It is no secret that Singaporeans love to travel. Quick weekend getaways, long holidays, Singaporeans love travelling. Singaporeans often make use of public holidays and weekends to go on breaks and if you are planning for a trip right now, here are 5 best places to visit in 2019!

5 Best Places To Visit In 2019

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is the perfect destination for travellers who would like to experience the culture, fun and history of northern Europe. The city is a place full of amazing coffee shops, museums, beaches and shopping areas. While in Amsterdam, you can cycle along the canals which is a common practice in Netherlands. There are also numerous holiday villages and parks for travellers to explore.

The air fare from Singapore to Amsterdam ranges from $900 to $1,582 for both ways, with majority of the flights being transit flights with a stopover. For accommodation, a traveller will have to part with around $340 per night for a stay in any hotel in Amsterdam. The price varies depending on the level of luxury and comfort. If you are looking for a place full of culture and, brick-like architecture and rivers, Amsterdam is the place for you! Almost every area is great for phototaking or for an ootd!

2. Chuncheon, South Korea

Other than the exciting city of Seoul, Chuncheon is also a beautiful place to visit in South Korea. Chuncheon is surrounded by scenic lakes and mountains and is also the film location of the popular Korean drama, Winter Sonata. Tourists often visit Chuncheon to see the filming locations and beautiful nature. One can visit Cheongpyeong-sa Temple, Statue Park or take a short 30-minute boat ride to Nami Island. Nami Island is one of the must visit places by many tourists because of the scenic tree-lined walking paths.

Air fares from Singapore to South Korea range from $620 to $960 for both ways, varying on speed and comfort levels. For accommodation, travellers will have to part with $70 to $256 per night for hotels at Chuncheon or Seoul. Chuncheon is a relaxing place filled with good food and colourful gardens.

3. Bali, Indonesia

For Singaporeans looking for a quick getaway, Bali is probably one of the best places to visit as they offer cheap and good food, amazing sceneries, temples and beaches. Visit Bali’s iconic rice paddies, coral reefs and volcanic mountains. Climb Mount Batur, try the famous Kopi Luwak (cat poo coffee), visit Lovina beach to catch some dolphins, eat delicious street food and pamper yourselves with affordable spas at Bali.

Air fares to Bali costs around $218 to $375 depending on class flight and the travelling period. Peak period prices can get rather high so if one is on a budget, it might be better to travel during off-peak periods. Accommodation in Bali ranges from $120 to $800 per night, from average hotels to villas and castles if you are planning for a high budget, luxurious trip. Bali Indonesia is definitely the place to be for travellers looking for cheap food, beaches, massages and spectacular temples.

4. Barcelona, Spain

If you like beaches, historical buildings and living the night life, Barcelona is the city you should visit. Barcelona has many historical streets and buildings such as the Sagrada Familia Church and beaches where you can relax, have fun and make new friends. Also, Spain is one of the most popular places for honeymoons because of great dining, romantic nightlife and beautiful landscapes. There are so many scenic places to snap photos and videos!

The air fares to Barcelona Spain are slightly higher, ranging from $966 to $2,989 for both ways. Accommodation will be around $75 to $213 per night, depending on location and comfort. Barcelona is the place to be if you are looking for historical buildings, stone colours, colourful walls and friendly people.

5. Kyoto, Japan

Japan is definitely one of the must-visit places for Singaporeans. Travelling to Japan is generally safe and the people there are very friendly and helpful. If one is visiting Japan, they have to visit Kyoto! Take a walk through the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, visit the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) and explore Arashiyama, the breath-taking bamboo grove in Kyoto. Stuff yourselves full with authentic ramen, soba matcha desserts and yakitoris. Even the eggs taste a little different in Japan!

Air fares to and fro Osaka Japan which is near Kyoto costs around $659 to $941 and air fares to and fro Tokyo Japan costs $666 to $963. Accommodation will be around $102 to $326 per night. If you are looking for a place that has never-ending areas to explore and amazingly tasty food, Kyoto Japan should be on your travelling list!

Common Options For Financing Vacations

We’d all like to be able to afford travelling to different locations to relax and have fun. However, not all of us are blessed with large incomes that can cater for both our daily expenses and a vacation. Financing is therefore the next best option for most. If you’re like many Singaporeans who dream of having a vacation but can’t afford to, you may be looking into the following financing options:

1. Credit cards

It’s not uncommon for people to use their credit cards to finance their vacations. You can pay for your accommodation and travel expenses quite easily with a credit card. Some credit cards such as KrisFlyer even allow you to get discounts on your air fare or accommodation or earn miles if you use your credit card points.

While using credit cards can be convenient, it can also be very expensive. The charges on using your credit card internationally add up. You will also be charged interest on the credit and the rates are higher than that of personal loans. The repayment terms are also often quite stringent. This could put a significant strain on your finances when you get back from your holiday.

2. Vacation loans

Vacation loans are a form of personal loans that are tailored to meet specific needs of the traveller. These loans are designed to pay for air fare, rental cars, accommodation and various other expenses you may incur while on vacation.

These loans are unsecured, meaning that no collateral will be required. Most banks and financial institutions offer vacation loans in order to meet the needs of applicants. However, it must be noted there will usually be a longer processing time for banks and that it may be tougher for foreigners to secure loans from banks.

Are Vacation Loans A Great Way To Finance Your Vacation?

Vacation loans aren’t the first thing that most people think of when they are planning a vacation. However, they can help you fulfil your dream of traveling to your dream destination. Many financial institutions today offer these loans with attractive packages to attract clients.

If you’re not sure whether or not a vacation loan is right for you, consider the following factors:

1. You can take your vacation today

The cost of living is high in Singapore and with inflation, it continues to rise in all parts of the globe. This rise in the cost of living also affects your dream destination. As time goes by, the costs of taking that vacation will continue to rise. You are more likely to pay more for your holiday if you put it off to a later date as you continue to save for it.

A vacation loan will allow you to go on a holiday today. You can have a more affordable holiday in the long run and avoid the escalating costs that you would have faced had you postponed the holiday.

2. Better manage your finances

Saving for your holiday by putting some money aside from your income is the method that most people use to get the finances they need to cater for their vacationing expenses. However, unforeseen emergencies often come up and that money that you put aside is used up.

A vacation loan allows you to take out a loan that you can use to pay for your vacation. You can then repay the loan over time. This ensures that you can tick the vacation off your bucket list while you repay your loan.

3. They are an affordable means of financing your vacation

Vacation loans are an easy and affordable way to finance your vacation. The process of getting a loan from a bank can be long and rigid. There is also little chance that you will get a loan just to take a holiday.

Credit card and general personal loans are often quite expensive. They can attract double digit interest rates. However, a vacation loan taken from a reputable lender will give you an easy and affordable way to access the finances you need for your vacation.

Tips When Applying For A Vacation Loan

There are various lenders that offer vacation loans today. While these lenders offer attractive packages, not all packages are right for you. Consider the following factors when applying for a vacation loan.

1. Make a budget

It’s important to know how much you’ll need for your vacation before you set out in search of a vacation loan. Determine where you want to go and what you want to do. How much will it cost to get there? How many people will you be traveling with? What will your accommodation cost? How long do you intend to go on holiday for? What do you plan to do when on holiday?

Make a budget for your holiday. This should include all your expenses for food, transport, shopping and accommodation. You should also add some money for unexpected expenses and emergency situations.

2. Shop around

There are various lenders that offer vacation loans. Be sure to shop around for the best terms for loans. Ensure that the packages you’re considering are offered by registered lenders.

Shortlist lenders that offer loans that meet your needs. You should ensure that you qualify to apply for the loans that these lenders offer. Compare the loans offered by these lenders before deciding on the best one to work with.

3. Only borrow what you need

It can be tempting to borrow the maximum amount or much more than what you need for your vacation, especially if you qualify for a bigger loan. However, you should keep in mind that you will have to repay the loan. You will have an easier time repaying less. You should therefore limit your borrowing to only what you require for your vacation.

You may also want to cut back on your expenses in order to minimize the amount of money you need to borrow for the holiday. Try to meet some of the expense of the holiday on your own.

4. Start applying early

While vacation loans have been made more accessible by lenders, you shouldn’t put off applying for the loan until the last few hours to taking off on your vacation. Start making your application a few months or weeks to your vacation. This will ensure you have the funds to book your flights and accommodation in advance. Being early saves you a lot of money.

5. Read the fine print

This is the tedious but necessary part. Be sure to understand the terms of the loan before you sign on the dotted line. Read the fine print. Contact the lender to find out more if there is something that isn’t clear. You can always negotiate for terms that are better for you. Choose a loan that offers terms that work for you.

Applying For A Vacation Loan With Horison Credit

Choose the places that you would love to travel to and give yourself a good break. Whether it is a short or long holiday, the most important thing is to enjoy yourself! We understand that all of us need a good break once in a while and the cost of a vacation is not exactly very low. With our personalised vacation loans, it is possible for you to travel to the places of your dreams without having to worry about the costs. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our vacation loans today!