Tired of the same old itineraries?
Looking for travel inspiration beyond the usual hotspots?
Singaporean travellers are now seeking out culturally rich, scenic, and crowd-free destinations across the globe. Whether it’s exploring ancient towns in China or chasing the Northern Lights in Europe, these popular destinations are capturing hearts—and topping search trends.
If you’re planning a holiday that’s special, unique, and just plain one-of-a-kind—these are the places to watch out for.
Quick Overview: Rising Travel Gems in 2025
| Destination | Country | Why It’s Trending | Search Trend (YoY) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lijiang | China | Ancient town charm, UNESCO heritage, scenic mountain access | +430% |
| Chongqing | China | Hotpot capital, Yangtze cruise, neon skyline | +450% |
| Hangzhou | China | West Lake serenity meets Alibaba innovation | +400% |
| Thessaloniki | Greece | Cultural blend, local food, youthful energy | +420% |
| Tromsø | Norway | Arctic adventures, Northern Lights, Sami culture | +470% |
1. Lijiang, China – Vintage Charm among Mountains
Situated in Yunnan province, Lijiang provides an insight into history with its extremely well-preserved Old Town and culture with deep roots. It’s a destination appropriate for culture-minded, nature-appreciated, and truly-enjoying tourists.
Why Visit:
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UNESCO Old Town with cobblestone streets and canals
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Cultural heritage of the Naxi people
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Bordering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge
Top Experiences:
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Walk along old Tea Horse Road
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Live in a typical courtyard-style guesthouse
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Taste Local Specialities, Yunn
Trend: Singaporean searches for “Lijiang travel” and “Lijiang itinerary” are 430% year-over
2. Chongqing, China – Where Hotpot Meets High-Rises
Too caught up by Shanghai or Beijing, Chongqing gradually but surely becomes popular among city tourists and epicureans.
Why Visit:
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Grand cityscape with scenic rocks and mountains
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Departure point for Yangtze River cruising
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The legendary place where Chinese spicy hotpot is originated
Top Experiences:
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Ride Yangtze River Cable Car
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Visit Hongyadong: restaurant heaven with neon lights
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Kindly watch massive 816 Nuclear Military Plant
Search Trend: Internet search queries such as “Chongqing food tour” and “what to do in Chongqing” are 450% greater among Singaporean tourists.
3. Hangzhou, China – Serenity Meets Innovation
Hangzhou marries old-world refinement with new-world sensibility, with a idyllic lakeside scenery and being home to Alibaba, China’s largest internet firm.
Why Visit:
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Famous West Lake and serene gardens
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Tea plantations and antique silk shops
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Direct high-speed rail connections offer easy access to
Leading Activities:
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West Lake Boat Cruise during Sunrise or Sunset
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Walk around Hefang Street’s old shops
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Gaze at mountains Longjing Tea Village
Search Trend: Singapore has 400% more “Hangzhou itinerary 2025” and “Hangzhou travel guide” search terms.
4. Thessaloniki, Greece – The Cultural Underdog
Thessaloniki provides a respite from bustling Santorini or Athens, but with richness of history from Romans, Ottomans, and Byzantine eras.
Why Visit:
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Coastal, pedestrian-friendly city with heritage attractions
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Vibrant food and coffee culture
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Affordable but lively nightlife that’s supplemented by a large concentration of students
High Activities:
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Stroll through Ano Poli (the Old Town), a UNESCO World Heritage site
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Taste street foods and local foods from Modiano Market
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Enjoy panoramic views of sunsets from the White Tower
Search Trend: Singaporean interest to view “Thessaloniki hidden gems” and “northern Greece itinerary” increased by 420%.
5. Tromsø, Norway – A Top Winter Destination Above the Arctic Circle
If witnessing the Northern Lights is something you want to do, then Tromsø should be your destination come 2026.
Why Visit:
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One of the prime locations on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis
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Features specific to nature: summer midnight sun, polar nights during winter
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Sami culture and arctic animal encounters
Top Experiences:
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Relax into a panoramic Arctic cabin or a glass igloo
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See Arctic Cathedral and explore Polaria Museum
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Take a guided dog-sledding or aurora phototography trip
Search Trend: Singaporean queries regarding “Tromsø aurora season” and “Tromsø winter activities” increased by 470
Why are Singaporean tourists traveling to those off-the-beaten-path destinations?
Real One-of-a-Kind Experience: While travelers expect more than commerce and gawking, they expect heart and stories.
Social Media Presence: Destination sites such as Lijiang and Tromsø are trending on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
More Direct Flights: Greater air links to country towns are facilitating niche travel.
Post-Pandemic Attitude: Slow travel, cultural immersion, and wellness are taking over check-the-box tourism among travelers.
Plan Your 2026 Travels with Tailwinds Travels
It’s from having specifically catered to Singaporean travelers with personalized, high-end travel experiences. Whether snowy adventures within Norway, a tea tour of Hangzhou, or a sun set over Thessaloniki, we’ll craft it—the way you envision.
View our latest travel packages and itineraries: Tailwinds Travels – Luxury Travel Agent Singapore
Conclusion: Travel Differently
New Singaporean travelers are re-defining the way to world travel. From China’s authentic towns to off-the-grid locations in Europe to winter environments, new travel destinations are providing genuine, uncrowded, and meaningful experiences.
Ready to hit the road less traveled in 2026? Allow Tailwinds Travels to guide you where.
Explore our exclusive picks for where to travel in 2026 for long weekend escapes from Singapore or get inspired by our curated list of luxury retreats to book early for 2026 long weekends.