Even if we travel every year, the world is still a big place. We cannot possibly cover every place in our lifetime but at least we have to try. If we are not into travelling, perhaps this is the time that we think about moving outside Singapore and seeing the world.

Determining what country to visit next is not easy especially with the diversity but we can start exploring countries listed in the recent study of CN Traveller UK. The magazine features 2015 Readers’ Travel Awards. This allowed travellers to vote their favourite country. This is enough to begin with. Here’s the list:

1. Italy: Italy is this year’s top destination. Actually, this is the fifth straight year for Italy to claim the top spot. Tourists love sights like Galleria degli Uffizi, Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Palazzo Ducale, Gallerie dell’Accademia, Duomo, Certosa e Museo di San Martino and many more.

2. France: France does not fall behind at number two. Many travellers consider France for its romantic vibe. Famous sights include Cathedrale Notre Dame, Musee Toulouse-Lautrec, Cite Royalede Loches, Citadelle de Besancon, Musee d’Art Moderne, Parc National des Calanques, Musee Fabre, Les Arenes, Eiffel Tower and many more.

3. USA: America is still one of the favourite destinations of many tourists. There’s the Maui, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, San Francisco, Yosemite, Washington DC, New York City and many more.

4. Spain: Spain is the fourth favourite country because of its attractions like Palacio Real, La Concha, Alhambra, Ibiza, Mosque of Cordoba, Museo Nacional del Prado and many more.

5. Greece: Greece is still a tough country despite its financial turmoil. The country still offers good time and nice views like the Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Meteora and many more.

6. Australia: Australia is famous for its Melbourne City Centre, Sydney Opera House, Port Jackson, Great Barrier Reef and many more.

7. New Zealand: New Zealand will bring us closer to nature with its green landscape and blue waters. There’s Milford Sound, Abel Tasman National Park, Fiordland National Park, Bay of Islands, Lake Taupo and many more.

8. Thailand: Thailand is the first Asian country included in the list for the top ten most favourite. The place offers grand sights like Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun and many more.

9. Turkey: Although in Asia, Turkey has European influence. Sights include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and many more.

10. India: India will not be left behind with all its marvels like the Taj Mahal and numerous temples.

Now that we know the top countries, we should at least learn the top city destinations for this year. The cities include Paris, New York, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Sydney, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Berlin and Florence. If we notice, most of the top cities like Rome, Venice and Florence are from Italy. So, Italy being the number one country is not a surprise after all.

As Singapore is simply just a one-city state, locals seeking to go on vacations, especially on beach escapades are constraint on their choices. There aren’t too many beaches in Singapore for locals to enjoy. Moreover, rapid urbanization has degraded the quality of some of the local beaches available in the city. However, Singapore is known to be one of the busiest ports in the world and has easy access to many international destinations. Thus, it won’t be very difficult for Singaporean locals to reach some of the following beautiful beaches found worldwide.

Bora Bora

Bora Bora belongs to a group of islands of French Polynesia located in the Pacific Ocean. Due to the amount of luxury resorts, Bora Bora has been a very popular tourist destination for those looking to go on a beach escape. It is best known to be an island for those seeking a quiet atmosphere while enjoying the luxurious offers of the resorts found on the island.

The Hamptons

Better known as expensive residential properties for the upper members of the economic society in New York, the Hamptons are actually home to one of the best beaches in the world and some of the best luxury beachside resorts.

Langkawi

Found in Malaysia, which makes it a lot closer to home than some of the best beaches in the world, Langkawi is a popular destination for tourists. The island is composed of two main destinations. The Southern Islands is where most of the tourists are, while the Northern Islands are secluded and more peaceful. There are plenty of activities to be done in Langkawi such as visiting the Sky Bridge and the Kilim River.

Lanikai Beach

Located in Hawaii, which is mostly known for beaches and resorts, Lanikai has been consistently a member of the top of beaches in the world. The word Lanikai literally translates to “heavenly sea”. That is the exact reason why a lot of tourists would seek the serenity of one of the world’s best seaside sceneries.

Seychelles

This destination is actually a country composed of 115 islands located in the Indian Ocean. Of the number of islands located in the country, the more popular is Anse Source d’Argent due to its pink sands and clear turquoise waters. This makes it one of the most popular beaches for photographers.

Dreaming of a month-long vacation in the romantic sights of Paris or a week-long getaway in the green pastures of Ireland? How about a quick island getaway in Pulau Pangkor or Pulau Tioman? Wherever it is you plan to go, it is certainly possible if you prepare for it ahead of time. Here are some tips we want to share with you to make that dream vacation of yours come true.

1. Pick a Place and Commit to It

Travel plans can be changed in an instant, but if you keep switching destinations, you won’t get anything started. Before you know it, the year is almost over and you’re nowhere closer to your goal.

2. Subscribe to Travel Sites

Even if you have already secured a good amount of money for your vacation, still be on the lookout for great discounts and cheap promos. Regularly check websites of airlines, hotels, and travel agencies or subscribe for newsletters to get notifications of ongoing promos.

3. Start a Travel Fund

If you haven’t started an account yet that’s dedicated for your travels, start doing so. Make sure to separate it from your regular savings account, but still contribute to both funds regularly. The best way to do this is to set up automatic deductions from your checking account into your savings accounts.

4. Come Up With a Budget Plan

Do the necessary research to find out how much your trip would probably cost. Consider all necessary expenses, such as the travel, accommodation, food, activities, shopping, and souvenirs. Keep in mind that most of your travel expenses include how to get to your destination and how you’ll get around the place. Also, a contingency fund should never be disregarded.

5. Cut Back On Everyday Expenses

How is it possible to save up for your travel? Make conscious decisions about your spending habits. When saving up, there’s no need to deprive yourself of some indulgences; or else you’ll find yourself craving for more of these things and give in to it one day in a more costly way. Make savings more fun and easier with a reward system. Make a clear target amount and once you accomplish it, reward yourself with something good—but still reasonable.

For now, it might seem that your dream vacation is forever away, but with proper planning and wise saving you’ll have that holiday escapade sooner than you ever have imagined.