Sometimes the best stories begin with an impulsive click on “Book Now.” Over the last few months, I found myself escaping Bangalore’s traffic and deadlines for three quick weekend adventures—each to a different country, each giving me the kind of memories that still make me smile on random Monday mornings. If you’ve ever wished for a short but soul-filling getaway, these three destinations—Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Mauritius—are proof that a long weekend is all you need.

Weekend 1: Sri Lanka – Sun, Surf & Slow Mornings

The first escape happened when a friend casually asked, “Wanna chill by the ocean this weekend?” Three hours later, we were looking at Sri Lanka package options with Catch A Trip and arguing over which coast had better views. By Friday night, we landed in Colombo and headed straight down to the southern belt—home to postcard-perfect Sri Lanka beaches.

Saturday morning started with a scooter ride along the coast, stopping for coconut water every 30 minutes because how can you not? We spent half the day surfing in Weligama, laughing at every wipeout, while the locals cheered us on like we were in some beachside reality show. The water was warm, the waves friendly, and for once, time didn’t matter.

In the evening, we returned to one of the most stunning Sri Lanka resorts I’ve ever stayed in—an infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, soft music, and a sky turning shades of apricot and lavender. Sunday was our “culture day”: temples, street food, and a little shopping in Galle. We followed a relaxed Sri Lanka itinerary, ending the trip with one final magical walk on the sand before heading back to Bangalore.

I don’t think we spoke much on the flight home—we were too busy replaying the weekend in our heads.

Weekend 2: Vietnam – Streets That Don’t Sleep & Food That Doesn’t Miss

My second trip was the most spontaneous of them all. A colleague showed me photos of her Hanoi city tour, and before I knew it, I was on a flight for a mini-adventure of my own. Vietnam is the kind of place that grabs you from the moment you land—the energy, the colours, the food… it hits you instantly.

Saturday morning began with a street-food walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. I joined a small Vietnam group tour, and it turned out to be the best decision—strangers who became friends, bowls of pho that tasted like comfort, and stories from locals that made the city feel alive. We wandered through markets, crossed chaotic streets like pros, and clicked a hundred accidental aesthetic photos.

The highlight, though, was cruising on a misty lake later that evening. There’s something cinematic about Hanoi at dusk—lights shimmering on water, soft chatter from cafés, and scooters buzzing like background music.

Sunday was a bit more structured. I tried one of the curated experiences from a Vietnam holiday package with Catch A Trip, which included a cooking workshop and a motorbike ride around the city’s hidden alleys. By the end, I found myself wishing the weekend had one more day.

If you’re planning a romantic escape, their Vietnam honeymoon package options are surprisingly dreamy—but even as a solo traveller, Vietnam felt warm and welcoming.

I still crave that egg coffee.

Weekend 3: Mauritius – Ocean Blues & Easy Living

Mauritius happened because I wanted a weekend with nothing on the agenda except “float in water.” And oh, did I float. From the moment I checked into a stunning Mauritius beach resort, it felt like stepping into a wallpaper—turquoise water, soft powdery sand, and coconut trees placed as if by an artist.

Saturday was all about underwater magic. I signed up for Mauritius scuba diving, and it was one of those experiences that stays with you long after the salt washes off. Coral gardens, colourful fish, and that surreal feeling of weightlessness—it felt like visiting another world.

Afternoons were lazy—lounging by the beach, sipping chilled drinks, reading half a page of a book before dozing off. Evenings were livelier with beach BBQs, live music, and laughter floating around like confetti.

On Sunday, I tried a mini island tour from the Mauritius holiday package with Catch A Trip, hopping between viewpoints, lagoons, and small villages that smelled of fresh food and sea breeze. It was slow, easy, and exactly what my city-tired brain needed.

Returning to Bangalore after this trip felt like waking up from a dream I wanted to slip back into.

Why You Should Book Your Weekend Abroad Now

If these three weekends taught me anything, it’s this: you don’t need long leaves or elaborate planning to feel alive. Sometimes, all it takes is a 3-night getaway, a packed backpack, and a little courage to click “Book.” Because the world is closer than you think. And your next unforgettable weekend may be just a boarding pass away.