Best Long Weekend Foreign Trips for Indians

What is a Long Weekend?

Traditionally, a weekend consists of Saturday and Sunday. Most public and private workplaces have weekends off, which gives people a much-needed respite from the daily routine of work, commute, and daily chores. A long weekend is when there is either a holiday on Friday or Monday, making it three consecutive days of holiday.

Now, we live in a beautiful multicultural country with a lot of specific holidays varying from state to state. Indian holidays include certain state holidays, gazetted/restricted holidays and, of course, public holidays that are valid throughout India. Indians can make full use of these holidays and plan a short trip without worrying about leave availability or coordination issues.

It is a bonus if a day or two of leaves can be added to these. However, 3 days of any long weekend can work very well for a short trip, even international ones! However, for international trips, you must plan well in advance so that essentials like an Indian passport, international driving license and other documents like international travel insurance are in order. Without further ado, let us take a quick look at some great destinations that can be visited over a long weekend.

Best International Trips for Long Weekends

In such a fast-paced life, a long weekend is truly a blessing to take it slow and catch up with our interests. Long weekends also make it a perfect time for a good vacation. While a lot of people can opt for a great place to vacation in India, international vacations are quite possible thanks to so many visa-free countries for Indians. If you can club a leave or more, you can make it a good week-long vacation abroad. However, just three well-planned days in any of these countries can refresh anyone who’s looking for a break!

Thailand

Topping our list is the Land of Smiles, one of the most popular destinations among Indian tourists. Thailand ticks all the boxes that any tourist needs from an international vacation: attractions, proximity to India, and reasonable prices. This Southeast Asian country is also among the best honeymoon destinations for Indians.

Flight time from India

Approximately 4 hours from Delhi (direct flight)

Best Things to Do

In 3 days, you can explore Bangkok to the fullest, including a visit to the famous Floating Market, Skywalk through Mahanakhon, Dolphin World, and more. You can also take a day trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you have a couple of extra days, then you can plan your Thailand itinerary accordingly.

Approximate Budget

INR 53,000 - 80,897 per person, including stay, sightseeing, food and internal commute.

Bhutan

The Kingdom of Bhutan is wedged between India and China, making it one of the most accessible countries for Indians. For those with no time shortage, it can also be a great place to take an international road trip from India. However, direct flights are available to this stunning Buddhist country for people who don’t wish to venture too far. The best part is the monsoons are slowly ending. September onwards, Bhutan sees comparatively clear weather with autumn onsetting from October.

Flight time from India

Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from Delhi to Paro (direct flight). However most common route is via Kathmandu, and you can get a flight from Kathmandu if you plan to make a stop there first. Nepal is, in fact, a recommended stop for Bhutan due to two main reasons:

• It is among the most scenic routes in the world. You can get an excellent view of at least 7 highest mountain peaks if you get on a window seat
• Nepal is among visa-free destinations for Indians, so there is no additional paperwork required to include it in your trip.

Best Things to Do

Bhutan is perfect for people looking for a breather away from the hustle and bustle of city life. From stunning views to serene monuments, you can explore a lot in 2 days. Some must-visit attractions include the Kuensecholing viewpoint, the 51.5 metre-tall Buddha Point, Memorial Chorten, the 16th-century Tashichho Dzong, and Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Approximate Budget

INR 27,000 - 60,129 per person, including stay, sightseeing, food and internal commute.

Vietnam

Among the countries offering visas on arrival to Indians for up to 30 days, Vietnam can be your last-minute stop if you want to make the most of a long weekend opportunity. The country is lined with stunning beaches, colonial attractions, excellent cuisine and a lot of shopping avenues perfect for any person who wants to have some fun in another country.

Flight time from India

Approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes from Delhi to Hanoi (direct flight).

Best Things to Do

Vietnam offers great cultural and natural diversity to visitors. Some of the best things to do in Vietnam include visiting the scenic Mekong Delta, taking a trip through Ke Bang National Park (also a world heritage spot), enjoying the stunning nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City and taking cruises along popular bays or spots.

Approximate Budget

INR 24,391- 76,897 per person, including stay, sightseeing, food and internal commute.

Nepal

Among India’s closest neighbours, Nepal is just a train ride or flight away from several north Indian cities. From Delhi, direct flights are available to Kathmandu, after which there’s simply not enough time to explore everything this country has to offer.

Flight time from India

Approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes from Delhi to Kathmandu (direct flight). However, a road trip to Nepal is also an option for those who have extra time (a day’s drive).

Best Things to Do

Nepal’s historical capital, Kathmandu, is full of ancient temples, monasteries, age-old monuments and, of course, a lot of attractive markets to shop from. Some must-visit places in Nepal include Gokyo Lake in Dudh Koshi Valley, the Siddha Gufa, a trip to the Chitwan National Park, and Pokhara if your itinerary permits.

Approximate Budget

INR 21,900 - 83,499 per person, including stay, sightseeing, food and internal commute.

Indonesia

Another neighbourhood destination perfect for the upcoming G20 long weekend, Indonesia has over 17,000 islands with dense forests and pristine beaches. Especially if visiting Bali, Indians can get a visa on arrival for up to 30 days. July and August is considered the best time to visit Indonesia, so visiting it in early September is actually going to be pretty similar while avoiding huge crowds.

Flight time from India

Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes from India to Jakarta. However, this is the fastest available flight. It may take anywhere from 7 hours to 10 hours to reach Indonesia from Delhi.

Best Things to Do

Indonesia is a perfect melting pot of various Southeast Asian countries. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful 8th-century Borobudur Temple, a favourite among foreign tourists. Some other must-visit places include the Raja Ampat Islands, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and the majestic Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls.

Approximate Budget

INR 26,540 - 64,027 per person, including stay, sightseeing, food and internal commute.

Maldives

Indians arriving at Male airport don’t need any pre-arrival visa for Maldives. It is visa-free for Indian nationals for approximately 90 days, and a passport is all that’s required. That being said, make sure you buy travel insurance before coming here, as it is the best way to safeguard your much-awaited trip this G20 week.

Flight time from India

Approximately 5 hours for those travelling from Delhi to Male airport in Indonesia. Approximately 2 hours 5 mins from Bengaluru to Male (direct, fastest flight from India).

Best Things to Do

Simply spending time in Male and nearby beaches can offer a lot of things to do in Maldives. You can try scuba diving at the famous Maaya Thila, go jet skiing at the Male Atoll, go for a sunset or sunrise cruise, opt for a dolphin-watching tour, and so much more. Don’t forget to visit the glowing Vaadhoo Island, famously called the ‘Sea of Stars’ due to its natural bioluminescence.

Approximate Budget

INR 49,000 - 1,20,897 per person, including stay, sightseeing, food and internal commute.

Mauritius

Another tropical paradise close to home, Mauritius, offers a 60-day stay without any pre-approved visa. Indians can simply get a visa-on-arrival upon reaching the Mauritius International Airport. The country is perfect for a lazy, luxurious vacation with many options for spas and relaxing stays.

Flight time from India

Approximately 7 hours 30 minutes from New Delhi (direct flight).

Best Things to Do

Island hopping via jet is among the best things to do in Mauritius. Some must-try experiences include visiting the stunning Gorges National Park, and seeing the unique phenomenon creating a seven-coloured soil. Make sure to try snorkelling at Blue Bay Marine Park, and visit Flic en Flac in the Western region.

Approximate Budget

INR 37,633- 1,26,901 per person, including stay, sightseeing, food and internal commute.

In a Nutshell,

Making the most of long weekends for a 3-4 day international trip is a fantastic idea. Together with an extra or two holidays, we can always plan a perfect long weekend, taking a nice trip nearby. It's a chance to break free from the usual routine and dive into a new culture and experiences. The planning and excitement beforehand only make it better. While planning everything, make sure you also buy international travel insurance before embarking on the trip so that you are safe at all times. Exploring a new place, trying different foods, and simply relaxing in a beautiful setting—it's all part of the joy. These short getaways pack a lot of punch, leaving you with lasting memories and a craving for more adventures ahead.