HOUSEWIFE Ivy Chan is trading her red Chinese New Year clothes and festive goodies for some cool ski gear and kimchi this year.

The mother of two will be joining a five-day tour for 15 people, comprising family and friends, to Korea.

In fact, it's not the first time she is leaving town during CNY - she has been doing so for the past 20 years, visiting places like Bangkok, Hong Kong, Japan and Britain.

"We actually don't like spending Chinese New Year in Singapore. Apart from visiting and eating at other people's houses, there is nothing much to do," says Ms Chan, 50.

She is not alone. Many other Singaporeans are skipping town this year, made easier because of a four-day holiday window. Chinese New Year starts on Feb 7, a Thursday.

Ms Yvonne Lee, 25, a bank officer, will be spending $2,150 to join friends on an eight-day trip to Japan to ski and visit attractions like Mount Fuji and Disneyland Tokyo.

GOOD LUCK BLOOMS: Hong Kongers looking for fresh blooms for good fortune in the year ahead at the flower markets all over the island.

"It's exhausting to visit relatives and there are not many activities because most shops are closed," she says.

Tour agencies report a boost of up to 25 per cent in CNY bookings compared to previous years.

"One needs to take only two or 21/2 days' leave to enjoy an entire week off," says Ms Eileen Oh, spokesman for ASA Travel which is seeing a 20 per cent increase in CNY bookings.

"For some, like hawkers and sole proprietors whose businesses operate a seven-day week, Chinese New Year is the only time they take a break," she adds.

But it's not just the short work week that is sparking a rush to various destinations abroad.

Ms Jun Jiang, managing director of JUN-AIR Travel, links the demand to a fascination about how others experience CNY in other countries with big Chinese populations.

Her company's seven-day Taiwan package, priced from $1,099, is the most popular with customers.

Other agencies cite China and Hong Kong as favourite destinations for Singaporeans.

Chan Brothers spokesman Jane Chang says: "Going away to an Asian destination still allows one to soak up the festivities while experiencing the culture of a foreign country."

According to the China National Tourist Office here, temple fairs selling New Year goodies in cities like Beijing, Tianjin and Shanghai are worth checking out.

"If you are staying near the residential areas, you can watch firecrackers being set off at midnight on Chinese New Year's eve," says a spokesman.

Mr Joseph Cheng, director of the Taiwan Visitors Association, says the post-CNY period is also popular with tourists because of the Lantern Festival which is held then.

During the latter part of next month, Taipei and other places like Yanshuei and Pingsi celebrate the event through a plethora of events like firing traditional cannons and releasing "heavenly lanterns" into the night sky.

Some people opt for getaways to Korea and Japan for a winter experience.

SA Tours says its packages to these countries are fully booked, with customers making reservations way ahead of time.

Tour agencies say they fielded inquiries for CNY travel from as early as August last year.

The general feeling for whose who leave town with family members is that "it's still family time spent together, only that it's done overseas", says Ms Oh from ASA.

Ms Ruth Lim, spokesman for SA Tours, notes: "So long as their families are still with them, they can always hold the reunion dinner elsewhere for a change."

Price is less of an object, it seems.

Industry sources pin that down to fatter bonuses because of a buoyant economy.

Chan Brothers, for instance, reports a rise in demand for a nine-day Three Gorges & Zhangjiajie Cruise Tour on a five-star ship from $1,458.

Over at SA Tours, Ms Lim observes that some customers are more willing to upgrade their hotels and others are willing to travel business class.

Industry sources also cite a growing take-up rate for CNY departures to more exotic locations such as South Africa, Turkey, Israel and Egypt.

But wherever they go, harried Singaporeans are all taking advantage of a chance to unwind.

As Ms Alicia Seah, vice-president of UOB Travel Planners, says: "Singaporeans are cash-rich but time-poor."

tanyihui@sph.com.sg

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Jan 15, 2008
  

CNY buzz outside Singapore CHINA - Temple fairs What: Temples in cities like Beijing offer a wide range of New Year foodstuff and products, such as Chinese-style mutton satay. Street performances are also staged. Where: Huomiao and Ditan temples, Beijing When: Feb 4 to 12 AUSPICIOUS DECOR: Beijingers selecting Chinese New Year decorations from a market stall to usher in the Year of the Rat. HONG KONG - Flower Markets What: A riot of colours and scents for people in search of plants in bloom for good luck in the coming year, ranging from kumquat plants and narcissus to peonies and peach blossoms. Where: Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Island, Fa Hui Park, Mong Kok, Kowloon When: Feb 1 to 6 Fireworks display What: Join thousands in this display of colour and sound with computer-controlled fireworks to welcome the Year of the Rat. Where: Victoria Harbour, between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui When: Feb 8 Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade What: A flamboyant show of floats, music and performing groups ushering in the new year. This year's celebration follows a new route around Tsim Sha Tsui East, with the harbourfront transformed into a street party area. Where: Starts at Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui East, ends at New World Centre When: Feb 7 Lunar New Year Cup What: Organised by the Hong Kong football association, the tournament is touted as one of the sporting highlights of the year. Where: Hong Kong Stadium, Causeway Bay When: Feb 7 and 10 TAIWAN -Lantern Festival What: The Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, is said to be celebrated with more zest than even the Chinese New Year. It involves a large-scale display of Taiwan's folk culture and traditions, namely the ancient custom of carrying hand-held lanterns, accompanied by colourful costume dances. Where: Southern Science Park, Tainan County, Solar City When: Feb 21 to March 2 Liouhe Night Market What: Taiwan's night markets are open all year round, not only during Chinese New Year. A good recommendation would be Liouhe Night Market in Taipei, known for its wide range of cuisines and low-priced family-style steak meals.