Last Updated on Feb 9, 2026 by Puneet S Bansal
Dreaming of your first international trip in 2026 without burning a hole in your pocket? The good news is that several international destinations can be explored under ₹50000 from India if you plan smartly. From visa-friendly neighbours to off-season beach destinations with cheap flights, budget travel abroad is absolutely possible for Indian travellers.
In this guide, we list the top 10 budget international destinations for Indians in 2026, along with estimated costs, visa ease, and why each destination makes sense for a low-budget foreign trip.
✈️ Author Experience Note
This list is created using personal travel planning experience, real budget calculations, and comparison of flight costs, accommodation ranges, and daily expenses from an Indian traveler’s perspective. Destinations are evaluated based on realistic planning, not idealized or promotional pricing.
How to Travel Abroad on a Budget (Under ₹50000)
To keep your international trip within ₹50000, focus on the following strategies:
- Travel during off-season or shoulder months
- Prefer visa-free or eVisa destinations for Indians
- Book low-cost carriers like IndiGo, AirAsia, Scoot, or promotional fares
- Stay in hostels, guesthouses, or homestays
- Use public transport and local food instead of taxis and restaurants
Cost estimates below assume economy flights from India + 3–4 nights of budget stay. Actual costs may vary based on departure city and travel season.
Even on a tight budget, travelers should not skip travel insurance for Indians going abroad, as unexpected expenses can quickly exceed planned costs.
Top 10 Budget International Destinations for Indians in 2026
1. Kathmandu, Nepal
- Easy overland travel or short flight.
- Temples, culture, trekking views
- Estimated cost: ₹15,000–₹25,000
- Why go: No visa required, extremely affordable food & stays
2. Colombo & Galle, Sri Lanka
- Beaches, colonial forts, scenic trains
- Budget flights from South India
- Estimated cost: ₹25,000–₹40,000
3. Thimphu & Paro, Bhutan
- Visa-free entry for Indians
- Himalayan landscapes & monasteries
- Estimated cost: ₹20,000–₹35,000
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Deal Periods)
- Cultural mix, street food, shopping
- Cheap flights during off-season
- Estimated cost: ₹30,000–₹50,000
5. Bangkok & Pattaya, Thailand
- Street food, temples, nightlife.
- Frequent budget airline deals
- Estimated cost: ₹25,000–₹45,000
6. Langkawi & Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
- Beaches, duty-free shopping
- Budget stays & local ferries
- Estimated cost: ₹30,000–₹50,000
7. Tashkent, Uzbekistan
- Silk Road history & architecture
- Simple eVisa for Indians
- Estimated cost: ₹30,000–₹45,000
8. Maldives (Local Islands, Not Resorts)
- Guesthouses on local islands.
- White-sand beaches at local prices
- Estimated cost: ₹35,000–₹50,000
9. Bali, Indonesia (Off-Peak Travel)
- Cheap homestays, food & scooter rentals
- Flights available during sale periods
- Estimated cost: ₹35,000–₹50,000
10. Tbilisi, Georgia
- Visa-free for Indians.
- Wine culture, mountains, old town charm
- Estimated cost: ₹35,000–₹50,000
While Switzerland is known for its high travel costs, understanding the best time to visit Switzerland can help manage expenses better when comparing it with budget-friendly destinations.
Budget Travel Tips for Indian Travellers
- Book early & track fares using Google Flights or Skyscanner
- Be flexible with dates — even a 1-day shift can save thousands
- Choose hostels or guesthouses instead of hotels
- Travel off-peak to avoid crowds and high prices
- Use public transport instead of taxis wherever possible
Many destinations listed among visa-free countries Indians can visit also fall into the budget-friendly category for Indian travellers.
Conclusion
International travel doesn’t have to be expensive. With careful planning, smart destination choices, and timely flight deals, Indians can easily plan an international trip under ₹50,000 in 2026. Whether it’s Himalayan landscapes, tropical beaches, or cultural cities, budget travel abroad is more achievable than ever.
