Having just returned home from a trip to Europe, I was reminiscing about the good times and already entertaining thoughts of another getaway. Travelling is my escape from the hustle of life where I can go at a slower pace, preferably somewhere picturesque in nature, experience new sights, learn about different cultures, and meet new people.
However, amidst the excitement and adventure, there’s an aspect of travel that can be inconvenient—the admin side of things, especially finances. This includes things like splitting expenses when travelling with a group of friends, fumbling with unfamiliar coins and notes—especially if they have a gazillion zeros behind, and getting used to local payment methods.
However, the irksome inconveniences of travelling can be mitigated. We take a look at some common travel pet peeves and how the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card can come in handy.
Travel pet peeve #1: The price to pay for decent accommodation
Some folks seem always to get deals and may know when to book for cheaper flights, monitor flight prices or camp in wait for sales but sometimes, you just want to book a flight without the risk of your flight price increasing if you wait any longer.
Since borders have opened post-Covid-19, the post-pandemic travel frenzy has sent flight prices skyrocketing. Take, for instance, the popular route from Singapore to Japan. Prior to the pandemic, one could find reasonably priced round-trip flights for around S$500 to S$700.
Now, with borders reopening and pent-up demand, these prices have surged to staggering heights. A round-trip ticket to Tokyo that once cost S$600 can now exceed S$1,000 during peak travel periods. Similarly, a flight from Singapore to Bangkok, once attainable for around S$200 to S$300, can now reach eye-watering prices of S$500 or more.
For my upcoming solo trip to Japan, I wanted to base myself in Shibuya or Shinjuku, but finding a good and reasonably priced hotel that was within walking distance of the train station was next to impossible. The other alternative was hotels with bad reviews or locations that might not be safe, especially for solo travellers.
How HSBC TravelOne can helpHSBC TravelOne gives you an accelerated earn rate, with no cap on miles/points earned. You can then redeem for miles and hotel stays, without feeling the pinch of crazy flight and hotel prices!
Get more savings with the exclusive Agoda deal: enjoy up to 12% instant discount on hotel bookings worldwide. Valid till 31 December 2023. |
For example, I get to use the points earned during my trip at Europe for my next trip to Japan!
Plus, HSBC has partnered with a wide range of airline partners & hotel groups that give you more options in finding the best deals.
| Airline partners | Programme name | Conversion rate |
| Air France / KLM | Flying Blue | 25,000 Reward points: 10,000 miles |
| AirAsia | AirAsia rewards | 25,000 Reward points: 20,000 AirAsia points |
| British Airways | Executive Club | 25,000 Reward points: 10,000 miles |
| Cathay Pacific | Asia Miles | |
| Etihad Airways | Etihad Guest | |
| EVA Air | Infinity MileageLands | |
| Qantas | Qantas Frequent Flyer | |
| Singapore Airlines | KrisFlyer | |
| Vietnam Airlines | Lotusmiles |
| Hotel partners | Programme name | Conversion rate |
| Accor Hotels | ALL – Accor Live Limitless | 25,000 Rewards points: 5,000 hotel points |
| IHG | IHG One Rewards | 25,000 Rewards points: 10,000 hotel points |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Marriott Bonvoy |
Travel pet peeve #2: The disappointment when good flights are fully booked
After earning my hard-earned miles over the past 2 travel-free years thanks to Covid, I eagerly logged into the redemption portal to exchange them for miles.
However, I soon realised that the process would take a few working days to complete. During this waiting period, the flight to Tokyo that I had my eye on was quickly booked out and I was left with a flight that required more miles.
I didn’t have enough miles and had to chalk up more points and start the redemption process all over again, which was a no-go.
In the end, I had to settle for a flight time that wasn’t convenient for me and was feeling pretty bummed.
How HSBC TravelOne can helpRedeem your Reward points instantly+ all within HSBC Singapore app. Reward points can be easily converted to air miles or hotel points in the HSBC Singapore app. Simply select the Redeem points option, then select airline miles or hotel points and choose the number of points you would like to redeem and your details, including your airline/hotel programme membership number to redeem. Exclusive deal for HSBC TravelOne Credit Card: Receive additional 20% Flying Blue Miles when you redeem with your HSBC Reward points before 31 October 2023 (UTC+1). Plus, no conversion fee when you redeem for air miles or hotel points. This offer ends on 31 December 2023. HSBC has been awarded for the Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Singapore.
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Travel pet peeve #3: The sticky feeling from sweating all day
One of the greatest icks has got to be the feeling of clothes clinging to your body after a whole day of sweating. You know that you’ve been a real trooper, navigating a slew of security checks and braving endless queues. But even as you sit at the terminal and remind yourself of the adventures that lie ahead, there is but one wish deep down inside you: a refreshing shower and a change of clothes…if only you don’t have to pay extra for airport lounges.
How HSBC TravelOne can helpHSBC TravelOne primary cardholders can get 4 complimentary airport lounge visits annually when you register your HSBC TravelOne Credit Card with Mastercard Travel Pass app. |
Travel pet peeve #4: The effort it takes to camp for good deals
Picture this: you’ve set out to book a cozy hotel and secure that all-important travel insurance, but there’s no sweet promotion in sight. Alternatively, you’re drowning in a sea of promotions, each one vying for your attention, and you’re left wondering which one will truly save you those hard-earned bucks. Add to that your jam-packed schedule, a to-do list longer than your arm, and the ticking clock of limited-time promotions—that’s enough to make the most seasoned bargain hunter want to pull their hair out.
Timing is the name of the game when it comes to scoring the best travel deals. How do you seize those deals before they slip through your fingers?
How HSBC TravelOne can helpHSBC TravelOne offers a suite of travel privileges including discounts for hotel bookings and complimentary travel insurance coverage^ (including COVID-19) of up to US$100,000 for you and your family when the cardholder charges the full cost of the air ticket to HSBC TravelOne Credit Card. Plus, enjoy complimentary access to over 1,000 one-for-one offers locally and overseas with the ENTERTAINER with HSBC app. Check out some of the travel offers!
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Travel pet peeve #5: The sinking feeling when watching your bank balances deplete
Many of us spend a lot on holidays with things like flights, hotels, car rental, transport, changing currency, food, attraction fees and shopping. That’s a lot of money going out in a couple of weeks.
This expense sees a huge chunk of savings depleted from your bank account—which reduces your monthly bonus interest received as well—and you may even need to put your investments on hold.
How HSBC TravelOne can helpCardholders can choose to split their purchases and enjoy flexibility, interest-free with PayLater and Card Instalment Payment Plan. Also, with the HSBC Spend Instalment, cardholders can combine multiple credit card transactions into a single instalment plan (minimum S$500) and spread the repayment over 12 months, interest-free. Now it is possible to continue to save and invest although you’re going for a big holiday! Note: a processing fee of up to 5% may be levied for Spend Instalment. |
Travel pet peeve #6: The inflexibility of rewards-stacking
Oftentimes credit cards come with many terms and conditions that do not allow you to stack rewards. You’re forced to make a decision—it’s either cashback or miles. It’s like being at a delicious buffet and being told you can only choose 1 dish.
How HSBC TravelOne can helpWith the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card you can earn cashback and miles simultaneously. Pair it with the HSBC Everyday Global Account (EGA) and qualify for the HSBC Everyday+ Rewards Programme to get additional 1% cashback*. |
Get the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card instantly## and receive 20,000 miles as welcome gift!
- on Local Spend
- S$1 = 1.2 miles
- on Foreign Currency Spend
- S$1 = 2.4 Miles
- Travel Insurance coverage, Airport Lounge visits
- Complimentary
Get S$199 Cash via PayNow or 3,500 SmartPoints when you apply, spend a min. of S$500 from Card Account Opening Date to end of the following calendar month! Pay Annual Fee for HSBC TravelOne Card. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enrol in our Rollin' Rewards campaign for FREE and stand a chance to win 50,000 SmartPoints. That’s enough to redeem ANY item from our Rewards Store, such as a Sony BRAVIA 3 85-Inch 4K Ultra HD Google TV (worth S$5,799) + an Apple iPhone 16 Plus 128GB (worth S$1,399).
Apply now till 31 December 2023 and you can enjoy either of the following:
- Get 20,000 air miles (awarded in the form of 50,000 reward points)~; or
- Opt for no welcome gift and get your first-year annual fee waived.
Plus, no conversion fee when you redeem for air miles or hotel points until 31 December 2023. Terms and Conditions apply.
Bon voyage!
#HSBC TravelOne credit card reward points programme terms and conditions apply.
+Air miles and hotel points redemptions will be completed instantly or within 1 business day. For Accor Live Limitless, it will take up to 5 business days. Please note that this list may be updated from time to time.
^Travel insurance coverage is underwritten by HSBC Life (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited is not the underwriter nor the distributor for this insurance plan. It is not an obligation of, deposit in or guaranteed by HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited (Company Registration No. 201420624K).
*SGD deposits are insured up to S$75k by SDIC. HSBC Everyday+ Rewards Programme Terms and conditions apply.
~20,000 miles welcome gift is applicable when:
i. you apply for HSBC TravelOne Credit Card from 1 September to 31 December 2023;
ii. spend at least S$1,000 in eligible spend within the qualifying spend period;
iii. pay the annual fee of S$194.40 (inclusive of GST);
iv. and provide marketing consent in your credit card application to HSBC.
Please refer to full terms and conditions here.
## Instant card approval is applicable to customers who are: (i) Singaporeans/Permanent Residents residing in Singapore; (ii) New to HSBC customers; (iii) Salaried individuals; and (iv) MyInfo applicants. All application and its final approval will be reviewed and determined by HSBC in its discretion. Please refer to full terms and conditions here.
Terms and conditions apply for all offers listed in this article. Visit www.hsbc.com.sg/travel or https://www.homeandaway.hsbc.com/sg/en-gb/travel/ for more details. HSBC is not the supplier of and accepts no liability for the goods and/or services provided by the merchants) involved in the promotions and offers set out above. These promotions and offers are subject to the terms and conditions of the merchant(s) providing the relevant goods and/or services; please refer to the respective merchant(s) for details. HSBC reserves the right to vary the terms of, or withdraw, these promotions and offers at any time without prior notice. All information is correct at the time of posting online.
This post was written in collaboration with HSBC. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same objective lens. We are committed to providing the best information in order for you to make personal financial decisions with confidence. You can view our Editorial Guidelines here.