Brought to you by
This year, December looks a little different. With Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) options available to the twice-jabbed, leisure travel is once again on the table.
Imagine a romantic amble through fairytale castles in picturesque Bavaria, Germany – one of the first countries to open its borders – or maybe discarding any remaining pandemic stress with an iconic New Year celebration for 2022 at New York’s Time Square if it relaunches.
Even if you think dusting off your passports is a wee bit premature but still want that well-deserved year-end vacation, Singapore’s bounty of hotel options and local attractions can equally confer a sweet retreat.
Whichever route you choose, consider taking it up with your Citi Credit Cards. You’ll find that the bank offers exclusive discounts on a sweeping list of vendors, with a gateway portal to inspire you as you plan that holiday itinerary. Mix, match and cart out your escapade with Citi.
WINTRY AND WHITE
If nippy weather and snow-covered anything set you into the full swing of Christmas, then head to the northerly regions for a visit.
When it comes to snow, Canada has it in spades. Ontario’s Niagara Falls is unmissable, best paired with the nearby Winter Festival of Lights featuring three million lights and over 75 twinkling displays to dress up those holiday photos.
And after all the hours at a desk whether at home or the office, how about some open expanse? If so, Alberta’s your port of call. Banff National Park and Jasper National Park are both famous for pristine vistas of snowy peaks and picturesque forests. At the former, you can try some dog-sledding or ice-skating on the natural Lake Louise. Jasper National Park is also a designated “dark sky preserve” that restricts light pollution, making it a dream destination to witness the stars and the elusive aurora borealis.
For some quaint city charm, visit Quebec City. The French influence lends a special air to its cobbled streets and walking through it with some hot chocolate is as romantic as it gets. Churchill by Hudson Bay might be small, but it has some big attractions. It’s one of the few places on Earth to easily – and safely – catch a glimpse of polar bears. Don’t worry about accommodation. Agoda has options aplenty, and with your Citi credit card, the platform grants you 20 per cent off both VTL and Singapore hotels.
Over in the UK, London is still hard to beat if one’s looking for a good mix of holiday fun, especially with a plethora of Christmas markets. Oxford and Piccadilly Circus are hotspots for festive vibes, but if you prefer to be away from crowds, then The Shard will have you blissfully taking in the city lights from above. Both kids and adults can enjoy plenty of Harry Potter magic with the Warner Bros studio tours but opt for the limited Hogwarts in the Snow edition running from Nov 13 to Jan 16 for an exclusive wintry version. Zip there with Expedia, and enter the promo codes with your Citi card for up to 9 per cent off hotels or S$15 off flight and hotel packages.
To chalk up miles for some lovely flight upgrades, don’t forget to use the Citi PremierMiles Card. You can earn up to 3 Citi Miles per S$1 local spend on eligible travel-related purchases, including airline, hotel and cruise bookings, from now until Dec 31, 2021. Terms and conditions apply.
DIAL BACK THE PACE
If more idyllic and leisurely holidays are your fancy, then France beckons with its easy flair. The alpine slopes are an obvious choice, but if you’re looking for sweater weather, then pick Marseille for a laidback provincial food adventure.
Vino enthusiasts should not miss the walled town of Beaune, where distinct architecture and a long tradition in wine-making will have you transported to simpler and tastier times. The perfect winter-warming meal comes in the form of the beef bourguignon and coq au vin – made from Burgundy’s iconic wine of course.
If you’re looking to get away for February next year, then Nice should be in your consideration. That’s when the Nice Carnival goes live – a fortnight’s worth of parades, floats, fireworks and even a flower shower near the end. Pick the right accommodation with Trip.com and you can even enjoy S$50 off flights and hotels. If you’re thinking of driving, Hertz is offering 10 per cent off its base rates with your Citi card.
If somewhere closer is more ideal, South Korea’s another destination to look forward to. With top-class infrastructure, a wide attraction offering and delicious cuisine, it’s easy to plan for a holiday there. In Seoul, there’s shopping in Myeong-dong, cultural crafts in Bukchon and easy hikes at Yongmasan and Bukhansan.
For a coastal escape, Busan is stunning with its famous colourful village set against the blue sea. Out of the mainland, Jeju-do lays claim to some of the country’s prettiest sights, and with a history as a volcanic island, the scenery and landscape are truly unique. Klook’s a great option to book in those activities and stays, with up to S$50 off a minimum spend of S$300 and exclusive one-for-one Citi VTL offers. If you love to stack those discounts, Traveloka offers an extra 30 per cent off on top of existing promotions when you use your Citi card.
As you make those bookings, use the Citi Prestige Card. You’ll earn up to 7.5 Citi ThankYou Points per S$1 local spend on eligible travel-related purchases including airline, hotel and cruise bookings from now until Dec 31, 2021. Terms and conditions apply.
With all the holiday excitement looming ahead, take the weight and stress of planning a trip in the new normal off your shoulders. Let specialists like Chan Brothers Travel handle the itinerary where the company can help manage stressors like arranging polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests before travelling or adhering to restrictions overseas. The travel agency also offers $30 off selected tours as well as a free luggage with minimum spend on your Citi credit card.
DOMESTIC INDULGENCE
If you want that year-end adventure but would prefer to keep things fuss-free, then a cruise could very well be the therapeutic escape you need. You can decide between a luxurious, intimate sail with the Royal Albatross, or an activity-filled journey with Royal Caribbean.
Enjoy a morning beneath billowing sails with 10 per cent off the Royal Albatross ReDiscovery Breakfast Sail, while Royal Caribbean guests can enjoy multi-night packages starting from S$299, with perks such as 50 per cent off every guest, free travel for kids, along with Citi credit card add-on exclusives of 3 per cent discounts and free luggage.
Just want to explore the island and dive deeper into our heritage? There’s plenty to discover with travel agent KKDay, whether it’s discounted visits to Gardens by the Bay or Singapore’s world-famous zoological attractions. Citi credit cardmembers can apply 6 per cent off app bookings, 5 per cent off web bookings and an introductory 10 per cent off for new users.
Your ticket to a discounted holiday deal starts here with Citi credit cards.
