Are you planning to take your family on an extended vacation? Why not book a trip to Singapore? While the city-state is, perhaps, best known as an international hub of commerce and industry, it is also a regional cultural powerhouse, being home to some of Asia's best museums, art galleries, performance arts centres, zoos, and gardens. It also regularly hosts major international events such as the Singapore Grand Prix. Indeed, despite its small size, Singapore will offer you and your family hundreds of interesting sights, sounds, and things to do—more than enough to keep everyone engaged and hyped up for weeks and even months on end.
However, planning a trip for a large group can be challenging, especially when you're dealing with family members. Fortunately, we've got some simple tips to help you prepare for a stress-free and enjoyable trip to the Lion City.
Plan Everything in Advance
This rule applies to any trip involving a lot of people: the earlier you start planning, the better. Planning well in advance will not only give you plenty of time to research your destination, but it will also help you get better rates for your flights, accommodations and activities. It also ensures that all your family members have sufficient time to get all their travel essentials in order, reducing everyone's stress levels and making it easier to enjoy the trip ahead.
Get the Right Mobile Phone Plans
If you're on an extended vacation in Singapore, chances are that your different family members will want to explore different parts of the city by themselves. Singapore is a lot bigger than you might think so staying connected is important.
Fortunately, Singapore's telcos offer tourist-oriented SIM-only mobile plans that offer a good amount of data as well as international roaming. These plans let you use your own phone and they're a great way to save money and stay connected throughout your trip. There are also plans that come with devices for those who want to upgrade their current unit and shop for a new phone while overseas. To find the best cheapest data plan Singapore has to offer, be sure to use a trusted local metasearch engine meant for comparing mobile services.
Choose the Right Accommodations
Not all available accommodations in Singapore are well-suited for large families. While you could choose to stay in a hotel, these are generally the most expensive options for large parties. To save money, consider renting an apartment for the duration of your stay, especially if you're travelling in a large group. Fortunately, Singapore's tourism boom means that there are now a lot of reasonably priced apartments and Airbnb units that are well-suited for families on vacation.
Look at Affordable Travel Insurance Options
Singapore is an exceptionally safe country, which is why it's such a great choice for family vacations. In many cases, you're probably more likely to encounter an accident or be a victim of street crime at home than in the city. Unfortunately, bad things can happen anywhere, particularly when you're travelling in a large, difficult-to-manage group. At the very least, make sure that everyone is covered for medical emergencies, misplaced luggage, and trip cancellations.
Pack Wisely
A lot of tourists forget to do their homework and end up being shocked by Singapore's hot and humid tropical climate. Most locals are used to it, however, and you'll often see them wear long-sleeved shirts and other garments that may seem a bit too warm for those not acclimated to the local conditions. If you're one of those who are not used to this climate, you'll want to pack the most breathable but modest lightweight clothing you can. Don't forget to bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes, a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a lightweight hat to protect yourself from the sun. A thin hoodie or jacket may also be nice to have, as the air-conditioners in many of the country's indoor spaces are often cranked to their very limits.
Consider Purchasing Tourist Passes
Singapore is widely considered to have one of the world's finest public transportation systems. The country's commuter bus and train routes allow you to reach virtually every part of the main island for a fraction of the cost of a cab ride. If you and your family will be using the trains and buses a lot, consider purchasing tourist passes for unlimited travel on public transport.
Try the Local Cuisine
You can't talk about Singapore as a tourist destination without bringing up the food. Singapore is famous for its cuisine, which is a unique mix of different Asian cultures. Must-try local dishes include the usual classics such as Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, and chilli crab.
Of course, if you're willing to take a deeper dive into Singaporean cuisine, you'll find hundreds more local items prepared in countless different ways. For the most affordable and authentic experiences, be sure to hit the local hawker centres to sample some of the country's world-famous classic dishes.
Planning an extended family holiday to Singapore can be stressful, but with the tips above, it should be a fun and rewarding experience. By planning things in advance, doing your homework, and knowing what important things to look out for, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable trip that exceeds your entire family's expectations.
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