SudhikshaAs travel appetite rebounds but wallets stay cautious, Singaporeans are entering 2026 with clearer priorities and more deliberate choices. New findings from YouGov’s Singapore International Traveller Outlook 2026 show that although we remain a nation of enthusiastic holidaymakers, rising costs and shifting perceptions of value are reshaping where and how we travel in the year ahead.
Nearly three in five Singaporeans typically take at least one overseas leisure trip a year, though 29% reduced their international travel in 2025 due to financial pressures. Yet younger travellers defied the trend, with Gen Z and Millennials more likely to travel more than the year before.
With higher flight and accommodation prices expected to persist, 2026’s holiday plans reflect a more strategic and selective approach, from booking early to seeking better value.
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Here are the destinations topping Singaporeans’ wish lists in the year ahead.
Popular destinations for Singaporeans in 2026
1. Japan is still the unrivalled favourite
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Japan remains the number one destination, with 46.5% of Singaporeans saying they would consider visiting in 2026. It continues to appeal for culture, food, nature, shopping, and increasingly, value.
Despite the yen’s fluctuations, travellers still perceive Japan as offering better value for money than last year. Energetic cities such as Tokyo and Osaka sit comfortably alongside slower-paced gems such as Kanazawa, Kumamoto, and Hakodate, ensuring something for every type of traveller. Expect continued demand for cherry blossom season, autumn foliage routes, and ski holidays in Hokkaido and Nagano.
2. Malaysia is a value champion on the rise
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Affordability has always been Malaysia’s strength, and in 2026, that matters more than ever. It ranked highest in improved value perception, with 40% saying it now offers better value for money compared to last year.
This boost, along with its strong position as a convenient short-haul option, pushed Malaysia up the consideration ladder. Singaporeans are gravitating towards new café enclaves in Kuala Lumpur, coastal escapes to Desaru and Penang, and nature-focused stays in Sabah and Sarawak. With off-peak travel becoming a preferred cost-saving strategy, Malaysia fits seamlessly into long weekends and spontaneous getaways.
3. China is the comeback contender
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China recorded the largest year-on-year jump in consideration, rising by 6.6 points, and also the biggest improvement in impression scores. Travellers are increasingly recognising the country’s diversity beyond mega-cities and are rediscovering both its cultural depth and new tourism infrastructure.
From buzz-filled Shanghai and Beijing to Chengdu’s renowned food scene and the surreal landscapes of Zhangjiajie, China’s breadth appeals to travellers seeking immersive and good-value experiences. Strengthening air connectivity has also made multi-city itineraries easier.
4. Thailand is a perennial crowd-pleaser
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Thailand remains one of the most consistently popular destinations for Singaporeans. Its combination of warm hospitality, excellent food, and varied experiences, from Bangkok’s nightlife to Chiang Mai’s wellness resorts and Phuket’s beaches, offers strong value and flexibility.
With more Singaporeans booking early to manage costs, Thailand’s competitive hotel rates and frequent flights keep it firmly in the top tier of choices for 2026.
5. South Korea is both culture-rich and trend-driven
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South Korea continues to hold steady as a favourite among younger travellers. K-culture remains a strong draw, from Seoul’s fashion-forward districts to Busan’s coastal cafés. The country’s growing wellness and nature offerings, including Jeju hiking, temple stays, and green tea fields in Boseong, add further appeal.
Although rising ground costs may be nudging travellers to plan earlier and spend more selectively, Korea remains firmly on the radar as a top choice.
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A More Value-Conscious Singaporean Traveller
So, there you have it: popular destinations for Singaporeans in 2026. In the year ahead, 36% plan to prioritise more affordable destinations, 34% may reduce the number of trips, and 49% will rely on off-peak travel or early booking to stretch their budget.
Destinations that combine accessibility, cultural depth, and cost-efficiency, such as Japan, Malaysia, and China, are rising to the top. Even as financial pressures reshape travel behaviour, one thing remains consistent. Singaporeans are not travelling less out of desire but travelling more thoughtfully, choosing places that feel worth the spend and their hard-earned leave days.
