If you are traveling with the little ones, you can minimize the stress of flying by picking the best seat in the plane through the SeatGuru by TripAdvisor App. This free app allows you to get information on airplane seating advice, aircraft amenities, and airline recommendations. Through the user reviews and photos, you can be equipped with the knowledge of seats that have extra legroom and of the seats where you are likely to be woken up by the staff. What’s more? You can real-time updates on flight status.
Ever had spontaneous a trip with your friends that lasted longer than expected? Worry not about your emergency accommodation! HotelQuickly, as the name suggests, allows you to book last-minute discounted hotels within seconds. They bring you exclusive deals on Asia-Pacific’s top-rated hotels located in New Zealand, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, and Australia. Keep an eye with their featured accommodation to enjoy discounts up to 70%.
Acclaimed by CNN, LA Times, BBC, and The Travel Channel, XE Currency App serves as one of the best travel companion. It is amazing that this free App allows you to convert every world currency wherever you are even without Internet access. You can even add the currency updates on your notifications center. Craving for more information? Check out their live currency rates and over 30,000 charts.
Available in English and Italian language, Musement App allows you to globally explore and book thousands of attractions, tours, museums, and so on. Let’s say you are going to Venice, all you have to do is to select your destination, refine your activities and date search, and instantly buy tickets through their secure payment system. You get the voucher flashed on your screen and the confirmation e-mail afterwards. Still not sold? This portable itinerary manager not only offers exclusive promotions and but also suggests activities on sale.
One of the main issues experienced by travelers is forgetting something important. That will never happen again with Pack The Bag App. This App will help you get ready for the holidays whether it is a day-trip to the beach or a month on Europe. Organize your list with about 650 baggage items in 26 categories. This way, you are given travel ideas for essentials you did not even know you needed.
In the first half of the year, many families make travel plans for December when kids are on school holidays and after a year long of slog – for a short getaway to escape the monotonous life in Singapore.
Factors that come into consideration are whether the place is child-friendly and if there are enough activities for the kids to keep them occupied whilst still enjoying the trip with your partner.
There is one important thing that is often overlooked in the planning: what accommodation to book for the entire family?
As December is a peak season where everyone is travelling, you would expect demands for hotel rooms to go up and prices will follow suit.
A family suite in a hotel is going to stretch your budget – so why not save the money and check out hostels and other affordable accommodations?
What? But does that means less comfort and services?
Well, not really.
Global PR and Content Manager at HotelsCombined, Alycia Simons said in a media release that demands for such affordable family accommodation are increasing and so are hostel options. They can accommodate many people in the same room and are centrally located. What’s even better is you can essentially save more money with free shuttle buses, laundry rooms and self catering kitchens.
Gone are the days when families with young kids were relegated to theme park destinations and buffet restaurants. Holidaying families are growing increasingly adventurous and are interested in an ever-expanding assortment of experiences – nothing is off limits anymore.
According to HotelsCombined, these are the features to look for when booking a family-friendly hostel:
Family rooms (ideally located on a separate floor from other door rooms for noise control)
Ensuite bathrooms
Child-friendly amenities (cots, highchairs, etc.)
Entertainment offerings (video games, board games, a pool, etc)
With a database of over 800,000 properties, the search filters on Money Digest’s Search Engine make it particularly easy to locate family-friendly properties.
Here are some of the world’s top family friendly hostels found using our search engine:
Chungmuro Residences is located 6-mins away from the subway station, providing easy access to the city’s attractions. The duplex rooms are fitted with sleek wooden flooring, a seating area and even your own laundry machine! Rooms are ensuite and comes with a small kitchen making it a perfect solution for a family’s vacation. It’s even better when they are 10-minute walk from Namsan Korean Hanok Village which features numerous dining options and cultural spots. Heard of Dongdaemun Market and Namdaemun? Yes, Korea’s biggest shopping area are just 5-minute drive away. Great for a family trip.
Lub d Bangkok Silom Hostel is a contemporary modern hostel that is just five-minute walk away from Si Lom. Besides free Wi-Fi, other features of the hostels include a 24-hour reception, laundry services and facilities, free luggage storage and a tour desk. Room are decorated in a cozy and spacious layout with chic red furnitures. A breakfast is provided eveyr morning or if you like you can always dine at the cafes and eateries nearby. Bangkok’s MahaNakon is just 10-minute walk away and you should visit the Patpong, Empire Tower and the Bangkok Folk Musuem.
Febris Hotel And Spa is recommended as one of the best family hotels because of its family-friendly facilities. The rooms are spacious enough for families of any size. With a kids pool and a playground, your kids will love their stay while you enjoy your spa and massage in the outdoor. Each room comes with a refrigerator, flat-screen TV, private balcony and a private bathroom. There is also a bicycle hiring service should you want to take your family out for some leisure and cycling activities.
Offering four locations across the country – Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka and Tokyo – this Japanese hostel group happily welcomes kids and babies, with games and cartoons available for tots in common areas. Bonus: the properties all score high guest reviews on the HotelsCombined website!
Boasting 26 Dutch properties, this Hostelling International-affiliated group keep kids amused with various sports fields and indoor recreation options. Travelling clans can also take advantage of the hostel chain’s family card, which for a nominal annual fee provides discounts on accommodation, bike rentals and tours.
The great thing about this cost hostel is that it has a maximm capacity of 50 people and isn’t directly surrounded by any late-night venues – so no worries of little ones being kept up at night by rowdy backpackers! The property will also loan out bicycles, DVDs and Frisbees (for the nearby Frisbee golf course)
The Valley House Holiday Hostel, Achill Island, Ireland
Offering an onsite pitch and putt golf course and plenty of nature trails, this friendly hostels is a great place for kids to burn off energy. Did we mention there’s also a picturesque beach just a 10 minute walk away?
A private 6-bed dorm with bathroom starts from $182.04 a night
Situated in Melbourne’s trendy St Kilda neighbourhood, Habitat HQ is a perfect choice for families on a road trip as it offers guests free, secure car parks. It also has the advantage of being the first carbon neutral backpacker hostel in the city.
Now it makes more sense to travel more often with less money spent on hotels. Do you know that you can essentially save up to 50% of the cost with hostels? Furthermore, why pay top dollars for a luxury hotel if most of the time you are out visiting attractions?
As January draws nearer to a close, this marks the beginning of a new season – the season of love!
For the less imaginative soul, February may just be yet another arduous month to get through. But for the romantics out there, February bears so much promise of new beginnings, whimsicalities, and yes, you guessed it – Valentine’s Day!
Indeed, staycations are the latest trend in town for couples. In fact, they’re so commonplace these days that every month or so you might spot a few acquaintances posting up some envy-worthy pictures of themselves lounging on lush sheets or staring out of a balcony on their staycation. Some hotels have even caught on the wave and are peddling out exclusive staycation deals for couples in a bid to draw the attention of staycation hopefuls.
The popularity of staycations in Singapore has been spreading like wildfire, and it is truly little wonder why. After all, they’re a perfect alternative to your regular boring dinner date, and they’re suitable for all couples alike! Well, why not try out something different for Valentine’s Day this year? Consider a Valentine’s Day staycation instead!
If you’re a fresh couple who’s still finding your way around your relationship, a Valentine’s Day staycation would be the perfect solution to cement your relationship and stir up new feelings of romance and intimacy. Staycations are perfectly suitable for seasoned couples as well. For seasoned couples who are undeniably well accustomed to the regular Valentine dates, a staycation would truly provide a refreshing edge of spice to your romance as well!
That being said, in land scarce Singapore, accommodation may prove a little too extravagant for some to afford. This is especially the case for some of our top hotels, which can easily cost up to $500 or more a night on peak days. (The more Instagram-worthy, the higher the price ha!)
Not to fear! A fantastic staycation is not merely one that requires you to spend big bucks on it. In fact, a small cosy hotel can add just the right romantic fizz to the air as well. After all, it’s not the price that matters, but the company that counts, right? Plus, wouldn’t that extra money saved come in handy for that proposal ring or wedding reception?
Here are 5 affordable hotels, where you can have a romantic staycation on Valentine’s Day without bursting your budget!
Some hotels listed below are fast running out of rooms for Valentine’s Day – so book early to avoid undue disappointment.
Loft hotel rooms are all the rage these days, and I say this with utmost assurance – there is truly nothing quite as romantic as spending Valentine’s Day with your loved one in a loft at Studio M!
If your partner and yourself have an exclusive eye for the simple and minimalist, then Studio M is certainly your go-to hotel for Valentine’s Day. Boasting of a unique loft concept, Studio M is indeed ideal for the lazy couple whose idea of a perfect date is simply some quality time together lounging around. No fancy frills or fuss needed – just a comfortable, clean bed, some drinks, and a lover by your side.
For an additional romantic touch, arrive at your room at least 15 minutes before your partner, and scatter some rose petals on the lush white expanse of the bed to create an instant mood of sheer romance. Pop a glass of wine (or hey, if budget romance works out especially well for you, some tangy but tasty Taiwan beer will also do the trick), and you’re all set for a great Valentine’s night out! Plus, Studio M is conveniently located a mere 10 minutes’ walk away from Clarke Quay. If you’re up for a midnight drink fest, surely you know where to go.
(Source: Agoda) Studio M’s loft rooms are priced from an affordable $195 per night (additional charges may apply). Indeed, for close to $200, you’ll be able to enjoy some cherished romantic quality time with your partner. After all, nobody ever said that romance and affordability are mutually exclusive!
2. BIG Hotel
(Image credit: bighotel.com)
Contrary to its name, BIG Hotel actually isn’t really all that big (truly, the name of the hotel in itself is quite the pun huh). Instead, it boasts of an eclectic collection of cozy small rooms, each wondrously designed with a minimalistic touch. For the Valentine’s Day couple, BIG Hotel is truly a perfect alternative to boring dinner dates. Each room in BIG Hotel is well equipped with Wi-Fi and Movies on Demand – yes, free movies!
If you’re both massive fans of action, fanfare and blockbusters, and your regular date typically comprises of a movie at a cinema, you will surely find BIG Hotel a refreshing take to the overused Valentine date routine. After all, why seek out uncomfortable and scratchy plush seats at the cinema when you can cuddle and lounge in the comfort of your own private room, right?
Since it’s Valentine’s Day, why not add a dash of romance to the mix? Bring your own box of popcorn to the hotel. Or perhaps, if you feel tempted to splurge a little, I’d certainly recommend indulging in some quality caramel popcorn by Garrett’s. Get a bar of dark chocolate or two, and break it into smaller chunks and mix them in with the popcorn. This additional touch of subtly bitter chocolate mixed with your sweet caramel will certainly suffice to spice up the romantic mood! After all, chocolate is the food of love! And what better to spur on the romance, than some natural aphrodisiac in the form of cocoa?
A night at BIG Hotel will set you back from $169 onwards. (Source: HotelsCombined) A small price to pay indeed, for a night of treasured memories!
One of the most popular staycation destinations in Singapore, the Wanderlust Hotel certainly speaks for itself. With its unique room designs and features, each room takes you away into an entirely different setting, and a night well spent will certainly feel like out of this world!
Choose from a range of three types of rooms – the pantone rooms, mono rooms, or whimsical lofts (as pictured respectively).
The cheapest option would be the pantone rooms, where each room is affixed with vibrant loud colours of theme. Opt for the sassy red pantone room for a touch of va-va-voom to your Valentine’s Day. While relatively small in size, the loud colours and quirky design make up for any shortfall in spaciousness. The coloured settings and dim lights will certainly set your heart a-fluttering, and your blood pumping with adrenaline!
If your partner and yourself have a taste for the minimalist and monochrome, opt for one of Wanderlust Hotel’s mono rooms instead.
Or perhaps, if you’re in it for the splurge, take the plunge and make a booking for a whimsical loft room exclusively designed and decorated to complement the unique themes of ‘Typewriter’, ‘Bling’, ‘Tree’, and ‘Space’. Indeed, Wanderlust Hotel is famed for its thematic loft rooms, and there’s no better option for a staycation for the adventurous young couple!
Prices begin from $179 for pantone rooms, and $215 for their mono rooms. Whimsical loft rooms are sold out for Valentine’s Day, but costs from $277 for each night on regular off-peak days (Source: HotelsCombined).
4. Lloyd’s Inn
(Image credit: tripadvisor.com)
(Image credit: designboom.com)
Despite being relatively new to the hotel scene in Singapore, Lloyd’s Inn has gained quite the cult following for itself as a staycation destination. A look at the breath taking photos of the boutique hotel will certainly leave you with a knowing edge as to why this hotel has gained such a reputation for itself indeed.
Lloyd’s Inn features an array of minimalistic rooms that are sleek and clean in design. For the quiet couple who seeks little grandeur and magnificence, the simplistic design of Lloyd’s Inn will certainly draw you in. Why spend your Valentine’s Day in the throes of the town crowd, when you can have an amazing night’s stay at a tranquil hotel located in a peaceful precinct of Orchard itself?
Despite being located in Orchard, Lloyd’s Inn offers an aesthetic reminiscent of villas and summer resort, and provides a great option for a quick getaway from the hectic city life in Singapore. In fact, with its inviting displays of nature, it certainly is difficult to guess that this out-of-the-world hotel is located in the very bosom of Singapore’s town, isn’t it?
Indeed, Lloyd’s Inn is perfect for a Valentine’s Day staycation. Lounge in the relaxing expanse of the white-themed room that the hotel has to offer, and if you seek a breath of fresh air, you can take a brisk stroll in the surprisingly quiet district, hand clasped in hand, feet paced in a soothing rhythm, while making casual lilting chat about everything and anything under the sun.
Prices at Lloyd’s Inn begin from $158 for each night (Source: HotelsCombined). Act fast though; rooms are running out fast! (Fully booked on 14 Feb – as at 27/1/15)
5. Adonis Hotel
(Image credit: booking.com)
(Image credit: sg.hotels.com)
Restored and refurnished in one of Singapore’s original shop houses, Adonis Hotel provides an original twist to your usual hotel stay. It features an elegant design that is reminiscent of an eclectic fusion between its old school shop house days, and modern sophistication and class.
If your partner and yourself are culture freaks, then Adonis Hotel will certainly make a perfect stay for you! Located along Purvis Street, you can both take a leisurely stroll along the street while admiring some of Singapore’s unique colonial days architecture that have been painstakingly restored and maintained. There is truly something about a stay in a quaint little boutique hotel amidst such historical buildings and sites that appeals to the romantic bone in everyone indeed!
Plus, a brief 10-minutes walk will take you to the Mint Museum of Toys, where your partner and yourself can re-examine your childhood amidst the toys of old!
Settle for a quiet romantic dinner after your explorations at one of the dinner joints or independent restaurants located along or near Purvis Street. Bring a bottle of red wine along if you so wish to, to complete the delightful mood of honeyed romance. After all, wine goes best with something sweet, and what sweeter a side dish than your very own brand of love?
Adonis Hotel has rooms available from $205.97! (Source: HotelsCombined). If your partner and yourself are big on indie explorations and refinding Singapore, a stay at Adonis Hotel is certainly perfect for your Valentine’s Day!
* Updated on 27/1/15 to reflect availability of rooms, prices to include GST and service charge and links
Travelling surely is one of our biggest pleasures in life. Seeing new exotic places, tasting delicious food and meeting other cultures are truly important and enriching experiences in one’s life. No matter what style of style or accommodation one chooses – it is a wonderful feeling when one’s travel dreams become actual plans and will be fulfilled.
In order not to experience big disappointments and financial disasters, it is advisable to do extensive research before the booking. Seeing your travel dreams come true, one wouldn’t want organisational issues to come in between. Getting these out of the way will not only save your trip, but also will save you some money with cheap hotels booking.
Unplanned Trip
(Image credit: Shena Tschofen, via Flickr)
There are travellers who believe that an unplanned trip is the very best, as it is the only ‘proper’ way to experience a different culture or place. 99% of the time this is not true, as this ‘proper experience’ will most likely turn into a nightmarish hunt for hotels and will cost you extra money and won’t give you what you were looking for. Therefore, booking your hotel in advance is the foundation of a pleasurable holiday. Furthermore, this can save you some extra cash that you can use to even further enrich your travel.
Use hotels comparison site
There are different ways to research for your holiday. While tour operators and holiday booking agencies are a start, they don’t really offer you the cheapest prices. They usually add fees to the prices and therefore make it more expensive. However, they can help to get you a first indication. Finding the best deals for cheap hotels booking, one should use a hotel comparison site, such as http://hotels.moneydigest.sg. Once the destination of the travel is clear, one can start comparing hotels. Using the site above, one simply needs to select the travel days and number of guests. Use different tools to choose your price range in order to narrow down the hotel offers from you destination of choice.
Compare across thousands of travel sites for cheap hotels booking
Using a hotel comparison site will provide you with the possibility to book immediately via different travel operators. Instead of visiting Booking.com, Expedia and others, you better use this convenient one-stop platform, as you have the immediate overview over all available rooms within your selection for cheap hotels booking. In order to further save when booking a hotel room, one should be flexible with the travel dates. Sometimes a few days earlier or later can make a whole lot of a difference. Obviously it is also cheaper, if you choose to travel in the off-season. Hotels usually offer price reductions during that time. Therefore, it is highly recommended to try a few different date combinations for your travel on the hotel comparison site and opt for the best deal.
Another useful tip for saving money on hotels is to know your budget and travel plans at your destination. If you are planning on a relaxing wellness kind of holiday, you are most likely going to spend the majority of your time within the hotel premises and in their facilities. In that case it is well worth to go for a better hotel and spend perhaps a few dollars more. However, if you are for example venturing to explore a new city, then you probably will be out of the hotel for most of the time. In that case it really isn’t necessary to select a fancy hotel with various amenities, as won’t end up using them. Therefore, consider these facts when searching for a hotel with the comparison site.
Filters to suit your needs
The filters on our hotels search engine, will give you all the options you need to make an informed choice for cheap hotels booking. Furthermore, it has one of the best selections for destinations around Asia as well as the rest of the world. No matter whether you are looking for a hotel in Bangkok or in Berlin – this site got a solution for you.
Don’t spend unnecessary money on hotels, but use it to fulfil your travel dreams.
