Grand Sale at Bangkok is on! - We just love summer—the sun, the sea, and most importantly, the sales. Plan your next trip to coincide with the big sale season in the famous shopping cities. Our favorite destination this year is Thailand. The whole country is on sale now till Aug 31, with all the major malls and shops in major cities all offering big discounts, even for the luxury brands. For a shopaholic’s long weekend, The five-star hotel Centara Grand has just opened on top of Bangkok’s mega mall CentralWorld and is currently offering a special rate—just $1,130 a night. Plus, you get a free night’s stay if you book two nights. To save a few bucks for shopping, fly Kenya Airways, which has a flight to Bangkok twice weekly from Hong Kong for just $880, plus tax (available only through www.zuji.com.hk or www.priceline.com.hk). What else could you ask for?

$0 to Kota Kinabalu
Nope we are not kidding here—the war on budget airfares has peaked again, despite skyrocketing oil prices. This is your last chance to book a ticket to Kota Kinabalu for $0 (till Jun 22)—well, you will have to pay around $900 for tax and surcharges but it’s still by far the best bargain we’ve heard of recently. Thinking about a city break in Kuala Lumpur instead? The fare is just $199, plus tax.  The seats are of course limited but the travel period is five months (Jul 15 to Dec 14) so you might be in with a chance. Visit www.malaysianairlines.com for bookings.

Taipei Travel
With the Presidential Palace in Taiwan being open to Hong Kong and Mainland visitors for the first time ever on Jun 9, the Taipei government and China Airlines has launched a new travel package, just for us. “Novel Fun Taipei” has five different itineraries to match different needs (for example the “Idol Pursuit” itinerary is tailored for teenage Taiwan-pop fans). Just $1,520 per person will get you two nights accommodation, return flights on China Airlines and a passbook with special discounts and coupons for spending in Taipei. Reservations at www.chinaairlines.com.hk or call 2868-2299. A quick reminder—the palace, currently still being used as the office for President Ma Ying-jeou, opens to the public two hours per day on weekdays from 9:30am.

London Fashion
Summers in London are beautiful, less so the crowds of smelly backpackers lining th streets. But we suggest you brave the crowd this year for a new exhibition on innovative Dutch design duo Viktor & Rolf (above) at Barbican Gallery, running from Jun 18 to Sept 21. The House of Viktor & Rolf exhibition will showcase all of their signature pieces, which represent the highlights of their 15-year career. Tickets $122, Barbican Art Gallery, Barbican Centre, Silk St., London, 44-20-7638-4141, www.barbican.org.uk.

Make the trip to London even more fashion-forward by staying at the Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel (above). Its new “Only Girls Allowed” package is, well, for ladies only and includes an overnight stay at the luxurious hotel, situated in the posh district of Knightsbridge, a cocktail making class followed by a three-course dinner with wine at the hotel. Ladies are then granted free entry to celeb hotspot Nightclub Modiva and finally a full English breakfast the next morning to kick that hangover. Rates at $3,866 plus tax, til Dec 31. Reservation at 44-207-823-1234, www.jumeirahlowndeshotel.com.