Fly to Singapore

In a city of superlatives, Gardens by the Bay is still something special. Two expansive glasshouses, including the world's biggest, showcase flora and plants from Mediterranean climates – in the Flower Dome – and from misty mountain tropical environments – in the Cloud Forest. Soaring vertical gardens – the Supertrees – are linked by a sky-high walkway with great views of Marina Bay, and at 7.45pm and 8.45pm the Supertrees are illuminated by the nightly Garden Rhapsody light show. For flower fans, the Floral Fantasy display is blooming essential. Book ahead online for Gardens by the Bay.

Popular with locals from breakfast to late at night, the cultural heritage of Singapore’s hawker centre scene is recognised by UNESCO. Flavours from Singapore's cultural diversity – including Chinese, Malay and Indian dishes – are served at popular hawker centres including the sprawling Chinatown Complex and Lau Pa Sat, an historic 19th-century market. The aroma of grilled seafood and meat lures diners to Lau Pa Sat's nightly Satay Street, while the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall at the Maxwell Food Centre is Michelin-starred. Pro tip: bring along cash for the most popular stalls.

Make a day (and a night) of it exploring two family-friendly destinations. Singapore Zoo is one of the world's best, with spacious and natural enclosures, and a rainforest location covering 28 hectares. Don't miss the zoo's orangutans, roaming freely on a sky-high network of ropes and platforms, and be sure to explore different river environments on a River Wonders boat cruise. Next door, the Night Safari is home to more than different 100 animal species, including lions, leopards and alligators, and is best explored on an electric tram ride through the park's diverse habitats.