A Bit of fun
http://millionaire.changiairport.com/index.php/facemaker/view/1189
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Circle Line Singapore
Hats Off Singapore! The new stations which opened on 08th October are nicely done and very convenient ,it cuts off travel time tremendously.
Unfortunately they have been accompanied by fare increases.Hopefully crowded public transport would be a thing of the past.
Public transport is one thing-which Singapore seems to have mastered.
Can they remove the 35% surcharge for cabs?
Unfortunately they have been accompanied by fare increases.Hopefully crowded public transport would be a thing of the past.
Public transport is one thing-which Singapore seems to have mastered.
Can they remove the 35% surcharge for cabs?
Lounge at Chennai Airports
The lounges at Chennai Airport seem affordable,but then the service they offer is also very limited.
Limited movie choice also seems the norm-Experienced it earlier with SQ and now with Jet Airways.
Limited movie choice also seems the norm-Experienced it earlier with SQ and now with Jet Airways.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Splendour of Yellow Stone National Park
Yellow Stone National Park and Grand Teton Park are amazing natural wonders.Kudos to the US govt to have mandated protection.The water,the craters,geysers are amazing.
It is a pity that many americans are not aware of this wonder.The flights are expensive.
I would suggest using GotoBus.com for economical packages(caution:be prepared for mandarin and english commentary)I strongly suggest visiting Yellow Stone at least once in your lifetime.
It is a pity that many americans are not aware of this wonder.The flights are expensive.
I would suggest using GotoBus.com for economical packages(caution:be prepared for mandarin and english commentary)I strongly suggest visiting Yellow Stone at least once in your lifetime.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Singapore Airlines and South West Airlines,Tokyo Airport
The SQ 12 A 380 service to LAX is very good,seats are wider and good options like in flight usb/power adaptors etc.But the IFE seems to have lesser viewing choices with the advent of e reading.There were lesser movie options than before which seemed a shame.
They have a nice option under travel which allows travellers to know more about the flying process,it covers flight preparation,in flight ,turbulence,routes,take off etc.
The service seems to have gone down a wee bit,they mis pasted the Special meal request,and on pointing out was not corrected.
Tokyo Aiport transit area needs to catch up with other Asian airports-it looks old and passe when considering the options now provided by Singapore,KL,HK etc
Prices seem to be high.
The queues at LA airport seem never endless and chaos for customs aggravate it.
Southwest maintain a pretty tight outfit and run things efficiently-but they do not have seat allocations unless pre booked.The in Flight service is very good with free baggage.
They have a nice option under travel which allows travellers to know more about the flying process,it covers flight preparation,in flight ,turbulence,routes,take off etc.
The service seems to have gone down a wee bit,they mis pasted the Special meal request,and on pointing out was not corrected.
Tokyo Aiport transit area needs to catch up with other Asian airports-it looks old and passe when considering the options now provided by Singapore,KL,HK etc
Prices seem to be high.
The queues at LA airport seem never endless and chaos for customs aggravate it.
Southwest maintain a pretty tight outfit and run things efficiently-but they do not have seat allocations unless pre booked.The in Flight service is very good with free baggage.
Quirky Jakarta and others
Had a quick dash to Jakarta last week.While Jakarta has made some nice progress,some things don't seem to change!The large opulent buildings,the traffic,large cars etc.The economy seems to be doing well.
Also noticed that budget airlines flying to and fro Jakarta seem to provide a very light snack-while Jetstar provides free water,AirAsia doesn't.
The Visa on arrival fees have been raised to USD25/-while you are supposed to pay the fees in USD,you get the change in IDR,the guy at the counter just pcoketed 500 rupiah,and when asked he looked as if what's the big deal,of course in value it may not be much,but why pay him when other can be paid?Just imagine if he keeps 500 Rupiah daily of all 1000 passengers who come in?
Jakarta has also introduced a good rule-certain roads need a minimum of 3 car passengers,they fine cars which have lesser number of passengers,but the people have got around it-there are these small boys/women,guys who wait and for 10000 Rupiah are taken to the end of the road to get around this issue.
Wish the bring the same level of ingenuity and innovation to other areas.
Also noticed that budget airlines flying to and fro Jakarta seem to provide a very light snack-while Jetstar provides free water,AirAsia doesn't.
The Visa on arrival fees have been raised to USD25/-while you are supposed to pay the fees in USD,you get the change in IDR,the guy at the counter just pcoketed 500 rupiah,and when asked he looked as if what's the big deal,of course in value it may not be much,but why pay him when other can be paid?Just imagine if he keeps 500 Rupiah daily of all 1000 passengers who come in?
Jakarta has also introduced a good rule-certain roads need a minimum of 3 car passengers,they fine cars which have lesser number of passengers,but the people have got around it-there are these small boys/women,guys who wait and for 10000 Rupiah are taken to the end of the road to get around this issue.
Wish the bring the same level of ingenuity and innovation to other areas.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Singapore Airlines Website
The new website at www.singaporeair.com has been giving problems to users and had an issue with booking as well.The problem was resolved by calling the membership services who were efficient in resolving the problem.Having been used to the old site,the new one will take some time getting used to.Hope they resolve the issues soon.
Wonder why SQ flights are more than 50% expensive than other similar ones?
Wonder why SQ flights are more than 50% expensive than other similar ones?
Qantas and Perth Airport
Flew Qantas to Perth after a long time and was impressed by their in flight services and quality of meals both ways.They can still improve their service like providing newspapers when asked for especially when it was there at the entrance.
People complain about Indian airports but some of the Australian airports are not too better as well.They lack lounge privileges and dining options are expensive and limited.
People complain about Indian airports but some of the Australian airports are not too better as well.They lack lounge privileges and dining options are expensive and limited.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
New Zealand on a Budget
New Zealand is a paradise but it can be expensive for travellers and for families.
Some tips to get the most out of your trip:
NZ is served by most budget Airlines.
Hotels are expensive-One can consider advance purchase stays but most are non refundable
InterCity Coaches are economical and reliable way of exploring the country.
The InterIslander Ferry is a delight
Auckland explorer or Link Buses are a good and cheapway of exploring Auckland City.
Discount Taxis are the most economical way of traveling to and from the airports.
NZ has a variety of food options and easily available.
For your mobile needs grab a 2Gereeprepaid mobile,while a Vodafone prepaid broadband stick is the best way for broadband.
Adventure sports like Ballooning and Bungee are expensive.
Domestic Airports run out of food options by 7PM so plan to grab your dinner before heading to the airport.
Most important grab a travel insurance which covers travel curtailment and inconveniences
Enjoy your trip
Some tips to get the most out of your trip:
NZ is served by most budget Airlines.
Hotels are expensive-One can consider advance purchase stays but most are non refundable
InterCity Coaches are economical and reliable way of exploring the country.
The InterIslander Ferry is a delight
Auckland explorer or Link Buses are a good and cheapway of exploring Auckland City.
Discount Taxis are the most economical way of traveling to and from the airports.
NZ has a variety of food options and easily available.
For your mobile needs grab a 2Gereeprepaid mobile,while a Vodafone prepaid broadband stick is the best way for broadband.
Adventure sports like Ballooning and Bungee are expensive.
Domestic Airports run out of food options by 7PM so plan to grab your dinner before heading to the airport.
Most important grab a travel insurance which covers travel curtailment and inconveniences
Enjoy your trip
Pete's Farm Stay Rangiora a Hidden Gem
We chose Pete's farmstay as a last minute option after the CC earthquake,but were delighted by the experience.Peter was there to pick us up and he gave a friendly tour of the town (it has no traffic lights)
The accommodation was a Cottage which is very well maintained and is as good as a 5Star property definitely by NZ standards where many properties tout 4/5* without being upto it.
The breakfast was sumptuous and we got company with other guests.We also did the farm tour with Peter and our kids enjoyed the Trampolin.
The cottage had every amenity-wireless access,Bathrobes,good quality linen,kitchen,bathtub,shower area etc.
We will recommend this property to all who want to have a good experience with a homely touch.
The accommodation was a Cottage which is very well maintained and is as good as a 5Star property definitely by NZ standards where many properties tout 4/5* without being upto it.
The breakfast was sumptuous and we got company with other guests.We also did the farm tour with Peter and our kids enjoyed the Trampolin.
The cottage had every amenity-wireless access,Bathrobes,good quality linen,kitchen,bathtub,shower area etc.
We will recommend this property to all who want to have a good experience with a homely touch.
Novotel Wellington-A Delightful Place
We stayed one night at the Novotel Wellington and the place is an absolute gem.Service is terrific.While the lobby is small,the rooms are bright and spacious and service is friendly,we enjoyed our breakfast.They have Macs at the lobby for free use.
City Oaks Auckland
Definitely Not a 4.5 Star hotel,the apartments are compact and neat and great location but do not expect any service.They seem to have forgotten that a Hotel is made by good service which is seriously lacking.
Jetstar an economical alternate for New Zealand
The jetstar service to Auckland provides an exciting alternate to travellers who have encountered high fares to NZ.
With fares around S$596/-for a return fare,it makes for some savings.Their food costs in flight are expensive even with the pre book option.
The flight is comfortable-seats are wide enough and good legroom.
The air hostesses can smile more and be more considerate when there are delays,they provide entertainment first rather than food when there is a delay of 2 hours.
With fares around S$596/-for a return fare,it makes for some savings.Their food costs in flight are expensive even with the pre book option.
The flight is comfortable-seats are wide enough and good legroom.
The air hostesses can smile more and be more considerate when there are delays,they provide entertainment first rather than food when there is a delay of 2 hours.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thai Airways,Kolkata and Delhi
Thailand is called the land of the smiles,but if you wish to keep your smile,don't travel by Thai Airways,rude behaviour ,absence of smiles is the order of the day.Only good thing about them are the well kept cabins,but they do not make up for lack of customer service or amenities.
In Flight entertainment is painfully absent.Had a terrible experience at bangkok airport with the staff near gates b1-b6.
When I asked for feedback form inside the flight to Kolkata,was provided an immigration form,thankfully got one after much insistence.
Thai Airways has acknowledged my feedback and apologised via email,but will things improve?
My recent enquiry from frequent flyers on Thai has let me conclude that poor service is the norm rather than the exception,a sorry state of affair persists.
Had a one day day to Kolkata-stayed at the Oberoi which continues to impress by its service,the rooms are large enough and service impeccable.
Took the Indigo flight to Delhi-wow an amazing airline,the staff wear crisp uniform,looking chic,and cabins neat and clean,instructions clear.
landing at Delhi domestic was surprising-the Terminal has improved.public Toilets clean.
Stayed at the Park Hotel:It is a Hip Hotel but the staff are unable to handle the huge crowds which accumulate.Rooms are pretty small,bathrooms are large-shouldn't it be the otehr way round?
Not enough power points.Service was dismal,no response from duty manager nor the reception.
Restaurants are priced way beyond international standards.Rip off !
The International Terminal T3 in Delhi looks impressive,but while the hardware has been put in place,the software needs an upgrade?Yes the people,check ins are painfully slow and they do not care-maybe a Delhi attitude.
took more than 50 minutes to check in-while I was 4th in the queue.Immigration was no better,they have a queue for business/first class passengers but when no business class passenger in sight they remain idle rather than clearing others.
toilets are are clean at T3,but they are starting to look old and not new considering its less than a year old so what happens in a couple of years time?
Would again remind travelers to check your insurance and clauses before buying and before travel.
In Flight entertainment is painfully absent.Had a terrible experience at bangkok airport with the staff near gates b1-b6.
When I asked for feedback form inside the flight to Kolkata,was provided an immigration form,thankfully got one after much insistence.
Thai Airways has acknowledged my feedback and apologised via email,but will things improve?
My recent enquiry from frequent flyers on Thai has let me conclude that poor service is the norm rather than the exception,a sorry state of affair persists.
Had a one day day to Kolkata-stayed at the Oberoi which continues to impress by its service,the rooms are large enough and service impeccable.
Took the Indigo flight to Delhi-wow an amazing airline,the staff wear crisp uniform,looking chic,and cabins neat and clean,instructions clear.
landing at Delhi domestic was surprising-the Terminal has improved.public Toilets clean.
Stayed at the Park Hotel:It is a Hip Hotel but the staff are unable to handle the huge crowds which accumulate.Rooms are pretty small,bathrooms are large-shouldn't it be the otehr way round?
Not enough power points.Service was dismal,no response from duty manager nor the reception.
Restaurants are priced way beyond international standards.Rip off !
The International Terminal T3 in Delhi looks impressive,but while the hardware has been put in place,the software needs an upgrade?Yes the people,check ins are painfully slow and they do not care-maybe a Delhi attitude.
took more than 50 minutes to check in-while I was 4th in the queue.Immigration was no better,they have a queue for business/first class passengers but when no business class passenger in sight they remain idle rather than clearing others.
toilets are are clean at T3,but they are starting to look old and not new considering its less than a year old so what happens in a couple of years time?
Would again remind travelers to check your insurance and clauses before buying and before travel.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Travel Insurance Boon or Bane
Have you been hounded to purchase insurance?Then when you buy it you notice that claiming for an incident is such a pian!
Encountered the same when had to claim travel insurance because of the Christchurch earthquake-travel curtailment due to Earthquake is not listed and the travel agent was sticking to the standard clause.
Air NZ was no better,they are not refunding just saying the ticket will hold good for travel within the next 12 months?But what if someone will not use that point for travel anymore in the foreseeable future?
Hope the travel insurance companies and airlines become more customer friendly especially at the time of calamities
Encountered the same when had to claim travel insurance because of the Christchurch earthquake-travel curtailment due to Earthquake is not listed and the travel agent was sticking to the standard clause.
Air NZ was no better,they are not refunding just saying the ticket will hold good for travel within the next 12 months?But what if someone will not use that point for travel anymore in the foreseeable future?
Hope the travel insurance companies and airlines become more customer friendly especially at the time of calamities
Airline seats too narrow
Just returned from a trip to India via Jetairways.While the service was good the seats seemed to narrow even for a person who is very thin.While the IFE is on even before take off they switch off the same before landing -in many cases you will not catch the end of the movie or you will have to catch during the return flight and forwarding to the last 10 minutes of the movie can be such a big pain.
Took the last seat on my return flight and it was scary as the flight encountered severe turbulence while take off due to very heavy rain.
Kolkata is a metro but it has poor international connectivity-AirIndia Express and Singapore airlines do not fly daily.Thai flies via Bangkok and the stopover in BKK on return is long.
Took the last seat on my return flight and it was scary as the flight encountered severe turbulence while take off due to very heavy rain.
Kolkata is a metro but it has poor international connectivity-AirIndia Express and Singapore airlines do not fly daily.Thai flies via Bangkok and the stopover in BKK on return is long.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Boeing Unveils latest 747
Boeing has announced the latest version of its much acclaimed Jumbo-747-8,almost 42 years after the first launch of the original 747.
Hope some of the aircraft have better features and much better passenger comforts including IFE.
Hope some of the aircraft have better features and much better passenger comforts including IFE.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Eco Tours/Unconventional tours
Came across this very nice site www.eksalife.com.Eksa is a company which aggregates Eco tours and unconventional tours and they have a great vision.
I had a chat with the founder and was very impressed by their plans.keep visiting this site.www.eksalife.com
I had a chat with the founder and was very impressed by their plans.keep visiting this site.www.eksalife.com
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Longest 747 Route
Qantas finally gets to use the model's ultra-long range with a full load of passengers 13,804 kilometres non-stop from Sydney to Dallas, Texas, the longest 747 route in the world.
In 2002-03, the airline took delivery of six 747-400ERs, a variety built specially for Qantas to operate the 12,748 kilometres from Melbourne to Los Angeles. This high-weight version will be stretched to the limit for the four weekly Dallas services, which start on May 16.
In fact, the return service will stop in Brisbane on its way back because passengers will have to be offloaded to make the extra 441 kilometres to Sydney.(Source Smh.com.au)
Having flown the LA-Singapore service on a SQ Airbus plane which had fantastic levels of service,i would be tempted to try this route if the service reviews are good otherwise this may be quite a pian for Economy class passengers.
In 2002-03, the airline took delivery of six 747-400ERs, a variety built specially for Qantas to operate the 12,748 kilometres from Melbourne to Los Angeles. This high-weight version will be stretched to the limit for the four weekly Dallas services, which start on May 16.
In fact, the return service will stop in Brisbane on its way back because passengers will have to be offloaded to make the extra 441 kilometres to Sydney.(Source Smh.com.au)
Having flown the LA-Singapore service on a SQ Airbus plane which had fantastic levels of service,i would be tempted to try this route if the service reviews are good otherwise this may be quite a pian for Economy class passengers.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Best Airport approaches
We at Travel Touch are very happy to bring this link and we will also conduct a poll on the most amazing airport approaches.Some are outright beautiful,some scary and some are amazing.What is even more exciting for me personally that the airport we had mentioned in my last post on this blog-yes the London City Airport has also made it to this list.
I sincerely hope you enjoy this post and also participate in the poll on the most beautiful airport.Your comments welcome
http://www.relax.com.sg/relax/media/527850/Airports.html
I sincerely hope you enjoy this post and also participate in the poll on the most beautiful airport.Your comments welcome
http://www.relax.com.sg/relax/media/527850/Airports.html
Sunday, January 9, 2011
London to NYC
Those Aviation buffs who miss the Concorde,may be happy to note that British Airways has a service from London City Airport to New York.The service is run on a Airbus 318 with a seating configuration smaller than the upper deck of a conventional 747.
As the A318 is meant to fly only 2000odd miles it stops at Shannon Airport in Ireland for refuelling which allows passengers to complete US immigration facilities and fly the 3000 odd miles between London and NYC,It has become very popular with the financial district people as the London city airport is in the financial district.
As the A318 is meant to fly only 2000odd miles it stops at Shannon Airport in Ireland for refuelling which allows passengers to complete US immigration facilities and fly the 3000 odd miles between London and NYC,It has become very popular with the financial district people as the London city airport is in the financial district.
Changi Airport
I have posted often on the conveniences of Changi Airport,here is a one more on BbC site
http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20101216-changi-the-airport-of-your-dreams/1
http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20101216-changi-the-airport-of-your-dreams/1
Monday, January 3, 2011
Nice and Useful Application for travellers
I have been using www.worldmate.com for some time and find it really useful.The mobile application works well.It is free for android phones.
They also have a very useful blog http://www.worldmate.com/travelog/
They also have a very useful blog http://www.worldmate.com/travelog/
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