5 International Destinations Cheaper Than a Trip to Goa
This article reveals five international destinations: Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bali, and Nepal, that can be visited for less than the cost of a typical Goa trip. Highlighting affordable flights, budget stays, and low daily expenses, it shows how smart planning and flexible travel choices can make overseas adventures surprisingly wallet-friendly. From Vietnam’s emerald bays to Nepal’s Himalayan views, it inspires travellers to think beyond Goa without overspending.
Travel
( Image credit : Freepik )
Goa has historically been India's preferred destination for sunshine, beaches, and affordable vacations. It's a place where college students arrive for their initial experience of independence, newlyweds take pictures against radiant sunsets, and friends come together to unwind by the shore. However, here’s an obscure truth: with clever planning, you might exchange those well-known Goan beaches for a global location, all for the same price, or possibly even lower.
Due to budget airlines, advantageous exchange rates, and the increase of inexpensive accommodations, traveling internationally isn’t the bank-breaking fantasy it used to be. For the price of a weekend indulgence in Goa during peak season, you could be enjoying Vietnamese coffee by the river, exploring islands in Thailand, or witnessing the sunrise over the Himalayas in Nepal.
Let’s discover five amazing places that could be less expensive than your upcoming journey to Goa and might provide the excitement of marking a new country off your bucket list.
Reasons it's more affordable than Goa: The street food here is not only cheap, it's iconic. A filling bowl of pho is cheaper than a coffee where I'm from. Budget accommodations like hotels and hostels typically cost less than ₹1,000 per night, while local buses, trains, or even brief domestic flights offer affordable travel options.
Travel suggestion: Reserve flights 2–3 months early and think about arriving in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with a budget carrier. After that, traverse the nation at a leisurely pace, you’ll make your rupees go further
Reasons it's more affordable than Goa: The exchange rate of the Sri Lankan rupee makes it ideal for Indian tourists. Local buses and trains are very cheap, guesthouses with ocean views frequently cost less than ₹1,500, and a serving of rice and curry is priced at ₹150–₹200.
Travel advice: Be sure to experience the train ride from Kandy to Ella, it’s regarded as one of the most picturesque train journeys globally and is cheaper than a meal at a Goa beach shack.
Reasons for its lower cost compared to Goa: Round-trip flights from major Indian cities to Bangkok can go below ₹6,000 during promotional offers. Street food is well-known for its low prices, with items such as pad thai or mango sticky rice available for less than ₹100
Travel tip: Visit in the shoulder seasons (April–June or September–October) for lower prices and fewer crowds, plus you’ll still get great weather.
Reasons it's less expensive than Goa: Although flight costs may be a bit higher than domestic fares to Goa, your daily costs in Bali are surprisingly affordable. Meals at warungs (local eateries) are priced between ₹150 and ₹200, scooter rentals are less expensive than a beer in Goa, and delightful guesthouses typically offer complimentary breakfast.
Travel suggestion: Settle in Ubud for cultural experiences or Canggu for a combination of beaches and cafes. Venture away from the crowded destinations, you’ll discover secret waterfalls and serene beaches with hardly any visitors.
Reasons it's less expensive than Goa: Visa-free access for Indians, affordable intercity buses, satisfying street food for ₹50, and abundant lodging under ₹800 per night make Nepal a fantastic bargain. Treks can also be affordable if undertaken without costly tour packages.
Travel advice: Go during the off-peak season for affordable accommodations, reduced crowds, and unexpectedly clear mountain vistas
Goa will forever hold a unique spot in the hearts of Indian travelers, its beaches, shacks, and relaxed atmosphere are unparalleled. However, the external world provides equally enchanting experiences at prices that could astonish you. Whether it's enjoying coffee at a Vietnamese street cafe, taking a picturesque train ride through Sri Lankan tea fields, or meditating in the foothills of the Himalayas, these places demonstrate that you can fulfill your dreams without breaking the bank.
A little research, adaptable planning, and a sense of adventure are all that’s needed and before you know it, the passport stamp could be cheaper than a weekend in Goa. This year, consider trading the Baga sunset for a sunrise in Bali or the Andaman waves for the jade waters of Ha Long Bay. Your wallet, along with your travel diary will thank you.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the best time to find cheap flights to these places?
Book during airline sales and travel in off-peak seasons.Are vegetarian food options easily available abroad?
Yes, especially in Southeast Asia where Indian food is common.Do these destinations require a visa for Indian travellers?
Some offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival; check requirements before booking.
Due to budget airlines, advantageous exchange rates, and the increase of inexpensive accommodations, traveling internationally isn’t the bank-breaking fantasy it used to be. For the price of a weekend indulgence in Goa during peak season, you could be enjoying Vietnamese coffee by the river, exploring islands in Thailand, or witnessing the sunrise over the Himalayas in Nepal.
Let’s discover five amazing places that could be less expensive than your upcoming journey to Goa and might provide the excitement of marking a new country off your bucket list.
1. Vietnam: A Tropical Haven with a Touch of History
Vietnam
( Image credit : Freepik )
Reasons it's more affordable than Goa: The street food here is not only cheap, it's iconic. A filling bowl of pho is cheaper than a coffee where I'm from. Budget accommodations like hotels and hostels typically cost less than ₹1,000 per night, while local buses, trains, or even brief domestic flights offer affordable travel options.
Travel suggestion: Reserve flights 2–3 months early and think about arriving in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City with a budget carrier. After that, traverse the nation at a leisurely pace, you’ll make your rupees go further
2. Sri Lanka: Coastal Areas, Tea Plantations, and Historic Shrines
Sri Lanka
( Image credit : Freepik )
Reasons it's more affordable than Goa: The exchange rate of the Sri Lankan rupee makes it ideal for Indian tourists. Local buses and trains are very cheap, guesthouses with ocean views frequently cost less than ₹1,500, and a serving of rice and curry is priced at ₹150–₹200.
Travel advice: Be sure to experience the train ride from Kandy to Ella, it’s regarded as one of the most picturesque train journeys globally and is cheaper than a meal at a Goa beach shack.
3. Thailand: A Place Where Every Budget Discovers Its Joy
Thailand
( Image credit : Freepik )
Reasons for its lower cost compared to Goa: Round-trip flights from major Indian cities to Bangkok can go below ₹6,000 during promotional offers. Street food is well-known for its low prices, with items such as pad thai or mango sticky rice available for less than ₹100
Travel tip: Visit in the shoulder seasons (April–June or September–October) for lower prices and fewer crowds, plus you’ll still get great weather.
4. Indonesia (Bali): Affordable Island Living
Bali
( Image credit : Freepik )
Reasons it's less expensive than Goa: Although flight costs may be a bit higher than domestic fares to Goa, your daily costs in Bali are surprisingly affordable. Meals at warungs (local eateries) are priced between ₹150 and ₹200, scooter rentals are less expensive than a beer in Goa, and delightful guesthouses typically offer complimentary breakfast.
Travel suggestion: Settle in Ubud for cultural experiences or Canggu for a combination of beaches and cafes. Venture away from the crowded destinations, you’ll discover secret waterfalls and serene beaches with hardly any visitors.
5. Nepal: Peaks Rather Than Shores
Nepal
( Image credit : Freepik )
Reasons it's less expensive than Goa: Visa-free access for Indians, affordable intercity buses, satisfying street food for ₹50, and abundant lodging under ₹800 per night make Nepal a fantastic bargain. Treks can also be affordable if undertaken without costly tour packages.
Travel advice: Go during the off-peak season for affordable accommodations, reduced crowds, and unexpectedly clear mountain vistas
Concluding Reflections: Consider Options Beyond Goa
A little research, adaptable planning, and a sense of adventure are all that’s needed and before you know it, the passport stamp could be cheaper than a weekend in Goa. This year, consider trading the Baga sunset for a sunrise in Bali or the Andaman waves for the jade waters of Ha Long Bay. Your wallet, along with your travel diary will thank you.
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is the best time to find cheap flights to these places?
Book during airline sales and travel in off-peak seasons.Are vegetarian food options easily available abroad?
Yes, especially in Southeast Asia where Indian food is common.Do these destinations require a visa for Indian travellers?
Some offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival; check requirements before booking.