SINGAPORE - When international borders remained closed this year, people took to rediscovering the island, going on cruises to nowhere and booking staycations for every occasion - from birthdays to bachelorette parties.
Then came vaccinated travel lanes (VTLs), which rekindled the possibility of leisure travel. In September, Germany became the first destination people in Singapore could visit - quarantine-free.
More VTLs with other countries followed. As at Dec 18, VTLs with 24 countries have taken off - including the United States, South Korea and Britain. Regardless of purpose, travellers were cautiously excited.
Long overdue family reunions took place, in particular across the Causeway. Singapore also has a land VTL with Malaysia.
For leisure travellers, nature holidays - away from bustling cities - was a popular choice. As did socially distanced road trips. Those on business trips tacked on a bit of sightseeing where they could.
Although Covid-19 put a pause on leisure travel for almost two years, cities have used the downtime to hit refresh on infrastructure and attractions, so travellers can expect new things to see or do.
Berlin, for instance, launched the Humboldt Forum, a new cultural centre housed in a magnificent reconstruction of the Berlin Palace with art and ethnological exhibits from around the world.
In Seoul, the food-and-beverage scene has taken a more innovative approach, with secret cafes that publicise themselves only on Instagram, and bars that incorporate international flavours such as cardamon and gin fat-washed with olive oil, in their cocktails.
The initial euphoria that came with the opening of the VTLs has been somewhat dampened by the emergence of the new Omicron variant. More tests are now necessary for travellers departing from and arriving in Singapore.
With countries constantly updating border regulations, travellers must remain nimble and keep abreast of new requirements, such as registration or Covid-19 tests, especially just before they leave.
Test positive for Covid-19 abroad and you might be looking at a lengthy, expensive self-isolation stint.
Travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage mitigates some risks, such as providing a quarantine allowance that helps offset a big self-isolation bill. But they do not cover trip cancellations or postponements due to changing regulations or government advisories.
For now, many - save for the most hardened wanderlusters - are opting to wait and see.
