Mid-year getaways are more than just a breather from work—they’re an invitation to recalibrate, explore, and give your routine a well-earned pause. With lighter crowds, temperate weather, and flexible calendars, this shoulder season opens up some of the most coveted destinations at prices that are friendlier than peak-time rates.
A recent Skyscanner Smarter Summer Report finds that more than half of Indian travellers are rethinking their usual haunts, with 58% exploring destinations they hadn’t considered before, and 51% looking to craft multi-stop itineraries. The focus this season? More experience, less expense.
Here’s a destination-by-destination guide based on the report’s findings—featuring optimal travel dates and how to stretch your budget further.
1. Bangkok, Thailand Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday Most affordable week: Week of 14th July
A fixture on the summer travel map, Bangkok delivers its charm in contrasts—ornate temples by day, neon-lit street food markets by night. Visit Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace before chasing rooftop views with a chilled drink above the Chao Phraya River. If time permits, slip away to nearby Pattaya or take a ferry to Koh Laan for a quiet stretch of beach away from the city pulse.
According to the report, flexible travellers can benefit most by scanning prices across the month to find the lowest fares.
Indicative fares:
Delhi (DEL) to Bangkok (BKK) starts at INR 17,076
Mumbai (BOM) to Bangkok (BKK) starts at INR 18,806
Bengaluru (BLR) to Bangkok (BKK) starts at INR 25,631
2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday Most affordable week: Week of 7th July
Dubai is a city that never does anything halfway. Towering landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab define its skyline, but it’s the energy on the ground—from indoor skiing to desert safaris—that makes it unforgettable. The report also points to growing interest in automobile tourism, with Dubai’s supercar culture and attractions like the Dubai Autodrome drawing enthusiasts from around the world.
Indicative fares:
Delhi (DEL) to Dubai (DBX) starts at INR 18,782
Mumbai (BOM) to Dubai (DBX) starts at INR 18,026
Bengaluru (BLR) to Dubai (DBX) starts at INR 30,740
3. Singapore Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday Most affordable week: Week of 4th August
Singapore offers a rare balance—modern without losing soul. From the sweeping vistas at Marina Bay Sands to the green calm of Gardens by the Bay, it's a city designed for both wonder and efficiency. Adventure seekers can detour to Universal Studios, while those craving quietude can find it at a heritage kopitiam with kaya toast in hand. The report suggests red-eye flights can help maximise time without adding to costs.
Indicative fares:
Delhi (DEL) to Singapore (SIN) starts at INR 18,516
Mumbai (BOM) to Singapore (SIN) starts at INR 16,792
Bengaluru (BLR) to Singapore (SIN) starts at INR 21,463
4. Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Hanoi – Cheapest day: Thursday | Week: 18th August Ho Chi Minh City – Cheapest day: Sunday | Week: 25th August
Vietnam continues to gain favour among Indian travellers, with its twin-city charm offering two distinct flavours of Southeast Asia. In Hanoi, time slows down by Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter’s alleys hum with history. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City brings a bolder rhythm—its night markets, French colonial relics, and Bui Vien nightlife tell a different story altogether. The report notes these destinations as top picks for those seeking cultural immersion on a budget.
Indicative fares to Hanoi:
Delhi (DEL) to Hanoi (HAN) starts at INR 24,360
Mumbai (BOM) to Hanoi (HAN) starts at INR 21,872
Bengaluru (BLR) to Hanoi (HAN) starts at INR 19,004
Delhi (DEL) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) starts at INR 22,633
Mumbai (BOM) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) starts at INR 27,635
Bengaluru (BLR) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) starts at INR 23,483
5. Amsterdam, Netherlands Cheapest day to fly: Saturday Most affordable week: Week of 18th August
Long daylight hours and warm breezes transform Amsterdam into a postcard in motion. Canal cruises, open-air cafes, and visits to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum become rituals in the sun-drenched summer months. The report identifies August as a sweet spot—before autumn crowds return, and while the mood remains light. Be sure to book ahead, especially for entries to the Anne Frank House and other timed museums.
Indicative fares:
Delhi (DEL) to Amsterdam (AMS) starts at INR 57,867
Mumbai (BOM) to Amsterdam (AMS) starts at INR 60,549
Bengaluru (BLR) to Amsterdam (AMS) starts at INR 54,453
6. Phuket, Thailand Cheapest day to fly: Saturday Most affordable week: Week of 21st July
Phuket in July delivers a quieter, more introspective version of itself. While there may be a chance of tropical rain, the upside is clear: fewer crowds, lower prices, and cooler temperatures. Visit Big Buddha, walk the colour-soaked streets of Old Phuket Town, and spend an evening at Phuket FantaSea. For a mindful interlude, the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park offers a responsible, rewarding way to connect with nature.
Indicative fares:
Delhi (DEL) to Phuket (HKT) starts at INR 22,327
Mumbai (BOM) to Phuket (HKT) starts at INR 20,513
Bengaluru (BLR) to Phuket (HKT) starts at INR 21,049
Mid-year travel doesn’t need to come with peak-season prices. Whether it’s the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the sleek skyline of Dubai, or the slow charm of Hanoi, the key lies in timing. As the report suggests, flexibility in your travel dates can open doors—not just to new places, but to richer experiences at a fraction of the cost. With a little planning, this season’s most memorable journey could also be your smartest.
(Note: Fare prices are based on the Skyscanner Smarter Summer Report and may vary. Please check current rates before booking.)
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
