Fancy going on a trip? We’ve got you covered. At NUS Product Club, we believe in having a good time–here are our six essentials for a smooth and stress-free vacation experience.

1. Google's My Maps

We all know about using Google Maps to find our way from one place to another. But what about Google’s My Maps? 

My Maps is a platform that allows you to pin locations on a map. Sounds simple, but imagine the hassle it can save you. By pinning the locations you are interested in, you can visualise which spots are nearer to each other. This is especially useful when you’re planning your itinerary, or if you just want to take note of places you may want to see. 

You can also use the different pin symbols and colours to categorise your locations in any way you desire. Save the stress of organising your must-sees by using Google’s My Maps. 

2. YouTrip Card

Maybe you don’t want to carry large wads of money on vacation. Or maybe you ran out of physical cash. Why not get a YouTrip card for your next trip? With its ease of use, low exchange rates and no hidden fees, having a multi-currency card like YouTrip can be very helpful for your travels. 

Here is what Darice, our Head of Operations, has to say about her positive experience with YouTrip:

“I lived and worked in Vietnam for a few months and often take Grab or order GrabFood. To use these services, I either have to pay by card or pay by cash. However, I did not have a Vietnamese card, and I was also not used to carrying around cash. YouTrip has hence been very useful for me. Often, when we think about paying by card overseas, we commonly associate it with currency exchange fees. With YouTrip, there's no such fees and they help you convert your SGD in your account to the foreign currency you need. It makes payment so much easier in a foreign country, plus you don't have to pay exorbitant currency exchange fees or hold on to so much cash!”

YouTrip can be used at all Mastercard® acceptance points worldwide and in Singapore. Head over to their website to find out more.

3. Splitwise

This handy app allows you to track and split expenses easily. Whether it's meals, accommodations, or any other shared costs, Splitwise helps you keep a record of who paid for what. It even calculates the amounts each person owes or is owed, making settling up at the end of the trip a breeze. 

No more awkward conversations about who owes whom – Splitwise takes care of the math for you. Splitwise is available on iPhone, Android or as a web app.

4. Proton VPN

When it comes to online security and privacy, especially while travelling, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a must-have.They ensure that your internet connection is secure and private, protecting your sensitive information from potential cyber threats. Plus, it allows you to access geo-restricted content, giving you the freedom to browse without limitations.

For broke students like us, we think that Proton VPN offers the best free VPN service. Unlike many other free VPN services, Proton VPN does not limit the amount of data used, nor is it time-limited. This free tier is sufficient for simple web browsing or messaging. If you want to upgrade, ProtonVPN also offers several paid plans with enhanced features.

Interested? Learn more here.

5. Google Translate

Language barriers are often a given with travelling. Thankfully, Google Translate helps you bridge communication gaps effortlessly. The app supports over 100 languages, allowing you to connect with hundreds of millions of people around the world. 

From translating menus to asking for directions, this app supports a wide array of features. Its camera feature allows you to instantly translate written text, making navigating foreign streets and signs much easier. Meanwhile, its audio feature allows for speech recognition, helping you engage in conversation with locals.

With Google Translate’s offline mode, you can even use it without a data connection, ensuring you're never lost for words. To use Google Translate, download the app on your phone or go to translate.google.com.

6. ChatGPT

“Need quick recommendations or travel tips? ChatGPT can provide valuable assistance. You can ask about the best local attractions, seek restaurant recommendations, or even get tips on navigating public transportation. It's like having a virtual travel companion at your fingertips. Just type in your queries, and ChatGPT is ready to help, making your trip planning experience more interactive and enjoyable.”

- ChatGPT

As you can see, ChatGPT is incredibly intelligent. Many of us have already started using ChatGPT as part of our workflow–so why not use it to get inspiration for your travel itinerary? Of course, make sure to double check the information it provides as it is sometimes inaccurate. 

You can find ChatGPT at chat.openai.com. 

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