Gap years and micro-retirement are trending buzzwords among adults in their 20s and 30s. With the financial means to take off and travel quickly and easily, this generation knows how to seek life beyond the hectic work grind. So, if you’re in this age range and ready for the adventure of a lifetime before responsibilities like children and housing loans pile up, this story is for you. And if you haven’t heard of a working holiday, you’re in for a treat.Book Your Next Flight Out to New Zealand with Trip.com and Earn Cashback!What Is a Work Holiday?A working holiday is essentially a visa offered by certain countries that allows you to travel abroad while working temporarily. This gives you the opportunity to financially support your stay while exploring a new country. It is especially popular among young Singaporeans in their 20s, as most countries cap eligibility for this visa at age 30. The jobs available are typically short-term roles in the hospitality or retail industries, and you may even get the chance to try seasonal work, something not available in Singapore.Which Countries Can I Apply?There are 2 main countries where Singaporeans can go for a working holiday: Australia and New Zealand. Each visa allows you to stay for up to a year, with the freedom to travel anywhere within the country.AustraliaAustralia is a breathtaking country and a definite must-visit if you haven’t been! With natural wonders like the Great Ocean Road, Uluru, and countless pristine beaches, a working holiday gives you the perfect chance to explore beyond the cities and even take domestic flights to discover its stunning landscapes.If you’re drawn to culture, art, and food, you can’t miss Sydney and Melbourne, or perhaps a road trip along the east coast. On your travels, expect to encounter unique wildlife, from kangaroos and koalas to marine life such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. Be sure to stop for unforgettable activities like surfing and diving. With so much to offer, spending a year here on a working holiday truly feels like a dream.New ZealandHome to world-famous film locations like The Lord of the Rings and K-dramas such as Crash Landing on You, New Zealand is a breathtaking work of art brought to life. The country is rich in adventure and natural beauty, offering everything from majestic alps and glowworm-lit caves to serene beaches that are perfect for escaping city life. It is also a haven for thrill-seekers eager to try skydiving or bungee jumping. Beyond that, you can enjoy activities not typically found in Singapore, such as hiking the alps, skiing, or kayaking through lagoons. With so much to experience, New Zealand is truly a dream destination, and with a working holiday visa, you can live that dream for up to a year.Travel Safely with Income Insurance Limited (Travel) and Earn Up to $15 Cashback!Why Should You Go On a Work Holiday?Honestly, do you even need convincing? It’s Australia and New Zealand! The chance to explore and step out of your comfort zone is a privilege we get as Singaporeans. But if you do need solid reasons to persuade your family, here are some great ones to show why a working holiday is worth it.1. Different Work ExperienceAs Singapore is a city with limited natural resources and land for agriculture, we are often confined to working in offices or other enclosed spaces. Experiencing different types of work abroad can broaden your perspective, expand your knowledge, and bring you closer to nature.How often do we get the chance to learn about real agriculture or horticulture, or to see firsthand the holiday rush in mega stores like Coles or Kmart? Working with nature also allows you to unplug from electronics, slow down, and enjoy life without the constant pull of notifications.2. Better Mental HealthBeing disconnected also brings us to point two: a slower pace of life can greatly improve mental health. In your 20s, it often feels like everyone is telling you to “go get it,” even though you may have just graduated from university. There seems to be no time for rest as you are quickly pushed into responsibilities, bills, and the pressures of adult life.Taking the time to slow down with a working holiday, whether after graduation or between jobs, can provide a much-needed pause in a hectic lifestyle. Experiencing a slower pace could improve your mental well-being and even reignite your sense of purpose or passion in life.3. Space to Be IndependentMost Singaporeans live with their parents before marriage, and some are fortunate enough to grow up with the help of a domestic worker. While these privileges are valuable and made possible through the hard work of the older generation, they can sometimes limit personal growth.Learning to be independent means creating an environment where you find your own footing and make your own choices. This can range from small decisions, such as when to do your laundry or how to cook, to bigger ones like whether to invest in a car for a year, which apartment to rent, or where to apply for a job overseas. These decisions, big and small, strengthen your character, push you out of your comfort zone, and teach you how to get things done on your own.4. Travelling the CountryThe main priority of a working holiday is still to enjoy being a tourist, while meeting the visa requirement of working a few months in certain sectors. After all, you are only in your 20s once! This is the best time to explore, be brave and adventurous, meet new people, and try different kinds of food. Conquer your fear of heights with a skydive, or rent a caravan and take a road trip along the coast. Whatever you choose, both countries offer some of the most breathtaking views in the world that you simply cannot miss.Let this story be your sign to take a break and go on an adventure to Australia or New Zealand! If you are unsure which to choose, here’s a quick guide: Australia is larger and home to more popular cities, while New Zealand is known for its lush greenery and is perfect for road trips with plenty of caravan parks.Nonetheless, we believe that as you take this leap of faith and embark on this adventure, you will definitely have fun and thrive, whichever country you choose.Travel Smart with HSBC TravelOne (T1) Credit Card and Earn $60 Cashback When You Sign Up with merewards!Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission. 

Do you remember the days when we would sneak snacks into classrooms, hiding them under our tables to eat during lessons? Or hang out at our favourite canteen spot with our best friends, munching on snacks bought with our weekly allowance? Even though inflation has hit and our beloved Polar Snacks are no longer sold in canteens for just 10 cents, the memories these snacks gave us will never be forgotten.Today, these gems can still be found in some stores—if you know where to look! Read on to take a trip down memory lane with our favourite childhood must-haves!1. Seaweed RingsPhoto credit: SG Houten websiteCategorising this alongside our beloved Polar Snack, the seaweed ring is a tough competitor when it comes to deciding what to eat for recess. Throwing back to the days when our toughest decision was choosing which snack to buy—whether to indulge in seaweed rings, Polar Snacks, or both (for those with extra pocket money)! Although seaweed rings are harder to find now, local brands like Singapore Houten still create these childhood delicacies for anyone who wishes to savour a taste of nostalgia.2. Kuih Piring (Crispy Wafer Biscuit)Photo credit: House of Tau Sar Piah websiteYour childhood was a sweet one if you grew up with this delight! It melts in your mouth, and the snack is so indulgent that our parents would often give us just one, leaving us craving more. If you had a sibling, your first food rivalry might have been over this treat, as you fought over which colour to eat—even though they all pretty much tasted the same.3. Colourful Gem BiscuitPhoto credit: Kracker King websiteThis needs no introduction as it is one of the most iconic local childhood snacks, and it’s still popular today! Shoutout to all the real ones who would eat the biscuit first before enjoying the icing gem as a kid! Not only was this addictive as a child, but it remains just as addictive now, even as adults indulging in it occasionally. We finally understood why our parents rationed our snack intake, especially with gems like this! Let’s not forget, they also made this in the shape of a hamburger, which is equally addictive, and harder to find now! After all these years, we’re just glad that local manufacturers haven’t stopped producing these delicious snacks! Continue reading to find out where you can buy these biscuits and satisfy your sweet cravings!4. Ice PopsPhoto credit: .𝔁𝓼𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮𝔁. on Shopee and Walls Ice Cream websiteWhen the school bell rings and a whole bunch of students dash across the street to the nearest neighbourhood MAMA shop, you know exactly what we’d be buying—Ice Pops! Despite the variety of flavours that match the colours, the popular choice will always be purple! With the sweltering heat in Singapore, these affordable thirst-quenchers are our go-to, and we all love them!Aside from this, other honourable mentions include Wall's Twister and, of course, Paddle Pop! If you’re from a neighborhood school, you’d also hear a familiar bell ringing, signaling the famous ice cream uncle parking outside the gates. Offering $1 ice cream wrapped in bread or a wafer, these little ice gems brought so many memories and so much satisfaction to our younger selves!5. Seasoned SeaweedPhoto credit: Blenta.OS on ShopeeIt’s impossible not to have tried Singaporean's favourite Japanese seasoned seaweed, before the Korean laver took over by storm! This seaweed was in every goodie bag we received as children, and we had to gently separate the packaging, or it would rip into the next pack! Buying this as a child felt like receiving a huge package, as it often came in large packs with never-ending rolls of seaweed. Sharing them with your classmates was part of the joy! It was like our local version of “opening a pack of gum!”6. Apollo Wafer BiscuitPhoto credit: Shopee Supermarket and Chaifong23 on ShopeeThis was iconic in our childhood! It also appeared in many goodie bags or as a treat from our teachers during Children’s Day. This snack mainly comes in two flavours—chocolate and strawberry. Eating this as an adult made me realise that, even though the filling is minimal, it still brought us so much joy as children. It remains one of the best travel snacks, especially when we were out on a school excursion.Another wafer biscuit that comes close to Apollo is also called the Apollo Wafer Chocolate Biscuit. However, this biscuit is completely coated in chocolate and wrapped in its notable striking red wrapper. It is one of the best snacks one can indulge in, especially after an exhausting, brain-draining day at school or tuition.7. Ring PopPhoto credit: ringpopofficial on Instagram and Push Pop Store on AmazonYour first proposal was probably made with a Ring Pop! Whether it was to your childhood crush or your best friend, it was always proposal season whenever we wore a Ring Pop! Needless to say, the proposal ended once the sweet was consumed. Even though it’s harder to find these days, we’re still thankful that some local merchants continue to sell them!Another close contender to our favorite Ring Pop would be Push Pop! This is for all the little girls who have now grown up. It was like our very first lipstick, where we would smear the candy all over our lips before licking it off—gross! But it brought us so much glee and made us feel like grown-ups. The little pleasures from these sweets were astonishing, even to this day as we look back.8. Dahfa Dried FishPhoto credit: Teong Heng Trading websiteDahfa Dried Fish was the kind of snack our parents would buy for us. It often tasted a little fishy but was still somehow fragrant and addictive. To make it more fun, many of us probably stuck two dried fish strips on both corners of our mouths, pretending to be a catfish before munching them up like a rabbit. This was also a great sharing snack that we often chewed on while studying or during excursions!There are still many other iconic childhood snacks that may have been forgotten over time, but I’m sure the contentment they brought will never be forgotten. As far as millennials and zillennials remember, these are a few of the precious, timeless snacks that shaped our childhood. So, the question is: where can we still find these precious gems in Singapore?While some can be found at FairPrice in commercial packaging, we believe that eating them scooped out from the traditional metal tin containers or digging our arms into tall plastic containers to choose the right flavour is what truly brings back the nostalgia of childhood. Luckily for us, some stores still serve their snacks this way!1. Teck Leong Lee KeePhoto credit: Teck Leong Pte Ltd websiteLocated in Ang Mo Kio, this store still carries many of our childhood favourite snacks that will definitely bring back a flood of memories when you see them. Items like baby bottle candy and ear biscuits in metal tins are just a few of the nostalgic treats this store continues to offer. If you're a parent reading this, bring your little ones to try all the snacks you grew up with—this legacy can only continue if the next generation enjoys these snacks as much as we do! Just a gentle reminder to check out their website or call their hotline before heading down, as they are a wholesaler and not a retail store, after all!2. Biscuit KingPhoto credit: Trip Advisor websiteHidden near Upper Thomson on Casurina Road is a little store called Biscuit King. As the name suggests, you'll find all your favourite biscuits, including Colourful Gems, all pre-packed for your convenience! Furthermore, if you're hosting a party and want your guests to enjoy these snacks, Biscuit King also caters to events! Simply head down to their store to find out more!3. SnacKING Retro Biscuits Photo credit: snackingretrobiscuits on Instagram A popular chain found in many neighbourhood shopping malls, such as Jurong Point, Northpoint, Pasir Ris Mall, and many more! SnacKING Retro Biscuits doesn’t just sell all your favourite snacks in convenient packaging; it also offers our childhood toys, like paper balls, chapteh, Old Maid card game, and other nostalgic items! Visiting these stores feels like heading to our school bookshop to spend that extra cash on cheap thrills. Definitely worth a visit!Relive these memories by taking a trip down memory lane to these stores or treating a friend to these long-forgotten snack gems! Also, let's continue to support these local stores so that their legacy and our childhood will not die. Moreover, bringing these snacks to parties or gatherings will always bring a smile to everyone and keep the conversation going when everyone starts sharing their fondest memories. We hope you'll find joy in enjoying these snacks again!

Whenever September hits, everyone in Singapore knows what’s coming in the upcoming months. It’s the start of sale season, with many brands coming up with exciting 9.9 deals. So, with so many brands catching your attention this season, what exactly are the best 9.9 promotions in Singapore? And what should you buy during 9.9?In this story, we introduce the 9 hottest promo codes that are exclusive to merewards members. On top of that, enjoy upsized 9.9 cashback when you check out via merewards. It’s time to save money while we buy more during this exciting sale season. Love Bonito SingaporeExclusive Coupon Code: LBSXMEREWARDS99Gold members: Earn 4x points, with a min. spend of $110Silver members: Earn 2x points, with a min. spend of $110Promo Period: 5 to 9 September 2026Upsized Cashback: Up to 4%Promo Period: 5 to 9 September 2026Terms & Conditions: No minimum spend required. For online use only. Valid on all except accessories, gift cards and sales items.There’s much more this 9.9 with Love, Bonito when you spend a minimum of $110! If you’re already a silver or gold member, enjoy 2x and 4x points respectively with merewards’ exclusive code: LBSXMEREWARDS99Furthermore, check out via merewards to enjoy upsized cashback of 4% for new customers and 2% for existing customers!American Eagle SingaporeExclusive Coupon Code: SAVE15 Extra 15% off sitewidePromo Period: 5 September to 31 December 2026Upsized Cashback: 6% Promo Period: 5 to 9 September 2026 Find your best-fitting pair of jeans over at American Eagle with exciting deals this 9.9! Whether you’re looking for casual fits, sportswear or loungewear, get more bang for your buck with our exclusive code: SAVE15. Stack this promo code on top of their deals and enjoy an additional 15% off sitewide!Don’t forget to log in to your merewards account and check out American Eagle via our link to earn upsized cashback of 6% from 5 to 9 Sep!Samsung SingaporeExclusive Coupon Code: MEDIACORPAdditional 5% off on S26 FE (New Launch) + stackable with on-site promoPromo Period: Until 9 October 2026 Terms & Conditions: No minimum spend required. For online use only. Not stackable with “First Purchase”.Upsized Cashback: 3% on the S26FE (New Launch)Promo Period: 5 to 9 September 2026 Thinking of changing your mobile phone? There’s no better time than the exciting 9.9 season! From 5 to 9 Sep, enjoy an ADDITIONAL 5% off the S26FE (New Launch) when you check out with our exclusive code: MEDIACORP! Stack it with any on-site promotions and you’re in for a great deal and a new phone!That’s not all! From 5 to 9 Sep, check out via merewards and get ready to earn upsized cashback of 3% on the S26FE (New Launch)! New month, new phone? Yes!Under Armour SingaporeExclusive Coupon Code: UAXMDCP2525% off sitewide with no minimum spend. Selected key collections will be excluded.Promo Period: 4 to 10 September 2026Upsized Cashback: 6%Promo Period: 4 to 10 September 2026Gear up and get moving with Under Armour this 9.9! Whether you’re shopping for workout essentials, performance gear or everyday sportswear, enjoy even more savings with our exclusive code: UAXMDCP25. Get 25% off sitewide with no minimum spend and score more savings on your favourite pieces!Don’t forget to log in to your merewards account and check out Under Armour via our link to earn upsized cashback of 6% from 4 to 10 Sep!Far East Flora SingaporeExclusive Coupon Code: MEREWARDSNEW2625% off selected new arrivals until 30 September 2026Extra 5% off Far East Flora Singapore New Collection 2027Promo Period: 1 to 30 September 2026Exclusive Coupon Code: MEREWARDSMIDAUTUMN26Up to $30 off Mid-Autumn gifts and florals Extra 5% off Far East Flora Singapore Mid-Autumn CollectionPromo Period: Until 25 September 2026.Upsized Cashback:New user: 3%Existing user: 1.5%Double the joy with 2 different promotions from Far East Flora Singapore! With 9.9 falling in the midst of the Mid-Autumn season, enjoy up to $30 off Mid-Autumn gifts and florals, plus an extra 5% off the Mid-Autumn Collection with promo code: MEREWARDSMIDAUTUMN26. Their mooncake and flower pairings make the perfect gifts for family members, so be quick to grab them from now until 25 September 2026.Until the end of September, refresh your home or surprise a loved one with a beautiful bouquet of flowers! Enjoy 25% off selected new arrivals, plus an extra 5% off their New Collection 2027 with code: MEREWARDSNEW26.Check out via merewards and enjoy upsized cashback of up to 3%!KKDay SingaporeExclusive Coupon Code: OMNEWKK1010% off for new users onlyPromo Period: Until 31 December 2026Travel Validity: Until 31 March 2027Terms & Conditions: Sitewide exclusive other partners capped to Hotel onlyUpsized Cashback: 4% Promo Period: 1 to 30 September 2026Plan your next trip with KKDay and earn an exciting 4% cashback this month when you check out via merewards! Find attraction tickets, local tours or transportation passes, and earn cashback as you pay. If you’re a new user, there’s definitely much more in store for you. Check out with our exclusive coupon code: OMNEWKK10 and enjoy an exclusive 10% off sitewide!Wait no longer and seize this chance during 9.9 to book your next getaway via merewards to earn 4% cashback!Lazada SingaporePromo: 15% min spend $50, capped at $20 on all products under 9.9 Campaigns onlyTerms & Conditions: Collection of vouchers open from 5 - 8 Sep 2359. Vouchers can only be applied on 9.9 only. Click “Buy Now” Here to Claim Your Vouchers!Our legendary e-commerce marketplace is back this 9.9 with an exclusive promo code just for merewards members! That’s double the savings because you can also earn up to 10% cashback on top of our exclusive coupon. What a deal!Simply head over to the Lazada listing on merewards and click “Buy Now” to be redirected to their page. Claim your 15% off voucher (min. spend $50, capped at $20) from 5 to 8 Sep, and be among the first to check out on 9.9!TCL SingaporeExclusive Coupon Code: merewards$50 off with a minimum spend of $1100Promo Period: 1 to 30 September 2026Upsized Cashback: Up to 8%Promo Period: 1 to 30 September 2026Upgrade your home entertainment with TCL Singapore this 9.9! Whether you’re looking for a new TV or the latest home entertainment setup, enjoy more savings with our exclusive code: merewards. Get $50 off with a minimum spend of $1,100 and bring home your customised entertainment setup for less!Check out TCL Singapore via our link to earn upsized cashback of up to 8% from 1 to 30 Sep!The Wonder ShopCashback: 3%This 9.9, don’t forget our celebrities’ favourite store, The Wonder Shop! Shopping is made even better when every purchase earns you 3% cashback with no cap. It’s the perfect place to stock up on your daily necessities and appliances.Furthermore, this month, discover exciting products like the Q'Sai N-Acetylglucosamine Z + Knee Supporter Collagen Bundle. This knee support collagen bundle has been going HOT and is one of the top sellers on the platform! With the added N-Acetylglucosamine, this bundle is well worth the purchase. Need us to elaborate more? It’s practically a steal!Lean towards healthier living with more of the latest popular products from The Wonder Shop. Another favourite among younger shoppers is Avomilk, the #1 milk alternative made from creamy real avocado. Avomilk comes in both box sachets and cans, and we highly recommend the sachet version for convenience!So, if you’re looking for a quick and convenient milk substitute, don’t miss out on these 2 products this 9.9!

Cashback platforms are aplenty, and there are some great ones out there that allow you to earn cashback effortlessly whenever you shop. With merewards, we believe in giving back to our loyal customers and thanking you for supporting us through the years. The best part about our app? It is completely free. To enjoy our wide list of participating merchants to earn cashback, all you must do is subscribe to our free membership and check out via our app or website.Apart from cashbacks, don’t miss out on our exciting 1-for-1 deals, coupon deals and more! Now that you know our platform allows you to enjoy deals and cashback, what nobody tells you is that there are actually multiple ways to earn cashback! And this story will guide you step-by-step on how you can maximise your earnings!Shop PageWe’re sure many of you are familiar with earning cashbacks when shopping with us! Did you know that apart from the brands listed with us under “Shop”, you can find more deals under coupons as well? However, only brands featured in the "Shop" section are eligible for earning cashbacks.Still, you’re not shortchanged! We have many popular merchants such as Shopee, Uniqlo, Singapore Airlines, iHerb (Global) and Toys "R" Us just to name a few! To earn cashbacks from these brands, do ensure that these steps are met! Step 1: Log into your merewards account (an important step or else cashback will be forfeited).Step 2: Click on the brand’s link and press “Buy Now”.Step 3: Click “OK” to be redirected to their website.Step 4: Shop as per normal and earn cashback after you have checked out successfully! Find a Brand to Shop & Earn Cashback Now!Book a Trip with merewards Since you’re going to book a flight or hotel, you might as well earn some cashbacks that could accumulate and use them for your trip! Girl math: the more you earn cashback, the more you can spend it overseas! On the merewards app, click on “travel” and you’ll immediately be transported to our adventure page with Trip.com!Over here, enjoy 1% cashback when you book your flights on Trip.com via merewards! Simply input your destination and the dates and you’ll be redirected to Trip.com’s page! If you’re unsure which country to go, check out our popular destinations below! Click into any of the listings and select “Explore more”! After you’re done with your bookings, enjoy a joyful holiday preparation as your cashback makes its way into your merewards wallet!If you’re looking to book a hotel for either a holiday or staycation, you can earn 4.5% cashback when you check out via merewards! Again, under the “Hotels” tab, input the destination you’re heading to and the dates or simply check out some popular hotel destinations below!Upon clicking the search icon, you’ll be redirected to Trip.com’s page where you can further fine tune what kind of stay you’re looking for! Book your favourite hotel and stay tuned for your cashback to flow right back into your merewards wallet! Book Your Next Getaway & Earn Cashback with merewards!Easy? We believe that earning cashback shouldn’t be complicated! Hence, the next time you’re thinking about travelling, remember that merewards is here to help you earn some cashback as you prepare for your next getaway! Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.