perhaps a vacation is Phuket is coming!

DH is talking about a trip to do his kite surfing. I volunteered to be the babysitter and he could see that he wasn't too excited. Then again, I reminded him that the hotel rates will be the same whether he's traveling alone or with us so that sort of settled his uncertainly.

After doing a quick search on Phuket vacation, AirAsia seems to offer a good deal of around RM400 (incl taxes and fees) for the month of June. As for hotels in Phuket, it depends on where you plan to stay. Since his kite surfing would most likely be in Nai Yang Beach, we would probably choose a phuket accommodation in that area. So the TOP 5 Phuket hotels for your next Phuket vacation:

Indigo Pearl, Nai Yang (see above photos)

JW Marriott Spa & Resort

Mom Tri's Boathouse Hotel

Amari Coral Beach Resort Hotel

Holiday Inn Resort

reminiscing Hakone Ginyu

I posted another video taken at our favourite ryokan in Hakone - Hakone Ginyu... the autumn leaves and scenery was just magnificent. I find myself reminiscing the wonderful moments spent in Hakone Ginyu once again...

no more designer's unit in fraser place shinjuku

Hotels Combined

It was a great weekend in Singapore though I got a little stressed out when Clayton refused to sleep before the wedding dinner on Saturday.

Though it was one of the shorter trips, I did all that I needed to do - got my haircut, met up with the owner of Fuchsia Lane, had lunch with mom and surprisingly, no shopping spree this time. The current global meltdown is sending me some warning signals to my spending habits plus we are going on a family vacation in 5 weeks' time - I can't wait!

I suppose I may have to give up my desire to stay in one of the designers' units in Fraser Place Shinjuku though the photos on the official website are seriously enticing! For the spacious room in the one bedroom in Fraser Place Shinjuku, I'm expected to pay less than $200 per night while the studio premier room in the designer's unit cost around $250 a nite! I've decided to cut down on our family vacation accommodation options and use the savings for shopping instead.

Till then, wishing everyone a good week despite the current global financial meltdown... here are some shots from my hometown - Singapore.



The Arts House at Old Parliament Lane



Boat Quay, Singapore

search for discount hotel rates and the best accommodation deals in a breeze

Ever felt like you have lost track of dates and time? I do. The past few days have gone so fast that I didn't even know that we are already approaching October! With so many tasks on my plate, I'm finding it hard to juggle with the little quality hours left for my internet marketing work.

There are currently two internet marketing projects brewing in my home office kitchen and as I work on these in the next couple of weeks, I also need to confirm our family vacation itinerary and plans. Comparing discount hotels rates and the best accommodation deals for our family has been a breeze with the following search hotel search tool I've been using. If you haven't tried it, you should. Simple enter your destination in the hotel search box and you will be presented with hotel search results of more than 30+ travel search engines. It's hard not to find good discount hotel rates and the best accommodation deals that way.

find cheap discount deals and cheap hotel deals in just one step

Searching and finding cheap discount hotels and cheap hotels rooms can be a tiring one if you don't know just where to search. For those who are new to booking your hotel accommodation online, you are missing out a great deal. Not only does online hotel accommodation booking saves you time, it saves you money too.

But with so many travel and hotel search engines out there, it can be difficult to identify which hotel booking site is offering you the cheapest discount hotels or best hotel deals. Instead of searching through one, three or five online hotel booking sites, you can now find out the best hotel deals in just one step. Don't believe it? Why not enter your destination and watch how this travel search engine find you the best cheap discount hotels and lowest hotel rates.

swimming with dad in putrajaya shangri-la

He was excited about his new goggles. I could tell that he couldn't wait to jump into the pool when we took him for a site inspection. Then again, I must admit that Putrajaya Shangri-la hotel does have a beautiful adult and children pool with lovely views of Putrajaya. We had a wonderful and relaxing time at the pool...

compare rates with last minute accommodation sites

I'm a great believer of online hotel booking. These days, planning a vacation is convenient and made easier with most travel sites going online. Unlike those days, you need to go through the travel agent and accept whatever was presented before you. Now, you can pick and choose from the vast of travel resources out there in the web.



A friend of mine was visiting London couple of months ago and was asking me about which sites to go to for London accommodation. I pointed her to a few reliable ones that were known for good hotel deals and quality service. In fact, I always like to check my hotel rates with a span of online hotel booking sites, including the last minute accommodation sites for our vacation. Do you know that last minute accommodation sites like ratestogo dot com provide attractive deals if you are booking close to your travel dates? If this is the first time you are hearing about them, do check out the site and their cheap hotel deals. I booked a few of our accommodations from ratestogo dot com during our first New Zealand trip in 2004.

Remember to bookmark it for your next vacation.

search for discount hotels in London

London has so much to offer whether you are a first time visitor or one who has been there many times. Everytime when I hear friends talking about London and its attractions, I will nudge my DH and remind him that we must visit London one of these days. Few weeks ago, a good friend had visited London for the first time while her husband was sent there for work. She had such a great time that I knew she would like to book another visit soon!

There are lots to see and do in London. Choose from a driving itinerary to a shopping one, check out the cycling itineraries, history tours, spa and pampering packages, sightseeing and train itineraries, whatever you like - the options are limitless! For me, I will definitely make time to visit all the famous department stores and international labels, local designer boutiques and High Street chain stores. A shopping itinerary will include a visit to these streets: Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street, New Bond Street and Jermyn Street.



When visiting Great Britain, look for great hotel deals at Cheaper than hotels, an online travel site offering hotels in London, from 1 star - 5 stars in all various locations. The options at cheaperthanhotels present both last minute and all year discounted deals that make shopping for your accommodation hassle-free and easy. If you are looking for hotels in Birmingham and hotels in Manchester, this is also a great site to start your search. I've recommended this site to some friends and they have good things to say about the hotel rates. Now it's yours to check it out.

how about a luxurious Hawaii travel experience?

Would you spend $1,000 a night for studio suite for a family of three for a vacation? Well, I don't live in a lifestyle of the rich and famous so the obvious answer for me is 'no' :) But well, if you can afford a Hawaii rental house, whether it's owned by a hotel group or privately owned, go for it! For that cost per night, you can expect an oceanfront room with distinct standards in service, comforts and style. The Westin Kaanapali Ocean Resort offers the famous Heavenly bed with whirlpool tubs and a gourmet kitchen and luxurious amenities. I can only say that if you want to spend your honeymoon in a luxurious place like this, don't just book it for a night cos it won't be suffice to complete your experience.

For more Hawaii travel info on luxurious stays and selections in all the islands, read the blog at Hawaiian beach rentals.

The Sunset Suites, Perth

I admire nice interiors and fine quality furnishings when I travel.

In our last trip to Perth, the apartment I liked most was The Sunset Suites (in Cottesloe and Fremantle). The owners of these self-contained apartment had looked into every detail to make the place comfortable, luxurious, relaxing and appealing.

The one in Cottesloe has a wonderful view of the ocean and is situated 50m from the beach. It was unfortunate that it was raining that evening... so there goes my sunset. At least Clayton could walk to the beach and have some fun at the playground.

The warehouse-converted apartment in fremantle is cosy, a total contrast from the exteriors!

I love the way the shower area is opened to the long bath... what a clever thought by the designer. The only 'headache' I had was to keep Clayton away from the steep steps to the bedroom which is on the mezzanine floor.

So if you are looking for nice self-contained apartments in Perth, check out The Sunset Suites.

There is even an aromatherapy oil burner (with lavender oil) to refresh the tired traveller... well, I thoroughly enjoyed that treat as I drifted off to bed that night...