Looking To Make The Most Of Your Long Weekends In 2024? Here Are 5 Countries You Can Visit

If you haven’t already checked your calendars, let us tell you that 2024 has more than 10 long weekends. Some of them even go up to 5 days if you can plan your leaves around them. For eager travellers (aren’t we all?), this is a perfect time to check a few exotic global locations off their bucket list, helped by convenient visa-free travel options (i.e., the travel visa, and not the card which we recommend you to always keep in your pocket), as you set off on a short trip of adventure or relaxation. The best part – neither would you need a long time off from work nor would you burn a hole in your pocket to make these trips truly enjoyable.

Sridhar Keppurengan, Business Head, Cross Border Payments, India & South Asia, Visa India, recommends some international vacation spots along with tips to manage your payments while you experience local culture and cuisine on your weekend trip.

1. KazakhstanAn underrated and as a result, unadulterated spot is the Central Asian country, Kazakhstan. Its views of the Altai mountains, the Almaty Lake and historical sites in the capital city, Almaty, make it the perfect destination for a mix of both – touristy wandering and relaxation. Kazakhstan offers Indian passport holders a visa-free stay for 14 days. The bigger businesses and offerings in cities are all card friendly. Pro tip: Keep your debit cards enabled and handy for ATM withdrawals since smaller vendors still accept cash.
2. Sri LankaJust a hop, skip, and jump away from India, Sri Lanka makes for a perfect getaway with its gorgeous beaches, Buddhist temples and exquisite local cuisine. Also known as the gem of the Indian ocean, the island country is a great spot to relax and even seek spiritual solace over a long weekend. Sri Lanka has a wide acceptance of credit cards. Its myriad luxurious wellness retreats in the country offer great spots to utilize your credit card reward points. Sri Lanka is also piloting a visa-free program for Indian passport holders until March 31, 2024. The time to plan your long weekend in Sri Lanka is now!
3. BhutanIf you’re looking for a short escape for relaxation what better than going to Asia’s happiest country. The Kingdom of Bhutan, with all its scenic glory and warm hospitality, is an affordable and visa-free destination for Indian passport holders. Home to a multitude of Buddhist monasteries and temples set against the panoramic backdrops of its valleys, Bhutan is a spiritual and soothing place. Cards are accepted in hotels, along with the ability to withdraw cash in case you are using debit cards at ATMs in Bhutan making it a convenient location for hassle free travel.
4. SeychellesAnother haven for beach-lovers, Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. Falling in the African continent, the tropical nation has no dearth of beautiful, turquoise-colored beaches that you’ll find across the islands. Its “Travel visa-free” status for Indian passport holders make it a hassle-free destination with a lot to save by capitalizing on the benefits of your credit cards while making bookings for your seaside adventure sports and activities in the country.
5. NepalNestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Nepal is an ideal location for individuals looking to leave behind the hustle bustle of a metropolitan for a few days. A visa-free and easily accessible spot, Nepal promises tranquillity to those who want to visit Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries. You can also bask in the breathtaking beauty of its mountains, and chase adventure by scaling its peaks. As Nepal has grown increasingly credit card friendly over the years, traveling to the country has become more convenient. Although Indian currency is accepted, it is a lot cheaper to withdraw local currency from ATMs with your Indian debit cards.

So go on, plan your long weekends and soak in some incredible experiences the above places have to offer. Do remember to check your travel visa requirements before your booking, since the specifications issued by various destinations, are ever changing.

Fabulous and safe travels!