How to maximise your travel budget: Tips for savvy holidaymakers

Business Times

13-05-2025

[SINGAPORE] It's not even June yet but so much has already happened. From Trump tariffs and market jitters to economic uncertainties and currency movements, many global issues are affecting travel decisions – as do destinations deemed unfriendly or too popular.
The US, for instance, with its more aggressive border scrutiny, is increasingly seen as unwelcoming. Last week, travel platform Expedia flagged weak demand for travel to the country, following similar signals earlier from vacation rental platform Airbnb.
Indeed, luxury travel operator Scott Dunn has observed that many of its guests here are seemingly avoiding the US for the mid-year holidays and heading to places such as Europe and Africa, which are perceived as stable, safe and welcoming.
There is no doubt, however, that the desire to travel remains strong. In its Smarter Summer Report released on Tuesday (May 13), travel search aggregator Skyscanner said 93 per cent of Singapore holidaymakers are planning the same or more trips this summer season (June to September) compared with last year.
Its April research conducted with a sample of 2,000 Singapore respondents found that 59 per cent have yet to book their trips, due mainly to uncertainty over where to go, with 43 per cent seeking more destination inspiration before making plans.
Skyscanner says half of Singapore travellers are using travel comparison tools to find the best value flights, hotels and car hires, with 42 per cent extending their summer holidays to travel during the shoulder season to avoid peak crowds and enjoy lower prices. Some 78 per cent are also open to shifting their travel day or week to save money.
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'Travellers are not just looking to get away, they are looking to make every moment of their summer holiday count by maximising value,' says Cyndi Hui, Skyscanner travel trends and destination expert.
Top tips to stretch that travel dollar
Given that 54 per cent of Singapore travellers say they want to maximise their summer holidays to experience more destinations and activities than before, Hui has some suggestions on how to get your money's worth.
Tip #1: Leverage the Singapore dollar's strength against the US dollar to pick destinations whose currencies are now weaker in comparison, Hui suggests. Some examples include Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia.
Travellers looking to make the most of these favourable exchange rates can consider multi-currency wallets to lock in good foreign exchange rates now, and spend the money later when they visit these destinations.
Some 36 per cent of Singapore travellers are looking to do multi-city trips. Pictured here is Khlong Hae Floating Market in Hat Yai, Thailand. PHOTO: SKYSCANNER
Tip #2: Consider destinations closer to home, explore more affordable modes of transport, and think about multi-city trips – something 36 per cent of Singapore travellers are looking to do, according to Skyscanner's report.
Based on its searches in late April for early May flights for a multi-city trip from Singapore to major destinations in Vietnam – from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang and then to Hanoi (accounting for about four days in each destination) – Skyscanner found that costs can be kept under S$500.
Alternatively, travellers can fly into a destination and explore surrounding cities by car. Renting a car is more cost-effective and flexible, especially when travelling in groups or off the beaten track. Hui says Australia is a good example of this – travellers can fly into Sydney and take a scenic road trip to the Blue Mountains, Jervis Bay and even Canberra.
Tip #3: Be flexible with where and when you choose to go in order to take advantage of cost savings. This requires travellers to stay spontaneous and open-minded. For example, Skyscanner's report found that the cheapest week for Singapore travellers during the summer holidays falls between Jul 28 and Aug 8, while the cheapest day of the week to travel is Wednesday.
Be flexible with where and when you choose to go in order to take advantage of cost savings. Pictured here is a lavender field in summer in Furano, Hokkaido, Japan. PHOTO: SKYSCANNER
Travellers can also make use of its new Drops tool, which offers a collection of flights that have fallen in price by at least 20 per cent that day, compared with the last seven days.
Tip #4: Keep up to date with prices on a desired flight, which is another function that travellers can take advantage of in Skyscanner's Price Alerts function. This allows those with a destination and travel date in mind to be automatically notified whenever there are price changes.
Tip #5: Swop popular destinations, which tend to come with higher prices, with alternatives. This is something 77 per cent of Singapore travellers are willing to do, according to Skyscanner's report. These holidaymakers are prepared to explore a less well-known destination to enjoy cost savings and avoid crowds.
Swop popular destinations with alternatives. Pictured here is Stanley Park in Vancouver, Canada. PHOTO: SKYSCANNER
For instance, Hui suggests swopping Paris, France, for Vienna, Austria, which is also known for its romantic streets, palaces and beautiful architecture. While both cities are famous for historic cafes, art and music, walkability and city charm, budget-friendlier Vienna offers a more laid-back experience with fewer tourists.
If you're planning to visit Edinburgh, Scotland, for gothic-inspired architecture, open spaces and dramatic natural landscapes, consider Christchurch, New Zealand, instead. The latter offers striking stone buildings, historic churches, big botanical gardens and vast green spaces. As a gateway to the Southern Alps, Christchurch also provides access to jaw-dropping natural sights, while being a more relaxed, less tourist-heavy alternative, says Hui.
Palawan in the Philippines is a good substitute for the Maldives – at a significantly more accessible price point. PHOTO: PEXELS
And a good substitute for the Maldives is Palawan, Philippines, which boasts over 7,000 islands, crystal-clear waters and luxe beachfront resorts at a significantly more accessible price point. Calling it 'a paradise for beach-lovers who want the Maldives vibe on a budget', Hui says the archipelago boasts pristine beaches as well as excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. It is also home to the Unesco-listed Subterranean River National Park – one of the world's most impressive cave systems.
Skyscanner's report also includes Singapore travellers' top 10 most popular destinations in July and August 2025, along with the cheapest weeks and days to fly there, as well as the cheapest alternative destinations.
Smart picks for the affluent traveller
Meanwhile, the well-heeled are also seeking advice for more off-the-beaten-track destinations to avoid crowds – as well as increasingly high costs, says Scott Dunn's travel specialist, Gwen Ho.
Iceland's dramatic landscape and favourable currency exchange is making it a more attractive destination. PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
When it comes to Europe, Singaporeans are drawn to Iceland's dramatic landscapes of waterfalls and volcanoes, as well as puffin-spotting, relaxing soaks in geothermal pools and glacier hikes. 'The favourable currency exchange has also made traditionally high-cost destinations like Iceland more attractive,' she says.
Sunset over the Temo River in Sardinia, Italy. PHOTO: ISTOCK
As conventional summer hotspots like the Amalfi Coast and Paris have become increasingly crowded and expensive, affluent travellers are seeking alternatives offering the same European charm but with greater privacy and authenticity. An example is Sardinia, one of Italy's hidden gems, which is gaining popularity for its pristine beaches, archaeological ruins, charming seaside towns and elegant resorts.
Over in South Africa, well-rounded luxury experiences from wine tastings, gourmet dining and art experiences to whale watching, hiking and private game drives can be had at great value due to favourable exchange rates and a robust infrastructure.
Like Hui, Ho's tips for luxury travellers seeking better value include being open to travelling slightly off-peak. 'For Europe, June and early September offer similar weather to peak July to August, but usually with lower rates and fewer crowds,' she explains. 'For Africa, consider travelling just before or after the Great Migration in Kenya or Tanzania (late June or early September), when prices tend to be more favourable and wildlife sightings should still be excellent.'
Travellers can also choose longer stays in fewer places as properties may offer stay/pay promotions – such as four nights for the price of three. This also allows you to travel deeper in a destination while reducing transit costs.
One should also look for emerging destinations – such as the Dolomites in Italy or Alentejo in Portugal – which are seeing increased interest but have yet to reach the price levels of more established hot spots.
Rwanda is emerging as a must-visit for those seeking rare and meaningful wildlife encounters. It also has luxury eco-lodges, such as the Bistate Lodge. PHOTO: WILDERNESS SAFARIS
Finally, if you've already decided where to go, then book well in advance to lock in rates and secure any additional benefits. 'For popular summer destinations, early booking secures access to in-demand properties, preferred room categories and the best guides,' says Ho. For instance, if Rwanda is on your bucket list, booking in advance (minimally six months) is ideal as there are limited trekking permits released each day.