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Cost savings across accommodation and daily expenses<\/strong><\/p>\n Indian travellers can save 20-40% by opting for emerging destinations, according to Pavan Kavad, Managing Director of Prithvi Exchange (India) Limited.<\/p>\n \n\u201cMid-range hotels in Vietnam are often 30-40% cheaper than comparable stays in Goa, while a city break in Eastern Europe can cost nearly half of what a weekend in Edinburgh would,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n Meals, local transport, and activities are similarly more affordable in these regions, offering better value than saturated tourist hubs.<\/p>\n Currency dynamics further amplify these savings.<\/p>\n A \u20b91 lakh budget may barely cover four nights in Paris, whereas in destinations like Georgia or Poland, the same amount can fund a full week of accommodation, dining, and sightseeing.<\/em><\/p>\n Kavad noted that Indian travellers have experienced outbound costs rising 8-15%, sometimes even 18%, when the rupee weakens against the dollar, adding thousands to holiday budgets.<\/p>\n Smart travel planning enhances value<\/strong><\/p>\n Advance bookings, off-peak travel, and local transport options can further improve affordability.<\/p>\n \u201cBooking holidays during a destination\u2019s off-peak season is an effective way to save. Self-drive tours in countries like South Africa, Scotland, and Spain-Portugal allow travellers to explore at their own pace while discovering lesser-known locations,\u201d said SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head \u2013 Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel.<\/p>\n Cruises are also gaining popularity due to their all-inclusive dining, entertainment, and multi-port itineraries, offering convenience and savings.<\/p>\n Cultural immersion without breaking the bank<\/strong><\/p>\n Offbeat destinations also provide unique cultural experiences.<\/p>\n Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa \u2013 Thomas Cook (India) Limited, highlighted Georgia as an example of a cost-effective European-like destination.<\/p>\n Homestays and village excursions in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, allow travellers to enjoy affordable living and dining while engaging with local communities. Kale emphasised that combining these choices with prepaid forex cards and bundled packages protects travellers from currency volatility and hidden fees.<\/p>\n ALSO READ |\u00a0Travel money tips: How to save on forex while going overseas<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n