We asked for your best holiday travel hacks – and you more than delivered. From money-saving moves to handy laundry tricks and packing advice, CSC members proved they know how to travel smart. Here are some of the most helpful tips from your fellow adventurers!
Save more by splitting your stays
If you're planning a long trip, the cost of accommodation can stack up fast. CSC member micocos suggests a clever way to save: Split your hotel stay into several shorter bookings instead of one long reservation. This allows you to stack multiple promo codes, credit card discounts or cashback deals from sites like Expedia or Agoda.
“Most hotels are happy to link back-to-back bookings under the same name, so you shouldn’t need to change rooms — but it’s always a good idea to confirm with the front desk ahead of time,” she shares.
Bundle your bookings for extra savings
To maximise your holiday budget, CSC members Tay and Yeow Guan recommend using apps like Klook, which offers competitive prices on attractions, transport and car rentals. The booking platform also allows you to combine bundle deals — such as SG60 promotions — with additional credit card discounts for even greater savings.
Another bonus? Its round-the-clock customer support. CSC member Val agrees: “It’s cheaper and trustworthy.”
Don’t forget: From now till 31 March 2026, CSC members enjoy up to 10% OFF Klook Travels. This includes hotel bookings, activities and even JR Shinkansen tickets. Minimum spend and discount caps apply, and promo codes are limited-use.
Enjoy member perks at CSC’s reciprocal club overseas
If you’re going to the capital city of the United Kingdom, consider staying at the Civil Service Club London, a reciprocal club of our CSC. “The accommodation is very cheap for its central location, and you can make use of the club facilities and restaurants,” says CSC member Andrew.
CSC members can request a letter of introduction from CSC to gain temporary membership at the London club, located at 13-15 Great Scotland Yard – just minutes away from iconic spots like Trafalgar Square, Downing Street and the West End.
Use tech to find cheaper flights and accommodations
Dynamic airline pricing can cause ticket prices to fluctuate. CSC members Jebsen, James and Pauline all use incognito mode on their browsers to avoid tracking and sudden price jumps. “Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network] to find regional price differences, as some travel sites show different prices based on your IP (Internet Protocol) location,” adds Pauline.
CSC member Travel Ninja Warrior takes it further: “The same VPN hack works for hotel bookings, too. Just clear your browser history to avoid sneaky cookies blowing your cover and showing you the same old prices. Your wallet will thank you – probably in multiple currencies.”
Score cheaper tickets with mid-week flights and fare alerts
CSC member Jennifer swears by flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays: “It’s usually cheaper. I also set fare alerts weeks ahead and use Google Flights, Skyscanner and Momondo to compare prices across airlines.”
Cruise instead of fly
If airports stress you out, consider a cruise. CSC member Evelyn recommends this relaxing alternative — and there are deals to sweeten the journey. From now till 31 December 2025, CSC members and Public Service Officers get 15% OFF and 10% OFF respectively on StarCruises’ Star Voyager and Star Navigator. The same discounts apply for Dream Cruises’ luxury flagship, Genting Dream, which sails from Singapore year-round.
Add a simple locking trick to your hand-carry
Keeping things secure during a holiday is key. CSC member Lin, a frequent solo traveller, recommends using small key chains or carabiner hooks to clip the zips of your carry-on to your luggage handle.
Joanna Fan brings along cable-ties – a trick that once saved her from a disaster: “I used one to secure a broken snow boot during a winter trip.”
Pack neat with sealable, reusable bags
Ziploc bags are a crowd favourite. CSC member Wen Wen uses them to sort small items like inner wear, diapers and phone chargers.
Mother-of-two Vanessa organises her children’s daily outfits in labelled Ziplocs. “It saves time in the morning and avoids drama when getting the kids dressed,” she says.
Bring a folding chair. Yes, really.
Travelling with seniors? CSC member David has a simple but brilliant hack: “I bring a small collapsible field chair. It has proven to be useful when queueing at the airport, a restaurant or just about anywhere you need to rest while waiting.”
Power up without the hassle
Forgot your charging brick? CSC member Suba says hotel TVs often have USB ports at the back – plug your cable in there to power up.
Travelling with family? CSC member NOOR, who holidays with her husband and two sons, always brings a multi-USB plug socket. “It lets all of us charge at one point and prevents us from losing chargers around the room.”
Do laundry on the go
A bit of laundry prep can help you pack lighter. CSC member KH Lee brings along a small detergent bottle and foldable hangers for handwashing garments in hotel bathrooms.
Afizah freshens outfits with a quick spritz of fabric spray, while Kai uses detergent sheets: “So compact and mess-free – especially for trips packed with outdoor and water activities.”
Feel at home at a serviced apartment
Compared to hotel rooms, serviced apartments give you more room to move and many include home-style amenities like a kitchenette and washing machine, making them ideal for longer or family holidays.
From now till 31 December 2025, CSC members enjoy 18% OFF while Public Service Officers get 15% OFF on Best Flexible Rates at selected Frasers Hospitality in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Some deals include breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Click here to see the full list. Note that blackout periods apply.
Pack what you need and nothing more
CSC member Polar Cat has a tip that’s as simple as it is effective: “Research the weather and available amenities. That way, you pack only what you need and use the hotel’s facilities.”
The result? “Less stuff to lug, more room for snacks – and souvenirs!”
