International Trip Under a ₹70,000 Budget

Dreaming of traveling abroad from India without burning a hole in your pocket? Today, the prospect of an international escapade under ₹70,000 is no longer just a daydream for Indian travelers. Careful planning, smart bookings, and choosing the right destinations can help you embark on memorable journeys. Be it pristine beaches, ancient cities, bustling markets, or lush mountains. This definitive guide uncovers the best international destinations you can visit from India under a ₹70,000 budget, along with actionable hacks to maximise every rupee of your travel spend.

With a slightly higher budget ceiling, a host of additional destinations come into reach. Here’s an updated and thoroughly researched list of international trips possible within a ₹70,000 budget, for a typical 5 to 7 day trip:

Thailand

Thailand remains a perennial favorite thanks to its affordability, vibrant culture, beautiful islands, and ease of travel from India. Key destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, and Pattaya. When planning to travel to Thailand, understanding the cost of trip is vital to manage your budget properly and make the most of your experience. Assessing the budget to travel beforehand helps avoid surprises and ensures a smooth holiday.

With a budget of ₹70,000, you can:

• Book return flights from major Indian metros at competitive rates.
  

• Stay in comfortable budget hotels or boutique hostels.
  

• Chart out day trips to islands, temples, and street markets.
  

• Sample delicious Thai food and local experiences.
  

• Let’s have a better look at a sample budget breakdown for 5 nights:

Disclaimer: The estimated costs are indicative and based on advance bookings with budget accommodations and local transport. Flight prices, visa fees, and daily expenses may vary seasonally and by city of departure. Travelers should verify current rates and plan accordingly.

Tip: Book flights and accommodations at least two months in advance to secure the best prices, especially during shoulder or off-peak seasons.

Sri Lanka

Just a short flight from India, Sri Lanka tempts travelers with palm-fringed beaches, lush tea plantations, wildlife safaris, and ancient ruins. Indian citizens can apply for a simple online ETA visa. Popular spots include Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and Bentota. For anyone planning to travel to Sri Lanka, it’s important to consider the cost of trip carefully. Knowing the budget to travel ahead of time helps carefully allocate funds to fully enjoy the country’s offerings without stress.

Here’s a closer look at a sample budget breakdown for 5 nights:

Disclaimer: All figures represent typical costs during off-peak travel periods with simple lodging choices. Actual expenses can fluctuate due to seasonality, visa changes, and personal spending preferences. Always confirm details before travel.

Tip: Opt for train travel between cities and dine at local eateries to enjoy authentic flavors while keeping daily expenses low.

Nepal

One of the easiest and cheapest countries for Indians to visit, with no visa required and the option of affordable overland travel. Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan are top picks. When planning to travel to Nepal, taking into account the overall cost of trip is essential. Establishing your budget to travel early helps you maximise your itinerary without compromising comfort.

Below is a sample cost outline for spending five nights:

Disclaimer: Costs shown assume land or flight travel from Northern India with basic guesthouse stays. Variations may occur if traveling from other points or opting for more comfortable options. No visa fee applies for Indian nationals.

Tip: Consider cross-border buses or trains from northern India for cheaper transportation, and use guesthouses for affordable, comfortable stays.

Vietnam

Breathtaking landscapes, historical sites, and delectable cuisine come together in Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay are favorites. Planning to travel to Vietnam requires a clear understanding of the cost of trip involved. Defining your budget while planning to travel helps in organising accommodation, transport, and activities efficiently.

Here’s an overview of a sample expense breakdown for 5 nights:

Disclaimer: Travel costs are estimated for budget travelers staying in hostels and using local transport. Airfare and visa fees fluctuate and may exceed estimates if not booked ahead. Confirm all expenses prior to booking.

Tip: Stay in centrally located hostels and use intercity buses or trains to get around, keeping both transport and lodging costs in check.

Malaysia

From Kuala Lumpur’s skyscrapers to Penang’s food delights, Malaysia is a wonderful value proposition and visa is simple for Indians. Anyone planning to visit Malaysia should always consider the cost of trip beforehand. Having a well-planned budget to travel can help you discover the best deals on accommodations, food, and transport.

Let’s break down a typical budget for a 5-night itinerary:

Disclaimer: Figures are based on low-cost airlines, budget accommodation, and local transport for lean-season travel. Costs, especially flight fares and visa charges, are subject to variation and should be rechecked before booking.

Tip: Use Malaysia’s extensive public transit network and try hawker centers for budget-friendly yet delicious meals.

Bhutan

Though landlocked and quiet, Bhutan charms Indian tourists with no visa fees, simple travel logistics, and extraordinary Himalayan views. Planning to travel to Bhutan requires special attention to the cost of trip because of mandatory fees. Establish your budget to travel in advance to cover permits, accommodation, and transport without hassle.

The following outlines a typical budget for a five-night trip:

Disclaimer: Estimates include land or budget flights, permit fees, and basic hotels. Due to the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), travelers should budget carefully. Costs are subject to change by government policies.

Tip: Travel with friends or in groups to share transportation and guide costs, and take advantage of affordable homestays.

Cambodia

New on many Indian travelers’ lists, Cambodia is famous for Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh, with visa-on-arrival for Indians. The cost of trip is a key consideration when planning to travel to Cambodia. Understanding your budget to travel helps ensure you secure affordable lodging and experiences such as temple visits.

A detailed budget estimate for five nights is presented below:

Disclaimer: Costs are indicative for visa-on-arrival travelers using budget hotels and local transport. Flight prices may vary widely. Visitors should research and confirm current requirements and pricing before travel.

Tip: Book temple passes online in advance, travel by shared tuk-tuks, and eat at street markets for both savings and cultural experiences.

Laos

For those who love offbeat travel, Laos merits a look. Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Vang Vieng are budget-friendly and unique. When planning to travel to Laos, factoring in the cost of trip is necessary for smooth budgeting. Setting a clear budget to travel enables you to explore the country’s attractions with financial confidence.

Let’s break down a typical budget for a 5-night itinerary:

Disclaimer: Budgets assume off-peak travel with flights booked early, hostel stays, and economical food choices. Visas on arrival and fluctuating flight costs require advance preparation to ensure the budget holds.

Tip: Time your visit during off-peak months, stay in guesthouses, and rely on local minivans for intercity transport to stretch your budget.

Flights account for the largest share of your international travel spend. Smart strategies ensure you get the most affordable fares and maximise your travel value.

• Book Well Ahead: Secure flights 2–4 months in advance for major savings, especially to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
  

• Use Aggregator Platforms: Compare rates on platforms like Skyscanner, Kayak, Ixigo, and Google Flights to identify the best deals.
  

• Set Fare Alerts: Enable fare alerts for your route to receive price-drop notifications.
  

• Travel Mid-Week: Tuesday and Wednesday departures often have lower prices.
  

• Choose Alternate Airports: Some cities have multiple airports; fly into the less busy ones when viable.
  

• Travel in Off-Peak Seasons: Avoid public holidays, school vacations, and festival rushes.
  

• Opt for Connecting Flights: Indirect flights may be cheaper than direct routes, saving you thousands.
  

• Check for Airline/Travel Portal Offers: Use credit cards with travel rewards and keep an eye out for coupon codes and cashback promotions.

Accommodations are the second largest expense component. With a few hacks, you can enjoy comfortable stays without paying premium prices.

• Compare Across Platforms: Use Booking.com, Agoda, Airbnb, and Trivago to hunt for real-time deals and user reviews.
  

• Stay in Hostels or Guesthouses: Not just for backpackers; modern hostels offer private rooms at lower prices than hotels.
  

• Use Early Bird & Last-Minute Offers: Many platforms give discounts for booking in advance or, sometimes, last minute.
  

• Explore Homestays: Homestays and Airbnb rentals can be cheaper—often with kitchen access to further cut meal costs.
  

• Look for Group Discounts: Traveling with friends or family? Search for apartments or suites for groups.
  

• Travel Off-Season: Hotel costs drop drastically in non-peak periods.
  

• Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Register with booking sites and chains for points, discounts, and member benefits.
  

• Direct Negotiation: Call hotels or email for special rates or value-adds (e.g., free breakfast, late checkout).

Beyond flight and hotel savings, a successful and enjoyable international trip hinges on careful planning, staying informed, and leveraging modern travel tools.

• Use International Credit or Debit Cards: Cards offering low foreign transaction fees, airport lounge access, or reward points are a boon.
  

• Get a Forex Card: Pre-load a forex card with foreign currency to keep transactions simple and safe.
  

• Travel Insurance: Purchase a policy that covers health, accidents, and lost baggage—very affordable and critical for peace of mind.
  

• Plan Realistic Itineraries: Don’t try to cover everything. Prioritise 2–3 cities or areas, match the pace with your mode of travel, and factor in downtime.
  

• Install Key Travel Apps: Apps for maps (Google Maps), local transport (Grab, Uber), translation (Google Translate), expense tracking (Splitwise or Trail Wallet), and reviews (TripAdvisor) make travel smoother.
  

• Local SIM Cards: Buy a local or tourist SIM on arrival for affordable internet and calls.
  

• Be Flexible: Have backup activity options in case of weather or last-minute changes.
  

• Respect Local Laws and Customs: Research cultural etiquette to enrich your travel experience and avoid mishaps.

Managing your on-ground spending well lets you splurge on experiences you cherish most.

• Public Transport: Metro, buses, and shared autos are cheaper and more immersive than private taxis.
  

• Street Food and Local Cafes: Tasty, hygienic, and wallet-friendly, avoid restaurants in tourist hotspots.
  

• Book Attractions in Advance: Many museums and attractions give discounts for advance online purchases.
  

• Free Walking Tours: Popular in cities across Asia and Europe; great for orientation and local insight.
  

• Limit Paid Excursions: Mix in self-guided tours, free markets, and city parks with pricier activities.
  

• Avoid Spontaneous Shopping: Browse local markets for artisan souvenirs but set a spending cap.
  

• Track Expenses: Use budgeting apps to avoid mid-trip cash crunches.
  

• Water and Essentials: Carry a reusable bottle and basic medicines to avoid overpriced convenience stores.