Weekendin Singapore Nov '13 | Issue 08 | Page 46

WeekendinFEATURE WeekendinFEATURE HOLIDAY VISA REQUIRENMENTS Singaporeans: No British/Australian/Other Passports: No VISA REQUIRENMENTS Singaporeans: No (May stay up to one month without visa) British/Australian/Other Passports: No TRAVEL ROUTE Singapore Changi Airport - Various Airports Rovaniemi Airport TRAVEL ROUTE Singapore Changi Airport - London (Heathrow) - London (Gatwick) - Fes-Saiss Airport FLIGHT PROVIDERS Singapore Airlines: Flight to Copenhagen (Direct) Emirates: Flight to Stockholm (via Dubai) Qatar: Flight to Oslo (via Doha) FLIGHT PROVIDERS Singapore Airlines: Flight to London (Direct) Emirates: Flight to London (via Dubai) Qatar: Flight to London(via Doha) CONNECTING FLIGHTS TO ROVANIEMI AIRPORT •Finnair •Norwegian •AirBaltic TRANSFER TO GATWICK AIRPORT BY COACH OR TRAIN CONNECTING FLIGHTS TO FES-SAISS AIRPORT •Royal Air Maroc Travel to Morocco If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern day city landscape, but aren’t fond of the idea of yet another sand and sun holiday, Fez in Morocco could be the place for you. Medina, Fez’s oldest city area is an extraordinary place that is completely out of touch with the western world. Winding passageways turn the city into somewhat of an ancient maze, and locals live an entirely different way of life, as if they are stuck in those peaceful no-rush times. The city is filled with traditional open-courtyard style houses, artisans working on exquisite hand-made crafts, ancient apothecaries and amazing mosques. There are also quaint little fountains crafted with exotic architecture that dot this city, and shops of all kinds including Fez’s most famous kind - carpet shops. Given the traditional nature of this land, ladies are recommended to cover their knees and elbows with appropriate clothing, and it is also suggested that visitors hire a guide so that they Weekendin 44 Marrakech Nelson’s Dockyard Carpet Store in Marrakech can ease through the streets without worry. Botany and the organisation of plant life into decorative gardens is a centuries-old human hobby, and Fez is one such place that takes great pride in their flora and fauna. Jardin Jnan Sbil is a beautiful garden located between Fezal-Bali and Fez-Jdid, and is a great way to recover from your adventures around Medina. It is quiet, clean, relatively cool, and the best part of all it also has extremely clean toilets! You can take a day to just breathe easy here before heading back into the old world of Fez, or perhaps use this quiet space to do some reflection or plan the rest of your holiday. You can also see some of the water channels constructed during the old world that continue to supply water throughout the entire city till today. Music lovers should plan their trip around the time of the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, Antigua and Barbuda Beach Kasbah du Toubkal Imlil where people and performers from all over the world come together for a spectacular show of international proportions. The week after this festival, the Lycee Francas has free concerts all over the city and is sure to add some excitement and musical pleasure to your vacation. The music, dance, sets and overall festivities provide an otherworldly atmosphere that will surely make a memorable experience. So be sure to bring a recorder or camera to capture the moment! A stay in Fez is bound to be an unforgettable one because it gives you a glimpse of life in the middle ages, while still having some access to modern luxuries that 21st century travellers can’t live without. Barbuda Beach If you’ve been planning a trip to a beachside, why not go to the Caribbean? Antigua fulfills the Caribbean cliché of having sun, sand and beautiful scenery, but it also has a wide array of cool and amazing experiences. One such place is Stingray City, one of the lesser-known sights in the whole of the Caribbean, where visitors can go on a Stingray City Antigua Snorkel Adventure. Antigua’s Southern Rays are undisputedly the brightest rays in the Caribbean, and here’s a plus for you Steve Irwin fans - they’re very friendly and gentle. Other than stingrays to keep you and the kids entertained, magnificent coral reefs and colourful fish ensure a fantastical ocean experience. Devil’s Bridge is another widely visited attraction that many claim is worth seeing at least once in your lifetime. This unique rock formation is a geological manifestation that has formed over the centuries through different weather patterns Travel to and climates. The formation completely disappears during rough water an d high-tide, and many are drawn to the place simply because of its name. Admittedly, ‘Devil’s Bridge’ does sound quite ominous, but those who do venture out to see it will find breathtaking scenery awaiting them, rather than a gateway to hell itself. For those of you who enjoy something a little more magical, there are the Pillars of Hercules. The area itself is extremely beautiful, and a real treat for those that appreciate geology and contrast in the land. Not only is the scenery excellent, but the snorkeling in this particular location is too. Just a little caution about the strong waves though; you must be an experienced and good swimmer if you don’t want to end up against any of these strong-as-the-son-of-Zeus rock formations. Just wait till sunset, and you’ll be able to see the pillars glow a magnificent gold colour. Antigua Just a little way away from the Pillars of Hercules is Nelson’s Dockyard, where the Admiral’s House Museum is located. The building used to be the home of the British Admiral who held control over Antigua during colonial times, and therefore serves as a glimpse of Antigua’s past. If you’re looking for a little history, this is the place to visit and do a little digging. Nelson’s Dockyard itself served as Antigua’s naval base in the past, but continues to be heavily used today as the home to some of Antigua’s sailing and yachting events. 45 Weekendin