By Eshita Bhargava

Copyright timesnownews

Scrolling through Instagram lately? You’ll notice a wave of Indian travellers flaunting their budget-friendly international holidays – from sipping coffee in Vietnam’s lantern-lit streets to posing against Dubai’s skyline without burning a hole in their pockets. With budget airlines announcing festive sales and “cheap flight hacks” trending on TikTok reels, the timing could not be better to tick off a foreign trip from your bucket list. And here’s the best part – you can actually do it all for under Rs. 50,000. Yes, including flights, food, accommodation and a few cheeky souvenirs! If you’re ready for an international holiday without maxing out your credit card, here are 10 budget-friendly destinations you can visit right now – each offering a unique experience, whether you love beaches, mountains, or a slice of history. 1. Uzbekistan Tashkent might not be the first name that comes to your mind when we say “travel wishlist”, but it should be. With direct flights from Delhi starting at around Rs. 20,000, Uzbekistan offers a blend of bustling bazaars, mosaic-covered madrasas, and that old-world Silk Road charm. Accommodation and food are ridiculously affordable, and chai culture feels oddly familiar. 2. Sri Lanka Flights to Colombo often cost around Rs. 18,000, making Sri Lanka an irresistible getaway. Think train rides through lazy afternoons, emerald tea fields spotting elephants, and spicy seafood dinners by the ocean. Homestays and guesthouses keep the costs low. You can also opt for local food like kottu roti. 3. Nepal Why worry about visas when you can literally just pack and go? Nepal doesn’t require one for Indians, and Indian currency is widely accepted. From sunrise over the Annapurnas to butter tea in a Kathmandu café, Nepal offers postcard-perfect views and spiritual vibes at throwaway costs. You can trek, temple-hop, or just relax in Thamel’s cosy guesthouses. 4. Dubai Dubai may scream “rich and flashy,” but savvy travellers know better. Stay in Deira or Bur Dubai, zip around on the metro, and book a desert safari for less than Rs. 2,000. Brunches with Burj Khalifa views don’t have to cost a fortune, either. Pro tip: grab your flight tickets during airline sales – Delhi–Dubai returns can dip under Rs. 20,000 if you’re quick. 5. Bhutan The Land of the Thunder Dragon is more accessible than you think. No visa, just a travel permit, and you’re in. Crossing by road from Siliguri makes it even cheaper. Bhutan offers peaceful monasteries, dramatic mountain landscapes, and a dose of mindfulness at zero extra cost. 6. Cambodia This is history with heart. Early flight bookings to Siem Reap or Phnom Penh can cost under Rs. 20,000. Once there, tuk-tuks are affordable, street food is filling, and the sunrise over Angkor Wat? Priceless (but technically free, apart from the entry ticket). Budget backpacker hostels make Cambodia a student traveller’s dream. 7. Malaysia From the glittering beachy Langkawi to Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur and foodie heaven in Penang, Malaysia is a multi-layered experience. Flights are reasonably priced, and efficient public transport means you won’t blow cash on cabs. Eating satay sticks at hawker markets while exploring street art murals costs next to nothing. 8. Indonesia (Bali) Bali isn’t just for honeymooners. If you travel smart, this tropical paradise can fit neatly into your Rs. 50,000 budget. Skip the luxury resorts – try homestays in Ubud or Canggu, rent a scooter for Rs. 500 a day, and feast on nasi goreng for Rs. 150. Think sunrise yoga, jungle waterfalls, and sunsets at beach bars without overspending. 9. Vietnam Vietnam has exploded in popularity on travel reels lately – and for good reason. Ha Long Bay cruises, lantern-lit evenings in Hoi An, and pho bowls in Hanoi make this country magical yet affordable. Budget airlines often sell return tickets under Rs. 20,000, while food and stays can be as low as Rs. 1,000 a day. 10. Thailand No budget travel list is complete without Thailand. Return flights from India start at Rs. 15,000 if you plan in advance. Whether it’s buzzing Bangkok nightlife, island hopping in Krabi, or bargain-hunting in Chiang Mai, Thailand is the perfect mix of exotic yet accessible. The “value-for-money” factor here is unbeatable. Smart Hacks To Keep It Under Rs. 50,000 💡 Book Flights During Flash Sales – Sign up for airline newsletters and apps; festive discounts can save thousands. 💡 Fly From Metro Hubs – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata offer cheaper direct connections. 💡 Stay Local – Guesthouses, hostels, and homestays are not only cheaper but give authentic experiences. 💡 Eat Street – Street food in Asia is both legendary and budget-friendly. Skip overpriced tourist cafés. 💡 Use Public Transport – Metros, tuk-tuks, and scooters are cost-effective ways to explore. 💡 Watch Hidden Costs – Visas, baggage fees, and currency conversion can sneakily inflate your budget. Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.