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Planning a last-minute international trip, but you're scared of the sky-high fares and confusing flight options? You don't have to worry about that anymore
because guess what? You'll find many destinations that surprisingly stay affordable even if you're booking close to your travel dates. Whether you want to relax on a beach or just want a quick change of scene, here are a handful of places you can go without burning through your savings, and they are just a few hours away as well. Here are the cheapest international trips you can plan right now—perfect for spontaneous weekends or midweek escapes.
Maldives
If you're craving a beach vacation without a longtravel time, this destination is your best choice. The journey from Mumbai to the Maldives is best made by flight, with direct flights taking about 3 hours to reach Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. Return fares often drop to some of their lowest brackets during off-peak weeks. Round-trip fares start from around ₹18,000. You can spend your days drifting between lagoon swims and sandy walks, or take a quick speedboat to explore nearby local islands.
Colombo
Only about 2.5 hours from Mumbai, Colombo is perfect for a quick escape—warm beaches, colourful streets, and easygoing days. Airlines like Air India, SriLankan Airlines, and IndiGo offer flights between Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (BOM) and Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). The cheapest flights start from the range of ₹8,000 and might increase for the kind of flight you choose. Airfares tend to stay in a budget-friendly range, making it ideal for spontaneous trips. You can spend a weekend exploring bustling markets, trying out seafood joints, or taking a slow walk past old colonial buildings. With lower daily expenses, the city lets your money stretch comfortably.
Nepal (Kathmandu)
A short flight and you’re in Kathmandu, where winding alleys, old temples, and mountain views sit side by side. The flight time is about 2 hours and 40 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the airline and whether it's a direct or connecting flight. The flight fare starts from approx. ₹7,530. Wander through old courtyards, eat hot momos from a street stall, and you can watch many artisans carving wood in tiny shops. When the sun goes down, Thamel's lantern-lit lanes fill with music and the aroma of warm thupka.
Phuket, Thailand
Whether you want to chase street food in Bangkok or sunsets on a quiet beach, you can hop on a quick flight from Mumbai to Phuket without blowing your budget. Return fares from Mumbai often drop enough to make a last-minute plan possible. Even two to three days feel full because everything is close and easy to reach. Phuket offers diverse activities, including beach relaxation, island hopping to nearby Phi Phi and James Bond islands, and exploring cultural sites like the Big Buddha and Old Phuket Town.
Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City / Hanoi)
Vietnam is one of the best value-for-money international trips from Mumbai, and fares often fall into the low range for spontaneous planners. One-way tickets from Mumbai have hit as low as ₹8,000 recently. Vietnam greets you with a rush of scooters, street-side grills, and the smell of strong coffee dripping into metal filters.
Muscat, Oman
If you're visiting Onam in December, then you will surely be greeted with the kind of weather that will just force you to spend all your time outdoors. Mumbai to Muscat flights range from ₹5,000 as of recently, and direct flights take about 3 hours. Head out to Wadi Shab for its turquoise pools, or you can even drive into the dune for a slow desert evening. Everything here moves at a gentle pace, which is exactly why Muscat is a good destination for last-minute breaks.
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