Let me start off by saying this is a semi-ranting post. I feel like ranting because I’ve had a distasteful experience with some people who were playing travelers and whom I have hosted here in Cambodia. I feel like I should really just write it down and hopefully some people with similar mind frame as them would find this helpful and just cancel their trips if they won’t bother giving the place a chance. I have seriously thought that traveling is to see something different, not look for the same things as what you have in your place?

First thing first, I know people travel for a variety of reasons. Some travel for enjoyment, relaxation, some to educate themselves, some for a totally new experiences, some simply because they want to have photos of a different place to post on their Facebook accounts and show off to their friends. I don’t have any problem really about anybody’s reason to travel. Different strokes for different folks right?

What I have a strong beef about is when a ‘pseudo-traveller’ just goes to a place with not even an inkling about that place. I’m not saying you should swallow a whole guidebook about the place, but it really does help things if you do a bit of background check about where you are going. For example, if you are going to Angkor Wat, at least have an idea about what temple’s history and the location etc etc. It doesn’t need to be an in depth knowledge just an overview. And the internet is one of the best places to do a bit of research. There are lots of forums one can visit if you are really interested. And I do wonder why would one go to a place if you don’t really have any interest in it?

I was checking out air fares in Airasia when I noticed a link to KoolRed website. I checked it out and loved the idea. Travel lovers connecting with travel lovers? Definitely my kind of networking site. What’s icing in the cake is their Asian Food Review Contest!

Do check it out. You get a chance to win luxury hotel stays in Bali or Bangkok for 2 persons. I know some might say, ‘bleh.. it doesn’t include the total package’ but really hotel stays are the priciest expense when you travel and getting a chance to stay in a ‘luxury hotel’ is beyond wild. Specially if its free hehehe! I think I’m joining after all I’m crazy about food tripping and Asian food.

I’m off now to compose my ‘review’ and let’s cross our fingers and hope we win even the third prize.. And if you’re also a foodie why not write and get the chance to win.

And while you’re checking the contest out, why not sign up for KoolRed and join me?

Forgot to update this last time, but here goes some airfare promos from one of our favorite budget airlines. It’s almost summer so why not go for a nice beach vacation or perhaps a shopping break? Check out AirAsia’s latest promo fares.

Magnificent Malaysia  - Book from 15 March 2011 – 20 March 2011 | Travel Period – 11 November 2011 – 29 February 2012. Fly from for a super low fare starting from $9.

School Break – Book from 14 March 2011 – 20 March 2011 | Travel Period  - 4 May 2011 – 30 June 2011

• Phnom Penh to Kuala Lumpur – $45
• Phnom Penh to Bangkok – $25
• + A lot more destinations.

Don’t Think Twice, Just Pay The Lower Price – Book from 7 March 2011 – 20 March 2011 | Travel Period - 1 June 2011 – 31 August 2011

This might sound like an advertorial but I don’t mind really endorsing Paypal. I’ve been using Paypal for years already ever since I started blogging. Then I discovered how convenient it is to shop using Paypal. One main concern that Paypal covers for me is security. When I use Paypal I don’t need to reveal my credit card or bank account information so I have a nice layer of protection against identity theft and credit card fraud.

It’s convenient too. I could easily receive and send money. There are projects I outsource to other people who are not geographically near me but with Paypal I could easily pay them without even going out of the house! Also starting last year, I’ve been making Agoda hotel bookings using Paypal. I favor using Paypal coz I don’t reveal financial details, payment is pretty much straightforward and when I check in the hotel, I don’t need to show countless verification ID’s. Paypal is taken good as cash as money is immediately forwarded to them once you pay and the voucher readily emailed to you once your Paypal payment is confirmed. So less hassle.

Now Paypal just gave me one more reason to love them more! Aside from partnering with a lot of travel related merchants and offering lots of juicy deals, Paypal and Agoda now also gives out an additional 5% OFF on hotel rates if you pay with Paypal! That’s big savings for you, Agoda has really good rates and topped it off with a discount is like icing on my itchy feet already. It just makes me wanna get up and go.. NOW!

Get your Free Paypal account here – PAYPAL.

Smarter hotel bookings @ Agoda.

I totally forgot to post this update, but still you guys still have a day more to grab these seats on Cebu Pacific..Visit Cebu Pacific‘s website to book.

I know a lot of  Filipinos tour Cambodia and usually pass by Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam and just travel overland to Cambodia so this is a great deal to grab:

• Manila to Ho Chi Minh or Brunei – sale period: up to February 12 2011 or until seats last.  Travel period: April 1-June30 2011 – Php1499 (OW)

Also a sale of airfares to Korea:

• Manila | Cebu to Busan | Incheon – sale period: up to February 12, 2011 or until seats last. Travel period: Sept 1-November 30, 2011 – Php 999

And for domestic travelers:

• Have a halfy trip sale – 50% off all domestic destinations. sale period: up to February 12 2011 or until seats last.  Travel period: April 1-June30 2011

Hope you guys can grab a great travel deal.

**Pinaywifespeaks has no affiliations with Cebu Pacific. The blogger simply has a thing about budget airfare and getting good savings. =)**