11 ways to prepare for a quick Singapore daycation
When time is tight but the need to unwind is strong, a one-day vacation—a “daycation”, if you will—offers a great compromise. You get to enjoy a change of scenery without having to commit to an overnight stay. It’s an ideal solution if paid time off is tight or if you have a long layover coming up.
Of all the places you can go to, Singapore is possibly the best setting for a great daycation. Safe, blessed with an excellent public transport system, and full of world-class amenities, the city-state offers a multitude of convenient, daycation-friendly experiences for all kinds of travellers.
Whether you’re slipping in some luxury between work meetings or making the most of a long layover, Singapore has countless things going for it. Follow these tips for a special and truly hassle-free Singapore daycation.
1) Choose the right base
With only a few hours to spend, your “home base” can make or break your daycation. For maximum convenience, you’ll need a space that’s close to transport links and major attractions. A smart option is to find a Changi Airport hotel that offers short-stay cabins and safe, modern settings. You’ll find options right within the airport complex, which may be welcome if your daycation is built around a layover or airport transfer.
2) Set your daycation goals
Are you after rest, indulgence, productivity, or play? Are you just passing through on a layover? Defining your daycation and giving it purpose keeps you from pursuing superfluous experiences and helps you make the most of your limited time.
3) Pack only what you need
Once you’ve defined your daycation goals, a light day bag with just a phone charger, water bottle, sunscreen, a change of clothes, and basic toiletries should more than suffice. If you’re planning a swim, workout, or spa session, toss in some gear, but keep it compact so that you can save on luggage check-ins and move about more easily.
4) Time your arrival strategically
There’s plenty to do in Singapore, but arriving late in the day can seriously limit your options. As much as possible, you’ll want to arrive early in the day to maximise your hours, even if it means securing an early check-in or hourly hotel bookings to stretch your time.
5) Pre-book popular activities
It’s not unusual for lines to go around the block for plum attractions, particularly if they just recently went viral on social media. As a rule, you’ll want to secure popular experiences in advance, especially if you can only get to them during peak hours.
6) Keep things loose
A flexible plan will be a lot less stressful than one packed to the gills, especially if you only have a day to spare. Group your activities by location and priority to cut down on transit time and give you more room to leisurely squeeze more things in. For instance, if you’re only going to be here a day, you can easily combine shopping, nature walks, and dining all within Jewel Changi, minimising the need to travel around the island.
7) Go cashless
With the notable exception of hawker centres and street markets, Singapore has largely gone cashless, and you may have a frustrating time if you only have paper money with you. Before you arrive, make sure your cards or e-wallets are able to facilitate local tap payments.
8) Stay connected
Staying connected is a breeze in Singapore. If you’re flying in from abroad, sort out a SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi rental upon arrival. Having a secure connection keeps you from having to use public Wi-Fi, allowing you to manage bookings, find your way around, and even squeeze in a bit of remote work if needed.
9) Dress for the weather
Singapore’s tropical climate means light, breathable fabrics are your best bet, regardless of what month it is. Don’t forget to carry a compact umbrella to fend off the sun and the occasional downpour. You may also want to wear comfortable shoes since you’re probably going to be doing a lot of exploring on foot.
10) Hydrate wisely
For those who don’t know, Singapore can get hot throughout most of the year, even during the “coolest” months of December and January. With all the walking, heat, and activity, dehydration can sneak up on you and leave you feeling miserable without you really knowing why.
If you’re not keen on buying bottled water, you can find public drinking stations at some parks and public facilities. Singapore also has some of the cleanest tap water in the world, so bring a refillable water bottle and feel free to top up at any public tap that doesn’t explicitly prohibit it.
11) Wind down before you leave
Before heading back to the airport, take some time to decompress at some of the quieter attractions around Changi Airport. Visit one or two of its quiet gardens, enjoy a slow meal, or treat yourself to a bit of retail therapy. Ending your daycation on a more downbeat note lets you return feeling refreshed, which is probably the whole point of it all.
Curate (don’t cram) your daycation
A Singapore daycation doesn’t need to be packed with activities to be worthwhile. If anything, that might be the wrong way to do things. There’s so much to do in Singapore that packing your day full of activities might only lead to disappointment. Rather, you should prioritise the quality of your experiences over sheer quantity. Jot down a few of these ideas before your next trip, and see just how rejuvenating a single day can be.
