Budget Travel Abroad: 9 Countries Indians Can Explore Under Rs 50,000
Dreaming of an international vacation but worried about the budget? Good news—traveling abroad doesn't have to break the bank. With smart planning and off-season deals, there are several beautiful and culturally rich countries Indians can explore for under Rs 50,000, including flights, stay, food, and basic sightseeing. From serene mountains to tropical beaches and ancient ruins, here's a handpicked list of 9 affordable international destinations where your rupee still goes a long way. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/world/budget-travel-abroad-9-countries-indians-can-explore-under-rs-50000-2937646 Updated:Jul 27, 2025, 02:00 PM IST 1. Nepal
1 / 9
For Indian travelers, Nepal feels like home, yet offers an entirely new experience. With no visa requirement and low-cost bus or train options to cross the border, it's one of the easiest and cheapest international trips. The natural beauty of the Himalayas, peaceful monasteries in Kathmandu, and the calm lakes of Pokhara make it a refreshing escape that can easily fit within a Rs 50,000 budget. 2. Vietnam
2 / 9
Vietnam is an underrated gem for budget travelers. With affordable street food, low-cost accommodations, and cheap transportation, exploring cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh can be surprisingly pocket-friendly. Whether you're cruising through Ha Long Bay or wandering around ancient towns like Hoi An, Vietnam offers rich experiences without draining your savings. 3. Thailand
3 / 9
Thailand continues to be a favorite for Indian tourists, not just for its beaches but also for its affordability. Places like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket offer everything from vibrant street life to spiritual temples and buzzing night markets. Visa on arrival and low-cost flights from India make it easy to plan a short yet fulfilling trip under Rs 50,000. 4. Sri Lanka
4 / 9
Just a short flight away, Sri Lanka feels like a blend of culture, history, and coastline. With destinations like Colombo, Galle, and Kandy, travelers can explore temples, beaches, tea plantations, and wildlife reserves without spending too much. Budget accommodations and cheap local food help keep your travel expenses well within a modest budget. 5. Indonesia (Bali)
5 / 9
Bali may sound exotic, but it can be surprisingly affordable for Indian travelers. Flights can be found at decent prices if booked in advance, and once there, the cost of living is low. From scenic rice fields and waterfalls to ancient temples and sunny beaches, Bali offers a perfect mix of nature and spirituality without overspending. 6. Cambodia
6 / 9
Cambodia, known for the majestic Angkor Wat, is one of Southeast Asia's most budget-friendly destinations. Hostel stays, tuk-tuk rides, and meals are very cheap, and entry fees to historical sites are reasonable. A week-long trip to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap can easily be managed under ?50,000, especially for backpackers or solo travelers. 7. Laos
7 / 9
If you're looking for peace, mountains, and a slower pace of life, Laos is an ideal option. Though often overlooked, this country offers tranquil towns like Luang Prabang and adventure activities in Vang Vieng. With visa on arrival and very low day-to-day costs, it's a fantastic destination for Indian travelers seeking something different without spending a fortune. 8. Bhutan
8 / 9
Bhutan, known as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is perfect for a serene, spiritual, and scenic getaway. Indian citizens don't need a visa, and entry is relatively simple and affordable. With majestic monasteries, clean cities like Thimphu and Paro, and a focus on Gross National Happiness, Bhutan is a soulful escape that fits comfortably within a modest travel budget. 9. Armenia
9 / 9
Armenia is a lesser-known yet breathtaking destination where your rupee goes a long way. Surrounded by mountains and filled with centuries-old monasteries, the country is visually stunning and surprisingly cheap. Flights can be affordable during deals, and the cost of stay and food is low, making it a unique and budget-friendly European-style escape.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Schengen visa to go digital: Is this good news for Indians?
The Schengen Visa allows travellers to access the Schengen area or Schengen zone – which comprises the over two dozen nations belonging to the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Now, the EU has decided to take the entire process digital. Here's how Indian travellers will benefit read more Are you planning a Europe trip? You'll need to a pply for a Schengen Visa which allows travellers access to over two dozen European countries. However, many people in the past have complained about the difficulties of obtaining this visa. But there's good news. The Schengen visa is now set to go digital. What do we know? Is this good news for Indians? Let's take a closer look: A brief look at Schengen Visa. First, let's take a brief look at the Schengen Visa. Under this visa regime, travellers can access what is known as Schengen area or Schengen zone. This comprises the over two dozen nations belonging to the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Schengen zone a spans over four million square kilometres and covers a population of 450 million. This is a great deal for citizens of the European Union, who can travel from one country to the other with minimal border checks. Around 3.5 million people are estimated to travel within this zone every day. However, those who are not citizens of the EU can also apply for this visa, which is given for tourism, business or work for a period of three to six months. European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. File image/Reuters But it's not as easy as that. Many people have complained about the difficulties of obtaining such this short-term visa. They point to the fact that the paperwork is cumbersome and sometimes multiple applications are needed before the visa is approved. They have also complained about the time taken for the visa to be approved. Experts say travellers mostly complaints about Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Croatia and Finland. That's not all. Data put out last year showed that European nations are raking in hundreds of millions of dollars in visa application fees while also rejecting these requests – a process known as 'reverse remittances'. Most of the rejected applications come from African and Asian nations. To make matters worse, the European Commission last year increased the price of these visas by double digits in terms of percentage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, let's take a look at the Schengen Visa going digital. What we know about Schengen Visa going digital The European Union had decided to digitise the entire process in 2023. The process to go digital for the Schengen Visa is already underway. The bloc pilot-tested the programme in France for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Paris issued around 70,000 digital Schengen visas to travellers. Rather than a receive a visa ticker on their passports, travellers were sent a digital barcode. A departures information board is seen at Roissy Charles-de-Gaulle airport, outside Paris. AFP The process is set to go completely digital by 2026 with the EU launching a centralised application platform. Indian travellers will be able to upload their documents, pay fees online, and track application status and receive a digitally signed barcode. Those travelling to Europe for the first time will have to come to the consulate to provide their biometric data. Or if they are applying with a new travel document, they will have to renew it after five years. However, this will aid Indians who are frequent travellers to Europe. It will also streamline their entry in the Schengen Area by giving them biometric e-gate access. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The EU says this will make applying for a Schengen visa easier and the visa itself will be more secure and less vulnerable to theft and fraud. By 2028, the unified EU Online Visa application platform will likely be fully operational across all member nations. This will allow applicants to apply online regardless of the nation they want to visit. EES and ETIAS Meanwhile, the European Union is also launching the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). The EES, which kicks off in October, does away with passport stamps in favour of biometric data such as fingerprints and facial scans. This, the EU says, will allow it to keep a more watchful eye on entries and exits from the bloc. Meanwhile, the ETIAS will require travellers from over 50 visa-exempt countries including the UK, US, Canada and Australia to apply online before they visit the Schengen Zone. On similar lines to the US' ESTA system, this is slated to be launched in 2026. Travellers will have to pay around $7.40 (Rs 648). The application, which could take as long as four days to be approved, will replace passports being stamped at the border. It will be valid for three years. Authorities say the pre-screening will help weed out security threats. Meanwhile, some European nations are pushing for a common 'European tourist visa' that would cover both Schengen and non-Schengen nations. The move, being spearheaded by Greece, Italy, and France, is aimed at easing travel across multiple EU nations and cutting down on red tape. However, this is still likely years away. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Uber expands intercity cab network in India by 50%, eyes further growth in 2026
Ride-hailing giant Uber has significantly expanded its intercity cab operations in India, now covering over 3,000 routes — a 50 per cent jump from the 2,000 routes it operated in 2024. The company aims to add another 1,500 routes next year, taking the total to 4,500 by 2026, ETTech reports. Among the new connections rolled out this year are Gaya to Patna (Bihar), Ayodhya to Prayagraj and Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), and Bagdogra (West Bengal) to Gangtok (Sikkim). These additions are part of Uber's strategy to strengthen its footprint in the country's fast-growing intercity travel market, estimated to be worth at least $6 billion annually, with around 8 billion road passenger trips. 'This is an India-first innovation that we're also working to take global. We already have pilots running in several international markets,' said Shweta Mantri, Head of Rider Verticals, Uber India and South Asia. Uber's intercity service now operates in 79 Indian cities. Uber Intercity Motorhomes To attract more users, Uber is introducing a premium offering under a limited-time pilot called Uber Intercity Motorhomes in the Delhi-NCR region. These 4-5 seater vehicles are equipped with a television, microwave, lavatory, mini-fridge, and entertainment options. ' According to Uber, the most popular intercity routes in the last 12 months included Mumbai–Pune, Delhi–Agra, and Bengaluru–Mysore. The company has seen users opting for intercity rides for a range of travel needs including business, leisure, pilgrimages, and airport or railway station transfers. Indian market, a key player India remains a key market for Uber, with operations in more than 125 cities and over 1.4 million monthly active drivers. In 2024, Uber facilitated over a billion trips across the country. The company's India business reported strong financial performance for FY24, with a 41 per cent rise in operating revenue to ₹3,762 crore and reduced losses driven by improved ride-hailing operations and the growth of its support services. Beyond ride-hailing, Uber has also diversified its offerings in India. In May 2024, it launched Courier XL for large-item deliveries and announced plans to enter the B2B logistics space through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). It has also partnered with ONDC to offer metro ticket bookings on its app, beginning with Delhi Metro.
Hans India
2 hours ago
- Hans India
Centre grants over 96 lakh e-visa in 5 years
New Delhi: The Union government told on Thursday that the total number of e-visa granted since 2020 till July 20, 2025, were 96,44,567, officials said. The number of countries being granted the facility of e-visa has increased from 171 in 2020 to 181 in 2025, said Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply to a query in the Rajya Sabha. A total of 3,26,183 (Ahmedabad) and 107 (Surat) e-visas have been granted to foreigners who selected their port of arrival as Ahmedabad and Surat, the Minister told. "e-Visa eligible countries have increased from 171 in 2020 to 181 in 2025 at Ahmedabad airport. Surat airport was included as e-Visa enabled airport on May 26, 2025, with currently 181 countries being eligible to select as port of arrival," MoS Singh said. The Union government has implemented various measures towards assisting Indian pilgrims travelling abroad. Key components of these initiatives include administrative oversight, consular assistance, coordination with local authorities and medical facilities. "The government plays an important role in ensuring the smooth execution of Haj pilgrimage for Indian nationals. It works in close coordination with Ministry of Minority Affairs and Haj Committee of India, and Saudi authorities to deliver comprehensive support across all phases of the pilgrimage," the Union Minister added. This includes providing various services such as medical support, accommodation, transportation, catering, sanitation and utilities through its Consulate in Jeddah. The Consulate coordinates the smooth arrival and departure of pilgrims and also provides consular assistance to Indian pilgrims throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia in coordination with Saudi authorities. Each year the Saudi authorities announce a Haj quota for India. In recent years, this quota has on an average been set at 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims. The Union Minister also told that the government has consistently urged Pakistan that in deference to the wishes of the pilgrims, it should not levy any fee or charge on the pilgrims who visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur through the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. "Pakistan, however, continues to levy $20 on every pilgrim for each visit. The validity of this agreement was extended for a period of another five years in October 2024. Kartarpur corridor operations have been suspended since Operation Sindoor," said MoS Singh.
