Tired of saving it up for your dream trip?

Explore these awesome budget trip destinations instead and live it up!

There are many wonderful places in Southeast-Asia for a budget trip. Budget travel can mean different things to different travelers. Some may have a fixed day-to-day budget. Whereas foodies and adventure seekers may have a budget, only for their bucket list pleasures. Secret stashes for what to eat and all the fun things to do!    

Budget trip destinations don’t always mean you have to camp by the highway or cook your food. Goa, India is a bargain when compared to beach destinations anywhere else.

And so you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and go ultra grand in Goa! Luxury private villas to fancy spa resorts Goa has many luxury stay options.

Top 10 Budget Trip Destinations In Southeast Asia

1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2. Bhutan, The Land Of Happiness!

3. Koh Samui, Thailand

4. Turkey, The Most Rave Place!

5. Madhya Pradesh, The Heart Of Incredible India

6. Nepal, The Heavenly Highland

7. Rishikesh, The Yoga Capital!

8. Alappuzha, The Venice Of The East

9. Sri Lanka, The Spice Island

10. Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

These destinations are cheaper than travel destinations in the west and are in no way less fun!

So where would you want to go?

To the base camp of the highest mountain in the world or the shores of the serene tropical waters by the palm trees?  

Let's dig in!  

1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is a sophisticated, scenic and special travel destination. It has a rich and diverse history kept safe in the amazing museums. Home to wonderful wildlife and architectural gems both manmade and natural;  

Petronas Twin Towers are among the tallest towers of the world and the limestone hill  Natural Batu Caves are so gorgeous. Kuala Lumpur is where all great things are.

Shop ‘til you drop or party until the sunrise!

Also Read: Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 40

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Every Budget is fit for this budget trip destination and the list of things to do here is endless. A pure traveler’s delight!   

•  Compare flight prices to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport/Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

•  Best time to visit: December to February.

•  Lowest prices: February to March/September to November

•  Destination Highlights:

•  Petronas Towers (the world’s tallest twin skyscrapers),

•  Chinatown and Petaling Street flea market,

•  Batu Caves-over 400 million years old, and Aquaria KLCC.  

2. Bhutan, The Land Of Happiness!

An original and unique travel destination, Bhutan is beyond any pretense. This iconic Himalayan kingdom is a land of myths, mountains and magic.

Best Budget trip destinations are as much about how much you spend as about what you spend on!

What you spend on your Bhutan Tour is for a profound travel experience. Both in spirit and scenery

Also Read: Amazing Sites In Leh Ladakh For A Heavenly Experience

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So how much does a trip to Bhutan Cost?

The land of the dragon, in indeed a difficult place to get to. From March, April, May, September, October, and November- $250 US per person per day. From December, January, February, June, July, and August -$200 US per person per day. Special discounts are available for children and students below 25 years.

The daily fee takes care of everything.

(Visa. Bhutanese Tour guide. Driver and transportation. Accommodation.Sightseeing Entrance fees. Food and most non-alcoholic drinks. All taxes within the country.)

So once you are in the country you do not have to pay anything! The warm hospitality, ancient trails, cultural treasures, peace, happiness are all for free!

•  Compare flight prices to Paro International Airport.

•  Best time to visit: March to May

•  Lowest prices: January, February, June, July, August, and December

•  Destination Highlights:

•  Trek to Tiger's Nest Monastery in Paro.

•  Bhutan's unique culture

•  Awe-inspiring Himalayan scenery.

•  Punakha's Dzong Visit.

•  Walk and wonder in Paro valley.

3. Koh Samui, Thailand

Stay for a month or two in simple beachside bungalows, to explore the 24 beautiful white sand beaches. Or get away for a week to laze around a luxury resort or villa in this tropical paradise. The reason why Samui's beaches trump the mesmerizing beaches of Phuket, is they are excellent for snorkeling!

Suggested Read: Exhilarating Destinations Not To Miss While Visiting Himachal

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The quiet and calm setting of this inviting island will let you relax and soak in the stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand.

The best thing is you can visit many attractions in Koh Samui for free!

•  Compare flight prices to Suvarnabhumi Airport ( Ferry across to Koh Samui )

•  Best time to visit: February to April.

•  Lowest prices: late-May to early July

•  Destination Highlights:

•  Namuang Waterfall

•  Secret Buddha Garden

•  Ladyboy Cabaret Shows

•  Turtle Island’ – the scuba diving destination in Thailand

•  Big Buddha

4. Turkey, The Most Rave Place!

Turkey is a very very wonderful budget trip destination. You experience the best of both worlds here, for it is the middle east! Be ready to find some chicken in your dessert.

Unique cuisine and culture and lovely people are the most happening things in Turkey.

Suggested Read: Soul Relaxing Places To Visit On A Kullu Manali Tour

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Visit two continents in less than one hour and that too at the most inexpensive price. How cool is that!

•  Compare flight prices to Istanbul Ataturk Airport

•  Best time to visit: All-year-round

•  Lowest prices: November to April (High Ski Season)

•  Destination Highlights:    

•  A grand array of ancient sites.

•  Awesome ruins.

•  A truly beautiful landscape.

•  Istanbul – Sultanahmet

•  Beach time!

5. Madhya Pradesh, The Heart Of Incredible India

Situated at the center of the spiritual guru in the east,  India, Madhya Pradesh is a very serene and chilled out place. It captures the essence of India.

Peek into the ancient architecture, laid on the harmony of art, religion, power and culture.

Suggested Read: Secret Places In Himachal Pradesh

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What's great about Madhya Pradesh as a budget trip destination is you get to explore and discover.  It also hides some of the best world heritage sites in India.

So if you want to feel less like a tourist and something more of a traveler on lost ancient trails, Do visit!

•  Compare flight prices to Raja Bhoj International Airport(Bhopal Airport)

•  Best time to visit: October to March

•  Lowest prices: April to June

•  Destination Highlights:

•  Khajuraho, a UNESCO world heritage site.

•  Dhuandhar Falls

•  Bhimbetka Rock Shelters

•  Great Stupa Sanchi

•  Kanha National Park inspiration to Kipling’s ‘Jungle Book’  

6. Nepal, The Heavenly Highland

Nepal is located between the giant nations China and India. The small paradise makes its mark as the most beautiful budget trip destination. It is one of the best adventure travel destinations in the world!

How can you miss out on a visit to the home of Mount Everest?


Nepal has a diverse religion, tradition and culture. As diverse as the high it offers. Home to the eight of the ten highest peaks in the world, the altitude ranges from 70 meters to 8848 meters.

Not a fan of trekking or adventure sports?

Savor the unique foods. Make the most of the colorful markets and attractive streets, 38 UNESCO heritage sites, and awesome wildlife reserves. Take in and capture the contrast of rural pleasures and much more at Nepal.

•  Compare flight prices to Tribhuvan International Airport/Pokhara Airport

•  Best time to visit: September to December.

•  Lowest prices: December to February.

•  Destination Highlights:

•  Royal City of Patan

•  Trekking in the Annapurna Region

•  Mount Everest Views

•  Chitwan National Park

•  Pokhara Tour

7. Rishikesh, The Yoga Capital!

Rishikesh is another best value travel destination. Adventure capital, water sports hotspot,  yoga capital, a holy city, it is an ideal budget vacation spot.

Exciting and healing!  

The place has many trails that free souls could explore. Street shopping is delightful and food amazing.

Also Read: Spiti - The Land Of Lamas

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Come, rejuvenate your inner self without a dent in your savings!

Yes Rishkiesh travel is that budget-friendly.

•  Compare flight prices to Jolly Grant Airport(Dehradun)

•  Best time to visit: All year-round.

•  Lowest prices: April to September

•  Destination Highlights:

•  The Beatles Ashram.

•  Jumpin Heights

•  Camping and Trekking

•  Swarg Ashram: The oldest ashram of India

•  Swami Dayananda Ashram: Relax, revive, and rejuvenate

8. Alappuzha, The Venice Of The East

Also known as Alleppey The Backwater Paradise, it is a fascinating picture of culture charm and calm backwaters. You can book Budget backwaters tours in the 'Venice of the East' and have an unforgettable experience.

It also hosts the most competitive boat race in India, Nehru boat race.

Suggested Read: Lahaul -'The Valley Of Glaciers'

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Kerala in itself is a tropical paradise land on the Malabar coast of India. There is a myriad of sensational places to meet your wanderlust and at the best value price.

•  Compare flight prices to Cochin International Airport

•  Best time to visit: October and February.

•  Lowest prices: April to June.

•  Destination Highlights:

•  Houseboat cruise

•  Alappuzha Lighthouse

•  Alappuzha  Beach

•  Sree Subramanya Swami Temple

•  Revi Karunakaran Museum

9.Sri Lanka, The Spice Island

Blessed with golden beaches, misty mountains, mighty wildlife, and warm smiles, Sri Lanka is an interesting place. Known best for its hospitality, it has been growing to be more affordable to luxury travelers and backpackers. 

The spicy food of Sri Lanka is reason enough to be here. Taste exotic fruits and sweetmeats unique to this scenic island.

Suggested Read: Kinnaur – ‘The Land Of Gods’

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•  Compare flight prices to Bandaranaike International Airport

•  Best time to visit: December to March

•  Lowest prices: May to August

•  Destination Highlights:

•  Wilpattu National Park-Spot a leopard.

•  Climb Sigiriya

•  Seafood in Unawatuna

•  Tea plantationS

•  Holy walk to Adam’s Peak

10.Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

Mcleodganj is all about good vibes and good nature scenes. It is located in the awe-striking northeastern Indian state, Himachal Pradesh.  A paradise for highlanders, trekkers, it doesn't disappoint the curious luxury traveler either. 

Experience the many shades of mighty peaks of Dhauladhar from raw barren to vanilla.  A complete Himachal tour is another great budget trip plan, to experience the thrill and serenity of the Himalayas.

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Meet new people, taste new foods.

Push yourself out of your comfort zone and enjoy this offbeat travel destination

•  Compare flight prices to Gaggal Airport/Delhi Airport

•  Best time to visit: All year round

•  Lowest prices: January to Mid April

•  Destination Highlights:

•  Kareri lake

•  Kangra Valley

•  Indrahar Pass

•  Home to the Dalai Lama

•  St. John in the Wilderness

"This article originally appeared in My Heart on the road"