Best places to visit out of the country

That ever-growing travel wish list might be putting some pressure on your pocket – but there are plenty of destinations where you'll get more bang for your buck. From Greece to Guatemala , here are 20 of the cheapest places to travel. You might also want to discover how to explore the world's most expensive city without breaking the bank — find how how to visit Tel Aviv on a budget .

9. Bulgaria

Often unfairly overlooked, Bulgaria has a lot to offer budget travellers – not least some of the most deserted beaches in Europe, at bargain prices. In addition to its appealing coastline, there’s also lots of lovely old towns, including Varna on the coast and ancient Plovdiv, one of two European Capitals of Culture in 2019 – an on the Rough Guide list of Best Places to Travel this year. Bulgaria also boasts a number of dramatic mountain ranges that are perfect for exploration on foot or by bike.

As the world opens up again, you can fly from Singapore to many magical places worldwide just in time for the Christmas season. So, we’ve narrowed down 15 of our favourite global places offering the best Christmas experiences away from Singapore.

1. Edinburgh, Scotland

One of the best places to go this Christmas is Edinburgh. Feel as if you’ve escaped into a fairytale book as you walk the streets, visit one of the best Christmas markets in the West and plenty more activities. Harry Potter fans can visit the places J.K Rowling took inspiration from and even go on enchanting Harry Potter tours, to name a few things.

2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands

KLM and Singapore Airlines offer direct flights to Amsterdam which take between 12 and 14 hours. From beautiful eateries and charming canals to chocolate factory’s like Tony’s Chocolate, famous museums and historic places such as the Anne Frank House…Amsterdam has it all. At Christmas, there’s plenty of attractions like ice skating at the Museumplein and one of Europe’s best Christmas Markets. Read all about what you can do on our sister site Secret Amsterdam.

3. Paris, France

Escape to the European city of love for a magical Christmas with Singapore Airlines or Airfrance. Visit stunning shopping malls like the Galeries Lafayette decorated in Christmas cheer, indulge on cookies and hot chocolate at the Christmas Markets under the glimmer of the Eiffel Tower, take an enchanting horse carriage through the city or even go as far as Disneyland, to name a few. Flight time is 12 hours direct.

4. New York, United States

At least once in your lifetime experience Christmas in New York City. Look forward to holiday shopping at world-class retail stores, Rolf’s German Restaurant Christmas pop-up, ice skating at the iconic Central Park or the more familiar Rockefeller Center under a gigantic Christmas tree…the list is endless. Likewise, you may even experience some snow. Singapore Airlines offer an 18-hour direct flight, or you could get a much cheaper stopover flight from around $950. Read all about the magical things you can do on our sister website Secret NYC.

5. Spain

If you fancy a quick getaway to Spain, multiple airlines offer connecting flights to Barcelona or Madrid from Singapore. Normally between mid-November and early January, Spain celebrates Navidad. Specifically, the most important day is the Three Kings Day on January 6. Depending on where you go, expect an array of lighting displays, unique Christmas events, historic buildings and much more. Madrid is usually cold in December compared with places on the coast such as Barcelona.

6. Finland

Sleep under the stars in cosy once-in-a-lifetime igloos at the famous Kakslauttanen Artic Resort in Saariselka in Finland, visit Santa Claus and his reindeer in Lapland or take on the sloops with skiing and snowboarding. The Northern Lights just so happens to be one of the most romantic places to visit worldwide. Indeed, the most iconic place on our list to experience the magic of Christmas.

7. Italy

Escape the rain and head on an Italian adventure this Christmas season. A round trip to Rome or Milan will set you back around $959 return. Expect the most delicious Italian feasts, plenty of festive celebrations and lots of cool attractions.

8. Australia

Swap the Singapore rain for the hot summer sunshine down under this Christmas. Multiple airlines offer direct flights to both Melbourne and Sydney this December. Fly to Melbourne in seven hours from $500, or Sydney in eight hours from $800. Have your Christmas dinner on the beach, explore quirky cultural scenes and lots more. Check out The Most Iconic Places To Visit In Australia.

9. London, United Kingdom

The ultimate city break awaits you in London. British people take Christmas very seriously, so you’ll be treated to hundreds of festive events and celebrations such as Winter Wonderland (headline picture). Find out about all the delightful things you can do on our sister website Secret London.

10. Vancouver, Canada

Experience the magic of Christmas in Vancouver boasting an iconic German Christmas Market, spellbinding lighting displays like the famous VanDusen Botanic Gardens Light Show, snowy Grouse Mountain skiing and snowboarding just 30 minutes from the city and more. Singapore Airlines offer 14-hour direct flights to Vancouver.

11. Germany

Germany has wonderful traditions that make Christmas truly fascinating. Opt to visit Berlin, Frankfurt or Munich directly from Singapore. Between the extra extraordinary Christmas Markets and ice rinks under the glimmer of Christmas lights, you’ll feel as if you’re in the North Pole. Be sure to try out some epic German beers while your there.

12. Malaysia

Christmas is only celebrated on Christmas Eve in Malaysia. Nevertheless, if you don’t celebrate Christmas yourself or you’re looking for a cheap break from Singapore, you’ll get a flight return around $200. Equally, Malaysia offers plenty of attractions. Check out The Most Instagrammable Places To Visit In Malaysia.

13. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich turns into a fairytale-like winter wonderland during the December period. From stunning Christmas markets to festive museums and city tours, and of course, opportunities to hit the snow-engulfed sloops of the Swiss Alps…you’ve got everything at your disposal. Singapore Airlines and Swiss Air offer direct flights for around $900.

14. Copenhagen, Denmark

Jet off to Copenhagen in just 13 hours with Singapore Airlines. Hide away in cosy winter cafes, go sightseeing and immerse yourself in Christmas cheer at events and the Christmas markets in the city. See all the things you can do in Copenhagen here.

15. Seoul, South Korea

Another one of the best places to visit this Christmas is Korea. December is one of the coldest months in Korea, so it exhibits total winter vibes. From epic skyscrapers and futurist buildings, Buddhist temples and palaces to cute Christmas Street markets, lights and more…Seoul is a wonderful spot to visit this season.

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