Cheapest Destinations to Book in May 2019
Every month, CheapTickets.sg will suss out seven popular, cheap, or hidden destinations based on metrics of our most important asset - you, the customer. Based on your searches, we’ve compiled a Destination Digest which reveals many interesting booking habits and patterns. We hope this will help you make better decisions whether you’re looking to hop on the bandwagon, or planning to do something completely against the flow. Read on, and discover where everyone’s booking this month!
• Seoul
• Chiang Mai
• Dubai
• Darwin
• Oslo
• Cape Town
• Shenyang
How do you read the graphs?
The dotted white line is the average rate for the route for the entire year. The blue bars represent the average ticket price in that month.
Seoul (SEL)
The allure of Seoul and its culture never cooled since the Hallyu Wave, which explains its high popularity amongst Singaporean travellers to this day. As the second wave of K-Pop washes over the world, soar over the hype via a 6-hour flight and take a brand new look at the ever-changing, dynamic capital of South Korea.
As spring comes to a close in May, now marks the perfect time to catch the cherry blossoms at various parks around Korea. If you’ve no intention of leaving Seoul, you’re in luck - you can catch these beautiful blooms over at the 2019 Seoul Rose Festival, or at one of several palace walks. Palace entry fees are waived when you enter in traditional dress, which is the perfect excuse to deck yourself out in traditional hanbok! For a more contemporary vibe, check out Seoul’s blooming cafe scene - Style Nanda Pink Pool Cafe, which is doused in hues across the entire spectrum of pink, doubles as both a cafe and a makeup and apparel store. Beauty in all its forms takes centrestage in Seoul - don’t miss out, and grab these cheap tickets while you can!
Chiang Mai (CNX)
A major city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is as culturally steeped and diverse as its capital counterpart, a reason why many Singaporeans choose to stop by. The diversity carries over to its accommodation options as well - now that tickets are at their cheapest, this is the perfect spot for some budget backpacking, or to splurge your airfare savings on a luxury getaway.
Take your adventure to the next level and get your hands - and legs - dirty trying out Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport. If you’d much rather sweat it out in the water, the rapids in Chiang Mai beckon to anyone looking for a waterbound challenge, with a serene end at a waterfall where you can escape the summer heat and take in the river views. End your trip of celebrating Visakha Bucha Day, The Thai equivalent of Vesak Day. An excellent opportunity to witness the worship of Siddartha Gautama, also known as Buddha, the events of this celebration include a festive parade with floats, followed by a long procession up the mountain to Doi Suthep temple, where the formal ceremonies are conducted. Do note that most local shops will close up for the day, and those still open will not sell alcohol - a great chance to take a break from the nightlife, and experience the Land of Smiles at its spiritual peak.
Dubai (DXB)
The United Arab Emirates is one of the richest countries in the world, and their capital city will not disappoint on the opulence front. Home to the tallest building in the world and surrounded by urban marvels, booking a flight at the steal will give you the chance to experience Middle Eastern luxury in its full glory.
Immerse yourself in the wide range of Souks, traditional marketplaces or bazaars nestled within the rich Middle Eastern metropolis which offer a unique taste of culture along with the wares they barter and sell. Be enthralled off the top of the Dubai Frame, which frames both the achievements of today and the history of yesterday, depending on which side of it you’re on. Debunk the dry desert perceptions of the Middle East for good, and visit some of the best beaches in the region can be found in Dubai - think the man-made Palm Islands archipelago, the Jumeirah Beach (crowned by the Burj al Arab Hotel), and the fun-filled Kite Beach. There’s plenty of fun to be had at great prices, so don’t hesitate and grab your tickets today!
Darwin (DRW)
Darwin is the crowning jewel of Australia’s Northern Territories, figuratively and literally - it caps the familiar Australasia silhouette, just like the top-shelf activities the city holds. Home to the iconic Dundee Beach, the city and its surrounds have secrets in store for any aspiring traveller on a budget.
Darwin has the world’s largest crocodile population, and the crocodile-related activities has grown to match it - swim with the crocs (within a small glass tank for protection), or watch them leap several feet out of the water from the safety of a river cruise. Be wowed by the stunning sights woven into the fabric that is Litchfield National Park, which combines the adventure of forested walking trails and the relaxation of ice-cool waterfall dives. In it for the full immersion of nature? Head east or west of Darwin for a week-long Savannah Way road trip, chock-full of age-old rock formations, mesmerizing tablelands, and renowned historical gold mines.
Oslo (OSL)
Scandinavian living has been hailed and copied since the turn of the millennium, but never truly emulated. Have a taste of the Norwegian way of life and its many facets at Oslo, the capital that is as current as it is historical. The country has made incredible progress since its medieval history that dates back at 1000 AD, and one can expect to learn about the nation’s humble beginnings and current breakthroughs on the cheap this month of May.
Kick off the journey with a look into the new - the Astrup Fearnley Museum, which rounds off the coast of the newly redeveloped Tjuvholmen island, has an extensive collection of 1980s American art on display within its equally spectacular architectural exterior. There’s plenty to see and hear elsewhere as well - marvel at Akershus Fortress, a castle first commissioned bY the 1300s by the late King Håkon V; meet free-spirited individuals while wandering along self-guided audio tours around the city’s main attractions; and seek out a hidden hipster element reminiscent of the city’s ever-changing landscape.
Cape Town (CPT)
Imagine a city shielded by the towering faces of mountains, with an eclectic blend of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, and you get Cape Town, the famed port of South Africa. Being this close to both the sea and the mountains is a rarity that this township enjoys, and with tickets being the cheapest they’ve ever been, you can share in the glory too!
Cape Town used to be known as Hui Gais, which translates loosely to ‘where clouds gather’, and the sights and sounds that await do not disappoint. Those looking to explore the city with a heavy sprinkle of adrenaline can check out the open-water kayaks, mountain abseils, and death-defying waterfall dives. If you prefer to vibe and unwind, visit a farmer’s market by the sea and soak in the sweet mix of sea sprays and fresh produce displays. Those looking for their dose of wildlife can take a short drive out to Boulders Beach, where one can watch the world’s best-known African Penguin colony waddle about along the coastline.
Shenyang (SHE)
Rounding off the list is Shenyang, a town that has been overshadowed at times by its bigger, louder, neighbours in China. However, there has been a fair amount of traffic to this historically rich capital of Liaoning, and the cheap fares are just one more reason to check this hidden province out.
Forget what you know about gravity and roll uphill in a stationary car or bike on Shenyang’s Magic Hill, get decked out in the latest streetwear at jaw-droppingly low prices that hark back to China’s booming wholesale industries, and try to wrap your head around the strange cuisine offered on its street markets, which include the likes of deep-fried starfish and scorpions. Feeling too squeamish for these bizarre foods? Delve into the mesmerizing beauty of Dalian’s Black Rock Beach, whose waters glow an electric blue after sunset.
The graphs above are based on bookings made in 2018 departing from Singapore, and travel trends will fluctuate year on year. But with several million searches per year on our website, we have a pretty good canvas of 2018 for you to paint your next travel story on.
May is a time for mid-year respites - make the most out of your well-deserved getaway, and book your next cheap flight with us today!