Travel fair deals -- it's never too early to plan your vacation

We know of many households who plan their getaways around the annual NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) travel fairs, where travel agencies start throwing around discount deals and packages like they're confetti. Expect the usual human crush and insanely long queues. However, you can get a head start on the fairs and avoid the madness by checking out some of the pre-NATAS events happening around town too. 

UOB Travel's Natas Preview Sale

The travel arm of the United Overseas Bank Group (UOB) usually whips up some great bargains. The main attractions include one-for-one resort and cruise offers for Star Cruises, Club Med and so on, Samsonite trolley bags and petrol voucher giveaways, and discounted airfares to Hong Kong and Japan. Being affiliated with a bank, there are also 0 percent instalment plans for most offers. However, you have to book with a UOB card to enjoy the deals.

February 19 to 25, #20-01 Toa Payoh HDB Hub East Wing, Singapore. www.uobtravel.com.

SA Tours's Grand Mega Travel Sale 2010

One of the biggest agencies around, Sino-America Tours runs their yearly pre-NATAS event, offering greatly discounted one-for-one packages for the first five or ten couples who sign up (the second person only pays taxes and fees). These are for destinations such as Taiwan, Bali, Bangkok, Pattaya and Tokyo. There will also be performances by lion dance troupes, belly dancing and a highly rated Tibetan act, with guest appearances by the deejays of Y.E.S 93.3FM and Love 97.2 stations.

February 21, Suntec Convention Hall 402, Temasek Boulevard, Singapore, 10am to 8pm. www.satours.com

NATAS Travel 2010

This is the main event of course, being Singapore’s largest travel fair by far. It brings together travel specialists, tour operators and national tourism organizations under one roof to offer travel offers and packages to destinations around the region and the world. It's not just travel sales -- there are entertainment programs, contests and a grand lucky draw. Come early, expect lots of people and be patient -- the crowds are huge but you'll get in eventually.

February 26-28, Singapore Expo, Halls 4 & 5, Singapore. 10am to 10pm. Admission fee at S$4 per adult, children below 12 enter free. www.natastravelfair.travel