Travel Guides & Tips

10 Cheapest Flights & Travel Destinations For Singaporeans Who Still Wanna Live, Laugh & Love In This Economy

Cheapest flights & travel destinations from Singapore


Does wanderlust hit you at 3pm on a workday when you’re trying to survive a food coma, or on a random Sunday night lying in bed, dreading Monday? Same. That urge to pack a bag and just get outta here is painfully real. Too bad our wallets sometimes don’t get the memo.

But there’s still light at the end of the tunnel. After analysing data from thousands of routes and millions of fares, travel search engine Skyscanner has crowned the 10 cheapest flights and travel destinations from Singapore in 2026. Trust us, you can still live, laugh, and love without eating grass for the rest of the month.


What are the cheapest travel destinations from Singapore in 2026?


Take note that the ranking is based on economy return flights booked on Skyscanner between 1st January to 31st October 2025 for travel throughout 1st January to 31st December 2026.


1. Phuket, Thailand


From $236



Racha Island in Phuket. 

Economy return flights to Phuket start from $236, and honestly, that’s just the beginning of your wallet-friendly holiday. There are affordable hotels in Phuket for you to have a proper beach vacation, even on a budget.

And since you’ve already saved on flights and stays, treat yourself to a relaxing beach club outing. You deserve it.


2. Manila, Philippines


From $240



Image credit: Eatbook

Visiting the capital of the Philippines doesn’t have to make your wallet weep. Flights to Manila start from $240, leaving plenty of cash for food and fun.

Speaking of which, hit up the OG Cafe Mary Grace outlets and try their famous ensaymada and cheese rolls at a fraction of what you’d pay back home at the Mary Grace Singapore outlet. After filling your tummy, wander through historical parks and admire colonial-era churches without spending a fortune.


3. Denpasar, Indonesia


From $247


Flights to Bali’s capital, Denpasar, start from $247 – cheap enough to make your sun, sand, and sea dreams happen without feeling guilty. Our quick 3D2N Bali itinerary has all the must-dos to make the most of your trip.

And if you’re heading there with friends, check out Coco Bay Bali – an 8-bedroom villa with 4 swimming pools that sleeps up to 16. That works out to around $265 per person for 2 nights, depending on season and demand, of course.

Hostels in Bali are also plentiful and affordable, if you’d rather spend your cash on cocktails and sunsets than a room.


4. Phu Quoc, Vietnam


From $324


Image credit: @flyasiana via Instagram 

Phu Quoc is all about white-sand beaches, mountain views, and hiking trails – similar to Bali, but with fewer crowds. Flights start from $324, and once you’re there, check out our list of things to do in Phu Quoc to fill your itinerary.

Experience local life by shopping for fresh seafood at Ham Ninh Fishing Village, or let your inner kid run wild at VinWonders Phu Quoc – Vietnam’s biggest theme park.


5. Kuching, Malaysia


From $349


Image adapted from: Cocoon Resort Kuching & Kimme Kim via Google Maps

Just because your bank account isn’t overflowing doesn’t mean you have to be a basic Singaporean and head to JB again for your next weekend getaway. Kuching is calling, with flights just 1.5 hours away and priced starting from $349.

There’s a wide range of things to do in Kuching – from visiting Bako National Park, where you’ll spot monkeys, to chowing down on Sarawak laksa at Golden Arch Cafe. We’ve also done the legwork for you with this list of affordable hotels and resorts in Kuching, starting from just $22/night.


6. Taipei, Taiwan


From $408



Fuhang Soy Milk.
Image credit: @shinji_ak_ll29 via Instagram

Taipei is already a popular destination among Singaporeans, and with flights starting from $408, it’s practically screaming at you to book a trip there. A 4D3N Taipei itinerary is great for a short but fulfilling trip, and we have a roundup of the best things to do in Taipei to keep you entertained. Or plan a day trip to Jiufen if you have a bit more cash to spare.

Accommodation doesn’t have to break the bank either – there are aesthetic hotels in Taipei under $125/night, so there’s no need to rough it out.


7. Xiamen, China


From $437



South Putuo Temple.
Image credit: Kenzo* via Google Maps

You might be surprised to see Xiamen on this list – it’s not exactly a classic Singaporean bucket list pick, but this lesser-known port city on China’s southeast coast has loads to do and see.

Flights start from $437, bringing you to a city filled with unique attractions, such as the vehicle-free Gulangyu Island, where Chinese and Western architecture collide. There’s also South Putuo Temple, a Buddhist temple dating back to the Tang dynasty.


8. Chongqing, China


From $474



Hongya Cave (left) and Ding Laotou BBQ (right).
Image adapted from: @瓶仔快起床 & @yvonne c via RED

Chongqing is the cyberpunk city that has gone viral on social media in recent years, and flights there start from $474.

Add Raffles City Chongqing, the mall that looks like Marina Bay Sands, to your itinerary. For the best things to do in Chongqing, don’t miss Hongya Cave and Kuixinglou Square, both of which you’ve probably already seen all over Instagram.


9. Perth, Australia


From $503



Kings Park and Botanic Garden.
Image credit: @chrisharban via Instagram 

Flights from Singapore to Perth take about 5 hours, and with tickets priced from $503, that sounds like a steal for a proper getaway. Our 3D2N Perth itinerary will show you how to make the most of the city, even if you only have time and money for a short trip.

There are also lots of adventurous activities in Perth – walk the Kalbarri Skywalk, perched 100m above the Murchison River Gorge, or go down a 400m zipline at Matagarup Zip+Climb.


10. Harbin, China


From $517


Before you start complaining about Singapore’s eternal humidity, book a flight to Harbin for a winter escape. Flights start from $517, and nope, it’s not just snow-covered slopes there. You’ll also get to explore giant snow sculptures and visit the Harbin Grand Theatre Opera House, known for its futuristic architecture.

Pro tip: Grab 1 or 2 thick coats from winter apparel shops in Singapore, then stock up on more winter gear when you’re in Harbin for way cheaper. A popular option is the Yibin Home Clothing Market.


When’s the cheapest day to fly?


Now that we’ve covered the cheapest destinations, you’re probably thinking: OK, but when do I book my flight for the lowest fares?

It really depends on the airline, the season, and your chosen destination. But here’s a quick hack from Skyscanner: Sundays are usually the cheapest day to fly.


Is it cheaper to book flights early or at the last minute?


If you’ve been hoping for a last-minute miracle fare, sorry to break it to you – it rarely happens. According to Trip.com, airlines release cheaper seats first to lure early bookers, and once those fill up, prices climb as demand increases.

Seasoned travellers usually purchase tickets for international flights 2 to 6 months in advance, and even earlier for peak season travel, such as during Chinese New Year and Christmas.


What are some hidden costs to watch out for when travelling?


Finding cheap flights is just the start – your wallet can still take a hit if you’re not careful. For instance, budget airlines mostly require add-ons for baggage, seat selection, and meals. Overweight baggage fees are extra costs too.

Then there’s currency exchange – most credit cards will charge a foreign transaction fee. Don’t forget accommodation taxes and departure fees either – ICYMI, Japan recently introduced new tourist taxes in 2026.

While a cheap flight is great, this is your reminder to look out for the extras or your “budget trip” might turn into a mid-range splurge.


How to save money when planning your travels?


Set flight alerts & keep an eye out for promos



Screenshot from: Skyscanner

Booking flight tickets can feel like fighting for concert tickets – blink and the good deals are gone. So your best bet is to set price alerts on platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights to know the moment prices drop.

If you’re not fixated on a specific destination, Skyscanner’s Cheapest Destination Planner is a handy tool to see where you can fly for less each month. The prices shown are based on median fares, subject to taxes and fees, for economy return flights.


Be flexible with your dates & destination


Flight prices can fluctuate depending on when you travel. For example, flying on a Sunday may offer cheaper fares, so a small tweak to your dates could mean big savings. Be open to different travel dates or even destinations, and you’ll almost always be able to snag a better deal.


Use the right cards & rewards


You may or may not already know this, but cashback or credit cards to earn airline miles go a long way in helping you offset your flight or hotel costs. Some cards even offer travel perks, such as free insurance and lounge access.

Having a credit card doesn’t automatically mean debt, as long as you’re spending within your means and paying it off on time.


Compare accommodation across platforms


When booking accommodations, don’t just settle on the first option you see – check multiple sites and look out for discounts or member deals instead. Sometimes, the hotel’s official website even offers better rates than booking platforms.


Watch exchange rates before your trip


Monitor the rates at money changers in Singapore and change your cash when they’re favourable. As much as possible, avoid last-minute exchanges at the airport, where the rates are usually… not it.

Alternatively, go cashless with a travel e-wallet like YouTrip, which allows you to lock in exchange rates on the app. There’s also a rate update function, alerting you via push notifications when rates are at their best.


Add these cheap travel destinations from Singapore to your travel list

Pair one of these cheap travel destinations from Singapore with our guide to stretching the 2026 public holidays, and you’ll get to enjoy a well-deserved break, without having to worry about your bank account balance.

More budget travel guides:


Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local, @shinji_ak_ll29 & @flyasiana via Instagram

Wei Yin

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