₹The war has been making headlines everywhere and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that US, Israel and Iran are the names floating on everyone's timeline.
But alongside this, as exam season comes to and end and spring time begins, many people plan their holidays during March-May, aka, the summer vacation time. Before dwelling deep into it, for perspective, when it comes to Indian travellers, the UAE consistently ranks as the No. 1 international destination for vacations. The numbers reflect this clearly. In 2024 alone, about 7.8 million Indians visited the UAE, accounting for roughly 25% of all outbound trips from India. With 2025, this number only rose higher reporting about 8.6 million people and showing continued growth. While there are many reasons to drive this popularity, the situation now looks uncertain as conflicts, strikes and rising war tensions hover like a grey cloud over the wider Middle East region. Many flights to destinations like Bahrain, Dubai, Beirut, Oman and others have been impacted and some suspended indefinitely till tensions are resolved. Amid the airspace uncertainty, British Airways has also suspended Abu Dhabi flights until year-end. As a result, global geopolitical tensions are sending shockwaves across some of the most popular travel corridors for Indian travellers. This disruption has resulted in a sharp increase in ticket prices for other travel destinations as well, with travellers witnessing some of the steepest airfare spikes since the pandemic. To add to the issue, jet fuel prices have also surged sharply thanks to the disruptions in oil supply and regional instability. Airlines across Asia and Europe have already responded by raising fares or introducing additional surcharges to cover the rising operating costs. For Indian travellers, the situation becomes more dire as many routes to the North America and Europe pass through Middle Eastern air corridors. As a result, travellers are increasingly opting for short-haul international destinations where fares remain relatively manageable. And if you are someone who has been rethinking their travel plans, here are some of the best-value international trips Indians can still plan this season:
Vietnam: The Budget Traveller’s Favourite
Vietnam has rapidly become one of the most affordable international destinations for Indian travellers. Flights from India can start from around ₹14,000–₹20,000 one way depending on the city and season, with routes connecting Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata to cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
Beyond cheap flights, Vietnam is appealing because daily expenses are low. Street food such as pho and banh mi costs only a few hundred rupees, budget hotels can start at ₹1,500 per night, and attractions like Halong Bay or Hanoi’s Old Quarter offer rich cultural experiences. Spring is also one of the best times to visit thanks to pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Thailand: Reliable, Affordable And Easy
Thailand remains one of the most accessible international getaways for Indians. Thanks to heavy airline competition, round-trip flights from India have been seen as low as about ₹13,900 in recent deals. Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi offer a mix of beaches, nightlife, temples and street food—making it an easy choice for first-time international travellers. Visa policies and frequent flights from multiple Indian cities also keep prices competitive. For a spring trip, islands like Phuket and Koh Samui are ideal as the weather remains warm but not yet at peak monsoon levels.
Sri Lanka: Close, Affordable And Scenic
If airfare inflation is making long-haul trips unrealistic, Sri Lanka remains one of the closest and cheapest international escapes. Round-trip flights from India can often fall between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000, depending on the departure city. The island offers beaches, tea plantations, wildlife safaris and historic temples—all within a compact travel distance. With affordable accommodation and food, Sri Lanka can be explored comfortably on a modest budget.
Nepal: The Quickest International Escape
Nepal has continued to rank among the cheapest international destinations from India all thanks to its proximity and high flight frequency. Kathmandu return flights cost anywhere between ₹12,000 - ₹15,000, while the stays are affordable as well and travellers can explore the gorgeous Himalayan landscapes, trekking routes, ancient temples and practice the art of yoga and meditation without extensive travel costs. For spring, trekking regions like Annapurna and short mountain escapes near Pokhara become particularly attractive.
