Singaporeans’ travel plans in 2025
Singaporeans love to travel – there’s no shame in squeezing out every long weekend or PH for a getaway. But here’s the thing: our destination choices often reveal more about us than we would like to admit. So, all in good fun, here’s what your 2025 travel plans really say about you – with love, of course.
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1. Japan
You want to see the world. Just kidding.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo.
Image credit: @victoria.gk97 via Instagram
You and your partner promised to explore new places this year, but here you are, booking flights to Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto for the nth time. Honestly – no judgement.
The konbini snacks, streets that look like they are straight out of a slice-of-life anime, and the dopamine rush of buying a ¥500 gachapon are all addictive. And every time you visit, there’s something fun to do – like this hotel in Japan connected to a cat cafe and free-flow omakase aboard a luxury cruise. Just admit it: you’ll be back again in 2026.
2. Thailand
Your blood is 80% Thai milk tea at this point.
Hokkaido Flower Park Khaoyai.
Image credit: Wei Yin
You have a 3-day itinerary packed with massages, shopping, and Thai milk tea. Somehow, your suitcase always weighs 10kg more on the way back. Maybe you try to switch things up by taking a day trip to Khao Yai, but you know you’re still going to Chatuchak, all the best malls in BKK, and your favourite massage place. Just don’t act surprised when your friends say they are also going to Bangkok this weekend.
3. USA
You probably got a fat 13th-month bonus. Good for you.
Image credit: @一只爱旅行的梨
via RED
These trips aren’t cheap – you’re either visiting Disneyland Park, catching Broadway shows, or splurging on a Walmart shopping spree. We love to see that, but the long-haul flight and SGD-to-USD conversion might have you second-guessing your choices. That said, if you’re making the trip, you might as well go all out and enjoy every moment.
4. China
You think you’re different because you’re going to Yunnan or Chongqing.
Lijiang in the Yunnan province.
Image credit: @阿木流浪星球 via RED
You like to think you’re ahead of the trend by skipping Beijing and Shanghai, but the joke’s on you – Singaporeans have caught on. Thanks to TikTok and Xiaohongshu, everyone and their mother now knows about China’s stunning landscapes and bustling food scenes. Luckily, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Yunnan’s breathtaking scenery, Chongqing’s Hongya Cave, and Chengdu’s lazy pandas are all worth the hype.
5. Hong Kong
95% for the dim sum, 5% for the sightseeing to justify the trip.
One Dim Sum in Hong Kong.
Image credit: MJ Lim via Google Maps
The truth is – you don’t fly to Hong Kong just to admire skyline views (which we already have in Singapore) or ride a ding ding. You’re here to feast on some of the best dim sum. Your itinerary is basically one long food crawl, with pit stops at Michelin-starred hole-in-the-walls and cha chaan tengs.
You might squeeze in a quick visit to Hongkong Disneyland, Victoria Peak or snap some hypebeast shots at Sai Ying Pun for the ‘Gram, but we all know the real priority: making sure no meal slot goes to waste.
6. South Korea
You say it’s for the culture, but your luggage says otherwise.
Han River in Seoul.
Image credit: @__joojoo1227 via Instagram
Whether it’s your first time or your 10th, Korea never disappoints. You’ll spend your days cafe-hopping, visiting the Everland theme park for its Sanrio collab, and pretending you’re in a K-drama while walking along the Han River. From the endless stairs to the high-speed lifestyle, you’ll probably need another holiday just to recover. Still, the nightlife, skincare shopping, and energy of the country make it worth the struggle.
7. Vietnam
Here to feel & live like a baller.
Golden Bridge in Da Nang.
Image credit: D Z via Google Maps
Sure, exploring ancient towns or looking for the best things to do in Da Nang while enjoying the cooler weather is fun. But the true highlight is stuffing yourself silly with banh mi, pho, and Vietnamese coffee for less than what you would pay for cai png back home. You’re the type to appreciate a good value-for-money destination, and Vietnam is exactly that. Don’t forget that Vietnam is no longer a well-kept secret anymore, so chop chop and book your trip.
8. Indonesia
You say you’re exploring beyond Bali, but ended up in Bali anyway.
Mari Beach Club in Bali.
Image credit: @maribeachclubbali via Instagram
Indonesia is your go-to because it checks all the boxes: affordable flights, great food, and endless options for all kinds of travellers.
While planning your itinerary, you tell yourself this trip is different – maybe you’ll head to Komodo Island for a change of scenery. But at some point, Bali will find its way into your plan. Not that you’re complaining – because between the beach clubs, cheap massages, and nasi campur, you know there’s no such thing as too many Bali trips.
9. Taiwan
You miss old-school Bugis Street.
Jiufen in the east of Taipei.
Image credit: @anna__chua via Instagram
You say you’re here for the XXL fried chicken cutlet and oyster mee sua, but deep down, it’s the mix of modern convenience and old-school charm that keeps you coming back.
The night markets in Taiwan remind you of a time when Bugis Street was still a bustling maze of street stalls selling genuinely affordable apparel and food. Bubble tea hits different when it’s from the motherland – even a basic pearl milk tea tastes 10 times better here, and you’ll probably be drinking it at least twice a day.
10. Australia
Wanted to hike something taller than Bukit Timah Hill, but started questioning all your life choices.
Blue Mountains.
Image credit: Klook
This trip is going to be all about nature and adventure – hiking in the Blue Mountains, road-tripping down the Great Ocean Road, and maybe even braving the cold for a sunrise at Uluru. Until you realise the hikes are a lot more intense than you thought. With Australia’s chill vibes, fresh air, and way too many cute quokkas and kangaroos, you start wondering if you should just move here. That is until you see the cost of a cup of kopi and snap back to reality.
11. Switzerland
You dream of a soft life, and this is your moment.
Image credit: Klook
You’ve always imagined yourself sipping hot chocolate in Zermatt, skiing in the Alps, and taking picturesque train rides through the mountains. Switzerland is a luxury trip, but you tell yourself it’s all about experiencing nature. Just don’t think too hard about how much you’re spending on a simple cheese fondue meal. On the bright side, these money-saving tips for travelling in Switzerland might help ease the pain.
12. Maldives
You’re either celebrating something, or just flexing your abundant AL balance.
Image credit: @finolhu_maldives via Instagram
A Maldives trip is either a honeymoon, a bougie retreat, or just you living your best life. Overwater villas, crystal-clear waters, and absurdly perfect sunsets – it’s as close to paradise as you can get. After a few days of lounging around, you’ll probably get restless. Still, if there’s ever a place to completely disconnect and recharge, this is it. It’s pricey, but the serenity makes it worth every cent.
13. New Zealand
You either have a thing for road trips or you just watched Lord of the Rings again.
Hobbiton movie set.
Image credit: Klook
It’s chill, it’s peaceful, and it’s the perfect place to pretend you’re living off the grid (while still posting those IG stories, obviously). Whether you plan on driving through rolling hills, camping near lakes, or soaking in those epic views, New Zealand will make you feel like you just stepped into a movie. You might be missing out a teeny bit if you don’t drive, but don’t worry – there’s still plenty to do in New Zealand without a car.
14. France
Ready to ditch reality & live out your Parisian dream.
Image credit: @著名果咖大王 via RED
If your 2025 travel plans involve France, it’s clear that you’ve got a taste for the finer things in life. You’re not just going to travel, you’re going to experience. At the same time, you probably secretly (or not-so-secretly) love telling people about your upcoming getaway – because, after all, France is the travel equivalent of flexing a high-end brand. Remember to not overdo it and your friends will still love you.
Did we nail your 2025 travel plans or what?
At the end of the day, travel is about experiences, not destinations. Go ahead and book that flight to revisit an old favourite for the umpteenth time or finally tick off a new bucket list spot.
More travel guides for the average Singaporean:
Cover image adapted from: @一只爱旅行的梨 via RED, @victoria.gk97 via Instagram