When we think of exotic destinations, immediately we start wondering how much we have to save to get there? Well, it really doesn’t have to be that way. This list of cheap holiday destinations should provide you with a good idea of where you can go to experience exotica. Check out these exotic locales that are entirely doable on a budget.
Indonesia
With 17,000 small islands that make up the country, you are bound to find the ideal paradise to suit your travel style and needs on budget in Indonesia. Admire huge active volcanoes from afar, explore bustling trade districts, watch traditional dance performances of Legong, or simply relax on the beach, it’s hard to go wrong here in Indonesia.
An Idyllic Escape: Viceroy Bali
There are stunning virgin beaches that offer world-class snorkelling and scuba diving in Raja Ampat, fascinating Unesco World Heritage Sites that dates back to the 9th century in Yogyakarta and — everywhere you turn — you will be greeted by the friendliest locals. In Raja Ampat, you can find a home stay that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can stay here with INR 25,000 for 15 days.
Malaysia
It won’t cost much to get a photo of the iconic view of the Petronas twin towers, nor will it cost much to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse food or admire the Taoist temples. Kuala Lumpur is the most popular destination, and with some cuts, like not staying in a premier hotel, it’s possible to do a longer stay on a budget.
Foreign Countries That Are Just A Road Trip Away From India
Batu Caves, a series of caves and cave temples located just north of the capital is a must visit while you’re here. Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia is a relatively easy climb, so adventure seekers can pump up their adrenaline here. It’s also a heavenly destination for water sports fanatics; Malaysia has nature’s best kept secrets underneath the clear turquoise waters, scuba divers can have an overwhelming experience out here. You can stay here with 30,000 for 10 days.
Thailand
Thailand is everyone’s first foray into Southeast Asia. Relatively easy to get around, and by regional standards, quite affordable, the country attracts a vast number of tourists from all corners of the globe. If you want to get the most value for your money, make sure you stay out of/spend little time in Bangkok. Accommodation and food is much cheaper in other places in Thailand, and there are a lot more interesting things to see.
Thailand is no slouch when it comes to sea, sand and leisure. For many, a Thai holiday might mean a stroll from the hammock to the ocean, but one of the top of the pops is probably to learn diving, so that you can bring on some real excitement and explore the unseen.
Thailand Calling This Long Weekend
For a first-time visitor looking to see just a bit of Bangkok, you can pick Kanchanaburi and Ko Samet. You can brush through some dark history and the wild side by dropping in the national park in Kanchanaburi. Later, relax on the beaches of Ko Samet, enjoy plenty of water sports and head out for some thrill at night. Thailand though really deserves two weeks for a first-time trip .
The Philippines
The Philippines is a great destination for backpackers and budget travelers in general. Not only it is a haven for budget divers and beach folks in general, you can also visit the stunning Banaue Rice Terraces, or the monstrous Mayon volcano, or you could even take a trip through the Puerto Princesa underground river, one of the new 7 wonders of nature.
Visit the peculiar hill formations known as Chocolate hills in Bohol and soak in the sun at the Alona beach. With some suggested daily budgets going as low as 15-20$ per day and even lower, it’s a no-brainer for the sun deprived, broke student.
Book a hotel in Manila, Philippines
Cambodia
Don’t assume Angkor Wat is all Cambodia has to offer; there is so much more. Boasting crocodile farms, Chinese-style architecture, and vestiges of the country’s former status as an outpost of the French Empire, there would be ample reasons to visit Cambodia.
The islands off the coast of Cambodia still possess a serenity not easily found elsewhere in mainland Southeast Asia. With two weeks you could see Angkor, a couple of towns and perhaps an island. Overall the country really deserves two weeks of stay. You can survive with INR 1500 per day.
Vietnam
Affordable upscale accommodations, cheap and remarkably healthy food and beautiful sights make Vietnam a standout among budget-friendly South Asian destinations. There are clean, safe accommodations to fit everyone’s wallet hotels in Hanoi are a total bargain.
Eat your way through historic Hanoi for just $20 per person. And, be sure to take the time to sip a bowl of steaming “pho” noodle soup in restaurants. As you feed your palate with interesting flavours, kayak in the emerald waters of Halong Bay or relax in ancient Hoi An and the nearby beaches.
Travelling using cheap transport and steering clear of heavily touristed (and hence, more expensive) destinations, you can survive on around INR 1500 per day or maybe less, if you’re especially frugal and travelling as a couple.
Sri Lanka
Tourism is beginning to reappear on the teardrop-shaped island. There are variety of things to do: starting with wonderful beaches, amazing diving spots, national parks with impressive fauna (elephants, leopards, monkeys etc.) to tea plantations, huge temples, fortresses and must-see cities (such as Galle). The coral reef of Pigeon Island is one of those things you simply can’t miss when you are backpacking in Sri Lanka.
Srilankan food is similar to Indian cuisine – they too eat lots of rice & curries. Using the train, however, is one of the most beautiful ways to travel. It’s also cheap, reliable and wends through some spectacular countryside. Expect a daily budget of INR 2000- 3000/- per person on accommodation, food, drinks and transport.
Nepal
With the scenic Himalayas as its backdrop, Nepal has got views to die for. This scenic country has always been a backpackers paradise. It is filled with budget accommodation with hostels that offer dorms for 250-500 rupees. If you are a vegetarian and don’t drink alcohol; it will save you a lot of bucks.
If you will be doing trekking most of the time, you can save plenty on transportation. However, if you can share a taxi with others, you may pay 30 rupees. Lumbibi, Nepalgunj, Birgunj are some off-the-beaten-path gems to avoid crowds. For some expensive views and challenging trek, go hiking through the Langtang region.
Rent a bike and go cycling in the Kathmandu valley, pay a visit to a monastery or two up in the hills for some spiritual awakening.
So, time to tick-off some places from this part of the world from your list. All these places are insanely affordable, so just pack your bags and go somewhere new!
