Mistake 1: Not Budgeting for Travel
One of the biggest surprises for many European visitors is the cost of living in Singapore.
Many travelers assume Singapore is priced the same as other areas in South East Asia yet it tends to be more expensive.
Typical expenses are:
- Hotels
- Meals
- Attractions
- Transport locally
- Shopping
- Fun
Planning a realistic budget before travelling helps you avoid unexpected spending during your stay.
Mistake 2: Not Paying Attention to Hotel Location
Many travelers select hotels solely on pricing alone.
However the location of the hotel may affect:
- Cost of daily transport
- Convenience
- Travel time
- Efficiency of sightseeing
Well-known areas include:
Marina Bay
Luxury traveller’s dream.
Attractions nearby:
- Marina Bay Sands
- Gardens by the Bay
- Merlion Park
- Spectra Light Show
Orchard Road
Good for:
- Shopping
- Luxury Hotels
- Food & Drink
- Leisure
Clarke Quay
Good for:
- Night life
- Dining
- Riverside
- Entertainment
- River Cruises
One of the most crucial things to avoid the Common Mistakes Europeans Make When Planning a Singapore Trip is picking the right location.
Mistake 3: Wanting to See Everything in 2 Days
Singapore is small, yet there is so much more to do than most visitors imagine.
Some of the Top Attractions are:
- Marina Bay Sand
- Sentosa Island
- Gardens by the Bay
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Singapore Zoo
- Night Safari
- Chinatown
- Little India
- Kampong Glam
- Singapore Flyer
It takes minimum 4-5 days to explore comfortably without rushing.
Mistake 4: Not considering Singapore’s climate
Singapore enjoys a tropical climate all year round.
Many European travellers neglect to make provision for:
- High humidity.
- Rain frequently
- sunlight
Essentials to pack are:
- Clothing, light weight
- Walking shoes – comfortable.
- Umbrella
- Sunglasses
- Sunblock
- Water bottles.
Sightseeing is a lot more fun when you’re prepared for the climate.
Mistake 5: Not familiar with the local rules
Singapore is well known for its rigorous public rules and is one of the cleanest cities in the world.
Visitors must always obey local regulations in regards to:
- Littering
- Smoking bans
- Public health
- Conduct in public
- Transport manners
It is a good experience for anybody to follow local rules.
Mistake 6: Not Taking Advantage of Singapore’s Great Public Transport
Many first-time travelers just use taxis or private transfers.
Taxis are convenient yet Singapore has one of the best public transit systems in the world.
Visitors have easy access to:
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transport)
- Public Bus
- Walking routes
- Tourist tickets
Public transit is a help:
- Cost saving
- Avoid congestion
- Fast-track entry to attractions
- Explore local neighborhoods
Travellers who learn how to utilize the MRT before arrival avoid one of the Common Mistakes Europeans Make While Planning a Singapore Trip.
Mistake 7: Skipping Local Food Experiences
A lot of travellers exclusively dine at international restaurants at shopping malls.
But Singapore’s famous hawker centres offer the real local food at the right price.
Popular dishes:
- Hainan Chicken Rice
- Chilli Crab
- Laksa
- Chilli Crab with Satay
- Toast bread
Recommended food places:
- Maxwell Food Court
- Chinatown Complex
- Lau Pa Sat
- Newton Food Centre
One of the joys of every Singapore holiday is sampling the local delicacies.
Mistake 8: The Last Minute Attraction Bookings
Singapore’s main attractions are usually crowded with visitors, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
We suggest you book ahead for:
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
- Night Safari
- Singapore Flyer
- River Cruise
If you book early, you often get:
- More availability
- Quicker entrance
- Better prices
- Reduced waiting time
Mistake 9: Not buying travel insurance
Many European tourists think Singapore is a low-risk destination and do not buy travel insurance.
But travel insurance can include:
- Emergency medical care
- Flight delays on your
- Lost Baggage
- Trip cancellation
- Unplanned costs
Full travel insurance gives you extra peace of mind for the whole trip.
Mistake 10: Planning Without Local Knowledge
Many tourists spend hours using the internet to research sights, hotels, transit and itinerary.
Here are some of the advantages of working with an experienced destination consultant in Singapore:
- Route optimisation
- Better hotel suggestions
- Knowledge of local destination
- Airport transfers arrangements
- Group travel arrangements
- Time saving planning
That’s why many European travel agents work with expert destination management organizations.
