Posted February 16, 2010 by Joyce Wan
It’s not often that you can claim to have experienced the best of both worlds, but a trip to Istanbul may just give you the chance to do so. This magnificent city straddles Europe and Asia, with the turquoise waters of the mighty Bosphorus cutting through it. Its position made it one of the most important cities in the ancient world, and consequently, Istanbul has become a cultural melting pot. You’ll find youngsters in jeans and t-shirts walking through the centuries old streets, and old men in traditional garb waiting for their coffees in Starbucks. With such a wealth of attractions hidden throughout this huge city, it can be hard for a visitor to know where to look, so we’re here with a few suggestions.
See
Topkapi Palace – The former residence of the Ottoman Sultans is a sprawling museum complex these days. There are a maze of courtyards and passageways, and it may take you quite a few hours to complete your visit. Many of the buildings have been restored to their former glory, and you’ll have a tantalising glimpse in to the luxurious lifestyle of the various royals that have lived in the Palace.
Stay
Ferman Hotel – This relatively new hotel is probably not the right place for those who prefer their rooms in neutral colours. Each room is opulently decorated, with luxurious brocade fabrics and a rich gold-toned colour scheme, an ode to the living quarters of the Ottoman Sultans. It is conveniently located within easy reach of most of the city’s ‘must-see’ sights, and a stone’s throw away from the blue waters of the Bosphorus. There is a wonderful rooftop terrace restaurant, with views over the Old City, and a dining hall where breakfast is served daily. Room rates start from about £80 a night.
Eat
Ciya Sofrasi – This little restaurant on the Asian side of the city is a treasure chest of Turkish cuisine. Its owner and chef, Musa Dagdeviren, is an intrepid collector of traditional recipes from all over the country. The menu is in Turkish, so if you have no Turkish friends and can’t speak the language, then be adventurous and point at it with your eyes closed and hope for the best. You may end up with some tasty surprises, such as galya, a lamb stew with chestnuts and quinces, or a bowl of ezo gelin, a spicy, savoury lentil soup.
Check here for cheap flights to Istanbul.
(Photo: feztravel.com)
Posted January 21, 2010 by Joyce Wan
The glittering city of Dubai is an ode to excess, but if you look closely enough, you can still find quiet little hidden spots that tell of the city’s illustrious history. While the city is known for it’s many shiny new developments, visitors longing for a bit of nature need only travel a short distance to find some stunning landscapes.
Play
Hatta Rock Pools – The ancient town of Hatta lies a short distance away from Dubai. Intrepid explorers will be rewarded with a great day out at these stunning, jewel-hued rock pools nestled among the Hajar Mountains. The cool, spring-fed pools are a delightful oasis in the dry, mountainous terrain, and a popular picnic spot for many local families.
Stay
Qamardeen Hotel – It may not be as hyped up as some of the city’s glitzier concoctions, but the Qamardeen more than makes up with its exceptional service. Shopaholics will be glad to learn that the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates are a short hop from the hotel. The rooms are decorated in a quietly elegant manner, with beautifully detailed touches and cutting edge facilities. For some respite from the never-ending bustle of the city, ask for a Garden Access room, which allows guests to enjoy the serenity of the hotel’s beautiful garden. Rates start from around £125.
Eat
Shabestan – Said to be one of the best Iranian restaurants in the city, hungry travellers can be assured of getting some bang for their buck at this elegantly decorated restaurant. The lamb dishes are the stars here, with the chelow kebab highly recommended by many. Pair it with some fragrant saffron-infused rice and you have a meal fit for a king. Wash it all down with a glass of tea, and some faloodeh – a light Iranian ice cream flavoured with rose water and saffron.
Check here for flights to Dubai.
(Photo: solarnavigator.net)
Posted January 20, 2010 by Joyce Wan
These cold grey winter days have had many people hankering after warmer climes, but how hot is too hot? Following on from last week’s virtual visit to some of the coldest places on Earth, this week, we’re bringing you to the hottest places on Earth. Those silly looking hats with attached fans may come in handy should you find yourself in any of these hotspots.
Death Valley, USA – With a name like that, you won’t expect to find many signs of life or greenery in the driest place in America. Summer temperatures have been known to top 56
oC, but that hasn’t stopped hikers from attempting to walk through the valley. If you’re not (fool)hardy enough to do the same, Death Valley also boasts many luxurious resorts scattered throughout its seemingly inhospitable terrain, so you can take in the stunning dessert scenery from the air-conditioned comfort of your room.
Bangkok, Thailand – It may come as a surprise to you to find out that Thailand’s capital has the honour of being named the world’s hottest city. Bangkok is surrounded by lush green farmland, but the constant smog and high humidity raises the average daily temperature to well over 28
oC. For some respite from the heat and notoriously bad traffic snarls, head north to the cooler provinces, such as Chiang Mai.
Dasht-e Lut, Libya – If a name like Death Valley doesn’t scare you, then perhaps the sight of parched, cracked mud will. This plateau in the Libyan desert is said to be the driest spot on earth, and is so hostile to life that not even bacteria is able to survive. The temperature here has exceeded 70
oc in some years, so you’ll need more than a fan to keep cool.
(Photo: und.edu)
Posted January 14, 2010 by Joyce Wan
Sick of snow, snow and yet more snow, and longing for hot days lying about on warm golden sands? With most of the northern hemisphere seemingly covered by the white stuff these days, skip the Mediterranean and grab yourself a
cheap flight to Calangute. This seaside town in Goa has a laidback atmosphere, and boasts a justifiably famous stretch of beach. If you do get bored with the beach, then hire some bikes and explore the surrounding countryside, or take a walk through the town and enjoy the huge range of fresh seafood on offer.
Stay10 Calangute – Located near four beautiful beaches, this boutique hotel offers visitors some respite from the noise and activity of downtown Calangute. All ten rooms are named after Goa’s famed beaches, and the offbeat décor gives the hotel a lighthearted mood. Check out the wall-sized mural of Bambi lounging by the pond in the reception area. The rooms are spacious and comfortable furnished, with ceiling fans to help beat the heat. If you manage to resist the lure of the nearby beaches, the wooden deck and swimming pool make great spots to soak up the sun and indulge in some cocktails. Room rates start at about £70.
Eat Souza-Lobo Restaurant – Managed by the third generation of Lobos, this beachfront restaurant makes great use of the abundant, fresh seafood available on its doorsteps. The menu features authentic Goan cuisine – spicy curries, fried seafood, and rice dishes to help counter all that spiciness. A live band provides music every night, and if you’re lucky, there may be a dance troupe performing too.
SeeKerkar Art Complex – Calangute boasts a vibrant cultural scene, and the Kerkar Art Complex is a great spot to soak it all in. Local artists exhibit their crafts in the gallery, and workshops and exhibitions are also held within the complex. On Thursday and Friday nights, the complex also hosts music and dance performances by local groups.
Check here for flights to Calangute.
(Photo: etourismguru.com)
Posted January 13, 2010 by Joyce Wan
The UK’s recent cold snap may have had most people rugging up and turning up the heating. However, there’s always the odd one out, who insists that it’s just not cold enough, and then laughs at you for piling on the scarves. For these masochists, a trip to some of the coldest places on earth may be just the thing. Don’t forget to pack those mittens!
Oymyakon, Russia – The little village of Oymyakon has the dubious honour of recording the coldest air temperature in the Northern hemisphere. The mercury fell to a lowly -71
o Celsius back in 1926, and global warming hasn’t driven it much higher these days. The area is so cold that the surrounding water is completely frozen, and usable water has to be brought into the town by tankers.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – This bustling Mongolian capital city lies 1300 metres above sea level, with temperatures in winter hovering around the -20
oC mark. Set in a valley on the Mongolian steppe, the temperature rises to a pleasant high of around 25
oC in July, before plunging back down to freezing temperatures again. Warm up with a mug of suutei tsai – tea with salt and milk – or a huge glass of Mongolian vodka.
Denali, USA – Also known as Mount McKinley, the loftiest peak in North America boast winter temperatures around -40
oC. You’d have to be a hardy mountaineer to scale the 6,194 metre peak and brave wind speeds of over 18 miles per hour while doing so. For a warmer – and less rugged – view of the peak, pay a visit to Denali National Park.
(Photo: nomadicfrontiers.org)
Posted November 5, 2009 by Joyce Wan
The next time you’re searching for a hotel, why not choose something out of the ordinary? Big chains such as the Hilton or Best Western may be familiar, comfortable choices, but why not go for something truly memorable (and perhaps slightly uncomfortable). A stay in one of the world’s smallest hotel rooms will surely make your trip unforgettable!
Hotel Kirkenes, Kirkenes, NorwaySet on the shores of the harsh Barents Sea in northern Norway, the only clue that this plain, rectangular box is a hotel is the ‘H’ stencilled on the wall. Built by Finnish architect Sam Rintala, the Hotel Kirkenes’ 27 square metres includes two bedrooms, and a stove for heating, but no electricity or running water. Definitely one for rugged outdoorsmen (and women).
World’s Smallest Hotel, Copenhagen, DenmarkThis little hotel in the middle of Copenhagen offers guests two rooms, and a fantastic over the waterfront. The rooms, while fairly tiny, are airy and minimally decorated, which helps increase the sense of space. There’s no need to rough it in this little hotel, as breakfast is provided, and its central location allows guests to be in the thick of the action.
Das Park Hotel, Ottensheim, AustriaThis is probably one of the most unique little hotels you’ll ever stay in – three large, repurposed cement drainpipes make up the ‘rooms’ of the hotel. There’s not much else besides a double bed, storage and a lamp – although the top of the pipes do boast a ‘skylight’ should you miss having a window. The toilets and showers are located further away in the surrounding public space, so it’s not all bad. Just think of it like camping in a very sturdy tent.
The One Hotel, Siem Reap, CambodiaJust because a hotel is tiny doesn’t mean it can’t be comfortable. The One Hotel, in the bustling centre of Siam Reap, is everything a luxury hotel should be, except that it has only one suite, so you have the whole place to yourself. The staff is there to cater to your every whim, and spa treatments can be taken anywhere you want. Feel like a midnight snack? The chef will create whatever you feel like eating. In short, you’ll be treated like a king – and there’ll be no other guests to compete for attention.
(Photo: apartmenttherapy.com)
Posted July 14, 2009 by Joyce Wan
With many airlines now offering cheap flights to Singapore, why not take advantage of the low fares and hop on a plane to the Lion City? Its equatorial location means you’ll enjoy excellent tropical weather all year round. And even though it’s a bustling cityscape with skyscrapers galore, you’ll still be able to escape to secluded spots around the island for if you need some peace and quiet. The country is also a well-known gastronomic hotspot; so make sure you take some time out to feast in a hawker centre.
Stay Sentosa Resort And Spa – Make your way over to this resort hotel on an island off the mainland if you’re looking to relax. The name ‘Sentosa’ stands for peace and tranquillity in Malay, and you’ll find plenty of that here. Whether you’re spending some time relaxing in the rejuvenating mud pools or working out in the Seven Eden Wellness Centre, you’re sure to emerge from the resort feeling good about yourself. Rooms start from about £100 per night.
See The Night Safari – Experience one of the most unique zoos in the world, where the gates open when most other zoos shut theirs. You’ll be able to come face-to-face with rhinos, hyenas and giraffes on a tram ride that takes you through eight geographical zones simulating the animals’ natural habitat. If you’re the adventurous type, then take a walk through the three trails. Be dwarfed by century-old giant trees on the Forest Giants Trail, or come up close with large wild animals on the Fishing Cat and Leopard Trails. Tickets cost about £10 for adults, with concessions available.
EatLau Pa Sat Food Centre – This Victorian structure in the city centre houses a bustling hawker centre with multiple stores under its filigreed cast-iron roof. With a wide variety of delicious local food on offer, you’ll be hard pressed picking just one dish to try. Why not spend a couple of hours in there stuffing your face? Tuck into succulent chilli crab, or a bowl of creamy, spicy laksa. Don’t leave without ordering the country’s ‘national dish’ chicken rice – boiled chicken served with fragrant rice – simple yet unbelievably tasty. Most dishes range between £1 - £2.
Check here for
flights to Singapore(Photo: myseveralworlds.com)
Posted July 7, 2009 by Joyce Wan
For an over-the-top experience, take a trip to Dubai. Almost everything in this city on the Persian Gulf is a hymn to excess. Whether it's the biggest, the largest or the most expensive, they can all be found here.
SleepFour Points Sheraton – Your budget may not stretch to the 7-star Burj Al Arab, but this hotel in downtown area of Bur Dubai more than makes up for it. The Four Points is only minutes away from the world famous Old souk – the perfect distance to travel if you’re lugging back bags filled with plenty of shopping. With room prices starting at around £65 per night, you’ll be sure to have plenty of dough left over for shopping.
ShopSouks – No visit to Dubai is complete without a trip to at least one of the souks. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a lot of fun to just go and soak in the atmosphere of the noise and crowds. Take a pair of sunnies with you if you’re planning to go to the Gold souk, as the bling is sure to dazzle you. Make sure you choose the right time to go, since many stalls take a break at midday and only open again at around 4 o’clock.
See Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary – It may not seem like it, but Dubai’s location is the perfect spot for many migratory birds to stop and feed. The sanctuary is also home to small mammals, fish and crustaceans. The calm and peaceful atmosphere in here disguises the fact that this reserve is only minutes from the centre of town. Camp out in one of the three birding hides and watch a myriad of birds go about their business. Entrance to the sanctuary is free.
Check here for
flights to Dubai(Photo: riazu.files.wordpress.com)
Posted June 15, 2009 by Joyce Wan
Bangkok may be one of the largest, busiest cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun on the cheap. In fact, the bustling Thai capital offers many opportunities for visitors to indulge in big-time fun while on a small budget.
Stay Imm Fusion Sukhumvit – Located right on the busy tourist stretch of Sukhumvit Road, this hotel is only a short hop from most of the city’s famous shopping centres. Should Bangkok’s non-stop hustle and bustle tire you out, you can always retreat to the hotel’s massage area to recharge your batteries, or why not have a foot massage while soaking in the sun’s rays by the lap pool. All this luxury and convenience can be yours from only £30 per night.
Play Chatuchak Weekend Market – If you’re staying in Bangkok during the weekend, flag down a noisy tuk-tuk and treat yourself to a hair-raising ride on the way to Chatuchak Market. Billed as the world’s largest market, you’ll be able to find almost anything you need - and many more things you certainly won’t need - within the maze-like sois (or alleys) of this seemingly endless market. And remember, the only way to bag a bargain is to haggle, so don’t be shy!
When your voice is hoarse from all the haggling, simply walk into a different soi to find yourself presented with an endless variety of food and beverages. Once you’ve eaten, it’s time to shop again. After all, with 27 sections and over 15 000 stalls in the place, there’s bound to be something for everyone back home.
Eat Somboon Seafood – No trip to the City of Angels is complete without a taste of their succulent seafood. And Somboon Seafood is the place to go to. This huge, noisy restaurant may not be known for its atmosphere but it’s certainly highly rated for it’s delicious seafood dishes. Order the house specialty, chili crab curry, then walk over to the large aquariums outside to pick out the rest of your meal – crabs, lobsters, prawns, fish, what will you pick next? Seafood is sold at market prices, but with such an abundance of it, there’s no need to worry about blowing a hole in your pocket.
Click here to search for
flights to Bangkok.
(Photo: travel.nytimes.com)
Posted May 28, 2009 by Joyce Wan
Singapore is a regional hub for many airlines, with many currently offering cheap flights to Singapore. Its compact size makes it the perfect stopover destination. The city-state is renowned as a gastronomic paradise, and offers a wide range of cuisines to satisfy your tastebuds. And for shopaholics, the islands many shopping malls and department stores are guaranteed to burn a deep hole in your wallet. When you’re tired from all that shopping and eating, you’ll need somewhere to rest your weary head – here, we offer three choices for your consideration.
Splurge – Raffles Hotel
Step back into the country’s colonial past and book yourself a room in Singapore’s most renowned hotel. The famous Singapore Sling cocktail was invented in the hotel’s Long Bar nearly a hundred years ago. With over twelve dining establishments and a large shopping arcade within its historic grounds, you’ll never even have to leave the hotel if you don’t want to. Have break by the pool and walk in the footsteps of Somerset Maugham, Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner and Charlie Chaplin, all of whom have also enjoyed the hotel’s luxurious services.
Find rates at Raffles Hotel Singapore
Mid-range – Mandarin Oriental
For sensational harbour views, look no further than this waterfront hotel. Located by bustling Marina Bay, the Mandarin Oriental is a short hop to the city’s business and entertainment districts. There are a number of highly praised restaurants within the hotel that offer a wide range of cuisines. And if sampling them all has taken its toll on your waistline, then head to their Fitness Studio to arrange a one-on-one session with their personal trainers.
Find rates at Mandarin Oriental Singapore
Budget – Holiday Inn Atrium
While a little bit out of the way, this riverside hotel offers guests free shuttle bus rides to the shopping hotspots of Orchard Road and Clarke Quay. And if you feel like stepping out in your newly bought finery, there is a whole host of bars and clubs located nearby at Mohammed Sultan Road for you to dance the night away. The hotel itself offers two restaurants, or if you’re up for some local cuisine, Chinatown and Little India are nearby, with cafes and restaurants that stay open till the wee hours of the night.
Find rates at Holiday Inn Atrium Singapore
Have you got any recommendations for accommodation in Singapore? If so, please leave us a comment!
(Photo:etour-singapore.com)
rss
Flights
Archives