Planning your first ever international trip is indeed a task. From choosing the right place to setting the right budget, these are decisions which cannot be taken lightly. I have been planning my dream ‘first’ international trip for long. I have zeroed upon so many locations and always end up getting confused on which location to pick first. With a regular job and some tight budgets (I can’t restrict myself to one trip a year guys!) it can get tough. Trust me I understand.
The experience of your first international trip is one which would stay with you forever. As Amitabh Bachhan rightly said in English Vinglish “Pehli baar sirf ek baar hi hota h“. Keeping all those things in mind, I have compiled a list of the countries where you can travel for cheap from India. Remember guys, the money would come back, but the time – never. So don’t wait and get ready to book that dream international trip but at an affordable price!
NEPAL
This sister country of India
is a land-locked gem with an overwhelming things to do. Home to seven of the world’s 10 tallest mountains (one being Mount Everest), you can enjoy some great hiking and mountaineering trails. The place is famous for its unique Buddhist culture, steamy lowland plains and incredible wildlife and ancient royal cities.
Some famous attractions are Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey temple), Unesco World Heritage Durbar squares and much more!
BHUTAN
Ranked as the happiest country in Asia, this place should definitely be on your list! Its said there is something magical about Bhutan, that can bring a calm to your soul. Beautiful climate, breathtaking views and majestic monasteries may be a cliched way to describe the beauty of Bhutan, but no words are enough to describe it truly.
Some of the famous cities/towns of Bhutan which should be on your list are Phuentsholing, Thimpu, Punakha and Paro.
VIETNAM
From the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay to the man-made artistry of the sacred temples and pagodas to the rice terraces and beaches, Vietnam has a lot to offer to travelers. A backpackers paradise, Vietnam is one of the cheapest destinations you can visit from India. This Southeast Asian country redefines everything: cities and caves, traffic and driving, music and noise. Everything is louder, faster and livelier.
Some popular attractions of Vietnam are Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ba Be national park and the list goes on!
SRI LANKA
This jewel shaped country in the Indian ocean is an unexpected paradise. From the lush green tea fields of the hill country to the much warmer, and blissfully peaceful beaches of the south with old forts, wildlife safaris and rich traditions thrown in. Don’t underestimate how much time you will need to explore the country. Sri Lanka is not there to disappoint you.
Some of major attractions are Golden Temple of Dambulla, Old town Galle, Citadel of Sigiriya, City of Kandy and much more!
MYANMAR
Myanmar is one of the most underrated destinationin Southeast Asia. Large undeveloped areas, fewer tourists, easy to travel and extremely affordable. If you are someone who wants to experience an untouched country, then this is the place for you to go.
Some major attractions of Myanmar are Bagan Balloon Flight, Hsinbyume Pagoda, Ngapali Beach, Inle Lake and much more!
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The UAE has quickly begun to rise as a popular tourist destination. The country consists of seven independent city-states, but Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the prime attractions. A blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, this is one of those places which should definitely be on your bucket list! Here you can witness the contrasts of the sea and the dessert.
The top attractions are Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayad Mosque, Jebel Jais Mountains and much more!
OMAN
Oman a beautiful gem of the Arabian Peninsula is one of the most easiest and safest country to travel. Oman has countless sand dunes, green ravines filled with palm trees, huge mountain ranges, emerald green natural pools, with a huge part of the country located on the sea.
Some of the top attractions of Oman are Muscat city, Sultaan Qaboos Mosque, Bimmah Sinkhole and much more!
INDONESIA
With over 17000+ Islands spanning from South East Asia to Oceania, you are spoilt for choice. From the remote paradise in Raja Ampat to the popular holiday destination Bali, if you are someone who loves the oceans then this is the place for you. Its the ultimate escape for adventure lovers due to the diverse range of activities and landscapes to offer.
Popular attractions include Flores Island, Gili Islands, Komodo Island, Lombok and lot more!
PHILLIPINES
Phillipines is one of the most incredible budget travel destination. With pristine white sand beaches, mesmerizing sunsets to relaxed tropical vibes this truly is a paradise. The country has everything, from volcanoes to mammoth caves to some breathtaking waterfalls. One can also snorkel around the World War II wreck here!
Top attractions of Philippines are White Beach, Boracay, Mayon Volcano, Chocolate hills and lots more!
So these are the top countries you can travel on a budget from India! Planning your first international trip can be intimidating but trust me the process is fun. I hope you enjoyed all my recommendations.
Do let me know how your thoughts in the comments section below. Stay tuned for detailed travel guides on the above destinations.
Love,
Rituparna
Very informative. Didn’t know that Vietnam could also be a cost effective destination to visit. Will explore more about it. Nice to know of so many great places to visit in Asia itself.
I am glad you found my recommendations useful! Happy future adventures 🙂
I personally believe exploring the home country first before traveling abroad is a good way to proceed. Rest it depends upon person to person. From past few years Indonesia had fascinated me a lot than any other country.
Even I advocate travelling India and then taking on the world. But a holiday to a foreign nation has its own charm too!
Indonesia has been on my list too for long!
Okay, that sounds likewise!
Yeah that’s nice list! I really look forward to travel to some of these countries!
I am glad you liked it and found it useful 🙂
Good Rituparna Dey Good