Every year end, I would invite the Hubs to pen his thoughts on the year that has passed. Here’s his review on 2022. Photo: Cozying up at Queenstown New Zealand. June 2022 We all lamented the opportunities lost when the world came to a Covid stand-still in early 2020. But what were the first few things you did when Singapore and the world started reopening? Since the passing-away of my late father 38 years ago while I was still 13, I have always lived with the … [Read more...]
Archives for 2022
Hokkaido Hotel Review – Hinode Hills Niseko Village
One of the many reasons we are delighted about the reopening of Japan’s borders is that we can share about one of the finest hotels we have stayed-in in Hokkaido: Hinode Hills Niseko Village. We will always remember the warmth and comfort we got at Hinode Hills. Part of YTL Hotel group, we stayed at Hinode Hills Niseko Village during our very last trip to Hokkaido pre-COVID in December 2019. It was newly opened then and we were among its first guests! Unfortunately, as March … [Read more...]
DIY Nagoya Japan with Kids – Itinerary and Recommendations
We have been to Japan multiple times and have covered the ‘major’ cities, including the three major amusement parks (Click here for our post on our itineraries and experiences to 16 countries including Japan). Legoland Japan, really takes the cake with some seriously good activities. On our last trip, we decided to visit Nagoya before going to Hokkaido, as we wanted to discover a new city other than Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. We were so thrilled to find Autumn blooms at … [Read more...]
Penang Hotel Review: Courtyard by Marriott Penang
The pandemic has changed many aspects of how families approach travel. Considerations of crowds, cleanliness and convenience become even more important especially when travelling to popular tourist destinations like Penang. We stayed at the new Courtyard by Marriott Penang hotel during our first trip back after the pandemic to visit the kids paternal grandma. Here’s our authentic review. Video highlights from our stay. Location: The pandemic has amplified the convenience of … [Read more...]
Queenstown New Zealand, 5 Must-do Family Activities.
From Bungy to Quirky…for everyone in the family. We all know that Queenstown aka ‘Adventure Capital of the World’, has tons of activities to offer the adrenaline thrill-seekers. But how about for families with young primary kids like our Buddy? As it turns out, lots! Here’s sharing our 5 must-do activities for families all in the little town called Queenstown! Shotover Jet Queenstown (https://www.shotoverjet.com/): The iconic thrill ride in Queenstown that’s been around since … [Read more...]
New Zealand Milford Sound Cruise – Tips and Experience
Is Milford Sound worth a visit? How do I get there? Is it better to drive or join a tour? These were some of the questions we asked when planning our self-drive road trip to South Island, New Zealand. We hope that our sharing will help you in your trip-planning. Milford Sound, carved out from ancient glaciers, is adorned with towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. It is widely considered to be one of the most scenic places in the world. It’s no surprise that the famous novelist and … [Read more...]
Driving Tips – Self-Drive South Island, New Zealand
New Zealand is a popular destination for self-drive trips. Rightly so as self-drive trips offer the spontaneity to manage your itinerary and tons of flexibility for families to travel at our own pace, stopping at scenic spots to take family photos. We share our complete NZ South Island self-drive itinerary and downloadable map in this previous post here . However any self-drive trips come with risks and especially in New Zealand’s diverse terrain – you can go from wide empty … [Read more...]
11D New Zealand South Island Self-Drive Itinerary (Winter 2022)
New Zealand, better known as 'Middle Earth' and the land of the long white cloud. A country so rich with wildlife and out-of-this-world post-card scenery. It made us wonder why it took us so long to visit New Zealand. But we finally did! We chose to travel during early winter (June) to avoid the summer crowd when we hear it can get really busy! NZ is one of the countries who managed the COVID pandemic situations very well hence we were very assured that it is safe to visit with our children. … [Read more...]
Village Hotel Katong – VIK (Village Important Kids) Staycation Review
“Besides the pool, what else can the kids do beside watch TV in the room?” “Plenty.” I replied to the hubby’s ‘standard’ question whenever we checked into any hotels for staycation. “There’s the VIK PLAYtivities for kids, we can walk around to discover Joo Chiat, have a meal at one of the many restaurants that accept the $40 Village Currency vouchers that come with the stay. Take your pick!” The VIK (Village Important Kids) Family Staycation package is a newly launched programme by … [Read more...]
DIY Family Travels with Kids – Itineraries | Reviews | Tips
16 Countries from Canada to Cambodia, Japan to USA, Scandinavia to Indonesia, Iceland, Finland, New Zealand, Thailand, (and God-willing many more 'lands'!). Cities include: Bali, Copenhagen, Helsinki, Hokkaido, Kyoto, Osaka, Penang, Queensland, , Reykjavik, Siem Reap, Tokyo. Activities include: Ski lessons in Hokkaido, Self-Drive Iceland, Self-Drive Hokkaido, Farm stays in Taiwan, Northern-lights and Santa Claus Park in Finland. Theme Parks include: Disneyland (Anaheim); Tokyo … [Read more...]