The allure of a long weekend isn’t just a break from work – it’s a golden opportunity to rejuvenate, explore, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. With a little foresight, the upcoming public holidays in 2024 can be your ticket to a series of mini-vacations.
Your 2024 public holiday calendar
In 2024, Singaporeans can look forward to several public holidays that present perfect opportunities for rest and recreation. These well-spaced holidays offer breaks at intervals throughout the year, allowing for a lineup of long weekends and chances for extended vacations with minimal leave days required.
Here’s a rundown of the public holidays officially gazetted for 2024 by the Ministry of Manpower:
| Public Holiday | Date | Day |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Monday |
| Chinese New Year (Day 1) | 10 February | Saturday |
| Chinese New Year (Day 2) | 11 February | Sunday |
| Chinese New Year (Substitute) | 12 February | Monday |
| Good Friday | 29 March | Friday |
| Hari Raya Puasa | 10 April | Wednesday |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Wednesday |
| Vesak Day | 22 May | Wednesday |
| Hari Raya Haji | 17 June | Monday |
| National Day | 9 August | Friday |
| Deepavali | 31 October | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Wednesday |
Unlocking long weekends
With these dates in mind, let’s unlock the potential for long holiday stretches. Here’s a comprehensive table for you to mark out and plan those much-needed short trip getaways from Singapore:
| Public Holiday | Date | Day | Extended Weekend Potential |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Monday | 30 Dec – 1 Jan |
| Chinese New Year | 10 – 12 February | Sat – Mon | 10 Feb – 12 Feb |
| Good Friday | 29 March | Friday | 29 Mar – 31 Mar |
| Hari Raya Haji | 17 June | Monday | 15 Jun – 17 Jun |
| National Day | 9 August | Friday | 9 Aug – 11 Aug |
For more long weekend opportunities, you can also take a day off around these public holidays:
- Hari Raya Puasa: 9 or 11 April
- Labour Day: 30 April or 2 May
- Vesak Day: 21 or 23 May
- Deepavali: 1 November
- Christmas Day: 26 December
Savvy booking strategies for 2024 getaways
When planning your escapes around the public holidays in Singapore, savvy booking strategies are your best friend in snagging great deals and ensuring a stress-free holiday. Here’s how to book smart:
Best time to book flights
For the budget-conscious traveller, timing is everything. The best time to book flights is usually during off-peak seasons or during airline sales, which often occur during major holidays or events. Generally, booking flights about two to three months in advance can secure you the best rates, especially for popular travel periods like the long weekends in 2024.
However, if you’re aiming for holiday travel, consider booking even earlier as prices tend to spike due to high demand.
Setting price alerts
Use travel apps and websites to set up price alerts for your desired destinations. These services will notify you when prices drop, allowing you to book flights at their lowest rates. This means you can capitalise on price dips without the daily hassle of checking fares manually.
Leverage frequent flyer programmes and travel rewards
Sign up for airline frequent flyer programmes and accumulate points or miles that you can redeem for free flights or upgrades. Additionally, use credit cards to earn points to earn points on your everyday purchases, which can then be converted into travel benefits. This long-term strategy can lead to significant savings.
Staying healthy and safe on your travels
While the thrill of adventure calls, your health and safety remain paramount. Here are key reminders to ensure you stay well-protected during your 2024 holidays:
Keep regular medications and a first aid kit
If you’re on prescription medication, ensure you have enough to last your trip and a little extra in case of delays. Also, pack a basic first aid kit with essentials like plasters, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter remedies for common travel ailments like headaches or upset stomachs.
Have emergency information at hand
Always have a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services, the nearest embassy, and a contact back home informed about your travel itinerary. It’s also wise to know the locations of hospitals or clinics near where you’ll be staying.
Don’t skimp on travel insurance
Travel insurance is a must-have for any trip. It’s not just about having coverage for lost luggage or delayed flights – more importantly, it provides medical coverage in case of illness or accidents while you’re away from home.
Before you set off, make sure you have secured an annual travel insurance policy in Singapore that fits the nature of your trip. Check the policy details carefully to ensure it covers activities you’re likely to engage in and any pre-existing conditions you may have. With robust travel insurance like Expat Insurance’s policy, you can enjoy your long weekends and extended getaways with less worry.
