
Summer vacation: Top 10 international destinations families are heading for relaxing trips
As the schools close for the summer and the heat climbs, families look for gateways, a much-anticipated break from the monotonous, daily routine. A quiet nature retreat is perfect to relax and unwind. Nature gateways are unique and provide a wide variety of experiences, from adrenaline-surge activities like hiking or kayaking to experiencing natural wonders like waterfalls or volcanic craters.
So, where are families heading this year for international trips?
Pick Your Trail, an international holiday brand, revealed a notable surge in interest, with Thailand leading at 64.75%, followed by Japan at 25%, Central Europe at 24.31% and Sri Lanka at 7.53%, indicating a strong preference for culturally rich natural environments in the last two years. Even Nordic regions have seen a spike of 3.41%
Hari Ganapathy, Co-founder of Pick Your Trail shared a detailed guide on the major tourist spots in these destinations that are suitable for families:
A post shared by Jessie Moore (@pocketwanderings)
Sri Lanka offers lush rainforests, beaches, and cultural treasures, making it an ideal destination for families seeking a close connection to nature.
A post shared by Julian (@julianroxburry)
Families can explore rainforests, volcanic craters, and waterfalls.
A post shared by Travel New Zealand With Me (@travelnewzealandwithme)
From the rolling hills of Hobbiton to the beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, every corner offers a fresh adventure.
A post shared by Blue Lagoon Iceland (@bluelagoonis)
Iceland is a captivating family destination that brings kids face-to-face with the forces of nature. From glaciers to volcanoes to thermal springs, Iceland is exciting.
Things to do:
A post shared by Architecture & Design (@archidesiign)
Venture into Slovenia's Soča Valley, where emerald rivers carve through dramatic gorges. Families can raft or kayak down the crystal-clear Soča River, hike through meadows, and explore hidden waterfalls.
Things to do:
A post shared by Michelle | Photographer (@michellecholiman)
Norway's towering fjords, expansive forests, and quaint villages make it an ideal destination for families yearning to reconnect with nature.
Things to do:
A post shared by Kirsty Lamb (@kirsty.s.lamb)
Switzerland is a country where nature and serenity come together.
Things to do:
A post shared by Vacations (@vacations)
A post shared by Christine Hopkins| Luxury Travel New Zealand Advisor (@bingeon.travel)
Japan offers a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and tranquillity, making it ideal for a calming gateway.
A post shared by Floris Hermans (@florisgone)
With its beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant wildlife, Thailand is perfect for a family vacation.
Travel experiences are set to become more niche, as according to American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, 92% of Indian travelers seek one-of-a-kind goods to remind them of their trips so that they can tell stories when they come back. While 84% prefer to support local small businesses during their travels.
This shows a growing desire for immersive and culturally-rooted experiences, for instance, buying local crafts in a Slovenian valley or attending a traditional tea ceremony in Japan.
Families are looking forward to make the most of the travel, cost-wise as well as 79% of Indians are planning to use rewards points for leisure travel in 2025, and 84% believe combining credit card rewards with other loyalty programs gives them the best value for international trips.
ALSO READ: Money-saving travel hacks to know: Best day, month to book air tickets and more tips
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
A house of memories
The veteran architect I.M. Kadri, now in his 90s—who has designed iconic projects like the Nehru Centre in Mumbai and the Taj Mahal and Taj Palace hotels in Delhi—has fond memories of growing up in Diwans Bungalow, his ancestral home in Saiyad Wadu in Ahmedabad's Old CIty. The charming bungalow, painted in resplendent white, marries traditional Indian architecture with colonial elements, and was built in 1875 by his great-grandfather Sayad Bavamiyan Kadri, the Diwan of the princely state of Radhanpur.


India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Srikalahasti In Monsoon: Top 5 Places To Experience Nature & Divinity
It is during this time of year that monsoon clouds gather above and kiss the land with rain that Srikalahasti discloses itself to be a haven of beauty in the center of India. This enchanting little town nestles within Andhra Pradesh's southern region with its greenery, ancient temples and peaceful scenery being its main attraction points for tourists. For people looking for an escape from metropolitan life, Srikalahasti is ideal as it has both tranquility and cultural wealth. Let's set off on a journey to discover the best places to visit in Srikalahasti during a spellbound monsoon. 1. Srikalahasti Temple The Srikalahasti Temple is one of those places which show the extent to which religion has influenced this town through years dedicated to Lord Shiva. This old temple has exquisite carvings and towering entrance towers all over it making it one of the famous architectural marvels as well as religious fervours. During the rainy season, millions pay homage here when celestial ablutions are done towards god by rhythmic prayers chants being sung by priests so that they can get closer to him through their invocation. The devout atmosphere definitely dictates such visits for persons who seek salvation or those who just respect culture. 2. Talakona Waterfalls Talakona Waterfalls reveals nature in its full glory; it is also considered as Andhra Pradesh's highest waterfall. It lies situated at The Eastern Ghats amidst thick verdant forests, where from a height exceeding 270 feet a stunning waterfall drops down into space. When monsoons come, Talakona drowns into torrential waters that rejuvenates everything around there providing cool alternatives whenever it becomes too hot outside almost like an AC system would do within your house whenever you need refreshing breeze only then head straight out-doors and inhale clean air. Trekking on green trails, breathing in the fresh atmosphere and viewing rain-soaked leaves are some of the experiences that make it perfect for nature's fanatics and adventure seekers. 3. Sri Kalahasti Wildlife Sanctuary An untamed beauty of nature is what one experiences when they immerse themselves into the Sri Kalahasti Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary takes up the rolling hillsides, dense forests and serves as a home to an array of plant and animal species. With monsoons come alive; rain feeding the plants and making wildlife flourish all around. Visitors can journey through this reserve spotting for instance such elusive animals as Indian leopards, spotted deer or numerous species of birds. In every nook, there is a symphony of nature that forms a magical connection with wilderness. 4. Sahasra Linga Temple The Sahasra Linga Temple is a hidden treasure located amidst serene scenery in Srikalahasti. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, many lingams with inscriptions depicting divinity can be found here. The temple becomes mysterious during the rainy season as water cascades over phallic symbols signifying purity and rejuvenation-lingams. During your visit, you should take part in some rituals and feel calmness inside yourself while being surrounded by stillness where else it is impossible to speak loudly nowadays due to the amount of noise everywhere you go- these conditions turn such trips into something really spiritual. 5. Kailasakona Waterfalls Take a lovely drive to Kailasakona Waterfalls set amid Eastern Ghats mountain range which form part of the landscape here in India's south eastern region bordered by lush foliage all around it plus rocks lying nearby create a peaceful aura surrounding this waterfall. Monsoon converts this waterfall into paradise where liquid falls down from significant height producing thunderous sounds hence becoming an immense sight of grandeur everywhere visitors go. One can take a refreshing dip within water pools, feel the cool mist and indulge in nature that is so calm. Conclusion The city of Srikalahasti comes to life during the monsoon period giving its residents a unique blend of spiritual, adrenaline and natural beauty. You may go for the peace you deserve at ancient temples; enjoy nature's beauty at cascading waterfalls or find yourself in the wilds of wildlife sanctuaries, where Srikalahasti guarantees an unforgettable stay. In this rainy season, as rain cleanses away monotony from one's life, experience monsoon magic in Sri Kala Hasti, thus creating memories that time cannot erase from your heart.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Air India's troubles under the Tata Group as crash creates its biggest crisis
An Air India plane crashed, resulting in over 240 fatalities. This incident presents a major setback to the airline's revival plans after Tata Group's takeover in January 2022. Since then, Air India has faced various challenges. These include regulatory fines, technical issues, and supply chain delays. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The Air India plane crash that led to the death of over 240 passengers on Thursday has plunged the airline into its biggest crisis yet and will pose a significant challenge to its efforts to revamp its reputation and following is a timeline of the airline's troubles since its takeover by the Tata Group in January 2022.: Auto-to-steel conglomerate Tata Group takes control of state-run carrier Air India in January 2022, in a $2.2 billion deal, ending years of struggle to privatise the financially troubled Tata Group wants to recapture Air India's lost glory and compete with Gulf carriers, like Emirates, that capture the lion's share of west-bound Indian travellers. - January 2023: Air India faces criticism and around a $35,000 fine from the country's aviation regulator for its handling of an unruly passenger on a flight from New York in November 2022, and in December on a flight from Paris to Delhi. The regulator says the airline did not follow industry standards in its handling of the passengers.: An Air India plane flying from Delhi to San Francisco is forced to divert and land at an airport in Russia's Far East after it develops a technical issue with one of its engines.A similar incident on the same route occurs in July 2024 due to a potential issue in the cargo hold area.: India's air safety watchdog fines the Tata Group-owned airline 8 million rupees (nearly $93,000) for violating flight duty time limitations and fatigue management systems of its flight India did not provide adequate weekly rest, adequate rest before and after ultra-long flights or adequate rest on layovers for flight crew, violating revised rules, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.: Air India's $400 million overhaul of its legacy aircraft's interiors has been dogged by supply chain issues that have delayed its aim of being a world class airline by first such upgraded jet enters service in March 2025, later than the mid-2024 target Air India had set when it announced the overhaul.: Air India says it expects to face around $600 million in additional costs if a ban from Pakistan's airspace lasts for a year, and asks the federal government to compensate it for the hit. Indian airlines braced for higher fuel costs and longer journey times after Pakistan shut its airspace to Indian carriers in a tit-for-tat retaliation following an attack on tourists in Kashmir.($1 = 86.0950 Indian rupees)