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4 accommodations under $64/night in Fukuoka, Japan, if you can free yourself up for these travel dates in June 2024

Escape to Fukuoka, Japan, with our guide to these four accommodations priced under $64/night.

If you have the flexibility to travel in June 2024, these options will ensure a budget-friendly stay.

Studio rental unit for 2 near train stations

Price: $42/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 11 to 15 June 2024

First up, we have this studio rental unit is located near both Sasabaru Station and Ijiri Station, making it just the right size for a couple or compact for up to three guests.

Futons are provided along with a small kitchenette that includes a fridge, kettle, microwave, and sink—all the essentials for a short stay or simple home base.

Family restaurants, McDonald’s, and supermarkets are all within walking distance, so you have everything you need nearby while the cozy unit provides a place to rest your head between expeditions.

Clean & bright studio close to Minami-Fukuoka Station

Price: $53/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 1 to 6 June 2024

Or consider this clean & bright studio close to Minami-Fukuoka Station, great for a short getaway.

Just a 3-minute walk from Minami-Fukuoka Station, the convenience can’t be beaten.

The elevator in the building means no stair climbing with luggage after a flight or after your day out, and the double bed is cozy for two.

While the studio sleeps up to four (at a different rate), be warned that it may be snug.

Still, you get a pantry area for preparing simple meals, plus an in-unit washer for doing laundry between sightseeing.

Simple & small living space great for backpackers

Price: $54/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 15 to 20 June 2024

Next, we have this simple studio ideal for budget-minded travelers looking for an affordable place to rest their heads.

Located near the Fukuoka PayPay Dome stadium, this no-frills living space offers two single beds, a kitchenette with basic amenities for whipping up light meals, and an in-unit washer for your dirty laundry.

While not fancy by any means, the studio provides all the necessities for backpackers/travelers needing a comfortable place to recharge between their adventures.

Cozy studio near Box Town Hakozaki

Price: $61/night (for 2 persons)

Travel dates: 2 to 7 June 2024

Last but not least, this cozy studio could be good for a short stay in Fukuoka, situated between the Hakozakikyudai-Mae and Hakozakimiya-Mae stations with convenient access to Box Town Hakozaki shopping mall.

The fuss-free studio has futon beds for a restful night’s sleep, while the kitchenette near the entrance has everything you need for simple meals—even a rice cooker!

So unpack and feel at home right away.

There’s also an in-unit washer, allowing you to pack light for your stay in this convenient studio in Higashi Ward.

If you can free yourself for the abovementioned travel dates in June 2024, visit Fukuoka! While the accommodations we’ve introduced to you here aren’t fancy stays, the price is worth the adventure, ain’t it? Furthermore, they’ve gotten pretty decent reviews so you should be in good hands. Have a lovely time in Japan!

8 newly opened cafes to visit within 1 km from Hapjeong & Mangwon Stations in Seoul, South Korea

Not your first time traveling to South Korea and want to visit other neighborhoods apart from those touristy ones?

You’re in luck!

I’ve searched high and low, left and right, and zoomed in and out on the maps to find you the latest cafes that have just opened not too long ago.

Hapjeong and Mangwon Stations are not too far away from Hongdae (Hongik University Station) so if you’re in that area or planning to visit, don’t forget to swing by Mangwon and Hapjeong for these cafes.

Within 0.6 km from Hapjeong Station

폴드 베이커리 | Fold Bakery

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Opening hours:

Closed on Mondays

11 am to 8 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

Prices: Starting from 3,800 KRW (3.80 SGD) for drinks

Address: 31 Dongmak-ro 2-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor)

Distance: 257 m from Exit 7 of Hapjeong Station

릴 트리츠 | Lil Treats

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/colorlesss/223370818289

Opening hours:

11 am to 8 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Prices: Starting from 4,300 KRW (4.30 SGD) for drinks

Address: 126 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor, No. 105)

Distance: 560 m from Exit 2 of Hapjeong Station

Within 0.9 km from Mangwon Station

도파민 | Dopamin

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Opening hours:

Closed on Mondays

9 am to 6 pm (Tuesday to Friday)

10 pm to 7 pm (Saturday & Sunday)

Prices: Starting from 4,000 KRW (4.01 SGD) for drinks

Address: 22 World Cup-ro 15-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor)

Distance: 225 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

47625 Coffee

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Opening hours:

9 am to 9 pm (Monday to Friday)

12 pm to 9 pm (Saturday)

1 pm to 6 pm (Sunday)

Prices: Starting from 4,000/5,000 KRW (4.01/5.01 SGD) for drinks

Address: 9 World Cup-ro 10-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor)

Distance: 270 m from Exit 1 of Mangwon Station

카페 공명 | Cafe Gong Myoung

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Opening hours:

7 am to 9 pm (Monday to Friday)

10 am to 9 pm (Saturday & Sunday)

Prices: Starting from 5,000 KRW (5.01 SGD) for drinks

Address: 99-2 Jandari-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor)

Distance: 483 m from Exit 1 of Mangwon Station

비번 | Bibun

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/cogus0544/223378936350

Opening hours:

12 pm to 8 pm (Monday to Sunday)

Prices: Starting from 4,000/4,500 KRW (4.01/4.50 SGD) for drinks

Address: 54 Huiujeong-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (3rd floor)

Distance: 538 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

앤드앤드 | Andand

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/byk6268/223344840707

Opening hours:

Closed on Mondays

10 am to 8 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)

Prices: Starting from 4,000 (4.01 SGD) for drinks

Address: 14 Seongmisan-ro 10-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor)

Distance: 645 m from Exit 1 of Mangwon Station

캐롯뜨 | Carrotte

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Opening hours:

Closed on Tuesdays

10 am to 8 pm (Monday, Wednesday to Sunday)

Prices: Starting from 4,000 KRW (4.01 SGD) for drinks

Address: 47 Poeun-ro 5-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor)

Distance: 801 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Premium economy experience with new meals & amenity kits onboard Singapore Airlines from 31 March

Happy Travel Thursday!

In today’s post, allow us to update you on some big changes coming to Singapore Airlines’ Premium Economy experience.

In a few days starting 31 March, if you’re a passenger in that cabin class, you can look forward to larger portions, higher quality ingredients, and some new dish options.

Woo.

And that’s not all for you will also be getting upgraded amenity kits that are more eco-friendly.

A long-awaited upgrade

This is a major refresh of the Premium Economy experience since it was first introduced 9 years ago, in 2015.

Singapore Airlines wants to keep improving things based on customer feedback with this philosophy:

To never stop trying to deliver an even better-personalized experience while flying.

And rightly so since we all know that their flight ticket prices ain’t cheap.

New recipes, new taste

SIA Premium Economy_Family Enjoying Meals

Image Credits: singaporeair.com

Over the past two years, SIA has been developing new recipes.

They’ve got 48 appetizers, 175 main courses, and 34 desserts in the works.

Some dishes are enhanced versions of old favorites, but they’re also introducing some fresh choices.

For example, on their “Book the Cook” pre-order menu, they’ve added 9 new options including beef bourguignon, Malay-style lamb curry with roti jala, and even some plant-based mushroom eggplant meatballs.

Great for plant-based food fans!

Also, one classic Singaporean dish they worked hard to perfect is bak chor mee, the minced pork noodles we never get sick of.

Image Credits: singaporeair.com

It took the team 10 to 12 months and 90 tries to get the sauce balances of the vinegar and sambal right.

They even visited top hawker stalls to make sure it was as authentic as possible.

For the other 11 Book the Cook meals, existing recipes got an upgrade too—the nasi lemak will now feature rendang chicken instead of fried chicken.

Regional menus are also expanding, with Indian meals adding an extra side dish and the popular papadum snack.

Yums.

Special dietary meals now provide more choices too, even customized child meals that kids can pick between Western, Asian, or vegetarian.

The wine and drink selections got an overhaul as well with new varietals and non-alcoholic options like peppermint and chamomile teas.

There’s even Cadbury hot chocolate to choose from!

Image Credits: singaporeair.com

To serve all this, Singapore Airlines has also improved its food presentation.

Meals will be served on new porcelain dishware for the food to stay hot longer in a sustainable way

The new trays also maximize space so they can pack in more food.

Revamp of the amenity kit

The amenity kit also underwent a change.

Reflecting changing customer preferences and a growing desire for sustainability, Singapore Airlines partnered with Out Of The Woods, a US-based maker of eco-conscious products, for a fresh amenity kit.

Crafted from eco-friendly Forest Steward Council (FSC)-certified kraft paper fabric, the kit features eyeshades and slippers made from recycled PET material.

Additionally, it includes a lip balm in biodegradable packaging.

Image Credits: singaporeair.com

Unlike its predecessor, this new kit excludes items like dental kits and moisturizers, which can be found in the lavatory during the flight.

To get your hands on those revamped kits***, do make a request after boarding.

Who’s excited about their upcoming Singapore Airlines flight from 31 March?

***For flights lasting seven hours or more only.

4 pet-friendly hotels in Singapore with special staycation packages for your furkids

Think traveling overseas with your furry companions is a hassle?

Look local!

If you’re searching for pet-friendly hotels to enjoy a staycation with your furkids, we have options.

Take a look at these special staycation packages designed specifically for both you and your four-legged friends.

Capella Singapore

What about a relaxing spa-cation at Capella Singapore?

This is where your fur kid can enjoy an Ayurvedic Spa session while you indulge in an intuitive 90-minute massage.

This paw-some package includes accommodation of your choice (subject to availability), daily in-room breakfast for two, and complimentary parking and is valid through to 21 December 2024 (blackout dates apply).

The VIP pet treatment includes an Addiction Pet Foods welcome pack and a cozy bed so your pet feels right at home.

Let your pet enjoy the spa life while you recharge your batteries.

Intercontinental Singapore

Or pamper your precious pooch with Intercontinental Singapore’s lavish Pet Getaway.

Check into a spacious Classic Heritage Wing Room or Heritage Suite with an outdoor porch and be greeted with a welcome basket of pet amenities including plush beds, towels, water bottles, treats, and waste bags.

Your furry friend will enjoy gourmet dog snacks from the exclusive pet-friendly menu and relax on their plush bed while you indulge in the in-room breakfast spread.

This one-night staycation is THE luxury experience for you and your four-legged family member.

So check out of the daily grind and check into a paw-some stay!

Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa

Treat your furry friend to a staycation at the Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa with Furkid Offers.

Your feline friend can enjoy a cozy Pampered Meow Room overlooking the garden with fun cat furniture and a gourmet meal prepared with premium human-grade ingredients.

The deluxe room features a cat climber, rattan pet bed, litter box, scratch box, water fountain, and bowls for a pawfect getaway.

Or as part of the Pampered Paws staycation package, you will receive accommodation for you and your furkid of any size along with a furkid welcome amenity kit featuring treats, wet food, chews, wipes, and more.

Your pet will be pampered from check-in to check-out with quality service and amenities.

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa

Last but not least, consider spending a day of paws-ative luxury at the Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa with their FurKid Retreat.

Your four-legged friend can play to their heart’s content in the outdoor areas, all while you lounge by Tanjong Beach.

Your stay includes breakfast and dinner for two at Kwee Zeen restaurant, a pet amenity box filled with furry goodies from Silversky, and a pet bed and bowl.

Personalized photography services are available so you can capture precious memories to take home.

From $578++ per night with one furkid, this furry retreat also welcomes additional pets for $120++ per pet, per night.

Indulge in the pet-friendly hospitality offered by these four hotels. These accommodations cater to both you and your furry companions with their amenities, services, and special packages for furkids. We’re sure it’s going to be a tail-wagging experience for your beloved buddies!

Jeju proposes an “eco-tourism tax” to curb environmental damage from tourism

Planning a trip to South Korea and hoping to hop by Jeju Island for a night or two?

We’ve got bad news for you.

Well, not exactly bad news yet since it has not been implemented but plans are underway.

So Jeju, which we all know is a well-known resort area in Korea, is looking to charge visitors a fee to help protect the environment.

They’re calling it an “eco-tourism tax”.

Last week, the local government on Jeju Island released a report about charging visitors more to help ‘take care’ of the environment.

How much will be charged?

It suggested charging about 1,500 KRW (1.51 SGD) per night for hotel rooms.

But that’s not all.

There are also plans to charge around 5,000 KRW (5.03 SGD) per day to rent a car/vehicle, and 5% of the cost for bus tours.

These amounts are based on a study from a few years ago about charging visitors on the island in the name of an “eco-tourism tax”.

The money collected would be used to help with problems like pollution and sewage.

It would also protect natural areas from the over 10 million people who visit each year.

Will the tax apply only to Jeju?

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The report said Jeju would be the first place in Korea to do this.

Many popular places in Europe already charge these environmental fees and the report by the Korea Environment Institute (KEI) thinks Jeju should seriously consider doing the same thing.

The fees are allowed under a Korean law about environmental protection, which states that people who benefit from nature should help pay for it.

Jeju is known for its natural areas and volcanoes listed by UNESCO but the report also pointed out that while tourism is big for Jeju, it causes pollution problems.

In addition, the island doesn’t make much money even though so many people visit.

In the future, other places such as Gangwon Province and Ulleung Island may start charging environmental fees too…

Someday.

What other countries are doing

Many countries in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific have started charging “green fees” in recent years to control overtourism and pollution.

Jeju has tried passing these fees before since 2012 but stakeholders have opposed it, citing nuances of an “island entrance fee”.

Now, both major political candidates support the idea.

The local governor also wants it.

But some worry it may discourage people from visiting if it costs more, even its own residents from other cities.

In fact, the number of Korean visitors was down last year while more traveled abroad.

The local government will discuss the report more later this month and plan to introduce the fees if a new national law allows it after Korea’s general elections in April.