Singapore, 28 June 2019: Bangkok, Tokyo and London are the three favourite destinations for Singaporeans planning travel from June to August.
TripAdvisor identified the 10 most popular international destinations among Singapore travellers in its 2019 Mid-Year* Holiday Destination Report released Thursday.
The report’s findings covered June to August travel planning trends based on booking interest**. It also shares tips on how to uncover hidden gems at these favourite destinations.
Surveying more than 500 Singapore travellers, the study showed nearly half (48%) of those who planned to travel between June and August this year will do so during the four-day long weekend in August (Singapore National Day 9 August).
A whopping 80% of respondents surveyed cited “relax and rejuvenation” as the main motivation for mid-year travel and said they preferred to do so in a city (70%) or beach (47%) getaway.
The Mid-Year Holiday Destination Report also found that Asian destinations are the top travel favourites with three in 10 respondents planning to go on a holiday to Bangkok, followed by Hong Kong and Taipei.
Popular Mid-Year Travel Destinations and Tips on Exploring the City’s Hidden Gems
Bangkok
Bangkok is the go-to destination for many Singaporeans. While plenty of shopping options, delicious local cuisine and captivating Buddhist temples are the top reasons, Singapore travellers explore a different side to the city such as its thriving art and dining scene.
Tokyo
Futuristic skyscrapers, neon signs and a flood of people are the first things that come to mind when Tokyo is mentioned but discover the Zen side of this city.
London
London is known for major sights such as the Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. However, travellers looking to switch up their itineraries can instead visit unconventional attractions such as the Highgate Cemetery, a graveyard with beautiful Victorian architecture and notable graves such as Karl Marx’s.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong may be known for its lofty skyscrapers, good food and endless shopping but the great outdoors is not to be missed. Visitors who make the three-hour hike up the scenic Dragon’s Back will be rewarded with unbeatable views of nature and the ocean.
Phuket
Phuket is not only home to impressive beaches such as Kata Noi and Nai Harn, but also has several hidden gems such as Ao Sane and Yanui Beach for travellers who want to enjoy the sand and sea with fewer crowds.
Seoul
From modern skyscrapers, insta-worthy cafes, vibrant K-pop culture to traditional Buddhist temples, majestic palaces and colourful street markets, Seoul offers something for every traveller type including a three-hour hike up Inwangsan Mountain for a panoramic view of the metropolis.
Osaka
Situated on the island of Honshu, the port city of Osaka is one of the top tourist destinations in Japan. Travellers hoping to experience the city as locals do can stop by Isshinji Temple to witness visitors praying to Buddha statues made from human ashes or Utsubo Park where families gather for a fun day out.
Taipei
Taipei is a food haven with its lively street-food scene and many night markets, including the renowned Shilin market. Tea enthusiasts can pick from the finest selection at the city’s oldest tea shop Linhuatai, which remains highly sought-after despite being around for over 130 years.
Bali
Bali’s rugged coastlines and varied landscape of mountains, hills, waterfalls and lakes make for a postcard-perfect holiday. While acclaimed as a beach paradise, Bali also boasts a hipster café culture and bustling arts scene.
Sapporo
Famed for its iconic beer and ski slopes, Sapporo is the vibrant capital of Hokkaido that’s slightly more ‘relaxed’ than other capital cities in Japan. Travellers can avoid queues at local-favourite ramen restaurant Ebisoba Ichigen Sohonten by visiting early, then heading to Tea Ceremony Ren and taste, learn about and make Matcha tea from scratch in a kimono.
*Mid-year travel refers to travel between June and August 2019.
**Popular destinations were determined by booking interest from Singapore travellers between June and August 2019. Booking interest includes hotel and attraction commerce clicks/revenue. Survey statistics based on a TripAdvisor survey of 517 Singapore travellers, conducted in June 2019.
