Image adapted from: @santoriniheritage and @kelly.beens
With the Year of the Rat soon dawning upon us, we’ve taken a quick look at 2020’s forecast – travel is certainly in everyone’s cards. Lady luck might be beaming down on some zodiac signs more than others, but whatever this year’s forecast is, we’re all psyched to pack our bags and hit the road.
From hitting up Boracay’s beaches to Tokyo’s nightlife scene, here are 12 last-minute getaways from Singapore based on your Chinese zodiac sign:
Birth year: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Travel style: Sociable but frugal. You’ll be looking for impromptu trips and will thoroughly enjoy a new destination you’ve never visited before.
This is your year but with unexpected changes in your career and relationships, you don’t exactly have lady luck beaming down on you. With no thanks to the tai sui star, you might face roadblocks but can keep upbeat by travelling to the sunny coasts of Phuket, Thailand.
Image credit: @villa_sonataphuket
But once you’re all partied out, all you need is a beach villa to lounge in. When in Thailand, even the most prime beachfront properties are reasonably priced – this speaks to your bargain hunter side. Take Villa Sonata Phuket: each villa comes with its own private pool and luxury finishings like a King bed, deep-soaking tub, and rainfall shower.
Accomodation idea: Villa Sonata Phuket (from $178/person)
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Image credit: @4seasonsmansion
Birth year: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Travel style: Planner, will have detailed itineraries. It’s not easy for you to leave your comfort zone but you enjoy all things luxurious.
While you’re not exactly the type to leave everyday comfort, you’ll thoroughly enjoy a trip to a luxury island: Santorini, Greece, where the views are spectacular and the waters are a clear crystal blue. Your forecast speaks of an utterly amazing year, when romance gets extra emphasis.
Image credit: @4seasonsmansion
To make the most of a romantic trip, head to a hilltop apartment like Four Seasons Mansion for unparalleled views – the entire ocean’s laid out in front of you. There’s plenty to do in Santorini too, where you can stroll through the scenic grounds of whitewashed walls and cobblestoned alleyways.
Accomodation idea: Four Seasons Mansion (from $129/person)
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Image credit: @visitbishkek
Birth year: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Travel style: Enjoys visiting destinations off the beaten path but needs a good mix between city life and outdoor scenery. Not a planner and can figure things as you go along.
While other Singaporeans are partying it up in Bali or cafe-hopping in Melbourne, you’re one to holiday in a lesser-visited city – after all, as a Tiger, you’re more keen on visiting atypical destinations. And with that in mind, you’ll be wanting a holiday destination that’s equally edgy as it is safe.
That’s when Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan comes into play. Not many spend their holidays in Central Asia but it’s their loss – Bishkek strikes the perfect balance between sweeping country views and CBD hustle. Take the chance to live like a local in one of their many Airbnbs, like this downtown apartment.
Accomodation idea: Airbnb in downtown Bishkek (from $40/night)
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Image credit: @mytravels_100
Birth year: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Travel style: Your artsy side will enjoy a cultural destination – not necessarily one filled with art museums but a place with a rich history. Kudos if there’s good food and fashion too.
Italy’s renowned for its rich culture, but Florence more so than any other cities. And since this year’s prediction isn’t looking great, in terms of personal and work-related matters, unwind by holidaying in Italy’s art capital.
Image credit: Booking.com
When walking through the cobblestone alleyways, there’ll be age-old buildings and street artists around every corner. Stay in a boutique hotel – like most other flats near the Santa Maria Novella, the building has an old-charm but is decked out with modern facilities like a full-fledged kitchen and coffee machine.
Accomodation idea: Ognissanti 67 (from $170/night)
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Birth year: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Travel style: Likes adventure and is a constant thrillseeker. Your itinerary is likely to be jam-packed with fun activities – you won’t be bumming around the hotel, that’s for sure.
Not too far from Singapore, Boracay is the one beachside destination that’ll get your heart racing. Dragons, you’re in luck: 2020’s said to be an excellent year with lucky stars in your career and romance sectors. This island’s got an endless list of outdoor activities and you can celebrate by trying it all – everything from cliff diving to horizontal ziplining.
Image credit: @hennanregencyboracay
The exchange rate is on your side so you can afford to go all out with a 5-star hotel. It’s right along the beachfront but they’ve also got 3 massive pools for you to soak in – perhaps a little extra, but we’re certainly not complaining.
Accomodation idea: Hennan Regency Resort & Spa (from $188/night)
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Birth year: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Travel style: Enjoys intellectual pursuits while also genuinely interested in the destination. Has a taste for the finer things in life and will opt for upscale accommodation.
All born in the Year of the Snake will turn up their noses at bunk beds and shared bathrooms – it’s hard to stay in a hostel once you’ve gotten a taste of luxury. And with posh hotels and the world’s tallest building, there’s nowhere more suitable than Dubai for your next holiday.
Image credit: @firelake_dubai
While you’re inclined to splurge on things that make you happy, they’ve got plenty of grand hotels that won’t break the bank. This classy waterfront hotel is an easy 20-minute walk to the downtown area, where you can find the Dubai Mall and fountains – some of the rooms even of a stunning view of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Accomodation idea: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront (from $141/night)
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*Cashback promotions exclude Japan.
Image credit: @confucius.notes
Birth year: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Travel style: Not one to solo travel, you’re happiest when surrounded with friends and family. Modern cities and beach resorts are what you’ve got on your radar but honestly, you’re happy anywhere as long as your travel itinerary is filled to the brim.
Chinese zodiac gurus might insist that 2020 isn’t your year, but you can still have fun in Shanghai. There’s something about modern, bustling cities that speak to you – and in Shanghai, it’s no different but with winding laneways and neighbourhood xiao long bao stalls for added charm.
Image credit: The Waterhouse at South Bund
Since you’re likely to be travelling in a large group or with your extended family, look for a convenient hotel where it’s easy to meet each other whether it’s for brunch buffets or late-night suppers. This boutique hotel gives you privacy while also having ample spacious rooms to cram in everyone you know.
Accomodation idea: The Waterhouse at South Bund (from $251/night)
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*Cashback promotions exclude Japan.
Image credit: @hannahconnie
Birth year: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Travel style: You’re quite easygoing and will generally enjoy wherever you’re at – whether it’s for a solo trip or a massive group tour. But one thing’s key: you’ll need a destination that’s not overtly touristy while also a place that’s rich in culture and history.
You’ve got lucky stars in all aspects this year, crossing into your career, wealth, and romantic life. Take it as a chance to go to Jaipur, India. While Jaipur might not instantly be a destination you’d consider, it’s one that you’ll hold on to as a memorable holiday – pink palaces, historic forts, and a ton of street food are waiting.
Image credit: @somaaniyaa
Since the whole city’s filled with stunning architectural buildings and intricate mosaic tiles, you don’t expect anything less from your hotel. This heritage hotel might cost a pretty penny, but is entirely worth it for its old-world charm.
Accomodation idea: Umaid Mahal (from $583/night)
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Image credit: @rebecca.schoechlin
Birth year: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Travel style: Curious and will seek new experiences. Often gravitates towards the unknown and will thoroughly enjoy the “behind-the-scene” bits of many tourist attractions.
It’s a city like Tokyo where you can do whatever you like. From fancy omakase dinners to cosplaying conventions, it’s got a good mix of touristy things to do but also plenty of hidden nooks and crannies to explore. 2020 proves to be a decent year but you’ll still need to avoid all negative folks and take a break from the ongoing politics at work – a holiday to Tokyo will give you just that.
Image credit: @lanylabooks
Tokyo’s not exactly known to have ample space, so instead, enjoy your holiday by spending your nights in a themed capsule hotel instead. This book-themed capsule hotel has a variety of dorms: mixed gender, single shared, or even single rooms for those seeking some private time.
Accomodation idea: Book & Bed Tokyo Shinjuku (from $111/night)
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Image credit: @paul.agoncillo
Birth year: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Travel style: No matter where you are, you’re likely to be in the centre of attention. You’re looking for fun and that’s exactly what you’ll get, whether it’s traipsing through a rainforest jungle or shopping in a designer outlet mall.
It’s not an easy weekend trip for sure, but San Francisco has everything you’ll need for a relaxing holiday. It’s entirely hakuna-matata, with a worry-free year ahead. Since San Francisco’s known for their sunny blue skies all year round, what better way to enjoy your holiday than with a cocktail at one of their many rooftop bars?
Image credit: @hoteltritonsf
There’s a selection of classy hotels in downtown San Fran, but we’re eyeing this particular hotel for its stylish furnishings and convenient location – it’s near one of the world’s largest Chinatown.
Hotel recommendation: Hotel Triton (from $165/night)
Get 9% Triple Cashback from Hotels.com via ShopBack from 15th-17th January 2020 and 21st-23rd January 2020.
Birth year: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Travel style: Since you’re more people-oriented, you’ll place a heavier emphasis on the company you’re travelling with rather than the destination itself. Even better if your chosen destination is filled with unique experiences – to create memories that y’all can bond over.
Nothing too wild for you, but a trip down under will leave a lasting impression. While many shrug off Melbourne and Sydney, thinking been there, done that, other cities like Gold Coast have plenty of new experiences. From theme parks to water sports, it’s a haven for those who are looking for an action-packed trip.
Image credit: @peterhaywood3452
For accomodation, consider Sea World Resort & Water Park – while it certainly provides a comfy bed, it also doubles up as a water theme park.
Accomodation idea: Sea World Resort & Water Park (from $159/night)
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*Cashback promotions exclude Japan.
Image credit: @kelly.beens
Birth year: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Travel style: Flashy trips aren’t your style at all. You’d much rather be volunteering in Cambodia than partying it up in Las Vegas. Look for something that you find fulfilling and voila, your next travel destination is done and sorted.
To be honest, 2020 isn’t exactly a standout year for you but you’ll still be taking every opportunity to make meaningful breakthroughs. And that’s what you can do in your own free time too with a trip to Johannesburg.
Image credit: @sleepinafrica
This is especially apt for those with a passion for wildlife animals, since they’ve got plenty of volunteering programmes to help orphaned and injured wildlife. When here, stay at a local guesthouse – besides sweeping mountain views, it’s on the outskirts of the city so you’ll also get the true South African experience.
Accomodation idea: Pablo House (from $134/night)
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We might already be prepping our reunion dinners and drawing crisp $2 notes from the bank, but it’s not too late to book a last-minute getaway. Since there’s a long weekend to look forward to every Chinese New Year, make the most of this year’s with a memorable holiday overseas.
Image adapted from: ShopBack
Whether you’re a Pig who’s keen on exploring Johannesburg or a Dragon looking to lounge beachside in Boracay, you can score upsized cashback with ShopBack’s CNY travel deals. From travel platforms like Accorhotels to Expedia, you can score up to 13% Epic Cashback if you book your travel accom through ShopBack.
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*Min. spend of $100.
Image adapted from: ShopBack
For a useful lifehack, install the ShopBack built-in browser button – simply login to your ShopBack account and shop as you would normally, and it helps find and apply the best promo codes within seconds. It doesn’t only include travel deals but also fashion and lifestyle promotions from sites like Qoo10, Taobao, iHerb, and ASOS. Find out more here.
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Image adapted from: ShopBack
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Starting from now to 2 Feb 2020, make the most of ShopBack’s Chinese New Year cashback deals. It’s not only travel deals – you can also score dining, fashion & beauty, and lifestyle promos!
This post was brought to you by ShopBack.
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