KEY POINTS:
UK security concerns
Q: I am travelling to the UK for the first time later this month (July) and was wondering what I might expect once I arrive at Heathrow airport, as Britain is now on a high security alert?
- Joanna Daniel, Wellington
A: Procedures for passengers arriving in the UK have not changed with the recent incidents in London and Glasgow.
However, additional security measures apply to dropping off and picking up passengers in front of airport buildings. Private cars used to meet travellers are best left at short-term carparks and passengers may have further to walk to reach taxis. Otherwise, visitors should expect a high-profile armed police presence. Useful advice for travellers can be found at:
www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/comingtotheuk/enteringuk
www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/airtravel/airportsecurity
(Nicky Baughen, British High Commission)
Singapore fling
Q: I have a 12-hour stopover in Singapore. How easy is it to get out of the airport and into the city to see some sights in that time. And what would you recommend I visit?
- James Tyler, Auckland
A: Singapore is one of the few places in the world where you can get a real flavour of the place in a short time.
Stopovers are extremely common in Singapore and as a result the tourist board caters a number of tours to the length of your stay. For any of these tours visit www.visitsingapore.com
If you want to explore the city for yourself here are some suggestions.
First, take the MRT (Mass rail transport) to City Hall for SD$1.70, or a taxi which will take about 20 minutes.
Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures, with strong Chinese, Indian and European influences. I recommend picking up a couple of walking tour maps which are available from tourist info at the airport. This will give you a great feel for what the real Singapore is like. Stroll through Little India with its exotic Hindu temples, spices, gold jewellery and embellished sari fabric shops, then hop on the free bus to China Town with its bustling markets and traditional hawker food stalls.
Check out Boat Qua and the stunning harbour peppered with restaurants, bars and shops. Take a quick trip out on a traditional boat to see the city from a different perspective.
Stroll towards Beach Road to the Raffles, one of the world's greatest hotels, frequented by the rich and famous since Rudyard Kipling put it on the map in the 19th Century. Enjoy its greatest export the Singapore Sling in the bar and a great little museum on its history on the top floor.
For a full history of this great city visit the National Museum of Singapore, which gives a fantastic overview from the colonial days right through World War II.
If you're travelling with the kids, definitely visit Singapore Zoo which dedicates itself to conservation and education and is great fun, breakfast with the friendly orangutans, lunch with the elephants and if you are there for the evening, a night safari tour to see all the nocturnal animals up and about.
Or something for the ladies. Orchard Rd is arguably the best shopping spot in Asia, so expect flagship stores from major designers like Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton shoulder to shoulder, and major credit card damage.
(Sarah Peterkin, Frommer's Travel Guides).
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Do you have a travel question or concern you'd like answered? If so please send us an email to detours@heraldonsunday.co.nz with Expert in the subject line. Please keep your questions to 35 words or less
- Detours, HoS
