[top photo: IF YOU'RE GOING... To San Francisco, be sure to ride the tram to Pier 39, where yummy seafood outlets will tempt you.]

by Nur Liyana Othman, newsroom intern

RECESSION or not, Singaporeans are still travelling. While travellers in other countries are cutting back on their holiday plans, folks here are bucking the trend.

Going by sales at the recent Natas fair, they're not just travelling; they're travelling further away.

Many say they want to take advantage of the lower currency exchange rates that make products and services overseas cheaper than before.

But that's not the only reason for the growing popularity of long-distance travel.

Ms Louisa Chin, the senior marketing and communications manager of ASA Holidays, said: 'Currency fluctuations will prompt retailers to slash prices.

'This increases your purchasing power,' she said.

Ms Alicia Seah of CTC Holidays said: 'Air fares are cheaper during promotional periods by about 30 to 40 per cent, starting from about $700 per person compared to $1,100 before discounts.'

These fares though, are before tax and surcharges.

Simply put, you will get more bang for your buck.

So here's one destination suggestion: USA.

The weather there is pleasant with the arrival of spring, making it an ideal time to visit, said Ms Seah.

If you have only about a week, here are some pit-stops to consider:

San Francisco

The Golden Gate city is a good launch site for your tour of western USA. Most commercial airlines fly into this city.

San Francisco offers a plethora of tourist attractions and has something for everyone from singles to families with young children.

Must-sees here include Fisherman's Wharf, where you can spot sea lions, which are popularly known as 'Sea Lebrities' and the Wax Museum .

First-time visitors must also stop by Pier 39, where restaurants and seafood stands boast delectable and mouth-watering seafood menus.

And no holiday for sale-mad Singaporeans is complete without a shopping spree. So, take a 130km ride south to Gilroy Premium Outlets.

This is a shoppers' haven of 145 shops. You will find popular brands like Polo Ralph Lauren and Banana Republic at discounted prices all year round.

Las Vegas

There's more to Vegas than gambling. It's a playground for young and old.

Thrill-seekers will enjoy a ride on the world's highest roller coaster - at 300m above sea level - at The Stratosphere Hotel.

Or ride out farther into the desert to visit the Hoover Dam. When it was completed in 1935, it was the world's largest electric-power generating station. Today, the designated National Historic Landmark stands at No 35, but it's still a sight to behold.

Chocoholics should also consider a visit to Ethel M's Chocolate Factory, which is on the way to Hoover Dam. You'll get to see and learn how chocolates are made and the best part is, you'll get to sample them for free.

And when night falls, there are plenty of entertainment shows to keep you occupied.

Los Angeles

If the glitzy lights of The Strip in Vegas is not your thing, head to Los Angeles.

Even on a tight budget, you'll find lots of things to do - many of them are free too.

For instance, you can stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame or rent inline skates and cruise along Venice Ocean Front Walk, where you can find amazing street entertainers.

If you're lucky you may even score free tickets to watch popular live TV shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show or Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Getting there

Most commercial airlines fly to San Francisco and Los Angeles. There are several flights daily to both cities from Singapore.

This article was first published in The New Paper.