Pull out your planners and credit cards – here are our top picks of destinations and guide to maximising your time off from work
October is upon us already and if you haven’t started planning for your year-end travels, it might be wise to do so now. You might still be in time for some sweet deals on airfares.
Airfares aside, the other questions probably on most minds are on how to best maximise your annual leave days and to make the most of your vacations.
Here’s our cheat sheet to extending your year-end getaways and the best places to visit.
BALI, INDONESIA
Days of Leave Needed: 0, or 1, at most
Recommended Days to Apply for: Any Monday or Friday, or Dec 28
Worshippers praying at Tirta Empul, a Balinese Hindu water temple (Photo: Aaron Lim/Shutterstock.com)
Not enough leave? You can still enjoy an easy breezy vacay, if you take the correct day off.
And now, you can go beyond just chilling on the beach, thanks to some unique new resorts that have been popping up. Immerse in the local culture at Karma Retreat, where you can learn Sari-making and wood-carving among the coconut groves and mossy stone temples.
Or, head down to the ever-popular Potato Head Beach Club and soak in the relaxing ambience of seaside living. If you’re stressed out from work or life in general, just two days in this Indonesian city will make a world of difference.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN
Days of Leave Needed: 2 to 3
Recommended Days to Apply for: Nov 6, 9 and / or 11
Take advantage of the Deepavali holiday on Nov 10 (Tuesday) and slot in a strategic day off or two. With your luxurious long weekend, you’ll now have up to five days to head out for a holiday!
Use this opportunity to go on a mini-backpacking trip in and around Taipei. Skip the usual Shilin market and other tourist hotspots. Instead, hop onto a rented bicycle and comb through hidden spots in the region, like the protected Hongshulin mangrove wetland and the less-crowded, but still exciting Tamsui night market.
MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA
Days of Leave Needed: 2 to 3
Recommended Days to Apply for: Nov 20 and 23
In case you haven’t heard, Western Australia is the next big destination for foodies. Chefs from all around the world gather here for the Margaret River Gourmet Escape on Nov 20 to 22, including British celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, whose exquisite Michelin-star creations you’ll get to taste.
You can even attend the event for just one day, and take the rest of the weekend to go on a delicious self-drive to uncover Margaret River’s food and wine harvests.
JEJU ISLAND, KOREA
Days of Leave Needed: 4 or more (lucky you)
Recommended Days to Apply for: Nov 6, 9 and 11 to 13
You might be wondering why I’m recommending taking so many days to visit just one island in Korea. But Jeju Island is more than double the size of Singapore, which is why you’ll need at least four days on Korea’s largest island.
Rent a car or driver to explore the island to its fullest; from enjoying freshly fished seafood in a shack by the bay to visiting intriguing attractions like the Teddy Bear Museum.
Getting around in Jeju might be a little tricky if you’re not versed in Korean, so be sure to do ample research and the necessary translations beforehand, and if possible, hire a guide to take you around on some days.
By Pamela Chow
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