Six short-haul foreign destinations to head to this festive season

The six destinations are quite pocket-friendly and have a lot to offer in terms of adventure, culture and entertainment

The year-end festive season is just round the corner and there is a rush for tickets to exotic locations, even during short breaks like Diwali. According to recent data from TripAdvisor, bookings for cultural tours are up 45 per cent globally over last year. Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India, says, "Like food experiences, which have seen massive growth globally, cultural tours are becoming an integral part of traveller itineraries in 2018. Cultural experiences such as architectural, historical, literary, and art tours are becoming very popular."

Despite the sharp depreciation of the rupee, international destinations such as Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, and Pattaya remain inexpensive and are great options for short vacations. Says Balu Ramachandran, Head of Air & Distribution, Cleartrip: "For the price-conscious traveller, there are always cheaper options in Asia like Sri Lanka, Bangkok, and Dubai, where the depreciation of the rupee will not be as impactful as it is in Europe, the US and the Middle East." Given the short timeline during these festive seasons, explore these budget international destinations that will fit into your tight holiday schedule.

Thailand

Thailand | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

A four-hour flight to Thailand makes it one of the most popular international destinations among Indians. The two most popular tourist spots in Thailand are Bangkok and Pattaya. Apart from shopping, the country has much to offer in temples such as the Reclining Buddha and the numerous historical monuments. In Pattaya, the top attractions are Alcazar Cabaret, Underwater World and the Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Other than the temples and the beaches, the golden triangle, where the borders of Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand meet, is a must-visit during this time of the year. Or for leisure, you can just brush up your Thai cooking skills by joining a local class.

Cost: Flight and hotel including Phuket, Pattaya, and Bangkok for one is around Rs 63,500 for a week.

Dubai

Dubai | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Another short-haul destination, Dubai is one of the most attractive emirates of the UAE. It is known to be an extremely tourist-friendly destination that is also light on the pocket. Here, you can get a 360-degree view of the city from the 124th floor of Burj Khalifam or visit the Dubai aquarium, go on a desert safari, do some indoor skydiving, or take a seaplane flight. You can even mall crawl -– choose from Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates among many more.

Cost: Flight and hotel including a one-night desert camp for one is around Rs 60,500 for 6 days.

Singapore

Singapore | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Diwali is celebrated in a big way in this little red dot country. Its key attractions, are the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Night Safari, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, and the Singapore Flyer, which is one of the largest working wheels that offers an excellent view of Singapore. Other attractions include Gardens of the Bay, a nature park noted for its innovative architecture, and the Veeramakaliamman Temple.

Cost: Flight and hotel including two nights in Kuala Lumpur for one are around Rs 97,500 for one week.

Bali

Bali | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Bali is a pocket-friendly location for beach lovers and those looking for a quiet vacation. The November season is the best time to explore Bali. Apart from surfing the beaches, you can also visit the famous Uluwatu temple and catch a performance at the Bali theatre.

Cost: Flight, hotel including sightseeing for one is around Rs 52,000 for one week.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Though it isn't really a short-haul destination, the holiday is nevertheless very refreshing. Key attractions include Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha and Temple Street Night Market, Also check out Hong Kong from the Victoria Peak. Hong Kong is not only an ideal destination for the adults but a great place for the kids too. If travelling with kids, head to Disneyland, take a ride on Peak Tram or visit the Ocean Park.

Cost: Stay for one including two nights in the cruise is around Rs 46,000 for 5 days.

Macau

Macau | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Even for normal tours, Macau is an offbeat, albeit popular destination. In a quick trip, include a visit the Casion Lisboa, Macau towers, ST Paul’s Church (a Unesco world heritage site) and the Nyong ping Piazza.

Cost: Flight and hotel for two people is around Rs 43,000 for one week.