6 last minute holiday flights for under $290

You get to fly Singapore Airlines, too.

Krystle Tse| December 17, 09:55 AM

You want to fly off for a holiday. You haven’t had the time or the chance to plan. You don’t want to spend a bomb.

Solution? 6 holiday destinations compiled by us, where return flights cost less than $290*. And get this – not all flights are on budget airlines!

Half of the flights listed here are on full-fledged airline carriers. That means no checked bag fees, plus free snacks and drinks on the flight! Just make sure you get your credit cards out and your computer mouse ready. We don’t know how long these flights will stay low for.

 

Medan, Indonesia

Medan indonesiaSource

 

Flight dates: 20th – 29th December

Flight price: $249

Airline: SilkAir

One of the biggest cities in Indonesia, Medan has the usual suspects to offer. Shopping malls, restaurants, markets and even theme parks. Many people use Medan as a stopover point to get to other parts of Sumatra, where nature and scenic trails are popular among visitors. A couple of the more notable destinations include Brestagi, a mountain resort, and Lake Toba. Brestagi is about an hour and a half drive’s away and surrounded by two volcanoes, Sinabung and Sibayak. Views from the tops are said to be spectacular, and the trek through the jungle, enjoyable.

Lake Toba is the world’s largest volcanic lake with an island right smack in the middle of it. The main activities are swimming, soaking in the hot springs and exploring the waterfalls. Great place to take a step back from the chaos of city life.

 

Yangon, Myanmar

Yangon MyanmarSource

 

Flight dates: 24th – 27th December

Flight price: $289

Airline: Jetstar

Bonus option

Flight dates: 23rd – 28th December

Flight price: $324

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Take a trip to the mysterious country that is Myanmar. Because the country has been relatively closed to outsiders, it retains an authentic charm that allows you to experience the Burmese way of life. A must visit in this destination is the Shwedagon Pagoda, its famous, most important religious site.

Other religious sites, parks, lakes, and Aung San Suu Kyi’s house are also available for touring. And if the food captivates you, take a cooking class or two to bring a slice of Myanmar home with you.

 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi MinhSource

 

Flight dates: 21st – 26th December

Flight price: $284

Airline: LionAir

Flight dates: 18th – 27th December

Flight price: $247

Airline: Singapore Airlines

A ton of historical, religious and architectural attractions abound in this bustling city. There is plenty to do for a short trip. Exploring can be done on foot, by public transport for cheap, or like a local on a bicycle. Take the time to check out war museums, the Cu Chi Tunnels and the floating temple.

If you want to get out of the city, there are many options. Nearby Can Tho is famous for its floating market and fresh produce. A bit further away, buses can take you to lovely beaches or resorts. If you’re even more adventurous still, take a 6h bus ride to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

 

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok thailandSource

 

Flight dates: 19th – 25th December

Flight price: $262

Airline: Scoot

Flight dates: 21st- 26th December

Flight price: $270

Airline: Ethiopia Air

The city loved by people all over the world needs no introduction. Full of eclectic characters, friendly people, great food and even better shopping, $270 for a return flight allows you to shop til you drop with no extra checked baggage fees.

If Bangkok is not your cup of tea, save on expensive flights to island destinations and hop onto a bus from the airport. Some nearby islands include the gorgeous Ko Chang, best for diving and snorkelling. That’s where I’ll be this New Year.

 

Surabaya, Indonesia

Surabaya IndonesiaSource

 

Flight dates: 19th – 25th December

Flight price: $173

Airline: Jetstar

Flight dates: 20th – 25th December

Flight price: $247

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Similar to Medan, Surabaya has all the usual things that a city has to offer but is also used as a stopover point to other destinations such as Mount Bromo and Bali.

Right outside of Surabaya lies Trowulan, a culture centre throwing you back into the 14th century Majapahit Empire. The archaeological site is only an hour away from Surabaya and perfect for day tripping.

From the city centre of Surabaya, make plans for a 2 day trip if Mount Bromo is on the itinerary. The collapsed, but still smouldering, volcano is one of the great pictorial icons of Indonesia. Some smaller mountains and lush waterfalls are situated around the volcano, along with the beautiful Sea of Sand. For the most localised experience, go for a Homestay offered by nearly everyone.

 

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh cambodiaSource

 

Flight dates: 19th – 26th December

Flight price: $288

Airline: Jetstar

The capital of Cambodia has brilliant architecture, strong remnants of French influence and just like Surabaya and Medan, offers the perfect jump off point to other more exotic destinations. Within the confines of the city, check out the French-Cambodian fusion food and the Mekong and Tonle Sap river cruises.

Outside of the city, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville and Koh Kong are all a 4-6 hour bus ride away costing less than US$10. Siem Reap is of course famous for the Angkor Wat ruins, while Sihanoukville has some of Cambodia’s best beaches. Koh Kong is the capital for where Cambodia’s Caradmom Mountains lie, and is also home to Battambang, Cambodia’s second largest city after Phnom Penh.

*Prices are accurate as of 17th Dec 2013. 

 

Have a bigger budget for Christmas? Check out these Epic Christmas markets in Europe you should visit.

Staying in Singapore for Christmas? 38 Xmas gift ideas under $15 that aren’t lame.

 

Top photo from here

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