Singapore is undoubtedly one of the greatest destinations to tour, thanks to its serenity, green and spotlessly clean environment, and assured security, as crime rates are almost nil. Moreover, the city is quite small to navigate with all the best modern means of transportation, and tons of awesome places to visit and activities to do. To ensure your trip to the island state is as eventful and hassle-free as possible, here are some tips and guides that you may find useful:

The weather

Merlion land weather is hot and humid throughout the year, with temperatures rising above 30°C (86°F). There are rain showers, mostly in the evening and mornings, making them a bit pleasant in those high temperatures, so be prepared for torrential yet brief rains. You should bring a good variety of clothing, as you may sweat a lot due to the temperatures and humidity. Also, schedule your outdoor events for cooler mornings and your walks around the city for evenings. Finally, have an umbrella on hand for the showers that come unannounced.

Language

You can communicate in English, as most people are fluent in it and it is one of the official languages. Also, the locals use other languages, such as Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin Chinese.

Take your passport and visa while going places

One of the most vital travel information tips while touring the city-state is to ensure that you always carry both your original and copies of your passport and visa everywhere. Other than for security reasons, since you are in a foreign country, the documents will give you free entry into places like the Casino in Marina Bay Sands, and this is after verifying your identity, which can only be done using these documents. You need not worry about how to secure your visa before the trip, as you can easily engage One Visa, the best visa agent for speedy services, with an almost 100% guaranteed success rate in the visa application process.

Smoking is restricted

You should not smoke cigarettes in any air-conditioned places, such as restaurants, malls, and other public places. You will find designated smoking areas in open-air eateries and at some entertainment attractions.

Drinking water

Do not worry about the drinking water, and just reach for the nearest tap to drink your fill. The water in Singapore is safe and clean to drink, having satisfied the WHO standards. Also, you can conveniently buy some bottled water from the stores.

Get a tax refund on your purchases as you depart

You should be aware of this travel information tip while visiting Singapore: You can claim a refund of 7% of Goods and Services Tax (GST) for purchases from any participating outlet, like Fossil. You can do the claim at the airport while departing. The refund is only applicable if you have spent over $100 and if you have kept all the receipts of the purchased items.

Perfect the art of bargaining—but only at streets and flea markets

You have to haggle while buying goods, but only at places like Chinatown and Bugis Street. These places are more like flea markets  that sell copies of great brands; hence, most of the items are unbranded and cost less compared to prices of the real brands. The art of bargaining is a key asset while in Merlion land, or else you will end up penniless. You need to smile, be polite, and bargain realistically.

Traveling to Singapore Hassle-Free: Tips and Guides is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

Copacabana

The beating heart of Rio’s culture and lifestyle can be found on its beaches and two of the most famous are of course Ipanema and Copacabana. It is very rare for a beach to become as world-famous as the Copacabana is and so it is a place which you simply must visit during your time here . The beach here in Rio is about more than sunbathing and it is the perfect place for watching how the locals spend some of their day .

Christ the Redeemer

The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio is as famous as the likes of the Statue of Liberty and it is a truly wonderful icon to visit. Take the cog-wheel mountain train from the bottom of Corcovado Mountain where you will be transported up the steep cliff until you reach the feet of this monster statue. The statue of Christ is certainly impressive but so too are the spectacular views which you will find at the top as you overlook the whole of the city. Don’t forget to take the standard ‘Christ-pose’ photo in front of the statue!

Sugarloaf Mountain

The small peak to your right as you look out across the ocean is called the Sugarloaf, named as such because of its resemblance to gathered sugar cane, one of Brazil’s biggest exports. Visiting the Sugarloaf is best done by taking the glass-walled cable car from nearby Morra da Urca which will take you right to the summit of the Sugarloaf, and offering stunning views across the Rio coast. The cars run every 20 minutes back and forth to the Sugarloaf.

Party in Lapa

Something which Brazil, and Rio in particular is famous for is the dance samba and they say that the heart of the dance lies here in Lapa, a small zone within Rio. Lapa is a very raw place which offers lots of bars, street dancing and live music, making it the perfect spot for a night out during your time in this brilliant city.

Selaron Steps

The Selaron Steps or Escadaria Selaron are decorative and colourful public stairs which attract many visitors each year.  Each step was designed and painted as a tribute to Brazil by the Chilean artist Jorge Selaron. The steps straddle the Santa Theresa and Lapa neighborhoods and are easily reached by metro. There are 215 steps in total which you can not only climb, but also explore the art which is painted on them, a great way to spend an afternoon!

What more do you have in mind to do during your time in Rio? Let us know in the comments below this post.

All images credited to www.myriotravelguide.com

5 Rio Experiences Not To Miss is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

It seems that word has got out about the beauty of Provence and the fact that it is one of those places that actually lives up to expectation. You will see sleepy villages that look straight off a film set, you will see fresh and bold purple lavender growing naturally in the fields and you will see stunning views of the Mediterranean coast as you meander along the mazy, coastal roads. If you feel like jumping on the Provence bandwagon, which you should, incidentally, then here are some tips on the towns and villages within the region which I’d recommend that you visit.

Avignon

Avignon is one of the most historical and most widely known cities of Provence thanks to its occupation by the Vatican for some 70 years after Ancient Rome got a little bit too hot for the Pope to handle. These days tourists can see the very best of historic France in Avignon and history buffs will delight in visiting the Pope’s Palace, the biggest gothic palace in Europe. The city is well served by TGV from local airports in Nimes and Marseille so getting there is no problem and the most iconic structure which tourists love to se is the Pont d’Avignon, a bridge that was destroyed in parts and now looms perilously over the River Rhone.

Gordes

Those small village that you see in TV shows and movies, you know the ones, mazy streets, cute cafes and craft shops? Well that is exactly what you will find in Gordes, the perfect place to do absolutely nothing and watch the World pass you by as you soak up the Mediterranean sunshine. Widely regarded as one of the regions most beautiful cities, which is really saying something when you consider its competition, Gordes is a must visit village on your trip to Provence.

Les Beaux de Provence

This little village is set in up in the Alpilles mountains which provides a really dramatic backdrop that juxtaposes with the sheer beauty of the village itself. The village is located just south of Avignon and it is the site where archaeologists found human remains dating back some 6000 years. The most popular attraction here is the castle, much of which still remains in tact thanks to some restoration work over the years and tourists can see the catapults and siege engines which were used to protect the village throughout history.

L’isle Sur La Sorgue

This beautiful little fishing village in the center of the River Sorgue is widely perceived to be one of the prettiest in southern France. Aside from the beauty what attracts tourists and locals alike to L’isle Sur La Sorgue are its regular antique markets with over 300 antique dealers selling their wares. This village also has several water wheels throughout, many of which are still in operation which, for tourists, gives a great photo opportunity.

Uzés

Just west of Avignon and due north of Nimes is the village of Uzes, widely considered to have the best preserved renaissance structures in all of France. The winding streets and pedestrian only zones throughout the village make it the perfect place for tourists to wander through the heart of Uzes and enjoy the slow pace of life here. The Saturday market is quite an attraction and sees many locals from surrounding villages setting up stalls to sell arts and crafts.

Seillans

Much of the beauty of Seillans is in the incredible viewing opportunities that it offers tourists of the surrounding areas. The center of Seillans can only be reached on foot such is the severity of the steep hill and from atop the hill you can see all the way to neighboring Cannes. Olive groves and vineyards occupy the surrounding area of Seillans and whilst the village is very much French, the design and architecture give the feeling of an ancient Italian or Greek location.

I’m looking forward to going back to Provence again very soon, just writing about it makes me think of how much I fell in love with the region both times I visited and can’t wait to see what more changes in the next 3 years. Have you been to Provence before? If so what were your favorite parts and villages? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Counting Down The Best Places to See in Provence is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

Photo by CC user 401(K) 2012 on Flickr.

If a notable vacation is in your near future, do you have all the necessary funds in place?

While getting away from it all can be one of the greatest feelings going, worrying about how to pay for such travels isn’t.

That said you can lessen the anxiety you may have with such trips by making sure your finances are up to speed. In doing so, you can go away knowing that your bank account won’t be taking a vacation too, one where you may have trouble getting it back up to where it needs to be.

So, are you ready to save some green when hitting the road?

Saving Money for a Good Cause

In order to go away and not fret about what your trip or trips will end up costing you; keep these reminders at the top of your list:

• Plans in place – Whether you are thinking of jetting off to see much of Europe, enjoying travel packages to Carnival in Brazil, or perhaps heading Down Under to see all that Australia has to offer, have your plans thoroughly scoped out. From a financial standpoint, this means making sure that you have the necessary money in place, thereby avoiding having to tap into emergency funds etc. Even if it means taking only one trip every few years, knowing you can go away with a well-planned adventure is worth it. Not only do you get peace of mind, but you will also have funds in place for future getaways. This also requires booking trips as far in advance as possible. From airfares to hotels and much more in between, do your best to lock-in your plans as soon as possible. Not only do you typically get the best deals in doing so ,you will also take some stress off your plate;
• What to do? – So that you are better able to enjoy each and every trip you take over the years, knowing what you will do once at your destination can save you money. For example, if going to Carnival in Brazil, look to see where you can find the least expensive hotels etc. While you do not have to stay in some run-down locale, avoiding the most expensive hotels and resorts helps you save funds. In attending different events no matter where you go, check to see which ones are free. Even some of the world’s best-known yearly events have some free offerings, so take advantage of each them. Lastly, if you are going with family or a group of friends, consider splitting costs on a variety of events. This will once again allow you to put a few dollars aside for your next trip.

Coupons Come in Handy

• Savings add up – If you are one to clip coupons and/or look for deals online, both can certainly add up. When it comes to the latter, be sure to use the Internet for all its worth. For example, you can visit travel sites, looking to see what kinds of specials they may be running. Depending on the time of year, they may be offering deals on trips around the globe. For instance, you could cash-in on a vacation to any number of sites during their “off-season” times of the year. Going to London during January can be cheaper than in the summertime, with Wimbledon occurring then, not to mention nicer weather. You could also find better deals to Florida in the summer, though it can be quite hot then. Keep in mind that many snowbirds head there for the winter, meaning prices are typically higher. Use the worldwide web to not only look for deals, but sign up for travel alerts from companies, letting you know when deals are available.

If a vacation or vacations are in the works for 2017, having already planned them would have been a good thing.

If you have not yet done so, take the time now to set the wheels in motion.

Save Some Green When Hitting the Road is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

Don’t worry though, because where there’s a will there’s a way. Check out the new fitness section on Groupon and you’ll see exactly what we mean. The revamped deal-a-day discount site is offering some great value discounts on all manner of physical activities and gym classes. Check out this Gyms in Austin page to see the kind of deals we’re talking about.

Enjoy big savings while keeping fit with Groupon is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

Before you go dismissing Groupon as just another Yellow Pages, be aware that it now offers its awesome discount deals as part of each business listing. There are dozens of great discounts on offer for each of the listings on Groupon’s new site, which means that not only do you find what you’re looking for, but you can save a small fortune too. Check out the deals on offer at this Fitness Cafe listing for example.

Ditch the Yellow Pages, Groupon is now where it’s at is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

Save some dinero with Groupon Coupons! is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

Explore the Capital – Santiago

Santiago is one of the fast growing cities in Latin America and you should explore it first before you move to other parts of the country. Set within the great Andes mountains, Santiago is basically flat but it has two hills in the centre of the city that offer you stunning views of the entire city. One of these hills, Cerro Santa Lucia, has majestic fountains, scenic gardens, European-style castles, and exquisite Spanish tile work. From this hill, you can have a good overview of the entire capital. Other important places you should visit in the capital include: the Mercado Central market, the Plaza De Armas, and Santiago’s central plaza that houses buildings with amazing Spanish architecture like the central post office, and the city’s main cathedral. You should also take time to visit the city’s beautiful green parks and museums.

Watch the Copa America Tournament

Football is the most popular sport in the entire country. As you move around, you will see so many kids playing football on the streets. After spending a few minutes with them, the next question they ask you is: “what is your club?”. Chileans follow football with a passion. That is why hosting the 2015 Copa America tournament – the main international football competition for South American national teams – has attracted a lot of attention. This year from June 11 to July 4, twelve nations will be competing to lift the Copa America trophy and be crowned the champions of South America. From eight different cities: Santiago, Antofagasta, Vina del Mar, La Serena, Rancagua, Concepcion, Temuco, and Valparaiso, you will be able to enjoy live football action. Great stars like Lionel Messi, will showcase their skills during this tournament. You can find tickets for this exciting live action here.

Explore Valparaiso

Valparaiso is Chile’s historic seaport and it served as the entry point for most of the Spanish, German and English sailors who made regular trips to Chile from the 18th century. This unique city, with over 40 hilltops, was one of the most significant world trading ports in the 19th century and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amazing colour and grandeur awaits you in this unique city. On your first visit, you would have to explore the hillside funiculars, ascensores, and the interconnected cobble-stone streets and narrow alleys with care so you don’t miss your way. The streets and side walks are full off colourful street art that will keep your eyes occupied all day.

Conclusion

These are by no means the only places you should visit or explore during your trip to Chile. But you will be happy to start off with them. If you have more time to take longer journeys, you should endeavour to visit the Elqui Valley, the Lake District and National Parks, and San Pedro de Atacama, a beautiful city near the driest desert in the world.

Things to Do in Chile is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

Looking for an escape from the stressors in your daily life this year? There isn’t a better place in the world where you can sit back and let your troubles melt away than on one of the islands in the Caribbean Sea. The best Caribbean destinations of 2015 combine electric blue waters with sights, sounds, smells and friendliness that is nothing short of intoxicating.

If you can’t pick just one of the following destinations, planning a Caribbean multi-centre holiday through an online travel agent is the best way to get a bigger impression of this diverse region. On that note, let’s dive right into it, shall we?

1) Antigua

Only 35 years removed from being granted independence from the United Kingdom, Antigua retains many of the cultural quirks that can be traced from its historic association with the British Empire, such as cricket grounds that burst with enthusiastic fans and highly competitive play on weekends.

As for attractions and activities, SCUBA diving rates among the best things to do for active travelers here, as the clarity of the water here is stunning, as are the rainbow colored tropical fish that calls the coral reefs here home.

2) Grenada

Primarily known as the Spice Isle for its productive plantations that have turned out high quantities of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg among other varieties for export to markets around the world. In addition to these products, the island is also known for producing many fine strains of cocoa beans.

As such, be sure to book a chocolate tour when you aren’t stretching out one one of Grenada’s many amazing beaches, jumping into the refreshing gorges of paradisaical waterfalls, or sampling rum at one of many outstanding distilleries.

3) St Maarten/Saint Martin

Ruled in part by the Dutch and the French, St Maarten/Saint Martin is an interesting destination from a cultural standpoint. As usual, the beaches here are a major draw, with clothing optional stretches being present on the primarily on the French side.

If tanning au naturel isn’t a major attraction to you, then be sure to sample the shopping scene on the Dutch and French sides, as the duty-free status of shops here can lead to big savings on objects such as liquor, electronics, and perfume, to name but a few.

4) Cayman Islands

Associated by some with offshore banks, the Caymans are also synonymous with world class beaches. This has been confirmed by the fact that Seven Mile Beach has been consistently ranked as one of the world’s best strips of sand in many top travel publications, but when you tire of reclining on your sun bed, you then have activities like stingray tours and top-tier dining to fall back on.

With this combination of alluring attractions, this isle is never a bad choice for those looking for an extra stop on their Caribbean tour.

The Best Caribbean Destinations of 2015 is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!

The top tourist attractions in Amazonas are deeply rooted in the fact that 98 percent of the state is covered by the Amazon Rainforest. And yet this Brazilian state has a lot more to offer than tropical flora and fauna, even though they are biggest deal here by a long shot. Amazonas is just as much steeped in culture and architectural beauty as any Brazilian state … it all depends on which town or city you visit.

1. Teatro Amazonas

This is no ordinary opera house. The Amazon Theatre is a startling replica of the Grand Opera House in Paris. That said, it has a stunning Renaissance-style architecture whose building materials were imported from many parts of Europe including Italy, England, and France. Its façade, dome, and interiors are all elegantly and elaborately decorated.

Teatro Amazonas was built at the height of the rubber trade industry in Manaus, the state capital and city to which it belongs. It was completed in 1895 after 11 years of construction. Today, it is used as a venue for the Amazonas Opera Festival celebrated annually in the city. It is also home to the Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra, which regularly perform in the theatre.

2. Mercado Municipal

Much like Teatro Amazonas, it is a rip-off of another famous landmark in Paris called Les Halles. It is the main market of Manaus and one of the top tourist attractions in Amazonas.

3. Jaú National Park

Jaú National park is not only known for its sheer size (it is one of the largest in Brazil and Latin America after all), it is also equally recognized for its extremely diverse flora and fauna, making it one of the most visited reserves in the country. It can be accessed from Manaus and the town of Novo Airao, so be sure to check it out on your trip here.

4. Pico da Neblina National Park

It is the second largest national park in Brazil and third largest in South America. More than often, it is an understated attraction compared to Jaú even though it has the richest plant life in the country. The main reason why tourists visit it however is the Pico da Neblina or Neblina Peak. It is the highest peak in Brazil and one of the top tourist attractions in Amazonas.

5. Indigenous villages of São Gabriel da Cachoeira

São Gabriel da Cachoeira is perhaps the most culturally interesting city in Brazil. 90 percent of its population is composed of Native Brazilian Indians. The best places to visit for an authentic native experience are the indigenous villages of the city. They are located in the Upper Rio Negro, accessible only by boat. The trip to these indigenous villages last between 6-12 hours and require authorization from the Federation of Indigenous Organizations of Alto do Rio Negro (FOIRN).

The Dark Heart of the Brazilian Rainforest: Top Tourist Attractions In Amazonas is a post from South America Tourist Attractions.

South America Tourist Attractions - A South America Travel blog about all of the great things to do and see in South America!