A Quick Guide to Setting-up WeChat Wallet and Using WeChat Pay in China as a Foreigner

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China is one of my favourite countries to visit in recent years and having been there at least five times now in the last couple of years, I have grown to embrace the modern technologies and conveniences that seem to be integral in everyone's lives. There are ways to get around the Great Firewall of China (so you can still access sites like Google and Instagram even when you are there) and honestly, there is just so much to see and do in Beijing particularly. With all that being said, I have always been extremely interested to get my WeChat Wallet set up so I can actually use it while I am actually visiting.

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Optimising Photo Editing and Publishing Workflow with JPEGmini - Standalone and Lightroom Integration

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As a travel writer who is always on the go, I find myself struggling with large image file sizes from the photos that I take for my extensive hotel reviews as well as trip reports in premium cabins. While I do like the images that I get with my trusty DSLR, editing them and publishing articles on the go have not been an easy journey (especially when visiting smaller cities with less-robust infrastructure). One of the applications that I use quite extensively is JPEGmini which is a patent-pending photo recompression technology that significantly reduces the size of images (up to 80%) without affecting the perceptual quality.

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Conrad Centennial Singapore Now Part of Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) Programme - American Express Platinum and Centurion Members

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One of the greatest benefits of having the American Express Platinum Card (and the Centurion of course) is the ability to book Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) rates - selected hotels that meet the strict criteria that American Express sets out will be able to participate in this program. For us members, this translates into a range of benefit that typically include a guaranteed 4PM late check-out and usually a USD 100 property credit that can be utilised during the stay.

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Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore Obtains Hotel License - Weekend Staycations Now Possible!

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Oakwood Premier OUE Singapore, the award-winning luxury serviced apartment has successfully obtained a hotel license which means that guests are now no longer require to stay a minimum of six nights. As such, short stays (even for a single night) are now possible and in recognition of this, the property has launched a brand new Weekend Staycation package which comes with a number of benefits.

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Hoshino Resorts Targets Young Adults with Brand New BEB5 Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture - Travel Freely and Leisurely!

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Hoshino Resorts will be unveiling the Hoshino Resorts BEB5 Karuizawa on 05 February 2019 and this brand new property aims to free modern travellers from time constraints and obligations. The always-open public spaces within the property will allow guests to tailor their vacation to their personal needs and preferences and it aims to replicate "a night at one's best friend's house" with the beautiful communal space. In recognition of the different travel preferences of people in their 20's, Hoshino Resorts has designed BEB5 Karuizawa to inculcate the spirit of discovery and surprise.

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Oscar Postma Takes on General Manager Role in Regent Singapore

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There has been a number of exciting changes for Regent Singapore this year - the management agreement with Four Seasons was not extended for 2019 (the official last day was 31 December 2018) and the Potiac Land Group (who owns the property) has appointed Capella Hotel Group to manage the hotel this year. What is even more interesting however is that IHG Rewards Club members will soon be able to earn and redeem IHG Rewards Club points at Regent properties (yes, this includes the Regent Singapore) from 01 February 2019.

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Purchase IHG Rewards Club Points with 75% Bonus - by 28 February 2019

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While I do not generally purchase IHG Rewards Club Points, they can be quite attractive when utilised on high-demand periods (e.g. New Year’s Eve). Members can now purchase IHG Rewards Club Points with a 75% bonus when they complete the transaction between 28 February 2019. If you have immediate demand for these points, now is a great time to purchase them but if you do not have any plans for them, a 100% bonus runs from time to time (but this is not a fixed promotion).

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Hotel Review: W Bangkok (Spectacular Room) - Convenient Luxury Hotel Near Chong Nonsi and Siam

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After obtaining Platinum Elite status on the Marriott Rewards (soon to be called Marriott Bonvoy) program, I have been a lot more eager to try out properties because the 4:00PM guaranteed late check-out benefit is something that I value a lot. Therefore, when I visited Bangkok late last year, I decided to stay at the W Bangkok which is somewhat connected to Chong Nonsi BTS station. Check out my review of the Spectacular Room here!

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