How To Have A Great International Trip Under A Smartphone’s Cost
Two international destinations. Amazing things to do. 50 grands is all you need!
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Bought the latest smartphone? Cool! But let us just take a moment to enlighten you that while the joy of owning the latest gadget would last a few days or months, you could have invested that money in experiences that would last a lifetime. You could have bought yourself an amazing international vacation at the same or lesser price!
Yes, you read that right! There are some really exotic foreign locations that you may spend your hard earned money on but they will cost you even less than 50k. Two of such kickass international destinations are Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. All you need to get going is some advance planning and research, and a few tips and tricks and you can even pull off an amazing holiday here even on a shoestring budget.
Feeling bad about that smartphone already? Good. Let us tell you more.
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur has such a strong multicultural identity that not many Asian cities can compete with it. The city with a miscellany of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences is a fresh blend of various sub-cultures within a swiftly budding economy.
Ritzy lavish resorts, lively street markets and spectacular natural surroundings, world-class entertainment, delectable food, and numerous historical attractions - Kuala Lumpur has it all.
- Nearest Airport: Kuala Lumpur International Airport. In fact, if you'll book tickets with AirAsia, you will get them at throwaway prices because they have some amazing deals going on. And apart from great deals on tickets, enjoy the hospitality from an ever-smiling cabin crew, comfortable leather seats, check-in availability through their smartphone app, and hot meals at affordable prices. It is everything a young, fresh, trendy and fun airline should be.
- Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur: May - August
- Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
- Languages: Malay, English, Mandarin, Tamil
- Festivals: Chinese New Year, Thaipusam
- Stay: Guesthouses or dormitory rooms can easily be found in Kuala Lumpur which charge as low as INR 500 per night.
- Places to Eat: Track down places like Nasi Kandar Pelita , Saravanaa Bhavan, Taman Paramount Night market and so on for street food that wouldn't cost more than INR 200.
- Travel Calculation: If you buy tickets from AirAsia, your entire trip should not cost more than INR 45000 for a duration of 6 days and 5 nights.
Now that you know when and how to be there, here's a glance of what all you can do in Kuala Lumpur.
Take in panoramic views of the city atop the Petronas Twin Towers
The twin towers were once the tallest buildings in the world. You must put them pretty much on top of the list of the places to see in Kuala Lumpur. While it is astonishing to view them from the street, all lit up at night, it holds no comparison to the panoramic views of the entire city you can have from the viewing gallery of the sky bridge.
Revere the statue of Hindu deity Murugan at the Batu Caves
Touted to be Malaysia's most unique geographical features, the maze of skittish caves found in the country's limestone structures, are reachable by a tough test of climbing 272 steps. The main temple is devoted to Lord Murugan whose large golden statue welcomes you at the entrance. Batu Caves is also very popular among rock climbing enthusiasts. Witnessing religious heritage or getting an adrenaline rush - your reason may be any but the place is worth visiting for its natural untouched surroundings!
Relive your childhood at Aquaria KLCC
Considered to be the largest oceanarium in the world, this 60,000 sq ft aquarium accommodates more than 5000 displays of marine life in a genuine shipwreck design. Scary tiger sharks, lethal sea snakes, blue rays, bright coral fish, and seahorses are some of the star attractions of the place. Word to the wise: Your kids may never want to leave the place so go prepared.
Bangkok
Yet another glamorous place you can visit on a shoestring budget is Bangkok. Being the political, cultural, commercial capital of Thailand, Bangkok offers a kind of madness and energy found nowhere else. An exhilarating mix of commotion and enhancement, bustling with frantic markets, quiet golden temples and streets packed with scrumptious foods stalls - this is Bangkok for you.
Climb the steep steps of Wat Arun or discover the rural life at a delightful floating market or feats on an oyster-topped omelette - Bangkok is one of the very few cities of the world to reward a visitor with such adventure. As you book your tickets on AirAsia and pack your bags to head out, here is a glimpse of what all you can do.
- Nearest Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Best Time to Visit Bangkok: October-February
- Currency: Baht
- Languages: Thai, English
- Festivals: Chinese New Year
- Stay: Bangkok is full of inexpensive staying options starting from as low as INR 1000 per night per person. Solo travellers could even opt for a dormitory or hostel.
- Places to Eat: Famous for its street food, a good budget meal in Bangkok can cost up to approximately INR 100.
- Travel Cost: If you buy tickets from AirAsia, your entire trip should not cost more than INR 35000 for a duration of 6 days and 5 nights.
Lose yourself in mysticism and fun
While Bangkok has too many beautiful temple complexes, Wat Pho takes the crown of being the biggest and most impressive one. A reclining Buddha statue made of gilded gold and mother-of-pearl feet is 46-m-long and 15-m-high. And once you’re done appreciating the beautiful 16th-century temple, pop into the massage school on the premises. We are sure you know how famous Bangkok is for massage.
Shop till you drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Branded clothes? Check. Fake counterparts? Check. Jewelry? Check. Souvenirs? Check. Food? Check. Once you enter this huge indoor-outdoor marketplace, you will realize what the phrase 'shop till you drop' literally means.
Spoil yourself for choice at Bangkok's malls
We will start with MBK - the eight storied mall that holds up to 2000 stores has everything from the latest style in clothes and shoes, to leather goods and electronic gadgets. Emporium is another must-visit for all your high-end fashion, brands and designer fancies. If you are a big spender, you might also want to hit the Siam Discovery mall and the Siam Paragon.
Oh, you actually could put that expensive smartphone to good use and book flights at AirAsia.com to avail amazing offers. Win-win!