Budget Trip Sasta: How To Take  A Trip On A Budget (With Budget-Friendly Destinations In India And Abroad)  

When Paulo Coelho said, “Travel is never a matter of money, but of courage,” we got inspired. There is a reflection of a similar thought in the words of Eugene Fodor. He said, “You don’t have to be rich to travel well.”

But does the reality match what these greats said about traveling? Not always! 

There needs to be a detailed plan in place, and we have to expand our knowledge about traveling and the places to visit to spend less and travel more. 

For example, it’s hard to think of a free attraction like Piazza del Duomo in Florence, and surprisingly, it also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Similarly, you can visit any part of the world and eat the best food at the local eateries. You don’t need to have Michelin-star dining always. 

Furthermore, read about the famous explorers and globe-trotters from different eras, such as Ibn Battuta and Megasthenes. You will understand how their resourceful spirit and love for cultural exchange helped them to travel extensively. 

They also relied on public transport and local hospitality to see a region and its people up close. Thus, they taught us something valuable and asked us to use public transport as much as possible to travel like a local and on a budget. 

Do you want to learn more about how to plan a budget trip Sasta? Let’s discuss in detail in this Dream and Travel guide. The key areas addressed in this article are:

1. What Is Budget Trip Sasta?
2. How To Plan A Budget Trip Sasta?
3. What Are The Places To Visit In India On A Budget Trip
4. What Are The Places To Visit In The World On A Budget Trip
5. How To Stay Safe During A Budget Trip Sasta
6. Dream And Travel Hacks For Planning A Budget Trip Sasta
7. Budget Trip Sasta: How Real Travelers Made This Possible
8. FAQs

What Is Budget Trip Sasta?

Budget trip Sasta is a phrase that means “traveling on a budget” or “traveling cheaply.” Travel smartness is an important factor in ensuring that you are not spending more than necessary on a particular trip. 

Furthermore, a budget trip Sasta is more beneficial for students, solo travelers, or even a family. 

Also, with the right budgeting strategy, you will be able to explore more places, have a closer cultural interaction as you rely on local hospitality and transport, and have more memories to bring back home. 

How To Plan A Budget Trip Sasta?

Planning a budget trip Sasta, of course, starts with finding a cheap travel destination (discussed later). Here are more tips on how to plan a budget trip Sasta. 

1. Set A Budget For Your Trip

A budget trip needs to happen based on a solid travel plan. That’s the long and short of it. You know your finances the best. So, to begin with, consider how much you will be able to spend. 

Make a list of expenses, such as travel, food, accommodation, and activities. Then, add a buffer amount of INR 3-5k for emergency expenses. 

For example, suppose your budget is INR 10000. You are planning to see snowfall in Darjeeling. It is one of the budget-friendly hill stations in India. 

Now, road blockage and the turn of the weather are common in hill stations. So, you may have to plan a stay for 1 or 2 more days. You will need the resources or the funding for spending those extra 2 days in Darjeeling. 

Moreover, you will need to cancel the tickets booked and find an alternative mode of transportation. 

In this scenario, you have to ensure that all your travel activities, accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses are done within INR 7000. Keep that extra 3000 as a buffer. 

2. Make Early Bookings For The Best Deals

If you travel frequently, you must know this. The prices of train and flight tickets go up the closer you are to the travel date. 

Furthermore, travel on weekdays as weekend tickets are always more expensive due to increased demand. Skyscanner and other flight-booking platforms come in handy when you book flight tickets. 

Flight tickets are also very pricey during the festive season. In India, especially, flight and train tickets are very expensive during Diwali and Christmas. 

Moreover, if you want to save your travel costs, you can take an overnight bus, train, or flight. If you especially travel in sleeper trains or buses, you will be able to budget your travel well without compromising comfort. 

3. Choose Budget-Friendly Accomodation

Many of us dream of staying in the most luxurious hotels and villas. However, when the budget is a concern, we have to look for alternatives. 

⁍ Ashramas 

India, as a hub of spiritual tourism, has many ashramas in tourist places. Organizations such as the Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha are the frontrunners in this regard. 

In fact, India has places such as the Aurobindo Ashram in Pondicherry, which has elevated the appeal of a particular location as a tourism hotspot. Pondicherry, today, is one of the best places to visit with your family in the winter season.  

⁍ Youth Hostels

There are even various youth hostels, especially suitable for solo travelers or young students traveling on a budget. In this context, you must know about the Youth Hostels Association of India (YHAI). 

Sh. Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Governor of Kerala, is the national president of this organization. In India, the Youth Hostels Association of India was started in 1947. From Karnataka to New Delhi, these hostels are spread all over India. 

Even the Youth Hostels Association of India organizes many international programs, like the “YHAI Sri Lanka Study Tour cum Training Programme 2025,” and “Bhutan Diaries – Exploration Cum Trekking Cum Training Program 2025.” 

These programs cost just ₹ 23999/person and ₹ 15750/person, respectively. You can contact YHAI at 7827999000 / 01145-999000. 

⁍ Homestays

Homestays are the best if you are looking for budget accommodation and if you want to have the best cultural experience. 

In fact, many hidden gems in India, especially in the mountains, such as Lepchajagat, near Darjeeling, have homestays as the primary tourist accommodations. 

Many other offbeat places near Darjeeling, such as Takdah, Tinchuley, and Lamahatta, also have a strong network of homestays. 

⁍ Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is also a great way to stay with locals and without paying anything. This is a relatively lesser-known concept, and to find a Couchsurfing accommodation, you will have to be a part of the global and local tourist community. 

There is also a Couchsurfing Travel App available on the Google Play Store and the Apple Store. The app claims that it is used by 14 million travel enthusiasts across the globe. 

As you sign up for the app, you will have to pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee. It’s okay to spend that much money to enjoy a budget trip Sasta, without safety hassles. 

However, couchsurfing has its own share of risks, especially for single woman hosts. There can also be cultural taboos and resistance from conservative communities and neighbors. 

Shiela, my friend, shares her experience. 

“Coincidentally, I mostly had male surfers, and they were from different countries. From the watchman of our society to the aunty I buy vegetables from and our relatives living two lanes away, everyone bombarded me with endless questions. 

I mean, they take every Rapido rider as my new boyfriend. So that was pretty obvious.” 

4. Eat Well, But Don’t Spend Much

You can have the best local foods at small canteens and hotels. Street foods are also great options to try something tasty without exceeding your budget. 

Ask the locals about the local shops that serve tasty and hygienic street food. Furthermore, you can collect some healthy snacks and fruits from the local market. Moreover, always carry your water to avoid stomach upset and other health issues caused by waterborne diseases. 

Having street food or eating at small canteens while traveling are great ways to know the people and culture of a place. 

5. Choose Public Transport Or Budget-Friendly Modes Of Transportation

There is no alternative to traveling in a local bus, train, or auto. Moreover, from our very own Kolkata to many cities in other countries, such as Melbourne, Zurich, Berlin, Budapest, Toronto, and San Francisco, have functional tram networks. 

Furthermore, there are metro railways in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi, and Mumbai in India. Also, countries such as China and the USA have a large and highly functional metro railway system. 

Moreover, if you can’t find a bus, metro, or tram to a place you are visiting, you can rent a cycle or a scooter. In addition, try to explore a place on foot as much as possible. 

It will help you save money, reduce environmental impact, and stay healthy and active. In fact, in places such as Pondicherry in India and the Japanese countryside, walking and cycling are the main modes of transportation to get to know the places and the people better. 

6. Pack Light

You have to pack light when you are traveling. However, packing light does not mean leaving the essentials behind. 

• Clothes
• Documents
• Gear
• Medicines
• Chargers and Headphones
• Cash and Card

These are the most essential things you need to carry to plan a budget trip Sasta. Make a list of the things you need and contact the owner of the homestay or the hotel to know about the nearby shops and things available there. 

Traveling light and right always results in less stress! 

7. Choose Low-Cost Or Free Activities

From Central Park in New York to Regent’s Park in London, there are endless free places to visit in the world. In fact, many museums, including the National Gallery in London, are free to visit. 

However, you will not know about these free activities unless you ask the local people about the same. 

Join free walking tours, visit the beaches, parks, and old forts or go for nature treks for the most fulfilling travel experience at no or low cost. 

8. Be Flexible With Your Itinerary

Traveling on a budget does not mean compromising on spontaneity. Plan your adventure activities. However, also keep a little room for sudden breaks or an extended meal with a local friend you have just met. 

Furthermore, you can always find a scenic trail or place en route to your chosen destination. You do not want to miss walking through the nature trail.

So, when you are making the itinerary or setting the budget, leave a little room or money aside for these extra attractions. 

9. Use Smart Apps For Planning A Budget Trip Sasta 

EaseMyTrip, SastaSafar, MakeMyTrip, and Goibibo are some popular trip planning apps or platforms for budget trip planning. 

Furthermore, to find an affordable accommodation, you can use apps such as Hostelworld and Airbnb.

What Are The Places To Visit In India On A Budget Trip?

It will be very subjective to list the names of cheap places to visit in India. The expenses will depend on your location, the mode of transportation you are using, the group strength, your chosen accommodation, and the time of year you are visiting. 

Nevertheless, here are the Dream and Travel favorite destinations for budget trips Sasta. 

1. Varanasi, A City Older Than History

(Estimated Cost: INR 5-7k Per Person for 5 Days)

State: Uttar Pradesh

Home to the first Jyotirlinga, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi is the oldest living city on the planet. As Mark Twain said, Varanasi is, 

“older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”

Varanasi is also home to the Dashashwamedh Ghat, and it is the spiritual epicenter of India. Don’t forget to watch Ganga Arti when in Varanasi. 

2. Rishikesh, The Yoga Capital Of The World

(Estimated Cost: INR 5-6k Per Person for 3 Days)

State: Uttarakhand

Rishikesh, a popular winter vacation spot in India,  appeared on the global tourism map when the Beatles visited the Ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1960s. 

Today, it is known as a spiritual retreat with holistic healing as the primary focus. It also hosts the Annual International Yoga Festival and is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” 

3. Hampi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

(Estimated Cost: INR 5k Per Person for 3 Days)

State: Karnataka 

Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has ancient temples and ruins. 

Furthermore, Hampi is home to the Virupaksha Temple, which is a popular pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees, and it is believed that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati got married here. 

4. McLeod Ganj

(Estimated Cost: INR 5k-7k Per Person for 3 Days)

State: Himachal Pradesh

McLeod Ganj or Little Lhasa is famous as the home to the Dalai Lama. The Namgyal Monastery is here, making it important for Tibetan culture and Buddhism. 

5. Pondicherry

(Estimated Cost: INR 5k-7k Per Person for 3 Days)

It is a Union Territory of India

With a French colonial past, Pondicherry is more famous today because of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville. 

Further, with promenade beach and heritage architecture, Pondicherry is for those who want to learn about a new way of living. 

6. Darjeeling

(Estimated Cost: 10k Per Person for 7 Days)

State: West Bengal

From the Tiger Hill to the Batasia Loop, Japanese Pagoda, and the Himalayan Railways (Toy Train, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the unique places to visit in Darjeeling are many. 

Darjeeling is also famous for its tea gardens and is home to the Sherpa culture. However, the overall cultural scenario here is quite eclectic, thanks to the British Colonial past. 

Enjoy momos, noodles, and all the delicacies Darjeeling has to offer. 

What Are The Places To Visit In The World On A Budget Trip?

Traveling outside India? Explore these beautiful locations on a budget. 

1. Hanoi And Halong Bay, Vietnam

There are many unique things to do in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. From the signature Vietnamese coffee to visiting the Temple of Literature, it offers the most eclectic experience. 

Furthermore, don’t miss a cruise trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

2. Kathmandu, Nepal

A city founded in 723 by Raja Gunakamadeva, Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, It also has the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). 

Kathmandu is famous for its Pashupatinath Temple, a revered site for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Read our Nepal travel guide from India to know more about Kathmandu and Nepal. 

3. Bhutan

With over 60% forest cover, Bhutan is the only carbon-neutral country in the world. It is also a unique country as it measures Gross National Happiness (GNH) as the parameter to determine its growth. 

Thimphu, Paro and Phobjikha Valley are some of the most popular tourist places in Bhutan. Moreover, thanks to its National Crypto-Powered Payment System, Bhutan (the first country to launch this system) is also one of the coolest places to travel with crypto in the world. 

4. Bali, Indonesia

Bali is blessed with unique geological features and diversity thanks to its location in the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

It is a global tourist attraction with beautiful beaches, temples, cliffs and warm hospitality. Bali also has Padangbai, a famous bioluminescent beach in the world. 

5. Sri Lanka 

The Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka, is the meeting ground of rich culture, history, wildlife and scenic beauty. 

A country in Asia, Sri Lanka, also has UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. 

How To Stay Safe During A Budget Trip Sasta? 

Do not compromise your safety by being extra stringent with your budget. Do not use travel or hotel apps that can be a scam in the disguise of offering special discounts or free deals. Always stick to trusted apps. 

Furthermore, follow the other basics of safe traveling, such as carrying your ID proof, sharing your travel plan with your family, etc. 

Also, when you are in a new place, avoid walking through alleys and secluded areas at night. 

Dream And Travel Hacks For Planning A Budget Trip Sasta 

Follow these Dream and Travel smart hacks. 

1. Travel overnight to save on accommodation costs. 
2. Try traveling in a group to split all the expenses. 
3. Set a daily spending limit. 
4. Some ashrams, NGOs and hostels offer you free lodging and food if you work as a volunteer.

Budget Trip Sasta: How I Made It Happen 

I am a traveler and a travel writer. Most of the time, I have a strict budget to adhere to. I recently went on a trip with my colleagues to Mandarmani, a popular beach getaway near Kolkata. 

We were a group of 10 and took an overnight bus on August 22nd, reaching Mandarmani on the 23rd. 

We stayed there on the 23rd and enjoyed the sea and the local market. The next day, we visited the newly built Jagannath Temple in Digha and took a bus for our return. 

With all the expenses of transportation, accommodation, food, and other essentials, we only had to contribute INR 2,500 per person.

Budget Trip Sasta: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about budget trip sasta.