Grab the Girls for a Shopping Break in London

London is one of the world’s best cities for shopping, so why not grab the girls and indulge in the ultimate retail therapy?

You can book group accommodation at one of the 30 Travelodges in London, leaving you plenty of cash to splash in the shops.

Oxford Street is a great place to start your shop-a-thon, as it boasts over 300 shops. Try Selfridges for everything under one roof designer shopping, or head to the world’s biggest fashion store, Topshop, for some seriously cool shopping over three floors.

On Regent Street you’ll find iconic London stores such as Liberty and Hamleys – two great places to find gifts for your loved ones at home.

Nearby Carnaby Street has some fantastic smaller designer boutiques, as well as some atmospheric cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a quick pit-stop.

Those who have some serious cash burning a hole in their pocket should head to Bond Street for upmarket, designer boutiques including Louis Vuitton, Tiffany and Co and Burberry. Alternatively, the swanky department stores of Harrods and Harvey Nichols are to be found in posh Knightsbridge. Don’t forget your credit card!

Covent Garden is a good place to find unique items such as handmade jewellery and rare sweets. You can also stock up on cosmetics, fashion items and shoes while enjoying the atmosphere of one of London’s prettiest shopping areas.

If it’s smart tailoring that you’re after, Saville Row is the place to head. You’ll also find the flagship Abercrombie and Fitch store for those who prefer to dress casually.

For a change from the shops and stores, Portobello Market is an unrivalled open air shopping experience. Pick up one of a kind items such as vintage clothing, antiques, jewellery and books on the market, and in the surrounding shops of trendy Notting Hill.

Making group bookings with Travelodge couldn’t be easier. Simply fill in the online form then dust off those flats ready for some serious shopping.

Posted in Shopping | Tagged | Leave a comment

Waiting to Board

We’re at Phnom Penh International Airport now and just waiting for our boarding time. My son is so excited he keeps on asking if it’s our turn to board.

We’re all excited to go back to Philippines for a visit. It’s been nine long months since our last visit to Philippines.

In the meantime, our waiting is comfortable in the newly renovated Phnom Penh International Airport. It has free wifi and it’s more spacious than the last time I was here (November 2011).

Check out some photos I took inside.

I hope the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will also undergo a major renovation so it wouldn’t be included in the worst airports in the world.

Posted in Stories and Tips | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Disneyland vs Disney World

Do not make the same mistake as I did!

All this time, I thought Disneyland in USA is in Orlando, Florida. I was confident about that tiny information in my head when I bragged to my son’s teacher that we are planning to visit Disneyland in Orlando.

The teacher who is an American asked me, “Are you going to visit Disneyland or Walt Disney World?” Uhmmm….Disneyland. “Well then, you should go to California because that’s where Disneyland is. But if you want to visit Walt Disney World, then you should go to Orlando.”

When I went home that day, I googled Disneyland and Walt Disney World right away. The teacher was right, of course. Silly me! But least I found out sooner.

Walt Disney World in Orlando Florida

Disneyland California

So which Disney shall we go to? I don’t know now. I have to consult my boys and google first.

I need to check and compare orlando flights versus california flights. Whichever is cheaper will probably win in my book. LOL!

But of course the final answer will have to be my son’s decision. After all, Disney visits are primarily for him. The parents are just riding along for fun.

So remember, there are two Disney in America: Disneyland is in California and Disney World is in Orlando.

Posted in Travel Wishlist | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Postcards: Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills

When Kuala Lumpur’s heat becomes unbearable, locals and expats head to Berjaya Hills, formerly known as Bukit Tinggi.

The name was changed to Berjaya Hills after the company developed the place. It is just an hour’s drive from KL and makes for a pleasant weekend getaway.

One weekend, when we were still living in KL, we went there and stayed at Colmar Tropicale in Berjaya Hills. It’s a french-themed resort complete with medieval french villages.

Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hills

Windows

Clock

Magnetized

There are entertainments and other activities to make up for the outdated facilities. And if you’re like me, being with the family on a lazy, breezy, foodie weekend is enough to make you smile.

Posted in Sights and Scenes | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Postcard: Ocean Park, Hongkong

Just reminiscing our first time in Hongkong, particulary in Ocean Park Hongkong.

I wish we could visit Hongkong again this year. But looking at our travel calendar and budget, it seems impossible.

But I am not entirely sad. I am looking forward to visiting Japan this year!

Cross fingers!

Posted in Sights and Scenes | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Booked: Manila Marriott Hotel

It’s still about a month before our next vacation but I have already finished booking our ticket and accommodation this afternoon.

I always book early as much as possible to get early bird discounts from hotels. Hotels and hotel booking companies usually have 21-day advance purchase discount of about 15%.

I booked our accommodation at Manila Marriott Hotel and since I booked 21 days prior to our travel, I secured the 15% discount!

It is still a bit pricey Manila standards but I told promised myself a treat during this vacation in payment for the anxiety I have gone through the past couple of weeks. LOL!

Manila Marriott Hotel

Manila Marriott Hotel Guestroom

We will only stay here for a couple of days while we fix our condominium in Boni.

It’ll be our first time at Manila Marriott and I am hoping we’ll have a fantastic time. Customer reviews from different booking sites sound promising.

We’ll see.

Posted in Accommodation | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Dream Holiday Destinations: Dominican Republic

If you’re after a holiday to the Caribbean but you’re not sure where to go, have you ever consider a trip to the Dominican Republic? Bathed in sunshine with picture postcard beaches, stunning seascapes and a laidback Caribbean lifestyle, this is simply what dreams are made of.

Vacations to Dominican Republic generally involve taking it easy. The pace is slow here – think barefoot paradise with rustic beach huts, palm-fringed bays and friendly locals. The seafront really is the pièce de résistance so if you’re not into beaches, this Caribbean castaway probably isn’t for you. Otherwise you’ve got miles upon miles of soft sands to sink your toes into, with gently lapping waters hiding a vast underwater world that’s just begging to be discovered. Don a facemask or join the local scuba diving group to explore the vibrant corals and fascinating life lingering just beneath the surface.

Like many USA holidays, the Dom Rep is tourist-friendly and offers a five-star service everywhere you turn. Hotels are generally top class and usually come on an all inclusive basis, which means you won’t have to go far for mouth-watering food or refreshing cocktails. If you do want to seek out the local eateries, you can expect to pay much less than the average European restaurant and enjoy a feast for your senses – with everything from local taíno dishes to hearty rice and meat-based fare infused with Spanish flavours.

When it comes to local activities, Dom Rep does more than just beaches. Try your hand at a selection of thrilling watersports, from windsurfing and kayaking to jet skiing, opt for a boat trip to explore the outlying islands, or take a memorable whale watching tour and spot groups of humpbacks.

Whatever you choose to do on holiday in the Dominican Republic, this is one destination that gives you everything you need for a truly memorable getaway.

Posted in Stories and Tips | Tagged | Leave a comment

Why All Inclusive Majorca Holidays are Always Hard to Beat

Majorca is an iconic holiday destination and with good reason. The weather is reliably delightful and its beaches are among the best you’ll find anywhere in the Mediterranean. There are hundreds great hotels and high quality resorts for families or groups of all sizes to choose from and there are more than enough activities going on around the island to keep everyone entertained whatever it is you’re after.

Trips to the Balearics are never likely to disappoint but all inclusive Majorca holidays are arguably the stand-out option when it comes to booking a sun-drenched stay on a Spanish island. Going all inclusive of course means that  you’ll have every chance to maximise your holiday time simply because so much of the process is taken care of for you. So you don’t have any cause to concern yourself with finding restaurants, booking excursions or over-extending your holiday budget.

The Majorcan hills are ideal for walking tours or for cycling trips around the island, while the coastlines are equally idyllic and they play host to all manner of water sport activities whenever the sun is out. It really is the perfect place to go on holiday as so many thousands of British families can testify. By looking for the best deals online you can find yourself a bargain, including on all inclusive arrangements, which often work out considerably cheaper than if you book a self-catering alternative in the same area.

If you have nothing much beyond pure relaxation in mind for you next trip to the sunshine then Majorca is a great place to lay back and leave you troubles behind but there is also a huge amount for tourists to take an interest in, particularly in the capital city of Palma. Wherever you’re planning to visit this time around, beach holidays can prove to be even more relaxing and rejuvenating than you might’ve imagined if you do a little homework and book an all inclusive deal online.

Posted in Stories and Tips | Tagged | Leave a comment

Travel Feature: Kefalonia

Cephalonia or more commonly known as Kefalonia is an island in Greece, the largest island of the Ionian Islands in Western Greece. It also goes by the name of Cephallenia, Cephallonia, Kefallinia, or Kefallonia. (Source: Wikipedia)

When you think of Greece, the first couple of places that come to mind are usually Acropolis in Athens and Santorini. When I think of Greece, I associate it with history and not with beaches.

But that’s where I am wrong. I found out that Greece has one of the most lovely beaches in the world. In fact, there is one world famous beach in Greece. It is located at Kefalonia, called Myrtos Beach.

(Photo: Wikipedia) Myrtos is world-famous for its bright turquoise water. And they say it’s even more enchanting when the sun is setting down. It leaves the water yellowish, reddish, orange-y and purplish in color.

Aside from the magical beaches all over Kefalonia, the place boasts of another nature wonder that’s also worth a trip on its own – Melissani Cave.

In Greek mythology, Melissani was the cave of the nymphs. The cave features a lake that are surrounded with trees and forests. The cave is located east of the mountains of Evmorfia and Agia Dynati. (Photo and Source: Wikipedia)

Another thing that’s a definite hit with small (kid) tourists are the Loggerhead Sea Turtles.

Loggerhead Sea Turtles are considered endangered species. They have a nesting site in Kaminia Beach, one of Kefalonia’s many beaches. I am sure my son would love to see these turtles hatch.

As I go on with my reading, I discovered more and more things to do and places to explore in Kefalonia. I never thought, I’d consider going to Greece other than to learn more about the ancient history. Now, I could enumerate several reasons.

Let’s go!

Posted in Travel Wishlist | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Madam Tussauds Hongkong

I’ve got itchy feet again. And since we couldn’t travel just yet (hopefully we’ll be able to travel next month), the next best thing to do for me is take a look at our travel pictures.

Since I haven’t posted these pictures here, I might as well share what I was looking at a few minutes ago. These are our pictures at Madam Tussauds Hongkong. We went there last January 2010, our first time in Hongkong.

Madam Tussauds Hongkong is located at one of the famous locations in Hongkong, The Peak.

I don’t remember how many figures they have. All I remember is that they have Hollywood Stars, Asian Stars, Kung Fu Stars, Sports Stars, Cultural Figures, Pop Stars, Royalty, World Leaders and Fiction Characters.

Princess Diana Wax
Princess Di

President Obama Wax
President Obama

Pierce Brosnan Wax
Pierce Brosnan

Nicole Kidman Wax
Nicole Kidman

Meryl Streep Wax
Meryl Streep

Johnny Depp Wax
Johnny Depp

Einstein Wax
Einstein

Eddie Murphy Wax
Eddie Murphy

David Beckham Wax
David Beckham

AstroBoy Wax
Astro Boy

Tiger Woods Wax
Tiger Woods

The Queen Wax
The Royal Family

Marily Monroe Wax
Marilyn Monroe

Madonna Wax
Madonna

Angelina and Brad Wax
And last but not least, my favorite Hollywood couple – Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Madam Tussauds Hongkong Address:
Shop P101, The Peak Tower, No. 128 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong

Opening Times:
10AM – 10PM Daily (Last Admission 9:45PM)

Tickets:
Adult – $170
Child (aged 3 – 11) – $100
Senior (65 or above) – $100

Posted in Sights and Scenes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment