To Travel Soon

I was supposed to go to San Francisco with my hubby and daughter today for the long Eid holidays but due to lack of time and not to mention funds and leave credits; I had to bail out.

I just dropped my hubby to the airport an hour ago for his flight and I really, really wanted to go. Sometimes I ask myself, why I am always stuck here when I can go? The answer always boils down to lack of leave credits. I wish I had many!

One might wonder why at this time of recession, we can still have the opportunity to travel. Answer to that is because we get discount airfare being airline staff. We only pay minimal fee for the ticket price. Also, we get rebate tickets from other airlines and avail of their cheap flights too.

There is a downside to being a staff too. We get very low priority in check-in because of our ticket cost. Most of the time, we even get bumped-off in preference to a paying customer. Well, I have had my share of bump-offs and I am certainly used to it.

Working in the airline industry is probably the best for people who is on the go and likes to see the world like we do. We get many travel advisory from other countries and offers on various destinations guide. We may not be paid well as compared to other companies but combining all the free and discounted ticket fares and special airline staff rates on most destinations and hotels, I think it is really worth it!

So, I may just travel again this January to New York. I have always dreamed of seeing snow so that time will be the best time to travel during the cold season. Anyway, I love cold weather! Big Apple, here I come!

I'm back!

Yes! I was itching to type away! I have definitely morphed into an addicted blogger. Few days away from my laptop didn't do any good. I am never leaving my typing activity at all.

The trip was tiring and I am sad that I was not able to meet a good blogger pal - Jade. We exchanged texts and I was really hopeful to see her. However, travelling with other parties can be very tiring too because they have their own plans and I have mine and somehow, I have to cancel mine to accommodate theirs (I don't want to hurt some one's feelings so I had to give way...).

It was still a fun-filled vacation for us especially for the young princess since it was her first time to visit Singapore. A lot has changed indeed since the last time I have been there; 6 years to be exact! There were so many constructions which I had not seen back then. I think Singapore is busier now as it was before but it still remains to be one of the nicest cosmopolitan places in the world.

We spent the whole day in Sentosa. Due to time constraint, we were unable to visit Jurong Bird park and the Night Safari for the little princess' educational tour. Well, the day spent in Sentosa was enough to excite her senses especially the glass-bottom cable ride, the pink dolphin show, the fish and other sea creatures in the Underwater World and the great show of the Song of the Sea.

We'll be back in Singapore for sure. The next time will definitely be a longer one and I WILL HOLD THE REINS!

10 Places to go to in Europe - Cool!

As the summer months come closer, the heat rises and the people scamper to get the holiday packages confirmed and jet off to a nice, cooler climate than the hot regions of the world.

Europe is not exempted from the scorching heat but compared to most countries on the other side of the planet, it is relatively cooler there.

This list is part of my monthly "10 series" and here goes in no particular order:

1. Paris, France
Ok, I'm a little biased here because I really, really love this country. August is normally a very hot month here in Dubai and what better way to cool it off is to head to France where the temperature is not as high as in the Middle East ranging from 60-80 F. Actually, it depends on where you are in France so check the weather stations if you want to visit the place from June to August. Nice attractions are the famous Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Euro Disneyland, Notre Dame, Ecole Militare, Seine River and more!

2. Oslo, Norway
My hubby just got back 3 weeks ago from his trip to Oslo, Norway. Although May was still spring season, summer there doesn't involve high temperature melting the polar ice caps! Mid-June to August is the high tourist months of Oslo but the weather can be tricky with rainfall. Those are the months where there is long hours of sunshine. Steps lead to Akershus Castle, Norsk Folkemuseum, and Viking Ships Museum.

3. Vienna, Austria
The months of July - August feel a temperature of up to 65 F; however, it can be wet and windy as well so it's advisable to bring warm clothing and umbrella if you wish to visit this place during this time. Go see the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Clock Museum, Danube Park...

4. Zurich, Switzerland
Well, it's the land of nice chocolates and Swiss watches! The temperature is mild and averages to 65 F with long, sunny days. Places to see are the Bahnhofstrasse Street, the churches, The Old Town...and more!

5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The weather is not as balmy as London on the summer months of July to August and temperature can go to 70 F where the tulips fields are at their peak! I love tulips!!! Great places to visit are The Van Gogh Art Museum, Anne Frank house, churches, Rembrandt Tower, The Dam, open air markets and the Madurodam which is NOT in Amsterdam but since you are there, why not check it out too?

6. Prague, The Czech Republic
Weather in Prague sees the mercury range from 54-72 F during the months of June to August. Since it lies in in the transitional area between the maritime and continental climates, it's weather is characterized by hot, rainy summers and nippy, snowy winters which may still change. Top tourist attractions are The Prague Castle district, the Old Town hall, Mozart/Music museum and more.

7. Budapest, Hungary
The summer weather can vary from 60 to 80 F with long hours of sunshine. Although weather varies as well, so it's best advise to bring warm clothing and rain gear for the surprise rainfall. The Hungarian Thermal Baths is one place to visit while in this country. Pest and Buda's Castle Hill is also an interesting place to see.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland
The temperature here rarely rises over 60 F and this is one cool place to be in if you are running away from the scorching heat. Geysir and Gulfoss waterfalls is a must to see! Check out the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) but not during the summer months. Best month to check it is from September to April.

9. Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Another great place to visit is Luxembourg. It's a small country bordering Germany, Belgium and France. The weather is at a comfortable temperature of 55-70 F. A must to see are the The Grand Ducal Palace, Moselle Valley, The Casemates, and the numerous museums around the city.

10. Helsinki, Finland
Finnish summer offers a great time for vacationers because it's not as hot as other places with the temp. ranging from 54 to 68 F from June to August. The summer is mild and warm and a nice time for hiking. Senate Square, Esplanade Park, Kaivopuisto Park, and the University Botanical Garden are places to check out!

TO CONVERT TEMPERATURES: http://www.wbuf.noaa.gov/tempfc.htm