Summer vacation abroad with the family: where to go

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Summer school holidays are the perfect time for a family trip abroad. Here are destinations that work well between April and June.

Short flights from South India

• Singapore: Universal Studios, Sentosa, the Night Safari and Gardens by the Bay.
• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Genting and Langkawi.
• Thailand: Bangkok's attractions and Phuket's beaches (Andaman seas get rougher from May).
• Dubai: indoor theme parks, aquariums and malls; it is hot outside.
• Sri Lanka: wildlife, tea country and, from May, the east coast beaches.

Medium-haul

• Bali (South Coast): the dry season begins; great for family villas.
• Mauritius: cooler, drier weather from May.
• Japan: early summer before the June rains.
• Hong Kong and Macau: Disneyland and Ocean Park.

Long-haul

• Switzerland and Europe: late spring and early summer are lovely.
• The UK: long days and family attractions.
• Australia: autumn and early winter.

Tips

• Book flights and hotels early; summer is peak season for Indian families abroad.
• Apply for visas early, especially Schengen and UK visas.
• Check passports for every family member, including children.
• Plan a pace that works for children. See Holidays with toddlers: what we have learned.

See Planning around school holidays: summer, Puja, Diwali and Christmas and our Family holidays page.

Budget planning

Flights are the biggest variable in summer. Book early, compare airports, and consider flying a few days before or after weekends. For a family of four, a four-night Singapore or Dubai trip can cost less than a long-haul trip of the same length, leaving room for attractions.

Length of stay

Five to seven nights works for most Asian destinations; ten to twelve for Europe.