Best Cheap Offbeat Foreign Places to Visit

In my previous post, I wrote a list of cheap international countries you can visit when you are on a tight budget. Every abroad destination mentioned on the list is a popular place you would have heard of but you hadn’t probably figured it would be an inexpensive international place to visit. After writing the post, I realized I can give you another similar list, but only this list is of less explored foreign lands or abroad inexpensive hidden gems that you can visit. These are inexpensive now because of less popularity, I don’t think they will remain that way for long. So, if you are looking for cheap offbeat foreign places to explore then read on. Before these places become popular, crowded, touristy and the cost shoots up I say pack your bags and go check them out!!

I understand, the less popular international places mean you need to do more work to plan your travels, probably some of these places have no tourism packages or the hospitality industry isn’t developed, but that’s what makes it raw and fun and in all honesty a lot less touristy! Don’t worry though in this article I will give you enough information to help you get an idea of the place, expenses and where you could visit.

Side Note

Before you go ahead and read further into this post, please know that although the expenses are mentioned in INR (Indian rupee) which is only because I checked for airfares from India to the places (because I was in India) and planned tourism in Indian currency, you can still consider these to be cheap hidden foreign destinations to visit from whichever part of the world. Apart from airfare, every other expense I mention can be converted to dollars or euros or whichever currency to give you an idea of your travel expenses.

So, please check for airfare from your country to the place you choose to visit. To reduce your air travel expense, I suggest you book your tickets 4 to 5 months before departure and book a round trip. I have also suggested platforms you can use to reduce ticket prices and book tickets from different airlines on one of my articles, you can refer to it here.

Please note the budget mentioned in this article are only a suggestion to help you get an idea of the cost of travel, however, it always depends on each person how they plan and spend. 

The Best Cheap Offbeat Foreign Places

1. Bhutan

Bhutan is known as ‘Land of Thunder Dragons’ sounds fascinating right? Visit the country to feel more fascinated. Did you know from certain parts of northeast India you can easily drive to Bhutan? Not only does India share a border with the beautiful quite calm and serene country, but also if you hold an Indian passport you don’t need a visa to visit the place. The capital of Bhutan, Thimpu is one of the most peaceful capital cities in the world.

Travel cost: You can take a bus from northeast Indian states like Sikkim, Assam, Manipur for as low cost as INR 2000 per person. You can also fly from Delhi, India to Paro airport for a cost INR 5000 – INR 6000.

Must see: National Folk Heritage Museum, Haa valley, Dochula Pass – drive-through for the best Instagram shots, Trongsa, Norzin Lam, Phuentsholing and Punakha.

You can check out wildlife tours and adventure activities packages if you’re interested.

Cost of Stay: you can find guesthouses in good condition starting from INR 800 per night.

Food: Local food per meal shouldn’t cost you more than INR 300.

An entire trip for a week shouldn’t cost you more than INR 45,000.

2. Cambodia

Known as ‘the land of gods’, this place is filled with history and cultural heritage. It’s also called ‘kingdom of wonder’ and boasts panoramic, rustic green beauty mixed with rich traditional values. The people are simple, welcoming and extremely friendly. You have less fear of theft or being cheated by street vendors here.

Must see: Angkor Wat – home to majestic Hindu temples, the royal palace in Phnom Penh (Capital city of Cambodia) Siem Reap, late-night markets.

Travel expenses: Flights to Phnom Penh from India could cost you anywhere between INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 depending on how many days before departure you book your tickets.

Cost of Stay: Guesthouses or with Airbnb you can find accommodation for as less as INR 6,500.

3. Myanmar

If exploring cultures, ethnicity and rich heritages interest you then Myanmar is the place for you. This is a cheap holiday destination not only is rich in history, but also has an abundance of nature and wildlife to offer. This hidden gem is home to Buddhist culture and simple, welcoming people. If you are planning to visit Myanmar then you should read my travel guide here. 

Must see: Inle Lake, Monywa, Shwedagon Palace in Yangon, Mandalay which is the royal capital of Myanmar, Pagoda, Putao and Bagan

Activities: Hot air balloon, nature walk & historical and cultural tours.

Travel expenses: If booked before had your round trip from India can be worked within INR 20,000

Cost of Stay: you can find Airbnb accommodations starting from INR 6,000 per night stay.

4. Kazakhstan

Right above India, placed in central Asia, Kazakhstan is another unexplored gem among others in the continent. From Srinagar in Kashmir, India the distance to Almaty is approximately 1000 km. It is home to one of the longest mountain ranges in the world, Tian Shan.

Travel cost: If you book your air tickets at least 6 months before departure then a round trip can be worked out anywhere between INR 35,000 to 45,000 depending on the season at the time of departure.

Cost of food and stay: Can easily be worked out under INR 5000 per person per night including one meal.

Best time to visit Kazakhstan: anytime between April to June.

Must see: Big Almaty Lake, Ascension Cathedral, Almaty, Charyn Canyon, Burabai National Park, Medeo, Shymbulak, Lake Kaindy, Altyn-Emel National Park and Kolsai Lake.

5. Jordan

Jordan is the next dream destination on my personal bucket list. It is an Arab country with architectural marvels that stands as evidence to its rich Islamic roots. The country shares its borders with Saudi Arabia, Israel, Syria, Iraq, and Palestine. This budget-friendly destination is slowly gaining popularity among travelers because of its historical importance, art, and breathtaking architecture. If you are heading to Jordan do not miss a chance to visit Petra, the ancient city built with rocks. Petra is supposed to be beautiful at night. Amman is another city in Jordan and it is well known for its Roman and Byzantine mix style of architecture. Jordan is famous for its extensive desert terrains; you can view these from airplane rides

Travel expenses: air tickets from India to Amman might cost anywhere between INR 35,000 to INR 45,000.

Cost of Stay: can be worked under INR 15,000 for 6 days per person.

Must see / activities: Float in the Dead Sea, Petra, Amman, Wadi rum desert, historical and nature tours, Jerusalem, Aqaba, Jerash, and Madaba.

6. Laos

Located between Thailand and Vietnam this southeast Asian landlocked country is often easily forgotten. In the 2010s the town of Vang Vieng was infamous for its crazy parties. Today it is more popular among adventure travelers. The mountainous terrains, the Mekong river, and the vast forest set the perfect stage for outdoor adventure activities including kayaking, trekking, zip-lining or even hot air ballooning at cheap prices. The spectacular waterfalls or ethnic hillside tribes set amidst enchanting jungles can be very fascinating and picturesque.

Travel expenses: air tickets from India to Vientiane, Laos could cost anywhere between INR 35,000 to INR 45,000.

Cost of Stay: You can find an Airbnb for prices as low as INR 1,500 per person per night.

Must see / activities: Dong Khong, Don Khon, and Don Det islands for relaxing or water sports. Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Luang Namtha for trekking, Bolaven Plateau, Luang Prabang & Plains of Jars.

7. Vietnam

It is one of the truly cheapest Asian countries to visit. A land full of natural beauty, hill tribes, dynamic cities and mix of cultures have a lot to offer to tourists. One downside is the popularity of mass tourism packages, but if you can work around then you will get to truly explore this beautiful and exotic nation without much tourism fluff. If you are looking for adventure solo travel or go on a vacation with a group of friends then this the perfect place to visit. It offers trekking and hiking trails among the wilderness, tropical islands, temples, to explore the rich culture and great street food.

Travel expenses: Round trip from India to Hanoi, Vietnam could cost anywhere between INR 25,000 to INR 35,000

Cost of Stay: You can find an Airbnb for prices as low as INR 1500 per night.

Must see / activities: northern countryside – Sapa, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Hoian, and Hang Son Doong in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

8. Turkey

Unfortunately, the economic crisis in Turkey makes it one of the most inexpensive countries to visit in the world. Located between the eastern and western parts of the world, it is home to fascinating cultural heritage and history of the ancient Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine empires. The roman ruins, the gorgeous beaches, the cave cities or just the busy bazaars will have you wonder-struck.

Travel expenses: A round trip from India to Istanbul could cost anywhere between INR 30,000 to IN 40,000.

Cost of Stay: you have guest houses starting from INR 900 per night.

Must see: Istanbul, Izmir, Goreme, Pamukkale, Antalya for beaches and the Bosporus. 

This completes my list of cheap hidden gems or less explored foreign lands to visit during your holidays.

If you have any recommendations or feel like I missed any place, please write to me in the comments sections.

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