All You Need to Know About Holi Festival and Going on the Perfect Long Weekend Trip

The Holi Festival—the festival of colors where people throw and smear colorful powder at each other to welcome the arrival of spring—is once again upon us. Aside from being a memorable, one-of-a-kind festival, Holi is also usually a prime time for weekend trips.

If you’re curious about this traditional Hindu celebration, here’s everything you need to know about the Holi Festival and the best weekend travel destinations:

During the Holi Festival, the participants throw and smear colored powder at one another, creating a colorful festivity all around. It’s also a time to enjoy gujiyas, a sweet pastry with fruit stuffing essential to the celebration!

While it started out as an ancient Hindu festival, eventually non-Hindus also started joining in on the Holi festivities. It welcomes the arrival of spring after a cold winter, which signifies that good has won over evil. It also aims to spread joy and compassion while simultaneously showing gratitude for a good harvest during the spring season.

The Holi Festival falls on different dates every year, and oftentimes it falls on a Friday or a Monday. This makes it a great time to plan a weekend trip to nearby destinations from India!

This year, Holi falls on March 8, which is a Wednesday. But you can still make plans for a long weekend travel after the colorful Holi events and celebrations during the week. 

If you’re gearing up to travel during the long weekend of the Holi Festival, here are the best destinations:

This metropolis in the deserts of the United Arab Emirates is rich in modern marvels and traditions. It’s home to the world’s tallest building, world-class entertainment hubs, giant water and theme parks, and more! Plus, Dubai is only a three-hour flight from India, making it a great long weekend destination.

From visiting the Burj Khalifa to going on a desert safari tour, here are the best sights, stops, and things to do in Dubai:

Want to save time on planning? Leave it to us! Check out this 4D-3N Dubai itinerary that’s perfect for the long weekend during Holi:

Singapore is known for its iconic cityscape and waterfront, where the symbolic Merlion stands. Notable attractions include Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Bay Sands. The Garden City is also fantastic for a weekend getaway; flights to Singapore typically take four to five hours, depending on where you’re flying from in India.

From visiting the historic Merlion to hopping on the best rides in Universal Studios, check out the best things to do in Singapore during your trip:

You can also skip the research and planning and leave it to us to make your weekend with this 4D-3N itinerary in Singapore:

The Land of Smiles has everything: breathtaking natural landscapes, awe-inspiring temples, fantastic beaches, and more. You can check out the elephant sanctuaries, lie down in the sand in Phuket, admire the temples in Ayutthaya, and more! Plus, flights only typically range from two to four hours.

You can check out the best things to do in Thailand, from going on a spa retreat to snorkeling and scuba diving in its pristine waters:

Of course, we’ve also got a three-day Thailand itinerary prepared for you, so you can jump straight to the temple running and beach hopping:

Last but not least on our list of top weekend destinations from India is Vietnam. Flights range from three to five hours, making it fairly easy to visit during the weekend. Here you can sip on heavenly Vietnamese coffee (straight from the source!) and dip your toes into the emerald waters of Halong Bay. It’s also a beloved destination among backpackers thanks to the affordable prices of accommodations and food!

Explore more of the top destinations and activities in Vietnam:

Ready to celebrate Holi with flying colors and a refreshing weekend trip? This is your chance to visit these nearby destinations!