Rooms without a view - The worst hotel views in the world

Today's Travel Tips

                     

 

Rooms without a view - The worst hotel views in the world

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When you check into a hotel, the front desk usually offers you a room with an ocean view or a garden view. At the following hotels, you might just end up with a room overlooking a power plant. While a bad view won’t make or break your trip, it can leave a sour taste in your mouth. After all, don’t we all dream of waking up in Paris with the Eiffel Tower standing at full attention outside our window? It takes away a lot of the romance when you realize that your Parisian hotel window opens up to a brick wall. Quick tip: Always ask about the view from your room when you check in. It might save you from ending up like these people. Here are the worst hotel views in the world. 

 

Night Hotel Times Square - New York City 

One would assume that a hotel room in Times Square would overlook the blinking lights of Broadway. This view overlooks a brick wall and wires — not quite the same. Let this photo serve as a gentle reminder to speak up. In other words, always ask for a room with a view.

                                    

 

 

Hotel Angeleno - Los Angeles 

 Hotel Angeleno is a swanky hotel located at the crossroads of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills. While its location is ideal, some of its views leave a lot to be desired. The hotel is right next to the 405, one of the busiest freeways in the world, so your view will be filled with fast-moving cars and headlights. We can only imagine how loud it is!

                                   

 

 

Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel - Thingvellir, Iceland 

Many people flock to Thingvellir to experience the northern lights and natural attractions. There aren’t a ton of options for where to stay, and many choose to lay their heads at the Ion Luxury Adventure Hotel. The accommodations are great except for one major thing — some of its rooms overlook a power plant. Guess they don’t have to worry about the lights going out.

                                  

 

 

The Luxe Manor - Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong 

 The Luxe Manor is just that … luxe. The hotel was designed to look like Salvador Dalí’s imagination and boasts modern and eccentric decor. Still, all of the money in the world won’t buy you a good view at this hotel. Most of the suites, even the nicer ones, simply overlook other buildings.

                                     

 

 

Victoria House Hotel, Killarney, Ireland 

 On its website the Victoria House Hotel has rooms overlooking a lush green garden. And it does. But it also has rooms overlooking a trailer park. If you take a quick walk around to the back side of the hotel, you might just trip over a tent. Clearly, the world needs trailer parks, but they don’t make for the most romantic view from your quaint Irish hotel.

                                   

 

 

Hotel Albani Roma - Rome  

 The ancient architecture is just one of many reasons tourists visit Rome, and every visitor dreams of waking up, walking to the window, and staring down at the beautiful Spanish Steps or Trevi Fountain. That’s not going to happen at the Hotel Albani Roma. While you’re still in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, staring at drying clothes kind of kills the romance.

                                         

 

 

 

Philippines Durians: Devour the Davao Durians in Singapore

Today's Travel Tips

Philippines Durians: Devour the Davao Durians in Singapore

By KF Seetoh | Friday, Oct 17, 2014 

 

 

the-sweet-and-creamy-puyats-come-thick-but-a-tad-pricier-due-to-the-airfreight-costs

Puyat, Chanee, Arancillo… not quite the usual foreign durian names that will ring any bell when you confront your desires at a durian stall. At most perhaps, you may see Monthong, which is associated with Thailand. But these are a new breed of durians that have made their way here from the Philippines recently.

 

 

 “Many foreign customers like the mainland Chinese and the Hong Kongers ask for the Mao Shan Wang or the strong D24 ones thinking they are easy to like just because Singaporeans like them,” says Alun Zhou, owner of 101 Fruits in Chinatown. “But when they try it, they can’t handle the rich, creamy, sweet, alcoholic bitterness, so these Philippine durians fit in nicely for them.”  Alun had recently been importing these spiky wonders from Davao in the Philippines and “sales are slowly and surely picking up.” He orders up to 800kg a day during peak season and is the only one currently to import these, which is why the Philippines Embassy found it worthwhile to do a shout-out event at this stall.

Taste-wise? The Puyat, which was the only variety available when we taste tested it earlier in the week, was surprisingly alluring. I would wedge this above the Thai Monthong and closer to the D24s. To begin with, these Puyat have a distinct aroma when opened even from afar (unlike some variants that require a close-up deep smelling act before they reveal anything). These Puyat come sweet and very creamy and with a thin skin core, which means that they have thick flesh and usually smaller seeds. They fill you up fast. If you get a properly ripened fruit, it will come with a hint of gentle bitterness that “goes poof and disappears into the mouth as soon as you realise it.”

These sweet and thorny babies from Davao don’t come cheap as they are air-freighted. Be prepared to fork an excess of $25 for a decent sized Puyat durian. The Philippine Ambassador to Singapore,  His Excellency Antonio A.  Morales was at hand to check out the durians personally and naturally wished that more Singaporeans would put the Puyat durians high on their crave list.

My verdict: at, on average,  $20 for two decent grade D24s, this over-$20 Puyat may be kept at the door because of its price tag. They are flown in, unlike the trucked-in cousins from Malaysia, but Alun noted how the mainland Chinese and Hong Kongers (not all overly price conscious) are loving them, which means that there may be a huge demand for them moving forward. 

 

I look forward to the Arancillo and Chanee durian season.

 

101 Fruits

Blk 336, New Bridge Centre (Keong Saik Road)

#01-300

Tel: 6323 2101

 Today's Travel Tips

8 Best –kept Secret Hawker stalls

By Cecilia Joven Ong, Makansutra

We trawl the streets and malls to track good food- that has always been our style. It’s the only way we know how to unearthed new makan treasures in out midst. Often, many escape the common food radar because of a few factors like location and an uninspiring décor. We often take the other fork on the road to hunt and sniff out new gems. Here’s 8 relatively unknown we’ve located recently.

 

Boneless Chicken Wing is a must-try. Go well with their Fried Bee Hoon and Porridge.

Fei Lou Porridge (11 Telok Blangah Crescent Telok Blangah Food Centre #01-116 Singapore 090011). Operating Hours: 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm

This stall is a popular hangout for the supper crowd. Their operating hours start from 6 pm to near midnight or until sold out. Their signature Boneless Fried Chicken Wing at just $1.20 is a popular choice and a must-order. Their white poached White Chicken is a good choice for a healthier alternative. You could have it with the Fried Bee Hoon or their different choices of porridge. Braised Cabbage, Stewed Chicken Feet, Fried Pork Ribs are some of their popular side dishes. Long queue is likely to be expected during dinner.

 

Though not as famous, a worth Chicken Rice to try.

Leong Yeow Waterloo Famous Chicken Rice (261 Waterloo Street #01-29 Nan Tai Eating House Singapore 180261). Operating Hours: 11.30 am to 7.30 pm

This Chicken Rice stands out amongst the other big names. There is a choice of roasted or white poached chicken with their fragrant rice, but the roasted chicken is a tad more popular. The roasted chicken has an agreeable flavour and holds the juiciness within. You have to smother it in their sharp own-made chilli sauce- it  complements the meat very well. Warning-  there is always a queue during lunch.

 

Their handmade fish dumplings are one of the better ones around.

Lao Sim Shredded Chicken Noodle (Block 127 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #02-01 Singapore 310127). Operating Hours: 7.30 am to 2.00 pm

This stall has been around for quite a while though it moved from  a few locations in the past. They are famous for their addictive handmade fish dumplings and sadly, these are not available for much separate orders as they can’t make enough (manpower problems, as usual, we guess) . Each bowl of noodle is only accompanied with 2 pieces of fish dumplings and you are given an option to purchase a bowl of fish dumplings soup with 5 pieces at $3.50 additionally. Each person is only entitled to 7 pieces of these fish dumplings in total. They are usually sold out before 2 pm.

 

The authentic tasting Hong Kong style Stewed Beef Brisket Noodles.

Chef Chair Lao Ban (134 Casuarina Road Singapore 579522).

Operating Hours: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm

The boss is a Hong Konger that speaks with a distinctive Cantonese accented English and is always eager to recommend some of their popular items. Their Stewed Beef Brisket Noodles at only $4 is highly recommended for those who longs for authentic Hong Kong style taste. It is served in a good sized portion with decent chunks of tender beef brisket along with pieces of radish. Their signature Red Bean Ice Blended drink is worth trying.

 

A worth trying traditional Fu Zhou Oyster Cake for snack.

Poh Hwa Fu Zhou Oyster Cake (209 Jalan Besar Singapore 208895). Operating Hours: 10.30 am to 6.00 pm

Their traditional Fu Zhou Oyster cakes are a popular snack for the lunch crowd. Most of their customers usually order some while waiting for their lunch orders to be delivered. The usual one is priced at $1.60 and the one with additional ingredients is at $2. It is freshly deep fried with pieces of oysters embedded in it. Another popular item is their Fried Spring Roll.

 

Spaghetti Bolognese, unpretentious and comforting.

Grill & Pasta (590 Upper Thomson Road #01-34 Sembawang Hill Food Centre Singapore 574419). Operating Hours: 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm / 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm (Closed on Monday)

This is a popular stall run by an ex-Chef of an Italian restaurant working along with his wife. They have been in this food centre for a few years now. It tasted just like what you expected in a proper Italian restaurant minus the ambiance and fien cutlery, but at a cheaper price. A basic Spaghetti Bolognese with a good amount of cheese and tomato based meat sauce is only at $5 for a fulfilling  portion.

 

A value for money Nasi Lemak by a more than decade old stall.

Pandan Leaf Nasi Lemak (6 Tanjong Pagar Plaza Tanjong Pagar Food Centre Singapore 081006). Operating Hours: 8.00 am to 2.00 pm (Mon to Sat)

This stall has been in this food centre for more than a decade. Long snaking queue is a constant and when portions are low the boss comes out to take orders and to warn the queue that he will be need more time to cook an extra batch.  It is worth the $3 per serving. It consists of a choice of Chicken Drumstick or Chicken Wing accompanied with Otak, Luncheon Meat, Fried Egg, Ikan Bilis and Fried Kuning Fish. The coconut infused rice is cooked with pandan leaf to give it a light green color and flavor.

 

Their Black Fried Carrot Cake is a tasty choice.

Ang Mo Kio 107 Carrot Cake (Block 107 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-64 Singapore 560107). Operating Hours: 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri)

This humble carrot cake stall operates from 6 pm to near midnight and is run by an elderly Uncle. They use to steam their own carrot cake right at the stall but have since been outsourced, as it is getting too tedious for the elderly Uncle. The waiting time is about 30 minutes if you come during dinner. Both the black and the white are equally popular but the black version is our favourite here. If you need more oomph and savouriness, ask if he can add more chai po or preserved radish.

Five Tips for Using Your Smartphone Overseas

Gadgets

 

Five Tips for Using Your Smartphone Overseas

By David Dean

Travel Tech and Gear Expert

Making Sure It Works and Avoiding Unexpected Bills

Are you planning to use your smartphone while traveling internationally? Here are five simple ways to ensure a straightforward experience while you’re away, and avoid nasty bill surprises when you get home.

 

 

Make Sure Your Phone Will Work in Your Destination

First, ensure that your phone will work in your intended destinations. Cell companies around the world use several different technologies and frequencies, and there’s no guarantee that your phone will work with all of them.

Check the phone’s user manual – if it supports "quad-band GSM", it should work in much of the world. If you purchased your phone from your cell company and you’re not certain if it will function overseas, contact customer support.

 

 

Most cell companies also don’t enable your account for international roaming automatically, due to the high costs that can be incurred. Once you know that your phone is capable of working in a particular destination, be sure to contact your cell company to enable roaming on your account.

More information:

• Verizon
• Sprint
• AT&T
• T-Mobile

 

 

Check for International Roaming Packages

Using your phone overseas can be a very costly exercise. Most cell plans don’t include any calls, texts or data when traveling internationally, and rates can be extremely high. It’s not unusual to hear of people returning from a one or two week vacation and receiving a bill of thousands of dollars for their cellphone use.

To avoid this happening to you, check to see whether your cell company has any packages designed for international use. While many such packages are still expensive compared to using your phone at home, they’re still much cheaper than "pay as you go" rates.

While T-Mobile has recently announced a limited free SMS and data plan for its US customers who travel overseas, and new roaming regulations will come into force in the European Union over the next few years, these are still, unfortunately, rare exceptions.

 

Find Out If It’s Unlocked

If you’d prefer to avoid roaming charges entirely, it’s possible to do so with an unlocked GSM smartphone.  With one of these, you will be able to remove your existing cell company’s SIM card and replace it with one from a local company in your destination.

Depending on where in the world you’re going, the card itself will cost a few dollars, while $5-$20 worth of credit should give you enough calls, texts and data to last a couple of weeks.

Unfortunately, if you didn’t pay full price for your phone, it’s unlikely to be unlocked. There are exceptions (recent iPhones purchased from Verizon have an unlocked SIM card slot for international use, for example), but they are few and far between.

If your phone is locked, it’s worth contacting your cell company to see if it will unlock it for you (especially if the phone is no longer under contract). Bear in mind, however, that the company usually has no obligation to do so.

There are unofficial methods of unlocking certain models of smartphone, but these are done at your own risk and should be considered a last resort.

 

 

Turn Off Cell Data (and Use Wi-Fi Instead)

If your smartphone isn’t unlocked and you don’t have a good international roaming package, there are still ways to avoid spending a fortune. The most obvious is to turn off cellular data before you board the plane to your destination, and leave it that way until you get home. At rates of up to $20/MB, you could have spent hundreds of dollars downloading email before you’ve even got to the baggage carousel.

Instead, limit yourself to using Wi-Fi while you’re away. Most accommodation now includes wireless Internet – free or at a relatively small cost – while cafes and restaurants can fill in the gaps when you’re on the go. It’s not quite as convenient as having cellular data at your fingertips, but it’s a whole lot cheaper.

 

 

Use Google Voice or Skype Instead of Making Calls

Finally, whether you’re using Wi-Fi or cellular data, consider using smartphone apps like Skype or Google Voice when you need to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Rather than paying high international calling and text rates, these apps let you talk and send texts for free or cheap to anybody around the world.

Using Google Voice lets you call phones and send texts in the US or Canada at no cost, and any number outside that for a small fee. Skype also has low per-minute rates for calls and texts, and both apps let you call other users of the service for free no matter where they are.

With a little preparation, heading overseas with your smartphone doesn’t have to be a difficult or expensive proposition. Have fun!

How to Visit Lonely Planet's Best in Travel Top 10 Countries

Today's Travel Tips

                

 

How to Visit Lonely Planet's Best in Travel Top 10 Countries

By Janeen Christoff

Travel Agents and Tours Expert

These tours will take you to the top 10 countries on the Best in Travel list

Planet has released its Best of Travel 2015 list and there are some fascinating countries on the list as well as some iconic favorites and some must-see destinations. For those who want to follow in the footsteps of Lonely Planet’s recommendations, here are some suggestions for tours in their top 10 countries.  

                                   

                    

Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Getty Images/Seng Chy Teo

 

 

1. Singapore

 Now is apparently the time to go to Singapore. The city-state is celebrating 50 years of independence and it is doing it in style with events planned throughout 2015. It is easy to get to Singapore with many direct, roundtrip flights and it is a gateway city for much of Asia. Contact Asia Transpacific Journeys to plan a tour that includes Singapore as a destination. 

                               

           

Visit Namibia with Abecrombie & Kent. Getty Images/Len Combrinck

 

2. Namibia

Abecrombie & Kent offer a variety of tours in Namibia from a private jet experience to its Marco Polo Club Journeys. The 15-day Namibia & Botswana: Dunes, Delta & the Kalahari includes the quaint village of Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, NamibRand Nature Reserve, the Okavango Delta and more.  

 

3. Lithuania

Kensington Tours can take you to Lithuania on the Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania Discovery. The seven day tour explores the Soviet legacy and modern western influence on these Baltic nations. Discover the architecture of the Lithuanian capital, the royal playground of the Duke of Courland, the Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn and more.  

4. Nicaragua

 Get ready to get adventures with a Backroads multisport tour in Nicaragua. This new tour combines Costa Rica and Nicaragua and includes idyllic beaches, hikes and rides through nature reserves, kayaking, wildlife viewing and visits to cloud forests, steaming volcanoes and one of the world’s largest lakes. 

                                 

Giants' Causeway, Ireland. Getty Images/Joe Daniel Price

 

5. Ireland

CIE Tours will take you through Ireland on the 2015 Irish Adventure tour. The nine-day itinerary explores some of the country’s most important sights, including the Cliffs of Moher, Sheepdog Trails, Blarney Castle, Giant’s Causeway, Titanic Belfast, Waterford, Derry and more.

 

6. Republic of Congo

 Be among the first to explore the Congo Basin, which is one of the world’s largest rainforests. Congo Gorilla Tours offers a 14-day safari into this region where you will see the mountain gorillas, Nouabale-Ndoki, Dzanga-Ndoki and Lobeke national parks and more.

 

 

7. Serbia

 Lush vineyards and crumbling fortresses define the glamorous yet grungy terrain of Serbia. Intrepid includes a visit to Serbia on its Budapest & the Balkans itinerary. Discover the Old World charm of these cosmopolitan cities with visits to Budapest, Belgrade’s Bohemian quarter, Sarajevo, Motar’s Old Bridge and more. 

                                    

Palawan Province, Philippines. Getty Images/John Seaton Callahar

 

8. The Phillipines

G Adventures offers five trips to the Philippines, that encompass all regions of the country, including the islands. Travelers can choose to travel on “Classic” itineraries or the shoestring itineraries for the younger set known as “Yolo.” The Classic Northern Philippines adventure includes trekking through remote villages, visiting World Heritage rice terraces, exploring hidden waterfalls and caves, savoring Filipino cuisine.  

 

9. St. Lucia

Discover St. Lucia with a day tour offered by Island Routes. The six-hour Soufriere Safari allows travelers to explore the island via buggie. The journey includes local delicacies at a hilltop restaurant, a visit to a waterfall, a volcanic cauldron and more as you drive through dense forests and lush vegetation surrounding the legendary town of Soufriere. 

                                        

         Visit Essaouira in Morocco with Cox & Kings. Getty Images/Rafael Elias

 

10. Morocco

 Cox and Kings’ 10-night Morocco Explorer journey takes a less-travelled path through the dry desert country of eastern and southern Morocco, combining dramatic scenery with a sense of history, exuded by the many elaborately decorated and slowly crumbling kasbahs. The journey ends with a relaxing stay in coastal Essaouira.