Picture yourself embarking on a journey across the world's most captivating cities and landscapes, where each destination’s story is told through ancient architecture and breathtaking nature. If you love travelling, these five destinations should definitely be on your travel bucket list.
Soak in the ethereal beauty of Iceland, a land sculpted by volcanic eruptions and glacial motion. Then let Paris, the timeless City of Light, sweep you off your feet with its enchanting boulevards and millennia-old neighbourhoods. Fly south to New Zealand, where untamed wilderness reigns, painting a masterpiece of emerald fjords and snow-capped peaks. Drift into the splendour of Venice, a colourful floating city where art and architecture are married in canals reflecting the Adriatic sun. Finally, feel the pulse of ancient history in Xi’an, where the Terracotta Warriors stand guard over an empire’s secrets.
Before diving into these fascinating destinations, here’s a pro-tip to make your bucket list dreams a reality: pay for holiday expenses, such as flight tickets and accommodation, with your Standard Chartered Credit Card, then convert eligible local and foreign currency transactions into 3 to 12-month interest-free instalments* with SC EasyPay.
Simply log in to SC Mobile and tap on the EasyPay button to view and convert eligible transactions.
From now till 28 February 2025, register for the Million Reasons to be Happier promotion via SC Mobile and stand to win the new all-electric Porsche Taycan. Don’t have a Standard Chartered Credit Card? Apply for the SC Journey Credit Card today and get up to 45,000 welcome miles! T&Cs apply.
Iceland
In incredible Iceland, the raw power of nature paints an otherworldly landscape, where geysers and glaciers shimmer under the northern lights. Trace Iceland’s sparkling streams to waterfalls that tumble in misty veils over basalt cliffs, overlooking moss-carpeted valleys.
The Golden Circle should be at the top of your list. This circular journey to see Iceland’s natural wonders includes Þingvellir National Park, the powerful Gullfoss waterfall, and the active geysers of Haukadalur. Venture to the south coast to witness the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara and the stunning glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón. Soaking in the mineral-rich, steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon is a must, and so is camping out to catch the magical northern lights that dance across the Arctic sky in winter.
The best way to see these rural sights is by booking a tour or renting a car. Standard Chartered Credit Cards can be used globally, and car rental transactions - often a significant expense of a vacation - can be converted into instalments with SC EasyPay on Transaction. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the expenses while on a vacation, because you can convert these transactions into interest-free instalments within 30 days.
How to get there: There aren’t any direct flights from Singapore to Iceland, but you can transit at European capitals like London, Amsterdam, or Copenhagen (several flights depart for these cities daily) to get to Reykjavík.
Paris, France
Founded by the Celts about 2,000 years ago, Paris enchants its visitors with rich local produce, exquisite cuisine and centuries of imaginative art. Follow provocative murals, along ancient cobblestone streets to the private galleries of Montmartre and the must-visit Louvre. You might like to spend more than a day in the 73,000-square-metre Louvre, and you should definitely book yourself on one of the history tours of this storied city.
In the shadow of Gustave Eiffel’s iconic tower, you can stroll along the charming streets of Le Marais, lose yourself in the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral or have a picnic in the lush greenery of Luxembourg Gardens. Visit the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the summit for panoramic vistas, and buy a ticket to visit the Catacombs if you aren’t squeamish.
The rooftop of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is another perch from which you can enjoy an unforgettable view of Paris. If you like designer apparel and accessories, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann is one of Paris’s best luxury malls.
With SC EasyPay, you can pay smart and choose flexible instalments for your dream purchases, whether it’s that coveted luxury bag or wallet you’ve been eyeing, or a well-deserved shopping spree at outlet malls near Paris.
When you need a break from exploring, take your pick from freshly baked pastries in cafe windows, nab a bottle of locally made natural wine—French wine tastes different when you drink it there—and stretch your legs along the steps of the historic River Seine.
How to get there: Several direct flights depart Changi Airport for Paris daily.
New Zealand
New Zealand is a land of untamed beauty, where emerald lakes glisten beneath towering mountains, and lush rainforests stretch toward the horizon. From the rugged peaks of the Southern Alps to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, each corner of this island nation offers a breathtaking testament to the raw, awe-inspiring power of nature.
Adventure seekers and nature lovers will love hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, with its striking volcanic landscapes, and cruising the serene Milford Sound, a fjord that is often described as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. For a truly unique experience, visit Rotorua to immerse yourself in Māori culture through traditional performances and a delicious Hāngi feast.
If you’re an ardent daredevil, you’ll be delighted to know that reputable companies like Skydive New Zealand and Skydive Auckland offer skydiving experiences daily.
With skydiving experiences costing upwards of S$500 in New Zealand, you can book a tandem skydive online with your Standard Chartered Credit Card and convert the foreign currency transaction into instalments using SC EasyPay easily on SC Mobile (Standard Chartered’s mobile banking app).
How to get there: Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand offer 10-hour direct flights from Changi to Auckland or Christchurch.
Venice, Italy
Once a powerful and independent city state, Venice is a timeless sight to behold. Enjoy the rhythm of gondola paddles as they echo across its labyrinth of canals—Venice is where history, art and romance flow seamlessly together.
Exploring Venice takes about a day. By taking bearing from St. Mark's Basilica, you can amble along its hidden alleys to discover freshly harvested fruits and a cavalcade of colourful pastas that you can bring home as souvenirs. Take some time to admire the intricate mosaics and sculptural details of St. Mark's Basilica, then snap an Instagram-worthy photo on the Rialto Bridge.
When you’re hungry, head into one of this spellbinding city’s quaint cafes, or treat yourself to Michelin-starred dining at Il Glam by Enrico Bartolini inside the Palazzo Venart, or Da Fiore, a family-run restaurant known for its Venetian-inspired dishes.
Don’t miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at a Michelin-starred or fine dining restaurant overseas, where you can indulge and use SC EasyPay to convert the large dining bill into 3 to 12-month instalments.
How to get there: Singapore Airlines flies directly from Changi Airport to Venice Marco Polo Airport. You can also fly directly to nearby Milan and make a day trip to Venice.
Xi’An, China
The ancient heart of China, Xi’An is where the mighty Terracotta Army have stood guard over the tomb of China's first emperor for over two millennia. Let the intense aromas of Xi’An’s mouthwatering street food lead you on an epicurean adventure through its historic district. Afterwards, walk your meal off as you explore the majestic City Wall and its bustling Muslim Quarter.
The City Wall is one of the best-preserved fortifications in the world, and offers panoramic views of the city’s evolving skyline. The Muslim Quarter is where you can savour local delicacies like yangrou paomo (lamb stew) and explore vibrant markets filled with souvenirs and street performers.
To visit the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, you’ll need to hail a taxi or book a ride via the DiDi ride hailing app, as it is located about 40 kilometres northeast of Xi'an’s city centre in the Lintong District.
How to get there: Scoot and China Eastern offer direct 6-hour flights from Changi to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport.
You can turn your bucket list destinations into reality when you pay smarter and choose flexible payments with EasyPay - convert your local and foreign currency transactions into 3 to 12-month interest-free instalments*.
Don’t have a Standard Chartered Credit Card? Apply for the SC Journey Credit Card today and get up to 45,000 welcome miles! T&Cs apply. You can also stand to win the new all-electric Porsche Taycan when you register for the Million Reasons to be Happier promotion via SC Mobile before 28 February 2025.
*Applicable for eligible transactions of minimum S$150, and may be subject to a low processing fee
If you’d like more travel inspo, check out these unique travel destinations, these hidden gems and our tips for how to uncover hidden gems in popular locales.
This story is brought to you by Standard Chartered.