There is no such thing as a trip to south Asia without a stop in Singapore. With just one visit, you will easily see why it is one of the most popular retirement destinations in the world. It has also become the favorite place for many students and young adults wanting to spend a year or two living abroad.

Despite its population of over 5 million people, Singapore is one of the cleanest and safest places you will ever visit. When planning your trip, there is one thing you need to keep in the back of your mind. No matter how familiar you think you are with other major cities and countries throughout Asia, Singapore is a one of a kind place.

A city of its own

Made up of one large island and several smaller ones, Singapore is both a city and a state. While it is made up of several cultures and people of many nationalities, having some money to spend is one thing that almost everyone has in common. Because of this, Singapore has become one of the most popular financial hubs on the planet.

Because of the many differences from other major Asian cities, there are a few things you will need to know. For starters, there are four major languages the locals speak. Mandarin, English, Tamil, and Malay, are each spoken on a regular basis. You may be better off knowing at least a little of each.

Abide by the law

If you are going to visit Singapore, you need to know up front that you should be on your best behavior. Neither jaywalking or littering is allowed. And yes, you will pay a fine for not flushing the toilet after the use of a public bathroom.

While I am not sure if there is a urinal officer in every men’s room, the laws are to be taken very seriously. Because of their enforcement, Singapore has become one of the safest places to visit in the world. The locals would like to keep it that way.

The drug addiction rate in Singapore is also among the lowest on the globe. This is largely in part to the fact that a variety of drug charges have a mandatory death sentence. Don’t get the wrong idea here. Singapore is definitely a place that should be on your bucket list.

There is plenty of alcohol, after paying what is known as the “sinners tax,” and you should enjoy your time on the island. However, you don’t want to be involved in any activity whatsoever when drugs are a part.

While there are some strict laws that you probably wouldn’t know about without being there, the majority of these are punished by just a fine when broken. If you are legally visiting the country and can honestly say you were unaware of the law you were breaking, the fine can usually be erased with a simple letter to local authorities.

However, this is for first time offenders only. Not only will the second ticket or fine stick for a second offense, the penalty will usually be much stiffer. As mentioned earlier, have fun. Enjoy your trip and make some memories. Just be smart about what it is you are doing.

One thing you won’t need to worry about is transportation. Book Taxi Singapore is able to provide all of your driving needs, even picking you up after being released from jail.

One of the top ways to enjoy life is by taking a trip. Regardless if you’re driving across country or staying within your state, you will want to unwind and relax. However, the mere thought of enjoying time off from work may make you think of letting go of all self-control. This is not the way to make the most of your time when you get the chance to travel. Knowing simple things you can do to assist in maintaining control during your time off work may be helpful.

Tip #1: Watch your alcohol intake

You may feel making the most of your time away will mean having a few drinks during your trip. This is one of the things many people look forward to while on vacation, and if you enjoy drinking, you may have a list of specialty drinks in mind.

It’s important to maintain some level of self-control when you do decide to add some alcoholic flavor to your day. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse states an average of 37,000 adolescents received treatment for an alcohol problem in the year 2015. This indicates the potential for abuse not only for adults but teenagers, as well. Other countries often have a lower drinking age than America, watching out for your teenagers on a family vacation is important.

If you feel that your desire to binge on alcohol is beginning to get to be too much regardless if you’re on a trip or not, you should contact outpatient drug rehabs to obtain professional help today.

Tip #2: Avoid overeating

The last thing you will want to do is to gain a lot of weight while on vacation. Keep in mind that you will need to return home and this means having more weight to lose!

Listed below are some great tips for helping you keep control of your eating:

1.  Plan out your meals for the day. If you know, you’re going to be dining out for supper be sure to have a light lunch.

2.  Take time to add some fruits and other healthy snacks to your day to avoid grabbing high-calorie foods when you aren’t feeling your best.

3.  Add a lot of water each day to assist you in eating less and being able to stick to somewhat of a decent number of calories on your trip.

4.  Limit your dessert – One of the favorite things you may enjoy is eating specialty made desserts on your trip, but this isn’t something a lot.

Tip #3: Set a budget

One of the best ways to prevent spending way too much money when you’re traveling is by having a budget put into place beforehand. This can help you stick to it, and you will want to be sure to plan out all of the expenses to assist you in staying on your budget.

Consider the ideas listed below to reduce your overall cost for your vacation:

1.  Accommodations – You may want to secure a luxury suite with a scenic view, but is this one you can pay for without spending too much? The chances are this may be too costly for your budget. Find a room you can afford to pay for without over indulging.

2.  Transportation – Thinking about your mode of travel is one thing you must do. Are you driving, flying or taking a bus? Regardless of how you reach your destination, you should be prepared to pay for doing so.

3.  Food costs – For many people, one of the funnier things about taking a trip is enjoying a variety of food. However, if you’re going to be gone for several days, you should consider cooking some meals in your room.

Enjoying your life by taking time off and going on a vacation is one of the most pleasurable things to do. However, having some level of self-control is essential for feeling healthy during your trip and getting back on track easily when you return home.

With summer coming up, you’re probably making plans to go on a vacation with the kids. Whether you’re planning to visit family or some fun destination that the kids will love, the secret behind a stress-free trip is traveling light. This is something I learned when my first son was born and I did a bit of researching to prepare. Aim at carrying the minimum amount of baggage and you’ll find that flights or car rides all progress smoothly. As the experts will probably reassure you, the older your kids are, the lesser will be the amount of stuff you have to carry along.

But, I have another secret to share with you that I’ve found very useful. When you visit a location intended for kids, you’ll likely find tons of stores that carry all the supplies you need. A great idea is to simply buy stuff that you need, use, and discard as you go along. Traveling light helps you let go of the stress of keeping track of the number of bags you have. Now, that’s an essential when you have a toddler squirming to get away to go exploring the airport and the brightly colored trash cans (and, well, everything else!).

I would only recommend that you carry some bare essentials to get you through the actual traveling from point A to point B. Here are the important items you’ll need.

Tip 1. Let’s Begin with the Very Basics for Traveling Light

You’ll be surprised but the absolute essentials when traveling light can actually fit into the small handbag you have, like I read in the Lonely Planet. They are your travel documents, tickets, prescription medications, and cash along with your credit card. As long as you have these and you’re not headed for some remote, unfamiliar location, you’re sorted.

Tip 2. Carry the Food Supplies You Need to Make it to the Next Store

With kids of all ages, you’ll need just adequate supplies to make it to your destination like for the car or bus ride or flight. But at the same time, it’s also advisable to be prepared for unexpected delays. Make sure you have enough formula and clean bottles, pacifiers, diapers, a change of clothes, and lots of wipes. If you expect that travel time will be 6 hours, plan for at least 8. For older kids, bring filling snacks like nuts, granola bars, fruit, and any other favorite items. We all know what happens when your little angel announces she doesn’t like the taste of the new brand you’re trying on her. With kids, even if you’re trying to travel light, you just cannot get by without enough food.

Tip 3. Choose Lightweight Entertainment Options

Once your child turns 5, you can let him choose his favorite toys and items he want to have along. Buy him a small carry-on that he can drag behind him. Make it very clear that he’s responsible for it so it better be light enough so he can manage it by himself. With a little imagination, you can find tons of entertainment options that don’t weigh down small bags. Think paper, crayons, and paperback picture books. If your kids are old enough, think activity books that can keep them working for a good long while. And, of course, we have the video game consoles that can keep kids busy through long layovers, (thanks, Wanderlust!) and are a great idea for traveling light. Any kind of e-readers are also a blessing. They don’t take much room or weight allowance. Here’s another brilliant idea. Encourage playing imagination games. Like naming animals, “I Spy,” “who can spot a…,” or count some object. Like, even the pillars in the airport.

Tip 4. Carry the Sleep Essentials

Even if this rule works against your intentions of traveling light, go with it. All kids have some specific blanket, toy, plug-in nightlight, or pajamas without which they just cannot fall asleep. Never step out of home without it.

Tip 5. Bring Clothes that You Can Mix and Match

This rule is a great traveling light tip for both kids and adults. When you have so many kids’ essentials to have along, try to cut back on the stuff you’ll absolutely need. Carry along a few tops and pants that you can wear in just about any combination. Darker colors are a good choice so you can continue to use them until they get dirty. Focus on comfort and pick out quick drying clothing that is very convenient for washing. Use this rule when packing your kids’ clothing also. As for shoes, consider bringing dark colored, multi-use, comfortable footwear that you can use for a formal restaurant also.

Tip 6. Think About Doing Laundry

Most parents I know hate the thought of doing laundry on vacations. But, I personally feel that washing some of your things saves on the weight you’ll have to carry. If you don’t want to do this in the hotel bathroom sink, locate a laundromat with a washer and dryer. Though, if you’re carrying quick-drying clothing, an overnight session on the bathroom clothesline should do the trick. The best advantage – you’ll end up with less stuff to lug around.

Tip 7. What About the Stroller?

I agree, if you’re serious about traveling light, having a stroller along doesn’t seem like a great idea. I’ll simply leave this decision to you and the individuality of your child. When my toddler decides to take off at full tilt, I usually find that grabbing and settling him in the stroller saves me from chasing after him. But, if your little one just won’t sit in one, you could consider leaving it home. Though, I’ve often seen parents carrying their bundle of joy and using the stroller to drag other stuff. So, this tip’s all about personal choice.

Tip 8. Personal Items

When you’re trying to travel light and making sure you have all the stuff your kids will need, adult personal supplies tend to take a backseat. And, if you’re planning a beach holiday, I’ve found that essentials like sunblock, sunscreen, microfiber towels, and other beach supplies always top (and sometimes, takeover) the list. That’s when I discovered laser hair removal benefits. A few sessions in the months ahead of our planned trip and I could stop worrying about the shaving sessions each day. If you have boisterous boys like mine, you know quite well how making the time for a quick shower is a project by itself.
Trying to travel light with kids is possible. And, using my ideas, you might save on a few baggage retrieval struggles while your two-year-old warns the whole airport that he’s bored of waiting at the carousel. But, you’ll also have fun. And, put away a lot of memories. My kids, now teenagers love to look at old pictures of when they were little and in Disneyland. So, don’t let the scare of traveling with kids deter you.

Have a wonderful holiday!

The scheme “Entrepreneur Pass”, also referred to as “EntrePass” or “Entrepreneurs Visa” was introduced in 2004. Its main purpose was to welcome foreign entrepreneurs with innovative and inventive business proposals. A major benefit of this scheme is that it will help Singapore to become a regional business center and increase its appeal to the world’s leading entrepreneurial minds.

Eligibility criteria for EntrePass

Here are the main criteria required to immigrate to Singapore with EntrePass Visa:

•         The individual must have an extraordinary entrepreneurial or business background;
•         The firm should not already be registered in Singapore’s business records;
•         A period of at least 6 months should have passed since the firm’s founding;
•         The prospected paid capital of the firm should be more than 50,000 SGD;
•         If you are a shareholder of the company, your share ownership should be at least 30%;
•         The entrepreneur needs to develop the entire business strategy and provide all relevant details, including their innovative approach, the aims and goals of the business, and its proposed benefit for the Singaporean economy and for local businesses.

All business entities are welcome to apply, but private companies may receive more benefits.

New business entities should meet one or more of the following innovative criteria:

1.   The entrepreneur registers all their property through an accredited or specialized Singapore-based company.
2.   The entrepreneur must have an angel investor or a venture capital (VC) company that is willing to invest more than 100,000 SGD in a new business.
3.   The company should be registered as a participant in a startup incubation programme of the government.
4.   The company must collaborate with a university or with A*STAR in the field of research.

Key features of EntrePass

Here are the main features of EntrePass:

•         One can avail the benefit of EntrePass if the company is not registered yet or has been trading for at least 6 months. If over 6 months have passed after the company’s registration, the entrepreneur must apply for an employment pass rather than the EntrePass.
•         A Singapore-based company should be willing to sponsor the visa application by paying for a bond worth 3,000 SGD. This money will be refunded upon visa expiry.
•         It is crucial for the entrepreneur to have an extraordinary business plan for the future and a successful business background.

Entrepreneurs are recommended to find out as much as possible about their eligibility from visa experts so as to avoid rejection of the visa.

Benefits of EntrePass

The major benefits of EntrePass are given below:

•         The Singaporean government issues the visa for a year with the possibility of renewal in the future.
•         The entrepreneur is allowed a period of 30 days to set up their business after issuance of the visa.
•         Businessmen can bring their spouses and children to Singapore after the first renewal of the visa and upon fulfilling certain conditions, which include:

1.   Creating at least 4 jobs in the local economy; and
2.   Spending more than 150,000 SGD.

•         Businessmen can apply for permanent residency after their proposed business plan has been successful for 2 years.
•         Business taxes in Singapore are very low, and the Singaporean government gives private companies huge tax discounts.

Understanding these requirements and features will help you when applying for your own EntrePass visa.

It is actually fun to go on a luxury holiday every once in a while. Instead of planning an adventure, you can plan a trip that will pamper you to the max. The change in theme and the holiday experience you will get while on a luxury trip are definitely worth the extra travel expenses.

Even better, it is now possible to find great luxury hotels regardless of your budget. Not all luxury properties are created equal and in this article, we’re going to reveal some secret tricks that will help you find the best luxury hotels quickly.

Look for Luxury Property Chains

A lot of luxury properties around the world are managed by the same company. There are many special offers and discounted rates when you book through the official website, allowing you to still enjoy VIP treatment while keeping your travel expenses within budget.

There’s another trick you can try to find great deals on luxury property, and that is by signing up for the hotel chain’s newsletter. It is not uncommon for hotel chains to share exclusive deals to members of their mailing lists. You can take advantage of the special offers the moment they are made available.

Dig Deeper

Some luxury properties are not as easy to find. If you’re traveling to exotic destinations such as Indonesia or the Caribbean, take your time and find properties that are not always available through regular hotel booking sites.

There are special sites you can visit to gain access to these properties. Luxury Link, for example, has hundreds of hidden gems on its website. You’ll find the great deals on these luxury properties very attractive too.

Properties such as the ones available on Luxury Link are exclusive and often go two or three steps further to ensure their guests have the best travel experience. It’s definitely worth paying extra for a luxury resort hotel.

Check Your Credit Card

Some credit card companies actually work with luxury hotel chains and properties, so don’t be surprised to find special deals from your credit card issuer. You can even go on a luxury holiday for free using loyalty points or the credit card company’s other programs.

The same can be said for your Frequent Flyer card. The more mileage you have, the easier it will be to book a stay at the best hotels in the world without actually spending any money in the process. There are packages that include flights and accommodation; these packages usually allow you to save more on the VIP holiday.

Last, but certainly not least, always book early. Unlike most hotels, deals on luxury hotels are best found when you book early instead of booking late. There may be special occasions or promotional offers available. Be sure to compare these promotional offers closely if you are serious about keeping your luxury holiday affordable. With these secrets in mind, you will have no trouble at all finding great upscale hotels to try on your next trip.

There are few cities in the world that have as much personality as Barcelona. The city has so much character and so many unique qualities that it is impossible to confuse Barcelona with any other European city. If you have never been, it is hard to comprehend how so much history, charm and beauty can fit into one area, but anyone who has spent time in the city can speak to the unique and unforgettable feeling of touring Barcelona.

Finding Your Way

The second-largest city in Spain, Barcelona can be difficult to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with it. The numerous streets, paths, bus lines, train tracks and various other methods of transports can be overwhelming when first viewed. Especially if you do not speak the language, a travel map of Barcelona can look more like a confusing piece of abstract art than an actual guide.

However, once you spend a little time familiarizing yourself with the system, it becomes clear that Barcelona has one of the more efficient systems of public transportation in all of Europe. It may not always be simple, but once you have mapped out your routes, bought your tickets and planned your tour of the city, you can spend less time worrying about getting around Barcelona and more time taking in the wonderful experience it provides.

Driving in Barcelona

Unlike other European cities that have a few major attractions concentrated into one urban area, Barcelona offers a wider variety of things to see in a larger area. This means more opportunity for independent exploration instead of confined, guided tours. It also means that tourists– especially Americans– will feel the need to rent their own car upon arrival.

Your own car will allow you to reach areas outside the city proper, and it may provide you with more control over your travel. However, it can actually be a hinderance to you inside the city. Traffic in Barcelona can be a nightmare at times, and it is notoriously harsh on newcomers. If you do have your own car, you will almost always be better off parking it immediately upon reaching the city and then taking advantage of the various public transportation options.

Trains

The train system in Barcelona can seem overly complex at first glance. The Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC) and Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) are the two organizations which provide public transport in the city, and the Rodalies serve the entire metropolitan area. There are 27 train stations within the city, and millions of people use them every year.

The easiest way to simplify your train travel is to purchase an Hola BCN ticket which will allow unlimited travel on all train lines for a specified period. These tickets can be purchased for periods of between two and five days and eliminate most of the hassle from travel. Another option for tourists is the Barcelona Card which allows for unlimited public transportation as well as several discounts and other vacation benefits.

Taxis

“The taxis in Barcelona are much more affordable than other European cities,” says one travel expert from BookTaxiBCN. These will often provide a more reliable, personalized travel method, but you should order your car in advance. Unlike some major cities, it is difficult (and frustrating) to hail a cab inside the city, but they can be procured at stands, online or by phone.

Other Options

Buses and trams can also be good options for travel inside the city, but the routes can be confusing. You can get a map at any station and most stores, and then plan your route in advance using the color-coded system. Bicycles, mopeds and scooters can also be rented and provide a more open, independent technique for exploration in Barcelona.

Having kids shouldn’t stop anybody from traveling. In fact, it should inspire you to travel more. Giving your children the experience of seeing the world is invaluable in their memories. If you’re lucky enough to be able to do so, you should!

However, as with anything you do with your children, safety is always a priority. Ensuring your children are safe while exploring a new city may be anxiety inducing. With these simple tips, you should be able to put your fears at ease and enjoy the experience.

It’s unrealistic to think that you need to plan everything down to the smallest detail. Micro managing is no fun. You don’t need to work out your airport parking two months ahead of time. Enjoy a little spontaneity; just be prepared along the way.

It’s important to consider where in the world you’re going. Some places aren’t child appropriate. And that’s okay! There are just as many places around the world that are perfect for kids. Consider the age of your children, what activities you’re intending to do and how easy the place will be to navigate – dependant on your kids and their needs. This is easy. You know your children and you know what they need to be happy while away.

Accidents can happen anywhere. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in case things do go wrong. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance. Make sure that your children know what to do if they get lost. That includes having phone numbers to call, and possible tracking on their mobiles (if they have one).

Teach your children about appropriateness for when you travel. Is the country you’re visiting specific in their customs? Do they have a heavy emphasis on respect? Ensure you adopt the “when in Rome” attitude and make sure your kids are aware of this.

Keep all important documents on you at all times. Have photos of your children ready on your mobile and hard copies too. In some countries you should always keep your passport on your person. Keep yourself safe by being prepared for the worst case scenario. Chances are, nothing bad is going to happen. But it’s better to be prepared, you could save yourself a lot of trouble.

There’s a tonne of information available online that will help you prepare for your family holiday. The better prepared you are, the more relaxed you will be and the better experience you will all have. These experiences will be treasured by your kids for the rest of their lives. Enjoy it!

The 1277 miles road trip from New York to Miami is just like a blank canvas. It can be made fascinating if right choices are made. About 20 hours are required for this road trip if there is no hiatus. However it is not recommended as there are several stoppers which will not let you pass. If you feel tired then there are several hotels in Miami which can be utilized getting back to normal. However for this road trip it is advised to spend at least 2 nights at each of the venues mentioned below:

1. Richmond, Virginia

It is regarded as the first stop which is to be taken while taking a road trip to Miami from New York. There are many tourist attractions here which are worth seeing. It includes Virginia Aviation Museum, The Valentine and Capitol Square Park. The city itself lies on James River which also a huge tourist attraction. The Virginia State Capitol which was built in 1788 stands tall in its white appearance. The Richmond History Museum has a lot to offer and has eclectic collections which are never to be missed. The Civil War Center is also another important tourist attraction which is to be visited. Though it is not possible in 2 night stay but most of this can be covered with ease.

2. Wilson, North Carolina

This city is at the heart of North Carolina. The expert travellers say that seeing this attraction means that NC has been seen in full. Some important tourist attractions here are Lake Wilson, Whirligig Park and Imagination Station. Lake Wilson has a range of recreational facilities which are free and the tourists from all over the world come here to enjoy. The Oliver Nestus Round House Museum is another place which can be visited. Here the tourist can see what African American did for the development of the city. The biggest attraction is the building itself and the eclectic memories of the past gathered here. It is small but still visited frequently by tourists.

3. Florence, South Carolina

The first attraction is located close to Florence Civic Center which is the Veteran’s Park. Florence County Museum is another important attraction here which attracts everyone on this route. The huge collection of arts and war related items will leave you speechless. Thieves market is another antiques market which can be visited while the tourist is here. With number of stores and decent parking lot Magnolia Mall is a place which should definitely be visit here.

4. Jacksonville, Florida

It is another stopper which won’t let the tourist past. Southbank Riverwalk, The Museum of Science and History and Jacksonville Zoo and Garden are some of the top attractions here. While the car enters Florida this is the first spot which a tourist encounters with. Riverside Arts Market filled on every Saturday is another place worth paying a visit. The suburbs of Jacksonville are filled with EcoMotion Tours which gives an opportunity to see the flora and fauna of the region closely. For nature enthusiast this place is a boon.