While many of us dream about round-the-world trips, in reality not everyone can enjoy this style of travel. Not that travelling the globe is hard, but it’s not feasible most of the time. A variety of things can get in the way, including expenses.
So, what do you do when you want to travel the world without breaking the bank? Well, why not start with low-budget international destinations that can make your foreign trip dreams come true
Here are some inexpensive international trips you can make:
1. Singapore
This vibrant city-state is known for its beautiful blend of cultures. The Garden City is filled with state-of-the-art accommodations, amazing nightlife, and irresistible culinary experiences. It might come as a surprise that the 11th most beautiful city in the world comes under the list of low-budget international trips from India. Being the perfect travel destination for a family that is only a short distance away from India, Singapore has always been a favourite travel spot for Indians. It is a great place for nature tours, wildlife tours, food tours, art and culture tours, beach tours, garden festivals, sightseeing, and shopping. A tour to Singapore would cost a person approximately Rs.25,000- Rs.30,000.
Travel guidelines: Vaccinated air travellers from all Indian cities will be able to enter Singapore without having to undergo any mandatory quarantine from March 16.
2. Malaysia
Malaysia is yet another multicultural country that is especially revered for its architecture. From beautiful islands and paradise beaches to interesting wildlife—it offers everything. For these reasons, Malaysia has to be on your list of cheap foreign trips from India. Apart from nature, wildlife, and cultural tours, snorkelling and scuba diving are some of the must-explore activities while in Malaysia.
Approximate cost per person is around Rs. 60,000.
Travel guidelines: Malaysia is closed for international tourism at the moment, but it is possible for fully-vaccinated foreign travellers to travel to Langkawi Island under the international tourism bubble. While non-vaccinated travellers have to quarantine for 10 days, vaccinated travellers must quarantine for seven days.
3. Thailand
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country that is frequently visited by people across the world and is one of the cheap international destinations from India. The spectacular islands, wildlife experiences, mouth-watering Thai food, vibrant party spots, ancient ruins, and royal palaces are some of the highlights here.
The cheapest travel deal to Thailand would cost one person approximately Rs. 40,000.
Travel guidelines: Fully vaccinated travellers are not required to undergo a mandatory quarantine. However, they must enter Thailand under the Phuket Sandbox and Samui Sandbox programs. For unvaccinated and single-dose travellers, an alternative quarantine of 10 days in designated quarantine hotels is mandatory.
4. United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates consists of seven Emirates including Dubai, Sharjah, Umm al-Quwain, Ras al-Kahimah, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Ajman—with Dubai and Abu Dhabi being the most popular destinations. With man-made islands, huge skyscrapers, sporting events and a variety of shopping options, a low-budget international tour here can be fun and interesting.
Approximate cost per person would be from Rs.50,000 to Rs.70,000.
Travel guidelines: Vaccinated travellers are not required to present a negative RT-PCR test for COVID-19 at the departure airport. Non-vaccinated travellers, however, must either present a valid, negative result of an RT-PCR test conducted within 48 hours before arrival or a recovery certificate (containing a QR code) from COVID-19 issued within 30 days before departure.
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong is marked with skyscrapers, lush green mountains, turquoise-coloured waters, glistening islands, and so much more. Taking a low-budget holiday to Hong Kong from India, you will be able to witness the harmony between modern times and an era gone by in the region.
Approximate cost per person would be Rs40,000- Rs.50,000.
Travel guidelines: Citing concerns over a growing COVID-19 outbreak, Hong Kong has extended a ban on incoming flights from India.
6. Sri Lanka
Being one of India’s neighbours, Sri Lanka resembles India to a great extent. The country does have a lot to offer including rainforests, arid plains, highlands, sandy beaches, diverse cultures, and a pleasant climate.
With approximately Rs.35,000 per person, Sri Lanka is one of the cheap foreign destinations from India.
Travel guidelines: Travellers who present a valid international certificate for full vaccination against COVID-19, with the use of an approved vaccine, are exempt from quarantine and testing requirements. Non-vaccinated travellers are required to isolate at ‘Level 1 Safe and Secure’ hotels for 8 days or depending on the length of stay in Sri Lanka if visiting for less than 8 days.
7. Cambodia
Known as the Kingdom of Wonder, Cambodia showcases its rich history and traditions to this day. If you’re interested in exploring another culture, a tour of Cambodia will be one of the best cheap international trips for you.
It’d cost a person approximately Rs.50,000 to visit this place.
Travel guidelines: Travellers who present a valid international certificate for full vaccination against COVID-19, with the use of an approved vaccine, are exempt from quarantine requirements. Non-vaccinated travellers will be administered a PCR test on arrival and must quarantine for 14 days. Another PCR test will be administered at the end of this period.
8. Vietnam
Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country that is frequented by tourists for its timeless charm. It has a lot of things to offer including beaches, yacht and boat cruises, Buddhist Pagodas, wildlife, island, and cultural tours.
As the living expenses are low here, it is one of the most affordable foreign trips you can take from India, costing approximately Rs.30,000 per person.
Travel guidelines: Vaccinated travellers are required to self-quarantine for three days on arrival at a government-approved accommodation. On day three, a PCR test will be administered at their own expense. Non-vaccinated travellers are required to self-quarantine for seven days on arrival at a government-approved accommodation. On days three and seven, a PCR test will be administered at their own expense.
9. Bhutan
Famous for its beauty and natural wonders, Bhutan is known as the Land of Thunder Dragon. The mesmerising fortresses, monasteries, and dramatic landscapes are some of the main attractions here. Being India’s neighbour, Bhutan is one of the cheap international destinations Indians can visit without seeking a visa.
A trip to Bhutan will cost approximately Rs.25,000- Rs.30,000 per person.
Travel guidelines: Non-vaccinated travellers are required to quarantine for 21 days at an approved government facility. Vaccinated travellers must quarantine for a shorter period of 14 days.
10. Nepal
Nepal is one of the most beautiful places in the world with its massive glaciers, pristine lakes, waterfalls, and forests. Nepal also has eight of the world's 10 tallest mountains. It is also a hub for various adventure events.
If you’re lucky enough to grab the cheapest deals, a visit to Nepal will cost you approximately Rs. 25,000.
Travel guidelines: Travellers who present a valid international certificate for full vaccination against COVID-19, with the use of an approved vaccine, are exempt from the five-day quarantine requirement. Fully-vaccinated travellers only need to quarantine until the test on arrival is confirmed negative. Non-vaccinated travellers will be administered an antigen test on arrival and will be required to quarantine at a hotel for 5 days. A second test will be administered at the end of this period and those testing negative will be released from quarantine on day six.
To make it easy for you, we’ve included some of the main attractions you can find in each country. Look for places that interest you, and think about your budget before choosing your destination so that you can plan your affordable trips abroad.