August Long Weekends 2026: 8 International Trips Under P80,000 From India
Planning an international escape this August? Discover eight destinations including Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand and Abu Dhabi that you can explore for around P70,000.
There are few things more satisfying than discovering that the calendar has quietly gifted you a holiday. August 2026 does exactly that.
With Independence Day falling on Saturday, August 15, taking leave on Friday, August 14, and Monday, August 17 creates a four-day international getaway. Later in the month, Raksha Bandhan arrives on Friday, August 28, rolling effortlessly into a three-day weekend, ideal for a spontaneous escape with siblings, friends or family.
The best part? You don't need months of planning or an extravagant budget to make it happen.
From tea plantations in Sri Lanka and Himalayan cafés in Nepal to Bangkok's rooftop bars and Vietnam's charming old quarters, several international destinations remain surprisingly accessible for Indian travellers. With flights booked a few weeks in advance and sensible accommodation choices, a memorable holiday can comfortably fit within a budget of around P80,000 per person, including return flights, accommodation, meals and sightseeing.
Whether you're craving beaches, bustling food markets, mountain landscapes or immersive cultural experiences, these destinations prove that sometimes all you need is a long weekend and a passport.
Sri Lanka: Coastal Escapes, Heritage Walks and Tea Country
Few destinations offer as much variety within a short distance as Sri Lanka. In just four days, you can move from Colombo's energetic café culture to centuries-old colonial streets, before ending your trip surrounded by misty tea plantations or golden beaches.
Start in Colombo, where boutique cafés, contemporary galleries and seaside promenades sit comfortably alongside Buddhist temples and colonial-era architecture. From there, travellers can choose between two equally rewarding experiences: heading south to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, with its cobbled streets, independent boutiques and oceanfront restaurants, or travelling inland towards Kandy, where lush tea estates and rolling hills offer a slower, more reflective pace.
August is also a pleasant time to explore Sri Lanka's western and southern coastline, making it ideal for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with beach time.
Seafood lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from freshly grilled jumbo prawns and lagoon crab to fragrant fish curries served with hoppers. Meanwhile, Colombo's growing café culture offers everything from artisanal coffee to beautifully designed brunch spots.
Don't miss
- Walking along the ramparts of Galle Fort at sunset
- Exploring Colombo's boutique cafés and galleries
- Visiting Gangaramaya Temple
- A day trip to Kandy's tea plantations
- Sunset at Bentota Beach
Budget guide
Return flights from Delhi: From around P30,000 if booked a few weeks in advance.
Stay: Comfortable mid-range hotels generally start from around P4,000-6,000 per night.
Meals: Budget approximately P1,500-2,000 a day for a mix of cafés and local restaurants.
Visa: Sri Lanka currently offers a free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Indian travellers under its extended visa waiver programme. Check the latest eligibility before departure.
Abu Dhabi: Luxury, Adventure and a Memorable Sibling Getaway
If your idea of a long weekend combines heart-racing adventure with slower, culture-filled afternoons, Abu Dhabi makes a compelling case. Just a three- to four-hour direct flight from Delhi and Mumbai, the UAE capital is surprisingly easy to explore over three days, with enough variety to appeal to siblings, couples and groups of friends alike.
Begin on Yas Island, where some of the city's biggest attractions sit within minutes of one another. Thrill-seekers can test their nerves on Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, still among the fastest rollercoasters in the world, before swapping speed for strategy at Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Even if motorsport isn't your thing, the waterfront promenade is worth lingering over.
The following day calls for a change of pace. The magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, with its gleaming white marble domes and intricate floral inlay work, remains one of the region's most striking landmarks. Continue to Louvre Abu Dhabi, where architecture, art and sea views combine beautifully under Jean Nouvel's iconic dome. If time permits, paddle around the museum on a guided kayak tour or simply settle into one of the cafés overlooking the water.
End the trip with a few hours on Saadiyat Beach, where soft white sands and turquoise waters feel a world away from the city's skyline. For travellers visiting over Raksha Bandhan, the city offers an appealing mix of shared adventures and quieter moments that make for a memorable sibling holiday.
Don't miss
- Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
- Yas Marina Circuit
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Saadiyat Beach
Budget guide
Return flights from Delhi: From around P30,000 if booked in advance.
Stay: Comfortable four-star hotels generally start around P6,000-8,000 per night.
Meals: Around P2,000-2,500 per day, with plenty of casual dining options available.
Visa: Indian passport holders meeting UAE eligibility requirements may qualify for a visa on arrival. Others should apply for a tourist visa before travelling.
Nepal: Mountain Views, Culture and Café Hopping
You don't need to travel far to feel completely removed from everyday life.
Kathmandu remains one of the easiest international holidays for Indian travellers -- not only because of its proximity but because it effortlessly blends spirituality, history and contemporary café culture.
Spend your first morning wandering through Kathmandu Durbar Square, where intricately carved temples and courtyards offer glimpses into Nepal's rich architectural heritage. Continue to the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, where prayer flags flutter in the mountain breeze, before ending the day in Thamel, a lively neighbourhood filled with bookstores, artisan shops and cosy cafés.
If your schedule allows, dedicate a day to Pokhara, where peaceful lakes, mountain vistas and relaxed cafés create a completely different atmosphere from the capital.
Food is another highlight. From steaming plates of momos to comforting bowls of thukpa and Newari cuisine, Nepal's culinary scene is simple, flavourful and deeply satisfying.
Don't miss
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Lakeside Pokhara
- Sunrise from Sarangkot
Budget guide
Return flights from Delhi: From around P15,000 when booked early, though fares vary depending on travel dates.
Stay: Comfortable hotels are widely available from around P3,000-5,000 per night.
Meals: Around P1,000-1,800 daily.
Visa: Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. Carry a valid passport or Election Commission-issued Voter ID.
Thailand: Food Lovers, Nightlife and First-Time International Travellers
Bangkok has long mastered the art of the long-weekend getaway.
One morning might begin with boat rides through floating markets, followed by temple visits, afternoon shopping and an evening spent sampling Michelin-recognised street food before ending at one of the city's rooftop bars overlooking the Chao Phraya River.
While first-time visitors naturally gravitate towards landmarks such as Wat Arun, The Grand Palace and Chatuchak Market, repeat travellers often venture into creative neighbourhoods filled with independent cafés, cocktail bars and contemporary art spaces.
If you have four days instead of three, consider pairing Bangkok with nearby Ayutthaya, where UNESCO-listed temple ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into Thailand's royal past.
Thailand's greatest strength, however, lies in its ability to cater to every type of traveller. Whether you're looking for luxury hotels, affordable street food or vibrant nightlife, the city offers remarkable value.
Don't miss
- Wat Arun
- The Grand Palace
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Chinatown food tour
- Rooftop cocktails overlooking Bangkok
Budget guide
Return flights from Delhi: From approximately P20,000 when booked in advance.
Stay: Mid-range hotels typically begin around P4,000-6,000 per night.
Meals: Around P1,500-2,000 daily.
Visa: Indian passport holders currently continue to enjoy visa-free entry, although travellers should check the latest regulations before departure.
Vietnam: Coffee Culture, History and Incredible Value
Few countries reward curious travellers quite like Vietnam.
Whether you choose the historic streets of Hanoi or the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, Vietnam combines rich history with some of Southeast Asia's most exciting food and café culture.
Begin your mornings with the country's famous egg coffee, wander past French colonial architecture, browse bustling local markets and spend evenings sampling bowls of fragrant pho or freshly grilled seafood.
If your itinerary allows, add a day cruise through Ha Long Bay, where dramatic limestone cliffs rise from emerald waters. Alternatively, fly south to Da Nang, whose golden beaches and modern cafés make it one of Vietnam's fastest-growing leisure destinations.
What makes Vietnam especially attractive is the value it offers. Boutique hotels, excellent food and affordable transport allow travellers to enjoy a premium experience without overspending.
Don't miss
- Hoan Kiem Lake
- Hanoi's Old Quarter
- Egg coffee cafés
- Ha Long Bay
- Hoi An Ancient Town
Budget guide
Return flights from Delhi: From around P24,000-28,000 when booked well in advance.
Stay: Comfortable boutique hotels generally start at P3,500-6,000 per night.
Meals: Around P1,200-2,000 daily.
Visa: Indian travellers require an e-visa, which can be applied for online before departure.
Bhutan: Wellness, Slow Travel and Himalayan Serenity
Bhutan is one of those rare destinations that encourages you to do less and experience more.
The country's emphasis on sustainable tourism, peaceful monasteries and breathtaking mountain landscapes makes it an ideal escape from crowded cities and packed itineraries.
Spend your mornings wandering through Paro, where traditional Bhutanese architecture lines quiet streets dotted with cafés and handicraft shops. The iconic hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery is undoubtedly the highlight, rewarding travellers with sweeping Himalayan views after a moderately challenging climb.
Evenings are best spent sampling local cuisine, soaking in a traditional hot stone bath or simply watching prayer flags flutter against mountain backdrops.
Luxury here isn't measured by glittering shopping malls or skyscrapers. It's found in silence, fresh mountain air and time well spent.
Don't miss
- Tiger's Nest Monastery
- Paro Dzong National Museum of Bhutan
- Local handicraft markets
- Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath
Budget guide
Return flights from Delhi: Airfares vary depending on season and availability. Booking early usually offers the best value.
Stay: Comfortable hotels are available from around P4,000-7,000 per night.
Meals: Around P1,500-2,000 daily.
Visa: Indian citizens do not require a visa but must obtain an entry permit on arrival and carry a valid passport or Voter ID. Always check the latest Sustainable Development Fee and entry requirements before departure.
Oman: Desert Adventures and Understated Luxury
While Dubai often steals the spotlight, neighbouring Oman offers something altogether different, a quieter, more authentic Middle Eastern experience.
The capital, Muscat, charms visitors with its whitewashed buildings, dramatic mountains and peaceful waterfront rather than towering skyscrapers.
Begin your exploration at the magnificent Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, before wandering the bustling lanes of Mutrah Souq, where the scent of frankincense fills the air and shopkeepers display everything from silver jewellery to handwoven textiles.
For travellers with an extra day, venture to Wadi Shab, where emerald pools and rocky canyons offer one of Oman's most rewarding outdoor experiences. Desert safaris, camel rides and sunset dune drives add another layer to the journey.
Unlike many Gulf destinations, Oman feels unhurried, a place where luxury lies in landscapes rather than spectacle.
Don't miss
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Mutrah Souq
- Wadi Shab
- Mutrah Corniche
- Desert safari
Budget guide
Return flights from Delhi: Prices vary considerably, so booking early is recommended.
Stay: Mid-range hotels generally start from P5,000-7,000 per night.
Meals: Around P1,800-2,200 daily.
Visa: Most travellers can apply for an e-visa before departure. Check current requirements before booking.
Malaysia: Food, Shopping and Multicultural Experiences
Kuala Lumpur rarely disappoints first-time visitors.
One moment you're admiring the gleaming Petronas Twin Towers; the next you're wandering colourful markets, exploring heritage streets or discovering some of Southeast Asia's best street food.
Begin your mornings at Batu Caves, where rainbow-coloured staircases lead to spectacular limestone caverns. Spend your afternoons browsing boutiques in Bukit Bintang before ending the evening at Jalan Alor, one of the city's most famous food streets.
Those with an additional day can easily escape to Genting Highlands or explore nearby Malacca, whose colonial architecture and riverside cafés offer a different perspective on Malaysia's rich history.
The city's efficient public transport and excellent food scene make it particularly appealing for travellers looking to maximise experiences without constantly reaching for their wallets.
Don't miss
- Petronas Twin Towers
- Batu Caves
- Jalan Alor Night Market
- Central Market
- Bukit Bintang
Budget guide
Return flights from Delhi: From approximately P25,000 if booked in advance.
Stay: Comfortable hotels generally begin around P4,000-6,000 per night.
Meals: Around P1,500-2,000 daily.
Visa: Indian travellers should check the latest visa policy before departure, as entry regulations are periodically updated.
Tips Before You Book
Make the most of August's calendar Independence Day getaway: Take leave on Friday, August 14, and Monday, August 17, to enjoy a four-day international holiday. Raksha Bandhan getaway: Falling on Friday, August 28, it naturally creates a three-day weekend without using any annual leave.
Book flights early
Airfares typically rise as holiday weekends approach. Booking three to six weeks in advance generally offers the widest choice and better value.
Travel light
For a three- or four-day escape, a cabin bag is often all you need. Travelling with hand luggage can save both time and baggage fees.
Check visa rules before booking
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify the latest requirements through the official immigration website or embassy before confirming your itinerary.
Buy travel insurance
Even short international holidays benefit from travel insurance, particularly if your itinerary includes adventure activities or multiple flights.
Long weekends have a habit of slipping away, spent catching up on errands, scrolling through travel inspiration or promising yourself you'll plan something next time.
This August offers two genuine opportunities to change that.
Whether you find yourself watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka, sipping egg coffee in Hanoi, wandering the quiet courtyards of Kathmandu or racing around Yas Island with your sibling, these destinations prove that memorable international travel doesn't always require weeks of leave or extravagant budgets.
Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones you almost didn't take, planned around a long weekend, packed into a carry-on, and remembered long after you've returned home.