Footprint Handbooks has started to update its travel guides with colour photography, colour maps, and a new layout. Next month the British-based company will have a new Singapore guidebook in the shops.
They sent us an advance copy, which is a handy pocket size. Of course one wouldn't expect a tome to be written about the Island State. Its attractions are rather limited. I like the line: 'The old joke is that Singapore is a 'fine' place to live; you get a fine for smoking, spitting, breeding mosquitoes, not flushing the toilet and road hogging.' Overall, it's a good guidebook.
Kaohsiung deal Thomas Cook has a weekend special to Kaohsiung for only $1,688. There are departures on Friday and Saturday and the price includes return air ticket, two nights' accommodation with breakfast and airport transfers. The offer is open until June 30. It also has special return tickets with Japan Airlines to Los Angeles, San Francisco or Vancouver for only $4,180 and Las Vegas at $4,730. Outward flights must be taken by March 29. For more details, dial Callfax at 2853-9849.
Free transfers Passengers travelling with Thai International, United Airlines or other Star Alliance members can enjoy free transfers to and from Chek Lap Kok on the Airport Express Line until March 31.
24-hour help The Tourism Authority of Thailand has opened a Tourist Service Centre for back-packers in the Khaosan Road area of Bangkok. It's open 24 hours a day, which is not surprising really, as it is in the Chanasongkram police station.
Photo contest If you've had a holiday in Korea and believe you've got some good shots, you could win up to five million won (about HK$32,000) in a photo contest organised by the Korea National Tourism Organisation (KNTO). Contact the KNTO for more details by fax: 2845-0765.
