Top 7 International Destinations That You Must Visit This Summer

Summer in India is the perfect excuse to escape heat, chase beaches, and finally use those saved leaves. But choosing where to go is the hard part: some places are gorgeous but overcrowded, others are cheap but rainy, and a few look great on Instagram but feel exhausting in real life.

So here’s a practical shortlist of 7 international destinations that actually make sense for an Indian summer trip, with the best months, what to do, and how to book smart.

Quick comparison table (pick your vibe)

Notes:

• Indonesia’s official eVisa platform is hosted by immigration.

• Vietnam’s official e-visa site lists the government fee ($25 single-entry / $50 multiple-entry).

• Switzerland visa guidance for India is published by Switzerland’s official FDFA page and references applying via VFS.

• Greece visa info is available from Greece’s MFA “Greece in India” mission page.

1) Bali, Indonesia: The easy summer win

If you want a trip that feels like a full reset without overplanning, Bali is it. Summer lines up with Bali’s drier months, and you can build a plan that’s equal parts beaches, cafés, temples, and day trips.

Do this in Bali

• Uluwatu sunsets + beach clubs (go late afternoon)

• Ubud for rice terraces, cafés, and slow mornings

• A short Nusa Penida day trip if you’re okay with a long day

Best time

• Bali is often recommended in the April–September window; June is especially popular for outdoor exploration.

Visa note

• Use Indonesia’s official eVisa / e-VOA systems (avoid sketchy “visa agents”).

Budget tip

• Stay slightly away from the busiest strips, and use scooters/taxis smartly. Bali becomes expensive when you live like you’re on a honeymoon 24/7.

2) Vietnam (Da Nang + Hoi An): Best value international trip

Vietnam is one of the strongest “premium-feel on a budget” destinations right now. Great food, good hotels for the price, and enough variety to keep both planners and chill travellers happy.

Do this in Vietnam

• Da Nang: beaches + cafés + easy city life

• Hoi An: lantern streets, riverside evenings, tailor shops

• Add Hue if you want history, or Nha Trang/Phu Quoc for more beach time

Best time

• Vietnam summers are hot and humid, but beach destinations stay popular.

Visa note

• Vietnam’s official e-visa portal lists fee details and processing expectations; stick to official sites.

• Vietnam has been expanding e-visa checkpoints, which can make entry/exit more flexible.

Budget tip

• Spend on experiences (food tours, day trips), save on hotels (Vietnam’s mid-range hotels are great value).

3) Hokkaido, Japan: Summer weather without the sweat

Most people think Japan = Tokyo + Kyoto. In summer, Hokkaido is the smarter move. Cooler days, flower fields, lakes, and a very different pace.

Do this in Hokkaido

• Furano + Biei for lavender fields (peak summer)

• Sapporo for food and day trips

• Short hikes, lakes, and scenic drives

Best time

• Hokkaido shines in July–August for lavender and outdoor activities.

Budget tip

• Japan gets pricey fast. Keep costs under control by booking flights early, staying outside the most tourist-heavy areas, and balancing a few premium meals with convenience-store meals (they’re genuinely good).

4) Switzerland: If you want peak summer scenery

Switzerland in summer is all about lakes, cable cars, and walking trails that look unreal in photos and even better in person.

Do this in Switzerland

• Lucerne + nearby mountains for the classic first trip

• Interlaken region if you want hikes + adventure sports

• Lake towns for slow travel and picnics

Best time

• June to August is widely framed as Switzerland’s prime summer season for outdoor activities.

Visa note

• Switzerland’s official India visa page explains where to apply and references VFS as the channel for Schengen applications.

Budget tip

• Switzerland is premium. Save by:

  • using supermarkets for breakfast/snacks

  • taking day passes where it makes sense

  • booking stays early (late booking hurts here)

5) Turkey (Istanbul + Cappadocia): Culture + wow factor

Turkey gives you big history, big food, and landscapes you don’t see elsewhere. Cappadocia especially feels like a once-in-a-lifetime place.

Do this in Turkey

• Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque area, bazaars, sunsets by the water

• Cappadocia: sunrise viewpoints, valleys, and (if budget allows) the balloon ride

Best time

• Many guides recommend April–June and September–October as the most comfortable periods; summer can get very hot.

Budget tip

• Istanbul has great value hotels and food. Cappadocia is where costs rise, especially for balloons. Decide upfront if it’s your must-do.

6) Greece: Islands + history (but plan around heat)

Greece is stunning, but summer crowds and heat can be real. The sweet spot is earlier in summer, when you still get beach weather without the harshest days.

Do this in Greece

• Athens for 1–2 days (history + food)

• Pick one island group (don’t island-hop too hard on a short trip)

• Sunset viewpoints and beach days, simple and satisfying

Best time

• Shoulder months (spring/early summer) are often recommended for fewer crowds.

• Greece has faced intense heatwaves in peak summer; Reuters reported closures at the Acropolis during extreme heat.

Visa note

• Greece mission pages in India publish visa information and processes.

Budget tip

• Choose fewer stops. Greece gets expensive when every day involves ferries, transfers, and “just one more island”.

7) Georgia: The underrated summer break (mountains + wine)

Georgia is a smart pick if you want mountains, culture, and a different kind of Europe without the Switzerland-level pricing.

Do this in Georgia

• Tbilisi for cafés, old town walks, and day tours

• Kazbegi for dramatic mountain views

• Winery day trips if you enjoy food travel

Best time

• Summer is commonly described as peak season for Georgia, with pleasant temperatures for outdoor travel.

Visa note

• Georgia’s official e-visa portal exists; eligibility depends on your passport and circumstances, so check before booking.

Budget tip

• This is a destination where a “mid” hotel often feels premium. Spend on experiences and day trips.

Couponlap booking hacks (how to actually save)

Most people lose money at checkout, not on the headline price.

Use this stacking order

1. Base sale price

2. Couponlap coupon code

3. Bank/UPI offer (if it stacks)

4. Wallet cashback / points (bonus)

Fast rules that save real money

• Always compare final payable across 2 apps (one will win)

• Check baggage + seat fees before celebrating a “cheap flight”

• For hotels, compare “pay now” vs “pay at hotel” totals

CTA: Before you book flights or hotels, check Couponlap for live codes, then test one bank offer. Your goal is final payable, not the loudest banner.

FAQs

1) What’s the cheapest international destination for a summer trip from India?
Vietnam and Georgia usually offer strong value because hotels, food, and local transport cost less than many popular island and European trips.

2) Which destination is best for avoiding summer heat?
Hokkaido is a great “cool escape” option in Japan’s summer season.

3) Should I book Greece in peak summer?
If you go in July–August, plan for heat and crowds. There have been extreme-heat closures at major sites during heatwaves.

4) How early should I book flights for summer?
For premium routes (Japan/Switzerland), earlier is better. For Southeast Asia, you can still find deals closer to dates, but prices jump around weekends and school holidays.