If the burgeoning prices of flight tickets are anything to go by, revenge travel is back in full swing. Want to jump on the travel bandwagon but don’t really want to shell out thousands of dollars and weeks of leave on a holiday during the year’s busiest travel season? We’ve got you covered.

Already, travel planning during pre-pandemic times took a fair amount of effort. Fast forward to today and that has been multiplied many folds. From figuring out travel restrictions to dealing with the odds of COVID-19 derailing your travel plans, trip planning these days involves a lot more than just planning your travel itinerary.

Thankfully, many countries have loosened their travel policies; travel insurance is also here to save the day. Not to mention, travelling during the year end holiday season is a whole mood. So why not pack your bags and book your flights to – in our opinion – the four best destinations this year end holiday season?  

1. Taipei, Taiwan

The first spot on our list has to go to well-loved Taiwan.

After three long years, Taiwan travel is finally open to tourists. Taiwan COVID-19 travel restrictions, such as pre-departure tests, vaccination requirements and the dreaded mandatory quarantine, have all been removed from October 13. Singaporeans can also enter visa-free for up to 30 days!

However, travellers will have to monitor their health and self-test with ART kits over 7 days, and masks have to be worn in public places. Not too big of a deal, all things considered.

You’ll still get to soak in the lively atmosphere at Taipei’s famous night markets, or if you prefer something more literal, in the hot springs at Beitou. If you’re there for the New Year countdown, don’t miss out on the iconic New Year fireworks display at Taipei 101, where fireworks shoot out from the side of one of the world’s tallest buildings. 

2. Tokyo, Japan

Japan tourism cracked its doors open earlier in June, where a limited number of tourists could visit Japan on guided package tours. In October, Japan swung the door wide open and removed most of its travel restrictions.

Japan visa free travel is now possible for Singaporeans and passport holders of 67 other countries. The daily limit on visitor arrivals has also been removed, and you don’t need to take a pre-departure test unless you’re unvaccinated. But the best news of all has to be being able to travel free and easy without a tour guide when you visit Japan!

With this, you’re now free to go off the beaten path and explore Tokyo’s hidden gems, from unassuming bookstores on quiet alleys, to the Todoroki Valley or izakayas at Golden Gai. You can also revel in the brilliant hues of autumn if you visit Tokyo in November, when the weather is pleasantly cold, skies are clear, and the air is brisk.

For a smoother arrival in Japan, make sure you register for Fast Track, Japan’s online immigration service, either through the MySOS app or online at Visit Japan Web.

3. Hong Kong 

Hong Kong travel restrictions have recently eased, just in time for the upcoming WinterFest and Christmas markets that will be happening across the island. Prefer to stuff your face with steaming baskets of dim sum or bouncy shrimp wonton noodles instead? You can do all that in less time now that Hong Kong has removed the mandatory hotel quarantine for international visitors.

In its place, a “0+3” arrangement is introduced. This involves taking a pre-departure ART within 24 hours of your flight, being fully vaccinated and filling in a Health & Quarantine Declaration. Upon arriving, you’ll undergo a “Test and go” PCR test and home medical surveillance for the next three nights. During this period, you are free to roam but won’t be able to enter restaurants and places that require the Vaccine Pass.

You are also required to take an ART on day 0 to 7 of your trip, and a PCR on day 0, 2, 4 and 6. While that’s more hassle than most other travel destinations, it could be worth the effort in exchange for a wonderful time at the most magical place on Earth – Disneyland. 

4. Hanoi and Sapa, Vietnam

Missing the sweater weather but don’t want to stray out of Southeast Asia? Consider visiting Hanoi, where the weather in December is nice and cool with temperatures hovering between 22 to 15 degrees celsius.

Vietnam has also opened up fully to tourists. There are no COVID-19 tests, quarantine or a show of vaccination certificates required. Mask wearing is also only required in crowded public places. The only thing you’ll need to prepare is a visa – Singaporeans get 30 days – and travel insurance with a minimum coverage of US$10,000 for COVID-19 treatments.

While the train street in Hanoi is now closed off for the safety of tourists, you can still fill up on other unique experiences (and food), such as starting your day with the locals at Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting charming cafes hidden in alleyways, or living your Orient Express dreams with a luxury train ride to picturesque Sapa. 

From lush green rice terraces set on the hill to peaks standing tall among roiling clouds, Sapa is the place to be if you’re looking to reconnect with nature – or better still, to end the year off with a bang by conquering Fansipan Mountain. 

Plan for the perfect holiday with Singtel 

One of the stresses that comes with travelling these days is keeping up with changing travel restrictions or worst still, having to change your plans due to COVID-19.

Singtel Travel Protect gives you comprehensive protection for your trip, including COVID-19 benefits.

It’s one of the most affordable plans around that includes COVID-19 coverage at no extra charge, and covers your overseas medical expenses, travel cancellation, postponement or disruption if you, a relative or a travel companion gets COVID-19.

Disclaimers: T&Cs apply. Underwritten by Great Eastern General Insurance Limited. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.