Bali for less
Can’t afford a luxury villa with a pool? No problem! Head to the pool club Mrs Sippy. Designed by Akin Creative, this outdoor club in Seminyak is the latest hip destination for those looking to loll on a poolside deckchair or dance. An on-site restaurant offers wood-fired seafood and pizza.
INSIDER TIP: There’s an array of chic boutiques to explore in Seminyak, but you can go straight to the source for less and add your own unique touches at Toko Central on Jalan Raya Kuta.
TO GO: indonesia.travel.
Los Angeles for less
No need to hire a car these days in Los Angeles, get a Metro Day Pass for $7 US ($10.00 AU) and head to Pasadena to explore the gorgeous Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens. If you go on the first Thursday of the month, admission is free to all visitors with advance tickets. Keen to spot celebs? Take a free hike through Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park to the observatory. You can do yoga in the park there too for a coin or note donation.
INSIDER TIP: If you loved the film La La Land, head directly to the SmokeHouse where the piano bar scenes were filmed – across from Warner Brothers, you’re bound to spot a star and get a great cocktail.
TO GO: visitcalifornia.com/au.
Singapore for less
If you’re Singapore-bound, then it means a holiday full of good food, good shopping and great sites. No need to pay big bucks for delicious meals, sate your appetite with a visit to Lau Pa Sat – a huge hawker centre in the CBD with Singaporean and Indian delights. For shopping, head to Bugis Street Market. Close by is the supremely cool Haji Lane for boutique shopping. The end of the year heralds another slew of festive sales.
INSIDER TIP: Don’t forget tax refunds. On purchases of more than $100 SGD ($92 AU), you can claim GST at the airport.
TO GO: visitsingapore.com.
London for less
First time to London, or perhaps it’s been a while? Consider investing in The London Pass, which gets you into all the top attractions, including the Tower of London, Kensington Palace – be sure to check out the Diana: Her Fashion Story exhibition – and Westminster Abbey for a fraction of the cost. Another benefit of The London Pass is you’ll get to skip the queues with fast-track entry.
INSIDER TIP: Do you dream of staying at The Savoy or Claridges? You can check out their grand lobbies for the price of a drink. Who wouldn’t want to sit and sip Champagne at these historic establishments?
TO GO: visitlondon.com.