• About
  • Contact
  • Contact Us

Follow my adventures at @cheryltaysg!

  • Home
  • Cars
  • Motorsports
  • Sports
  • Fitness
  • Lifestyle
  • Photography
  • About
  • Contact

Pandemic travel tips

0 Comment
 13 Mar 2022   Posted by Cheryl Tay


I’ve finally gone on a trip after two years of being grounded in Singapore. It was so refreshing and I definitely recommend you get a vacation in if you can. I chose to go to Spain, a place both Grace and I have never been before, and it’s also one of the easier countries to travel to.

I’ve compiled a list on how to prepare for your trip and some general tips including how to prevent theft. You can view my full itinerary here.

Get your vaccination certificate.

This is very important. You can get it from here: https://www.notarise.gov.sg/. You can have it in your phone as well but just in case your phone dies on you, having the physical copy will be easier.

They checked the vax cert at Changi Airport before I checked in for the flight and also at Barcelona’s check-in counter. For Spain, they did not check our vax cert upon arrival because we had to fill up a questionnaire via their app SpTH which would already include our vaccination status.

If you have not done your booster shot, do check because there is a limit to the number of days you are granted before you are considered non-vaccinated. Also check if the country you’re going to will accept it or not.

Book a VTL flight.

Make sure the flight returning to Singapore is a VTL flight. Only fully vaccinated people can book a VTL flight. You can check which flight numbers are VTL flights here: https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/vaccinated-travel-lanes/.

When you’re booking the flight on the website, for Singapore Airlines, there will be “Vaccinated Travel Lane” next to the flight number. If you’re making a few transits, only the leg back to Singapore needs to be a VTL flight and you need to have a 7-day history where you must have only travelled to or transited via one or more of the VTL countries/regions, Category I countries/regions.

If you have anymore questions, there is a whole list of FAQs to help you too: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/faq

Buy travel insurance.

Make sure it has good COVID cover, especially if you find yourself in a situation where you contract COVID overseas (I really hope you don’t though!). I got mine from AIG, which has covers travel via VTL and non-VTL. I took the per-trip VTL cover that cost nearly $300, but so worth it.

Book your pre-departure test.

Check requirements for the country you are going to and book a test if required. Check whether a PCR or an ART is needed, and also within how many hours to your flight. This page gives you an overview of all the VTL countries’ requirements (https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/sg/travel-info/vaccinated-travel-lanes/#VTL-countries) but please double check with the country’s official website too. Here are the FAQs if you have any questions: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/departing/overview

For Spain, just the vaccination certificates are enough – don’t need for any test! You can view the requirements for Spain here: http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/SINGAPUR/en/Noticias/Paginas/Articulos/Additional-measures-to-enter-Spain.aspx

Check for any regulations at destination.

Spain was really easy where we could just walk around anywhere, without having to show the vax cert at any establishments or use any app to check in. No mask was required when outdoors but compulsory when indoors in Spain, but we preferred to keep it on at all times just in case.

Book your pre-departure test to Singapore.

All travellers entering or transiting through Singapore must still undergo a Pre-Departure Test within 2 days of their departure for Singapore and obtain a negative result.

You can book a test at a local clinic, either a PCR within 48 hours or professionally administered ART within 24 hours of your flight to Singapore. You can look for a clinic near your accommodation on the last day but we did it at the airport clinic instead (more expensive but more convenient). so the email comes in almost immediately and you can straightaway take it to the check-in counter.

If you have anymore questions, you can check out the FAQ here: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/requirements-and-processhttps://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/vtl/requirements-and-process

Do the pre-departure questionnaire.

Register on SafeTravel (https://safetravel.changiairport.com/en.html#/my-trips) which has a questionnaire you need to do 3 days before coming back. 

Do the ART at home upon arrival.

When we travelling in early March, we had to do a supervised self-ART within 24 hours of arrival. There wasn’t a need to submit the result anywhere but MOH might do spot checks. We booked a video consult with Speedoc (only $15!) and it was really easy and convenient. You can also book at a clinic at https://go.gov.sg/community-ART-test.

But from 14 March onwards, you are only required to take an unsupervised self-swab ART within 24 hours of entry into Singapore and you are to submit it to sync.gov.sg1 before proceeding with your activities in Singapore.

No need for daily testing to Day 7 after that – that’s it! Travelling is really a lot easier now.

Please note that these were relevant to me at my point of travel and these restrictions are changing all the time, so do make sure you are updated.


GENERAL TRAVEL TIPS

These are just some general travel tips that might help you, in case you have not travelled for a while and need a reminder haha.

  • Get a good quality face mask for use, especially for the flight. In a compressed area for an extended period of time with so many people, it’s best to be protected as much as you can.
  • Bring a neck pillow, eye mask, face moisturiser and compression socks for the flight.
  • Bring lip balm and face and body moisturiser for cold countries.
  • Those travelling to non-Asian countries, bring chilli! We totally forgot.
  • Bring cup noodles and snacks from home if you’re going to a place like Europe where food is expensive and too salty (for me).
  • Bring an additional carry-on bag in case you shop too much. I use the Longchamp Le Pliage tote XL that is so useful.
  • Have one person bring the Changi Recommends overseas wifi. In Barcelona, there is only one shop that sells SIM cards and they took so long we gave up and only got it in the city. You will definitely need wifi for Google Maps if you’re driving so in case you can’t get a local SIM card at the airport, the Changi Recommends wifi is there to help.

Here are some of the things I did to help prevent theft:

  • Don’t wear flashy stuff (lots of branded luxury goods and shiny jewellery will draw attention to you)
  • Always carry your bag in the front if it has valuables
  • Split your cash into different places and don’t carry all your cash with you at one time (some in pocket, some in bag, some in luggage etc)
  • Use a body pouch with an RFID blocker to store your credit card
  • Or get a wallet with an RFID pocket (just don’t leave your credit card loosely on you because the crooks can simply brush past you with a scanner to get your details)
  • Don’t let your credit card out of sight when making payments. Make sure you tap the terminal yourself and don’t let them take your credit card anywhere on their own.
  • Use a phone sling so you always have it hanging on you (I use the one from Taizjo)
  • Don’t let your guard down even in reputable or highly established places
  • Get a YouTrip card instead of using your credit card if you’re not concerned about collecting points (the YouTrip card acts as a debit card where you can use PayNow to top up small amounts as you go along without a transaction fee; it also has a more favourable exchange rate)
  • Don’t entertain any strangers asking you for anything, be it directions or money or anything, even if they look decent. If they take out their cash to show you and ask to see yours, please know that’s not normal.

Related Posts

  • Our Spain itineraryOur Spain itinerary
  • 11 signs you are a workaholic11 signs you are a workaholic
  • My top 5 must-buy Japan snacksMy top 5 must-buy Japan snacks
  • 5 reasons why you should engage home cleaning services5 reasons why you should engage home cleaning services
  • Keep your vitamins and minerals in check with VitastiqKeep your vitamins and minerals in check with Vitastiq

Share and Enjoy !

0Shares
0 0
Written by Cheryl Tay

  • Search Cheryl Tay’s posts

  • About Cheryl Tay

    563588_392090887491821_131620790205500_1178808_177312844_n_resized


    First establishing herself in the world of cars and motorsports, Cheryl Tay is a sports and fitness blogger who advocates living an active and healthy lifestyle. Founder of body image movement Rock The Naked Truth, Cheryl overcame over a decade of eating disorders and is now passionate about helping people with similar struggles. She also has a running club ROCKrunners and a tri-enthusiast club ROCKtri.

    Rock The Naked Truth encourages others to be comfortable in their own skin and to learn that there is more to life than just being a slave to the numbers on your scale. Truly, life has more meaning than just forcing yourself to look good - it's most important to be happy and feel good about yourself!

    Previously...
    > Fitness columnist for Yahoo! Sports
    > Founder of ELITE (fitness competition)
    > Motoring writer for TODAY
    > Columnist for Rev / Run magazines
    > Official photographer for ONE Championship
    > Media manager for Formula Drift Asia
    > PR manager for PETRONAS Syntium Team
    > Business development for Kartright Speedway
    > F1 youth speaker for Singapore GP
  • Recent Posts

    • Road to the BMW Berlin Marathon 2022 starts here
    • Our Spain itinerary
    • Pandemic travel tips
    • REVIEW: Skechers GO RUN 8
    • Love is love.
  • Archives

    • 2022 (5)
      • April (1)
      • March (2)
      • January (2)
    • 2021 (12)
      • December (2)
      • November (2)
      • October (2)
      • July (1)
      • June (2)
      • April (1)
      • March (1)
      • January (1)
    • 2020 (14)
      • November (1)
      • September (2)
      • August (1)
      • July (1)
      • April (4)
      • March (1)
      • February (2)
      • January (2)
    • 2019 (23)
      • December (4)
      • November (3)
      • October (5)
      • September (1)
      • August (1)
      • June (3)
      • May (2)
      • April (1)
      • March (1)
      • February (1)
      • January (1)
    • 2018 (21)
      • November (2)
      • October (1)
      • September (1)
      • August (1)
      • July (3)
      • June (2)
      • May (3)
      • April (1)
      • March (3)
      • February (3)
      • January (1)
    • 2017 (35)
      • December (1)
      • November (4)
      • October (4)
      • September (5)
      • August (5)
      • July (3)
      • May (7)
      • March (2)
      • February (1)
      • January (3)
    • 2016 (55)
      • December (7)
      • November (3)
      • October (3)
      • September (5)
      • August (2)
      • July (3)
      • June (2)
      • May (5)
      • April (1)
      • March (7)
      • February (8)
      • January (9)
    • 2015 (149)
      • December (4)
      • November (8)
      • October (12)
      • September (15)
      • August (19)
      • July (16)
      • June (16)
      • May (16)
      • April (8)
      • March (13)
      • February (14)
      • January (8)
    • 2014 (469)
      • December (16)
      • November (26)
      • October (20)
      • September (16)
      • August (38)
      • July (52)
      • June (64)
      • May (71)
      • April (49)
      • March (55)
      • February (29)
      • January (33)
    • 2013 (135)
      • December (23)
      • November (30)
      • October (31)
      • September (38)
      • August (13)
  • cheryltaysg

    TOP 5 TIPS TO SAVE WATER! Tip #1: Cut your shower TOP 5 TIPS TO SAVE WATER!

Tip #1: Cut your shower time by 1 minute and save 9 litres of water.

Tip #2: Save 11 litres of water when you rinse your teeth with a mug instead of using a running tap.

Tip #3: Use reduced flush for liquid waste and save 1.5 litres per flush. 

Tip #4: Save 14 litres when you wash vegetables and dishes in a filled sink instead of under a running tap.

Tip #5: Do not use the washing machine for just a few pieces of clothing.

Did you know that the BMW Group powers production of two of their electric vehicles, the BMW iX and BMW i4, entirely with regional green hydroelectricity?

We recently went down to the NEWater Visitor Centre and learnt a lot about water conservation. There are also a lot of mind-blowing facts - pre-COVID, we use 145 litres of water per person per day (as seen in this photo), but during the pandemic when everyone was home, that number went up to 158 litres 😱😱😱.

Watch the video to learn more mind-blowing facts!
    Got to hang with @sweetvarnvarn this week! She is Got to hang with @sweetvarnvarn this week! She is really fun, friendly and I wish we had more time to go out and play. Next time! Perhaps I need to go to Thailand hmmm...
    WE FINALLY HAVE A DATE FOR OUR WEDDING! This is s WE FINALLY HAVE A DATE FOR OUR WEDDING!

This is super exciting, after all the hurdles we have had to overcome. From being turned away by venues, to not being able to do a wedding because it has to be ROM registered due to COVID-19 restrictions, to finally, finally being able to hold our wedding because private events are now allowed.

YAYYYYYY!!!

Our union may not be legally recognised in Singapore, but we still want to get our nearest and dearest together in the name of love. Can't wait to celebrate our love and share this special occasion with y'all!

P.S. for those asking, we will get our paperwork done somewhere overseas at some point.

#TaykeMeHuangMoreTime

Gown: @thegownwarehouse
Suit: @stitchedsg
Makeup: @clarasongmakeup
    What a wet weekend! Got drenched while riding yest What a wet weekend! Got drenched while riding yesterday and then ran in the light rain today.

But I didn't mind today's run at all because it was a bagel run! That is, we ran from home to CBD to get breakfast. Today we got bagels!

And then cabbed home, not run home, in case you're wondering lol.

#RoadToBerlinMarathon #wetweather #runintherain #runtobreakfast #iloverunning
    Bikini Empire beach day, extended pack! Thank good Bikini Empire beach day, extended pack! Thank goodness we had such good weather yesterday and also happy that we don't have group size limits anymore!

I love that we can bring our dogs to @olabeachclubsg so that they can hang with us, nawwwwww.

Swipe to see all the nonsense we were up to!
    If you know me, I love my snacks - A LOT. And some If you know me, I love my snacks - A LOT. And sometimes the guilt does get to me. So I'm glad that I have found plant-based snacks, without the guilt, with the same pleasure. This really helps as I'm trying to cut down on the bad stuff as my training picks up. These Nuggets, Bites and Strips are from FIRST PRIDE and are entirely made of plants. Best part, they taste like the real thing. Whuuuttttttt!

These have a three-step coating so it has maximum crispiness, meat-like texture made from plants so they feel like your usual nuggets and they have 0% trans fat. You won't even realise they are made from plants honestly. In addition, they make for a good source of protein and fibre.

Available at FairPrice, CS Fresh, Giant and RedMart, these are going at a promo price of $6.95 per packet (from 12 – 25 May). More details at @firstpridesg!

#FIRSTPRIDESG #SOOOGOOD
    New HM PB!! Put on a little bib for the first time New HM PB!! Put on a little bib for the first time in over two years for the Shufflers invitational half-marathon event and omg I was feeling a bit nervous, so silly.

It was more of a time trial than a race for me (because I wasn't gonna win) so I just focused on pacing and running my best.

Man, it really hurt! I haven't been running this distance much, so by the 18km mark my legs started to fade and I could see my pace dropping.

But I've already come so far, so I just sucked it up and somehow managed to make it to the end.

Really happy with my time - my fastest HM ever I think. Woohoo! Thank you to the organisers for the effort and to the volunteers who made this event run so smoothly.

Woke up this morning with sore legs but with a silly grin on my face, because I've missed this feeling!

144 days to Berlin Marathon.

#roadtoberlinmarathon #bmwxcheryltay #halfmarathon
    It costs $0.00 to be grateful for what you already It costs $0.00 to be grateful for what you already have. Stop looking for greener grass - the grass is only green where you water it!

#showgratitude #beachday
    You probably have seen this photoshoot that I rece You probably have seen this photoshoot that I recently did for @shiseidopro_official, where I was very fortunate to have had a team of professionals glam me up for this.

1 hair stylist, 2 make up artists, 2 stylists, 1 photographer + assistant, and of course the client team and the agency team. Totally made me feel like a superstar for a day!

You know what? The younger me would have killed for this opportunity.  I suffered from various eating disorders so I could become skinny and I really, really wanted to become a model.

Swipe to see my journal entry where I talked about how badly I wanted to be one and get in print ads and do TVCs, how I still felt I wasn't skinny enough, and how insecure I felt about myself. It's crazy!

Oh if I could talk to my 21-year-old self I would tell her how amazing she is and how she doesn't have to be skinny and become a model to prove her self-worth. Somehow I kept thinking that if I became thin, I would be better accepted and being a model would validate my existence. No gurlllll you already are enough!

BONUS - swipe to see some of my photos from my modelling days back then. WHO IS DIZ?! I did get some jobs here and there, but they weren't big jobs. @thehuangergames had a good laugh at these pics, but hey we were all young once ok!

#rockthenakedtruth #loveyourself #bodypositivity #selfworth #theyoungerme #throwback
    I used to hate my legs, thinking they were thick a I used to hate my legs, thinking they were thick and huge and ugly. I hated how my shorts would keep riding up between my legs because I have no thigh gap. I hated how I looked terrible in short shorts because my legs just looked fat.

But now I'm proud of these legs. They can do so many things and right now they are training for a marathon, on top of achieving many other things that I like to do like cycling and swimming and wakesurfing and taking long walks.

So don't hate your legs or any part of your body. It's yours!! It doesn't have to look a certain way because who gets to decide how it should look?!

#thiccplease #rockthenakedtruth #nothighgap
    This is probably the best and only proper photo we This is probably the best and only proper photo we got that day, because with @jyanyoga and @constancelaujm always goofing around, it's hard to get a decent pic.

Swipe to see what I'm talking about.

Still, always happy for time spent with these siao zhabors!

#beachday #bikinigirls #sunsandsea #blueskies #fitgirls #bikinitime
    I'm always up for anything interesting so when @sh I'm always up for anything interesting so when @shiseidopro_singapore gave me this opportunity to get creative with my hair, I was like, BRING IT! Totally loving this split-coloured hair with the magenta shade that is new to their ULTIST by PRIMIENCE range.

This hair colour formula is developed for Asian hair and has COLOR-in-CORE Technology that locks the colour into the core, so it really brings out the shade you want. I also like how my hair does not feel dry at all, which is a big thing for me when I colour my hair.

I get that some people cannot be too wild with their hair because of work, but a shade like that is not too loud and probably more palatable for the office? So, go on and get creative with the new trend shades from ULTIST - and ask for a split colour like mine!

#ShiseidoProfessionalSG #PRIMIENCE #ULTIST #BeautyStreamSS2022 #SpectralAllure 
#TogetherWithBeautyCreators #BeautyCreators
    The latest Honda Civic, which is in its 11th gener The latest Honda Civic, which is in its 11th generation now, is something I was curious to try as this is the successor to the Civic that I currently own.

For starters, the new Civic has a cleaner look but the interior is where the difference is greater. The cabin ambience feels more upmarket now, with premium features like wireless charging, a bigger 9” screen that sits atop the dashboard and a honeycomb mesh that runs through the dashboard and conceals the aircon vents.

One thing that stood out is its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that is now the only engine variant that the Civic is available in, in Singapore. Mine is the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine, so I’ve really missed driving a turbo with its quick pick-up.

But I feel the biggest thing to note about this 11th-gen Civic is the range of safety tech features. It has adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist to prevent you from veering out of your lane, collision mitigation braking that alerts when you get too close to the vehicle ahead, and something called the LaneWatch system which essentially is a camera under the mirror of the passenger door that shows you what is in your blind spot when you are turning left. With all of these, you have less excuse for bad driving behaviour.

I definitely enjoyed this zippy drive and I had a lot of fun!

Engine: 1,498cc turbocharged inline 4
Power: 129PS at 5500-6000rpm
Torque: 180Nm at 1700-4500rpm
Transmission: Continuously Variable
0-100km/h: 10.5 seconds
Price: S$143,999 with COE*

*A low downpayment option is available, starting from only S$14,400. You may leave your details at https://bit.ly/11-CivicSG to find out more.

#HondaCivic #Civic #Builtaroundyou #KahMotor @honda_sg
    Rented a motorbike for a week just for fun, before Rented a motorbike for a week just for fun, before I start my Class 2 lessons next month. Oh how I've missed the feeling of the wind on my face! And of course it has to be a sports bike. Can't afford a sports car so sports bike it is!

Taking my motorbike licence at such a late age in life feels like some kind of mid-life crisis for a need for speed you know hahaha. I first took 2B lessons in 2010 but gave up then, which I regretted, but it's ok NEVER TOO LATE!!

#motorbike #bikergirl #yahamaR3 #sportsbike #class2a
    We finally got blue skies for wakesurfing! OK in t We finally got blue skies for wakesurfing! OK in this photo the cloud cover came but I swear there were blue skies, just swipe to see the rest of the photos haha.

I am really grateful for my life, that I get to do this; for my friends, whom I can do this with; and for my body, that allows me to do what I want.

🙌🙌🙌

#wakesurfing #blueskies #watersports #dreamwakeacademy #fitgirls
    Saturday night boxing! Was wondering if I would r Saturday night boxing!

Was wondering if I would run into any friends there and I'm glad I did yayyyyyyy.

#boxing #superdrysg #fjbenjaminsg #fitnessclass #workoutime #fitpeeps
    After two rained-out Saturday mornings, we finally After two rained-out Saturday mornings, we finally made it out to ride with @teamfugu!

It's been a full Saturday for me from 4am to 10pm and I'm ready for a good sleep. Tell you more tomorrow!

📷: @tubberchubbs
    Excited to announce that I'll be racing the BMW Be Excited to announce that I'll be racing the BMW Berlin Marathon this year!

2022 is the year I'm on a mission to do better - for myself, the environment and those in need.

I'll be representing BMW Group Asia in the BMW Berlin Marathon, which is a World Marathon Major and the exclusive slots are usually via ballot. It will be my first WMM and I'll also be raising funds for the National Cancer Centre Singapore.

I recognise that environmental and social sustainability are essential for our future, so to do better for the environment, I'll be embarking on beach clean-ups and other conservation activities with BMW Group Asia and you can join us too. Stay tuned for more updates on how you can do your part.

It's gonna be an exciting year, I can feel it!!

Come on, do it with me and make this year YOUR year as well. Time to set some goals!

Shot by @jerrytangcl
Edited by @thehuangergames

#berlinmarathon #bmwgroupasia
    Back with my wakesurf gurls today! Why do we alway Back with my wakesurf gurls today! Why do we always get the gloomy weather? Zzzzzz!

In the past when I was training for a race, I would be so focused on it that I didn't allow myself to have much fun, or anything that might potentially distract me from the goal.

But now I'm learning to find that balance! Yes, I wanna do decent in the race but I also don't want to give away too much of my life. You get what I mean?

#findthatbalance
    Subbing! Teaching some of the Greatest HIIT classe Subbing! Teaching some of the Greatest HIIT classes at @neuefit this week, and maybe next week. If you would like to come for a complimentary trial and do my class, just reach out to me kay.

This reminded me of how I enjoy teaching fitness classes and watching people get stronger, class after class!
    Load More... Follow on Instagram



Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Tay. All Rights Reserved.