10 most popular cities to travel to during the Hari Raya long weekend

Yes folks, yet another long weekend (read: perfect excuse to travel) is approaching.

If the only thing holding you back is trawling through tons of hotel websites to get the most out of your buck, look no further than at HotelsCombined!

HotelsCombined compares all the top travel sites in one simple search and find just what you’re after. Furthermore, there are completely no booking fees, and no mark-up prices.

Not sure where to go on your next travel adventure? Check out these top 10 most booked destinations by other fellow Singaporeans.

1. Sri Lanka 

ancient-192812_640

Home to a grand total of eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, Sri Lanka’s intriguing history would definitely excite your inner history nerd. Pay a visit to Polunnaruwa, where the remains of what was once the glorious Kingdom of Polunnaruwa resides. There, you can find the remaining façade of the Royal Palace, as well as various religious statues. As for dining options in Sri Lanka, head down to Bedspace Kitchen, where around 95% of their ingredients are sourced locally in Sri Lanka, and most are organic.

2. Bangkok

Damn

Bangkok has long been one of Singaporean’s favourite travel destinations as it is extremely affordable to fly by budget carriers and is only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Changi Airport. Travelling over the long weekend means that you would have chance to drop by the famed Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you can literally shop till you drop and spoil yourselves with cheap clothing and accessories. Check out the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and cruise down the canals for an authentic Thai experience.

3. Taipei

(Image credit: Anton Diaz, via Flickr)

(Image credit: Anton Diaz, via Flickr)

Taipei is regarded as one of the foodie heavens, with more than 10 night markets filled with delicious local fares to visit. As the long weekend would only allow you to cover two markets, drop by Shilin Night Market and Raohe Night Market. Shilin Night Market is perhaps the most popular night market of choice amongst tourists, due to its selection of local fare ranging from oyster omelette, oyster mee sua to the famed, gigantic Shilin chicken cutlet, all priced affordably. On the other hand, Raohe Night Market is Taipei’s largest wholesale market for clothes and accessories where you can get a good bargain.

4. Amsterdam

(Image credit: Bert Kaufmann, via Flickr)

(Image credit: Bert Kaufmann, via Flickr)

Boasting a grand total 165 canals and 1753 bridges, Amsterdam is your travel destination of choice if you seek a tranquil getaway and have an eye for history and art. See the world through Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank’s eyes at the Anne Frank House, or visit the Van Gogh Museum to check out the works of the renowned artist, Vincent Van Gogh. Alternatively, hunt down all the locations where the heart-breaking movie, The Fault in our Stars was filmed.

5. Sapporo 

(Image credit: Mukashi Mukashi Photography, via Flickr)

(Image credit: Mukashi Mukashi Photography, via Flickr)

Singaporeans’ love for food is undeniable, which is why the capital of Hokkaido, Sapporo, makes it the perfect travel destination. Sapporo is fondly known by the locals as the “Kingdom of Food”, due to its abundant seafood, agricultural and dairy produce. While Japan may be famous for their Alaskan King Crab, crab lovers would enjoy the Kegani crab (hairy crab) as its meat is sweeter, and you may treat yourself to a seafood feast at the Nijo Market. Sapporo is also famous for their local beer, so do drop by the Sapporo Beer Museum to find out how the Sapporo beer is made.

6. Seoul

(Image credit: Isaac Lee, via Flickr)

(Image credit: Isaac Lee, via Flickr)

Apart from being famously known for producing heart-wrenching Korean dramas and palpitating music videos from K-Pop bands, this metropolitan city achieves a balance between the old and the new. Visit the Dongdaemun Design Plaza and feast your eyes on the futuristic architecture. Dongdaemun is also the shopping district of Seoul where you can fulfil all your shopaholic desires.

7. Tokyo

(Image credit: PROemmett anderson, via Flickr)

(Image credit: PROemmett anderson, via Flickr)

No matter if you are traveling with a little one, your significant other, or with your friends, the capital of Japan is your destination of choice. Where the world’s one and only DisneySea resides, revisit your childhood at the happiest place on earth at Tokyo DisneySea. Alternatively, head to Shinjuku for a day of shopping and the nearby Shinjukiu Gyeon – one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular parks, to feast your eyes on the beautiful flora and fauna.

8. Asahikawa

(Image credit: Hsuanya Tsai, via Flickr)

(Image credit: Hsuanya Tsai, via Flickr)

Second only to Sapporo, Asahikawa is situated in the center of Hokkaido, and is famed for their local Asahiyama Zoo, which allows visitors to observe the animals from various angles. The zoo features a glass tunnel through the penguin pool which allows visitors to watch the penguins’ underwater adventures, and small glass domes in the middle of the polar bear and wolf enclosures that can get visitors right among the animals. Ramen lovers will also rejoice as the Asahikawa Ramen Village gives you eight of Asahikawa’s most popular ramen shops in one location.

9. Bintan 

Bintan Banyan Tree

Bintan Banyan Tree

What makes Bintan an ideal travel destination for Singaporeans is because it takes less than two hours to get to the island by ferry, from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. This island also makes for the perfect long weekend escapade as you can book a villa by the beach and spend a relaxing getaway with your loved ones. If you crave for adventure, the calm seas during June are just right for diving, water skiing and jet skiing.

10. Broome 

Ningaloo Marine Park

Ningaloo Marine Park

Where the red desert meets the Indian Ocean, Broome is the beach resort town of Western Australia’s Kimberley region. Ride a camel at sunset along its Indian Ocean coastline at Cable Beach, and snap picturesque silhouette shots. For those who desire to explore the depths of the ocean, head to Ningaloo Marine Park to snorkel through coral lagoons in Coral Bay and swim with the huge whale shark.

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Qatar Airways Summer Sale: Fly to Europe from SGD935

If you have not started planning for your summer holiday, Qatar Airways is having a summer sale where air tickets to Europe start only from SGD935, for travel up to 31 March 2018.

Here are 5 European cities we absolutely love and are perfect for visiting in the summer.

  1. Barcelona, Spain

BARCELONA2

If there is one tourist attraction to visit in Barcelona, it is the La Sagrada Familia church. For over 130 years, the church remains under construction and is slated to be completed in 2026. Despite so, its façade is enough to attract millions of tourists from all around the world. Barcelona is also poised along the Mediterranean sea, making its beaches – such as the La Barceloneta beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in the world to bask in the summer heat.

Fly to Barcelona from SGD935.

  1. Helsinki, Finland

HELSINKI

While many visit Helsinki during the Christmas period as it is widely known as the “Christmas City”, Helsinki has so much more to offer than just snow and Christmas lights. In the summer months, temperatures are cool, yet warm enough for you to tour around the seaside city. Pay a visit to the Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and spend a tranquil day at a café or simply pack a picnic with your loved ones at one of their lush gardens.

Fly to Helsinki  from SGD965.

  1. Pisa, Italy

Pisa_Tourist_attractions_000059795288

Needless to say, you should definitely drop by the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and take as many touristy shots of you trying to support the tower as you can. If time permits, take a train down to Cinque Terre and be wowed by the spectacular sights of the colourful houses built on a hill by the cerulean-blue sea. Hiking Cinque Terre can be done within the day between the different towns. Proper hiking shoes is advisable.

Fly to Pisa  from SGD1,085.

  1. Paris, France

paris

Paris is a top tourist favourite due to what it has to offer in the fields of art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. With so many popular tourist spots such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and Arc de Triomphe, be sure to pack comfortable shoes as your travel itinerary is guaranteed to be packed!

Fly to Paris  from SGD1,150.

  1. London, UK

London

Nothing spells London more accurately than the Big Ben and the London Eye. Harry Potter fans can also watch their childhood dreams come to live when they drop by the Warner Bros. Studio to check out the filming set, props and costumes used in the Harry Potter films. Also, be sure to reserve a full day and take a trip down to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Stonehenge.

Fly to London from SGD1,200.

All you have to do is visit qatarairways.com/sg and book your air tickets by 7 June 2017 for travel up to 31 March 2018.

Good news for all POSB and DBS cardmembers! Enjoy up to additional 15%* off to more than 40 cities in Europe when you book with your DBS/POSB debit and credit card via qatarairways.com/dbs by 15 June 2017.

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Bid goodbye to your travel cards. Tap and pay with your Mastercard Debit or Credit Cards from Mar 20.

Bid goodbye to your ez-link cards.

From 20 March 2017, commuters can tap and pay for public buses and MRT using their contactless Mastercard Debit or Credit cards. The transaction will be billed to you thereafter, which means that you can now travel without the hassle of carrying a separate travel card and to do top-ups from the machines.

According to LTA, this will be a 6-month pilot trial of the Account Based Ticketing System.

LTA FB

You can register your interest at the TransitLink ABT Portal from 20 March here, if you have not done so with your banks.

Share this news with your friends and loved ones!

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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

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

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

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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: www.lta.gov.sg

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

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

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