Epic Travel Designer

A positive review from a client whom we curated one of our favourite vacations of the year, to chase the Northern lights in Autumn 🌌🌠

We are proud to announce that mission is accomplished!

Very happy that our clients see the value we add to their vacations 😍😍

As of Oct 1, we have rebranded to Epic Travel Designer. We design and curate tours all over the world based on demands and requests. If you like to partner us for your next vacation, we are just one whatsapp away 😊

Dear all,

As of 1 Oct 2024, Epic Travel Tours has rebranded as Epic Travel Designer to better streamline the services we provide, that is designing tours for our clients.

As we are still in midst of transiting from our old websites to the new ones, please check this space for updates.

[Behind the scenes]

Working hard for our next site visiting coming soon. Xinjiang is a destination that has been on our radar for a long time. It spells exotic. In fact, we have been there 20 years back and wanted to return again. The opportunity finally came with our new partners on board.

As with all destinations, we always do our research and homework before recommending it to our clients. We are not they typical travel planner that relies on our partners or destination management consultant (DMC) for planning. We plan and design based on real-life experiences. That is how we arm ourselves with knowledge and improve. Hence our itineraries are unique.

The biggest challenge for this trip: translating all the Mandarin to English. And boy, the characters and pinyin are testing our Mandarin to the max.

And yes, download all the useful Chinese apps with tons of information. Most importantly, our credit cards are bound to Wechat. Now, we can "travel like a local" paying via QR codes.

Stay tune for more updates....











#新疆
#我的阿勒泰

For those heading to South Korea, here's the list of food for consideration.

Taking the Train to Busan from Seoul? Here’s How To Eat and Drink Your Way Through South Korea Craving a trip to South Korea? In partnership with Korea Tourism Organization, T'way Air and Sydney Airport, let us tempt you further.

Oops, someone has caught up on "the secret". Truth is, for our groups heading to Hokkaido to ski, Furano has always been our first choice. There are just so much to do in Furano, Biei and Asahikawa.

Get away from the crowd in Sapporo and Niseko (goodbye tour groups 😆😆) and join us for an authentic less touristy experience.

Your kids can also partake in cheese making, ice cream making and visit the renowned Asahiyama Zoo (with arctic and polar animals).

I found Japan's best-kept secret ski town A head appears in the ground where I’m digging.    I throw my shovel to the side and start    frantically using my gloved hands, raking at    the snow like a dog would sand. When it’s    finally exposed, I raise the head up to gasps    and praise from my fellow trav...

Instead of Kyoto, head to the many "Little Kyotos" all over Japan. One of our favorite and nearby Tokyo is Kawagoe in Saitama.

Take the road less travelled to enjoy a truly Japan vacation.

Speak to us and "pick" our brains on your next vacation 😀

Avoid the crowds in Japan's ancient capital by visiting a 'Little Kyoto' Kyoto has been using its name to boost tourism in various regions of Japan for over 30 years. In 1985—with a goal to work together in preserving local history and culture as well as promote tourism — Kyoto and 26 municipalities formed the All Japan Kyoto Association (also called the…

Newest attraction in Tokyo. We believe if they iron out their language barriers, it would be the next thing to do in Tokyo.

Tokyo's newest attraction is full of surprises A new theme park in Tokyo lets you be the star of the show.

Competition for scoot and hopefully cheaper fares for the consumers.

Where are you heading to in Japan ?

Travel News: Air Japan launches direct Singapore-Tokyo flights, one-way fares from $156 Low-cost carrier Air Japan launches direct Singapore-Narita flights from April 27, fares start at $156. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Travel is personal development. Once a year, go to somewhere you have never been before, try new food, speak to people of a different culture. You will notice how you have grown.

How many have you tried ? We did a couple from the list and we can attest to their quality 🥰🥰

15 best ryokans with onsens to stay in Japan Considering staying at a ryokan to experience its onsen facility and the amazing spread of kaiseki meals? Here are 15 Japanese ryokans with onsens to consider!

China is on our radar this year. That means, a site visit is on the cards.

Now Singaporeans can visit China visa free for up to 30 days. And Epic Travel Tours is making plans to take advantage of the free visa entry to establish our ties with our partners.

If China is on your radar, and you like a customised vacation off the mainstream, speak to us. China is always of the destinations that we are fond of, of the food, culture, history and scenery.

Mutual 30-day visa-free scheme fuels further interest in Singapore-China travel Tour agencies say they have seen a rise in demand for travel packages to China since July 2023. Read more at straitstimes.com.

This is very much welcome. Hopefully cash will be a thing of the past. Keeping fingers crossed more countries will follow.

Myeong-dong street food to go cashless Starting in April, visitors to Myeong-dong, the busiest shopping district in Seoul, will be able to pay street food vendors using credit cards.

On behalf of Epic Travel Tours, here's wishing all of us Happy Lunar New Year.

祝大家新年快乐， 龙马精神， 步步高升🤑🤑

We will be taking a short break and will be back on 15 Feb

A happy Saturday. Starting the day with another positive review from our client, Richard.

It was one of the longest itinerary we had designed to date, 19 days. We had lots of fun as the client was open to many of our ideas, exposing his family to many Japanese culture and activities not found in mainstream tours.

Planning his tour was like a virtual Japan tour for us. We loved how he kept us updated on their experiences and excitement.

Thank you Richard for the wonderful experience and we certainly look forward to have you back again.

Part of our job is fuelled by passion for travel. It feels wonderful to know clients appreciate our effort and enjoyed their hard earned vacation.

If you are looking for a handcrafted vacation, speak to us now. You just need to let us know what you have in mind and we will design the rest 😀

Another positive review to start the week. We have been running our Taiwan tours for over a decade and it is a proven formula for an enjoyable vacation in Taiwan.

More than 10 years in running and more than 95% of positive reviews over the years.

If Taiwan is on your radar this year, speak to us and check out how we can tailor your vacation differently this time. You can be heading to Taiwan for the first time or nth time, and there is something you never know about Taiwan with us.

A positive review by a client that has recently returned from their Korea holidays.

In 2022, we embarked on one month's long site visiting, driving around Korea, to hand pick the destinations for our clients. For most people, Korea is just Seoul, Jeju and Busan.

Korea is definitely more than the big cities above. If you want to learn more of her culture and way of life (which is part of why we travel), head to the countryside and immerse yourselves in her friendliness, food and way of life.

Dine in a Pocha (tentage), drinking soju and having bbq, staying in a hanok, learning how to make Kimchi and pancake. Not forgetting the numerous mountain hiking.

If you have enough of Busan/Jeju and Seoul and wonder what is next, speak to us. We guarantee you will have an unique travel experience from most other travel agencies.

On behalf of Epic Travel Tours, here's wishing all of you a Happy New Year 2024.

2023 has proven to be a rather challenging year for many, it is no exception for us. With the first year back in business after 3 long years of hiatus, we are grateful for every client that we serve. It is good to be in business again, to be doing what we love.

This year, we have served clients to many countries and here are some of the highlights:

Longest Tour:
19 days of travel planning to Japan covering multiple prefectures spanning from Gifu to Hiroshima. One of the most complicated itinerary we have undertaken with various requirements. We have lots of fun ☺️

Most Interesting Tour:
Again, the trophy goes to Japan. Clients managed to enjoy a cruise, self drive and shinkansen in a span of 10 days. The cruise is one of our most recommended itinerary and new itineraries will be created in 2024. Speak to us if you want something different 😀

Most Challenging Tour:
A 14 day tour to New Zealand, spanning North and South Island. A referral from a client, the clients wanted to travel within short notice (less than 14 days notice) and during the high season of Christmas and New Year with very specific requirements. There were many hippcups during the planning stage due to super busy season. Luckily, everything still works out in the end.

We learnt from the feedback and reviews that support is what makes us shine from our competitors. No doubt, if something happens during anyone's vacation, we are just one whatsapp away to resolve for you.

Taking care of our clients and creating value have always been our priority. When you take care of your clients, your clients will look after you too.

In 2024, we hope to create more exciting vacations and more value for our clients around the world. If you like to have a chat on your next dream vacation, hit us up with a whatsapp.

Stay safe everyone during the festive season and enjoy. 🥳🥳☺️☺️😊😊

See you all in 2024.

Best,
On Behalf Of Epic Travel Tours Team

Pretty much summed up how we feel about Airbnb. Most times, there are huge discrepancies on what is listed and what is being offered. What you see is not what you get.

Airbnb may be "cheaper", but at what price? In some of the destinations we serve, airbnbs are illegally ran, that means, your rights are not protected and you cannot claim insurance if something happens.

We run airbnb overseas too, just for experience and to find out how it really works. Most times, the platform does not protect the host's if something do happen. They also do not take care of the guests. Is each to his/her own.

At least staying in hotels and legally ran pensions and resorts, you have someone to turn to if you are in trouble. Someone to take care of your luggage, cleaning and breakfasts. The money is well spent and you do not have to lift a finger on cleaning and cooking.

After all, is a vacation. ☺️

I don't stay in Airbnbs anymore. It's morally sketchy — and hotels are cheaper and better in every way. Isabel Heine says staying at a hotel instead of an Airbnb saved her money. She feels relieved that she gave up Airbnb for good.

Another fabulous review by a client that has recently returned from their vacation in Japan. We love the interaction with his family and thanks to him, he has given us new ideas to create new itineraries for 2024 to Japan.

Travel planning is a two-way affair. We learn from the clients what their needs are and do our best to fulfill most of the travel requests. In fact, the client introduces us to the cruise ship in Japan and whether it will fit their itinerary.

Japan is not just about Osaka and Kyoto. If you are open to adventures, speak to us and we will recommend the best suited route based on what you like to do. Our itineraries are all hand crafted based on your needs and you will not find them in the mainstream.

Google review of Epic Premium Travel Planner by Adrian Chiang ★★★★★ "Don't know where to start but Best (our planner) was absolutely the Best! Her responses to our questions and situations during our trip were quick and impeccable (even at odd times). Recommendations of hotel and itinerary based on our family preferences were also nicely taken into c...

Good information. Don't get caught out in your next trip.

12 countries where Singaporeans need a travel visa or eTA Singaporeans may have the most powerful passport in the world, but it doesn't mean we don't need to get our visas and/or eTA done to travel to these 12 countries!

South Korea is definitely underrated in comparison to her popular Japanese neighbour.

Due to the language barrier, many prefer Japan over South Korea. Ditch the usual Seoul shopping, and head to the countryside, you will be full of surprises.

One of the biggest surprises, Koreans in the countryside are very helpful and friendly. And the food is just amazing.

For more South Korean travel tips, speak to us. We can give you a bird's eye view of what to expect.

7 Reasons To Visit Beautiful Busan, South Korea In 2024 Explore Busan, South Korea's vibrant blend of tradition and modernity at 7 must-see attractions. Serene parks, amazing views and cultural immersion await!

What do you use when you are overseas ?
All cash, all digital payment or 50-50?

Revolut, Wise, YouTrip: What you need to know about multi-currency e-wallets in Singapore What's the difference between Revolut, Wise and YouTrip? How do these multi-currency e-wallets secure their exchange rates, and are there risks in using them?

Time to plan for 2024 holidays.
Some great deals:

Japan various city return fare of $708
Taiwan return fare $339
Korea return fare $588

*Conditions apply.

Is time to get cracking and beat the GST increase.

Singapore Airlines Time To Fly Travel Fair Singapore Airlines Time To Fly Travel Fair is here!

Heading to Europe soon? How about a specialised trip to visit all the fairytale like castles and live happily ever after?

40 Beautiful Fairytale Castles in Europe You Can't Miss | She Wanders Abroad Looking for the most epic European castles? Here's the ultimate list of the most beautiful fairytale castles in Europe you need to see with your own eyes!

What destinations do you specialise in? (Answers in comments)