Quick Getaways

Exotic destinations that are not as far flung as you might think, within five hours by plane, for a long weekend or more.

- Teoh Tze Pin

Holidays can end up becoming pretty hectic and stressful, especially if you’re taking your whole family with you, over a long weekend or a week-long break from school.

For such vacations planned within a smaller window of opportunity, time is clearly more precious. Naturally, you would hope to take flights from Singapore of no more than five hours to and from your preferred destination.

Any longer than that could chip away at that relaxed mood you’ve been trying to cultivate. And long flights can certainly make the kids, and spouse, cranky.

Whatever the reason, here are some handy, nearer-than-you thought destinations to consider.

MALDIVES

www.visitmaldives.com

FLIGHT TIME TO MALE: 4 hours 30 minutes on average

Many destinations have been called “paradise”, but the Maldives deserve the description.

This island nation that barely sits above the Indian Ocean, just southwest of India and Sri Lanka, is made up of nearly 1,200 islands atop 26 coral-lined natural atolls.

Pristine sun-baked beaches and clear warm waters that afford plenty of aquatic adventures are obvious attractions for the tourists that flock to the well-established resorts dotting the islands.