Planning and funding a short holiday can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time travelling, but it doesn’t have to be. Imagine the thrill of escaping your daily grind, exploring new places, and creating unforgettable memories—all without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re eyeing a cosy cabin in the mountains, a sunny beach retreat, or a bustling city adventure, we are here to help you with the steps to turn your dream trip into reality with our collective experience travelling all around the world.
We will share some fantastic places you can visit, how to plan your visits, and most importantly, how to fund your dream holiday for your long weekend holiday.
When to go for a vacation from Singapore in 2024?
Before even deciding on the places, you need to know how many days you can allocate for your visit. For that, let’s look at the list below of the long weekends available for you as a Singaporean to plan your holiday.
Five long weekends to mark on your calendar:
- New Year’s Day: December 30, 2023, to January 1, 2024
- Chinese New Year: February 10 to February 12
- Good Friday: March 29 to March 31
- Hari Raya Haji: June 15 to June 17
- National Day: August 9 to August 11
These dates offer perfect opportunities for short getaways and rejuvenating breaks throughout the year.
If you play your cards right, you can transform a mere weekend into an extended getaway. Imagine this: a public holiday lands on a Thursday. By taking leave on Friday and the following Monday, you’ve just created a luxurious mini-vacation. It’s all about strategic planning and making the most of the calendar to maximize your time off.
Underrated places to travel in Asia
With a long weekend, we can’t travel to countries far away from Singapore but worry not, Asia has a gem of places.
Asia is home to some of the most vibrant and diverse cultures in the world, yet many incredible destinations remain under the radar. For those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist trails, here are some underrated places in Asia that promise unique and unforgettable experiences:
1. Luang Prabang, Laos
This charming town, nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is known for its well-preserved temples, vibrant night markets, and stunning waterfalls. It’s a perfect blend of nature, history, and culture.
2. Bhutan
Often called the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Bhutan offers breathtaking landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a unique commitment to Gross National Happiness. It’s a haven for those seeking tranquillity and spiritual experiences.
3. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
Source: Unesco
Home to some of the world’s largest caves, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a paradise for adventure seekers. Explore the vast underground rivers, impressive stalactites, and lush jungle trails.
4. Gokarna & Goa, India
A serene coastal town in Karnataka, Gokarna is known for its pristine beaches, sacred temples, and laid-back vibe. It’s an excellent alternative to the bustling beaches of Goa.
5. Sapa, Vietnam
Nestled in the mountains of northern Vietnam, Sapa is famous for its terraced rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and stunning views of the Hoang Lien Son range. It’s a hiker’s paradise with rich cultural experiences.
Click If you want to look at the different ways to fund your holiday
Step-by-step guide to planning your holiday
1. Choose your destination & set your budget
Research and select a destination that suits your interests, whether a bustling city, a serene beach, or a cultural hotspot. Determine how much you can spend on your trip, including flights, accommodation, food, activities, and souvenirs.
2. Plan your itinerary
List the must-see attractions and activities in your chosen destination. Make a rough daily plan to ensure you make the most of your time. Or you can also pay someone else to do this for you.
3. Book flights and accommodation
Look for the best flight deals and book early to save money. Choose accommodation that fits your budget and preferences, whether a hotel, hostel or Airbnb.
4. Check travel requirements
Verify visa requirements, travel advisories, and health precautions for your destination. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond travel dates.
5. Purchase travel insurance
Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected events such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
6. Pack smart
Make a packing list based on the weather and activities you plan to do. Don’t forget essentials like travel adapters, comfortable clothing, and any necessary medications.
7. Plan local transportation
Research transportation options within your destination, such as public transit, taxis, or rental cars. Pre-book if necessary to save time.
8. Learn local phrases
Familiarise yourself with a few key phrases in the local language to help you navigate and connect with locals.
9. Stay Connected & informed
Ensure you have a way to stay connected, whether it’s through an international phone plan, a local SIM card, or portable Wi-Fi. Keep up-to-date with local news and weather forecasts during your trip to avoid any surprises.
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Excellent ways you can fund your long weekend holidays
Planning a long weekend holiday can be an exciting endeavour, but financing the trip can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, there are several excellent ways to fund your holiday, ensuring you have a memorable and enjoyable experience without financial stress. This guide will explore various methods to help you fund your trip, from utilising travel promotions to working while you travel.
1. Use travel promotions
One of the most effective ways to fund your long weekend holidays is by taking advantage of travel promotions. Many airlines, travel agencies, and credit card companies offer discounts and special deals that significantly reduce travel expenses.
Singapore Airlines promotions
Singapore Airlines offers various promotions to help you save on flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel add-ons. They have special deals for KrisFlyer members, students, and other specific groups. By regularly checking their promotions page, you can find detailed offers that suit your travel needs and budget.
Trip.com promotions
Trip.com provides numerous promotions, such as up to S$100 off on flights and hotels for cardholders of DBS/POSB, UOB, OCBC, and Citibank. Additionally, they offer special discounts for students and up to S$25 off on flights with Mastercard. These promotions are available until the end of 2024, making it a great option for planning your long weekend holidays. More details can be found on their website.
2. Have a savings plan
Another excellent way to fund your holiday is by having a dedicated savings plan. Saving up for your holiday ensures you won’t have to worry about borrowing fees or interest, providing a stress-free financial solution.
Steps to save for your holiday
- Set a savings goal: Research the costs associated with your holiday to determine how much you need to save.
- Open a dedicated account: Consider opening a dedicated holiday savings account to make it easier to track your progress.
- Regular contributions: Transfer funds into this account regularly or set up automatic deposits from your income.
- Start early: The earlier you start saving, the more options you’ll have for your trip. However, if you don’t want to wait, consider other finance options.
3. Working as you travel
For those who prefer not to dip into their savings or take out a loan, working as you travel can be an excellent alternative. This approach not only helps fund your travels but also provides a unique way to experience different cultures and places. Many travellers take on freelance jobs, remote work, or temporary positions in their travel destinations to support their journey financially.
4. Use a travel credit card
Using a travel credit card is another smart way to fund your holiday. Travel credit cards often come with rewards, points, and cashback options that can offset your travel expenses.
Benefits of travel credit cards
- Rewards and points: Earn points or miles for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
- Sign-up bonuses: Many travel credit cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses that can significantly reduce your travel costs.
- Travel insurance: Some travel credit cards include travel insurance, providing peace of mind and financial protection during your trip.
5. Get a holiday loan
If saving or working while travelling is not feasible for you, considering a holiday loan might be the solution. Tour providers typically do not offer instalment payment plans, making holiday loans a viable option for those who cannot afford to pay the full amount upfront.
Introducing Quick Loan for Your Holiday Loan Needs in Singapore
Quick Loan offers a range of benefits to help you fund your holiday:
- Get your loan approved in just 20 minutes, much faster than traditional banks. We understand the urgency of your financial needs and aim to provide swift service.
- Receive your cash immediately and start planning your holiday without any delays. Our process is designed to be hassle-free and quick, ensuring you get access to your loan promptly.
- Enjoy peace of mind with our competitive monthly interest rates, making your loan affordable and manageable.
- Our flexible payment plans are tailored to your needs and salary, ensuring greater affordability and ease of repayment.
3 Easy Steps to Applying for a Loan
Applying for a loan with Quick Loan is a straightforward process that can be completed in three easy steps.
First, you can choose from multiple application methods: apply online, visit our office, or use WhatsApp for convenience.
Once your application is submitted, you will have a free consultation at our office where you present the required documents and sign the loan contract.
Finally, upon approval, you will receive your cash on the spot from a trusted and licensed money lender in Singapore, ensuring you have immediate access to the funds you need.
Read Also: 4 Smart Tips You Should Know Before Borrowing Money
Final thoughts
By following a structured approach, you can turn your dream trip into reality without breaking the bank. From choosing the perfect destination and setting a budget to exploring underrated gems in Asia, there’s a world of adventure awaiting you.
With strategic planning and smart funding options, such as taking holiday loans in instalments, you can enjoy exploring new places and creating unforgettable memories on your next long weekend holiday.
Happy travels!
Fund your dream holiday with Quick Loan Now!
FAQs
1. What are some tips for finding affordable accommodations for a long weekend holiday?
To find affordable accommodations, book early to secure lower rates and use comparison websites like Booking.com or Airbnb to find the best deals.
Look for last-minute discounts, consider alternative accommodations such as hostels or guesthouses, and utilise membership discounts and credit card offers to save more.
2. How can I make the most of a short trip itinerary?
Maximise your short trip by prioritising must-see attractions and planning efficient routes.
Group nearby sights to reduce travel time, consider guided tours for comprehensive sightseeing and ensure you include some downtime for relaxation.
Staying in central accommodations also helps minimise travel time.
3. What should I do if unexpected expenses arise during my trip?
Be prepared for unexpected expenses by setting aside an emergency fund and purchasing travel insurance for coverage against unforeseen events.
Keep a credit card handy for emergencies, adjust your itinerary to include free or low-cost activities if needed, and use a travel budget app to track expenses in real-time.
