This Diwali, Travel Beyond Borders: 7 International Destinations Worth Exploring

Diwali is family, light and celebration. For many Indian families, it also is among a handful of weeks in a year everyone gets days off work. That's part of what makes it an ideal opportunity to trade the holiday hub for a holiday somewhere different.

No long holiday or a hefty budget required. That's right, within a few hours by air, there are plenty of stunning destinations around the world with a holiday-season climate, loved cuisine and more for all age groups.

Here are 7 international destinations that you can travel to this Diwali.

Why Travel Abroad During Diwali?

• Quick trips: Several of the above are within a 2 to 6 hour flight from the Indian cities.

• Something for everyone: Beaches, theme parks, culture, shopping and food, all in one trip.

• Pleasant travel season: Several of these destinations are entering their best weather from November.

• An advantage for families: Good options of vegetarian & Indian cuisine, enough developed touristic infrastructure.

• Great for groups: Package holidays are the easiest way to organise hotels, transfers and sightseeing for a group of 10+.
  

1. Dubai: Festive Glamour and Family Entertainment

The traditional Diwali holiday destination of choice for Indian tourists, Dubai tour package ticks all the boxes. Early November is warm but comfortable, the city is decorated for the season and home to a sizable Indian community and cuisine.

Who is it for: Families, couples, groups of friends, those new to international travel.

Don't miss:

Burj Khalifa view from above

• Afternoon desert safari with dune bashing and Arabian dinner

• Dubai Mall and the Dubai Fountain show

• Gold Souk and Spice Souk

• Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina

The weather is less hot, allowing for more sightseeing outdoors, and shopping festivals and seasonal festivals keep the city energized.

2. Thailand: Beaches, Temples and Street Food

Thailand package is among the most common travel destinations for Indians and the cooler, drier season starts from November onwards. It's very easy to organize, affordable and fits nearly any traveller.

Best for: Families, groups, couples, first-time travelers

Don't miss:

• Grand Palace in Bangkok, Wat Pho and Wat Arun

• Night markets and floating markets

• Coral Island near Pattaya

• Phi Island day trips from Phuket

• A cultural show or Thai cooking class

Why Diwali: Easy flights from Indian metros, lots of sightseeing, plus urban-beach-island blend.

3. Bali: Temples, Rice Terraces and Romance

Bali and it's the perfect family destination with temple temples, lush rice terraces, surfing beaches and chill villa stays.

Best for: Couples, friends, groups of friends, families with older children

Don't miss:

• Ubud rice terraces and the Monkey Forest

• Tanah Lot & Uluwatu temple

• Nusa Penida day trip

• Beach clubs and sunset spots in Seminyak

• A private pool villa experience

Fun fact: November is the beginning of Bali's rainy season. The rain is generally brief, and the island remains green and a little less crowded.

4. Singapore: Clean, Safe and Full of Attractions

Singapore tour package is one of the easiest places in the world to have fun with kids and grandparents alike, in a safe and fairly small country with top-notch public transportation and attractions for every age. (And a raging Little India that comes alive with lights and colour for Diwali.)

Best for: Families with kids, multi-generational groups

Don't miss:

• Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree Grove

• Sentosa Island and Universal Studios Singapore

• Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

• Around the water in the San Francisco area

• Little India and Chinatown

Interesting to note: Singapore is a bit on the high-end, so book early to keep it affordable.

5. Malaysia: Value, Diversity and Travel Made Simple

Malaysia can give you cities, islands, highlands and a heritage often at a very affordable rate. It is a great option if you love variety but do not want to travel for too long.

Best for: Families, couples, budget-conscious groups

Don't miss:

• Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur

• Genting Highlands for cable car and theme park.

• Langkawi beaches and Sky Bridge

• Penang's George Town street art and food

• Cameron Highlands tea estate

Worth knowing: November is a more preferable month to visit the west coast (Langkawi, Penang) than other east coast islands that are closed during the monsoon.

6. Vietnam: Culture, Cuisine and Scenery

Vietnam is an incredibly fulfilling destination in Asia and a decent choice for those who've already done the more familiar stops. It's got striking scenery, a lot of history and some of the finest eats in Southeast Asia.

Should you: You are a couple, group of friends, or family seeking to explore culture.

Don't miss:

• Ha Long Bay cruise

• Old Quarter in Hanoi

• Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels

• Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge, Near Da Nang

• Hoi An's old town lit by lanterns

From north to south, weather diverges in November. The south typically has little rain. It is in the middle that you will find the most rain.

7. Sri Lanka: Close, Calm and Culturally Rich

Sri Lanka it's just a short hop away and has a laidback culture. If you're looking for a relaxed trip that's a little shorter, this is your perfect jaunt!

Best for: Families, couples, short-term visitors, animal enthusiasts

Don't miss:

• The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress

• Tea country and cool hill air in Nuwara Eliya

• Markets of Colombo, Galle Fort

• A wildlife safari at Yala National Park

Since the Sri Lanka tour package experiences two monsoons, the navigation of the route is significant. Beaches of the south and western coast are ideal from at least December, the hill country and cultural triangle are suitable for earlier.

Diwali Destination Comparison

How to Choose the Right Destination

• Traveling with young children or grandparents? Singapore, Dubai and Malaysia are comfortable and easy to navigate.

• Want beaches and nightlife? Thailand and Bali are the strongest picks.

• Celebrating as a couple? Bali, Langkawi in Malaysia, and Vietnam offer romantic settings.

• Short on time? Sri Lanka, Dubai and Thailand have the shortest flights from many Indian cities.

• Traveling in a large group? Thailand, Dubai and Malaysia have strong group-friendly infrastructure.
  

Diwali Travel Tips

1. Book early. Festive-season flights and hotels fill up fast and prices rise close to the dates.

2. Check visa rules. Requirements and fees differ by country and change often. Confirm current rules before booking.

3. Check the weather by region. November conditions vary across Southeast Asia, so match your destination to the season.

4. Carry some local currency or a forex card. Cards are widely accepted, but small vendors often prefer cash.

5. Buy travel insurance. It is especially useful for family and group trips.

6. Pack for the climate. Light cotton clothing, a light rain jacket, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes work for most of these destinations.

7. Don’t overpack your itinerary. Leave breathing room, especially when traveling with children or elders.
   

Plan Your Diwali Holiday with Bayard Vacations

Choosing a destination is the fun part. Coordinating flights, hotels, transfers, sightseeing and visas across a festive peak season is where most families get stuck.

At Bayard Vacations, we create customized international tour packages for families, couples and groups, covering Dubai, Thailand, Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka. Our travel experts help with destination selection, accommodation, sightseeing, transfers and itinerary planning, based on your dates, interests and budget.

Talk to our travel experts today and start planning your Diwali holiday abroad.