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With summer in full swing, Indian travellers are eager to embark on new adventures. Booking.com data reveals a surge in travel interest, with accommodations seeing an 18 per cent rise and flight searches increasing by 29 per cent compared to last year. Spiritual travel is prevalent among travellers, with destinations like Ayodhya, Vrindavan, and Tirumala ranking high in summer searches.
International trips are also rising, with Australia as the top choice for family vacations this season. For summer 2024, Sydney emerges as the most searched destination by family travellers, followed by Osaka, Split, Fira and Marbella. Indian families are opting for a diverse range of destinations, from Sydney's cultural scene to Split's beaches. Here are the top 5 international destinations for summer vacations:
Australia's largest city, Sydney, is known for its beautiful beaches and famed attractions, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour.
Top Attractions: 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.
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.
Japan's Osaka is famous for its contemporary architecture, nightlife, and local cuisine. It blends traditional and modern Japan, offering travellers diverse cultural experiences.
Top Attractions: 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.
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.
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.
Top Attractions: 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.
Fira, the capital of Santorini, Greece, is renowned for its sunsets, whitewashed buildings, and caldera views (volcanic craters on Santorini island).
Top Attractions: 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.
Marbella, located on Spain's Costa del Sol, is a resort town known for its luxury lifestyle, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
Top Attractions: 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.
