Bring vacation vibes closer to you by planning a staycation in Singapore. Here are five tips for a fun and wallet-friendly stay, plus recommendations to help you make the most of your year-end “getaway”. 

1. Book hotel rooms early and compare prices among websites 

Hotel room prices in Singapore can skyrocket the closer you get to the date of the stay. Booking weeks or months in advance is one of the easiest ways to save. You may even consider booking a room months in advance if the hotel offers free cancellation, and cancel later if you change your mind. 

As everyone knows, the year-end period is always a peak travel period and hotels will raise their room rates due to the demand. 

Before you hit “book”, be sure to compare prices across different websites, including the hotel’s own website. Hotel rates can vary, and you might find a deal that saves you more than $20 a night. 

2. Use discounts

Promotions on booking sites are common, whether you are purchasing tickets for attractions or hotel rooms. Since the holiday season is around the corner, look out for year-end promotions. 

For instance, a recent 11.11 offer on Trip.com had one-for-one tickets, valid till Dec 31, to Adventure Cove Waterpark in Sentosa.

You can also take advantage of membership offers – some chalets can be rented at cheaper rates if you have a membership or are a full-time national serviceman (NSF).

Mr Zikry Kamsani, 22, an NSF, paid only $315 instead of the original $430 per night when he booked a chalet at The Chevrons in 2023, using the NSF discount rate.

“Serving for two years with limited allowance and personal time can be challenging, so taking advantage of benefits like this is a great opportunity,” he said. 

He had about 20 guests for the birthday party he held, and they were able to utilise the pool, barbecue pit and kitchenette, which were included in the price of the chalet. Mr Zikry said he found out about the offer via the NSF intranet.

3. Opt for cheaper alternatives

“With inflation, hotel prices are rising, so fewer people are choosing to go for staycations in Singapore,” said a spokesperson for travel agency VTL Travel. 

To beat inflation, you can opt for other locations this school holiday. 

For example, try glamping. You can get a free camping permit if you book at least two weeks in advan...