The last time we went on a journey with TripAdvisor, we ended up catching a case of the travel bug with their list of romantic destinations. Being caring friends of ours, they have provided us with the perfect remedy to bring us back to earth and make an informed decision. Don’t tell anyone but Trip advisor has let us in on a little secret that could help save a cushy sum, without skimping on the extravagance. Rather than to simply book a holiday (as we were tempted to) when the travel bug bites, try to heed their advice and plan one during the off-peak season. Easier said than done we know but vacation rentals in various places during the off peak season would save you much more than you would think. We decided to explore a few options available and were pleasantly surprised at what we found. All prices listed are per week, accommodation only.

St. Barthelemy

Most affordable time to travel: All of November

The Caribbean island is better known as St. Barts, and as the chosen destination of those living the high life, it comes as a surprise that this would be an affordable option. In the peak season, expect to part with nearly SGD $20,000 but choose to travel in November and you would pay significantly less.

St. Barts

There is no shortage of villas for rent and the Villa Amancaya is one of that provides you both privacy as well as a view of the ocean. With five-bedrooms, it sits on the heights of Anse des Cayes and also comes with it’s own private swimming pool. On the same island is the equally well-appointed Amalie. The two-bedroom rental home is spacious and bright, thanks to the large French doors and windows. All rooms open up onto a balcony that overlooks the pool and view.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Most affordable time to travel: Mid to late May

Bring on the Hula skirts and puka shell necklaces! Another great option is Honolulu, Hawaii. Forget the crowded hotels. The best ways to immerse in the Polynesian culture would be to go snorkelling and scale the extinct volcano, Diamond Head.

Duke Kahanamoku Beach in Oahu, Honolulu

Normally a vacation rental in scenic Honolulu can set you back close to SG$5,000, but off-peak season in May would only cost around SG$3,000. Given that it is a national monument, having a view of the Diamond Head would be a treat. It is no wonder then that the two penthouse suites we have chosen boast some of the best views of it.  The first is the Kahakai Penthouse, on the Gold Coast of Hawaii. With two-bedrooms, the penthouse also boasts a view of the pristine blue waters. The other is another two-bedroom penthouse suite by Captain Cook Resorts. The floor-to-ceiling windows in almost every room, give you a wonderful view of the surrounding areas. It doesn’t hurt that the penthouse is situated on the 38^th floor or that you are provided access to the 6^th floor recreation deck.

London

Most affordable time to travel: Week of July 6th

Remember that a holiday doesn’t always have to be limited to the sun, the sand and the sea. It could involve a stiff upper lip, a visit to the Queen and some English tea. It will certainly be cool(ish) during this time of year but you look to save approximately SGD $2,000 if you travel during the first week of July.

The Tower Bridge in London

There are several lovely accommodations in London that would cater to either families or larger groups who choose to travel together. We fell in love with this 6-bedroom family home in Bristol Gardens. Simply a short walk to Warwick Avenue Station and a 13- to 25-minute drive to Central London. Alternatively, if you are looking for a place that sleeps just four, might we suggest a cosy 2-bedroom apartment in Kensington. It is a stone’s throw away from Kensington Palace and down the road to several museums and the Royal Albert Hall, which in our opinion is a great deal.

Dubai

Most affordable time to travel: Early November and early December

Their star property is a man-made island that is considered an architectural feat on its own. Boasting infamous seven-star hotels and such, it is certainly tempting to book a room in the world’s tallest hotel. At less than SG$3,000, a vacation rental in Dubai during the off-peak season isn’t such a bad idea, especially if you wish to visit the Gold Souk or Gold and Diamond Park.

Our take would be to try a few cosy vacation rentals on the luxurious beachfront that offer you the same view. The first is The Silverene on the Dubai Marina Waterfront. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the luxury apartment is in close proximity to the Dubai Marina Mall, with a water taxi stop at the doorstep. The other is an apartment at the Al Bateen residences. Located on a high-floor and boasting a clear view of the marina and sea, the four-bedroom five-bathroom accommodation also gives you direct access to a private beach and 24-hour concierge.

Sydney

Most affordable time to travel: Most of August

For our last-of-five destinations, we selected the land down under. Well known for kangaroos, koala bears, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydeny is one location that has both the ocean view with the sandy beaches as well as the city nightlife in one area. Expect to pay less than SG$2,000 for a vactaion rental in August, according to TripAdvisor.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge

You don’t have to live within the Central Business District hence we selected two vacation rentals either within or not far from the city center. Our first choice is the two-bedroom Pyrmont Apartment, a 10-minute drive from Hyde Park. The apartment in a historical building also comes with two bathrooms, and has contemporary furnishings and fixtures. The second is the Sky Pad, a 15-minute walk away from St.Marys Cathedral and Hyde Park. The child-friendly one-bedroom apartment in the Darlinghurst suburb also overlooks the eastern region of Sydney.