Aerial view of Bangkok city at twilight, Thailand.Mid-year breaks are a state of mind: a nudge to pause, and perhaps trade your routine for something a little more fun and adventurous - a window for recalibration, relatively lighter crowds, pleasant climates—not freezing, not sweltering—and just the right vibe (to stretch out your legs and your PTO!) invite a more relaxed escape.
And it turns out, many travellers are thinking the same. Travel this season is all about maximising experiences! From beachy escapes to breezy hill towns, Skyscanner’s done the homework to help you travel better, and within your budget. Here’s Skyscanner’s lowdown on this season’s most popular destinations, when to book, when to fly out, and how to make your mid-year getaway go further.
1) Bangkok, Thailand
Cheapest Day to fly Bangkok: Tuesday
Cheapest Week to fly Bangkok: Week of 14th July
Thailand’s buzzing capital is a summer classic, and for good reason. From late-night eats in Yaowarat’s neon-lit alleys to music and dance-fuelled nights out, Bangkok is where culture and cool collide. Visit Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace, in the day, and wind down with a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the Chao Phraya. If you’re a water baby, take a quick trip to Pattaya or hop on a boat to Koh Laan for turquoise waters minus the crowds. With flexibility being the key to smarter travel, and 84% of travellers open to adjusting their dates, here’s a pro tip: Use Skyscanner’s ‘Whole Month’ search tool to spot the best deals, which gives you a bird's eye view of the cheapest days to fly in the month.
2) Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Cheapest Day to fly Dubai: Tuesday
Cheapest Week to fly Dubai: Week of 7th July
In Dubai, nothing is ordinary. Think sky-high towers, thrilling adventures, and a shopping scene that is like an Olympic sport. Towering icons like the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab give you a skyline straight out of a sci-fi movie, and if you want an adrenaline rush? Head out for a desert safari. Imagine ripping through the dunes, riding jeeps, sandboarding, and sunset dinners in Bedouin-style camps under the stars. And speed lovers can also explore Dubai’s insane supercar culture, from exotic rentals to the famed Dubai Autodrome.
3) Singapore
Cheapest Day to fly Singapore: Tuesday
Cheapest Week to fly Singapore: Week of 4th August
Singapore is the ultimate city break where soaring skylines meet lush green spaces. From taking in the views at Marina Bay Sands and strolling through Gardens by the Bay, visiting beaches at Sentosa Island, braving the rides at Universal Studios, or exploring the Art Science Museum, there is something for every kind of traveller. Want to make the most of it? Catch a red-eye flight after work, doze through the night, touch down in time for kaya toast at a local kopitiam, and head straight to Merlion Park with your shades on and zero time wasted.
4) Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cheapest Day to fly to Hanoi: Thursday
Cheapest Week to fly Hanoi: Week of 18th August
Cheapest Day to fly to Ho Chi Minh City: Sunday
Cheapest Week to Ho Chi Minh City: Week of 25th August
Vietnam offers the best of both worlds, Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City down south. From Hanoi’s Old Quarter charm and serene lakes to Ho Chi Minh City’s buzzing street food and French-colonial vibes, Vietnam offers a perfect summer escape. In Hanoi, stroll through historic lanes, catch a water puppet show, and slow down by Hoan Kiem Lake. Down south, explore lively street markets, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the vibrant nightlife on Bui Vien Street. Whether you're seeking culture or adventure, Vietnam delivers an ideal summer escape.
5) Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cheapest Day to fly to Amsterdam: Saturday
Cheapest Week to fly Amsterdam: Week of 18th August
Long days, light nights, and a city that’s practically built for a getaway! Amsterdam is pure magic. With canals glistening in the sun and locals out on their bikes and boats, it’s the perfect time to discover the city’s open gardens, world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the poignant Anne Frank House, and buzzing street festivals. Pack your walking shoes, pre-book your favourites (it’s peak season!), and get ready for breezy boat rides.
6) Phuket, Thailand
Cheapest Day to fly to Phuket: Saturday
Cheapest Week to fly Phuket: Week of 21st July
Phuket is all about chill vibes, scattered showers, and crowd-free coastlines. With summer in full swing, this is your window to explore Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches in peace. Soak up cultural charm at Wat Chalong or stand in awe of the towering Big Buddha. Don’t miss the dazzling Phuket FantaSea show, quirky cafés of Old Phuket Town, or a mindful moment at the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park. Rain or shine, this island knows how to serve up a good time.
