Work and sleep, on repeat. Today, many of us face the stress of the fast-paced lifestyle that we have to inevitably get accustomed to. The hustle and bustle of city life may take up the bulk of our time, but we all know that although this lifestyle is needed to make ends meet, this isn’t the ideal way to spend our time.

Sometimes, all we need is a short getaway to get a breather from the strenuous amount of stress we have to leave us feeling pumped up, refreshed and more energetic than before.

Every second is important—and that is why we have compiled a list of beach destinations you can get to from Singapore within 3 hours, perfect for a short weekend retreat from the taxing and frenetic way of life.

Photo Credit: eatosphere

#1 SUGI ISLAND

WHERE IT IS: Situated just 50km away from the Lion City, Sugi Island is part of the Riau islands in Indonesia and remains as one of the hotspots for a short beach vacation today.

GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: Just a 50-minute ferry ride from Singapore to Batam, followed by a 90-minute boat ride from Batam will bring you to Sugi Islands. If you have extra time on your hands, Telunas Beach Resort is just a stone’s throw away!

Photo Credit: esendy

#2 NONGSA

WHERE IT IS: Nongsa is part of the Riau Islands in Indonesia and it is home to a myriad of luxurious beachfront villas.

GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: Believe it or not, Nongsa Beach Resort is only 35-minutes away by ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, making it an ideal destination be it for a weekend escape or an extended vacation.

Photo Credit: ngetrip_karimunjawa

#3 KARIMUN ISLANDS

WHERE IT IS: Just like Sugi Island and Nongsa, Karimun Island is part of the Riau Archipelago in Indonesia and it is situated just 37km southwest from Singapore. It lies between Singapore and Batam.

GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: A 90-minute ferry ride from Harbourfront terminal will bring you to Karimun Islands. With 4 ferry crossings daily on weekdays and 6 ferry crossings daily on weekends, there is no reason for you to miss out on an opportunity like this!

Photo Credit: discoverunseen

#4 PULAU TIGA

WHERE IT IS: This secret island is dubbed as the Maldives of Malaysia and it is located just off the western coast of Sabah, Malaysia.

GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: Take a 2h 30minute flight from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu before a 30-minute boat ride to Tiga Islands. Fans of diving and snorkelling will be pleased to hear that Tiga Islands had plenty of fringing coral reefs with beautiful colours and sea creatures.

Photo Credit: martin.puhm

#5 MANUKAN ISLAND

WHERE IT IS: Manukan Island is also part of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and it is Malaysia’s first Marine Park.

GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: A 2.5-hour flight from Singapore is needed to get to Kota Kinabalu and just a short 10-minute car ride will get you to Manukan Island. Snorkel in the ocean and you’ll be amazed by the fishes that will surround you—with plenty of resorts around this island, Manukan is also a popular destination for a short day trip!

Photo Credit: joe_bighead

#6 KO SAMUI

WHERE IT IS: It is Thailand’s second largest island and it is particularly renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves and lush greenery surrounding it.

GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: There are direct flights from Singapore to Ko Samui that take just 1 hour and 50 minutes. With resorts and beachside villas ranging from budget to luxury, Ko Samui is perfect for anyone and everyone seeking a retreat from city life.

Photo Credit: wissaww

#7 KO PHA NGAN

WHERE IT IS: Ko Pha Ngan is situated just north of Ko Samui—It is the secret of Thailand as it is home to unrivalled beaches with white sands and clear water under cobalt-blue skies.

GETTING THERE FROM SINGAPORE: Ko Pha Ngan does not have an airport, and it is less commercialised as compared to Ko Samui. Thus, getting there will likely require ferries from mainland Thailand and Koh Samui.

The year-end holiday season is approaching and it is time to let loose a little, seize the moment and enjoy some time off with our precious families.

Singaporeans are a well-travelled bunch and an online survey has revealed that the average affluent person travels overseas about five times a year.

But travelling need not be a privilege reserved for the wealthy. In fact, with some strategic planning, almost anyone can go on a vacation frequently. There is surely no better way to conclude the year than with a family holiday. And as the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. Time to start your planning already!

Here are 9 Places to Travel to For Year-End Family Holidays. Do read on more because we’ve got several early bird packages to share. Yes, you can expect discounts off accommodation and air fares too.

#1 BALI

Of gorgeous beaches, scenic temples and luxurious private villas, a family holiday to Bali is one where everyone can kick off their shoes and simply unwind in the company of each other. For interactive bonding sessions, there are cooking classes you can take part in, climb the famous Mount Batur and go on a cafe-hopping adventure around Bali.

The Island of Gods is home to many beautiful holiday resorts, and all UOB card members can now enjoy 8% off their accommodation fees when they book through Zuji with the promo code ‘TRAVELMORE’.

The booking period is available till 04 September 2016 and the travel period is valid till 28 February 2017.

#2 HONG KONG

We have long considered The Pearl of Orient as our second home in Asia for numerous reasons, from their mouthwatering street food, divine Cantonese cuisine, epic nightlife to the sheer number of shopping destinations. The vibrant metropolis’ theme parks – namely Ocean Park and Disneyland – will guarantee your little ones have a smashing good time!

UOB Cardholders, snag yourself a wonderful place to stay using Expedia’s additional 10% off hotel stays with the promo code ‘UOBSG<First 6 Digits of Your UOB Card>. The booking period to enjoy this discount is now till 31 December 2016, with travel period valid till 31 March 2017.

#3 LONDON

London has always been and will always be our favourite city in the world. The capital of England is irresistibly charming in every nook and cranny; we find ourselves hopelessly falling in love with it more and more with each visit. The world’s most photogenic attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge can all be found here.

Other than its must-see attractions, we dare say that London boasts a vast selection of cafes, markets and restaurants that are worth splurging your calories and Pounds on. A visit in December means you have to experience the whimsical Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park with your family.

#4 MELBOURNE

Voted as the world’s most liveable city for five years straight, Melbourne has seriously stolen our hearts forever. The Australian city – also known as the Coffee Capital of the World – is a must-visit for all coffee connoisseurs and foodies at heart. Every cafe is effortlessly impressive, and here’s a warning: There is no turning back once you have had a taste of the best!

Besides its cafes, Melbourne is also the gateway to a several jaw-dropping road trip destinations.

For maximum enjoyment, we strongly encourage everyone to rent a car and self-drive at your own pace. UOB cardmembers can enjoy up to 30% off car rentals at participating AVIS locations worldwide by quoting ‘M504800′.

#5 NEW YORK CITY

New York City is on every traveller’s bucket list for many reasons. But it is more than a vacation pitstop. The global city is where people from all walks of lives converge to chase their dreams. We love the massiveness of The Big Apple and were blown away by the concrete jungle’s magnificent view when standing at the top of the Rockefeller Centre.

The world-famous American city is renowned for its touristy attractions – the iconic Empire State Building, Central Park, Times Square and Metropolitan Museum of Art. You and your family members can easily spend a week in this city ticking off these various attractions and dining in NYC’s best restaurants.

Agoda is now offering up to 75% off hotel says + additional 8% off stays in New York City if you book with your UOB Cards. Book by 31 August to enjoy this offer.

#6 PARIS

Paris – the capital of France – is arguably one of the most well-loved European cities. As a global hub for artists, fashionistas and chefs, it is with little surprise that the City of Lights has become a highly sought-after destination for the artistically and gastronomically inclined.

Boasting over 70 Michelin-starred restaurants, haute-couture fashion events and the world’s most architecturally significant landmarks, a family trip to Paris will please everyone – the ladies can shop, the men can eat ten meals a day. There is surely something for everyone.

Travel with an ease of mind by insuring you and your family members! UOB Cardmembers enjoy exclusive discounts of 30% off Single Trip UOI Plans and 15% off Annual Multi-Trip UOI Plans.

#7 SAN FRANCISCO

There is so much to do and so much to see in San Francisco. The Californian city – characterised by its old-but-functional tramways and dramatically steep slopes – is worth making a special trip for.

Educate yourselves at the Cable Car Museum, shop till you drop at San Francisco’s Premium Outlets and feast like there’s no tomorrow at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Make your way to San Fran using Korean Air, and enjoy 15% off Prestige Class flights with the promo code ‘KEXUOB15PR’ and 10% off Economy Class flights with the promo code ‘KEXUOB10EY’ when you book with your UOB Cards. There’s no excuse not to visit this amazing city!

#8 SEOUL

A trip to Seoul will be immensely good for the soul. We are avid fans of the capital of South Korea and mind you, we are not even K-pop followers. The city has the most tantalising array of Korean street food and the cafe culture is growing from strength to strength. Cosmetics shopping is one that will occupy you every night too, and even our Dads were unconsciously drawn in to the various shops!

Korean delicacies aside, Seoul is also an ideal destination for families with its multiple attractions such as South Korea’s biggest theme park Everland, Trick Eye Museums, N-Seoul Tower and culinary performance Nanta Show Seoul.

UOB Cardmembers can purchase heavily discounted admission tickets to attractions in Seoul by booking through KLOOK and using the promo code ‘UOBKLOOK’.

#9 TAIPEI

The capital of Taiwan is an exciting Asian city that never sleeps. When you are done with exploring Taipei 101 – one of Asia’s tallest buildings – you have to then check out Taipei’s incredible night markets! There are many, and most of these open-air bazaars open till the wee hours. Get ready to be spoilt rotten with their exhaustive street food options, game stalls and shopping.

Enjoy 5% off your air tickets to Taipei when you book via EVA Air with your UOB Cards. These offers are also valid for nine other destinations and travel periods are available till 31 December 2017.

From now till 04 Sep 2016, UOB Cards Online Travel Frenzy is bringing to you over 60 travel deals – across airfares, hotels, cruises and car rental – that offer up to 75% off!

You can also redeem a free 25” stylish shelled luggage with min. SGD3,800 spend. SMS “OTF< space>your 15 or 16-digit UOB Card number” to 77862 to register. 

Now, with these amazing discounts and offers, do you not look forward to year-end holidays even more?

This post is brought to you by UOB.