Where do you want to travel to next year?


While many people are making New Year's Resolutions, Koolred’s busy compiling a list of Travel Resolutions for 2012. So what are some of the things we have on our list for next year? Well one of our goals would be to watch the Olympics in London come July 2012. Another would be to reach the peak of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah before the year wraps up!

To make this happen, we have to set some ground rules so that we are on our way to materialising our Travel Resolutions. The key to fulfilling your Travel Resolutions would be to plan ahead and to take baby steps towards reaching your goals:

1.    Stop procrastinating, do some research


Sure we all have dreams to travel to a certain location but making those goals without answering some questions would make it harder to accomplish them. Bury your nose into guide books, surf the web or ask our Travel Advisors for advice and recommendations about the location you have in mind. Find out about the locals there as well as the language barrier (should there be one)- all these information will help you understand your travel goal more.

2.    Set a deadline


Do you plan to reach your goal before June next year? Or by next Christmas? Choose a specific date and commit to the time. One of the good tips when travelling is to travel during off-peak season. You’ll save a lot more and you don’t have to go through the holiday crowd or mad rush with other travellers.

Read more about these simple traveller tips for a smoother travel experience.

3.    Drill down to the details


Be specific about your location and the travel agenda. Perhaps you have set your mind on celebrating your next birthday in Maldives, do you wish to go scuba diving or are you planning on just relaxing and unwinding by the beach? Come up with a list of activities during your travels but be realistic as you cross out items on the list that may not be as feasible (taking into account factors like money and time).

4.    Build that budget fund

You can’t travel without having money saved up, so don’t wait till the last minute to build that travel fund. You should have a rough estimation of how much you are going to spend (find out about the ticket fare, accommodations, food and leisure costs) so you can plan on your savings. Be frugal with your spending and we’re sure you’ll have quite a lot saved up for your travel resolution.  
 
5.    Stay fit and healthy


Nobody wants to go on a trip while they are sick or unfit. Make it a habit to start shaping up and eating healthily for the new year. Losing weight and exercising more are very common goals or new year resolutions as well. Stick to your aim by taking small steps like eat more fruits and vegetables, minimise your fatty food intake, take the stairs instead of the elevator and do three sets of speed walking every week. Without even realising it, you’re well on your way to a new, rejuvenated you and all set for a fantastic trip.

Wanna know how you can stay in shape during your holidays? Here's how.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Be sure to make your travel resolutions specific and not vague, broad or unreachable. Is there a travel destination you wish to visit in the next year? What are some of the steps you’ll be taking to make your travel resolution(s) come true?

Where do you want to travel to next year?

While many people are making New Year Resolutions, Koolred%u2019s busy compiling a list of Travel Resolutions for 2012. So what are some of the things we have on our list for next year? Well one of our goals would be to watch the Olympics in London come July 2012. Another would be to reach the peak of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah before the year wraps up!

To make this happen, we have to set some ground rules so that we are on our way to materialising our Travel Resolutions. The key to fulfilling your Travel Resolutions would be to plan ahead and to take baby steps towards reaching your goals:

1.    Stop procrastinating, do some research


Sure we all have dreams to travel to a certain location but making those goals without answering some questions would make it harder to accomplish them. Bury your nose into guide books, surf the web or ask our Travel Advisors for advice and recommendations about the location you have in mind. Find out about the locals there as well as the language barrier (should there be one)- all these information will help you understand your travel goal more.

2.    Set a deadline


Do you plan to reach your goal before June next year? Or by next Christmas? Choose a specific date and commit to the time. One of the good tips when travelling is to travel during off-peak season. You%u2019ll save a lot more and you don%u2019t have to go through the holiday crowd or mad rush with other travellers.

Read more about these simple traveller tips for a smoother travel experience.

3.    Drill down to the details


Be specific about your location and the travel agenda. Perhaps you have set your mind on celebrating your next birthday in Maldives, do you wish to go scuba diving or are you planning on just relaxing and unwinding by the beach? Come up with a list of activities during your travels but be realistic as you cross out items on the list that may not be as feasible (taking into account factors like money and time).

4.    Build that budget fund

You can%u2019t travel without having money saved up, so don%u2019t wait till the last minute to build that travel fund. You should have a rough estimation of how much you are going to spend (find out about the ticket fare, accommodations, food and leisure costs) so you can plan on your savings. Be frugal with your spending and we%u2019re sure you%u2019ll have quite a lot saved up for your travel resolution.  
 
5.    Stay fit and healthy


Nobody wants to go on a trip while they are sick or unfit. Make it a habit to start shaping up and eating healthily for the new year. Losing weight and exercising more are very common goals or new year resolutions as well. Stick to your aim by taking small steps like eat more fruits and vegetables, minimise your fatty food intake, take the stairs instead of the elevator and do three sets of speed walking every week. Without even realising it, you%u2019re well on your way to a new, rejuvenated you and all set for a fantastic trip.

Wanna know how you can stay in shape during your holidays? Here's how.

Where there is a will, there is a way. Be sure to make your travel resolutions specific and not vague, broad or unreachable. Is there a travel destination you wish to visit in the next year? What are some of the steps you%u2019ll be taking to make your travel resolution(s) come true?

And in just a flash, 2011 is coming to an end.
Time sure flies when you’re having fun and we’re had tonnes with you guys this year. While it’s a pity that 2011 has to go, we’re all pumped up for the next year and we’re sure all of you want to end the year with a bang too!


So we’ve decided to dedicate this post and give a toast to some of the best works on Koolred this year. Enjoy!    

Most Photographed Island


The magical Bali is probably the most famous island in Indonesia and it’s no doubt the most photographed island that’s visited by Redsters on Koolred. With over a thousand Bali photos uploaded on Koolred this year, this spectacular island destination is famous for its mountain scenery, beautiful beaches and vibrant culture. The most visited landmarks of Bali that has been visited by far are Tanah Lot, Kuta Beach, Ubud and Lovina Beach, as captured by our travel bug Redsters.

Most Blogged- About Destination


This year we’ve had over 100 blog entries, solely on the capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. So what makes this Malaysian city tick? Well many would agree that there's a whole new world waiting for you right in the heart of KL. This exciting city welcomes visitors with the great pleasures such as food indulgences, spa retreats and shopping therapies. With so much to see and talk about, it’s no wonder KL ranks number one in the most blogged-about destination on Koolred for 2011.

Most Talked About Event


Who can forget the Formula 1 Race that took place in Sepang International Circuit this April 2011? The event was the talk of the town for weeks, what with Redsters reporting back to Koolred with their photos, videos and blogs about the much-anticipated race!  The excitement started way before the actual date of the race where our members treated us with photos from the:

•    F1 press conferences
•    Meet and Greet with the Team Lotus drivers
•    F1 race car exhibitions
•    F1 preliminary stage
•    Actual F1 Race

Team Lotus drivers Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen even took the streets of Putrajaya with a demo race, in conjunction with the Malaysian Grand Prix. Check out the video captured by our Redster at the scene:

Hari Raya is hands down one of the most anticipated events of the year for us at Koolred. This year we got a chance to visit a Ramadhan bazaar (a food extravaganza takes place for a month right up to Raya) in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur and we even shared with you some of must-try foods that were recommended by the Koolred Team. That’s not all we brought back for you lot as we compiled a special video that features all the mouthwatering foods you can find at the bazaar:


Most Entertaining Video
Fresh from our newest Koolred Travel Video Contest, our 1st Prize winner Yong Chin Le submitted this cheeky original production titled “Welcome To Malaysia”, that made the Koolred team laughed out loud (some of us just couldn’t stop laughing).

Brilliant acting by the cast and a creative storyline, we could tell they truly worked hard in this video (not to mention they travelled quite a few places to capture the shots). Just watch the entry, we’re sure it’ll make your day:


What a great year! 2011 is certainly one to remember for us at Koolred. We’re looking forward to another great year with all of you in 2012. Before we end this post, we’d also like to hear from all you readers out there on how the past year has been for you guys:

1.    What did you guys think was the highlight of the year to you?
2.    What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
3.    Pick three words to describe 2011.

Have a great year ahead, Redsters!

Christmas does not have to mean spending your very last dollar. At Koolred, we believe in being frugal and saving money, as well as going green this festive season. Last year we created our very own Kool recycled Christmas tree using scraps of magazines, old boxes and ribbons.


This year, we will guide you on how you can save money on gifts this Christmas, with the help of four Redsters from different countries. Great budget finds does not necessarily have to be store-bought, they can be homemade as well. With this guide, we hope you will find some perfect gift ideas that are unique, inexpensive and personalized for the season.

Christmas Presents under RM10 (Ringgit Malaysia)

Gift exchange is a popular tradition in Malaysia during Christmas and some friends and co-workers keep up with holiday games like the Secret Santa tradition. Most Secret Santa games have a maximum budget as well so here are some presents that you can get for under RM10.

Indoor Plants (RM7-RM10)


Redster Shannon Lim thinks we can spread the Go Green cheer to our friends by giving them an indoor plant for Christmas. A pot is no more than RM10 and they don’t require any wrapping as well! These gifts are great environmentally friendly alternatives to sending cut flowers as well.


Homemade Jar of Goodies (RM5-RM10)

You can experiment with homemade food gifts. All you need is an empty glass jar (jam jars will be very ideal), a decorated ribbon and contents that you want to fill up your jar with.
If the recipient loves sweet treats, fill up the jar with mini chocolate tablets, candies, marshmallows and jelly beans. Fill the contents layer by layer until the top is filled up. Close the jar and tie a ribbon along the sides of the lid. You may decorate the jar as well with well wishes.


Something for the kids: Angry Birds


One of the hottest trends of 2011 is Angry Birds and if most of the people you’re getting gifts for Christmas are big fans, then you’d love what Redster Joy Chow suggested for Christmas. She found some super Kool Angry Birds merchandise which are all below RM10 each from a whole seller in Petaling Street.

Angry Birds Water Tumbler (RM7)

Angry Birds Chopsticks and Spoon Set (RM7)


Angry Bird Pencil Case (RM6)


Angry Birds Notepad (RM2)


Angry Birds Mobile Case (RM8)


Christmas Presents under ₱100 (Philippine Peso)

Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in the Philippines, where the country has the world's longest Christmas season, stretching for over three weeks! Although the festival is a major event, locals have also opted for frugal gifts instead of lavish ones. Redster Kristina Alingalan manages to find some awesome souvenirs that can easily be found in shopping malls.


Fitness Diary (₱70)

Help your friends keep track of all the calories they’re stuffing down during the Christmas season with a handy pocket food and fitness diary. The diary is a great way to keep track on one’s health and well being- and it fits easily into a handbag or gym bag! Great gift for all the gym/ fitness junkies out there!


Desk Calendar (₱99.75)

Not only is it a quirky gift, it’s a great way to welcome the New Year! Everyone needs a new calendar for the year after and you’ll be doing your recipient a great favour by getting them this humorous desk calendar.


Animal Key Covers (₱85)

If you know someone who’s New Year’s resolution is to be more organised, then this is the ultimate gift for him! These cute furry animal key covers will help make life easier and keep your friends from going through key after key as they try to get into their house or car. They can organise each key caps for each of their keys. They’re not only useful but they are cute and fashionable too!


Christmas Presents under SGD$5 (Singapore Dollars)

Christmas in Singapore is often geared with bright lights and beautiful decorations as famous shopping belts will be filled up by locals and tourists rushing to get their Christmas shopping done. However you can avoid the mad retail rush with these tips by local Redster Aaron Ng, who whips up some pretty interesting gift ideas from the Lion City that are inexpensive and are creative as well.


Memory Drawing (SGD$2)

Give your loved ones a special memorabilia by drawing them a photo that best captures a memory between the two of you. For instance, your big brother was the one who introduced you to photography so sketch out a simple black and white drawing of a camera to signify the memory. Frame up the picture and your gift is ready!


Local Food Items (SGD$4-5)

If you're planning on giving a Christmas gift to a non-local, consider buying a local food item. Every locale has its special foods – for Singapore, consider a jar of Ya Kun Kaya or local coffee powder.
Find a unique food item in your area and you've got a great gift at a super affordable price! You may even dress up the gift with some nice cutleries and cups.


Gift Cards (under SGD$5)

If you’re out of time and you’re really not sure what kind of present to give, why not purchase a gift card instead? Websites such as Amazon allow you to buy gift cards at amounts as low as $0.15. These gift cards can be sent via standard mail, email and even Facebook! Decorate or make a cover/ sleeve for the gift card if you’re up for being creative.

There are hundreds of great gifts that you can come up with, even with a budget. You don’t have to spend tonnes of money to find that perfect gift for someone. Just put in a bit of time and thought into the Christmas present and we’re sure it’ll be well received.

Last but not least, we’d like to thank Redsters Shannon Lim and Joy Chow from Malaysia, Kristina Alingalan from The Philippines and Aaron Ng from Singapore for collaborating with us in this extra special Christmas feature! We couldn’t have done it without your brilliant help and great photo contributions.

What are some frugal Christmas gift ideas you can think of? Have you ever had to work with a budget during Christmas? Share with us your thoughts this season.

Christmas does not have to mean spending your very last dollar. At Koolred, we believe in being frugal and saving money, as well as going green this festive season. Last year we created our very own Kool recycled Christmas tree using scraps of magazines, old boxes and ribbons.


This year, we will guide you on how you can save money on gifts this Christmas, with the help of four Redsters from different countries. Great budget finds does not necessarily have to be store-bought, they can be homemade as well. With this guide, we hope you will find some perfect gift ideas that are unique, inexpensive and personalized for the season.

Christmas Presents under RM10 (Ringgit Malaysia)

Gift exchange is a popular tradition in Malaysia during Christmas and some friends and co-workers keep up with holiday games like the Secret Santa tradition. Most Secret Santa games have a maximum budget as well so here are some presents that you can get for under RM10.

Indoor Plants (RM7-RM10)


Redster Shannon Lim thinks we can spread the Go Green cheer to our friends by giving them an indoor plant for Christmas. A pot is no more than RM10 and they don%u2019t require any wrapping as well! These gifts are great environmentally friendly alternatives to sending cut flowers as well.


Homemade Jar of Goodies (RM5-RM10)

You can experiment with homemade food gifts. All you need is an empty glass jar (jam jars will be very ideal), a decorated ribbon and contents that you want to fill up your jar with.
If the recipient loves sweet treats, fill up the jar with mini chocolate tablets, candies, marshmallows and jelly beans. Fill the contents layer by layer until the top is filled up. Close the jar and tie a ribbon along the sides of the lid. You may decorate the jar as well with well wishes.


Something for the kids: Angry Birds


One of the hottest trends of 2011 is Angry Birds and if most of the people you%u2019re getting gifts for Christmas are big fans, then you%u2019d love what Redster Joy Chow suggested for Christmas. She found some super Kool Angry Birds merchandise which are all below RM10 each from a whole seller in Petaling Street.

Angry Birds Water Tumbler (RM7)

Angry Birds Chopsticks and Spoon Set (RM7)


Angry Bird Pencil Case (RM6)


Angry Birds Notepad (RM2)


Angry Birds Mobile Case (RM8)


Christmas Presents under %u20B1100 (Philippine Peso)

Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in the Philippines, where the country has the world's longest Christmas season, stretching for over three weeks! Although the festival is a major event, locals have also opted for frugal gifts instead of lavish ones. Redster Kristina Alingalan manages to find some awesome souvenirs that can easily be found in shopping malls.


Fitness Diary (%u20B170)

Help your friends keep track of all the calories they%u2019re stuffing down during the Christmas season with a handy pocket food and fitness diary. The diary is a great way to keep track on one%u2019s health and well being- and it fits easily into a handbag or gym bag! Great gift for all the gym/ fitness junkies out there!


Desk Calendar (%u20B199.75)

Not only is it a quirky gift, it%u2019s a great way to welcome the New Year! Everyone needs a new calendar for the year after and you%u2019ll be doing your recipient a great favour by getting them this humorous desk calendar.


Animal Key Covers (%u20B185)


If you know someone who%u2019s New Year%u2019s resolution is to be more organised, then this is the ultimate gift for him! These cute furry animal key covers will help make life easier and keep your friends from going through key after key as they try to get into their house or car. They can organise each key caps for each of their keys. They%u2019re not only useful but they are cute and fashionable too!

Christmas Presents under SGD$5 (Singapore Dollars)

Christmas in Singapore is often geared with bright lights and beautiful decorations as famous shopping belts will be filled up by locals and tourists rushing to get their Christmas shopping done. However you can avoid the mad retail rush with these tips by local Redster Aaron Ng, who whips up some pretty interesting gift ideas from the Lion City that are inexpensive and are creative as well.


Memory Drawing (SGD$2)

Give your loved ones a special memorabilia by drawing them a photo that best captures a memory between the two of you. For instance, your big brother was the one who introduced you to photography so sketch out a simple black and white drawing of a camera to signify the memory. Frame up the picture and your gift is ready!


Local Food Items (SGD$4-5)

If you're planning on giving a Christmas gift to a non-local, consider buying a local food item. Every locale has its special foods %u2013 for Singapore, consider a jar of Ya Kun Kaya or local coffee powder.
Find a unique food item in your area and you've got a great gift at a super affordable price! You may even dress up the gift with some nice cutleries and cups.


Gift Cards (<SGD$5)

If you%u2019re out of time and you%u2019re really not sure what kind of present to give, why not purchase a gift card instead? Websites such as Amazon allow you to buy gift cards at amounts as low as $0.15. These gift cards can be sent via standard mail, email and even Facebook! Decorate or make a cover/ sleeve for the gift card if you%u2019re up for being creative.


There are hundreds of great gifts that you can come up with, even with a budget. You don%u2019t have to spend tonnes of money to find that perfect gift for someone. Just put in a bit of time and thought into the Christmas present and we%u2019re sure it%u2019ll be well received.

Last but not least, we%u2019d like to thank Redsters Shannon Lim and Joy Chow from Malaysia, Kristina Alingalan from The Philippines and Aaron Ng from Singapore for collaborating with us in this extra special Christmas feature! We couldn%u2019t have done it without your brilliant help and great photo contributions.

What are some frugal Christmas gift ideas you can think of? Have you ever had to work with a budget during Christmas? Share with us your thoughts this season.

2011 has been a great year for Koolred.
We’ve had competitions back to back and plenty of new features and enhancements throughout the site. So what better way to wrap up the end of the year than with our final contest for 2011, the Koolred Hotel Review Contest!


For those of you who have yet to win in our contests, we’re giving you another chance to win something from us.

Got a great hotel to tell us about? Here’s what you gotta do:

1. Write a review in English on any hotel located anywhere in the world.
2. Include at least one photo in your hotel review.
3. Share your post and get your friends to click the   button to increase your chances of winning.
4. Contest open to Koolred community members aged 18 and up.

You may submit as many hotel reviews as you want if you wish to increase your chances of winning.

Did you have a good stay?
We just need you to take a few minutes to review your hotel experience. Make sure your hotel review has

1. Useful Information

• How was the quality of the facility? Was the room clean?
• Was the location strategic?
• Did the staff provide good customer service?

2. Authentic/ Original

• Reviews should not be plagirised and should come from you.
• Another tip would be to walk up to the front desk to acquire more information of the hotel.

3. Photos that are captured by you

• Be the photographer!
• Take photos of the hotel lobby, the lounge and whatever captures your attention in the hotel.

There are lots of types of hotels you can review about, tell us about…

Boutique Hotels
These lifestyle hotels are on a rise, so why not share some of the luxurious ones that sums up these three words- “Cozy, Cool & Comfort”:



Serviced Apartments
Always travelling with the family? Then you must’ve stayed in some pretty interesting serviced apartments that saves cost and has a “kitchen so you can make your own breakfast”:



Cottage Inns
When you’re out in nature, why not return to your basic necessities? Share about the cottage inn you put a night in that’s made entirely of “local timbers and bamboo”:



Make your Entry ‘Kool’!
After submitting your entry, get your friends to click on the    icon to increase your chances of winning!  You can share your post with friends on Koolred and even Twitter, Facebook and Google+ to get people to read and  it!

Contest Prizes
Get that much-needed getaway as we’ll check you into a Club Suite Room at the elegant Hotel Istana Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia if you’re our 1st Prize winner! Other top prizes include free hotel stays in the fantabulous Palm Garden Hotel in Putrajaya, Malaysia.

But wait, that’s not all- we have Consolation Prizes to give away such as spa vouchers from Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside and high tea vouchers from Palm Garden Hotel.
Whoa, talk about being pampered! A very big thank you to our prize sponsors- we truly appreciate your support in this new contest.

Not sure where to start? Koolred has an array of brilliant reviews on “Where to Stay” by our own Redsters to help give you an idea. Our judges are looking for interesting reviews with great photos, so sign up and enter this simple contest to win free hotel, spa and food vouchers!

Contest ends 29 December 2011.