As a Leo, I’m genetically wired to go all out for my birthday — it’s a season, a mindset, a full production, the day I unapologetically celebrate myself.
So this year, to celebrate Leo season, I took my annual celebration global and flew to Singapore: the Lion City.
What I found was a city in the midst of its own celebration, turning 60 with the kind of effortless cool only a place like Singapore can pull off.
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It’s a place where old-world charm meets glassy skyscrapers, where you can eat like royalty on a hawker stall budget, and where even the airport has a butterfly garden and a rooftop pool.
In one week, I sipped on an iconic Singapore Sling at the historic Raffles Hotel (because when in Singapore, right?), wandered the sci-fi dreamscape that is Gardens by the Bay, browsed temples in Chinatown, shopped and hopped on a bum boat under the lights at Clarke Quay to see the stunning Marina Bay on the water at night.
I followed in the foodie footsteps of Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and Anthony Bourdain with a visit to Maxwell Food Centre, where Michelin-starred chicken rice and sizzling satay skewers cost less than your morning coffee.
But between the whirlwind of a delayed flight, food and frantic passport fumbling, I quickly realised the unsung heroes of my trip weren’t just the sights — they were the travel essentials that kept everything moving.
The ones that saved me from chaos at the airport, helped me sleep through a tarmac delay, and made me feel like a seasoned jet-setter.
So, in the spirit of sharing, here are the seven must-have travel items that earned their spot in my suitcase, travel list.
1. Shangri-La Singapore
I stayed three nights at Shangri-La Singapore, and honestly, I may never recover.
After a long flight, there’s nothing like stepping into a hotel lobby that smells vaguely of orchids and quiet luxury — the kind of place where the air conditioning is always at the perfect temperature that rivals Singapore’s humidity.
That’s exactly what greeted me at Shangri-La Singapore.
Tucked just a few minutes from Orchard Road, the Shangri-La feels like a lush, green secret.
The property spans 15 acres of landscaped tropical gardens, making it feel more like a serene resort than a city hotel.
And while it’s undoubtedly five-star — all polished marble, impeccable service, and plush bathrobes — it somehow manages to feel warm, not stuffy.
I stayed in the Tower Wing One-Bedroom Suite, which gave me the space to sprawl out and pretend I was living there full-time.
There was a separate lounge area, a bathroom I could have hosted a cocktail party in, and best of all, Horizon Club access. That meant daily breakfast with a skyline view, and sunset cocktails on the 24th floor — all served with a side of panoramic city views.
The hotel is surprisingly family-friendly, with indoor play areas, a splash zone, and restaurants that cater to both picky toddlers and pasta-loving adults.
I spent one morning at the Chi Spa, where a 60-minute massage somehow reset my entire nervous system.
Later that night, I ate a divine seafood pasta at Waterfall Ristorante Italiano, followed by a lazy cocktail in the Lobby Lounge, where the lighting was flattering and the people-watching was elite.
Whether you’re travelling solo, coupled up, or corralling kids, the Shangri-La somehow stretches to fit the moment.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to cancel your plans, order another drink, and pretend your real life doesn’t exist — which, if you ask me, is exactly what a good hotel should do.
2. ANTLER Icon Stripe Set, $1,047 at ANTLER
Spotting my bright ANTLER suitcase coming down the conveyor belt was one of the most satisfying moments of the trip.
This three-piece set includes an expandable cabin case and two larger sizes, all of which nest inside each other when you’re not travelling.
Silent Glide wheels and a comfort-grip handle made airport navigating a breeze, and the hard shell kept everything perfectly intact.
I felt stylish, secure and safe travelling with my ANTLER Icon Stripe Set in Moorland Pink. I also snagged a few compliments as I rolled through the airport.
I couldn’t recommend this set more; it’s a must-have travel set that will last you for years to come.
3. Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelling Headphones, was $549, now $369 at Amazon Australia
My Qantas red-eye flight home was delayed on the tarmac for three hours (chaos). Thankfully, I had my Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones.
With eight mics and top-tier noise-cancelling tech, I managed to block out the crying babies and grab some sleep.
They’re lightweight, super comfy for long wear, and the 30-hour battery life with quick-charge meant I never lost sound.
Trust me, they’re worth every cent.
4. Dore & Rose Deep Sleep Mask, $65 at Amazon Australia
I physically cannot sleep on a plane without an eye mask, and this one from Dore & Rose is elite.
It blocks out all light, feels soft and comforting, and even helps reduce fine lines (hello, mid-flight skincare).
I woke up looking semi-human instead of post-flight zombie.
5. Passport Holder, $11.99 at Amazon Australia
Having my passport, boarding pass, and travel cards all in one place saved me so much stress.
This slim, colourful passport wallet has slots for everything and makes finding my essentials easy during airport panic moments.
No more rummaging in the bottom of my bag while holding up the queue.
6. Worldwide Travel Adapter, $27.99 at Amazon Australia
After years of hoarding random adapters and never knowing which one worked where, I finally got a proper worldwide travel adapter.
This one covers over 150 countries in one handy block.
It’s idiot-proof, compact, and has multiple ports so I can charge everything at once.
Why didn’t I do this earlier?
7. TheraFace Depuffing Wand, $199 at Adore Beauty
Jet lag, long flights, and humid weather can wreak havoc on your face, but the TheraFace Depuffing Wand was my secret weapon.
It uses hot and cold therapy to reduce puffiness, dark circles and tired skin. I used it morning and night, and it made a huge difference.
Plus, it’s small enough to throw in your carry-on for mid-flight freshening.
Whether you’re heading off on your own birthday trip or planning your next overseas adventure, these little travel essentials made my journey so much smoother.
From noise-cancelling headphones to chic luggage and a luxe sleep mask, they’re the kind of upgrades you don’t realise you need, until you do.
