Cheap Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore is an expensive place to visit. There’s no way around it. The small city state is priced relative to the United States. On a small stop over trip this isn’t the problem. However, on a big trip through the region, a trip into Singapore can elicit sticker shock. For those still wanting to visit this country, here are some tips for traveling around Singapore and saving some money.

Get Free Train Tickets
At the airport, the Singapore Tourist Authority hands out free ten passes to the Singapore subway. Each pass is worth two dollars so that saves you twenty Singapore dollars- more than plenty for a few days in the city.

Cool Off in the Underground Malls
The best places to go to cool in this very hot city is in the underground malls where the A/C is cranking and all the city is connected. You’ll be able to move around most of the city and never exposure yourself to the heat and humidity. Since it gets cool at night, it can save you from having to pay extra for A/C at your hotel or hostel.


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Cheap Ways to Travel Across Europe

Europe is not always the cheapest place to travel around. Transportation costs can cause havoc on any budget, especially if you are traveling long distances. The increasing value of the Euro and the decreasing value of the US dollar has made traveling across Europe even more expensive. It’s especially ridiculous in England where they use a pricing method similar to the airlines (book early). Just hoping on a train can be as (or more) expensive than hoping on a flight. It cost me more for a 2 hr train ride than it did to fly to Amsterdam from London. Despite the expensive Euro, high transportation costs, and the general expensiveness of Europe, there are still a few ways to travel around Europe cheaply:

Megabus
A cheap way to travel get across the United Kingdom as fares can cost as little as one pound. You’ll need to book at least a month in advance on popular routes to get the one pound fare. Even if you don’t scoop up these amazingly cheap deals, you can still travel for a fraction of the cost you can on the National Rail system. Fares rarely top fifteen pounds. Most Megatrains and buses leave from London but you can also get intercity links from many of the country’s main destinations. (As well as major destinations in Wales and Scotland.) It’s simply the best deal around. Travel in the UK is ridiculously expensive and even if you change your plans, you are only losing a pound. This should be your first option for UK travel.

Busabout
A hop on/hop off again service similar to the OZ or Kiwi Experience. You can get on and off whenever you like and, once you buy the ticket, you don’t have to worry about transportation the whole way. There is an onboard guide that can help you with accommodation. They’ll help plan events and tours for you too. Busabout is not the cheapest option on the list but for those looking for something different, it is a good way to get around hassle free while knowing you’ll be around other backpackers. What you are really paying for is a scaled down tour and, for the first time traveler, this can be a good option if they don’t feel comfortable yet traveling on their own.

Low Cost Carriers
By far the cheapest option for traveling Europe, these airlines are so prolific that excess capacity and competition help keep fares cheap. You can often find tickets where the fare is just the taxes. Companies like SkyEurope, Transavia, EasyJet, and RyanAir offer flights throughout the continent for dirt cheap. It cost me 20 pounds to fly from London to Amsterdam, 25 euros to fly from Paris to Germany, and 60 euros to go from Stockholm to Amsterdam. Book early and you’ll scoop up the best deals. Remember though: read the fine print as not all airlines offer refunds for cancel flights. Moreover, check what airport they fly into. Many fly into secondary airports to keep costs down but sometimes those airports are so far from the city center, transportation from them can be very expensive.

EuroRail Pass
Getting a rail pass is a good option if you are going to be traveling across vast distances. The European rail system is very good and very cheap over short distances. However, when you start boarding night trains across multiple countries, the rail system becomes a bit more expensive. Rail Passes are a great way to save quite a few euros and are a must for anyone looking to take the trains over long distances.

Use these options and you are bound to save money while you travel around Europe! Europe is expensive but there are still cheap ways to get around!

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How to survive holidays with babies

Taking a small baby on holiday can be a big operation - especially if you plan to pass through an airport and check into a hotel.

Make things easy for yourself and take a break in a self-catering property in the West Country - just hop in the car with all your parental paraphernalia then spread out, unwind and keep to your own schedule in your own cottage. There are plenty of coastal and countryside properties in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, including many comfortable retreats for families with babies and young children.

Here are Classic Cottages' Top Ten Tips for stress-free post-baby breaks on your holiday:

1. Avoid the airport hassle of lengthy check-ins and security procedures - enough to test the patience of an adult let alone a little one - with a West Country break.

2. Don't pack yourselves into a hotel room - enjoy the space afforded by your own cottage.

3. Take your holiday at your own pace and make your own plans, whatever your mood (or your baby's).

4. Don't worry about the neighbours - there are many secluded properties where there's no-one your baby can wake up with 2am screaming.

5. Take advantage of excellent kitchen facilities to cater for your baby's every need, whatever the hour. By going self catering you won't be tied to rigid hotel dining arrangements.

6. There's no need to bring a cot - most properties have one and many come with additional facilities such as high-chairs or stair-gates - but you can check when you book.

7. The West Country is the perfect place to recharge the batteries - if you're relaxed, the chances are your baby will be too.

8. Convenient use of a washing machine is invaluable to keep your baby in fresh clothes - so remember to check there is one available.

9. Bring along a family member or friend to help out - there is a huge selection of properties of different sizes online for you to choose from.

10. Haven't organised a passport for little Johnny or Jessica yet? That's something else you don't need to worry about with a holiday in SouthWest Britain.

Convinced yet? Why not have a look at what's on offer in the region in terms of things to do, and places to visit with this useful Somerset Guide.

About the Author

West Country-based Sarah Maple is doing more research on a Cornwall Guide and a Devon Guide.

MOUNTAIN BIKING TIPS

1-Find out about the trail and surroundings, be sure that you have enough time to complete the entire route before darkness falls. Do not stray off the path. A compass would be handy, just in case.

2-Use good judgment regarding the fitness level required for the trail, and know your physical limits.


3-Always let someone know of your plans and destination for the day, especially if going alone.

4-Bring enough water and pack some light snacks to keep energy level up. Unless biking with a knowledgeable partner, it is not advisable to eat jungle fruit or drink from any water source.


5-Be prepared for sudden rain showers by carrying appropriate rain gear.

6-Always check your bike before starting out. Pay special attention to tyres, which can damage more easily due to the rough terrain.


7-If you wish to camp overnight as part of your biking expedition, read the ‘Camping’ section under ‘Jungle Discoveries’ for camping tips.