Category: Travel Advice

If you, a family member or a close friend are travelling during the holiday season, especially at Christmas time, it’s important to stay in touch, possibly using a calling app or video chat. Of course, not everyone has access to a smartphone or the internet, especially the older generation, so the more traditional methods, such as a telephone, may have to be used. Regardless of whether you’re the one travelling or staying at home, this can be extremely expensive, depending on where you are calling from or to, so apps, usually available for free on Google Play and the App Store, are invaluable.

You can make cheap international calls, to anywhere in the world, at incredibly low rates because an app such as Yolla will use your mobile phone’s internet connection, regardless of whether it is WiFi, 3G or 4G/LTE, instead of phone credits. So let’s compare this method of staying in touch against other more conventional ways.

Using a local postal service

Postcards and letters are always lovely to receive, as are Christmas cards, and they act as a lasting keepsake, however, they can take a long time to arrive. The problem with that is they are no longer up-to-date with your news and, as any parent will tell you, it’s not the same as seeing you or hearing your voice, so better to phone mum and dad regularly, together with sending the odd postcard to show the places you are visiting. Christmas cards are, of course, wonderful, but imagine you are in a non-Christian country, such as Saudi Arabia, to find such treasures would indeed be a difficult task.

Local postal services in many countries can be less than reliable, so you cannot be sure when your letter or card will reach its destination, which could result in family and friends worrying about whether you are okay. Saudi Arabia has always been a difficult country to keep in contact with, as the government there has been known to block certain internet options, so the post or international calling may be your only choice.

Using social media to stay in touch

There are several messaging options available, including Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Snapchat and Instagram. Each has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. The main plus is that you can message in real-time, almost having a conversation, but not quite, because, realistically, it is a totally impersonal way to communicate. However, you can send emojis and Gifs, but they still cannot compete with an app like Yolla, with its option to make cheap international calls, where you can actually hear each others voices and enjoy your conversation in a more interactive way. As you will be able to make cheap calls to almost anywhere in the world, this should, perhaps, be your main form of communication; messenger options are great for in between times. Video calling is an excellent way to stay in touch with loved ones, however, it is dependent on both ends having a good internet connection – constant screen freezing is extremely frustrating, especially when it crashes altogether and the connection is lost.

Using an app for low cost calls

Be sure to use a reliable app, such as Yolla, as the last thing you want is for it to fail when calling certain countries where communication systems are not 100% reliable. The app will allow you to make international calling easy, even calls to Saudi Arabia, regardless of whether you are at home in the UK, Canada or the USA or wanting to make cheap calls from wherever you are travelling. The quality of the call is also important so be sure to find an app that offers free HD calls to other users of the same app. Check the calling rates because these can vary – a good option will provide you with first class quality calls worldwide, at exceptionally low rates.

No need to worry about making just a quick call because of the expense; to phone mum and dad, even if they are living on the other side of the world, can go on for as long as you both want without worrying about the cost. Whichever method you choose, remember – sometimes, just making a phone call, using a calling app, will put a huge smile on a loved ones face and set their mind at rest that all is well.

Turtle’s are by far one of my favourite creatures, even before Finding Nemo embodied them with a cool dude surfer vibe. Look into their eyes, and they seem to know everything that’s ever been. Their gaze is that of almost weary disdain and I always long to know what they would say if only they could.
There are seven types of sea turtle.

Leatherback Turtle: – These are the largest and can grow up to 2.4m and weigh up to 900kg. They average 1.5-1.8m and 270-360kg. They’re also the oldest and have been around 150 million years.

Green Turtle: – Next in size, the green turtle can weigh up to 225kg and reach 1.2m in length. Green turtles are herbivores and love grasses, seaweed, and algae.

Hawksbill Turtle: – Known for its hooked beak and particularly lovely shell, this type is smaller averaging between 0.5-1m. They love sponges which is why their beak has adapted to get into cracks and crevices.

Loggerhead Turtles: – These turtles grow to around 1.2m in length and are known for their large heads and strong jaws perfect for eating hard shell prey like crabs and conches.

Kemp’s Ridley and Olive Ridley Turtles: – These two are the smallest, not getting above 0.6m in length.

Flatback Turtles: – Named for their flat shell. These turtles are only found in Australia.

Turtles are generally found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, and many of the species migrate thousands of miles to feed and breed. If encountering their graceful moves, effortless serenity and casual indifference and is what makes your dives spectacular then there are some destinations to consider when planning your next trip.

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

If you ever thought, “I’ve seen enough turtles,” might be an impossible thing to utter, think again. Believe me when I tell you they can start to get in the way! The diving in this region is superb, and you will run out of fingers and toes on which to count the number of turtles you see on some occasions. Green turtles are what you will see here and while you’ll have luck year around July to November is mating season with numbers peaking in August.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galapagos are synonymous with megafauna and are home to a subspecies of green turtle specific to the region. Nesting time is December through to February, during this time the waters off the north coast of Isabela are close to saturation. It’s estimated 3000 turtles migrate to the Galapagos Islands.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Six of the world’s seven species can be seen while diving in Australia, but you are most likely to encounter green, hawksbill, and loggerhead with the occasional leatherback and Olive Ridley. The outer reefs like Ribbons and Osprey are the best hunting grounds while thousands come into nest on Raine Island in November.

Mexico

There are many places in Mexico to get your turtle fix. Akumal is a small beach town whose name translates as, ‘place of the turtles’. Loggerhead and green turtles can be spotted here. Turtle Reef off Playa Del Carmen is home to 2m long loggerheads so used to divers that there’s definitely selfie potential. Cozumel also has nesting grounds for the loggerhead and hawksbill turtle making them a common sight underwater.

Costa Rica

There aren’t many places in the world where you can encounter and turtle as large as you while taking your open water course but Costa Rica is one such place. On the west coast, Guanacaste welcomes thousands of turtles each year. On the northeastern coast, the protection of Tortuguero National Park provides refuge for nesting for around 2000 green turtles. See leatherbacks March to July and hawksbill and green turtles July to October; numbers peak in August.

The Maldives

The Maldives is synonymous with great diving and turtles are part and parcel of that. You’ll see them frequently when diving in the South Male, North Male, or Ari Atoll. They don’t nest in the area so don’t expect the numbers you might in other locals but do expect to see enough to make you smile.

Close Encounters

Encounters with turtles are magical, and while they seem protected by their tough shell and mostly unconcerned by our curiosity, this shouldn’t direct our behaviour towards them. They are very sensitive to touch, even that shell, and can quite easily be frightened.

Remember that these majestic creatures are air breathers, scare them and they won’t ascend to breathe which can cause very severe lung damage. Give them space, don’t block their path, and try not to use a flash when photographing them but most importantly, enjoy the experience.

The city break is one of the most romantic vacation options for a couple. From the experience of all the modern luxuries the destination has to offer from the sense of adventure, trying out completely cultural experiences and seeing architecture together for the first time, it can feel magical. Singapore might not be the first city you think of when it comes to that lovers’ adventure, as far away and as costly it can be (depending on what you want to do there). However, here are just a few reasons you and your partner should think about taking the plunge into this unique South Asian jewel.

Memorable moments in another world

There’s nothing quite like being together to experience a brand-new festival or grand spectacle beside the person you love. Chinese New Year may not exactly be a foreign experience for many, but there are few places that do it quite like Singapore.

All of the city’s Chinatown district lights up with gorgeous lanterns and all kinds of decorations from the stalls of the markets. With lion dances, acrobats, parades, and a firework show that rivals the most famous and popular in the world, it’s a fantastic time to be in the country if you can schedule your trip just right.

Get inspired

One of the most beautiful things about Singapore is just how culturally diverse it is. Malay might be predominant language (next to English), but there are populations of English, Chinese, Indian, Tamil, and much more. One of the highlights of such a mix is the sheer volume and variety of arts to see. If you want a romantic date night with a theater performance, then Esplanade, the Theaters on the Bay, might just be the place for you.

It’s a huge complex that features 2,000 seat arena, shopping center, and even a library devoted to different music, film, dance, and theater. The sheer range of shows, from Indian dance to classical western dramas to Chinese Opera means that there is always something on and it’s rarely even in the same genre thing that was on the month before.

Unbeatable views

Want somewhere you can relax with your partner and take in a view that has your heart soaring in your chest? Singapore’s skyline is truly a sight to behold. Modern skyscrapers, centuries-old temples, European churches, and sprawling gardens and parks all blend together to make it seem almost like a Utopia. The city cherishes its skyline and offers plenty of different spots where you can enjoy it, too.

Stellar, a fine dining restaurant on the top of Raffles, the second tallest building in the city, is just one such spot. There are clubs, bars, cable cars, and even swimming pools throughout the city allowing to treasure this one view you absolutely must not miss when you visit.

Up for a romantic stroll?

If you prefer to explore the wonder to better take it all in rather than being sat in one spot, then what could be better than a walk hand-in-hand with your partner? Thankfully, while more egregious PDAs are considered bad etiquette, hand-holding is perfectly a-okay with the locals in Singapore and the city’s many flourish gardens and parks are the best places to do it.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens merit the visit perhaps more than any of the other green places in the city. 183-acres of trees, floral arrangements, lakes and more, it’s visited by roughly 4 million every year. What’s even more impressive is how immaculate it is. Cleanliness is a very big deal in Singapore and it makes the gardens stand out all the more.

Plenty of sun, sea, and sand

If you want to get away from the city for a while, then you can do that just as easily. The city of Singapore takes up the vast majority of the islands and most of the parks and gardens are nestled somewhere within that concrete jungle. For those looking for a break, the beaches might just be the splash of natural beauty you need to get your Zen and soak up some rays. If you don’t mind some company, Siloso Beach is the most popular and by far the most well-suited to lounging. If you don’t mind a hike, Punggol beach is even more picturesque to some but its dotted with huge rocks that add some visual appeal but mean it isn’t very well suited to setting a towel down and lying there.

Get your own slice of heaven

Singapore is an incredibly modern city and a bustling destination for globe-trotters, so it should be no surprise that there is are all kinds of luxury accommodation. For those who truly want to lavish themselves in luxuries and live off room service (with the kind of extravagant budget you would expect), luxury hotels like the Marina Bay Sands have everything you hope for.

However, if you prefer your own romantic space that still has plenty of space for the two of you, you can just as easily find a big room for rent. Singapore is often thought of as a destination only for the rich. However, there are accommodation options that can fit just about any budget.

Plenty of plates to share

With such a mix of cultures in one spot comes an extravagant mix of cuisines, as well. Depending on where you go, you can find European, Chinese, Malay, Indian, Japanese, and all other kinds of dishes on offer. It’s an amazing destination for vegetarians, too, with hundreds of veggie and health-food restaurants.

The steamed rice dish, nasi padang is one of the most popular dishes of the country, served just about anywhere. Seafood is a must when visiting an island, however, and the spicy seafood noodle soup, laksa, is one of the freshest and most refreshing items you’ll find on most menus.

Take the time to chill

Singapore is as busy as a city gets (though certainly much cleaner in most areas) but there are lots of places to put your feet up and enjoy a little quiet time when you’re done with the opera, the restaurants, and the markets. Tiong Bahru is an excellent neighborhood filled with little cafes, boutique stores, bakeries, and restaurants. It feels a little smaller in scale compared to the other areas of the city center or the boisterous Chinatown, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking. One of the most charming stops in the neighborhood is Bincho, a mee pok stall in the wall by day and a trendy Japanese restaurant by night.

Then join the party

Once you’ve refueled and had a coffee and a bite to eat, then you and your partner might feel like dancing the night away. Zouk is one of the city’s most popular and trendy clubs and particularly well-suited to those who like their music loud and hard. If you time your arrival right, however, you can find a much greater diversity to their music festival, ZoukOut, held on the aforementioned Siloso beach.

It goes from dusk till dawn every December, when the weather is at its finest in the country. If you prefer something a little more subdued, Ann Siang Hill and Cross Street have lots of bars with regular live music and the party tends to spill out into the street as the night goes on, taking a more chilled-out atmosphere.

Singapore’s recent development into a world-class vacation destination is still overlooked by a lot of vacation-goers, but that doesn’t mean it’s unpopular. It has that bustling city feel that can make you and your partner feel lost in another world.