can be damaging to your skin and health over a long period of time. The next time you pick your facial wash, go for the natural and organic option.

I’m sure there are more ways than these to save our earth but simply talking about it is not one. Let’s do something about it, one plastic bag at a time.

Too many things to do, too little time.

We all love a relaxing visit to the spa, spend some time at the movies or get through a few rounds of computer games to combat the stress that we can almost literally feel on our shoulders. But let’s be honest, we don’t always have time for these.

Our senses are powerful emotional triggers. Without spending too much time or money, you can turn your serviced apartment into a zen paradise with these simple stress-relieving ideas.

The power of greenery

Houseplants are not only visually soothing but studies have shown that they have a tremendous effect on our health too. A research by NASA shows that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in just 24 hours! On top of that, caring for plants are also great for helping with depression and loneliness. Not sure which plant to get? Start with this list of plants with anti-anxiety effects!

Take a whiff

Our sense of smell works in intriguing ways and is deeply intertwined with our memories. While our housekeeping team makes it a point to help create a nice, fresh smelling home for every guest, there’s nothing like adding some personal touches to your apartment by creating your own home scent. Even better, use these natural ways to make your home smell amazing.

If time allows, make use of your apartment’s oven and turn to baking to de-stress. It also makes for a perfect trick to fill your living space with the aroma of freshly baked cookies or bread. Here are some easy recipes that take less than an hour to prepare.

Listen to the sound of calmness

Set a soothing ambience at home by putting on some slow and relaxing background music. Create a playlist of calming tunes or check out one of Spotify’s relaxing music playlists. Enhance the relaxation effect by closing your eyes and focusing on taking deep breaths. Go a step further and take a couple of minutes in the morning or before bedtime to meditate. For guided meditations, check out these mobile apps!  

Mindful eating

A stressful and hectic lifestyle often have a negative effect on our eating habits. If you find yourself mindlessly gulping down your food and turning to junk food to fill your stomach, you may want to incorporate the concept of mindful eating into your mealtimes.

What is mindful eating? It is an approach to pay attention to what you are eating, the emotions that trigger the hunger, and the eating process. This also means putting aside your devices and setting time to focus on your food and its tastes. Mindless eating hinders the communication between the mind and body. Studies have shown that paying more attention to your meals can effectively reduce stress levels and improve digestive health!

Feel a sense of relaxation

Tactile sensations are an easily overlooked aspect of stress relieving. Hop into a hot shower or take a nice long bath at the end of the day, give yourself a hand or neck massage, or simply opt for soft clothings to minimise discomfort on your skin.