While planning a holiday trip overseas, perhaps it is a good time to look off the regular, popular and pricey destinations that pop out of travel magazines & newspapers and explore alternative destinations that offer unique tourist attractions but at an affordable price.
1. Cambodia
1 INR = approx 61.32 KHR (Cambodian Riel)
There is a lot more to see in Cambodia than the famous Angkor Wat. Peek into the Cambodian culture while you stay in one of the little villages, or soak in the beauty of chaotic yet charismatic cities like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Battambang. A wildlife holiday trip in Cambodia will let you witness the exotic species of dolphins, elephants and the recently discovered in 'northern yellow-cheeked gibbons'.
Also, the recently discovered underground medieval cities found near Angkor Wat adds to the excitement.
2. Vietnam
1 INR= approx 334.41 VND (Vietnamese Dong)
Traditionally, many Indians do not view it as a tourist destination, but that's changing. Vietnam is a gem of a place.From rugged sceneries in the North to tropical islands, the country has everything you would need to call it a dream holiday trip.
The flower farms, local tofu factories, cashew nut plantations, and of course the iconic rice terraces are worth stopping by to take a look along with a few selfies, before speeding along the coast southwards to Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, a city known for its famous French colonial architecture and bustling street markets like the Ben Thanh.
You will also get to eat a lot of exotic food, especially different types of seafood. Vietnamese cuisine is fast gaining huge popularity all across the globe.
3. Myanmar
1 INR = 17.93MMK (Burmese Kyat)
If you're on a very tight budget and have limited time, this neighboring country of India is one great destination to visit, especially between November and February.
The floating gardens and leg-rowers of Inle Lake, the majestic rivers, and numerous monuments and pagodas, there is a lot to explore in this beautiful yet simple country where Buddhism is still a way of life.
4. Indonesia
1 INR = 198.95 IDR (Indonesian Rupiah)
This Southeast Asian country is full of volcanic islands and is famous for its beaches, tropical forests sheltering tigers, elephants, Komodo dragons and many such exotic animals. Apart from natural scenes, Indonesia also offers a lot of Hindu monuments and temples that you must visit while you are here.
5. South Korea
1 INR= 17.45 KRW (South Korean Won)
One of the relatively undiscovered and underrated travel destinations in the world, South Korea is full of parks, beaches, natural wonders, UNESCO heritage sites, markets, and an awesome nightlife.
6. Paraguay
1 INR = 84.70 PYG (Paraguayan Guarani)
A landlocked country between Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil, Paraguay is an ideal destination for those keen to get off the gringo trail for a truly authentic South American experience.
The country is home to subtropical forests, large swaths of swampland, the subtropical Atlantic forest, the spiny wilderness of the Chaco and various unique species of flora and fauna. You will also find some glitzy shopping centers, artisans' workshops and few of the lesser visited yet beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites.
So, have you visited or planning to visit any of the country listed above? Do share your travel experiences with me.
Happy Traveling!