No need to shell out for flight tickets, hotels or travel insurance as you traverse these beloved lands (and space) via a 14-inch screen—or VR goggles if you’re feeling fancy.
Even though Circuit Breaker is breaking and restrictions are being lifted in phases, travelling for leisure is nowhere near becoming a reality in the foreseeable future.
Sure, there are still some flights happening and airline companies offering travel credit. You might believe that it is safe to make year-end travel plans, but with 14-day quarantine measures in place for almost all destinations on the planet, vacationing responsibly is just not a viable option for now.
So the wanderlusters among us will just have to make do with virtual destinations to assuage the hunger for globe-trotting. Luckily, there has been no lack of high-quality resources for virtual tours and travel experiences available.
Check out the top picks below.
#1: Tokyo, Kyoto and Nagasaki, Japan
Like many fellow Singaporeans, we definitely have an on-again, off-again love affair with Japan. Sure, we might stray over to Korea and Taiwan every once in a while, but nothing beats the Japanese aesthetic, culture and food that captures our imagination.
While the bright lights of Tokyo’s Shibuya will always be a go-to hotspot in your mind, use your quarantine time wisely to also check out exotic spaces like the sultry vermillion gates of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine, or marvel at the traditional architecture of Nagasaki’s port city in Kyushu.
And if you’ve always wanted to see cherry blossoms in Japan but never timed it right, now’s your chance to witness them all in 360-degree splendour, from the comfort of your home.
When you do visit Japan for real:
If you’ve chanced upon that rumour that Japan will pay for half of your holiday, we’re sorry to be the bearer of some not-so-happy news: turns out it’s only true for their domestic holiday-makers.
The rest of us will have to make do with a well-planned itinerary that takes into consideration health safety and also travel protection against sudden closures – which may happen if you book Airbnbs in Japan – a common choice of accommodation for travellers there.
#2: Paris, the City of Love (and museums)
It might sound like a cliché, but Paris is a storybook destination that many are choosing to visit from their living rooms during these COVID-19 times. And why not? What better way to escape one’s humdrum existence than by imagining yourself at the top of the Eiffel Tower, cruising the corridors of the famous Louvre museum to view the Mona Lisa without fighting with crowds.
Or how about the Musée d’Orsay for distinguished works by the likes of Monet, Van Gogh and Gauguin, without surviving an hour-long queue to enter? And while you’re ‘there’, why not take a trip out of town to the Palace of Versailles to virtually stroll the gorgeous gardens and witness the fabled Hall of Mirrors?
When you do visit Paris for real:
There’s no doubt that when border closures lift for real, many travellers would be making a beeline for European destinations, not just for leisure travel but for business reasons as well.
Paris, being so accessible to/from London, is an easy target for holiday-makers. While urban cities have many conveniences for health and safety, France is well known for railroad strikes, the most recent of which occurred just before COVID-19 and lasted for almost a full month, making it the country’s longest strike in decades.
For those touring neighbouring cities in Central Europe, theft and pickpocketing are scarily common occurrences. Singaporean travellers should ensure that they have a good general travel insurance plan that allows claims for such events.
#3: Machu Picchu, Cuzco
Every Singaporean traveller worth their frequent flyer miles reserves has a not-so-secret bucket list, as well as Gram-worthy destinations to conquer.
Some are easy to fulfill, others not so much; among the latter is the legendary Machu Picchu site in Cuzco, Peru. It takes a full 24 hours of air travel from Singapore to even get to the capital city of Lima, and then you’d have to make your way to Cusco and spend some time acclimating to the altitude.
Next, you’d hop on the train to the closet town of Aguas Calientes. Luckily, the virtual journey is much easier, with arguably better views in HD.
When you do visit Machu Picchu for real:
Any kind of far-flung destination such as this requires Mach-u planning. In addition to your general travel insurance which covers flight cancellations, consider also taking up any kind of insurance offered on tickets, especially on domestic transfers which might be cancelled due to strikes or inclement weather.
Also look into the specific travel activity you might be engaged in. So if you are trekking in Machu Picchu, a specific trekking coverage might be wise.
#4: Amusement Parks galore: Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios
Show us a Singaporean traveller who doesn’t enjoy amusement parks and we’ll show you a vaccine for COVID-19! Amusement parks are to holidays what comfort food are to tummies. You’d be a mighty miserable person not to break out a smile in Disney World, which is showcasing their all their rides and park sites in panoramic glory for deprived Disney fans on lockdown.
If Disney is not quite your cup of tea, there’s also Orlando’s Sea World (check out the Mako roller coaster!) and Universal Studios Hollywood and its Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
When you do go on a trip with an amusement park focus for real:
It’s not uncommon for travellers to build a trip around their amusement park of choice and then pivot to other activities. If your amusement park is the main reason for your trip, make sure your entrance tickets and any other VIP passes and experiences you’ve paid are fully covered by your insurance plan, if your visit is compromised for some reason.
Look out for plans that include pre-booked activities and excursions under their list of items covered.
#5: Out of this world - Mars
This one is perhaps a destination that’s closer to wishful thinking than an actual holiday. But being on lockdown is the perfect time to take yourself far, far away – even if it’s only by virtual means.
When you do go on a trip in outer space for real:
2020 is a crazy year. Who knows if space tourism might actually become reality by the time our lockdown is finally lifted? Maybe the ‘new normal’ includes travel to other planets now that every inch of our own is virus-ridden.
But seriously, space tourism is nothing new, and has been in the works since 18 years ago. These days, Virgin Galactic and Space Adventures tout their special space experiences; one thing that is new and undiscovered, however, are travel protection coverages for space-bound odysseys.
If you’re a Crazy Rich Asian and the sky is (literally) the limit for you, your Universal Life plan could possibly take care of things during your ultimate post-pandemic trip.
SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
| Travel Insurance | Premium for Individual Cover | Covid-19 Coverage | Promotion |
|
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance
|
from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Get up to $50 Grab Vouchers (min. Premium $30) and get 40% off when you use promo code SS40. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
|
|
MSIG Travel Easy
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 30 November 2023. T&Cs apply. Plus, till 31 December, every applicant will also score an Apple AirTag — perfect for keeping tabs on your luggage on your next trip — or a ReboundTag. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
Allianz Travel Insurance
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use promo code SSV45 to get 45% discount, up to $35 Grab Vouchers, and 1x Airalo eSim with up to 3GB data (minimum premium of $60) when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
FWD Travel Insurance
|
from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use the promo code BFCM23 to get a 25% discount on Single Trip and Annual Trip plans! Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply. Also receive: 1x Apple AirTag (worth $45) for the first 3,800 applicants. Valid till 5 January 2024. T&Cs apply. Additionally, be included in the following draws below: Best Price TI weekly draw: Enjoy 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
101! Milestone Giveaway: Enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
FWD Black Friday Cyber Monday 2023 Lucky Draw: Enjoy 1x chance to win Apple iPhone 15 worth $1,299. T&Cs apply. |
|
Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance |
from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 48% off. Valid till 25 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Singlife Travel Insurance
|
from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Score an Airalo eSIM with up to 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
|
|
Allied World Travel Insurance
|
from S$45 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy a 45% discount for Single Trip and 15% discount for Annual Trip when you apply now! Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply |
|
AIG Travel Guard® Direct
|
from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Apply now and get $20 PayNow! (minimum premium of $80). Plus, every 11th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get up to S$200 PayNow with the promo code SSTGD when you apply NOW! Plus, every 11th customer gets an additional $45 Paynow. Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Great Eastern Travel Insurance
|
from S$52 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Get an 30% discount when you use the promo code TSP30S. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Discount is only valid for Elite and Classic plans. Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Seedly Travel Insurance
|
from S$49.80 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
No
|
Receive 25% off and 1x Airalo eSIM worth up to 3GB data when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. Win the equivalent of a return flight for 2 to Bali (via S$600 Klook voucher). T&Cs apply. |
SingSaver's Best Price Travel Campaign: All successful applicants of participating Travel Insurance products will receive 1x (single trip) or 3x (annual trip) draw chance to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed (up to a maximum of $2,000) and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Valid till 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
| Travel Insurance | Premium for Individual Cover | Covid-19 Coverage | Promotion |
|
Etiqa (TIQ) Travel Insurance
|
from S$39 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Use the promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 48% off. T&Cs apply. Valid till 24 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Use promo code TIQSINGSAVER to get 60% off COVID-19 add-on + $20 cashback. Fulfillment by TIQ. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, stand to win S$3,000 in TIQ Travel Insurance Monthly Lucky Draw Campaign 2023 (Fulfillment by TIQ). Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Starr TraveLead Travel Insurance
|
from S$11.05 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Get up to $50 Grab Vouchers (min. Premium $30) and get 35% off when you use promo code SSVTL35. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Plus, till 31 October, every 2nd successful applicant will score an Apple AirTag worth S$45 on top of our weekly lucky draw.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw. 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply.
|
|
Allianz Travel Insurance
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use promo code SSV45 to get 45% discount plus get up to $35 Grab Vouchers when you apply NOW! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
MSIG Travel Easy
|
from S$34.10 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy 40% off when you apply for Single Trips and 20% off for Annual Plan plus get up to $38 Grab Vouchers when you purchase now!! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply
Plus, till 31 October, every 2nd successful applicant will score an Apple AirTag worth S$45 on top of our weekly lucky draw.
Enjoy up to 3x chances to enter our Weekly Lucky Draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
FWD Travel Insurance
|
from S$22.50 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Use the promo code OCT23 to get 35% off on Single Trip and 30% off on Annual Trip plans. Valid till 25 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Receive 1x Airalo eSim with up to 3GB data (minimum premium $60). Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance to win your share your share of up to S$200,000 in prizes in our epic 101! Milestone Giveaway, including S$5,000 bonus cash each week on top of ongoing promotions! T&Cs apply. |
|
Singlife Travel Insurance
|
from S$46.20 (for 1 week in ASEAN)
|
Yes
|
Score an Airalo eSIM with up to 3GB data and receive it before you fly when you apply now! Valid till 31 October 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply.
|
|
Allied World Travel Insurance
|
from S$45 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Enjoy a 45% discount for Single Trip and 15% discount for Annual Trip when you apply now! Valid till 30 Nov 2023. T&Cs apply.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply |
|
AIG Travel Guard® Direct
|
from S$30 (for 1 week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Apply promo code SS20OFF to receive 20% discount and receive up to S$50 Grab vouchers on AIG Single Trip Travel Insurance (minimum premium $100, fulfillment by AIG). Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get up to 6 Plaza Premium Lounge Access Passes with the promo code SSTGD when you apply NOW! Fulfillment by AIG. Valid till 31 Oct 2023. T&Cs apply.
Additionally, enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
|
Great Eastern Travel Insurance
|
from S$52 (for one week in Asean)
|
Yes
|
Single Trip: Get an 30% discount when you use the promo code TSP30S. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply.
Annual Trip: Get an 10% discount when you use the promo code TSP10A. Valid till 31 Dec 2023. T&Cs apply. Discount is only valid for Elite and Classic plans.
Enjoy 1x chance (Single Trip) or 3x chances (Annual Trip) to enter our weekly lucky draw, where 1 lucky winner will stand to have their flight ticket reimbursed and 12 lucky winners will receive a Samsonite Volant Spinner 68/25 EXP worth S$480. T&Cs apply. Promotion ends on 31 December 2023. T&Cs apply. |
Read these next:
From Travel Insurance to Flight Hygiene: 5 Questions About Post-COVID-19 Travel
Will My Travel Insurance Cover Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
Travel Insurance Promotions and Discounts
Amid COVID-19, Scoot And Singapore Airlines Offer Cash Refunds, Bonus Travel Credits
What Does ‘Complimentary Travel Insurance’ by Credit Cards Cover And Is It Enough?
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