TRIP REPORT: Sometimes, Simple isn't Needed - Taking the Long Way (and back) to Singapore

Sometimes, Simple isn’t Needed
Taking the Long Way (and back) to Singapore

For the last time this trip report, let’s wrap things up, and draw some conclusions – if any from this trip.

In this adventure

I’ll be honest, when I look at a trip, I’m always looking to extract the most from it – be it miles, points, distance or destinations. What to some is a there-and-back destination for me turned into a three-centre holiday, with a mixture of aviation equipment (to satisfy the aviation nerd in me), cities I love to explore, and new experiences on the way.

And it proved that sometimes, the simple routes aren’t needed. Provided you can plan, and be flexible, you can have a whale of a time.

What I didn’t expect was to have my phone stolen (and recovered) towards the end of my time in Singapore. It did colour this trip negatively in the end – and also made me a little more cautious than I would like to be when travelling.

Maybe that’s a lesson I needed to be more careful. But it did knock back some travel confidence I had – I can’t lie about that.

It certainly was a nagging doubt in my mind as I prepared for my next trip.

Onto the wrap-up – this trip report has gone on… as long as I expected it to.

The Flights

British Airways Club Europe

It was nice to see a menu. Club Europe remains “fine”, but cocktail tables would be lovely.

NoRRA for Finnair

The Acro Series 3ST+ seating makes a difference in these aircraft types. Whilst the service was basic, it was passable. And the go-around was interesting too.

Finnair Long Haul (Business Class)

The hardware was inspired and a good choice – I’ve got no problems with the seats, screens, etc.

But the soft product needs a big kick – with more food options, staggered service delivery and so on.

With the hardware onboard, it should be a slam-dunk winner. With the crew hamstrung by the food and drink service that’s taken more cutbacks than not, it could be time for Finnair to work harder on their soft product.

Cathay Pacific Business Class

Whilst the hardware is ageing, both catering and service remain on-point for this carrier.

Jetstar Asia

For a short 2-hour segment, it was “fine”. The addition of catering included makes an important difference. You need to be on a codeshare ticket to get your freebie though.

Norwegian Air Shuttle

A lot fewer high-pressure sales tactics than Ryanair. With a free middle seat, it was excellent. A shame about the passengers though and the lack of attention at ground level.

Hotels

Ibis Budget Crystal

Basic, but it did the job. It’s good for a one-night stop, but if you want better amenities, you might need to hunt elsewhere.

Also, remember to give the aircon time to cool the room down.

Mercure Hotel Bugis

Whilst the rooms were a little small, it made up for this in customer service. For me, I might have found a new Singapore base on future trips.

Avagard Capsule Hotel

Whilst it might not be a “true” capsule hotel (akin to the Japanese tube designs), it was not a bad experience – and certainly better than sleeping in the terminal overnight. For £43… recommended.

Holiday Inn, Helsinki Airport

For a night stop, it was perfect and cool. The room upgrade was nice, too.

The Cities

Stockholm

I liked it a lot more than I thought I would (the first time I went here, I was running completely blind in how anything worked). Especially when I could walk, as well as work out the transit system. And yes, ABBA, The Museum helped… a lot.

Helsinki

I’m not sure why I’ve ended up going through Helsinki over the past few years more than not… (especially more since COVID), but it remains a welcoming city. That, and having the ability to run away from part of the world.

And Singapore

I’ll be back. It might be a few years before I return, but I won’t let a stolen phone ruin my memories of this place.

And that is your lot for “Long Way (and back) to Singapore”.

I hope a lot of you found it a little different and enjoyable to some of the there and back again trip reports that I do to Chicago.

Next up

Speaking of Chicago and There and Back… you’ll never guess where I’ve been recently.

We’ll be starting with some Snapshots to get you warmed up next week, with the full trip report in the editing bay at the moment.

And yes, I’m back in the Economy Class and Beyond’s traditional home… Economy Class.

Until then, toodle pip!

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TRIP REPORT: Sometimes, Simple isn’t Needed – Taking the Long Way (and back) to Singapore

Sometimes, Simple isn’t Needed
Taking the Long Way (and back) to Singapore