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Joanne Tai
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9 of the Best Things to Do in Singapore
travel Joanne Tai 07/04/2025 travel Joanne Tai 07/04/2025

9 of the Best Things to Do in Singapore

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What Cruise Ship Crew Spend on While Working Onboard
seafaring Joanne Tai 06/04/2025 seafaring Joanne Tai 06/04/2025

What Cruise Ship Crew Spend on While Working Onboard

Curious about cruise ship crew expenses? Here’s a snapshot of what crew spend on and what’s free while working onboard, with a closer look at each cost.

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Difficult Crew Members: How to Survive Workplace Drama Onboard
seafaring Joanne Tai 02/04/2025 seafaring Joanne Tai 02/04/2025

Difficult Crew Members: How to Survive Workplace Drama Onboard

What do you do when a difficult crew member is always there – sharing your cabin, working your shift, or making life onboard feel heavier than it should?

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Okinawa Destinations (A Cruise Worker’s Incomplete Guide)
travel Joanne Tai 27/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 27/03/2025

Okinawa Destinations (A Cruise Worker’s Incomplete Guide)

Okinawa destinations through the eyes of a cruise worker: beaches I didn’t swim at, food I didn’t try, and islands I only half-remember. Not your typical guide.

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Types of vibes: a list of the ones worth naming
self-discovery Joanne Tai 22/03/2025 self-discovery Joanne Tai 22/03/2025

Types of vibes: a list of the ones worth naming

An exploration of the types of vibes we notice immediately – from warm personal energy to environmental moods – even if we can’t always explain why.

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The Most Beautiful Forests in the World Worth Discovering
travel Joanne Tai 21/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 21/03/2025

The Most Beautiful Forests in the World Worth Discovering

Since it’s the International Day of Forests, I thought it would be a good time to take a virtual trip through some of the most beautiful forests in the world.

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Hiking to the Mount Bromo Viewpoint for Sunrise
travel Joanne Tai 18/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 18/03/2025

Hiking to the Mount Bromo Viewpoint for Sunrise

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Hiking to the Turquoise Acid Lake of Kawah Ijen Volcano
travel Joanne Tai 17/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 17/03/2025

Hiking to the Turquoise Acid Lake of Kawah Ijen Volcano

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What Exactly is Slow Travel and How You Can Try It
travel, simple living Joanne Tai 16/03/2025 travel, simple living Joanne Tai 16/03/2025

What Exactly is Slow Travel and How You Can Try It

What is slow travel? It’s staying longer in one place, choosing less touristy destinations, or travelling more sustainably – whatever feels meaningful to you.

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How to live out of a suitcase (+ what I learnt after years of doing it)
travel, simple living Joanne Tai 15/03/2025 travel, simple living Joanne Tai 15/03/2025

How to live out of a suitcase (+ what I learnt after years of doing it)

If you’re wondering how to live out of a suitcase without feeling unsettled, this guide shares practical systems, packing mindset shifts, and lessons learnt.

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What to Do When It Rains on Vacation? Make the Most of It
travel Joanne Tai 14/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 14/03/2025

What to Do When It Rains on Vacation? Make the Most of It

Rainy days can be a chance to slow down, explore differently, and even create memories that stand out. Here’s what to do when it rains on a vacation day.

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How to Make Travel Easier (Especially for Overseas Trips)
travel Joanne Tai 14/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 14/03/2025

How to Make Travel Easier (Especially for Overseas Trips)

Travel is supposed to be fun, but it can get overwhelming. Here’s how I’ve learned to make overseas travel easier (and yes, some tips work for local trips too).

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How to Travel Stress-Free and Actually Enjoy It
travel Joanne Tai 13/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 13/03/2025

How to Travel Stress-Free and Actually Enjoy It

Stress-free travel isn’t about avoiding problems. It’s about being prepared for the unexpected and learning to enjoy the ride, even when things go sideways.

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What Type of Traveller Are You? Exploring the Many Ways We Explore the World
travel Joanne Tai 13/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 13/03/2025

What Type of Traveller Are You? Exploring the Many Ways We Explore the World

The way we travel says a lot about who we are. Understanding different types of travellers can make trips more enjoyable, less stressful, and more meaningful.

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International Travel Essentials – the Basics You Need
travel Joanne Tai 12/03/2025 travel Joanne Tai 12/03/2025

International Travel Essentials – the Basics You Need

  1. Documents

  2. Proof of onward travel

  3. Pre-book accommodation

  4. Universal travel adaptor

  5. Toiletries

  6. Travel VPN

  7. The right luggage bag

  8. Comfortable travel clothes

  9. Credit/debit cards, cash, e-wallets

  10. Travel insurance

  11. SIM card/eSIM, pocket WiFi

  12. Reusable water bottle

  13. Personal travel essentials

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Joanne Tai 11/03/2025 Joanne Tai 11/03/2025

The Best E-Wallets for Malaysians in 2025

Confused about e-wallets in Malaysia? As a Malaysian who mostly uses Touch 'n Go and BigPay, I break down the best options for everyday use, travel, and rewards.

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40 Things I Wish I Knew Before Working on Cruise Ships
seafaring Joanne Tai 10/03/2025 seafaring Joanne Tai 10/03/2025

40 Things I Wish I Knew Before Working on Cruise Ships

Lessons I learnt before and during my cruise ship contracts. From packing, seasickness, and shore leave to money, crew life, and everything in between.

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Why Do Cruise Ships Hire Crew from So Many Countries?
seafaring Joanne Tai 09/03/2025 seafaring Joanne Tai 09/03/2025

Why Do Cruise Ships Hire Crew from So Many Countries?

Why are cruise ships staffed by people of so many nationalities? It’s about economics, culture, and logistics – and the beauty of global collaboration.

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