Feng Shui is a Chinese concept of space and object placement. Feng Shui associates the home with both health and prosperity. There are various rooms in which Feng Shui is more prevalent. The kitchen is one of them. Couple this perspective with the role of the kitchen as “the heart of the home,” and you can see that any feng shui in this room can have a significant impact on your family. A few things you can try are to place Buddha statues at strategic places. Buddha statues are known to add vibrant chi power to your home. Especially the Laughing Buddha statue. Buddha statues can be made from various stones. Jade as well as bronze are the most popular choices. Quan Yin is the female version of Buddha.

Common Feng Shui gifts include Chinese dragons. These dragons are said not only to provide powerful chi energy, but also keep evil spirits from entering your home. For better wealth, riches and prosperity, one can turn to Chinese Feng Shui money frogs. These frogs are made from either jade or agate. They symbolize fortune and good luck with your hard work and clever mind. If you’re looking for a healthier frame of body and mind, an Asian Feng Shui crystal globe might be your answer. This is one of the most commonly used cures and produces amazing results. When sunlight hits these crystals, beams of colored light radiate in all directions activating chi energy, and can also be used to slow down chi. Incidentally, various Asian animal figures such as jade horses can also be used to the same effect.

The Japanese perspective of home decorating and home furnishings is quite different. Rather than concentrate on objects to attract or repel energies, the Japanese focuses on spatial matters. It uses room dividers known as Shoji screens to separate form and function within a living space. A single Shoji screen can transform a dull square room into practical, attractive living areas. These oriental screens are often made with rice paper and can have vibrant colors or symbols. Some common designs are bamboo tree shoji screen, cherry blossom shoji screen or Geisha shoji screen. Light also plays a vital role in Japanese home design. Japanese lanterns are known for their boxy shape which reflects strength and substance. The thin rice paper allows ample light to shine through while displaying the intended images, much like the way silk paintings are. In fact, Japanese lanterns are sometime made from silk.

Here are some insider tips to money matters for those who will travel in Asia, beyond the metropolises like Singapore and Hong Kong.

Travelers Cheques

Whilst these are the regular staple for travels to Europe, in Asia, they are somewhat less convenient. As a rule of thumb, they are not as widely accepted in Asia (outside of larger cities), as they would be elsewhere in the world.

If you are taking any travelers cheques with you, plan to change these at bigger cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

Of course, the rate you will get for changing travelers cheques will be less than hard cash.

Also, once you are off the beaten track, expect people to look at you as if your are offering them Monopoly Money, when you put your travelers cheques forward.

ATMs/Cash Machines

These are increasingly available across Asia, and now a days have penetrated well beyond the big cities, into second/third tier cities, as well as most of the main Asian holiday resort destinations, such as the Bali Island, Phuket, and Langkawi.

Whilst in bigger cities, you will spot ATMs with ease, at many other destinations you will have to actually go looking for them. In Bali, for example, many cash machines are located at Circle K outlets (convenience store chain), or petrol/gas stations. In other more remote places, you will need to try your luck at the local mini-market and even the chemists!

However, ATMs are by far one of the most convenient ways of accessing cash easily in Asia, without having to carry huge amounts in person.

However, again, similar to travelers cheques, you will have to pay for the convenience/service in an incremental way. Banks and credit card companies will make money from you in two ways.

Firstly, because you are withdrawing at a foreign currency, there are exchange rates involved. For ATM withdrawals you will almost certainly end up getting a poorer exchange rate than if you were changing cash.

The second area of payment, is in the form of foreign currency withdrawal charge that will be imposed on your transaction. Given that this charge is often a flat fee, you are better off making fewer withdrawals of bigger amounts of money, than many withdrawals, each of which resulting in a separate charge.

Money Belts

There is no two ways about it, keeping your cash and valuables in a money belt is a safer way than carrying a big wallet, or a handbag which may be snatched with ease.

However, keep in mind that, unless you are traveling to Beijing or Seoul in the winter, your Asian travels will inevitably take you to hot tropical destinations.

As those who have had to carry money belts in the tropics will attest, they can very quickly become very uncomfortable (and wet!). Also, when at more humid environments, a money belt easily becomes very visible when perspiration sticks your clothing onto your body, or you remove your top for a swim. All of a sudden, what once was a discrete security measure becomes a bill-board advertising that you are carrying valuables on you, in the process pinpointing the location too!

So, as they say, horses-for-courses. You will need to decide on the best method of carrying your valuables depending on the environment. Or even better, if you feel like you are in a high risk situation, it is probably best to leave most of your valuables under the protection of a reputable hotel safety box.

Money Exchange

As a general rule of thumb, you will get a better exchange rate for your money at your Asian destination, than back home, regardless of where you change your money. Of course with the exception of larger international hotels, where the exchange rates on offer match the nightly room rates! So, it is well worth doing your homework before your leave home, and check the prevailing exchange rates for your currency, at some of the bigger banks’ internet sites for your destination(s).

Once you are in Asia, the best and safest way of changing money is to visit one of the local banks. It is worth noting that, in Asia banking office hours will vary substantially from country to country. For example, in Bali, most banks will open at around 9 am, where as in Singapore, some bank branches will not open their doors till 11 am. If your need is time sensitive, it will pay to plan ahead the day before. The good news is, most banks in Asia will accept many different currencies, and often offer fair rates, and provide official receipts. (Of course, some currencies such as the US Dollar, the Euro, and the Japanese Yen, are more readily accepted by more banks than currencies from some other countries.)

If however, you wanted to squeeze a little more from your money, or you have no other choice, you may be tempted to use an Exchange Services/Kiosks, found throughout Asia. Typically, these should offer slightly better rates than banks.

If you are going to use this option, here are a few tips and tricks.

You will probably get a fair rate, and be treated fairly in cities like Singapore, where local laws and enforcement will help protect you.

However, in some other cities/resorts you do need to take care, and be on the guard.

In many countries, most of these exchange kiosks are no more authorised than the handwritten (or nowadays printed) authorization sign they carry!

Some are blatantly unscrupulous, and will successfully short change even the most worldly-wise of travelers.

If you decide to use an exchange kiosk, here are some best practice tips:

Never change money on your own – don’t be alarmed, in most places there is usually no risk involved to the individual, but you are better off with 2-3 pairs of eyes than just your own

Change small amounts at a time – reduces your exposure and their greed!

Agree on the rate, and the amount you are going to change before taking out your money – unless of course you want to see your real $100 bill change into a recently printed fake in front of your very eyes!

Count the money given to you, and then when you are finished – hand it over to your partner to count again. (You should never count at the same time together, as you need that 2nd pair of eyes to observe the transaction

If at any point you are in doubt – just smile and walk-away

In a Nut Shell

1 – Make a Travel Money Strategy before you leave home

2 – Ensure that you have sufficient funds/credit on your cards

3 – Do take some travelers cheques with you, just in case

4 – Take some cash with you, even if a small amount

5 – Decide where and how you want to use you money belt

6 – Do use reputable hotel safes

7 – When exchanging money, try to stick to official banks

8 – If changing money elsewhere, try to make sure there is more than just you overseeing the transaction

9 – Make sure you never loose sight of your money at exchange kiosks

10 – If you feel uncomfortable during a transaction, just smile and walk away

As they say, prevention is better than the cure. If you decide to use these tips, please also observe your environment, and apply common sense. Just don’t forget, in many of the Asian destinations you will be traveling to, what you pay for a hamburger or a Skinny-Late is probably almost equal to someone’s local wage. Always carry the minimum amount of money with you, and apply caution when at remote parts of the developing world.

Can you count on getting a bargain at the last minute? With costs going up for all the international airlines, it seems that the odds of getting cheap international flights to Asia at the last minute are very slim.

If at all there is a cheap air fare, you can be sure it will be snapped up quickly; most likely on the first hour of the first day itself. Deals are available, but last minute deals are rare. Airlines are encouraging people to book in advance through discounted offers and very often cheap international flights to Asia are available a couple of months in advance. Airline budgets are getting tighter and the number of flights going out to destinations is being reduced to maximize profit.

The Early Bird gets the Cheap International Flights to Asia

In general, booking early will get you a good deal; booking a summer flight in January or February will be far less costly than booking the same flight in March or April. With the reduction in capacity, half empty planes are becoming less and less common. This means that the chance of snapping up a last minute deal is low.

However, you should never say never. In the event that you cannot find cheap international flights to Asia, one of the options you can explore when travelling in Asia is the low cost carriers that operate within the major hubs in the region. Singapore’s Changi Airport could be considered a hub for many of the major air carriers, much like Atlanta in the United States.

Low Cost Carriers and Cheap International Flights to Asia

There are many low cost, no frills airlines around the world. However, they mostly operate in a given region and rarely travel between continents. This means that even if you cannot find cheap international flights to Asia, you can still avail of bargain prices on domestic flights between the cities of the same country. Some low cost carriers will also operate between Asian countries.

If you are travelling around Asia, it might be an idea to consider booking flights on the low cost carriers between the countries that you intend visiting. Long haul flights offered by low cost airlines are only now being introduced between London and some parts of Southeast Asia. However, travel between south eastern Asian countries such as Singapore and Vietnam can be accomplished relying mainly on the low cost air carriers. There are also a handful of domestic airlines operating in Asian countries.

For example, if India is on your travel itinerary, you should note that there are half a dozen low cost airlines competing in India, so you may get a good deal on domestic flights on the subcontinent.

Early in its history Vietnam was under the control of the Chinese Han Dynasty, which began in 111 A.D. There were a few attempts at revolution under the Han Dynasty, but these were not successful. Autonomy, if not independence, was achieved by the 10th century. In the mid 900s, the Chinese were finally pushed from the country.

The next several centuries saw an independent country led by a variety of Vietnamese dynasties. While these were not always peaceful times, and there were several civil wars during this period, the area was relatively independent. The independence lasted until the middle of the 1800s, when European colonization was in full force.

France colonized Vietnam and brought western culture and education to the country, greatly changing its culture. Plantations growing indigo, tea, tobacco, and coffee were organized. Again, many organizations arose seeking independence for the country, but the French government maintained control until the Second World War.

Japan invaded the area in 1941, and a government controlled by Nazi Germany was established. The Japanese government used the resources of the country to fund their other battlefronts in the region. When Japan was defeated in the war, the Viet Minh moved into control.

The Viet Minh was a communist movement that was seeking independence from Japanese control. It was led by Ho Chi Minh. After the Japanese left, the Viet Minh claimed control and declared independence. The French and Americans questioned this claim, and eventually the Geneva Conference caused the country to be divided. North Vietnam was controlled by Ho Chi Minh and his communist leaders, and South Vietnam was controlled by Ngo Dihn Diem with the support of the United States.

This division was not well received. Soon the United States started sending more and more troops to Vietnam to attempt to maintain the division. This eventually led to the Vietnam War, which was a war between the communist North Vietnamese and the democratic South Vietnamese. This war lasted until Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, fell in 1975. At this point, North Vietnam united the country under communist rule. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam was established on July 2, 1976, and the country remains under communist control to this day. Today, communism is still the political power, but free ownership is allowed and even encouraged in an attempt to help the country’s economy, which suffered greatly after the war and under socialist control.

Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, is a “must stop” destination for all who travel there. Long ago, the “Taipei Basin” was inhabited by an Aboriginal tribe called the Ketagelan. Later, Taipei became an important port for the trading of tea under the occupation of the Han Chinese. Finally, the city became the island’s capital.

No one can visit the Taiwan’s capital without a visit to Taipei 101. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Taipei 101 is the world’s tallest skyscraper. The building has a total of 106 floors, five being underground and 101 above ground. Thus, the name Taipei 101. Since Taiwan is located in an area that is subject to typhoons and earthquakes, the skyscraper was designed to withstand both of them.

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is another popular attraction in Taipei. It is also known as the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall although there has been controversy over the renaming. This great monument to China’s former president Chiang Kai-Shek is located near the Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness. The main structure has white walls with an octagonal roof of blue tiles that rises up to 70 meters above the ground. The Memorial Hall contains a library and museum. It is surrounded by a park where a beautiful pond is located..

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest lake with a surface area of nearly 8 km squared. It is the home of the Aboriginal tribe called the Thao. In the middle of the lake is an island that is considered to be sacred by the tribe. Because of this, the Aboriginal Cultural Village has been constructed near the lake. At the cultural village, visitors can learn about the history and development of the Thao tribe as well as enjoy the scenic beauty.

Taipei and Sun Moon Lake are just a couple of the wonderful tourist destinations that vacationers can find in Taiwan. Whether you visit the big city or head out to the countryside, you are sure to exclaim as the Portuguese did so many years ago that Taiwan is, in fact, the Beautiful Island.

Malaysia arranges a variety of experiences for the visitors. One can enjoy muck diving in Pulau Lankayan, Pulau Mabul and Pulau Kapalai. Muck divers dive in coral rubble areas seeking out coral creatures. Recommended places for reef diving are Pulau Talang Talang and Turtle Rock off Sarawak coast. Malaysia has several places for wreck diving too. Several vessels capsized in Malaysian waters during the Second World War and have now become the places of effusive coral growth.

Sipadan Island

Any mention of scuba diving in Malaysia is incomplete without Sipadan Island. As one of the top scuba centres in the world, Sipadan is a must visit for any scuba diving lover. Sipadan is a well-known name in diving circles. Its name is synonymous with hammerhead sharks, colorful reef fish and sea turtles. The huge drop off in Siapadan is the destination of many a diver all over the world. Water conditions and facilities are fine.

Layang Layang

The island, located off Borneo, presents wonderful diving opportunities. Thanks to the coral atoll situated by deep waters, one can enjoy outstanding wall diving. Any time, one could meet species like hammerhead sharks. There is astounding variety of corals, both hard and soft. Creatures like turtles, triggerfish and manta rays are found in the reefs. Diving season in Layang Layang is between March and August.

Mabul

Mabul, located just 25 minutes off Sipadan, is another preferred place for scuba diving. The island’s reputation rests as one of the world’s best muck diving sites. The term is used to describe limited visibility dives at shallow sites. Muck diving offers one the opportunity to watch some unusual marine life. Macro photographers love to visit Mabul.

Almost all Telecommunication companies have benefited greatly with SMS or text messaging services. This is because SMS or text messaging service is considered as a no cost operating service provided by Telecommunication companies to support their voice messaging service. With voice communication using the hand held cell phone person to person, there is a cost that has to be charged by the telecom companies. With SMS or text messaging service, there is no cost, thus, SMS or text message services is sometimes called as a no cost application. This is the very reason why Telecommunication companies are raking in huge profit primarily due to their SMS or text messaging services.

This no cost to the Telecommunication company SMS or text messaging service is now the butt of a disagreement between the Philippine government and its three Telecommunication companies. The NTC or the National Telecommunication Company, which is a government agency tasked to oversee the operation of the Telecommunication

Industry of the country, is now requiring these communication companies to stop charging the Filipino people with their SMS or text services as they do not incur any cost in delivering this communication service and they have more than enough profit from charging the people of SMS or text services charges for so many years already when it was supposed to be free of any charges.

1. Visiting the Zoo. The Singapore Zoo is the place that you cannot afford not to visit. It is very safe as bigger animals are kept in enclosures. Moreover, there is also Night Safari where you can see the nocturnal animals.

2. Local delicacies. Local delicacies such as Laksa, Chicken Rice, Chili Crabs make every tourist drools. In Singapore, you can easily find food courts, restaurants, and street stalls that sell delicious food that you can enjoy with your friends or family. You can find a range of Asian cuisines from Thailand Tom Yam soup to traditional Chinese delicacies.

3. Safe city. Singapore is a very safe city as its security is tight. There are many police patrol cars around and you can walk on the street at night without any worry.

4. Clean city. Heavy fines are enforced to anyone who litter in Singapore. This makes the country a very clean city that makes tourists feel comfortable.

5. Shopping paradise. If you are into shopping, you are at the right place. There are many shopping centres in Singapore. Popular shopping destinations are Orchard Road, Suntec City, Marina Square, Vivo City, Chinatown, Arab Quarter and more. Also, every year, there is a Great Singapore Sale period where you can find discounts up to 75% for goods in major shopping centres.

6. Visiting Sentosa. If you are into beach and sun, Sentosa is a place you must visit. Walk along the beach to enjoy a day of sun tanning and volleyball games. Also, you can visit the Underwater World where you can walk through a transparent tunnel to see sharks and other sea animals swimming outside.

7. Taking a cruise on the Singapore River. Enjoy a relaxed ride along Singapore River and see the city’s famous buildings and landmarks. This is the time for you to take some memorable photographs to bring back home!

8. Clark Quay. If you love night scenes, you can visit Clark Quay. There are many restaurants, pubs and clubs for you to enjoy the whole night.

Thailand’s geographical region is divided into four parts:

The mountains and forests are in the north. You can find fascinating handicrafts and multicolored orchids.

The central part where you will find paddy field, farms and all kinds of fruits.

The northeast plateau is famous for its rich archaeological and anthropological heritage.

You will find tropical islands in the southern peninsula. The people on this place are involved in fishing, rubber cultivation and tin mining.

The people of Thailand are very friendly and hospitable. This place is rich in monumental heritage and famous for its beaches. Thailand is an ideal holiday destination for all, from those who are looking for a romantic holiday, to shoppers to the food lovers as you get to taste varieties of sea food, down in the street to the most expensive restaurants. It offers something to every traveler.

Many travelers also come here for adventurous holiday. As this place offer all kinds of sport for all ages like scuba diving, snorkeling, wind-surfing and water-skiing. After all these activities you can simply relax by lounging on the beautiful beach sipping your favorite drink with a good company.

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. Bankok means “city of angels”, it is a small Thailand in itself. It is the centre of commercial, industrial and cultural activities. If you are looking for peace and simplicity you can visit the Buddhist temples and the amazing part is it stands by side by side with nightclubs and café. You can see monks walking in their red robes all over the place and one can only wonder how they can attain such peacefulness in this rush and hectic world.

Another main attraction in Thailand is Phuket known for its exotic island. The nightlife there is lively with its multicuisine restaurants and bars always filled with tourists. But of course if are looking for a quite meal you can do that by going to the right place.

Chiang Mai is another place which is a combination of modern city life and the old village charm. There are elaborate temples and cultural relics some of which are very old close to 700 years. On the top of the mountain is Doi Suthep monastery which overlooks the fertile valley embracing Chiang Mai.The local night bazaar is the favorite shopping place for tourists where you can get hand made local stuff, tribal wears and also latest modern junks for a good bargain.

You will have no problem communicating as most of the hotels, restaurants and tourist places speak English and other European languages. There are various modes of transportation. You can either hire a taxi to go around the city, or take the city bus .There is also something called Tuk-Tuk, a three wheeler. You would definitely enjoy the open air ride on this three wheeler and for longer destinations there are trains always running to all the places.

Thailand is blessed with three seasons – summers from February to May, Rainy season from June to October with plenty of sunshine and the cold season from November to January. A lot of people go for holidays in Thailand during December and January as it is the perfect season to relax and party. Thailand becomes a mini world as people from all over the world come here for holidays during this season.

Surely now you know what your next holiday destination is – God’s very own creation Thailand! Let’s come with Azure Travel providing package tours in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, hotels reservation, vacation throughout Thailand and South East Asia. Azure Travel, based in Bangkok tour operators and travel agent, is entering the hospitality business with valuable experience. This enables it to provide the best services for clients. The staff has many years of experience behind them.

You can sign up for one of the popular package tours or work with Azure Travel to design a tour to your own specifications. Either way, Azure Travel guarantees your satisfied vacation.

Once you are in Thailand, all you need to do is relax and enjoy your holidays with the exotic Thai cuisine, the breathtaking natural beauty and the magnificently architectured temples.

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