Long weekends keep everyone energized, whether you’re a fussy planner or a last-minute packer. A common trait among tourists is the desire to visit a place that offers a unique experience while minimizing difficulties associated with visa procedures, language barriers and long flights. So plan wisely for the upcoming long weekends of August 12-16 and August 26-30 – once you’ve received your final travel wish list, it’s time to start processing your vacation requests! These conveniently located countries offer a variety of exciting experiences, whether you choose to travel alone, with friends, as a family or in search of new adventures.
Seychelles
Flight time: 4 hours on average
Visa Process: Indians do not need a visa
Seychelles is located near the equator of the Indian Ocean and enjoys a pleasant year-round climate, making it an excellent holiday destination. Indians can enjoy visa-free holidays in Seychelles with direct and connecting flights. Although the official language of Seychelles is Seychellois Creole, English is also widely spoken and understood. Hence, Indian tourists can easily communicate with locals and visit their destinations without language barriers. Travelers can exchange Indian Rupee to Seychellois Rupee at authorized currency exchange counters at airports, hotels or banks. It is best to carry small denominations of cash, as not all local establishments accept credit cards. Consisting of 115 islands, the Seychelles is the perfect destination for island hopping, each offering a unique escape from a world of tropical wonder. No matter where you are in Seychelles, you can find world-class water activities such as diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and sailing.
Thailand
Flight time: 3-4 hours on average
Visa process/number of days: visa on arrival (15 days)
Thailand is one of the most convenient and affordable vacation destinations with stunning scenery and culinary experiences. Flights to Bangkok and Phuket from major cities in India are just 4 hours away. The Southeast Asian kingdom has also introduced e-Visa on Arrival to make the visa process easier for Indians. The country also has a range of affordable accommodation, transport and food options, making it an affordable destination. As a tourism-driven country, Thailand’s tour guides, hotels, hotel staff and even local vendors can communicate in English, which makes navigation easier for Indian tourists. Indian rupees can be exchanged at most major banks and currency exchange centers in Thailand.
Vietnam
Flight time: 4 hours on average
Visa process/number of days: visa on arrival (30 days)
Vietnam is also one of the closer destinations to India, with several airlines offering direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Phu Quoc. You can apply for an e-Visa on their official website and receive it within four working days. It is a country dominated by tourism; therefore, local guides and vendors can converse in English. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged into Vietnamese Dong at the airport, at a bank, or other authorized currency exchange jewelry stores in the country. Be sure to visit the historical sites of the Champa Kingdom, which used to rule south-central Vietnam and has ties to ancient India.
mauritius
Flight time: 6-7 hours on average
Visa process/number of days: visa on arrival (60 days)
Mauritius, a tropical paradise known for its cultural diversity and stunning natural attractions, offers a hassle-free visa-on-arrival process for Indian travelers with basic document requirements. Several airlines such as Vistara, IndiGo, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles and Emirates connect India with this fascinating island nation. In addition to engaging in water activities, there are several places to explore including Sancho Island, Riviere des Galets Beach, Black River Gorge, Gris Gris and the Vanilla Nature Park. A visit to Chamarel is highly recommended to marvel at the colorful sand dunes. The local currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee which can be easily obtained by exchanging for Indian Rupees at the airport, currency exchange centres, travel agencies such as Thomas Cook or banks. Certified guides, hotel staff and local hosts are fluent in English. Hindi, one of the languages brought by Indian immigrants in the early 1800s, is widely spoken in Mauritius for the convenience of Indian tourists.
Oman
Flight time: 3 hours on average
Visa Process/Days: Electronic Visa Application (30 days)
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is a gem for tourists looking for a culturally immersive holiday. This port city is known for its vibrant markets and seafood. It’s also a great place to hike, dolphin-watch and enjoy Omani hospitality at cliff-top resorts like the Shangri-La Muscat, which has its own private beach. It happens to be one of the top 5 turtle nesting sites in Oman. The Oman Electronic Visa (eVisa) allows Indian citizens to apply for an Oman visa online in minutes, pay a fee and receive the visa by email within five working days.
Qatar
Flight time: 3-5 hours on average
Visa process/number of days: visa on arrival (30 days)
Named the safest country in the Numbeo Crime Index 2023 for the fifth time in a row. The national carrier, Qatar Airways, connects Doha with more than 160 destinations on six continents. Qatar is well-connected, offers free visa-on-arrival to citizens of more than 95 countries including India, and is an average flight time of 3 to 5 hours from anywhere in the world. Qatar as a country has a great mix of indoor fun and outdoor activities in the sun, sea and sand, perfect for every traveler and budget.
