Top International Summer Destinations For Indian Travellers

With summer in full swing, Indian travellers are eager to embark on new adventures. As the world shrugs off the chill of winter and bursts into vibrant hues, summer unfolds as a siren song for wanderlust. With balmy breezes whispering through sun-drenched landscapes and extended daylight painting extra hours onto each day, the season becomes an irresistible invitation to explore.

As the northern hemisphere basks in the golden embrace of summer, beckoning with longer days and a vibrant energy ideal for summer international trips, the allure of exploring new horizons becomes irresistible. For Indian travellers, this season presents a fantastic opportunity to discover a world of experiences. Among the best international destinations for Indian families, Southeast Asia often shines with its blend of cultural richness, family-friendly attractions, and relatively accessible travel options. Similarly, for international destinations for Indian couples, the romantic charm of European cities or the exotic beaches of island nations can create unforgettable memories. The desire for adventure doesn't always necessitate breaking the bank, as there are numerous options for a low budget foreign trip from India.

Ultimately, summer's global appeal makes it the perfect time for all kinds of Indian travellers to embark on enriching international adventures, discovering the best international destinations for Indians without compromising on their budget or desired experience. To help make planning for such international trips easier, Outlook Traveller has handpicked some of the best destinations to whizz off to this summer.

International Summer Trips From India

Sydney, Australia

Australia's largest city, Sydney, is known for its beautiful beaches and famed attractions, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour.

Places To See: Sydney boasts a dynamic cultural scene with world-class museums, galleries, and theatres. Some must-visit places include The Art Gallery of New South Wales and the Museum of Contemporary Art, a perfect spot for art enthusiasts. For families, attractions like Taronga Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium offer engaging experiences. This two-day guide to Sydney will help you plan better.

Things To Do: Bondi Beach is famous worldwide and is perfect for sunbathing and surfing. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore coastal walks, such as the Bondi to Coogee walk, to enjoy beautiful ocean views.

Food And Shopping: Sydney has luxury boutiques, designer stores, and markets like Paddy's Markets and The Rocks Markets. The city's culinary scene is equally impressive, featuring diverse cuisine that reflects its multicultural population. Darling Harbour and Circular Quay are hotspots for dining with waterfront views.

Nearby Places to Visit: Take a day trip to the majestic Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning rock formations, eucalyptus forests, and charming villages. Explore the Hunter Valley, Australia's oldest wine region, for wine tasting and gourmet experiences. Head south to the Royal National Park, the second-oldest national park in the world, offering coastal walks and rainforest scenery. Discover the laid-back beach towns of the Central Coast or venture further south to Jervis Bay with its pristine white-sand beaches.

How to Reach: Several major airlines offer direct and connecting flights from India to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). Direct flights typically take around 10-12 hours, while connecting flights will have a longer duration depending on the layover city.

Visa Requirements: As an Indian citizen, you require a visa to enter Australia for tourism purposes. The most common visa for tourism is the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Tourist stream. You need to apply for this visa online through the Australian Department of Home Affairs website well in advance of your intended travel dates.

Osaka, Japan

Japan's Osaka is famous for its contemporary architecture, nightlife, and local cuisine. It blends traditional and modern Japan, offering travellers diverse cultural experiences.

Places To See: Osaka Castle, a city symbol, is a historic site surrounded by gardens and a museum that tells the story of Japan's past. The Shitenno-ji Temple, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, provides a glimpse into the country's spiritual heritage.

Things To Do: Osaka is famous for its entertainment districts. Dotonbori, with its neon lights and massive signboards, is the heart of the city's nightlife, offering numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Universal Studios Japan is a major attraction, especially for families and movie buffs. Looking for more ideas? Here are the top 10 things to do in Osaka.

Food And Shopping: Popular as the "Kitchen of Japan," Osaka is known for its street food culture, with delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) among the top picks. Kuromon Ichiba Market is a great place to sample local delicacies and fresh seafood.

Nearby Places to Visit: Take a short train ride to the ancient capital of Kyoto, renowned for its temples, gardens, and geisha districts. Visit Nara, home to friendly wild deer roaming freely in Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple with its giant bronze Buddha statue. Explore the historic port city of Kobe, famous for its beef and stylish waterfront. Discover the serene beauty of Mount Koya, a sacred mountain and the headquarters of Shingon Buddhism.

How To Reach: Several airlines offer connecting flights India to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM). Direct flights are not very common, and most journeys will involve one or more layovers, typically in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok, or Singapore.

Visa Requirements: Indians require a visa to enter Japan for tourism purposes. You will need to apply for a Temporary Visitor Visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in India before your travel dates.

Split, Croatia

Split, a historic city on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, offers a mix of ancient history and modern Mediterranean lifestyle. Its picturesque setting, with coastal views and a lively old town is a sight to behold.

Places To See: The UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace is the heart of Split, featuring well-preserved Roman architecture and bustling squares filled with cafes, shops, and museums. The Cathedral of Saint Domnius and the ancient Peristyle are highlighted within the palace complex.

Things To Do: Split is surrounded by beautiful beaches such as Bacvice, Kasjuni, and Znjan, which are great rejuvenating spots. Travellers can swim, sunbathe or try water sports here. The Marjan Hill offers hiking trails with scenic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

Food And Shopping: The local cuisine, influenced by Mediterranean flavours, includes fresh seafood, olive oil, and regional wines. The Green Market (Pazar) is a place to experience local produce and delicacies. 

Nearby Places to Visit: Take a short trip to the charming medieval town of Trogir, another UNESCO site. Visit Omiš, known for its dramatic gorge and pirate history. Explore the stunning Krka National Park with its beautiful waterfalls. Ferry to the popular islands of Hvar, known for its glamour and lavender fields, or Brač, home to the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach. Consider a day trip to the Blue Cave on Biševo island for a unique natural wonder.

How to Reach: Several airlines offer connecting flights from India to Split Airport (SPU). Most flights will involve one or two layovers, typically in European cities like Istanbul, Doha, or cities within the European Union. Direct flights are not common.

Visa Requirements: Indians need to apply for a Schengen visa or a Croatian national visa depending on your travel plans and the duration of your stay.

Fira, Greece

Fira, the capital of Santorini in Greece, is renowned for its sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and caldera views (volcanic craters on Santorini island). 

Places To See: Fira is characterised by iconic blue-domed churches and bustling streets dotted with shops, cafes, and art galleries. The views from the cliffs over the caldera, especially at sunset, are some of the most photographed in the world.

Things To Do: The Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera provide insights into the island's rich history and ancient civilisations. The cable car ride down to the old port offers lovely views.

Food and Shopping: Fira boasts a range of dining options, from traditional Greek tavernas to fine-dining restaurants. The local cuisine features fresh seafood, olives, and Santorini's famous wines. The town's nightlife includes bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Nearby Places to Visit: Visit the iconic village of Oia, famous for its sunsets and picturesque architecture. Explore the black sand beaches of Perissa and Perivolos. Discover the ancient Minoan city of Akrotiri. Visit the traditional village of Pyrgos with its Venetian castle. Sample local wines at one of the island's vineyards. Take a boat trip to the volcanic islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni and swim in the therapeutic hot springs.

How to Reach: The most direct way is to fly from Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi to Santorini International Airport (JTR). Most flights will involve one or two layovers, typically in European or Middle Eastern cities like Athens, Istanbul, or Doha.

Visa Requirements: As an Indian citizen, you require a Schengen visa to enter Greece. You need to apply for this visa at the Greek Embassy or Consulate in India before your travel dates.

Marbella, Spain

Marbella, located on Spain's Costa del Sol, is a resort town known for its luxury lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage. 

Places To See: Marbella's coastline has beaches like Playa de la Fontanilla and Playa de Puerto Banús, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The promenade along the coast offers scenic walks and cycling paths.

Things To Do: The old town, or Casco Antiguo, with its narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and Orange Square, exudes traditional Andalusian charm. The city also hosts numerous art galleries and cultural festivals.

Food And Shopping: Marbella is famous for its upscale lifestyle, with luxury resorts, high-end boutiques, and gourmet restaurants. Puerto Banús, the glamorous marina, is a hub for designer shopping and fine dining, attracting elite travellers.

Nearby Places to Visit: Visit the charming whitewashed town of Ronda, perched dramatically on a gorge with its iconic Puente Nuevo bridge. Explore the historic city of Malaga, the birthplace of Picasso, with its Alcazaba fortress and vibrant cultural scene. Discover the stunning Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park, offering hiking and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the upscale resort town of Puerto Banús. Take a day trip to the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar with its famous Rock.

How to Reach: The most convenient airport for reaching Marbella is Malaga Airport (AGP). Several airlines offer connecting flights from India to Malaga. Most flights will involve one or two layovers, typically in European or Middle Eastern cities. Direct flights are less common.

Visa Requirements: As an Indian citizen, you require a Schengen visa to enter Spain. You need to apply for this visa at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in India before your travel dates.

This story was first published on May 20, 2024; and it has since been updated.