WHAT with Singapore being such a teeny tiny country, it's no wonder that everyone here is born with an innate wanderlust, yours truly included.

So I can't help but rub my manicured hands with glee at some of the eye-popping travel deals we're seeing now, thanks to H1N1 and a worldwide recession.

Why wait till later to book your year-end holiday? My dears, carpe diem -- and those GSS credit card promotions.

A quick browse through the websites of banks and credit card companies throws up some irresistible deals. One of my favourites is the Emirates online offer that is available to DBS/POSB cardholders (link: http://www.emirates.com/dbs). If you factor in taxes, the airline's flights to Australia are going for about $450.

But I'm loving its Europe fares the most: Paris for only $868? C'est incroyable!

Granted, the fares apply for travel only during the off-peak seasons of mid-September to end November, which have neither perfect summer weather nor Christmas charm. Still, you know what that means: thinner crowds, fewer people to jostle with you at the shops and tourist attractions.

There are other ways to score a bargain year-round.

Those looking for a cheap thrill - literally - can check out online travel agent Zuji's reverse auction site (link: http://www.zujireverseauction.com), where hotel stays and flights go on auction three times a day.

Prices drop with every second, so the longer you wait, the more savings you scoop up. But it's also fastest fingers first, so don't wait too long or you might get beaten to a dream vacation at divine prices.

Some of the savings are impressive: A night's stay at the boutique Siem Reap hotel FCC Angkor, where usual rates are $163, just went for a measly $39.60.

I'm also digging Adioso.com (link: http://www.adioso.com) , which focuses on searching fares from regional budget airlines. It doesn't really work for long-distance flights, but is great for booking that weekend trip to Hong Kong or Bangkok. The fact that its search engine is flexible and a breeze to use is a big plus.

If you're scrimping on airfare but splashing out on accommodation, it's great coupling Adioso with Luxurylink.com (link://http://www.luxurylink.com). The site offers great packages at droolworthy luxe hotels around the world, and even does mystery auctions.

Yes, not all us can afford $1,599 three-night stays in Ubud villas. Still, when the work day is getting to be a drag, I find there's nothing more tantalising than clicking around and indulging in a jet-setting fantasy.