From The Straits Times    |

Image: Robert Essel NYC / Corbis

We love our long weekends. It’s the breather we all need from work, and for others, it’s the perfect opportunity to use their annual leave for a longer break.

If #wanderlust is hitting you hard, then we’re here to play devil’s advocate. Take some (deserving) time off and travel. #YOLO, right?

Okay, not quite. We understand responsibilities, and we understand that not everyone can afford to up and leave whenever. That’s why we’ve curated this list of cities to visit that offer the best savings during this period – because, you know, we care.

1. OSAKA

Did someone say “cherry blossom”? No? Well, we’ll say it now: Cherry blossoms. Do you need any better reason to travel to Japan? Perhaps the fact that you could save up to 94 percent if you book your tickets now? Alright, we’re done tempting you (for now), but real talk. The Good Friday weekend is one of the most promising times to see the cherished cherry blossoms, so if you’ve been considering applying for leave, we highly suggest you do it. It only happens once a year, after all!

2. KRABI

Clear beaches, endless soft shores, night strolls … It’s the idyllic holiday we all dream of taking. So do it. Treat yourself to a good, deserving rest. Too much work doesn’t just make Jack a dull boy, it causes dull skin too. Booking now can bring you up to 32 percent savings, so what are you waiting for? Whip out your best swimsuits, get ready for some fresh air, and soak up the sun – but don’t forget to pack your best sunblock!

3. HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh is such a cultural and historically-rich city, that we can’t imagine anyone passing this up! Lonely Planet describes it as a city that “breathes life and vitality”, and we couldn’t find a more succinct way to say it. It’s the perfect contrast of old and new, with beautiful skyscrapers and haunting mementos from its darker history. This isn’t just a city for history buffs, though. Beyond the insightful experience into Vietnam’s not-too-distant past, you can wander through designer malls, bargaining your way to a fuller wardrobe.

4. MANILA

Ah, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. There’s no chance of you getting bored in this city. There’s so much to see, from gleaming malls to the Manila Metropolitan Theater. If you’re one to appreciate architecture, it might be interesting to note that Manila boasts one of the most architecturally-diverse landscape. What does this mean for you? Your Instagram feed will be filled with beautiful buildings that never look the same. Manila is a melting pot of cultural experiences just waiting to be explored, and there’s no better time than now!

5. PENANG

How could we exclude our next-door neighbour? Cross the causeway for the long weekend and get some shopping done, and (of course) eat some of Southeast Asia’s best street food – because what kind of a holiday would it be without those two activities, right? Better yet, save on flight tickets and make a road trip out of this! Begin at Johor Bahru, take a break at Malacca, spend a night in Kuala Lumpur, have a quick snack at Taiping, and then cool down and unwind with some classic Penang cendol once you’ve reached, where good food abound!

Ugh, our mouths are watering just at the thought of some delectable laksa. Can Good Friday get here already?!

 

All data was provided by Skyscanner, and is based off 2015’s Good Friday prices. Sign up for Skyscanner’s Price Alerts on mobile and desktop to get daily notifications on air ticket prices, and to find out when the best time to book tickets are.

Want to travel on a budget? Check out these tips on how you can save money while you travel for a more memorable experience!