Budget Friendly Foreign Destinations to travel from India
20 Foreign Getaways from India That Won’t Break the Bank!
Traveling internationally doesn’t have to be pricey. For those who enjoy traveling on a budget, several countries give an enriching experience without making a hole in your pocket. So from cultural pursuits to natural wonders, here’s a curated list of affordable overseas spots to consider for your next trip from India.
1. Thailand
It is among the most preferred destinations for Indian travellers as it is economical and has numerous attractions. Whether you are drawn to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, the beautiful beaches of Phuket, or the rich culture of Chiang Mai, Thailand truly has it all. You also get street food and public transport at lower costs.
2. Sri Lanka
A quick flight from India, Sri Lanka is a land of rolling tea plantations, golden beaches and ancient temples. Colombo is urban, Kandy is cultural and Galle is colonial. Communal buses and low-cost cabs keep travel affordable.
3. Nepal
Nepal is a paradise for adventure lovers and seekers, making it the ultimate vacation destination. The best of such experiences include trekking in the Himalayas, visiting temples in Kathmandu and boating in Pokhara. No visa requirements and a low cost of living work in favour of Indian travellers.

4. Vietnam
Historical monuments, colorful urban life, and picturesque scenery, all await in Vietnam. Highlights include Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ha Long Bay cruises and Ho Chi Minh’s war museums. Street food and hostels put it among the cheapest places in the world.
5. Cambodia
Cambodia is known for its stunning Angkor Wat, busy markets, and tranquil countryside. Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Siem Reap temples and Kampot’s riverside charm offers a magical ambiance. Low-cost lodging and inexpensive local fares are additional attractions.
6. Indonesia
From Bali’s beaches to Java’s volcano hikes, Indonesia’s islands are as diverse as its population. Yogyakarta is steeped in history while Jakarta is a big city experience. Indonesia is a haven for budget travelers, offering cheap guesthouses, public transport and street food.
7. Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia, is home to the dreamy beaches of Langkawi and the culturally rich island of Penang. Public transport runs efficiently, and inexpensive local street food is abundant and delicious. Cheap hotels are available in plenty.
8. Dubai, UAE
While globally Dubai may be known to be luxurious, it does come with budget options as well. It can be cheap, with plenty of free attractions like the Dubai Fountain, souk-hopping and public beaches. There are several travel agents that provide cheap Dubai tour packages from India.
9. Turkey
In Turkey, you can find rich culture and wonderful views as well as great food. The mosques of Istanbul, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia and thermal pools of Pamukkale help make it a great destination. Cheap places to stay and public transport help keep spending less.
10. Egypt
Then you have Egypt, home of the jaw dropping Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Nile River. Travelers can visit ancient temples, sail the Nile and chill out at Red Sea resorts. It's also a great budget destination, with cheap hostels and street food.
11. Bhutan
Bhutan, full of monasteries and fortresses and trekking routes, is quieter than most and a fine place to retreat. Bhutan culture and traditions are reflected in Paro and Thimphu. As there are no visa requirements, it is an economic and unique destination for Indian travelers.
12. Oman
Known for the desert, forts, and coast the highlights include Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Nizwa’s old market and a Wahiba Sands desert safari. Budget hotels, and local transport, help to keep travel costs down.
13. Kenya
Kenya is a wildlife lover’s paradise with budget safaris in national parks like Maasai Mara. Nairobi’s museums, coastal cities such as Mombasa and the trekking trails below Mount Kenya round out the experience. It is affordable, thanks to budget lodges and public transport.
14. Armenia
It is a hidden gem with ancient monasteries, quaint old towns, and scenic landscapes. With Yerevan’s museums, Lake Sevan’s beauty and Dilijan’s hiking trails, it’s an exciting and affordable budget friendly destinations. Hostels and public transport don’t break the bank.
15. Philippines
With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines has beautiful beaches, adventure sports and colorful cities. Palawan’s beaches, Cebu’s diving sites and Manila’s historic sights draw budget travelers. Local transport and guesthouses are cheap.
16. Laos
Laos is one of the cheapest countries in Southeast Asia. With a laid-back vibe, scenic Mekong River and historical temples, Luang Prabang is a great foreign destinations to travel from India . Hostels, local buses and street food all help keep costs down.
17. Myanmar
The vibrant capital city offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment that attracts millions each year. Visitors flock to Bagan’s pagodas, Inle Lake’s floating villages, and Yangon’s colonial streets. Myanmar is inexpensive if you stick with local food and guesthouses.
18. Maldives
Though known for luxury resorts, Maldives has guest houses for a budget on local islands. With snorkeling, diving, and walking on white sandy beaches, this country is one for the dream vacation without going into debt. Public ferries are the cheapest way to go.
19. Seychelles
One of the most impressive paradises of the world is Seychelles, with all its clear blue waters and finest islands. Resorts tend to be on the pricier side, but budget travelers can stay at guesthouses and take local buses. Beaches and hiking trails are mostly free.
20. South Africa
South Africa boasts everything from the table mountain of Cape Town and the wildlife of Kruger National Park to the pretty coastal views along the Garden Route. It’s a budget-friendly place, thanks to a favorable exchange rate and budget accommodations.
Conclusion
It’s not always necessary to spend big bucks to go to international destinations. Without going much overboard on the expenditure, Indian travelers can definitely explore plenty of places on the map. The bustling markets of Vietnam, the ancient wonders of Egypt and the beautiful landscapes of Nepal all offer experiences at incredibly affordable prices. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, history or beaches, there’s a destination for every type of traveler who wants to explore the world without emptying your wallet.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
20 comments
This post is perfect for travel lovers on a budget like me! I love how you’ve shared such amazing foreign destinations that are both affordable and beautiful. The tips you provided for each location make it feel doable and exciting. I’m already making a mental list of places to visit.
ReplyDeleteWell I would love to call you a mini encyclopedia for travellers. There is lot to learn from your travel experiences and you must think of one more career option as a travel guide. Trust me you will be very very succesful just for the vast knowledge you already have in your kitty.
ReplyDeleteHats off the you for compiling such an exhaustive post. It truly requires a lot of patience and research.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great list - i have been to about 50% of those mentioned here and have the remaining on my list. Egypt being on top! Also suggest that you add Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to this list!
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for such a comprehensive post! Vietnam and Seychelles were already on my bucket list, but after reading this, the Philippines is a new addition. Before planning any travel, I know I need to check out your blog first.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a helpful list! Love how you’ve covered a mix of adventure, culture, and beaches, all without breaking the bank. Definitely saving this for future trips. Budget travel doesn’t mean compromising on experiences, and this proves it!
ReplyDeleteVietnam, Cambodia, Seychelles, and Maldives have been on my list for a while. Hopefully I'll be able to visit them soon, and will then refer to your list of other countries :D
ReplyDeleteSo many lovely options indeed! already have Bhutan, Turkey, and Egypt (for their mysterious history) on my list. Hope to add a few more countries from your recommendations.
ReplyDeleteThat's a powerpacked list. Sri Lanka is getting a lot of hype these days. Many of my friends are also talking about going to Sri Lanka for some reason! My most favorite is Turky
ReplyDeleteThis is very useful and informative. Having lived in Indonesia, I believe it has lots to offer. Been to a few from your list. Belonging to the precious generation started traveling only after kids moved away. Still luckier than my parents and earlier generation
ReplyDeleteVietnam and Seychelles are definitely on my bucket list. I live in Oman and I can say that it’s a beautiful place to visit as well. Oman’s stunning landscapes, rich history, and diverse attractions make it a hidden gem for travelers.
ReplyDelete-Anjali
Wow! So many options to visit. I am definitely going to visit one in ramdan holidays
ReplyDeletewow! I didn't know traveling to Turkey and Dubai could be done on budget too. A very useful list.
ReplyDeleteI have been only to three on your list- Thailand, Bhutan and Egypt. Now I am determined to add more as soon as possible :)
ReplyDeleteI am not sure I am the kind of traveller who would be taking local buses , not because I am comfort seeking but because you need to be sure of where to catch a bus , where to get down and sometimes there is a long haul to the bus stop and one ends up wasting a lot of time waiting for buses.But if one has helpful information at hand than maybe I may take local bus.I can eat on the streets , not just gives a taste of the place but keeps expenses down too.Great compilation Mandy!
ReplyDeleteI prefer travelling on a budget and have no qualms in accepting that. This is a very helpful list to decide on good options and most of them are family friendly too.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great list! I’m actually looking forward to a budget friendly international trip with my little baby and was wondering which country I should visit. Do you have any recommendation?
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect list for those who want to travel to countries with budgeting constraints. I'm gonna save this to keep planning trips
ReplyDeleteI have heard that Thailand and Srilanka are beautiful countries and are in my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteYour experience are very great and I am damn sure this is the best for you. After reading your article I have decided to explore the Maldives, but after free my westcoast bus.
ReplyDelete