TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS 

Ready to head out on vacation but dont know what to bring? A bit confused with what to pack and whats necessary? Dont want to waste bag space? 

Well have a read through the top necessary travel essentials that will make your holiday worthwhile! 

it is always a hassle to even begin packing for your vacation but with this easy guide to your top travel essentials packing for your next holiday destination will be done much easier :) 

1.  Photocopy your passport- Never lose your passport! Your passport is the most essential to the beginning of your vacation! NO PASSPORT = NO HOLIDAY :( make sure you have this easily accessible and kept in safe place at all times 
2. Backpack- a backpack will make your life much easier as this will allow you to carry a lot of things while you are on the go as well as being able to keep important things at hand. It's also very compact and convenient when travelling in foreign countries
3. Earphones - this is a must for most people as this can assist to block aircraft noise also you can enjoy your favourite beats while flying as well as on the go
4. Universal adapter plug- this will be your solution to all problems. Most foreign countries have different adapter plugs. Hence the universal adapter plug is most convenient to charge your electronics in foreign countries as most have different adapter plugs with different number of pin plugs 
5. Rain poncho - believe it or not a rain poncho is your most ideal back up plan for unpredicted weather changes. Visiting other countries can be difficult to pack for as being unaware of weather trends and current weather can impact on your journey. TO save your self from disappointment dont forget to pack your rain poncho, on a plus side it doesn't take up too much space in your bag
6. Pain reliever - too much exposure to the sun, not feeling well, getting unwanted headaches? Keeping some pain relievers at hand is most essential for sudden illness and headaches that may arise from the change of environment and climate. With the help of pain relievers, you can be at most ease while on your vacation 
7. A pen -Yes! Keep a pen in your handy backpack or purse at all times. Believe it or not this is essential ! At the airport a pen is most necessary when filling out all the paper work prior to your flight and filling out all the paper work before it. It can also be handy to fill out forms and necessary information on your visit into another country as well as for activities and bookings.
8. Comfortable shoes- on your flight it is important that you are at your most comfortable especially on a long haul flight. Something that is quick and easy to take off and which prevents your feet from swelling or cramping up. 
9. Dont forget your camera to capture your amazing adventure and journey to keep wonderful memories of ! 

NOW YOURE READY TO GO ! 

HAPPY FLYING ! 

Tips for staying calm while flying!

Tips for staying calm while flying

By Bethany Whittington

Flying. Its one of those things that you either love or hate - or maybe you're a little bit in between. Either way, it can be extremely stressful and anxiety-inducing - from the security checks where you instantly feel like a criminal (even though you've done nothing wrong), to being in an enclosed space for hours thousands upon thousands of feet in the air. Not to mention that the news seems to make it seem like every plane you flying is a death trap. 

But the reality is, you're far safer in a plane than you are in a car. But, you don't fly in a plane every day (unless you're a pilot or a flight attendant, of course), so your brain thinks that its a threat, because it recognises that "hey, this isn't something you normally do! This is dangerous!" But I assure you, flying is perfectly safe - new technology and higher standards can assure that!

Still, it doesn't stop your brain from heading into panic mode, so here are some tips I personally use to ensure you are as comfortable and relaxed as possible:

• Have everything ready - Let's face it: security checks in the airport are terrifying. One wrong move, and you could be detained for being suspicious (not really, but it feels like it). One thing to make you feel a bit calmer is to have everything - your passport and boarding pass - ready. Once you've checked in, you'll only have your carry-on with you, and you can hold your passport and boarding pass in your hand. Slide your boarding pass into the page where your photo is, so the officers don't have to flick through your passport and take up more time than necessary. Ensure all your liquids are in a zip lock bag so you can place them separately in the scan and ensure you have no metals or anything else in your pockets (that includes your belt). As long as you're prepared, there shouldn't be any troubles.
• Avoid caffeine - This should be rather obvious, but I myself enjoy a nice cup of coffee. However, caffeine is known to increase anxiety, and I know my brain goes into overdrive once I've had a cup too many. So the best option is to avoid caffeine before your flight - opt for a relaxing herbal tea instead. If coffee is offered on the flight, its best to have it at the end.
• Read the facts - No, this does not include the news. The news always talks about the bad news because, lets face it, good news doesn't sell papers. The only reason you hear the most about plane crashes is that they are super rare. Even so, there's a good chance you will survive it - pilots don't spend years training for nothing! Heck, if the news commented on every car crash, it would take all day! Millions of planes fly every year, and thousands fly every day. This website, Flight Radar, allows you to monitor and watch planes at this very second. Just looking at it, you see how many planes are in the air. Its soothing and intriguing to watch, and it assures you how safe flying really is. If you're really concerned, check the safety rating of your airline - the more safety stars the better.
• Breathe - Again, it seems self-explanatory, but it really does help. In for 3 seconds, pause for 3 seconds, out for 3 seconds. This helps oxygen flow through your body, and almost instantly relaxes you. 
• Stay distracted - When you're bored, your mind tends to wander and in a stressful environment, that means thinking of the worst case scenario. Keep your mind distracted with books or the entertainment the airline offers (...preferably not about planes). 

Flying is an interesting, exciting experience which allows you to explore the world like we never have been able to before. While it can be stressful, remember that its one of the safest ways to travel, and you're only on the actual plane for a few hours!

Have a safe flight!

SINGAPORE

PUBLISHED BY NEHA KISHORE

SINGAPORE 

Singapore makes an amazing holiday destination embraced by a multicultural city and a tropical climate perfect for a vacation away from home. There is wide range of sites to explore and things to do that will make your holiday adventure worthwhile! 

SENTOSA ISLAND, SINGAPORE 

Sentosa Island is one of Singapore's premier island resorts perfect for a getaway. This island consists of an exciting combination of attractions and and retreats.  Find all the entertainment you need for all ages where the fun never ceases! 

"THE STATE OF FUN" 

With a range of activities including themed water parks, marine world at the S.E.A aquarium and many more, this adventurous island will not disappoint. Also soak up the sun alongside the 3.2 km beach beyond the integrated resort and visit the two gold courses on the island and never ending activities ! 

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS 

Experience the cutting edge rides, shows and attractions based on your favourite hollywood films and television series including a whole range of Madagascar, Puss in Boots, Transformers, Jurassic Park, Sesame Street and many more !!! Have a fun filled day suitable for all ages and the family experiencing the adrenaline and the exotic fun filled activities you're bound to make double rounds ! This theme park is one of the ultimate and most popular destinations for tourists in Singapore! 

NIGHT SAFARI 

 Explore the amazing showcase of natural abilities of nocturnal wildlife. Here you will be greeted with over 2500 resident animals and over 130 species. The night safari consists of a 35 minute tram ride with live commentary from your friendly tour guide. A wonderful adventure for kids as well to explore the nocturnal wildlife of Singapore. This is a night adventure worth staying up for!

MARINA BAY SANDS

The Marina Bay Sands is a resort complex with a mall and consists of high end luxury brands. This is most popular for its Marina Bay Sands Skypark- where you can take in the entire city. The viewing deck is available for anyone to visit, however the infinity pool only gains access to hotel members, Guests can grab snacks and drinks at the famous rooftop restaurants and pick up souvenirs from the the souvenir stand.

SINGAPORE FLYER

This is the WORLD'S LARGEST giant observation wheel. The most beautiful view at night with the night lights across the city that will blow your mind away ! Enjoy wandering the streets of Singapore and experience the night life of the amazing city 

FUN FACTS: 

• Well known for its no littering rules and delicious chilli crab ( YUM )
• Singapore has salt water crocs ! - big ones !
• Has the largest alfresco rooftop bar in the world
• Singapore is not afraid of the dark 
• One of only three city states in the world 
• Its not just one island - its more than 60!
• Singapore Sling is not the national cocktail

Published by Sherry

Best of Japan, Tokyo

With its beguiling mix of the traditional and ultra-modern, Japan is a nation of contrasts and ever-changing surprises. From the shimmering waterfront of Yokohama to the bustling back alleys of Osaka; Sapporo’s snowy climes and Kyoto’s historic neighbourhoods, Japan presents a charming mix of old and new.

Japan holidays are perfect at all times of the year. Pick your season and experience the magic of the cherry blossoms in Kyoto in Spring, shopping and cultural activities in Tokyo in Summer, the Autumn maple leaves in Shizuoka or Hokkaido's perfect skiing conditions in Winter.

Embrace the local culture at:  

- An authentic Japanese tea ceremony

- A peaceful Zen Buddhist garden

- One of six Grand Sumo tournaments

Explore Tokyo’s neighbourhoods:

- Asakusa (for a trip to Senso-ji temple)

- Shinjuku (a frenetic hive of activity)

- Harajuku (the youthful fashion mecca)

http://www.japan-guide.com/