With the first weeks of summer in Riyadh, many families' question changes from "where do we travel?" to "where do we escape?". The heat presses, the school break approaches and the children wait for a trip. But options are many and prices at peak, and the wrong decision means a week in heat no different from the one you fled, or in a crowd no one can bear.
That is why we give you here a frank guide to the summer destinations travelers from Riyadh choose, grouped by holiday type: mild and mountain destinations, sea destinations and city destinations. We explain what suits each kind of traveler, how to book early and which mistakes repeat in peak season.
Quick answer:
- For mild weather and nature: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and northern Turkey (Trabzon and Bursa).
- For the beach and family resorts: Antalya and Egypt's Red Sea.
- For cities and shopping: Istanbul and Europe, but at higher prices and crowds.
- Book early, as summer and holidays have the highest demand and prices.
- Choose the destination by who travels with you, not by the picture alone.
What do you want from your summer holiday?
Before the destination, ask what you want. Is it escaping the heat before anything else? A beach and water? A city and shopping? Nature and calm? Each goal leads to a different destination. Whoever wants mild weather heads to mountains and green areas. Whoever wants the sea accepts higher heat in return for water. Whoever wants a city tolerates crowds.
And also decide who travels: a family with small children, teenagers, older relatives or friends. That changes the answer completely. If you need a reference for families, read best family travel destinations.
Mild and mountain destinations: to escape the heat
Georgia
Mountains, forests, mild weather and family activities, and Batumi for the promenade and the Black Sea. It is among the most requested destinations in summer among Saudis. It needs a driver for mountain roads and early booking for hotels in Batumi and Kazbegi. Read the Georgia guide and best time to visit.
Azerbaijan
Modern Baku and mountain Gabala with its cable car and forests, and a calm, organised atmosphere. Distances between stops are relatively long. Read the Azerbaijan guide.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nature, rivers, waterfalls and historic cities, and a calm familiar atmosphere. Suitable for those who like walking, reflection and photography. Read the Bosnia guide.
Northern Turkey: Trabzon and Bursa
Green highlands, lakes, mist and weather gentler than the south. It suits those who like nature, and needs a car or driver. Read the Turkey guide.
From the summer destination gallery at Asrar Altyar
Sea destinations: for the beach and resorts
Turkish Antalya
Huge beach resorts on an all-inclusive plan, very suitable for families with children. It is hot but the sea and pools compensate, and services are at their peak. Book early as prices rise a lot in summer.
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt
Near and beachy with resorts at many levels. The heat is high in summer but the sea relieves it, and it suits those who want a short trip at a moderate price. Read the Egypt guide.
City and shopping destinations
Istanbul
The city of sights and shopping, but hotter and more crowded in summer, with hotel prices at their peak. Plan tours in the morning and take midday in an air-conditioned place.
Europe
Summer is peak season in Europe with lighter heat than the Gulf, but with crowds and high prices. France and Italy need a Schengen visa early. Read the France guide, the Italy guide and the Schengen visa steps.
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Comparison table: what suits your holiday?
| Destination | Atmosphere | Suits | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Mild and mountainous | Families and nature lovers | Book early and needs a driver |
| Azerbaijan | Calm and organised | Families and friends | Distances between stops |
| Bosnia | Green and calm | Nature and reflection lovers | Mountain roads |
| Northern Turkey | Gentler than the south | Nature lovers | Needs a car |
| Antalya | Hot with sea and resorts | Families with children | Peak prices |
| Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh | Hot with sea | A short trip | High heat |
| Istanbul | Hot and crowded | Shopping and sights | Crowds and prices |
| Europe | Relatively mild | Cities and arts | Visa and peak prices |
From the destination photo gallery at Asrar Altyar
How to choose by who travels with you
A family with small children: an all-inclusive resort in Antalya or Hurghada, or Georgia with a light schedule. And avoid long tours and many mountain roads.
A family with teenagers: a destination with activities: Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, with free time for shopping and sport.
With older relatives: mild weather and hotels near services: Georgia or northern Turkey, with a comfortable car and avoiding stairs.
A group of friends: destinations with activity: Georgia, Azerbaijan or Istanbul, sharing the car.
Couples: calm and nature: Georgia, Bosnia or Gabala.
Early booking: why is it more important in summer?
Summer and holidays are the peak seasons for travelers from Riyadh. Demand for flights and hotels rises together, so suitable seats shrink, favourite hotels sell out and prices rise. Late booking means not only a higher price but narrower options: a farther location, a smaller room or an unsuitable date.
That is why we advise booking two to three months before travel at least, especially if you travel with a large family. And see 10 tips for booking flights from Riyadh for detail.
How to soften heat and crowds
- Start your day early: the morning is cooler and calmer.
- Put rest at midday: a hotel or an air-conditioned place.
- Book tickets to major sites in advance to avoid queues.
- Choose a hotel near transport.
- Spread activities between active and calm.
- Carry sunscreen, a hat and water even in mild destinations.
The atmosphere of trips with Asrar Altyar
What to book in advance
- In advance: flights, hotels, the driver and family resorts.
- A few days before: nature tours by weather.
- On the spot: restaurants, shopping and strolling.
Common mistakes in summer trips
- Late booking: raises the price and narrows options.
- Choosing the destination by picture only: without considering who travels with you.
- A crowded schedule: in heat and crowds it ends in exhaustion.
- Relying on unconfirmed transport: especially on mountain roads.
- Forgetting entry and visa requirements: check early.
- Travelling at peak holidays with no advance booking.
Prefer a travel consultant to arrange your summer holiday?
Who are these suggestions for?
They help if you: are looking for a summer holiday from Riyadh, comparing mountains and sea, or travelling with a family.
You may need more detail if you: want a specific destination for a set number of days, so contact us. And see our packages and destinations.
FAQ
What is the best cool destination in summer?
Georgia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and northern Turkey (Trabzon and Bursa).
When should I book for summer holidays?
At least two to three months ahead for better options.
Are beaches suitable in summer?
Yes, but you need to tolerate the heat, and Antalya is a good family choice with all-inclusive resorts.
What is the best destination for a family with small children?
An all-inclusive resort in Antalya or Hurghada, or Georgia with a light schedule.
Are prices high in summer?
Usually yes at the peak, eased by early booking and shifting dates a few days.
Do I need a visa?
It differs by destination, and we confirm what is needed when you book. See the documents checklist.
How do I book from Riyadh?
Send us your dates and number of travellers on WhatsApp or visit the Riyadh branch.
Start planning with Asrar Altyar
We arrange flights, hotels, transfers and tours from Riyadh and Qassim, and give you a clear price in Saudi riyals before any payment. See our reviews.
Ready to choose your summer holiday destination?
