Where to travel based on the long weekends we get in 2023

By this point in time, you’re probably constantly looking for ways to get out of the house. The past few years have had everyone feeling a little claustrophobic with all of the travel restrictions, and it’s important that you take the time to make the most out of it. 

This year, with all of the long weekends that are going to be available, is perfect for travelling until your heart's content! The problem is, where should you go?

Luckily for you, whether you’ve only got a 3-day weekend coming up, or even a 5-6 day weekend, there’s plenty to be done, and there are some great ways you can spend that time. 

A big part of travelling is freedom, but we’re only as free as the number of annual leave days we get. Services like Jetpac are set out to return that freedom to you, giving you data for your mobile devices wherever you go, as well as cool perks like travel discounts when you might need ‘em. 

Bintan Island, Indonesia

Somewhere that you can reach in just an hour by ferry, Bintan Island is perfect if you’re in desperate need of an escape.

This Indonesian island resort is great if you’re looking to spend your weekend around your hotel or on beautiful beaches. It’s an incredibly popular tourist destination for a reason, and if you’ve got the chance, it would be worth checking out for yourself.

One of the major appeals to this destination is the wildlife, as it’s a popular location to spot sea turtles - in which you might see up to six different species while you’re there.

If wildlife isn’t what you’re looking to see, but a relaxing getaway, there’s plenty to do outside of your hotel and lying on beaches. Spas, watersports, adventures, shopping, and more. If you want to get a better look at the place while you’re there, there’s also a seaplane ride you can take around the island - giving you the perfect view!

Great for: 2-3 days

Phuket, Thailand

If you’re looking to make the most of your long weekend, one of the more beautiful places you should consider visiting is Phuket. Just a 2-hour flight from Singapore, you could be spending your entire weekend relaxing on pristine beaches and taking in the view.

It really is one of the better destinations and travel ideas for long weekends, and if you need a moment to get away from the busy everyday life that you live - why not spend it somewhere calm and tranquil like Phuket?

Great for: 3-5 days

Melaka, Malaysia

If you’re only looking to make a short journey, then heading to Melaka in Malaysia might be worth your while. Melaka is a beautiful beach city with unique charms such as the A’Famosa fort, and St. Paul’s Church.

However, the city is more than just those famous attractions, the rest of the city itself holds a lot of interest. It’s somewhere you could spend your weekend exploring and wandering while relaxing. Sit by the river and get lunch, and visit some of the temples and bars. As you’re going on the weekend, you might even get to catch the weekend night market!

Of course, as you would expect from any city, there are plenty of places to stay, eat, and keep yourself entertained. It’s a nice trip away from home, and if you like sightseeing, this is a great destination to spend your long weekend.

Great for: 2-3 days

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

It’s always great to get the opportunity to visit culturally important sites, and in Johor Bahru, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple.

It’s not often you get to see something so unique and beautiful, and it’s an absolute must if architecture is something you can appreciate. Of course, there are plenty of other things to do nearby, and plenty of accommodation - but this is an absolute must. You can visit the temple, and witness the beauty of both the interior and exterior.

If you’re visiting with family, it’s also a great location to visit some of the theme parks that are available. While visiting culturally important areas might not be as entertaining for kids, it’s always great to have other activities lined up to make sure everyone enjoys their trip.

Great for: 1-2 days

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Again, getting the most out of your journey means experiencing new cultures and appreciating how things are done elsewhere. In Siem Reap, there’s of course, the famous Angkor Wat - which has tourists coming from all over the world to visit.

It’s something that everyone should get the opportunity to visit at least once in their lives, and if you’ve got a long weekend coming up, why not now? It’s not just home to Angkor Wat, as there are plenty of other temples and cultural sites for you to admire. While you’re there, why not try out all of the different foods and nightlife to really involve yourself in the culture?

The journey itself would take you the better part of two days if you were planning to drive, but if you’re happy to take a flight there, you can make that journey in just under 3 hours! It’s quite far, but if you’ve got a long weekend coming up, it’s a wonderful destination.

Great for: 3-5 days

Bali, Indonesia

Indonesia has plenty of popular destinations for Singaporeans, which makes it overall a great place to visit, even if you’ve got just a short amount of time.

You can make it to Bali from Singapore in the better part of 3 hours by plane, and there are plenty of great locations for you to visit alone, with friends, or with loved ones.

It’s the home of luxury escapes, whether you’re looking for some peace on your long weekend or a romantic destination to spend with your partner. The cultural structures, the mountains, the long beaches, it’s all a lot to take in, and if you’ve got the time to get there, this is a location you should absolutely visit.

Great for: 3-5 days

Sentosa Island, Singapore

Somewhere a bit closer to home, you can take the monorail to reach it - so it’s perfect even if you’ve got just a short weekend. However, once you’re on the island, you won’t want to leave for at least a few days. The family hotels make it a great spot to take your loved ones with you, and there’s plenty to do while you’re there.

If you’re travelling with family, there’s also the Universal Studios Singapore theme park, which would make for a great place to spend one of your days. There are also a number of other amusement parks to visit, and even a water park - overall a great destination to take your kids if you’re looking for somewhere

Outside of that, there are plenty of places to take pictures with your family, shop around, or do other tourist things that you wouldn’t usually get to enjoy while spending time at home or off of work!

Great for: 1-2 days

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Something a little different can make for a great location, and Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur might not sound like your idea of a relaxing escape. You’re not leaving a busy life behind, but you’re getting the opportunity to explore Malaysia’s capital, with an almost overwhelming amount of things you could spend your time on.

If you ever wanted the opportunity to try out Malaysia’s culture for yourself, this is the place to do it, and not everyone gets to experience big-city living as part of their everyday lives.

There are plenty of tours you can get around the city, and even plenty of views you can get up high to get a good look around. If that’s what you’re interested in, you can reach it in just an hour by plane!

Great for: 3-5 days

Yogyakarta, Indonesia

There’s nothing quite like exploring ancient cities, and Yogyakarta is the perfect location for it. Located on the Indonesian island of Java, which is just a few hours away by plane, you could be exploring a wonderful historic site. Art and history are some of the main focuses at this destination, and it’s an incredibly fascinating destination if you love to learn about other cultures and histories.

Great for: 3-5 days

Can’t get rid of that travel bug? Go tell your boss you’re due for a break, download Jetpac after you’ve booked the flight, and count down to your next vacay, bestie.