Airfares on the rise

As global economies mend,Airlines have started increasing their fares.Singapore Airlines has recently announced that it will be increasing its fares.
My personal wish is that airfares continue to be affordable-many more places to go!

Bel Air Resort and Spa ,Phuket,Silk Air

Went for a short trip to Phuket recently.Even though Thailand has extended the visa fee waiver till 2011,the immigration authorities charged us the Visa fee of 1000 THB each.
Bel Air Resort and Spa Panwa is a hidden gem of Phuket.The Hotel had arranged an Airport pick up who was holding a placard.Phuket in general has a problem that very few speak English,though the people are nice and reflects that it is the "Land of Smiles".So the Driver had very few words of English for us,leading to a quiet ride to the Hotel.

Bel Air is on the other side of the island located at Cape Panwa and is a good 40 minute ride from the airport,a fact we were aware of and was not an issue with us as we preferred a quiet place.

The Hotel is more of a Condotel and is on a hill,the Hotel Lobby is very deceptive as it looks more of a 3 Star lobby.The staff at the reception were very nice and welcoming,only one lady Ms Kwang ( knew english).
Our Suite was on the top most floor ,we had the most beautiful view of the sea,the rooms were 5 Star standard,the bath room was one of the best .The Kitchen was adequately equipped ,the balcony offered a plenty of options including a table with chair and lounge decks.

The Master Bedroom had a Kingsized bed while the other bedroom had twin beds.
The swimming pool located on a high floor is next to a poolside bar/restaurant with a large seating area.
There are plenty of shops near the Hotel,and the Cape Panwa area is quite close to the aquarium and the Hotel offers a free shuttle to the Cape area.
They offer a shuttle to their private beach which is clean and very nice and pleasant,with no bother from any peddlers.Makes the hotel as good as any beach Hotel.

We enjoyed the beach,Phuket town is not far from the hotel as it appears initially.Patong beach is a crowded area and has a buzz.
Cocoon Spa is absolutely great and offers good value for money,while more expensive than outlets near Patong ,it is much cleaner and offers better facilities.The manager there Ms Ping is very resourceful,she operates the spa,provides sight seeing tips,sells tours.She also helped a few guests get together and get the town in a shared van,acted as an interpreter,pointed us to a restaurant and most importantly she speaks english!

Shopping-We liked some of the outlets in Big C as well as the Premium Outlets- a word of caution,visitors get fleeced there while trying to locate the outlet which has the VAT refund form.The outlet does not recognize all the other outlets where you have shopped and will do everything to avoid giving you the form.
The GM of the Hotel Mr Doeke is very friendly and speaks English.
Would we recommend this hotel?Definitely yes !It is ideal for families and couples or groups of individuals.
While we were there ,we met a few families from Scandinavia and they too appreciated the property.
Any grouses-no,but the internet is real slow,maybe it will improve.The network connection at the lobby is pretty good.Communication with the staff could be a challenge but the smiles win you over.
Food choices at the Hotel and Beach restaurants are good.
We would tick excellent for most boxes regarding the Hotel.the kids loved the place.

Silk Air was pretty efficient both ways,our confirmation was at the last moment.

Airport Madness 2

This post is not about any airport,but a game which I enjoy-Airport Madness 2.
Makes you appreciate the work of countless invisible Air Traffic Controllers.

Millions Against Malaria

Travel Touch is about Flights/Travel,we also support causes which help Mankind.On 20 March 2010, Ken Evers & Tim Pryse will commence their flight around the world in a GA8-TC Airvan. This will be the first Australian commercially manufactured aircraft to ever circumnavigate the globe! Throughout their flight, their goal is to raise $1,000,000 for raising awareness about malaria.
The mission is simple: fly the first Australian designed and manufactured aircraft around the world! This exciting world-first flight will occur in a Gippsland Aeronautics GA8-TC Airvan. The flight will cover 26,740 nautical miles in 230 flight hours and burn 13,980 litres of Avgas . . . and create aviation history!
I strongly suggest visitors to click the link and support the cause.

Redemption of Award Tickets on Singapore Air

Tried to redeem points on Singapore Air recently,usually the process is smooth when you get confirmed bookings,but the process is tedious when even one sector is waitlisted.
My onward journey was confirmed but return sector was waitlisted.I could not amend my return journey and get the onward confirmed.I had to take the help of the Customer Service agent to issue the onward ticket ,which meant I lost the online redemption discount of 15%.The system should allow for online issue as well as online amendments.
Hopefully Singapore Air will allow this in the future.

Langkawi,Malaysian Air and Air Asia

Had a quick trip to Langkawi by Malaysian Airlines.The flight was comfortable ,what was distinctly noticeable was the clean aircraft.I also liked the nice design of the food box,small thing but the difference was noticeable.
Not so good was disembarkation at Penang and completing the facilities there,they could have indicated the gate numbers to transit passengers.Malaysian Airlines has done a good job !Maybe competition has woken it out of slumber.
Stayed at Sheraton Langkawi,it's a good location with nice views from the lobby.
They provide complimentary wifi internet access at the lobby for 45 minutes daily.What was not so good was the hot weather and lack of airconditioning facilities,spoke to a few guests and all were complaining about the AC.
Sheraton can also maintain the facilities better.
Return flight was by AirAsia-the incoming flight was in only 10 minutes before scheduled departure,but surprisingly the flight took off on time.The interiors were neat and clean and landed on time.
This is the hot season around the region so if you cannot stand high humidity stay away and move cooler climes.

Visa Fee Waiver for Tourists in Thailand

Edited:
The visa waiver has been extended for a year from April 1st 2010,which is good but what about the interim period in March between 4th and 31st?Apparently fees are payable,hmm not the best solution.
Thailand's visa fee waiver ends on 4th March 2010.I hope it gets extended.For a family of 4 it means a saving around SGD 52/- or 1200 Bahts.
Meanwhile visitors who have their tickets booked can enjoy the fee waiver.