Also, the places curated in this blog post are multifaceted to engage an Indian family. There are temples, beaches, theme parks or zoos, sightseeing, adventure activities, water sports, etc. Undoubtedly, the best places to visit and the things to do in these foreign destinations are enticing and cover all generations, i.e., grandparents, parents, and children. So, let’s get started!

List of budget-friendly countries from India:

Singapore

A stunning must-visit island to travel with your family! There are direct flights to this country from most metro cities. Do not miss the dolphin lagoons here.

Thailand

A wonderful choice for nightlife-loving families. There are floating markets, trekkable mountains, elephant tourism, etc.

Malaysia

A truly Asian country with lots of admirable sky-scraping buildings and diverse communities. This is the straightforward answer to your question, “Which is the cheapest foreign destination from India?”.

Srilanka

This country is known for its lush green landscapes, clear beaches, ancient temples, and heritage sites. It is considered another economical destination for budget-conscious families.

Kenya

One of the unique and far-away foreign countries from India, unlike the above choices. Enjoy zebras, rhinos, lions, etc. on the wildlife side. It is perfect for families with kids who love animal safaris. You can also enjoy the cheapest flight tickets when booking a round trip.

For more details on these affordable trips, click here!

Luxury travel destinations with families:

United States

It has diverse places to visit, eat, and cherish. But you have to pick the right state. Each state is unique in its geography and has historical significance to uncover.

Switzerland

Most tourists presume this is a honeymoon destination. But more than that, it is a full-package family destination with chocolates, cheese factories, and zoos to impress your children.

Mauritius

This country never fails to instill in you its beautiful lagoons, pristine beaches, national parks, children’s leisure parks, and, most importantly, innumerable activities.

Japan

Do you want to teach your children about terrific history and rich culture? Take them to Japan—an amazing international travel destination with a wide range of adventurous activities.

Dubai

Of course, no one will deny standing in front of the Burj Khalifa. Take your family to this stunning location with museums, zoos, viewpoints, a dolphinarium, etc.

Explore the standard international family package for each of these destinations

Note: All the above-listed countries are the most visited international tourist spots by Indian travelers. So, don’t worry that you’re the only Indian traveling to the place. In fact, you can choose your favorite after referring to a lot of travel vlogs, blogs, etc. available on social media. However, if you want to personalize your itinerary, contact Emperor Traveline, the leading Tour Operator in Coimbatore, India.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Which country is best to visit with family from India?

Thailand, Kenya, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, Egypt, the United States, UAE, Japan, etc. are some of the best choices to visit with your family.

2. How do I effortlessly plan an international family trip?

Researching where to go, eat, stroll, etc. in international tourist places is truly a daunting task. Thus, it is always better to trust tour operators to plan the best itinerary for your family. They can perfectly cater to your personalized needs.

3. What is the minimum duration recommended for foreign trips?

A foreign trip should last at least 3 or 4 days. A trip of less than 3 days will be a waste of time, as you might spend the most time on to-and-from travel and commutations between the tourist spots.

4. What are the top international honeymoon destinations to travel to from India?

Sri Lanka, Bali, Fiji, Paris, Thailand, etc. are major honeymoon destinations outside India. Nevertheless, the tourist options presented in this article are also worth your honeymoon time. So, choose your destination wisely.

5. What is the average cost to visit foreign countries from India?

The lowest starting price for a foreign trip should be INR 20,000 and there is no upper limit as a few families opt for luxury trips. At large, the statistics say the average price per passenger to travel to foreign countries from India is between INR 35,000 and INR 50,000.

Their legacy is to be still seen today in all the cultural and traditional aspects of the region. Let’s explore more as we discuss the best places to visit in Kochi, Kerala. Here are some of the must-visit tourist places in Kochi covered in this blog.

Fort Kochi

Fort Kochi, one of the best tourist spots in Kochi, is located in the western part of the city in the Ernakulam district. Separated by some 12 km from Ernakulam town, Fort Kochi is a landmark destination in the annals of Kerala. It also attracts tourists in large numbers as it houses Santa Cruz Basilica and historical monuments including the St. Francis Church, the Dutch Seminary, the China Vela, and some others. You can also visit the Indian Navy’s ship, Dronacharya here. Another interesting touring destination nearby this fort includes the Mattancherry Palace, another Top Tourist Attraction in Kochi, Ernakulam.

Mattancherry

Mattancherry is another fabulous area in the city. A potpourri of exotic food, spices, handicrafts, and unique culture, Mattancherry is one of the important Kochi tourist places which interestingly gets its name from “Ancherry Mattam”, a Brahmin house that enjoyed gross mispronunciation as Matt-Ancherry; thanks to the colonial-era foreign traders. Mattancherry is a rich confluence of Portuguese culture, as evident in the Dutch Palace.  Jew Town, a synagogue built in 1568, obviously one of the country’s oldest synagogues, is one of the best tourist places to visit in Kochi.

Bolghatty & Vypeen Islands

A beautiful place to visit in Kochi, Bolghatty Island is accessible through a boat ride from mainland Kochi. It houses the oldest Dutch palace outside The Netherlands, the Bolghatty Palace, now transformed into a popular heritage hotel with modern amenities for domestic and international tourists. 

Cherai & Vypeen beach

One of the best beaches near Kochi, Cherai beach is located just off the coast of Vypeen Island, a highly popular place to visit in Kochi, often visited by foreign tourists to enjoy sunbathing and swimming.  The Vypeen also houses the Pallipuram Fort, considered the oldest surviving fort in the country, built by the erstwhile colonial powers around 1503, is one of the best tourist places to visit in Kochi.

Andhakaranazhi Beach

Andhakaranazhi, still a gorgeous and beautiful beach is situated at a distance of 30km from the city of Kochi en route to Alleppey, near Ezhupunna, and one of the favorite beaches among the locals. Fishing is the main occupation, and there are a lot of fishing boats found on the beach from the nearby fishing hamlets.  The everyday sight of fishermen venturing out into the sea when the sun is up, countering the turbulent waves of the Andhakaranazhi beach is certain bliss. It is a great idea to plan for a houseboat trip starting from Kochi to Alleppey as the beach finds its way into the famous Kerala backwaters of the Kumarakom.

If you are interested in visiting top tourist places in Kochi, then contact Emperor Traveline, the best travel agency that offers holiday tour packages to you for a better travel experience.

• Built in 1876, first as a concert hall and later as Town hall in 1880, the Albert Hall got its name from London’s Victoria and Albert Museum because of its strikingly similar architecture. The building’s foundation was laid out in 1876, when the Prince of Wales visited the city.
• It was Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh II, the ruler of Jaipur, who suggested that Albert Hall be used as a museum for industrial arts.
• The hall was later used for exhibiting masterpieces of local craftsmen and artisans.  The museum, by 1881, was opened to public that even bought artwork, handicrafts and other masterpieces on display.  However, the museum wasn’t fully constructed until 1887. Later, valuable antiques were added to the modern artefacts collection.
• The architecture of the building is Indo-Saracenic in style and holds unique stone ornamentation. The museum’s corridors stock Persian paintings, mural paintings, among others. The murals on view vividly express the ancient civilizations of Babylonians, Chinese, Greek and others.
• The museum houses 16 galleries in total that display a spectacular collection of antiques, artefacts and artworks in the following categories: Arms & Armour, Pottery, Sculptures, Miniature Paintings, Clay Works, Marble Art, International Art, Ivory, Jewellery, Woodwork & Furniture, Coins, Musical Instruments, Garments, Carpet, and other miscellaneous collections. In addition to these, there is an exclusive ‘gallery of the month’ which displays unique collections. 
• The museum, which is open from 9AM to 5PM on all days, is well connected with all the other parts of the city. Located nearby the Merta Road Junction Railway Station, the Albert Hall Museum can be reached via local train, cab or public transportation. 

• This museum has been preserving some of India’s most treasured historic relics for over a century which makes it a landmark destination for locals and tourists in Mumbai.
• The museum was born after some of the eminent personalities and distinguished citizens of Mumbai decided to build a public museum, first as a memorial, to commemorate the visit of the Prince of Wales (later King George V) in the year 1905
• The building was initially used as a military hospital throughout the First World War. It was opened to public view only in 1922 after being inaugurated by Lady Lloyd, the wife of the then Governor of Bombay.
• The design of the museum is a combination of Saracenic and Indian architectural forms.  It was George Wittet, the famous Scottish architect known for his design of the Gateway of India, who designed the museum.
• It is said that he was inspired by the building design of the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur and the Taj Mahal in Agra.
• The museum’s wide range of collection has archaeological artefacts and finds of the rich civilization and cultural values of the Indian subcontinent the Indus Valley Civilization, the Mughal rule and the Marathas among others.
• The museum’s different galleries include cultural aspects of Nepal-Tibet, natural history, European history, etc. The arms and armour galley has the private armour of the Mughal ruler Akbar.
• CSMVS, in collaboration with institutions like the Jehangir Art Gallery, has immensely contributed to the advancement of the neighbourhood of Kala Ghoda as a place for artistic studies.
• It actively hosts many public programs such as seminars, workshops and documentary film screenings for students and general public.
• The museum even conducts post-graduate diploma courses in heritage studies and conservation and museology and conservation.

• Surrounded by the jaw-dropping view of the Western Ghats, the fort, some 30 kms away from Nilgiris, the Queen of hill stations, is a delight whether you’re a history lover or solitary wanderer or an amateur bird watcher as this area is a natural habitat for exotic varieties of bird species and animals including flying foxes and few Malabar squirrels. 
• Alternately known as Bakasural Malai due to the legend of a demon residing at the fort several centuries ago, this 18-th century fort is located at an altitude of 6000 ft above the sea level.
• It is widely believed by local historians that the famous Mysore ruler Tipu Sultan used the Droog Fort to monitor the day-to-day activities of the neighbouring rulers and their kingdoms.  
• Therefore, this fort is strategically built for carrying out military activities in the bordering areas, in addition to sharing vital communication on planned and on-going military activities in and around these areas.
• The Droog Fort offers a panoramic view from the watchtower, and is known to have hidden tunnels for the safety and protection of kings from foes during surprise attacks in the case of a siege. The fort also has a sole wall which is another attraction for tourists here.
• Filled with the minty scent of eucalyptus and the strong aroma of coffee, this place is frequented by bisons and other wild animals especially at night. Therefore, you need to be extremely careful while making a trip to the fort.
• Nearby attractions include the Nonsuch tea estate through which you can walk your way up the fort, Law falls, a scenic cascade waterfall of the hill station.

• The Raj Ghat, which is located on the Delhi’s Ring Road, carries a lot of political significance as it is the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. 

• This is the very site, a shiningly black marble platform, where Gandhiji is cremated. It is an open to the sky platform.

• There is an external flame placed at one end of the platform. The Delhi’s Ring Road is also popularly called the Mahatma Gandhi Road.
  
• The site features a stoned footpath and on either sides, there are lawns. This footpath takes you to the memorial.

• In addition to the Raj Bhat, you can add several places such as the India Gate, the Lotus Temple, the Red Fort, et al to the bucketlist of tourist destinations in New Delhi.

• The best time to visit the Raj Ghat is during the winter months, as the summers are generally hot and humid in the capital. 

• The natural milieu of the Raj Ghat area is also filled with trees planted by public figures and other distinguished personalities. 

• Mahatma Gandhi when assassinated on 30th January 1948 was cremated at this place. Previously known as Shajahanabad, a big Ghat of Old Delhi, the memorial was later renamed as the Raj Ghat.

• The Raj Ghat is also resting place of several other leaders including that of Jawaharlal Nehru known as the Shantivan, located to the north of the Raj Ghat, and situated close to it is the cremation site of K R Narayan, the 10th president of India, called Ekta Sthal. 

• Alick Percy-Lancaster, who was the Superintendent of Horticultural Operations, GOI, undertook the landscaping of the area. Interestingly, he was the last Britisher to occupy this post. 

Saudi Arabia was not without hope for the annual Hajj this year.  The Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages contribute a staggering $12 billion to the Saudi economy under normal circumstances, and this is equal to 20 per cent of the country’s non-oil GDP and 7 per cent of the kingdom’s overall GDP.  It is expected that the Hajj and Umrah revenue generated will hit $150bn by 2022. It started on a positive note by enhancing the travel experience for both pilgrims as well as international tourists by pumping money into transport and luxury hotels. In 2019, 1.8 million pilgrims from around the world completed the annual Hajj, whilst tens of millions arrived for the Umrah. 

India, the land of spirituality, home to the greatest religions of the world, where people of diverse religions, communities and race have thrived with a great sense of oneness, pride and unity, had all its temples, churches and mosques closed indefinitely. It should be noted that the famous annual Amarnath Yatra that attracts thousands of Hindu devotees, scheduled to begin on June 23 and end up on August 3, on the day of Shravan Purnima had to be cancelled in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the region.

The health concerns everywhere in the world, as seen above, clearly outweigh the prospects of travelling to pilgrimage sites in the immediate future.

Duty-of-care policy:
Now, if you are a corporate or business travel manager, you are in for a spot of bother. The duty-of-care policy adopted by a company is traditionally a documentation of the safety protocols required to protect the welfare and well-being of the employees and staff during business travel. The company has a moral responsibility to safeguard their employees against COVID-19 and other impending virus infections in the future via the duty-of-care policy, and more importantly ensure the employees are fully compliant with the guidelines prescribed. 

The travel manager, therefore, has to ensure that majorly hygiene does the talking in the selection of travel vendors including hotels, restaurants , cabs, etc. No longer will cost control alone dictate terms in the selection criteria, but also safety, in addition to other factors such as risk assessment and compliance. It goes without saying that traveller safety, along with comfort, can directly impact productivity at the end of the day. This also includes avoiding travelling in jam-packed planes and overcrowded airports. The firm should also guarantee medical response and security of the employee in the wake of an emergency, well aware of the potential risks. All said and done these are tough times if you are a business owner, and both caution and care must be exercised in order to protect the safety interests of your travelling employees.

Kerala, as discussed in the previous blog, churned out INR 28,000 crore from foreign and domestic tourism in 2018. Tourism contributed to a quarter of the state’s employment figures. The same rings true for Kashmir, Sikkim, Goa and Rajasthan. Not to mention Tamilnadu (that is manufacturing-focussed) and Uttar Pradesh (mainly an agrarian economy) depending on tourism for revenue. The two added up to more than a third of India’s total tourist visits in 2018.

This is the story in most states that are dependent upon the travel sector. As for Kerala, the current situation can prove havoc for specific regions and districts. And Kashmir, Uttarakand, Bihar and Rajasthan are no different as per some ground reports. Reports show that 95 per cent of hotels and guest stays, and almost 80 per cent of tour operators are closed temporarily citing losses. Needless to say, more number of people will be actually affected by the ongoing economic crunch fuelled by lockdown after lockdowns than the pandemic.

There have been several unsuccessful attempts in the past to kick-start tourism, thanks to the growing COVID-19 cases in most states of India. I feel there has to be an integrated effort at the policy-making level both by the Central and state governments as well as by the stakeholders and industry participants to revisit the long-term perks of reviving the travel and tourism sector. The sector has to be viewed as an integral part of the bigger economic and social ecosystem. All said and done I admit that there are few man-made complications that hamper the mobility of people and transport system. We will continue our musings in the next part of the blog series.

The travel industry devastated by the spiraling effects of COVID-19 will see a revival mode in 2021, and expected to achieve the pre-pandemic crisis level by 2023 with more flights in action.

It is estimated that the travel industry and aviation sector will shrink by 25% and 50% respectively in 2020 to grow steadily by 2021, and hit the pre-crisis level by 2023. The aviation sector worldwide suffered over 20% during the month of May which further declined to 80% in June. Many experts expect world aviation to improve by 30% to 35% in July going by the recent numbers; however, there is a big concern of more than 10 major countries including the US being badly hit.

The US had pumped $50 billion into the global aviation industry, as a bail-out package, while England and Japan had offered about 20% of their GDP. All said and done, India has failed to rise up to its full potential with Air India, one of the major Indian air carriers, facing the heat. So, what is the road ahead? We will continue our discussion in the subsequent blog.