Singapore is an exotic Island with many fabulous tourist attractions. You will surely find a lot of beautiful to explore in this beautiful city. Singapore is called “Garden City” and at the same time ,”Clean City” by a lot of tourist.  It is a city dotted with shopping malls, high buildings, parks and gardens.

Merlion Park in Singapore

Although Singapore is in Asia, you can actually find a lot of foreigners working and living there. Singapore is a mecca for shoppers as well.

Below are just some of the best tourist sports that you may want to visit in Singapore:

The Orchard Road

This is a very well know spot for shoppers. It has the biggest shopping mall in Singapore. The entire road is filled with a number of shops and malls. It is the hub of all kind of shopping varieties starting from clothes, textiles, shoes, electronic goods, furniture, decorating items, ornaments etc.  Tourists are flocking this place specially during holidays and  and great Singapore sales.

You can find a wide collection of items which caters  people of all the ages. Don’t ever miss to go to Orchard Road.

Underwater World

A very popular tourist destination in Singapore, if not one of the most popular. Underwater World is  a world class, well-known oceanarium showcasing some 2500 marine life . Travelers need to visit underwater world to explore the captivating marine life. It provides endless enjoyment for the visitors.

Universal Studios Singapore

This newly opened  theme park is located within Sentosa Island too. It is the second Universal Studios Theme Parks to open in Asia, and the first in Southeast Asia. It is home to the world’s biggest single collection of DreamWorks Animation and is being marketed as “one-of-its-kind theme park in Asia” as they promised that the park will be the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia for the next 30 years

By the way, Sentosa is an Island situated on the southern coast of Singapore.

Jurong Bird Park

My friends who are living in Singapore love this place so much. They spend their weekends with their family members in this  bird gallery. It is ideal for the bird researchers and people who love bird watching. It has more than 8000 birds of around 600 different spices. This park has a beautiful landscape with the tallest man made waterfalls.

Night Safari

One of the five night safaris in the World. Night Safari Singapore is the world’s first nocturnal zoo.  The birth of a giant flying squirrel, which is the first in Asia happened in Night Safari Singapore in 2004.  Watch the Creatures of the Night Show every night – a 30-minute non-stop action packed show different animals from the binturongs, otters, raccoons, wolves, hyenas and many more.

There are still popular tourist spots like Singapore Botanic Gardens, Merlion Park, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve,C larke Quay (singapore River) and many more.

Visit Singapore, because it’s one of the ultimate tourist destination that caters to all kinds of travellers.

Jet lag is often associated with air travel especially when crossing multiple time zones. The symptoms of jet lag are multiple and vary with each individual, but result mainly from the internal body clock being out of phase with the daily schedule at the travel destination. Sleep is also often disrupted, leading to additional fatigue.

Adjusting to jet lag is generally easier when travel is to the west, but most travelers adjust to the new time after a few days.

Several tips may help diminish the effects.

• Rest well before the flight.
• Try to move 1-2 hours toward the destination time before flight, if your schedule permits.
• Eat lightly before and during the flight.
• Once departed, reset watches and other activities to the destination time.
• Drink water and fruit juices inflight and minimize alcoholic beverages.
• Consider using caffeinated beverages strategically during the day to mask fatigue but avoid use within 4-6 hours of bedtime when the effect may make sleep onset more difficult.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Schedule outdoor activities on the first few days at the new destination.
• After arrival, adjust to destination time as soon as possible.
• Limit naps to a single nap of 30-40 minutes or less.  Go to bed and awaken at the appropriate time for the new time zone.
• Discuss with your physician if sleep medication could be beneficial.

Jet lag will pass after a few days, once you fall into sync with your destination. It’s easy to adjust your watch to your destination’s time  so make sure that you reset your  mind ahead to your destination’s time as well.

Have a nice and safe fly.

Singapore is a city-state located in the heart of Southeast Asia. Independent since 1965, this densely populated island is a diverse immigrant society with a population of about 5 million people. Singapore is linked to Malaysia by a causeway and a bridge, and the key islands of the Riau Archipelago of Indonesia are just a ferry ride away.

Climate

Singapore has a tropical climate throughout the year with a daily average temperature range of 24°C (75°F) at night to 31°C (88°F) during the day. While the months from Jun to Sep tend to be drier, there may still be occasional rain. Up-to-date weather information can be obtained from the National Environment Agency website at www.nea.gov.sg

People

Singapore is a nation of diverse cultures. The three main races are the Chinese, Malays and Indians. For religion, Taoists and Buddhists account for 51% of the population, Muslims and Christians total 15% each, and Hindus 4%. The many nationalities from around the world living and working in Singapore also contribute to the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Singaporeans put a high value on racial and religious harmony and recognize the importance of mutual respect whether dealing with one another or visitors.

Economy

Strategically located at the crossroads of the east-west trading routes, Singapore is a major centre of business, communications and tourism.

Singapore’s political stability and consistent policies have underpinned its steady transformation since independence into a knowledge-intensive economy.

A Clean and Green Environment

Singapore provides an excellent living environment. The air quality is very good and water is safe to drink straight from the tap. Food safety is strictly regulated. The urban landscape is softened by lush street-side greenery, nature reserves and numerous public parks, the result of an ongoing effort to make Singapore a City-in-a-Garden. To maintain a clean and healthy environment, Singapore has laws against anti-social behaviour, such as littering or spitting in public places. The import and distribution of chewing gum is prohibited and this has helped to keep public walkways and transport free of the sticky mess. Smoking is prohibited in most public places to protect the non-smoking majority from the hazard of second-hand smoke.

Safety

Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with a competent and helpful police force. The rule of law is taken very seriously and the law applies equally to everyone, including visitors. Serious crimes that attract severe penalties include drug abuse and drug trafficking.

Preparing for Your trip

Below are some useful tips to help you plan your visit to Singapore:

Bottled Water

• Tap water in Singapore is safe to drink. If you wish to drink bottled water, it is widely available in all supermarkets and convenience stores.

Electricity

• Singapore’s electricity supply runs on 220-240V at 50Hz. Singapore mostly uses a three-pin, Type G plug. Plug and voltage adapters are available in electronics shops.

Currency Exchange

• Other than at banks and hotels, visitors may change currencies at licensed money changers at Changi Airport and most shopping centres. Before exchanging your money for any currency, do remember to check the foreign currency rates.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but is not a common practice as most hotels and restaurants in Singapore levy a 10% service charge on customers’ bills.

Public Transport

Travelling around Singapore is easy and convenient. An extensive and efficient network of taxis, buses, and trains connects every part of the country. Fares are regulated to ensure that public transport remains affordable.
If you would like to know more about Singapore, please visit www.yoursingapore.com.

source: Spectator Guide for the Youth Olympic Games 2010

Singapore is proud to host the inaugural Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games from 14 to 26 August 2010.  As the first-ever Olympic Games tailored for the youth, it will see young athletes competing in a range of sporting competitions.

Whatever sports you have chosen to watch, be prepared to be inspired by the spirit and talents of the world’s first Young Olympians. A total of 3,600 of the best young athletes from 205 countries will compete in all 26 Olympic sports for some 1,250 medals.

Olympic Logo via Wikipedia

If you are visiting Singapore, try to spend your time to explore the city beyond the venues. Here are World Travel and Vacation, we will post the other exciting places to visit to make your stay more memorable.  In celebration of Singapore 2010, the city has prepared many cultural  activities and festivals for your enjoyment.

*Experience your 1st Youth Olympic Games in Singapore by:

Arrive Early
Give yourself enough time to get to the competition venue, and at least an hour for security checks.

Check Your Ticket
Make sure that you have the correct and valid ticket for the competition.

Dress Appropriately
Dress appropriately for outdoor venues (Singapore has a tropical climate) and indoor venues (air-conditioned). Bring your sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen as the sun at outdoor venues can be strong. Bring a poncho if rain is forecasted.

Prepare for Security Screening
Avoid taking large bags to the venues. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all spectators, some items are either prohibited or restricted.

Carry Acceptable Payment Options
Only Visa cards, Singapore 2010 DBS Visa Prepaid Cards and cash (Singapore dollars) are accepted at the venues.

Do Not Bring Food and Beverage
Please do not bring food or beverage that you have bought elsewhere into competition venues. Instead, you may buy them at the competition venues.

Take Public Transport
To be environmentally-friendly, please take public transport. Your ticket comes with a Singapore 2010 DBS Visa Prepaid Companion Card that enables you to travel free on public transport on the day of your event. Another reason to use public transport is that there is no parking provided at the competition venues.

Make Singapore 2010 a Green Games

You can help make Singapore 2010 an environmentally-friendly Games by:

• Taking public transport
• Putting recyclable waste, such as plastic bottles and aluminum drink cans, in the recycling bins
• Putting other trash in the trash bins
• Inviting your friends and other spectators to join in making Singapore 2010 a green Games.

Enjoy Singapore 2010!

And above all have a lot of fun!

Singapore hosts the first-ever Youth Olympic Games in August 2010, when young athletes aged 14 to 18 from around the world will compete in 26 sports and participate in a Culture and Education programme.

Singapore Girls with the mascots of the Youth Olympic Games, Lyo (far left) and Merly

As the Official Airline, Singapore Airlines’ sponsorship agreement with the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (SYOGOC) will see it providing air tickets, facilitating the handling of airfreight carrying Games-related equipment from SYOGOC’s international partners, and publicising the event through its proprietary media channels, like SilverKris magazine, Priority magazine, SilkWinds magazine and the inflight entertainment system, KrisWorld.

Promoting the Games through the Group’s extensive network of 97 destinations in 39 countries will mean greater visibility and buzz for the event, while key officials travelling for the Games will be able to experience Singapore Airlines’ world-class service.

Some 5,000 athletes and officials from 205 National Olympic Committees are expected to attend the Games – which will run from August 14-26 – along with more than 500,000 spectators.

Facts:

• 6 years in the making
• Cost : $1.4 billion
• Weight : 225, 282-gross-ton or estimated at approximately 100,000 tons (displacement) – about twice as much as Titanic(52,000)
• Length: 360 m (1,181 ft) overall
• Height: 72 m (236 ft) above water line
• Capacity: 16 passenger decks and can carry 6,292 passengers plus 2,165 crew

Features:

• Mini-golf course
• Two Rock climbing walls
• Basketball  and Volleyball courts
• Ice skating rink
• Carousel with hand-carved wooden animals
• Shopping promenade lined with cafes and bars
• Cantilevered whirlpools overlooking the sea
• Central Park with 12,000  live plants and 56 trees.  The first living park at sea
• Amphitheater surrounds a deep-diving pool on the stern
• Its outdoor 750-seat AquaTheatre amphitheater hosts the ship’s largest freshwater pool
• Zip line where passengers can harness themselves and soar cross the ship above an open-air atrium nine decks high and lined with balconied cabins
• 4 swimming pools
• Nurseries for children
• Bars and lounges

Oasis of the Seas Aqua Theater

The Rising Tide, one of its many bars,  floats up and down between three decks, while a touring company performs the Broadway musical in the 1,380-seat theater.

Royal Caribbean’s new Oasis of the Seas is the largest, widest, tallest, most expensive cruise ship afloat.  This world’s biggest cruise ship starts its inaugural voyage on Dec. 5, 2009. It is a floating resort with home port at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Looking for you next exotic vacation in Asia?

Taiwan is an island located in East Asia between the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Formerly known as Formosa (“beautiful island” in Portuguese). It is part of an island group that has been governed by the Republic of China (ROC) since the end of WWII, but is claimed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Mainland Chinese authorities claim Taiwan as theirs and view the island not as a separate state but a renegade province.

Taiwan is densely populated island, separated from the Asian continent by a narrow 120-kilometer-wide-strait. The ruggedness and compactness of Taiwan’s terrain, however, makes the island quite stunning. The eastern two-thirds consisting mostly of jagged mountain ranges from the north to the south.

Taiwan is very eco-friendly place and you will be amazed at how lush and green the island’s forests are.

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, a bustling metropolis nestled in the middle of small, jade-colored mountains. Despite its rapid urbanization, the city of Taipei remains generally safe and it’s possible to wander without having to worry about personal danger. Getting around the city of Taipei is also very easy due to its efficient and inexpensive subway system.

What To Do

Ride the world’s fastest elevator  and head for the top-of the world Taipei 101. The most famous landmark in Taipei. An enormous financial and shopping center and the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010 (Burj Dubai in United Arab Emirates is now the tallest building in the world).

Designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes common in its area of the Asia-Pacific. Taipei 101’s characteristic blue-green glass curtain walls are double paned and glazed, offer heat and UV protection sufficient to block external heat by 50 percent.

Recycled water meets 20-30 percent of the building’s water needs. Upgrades are currently under way to make Taipei 101 “the world’s tallest green building”  by summer 2011.

This architectural marvel can be toured via the observation deck – for stunning 360-degree view of Taipei and the surrounding suburbs.

Explore the National Palace Museum. Taipei has plenty of attractions but its single most impressive draw is the National Palace Museum in Taipei, which, in itself, is worth a visit to the island.The most extensive and most fabulous exhibition of Chinese art in the world,d with a total of 650,000 ancient artifacts. Rumor has it that the collection is so vast that it would take a person almost 30 years to see every piece, as they are rotated on a regular basis.

Visit Taipei’s memorial halls, which were built in very grandiose style. Most notables ones are the colossal Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – dedicated to the ROC’s longest serving president, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall built in honor of the founder of the ROC.

Go shopping int the night markets, but don’t think it’s all about clothes and souvenirs – its more about food, as each market as it’s own traditions of snacks and street food available.

Buy beautiful jade pieces at the weekend jade markets, like Chienkuo, Jianguo, and Holiday.

Visit the beautiful and tranquil Sun Moon Lake, which sits at an altitude of 762 meters in the mountain of Nantou Country. You can bike around its perimeter, row a boat, hike surrounding trails, hang out at the dock, or even go swimming.

Go porcelain and ceramic shopping in Yingge, a town famous for its production of porcelain. There are lots of art studios and shops, and a strip called Yingge Pottery Street.

There are several prominent  landmarks in Taipei which you can explore.  You need several weeks to fully appreciate  the island offers. Taiwan is truly one of Asia’s under-rated tourist destinations.

Seasickness is one of the most common misconceptions of people on why they do not travel. Maybe back then it is true, but in our modern times, ships or more sturdy and strong, thus giving its passengers smooth sailing trip.

Others do believe that travelers on a cruise ship are most old people. However, in reality riding on this kind of adventure caters to both old and young. Meeting different kind of people broadens your perspective of life. We are unique and differ in every many ways, but that does not mean that we do not mingle with other people. It is time to build bridges and not gaps.

For most, the reason would be it would be a boring journey. Many do not realize that it does offer a complete package. Activities to be involved too, relaxation on the pool while gazing at the blue sky and the gorgeous people around. At night, you can go parties to dance and blend with other travelers. There are also bars and even parties to attend wherein you can also socialize.

Nowadays there also services offered to the health conscious individuals like spa and beauty shops. In addition, even different kinds of games are available. All of this helps you to relieve stress and helps you to relax.

For all of these misconceptions those others might have. Nevertheless, for most, nothing can compare and no amount could meet the expense of the thrill, experience and adventure one might have.

The list of misconceptions could go on and on….Nevertheless, why not enjoy cruising after all, these are just all misconceptions.

We’ve book our airfare as earlier as three (3) months before. As we are about to live for Malaysia this month, I would like to share points to consider in availing cheaper, lower airfares. And may you find it useful as you are also about to travel.

Make the reservation as earlier as possible. For international flights consider a thirty (30) days prior reservation. Others at least required a two (2) week period. By doing so, you can also increase your chances of finding a great deal.

Travel on weekdays and not on weekend. Most often times traveling on a Monday or Friday will cost you more than traveling during Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Though traveling on a Saturday might also cost you less, but as a general rule don’t travel during weekends.

Stay for a Saturday night. Low airfares usually requires you to stay at least for three (3) days at most and also require you to stay over for a Saturday night.

Secrets to cheap flights

Low airfares are usually being sold on limited slots. Once the seats are already taken, the price goes up. Think also that being on a low airfares means that there are more restrictions.

Choose an airport that is nearest to you. This will entitle you to more savings, especially if you will travel using the same courier.

Consider a two way ticket – roundtrip fare. Choose an airfare that has the same cost of both the departing and return flights.

Look for an agency which has the most accessibility to what they call Global Distribution System (GDS). And the capacity to source fares directly from airlines and from those wholesalers.

Every now and then surf the internet and look out for those promotional lowest airfares. . Check World Travel and Vacation Promo Page for the latest top performing coupon codes and best flight deals.

Be you an individual, group or corporate travelers for business or pleasure, there are always ways to obtain cheaper, lower airfares.

Happy Trip!

Size really matter especially when it comes to hotel accommodations.  Looking for spacious rooms, cozy rooms, sumptuous meal, new people to meet and a place you can call home – listed are the biggest and best hotels in the world in terms of room capacities.

Travel the globe and stay at these Six (6) largest hotels around the world. There’s no more reason that you can’t book a room for your travel. Enjoy all the amenities the world’s biggest and largest hotel has to offer from deluxe rooms to spa suites.

Venetian Hotel

The Venetian – 6th Largest Hotel
4,049 guest rooms
Italy-inspired settings especially at its Renaissance period this hotel accommodates four thousand forty nine (4,049) guest rooms and suites. Venetian standard rooms are the biggest in the world with the size of seven hundred (700) square feet. Europe you may say, actually it is just in Las Vegas.

Mandalay Bay Hotel

Mandalay Bay – 5th Largest Hotel
4,341 guest rooms
Still in Las Vegas, this hotel is considered the hippest night spots since 1999 with concert being held too numerous to count. Add to this are its coin museum and walk-through aquariums. And for the food lover you will enjoy varieties of restaurants. Mandalay Bay houses four thousand three hundred forty one (4,341) guest rooms and suites.

Luxor Hotel Casino

Luxor Hotel Casino – 4th Largest Hotel
4,408 guest rooms and suites
With a pyramid like structure connected to a power house this hotel has four thousand four hundred eight (4, 408) guest rooms and suites. Found still in Las Vegas.

MGM Grand Hotel Casino

MGM Grand Hotel Casino – 3rd Largest Hotel
5005 guest rooms
Who can ever forget about MGM Grand Hotel Casino – many unforgettable events are held here from boxing to concerts. This thirty (30) storey hotel has five thousand five (5,005) guest rooms and considers the biggest hotel in the Northern American Region. With amenities such as a huge video screens, restaurants and food court.

Ambassador City Jomtien Hotel

Ambassador City Jomtien – 2nd Largest Hotel
5,100 guest rooms and suites
The 2nd largest hotel is found in Asia, located at Thailand and a ten (10) minute drive from Pattaya. With its natural beauty that surrounds you like the green mountains and a forty (40) acre of beach. The place caters for business, pleasure and sports enthusiast, not to mention that this hotel has the biggest swimming pool in Asia.

First World Hotel Malaysia

First World Hotel – World’s Largest Hotel
6,118 rooms

The worlds’ largest hotel can be found in Genting, Malaysia. Unlike any other hotels, it didn’t have a garish color scheme but a colorful one,. With 6,118 rooms capacity, it beats that of the previous record holder,  by more than 1,000 rooms.
As you may have noticed 4 out of 6 of the largest hotel can be found in Las Vegas, USA alone ,but the top 2 can be found in Asia.