Traveling is not just entertainment, for many it is a way of life, a need to satisfy natural desires. With the pandemic-induced lockdown and resulting collapse of the tourism sector finally coming to an end, we've seen people bitten by the travel bug rushing to pack their bags across the globe. "Revenge tourism" or "revenge" travel, after being closed for two years due to COVID-19, became the norm in early 2022. By the end of the year, this post-Covid travel boom it is coming to its end. in a more sustainable trend that has seen the sector return to pre-Covid levels.
However, what has changed in these two years has been the attitude of travelers. As the world went digital, many mental boundaries were eroded and the world became closer than ever. Leisure travel abroad, considered an elite practice, became increasingly common. The number of couples and solo travelers looking for a holiday abroad that won't burn a hole in their pocket has increased and new hot spots have been discovered.
More than half of Bollywood's visitors have headed to the tranquil blue beaches of the Maldives for a luxurious tropical getaway, while many Indian globetrotters have filled Instagram with photos of similar beaches, but from a destination much further afield: Bali.
Read more: Maldives vs. Bali: which beach paradise is right for you?
This trend of cheap foreign destinations has increased the number of travelers from India to many Southeast Asian countries this year.
Here is a list of the most popular cheap holiday destinations abroad for Indians in 2022:
balinese
Bali, an island in Indonesia, is a popular destination on many people's bucket lists, and for good reason. Bali's harmonious fusion of people and food, green and blue waters, primitive culture and environment, etc. The island paradise is full of diversity; You can travel from a beach to a jungle to a mountain in a few hours.
Apart from the night life in Bali, you can explore Uluwatu, Ubud, Jimbaran and many other islands. You can also visit some of the best restaurants in Bali because there is not much bad food on the island. In addition, the neighborhood "warungs" are very cheap and offer Balinese specialties such as nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles).
And a four-day stay in Bali will cost you about 20,000 rupees.
thailand
Thailand is the most popular destination for budget travelers as it allows you to mingle with the friendly and welcoming locals and offers a variety of activities. The night sky, authentic hot springs to calm the senses, discos, swimming in turquoise waters, cheap street food and the main markets of Bangkok and Pattaya are these fun things to do in Thailand where you can discover everything that interests you. And finally, the friendly and hospitable Thai people are the best hosts to make your trip unforgettable.
Bangkok for its party city, Pattaya for its nightlife, Chiang Rai for its mountain trekking, Koh Samui and Krabi for its beautiful virgin beaches are some must-see destinations.
In addition, accommodation for a four-day trip to Thailand costs about 12,000 rupees in total.
Vietnam
One of the most popular places in the world for travelers and also one of the most enjoyable places to visit from India. With its rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and history, you're sure to leave in awe.
Tourists are drawn to adventure activities such as sightseeing, on yachts or boats, local market tours, caving, cultural tours, island tours, and wildlife tours. Some must-see places in Vietnam include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Sapa, Nha Trang, Mekong Delta, and Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition, a quality trip to Vietnam for three or four nights will cost you about 25,000 rupees.
Malaysia
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that includes the Malaysian mainland and the island of Borneo. It is known for its beaches, jungles, and cultural mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Accommodation for a three or four day trip to Malaysia will cost you about 12,000 rupees.
Trekking in Taman Negara National Park, seeing Kota Bharu culture and seeing orangutans in Sepilok are the options to explore the beauty of Malaysia. Plus, head to Langkawi, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, and escape to the Genting Highlands.
baku
One of the newer tourist attractions is Baku, the capital and commercial hub of Azerbaijan, an exciting fusion of oil-fuelled modernity and Asian traditions. Modern tall buildings contrast with the city's historic mosques and other local features, creating a beautiful blend of ancient and contemporary architecture. It is the perfect tourist destination to discover and there are many things to do there, such as enjoy the local gastronomy, visit the medieval palaces or stroll through the city to admire the most modern architecture.
You can visit the palace of the Shirvanshahs and the stone tower of the Donze, both located in the old medieval city. You can also explore and discover today's landmarks, including the Zaha Hadid-designed Heydar Aliyev Center and the Flame Towers, three-peaked skyscrapers covered in LED screens.
In total, a four-day stay in Baku will cost you about 18,000 rupees.
(Contributed by IANSlife)