1. Travelling is easier than you think.

We believe that travelling around the world shouldn’t be hard: it’s actually something everyone should be able to do at least once in their lives. Whether you choose to spend a few years or just a couple months travelling this beautiful planet, it’s important to see what’s out there. It’s up to you to make the dream come true and take the first step. Launch Trip planner to piece together and price your ideal route. Not sure where to start?  You can always call one of our travel consultants and get some complimentary advice!

2. Travel opens your eyes.

If you’re open and willing, travel will make you an incredibly better-rounded human being. And that’s really the goal, isn’t it? If you don’t know where to start, check out our Around the World planning guide.

3. Travelling helps you learn who you are.

All the challenges and opportunities travel lays at your feet help you discover who you are in a way that’s only possible on the road.

4. Travel creates meaningful relationships

People you meet while on the road become some of the most valued names on your contact list. They become places on the map to visit later on. These folks give you a glimpse outside your hometown circle of friends, and force you to take in new and refreshing perspectives, and ultimately realize that everyone is the same.

5. Travelling develops skills you didn’t know you had

Sometimes it’s only far from home that you realize you you’ve got skills you’ve never used. It’s travel that brings them to the surface and makes you smile, satisfied to have reached the mountain top, or  crossed a gorge  or helped a villager clean up after a storm, or even to have successfully ordered a meal at a rural Chinese restaurant.

6. Travel helps you learn new languages

There’s something satisfying about being able to throw around a few words of Greek, knowing how to say thanks in Thai, pulling out that long dormant Spanish to book a room in Santiago, or simply hearing a language you didn’t know existed just a few weeks before.

7. Travel means adventure

Zip-lining over the jungle canopy in Peru, successfully navigating the maze-like streets of Venice, bartering for the best price in the traditional markets of Marrakech, taking a speedboat ride in New Zealand, or hopping in a Land Rover and heading out to watch animals grazing  in Tanzania: these are adventures worth having. People are hardwired for the excitement of adventure and travel may just be the best way to tap into it.

8. Travelling gives you perspective

Meeting people from other cultures will teach you that the way you’ve been looking at the world isn’t the way everybody else does. In fact, your point-of-view might have some major blind spots. Seeing the world for yourself will improve your vision and your grip on reality.

9. Travel helps you move forward

If you’re between jobs, schools, kids, or relationships, around the world travel can be a perfect way to move from one of these life stages into your next great adventure. A big trip won’t just ease your transition into the next stage of your life, it’ll give you a chance to reflect on where you’ve been, where you’re going, and where you want to end up.

10. Travel is education

Seeing the world provides an education that’s absolutely impossible get in school. Travel teaches you economy, politics, history, geography, and sociology in an intense, hands-on way no class will.  Fortunately, the school of travel is always taking applications, no entrance exam required.

11. Travel challenges you

Getting your daily latte at the same place and staring at your screen at your nine-to-five every day not nearly interesting enough? Even if you choose to work on the road (and keep staring at the screen), you’ll have to find a new place to drink your latte, and depending on your destination, finding coffee, and foamy milk or a good place to sip them could prove to be a sizeable challenge. Travel is full of moments of joy and challenges. Overcoming the challenges gives you some of the greatest joys of all.

12. Travel shakes things up

It sucks to be stuck in a rut. Everyone knows what that’s like. A big trip can be your perfect solution. Fly around the world, stopping over in all of the places you’ve always wanted to visit. Go ahead and plan your ideal route around the world (it’s easier than you think!)

13. Travelling proves that dreams do come true

You imagined it, daydreamed about it, and envisioned it. Guess what? It can be done. Around the world travel is possible, you just have to decide you’re willing to take the first step and start planning your itinerary.  What are you waiting for? We’ve put together some specials to inspire you to live your dream.

14. Travel gives you cool stories

Let’s face it. Even for folks who can’t tell a story, just the words “last year in Mongolia” get you instant party points.  Even when events seem trivial, nostalgia and distance create an irresistible spin that makes mundane things like getting your laundry done in Zanzibar, entertaining. Just don’t be that person and overdo it!

15. Travel is literally food for thought.

You’ll be constantly surprised at the flavours the world has to offer.  The way people in other cultures and countries prepare food, and break bread together (not that all cultures even eat bread) will astound you.

16. Travel gives you a sense of accomplishment

If you’re the kind of person that dreams big, you’re probably one to reach for new challenges. Finishing a trip gives you the satisfaction that you were able make a goal to travel and accomplish what you set out to do–see the world.

COUNTRIES WITH CURRENCY ALMOST EQUIVALENT TO INR

1. Sri Lanka

Named as the top country to visit in 2020 by Lonely Planet, Ravan’s Lanka is famous for its pristine beaches and great food. The picturesque landscapes, flora and fauna, rural lifestyle and archaeological remains are a treat to photographers. Tourists need to purchase a permit to photograph the principal ancient monuments in Sri Lanka. If you’re travelling on a budget, Rs 500-700 should be sufficient for a day. The stay can be as cheap as Rs. 700-1000 per night. And also not to mention, it is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.

Visa: Can be obtained easily online. Sri Lanka issues an ETA that allows you to enter the country for 30 days. 

Distance: Colombo, Sri Lanka is at a distance of 682 km from Chennai and it takes 1 hour, 21 minutes for travel by flight. 

How to get there: The easiest and quickest way to reach Sri lanka is to take a flight. The tickets cost Rs. 3000-4000 from Chennai to Colombo.

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Sri Lanka receives 2.3 million tourists 

Best time to visit: November to March 

Currency: 1 Sri Lankan Rupee = 0.39 INR

Suggestions: Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Booking: Sri Lanka Tourism

2. Bhutan

Bhutan, “Thunder Dragon”, is located between India and China. It is known to be the happiest country in the world. Tourists can immerse oneself in the rich culture, mountain monasteries and be a part of colourful Bhutanese festivals. Adventure seekers can explore the wilderness of the country. Prices for stays and food is typically similar to what it would cost in India, depending on the kind of choices. It is one of the cheapest countries to visit from India.

Visa: Not required for Indians (Passports/voter Id’s are sufficient)

Distance: Distance between Bagdogra and Thimphu, Bhutan is 333 kms. Flights from Bagdogra to Paro take about 30 minutes for arrival.

How to get there: The easiest way to reach Bhutan from India is to take a direct flight to Paro. The quickest way is to fly from Bagdogra. The cheapest option is to take a shared taxi from Bagdogra Airport through Nepal border.

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Bhutan received a total of 274,097 visitors

Best time to visit: October to December or January to February.

Currency: 1 Ngultrum = 1 Rupee. Indian currency is accepted for transactions in Bhutan expect for values Rs 500 and above. 

3. Nepal

Tucked in between the Himalayas and forests, Nepal is rich in wildlife and spiritual culture. If you want to escape to a land of quiet and peace this is the place for you. Adventure seekers have numerous mountains for trekking and forests to explore and also among the cheapest and nearest countries to visit from India. Average budget in Nepal can be Rs 400-700 per day. 

Visa: Not required for Indians (Passports/voter Id’s are sufficient)

Distance: Flight distance between Delhi to Kathmandu is 813 kms. The nonstop flight takes 1 hour 45 minutes for arrival.

How to get there: Cheapest flights to Kathmandu cost just Rs 3900 from Delhi. You can travel to Nepal by road, by train, bus or drive there, but it is a long and tedious affair.   

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Nepal received a total of 1.17 million tourists

Best time to visit: October to December

Currency: 1 Nepalese Rupee = 0.62 INR

4. Philippines

Philippines is a dream paradise for beach lovers. With an average of 700 islands, monuments, lush green forests and the fathomless beaches, Philippines is a country one can never miss. Local travel, stay and food are least expensive. Flight tickets are the major expense on a trip to the country. It is extremely affordable for the people looking for cheapest countries to visit from India.

Visa: Indian Nationals with a valid passport can apply for a tourist visa at the Embassy in New Delhi, for trips longer than 21 days. 

Distance: The shortest distance between India and the Philippines is 4,631 km. It takes about 5.14 hours to arrive by flight.

How to get there: Flights to Philippines from major cities in India are easily available. You can get cheaper tickets if you opt for off-season travel.  

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Philippines received 7.1 million foreign tourists 

Best time to visit: December to February

Currency: 1 Philippine peso = 1.39 INR

COUNTRIES WHERE YOU CAN BE RICHIE RICH

5. Cambodia

One of the cheapest countries to visit from India in Southeast Asia, Cambodia is known for its rich history, spectacular coastlines and inexpensive delicacies. An average of Rs 800 is sufficient for a day in Cambodia.

Visa: Cambodian visa can be obtained online within 4 days.

Distance: The shortest distance between India and Cambodia is 2,912 km. It takes about 3.23 hours to arrive by flight.

How to get there:  Cheapest flights can be availed between March and June, with tickets costing as low as Rs 5600.

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Cambodia received 6 million tourists

Best time to visit: May to October

Currency: 1 INR = 57 Cambodian Riel

6. Indonesia

One of the most sought out destination Bali is located in Indonesia, but there’s more to the country than just Bali. It is home to active volcanoes, vast beaches and high mountain ranges. Visiting Indonesia during April and October is a budget friendly option with the accommodation prices going down by 30-60%. An average of Rs 1000-1500 should be sufficient for a day.  One of the best thing is that it is one the cheapest countries to visit from India.

Visa: Not required for Indian nationals.

Distance: The shortest distance between Indonesia and India is 4,483 km. It takes around 5 hours to arrive by flight.

How to get there: Flights can be as cheap as Rs 6000 to Jakarta. 

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Indonesia received 15.8 million foreign tourists.

Best time to visit: April and October

Currency: 1INR  = 190 Indonesian Rupiah

7. Vietnam

One of the gems in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has green mountains, happening cities and pristine beaches. It is famous for its rich history and distinguishing heritage. If you choose to stay in the backpacker’s hostels, your stay can cost you only Rs 1000 per night. You can have a filling large meal in a mid-range restaurant for about Rs 800. If you are on a budget then opting for cheaper options can cost you about Rs 500-700 per day. It is one the most beautiful and budget friendly Countries to visit from India.

Visa: Visa to Vietnam can be obtained through a simple online procedure.

Distance: The shortest distance between India and Vietnam is 3,094.38 km and it takes 4 hours 20 minutes to arrive by flight.

How to get there:  You can get the lowest prices for tickets from India in April. Mondays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly to Vietnam.

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Vietnam received 15.5 million international tourists.

Best time to visit: February to April and August to October

Currency: 1 INR = 323 Vietnamese dongs

8. Laos

Laos is a palette of all the shades of green located in Southeast Asia. Dark forests, bright green rice fields, and glistening tea leaves on the mountains, the landscape all make it a treat to the eyes. It is also known for its Buddhist monasteries and French architecture. Dorm rooms are the cheapest option ranging from Rs 400-800 per night. Food is extremely inexpensive whether it is a high restaurant or on the streets, the prices starting from Rs 100-300. You can rent bikes for sightseeing inside the country for just Rs 150-300. 

Visa:  Indian travellers can get a visa on arrival from any of the international checkpoints or by going to the Embassy in Delhi and completing the visa procedure to avoid last minute queues.  

Distance: The distance between India and Laos is 2572 km. The quickest way to get from India to Laos is to fly which takes around 9 hours.

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Laos received 4.1 million tourists

Best time to visit: October to April

Currency: 1 INR = 123 Laotian Kips

9. Myanmar

Nature walks, historical tours and hot air balloon rides are a major tourist attraction in Myanmar. Gigantic mountains, pristine beaches, beautiful islands and peaceful lakes are the highlights of the country. 

Visa: Indian Nationals with a valid passport can apply for an e-Visa online.

Distance:  Flight distance between India to Myanmar is 1,986 km. It takes 3 hours to arrive by flight.

How to get there: You can travel by road to Myanmar through Manipur. Taking a flight is the quickest option.

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Myanmar received 3.55 million tourists 

Best time to visit: November to February

Currency: 1 INR = 21 Myanmar Kyats

10. Lebanon

Lebanon is an ancient country with a rich history, diverse culture, and wondrous scenic beauty. It is located in Western Asia, bordering Syria and Israel. A trip to Lebanon is similar to a European city in terms of its cost, approximately Rs 6000 is required for a day in Lebanon including the stay, food and travelling inside the country.

Visa: Indians can apply for a Visa online or at one of the respective Embassies.

Distance: The shortest distance between India and Lebanon is 4,478 km. It takes 5 hours to arrive by flight.

How to get there:  Flights from major cities are easily available to Lebanon

Number of tourists in the year 2018: Lebanon received 1,963,917 tourists

Best time to visit: March to June and October to December