Travel can still happen on a budget before the year is out and we’re here to show you how — from flights to the latest restrictions, keep this article handy if you’re planning your next getaway.
Now that travel has become a norm once again, we took it upon ourselves to uncover which countries are the cheapest to fly to — especially for those planning to stack leaves with long weekends. If you’re curious about the top 10 most affordable weekend getaway destinations available for you to visit, and the latest restrictions you’ll need to take note of, this guide’s for you!
💜 Stay Up To Date:
#1: Singapore Vaccinated Travel Framework Updates: What You Need to Know
#2: Ultimate Guide to Singapore Vaccinated Travel Framework
Affordable Weekend Getaway Destinations: Best Flight Costs
Disclaimer: We’ll be using a span of one week in the month of December to gauge the cheapest cost of roundtrip flights from Singapore. Each city is chosen based on its flight cost compared to the other cities open for travel within each country. Do note that these prices are true as of 2 Dec 2021.
| City | Cheapest Flight Cost | |
| Australia | Melbourne | S$684 |
| Canada | Vancouver | S$2,309 |
| Cambodia | Phnom Penh | S$436 |
| Denmark | Copenhagen | S$1,269 |
| Finland | Helsinki | S$950 |
| France | Paris | S$1,457 |
| Germany | Berlin | S$908 |
| India | Mumbai | S$420 |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | S$177 |
| Italy | Milan | S$1,464 |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | S$92 |
| Maldives | Male | S$786 |
| The Netherlands | Amsterdam | S$813 |
| South Korea | Seoul | S$653 |
| Spain | Barcelona | S$934 |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo | S$790 |
| Sweden | Stockholm | – |
| Switzerland | Zurich | S$999 |
| Thailand | Bangkok | S$177 |
| The United Kingdom | London | S$1,063 |
| The United States | Los Angeles | S$1,819 |
| Turkey | Istanbul | S$1,018 |
Affordable Weekend Getaway Destinations
1. Melbourne, Australia
if you’re interested in craft beer breweries, wine and gin tastings, and road trips past mountains and oceans, then make sure to check our guide where we did a comprehensive cost walkthrough on Melbourne for the budget, moderate, or luxury traveller. While home to world-class cafe culture, Melbourne has more to offer than just a cuppa joe. There are a ton of parks and free walking tours to check out that won’t cost you anything but your time.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans:
✅ Apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
✅ Complete the Digital Passenger Declaration
✅ Have proof of vaccination on hand
👉🏻 The certificate must meet these requirements
Average Temperature: 23°C
2. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Beautiful chaos — that’s what Phnom Penh is. From the moment you land, be prepared for pungent scents, loud traffic, and brightly-coloured everything. Having survived war and revolution, Phnom Penh is steeped in history. However, apart from museums and grim historic sites, the next generation of Phnom Penh has transformed Cambodia’s capital into a buzzy city of cafes, bars and delicious food.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans: No entry requirements! However, travel insurance from Forte Insurance recommended
Average Temperature: 28°C
3. Mumbai, India
Also known as Bombay, Mumbai is extreme in every way. Home to both the glamorous Bollywood and some of Asia’s biggest slums, Mumbai is a destination not for the faint of heart. However, if you can bear the hustle and grit of the city then you’ll be treated to amazing food, iconic architecture and an up-and-coming underground scene.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans:
✅ On-arrival randomised PCR testing
✅ Visitors to monitor health for 14 days after
Average Temperature: 23°C
4. Jakarta, Indonesia
The first thing that you’ll notice here would be the traffic — and that’s only because of the two hours you’ll spend in it, to and from the airport. However, get past the thick smog and chaotic traffic and you’ll uncover a fantastic coffee scene, rooftop bars, and unpretentious street food.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans:
✅ Pre-departure PCR test (within 48 hours)
✅ Download the PeduliLindungi contact tracing app and complete the e-HAC (Health Alert Card) via the app
✅ Verify your vaccination certificate.
✅ Mandatory travel insurance of $US25,000 COVID-19 coverage
🚨 Those who have had a positive COVID-19 test taken a maximum of 30 days before departure to Indonesia are exempt from the pre-departure PCR test requirement
👉🏻 However, you need to complete an on-arrival PCR test and carry a doctor’s certificate or COVID-19 recovery certificate
Average Temperature: 34°C
5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If hidden cocktail bars, roadside eats, and bustling cityscapes, is your thing, then you can’t miss out on our Kuala Lumpur guide that provided an in-depth cost walkthrough for the budget, moderate, or luxury traveller. Yet, still, the best thing about our neighbouring city is that whenever you’re sick of city life, nature is just a 45-minute ride away.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans:
✅ Download MySejahtera app
👉🏻 Complete the pre-departure form under the “traveller” tab
👉🏻 You will be issued a “Digital Traveller’s Card”, reflected on the app
✅ Verify your digital COVID-19 vaccine certificate here
Average Temperature: 29°C
6. Male, Maldives
Yes yes, Maldives is synonymous with luxury — but did you know that there are over 100 islands to choose from, and not all of them have five-star beach resorts? For example, a favourite of mine would be Maafushi island. There are guesthouses and hostels there that provide the option for half room-and-board, leaving you time and space to plan your own adventure out to sea.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans: No entry requirements!
Average Temperature: 29°C
7. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Amsterdam’s the place to be. Like something out of a fairy tale, think mirror-like canals lining cobbled pathways sandwiched between the water and short earth-toned buildings. Then, of course, there’s the bicycles, the bustling design scene, world-class art museums and the gezellig way of life.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans:
✅ Complete health declaration form before departure from Singapore
Average Temperature: 3°C
8. Seoul, South Korea
Fondly known as the Land of the Morning Calm by locals and foreigners alike, South Korea is blessed with idyllic and picturesque landscapes that would make a fine escape for any deprived vacationer. But more importantly (for us city folk anyways), a bustling urban scene with the best restaurants and entertainment options is always just a train or car ride away.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans:
✅ Pre-departure PCR test (within 48 hours)
👉🏻 A printed hardcopy of the results is required
✅ Make sure that you have your vaccination certificate with QR code obtained from Notarise
✅ Proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 30M KRW
✅ Install Self-Check Mobile App and report daily health status for 14 days or duration of stay, whichever is shorter
✅ Apply for K-ETA
✅ On-arrival PCR test (pre-booking required)
✅ Day 6 or 7: self-administered ART (for those staying more than 8 days)
Average Temperature: 5°C
9. Colombo, Sri Lanka
While not the most obvious of VTL destinations, Sri Lanka is a place you should not sleep on. Apart from being home to some of the best surfing and diving spots in the world, Sri Lanka has its roots in colonialism and it shows in the ornate architecture speckled around town. As such, expect parks, museums, great tea, and diverse local food.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans:
✅ Apply for a visa
Average Temperature: 29°C
10. Bangkok, Thailand
The food — that’s a good enough reason for you to book your tickets to Bangkok right now. Yet, there is much more than the Land of Smiles has to offer. There’s the thriving craft beer scene, bustling night markets, opulent temples and majestic palaces. It’s a place that truly has something for everyone.
Current Restrictions for Singaporeans:
🎉 No on-arrival tests for vaccinated visitors to Thailand are required!
👉🏻 Minimum travel insurance requirements will also be reduced from US$20,000 to US$10,000
👉🏻 Apply for the Thailand Pass
👉🏻 Have the MorChana App on hand
Average Temperature: 28°C
Live Your Best Life With YouTrip
Now that you’re better acquainted with the best affordable weekend getaway destinations, it’s time to start packing! As always, whenever you make your travel bookings online or spend overseas, be sure to use your YouTrip card to skip out on those pesky bank fees and make full use of our great currency exchange rates!
If you don’t have a YouTrip card yet, use <BLOG5> during your sign-up to enjoy a free S$5 in your account!
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Stay safe, and happy travels!
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