The price of getting away from everything
But why pay for a high price to stay in pop-up hotels if they are all about little living and are made of recycled materials?
In Singapore, escaping from everything is a relatively uncommon good that might be worth the price tag. We have the choice, whether or not it is a wise purchase. It’s” cheaper than therapy,” as the saying goes.
Twenty-five centuries ago, my mother and I traveled the famous Route 66 across half of the US. We stayed the night at historic locations like the Wigwam Motel in Arizona ( each room is a tepee with cleverly designed interiors ) and the Trade Winds Inn in Oklahoma, where Elvis Presley had his own suite.
These straightforward bridge stops were inexpensive and also exuded the era of the pre-World War II era. However, their novelty calmed any arguments and legendary spots that would inevitably arise after traveling for days and thousands of kilometers in a car that was running on its last gas.
We spent afternoons reminiscing about the whimsical Americana, stunning sights, and cafeteria nosh encountered each day without cellphone or social media distractions. We exchanged fresh information about one another and put ancient animosity behind us.
The trip’s film-developed pictures are stashed away in a drawer, but no one has seen them in years. However, whenever we discuss that journey, we vividly recall every detail in color, and our collection of anecdotes animates dinner parties and introduces us to new acquaintances from previous journeys.
The opportunity to spend a few days in recreated buses, upcycled shipping containers, or tiny homes can produce exactly the same kinds of rich, exciting contacts and memories. They are visually stunning, and the surroundings are breathtaking, but amazingly, you wo n’t constantly feel the need to visit Instagram.
The best part is that getting to these hopeful havens does n’t require a plane ticket. Only an inquisitive nature and an open head.
Desiree Koh is a Singapore-based freelance blogger.