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.

It is always a good feeling to be pampered while on holiday, but then the bill comes in, and suddenly you don’t feel that good after all.

This is reality. So you’ve got a budget to work with? Most of us do. Luxury holidays sure don’t happen every day, or month. Or even year.

The trick is knowing when to spend and when to hold back, and it all depends on what is most important to you. Comfort, safety, cleanliness, and all the other kinds of experience you’re looking for all factor into your decision-making process. Here is our ten cents worth.

Transportation

If you can afford business or first class on an airplane, then by all means, go for it.

But the truth is most of us are always struggling between budget and regular plane carriers to begin with. First, start by weighing the pros and cons of each option before making your booking.

Maybe you need a comfier seat for better rest during the long flight, or maybe you are perfectly fine with going budget for a few hours. Then again, budget carrier may not always be the cheapest option because you have to factor in check-in baggage fees and meal add-ons.

As for domestic trips and traveling within a country, it is more often than not more economical to go by train, bus or even a rented car. You don’t really need to spend on airfare and go through the hassle of checking your bags in and waiting for security checks.

Accommodation

How much time will you be spending in the room, really? If you are at a beach resort to chill out, then spend that extra tens or hundreds of dollars and put yourselves up at a more comfortable accommodation. The “investment” will bring great mileage to your holiday, surely!

But if you are heading to a place where you plan to shop your heart out and explore every nook and cranny, then consider saving money on accommodation with hostels, rented apartments, home stays or smaller, not-so-lavish hotels. After all, you just need a basic space to sleep and shower in.

Another train of thought is that it can be lodging at a very convenient location. The “top-up” may mean you can save on transportation within the city/ country.

Think about where your expensive hotel is located at – if it is just another high-end chain in another city that can be replicated anywhere else in the world, then maybe you might want think twice before splurging.

Bed and breakfasts, hostels or boutique hotels can provide you with an experience more unique to your destination, as well as more exposure to the locals and their non-tourist trap suggestions.

Food

Fine dining can be an indulgent treat, where you get all dressed up and pamper yourself for a day. Everything is clean and shiny, the service is impeccable, the food’s pretty darned great, and you get to brag about all the Michelin-starred restaurants you experienced. If that is the type of experience you are hankering for, the world is your oyster and lots of amazing meals await.

But fine dining can also burn a hole in your wallet and leave you wanting more. Or maybe lavish meals on big plates just ain’t your thing. Then we say make the trek to hole-in-the-wall bars, small eateries, local joints and even roadside stalls for more quintessential experiences!

Other activities

We don’t know about you, but as much as possible, we steer clear of spending a bomb on touristy city tours, cruise ships or anything that includes souvenir shopping and random photos against a green screen. Souvenirs all look the same, and no one really appreciates them anyway.

Know what works for you, do your research and ask around – then you can map out an itinerary that suits you better than any pre-planned tour.

If you are dying to try out an activity that is pretty costly, ask yourself if it can be done anywhere else, and if you will regret not doing it when you get home.

Sometimes, money doesn’t matter in the face of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It is the precious memories that are invaluable, right? And so, we often splurge on such intangibles despite being on a budget – but we’ve never regretted.

On an extremely tight budget that there’s really nothing left to spend? Go for free or low cost activities. There are aplenty around the world; depending on where your holiday is at, of course. You can visit historical and cultural places like museums, parks and galleries, or get in tune with nature at rainforests, beaches or waterfalls.

It is the new year, and we resolute to make 2016 a fruitful one. Traveling is always on our to-do list – every year without fail – and we are already filling our calendars with trips! What about you?

We believe in starting our year with a trip – to prep us for what lies ahead, and to be inspired. Whether it is a short trip to a South East Asian Country or a tropical getaway to the sandy beaches in North America where the weather is cool around those couple of months, there is definitely a destination that would work for your soul.

In additional, there are 6 long weekend in Singapore in 2016. Here are some Holiday Ideas To Kickstart 2016 - it is time to start planning if you haven’t!

#1 AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Although the weather might be colder at the start of the year, dressing up for winter can be really fun. The city is generally less crowded in the first few months of the year, hence making it easier to explore and giving you the liberty of space at the major attractions and pit stops.

#2 BORACAY, PHILIPPINES

Boracay is perfect in January as it is neither too hot nor overly humid. This gem of an island in The Philippines has to be one of our top picks for the best beach destinations in Asia. Fine white sand and an ocean in gradients of blue; here’s 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Boracay At Least Once In Your Lifetime.

Accommodation and expenses here are generally affordable too; worry not about burning your savings.

For starters, here is a Boracay Food Guide on the places that you must try.

#3 CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Skip the crowded city of Bangkok, and revisit the beauty of nature in Chiang Mai by going on nature walks, explore beautiful historical temples, and soak in the calmness and peace of Chiang Mai.

It is also another affordable option, and if you need some suggestions, here are 7 Things To Do In Chiang Mai.

#4 HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

At Ho Chi Minh City, January and February is generally less humid and evenings are cooler. So if you have always wanted to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, this is a great time for a visit.

Experience the best of Vietnamese food here; we are all about delicious bowls of Pho! Here are 10 Hotel Suites in Ho Chi Minh District 1 Under S$100 Per Night.

#5 MIAMI, FLORIDA, USA

Okay, the reason why Miami makes a great option here is because many rule it out during the mid-year summer period for the weather can be pretty darn hot.

What you might not know is the fact that January and February is the perfect time to visit this beach destination because the weather is cool. You can even pop by Disneyland in Orlando too since you are already in Florida!

#6 TAICHUNG, TAIWAN

If Taipei is a been-there-done-that city for you, check out Taichung next. There are many things to see, do and eat in Taichung, and it is only an hour away from Taoyuen International Airport.

From coffee appreciation classes to farm stays, here are some recommendations on Things To Do in Taichung.

#7 NOOSA, SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND

Noosa has one of the most beautiful beaches we’ve seen in recent times, and it is little wonder this destination is such a hit among Australians and people from all around the world.

Noosa is also a foodies’ heaven that will please even the pickiest gourmet. Summer with blue skies, stunning beaches, Farmers’ Market and lots of good food sounds like a splendid way to start our year with a bang!

Read: 16 Highlights From Our Queensland Adventure in Noosa, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.

#8 KYOTO, JAPAN

Japan has merciless winter in January and February, but that does not stop us from loving the Land of Rising Sun – and Kyoto, in particular. Apart from ramen and sushi, a trip to Kyoto sure marks a great start to the year.

In January, shinto shrines in Kyoto hold several festivals where visitors can pray for good luck, health and fortune for the year. Some sacred grounds to visit in Kyoto are Yasaka Shrine, Hokai-ji, and Ebisu Shrine.