Spread the Love with ZUJI

I come from a family of 6. By today's (and some 30 years ago) standard, it is consider a huge family. We were not well-to-do and my parents worked hard to provide for us. I remember being afraid to ask my mother for extra money to buy A, B or C required in school because I know it'll be met with a "no money". Yet, somehow, a couple of days later, I would always get the money I requested for.

Based on how we were doing financially and having a big family nucleus, my parents couldn't afford to fly all of us on a family holiday together. I only took a flight for the first time when I was 19 using the money I saved from my part-time jobs. Before that, all the overseas trips I went on were in Malaysia.

I have never blamed my parents for not being able to bring us on holidays because that'll cost at least thousands and is considered a luxury. But we were not poor, money was just tight. My siblings and I still get our fast food fix and my dad would indulge me and get me anything I asked for, be it a camera or CDs from my favourite bands.

One of my most memorable across-the-border trips was our visit to Genting when I was probably 9 or 10.

My memories of the trip was quite vague, I remember my dad drove us up to Genting Highlands with my cousins and extended family. I slept most of the journey because I used to have motion sickness (not as bad now) and my mum had plastic bags and sour plums ready for me. We stayed in a service apartment and went to the theme park, took a lot of pictures using film camera and I cannot remember anything else haha. It must have been mighty fun because hanging out with other kids (cousins we don't see very often) is always fun.

Times Square, New York

Since young, and especially after my first trip on the airplane, I was always eager to travel. I want to learn about the places I read in (text)books, try the food they eat and immerse myself in a culture other than the one I am familiar with. I was lucky I got into SQ as a flight attendant and flew with the airline for a good five years.

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

Now that I have seen so many cities around the world, I strongly believe that travelling should start at a young age. Children absorb knowledge better through their sensory senses. Coupled with what they learn in the classroom, travelling would give them a better understanding and at the same time, allow them to acquire new skills/knowledge they would not have been able to gain in school.

Hyde Park, London

Which is why ZUJI and I have a common direction. We believe that the joy of travelling is for everyone.

Everyone, including disadvantaged low-income families.

I might not have the fortune to travel far when I was still in school but I certainly do hope that kids these days have it better than me.

I believe most of us are familiar with ZUJI. It is an online travel agent (OTA) that provides extensive booking services. You can search, compare and book your preferred flights, hotels, insurance and even car hire all on one site and it is definitely one of the websites I check out before I make my travel plans.

Currently, ZUJI is partnering with MasterCard and they would like to invite everyone to join them in creating bright and worldly possibilities for the 13,000 beneficiaries under The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (SPMF) this year.

It is really SO EASY to help.

For each new "LIKE" on ZUJI Singapore Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/zuji.com.sg) from now till 1 November 2015, ZUJI will make a $0.50 donation to SPMF! After you've done the click, share the word with your friends so we can get more out of this initiative for SPMF :)

The video above shows the story of one of SPMF's beneficiaries, Charmaine. At a tender age of 13, I think Charmaine's maturity surpassed her peers and maybe even some of us because we will never know how tough it is on her family and her. And that's why I count my lucky stars that not only am I healthy, I also have the luxury to travel a few times a year now.

You can find out more about this initiative at www.zuji.com.sg/alotlikelove as well as view stories and videos of beneficiaries and find out how else you can help to fulfil the dreams of the low-income families.

To be updated of the latest ZUJI travel deals and the ‘A lot like love’ campaign, subscribe to ZUJI e-newsletter on http://www.zuji.com.sg/newsletter/

Don't forget to "LIKE" ZUJI FB page at http://www.facebook.com/zuji.com.sg!

Lastly, GIVEAWAY TIME:
ZUJI is giving away $100 travel voucher to one of my readers! Share with me “What do you miss about travelling with your family?” in the comment section and I will choose my favourite reply! Do remember to leave down your email address so I can contact you after ;) Best of luck!!