March Holiday Ideas

As the March holidays fast approach us, especially parents with schooling children are probably fast thinking about quick, short getaways over the week that’ll allow everyone in the family to zone out and take their minds off of work.  This article will share with you a myriad of the best destinations that you should consider visiting over the week.

1. RESORT DESTINATIONS — Bali, Koh Samui, Langkawi, Phuket, Bali, etc.

The best type of places that allows for everyone in the family, young and old, to chill out and rest, are resort destinations... and for obvious reasons.  If you choose the right resort, quiet beaches with waves crashing on the shore throughout the whole day is just something you can look forward to.  In the afternoons, opt for fun, exciting day sports that will be sure to excite the adrenaline junkie in you!  Or spend the day by the pool, ordering drinks and snacks from the pool bar.  Come evening time, you can look forward to the beautiful majestic sunsets and evening cocktails by the beach bar.  Sounds enticing, doesn't it? 

Bali is one of the regions in Asia that has the highest concentration of resorts!  Most of them offer scenic views of the beach, and if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can always book resorts near to the rice paddies that are absolutely majestic and definitely a change from the typical city sights we see back home in Singapore.  It almost transports you to another world, and you will completely forget about all the work you’ve got to do.

Koh Samui is also a destination that’s equally, if not much more beautiful than Bali!  But for some reason, it seems to be slightly less popular as a resort destination than Bali.  Perhaps, it’s a little bit more inaccessible (Singapore Airlines does not fly to Koh Samui, but you can get there on SilkAir), but then again, it’s still pretty convenient and cheap to fly there.  Many resorts in Koh Samui, the Intercontinental, for example, offer water sports, as well as yoga activities by the beach in the morning!  However, for both destinations, if you’d like to go for a good massage or a spa, perhaps it’s best for you to do some research beforehand on some reputable local places in the vicinity because going to a spa in a resort is exorbitantly priced... by their local standards at least! (Think $120 per hour kind of price range.)

2. METROPOLITAN DESTINATIONS — Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok, Perth, Tokyo etc.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you’re the kind of person that enjoys metropolitan and city holidays, then cities such as Hong Kong, Taipei, Bangkok and Perth are bound to be the perfect fit! 

Hong Kong, Taipei and Bangkok are gourmet heavens.  In Hong Kong, visit the traditional cafes with dry instant noodles with eggs and luncheon meat and pulled tea for brunch after sleeping in on one day, and go for a dim sum lunch at a 2-starred Michelin restaurant!  (Psst, we love Fook Lam Moon!)  

Taipei will bound to excite the youngsters with it’s vibrant nightlife and various night markets aplenty for you to choose from.  From Raohe Street to Shilin night market, you’ll get to enjoy local delicacies such as cuttlefish vermicelli, Taiwanese tempura, or Chinese dumplings.  Needless to say, Bangkok is the home to amazing hospitality with friendly people no matter where you go.  Somehow, that seems to make the Thai prawn cakes, Tom Yum soups and pad thai taste 10 times better!

A special mention goes to Tokyo or any other Japanese city for that matter.  In March, it’s the perfect time of the year to visit Japan.  The weather is extremely comfortable, cooling, and breezy, and you get to enjoy the beautiful sakura flowers in bloom during the cherry blossom season in the country!  The Shinjuku Gyoen is a perfect destination, and if you stay at the Hotel Century Southern Tower, you’d probably get some awesome views of the Gyoen if you get the right room.  Remember to make that request beforehand!

Travelling to such destinations need not be expensive.  Simply download the BeforeUpay mobile application available on Android and iPhone, click on the “Travel & Leisure” Category, and voila!  All the amazing offers are right there for you to choose from.  But you have to be quick as most promotional fare sale windows last only about 3 to 5 days or when they are sold out.  Once you miss the sale period, you’re going to have to bear the brunt of paying the full fares.

Happy exploring! 


BeforeUpay is an unbiased mobile app that houses thousands of promotions from more than 200 membership cards offered by 20 local banks and institutions. A one-stop necessity for all consumers seeking to maximise the best value across multiple bank and membership cards.  Simply click here for Android or iPhone download.