Holiday giant TUI has unveiled exciting new city break packages to Singapore, perfectly timed for the city's renowned food festival this July. This Asian destination, celebrated for its futuristic skyscrapers, world-class street food, and lush tropical gardens, offers an ideal getaway for travel enthusiasts seeking a far-flung culinary adventure.
Affordable Luxury and Culinary Delights
Singapore boasts year-round temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, providing a warm backdrop for exploring its captivating food and culture. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain once famously remarked: ‘Singapore is possibly the most food-centric place on Earth, with the most enthusiastic diners, the most varied and abundant, affordable dishes — available for cheap — on a per-square-mile basis.’
Indeed, the city is home to the world's cheapest Michelin-star meal at Hawker Chan, where diners can enjoy Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice for less than the cost of drinks in London. TUI's breaks, flying from London Gatwick, London Heathrow, and Manchester airports with nine different third-party carriers, make this culinary paradise accessible without breaking the bank.
Hidden Escapes and Natural Wonders
For those looking to venture beyond the urban sprawl, Pulau Ubin Island offers a rustic retreat just a 15-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point. Here, holidaymakers can experience a taste of 1960s Singapore, complete with traditional kampong houses, wild boars, and serene mangrove wetlands.
Chris Logan, TUI's commercial director, emphasises the appeal: "As experts in city break packages, we know incredible food is a big factor for travellers, and Singapore will serve up an exciting new option for foodies as TUI expands its programme into Asia." He describes it as a "destination that truly has it all" from "world class cuisine, stunning architecture, hidden natural gems and a unique mix of tradition and innovation."
Bratislava: Europe's Best-Value Capital
In addition to Singapore, TUI has recently launched city breaks to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, hailed as Europe's best-value destination. Offering a character similar to Prague before it became a party hotspot, Bratislava features a rectangular hilltop castle dating back to the 9th century, providing sweeping views of the Danube River and surrounding area.
The city is compact and walkable, with a bustling old town filled with cobbled streets and picturesque buildings. Packages start from as little as £209 per person, and once there, visitors will find prices very reasonable. For instance, the market hall, Nova Trznica, sells local wines for just €2 (£1.72) and other traditional foods, while the Slovak Pub, one of the oldest and largest venues, serves bread bowls filled with soup for €6.50 (£5.60) and beer for €3 (£2.60).
Unforgettable Experiences Await
Chris Logan adds, "Whether you're there for the food festival, the culture, or just to explore something completely different, Singapore delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn." With TUI offering trips for less than £1,000 per person for a seven-night stay from Manchester in May, these breaks promise exceptional value and adventure.
Singapore's Changi Airport itself is a destination, featuring attractions like the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 metres, and a diamond-patterned retail complex. Many locals even spend leisure days there without catching a flight, highlighting its appeal.
