The Gianormous Singapore Travel Show

To many people we know, Singapore is somewhat of an exotic destination. It's a far away tropical island with a wonderful blend of interesting cultures, foods, and scenery. It's a place the people want to come to.

But from what I saw at the NATAS travel show yesterday, for Singaporeans and others living here, Singapore a place that a lot of people want to get away from. And especially so, if there are opportunities to travel on a discounted package. I can tell you the members of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) were out in force to help make that possible. As were we residents of Singapore: the queue to pay your S$4 entry fee was as long as the length of a football field just after lunchtime.

The size and scale of the show was really, really impressive. This photo is just one travel agency's booth area (click on it to get a better look). There were many just like it. Airlines were represented; countries were represented (each region of Australia had a separate booth); there were cruise companies, resorts, travel insurance providers, and bus lines.

Bus lines? Say what!?

Yup. No Greyhound or Trailways low-ball transport here. We're talking first class Transtar coaches to Malaysia! Spend those 5 hours and 15 minutes to Kuala Lumpur in high style, enjoying reclining leather seats, personal audio/video/games, meal service, and an on-board steward. How much for this luxury? S$61 (US$43) to get there, S$42 (US$30) to return. That compares to S$28/S$24 for "ordinary" coaches. Interesting "feature"-- no bathrooms on board; the itinerary includes 2 bathroom breaks.

Everywhere you turned, people were handing you multi-page brochures listing the book-now specials available only during the show. There were also two sets of newspaper supplements. There are endless configurations of trips and tours to China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Australia, New Zealand, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Turkey, the UK, continental Europe, South Africa, Korea, and Japan (especially during the upcoming cherry blossom time). It was fun to see the USA marketed as a travel destination, with "best of" itineraries for the east and west coasts.

There was one particularly surprising destination (see photo). Not the first place I think of when I think of "holiday."

No sale for me. I left with a canvas shopping bag full of interesting information and ideas to consider. Australia in the fall sounds good, but who knows? That bus trip to KL might be fun, too -- to add to my collection of interesting bus journeys...

Howie & Patti's Visit

Exactly one week after Raye returned from the US Dallas friends Patti and Howie Fields ended a two week SE Asian cruise in Singapore. They were traveling with their long time friends the Pekays so it was Paul and Raye’s pleasure to be Singapore ambassadors and tour guides. Equipped with subway and bus passes the six set out to see the best that Singapore could offer.

Of course Chinatown, Little India, and Arab Street were big hits - as were the Merlion and the Quays! And, no tour would be worth anything without incredible food along the way! Taste buds were challenged but the rewards were many, not the least of which was an incredible seafood dinner along the East Coast sitting outside overlooking the water! And since it was around the time of the Lunar New Year, we enjoyed tossing the traditional fish salad ("Yu Sheng") for an auspicious year ahead.

After dinner, the Pekays went to their hotel in preparation for their early flight the next morning back to Chicago. Howie and Patti stayed with Raye and Paul and enjoyed another day before heading back to Dallas.

Sunday was a relaxing day of visiting and sightseeing. We walked past synagogues, Buddhist temples, and Hindu temples - all within 2 blocks of each other.

We stopped by the National Museum to see the video wall and pick up some souvenirs. And of course eating more local food!

By the end of the weekend the Fields had a good sense of what Singapore was like, and the Kochs had an amazing visit with good friends!