Priceless long weekend getaways

Wake up at Park Hyatt, just a stone’s throw away from the magnificent Sydney Opera House and The Rocks. From there, catch a train to Circular Quay, where you can walk to Harbour Bridge and the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Make sure to check out Sydney’s hottest neighbourhood, Barangaroo, for lunch at Public House and a coffee or pastry at Bourke St Bakery or doughnuts from Shortstop. Swing past the Inner West for a pub lunch at the historic Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale and, once you’ve put the kids to bed, make a booking for dinner at Automata, currently among Sydney’s best fine dining spots. Of course, you can’t have a trip to Sydney without a day at the beach. Head over to family-friendly Cronulla beach for a walk down the Esplanade, pretty rock pools and a beachside fish and chips lunch. 

By Brie Stanley (@beebeesxthree)

There’s no reason why you can’t make your next long weekend getaway an international one. Singapore is an ideal short-haul destination for travellers after a bit of everything, from brilliant food, entertainment, and family friendly activities. Start with a swim the Marina Bay Sands' epic rooftop infinity pool and be enthralled by the Gardens by the Bay, where kids can have a dip in the water play area and play in the lush gardens. Explore the streets of old Singapore: the Arab street and Little India areas are full of colourfully painted buildings and delicious local eateries. The rainbow-hued Ministry of Information, Communication, and the Arts (MICA) at building Clark Quay is another stunning spot for cool family travel snaps. Don’t miss Sentosa, the Singapore Aquarium is always a hit with kids, and the Universal Studios offers theme park fun for all ages.  

by Claire Cosh (@clairecollected)

Singapore is a great destination for the solo traveller with a sense of wanderlust. Wander the streets of Chinatown to admire the historical architecture and stop by Haji Lane nearby, where vintage stores await with pre-loved treasure. Rest up after your retail therapy at local coffee shop The Populus Coffee & Food Co or stick around until the evening, when the area comes alive with lively bars. Eat like a local at Maxwell Hawker Centre, where there are over 100 food stalls to choose from, including local delicacies chicken rice and chilli crab. Kick back with a night cap at Martini Bar in the historic Raffles Hotel, and make a note to see Singapore’s iconic Merlion the next day. Finish off the trip with a trip to Sentosa and head to Tanjong Beach Club for a relaxing sunset dinner on the beach.

by Lex Mak (@mrgumbatron)