Need one final escape before the school run takes over your calendar? These last-minute getaways are perfect for a spontaneous, no-fuss trip before real life resumes – all with direct flights from Bahrain. Book now, pack light and make the most of the holidays while they last.

ATHENS & THE GREEK ISLANDS

Athens is one of those cities that blends past and present with zero effort – one minute you’re standing under the Parthenon, the next you’re eating grilled octopus on a rooftop bar overlooking it. The summer buzz here is real, cafés spill onto the streets, locals stay out late and everything feels gloriously unhurried. Lose yourself in the cobbled alleys of Plaka, climb the ancient Acropolis or catch panoramic views from Mount Lycabettus. Culture lovers will find plenty to dig into (the Acropolis Museum is a must) but it’s also easy to just sit back with a cold frappé and watch the world go by. Once you’ve had your city fix, the Greek islands come calling – many just a quick ferry ride away. Santorini and Mykonos get the spotlight but Hydra, Paros and Naxos offer a more relaxed charm with whitewashed villages and low-key beaches. Aegina, meanwhile, is a lovely day trip from Piraeus port, with pistachio groves and seaside cafés. Of course, the food is a highlight – mezze plates, souvlaki (skewered meat), spanakopita (spinach feta pie) and loukoumades (Greek doughnuts). Don’t miss the Varvakios central market for real-deal Greek flavours! Athens is the kind of getaway that resets your mood without exhausting your energy – ideal for squeezing in one last proper break.
Gulf Air: 4h 30m | Direct flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT GREECE.GR FOR MORE INFORMATION.

BANGKOK, THAILAND

There’s something about Bangkok that just hits different. The city moves fast – tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, markets spilling into alleys and neon signs flashing late into the night. If you’re up for a jolt of energy, this is the place. Start slow with a temple tour – Wat Pho’s giant reclining Buddha is a must-see and the riverside Wat Arun looks magical at dusk. Hop on a traditional longtail boat through the canals and make a stop at Wat Paknam, Bangkok’s largest Buddha, and continue on to one of the city’s iconic floating markets. Then dive headfirst into the street-food capital of the world. Whether it’s spicy papaya salad in Silom, pad thai and mango sticky rice in Yaowarat or a fullon night market crawl in Chatuchak, you’ll eat well at every turn. Khao San Road still pulses with backpacker energy but other neighbourhoods like Ari or Ekkamai offer a more laid-back feel with creative cafés and boutiques. Cool off at a sky-high rooftop bar or sneak in some shopping at one of the many malls (Siam Paragon, Central World, MBK Center). And if time allows, a quick flight to Chiang Mai or Phuket is always an option. Bangkok is chaotic yet comforting – leaving you grinning, full and wanting more.
Gulf Air, Thai Airways: 7h 10m | Direct flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT TOURISMTHAILAND.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MILAN, ITALY

Milan in late summer is underrated – most tourists head for Rome or Florence, which leaves this northern gem pleasantly easy to navigate. Being Italy’s fashion capital, it might be stylish but there’s more to it than catwalks and couture. Start with the iconic Duomo (Milan Cathedral) – its gothic marble spires and rooftop views are worth the climb – then wander through the grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Italy’s oldest active shopping arcade) for some luxurious window shopping. The Navigli canals are full of charm, dotted with vintage markets, cafés and bars, where you can sample the local aperitivo culture (enjoy a classic bitter-sweet Italian mix with olives). Food is a big deal and there’s something for every craving – from risotto alla Milanese and cotoletta (breaded veal cutlet) to paperthin pizzas and all the gelato you can handle! For art lovers, Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is one of the most interesting attractions at Santa Maria delle Grazie, while design enthusiasts will love the sleek spaces of Triennale Milano. For a break from the city, the beautiful Lake Como is an easy hour away by train – all sunlit villas and slow ferry rides. Whether you’re travelling solo or with kids, Milan makes a relaxed, culture-filled stop.
Gulf Air: 6h 15m | Direct flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT ITALIA.IT FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NAIROBI, KENYA

Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, is wild in all the right ways. You can go from sipping strong Kenyan coffee in a stylish café to spotting rhinos on safari – all within the same morning. Just a short drive from the city centre, Nairobi National Park is one of the only places in the world where you can see lions, giraffes and zebras with a city skyline in the background. Don’t miss the Giraffe Centre for a truly up-close encounter or the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to visit rescued baby elephants (pro tip: adopt one online before you go). But Nairobi is more than just a gateway to safari – it’s a dynamic, energetic city with loads to do. Food-wise, try nyama choma (chargrilled meat) with kachumbari salad at a local joint or dig into a full Swahili coconut curry. In between, shop colourful beadwork and woven bags at the Maasai Market or, for a slice of calm, explore Karura Forest – ideal for walking or biking. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to dip your toes into Africa, Nairobi offers just the right amount of wild-meets-urban for a short, unforgettable break.
Gulf Air: 5h 25m | Direct flights throughout the week.
GO: VISIT MAGICALKENYA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

SALALAH, OMAN

While most of the Gulf is still sizzling, Salalah is in the middle of its Khareef (monsoon) season, making it hugely popular during this time. From July to September, the Dhofar region is swept by monsoon weather and transforms into a misty green oasis. Think rain-soaked hills, trickling waterfalls and grass-carpeted valleys – a rare sight in the region and a great escape from the blazing Bahrain heat. Nature takes centre stage here and the cool air means you can actually hike without melting – or take long drives through fogdraped mountains with your windows down. Spot camels wandering past banana plantations and frankincense trees growing wild, all while sipping fresh coconut water from a roadside stall. For stunning views, wander through Wadi Darbat’s surreal landscapes, head up into the cloud-covered cliffs of Jabal Ittin or picnic near Ain Athum’s springs. On the coast, Mughsail Beach makes for a wild, scenic outing with dramatic waves and blowholes guaranteed to leave you soaked yet entertained. There’s history too – ancient ruins, UNESCO sites and a rich maritime legacy tied to the frankincense trade. With its fresh air and laid-back pace, this is a no-rush, recharge kind of break – a brilliant lastminute pick if you’re looking for something close to home but completely different.
Gulf Air, Oman Air: 4h 50m | Multiple one-stop flights throughout the week. ✤
GO: VISIT OMAN.OM FOR MORE INFORMATION.