Travel

6 Trending International Trips To Take From Perth Right Now

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Two women standing in front of a rooftop city pool in Singapore.

Perth might be one of the most isolated city in the world but it doesn't mean we can't easily jet off to an international destination. Thanks to Singapore Airlines, you can now access over 100 destinations globally through their service alone.

If you prefer a spot of comfort for your international travel, Singapore Airlines offers premium service from Economy to Suites (when flying beyond Singapore). You can select in-flight meals designed by a member of the airlines International Culinary Panel of chefs and can cater to a range of dietary needs.

The airline also continues to rake in praise, most recently winning nine Skytrax awards, including the Best Airline In Asia, the World’s Best Cabin Staff and Best Economy Class In Asia (and First Class, Business and Premium Economy too). Did we mention Singapore Airline's SilverKris Lounge too? It's the ultimate way to fly in absolute comfort and style. 

Singapore Airlines’ extensive network of routes can make it hard to narrow down the travel bucket list, but with a new year and new annual leave to exhaust, it’s time to start planning that epic adventure for 2023. Allow us to lend a hand…

Seek Adventure In Vietnam

Many Aussies know the well-trod tourist tracks of Thailand and Indonesia—two of our most popular international travel destinations—but fewer are familiar with the bustling cities, culinary crusades and stunning natural splendour of Vietnam.

From Perth, you can be in Vietnam’s bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh in just 12 hours. There, you can enjoy all the excitement, endless bowls of steaming pho and brekkie banh mi as you plan your adventure north to the likes Hội An and the country’s capital Hanoi.

Whether you’re navigating your way through a rabbit warren of ancient temples, scaling Mui Ne Beach’s golden sand dunes or marvelling at the floating villages in Halong Bay, Vietnam offers its own unique slice of adventure and is a must for any eager traveller. Our recommendation? Binge Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown Vietnam adventures and get ready for some of the most simple yet satisfyingly fresh street food.

Flight details to Ho Chi Minh:
Flight length: Just over 12 hours plus a brief transfer through Singapore
Flight cost: From $871 Economy return with Singapore Airlines

 

Catch Some Culture In London

Folks are flocking back to the UK en masse and some will be surprised to find London has changed a little since their last visit.

Firstly, there’s the Elizabeth Line—a breath of fresh (underground) air for commuters trying to navigate London’s public transport maze. The city’s cultural offerings are also surging back to life, with big names returning to the West End. Until February 4, you can find Paul Mescal (Normal People, Aftersun) starring as Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire. Then in March, you can find James Norton (Little Women) starring opposite Luke Thompson (Bridgerton) in the on-stage adaptation of Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life epic. And let’s not forget the S Club 7 reunion tour…

Flight details to London:
Flight length: Around 20 hours plus a brief transfer through Singapore
Flight cost: From $2070 Economy return with Singapore Airlines

Soak Up The Sun And Surf In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka continues to prove its resilience with a thriving tourism sector welcoming over 700,000 holiday-seekers in 2022.

The natural beauty of the teardrop-shaped island proves to be an enduring attraction, with sandy beaches on the coast, open plains for wildlife and rolling hills in the nation’s centre.

In Colombo, treat yourself to an afternoon tea at the Galle Face Hotel and wander along the Green at sunset. Grab dinner at the internationally renowned Ministry of Crab or enjoy the supreme architecture of Geoffrey Bawa’s Gallery Café.

Flight details to Colombo:
Flight length: Around 9 hours plus a brief transfer through Singapore
Flight cost: From $1490 Economy return with Singapore Airlines

Find Everything You Could Ever Need In Singapore

For a nation small in size, Singapore is large in life. The joys begin immediately on arrival at the highly awarded Changi airport—and things only get better from there.

Once settled in the city, feel free to discover local arts at Haji Lane, spend a day at Sentosa Island or meander through the Marina Bay precinct. Discover the rich cultural history of the Indian, Chinese and Colonial neighbourhoods, then spend the night dancing at one of Singapore’s top nightclubs. Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to the UNESCO heritage-listed Lau Pa Sat hawker markets.

The best part? It’s only five hours away.

Flight details to Singapore:
Flight length: Around 5 hours
Flight cost: From $943 Economy return with Singapore Airlines

Learn To Be Cool In Seoul

The wildfire popularity of South Korean crazes, like K-pop and skincare, suddenly landed Seoul atop many peoples’ travel lists. Music, fashion, art, food – South Korea’s cultural exports are mighty for a relatively small nation, and so much of its culture has defined what we think of as ‘cool’ in contemporary society. However, don’t forget to dig below the surface as Seoul is not just funky street art and 24-hour malls (although these are worth checking out). We recommend learning a little about South Korea’s fascinating history at sites like the Gyeongbokgung palace and National Museum.

Before you head back home to the grind, be sure to find your bliss at a spa and indulge in some miracle skin care.

Flight details to Seoul:
Flight length: Less than 12 hours plus a brief transfer through Singapore
Flight cost: From $1518 Economy return with Singapore Airlines

Beat The Crowds Back To Japan

When Japan finally released its COVID-19 travel restrictions late last year, tourists raced back at the first opportunity. However, while tourism has jumped since its reopening, it is yet to return to peak figures—meaning now could be the time to book your ticket and beat the crowds.

While there are exciting things to see all over this fascinating nation, don’t skimp on time spent in Tokyo where an infinite holiday isn’t enough to see everything. While you certainly shouldn’t skip the temples, gardens and palaces, the best experiences in Japan will come from just living life day-by-day. Explore internationally famous shopping streets and seek out the best meals at malls, train stations and convenience stores. Grab a drink at a trendy bar and then spend the night at karaoke.

Flight details to Tokyo:
Flight length: Around 12 hours plus a stopover in Singapore
Flight cost: From $1439 Economy return with Singapore Airlines

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Singapore Airlines and proudly endorsed by Urban List. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Urban List possible. Click here for more information on our editorial policy.

Image source: Supplied

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