The Long Weekend Guide for 2024: Best Tips to Plan Long Weekend Trips

Vacation generally offers you a refreshing escape from the daily routine, providing a much-needed break at any time of the month. When holidays fall at the beginning or end of a week, they create the ideal opportunity for a long weekend getaway with your loved ones. 

Did you miss the long weekend destinations in 2023 and still have a list of places you want to visit? Don't worry! Now is the perfect time to plan your 2024 vacations, as this year offers even more long weekends, giving you a golden opportunity to enjoy getaways without sacrificing workdays. 

Awaken the travel enthusiast within you and get ready to discover new destinations on your next long weekend. In this blog post by UPAR Hotels, we'll give you a sneak peek at the long weekend in 2024. Start planning your holidays and travel adventures today. 

Let's dive in!

Long Weekend Meaning: What Does the Term Mean?

A long weekend is an extended weekend that typically includes an additional day or days off work or school, creating a break longer than the usual two-day weekend. 

You can enjoy extra time off either when a public holiday falls on the preceding Friday or the following Monday, or by taking a personal leave to extend your weekend. 

Long weekend trips provide an excellent opportunity for relaxation, travel, and spending time with family, friends, or alone without requiring the use of multiple vacation days. 

For instance, if a national holiday such as Diwali or Labour Day falls on a Friday or Monday, it results in long holidays in 2024.

Long Weekends 2024 & Best Long Weekend Destinations to Explore

1. January Long Weekends 

January marks the beginning of a new year, offering you a plethora of long weekend opportunities for fresh experiences and adventures. 

Across the expanse of India, from north to south and east to west, many captivating tourist attractions await exploration on an exciting long weekend trip with your dear ones. 

Whether you seek beautiful beaches or cultural-specific museums, January offers you an ideal time to embark on memorable adventures and create memories that last forever.

New Year's Long Weekend Plan 

• December 29th: Apply for a day off. 
• December 30th: Saturday 
• December 31st: Sunday (New Year's Eve)
• January 1st: New Year's Day 

Republic Day Long Weekend Plan 

• January 26th: Republic Day (Govt Holiday)
• January 27th: Saturday 
• January 28th: Sunday 
• January 29th: Monday (Apply for a Day Off)

Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend (January)

• Manali: Destinations you can explore include Solang Valley, Old Manali, and Jogini Falls 
• Sikkim: Tourist attractions you can visit and explore include Gangtok, Pelling, and Ravangla.
• Goa: Major spots you can explore include Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, and Calangute Beach.

2. March Long Weekends 

March stands out as an ideal period for travel, heralding the beginning of the summer season. 

The extended long weekend after Maha Shivratri offers you a perfect chance to indulge in a serene getaway. 

Among the most sought-after long weekend destinations for March are Ooty, Kodaikanal, Bangalore, and Darjeeling.

Maha Shivratri Long Weekend Plan

• March 8th (Friday): Maha Shivratri 
• March 9th (Saturday)
• March 10th (Sunday)
• March 11th (Monday): Apply for a day off. 

Good Friday Long Weekend Plan 

• March 28th (Thursday): Apply for a day off. 
• March 29th (Friday): Good Friday
• March 30th (Saturday)
• March 31st (Sunday)

Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend (March)

• Ooty: Major tourist attractions you can explore are Ooty Lake, Botanical Gardens, and Dolphin's Nose Viewpoint.
• Kodaikanal: Some of the top sightseeing places you can visit include Pillar Rocks, Kurinji Andavar Temple, and Manjummel Boys fame Guna Caves, alias Devil's Kitchen.
• Darjeeling: Here's a list of the best places to visit in Darjeeling: Tiger Hill, Rock Garden, Ganga Maya Park, and Darjeeling Mall Road.
• Bangalore: The notable places you can visit in B’lore city are: Lalbagh Botanical Garden, ISKCON Temple, Cubbon Park, and Bengaluru Palace.

3. May Long Weekend 

May is undoubtedly the prime holiday season nationwide, and if you're not planning a getaway during this month's long weekend, you might just be overworking yourself. 

The options for exploration are multiple, ranging from serene beaches to majestic mountains, and bustling cities to nature-filled villages. 

Among the favourites are destinations like Kerala, Rishikesh, and Bir Billing. 

Buddha Purnima Long Weekend Plan 

• May 23rd (Thursday): Buddha Purnima
• May 24th (Friday): Apply for a day off. 
• May 25th: Saturday 
• May 26th: Sunday 

Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend (May)

• Kerala: Some of the key sights to visit in Kerala are Kannur, Wayanad, Alappuzha, Cochin (Kochi), and Varkala.
• Bir Billing: If you're looking for famous tourist spots in Bir Billing, don't miss out on Bhattu Monastery, Gunehar Waterfall, and Bir Tea Factory.
• Rishikesh: Don't forget to add Ram Jhula (also Laxman Jhula), Beatles Ashram (Chaurasi Kutia), and Triveni Ghat to your itinerary for a lasting long weekend destination in Rishikesh.

4. June Long Weekend 

If you haven't had the chance to enjoy a vacation or a family trip in the first half of 2024, there's still an opportunity to make up for it by planning a short trip during the Bakrid-Eid festival period. 

In June, famous destinations to consider are Kasol, Meghalaya, and McLeodganj. 

Bakrid-Eid Long Weekend Plan 

• June 14th (Friday): Apply for a day off.
• June 15th: Saturday 
• June 16th: Sunday
• June 17th (Monday): Bakrid-Eid 

Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend (June)

• Kasol: Must-see destinations in Kasol include Tosh Village, Parvati River, and Kheerganga Trek.
• Meghalaya: When in Meghalaya, don't miss out on Elephant Falls, Nohkalikai Falls, and Living Root Bridges.
• McLeodganj: The top attractions in McLeodganj include Dal Lake, the Tibetan Museum, and Bhagsunag Temple.

5. August Long Weekends

August's first long weekend coincides with Independence Day, making it a bustling time for travel enthusiasts. 

From July to September, nature displays its best with flowers and plants in full bloom, making it a suitable period for long weekend outdoor exploration. 

The upcoming long weekends in August 2024 fall during Independence Day and Janmashtami, offering the perfect opportunity for a 4-day getaway with a day off. 

In August, the top destinations to consider are Bangkok, Varanasi, and Lonavala.

Independence Day Long Weekend Plan

• August 15th (Thursday): Independence Day
• August 16th (Friday): Apply for a day off.
• August 17th: Saturday 
• August 18th: Sunday 

Janmashtami Long Weekend Plan

• August 23rd (Friday): Apply for a day off.
• August 24th: Saturday
• August 25th: Sunday
• August 26th (Monday): Janmashtami 

Best Places to Visit on Long Weekends (August)

• Bangkok: Spend a memorable long weekend in Bangkok exploring top spots like Wat Arun, Grand Palace, Jim Thompson House, Lumphini Park, and Chao Phraya River.
• Varanasi: When in Varanasi, ensure to visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Sarnath, Assi Ghat, Tulsi Manas Temple, and Ramnagar Fort.
• Lonavala: Key highlights to explore in Lonavala encompass Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Tiger's Leap, Lonavala Lake, and Kune Falls.

Related Article: Explore Bangkok's top 20 exciting activities this weekend. Check out our blog!

6. September Long Weekend

As the monsoon season fades away, the nation welcomes a delightful climate, attracting travellers to embark on their expectations. 

From picturesque hill stations to tranquil beaches and sacred temples to enriching museums and verdant wildlife sanctuaries to storied forts, the September month unfolds an array of enticing long weekend destinations. 

Notable among them are Amritsar, Srinagar, and Pondicherry. 

Eid Milad Un Nabi Long Weekend Plan 

• September 13th (Friday): Apply for a day off. 
• September 14th: Saturday 
• September 15th: Sunday 
• September 16th: Eid Milad un Nabi (Monday)

Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend (September)

• Amritsar: Make the most of your time in Amritsar by exploring major attractions, including the Wagah Border, Akal Takht, Golden Temple, and Partition Museum.
• Srinagar: Explore the ultimate charm of Srinagar with visits to Dachigam National Park, Nigeen Lake, Mughal Gardens, Pari Mahal, and Char Chinar.
• Pondicherry: Pondicherry's essential tourist destinations include the Pondicherry Museum, Auroville Beach, the French War Memorial, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Paradise Beach. 

7. October Long Weekend

In 2024, the long weekend coinciding with Dussehra offers you an amazing 4-day vacation opportunity for a rejuvenating holiday. 

October marks the beginning of a surge in tourists flocking to prime travel destinations across the country with their families or alone. 

The month presents you with a plethora of options for travellers, with Agra, Ladakh, and the Andaman Islands emerging as top picks for your long weekend getaways.

Dussehra Long Weekend Plan 

• October 10th (Friday): Apply for a day off.
• October 11th: Saturday 
• October 12th (Sunday): Dussehra 
• October 13th (Monday): Apply for a day off.

Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend (October)

• Agra: Experience the best of Agra with a visit to iconic landmarks including Akbar's Tomb, the famous Taj Mahal, and Agra Fort.
• Ladakh: Get the most out of your Ladakh long weekend trip by visiting renowned landmarks like Pangong Lake, Shanti Stupa, Zanskar Valley, Spituk Monastery, and Nubra Valley.
• Andaman Islands: Discover the charm of the Andaman Islands through its prominent attractions: Radhanagar Beach, Ross Island, Elephant Beach, Limestone Caves, and Cellular Jail National Memorial.

8. November Long Weekend

The month of November emerges as an optimal time to explore India, with its pleasant weather and nature's splendid displays. 

If a relaxed excursion is on your agenda this month, you'll explore a myriad of captivating destinations throughout the nation. 

Dharamshala, Kashmir, and the Sundarbans are some of the best destinations to visit during your long weekend in November.

Guru Nanak Jayanti Long Weekend Plan 

• November 15th (Friday): Guru Nanak Jayanti
• November 16th: Saturday 
• November 17th, Sunday 
• November 18th: Apply for a day off (Monday)

Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend (November)

• Dharamshala: Maximise your Dharamshala long weekend with must-see spots such as Bhagsu Waterfall, Kangra Fort, and Kangra Art Museum.
• Kashmir: Enhance your Kashmir experience over the long weekend with visits to famous attractions like Betaab Valley, Shalimar Bagh, and Pahalgam.
• Sundarbans: Create lasting memories in the Sundarbans over your long weekend by visiting top attractions like Dublar Char Island, Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, and Netidhopani Watchtower.

8. December Long Weekend

Make the most of the year's end with a fantastic long weekend getaway over Christmas time. 

December offers delightful and chill weather, making it super cool for exploring stunning destinations. 

Consider places like Udaipur, Chennai, and Assam for a memorable experience.

Christmas Long Weekend Plan 

• December 25th (Wednesday): Christmas (Holiday)
• December 26th (Thursday): Apply for a day off. 
• December 27th (Friday): Apply for a day off. 
• December 28th (Saturday): Saturday
• December 29th (Sunday): Sunday

Best Places to Visit on a Long Weekend (December)

• Udaipur: Udaipur's must-visit spots include Jag Mandir, City Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, and Gulab Bagh.
• Chennai: Capture lasting memories during your long weekend in Chennai with trips to Elliot's Beach, Marina Beach, MGR Film City, and Valluvar Kottam.
• Assam: Create cherished memories in Assam over your long weekend by visiting must-visit spots like Majuli Island, Hajo, Kamakhya Temple, and Barak Valley.

Also Read: Want to know the ultimate summer destinations in South India? Check out the 25 must-visit spots in our blog!

Personal and Professional Benefits of Long Weekend Trips 

Enhances Your Well-Being

Long weekend trips provide a vital mental break from routine work stress, allowing you to rest and recharge. The extended time off enhances your mental health, reduces burnout, and lowers your stress levels. This break from constant pressure enhances your overall mood and contributes to your better emotional well-being.

Strengthens Relationships 

Long weekends provide ideal moments for enriching connections with family and friends. Amidst the hustle of modern life, these pauses offer opportunities for meaningful interactions, fostering stronger relationships. Whether through family outings or gatherings, these moments enhance your family bonding.

Improves Work Productivity 

From a productivity standpoint, the upcoming long weekends this year can lead to increased efficiency at work. The break allows employees to return to their jobs feeling refreshed and more focused. This can ultimately result in higher productivity levels and better job performance, and it also helps them develop a positive attitude towards their work life.

How to Plan Your Next Long Weekend Trip with Zero Errors?

The four main factors you need to get right when planning your next long weekend are: purpose, budget, destination, and accommodation. Let's delve into each aspect to make sure your long weekend trips are as rewarding as they can be:

Purpose

Defining the core purpose of your upcoming long weekend trip is crucial. Are you seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a change of location? Tailoring your activities to align with your objectives ensures a fulfilling experience. 

Budget 

Essentially, your budget serves as the compass guiding your travel decisions. Determine how much you are willing to spend on your next long weekend trip, as it shapes everything from accommodations to transportation.

Destination 

With purpose and budget in mind, selecting your desired long weekend destinations becomes clearer. Consider whether you crave a beach retreat or a mountain adventure. 

Accommodation 

Choosing a suitable and budget-friendly hotel (or accommodation) is pivotal to a seamless travel experience. Ask yourself some questions before finalising your accommodations. 

Does the hotel align with your budget? Consider proximity to attractions and whether you'll primarily use the space for rest or exploration.

Also Read: Searching for the ultimate budget travel guide? Browse through our blog to unlock the best tips while travelling on a budget. Read now!

Bonus Tip 

Are you planning a long weekend trip to Chennai, Bangalore, or Bangkok? UPAR Hotels, a prominent name in budget accommodation, is your go-to destination to stay and enjoy your trip and comprises nine properties in total. 

Chennai is home to 6 of these, situated in famous destinations including T Nagar, Nungambakkam, Ashok Nagar, Kodambakkam, Uthandi, ECR, and Thoraipakkam, OMR. Bangalore, the Garden City of India, hosts two properties of UPAR Hotels, one in Indiranagar and another near Bagmane Tech Park. We've also expanded internationally with a property in Sukhumvit 11 Nana, a famous area of Bangkok, Thailand. 

Known for affordability, quality, and customer-friendly amenities, UPAR Hotels provide excellent service and comfortable stays, making us the most preferred choice among solo travellers, family travellers, and business travellers who are looking for budget-friendly accommodations during their long weekend trips in these key urban locations. 

Conclusion 

Experience the abundance of long weekends in 2024 as a refreshing escape from the relentless hustle of everyday life. Embrace the opportunity to explore the world, starting with the diverse landscapes of India and beyond. 

So, pack your bags, secure your accommodations, and kick-start your journey that will uplift your spirit and celebrate the essence of freedom. And while you're here, delve into our other blogs for insights on hotels, travel tips, and memorable experiences awaiting you. 

Let the adventure begin!