#TRAVEL

8 Smart Travel Tips To Save Money On Your Next Trip

From airfares and car-hire to accommodation and meals, here are tips to lower your holiday costs and get the best deals.

By Azrina Ahmad        11 December 2023

Enjoying your travels over the year-end break? Or perhaps you’ve already returned home, and are already eager to plan your next trip. It’s not too late to score some good deals and find ways to reduce your holiday expenses. 

With so many merchants offering discounts on accommodation, travel experiences, travel packages and more – and with the GST going up again in January – there’s no better time than now to plan the ultimate holiday for the year ahead. Here are eight ideas to get you started. And check out the special perks for SAFRA members!

1. Save money on your travel wardrobe

Whether you need resort wear, a cosy winter jacket or some good walking shoes, Zalora has you covered. This multi-label online retailer offers top-quality clothing, footwear and accessories from some of the world’s biggest fashion brands, including Abercrombie & Fitch, H&M, Adidas, COS and Hollister.  

Until 31 December 2023, SAFRA members and 11B holders enjoy 12% off their Zalora purchases (minimum spend $100; the discount is capped at $50). Simply use the promo code: SAFRAZAL12. For more information, visit safra.sg/promotions/Zalora23

Need new hiking socks for that great outdoor adventure? The Uncommon Level, founded in 2022 by ex-commandos, specialises in waterproof hiking socks that offer comfort, breathability and moisture-wicking properties.

SAFRA members can get 20% off all waterproof hiking socks, using the promo code SAFRA 20. Click on safra.sg/promotions/the-uncommon-level for more details.

If you’re looking for new footwear, you’re sure to find a pair you love from Bata Shoes. Established in the Czech Republic more than a century ago, Bata offers a mix of classic and trendy designs for your feet. 

Until 31 December 2023, SAFRA members enjoy 12% off storewide (valid for regular-priced items, excludes international brands). Visit safra.sg/promotions/bata to find out more.   

2. Get cheaper travel data

Mobile data is a travel essential – you have to be connected in order to access maps and public transport schedules, find places to eat, and post photos to your social media accounts. Data roaming charges can be expensive, and buying a local SIM card when travelling is often confusing and troublesome. Make things easier for yourself by purchasing the AIRSIM prepaid travel data SIM card before you leave. 

The card can be used in more than 130 countries outside of Singapore. AIRSIM works with mobile operators around the world to provide you with mobile data service at local data rates. Using Over-The-Air (OTA) technology, your AIRSIM is transformed into a local SIM at the destination.

AIRSIM is reusable; just purchase the suitable data plan before travelling to your next destination by using the AIRSIM app or website, and you can enjoy immediate mobile data service upon your arrival at different destinations using the same SIM card.

SAFRA members receive 15% off AIRSIM’s Prepaid Travel Date SIM card, using the promo code SAFRA15. Find out more at safra.sg/promotions/airsim

3. Slash your ferry costs

If you plan to holiday in Batam or Bintan, here’s a great deal to save money on your ferry tickets. Until 31 March 2024, Sindo Ferry is offering SAFRA members $3 off a two-way ferry ticket to Batam and Bintan (use the promo code SINDOSAFRA; only applicable for bookings made on the Sindo Ferry mobile app).  

Sindo Ferry is your trusted partner for seamless travel between Singapore and Indonesia. Since 1999, Sindo Ferry has been the largest regional ferry operator, ensuring safe and reliable transportation services. Their passenger ferries operate daily, connecting key destinations including Batam Centre, Sekupang, Waterfront, Tanjung Balai Karimun, and Tanjung Pinang.

Click on safra.sg/promotions/sindo-ferry for more information. 

4. Enjoy holiday activities for less

What’s an overseas vacation without fun activities and experiences? Klook is your one-stop shop for tickets to theme parks, water parks, museums, historical sites, zoos, aquariums and much more. It also offers tour and cruise packages, transport passes and dining experiences. 

Founded in 2014, Klook satisfies your longing for adventure and experiences, with over 490,000 activities in over 1,000 destinations. 

Until 31 January 2024, SAFRA members enjoy $15 off all activities booked through Klook, with a minimum spend of $200. Use the promo code <KLKSAFRA15OFF>. Visit safra.sg/promotions/klook-sg for further details. 

5. Lower your accommodation expenses

Finding the right accommodation can be time-consuming as you sift through the reviews, research the various hotels and ensure that you’re staying in a safe and convenient location. 

Agoda has long been a top choice for travellers who are looking for the best accommodation deals. Headquartered in Asia, this online travel booking platform features over 2 million properties in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Search the site for the perfect hotel anywhere in the world and get 8% off. Book until 31 December 2027 for stays until 30 June 2028. This deal is exclusive to SAFRA members, using the promo code SAFRA8. 

Go to safra.sg/promotions/agoda to find out more.

6. Find great deals on flights and car-hire

Getting to your destination and then getting around while you’re there need not take a huge chunk out of your travel budget. SAFRA recently teamed up with Tripbeat, the easy-to-use online destination for incredible international travel discounts. 

Join Tripbeat now and get a free Tripbeat Premium Membership for one year upon account activation to enjoy greater savings on travel. 

Your free one-year Tripbeat Premium Membership includes the following benefits: 

Hotels: Up to 60% off over 600,000 properties worldwide
Resort stays from $499 a week across the globe
Activities: Savings on over 345,000 experiences
Car-hire at member preferred rates
Flights: Access to discounted airfares
Cruise: Save up to $750 per couple 

Promotion valid until 31 January 2024. Go to safra.sg/promotions/tripbeat for additional details. 

7. Look for discounts before travelling

If you know which restaurants you plan to eat at and attractions you intend to visit, check if these places offer special promotions or early-bird discounts. For example, some eateries have “kids eat free” deals, and some museums, art galleries, theme parks and other places of attraction offer discounted rates to visitors who purchase their tickets early. If you’re travelling with your family, don’t forget to research family passes to festivals, events and shows, as these are usually cheaper than buying individual tickets. 

8. Go off the beaten track

Popular tourist attractions, restaurants and cafes tend to charge customers more, so, if you want to save a few dollars and enjoy a quieter, more “authentic” travel experience, explore the spots you won’t find on the travel websites and ask the locals for their recommendations. 

Here are more travel tips to save money on holiday!


Save more with SAFRA! Enjoy special deals and discounts on dining, shopping, entertainment, travel, fitness and more from over 1,500 merchant outlets islandwide. Sign up or renew your SAFRA membership for three years at the price of 1 year ($43.20 inclusive of GST)! Plus, get your spouse and children on board to enjoy the same privileges too – 1st dependent pays $5.40/year, and it’s free for the 2nd dependent onwards. Visit safra.sg/savemore for more details. 

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