The Best Travel Deals From Top 14 Destinations for Your Upcoming Trips
It’s hard to believe, but there are only a few months left in the year! Have you started planning your year-end travels yet?
This period is crucial to travel planning. Plane tickets, hotels, and tours are selling like hotcakes, so it’s best to reserve as early as possible. Planning early also gives you first dibs on sweet travel deals, discounts, and promos, especially since everything tends to be more expensive as the holidays are near. Plus, you can already file for those much-deserved vacation leaves if necessary!
If you’re currently undecided on your destination, fret not! To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of all the best destinations for your year-end trip and the best travel deals and experiences.
Thailand
Thailand, a.k.a. The Land of Smiles has plenty to smile about—from the delectable food, the captivating beaches, interesting temples, heck, even the weather there is fantastic! Make your taste buds dance with famous Pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), Guay Teow (noodle soup), Tom Kha Gai (chicken in coconut soup), and more flavorful fares!
The weather in Thailand is also great for travel year-round, so you can hit the beach even during your year-end trip. Speaking of beaches, Thailand definitely won the lottery when it comes to iconic shores, which stretch to an impressive 1,500 miles. Sink your toes into the sand at the country’s famed beach hotspots, such as Phuket and Phi Phi Islands! The shores aren’t the only thing you can explore—Thailand is also famous for its diving spots.
And to enrich your cultural immersion, head to the thousands of Buddhist temples, check out bits of tradition interlaced with modernity in its architectural design, and witness art forms like traditional dances, puppet shows, and more!
Singapore
Credits: Jisun Han on Unsplash
Known for its cleanliness, safety, beauty, modern marvels, and memorable attractions, Singapore is a can’t-miss destination in Southeast Asia! There’s plenty to see and do in the Lion City for everyone. For starters, foodies can have a sublime gastronomical adventure, especially at the hawker centres (akin to mall food courts in concept but with excellent and affordable food) and the cultural enclaves like Little India.
Its bustling metropolis is also home to various architectural wonders, ranging from shophouses from the Peranakan era and ultra-modern Art-Deco buildings, perfect for street tours! Meanwhile, nature and wildlife lovers are also in for a treat, thanks to the country’s unique zoos, such as the Singapore Zoo, Singapore River Wonders, and more. Many of these have wildlife conservation and rescue efforts (with Singapore Zoo being one of the country's designated centres for rescued wildlife).
Lastly, what’s a visit to Singapore without dropping by the iconic Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens By the Bay, and Universal Studios?
South Korea
Still in Asia is South Korea, a top exporter of culture through K-pop, dramas, movies, and even beauty. It’s also a beast in modernity, with numerous feats in architecture and technology (since it's the birthplace of global companies like Samsung, Hyundai, and Kia!).
Harmoniously existing with the modern infrastructure and tech is its history and tradition, with many of its palaces, temples, and cultural sites still intact and open to tourists (a lot of them are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites)!
For a full experience, you can even don their traditional hanbok while exploring these sites–some of which you can visit for free if you wear the traditional garb! Some of these places include Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Gyeonghuigung.
For something more festive, you can also enjoy Korea’s Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls in September 2023. Also called Chuseok, this is when Koreans come home to their families, hold memorial services for their loved ones, and eat half-moon-shaped rice cakes called songpyeon. You can also enjoy the cultural dances and admire the full moon, as the locals do.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll also enjoy the various nature spots, from verdant mountains and gardens to seaside escapades! And what’s a trip to Korea without the full K-pop and K-beauty experience? Check out all the K-pop-themed cafes and stores selling top Korean brands and even the salons!
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is, without a doubt, one of Asia’s most popular destinations thanks to its rich culture, history, and epic attractions. Their world-famous cuisine is also to die for, and it’s even better from the source itself!
In fact, Hong Kong is such a foodie destination, it has the most restaurants per capita in Asia, so you’re in for a real gastronomic treat (especially if you looove noodle dishes!).
Shopaholics will enjoy the street bazaars with excellent deals and malls with high-end brands. Aside from shopping hubs and the sea of skyscrapers, Hong Kong also has patches of nature thanks to its beaches and parklands.
To appreciate its quieter and verdant side, you can easily explore its mountainous national parks and forests through its hiking trails, which don’t require you to be an experienced mountaineer! Dragon’s Back is the most popular trail, thanks to its viewing platform where southern Hong Kong Island is in sight, along with its shoreline.
Europe
We can't just have a travel bucket list without including Europe! If you love museums, architecture, monuments, and the like, then anywhere in Europe is the ideal destination for you. Some must-visit countries on the continent include France, Spain, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Greece, and Portugal. And still, there are numerous other countries in Europe for all types of travellers to explore!
Whether it's your first time visiting Europe or not, these are just some of the most iconic attractions you should add to your itinerary to experience the best of the continent — the Colosseum, Acropolis of Athens, Eiffel Tower, La Sagrada Familia, Louvre Museum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Stonehenge, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Palace of Versailles.
Europe truly caters to those who enjoy touring the city and marvelling at extraordinary architecture and structures. And remember, while you're in Europe, don't miss out on trying these must-eats — escargot (France), Shepherd’s pie (England), herring (Netherlands), gyros (Greece), raclette (Switzerland), paella (Spain), currywurst (Germany), and more!
Vietnam
Journey to the land of one of the oldest cultures in Asia: Vietnam. Explore its cultural sites and discover what honed this country into what it is now, with its history of Chinese, Indian, Khmer, and French colonial influences.
Coffee lovers will also rejoice in the homeland of the best coffees in the world. The heavenly flavour of Vietnamese coffee (there’s also an iced version if you prefer) with its star ingredient, condensed milk, will make your life complete! And of course, no visit to the homeland of Pho noodle soup is complete without a food trip. Grab your fix of healthy and yummy spring rolls, Banh Mi, and so much more.
Vietnam is also a breath of fresh air with great nature spots, from flourishing mountains to awe-inspiring beaches. A notable nature attraction is Ba Na Hills, accessible only by cable car, with incredible views of the forested Ba Na and the South China Sea. When in Ba Na Hills, you can’t miss out on walking across the famous Golden Bridge, seemingly held up by two giant hands. You can also achieve zen at the 27-meter Gautama Budda at Linh Ung Pagoda, hop on several fun rides, and more!
Taiwan
Credits: Vas on Unsplash
The birthplace of our favourite bubble tea deserves to be on your travel bucket list! Aside from the iconic comfort drink that took multiple generations by storm, you’ll love the fantastic scenery, thanks to Taiwan’s beaches, mountains, valleys, and hiking trails. The architecture is also notable, such as the stained glass dome subway stations and the world-famous Taipei 101 skyscraper.
And to go with your bubble tea of choice, you can choose from an array of food spots in Taiwan! They have a ton of restaurants and street markets selling ultra-affordable tasty treats! You also need to experience their night markets, definitely unmissable with their mouthwatering selection of street food and trendy clothes from various stalls.
You can also go the traditional route and head to their numerous magnificent temples throughout or go the modern route if you’re a lover of nightlife and if you haven’t heard, the karaoke scene in Taiwan is something else. In fact, it’s one of the most popular forms of nighttime entertainment in the country!
Taiwan also celebrates the Mid-Autumn or Mooncake Festival. Of course, delicious mooncakes are the star of the festival. They come in round shapes and an assortment of flavours, from savoury pork to sweet ice cream. They’re definitely worth the queue when you visit in September!
Australia
After our journey across Asia, let’s head to Australia, the home of koalas, great beaches, and the Great Barrier Reef. There’s plenty to love about the Land Down Under, with its sheer size and its six different terrestrial biomes that each offer different climates and ecosystems.
This means you can explore the rich forests of Blue Mountain, and the sands of Pinnacle Desert, all the while spotting diverse wildlife. You can traverse beyond land and delve into the waters to see vibrant aquatic life at the famous reefs! Australia is also famous for its great zoos and wildlife preserves, such as the Australia Zoo (of Irwin family fame) and the Koala Hospital.
Australia boasts many architectural wonders, such as the iconic Sydney Opera House and Melbourne Skydeck. Dining options also abound, whether you’re yearning for meals with a view, good coffee (or a cuppa, as the locals say), or booze to let loose!
USA
The USA hardly needs any introduction, thanks to its notable contributions to pop culture as we know it. With 50 states that cover a large expanse of North America, Uncle Sam has plenty to offer tourists. Having varying climates in each region, you can opt to have a snowy or sunny year-end holiday! The natural scenic views are also to die for, you’ll find practically endless mountains, sandy deserts and beaches, and lush greeneries!
The US is a melting pot of cultures, too, with people worldwide sharing their cuisine and traditions. Speaking of cuisine, here you’ll have a slew of dining options—besides classic American fare such as macaroni and cheese and fried chicken, you can find food from pretty much any cuisine in the world!
And who can forget the numerous iconic attractions, from the Statue of Liberty, the original and biggest Disneyland in California and Florida, Hollywood, Yosemite National Park, Mount Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Kennedy Space Center, Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, Ellis Island, Washington Monument, and many more!
Japan
Credits: Sunil Naik on Unsplash
Known for its harmonious blend of technology and tradition, Japan will never cease to amaze. From their high-speed trains, and cutting-edge electronics to centuries-old shrines and beautifully preserved castles, you’ll see how easy it is to fall in love with this destination. Their precise attention to detail and unwavering dedication to tradition makes for an immersive cultural experience you’ll want to experience, at the very least, once in your life!
While Tokyo and Osaka are the most popular spots, you should also make space for Japan’s other cities like Nikko, Fukuoka, and Yokohama, to name a few. You’ll be enchanted at how each prefecture has their own distinct charm – which is why many return to Japan, one trip isn’t enough!
Philippines
Asia’s tropical paradise, the Philippines is the destination you’ll want to visit for year-round sun (and some occasional rain for a couple of months), endless beaches, and the sweetest mangoes, to name a few! The islands are perfect for those looking for that sun-kissed glow that only an island getaway can give.
While many frequent popular beaches in Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao, the country is also known for its dive spots like in Batangas and Cebu.
Malaysia
Another tropical paradise in Asia, Malaysia will also leave you speechless with its clear waters, drool-worthy eats, and amazing dive spots. Kuala Lumpur is definitely the top spot for many as it’s a melting pot of wonderful and unique cultures but don’t forget to explore the rest of Malaysia!
You have breathtaking sunsets and beaches in Langkawi Island, colonial charm in Penang, and crystal-clear waters for the perfect dives in Sipadan, among many other places!
Indonesia
If you love a good cultural adventure, then Indonesia should be your destination! Besides the iconic island of Bali, Indonesia has many more cities, provinces, and islands for you to explore. Jakarta, Labuan Bajo, Yogyakarta, and Lombok are just a few of the destinations you can't afford to miss. When in Indonesia, be prepared to immerse yourself in their culture through their food, attractions, and, of course, interactions with the locals too!
Indonesia is mostly known for its tropical beaches, islands, and historical sites such as the Borobudur Temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and Kuta beach. However, the country also boasts an abundance of natural destinations, like Mount Batur, Mount Bromo, Komodo National Park, and the Ceking Rice Terrace.
So, if you’re up for something more active, hiking and island hopping are activities you can do during your trip. For those who prefer lighter activities, city tours offer the opportunity to savour famous local dishes like Indonesian Satay, Beef Rendang, Nasi Rawon (a beef stew), and Sop Buntut (oxtail soup). Alternatively, you can also go on beach trips where you can unwind and enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset views.
Middle East
The Middle East comprises many nations like UAE, Turkey, Qatar, Israel, Oman, and more. It’s a region that’s packed with many destinations for you to discover and explore! There’s the United Arab Emirates which is primarily known for its majestic grand mosques, the capital city Dubai, vast sand dunes, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. If the UAE is your next destination, be sure to include these must-visit places in your itinerary — Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari, Ferrari World, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque! And, of course, your trip will not be complete without trying some of their local dishes, such as the UAE doner kebab, falafel (a donut-shaped patty), and harees (a type of porridge).
Now, let's move on to Qatar, renowned for hosting the World Cup, its capital city Doha, Qatar Airways, and the fact that it’s one of the few tax-free nations. Some must-visit places and attractions in Qatar include the Souq Waqif, Museum of Islamic Art, The Pearl-Qatar, Doha Corniche, and Katara Cultural Village. Don’t forget to try some of Qatar’s local dishes as well, such as saloona (chicken stew), warak enab (stuffed grape leaves), and majboos (a rice dish).
Next up is Oman, known for its many mosques and the Al Said (the world’s third-largest yacht owned by the Sultan). If you’re planning a trip to Oman, make sure to visit these places — Wadi Shab, Al Qurum Beach, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Royal Opera House Muscat, and Mutrah Souq. During your trip to Oman, don’t miss the opportunity to try these local dishes — Omani halwa (Arabic dessert), Omani dates (the fruit), and shuwa (marinated lamb).
The Middle East also encompasses Turkey, known for its hot air balloons, Turkish delight, and its unique blend of oriental and European cultures. To complete your Turkey trip, make sure to visit these must-visit spots — Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Cappadocia, Bosphorus, and the Grand Bazaar! Indulge in the delectable local cuisine of Turkey like baklava (a pastry dessert), dolma (a vegetable-stuffed dish), and mercimek köftesi (lentil meatballs).
Last but not least, we have Israel! While you might see Israel as a holy land, but hey, there’s much more to the country than that. Israel is known for its numerous natural wonders, its capital city, which is also one of the oldest cities in the world — Jerusalem, and many other religious sites. If you’re already planning your trip to Israel, these are some attractions you can’t leave out — the Dead Sea (the lowest place on earth), the Holy City, Masada National Park, the Sea of Galilee, and the Western Wall. And, of course, you can’t leave Israel without trying these local dishes — sabich (a pita sandwich), msabbaha (cooked chickpeas with hummus), and shakshuka (poached eggs in a tomato-based sauce)!
So have you decided on where to go to cap off 2023 with a bang? Make sure to start planning now to snag the best travel deals! And no matter your destination, you’ll have a phenomenal year-end holiday!
✈️ Travel Essentials for Your Next Holiday ✈️
Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
- Accommodation (Hotels, Villas, Resorts, and more)
- Transport Passes (Train passes like the JR Pass for Japan or Swiss Travel Pass for Switzerland, and more)
- Private Airport Transfers (Fuss-free travel between the airport to where you need to go)
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