Blogs

First, Mark Your Calendars: Diwali 2025 Dates

Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) in 2025 is on Monday, October 20th.
This means the long weekend and the typical vacation period will be around October 18th - 26th (or even longer if you take a few extra days off).

Planning for this timeframe is your key to a successful trip.

Destination Recommendations for Diwali 2025

Here are destinations categorized by travel style, flight duration, and the experience they offer.

🏝️ Category 1: Short-Haul & Value for Money

*(Ideal for a 5-7 day trip)*

Thailand: (Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi) Always reliable. Great food, beaches, and nightlife. Good mix of adventure and relaxation.
Vietnam: (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh) Rich culture, stunning landscapes, and incredibly affordable once you're there.
Malaysia: (Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi) Modern city life and pristine, duty-free island beaches. Perfect for families and couples.
Sri Lanka: So close, yet feels a world away. Beautiful temples, tea plantations, wildlife, and beaches.

UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi): Glamour, shopping, theme parks, and desert adventures. Celebrates Diwali with great fervor in parts of Dubai.
Oman (Muscat, Salalah): A more tranquil and traditional alternative to the UAE. Stunning mountains, wadis, and desert camps.

🌍 Category 2: Mid-Range & Culturally Rich

*(Ideal for a 7-10 day trip)*

Turkey: The perfect blend of Europe and Asia. Explore Istanbul's history, then fly to Cappadocia for its magical "fairy chimney" landscape and hot air balloons. The weather in October is perfect.
Egypt: A timeless historical journey. See the Pyramids of Giza, cruise the Nile, and explore the temples of Luxor. An unforgettable experience.
The Caucasus (Georgia & Armenia): Gaining huge popularity for their stunning mountain scenery, ancient churches, delicious food, and excellent wine. Very budget-friendly.
Kenya & Tanzania: For a truly unique Diwali, go on a safari! October is a great time for wildlife viewing in the Masai Mara or Serengeti.

✈️ Category 3: Long-Haul & Dream Destinations

*(Ideal for a 10-14 day trip)*

Switzerland & Italy: Experience breathtaking autumn foliage, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather for city sightseeing and mountain tours.
Spain & Portugal: Still warm and sunny in the south. Rich culture, amazing architecture, and fantastic food.
United Kingdom (London): Diwali celebrations are grand in London, especially in Leicester Square. You also get to experience the lead-up to Bonfire Night (Nov 5th).

East Coast (New England): This is peak fall foliage season. The landscapes are absolutely spectacular with red, orange, and yellow leaves.
West Coast (California): A classic road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Reliable sunny weather.

Experience stunning autumn colors ("Koyo" in Japan). The weather is crisp and perfect for exploring temples, cities, and enjoying the local cuisine.

Your Action Plan for 2025: A Timeline

Starting early is your superpower for Diwali travel.

This is the sweet spot for booking international flights (approx. 6-4 months in advance).
Set price alerts on Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak.
Be flexible with your departure/return dates by a day or two to save significantly.

Once flights are locked, book your accommodations. Good hotels in prime locations get booked fast.
If you want any special experiences (e.g., a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, a specific safari lodge, a guided tour), book them now.

Visa-on-Arrival/E-Visa: Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, UAE, Kenya, Jordan.
Pre-arranged Visa Required: Schengen (Europe), UK, USA, Turkey, Egypt, Japan, South Korea.

Apply for visas well in advance as appointments can get booked up before the holiday rush.

Special Diwali 2025 Considerations

Celebrating Abroad: If you want a taste of home, destinations like Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, London, and New York have large Indian communities with public Diwali decorations, events, and temple celebrations.
A Quiet Escape: Alternatively, choose a destination that doesn't celebrate Diwali for a peaceful and reflective getaway, away from the noise and festivities.
Travel Insurance: This is non-negotiable. Given the investment and the peak travel season, comprehensive travel insurance is essential for covering trip delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies.

Sample Itinerary Idea for 2025

Turkey in 9 Days (Culture & Landscapes)

Day 1-4: Istanbul - Arrive and explore the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and take a Bosphorus cruise.
Day 4-7: Cappadocia - Fly to Cappadocia. Stay in a cave hotel. Experience the hot air balloon ride at sunrise, explore the open-air museums and underground cities.
Day 7-9: Istanbul - Fly back to Istanbul for last-minute shopping and a farewell dinner before your flight back to India.

By planning this far ahead, you're setting yourself up for a smooth, memorable, and potentially more affordable Diwali vacation. Happy planning