How to Deal with Scam Texts | What to Do When You Receive Scam Texts

Received A Scam Text? Do This to Protect Your Bank Account | How to Spot & Stop Scam Text Messages

What is a scam text? These are innocent-looking texts you receive like, “are you there”, “sorry, can’t now”, “how are you?”, and so on. The purpose of these texts to intrigue you to start a conversation. These questions are designed in such a way that a lot of us will respond when asked.

When you reply to these texts, the first thing that happens is that your phone number gets confirmed that it’s a valid and real number (Confirmation Trap). Your number then goes to a phone database which is the scammers’ favourite and gets sold on the dark web.

Later on, you will start receiving scam calls on your phone from various scammers from different parts of the world because you have a confirmed active number.

The second thing that happens is that scammers will try to make you click on a link to take control of your phone (Phishing Links). If that happens, you can expect your bank accounts and credit cards to get drained at some point.

If you do not click on anything, the scammers will try to keep the conversation going to lure you to fall in love with them or other tactics to make you pay (Emotional Manipulation).

There are many other things that possibly can happen, but now you know the basics on how scam texts work.

So the next time you receive a scam text, the best and the only thing to do is not to reply and delete it immediately.

If you want to go one step further, you can report this text as a scam on your phone. Depending on your operating system, there is an option to report texts as scams and you should utilize that whenever necessary.

Tim Hortons Takes a Slice: First Impressions of the New Flatbread Pizza

Tim Hortons Unveils New Flatbread Pizza: First Impressions

Tim Hortons recently launched their brand-new flatbread pizza, which was the talk of the town. We wanted to try it for the first time and decided to do a first impressions video.

Ordering Up

Our initial excitement was dampened by the limited vegetarian options. With only pepperoni, bacon, and cheese on the menu, we settled for the chicken parmesan—the only option without pork. We also grabbed two coffees to complete our meal.

Behind the Counter

Intrigued by the preparation process, we watched as the staff assembled our pizza. The flatbread base was brushed with what appeared to be oil or butter, followed by a layer of sauce, cheese, and what we presumed to be parmesan cheese. The chicken was then added, making it the only option suitable for our dietary restrictions.

Super Fast Machine

The most surprising aspect of the experience was the cooking time. The pizza went into a compact oven and emerged a mere minute later, perfectly golden brown. This efficiency is a definite advantage for those on the go.

First Impressions

The pizza itself was a decent size, measuring approximately 11 by 7 inches. The initial aroma was pleasant, with a hint of cheesiness. However, the first bite revealed a noticeable level of saltiness, which may be a drawback for some.

Final Notes

Despite the higher salt content, we were generally satisfied with our Tim Hortons flatbread pizza. The crust was soft and not greasy, and the overall taste was decent. At a price point around $7.99, it's a convenient and affordable option for a quick bite.

Also, another feature we liked a lot about our Tim Hortons pizza was that it wasn’t too oily like Pizza Pizza. We found nothing major to complain about and we don’t mind having Tim Hortons flatbread pizza once in a while on an ongoing basis.  

Tim Hortons Pizza Challenge! First Impressions! (Honest Review)

The Ultimate 3 to 5 Day Phuket Itinerary

Best Things to See in Phuket (3 to 5 Days in Phuket, Thailand)

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is a paradise for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. With stunning coastlines, vibrant nightlife, and historical landmarks, Phuket offers something for everyone. This guide will help you create your perfect 3 to 5 day itinerary, packed with the best things to see and do in Phuket.

Getting to Phuket

From Bangkok:

Phuket boasts its own international airport (HKT) offering direct flights from Bangkok (both BKK and DMK) in about 1 hour 15 minutes. Prices are comparable between airports, but like Krabi, DMK might offer more flight options and convenient departure times. Choose based on your location and preference.

From Krabi:

Ferries operate daily between Krabi and Phuket, offering scenic journeys across the Andaman Sea. Travel time can range from 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the ferry type. Consider the convenience and cost when making your choice.

From Your Arrival Point to Your Hotel:

Taxis, metered taxis, airport shuttles, Grab (ride-hailing app), and pre-booked private transfers are all available to whisk you from the airport to your hotel. For a hassle-free arrival, consider booking a private transfer online beforehand.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Patong Beach:

For vibrant nightlife, a vast selection of restaurants, and lively markets, Patong Beach is the ideal base. This bustling area offers easy access to jet-skiing, parasailing, and other water activities. However, it can be quite crowded, especially during peak season.

Kata Beach & Karon Beach:

These beautiful beaches offer a good balance between lively experiences and relaxation. They provide a plethora of restaurants, bars, and shops, with a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Patong.

Surin Beach & Kamala Beach:

For a tranquil getaway with stunning scenery, consider the northern beaches like Surin and Kamala. These areas offer luxurious resorts, boutique hotels, and a slower pace of life.

Choosing Your Base:

Phuket caters to various travel styles. Consider your preferences for nightlife, relaxation, and budget when picking your perfect location.

The Ultimate Phuket Itinerary & Best Things to See in Phuket

Instead of a rigid day-by-day itinerary, this guide highlights must-do activities in Phuket, allowing you to craft your ideal itinerary based on your interests.

Island Hopping Adventures (Optional):

Phuket offers numerous island tours, but consider these top picks:

1. Phi Phi Islands Day Trip: Explore the stunning Phi Phi Islands, famous for Maya Bay (the filming location of "The Beach") and breathtaking limestone cliffs.

2. James Bond Island Tour: Visit Khao Phing Kan, the iconic island featured in the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."

3. Phang Nga Bay Tour: Discover the mesmerizing Phang Nga Bay, dotted with towering limestone karsts and hidden coves. Kayak through secret lagoons and marvel at the iconic James Bond Island.

Pro Tip: Book these tours in advance, especially during peak season. You can also take these tours from neighboring Krabi, so compare prices and choose the most convenient option.

Top Things You Must Not Miss in Phuket:

Beaches:

• Patong Beach: Lively atmosphere, water sports, restaurants, and nightlife.

• Kata Beach and Karon Beach: Stunning scenery, good swimming conditions, and a variety of resorts.

• Freedom Beach: Secluded beach with a laid-back vibe, accessible by boat or longtail taxi.

• Nai Harn Beach: Picturesque beach with calm waters, ideal for families.

Activities:

• Big Buddha: A majestic Buddha statue atop Nakkerd Hill, offering panoramic views.

• Old Phuket Town: Explore the historical Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street markets.

• Wat Chalong: Phuket's most revered temple, showcasing intricate Buddhist architecture.

• Elephant Sanctuary Tour: Opt for a responsible sanctuary that prioritizes animal welfare over exploitative practices.

• Phuket FantaSea: A cultural theme park with extravagant shows, parades, and a variety of entertainment options.

Thrilling Activities:

• White Water Rafting: Embark on a thrilling white-water rafting adventure through the lush jungles of Phuket.

• Surf's Up!: Catch some waves at Phuket's west coast beaches like Kata Noi and Surin during the monsoon season (May-October).

• Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant underwater world teeming with coral reefs and marine life.

Nightlife:

• Patong Beach: Bars, clubs, and live music venues for every taste.

• Bangla Road (Patong): Notorious nightlife district with a mix of bars, discos, and adult entertainment.

• Kata and Karon Beaches: Offer a more relaxed nightlife scene with beach bars and restaurants.

• Night Markets: Experience the local night markets and sample authentic Thai cuisine.

Pro Tip: Some activities might be included in your booked tours. Check beforehand to avoid redundancy.

Embrace the flexibility of this guide to create your dream Phuket itinerary. Choose the experiences that resonate most with you and create lasting memories on this incredible island.

Travel Like a Pro: 5 Unusual Hacks You've Never Heard Of!

5 Travel Hacks You Didn’t Know

Ever felt like every travel blog and social media post offers the same old advice? Here you will discover five game-changing hacks to revolutionize your adventures, making them smoother, more enjoyable, and budget-friendly than ever before.

Uncover Hidden Treasures at Your Local Library

Your humble local library is a goldmine of untapped travel resources, such as guides, language phrasebooks, and even discounted museum passes. Dive into their website or chat with a knowledgeable librarian to unearth exciting travel gems awaiting discovery.

Meet Your New Travel BFF – The Multifunctional Buff

Introducing the versatile buff – a versatile piece of fabric that magically transforms into a scarf, headband, face mask, or even a makeshift towel. Lightweight, compact, and bursting with color and personality, it's the perfect way to save precious luggage space while adding flair to your travel wardrobe.

Dive into Local Culture with Expert-Led Walking Tours

Swap guidebooks for free, immersive walking tours led by passionate local experts. Unearth hidden gems, historical sites, and captivating stories you'd never stumble upon otherwise. Show your appreciation by tipping your guide at the end, and feel good about supporting local businesses.

Skyrocket Your Airline Miles Experience with Unforgettable Upgrades

Instead of saving your hard-earned miles for free flights, use them to upgrade your seat. Experience the unrivaled luxury of business class without the eye-watering price tag.

Embrace Basic Car Maintenance for Stress-Free Road Trip Adventures

Before your epic road trip, equip yourself with essential car knowledge. Learn to check your tire pressure, refill fluids, and tackle a flat tire like a pro. Countless online tutorials and resources are at your fingertips, transforming you into a confident and savvy road warrior.

You may not be able to use all of these travel tips, but at the very least they will come in handy on your next trip. I have a travel video playlist where I publish tiny travel hacks like these. Please visit the link for more.

Traveling? Never Exchange Currency at Your Local Bank

Why You Should Not Convert Currency at Your Bank

If you are converting currency at your home bank, you are losing a lot of money due to exuberant charges. I made the same mistakes many years ago.

But now, after checking online I convert just a little at a currency shop that has good ratings. This way, I will have enough cash for the first couple of days after arriving at my destination. And then I can convert more currency at a local shop as needed at a rate much better than in my home country.

For example, I was recently looking to convert Canadian dollars to Thai Baht and UAE Dirham for my upcoming trip. Here are the different rates I checked:

Location              THB    AED

NHVN Toronto   2600     263

Another Shoppe 2500    Not Available

TD Bank              2463     248

Bangkok              2700     Not Available

You can see that by going to a currency shop in Toronto and not going to a bank (all banks have very similar rates) I saved $4 per $100 Cad.

However, if I had going to TD then I would lose $8 per $100 Cad in conversion when compared to a local currency shop in Bangkok. That’s a huge difference.

So the lesson here is that you should convert a little amount just to get going for a couple of days at a reputable currency store in your country and do the rest of your exchange in your destination country, which always will have better rates. And never go to a bank to convert currency.

I have a video on this here: Best Place to Exchange Currency