Discover the cheapest time to visit Bangkok, Dubai, Singapore, Vietnam, Amsterdam & Phuket. Smart travel tips, best dates & fares for your mid-year getaway.

Mid-year getaways are more than just a breather from work—they’re an invitation to recalibrate, explore, and give your routine a well-earned pause. With lighter crowds, temperate weather, and flexible calendars, this shoulder season opens up some of the most coveted destinations at prices that are friendlier than peak-time rates.

A recent Skyscanner Smarter Summer Report finds that more than half of Indian travellers are rethinking their usual haunts, with 58% exploring destinations they hadn’t considered before, and 51% looking to craft multi-stop itineraries. The focus this season? More experience, less expense.

Here’s a destination-by-destination guide based on the report’s findings—featuring optimal travel dates and how to stretch your budget further.

1. Bangkok, Thailand

Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday
Most affordable week: Week of 14th July

A fixture on the summer travel map, Bangkok delivers its charm in contrasts—ornate temples by day, neon-lit street food markets by night. Visit Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace before chasing rooftop views with a chilled drink above the Chao Phraya River. If time permits, slip away to nearby Pattaya or take a ferry to Koh Laan for a quiet stretch of beach away from the city pulse.

According to the report, flexible travellers can benefit most by scanning prices across the month to find the lowest fares.

2. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday
Most affordable week: Week of 7th July

Dubai is a city that never does anything halfway. Towering landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab define its skyline, but it’s the energy on the ground—from indoor skiing to desert safaris—that makes it unforgettable. The report also points to growing interest in automobile tourism, with Dubai’s supercar culture and attractions like the Dubai Autodrome drawing enthusiasts from around the world.

3. Singapore

Cheapest day to fly: Tuesday
Most affordable week: Week of 4th August

Singapore offers a rare balance—modern without losing soul. From the sweeping vistas at Marina Bay Sands to the green calm of Gardens by the Bay, it’s a city designed for both wonder and efficiency. Adventure seekers can detour to Universal Studios, while those craving quietude can find it at a heritage kopitiam with kaya toast in hand. The report suggests red-eye flights can help maximise time without adding to costs.

4. Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hanoi – Cheapest day: Thursday | Week: 18th August
Ho Chi Minh City – Cheapest day: Sunday | Week: 25th August

Vietnam continues to gain favour among Indian travellers, with its twin-city charm offering two distinct flavours of Southeast Asia. In Hanoi, time slows down by Hoan Kiem Lake, and the Old Quarter’s alleys hum with history. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City brings a bolder rhythm—its night markets, French colonial relics, and Bui Vien nightlife tell a different story altogether. The report notes these destinations as top picks for those seeking cultural immersion on a budget.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cheapest day to fly: Saturday
Most affordable week: Week of 18th August

Long daylight hours and warm breezes transform Amsterdam into a postcard in motion. Canal cruises, open-air cafes, and visits to the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum become rituals in the sun-drenched summer months. The report identifies August as a sweet spot—before autumn crowds return, and while the mood remains light. Be sure to book ahead, especially for entries to the Anne Frank House and other timed museums.

6. Phuket, Thailand

Cheapest day to fly: SaturdayMost affordable week: Week of 21st July

Phuket in July delivers a quieter, more introspective version of itself. While there may be a chance of tropical rain, the upside is clear: fewer crowds, lower prices, and cooler temperatures. Visit Big Buddha, walk the colour-soaked streets of Old Phuket Town, and spend an evening at Phuket FantaSea. For a mindful interlude, the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park offers a responsible, rewarding way to connect with nature.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a whirlwind of scooters, street food and surprises at every turn.

Buzzing scooters, iced coffee on every corner, historic streets, and a food scene that’s world-famous—Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is full of life, colour, and culture. If you’re heading to Vietnam soon, these five experiences, from Mekong Delta Cruise to crawling through Cu Chi Tunnels, should be on your list to get the best mix of history, food, and fun.

Walk Through History At The War Remnants Museum

A must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnamese history, the War Remnants Museum offers a sobering but important look at the Vietnam War from the country’s perspective. The exhibits include photos, weapons, aircraft, and eye-opening displays that tell real stories of survival and resilience. We recommend going early in the day to avoid crowds and take your time through the exhibitions.

Dive Into History At The Cu Chi Tunnels

Probably the most impressive and unnerving experience for any traveller is a visit to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network used during the Vietnam War. Just outside the city, this site offers a fascinating (and slightly claustrophobic) glimpse into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people. You can even try squeezing through the original tunnels—if you dare. But if you have claustrophobia, do not even try.

Take A Vespa Food Tour Through The City

Tour buses are surely one way to explore Ho Chi Minh’s food scene but the best way is to hop on the back of a vintage Vespa and zip through District 1 and 3 while sampling local street food. These guided food tours are a delicious way to explore Ho Chi Minh’s street eats, from bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes) to goi cuon (spring rolls) and local beer. The best time to do these tours is evening, when the streets are abuzz with hawkers and neon lights. If you’re on foot, we recommend heading to Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a lively pedestrian boulevard packed with street performers, food vendors, and neon-lit energy.

Cruise The Mekong Delta On A Day Trip

You’ll read about this experience on every guide to Vietnam and for good reason. A short drive from the city, a Mekong Delta tour is perfect if you want a taste of rural Vietnam. You’ll cruise down coconut-lined canals, visit local markets, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch by the river and maybe pick up a local phrase or two while you interact with people.

Shop (And Bargain) At Ben Thanh Market

No trip to Ho Chi Minh is complete without a stop at the bustling Ben Thanh Market. It’s the place to buy everything from souvenirs and spices to clothes and local coffee. Be ready to haggle which is a quintessential Asian experience! Prices are often higher for tourists, so start your offer at half the quoted price.

If you thought flights and cars were the only ways to reach your next destination, think again. These unique cities around the world operate without traditional roads, and boats are the main mode of transport.

When you travel the world, you come across all kinds of beautiful places and fascinating sights. While cars are the default for most cities, there are a few places that skip roads entirely and float their own boat, quite literally. These cities are designed around water, with canals, rivers, and lakes forming the very fabric of their daily life. From Asia to Europe, each one offers a slower, scenic, and strikingly different travel experience. If you have ever been curious about places that move to the rhythm of water, here are eight cities around the world that are built on it.

Here Are 8 Water-Based Cities Around The World That Do Not Use Roads

1. Venice, Italy: The Original Floating City

Venice is where the idea of a water city becomes real. Spread across 118 islands and laced with over 150 canals, it feels like a dream that refuses to wake up. Gondolas glide through narrow waterways, historic buildings rise straight from the lagoon, and traffic jams involve boats instead of cars. While it gets crowded with tourists, there is an unmatched charm in wandering its alleyways or enjoying a quiet moment by a canal with a coffee in hand.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Where Canals Shape the City

Amsterdam’s canal network may remind you of Venice, but it has a vibe entirely its own. Think tree-lined waterways, arched bridges, and quirky houseboats. The canals are not just pretty — they are a core part of how the city functions. Whether you are cycling along the edge, hopping on a boat, or people-watching from a waterside café, Amsterdam proves that water can be both scenic and smart.

3. Bangkok, Thailand: A City That Grew From Canals

Known for its buzzing energy and street chaos, Bangkok also has a quieter, more fluid side. Many of its early transport routes were canals that connected people and goods across the city. While some have now been paved over, others remain active. Hop on a long-tail boat to visit floating markets and temples along the Chao Phraya River — it is Bangkok at its most relaxed.

4. Suzhou, China: An Ancient Water Town Full of Grace

Suzhou, in Jiangsu Province, looks like a traditional Chinese painting brought to life. Willow trees hang over still waters, stone bridges connect quiet neighbourhoods, and boats drift through centuries-old canals that date back to the 6th century BC. Strolling its historic lanes or gliding along its waterways offers a glimpse of how water shaped both culture and community here.

5. Stockholm, Sweden: Where Ferries and Kayaks Are the Commute

Stockholm is built across 14 islands and surrounded by Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. With more than 50 bridges connecting the city, water is woven into daily life. It is common to see residents kayaking to work or using ferries like public buses. The blend of sleek design, Nordic history, and wide-open waters makes Stockholm both liveable and endlessly photogenic.

6. Alleppey, Kerala: Life Along the Backwaters

Often called the “Venice of the East”, Alleppey offers a distinctly South Indian version of a water-based lifestyle. The town is defined by narrow canals, green backwaters, and traditional houseboats that double up as floating hotels. Locals travel by boat, while visitors relax with views of coconut trees and quiet village life. It is unhurried, rooted in tradition, and offers a taste of Kerala’s slower rhythm.

7. Ganvie, Benin

Floating on Lake Nokoué, Ganvie is home to more than 20,000 people who navigate their lives entirely by boat. Built by the Tofinu people as a safe haven, this water village is one of West Africa’s most remarkable places. Wooden canoes replace cars, and homes are perched on stilts. A visit here is not just about the views – it shows how an entire community has adapted to life on water.

8. Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is like stepping into a storybook. With cobbled streets, Gothic spires, and quiet canals snaking through the city, it feels frozen in time. Canal cruises reveal flower-draped windows, tucked-away gardens, and corners that could pass for oil paintings. Romantic and effortlessly walkable, Bruges is a water city with old-world charm and endless photo ops.

Canadian travellers are entering 2025 with renewed curiosity, a stronger sense of purpose, and a willingness to embrace both sustainability and spontaneity. As the global travel industry continues to evolve post-pandemic, several key trends are influencing how Canadians choose their destinations, what experiences they seek, and how they plan their journeys.

From eco-conscious choices to digitally streamlined borders, the travel landscape looks vastly different than just a few years ago. Here’s a look at the top trends that are shaping Canadian travel in 2025 and what it means for your next adventure.

1. Personalized, Purposeful Travel Experiences

Canadians are placing more value on meaning and authenticity in their travels. The rise of immersive cultural experiences, especially those tied to heritage, history, and local storytelling, has made trips more personal than ever.

For example, interest in niche travel options like river cruises has seen steady growth. Travellers are seeking slower-paced, scenic alternatives to traditional tours, especially in walkable global cities. For those exploring the UK, The Cruise Detective Thames river cruises offer a curated way to experience London from the water, combining sightseeing, history, and comfort in one seamless experience.

Whether it’s dining in a centuries-old village or cruising down a historic river, travellers are seeking quality over quantity, and connection over checklist.

2. Climate-Conscious Travel Choices

Climate action has become a central theme in Canadian travel planning. Travellers are actively looking for greener options, from carbon offset programs to transportation methods with reduced emissions. Destinations that highlight sustainable practices, such as eco-resorts and green-certified accommodations, are seeing higher demand.

Some popular shifts include:

• Choosing trains over short-haul flights where possible
• Supporting businesses with environmental certifications
• Packing lighter to reduce baggage-related emissions
• Staying longer in one destination reduces the overall travel impact

Tourism operators that integrate sustainability into their core offerings are earning loyalty from Canadian travellers who want to explore the world responsibly.

3. Digitally Streamlined Borders and Checkpoints

Gone are the days of rifling through paper documents at border crossings. In 2025, digital border solutions will simplify international travel for Canadians. With biometric identification, mobile passport apps, and contactless immigration checks becoming standard in many countries, getting through customs is now faster and more secure.

These innovations also reduce wait times and increase safety, which is a win for both travellers and governments.

4. Inclusive and Accessible Tourism

There’s growing momentum toward inclusive tourism, with destinations now recognizing the importance of welcoming all travellers. This includes better accommodations for people with disabilities, as well as more representation of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities in marketing and hospitality staffing.

Canada, in particular, is embracing Indigenous cultural experiences as a way to educate and engage both local and international travellers. Cultural centers, Indigenous-led tours, and artisan markets are drawing those who want to experience the rich traditions of First Nations communities in a respectful, educational way.

5. Flexibility is Non-Negotiable

Perhaps the most lasting impact of recent years is the expectation of flexibility. Canadians are no longer willing to lock in rigid travel plans without backup options. Travel insurance with trip cancellation, refundable bookings, and open-ended itineraries has all become standard considerations.

Tour operators, airlines, and hospitality brands that offer are earning trust and repeat business in an increasingly unpredictable world:

• No-fee changes or cancellations
• Transparent refund policies
• 24/7 customer support

The New Travel Mindset

In 2025, Canadian travellers are more intentional, more empowered, and more mindful than ever before. They’re choosing destinations and experiences that align with their values, from sustainability to inclusivity.

Whether you’re planning an international escape or a local exploration, keeping these key trends in mind will help you navigate the year ahead with confidence, and maybe even discover a new favourite way to travel.

Looking to explore the world differently this year? Let these trends guide you toward more meaningful, memorable travel experiences in 2025.