DIY Trip from India Abroad on a Budget – Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

My travel journey began with the same question! This was followed by extensive research! While some may find this research tedious, it opened my eyes to the beauty and diversity of our planet! There is a vast amount to see and explore! While this website aims to simplify this task for all its readers by compiling information on how, when, and where we have traveled, this specific blog intends to provide a general idea of how to approach planning a trip to ANY destination!

Lake Bled , Slovenia

Why Choose a DIY Trip Abroad from India?

• Benefits of DIY Travel Over Packages

DIY trips let you create your own itinerary, explore at your own pace, and focus on experiences you truly enjoy—without being tied to a group schedule.

• Flexibility and Cost Savings

You can adjust plans on the go and grab last-minute deals on flights, stays, and activities, making your trip more flexible and budget-friendly.

Here is a step-by-step guide to plan your DIY Trip Abroad in 2025-

• Step 1 – Choose Your Destination Smartly

When planning a DIY trip from India abroad - seek inspiration! Are you drawn to the outdoors and hiking? Or perhaps you seek to explore the most beautiful beaches in the world? Do you fancy spending a week engaging in adventure sports or visiting museums? Maybe medieval architecture sparks your interest? Essentially, you need to identify what resonates with you!

Visa Requirements,Safety and cost - are important considerations. For instance, let's consider a trip to Switzerland! This is a dream destination for many Indian travelers! It stands out as one of the most stunning countries globally, albeit on the pricier side! Travel, accommodation, food - everything comes at a higher cost compared to its neighboring equally enchanting country, Austria. Austria boasts breathtaking landscapes, charming cities, and excellent public transportation, all at a more affordable price! Slovenia is another option! Positioned in central Europe, this small-sized country offers everything from the Alps to picturesque beach towns and impressive castles! All these coutries require Schengen visa, have similar experiences , but cost of travelling can vary signbificantly! So, if you are looking to travel on a budget, this should also play a role in deciding where to go on your first trip. As the years pass, you can save up for that Switzerland journey while starting with a trip to Austria or Slovenia as your first European adventure at a significantly lower cost!

Best Budget-Friendly Countries for Indians- Speaking of expenses, it's worth considering a visit to our neighboring Southeast Asian countries, which provide excellent value for money and a wide range of experiences! Like Sea walk in Muaritius or whale watching in Srilanka.

Lake Thun, Switzerland

• Step 2 –Duration of Travel

If you plan to visit neighboring countries such as Sri Lanka or Bhutan, a week is usually sufficient for your trip! Therefore, it's advisable to reserve your extended weekends for these destinations.

However, for countries that entail long flights, extensive visa processing, and are costly to visit, it is recommended to allocate around 15 days for your visit. This extended duration allows you to explore the destination at a leisurely pace, enabling you to see and experience more. Moreover, it helps justify the expenses associated with flights to these particular destinations.

Geirangerfjord , Norway

• Step 3 –How many countries to visit -

When planning how many countries to visit per trip, remember this simple guideline: stick to one country per trip . If your itinerary involves passing through another country (perhaps due to more affordable flights to and from India), then consider visiting a maximum of two countries at once. It is highly advisable to take a slower pace.

Visiting 15 cities in 8 countries over 14 days is not genuine travel; it merely involves rushing to "see" these places without truly exploring anything.

Beautiful Bhutan

• Step 4 –Working out an itinerary -

Must-See Attractions vs Offbeat Experiences -Explore the offerings of your destination and plan your schedule based on your preferences. This process is straightforward for short trips to neighboring countries of India. However, for longer trips to Europe, Australia, or New Zealand, start by reading various travel blogs such as mine to determine your desired activities. Avoid crafting overly ambitious itineraries, as this can result in spending most of your time traveling between locations without truly experiencing any one place. As a general guideline, aim to spend at least two days in each location during your journey. One-day stops tend to waste time on packing, unpacking, and moving between destinations, a lesson we learned from our early travel experiences.

Avoid Wasting Money on Tourist Traps - Even though Jungfrau is gorgeous, it is very touristy and crowded, and definitely very expensive! Consider travelling to Schillthorn or Rigi for a wholesome experience at a fraction of cost!

Queenstown , New Zealand

• Step 5 –Booking flights (Find Cheap Flights)-

Flight Comparison Websites & Apps - Consider using Skyscanner and Google Flights to find the best connection to your destination. It might be worth looking into cost-effective options, such as taking a cheaper flight to a major city and then a local flight to your final stop. For instance, you could fly to Copenhagen, Paris, or Milan from India and then travel to your destination by train or local flight.

Nevertheless, it's essential to find a balance between travel time and comfort. Arriving at your destination exhausted with weary children is not an ideal way to start your trip! For example, when booking flights to a distant location like Christchurch, New Zealand, opt for a full-service airline with the shortest route, such as Singapore Airlines or Malaysia Airlines.

Hacks to Book Flights on a Budget - Book early, use credit card points/miles, sign up on the frequent flyer programme of airlines to get a discounted price!

Millennium Elephant Foundation , Srilanka

• Step 6 –Book Affordable Accommodation

You can chose from Hotels, hostels and Airbnb for your stay, depending on your budget. We have had a great experience staying in all these options. One important tip - always read reviews thoroughly on TripAdvisor /Airbnb app before making a choice of accommodation. It is advisable to book refundable accommodation, even though non-refundable options may seem more appealing due to lower prices.

Lake Pukaki and Mount Cook , New Zealand

• Step 7 –Visa requirements for Indians -

Most countries require Indian citizens to have a pre-approved visa, with the exception of some neighboring countries that offer visa on arrival or electronic visa services. When applying for a Schengen visa, or a visa to Australia or New Zealand, the most important thing is to apply well in advance, preferably 2 months before travel date.

It is essential to have return flight bookings, a detailed itinerary, confirmed accommodation, and travel insurance. Providing proof of financial means to support oneself and family during travel is also required.

By ensuring all these aspects are in order, the likelihood of visa rejection is minimal, as it demonstrates genuine travel intentions and the intent to return to the home country after the designated period.

Hallstatt, Austria

Above points can give you a general idea how to go about planning a trip to "Anywhere" from India.

We have planned all our trips ourselves and hope, now you can too! If you wish, you can go through our detailed itineraries to all the places that we have visited so far . Here is a compilation of FAQs in our attempt to cover as many topics through this blog -

FAQ: DIY Trip from India Abroad on a Budget

Q1: How can I plan a DIY trip from India abroad on a budget?

Start by choosing affordable destinations, researching visa requirements, and booking flights early. Plan your itinerary carefully, use budget accommodations, and track daily expenses to stay within your budget while still enjoying the experience.

Q2: Which countries are best for a budget DIY trip from India?

Popular budget-friendly countries for Indian travelers include Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and some European destinations like Hungary, Poland, or Romania. These destinations offer low-cost accommodations, food, and transport options.

Q3: How much money should I budget for a DIY trip abroad from India?

For budget travelers, daily expenses typically range from INR 3000 to 7000 per person, depending on the destination. This usually covers accommodation, local transport, meals, and sightseeing.

Q4: Can I travel abroad on a budget with kids?

Yes! Opt for family-friendly destinations with affordable accommodations and activities. Plan itineraries that balance sightseeing and rest, and use travel apps to find kid-friendly restaurants and experiences.

Q5: How can I save money on flights for a DIY international trip?

 Use flight comparison tools, set fare alerts, and book tickets during sales or off-peak seasons. Flexible travel dates and budget airlines can also help reduce costs significantly.

Q6: Is travel insurance necessary for a budget DIY trip abroad?

Absolutely. Even on a tight budget, travel insurance is essential for medical emergencies, lost luggage, or trip cancellations, giving you peace of mind without a high cost. We have lost luggage on Norwegian airlines and got compensation as we had taken travel insuarance.

Q7: How do I manage currency exchange on a budget trip abroad?

Use local ATMs instead of currency exchange counters to get better rates. Prepaid travel cards can also help you manage spending and avoid high conversion fees.