travel Archives | Page 18 of 33

4 Interesting Cities In Europe That Are Cheaper Than Zurich

Europe is a captivating continent due to its extreme diversity. Contrary to popular belief, there are many budget-friendly cities in Europe for a Singaporean traveler. Let us start with the most expensive place among 56 popular cities.

According to the 7th Europe Backpacker Index, Zurich will exhaust your travel fund the most. Its Daily Backpacker Index (DBI) is US$124.67 or about S$176.86. This reflects the average cost if you were to get a decent budget hostel, two public transportation rides, three meals, entertainment fund, and a famous attraction per day. Each European city manifests a distinct DBI.

This list will show you the beautiful places that possess the lowest DBI.

4. HUNGARY’S BUDAPEST

Currency: Hungary Forint

Budapest is a paradise for various kinds of Singaporean explorers. It is an excellent bargain find as the Daily Backpacker Index is US$26.75 or approximately S$38. Budapest is blessed with castles, cathedrals, and thermal spas. Not to mention, the city’s reputation as a food capital dates back from the late 19th century.

Worry not if you had too much of the Hungarian wine as you can cure your hangover in one of the city’s hot springs. Some people go to the hot springs to manage their ailments and the majority are there for relaxation.

Hostels provide great value for your money, but you can reap inexpensive prices if you get a place outside of the center. One of the best budget hostels is the Treestyle Hostel with an accommodation as low as US$5.33 or S$7.55 per night.

3. ROMANIA’S BUCHAREST

Currency: Romanian Leu

Bucharest may not be the “most attractive” town in Romania, but it is certainly dynamic and energetic. Trendy cafes and lush parks are abundant here. Moreover, the city fuses the unbridled capitalism with the unreconstructed communism. Its noticeable turn to communism is evident in the massive Palace of Parliament. I suggest you Google it now to see how many rooms the Palace has.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Escape from the hustle and bustle of Singapore by visiting Bucharest’s Cişmigiu Garden. It is the oldest public garden, which spreads over 17 hectares. Many travelers consider visiting here as a pit-stop before heading to Transylvania. It does not matter if you extend a day or two as you will be rewarded with affordable prices all year round. The specific Daily Backpacker Index is US$25.70 or S$36.46. Not bad, right?

2. POLAND’S KRAKÓW

Currency: Polish Zlotych

Renowned for its well-preserved medieval core, Kraków is a must-see city near the border of Poland and Czech Republic. You will be amazed at the architecture of the “Wawel Royal Castle” as well as the rich history of the “Old Town”. The Old Town contains magnificent museums, soaring churches, and Europe’s largest market square. Furthermore, you will greeted by an array of options in restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Europeans who desire to have a quick getaway over the weekends typically consider heading to Kraków. Aside from its historic charm, it offers low prices on hostels and eateries. Its overall Daily Backpacker Index is merely US$24.82 or S$35.21.

1. BULGARIA’S SOFIA

Currency: Bulgaria Leva

The capital of the Balkan nation of Bulgaria is Sofia. It is home to Bulgaria’s premier museums, art galleries, restaurants, and clubs. Its ambiance is far from a grand metropolis as it is pleasantly laid-back. This youthful and unique city has Ottoman mosques and onion-domed churches. The only drawback is this place is typically missed by anyone who is not doing an extensive tour of the region.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sofia offers the most fantastic bargains among the European capitals. With a Daily Backpacker Index of US$24 per day (about S$34), you can purchase decent pizza slices or hotdog sandwiches for as low as US$0.60/S$0.85. Who knew that you can survive in a European place with a food budget of less than US$5/S$7 per day? I certainly did not!

Sources: 1 & 2

What On Earth Is ERP?

As far as the majority is concerned, ERP is something that you must avoid during peak hours. Many Singaporeans plan their routes beforehand in order to drive away from the relatively costly charges. But, have you ever wondered why ERP exists?

ERP or Electronic Road Pricing emerged as a means to control the traffic conditions. Managing the congestion is a must as there is a limit to the number of roads that one can build in Singapore.

I have a simple task for you! As you travel to developing countries, observe how demanding it is for drivers to queue up to the appropriate toll booths. The ERP scheme diminishes this problem by deducting your payments in a wireless manner, without seeking further actions from the drivers.

Image Credits: lta.gov.sg

Its robustness paved way for the significant expansion from 2 to 80 distinct gantries (i.e., bridge-like overhead structure with a platform). You see, ERP was activated on the 1998. Its predecessor was known as the Area Licensing Scheme. Drivers in the late 70’s will remember this.

You may wonder how ERP rates are determined. In complex terms: “rates will be adjusted accordingly based on an optimal speed range of 20-30 km/h on arterial roads and 45-65 km/h on expressways”. In simpler terms, ERP rates are determined by a quarterly review of traffic speeds on certain roads. Factors that affect the rates include:

a. the passenger car unit equivalent,
b. the time you entered the restricted zone, and
c. the systemic pattern during peak hours (i.e., charges alter every half hour during peak hours).

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The future of ERP takes form as a Global Navigation Satellite System. NCS Pte Ltd. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine System Asia Pte Ltd. were appointed to develop this new-age ERP. It will be operational by 2020.

Are you ready for this contemporary shift and its potential effects on the road rates?

Sources: 1 & 2

You Can Flawlessly Survive A Long-Haul Flight

Discovering the cultural differences while traveling the globe is a luxury that many Singaporeans are willing to pay for. While some flights pass by in a snap, other flights seem to drag on forever. I am pertaining to the intimidating long-haul flights!

Each passenger has a story to tell, but I am going to share an interesting one. My friend Rose (definitely not her real name) is a globetrotter. She had her fair share of short term and long term flights, including some of the most rough routes. Among these flights, she will not forget about her 15-hour experience to London. She was seated beside a highly anxious teen who could not stop crying. The teen felt cold and dizzy. She kept crying for almost 10 minutes. At this moment she questioned why this was happening to her. Why was she seated beside a person who is having a panic or anxiety attack? Fortunately, the situation was handled by a passenger who happens to be a licensed doctor.

Rose’s story is a rare case. Most flights are better than others as you may employ strategies to help ease your journey. Flying for a long period of time can become enjoyable with preparation and determination. Let us start with the factors that you can control such as your clothing, seat, and diet.

Given that you have to endure wearing the same outfit for more than three hours, you must be decked out in a comfortable one. Ensure that your chosen set can withstand the blast of the powerful air-conditioning system. I suggest to opt for several loose layers and closed-toed shoes.

When it comes to your eating regimen, you must shy away from alcohol and carbohydrates as much as possible. Carbohydrates holds water and makes you feel more bloated. While, alcohol is a dehydrating agent. Stick to the healthy option of fish (or chicken) and water instead. It is always a good idea to gulp a considerable amount of water before, during, and after your flight.

Lastly, it is important to realize the convenience that the contemporary era brings. Sit peacefully in your seat by reserving ahead of time. Avoid the noise created by babies and children by staying away from the front part of the plane. To reap the benefits of spacious legroom, choose the seats in the exit rows.

To prevent muscle soreness or discomfort, remember to do simple stretching exercises while sitting down. Twist your torso and look behind your shoulders every once in a while. You may also roll your head for a few times to help ease a stiff neck. Having the seat-belt sign turn off can work to your favor! Just take short walks to the lavatory area to stretch your legs and hips.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As with every circumstances in life, you cannot always be on top of the situation. A bearable long-haul flight to others may not serve you well. What can get you through the frightening turbulence and the deafening scream is a positive mindset. Perceive a long-haul flight as a beaming opportunity to catch up on your sleep or television series. It is also the ideal time to indulge on a movie marathon or to carefully write a business plan.

I admit it! Flying for a long period of time is not always easy for the mind and the body. Still, many of the strategies that I mentioned above can help reduce the strain of flying. Follow and modify these. More importantly, realize that the flight will eventually come to a safe ending. So, stay hopeful and committed!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Travel Hack: How To Keep Your Phone Bills Low When Travelling

By Akansha Priyadarshi

Despite being excited about your upcoming vacation, you can’t help but notice the lump in your throat when you remember the $1,000 inflated phone bill you faced after your last trip. Having your phone during your travels is essential; from finding cheap things to do in Phuket, looking at maps and snapping photos with your camera, the average traveler today can’t travel without their phones. However, keeping your phone bills low is a challenge when overseas. The cost of cellular data and phone calls can swell ridiculously the moment your phone goes on international roaming. Try using the following hacks to avoid moaning over your phone bill after your next vacation.

Switch off your data roaming

This is one of the simplest things you can do to avoid exorbitant additions to your phone bill if you don’t have an international data plan. Keep the data switched off by sliding off the cellular data in your phone. To turn off cellular data on most phones, go into settings and turn off cellular data and data roaming to avoid data roaming charges.

Buy a new local SIM

Buying a new local SIM when you visit a new country is the easiest and cheapest option. This is perfect if you know you’re going to need cellular services and internet. The new SIM card will provide you with a temporary local plan without slaying your account. Most networks have a counter at the airport after baggage claim to assist tourists, so be sure to keep a look out for those to get your local SIM card.

Disable push notifications

You don’t need push notifications while travelling. Who wants to know the growing number of emails piling up in that inbox when you are enjoying a day at a beach? To top it all, it costs you your data usage.

Source: Johan Larsson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/johanl/4412680795)

Download your maps in advance

It always pays off when you plan your trips in advance. You can download maps for the locations you are going to visit beforehand, when you have a planned itinerary. Use free Wi-Fi services in your hotel or any other place where free Wi-Fi is available to download the maps before you head out. It will save you from expensive cellular data costs. You can use apps like Citymapper or Google Maps that have functions for users to save maps for offline use and to navigate around without using unnecessary data. Here are more travel tips on using Google Maps.

Source: William Hook (https://www.flickr.com/photos/williamhook/4225307113)

Keep a check on your data usage

Last but not least, you can track your data usage. It is easy to forget how much data is being used when you’re watching YouTube videos and have numerous photos to post on your Instagram, Facebook and other social media accounts. You could save yourself a lot of trouble if you set a limit for data usage and be mindful of it. There are several data tracker apps such as 3G Watchdog, My Verizon Mobile, DataMan and My Data Manager, that can help you in tracking your usage. And if you use an iPhone, you can simply reset the data statistics by going on setting and adjusting your cellular usage.

Leave your holiday on a high note, knowing that you’ve kept your phone bill low.

Before You Kick The Bucket, Visit These Beautiful Local Places

Whether you like it or not, our time on Earth eventually comes to an end. Most people take this as an opportunity to live within their greatest potential. Keeping this mind, you may create a “travel bucket list” filled with the places that you desire to visit before you die (or at least before you turn 60).

You may think that Singapore is exclusively blessed with luxury malls and highly-rated hotels, but there is more to our country than the sheen of wealth. It is surrounded with diverse cultures and a vibrant history that you must discover.

Consider visiting these beautiful places first:

HIKE AT PULAU UBIN

Have a blast from the bygone years by observing how the villagers of the Pulau Ubin live without the glamorous skyscrapers. Pulau Ubin is an island found in the Northeast of Singapore. It is one of the last rural areas in the country with an abundance of fauna and flora. It is a great place to hike, cycle, and experience other outdoor activities. Make sure you pack the best hiking gps for your trip!

You may take a guided tour to explore the picturesque beaches and mangrove areas.

DISCOVER THE ASIAN WONDERS

Before the optimum condition of your senses deteriorate due to old age, consider savoring the beauty of treasured artworks by visiting local museums. On the top of my list is none other than Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Nestled at the mouth of the Singapore River, ACM will take you on a journey of historical discovery as they preserve the heritage of Asia.

It boasts with about 1,300 artifacts from China, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Upon walking inside its halls last year, I was amazed by the abundance and diversity of the Buddha statues as well as the 12 zodiac animal heads donated by Jackie Chan.

To shake things up, they accompany the permanent exhibits with special exhibits such as the “South Asia and the Islamic World”. You will be glad to know that admission is FREE for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents.

STROLL ABOVE THE TREES

Tick one item off your bucket list by conquering your fear of heights!

Take your special someone to a morning hike while watching the sunrise at the MacRitchie Reservoir Park. MacRitchie Reservoir Park houses several long hiking routes including the famous TreeTop Walk. The TreeTop Walk consists of a freestanding suspension bridge that connects two highest points namely: Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang. This is the first of its kind. You will truly appreciate the unique experience of looking over the variety of plants and animals while being about 25 meters off the ground.

POSE WITH ALL THE MERLION

Wouldn’t it be nice to share the stories of how you posed beside all the Merlion statues in Singapore? I am sure that your grandchildren will be fascinated to know that their grandparent stood face-to-face with the nation’s “mythical creature”.

As you may know, the Merlion has the head of the lion and the body of a fish. It is regarded as Singapore’s icon since the 60’s. There are seven Merlion statues built islandwide. Among these is the statue located next to One Fullerton. Take a snap with this water-spouting statue before you walk around Marina Bay.

RELAX AT A TROPICAL OASIS

Recently featured inside the pages of the Louis Vuitton City Guide Singapore, Blue Bali is the closest tropical oasis in the bustling city. The serene place consists of a restaurant and a spa where guests can indulge on contemporary Indonesian cuisine while overlooking the surrounding greenery.

Worry not about breaking the bank as the prices of the meals are reasonable. Mains start from S$16 while the kid’s meals start from S$8.

Image Credits: facebook.com/BlueBaliOnCluny

What are you waiting for? Tick “urban paradise” off your bucket list.

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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