BonAppetour

...well, not the swamp ; p

But yes, we've definitely moved out of Tumblr, gave our BonAppetour blog a spankin' new look and shifted it to our website! 

We're sharing stories about our BonAppetour experiences, food, culture, dinner tips and tricks and more. We stay true to our roots, and continue to blog on just about anything and everything to do with food and travel, really! 

So hop on over to our new blog and let us know if you like it! (You do, right??)

Love,

Let us discover more about the unique coffee drinking culture of the Italians!

"Prendiamo un caffè?" (Fancy a coffee?)

It is a well-known fact that the Italians love their coffees. They have also invented a coffee culture that is unparalleled to any other place in the world.

The coffee drinking habits and culture of the Italians may not be easy for foreigners to understand (is it really odd to have a cappuccino or caffé latte during the afternoon?), but these habits are considered as the norm in Italy.

As the saying goes, when you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in Italy, drink coffee as the Italians do (this will save you from more than a few curious stares and raised eye brows!). 

The Five Coffee Commandments

1. Do not order yourself a cappuccino, caffé latte, or any other milky variations of coffee after the morning has passed. The Italians cannot stomach the idea of consuming hot milk after having a full meal.

2. An espresso is the default cup of coffee you will get when you order yourself a serving in coffee places throughout the country. The term ‘espresso’ is not used - instead, locals place orders for their coffee with the term ‘un caffè’, which refers to a single espresso.

3. A single espresso may not look like much, but do not belittle this tiny cup of caffeine, for an Italian espresso is known to pack a powerful punch.

If you think you are in need of a huge jolt of energy, you may choose to order a double espresso (un caffè doppio). However, do note that this is uncommon among the locals. The Italians do drink ample amounts of coffee, but they usually consume them in small doses throughout the day.

4. Like your coffee strong, but want to have something other than an espresso? Order yourself a cup of caffè lungo, which is an espresso with hot water added to it. This beverage is less diluted compared to the caffè americano.

5. If you really cannot imagine having coffee without a single drop of milk, a cup of caffè macchiato will float your boat. This coffee, unlike the type of macchiato that is served in places outside of Italy, refers to an espresso containing a tiny froth of milk.

Enjoy your coffee the Italian way with our BonAppetour hosts, Francesca and Cristina!

Looking for some ideas to craft a handmade gift for your dinner host? Here’re three handy suggestions!

Have you been invited to a dinner party by a welcoming host, but have no idea about the types of gifts you can bring over to their party to show your appreciation?

Fret not - we’ve done a dinner party research (on your behalf), and present you three quick and easy D.I.Y. gift ideas that you can prepare for your hosts when you attend your next dinner party!

1. Homemade Brownie Mix

We’ve had the experience of biting into brownie squares made from store-bought brownie mix that are either cloyingly sweet, or contain a faint chemical aftertaste. With homemade mixes, you can alter the amount of sugar added to suit different taste buds, and eliminate the use of chemical preservatives often found in commercial products.

Why not surprise your hosts by throwing together a homemade brownie mix prepared specially for them? Attach a handwritten recipe on the label of your brownie mix to add a personalised touch to your gift.

2. Homemade Extracts

Food extracts are handy ingredients in any home cook’s kitchen, for they can be added to give a flavourful kick to baked treats. Bottles of extracts sitting prettily on the kitchen counter also serve as decorative kitchen ornaments, adding on bright pops of colour to your kitchen.

You will need to plan ahead if you want to prepare homemade extracts for your hosts, as these extracts need to sit for a minimum period of two to four weeks, before they are ready for use.

3. D.I.Y. Bath Bombs

Everyone loves a leisurely and luxurious soak in the tub. Try delighting your hosts by making an aromatic selection of homemade bath bombs for them!

We have a tip - do not dispose of old miniature muffin pans, for they can be used to prepare these bath bombs. You can package these bath bombs in pretty glass jars when they have solidified, and tie colourful strings of ribbons around the opening of the jar.

Seeking home-dining experiences or home-made meals in exotic locations around the world? We'll help you out!

Let’s discover about the well-loved Italian dessert, tiramisu!

Exploring History: When and where was the tiramisu first created?

Unlike most traditional Italian dishes with a history dating back many centuries ago, the tiramisu seems to be a relatively recent creation. Food historians have indicated that the creation of the tiramisu may have occurred during the late 1970’s or early 1980’s in northern Italy, as the earliest recipes of this dessert were found in some Italian food magazines of that time.

Other sources have mentioned that the tiramisu was possibly created way before the 1970’s, in a period as far back as the seventeenth century. It was believed that the tiramisu originated from the Italian regions of Veneto or Tuscany.

Disputing these Claims

However, such claims seem unlikely, judging by the types of ingredients used in preparing the tiramisu. It would have been a feat to create the tiramisu in Tuscany, as ingredients such as the mascarpone cheese and Savoiardi biscuits were not available in the region at that time.

In addition, coffee was used exclusively in the preparation of beverages in the past, and was not regarded as an ingredient for cooking or baking. Therefore, it would have been highly impossible to prepare the tiramisu in those times.

Variations: Deviating from the traditional recipe

The traditional tiramisu recipes call for the use of Savoiardi biscuits, egg yolks, sugar, coffee, mascarpone cheese and cocoa powder.

These days, a wide array of variations to this traditional recipe can be easily found. There is the chocolate tiramisu, whereby dense and dark chocolate replaces the use of coffee. A tart and light alternative would be the fruit tiramisu, containing a selection of zesty fruits, such as berries, apricots and peaches.

We have also been told of the ch’tiramisu, a French twist to the Italian dessert.

What is the difference between the tiramisu and ch’tiramisu, you may ask.

Well, there are no major changes in the recipe. The main difference is that the French version replaces the Savoiardi biscuit with Speculoos, a biscuit that is found only in France, Belgium and The Netherlands.

Can't resist the siren call of this tempting dessert? Our BonAppetour hosts, Susanna and Simona, can satisfy your tiramisu craving!

Take a look at our BonAppetour hosts in Italy here!

Chocoholics, don’t miss out on this dark and decadent treat!

Lovers of all things chocolate, look no further - the torta caprese is a rich and intense dessert that promises to tantalise and delight your tastebuds!

Discovering the Torta Caprese

Originating from the island of Capri, located near Naples, the torta caprese is a cake made with eggs, butter, chocolate and ground almonds. This simple selection of ingredients yields a dense cake that is rich and chocolatey.

The absence of flour makes this cake suitable for those who are gluten-intolerant, and the ground almonds help to add density and richness to the texture and flavour of the cake.

One Dessert, Many Ways of Serving It!

You’ve baked a luscious round of torta caprese for your guests at your dinner party. The next question is - how do you serve it to them?

If you prefer to stick to traditions, serve the torta caprese with nothing more than a dusting of powdered sugar. This is similar to the manner in which many desserts originating from the Campania regions are served.

Otherwise, for an indulgent treat, dish a slice of torta caprese with a scoop of aromatic vanilla gelato, or top if off with a velvety layer of ganache.

Savour the torta caprese with our BonAppetour hosts in Italy: Simona

If you're itching to bake your own tasty treats, be sure to check these BonAppetour recipes out - mmmm!

Wine pairing for a dinner can be tricky...but we help make it a little less so! Check this post out for some handy tips: 

You've prepared the perfect meal and you are quite proud of yourself. It only remains to choose the wine, and the dinner can start. But wait...how do you choose?

The Art (and Science) of Wine Pairing

Wine pairing is something of a science and an art in itself. Following a few simple rules will give you an head start, and help you in selecting wines that will make for an awesome dinner.

Let's start with the wrong way - the old saying that white wine goes with white meat, and red wine with red meat. Although it can be taken as a rough rule, there is a better way to pair wines with meals. The right wine, in fact, depends on the 'weight' and texture of the meal. What this boils down to is that heavier meals require bolder wines, while lighter meals do well with lighter wines.

Pair 'em Up!

For example, you can choose a bold Piedmont or Cabernet Sauvignon for a heavy red meat. A lighter chicken or lobster meal, on the other hand, would match best with a Pinot Noir or Burgundy wines.

Here is an additional tip for spicy food lovers - your best wine is a slightly sweeter one, which enriches the flavor of the spices and will delight your taste buds.

To finish this post up, if you have not bought your wine yet, here's how you can go about choosing one:

Original Source: How to Choose Wine

Go tipsy with our BonAppetour hosts: Ryan, Tiziano and Fabio

Foodies, here’s how you can feast your way through the day in Italy!

Breakfast: Do as the Romans Do

When in Rome, eat as the Romans do!

Wake up to a fragrant cup of frothy, well-made cappuccino. The milk is perfectly frothed, such that a thin layer of foam remains on the top of your lips after each mouthful. Satiate your hungry tummy with a tempting selection of pastries such as soft brioche and buttery croissants.

Lunch: Munch on Tigelle

Are you ready for a Tigellata Experience?

Tuck into tigelle, a small, round and thick flat bread that originated from Modena. The dough for the tigelle is made from wheat flour, water and salt.

The Tigellata Experience is not complete without a spread of scrumptious accompaniments to go with the bread - we have been told that cold cuts, homemade pesto modenese, vinegars, jams and cheeses with mustard and grilled vegetables are going to be laid out on the table. Mmm!

Dinner: Feast like a King

After two mouthwatering meals, make some space in your stomach for an excellent dinner, for a spread of Roman delicacies await.

Get ready to savour dishes such as bruschette al pomodoro, which are crisp slices of toasted bread with tomato. Next, tuck into the rigatoni alla carbonara, a pasta dish with a combination of ingredients such as eggs, bacon, parmigiano and pecorino cheese, topped with a sprinkle of heady black pepper.

Taste the succulent slices of porchetta, which refers to pork marinated with a variety of fragrant spices, and sample mouthfuls of cicoria ripassata, a dish made from sauteed local vegetables.

A perfect meal does not end without dessert, and this one is no different. A creamy tiramisu is served at the end of this satisfying dinner.

Looking for more local dining experiences in Italy? Explore our BonAppetour hosts page here!

Image credits: 

In this post, we discover more about a delectable Italian dish, Gnocchi alla sorrentina!

Gnocchi alla sorrentina translates directly to mean “gnocchi to Sorrento”. This recipe originates from Sorrento, a lovely town located in the south of Naples. The gnocchi alla sorrentina is representative of the Mediterranean diet, and contains ingredients such as Basil, Mozzarella and tomato sauce.

The dish, gnocchi, may sound relatively unfamiliar to some of us, particularly for those residing in Asia or who seldom consume European dishes. Gnocchi refers to soft, thick dumplings made from semolina, wheat flour, eggs, cheese, potato, bread crumbs, or other types of ingredients.

The gnocchi are served warm or hot, and are eaten as the first course in a meal. Similar to most Italian dishes, the recipes, names and ingredients used to cook the gnocchi varies, depending on the region that the dish is prepared in.

Can't wait to tuck into the gnocchi alla sorrentina? Our BonAppetour hosts, Angelo and Simona can whip up a tantalising serving of this dish! 

Also, find out more about our hosts in Italy here!

As you very well know, here at BonAppetour we love a great dinner party! Our hosts have the most and are always eager to ensure all guests are comfortable, satisfied with delish food and generally having a good time. But for those out there who regularly host dinner parties; whether they’re with friends, family, neighbours, travellers or your postman, sometimes you just need a kick of inspiration to jazz up your dinner presentation!

You’ve slaved over your beloved food to give to your guests, but are you wanting to add a little somethin’ somethin’ to make the whole experience a touch more special? There are so many great websites full of tips out there in the world of the web, from the amazing A Beautiful Mess to the hilarious BuzzFeed Life, but here’s a few tips that we love. Not only are they easy to do, but they’ll help make your dinner the talk of the town! 

1. Menu: Why not write your menu on a brown paper bag and fill it with bread. It'll make a nibble that also lets your guests know what to expect during the eve! Other ideas could be writing them on some ornate paper and then wrap it around the cutlery and/or napkins.

2. Ice: So you’re making cocktails, but want a bit of pizazz with the fresh citrus that you’re adding? Wow your guests by freezing lemon and lime wedges that they can drop them into cocktails or soft drinks. A refreshing yet chilling addition!

3. Lighting: Atmospheric lighting is key to an intimate dinner party. Obviously you want to still be able to see your plate and the person opposite you, so to keep it lit but not light, try long white candles in cleaned empty wine bottles. Jam jars also make trendy holders which won’t blow out in the breeze, or pop a tea light in an apple to get a lovely scent in the air!

4. Glasses: Talking of jam jars, why not serve up your cocktails in these lovely containers? Not only do they have wide bases that’ll avoid spillages, but you’re thinking green and recycling. If you’re tired of everyone mixing up their glasses, get some chalkboard paint and coat the top of the wine glass base. You can then chalk on your guests names, et voila!  

5. DIY Dessert: We love desserts here at BonAppetour, but if you’re running low on time,  delicious can also be quick and easy! It’s pretty easy to melt down a hunk of chocolate for your guests and lay out strawberries, marshmallows, banana – whatever you can think of! It’s a great way to get your hands dirty and your sweet tooth satisfied.

6. Cocktail Hour: If you host many gatherings at your home, you may end up with quite an extensive collection of spirits and bottles. One way to make it presentable would be to arrange them nicely on a vintage cart on wheels so you can ferry it around to your guests. Or if you really know how to shake it, why not teach your party how to make your favourite cocktail altogether? What a way to learn and drink – fingers crossed that you end up with something that you can stomach…

7. Fresh Mocktails: Alcoholic beverages aren’t for everyone, especially if you have to drive afterwards. But you don’t have to serve generic coke and lemonade to these teetotal guests! If you have a juicer, whip up some delicious and healthy fresh juice mocktails and smoothies to keep them sipping away!

8. Al Fresco Dining: Are you lucky enough to have the sun peeping out where you live? Are you experiencing delightfully balmy evenings and stunning sunsets? Move your dinner party outside to give your guests a unique experience. It’ll make it truly memorable, just like Rome's BonAppetour host, Susanna!

9. Comfort: With people in your home, you kind of want it to look pretty great! But it doesn’t mean you have to go out and purchase expensive decorations to add flair. Why not be as simple as popping some pretty or fancy cushions on the seats to add comfort and colour! If you’re feeling a bit crafty, whip up some easy cushion covers that can be your go-to dining cushions…. Also, they’d be perfect for future picnics! 

10. Cork stoppers: If you are having plentiful wine at your dinners but are bored of the generic bottle corks, why not add a bit of glamour to your wine stopper? The ladies at A Beautiful Mess have a tutorial showing how to attach crystals and mineral rocks to the stoppers, making them easy to handle and great to look at. 

Which dinner party hack are you going to try? Do you have any great tips as well? Let us know by tweeting us!

Imagine yourself toasting a cup of beer to another stranger, or dancing along the streets with hundreds of others? There are so many festivals in the world that do not restrict to only the locals, foreigners are 

Bastille Day, Paris Just like July 4th in the US, France is decked out in red, white and blue, but instead of beer and backyard barbecues, this more formal celebration features decorated military, lush banquets and red wine. Across the world freedom is celebrated with a bang at Bastille Day, and on this night, The City of Light shines brighter than any. It's an honor to eat in a French home on Bastille Day; do your best to ingratiate yourself with a local. The meal is typically light with lots of fruits and vegetables, quiches, and salads. The largest celebrations take place in Paris, but other events occur throughout France.

Carnevale di Ivrea, Ivrea Italy  This is a festival that celebrates the event when commoners rise up against an oppressive ruler. At the Carnevale di Ivrea , however, the battle isn’t waged with guns and swords—oranges are the weapon of choice. Every year, the tiny northern city of Ivrea in the Turin province stockpiles 500,000 kilograms of fresh oranges for a re-creation of a historic fight between townsfolk and a ruling tyrant. Teams wage a full-on fruit war, and not even a red-capped declaration of sovereignty can protect you from getting juiced Carnival of Venice.

Carnevale di Venezia, Venice  The original Carnival of Venice took place in 1162 to honor one of Venice's victorious battles when the city was known as the "Repubblica della Serenissima". To best understand Carnival of Venice, you need to understand the importance of the maschera or masks. The mask allowed citizens to behave wildly and adopt alter egos without the fear of social consequence. This Carnival takes place for the period leading up to Ash Wednesday in watery Venice, Italy.

Infiorata di Genrazno, Rome Many Italian towns hold an Infiorata, a festival of flowers that trace their beginnings in Italy to the 13th century but the one in Genzano is possibly Italy's largest and and certainly the most renowned. The official year of origin of the Genzano festival is 1778, when it was started to celebrate Corpus Christi (Latin for "body of Christ"). It's a high holy day in the Catholic church celebrating the Eucharist, perceived by Catholics as the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

Paris Techno Parade Meet street music turned up to eleven: DJs, subwoofers, and sound-mixers sit atop decked-out flat bed trucks, which ply through a heaving sea of 400,000 people—mostly young, cool, and determined to live out loud. Parade participants are quick to point out the unifying spirit of the music, which despite its futuristic electro-sound, draws inspiration from tribal rhythms. “The beats are so loud they hit you in the stomach; the only thing you can do is obey them, and dance,” says one participant. The organizers have been keen to promote diversity, erase class and racial lines, and bring everyone into the same heartbeat.

In the light of globalization, videos and photos on the internet may be enough for you. But have you ever wondered how it would feel like to physically stand in the deserted, haunting streets of Pompeii instead of imagining it from the documentaries of National Geographic? 

This boils down to one thing - we don't travel enough. 

Why should we travel then? Here's a few reasons why:

Slows us down: Gives us a break from our fast-paced lives We're always so busy rushing to keep up with the ever-moving economy. We end up caught up in the rut of the 21st Century that we don't get to enjoy. How does it feel like to live with regrets, to know that there are more than 100 cities not visited and 6 million people you've never met? Take a break, have some fun. It is perfectly reasonable to drop everything on-hand an escape reality for a while. You only live once! 

Connects us to other cultures Even as a world, we remain divided. There are so many cultures that have their own rules, customs and history. It would be a good experience to learn about someone else's culture, know why they perform the rituals they believe in, or wear a certain type of clothing during certain festivals. At the same time, you can take the opportunity to make friends from other countries and share your own culture as explain why it defines you as a person. 

Helps you get to know yourself better: the true you is rediscovered  Perhaps in the past, you've lived by the day, or you've always been laid-back, worrying less and caring lesser. But when you're all grown up and ready (or so you think), you join society in its endless race for technology and conformity. You've become someone else across the years of refinement. You've started to be stricter with yourself, harsher in fact, so that you become a person who is prompt, quick and impatient. But when you travel, you'll realize that travelling takes the complete opposite stance. You'll soon rediscover that in trips, one ought to relax, loosen up the strings of pressure that hold onto you. You'll rediscover the old you, one who's always happy and carefree, not worrying about anything. It's not necessarily a bad thing!

 Provides learning and education about places and history This is probably one of the most basic things about travelling. One travels to learn and perhaps, historical landmarks that speak the most about the country, and how the pioneers lived, how they survived to leave a legacy. Going on tours to learn exposes us to more knowledge and when we return home, we're equipped with additional information and an ability to think about things from a different angle. 

Promotes patience This is a crucial learning curve. Depending on which country you're from, this makes a difference. If you're from Europe, where people are slower paced in life, and you travel to Hong Kong where the general public cannot stand wasting an extra minute, you're bound to have a cultural clash. In such situations, it'll be a good opportunity to learn how to be patient, to understand that you've been living in a different environment hence, the current environment can be shocking to a certain extent but it is an excellent chance to learn to be patient. 

Travelling alone is always sad and mopey and pathetic. It can always be fun because there's just no one you've got to accommodate, no one you've got to please. You're just you and you can do whatever you please (sounds good?). But then again, without knowing what you can do, you'll not be able to enjoy a nice trip. So here's another 5 tips for you!

Talk to The Locals It's easy. Just walk up and say hello. The worst that can happen is you'll get ignored, or laughed at. The best? You could make a new friend and gain valuable insider knowledge about wherever you are. Locals are always the ones who know the area the best, and may or may not lend you a helping hand when you need it. Solo travellers tend to end up with so many more friends than if they were to travel in a group. 

Try New Things There are many things in foreign countries that are fun for solo travellers. You just got to be daring! Try things you wouldn't try at home (as long as they're safe). Whether it's horse riding or quad biking, or something more extreme like scuba diving or skydiving, if it's something you've always wanted to do then go ahead and book it in. However, don't forget to make sure your guide/teacher understands you (and vice versa) and ensure the experience is safe.

Safety First Perhaps the foremost concern of the solo or single traveler is safety. Without a companion to watch your back, you are more vulnerable to criminals and scam artists, as well as simple health worries. So be careful, know the emergency numbers of the country you're heading to. 

Opt For a Home Stay Home stay is pretty common when you travel alone. AirBnb offers breakfast and bed with a local host in the country you're visiting. Staying overnight in a local's home can be frightening but  it is insightful at the same time. You won't even feel alone, and you can also learn about the culture and community of the country. It's like killing two birds with a stone! AirBnb hosts are always ready to host 

Local Meals If you're afraid of staying over at a stranger's home, then you can opt for another option, which is to have a meal with the locals. You don't have to worry about staying over, all the inconvenience you're afraid of are dispelled if you share a meal with the local host. You can also learn about the culture and community of the country without having to stay over! BonAppetour hosts are always ready to host travellers. 

When you think about Singapore, what comes to mind is the array of skyscrapers, concrete roads lined with rows of trees. Being one of Asia's most important business hubs, Singapore has  5-star luxury hotels, restaurants and high-end shops in almost every corner, and many other tourist attractions that are bustling with people every day!

But after visiting said tourist spots, such as Sentosa, Universal Studios and Marina Bay Sands, there are many other places to go. Singapore is, after all, more than just urbanisation.

Top 4 Places to Visit (off the beaten path):

Bukit Brown Cemetery  Located in the central area of Singapore, bordering Lornie Road and parts of the Pan-Island Expressway, Bukit Brown Cemetery (BBC) was the first Chinese municipal cemetery in colonial Singapore. It is a burial ground home to many of the first pioneers in Singapore, making it a historical attraction. The government has, however, expressed the desire to pave a road though it to widen the expressway. Visit it when you still can (during the day, of course)!

Fort Canning Park Located on a hill, it was once called "Forbidden Hill," for it was once the seat of royalty for the Malay rulers during the 1300's. The Park was once the residence of colonial leaders and an important military base in World War II. Its attractions include The Keramat, which is a sacred burial ground of an unknown Malay revered leader. 

Bollywood Veggies, an Organic Farm For a scrumptious yet healthy dining experience, head to Bollywood Veggies for a down-to-earth organic meal. Once you in the ten-acre organic farm, you feel that you're no longer in Singapore. It's a definite fresh change from all the restaurants of the city.

Pulau Ubin Explore Pulau Ubin, a 1,000-hectare island that offers a glimpse of what Singapore used to be. It is home to Chek Jawa, one of Singapore's richest ecosystems. Go there a live a life of peace, away from the bustling streets. 

Dining at home

For a taste of home, try dining with Singaporean hosts at their very own homes! Meet a local family, have a taste of authentic home-made food, and go back home having made some new friends while on a holiday! Explore BonAppetour for a range of such dining options.  

How to plan a stress-free vacation? We go on vacations to relax. But when we don't plan, we drive ourselves crazy dealing with endless reservations, airport hassles, jet lag, and other annoyances. Well, now, let's plan a good holiday with 5 main tips!

Great Flight and Hotel Deals  Find Great Deals on Flights and Hotels Finding flights and other accommodations cheaply is no different than shopping for anything else: the key is to shop around and find the best price. Figure out when is the best time to buy! Typically, the earlier you buy them, the cheaper and the less stressful! In Singapore, the budget airways start to increase the prices nearer towards the date of departure. 

High Speed Trains vs Normal Trains You should check the train schedules in advance online to save lots of time at the station. High speed trains usually have reserved seats, and you’d want to buy the tickets in advance. But the normal “slow” trains have no reserved seats and you can buy this anytime because the price doesn’t change. You should do your research in advance to decide which trains you want to use, and consider the time vs. cost.

Pack Like A Pro As travel day inches closer, the first thing you'll want to do is pack all your luggage ahead of time. The further ahead you begin preparing, the less likely you are to forget something. You may want to first put any shoes in your carry-on bag (if any), then starts adding the heavier layers of rolled clothing. Add clothing in order of heaviest to lightest. With baggage fees higher than ever, knowing how to efficiently pack a carry-on can save you a bunch of money when traveling by air.

Travel Applications Prepare yourself by downloading these amazing applications to aid your travel, making it smooth and disaster-free. 

Don't Queue Like A Fool!  This is especially crucial in summer and winter, when it's the hottest and the coldest. In Italy, for example, attractions typically have long queues that stretch on the entire length of the museum. You don't want to end up queuing in the heat or cold, wishing that you did your preparation. You can always book tickets online beforehand, or reserve them online to be picked up at the counter later on. 

Ever had to pull your hair out wondering if you could plan a last minute getaway? Fear not, here are 5 recommended tips on how to plan one, so you wouldn't need to worry, and certainly, not freak out!

Airfare Deals  It is the truth that flights on regular scheduled airlines tend to increase in prices the closer to departure you get, so last minute deals on flights are rare. But, if you search harder and keep your eyes peeled, you may end up able to snag last minute deals on charter flights, mainly to sun destinations. Some operators offer last-minute charter airfares to Florida for as low as $29 roundtrip, plus taxes and fees, and to Mexico for as low as $55 roundtrip, plus taxes and fees. It's quite a good airfare deal! 

Mid-week Travel Traveling on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday helps you save more since most people tend to book weekend departures. Even if you’re advance booking, flying mid-week can save you hundreds of dollars per ticket. 

Don't Expect Too Much Last-minute travel is best suited to those who aren’t set on a particular destination, particular hotel, or even a particular room type. If you must have any one of those things on your trip, then you could be disappointed. If you're expecting too much, the higher your disappointment will be. Go with the flow, try out different things and keep your expectations low. 

Hotel Deals Made Easy “Secret” hotel deals are even more last-minute-friendly with iPhone apps like Priceline Hotel Negotiator. Basically, you type in the locale you want, your preferred hotel star rating, and a price. You won’t know what hotel you’ll be staying in until the transaction’s complete. It’s a great way for hotels to quietly move unbooked rooms and for consumers to snag deals if they’re not concerned about hotel brand. But the downside is that you won't know your hotel destination until the end of the transaction, so you've got to keep your lists open, even those dingy and dirty motels! 

Make Life Easier For Yourself Save last minute trips for the less important ones, for you to get a last minute getaway and run away from reality for a while. Save these for times when you just want a breather. Don't ever leave last minutes trips for important ones, for those you've got plan them earlier to avoid running into obstacles (especially when you're unable to get a flight or hotel and have to pay exorbitant prices for it)!

Clueless on how to start planning for a tour? Fear not, here are the top 10 travel apps and websites for you!

AIRBNB Founded in August of 2008 and based in San Francisco, California, Airbnb is a trusted community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book unique accommodations around the world — online or from a mobile phone. Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and 190 countries. And with world-class customer service and a growing community of users, Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetise their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions. Hence if you're looking for bed and breakfast, Airbnb makes sure that your holidays are well-spent. 

COUCHSURFING With Couchsurfing, you can stay with locals in every country on earth. Travel like a local, stay in someone’s home and experience the world in a way money can’t buy. Similar to Airbnb, except that with Couchsurfing, no money changes hands and you will always stay with a host. This is how Couchsurfing makes it easy to learn about a new culture first-hand, practice a language, or get the inside skinny about the local area.

HOMESTAY Homestay.com is an online booking platform for travel accommodation. Homestays allow guests to book a room in a local person’s home on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis for a fee. In all of our homestays there is a host present during the stay, enhancing the guest’s travel experience through their hospitality and local knowledge. You can check this out too! 

SPOTTEDBYLOCALS Spotted by Locals is a series of mobile and online city guides with up-to-date tips by locals in 56 cities in Europe & North America.

LOCALEATS Since 1994, "Where The Locals Eat" and LocalEats dining guides have featured locally owned restaurants across America. From the finest steakhouses and sushi bars, to classic burger joints and roadside barbecues, LocalEats recommends unique restaurants to suit every taste and price range. If you're travelling to America, check out their website and you can find the nearest places to eat with just an app!

FOODICT GOURMET FOOD DICTIONARY If you are one of the travellers who often get curious on what’s on a menu, what’s in a recipe, or what you are about to eat, then this extensive dictionary of local and international food terms will give you the definitions you need when you need them; no cellular signal is needed! 

FOODSPOTTING This website and application allows you to locate where local food is sold in the country. Foodspotting is a visual guide to good food and where to find it. Instead of reviewing restaurants, you can recommend great dishes and see what others recommend wherever you go.

LIKEALOCAL Like A Local Guide is about finding those cool and hidden spots that locals like to hang out and missing the tourist traps. All their content is created by selected locals who've lived in their city for years and really know what they're talking about. 

CURRENCY Don't forget to download this application to that you can conveniently change your home currency to the local currency.  The simplest money converter out there, Currency is available in 17 different languages, is free to download and to use and it provides exchange rate information for over 100 currencies and countries. Eliminate the risk of vendors sensing they have a tourist on their hands!

BONAPPETOUR BonAppetour is an online social platform where a global community of hosts and guests bond over authentic home-cooked food. Hosts share their home-cooked dishes, passion for cooking and culture with guests from all around the globe. As a guest, you’ll get a taste of home away from home, perhaps learn a recipe or two! Authentic chilli crab in a cozy Singapore home, seafood paella on a terrace in Barcelona, or even an exquisite Italian feast on board a Tiber River cruise – explore the wonders of the cuisines around the world with BonAppetour. This allows you to dine with locals, and bridge differences between people. Looking to expand your social circle with people of the same interest? BonAppetour is what you're looking for!

Traveling with a group of girlfriends is the best feeling ever. Imagine running for buses and strolling through the designer streets of Italy. Everything can be fun but don't forget to plan well and learn some tips for group travel! 

Here's 5 basic tips for women travelling:

SAVE EMERGENCY CONTACTS In any situation and in any country, keep yourselves informed of the emergency contacts. It's something really simple and important, yet neglected by most travellers. Here's a list of contacts that may come in handy for you when you plan your trip with your friends! 

DON'T BE SHY Even though you may be travelling as a group, but don't be speak with the locals. Sometimes, you can learn tips from them. When staying with hostels with your friends, it wouldn't hurt to chat with the local community, or make friends with other travellers. Find out where are the good places to eat, or which area of the neighbourhood should you go to. As many travel bloggers have once mentioned, "the local people know best." They can be really fun people, especially the Italians. 

DO THE WALKING TOURS Italy may be a little huge and intimidating for some travellers, especially when you could have heard about the occurrences of con men/women that may be waiting for the perfect opportunity. But fear not, instead of joining a huge tour group that you may be stuck with the entire duration of your trip, you can always join the walking tours. Walking tours let you kill two birds with one stone, and it's much safer, even for group of women. 

MANICURES Something that is second to shopping, girls always look out for beauty salon. Manicures are famous and prevalent in Italy, especially in Florence. Perhaps you might have heard of the horror stories about getting your nails done in Italy, where there are chances of ending up with bloody cuticles. But fear not, there are places in Florence, Italy that serve customers well and leave you satisfied with perfect nails! Istituto di Bellezza Genny brings you a soothing and relaxing manicure! 

SHOPPING Going out with a group of girls, this is something that can never be missed out. Yes, it's shopping! Here's a list of areas to shop, from high end to mainsteam to flea markets in Rome.

Looking for High Fashion in Rome? Some of the biggest names in Italian fashion - Fendi, Valentino, Bulgari - hail from Rome and you will find their flagship stores, as well as boutiques by Prada, Armani, Versace, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Gucci, and many others, along the grid of streets near the Spanish Steps. 

Chain Stores and Mainstream Shopping in Rome Via del Corso, and the streets that radiate from it, is the most obvious shopping area. The mile-long street which runs from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo has a range of afforadble shops, including the Ferrari flagship store, numerous shoe stores, popular fashion brands like Diesel and Benetton.

Flea Markets There are several good outdoor markets, flea markets, and places to buy antiques in Rome. Porta Portese, which operates on Sundays from 7am until 1pm, is the most important flea market in Rome and is one of the largest flea markets in Europe. At Porta Portese, you'll find everything from antique housewares to secondhand clothing and music to original art, jewelry, posters, furniture, etc. It is the perfect place to find random trinkets with your friends and bring them all home!