With the year-end holidays approaching, it’s no surprise that travellers are on the lookout for exciting getaways for the Christmas / New Year break. According to global travel search engine Skyscanner, the optimal time to start booking tickets to get the lowest price on a flight from Singapore is seven weeks in advance; with December being the most expensive time to travel. Below are the ten most-searched destinations among travellers in Singapore for year-end travel as well as the cheapest month to visit.

1. Cheapest Travel Months: Seoul – September

Ever wondered why so many people choose Seoul for their year-end travels? You’ll have to try out Jimjilbang – Korea’s traditional spa for soaking and grooming – a must-do activity in winter, especially for scrubbing away those old year blues. Take in the vibrant Christmas trees, festive carolling and free concerts in Asia’s very own winter wonderland. The 20-metre Christmas tree at Seoul Plaza Hotel will definitely put you in a Christmassy mood.

2. Bali – May

For an effective detox from city life, what better location than placid Bali for some decompression? Anything and everything you could possibly wish for from a getaway – Bali has it all – be it beautiful beaches, quiet mountainside retreats, relaxing spa sessions or a spiritually cleansing yoga retreat.

3. Cheapest Travel Months: Hong Kong – November

If you want to soak in the New Year atmosphere in bustling city space with warm, bright lights – Hong Kong or the Pearl of the Orient is calling to you and will certainly make you think twice about going anywhere else this year! The aroma of delicious street food along with tempting bargains mean that you’ll always find something to eat and buy around every corner of this easily navigable city. So, what are you waiting for?

4. Taipei – August

There’s one word for the year-end climate in Taipei: perfect. Cold enough for people from the tropics to feel like it’s winter, but not so cold that you can’t enjoy yourself. Foodies, culture vultures or shopaholics – Taipei has lots to offer for everyone with many wonderful places to bask in the rich traditions of this great Asian destination. Definitely a top contender to bring the year to a finish with your loved ones.

5. Cheapest Travel Months: Manila – September

Cosmopolitan chills and thrills at a very reasonable price – that’s Manila for you. This up-and-coming Asian capital is the gateway to some of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. If you’re worried about communication, fret not as English is the medium of exchange. This is the place to be if you’re in the mood for some shopping and bustling cityscapes this year.

6. London – October

Dive into the seasonal magic of one of the greatest cities of the world, brimming with the hustle and bustle of shopping, festive displays and beautiful decorations. If you want something edgier, try ice-skating with the Tower of London in sight. To ring in the festive cheer, there will be free concerts by British musicians and traditional carollers singing Christmas anthems alongside decked-out Christmas trees.

7. Cheapest Travel Months: Tokyo – June

Excitement, tradition, beautiful landscapes – Tokyo will steal your heart away with its plethora of offerings ranging from Buddhist temples and boiling hot springs to the fairy-lit lanes of Shinjuku and Shibuya for those who crave modernity. Count down to New Year’s Day with friendly locals while temple bells chime in the distance. You can also buy fukubukuro (lucky shopping bags) to treat yourself to a year-end gohobi (present).

8. Phuket – September

Phuket is your go-to place for a year-end party like no other complete with dancing, drinking and general revelry. Options for accommodation are plentiful from multi-star hotels to villas, and even budget hostels. Calm seas and gorgeous off-the-coast islands beckon those seeking peace and quiet.

9. Cheapest Travel Months: Melbourne – August

If the cold climate is not your thing, say hello to Melbourne in December. While it isn’t wintery, it can still get pretty chilly with winds coming from the South Pole. This active and friendly city with its extensive and organised tram network is ideal for enjoying a European-style Christmas feast, or simply catching up with friends over a good old-fashioned Aussie barbecue, followed by a visit to the beach.

10. Sydney – August

Breathtaking fireworks over the Sydney Harbour to usher in the New Year – that’s a picture-perfect scene right there. The city transforms into a hub of energetic vibrancy towards the close of the year when the first rays of summer begin to emerge and the weather still isn’t at its hottest. Take full advantage of this time of the year when you get the maximum hours of sunshine by soaking up some of that Aussie sun at popular places like Bondi, Cronulla and Manly.

So which of these amazing cities are you venturing to this year-end? Share with us in the comments section below!