Still craving one last summer adventure? We’ve rounded up 10 easy, fuss-free getaways, from five destinations under five hours away to five visa-free/ETA destinations for GCC residents. So, book your flights, pack your bags and be on your way!

If you’re stumped on where to go for a last-minute vacay before the new school term starts, check out these quick escapes to inspire your next wanderlust – from beaches and coastal spots to historic and nature destinations – all just a short distance away.

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN

Sitting on the shores of the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, pairs old and new with its mix of ancient culture and bold modern architecture. Spend your first morning exploring Icherisheher, the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a maze of narrow lanes, cosy tea houses and historic landmarks, including the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Stepping outside the medieval walls, the city takes on a more contemporary feel with the impressive Heydar Aliyev Centre (designed by the legendary architect Zaha Hadid) and the impossible to miss Flame Towers looming over the skyline. Outside Baku, Gobustan National Park offers prehistoric rock carvings and Dashgil’s famous bubbling mud volcanoes – Azerbaijan boasting the largest concentration in the world. For cooler air and scenic forest trails, the resort town of Gabala is a couple of hours into the Caucasus foothills and worth the detour. And don’t leave without trying traditional plov (saffron-infused rice, meat and dried fruits). Compact, budget-friendly and packed with personality, Baku makes a perfect little getaway.
GO: GULF AIR: 4H 30M | MULTIPLE DIRECT FLIGHTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

CYPRUS

From sunny beaches and archaeological sites to mountain villages and long lunches overlooking the sea, Cyprus has all the ingredients for a last-minute getaway. Fly into Larnaca, then take your pick of the island’s many personalities. History lovers can head to Paphos for Roman mosaics, the Tombs of the Kings and the legendary Aphrodite’s Rock. Further along the coast, Limassol has a lively marina scene with terrace cafes, restaurants and a seafront made for leisurely evening walks. If you need to cool off from the heat, the Troodos Mountains is a scenic drive inland with cobblestone villages and small vineyards sitting among forest trails and waterfalls. Ayia Napa covers the classic beach-holiday end of the island with its turquoise water and beach bars that get going by mid-afternoon, while the capital, Nicosia, offers a different side, with old Venetian walls and bustling bazaars. Then there’s the food, from grilled halloumi and souvlaki to generous mezze spreads that just keep coming. Cyprus delivers a wonderfully relaxed Mediterranean break just a short flight away.
GO: GULF AIR: 3H 35M | MULTIPLE DIRECT FLIGHTS TO LARNACA THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

GOA, INDIA

Goa has long been a favourite for beach holidays, but come monsoon season, this laid-back corner of India takes on a completely different character. As the rain rolls in, the countryside transforms into a patchwork of emerald paddy fields, overflowing rivers and thick forests, making it one of the state’s most beautiful seasons. While the beaches are quieter, there’s still plenty to discover. Wander through Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to magnificent Portuguese churches, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Then explore the colourful Latin Quarter of Fontainhas with its pastel houses, narrow lanes and charming cafés. Inland, spice plantations are at their lushest, Dudhsagar Falls roars into life and wildlife sanctuaries make for good scenic walks. Food is a big part of the experience too, from fish curry and proper fiery vindaloo to chai that tastes even better when it’s raining outside. Slower paced and wonderfully atmospheric, monsoon season reveals a side of Goa many travellers never get to see.
GO: GULF AIR: 3H 55M | MULTIPLE DIRECT FLIGHTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

Known as the Bride of the Red Sea, Jeddah has experienced rapid change over the past few years, but its easy-going coastal charm still remains. Its old quarter, Al Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where coral-stone houses with beautifully carved wooden lattice windows line narrow streets filled with cafés, artisan shops and bustling souqs. Along the waterfront, the lively Jeddah Corniche stretches for miles, offering sea views, galleries and installations at the Art Promenade, with plenty of places to stop for food and coffee while watching King Fahd’s Fountain, the tallest in the world. For those travelling with kids, the Fakieh Aquarium houses more than 200 species of fish, while Al Shallal Theme Park offers thrilling rides. And if you’re keen to get out on the water, the coral reefs just offshore are among the best in the region for snorkelling and diving. With the Saudi Summer campaign currently running (check out visitsaudi.com for the latest promotions), it’s the best time to discover this port city.
GO: GULF AIR: 2H 25M | MULTIPLE DIRECT FLIGHTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

SALALAH, OMAN

Forget everything you know about Gulf summers. From July to September, the Khareef (monsoon) season transforms Oman’s Dhofar region into a misty green oasis, something you won’t find anywhere else this close to home. Wadi Darbat, a lush valley of emerald pools, waterfalls and roaming camels, is at its best this time of year, while the cliffs of Jabal Ittin offer spectacular viewpoints above the clouds. Ayn Ghaidh makes for a good half-day hike out to a hidden spring, or you can skip the walking altogether and enjoy scenic road trips, driving through the fog with the windows down. Mughsail Beach is another must-visit for its famous blowholes, where strong waves force seawater high up through gaps in the coastal rock – be prepared to get soaked! The city is also known for its frankincense heritage, with plantations, museums and archaeological sites telling the story of one of Arabia’s oldest exports. It’s easy to see why Salalah is by far one of the Gulf’s favourite seasonal escapes every summer.
GO: GULF AIR/OMAN AIR: 5H (SHORTEST FLIGHT) | MULTIPLE ONE-STOP FLIGHTS THROUGHOUT THE WEEK.

From the Caucasus to the Indian Ocean, these are the destinations GCC residents can enjoy visa-free, with an ETA or a visa on arrival.

ARMENIA

Few destinations still feel as under-the-radar as Armenia. Yerevan, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is built largely from pink and black volcanic tuff, giving it a warm, unified glow. Climb the Cascade complex for views towards Mount Ararat, then wander down to Republic Square and the buzzing Vernissage market for handwoven rugs and carved crafts. Just outside the capital, Geghard Monastery is cut directly into the mountainside, while the pagan-era Garni Temple perches above a dramatic gorge. Khor Virap, with Mount Ararat towering just beyond the border looming behind it, is one of the country’s most photographed spots. Food is hearty and unfussy: khorovats (barbecued meat), soft lavash bread and dolma feature on most tables, alongside Armenian liquor and sun-ripened apricots. Add Lake Sevan for a cooler mountain break and you have a genuinely offbeat, easy escape that still feels wonderfully undiscovered.
GO: GULF AIR: 6H 25M | ONE-STOP FLIGHT TO YEREVAN, MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK.

GEORGIA

Mountains, centuries of history and a walkable capital rarely come this compact. Tbilisi’s old town is a jumble of balconied houses, sulphur bathhouses and the hilltop Narikala Fortress, all linked by the sleek, modern Bridge of Peace. Ride the cable car for sweeping views over the rooftops and the Kura River below. The food scene is a highlight in itself: khachapuri (cheese-filled bread) and khinkali (dumplings) are best enjoyed as part of a traditional supra feast. For scenery, head to Kakheti’s rolling vineyards, continue to Svaneti’s medieval stone towers or make your way to Stepantsminda, where the Gergeti Trinity Church sits against the dramatic Caucasus peaks. Coastal Batumi offers a different pace altogether, with palm-lined promenades and Black Sea views. Between the hiking, the history and the food, Georgia rarely feels rushed or overrun.
GO: GULF AIR: 6H 50M | ONE-STOP FLIGHT TO TBILISI, MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK.

MALDIVES

That postcard shot everyone recognises (turquoise water, white sand, overwater villas) barely does the Maldives justice. Spread across nearly 1,200 coral islands and atolls in the Indian Ocean, this is about as close to a tropical fantasy as travel gets. Many resorts occupy their own private island, ringed by a house reef where snorkelling or diving turns up manta rays, turtles and reef sharks with little effort. Days blur into a rhythm of overwater breakfasts, sandbank picnics and sunset dolphin cruises. For total indulgence, you can also enjoy spa treatments in glass-floored pavilions suspended above the lagoons. Malé, the compact capital, makes for a brief cultural detour, with its markets and mosques, though most guests are whisked onward by speedboat or seaplane. Food leans on tuna, coconut and chilli, with Maldivian fish curry a menu staple. It’s an easy destination to switch off completely.
GO: GULF AIR: 5H | DIRECT FLIGHT TO MALÉ, MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK.

SEYCHELLES

Life moves at a different pace in Seychelles. One moment you’re driving through dense tropical forest, the next you’re standing on a beach framed by giant granite boulders and calm, impossibly clear water. Its 115 islands are scattered across the Indian Ocean, but three do most of the heavy lifting: Mahé, the mountainous main island; Praslin, home to the otherworldly Vallée de Mai and its giant coco de mer palms; and La Digue, best explored by bicycle, where Anse Source d’Argent’s pink granite boulders make for one of the most photographed beaches anywhere. Beyond the sand, the giant tortoises of Curieuse Island and the coral gardens off Mahé’s coast are well worth the detour. Creole cooking blends French, African and Indian influences. Expect grilled fish, octopus curry and plenty of fresh tropical fruit. Getting between islands usually means a short flight or ferry, which keeps the pace unhurried. Small as it is, between the wildlife, the beaches and the food, it never feels like it’s short-changing you.
GO: GULF AIR: 7H 20M | ONE-STOP FLIGHT TO MAHÉ, MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK.

SRI LANKA

Few places squeeze as much variety into one island as Sri Lanka. The country brings together ancient heritage, wildlife and coastline in a way few destinations can. Cultural sites such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the cave temples of Dambulla showcase the island’s long history, while Kandy remains an important spiritual centre surrounded by green hills. Further south, Galle’s historic fort blends colonial architecture with independent boutiques, cafés and sea views. Inland, the train journey between Kandy and Ella passes tea plantations, waterfalls and mist-covered mountains, making the journey as memorable as the destination itself. National parks including Yala and Udawalawe offer opportunities to spot a wide variety of birdlife, elephants and, with some luck, elusive leopards. Food ranges from fragrant rice and curry spreads to hoppers, kottu roti and fresh seafood along the coast. Compact enough to cover several regions in one trip, Sri Lanka offers constantly changing scenery without spending long hours on the road.
GO: GULF AIR: 7H 40 | ONE-STOP FLIGHT TO COLOMBO, MULTIPLE TIMES A WEEK.