Long Weekend Guide on Places to Visit in Year 2020

Many people often asked:” How did you manage to travel while holding a full time job?” I guess figuring out the best way to maximize the long weekends and public holidays is the key to achieve this feat. Many planning involved and with that, I mean way in advance forward planning in order to get the best holiday deal is important. I assume most Singaporeans have an average annual leave of 14 days, so let’s use this as a benchmark to see how we can “strategise” and make the most out of it.

#1: Chinese New Year : 9 Days to explore Greece, Albania, Macedonia  

Public Holiday: 25, 26, 27 January – Chinese New Year

When to take leave: 28, 29, 30, 31 January [4 Days]

Destination: Santorini, Greece

Comments: Take 4 days leave to enjoy 9 days off

Yes, that’s right! Kick off the year in January with a long Europe break. The best time to travel is in January as it is after the peak season. What’s more, do you know places like Santorini is much cheaper during their off season and with that, it mean less crowd to jostle with as well. At times, or most of the time rather, one can have the whole beach to yourself!  The only down side is most shops/ cafes are closed. Hey, you just need a place to eat and chill isn’t it? Not to worry, hotels and some cafe are still open and prices like I mentioned, is a tad cheaper with no long queue! I suggest to spend 3 days on Santorini island, followed by a stopover in Athens for 2 days. The remaining 4 days, one can arrange a bus to Albania or visit the beautiful Macedonia.

For some travel tips to Albania, click here

For some travel tips to Santorini, click here

For some travel tips to Macedonia , click here

#2: Good Friday : 4 Days to explore Belitung Island, Indonesia 

Public Holiday: 10 April – Good Friday

When to take leave: 13 April [1 Day]

Destination: Belitung Island, Indonesia

Comments: Take 1 day leave to enjoy 4 days off

The long weekend is here, it’s Good Friday! Spend the long weekend wisely by rejuvenating and recharge oneself. Why not head to a nearby island, that is slowly gaining her popularity. It is a hidden gem thou among Singaporeans/ Malaysians. Snorkel, swim or simply goes for tanning, marvel at mother nature, only at Belitung Island! It is less than a 3 hours plane ride from Singapore!

For some travel tips to Belitung Island, click here

#3: Labour, Vesak Day : 10 Days to explore Morocco

Public Holiday:  1 May – Labour Day,  7 May – Vesak Day

When to take leave: 4-6 May, 8 May [4 Days]

Destination: Morocco

Comments: Take 4 days leave to enjoy 10 days off

A trip to Morocco without going to the Sahara is like visiting France without going to the Eiffel Tower. The trip to the Sahara desert located in the town of Mergouza is easily reachable and not that daunting as others said. Explore the unexplored Morocco in the blue town of Chefchaouen, increasingly gaining her popularity, certainly a must visit Instagramable location.

If you need a day to rest before you start work, here’s a guide on exploring Morocco within 9 days. For more tips, click here.

#4: Hari Raya Puasa: 3 Days to explore Lake Toba, Indonesia 

Public Holiday:  25 May- Hari Raya Puasa

When to take leave: Not Required

Destination: Lake Toba

Comments: Take 0 day leave to enjoy 3 days off

If you are thinking Hari Raya Puasa should not visit Muslim countries as shops will be closed, you are absolutely wrong. Do you know majority of the population in Lake Toba region are Christians? Welcome to Lake Toba, enjoying nature at its very best ! This lake is located in the middle of the northern part of Sumatra Island, with a surface elevation of about 900 meters. Escape the heat and bring along your sweater!

For some travel tips to Lake Toba, click here

#5: Hari Raya Haji: 3 Days to explore Sasaran, Malaysia 

Public Holiday:  25 May- Hari Raya Puasa

When to take leave: Not Required

Destination: Sasaran , Peninsula Malaysia

Comments: Take 0 days leave to enjoy 3 days off

Looking to take unique and mind blowing reflective pictures? You need not head far to Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, known as the world’s largest salt flat in order to take great pictures. Now, you can do so in Malaysia!  The town of Sasaran located close to Kuala Selangor in Malaysia offer great stunning backdrop.

For some travel tips to Sasaran , click here

#6: National Day: 4 Days to explore Myanmar 

Public Holiday:  10 August- National Day observed

When to take leave: 11 August [1 Day]

Destination: Myanmar (Inle Lake/ Golden Rock)

Comments: Take 1 day leave to enjoy 4 days off

A short break away from the stressful life back in city. More famously known as Golden Rock, located in Mon State, Pilgrims come here from far and wide to worship and add gold leaf to the huge rock. If you fancy a 4 days Myanmar trip, you can add in Inle Lake. Inle Lake is a tourist destination, famous for its boatmen who row standing up using their leg to propel the paddle, floating markets and experience the authentic lifestyle of the water villagers.

For some travel tips to Myanmar, click here

#7: Deepavali: 4 Days to explore Vietnam 

Public Holiday:  14 November – Deepavali

When to take leave: Not Required

Destination: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Comments: Take 0 days leave to enjoy 3 days off

Ho Chi Minh is the prefect getaway for a short weekend: 3 Days/2 nights. Allow one more day should you wish to take this opportunity to visit Mekong River (2 hrs drive) or neighboring countries such as Cambodia (Phnom Penh) which is 280km, just 5 hours drive away from Ho Chi Minh.

For some travel tips to Ho Chi Minh, click here

#8: Christmas: 10 Days to explore Kansai region, Japan 

Public Holiday:  25 December – Christmas Day, 01 Jan – New Year Day

When to take leave: 28 -31 December [4 Days]

Destination: Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Kyoto, Japan

Comments: Take 4 days leave to enjoy 10 days off

The Kansai region consists of Kobe– Famous for their beef, Osaka– Known as Japan food capital, Kyoto– Enjoy the rustic blend of traditional and modern city integration, Nara–  Chill and taking selfie with the roaming deer

For some travel tips to Osaka region, click here

So if the next time people will to ask, how did you manage to visit that many number of countries while holding a full time job, here’s the answer to it….

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