A visit to SantaPark offers an exciting glimpse into the secret going on of Santa’s elves at the Elf School. How about decorating ginger biscuits made using Mrs Claus’s recipe, romping around in the Angry Birds play area (did I say correctly?) and joining other activities in the cavern? Continue reading “Finland Travelogue – (Part 5): SantaPark, The Home Cavern of Santa Claus in Lapland”
Category: Review
ETL Learning: Total Development Program for Your Child
Make the most of your child’s early years by introducing the Total Development Program to develop a habit of reading and love of learning in your child.
ETL Learning’s signature product Total Development Program will fully fulfil the learning needs of toddlers and young children up to the age of 10 years old. Continue reading “ETL Learning: Total Development Program for Your Child”
Finland Travelogue – (Part 4): Ice Fishing with Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park in Lapland
Fishing takes place all year round, even in winter. Ice fishing is actually a lot of fun, because we can move freely on the surface of rivers and lakes when they are frozen.
After the exhilarating reindeer and husky sleigh rides, our guide brought us to experience ice fishing. Continue reading “Finland Travelogue – (Part 4): Ice Fishing with Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park in Lapland”
Zula.sg – A New Female Inspiration site for Gen Y Singaporeans
When it comes to a website dedicated to the female community that shares meaningful and valuable advice on lifestyle, beauty, fashion, relationship, perspective and inspiration, try exploring ZULA.
A new website created for Gen Y Singaporean females, ZULA is run by a team of more than 10 successful women who really dig into writing in-depth articles with practical and actionable advice to help you get what you want out of life – these women have a lot of insight into what a Gen Y needs (and wants) to know. Continue reading “Zula.sg – A New Female Inspiration site for Gen Y Singaporeans”
Finland Travelogue – (Part 3): Reindeer and Husky Sleigh Ride in Lapland
Our next itinerary is going to enjoy the company of arctic animals where we will visit local reindeer farms and husky kennels and take on a fascinating ride on a sleigh.
We had no idea where we were after snowmobiling for one hour. But one thing we knew, we were really deep into the forest. Continue reading “Finland Travelogue – (Part 3): Reindeer and Husky Sleigh Ride in Lapland”
Finland Travelogue – (Part 2): Airbnb Stay and Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park in Lapland
Travel like a tourist and live like a local. They need not be mutually exclusive and Airbnb has made it possible for us to enjoy a meaningful holiday with authentic, local experiences.
We were really blessed to meet a wonderful host who readily fetched us from Santa Claus Village to his Airbnb abode at no extra cost.
Finland Travelogue – (Part 1): Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village, Santa Claus Office and Snowman World
The unique charm of Lapland spills over to us. We spoke and dreamt that one day, we would have the chance to step our feet into Finland and explore Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, to experience how the locals celebrate Christmas. We arrived at Helsinki airport early in the morning and switched into another domestic flight to Rovaniemi. Continue reading “Finland Travelogue – (Part 1): Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village, Santa Claus Office and Snowman World”
Smart Parenting with JUMPY Plus Kids Smart Watch
The BEST things in life are meant to be shared. We have heard so much about how addictive smart phones pose to children, not to mention allowing them to own such devices.
However, there are times when Big M, being in primary school, needed to contact us and we likewise, wanted to know her whereabouts. We were procrastinating whether to get her a smart phone until we come across a catchy theme from JUMPY Plus smart watch – “Call, locate, and protect your kids anytime, anywhere” that we need to see it for ourselves.
It was love at first sight and we simply fell in love with JUMPY Plus smart watch! From a parent’s personal view, these are the 5 reasons why you should get one for your child: Continue reading “Smart Parenting with JUMPY Plus Kids Smart Watch”
Travel to Taipei Main Station by Taoyuan Airport MRT!
Planning a getaway trip to Taipei has never been easier! After 11 years of construction, Taiwan’s Taoyuan Airport MRT will officially open to the public on 2 March 2017. Travellers can look forward to see their travelling time to Taipei City in just 35 minutes. Continue reading “Travel to Taipei Main Station by Taoyuan Airport MRT!”
Stockholm Travelogue – (Part 1): Finnair Airbus A350, The Old Town Christmas Market and Ice Skating in Kungstradgarden
This is our first trip traveling all the way to Sweden and Stockholm, being near to Helsinki (Finland) by just an hour flight, became a part of our itinerary during the school holidays.
It is no secret that Sweden is famously known for being the “Land of Ikea”. However, we know in our hearts that Stockholm has so much more for us to discover. We were first whisked off from Changi Airport to Helsinki (Finland) in a 12-hour flight.
Thanks to the new spacious, calming and eco-smart Airbus A350 aircraft by Finnair, our journey was made very much smoother and enjoyable.
Needless to say, on-board entertainment is sure to bring smiles to the kids.
We were surprised that Big and Small M did not complain on the long journey. After landing at Helsinki Airport, we hopped onto Norwegian in a flight to Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
All in all, after counting the total flight hours and waiting for transit, it took us about 17-hours to reach Stockholm, finally!
Stockholm Arlanda Airport
It was -7 degrees when we reached and freezing cold. What to do in Stockholm? At the Stockholm Arlanda Airport, feel free to pick up travel guides, brochures and maps. They will come in handy in any last-minute itinerary planning. Hey, not to forget buying a SIM card at the convenience store before leaving the airport. It cost $95 Krona (SGD $15) for our SIM card.
You have few options to travel to Stockholm city – either by bus, train or taxi.
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Stockholm City.
The Arlanda express train takes you from Arlanda Airport to the city center. The platform is easily accessible, underneath the arrival terminals. Departure: every 15 minutes (for most of the day). Travel time: 20 minutes.
Flygbussarna Airport Coaches departs every 10-15 minutes between Arlanda Airport and the City Terminal (located next to the Central Station). Travel time to Arlanda: 35-45 minutes. Buses also run to Liljeholmen via Karolinska, Fridhemsplan and Södermalm (50 min). To Bromma airport via Kista and Sundbyberg. (54 min).
We eventually settled on taking a taxi which cost $450 Krona (SGD $76). It is actually more expensive to travel by train after factoring the 4 of us. Before hopping onto the taxi, do ask the driver on the fare. Stockholm is quite a cashless society. Everywhere you go, credit card is widely accepted for purchase.
Our accommodation was at Freys Hotel, which was a short walking distance from City Terminale. The hotel rate were rather pricey which was a big thumbs down. A maximum of 2 adults are allowed for a normal room booking. If you are travelling with kids, the hotel would need to impose additional charges and upgrade you to a bigger room.
In our hotel room’s balcony.
The Old Town Christmas Market
Merry Christmas! How can we not explore Christmas Markets on a trip to Europe? We dropped our luggages and headed straight for the market. Along our way, we met a kind Swedish who walked with us over a kilometre to the market.
At the Old Town Christmas Market, you will find a lot of Swedish Christmas and other specialities such as Swedish Christmas sweets, smoked sausages, smoked reindeer, elk meat, handmade knitted caps, candy floss, glögg (mulled wine), a range of Swedish handicrafts and decorative arts of workmanship and much much more.
The Old Town Christmas Market is the oldest Christmas market in Stockholm and Sweden. With the exception of the years 1907 – 1914, it has been a ongoing tradition until present time.
Crowds, from the young to the old, gather at Old Town Christmas Market during this season to soak into the Christmas atmosphere.
We did not really shop here but indulging in the food is a definite must for us.
Sipping over a cup of hot chocolate was heavenly in such a freezing weather 🙂
Exploring Christmas Market is a bonus when you visit Stockholm. You can check out which Christmas Markets will be opened over here.
Exploring Stockholm
We do not think it is a must to hit every attractions during our travel. Sometimes, even by leisure walking is very much a part of our itinerary. And it does bring great family bonding as well.
Ice skating in Kungsträdgården
It is common to ice skating indoors but it was our first time experiencing ice-skating rink in the middle of the city and to top it all – at outdoor. This is a surreal moment for winter visitors to Stockholm.
For once, we were a tad surprise that it only cost $60 Krona ($10) for 2 kids to skate including the skating gears. We were kindly advised by the ice skating staff to watch out of our belongings.
She is very happy!
The skating rink is self-maintained since this is winter season.
Kids had so much fun over here and never mind about falling down, they got up and continue to glide round the rink.
What a treat for everyone! Children gathered and sing christmas carols. We really felt like experiencing the true spirit of Christmas. Night comes early during the winter season. By 3:30pm, night beckons. We are dreaming of a white Christmas. Our first trip to Stockholm; a dreamy Christmas 🙂
Interested to visit Stockolm? Click here to follow Katong Kids Inc Facebook Page to stay tune on the next travel post.
tos, information and opinions, unless otherwise stated, in this post belong to Katong Kids Inc. Reproducing or copying them for use on third party sites without our written permission are strictly prohibited. All rights reserved.
Katong Kids Inc | Singapore Travel & Lifestyle Blog 