Passport: Paris

Vacation began with the City of Lights last summer, marking the first European destination with a warm climate and hustling tourism crowd. Paris is indeed uniquely one of its kind, with all her architecture standing proud gleefully pristine to awe the summer visitors. Strolling around the city, I discovered that she accommodates some of the most liberal people in Europe. You might call them weird or amusing, I simply just can't bestow a proper adjective to them. High tendency of you bumping into street performers with every stone throw away, some of these artistes go mobile on the metro bringing live entertainment right to you all in the comfort of your seat. Despite the saturation of street artistes, you can be sure of witnessing some of the best talents around in Europe. After all, Paris is renowned for her arts and culture.

During daylight, strolls in the gardens, museum visits and Avenue des Champs-Élysées shopping might be your best itinerary. In the night, Paris reveals a mesmerizing side. Find out how her historic nickname "City of Lights" is still applicable in the modern day context as the city proves itself to be a heaven of romance.

One of the major fashion capitals and a global highly acclaimed tourist destination, Paris may be your next destination of holiday for consideration.

Passport: Christmas Prague

Bohemian Christmas in Prague serves as an alternative plan for those who prefer to steer clear from traditional Christmas nations such as Germany and Austria. However, Eastern Europe Christmas came with sub-zero atrocity this year as an unexpected severe snow storm chilled Europe beyond freezing point. Not exactly a city filled with a warm Christmas atmosphere (I witnessed an "Anti-Santa" campaign on the late night streets, for a moment I thought the demonstraters were really going to set a life-sized Santa figure ablaze!), the economic budget that comes with Prague's attractive Czech Koruna exchange rate may be the deal sealer especially for those who have to splurge most of their dough on holiday shopping.

Highly recommended for those who are sourcing for alternate Christmas holiday destinations without massive pocket-emptying. "Czech" it out this Christmas!

Passport: Oslo Christmas Market

Christmas season is nigh! What better way to immerse oneself deeply in the atmosphere of electrifying joy than to hit some of the romantic European Christmas Markets that instills blissful warmth amidst the shivery winter? Traditionally a street market concept specially for celebrating advent Christmas, you'll be surprised to find some of these markets retaining heritage to produce that refined antique feel upon visit even today.

Filled with customary Christmas confectionery, handmade decorations and souvenirs, and best of all, Glühwein (hot mulled wine) to help visitors ease off the chilling physiological burden with temperatures at times dropping beneath freezing point.

This feature stops by at the Oslo Christmas Market at Rådhusplassen (City Hall Square), marking the first of more European Christmas Markets to come.

Enjoy this feature and have a Merry Christmas.

Passport: Sognsvann (Oslo)

Here's a quick feature of a scenic lake right beside where I reside in Oslo, Norway. Sognsvann Lake renders some serene time-stoppage theraphy for those who's in need of a quick breather from a hectic life. Often decorated with dog-strollers in the early mornings and evenings, this merits another good look at this aspect of life.

After all, this is Norway with her renowned quality living standards that is second to none. Here's a brief escape route away from your current rush hour from MSR to you, all you assiduous people out there.

Passport: Pulau Batam

The second issue of Passport brings us all to the next destination of convenience and economy in due of the current financial situation. Pulau Batam is situated in Indonesia, approximately 45 ferry minutes away from Singapore. This trip can be managed under S$500 with a focus on dining and shopping, just like we did, thus allowing it to be a great weekend escape destination! Now whoever said that you can't earn yourself a proper deserving vacation without digging deep into your pockets?

Passport: Genting Highlands

The highly anticipated travel agenda that has been mentioned in this month's Editor's Letter is final ready for its debut revealing! The premiere episode of Passport brings us to Genting Highlands, Malaysia, one of Singaporeans' most popular travel destinations. Probably widely known for its chilling hilltop climate and casino resorts, this is a location you will not want to miss out this holiday season. Watch on and decide for yourself if you will pencil a tick against Genting on your travel plan checklist!