2018 may have its many ups and downs—as do all years—and for all we know 2019 may come with its fair share of bumps as well, but the one thing that this new year promises, which we’re all insanely thrilled for is the fact that there will be a total of 9 long weekends—if you play your cards right and plan your leaves carefully.

That’s right, 2019 is going to be a year packed with long weekends and more importantly, opportunities to travel! Get out those pens and calendars because here, we give you the lowdown on the 9 long weekends in Singapore this year and the places that are worth travelling to during those periods!

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:

• New Year’s Day – 1 Jan (Tuesday) – 1 day
• Chinese New Year – 5 & 6 Feb (Tuesday & Wednesday) – 2 days
• Good Friday – 19 Apr (Friday) – 1 day
• Labour Day – 1 May (Wednesday) – 1 day
• Vesak Day – 19 & 20 May (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
• Hari Raya Puasa – 5 Jun (Wednesday) – 1 day
• National Day – 9 Aug (Friday) – 1 day
• Hari Raya Haji – 11 & 12 Aug (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
• Deepavali – 25 Oct (Friday) – 1 day
• Christmas Day – 25 Dec (Wednesday) – 1 day

WHEN TO TAKE LEAVE:

New Year’s Day – 31 Dec (Monday)
Total Days Off: 4 days

Chinese New Year – 4 Feb (Monday)
Total Days Off: 5 days

Labour Day – 2 & 3 May (Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 5 days

Hari Raya Puasa – 3, 4, 6 & 7 Jun (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 9 days

Hari Raya Haji – 11 & 12 Aug (Sunday & Monday) – 2 days
Total Days Off: 4 days

Christmas Day – 23, 24, 26 & 27 Dec (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday)
Total Days Off: 9 days

PLACES TO TRAVEL TO:

SHORT TRIPS (2  – 3 DAYS)

BANGKOK

A city that’s so full of vigour, Bangkok is hands down, one of our all-time favourite travel destinations because of its vibrant and ever-growing culinary landscape. From the throngs of roadside street food vendors that sell incredibly satisfying grub to a growing cafe and restaurant scene that plays host to young, talented chefs, the country is great if you’re a foodie like us.

But besides eating, the capital is also known for its shopping, affordable massage services and rich culture. Thinking of a short trip just to get away for a while? Bangkok’s your best bet.

VIETNAM

Vietnam is similar to Bangkok in many ways with its friendly locals, robust street food culture and beers that cost no more than S$0.50 a bottle, but perhaps the one thing that sets humble Vietnam apart is the fact that the country boasts a rather fascinating history of which many of their museums and exhibits do well to illustrate—namely the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace.

Vietnam is also a place bustling with street food with the iconic pho, spring rolls and banh mi ranking high on most tourist’s lists of must-try foods. But those aside, there are so many other types of local Vietnamese dishes that you probably haven’t heard of before.

SEMI-LONG TRIPS (3 – 5 DAYS)

BALI

White sandy beaches, lovely locals and beautiful boho-themed cafes that’ll leave you awestruck, Bali is a great place to consider if you’re looking for some solid R&R. Book yourself a villa with some of your mates, grab yourself a case of dirt-cheap beers and you’re pretty much all set for one heck of a holiday.

The bar scene in the Seminyak area is off the charts, but if you’re looking to party, we highly recommend Kuta. In the day, luxuriate in a medley of local Balinese cuisine featuring the likes of nasi campur and babi guling—among many others.

HONG KONG

Just a 4-hour flight away, the dim sum capital of the world remains among one of our top destinations within close proximity of Singapore. Dim sum is serious business here and you can find great ones from some of the country’s top restaurants or even cosy hole-in-a-walls that dish out affordable yet very good ones.

Dim sum aside, Hong Kong is also home to a dynamic and thriving coffee scene that’s great for coffee lovers and suckers for hipster cafes. Shopping’s not really huge here because prices are pretty comparable to Singapore but if anything, we’ll happily make a trip down for the food.

TAIPEI

Taipei is a modern city that bustles with nightly bazaars featuring endless seas of street food. We absolutely love the vibe the city offers as well as its striking similar appeal to Singapore, which allows one to feel right at home there.

Being able to speak basic Mandarin is a bonus but if you can’t, ordering food is as easy as pointing, nodding and paying. Must try’s include the famous pig intestine mee sua from Ah Chung Mee Sua as well as other street food snacks such as fried chicken cutlets, oyster omelette, stinky tofu, flame-torched beef cubes, savoury crêpes and Taiwanese beef noodles—just to name a few.

LONG TRIPS (5 DAYS OR MORE)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

The candy land of cosmetics, skin care products and new-age street fashion, Seoul is a hotspot for young people, especially those hit hard by the Korean wave. We absolutely love Seoul and is a place that we often return to whenever we’re in need of an authentic Korean food fix.

For the shopaholics, head down to Hongdae where you’ll be greeted by alleys full of apparel stores or if you’re looking to stock up on cosmetics and other skin care products, Myeong-Dong is literally makeup Mecca.

TOKYO, JAPAN

Tokyo is a bustling city that never sleeps and is one that never grows stale no matter how many times you visit. To fully experience the modern city, you will need at least a full week but that’s provided you’re in it for the whole package which includes eating, drinking, sightseeing, shopping and the likes.

Be prepared to stuff yourselves silly with the likes of sushi, sashimi, ramen, yakitori, tonkatsu, soba and so much more! We always find ourselves returning home heavier and for good reason—the food’s just too good!

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.