There’s something thrilling about stepping into a new country over a long weekend—no long leave applications, no months of planning, just the excitement of packing your bag on Friday and waking up in a new world on Saturday. As 2026 creeps closer, more Indian travelers are choosing short but unforgettable international breaks. And honestly? Once you take that first spontaneous getaway, you’ll never want to spend another long weekend at home.
Here are three destinations—Almaty, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan—that promise the kind of memories that make you want to book your next trip before you’ve even unpacked from the last. Considering Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, you would need two separate trips to explore Almaty on its own and Kazakhstan as a whole.
ALMATY: WHERE WEEKENDS FEEL LIKE MINI VACATIONS
My long weekend in Almaty still feels like a dream—clean mountain air, snow-dusted skylines, and the surreal feeling of being somewhere that looks straight out of a postcard. If you’ve been wanting a trip that blends adventure with calm, Almaty is your place.
I started with the classic Almaty city tour with Catch A Trip, and trust me, every moment feels like stepping into European-style neighborhoods but with Central Asian warmth. Cafés spill onto sidewalks, the smell of fresh bread floats through the air, and the mountains follow you everywhere like a soft backdrop.
And then came the highlight—Shymbulak ski resort. Even if you’ve never skied before, the cable-car ride itself is worth the trip. By the time I reached the top, I felt like I was standing inside a snow globe. If your idea of romance includes snowflakes, fireplaces, and mountain views, this place fits right into an Almaty honeymoon package.
But the real magic came during my trek—part of an Almaty hiking holiday. Walking through alpine meadows, crossing tiny streams, and breathing in air so pure it almost reset my brain… it was exactly the escape I needed from the chaos of city life. And the best part? You can experience all this in just 3–4 days without feeling rushed.
MALAYSIA: A LONG WEEKEND WITH BIG CITY ENERGY + ISLAND SLOW LIFE
If you want a destination that keeps surprising you every hour, Malaysia is the long-weekend jackpot. I landed in Kuala Lumpur expecting a typical city break, but what I got was a whirlwind of food, lights, and culture.
My first night out, I decided to explore Kuala Lumpur nightlife, and wow—no one prepares you for how alive the city feels. Rooftop bars glowing against the skyline, live music echoing through the streets, food stalls grilling satay till midnight… it’s the kind of scene that makes sleep feel optional.
The next morning, the Kuala Lumpur city-tour showed me a whole other side—heritage streets, temples hidden between skyscrapers, and markets where I accidentally bought souvenirs I absolutely didn’t need but definitely wanted.
And then came the twist—Langkawi.
If you’re planning a romantic holiday, the Malaysia honeymoon package almost always includes Langkawi, and with good reason. I hopped onto a Langkawi sunset cruise, and honestly, it felt like someone slowed down time. The sky changed from gold to purple to inky blue, the waves lapped softly against the boat, and for a moment, everything felt still. If you go as a couple, expect this to become “that” moment you talk about for years.
Malaysia is that rare place where you get the thrills of a city and the calm of an island—and both fit perfectly into a long weekend.
KAZAKHSTAN: DESERTS, DUNES & DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES
Most people don’t realize how close Kazakhstan actually is for Indian travelers. A 4–5 hour flight and suddenly you’re in a land that looks like it’s been designed by a movie director.
If you’re choosing from Kazakhstan tour packages with Catch A Trip, don’t skip the surreal Altyn Emel National Park. I booked an early morning trip, and watching the sun rise over the singing dunes felt like witnessing nature perform a private show. The silence, the shifting sands, the warm breeze—it’s the kind of place that makes you forget notifications, deadlines, and everything in between.
Many travelers pick Kazakhstan because it’s still beautifully unexplored, yet incredibly convenient for a Kazakhstan trip from India. During my visit, I met backpackers, honeymooners, solo travelers, and photographers—everyone was chasing the landscapes that make this one of the Best places to visit in Kazakhstan.
From canyons that look like mini Grand Canyons to wide-open steppes that stretch endlessly, Kazakhstan feels untouched, dramatic, and wildly peaceful.
BOOK THAT LONG WEEKEND
If 2026 is the year you want to travel more without taking endless leaves, these destinations tick every box. Almaty for mountain bliss, Malaysia for city-meets-beach energy, and Kazakhstan for landscapes that will leave you awestruck.
One long weekend is all it takes to feel like you’ve lived a whole new chapter. And once you do it, trust me—you’ll be planning the next one on your way back to the airport.