【Tips & Tricks】: UK travel visa and flight

I recently returned from a 3 months trip to the United Kingdom and Europe. So I would like to share my travel tips, and I thought you might find them useful. I've already been to 13 countries but I haven't satisfy my thirst for travel yet. So I get my first job just like everybody else does after my graduation. I worked hard until I managed to pay my own bills, and finally able to finance myself.  I took a year to plan, includes my saving, research, accommodation, transportation, from A-Z. 

My mom initially objected but I still went after my dream no matter how unattainable others think it was. So far my biggest achievement in 2016 was my solo trip to UK. I flew 3000 miles to England and I travelled for 3 months on my own cost. It was a great experience because life has taught me that nothing is impossible, only you yourself can make your dreams happen. #IMADEIT 

Fly me to the moon

INFORMATION: 

-FLIGHT-

What's it like to fly coach on one of the world's best airline? Again I traveled to UK by Emirates costing me around RM3200 this year. No doubt the airfare ticket was slightly expensive but Emirates is always my first choice. I had a pleasant flying experience with Emirates in 2015, from the crew to the food, the comfort of the seats, the in-flight entertainment, there's no way you'll get bored. 

In flight entertainment: I hardly know any other airline that provide in-flight entertainment as good as Emirates. Every passenger have a personal seat-back monitor, the screen you get is much larger with huge selection of movies that you able to access FOC during your flight. What to ask for more?

Extra legroom: Not forget the mention, Emirates is one of the companies that provide more comfort to passengers in economy class. The legroom in all flights is approximately 86cm, 12 cm more when compared to other airlines. 

Delicious food: We all know that airplane food is not exactly the most delicious thing, except if you fly with Emirates. I am always looking forward to their meal box which is delicious and tasty. 

5 star services: The service is fantastic. The flight attendant is very friendly and nice, can you believe that? I asked for 2 bottles of liquor or extra blankets, and I get whatever I want. Unlike other airlines, I don't dare ask for more. 

Thank you for the amazing hospitality, it's definitely all worth it flying with Emirates. 

Summary:

Chosen Airline® Emirates
Air Fares Ticket ® RM3200 
Transit: PNG-KL-DUB-LHT
Service: 5 stars

Before you fly

1. If you prefer a quiet seat, pick the front row.

2. Pick aisle seat if you tend to use the bathroom very often, so you don't disturb the deep sleepers beside you

Up in the air:

1. If you are having jetlag or you couldn't sleep, there will be tons of complimentary alcohol you can order :)

During transit:

1. I transited at Dubai airport. The lounge in Dubai is truly a world class lounge, huge and nice. 

2. Unfortunately the WiFi is only available for one hour :((

Bonus TIPS: 

Airline change fares constantly, so timing is everything. Start checking as long as you know you'll be flying, if you found a good deal, go for it! I traveled during March, in between February and March is a low season. So best advise, book in advance otherwise discount seats are likely to sell out quickly. 

Finding Cheap flight:

1. SKYSCANNER

Skyscanner is perfect when you are looking for a cheap flight. Select your destination and dates, here you search for the best deals.

2. MOMONDO

3. KAYAK

A good "advisor" whether you should buy your flight ticket or wait, and the explore feature lets you filter destination by weather, price, flight duration and etc.

4. WHICH BUDGET

A budget travel resources which you can find cheapest and low cost flight.

5. THE POINTS GUY

The best website to travel for free by using frequent flyer miles and credit card points.

-TRAVEL VISA-

I get a lot of message over the months asking me about the UK visa! So I am here to answer your question! Before this, I did my research online. I've called 4 travel agencies, I googled, I asked my friends around, and I probably be the most annoying person on earth. However, DONT BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTION! Ask for what you want, ask for help, ask for advice. 

Question #1. VISA- How long you can stay?

You won't need a visa to come to UK, you're legally to stay in UK for up to 6 months.

Question#2. Documents you must provide

1. Return flight ticket : To prove you'll leave UK at the end of your visit

2. A current and valid passport

3. Bank Statement/ Payslip from the last 6 months :  To prove them you have financial support ( Cash, credit card, cheques)

4. Employee letter : If you are employed ( Start date, salary, role, company name)

5. Insurance card : Buy a protection for yourself

6. Driving license: You need an identification in case you are going to casino/night clubs

Once you have the coveted "Visa" stamp in your passport, don't get too excited! You still have one more test to get over before you can enter the United Kingdom! And that exactly what I worried the most- The UK Border Immigration Officer. You might be questioned, and if they are in any doubt, the officer can refuse entry and send you home on the next plane. WHATTTTT? 

Question #3. What kind of questions are you likely to face at the border control?

1. The dates you're planning to leave UK
2. How long you intend to stay in UK?

3. What is the purpose of your visit? ( Travel? Study? Working?)

4. Are you working or studying?

5. Details of where you'll be staying during your visit. ( Address, Contact No, and relationship to the person who'll be looking after you)

6. How much your trip cost? 

7. How much you earn in a year?

8. Are you travelling to any other country besides UK?

*Bonus tips: Never carry a job application or only purchase one way ticket. They might suspect you for illegal stay. Most importantly, be confident and make your answer sounds convincing

*Sample Answer: 
"I come here for travel.  I have a full time job back in Malaysia and I am taking a sabbatical leaves to travel. I am staying with my family at [address], meanwhile I will be also travelling to Europe."

To do list before you travel:

1. Check PTPTN Blacklist.

For those who applied PTPTN, you are advised to check your immigration clearance status at: http://sspi2.imi.gov.my/ . Internet system is getting widely used now, it's easy to do the checking. When your name is on the list, you will not be able to travel out of the country. So make sure you pay back your loan punctually.

2. Activate your bank card to International Withdrawal

In case you run out of money, you can still withdraw from your Malaysia's bank account.

3. Temporary deactivate your phone line

If you are going for a long travel, and you still want to remain your Malaysia's number. Call to the centre, you can terminate for 3 months without have to pay for your bills.

4. Check the currency

Obligatory tourist photo!

 More red buses please, over Regent Street on a quiet day!

I reached London at night, and I took a cab to my destination. I was dragging my luggage and walking on quiet streets in the midnight. It was exciting because my plan went well. I couldn't describe the feeling I get the day after I reached London. I cant wait to go to his doorstep and surprise him. Yeah that's the plan.. The moment of reunited is the moment for which I have waited for so long. 

-Westminster Abbey-

London is absolutely beautiful, so many reasons to love London. Definitely worth visiting for a break, also you'll discover so beautiful scenic places you probably dint know existed along the way. This trip has been amazing so far, so please stay tuned for my next upcoming post!