How to Travel On Budget
Many people think travel is only for those who have lots of money. But this is not true. You don’t need lakhs of rupees to enjoy a good trip. You just need to plan smartly. In this article, I will tell you how you can travel on budget without spending too much. These are real tips that you can use easily.
1. Pick the Right Countries
Some countries are expensive, like the USA, UK, or Australia. But many beautiful places are budget-friendly. Here are some good options:
- Thailand - Beaches, nightlife, food - everything at a low cost
- Vietnam - Mountains, cities, and culture for cheap
- Nepal - Close to India, peaceful, and full of nature
- Indonesia (Bali) - A popular and low-cost island
- Turkey - History, food, and unique mix of East and West
- Sri Lanka - Temples, beaches, and nature
- Philippines - Great for beach lovers
These places offer amazing experiences at a low cost, especially for Indian travelers.
2. Book Your Flights Smartly
Flight tickets are usually the most expensive part. But you can still save money:
- Book early - 2 to 3 months before the trip
- Use incognito mode - So prices don’t go up when you search again
- Compare on multiple sites - Like Skyscanner, MakeMyTrip, or Google Flights
- Fly from cheaper airports - Sometimes, flights from Kolkata or Chennai are cheaper than Delhi or Mumbai
Also, consider connecting flights or low-cost airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, or VietJet.
3. Get a Tourist Visa Without Hassle
Some countries give visa on arrival or e-visa for Indians. This saves both money and effort.
Cheap and easy visa countries for Indians:
- Thailand - Visa on arrival
- Vietnam - Easy e-visa process
- Indonesia - Visa-free for up to 30 days
- Sri Lanka - E-visa for a small fee
- Nepal & Bhutan - No passport needed (if you have voter ID)
Always check visa rules on official embassy sites before planning.
4. Stay in Budget-Friendly Places
Skip expensive hotels, You can stay in:
- Hostels - Clean, safe, and social (₹500–₹1500 per night)
- Airbnb - Local homes, often cheaper than hotels
- Guesthouses - Family-run places with simple rooms
- Capsule hotels - Small but clean and cheap, especially in Southeast Asia
5. Eat Local Food
Eating at Indian restaurants abroad can be expensive. Instead:
- Try local street food - safe, tasty, and cheap
- Eat at local cafes, food courts, or supermarkets
- Carry snacks like Theplas, Cup Noodles, or ready-to-eat food from India
Example: In Vietnam, a big bowl of Pho (noodle soup) costs just ₹100-₹150.
6. Use Public Transport in Other Countries
Avoid taxis or private cars. Most budget-friendly countries have good public transport.
- Thailand - Tuk-tuks, metro, and local buses
- Turkey - Trams, metro, and buses
- Vietnam - Buses or rented bikes
- Nepal - Local vans or shared jeeps
If needed, rent a scooter for short travel. It’s cheap and gives you more freedom.
7. Travel in a Group
Going with friends or family means you can split costs like rooms, cabs, or food. Also, group travel feels safer, especially in a new country
You can even join travel groups online (like Facebook groups or travel apps) to find people with similar travel plans.
8. Plan and Book in Advance
Last-minute bookings can cost more. Always:
- Book flights and rooms early
- Make a rough daily plan
- Pre-book some activities (like boat rides, day tours)
Also, use apps like Google Maps, Rome2Rio, and TripIt to plan smarter.
9. Look for Free or Low-Cost Things to Do
Every country has free attractions:
- Temples, beaches, lakes
- Walking tours or hikes
- Street shows or cultural programs
- Free museums on some days
- City parks and markets
For example, in Istanbul (Turkey), you can visit Hagia Sophia and local bazaars for free.
10. Use Travel Apps and Deals
There are many apps that help you save:
- Skyscanner, Hopper - For cheap flights
- Agoda, Hostelworld - For rooms and hostels
- Klook, GetYourGuide - For cheap local experiences
- Zomato, TripAdvisor - To find cheap, safe food places
- Use UPI, Credit Cards, or Forex Cards with zero or low currency fees
Keep checking for promo codes and cashback offers.
11. Carry Only What You Need
Don’t take too many bags. Many airlines charge extra for luggage. Travel light with a backpack. Carry:
- Clothes for 4–5 days
- Toiletries
- Medicines
- Travel documents
- Power bank, charger, and a SIM card or travel Wi-Fi
This makes your travel easier and cheaper.
12. Don’t Shop Too Much
There are great things to buy, yet this can cause your holiday to be more expensive. Shop for only what you use or need the most. Fly with as little weight in the bag as possible. Pay more attention to your pictures and remember to enjoy your time.
13. Try Booking with a Travel Agent
You could book your trip with the help of a travel agent. Since their work involves travel, they commonly have access to great deals that you may not come across on your own.
Before planning anything, tell the agent your trip budget and ask for plans that suit your budget. Share the kind of day you want to have and request some suggestions from them. Always remember to consult others for recommendations on making your trip better.
Conclusion: Explore The World without Worry
Traveling outside India doesn’t need to cost a lot. With the right planning, smart choices, and a little flexibility, anyone can enjoy beautiful international trips on a budget.
So next time you dream of beaches in Bali or streets of Bangkok, remember — it’s possible without spending lakhs. You just need to plan well and use these smart tricks.
Jyoti gupta
Hii i am jyoti gupta and i am passionate traveler, writer, and storyteller who finds joy in exploring the world and sharing its hidden gems with her readers. With a special love for coastal gateways and vibrant cultures, i want to explore world and wants to write beautiful experience like sunlit beaches, bustling markets, and serene backwaters. When not planning for any adventures, i enjoys sipping chai by the sea and capturing memories through camera lens. Follow my journey as i brings the world closer, one story at a time.