Happy 2026, Travelers! 
If you’re reading this, you’ve probably just refreshed your HR portal to see your leave balance restocked. It’s a beautiful sight, isn’t it?
But here is the hard truth: If you don’t plan your travel now, those leave days will disappear.
This year, we are playing the game differently. We’ve analyzed the 2026 Indian calendar to find the “Sweet Spot” weekends, those magical dates where holidays align perfectly to give you maximum travel time for minimum leave.
Here is your roadmap to turning a few days of annual leave into four epic international trips in 2026.
Trip 1: The “Immediate Escape” (January)
The Dates: January 24 (Sat) – January 26 (Mon) The Occasion: Republic Day The Hack: It’s a natural 3-day long weekend. No leave needed!
Where to go: Colombo, Sri Lanka 
Sri Lanka is making a massive comeback. It’s a short flight from most Indian metros, the food is incredible, and the vibe is unmatched.
- Why here: You can explore the cafes of Colombo or hit the beaches of Bentota in just 3 days.
- The Niyo tip: The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) exchange rate is favorable for Indians. Use your Niyo card to spend like a local without worrying about finding a currency exchange kiosk at the airport.
Trip 2: The “Spring Break” (April)
The Dates: April 3 (Fri) – April 5 (Sun) The Occasion: Good Friday The Hack: Take Thursday (April 2) off. Total Trip Time: 4 Days.
Where to go: Hanoi, Vietnam 🇻u April is beautiful in Northern Vietnam. It’s not too hot, and the misty vibe of Halong Bay is surreal.
- Why here: Coffee culture, street food, and history. You can do a quick 2-day cruise in Halong Bay and spend 2 days eating your way through the Old Quarter.
- The Niyo bonus: Vietnam is a cash-heavy economy, but major hotels and tour operators accept cards. For street food, use your Niyo card to withdraw VND from ATMs with lower fees than standard bank cards.
Trip 3: The “Shopper’s Paradise” (October)
The Dates: October 2 (Fri) – October 4 (Sun) The Occasion: Gandhi Jayanti The Hack: Take Thursday (Oct 1) or Monday (Oct 5) off to extend it. Total Trip Time: 4 Days.
Where to go: Dubai, UAE 
By October, the scorching heat of Dubai starts to cool down, making it perfect for outdoor dining and desert safaris.
- Why here: It’s the easiest international trip to plan. Quick visa, tons of flights, and endless entertainment.
- The Niyo idea: Dubai is a tapping paradise. From the Metro to the Dubai Mall, you can go 100% cashless. Plus, with Niyo’s 0% Forex Markup, you aren’t payingextra on every luxury purchase. That savings literally pays for your dinner!
Trip 4: The “Year-End Relaxer” (December)
The Dates: December 25 (Fri) – December 27 (Sun) The Occasion: Christmas The Hack: Take the preceding week off if you have leave left, or just enjoy a quick 3-day luxury staycation.
Where to go: Phuket, Thailand 
If you want to end the year with your toes in the sand, this is it.
- Why here: It’s peak season, the weather is perfect, and the party scene is legendary.
- The Niyo Advantage: Managing Thai Baht (THB) can be tricky with fluctuating rates. Load your Niyo card in INR and lock in your budget before you fly.
3 Rules for Smart Travel in 2026
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Book Flights Now: These weekends are not a secret. Everyone wants to travel on Republic Day. Booking in January for an October trip can save you up to 40% on airfare.
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Don’t Buy Cash at the Airport: We say this every year, but we mean it. Airport forex counters have the worst rates in existence.
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Travel Light, Travel Digital: Your passport, your phone, and your Niyo card are all you need.
Ready to claim your first long weekend? Check your Niyo app today to ensure your card is active, your limits are set, and you are ready to fly.
Happy Travels!
