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Category: Europe

  • Skip the Bernina Express Tickets and get the same view on a budget

    And after doing it myself, I honestly think the regular train could be a smarter choice.
    Let me show you exactly how to do it.

    (Yes — same views, zero reservation fee.)

    The Bernina Express is one of the most famous scenic train rides in the world, crossing the Alps from Switzerland into Italy. It’s a UNESCO-listed panoramic route that takes you past glaciers, mountain lakes, and jaw-dropping viaducts all the way into Tirano, Italy.

    But here’s what most people don’t know:

    👉 You don’t need to take the official Bernina Express to enjoy the same route.
    👉 You can take the regular regional train — same tracks, same views, cheaper.

    So what’s the benefits

    It is cheaper since there is no reservation fee saving you the extra 36-48 CHF, but that being said that meant if you’re travelling during peak period there may be no guaranteed seats.

    You can hop off on more points that the Bernina Express, this meant if you plan to take a breather along the way that gives you the flexibility especially at Alp Grüm.

    It is part of the Swiss Pass and pays off to get a Swiss Pass if you do extensive travelling on OBB.

    My Experience

    I took the train at Chur around 8.30AM and found myself in Tirano by afternoon at 1pm. Had a quick lunch at Tirano and looped back at 3.15pm. there were around 2 train changes.

    Halfway through the journey I decided to change course and head to Luzern instead of Chur. I reached Luzern at 9.30pm making it a 6 hour journey back. There were 3-4 changes of train and I was carrying my hand-carry luggage around the trip and had a narrow 2 min time to change at some stations. Challenging but possible.

    I sometimes had the entire carriage to myself as it was off peak in late January.

  • SWISS AIR Business Class from Singapore to Zurich (LX177) – an honest take.

    SWISS AIR Business Class from Singapore to Zurich (LX177) – an honest take.

    I was headed to Switzerland in January to experience winter for 4 days on Swiss Air. LX177 in January 2025 was operating B777 on the 12 hour flight.

    Flying to Europe in winter is always exciting, and this January I took Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) flight LX177 from Singapore (SIN) to Zurich (ZRH). Operated by the B777, it’s a 12-hour red-eye flight that connects Southeast Asia directly to Switzerland. Here’s my honest review of the business class experience.

    Business Class Cabin & Seat

    I was seated in 7G, part of the staggered 1-2-1 layout in SWISS Business Class. The cabin design felt slightly dated compared to newer products I’ve flown on Etihad or Qatar, but still offered a decent amount of privacy.

    Overall: Comfortable for a long-haul, but don’t expect cutting-edge luxury.

    Seat comfort: The highlight for me was the footwell. Unlike Etihad or Malaysia Airlines (where I found the space too tight), SWISS’ design was more generous, allowing me to sleep sideways comfortably.

    Bedding: Each seat came with a pillow and blanket. While functional, I found the pillow too thin, and I couldn’t help but compare it with Etihad’s Armani Casa bedding, which felt more premium.

    Inflight Dining

    Dinner Service

    After takeoff, the crew began service with appetizers. I chose the chilli prawns, a cold starter. The presentation was a little underwhelming, but surprisingly, the taste won me over — fresh and slightly spicy.

    For the main course, I had steak served with vegetables and egg. Unfortunately, this was the weakest part of the meal. The texture and flavour reminded me of microwaved food, and I left most of it aside.

    Gin and Tonic
    Chili Prawn
    Steak
    Breakfast with Asian Bok Choy
    Mango Mousse Cake

    Dessert was a mango cake, which thankfully redeemed the dining experience. Sweet, light, and a nice finish to the evening service.

    Breakfast Service

    One thing I liked about SWISS is their breakfast selection system. Passengers are given a sheet to tick their preferences — a nice touch that personalises the meal. Despite the variety, I found the dishes lacking in flavour, which was a little disappointing.

    Service

    The crew were professional and efficient throughout the flight. While I felt it wasn’t as personable as Asian carriers, it was dependable — polite, on time and consistent.

    Overall Verdict

    If you’re looking for a direct, flight to Switzerland, SWISS Business Class delivers. But if you’re after indulgent luxury, you may find other Asian competitors offer more polish. Overall, felt the cabin was a tad dated and the I found the food underwhelming.

    ✈️ Planning your next trip? If you’re curious how SWISS Business Class compares with Etihad, check out my Etihad A380 Business Class Review here. Or, if you want more South Asia-bound reviews, read my Malaysia Airlines Business Class Review here .

  • What to Eat in Mallorca : 7 Wallet Friendly Places

    What to Eat in Mallorca : 7 Wallet Friendly Places

    Mallorca is also a Mediterranean food paradise. From fresh seafood and tapas to indulgent desserts, here’s my guide to great places to eat in Palma and Sóller (without breaking the bank), based on my trip (plus a few local recommendations).

    🥐 Palma – Where to Eat in Mallorca’s Capital

    Brunch in Palma

    Es Far – Healthy Brunch & Pancakes Near the Bus Stop to Cala Pi
    Perfect for fueling up before heading to Palma Old Town or Cala Pi. Just 200m from the bus stop, Es Far is popular for its smoothie and pancakes. It’s a great option if you prefer healthier breakfasts or vegan options

    Local Tip: Other cafés recommended by locals (though I didn’t try them) include Karma and Kyoto Bar-Cafeteria.

    Lunch & Dinner in Palma

    Little Tapas Place – Small Bites, Big Flavour
    A cozy corner shop serving beautifully presented tapas. Portions are small, making it ideal for solo travellers (though a little pricey). My picks: Patatas Bravas, Calamari, and Albóndigas (meatballs). Oh yes remember to save some space for the gelatos next door.

    St Ambros Ristorante e Pizzeria – Affordable Italian by the Square
    Outdoor seating with great people-watching. Portions are generous (better for groups). I ordered Patatas Bravas and Albóndigas again — tasty and budget-friendly. Skip the tiramisu here and save your dessert appetite for Gogo Pizza.

    Gogo Pizza – Italian Hospitality & Perfect Tiramisu
    Run by a warm husband-and-wife duo, Gogo Pizza serves up incredible pizzas (vegan options too) with a near-perfect 4.9/5 Google rating. I visited late one night craving tiramisu — the owner was kind to call and check on the other branch to reserve one for me (two outlets close by). I also had their Arancini, which was amazing. This place is worth a visit just for the atmosphere and service.

    Gelato : Right next to Little Tapas Place there are two contenders – Rivareno Heladería and Fiordilatte Gelateria Palma. The former has long queues (and Italians I spoke to recommended this place) and a variety of options and was my favorite. The other was good but tend to be a little bit more sweet in their flavour.

    Walk through old town there is endless gelato shop, another with interesting flavour worth a try is Claudio “Gelato con Passione” – popular for pistachio.

    🍊 Sóller – Where to Eat in Mallorca’s Charming Tram Town

    Ca’n Nadal Restaurant – Tram Views & Seafood Paella
    A great lunch spot right by the tram tracks. Prices are on the higher side, but they offer Paella for one person (rare in Spain). The paella was flavourful, though slightly overcooked at the edges. I paired it with ham croquettes for a satisfying meal and wine of course.

    Dessert & Orange Juice Stops
    After lunch, if you still have space for a dessert, stroll down to Forn Sant Cristo or La Confianca for something sweet, or sip freshly squeezed orange juice. Sóller’s oranges are famous — I recommend picking up some jam or local produce from them to take home.

    🛎 Travel Tip for Foodies

    Want to try multiple restaurants or a day trip without the planning hassle? Book a Mallorca tour to discover hidden gems, learn about local cuisine, and taste authentic dishes today!

  • Mallorca in 3 days : Explore the luxury treat by the Mediterranean

    Mallorca in 3 days : Explore the luxury treat by the Mediterranean

    Mallorca, the calm and sophisticated sister island of Ibiza, offers a touch of Mediterranean luxury with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming old towns. After soaking up Ibiza’s party scene, Mallorca is the ideal spot to unwind, enjoy scenic day trips, and discover authentic Spanish culture.

    My 3-day Mallorca itinerary blends historic streets, coastal beauty, and hidden coves — perfect for those who want a quick pitstop that allows you to relax before your next adventure.

    Day 1 – Explore Palma Old Town

    Kick off your trip in Palma, Mallorca’s vibrant capital. Whether you reach in the morning or evening, stroll along picturesque streets lined with Gothic cathedrals, Moorish palaces, boutique shops and promenade.

    Don’t miss:

    • La Seu Cathedral – Mallorca’s famous Gothic masterpiece with sea views.
    • Royal Palace of La Almudaina – A historic Moorish fortress turned royal residence.

    If you get hungry, pop into a cozy local tapas bar for croquettes, jamón, and patatas bravas. For dessert, visit one of the two famous ice cream shops nearby — I’ve reviewed them here, so you can choose your favorite before you go!

    Day 2 – Day Trip to Sóller & Port de Sóller

    From Palma’s central bus interchange, take the A1 bus (around 30 minutes) to SóllerOld Town. This charming town is packed with cobbled streets, historic churches, and local markets.

    Food tip: Try the croquettes and paella for lunch, and if you’re still hungry, I’ve listed more food options that you can check out here.

    The trip isn’t complete without taking the iconic orange tram. Running through lemon and orange orchards for 15 minute, get ready for a relaxing treat! It costs 10 Euros, and payable onboard by card. Just be careful of pickpockets!

    Sóller Highlights:

    • Soller Cathedral – Stunning architecture and peaceful surroundings.
    • Fresh Sóller Oranges – Grab a bottle of orange juice or take home orange jam as a souvenir.
    • Iconic Orange Tram Ride – This 15-minute ride takes you from Soller town to Port de Soller, passing through orange and lemon orchards. It costs €10 and tickets are sold onboard.

    At Port de Sóller, enjoy a walk along the promenade or take a dip at Platja d’en Repic and Platja des Traves.

    💡 Budget Tip: Food and drinks in Soller Port are more expensive than Palma — stock up before your trip.

    Day 3 – Cala Pi Beach Escape

    Slow down your pace and enjoy a relaxing morning coffee at a Palma café before heading to Cala Pi — one of Mallorca’s most Instagram-worthy coves.

    Take Bus 504 from Palma and transfer to Bus 505 (summer schedules vary, so check in advance). In summer, Bus 504 may run directly to Cala Pi.

    Get ready to walk down 147 steps down to Cala Pi. For those who are adventurous, there is a hiking trail that extends to Cala Beltran and take about 20 minutes. Sadly I gave up 10 minutes into the hike as the terrain was a tad too steep for me but managed to capture some stunning views ; Safety comes first!

    Why Cala Pi was super special:

    • Shallow, calm waters perfect for beginners and non-swimmers.
    • Dramatic cliff views that make for stunning photos (especially for those viral tiktoker wannabes)
    • A peaceful escape compared to more crowded Mallorca beaches.

    💡 Tip: Bring snacks and drinks with you, as going back up for supplies can be a hassle once you’re down at the cove.

    Final Travel Tips for Mallorca

    • Best Time to Visit: May–September for warm weather (perfect for beach days), and long days.
    • Getting Around: Public buses work OK, but renting a car gives you more flexibility.
    • Where to Stay: Hands down – Palma for convenience. Decent accommodation, cafes and connectivity to explore key areas as a day trip.

  • Steal my ultimate 5 day Ibiza summer itinerary

    Steal my ultimate 5 day Ibiza summer itinerary

    Ibiza is world-famous for nightlife, but this Balearic gem also offers stunning beaches, charming old towns, and even quiet countryside escapes. This 5-day itinerary blends the party scene with serene moments by the Mediterranean. I highly recommend a short trip to Mallorca that offers a different side of the Mediterranean.

    I flew in from Singapore to Barcelona on Etihad, then took Vueling from Barcelona to Ibiza. I landed on a Friday noon in June — the start of a jam-packed itinerary.

    Day 1 : Enjoy Ibiza nightlife with the legendary DJs – Calvin Harris and David Guetta

    Calvin Harris @ Ushuaia // David Guetta @ UNVRS

    Pre-book your tickets on Clubtickets.com and pre-drink before the event at your accomodation/bars.

    Tip : Arrive at Ushuaiia around 6/7pm if you want to be at the front. Headliners come in at 9pm usually. It can get crowded and hot in summer, I felt dizzy half way through and left my spot with my friends to grab a water bottle (Yes, its 20 Euro). It was so crowded – I never found my friends again in the crowd till end of show.

    UNVRS headliners come in 2am onwards. If you party hard, like me, till 7am. Its worth to come in later than 1am. Rest up and nap, your body will thank you.

    Day 2 : Rest and spend the sunset at Cala Comte / Cala Saladeta / Cala Gracio

    You end the day at 7am, rest the morning and let your body reset. Wake up around 5 PM and let your body realign with nature.

    Clear waters, magical sunset views, reserve a nice dinner spot at 9pm at Cafe Sunset Ashram to end the evening with some magical vibes. At San Antonio? Visit the sunset strip for a nice drink at Golden Buddha or Cafe del Mar.

    Still have energy? Head to Hi Ibiza for Black Coffee’s set at night.

    From San Antonio, Cala Comte is 20 minute drive or a 40 minute bus ride. Otherwise there are hidden coves with calm water for a dip.

    If you’re taking the bus – it can be unpredictable, so plan ahead ; you can always share a taxi with other travellers.

    Day 3 : Day trip to Formentera (optional party your night at Pacha)

    Assuming you had not join Black Coffee at Hi Ibiza, do a day trip to Formentera. Take the ferry from Port Eivissa and rent a scooter or a bike to explore the beautiful beaches of Formentera.

    I started exploration of Formentera at 3pm and headed back on the ferry at 9pm.

    My favourite was lounging on Ses Illetes. Another option just a 5 min bike ride is Platja de Llevant, it has less crowds, but the waves may be strong for a non-swimmer like me.

    Es Pujols is another place to explore with much more food options and calm waters.

    Tip : Have a focused itinerary on which beaches you want to visit. Familarise yourself with the ferry timetable. Usually the Formentera Lines are open ticket and you can take the next one if you miss your scheduled one.

    If you are someone who wants to be organised you can always book a fuss-free ferry trip instead here

    Day 4 : Dalt Vila / Ibiza Old Town & Party at Pikes or Amnesia

    Take the morning easy and wander around Old Town. For those chasing the highs, you will find many instagrammable spots for your viral reels. Get ready to be mesmerised by the cobbled streets and stunning views of the sea.

    Have a nice lunch or dinner and party at Pikes (you need to >27 years old ; close at 4am) or head to Amnesia

    Day 5 : Brunch at San Antonio (For the party lovers : Head over to O’Beach to enjoy your last day before jet setting.. to Mallorca)

    Take the time to explore the quiet street of the neighbourhood, enjoy a croissant at UNICA Bakery or Egg Benedict at La Guay.

    Still wondering what to do? You can search below available water activities and tours that you can embark on  👇 

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