It’s often said that the trick to getting through life is always having a vacation booked to look forward to. On that note, here are seven uber-popular International touristy destinations that deliver a bang for your buck.
Bucharest
One of Europe’s cheapest and buzziest capital cities, Bucharest wins on multiple fronts as a touristy destination. Besides the century-old churches, Romanian Athenaeum and Belle Epoque buildings that serve as the perfect backdrop for Instagram pics, Bucharest is a thriving metropolitan haven for shoppers and partygoers alike (most bars stay open until the wee hours of the morning). Take things up a notch and surprise your partner with a cosy date night in the lively Cotroceni neighbourhood. Then party all night long at Nuba. If you’re especially adventurous and have a liver made of steel, check out Shoteria—the first shot bar in the world that offers 60 kinds of shots and has its own rehab centre with a selection of hangover cures.
Pro tip: Given that the city is fast becoming a tech/corporate hub of sorts as well, English is the second most spoken language in the area, making it easier for Indian tourists to move out and about.
London
Image courtesy: london.travelers
Steeped in history, rich in local cuisines and culture—what’s not to like about London? As one of the most popular international travel destinations, there’s plenty to do in The Big Smoke. For those with an eye for history and architecture; usual suspects like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the British Museum and Westminster Abbey are ideal. We’d suggest adding the Tate Modern and its Turbine Hall—a must-visit contemporary art gallery—to the itinerary to get a slice of renowned works by Pablo Picasso, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, and Jenny Holzer as well as those that date back to the 1900s. Take the time out to stroll through the idyllic Southbank, a riverside walkway dotted with iconic pubs and resto-bars.
Pro tip: Explore the heck out of Soho, especially for its multiple burger joints, tony restaurants, posh cocktails bars and hipster crowd.
Tokyo
Besides gorging on Wagyu beef and getting a little trippy at the iconic Izakaya Alley, Tokyo has plenty to offer to the discerning traveller. Sure, the Shibuya Scramble crossing is great for your IG feed. But a trip to Tokyo is never complete without a visit to its oldest temple— Sensoji at Asakusa, and a subsequent trip down Nakamise street that houses several Kimono shops.
Pro tip: When in the land of historic shrines, performing art hubs and neon-lit skyscrapers, don’t forget to set aside a day or two to soak up the country’s age-old cultural traditions. Suggested places to add to your to-dos include a tour of the Imperial Palace and its picture-esque gardens. The Tokyo National Museum and the refurbished Kabuki theatre with a storied past are other options.
Vietnam
Image courtesy: Vietnam Travellers
Regardless of whether you’re a luxe traveler or one who goes by a budget (with everything laid out on an Excel), it is impossible for you to not have Vietnam on your bucket list. Great weather, excellent food and affable locals aside, this Southeast Asian gem boasts scenic views like Halong Bay as well as picturesque cities like Hanoi and Hoi An. On days you want to take it easy, drop by a balmy café or partake in karaoke sessions—a customary leisurely activity of the Vietnamese.
Pro tip: Nosh on Vietnamese delicacies like Pho, Cha ca, Banh xeo, and Cao lau and many others in the quaint lanes of Ho Chi Minh City after the sun sets.
Cambodia
Image courtesy: Best of Cambodia
Post-card-worthy yet not too heavy on the pocket; Cambodia is a great place to visit if you have a palate for history or just want to bask in the sun in one of its relaxing islands or the gulf coast beaches. Highlights of the place include Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm, the gorgeous National Parks. The Royal Palace, which is home to the Silver Pagoda, is reportedly made with 5329 silver tiles.
Pro tip: Air travel and private cars are surprisingly inexpensive, so factor this while traveling.
Morocco
Most travel destinations are usually recommended basis whether you’re a beach baby or would prefer saying hello from the hills. However, Morocco offers the best of both worlds. The old towns of Asilah and Essaoura, for instance, are great spots to visit for beach lovers. Hikers must chart out a plan to The High Atlas. The panoramic views from the Dades valley and the Sahara Desert aside, don’t forget to indulge in the charm of the capital city of Rabat, or the old-world vibe of the city of Meknes.
Pro tip: The Oudaias Kasbah, pegged as the Nation’s most picturesque region certainly merits a visit.
Egypt
Image courtesy: thisiscairo
The old-world vibe and the allure of the pyramids make Egypt (read the Great Sphinx of Giza) a destination that charms the young and the aged alike. Book a four-day Nile cruise, preferably on a Felucca, from Aswan to Luxor, including the Hot air balloon. What’s more, the incredibly affordable stay in and around Cairo makes it a feasible holiday spot, peppered with vibrant bazaars and a trip to The Siwa Oasis, located in the Western desert’s most magical area.
Pro tip: Try synching your dates with one of the many music festivals that take place in Egypt like Sandbox that’s a dopamine hit for electronica listeners or the more cultured Cairo Jazz Festival.
