What is the story about?
Indian travellers are exploring lesser-known destinations, with interest reflected in a 45% rise in travel insurance purchases for offbeat locations over the past 2-3 years, according to Policybazaar. Experts note that these destinations often offer lower costs for accommodation, meals, and experiences compared to traditional tourist hotspots.
Cost savings across accommodation and daily expenses
Indian travellers can save 20-40% by opting for emerging destinations, according to Pavan Kavad, Managing Director of Prithvi Exchange (India) Limited.
“Mid-range hotels in Vietnam are often 30-40% cheaper than comparable stays in Goa, while a city break in Eastern Europe can cost nearly half of what a weekend in Edinburgh would,”
he explained.
Meals, local transport, and activities are similarly more affordable in these regions, offering better value than saturated tourist hubs.
Currency dynamics further amplify these savings.
A ₹1 lakh budget may barely cover four nights in Paris, whereas in destinations like Georgia or Poland, the same amount can fund a full week of accommodation, dining, and sightseeing.
Kavad noted that Indian travellers have experienced outbound costs rising 8-15%, sometimes even 18%, when the rupee weakens against the
dollar, adding thousands to holiday budgets.
Smart travel planning enhances value
Advance bookings, off-peak travel, and local transport options can further improve affordability.
“Booking holidays during a destination’s off-peak season is an effective way to save. Self-drive tours in countries like South Africa, Scotland, and Spain-Portugal allow travellers to explore at their own pace while discovering lesser-known locations,” said SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel.
Cruises are also gaining popularity due to their all-inclusive dining, entertainment, and multi-port itineraries, offering convenience and savings.
Cultural immersion without breaking the bank
Offbeat destinations also provide unique cultural experiences.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited, highlighted Georgia as an example of a cost-effective European-like destination.
Homestays and village excursions in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam,
Indonesia, and Thailand, allow travellers to enjoy affordable living and dining while engaging with local communities. Kale emphasised that combining these choices with prepaid forex cards and bundled packages protects travellers from currency volatility and hidden fees.
ALSO READ | Travel money tips: How to save on forex while going overseas
Cost savings across accommodation and daily expenses
Indian travellers can save 20-40% by opting for emerging destinations, according to Pavan Kavad, Managing Director of Prithvi Exchange (India) Limited.
“Mid-range hotels in Vietnam are often 30-40% cheaper than comparable stays in Goa, while a city break in Eastern Europe can cost nearly half of what a weekend in Edinburgh would,”
Meals, local transport, and activities are similarly more affordable in these regions, offering better value than saturated tourist hubs.
Currency dynamics further amplify these savings.
A ₹1 lakh budget may barely cover four nights in Paris, whereas in destinations like Georgia or Poland, the same amount can fund a full week of accommodation, dining, and sightseeing.
Kavad noted that Indian travellers have experienced outbound costs rising 8-15%, sometimes even 18%, when the rupee weakens against the
Smart travel planning enhances value
Advance bookings, off-peak travel, and local transport options can further improve affordability.
“Booking holidays during a destination’s off-peak season is an effective way to save. Self-drive tours in countries like South Africa, Scotland, and Spain-Portugal allow travellers to explore at their own pace while discovering lesser-known locations,” said SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel.
Cruises are also gaining popularity due to their all-inclusive dining, entertainment, and multi-port itineraries, offering convenience and savings.
Cultural immersion without breaking the bank
Offbeat destinations also provide unique cultural experiences.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited, highlighted Georgia as an example of a cost-effective European-like destination.
Homestays and village excursions in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam,
ALSO READ | Travel money tips: How to save on forex while going overseas
Do you find this article useful?
