Before you step out on the streets of Singapore let’s get a snapshot view of what this city offers you when you are in transit. If you run a search on Google, Yahoo, Bing and bring up review sites you will get to read that most travelers state that Singapore is a safe place to travel either with family or alone and that’s even at night. Public transport is very efficient and you get to see the signboards all planned properly. The city is well organized and is planned with tourist in mind so that you never lose your way. Food is easily available and if hygienic as well as tasty. Singapore is country where you will get to see people buzzing around the place speaking in various languages such as Malay, Chinese, German, English, Hindi, Tamil, “Singlish” – Singapore English slang.

Due to global warming one needs to note that Singapore weather is currently unpredictable. It can either be sunny or rainy in any given day. A mix between these two will occur throughout the year. You may find cloudy days with frequent afternoon showers during December to January. If it rains during these months then you can expect it to rain at a stretch of four to five days. though this may not be that appealing but when it does rain you will not have any problems moving around the place as the pathways on the streets are all covered and connected with underground passages.During the period of March to May Singapore experiences a much drier climate. Here the temperature will vary from 24 deg C to 31 deg C. June to September experiences haze. Late morning and early afternoon showers with thunder is expected during these months.

If during your transit you find yourself in Singapore for about 3 hours then its recommended that you experience what Singapore has to offer by visiting the various Terminals. You can spend more than a day just at the airport as there is so much to see. Here are a few tips that you can use during these few hours. Enjoy the free chair massage and foot massage at the Oasis Lounge, there are approximately 500 internet terminals at the airport so chatting with friends, checking your face book account or updating your status on twitter is easy and effective. Terminal 2 has an entertainment deck where you can play a few online games or watch your favorite music video on a large plasma television. Terminal 1 offers Star Movies which is located close to the food gallery and of course you can check out the various malls around Terminal 1.

Don’t miss out on a full body massage. Its great and at the same time it allows you to relax. You can avail of this service at the Rainforest Lounge located at the Transit Mall. There are plenty of lounge areas where one can chill out with a glass of wine or a cocktail and enjoy the relaxing music before you are all set for your next flight. If you are in Transit for more than 3 hours then do take the opportunity to see Singapore through a very short tour. This is a free service provided at the airport by Singapore Tourism. The tour is for approximately 2 hours and you could choose based on your interest whether you would like to view Singapore culture or you could opt for the Colonial Tour. If you would prefer to do your own thing rather than go on a tour then you could use the free shuttle service provided at regular intervals. This shuttle bus service stops at prominent locations such as Little India, Bugis Street, Suntec City, etc…

We hope that the information provided in this article was useful. Do visit Singapore as it’s a nice pleasant place. Make sure though that you plan your visit in advance so that you don’t miss out on some great deals and events happening in Singapore. Before your departure make sure you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance so that you don’t miss your connecting flight. Wishing you a safe journey and do have fun.

We are passionate about travel and offer a range of holiday packages from India. Please visit our site for more on our Singapore holiday packages

categories: travel and leisure, destination tips, budget travel, travel, tourism, holiday, vacation, singapore, entertainment, family, destinations

Levoca, with its population of less than 15,000, is historical Slovakia at its most picturesque and beguiling. Around 355 kilometres from Bratislava, and part of what is referred to as the ‘Gothic Route’, Levoca is at the heart of the incredibly scenic Spis region. Close to the national parks of Slovak Paradise and the High Tatras, which are popular for both summer and winter tourists, Levoca makes an ideal base for an exploration of all of this appealing area.

Levoca was recently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and while it’s not the most popular vacation spot on Earth, everyone who has been there believes it deserves this recognition. Inside the town you will find that there are still six watch towers from the old world, and many of the buildings still have their original walls, which date back several hundred years.

The town’s major portal, the Kosice Gate, is directly behind both an ornate Baroque church and an eighteenth century monastery. The town square itself, which is a photographer’s dream location, houses the 14th century church of St Jakob, a Town Hall dating back in parts to the 15th century, several other impressively grand buildings and the symbolic and strange ‘Cage of Shame’.

The Church of St Jakob is notable especially for its magnificent example of a Gothic wooden carved altar. Made by famous local craftsman Master Paul, this is the largest example of its kind in the world and, together with 10 other winged Gothic and Renaissance altars inside the church, makes an astonishing interior.

Another great site to see is the Cage of Shame. It is something that you will not soon forget, and it is a relic from the past-an unpleasant past as it may have been. It is a relic from the times when common criminals were subject to public humiliation.

Levoca is a town that you can lose yourself in quite easily. It is a relic from the past, and a huge part of Slovakian heritage. Believe it or not, the Slovakian National Anthem was first sung in this very town. That was an event that took place in the nineteenth century.

Those looking for a good place to stay should think about the Hotel U Leva. It’s right in the town square, and is a rather beautiful building. It is a stylish building and provides a classical charm, though it doesn’t skimp on the modern necessities. The rooms have satellite televisions, and even high speed internet access. There are all sorts of facilities and shops within, and it is highly accessible to the disabled. As far as food goes, you likely will not find a better restaurant in down aside from the one in the hotel.

Levoca is not a tourist ‘hot spot’ – indeed, for many people that will be part of its undoubted charm. What is certainly is, though, is a delightful treasure trove of Slovakian history, full of genuinely welcoming people. Go there yourself and discover Levoca, the hidden gem of Slovakia.

If you will find way to this beautiful town, our best recommendation is Hotel U Leva – www.uleva.sk.

categories: destination tips,travelling,travel,travel and leisure,hotels accommodations,hotel,hotels

This place is called the Coral Castle. It was built by one man over a period of 20 years. His name was Edward Leedskalnin. He dedicated his life to creating this 1100 tons structure of coral to a person that he loved who did not love him.

As the story goes, and Leedskalnin was engaged to be married to his sweetheart named Agnes Scuffs. Ed was infatuated with her and affectionately called her his “Sweet 16″. Ed called her this because he was 26 years old at the time and she was nearly 16.

On the day before the wedding, Agnes told Ed that she did not want to marry him anymore. Many theories have arisen for her rejection of him. Some say that he was too poor for her standards. Others believe that it was his lack of education having only gone to school up until the fourth grade.

Regardless of the reason, this event changed the course of Ed’s life. He decided to pack up everything that he had in his hometown of Latvia and journey to Canada to start a new life.

It is said that Edward Leedskalnin wandered about for several years. After making his way to Canada, he then moved down into California and eventually arrived in Texas. He worked several types of jobs including the lumber camps in Canada and California. He is said to have also been part of at least one cattle drive in Texas.

Those that have seen the Coral Castle in Homestead believe that these very laborious jobs made Ed into a very strong man and allowed him to move the 1100 tons of coral that would eventually be known as the Coral Castle. The story seems to be in contrast to the fact that he developed tuberculosis and nearly died after contracting it.

Weighing only 100 pounds and standing a mere 5 feet tall, with the help of a local realtor and his life, Edward Leedskalnin fully recovered from his tuberculosis. Between the years’18 in’20, had purchased a single acre of ground in Florida City from the realtor that helped save his life. He purchased it for $12 and began to work his magic with coral.

One of the reasons that most immigrants come to America is that they believe that our country is the land of opportunity and that through hard work and determination you can create a successful life of your own. This belief, and his love for his Sweet 16, caused Ed to begin though they Coral Castle.

This area of Florida has several thousand feet of coral extended beneath the topsoil. This provided with plenty of working material to create his coral home which consisted of chairs, beds, and interesting artifacts all made out of coral stone.

The mystery of Ed Leedskalnin is that no one ever found out his secret. No witness ever saw him move a single piece of coral and place or cut it into pieces that they became.

There are many amazing structures at the Coral Castle. One of which is the 9 Ton Gate which is a single piece of coral that is perfectly balanced that a child can push it with her finger causing it to turn.

Therefore, despite his nearly fatal illness, Ed arose from the ashes of his previous life and created the amazing structure that tens of thousands of people visit each and every year. It is well worth taking the time to visit and admire this amazing coral structure created by one man’s devotion and love to a woman that did not love him.

For people traveling in the Miami area, the Coral Castle is a must stop must see tourist attraction that is the life’s work of one man who used his secret, a secret that has not been lost again.

Find out more information on the Coral Castle today

categories: travel,travel and leisure,destination tips,destinations

There are several advantages and disadvantages of serviced apartments that you should always take into account.

Pros of London serviced apartments:

* “More space per dollar spent”. Serviced apartments almost always give you more space for the same budget.

* “Freedom”. A serviced apartment will often provide a kitchen where you can make your own food (and save massively on your budget!) – isn’t this fantastic when you’re travelling in a group or with your family?

* “Feeling local”. It “feels good” to have your own apartment in London. You may also feel more like a local!

* “Longer stays”. It is definitely easier to stay in a serviced apartment if you’re in London for a longer period.

* “Flexibility”. A serviced apartment is usually more flexible than renting long-term (usually tied to at least a six-month contract in London).

Disadvantages of London serviced apartments:

* “Lack of hotel service”. Hotels can often save you a bit of time and hassle, though remember that serviced apartments in London do increasingly include services.

* “Absence of concierge service”. This is certainly one downside to many serviced apartments, though there are some which still do provide a concierge.

* “Feel-good factor?”. The top London hotels can sometimes make you feel very special and individual and you may miss this flair with a serviced apartment.

* “The unknown”. You can’t always tell what’s included within a serviced apartment (e.g. will toilet paper be available on arrival?). It’s essential to ask and check what’s included in advance.

You could save around 20% by booking a serviced apartment instead of a similar hotel (though prices can always vary). Do always ask yourself: how essential are all the little “extras” you might get in a hotel when you compare them to the value for money (and often greater space) in a serviced apartment?

If you end up choosing a London serviced apartment, then you should take the following aspects into account before making your booking:

* You could have greater bargaining power by booking direct.

* Visit Britain (the official UK tourism body) has developed accreditation criteria for serviced apartments, which you should try to check before booking.

* Find out any extras which you might have to pay for before reserving (such as telephone costs).

* Be careful about the specific apartment you are given. Don’t trust web photos and always look at various options.

* Check out a few reviews…bad apartments are sometimes advertised in London as “luxury”.

Please be careful and make sure you do proper research before booking your London serviced apartment. Read the London Hotels Insight blog which pre-selects the best serviced apartments based on guest reviews.

The writer provides secret knowledge on the best London hotels along with a guide to the city’s top-rated serviced apartments.

An Oyster card lets you make use of the majority of the London transport system (even though some places choose to stay outside the scheme).

It gets you a huge discount on standard fares and helps avoid the hassle of queueing to buy tickets.

The system automatically saves you money by calculating the lowest fare at the end of each day based on your exact travel that day.

If you travel more than you expected to initially, it only charges you the lowest fare instead of pricey singles and returns.

So does this scheme have any pitfalls?

It can feel a bit daunting initially as you must purchase an Oyster card. This will cost a small deposit, which you ought to quickly recoup in the money you save.

You also need to “touch in and touch out” your Oyster card throughout your journey. But you should get used to this quickly by copying the many Londoners who use the system.

So unless your trip to London is a very brief trip, you’re certainly advised to get onto the Oyster scheme. As far as I know, Oyster cards have no expiry date: you should be able to use them when you return to London.

If you do not expect to come back to London in the near future, you can usually get your deposit back (but please verify this with London Underground before you purchase).

There is a special “Visitor Oyster” card available from certain selling points which is meant to be specifically for tourists. But it does not appear to have any particular benefits currently.

If you really don’t want an Oyster card, you should at least make sure that you buy the cheapest London travelcard for unlimited access to the tube and buses for the entire day. But you may need to wait until after 9.30am on weekdays to access the cheapest fares.

You could also grab a weekly travelcard for an even bigger discount in case you’re in London for longer, but this does mean that you need some sort of photo.

Do recall that Oyster cards and travelcards may be used on the tube and buses, though they are not valid at all rail stations. It’s important to confirm before travelling.

For further info about the Oyster and public transport system in London it is useful to visit the official Transport for London website.

Finally, please make sure you wait until after 9.30am on weekdays to avoid London’s extremely high peak-time prices.

The writer provides expert information on the best of London as well as real-time London hotel tips on Twitter.

categories: London hotels,London serviced apartments,London trip planning,London vacation,Travel,Destination tips

Popular North India Attractions: India is a South Asian democracy and subcontinent. The whole country is divided into four wide parts, North India, South India, East India, and West India. Most of the major Indian tourist attractions can be discovered in North India. Among the most well-known Northern Indian attractions is the Taj Mahal. This unique work of art was constructed by the infamous Mogul emperor Shan Jahan. The Taj Mahal was built in 1649 as a remembrance to his wife. Other north Indian tourist attractions take on (but are not limited to), Lotus Temple, Qutub Minar, Golden Temple, Jaisalmer Fort, Jama Masjid, Hawa Mahal, and the Himalayan mountain range. Northern India is also place to numerous stunning hill stations such as Himachal Pradesh and uttaranchal. All of the previously named tourist attractions provide exciting views, peace, and magnificent vistas.

Popular West India Attractions: Like to north and south India, east and west India too offer very notable tourist attractions. While inspecting India, one may feel themselves in one of Western India’s superior cities. These include: Ahmedabad, Jamnagar, Vadodara, and Maharashtra. Western India is also home to favorite beaches. The state of Goa, although it is the smallest state, contains known beaches such as Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, and much more.

Popular South India Attractions: South India is where a majority of India’s natural attractions can be found. They include the Stone Fort Temple, Kerala Backwaters, Golconda Fort, Ooty, Char Minar, and much more which also hold extensive hill stations in Kerala. Many of India’s famous temples can also be found in southern India. Many of which are the Somnathpur Temple, Meenakshi Temple, Tirupati Balaji Temple, and many more.The part of Kerala is also home to many hill stations. These include Chithirapuram Hill station, Munnar Hill Station, Devikulam Hill Station, Ponmudi Hill Station, Attappady Hill Station, and Nelliyampathy Hill Station. A backwater tour of Kerala is also recommended. This is arguably the popular intriguing way to expend holidays in India. Kerala is truly the tourist capital of India. To Indians it is known as God’s Own Country. Kerala provides extravagant beaches, refresing greens, and coconut canopies.

Popular East India Attractions: The Indian heritage city Kolkata is located in the Eastern part of India. Relocated within the town are the Victoria Memorial, Nandan, National Liberty, Maidan, For William, Race Course, Eden Gardens, Alipur Zoo, Botanical Garden, and much more.

Popular Indian Fairs and Festivals: A tour to India is not accomplished without an Indian fair or festival feel. The Indian people take great pride in their festivals and consider of them as a celebration. The most notable of these festivals are Diwali, Christmas, Holi, Eid, Easter, and Raksha Bandham. In addition to the numerous festivals, Indian fairs such as Pushkar Fair, Nagaur Fair, Beneshwar Fair, and Mata Fair are a must look for all tourists.

To know about more Indian popular tourist attractions and other tourist destinations in India visit India Travel Guide

If you’re visiting London for a short break, why not go to one of the city’s big “department stores” to do all your shopping under a single roof?

Here’s an insider’s guide to the best stores in London where you’re guaranteed to have a great time:

Harrods

Everybody has heard of Harrods! It’s like a playground which you can happily get lost in for hours. I particularly recommend the Food Hall – try an authentic Italian “gelato” if you want to spoil yourself. Although Harrods is expensive it’s always a lot of fun, even just to window-shop!

Liberty

Liberty became famous for dressmaking but is actually a general department store. It is not all that well-organised as a store but that is actually part of its charm. The homewares department is super. The store is in central London right off Regent Street.

Selfridges

Selfridges is heaven for the fashion-conscious and all those who want to browse their favourite designer brands under one roof. Don’t miss the store’s flamboyant window displays on Oxford Street. Selfridges is also known for its special events and exhibitions which change every season. The well-known Selfridges sales is also worth knowing about.

Harvey Nichols

This store is where the famous “Sloane Rangers” or “ladies who lunch” hang out…you might see them with their fancy clothes at the store’s 5th Floor Cafe! Harvey Nichols is almost-0 years old and is very well-known for fashion accessories.

Fortnum & Mason

One of the top stores in London for souvenirs, especially food treats like teas (hundreds of varieties), chocolate and classic English preserves. Sample some mouthwatering temptations (including traditional breakfasts) inside the store’s restaurants. Fortnum & Mason is famous for its amazing hampers: you can take one with you to one of the great Royal Parks!

That completes this round-up of London’s best stores. Happy shopping and be sure to check out London Hotels Insight for more great insider tips.

The writer provides inside information on the best of London as well as real-time London hotel tips on Twitter.

categories: London hotels,London serviced apartments,London trip planning,London vacation,Travel,Destination tips

For holiday makers and business people intending to stay in Melbourne for more than a week serviced apartments and self contained accommodation in the Melbourne CBD period offer an excellent accommodation choice with a number starting from as low as $99 per night. The rates and tariffs for Melbourne self contained apartments is often cheaper that those of hotels and motels and combined with the extra costs savings a serviced apartment offers in is logical choice for many people. Serviced apartments are definitely a cost effective option in comparison to Melbourne hotels and resorts.

The serviced apartments in Melbourne offer many of the same luxuries and amenities as the cities hotels or resorts. The apartments are well furnished to make for peaceful and comfortable living conditions. The decor of the apartments is amazing, contemporary and modern. The wooden floorboards and superior wood work will surely add your holiday comfort and experience. Apartments will nearly always feature a kitchen which is well equipped with all the essential utensils. For entertainment you will also find DVD, LCD television and good collections of books and CD’s. Some apartments even feature a fitness room, swimming pool and games room to keep guests entertained during their stays.

As Melbourne self contained apartments are inclusive of all equipment and utensils for food preparation guests can cook meals to suit their own tastes and needs. Home cooked meals are also a great way to keep travel costs at bay by not having to spend large amounts at cafes and restaurants. This is often a major consideration for families on a budget. It also enables people with specific food preferences and requirements to prepare their own meals.

Self contained and serviced apartments are also an excellent choice for those requiring Melbourne group accommodation. If you are on a business trip or traveling with a social group you can stay together making for more productive business trips and more enjoyable social stays. It is also a great way to divide the cost of accommodation and also the work load of preparing meals. It is not at all difficult to find these serviced apartments for Melbourne accommodation. They can be easily identified online where you can also view a list of services and amenities offered at the apartments. Most of the online apartments feature a photo gallery so you can get a good idea of what to expect. It is always advisable to have the look at all of the rooms and apartments from all angles to select the best one for your own needs and comfort.

Learn more about Melbourne Accommodation. Visit Jasmine Zahara’s site where you can find out all about Melbourne Self Contained Accommodation and how to book it online.

categories: accommodation,melbourne,australia,holidays,vacations,destination tips,travel,lesiure

During the first two weeks of November, the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk comes alive with fascinating and often amusing sculptures to delight all ages. This unique event combines some of the most impressive sculptures with probably the best coastal walk in Australia

The competition is now in its 12th year and last year attracted over half a million visitors. There are over 100 different sculptures to appreciate with 9 different prizes on offer. All of the sculptures are designed to respond in some way to the beautiful coastal setting.

Mark McCelland’s won the prestigious $30,000 prize last year for his “She Thought” which was a large bronze sculpture with a key hole where visitors could see the ocean horizon.

If this is your first time to the exhibition, take some advice from the locals. Try to go early to beat the crowds. It gets VERY busy and it makes the experience so much better if you can linger and admire the artwork on your own rather than part of a huge crowd.

Another recommendation would be to make a day of it. Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte all have BBQ facilities. This is a great way to bring your own food and enjoy the delightful views. Alternatively there are plenty of cafes in both Bondi and Bronte which allows you to take it easy for a while. Some venues put on special food to coincide with the exhibition. Many run their own Sausage Sizzle and BBQs on street corners or hidden terraces.

If you want stunning views and cheap prices then try the Bondi Icebergs RSL Don’t forget to bring some photo ID with you otherwise you will be refused entry no matter how old you are. For something more upmarket try Icebergs Dining Rooms where you’ll be greeted with a delicious BBQ.

In Bronte the small row of cafes offers something for everyone. SWELL is a good choice for those wanting something more upmarket. Jennies is a good all rounder but particularly good for those of you who like coffee.

You’ll also be able to pick up brochures at key points along the walk, which will help explain a little more about the sculptures. You are bound to get to sample various drinks along the way but still, make sure you take plenty of water with you as the walk is still strenuous in places with hills and steps. It makes it a difficult walk with young children or those of you with prams and strollers.

If you do miss this event in Sydney then why not consider going to Perth in March to see it? This one takes place on Cottesloe Beach and is almost identical to the Bondi version.

Make sure this event is on your Sydney TO DO list. What are you waiting for? Get up early and go mix culture with some classic Sydney Beach action.

Jennifer Schellington has nearly half a decade of experience in travelling Australia and has recently had a baby. Her website, www.realaustraliatravel.com gives practical information for planning your visit to Australia as well as what to do and where to go. Click here for more information on Sydney and it’s attractions

categories: australia travel,sydney australia,sydney,destination tips,bondi beach,sydney culture,best beaches,travel,australia,leisure

Each year they release information regarding which countries had the most visitors in a year compared to others. Also they provide information which clearly shows those countries which have seen a marked increase in the number of visitors from abroad visiting them. They also help to break down this list into the various continents showing which countries within Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas were the most popular.

A favourite holiday destination in Europe is Italy, closely followed by France, Spain, UK and Germany. 18% of all holidaymakers choose Europe because of its history and culture. The weather is even good in some places!

When it comes to Africa the most popular destination for travellers from around the world is Egypt. However, now countries such as South Africa, Rwanda, Tunisia and Morocco are certainly becoming ever more popular as well. All of these countries offer a wide array of activities and wonderful places for the travellers to visit.

Up and coming places that are starting to attract many tourists are China, Japan and Thailand. China is very popular at the moment because of the Olympics and Para Olympics. Thailand is very popular with students and backpackers. Then theres Japan which has a totally different way of living which Europeans love to experience.

If looking into the World Tourism Organisation is not enough for you, then it is worth checking out the Independent Tour Operators. They compile a list of the most popular 10 destinations in that year. Below is a list of the 10 ten places.

Tresco in the Isles of Scilly is very popular, quite a bit of construction work has been taking place to build new holiday homes and luxury apartments.

Naples, Italy ” There is not only many of the historic landmarks of the city which have recently been restored for you to spend time viewing, but it has some really wonderful shops and restaurants. Plus you are within easy reach of such attractions as Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius and the Amalfi Coast.

City Breaks, France ” Since the setting up of Eurostar getting to anyone of this countries wonderful cities not just Paris has become much quicker and easier. Although many may not believe it but you will receive a truly warm welcome when you visit any part of France.

Angkor Wat in Cambodia is a fantastic place to visit, there is so much to see and do. One must see is the World Heritage site where visitors can access for free.

Western Iceland ” This is a place where if you are looking for seclusion when on holiday is ideal. Throughout your time the chances of you being disturbed are almost zero so being able to relax and unwind wont be a problem.

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico is a lovely place to visit. Mexico has always been a popular destination because of its culture. The food has a very Spanish and French influence.

Cook Islands, South Pacific ” This is the perfect location if you are looking for some winter sun. Currently this place seems to be proving popular with holiday makers from the UK as the pound is very strong against the New Zealand dollar.

Monte Carlo, is known as a millionaires playground and is very popular with the rich and famous. Monte Carlo becomes very popular and expensive during the week of the Grand Prix.

Zambia is becoming ever so popular with tourists due to the fact that it is very cheap. Safari is a common attraction with lots of wildlife to see. Large tribal homes are a great way to spend your holiday.

Togo and Benin is situated in West Africa is a fantastic holiday resort if you are looking to see another side to Africa. It is a cheap holiday destination so your pound will stretch much further.

Looking for Property abroad? You can search for the perfect holiday homes on the classifieds site Adflyer.

categories: Holidays,Home and Family,Travel and Leisure,Budget Travel,Destination Tips,Vacations,Vacation Homes,Advice,City guides and Information,Hotel Accommodations,News and Society,Buying,Adventure Travel,Dating